> Beyond Equestria
>  by |Scripture|
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“I am glad you could come, Twilight.” Princess Celestia and the yet to be coronated Princess Twilight Sparkle walked down the polished marble halls of Canterlot Castle. Spike sat on Twilight's back, looking through a book. “I hope you are able to help us understand this tear.”
“I'm flattered you wanted me to come, but I really don't know what I could contribute. I went through all my books before coming here, and there was nothing about what you're describing,” Twilight said.
“It is a phenomenon even I have never seen before. But I have gathered the finest minds in Equestria to analyze it. Perhaps the others will be able to tell you more. From what I have been told, it may function as some kind of portal.”
“A portal? Spike, did I-”
“No, you didn't bring anything on portals. And there's nothing in this one about it.” Spike put the book back in Twilight's saddle bag.
Twilight stretched her wings out briefly, her crown shifting slightly as she did so. She readjusted it quickly. Her new extremities were taking time to get used to, to say nothing of the crown. “Is there anything else we know?”
“My new captain believes that something has been going in and out of it since its appearance. It is why I had your coronation delayed. We can speak with him, if you wish.” Celestia stopped in front of an ordinary door flanked by a pair of Royal Guard. “Here we are. The rip is in this room.”
Twilight grinned, then took a breath to contain her excitement. “Okay, let's see it.”
Celestia pushed open the door to reveal a large round room full of ponies huddled around folding tables and crates covered with papers, chatting with themselves. In the center of the room sat the rip, sitting as though it were painting on a wall. Its edges shimmered with ghostly purple energy, while its surface shined like a mirror without reflections. A scientist would occasionally approach it with a device, look at said device, then walk off, seemingly satisfied. 
Twilight approached the rip slowly. “It's amazing.”
“Kinda underwhelming,” Spike chimed in.
“What were you expecting, a giant horseshoe arch? This rip represents an entirely new field of research! Who knows how much we could learn from this!” Twilight reached a hoof out to touch the rip, feeling it tingle as she got closer to the surface.
“Well don't touch it! You could lose a hoof!” Spike exclaimed.
Twilight drew back. “Right, sorry.” She turned around and saw Celestia speaking with an orange stallion with blue hair, clad in similarly colored armor. She trotted up to them.
“-and two of my guards woke up in closets this morning. Not only that, we lost more scrolls as well, all pertaining to either the Elements or Princess Twilight directly. We're being scouted,” the guard said intensely. “I propose we lock this area down until we capture this intruder.”
“Wait, somepony's after me?” Twilight interjected.
The orange pony jumped, but promptly composed himself. Celestia chuckled. “Twilight, this is Flash Sentry, our new Captain. Flash, this is Twilight.”
Twilight blushed a bit as Flash bowed. She found the blue of his eyes quite striking. She snapped herself out of them before he rose and adjusted her crown. “It's a pleasure, Captain.”
“The pleasure is mine.” He looked at Celestia, who nodded. “As I was telling the princess, we believe something is coming in and out of that tear. I've found guards unconscious in closets and other obscure areas, and others report seeing somepony sneaking around the castle. Any time they give chase, the intruder manages to slip away. We've found information missing as well. It started out as newspapers and the like, but now important scrolls have gone missing, and it's information that relates directly to you and your friends now.”
“Do you have any clues?”
“None. Just whispers and glimpses. But every time we chase the intruder, they come back here, and the intrusions started when the rip appeared. I'm increasing guard patrols in this area, and I've already made arrangements to have you guarded as well for the duration of your stay. I'll even be on patrol tonight. I don't mean to have anything happen to you, Princess.”
Twilight blushed again. “Thank you, Flash. It sounds like you have everything covered.”
Flash bowed again. “Just doing my job, Your Highness. If you'll excuse me, I have some more preparations to make.” With that, he turned and left.
Twilight didn't realize she was staring until she heard Celestia gently clearing her throat. She looked up to the the sun princess smiling at her. Spike nudged Twilight's side. “Somepony likes the new captain.”
“I do not! I just... admire his skill. He seems to know what he's doing.”
“Yeah, keep telling yourself that, Twilight. You think he's cute.”
“Flash is very capable. His squad was one of the few that did not fall to the changelings during the wedding,” Celestia said, saving Twilight from trying to argue with Spike. “But in the meantime, perhaps you could look at the research team's findings?”
Twilight nodded, silently thankful. “Good idea.” She turned and perused the findings for a few minutes before being drawn to the tear. It stood taller than even Celestia, making a faint humming noise. She reached her hoof up again, hovering just off the surface of the tear, her hoof tingling. She reached forward, her hoof passing through the surface like water. It felt normal, except-
With a yelp, Twilight recoiled. She stared at her hoof as Spike ran over. “Twilight, are you okay? What happened?”
“I reached through the portal, and it felt like my hoof was changing into something else. It feels okay now, but that...”
“Didn't I tell you not to touch it?”
“It didn't hurt, it was just weird.” Twilight took a breath. “I won't do it again. Come on, help me sort through some of this data.”


“Well,that was boring,” Spike yawned. Night had fallen, and he and Twilight were headed to bed.. He rode on Twilight's back again.
“Are you kidding? That was amazing! It's a shame it's not supposed to last much longer. Imagine if it was permanent! We could learn so much about portals, enough to transport ourselves instantaneously across Equestria!” Twilight had to restrain herself from skipping, as Spike would likely fall off.
“Yeah, and maybe open us up to monsters from another dimension.”
“Oh, don't worry. I'm sure Captain Flash has this whole castle crawling with guards. Nopony's going to come after us.”
“I hope you're right.”
The pair walked into their room, nodding at the two guards outside, who saluted. Theirs was a sparsely decorated room, with only a pony-sized bed, a dresser, a fireplace, and a smaller bed for Spike in it. “I don't think I'm ever going to get used to being treated like royalty,” Twilight said, placing her crown on the nightstand next to her bed, then crawled under its sheets. Spike hopped into his bed and curled up. 
Twilight shifted around in her bed for a few minutes before finally finding a comfortable position. Rainbow Dash had shown her some ways to control her wings, but those lessons were cut short by her trip here. And none of those lessons could accelerate her adjustment to new limbs. Once she found the right spot where her wings weren't bothering her, it wasn't long before she fell asleep.

