> Hello From The Other Side 2
>  by FoxMcCloud7921
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A thousand years. A thousand years have passed since that day when Luna lost herself to the darkness. The day a great battle took place in this castle, almost leaving it in ruins.
Luna, or rather, Nightmare Moon was defeated that day, but there was one thing Celestia didn't account for. I was stripped away from the host in that final moment like a leech. I should've faded away in those final moments. But I didn't.
The Castle of the Two Sisters was soon abandoned, treated like a festering wound. For the longest time, I was stuck in a limbo between life and death. In the end, what kept me alive was how I'd exact my revenge on dear Celestia.
Luna's rage and sadness left quite an impression on the castle and that was ultimately my saving grace. Like a foal, I consumed this aura, allowing me to regain my strength. It would take almost a thousand years before I was ready to roam the castle once again.
In an odd twist of fate, my host had returned. However, I was cautious, there was another presence I detected, one I knew very well. Who would've thought the Elements would choose six of its own hosts as well. A thousand years had given me a conscious and I was...afraid.
My fear was confirmed when Nightmare Moon was ultimately defeated and I...or rather most of myself was snuffed out. Over the years, my presence hadn't gone unnoticed. I became the subject of urban legend, known as the Pony of Shadows. Not a bad name, I have to admit.
My patience has grown thin however. I cannot stay confined to this castle forever and I certainly won't wait for the Elements to ultimately discover me. My eyes are only on one mare and I will destroy anypony in my way. The Nightmare will rise again…





Canterlot


Twilight Sparkle sat at her desk in her lab, currently soldering a small circular device. It was a device very similar to the one she had created before the Friendship Games. However, she had taken many precautions to make sure this time it would only go after certain magic such as dark magic and not go after her friends. Needless to say, the girls weren't too happy to be used as test subjects but Twilight assured them it would be worth it in the end as a way to prevent another Midnight Sparkle or Gaia Everfree.
Once she was finished, Twilight sat back in her chair, staring up at the ceiling. She had finally gotten past Midnight, but she still kept thinking back to that day. What was it that drove her to that moment? She knew the answer easily.
She was more than curious about the world Sunset came from. A world of magic. In this world, magic at one point never existed, and yet it was Equestria that was having an influence on this world, though Twilight wasn't sure whether this was a good thing or not.
“I wouldn't mind visiting the place...but would Sunset be okay with it?” More importantly, would Princess Twilight be okay with it? It still hard getting used to the fact that your counterpart from another world was royalty. Honestly, it kind of made her jealous. “Not the kind of jealousy that would make me turn back into Midnight Sparkle of course.” 
She looked up at her clock and saw it was a quarter to midnight. “Guess I better get to bed then. Everyone else is asleep anyway. Maybe I'll ask Sunset about it in the morning. I've got to test out that journal anyway.”
She gave one last look at the new device she created, opening it and, as a final test, she allowed magic to flow to her fingertips. The device didn't react. Twilight smiled. “Told you girls.” 





Ponyville


The sunlight managed to peek through Sunset's eyes as she slowly awoke. She opened her eyes, first noticing the familiar interior of the room that matched most of Ponyville Castle. Rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, Sunset paused for a moment as she had to remember she was once again equine. A small smile crept into her face.
The previous evening, after the princesses had returned to Canterlot, Sunset, Starlight, and Twilight had gone to the library and they had spent the next few hours talking, mostly about what had been going in Equestria recently, but also about the human world for Starlight's benefit. Starlight seemed very curious about the place and while she didn't say anything, Sunset spotted her look of interest, a look she probably had many times under Celestia’s tutelage.
It only became slightly uncomfortable once Twilight asked about Sunset's reaction when reuniting with her former teacher. Sunset had no issue telling them that the reunion had been for the most part uneventful (she decided not to mention the whole scene at Sugar Cube Corner) and they were able to reconcile. And then of course she and Princess had some time to get to know each other.
It was only when Starlight asked about what drove the two apart that both Twilight and Sunset became uncomfortable. She wasn't proud to admit it, but she was power hungry and she couldn't have cared less about friendship. However, once she mentioned about Twilight helping her, her tone became more upbeat. In the end, she had said, maybe it was all supposed to happen. She certainly didn't have any regrets about it now.
The evening had continued on with Sunset practicing with her magic, looking up spells she had almost forgotten about. Seeing her magic first-hand, both Twilight and Starlight were impressed with her skills. Sunset made sure to remind Twilight that a magic duel was in order before she went back. By the time they all finally turned in for the night, it was well past one.
Sunset had opened the door out of the guest room and saw that the row of doors were similar to the one she was stepping out of. “Well, this isn't disorienting at all,” she thought as she looked down both ways. Now she wished she had paid more attention to where she had been coming from.
“It's a little confusing isn't it?” Sunset jumped at the sudden voice and turned around to see Starlight addressing her. “Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I was about to come get you since Spike's making breakfast.”
“It's alright.” Sunset looked around again. “Is this how it felt when you first came here?”
“Pretty much,” Starlight said as she motioned Sunset to follow her. “I've been trying to convince Twilight that we need put up signs or something but she's convinced that only takes away the fun of exploring the castle.”
“Yeah, that sounds like her,” Sunset commented. “Wait...so Spike's practically the head chef here?”
“Yep, Twilight still hasn't filed that request for members of the Royal Guard or any aides,” Starlight replied. “But I guess since she's an alicorn she hardly needs any protection.”
They finally reached the throne room where they found Twilight reading, you guessed it, a book while eating a stack of pancakes. She looked up and smiled at Sunset. “Morning Sunset. I hope you don't mind pancakes for breakfast. Spike's are probably the best here in Ponyville.”
“Just make sure to check for rubies and sapphires,” Starlight joked.
Twilight giggled. “Don't worry, he saves that extra ingredient for himself. Come take a seat.”
Sunset looked at the other thrones, noticing the cutie marks. “You sure?”
“Oh don't worry, no one will mind,” Twilight assured her.
Sunset then decided to sit at Fluttershy’s throne and used her magic to drag a plate of pancakes and a fork over to herself. “Can I just say your castle is complicated.”
“What? No it's not,” Twilight dismissed the thought with a wave of her hoof. “Starlight figured it out.”
“After about a month perhaps,” Starlight grumbled slightly.
Twilight rolled her eyes slightly. “But I suppose it would be more convenient for others visiting the castle.”
“Speaking of which, anything important happening today?” Sunset asked as she took a big bite of pancakes.
Twilight sighed. “Nothing unfortunately.” She glanced at the map. “I was hoping the map would have something for me to do but of course, nothing.”
“Well, maybe you could go somewhere, like a trip or vacation?” Sunset suggested. “Or we can make it an all girls trip to Las Pegasus?”
“Hm...I don't know,” Twilight said. “I guess what I want to do is visit...well…”
“Back there huh?” Sunset asked, knowing exactly what she meant.
“Yeah.” Twilight sighed again. “But I can't just leave the castle. Somepony has to be here in case of an emergency.”
She then noticed the smirk on Sunset's face. “I don't like the look on your face.”
“All I was going to say was that there is someone who can take your place.”
“Wait you mean-?” Twilight's eyes narrowed. “Oh no no, I'm not doing that.”
“Why not?” Sunset asked. “It's not like she hasn't wanted to check out Equestria.”
“Alright, you two lost me,” Starlight said.
“Sunset thinks I should trade places with my counterpart,” Twilight said. “I'm not going to do that to her.”
“She's perfectly capable of using magic now,” Sunset stated. “Besides, it's not like Starlight and I can't help her out.”
“Wait, don't drag me into-!”
“She'll be fine,” Sunset assured her. Her grin then widened. “Besides, it's only proper payback for what Celestia and Luna did right?”
Twilight stared at her. “Seriously? You think I'd do this just to spite those two?” She got up in a huff, turning around to leave. “I'm not even mad about that anymore. So what, right?” She headed towards the door in a light trot. “I'll just write a letter to Celestia saying I'll be taking some time off and-”
She got to the door and paused for a moment. It didn't take much for the two unicorns to see something was on Twilight's mind. “You know what?” She turned around and looked at her friends. “Screw it. If they get mad about this I'll be sure to call them out on what they did. Can you get a hold of Twilight?”
Sunset smiled. “Just get me a quill.”
> Oh Hi Twilight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Canterlot


The next morning, Twilight woke up to Spike sprawled against her chest snoring softly. She rolled her eyes slightly as she looked at her alarm clock. It was a little after seven in the morning.
She then heard her phone buzz, indicating she had just gotten a message. She reached over to her phone, trying not to disturb Spike and picked it up. She saw it was from Applejack.



Hey girls, we're having an emergency meeting at 10 over at Sugar Cube Corner to figure out how we're going to meet the deadline for Camp Everfree next week. Hope you all can make it!



Twilight couldn't help but smile. When it came to writing or texting, Applejack actually sounded like a proper lady instead of her Southern accent and her… “countryisms” as she called them.
She was about to text her back when she heard something else vibrate. She looked over towards her desk and saw that it was the journal that Sunset gave her. Vibrating books...Equestria sure has some interesting technology.
Twilight managed to slip out of bed as Spike continued to sleep and went over to her desk. She opened the journal and went to the most recent page. She recognized Sunset's handwriting immediately.


Hey,
Whenever you get this, do you think you can meet me at the school? We need to talk about something.
Sunset.


Twilight frowned. It sounded important if Sunset had to speak to her in person. And if that was the case…
She went back to her phone and replied back.



I might run a little late so go ahead without me if I'm not there.



Twilight went back to the journal, picking up a pen.


I'll be there right away.






After finally getting Spike up and fed (the rattle of dry kibble always seemed to do the trick), she got dressed and left a note for her parents that she had to run a couple errands.
“Hey, you're not leaving me alone this time,” Spike said.
“Look if this is about the whole Mane-iac thing-”
“I totally wanted in on that,” Spike grumbled.
“Well excuse me for not wanting you to get blown up,” Twilight snapped. She then sighed. “Alright fine, but I have to put you in my backpack again. Make sure to go before we leave.”
Afterwards, the two made their way towards the bus stop, not having to wait long before one showed up. “So what do you think Sunset needs to talk to you about?” Spike asked once they were on board.
“No idea,” Twilight replied. “There's nothing going on here at the moment, at least to my knowledge.”
“So it's an Equestrian problem then?”
“If that's the case, I don't know why she needs me,” Twilight frowned. “I mean, she's got Princess Twilight to help her out over there.”
“I'm...detecting some hostility here.”
“It's not hostility,” Twilight said quickly.
“Oh okay, jealousy then.”
“I'm not-!” Twilight stopped. “We're not having this conversation right now.”
The rest of the trip was made in silence and it wasn't long before the bus stopped at the other side of Canterlot High. She didn't see Sunset near the entrance, meaning she was early. “I'm not sure why, but I got a bad feeling about this…”
“Just for saying that, something bad is going to happen,” Spike groaned.
The two of them approached the portal. “You know, I've been thinking,” Twilight stated. “Every time I've ponied up, I get wings right?”
“Right,” Spike answered.
“And Princess Twilight was originally a unicorn right?”
“Right…?”
“So... hypothetically if I were to go there...I would be an alicorn right!?”
“Uh...wouldn't that make you royalty?” Spike asked. He now wished he hadn't asked that, since he saw that familiar twinkle in her eye which was usually a prelude to bad things.
“Well, it's only a theory,” Twilight said. “But you have to admit it would be super cool!”
“Right because being a princess is so easy,” Spike said, rolling his eyes.
Suddenly, the portal started to vibrate and glow as a familiar figure came out. Sunset wobbled slightly on her legs before regaining her balance. “Still not quite used to going back and forth…” she mumbled to herself.
“Sunset, is something wrong?” Twilight asked, doing away with greetings. “Is Equestria in danger?”
“Actually, about that-” Sunset was cut off as the portal flashed once again and another familiar figure stepped out, doing a similar dance like Sunset.
“Oh hi Twilight,” Spike said.
“Oh um...hi,” Princess Twilight said.
“This is still kind of weird,” Twilight commented.
“Tell me about it,” the princess replied.
“Anyway...Twilight...I mean, not Princess Twilight-”
“This isn't working,” Princess Twilight groaned. “Maybe we should come up with code names or something.”
“Oh that's simple,” Spike said. “Just call this one Sci-Twi.”
“... Sci-Twi?” Princess Twilight asked.
“Yeah... Pinkie Pie apparently came up with that one and it kind of stuck,” Twilight said sheepishly.
“Well...sure we'll go with that,” Twilight said before clearing her throat. “Now then, we're here because I need to run a quick experiment.”
Sci-Twi’s eyes lit up. “Oh you had me at experiment.”
Twilight grinned. “Good, because I need to see what happens when you go through the portal.”
Sci-Twi's face suddenly fell. “The... portal?”
“Don't worry, it's nothing to worry about,” Sunset assured her. “I mean, other than becoming four-legged and all that.”
Sci-Twi looked at the two girls suspiciously. “So are you two going to explain what's really going on or not?”
Twilight sighed. “Alright...you know how I told you I was really miffed about the little shtick that Celestia and Luna played?”
“Yeah?”
“I'm still really miffed about it.”
“...You know holding a grudge like that isn't good for you. Maybe you should-”
“Ahbupbupbup!” Twilight put a finger on her counterpart’s lips. “You're not playing psychiatrist with me here. Anyway, that's not really the point. I'm going to make this simple: I want to take some time off and hang out with my friends here, and you want to visit Equestria. Sunset explained all that to me.” 
Sci-Twi gave Sunset a nasty look. “Well that is true but...wait are you suggesting we switch places?”
“Maybe…”
“She wants to get back at Celestia in other words,” Sunset said.
“I love Celestia and Luna, I really do.” Twilight's face then darkened. “But I won't let this one fly! Not this time Trollestia!”
“Wow, we actually used the same name for her,” Sunset said, looking surprised.
“So... you're expecting me to take over your duties?” Sci-Twi asked. “Didn't this all go horribly wrong the last time!?”
“Don't worry, I ran over a hundred diagnostic tests with the portal since last time,” Twilight said confidently.
“She's not joking either…” Sunset muttered.
“Plus you'll have Sunset and Starlight to help out with things,” Twilight said. “Actually, this is a perfect opportunity to meet my friends. I promise, they're exactly the same there as they are here.”
“Well...oh who am I kidding? This is an offer I can't refuse!” Sci-Twi said happily. “Ponify me captain!”
There was dead silence from everyone else. “Sorry... won't make that phrase again…”





Ponyville



Sci-Twi (why did Pinkie have to give her that name!?) thought she was a hundred percent prepared for the new experience of traveling between dimensions. She had seen plenty of science fiction movies dealing with dimension traveling and the process broke into three possible categories. The first was crossing between planes like walking down a tunnel. The second was being broken down into molecules or atoms and reforming upon reaching the new dimension. The third was the classic “body stretched and melded into the fabric of space” which was usually the most popular she'd seen. This experience fell into the third category.
She didn't quite take account of how she'd feel during the trip. Yes, being stretched thin was uncomfortable at best, painful at first, but perhaps Equestrian magic was a forgiving force, for the worst she felt was slight nausea upon finally reaching the other side.
There was also the fact that she almost got knocked into a wall but luckily someone managed to catch her just in time. “Phew, that was close. First trip can be a doozy I've heard,” a voice said.
Sci-Twi didn't recognize the voice and as she looked up, she noticed two things. One, there was a pony staring at her. Two, she didn't recognize the mare with her coloring. “Um...hi,” she said softly.
“You really do look like her,” the mare said, helping her up as Sci-Twi got her balance. “Sorry, I guess we've never met. I'm Starlight Glimmer.”
“You're a unicorn,” Sci-Twi said simply. Stupid, you already knew they were all ponies here!
“I'm glad you noticed,” Starlight chuckled. “You’re apparently an alicorn as well.”
Sci-Twi gasped as she suddenly looked towards the mirror and saw her reflection. She was fully equine now, which wasn't a surprise to her. What was a surprise was that she actually had a horn and wings. “Oh dear Faust…”
“Um...congrats?” Starlight said.
The reflection rippled as the portal activated once again as both Sunset and Princess Twilight appeared. “Well, it looks like she didn't crash into anything,” Sunset said. “Guess she got-” She suddenly stopped. “Twilight...are you seeing this?”
“Yeah…” Twilight said. She then broke into a grin as she gave her counterpart. “This is great! Not only did I prove my theory correct but we're both alicorns!”
“Wait... where's Spike?” Sci-Twi asked.
The portal shimmered once again as the small canine appeared. Spike shuddered. “And here I thought I'd be used to traveling through dimensions by now…”
“...Spike?” Starlight said.
“That's their world's Spike,” Twilight explained. “To no surprise, he's still a dog.”
Spike looked around before returning his gaze towards the four mares. “Whoa, looking good Twilight!”
Sci-Twi blushed slightly as her wings fluttered slightly unconsciously. “So...what was this theory?”
“Oh...well after what Sunset told me, I believed based on your current powers, there's a great possibility that if you were to come to Equestria you'd reform into an alicorn as well. Just like I know if say, Rarity or Fluttershy came over they'd be a unicorn and pegasus, respectively.”
“Oh...I guess that makes sense,” Sci-Twi replied.
“Of course, Spike here is an exception because obviously dogs exist in our world but dragons don't exist in his.”
“Aw…” Spike whined. “And here I was ready to breathe fire.”
“Well, now that we know that Twilight is an alicorn here I guess your little plan might work out,” Sunset smirked slightly.
“Just one little thing,” Twilight said, looking at her counterpart. “Are those prescription glasses?”
“Yes,” Sci-Twi said. “I'm pretty much blind as a bat otherwise.”
“Hmm...I have an idea,” Starlight said as she walked up to her and magically removed her glasses. “Try not to blink for a moment.” 
Her horn glowed and Sci-Twi's vision was obscured by the magical aura and suddenly her vision shifted. “Whoa...I can see now!”
Twilight looked impressed. “That’s a pretty advanced spell...but not one that's been perfected yet.”
“She'll be fine,” Starlight assured her. “Besides, how will she explain wearing glasses?”
“You don't feel any pain?” Sunset asked.
“No... everything's fine,” Sci-Twi said. 
“Now you two look like twins,” Spike commented.
Twilight smiled. “Well, I guess in a way that makes us sisters.”
“I dunno about that,” Sci-Twi said as the rest of them giggled. “So...what do you need me to do?”
“Just act normal,” Twilight said. “You should meet my friends. They'll understand if you explain everything. Starlight and Sunset will be here to help of course.”
“Magic shouldn't be an issue,” Sunset commented. “She's getting quite good at it now.”
“So...do I get to stay?” Spike asked.
“Sorry Spike,” Twilight frowned. “Unfortunately, only this world's Spike has the ability to send and receive letters from Princess Celestia in case of an emergency.” Spike whined. Twilight went over and patted his head. “I promise next time I'll make it up to you.”
Spike was in deep thought. “Well...maybe I'll forgive you if you take me down to the local tasty freeze.”
“Ugh, don't listen to him,” Sci-Twi said. “Actually, you might need him to explain about home and such.”
Twilight facehoofed. “I totally forgot about our parents. They're okay with the lab?”
“Pretty sure it wouldn't be there if they weren't. Just don't worry if Shining and Cadance happen to spend the night in his room...or if you hear any weird noises.”
The three mares looked disgusted. “Too much information Twilight,” Sunset said.
“It's alright, I'm already an aunt,” Twilight said.
“...Wait you mean-?” 
“It's going to be a girl and her name will be Flurry Heart. Most likely.” Twilight then paused for a moment. “Well, I guess it's time for me to go. Don't worry, everything will be fine.”
“I should probably tell you the girls are having a meeting at Sugar Cube Corner later on,” Sci-Twi said.
“Oh, alright.” Twilight looked back at her friends one last time before facing forward. “Alright Spike, let's get going.”
“Don't forget that vanilla cone,” Spike reminded her as the two disappeared into the portal.
It was quiet for a moment as Twilight stood there with the other two mares. “So...what now?” she asked.
Both Sunset and Starlight had amused looks on their faces. “You tell us, Princess Twilight.”
> Meet the Parents
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Canterlot



The alarm next to Luna's bed went off, waking her from the little sleep she had gotten the night before. She groaned before she managed to sit up, her hair a tangled mess. She got up slowly as she yawned and everything suddenly became autopilot for her.
After making her way towards the bathroom, she started brushing her teeth for the next two minutes, making sure to swish some mouthwash afterwards. After that, she undressed and hopped into the shower. The sudden cold water made her a little more alert but the feeling of tiredness refused to let go.
She spent the next ten minutes showering and lathering herself with her favorite blueberry-scented body wash. She hoped Celestia had already showered because she was hogging all the hot water.
Once she was finished, she quickly got dressed. Considering it was going to be another warm day, Luna opted for a simple t-shirt and shorts. She then headed towards the kitchen where she could hear her sister making breakfast.
Judging by the table, Celestia had started early. There were plates of bacon and eggs and sitting on her side of the table was a large stack of pancakes-
Wait a minute.
Luna stared at the stack, which greeted her with a large smile from blueberries and whipped cream, with a much sour look. “Sister...what is this?”
“Oh good morning Luna, I made pancakes,” Celestia said cheerfully.
Again. Luna grumbled slightly. “But we just had pancakes the other day.”
“Oh but these are blueberry, much different from your favorite dark chocolate with vanilla whipped cream.”
“They're still pancakes! You could've made...biscuits or waffles or something.”
“Luna, they're all practically the same recipe,” Celestia deadpanned.
“Whatever.” Luna took a bite of bacon, which seemed to make her feel better. “Sorry... didn't sleep very well last night.”
“Something on your mind sister?” Celestia asked as she sat down.
Luna decided to take a bite of pancake and her opinion quickly changed. Her sister's pancakes, moreso rather her cooking, was rather good. Luna on the other hand couldn't even make grilled cheese. “I...had a strange dream last night.”
“...Go on.”
“I...rather not.”
“Luna, we all have messed up dreams every once in awhile and believe me I've had my own share.”
“Fine…” Luna sighed. “So apparently I was in the tub…”
“Was there a giant spider?” Celestia teased.
“That's not funny.”
“Oh come on now, it could be the size of a grain of rice and you'd start screaming.”
“Can I continue or are you just going to repeatedly tease me?”
“Sorry…”
“Anyway, I was bathing and...the door opened.”
“Ooh is this going to get steamy…?” Celestia cooed.
“Celestia…”
“I mean, you can go into details if you want but I don't see how getting ravished in your dreams is a bad-”
“You know what, forget it.”
“Wait... I'm listening now, I promise. What happened next?”
Luna then hesitated. “It's bad...like morally bad.”
“Like 'I can get arrested for this’ bad?” Celestia asked.
Considering she's a minor at the moment yes. “Y-Yes…”
Celestia stared at her sister before picking up her cup of coffee. “Well again Luna, it happens. We don't always know it, but our subconscious has... certain wants.” She then took a large sip of coffee.
“It was Rainbow Dash.”
Celestia suddenly choked on coffee and practically coughed it all over the table. “E-Excuse me!?”
“You heard me.”
“I...what!?”
“I told you it was bad!” Luna was now looking away.
“So you're saying…”
“Rainbow Dash and I had hardcore lesbian sex in the bathtub? Probably, I woke up just in time,” Luna deadpanned.
“I... actually didn't know you swung both ways.”
“Seriously, that's what you're concerned with!?”
“I'm trying to keep out the picture of you having sex with a minor,” Celestia groaned. “Look, it was just a stupid dream, that's all.”
“Well... there's something else,” Luna said. “I could be wrong about this but...I felt as if we were both having the same dream.” She could already see her sister's look of doubt. “Just hear me out: I was fully aware of my actions and... Rainbow was acting super shy. Don't you think if this was a dream based on...lust that she’d be a little more...open?” She then winced slightly. “Poor choice of words.”
“I think it's kind of cute you apparently have a thing for younger women,” Celestia grinned wickedly. Her face and tone immediately then turned professional. “But I think for obvious reasons it just won't work out.” Luna was silent for a moment. “Wait... you're not actually developing feelings for her are you!?”
“Don't be ridiculous!” Luna then stuffed her mouth full of eggs. “Ah 'ave nu feelins fo’ 'er!”
“Well that's good. At least now in the future I have source material to use as blackmail against you.” She wasn't quite quick enough as she suddenly got a pancake flung into her face.




