> Confessions
>  by Mystic Sunrise
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Forever Free
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gloriosa floated onto the stage, her feet not even touching the ground. That drew shocked looks from all of the students and staff from Canterlot High. That wasn't normal. 

"Attention, campers!" She announced in a booming voice. "I have an announcement to make. Filthy Rich wants this to be the last session of Camp Everfree. But don't worry. I've got this!"

She looked to Twilight Sparkle, who shrank under the gaze. Gloriosa's gaze drifted down to something hidden underneath Twilight's camper outfit. "Twilight Sparkle. Can you please join me?"

Twilight looked to Sunset with a pleading look, but Sunset only shook her head. Sighing, Twilight walked over to where Gloriosa was standing. Something was very wrong here, she could feel it.

Gloriosa's smile grew as Twilight came close. "I have waited for this day, to send the greedy wolf away," she said in what sounded like a song, her eyes beginning to glow. "Now the magic is my salvation, and you have the final piece."

Before Twilight could respond, vines shot out of the ground and wrapped around Twilight's arms and legs. A wall of vines shot up in front of the stage, blocking the view of the audience beyond.

"Twilight!" Came the muffled sounds of her friend's voices, but Twilight couldn't respond as she watched Gloriosa transform into something new and terrifying, something that Twilight knew, even if only by name.

"Gaia Everfree. You're real," she whispered.

Gaia laughed as she floated in front of her. "Give me that necklace girl! You have no right to use it. It is wasted on you. I will use it for something more than just hiding!"

Even as she said it, Gaia's hand rushed forward, aimed straight for the necklace at Twilight's throat. Twilight tried to pull away but was held fast by the vines.

"Twilight. It's up to you. You can use your magic to pull the brambles apart!" Sunset cried from behind the wall of vines.

Twilight shook her head. "No. There's too many of them. It would take too much magic. I can't!"

"It's the only way! You have to embrace the magic inside you!" Sunset replied.

Twilight's head fell. "What if she takes over? What if instead of saving everyone, I turn into Midnight Sparkle and only make things worse?"

"That won't happen! We won't let it!" Rainbow replied.

"Come on, Twilight! You have to be stronger than she is!" Sunset added.

Whimpering, but seeing no other choice, Twilight closed her eyes.

***

When she opened them again, she found herself floating in the dream space she had come to know all too well. 

In front of her Midnight took form, and laughed. "You will never control me! I will always be a part of you!"

Twilight shook her head. "Noooo!"

Midnight sneered as she came closer. "You're pathetic. All that time you spent in Equestria, and you throw it all away the first chance you get. You kept me from Equestria once before, but not this time." She laughed. "Maybe I'm doing the princess a favor by taking over. She'll get far more out of me than she ever did with you."

Twilight shrank back and whimpered, even as her tears fell. She was pathetic, wasn't she? All she and Princess Twilight had done, the dance they had shared, and for what? She was no better now than she had been during the Friendship Games.

"Twilight, listen to me! You are in charge!" Came Sunset's voice out of the void, making Twilight jump.

"You are a light, darling A force for good!" Came Rarity's voice.

"Yeah!  You can kick the darkness's butt!" Added Rainbow Dash.

"We're here for you, Twilight!" Came Pinkie's voice.

"And we'll be here, no matter what!" Came Applejack's voice.

"We believe in you!" Came Fluttershy's voice.

But it was the last voice that cut deeper than any of the girls, a voice Twilight had almost forgotten about. A voice that she had once placed her trust in, and had been shown a world she could never have imagined.

"You are not Midnight Sparkle. You are stronger than she is. You have friends now. Real friends. Go to them. They will help you no matter what," came the voice of Princess Twilight, as kind and gentle as it had been on that day on Mount Aris.

And then came the song. The same song they had shared that day. It filled the void around them. It filled Twilight with the same awe and love it had done once before. It wrapped itself around her, comforting and warm.

And Twilight felt her resolve harden, as she clasped her hands around the Pearl Necklace around her neck. "No! I... am... Twilight Sparkle! And the magic I carry inside me is... the Magic of Friendship!"

All at once, the necklace glowed with awesome power, filling Twilight with its light and warmth, transforming her into something new. She smiled as she felt her friends, all of them, in both worlds, around her, cheering her on.

Midnight backed away, a look of fear now on her face, as she faced down the newly revitalized Twilight Sparkle, who only looked at the dark demon with a look of pity.

"You're right Midnight. You are a part of me, and I can't control you. But I don't need to. I know that now. You prayed on my weakness because I forgot what Princess Twilight taught me. No more. From here on, I'm in control," Twilight stated, raising her hand.

Immediately, chains wrapped themselves around Midnight's legs and wrists. She struggled to free herself, but the chains would not budge. "You fool! Without me you're nothing!"

Twilight shook her head sadly as she floated closer to her other half. "No Midnight. It is you who are nothing without me. But I will not throw you away. That is cruelty that I won't do. You are nothing now. A horrible memory that I will carry with me forever. But a memory that led me to something better."

With that, Midnight seemed to fade away into a sphere of light, one that Twilight soon absorbed into herself. As it faded, she could still feel Midnight inside of her, but now in a way that she no longer worried about losing control of herself.

Suddenly remembering what was going on outside though, Twilight closed her eyes again.

***

When she opened them, Gaia was just about to grab her Pearl Necklace, her hands only a few inches away from the pearl itself. But Twilight was faster.

With an effort, she broke free of the vines holding her arms. One-shot forward and grabbed Gaia's own, who soon gained a look of shock. But Twilight's other hand aimed for something else.

Grabbing a hold of the geodes around Gaia's neck, Twilight frowned. "No Gaia. This is my magic. A friend gave me this necklace, and I will not let you tarnish it or her by stealing it. You were weak enough to think you could handle this, that you could control this magic."

With an effort, Twilight broke the choker that held the geodes around Gaia's neck and pulled them closer to herself. "But you were wrong, and now Camp Everfree is paying the price."

Gaia looked at her in horror as the vines around them shattered, even as she herself began to change. "No! Stop!"