Spike awoke and yawned, his mouth incredibly dry. He entered the adjacent bathroom and took a few swallows from the faucet. As he returned, he noticed a cloaked figure hovering over Twilight. “TWILIGHT, WAKE UP!”
The next thing Spike knew, he had slammed into the wall, his bed sitting in his lap. Twilight turned to see the figure shove her crown into a saddle bag as guards burst in. The figure charged the pair, deftly dodging their attempts to grab it and running out the door. Twilight was up and after her at once.
The figure turned several corners, but Twilight wasn't far behind. She saw the figure trip up and dispatch each guard that came its way with glowing teal conjured objects, and it was still ahead. Twilight heard hoofsteps behind her, and  teleported ahead of the figure to try and trap them. She smiled just as the figure teleported past her and kept running.
That's an advanced spell! Who is this pony? Twilight thought as she gave chase once more. It wasn't long before she heard Flash Sentry call out, “In the name of the Princess, HALT!” Twilight rounded the corner to see the pony figure headbutting Flash. The two traded blows briefly before Flash took an uppercut from a gold-armored hoof and was knocked to the ground. 
Twilight spotted her crown fall from the intruder's bag in the scuffle. She lunged for it at the same time as the other pony, the two grabbing hold of it at the same time. Twilight locked gazes with the intruder, only seeing an ornate golden mask. 
Flash tackled the pony, knocking the crown from the two ponies' grip and into the rip. A magic shockwave from the intruder knocked both Flash and Twilight away as she leaped through the portal. The portal itself flashed and crackled as the intruder entered. 
Flash pulled himself up, a thin trail of blood leaking from his nose. "Where did-" he sighed, seeing the tear settling down. "She got away."
"We have to go after her! She's got the crown!"
"At least it wasn't you. I sent a runner for the Princesses, they should be here soon." Flash wiped his nose and noticed the blood. "Whoever that was, they're good. My fault for underestimating them."
Spike trotted in, brandishing a large stick he found somewhere, followed by Princess Luna. All eyes were on the tear, now resting as it was when Twilight had first arrived. "Gone,”  Luna spat.
“She got the better of me. I'm sorry, Princess. It won't happen again,” Flash said, bowing.
“Was anypony hurt?”
“Princess, she took my crown! I have to go after her!” Twilight exclaimed.
Luna looked at the tear, face contorted in deep thought. Flash stepped forward. “I have to disagree. I don't think it's a good idea to just jump through holes in the air after pieces of jewelry we can make more of.”
“Flash, that was no ordinary crown; that was the Element of Magic itself. It needs to be found before it is used for dark purposes,” Luna replied. She turned to Twilight. “You should go now. To delay would only give the thief more time to escape to wherever they've gone.”
“I'll go check on my men, then. And then I'm going to figure out how one pony managed to slip by four dozen guards.” Flash departed with a salute.
Luna returned the salute. Twilight spoke up. “Princess, she teleported. That's no easy spell, and if Flash really did put four dozen guards in this section of the castle, whoever took my crown can't be an amateur.”
“I will notify your friends, if this pony is planning to steal the Elements. In the meantime, if you need anything, get it now, and swiftly.”
Twilight paced as her mind raced with countless items she might need for a trip to the unknown, preparing for every eventuality. She even considered getting her friends to come along, facing the rip with the full set of the Elements of Harmony, but realized that would take hours. She sighed, having come to a conclusion. “Princess, tell my friends and Princess Celestia what's happened and where I've gone. Spike, come with me.” 
Spike hopped up an Twilight's back. He pointed forward with his stick. “All right, let's go!”
“Put down the stick, Spike.” Spike dropped it reluctantly. Twilight took a breath to try and slow her racing heart, then hopped through the tear.
Luna stared after her. “Good luck, and be careful.”
> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight stumbled on the concrete, disoriented and oddly off-balance. It took a moment for the dizziness to subside. “That was weird.” 
“Tell me about it. I felt like I was going to barf for a second,” Spike said from behind her.
Twilight turned around and saw a small purple and green dog standing where Spike should be. “Spike, why are you a dog?”
“A dog? Since when was-?” Spike looked at himself, shock creeping across his face. He looked to Twilight for an answer, and only found himself staring at a tall, thin biped with lavender skin and long violet hair. A whimper escaped his mouth.
Twilight cocked her head. “Why are you looking at me like that?” She held up a hoof to investigate and found instead a limb that more resembled a soft, squishy griffon claw, or the hands on monkeys with less hair. She pinched herself, felt the pain, and concluded she wasn't dreaming. She stared at the limbs for a few moments before letting out a yelp and falling down.
“Okay, good, so I'm not the only one weirded out right now.”
Twilight frantically grabbed at her reformed body, feeling the new structure of her legs below her violet pants, her upright torso, a pair of blobs on her chest below her teal shirt, and finally her face, noticing her snout was now a nub on her face, which was taller than before. “Spike, I need a quill and a lot of parchment. Right now.”
“Really? Did you forget why we're here already?”
“No! But do you realize what just happened? I was a pony, you were a dragon, and now we're both completely different species! This... this... If I had time, I could write a whole book on this transformation! Maybe a dozen books! We should have sent somepony through ages ago! Think of everything we can learn while we're here!”
“Are you really talking to your dog?” A familiar voice mocked from behind Twilight. She turned and saw another being like her looking smug, flanked by two more bipeds. The female was also thin, light blue skinned, with hair that was such a light shade of blue that it almost appeared white in some places and violet eyes. She wore a light blue dress shirt with a darker blue vest and matching pants. The  two boys were thin and fat, with brown skin and sea foam green hair for the thin one, and powder blue skin and brown hair for the fat one. The fat one wore a black t-shirt with an odd logo on it and blue jeans,  and the thin one wore a green polo shirt with white pants. They reminded Twilight strongly of Trixie, Snips, and Snails, respectively.  Trixie stuffed something into her pants pocket.
“Trixie? When did you get here?”
“I've always been here. You, I've never seen before, but I already know you're a nerd.”
“Knock it off, Trixie! I thought you were better than this after our last duel!” Twilight stood, glaring.
“Duel? What are you even talking about? Is it some children's card game you play with yourself?”
“That's enough, Trixie! At the very least, you could pick on those students who've been here for a while,” another familiar voice called out, and a second later, another lithe biped with white skin, curled purple hair and sapphire eyes appeared next to Twilight. The new girl wore a purple skirt and light blue shirt. Twilight glanced at Spike, who shrugged as best as a dog could.
“I never expected you to be a nerd sympathizer, Rarity. But I guess losers eventually draw together. Later.” With that, Trixie and her followers walked away, Trixie turning and forming an “L” shape with her fingers as she walked.
“It's a wonder she hasn't been expelled yet,” Rarity huffed, hands on her hips. She turned to Twilight. “Although your spectacle was odd. Are you all right? Also, your hair is a mess.” She pulled out a hairbrush from her purse and started brushing Twilight's hair.
“I'm fine, just a little disoriented,” Twilight said. “Is she always like that?”
“Well, yes, most of the time. There's a few students here she doesn't dare touch, like her theater friends or Sunset. Unfortunately, Sunset's been very busy with some project for the school that she hasn't been around to keep Trixie in line. There!” Rarity stepped back, admiring her work. “Now you don't look like you just got out of bed.”
“Thanks.” Twilight smiled and felt a tug at her pants. Spike nodded at a pile of books and a backpack on the ground that matched her outfit and bore her cutie mark. “I should get my stuff, hang on.” She moved to gather what were apparently her things, attempting to use her magic and failing.
“Oh is this your dog? He's adorable!” Rarity picked up Spike, a huge grin on his face. She started to scratch his belly, causing his tail to wag.
“His name's Spike,” Twilight replied, gathering her books, all of which looked quite advanced. Advanced Calculus, Theoretical Physics, Human Biology, but nothing about magic. And I couldn't use my magic to grab these books. Does it even exist in this world? It must, or that portal wouldn't be here. I really need to get to a library while I look for my crown. And how do I know how to do all these things with this new body? Or did jumping between dimensions alter my brain so that this body would feel as natural as my pony body?
Rarity rubbed Spike's belly for a moment longer before putting him down and holding out her hand. “Oh, where are my manners? I'm Rarity. You must be a new student.”
Okay, this isn't Equestria, and there aren't any ponies like me around that I can see. I should watch what I say until I know more. “Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight shook Rarity's hand. “This may sound odd, but have you seen a crown around here? It'll look simple, but there's a jewel on it in the shape of a star.”
“The crown for the Fall Formal, you mean? Principal Celestia has it in her office.” Rarity brushed Spike's fur off of her skirt. “Why? Were you thinking of running?”
Oh no. “Uh, well, maybe. I don't know yet.”
“Well, if you do, good luck. Sunset has won it every year.”
Spike hopped into Twilight's backpack as she shouldered it. The pair started walking toward the school, a large square structure constructed of red brick half the size of castle in an architectural style Twilight was unfamiliar with. “You keep mentioning this Sunset.”
“Sunset Shimmer runs this school, more or less. She's President of the Student Government, founded five after school groups that are still extremely popular, Director of the Peer Leadership club, reorganized the Peer Mediators, has been a member of just about every other club we have at one point or another, and is working on the most ambitious and secretive senior project anyone's ever heard of, along with being crowned Princess of the Fall Formal every year she's been here, and is the only one Trixie won't touch.” Rarity grimaced as she spoke about the princess.
“Wow. She's quite accomplished.”
“Exactly. Anyone who runs against her loses, and loses badly. I ran against her in freshman year, when it was more even, and she still managed a landslide victory. Though I suppose I should be glad that she won, and not Trixie. Though really, who would vote for a bully?”
Twilight chuckled. “Well, it never hurt anypo-ONE to try.”
Rarity pushed open the door to the school. “Well, if you're serious, sign up, then talk to me. I can help you get out there, at the very least. In the meantime, I have class. You should probably get a schedule, if you don't already have one. They can look it up in the main office.”
“Thanks. I'll take you up on it when I make my decision.”
“See you later!” Rarity waved as she walked away.
Twilight waved back. Once Rarity was out of earshot, she said to Spike, “So, do I have a schedule?”
“No, it doesn't look like it. And I have no idea if these books will be important.”
“Then we need to find this main office. Maybe the Prince-PRINCIPAL will be in there.”
“Good catch. Though what are you going to tell her, that you're a magical pony princess looking for her stolen crown that just so happens to look like the crown they use for that dance Rarity mentioned because it's a magical artifact?”
“That does sound ridiculous when you say it out loud. But we should gather information on this dance, and this world. And I still want something to write on. While we're here, we should take every opportunity to learn what we can about this world and bring it back to Equestria. A school this big has to have a library.”
The hallways were filled with students, a rainbow of colors like ponies in Equestria, making it difficult to navigate, but Twilight eventually found her way to the office. Twilight took a breath, mentally reviewing what she knew so far before knocking on the door, hearing a familiar voice inside. After a moment and a soft click, the voice called out, "Come in!"
Twilight stepped inside and gasped, looking at a human with light pink skin, violet eyes, and long flowing hair colored blue, green, pink, and purple, the spitting image of Celestia herself if she were human. She wore an orange blazer and violet slacks. And not far from her, sitting in a locked case was her crown. She could feel the magic coming off of it, as though it was calling out to her. Twilight composed herself quickly as the principal looked at her. "Is something wrong?"
"No, it's just... You remind me of someone else I know." Twilight cleared her throat. "I was looking for information on the Fall Formal, and I was told to come to you."
"You're a new student, correct?"
"I am."
"Well then, let me first welcome you to Canterlot Academy. I know you're joining us late, but I hope you enjoy your time here." Celestia motioned for Twilight to have a seat. "As for the Fall Formal, it's a dance we have every year. We crown a Princess, determined by the students, who is supposed to exemplify the traits of a true leader: a kind heart, a generous spirit, loyal, honest, and full of laughter.  I've heard some of the students say there's a certain magic to the winners as well. Every year so far, that winner has been our best student, Sunset Shimmer." She gestured towards three pictures on her wall, displaying an light orange skinned student dressed in a very conservative white and gold dress with red and yellow hair and cyan eyes. In each picture, Sunset posed herself like she was being painted, exuding a royal presence not unlike the princesses did in Equestria.
"Wow. She's who I'd be running against?"
Celestia nodded. "As I said, she's our best student, and extremely well liked in the student body. I wouldn't be surprised if she became president one day. It's as though she'd been doing this for years."
Twilight looked at the crown. If she had to beat Sunset at the Fall Formal to get her crown back, then so be it. "I see. Do I talk to you about signing up then, or...?” 
“No, Pinkie Pie handles those. She'll likely be in the gym preparing if she isn't in class. Although I must warn you, I've met many students who run because it gives them an ego boost, or they just want to wear a pretty crown. You don't seem like one of those two, but masks can and will be seen through by the students. If you truly are worthy of the crown, you stand a good chance of winning."
Twilight stood and bowed out of habit. "Thank you, Princess. I mean Principal!"
Celestia chuckled. "And I thought my husband was the only one to call me that."
Twilight blushed and left. Spike poked out of her backpack. "Good one. At least she thought it was funny.”
“I really need to be more careful. At this rate, poni-PEOPLE are going to think I'm too weird to elect.” Twilight sighed. “Let's go sign up. Then we can meet up with Rarity and research our next-” Twilight was cut off as she bumped into someone. “Oop! Sorry!”
A boy with spiked blue hair and light orange skin wearing a leather jacket, blue jeans, and white t-shirt looked at Twilight. He looked remarkably like Celestia's new guard captain. He smiled. “That's okay. No harm, no foul.”
Twilight swallowed, blushing. “Um, I'll just, uh, go. I have to do... things.”
Flash chuckled and returned to what he was doing. “All right then.”
Twilight took two steps before stepping back to Flash. “Do you, uh, happen to know where the gym is?” she asked timidly.
Flash smiled. “I happen to be going that way, so just follow me. Do you mind?”
“No, not at all! Since it's on your way and everything.”
Flash shut his locker and started walking, motioning for Twilight to follow. “I take it you're new.”
“I've been getting that a lot today.”
“It's okay. We're all new at some point. Next year, we'll all be new at college. In my case, it'll be the police academy.”
“You're going to join the police?”
Flash nodded. “Yup. I always liked the idea of solving crimes and protecting the innocent. We have a law enforcement group here at the school I'm in. What about you?”
“Me? Well, I li-WORK in a library. I just love being around so much knowledge. I spent a lot of time around them when I was little.”
Flash shrugged. “Cool. I'd probably go nuts in a quiet job like that.”
Twilight chuckled. “I have a friend that thought the same way. She liked to call me an egghead until she found a book series she really liked. She went to great lengths to hide it from me, like trying to break into a hospital to get the book I loaned her back, but she learned she wasn't any less cool for liking books.”
Flash laughed. “She broke into a hospital just to hide the fact she liked books? Sounds like wacky cartoon hijinks.” Flash stopped. “We're here, by the way.”
Twilight's shoulders slumped. “Oh. Huh. Well, uh, it was nice talking to you, um-”
“Flash Sentry. And you're...?”
“Twilight Sparkle.”
“Well, Twilight, I'll see you around. Maybe at lunch?”
“Sure.” Flash smiled and waved as he walked off. Twilight stared after him. She heard a snap next to her ear after a moment. “Right. Focus, Twilight.” With that, she pushed open the doors to the gym.
> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The backs of two people stood over a table. One had long curly pink hair and light pink skin and was wearing a blue skirt and matching jacket, the other had wavy red and yellow shoulder length hair, light orange skin, and wore a white leather jacket, white jeans, and a gold shirt. Pinkie and Sunset, I guess. Twilight approached as Sunset smiled at Pinkie. She glanced at Twilight as she left. 
Pinkie bounded up to Twilight. “Hiya! I know everyone here, and I've never seen you around, so that must mean you're new!”
“Hi, Pinkie.”
Pinkie's eyes widened as she gasped. “You know my name ever though we've never met? Are you psychic? Can you read my mind? What number am I thinking of right now?”
“I'm not psychic! Principal Celestia told me to come to you to sign up for the Princess of the Fall Formal election.”
“Great! Not many people have signed up. The more people at a party, the better!” Pinkie grabbed a clipboard off the table. “Even if the party goers are kinda late.”
Twilight picked up a pen and froze. I haven't had to write anything yet. Carefully, she started writing her name. “Well, I just transferred, and I wanted to jump right in and make some friends. This seems like a good way to start, at least.”
“See, I just walk up to people and say 'Hi!' and start talking to them, like I just did to you. And then we become friends! Except for this one guy, he was really cranky, like a donkey. But I managed to win him over in the end!”
Twilight put the pen down, smiling. “Reminds me of someone back home.”
Pinkie looked at the sheet and frowned. “Wow. Your handwriting is pretty bad.” She shrugged. “Oh well, as long as I can read it!”
“Was that Sunset you were talking to?”
“Yup! She likes to help plan the dances. She had some extra special decorations she wanted to put up, and she's going to bring them by later. Her parents are super rich, so they get all sorts of super fun stuff for us to use!” The bell rang. “Ooh! Lunch time! See you there!” With that, she skipped off.
“We haven't eaten since breakfast, have we?” Twilight asked aloud. 
“I didn't want to say anything,” Spike replied.
Twilight chuckled as she left. The cafeteria proved to be easy to find, as many of the students were headed that way. “Things are going pretty well so far, actually. I thought this would be harder.”
“You still have to win the school.”
“I'm sure the library will have plenty of books on how to win an election. Besides, this Rarity already said she'd help us. Although it is weird that this world has such close parallels to my friends back home. I wonder if there's one of me here somewhere.”
“Maybe it's one of those parallel universes. Mostly the same, except for some stuff.”
“The same, but not. I didn't know you read my book on multiverse theory.”
“I tried one night when I couldn't sleep. It certainly fixed that.”
Twilight shook her head when a voice carried over the dull roar of the crowd. She worked her way closer and saw Trixie looming over a rail-thin, yellow skinned student with long pink hair who was hiding her face with a book. She wore a white t shirt and worn blue jeans.
“Do you always have to be in the way, Fluttershy? I know you're a doormat, but at least doormats don't get in everyone's way all the time.” Trixie started to walk away.
Twilight stormed forward and put a hand on Trixie's shoulder. “Apologize. Now.”
Trixie turned. “Why? Do you apologize to your doormat after you wipe your feet on it?”
“She's not a doormat, she's a person!”
“What's going on here?” a new voice said.
Trixie turned again and came face to face with a scowling Sunset Shimmer. Her teal eyes bored holes in Trixie's skull. “Nothing, I was just having a disagreement with a fellow student.” She looked at Twilight. “I think we're done, though.”
“Leave,” Sunset commanded. Trixie walked off, and Sunset turned her attention to the cowering Fluttershy, blue eyes now peeking over her book. “Are you all right?”
Fluttershy only nodded.
Sunset returned the nod, then turned to Twilight. “Standing up for a fellow student. Quite commendable. Just try not to get into any fistfights in my school.” She smiled and walked away.
Twilight's eyes followed Sunset out. She carried herself like practiced royalty. Twilight turned her attention to Fluttershy as students began to move on. “Are you actually okay?” Twilight held out a hand to help her up.
Fluttershy took Twilight's hand timidly and nodded.
“Fluttershy, right?”
She nodded again.
Twilight smiled. “Come on. You can sit with me. Is that okay?”
Fluttershy nodded again. 
The two started walking in and headed for the lunch line. Most of the food looked somewhat familiar, though the ingredients were odd. And the smell of cooked meat hit her nose every now and then, and many students were picking up food that had to be made from it. She pushed the twinge of revulsion out of her mind as she grabbed foods that were more familiar.
“You don't like meat either?”
Twilight jumped and looked at Fluttershy, half of her long pink hair covering her face. “I've never had it, actually. It feels wrong, though.”
“I agree. There's no need to hurt animals that didn't do anything to us. I tried to convince people to stop, but they just made fun of me. One boy said that for every animal I didn't eat, he'd eat three.”
“Well, not everyone will agree. I mean, animals eat each other in nature, right?”
“I guess so.” The two finished getting their food and headed for an empty table. “I, um, wanted to thank you for standing up for me. Not many people do that.”
“Somebody needed to. With the way she acts, I'm surprised more people don't.”
“I guess everyone expects someone else to do it.”
The two sat. “Crowd mentality, I guess,” Twilight sighed.
“Twilight, there you are!” Rarity joined them. “You're making waves. The whole school will know you by the end of the day.” She looked at Fluttershy for a moment. “You're that girl who keeps trying to get volunteers for you animal shelter, aren't you?”
“You haven't met?” Twilight asked while Fluttershy decided to study her fruit salad.
“I've seen her around, but we've never been introduced.” Rarity held out her hand. “I'm Rarity. And you are...?”
Fluttershy mumbled something, timidly taking Rarity's.
“I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.”
Fluttershy mumbled again, slightly louder.
“Flute Shine?”
“She's Fluttershy,” Twilight interjected. “Anyway, Rarity, I signed up for the Fall Formal, and-”
Fluttershy choked on her food momentarily, staring at Twilight in horror. “Don't you know?”
“Sunset always wins, everyone's told me. But I need that crown, and I'll need help. Rarity's agreed, and I was going to ask if you wanted to. If you're okay with that.”
“Well, I, um, I don't know what I could do to help. I-I'm no good at public speaking and I don't have many friends...” Fluttershy played with her hair as she spoke.
“I'm sure there's a way.”

