Twilight hummed quietly as Sunset finished her story. The princess's brows were creased in concern at what she was hearing, and she wasn't liking it.
The Dining Room of the Friendship Castle was empty except for the two of them. Spike had gone gem hunting with Rarity, and Starlight was out and about on something or another.
It still felt odd for Sunset to be in her pony body again. But ever since she had made up with Princess Celestia, she had been trying to come to Equestria more often, though it was easier said than done.
Twilight sighed as she placed her drink down on the table. "I can't believe someone would do that. All just for revenge on someone else."
Sunset nodded, her ears folding. "Juniper's uncle wasn't happy, to say the least. That guy is in a whole heap of trouble now. He tried to apologize to her, but the damage was done."
Twilight nodded, her own ears dropping. "How is she?"
Sunset shook her head. "Calling her fine would be a lie. Juniper has a place at the studio, but I don't know if she'll take it or not, now. She's taken time off to think about things, as she told us."
Twilight nodded, her heart going out to the girl. She may not have known Juniper Montage in person or her pony counterpart, but she still felt for her. "Does Juniper know about?" She waved a hoof at everything around them.
Sunset chuckled. "Nope. Magic wasn't an issue here, though she was curious about our geodes and Sci Twi's necklace. I'm not sure how we might explain it to her if we do at all."
Twilight was glad to hear that. This was something that the fewer knew of, the better. She was curious though about one thing. "No one wanted to come with you?"
Sunset rolled her eyes. "Everyone somehow got a college tour on the same day. All in different states I might add. I have no idea how they will all manage that."
Twilight giggled. "I bet. I'm surprised you're not staying Sunset."
Sunset shook her head. "I don't have a reason to stay, Twilight. I never planned to stay this long as it is. My home is in Equestria, and that's final. I've already talked to Princess Celestia about maybe finishing my studies with her after graduation."
Twilight smiled at the thought. It had been something she had been wondering for a while now. "You'll always have a place in Ponyville if you need a place to stay Sunset."
Sunset grinned. "Thanks, Twilight."
For a time, the two sat in silence, not sure of what to talk about next. All the news from Equestria and the Human World had been exchanged, but one thing was nagging at the back of Twilight's mind.
And finally, she couldn't take it any longer. "Sunset, I need to ask you something."
Sunset swallowed before she spoke up. "What's wrong. Did we miss anything in swapping news?"
Twilight shook her head. "No. This is more personal." She sighed. "My birthday is coming up soon, and I want to do something different this year."
Sunset blinked. "What do you-" She paused as it soon hit her. "You can't be serious Twilight?"
Twilight nodded. "I wanted to celebrate it with you and the rest of our friends. We never spend enough time together as it is. And the last few times have been trying to save the world."
While Sunset couldn't argue that point, she still wasn't convinced. "What about your Ponyville friends? Won't they feel left out?"
Twilight smiled slightly. "I already talked about it with the girls. Sure, they'd be disappointed, but we can always have another party here. Pinkie wouldn't mind."
Sunset rolled her eyes at that. Knowing both versions of Pinkie Pie now, she could well believe it. "What about your family?"
Twilight snorted. "We live in different parts of Equestria. Cadance, Shining, and Flurry Heart live in the Crystal Empire. It's really hard to get us all together as we should.
Sunset couldn't really argue with that. She still needed to really make up with Princess Cadance. The award ceremony had been a good start, but she still didn't feel like it had been enough. "Okay, say we do celebrate it with the rest of the girls. What would we even do?"
Twilight smirked, having thought of this. "Surprise me. You girls know that world far better than I ever will. But I don't want to go just to do research. I want to live it. Know what it's like to live there. To just be human for a while, and not worry about anything else."
Sunset sighed as she took another drink. She could see that the princess was dead serious about this whole idea, and had thought it through as much as she could. And to be honest, she was kind of hoping that this would have come up at some point before now. This wasn't quite what she had imagined, but could she really say no?
No. No, she couldn't, as she finally smiled. "Okay, fine. I'll ask the girls and see what they say. I have no idea of when they'll all be back though, so I can't say when you'll have an answer."
Twilight all but squeed as she flew over and pulled Sunset into a hug. "Thank you! I promise you won't regret it," she gushed happily.
Sunset chuckled as she returned the hug. "No problem Twilight. Anything for a friend."
***
Outside the Dining Room, somepony else heard most of the last part of the conversation, and it had gotten her thinking, even though she knew better than to listen in on something that wasn't her business. But a part of her couldn't help it.
Call it a holdover from her old life or what have you, but the fact remained that she had heard quite a bit of Twilight and Sunset's conversation. Especially the part about Twilight's birthday plans.
And as she walked back to her room on the third floor, Starlight Glimmer began to make plans of her own
***
As the World Mirror hummed to life, Twilight turned to look at her friends with a slightly worried expression. "Are you guys sure you don't mind I'm doing this? I know it came out late."
"We'll be fine darling," Rarity said with a knowing smirk. "Go have fun with your friends. It's not every day you get to have your birthday in another world."
"Yeah! And when you get back, we'll have another one!" Pinkie added excitedly, her grin growing wider every second.
Twilight chuckled before she looked at Spike. "Are you sure you don't want to come, Spike? I'm sure the girls won't mind."
Spike shook his head. "Nah. I'm done with going to other worlds if it's all the same to you. Plus me and the guys have some O&O to catch up on. Can't miss that."
Twilight rolled her eyes, while Rainbow and Pinkie looked rather excited at the thought. Ever since that first time, the two of them had tried to join Spike, Big Mac, and Discord, in the game. Not always, but enough.
And from what Spike had told her, the guys didn't seem to mind too much. It took them a while to explain it all to them, but they soon got it.
Sunset had finally written back several days before. Their friends were more than happy to help Twilight celebrate her birthday. Pinkie even had a party in the works for all of them.
Sci Twi had said she had something in mind that she hoped they could do together, but hadn't said what it was. No matter how hard the princess tried to get her to.
Twilight did have one question though, as she looked around for somepony in particular. "Has anyone seen Starlight? I haven't seen her all day. It's not like her."
The girls shook their heads. "No. I even asked Trixie, and she hadn't seen her either," Fluttershy replied with a worried voice. "I hope she's alright."
Spike didn't look too worried. "She'll show up eventually. Starlight can take care of herself, so I'm not too worried. Maybe she went to see Sunburst?"
Twilight shook her head. "Starlight would have told somepony if she was going to the Crystal Empire. Or even to go see Thorax or Maud. I'm not worried too much, but I don't like that she didn't tell us where she might be."
Applejack gave the mirror a look. "Ya don't think she went through here, do you?"
Twilight paused as she thought about that. Now that she thought of it, the Journal had felt like it had been used recently, and not by her either. And Spike had mentioned it had been hooked up to the mirror the day before. For no reason.
Twilight shook her head. "I hope not. I told her she's not ready for the Human World." She gave her friends a hopeful look. "You'll look out for her?"
Everyone nodded. "Knowing her, she probably just forgot to tell anypony where she was going," Rainbow scoffed.
Her friends nodded, and as Twilight turned and stepped through the mirror, she really hoped that was the case.
