Tang Ri Shan

My Little Pony Equestria Girls- Project Tantabus

(This is a sequel to Equestria Girls- Seeing Double)

Ch 9

As Sunset closed the door behind her, Twilight felt her mouth curve into a frown. She wasn't sure why, but Sunset suddenly seemed different, almost tense. The girl had looked so happy a little while ago, but now...

She's probably just worried about the competition that's happening today. Twilight said to herself. And 'ponying up' in front of us probably didn't help. She added with a giggle. She'll feel much better when she sees the awesome party we're gonna throw for her. Twilight tried to hide her smile as she turned back to the other girls. Speaking of which...

Clearing her throat loudly, Twilight took a few steps towards the Rainbooms. "So, does that sort of thing happen a lot around here?" She asked in her Crystal voice.

"Oh yeah, Sunset often gets called away like that to do important tasks" 'Rainbow Dash' replied, quoting the word 'important' with her fingers.

"To be honest, we've kinda gotten used to it, what with her being Principal Celestia's special messenger, and all" 'Applejack' added.

Twilight giggled. "Good to know, but I was actually referring to what happened earlier, while you were playing that song" She deliberately hardened her voice, hoping the Rainbooms would catch the hint.

They must have because 'Rainbow Dash's' grin faded. She and 'Applejack' exchanged a look.

"What do you mean?" 'Applejack' finally asked.

"Yeah Crystal" 'Sunset' asked in her Scarlett voice as she and 'Twilight' came back into the room. "What do you mean?" She wiggled her eyebrows and 'Twilight' winked at her twin.

Chuckling to herself, Twilight strode forward and turned to face her friends. "I mean that, we just saw a plain, ordinary human girl grow a pair of pony ears, a pair of wings, a tail, and a horn" As she spoke, she winked at her friends, who all grinned back. "Call me crazy, but don't you all think that's a little bit strange?" She asked.

"You may be right, crazy" Pinkie said, causing Twilight to give her a look.

"Sure seems strange to me" Rainbow Dash added with a smirk.

"Oh yes, indeed" Rarity joined in on the fun. "In fact, I would say it's downright extra-ordinary" She placed her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes at her counterpart.

The Rainbooms looked at each other, each of them looked visibly uneasy now. "What exactly are you saying?" 'Rainbow Dash' finally asked.

"What I'm saying, is that Sunset's 'transformation' a few minutes ago had nothing to do with 'special effects', isn't that right girls?" Twilight teased, accenting the words transformation and special effects with her fingers.

Twilight bit her lip in an effort to hide her laughter at the panicked looks on the Rainboom's faces and the amused expressions on the faces of everyone else.

"B-but you just said they were..." 'Fluttershy' stammered.

"That was for Sunset's benefit" Twilight said, placing her hands on her hips. "But I think we all know what's really going on here?"

"Oh really?" 'Pinkie' challenged, leaning over her drum set. For some reason she didn't look as nervous as the other Rainbooms.

"Yes, really" Twilight smiled at 'Pinkie'.

"You think we're tying to hide something from you?" 'Pinkie's smile widened.

"Pinkie!" 'Rarity' exclaimed in alarm.

"Now that you mention it, yes!" Twilight countered, narrowing her eyes playfully.

"You didn't seem as surprised as we were to see Sunset transform like that." Her twin added, her eyes sparkling.

"Yeah, it looked like you'd seen that kind of stuff before." Rainbow Dash spoke up, leaning forwards on the bleachers. "Have you?" She grinned wickedly.

"Oh, of course they have!" Rarity smirked. "And that's why they're trying hide it. There's no way something like that could possibly qualify as normal!"

"Ah-Ah don't know what yer talkin' 'bout" 'Applejack' responded, in a voice, and with a smile, that fooled no one. "We ain't hiding nothin'!"

"Hate to break it to ya, sugarcube, but yer not a very good liar" Applejack smirked, playing with the brim of her hat. The irony of that statement made Twilight clench her teeth together to keep from cracking up. Pinkie and Rainbow Dash were openly laughing and the other girls were exchanging mirth-filled looks.

