Chapter 1 (Back to school)

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My recovery was again much quicker than I would have imagined, magic of course helps but being in a coma... Suspended animation, whatever for four months was taxing to say the least. I didn't feel weak per-say my muscle tone remained unlike someone who had been bed ridden for a long time instead I felt... Drained, physically and mentally...

Still every day was a bit better than the last, after a week I was able to take short trips around the room but more importantly I had the strength to hold my three girls, Scootaloo had cried nonstop the first day but she recovered quickly, Star being young was able to put it behind her easily too. Twilight however...

She still blamed herself I could easily see no matter what reassurance I gave her, still I didn't worry too much. I wouldn't let her slip into melancholy, as soon as I was feeling better and we were home... Well, things would get back to normal I was sure... I hoped... I had a lot of lost time to make up with Scootaloo, Star and her.

"Are you sure you’re ok? Can I get you another drink? Something to eat...?"

I relaxed back in the slightly propped up bed smiling at her, she tried so hard... It was nice to be waited on hand and hoof but for me it got old about the second day, it was so hard to get her to relax and take some time for herself sometimes I had to press the issue...

"I'm fine love, come here..." I pulled her onto the bed with me kissing her soundly. "All I need... All I've ever needed even if I didn't know it is you and the girls."

"But I..."

I interrupted her kissing her again. "You gave up everything for me and I would for you, again and again until the end of time. All I need is my wife and soulmate by my side now and forever."

I held her as she cried stroking her mane and kissing her soft ears, we were still in the same room I had woken up in Princess Celestia had offered to move us to nicer quarters but I politely refused. No need to go to the trouble when this room was so lived in already, it was warm enough and smelled of my love, my baby and my little Angel what more could I ask for?"

It was a bit out of the way though and now that I was out of danger we made sure Scootaloo and Star got plenty of time with their grandparents while I recovered, they still visited every day of course. Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had returned as well for a few days shortly after I woke up to visit all relived that things had worked out. Luna and Discord visited as well she happy I was alright and he joking that he thought we would be back to one human.

John too visited on occasion usually with Celestia the two of them sharing occasional glances, smiles and blushes brushing against each other. It was good to see them like that, despite what had happened I didn't blame her even as old and with the wisdom that came from such age she wasn't omniscient and as I well knew magic was tricky stuff... Sometimes John would come down with Spike, he was happy to see us and the two of them seemed to be getting along though I was sure Celestias time was a bone of contention between them but they seemed to be making it work.

After a couple weeks I was finally able to transverse the room several times easily and we were just thinking about ranging further through the palace, seeing the sky again when there came a knock at the door.

"Come in." Twilight called out.

A surprising but not unwelcome pair entered, Trixie and Alizarin. Ms. Harshwhinny had mentioned she'd talked to them but I hadn't really thought much about it since.

"I am so elated to see you up and about Sir Sparkle... My apologies, Rick..." He smiled with a small bow.

"I was almost sure you were done for Rick! No offence..." Trixie blushed. "The one time I visited you were lying there and Twilight... She was passed out on top of you her wings wrapped around you... It was clear she had been using powerful magic, the whole room practically hummed with it and there under your wing something stirred... Your little foal Star... I... I wasn't sure what to do, the magic and situation, I was at a loss... She spotted me and hopped right down galloping over to me holding her forelegs up, maybe she remembered me from before? I don't know, as I looked down at her scared and miserable face, her tear stained eyes... I did the only thing I could do, I held her tight kissed her brow, stroked her mane and told her it would be alright... I'm glad I wasn't lying to her thought at the time I sure felt like I was... I stayed there with her until you began to stir Twilight then I put her down gently beside you and left, it's not that I didn't want to talk to you but I didn't think I could do anything to help!"

"When she returned home I could tell she was in distress, however getting her to open up about it was another matter entirely. But once she did we both agreed we needed to do something to help though we had no idea what we could do."

"The archives seemed the best bet, my studies have slipped since... You know... My magic wouldn't be of much help..."

"Nonsense! I've seen your performances don't forget and the magic and passion you put into it is impressive to say the least."

She blushed waving him off with her forehoof. "It's no big deal really..."

Twilight and I looked at each other smiling. It might just be imagination but...

I don't think it's your imagination.

But I thought she was... You know...

What? She can't like mares and stallions?

Well sure... I guess? But he's not really...

He's as alive as you or I am I'm sure of it.

Heh, your right. I wish them the best then.

Me too...

"Anyhow back to the story..." Alizarin smiled. "There are plenty of tomes, scrolls and even unfinished writings from the age of Starswirl the Bearded we focused our attentions there."

"We looked through hundreds of items making sure to set promising ones aside as Alizarin would forget them as soon as he set them down..."

"Too true unfortunately, thankfully Trixie was there to let me know which to bring to you Princ... Ahem… Former Princess Twilight Sparkle." He smiled.

"Shortest reign ever..." She sarcastically quipped.

"Oh by no means, there are several examples I've seen second-hand of Princess’s and Princes who did not last beyond the first night of their inauguration. Poison, a midnight betrayal from their lover..."

"How awful!" Twilight and Trixie agreed.

He shrugged slightly. "A different time best put behind us but not forgotten lest we make the same mistakes again."

"Very true and well said my friend." I nodded.

"My thanks, we kept searching and searching each spell we found seemed even less likely than the last. Every few days when I brought a new bundle of books I could see you Twilight getting more and more disheartened, weaker... The nearly non-stop spells, stress, heartbreak and late nights were taking their toll. On you and your little foal Star and I'm sure Scootaloo as well, I know you were careful to keep them fed and sleeping properly but as close as the four of you are it was no wonder all of you were fading even as he was..."

"Everything he told me made me worry more and more our searching became more frantic we were becoming certain that the spell couldn't be broken..."

"It was only because of the two of you that I finally succeeded... I'm sorry I didn't say it before, thank you! Thank you! I owe you everything!"

"Twilight please!" Trixie blushed. "You've done a lot for me, the both of you. So not another word, friends help friends... Right?" She smiled.

"Right..." She smiled back unconvincingly.

"I too owe you both a great deal, but even if we didn't know you I'm sure we would both have been happy to assist."

Twilight still hung her head, I squeezed her gently smiling to them. "Thank you both truly. If there’s anything either of you ever might need..."

"There’s no need..." Trixie began but was tactfully interrupted by Alizarin.

"We will keep that in mind..."

We chatted a bit longer but it was getting late and Pinkie, rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and even Dash were supposed to be coming by to visit later the next day. We said our goodbyes and got ready for bed, we turned out the lights drifting off together comfortable but missing our home, Scootaloo and Star.

Something woke me, I couldn't place it there was no sound or light but something... I could feel Twilights soft breaths but that hadn’t been it they were as natural to me as my own. I looked around as well as I could without moving trying to pierce the darkness, I didn't want to disturb her for one and I was still suspicious feeling... Something... But I wasn't sure, strain as I might I couldn't pick out anything in the pitch blackness... Wait... Perhaps it was just my imagination but an even darker patch seemed to move skirting us and moving to the other side of the room.

I'd had that feeling before when I'd slept alone, a feeling you weren't alone when you awoke in the middle of the night. Always nothing of course but this time... A muffled thump made my ears perk up, I couldn't match a pony for hearing but mine wasn't bad, what could someone be doing here? Mistakenly thinking it was a storage room? Maybe, there were plenty of those down here but no light? I tried to recall what was on that side of the room, almost all the books had been returned save a few Twi wanted to look over yet but those were right beside us... Visitors had brought some other books knowing Twilights and my fondness for them and those were over there but there was nothing noteworthy about them just a few adventure and mystery novels they were sitting on an improvised bookshelf the small chest Twilight kept her... Crown in...

"Dammit!" I hissed lighting up the room with a spell but a second too late, I blinked away spots just in time to see the door close.

"Mmm... Is it morning already...?"

I threw off the covers quickly pulling myself up. "Your crown love!" I rushed to the door as she shook off the cobwebs looking over at the open chest books set neatly aside save one that had fallen from the top alerting me.

I burst into the hall only catching a fleeting glimpse of a tail perhaps rounding a corner, whoever it was they were fast but I doggedly gave chase the clatter of hooves behind me letting me know Twi was right behind me. We followed all through the lower levels still never catching more than a glimpse of the jet-black tail of the male or female pony we were chasing even when Twilight teleported us ahead down the straight tunnels we still couldn't manage to catch up...

We began to move upwards and either no one was up this late or the intruder knew just the route to take to avoid them all! We must have climbed ten stories in our pursuit and I was faltering gasping heavily but I wasn't about to give up. Ahead of us we heard a door click and when we rounded the corner we found a door Celestia and Lunas mark upon it, we hesitated only a moment before bursting in! This room too was nearly pitch black the only faint light coming from a large standing mirror, we took a step together into the room only to freeze hearing a hissing chuckle.

"Too late once Princess, the power of your crown will be mine. One world than this one... See you soon..."

A shadow moved towards the mirror a glint within it catching my eye and I lunged forward to grab at it, I grasped something and from its contours it felt like the crown but it was held fast I quickly realized by magic, worse the familiar sickening taint of Dark magic.

"Release the crown Cretin!" Growled the voice within the shadow which I was being pulled inexorably into as it moved towards the mirror.

Suddenly I felt the warmth of Twilights magic as she lent her power pulling me back. "Oh no you don't..."

This tug of war with me gripping the crown tightly in the middle continued for minutes ranging all across the room knocking over furnishings though we steered clear of the unknown that was the mirror, finally with my last ounce of strength I wrenched it free though it immediately slipped from my grasp flying through the air towards the mirror too fast for any of us to do anything.

I braced myself for the sound of breaking glass but it simply sank right into the mirrors face and disappeared.

"Dammit! Fine... Enjoy your tiny victory." The shadow chuckled the two of us still blocking the way to the mirror.

"Who are you?"

"No one you know once Princess..." With a flash the shadow was gone, a chuckle behind us made us spin in time to see the back half of a pony disappear into the mirror his coat a light grey and tail black. I didn't get a good look at his cutie mark but it appeared to be red in color.

We just sat there stunned a minute when with a flash Princess Celestia and Luna appeared on either side of the mirror. "What’s happened?! I felt the taint of Dark magic!"

"I too sister..."

A second later Discord also appeared looking around curiously no doubt having followed Luna, when his gaze fell upon Twilight and I he sighed and rolled his eyes. "Of course..."

"What happened?" Celestia asked again looking back and forth between us and the mirror.

"I told you we should have warded the portal more thoroughly sister..."

"Luna!"

"What?" She looked at her sister, Discord then to us with a smile. "If we cannot trust Twilight and Rick who can we sister?"

Celestia nodded with a small smile of her own. "True, true..."

"Let us tell you what happened first then maybe you can tell us about this... Portal."

They both nodded and I began explaining with Twilight chipping in with anything she noticed I hadn’t, when we finished they shared a pained look with each other while Discord looked suspiciously at the mirror.

"We have been remiss sister..."

"I know Luna, it has been so long truly I didn't think anyone would ever emerge from the portal..."

"Portal? What’s going on Princess’s?!" Twi exclaimed with an adorable stomp of her forehoof.

"I'm sorry Twilight Sparkle my recent mistakes seem to have compounded on one another causing your family nothing but trouble, some turned out for the best..." She smiled no doubt thinking of John but it quickly faded as she turned back to us. "Others not... I hope you both can forgive me someday, I did not intend any of this... I just wanted to see my old friend’s last request seen through..." She crumpled down before us her head hung low.

"P... Princess! I didn't mean... Please, I forgive you! You've done so much for me... For us! Both of you, I'm just confused..."

Celestia looked up at us Luna by her side eyes damp but smiling softly as I nodded my agreement. "I haven't been a very good mentor to you Twilight, from our first meeting I saw such potential in you but it ignited a promise I made so long ago, test after test just for my own desires..." She shook her head. "I no longer have the right to call you my student Twilight but I would like to call you my friend..." She smiled hopefully.

"Princess! I... Of course you’re my friend! Everything you've taught me... All we've been through...! Do you really not want me as your student anymore...?" I squeezed her gently hearing the sadness in her voice.

Celestia shook her head with a smile. "You misunderstand Twilight, simply put I have nothing else to teach you... You've mastered every task I've set for you and more besides, finished a spell no other could manage and then changed it! I have no doubt you will continue to study and learn but it shall be on terms of your own choosing..."

Twilight smiled her eyes damp as I squeezed her gently. "Thank you Princess, everything else aside you and her parents made Twilight who she is today. The mare I love and I wouldn't trade that for anything."

She was crying softly now but smiling too. "Thank your Princess, I'll try to live up to your expectations."

"I know you will... Now for the problem at hand..."

Luna smiled and continued. "As you know my sister and I traveled a great deal when we were younger out of... Necessity..." Discord blushed leaning against her. "We made many friends and discovered many things, this was one such item. A portal fixed into this frame and mirror leading to another world, we visited it a few times seeking but it was... Difficult... You will see. One thing is certain we cannot allow whomever has stolen the element of magic to keep it."

"I've laid around enough anyhow." I grinned.

"I would not send you at all Sir... Rick, but Twilight cannot enter without you it is truly a different dimension. If you entered separately... Well, none of us wishes to go through that..."

"I understand Princess, what can you tell us about this dimension?" Twilight asked ears perked forward clearly intrigued.

"Very little I'm afraid, it's been so long..."

"True sister, Twilight you will have considerable adjustments to make. Rick... Much less so." Luna smirked.

"What?" I thought a moment. "Is it a way back to Earth?"

"No. There are similarities but Luna and I were still mourning our parents and didn't investigate much... Odd..." She cocked her head considering something.

"What is it sister?"

"What happened with our parents began our journey so long ago, anger at the humans festered in our hearts for so long but when we finally found a way to go home it was by virtue of a human artifact..."

"Fate works in strange ways." I smiled squeezing Twi.

"What could he plan to do with the crown though...?" Twilight mused.

"The Elements are mysterious, a thousand years of what study I could dedicate to them and truly I know no more than I ever did..." Celestia smiled ruefully.

"Though you know them now as the Elements of Laughter, Kindness, Generosity, Honesty, Loyalty and Magic truly they have no definition... When my sister and I wielded them they were simply the Elements... The Sun and the Moon..." Luna smiled in memory leaning against her sister.

Celestia leaned back a moment before continuing. "Solely even the Elements contain considerable power, together... Well you know what they are capable of. Without your crown, Magic. The other Elements are diminished considerably, it is possible whoever this thief is plans to try to syphon the magic from it or perhaps as evidenced by the taint of Dark magic corrupt it to work for him... Neither bodes well..."

"Then we'll find it and bring it back."

"I only hope it will be that easy Rick." Luna smiled. "You must move quickly though the portal only remains open for a short time."

"How long?"

"Only three days and nights, at the end of the third night the portal shall close and remain so for thirty moons. Though we know little of the world we did examine the portal very closely..." Luna explained.

"Then we've got to hurry!" Twi jumped up ready to go but then stopped. "Wait... Our friends...?"

"I'm afraid they won't be able to accompany you, two is risky enough..."

"Star and Scootaloo...?"

"They shall have to continue to enjoy your parents spoiling until your return."

I sighed but nodded with a smile. "I don't like to leave them but this is important, we'll make it up to them."

"Do we need to go now?"

"The morning would be best Twilight."

"We'll meet you back here then?"

"Of course..." Both their horns lit up warding the room and mirror extensively before they both teleported away leaving us to stare at the portal a moment before she leaned against me and teleported us as well.

I stumbled as we arrived but she caught me easily letting me lean on her, the room was dark so I made a small light and was surprised and pleased to find us in Twilights old room at her parents and there in her bed Scootaloo and Star cuddled together.

Read my mind...

She lay down careful not to disturb them pulling me to her. Not quite yet, someday maybe... We kissed softly settling down in her small bed Star and Scootaloo snuggling against us in their sleep.

Love you, sleep tight.

Love you, sweet dreams.

A portal and mysterious pony... Sleep reclaimed me before I could worry any more about it.

Despite last night’s lost sleep my internal alarm woke me up at the usual time Twilight just moments after me, the temptation to close my eyes and go back to sleep was considerable but we had a crown to reclaim and limited time in which to do it... Alternatively we would have a LOT of time but I had no desire to be away from Scootaloo and Star for thirty moons.

We stretched and smiled to each other trying not to move too much but Star too was an early riser for now, she stretched as well yawning adorably opening her eyes and staring at us a moment before smiling gleefully. "Mommy! Daddy!"

"Shh baby..." I whispered but too late Scootaloo yawned stretching against me as I rubbed her back gently. "Morning Angel..."

"Morning... Wait! You weren't here when we went to sleep!"

I chuckled kissing her on the forehead as Star began nursing. "We just wanted to see you two."

I had to hand it to her she was pretty astute sometimes, she smiled happily but then frowned looking at me suspiciously. "What’s going on...?"

"Nothing serious honey, your dad and I have to go away for a few days on official palace business that’s all..."

"Can't we come?!"

"Sorry Angel..."

"But you just got better! Can't they send someone else?! It's not fair!"

Her pleading look broke my heart, I pulled her up in my arms squeezing her tight. "I love you Angel, so much..."

"Love you too dad..."

Twi smiled rubbing Stars back as she nursed. "Just a few days honey, once we get back home we're going to spend so much time together you'll be sick of us in no time." She giggled.

"The past few months have been hard on you three, I'll do everything I can to try to make it up to you..."

"We're just glad you’re ok." Twi smiled as I reached over to caress her neck.

"Things just weren't right with you... Gone dad."

I squeezed her softly again. "I'll do my best to make sure that never happens again.

"Good..."

"Rise and shine sleepyheads, Grandpa's coming to getcha!"