***
No matter how many times she did this, Twilight was still not used to the feeling of her body being twisted and changed like it was as she hurtled between worlds. She at least knew to brace for it.
As well as the sudden stop at the other end, as she was thrown unceremoniously out of the Wondercolt statue in front of Canterlot High. Unlike last time, however, Twilight felt herself fall onto something soft and comfortable that let out a small pomf! as she landed face-first on it.
"When did we get a mattress for the portal?" She asked in a muffled voice.
"It didn't seem very nice that people kept landing like they used to," came Fluttershy's voice as she helped Twilight to her feet. "It was Applejack's idea that we put one here. If we knew someone was coming."
Twilight smiled as she patted down her skirt, before pulling her friend into a hug, one Fluttershy was happy to return. "Thanks, Fluttershy. It's a lifesaver," she said, pulling apart after a moment, before looking around. "Where is everyone?"
Fluttershy shook her head. "Sunset has to work, Rainbow has soccer practice, Applejack had something happen at the farm, Pinkie and Rarity have something going on they didn't talk about. But it sounded important. We'll all meet up later."
Twilight nodded before she noticed someone was missing. "What about Sci Twi?"
Fluttershy twirled her hair as she looked away. "She hasn't come back from her college visit yet. She said she was on her way this morning, but that was it."
Twilight rubbed her forehead. It always messed her up, the time differences between this world and Equestria. She hoped everything was okay. But then she noticed Fluttershy seemed nervous. "What's wrong?"
Fluttershy looked at the portal. "Do you know if anyone else came through before you did?"
Twilight shook her head. "Not that I know of. Why?"
Fluttershy sighed. "Vice Principal Luna says she saw someone come through the portal yesterday afternoon, but she didn't see who it was. Sunset seems to know something though, but she won't talk about it."
Twilight pinched her nose. This was not what she needed to hear right now. Very few knew of the portal as it was in Equestria. None of her friends had used it, she knew. No one had broken in and tried to use it, as far as she and Spike could tell.
There was one possibility of who it might have been, but Twilight hoped she was wrong. She didn't think the mare was that deceitful anymore. She had proven it over and over.
But if it was her, then there would be Tartarus to pay.
Fluttershy seemed to guess her thoughts, for her expression became even more worried. "Do you know who it might have been?"
Twilight sighed. "Maybe. But I don't know for sure. I want to be wrong about this, but if I'm not. Then she is in very deep trouble, and she will be getting a stern lecture when we meet."
Her friend wanted to ask what the princess meant, but something told her that she was better off not knowing.
***
"... And so as of last week, I am now officially the Crystaller for Princess Flurry Heart. Me and Cadance are still working out how I'm going to able to get from Ponyville to the Crystal Empire. But I think we can figure something out," Twilight finished, taking a sip of her milkshake.
She and Fluttershy had retreated to the local Sugarcube Corner. With all their friends otherwise occupied for the moment, there wasn't much else they could do. And both girls were more than happy to have some quiet time.
Fluttershy looked worried as the princess finished her story. "That's so sad. After all he did. He sounds like a nice stallion."
Twilight nodded, smiling a little. "Starlight knows him far better than I do. But we've always gotten along and we have a lot in common. Sunburst isn't sure what he's going to do next. But Cadance and Shining say he will always have a place in the empire."
Fluttershy relaxed at that. "That's so nice of them. It's hard to believe Dean Cadance rules her own empire in another world."
Twilight giggled. "And I can't believe she's a teacher here. She was always so nice and helpful when I was a filly, so I guess it's not that surprising Cadance is helping like this here."
They both giggled at that, before falling silent for a time. Twilight was always happy for this kind of time with Fluttershy. Aside from being in a different world from Equestria, this was a lot like the times they spent together in Ponyville.
Time she wouldn't change for anything. Quiet time was a rare luxury it seemed recently, Twilight thought. Princess Celestia seemed to be giving her more and more princess responsibilities, Princess Luna had been spending more and more time with her, and now there was her role with Flurry Heart. Aside from being the Best Aunt Ever.
It all felt like it was building to something big in the future. And Twilight wasn't sure how she felt about that idea.
Fluttershy seemed to catch onto that something was eating the princess. "Is something wrong, Twilight?"
Twilight shook her head, brought out of her musing. "No. I'm just, thinking. So much has changed for me in the last few months. All for the better of course. I never thought I'd be like I am today. But I just know there's more to come."
"Is that a bad thing?" Fluttershy asked.
Twilight slumped as she took another sip of her milkshake. "I don't know. And that's what worries me. I know I can't control everything that goes on around me. But it drives me crazy sometimes."
Fluttershy looked worried for a moment. "Lesson Zero crazy?"
Twilight flinched. She hated that name. It reminded her of the lowest point in her life. How she got off with what she did, she would never understand. "How did you-?" She began.
Fluttershy twirled a strand of her pink hair. "Spike mentioned the whole thing before the Fall Formal. While we were cleaning up the gym."
Twilight pinched her nose. "Of course he did. And no, I'm not feeling that bad. I hope I never sink that low ever again." She hugged herself, her gaze falling. "That's a day I want to forget about. Can we talk about something else? Please?"
Fluttershy nodded, seeing how uncomfortable the conversation was becoming for the princess. Her eyes drifted to the necklace around Twilight's neck. "Um. So what else can the Pearl do? Sci Twi's told us all about how she can transform into literally anything she can think of, and that only an alicorn can use it."
Twilight nodded, brightening at the shift in topic. "That's really all we know about them. We can also transform someone else if we're touching in some way. But that person has to trust the one with the Pearl for the transformation to work."
Fluttershy nodded. "What happens if someone steals it?"
Twilight shrugged. "We don't know. Nopony's ever tried to steal it from either me, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, or Cadance. So we're not sure what, if any effect, it might have on another." She placed her hand over the necklace, feeling the smooth surface of the Pearl held in it. "Honestly, it feels weird when I take it off. Like it's a part of me. A part that I can't live without."
Not knowing why she did, but feeling it was right all the same, Twilight undid the clip that held the necklace around her neck. Smiling, she held out the Pearl to Fluttershy, who hesitantly took it in her own hands.
Fluttershy was surprised at how light the necklace was. With how Twilight had described it, she almost felt that she shouldn't have been able to hold it at all. Yet it was as light as a feather. She stroked the Pearl itself, feeling the smooth and unblemished surface with a smile. "It's so warm," she whispered.
Twilight nodded. "Most of the time, I don't even remember that I'm wearing it. It's hard to explain honestly."
Fluttershy held a moment more, but as much as she wanted to keep it longer, or not even give it back, she finally handed the necklace back to Twilight, who quickly redid the clips around her neck, before sliding the Pearl down under her shirt.
A buzzing sound from her pocket caused Fluttershy to jump slightly, before pulling out her phone. She smiled as she quickly read the text that was displayed. "That was Sci Twi. She and her family are almost home." She paused as a thought came to her. "Where are you staying? Not in the School Library I hope?"
Twilight shook her head. "I talked with her, and I'm staying with my family here. They just need to know where I am."
Fluttershy nodded, quickly typing out a message. A moment later, a reply came through. "Okay. They know where to pick you up, and should be here any minute." She blushed. "Past that is up to you."