Even as she said that the vines completely shattered, revealing the camp beyond. The crowds beyond cheered as they could what was going again. The Rainbooms all wore a relieved look as they saw Twilight, who just smiled sheepishly at them.

To everyone's surprise, though, the geodes in her hand began to glow. Six of them shot out, and clasped around the neck of one the girls, while one wrapped around Twilight's own neck, settling next to the Pearl Necklace, which glowed slightly as they came in contact.

As Timber Spruce ran up to check on his sister, Twilight joined her friends, who were all eyeing their new geode with confusion. "What... What are these?" Applejack asked.

Sunset shook her head. "I'm not sure. But clearly we have some kind of connection to them."

Rarity bounced in place happily. "I almost don't care what they are. They are gorgeous!" She gasped as a thought came to her. "And will totally go with the other collection I was working on for the camp fashion show!" Everyone gave her a deadpan look. Rarity giggled a little. "That's probably canceled, isn't it?"

With help from Timber, Gloriosa joined them. "I am so sorry. I only wanted this to be the best week Camp Everfree has ever had, and instead, I've made it the worst. Maybe it's for the best that I'm losing the camp to Filthy Rich."

Principal Celestia shook her head. "No. It's not. This camp has meant so much to so many people, my sister, and I included."

Vice Principal Luna nodded. "Why do you think we wanted our students to come here?"

Twilight nodded, her newfound confidence at an all-time high. "We can't let Filthy Rich take this place away! If camp meant so much to you two, maybe it meant as much to the other campers who came here in years past."

Sunset smiled as an idea came to her. "And maybe we can get them to help save it!"

"Oh! Like a fundraiser?" Applejack asked.

"Or a ball?!" Rarity added.

"Our band could play!" Rainbow added.

"I could help write a new song just for the occasion!" Fluttershy squeed.

The students all agreed, but Gloriosa still looked doubtful. "Those are all good ideas, but where would we hold it?"

Sunset and Twilight shared a knowing look. "We could hold it in the crystal cave!" Twilight said.

Rarity gasped. "A Crystal Ball! I love it!"

Gloriosa did look more convinced now, but not totally. "I admire everyone's enthusiasm. Really, I do. But I-I just don't know how we're going to pan a ball by tomorrow and invite everyone."

The Rainbooms all shared a knowing smirk before replying. "We got this!"

***

By the next evening, the Crystal Ball was in full swing. The cave was full too overflowing not only campers but many campers from years past. With all the girls had done to promote the ball, Camp Everfree was safe. For now. But that was something no one paid much mind too, too busy enjoying the party.

Sunset finally found Twilight at the cave entrance, a drink in her hand, and her eyes on the stars in the sky. Needing a break herself, Sunset joined her. "So. Did you tell Timber that you're taken yet?" She asked with a smirk.

Twilight nodded, looking back to find the boy in question. He was moping by the stage, with Gloriosa by his side, trying to cheer him up. It didn't seem to be working. "Yeah. I told him. I mean, even if I wasn't, it just isn't right that he was coming onto me like that. I'm pretty sure he's older than me, and I'm not old enough yet for that. I don't think he meant any harm. But that's been shot down."

Sunset's smirk grew as she placed an arm around Twilight's shoulder. "Awe. Our little Twilight is growing up!" Twilight just stuck her tongue out at her. They both laughed at that, before falling silent for a time.

Sunset though turned serious as she looked again at Twilight. "Twilight. What happened in there? You're nothing like how you used to be."

Twilight sighed. "I got the kick in the pants I needed. For too long, I'd been running away from my problems that I." She sniffed as she held her Pearl Necklace. "That I completely forgot why I have this. Everything I did.  No more. Midnight is still a part of me. But she is in the past now, and my past is not today."

Sunset smirked as she punched Twilight's shoulder. "Hey. That's my song. No stealing."

The two of them giggled at that, but another question was on Twilight's mind at the moment. "There's something I'm worried about though. Where did all of the magic in the cave come from?"

Sunset thought about it for a moment, and she didn't like where her thoughts were going. "The magic from the portal must've reached out here. And if it did..."

Twilight nodded. "Then where else could it have gone? And who else might end up with it?" She looked at Sunset. "You don't have the Journal with you, do you?"

Sunset shook her head. "No. I didn't think to bring it. I didn't think I needed too." She smiled. "I know that look in your eyes Twilight. This isn't just about warning the princess and Equestria about all of this, is it?"

Twilight shook her head. "No. It's not the same just talking back and forth over the Journal. I've wanted to visit Equestria again ever since that first time, and not have to worry about something. Is that too much to ask for?"

Sunset's smile grew as she placed a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "Don't worry Twilight. The first thing we'll do when we get back is to ask Princess Twilight if we can visit. I'm sure she won't mind."

Twilight nodded but frowned. "What do you mean, 'We'?"

Sunset flinched, but the look she was getting said she needed to explain it. "There are things I need to tell Princess Twilight. Personal things. Somethings I've held in too long as it is. Not anymore."

And that was that Sunset would say on the matter, as she returned to the Ball going on inside. Leaving Twilight to wonder what she meant by all of that.
> A New Vacation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight lay on her bed, idly playing with her geode, her mind wandering in a million different directions it seemed. Spike was giving her a concerned look, though it was the first he had given her in a long time it seemed.

The students had returned from Camp Everfree only the day before. Rainbow Dash was jumping at the chance to try out her new magic, and while no one could blame her, Sunset had said they shouldn't show off their new powers.

But that wasn't the only thing on the Rainbooms' minds. While the Crystal Ball had helped keep Camp Everfree open for a little while longer, the funds would not keep it open forever. Maybe for another couple of months if they were lucky.

A vindictive part of Twilight kind of hoped the camp would close if she was being honest. While she had forgiven Gloriosa for what she had almost done to her in the maddened state was in, she couldn't forget the look in her eyes at that moment.

Part of it might have been the magic she had. But it had only been a part of it. She had been willing to steal something to try and help save the camp. She'd put them all in danger. All because Gloriosa thought she could control the magic.

Twilight herself knew that feeling well. And now she knew what it felt like to be on the receiving end of someone high on Equestrian Magic. She didn't want to be in that spot again.