Star had just finished nursing and hopped up onto her hooves excitedly jumping off the bed to go hide in the nearby closet peeking out giggling. The door swung open and Mr. Sparkle jumped in freezing finding the two of us but recovering quickly.

"Well that’s surprising but you always were full of surprises my special little light..."

"Daad..." Twilight blushed making me chuckle a giggle from the closet mirroring me.

"Oh...? Now let’s see... We've got my beautiful and talented little grand-daughter, two surprise houseguests very glad to see you up and about by the way. Now where’s that troublemaking adorable little grand-daughter foal...?" Another giggle from the closet. "Aha!" He leapt forward theatrically looking behind a chair beside the bed. "Darn!"

Scootaloo giggled as well this time as he spun around crouching low. "She must be under the bed!" More giggles Twilight joining in.

I remember when he used to play with me like that...

I rubbed her back kissing her cheek, he searched high and low but no Star could be found! Finally he sighed sitting down before the closet facing us. "I guess she's just too sneaky for me! We'll never find her... Too bad really it's her favorite breakfast this morning too, waffles..." He added with a grin and a wink.

The closet door burst open and an excited beautiful little foal came leaping out. "Gotcha grandpa!" She laughed climbing his back hugging him from behind.

He swooped her around giving her a hug and a kiss before settling her on his back. "You sure did! Well come on you two let's go help grandma in the kitchen we've got to make breakfast for two more!"

"Kay!" They echoed Star perched on his back while Scootaloo followed with just a glance back.

"We'll be right there Angel." I smiled.

We lay there a few moments longer enjoying the quiet and each other.

"Are we horrible parents?"

"Twi! Of course not, every parent has to leave their children sometimes, right...? I can't think of anyone I'd rather leave them with then your parents."

"But I read..."

"Love..." I squeezed her tight and kissed her. "We can't always go 'by the book' as much as I know you'd like to. The girls certainly aren't, we've just got to adjust on the fly, trust in our instincts, the girls and each other..."

"Mmm..." She nuzzled against me. "Let's get the crown back as quick as we can! We've got a filly and a foal to spoil!" She giggled.

"Sounds like a plan to me."

We headed downstairs having a delicious breakfast asking if it was alright if Star and Scootaloo could stay with them a few more days, naturally it was. We told them nearly the same thing we'd told the girls, we didn't want to worry any of them there'd been more than enough of that.

Again we stood before the mirror / portal, Luna and Celestia with us.

"Remember the portal opened last night so you have three days but only two nights before it closes again, if you should miss that deadline..." Luna frowned.

"We don't know what might come through the next time it opens... We would have to..."

"Take every precaution, we understand Princess. We're ready, the sooner in the quicker we can return." Twilight smiled.

"We'll do our best to keep the crown out of the wrong hands."

"Thank you both, good luck." Celestia nodded to us.

"Our blessings go with you, I wish it could be more..." Luna smiled ruefully bowing to us.

"One small step for pony and humankind..." I chuckled holding Twi in my arms stepping across the threshold... That first breath seemed long overdue, as we passed through time seemed to slow I stumbled to one knee as Twilight dropped beside me she too gasping for breath.

"You ok?" I asked.

"Yes, I think so..."

My vision was a bit blurry too so I shook my head and blinked until it cleared up, I certainly felt different though strangely it felt familiar... Looking myself over I found I was wearing sneakers, jeans and a t-shirt. My legs and arms seemed a bit thinner though even stranger was the tone of my skin not the usual off-pink I was used to it was a pale green no doubt making me look like an extra in a bad science fiction movie... I flexed my arms curling and uncurling my fists to reassure myself I was in fact me...

"R... Rick...?"

Right, Twilight! I looked over and was surprised by the light purple skinned girl beside me, she had sneakers as well and knee-high socks as well as a short skirt that had ridden up when she fell exposing her legs and her purple panties... I straightened her skirt looking up at her light blue dress shirt and cute bow. She had a pretty face, I haven’t seen a human female face for so long... She had very kissable lips and cheeks, a slight nose with just a small crick in it something that was practically unnoticeable in her muzzle but I knew every part of her well... And above that her big beautiful eyes, I knew those eyes, I loved those eyes and everything with them. Her hair was long thick and beautiful, I don't think I had ever thought of her in a human form. Didn't matter she was the mare / girl I loved regardless...

She was holding up her new hands wiggling the fingers and turning them back and forth. "How...? What...?" She blinked and looked at me. "You look like you... But different, do I...?" She shifted trying to stand on all fours but then letting me help her to her feet clutching my arm for support.

"Your still you love..." I caressed her cheek leaning in to give her a soft kiss. "Just think of it as a learning experience, right?" I grinned kissing her again.

"Ahem..." Came from behind us, we both turned to see an older gentlemen wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase giving us a disgruntled look. He shook his head with a small smile and turned continuing on his way.

"That was weird..."

"Maybe... Or maybe here..." I looked past the gentleman at the towering building before us shorter long building connected to either side and the back too I imagined. There was a sign above the main entrance and despite this being a different dimension I could read it easily. "Canterlot High...?" The younger bodies, backpack, teacher... It all came together.

High school...?

Great...

Part 2 (Reunion)

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We both stood there staring a moment before I looked around a bit more, right behind us was a large statue of a rearing horse, passing my hand through it carefully I could see the portal here was situated along one side of its base. Twilight too reached out passing her hand through it as well, it was a relief that it was still open. Further out and all around us stretched a city much like any other I'd seen on Earth, traffic, people, stores and homes.

"Is this...? Earth?"

"No, but close..." And it was but something was off, I couldn't quite put my finger on it though...

"Whoa!" She started to teeter while looking around clutching onto me tightly before she fell. "How do you balance on just two legs?! You make it look so easy!"

I laughed helping her keep her balance. "Lots of practice love... Hmm... I guess I better call you by name here."

"Why? Oh, right... High school. Do you think whoever took the crown is in there?"

"Could be, no one would think to look for someone plotting world domination here eh?"

"Hmm... I guess not, we had better get busy and find it then!"

"Sounds good."

I helped her along until we reached the stairs leading up to the main entrance, there was a handrail she grasped eagerly still very unsteady on her feet, I stayed close making sure she didn't fall, she was learning fast though by the time we made it up the stairs and through the front door she could stand on her own without wobbling too much.

I looked around and was impressed, much like the city of the same name it was clean, well built and beautiful. Arched hallways led to the left and right lines of lockers and doorways to the various classrooms no doubt. Straight ahead of us was a huge foyer, bulletin boards, benches, trophy cases (with quite a few trophy’s I might add.) An information kiosk with a map which we'd need I was sure.

"Wow... I'll bet they have a huge library..." Twilight breathed making me smile.

"No doubt, let’s take a look at that map..." As we carefully looked it over I noticed the noise level rising, when we first arrived it had been practically deserted but in ones and two's students and teachers had been trickling in they all looked normal enough... Well for this place, the biggest difference seemed to be the varying skin tones very reminiscent of the pony’s fur colors in Equestria, strange...

I could already see some high school hallmarks I remembered, certain groups... Jocks, nerds, goths, head bangers and more plenty of groups and sub-groups all meeting every day in this place but separate from one another...

Twilight however was more interested in locating the library practically dragging me off, there were plenty of students around now getting ready for class and hanging out in their social groups. As we threaded our way through we saw a few couples holding hands while walking Twi stared a moment before looking at me.

"What are they doing?"

"Holding hands, it's... Well I guess a way of showing others your together and of course the pleasure of physical contact."

"Can... Can we?" She asked biting her bottom lip looking hopeful.

"Of course Twi, I'd love to..." I took her small hand and she smiled.

"I like it."

I smiled giving hers a squeeze immediately having it returned. "Me too." We continued on like that, it was nice but in the same way as walking beside her with my arm over her side... We kept walking there was a lot to see.

...Song...

That girl with the skateboard... She sped by ducking under our hands with a devil may care grin, I knew that grin...

"Angel...?"

She stopped looking back at me curiously until her friends caught up pulling her along.

"Was that...?"

"It sure looked... Scootaloo? Sweetie Belle and Applebloom? What’s going on...?" We just stood there a moment even more confused until we heard a shout from a nearby hallway.

"Hey!"

We took a quick look, most of the nearby students in that hall had fled save a girl with long pink hair, a guy with shoulder length black hair and another girl with fairly long mint-green hair.

"What the hell did you think you were doing taking what belongs to me and giving it to the principal?! You some sort of teachers pet?" He growled at the pink-haired girl.

"Yes... I mean no... I didn't know it was yours, I'm sorry..." She squeaked pressing her back into a bank of lockers trying to put some distance between her and him.

"Just because I dropped something doesn't mean...! I was going to give it to my girl and now you've ruined it!" Isn't that right babe?"

"What? Oh! Yeah! How dare you... You... Bitch..." She mumbled unconvincingly but he didn't seem to notice.

"Now what to do with you...?" He mused darting forward to grab her wrist pulling her away from the locker roughly eliciting a squeak from her.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please don't hurt me!"

"Let her go." Twilight and I's voices echoed down the hall as we moved up.

He looked over his shoulder dismissing us with a roll of his eyes turning back to the girl he had ahold of. "This isn't over..." He growled shoving her back to bounce off the lockers falling to her knees with a cry of pain.

"You son of a..." I was ready to punch him right in his smug face but Twi grasped my arm partially to keep herself from falling over but more so to hold me back.

"We're the strangers here remember?" She whispered. I clenched my fist harder a moment but released it with a grunt and a barely perceptible nod.

He spun to face us with considerable speed his grin was anything but welcoming or apologetic. "Well look what we've got here, a white knight all set to save the damsel..." He scrutinized us a moment raising an eyebrow. "I don't recognize you, either of you. I thought I knew all the losers in this school..." He chuckled.

"We just... Transferred here, I'm..."

"No one asked you!" He snapped at Twilight. "I was talking to the white knight here..." He added giving me a small shove.

The temptation to floor him... Well to try to floor him at least, he was definitely smaller and lankier then me even in this teen form but he was fast and I had no doubt wiry and dirtier then a public outhouse. Plus getting kicked out of the school wouldn't help us at all, I held up my hands peacefully.

"Look buddy we're not looking for trouble..."

"I'm not your buddy, and troubles what I'm all about... I run this school don't forget it. I'll let you off with a warning this time seeing’s your new, ask around and you'll get the big picture." He gestured at the pink-haired girl still kneeling on the floor trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. "Maybe this slut will fill you in, let's go babe..." He shouldered past me not looking back.

"Oh... Ok..." The mint-haired girl squeaked following him, she'd remained quiet looking embarrassed until he spoke then dutifully obeyed smiling apologetically at us as she passed. She was very pretty but I caught a glimpse of fading bruises on her arms and neck that her makeup couldn't cover, my jaw tightened but I managed to hold my tongue until they rounded the corner and we turned our attention to the girl before us.

Twilight kneeled before her. "Are you ok?" She asked only receiving a small nod in return as she still hid behind her long hair. "My names Twilight Sparkle, this is my... Um..."

Uh oh, I hadn't thought about that we couldn't hardly be married in high school...

"My brother! Yes that’s it, Rick Sparkle..."

Brother...? Well I suppose that was some quick thinking.

She peeked out her voice barely a whisper. "I'm Fluttershy..."

"Didn't quite catch that..."

Fluttershy? That’s not... Well there was Angel... And her friends looked a lot like... Just what was going on here? Was this a true parallel dimension? There were some definite similarities but glaring differences too... Didn't matter if I couldn't explain it I guess, it already was. "I think she said her name was Fluttershy lo... Twi."

"Oh! Pleased to... Wait, what?! Fluttershy?!"

"Y... Yes?" She squeaked trying to back up further but only succeeding in pressing herself against the lockers I imagined if she could she'd open one and crawl inside she certainly had that in common with our Fluttershy... I wonder...

I looked around purposefully not at her trying to put her slightly more at ease. "It's too bad our pet ferret Pan isn't here, he'd love these wide open halls to run and play in..."

"Pan? But he's..."

"A pet ferret really?! Ooh I just love animals! Do you have any other pets?" Fluttershy perked up immediately.

There she was... Still I almost expected Celestia and Luna to pop out of nowhere at any moment and yell 'Gotcha!' or Discord maybe...

"Uh... I have an owl named Owlicious..."

"An owl?! Wow that’s amazing! I have three dogs, two cats, eighteen goldfish, a hedgehog and an iguana! I've made friends with all the birds in the nearby woods too, I love to listen to them sing..." A rustle from her nearby backpack interrupted her. "Oh! I mustn’t forget my bunny Angel." She unzipped her bag and he stuck his head out looking around sniffing curiously, he looked nearly identical to his counterpart from our world... Dimension, whatever... The only thing that was missing was he seemed less... Aware, more like a normal animal and not the furry pain in the butt he was. We both petted him scratching behind his ears as she fed him a few small carrot sticks holding a water bottle for him to drink from.

"I have to be careful though, pets aren't allowed on school grounds... Thank you for sticking up for me..." She whispered. "But you shouldn't have! Sombra and his gang..."

"Sombra?!" Twilight and I both exclaimed.

"Uh... Yes? Do you know him?"

"We know of him..." Twilight frowned.

"He's so mean! I... I don't think he's ever hurt anyone badly but he and his 'gang', just a bunch of guys who don't want to be bullied I think... But they've beaten up a few guys who have stood up to him and they push around anyone they can, their always careful to cover their tracks so they never get caught though..."

"What was he mad at you about? You found something...?" I asked.

"A crown maybe...?"

She blinked and stared at us. "How did you know? I was just on my way home after staying late to help clean up after the class pets for the kindergarteners, they try but they really don't know how to care for them properly yet... Oh, right. I was walking past the statue out front, I must have been daydreaming because I saw a flash and immediately tripped over a beautiful crown! There was no one around and I couldn't just leave it there!"

"What did you do with it?" Twilight asked eagerly.

"I turned it over to Principal Celestia of course."

"Principal...?"

"Celestia...?"

"Haven't you met our Principal and Vice-Principal yet?"

"Uh... Not just yet. And just who is our Vice-Principal?" I asked though I had a guess.

"Vice-Principal Luna of course, she's nice but she seems much stricter then Principal Celestia."

Curiouser and curiouser…

"I turned it over to her and she was quite grateful, apparently it had gone missing a while ago and she was worried she wouldn't be able to get a replacement in time for the crowning of the King and Queen at the Fall Formal."

"Fall Formal?"

"You really are new! Every fall we have a big dance having a good time and we all vote for a King and Queen who rule until the next year..." She stared dreamily off into space a moment. "It's so romantic, but..."

"But?"

"Well... Sombra and Lyra have kind of bullied their way into winning the past few years, Sombra I can understand but I don't know why she follows him so happily..."

"Lyra...?" I looked over my shoulder knowing they were both long gone but confused. How did you get yourself mixed up in all this Lyra? I wondered.

She glanced at her watch and jumped. "Oh my! I'm going to be late!" She pulled herself up scooping Angel bunny back into her backpack. "I've got to run! Um... See you later?"

"You bet Fluttershy..." I smiled to her as we watched her rush off.

"Rick..."

"I know."

"What’s going on here?"

"Any explanation I could give would be pure guesswork... Your world, my world... And now this one, I mean... If there really is an infinite number of worlds or dimensions then this would easily be possible but..."

"What?"

"I'm not sure, something seems off..."

"I know what you mean, though it could just be this body..." She sighed wobbling slightly. "Well I guess we should go ask Princess... I mean Principal Celestia about the crown but I don't see how she would take us seriously..."

"True, actually I think you were right the first time and we should check out the library, see what we can find out."

"Really?! Great, let’s go!"

I had to grin at her excitement as she dragged me off again, the library not surprisingly was large and well stocked thousands of titles but also a central area with a dozen computers setup, that was more like it.

"I'm going to go check out what books they have! I wonder if they use the pony decimal system...?" She giggled prancing off adorably.

I settled down in front of an unoccupied computer, it had been awhile but I spent enough time around them before I remembered how to use them and began searching, what I found was very interesting and a bit disturbing. Being a school computer it was a limited system but you could search local, world and school news as well as historical records.

The news wasn't what I was expecting at all not what I remembered, floods, famine, fires, murder and horrific accidents there was none of that. Weather, local interest pieces, quiet and respectful though still some celebrity gossip and minor accidents but none of the sensationalism I would have expected. Even stranger was when I delved into the history of this world, no wars, no famine or plague. Not that there was any problem with that but events like that help to mold societies, help them grow and change if they survive...

But here just steady growth somehow reaching the same level of civilization my world had, I looked further and further back skimming along through historical records until it stopped... Not 'You do not have access.' Not even sketchy modified records or even guesses about mankind’s beginnings, almost a thousand years back from this day there was just... Nothing...

Thump! Twi sat down beside me dropping a dozen or so books on the table with a sigh. "So many great books but... Their missing a lot too, one's I would think would have been written here as well... But I guess we can't really be sure right?"

I turned off the computer and nodded. "True, it's too soon to tell much really, I didn't find anything useful about the crown. A little about the upcoming dance though, you?"

"The... Crown...?" She blushed fetchingly looking sheepish. "I..."

"Forgot?" I chuckled kissing her cheek. "That’s ok, it's to be expected. A new world, a new library... A lot to take in."

"You..." She smiled giving me a punch in the shoulder. "I suppose we should go talk to this Principal Celestia but... without any proof it's ours, and there’s no way we can tell her about Equestria."

"We should keep that to ourselves for sure... Well I suppose it can't hurt to ask right?"

"Well..."

I sighed. "Your right, at best it would just make us look suspicious... Hmm..."

"I suppose..."

"Yes?"

"We could try to become the king and queen of the dance? Then they would just give the crown to us..."

"That’s... Not a bad idea, but we don't go to this school and we don’t know anyone..."