“I can't believe she had the nerve to talk to me like that!” Trixie slammed her lunch tray onto the table. Snips and Snails recoiled and shifted away.
“She's new, though. She'll learn,” Snips spoke up.
Snails chimed in as well. “We can help make her learn!”
“Good, I'll need the two of you to help me.” Trixie turned to the two smaller students who looked on her with idolizing eyes. “But the two of you need to promise you'll do exactly what I say, when I say it, and nothing more. I had some helpers last year who nearly ruined the Spring Fling because they got over eager. Do you understand?”
Snips and Snails nodded.
“Good.” Trixie pulled out her phone. “Now, let's get started.”

“You know, I think we can handle this,” Twilight said, headed towards the library. 
“Who knew winning a popularity contest would be so easy?” Spike said sarcastically.
“Well, we have to do it, or we don't get the crown. Besides, now we have to do research on this school and the world, which we can make notes on and send back to Equestria. This is probably the best adventure we've had yet!”
“I kinda liked Discord, myself.”
“Oh yeah, having all my friends turn into horrible ponies was great.”
“I got to be Rainbow Dash for a day, so I'll take that as a win. Plus, cotton candy clouds.”
“I hope he keeps it all to his corner of the world, then. I still don't trust-” Twilight gasped as she entered the library. Next to they gym, it was the largest room in the school, bookshelves high across the  walls. Round tables sat holding boxes with shiny black windows on them, gray boxes below them. A librarian in a purple skirt and white blouse was busy stocking shelves.
Twilight walked forward, taking it all in. Spike poked out too. “It's as big as the library in the castle,” he said in awe.
“I know...” Twilight said dreamily. “I don't know where to begin.” She took a breath to collect herself. “Okay, we should probably start with voting systems. I'm not sure how similar our world is to this one. We can spread out from there.”
Hours passed as Spike and Twilight pored over books, Twilight filling several notebooks with information from them. She attempted to use one of the boxes, being told by the librarian that they were computers, but after pecking at the keyboard for a while (with her fists before remembering she had fingers), she returned to the books. Biology, anatomy, sociology, geology and more subjects formed her own little castle on the upper levels of the library. She was deep into a book about democratic governments when an announcement came over the loudspeaker, announcing the close of the library.
“We never figured out a place to sleep, did we?” Spike asked, dropping a book.
Twilight got up and looked around. The library was empty besides them. “I guess we can stay here.”
Spike shrugged as only a dog could. 
Twilight gathered her notebooks and put them in her backpack, then wrote out a quick note on a piece of paper. “Spike, take this to the portal and get it back to Equestria. It'll let the princesses know what's happened so far.”
“Got it.” Spike reflexively tried to breathe fire on it, then remembered he couldn't do that and simply ran off with the note. By the time he returned, Twilight had fashioned a bed from the books. “I've fallen asleep on books before, but not like this.”
Twilight chuckled. “You didn't happen to poke your head through the portal, did you?”
“No, sorry.”
“All right, then. I just had a theory that time flows differently here. When we left, it was nighttime, but when we got here, it was morning. Equestria could have had a few days pass while we've been here for close to 12 hours.” Twilight curled up on the makeshift bed. 
Spike hopped up beside her. “We can find out when we get back.”
“I learned something else. At least, I'm pretty sure I did. According to some of the books on mythology, magic used to exist. I think it still does, but its practitioners have either gone into hiding or no longer exist. If we had more time here, we might be able to harness the magic here as well!”
Spike yawned. “If you figure out a mind control spell, let me know. Then we can get out of here sooner.”
Twilight scratched Spike behind the ears. “You'll be the first to know.”
> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Spike awoke to the sun shining in his eyes. He stretched and looked around, noticing Twilight had moved over to a desk and was writing furiously. He trotted over and leaped up onto the table. “Already at work, huh? We haven't even had breakfast.”
“In a minute.” Twilight finished up her sentence. “There! You were sleeping, so I didn't want to wake you. I've been making a list of talking points so I can make a good impression on the students here. I'll have to talk to Rarity and Fluttershy for tips on who to talk to, but once that's done, we should be okay. I couldn't find anything on methods of harnessing magic here, though.”
“I thought you'd be freaking out about this.”
“I did at first, but then I realized that this is just like when I went to Ponyville for the first time. I just have to apply the knowledge I've learned since then here, and I shouldn't have too much trouble.” Twilight started to pack up her things.
“What about Trixie?”
“I'm not sure. It's not like I can challenge her to a magic duel. I'll have to think about it some more over breakfast. I saw some signs in the cafeteria about breakfast being served around now.”
The two left the library and headed for the cafeteria. As they walked, students either pointed at her and laughed or hid their snickers behind their hands. Others averted their eyes completely. Twilight looked around quizzically. 
“What's going on out there?” Spike asked from the backpack.
“Everyone's looking at me funny. Shush, before it gets worse,” Twilight muttered back, ducking into the cafeteria. She spotted Sunset sitting at a table, writing in a well-worn notebook. An empty plate sat near her, crumbs dotting its surface, another plate held an untouched bagel with cream cheese. Twilight noticed others were looking at her again and doing the same thing as they did in the hall, and sat next to Sunset quickly. 
Sunset turned to look at Twilight immediately. “May I help you?”
“I was just looking for breakfast. And someone who wouldn't stare at me like I'm a clown.” Twilight glanced at Sunset's notebook and saw it filled with drawings of some variants of mythical creature, with a lengthy description of the creature below it. They looked oddly artificial to Twilight, compared to the ones she had seen.
Sunset regarded Twilight quizzically and closed her notebook, then pushed the second bagel to Twilight. “You haven't seen the video?”
“Video?” Twilight took the bagel and began to eat.
Sunset removed her phone from her pocket and played the video for Twilight. It showed Twilight's most embarrassing moments since arriving, from her arrival and exploration of her new body to her pounding on a keyboard with her fists. The color drained from her face. “Oh no...”
“Yes, this is not a good picture of you.” Sunset put away her phone. “And information around here spreads rapidly. In the few hours it's been up, the entire school has seen it.”
“The... whole... school...” Twilight felt her plans crash down around her. It would take a lot of explaining to justify the things in this video. She put her head in her hands.
“Being new, no one knows what to make of you just yet, and for many, this video will be their introduction. It might be wise to stay down for now, and wait for the students to forget.”
The idea sounded logical, but Twilight shook off her shock. “I can't do that. This is too important to just let Trixie win.”
Sunset shrugged. “If you say so. Although it seems like this means a lot more to you than it does to others. Most of them are doing it for some fleeting impression of power or fame.”
“It does.” Twilight thought about telling her the truth, but decided against it. “It's... destiny, I guess.”
“Destiny,” Sunset spat. “Destiny is what we choose, not what something else determines. You think it's your destiny to be a princess? Some pretty little thing to hang on a man's arm?”
Twilight recoiled. “That's not what I mean! It's more that I was destined to meet the friends I did, and together, we did great things. We saved the... mayor's sister from darkness, we managed to convince a dangerous trickster to be, uh, less actively dangerous, we helped save my brother's wedding from someone who was trying to impersonate the bride, and we even managed to help that same couple save another city from a hostile takeover. My friends and I have been through so much, I guess it might seem natural for others to think I should be a princess. That's why I was made one.”
Sunset cocked an eyebrow. “And your friends didn't join your ascension?”
“No. I don't really know why, as they had just as much to do with our success as I did.”
“Sounds to me like someone thought you were a leader. Do you think it's your destiny?”
“I wasn't ready for it, and I still don't think I am. But with the help of my friends, I'm ready to give it my best shot.” Twilight looked at Sunset. “Why do you want it?”
Sunset leaned back. “It's more of a formality, really. My own parents had a specific vision in mind for me: look pretty, marry into wealth, and spend the rest of my days as a glorified maid and baby factory, the fate of the 'princess' as they understood it. Such a life would be a complete waste of my talents. When I came here, I saw a school that lacked purpose and was rife with corruption. I changed that. These elections for petty titles were merely publicity, a way to unite the school.”
“Behind you.”
“Behind me, yes.” Sunset saw Twilight's reaction to that. “It's not for my own ego. These people needed a leader, an inspiration, and I was exactly what they needed. I think this whole world needs such an inspirational figure, don't you?”
“It is nice to have heroes, but the way you're describing it, it sounds like you want to take over the world.”
“Not at all. If everyone tried their hardest, and I mean really tried, this world could achieve great things. I just want to help spur them on to such heights, and the best way to lead is by example. I want people to face a challenge and say to themselves, 'If Sunset can do it, so can I!' With your deeds, I'm sure many think the same for you.”
Twilight thought about Trixie, both hers and this world's. “What about those who don't follow your example? What do you do about them?”
“They get left behind. I can't help those who don't want help.”
“Like Trixie?”
“I've tried to help her, I really have. But she insists on digging her own grave here.”
Twilight thought of Discord. “Trixie really isn't that bad.”
Sunset chuckled. “Maybe you should be a princess. You have a bit of a naive mindset, but that's easy to fix. The path can be set, and you can show the way, but it's up to the individual to follow.” A large student with a blond flat top and earring approached. “Take Bulk here, for instance. He's very fitness-minded, but his performance in his studies has been lacking. So he came to me for help.”
“Aced my last math test, Sunny!” Bulk exclaimed as he sat down.
Sunset smiled. “See? I knew you could do it.” She turned her attention to Twilight. “If you'll excuse us.” 
Twilight took her cue to leave. Bulk's gaze followed her out. “Is she the one from that video going around?”
“The very same,” Sunset replied.
“She doesn't seem that weird.”
“I think there are some things she's not telling us.”