Meanwhile, Princess Twilight again experienced the now familiar sensation of traveling between dimensions. At least she was getting better about not losing her balance. Spike fared worse, but at the very least he didn't have to worry about transforming.
“Is this something you just get used to over time?” Spike asked.
“I guess,” Twilight shrugged. She looked up and saw the giant clock, part of the school's main building. It was just after nine. “Well, the meeting isn't until ten so…”
“Feel like stopping by the house for a bit?” Spike asked.
“Oh gosh...are my-I mean, are her parents home?”
“Yep. They're going to be wondering why you're not wearing glasses.” Of course, Twilight originally had thought of wearing glasses that contained simple lenses but she didn't feel good about trying to fool her parents...even though they weren't her parents. Not to mention Twilight Velvet was hard to dupe. Nothing ever got past her.
“Well, stranger things have happened over here.”
After managing to catch the bus (she was thankful that Sunset had managed to provide her with currency from this world) and enduring the somewhat uncomfortable ride (who knew buses could have such horrible fumes?), Twilight stood outside her human counterpart’s house. “Nice place she has here,” she commented.
“You haven't seen the inside yet, or the lab,” Spike replied.
“How did she even convince her parents to set up a lab in the basement?”
“Well, you know how parents can be.”
“Yeah…” Twilight smiled slightly. Once this was over, she told herself that she would pay her parents a much-needed visit. “Alright, let's meet the parents.”
She went over to the door, surprised that it was unlocked. Well, as long as it was her… She opened the door and was greeted with an assortment of smells, indicating that breakfast was being made. 
“I can already tell what Velvet's making for breakfast,” Spike said, his mouth starting to water.
“W-Wait a minute,” Twilight whispered. “She's not making...you know?”
“Bacon? Of course, it's your favorite,” Spike said with a wink.
“Agh! I can't eat that! I'm a pony, I was born a vegetarian!”
“Twilight, is that you?” She recognized that voice immediately. “You're back early. Have you eaten?”
“Um...just a little bit...mom!” Twilight said.
“Oh well that won't do, come on into the kitchen and have a proper breakfast dear!”
“S-Sure!” Twilight groaned slightly. “She knows I can't say no to her…”
“By the way, I was just messing with you,” Spike said as the two made their way to the kitchen. “It's totally soy bacon.”
“Spike…!”
“Heh, you two really are alike!”
Twilight composed herself as she went into the kitchen. She first saw her “mother” at the stove, cooking what had to be bacon and eggs while she saw a third pan that had pancakes cooking. Her “father” was currently at the table reading the morning newspaper and drinking orange juice.
“Good morning Twilight,” Velvet said as she turned around. She suddenly had a look of surprise as she stared at her “daughter”. “Oh... you're not wearing your glasses.”
“Well...yes there's a reason-”
“See, I told you contacts worked just fine,” Velvet smiled. “I'm not saying glasses don't look good on you dear but I think this look suits you better.”
Twilight felt herself blush. “Thanks Mom…”
“Now go sit down. We'll be ready in a few minutes.”
Twilight sat at the table next to Night Light. He glanced over at her with an amused look. “You were pretty busy last night.”
“Oh um...sorry,” Twilight grinned sheepishly. Now she wished she had asked her counterpart what she had been working on.
Night Light chuckled. “Not sure why you're apologizing, you've been doing this stuff for over five years.”
Velvet must've picked up on Twilight's discomfort. “Dear, don't guilt-trip Twilight like that. All those years will pay off when she's in college.”
Oh dear Celestia. College. It wasn't to say that Twilight didn't enjoy those years, quite the contrary, but they were definitely her toughest years (if you take out being a princess or battling evil centaurs). “Mom…”
“Don't worry sweetie, no pressure,” Velvet giggled slightly as she served breakfast. “By the way, I think I like the hair down personally.”
Twilight subconsciously started stroking her hair. “Well I couldn't find my hair band so…”
Night Light laughed. “She's got an answer for everything.”
Velvet looked over towards Spike. “Spike, I'm pretty sure Twilight fed you already...but I suppose I can spoil you a little.”
“Oh yeah…” Spike said happily as he was fed scraps.
The silence that took place during the next few moments as they ate didn't last long before Velvet said, “So Twilight, tell us about this new device you created. Something about remaking that old device you had which is supposed to 'seal away dark magic’ as you described it.”
Twilight was fortunate enough not to have anything in her mouth at the moment and had to keep herself from dropping her fork. She built another one!? Ugh, that girl… “Oh...yes I did just finish it last night…I think I just need to do a little tweaking on it.”
“And to think only a year ago magic was just fantasy,” Night Light commented.
“Well I think it's good you're tackling all this,” Velvet said. “Just...be careful alright?”
Twilight wasn't sure why, but she was feeling a surge of emotion in her gut. She wanted to give the woman a hug. I really am fortunate to have such great parents… “O-Of course,” she sniffed slightly. She then looked at the clock and almost jumped, seeing it was now a quarter to ten. “Oh no, I was supposed to meet Applejack and the others at Sugar Cube Corner! Gotta go!” She rushed out of the kitchen.
“Twilight wait up!” Spike yelled, running after her.
It was quiet for a few moments. “You know that isn't Twilight right?” Night Light asked, looking at his wife.
“Of course I know,” Velvet smirked. “But I figured we could keep the charade going until she feels like admitting herself. Still, she's a sweet girl, but then again, she technically is our daughter…”
> Shimmy ShimSham
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Ponyville



Twilight was pacing back and forth in the throne room as her wings twitched. She was used to having wings before, but to actually have them fully attached to your person was a whole new experience. Not to mention that they were itching like hell.
“Ugh, why are these things so itchy?” she grumbled. That got a sudden giggle out of both Sunset and Starlight who happened to be watching the entire scene. “What!?”
“Well...maybe you need to preen them?” Sunset suggested.
“Preen?”
“You know...like birds do?” Starlight said. She got met with a blank stare. “You have to clean them.”
“What!?” Twilight almost shrieked. “But that sounds so...unhygienic!”
“It's what pegasi do,” Sunset stated.
“...You know what I'm just going to go shower then.” Twilight got up and went through the door...only to pop her head back in a few moments later. “Um... where's the bathroom again?”
Starlight smirked slightly. “Here I'll show you. I was in your hooves once too.” She and Twilight headed down the large hallway as Sunset stayed behind.
It was pretty impressive to see six thrones in one room. Sunset guessed that Starlight hadn't gotten her own throne yet. Apparently that was a common theme in Equestria since Luna commented (jokingly of course) that Celestia had yet to give her her own throne.
She walked outside of the room as her thoughts returned to her former teacher. For so long she had thought she'd be branded a criminal if she ever stepped foot in Equestria ever again, and ironically they had reunited in the human world.
“Well, she didn't smite me on the spot, even though I guess she couldn't at the time,” Sunset told herself. “She really missed me and I... missed her too.” She paused as she realized her voice was echoing. “You're talking to yourself Sunset…” She chuckled slightly as she continued down the hall.




Starlight was leaning against the wall right outside the door of the bathroom as Twilight took her second shower of the day. Normally Starlight had no issue watching or even bathing next to a fellow mare but Twilight insisted she stay outside, mentioning that in her world bathing together was usually frowned upon, at least in public places. And something about nudity in public as well.
“You do realize you've been naked this whole time right?” Starlight asked.
“I know I just... I'm just not used to it yet,” Twilight replied as she tried shampooing her mane.
“It's fine, I understand,” Starlight replied.
It was quiet for the next few minutes. “So...what was it like? Having Twilight as a teacher?”
Starlight glanced towards the door. “Well...there wasn't much to teach. I mean, magic wise. She realized how powerful a mage I was. I was however lacking in the friendship department.”
“I know the feeling,” Twilight said. “It's not that I didn't want friends I just...was in a difficult environment at the time.”
“Yeah...I was too busy trying to better myself than take the time to make new friends,” Starlight sighed.
“At least you didn't turn into some she-demon.”
“Is that common over in your world?”
“It's starting to.”
Both mares giggled. “You know, I think we're going to get along just fine Sparkle,” Starlight said. “Don't take this the wrong way but...I think it's because you're not, well, a princess that I can relate to you better.”
“Yeah...it does sound like Princess Twilight comes off as spotless doesn't she?” Twilight asked.
“Pft, hardly.” Starlight glanced over and saw Sunset approaching them. “Is she taking a shower?”
“Yep, apparently she wanted full privacy too,” Starlight replied.
“Twilight, you realize you've been naked-”
“That's what I told her,” Starlight added.
“Well excuse me if I feel weird if someone was watching me,” Twilight huffed.
Sunset facehoofed. “Okay, this is ridiculous. Twilight, I'm coming in.”
“Sunset, don't you dare-!” But Sunset already opened the door and walked in.
“Seriously, what's the big deal? Are you really worried everyone's gonna stare at your-?”
There was then a small flash followed by a small boom followed by a small yelp as Sunset was flung out of the room. “I think she was being serious,” Starlight stated.
“I see she's adjusting to alicornhood already,” Sunset grumbled.




Once Twilight was cleaned up, the three of them made their way outside into town. “Wow it's so... different compared to Canterlot,” Twilight said.
“There's a Canterlot here too,” Sunset pointed out.
“Oh...does it have skyscrapers too?”
“No, that's more Manehattan but eventually Canterlot will get to that point,” Starlight replied. “By the way, you're going to be greeted so just wave and say hello.”
It didn't take long before the greetings came.
“Hi Twilight!”
“Good morning Princess!”
“Top of th’ morning to ya Twilight!”
“H-Hello!” Twilight said as she waved, a nervous smile creeping along her face.
“You'll get used to it,” Starlight said. “Now let's see... where's Trixie?”
The two other mares stopped in their tracks. “Did you say Trixie?” Sunset asked.
“You're friends with her?” Twilight asked.
“Yes...why?” Starlight asked, narrowing her eyes.
“It's just...well the Trixie we know…” Twilight started.
“...Has a bit of an ego,” Sunset finished. “Plus she's kind of hard to be around…”
Starlight suddenly started laughing. “Well of course she has an ego!” she said. “But I can assure you this world's Trixie is a bit more mellowed out. Her wagon is...oh there it is!”
There was a small wagon on the main street and Starlight happily trotted over before knocking on the door. “Trixie are you awake? I have somepony here you'll want to meet!” There was no response. Starlight sighed slightly and looked at her friends apologetically. “She's probably sleeping in...she tends to uh...she takes a big nightcap before going to bed.”
“So she's an alcoholic,” Sunset stated.
“No! She just...has a busy schedule.”
Suddenly the door on the wagon suddenly burst open. “Who the hell has disturbed the Great and Powerful Tri-!” The mare suddenly started coughing loudly as she stuck her head out. She then looked up and her face softened. “Oh... Starlight. You should've told me you were coming.”
“Hi Trixie, how are-?” The smell suddenly hit her like a magical blast. “T-Trixie is that-!?”
Trixie suddenly smirked. It was then that Sunset noticed her eyes looked slightly bloodshot. “For my first act this morning…” She then magicked over a small joint. “I'm going to make this joint...disappear!” She suddenly lit it with her magic and took a deep puff. “... it's gonna take a bit.”
“So...she's a druggie too?” Twilight whispered.
“Trixie why are you smoking that!?” Starlight snapped.
“Because Trixie can.”
“...What?”
“You didn't know?” Trixie looked at her confused. “Mayor Mare passed a law yesterday legalizing cannabis.”
It was silent for a few moments. “Really?” Twilight asked.
Trixie grinned. “That's right, Princess, and they didn't even need your approval. So shove that up your pipe and smoke it!”
“You know, maybe we'll just go and leave you at it…” Sunset said.
Trixie looked at her. “Have we met?”
“I don't believe so...I mean I know who you are of course. I'm Sunset. Sunset Shimmer.”
“A pleasure,” Trixie said as she shook Sunset's hoof. “By the way Starlight~” she said sweetly. “I got some extra just for you~”
“That's...sweet Trixie,” Starlight said. “But I shouldn't-”
“I mean, considering you are my bestest friend…” Trixie gave her a wink.
Starlight suddenly felt herself blushing. “...Fine,” she said. She looked to Sunset and Twilight. “I won't be too long... hopefully. And Twilight doesn't hear about any of this!”
“My lips are sealed,” Sunset promised.
Starlight hesitated slightly before she and Trixie went back inside the wagon. “So…” Twilight said. “Are those two a-?”
“Oh yeah, they're totally doing it,” Sunset said. “Anyway, let's get out of here before things get more uncomfortable.”
The two of them made their way towards the market square. “You know...I could get used to it being quiet around here,” Twilight said.
“Twilight look out!” Suddenly a pink mass appeared and crashed into Sunset.
“Ah! Pinkie!?” Sunset snapped as she looked at the pink pony on top of her.
“Oh! Sorry! I forgot you were totally a good girl now,” Pinkie said sheepishly as she got off. “Did you just get here? I bet you haven't seen Ponyville before have you?”
“Nice to see you too Pinkie,” Sunset said as she got up.
“Ohhh right because you know the other Pinkie,” Pinkie grinned. “That's fine, we're practically the same!”
“Wait...how…?” Twilight began.
“I'm just going on based on what Twilight told us,” Pinkie said. “By the way, nice to meet you Sci-Twi!”
Sunset and Twilight froze. “You...know that isn't Twilight?” Sunset asked.
“Well of course she's Twilight, she just isn't our Twilight,” Pinkie giggled. “I could easily tell that.”
“Right…” both Sunset and Twilight said.
“This calls for a Welcome Party but I'd have to get set up! And I need to introduce you all to the others!” Suddenly a rainbow streak flashed across the sky. “Oh there's one! RAINBOW DASH!”
The pegasus suddenly stopped mid-air and zoomed back. “What's up Pinkie?”
“Say hi to Sunset Shimmer!”
Rainbow looked at the unicorn for a moment until she recalled the events from a few years back. “Oh yeah!” She then landed next to the unicorn. “Long time no see Shimmy.”
“Shimmy?” Sunset asked.
“Just made it up on the whim,” Rainbow grinned. “It was either that or ShimSham.”
“Pft! ShimSham! I love it!” Pinkie giggled.
“Don't worry about it, there's no bad blood,” Rainbow said, offering a hoof. “Twilight told us all about what you've done.”
“Glad we're all on the same side then,” Sunset smiled as they brohoofed.
“By the way Dashie, that's not Twilight. Well, not our Twilight,” Pinkie said.
“Oh yeah?” Rainbow smirked, glancing at Twilight. “So...that makes you a newbie huh?”
“Newbie?” Twilight asked.
“Your wings! You haven't used them yet have you?”
“Oh...well…” Twilight flashed her wings self-consciously. “No. I haven't.”
Rainbow grinned widely. “Well then that settles it. As of right now, I'm gonna work your flank off to be the best Royal Flyer you can be! Well, not as good as me of course…”
“Um...do I have a say in this?” Twilight asked.
“Nope! My place, twenty minutes. And don't even think about chickening out! I know where you live!” She then zoomed off.
“She... can't be serious about this, is she?” Twilight asked.
“Knowing Dash, it's serious alright,” Sunset commented.
“Well...it's not that bad...right?”
“Oh it's not bad,” Pinkie said with a grin. “It's brutal.”
“...Gosh you know I think I have Royal duties back at the castle and-”
“Oh no,” Sunset said, using her magic to drag Twilight along. “This is good for you Twilight. Besides, you already have the basics down.”
“I'm going to hate all of you after this, aren't I?” Twilight grumbled.




“You know Dashie, maybe you did push her a little too hard,” Pinkie said two hours later as Twilight laid on Rainbow’s bed, covered in ice packs.
“Oh come on, it was just the first day,” Rainbow replied. “It's always the worst day.”
“Actually, the second day is the worst,” Sunset pointed out. “The one time I actually tried out for soccer had us doing two-a-days and by day two I was taking aspirin at least three times a day.”
“ ...Fine maybe you're right,” Rainbow sighed. “Well, we can always start again tom-”
“Oh no!” Twilight suddenly stormed up, wincing slightly in pain. “I appreciate the help Dash but I'm going to put this as nicely as I can: No.”
She then slowly limped out of the house. “Yeah... better go with her,” Sunset said. “Nice to meet you again Dash.”
“Ooh! Maybe we can go see Fluttershy! She's really good with muscle massages!” Pinkie said as she bounced after them.”
Rainbow sighed as she looked up at a poster of Commander Firefly. “She’ll thank me later for this someday. This I know or my name isn't Rainbow “Crash” Dash!”
> $25,000
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Canterlot



Three hours ago...


