———
Eques-MLPEGRR-Unknown; Time: Morning Location: Canterlot High School
——
The portal of swirling, Crackling energy contracted & imploded behind Sterling with a soft whoosh, Leaving him standing just behind the Mane Six as they hugged, reuniting with Twilight. In a flash, Sterling had summoned an outfit: A sleek black jacket, A dark green undershirt, Khaki pants with knee pads, And sturdy black boots. He was a new figure in front of Canterlot High, But the girls were so engrossed in their reunion that they didn't notice him yet.
"And I've got some troubling news about the new girls…" Twilight said, Her voice laced with concern as she fidgeted with a strand of her navy blue hair.
Just then, Sterling interjected, his voice calm and steady, drawing their attention. "Well… Don't worry. You'll have plenty of help." A warm smile spread across his face, His slate blue eyes sparkling with a reassuring light.
The Mane Six all broke their hug & turned in unison, A chorus of gasps & surprised shouts erupting. They had been so focused on Twilight that they hadn't heard him approach.
"Whoa, Where'd you come from?" Rainbow Dash demanded, Her magenta eyes narrowed in suspicion. She took a step forward, Her confident, athletic posture ready for anything.
Pinkie Pie, However, was already in his face, her magenta curls bouncing wildly. "Hi! Are you a new student? Are you a magician? Did you just appear out of thin air? I bet you did! I just know it!" Her questions were a rapid-fire assault of bubbly curiosity.
Sterling chuckled softly, The sound a low, pleasant rumble. "Something like that…" He replied to Pinkie, Then turned to the others & wanting them to at least trust him a bit, he says. "My name is Sterling Schnee, I am from Remnant-616, and I'm new here." He paused, Seeing their blank stares. "It's another world," He clarified, his slate blue eyes sparkling with a calm, reassuring light.
A wave of stunned silence fell over the group, Broken only by Pinkie Pie's ecstatic squeal. "Another world?! Like a portal? Like a magical, Swirly, sparkly portal? Ooh, Did you see any talking animals? I bet they were super cute!"
Twilight's eyes, Hosever, widened with a different kind of wonder. Her initial anxiety was completely forgotten, Replaced by a surge of intellectual & magical curiosity. "Another world? You mean like... Equestria? That's incredible! The scientific & magical implications of interdimensional travel are astounding!" She gushed, Already reaching for a non-existent notebook.
Applejack, Ever the grounded & skeptical one, looked at him with an unconvinced expression. She crossed her arms over her chest, Her light green eyes narrowed. "Now hold on a minute there, Partner. Another world? That's a mighty tall tale to be slingin' around a high school parking lot."
Rainbow Dash just let out a scoff. "Yeah, right. 'Another world.' What are you, some kind of weirdo cosplayer?" Her tone was blunt and competitive, As if challenging him to a fight.
Sterling opens his own Custom-Made Scroll & shows Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, And Sunset Shimmer the map of Remnant.
Sterling, Unfazed by their reactions, simply reached down and opened his custom-made Scroll. The device, Which resembled a sleek, futuristic phone with a blue and white casing, unfolded with a quiet click. A holographic projection shimmered to life above it, Displaying a detailed map.
The first image was an official-looking cartography of four distinct continents—Atlas, Vale, Vacuo, And Mistral—all labeled with cities, kingdoms, and a compass rose. The second one was an unofficial, more artistic map, showing the same landmasses but with more detailed terrain features and notes. "This is the world of Remnant," He stated calmly, Gesturing to the glowing projection. "My world. It's not a tale."
The girls all leaned in, Their eyes glued to the holographic map. Twilight's jaw was practically on the floor. Her mind, So used to the predictable magic of Equestria & the familiar reality of her human world, was now being overloaded with entirely new data. "The continents... The kingdoms... It's a completely different geological structure," She murmured, A hand to her chin. "And what's that energy reading on the side?" Twilight asked, Pointing to a small, glowing bar on the device's edge.
"That's an Aura meter," Sterling explained, Though he didn't elaborate on what Aura was. "It's a personal energy shield we all possess. It's what protects us from the creatures of Grimm." Applejack stared at the map, Her expression a mix of disbelief and grudging acceptance. "Well, I'll be…" AJ muttered. The map, With its detailed coastlines & kingdoms, was far too intricate and real-looking to be some kind of prank.
Rainbow Dash was still skeptical, But her fascination with the holographic tech was obvious. "That's a pretty sweet gadget," She admitted, Nudging it with her finger, only to have her finger pass right through the projected image. "Whoa! That's awesome!"
Sunset Shimmer, However, had gone completely quiet. She was the one who understood the reality of this more than anyone else. The map, the Scroll, the calm certainty in Sterling's voice—it was all proof. He wasn't just a weird kid; He was like her. He was an emissary from a world she couldn't imagine, Carrying a burden she knew all too well. A sense of shared experience, Of being an outsider in a world you weren't born into, passed between them. "So, What does this have to do with the Dazzlings?" Twilight asked, Finally pulling her gaze away from the map.
Sterling's expression turned serious, And he closed his Scroll, making the projection vanish & opened his audio file & played his conversation with Artneas.
"Hello! Young Schnee~!"
"Hi! Goddess Artneas!"
"How are you, Sterling? Good, I hope?!"
"I'm doing great just did a mission now in fact!"
"Really, Now~ What was it?"
"Yup! It's Earth-KNY-274"
"Ohh, I know that one! I put that mission in the Mission Tab like three days ago I think?"
"You think?"
"Well, I am not Omniscient, Omnipotent, Or Omnipresent. Just hey, Kinda look a Watcher for the MCU Universes."
"Ohh… Ok, I think I understand."