"Right..." She hung her head but I reached over to nudge her chin up.

"However if Fluttershy is here..."

"Then..."

"The others must be too, and they... Well once their re-introduced to you, would help I'm sure."

"Yes! But what about the 'me' from this world? Shouldn't she be here? Fluttershy didn't recognize me though..."

"Hmm... Well if she's half as smart and amazing as you she might be in collage already, private school or maybe even home- schooled right?"

She blushed with a little smile. "Maybe... Well I guess our first step should be convincing this worlds Celestia that we've transferred here that could be tough without some sort of documentation..."

As it turned out it wasn't difficult at all, this worlds Celestia and Luna were both young women I guessed in their late twenties or early thirties quite young to be a Principal and Vice-Principal but perhaps not here... They took down our names and thanks to our bit of research we were able to provide a town and schools name that wasn't too far away we were transferring from. They accepted our story of losing our transfer papers far too easily both of them quite sure our paperwork would show up within a week or so. We cautiously asked about the dance as well as the 'King and Queen' of it. They were happy to sign us up letting us know the winners would be decided by popular vote starting the day before the dance and continuing through the day of the dance.

They wished us well and sent us off to register for classes, a stop we had no intention of making. By the time they discovered that we had better be long gone... We set out to look for more of our 'alternate' friends but it was a big school and with everyone coming and going between classes we weren't having any luck...

Suddenly a door opened beside us we were dragged into a small classroom, sewing or home economics I guessed by the machines and sewing machines. The girl who had pulled us in looked at us a moment then spun and quickly shut the door.

"You poor dears! I can't believe the scandalous things he's been saying about you! I'm sure they’re not true... Not that it's any of my business..."

"Wait... Who? What?!" We looked around confused.

She sighed pulling a poster out from behind a shelf. It was a blown up picture of Twilight and I holding hands heads together smiling about something... It must have been taken shortly after we left the Principals office... The caption below was what really got our attention though. 'Twilight and Rick Sparkle, brother and sister? Look more like kissing cousins to me. Are these the kind of people you want as your King and Queen? I didn't think so. Vote Sombra and Lyra for your continuing King and Queen.' We both stared a moment dumbfounded.

"What the fu..."

"How could he get this...? Put this together so quickly...?" Twilight stammered.

She quickly rolled up the poster tossing it aside. "He has a lot of little spies around and any threat to him no matter how small he tends to squash..."

"Threat? What kind of threat are we to him?" I asked.

"The dance? King and Queen remember? It's really not that big of a deal..." She fidgeted looking down at her shoes, she looked pretty familiar too and the three diamond hair clip clued me in as she burst out. "Okay it's a big deal!" She gasped. "They get the final say on how the student budget is spend and what sort of dances and activities are planned... Though these past two years have been sparse to be sure... They only do what they want or their 'friends'..." She sighed forcing a smile. "Sorry just venting a little. Oh! How rude of me not to introduce myself, my name is Rarity, pleased to meet you Twilight and Rick correct?" We both nodded numbly still more than a little confused.

She smiled brilliantly giving her hair a flip. "So glad to meet you both, no offence Twilight but perhaps you should give thought to a different running partner? No offence Rick! But the two of you running together is a bit... Odd."

Just then the door burst open and an excited dark-pink haired girl hopped in already talking a mile a minute. "I'll say! Brothers and sisters aren't supposed to be like that..." She grabbed the poster unrolling and squinted at it a moment. "Or holding hands... Well I guess if you were particularly close, or crossing the street! My big sister used to always make me hold her hand when we were going to the park, crossing the street and going to the mall or... Well she kept me very safe, nothing ever happened! Well... Maybe a few times but it really wasn't her fault! I remember one time..."

"Hello Pinkie." I sighed with a grin.

"Hmm...?" She cocked her head to the side looking at me. "Do I know you? Do you know me? I don't think we've met yet, other than the posters... Wait! Can you see through the posters? That would be so cool!"

"Pinkie! Just a lucky guess."

"A guess? Ok! I mean it's a pretty common name right? Well I've never met anyone else with it but I'm sure there must be some out there right?"

"Pinkie..."

"Yes Rarity?"

"Don't you know how to knock? What are you doing here anyhow?!"

"Well duh..." She gestured towards us. "New students and ones already bullied by mister meanie pants. Of course I had to meet them and welcome them to the school! And despite your better than anyone attitude..."

"Pinkie..."

"I knew you would want to help them out as soon as I saw those posters, your generous nature..." She smiled.

"Pinkie I..." She smiled and sighed. "I was just about to suggest a series of disguises they could wear through the year until this blows over."

"Ooh! That sounds like fun! But it would probably just be easier to select a new running mate, then there’s no problem right?"

"That’s... Not a bad idea Pinkie, what do you two think? I know someone who would be perfect for you Twilight!"

She must have felt me growl internally as she quickly held up her hand. "That’s very nice of you Rarity but I'm not sure..."

Rarity sidled up to me giving me a playful smile and a wink. "And maybe you'll need a running mate as well?"

Twilights nails dug into my arm as I smiled politely and tried to keep from wincing. "That’s very nice of you Rarity but I think I'll leave it up to Twi, now who's this guy you think is good enough for my... Sister?"

"Oh I'll just have to introduce you to Flash later, are you sure you want to go through with this darling? Sombra will as you well know fight dirty..."

"I'm sure." Twilight’s look of pure determination was no stranger to me. "If we don't stand up to him who will?"

"Right! I can't wait for you to meet Flash Twilight, he's so cute and he plays guitar in his own band, he's got a motorcycle and..."

"Enough!" I struck the countertop harder than I intended causing all three girls to give me surprised looks, as I straightened up looking sheepish Twilight stood beside me secretly rubbing my back comfortingly. "Sorry... I just meant enough about him and tell us more about you two, are you both part of a small group of friends?"

"Subtle..." Twilight whispered with a grin.

Rarity and Pinkie looked at each other than away both with a slight blush.

"We're not really..."

"Friends... I mean we were but..."

"Pinkie, it's been so long I hardly remember what we were fighting about..."

"Well... You said all my parties were stupid..."

"I never said that!"

"... And Applejack heard you thought her brother was hot..."

"What?! No! I mean he is, but I would never...!" She sputtered.

"Sure, sure. I guess you and Fluttershy are still kind of close and Rainbow Dash... Well I guess she never really liked you that much anyhow." She added with a smirk and an extended tongue.

"Pinkie! Where did you hear such scandalous things? And how could you believe them?"

"I have my sources."

"Who? Tell me now!"

"Never! A journalist never gives up her source!"

"You’re not a journalist Pinkie!"

"Oh... Right... Still not telling." She stated defiantly crossing her arms and turning her back.

"Tell me!"

"Nope."

"Please!"

"Nu Uh."

"Pinkie...!"

"Hold on you two, are you saying the five of you aren't friends?" Twilight asked interposing herself between them.

"Well like I said we were, we used to have so much fun together! And then some people became real jerks!"

"And others started telling everyone fashion was stupid and unnecessary!"

"Oh yeah?!"

"Yes!"

"Enough!" I growled, man I hated high-school drama even back when I was in high-school. "So you had a falling out? All of you?"

"Yes..." They agreed still glaring at each other.

"Well it happens especially in high-school, people start liking different things, different friends, drift apart..."

"I suppose... Though to be honest it all happened quite quickly, one day we were the best of friends and the next we were throwing accusations at each other..." Rarity mused sadly.

"Yeah..." Pinkie agreed her head hung sadly.

"Suspicious..." Twilight pondered adorably lost in thought. "And you've never talked about it? Together I mean?"

"After the horrible things they said?! Never! We've barely spoken two words since and that’s just fine with me."

"Yeah? Well that goes double for me too!" Pinkie retorted both of them turning their backs on each other in a huff.

"Girls please... I don't want you to fight."

"I'm sorry Twilight Sparkle but it's really no business of yours."

"Yeah! Oops... Sorry Twilight."

Twilight sighed reaching out to take each of their hands. "What I mean is what if she really didn't say any of those things? Either of you."

"I... I would feel very foolish and embarrassed, but she..."

Twi squeezed her hand cutting her off. "And you Pinkie?"

She looked on the verge of tears. "I don't know what I'd do... But I know..."

Again she interrupted with a squeeze and a gentle smile. "Did either of you actually hear the other say any of those things?"

They looked at each other a moment shaking their heads slowly. "Nooo... But..."

"But nothing. Stubborn pigheadedness has ruined a lot of friendships over the years but it doesn't have to ruin yours... Does it?"

They turned to face one another wide-eyed. "Pinkie I... I..." Tears began streaming down her face as she clutched Pinkies hands tightly. "I'm sorry! I never would have said those horrible things I swear! I know I give you a hard time but I love your parties! Your free spirit! Can you ever forgive me...?"

"Of course silly!" Pinkie grabbed her up in a big hug, she stiffened a moment unsure but then returned it fully. "I wasn't ever really mad... I was just sad everyone was fighting, I wanted everything back the way it was but I didn't know how! It was too easy to get caught up in something like that, sorry..."

"That’s all right darling all is forgiven..." She smiled winningly. "You know, I feel so much better than I have for a long time."

"Me too..."

"And the others?" Twi asked quietly.

"Oh dear... Fluttershy will naturally be happy all the fighting is at an end but..."

"Dashie and Applejack... Maaybe not so much..."

"Honestly those two could make a living out of arguing!"

"Well I suppose we should hear what they have to say on the matter, Fluttershy as well." I suggested.

"Couldn't hurt... Where... And when do you suppose is the best time to find them?"

"Oh you leave that to Pinkie and I Twilight, meet us at the football field just after school lets out."

"See ya then! Now Rarity about my idea for a dress made completely of cotton candy..." And they were gone.

"Looks like we're getting the band back together..." I mumbled.

"What?"

"Nothing, what do you make of that?"

"Well we do have disagreements sometimes, we're all very different ponies but somehow that’s never really interfered with our friendship. Certainly not like this..."

"Rumors and gossip, far more devastating in this place then in our world..."

Twi let out a little gasp. "You called it our world..."

"Of course, where I came from, those I knew, my family... Well they'll always have a place in my mind and heart. But you, Star and Scootaloo are home now..." I stopped feeling a momentary pang for my little Star and Angel.

She sighed leaning against me letting me wrap my arms around her. "What if we fail? What if we get trapped here?!"

"We won't."

"But..."

"We won't. If all else fails we'll grab the crown right off Sombra's head and run for the portal." I chuckled.

"What if it's too late? We can't let him corrupt its power no matter the cost..."

"I know... And we will, still not quite sure how yet... But we'll think of something."

"And this feud between them... Sombra's doing you think?"

"I have no doubt."

"Seems a little tame for him..."

"A very effective weapon in a high school setting though, his bullying and posturing aside he seems to be trying to keep out of authority’s eye though."

"Maybe..."

"Well without his magic he'd have to make do with what he's got."

"No magic?"

"Well I assumed there wasn't, I mean without your horns..."

"My horn?!" She stumbled over to a mirror set into the wall staring her eyes wide. "Is that... Me?"

I stood behind her gently massaging her shoulders. "A version of you sure, beautiful but not so much as the pony I feel in love with..."

She drew a deep breath wiping a few tears away. "I love you."

"I love you."

"I never even thought about my magic, even when I was getting the books..."

"Too caught up in the new."

"I guess, what am I going to do?"

"Silly, it's never been your magic that’s made you so special. It's a big part of your life of course but it's your mind, your soul that makes you. And with the others you'll be fine."

"With you by me I'll be fine." She smiled. "I hope so, well we better get to know the school a bit better before we meet the others as we're going to be here a few days."

"Sounds like a plan." We spent the rest of the day looking around trying to blend in and ignore the stares and snickers, now that we knew what we were looking for a lot of ponies... Or rather their human counterparts, we noticed everyone from Snips and Snails to Big Mac. Some were slightly older, Miss Cheerilee was still teaching, Zecora too we noticed had a class.

Others were missing altogether, living normal lives elsewhere in the world I imagined. The time flew by and before we knew it we had to head to the football field. And who did we see first? Running without a care across the field kicking and tricking a soccer ball her short rainbow colored hair flying behind her pretty easy to recognize no matter the world.

"Rainbow Dash." Twilight breathed, our gaze was drawn downfield to where Pinkie waving and beckoning us down to where she, Rarity, Fluttershy and another girl Applejack I could only assume were sitting talking amicably it looked like thankfully. As we approached we caught the tail-end of their conversation.

"... ahm not sure why you think these two know anything about it..." She spotted us approaching and gave us a long hard look. "Ah suppose you two's be the new friends Pinkie an Rarity have been goin on about? Twilight an Rick right?" She continued on not waiting for our reply. "Ya we've all seen them posters but seeins they were made by that no-goodnik Sombra an his friends ah'm pretty sure we can discount them."

"Appreciate that..." Something occurred to me just then and I blurted it out. "Shouldn't you be on the farm?"

She gave me a glare. "Ah what’s that supposed ta mean?! How'd you know ma family owned a farm anyhow? Someone tell ya?" She looked suspiciously at Pinkie, Rarity and Fluttershy who quickly took cover behind Rarity.

"Nothing like that, you just... Look the part, sorry if I assumed too much."

She scowled a moment longer before smiling. "Well ah recon ah do at that, it's in ma blood. Me, ma brother an sister do our chores early in the morning then Granny Smith gives us a ride ta school. When she retired from workin the farm she took a part-time job here as the lunch-lady, though we think she's really just keepin an eye on us." She winked. "Ma an Pa keep the farm runnin just fine without us but we help out all we can."

Twilight and I both stiffened a moment at that last statement.

Their alive!

Oh! I wasn't sure we would be able to communicate like this here.

Wherever we are we're still linked my love.

Wouldn't have it any other way... I'm glad her parents are still alive here.

Same.

"Now what’s this all about? An just what do ya know about our... Problems?"

"Well we'll need to talk to you all together..." Twilight glanced out at the field where Dash was kicking several balls back and forth pretending to ignore us.

"Hey showoff! Git over here we got things ta talk about!" A soccer ball came flying at her head which she caught easily. "You'll have ta do better'n that." She laughed ducking as did we all as two more came flying through.

"Rainbow Dash honestly! Would you please come over and at least hear what our new friends have to say?"

She's moved closer already two more balls still at the ready but with Rarity’s plea she crossed her arms a grumpy look on her face as she walked up. "Fine."

"So we've heard the five of you have been... Disagreeing a bit..." Twilight began.

"A little disagreement?! If'n ya'll call outright lying an sabotaging yer 'friends' cider sale..."

"You’re the one who left that cider just laying around! I told you..."

"You did not! Ya theiven little...!"

They were face to face practically growling and snarling at one another, I put a hand on each of their shoulders pushing them apart with considerable difficulty. "Calm down you two." They both glared at me a moment before spinning on their heels turning their backs on each other.

"What a waste of time, I knew nothing had changed..."

"Ah gave it a shot an ah've got better things ta do..."

The looks on Pinkie, Rarity and Fluttershy's faces told me they'd seen this many times before. I guess reason would have to wait for the moment, time to try a different tactic reverse psychology before they marched off.

"Just as well, I guess you weren't very good friends to start with..." That stopped them in their tracks.

They both spun to face me. "What do you know?! Applejack and I were great friends! There’s hardly a better athlete in the school, other than me..."

"Rainbow Dash has always... Almost always stood by every one of us through everything and anything going on in our lives..."

"She's the most honest person I've ever met, if she found a quarter in the hall she'd turn it over to the Principal...!"

"She's led our soccer team ta victory after victory bringing pride ta every student in the school..."

I held up my hands in surrender. "I see, so as good of friends as you were. As highly as you think of one another why do you think either of you would ever deliberately or even accidently hurt the other or any of your friends like that?"

"I... We... But you..." They stammered together, finally they looked at each other understanding dawning.

"So you didn't take that crate of cider I was gonna sell ta the team?"

"No! Of course not! And you didn't ditch me making me look like a fool when I promised them the best cider they'd ever had?"

"You know I'd never do that ta you sugar cube, ah got a text from you sayin we'd have ta do it on Friday an to leave the cider by your locker in the gym room an you'd take care'a it..."

"But I never..."

"Ah know now... If'n I haddn't been so stubborn..."

"Me too... Who would have done such a thing?"

"The same pon... Person, who made Pinkie Pie and Rarity mad at each other, changed the date on Fluttershy’s animal rescue get together so none of you showed up..." Twilight whispered catching each of their eyes.

And far worse...

"Sombra..." Applejack growled.

"I'm going to kick that jerk so hard he'll be in traction for a month!"

"Not if ah get to him first!"

"Is that really what’s important right now?"

They looked back and forth between each other and Twilight both of them blushing lightly.

"Ah do owe ya an apology Rainbow, all of ya... Ah'm sorry, ah never should have let ma temper get th better'a me."

"Me too, I could see things getting out of hand but I just kept pushing... Sorry... And sorry for writing all those things about you on the bathroom wall..." Dash whispered.

"What?!"

"Nothing, nothing...! I'm just glad we're all friends again... We are all friends again, right?"

"Of course!" Pinkie giggled dragging each of them over into a group hug including Twilight, I stood aside for a moment smiling but Pinkie wasn't about to let me off that easily and dragged me in as well. Having that many young beautiful girls pressed against you is... Very comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time especially when one of them is your wife!

We separated after a moment smiles all around until Dash and Applejack got serious looks on their faces.

"Alright what’s our plan to get back at that jerk Sombra?"

"Just what ah was thinkin... Ya know ah kin get my hands on quite a load of manure..."

"We could just leave him alone..." Fluttershy squeaked.

"Ugh, disgusting. I say we spread some nasty gossip about him around, turnabout is fair play after all..."