"Are you sure there isn't something you want to tell us?" Twilight playfully pressed.

"Like, come on girls, seriously." 'Sunset' sneered. "You're already like, totally busted, you might as well come clean"

"Okay, that's it!" 'Rainbow Dash' frowned as she set her guitar down. "I know that you girls aren't from around here, and that Principal Celestia wants us to be nice to you and all, but you girls getting a little too pushy for my taste!" She faced Twilight and her friends with her arms crossed.

"I have to agree with Rainbow Dash" 'Rarity' sniffed. "You are all being quite rude!"

"Mmm hmm" 'Applejack' nodded, also frowning now.

"And a little scary" 'Fluttershy added, hiding behind her tambourine.

Seeing the frightened expression on 'Fluttershy's' face, Twilight's smile faded a little. Maybe they were overdoing it a little.

"Hmm, maybe you're right" She said, motioning to the other girls to back off. "After all, you girls wouldn't really try to hide anything from us, would you?" She asked.

"No."

"Of course not"

"We would never do that!"

One by one, the Rainbooms quickly acclaimed their answers.

"That's great to hear" Twilight grinned at them. "And I'm sorry for getting so pushy just now. It's just, I was so sure that what happened to Sunset Shimmer may have had something to do with..Equestrian magic!" She exclaimed, framing the Rainbooms with a triumphant smile.

The Rainbooms gasped simultaneously. 'Rainbow Dash' and 'Rarity's' jaws dropped. 'Fluttershy' dropped her tambourine. 'Pinkie's' hair frizzed out on its own.

One by one, Twilight's friends voiced their agreement. "Well girls, nothing to say?" Twilight teased, placing her hands on her hips.

For a moment, there was no sound. 'Applejack' was the first to speak. "Y-ya'll know about Equestrian Magic? But how?"

"Well of course I know about Equestrian Magic!" Twilight giggled as she raised a hand to her wig and pulled it off with a flourish, revealing her purple hair. "After all...magic is my element" She said in her real voice.

Five sets of eyes widened. "TWILIGHT?" The Rainbooms exclaimed simultaneously.

"Yep! Gotcha!" Twilight said as the other girls burst out laughing.

"Priceless! Priceless!" 'Twilight' squealed as she pulled off her wig.

"I know! That never gets old!" 'Sunset' chortled as she followed suit. She was laughing so hard she had to lean against the wall.

"You two!" 'Rainbow Dash' narrowed her eyes at the two girls.

"Oh, Not again!" 'Rarity' dramatically raised a hand to her forehead.

"Seriously?" 'Applejack' shook her head. "Why do y'all keep doin' that to us?"

"Because it's fun!" 'Sunset' cackled as she and Twilight high-fived.

"That makes five times in a row we've fooled them!" 'Twilight' giggled as she pulled out a small notebook and wrote something down in it. "We're getting so good at this!" She crowed.

"You do this kind of thing often?" Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow at them.

"We prefer to be...inconspicuous when we gather data for our research" 'Sunset' explained, causing Twilight to giggle.

"That would explain why they were so quick at getting our disguises together" Rainbow Dash commented.

"'Our disguises'" 'Rainbow Dash' repeated, raising an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened as she realized her mistake. "Heh heh, oops!" She chuckled nervously, covering her mouth with her hand.

"It's okay. I was just about to tell them anyway" Twilight smiled at her friend before turning to face the Rainbooms' confused faces. "You see girls, I didn't come to Canterlot High alone this time."

"Ooooooh, so these girls are friends of yours from Equestria?" 'Pinkie's eyes lit up. "And that's they they're in disguise, so avoid the confusion of there suddenly being six sets of twins running around, right?"

"You could say that" Twilight giggled. "But, one might also say that these girls are a lot closer to you then they are to me"

"Urgh, enough with the mysteries!" 'Applejack' exclaimed. "Just spit it out already! Who are these girls?"

"You mean you haven't figure it out yet, darling?" Rarity's voice made Applejack grind her teeth.

"No I haven't, Rarity! That's why I was askin' them who they were" The country girl whirled to face 'Rarity'.