"It's why it took so long to find you all those years ago to find you."
"Right!"
"Now… For the reason I called you… I called you because when you accepted this mission an unknown energy source hopped onto your portal energy & when you leave this Earth for somewhere in the MLPverse, So… Good News? Or Bad News?"
"Good News, I guess."
"Good News is that I & Zinthara, Know what Verse you are going to, it's basically canon MLP: Equestria Girls World. Bad News, You have to do something in there for you to come back here. Tho, I & Zinthara think it should be easy to do."
Sterling sighed with Artneas' hearing.
"Already… That sounds fine, I guess… Thanks for letting me know, Lady Artneas."
"It's fun, Also the unknown energy source hopped onto your portal energy has Harmony Energy in it, So it may just be asking for help. You did help Eques-MLP-382."
"Right, Talk to you later. Lady Artneas."
"Goodbye, Young Schnee~!"
Sterling then stops the audio file when his conversation with Artneas is finished. The air around the group was thick with a new kind of silence—not of confusion or skepticism, but of stunned revelation. The girls' faces were a canvas of disbelief, Their eyes wide as they processed the cosmic conversation they had just overheard.
Twilight was the first to speak, Her voice a hushed whisper filled with utter awe. "A goddess… She used the words… 'Portal Energy' & 'Harmony Energy'…" She felt a shiver run down her spine. This wasn't just a coincidence; It was a direct connection to the magic she knew and the world she came from. The magical terms were like a key unlocking a new level of understanding about her own journey.
Sunset Shimmer's gaze was fixed on Sterling, A look of profound understanding in her aquamarine eyes.
The term "Portal Energy" resonated with her most of all. She had felt it countless times, both as a pony crossing into this world and as a human using the portal to send messages back. But the mention of "Harmony Energy" gave her a new focus. Her own magic was linked to the Elements of Harmony; this was the very essence of their power, a cosmic force that was now apparently at risk. "The 'Unknown Energy Source'… and it had 'Harmony Energy' in it…" She murmured, Her mind racing to connect the dots. "It hitched a ride on his portal energy… And it might be asking for help."
Applejack's tough exterior had completely crumbled. She just stood there, Her mouth slightly agape, a faint blush of embarrassment on her cheeks for her earlier skepticism. "A... a goddess?" she finally managed to say, her voice cracking with disbelief. "She called ya 'Young Schnee'… and mentioned 'Harmony Energy'..." The down-to-earth farm girl was now face-to-face with a reality far stranger than anything she could have imagined.
Rainbow Dash's jaw was practically on the floor. Her initial competitiveness was gone, Replaced by a genuine sense of awe. "Okay, fine, you win…" She said, Shaking her head. "I guess you're not a weirdo cosplayer after all. You're... a multiverse traveler sent by a goddess. That's way more awesome!"
Pinkie Pie, In true Pinkie fashion, found the whole thing delightful. She bounced on the balls of her feet, a massive smile on her face. "A goddess! You know a goddess! That's so cool! Is she gonna come visit? Does she like cupcakes? I bet she likes cupcakes!"
Fluttershy, meanwhile, was clutching her hands to her chest, her soft eyes filled with quiet amazement. The conversation had been overwhelming, but the words "Harmony Energy" and the notion that it "may just be asking for help" made a deep impression on her empathetic nature. She felt a profound connection to the magical energy of her friends, and the thought of it being in distress was deeply concerning.
Rarity was speechless for a moment, then she straightened her posture, regaining her composure. "Well, darling, that certainly adds a new layer to our predicament," she said, her voice filled with a dramatic flair that couldn't quite hide her shock. "The 'unknown energy source' and 'Harmony Energy'… it all sounds rather… enchanting and terribly, terribly important."
Twilight finally broke the silent awe that had fallen over the group. "This changes everything," She said, Her voice filled with a renewed sense of purpose. "The Dazzlings aren't just causing a problem; They're draining a vital cosmic force. We have to stop them. Not just for the school, but for... For all of it!"
Sterling nodded, His smile returning, a quiet sense of victory in his expression. "That's why I'm here," He said, Looking at each of the girls in turn. "The goddesses think it should be easy. I don't know about that. But they were right about one thing. You're going to need help, and I'm ready to give it."
The girls, Now fully on board & understanding the true stakes of their fight, gathered around him. The skepticism was gone, Replaced by a shared sense of urgency & a new, powerful ally from another world. The battle of the bands was no longer just about music; It was about protecting the very Harmony of their world.
———
Eques-MLPEGRR-1Unknown; Time: Morning Location: Sugarcube Corner
——
Assorted expressions of dismay. Dissolve to the exterior of the coffee shop that serves as this world's equivalent of Sugarcube Corner, The gang at a table inside. Twilight & Rarity are seated on a couch; Sunset on one of its arms & Sterling on the other side; Applejack/Fluttershy/Rainbow in chairs; Applejack sitting backwards on hers and Spike on Fluttershy's lap; Pinkie bringing over a couple of drinks. On the next line, She sits down next to Twilight and gives her one, keeping the other—a chocolate milkshake—for herself. Rainbow already has a beverage of her own, and a cup of tea sits before Rarity.
The atmosphere in the bustling coffee shop was a stark contrast to the serious expressions on the faces of the friends. The familiar, Comforting aroma of coffee and pastries filled the air, but the girls were focused on anything but. Pinkie Pie took a long, Noisy slurp from her milkshake before the silence was broken.
"So…" Twilight began, Swirling her drink thoughtfully. "Sterling's... Conversation with a goddess confirmed that the Dazzlings are not just troublemakers. They're actually draining our world's Harmony Energy. That's maybe why we've been turning into our pony-like forms when we play our music."