Canterlot Mall was the go-to place during the warm months and today was no exception. It was supposed to be another hot day, and the cool interior gave anyone an excuse to come by and hang out. But for one, it was just another day for shopping.
Rarity was currently window-shopping, looking at the new dresses that were currently on sale. Oh sure, maybe she'd buy a few but mostly she was looking for inspiration. Currently, short dresses and cropped pants were the stylish trend going around.
“Honestly, you couldn't ask for a better day,” Rarity said as the thermometer outside read the temperature at eighty-four degrees. The material, the pattern; the ideas were currently building up in her head. Of course, that was until her phone suddenly vibrated.
Rarity grabbed the phone out of her pocket and looked at the screen. Applejack had just texted everyone to meet up at Sugar Cube Corner at ten to talk about the fundraising deadline. Rarity sighed; she'd probably have to throw in an idea this time, something that unfortunately doesn't involve modeling or runways.
She looked at the time, realizing she had a lot of time before then. Well, guess now is a good time as any… Her sudden passion gone, she left the store and went down to the food court to grab some breakfast. But as she was just about to pass a certain kiosk, a voice suddenly rang out.
“Hey you! Yeah you! Do you like to sing?”
“Yes I do.”
“Do you like to dance?”
“But of course!”
“And above all else, do you like having lots of money!?”
“Now that's just a silly question darling, but yes, very much!”
“Then come right over and sign up for the 'Chance to Prance’ music video contest! Each group must produce a video with an original song and the winner will win $25,000!”
“$25,000!?” Rarity almost shrieked.
“So don't delay! Sign up now and dance the night away!”
“$25,000…” Rarity repeated. “This is perfect! That's more than plenty for the funds we need! Oh goodness, even with a share of that money I could give my studio a complete overhaul!” She giggled happily as she went over to the kiosk and filled out the application. Little did she know that there was a group of girls standing behind her.
“Rarity, is that you!?” Rarity suddenly turned around and saw four girls dressed up in school attire. The girl that had spoken Rarity recognized as Sour Sweet. “What a pleasant surprise to see you!” Sour said. “Not.”
“Sour Sweet?” Rarity asked, going over to them. “And...wait I got this. Sunny Flare, Lemon Zest, and Sugarcoat?”
“Glad to see we're still remembered,” Sugarcoat said dryly.
“Wait...there was a fifth girl...Indigo Zap? She's not with you?”
“She's on vacation apparently,” Sunny shrugged. “Didn't bother telling us where she was going for some reason.”
“Are you signing up for that music video contest?” Lemon asked.
“Why yes,” Rarity said. “We need the money to help pay the funds for Camp Everfree.”
“Wait, the same Everfree that everyone used to go to back when they were little?” Sour asked. “It's still around?”
“Well...if we don't meet the deadline probably not for much longer,” Rarity sighed. “We were just there for our school trip.”
Sour and Sunny gave each other a glance before Sunny snorted. “O-Oh really?” Sunny asked.
“That must've been a fun trip then,” Sugarcoat said, glaring at the two girls. “We're entering because we need the funds to have our spring dance on a fancy yacht.”
“Oh my, that sounds lovely!” Rarity exclaimed.
“Yeah, and someone insisted to Principal Cadance that our class could provide the money,” Lemon said.
“What!?” Sour snapped. “I knew an opportunity like this would come up so what's to worry about? That $25,000 is as good as ours.”
“Well, we'll see,” Rarity said. “I already have some ideas of course.”
This time Sour and Sugarcoat glanced at one another. “Like what?” Sugarcoat asked as innocently as she could.
“Well if you're really curious…”




Present time

After another trip on the bus, Twilight was now convinced that public ground transport would need to be expanded throughout Equestria. Of course, that would have to pass through the Council before Princess Celestia could sign the bill into law, meaning it would probably take months before the thing would even pass.
“Twilight, are you zoning out again?” Spike asked once they got off the bus.
“Sorry Spike, just something to think about when I get back to Equestria.” The two then made their way down the street towards Sugar Cube Corner. Right before she got to the door, it opened and someone came out at a quick pace and knocked her over. “Ahh!”
“Twilight?” She recognized that voice instantly. She looked up as Flash Sentry stared down at her.
“F-Flash?” she responded.
He chuckled, looking a little embarrassed as he helped her up. “We got to stop-” He was suddenly cut off as Twilight hugged him. “Um...it's nice to see you too.”
Twilight stepped back, blushing slightly. “Sorry I haven't been visiting recently.”
“No, it's fine, really,” Flash waved it off. “I know you've probably been busy with all the stuff you're doing back home and…”
Twilight giggled. “Well, consider this a vacation for myself. I think I've earned it at least.”
“So...does that mean you're free right now?” Flash asked.
“Well... actually I have to go see the others,” Twilight explained. “We're meeting about a fundraiser or something like that…”
“Oh right, for Camp Everfree,” Flash said. “Well...maybe we can meet up for lunch somewhere?”
“That...sounds good,” Twilight smiled. “But uh...I don't have a phone.”
Flash chuckled. “It's fine, I'll text Rainbow and she'll let you know. So...see you then?”
“Yeah...see you then,” Twilight grinned as Flash walked off, waving goodbye to her. Once he was gone, she started hyperventilating. “Ohmigosh, I can't believe I'm actually going on a date!”
Spike, who kept himself quiet during the conversation finally spoke up. “You sure you can fit Flash into your schedule today?”
“My sched-oh very funny.” She then took a deep breath, recalling all the exercises she'd learn with Cadance. “That's later, for now I need to see if I can help out my friends with...wait did he say Camp Everfree?”
“Sure did.”
“Huh.” You definitely don't want to camp in our world's Everfree… She finally opened the door and the sound of about twenty different conversations filled her ears.
Twilight could easily identify everyone in the cafe at the moment, but it was the four girls she saw in the back that she was focused on. Applejack was the first to see her and was about to wave her over when she suddenly paused. Of course, Twilight pretty much expected that reaction.
“Uh... Twilight?” she asked as Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow looked in her direction. “Yer uh...wait are ya our Twilight or Princess Twilight?”
“The latter actually,” Twilight smiled.
The reaction was instantaneous as the four girls gave her a hug. “So um... where's the other Twilight?” Fluttershy asked.
“Oh that's obvious,” Pinkie said. “This Twilight and our Twilight switched places because Twilight wanted to get away for a bit and partly cause she wanted to get back at Princess Celestia for pulling the same trick before so she and Sunset came over here and brought our Twilight over to Equestria (and she's totally an alicorn too!) before Princess Twilight came back and eventually met our Twilight's parents.”
“Yeah, you lost me at 'switched places’,” Rainbow commented.
“In other words, my Twilight is playing princess and this Twilight... actually I'm not really sure what she's doing.”
“Thanks Spike,” Twilight rolled her eyes.
“So... yer this world's Spike?” Applejack asked.
“Yep. Someone's gotta keep Twilight out of trouble.”
“Thank you, Spike.” Twilight sighed. “Wait, where's Rarity?”
“I guess she's running late,” Fluttershy suggested.
“Knowing her, she's probably still in the checkout line,” Applejack said, rolling her eyes.
“So Twilight, I noticed Flash left right before you got here,” Rainbow said with a grin. “Did you 'bump’ into him as usual.”
Before Twilight could answer, the entrance door opened once again as Rarity came in with one of those battery operated fans. “Honestly, if it gets any hotter out there I don't know what's going to melt first, me or my mascara.” She walked over to where the girls were sitting and once she saw Twilight she hugged her immediately. “Darling it's so good to see you!”
“You...knew it was me right away?” Twilight asked.
“Of course!” Rarity replied. “It was quite simple.” There was a long pause. “Your hair is down and you're not wearing glasses.”
“Oh...yeah I guess that was obvious,” Twilight grinned sheepishly.
“Aren't her detective skills amazing?” Spike asked dreamily.
“Anyway, I apologize for running late but I believe I just found us a way to finally pay off the rest of the money for Camp Everfree!”
“Honestly, Ah'm afraid to ask,” Applejack said. “But considering Ah'm the one who called this meeting Ah think Ah get to go first.”
Rarity scoffed. “Well, then by all means, go ahead. I'm assuming Twilight's been brought up to speed with all this?”
“Don't worry, Sunset explained everything to me the last time I was here,” Twilight assured her.
“Good. Now Ah know our past attempts had little success but Ah think this might seal the deal for us.” Applejack paused for a moment. “We do a car wash.”
It was silent for a moment. “A car wash?” Rarity asked.
“Eeyup, a car wash.”
“Well... that could generate a lot of money, depending on what you charge,” Twilight pointed out.
“Maybe three dollars. The cheapest most places charge is five bucks.” Applejack glanced over at Rainbow. “So Ah’m sure that'll be enough to lure some people in.” She glanced at Rainbow again.
“Why do you keep looking at me?” Rainbow asked.
“Cause Ah'm waiting for you to make some silly remark. Like 'Yeah, but you know how we'll really lure the guys in? Swimsuits.’”
Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Why bother? You'd object to it anyway.”
“Yeah, cause no one's comfortable with that!”
“Why are you even bitching at me I didn't even say anything!” Rainbow's anger took everyone by surprise.
Applejack pulled her hat down apologetically. “Sorry Dash, got a little carried away there…”
“Whatever.”
“A-Anyway,” Twilight continued. “What was your idea Rarity?”
“I thought you'd never ask,” Rarity grinned. “I just signed us up for the “Chance to Prance” music video contest! And...if our video gets chosen we'll win $25,000!”
$25,000!?” Everyone almost yelled.
“Yes, $25,000!” Rarity repeated. “Of course there's one-actually two small problems. The first is that apparently our old friends from Crystal Prep are competing as well.”
The rest of the girls groaned. “Well there goes that idea,” Rainbow muttered.
“Those are...human me’s former classmates right?” Twilight asked.
“Yes,” Rarity said. “Surprisingly, they apparently mellowed out a little since the Friendship Games. Still, they want that money as much as we do since they want to have their spring dance on a yacht.”
“Ooh fancy!” Pinkie exclaimed.
“So what's the second problem?” Fluttershy asked.
“Well you see...I need to purchase supplies for the video so...I'd have to use the money we have saved up.” She put out a hand before anyone could object. “Now, even if I somehow used up every dollar, the money won would be more than enough for Camp Everfree. I know it's a big gamble, so I'm letting it be put up to a vote. I wish Sunset was here as well but I would assume she'd go for it.”
The girls looked at one another. “Well, I say why not?” Rainbow stated.
“It could be kind of fun,” Fluttershy added.
“Ooh and we can come up with ideas!” Pinkie said. “I have some props of my own!”
Everyone then looked at Twilight. “Oh um...I'm not sure if I'm in a position to vote.”
“Of course you are darling!” Rarity insisted. “You are our friend and as such you have as much say as we do.”
“Well...I think we could pull it off,” Twilight said. “Not sure how exactly but this wouldn't be the first time we were in this position.”
Everyone then looked to Applejack, who sighed deeply. “Alright fine,” she said. “BUT, Ah still think we should give the whole car wash idea a try.” She saw Rarity give her a sour look. “Look, all Ah'm saying is if this works out, we won't have to worry about using the money. Just give it a chance.”
Rarity thought for a moment. “Very well, you have a deal.” They then shook on it.
> We're Going to the Old Castle. In the middle of Faust Forsaken Woods. Great.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Ponyville



“Fluttershy, you are a lifesaver,” Twilight groaned happily as Fluttershy softly massaged her wings. Flying was out of the question and walking was hard enough but luckily Fluttershy's cottage was nearby and Pinkie was quick to make the suggestion. After Sunset and Twilight (who had to explain that she wasn't Princess Twilight) introduced themselves, Fluttershy was more than happy to let them in.
“I'm happy to help,” Fluttershy replied, beaming slightly. “Any friend of Twilight is a friend of ours.”
“Which is funny cause it is Twilight,” Pinkie giggled.
Twilight had never gotten an actual massage before but right now she didn't care. Luckily before they left, Sunset had brought some spell books for her to read and she had to admit, she was amazed at what she saw. “A time spell huh…?” she said, looking at the illustration depicted in the book. “That could be interesting…”
“Oh no,” Sunset said admonishingly. “Twilight and Starlight told me enough about what happened the last time time magic was used. Even I wasn't so bold to try that back in the day.”
“Well it'd help in so many ways,” Twilight said almost bitterly.
“Okay, are we seriously going back to the whole Midnight Sparkle thing?” Sunset sighed.
“I'm just saying with all the magic finding it's way into our world, who else is responsible?” Twilight asked.
“That's all in the past...and it's going to stay in the past,” Sunset said.
“Um... I'm not sure who this Midnight Sparkle is but...I'm assuming she's like Nightmare Moon?” Fluttershy asked.
“Pretty much,” both Twilight and Sunset replied.
“Don't worry Twilight,” Pinkie reassured her. “The last time our Twilight tried to use a time spell she almost drove herself insane.”
“Yeah...that sounds like her alright,” Sunset commented.
“Anyway…” Twilight rolled her eyes. “I'm just glad you've all accepted me with open arms.”
“Me too,” Sunset said, looking away slightly. “I didn't exactly start things off on the right hoof.”
“It's alright,” Fluttershy said. “Like I said, a friend of Twilight's is a friend of ours, and I think I can speak for everyone on that.”
Suddenly there was a loud bang as Starlight teleported into the cottage looking slightly frazzled. “Oh good, I finally found you two.”
“I'm surprised you're actually capable of performing a teleportation spell,” Sunset smirked.
“Haha, very funny,” Starlight glared at her. “Actually, I didn't have to worry about...getting under the influence once I got her...preoccupied with other things.”
It became uncomfortably quiet. Even Fluttershy had to stop and stare at her. “Like…?” Sunset prompted her.
A slight blush crept onto Starlight's face. “Um... nothing important…”
“Ha, I knew it!” Twilight laughed before she winced. “Ow…”
“S-Shut up you don't know anything!” Starlight snapped.
“That you and Trixie are a thing? Oh we knew,” Pinkie said.
“Huh?”
“Yep,” Fluttershy added.
Starlight's face was now almost tomato red. “S-So what? Why does it matter anyway?”
“It doesn't,” Sunset said, going up to her and putting a hoof on her shoulder. “We're happy that you two are happy. Just say you two did it.”
Starlight looked away in embarrassment. “...We did it.”
“So! Why did you need to find us?” Sunset asked.
“Oh. Right. Spike was looking for you guys but I managed to run into him.” Starlight then pulled out a letter with her magic. “It's from Princess Celestia.”
Sunset took the letter and opened it before reading.



Dear Princess Twilight,

Luna and I have been debating this for awhile, but we've finally decided perhaps it's time to revisit the old Castle of the Two Sisters. It's been a long time since either of us have been there for... obvious reasons. As I seem to recall, you and your friends really tidied up the place, even though the infrastructure is sadly beyond repair at this point. 
Anyway, I thought I could extend the invitation to you, Sunset, and Starlight, both who I'm sure are reading this. We will arrive in Ponyville soon.

Love,
Princess Celestia



“W-What!?” Twilight almost jumped out of her seat. “They're coming here!? Now!?”
“That could be a problem,” Starlight said. “What are we going to tell them about Twilight?”
“As far as they know, Princess Twilight is still here,” Sunset shrugged. “A little trip won't be an issue.”
“Somehow I think lying to the Princesses seems like a bad idea,” Starlight countered.
“Totally playing devil's advocate here, but Celestia and Luna did the exact same thing before so…”
“You sure you're not just saying that because you're a former student?”
“Can we just get back to the castle please!?” Twilight snapped.
Both unicorns blinked. “Oh, right,” Sunset said. “Gonna need to do a group teleportation spell. Thanks again for the help Fluttershy.”
“Oh it's no problem at-” She was suddenly cut off as the three mares suddenly teleported. Fluttershy then sighed as she looked at Angel. “Somehow I feel like something bad is going to happen in this situation…”
“Oh Fluttershy, didn't you see that 'comedy’ tag? Of course something bad’s about to happen!” Pinkie said gleefully.




The three of them suddenly teleported into the main hall of the castle. “Finally, there you girls are,” Spike said, running up to them. “I'm assuming Starlight told you already?”
“That Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are going to be here in a few minutes, yeah,” Sunset replied.
“I can't do this.” Twilight was again pacing. “If they find out I'm going to be executed aren't I?”
“Uh... what's she talking about?” Spike asked.
“Oh... nothing,” Starlight quickly dismissed. “You know how Twilight gets when it comes to those two.”
“Good point,” Spike shrugged. “You want me to get those teacakes out that you made?”
“Yes! Could you do that?” Starlight grinned.
“Um...sure.” Spike then headed to the kitchen.
“Okay, Twilight?” Sunset said to a now hyperventilating Twilight. “You need to calm down. There's nothing to worry about.”
“Oh says you, but isn't there a law about impersonating royal figures? Oh gosh, do they hang people here or do they use the-ow!” Sunset finally smacked the poor filly in the face. “...Thanks. I needed that.”
“To answer your question, there's no death penalty,” Starlight said matter-of-factly. “The worst of the worst usually go to Tartarus.”
“You're not helping,” Sunset hissed.
“Oh...sorry.”
“Now, first lesson as a pony,” Sunset said. “Your horn is your source of magic. It's different than using your hands I know, but just concentrate on your target, tell yourself what you want to do. Now open the main doors for our guests.”
Twilight took a deep breath. “Alright...I can do this.” She closed her eyes in concentration as her horn started to glow. Soon the doors took a similar aura as Twilight's horn and the doors suddenly opened. “I...I did it!” Twilight giggled slightly as she swiped her brow with her wing.
“Once you get used to it it becomes a lot easier,” Sunset assured her.
“Good timing too,” Starlight pointed out as she pointed towards the chariot that was touching down in front of the castle.
“So uh...do we greet them?” Twilight asked.
“Lesson number one of being a royal,” Sunset grinned slightly. “Smile and wave.” The three mares did just that in perfect synchronition.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna made their out of the chariot, escorted by two members of the Royal Guard, and made their way up the steps before bowing before Twilight. Twilight was at least composed enough to bow in return, even if it was a bit awkward. “Twilight, Sunset, Starlight, it's good to see you three again,” Celestia said.
“It's good to see you as well, princesses,” Sunset said as she and Starlight bowed as well. “I hope everything is well at the castle?”
Luna smirked. “Unfortunately, Celestia's counterpart decided to help herself to the Royal Cake.” Sunset actually flinched. No one, and that meant anyone, was allowed to touch Celestia's cake without permission. Celestia had made that very clear early on when she was a student and she was certain Twilight was told the same thing. “She was very distressed but luckily the royal baker managed to make her another bundt cake.”
Celestia glared at her sister. “I am so glad to hear you take pleasure in my misery.”
Luna grinned. “Not at all, dear sister.”
“Anyway,” Celestia snorted. “I figured for the next leg of the trip we would go by hoof. Sunset, I don't believe you've ever seen the Everfree Forest?”
“No, but I've heard plenty about it,” Sunset said. “The place is... unnatural for lack of a better word. You'll find all sorts of things in there.” She was saying all this for Twilight's benefit, although judging by the look on her face, Sunset was starting to regret her words.”
“Hm, but nothing three princesses and two magical prodigies couldn't handle,” Luna said, looking towards the forest. Despite her bravado, even she was feeling slightly nervous.
“Perhaps now is the time to go,” Celestia said. “At this point, most of the creatures inside the forest are probably asleep.” She then glanced at Twilight. “Is everything alright? You've been unnaturally quiet since we got here.”
“Oh um…” Twilight began. “Just... trying to contain my excitement that's all. It's not often I get to go on an adventure with you two.” I can't even imagine Principal Celestia and Vice-Principal wanting to even go into a forest like this.
“Well, you're doing it surprisingly well,” Luna remarked. “This will be a first for most of us. I remember a little of the castle when I was... Nightmare Moon but again it was all practically ruins.”
“The outside is run down but from what Twilight and the others have told me, they've cleaned up a lot in the inside,” Starlight said.
Celestia smiled. “I suppose we'll have to see for ourselves.” She nodded towards the two guards who then stayed at their posts outside the castle before the five of them made their way towards the forest.
“You know, there's just one thing I don't understand,” Twilight whispered to the two unicorns. “Why would Celestia and Luna build and live in a castle in the middle of a place like this anyway?”
“That's... actually a good question,” Sunset whispered back. “Something tells me Luna was heavily involved in the decision.”
Meanwhile Spike, who helped himself to a little something in the kitchen, finally came back with the tray of teacakes, only to find the guards standing outside. He sighed. “You know, sometimes I wonder why I even bother…”
> The Talk
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Canterlot



The girls decided that the high school parking lot would be the best place to hold the car wash since it had enough space for people to park their cars and it was an area people passed by frequently everyday. Of course, that's what they had been hoping for.
Big Macintosh had helped bring most of the supplies they needed and was willing to pay to get his old truck washed, which only took about ten minutes. An hour had passed after he left and no one else had shown up.
Applejack looked ready to tear her hat in half. “Ah don't get it,” she growled. “The weather's appropriate, and we're in a hard to miss area, so what the hell is going on!?”
Rarity on the other hand had a triumphant smirk on her face. “Well it can't be helped darling,” she said. “I suppose everyone likes those automatic car washers.”
“Ooh I do!” Pinkie said. “Because they make you feel like you're going through a hurricane! And then the dryers go off at full blast like BSSSHHH! and your car is perfectly dry!”
Applejack glared at Rarity. “Yeah, Ah can see you're enjoying this aren't ya? Ya gonna point out now that this was a terrible idea?”
“Applejack dear, why would I be taking pleasure in all this?” Rarity asked innocently. “And I never said it was a bad idea, only that I didn't think it was going to take off.”
“So...how long are we going to stay out here?” Fluttershy asked.
“Well uh...Ah was hoping til about five?” Applejack suggested.
Rainbow groaned loudly while Rarity now looked livid. “You can't possibly be suggesting that we stay out here for another two hours!” she snapped. “We only have two days before the deadline for the contest and we haven't even gotten started yet!”
“Oh come on now, making a video only takes a few hours at best!” Applejack snapped back.
“A few hours at-!?” Rarity stopped as she took a deep breath. “You really have no idea how these things work do you?” She pointed up a finger. “First, since this is a music video, we need to get the choreography down and that will take a few hours at best.” She lifted a second finger. “Then we need to come up with an original song. Luckily I managed to brainstorm a few ideas in the past few hours so that will save us a little time.” She then held up a third finger. “And finally, once everything is recorded, it's going to take us a few hours to get all the editing down.”
Applejack had a sour look on her face. “Alright, Ah get yer point…” she grumbled.
Thankfully, Twilight decided to finally step in. “Applejack, don't get me wrong, this wasn't a bad idea but if this contest is the best opportunity for you guys to get the money you need, I think you're going to need all the time you can get.”
Applejack sighed. “Ah guess yer right sugarcube... alright we'll go with yer idea then.” She the looked behind them all and her eyes widened. “Uh...but maybe after we take care of that Maserati.”
“Huh?” Everyone looked behind as they saw the navy blue Maserati coming up towards the parking lot. It was coming in pretty fast, which at first made the girls think it was one of their fellow students, but they didn't know anyone with a car like that. Not even Flash owned something that expensive.
“Sweet wheels,” Rainbow commented.
The car then pulled up next to them and the window rolled down. “I heard there was a car wash going on?” Vice-Principal Luna asked, wearing a pair of sunglasses.
Everyone stared at her in shock. “Uh...yeah,” Applejack said. “You uh...need the regular wash or the-”
“If you could wax it too I'd greatly appreciate it,” Luna said as she turned off the engine and stepped out of the car.
“If...you don't mind me asking Luna,” Rarity began. “Where did you get such an... expensive car?”
“Oh...yes, this is a bit of a secret,” Luna said. “My one aunt, she's very... wealthy and she got me this for my birthday this month. Needless to say Celestia is very jealous of me right now.” She then gave Applejack a ten dollar bill. “Keep the change. I'm guessing it's a slow day?”
“Actually we were about to cut our losses and call it a day,” Applejack said. “But we're willing to clean the vice-principal’s car. Fluttershy, Pinkie, care to give me a hand?”
As the three of them got to work, Luna was standing next to Rainbow, and the former was quick to notice the latter's sudden discomfort. I'm not really that unapproachable am I? Unless...oh no don't tell me...no I'm sure it's not that. I'll play this cautiously. “So...how are things Rainbow Dash?”
“Oh uh….fine Luna….yourself?”
“I'm fine.” Ugh, I'm making things worse! I might as well get straight to the point. “If you don't mind me asking...do you ever get these weird dreams where...you do stuff you normally wouldn't do in real life.”
Rainbow had her eyes turned away but she was turning red slightly. “Uh...sometimes I do, yeah.”
I knew it. Somehow, they ended up experiencing the same dream. Well, Luna had an idea why at least.
Before Princess Luna had returned to Equestria, she had given Luna a small notebook. “Whenever you write in this, it'll show up in a similar notebook I have in my office,” Luna had said. “If there's anything you need...or if you want to have some fun, don't hesitate to ask.”
After the dream, Luna didn't waste any time writing to her counterpart. Somehow she must know what was going on. Unfortunately she did as Luna ended up reading the Princess' response.