"We could throw him a big party and invite all his friends!"

"And then egg them all!"

"What?! No, no I just meant..."

"Yer right Pinkie, too soft. Tar an featherin's the only way ta go!"

"Tar and...? No! I just mean maybe he wouldn't be such a meanie pants if we were nicer to him..."

"Pinkie darling you can't just be nice to someone like him and expect results."

"But..."

"I have an idea..." Fluttershy whispered but went unnoticed as the girls threw out idea after idea Twilight and I watching somewhat amused until I noticed her trying to be heard.

"What is it Fluttershy?"

Everyone stopped talking and looked to her immediately making her turn beet red hiding behind her hair. "Well... He... Sombra that is, really seemed upset about losing that crown and if he just gets it anyhow that’s not fair. Maybe we could help Twilight win instead teaching him a lesson and helping our new friend?"

"That’s a wonderful idea darling!"

"Sounds like fun!"

"Well... It's not the nut-kicking he deserves, but if it makes him mad I guess I'm all for it!"

"Alright we got a plan... Hmm... Well an guess we got an idea, we still need a plan..."

"Hmm..." Everyone thought a moment.

"Can we think of a plan tomorrow?" Pinkie asked her stomach grumbling making her grin sheepishly. "Mom's making my favorite tonight!"

"Ah should git goin too, Granny won't wait long fer me."

"I'm sure we'll all think about it tonight and have some great ideas in the morning! Twilight, Rick we'll see you in the morning ok?"

"Sure Rarity." I nodded.

We all said our goodbyes and they all took off their separate ways, Applejack meeting Big Mac, Applebloom and Granny Smith in the parking lot driving off in her old pickup truck. Fluttershy catching a ride with Rarity in her white Porsche, Pinkie zipping away on her pink moped and Dash pedaling away amazingly fast on her mountain bike.

"That went well." I chuckled.

"Sure did, I know it's not the same but it's nice to see them like this..."

"Like this?"

"Young... Well younger, they were already grown and on their own when I first met them, I've always wondered what they were like when they were growing up. What things might have been like if I'd met them earlier..."

"Every bit as amazing as now I'm sure, though I'm sure some stallion would have snapped up this beautiful mare and I would have been out of luck..." I teased.

"As if..." She blushed slightly leaning against me as a cool breeze blew through the field. "Um... Rick?"

"Hmm?"

"Where are we going to sleep tonight?"

Dammit! I hadn’t thought about that either... I suppose we could go back through the portal but it wouldn't be a good idea to call attention to it, if even one person saw us... No that wouldn't do, where...? Where? "I have no idea..."

"Well..."

We got a few odd looks from the evening janitors but I guess they'd seen their fair share of students rushing back after the school had closed for something they'd forgotten as none of them questioned us.

Sneaking past the librarian was quite easy too as she was distracted gathering up her things to go. As the lights went out we breathed a sigh of relief together.

"Well it certainly won't be the first night we've spend in a strange library..." I chuckled.

"Humph, true..." Her gaze softened. "What I wouldn't give to be back in our library..."

"I know... Me too." I held her tight a moment.

We searched around in the waning light finding a couple of drop cloths and a quiet corner of the library where we wouldn't be disturbed even if we slept in a bit, we settled down some books as our pillows. While I was searching around I had found someone’s music player charging on one of the computers we'd be sure to leave that at the desk tomorrow but for tonight... We shared the earbuds going through the songs as we drifted off.

1. Driver

2. Siberia

3. Closing Time

4. Love into the Light

We were leaning against one another falling asleep by the end.

Sleep tight Twi, it'll be ok...

Love you...

Part 3 (The plot thickens)

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Morning... The sun shone through the library windows waking me, I wondered did it echo the sin in Equestria? Or vice-versa? Just how connected were the dimensions?
Could actions... Major actions I supposed affect them all?

Hiroshima? The meteor that fell in Canada creating the Manicouagan crater? The even bigger one that wiped out the dinosaurs? If that even happened, did that happen in Equestria? I'm sure in some dimensions they survived and flourished... So many questions but no way to tell for certain. Well worrying about it wouldn't help us here, Twi lay against me much the same as back home me on my back with her beside me her head on my chest. I brushed her hair gently off her face as she stirred stretching against
me.

"Mmm... Morning..." She slipped her arms around me snuggling up.

I kissed the top of her head holding her as well. "Morning, sleep well?"

"Not bad at all, that music helped. What did you call it? An m, three player?"

"MP3."

"Amazing you can fit so much music into such a small device..." She put it down with a sigh. "I hope we can come up with a plan..."

"With all of us brainstorming I'm sure we'll come up with a few, conflicting I have no doubt but we'll come up with something."

She giggled softly as we cuddled a bit longer, must be the teenage hormones but I wanted her as badly right then as ever before, but this certainly wasn't the time or place... Now if I could just convince a different part of me of that...

My dirty train of thought was interrupted as she rolled over on top of me sitting up straddling me her hair messy biting her bottom lip. "Sooo..."

Well that got things back on track! I pulled her down kissing feverishly again and again but before things went too far I pushed her away gently her confused look
made me smile. "As much as I... Really, really, really want you right now it's probably not a good idea, we could get caught but... Well that’s part of the attraction but with no magic here, and..." I tapped her forehead gently rubbing her exposed belly softly. "Not that I'm scared of another baby but this place, then going back... I don't know it could cause complications."

"Your right... Humph, fine... But this frustrating teenage make out session isn't over."

"Oh I'm going to ravage you when we get home..."

We kissed again long and slow before getting up and trying to straighten our clothes and hair. "I can see why you don't wear them to bed, what a bother! Well... One reason at least." She giggled.

"Little minx." I chuckled giving her a playful swat on the butt eliciting a squeal and return swat from her.

The library wasn't locked thankfully and we cautiously exited finding some nearby washrooms to clean up. I managed to make myself presentable at least and exited to wait for Twi, and wait, and wait... I was about to knock when she came out looking fantastic, clothes back in order, hair tamed and still slightly damp I could see. No makeup but she didn't need it.

"You look great."

"Thanks..." She blushed slightly. "Sorry for the wait, some things are... Difficult to manage when your used to doing things with magic."

"I bet."

A few students and teachers began trickling in as we looked around trying to blend in as we passed by some vending machines she suddenly stopped.

"Is that food?" Her tummy grumbled softly making her blush. "I'm a little hungry." She smiled sheepishly.

"It is." I searched my pockets then hers but it seemed whatever force or magic brought us here changing us and giving us different clothes hadn’t thought to include money! Maybe because we didn't have any on us when we entered...?

"Sorry..."

"Stand aside! The great and powerful Trixie...! Wants some peanut butter crackers."

A light blue skinned girl with white hair brushed by us feeding a few coins into the machine snatching the package that dropped in triumph and sauntering off happily.

"Great and powerful...? Was she really that bad when you first met her?" I asked.

"Oh you have no idea..." She giggled.

We laughed a moment but we were still hungry, we stared a bit longer until we heard someone clear their throat behind us, we spun around finding an older heavyset woman with light green skin and grey hair. She had a stern expression but her eyes still shone with intelligence and humor.

"These yer new friends Applejack?"

"You bet Granny Smith." Applejack stepped out from behind her a playful grin on her face followed by Big Mac and Applebloom.

"Lookin like ya'll skipped breakfast?"

"Uh... Yes, we..."

"Mistake, most important meal'a the day don't I always say youngins?"

"You bet."

"Eeyup."

"Ya!"

"Well..." She looked us over shrewdly. "Ah don't take ta hungry young folk wanderin around on ma watch. So if'n you two'r willin ta do a bit ah work around the kitchen before class I'll make sure ya start yer day off with full bellies at least."

"That’s very generous of you Granny Smith, we'd be happy to help out." Twilight smiled.

"Don't ya worry Granny won't work ya too hard." Applejack winked with a grin.

"Alright Apple family ya'll have a great day!"

"Thanks Granny!" They echoed each heading off in their own directions.

"A'right you two, let's get to er."

"Lead on."

We followed her to the cafeteria where she passed us a couple of aprons and hair nets. "A'right now ah gots ta get lunch started fer everyone but if you two'll get these few dishes leftover from yesterday taken care of that'd be mighty helpful." She gestured over toward a considerable pile of pots, pans and dishes. "Not as young as ah used ta be, get plum tuckered out when the day is done." She sighed wearily.

"You can count on us Mrs. Smith!" Twilight smiled pulling me off, we tackled the mountain trying to get through them quickly but making sure they were all clean. It only took about a half an hour but it seemed much longer before Granny passed by us.

"Good enough youngins, come on an have a feed before ya go."

We both sighed with relief drying off and turning to follow her both of us stopping to stare at Granny balancing a pile of trays in each hand making her way with ease, she looked back at us with a grin and a wink.

"Don't feel bad you two, kids'a been fallin fer that 'tired ol lady' trick fer years. Ya done fine work though come sit a spell."

We did as she asked and she loaded us up with two sandwiches each as well as fruit, homemade fries and a tall glass of milk.

"You two just relax a bit, ya still got time before the first bell."

Not a problem for us but we weren't thinking about that at the moment as we dug in with a muffled 'Thanks!'

"Don' be talkin with yer mouths full!" She chuckled turning back to her work.

We ate ravenously, I was worried Twi might not like the sandwiches as they appeared to be baloney. The first I'd had for a long time... Didn't quite taste the same, or maybe I'd forgotten...? She didn't seem to notice and I wasn't about to burden her mind with any other worries. We sat full, content and sleepy another minute before the bell rang jolting us awake.

"Off ya scamper! An thanks for the help!"

"Anytime!" We called back rushing out trying our best to look like students on their way somewhere but really searching for any of the others, we didn't have a lot of time and if we were going to come up with a plan it had to be soon. We caught sight of Pinkie and Rarity about to enter a class and they waved us over.

"So good to see you both! We all have a free study period after first class, a holdover from before when we used to always get together... And now again!" She smiled.

"We'll be meeting out by the football field to do some planning!"

"I know you two likely don't have the period off but if either of you can make it... Well, we'll discuss it at lunch too naturally."

"See you there... Ooh! It's hamburger day!"

"Why can't there be a salad day...?" Rarity sighed following Pinkie into their class.

"Ham...? Burger? I've heard of a burger of course; you know Hayburger is one of my favorites."

"Sure do... Well the ham part stands for hamburger meat..."

"Meat? I suppose that makes sense this is a human world... Wait a minute! was there meat in those sandwiches?"

"Well, yes..."

"And you didn't tell me?" She fumed punching me in the shoulder but then immediately smiled pressing forward for a kiss but remembering at the last moment pulling back both of us embarrassed looking around to see if we'd been spotted. Thankfully everyone seemed to be in class. "New experiences right? It tasted good..." She shook her head. "Anyhow, we had better make ourselves scarce until it's time to meet them."

"Sounds good."

We both looked around the school some more making sure not to stick around in any once place for too long, first period wasn't too long though and before long we met the girls out to the side of the field, they were surprised to see us.

"Just so happens we have this period off too..." I sheepishly explained.

"Lucky." Dash grinned.

"Very convenient darlings!"

"Maybe a little too convenient..." Pinkie narrowed her eyes at us a moment before breaking out in giggles.

"So any of ya'll come up with any ideas?"

"Well..."

"Ta help Twilight Dash."

"Oh..."

"I did some thinking on the matter, Sombra's bullied his way into winning but no one’s been very happy about it..."

"They've just had no other choice..." Fluttershy whispered.

"Exactly Fluttershy! But if we can show Twilight and Flash will be a far better King and Queen and won't be pushed around..."

"About this Flash..."

"Oh we haven't asked him yet but I'm sure he'll be fine with it, he doesn't let Sombra and his goons push him around... Well, he kind of just stands above it, letting it pass by... Ooh! There he is now! Hi Flash!!!"

It must have been his gym period as teens had been jogging by around the track as we talked, the one she waved too was light yellow skinned with dark and light blue quaffed hair, he nodded at Pinkie and gave her a wink as he passed, he even managed to make his gym outfit look cool... I hated him.

The girls watched him jog off Rarity and Applejack giving low whistles of approval, Fluttershy watching with interest? Trepidation? I couldn't tell, Pinkie was just happy to be acknowledged and even Dash gave him an appreciative once over. Twilight I couldn't tell as she was turned away from me and before I could move to see her he was gone.

"Isn't he cool?!"

"Sure... Great."

"But what are we going to do? even if he's interested in helping we still need to convince more than fifty percent of the student body to side against Sombra before tomorrow!"

"Relax Twi, Flash is popular with plenty of groups around the school, half the battle right there!" Pinkie bounced around grinning happily.

"And the other half?" I asked.

"Well there are these..." Rarity blushed lightly pulling out a headband with pony ears on it and a simple belt with a tail at the back. "They used to be popular before but... We haven't sold any for ages, the sewing and craft club that is..." She sighed.

"These will help how?"

"School spirit..." Fluttershy whispered.

"Speak up sugar cube."

"Everyone wants to be proud of their school, we might complain sometimes but it's our school! With Sombra... Well school prides been pretty low, and it shows. The Wonder Colts haven't even placed for ages; even Dash can barely keep the soccer team afloat..."

"Hey! We're fine... Though it would be nice to see more than ten people at the games..."

"Exactly! We need some pep popping peppering up! For pep!"

"Riiight... Still not quite clear..."

"Rick darling, if we show Twilight will be the kind of Queen that will take care of the school and students people will notice! I hope..."

Honestly I never really paid much attention to stuff like this when I was in school, but I was bit anti-social too...

A bit? Just kidding, you know what my school life was like but it seems like a good plan though. I can't think of anything better at least. You... You’re ok with me running with Flash? It seems that it would help but, if it bothers you...

It does, every mention of him and any look he might give you, touch you... Ahrrg! But, I won't mess up our chances with my jealousy... I hope, I can't promise not to punch him if he tries to kiss you.

Silly...

"Hello...? Are you two communicating telepathically? That would be so cool!"

"Ah, sorry Pinkie just thinking." Our mental communication while much faster than talking still took time.

"Same, We... I think it's a great idea, Rick?"

"Whatever you want Twi."

"Excellent! Oh here comes Flash again, lets flag him down and see if he's willing to assist us in our daring plan."

The five of them rushed over to the track leaving Twilight and I alone for the moment.

"Well you better go introduce yourself..." I grumped making her smile and grab my hand dragging me with her.

"You too frowny." She giggled.

He was a pretty easy going guy, not as big of a jerk as I had hoped... And while the appreciative glances he gave Twi made me want to punch him right then and there at least he didn't limit it to her, all the girls got their share. Pervert... Ok fine I was just as guilty.

That decided we hung out for the rest of the period tossing ideas around and arranging to all meet as soon as the lunch bell rang. The others hurried off to their next class giving us another period to kill, we'd looked around the inside of the school quite a bit so we took a tour around the outside. The grounds were large and well tended, plenty of room for sports and other activity’s but still some greenery and trees. There was a large playground for the younger kids too and we spent some time there swinging together reminiscing...

Lunch came soon enough and we met the others near the cafeteria for the beginning of our plan. Music it seemed was as big a part of this dimension as Equestria... Come to think of it music was a big part of a lot of people’s lives on Earth too, we just usually didn't burst out in song...

--Song--

For my part I kept back passing out ears and tails to anyone who wanted and keeping an eye out for Sombra or any of his 'gang', his spies could be anyone though for all I knew. Word spread quickly and students who were eating outside or elsewhere began to arrive, they finished singing but everyone it seemed had questions and for the rest of lunch they answered them.

They were doing fine so I snuck out to use the wash room, on my way back rounding a corner my arms were suddenly grabbed and I was shoved up against a locker.

"I thought I told you and your 'sister' to keep out of my business!"

And there was Sombra his eyes burning with anger, to my left was a pudgy teen holding my arm with pale blue skin and orange hair and on my other a skinny gawky teen 'normal' skin color and light teal hair. Standing aside looking uncomfortable avoiding my gaze was Lyra.

"I recall hearing something like that, however seeing it was you I immediately dismissed it."

"Funny..."

The lightning fast punch to my gut wasn't completely unexpected and I had tensed, he still had some power behind it more than enough to make me grunt.

"One solution to every problem eh Sombra? Same as always..." I grinned.

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

"This world, where we came from same old, same old right?"

The two holding me looked back and forth between us but more surprising was the look of confusion on his face. "I... I don't remember... There was something before, I was someone else, powerful... Feared and respected... Ahrg...!" He clutched his head as if in pain Lyra squeezing his shoulders comfortingly until he glared at me. "The crown will give me back what was mine!"

"And just what was that?"

"It... It's just flashes and images, sometimes I remember a few things..." He shook his head straightening up and motioning Lyra back.

"You promised..." She whimpered.

"I know; I won't hurt him... Much."

He drew back and swung again but I was fully ready this time, his two henchmen had my arms held fairly securely but my body was still able to move, as he connected with another powerful body blow I pushed myself back against the locker using the power from his punch as well as my own to snap my torso and head forward slamming my forehead into his, I would have preferred his nose but I didn't have the angle for it but the pain that exploded in my head I was sure was worse for him verified by his eyes rolling up into his head as he fell backwards, Lyra shrieked trying to catch him both of them tumbling to the floor.

"What the?!"

"Boss!"

They both jumped clutching my arms all the tighter which was fine, the skinny one would be the weaker of the two I was sure, I extended my leg across his path suddenly twisting my body pulling him off balance tripping over my leg pulling all three of us down in a heap both of them letting go trying to break their fall. I recovered faster pushing myself up then driving my elbow into the chubby one’s gut hearing his pained groan I quickly turned my attention to the other, he was already sat up gaining his feet so I punched him lightly just between his chest and gut in the solar plexus causing him to fall back gasping for breath.