Rarity delicately sipped her tea, her expression a mix of concern and theatrical worry. "The very idea! To feed off of something so pure & beautiful... It's utterly barbaric!"
"It's a battle for the school's heart," Sterling said from his spot on the armrest, His voice cutting through the tension with a calm authority. "From what I've seen in other worlds, these kinds of threats thrive on division and chaos. The Dazzlings are trying to turn you against each other so they can get stronger. That's why you can't play the counter-spell yet."
Applejack, Sitting backwards in her chair, leaned forward. "So what you're sayin' is, we gotta write a new song that'll… What? Overpower 'em?" She asked, Her tone still a little guarded but more accepting of his advice now.
Twilight nodded, A look of renewed determination in her light violet eyes. "Exactly. We need to write a powerful counter-spell. But we have to do it together, As friends. The magic of our friendship is the only thing strong enough to stop them." She looked at her friends, A flicker of doubt still in her gaze. "But… What if it's not enough? What if we can't figure it out in time?"
Rainbow Dash slammed her fist on the table. "Don't you start with that negative energy, Twi! We're the Rainbooms! We're awesome! We'll write the best song ever and totally rock their socks off!"
"Rainbow Dash is right," Sunset Shimmer said softly, Her voice carrying a weight of experience. She looked at Sterling. "You've seen what happens when these kinds of threats win. We can't let that happen here."
"I have," Sterling confirmed, His mind flashing back to the desolate wasteland of the Infinity Castle and the fear he had sensed from Shinobu. "And a lot of people were hurt because of it. Your friendship is your greatest weapon, but you're all still letting them get to you. You're bickering more than ever, just like they want."
A wave of embarrassed silence fell over the group. They knew he was right. They had been arguing constantly, their friendships strained by the Dazzlings' magic.
"Well then, We need to stop bickering & start songwriting!" Pinkie Pie announced with a cheerful pop, jumping up from her seat. "Come on! We'll just be best friends like we always are, And the magic will flow like a river of chocolate milkshakes!"
Fluttershy, Stroking Spike's head gently, offered a quiet but heartfelt thought. "Maybe… maybe we should also try to be kinder to the other students, too. They seem so sad and angry."
"Fluttershy has a point," Rarity added. "If we're the beacon of friendship, we must act like it. It's not just about us; it's about the entire school's harmony, darling."
Twilight smiled, Her anxiety finally receding. With her friends—and Sterling—by her side, she felt a surge of confidence. "Okay. Rarity's right. The Dazzlings' magic might be powerful, but our friendship is stronger. Let's head back to the school and start working on that counter-spell. Together." The group, With a newfound sense of purpose, rose from their seats, ready to face the musical showdown with a new ally & a clearer understanding of the true stakes.
Big squeaky grin from her frizzy-haired friend. Dissolve to the school gym, Now filled with twos and threes of students who are keeping their distance from each other & shooting plenty of nasty looks.
———
Eques-MLPEGRR-1Unk3nown; Time: Late Morning Location: Canterlot High School Gym
——
The new big eight are standing near a refreshment table at one side; Fluttershy is no longer carrying Spike. Featherweight and a couple of his techie friends throw a hairy eyeball across the way, A quick pan framing Trixie's trio on the receiving end, and another pan shows the Crusaders in an equally sour mood, throwing squint-eyed glares at a passing student. As Pinkie stuffs her face, A cut to the area in front of the stage & slow pan frame more aspiring rock stars: A trio led by Photo, Snails throwing his arms down at them & being thoroughly ignored, and Snips posturing in front of an irked Flash as if to say, "What you got?" The blue-haired guitarist pulls an arm back past two of his rocker buddies as if to throw a punch—and then whips it forward, snatching up a drink cup.
The tension in the gym was a palpable, ugly thing, humming with the low-frequency magic of the Dazzlings. To the casual observer, It might have looked like a normal high school clique war, but to the Mane Seven—and now Sterling—it was a full-blown crisis.
Sterling watched Flash Sentry's almost-punch with a grim expression. The sudden, violent gesture, even when it turned out to be a simple grab for a drink, was a clear sign of how on edge everyone was. He turned to the girls, his face serious.
"This is bad," Sterling said, His voice low but firm. "The atmosphere in here… It's thick with it. The negative energy. It's like a poison in the air, And they're all breathing it in."
Twilight nodded gravely, Her light violet eyes scanning the room. She could feel the disharmony, A dissonant hum that grated on her nerves. "It's worse than I thought. Look at them. They're not just mad at each other; It's like they can't even stand to be in the same room. It's a miracle there haven't been any actual fights yet."
"Yeah, They're just feeding on it!" Rainbow Dash added, Her own competitive fire flaring up, but now with a purpose. "Every nasty look, Every argument... It's all making the Dazzlings stronger. We gotta put a stop to this!"
Fluttershy hugged herself, Her gaze full of sadness as she watched a group of students bicker. "They all seem so unhappy," She whispered, Her voice full of empathy. "The Dazzlings are hurting everyone."
Sunset Shimmer, too, felt the weight of the students' emotions. She remembered what it was like to be consumed by negativity, And the sight of it spreading through the school was a painful reminder of her own past. "We have to fix this," She said, Her voice filled with a quiet resolve. "The counter-spell has to work."
"It may work but not now, but not at this moment…" Sterling mused, A contemplative look crossing his face. He glanced at the group around him, Feeling the weight of their expectations. "We need a quick fix—a temporary "Band-Aid" on this…" He paused, An idea beginning to take shape in his mind. With a spark of determination in his eyes, He turned to his newfound friends. "And I have an idea…"
Just before the Mane Seven could speak with Sterling, He turned with an air of calm confidence & strode gracefully away. With each purposeful step, He made his way toward the stage that loomed majestically in the center of the expansive gymnasium, its polished wooden surface gleaming under the glow of the overhead lights. The sounds of excited chatter faded as he ascended the steps, the anticipation in the air thickening with every movement.