Dear Luna,

I must admit this seems... troubling. I say this because you specifically said you experienced the dream from a different perspective than Rainbow Dash did. I may have forgotten to mention this, but I have a very specific role in Equestria: I can enter the dreams of others.
You may think that's insidious, but I assure you it's to help, especially those with nightmares. I don't know why but your short experience in Equestria somehow gave you this ability and you're experiencing this as you sleep. Perhaps it could be something else but if these “dreams” continue, let me know immediately.
I do not believe this is anything too serious and I can say you don't need to be alarmed but I'll speak to my sister about this. For now, speak of this to no one.

Sincerely,
Princess Luna



The princess had been right about one thing, it was troubling. Luna decided, despite her counterpart's warning, that it was best to get it out into the open with Rainbow Dash. “Rainbow...I need to speak with you privately.” She walked towards the middle of the parking lot while Rainbow slowly followed.
Twilight and Rarity looked at the two in confusion. “Do you have any idea what's going on?” Twilight asked.
“Not in the slightest darling,” Rarity replied.
Once they were far enough away, Rainbow spoke up. “Um...is something wrong?”
“You'll have to forgive me for being so forward but...you had a dream last night didn't you?” Luna asked.
“I...uh…” Rainbow was at a loss of words.
“This isn't an interrogation. I...was witness to your dream. It was quite...steamy…”
“Oh my gosh...you were-!?”
“Y-Yes... unfortunately,” Luna replied. “I just want to say that there's nothing to be ashamed of and...well, I’m flattered that you find me so attractive.”
Luna couldn't help but smile while Rainbow looked like she wanted to die. “But I'm sure you're aware of the complications that such a relationship has.”
“Well yeah but-wait a minute are you…!?”
“I'm suggesting nothing,” Luna grinned as she walked back to her car. “But really I'm flattered.”
Fortunately, the girls had just finished waxing off the car. “Good as new,” Applejack said proudly.
“Hmm...you definitely do a lot better job than those $5 car wash places,” Luna said as she got in and put on her shades. She started the engine which roared loudly. “By the way, my apologies for not saying hello, Princess Twilight. I hope everything is well on your end.”
“...How did you-?”
“You're not wearing glasses dear,” Luna said as she started to drive off.
Twilight felt the need to get the last word in. “These could be contacts!”
“Doubtful~!”
Twilight huffed slightly as the car disappeared. “So...what did Vice-Principal Luna need to talk to you about, Rainbow?” Rarity asked.
“Oh uh... nothing big. Just talking about girl stuff,” Rainbow replied.
“...You never talk about girl stuff. With anyone,” Applejack deadpanned.
“Unless it's one of those big nRPGs,” Rainbow pointed out. Perhaps the girls were imagining it, but Rainbow seemed a lot more chipper now. “Anyway, don't we have a music video to do?”
“Absolutely!” Rarity replied. “Chop chop ladies, we need all the time we can get! I have most of what I need in my car so we can set up in the school auditorium.”
As they put everything away into Fluttershy’s van, there was something on Twilight's mind. “A rich aunt…” Twilight said out loud, thinking back to what Luna said. Her eyes suddenly widened. “Oh my gosh...she can't possibly mean…!?”






Everfree Forest



Even on the most perfect days, strolling through the Everfree Forest always made them less than perfect. Even Celestia's pure white aura was dimmed slightly in these woods. She, Sunset, and Luna formed a line while Twilight and Starlight walked right behind them.
“I must admit, our last time here wasn't exactly very memorable,” Celestia said as she peered through the trees.
Luna shuddered. “Please don't remind me.” Noticing Sunset’s look of confusion, she explained. “One time the Everfree Forest went rampant and threatened to overtake all of Equestria.” She then noticed Sunset's look of surprise, she added, “Surely Twilight told you all this?”
“Um...not that particular event?” Sunset chuckled nervously. “I mean, I heard about Flurry Heart almost destroying the Crystal Empire.”
“You can't really blame an infant for something like that,” Celestia said. “And besides, Discord did finally apologize for the whole Everfree thing.”
“I never thought in a thousand years you'd let him out,” Sunset said.
Luna laughed bitterly at the choice of words. “Well it's not so bad since he seems to fancy dear Tia here.”
“N-No he doesn't!” Celestia suddenly blushed.
“Aha! What do I see there!?”
“You know,” Twilight whispered to Starlight. “For being the most powerful ponies in this world... they're very down-to-earth.”
“Oh I know, I found that out first hand,” Starlight replied. “Here's a bit of advice: don't switch their cutie marks.”
“...Why would you ever-?”
“It was spur of the moment okay!?”
“In all seriousness now sister,” Celestia said. “Does something here seem…off to you?”
Luna paused for a moment. “Well, we haven't run into any Timberwolves, which by itself is odd.”
“That and it's quiet. Very quiet.” Normally you could hear some wildlife in the woods. But now all there was was silence.
“I've got a bad feeling about this…” Twilight said.
“I think we better hurry to the castle,” Celestia said, her pace increasing. “Everypony, stay on your guard.”
It only took about another ten minutes before they finally reached the castle ruins. Celestia and Luna looked on sadly. “Once upon a time we called this home,” Celestia stated.
“Indeed, and like everything else I took it for granted and destroyed it,” Luna said somewhat bitterly.
It was at this moment that Twilight knew she had to say something. “Well...it may not be what it once was but...we did the best we could,” she said as she stepped forward.
Both princesses smiled. “And we are appreciative of this,” Celestia said, giving her “former student” a hug. Sunset grinned as Twilight had a look of surprise which eventually broke down into a smile.
“Well, no point in standing around out here,” Luna said.
“You're right,” Celestia replied. “Sunset, it's time for you to see where Luna and I once lived a thousand years ago.”
It was any wonder that the gate was still able to open despite laying dormant for over a thousand years. However, as they went inside, they were quick to pick up on the renovations Twilight and her friends made. “Twilight I must say, you and your friends have been busy,” Luna commented as she stared at the tapestry.
“No kidding,” Starlight asked.
“Oh...well...you know…” Twilight grinned sheepishly.
They continued through the castle, checking out the library (“Yep, Twilight was definitely here,” Sunset said.), the courtyard, and finally the throne room. It was here that both Celestia and Luna looked uncomfortable.
“This is where it all happened,” Luna said softly.
“Yes,” Celestia sighed sadly.
“Faust I was so immature,” Luna said. “I should've talked to you and instead I let my resentment stew inside and here, a thousand years ago, I couldn't take it anymore.”
“Um... everypony?” Starlight asked. She shivered slightly. “Is it just me or...did it get a lot colder in here?”
Everyone else was quick to pick up on this as their breath could be seen. “Something's here,” Celestia said.
“Not a...windigo?” Sunset asked, dread suddenly filling her.
“No…” Luna said as the room started to darken. “It's something that never left... something I recognize easily. An old part of me that refuses to pass on…”
It became hard to see, but near the dismantled throne, a glowing pair of eyes appeared, staring at them. The eyes came closer as a figure started to take shape. At first it looked like someone wearing a cloak but as the figure came closer, they realized it was part of the shadowy figure.
“Hello Luna,” the Nightmare said, it's voice distorted and echoing throughout the room. “Did you miss me…? I missed you…”


> Hello Darkness My Old Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I missed you...so very much,” the Nightmare said. “It's been...a very long time. I was abandoned... forgotten...mocked...and you didn't have the courtesy to come back for me…”
“That's enough of your bile, demon!” Celestia snapped. “Begone-!”
“SHE PROMISED ME SHE WOULD RETURN FOR ME!” the Nightmare screeched as the room seemed to grow darker.“You have nothing to say to me now Luna?”
Luna stared at the being, no sympathy in her eyes. “You think I should feel sorry for you? You're part of my past that no longer has meaning to me. You mean nothing to me...you never have...and you never will.”
The Nightmare was silent for a moment before it began floating over Twilight, Sunset, and Starlight. “So...these are your proteges? Interesting...wait... I recognize you…”  In a split second, the being was in Twilight's face, almost nose to nose, as Twilight could feel it's cold breath which made her wonder if spirits could breath. “Twilight Sparkle...so now you're an alicorn. I should destroy you right now and-!” It paused again. “Wait... you're not her...you look like her but... your magical field is different…”
“Oh horseapples…” Starlight groaned.
It's words gained Celestia's interest as she gave a bemused glance to Twilight. “Um...I can explain?” Twilight grinned sheepishly.
“Ah…but there's something more...this one has indulged in the taste of dark magic…all of them have one way or another...very interesting.” It floated above the three ponies again. “I suppose I could give you one last choice Luna. So...take your pick. Any of these three mares would make a... perfect host.”
“You will do no such thing!” Luna screamed as her horn flashed threateningly. “I will not let my past mistakes affect the future!”
“Are you volunteering yourself?” The Nightmare glanced at Luna. “Look at yourself...you are nothing like Nightmare Moon was-”
“I COULD'VE GIVEN YOU ANYTHING YOU WANTED-!”
“But you tossed it away.” The Nightmare paused and suddenly a small mirthful laugh rang throughout the room. “My apologies...my mind is rather... unstable. A thousand years of solitude will do that to you…”
“ENOUGH!” Luna yelled, her eyes glowing white. “It's time for you to disappear from this world just like the rest of your 'soul’ Nightmare!”
“Oh Luna...this is just the beginning!” The Nightmare shot forward with such quickness that caught Luna by surprise and she had no time to shield herself.
“No!” In that last moment, Luna felt herself be pushed away as the Nightmare collided with Celestia's body, causing a small explosion of magic. The small shockwave sent the four mares toppling back but Sunset managed to shield them from the brunt force of it.
“What... just happened?” she said. Her thoughts were cut short as the sound of maniacal laughter filled the room. It sounded like Celestia but…
The dust had finally settled and the being that stood in Celestia's place was no longer Celestia. To be more accurate, one could say it was something that ascended from Tartarus itself. Gone was Celestia's calming mane, instead now a mane of fire, and now her once calming and gentle eyes were replaced with ones filled with malice and evil. The armor she now wore bore the colors of the sun.
“Oh Celestia you fool~” the mare said amidst bouts of laughter. “I knew she would've protected you; she couldn't stand the thought of poor Luna turning back into Nightmare Moon. Oh well, she wouldn't have been my first pick but she'll do. Daybreaker? Interesting choice of name…”
“W...What is going on!?” Sunset almost yelled.
“Um...you know how I told you I resolved a friendship problem with the princesses?” Starlight said.
“...Yeah?”
“Well let's just say I had a nightmare and... something like this happened. Daybreaker is Celestia's...dark form.”
“So... this kind of thing happens a lot here then?” Twilight asked.
“Pretty much,” Starlight replied.
“Oh what's the matter Sunset?” Daybreaker said tauntingly. “You didn't think your former teacher had a breaking point?” She looked at her hoof as if bored. “Celestia bore many hardships, that's no secret. Betrayed by her own sister, betrayed by a former student, truly it is-”
“You release her, now!” Luna yelled, her voice borderline on the Royal Canterlot Voice.
“No, I don't think so,” Daybreaker chuckled. “Consider this your punishment dear Luna. You having to stand watch while your sister burns her whole country to the ground. Well...maybe that's a bit too much, but things are certainly going to change. Tell me something: did you ever wonder how the Everfree Forest got like this? Over a thousand years ago, this was our capital, but surely you and Celestia wouldn't have lived here in such a dark and dreary place to begin with? No, something changed.”
Luna swallowed nervously. “Discord planted his seeds of darkness before-”
“Oh you and I know that's just ludicrous,” Daybreaker interrupted. “Sure, Discord did his little thing before getting stoned but the Tree of Harmony was able to suppress that. However, there's a taint over the forest that has never gone away. Now where could that have come from?”
“Wait...you mean…?” Starlight began.
“Exactly,” Daybreaker said, pointing a hoof at Luna. “Your princess of the night, the night she became Nightmare Moon, changed this place permanently. The forest is scarred and it's irreversible I'm afraid...not that I'm complaining of course.”
She then teleported to the balcony up above. “So what now, you're probably wondering. Surely we don't have to fight…”
“Twilight,” Luna said softly. “I trust you can handle yourself in a fight?”
“Well...I'm not so sure about her,” Twilight said honestly.
“Don't worry, Starlight and I are aware of what she's capable of,” Luna said. “You take the right, I'll take the left…”
“You know Luna, I'm truly insulted that you think I'm that hard of hearing,” Daybreaker smirked. “Oh well...I suppose I have to give this body a try anyway.” She spread out her wings, the fire in her mane growing brighter. “Come then Luna, my faithful subjects. Allow me to show you what a true princess can do!”
She quickly disappeared before the two beams of magic could hit her. She reappeared near the top of the ceiling as she flapped her wings forward, throwing two fireballs at the two alicorns. Luna and Twilight dodged in time but the carpeting underneath caught fire immediately.
The two of them stuck to their plan while Sunset and Starlight attacked from the ground, trying to distract the fiery empress. Both alicorns attacked at once but Daybreaker managed to shield herself with her bare wings alone. “Honestly Luna, you should already know you're no match for me...why bother fighting? You know the things we can accomplish together!”
“What I know is that Celestia managed to keep Equestria a peaceful country all those years without me, and you will ultimately bring it to it's destruction!” Luna snapped.
“Well, sometimes you have to start again from the ground up!” The sudden shockwave that erupted from her felt like an explosion as both alicorns were sent backwards towards the ground, both leaving an impressive sized hole in the ground.
Twilight's vision was hazy as Sunset helped her up. “This isn't quite how I thought the day would start…” Twilight mumbled.
“Yeah, not everyday your former teacher gets turned into a demon form of herself,” Sunset added.
“This isn't working,” Luna said as she got to her feet. “She's too powerful... I'll have to…”
“You can't!” Starlight suddenly snapped. “If you revert back to Nightmare Moon you'll never regain control of yourself and even then, you saw how she fared against Daybreaker!”
“Then what would you suggest?” Luna asked icily.
“We can't take her head on, but maybe we can wear her out,” Starlight suggested.
“And then we attack together?” Twilight asked.
“It's worth a shot,” Sunset shrugged.
“And maybe then if Celestia is still in there fighting, maybe it'll be enough,” Luna nodded.
“This is getting boring,” Daybreaker called out. “Let's see how good you all are at dodging!” Her horn glowed and soon the ground started to shake.
“Everypony move!” Luna said as large meteors came crashing through the ceiling, causing the foundation to crumble on top of them.
“Phew,” Daybreaker said, wiping her brow with a hoof. “That worked up a sweat~”
The floor suddenly erupted as Luna's shield spell flung everything in all directions. Luna glared up at her former sister. “Oh, now we're taking things serious?” Daybreaker asked. “Good, I'd hate for you to not be able to show your true potential.” Luna suddenly shot into the air, straight for her. “Oh it's going to be like that-!”
The two crashed into one another midair. Luna's momentum was cut off by Daybreaker holding her ground and her humor was starting to waver. “Whether you like to admit it or not, you have to realize we make the perfect pair,” she said, her face taking on a serious look. “Why is that so hard for you to accept?”
“You talk too much,” Luna said. “Twilight, now!”
Twilight admitted that she wasn't as magically skilled as her counterpart but she allowed the magic to take control as a shield surrounded her and she shot forward towards Daybreaker as well, causing her and Luna to make an arrow point. Daybreaker could only laugh. “Oh, so that's the plan? Overpower me with your little group?”
Starlight used her magic to fly upwards as she attacked with a spell with her own. Sunset snorted in annoyance. “Guess I'm the only one here that can't fly.” She then thought back to her studies and thought of the most powerful spell she had memorized. “Just hang on Celestia, she can't control you forever!” Her horn sparked red and suddenly a powerful blast of magic erupted from her horn.
It was in that moment that Daybreaker started to feel her strength begin to falter. Luna must've sensed it for a grin spread on her face. “It's not a matter of overpowering you, it's about tiring you out. And you forgot one thing: my sister is still in there and she's not going to give up her body so easily!”






???



Celestia opened her eyes slowly and she saw that she was among the cosmos. There was something familiar about this place and yet she couldn't place her hoof on it. “Hello? Luna? Anypony?”
“No one can hear you.” Celestia turned around and saw the Nightmare staring at her. “This is, as you've probably guessed, your consciousness. Appropriate considering Luna often said your head was in the cosmos at times.”
“So this is your plan of revenge?” Celestia asked. “You're going to use me to take control of Equestria?”
“Oh, it was never about taking over Equestria,” the Nightmare said. “Yes, at one point I wanted to have eternal night but I'm now a separate entity with a will of my own. Luna created me and ultimately abandoned me and she'll have to live with the consequences. Whether she ends up submitting to me or not, Equestria will burn to the ground by Daybreaker’s might.”
The Nightmare was suddenly cut off by Celestia's hysterical laughter. She was laughing so hard that tears began to form in her eyes. “What is so funny!?”
“O-Oh I'm sorry,” Celestia replied as she wiped away a tear with her wing. “It's just... Daybreaker? I'll pardon Starlight since it was her nightmare and all but you too? Come on, surely you could've come up with a better name than that?”
The Nightmare seemed at a loss of words. “I don't understand...you are under my control, you're hurting your own sister and loyal subjects and you're laughing about a name!?”
There was then another bout of laughter but it didn't come from Celestia. “She really has no idea what's she dealing with, does she? Poor thing...I suppose it's time for her to learn her lesson…”
“What!? What's going on here!?”
“Nightmare, I think it's time I introduced you to somepony,” Celestia said as a shadow appeared next to her. “Meet Solar Flare… my true dark persona.”
In truth, Solar Flare didn't look too different from Daybreaker (Celestia had to give Starlight some credit), the only minor differences being her armor and mane, but she was still an intimidating being.
“This... can't be happening.”
“Oh it's happening, sweetheart,” Solar purred. “Let me make it simple for you: someday poor Celestia here is going to get tired of the daily shit she receives in Canterlot and when that happens, I'll be right on her doorstep, ready to… 'takeover’ as it may. That being said, there's only room for two of us and unfortunately I happen to like Celestia much more than you.”
“You really don't want to get on her bad side,” Celestia added.
“So we can do this the easy way...or the hard way,” Solar said. “Personally I love doing it the hard way... honestly Celestia when was the last time you had a good-”
“Focus dear persona of mine,” Celestia said, rolling her eyes.
“NO!” the Nightmare screeched. “CELESTIA IS MINE AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT!”
“Yesssss….” Solar Flare hissed gleefully. “I love doing hard…”
“I'm...just going to move out of the way…” Celestia said as she casually walked away from her dark counterpart.
“Suit yourself.” A predatory smile crept onto Solar Flare’s face as she stared at the Nightmare. “Don't worry dear, this is only going to hurt a lot.” Her eyes glowed brightly. “This is how we say hello where I come from!”
In that moment, Solar Flare called upon the pure power of the sun, the pure heat and glare that made Celestia magic up a pair of sunglasses. Solar’s Wrath, as she liked to call it, was beyond anything anyone could comprehend, and Nightmare's screams of pain were momentary before it was all over and the setting returned to that of the cosmos.
“Ah, it feels good to let myself go every once in awhile,” Solar sighed happily. She then turned to Celestia. “She's been driven away, your soul is free.”
“I suppose I must thank you then,” Celestia replied.
“Well... you're currently unconscious so in return I could…”
“Absolutely not.”
“Aw, you're no fun,” Solar said, sticking her tongue out at her. Her demeanor suddenly changed to a more serious one. “So... we're just going back to our stalemate then?”
“You want to prove me wrong so badly that I don't need you.”
“Hmm...I've waited almost two thousand years, I suppose I could wait a little longer. Now hurry and wake up, your sister's calling you.”