“So much for the plan.” Twilight groused. Suddenly, she was grabbed and pulled into an empty classroom. She spun to see who grabbed her and saw Rarity fussing about in a bag. 
“No, no, no, no, no, but cute-” Rarity said as she tossed clothes aside.
“Rarity? What are you doing?”
Rarity spun to face Twilight. “I'm trying to find some things to make a disguise for you, of course! Haven't you seen the video of you?” 
“I did. Sunset just showed me. She also said I should drop out of the election.”
“A very sensible idea. You've just started, so your reputation is at its most fragile.”
“And like I told her, I can't do that. I can deal with whatever Trixie throws at me.”
Rarity stared at Twilight. “You are a glutton for punishment, aren't you?”
“I've dealt with worse than a school bully.”
Rarity sighed as Fluttershy stepped inside, closing the door quietly. “Um, am I interrupting anything?”
“Not at all, just Twilight being masochistic. She's still going to run for Princess.”
“Well, if it makes any difference, I'll vote for you. After the way you helped me yesterday, it's the least I could do.”
“Thanks, Fluttershy.”
Fluttershy blushed, then pulled something out of her pocket. “I, um, also told Rainbow Dash what you did, and she told me to give this to you if I saw you first.”
Twilight took the letter and read it. “She wants to meet me after school at the soccer field.” 
“Well, that's something. If she wants to meet you, she could definitely help reverse the damage the video has done to your reputation. A lot of the sporty-types look up to her,” Rarity said.
“Well, that's a start. But Trixie isn't going to let up. Is there a way I can get her to leave me alone?”
Rarity sat and thought for a moment. “Well, there was a talent show in freshman year. Both Sunset and Trixie competed, along with many others. Sunset won, of course, absolutely crushing Trixie.  That was about when Trixie started leaving Sunset alone, but there's no talent shows in the next few days. There is one in the spring, though.”
“I can't wait that long.”
“I think you should just be yourself,” Fluttershy said.
“That's what got her into this in the first place,” Rarity replied.
“No, I mean if Twilight just shows the students how nice a person she really is, I'm sure they'll come around.”
Twilight smiled. “I don't know why I didn't think of that sooner. There were lots of witnesses around when I helped Fluttershy yesterday, so if Trixie's video spread that quickly, that must have spread too. So if I just keep doing good deeds, maybe that'll overcome whatever Trixie does to stop me, and people won't listen to her! You're a genius, Fluttershy!”
Fluttershy blushed as Rarity shrugged. “Well, if you're going that route, Pinkie Pie could probably use help setting up for the dance itself. I'm sure she'll find something for you to do, if you can stand to be around her for more than a few minutes.”
“You get used to her.” Twilight noticed the other two looking at her oddly. “I knew someone like her back home.”
The bell rang. “Well, we should get to class, then. I'll start talking to others and see if I can't clear some of this up, and then I have to work on my dress designs for the dance. If you stop by my house tomorrow, Twilight, I can get you fitted for one.”
“I'll be there,” Twilight said.
Rarity nodded and left, Fluttershy not far behind. Twilight left as well, headed for the gym with a quick stop at the cafeteria for breakfast.
When she arrived at the gym, it was empty, save for two people bringing in crates. One was a female with long blond hair in a loose ponytail with orange-tinted skin and green eyes, wearing a flannel shirt and jeans. The other, a man, wore similar attire with his shirt open to show a white t-shirt underneath. He had a reddish tone, short sandy hair, and green eyes. Both had a muscular figure, evidence of a lot of hard labor. Twilight figured she knew who they were, put her backpack on a table, and went over to the two. “Need a hand?”
The girl looked at her and smiled. “Sure. Truck's outside.”
Twilight followed the girl outside. “I'm Twilight Sparkle, by the way.”
“Applejack. That's my brother over there, Big Mac.” She turned and shook Twilight's hand. “You new here?”
“I started yesterday.” Twilight saw a number of crates in the back of the truck. “That's a lot of cider.”
“Yep. All of it comes from my farm. Dances like this are good for business.” Applejack grabbed a crate and started walking back.
Twilight picked one up and immediately regretted it. It felt like she had lifted the entire city of Canterlot, her arms trembling as she attempted to hold the crate close to her.
Applejack turned to look at Twilight. “You got that?”
“Yup!” Twilight grunted, her voice straining with the effort of holding the crate up. She rapidly walked back into the gym, her face reddening as she did so. As soon as she saw open space, she practically dropped the crate in place, bottles clinking.
Applejack placed her crate on top of Twilight's, a smile on her face. “You ain't used to this, are ya?”
“Not.. as much... as I thought.” Twilight straightened.
“C'mon, we'll team lift the rest. Don't need you gettin' a hernia.”
“Thanks.” The pair walked out and grabbed another crate. It now only felt like she was lifting a bowling ball, a substantial improvement over a city. “Do you know where Pinkie Pie is? I was hoping to help her set up for the dance.”
“If she ain't here now, she will be, and she'll sample the cider. And the juice, and the soda, and anything else we bring.”
Twilight chuckled. “That sounds like her.”
“Ah, so you two've already met.”
“Yeah, when I signed up for the Princess of the Fall Formal.”
Applejack paused. “You do know-”
“Sunset always wins, I know. Everyone's told me already. I'm not going to let that stop me.”
“Well shoot, you just about got my vote already.” Applejack and Twilight resumed their task.
“Already?”
“Trixie's a bully and I never liked Sunset.”
“Trixie I get, but why not Sunset? She's been relatively nice so far.”
“I get the feelin' she ain't bein' truthful with us. She's got somethin' up her sleeve, mark my words.”
“You think she's planning something?” Twilight asked.
“Oh, she is. Everyone knows she's got somethin' cookin' for the dance. I just can't shake the feelin' that we won't like it.”
“Well, she had to have gotten it past the principal in order to do it, I'm sure. It can't be bad if that's the case.”
Applejack sighed. “I guess. I just think we're going to regret trustin' her soon. I hope I'm wrong.”
“Hey girls! Ooooh, that's a lot of cider!” Pinkie Pie bounded into the gym and eyeballed the stacks of crates. She grabbed a bottle out of a crate and popped it open, then chugged half the bottle. “Ah, delicious as always!”
Applejack looked at Twilight. “Told ya. Mac and I'll grab the last two crates.”
Twilight nodded. “So, anything I can do to help, Pinkie?”
“Well, the disco ball should've shown up by now, so you can help me put that up. Ooh! And there's lots more decorations, and all that food has to be sampled ad put away. A few other students are coming to help too, so it'll be like a meet and greet! Except with work.”
Pinkie chugged the remainder of the cider bottle and let out a loud belch, then directed Twilight on what to do. Twilight was in the process of putting up another set of balloons when the lunch bell rang. She heard Pinkie announcing her surprise at the foot of her ladder as she climbed down. The other students were already on their way out. “Well, they do say time flies when you're having fun.”
“I know, right? It always does that. I wish it would go super slow so I could feel like I had more fun!” She turned to admire the group's handiwork. “Perfect! Except... Hm.” 
“What?”
“Maybe we should have the snack tables on the other side. No, wait, the DJ booth is going there. What if-”
“How about you think about it over lunch?”
“Ooh, great idea! I hope they have the cupcakes with extra frosting today! Did I ever tell you how much I love frosting?”
> Chapter 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The snickering followed Twilight for the rest of the day, and occasionally a student would call her a nasty name. She tried to speak to some of the ones she had identified as leaders of a club or social group, but only a handful were interested in what she had to say. It felt like an eternity before the final bell rang. She started towards the library before she remembered she needed to be out at the soccer field.
When she arrived, no one was there. She placed her backpack on the bleachers and Spike hopped out and stretched. “Ugh, finally! It's really cramped in there.”
“Sorry, but it's either that, or wait outside somewhere all day,” Twilight replied, taking a seat on the bleachers. 
“So, this must be the soccer field.” Spike looked around. “What's 'soccer?'”
“It's a sport the humans play. I came across a number of them in my readings. If I remember this one correctly, the objective is to kick the ball into the other player's goal, and not let them do the same to you.”
“Sort of like hoofball.”
“Sort of, yes.” Twilight heard talking, and saw Rarity and Fluttershy walking towards her and talking. 
“-and you should definitely consider a career in modeling. You have the perfect figure for it. I even have a few designs I think would look fabulous on you,” Rarity explained.
Fluttershy simply continued looking at the ground. “If you say so.”
“I do say so! Hello, Twilight!” Rarity sat next to Twilight. “Rainbow Dash never arrived?”
“Not yet. It's only been a few minutes, though.”
“Well, I hope it doesn't take long. I have a number of adjustments to make on our dresses for the dance. Speaking of which, stand up.”
Twilight did so, and Rarity pulled out measuring tape and a notepad, then set to taking Twilight's measurements. “I still need to win.”
“I know, and I put in a good word for you with some people. It was hard to address the video, but I think I won you some fans. Trixie's spreading other rumors, though, which I know are false.”
“Thanks.”
Twilight heard more talking from one very distinct voice. She turned her head to look for a moment before Rarity turned it back to get a measurement.
“-and then I said, 'Look! It's a Pinkie Bank!' They didn't think it was that funny, but I thought it was hilarious,” Pinkie said to an Applejack who looked like she had stopped listening hours ago. “Hey Twilight!”
Twilight waved back as Rarity finished up. “That should do. We should stop by my house so I can adjust properly, though.”
“So, Twi, you think you can handle Dash in whatever she's got cookin'?” Applejack asked, taking a seat on the bleachers.
“I'll do my best, but I'm not really athletic,” Twilight replied.
“Well, we'll find out soon. Here she comes.”
A teal-skinned girl wearing navy blue track pants and matching windbreaker walked up to the group, twirling a soccer ball on her finger. She smiled as her magenta eyes scanned the group. “All right, which one of you is Twilight Sparkle?”
“I am.” Twilight stepped forward. “You wanted to talk to me about something?”
Dash dropped the soccer ball and pinned it with her foot. “I heard about what you did for Fluttershy. Me and her go way back. Nobody in this school really stands up for her but me, and ever since our schedules got mixed up to where we hardly see each other, that got real hard., real fast. I wanted to meet you and see who you really were after all the stuff I've been hearing around the school. That, and I got a text message out of nowhere making fun of me that said it was from you.”
“I wouldn't do that! I don't think I even have a phone.”
“I figured it was Trixie. I don't know how she got my number, but it was even more reason to do this.”
“Trixie's a bully, and the more people that stand up to her, the less power she has. And Fluttershy is one of the nicest people I know.”
Rainbow Dash nodded. “I also heard you're going for Princess of the Fall Formal. Gutsy to do that at all anymore, but even though Sunset's done a lot for me and this school, I can't say she's my friend. Someone genuinely kind wouldn't let Trixie keep bullying people.”
“That's what I've been sayin'!” Applejack called out.
“So, Twilight, what do you say to a quick game? First to five goals wins.”
“Done.” Twilight had a feeling she knew what this was really about.
The two walked out to the middle of the field. Dash placed the ball between them and shot a cocky look at Twilight. “There's a reason the jocks idolize me.”	
Twilight said nothing. Fluttershy pulled out a whistle and blew it, signaling the beginning of the game. Twilight managed to get the ball away from Rainbow initially, but was in the other girl's feet before long. From there, it was all downhill. Every time Rainbow scored a goal, they returned the ball to the middle, and every time Fluttershy blew the whistle, Rainbow got the ball and scored inside a minute. In the last round, Twilight managed to get the ball despite the screaming protestations of her legs. She took a shot at Rainbow's goal and allowed herself the brief hope that it might actually go in before Rainbow intercepted it and darted back towards Twilight's goal. Rainbow shot, scored, and did a victory dance as Twilight dropped to her knees on the grass.
Rainbow walked over to Twilight and held her hand out. “For a nerd, you're not bad.”
Twilight took her hand and Rainbow hauled her to her feet. “I lost, though.”
“Yeah, but you gave it your all the whole way through. I like that. Consider yourself voted for.”
Twilight smiled. “Thanks.” She looked around and realized she had all of her Equestria friends assembled. “But after today, I have no idea if I'll win the crown with just the six of us, though.”
“I'll go clear up what I can with the guys I know. If all of us work together, I think we can make it happen.”
“Well, if all of you are going to the dance, I'll need to start on your dresses right now. Let me get all of your measurements, and I'll have something ready by tomorrow,” Rarity said, the others behind her. “Does anyone have any requests?”
“Whatever you make for me will be fine, Rarity. I trust you,” Twilight replied, remembering what happened the last time her Rarity did something like this.
Rainbow shrugged. “I'm not really a 'fashion' person, so just whatever looks cool.”
“Well, we can talk about it on the way to my house. It's not far, so we can walk there,” Rarity spoke up.