Maybe it was because she had finally accepted Midnight Sparkle as a part of herself, but a growing part of Twilight felt that losing the camp would send the message Gloriosa needed to hear.

Call it mean or vindictive, Twilight didn't know. She was only human. She was allowed to feel like this, wasn't she?

It was something she hadn't shared with any of the girls. It wasn't something Twilight was going to act on, and it was only a small part of her that felt this way. No need to worry them about it.

As promised, Sunset had written to Princess Twilight asking if she and Sci Twi could come to Equestria for a visit. So far there hadn't been a reply, but Sunset had promised to let Twilight know the moment she got one.

"Come on Twilight. Laying around like this moping isn't going to help," Spike said, as he walked up and lay down beside.

"I am not moping Spike. I'm thinking," Twilight grumbled.

Spike just smirked. "It's the same thing with you though." His tone softened as he licked her face. "Come on Twilight. Do you think Sunset would go to Equestria and leave you behind like that?"

Twilight shook her head as she took off her glasses and lay them on her nightstand. "I don't know Spike. She's been acting weird ever since we got back from Camp Everfree. And I mean more than usual."

"Well, she is from a land of magical, talking, pastel-colored ponies. Maybe this is normal for them?" Spike replied.

Twilight giggled. "Maybe. But I think this is something else." She held up her necklace. "I didn't see it then, but when I showed the girls this when I got back from Equestria that first time, I'm surprised Sunset didn't blow a fuse or something. She wasn't just shocked, she was horrified."

"Why would she?" Spike asked.

Twilight shook her head. "I don't know. And when I told the girls that I and Twily are in a relationship, I swear that Sunset looked about ready to explode. And I have no idea why. And now she's asking to go with me to Equestria? When she didn't the first time? Something is going on."

Spike plopped down on his belly next to her. "Probably just a pony thing."

Twilight giggled as she scratched his ears. "Maybe."

Her phone chose that moment to buzz, signaling she had a text. With her free hand, Twilight reached out and grabbed it, pulling up her messages. She had one new one from Sunset.

'Hey, you up?'

Twilight was quick to reply. 'Yeah, I'm up. What's wrong? It's not another magical disaster is it?'

'No. And I really hope we don't have to deal with another one of those ever. I just got a reply from Princess Twilight. She says we can come over any time. In fact, she says we couldn't have picked a better time to come to Ponyville.'

Twilight was confused as she shared a look with Spike, who had been reading along. 'Why?'

'She didn't say. But she sounded super excited about whatever it is. She hasn't sounded this happy since the Battle of the Bands.'

Twilight rolled her eyes. One of these days, she really wanted to hear that story from someone. It sounded like what had finally drawn her to Canterlot High in the first place. 'Does Vice Principle Luna know about any of this?'

'I told her about the idea on the way back from Camp Everfree. All she said was that we do it during the day and that we not try and break into the school.'

Twilight mulled this over for a moment. When she looked at Spike, he just gave her a knowing smirk. He was getting way too good at that, she thought. But it was enough for her. 'Tell Twily we'll be there tomorrow.' She sent back.

Sunset took a few minutes to reply, only saying the message was there, and that everything would be ready for them when they arrived in Equestria in the morning.

With that thought in mind, Twilight soon called it a night not long after.

***

The next morning, Twilight was up bright and early. Her parents, while still not fully used to their daughter's new outlook on life or her new life in general, were still accepting of the changes happening to her. For the most part anyway.

Twilight Velvet and Night Light still weren't sure what to make of Equestria or the idea of magic in general. But since Spike could not talk like a person, even they could accept that magic existed.

Velvet was still hesitant to let Twilight visit Equestria as she had, and still wanted too. She couldn't deny that the first trip had done wonders for her daughter, even if they only now seemed to be sticking, but she was still worried. But it was her job to worry about her children. She couldn't call herself their mother if she didn't.

Night Light was much like his wife. But he also wanted Twilight to get out and explore the world. She spent too much time in that lab of hers as it was, in his opinion. That she wanted to explore an entirely different world didn't matter much to him. If Twilight was happy, then what could he say to that?

As for Twilight herself, she had known her parents had reservations about her going back to Equestria, and especially since she had just got back from summer camp, and was heading right back out again. But all they said to her, once she had explained what she and Sunset had planned, was that she be careful and that if anything happened to her, princess or not, there would be hell to pay in Equestria.

And as she spotted Sunset next to the portal in front Canterlot High as she got off the bus, Twilight could well believe what her parents said.

Sunset smirked as she walked over. "I notice you're not bringing as much stuff this time like last time Twilight."

Twilight only smiled sheepishly. "I learned my lesson last time, Sunset. Heck, I barely touched all of that once I dropped it off in my room."

Sunset smiled. "Well, I hope you keep that up this time as well. Even if there's no big thing we have to worry about. Hopefully, it stays that way too."

Twilight nodded, as the portal rippled, showing that it was open again. Sunset gestured with a wide grin. "Alicorns first."

Twilight gave her a deadpan look but stepped through the portal anyway.

***

Unlike her first time through the portal, Twilight knew what to expect and braced herself as soon as she saw the light that indicated the end of the journey.

Surprisingly though, the exit wasn't as painful as it had once been. In fact, it was rather soft, as Twilight came stumbling out of the portal and immediately fell face-first into a soft mattress. It was rather comfy if she had to guess.

"This is new," she mumbled into the fluffy softness. "Why can't they all be like this?"

A voice giggled from her side as she heard someone Trott up to her. "I'm working on making exits a lot smoother than they used to be. This is the best I have so far."

Twilight looked up in time to see a lavender hoof offered to help her. With some effort, she was able to get herself on her hooves. Twilight's smile lit up the room as she came face to with Princess Twilight.

Before the princess could say more though, Sci Twi leaned forward and kissed her. The princess's wings flared in surprise, but she soon leaned into the kiss as well. After a moment, they part, with Princess Twilight sporting a goofy-looking grin.

"Wow. We need to do this more often if this is how you say hello," she said in a slightly dreamy tone.

Sci Twi giggled. "Sorry. But I've wanted to do that for so long now I couldn't wait. And after everything that's happened, I needed that."