Sterling grabs his Custom-Made Scroll & connects to the Canterlot High Gym's PA System. A soft click echoes through the speakers, Silencing the low hum of disharmony in the room. Every pair of eyes—from the bickering techies to the angry Crusaders & the posturing rock stars—was now fixed on the spiky-haired newcomer on the stage. The Rainbooms watched from the side, A mix of curiosity & concern on their faces.
With a final, Confident look to the crowd, Sterling tapped his Scroll, and a rhythmic, pulsing beat began to fill the gym. He took a deep breath, And his voice, clear & full of a rich, warm energy, filled the space. It wasn't just a voice; It was a physical force, a wave of pure, unadulterated joy that washed over every student.
"Because I'm happy," Sterling sang, A genuine smile spreading across his face, his slate blue eyes sparkling with a familiar reassuring light. "Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof."
He clapped along, And the beat grew a little stronger. The students, Who moments ago had been glaring at each other, now looked confused, then intrigued. A few of them, Almost without thinking, began to clap along.
"Because I'm happy. Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth."
The song continued, And the strange, joyful energy began to work its magic. The nasty looks faded, Replaced by tentative smiles. Flash Sentry, Who had been about to get into a shouting match with Snips, now just held his cup and bobbed his head slightly to the beat. Snips, in turn, began to tap his foot.
The Mane Seven watched in amazement. They could feel it—a shift in the magical atmosphere. The dissonant hum was fading, Replaced by the catchy, infectious rhythm of the song. Twilight's eyes shone with fascination. The song, She realized, wasn't just a song; It was a focused burst of positive energy, A temporary counter-spell in its own right.
"Because I'm happy~" Sterling sang again, His voice echoing through the gym with a power that went beyond simple acoustics. "Clap along if you know what happiness is to you!"
The clapping grew louder. More & more students were joining in, a shared, collective wave of positivity building up. The Crusaders were now smiling and laughing as they clapped. Trixie's trio looked annoyed, But even they couldn't help but tap their feet slightly.
Pinkie Pie began to dance on the spot, her curls bouncing with glee. "He's making them happy! It's working! It's working!" she cheered.
As Sterling reached the chorus one last time, The entire gym was filled with students clapping along, their smiles genuine and their anger forgotten for the moment. The oppressive, Negative magic of the Dazzlings had been pushed back, even if only for a short while. Sterling finished the song with a flourish, And the crowd, for a moment, simply stood there in a collective daze of joy and confusion.
He looked at the Mane Seven & gave them a simple nod, as if to say, "The 'Band-Aid' is on. Now let's get to work." The girls, No longer in dismay, now had a clear path forward, and a new, powerful piece of their plan had just been put into action. The real work of writing their counter-spell, however, was still ahead of them.
———
Eques-MLPEGRR-1Unk3n0wn; Time: Midday Location: In front of Canterlot High School
——
From there, The Mane Seven escaped from the gym before The Dazzlings can do anything & only suspecting Sterling as their front steps: Twilight standing out front, Pinkie perched on a railing in front of the High School, the others sitting on the steps. Spike is with them. The afternoon sun shone down on Canterlot High, A welcome change from the tension-filled gloom of the gym. A collective sigh of relief passed through the group as they settled down, The residual joy from Sterling's song still lingered in the air like a pleasant echo.
Pinkie Pie, Swinging her legs on the railing, was the first to speak. "That was so much fun! You're a great singer, Sterling! And you made everyone happy!" She bounced with glee.
Rainbow Dash, Leaning against the steps, a rare expression of genuine awe on her face, nudged Sterling's shoulder. "Okay, I gotta hand it to you, dude. That was pretty awesome. You just walked up there & totally owned the stage. Even Trixie looked like she was about to smile."
Sterling chuckled softly. "It was just a temporary solution. A 'Band-Aid,' as I said before. The Dazzlings' magic is a lot more complex than a single song can fix permanently. But it bought us some time."
Twilight, Still trying to wrap her head around the magical display, gestured with her hands as if conducting an invisible symphony. "But how did you do that? The energy… It felt so pure. So different from what the Dazzlings are doing. It was a direct counter-force to their magic. Did you... channel Harmony Energy through the song?"
Sterling shrugged, A thoughtful expression on his face. "In a way, yes. My world's 'Aura' is a manifestation is one way a soul manifests, Like an invisible barrier around me like a second skin. The second manifestation of a soul is my semblance—my unique power—allows me to create Glyphs so I can make a slippery platform to skate on at high speed, Generate midair platforms to manipulate my trajectory in the air, and perform limited-time dilation that can speed up actions. What I did as put some mana into my voice to amplify positive emotions & combined with a song, It acted as a magical amplifier. It's the same basic principle as your friendship magic, just a different method of application."
Applejack stared at him, still amazed. "So you're sayin' you can just... sing away the bad feelings?"
"It's not that simple," Sterling replied. "The song worked because it's a song about happiness, And I amplified that emotion with my mana. But it was only a burst. The Dazzlings' magic is a constant, steady drain. That's why we need to come up with something more powerful, Something that comes from all of you, together."
Sunset Shimmer, Who had been quiet, finally spoke, her eyes meeting Sterling's. "So the song was just a taste of what we're up against, And what we can do. They're probably trying to figure out what happened in there right now."
"Exactly," Sterling said, A serious edge returning to his voice. "They're not going to be happy about this. They'll be on their guard. We need to go somewhere they won't expect us & focus on writing your song. The real one."