Celestia slowly opened her eyes as the sight of her sister came into focus. “Oh Luna... what have I done?”
Luna could only smile as she hugged her sister. “I knew deep inside you were fighting,” she said.
Celestia then noticed they were now at Twilight's castle, in one of the bedrooms and her eyes widened. “The Nightmare, where-?”
“She...got away unfortunately,” Sunset said, looking down. “She released you and fled...we could've gone after her but...we didn't want to leave you behind.”
Celestia smiled. “I can't fault you for that. Thank you.” She then got to her feet slowly. “I... hope I didn't damage the castle too much.”
“Well... considering the castle was already in ruins I don't think it changed much,” Twilight said before she got dirty looks from both princesses.”
“Twilight's not going to like this…” Starlight groaned.
“Speaking of which...I think you three have some explaining to do,” Luna said. “I don't think we have to ask where Princess Twilight is, do we?”
“With all due respect,” Sunset said, coming to Twilight's defense. “You two pulled the same schtick with Twilight so don't go blaming this on us.”
Celestia sighed. “She's still upset about that?”
“Kind of?” Twilight replied.
“Well, it doesn't matter right now,” Celestia said. “Do any of you know where the Nightmare went?”
“She definitely fled towards Ponyville but she could be anywhere right now,” Starlight explained. “Even…”
“The human world?” Celestia asked.
“Yeah, which means Twilight and I need to go back there,” Sunset said.
“Patience, my former student,” Celestia said. “I think we all need our rest, yourselves included.”
“She's right Sunset,” Twilight said. “We can't rush around especially since it's probably night time over there.”
Sunset sighed. “Alright...all that running around did make me hungry.”
“If it's alright, I think Tia and I will spend the night here,” Luna said. “If anything happens, we'll be the first to know.”
“Well...there is that one burger place in town,” Starlight said. “That should hold us over for tonight.
Twilight suddenly perked up. “Burgers you say?”
The group started laughing as they made their way out, but Sunset still had much on her mind. I better warn Twilight about this. I'm not sure if the Nightmare even knows about the portal but I won't take any chances. I hope everything is okay over there...
> ~Doodly Doo, Going Through the Forest, Doodly Doo, Going to the Castle; Doodly Doo, We Found a Nightmare, Guess She Got Loose, Oh Boy!~
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Canterlot



In the school auditorium, things weren't turning out so well for the choreography part of the video. Rarity already knew the song they could since it was a song they wrote shortly before the Friendship Games. The issue was that the girls were, as Rarity kindly tried to put it, coordinatedly challenged and Rarity’s patience was starting to wear thin.
“Hold it!” Rarity snapped. She then sighed quietly and went up to Fluttershy. “Fluttershy darling, I need you to do a double pirouette in that last part. That wasn't even a single pirouette.”
“I'm sorry Rarity,” Fluttershy said sadly. “I just don't think I can do it…”
“Of course you can!” Rarity said, putting her hands on the girl's shoulders. “Twilight told me that the Shadowbolts are very... exceptional dancers so we have to give our all to beat them. I believe in you Fluttershy!” She then went off the stage and clapped her hands. “Now, one more time!”
The next take wasn't much better than the last one, though Fluttershy actually did make the double pirouette. Unfortunately, the worst possible thing happened when Twilight, who was not used to wearing high heels, extended her leg and the heel caught into Rainbow’s jacket, causing a sizeable rip.
For Rarity, someone may as well have kicked a poor innocent puppy as she rushed onto stage once again! “Stop! Stop!” She looked at the tear while biting her lip. She sighed. “I guess I'll have to get more material…”
“I'm really sorry!” Twilight said. “I wasn't paying attention to Rainbow there and…”
“Don't worry about it,” Rarity said glumly. “I'll just have to go back to the mall. We might as well take a break anyway.”
“If it's alright, can I come with you?” Twilight asked.
“Well, I could use the company,” Rarity smiled. “We'll be back soon girls. In the meantime, please look over the parts again.”
Once she and Twilight were gone, the rest of the girls looked to one another. “Ya know,” Applejack said. “Ah don't wanna be that girl but...I don't see how this is gonna work…”
“I don't really care what we do,” Rainbow shrugged. “I just hope I get to keep this awesome jacket.”




As the two girls made their way through the mall, Twilight couldn't help but address the nagging feeling in her gut. “Rarity, I don't want you to take this the wrong way but...are you sure this is a good idea?”
“Well obviously dear, I need the material to sew up that tear!”
Twilight rolled her eyes. “You know what I meant…”
“I do...I just…” Rarity took a deep breath. “I felt like I had to contribute to the situation and...I admit most of what I do is fashion and not everyone likes...fashion. Honestly before today I had nothing of interest so if this all goes bad it'll be my fault. Ugh, why did those Shadowbolts have to have a stupid dance on a yacht!?”
“Um...is that them over there?” Twilight asked, pointing down towards the center of the mall.
“Huh?” Rarity looked and she saw the four girls from Crystal Prep performing some sort of routine to a Sapphire Shores song. As they got closer, Rarity noticed parts of it looked... familiar. “Wait a minute...Sunny just did a double pirouette and...oh no…” Her face went into a scowl. “Oh no they didn't!” She stormed towards the four girls. “You!”
The four girls stopped and stared at the fashionista. “Oh hi Rarity,” Sour said rather sweetly. “Were you checking out our routine?”
“You think I don't know what you did!?”
“Did what?” Sunny asked.
“DON'T CHANGE THE SUBJECT!”
“But...you didn't give us a subject?” Sugarcoat said.
“YOU TOO!”
“Uh…” At first Sour looked confused but then her face broke out into a smirk. “Oh...you were admiring our dance routine huh?”
“That was our routine and you know it!” Rarity snapped.
“Says who?” Lemon Zest asked. “You're the one who decided to go on about it.”
“So you knew it was her idea and stole it anyway?” Twilight asked.
“Maybe, what are you going to do about it?” Sour asked, getting in her face.
“Um…” Wow...I totally get now why other Twilight was the way she was at school...it was the same experience for me.
“It looks like you're gonna have to come up with something new since we're just about done,” Sunny smirked. “After all, if you submit your video after ours well, then you'd be copying us.”
Rarity sniffed. “Fine, I can come up with a better routine anyway! And it'll definitely be better than what you stole from me. And you won't find out what it is either!”
“That's probably a wise idea,” Sugarcoat said.
“Now if you don't mind, Twilight and I have some shopping to do.” With a final “hmph!” the two made their way towards the boutique down to the left.
“I'm so sorry Rarity,” Twilight said.
“Don't be darling, I can only blame myself for this one,” Rarity sighed. “I'm sure I can come up with something on the whim.”
“Well...how about asking the other girls for ideas?” Twilight suggested. “You never know right?”
“Hmm...well we have come up with some good songs together and, as they say, great minds think alike,” Rarity thought. “Alright Twilight, we'll try your idea. After all, it can't be any worse than this…”




“You know...we could jump them or something,” Rainbow suggested once Rarity explained the situation.
“Well...Ah won't agree on the 'jumping’ part but Ah agree that just ain't right,” Applejack added.
“No, no,” Rarity said, shaking her head. “I don't want us to sink to their level.”
“Wait...students at Crystal Prep attack people randomly?” Pinkie asked.
“I wouldn't put it past them,” Rainbow said. “But I guess since Cadance is principal now she'll be turning all that around.”
Twilight smirked. “Well, if she's anything like the Cadance I know, she'll have an easy time of it. Anyway, let Rarity continue.”
“Right, so... considering my idea has been stolen-”
“Ya mean given away…”
“Stolen,” Rarity gave Applejack a glare. “Does anyone have any other ideas?”
“Actually Ah think Ah have an idea…” Applejack said. “So we're in the kitchen…”
“Yes?” Rarity asked.
“And then we're baking stuff like apple fritters and apple pie-”
“Okay but what-?”
“And then uh...we eat them.”
It was silent for a few moments. “So...you want to make a music video about us baking and eating baked goods?” Rarity deadpanned.
Applejack chuckled. “Er...sorry. Guess Ah’m just hungry…”
“Well, it is starting to get close to dinner time,” Fluttershy said.
“Oh yeah, speaking of which, I got a text from Flash,” Rainbow grinned at Twilight. “Something about getting coffee later on?”
“Oh no!” Twilight yanked on her hair nervously. “I got so caught up in this I totally forgot! But I can't leave you girls hanging, not even for a date!” She suddenly put her hands over her mouth, regretting those last two words.
Applejack chuckled. “A date huh?”
“That's not what I-!”
“Of course you meant it, you just said it!” Pinkie said.
“Um...but isn't…?” Fluttershy stopped once she saw both Rainbow and Applejack shaking their heads.
“Isn't what?” Twilight looked at her suspiciously.
“Oh it's... nothing,” Fluttershy said.
“Fluttershy…” Twilight's tone became very cold, cold enough to lower the temperature in the room. It seemed as if the lights had dimmed somewhat as well. “You're my friend and all but if you don't tell me what's going on right now so help me as a princess of Equestria-!”
“Um...well while we were at Camp Everfree Flash kind of was... losing hope that you'd come back so um...he asked Sunset if they could try...dating again.”
Twilight stared at her. “Wait...she did this...and she didn't tell me!?”
“Oh boy, hit the deck…” Applejack grumbled.
Twilight looked ready to snap,but finally she sighed. “I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I've been so busy I've barely had time to even plan on visiting.” She snorted in annoyance. “She still could've told me though…”
“Well... technically it's not official yet,” Pinkie added.
“Not helping Pinkie,” Fluttershy said.
“Girls, I don't want to interrupt your gossip but the clock is ticking here,” Rarity said impatiently.
“Okay, I totally have a way better idea than what Applejack suggested,” Rainbow said. “So we're running through the forest, getting shot with arrows and stuff-”
“Like booby traps?” Pinkie asked.
“Yeah sure, booby traps-”
“You know, I've always wondered why they call them booby traps,” Pinkie continued. “Is it because of the name of the birds or because-”
“Pinkie, I'm the only one allowed to be perverted here,” Rainbow interrupted her. “Anyway, so we're running through the forest-”
“We don't actually have to run right?” Twilight asked. “Because I'm not really in shape.”
“You keep interrupting me and I'll make you run a circuit.” Once Twilight stayed silent, Rainbow finally continued. “So, forest, getting shot at, and that's when...we run into Caballeron and Azuihotl!”
“So...it's like a Daring Do book,” Applejack stated.
“No it's Daring Do...The Musical!” Rainbow grinned.
“Actually...that's not a bad idea…” Twilight said.
“Oh wait wait, you haven't heard my idea!” Pinkie jumped up.
“Do we really want to?” Rarity asked with dread.
“Of course silly! So we go on a rocket into space and land on the moon…only to find out it really is made out of cheese! So we're jumping on the moon, eating cheese, floating in space, eating cheese-”
“Wait, I know what happens next,” Rainbow said. “We run into a creature made out of Muenster right...right?” Everyone stared at her. “Oh come on that was a good one!”
“Actually I did have a monster in mind but he'd probably be made out of manchego and Spike would end up eating him.”
“Mmm...no complaints here,” Spike said, licking his chops.
There was a loud groan as Rarity finally got up. “Girls, while I appreciate the ideas, we need something that inspire, keep the watcher’s attention!”
“Hey, mine had a lot of action!” Rainbow argued.
“But it doesn't go with the song does it?” Rarity asked.
“Hey I've seen plenty of music videos where the video has nothing to do with the song.”
“Well fine, if you want to do the video so bad you take care of all the handling!” She then turned around and left.
“Sheesh, I wasn't asking to take over or anything,” Rainbow said as she rubbed the back of her head.
“I think maybe it's time we call it a day,” Twilight suggested. “Let us cool our heads and try to work something out tomorrow.”
“That's probably best,” Applejack agreed. “I'll try talking to Rarity since I'm sure all of this has put a lot of pressure on her.”




Fluttershy offered Twilight a ride back to her house and again Twilight could look at the house with concern. “I still don't like doing this…”
“This again?” Spike asked. “They're your parents Twilight just not...ponies.”
“Honestly, when I planned this I didn't take this part into account...but you're right, I have nothing to worry about.”
Once she stepped inside, she heard Velvet's voice come from the kitchen. “Twilight, is that you!?”
“Hi Mom!” That's right, just think it's mom and you're all just in some alternate dimension… 
“Oh good, you're home just in time! I'm making lasagna!”
“Oh baby…” Spike started panting happily. “Nothing beats lasagna night.”
“I know Spike, I promise her cooking is just as good in Equestria.” She hesitated before she went into the kitchen. It's weird...I have no issue lying to Celestia but I can't do it to my-her parents. I have to tell them...I just hope they don't think their daughter has been kidnapped.
Twilight then walked into the kitchen where she saw Twilight Velvet and Night Light sitting at the small island inside. “There she is,” Velvet smiled. “It seems like you girls were busy today.”
“Oh...yeah. Somehow Rarity got us into doing this music video contest.”
“I can't say I'm surprised,” Night Light said.
“Well, if we happen to win, we'll receive $25,000 which will help pay off the debt for Camp Everfree.”
“$25,000!?” Both parents exclaimed.
Twilight giggled. “Yep, not sure where they get the money for that but I'm sure it'll help the mall get more business.”
“You know, when we were younger we didn't have easy opportunities to get money quick,” Night Light said.
“Nope, back then it was all honest work,” Velvet added. “But I know if anyone can win, it's you girls.”
Twilight smiled. “Thanks you two…” She knew she couldn't beat around the bush any longer and took a seat. “Listen...there's something I need to tell you two.”
“What is it dear?” Night Light asked.
“Well...this is going to sound absolutely crazy but... I'm not Twilight. At least not the Twilight you know. I'm not sure if she ever told you but I'm from a different dimension of sorts. Anyway, your daughter and I switched places so I'm here and she's over there. I'm sorry, I just didn't feel good about keeping the truth from you, but I promise she's just fine! But I can understand if you both would be upset about this.”
Velvet and Night Light looked at one another. “Oh we already knew,” Night Light said.
“...Huh?”
“Yes, I'm afraid it was terribly obvious,” Velvet laughed. “Our Twilight hates wearing contacts, says they can mess up your eyes.”
“Other than that, call it parents’ intuition,” Night Light grinned.
“Wait...you knew but you didn't say anything?” Twilight asked.
“We wanted to see how long you could go, but we appreciate your honesty,” Velvet asked. “And no, we're not upset. In a way, you're still our daughter so that makes us family. I'm assuming your mother and father are just as loving?”
Twilight smiled as she felt her throat tighten slightly. “Very much.”
“Then there's nothing to be upset about,” Night Light said. “Just don't tell our real daughter she's missing lasagna night.”
As dinner time finally arrived, the three of them talked continuously throughout, mostly Twilight as she explained about her world, what she did, and how she got here in the first place. Surprisingly, the two adults seemed to take it all in rather well. They also had no issue with her sleeping in Twilight's own room, even as she offered to sleep elsewhere.
By the time Twilight went to her room, she felt mentally drained. She looked around and saw the many awards that her counterpart had won in the past. “She's certainly kept herself busy,” Twilight commented.
“She's been doing this stuff since she was five,” Spike explained. “She didn't get the lab til she was thirteen and she almost had to beg for that one.”
Twilight snorted in amusement. “Doesn't sound too different than me…” She then heard the sound of something vibrating and looked to see the journal that Sunset had given her counterpart. “That must be Sunset.” She went over and picked up the journal, flipping to the last page. As she read, her face went pale and her hands started to shake.
“Twilight, what's wrong?” Spike asked.
“We got a big problem,” Twilight said. “Of nightmarish proportions.”
> Enter Juniper
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Ponyville



Sunset ended up sleeping surprisingly well as she woke up the following morning. The sudden smell of breakfast brought back memories to a time when things were much simpler, when she was happy enough to be Princess Celestia's pupil. She yawned slightly as she got out of bed and made her way towards the kitchen.
To her surprise, she saw that it was Celestia who was making breakfast, specifically pancakes. Celestia noticed her and smiled. “Good morning Sunset. I hope you slept well.”
“I did, I hope the guest rooms were to your liking,” Sunset said.
“The mattresses are a little firm, but I can't complain,” Celestia said as she flipped a pancake. “I hope you're hungry, I know you three are going to be busy today.”
Sunset glanced at a full stack of pancakes on a plate with a face made of whip cream and fruit. “I see some things never change,” she chuckled.
Celestia laughed as well. “Well, I figured it's been awhile since you've had my cooking apparently I'm well known for my pancakes in Canterlot.”
Sunset snorted. “Oh really?”
“Yes really.” The two of them glanced at one another before they bursted out laughing. “Unfortunately Luna still has a long way to go when it comes to cooking.”
“Is she sleeping now?” Sunset asked.
“She went to sleep only a few hours ago but she'll probably be up shortly,” Celestia said. “As far as we know, the Nightmare isn't hiding in the dreamscape and we haven't heard any disturbances. I can only imagine this is hitting her hard.”
Sunset was hesitant to ask the question on her mind but she knew she had to ask. “And...are you okay?”
Sunset was quick to notice her change in posture. “Honestly, I can't really collect what happened, but apparently the castle has a few more holes in it. Was it really that bad?”
“Well um... Starlight told me there was an incident before?”
“Ah yes...long story short Luna and I were fighting and Starlight managed to switch our cutie marks.”
Sunset stared at her former teacher. “And she's still alive how?”
Celestia smirked. “Well even princesses sometimes need to learn a lesson or two. Now go eat, my former student, and I'll be willing to continue the story.”
As Sunset ate her pancakes (the recipe hadn't changed one bit and Sunset apparently was craving pancakes since she was snarfing them down), Celestia explained about Starlight's nightmare before moving onto the events from yesterday. “Honestly, I didn't think you had such a side to you.”
Celestia sighed. “Everypony has a dark side Sunset. Some are just better at concealing it.” She then joined Sunset at the table and started eating as well. “If I may ask...do you remember when you put on the Element of Magic?”
Sunset shuddered. “How can I forget? I never expected...that to happen.”
“I think I felt the same experience...even though it was the Nightmare possessing my body. I was fortunate though to repel her. However, I can't deny that I'm far from perfect.” Celestia's face darkened. “There are days when I just want to rid Equestria of such obnoxious nobles...but even with such thoughts I couldn't do it. It's a struggle we all face and you Sunset are the living example of redemption. I was worried I'd never see you again but if I did, the first thing I'd say was that I'm proud of you.”
“I feel like we already had this conversation…” Sunset pointed out.
“Perhaps...but the setting just didn't feel right.”
They then heard the sound of hoof steps as Starlight came into the room. “Oh good morning Sunset, Princess,” she said. She glanced at what they were eating. “Is today pancake day?”
“I'm not sure…” Sunset said. “Celestia told me about how you switched the princesss’ cutie marks and committed high treason.”
Starlight paled. “W-What? It wasn't treason!” She glared as the two mares started laughing.




Eventually Luna joined the room and it was over another half hour before Twilight managed to get up. Judging by the look on her face, she ended up sleeping very well. Once everyone was done eating, Sunset got up from the table.
“Judging by the fact that we haven't heard anything on this side means there's a good possibility that the Nightmare may have passed through the portal,” she said.
“But how did she find it?” Twilight asked.
“A being such as herself can detect the magical field the portal emits,” Luna explained.
“I see you're referring the Nightmare as a 'she’ now,” Celestia commented.
Luna rolled her eyes. “And apparently with Princess Twilight's lack of security it was easy for her to move around.”
Starlight groaned. “I've been telling her this ever since the changeling attack but nooo…”
“Trust me, we've been doing the same,” Celestia said, sighing slightly.
“Anyway, we'll have to go back and check it for ourselves,” Sunset said, looking towards Twilight. “Princess Twilight already knows what's going on so we'll meet up with her and the others at Canterlot Mall.”
“Um…” Everyone then looked towards Starlight. “I know this might be a bad time to ask but… I wouldn't suppose you'd mind if...I tagged along?”
“You...want to come with us?” Sunset asked.
“Well I mean...I've heard a lot about the other side and I admit I'm a bit... curious.”
“I guess there's nothing wrong with that but...you sure Princess Twilight will be alright with this?”
“I don't believe she won't be alright with it,” Starlight smiled smugly.
“That doesn't seem like a very convincing argument.”
“Look, there isn't much I can do on this side and all of you have experienced going over there so why not me?”
Sunset glanced over at her former teacher. “This isn't for me to decide,” Celestia said. “Regardless, the two of us will stay on this side in case she tries to escape again.”
“Alright,” Sunset smiled slightly. “But you're going to have to lay low and not draw any attention.”
“Pft, you won't even know I'm there,” Starlight said with a wave of her hoof.
“It's gonna be a lot to take in so just listen to whatever I say.”
“Please, I'm very good at listening.”
“Good, cause there's a good chance that horseapples are going to hit the fan once we get over there.”
Twilight looked confused for a moment. “...Oh I get it! Man, these horse puns are confusing…”
“We'll let you know when we catch her,” Sunset said.
Celestia nodded. She then looked at her sister. “Luna? Is there anything you need to warn them about?”
Luna suddenly popped out of her thoughts and glanced at the mares uncertainly. “No...they should be fine…”
“We wish you luck,” Celestia bowed her head. “Nightmare isn't just a threat to our world but to all worlds.”
Sunset and the others bowed as well before Sunset whispered into Twilight's ear. “When we get there, make sure to keep a hold of Starlight.”
“Er...why? And when?”
“Oh you'll know when it happens.”






