If nothing else, at least the weather was fairly pleasant by the time Twilight and her friends arrived back at the Palace. Their camping trip through the Everfree, if they were being perfectly honest, hadn't gone the way they would have wanted. Getting lost, getting into fights, and just generally having a bad time for the most part. Still, by the time it was over, they were at least able to say that it was an experience if nothing else. So, with smiles on their faces, they walked up the steps of the Palace, looking just a little bit ragged after their forest endeavours. Twilight sighed as her horn lit up, ready to open her doors, only to be halted when, to her surprise, the doors opened without her. Spike, panting furiously, rushed outside, taking a moment to catch his breath, and thus giving Twilight the chance to speak up first.
"Spike? What is it?" she asked, sounding justifiably concerned.
Having finally composed himself, the young dragon looked to his oldest friend with a mixture of both fear and confusion.
"Twilight! There's...there's somebody in the castle!"
Immediately, the smiles the group had been wearing vanished, replaced instead with looks of worry, and even anger.
"Oh my! An intruder?!" Rarity asked.
"In Twilight's castle?!" Rainbow added.
Spike was about to answer, only to instead stop himself, and so started to look somewhat hesitant.
"Yes! Well...no. I mean...kind of?"
Twilight raised an eyebrow.
"Well...who is it?"
Here, Spike fell silent, casting a quick glance over his shoulder before looking back to Twilight. From the looks of things, it was almost as if the youth was worried that they'd think him crazy if he just said what he wanted to say. But, after getting his courage together, he finally said it.
"It's...well...you?"
Of course, such a statement made no sense to the Princess, but even so, someone was in her home, and had given her young friend a great deal of worry and alarm. Those facts alone were enough to spur her into action, regardless of how much sense her number one assistant was making right now. So, looking back to her friends, she watched them look onwards with determination, giving her a simultaneous nod, and then looked back to the doors herself.
"Alright, girls...let's go!"
And so, in they went, making sure not to simply rush in like fools. They walked through the hallway with caution, looking around themselves constantly, lest they come across something unpleasant. Spike stayed close to Twilight, and together, they led the way, heading straight for the map chamber. Using her magic, Twilight slowly opened the doors of that aforementioned room, narrowing her eyes as she did so. Soon enough, however, the doors were opened fully, and the ponies walked on in, with Twilight making their presence known.
"Alright, who's...in...here?"
Her voice had become slower with every word, and by the time she was done, she looked on with pure shock and disbelief, as indeed did everyone with her. And this was not without good reason, for there, sitting upon her throne, was a mare. A mare who, for lack of a better word, was her. Or, at least, she looked like her. A purple alicorn, with pretty much the same appearance, although there were a few key differences. The colouring was off, and her cutie mark looked somewhat more erratic than the neat star that Twilight had. But, more than this, there was her expression, which looked to Twilight and her friends with a combination of indifference and irritation. Slowly, this intruder got up from the throne, taking a deep breath, before finally speaking.
"Hello, Twilight."
An eerie silence had fallen over the room, with everyone surrounding Twilight looking from her to her to the other mare and back again. Then, after a while, Pinkie gave her royal friend a frown.
"Oh, so after all that stuff about me using the mirror pool, suddenly you go ahead and use it?!"
But Twilight slowly shook her head.
"This...is no work of the mirror pool, Pinkie."
The party pony looked to her with unease after hearing that, before again turning to the doppelganger on the other side of the Cutie Map. Slowly, she squinted her eyes.
"...Ocellus? Is that you?"
The other mare shook her head.
"No...it isn't."
Here, Twilight felt like she'd stared enough, and so instead started to frown, taking a single firm step forward.
"Who are you?"
The other mare paused, as if trying to think on how best to say what she needed to. Then, after a time, she looked back to her mirror-counterpart with narrowed eyes.
"My name is Twilight Sparkle...and I am a creation...of Queen Chrysalis."
Instantly, all ponies assumed attack postures, ready to engage this mare if need be. If this was indeed a minion of Chrysalis, they were ready for her. But, to their confusion, she did not stir from her position. She did not lunge forward or try to attack them in any way. Instead, she simply remained where she was, looking calm and collected, if a little irritated at their reaction. After a while, and after glancing to each other, the ponies started to relax, if only a little, with Twilight again stepping forward.
"You...you're a creation of Chrysalis?"
The other mare nodded, prompting Twilight to continue speaking.
"As in...a duplicate of me she created by way of dark magic?"
Again, the other mare nodded, this time actually speaking up in response.