Twilight, now feeling more confident and energized than before, straightened up. "He's right. The longer we wait, The stronger they'll get. We have to come up with our counter-spell, And we have to do it now. This time, we're not just fighting for a music festival; We're fighting for the harmony of the entire school."
"I'm sure I could figure out how to write one." Twilight says, Spike runs up to her feet & pats one. "Twilight can write a spell like it's nobody's business." He says as he sits up & crosses his forelegs. "That's pretty much how she got to become a princess in Equestria."
"Technically, I helped finish a spell— (pointedly) —and there was a little more to it than that, Spike." She says, As then Spike answers with. "Yeah, Whatever."
"Technically, I played a crucial role in completing a spell–" She said, Her gaze sharp and unyielding "–and believe me, There was much more to it than just that, Spike." A flicker of determination danced in her eyes. Spike, Shrugging with casual indifference, replied with. "Yeah, whatever."
"I've got this!" Twilight declared, Her eyes sparkling with determination as she effortlessly scooped Spike into her arms. "Come on." The little puppy, With his dark gray fur with a green tint, nestled comfortably against her. Twilight's posture was confident, She headed toward the school entrance.
"Where are you goin'?" AJ asked Twilight as Twilight stops on the first step of Canterlot High. "Well, Last time we were here, Spike & I spent the night in the library." Twilight tells her friends as Pinkie flashes up to her. "Are you crazy?" Pinkie says as she hugs Twilight & Spike. "We're besties now!" She said, As she hoisted them off the steps. "Slumber party at my house!" An idea that sits very well with the rest of the bunch, Judging from their faces.
———
Eques-MLPEGRR-1320; Time: Midday Location: In Pinkie Pie's House
——
The Mane Seven with Sterling were in Pinkie Pie's bedroom whose yellow walls have clusters of balloons & stars painted onto them—Pinkie's room at home, no doubt. The seven girls are arrayed about in various sleepwear: Two-piece pajamas for Twilight/Fluttershy/Sunset, one-piece "footie" pajamas for Applejack, nightgowns for Pinkie and Rarity, a long cloud/lightning-bolt T-shirt and sweat pants for Rainbow. All but Applejack wear slippers. As for activities: Twilight sits on the bed, writing in Fluttershy's notebook; Applejack & Rainbow are playing video games; Fluttershy pets Spike; Pinkie types at her laptop; Rarity checks her phone while Sunset watches.
Pinkie checks on the Status Update. "Okey-dokey-lokey!" She says, As the rest took that as an confirmation for getting pizza.
As Fluttershy & Sunset gather in close around Rarity, She taps her phone and aims its screen toward the three of them. A flash, And she has snapped their picture—herself and Fluttershy smiling, Sunset sporting a broad grin, and Spike half-winking & holding up a dog biscuit in the background. Zoom in slightly on the shot, then cut to the three girls; Rarity grimaces mightily upon taking a good close look, Then aims an icy glare in the canine's direction as the other two snicker silently. Pan quickly to him, Smirking as best he can around the half-chewed biscuit in his teeth.
Meanwhile, The video game showdown continues apace; Even without being able to see the screen, It quickly becomes clear that Applejack has gained the upper hand. Rainbow's frustration builds to the point that she smacks the console, Instantly breaking the connection & clearing the screen. This last shot frames the box for their game, Displaying a human version of the Mane-iac—the wild-haired villain that the Equestria crew faced in "Power Ponies."
Rainbow's magenta eyes narrowed. "I wasn't quitting! The game just... broke!" She protested, Her voice rising in frustration.
The sudden tension caused everyone else to stop what they were doing. Rarity looked up from her phone, Her expression a mix of concern and disdain for the squabble. Pinkie Pie paused her typing, her happy demeanor replaced by a small, worried frown. Twilight looked up from her notebook, the focus of her creative writing now completely shattered.
Sterling, Who had been quietly observing from a corner of the room, stepped forward. His voice was calm and steady, Cutting through the rising argument. "This is exactly what I was talking about," He said, Gesturing to the silent video game console & the two bickering friends. "That's their magic at work. It preys on small things—like a video game rivalry—and turns them into big, negative feelings."
Applejack & Rainbow Dash instantly looked embarrassed, Their argument fizzling out as they realized what they were doing.
"He's right," Sunset Shimmer added, Her voice soft but firm. She looked at her friends with a sympathetic expression. "It's easy to get caught up in it. I... I know from experience. This is what they want. They want us to be so focused on being mad at each other that we can't be friends."
Twilight closed her notebook with a sigh. "I can't concentrate on writing the counter-spell if we're all fighting. This is a song about friendship, And we can't write it if we're not feeling it." She felt a wave of anxiety wash over her, The immense pressure of their task feeling heavier than before.
Sterling nodded thoughtfully in response to Twilight's insightful words, A spark of curiosity igniting in his eyes. "She's absolutely right!" He affirmed, His voice warm and inviting. "So for the time being… feel free to ask me anything. I can tell that many of you are eager to learn more about me."
A moment of silence hung in the air as the girls processed the offer. Then, A collective lightbulb seemed to go off. Pinkie Pie, Her initial worried frown completely gone, bounced over to Sterling with a wide, happy grin.
"Ooh! Ooh! I have a question!" She squealed, Her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Are there any talking animals in your world? Like, besides Spike? Do they have slumber parties and eat tons of sugary snacks? And what about giant pink cakes?"
Sterling chuckled, His gaze soft as he looked at Pinkie. "Well, there's no talking animals that I know of, other than our own kind," He replied. "But we definitely have sugary snacks & parties, Though I'm not sure anyone can throw a party quite like you. As for giant pink cakes... I think we'll have to make one of those together someday."