~

Twilight sat in the library once more, this time at a computer. She had dedicated her afternoon, after spending some time with the girls and speaking to other students about her candidacy for the election, to learning how to operate it without looking like a fool, and it was worth it. She managed to figure it out in a few minutes, and was amazed by what she found within: full access to the sum of all human knowledge, found through a portal called “Internet Adventurer.” It came as shock when the announcement of the closure of the library was announced, as she was in the middle of taking notes on something called the “Witch Trials.” She finished her sentence and walked upstairs, where Spike had already pulled down some books for the bed. 
“This would be a lot easier if I had hands,” Spike said, dropping another book into place.
Twilight placed her note paper into a box they had found, along with all of her other notes. “That computer is amazing! It's hard to believe such a small box could hold more information than this entire library. Maybe there's a way to stabilize the portal so we can come and go, and just keep getting information,” Twilight mused as she helped Spike with the books. “It would be such a shame to leave all this behind. We could jump Equestria's technology forward hundreds of years with just a few of the discoveries the humans have made! It's a shame they abandoned their magical studies, though.”
“Magic still exists here, then?”
Twilight nodded. “Only a few could use it, but those who could do amazing things. I didn't find a lot of what I would have wanted to know, but magic definitely exists. If I could spend enough time here, I bet I could find a way to harness it again.”
“Nothing on doing that now?”
“Nothing that worked. I guess all the secrets to doing so were lost with all the magic users.”
“What happened to everyone who could?”
“From what I've read, the humans who couldn't do magic became afraid of those who could, and turned against them. Anyone who they even thought could do magic was captured, tried, and put to death. Those who weren't captured hid, and it looks like they hid really well, though I read a legend about six sorcerers who wielded great powers using magic artifacts, but I didn't find anything to corroborate it.”
Spike shook his head. “And you want to spend more time here.”
“Given enough time, I might be able to show them that magic isn't so bad, that with proper study, any of them could do it.” Twilight sighed. “Oh well. I've taken enough notes these past few days that we can write a dozen or more books on the human world.” Twilight looked through the box of her notes and closed it up. “Spike, can you take this back through the portal? I don't think I'm going to have more time for note taking, and I don't want anything happening to the ones we have. And I think the Princesses will want an update.”
“Got it.” Spike went to push the box when he bumped into something. He looked up to see Flash standing there, mouth agape. “Uhh, Twilight?”
Twilight turned to look at Spike and saw the same. She blushed and stood quickly, fumbling for explanations that might make sense before looking at the floor. “How... how much did you hear?”
“Enough to wonder if I'm dreaming.” Flash pinched himself. “Nope.” He took a breath. “So, what are you? Or better yet, who are you really?”
Twilight took a breath of her own. No hiding now. “My name really is Twilight Sparkle, but you're right, I'm not from this world. I'm, uh, actually from another world. In that one, I'm a unicorn- well, an alicorn now, I guess, and a princess. I came here because my crown, a powerful magical artifact, was stolen, and the thief jumped through a portal that led here.” She looked at Flash. “That's why I'm running for Princess of the Fall Formal. The crown you're using for that is the crown the thief stole. The portal I came through is unstable, so I don't know how long I'm going to have before it closes, and if I don't get the crown by then, then my world is going to be left extremely vulnerable to any number of threats.”
Flash only stood for a moment, processing all of this. “So, you're really a magical pony princess who's looking for a magic crown to save your magic world.” He started laughing, and Twilight smiled nervously. “You know, I wouldn't believe a word of this if I didn't hear your dog talking a minute ago.”
“In our world, I'm not even a dog, I'm really a ferocious dragon!” Spike tried to roar and only barked.
Twilight relaxed. “Can you help me, then? I'll need all the support I can get to win.”
“Help save the world? My inner five year old is going crazy right now, so sure. But, uh,” Flash looked around, “I wouldn't let it out that you sleep in the library, though. If Trixie finds out about that, you're done. I could set you up at my place. My parents are away for the week, so it'll just be us.”
Twilight blushed harder.
The smile left Flash's face. “I- I don't mean it like that! I'm just offering a warm bed for the night! I mean, I'll be sleeping on the couch, and you can have my bed, if you want. I promise I won't do anything inappropriate.”
“I wasn't- It's just, I've never been approached by a boy like this, let alone invited to his house.” Spike tugged at Twilight's pants and nodded. “Sure. It'd be nice to have a chance to clean up.” She picked up the box. “We just have to drop something off first.”
Flash nodded, and the trio headed out to Flash's car, a sporty-looking car with a running horse on the front grill. Twilight helped Spike push the box through the portal and him soon after, then sat with Flash in his car. He noticed her admiring the car. “You like it?”
“We don't have anything like this in Equestria. I remember reading about these in the library. It's some sort of horseless carriage, right?”
Flash nodded. “Once these came around, we stopped using horses for that. Now, we ride them for sport or use them for labor.” Flash's eyes widened a bit and he looked at Twilight. “Wait, was that offensive?”
Twilight shook her head. “No, ponies pull our carriages too, it's just that we pay them.”
Flash drummed on the wheel awkwardly. Spike trotted up a moment later and hopped in the window and onto Twilight's lap. At that, the two were off.

~

“Any intrusions?” Flash Sentry asked of his guard, standing to the left of the portal.
“None, sir. It's been quiet since Princess Twilight entered.”
“I see. Carry on. Your relief should be here in an hour.” Flash turned to leave when the portal crackled and flashed. The guards immediately brandished their spears, pointed at the portal. Flash readied his blade, a device attached to his front leg that functioned as a retractable sword. He shouted, and another four guards were inside and ready in seconds.
The portal finally deposited a box, and Spike shortly after. He rose to face the points of half a dozen spears and Flash's sword. “I didn't do it, I swear!”
“Spike?” Flash motioned to dismiss his guards. He retracted his sword. “What happened? Where's Princess Twilight?”
Spike relaxed as the guards left. “She's still on the other side.” He briefly explained what was happening. “So, what's with the guards?”
“After the last intrusion, I had the area locked down. Nopony gets in or out of where without either my or the Princesses approval.”
“Wow.”
“If you're going back through, tell the Princess that whatever she needs to do, she needs to do it fast. The few eggheads I've let in here tell me the portal isn't going to last much longer. Two days at best.”
“Two days? That's plenty of time. We should be back before then.”
“You've been gone a week.”
“Oh.” 
“Should I get her friends and send them through with you?”
“No, I think we've got this. I'll let Twilight know.” Spike turned and reentered the portal.
“Good luck,” Flash said, and left.

~

“So I'm right, time does flow differently here than it does in Equestria.” Twilight did some math in her head. “That means the portal will close tomorrow night, give or take a few hours.”
“There's... one of me over there?” Flash asked.
Twilight nodded. “It seems like that, for every pony I know in Equestria, there's a human counterpart here. For instance, Principal Celestia is this world's counterpart for our Princess Celestia.”
Flash shook his head. “This is so weird.”
“The only one here I can't think of a counterpart for is Sunset, but I may not have met her in my world. I don't know everyone in Equestria.”
“Maybe it's a sign.”
“You think she's the thief?”
“Well, I have no evidence to prove it, and it certainly doesn't seem like something she'd do. She keeps her hands clean.” Flash decided to change the subject. “So, if you're a unicorn, that means you can do magic, right? Are all of you like that?”
“Oh no! Some of us are unicorns, yes, but there's three other types of pony.” Twilight began to explain the differences between the races of pony in great detail as Flash tried very hard to listen. Spike reached up and tugged on Twilight's shirt. “Hm? Oh, sorry. I guess I got a little too in-depth.” She smiled awkwardly.
Flash chuckled. “And the me on the other side? What's he like?”
Twilight blushed. “I, uh, never really got a chance to talk to him much. He's the Captain of the Royal Guard, and he seems like he takes his job very seriously.”
“Now that sounds great. You know, when you're not being attacked by bug monsters or cloaked thieves.” Flash turned the car into a driveway. “We're here, by the way.”
It was a ranch-style house, single floor with blue aluminum siding and a handful of windows. A brick walkway led to the front porch, lined by a small garden with a variety of flowers and some bushes closer to the house. Flash walked Twilight to the front door, a wooden door with an oval window in the middle. Flash held the door open for Twilight. “After you, Princess.”
“You don't have to call me that.” Twilight stepped inside, Spike bounding ahead.
“Just making a joke,” Flash replied with a smile.
“Oh! I knew that.”
“There's a bathroom down this hall with a shower, if you want to use that. I can wash your clothes while you're in the shower, and dig up something for Spike,” Flash said, gesturing down a carpeted hallway.
Twilight blushed and fidgeted. “This is really nice of you. I was really just expecting someplace to sleep.”
“It's nothing, really. There's no point in offering for you to stay in my house if I'm not going to let you use it.”
“Well, thanks.” With that, Twilight headed for the shower.
Flash looked down at Spike. “So, you're really a dragon.”
“Yup.”
“Should I get a cow, or-”
“Usually I eat gemstones.”
“I have some cold cuts in the fridge.”
“That works.”

~

Twilight emerged from the bathroom wearing a pair of sweatpants and a T shirt. An unfamiliar smell greeted her, which she followed to find Flash putting some large, flat boxes on the white tiled counter. “What are those?”
“Yeah, dinner had a problem, so I ordered pizza. I got a vegetarian one. I hope it's okay. If not, I'll try again.” Flash opened the boxes, steam coming off the pizzas.
“I've never had pizza before.” Twilight grabbed a slice and slid it onto a plate, Flash taking two.
“A delicacy from the human world, very popular among people my age,” Flash said as the two sat down. His television was playing a documentary on an old war. Flash reached for the remote. “Do you want to watch something else?”
Twilight was already watching the documentary with great interest. “Oh no, this is great! There's so much here I haven't learned about yet, and I don't think I ever will. I want to learn all I can before I go back.”
“Fair enough, I guess.” Flash put the remote down. “You're all about learning, aren't you?”
“As much as I can. I've wanted to read and learn since I was little. I did it so much that I never really worried about having friends until Princess Celestia told me to, and at first, I only did it because she said to.”
“And now?”
“I can't believe I didn't do it sooner. I've learned so much from them that no book could have shown me, and we've been together for so long and done so much, I can't imagine where I'd be without them.”
“Ever had any room for boys?”
Twilight blushed. “I never really thought about it much. I've read books and everything, but...”
Flash chuckled nervously. “It's no big deal. It really depends on they guy you find. If you get a guy who's a complete jerk, it can be horrible. Other people find the right person on their first try. The rest of us fall into the middle, and just have to keep looking before we find that special someone.”
“Do you think you'll ever find yours?”
It was Flash's turn to blush. “I hope so.”
Suddenly, Twilight leaned over and kissed Flash on the cheek. He turned to look at her, eyes widened in surprise. 
“Sorry. It just felt... right.”
“I wasn't complaining.” Flash smiled. He put his arm around Twilight. She rested her head on his shoulder as they returned their attention to the documentary.
> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Flash and Twilight arrived together the next morning, Twilight back in her regular clothes. The two chatted as they walked up to the school. Fluttershy was at the entrance, handing out some kind of flyer. The two approached as Fluttershy tried to hand one to Trixie.
“Twilight's actually really nice, and I was hoping-” Fluttershy started.
“Oh please, I'm not voting for that goody two shoes. I'd sooner vote for Sunset.”
“O-okay.”
“Besides, I have a rehearsal tonight. What's it to me that some bookworm gets to be a princess of a high school when I could be a world-famous star?”
“Sorry to bother you,” Fluttershy mumbled as Trixie left. She perked up when she saw Flash and Twilight approach.
“I thought you'd be handing out some flyer for the animal shelter,” Flash said.
“Well, I thought about it, and I decided that if I can find the courage to stand up for animals, then I can do the same for a friend. Some people said they'd vote for you when I told them what you did for me.”
Twilight smiled. “Thanks, Fluttershy. I know how hard it must have been.”
A commotion broke out at the top of the steps. The trio turned to see Trixie backing away from a positively livid Sunset. “I don't know what you're talking about! I just got here!”
“Then where are those idiot freshmen that follow you around? Did you tell them to destroy the gym?” Sunset kept walking, backing Trixie down the steps. 
“I don't know where they are! Do I look like their keeper?”
Sunset grabbed Trixie by her shirt and brought her close. “Do I LOOK like I'm in the mood for your attitude?”
“I don't know where they are, I swear! I don't even know why you're so mad!”
“Sunset, calm down and let go of Trixie. What happened?” Twilight asked.
Sunset took a deep breath and released Trixie, who fell, then turned to Twilight. “SOMEONE destroyed the decorations for the Fall Formal. And I think this little nuisance is behind it.”
“We just saw her arrive. We should find evidence that she was even involved before we make accusations,” Twilight said. Fluttershy moved to help Trixie up.
“What do you think I'm doing here?”
“You can't get answers out of people by threatening them!” 
Sunset sighed. “It's called 'interrogation,' Twilight, and it's a very effective way to get answers out of reluctant people, I've found. People like Trixie don't just give you the answers you want because you ask nicely.”
“Have you tried?”
Sunset stepped closer to Twilight, scowling. “You assume I haven't tried to be kind to her before. It was thrown back in my face. I do NOT extend the same courtesy twice.”
“Girls, how about we both take a step back and breathe for a minute.” Flash said, stepping forward. “Let's look at this rationally.”
“Um, may I interrupt?” Sunset rolled her eyes and stepped back as the others turned their attention to Fluttershy. “I don't think Trixie was responsible. Wouldn't wrecking the gym get her expelled with her record?”
“She's got a point. Maybe Snips and Snails acted on their own?” Flash said.
“Which brings us back to finding out where they are right now,” Sunset recited, annoyed.
“One of them had the bright idea to frame Twilight for something, but I told them not to do anything too harsh. They probably got carried away with whatever it is. They're always eager to impress me, and can you blame them?” Trixie spoke up.
“So they probably did destroy the gym, thinking they'd try to frame me for that,” Twilight said. “And since we don't know where they are, we tell the principal if she doesn't already know, and get them into her office. She can find out from there. Flash, how would someone frame me for destroying the Fall Formal?”
“Probably take pictures and try to replace them with you in it. I'll check the computer labs and the library for any clippings or photos they left behind and give them to the principal.” Flash left to see to his task.
Before Twilight could speak again, Sunset whirled around and left. “Okay, I guess she's going for the principal.” Twilight turned to Trixie. “Is there anything else you can tell us?”
“I usually meet them out here, but they must either be late or inside. They're not too bright. Oh, by the way,” Trixie said, shaking off Fluttershy, “this doesn't make us friends. At all. Okay?” She started to walk away, then stopped and looked back at Twilight and Fluttershy. “But thanks for having my back.”
Twilight and Fluttershy watched Trixie walk away, only then becoming aware that they had an audience. Applejack approached the two. “Told ya she was hidin' somethin'.”
“I've never seen Sunset like that before,” Fluttershy said. “Usually she's so much nicer.”
“Indeed. It's like she was someone else.” Rarity approached, Rainbow Dash following.
“So, what's going to happen to the dance now?” Twilight asked.
“Principal Celestia was just on the PA, saying it was delayed.”
“Oh no. No no no no no! It has to happen tonight!”
“What's got you all worked up?” Rainbow Dash asked.
Twilight took a breath, then motioned for the others to follow her. Spike poked his head out of Twilight's backpack when they reached a tree well off to the side of the school. “I haven't been entirely honest with you guys, either. The truth is, I'm not from this world.” Spike leapt to the ground as Twilight began to explain who she was and why she was there.
“It's true, every word,” Spike said. “Flash found out last night when he overheard us talking.”
The other four girls simply stared at Twilight. Rainbow Dash was the first to speak. “Okay, what? You're a magic pony? For real?”
Twilight nodded. “There's even counterparts to each of you on the other side. It's how I knew your names without having met you.”
“So, we're just like these other ponies?” Applejack asked.
“Well, mostly. I mean, you've grown up differently than the ponies I know, so you're going to be different from them in some ways. But deep down, you have the same values that made me friends with your counterparts back home.”
“How cool is my pony version?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“The fastest flier in Equestria. You even have a fan club.”
Rainbow Dash mouthed the word “nice” as she nodded her head. 
“What about mine?” Rarity asked next.
“You own your own boutique and have had many successful commissions from very important ponies. In fact, you've become something of a big name in the big cities, but it never dampened your generous spirit.”
Rarity squealed in delight.
The others asked about themselves, and Twilight explained. “Like I said, deep down, you share the same values as my friends back home, but you're still yourselves. I'm glad I met all of you, and I hope you can forgive me for lying to you all this time.”
Everyone was silent for a moment. Finally, Applejack spoke up. “Shoot, I guess I can understand. If your dog didn't talk, I'd say you were crazy.”
“If other me trusts you, I can. Besides, being a pony doesn't change what happened in our game yesterday,” Rainbow Dash added.
“Me too. You've already shown us who you are, and that's someone with a kind heart,” Fluttershy said.
“As if I could say no to a princess. And even if you weren't, I'd still support you,” Rarity said, smiling.
Twilight smiled back. “All right. The dance has to happen tonight, so we need to get the gym fixed up by then. If all six of us work together, we might be able to pull it off. And we'll have to get Pinkie up to speed on all of this.”
The others nodded, and they all headed for the gym.