Twilight giggled as she wrapped a wing around her twin and muzzled her. "I know the feeling. It's been rough around here as well. I'm glad you and Sunset came."

As if saying her name was a catalyst, Sunset came stumbling through the portal. Like Sci Twi, she too soon stumbled and fell face-first into the mattress that stood in front of the mirror. "Oh no, I'm fine right here like this. You two love birds don't mind me," she grumbled.

That got a giggle out of both mares as Twilight helped the unicorn to her hooves. "Sunset! It's so great to see you." She looked the mare up and down. "So. This is you."

Sunset smiled slightly as she looked at herself. "Yeah. This is me. Guess we really didn't have time to really get a look at each other when I was stealing your crown." Now she looked at the princess and took in the alicorn with a nod. "And this is you I guess?"

Twilight giggled. "Yeah. This is me. The real me anyway." She clapped her hooves together. "Oh. I'm so glad you both came! We've had a rough time the last few days. Tomorrow, Pinkie's throwing a big party to celebrate."

"Celebrate what?" Sci Twi asked, looking around.

Twilight gained a rather devious grin. "That's for me to know and you to find out." She pulled both mares close. "I have a room ready for you Sunset for tonight. We can change it if you plan to stay awhile and don't like it."

Sunset looked relieved at that. She had not looked forward to room hunting when she came to Equestria.

Twilight looked at Sci Twi now. "Your room is still there if you want it." Her smile turned sultry. "Or we can just share my room if you want? We can make it a sleepover."

Sci Twi's blush lit up the room, while Sunset heaved at her side. "Oh for. Leave it in the bedroom you two!"

Twilight giggled as she pulled away from the two in front of her. Her expression though turned serious after a moment. "Before we do any of that though. There is somepony who wants to see you Sunset."

Sunset and Sci Twi shared a confused look. "Who?" Sunset asked.

"Hello. My faithful student," Princess Celestia said as she rounded a corner.

All of the colors drained out of Sunset's face, her expression a look of shock and horror.
> Unwanted Reunion and Awkward Confessions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset turned to Princess Twilight and glared at her in a way she hadn't done since before the Fall Formal. "You never said a thing about Princess Celestia being here, Twilight!"

Twilight didn't back down under the harsh look she was getting. "Because we both know you wouldn't have come if you had known, Sunset! You've been running away from this for long enough."

Sunset ground her teeth. "Because I'm not ready Twilight."

Twilight frowned. She knew she was crossing a line by going here, but it was her last resort. "Are you telling me that everything that happened during the Battle of the Bands, what we and our friends did, what you did during the Friendship Games, was for nothing? That it was all a waste?"

Sunset visibly recoiled, as if struck. Twilight fought back her own tears at the sight. She had never wanted this to go this way, but there was no stopping now. "I never took you for a coward Sunset. Even during the Fall Formal, you never once backed down, even when you knew you couldn't win. I respected you for that, if for nothing else."

Twilight finally turned away and walked to the door out of the room. "Go back to Canterlot High if you want then. I won't stop you. Maybe one day, I'll get over this. But it won't be for a long time."

Nopony saw the tears streaming down Twilight's face as she came to the door. Never once did she look back during all of this. Even Sci Twi and Princess Celestia were stunned by what had been said. They shared a look of sorrow between them, but neither knew what to say.

Twilight's hoof was on the doorknob, but a voice stopped her. "Twilight. Wait."

Twilight paused, but she didn't look back. "What is it Sunset?"

Sunset trotted over to the princess and threw her hooves around her neck. Twilight was stunned by the display as she turned to look at the unicorn, who bore a small smile. "You're right. I've never run from anything." She glared at the princess once more, but it was gentle this time. "And don't you dare say what we and our friends did was for nothing."

Twilight smiled slightly but was still hesitant as she looked at Princess Celestia, who began to look hopeful. "Then stop running Sunset. You know you both want this."

Sunset nodded, though she still looked doubtful, Twilight pulled her into a hug. One seemed to help Sunset's confidence. With a heavy gulp and a look of fear, Sunset turned toward her former mentor.

Sci Twi had a good eye to join her princess counterpart by the door, as Princess Celestia gained an unknowable expression as Sunset came before her.

Sunset looked up into the eyes of the pony she almost considered her second mother and steeled herself. "Princess Celestia. The last time we saw each other, I was your snide little pupil who betrayed and abandoned you. All because I thought I was something I wasn't and didn't deserve."

"I wouldn't have put it that way," Twilight whispered, Sci Twi shushing her.

Sunset shook her head. "I mean that I come before you a changed pony, humbly asking for forgiveness, guidance, and knowledge."

Princess Celestia's gaze hardened as she took a step forward toward Sunset, who gained a look of fear, as her ears drooped. "Or I can just go, and you never have to see or hear from me ever again," she whispered, as her head bowed. Only to be lifted by a golden shoe clad hoof.

Princess Celestia's hard gaze only lasted a second more, but it melted into one of pure joy and happiness. "I've missed you, Sunset Shimmer," she said, barely keeping her voice level.

That was all it took for Sunset, as she let her tears flow now, as she was pulled into a hug. One that she had missed for so long, as she returned it. "I'm... I'm so sorry."

Both Twilights couldn't help but squee in delight as they watched the scene unfurl, Princess Twilight draping a wing over her counterpart, who leaned into the embrace. 

Princess Celestia and Sunset held their hug for a time before they finally released. Both looked happier than either had in a long time. And it was a huge weight off of the princess's shoulders as she trotted over to the two of them and placed a hoof on Sunset's shoulder. "I'm sorry I said what I did Sunset. I never wanted to have to say it. But it was either that or lock the two of you in here until you made up."

Sunset rolled her eyes. "Glad it didn't come to that then. And you were right Twilight. I was avoiding this for too long. And I thought I knew better after the Friendship Games. Guess not."

The two of them giggled as Sci Twi joined them. Princess Celestia meanwhile, finally took in the new pony completely. "So you're the pony Princess Twilight has told me so much about," she said with a smile.

Sci Tw blushed, as she poked the floor with a hoof. "Good things I hope?"