Twilight blushed as well but didn't comment, instead focusing on her milkshake.
***
A few booths away, someone else was listening in on the conversation going on between the two. She hated spying on Twilight like this. But she was rather good at it. No matter how much she hated to admit it.
To call the car ride from Sugarcube Corner to the Sparkle Family's home awkward would be an understatement. Princess Twilight had never really given much thought to what it might be like to meet her counterpart's parents. And her nerves were paying for it.
Aside from the obvious differences, the native Twilight Velvet and Night Light were very much like the ponies the princess knew and loved in Equestria. They seemed to take seeing a double of their daughter rather well, all things considered.
As they turned another corner, Sci Twi placed a comforting hand on Twilight's shoulder. She gave her twin a loving look, one that helped put her mind at ease. Velvet and Night Light only just reacted to the movement and what it meant, but Twilight could see something growing in the older man's eyes.
Twilight had a feeling she would be having a very stern talking to coming from him later on.
The ride, though, was uneventful, the princess more than happy to tell all she knew about Equestria to Velvet and Night Light. Their eyes glazed over at several points but seemed to understand much of it.
As the van finally pulled onto what she had been told was the street the family lived on, Twilight finally asked the question that had been bugging her for a while now. "Shining isn't joining us?"
Velvet shook her head. "He was called into Canterlot City's Police Department yesterday. He didn't say why. But it sounded urgent. He called us earlier. Said that he would be tied up for some time."
Night Light looked back at the princess. "Does Equestria have its own police?"
Twilight nodded. "They handle everything that the Royal Guard can't or won't. My Shining Armor was going to join them at one time. But then he met Cadance and. Well..."
Velvet chuckled. "A girl will have that effect on a man. Or stallion I guess. And Captain of the Royal Guard as well. If he's anything like the man we know, then he's earned it."
Twilight nodded, as she turned to her twin. "I can't believe he hasn't made Captain here."
Sci Twi shrugged. "The police isn't the same as the Royal Guard. Shiny isn't at the bottom of the barrel. But he's a long way from making Captain. Though not many of his fellow officers would argue that he isn't a good fit for the role."
Twilight nodded, as the van pulled into the driveway of one of the larger houses on the street. As the family piled out, the princess couldn't help but be reminded of her family's home in Canterlot. If she didn't know any better, she would have said she was still in Equestria.
As Twilight stepped toward the house though, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking over, she found Night Light giving her a stern look, one that made her gulp. He smiled as he looked at the others. "You two go on ahead. The princess and I need to have a little talk."
Velvet seemed to take the hint, for she was quick to push Sci Twi toward the house. Sci Twi gave Twilight a concerned look, as she and her mother entered the house and closed the door behind them.
Twilight tried to stay calm, but it was a losing battle. "Um. Am I in trouble? Did I do something wrong?"
Night Light held his look for a moment, before chuckling. "No. You're fine. But this is something that needs to be said." He put his hand on her shoulder. "I've seen how you two look at each other. You don't need to be a genius to see how much you love each other. Have you told each other...?"
Twilight shook her head sadly, her body slumping. "No. I know we have that bond. But we've never said that to each other."
Night Light held up her head with a smile. "Don't let this go. You two have something very few have. I might not fully get it, but Velvet and I support it. There is no right time to say it. Just go with what your heart says."
Twilight smiled. Somethings never changed. There was the dad advice she had forgotten she missed when she had moved to Ponyville.
Night Light's gaze hardened. "I love my daughter. You know this, right?" Twilight nodded. "She talks about you all the time. As much as she does her friends at Canterlot High. Whatever the Dance did for her, has done far more good than I think either of you knows. Twily has never been this happy before."
His gaze grew harder if it was possible. "That said. If you even think about breaking my daughter's heart, I promise it will be the last thing you ever do. I don't care if you are a princess, or if you live in another world. Am I understood?"
Twilight shrunk under the glare she was getting, gulping down her fear. "Yes sir," she squeaked.
Night Light held her gaze a moment, making sure the point had been hammered home before his glaze melted away, and he smiled broadly. "Just needed to make sure you got the point." He laid his arms on Twilight's shoulders, steering her toward the front door. "But enough about all of that. You're here to have fun. Not listen to an old man ramble on. I don't care if you're from Equestria or not. You're still my daughter. You are family. This is your home as much as ours, for however long you stay."
Twilight smiled, relaxing finally as they came to the front door. But at the back of her mind, something stuck with her, as it would for some time to come yet.
***
Sci Twi was laid out on her bed, her head pointing toward its foot, by the time Twilight made her way up to it. She smirked as Twilight came in and slipped her backpack off and set it next to her own. "You got the Dad Talk, didn't you?"
Twilight sighed as she sat down next to her twin. "Eeyup. Never thought I'd get it from my own dad though. He promised that if I did anything to break your heart, the Magic of Friendship won't be saving me."
Twi giggled. "I don't think we need to worry about that. He said the same thing to Cadance when she and Shinny started dating, and they've worked out so far."
The two giggled, as Twilight lay down with Twi and looked over the stack of papers she held. "What are all of these?"
Twi leaned her head on Twilight's shoulder. "Applications from all the colleges and universities I applied to. I didn't think they would all say yes."
Twilight looked over the names. None of them rang a bell. "I don't know any of these names."
Twi nodded. "You won't. Equestria doesn't have near these many. And even the ones that do crossover don't have the same names. This is just from those here in the United States and in Canada. I didn't apply to any overseas, even though I could have."
Twilight rested her head against Twi's. "What about Everton? You wanted to attend there before the Friendship Games."
Twi slipped an arm around the princess's shoulders. "They said yes too. It'd be the easiest to go there since they're closer than any others except for Canterlot Community College. Who also said yes by the way. But I don't know yet. It's taking me away from you, and none of the girls applied to Everton."
Twilight pulled Twi close. "Please don't tell me you think that distance will do anything to your friendship? That's a load of horseapples if I ever heard any."
Twi giggled, as she booped Twilight. "Of course not. Distance doesn't mean a thing for true friends. It makes things harder. But we will find a way. Plus we have magic, so that should help."
The two giggled before falling silent for a while. Twilight didn't understand enough of how education worked in this world to provide any help for her love. But she quickly noticed a pattern in Twi's letters. "You're going for robotics or astronomy?"
Twi nodded. "It was what got me interested in going to Everton. They have the best department in the state. My spectrometer from the Friendship Games was meant to be my ticket in." She rolled her eyes. "We all know how well that went."
Twilight nodded. "And astronomy?"
Twi sighed as she looked out a nearby window. The sun was getting low in the sky now. "I've been stargazing since I was a little girl. I always wondered what was out there, in the stars. Never even thought about ponies being one of them." She bumped Twilight's shoulder. "No offense.
Twilight rolled her eyes. "None was taken. I used to wonder the same thing when I was a filly. And then I became Princess Celestia's Personal Student, and I sorta forgot about it. Meeting the girls before the Fall Formal changed that. Now I wonder what else is out there, beyond the skies of Equus. I hope one day we'll find out."
Twi nodded, as they again fell silent. Neither seemed to mind though. With how crazy the last few times they had seen each other had been, both were more than happy for some quiet time together.