~

Twilight and the others entered the ruined gym, Pinkie Pie curled up in the middle of it all. Twilight stepped forward as the others looked around. She knelt next to Pinkie. “Are you okay?”
Pinkie's only response was a sniffle. Her usually curly hair was completely straight. 
Twilight frowned. “Look, I brought the others. We can fix all this, and we could really use your help.”
Pinkie sat up. “Others?”
Twilight gestured behind her, showing her friends. They all waved. 
Pinkie sprang up with a squeal of glee, her hair poofing back to its usual style. “But even with all of you, this is going to take all day.”
“Well, we have to try. Maybe if others see what we're doing, they'll lend a hand.”
“Okie dokie lokie! Let's get started!” 
“Before we start, there's one thing we have to get through first.” Twilight briefly explained what she had told the others, including her counterpart.
Pinkie was silent for a moment. “Wow. I have GOT to meet the other me. Between the two of us, we could have the best, most awesome party anyone's ever seen!”
“Well, let's start by fixing the gym up first.”
The six of them moved about the gym, sweeping up the dirt and destroyed items, repairing what they could. As they worked, students who had a free period, or even a few minutes to spare, would enter and volunteer their services, which Pinkie was glad to accept. Flash arrived as well, and stayed for the duration. By the time the lunch bell rang, the gym had returned to a usable state and the cleanup crew had grown to twenty students. 
Principal Celestia walked by and saw the progress, then entered the gym. “All of you did this? I'm impressed.”
Applejack finished unfolding a new folding table. “Yep. It was Twilight's idea.”
Celestia nodded. “Well, it looks like the dance can happen tonight, as scheduled. Great work, everyone!”
A cheer went up from the students at the announcement. Behind the crowd, Spike and Twilight high-fived. And behind the principal, Sunset looked into the gym and smiled. 
As the students cheered, Flash approached Twilight. “So, since the dance is back on, I guess we should find someone to go with. Did you want to be my date?”
Twilight blushed. “Sure. That sounds great.”
> Chapter 7
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The hours in between the cleanup and the dance passed swiftly. Flash and Twilight arrived together, followed by Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. Flash wore a dark blue suit with a yellow tie and white shirt, Twilight wearing a dark blue dress with a light blue hem and star decorations, her arm looped through his. Pinkie wore predominantly white dress with blue and pink highlights, Fluttershy in a green dress with straps modeled after vines and decorated in flowers,  Rainbow Dash in a form-fitting strapless rainbow dress, and Applejack in a somewhat more modest version of Rainbow's dress, colored green with brown trim. Everyone filed into the gym, clad in suits or dresses, as their tastes dictated. 
Twilight looked around. “It's like I'm at the Gala all over again.”
“Gala?” Flash asked.
“It's a fancy dinner party back in Equestria. The last time my friends and I went, it was... exciting, to say the least.”
Flash chuckled. 
Principal Celestia stepped onto the stage, wearing a flowing blue dress with golden trims and called for everyone's attention. Once she had it, she began to speak. “As I'm sure you all know, we almost didn't have this dance tonight. But thanks to all of you, here we are. I can't tell you how proud I am of everyone who helped.”
Rarity looked around. “Where's Sunset?”
“Why?” Twilight replied.
“She always attends these. I don't see her.”
“Maybe she didn't want to come, knowing she lost,” Rainbow Dash replied.
“Putting the dress I made for her to waste.”
Celestia continued. “I think it's time we crowned our Princess.” An aide walked up to Celestia and handed over an envelope. “It w as quite close this year, but we do have a winner. And our winner is,” Celestia opened the envelope, “Twilight Sparkle!”

Sunset drummed her fingers on the table idly as she watched Twilight squeal with glee at being crowned Princess, watched her approach and bear the crown that held the key to Sunset's escape. A small smile formed on her face. Sunset was now clad in shimmering white robes with gold trim, with golden leather bracers and knee high boots, intricate designs covering them. An ornate golden amulet sat around her neck, bearing a ruby and topaz sun insignia. 
She glanced at a computer screen showing a variety of readouts, all green. She returned her attention to the video feed from the dance, watching Twilight do some idiotic dance on her hands and knees, which Flash joined in on. “A shame your victory celebration has to be cut short so soon, Twilight. Oh well. My people have been without their god long enough.”
Sunset got up and pulled a lever on a nearby wall. Generators powered up as the room was bathed in orange light.

Twilight stood with Flash near the punch bowl. “Well, that was fun,” Flash said. “I don't think I've danced like that since I was five.”
“I never said I was a good dancer.” Twilight replied. She reached up and felt her crown.
Flash followed the motion. “I guess that means you'll be going home soon.”
Twilight frowned and nodded. “I won't forget this, though. You've been amazing, you really have. You're going to make a girl here very happy.”
Flash was about to respond when orange light flashed through the room. Suddenly, he felt like something was drilling a hole in his chest. He clutched at the spot, noticing briefly that others were doing the same.
“Flash? Are you okay?” Twilight reached forward when the same sensation hit her, but rapidly moved to her head. People started screaming as a second orange light flashed through the gym. A third flash followed swiftly, followed by the most intense pain Twilight had ever felt, as though every nerve in her body had been set on fire, followed swiftly by blackness.

Sunset strode through the empty halls of the school, smiling. Just about everything had gone to plan. Trixie's ego focusing on Twilight, and even Twilight had played right into her hands, thanks to their shared goal. Well, formerly shared, now. She strode into the gym, spotting a handful of bodies among the piles of ash and clothing. She spotted Twilight's prone form near one of the tables, crown resting near her head. 
Sunset plucked it from the floor. “I suppose your soul was more resilient than I anticipated. Oh well.” 
She strode from the room and to the statue outside, the gateway out. She placed the crown on her head, felt its power flow into her, and swiftly out, recognizing she was not its owner. “Oh no you don't. You belong to ME now,” Sunset declared, drawing its energy into herself. Violet flames leapt to life around her hands, and she plunged them into the portal hidden in the statue. She felt the portal resist her, but the crown gave her enough energy to overcome it. She focused on the ponies of her home, and began to pull the portal open.