"I-I didn't say that, Applejack!" 'Rarity' said, taking a step back. Her eyes were wide with alarm.

"Yes I did" Rarity's voice spoke again, but 'Rarity's mouth hadn't moved.

'Rarity' backed up nervously as everyone stared at her.

"Cool Rarity, I didn't know you could talk without moving your lips!" 'Pinkie' giggled.

"I don't...I mean I can't...I mean..." 'Rarity' stammered.

"Of course I can darling" Rarity's voice floated through the room again. Twilight glanced at Rarity and saw that the girl had covered her mouth with her hand and appeared to be throwing her voice towards her twin. "Speaking with your mind is only the hottest trend anywhere. Anyone with an ounce of magical skill should be able to easily accomplish such a simple task as this"

"What's that supposed to mean?" 'Rainbow Dash's eyes narrowed towards 'Rarity' who was looking around the room somewhat desperately.

"Rainbow Dash, I swear, I did not say any of that!" 'Rarity' eye began twitching as she continued looking for the source of the disembodied voice.

"She's right" Twilight narrowed her eyes. "That's enough Rarity" She turned to her friend, who was giggling at the unfolding scene.

"THAT WASN'T ME!" 'Rarity' shrieked from the stage, her fingers curling through her hair, her face a mask of panic.

Seeing Twilight's disapproving look, and her twin's fearful reaction Rarity lowered her hand and adjusted her skirt. "Oh, I do apologize for that childish trick, Twilight" She said, in her own voice "But I saw a golden opportunity to use my new ventriloquism skills and simply couldn't resist" Rarity chuckled before giving her twin a wink.

'Rarity's eyes widened to the size of saucers and she clasped both her hands over her mouth. Her legs wobbled before suddenly giving way. 'Fluttershy' darted forwards, catching 'Rarity as she collapsed.

"Oh my" Rarity's eyes widened as she saw her twin faint. "That's not at all the reaction I was expecting" She said, which caused Applejack and Rainbow Dash to laugh.

"Oh dear! Is she alright?" Fluttershy spoke in her own voice as she darted forwards to help 'Fluttershy', but stopped when her twin squeaked in alarm and almost dropped 'Rarity'. Both girls stared wide-eyed at Fluttershy, who backed away under their gazes, her cheeks turning red and a sheepish look on her face.

"Wow! You two sound just like Rarity and Fluttershy!" 'Pinkie' giggled.

Pinkie giggled as well, "Well gee, I wonder how that could be?" She replied in her own voice, dramatically stroking her chin and wiggling her eyebrows at the Rainbooms.

'Applejack's eyes narrowed as she took a good look at the visiting students. "Wait a minute..."

Applejack winked at her double and ran her fingers along the brim of her hat.

"Twilight" 'Rainbow Dash' said slowly, her surprised look slowly melting into a wide grin. "You didn't!"

Chuckling to herself, Rainbow Dash removed her grey wig, revealing her own rainbow-colored hair. "Oh yes she did!" She crowed in her own voice.

---

Meanwhile;

Sunset Shimmer frowned as she looked around the main foyer. There was no sign of Vice-Principal Luna anywhere.

Suddenly, the front doors of the school opened and Flash Sentry stepped in from outside, looking annoyed about something.

"Hey Flash!" Sunset called, strolling over to him.

Flash looked up and his frown faded into a smile. "Oh, Hi Sunset" She said.

"Hey, have you seen Vice Principal Luna? I was told to meet her here" Sunset asked.

"Yeah, I just saw her outside. She and Principal Celestia are greeting the students from Crystal Prep." Flash motioned to the front doors. Sunset noticed that he said the name of the other school with a level of hostility in his voice.

"You okay?" Sunset asked.

"Considering the fact that I just had to endure no less than five insults about CHS in the last two minutes?" Flash growled, then he sighed. "Yeah, I'm fine"

"Don't worry, we'll beat these jokers" Sunset patted Flash on the shoulder.

"I hope you're right Sunset" Flash smiled at her. "Then again, you usually are. I'm glad you're gonna be on the CHS team this year". As soon as Flash said this, Sunset suddenly felt her face grow hot.