Eventually though, Twilight had a question that she couldn't put off any longer. "Um. Not to make this weird. But what exactly am I supposed to wear?" She pointed at her current clothes. "I can't wear this all the time. Even I know that."
Twi smirked as she hopped up and ran over to her pack. "Leave that to me. I asked Rarity about this same thing. She said your measurements from the Fall Formal hadn't changed much the last time you were at Carousel Boutique. So," she said as she pulled out another bag from her own. "She made you some custom clothes." She blushed. "Even some bras and a few pairs of panties. Why she knew that I don't think I want to know. And using mine just feels... A little too weird for my tastes. Even though our measurements are identical in all but that my breasts are a little larger than yours."
Twilight tried not to think about that as she took the bag with her new clothes. "Thanks. I don't know why the Portal keeps giving me this same outfit every time. Just another on the long list of questions I have about the darn thing."
Twi chuckled as she rejoined her on the bed. "Mom and dad can take care of washing and drying your clothes before you go back to Equestria. We run on city water, so we can do laundry as much as we need to." Her smile grew as she pulled Twilight close, and whispered in her ear. "And I've got a special set for when we all go out tomorrow night. We are going to make your birthday special, and I know just the place."
Twilight put on her best pout face. "You're not gonna tell me, are you?"
Twi giggled, as she placed a finger on the princess's lips. "Nope. It's a surprise. And I already know for sure that Equestria doesn't have this."
Twilight's pout grew. But she could see that Twi meant it, so for now she would just have to wait and see. She was already looking forward to whatever it might be.
And later that night, as the two of them snuggled closely together as they shared Twi's bed, Princess Twilight couldn't wait to see what tomorrow might bring.
The light tickle of sunlight on her cheek awoke Twilight the next morning. She groaned and turned away, wanting just a few more minutes of sleep. It had been so good. But the universe seemed to have it out for her.
A loving kiss on her cheek ruined any chance of getting back to sleep. "Good morning, beautiful," Sci Twi giggled.
The princess grumbled as she shot her counterpart a dirty look. "What's so good about it?" She groused, pulling a pillow over her head.
Sci Twi rolled her eyes. "So this is what it's like trying to get me out of bed in the morning. No wonder Spike doesn't like doing it. Not a morning pony, I take it?"
Twilight shook her head, giving up on trying to get back to sleep. "I haven't been a morning anything since before I moved to Ponyville. Unless I absolutely needed to be up for something. I used to get up to watch Princess Celestia raise the sun."
Sci Twi blinked, as the princess paused a moment. "What changed then?"
Twilight sighed. "I'm not really sure. Maybe it was after that first Summer Sun Celebration. I don't really know. And, honestly, I'm not sorry that I changed as I did. Spike used to complain all the time about having to get up so early. He hasn't done that for a while now."
Twi chuckled. "He used to just sit on my face and lick me to death if I didn't get up on time. It was super effective." She grinned as she all but pulled the princess off her bed. "But come on. Mom and dad have breakfast just about done downstairs. After that, there's nothing much else to do till tonight."
Twilight sighed as she finally got up for the day. "So can you at least tell me the name of whatever this place is?"
Twi nodded as she headed for the bathroom. "It's called Spectrum. I've known about it for a few years now. I know some of the girls know about it too. Fluttershy, I know, has been there. I'm not sure about the others. "
Twilight nodded, as she followed her twin to the bathroom. "So what am I supposed to do? I've never had this much free time in this world before. It's kinda weird if I'm being honest."
Twi giggled. "Don't worry. I've got that covered. There are several history books that I know you'd love that I've got. And if I can pry you away from them, I'll even show you my lab out back."
Twilight shot her a hurt look. "Hey! I am not that bad!"
Twi gave a knowing look. before giving her a quick peck on the lips. "Right. Those double-digit number of rooms in your castle that are book storage must've been a trick of the light. Or Discord was screwing with me. How could I have made that mistake?"
Twilight just crossed her arms and pouted, while Twi just giggled.
***
Oh no, Twilight thought as she looked around the well-stocked lab in the Sparkle family's backyard. She wasn't jealous at all. No, that would be silly of her. It wasn't like her twin had things that she couldn't even begin to dream of having in Equestria.
That would be silly and irrational.
Twi gave her a knowing look though, as she closed the door behind them. "You're totally jealous arent you?"
Twilight's eyes began twitching. Darnit. "Okay. Maybe a little. I don't even know what some of this stuff is? And I can buy most of this if I really want to. It's not like I'm going to run out of bits."
Twi giggled. "Some of this I made myself. Some I was able to get while I was still attending Crystal Prep. Cadance made sure I didn't have to give it back when I cleaned out my old lab. And mom and dad had some of it custom made in Japan for me."
Twilight watched as Twi removed her Necklace from around her neck and set it around a mannequin's neck that stood off to the side, but was still within reach of her main desk. "Why take your Pearl off?"
Twi shook her head. "I've had my machines go crazy just being near it, though I have no idea of why that is. But I was able to learn something about it, and you might like this. It doesn't just look like a piece of pearl, or feel like one. It is a pearl, through and through. Why I absorb it when I transform with it, I don't know. It's much easier than it floating or flying off on me that's for sure."
Twilight considered this. This was news to her, and while it wasn't much, it was still something. Still, she didn't want to mess anything in the lab up, so she too removed her Necklace and set it down next to Twi's. The two seemed drawn to each other, brushing up against each other, before settling back down.
The two of them shared a look. Strange. But for the moment, they put it aside, as Twilight saw a familiar-looking photo on Twi's desk, positioned so that she could look at it whenever she looked up from whatever she was working on. It was Twilight, in all of her beauty and glory as Rarity had put it, on the night of that fateful Fall Formal, taken shortly before she and Spike had returned to Equestria in fact, the Element of Magic back where it belonged. "Where did you get that?" She asked.
Twi smiled as she looked at it. "Rainbow Dash gave it to me. Said she didn't know anyone else that should have it." She smirked as she turned to the princess. "And speaking of the Fall Formal. Are you going to run again this year? You could still probably win again. Canterlot High still talks about you even now."
Twilight shook her head. "Oh, sweet Celestia. No. Last time, I didn't have much of a choice, and I was out of options. Thinking about it though, I probably could have just told Principal Celestia the truth. Or just grabbed the crown, and run back to Equestria. Who was going to stop me?"
Twi chuckled. "You don't regret not doing so, do you?"
Twilight shook her head, her smile growing. "No. I don't regret not doing that. Even without all of this." She tapped her chin. "Is Sunset going to run for princess though? She deserves it more than me, now."
Twi shrugged. "She hasn't said either way. I don't doubt that if she did run, she would be crowned Fall Formal Princess if you don't run against her. She's come a long way since then. Even if not everyone is convinced that she's good now."
She paused as she seemed to remember something, before going to a corner and pulling what looked like an odd-shaped rock out of a locker. Whatever it was, it was carved in a way that didn't look natural. "And speaking of people who still aren't happy with Sunset. Remember how I told you about a girl named Wallflower Blush a while back?"