Celestia nodded. "They have been nothing but good things. She has also said that you have quite the beautiful underwater form." She tapped her chin. "What was it called again?"

Sci Twi's blush grew even hotter, as Twilight looked away bashfully. "Mermaid. My underwater form is called a mermaid. Half-human, half fish," she replied. "I don't know if it was a one time form during the Dance. Or if I could change into it again." She looked at her necklace. "I haven't used this since that day."

Celestia nodded. "If you can picture yourself fully in that form, your Pearl will change you into that form. It responds to you alone now. No other can use it."

Now Sci Twi and Sunset shared a concerned look. This remark brought back up part of the reason why they were in Equestria in the first place. "I hope so. Have you heard about what happened at Camp Everfree?" Sunset asked.

Celestia and Twilight shared a look. "Only what Princess Twilight has told me. I am glad that everyone is alright. It is concerning though that magic seems to be getting stronger in your world, where it does not exist naturally. Am I correct?" Celestia asked.

Sci Twi nodded. "Up until I started looking into what was going on at Canterlot High, I didn't believe it existed either. But now it seems to be everywhere, and it seems to affect people the same way."

Princess Celestia nodded as she walked to the door. "Perhaps you should tell us the full story. But in someplace more comfortable than in here, don't you think?"

Nopony could really argue with that, and so everypony made their way to the Dining Room, to hear the full story.

***

Princess Celestia listened gravely, as Sci Twi and Sunset finished the full stories of everything that had happened during the Friendship Games and the recent events at Camp Everfree.

Once away from the Small Library where the World Mirror was kept, the group had retreated to the Dining Room. Princess Twilight had been kind enough to make tea for them all. Even if Sunset was more of a coffee lover.

"This is troubling. I had no idea it had become as bad as it has in your world," the Solar Princess finally said, as Sunset finished up the stories.

Sci Twi though had a question, one that had been brought up by thinking of the Friendship Games and her former teammates. "Um. Do you know anyone? Er. Anypony from Crystal Prep here?"

Celestia shook her head, smiling slightly. "Only Fleur de Lis. She is Canterlot's most renowned Escort. And while she can be as cutthroat as any of the Canterlot Elite, she is nothing like the young woman you described once you get to know her properly."

Princess Twilight nodded. "And I asked Princess Luna if she knew anything about the Shadowbolts. All she said was that they used to be her own Personal Flying Squadron, like the Wonderbolts are for Princess Celestia, a thousand years ago. But they disbanded after Nightmare Moon."

Sunset shook her head, foalhood memories coming back. "Hard to believe all those Nightmare Night stories were true. Except for eating foals I hope?"

Celestia nodded, looking sheepish. "It is true that it is false. Luna has never truly forgiven me for that bit of lore. But ponies after a time believed it, no matter what I said."

"What about Gaia Everfree?" Sci Twi asked.

Twilight and Princess Celestia shared a look. "I'd never heard of that legend until you mentioned it. And Ponyville sits right next to the Everfree Forest. Applejack's family had never heard of it either," Twilight replied.

Celestia nodded. "I must admit that I do not know it either. And I have lived long enough to know quite a few legends and myths. This one is new to me as well."

Sunset sighed as she looked at her geode. "So. I guess you don't know what these are then?"

Celestia shook her head. "I am sorry Sunset. But I can feel a great amount of magic within your own and Sci Twi's. What it means, I cannot say. I trust you both know not to misuse this power correctly?"

Both girls nodded vigorously. "I learned my lesson after the Friendship Games. I won't make that mistake again," Sci Twi replied. 

Sunset nodded. "And I got the message after the Fall Formal. No more misusing magic for me." She smiled slightly. "Though I bet Rainbow Dash uses her speed all the time if she gets the chance."

That got a chuckle out of everypony. "Then I fear there is little that Equestria can do to help," Princess Celestia said. "If you and your friends are like Twilight and her friends, then I feel your world will be in good hooves."

Twilight nodded. "And I'll be happy to help anytime I can. But I can't say that I'll get there in time if you do ask me, Sunset."

Sunset nodded. She had been expecting this honestly. That didn't mean she had to like it though, for she had a feeling that Camp Everfree wasn't the last time they would have to deal with rogue magic. The universe was never that nice. 

Sci Twi though finally seemed to notice something. Or the lack thereof in the case as she looked around. "Where's Spike and Starlight? Shouldn't they be here?"

Twilight nodded. "Spike and Starlight are helping some new friends settle in. Starlight and her friends have a big day tomorrow."

Sunset raised an eyebrow. "What did we miss? You said something big happened while we were gone. But you never said what."

Twilight just grinned mischievously. "That's for me to know, and you two to find out tomorrow. You're both more than welcome to attend. Starlight has been asking about you. She'll be thrilled to finally meet you."

Sunset flicked an ear. She still wasn't sure what to make of Princess Twilight's student. She sounded like a nice mare, and the two of them did seem to share a few things in common.

But a petulant part of her was still annoyed to no end. She was Twilight's student, not Starlight. Oh sure, it had never been official or anything. But Sunset had thought the understanding between her and the princess had been there. Apparently not.

And there was one more thing. Something that Sunset had thought about the princess for a long time now, ever since the Fall Formal if she was being honest. She was happy that both Twilights had found love in another, she really was. But still, as she watched the two of them talk excitedly about something she hadn't caught, she wished that...

"You wish that it was you over there?" Princess Celestia asked, draping a wing over Sunset's back.

Sunset jumped slightly, as she gave her old mentor a look, one that Celestia returned with that trademarked enigmatic smile of hers. But Sunset could read it, for she had picked it up within a year of becoming the princess' student.

She also knew that Celestia would see right through her lies, so she only nodded. "Twilight was the first one to offer me friendship, and no strings attached. Even after I almost killed her and the girls at the Fall Formal. After the Battle of the Bands, we talked so much. It felt like she was right there, even if she wasn't." She sighed sadly. "I look at them and see..."

"You see yourself in Sci Twi's place. You see what you always wanted with Princess Twilight, but could never bring yourself to ask her for," Celestia replied with a whisper so that only the two of them heard.

Sunset nodded. "I know it's not going to happen now. I won't risk our friendship for something that's not mine to take."