Twilight, Ever the magic researcher, pushed her glasses up her nose & approached him with a more serious expression. "You mentioned 'Grimm' & 'Aura'," She said, A sense of urgency in her voice. "Could you elaborate on those? What exactly are the Creatures of Grimm, and how does this 'Aura' work to protect people?"
"The Grimm are creatures of darkness & negativity," Sterling explained, His expression turning serious. "They're attracted to negative emotions like fear, anger, and sadness. The more negative a person's emotions are, the more Grimm are drawn to them. And Aura is an energy shield that everyone in my world possesses. It protects us from their attacks. It's a manifestation of a person's soul."
Rainbow Dash, Hearing the word "attacks," immediately perked up. "So they're like monsters?" She asked, Her competitive streak flaring. "What's the strongest one you've ever beaten? And how fast can your Glyphs make you go? Can you go as fast as me?" She finished, Puffing out her chest.
Sterling gave her a confident smile. "They're like monsters, Yes... As for the strongest I've beaten... I think I'll save that story for another time. And my Glyphs can get me going at a pretty high speed, But I think a race with you would be a tight one. You're probably the fastest person I've ever met." The compliment caused Rainbow Dash to blush slightly, A proud grin on her face.
Applejack, Who had been listening intently, crossed her arms. "What about farming?" She asked, Her practical side shining through. "Do you all have farms in Remnant? How do you keep the Grimm away from the crops?"
"We do, and the Grimm are a constant threat," Sterling said, A hint of weariness in his voice. "We have hunters & huntresses who protect the farms, And there are sometimes defensive walls around the towns and kingdoms."
Rarity, Now fully invested in the conversation, gracefully glided over to him. "And what about the fashion, darling?" She asked, Her eyes gleaming. "You mentioned four different kingdoms. Do they all have their own unique sense of style? Are the materials as fabulous as the ones here?"
"They do," Sterling confirmed with a smile. "Atlas is known for its high-tech, militaristic fashion, while Mistral has a more classic, traditional style. Vacuo is more rugged and functional, and Vale is the most diverse. They all have their own unique flair."
Fluttershy, Stroking Spike who was now in her lap, spoke in a quiet, concerned voice. "The Grimm... are they... always in pain? Being made of negative emotions sounds so sad."
"They're not conscious in the way we are," Sterling reassured her softly. "They're just... Empty creatures... But their existence is a good reminder of how important it is to be kind and positive." He looked at Fluttershy, A profound sense of understanding passing between them.
Finally, Sunset Shimmer, who had been watching the entire exchange with a thoughtful expression, spoke up. "You said you came here for a mission," she began, her eyes meeting his. "Does this mean you're... alone here? Like me, before I found my friends?"
Sterling's smile faded slightly, replaced by a sincere and empathetic look. "I have a team back on Remnant-616, And the goddesses I work for are always in contact with me," He said. "But in this world... You & your friends are the only ones who know what I really am. So, In a way... I'm an outsider, just like you." The two shared a moment of silent understanding, A bond forming over their shared experiences as people from another world.
Sunset Shimmer thinks before asking, After a moment she asks. "What is MLP? You said it in the audio recording… Is that a code? Or something?"
"Right, Should have thought you'd ask that though, I thought Twi would ask me that," Sterling said, As Sunset looked to Sterling as to say, "Hurry up, please." Sterling fake coughs. "Right… Do you girls know of the Muitiverse theory?" He asked them.
The girls all stared at him with blank expressions, Save for Twilight, whose eyes widened slightly behind a shine in her eyes. "The multiverse theory?" Twilight repeated, Her voice a hushed whisper. "The concept that there could be an infinite number of universes, each with its own physical laws and a different version of reality?"
Sterling gave her a slow, Knowing smile. "Exactly." He nodded, Gesturing around the room. "The goddess on the recording, Artneas, she & Zinthara are what you may call 'Watchers' of these universes. MLP is simply the moniker for your specific set of universes—your verse." He then took a deep breath, Preparing to lay out the cosmic truth.
"Imagine every single possible reality, every choice, every possibility, as a different world," He explained, Holding up his hands. "Your Equestria and your world here at Canterlot High are two separate, but connected, universes within the same 'MLPverse.' My world, Remnant, is a completely different verse. The goddesses, my patrons, they send me to these different worlds—these different verses—on missions. Missions to help maintain the balance and harmony of each verse."
A wave of stunned silence fell over the room once more, Even more profound than before. Pinkie Pie's jaw had dropped so low it was practically on the floor. Rainbow Dash looked like she was about to explode from a mixture of awe & confusion. Applejack just shook her head slowly, A look of complete bewilderment on her face.
Sunset Shimmer coughs. "Not to be rude Sterling, You didn't completely answer what MLP means." She said as the rest listened in.
Sterling softly sighs, Though not in an annoyed way. "Right… First of all, You should know this isn't my first life… I have died before & before any of you ask no I won't be telling you what happened." Sterling said to them, As he continued to say.
"Now, To what MLP means… My Little Pony, it's a kids' show in my original world of Earth… Also, No you all are not cartoon characters. It's most likely this world is just a lot like the My Little Pony show, Like I said." Sterling explained to them.
The reaction was immediate & chaotic.
Pinkie Pie, After a moment of stunned silence, burst into a fit of high-pitched giggles. "My Little Pony?! That's the silliest thing I've ever heard! We're ponies! Ooh, do we have cool hair? Are we all colorful? I bet we are! Do we eat cupcakes & have parties all the time?!" She bounced on the balls of her feet, finding the whole revelation utterly delightful.