Twilight nodded. The name still didn't mean much to her, even after asking Pinkie Pie if she knew anypony with that name, and coming up empty.
Twi handed the stone to her. "We found her using this on another student. He was fine, but this was using Equestrian Magic if I ever saw any. Sunset said the same thing. When we confronted her about it, she tried to use it on us. But Rainbow Dash was faster and took it away from her before she had the chance."
Twilight looked it over. She could feel the magic in it, so it was definitely not from Earth. But how had it gotten here? Just one more question she didn't have an answer to. "What was Wallflower trying to do with it?"
Twi shrugged. "We're not really sure. But the other student had a glazed look to his eyes. Like he couldn't even remember what had been going on before we showed up. He seemed to regain something though, because as soon as Rainbow touched it, what looked like his memories flowed out of the stone and back into him. I haven't had the chance to talk to him to find out more though. Wallflower was peeved beyond belief though, and fought us to get this thing back."
Twilight blinked. She hadn't expected that. Though the fact that she was holding this said as much as to how it had turned out. "What happened then? I'm holding it right now."
Twi nodded. "Vice Principal Luna found us at the right moment and put a stop to it. After we showed that this was indeed magic, Wallflower was in even more trouble than just for fighting. Principal Celestia said that any magic that we saw that was being used like this wasn't acceptable. We haven't seen Wallflower since. I've had so much going on with college and helping the girls with theirs that I kinda forgot about it till now."
Twilight frowned. She didn't like any of this, but it seemed to have been resolved. She hoped that Wallflower was okay, wherever she was. "Moving onto something less sad. What about tonight? You haven't said much about how we're all doing this."
Twi squeed a little. "Rarity managed to get us a limousine for the night. It'll take most of us to Spectrum. Sunset said she'll meet us there. Said she's bringing a friend with her, and hoped we didn't mind. She also said that you know this person rather well, Twily."
Twilight blushed at the use of her pet name. But she loved it all the same. She wondered who this mystery person could be though. Who did she know in this world that well? Besides her friends of course? "Well. I don't mind if Sunset brings someone with her. The more the merrier!"
Twi giggled as she sat down and pulled out her phone, typing out a quick text. "That'll put her in a better mood for sure. I just told her the good news. So as of now, we really don't have much to do." She gave the princess a hard look. "I hate having to say this. But can you please not touch anything? I've had several near explosions because my stuff reacted to my magic or because I touched something with it."
Twilight meeped and backed away from everything. "You know I wouldn't do that, right?"
Twi nodded, her look softening. "I know. And I know you would never do something like that on purpose. But I don't want to take that risk. I'm still young in terms of magic, even though it's nowhere near what it is in Equestria. I don't know what it could do with your's interacting with it. Frankly, I don't want to know either."
Twilight couldn't argue that, as she pulled up another chair. "Okay then. What are we going to do? We've got all afternoon I'm assuming? There has to be something we can do that won't potentially end with us getting blown back to the Stone Age."
Twi's smile grew seductive. "Well. I can think of one thing that we can do."
Twilight blushed furiously. "Woah, Woah, Woah. Slow down. I am all for experiencing new things. But not like this. I do not want my first time to be some quickie for the sake of passing the time! That's not how this works!"
Twi backed away, her eyes going down at the angry retort, as she held herself.
Twilight blinked, realizing what she sounded like. She quickly took Twi's hands in her own. "I am so sorry! I didn't mean to shout. But I want our first time to be something special. Not just to pass the time with. I want this. Us. To work. We have all the time in the world. Let's not rush into it before we're ready."
Twi smiled as she lay her head on Twilight's shoulder. "You're right. And I'm sorry. I just couldn't help it. I let my brain run ahead of my heart. Again. You'd think I'd know better by now."
The two giggled and stood like that for a time. Twi finally sighed as she looked over at her workbench. "And there are things we can do. I'm not sure how much you can help. But there are several projects that I'm working on, and I could always use a second opinion."
Twilight nodded. It was better than nothing, and she was curious to see what was being worked on out here. But as she pulled up a chair and looked over what there was to see, her mind was on something else. A thought that had plagued her since the day before.
***
"You know?" Twilight grunted aa\s she adjusted the straps of her shirt. "You'd think I would know how to do this by now. I've been here long enough to know better. I put on my dress for the Fall Formal by myself."
Twi giggled as she set her hair back in just the way she wanted. "Well, you haven't grown up wearing clothes. So it does make sense." She smiled as she finished up. "You look beautiful. I never thought I'd have to use both of these at the same time."
Twilight blushed. "Not as beautiful as you," she smiled as she looked down. Her outfit for the evening was the match for Twi's own. A pair of jeans that bore their cutie mark, shoes that added at least an inch to their height, and a purple shirt that exposed much of their chests and arms. So much so that Twilight was feeling a little self-conscious about going out like this.
A knock at the door broke them out of their thoughts as Applejack poked her head into the room. "You two love birds ready or not?" She whistled as she got a look at the pair. "Dang, Twi. Y'all going out for just a club."
Twi giggled as they joined their friend in the hallway. "It is my first time going out like this, AJ. I want to make it special. For all of us."
Twilight nodded. "And I really couldn't argue with that. Have you heard from Sunset? Is she supposed to meet us there?"
AJ nodded. "That's what she told Pinkie. Haven't talked to her much since I got back. She's been real quiet. Ain't like her if ya ask me. Something ain't right. Doubt it's anything bad, but still."
Twilight frowned. She didn't like the sound of that. It wasn't like Sunset to keep to herself like this. Something wasn't right for sure. She hoped that whatever it was, it was just a minor thing.
Velvet and Night Light were waiting for them at the front door. "Now. You kids don't do anything we wouldn't do," Velvet said with a smile.
Twi groaned. "Mom. There's not much you haven't done."
Velvet just grinned. "Exactly."
Twi only groaned louder while Twilight and Applejack giggled. "Ya sure, ya don't mind us doing this?" Applejack asked.
Night Light chuckled. "You girls have helped our little girl so much, I think we can trust you to handle them for a night. Just remember that if you think your families will be mad if something happens, you still have to deal with us."
Applejack gulped but held her ground. "No need to worry, sir. We won't let anything happen to them. Promise."
Night Light smiled. "I'm holding you to that, Applejack. I know your family takes things like this seriously. So I won't question it too much."
But as the trio passed through the door, Velvet giving Twi one last hug, he had one last thing to say, as he placed a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "And Twilight. Remember what I asked you last night?"
Twilight nodded, watching as Pinkie all but pulled Twi into the limo. "Yeah. I remember."
Light's smile grew. "Then don't waste the perfect chance."
Twilight smiled slightly before she joined her friends.
***
"So what did dad say?" Twi asked, as Twilight joined the girls and the limo pulled away.
She just shrugged. "Only that if I break your heart, he'll break my spine. And I rather like my spine, thank you!"
That got a chuckle out of the group. "So are you the only one who's been to Spectrum, Fluttershy?" Pinkie asked.
Fluttershy nodded. "Rainbow's taken me when my parents or brother couldn't."
Rainbow nodded. "Yeah. I don't swing that way. But Spectrum is the best club in town! How could I not go?"