Why...am I blushing? She thought as Flash nodded at her before heading off down the hall. Flash and I broke up, we're...just friends now, that's all! But her thoughts sounded strangely hollow.

Taking a deep breath to clear her head, Sunset strode to the front doors and opened them.

Stepping through, she glanced around at the big crowd of students that had assembled on the lawn. Many of them were staring at their phones or looking around halfheartedly.

Spotting Principal Celestia speaking with two people she assumed were the head teachers of Crystal Prep, Sunset headed down the front steps and began making her way towards them.

A sudden gasp made her pause. She looked to her left to see a young Crystal prep girl with pale skin and two-tone blue hair staring at her wide eyed. As Sunset stared back, the girl nudged the girl next to her, a girl with pink skin and purple hair. The purple haired girl snapped in annoyance to the blue-haired girl, who simply pointed at Sunset. The purple' haired girl looked up, and her look of anger faded into one of astonishment.

What's up with them? Sunset wondered as she resumed walking, only to bump into a boy with blue skin a minute later.

"Hey! Why don't you watch...where you're going?" The boy's tone, angry at first, changed to one of confusion as he turned and saw who he was talking to. His eyes widened in what was clearly recognition, but Sunset had never seen him before.

"Sorry, excuse me" Sunset grinned at the boy, then darted around him and began to move through the crowd towards Principal Celestia.

As she moved, she heard whispering break out around her and any Crystal Prep student she made eye contact with either gasped or widened their eyes as they stared at her.

What's going on? Sunset wondered as a pair of Crystal Prep girls actually moved out of her way, staring wide-eyed as she passed. Why is everyone looking at me like that?

"I guess your reputation spread farther than you realized" Sunset frowned as Sunspot's voice echoed in her mind. She heard her demon self chuckle.

"Who asked you?" Sunset muttered darkly as she moved through the crowd.

---

"Welcome, Principal Cinch and Dean Sombra" Principle Celestia was greeting the Crystal Prep leaders.

"Thank you, Principal Celestia" Dean Sombra said, giving the woman a look over. He smiled, but it wasn't in a friendly kind of way.

"Vice Principle Luna and our student volunteers can help your students get settled if you would like me to show you around." Principle Celestia continued, seemingly unfazed by the Dean's expression. "There have been quite a few…changes since you visited last"

The two teachers exchanged a glance. "Oh yes, Principal Celestia" Principle Cinch finally said.

"I'm sure that would be…most fascinating" Dean Sombra added as Celestia lead them away.

Vice Principal Luna frowned as she watched them leave. "Now what are those two up to?" She wondered.

"Vice Principal Luna, good to see you again!" A voice rang out and Luna looked up to see a familiar face approaching her.

"And you, Professor Sunburst. It is always a pleasure to see a friendly face." Vice Principle Luna smiled at him as they shook hands. "Even if it means another defeat" She muttered under her breath.

Professor Sunburst chuckled. "Oh, I don't know about that" He said, smiling at Luna. "From what I've been hearing, it may not be as easy this time around"

"Oh?" Luna raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by that?"

"Word is that Canterlot High has really started to get its act together" Professor Sunburst said as he turned to look at the school. "I look forward to seeing what sort of challenge you present to us this time around."

Luna smiled. "Well, in that case, you may just be surprised"

"Ahem" The two teachers looked around to see Starlight and her five partners standing nearby. "Dean Sombra said we were supposed to check in with you, Professor Sunburst" Starlight said.

"Ah yes" Their teacher replied, before turning back to Luna. "Luna, allow me to present half of the team that will be competing for Crystal Prep. These are Starlight Glimmer, Lemon Zest, Sugarcoat, Indigo Zap, Sour Sweet, and Sunny Flare" He turned to the girls. "Girls, this is Vice Principal Luna of Canterlot High"

"A pleasure to meet all of you." Luna nodded and smiled at the girls, who did not smile back. "I look forward to seeing you on the games field"

"Oh you'll see us on field alright" Indigo Zap chuckled. "You'll see us winning! Again!"