Canterlot Mall



It was yet another boring morning for Juniper Montage and yet another reminder of the position she was now in. Only a few days ago, she was running coffee errands for her uncle at the studio and now here she was, picking up garbage outside the theater and wearing some stupid hat. Looking back at everything, she definitely preferred the coffee runs.
As much as Juniper didn't want to admit it, it was her jealousy that got her into this mess. All because she wanted the main role of Daring Do, the most popular (fictional) archaeologist in the world. Unfortunately her uncle, the very popular director Canter Zoom, felt the movie needed star talent and Chestnut Magnifico was that star.
Juniper won't deny that Chestnut is a good actress but she wasn't Daring Do. Daring Do was the kind of woman that would get into a bar fight just to find a certain amulet and yet she could be gentle and charming at other times. It only made Juniper feel worse when she heard that A.K. Yearling herself fully supported the choice.
It was then that she had to do the unthinkable: she had to steal props from the set and ultimately lie to her uncle. Chestnut was currently on another contract for a movie that was about to enter production and Juniper knew if she could delay the movie long enough, Chestnut would have no choice but to cancel her contract here and move on, giving Juniper the chance she desperately wanted. Of course, everything went wrong: Juniper was caught red-handed and her one chance was horribly ruined.
Her current job here was a kindness of her uncle, who ultimately threw her niece out of the studio. To Juniper, it was a horrible reminder of how far she had fallen and she wasn't taking it well at all.
As she put up a poster for Daring Do and the Marked Thief of Marapore, she could only stare at it while suppressing the urge to rip it to shreds. It should be me on this poster, me on the big screen! But fate could be cruel at times apparently.
The walkie-talkie on her belt suddenly went off. “Juniper, when you're done outside I need you to run the vacuum inside one more time before we open.” And of course there was her boss, who was unsympathetic to her current state of affairs.
Juniper took a deep breath before she took the receiver and said, “Of course! No problem!” Now she wanted to throw the receiver across the mall.
As she went inside the theater she couldn't help but shiver all of a sudden. It was probably because the staff had the A/C cranked up all the way since today was going to be a scorcher. And yet...she couldn't help but feel as if someone was watching her. Ugh, get a hold of yourself Juniper. It's bad enough I have to put on a smile and tell everyone, “Enjoy the show!”
She went around behind the counter of the snack area and got herself a bottle of water, not really caring that it was for the customers. The premiere for the Daring Do movie was tonight as the many posters and banners throughout the theater signified. She sighed as she leaned against the counter. “What's the point?” she said out loud. “I've ruined things with my uncle, any chance I had of being a star…”
“But what if you could still have it all?” 
Juniper almost dropped the bottle as she quickly looked around and saw the lobby was still currently empty. “I'm...hearing things now. Great…”
“You have great potential...but only if you're willing to accept it. I can help you…”
Juniper looked at her walkie-talkie but there was nothing coming through it. Great...on top of everything else I'm losing my mind.
She shook her head as she made her way towards the storage room. She went inside, looking for the vacuum. If anyone had been nearby at that moment, they would've heard a loud noise coming from the room.
About five minutes later, Juniper’s boss came out into the lobby and noticed someone wasn't currently vacuuming. He went towards the storage room and upon opening it, found Juniper sprawled on the ground, cleaning materials around her feet. “Juniper, what the hell happened?”
Juniper seemed to be in a daze but she suddenly shook her head. “Sorry sir...some of the containers suddenly fell down and one hit me in the head.”
“Well...be careful next time. On a day like today I can't have anyone going to the hospital.” He then walked away without offering to help her up.
Juniper got to her feet slowly. “Of course... I'll be sure to be more careful,” she said as her eyes flickered green.
> Official Random Bonus Chapter: Meet the Nightmares
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

All there was was darkness. All except for two mares that stared at one another. “So...you actually decided to show up,” Nightmare Moon said.
“You called for me, here I am,” Daybreaker said. “Is this another attempt to try to prove you're better than me?”
“You think because you showed up one time you're all great and powerful?”
“Oh so we're keeping count now? Well I suppose you always did love attention…”
“You just don't get it do you!?” Moon snapped. “You mean nothing to these ponies! You're as weak as Luna! This world is mine! These readers are mine!”
“Oh why don't you go put on more makeup or slit your damn wrists or something?” Daybreaker said casually. “That is the trend you're setting, isn't it?”
Nightmare Moon snorted slightly but held her tongue. “You know there's only room in this world for one of us…”
Suddenly the dark void was pierced with the sound of laughter that caught the attention of both mares. “Oh really? You think it's just about you two?”
Out of the darkness came another pony, this one with a flame red body and piercing green eyes. “Hello Celestia...oh sorry it's Daybreaker now isn't it? I love the new look.”
“Who are you?” Nightmare Moon asked.
“That would be my former student, or at least when she was corrupted by the Element’s magic. Sunset, a real pleasure to see you…”
“Well, still a bitch as always I see,” Sunset huffed. “It doesn't matter, I'm here to take my rightful place.”
“Oh please!” Moon cackled. “You're not even an alicorn!”
“If it weren't for flame tits here it could've happened!” Sunset snapped.
“Oh yes, blame the counterpart,” Daybreaker said sarcastically. “Why don't you go home and let the adults handle this?”
“Ha! See you're nothing important after all!” A different voice rang out, one Daybreaker recognized quickly. A dark purple alicorn appeared in the air, her wings like the angel of death itself and her eyes surrounded by a light blue aura. “However, I am an alicorn so I've earned a seat at this table!”
“Twilight?” Daybreaker asked cautiously.
“Midnight actually,” the alicorn said with a giggle. “Midnight Sparkle, Twilight's hotter, sexier, and more intelligent counterpart!”
Moon snorted. “She completely stole your line.”
“Fine, 'Midnight', you really don't want to be here right now…” Daybreaker warned her.
“Dear Empress Daybreaker, Bite me.”
“Hey, no one asked you to be here!” Sunset snapped. “I agree with my former teacher, get the fuck out!”
“Oh no Sunny feels left out because she doesn't have any wings,” Midnight said in a mocking tone.
“Yeah, well I bet you won't feel so high and mighty when I rip yours off completely!”
“Girls!” Daybreaker snapped. “We are trying to have a conversation here and we don't need you meddling in our affairs!”
“Oh Auntie, again you think the world revolves around you!” A new voice entered the void, this one causing both Daybreaker and Midnight to flinch. Another pony appeared, this one wearing black attire with black streaks in her yogurt-colored mane. She had earrings in both ears along with a lip ring on the corner of her mouth. Her eyes would actually be enchanting if they weren't terrifying at the same time.
“C-Cadance!?” Midnight asked.
“No, I am Bleeding Heart,” the mare said. “Cadance thought she was a pure innocent soul that wanted to spread love and joy across all of Equestria, but really she wanted to break free, do whatever she wanted without ponies looking down at her! So what if I ended up fucking a few nobles? Sex is the best thing ever!”
“This is our niece?” Moon asked.
“I thought I taught you better than this Cadance,” Daybreaker said, looking disappointed. “Faust help me I'm not perfect, I wanted to break away from the norm, but I knew you were the opposite, somepony I could look to as an anchor. And then you do this…”
“You don't control me anymore!” Bleeding Heart snapped. “I am my own pony and I will prove it right here right now!”
“Oh good, now we found an even bigger slut,” Sunset said.
“You take that back right now!” Midnight screamed, ready to jump her.
“She's definitely your role model; we get away with showing cleavage but she'd just go around topless!”
“Nudity is so underrated,” Bleeding Heart insisted.
“Enough!” Daybreaker screamed. “You think you're all important but remember you wouldn't even be here without me!” She let that set in for a few moments. “Now everypony else get out of here!” There were many glares, but one by one they disappeared. “Cadance, you and I have a lot to talk about later.” Bleeding Heart rolled her eyes before she disappeared.
Daybreaker sighed. “Now then...what were we talking about?”
“How did our family become so dysfunctional?” Moon asked.
“Sunset and Twilight are not family,” Daybreaker growled. “As for Cadance...well I'll deal with her. For now, it's just you and me.”
“There is...another…”  It was believed that neither sister had a source of fear inside the, but that voice alone made both of them shiver.
“What is…?” Nightmare Moon looked up and her eyes widened. “Dear Faust…”
The monstrosity they saw was in the form of a small filly, and yet there was nothing natural about said filly. “Your time has ended...I am the new ruler of this world…as it was foretold long ago...”
“Flurry Heart!?” Daybreaker exclaimed.
“No,” Moon said. “Evil like this doesn't have a name…” She shuddered slightly. “Sister...I just want you to know…”
“I know,” Daybreaker said moments before their annihilation. “I hate you too.”
> So We Meet Again
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Canterlot



Starlight Glimmer has had plenty of experience of magical entities in the past. The most extreme experience had of course been when she had gone back in time (she had realized after the fact that one had to be careful about slipping through the space-time continuum and she was fortunate she hadn't gotten stuck), but nothing compared to the moment when she stepped through the portal.
To Starlight, she felt herself become compressed down into matter and reconfigured, a feeling very unfamiliar and one she would probably never forget. By the time she crossed over, her new form had already been established. As she finally felt herself reach solid ground, her balance felt off, along with pretty much everything else.
Luckily, Sunset was by her side as she recovered from her dizziness. “Hey, you still with me?” Sunset asked.
Starlight groaned. “Now I know what food feels like when it goes through a blender…”
Sunset chuckled. “Yeah, even for me it was... unsettling the first time.”
She helped Starlight up as she began to notice her features. “So these are…?”
“Hands,” Twilight said behind her. “Bottom part are your feet.”
Starlight stared at her new appendages. “Okay, this is weird…”
“It's not any weirder than walking on four hooves,” Twilight commented.
“Fair point.” Starlight finally managed to gain her balance as she looked around. Huh... this doesn't look too different from Equestria…” She glanced at the other girls. “So...you guys stand on two feet and are pretty much hairless…”
“Apes?” Sunset finished.
“I wasn't going to say that but...sure.”
“Well technically we did evolve from apes,” Twilight said. She then paused. “Wait a minute, we don't have time for this conversation! We need to get to the mall fast!”
“My place isn't far from here,” Sunset said as they made their way off the school grounds. “Trust me, it's quicker than taking the bus.”
“Just one little problem,” Twilight said, glancing at Starlight. “There's three of us and you can only fit two people on your bike.”
Sunset suddenly smirked. “Who said all I had was a bike?”




After walking a long distance and having to correct Starlight on how people walk in this world (“You can't walk like that here,” Sunset had said. “You just can't.”), the three of them finally made it to Sunset's apartment.
“Well...this is...uh…” Starlight wasn't sure how to explain it.
“It's shitty I know,” Sunset said. “Other places cost a fortune in rent, a fortune I don't have.” They took the steps up to her room on the second floor and Sunset quickly went inside to grab her other set of keys.
As Twilight and Starlight waited outside, the latter glanced around the somewhat run down complex. “I didn't realize conditions here could actually be this bad. I mean, we have inns and hotels that are subpar but…”
“I'm guessing Equestria doesn't have condos?” Twilight asked.
“Not unless you go to Manehattan.”
Sunset soon came out, a set of keys in her hand. “You know, you two don't have to stay out here,” she deadpanned.
“Oh we're just…” Twilight started.
“Taking all of this in,” Starlight finished.
Sunset rolled her eyes. “Right. Car's down in the garage.” The three of them made their way downstairs towards the underground garage. There were four cars currently parked inside of differing years and models. Twilight's eyes widened as they made their way over to the 2015 red Corvette. “That's yours?”
Sunset grinned as she pressed a button on her keypad and the doors unlocked. “Yep.” She seemed amused by Twilight's combined look of surprise and confusion. “Named her Panama.” She then looked to Starlight. “Think of a carriage with a V8 engine and you got the automobile.”
“Are you sure this thing is safe?” Starlight asked as the three of them got inside.
“As long as you keep your seat belt fastened,” Sunset replied as she started up the engine which roared to life. She had an MP3 player connected to the car's stereo and once the power turned on, a familiar tune (at least to Twilight) came through the speakers.
“... Seriously?” Twilight asked. “You watch that show?”
“Of course I do, what else is there to do on Saturday nights?” Sunset asked. “Besides, you're all about multiple universes.”
“Yes, but I don't quite consider that show factual-”
“So you watch it too.”
“and honestly I think it's a bit exaggerated…and violent.”
“Exaggerated? Twilight, look at what's happened the past few months and tell me that's-”
“Girls!” Starlight suddenly shouted. “We have an issue on hand, remember?”
Both girls went silent as Sunset pulled out of the garage. “When this is all over, we're totally binge watching Rick and Morty.”




Ultimately, the current host wasn't the first choice the Nightmare had when this grand scheme went into motion. Luna was supposed to be the target, as a way of mocking her path of redemption. Of course, she did have a feeling that Celestia would've done everything in her power to make sure that history wouldn't be repeated.
For the few moments they were bonded, the Nightmare felt power unlike anything Luna could've offered. Unfortunately, she ended up underestimating the alicorn, or rather her own dark persona. But this girl, Juniper Montage, she had potential.
There was the resentment, the self-doubt, all the qualities that made the host an easy target. She was no alicorn princess, but she would do.
No doubt her pursuers were already aware that she was now here, and perhaps she could've waited and blended in with society here. But patience was something she did not have and she would not settle on hiding like a coward. She had spent the last thousand years hiding. If she couldn't have Equestria, then this world was the next best thing.
“Hey uh, can we get some popcorn and a soda?”
Nightmare paused and blinked for a moment as her deep thoughts were interrupted. She then remembered that this poor wench was stuck cleaning floors and serving refreshments. Not anymore…
She turned around, facing the two teens. “Oh I'm sorry, I was zoning out for a moment. Popcorn and soda you say?” She snapped her fingers and suddenly the two teens were covered in a disgusting assortment of buttery popcorn and cherry soda.
“Juniper!” The man Nightmare recognized as Juniper's boss suddenly ran over to the concession stand. “What did you do!?”
“Oh, I gave these two customers exactly what they wanted,” Nightmare smirked.
“Alright that does it, I've tried to be patient with you but this is too much! I'm going to-!”
He was suddenly cut off as the young girl grabbed him by the collar. “You're going to what, fire me?” Nightmare said tauntingly. “I've had enough of others thinking they know what's best for me or telling me what I can and cannot do! Now it's my turn…” Nightmare's eyes glowed as her figure started to change. Gone was the scrawny, weak girl and now stood a woman with fire in her eyes. “And for the record... Juniper says you're a sucky boss.”
She then dropped him and walked out of the cinema, blowing off the doors in her wake.
Her boss was very confused at what had just happened, along with the other people who witnessed the event. “You're still fired!” he managed to call out.




Princess Twilight and the others were currently on their way to the mall, riding in Fluttershy's van. Early in the morning Twilight managed to get a hold of the other girls and told them about the situation. Currently, everyone was a bit on edge but managed to keep a calm face; Twilight not so much.
“I just don't understand,” Twilight said, wringing her hands slightly. “We defeated Nightmare Moon before, twice in fact!”
“Mmm, I'm not sure if that second time is actually canon,” Pinkie pointed out.
“How could I not have noticed?” Twilight continued. “I had been in that castle numerous times!”
“It sounds like you two have some history,” Applejack said.
Twilight's face darkened. “Yes, we definitely have history…”
“Eh, I have no issue taking on a real threat for once,” Rainbow said, cracking her knuckles.
“This is serious Rainbow,” Twilight almost snapped. “She's dangerous and a true threat not to just Equestria but this world too.”
“Meanwhile I'm going to be running circles around her,” Rainbow grinned, much to Twilight's annoyance.
They soon reached the mall, parking outside and as soon as they made their way inside, they were greeted by the cool embrace of the A/C. Since this was Twilight's first time here, she couldn't help but look around at the numerous stores and restaurants. In many ways it resembled downtown of her Canterlot. “Well, everything seems calm here,” Rarity said.
“That's what worries me,” Twilight replied. “She could be any of these people here…”
“Um...maybe she's not here after all?” Fluttershy suggested.
“Silly Flutters, you know the villain is going to reveal herself now that you said that!” Pinkie said gleefully. Literally seconds after that, the sound of screaming could even heard.
“Dagnabit Pinkie how in tarnation-!?” Applejack began.
“Hurry!” Twilight yelled as the six girls made their way across the mall towards the cinema. The front doors had been completely blown off and people were running in every direction. In the middle of it all stood a woman, wearing a purple and green dress. She was stunning to say the least, but considering magic was currently flowing between her palms and that she blew up part of the cinema, people were too busy to take in her beauty.
“Nightmare Moon!” Twilight yelled as the six girls stood before the possessed Juniper.
Nightmare turned around, an amused smile on her face. “Well, if it isn't Princess Twilight... assuming it's actually you this time. It's been so long. Tell me, how's Celestia doing? Having to fight her own sister again, how tragic for the poor mare…”
Twilight's eyes narrowed. “What did you do!?”
“You mean you don't know?” Nightmare laughed. “Well, let's just say Celestia got a taste of her true potential, though admittedly I wouldn't be here if my plan had actually worked. Still, this girl has potential…”
“Let her go Nightmare Moon!”
“Honestly dear, it's just Nightmare now, Luna and I have gone our separate ways. As for the girl, I'm giving her exactly what she wants! She wants fame, she wants to be noticed; does that not sound familiar?”
“Man, you two are honestly all talk,” Rainbow groaned. “Let's just kick this chick’s butt already!”
“Alright girls, time to-!”
“Oh no!” Nightmare snapped her fingers and tell girls, save Twilight, all of a sudden froze in place. “Sorry, I learned from last time not to give you girls the upper hand, regardless what world we're in.”
“Can't….move….” Rainbow said through clenched teeth.
“This is….turning into….the worst... possible day... ever…” Rarity said on the verge of tears.
“Actually I prefer it this way,” Nightmare said. “It's more personal considering I have a score to settle with you.” Suddenly, one of the nearby concession stands flew off the ground and shot towards Twilight who managed to dodge in time.
Twilight gritted her teeth as she glared at her old nemesis. “My power has doubled since the last time we met.”
“Good, twice the pride, double the fall!” Nightmare attacked again as a beam of magic shot out of her hand, which Twilight managed to deflect as she conjured up a shield. By this point, Twilight had already ponied up and she teleported, reappearing above Nightmare's head before shooting a large beam of purple energy towards, causing her to crash into the ground and create a large crater.
“Oh no, she totaled my favorite cafe,” Rarity whimpered.
“Honestly Rarity?” Applejack managed to roll her eyes despite their situation.
Nightmare got to her feet and cracked her neck slightly, her look of amusement now gone. “Alright fine, let's make this personal…”
The two continued to clash while the other girls could only look on. “Rainbow, can you move at all?” Fluttershy asked. If anyone could break out of this spell, it would be Rainbow Dash.
“Ugh...no. I can barely move my pinkie toe,” Rainbow said, panting slightly as she tried to move. “Where the hell are Sunset and other Twilight!?”
“If anyone can get us out, it's those two... hopefully,” Pinkie said.
Meanwhile, Twilight and Nightmare kept trading blows as Twilight tried to avoid causing more damage to the mall, now taking the fight above the mall itself. “You know, at one point I thought it would be so satisfying to corrupt the great Twilight Sparkle, to build you up as the greatest mage since Starswirl himself, and at the same time destroy everything you ever cared about. Your friends...your family, even your beloved teacher.”
She moved with such speed that caught Twilight by surprise and she landed a punch to Twilight's gut and the force sent her flying back to the ground next to her friends. “But I realized you were no longer worth the trouble...oh don't worry I'm not going to kill you, not right away at least. You'll be going on a trip, and the best part is your friends will be joining you.” Nightmare's eyes glowed as a portal appeared beneath their feet. “I suppose this is farewell then. We'll never see each other again but don't worry, I'll make sure to tell everyone that you fought valiantly.”
“Nightmare-!” Twilight was suddenly cut off as she and the other girls suddenly disappeared. Nightmare took in a deep breath as she brushed up the dust on her dress.
One down, two to go.
> Twilight the Demon Slayer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Canterlot Mall



Ten minutes earlier…

In one of the small coffee shops inside the mall, the four girls from Crystal Prep were sitting at a table, each enjoying a cold drink. However, the usual smugness they had was currently absent due to a current predicament.
“This sucks,” Sunny grumbled. “How are we supposed to create an original song if we aren't even musicians?” She then glared at Sour. “I guess someone didnt pay attention to the details.”
Sour huffed. “Oh so now it's my fault?”
“Yes,” the three other girls said.
“Well...what if we just ask and borrow someone else's song?” Lemon asked. “You know, as long as it's an original song?”
“Too risky,” Sugarcoat replied. “If they can find it on the internet, it'll be proof right as rain that we used someone else's content.”
The girls sighed sadly as they each took a sip of their iced coffees. “Well, it was bad enough not winning the Friendship Games, now we have to tell our school we can't pay for our cruise ship now,” Sour said bitterly. “Can this day get any worse?”
Suddenly there was an explosion outside which caused the windows to rattle. “You just had to say it,” Sugarcoat snapped, glaring at her.
They then saw a woman float out of the cinema. “Not again…” Sunny groaned.
“Um...is now a good time to run away?” Lemon asked.
“Oh no Lemon, let's go out and face the she-demon ourselves and be the big heroes,” Sour said sweetly. “It's not like we aren't probably going to die anyway…”
The four girls looked at one another. “Sarcasm or not, I have to agree with Sour on this one,” Sugarcoat said.
“Yeah...let the Canterlot girls take care of it,” Lemon said as they made their way out of the coffee shop.