"Doesn't it make it weird though? I mean. If you don't like other people in that way?" Twi asked, holding hands with Twilight.
Rainbow shrugged. "Yeah, it does. But the staff doesn't care if you're straight or not. Just don't do or say anything to discriminate against everybody else there and their. Um..."
"Sexual orientation, darling?" Rarity asked with a smile.
Rainbow smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, that. Past that, they don't mind. Business is business is how the owner told me."
Fluttershy nodded. "And their bouncer is scary when he's mad. I've seen him manhandle three very not people out the door before. But he's really sweet once you get to know him."
Pinkie popped between the two Twilights. "Not to ruin the moment or anything. But how are we going to explain you two? Twins?"
Twilight nodded. "It seems the easiest way to explain it, Pinkie. And if push comes to shove, we can just say we're keeping each other company and lending each other support."
Pinkie wiped her brow as she reappeared between Fluttershy and Rainbow. "Phew! Then I won't need Plan B after all!"
"What was Plan B?" Applejack asked.
Pinkie whistled innocently, as the limo began to slow down. "You don't want to know."
The girls shared a look as the limo finally came to a stop. A moment later, the driver opened the door with a smile. "We have arrived ladies. I will wait for you nearby. You only need to ring."
With that, the tension broke as Rainbow and Applejack fought to be first out, Applejack eventually winning. The girls groaned as they exited at a slower pace.
Twi gave Twilight a knowing smile as she stepped out before offering her hand. Twilight smiled as she took it, and was helped gracefully out. She took a moment to readjust to all the bright lights, but what she saw surprised her.
Spectrum seemed to take up an entire building, its neon sign flashing every few seconds. People seemed drawn to it as a steady stream entered the front door. As the group made their through it themselves, Twilight's ears were assaulted with a wall of sound before they even hit the Dance Floor.
The floor itself was filled with people, all dancing and having a good time. None of them Twilight recognized, as most of the girls now split up for the time being. But as she looked, Twilight's eyes were drawn to one particular red-headed young girl. She couldn't have been much younger than the princess herself, maybe even the same age in fact.
Dancing in front of her was a boy, no older than thirteen, with forest green hair, a cap covering most of it with fox ears. Twilight had to rub her eyes several times as it appeared he had three tails, each one swinging to the beat of the music.
The young girl looked rather annoyed with her friend about something. But Twilight also couldn't mistake the look that she did care for him, the boy returning the look with one mixed with joy and mischievousness.
For some strange reason, Twilight felt that she should know who they were. Rather well in fact. But she didn't know those faces. Here or in Equestria.
Twi seemed to catch on. "Do you know them?"
Twilight shook her head, as she watched the duo dance with who appeared to be their friends. "No. But I've got the strangest feeling that I should know them."
"How do you think I feel? I've had that feeling since I got here," a voice behind the two said. One that Twilight knew rather well in fact.
Her eye began twitching. Ohohoh, no. That was not who she thought it was. No. She was just hearing things. That was all. But as she turned around, Twilight came face to face with someone who was most assuredly not supposed to be there.
"Starlight Lenin I Swear I'm not a Cult Leader, Glimmer. What are you doing here?!"
Starlight smirked, crossing her arms in a way that she knew would annoy the princess. "Well. I was going to enjoy a night out. But now I'm talking to you apparently. Personally, I'd rather get out there and dance if it's all the same to you."
Twilight's eye twitching got worse. Ooh, she'd forgotten how infuriating Starlight could be when she put her mind to it. "How did you even get the Journal? Only I can get to its pocket dimension."
Starlight snorted. "Please. I fixed Starswirl's Time Travel spell. I think I can get into whatever you make, Twilight. You know how much I've wanted to come here. And yet you don't do much with the portal at all."
Twilight pinched her nose. "There's a good reason for that, Starlight. Ponies could wander through aimlessly, and the same goes for humans if I left it on all the time. Do know how dangerous that is?"
Sunset, who had come in behind Starlight, rolled her eyes. "It's not as bad as you think it is, princess."
Twilight turned to look at her fellow pony. "You, of all people, Sunset, should know better. What possessed you to think that this was a good idea? Magic and this world don't mix. Humans would not last a day in Equestria in a new body. You can't teach each and every one of them all they need to know in an afternoon. Not to stick out like a sore hoof anyway."
Sunset bit her lip, but she was too committed now. "Equestria can't hide forever, princess. Ponies will find the portal eventually, and one or more of them will go through it. Whether you like it or not. And like it or not, we can't hide magic forever. It's going to get out eventually, and we won't be able to stop all of it."
Twilight frowned, for she knew Sunset was right. She shared a look with Sci Twi, who bore a look of worry as well. "Then I will do what I need to do, Sunset."
Sci Twi's worry grew as she shared a look with Starlight. "And what would that be?"
Twilight looked at her love. Her heart ached to have to say this, but it needed to be said. "If I ever see a threat from Earth to Equestria, or magic is completely out of control or in the wrong hands? I will not hesitate. I will destroy the portal and everything that is connected to it."
The group gasped. Sunset smirked, though. "You're joking, Twilight. I know you are."
Twilight returned the smirk, before flicking Sunset's chin in the same way that the other girl once had to her. "You don't know me very well, Sunset, if you think that I'm joking. I take my role in protecting my ponies very seriously. If that means sacrificing my own happiness? Then so be it."
That shut the redhead up, for she could see that the princess was dead serious about this. Looking around, she could see that Sci Twi and Starlight knew the same thing.
After a moment, Twilight smiled brightly. "Now. I don't know about you. But I need a drink!" And happily pranced off to find the bar, Pinkie going along with her to help. Leaving the others alone with their thoughts.
Twilight sighed as she watched her friends enjoy themselves out on the dance floor. She knew she should be out there as well. But she had too much on her mind. This was not how this was meant to go. Off to the side, Sunset and Starlight seemed deep in discussion about something.
She turned away from the sight. There would be Tartarus to pay once the two of them returned to Equestria. Pinkie Promise. For now though, Twilight paid more mind to her drink. Sweet Apple Acres hard cider. Her favorite.
"Food for thought?" A voice asked, making her jump. Looking around, she found the young girl she had seen earlier sitting next to her with a worried look. "Shouldn't you be out there with your friends?"
Twilight managed a small smile. "I should. It's the whole reason we're here. And here I am mopping. Some birthday this is turning out to be." Her brows rose slightly. "And shouldn't you be doing the same..."
The girl took the hint. "Pearl Rose. And yeah, I should. But I can only take so much of Kohaku's constant teasing before I go crazy," she snorted giving a pointed look at the boy from earlier.
Twilight followed her eyes. He did seem to be the teasing type for some reason that she couldn't place a finger. Again, though, there was that nagging itch that she should know the both of them. Why? She pushed the thought aside for now. "He doesn't seem that bad."
Pearl rolled her eyes. "You don't know him as I do. Since the day we first met he's mastered the art of getting under my skin and pushing all of my buttons. And yet he's still one of my best friends. I wonder why some days. But he is." She gave Twilight a look. "What about you? You girls all came in together, and yet here you are while they're out there having fun. What gives, Twilight?"