"And I was not the only one. Originally, I was but one of six, which she intended to use to try and seize control...of the Elements of Harmony."
The blunt and matter-of-fact way she'd said all that made it very clear that she was not kidding about that in any way, which, naturally, led to the other ponies all gaining worried looks to them. Twilight, by contrast, kept her cool, and she looked as though a thousand questions were pouring through her mind right now. But, rather than simply ask each one, she simply frowned and cut straight to the heart of the matter.
"Explain...please."
And an explanation was indeed given. The other Twilight told them everything that had happened in the past day or two. How Chrysalis had assumed the form of Shutterbug. How she'd come so close to them in order to steal samples and images of them. How she and her fellow creations had encountered the real ponies at various points in the Everfree. And, to top it off, she explained what had become of her fellow clones, and the fate that had befallen them. This latter part of the story she described to them with disturbing detail, causing more than a few looks of disgust among the mares, with Rarity especially looking like she was about to throw up. But, after hearing all of that, there was nevertheless one question, above all, that Twilight could not shake.
"...How did you survive?"
The other Twilight released a long sigh, glancing down to the map for a time and sitting back into the throne as she explained.
"While the others were bickering among themselves, I was battling Chrysalis, having made it clear that I did not intend to follow her lead any further than I had done. It was in that moment the Tree of Harmony seized the others."
She grimaced.
"Several of them called out, and it was there that I finally realised what was happening. Using my magic, I teleported away, just before the power of the Tree could take me as well."
She looked away.
"I managed to get far away enough to avoid meeting the same fate. And from that distance...I saw what that tree did to them."
A pause, and she bore no small amount of discomfort. A pang of sympathy passed trough the group, though they said nothing about it, instead allowing her to continue with her story.
"Chrysalis flew off. She knew she couldn't beat me, and she knew she couldn't take the Elements. There was no reason for her to remain there...and nor was there for me."
Slowly, she looked back to the group, and to Twilight specifically.
"Which brings me...to why I'm here."
Twilight nodded.
"Yes...I was wondering about that. Why are you here?"
The clone shrugged.
"Simply put...I request...sanctuary."
Another silence, but this one tinted with a sense of disbelief. None of the ponies could believe that they'd heard what they'd just heard, and Rainbow, being the kind of mare she was, was not subtle about this.
"Wait...you want us, the ponies you planned to steal the Elements from...to just...keep you around?"
The cloned Twilight nodded.
"It is my best option."
Applejack stepped forward herself, raising an eyebrow.
"Er...how?"
The clone looked down to the map, and specifically towards the spot where the Everfree was.
"Above all else, my priority is my own survival. Had I been able to take the Elements and their power, I might not be here, but..."
She frowned.
"...it's obvious to me that that power will forever be beyond me. Were I to try and take it again...I'd simply be destroyed, just like the others."
Slowly, she looked back to her original.
"And the option of simply wandering the wilderness as a fugitive does not appeal to me. One day, you would have seen me on your own. You would have perceived me as a threat, and you would have most likely used those Elements on me, thinking me to be little more than a tool to be used against you by Chrysalis."
After a time, she leaned back into the throne.
"Instead...I come to you here. And I ask for parley."
Starlight, having heard all of this, walked alongside her mentor, Twilight, giving her a quick look before turning to face the mare who looked so much like her.
"And why should we trust you? Like you said, you plotted against us, you're made from dark magic, and you are, or at least were, a servant of one of our greatest enemies, even if you do say you've turned against her."
The clone nodded.
"I'd be sceptical too. But, as I've already explained, you have more than enough power to be able to stop me if I did anything. And besides..."
Her gaze narrowed at Starlight.
"...this would not be the first time the Princess of Friendship has housed someone who's moved against her in the past."
Immediately, a blush came to Starlight, and she said nothing further. Twilight, who had been silent for some time now, stared intently at her clone, who simply stared right back. Many of the others drifted their gaze from one to the other, never breaking the silence that fell between them. After a time, Twilight turned, as did the others, and they huddled together, quietly discussing the matter among themselves. The clone watched, half afraid of what was going to happen once they'd finished their deliberations. They had no reason to trust her, and she knew it, but even so, as she'd already said to them, she had nothing else right now. So, she waited, until finally, the time came when the other ponies at last looked back to her.
"Well...what's it to be? Am I staying? Or will I be taken to the Tree...to meet the same fates as all the others?"
Twilight frowned to that.
"We're not executioners. We have no intention of taking someone's life when they've effectively surrendered to us."
The clone nodded slowly, getting herself out of Twilight's throne and looking to her with a great deal of calm.