"Indigo Zap! That was uncalled for!" Professor Sunburst scolded as Luna frowned.

"But it's true" Sugarcoat added in her usually monotone. "We've never lost a match, even once, why would we start now?"

Professor Sunburst cleared his throat, and glared at his students before turning back the Luna. "I apologize for the behavior of my students. They are all the top of my class and unfortunately, this makes them very competitive"

"No, no, that's quite alright, Professor Sunburst" Luna smiled. "This is a competition after all. Some level of competitiveness is expected" Placing her hands on her hips, she stared down at the Crystal Prep girls with an iron-clad look in her eye. "As for you six, your confidence is admirable, but I would not be so quick to gloat if I were you." Luna's smile widened as Indigo Zap's gaze faltered under her own. "The games haven't started yet, and I truly think this may be the year Canterlot High takes the title"

"Wow, you sound really confident" Sour Sweet purred "And really ridiculous" she growled.

"Sour Sweet! That is enough!" Professor Sunburst barked. "From all of you!"

"Actually, it's a good thing we ran into you, Vice Principal Luna" Starlight stepped forward.

"Oh?" Luna raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, you see…" Starlight began. "The six of us are doing a report on Canterlot High as part of our senior class projects"

"You are?" Luna asked, raising her other eyebrow.

"We are?" Lemon Zest sounded equally surprised. Starlight kept smiling at Luna, but stepped hard on Lemon Zest's foot. "Ow! Oh yeah, of course we are!" The girl yelped.

"Yes, and we were wondering if you would be kind enough to give us a tour of the school and answer a few questions" Starlight continued, giving Luna her sweetest smile.

For a moment Luna blinked, as if confused, then she smiled back. "I see. That sounds like a wonderful idea. Unfortunately though, Principal Celestia and I do not have time to give you a tour, but I'm sure that one of our students can fulfill your request. Wait here please"

With that, Luna turned away from them and disappeared into the crowd.

"Hmm, I didn't know you were doing a project on Canterlot High, Starlight" Professor Sunburst stroked his beard, his eyebrow raised.

"Umm yeah" Starlight, scuffed her foot, pretending to look embarrassed. "It's actually a make-up assignment that Principle Cinch gave us. you know, to...make up for doing so badly on our original project"

Professor Sunburst nodded, a small smile playing on his face. "I see." He said.

Starlight could feel cold looks from the other girls as she smiled back at him. She didn't feel so hot herself. Professor Sunburst had always been her favorite teacher. She hated lying to him, but it was either that for fail the assignment, and failure was unacceptable.

"Well, in that case, I wish you luck. If you'll excuse me, I need to go check with the bus drivers. Be right back" Professor Sunburst started towards a group or men in black uniforms who were muttering angrily about something.

"What was that all about?" Lemon Zest growled, rubbing her sore foot.

"You know a better way to move freely around a rival school without arousing suspicion?" Starlight smirked as she pulled a small camera out of her pocket. "I'll keep this 'student' distracted, the rest of you can check for magical energy readings."

"That's…" Lemon Zest paused. "Actually a good idea"

"Hmh, it could work" Indigo Zap shrugged.

"It should work" Starlight tossed the camera to Lemon Zest. "Be sure to take some pictures if we find any readings, okay?"

Lemon Zest nodded and Starlight smiled. The girl was a ditz, but she did follow orders well.

Just then, Starlight became aware of a faint buzzing noise. She glanced down. Her pendant was glowing again.

Starlight smirked. "'Looks like we may not need to wait for the tour after all" She said, holding her pendant up.

"Cool!" Lemon Zest exclaimed as Starlight turned towards the school. Sure enough, the glowing portion of the pendant was pointing towards the building. "Let's go find that magical energy!"

"We can't all go." Sugarcoat pointed out. "What's Vice Principal Luna gonna say when she comes back and we're all gone?

"Sugarcoat's right" Starlight admitted. "Only one of us should go"

"Really? You don't say?" Sunny Flare said sarcastically, not bothering to look up from her nails.