Twilight wondered how Pearl knew her name, but pushed it aside for the moment. "I should be out there. But I just can't. Not right now. I've got too much to think about. One of my friends isn't even supposed to be here."
Pearl could make a good guess on who it was. "What? Does she have a problem with all of this?" She gestured to everything around them. "They'll skin her alive if she makes a scene about it. Literally."
Twilight shook her head. "No, it's not that. Starlight has never had a problem with things like this. Even though she's straight. It's..." She sighed. "it's complicated. And something that shouldn't be talked about to a lot of people."
Pearl smiled. "I can keep a secret."
Twilight chuckled. "I don't doubt it. But this isn't the right time or place to talk about it. Not yet. Maybe one day that will change."
Pearl sighed. "Fine. So. Are any of your friends more than just friends?" She smirked.
Twilight blushed. "Yes. It's someone I never expected as well. But I couldn't be happier. And I want us to work. But we live so far apart. It's hard to get together like this. Let alone with all of our friends."
Pearl's face fell. "Then why the hell are you wasting time over here? You've got it bad for whoever it is. Even I can see that. I heard one of them say this is for your birthday. Do you really want it to go waste like this? Especially if you had to travel a long way to get here?"
Twilight bit her lip. She knew Pearl was right of course. Why the hay was she over here doing nothing? Yes, she was mad beyond belief at Starlight and Sunset's deception. But could she really waste away the night like this?
At that moment, Sci Twi sauntered over and pulled her off of her stool. "Oh no. You are not wasting time like this! We put too much into this for the guest of honor not to have any fun of her own. So come on! Show me those moves that I know you have!"
Twilight blushed while Pearl giggled. Twi shot her an apologetic look. Why did she seem so familar? "I'm sorry if she was being no fun or taking too much of your time. She's usually not like this."
Pearl waved her off. "Naw, she was fine. Is she your sister?"
Twi nodded. "Yeah. She just got into town yesterday. I don't know why she's being so down. This is supposed to be a night for fun. Isn't it?" She asked, shooting the princess a pointed look.
Twilight groaned. "Okay. I get it." She smiled. "And you're right. This is meant to be fun tonight, and here I am wasting my time at the bar. Starlight is going to hear about this later. So is Sunset. But right. I say we get this party started."
Twi giggled, and lead the two over to where their friends waited for them.
Pearl watched them go with a smile. One that grew into a smirk as she saw the twin's hands interweave. "Sisters my right foot," she giggled, quick to finish Twilight's drink.
"So what were you two talking about so much? Did Twi remember you?" Kohaku asked as he joined her.
Pearl just smiled. "Giving someone the kick in the pants she needed." Her eyes fell. "And she still didn't remember me." She gave her friend a look. "Kohaku. Do you get the feeling that we should know her? I have the weirdest feeling that I should know who she is. That we both should. Rather well in fact. Forget us trying to be friends with Twi when we were kids. This is something else."
Kohaku just smiled enigmatically, a gleam in his eyes telling Pearl that he probably knew more than he was letting on. But he didn't say anything more, earning an eye roll from his friend.
"So who were you talking to?" Pinkie asked as the duo rejoined the group. "She looks familiar for some reason."
Twilight rolled her eyes. "She said her name was Pearl Rose."
Rarity gasped. "Did you say her name was Rose?"
Twilight nodded, not sure what the problem was. "Yes? Why? Do you know her?"
Applejack shook her head in bemusement. "Land sakes, Twi. Her family's the second richest in Canterlot. Dad owns his own shipping company and her mom is big in the banking business."
Pinkie nodded. "That's where I've seen her before! She comes in the Sweet Shop all the time! Really nice too. Not like those snobby rich kids you see Crystal Prep or everywhere else."
Twi nodded, her heart falling in horror as she remembered all the times Pearl had genuinely tried to be friends with her as children. How she had blown her off or just ignored her. "The only other family that comes above them is the Forest family. The patriarch is a major mover and shaker in the trading business. His wife isn't seen much. One of their daughters was actually my childhood doctor. Doctor Riko. I always liked her," she giggled. "Their only son, Kohaku, is a well-known trouble maker and prankster. He never makes them dangerous. But he's gotten in trouble for them."
Twilight tapped her chin, filing away the information for later. For now, though, she turned to look at Starlight and Sunset, who at least had the decency to not look totally happy with themselves. She sighed. "Look. Calling me happy right now would make me a liar."
Starlight's head fell. "So you're going to send me back to Equestria?"
Twilight shook her head, smiling as she placed a hand on her shoulder. "Even if I could, Starlight. I won't. Yes, I'm mad you went behind my back like this. Both of you, and we will be having a long talk about this when we get home, Starlight. But we're here to have a good time. And I will not ruin everyone's night by being a downer about all of this."
Sunset managed to smile a little. But she knew she would be hearing it later, and she really wasn't looking forward to it.
Twilight smiled as she pulled the group into a hug. "So come on. Let's get this party started!"
Pinkie squeed. Before she could run off, however, she felt someone tap her on the arm. Looking over, she found Pearl smiling about something before gesturing to the boy next to her.
Kohaku's own smile rivaled Pinkie's own as he whispered something in her ears. Whatever it was, it made Pinkie even happier it seemed before the pair rushed off.
"What was that about?" Fluttershy asked.
Pearl giggled. "You'll see. Call it a birthday gift from us to you, Twilight."
Twilight wasn't sure what to make of that as, up at the booth, Kohaku whispered something to the DJ. He seemed shocked about something for a moment but soon shrugged. "Alright, everybody! We've got a special request. This one's for the birthday girl in the house, Twilight Sparkle!"
Twilight blushed at the attention she was getting, earning an eye roll from her friends.
"Ladies, you asked for her. You want her. So here she is to light the night. The radiant superstar, Starsong!"
A cheer went up as the lights dimmed. Twilight was confused for a moment before a new song started. Whoever the voice belonged to, though, her singing was beautiful and enchanting at the same time. Starsong herself was in her mid-20s if she had to guess. She had a beauty and grace Twilight had seen in only a few others, but what really stood out was her silver hair and eyes. Eyes that seemed to linger on Twilight for a moment, and a small smile came to her lips.
Rainbow gawked in shock. "Starsong?! You know Starsong?!"
Pearl giggled. "Know her? She's Kohaku's mom. I've known her for as long as I can remember. She's really nice once you get to know her."
Rainbow's mind seemed to have come to a screeching halt at the revelations. Fluttershy was quick to drag her away before anything else happened, getting a giggle out of the group before the sound of the music and song really hit them.
Sci Twi gave Twilight a knowing smile as she pulled her over and held her close. "I've seen how you dance. No more. I'm going to teach you how to dance, even if it kills me." Her smile grew. "Just follow my lead and you'll be fine."
Twilight pouted as she took Twi's hands. Her dancing wasn't that bad. Was it? She soon pushed the thought aside as she tried to keep up with Twi, even as the others found a partner of their own. Applejack soon paired off with Sunset, Fluttershy with Starlight, and Rarity paired off with Rainbow.
Dancing had always been one of Twilight's favorite things, and she felt herself relax as her body seemed to move on its own, bobbing and weaving to Starsong's song. The air seemed to shimmer as her voice seemed to grow in power. It was almost hypnotic.