"...Well then?"
Twilight, the Princess of Friendship, took another step towards her.
"...The one evil plan you had failed before you truly had a chance to start it...and knowing Chrysalis, there's no doubt in my mind that she would have indeed turned against you once she no longer found you useful."
Another silence, and then, when it was over, the Princess sighed.
"My decision..."
The clone resisted the urge to wince as she waited.
"...is that you can stay here."
It took all the clone's power not to sigh with relief. If nothing else, she was not going to let them know how terrified she had been in that moment. Instead, she tried to remained as composed as she had been through this whole endeavour, giving a simple nod to the mare who now served as her host and keeper.
"...I am...grateful for your decision."
Twilight nodded, taking another step forward.
"But...I want to make it clear, this is entirely without precedent. A being born of dark magic, as you can probably expect, cannot simply be allowed to roam around unchecked."
She sighed.
"And there's still the issue that we don't know if you're truly sincere about your intentions."
The clone nodded back to that.
"I assure you, doing what I can to continue my own existence is very much my main goal in all this. But, by all means, assign someone to watch me if you like. I'd probably do the same in your position."
It was hardly the friendliest response, but Twilight accepted it nevertheless. She waited for a time, looking over her shoulder to the still-worried faces of her friends, before finally settling her eyes to her new guest.
"In that case...welcome to the Friendship Palace."
The mirror Twilight glanced around.
"Well...home sweet home, I suppose."
A slight frown came to Twilight, and she walked closer to the map, placing her front hooves upon it while never letting her gaze stray from her counterpart.
"I hope you don't mind...but I still have some questions about all this. Many, many questions in fact."
The clone, looking back to her again, gave a firm nod.
"Understood. And let me answer the first of those questions for you straight away."
Slowly, a smirk formed on her lips.
"Yes...you really do look this good."
That would be my first question as well
Please continue this, it's excellent and hilarious and I absolutely love Evil-Clon-Twi. Fantastic!
please continue
I really hope Evil Twilight has ulterior motives. It would be vastly out of character if she didn't.
I would go all NTF and fricassee her.
That's how I roll.
9088289
She may not immediately have any plans, after all she just got the heck out of dodge, but she'll very likely form some as time progresses. She doesn't strike me as a person that can be reformed, after all, she is specifically designed to be an antithesis to Twilight.
9088354
The Dark Pit to Twilight's Pit.
. .. .Alright I really like this. I had taken to calling this Twilight Twiscream, but I am interested in seeing what you do with the character. Very much so in fact. I shall be following this story for future updates. Let me know if you need a sounding board or proofreader in the future. I'd be more than happy to assist.
9088289
I'm wondering how the other princess will react to Evilight. Especially Shiny now that he has two little sisters
I read the story. I am very intrigued. I finish it. I love the story and the author for it. I see the incomplete tag. I want MORE - A simple poem by a cynical person. I can’t wait for more and I love this story and it’s interesing narrative that lies ahead.
9088485
Oddly twisted form of narcissism. I’m for it.
I really have the feeling this story is going to be good. I'm so looking forward to how this little gem in the waiting is going to play out.
Cool.
I almost feel bad for Spike. One Twilight was a handful. Then there was Starlight, and now a very unfriendly Twilight.
i.imgur.com/VxHZKbr.jpg
9088354
I could see her being shipped off to Canterlot to take up a shadowy role in Equestrian Intelligence. She'll need an external makeover anyway, she's intelligent and apparently powerful enough to go toe-to-toe with Chrysalis even without the magic-booster of strong friendships, and she's far more emotionally controlled than Twilight. In addition, there are no official records of her existence, and she would be operating under the eyes of the Princesses.
9088835
On paper that might work, but this anti-Twilight is all about looking out for herself. She'll play the game for now for her own safety, but as soon as she's in a position to strike she'll take it
I really enjoyed that! Evil Twilights have always been a favorite of mine and having the original bookhorse and dark bookhorse together sounds like a recipe for fun!
You probably meant to say parley, that is, a conference between opposing sides for the purpose of reaching an armistice, rather than a split gambling pot. That was the only error I caught and otherwise I found it competently written.
I look forward to more!
who knows twilight better then twilight
9088360
The Negaduck to Twilight's Darkwing.
"I brought a package for you, Princess Twilight," called out Flash Sentry as he poked his nose through the front door of the castle. "I'm not sure what it is, but it's heavy. I'll bet it's more books. Princess?" He looked back and forth in the entryway, then shrugged and trotted inside. One of these days, Equestria's newest and hottest princess was going to get a contingent of Royal Guards, and when that happy day came around, he intended on having his name at the top of the list.