Those two temporarily out of the picture I turned my attention back to the far more dangerous foe and just as I feared he was already conscious and trying to get back up, I quickly pushed him over while he was still disoriented twisting his arm up behind his back bracing it with my knee as Lyra looked on obviously concerned for him which I couldn't understand but also in surprise and shock, I couldn't be the first person to actually fight back against him, could I?

"Stop, please..." She whispered.

"I won't damage him permanently Lyra, it's ok..."

"Get off of me!"

"You just stay there a moment." I pressed him back down with my weight. "Not so easy when someone fights back is it?"

"You'll pay for this..." He growled.

"Oh? When your all powerful and rule this world? What is it you really want Sombra?"

"I have my reasons..." He answered glancing over at Lyra.

I got up hauling him up with me slamming him against the lockers gripping his shirtfront. "Forget them, leave Twilight alone."

"Your so called 'sister'?" He chuckled.

"Even if she was just my sister you would deeply regret hurting her, any of them..." I glanced over at Lyra this time, she was watching us warily still looking confused I guess he hadn't told her about his past how would he?

"Better stop me now then hero..." He grinned meeting my gaze firmly. "Go on..."

I shoved him back into the lockers taking a step back. "I know what you’re capable of, I've seen it. And we won't let it happen again..."

Again I got a confused almost pained look from him quickly turning into a grimace then diabolical grin as he stepped back pushing Lyra behind him. "You haven't seen anything yet..."

They backed away slowly and I let them go shaking my head, so many unknowns here... everything I had been told of Sombra and had seen firsthand in the Crystal Empire spoke only of his corruption from Dark magic and the evil that followed, but here... He seemed little more than a bully in a position of minor power milking it for all it was worth, and Lyra...? I couldn't figure that out either but nor could I understand those who stayed in abusive relationships in the first place.

I left his two henchmen groaning and headed back to the lunchroom to see how things went and to get something cold for my forehead. It looked promising, everyone was talking, smiling and laughing. Twilight and Flash were together answering questions making my skin crawl but as soon as she saw me enter she excused herself coming right over making me feel foolish.

"Everything went well then?" I asked forcing a smile.

"Better than we could have hoped!" She squealed happily. "Ooh, what happened to your head?" She touched it tenderly but it still made me wince slightly.

"Heh, a small misunderstanding..." I mentally explained the rest as we rejoined the others.

He's such a creep! I'm glad you’re ok...

"Whoa! Ya lose a fight with a wall their Rick?" Applejack chuckled.

"Not quite Applejack, bent over to tie my shoe in the washroom but I forgot about the basin... Bam! Nearly knocked myself out." I grinned.

Dash, Pinkie and Applejack all found that incredibly amusing bursting out laughing while Rarity smiled sympathetically, Fluttershy however looked very concerned immediately rushing off getting some ice from Granny Smith wrapping it in a towel. She insisted I lay down across a couple chairs with my head in her lap as she gingerly held the ice pack to my head blushing but smiling down at me.

"Ooh, I never would have thought of that Fluttershy." Rarity whispered with a grin making Fluttershy blush all the more.

"Humph!" I glanced out of the corner of my eye a disgruntled Twi turn her back and pointedly ignore us. Admittedly it was a nice feeling to have someone jealous over you but it lost its luster a bit when you remembered it was hurting them inside, I knew it all too well... I'd have to make it up to her.

Lunch was over everyone streaming out promising to tell their friends about Twilight and Flash's bid for the crown and to get them to all vote for them. We exited the cafeteria as well Fluttershy finally releasing me and headed off together trying to look like we were on our way to a class.

"That went well, you got through to a lot of people."

"I suppose..."

"It should be a shoe-in for you to win the crown back..."

"Maybe..."

"We can finally get home..."

"Are you sure you wouldn't prefer to stay here with Fluttershy?" She growled turning her back on me in a huff.

I couldn't help but begin chuckling, her anger and annoyance was so cute I couldn't help believe me I knew by now women (and mares) got really annoyed when you called them cute when they were angry.

She spun around her eyes wide and face red. "What are you...?!"

"I can't help it love, you’re so beautiful when your mad."

"How dare you. I..."

I didn't let her finish pulling her to me kissing her passionately as her small fists beat against me chest a few moments before she melted against me. Thankfully we were down an abandoned hall as this would be more than a little difficult to explain. But I really didn't care at the moment, after a few more seconds we parted reluctantly.

"I'm sorry..." She whispered.

"Don't be, I love that your jealous, that sounds bad I know but it’s nice to have someone that passionate... That cares that much..."

"I know..." She smiled slyly. "Don't think I don't love it when you look like you’re ready to punch Flash. These damn teenage hormones... Though I must admit I hate the attention Lyra steals from you back home too..."

"I told you I'll..."

"Don't be silly..." She put a finger to my lips then sighed with a smile. "Well let’s go, I'd like to see every part of this school. After all we're not likely to come back here once we go right?"

It was an amazing school, huge and opulent looking more like it should be a private school of some sort filled with privileged elite but here there was a mix from everywhere, some who looked like their clothes had been handed perhaps even more than once to a haughty looking young miss transporting a cello. But they all seemed to co-exist, even more so now. Splintered groups we'd seen seemed to be coming together members talking and laughing together the pall we had felt over the school seemed to be lifting. Plenty of them had an encouraging word for Twilight asking questions which she answered to the best of her ability, I was largely ignored but that was fine with me I didn't care for that much attention, I knew Twi didn't either but she'd gotten much better at it and with me not being the center of attention I could keep my eyes open for Sombra, any members of his gang.

Things were pretty quiet though, I was certain he hadn’t given up that easily he was planning something and the fact I couldn't see it worried me all the more. The rest of the day passed quickly, we saw the others a few times and they asked us to meet them after school which we agreed to naturally. We met at the corner of the parking lot students and faculty busy heading home.

"I think today went fabulously! I've been answering questions and handing out ears and tails all day! A sign of our solidarity some have said, wish we had thought of it sooner." Rarity smiled.

"Same here pardner."

"Yup!"

"Me too... It was scary..."

"The soccer team is with you! And the football, basketball, track... Well you get the idea." Dash laughed.

"That’s great! I was wondering... What happens if one of the elected can't continue their duties? Say they move away or get expelled from school? I'm sure that must have come up especially when Sombra first came onto the scene...?"

"Hmm... I believe the remaining member simply rules solo until the next election dear. But there’s no need to worry about that, you’re not going anywhere!"

"Right..." Twilight blushed playing with her ring, a nervous habit she'd picked up back home.

"Anyhow, even though it's Thursday I've invited everyone over for a slumber party! We used to have them all the time until... Well never mind, naturally we want you to join us as well!"

"Me? Oh! Thank you! Wait... What about..." She looked over at me as did the girls some of them blushing a little.

"Oh... well typically slumber parties are a girls only affair... I don't think my parents would approve..." I guess we must have both looked disappointed as she sighed and smiled. "I'll check." She whipped out her cellphone. "Call home." She waited a moment until it was answered then paced back and forth around us talking rapidly. "Yes Mother... I understand... I don't see how... Yes... Yes... Okay! Be home soon... Ugh! Fine, I'll pick up some milk... What?! Okay, okay. I'll give her a ride too. Goodbye." She put the phone away sighing heavily then smiling. "Surprisingly she's fine with it... You'll have to sleep in a different room of course, she's not that naive." She giggled. "And..."

"Wait for me sis!" We all glanced over at the cute pink and light purple haired girl running up, Sweetie Belle pretty easy to recognize in either world. She ground to a halt short on breath.

"Sweetie Belle! I reminded you twice this week to renew your bus pass!"

"Sorry..."

Rarity sighed patting her gently on the head. "Let's go, and we'll see the rest of you in a few hours."

"You bet."

"Ah'll ride ma bike back, once Granny gets home she's usually done fer the day."

"I'll bring games! And balloons! And..."

"Just yourself is fine Pinkie."

"Okie dokie loki, let’s go Fluttershy!"

"O... Okay..." Fluttershy secured her pink helmet sitting behind Pinkie on her moped clutching onto her looking terrified as they took off.

Twilight and I sat in the back while Sweetie Belle sat up by her sister glancing back at us occasionally as we drove. A brief stop at the supermarket and we were on our way, Rarity was a fast but quite safe driver and the town sped by finally pulling up to a fair sized colonial home.

"This is your house Rarity? I'm impressed." I commented.

She blushed fetchingly. "My parents..."

"Our parents..." Sweetie Belle interrupted with a giggle.

She pulled into the driveway and garage with a sigh. "Yes Sweetie our parents’ house, I've been complimented on it before but really all I've ever seen it as is home..." She smiled. "At any rate Father is out of town so it shall be just us girls... Oh, and you Rick."

"Thanks for the thought." I chuckled.

"Yes... Well, let’s get inside so we can get things set up and..."

"Can I..."

"No Sweetie Belle, this is my sleepover with my friends, you don't see me intruding on your juvenile get togethers when you have your friends over do you?"

"But..."

"Come, I'll introduce you to my Mother."

"I wish you would sometimes..." Sweetie Belle whispered as Rarity sped off.

Pearl was a lovely and talkative woman just entering middle age it appeared likely just a bit younger than I was! She had a dark pink complexion and long dark blue hair done up in a bun, a conservative outfit and a pair of glasses perched on her forehead and only a bit of the thickening middle and hips that so often comes with middle age.

"Oh! Here we go, come in, come in." She smiled warmly. "Sweetie, Rarity how was school today?"

"Fine Mother."

"It was great Mom! Scootaloo jumped her scooter right over the see-saws! And Applebloom made me laugh so hard at lunch milk came out my nose!" She giggled.

Rarity groaned and rolled her eyes but Pearl smiled even wider laughing alone with her. "Alright Sweetie off and do your homework, you did remember to attend class right?" She chuckled sending her off with a light smack on the rump. "Now then the family room downstairs is all set for your get together just move things around if you like. It’s so nice to see all your little friends here again honey, I'll make something simple for dinner say sandwiches and fries for you and your friends?

"Mother..." Rarity blushed. "That would be fine, thank you..." She quickly dragged us off showing us her immaculate bedroom then the large basement fully furnished with a sixty inch tv on the wall!

"Could you move a few things for me Rick?" She asked sweetly so I shuffled some chairs out of the way but still able to see the television then got the coffee table out of the way then moved the couch a bit back but then she changed her mind and I moved it back forward then back an inch. I was about to ask her to make up her mind but a glance back caught her stifling a giggle while Twi looked dangerously close to smacking her.

"Very funny Rarity..."

"There’s no harm in looking darling." She giggled nudging Twi who tried to force a smile but looked so awkward doing it, Rarity then she both burst out laughing.

After that we helped dig out a bunch of blankets, sheets and pillows to make a cozy sleeping area. By that time people started to arrive Dash first naturally but
Pinkie and Fluttershy shortly after she looked relieved to have survived the trip. Applejack arrived a short while after a bit sweaty from her ride, naturally Rarity sent her off to have a shower before dinner which she did with few comments about Miss Fussypants.

Shortly Pearl brought down plates of sandwiches, drinks and fries as well as chips, popcorn and some other assorted junk foods only hanging around a bit to embarrass Rarity before retreating back upstairs dragging Sweetie Belle with her. Being the only guy in a group of girls isn't the most comfortable position to be in, and once the girls changed into their nightclothes... Well...

Applejack I would have thought would have a long linen night dress the kind Granny Smith might approve of but to my surprise she just had a pair of old shorts and a worn t-shirt. "Ah usually wear a lot less'n this." She teased with a wink.

Fluttershy had a very simple cotton shift though she filled it out quite nicely and her demureness only added to the appeal.

Pinkie Pie had a tank top and pair of short-shorts, I thought with her love of sweets she'd have a bit of a pudge but not really, the constant motion and hyperactivity might have something to do with that.

Dash very surprisingly had a plain silk nightie that she seemed more than a little embarrassed for me to see her in. "What? I'm a girl you know..."

Rarity naturally had a lovely and intricate nightie covered by a nightgown that really covered up nothing whatsoever and she knew it all too well.

Twilight... Well we hadn’t brought any change of clothes and though she did have a few items of lingerie back home those were for... Other things... I usually just slept in my shorts but I would be keeping all my clothing on down here...

Rarity had taken Twilight up to her room, which is where all the girls had gone to change of course. Coming down last she had a simple black nightie with a bit of lace at the neck and skirt. She looked amazing... But then, she always did...

If your done staring at the other girls...

Hmm...? What?! Oh, right... Sorry...

I'm teasing, how does it look? Rarity seemed to think it was too plain...

You look... Very tempting... Beautiful! That is... I was so screwed.

We snacked some more and 'watched' a movie, that is I tried to keep my eyes on the screen while the girls talk and laughed over it. It was amazing how fast they bonded with Twilight, I suppose I shouldn't have been that surprised, I had heard the story of how she's come to Ponyville for the first time and with each and every one of them just... Clicked. They were all wildly different ponies, and people but somehow they all just fit together like pieces of a puzzle. I felt a bit sorry for the Twilight of this world, she was missing out.

"Lights out! You've all still got school tomorrow don't forget."

"Yes ma'am..." They sighed together disappointed.

"And if you'll join me up here Rick?"

"Night all." I waved to the girls as I followed Pearl up to a small office various pictures and football trophies decorating it a pillow and sleeping bag on the floor.

"I may have agreed to let you stay here tonight but no way are you sleeping down with the girls, I remember what it was like to be young you know." She smirked with a wink.

"Not a problem, thanks for letting me come."

She seemed surprised at my easy acceptance, must have been too used to dealing with her headstrong daughter. "Well then, goodnight..." She paused at the door giving me a shrewd look. "I've got great hearing too so don't be trying to sneak back downstairs."

"Goodnight ma'am." I chuckled.

I turned out the light and got undressed in the dark getting comfortable as best as I could on the floor. It had been a long day and my head still ached, I lay there listening to the little sounds around the house. Pearl getting ready for bed, still the occasional giggle from downstairs. It was hard to switch off my mind, drift off without Twilight beside me. She just made every problem real or imagined seem... Unimportant.

I must have tossed and turned for an hour before I started to fall asleep, the house fully silent now... Suddenly the door clicked and opened an inch.

"Hmm?" And suddenly I was awake again.

Twilights head popped around the door smiling sheepishly.

Hey...

Hey... Can't sleep?

Not really...

Come here you.

She shut the door quietly sliding into the open sleeping bag snuggling up.

"Mmm..." I breathed her in holding her close. I feel better already.

Me too... I'll have to wake up early to get back down to the girls.

Sure... Deja vu...

You...

She turned her head up and we kissed softly the small amount of streetlight from the window illuminating us.

Click! Both of us blinked shielding our eyes a moment until we could see, I expected to be busted by Pearl but there was Rarity backed by Applejack and Dash, Pinkie and Fluttershy peeking around the doorframe. Their expressions ran from slight amusement (Pinkie) to outright disgust (Rarity), and the whole gambit in-between.

"So. It's true..." Rarity scowled.

Dammit...

Chapter 4 (An ending... A beginning...)

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"Look Rarity..." Twilight stammered.

"Everything Sombra said is true?! How could you lie... Why fool us all?!" Rarity interrupted.

"Maybe we better talk downstairs, your mother..."

"What? Father snores like a freight train, she wears earplugs even when he's away she's simply accustomed to it. Don't think you can change the subject!"

Rarity was quite fired up and I suppose I couldn't blame her, Dash and Applejack both looked both looked mad as well while Fluttershy was on the verge of tears, Pinkie however just looked confused her head cocked to the side like she was trying to figure out an extremely difficult algebra problem.

"Well? Ya'll got somethin ta say fer yourselves?"

"That’s sick! I mean, maybe out in the country like Applejack it's..."

"Dash!"

"Kidding, kidding. Jeez..."

"I'm sorry girls, I didn't want to keep anything from you but the truth... Well it's..."

"It's what?!"

What do we do? I'm so stupid!

It was inevitable we'd slip up, I'm not sure they can take the truth though...

What do we do then?! Another lie...? I don't want to, we need their help still though and they are our friends... Sort of...

I know... We'll tell them something, a half-truth...

"Listen, let me try to explain..." I sat up trying to think of something then I noticed all five of them staring at me their mouths agape. "What?" I looked down and then understood, my scar prominently displayed surrounded by Twilights mark. I was so used to it I hardly noticed anymore.

Pinkie pushed into the room kneeling down staring at it. "Now I get it..." She whispered smiling.

"Is that a tattoo?" Dash asked.

"No, it goes much deeper than the skin..." I whispered putting my arm around Twi. "Okay, here it is..."

"They’re not brother and sister at all!"

"Pinkie how could you..."

"It's not what it appears, their married!" She giggled holding up my hand showing my ring and Twilights hung as always around her neck, strangely mine had sized to fit me here but hers remained larger still sized to fit over her horn.

"But ya'll are too young fer..."

"Nope! They’re not from here, far away but still so close..." Pinkie interrupted again on her feet now practically vibrating with excitement. "Twilight was a princess and it's her crown Sombra stole and brought here...!"

"But where are they from?" Fluttershy whispered looking amazed and terrified at the same time.

"Another world! Lots like ours but different, I thought there was something so strange about you both from the moment I met you! Rick always acting so calm, cool and collected..."

"Not that cool..." Dash shrugged leaning against the doorframe.

"And Twilight your so awkward! Not socially, well a little bit but aren't we all? Not me I guess but that’s not the point... What was I saying...? Oh! Awkward with your body, like you didn't know how to use it at all!"

"What do you mean Pinkie?" Fluttershy asked having finally ventured into the room.

"She's a pony! A magical Unicorn from another world! I'm so excited!" She collapsed onto her kneels gasping but still grinning from ear to ear.