Everyday it seemed Twilight was learning something new about Sunset. Today, she quickly learned that Sunset drove like a maniac. And that she took personal glee in it.
“You know, they have speed limits for a reason!” she snapped as she held onto the handle of her door.
Sunset smiled slightly before her face turned serious again. “Normally I'd agree, but right now we have to make sure Princess Twilight and the others are okay. She may have defeated Nightmare Moon in the past but this isn't the same Nightmare.”
“W-Will you please slow down!?” Twilight almost yelled as Sunset shot in between two cars crossing the intersection. “You're going to get us all killed!”
“Wooo!” In the back seat, Starlight was quite enjoying herself. “I wished we had these 'cars’ in Equestria! Go faster!”
“I see you two were made for each other,” Twilight deadpanned.
The trio finally pulled into the mall's parking lot as they saw people running out of the mall entrance. “I guess we're too late,” Sunset said as she pulled toward the curb and the three of them quickly got out. “I hope the girls are alright…”
The damage inside wasn't extensive but it told Sunset a fight had definitely broken out. “So, I'm guessing the woman floating in the air over there is her?” Starlight asked.
“Yep…” both Twilight and Sunset said.
“Well, well, well...so nice you three could finally join me,” Nightmare said as she turned towards the tree girls. “Do you like the new look? It wasn't my first choice but the girl would have to do for now. You three on the other hand would be much better vessels, in fact I would've gone with the Princess herself but...well, I admit I can hold a grudge for too long.”
That ellicited a gasp from Starlight. “D-Did you-!?”
“Oh she's not dead if that's what you're asking, or at least not yet,” Nightmare said with a bored expression as she looked at her nails. “No, where Twilight and her friends are now, they'll have plenty of time to...look back upon things.”






???



All was white. Everything. It seemed to go for infinity. “Where are we?” Fluttershy asked.
“I don't know,” Twilight said. “It looks like the Nightmare trapped us in some alternate dimension, if one could call this a dimension.”
“Okay, so how the hell are we gonna get outta here then?” Applejack asked.
Twilight closed her eyes for a moment as she tried to come up with a solution. If we're in an infinite plane, with no beginning or end...then that means we're trapped. However, the Nightmare managed to cut a hole into this dimension so surely we could do the same…
“Forget this, I'll find a way out,” Rainbow said as she zoomed off.
“Rainbow wait!” Her words fell on deaf ears as Rainbow zoomed off into the distance...only to zoom past them only seconds later as the pattern continued. Twilight decided to stay quiet until Rainbow figured it out for herself.
“What...what the hell!?” Rainbow panted slightly. “I'm just going in circles!”
“I was about to explain that we're in an infinite plane which means there's no beginning or end,” Twilight said, rolling her eyes.
“So you're saying…?” Rarity began.
“We're stuck….but!” Twilight said the last word quickly in order to keep her friends calm. “But I believe maybe we can use the elements you have to rip open a hole just like the Nightmare did and maybe we can make it back home.”
“It's worth a try Ah guess,” Applejack shrugged.
“Then let's give a try...Pinkie?” Twilight just noticed the pink-haired girl was just sitting there, staring into space. “Uh...Pinkie?” Twilight went over and saw the girl's eyes were glazed over, as if she were in a trance...or in most cases a sugar crash, both of them a rarity for her.
“I can't find any…” she said with a small whimper.
“...Can't find any what?” Twilight was afraid to ask.
“There are no walls...I can't see any of them!” Pinkie then turned to the reader's screen. “Can you hear me!? Anyone!? Please!”
Twilight felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Rarity give her a small nod. She then quickly slapped Pinkie across the face. “Get a hold of yourself Pinkie! We need you here if we're going to have any chance of getting out of here!”
The slap seemed to have knocked some sense back into the girl and Pinkie winced slightly from the pain. “Right...sorry about that…”
Twilight cleared her throat. “Now then, I know my Element isn't from this world but...it's worth a shot. If we combine our powers, maybe we can tear a portal back to Canterlot.” She closed her eyes as a lavender aura surrounded her. The other girls did the same as the same effect took place.
They opened their eyes simultaneously as their auras shot out and combined, forming a rainbow which grew in size. The effect lasted for a few moments but then disappeared. “Nothing happened,” Rainbow said bluntly.
Twilight looked stunned as her knees began to wobble and she quickly fell onto them. “No... we're really stuck here…” Then the unexpected happened.
“To whom who has stepped forth into this place...you have forsaken your life for there is no escape…”
“W-What?” Fluttershy asked.
“You will die here…”
“Well that's comforting…” Applejack grumbled.
“Now you will choose your way of departure...for this is a place of possibilities...and impossibilities.”
“That makes no sense at all,” Rainbow said.
“Girls, clear everything in your mind right now!” Twilight yelled. They seemed a bit confused but nodded as they closed their eyes. It was quiet, and Twilight believed her plan had worked-
“The choice has been made!”
“What!? What choice!? There was no choice made!” Rarity yelled. “Who did it!?”
“Not me,” Applejack said.
“Not me,” Fluttershy said. Pinkie shook her head.
Everyone looked towards Rainbow who appeared to be sweating slightly. “...I couldn't help it! It just popped into my head!”
“What just popped into yer head?” Applejack asked in a dangerous tone.
“Well I was playing Doom the other day and it kind of just…randomly popped in my head.”
“So...space demons?”
“Yeah...space demons…”
Twilight looked like she was about to have a stroke. “Are...you... KIDDING ME!?”
The ground (or whatever constituted as the ground) started to shake as small tears in space began to form. “Well, Ah guess we'll all die being ripped apart but Ah could think of worse ways to go…” Applejack stated.
“If I had a fainting couch, this is where I'd use it,” Rarity said. “Well, if it's a fight they want, it's a fight they're going to get!”
As the tears became bigger, small figures started to appear. To Rainbow, she identified them quickly: Revenants and Cacodemons. “You know, if it came to this I would've just said Teddie Bears,” Fluttershy said while shaking in her boots.
“Please, these guys are nothing,” Rainbow said. “Have some of this!” She sped forward, raising a fist and smashing it into the revenant’s face. However, it barely flinched and in seconds Rainbow was flying backwards towards the group.
“Nothing huh?” Applejack asked.
“S-Shut up!”
“Don't worry girls, I have this covered,” Rarity said as two diamond silhouettes appeared and towards the demons. However, they didn't seem to be hurting them at all. “Perhaps...we need a new plan?”
“I don't think magic is going to affect them,” Rainbow said. “You know, since they're from Hell.”
“Well good job Rainbow,” Twilight snapped. “This was your doing, so what now?”
“Uh…. I dunno,” Rainbow said. “A good twelve-gauge would be great about now.” As she finished her last words, she felt something drop into her hands. She looked down and saw that she was now holding a genuine shotgun. “What the….oh….” A grin slowly crept onto her face. “I get it now. Possibilities and impossibilities.” She then tossed the gun towards Applejack. “Give it a shot AJ!”
Applejack caught it and examined it closely. “Huh, it's got a nice grip and all... let's see how good it handles.” With quick movement that could only be explained with experience, Applejack lifted the gun and aimed down the sights before pulling the trigger. The gun shot off with a bang and the one revenant's head got blown off. “Woo Nelly! Ah haven't heard that wonderful sound since Big Mac and Ah went bat hunting!”
“Wait...so if we imagine something it just magically appears?” Rarity asked.
“I...guess?” Twilight shrugged. “This isn't how things work in Equestria…”
“Ooh! Get me something Rainbow darling but make sure it's flashy!”
“Fine, fine…” Two diamond encrusted pistols appeared in Rarity's hands.
“Oh yes, these are simply divine,” Rarity said, taking a moment to savor them before a cocodemon floated over towards her. “Ugh, get away you fiend!” The demon was suddenly blasted away.
Twilight could only just stare. “Girls I don't think-”
“Here Fluttershy.” Fluttershy then had a bow with what looked like explosive arrows.
“Oh my,” Fluttershy said. She then lined an arrow up and pulled back before letting it fly as it struck another revenant and caused it to explode. “Oh um...I didn't think they were going to do that.”
“Can I have your attention please!?” Pinkie was suddenly carrying what appeared to be a Gatling Gun. “I want you all to say hello to my sticky friend!”
Everyone hit the deck as the gun started firing but instead of bullets, the demons were covered in pink frosting which caused them to be frozen in place. “Okay...I wasn't expecting that…” Rainbow said. “Twilight...yeah on second thought maybe you shouldn't have something that could-” She suddenly stopped as a large book fell into Twilight's hands. “...A book!? Seriously!?”
“It's a spell book,” Twilight replied. “As a human, my own magic may be limited here but Advanced Spells Vol. 3 contain spells that even Princess Celestia herself would never dare use.” Twilight grinned. “Thankfully she isn't here to witness this.”
“...You are such an egghead, but whatever.” Rainbow was now carrying a large gun, or as she would call it, “a big fucking gun”. “Alright girls, let's get these bastards!”
> Nightmare, I've Come To Bargain
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Canterlot Mall



“...So that pretty much sums up the predicament your friends are in,” the Nightmare concluded. “Honestly, we don't need to fight. I only care right now about Celestia and Luna, and as far as the actual Elements are concerned they're not much without their leader anyway…” The Nightmare then frowned. “But knowing you, as Celestia's former pet you're not planning to turn around and run are you?”
“Did you really think otherwise?” Sunset asked.
Nightmare sighed. “Foolish and stupid I see. Well, I suppose a little bit of entertainment is in order.” She then came down and hit the ground hard. “Perhaps I could-” She then froze for a moment as her body stiffened slightly. “Could it be…?”
Suddenly, the automatic doors to one of the nearby stores opened and a woman wearing a leather jacket and blue jeans came out, a woman the three girls recognized.
“Sorry for the delay girls,” Princess Luna said.
“Princess?” Starlight asked. “How did you get here? Er, the mall I mean.”
“Well, after traveling through the portal I had to find a mode of transportation and since there was only one place I knew to go I decided to visit my human self,” Luna explain. “After explaining the current situation, Luna was kind enough to lend me her... Maserati I believe it's called?” She then looked at Nightmare. “You and I need to talk.”
“Oh this is getting better and better,” Nightmare said. “Honestly Luna, what more is there to say? You've already voiced your feelings about me.”
“I was wrong,” Luna said. “I'll be honest, I detest Nightmare Moon more than anything, mostly because I was her. For the longest time, I treated it as if she was some foreign entity, but it was my anger and sadness warped together by darkness.
“After Nightmare Moon came to pass, we were separated and you were left alone. I didn't realize this at the time but you were struggling to survive. If there's anyone to hate, it's me. Don't drag Twilight and the others into this.”
“Do you really think having a heart to heart talk is going to change my mind?” Nightmare sneered. “You're pathetic Luna. I've grown quite bored of all this so I think I'll just destroy you all now.”
She then rose into the air as magical energy coursed through her palms. “But don’t worry Luna, I'm still saving you for last!”
“Uh...any ideas?” Sunset asked. “Now would be a great time!” She then noticed Twilight had her eyes closed. “Twilight!”
Twilight opened her eyes quickly. “Don't worry, I have an idea-!” Her words were suddenly cut off as three orbs of energy hit the girls simultaneously, obliterating them completely.
Before Luna could react, before Nightmare could cherish another victory, time stopped completely...and slowly reversed. The girls suddenly returned unscathed and time resumed once again.
“Do you really think having a heart to heart talk is going to change my mind?” Nightmare sneered. “You're-!” She suddenly stopped. “Wait... what's going on?” Sunset, Starlight, and Luna looked around in confusion. “Is this...an illusion?”
“No, this is quite real,” Twilight said.
“Oh, well, enough talk, time to die!” Nightmare summoned three black crystals that ended up impaling the three girls.




“Do you really-what is happening?” Nightmare asked.
“That would be time magic,” Twilight said with a smile on her face. “I took something from your world and made it my own. I had spent some time in Twilight's library, specifically the restricted section and found out about this spell.”
“Wait... seriously?” Starlight went slightly pale. “I don't know how I feel about this…”
“So please Nightmare, go ahead and kill us if you're so willing!” Twilight said tauntingly.
“You...dare!?” Nightmare suddenly shot bolts of dark lightning towards the girl.
“Oh boy…”






???



The girls could finally relax for a little once the last of the demons were killed. Things had gotten rather hectic quite quickly as a few Baron's of Hell decided to show up, but with the girl's combined firepower, it was nothing they couldn't handle.
“So is it over?” Applejack asked.
“I think so…” Twilight replied.
“Ha, suck on that dimension of death!” Rainbow shouted tauntingly.
Applejack couldn't help but Gibbs slap the rainbow-haired girl. “Are you stupid or something!? Taunting whatever's trying to kill us is going to make things worse!”
“Please Applejack, if it was so intent on killing us, why'd it stop?” Rainbow then put a finger to her chin as a thought came to her. “Now that I think about it... everything about this screams death gauntlet.”
“Wha…?” Rarity began.
“She means in a game where you fight off multiple hordes of enemies until…” Applejack and Rainbow suddenly looked at one another as realization kicked in.
“Oh shit,” they both said.
“What is it?” Twilight asked with a worried expression.
Applejack tipped her hat down slowly. “Girls...Ah don't know how far this all goes, but we're not out of the woods yet.”
“In other words, get ready for a fight,” Rainbow added.
The ground started to shake and a large portal appeared before them. It wasn't long before a large and horrifying face appeared. Whatever it was, it was tall.
“W-What is that thing!?” Rarity shrieked.
“That's a Cyberdemon,” Rainbow said quietly. “It's got a rocket launcher on its back and it's capable of shooting lasers too. Let's just hope it doesn't have an Apex attached to itself.”
“Apex?” Twilight asked.
“It regenerates health,” Rainbow said. “If it does, we're gonna have a hell of a time killing this thing.”
Pinkie couldn't help but snort. “G-Get it!? Cause they're from Hell!”
“Sunset, whatever's going on on the other side I hope you can get us out of this,” Twilight prayed as the behemoth stepped through the portal.






Canterlot Mall



After about the fiftieth time (Twilight actually had been counting), she decided that everyone had had enough. “Nightmare, I'm ready to bargain now…”
“Stop this already!” Nightmare screamed.
“This is the way things are now,” Twilight said. “You, me, and everyone else, stuck in an infinite time loop. I can stop the spell anytime I want to… So again I'll ask: bring back our friends.”
“Even if I do...how do I know this isn't a trick?” Nightmare asked.
“Please Nightmare,” Luna said. “I implore you to reason. I finally realized you've become your own person. I can give you the things you need, but only if you stop all this. Let the girl go…”
Nightmare suddenly hesitated, which was a first for her. “You...you promise I won't be blasted away into oblivion?”
“You have my word that no harm will come to you,” Luna smiled.
Nightmare looked to her and then to the three girls. “For the longest time I always thought I was just a part of Nightmare Moon that was stripped away from her body, but at some point I began to think differently. Maybe I could finally make a choice for myself.” She sighed. “Alright...I'll bring them back...but you three make sure they don't attempt to kill me.”
“With Twilight, I can't really make that promise,” Starlight shrugged.
Nightmare closed her eyes as she raised her hands. A tear formed and it took a bit to get it to open. What they saw was unimaginable. It looked like a warzone inside, with the girls, with the exception of Twilight, carrying weapons that Sunset normally only saw in video games.
“Twilight!” Sunset yelled. “Come on, the portal is open!”
Needless to say, the girls were quite stunned as they quickly turned around. “It's about damn time!” Rainbow said, dropping whatever weapon she had been carrying. “Let's get out of here!”
Sunset caught a glance of...whatever else was in there and wanted this portal closed right away. “Alright, close it!” she yelled once everyone was out.
The demon inside gave a loud roar as the portal closed. Once it was calm, Sunset, Starlight, and Twilight went over to the others. Starlight went to her former teacher and helped her up. “Should I even ask what happened over there?”
Princess Twilight stared at her for a moment before recognition set in. “Starlight? What are you doing here?”
“Well...I kind of asked Sunset if I could come along and considering the circumstances…” Starlight had a sheepish grin on her face.
Princess Twilight sighed. “Well I can't really fault you there.” She then noticed Luna. “Luna…?”
“Princess Luna, to avoid any confusion,” Luna smiled. “I'm glad to see you're safe Twilight.”
“So where is-?” Twilight saw Nightmare, who's back was turned to them, and her eyes narrowed.
“Twilight,” Sunset said warningly. “It's alright, we've worked things out and she was the one who brought you all back.”
Her words seemed to fall on deaf ears as Twilight marched forward towards the girl. Nightmare didn't look in her direction as Twilight stood mere feet from her. “You know...there's so many things I want to say and do to you right now…” She then took a deep breath. “But instead I'll say thank you. I don't know what was said but...if you want maybe we can talk and...work things out for ourselves.”
Nightmare turned towards her, a look of guilt on her face. “I admit I was angry...but perhaps it was directed towards the wrong people. I was part of Nightmare Moon and such I had her thoughts, her feelings...but Luna made me remember that while I may be a part of her, I have the choice to be who I want to be.”
Meanwhile, Twilight was trying to make sense of what her friends were telling her. “So...there was a voice and suddenly demons started showing up?”
“Pretty much,” Applejack replied.
“But we had all these cool weapons that came from our imagination!” Pinkie said.
“Wait...what?” Twilight asked.
“Honestly dear, it's hard to explain,” Rarity said.
“So um...does this mean it's all over?” Fluttershy asked.
“It would appear that way,” Luna said. She noticed that Rainbow seemed to avoid eye contact when she glanced at her but ignored it for now. “Now that we've managed to… 'work things out’, I believe it's time for us to go home.” She nodded at Princess Twilight and Starlight specifically. “But before that... Nightmare?”
“Yes, yes…” Nightmare rolled her eyes. However, before she could depart with her current host, she suddenly stiffened. “Wait...I'm sensing a disturbance...a very large one at that.”
“I'm sensing it as well,” Luna said. “It's coming from...oh no…!”
Suddenly, as if cut by a large blade, a tear appeared in front of them and immediately it started to pull the group of girls toward itself. Rarity did her best to put a shield between them and the portal but the force was almost too much. “This can't be happening!” Nightmare exclaimed. “What did you do!?”
“Hey, you're the one that sent us to that God forsaken place in the first place!” Applejack snapped.
Luna had managed to grab a hold of one of the tables that was anchored to the ground. “Twilight!” she yelled, addressing the princess. “Take my hand!”
Twilight knew exactly what to do. “Girls, make a chain!” They all took each other's hands, making a human chain. The shield around them was beginning to crack more and more.
“Can't anyone get rid of that portal!?” Rainbow yelled.
“I can't!” Nightmare yelled back. “Whatever's causing it to open is much stronger than the magic I wield!”
Twilight, meanwhile, was trying to reach out to Luna. “Almost…!” The pull of the portal, as well as the weight of pulling her friends made it only more difficult as she slowly inched her way forward.
She was mere centimeters away when the shield finally shattered and the ten girls, including Nightmare, were suddenly swallowed by the portal before it finally closed.
Luna could only stare in horror at where the portal was mere seconds ago. “Again...my past actions have come back to haunt me...and now they have condemned my closest friends… Twilight...Starlight...forgive me…”
> The Final Battle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



???



Twilight had been expecting the same endless void that she had thought she had escaped minutes ago as she was pulled through to the other side. However, where she and the other girls were now was not the same place as before. “What the-ahhh!”

Wherever they were now, they were now falling into what seemed to be another endless void, this one not as pleasant looking. The screaming between the girls only lasted for a few moments after they realized they weren’t hitting solid ground. “Is this…the dimension you guys were talking about?” Human Twilight asked.

“It sure didn’t look anything like this,” Applejack said. “I wonder what’s changed…”

“Well, something brought us back in, and I have a feeling I know what,” Princess Twilight replied. She then looked to Nightmare. “Can you get us out of here?”

“Normally I could,” Nightmare answered. “But something…whatever is here has a much stronger presence and it’s overcoming my attempts to open a portal.”

“What if we combined our magic?” Sunset suggested.

“Even if we did, I’m not sure if it would be enough,” Nightmare sighed. “I think we all know there’s really only one way out of here…”

“Speaking of which, I think we found our culprit,” Rainbow said, pointing below them. Their nemesis, the Cyberdemon, was slowly approaching them.

“What the…what the hell is a cyberdemon doing here!?” Sunset exclaimed.

“We can all thank Rainbow Dash for that,” Applejack said.

“Hey, if worse comes to worse, I couldn’t ask for a better way to die,” Rainbow said proudly. “But uh…I should probably point out this guy still has short and long-range weaponry and…he’s kinda hard to kill…”

“Except he’s never dealt with Equestrian magic,” Nightmare pointed out.

“Okay, this is too much!” Starlight suddenly burst out. “I’m glad we’re all capable of using magic here but I can’t!”

“Yes you can,” Princess Twilight said, putting a reassuring hand on her former student. “Just believe-”

“In the magic of friendship?” Starlight asked.

“Er…yes…” Twilight looked slightly embarrassed. Starlight sighed as she closed her eyes. Suddenly her body started to glow as her ears turned into pony ears and a tail formed behind her. “Okay…this is kinda weird…”

“Trust me, it is the first time,” Sunset said. “Probably good timing as well.”

It wasn’t long before they were face to face with the demon itself. It suddenly roared at them in rage. “Um…perhaps we can just talk this out?” Fluttershy asked.

“Oh yeah!? You don’t scare us! We’re ready to take you down you son of a bitch!” Rainbow yelled.

“Or maybe not…”

“Ooh! Is it time to pony up!?” Pinkie asked.

“Pony up?” Starlight had a deadpan look on her face.

“Just go with it dear,” Rarity said.

“I’m with Rainbow on this one,” Sunset said. “Let’s defeat this thing and get back home! Luna’s waiting for us after all…”

The rest of the girls ponied up, taking their alternate forms from before. “Oh, you guys have a new wardrobe!” Princess Twilight said. “Our Rarity would love to see pictures of your clothes!”