"The show "My Little Pony" is more based on Twilight's world where your all ponies." Sterling specified.
"The show series 'My Little Pony' intricately focuses on Twilight Sparkle & her friends, Where your all ponies and all their whimsical adventures together." Sterling elaborated, And even continued to say.
"–And yes I have been to another MLP universe, The designation was Universe-382-MLP which was changed to Eques-MLP-382, There I first met Princess Celestia & Princess Luna & the new Princess Twilight Sparkle, I then met Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, And Rarity." Sterling explains to them.
The girls all stared at Sterling, Their faces a collective portrait of utter disbelief. The idea of their lives being like a show was one thing, but the bombshell that they were actually ponies in another world—and that he had met them—was a reality-shattering revelation that short-circuited their brains.
Twilight was the first to react, A shaky hand going to her forehead. "You met me... When. I was a new princess?" She stammered, Her voice a mix of awe & curiosity. The immense magical and intellectual implications of what Sterling was saying were almost too much for her to bear. Her entire sense of self, of her journey from Equestria to the human world, was being completely redefined.
Rainbow Dash, However, had a different kind of reaction. "Wait, wait, wait," She said, Her eyes wide. "You've seen me? Am I fast? Like, Super fast? Is my hair still awesome? Do I do sonic rainbooms?" Her competitive spirit couldn't be contained, even in the face of a multiversal truth.
"You are, in fact, the fastest flier in all of Equestria," Sterling said with a warm smile, And Rainbow Dash puffed out her chest with a proud grin. "And your hair is absolutely awesome."
Pinkie Pie squealed, Bouncing on the bed. "I'm a pony too! Ooh! Does my pony self throw lots of parties? Do I still have my Pinkie Sense? That's so cool! I have two selves!" She looked at Sterling with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Did I offer you a cupcake when you met me?"
"You did… But I was there for a mission, A very dangerous mission. There were also other Twilight Sparkles, in Eques-MLP-382 there from another world where Equestria… Fell into chaos… The new Twilight names are Twilight Astra, Twilight Ember, And Twilight Lumen—individuals forged through struggle & defined by resilience."
The sudden shift in Sterling's tone, From cheerful anecdotes to the grim reality of a fallen Equestria, hung in the air like a cold front. The girls' expressions, Moments ago filled with awe and giddy excitement, were now replaced with a mixture of shock & profound sadness.
Twilight was the most affected. The idea of her home, The magical world she loved so dearly, falling into chaos was a gut punch. But the mention of other Twilight Sparkles—individuals defined by struggle—sent a shiver down her spine. "Chaos? What kind of chaos?" She asked, Her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes wide with fear & a burgeoning curiosity she couldn't suppress.
"I don't think I should tell… Knowledge can be a curse, Now… Sunset. I can see you want to ask me something." Sterling asked with a calm smile.
"You've seen me before, Have you? Not me, me another version of me. I see you from time to time looking at me, From the corner of your eye..." Sunset Shimmer said as the other girls watched for Sterling's answer.
Sterling sighs sadly, Sterling walks to the window before speaking. "I… I have…" Sterling said, The girls could hear his tone in how he was saying it… "How bad…?" Sunset & Twilight asked, As Sterling was quiet for a minute before grabbing his Scroll.
From there Sterling read:
Status: Unconscious & Unstable
Full Name: Sunset Shimmer
Age: 21
Gender: Female
Sexual Preferences: Bisexual
Race: Human (False Form)
Languages Spoken: English
Height: 6'1" Weight: 112 lbs Eye color: Cerulean Light-Blue Eyes Hair color//Style: Long Length Hair, Imperial Red with Goldish Yellow streaks
Power: Telepathy allows the ability to Sense other People's Thoughts, Memories, And Feelings through Physical Touch. [Unable to use her powers now]
Stress: 89% [Unstable]
Sanity: 9% [Unstable]
Insanity: 91% [Increasing]
Morale: 1% [Unstable]
"Now this is One Year Later… The newest news, As of now..." Sterling said & continued to read:
Status: Unconscious & Stabilizing
Full Name: Sunset Shimmer
Age: 22
Gender: Female
Sexual Preferences: Bisexual
Race: Human (False Form)
Languages Spoken: English
Height: 5'11" Weight: 121 lbs Eye color: Cerulean Light-Blue Eyes Hair color//Style: Long Length Hair, Imperial Red with Goldish Yellow streaks.
Power: Telepathy allows the ability to Sense other People's Thoughts, Memories, And Feelings through Physical Touch. [Unable to use her powers now]
Stress: 22% [Stabilizing]
Sanity: 50% [Stabilizing]
Insanity: 50% [Decreasing]
Morale: 51% [Stable]
The silence that followed Sterling's reading was heavier than any of the girls had ever known. The cozy, brightly decorated room seemed to close in on them, and Pinkie Pie's balloons, which had been a symbol of their cheerful gathering, now felt like a stark contrast to the grim reality laid bare on Sterling's Scroll.
Sunset Shimmer's hands, Which had been resting on her knees, trembled slightly. She stared at the window, a glassy, haunted look in her aquamarine eyes. The numbers & percentages swam in her mind like a nightmare. 91% Insanity... She knew that feeling, that slow, insidious crawl of darkness and anger that had once consumed her. To see it so starkly quantified in another version of herself was a profound, Chilling horror. The 1% morale was what hurt the most. It spoke of a pain so deep and all-encompassing that there was barely any hope left.
Twilight's mind, Ever the scientist, was reeling from the data. "Unstable... Sanity 9%... Morale 1%..." She murmured, Her voice filled with a mixture of intellectual shock and a raw, emotional concern for her friend. "That's... that's a level of psychological & magical discord I can't even begin to comprehend."