Celestia's smile grew. "Tell her. Let her know how you feel about her. They will be as young as they are at this moment as you are on your deathbed Sunset. Don't do that to either of them. Don't hold it in until then."

Sunset shot her mentor a horrified look. "I can't do that! What if it destroys our friendship? I don't want to lose either of them."

Celestia shook her head. "You will lose them if you don't tell them Sunset. Yes, it will be awkward for some time. But if the friendship the three of you share is as strong as I believe it to be, then it will be fine."

Sunset groaned, but a part of her knew Princess Celestia was right, as much as she hated to admit it. "And what if I don't?"

Celestia's eyes twinkled. "Don't make me make it a Royal Order young filly," she said in a fake serious tone.

Sunset chuckled, even as she felt her hooves move as if they had a mind of their own. "Wouldn't be the first time I didn't listen to you," she groused, but it was more for old times sake than anything. Her legs were already dragging her over to the two ponies in question, and if there was one thing that could be said about her, it was that Sunset never quit once she started on something.

Sci Twi saw her coming and smiled, forcing Twilight to turn and look to see what was going. "Is something wrong Sun-Mmmph!?"

Twilight couldn't finish her sentence, as Sunset leaned forward and locked their lips together. Her wings flared in shock, her hooved flailing wildly in every direction, as Sci Twi looked on in shocked horror.

Twilight finally found the strength and pulled herself and Sunset apart, a look of utter disbelief on her face. "What the hay, Sunset!?" 

Sunset, for her part, looked defiant. "You were the first friend I ever had Twilight. You gave me a chance when I didn't deserve it. You stood by me even when no one else did."

Twilight got her breathing under control, as her gaze softened. "Are you saying?"

Sunset nodded. "I love you Twilight. Maybe it was just a schoolyard crush after the Fall Formal, but when we stood together and faced down the Dazzlings, I knew what I felt was real."

Twilight saw that Sunset meant all she had said as well. Her eyes couldn't hide it. Her expression dropped. "Why didn't you say something Sunset?"

The unicorn shook her head. "Because I was afraid that it would destroy our friendship." She looked at Sci Twi, who was still in shock. "When I see you two together, happy. I see everything that I might have had. I see everything that might have been if I hadn't been a coward."

Sci Twi was able to get her mind back on track, as a memory came to her, and her eyes widened. "At the Friendship Games, when you?"

Sunset nodded, her ears drooping. "I'd already figured out that you weren't the princess here. But I didn't care. All I saw was my friend, the mare who I looked up to, making the same mistakes I did, and I snapped. I never really apologized for that."

Sci Twi shook her head, as her head sunk. "Don't. I deserved it. I was being so stupid then."

Sunset smiled as she walked over and pulled the alicorn into a hug. "I'm still so sorry that I yelled at you like that. Maybe if I hadn't, none of this would've happened."

Sci Twi chuckled slightly as she returned the hug. "But then, we wouldn't be here right now if all that hadn't happened."

That got a chuckle out of everypony as Princess Celestia joined. "I am glad that everything seems to have worked out for the best," she said, before yawning. "But I do not know about you, but it is late, and we have a big day tomorrow. Perhaps it is best we turn in for the night?"

It was at that moment that everyone realized how tired they all were, so nopony saw any reason to object. Sci Twi wrapped a wing around Twilight, who leaned into the embrace, and together, the two of them made their way to the top floor of the castle.

Princess Celestia and Sunset watched them go, giggling as the two love birds unconsciously intertwined their tails. 

"Ah. Young love," Celestia said in a somewhat dreamy tone.

Sunset only rolled her eyes. "Everypony is young to you princess."

"Don't ruin the moment Sunset."
> Bath Chats
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sci Twi sighed in delight as she slid into the expansive Royal Bath and Spa's tub. Her wings unfurled without her needing to tell them too. She was getting much better at controlling them. "I swear. I might just move to Equestria just for this."

Twilight giggled as she slid into the water across the tub. "Rarity said the same thing when she first came here. Of course, she'd never abandon Ponyville's spa. No matter how much she might say otherwise."

They both giggled at the thought. "Do the girls know I'm here? I'm still not sure how I feel about knowing them as well," Sci Twi continued.

Twilight nodded. "They know you and Sunset are both here. I had to make Pinkie Pinkie Promise not to barge in here and drag you both to a Welcome to Ponyville Party. Or another one for you." She gently. "They do care for you."

Sci Twi nodded as she sank further down. "I know. And I do care for them. Heck, they made me welcome as much as the girls at Canterlot High did when I first met them."

Twilight nodded. "All of Ponyville is like that. They don't call it the Friendliest Place in Equestria for nothing. And it has nothing to do with me living here either before you say anything."

Sci Twi rolled her eyes. Her eyes drifted down to her Pearl Necklace. An idea came to her at that moment. Closing her eyes and bringing a hoof to the pearl, she concentrated for a moment.

Twilight watched, her own smile growing, as Sci Twi transformed herself into her Mermaid Form and the glasses vanished from her face. Twilight swore that she was the most beautiful thing in Equestria when in this form.

But she was biased, so others might say otherwise. And she would call them a bunch of dumb dumbs.

Sci Twi sighed as the glow faded and she opened her eyes. Unfurling her fins, she shook her hair out. "That's better. I've always felt like I should be in this form whenever I'm in the bath. I don't know why, but it feels right," she explained, relaxing entirely.

Twilight nodded, as she poked her own necklace. "It might be that this was the first form you ever changed into. Not counting becoming a pony. We still don't know a lot about these, and our trip to Mount Aris didn't add anything to what is known."

Sci Twi nodded, not totally surprised. If she was being honest, she was glad this had been what she had become that day on the island. The Little Mermaid had been one of her favorite movies growing up. Maybe that had something to do with it. "I think mom and dad would flip if they saw me like though," she giggled.

Twilight giggled too. "I bet. How are they taking all of this though?"

Sci Twi sighed. "They're still trying to get used to it all. Shiny's still in denial a bit, but he's coming around. He's still sore about how Crystal Prep lost the Friendship Games. But after what Dean Cadance told us happened between them and Principal Cinch, he's on thin ice as it is."