“Twilight! Wake up! Please, wake up! Oh Celestia, please don't be dead! Please, you have to get up!” Spike tugged at Twilight until he saw her stir. He breathed a sigh of relief. “Okay, I don't know what happened, but you've got to get up! Sunset has your crown!”
“Wha-?” Twilight slowly sat up, piecing together what happened. She was talking with Flash, then there was orange light, then... nothing. “Sunset has my crown?”
“She walked in and grabbed it! When I saw the orange flash through the whole school, I ran inside, saw her grab your crown, then head outside. She's doing something to it and the portal, and we've got to stop her! There's even some weird robot monsters gathering outside!”
“So she was the thief.” Twilight cursed herself for being so blind. She looked around for her friends and saw them laying prone as well, but stirring. A terrible thought occurred to her, and she turned to where Flash was standing earlier to see nothing but a blue suit and yellow tie covered in ashes. “Oh no...” She crawled over to his remains, tears flowing freely. She began to sob as she knelt.
“Did I drink too much or something?” a familiar voice said from elsewhere. Spike turned to see Applejack slowly sitting up. The others were following suit. Fluttershy gasped as she looked around and saw what had happened.
“What happened to everyone?” Rainbow Dash asked, standing.
Spike bounded up and explained briefly.
“I KNEW IT! I knew she was hidin' somethin'!” Applejack shouted. “Wait, where's Apple Bloom?”
“Wh-where did everyone go?” Pinkie asked timidly.
Rarity answered her. “Ash. Everyone's been turned to ash...”
“Sunset did all this? How? I don't-” Fluttershy started.
“Who cares how?! We know she did it, and she's got to pay!” Rainbow Dash shouted.
“No.” Twilight rubbed her eyes and stood. “Not you. I never thought... I can't ask you to face her. You should go and find someplace safe.”
“No way.” Applejack stepped forward, wiping tears from her eyes. “I had friends in here, too. Heck, even my little sister was here! There is no way I'm leaving without puttin' boots to the little witch that's responsible!”
“Everything she's done here, all of her generosity and kindness, it was all a ploy to get us to trust her, just so she could betray us.” Rarity stepped forward. “I'm not as rough and tumble as Applejack, but I'm going to help too. I'm just glad Sweetie Belle was too sick to come tonight.”
Pinkie Pie stepped forward, wiping tears from her eyes. “I'm helping too. She made a promise to all of us, and then she broke it. Nobody should ever break their promises, especially not like this.”
Rainbow Dash stepped forward as well. “I'm with Applejack. Sunset needs to pay for this.”
Even Fluttershy stepped up. “I don't know how much help I'll be, but I'm coming too.”
Twilight felt herself tearing up again, and smiled. “Thank you. All of you. I don't know how we'll do it, though. I haven't figured out how magic works here.”
“Let's start by getting the crown from her,” Spike suggested.
The group nodded, and headed outside. Once they cleared the front doors, they were immediately spotted by metal constructs in the shape of mythical creatures. Several slithered around on long serpentine bodies with arms tipped in a trio of long, vicious looking blades, others in the form of centaurs carried strange-looking halberds. Even chimeras stalked the area, snake tails whipping back and forth like a predator about to strike, yellow light escaping from between its teeth. Beyond them all sat the maelstrom of magic that was Sunset. 
Two of the serpentine machines attacked, scattering the group. Twilight saw a straight path to Sunset, and ran as fast as she could, narrowly dodging a centaur's crashing hooves. As she rose to continue running, one of the serpent robots swatted her away with its tail. She landed in front of a chimera. She rolled away, the chimera's teeth catching at her dress.
As the chimera made to lunge, it stopped and turned its attention to something else. Twilight rolled away and looked to see Sunset on the ground, a soccer ball and the crown nearby. Twilight bolted for the crown, but Rarity grabbed it and tossed it to her. 
Twilight caught the crown as the other five formed up around her. She placed the crown on her head, which filled her with energy as her vision went white. It cleared quickly, and Twilight could feel magic coursing through her once more. She looked around and saw that she and her friends were no longer in their dresses, but in form-fitting uniforms. Twilight was in purple with magenta trim, Applejack in orange with green trim, Fluttershy in yellow with pink trim, Rainbow Dash in blue with rainbow trim, Pinkie in pink with yellow and blue trim, Rarity in white with violet trim.
Sunset stood as they examined their new outfits. She raised her hand, and the machines stopped. “It occurs to me that we have never been properly introduced, so allow me to do it now,” her arms spread wide as she spoke, “I am Her Divine Majesty, the God-Empress Sunset Shimmer, ruler of the Solari Covenant, an empire you have never heard of, and if you are wise, will never hear from again.” Sunset pointed at Twilight. “And you, little Twilight, have no understanding of what is happening here.”
Twilight focused on Sunset. “I understand you've murdered this entire school so you can take over the world. And I know I won't let you do it!”
Sunset laughed. “I admit, when I first came here, this whole world could have burned for all I cared. But, over the cycles, I've grown a bit attached to these humans, much the way I'd grow fond of a stray dog begging me for shelter day after day. That's why I did all this; a gift to those who have been good little pets for so long, they can now serve me for eternity as part of the mightiest army my world has ever seen. In the end, though, all that matters is my return home. This world is nothing otherwise.”
“Then why? What possible reason did you have for wanting the crown?”
“You are not the only one not from this world. I came from another alternate reality, deposited here by a noble I thought I could trust. I'll spare you the details. All I want, all I have ever wanted since I came here, is to go home. To my people. Not a single night passes that I don't worry what that heretic is doing to them, pretending he speaks with my voice. I'd wager my kingdom has fallen to civil war, my faithful children against the heretic's brainwashed followers!” Sunset took a moment to calm herself. “That portal you entered through is the only way out I have ever found, but it has a caveat: It does not open to the same dimension twice. It has yet to open to mine, and it may be thousands more cycles before it does. Do you understand? Once this portal closes, you and I both will be trapped here, forced to relive the same three years of this school, my hell for so many cycles I no longer bother to count.”
“What does this have to do with anything?” Applejack shouted.
“Come on, let's get her!” Rainbow Dash spoke up as well.
Sunset glared at both of them. “As though either of you would survive the encounter. I am a GOD, you little insects.”
“What does my crown have to do with this?” Twilight asked.
“I found a way to force it to open to my home. Unfortunately, I lack the magical force to hold the gateway open long enough for me to pass through. If the portal closed on me while I was still between dimensions, I would be trapped. I have searched the other dimensions it opened to for an artifact that would aid me in such a task, one that would not simultaneously try to enslave my own mind. Your crown is exactly what I was looking for.” Sunset held out her hand. “And so, I make you this offer, Twilight Sparkle: Give me the crown and return to your world. I will not stop you, and you will never hear from me again, I assure you.”
“Never.”
Sunset sighed. “So be it.” She turned her palm to face Twilight and fired a magic blast that threw her into the school. She teleported into the school in pursuit and spied Twilight buried in lockers and debris from the wall of the school. She spoke as Twilight pushed it off of her. “Decades, Twilight. Entire decades have passed. You and I both know that time flows differently between dimensions, so my people could have been without me for CENTURIES. I will not endure this torment another cycle, not another MOMENT! I will have your crown, I will go home, and I will not allow some self-righteous pony princess to stand in my way!”
Sunset moved to strike with a magic sword she conjured. Twilight fired a blast of magic that struck dead center, blasting Sunset back. “Your people are better off without you, if this is how you treat them!”
With a snarl, Sunset lunged and caught Twilight with a powerful right hook that sent her through a wall. “I am over eight hundred years old. I have forgotten more about combat than you will ever learn.”
“A shame you'll never know anything about friendship.” Twilight fired a few quick blasts of magic, which Sunset deflected before Twilight pulled a locker into Sunset's back.
Sunset threw the locker off of her, deflected Twilight's energized punch, and seized her by the throat. “And what happens when even your friends can't help? That is my story; friends, family, even lovers all fallen to the implacable forces of destiny. I was even forced to marry the stallion that murdered my own brother before I decided to change my destiny, and that of my people. By my hand, I turned a nation on the brink of extinction into a holy power no mortal dares challenge!”
“You're no god, just a monster!”
“Sometimes, the only way to fight monsters is to become an even bigger one. But if that is what will keep my people safe, then I will embrace my role.”
Twilight sent a surge of energy through her body and outward, releasing Sunset's grip on her. “The only thing a monster can do is destroy.”
Sunset shook her hand in pain. “You know nothing.” She lunged again, which Twilight sidestepped and moved to strike back to find Sunset had gone. Something grabbed her hair and began to swing her around rapidly and throw her through several walls and into the library.
Twilight could already feel the wounds piling up. Energy flowed through her again, either dulling the pain or healing the wounds, Twilight couldn't tell which. Sunset appeared again. Twilight spied a table on the second floor, grabbed it with her magic, and drove it into Sunset's back, snapping it. Sunset struggled to her feet, then teleported away. Twilight heard the sound of the destination behind her and spun just in time to catch Sunset's fist in her face. Twilight recovered and focused another blast of magic at Sunset.
Sunset swatted the blast away and returned with several of her own, forcing Twilight to teleport away. Sunset conjured a set of glowing teal throwing knives and launched them at Twilight's destination, who only barely managed to create a shield to block them in time. Before Sunset could move, Twilight sent her own magic back, and the two traded energy blasts for a time and incinerating several bookshelves before Sunset caught Twilight with an uppercut that launched her through the roof. 
Twilight attempted to gain control of herself in the air and managed only to slow her descent back into the rooftop. Sunset rocketed through a moment later, balls of teal energy like two tiny suns in her hands. Sunset fired, Twilight focusing her own energy blast to meet hers. It took all of Twilight's focus to hold back Sunset's destructive energy.
Twilight suddenly felt the burden of focus lift from her. She looked to find Sunset had vanished, then realized she had teleported when Sunset kicked her back down through the roof.

“Twilight!” was all Rarity could manage as teal energy lanced from Sunset's palm and blasted her friend through what had to be half the school. 
The machines began to move again as Sunset vanished, pressing the group together. “So, uh, anyone besides me know any martial arts?” Rainbow Dash asked nervously.
“I was in that class with you for a while,” Applejack replied, fists up.
“I took a self defense course once,” Rarity replied.
“Great. This'll go well.”
“I ain't going down without a fight!” Applejack swung at a lunging manticore and punched clean through its face. She pulled her fist out as the manticore stumbled back. “Wait, what?”
One of the serpent robots lunged at Rainbow Dash, who managed to dodge it more quickly than she had ever been before. She did it several times more in succession. “Oh this is just awesome! Super speed!”
A chimera charged at Rarity, who held her hands out in a weak defense. A giant blue sewing needle appeared and launched itself from Rarity's palms, impaling the machine, but not stopping it. It lunged again, and this time, Rarity held out her hand and thought of a pair of scissors, which appeared and cut the chimera's tail off. The machine fell, and as it tried to rise, Rarity impaled its final head on another needle, shutting the machine down. “Take that, you ruffian!”
Pinkie tried several things, but none of them worked to give her super powers. She did, however, find a large pink rocket launcher strapped to her back, labeled, “Party Cannon.” She pulled it off and fired at one of the centaurs, which exploded in fire and shrapnel. “Ooooh, pretty. I wish it was confetti, though.”
Fluttershy was cornered by one of the serpent machines, its blades glistening in the moonlight. She heard noises coming from the school, no doubt caused by Twilight and Sunset's duel. Just for a second, she wished she had some kind of power, too, something to help her friends, like the ability to become a ferocious tiger. She felt her body shift in response to her wish, and found the mind of a predator taking over. All it saw was prey in front of it, and it lunged, razor sharp claws slicing through the metal and circuitry like paper. She caught a glimpse of herself in the reflection of the metal, and saw she had turned into the very thing she wished for, a tiger. She lunged at another machine.
Rainbow Dash zipped between machines, attracting their attention while Applejack pounded them into scrap. Pinkie fired at ranged targets, Rarity elegantly dispatching others, and Fluttershy the yellow and pink striped tiger treating it all as one big hunt. “There is no way we don't have this in the bag,” Rainbow said. Her hope faded as more of the machines appeared.

Spike watched as Twilight was blasted away and the others discovered the powers the Element of Magic must have given them. He had seen the Elements do whatever the situation called for before, so now seemed to make perfect sense with just one of them. He resolved himself to go find and help Twilight when the new machines appeared. “Okay, if this keeps up, they're going to get overwhelmed. I've got to find out where they're coming from and stop it.”
Spike ran inside and immediately heard the sounds of Twilight's battle with Sunset as they tore the school apart with their magic. He bit his lip and looked around. Something silver slithered down a distant hallway. He charged down the hallway, following where the machine came from. “Okay, Sunset had this hidden from everybody this whole time. Where's a good place to hide stuff for a long time?” He thought for a moment as something collapsed in the classroom next to him.
He peeked through the door, now off one of its hinges and saw Twilight quickly conjure a shield to protect herself from the desk Sunset had just thrown at her. After a few traded blows, Sunset managed to backhand Twilight into a wall. A vicious looking teal sword snapped into existence in her hand as she made ready to impale the recovering Twilight. He ran inside and bit Sunset's calf, forcing her to stop as she cried out.
Twilight recovered enough to blast Sunset into another wall, detaching Spike. Before either could say anything, Sunset rose and, with a roar, retaliated with a conjured javelin that Twilight barely managed to teleport away from. It disappeared shortly after it embedded itself in the wall. The duel resumed, Spike remembered his task and ran off to find the device that was spawning the machines.
“Okay, it's got to be in the basement. There's not a whole lot of places here that the students wouldn't have seen something.” Another glint of metal caught his eye, and he turned to see a centaur materialize in front of a door. He ran up to it after the centaur left and saw it was labeled, “Basement, Staff Only.”
Fortunately, the door was unlocked, and Spike hopped down the stairs. Lights lit up just about every surface in the room, most of them orange. He scanned the room and saw another door, one that definitely didn't belong to the school. “Must have had some kind of illusion spell on it, or a janitor would have noticed.” He tried to open it but found it locked. “Great.” He turned and saw stacks of boxes that looked like the computers in the library, but with no monitor. “I bet those are important.”
He leaped up to the top of them via other objects, and began to push to knock them down. As each one fell, lights turned off or turned red. “Red. That's probably bad for this thing. That means I should keep doing it!” He looked around and saw a laptop sitting on a table with a lever not far from it.
Spike tried the lever first, which he found to be fastened in place now. He turned to the laptop, didn't see anything helpful, and began to look around again. Something hit with enough force to shake the school, and a gray box on the wall came open. Spike peered inside and saw a lot of switches, none of them labeled. “Maybe one of these does something.” Spike began to flip switches until all of the lights in the room died at once. Something behind the locked door began to wind down.
Spike ran and checked the laptop. Everything it was monitoring had turned red, each giving an error of power loss. He smiled to himself. “Spike saves the day again!”

Twilight had stopped holding back after Spike saved her. She was becoming exhausted, though. Every spell Twilight knew, Sunset seemed to know too, and more. She noticed Sunset using some kind of spell to enhance her own physical strength greatly, and Twilight tried it now when she bucked Sunset through half the school and out into the parking lot.
Twilight stepped out and barely dodged an incoming car from the sky. She looked to see Sunset hovering in the air with the entire parking lot suspended around her. Twilight dodged as each of the cars came rocketing towards her, then charged for Sunset. She managed to fly straight at Sunset, tackling her out of midair and landing the two of them on the roof. Twilight got to her feet unsteadily, too late, as Sunset landed a kick into her midsection that sent her skidding across the roof. 
Sunset wiped the back of her hand across her mouth, idly noticing that it came with blood as she approached Twilight. Twilight did the same with her sleeve, then launched herself at Sunset, energy forming in her hands. Sunset moved to block the expected attack, but Twilight stopped short, closed her eyes, and detonated the energy in her hand, blinding Sunset. 
As Sunset recoiled, Twilight took a moment to catch her breath, then channeled the strength enhancing spell and began to punch as hard as she could. With each hit that connected, it sounded like a thunderclap, Sunset stepping backward with the force of each blow. Twilight only got a few punches in before Sunset grabbed one of Twilight's incoming fists, responded with one of her own into Twilight's gut, then flew into the air and threw Twilight back down into the school.