Applejack's jaw was clenched tight. The raw, Protective anger she felt was palpable. "That's just... I can't even imagine what that other fella went through to get into a state like that," She growled, Her knuckles white as she gripped the arm of her chair. She looked at Sunset, a deep, unwavering empathy in her eyes. "You alright, sugarcube?"
Sunset didn't reply at first. She just continued to stare out the window, Processing the sheer weight of what she'd just heard. The other girls' reactions were just as powerful. Pinkie Pie was now clutching a pillow to her chest, A single tear rolling down her cheek. The thought of a version of herself with 1% morale was a personal tragedy. Rainbow Dash was uncharacteristically quiet, her usual energetic pose completely still. Rarity looked on, a hand to her mouth, her eyes wide with horrified pity. Fluttershy was openly crying, a soft, sad sound escaping her lips as she hugged Spike a little tighter.
Sterling, Seeing the effect of his words, quietly closed the Scroll & put it away. He walked to the center of the room, His gaze settling on each of them in turn, a look of profound empathy in his slate blue eyes.
"I didn't share that to scare you," He said, His voice soft but firm. "I shared it to give you hope."
He turned to Sunset Shimmer. "Look at the second status report," He continued. "It's a year later. It says 'Stabilizing.' That's not because some hero saved her in a single moment. It's because she found her own friends. She found her own version of this–" He gestured to the room around them, To the tearful but united group of girls. "–and she started to heal. Her sanity is at 50%, Her morale at 51%. Those are not just numbers. They are proof that even a soul on the brink of being lost can be pulled back."
"From what I remember she's only been awake for Three Months now & I do plan on talking to her when I get back to Remnant-616." Sterling explained to them.
The sudden sound of the doorbell gets Pinkie on her feet in a tick. "Pizza's here!" Pinkie yells out wanting the sad mood to go away.
In less time than it takes to say "chow down," there is a massed rush out the bedroom door that leaves Twilight alone on the bed. She glumly lays the notebook on the blanket, Open & face down, and lets her legs drop over the side. After a moment, She picks it up for another look and from Twilight's perspective, tilting down along one page.
It is covered with musical notes & staves, some scratched out, a few other random scribbles—and a doodle of herself singing lightning bolts toward Adagio. Back to her, sighing heavily and lowering the book; A clatter of running footsteps interrupts her blue funk just before Pinkie leans back into the room. A slice of pizza is clamped between the teeth of the slumber party hostess.
"Don't you want any pizza?" Pinkie kindly asked Twilight.
Twilight looked up at Pinkie, her glum expression not changing. The sight of a pizza slice clenched in her friend's mouth, coupled with Pinkie's kind, expectant eyes, was a stark reminder of the happy, carefree life they were fighting to protect. But the weight of the past hour's revelations still sat heavily on her shoulders.
"No thanks, Pinkie…" Twilight said softly, Her voice filled with a weariness that went beyond physical exhaustion. "I... I'm not really hungry."
Pinkie's happy, Pizza-clamped grin faltered slightly. She tilted her head, Her eyes wide with a concern that was all the more profound for its rare appearance. She didn't say anything, But she didn't leave either. She simply took the pizza out of her mouth, wiped her hand on her sweats, and sat down on the bed next to Twilight.
"Okay," Pinkie said, Her voice unusually calm and gentle. "But we're not just eating pizza, Twi. We're having a slumber party. And slumber parties are about being together." She scooted closer, a silent offer of comfort.
Just then, The rest of the girls trickled back into the room, each with a slice of pizza in hand. Sterling followed behind them, holding two slices—one for himself, and another which he held out to Twilight.
"It's a peace offering," Sterling said with a gentle smile, His voice a low, reassuring rumble. "From us, to you. The weight of the world shouldn't be on just your shoulders, Twilight. We're a team."
Twilight looked at the slice of pizza, then at her friends. Sunset Shimmer gave her a small, knowing nod, a silent message of solidarity. Applejack's expression was one of quiet support, while Rarity offered a delicate, sympathetic smile. Fluttershy, having dried her tears, gave a small, encouraging wave.
Slowly, Twilight took the pizza from Sterling. She took a small, tentative bite, the warmth of the cheese and the familiar flavor a welcome contrast to the cold fear she'd been feeling. The knot in her stomach began to loosen, just a little.
"Sterling's right, sugarcube," Applejack said, settling down on the floor with her own slice. "This ain't just your fight. We're all in this together. The song'll come to us when we're ready."
"And what's a better way to get ready than with pizza and a bunch of awesome friends?" Rainbow Dash added, her usual competitive energy now channeled into a hearty laugh as she took a big bite.
Twilight finally managed a small, genuine smile. "You're all right," she said, her voice gaining a little more strength. "I've been so focused on the magic and the problem, I forgot about the most important part." She looked at her friends, their faces illuminated by the soft light of the bedroom. The pizza was just food, but sharing it with them was an act of friendship, a simple yet profound affirmation of the very thing they needed to tap into.
Twilight took another bite of pizza, then looked at the notebook lying beside her. The scrawled notes and frustrated doodles now seemed less like a symbol of her failure and more like a work in progress. The solution wasn't going to be a complicated spell or a hidden melody. It was going to be them. Their love, their kindness, their strength, their laughter—all of it woven into a song that the Dazzlings could never hope to overpower.
"Okay," Twilight said, a newfound confidence in her voice. "I think... I think I have an idea." She picked up her notebook and her pen, her eyes no longer filled with anxiety, but with a bright, renewed sense of purpose. The girls, their pizza slices in hand, leaned in, their focus now completely on their friend and the powerful counter-spell that was about to be born.
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To be continued…
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