The others just stared a minute looking from the two of us back to her confused Dash finally breaking the silence laughing out loud.

"That’s a good one Pinkie, you really had me going for a sec there..."

Well... What the heck. "It's all true." The chuckles stopped as they stared at me again. "She was right on pretty much everything, left a few things out but that’s to be expected. How did you know any of that Pinkie?"

She blushed brightly still smiling happily though. "Um... Lucky guess?"

"Same old Pinkie..." I chuckled.

"So you expect us to believe what Pinkie just said is true?" Rarity asked skeptically and I certainly couldn't blame her.

"Hey!"

"Oh come on Pinkie, we all know yer good at spinning a yarn but ya can't expect us ta believe..."

"Why not?! I've never lied to you before!"

"We know Pinkie but for something this... This unbelievable, we need some proof!" Dash added looking at us suspiciously. "Well?"

"There’s nothing we can say that will prove anything unfortunately, I can assure you that if Sombra does regain the crown... It won't be good..."

"What do you mean? He's had the crown for simply ages."

"It's my crown... Well, it's in my keeping for now. It's one of the six Elements of Harmony, powerful magical artifacts from our world... If I could just use my magic I could convince you... Ugh! I'm sorry..."

"She's not wrong there, with just a bit of effort she could levitate you all..." I suppose I could to with a bit more effort but that was neither here nor there. It did make me think of levitation though, not really a spell but more an innate ability for all Unicorns... Suddenly I heard a chorus of gasps and a tiny shriek, I'd lost myself in thought again oblivious to the faint glow coming from my chest and poor Fluttershy hovering a foot off the ground clutching the doorframe for all she was worth.

"Let me down, let me down, let me down... Please let me down!"

I gently set her down not quite understanding how I was able to do that here and just what their reactions might be...

"Cool! Me next! Me next!"

Okay so one reaction I could have guessed...

How did I...

I don't know... Maybe because you’re a human naturally you can still use your magic here! Does it still work the same? Is there a greater drain on you?

I'm sure if I let her we'd be here all night testing, I quickly levitated each of the girls in turn including Twilight and it was far more difficult and strenuous I felt like I was back in the first days of my training levitating cups but at least it still worked. As for any other spell? No time and as I said we could have another thirty moons and she'd still be testing.

"Well I hope that convinces you enough to at least hear our side of the story?" I asked.

"Yeah! Oh... Oopsie, I mean of course we will! We must have been crazy to doubt Pinkie Pie!" Pinkie giggled nudging the others.

Rarity sighed still looking a bit confused. "Alright... Let’s go back downstairs in case mother wakes up..."

We all headed down and keeping the lights low began our story, how Twilight first came to Ponyville and met them, sort of... And everything that happened after. Abbreviated of course, then my arrival and our trials and tribulations again very shortened still by the time we came to a halt it was well past midnight...

"You were very close Pinkie, I'm amazed though you did miss two very important things."

"Oh? What?"

"Those would be our daughters..." Twilight smiled.

"Ooh! That makes sense now..." Came a squeaky voice from the stairwell, we all turned to look finding Sweetie Belle crouched down trying to hide, poorly... "Oops..."

"Sweetie Belle!"

"Sorry sis, I heard the commotion and I just wanted to hear..."

"What did you mean Sweetie?" I asked.

"Oh!" Suddenly shy she hid behind Rarity peeking out blushing. "I... Well... Yesterday Scootaloo said you called her Angel and were looking at her funny, not pervert funny though. She said it was more like her dad looks at her sometimes..."

"So she's still got her family here..." I whispered with a smile missing my own Angel and baby badly.

Twilight rubbed my back leaning against me. "In our world Scootaloo is our daughter... Well adopted daughter, but we love her every bit as much as our own..."

"Aww..." The girls cooed.

"Well as unbelievable as yer story is ah believe ya. Count me in still."

"It's all so sweet... And terrifying..." Fluttershy gasped. "But... I'm still in too, we've got to get you home to your own world, your babies..."

"Don't have to ask me!" Pinkie giggled.

"Well I don't like that you tried to keep secrets from us... But heck I can sure understand why you did, I'm in!"

Everyone turned to Rarity who was standing back with her sister in front of her as she teased out tangles and knots in Sweetie Belles hair nervously. "It's just so much to process... Everything I thought I knew wasn't real and in its place some so unreal but true..."

"Rarity...?"

She smiled squeezing Sweetie Belles shoulders comfortingly. "I'm in, somehow it just feels right... My goodness look at the time! Off to bed young lady..."

"Aww..."

"All of us." She looked to the stairs then us shrugging with a smile. "Well who am I to tell a married couple where to sleep? We'll be up in plenty of time, and Sweetie..."

"Hmm?" She'd made it to the stairs but was lingering.

"Let’s keep this to ourselves shall we? Not even Apple Bloom and Scootaloo."

"But... Okay..."

Rarity sighed kneeling down holding out her arms. "Come here."

She practically ran into her sister’s arms both of them holding each other tightly while the rest of us 'Awwed'.

"I know I've been a bit... Difficult, this past while and it would be easy to blame that on Sombra but..."

"But...?"

"Well..." She sighed again looking her in the eyes. "Your just so precious and special I've never really felt... Like I deserve to be your big sister..."

"What?! But you’re the best!" She squeaked. "You help me, teach me, love me... You’re the best big sister I could ask for!"

"Sweetie..."

"Nu uh!" She hugged her sister fiercely gasping as Rarity hugged her back just as tightly both of them tearing up a bit.

"Thank you..." She smiled pulling Sweetie Belle to lay down cuddling with her. "Well I suppose you can stay this one time." The lights went out and we all got comfortable all of us tired.

That turned out much different than I imagined...

For the better.

Definitely, but I wonder how the heck Pinkie could know...

Trust me that’s a long road that just leads you back where you began, I've spent... Perhaps wasted might be a better word for it, many days trying to figure Pinkie out. Magically, scientifically... It just doesn't do any good!

I'll bet... Well the hard part should be out of the way eh?

I hope so... We kissed softly and let ourselves slip off along with our friends.

The principal’s office is not the ideal place you want to end up especially after a nice breakfast with friends and the moment you walk through the front doors of the school! A stern looking Luna was waiting for us escorting Twilight and I to the office leaving the others confused and worried.

I can't recall an occasion that I had been summoned to the principal’s office when I was young but I was sure there must have been one as the sensation felt very familiar...

Luna steered us into the two seats before the large desk taking up a spot behind her 'sister'? Couldn't really tell in this world. Celestia looked up from the papers she'd been idly flipping through.

"You know why you were brought here I assume?"

"Not really P... Principal Celestia, did... Did our papers come in...?" Twilight guess blindly.

"They did not!" She slammed both her hands down on the desk standing to tower over us. She was about six feet tall so were we both standing she wouldn't be much taller than me but with our awkward position in these short chairs the effect was impressive, I had the distinct impression she practiced it on occasion all the better to intimidate when she needed to. "I don't know how you two behaved at your old school though your transfer here may now make sense... Regardless this is unacceptable no matter your location!" She snapped tossing a handful of photos on the desk before us, pictures displaying us gleefully and wantonly smashing and destroying the dance preparations, tearing them down...

Something was clearly off though, well other than the fact we hadn’t been anywhere near here last night and of course we knew we didn't do it.

How...? Sombra!

No doubt.

These look like us but... How?

Pictures can be changed on a computer by someone who knows what they’re doing... And whoever did these seems to, I can see a few discrepancies though with the heads and bodies, I guess they haven't noticed... "These are fake, where did you get them?"

"They were anonymously left here this morning; what proof do you have that they are fake?" Luna scowled looking down at them.

"We weren't even here last night! Just ask..." Twilight begged.

"We aren't interested in alibis from your friends, it's bad enough you've destroyed school property but you've ruined everyone’s chances of enjoying the dance! It will have to be canceled, I suppose the crown will just have to remain with last year’s King and Queen..." Celestia nodded.

"I suppose it will." Luna agreed.

"You can't just..." I stopped myself short, they really could just arbitrarily declare us guilty, we had no parents to intervene on our behalf...

"And as for you two... I've never had to expel a student before let alone two! But the outcry..." The phone rang suddenly interrupting her. "I thought I asked her to hold my calls...?"

Luna picked up the phone quickly. "She's busy right now... Who? Of course, put her through. Maybe you had best take it Celestia."

"Hmm...?" She took the phone looking somewhat irritated. "Hello? It is... Mrs...? Oh, I do remember of course... You do...? They were...? Oh dear... I will, thank you very much for the call..."

Celestia and Lunas expressions, Luna had leaned down to place her ear to the other side of the phone as Celestia talked, definitely sisters. Their expressions had gone from annoyance to abject embarrassment as the call had gone on both of them flushed slightly. Celestia hung up the phone slowly and deliberately looking at it not meeting our gaze. "It seems I..."

"We..." Luna added squeezing her shoulder.

Celestia smiled wanly finally looking up at us. "We made a mistake, I... I hope you can forgive us, the evidence seemed so..."

"We understand, mistakes happen." I squeezed Twi's hand softly. "The important part is that we acknowledge them and move forward right?"

"That’s a surprisingly mature response, thank you..." Luna smiled.

They apologized again and we got up letting ourselves out as they talked together deciding not to announce the dance cancellation until lunch. We hadn’t gotten much past closing the door behind us when we were surrounded, Pinkie, Dash, Applejack and Fluttershy all looking concerned. Rarity stood a bit back watching slightly bemused.

"What happened?!"

"Musta been somethin serious fer the vice-principal ta drag ya both to the office."

"Scary..."

"So scary Fluttershy! I always get the heebie-jeebies’ whenever they call me to the office... Not that I've ever been... Well maybe after the pudding incident... And the party cannon... And..."

"A... Misunderstanding, Sombra tried to frame us for something..."

"And I would say we got off easily thanks to a certain someone." I grinned nodding to Rarity.

"I'm sure I have no idea what you mean darling..." She smiled innocently. "I was curious about what was going on so I engaged with some harmless gossip with Raven..." She nodded over at Celestia’s secretary who smiled and waved. "She alluded to some trouble last evening and you two were the main culprits, I of course knew that to be simply false. But they would no doubt not take my word over any other student, my mother however... Did I mention she used to be the president of the PTA? A quick phone call and..."

"Thank you Rarity." Twilight clutched her hands.

"You saved our butts for sure."

"Oh pish-posh, what are friends for?"

"Looks like Sombra's stepping up his game." Dash grin.

"What did he try'n frame ya'll for anyhow?"

"Well that’s going to be a problem..."

We stood in the wreck of the gym staring at the carnage, Sombra and his boys had certainly been though. Short of setting the gym on fire they'd have had a hard time doing more damage, every ribbon had been ripped down, balloons popped, tables overturned their legs broken thankfully the sound system hadn’t been delivered yet or I could only imagine how much worse it could have been...

"Why would they do this...?" Pinkie was almost in tears between the ruined decorations and the prospect of the dance being cancelled crushing her sunny disposition.

"The stakes are high Pinkie, we still have no idea what he really intends to do with the crown but clearly some magic Equestrian or not seems to exist here..." Twilight mused.

"But how'r ya gonna get the crown back now? Ya'll can't wait until next year!"

"We'll just have to... Snatch it, get it away from Celestia and Luna before they give it to him..."

"Rick, you don't even know where they've got it hidden or when they’re going to give it to him!"

"It's got to be in their office Dash!"

"We can't be sure of that!"

"Oh dear... Oh dear..."

"Let’s not panic everyone..." Rarity walked around slowly picking up bits and pieces a faraway look in her eyes. "We could make this work..."

"Make what work? They destroyed everything..." Twilight hung her head sadly.

"Not at all, we still have supplies and some of these decorations can still be salvaged."

"But..." Everyone interrupted.

She held up a hand with a smile. "We can make this work, we have to! Not just for Twilight and Rick but for every one of us! Sombra has to know we won't be pushed around anymore! So what do you say? Together?"

She cut quite the figure full of righteous anger and self-assurance, what else could our answer be but 'Together!'

Song

Twilight and I didn't have classes of course but the girls did, I expected them to return on their free period together but still the amount of work before us seemed impossible in the short amount of time we had. Still Twilight and I began cleaning up but to my surprise we'd only just started when Rarity returned several girls in tow.

"Mrs. Sweet was quite sympathetic, she gave us free reign to use some of the crafting supplies and let anyone who wanted to help have the period off! Their coming with the supplies..." She smiled happily. "Let’s get set up over here, Rick if you could put some of the less damaged tables upright?"

I did and before too long more of her classmates arrived with boxes of supplies and behind them was Dash with what looked like plenty of people from her class!

"Yeah well I figured we could get as good a workout here cleaning up as we could out on the field, Coach doesn't care as long as we're tired by the end of the period!" She laughed.

We all started cleaning up while Rarity and her classmates made and re-made decorations and while we did so a funny thing began to happen, students of all kinds curious about what was going on began poking their heads in and rather than passing by came in to assist!

Second period came around and Fluttershy, Applejack and Pinkie arrived and clearly the word had spread, some of the students here had to go to their next classes but even more arrived to help! Before too long lunch loomed and the gym was looking just as good... No, even better than before!

Celestia and Luna made an appearance both of them looking around in surprise and amazement, they made their way up to the stage both of them smiling.

"Students... Students! You've done... Amazing work in such a short period of time, we were sure we'd have to cancel tonight’s dance..."

"But what you've done here, how you've come together..." Luna continued sweeping her arms out.

"We're very proud of what you've accomplished, everything shall continue as scheduled I hope to see you all this evening."

"As do I."

Everyone cheered and applauded as much for themselves as for Celestia and Luna I imagined, we broke for lunch there wasn't much left to do amazingly. An announcement over the PA reminded everyone to come to the dance tonight and not to forget to vote for the King and Queen. With everything that had happened recently I'd almost forgotten, everything coming to a head one way or another tonight things would be decided...

The rest of the day passed in a blur Rarity spiriting Twi away for a bit leaving me to wander the school alone, I spotted Lyra exiting a classroom and followed her to her locker I guess I was sneakier then I thought as she jumped as soon as I spoke.

"Lyra..."

"Ahh!" She spun around flattening herself against a locker. "Oh it's you Rick, don't scare me like that!" She admonished with a gentle smile.

"Sorry..." I apologized stopping suddenly noticing the fresh bruise on her cheek and heavily made up eyes trying to conceal one of them blackened. "That son of a..." I stepped forward and she stiffened making me even angrier, I gently caressed her cheek making the bruise fade and black eye disappear, something else I wasn't sure I would be able to do here but I just reacted though I had to steady myself from the sudden wave of exhaustion that hit me...

She blushed fetchingly pushing my hand away gently. "You shouldn't... Sombra might..."

"He might what? I'm not scared of him but I am afraid for you, you can't let him..."

"What...?" Her hand went to her cheek her mouth opening in an o of surprise not feeling any pain, she flipped open her compact staring confused. "How did you...?"

"It's a very long story, Sombra's reign is coming to an end, you don't have to stay with him, you don't have to let him hurt you..."

"You... You don't know what you’re saying! I... I... I have to go..." She grabbed her backpack shutting her locker and dodging around me rushing off down the hall.

I didn't pursue or call out after her, I hoped she'd see tonight, I sighed making my way back to the main halls everyone seemed excited and happy about the prospect of the dance tonight many still wearing theirs ears and tails it was quite the sight to see.

Again that afternoon Rarity invited us over knowing we had nowhere else to go, shortly after we arrived all the girls showed up heading upstairs leaving me to hang out in the living room with Sweetie Belle, I amused her by telling her about Equestria and levitating her and various objects around the room careful not to get spotted by Pearl. Her giggles and adorable behavior only reminded me how badly I missed my own girls, still it cheered me up. We'll be home soon...

After an hour they came down each of them showing off their party dresses, I wasn't sure if Rarity had made them all but she certainly could have, she had skills here too though not quite the experience of our Rarity. They were all beautiful in their own way, as Pearl took some pictures Rarity pulled me aside.

"Sorry..."

"What for?"

"Well, you know... The flirting and all..."

"Don't be silly, us old guys do like having a beautiful young girl flirt with us you know?" I chuckled.

"But you’re not... I mean you are but..."

I stopped her with a gentle squeeze on the shoulder. "I'm teasing; don't you worry about it."

"Thanks, also all this fanfare with the dresses and everything. I know it's not important for why you've come..."

"True, but..." I turned her head to watch Twilight laughing and talking with her friends. "When she was this age she really never had anything like this friends included so thank you."

"Never...? But you said..."

"She was older when she came to Ponyville and met all you... Well you know, most of her childhood she spent in pursuit of knowledge. I'm not complaining and I don't think she would either, it's made her the mare she is today, the mare I love..."

Rarity giggled. "You really do remind me of my mother and father, they still get misty eyed together too." She smiled. "Do you think we have a Twilight here too then? We should find her!"

"We did discuss that; she could be anywhere though. Another school, collage..."

"Not to worry darling, Facebook." She smiled mischievously. "But for now things look good everyone I've spoken too intends to vote for Twilight and Flash... Oh, Flash... I'm sorry for suggesting that as well..." She blushed.

"No problem, well I was a bit jealous I'll admit. Twilights so amazing... I... Well, I just don't feel like I deserve her..."

"Not for me to say..." she whispered. "But I think that means you do."

"Thanks."

"I wish I had time to fit you for a suit as well! You'd look so dashing together!"

"That’s alright, the attention won't be on me which is fine, I'll be keeping my eyes open for Sombra and his 'gang'."

"Do you think he'll try something?"

"Not sure but I doubt he's about to give up without a fight."

"Then we'll all be ready."

Another hour or so of preparation, makeup and minor distractions and we were on our way back to the school, admittedly I was intrigued by this place it's society and people but I just wanted to go home, sleep comfortably in our bed with my love beside me, cuddle my baby and Angel little things I missed so much. So let’s get this done.