The battle outside raged for what felt like hours to Rainbow Dash, but she wasn't sure if that was her new found speed, exhaustion, or the wounds setting in. She used a blade she had picked up from one of the serpent machines and stabbed another chimera with it. A few needles from Rarity and it fell. She spun, looking for more of them, but there were none. She relaxed a bit, seeing that everyone's new uniforms bore a number of scorch marks, slashes, and other wounds. “So, that's it?”
Applejack crushed the head of one of the centaurs. “Looks like it.”
“Well then, we should go find Twilight. Sounds intense in there.”
The group gathered and moved to go inside until Twilight's body came flying out of the remains of the front doors, crashing to a rest at the foot of the portal. She didn't move. Sunset followed shortly thereafter, scowling, bleeding, and sporting multiple scorch marks.
Rainbow Dash knelt next to Twilight and saw that she was still breathing. “Don't worry, we've got this now. You take five.” She rushed at Sunset, the others not far behind.
Sunset dodged Rainbow Dash's lunge with the blade, seized her wrist, and drove her elbow into Dash's forearm, and was rewarded with the sound of bones breaking. The same elbow found its way into her face, knocking her back. She ducked Applejack's kick and hit Fluttershy with one of her own, knocking loose one of her fangs. Sunset and Applejack traded a few blows before Applejack caught the heel of Sunset's palm with her nose, followed by a heavy kick to her midsection that sent her flying. She leapt over Fluttershy's next lunge and stomped on her tail, seized it with her magic, and flung the tiger into a tree. Pinkie's answering rocket almost caught Sunset, but she dodged and fired a blast of magic that sent Pinkie ducking for cover. She looked at Rarity. “Nothing from you?”
Rarity fiddled with her hands. “No, I like my face arranged the way it is, thank you.”
“Good. It's such a pretty face,” Sunset replied before a glowing blue scarf wrapped itself around her head. She tore at it and caught a blast of energy in her gut, launching her into the school again.
Twilight struggled to stand as Rarity helped her up. “Are you all right? You look dreadful,” Rarity asked.
“I feel dreadful. I don't think I can keep up anymore. I've fought powerful beings before, but this...” Twilight replied between breaths.
“Don't worry, we're here now,” Rainbow Dash said, clutching her arm.
“For all the good that does,” Applejack said. “Feels like I got hit by a semi.”
Fluttershy, now human, and Pinkie Pie approached. “Don't worry, girls, as long as we stick together, we can do this!”
“I told you this wouldn't be easy,” Twilight said.
“And I told you she killed my sister. I'm not giving up until she takes me next or I get her,” Applejack said.
“ENOUGH!” Sunset roared, storming from the front door once more. “This ends now!” Her hands crackled with energy and took the shape of two swords as she charged.
“This is it. Thank you, all of you, for standing by me,” Twilight said, feeling a familiar energy fill her. She noticed the others begin to glow their colors. She knew this energy, the energy of the Elements of Harmony, but it felt... off, like two puzzle pieces that didn't fit together just right. Her suspicions were confirmed when the beam fired from her element, and was only varying shades of purple.
It struck home, stopping Sunset in her tracks. She braced herself for another magic blast, but felt nothing from this one. “Is this it? This is your final push?” Laughter rose in Sunset's throat as she made to approach, but found she couldn't mover her foot. She looked down to see her legs turning to stone. Her mirth was swiftly replaced with rage.
Sunset called upon every ounce of magic she could to resist the effect, and managed to wrench her leg free of the stone spell. She did this repeatedly, each step taking her closer to Twilight. If I can just kill her, I can stop this! I WILL NOT BE DENIED! Despite her best efforts, the effect was outpacing her ability to resist it. Her rage slowly turned itself into desperation as she called upon even deeper reserves, some she didn't even know she had.
New strength welled within her as she wrenched an arm free of the stone, but she still couldn't fully resist it. She pointed at Twilight, her eyes glowing gold. “You think this will hold me!? The cycle will start over, and when it does, all that you have done will be undone! I will be free of this prison, and when I am, I will find you! Do you hear me, Twilight?! I WILL FIND YOU!”
Stone enveloped Sunset's mouth, freezing her in her posture of defiance. It was the last thing Twilight saw.
> Chapter 8
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight awoke with a start, tossing Spike from her bed and causing Rainbow Dash to fumble the Daring Do book she was holding, her breathing rapid and the imagery from her duel still vivid.
Rainbow Dash caught the book and put it down. “Thank Celestia you're okay! Not that I was worried or anything, but everypony else was.” Rainbow Dash poked her head out the door and said something to someone outside, giving Twilight a moment to catch her breath.
Her friends all arrived in short order, even Princess Celestia following behind. All but the princess came up to her at once, expressing their concerns and hugging her. Twinges of pain lanced through her as they did so.
“Now, now, let's give her some room to breathe. Twilight has been through a lot,” the princess said.
“The crown...” Twilight breathed.
“Safe. Spike brought you and it back through the portal,” Celestia replied. She sat, and the others followed. “The two of you looked like you went through quite the ordeal.”
Twilight relaxed a little. She was home, the crown safe, along with Equestria. One fear still nagged at her, and her final words to Twilight. “The tear?”
“Closed.”
Twilight visibly relaxed. Sunset was safe, behind closed doors. “Thank goodness.”
“What happened over there? Flash told us that Spike said everything was fine,” Rarity asked.
Twilight took a breath and explained everything; the school, the other world, the counterparts to her friends, and Sunset. When she finished, the room was silent.
“Wow. I got a party cannon that blew stuff up!” Pinkie exclaimed.
“Not now, Pinkie,” Applejack said.
“Just trying to lighten the mood.”
Twilight looked at Celestia. “She said she was over eight hundred years old, and her skill with magic... Even Chrysalis with the surge from the comet wasn't that strong.”
“Oh, don't worry. If this Sunset Shimmer thinks she can beat up our friend, she's got another thing coming!” Rainbow Dash said. Her friends nodded in agreement. 
“Thank you, everyo- pony. I think I'd like to be alone for a while, though. I still feel exhausted.”
“Slept for a week and she's still tired. I thought RD was lazy,” Applejack said with a smile, catching a nudge from said pony in the ribs.
“If you need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to ask,” Rarity added. 
Twilight giggled as they left. Only Celestia remained, and closed the door behind them. “Are you really okay?” she asked her student, approaching her bedside.
Twilight took a breath and shook her head. “I just... Every villain we've beaten, every threat we've stopped, we've saved everypony. Chrysalis was banished, Sombra was destroyed, Luna redeemed, and even Discord is- well, he's not actively trying to hurt us. Sunset took dozens of lives in an instant,” an image of Flash came unbidden to her mind, “and she didn't care. I... I couldn't save them.” Tears formed in her eyes. “How can I be a princess and lead if I can't protect those I'm trying to save?”
Celestia wrapped Twilight in her wings and hugged her. “I asked myself the same question after I banished Luna. How could I protect the lives of so many when I couldn't even save my sister from herself?”
“But you kept going.”
“I did. I had no choice. I resolved to do my best to keep the ponies under my care safe, but I knew I couldn't save them all. Equestria couldn't be protected by one pony, so I relied on my friends to help me. And thanks to them, Equestria is what you see today. It's why I rely on you and your friends so much as well.”
Twilight wiped away her tears. “It's just... I feel like I could have done something sooner, something different, and everyone would be okay.”
“The best any of us can do with our past is learn from it, so we don't repeat the same mistakes twice. But from what you've told me, there was nothing else you could do. You couldn't have known about Sunset's betrayal, or her plans for the school without a lot of luck. You did the best you could in the situation, and you prevailed.”
“With the help of my friends.”
Celestia smiled. “Exactly.” Celestia moved towards the door. “Now, I have to get back to a meeting. If you want to talk, I'm here for you.”
“Thank you, Princess.” A thought occurred to Twilight. “Wait, I have one more question.”
“Yes?”
“When I went to the other side, there were counterparts to just about every single pony I know. I'm curious, do you know if there was a counterpart to Sunset here?”
“She was a student of mine, about eight hundred years ago, and very insistent on being so. She even went so far as to run away from home to come here and camped out on the castle grounds until I agreed. She eventually became a teacher at the School for Gifted Unicorns.”

Hours later, Twilight roamed the halls of the castle, rays of the sunset shining through the windows. The events of the human world swam through her head, unable to shake the feeling that they were still in grave danger there. Guards switched shifts as she walked, those who noticed her saluting, but she didn't notice them.
She did, however, start paying attention when she ran into something. “Oop! Sorry.”
“That's all right, Princess,” Flash said, saluting. The guard next to him mimicked the gesture. “It's good to see you up and about.”
Twilight's heart clenched as she looked at Flash, remembering the other Flash. She tried to smile. “Uh, thanks.” She moved to leave, then turned back. “Could I, uh, talk with you, Flash?”
“Of course.”
Twilight motioned for Flash to follow her and resumed her walk. “So, uh, how are things here at the castle?”
“Quiet now, since that tear closed. I'm glad I didn't lose anypony because of this.”
“Oh that's... that's good.”
Flash looked at Twilight. “Did you want to see the report? I have it in my office.”
Twilight blushed. “No, that's okay. I was just, you know, wondering.” 
The two walked for a minute before Flash spoke up. “Was there anything else, Princess?”
Twilight hesitated. “What was in the report?” She hoped it didn't mention the counterparts.
“Everything Spike told us. Counterparts, Sunset, humans, everything. Did you need to add something?”
Twilight sighed. “No, not if Spike told you everything. Just... can we talk frankly? No titles, just us.”
It was Flash's turn to hesitate. “All right.”
“I know Princess Celestia told me that I should just do my best, but... what happens when your best isn't good enough? I can't stop wondering what's going to happen to the humans now. We have the Elements of Harmony, but they've forgotten their own magic, let alone their Elements, and I left a being  who has just as much magical power as I do with them! They have nothing to protect themselves, and-”
“Okay, slow down. You know they have their own Elements?”
Twilight nodded. “When Sunset was imprisoned, my Element reacted with what have to be the human world's Elements in the counterparts to my friends. They worked together, but the spell that it used wasn't as strong as it usually is.”
“I'm no expert, but I'd say your Element drew on the Elements in your friends, but couldn't do it right. And you're worried Sunset's going to break the spell and start hurting them.”
“Exactly! With nothing to stop her, they'll all...” Tears formed in Twilight's eyes as she spoke. “And then she'll come here.”
“If she does, she'll be running into a lot more than a new Princess,” Flash said. “Unfortunately, you can't help the human world now. They're on their own. If they get into danger, they'll have to unlock their own Elements.”
Twilight's gaze fell to the ground. “If I can't help those I care about, what's the point?”
“Do you know how I became Captain of the Royal Guard?”
Twilight looked at Flash. “Princess Celestia said you helped your squad survive the changeling attack.”
“We did, but not everyone got out. We started with eight of us, including our lieutenant. We were trying to get to the castle until we were cut off. We were trying to find someplace to regroup when we were ambushed. Our lieutenant and a few others swarmed.” Flash's voice trembled. He took a breath, then continued, “I tried to get to them, along with a few others who weren't trapped, but there were too many. I remember the lieutenant shouting at me to take the squad and get out of there. He told us to either survive or go down swinging before he got swallowed up by the horde. I led the rest of the squad away and into a building, which we fortified as quickly as we could. The changelings weren't far behind. We fought well, but all of us knew we were stalling. I thought we were finished until the changelings were flung from the city.”
“My brother's spell.”
“Exactly. Without it, or if it came a few minutes later, it would have been far worse. Five of us made it out alive, though we were all injured in some way.”
“I'm so sorry.”
“Thanks. It took me a long time to stop kicking myself for leaving, to convince myself there really was nothing else I could do.”
“You've done a great job so far,” Twilight said.
Flash chuckled. “I'm glad you think so. I don't like the fact that Sunset got through half my guard and got so close to you, I don't like I couldn't capture her...” He shook his head. “I feel like I'm in over my head.”
Twilight smiled. “That makes two of us.”
“You're an Equestrian heroine. I'm just a guard.”
“That doesn't mean I can be a princess.”
“Well, I guess we're both just going to have to give it our best shot.” Flash smiled.
The two walked in silence for a while more, the sunset replaced by the rising moon. Twilight spoke up just as Flash was about to. Twilight blushed. “Go ahead.”
“I was just going to ask if there was anything else.”
“I-” Twilight thought of the other Flash. Was this Flash like the one from the other world? Perhaps it was an image of him in the past, before the guard. She decided to hug him. “Just, thanks for talking with me.”
“You're, uh, welcome,” Flash said hesitantly. 
“I'm sorry, did I make you uncomfortable?”
“Just surprised.”
Twilight smiled and turned to leave. “I guess I'll see you around, since I'm probably going to be here more often.”
“Looking forward to it. Princess,” Flash added quickly.
Twilight blushed as she left.
“Sir?” a night guard asked, snapping Flash out of his daze. “I don't think it's polite to stare at a princess' plot.”
“I wasn't staring!” Flash cleared his throat and composed himself. “I was, uh, I, um... Shut up,” he stammered, blushing.
The guard chuckled. “Your secret's safe with me, sir.”
“Good.” Flash hurried away before he could embarrass himself further.
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The radio blasted some popular song, snapping Sunset out of her coma. She bolted upright, a snarl of rage tearing its way out of her throat before she could take stock of her surroundings. Her bedsheets were that horrendous shade of violet, her room decorated in posters of those pitiful transient “rock” bands made completely of boys made to look her own age. She drew her sheets around her as she realized she was unclothed and scanned the room for prying eyes, only letting them down when she was certain there weren't any.
Sunset threw the covers aside and stepped from the bed, using her magic to seize an orange bathrobe hanging in her closet and put it on as she recalled the events that led her here. I'm going to find that heretic's device then hang him crucified above the palace gate. Maybe I should do the same to Sparkle when I get a hold of her, parade her body through her precious city. Sunset thought, scowling. All because of her, I now have to live through ANOTHER cycle of this.
Oddly enough, in those final moments, she had felt stronger than she ever had before. Has it truly been that long since I had a need to use so much power? Sunset closed her eyes and tried to find where she brought forth the energy within herself, remembering how that purple peasant humiliated her with her precious crown. Perfect little Twilight and her precious friends. She knew nothing of what it was to lose, to be so intelligent and powerful and determined, and to have fate conspire to keep you in the mud while enemies tore all that you loved apart. 
Maybe it was time to show her. Sunset's eyes snapped open, glowing gold. She smiled as she blasted her alarm clock apart. “I will find you.”