Twilight frowned. She still couldn't believe her brother would act like that, and to his own sister no less. It was far too close to the Canterlot Wedding mess with Chrysalis for her, and from what she knew, there had never been anyone named Chrysalis that had been involved in this.

Sci Twi could see the look in Twilly's eyes but didn't mention it. There were still things about each other that they were learning. She had a feeling that this was one of those.

Het tail twitched. This was getting down fast, and that wasn't right. This was supposed to their time. To relax and have fun. The time they barely had normally. It wasn't supposed to be serious. But what to do about that?

A devious thought came to Sci Twi's mind at that moment, as she looked at Twily, deep in thought.

Twilight squawked in shock and surprise as a wave of water crashed down around her, soaking her to the bone. Peeling back her soaking wet mane, she found Sci Twi giggling at her. "Did. Did you just splash me?"

Sci Twi just smiled innocently, her eyes alight with barely contained mirth. "Maybe? What are you going to do about it, Sparkle?"

Twilight's eyes widened, but then her gaze turned devious. "Oh, so that's how it's going to be is it?" Touching a hoof to her necklace, Twilight changed herself into her seapony form. "Well, two can play at that game!"

Sci Twi just smiled, as she readied her tail for another attack. "Bring it on, Book-Horse!"

Twilight just grinned. "You'll regret saying that, Purple Smart!"

The air was soon full of the sounds of playful splashing and the laughter of two friends enjoying each other's company, without a care in the world.

***

From outside the door, Sunset listened as the sounds of splashing and laughter filled the air. It made her smile in a way she hadn't in a long time. She almost wanted to go in and join in on the fun. But she didn't. It wasn't right if she barged in on their time together. They barely got any it seemed. Something that wasn't a problem for her and Sci Twi.

But it did make her heart ache. She had made peace with the fact that it would never work out between her and Princess Twilight. But it didn't mean she had to like it. And it made her wonder if there was anyone for her?

She knew several others who swung the same way she did. Several of the Rainbooms liked girls like that, though they refused to say who if any had caught their eye. And Sunset wasn't even sure if she should at the moment, let alone with one of her friends. 

She wasn't that desperate for love and to be loved. Was she?

***

Twilight sighed, as she laid her head against Sci Twi's chest, allowing her marefriend to stroke her mane lovingly. "I miss doing that. Just having fun and not caring about what anyone thinks about it."

Sci Twi nodded. "No kidding. I used to do this all the time with Cadance when I was younger. Then she found my brother..."

"And the rest is history," they finished together, giggling

Twilight looked out across the tub. "I and the girls come here and do the same sometimes. Just for the heck of it. Especially if Rarity and Rainbow Dash can find time for a break."

Sci Twi looked at her quizically. "Why didn't you invite them? I wouldn't have minded."

Twilight sighed as she looked at her. "Because I just wanted to spend this time with you. With everything that happened recently. it's put a lot of things in perspective for me. It reminded me that we don't spend enough time together. I want that to change."

Sci Twi kissed her nose. "You know I'm not going anywhere? I'm not leaving you, Twilly. Not now. Not ever." She held the alicorn close. "You gave me everything I needed, when I needed it the most."

Twilight smiled as she let herself relax. "I know. That's not what I'm worried about. Princess Celestia is giving me more and more responsibilities now, Princess Luna is even showing me how she moves the moon every night, and Cadance..."

Sci Twi had an idea of what she had in mind. "She wants you to spend more time with Flurry Heart? She wants you to really know your niece?"

Twilight nodded. "Sunburst can't keep up with her. Starlight knows him better than I do. But even I can see the bags under his eyes have bags. He won't last much longer, we all know it. So we've started the process of transferring the title of Crystaler to me."

Sci Twi frowned. She didn't know the pony in question, but he sounded nice. "Does he know about this? Do they want you to move to the Crystal Empire?"

Twilight shook her head. "Sunburst's the one who suggested we start the process. Nopony is suggesting anything about him, but even the crystal ponies can tell he's on his last legs. He's even talked of moving to Ponyville once this is completed."

She chuckled. "And as for me moving to the Crystal Empire? Cadance and I are working on a way to connect the Castle of Friendship to the Crystal Palace, and not have me vaporized or dumped in the snow outside the empire by the Crystal Heart."

Sci Twi gave her a concerned look. She knew just about the Crystal Heart to know what it was capable of. "Could it do that?"

Twilight shrugged. "We don't know. But nopony wants to take a chance that it could happen. And I'd rather stay unvaporized if it's all the same to you."

They both giggled at that, before lapsing into silence once more. Twilight settled her head on Sci Twi's chest, letting her body relax and allowing her tail to intertwine with Sci Twi's.

"When you said you would move to Equestria, did you mean that?" Twilight asked after a time.

Sci Twi nodded. "I mean it. Maybe not for just this room, but I mean it. Sunset's already said she isn't staying once we graduate from Canterlot High. For all she has with our friends and what's she built, it's not her world, and she knows that. She has family here, and I know she wants to reconnect with them."

Twilight looked up at her. "And what about you? What about your family?"

Sci Twi shook her head. "Let's not kid ourselves. I'm immortal, eternally young. I'll look the same in a hundred years as I do now. How am I supposed to explain that? How do I tell them that I'll never be like them?"

Twilight gained a look of concern. This too had crossed her mind. "You don't think anyone would tell the wrong person do you?"

Sci Twi shook her head. "Not from Canterlot High. Everyone is too nice. And even the few who still don't like Sunset, don't dislike her to that extent."

Twilight blinked in confusion. That was news to her. "I thought Sunset had everyone's trust after that Battle of the Bands? We did."

Sci Twi rolled her eyes. "One girl I know, Wallflower Bush, still isn't over what Sunset used to do. We have a Gardening Club together. She told me once, and I believed her. She sounded so sure of herself. I know she won't spill any of what's happened to the government. For all she doesn't like Sunset, even she can't bring herself to do that."

Twilight thought about this for a moment. The name didn't ring any bells to her, but that was nothing new. She still only knew a few of the students at the school super well. The name didn't sound familiar either for anypony in Ponyville. She'd ask Pinkie just to be sure. 