Thankfully with such a large school the gym was also huge which was good because it looked like every student was here! Some talking in small groups but mostly mingling, laughing and having a good time. It took all of two seconds having walked through the doors for Pinkie to take off like a shot determined to have a good time and make sure everyone else was too!

We split up each promising to meet a short while later and to keep a sharp lookout for Sombra or those we knew to be associated with him. So for the moment we were alone, well not really.

A few songs had played since our arrival but now a slow one started pairs coming together to sway to the music, I offered Twi my hand and we came chastely together well aware of the multitude of people around.

The princess and the bum eh?

Oh you, my prince, my knight, my lover, my husband... All I want, all I need.

And always yours, now and forever...

Suddenly a throat cleared beside us. "Mind if I cut in?"

Flash Sentry looking every bit the dapper gentleman smiling to Twilight warmly, god I wanted to punch him. Instead I stepped back gesturing him in. "See you later Twi." I backed away letting him take her away and as much as I would like to keep an eye on them I still had bigger problems on my mind.

I transverse the party looking all over checking with any of the girls and some other students but no one had seen Sombra or Lyra, the general consensus being they were too humiliated to show their faces with their upcoming defeat.

I wished I could be so optimistic, nothing I knew about him suggested to me he was done, but never the less he wasn't to be seen and that was worrying.

"Hey..."

I jumped slightly I'd been so engrossed with looking all around I hadn’t been looking right beside me, and there she was my little Angel well this worlds version of her at least. A simple but pretty dress she looked very uncomfortable in her hair combed neatly but some strands already sticking out. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom stood beside her grinning.

"Oh, hi there... Scootaloo? Was it?"

"Some dad, he doesn't even know my name."

"Sweetie Belle!" I growled softly pulling the three of them to an out of the way corner.

"I'm sorry! It's just... You came up in conversation and maybe I mentioned you were her father in another dimension then we spent a couple hours looking up what another dimension meant then she forced me to tell everything!"

"Forced?"

"She tickled me..." She whispered blushing.

She was so cute I couldn't help but chuckle. "Okay but this has to stay between you three now ok?"

"Just how are you my dad in this other dimension? You don't look anything like him."

I knelt down looking in her serious face resisting the urge to hug her like I would my Angel if she was upset. "In our world... You were alone and you had been for some time..." Not exactly true but not a lie either. "We couldn't leave you like that, we didn't want you to go to an orphanage or take a chance on a foster home, you deserved a family that loved you and we try... No, we do give you that... Her, sorry her... I love my little Angel more than life itself and I'd do anything for her..."

I was interrupted by a tough little tom-girl throwing herself into my arms hugging and letting me hug her. "Thank you..." She whispered.

"I'm so happy you have your family here Angel... Sorry, Scootaloo."

"You can call me Angel..."

"Thanks... Anyhow! Don't you worry about that, go have fun girls!"

"Kay!" They echoed, one last little hug and they were off.

The dance was well underway with still no sign of trouble I let myself relax a little dancing with each of the girls and enjoying myself, good music and everyone was getting along forming new bonds of friendship, I was cautiously optimistic as the time came to reveal the results of the students voting.

Celestia and Luna took the stage, they weren't quite as dressed up as most of the students but they both had nice dresses on and smiles on their faces. "Students! This is a very special night and momentous occasion!" Luna began then passing the mic to Celestia back and forth, definitely sisters.

"Indeed, never before has the student body so come together averting calamity and making this night even better!"

"But that’s not all, the vote for this year’s King and Queen has been completed and for the first time since its inception a nearly one hundred percent turnout!"

"Even more amazing this year all of that hundred percent goes to this year’s King and Queen... Flash Sentry and Twilight Sparkle!"

The crowd broke out in thunderous applause and cheering as Twilight and Flash made their way up to the stage, seeing the school the past few days I wasn't surprised they won but one hundred percent? That didn't seem possible unless Sombra's own followers voted against him... Or were ordered to...

I quickly pushed my way closer checking all around for anything amiss my paranoia reignited then up high above then in case he was planning some 'Carrie' style humiliation. But nothing, they had just finished crowning the two of them when I finally spotted what I'd been looking for or rather what I was allowed to see, Sombra at the gym entrance but what really got my attention was who he had with him held tightly though she struggled in vain against him, Fluttershy... With a sneer at me he yanked her out the door.

I had no idea what he was capable of in this world but if it was even a tenth of... We had to move fast, I spent a few precious minutes getting everyone (even Flash) letting them know what was going on before we rushed to the entrance with plenty of tag-alongs following the new King and Queen which was fine we might need the help...

We burst out the doors into the cool evening air not sure what to expect and we weren't disappointed by the scale of the spectacle he'd arranged. Fluttershy was safe at least held off to the side by the same two who'd grabbed me before, the statue... The portal was looped several times around the base and up to its head with ropes, tow straps and heavy chain all hooked up to five pickup trucks engines idling. Looks like some of Sombras boys borrowed daddy’s truck to go to the dance. We all froze at that sight I had little doubt if it wasn't protected in some way they could tear it down with ease.

"What the hell are you doing Sombra?!" I shouted.

"Having my crown returned of course..." He chuckled.

"It's not yours you big... Meanie!" Pinkie shouted.

"Let Fluttershy go!" Twilight implored.

"Fine..." He gestured and they released her to run over to us. "Now the crown, unless you want to be stuck here the rest of your lives...?" His threat was enforced by one of the trucks revving pulling tight near the top snapping the head off the statue, so much for protection...

"Stop! Why are you doing this Sombra? What do you hope to gain?"

"Twilight Sparkle... You've never known pain like I have, seen what I've seen..." He convulsed slightly grimacing in pain. "This world, I've got things to fix here..." He glanced at Lyra who stood by his side fidgeting quietly. "And in your world... I've got business there too; I can't remember... When I took the crown everything was clearer, now..." He shook his head facing us with a snarl. "Enough stalling! Crown now or..." He raised his hand and the trucks revved slack disappearing on the bindings.

"Wait! Here... You don't know the power your messing with..." Twilight held the crown out and one of his guys grabbed it running over to him.

"Maybe I don't, and maybe..." He slammed the crown down on his head and... Nothing...

Everyone looked around confused but I kept my eye on him, he didn't look surprised or shocked. His eyes were closed intense concentration on his face clutching Lyras hand tightly. The change came ever so slightly if I hadn’t been watching him so intently I would have missed it completely a slight darkening of his outline his shadow lengthening, shuttering and his now cruel smile... The darkness crept down his body engulfing him, Lyra stared in horror but didn't pull her hand away even when it began creeping up her arm.

By now people were catching on even if they didn't know what they were seeing, everyone watched in awe as the shadow slowly engulfed Lyra too.

This is going to be bad.

I know, but...

What?

I think we can still beat him, when I had the crown I felt... Something, a reconnection of some sort. Please just trust me.

You know I do.

I know.

There was a low pulse of energy snapping our attention back to them shadowy wings unfolding from both their backs beating the air slowly lifting them off the ground despite their insubstantiality. Their eyes flew open together reveling an all too familiar Smokey tinge we both knew well.

"Sombra..." I growled.

Lances of shadow shot out from him striking each of his followers transforming them dark crystals sprouting from their flesh their eyes dull but still burning with that same sickening hue.

"Now I remember, the Crystal Empire... My Empire..."

"Not again."

"Silence!" A shadow flew from his body with explosive force striking above our heads shattering some of the stonework in front of the school, I don't know if it was by luck or design that no one was harmed. Most of the students scattered either to the sides or back inside but some just remained staring in shock we quickly herded them away from the entrance as small pieces continued to fall and it was possible the whole thing could collapse!

Sombra watched us all scatter with amusement Lyra floating by his side but she wasn't watching us she seemed to be in some sort of internal turmoil looking off into the distance then back down at the ground again and again finally Sombra stopped her looking into her eyes.

"Go on, you know you want to."

"I..."

"Go. I'll deal with this rabble and then show you your new kingdom."

She nodded slightly leaning forward for a kiss but he'd already turned his attention away from her, she turned away sadly meeting my gaze for just a second her eyes pleading before she flew slowly and awkwardly away I guess just being handed a pair of wings doesn't really give you any skill with them.

"I don't know what she's up to but..."

"But you've got to stop her."

I saw a tinge of jealousy in her eyes, I leaned in kissing her soundly. "Love you."

"Love you."

"You six can handle Sombra right?"

"We can." She smiled.

"What?! Twilight darling, we can't..."

"Ah said ah wanted ta kick him one but..."

"Look I'm awesome and all..."

"Ya! Now you'll be sorry you meanie bo beanie!"

Fluttershy just whimpered trying very hard to make herself look small. "Your strong together." I grinned meeting each of their gazes before taking off, I was worried very much so but I trusted Twilight and if she thought they could do it then that was good enough for me.

Lyra was almost out of sight as I ran after her, a few of the transformed members of Sombras gang tried to block me but they were quite slow and I easily dodged past them I could only hope Sombras defeat would free them as it did before...

I managed to keep her in sight as she slowly gained more confidence with her wings speeding up as we moved deeper into a residential area, thankfully it was late so there was no one out to react to the flying girl nor the muffled explosions each of which made me wince coming from the school.

Lyra sped up again and I lost sight of her between houses as I raced to catch up then I heard her ahead and to my right shouting, in anger or fear I wasn't quite sure...

"Come out! Get out here or I'll... I'll..."

I rounded the corner just in time to see her throw a shadow at a simple home, could be any one out of the thousands around us, the window shattered surprised cries coming from within.

"Father!"

What? The front door opened and a woman emerged, I was only a dozen feet behind Lyra and could see her clearly her hair and face a slightly older version of the girl before her.

"Lyra...? Honey what..." She winced as Lyra’s voice boomed out again.

"Father!"

I got a little closer trying not to startle Lyra but as I got closer I could see her mother more clearly a familiar line of bruises up her arms, split lip and a nose that had clearly been broken before none of them too fresh but more than enough to make me question everything and start in horror when I realized what she was here to do...

"Lyra... You don't have to do this..."

She spun quickly a dark ray springing from her hand surrounding and grappling me. "Rick! You’re not supposed to be here! Not supposed to see this..."

"Don't do this, things might be bad but this won't make them..."

"Shut up!" The force around me crushed me a moment leaving me gasping for breath, she stared in shock a moment then pulled it away. "I'm sorry!"

I collapsed to my knees but still managed to grin. "You’re a good person Lyra, despite everything that’s happened to you, what Sombra’s trying to turn you into... You don't want to throw that away for a moment of revenge."

"I... I..."

"Lyra, who is this? what’s happened to you?" Her mother walked up to her cautiously reaching out to her.

"No... I don't know what could happen." She turned back to me. "You don't know what he's done to me, to us..."

"Your right, I don't know. But if you take this step you may well become the monster Sombra wants you to be."

"Sombra? Is that your boyfriend we've never met?'

"Can you blame me...?"

"What the hell’s going on out here?! Who broke my window?!"

A man I could only assume was Lyra's father came out the front door gawking at his broken window swearing up a storm. He was of average height, average weight well just average all around. Slight paunch and minor receding hairline but nothing to distinguish him from the multitude of dads out there, certainly not what I would expect a domestic abuser to look like but I really had no experience, Scootaloo yes but even he hadn’t looked like I would have expected... That didn't prove anything though evil doesn't come in a cookie cutter shape it has many forms most of them not what they appear.

"Did you do this Lyra? Dammit you know better than to work me up... What’s with that get-up? I thought you were going to a dance tonight not a costume party." He chuckled walking over.

Lyra's mother interposed herself between them. "Now wait..."

"No mom, this time I protect you..." She swooped around between them hovering a foot off the ground either he didn't see what was going on or he just didn't understand as he kept coming. "Let's see how you like it when someone is strong enough to fight back..." She swept out her hand sending a small mote of shadow tumbling toward him it swept low catching his feet sending him straight to the ground.

He scrambled to his feet his face beet red. "What the...?! What’s going on? How did you..."

He was yanked off his feet pulled right over to his daughter in an instant. "You haven't seen anything yet father..." And he was hurdled into the side of a nearby home, he would have fallen to his face if not for the shadows surrounding him.

He was still conscious though trashing his head back and forth his body immobilized. "What’s going on? You better let me down or..."

She gestured pulling him away from the wall the few feet to her. "Or you'll what?" She slammed him back into the wall roughly.

I'd been frozen partially entranced by what was enfolding before me but that bit of brutality shocked me back into action, I moved up a few feet behind her still not quite sure what to do. "Lyra..."

"Stay back!" A pulse of dark energy pushed out from her knocking me several feet back and onto my butt, she was learning fast. "None of your business I said." She glanced over her shoulder at me her eyes dominated by dark magic but that wasn't all, tears... She turned back to her task slamming he father against the wall again and again each time a little harder. "Why?" Slam. "What did we do wrong?" Slam. "Tell me!" Slam. "Why daddy...?"

He wasn't conscious to answer not that he likely would have any answers anyhow, none that would appease her. I moved up again surprised to find her mother moving up as well opposite of me we each grasped an arm.

"That’s enough..."

"Honey please..."

"No! You know how he is mom, so many times he's gotten better... No, pretended to! And then backslid again and again!"

"He tries..."

"No more! I have to end this."

"You know he loves us, it's just... I still love him and I know you do too..."

"There’s no going back if you do this Lyra, you can't take it back and you'll never know why. That piece of yourself will be lost forever..."

"What do you expect me to do? Just let him keep..."

"I absolutely do not expect you... Either of you to let things continue the way they were, if nothing else this should show you what can happen..."

"I do..." Her mother nodded.

"What can we do?"

"Flat out tell him no more, no more hitting, yelling... Abuse of any kind or you’re both leaving, I know that won't be easy..."

"Where would we go?"

"There are programs, but I hope it won't come to that. He'll have to realize he's going to lose the two most important things in his life, then counseling and time but he's got to realize you two are worth it, he's got to. Do you think he's worth it?" I asked letting Lyra go stepping back, her mother didn't look as convinced but she let her go as well.

"I... I..." She looked back and forth between the three of us, with a grimace she raised her hands in anger both of them wreathed in shadow but she stopped staring down at him then finally letting them drop. "Okay..."

Far in the distance there suddenly came a scream of rage and burst of light and power I could feel, the shadows disappeared from around Lyra her eyes returning to normal as she blinked in wonder. "What happened...?"

I looked back towards the school. "Looks like things got taken care of..."

A groan from below drew our attention as he rolled over his wife helping him to his feet. "Ooh my back..."

"I hope this opens a new chapter for you three, don't forget what we talked about."

"I won't, we won't. Who are you anyhow? A classmate of Lyra’s?"

"Rick, just a friend..."

The father had been leaning against his wife watching our exchange with a bit of confusion and blossoming anger, I don't know how much he remembered of the last little while but it wouldn't surprise me if he blanked it out completely. He managed to pull himself upright away from his wife simultaneously pushing me away.

"I don't know what right you think you have to tell me how to deal with my wife and daughter."

I thought I'd held my temper in check pretty well throughout this whole thing but enough was enough. My fist slammed into his jaw knocking the sneer off his face and him onto his ass a surprised and perhaps even fearful look on his face.

"Maybe someday you'll learn the difference between my wife and daughter and 'my' shovel, if I have to come back and teach you you’re not going to like the way I do it." I sighed relaxing and offering my hand to Lyra. "Let's get back to the dance shall we?"

"The dance...? Oh!"

"Sombra will likely need you before tonight’s over..." I whispered. "Besides you mother and father have a great deal to talk about."

We looked back as we got to the end of the block I was on the lookout for raised voices, a raised hand... I might not have any authority here but I wasn't going to stand by and let something like that go on but I could only do so much... All I could see was him with his head in his hands and her embracing him, a positive sign I hoped.

As we walked I noticed Lyra looking at me intently. "You really aren't a normal boy are you?"

"That is definitely true." I chuckled. "It's a long story Lyra, suffice to say even if it was only our friendship in another world I wouldn't leave you to a fate like that..."

"Another... So that was all real? The power, pain and darkness... Sombra! We have to hurry!"

"It'll be ok."

"How do you know?!"

"Trust... The energy stopped and your back to normal so I'm sure he is too."

"Maybe... It's just... Since he came I've always been attracted to him, he's the only one who listened to me, my problems. He never judged me but I could tell he wanted to do something to help me, but not this..."

We had gotten back to the parking lot and it was quite the sight, cars and trucks tossed aside as if by a giant child. Craters and torn up chunks of dirt, grass and concrete. The front of the school was a bit damaged when I left but now completely collapsed and further along as well patches smoldering and some even burning but thankfully under control the two fire trucks seeing to that. There was an ambulance as well but all the paramedics seemed to be doing was tending to small cuts and bruises, strangely there were no police either we missed them or they were still to come...

But everything that wasn't there and even what happened wasn't foremost on my mind but she was there, surrounded by her friends and other students all of them looking fine a bit singed but fine.

Thank god you’re ok.

You too.

You had the dangerous part Twi.

Hmm... Maybe, tell me.

I told her what had occurred, she was saddened to hear such things went on here too ideal a society as it seemed there are just some things you can't get away from I guess. For her part Sombra's overconfidence was his undoing as it has been for many a villain and hero throughout history, obsessed with letting them know his plans to enslave this world then use its people as an army to invade Equestria and get his vengeance. On Princess Celestia, Luna, the Crystal Empire, Cadence and Armor... All of them.

But that time allowed Twilight to show the others what connection they had in this world and the other, the crown and other Elements though powerful artifacts on their own were truly only focuses for those chosen as the Elements of Harmony the power flowed through them in either world clearly evidenced by their flowing hair, pony ears and wings on Fluttershy and Dash!