Twilight giggled as she and Twi came back to back, their hands in the air, almost touching. Twi shot her a smirk, and Twilight couldn't help but grin widely in return. They were almost synchronized in their movements, their bodies flowing together perfectly.
Even Pearl found it mesmerizing, as she and Pinkie joined up, and it only confirmed to her that they were way more than sisters.
Eventually, though, the song ended. earning another cheer from the whole venue, and even Twilight found herself adding her voice to the cheer.
Starsong smiled, as Kohaku whispered something in her ear. "Alright, everyone. This next song is for all of the couples out here tonight." Her smile grew as her eyes landed on Twilight and her friends, a spotlight suddenly illuminating the group. "And especially the birthday girl. Happy birthday, Twilight. Let's make this one you won't soon forget."
Twilight blushed at all the attention she was suddenly getting but soon forgot about it as Starsong started another song.This one was much slower, and soon everyone had found a partner to enjoy it with. Even Starlight couldn't stop herself from grinning as she and Fluttershy got close.
Twilight and Twi didn't need to be told twice, and Twilight pulled her twin close, getting a glowing smile as she did, Twi resting her head on the princess's shoulder as their hands came together. Together, they lost sight of everything around them but the music and each other. Just like that day on Mount Aris, they found the music even seemed to be the same as well.
Twilight sighed happily as the two of them swayed together. Her mind went to what her dad had asked her the day before. Right now, this place. This moment. If there was ever a time to say it, now would be it. Maybe it was the magic in the air (and Twilight could feel that it was actual magic of some kind, and filed it away for later), but right now. Princess Twilight Sparkle didn't care.
Twi looked up at her as they stopped for a moment. But the look in the princess's eyes helped put her at ease.
Twilight smiled as she held Twi closer and brought their heads together. Her smile softened as she whispered three words. Only three. But they sent Twi's heart all aflutter. "I love you."
Twi's gasped as her eyes teared up. But they were happy tears, as she threw her arms around Twilight and hugged her. "I love you too! I don't care if it's weird or what people might say. I love you. And I always will!"
Twilight's smile grew as she drew Twi's lips to her own, and the two shared a passionate kiss. They didn't care who might see them or what they might say about this. It didn't matter to them. All they cared about was the person in front of them.
As their friends cheered, and the music played on, one thing they both knew for sure.
Whatever the future might hold for them, they would face it. Together.
Sci Twi hummed happily, her hips swaying to the music from the night before, as she set down two plates at the table, dressed only in a long purple robe. While she had always been a fan of Starsong, to hear her music in person beat out listening on the radio or her albums by a long way.
Looking up, she giggled as she watched Twilight stumble into the room, dressed in an identical robe. Her hair, though, went in every which way possible, making Twi giggle even more.
Twilight gave her a flat look. "Do I look that silly?"
Twi smiled lovingly before leaning in and kissing her girlfriend. Marefriend? Both? She would have to straighten that out one day. "No. You look beautiful. Even a bad case of bed hair can't change that. Did you enjoy last night?"
Twilight nodded happily, accepting a cup of coffee before taking a sip. "Yes. Very much so. I doubt anything my friends back home will have will top last night." She paused before smiling sheepishly. "Um. I don't suppose I could get the songs Starsong sang, could I?"
Twi giggled. "It might be hard. The first one, Ultraluminary, is from a movie that as far as I know doesn't have a soundtrack out. And Dragonsong has not been released yet on Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward's OST. It will be coming out eventually."
Twilight nodded. Darn it. "And the excitement of the club and that concert. I could have sworn that was magic being used. I swear that there was something in the air."
"Well, last night was certainly magical enough for me," Twi winked, earning a blush from the princess. "Besides. How could it be magic? All magical doors were closed. Unless our world has magic that we do not know about. And Starsong has been performing since long before Sunset came to this world."
"Yeah..." Twilight said, sitting there for a time, seemingly lost in thought before it struck her like a bolt of lightning. "Oh, my Celestia! I felt something was off last night! Now I know for sure there was."
Twi just gave her a confused look. "What are you talking about?"
Twilight smiled. "Think about it. You said that your childhood doctor was Starsong's daughter, correct?" Twi nodded. "From what I got from Pearl, she and her sisters are all in their early to mid-twenties, and Kohaku comes in as the youngest at twelve. And yet, Starsong does not look any older than her mid-twenties herself." She crossed her arms. "Now tell me. What part of this makes any sense to you?"
Twi took a moment to think about this, while the princess busied herself with helping herself to the pancakes before her. She held back a moan of delight. These were good. She wondered if she could get the recipe for them.
Twi's eyes widened in shock. "That is not physically possible. Medically, that is not possible. How can anyone do that?"
Twilight sighed. "I do not know. This goes against everything I know as well. No magic I know could do this. And I know most. I think there is something very fishy going on here. I felt the same with Kohaku as well."
Twi crossed her arms with a huff. "So what? Do you want us to keep an eye on them? That is low, and I did not think you would ever go that low, Twily."
Twilight winced, hearing the edge in her girlfriend's voice. Luckily, she had another thing in mind as she took Twi's hands. "No. Goddess above, no, I am not saying or suggesting you girls do anything like that. That is wrong in every way possible. Whatever magic was being used I did not feel anything wrong with it. It was comforting and protective. Like being wrapped in the moonlight if that makes any sense."
Twi's frown melted away into a smile. "I felt the same way. Maybe it's because I am a night owl. But I've always enjoyed the moon. Last night? It almost felt like I was seeing a Moon Goddess in the flesh. If that makes any sense?"
Twilight giggled. "No. I felt the same way. Maybe not in those words, but the feeling is the same. Whatever the case may be, I guess we will never know. It is not like we can just ask them about it. We would look crazy."
Twi giggled. "True. The Forest family has always been a bit quirky though. They live just down the street. But aside from their mansion, you would never know they live there. They usually keep to themselves. Honestly, only the Storm family is close to them, and they live right next to each other. You met their daughter last night."
"Pearl?" Twilight asked, getting a nod in return. "She seems nice. But I can't shake this feeling that I should know her. Both her and Kohaku. Really well too. But I don't. I do not know anypony with either of those names. Either in Ponyville or Canterlot."
Twi smiled as planted another kiss on the princess's lips. "Maybe you will meet them one day? They were both super nice, so I can't see why you could not get along with their Equestrian counterparts." She shook her head sadly. "I've known both Pearl and Kohaku for years. They tried so hard to be friends with me when we were kids." She sniffed. "I blew them off every time, or flat out ignored them. I think Pearl had a crush on me at one time as well."
Twilight's heart fell. "Then last night?"
Twi nodded. "I saw it in her eyes. Pearl was heartbroken that I didn't even remember her name at the bar. Oh, she didn't say anything. But I saw it," she sniffed.
Twilight quickly took her hands in her own. "What will you do now?"
Twi smiled slightly. "Apologize to both Pearl and Kohaku. They won't want anything to do with me now. But I owe them this."
Twilight smiled, and before long the two were digging into breakfast, putting the thoughts aside for now. In her mind, Twilight was rather looking forward to the idea of possibly meeting them in Equestria. But for now, that was for the future.