Sci Twi looked down at her, stroking Twilly's mane. "How did you handle it? How do you keep going knowing that?"

Twilight sighed as she looked up at her. "I've been an alicorn for four years now. I knew what it meant when I became one. Yes, I will mourn them, and a part of me will always miss them. But to stay in the past, to not make new friends and move on, is an insult to their memory."

She giggled as she booped her. "Besides, I'm the Princess of Friendship remember? I'm basically friends with everyone. If I spent all my time mourning those who die, I'd never get anything done. And I happen to like getting things done!"

They both broke into a fit of giggles for a moment, before Twilight slid up Sci Twi's body, and kissed her, one the girl was happy to return. 

"My advice? Don't think about what the future means. Make the most of the time you have with the girls and your family. Don't forget what they mean to you. Those memories will keep you sane," Twilly said after the pulled apart.

Sci Twi smiled, as Twily pulled the two of them closer. She laid her head on the pony's shoulder, as the princess stroked her hair. "And remember. You will always have a place here. If you ever need to escape whatever your world becomes, know there is home always here for you," Twilight whispered.

Sci Twi nodded, even as she began to nod off to sleep, the feeling of being like this relaxing her entirely.
> Ceremony Aftermath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

While the award ceremony for Starlight and her friends hadn't gone exactly according to plan, all in all, all those in attendance would agree that it was still a success.

Sunset and Sci Twi had stood off to the side, trying not to stand out more than needed. But it was easier said than done since no one but a few even knew who they were.

The fact that Sci Twi and Princess Twilight looked so alike had started rumors up and down the room by those who didn't know who she was and why she looked so much like the princess.

Only the rest of the Mane 7 and Starlight knew the truth about her but were keeping it to themselves for the moment. It had been decided that knowledge of the Human World was too dangerous to share with Equestria for the moment.

But that would only last so long now. Princess Twilight had already hidden her and Sunset's Journal in a pocket dimension that only she could access. Without it, the World Mirror was just a regular mirror.

She also knew that her Ponyville friends had been wanting to visit Canterlot High ever since she had come back from the Battle of the Bands. That feeling had only grown since she and Sci Twi had become a couple.

Sunset meanwhile was doing her very best to avoid Twilight's Ponyville friends at all costs. She was still not ready to meet them and didn't even know how she would handle meeting them.

How should she treat them? Like the girls, she knew and loved back at Canterlot High? Or try and start afresh with them? Sunset didn't know, and it was driving her crazy.

Discord though seemed to know more about the two new guests than he was letting on. He seemed to be muttering to himself in a way that no one liked. But that was normal, as Fluttershy explained.

But it was the Great and Powerful Trixie that was getting on everyone's nerves the most at the moment. Even more than she usually did.

"Trixie demands to know why there are two Twilight Sparkles?! Did we miss a changeling?" The unicorn asked, giving Sci Twi the stink eye, which made the alicorn gulp. Somethings never changed it seemed, no matter what universe it was.

Princess Twilight growled in annoyance. No matter what had changed recently, somethings she still hadn't let go of apparently. "That is none of your business Trixie. And even if it was, I wouldn't tell you anyway. It is on a need to know basis, and you don't need to know."

Trixie scoffed. "Did you forget that Trixie is now a national hero? I thought you were smarter than that Sparkle."

Twilight's horn glowed dangerously for a moment. Sci Twi took the chance and ran over to stand beside Starlight and Thorax. "How do you put up with her?" She asked the unicorn. "I can barely stand her. And that's after dealing with her at Canterlot High."

Starlight sighed. "I wonder the same thing somedays. But Trixie is my friend. She was my first real friend after I moved to Ponyville that didn't have strings attached."

"Didn't she only do that to one-up the princess?" Thorax asked.

Starlight nodded, still not proud of that particular memory. "Yes. But she's gotten better since then. I know she has." She rolled her eyes. "Today is just a bad day."

Sci Twi couldn't see it, but Starlight knew this Trixie better than she did. Though she didn't sound so different from the Trixie she knew at Canterlot High.

Thorax though gave her an odd look. "Are you a changeling though? I thought they were all in the hive. And what's this, Canterlot High you speak of? Is it in Canterlot?"

Sci Twi shook her head. "No. I'm not a changeling. But that's all I can say right now. It doesn't need to get out what I am, or where I'm from. Not right now at least. Far too much could go wrong if it did."

Starlight bit her tongue. While she may not have known as much about the Human World as Twilight and the rest of their friends did, she was still curious to know more about it. She also didn't like that they were hiding it.

She understood why they were. But that didn't mean she had to like it.

"Oh you're so much more interesting than a changeling," Discord cooed as he slithered over to the three of them. "And much more fun to be around as well."

Sci Twi wracked her brain, trying to remember why he sounded so familiar. But they had only met today. So why did he sound like she'd heard that voice before?

Discord smile turned Cheshire as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and whispered in her ears. "Oh. I think you know who I am. Or who I used to be. Somethings about your kind haven't changed I see."

Sci Twi's eyes widened and her heart skipped a beat as it finally clicked. Discord chuckled as he let her go and bounced off to find Fluttershy.

Starlight and Thorax were giving her concerned looks. "Are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost," Thorax asked.

Twilight nodded, trying to get her heartbeat back to normal. "I'm. I'm fine. I just thought that Discord sounded like someone I've heard before. But I was wrong."

Starlight didn't look convinced and made a mental note to ask her later what was really going on, but for the moment, she had another question. "So how long do you and Sunset plan to stay?"

The question finally knocked Twilight out of her funk, as she smiled. "At least a few more days. Sunset wants to visit her family in Canterlot, and I wanna see more of Ponyville. I didn't see nearly enough last time I was here."

Starlight nodded, remembering those few days well. She smirked though. "And to get extra comfy with the princess?"

Twilight's blush lit up the room as she stammered. "I. I don't know what you're talking about!"

Thorax laughed. "Oh wow. I haven't felt somepony love another pony like this since Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. I wonder if that's an alicorn thing or not?"

Twilight tried to hide her blush behind her wings, as Starlight just laughed.