"Hello?" he called out once he had navigated to the library, the traditional nesting spot of princeps rusticus. "I have a package for Princess Twi--"
Flash stopped cold, looking at the two purple princesses looking back at him. "Oh, my. I'm having that dream again, aren't I?"
Awesome! And you picked the best one in my opinion. I loved how conniving dark twilight was, how she actually had motivation to be more than just a pawn like the other dark copies. I definitely hope there is more to come.
9089000 Thanks for pointing that out to me. I appreciate it
And here's a bit of extra. Seeing as it's, in effect, poilitical assylum Dark Twilight is asking for, Twilight is the only one here that can grant it.
Take away that this is Twilight's home. Because of what she's asking for, it can only be granted by someone in a position of power in the government.
Only others who could are Celestia, Luna and, theoritically, Cadance.
But of course, Twilight is Best Pony! Including aspects such as attractiveness.
Along with Fluttershy, but no need to mention that now... I just mentioned it, didn't I?
First step is obviously a haircut or some other change of appearance + a rule that if there is even 1 deliberate impersonation, out you go
So... many... ellipses... It... feels... like... every character... is... gasp...ing... for... air...
Seriously, it's really annoying. If you want to have your characters pause try describing it in the narrative rather than the dialogue sometimes. This is a story, not a script after all.
Otherwise the story seems okay. I'll be watching it.
I'm reminded of a 1-shot I read a few weeks back about evil twilight meeting a Mirror Pinky survivor. Can't remember the title at the moment, or I'd link it. I love the concept here.
Aaaaand I'm sold.
EDIT: Props to Anon E Moose for figuring it out. Just Two Clones, Having Dinner
9089716
Yes, yes you did.
Mean Twilight? Multi-chapter story? EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
First you had my interest, but now you have my attention. And my upvote. And a mustache.
9089915
I've read the same story, It appeared in the Feature box, but now I can't find it either.
Story synopsis: When a pony disappeared, every pony Twi tried to talked to about the one who just vanished, they immediately didn't know remember the pony. The first pony to vanish was Applejack while Twi was visiting the Apple farm, and the last ones were Spike and Pinkie Pie in an empty Equestria. It turned out that Mirror Pinkie made a deal with Discord to get some sort of revenge on Twilight for banishing/killing all the other clones. The story was wrapped up by making Mirror clones of the other mane 6 and sending them back with MirrorPinkie to the pocket universe.
It was like the episode of Star Trek:TNG where Beverly Crusher needed to be rescued from a warp field pocket dimension by Westley and a visiting alien.
9089907
Heh. You should read "Dadonequus Discord". I found it to have the same problem, where nearly every speaking sentence ends with trailing off...
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/389367/dadonequus-discord
Now wouldn't that be interesting
HA, wonderful
Already I like her. She may not be nice, but she's pragmatic.
When Discord was asked to handle Tirek, he suffered a relapse into villainhood. I wonder if the same thing might happen here with Starlight.
It's an...interesting story idea....but you seriously need...to cut back on...the ellipses.
I had some of the same thoughts: Fake Twilight would defiantly be smart enough and capable of teleporting away from her painful end. I also hated that the Mane Six and Starlight had no idea as to why their friends were acting in such cruel ways. Thank you for this story, which take all these matters and more into account. Have a like!
Can we give the simulacrum Twilight the name "Midnight Sparkle" since it's sitting around unused on this side of the portal?
9089915
Just Two Clones Having Dinner
Looking good on the story and hoping for more!
9091152
I agree, maybe an old message from sunset sparks the name for twilight.
Why not? Appeal to compassion would cause them to trust her a bit more.
You have my attention!
9091152
That's the one!
Mean six demise were sad. Just sad. I wonder where this story will lead dark Twi (Midnight?). What will she do in order to survive? Will she change and become at least a bit friendly? Will she find a way to become more than creature of dark magic? Will she find a place for herself in this way too harmonious world?
9091621
Dark Twi is still technically evil at the moment, and she might be trying to keep that impression up for as long as possible.
9089907
Or for a more subtle approach, put descriptions of something else in between beats of dialogue, to break up the speech.
9090738
Isn't it obvious? They know their friends are capable of this cruelty, so don't question it. We also know from PPOV that the ponies' images of each other are both exaggerated and uncharitable.
9088368
finally! someone else other than me called her that
9093136
True, true . . .
The map calls Twilight and Twilight to Twilight's Castle...
9093374
Oh, that would be a fun thing to see!