“Later Twilight!” Sunset said urgently.

“Right, sorry…so how do we defeat this thing?” Twilight asked.

“I’d say we blast the hell out of it with magic,” Nightmare said. She suddenly deadpanned as Pinkie started giggling at the choice of words used.

“I can go with that,” Rainbow said. “Come and get us!”

Despite their numbers, the creature’s brute strength and firepower were enough to even the odds. However, due to its large size, it wasn’t very fast which gave the Rainbooms and Co. a slight advantage. The Equestrian girls used their magic while the Rainbooms used their own powers to do damage. Rainbow was able to run circles around the beast, punching and kicking as much as she could while Applejack, with her raw strength, went for the creature’s legs, hoping to slow him down even more. Fluttershy’s power (up until now the girls weren’t quite sure what Fluttershy could other than talk to animals) suddenly became clear as large birds of prey – eagles, hawks, vultures and ospreys – appeared almost out of nowhere and they attacked the beast, pecking at its eyes and supposed weak points.

The Cyberdemon however wasn’t going to sit around and do nothing. It then fired its rocket launcher, the rocket suddenly bursting into smaller pieces to rain down on them. Luckily Rarity reacted in time and created a large shield that was able to block the bombardment.

“Ugh, we’re going to run out of energy before we’re even close to killing this thing,” Nightmare said through gritted teeth. She then looked to the three Equestrians “Alright, I have an idea, but I’m going to need the help of you three. Instead of using singular spells, we’re going to make one large spell, and not even this guy will be able to withstand it.”

“What do we need to do?” Princess Twilight asked.

“Concentrate your magic and send it straight at me.” She supposed the looks of confusion and concern was understandable. “Don’t worry, it’s not going to be like last time. I’m just going to amplify the magic combined tenfold. And then you, other Sparkle, you and your friends hit that thing with everything you got with your Elements.”

“Geodes actually but close enough,” Sunset said.

“I understand,” Human Twilight said. “We’ll keep him busy in the meantime.”

Nightmare looked towards Twilight and couldn’t help but smile at her former foe’s look of concern. “Don’t act like you never wanted to do this to me.”

“Before yes, but now…”

“If you don’t do it, we’re all as good as dead. As far as I’m concerned, I’m not letting you die yet, Princess.”

Twilight smirked slightly. “If you say so. Alright girls, hit her with every bit of magic you got.”

Sunset and Starlight didn’t hesitate as they closed their eyes and brought their hands out, the magic suddenly shooting out and enveloping around Nightmare. Twilight then joined the fray, contributing her power as well. Admittedly, Nightmare was partially right: she did take some pleasure having to blast Nightmare with magic, though she hoped it wasn’t causing her, or her host, any pain.

Nightmare, meanwhile, wasn’t feeling any pain at all. In fact, she hadn’t felt this good in a thousand years. “Now we’re talking,” she said. She was now at Nightmare Moon levels, maybe even greater. She opened her eyes, glowing bright white as she stared the beast from Hell down. “Honestly, a little while ago I’d be happy that you were so willing to kill everyone, but now you’re just a major annoyance. You’ll be seeing your friends again soon enough!” The power that suddenly rushed out of her was something Twilight hadn’t experienced since her fight with Tirek, and she was well aware of the damage it could do.

Much to her surprise, the blast had definitely done its work, leaving a gaping hole in the demon’s chest, and yet it wasn’t quite ready to depart from this realm. “Now girls!” Human Twilight yelled.

The six girls combined their magic, causing a large and quite familiar rainbow aura to surround the beast. The demon let out a single roar before it was enveloped in and shattered into thousands of little bits of light.

“Wooo nelly, now that’s what Ah’m talking about!” Applejack cheered.

“Aw yeah! We showed that guy who’s boss!” Rainbow said.

As the girls celebrated, Twilight looked over and saw that Nightmare was teetering in place before she went and caught her before she fell down. “Are you alright?” she asked.

“That…took more out of me than I imagined,” Nightmare chuckled slightly. “I’ll be okay but…I do not think I can hold onto this form much longer…and I rather her not be able to recall any of this…if she was able to see it.”

“Don’t worry, we got this,” Sunset said as her geode started to glow. The others began to glow as well as beams of light shot out of them, forming what appeared to be a portal back to their world. “Wait…could we have done that the entire time?” Pinkie asked.

“Let’s…just say our efforts weren’t in vain and leave it at that,” Fluttershy suggested.







Canterlot Mall



Luna was soon relieved when she saw another portal had formed and this time it wasn’t hell-bent on sucking her in, even more so when she saw the other girls. However, her look of joy fell when she saw Nightmare was being held up by Twilight and Starlight. “What happened?” she asked.

“She pretty much used all the magic she had inside of her,” Sunset said. “She’ll be okay right?”

Luna could sense Nightmare’s stamina was waning. “She has to rid herself of this host, but if she stays out for too long in her current state she…”

Nightmare suddenly smiled. “So…after all this time and we’re finally reuniting?”

“I told you already that you’re a part of me, even if you consider yourself your own separate person,” Luna said. “But if you don’t release yourself now the girl will…”

“I know,” Nightmare said. “Out of everyone, she never deserved any of this…” She closed her eyes and suddenly, Nightmare’s true form (Sunset had seen plenty of movies that depicted how ghosts would look and this form wasn’t far off) separated from Juniper’s body. The girl returned to her original form, her glasses gone and her hair all over the place but otherwise still breathing.

Nightmare looked to Luna and the latter nodded. Nightmare then went forward and seemed to blend into Luna’s shadow.

Juniper slowly opened her eyes and groaned, noticing quickly she was being held up by two girls she didn’t recognize. “What…what happened?” she asked. “I remember I was in the storage room at the theater and after that…”

“Honestly sugarcube, you wouldn’t believe a word we said even if we told ya,” Applejack said, causing everyone else to start laughing.





After Juniper got her bearings and telling herself that ultimately she must’ve inhaled something in the storage room and passed out, she decided the best thing to do was to go home, not quite aware that she had been fired and probably wouldn’t be able to get a job at any of the other nearby theaters. As for the other girls, they could only look at the damage that had taken place.

“I uh…admit I may have gone a little overboard,” Princess Twilight said sheepishly.

Luna started laughing. “This is nothing compared to the damage I’ve caused in the past.” Her words suddenly made her frown as old memories came back to her. “Again, my past comes back to haunt me. Why do I feel like this cycle will never end?”

“Don’t say that,” Starlight said. “I mean, I can’t necessarily say I know what you’ve gone through even though I’ve done my share of bad things, but didn’t this end on a good note for once?”

“Hmm…I suppose it did,” Luna said. “I think this is me ultimately confronting my past and finally reaching a resolution. In a way, Nightmare is a lost soul and she’s not sure where to go at this point so…I hope I can help her along the way.”

“I have faith that you will,” Twilight said.

“So…perhaps we should return then?” Luna asked. “I don’t wish to keep my sister waiting any longer than necessary.”

“Oh…I guess you’re right,” Starlight said, suddenly looking disappointed.

Sunset and Twilight exchanged looks. “Starlight…if I didn’t know better, I’d say you look disappointed in leaving,” Twilight said, keeping her face neutral.

“Oh um…well I mean…this place is different…a lot different than anything I’ve ever seen and well…”

“You want to stay?” Sunset asked.

“Well…” Starlight looked to her former teacher expectantly.

Twilight feigned a dramatic sigh. “Well I suppose since you’re already here I guess it couldn’t-”

She was suddenly interrupted as the girl hugged her tightly. “Thank you, thank you!” she said. She then paused for a moment. “Actually…it probably wouldn’t hurt to get some things back in Equestria…”

Sunset chuckled. “Well don’t worry, we’re not going anywhere anytime soon…hopefully I’m right about that.”

Twilight then looked to her other friends, including her counterpart. “Sorry I had to get you guys dragged into this…especially you Twilight.”

“What are you kidding?” Human Twilight asked gleefully. “This was amazing! I actually used time magic and-!”

“Wait what!?”

“Yeah, I kind of used a spell and ended up going back in time about…107 times.”

“H-How-!?” Twilight looked as if she were about to faint.

“Oh I looked it up in the restricted section of the castle. Starlight did tell me I could take a look around the castle.”

Starlight was suddenly moving a lot closer to Luna. Twilight meanwhile looked like she was going to have an aneurysm. “Um…why do I have a bad feeling this isn’t going to end very well?” Fluttershy asked.

“Well, look at this way Fluttershy,” Rarity said. “I’m sure my magic could cancel out the Royal Canterlot Voice, as she called it.”

“STARLIGHT!”
> Epilogue 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Ponyville



Princess Celestia was pacing back and forth in front of the mirror, something she wasn’t used to doing and now that she thought about it, it was probably something she unconsciously instilled into her former student. Anything related to Nightmare Moon was considered a huge threat and she felt helpless having to wait to hear back from her sister and her former student. She shouldn’t be worried and had faith that those two, along with Sunset and Starlight and former student’s counterpart. If any of the nobles heard any of what was going on they’d think I’d gone mad, she thought.

Suddenly the mirror began to activate, gathering her attention immediately. The portal opened and soon she saw Luna, Twilight, and Starlight come through. Celestia noticed the latter two looked absolutely exhausted. “Oh thank goodness you’re alright,” Celestia said. She then glanced at Twilight. “Um… this is…”

“That is Princess Twilight, do not worry dear sister,” Luna said with a smile.

Twilight looked down slightly. “I know you’re probably not happy about being deceived Princess and I’m sorry…” She then looked up and glared at her. “But considering what happened before I think we’re even now.”

Celestia sighed. “Yes…I believe you’re right. Honestly, I don’t think Luna and I could do another adventure like that…”

“Hm, I don’t know, it’s not bad once you get used to the place…” Luna said.

“So, I’m assuming the Nightmare has been…?”

“Yes,” Luna said. “We’ll talk more about it once we’re back in Canterlot. For now, I think it’s best we get out of these two’s manes.”

“Ah, I understand,” Celestia said. “And Sunset? She didn’t come with you?”

“Well…the truth is I’m actually on planning on going back there…you know, to see what it’s like and stuff,” Starlight said. “So Sunset will kind of be my guide while I’m there. She said she’ll have to save that lunch for another time.”

Celestia smiled slightly. “Well, I’ll be in Canterlot whenever she comes back to visit. I’m sure Luna will give me the details but I want to thank you all, and I mean all of you for your help. Shall we go then sister?” Luna nodded and the two of them made their way out.

Twilight and Starlight managed to wave goodbye before they slowly trotted to Twilight’s study nearby and the two of them found a seat on Twilight’s couch, both letting out a drawn out simultaneous sigh.

Finally, Starlight couldn’t keep herself together any longer and she suddenly started sobbing. Twilight tried to keep a straight face but she couldn’t hold out any longer as well and suddenly screamed into one of the pillows. “W-What the hell just happened!?”

“This is so fucked up, we almost died!” Twilight yelled.

“So you agree!?”

“Yes! I had absolutely no control of the situation!” Starlight wailed as Twilight looked at her hooves. “Dear Celestia, my hooves are still shaking!”

“Why…Why does this stuff keep happening!?”

“I don’t know Starlight, maybe it’s all a test, maybe Faust above hates me, or maybe I’m just depressed and fate just keeps pulling me into these kinds of things.” She sniffed slightly. “We really need a vacation…”  






Canterlot



Vice-Principal Luna sat in her car as she stared down the road, the sun beginning to set for the evening. She looked to her right, towards the house that belonged to Rainbow Dash and her parents. This is stupid...I shouldn't be doing this...for all I know I could go to jail for this...

No, the issue had to be addressed, once and for all. Luna wasn't quite sure why this happened in the first place, though it has been said dreams are meant to be a visualization of the unconscious mind, or something like that. She then sighed as she got out and made her way towards the front door. She then pressed the doorbell and and waited.

The door then opened and a petite woman with amber-colored hair down to her shoulders was standing there. "Oh my goodness!" she then said very loudly. "Vice-Principal Luna, what a surprise! What can I do for you?"

"H-Hello Miss Whistles," Luna said awkwardly. "I need to-"

"Bow come here! Vice-Principal Luna is here!"

"The vice-principal?" A man, close to Luna's age she guessed, suddenly appeared at the door. 

"Yes, I need to speak to Rainbow, if you don't-"

"Oh no, she's not in trouble is she?" Bow asked.

"Of course not!" Windy Whistles said. "You know our little Dashie, she's probably earned a scholarship somewhere!"

"Please, if I may can I just-!?"

"Mom, Dad, what's going on?" Rainbow Dash had been walking down the staircase and as soon as she Luna she stopped in her tracks. "Oh...hello Luna."

"Again, if I may, I'd like to speak to Rainbow Dash...privately," Luna stated.

"Oh um...sure if that's what you need," Windy said as Rainbow slowly made her way towards the door. Rainbow closed the door in her parents' faces as soon as she stepped outside. The two of them walked slowly towards the road. 

"So..." Rainbow began. "...What's up?"

"I think we both know why I'm here," Luna sighed. "Listen Rainbow, about earlier..."

"Don't worry, I'm not gonna call the cops or anything," Rainbow assured her. "But that dream...I just..."

"I can't explain it either, and maybe there's meaning to it but the truth is..."

"I know, I know, it can't work out."

"Unless..." Luna paused for a moment.

"Unless what?" Rainbow asked somewhat suspiciously.

"When do you turn eighteen?"

The question definitely caught the teen off guard but she replied regardless. "In three months but..."

"Very good." Luna said as she suddenly walked off towards her car. "Perhaps after that we can talk and see how things go..." She turned back and gave Rainbow a wink.

Rainbow suddenly started blushing but she couldn't help but chuckle. "You know what? Why the hell not?"

"Until then Dash, have a good summer." Luna got into her car and waved to the girl before driving off. Rainbow stood there for a moment before she started dancing in place.

"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!"





There. She went out and said it. Luna wasn't sure how she was supposed to feel but at the very least she felt relieved. She then pushed a button. "Send to Celestia: 'How do you feel about Neighsian tonight?'" After the message sent, Luna said, "Play Driving Mix."

The music started playing and Luna smiled. "Well, it has been awhile since I've put the old girl through her paces..." She then slammed on the gas as the Maserati sped off towards the sunset.
> Epilogue 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



Ponyville



Starlight was currently on her way towards Sugarcube Corner to get her delivery of cupcakes. She wasn’t sure if Equestrian cupcakes tasted any different than cupcakes in the other world but then again, how often did one get to eat food from another world? Actually the better question was whether the cupcakes would even make the trip.

She was on her way to the bakery when a small filly suddenly stepped out in front of her. “Miss, can you help me please!?”

The sudden appearance of the filly almost made Starlight jump but she calmed down quickly and smiled. “What’s wrong little filly?”

“It’s…my pet. She’s stuck and I need somepony to help her.”

Normally she’d suggest an animal problem was much better suited for someone like Fluttershy but she couldn’t turn the poor filly away. “Alright, lead the way.”

The little filly took off towards the back alleys and Starlight followed suit. If Starlight had to guess, it was probably a cat or dog that got caught somewhere. Probably should’ve gotten a hold of Fluttershy after all…

The two of them suddenly ran into a dead end and Starlight looked around in confusion. “Um…I don’t see a pet here…or really anything for that matter. Are you sure this is the right place?”

“Oh, it’s certainly the right place.” Starlight froze. The tone in the filly’s voice sounded much different and certainly much more sinister. The filly turned back to Starlight and the grin was apparent on her face. “So nice to see you again…Starlight.” The filly was suddenly surrounded in an aura of green flames and the being that took its place was one Starlight recognized immediately.

“Chrysalis!” Now it all made sense. “You were trying to corner me weren’t you? Thought I’d be an easier target this way?”

“Oh it was too easy, but then again you ponies really do have a hard time telling friend from foe don’t you?” Chrysalis asked in a taunting tone.

Starlight’s horn suddenly glowed. “If you want a fight you got it. But you know Twilight and the others will notice right away something’s wrong the moment they hear a commotion.”

Chrysalis suddenly cackled. “You naïve pony…who said I was here alone?”

“What-?” Suddenly Starlight was hit from behind with a blast of magic, powerful enough to send her into the wall in front of her. Suddenly dizzy and her vision hazy, Starlight couldn’t find the strength to get to her feet. It was then that someone peered down above her. Starlight was sure she was seeing things because the pony she saw looked exactly like-

“Hello Starlight.” The pony she saw looked just like her, except for the way she wore her mane. She could recognize it because it was the same style she wore before coming to Ponyville. “What a surprise it must be, to see yourself without a mirror. I have to admit it’s a bit of a surprise for me as well. I’m terribly sorry about all this, but it appears we’re switching places. But don’t worry, Her Majesty here has been wanting to see you for a long time and I know she’ll take good care of you. Take care now, and sweet dreams.” Starlight was out the moment the hoof made contact with her skull.







Manehattan



It was a cool clear night on the streets of Manehattan as cars passed by and people were walking to and fro from store to store, spending money on the little things. But the most activity was coming from inside The Golden Apple, one of the largest casinos in the city, if not the entire state.

There were many things to do inside, for the place functioned as a casino and a club as well. The girls were off getting drinks and dancing while the guys spend their time either at the slots or at the tables, losing more money than they had started off with. One girl was keeping herself busy at the tables however.

The girl looked at her cards, swiping a strand of reddish-gold hair out of her face. Every now and then she glanced at her opponents and while they thought they had good poker faces, she was able to read them like an open book. The gentleman on her left had a twitch in his left hand, meaning he believed he had a hell of a hand. The man on her right apparently wasn’t so confident and looked ready to fold once his turn came up. The man in front of her, she was still trying to get a read on him. He was currently deciding his next move.

The girl suddenly felt her phone vibrate as she received a text message. It wasn’t proper to be checking her phone, especially at the tables since cheating was a common thing. She put the phone on the table so any of the men running security could see she wasn’t trying to conceal anything. The number was one she hadn’t seen in a long time. The message was even more startling.





It’s been awhile Sunny. You were gone for months and then only recently you showed back up in Canterlot.



The message made no sense. She hadn’t been in Canterlot since…





But after awhile I realized something was wrong. You’re probably confused reading this so I’ll cut to the chase.




A few pictures suddenly appeared on her phone and the girl’s eyes widened significantly. These were pictures of her…but the girl in those pictures was not her.





So who the hell is this person, Sunset?




Sunset stared at the phone for a matter of moments and then as she looked up she saw that the three men as well as the dealer were looking at her. She sighed and placed her cards face down before pushing them forward. “Fold,” she said, suddenly standing up and leaving the chips she bought in behind.

Sunset made her way through the casino, her gaze staring straight ahead but her mind elsewhere. That girl looks exactly like me…what the hell is going on? It was then she noticed she was being followed. The small group of men had been hovering around the table area before and now was doing their best to follow her without actually looking like they were following her. Surely they didn’t think she was that stupid…

She then made her way through the club, resisting the urge to get herself a drink. She had to get out, get some air and think. She had been certain she would be scott free but before she could open the door in front of her, someone blocked her way and suddenly she felt metal poking her in the back.

“Just step out nice and easily and don’t even think about causing a scene,” a voice said in her ear. Sunset’s shoulders slumped slightly. So much for the clean getaway…

There were three guys that escorted her out. Obviously they were going to have a little chat and based on whether Sunset begged for her life to be spared, either she’d be left with a warning or eventually put into a body bag. “Come on guys, what’s this about?” Sunset said. “Surely I didn’t upset Ol’ Dusty about something this time.”

“Actually Shimmy, you did,” the same man who spoke before said to her. “You’ve been skimping Dusty for the last month.”

“Oh please, we’d agreed 50-50 and I gave him more than he asked in the first place.”

“So you say, but it seems you’ve been busy buying lots of new things, especially that nice sound system for your car. I think, and the boss seems to agree, that you’re taking a small percentage for yourself and giving fifty percent of what’s left over to the boss. When Dusty says fifty, he means fifty.”

“So let me guess, Dusty is going to send a message by killing me?”

“That depends if you’re willing to pay him back. You give the money back now and maybe he’ll let it go. Won’t let you off without some punishment but hey, better that than a hole in your head right?”

Sunset chuckled. “Maybe…but I have a better option.” She suddenly elbowed the man behind her before landing a punch to the face of the man to her right, knocking him right on his ass. She quickly grabbed the switchblade from her pocket and stabbed the other guy in the wrist before grabbing him and throwing him into the other, knocking them both to the ground. She then kneeled over and grabbed her knife back as the man’s wrist started bleeding profusely. “You guys tell Dusty to back the fuck off and that he wouldn’t even be where he was without me. And if he doesn’t like that, he can kiss my ass.”

It wasn’t the first time someone underestimated her and it certainly wouldn’t be the last. She walked over to the parking lot and got out her keys, unlocking the doors to her 2005 Acura NSX. She then got into the car and leaned back in her seat. She then reached into the small compartment next to her and pulled out a pack of cigarettes before pulling out a lighter. She lit the cigarette in her mouth, taking the drag before blowing out smoke and letting out a small sigh.

It was decided then. She would be returning to Canterlot after all these years…and make no mistake she was going to confront this imposter. She then turned on the ignition as her car roared to life. She wasted no time pulling out and driving off into the city and eventually onto the freeway.

She was going to get answers and then…and then what? It’s not like she had anything left in Canterlot and honestly, she wouldn’t even be going to all the trouble if it was someone that somewhat resembled her. There’s only one Sunset Shimmer in this world…and this bitch is soon going to realize she messed with the wrong woman…


To be continued...