Was Sombra...

Destroyed? No, the shadow within him... His former self with all his hatred, bitterness, anger and Dark magic was separated from him and... I don't know, gone forever I hope. What remains is a confused young man, perhaps the same as Sombra was in his youth I don't know.

Does he remember?

Bits and pieces, after what happened those who followed him want nothing to do with him as well as most of the student body who suffered from what he's done, I don't know what to do about him...

Not our call...

But...

We can offer suggestions but ultimately it will have to be up to them, I know someone who will still stand by him though. I tilted my head towards the girl beside me oblivious to the conversation going on.

"Hello Lyra."

"Oh! Twilight Sparkle... I... I'm sorry." She hung her head sadly pulling her hand away from me.

Twilight sighed and smiled it wasn't in her nature to hold a grudge, she reached out and pulled Lyra into a hug. She stiffened but then returned the embrace crying. Pinkie was the first to join in but not the only one all the girls could emphasize with her and I hoped would keep anyone else from blaming her for any of Sombra’s misdeeds. Now Sombra...

"Where is he?" I asked.

"Principal’s office."

I carefully made my way through the rubble Lyra and the others right behind me, inside wasn't nearly as bad as outside but there was still quite a bit of damage, the girls had slowly changed back to normal as we walked which was just as well one less thing to explain. We stopped at the door to the office hearing raised voices within then we burst in altogether! Sombra sat quietly Celestia and Luna both with hands on their hips facing him, their surprise at our entrance quickly passed and they motioned us in.

"I suppose you were all involved in what happened tonight whatever it was... every student I ask seems to have a different story, with one exception... Each and every one points the blame squarely on you!" Celestia pointed at Sombra who nodded his head wearily.

"I... I don't remember, but if everyone says I did it I guess I did..."

"You aren't leaving us a lot of choice here..."

"Wait!" Lyra interrupted. "I'm just as much to blame as he is!" She pleaded kneeling next to him.

"Lyra...?" He looked at he as if not recognizing her then smiled slowly. "Lyra! You’re ok." They kissed once softly before he turned back to them. "She had nothing to do with it, it was all me."

"Sombra!"

"Shh..."

"Celestia and Luna looked at one another sighing in unison. "Nothing like this has ever happened before..."

"I know Celestia, what can we do? Expel them both?"

"Perhaps and alternative?" Twilight offered.

"Such as?"

Suddenly with all attention turned to her she blushed then cleared her throat. "Well, things got a bit crazy but no one got hurt, there was some damage to the school but that could be part of his punishment, helping to repair and clean up that is. Pon... People change, for the better we can hope. They deserve a second chance... Don't they?"

Everyone was silent a minute until Celestia and Luna both nodded. "Perhaps... What do the rest of you think?"

"Sure! He was a big meanie but..." Pinkie looked at he and Lyra together. "Kind of a sweetie too..." She giggled.

"Well ah recon we can give em a chance, sure hasn't done much ta warrant it but... well, maybe that’s comin."

"I guess... He was pretty mean... But if he's turned over a new leaf..."

"Leaf shmeafh! What I want to hear is an apology! You might not remember what you did but you know you did something! So?"

He turned and looked at Dash and the rest of us some realization dawning on him. "Your right, I... I can't remember what it was... I don't want to remember, but I am sorry. If you give me a chance, I'll do what I can to make up for it."

Rarity sighed with a small smile. "I would just as soon as put this all behind us, Sombra and Lyra are part of this school and up until now an unwanted part... But everything that happened was because we let it happen and I think that’s about to change. So with Principal Celestia and vice-principal Lunas permission..." They both nodded. "Welcome to Canterlot High."

"Thank you... Thank you all, I'll do my best."

"I hope so." I nodded clasping his shoulder probably harder than necessary I still had my concerns naturally, I glanced up at the clock on the wall it was ten fifteen, I nudged Twilight. "Times almost up." I whispered.

"Oh! We've got to go!"

"That’s fine, thank you for your assistance tonight and we'll see you all Monday."

"Right..." Nope.

We all exited except Sombra there was still much to go over concerning his punishment. Lyra decided to wait outside the office for him.

"He really doesn't deserve you, you know?"

"You don't know him like I do Rick, I think everything’s going to be ok. Thank you, all of you."

I caressed her cheek gently. "I hope so, best of luck with you know what."

"Thanks, goodbye."

We bid her farewell the seven of us exiting the school all of the fires had been extinguished and most of the emergency personnel and students gone, at the base of the statue we formed a circle each of us smiling sadly.

"Well, looks like this is it."

"You'll come back and visit won't you?!"

"Pinkie, they have their own lives and family’s..." Rarity hugged her comfortingly.

"I know..."

Twilight caught up each of their hands in hers pulling them close. "I was so lucky to meet all of you the first time and even more so to meet you again, I know we'll be together again someday, until then take care and take care of each other." Her tears fell softly but she smiled as she embraced each of them.

"Keep an eye on Sombra and Lyra won't you?" I asked.

"You know it sugar cube." She grabbed my extended hand pulling me in for a hug of my own that all the girls piled in on.

I reached out just to make sure the portal was still there my hand passing through with ease thankfully I was not looking forward to spending over two years here! I picked Twilight up and we turned to the portal.

"Don't forget us!"

"No chance Pinkie, farewell all..." And I stepped through.

Epilogue

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That familiar step across, it seemed to last an eternity but was over in a moment. I stumbled to one knee with Twilights sudden weight a pony, even a small mare like Twi still weighed quite a bit more than a teenage girl. We stayed that way a moment close together our eyes closed breathing together and hearts beating as one.

"Home..." I whispered opening my eyes to the most beautiful mare in the world.

Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled. "It all feels like a dream now, but we're back..."

We kissed softly then with greater passion separating reluctantly to look around and see if we were making a scene but there was no one there...

"Did they think we got stuck?"

"I don't know..." The room was pretty empty except the mirror and to the side a bed and side table with a pitcher and covered tray. "Hmm... Looks like they thought we might be here after all."

I carried her over to the bed both of us collapsing onto it. "Oh! Ahh... I forgot how tired I was."

I poured us a couple glasses of water looking under the tray finding the selection of fruit underneath, we spent awhile feeding one another waiting to see if anyone would show up but it was late too, we yawned together finishing eating.

"Guess we're off the hook tonight."

"Mmm... Fine with me, I'm bushed. We'll go see Scootaloo and Star first thing in the morning."

"Good idea." We turned out the light and I got undressed and we lay down together in the slight glow from the mirror, we kissed a few times our passion growing overriding our weariness.

"Ooh, the teenage make out session continues does it?" She giggled.

"Far more than that love." I nibbled on her neck caressing her.

"Ahh! Corrupting... An... Innocent young... Mare..."

"Only one..." I chuckled kissing down her soft body and was rewarded with her moans of pleasure, later we collapsed together both of us spent passing out sweet dreams...

Though the room had no windows my internal alarm still woke me up, I just lay there feeling Twilights soft fur against me, her breath, her scent... I stroked her silken mane my mind wandering, so much has happened bad and good but far more good. I smiled feeling her stir and stretch against me.

"Morning..." She breathed her beautiful purple eyes mesmerizing me.

"Morning..." I took a deep breath holding her close. "Home..."

"Mmm... It's so nice to be... Well me again!" She giggled as I got up and dressed.

"The mare I love, don't get me wrong you were beautiful as a human too but..." I leaned down and kissed her softly. "Just you, only you..."

She smiled kissing me back passionately her horn lighting up teleporting us from place to place surprising more than a few ponies as we popped in and out finally ending up on 'our' parapet. We sat back on the bench looking out across the land leaning against one another.

"Finally back where we belong..." I sighed. "Reliving high-school is really not my idea of fun."

"I enjoyed it much more the second time even with Sombra thrown into the mix..." She giggled.

"I thought so, well if you ever want to go back and visit that’s fine with me."

"Maybe the next time the portal opens we can stop by and see how their doing..."

"Two years? They'll probably have graduated... Well maybe not Dash." I chuckled.

"Hmm? Two years? Oh is that how long thirty moons would be in your world?"

"Close to."

"Interesting, ours aren't nearly so long it would be a little less than a year here. Luna controls the moon remember?" She giggled again.

"Of course, I suppose she could make thirty moons pass by in a night if she wanted..."

"Maybe but I know she wouldn't, too dangerous and besides whenever the portal was made it was likely long before she was born who knows if it would even work?"

She snuggled closer but I could see her mind was racing thinking of possibility’s, I interrupted her train of thought with a kiss. "Let's go see the girls then we can let Princess Celestia and Luna know we're back though they might already know thanks to some reports of some crazy beautiful mare teleporting all over the place." I teased.

"What? Oh... It's just so nice to be able to use my magic again! But your right." Her horn lit up again and with a flash we were outside her parents’ home, I took a moment to reorient myself then we heard voices from around the back of the house, voices we badly wanted to see...

"No fair Ootaloo! Too high!"

"Naa naa..."

"Now Scootaloo..."

"It's not my fault she can't fly up and tag me Grandma."

"Play fair with your sister, I would let her tag me again but both of you are too fast for me." She chuckled. "I do hope Twilight and Rick are home tonight so they can use up some of that boundless energy you two have!"

"Sooner than that Mom." We rounded the corner surprising them, Twilight's mother relaxing in a lawn chair, Scootaloo hovering a few feet above the ground as Star stretched out to reach her."

"Mom! Dad!"

"Mommy! Daddy!" They both bee-lined to us and we caught them up between us hugging and kissing them both.

"Missed you both so much..." We whispered together.

"So glad your back." Scootaloo sniffed.

"Mommy, daddy..." Star cried snuggling against us.

"Now that’s a sight for sore eyes, don't get me wrong I love having my two special girls over but they do tend to wear a body out. And it's good to see you all together." She smiled getting up to join us.

"Sorry to trouble you both for so long..." I apologized.

"Don't be silly, we're family. We stick by one another no matter what, and I may be tired now but these two will keep you in shape." She laughed.

"Thanks mom, we've got to check in with Princess Celestia still but we just wanted to come see you two first."

"Can we come?" Scootaloo asked eagerly and Star was holding on like she never wanted to let go so what else could we do?

"Sure, Velvet your welcome too if you like?"

"No thank you Rick, I've got some cleaning up to do and supper to get started... You will be back for supper won't you?"

"Of course mom, we'll see you then."

"Bye girls!"

"Bye gamma!"

"Bye Grandma!"

And away we teleported, teleporting isn't easy I well knew most unicorns weren't able to do it at all but Twilight was certainly not 'most unicorns' still she staggered a little when we arrived and it was my turn to hold her up.

"Careful love."

"I'm ok, too much too soon." She smiled.

"Where are we?"

"Oh, this is one of the many older back hallways that are all through the castle, when I was young and not studying I spent a lot of time exploring. This one leads to Princess Celestia's private meeting chamber right off the main court."

"Cool!"

We walked a short way down the hall to the awaiting door, I cracked it open quietly and everything looked clear so we entered freezing immediately finding Celestia and John on a love seat to the side in a passionate embrace.

"P... Princess! I'm so sorry...! I didn't know, I just thought..." The world shuttered momentarily as she tried to teleport us away in embarrassment but something prevented her and I could guess what by Celestia’s smile and wink as John scrambled to his feet straightening his clothes.

"Uh... Rick, Twilight... Good to see you... I... I think I hear Spike calling, gotta go!" And he rushed off through a side door blushing furiously.

"What’s the big deal? I see you and mom kissing all the time." Scootaloo stated making us chuckle.

"Twilight..." Celestia arose straightening her crown and armor blushing a bit herself. "I'm so glad you've returned though your timing leaves a bit to be desired..."

"I'm so sorry Princess! I didn't mean..."

"It's fine, not your fault but an all too common occurrence these days when we try to find some time for ourselves... Though to be honest I still have more time for myself then I ever used to it just never seems like enough..." She sighed with a smile. "But enough about that, you've succeeded. Not that I had any doubt you would, please tell me all about it..." She gestured to a nearby couch and we sat.

"Well..."

We told her everything starting slowly trying to keep the impact that Sombra still existed minimal... Didn't work, tears streamed down her face but she bade us continue, Star hopped down off the couch galloping over to her hugging her leg until she lifted her up to hug and softly nuzzle. Scootaloo was a bit more apprehensive but not to be outdone by her sister flew over by her side to comfort her, she nuzzled her as well enfolding them both in her wings holding them close. "Thank you..."

We continued on taking turns leaving little out and leading up to last night’s conclusion, she dried her eyes and arose giving Scootaloo and Star both a kiss on the forehead. "I'm glad he's gotten a second chance in this other world, truly I've tried to forget for so long but again this brings up so many memories..." She took a deep breath and then relaxed. "It is the past, thank you for telling me. Though this current threat is dealt with who knows what else might emerge from this portal? Luna and I shall have to deliberate what to do with it..." Seeing Twi's worried look she held up a fore hoof. "Not to worry Twilight, I simply mean to perhaps lock it away safely, ward it thoroughly or something like that. The existence of these others... Able to use the Elements even if only through you is strange and troubling but mayhap not too
surprising if truly it is a parallel world... We'll just have to see."

"I understand, thank you Princess."

"Unfortunately I must return to the day court, I will speak to my sister but I am sure she will want to hear it from you both but that can be done within the dream. Thank you again Twilight and Rick, the sins and mistakes of the past never truly fade do they...? Take care hopefully we shall get some more time before you go... Oh by the way should you meet a Pegasus guard pony, dark yellow with a dark blue mane and tail you might want to apologize to him. He was assigned to guard the door to your room last night..." She smiled slyly.

We both blushed heavily as Twilight stammered. "Oh dear! What is his name?"

"I believe he goes by the name of Flash Sentry..." She smiled and exited back into the day court.

You've got to be kidding me...

"Wow, another world? And I was there too? Cool!"

"Very cool Angel, well we better get back to grandma and grandpa for supper eh?"

"Dad...?"

"What's up Angel?"

"When are we going home?"

I smiled and lifted her up hugging her tight as Star grabbed my leg determined to be included. "Soon, another day maybe two I'm eager to get home too."

"Aren't we all?" Twilight giggled levitating Star up onto her back.

Rather than teleport we followed the back halls twisting and turning relying on Twilights memory to guide us until we finally emerged from a secret door into the castle gardens, Scootaloo took off spreading her wings soaring in big circles as Star chased her trying to catch her.

We stopped to enjoy the sun and fresh air for a few minutes while Scootaloo and Star played glad to be out of the confines of the castle, we sat on a bench keeping an eye on our girls.

"Another of my favorite places to study..."

"Oh?"

"I spent a lot of time at the castle when I lived in Canterlot as Princess Celestia's student... I can't believe I won't be her student anymore! It's all I've known for so long..."

"Couldn't last forever..."

"True, but I guess a piece of me thought it might... But now this..." She looked over to the girls then to me. "Us, every day is a new adventure."

I kissed her softly rubbing her back. "And I love every day, every night, every moment..."

She sighed happily snuggling against me as we watched our two special treasures play a bit more before we left, the walk through town was pleasant though I attracted a few strange looks but that was to be expected.

We got back to Twilights parents’ house around five and let ourselves in immediately inundated by the delicious smell of supper, Scootaloo and Star raced to the kitchen stopping by to hug their grandpa in the living room before rushing in.

Twilight followed them also stopping by to give her father a kiss. "Hi daddy."

"Good to see you both, your mother let me know you were back but I'm sure there’s a story behind it. But it can wait until after supper." He got up and I followed him into the dining room where we all sat and enjoyed an amazing repast. Afterwards we relaxed in the living room full and content, Star curled up on Twilight and Scootaloo between us as we re-told the story, they were both fascinated but the girls were both fast asleep by the time we finished.

"Another world... I've studied the stars for so long, billions and billions up in the sky but if what you say is true and there are an infinite number of other reality’s out there... Wow... The possibility’s..."

"For good and bad dear, for every good world like the one they visited and Ricks there must be bad too sad as it is to say."

"Oh Night must you always look on the downside?"

"Just being practical dear."

Velvet leaned over and kissed him softly. "And I love you for it, I suppose there may be dangers... Well we just have to trust that the Princesses will know what to do."

"But you have to keep this to yourselves! Please."

"Of course darling."

"You know I don't care for gossiping my special little light."

"Daad..." She smiled getting up carefully levitating Star onto her back trotting over to kiss her mother and father. "It's late though we should get to sleep."

"We'll see you in the morning." They both smiled.

I gently gathered up my sleepy Angel nodding to them. "Thank you for taking such good care of them."

"Our pleasure, anytime."

We made our way to the guest room Twi's old bed being far too small for the two of us let alone four, clearly they had been sleeping in here by the scattered toys and messy bed. I set down Scootaloo as Twilight changed Star, she woke up after sleepy and yawning.

"Are we home...?"

We both smiled as Twi laid down and I hugged her gently placing her by her mother. "Not yet baby, still at grandma and grandpas."

"Ok..." She closed her eyes sleepily finding Twilights teats and suckling happily.

I got undressed and joined them pulling the sheet over us Scootaloo still sleeping peacefully between us, I rubbed her back softly while Star finished up Twilight burped her and she snuggled down against her sister between us.

"Sleep sweet baby, Angel..." I whispered.

Such a softie.

You know me.

I do. She smiled tears in her eyes leaning over to kiss.

What?

Just happy, so happy...

Me too, love you.

Love you.

Another adventure and I had no doubt more to come but as long as I had Twilight by my side and my girls, no worries...

Equestria Girls...?

by TwilightsmyMare

Chapter 1 (Back to school)

Part 2 (Reunion)

Part 3 (The plot thickens)

Chapter 4 (An ending... A beginning...)

Epilogue