Starlight frowned at the girl, then grinned. "Thanks for volunteering Sunny Flare" She said.

"What?" Sunny Flare glanced up.

"Nose goes!" Starlight quickly said, placing her index finger on the tip of her nose. The other four girls quickly copied her.

"Seriously?" Sunny Flare groaned as she gazed from one girl to another.

"Sorry Sunny, them's the rules" Lemon Zest said while everyone else grinned at her.

"Urrgh, fine!" Sunny snapped, putting her nail file away and holding up her pendant. "How does this thing work again?" She asked.

Starlight fought the urge to role her eyes. "The light acts like a compass, just follow it once you get inside. Once you get close to the source, the light will become solid. Then open the compartment and take a reading" She instructed. "And try not to break the scanner!" She added as Sunny Flare turned and began moving towards the school.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever!" Sunny Flare called over her shoulder as she disappeared into the crowd.

"Ahem" The girls looked up to see that Vice Principal Luna had returned. "Girls, meet your tour guide" She stepped aside to reveal a girl standing behind her.

Five jaws dropped at the same time. Five gasps filled the air. Five pairs of eyes grew wide. "SUNSET?" Five voices gasped aloud.

---

Inside Canterlot High:

"NO WAY!" The five Rainbooms exclaimed as the realization that the 'visiting students' were their Equestrian twins in disguise fully hit them.

"WAY!" Twilight's five friends exclaimed in reply, in their own voices, pulling off their wigs as proof.

For a moment, there was stunned silence, then the five set of twins rushed forward to meet each other. The room was filled with the sound of excited voices.

"Allll riiight!"

"This is amazing!"

"I don't believe it!"

"Simply fantastic!"

"Aw yeah!"

Twilight smiled as she watched her friends mingle with their twins. She could hear the two Applejacks were talking about their families, the two Rarities were admiring each other's outfits. In the corner of the room, 'Pinkie' was showing her twin how to play the drum set and the two Fluttershys were discussing something in low voices.

"They seem to be taking to each other well, don't they?" Twilight smiled at her twin.

"Yeah" 'Twilight' nodded. "This was a great idea"

"Uh, Twilight" Both Twilights looked up to see that 'Sunset' suddenly looked really nervous. "I just realized something" She said, pointing to the center of the band room, where the two Rainbow Dashes were slowly circling each other, as if sizing each other up. "What's going to happen if they...?" Her voice broke off as she looked at them.

Twilight raised an eyebrow What was 'Sunset' talking about? Suddenly, her twin gasped.

"Oh no" 'Twilight' breathed, her voice tight with horror as Rainbow Dash smiled at her twin and extended her hand. Smiling as well, 'Rainbow Dash extended her own hand to meet it.

"Wait!" 'Twilight' cried out, rushing forward as the two girls moved to clasp hands. "Don't!"

But it was too late. The second they clasped hands, both girls were suddenly enveloped in brilliant blue light. A stiff wind began to form inside the band room and sparkles of energy shot out in every direction.

"What's happening?" Fluttershy cried out as the two Rainbow Dashes were lifted off the ground.

"What are you doing?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"I'm not doing this!" Her twin replied fearfully. Her gaze met Twilight's.

As Twilight stared at what was happening, her memory suddenly clicked back to the Halloween dance, when she saw the two Sunsets shake hands.

"Both of you! Let go! Now!" 'Twilight' ordered. Next to her, 'Sunset' began fishing in her bag for something.

With a visible effort, the two girls managed to release their hands. The glow instantly faded and both girls floated back down the ground.

"What...just...happened?" Rarity asked, her eyes wide.

"Umm...well..." Twilight struggled to find the right words

"It was a TDEA" 'Twilight' answered

"A what?" Several girls asked.

"A Twin-Dimensional Energy Anomaly" 'Twilight' explained. "Our research has uncovered that twin beings from different dimensions have near-identical particular energy signatures, and if more than one of them converge in one place, this creates an energetic imbalance in the space-time continuum, leading to uncontrollable release of energy as the energy struggles to restore balance"

"Ah" Twilight nodded thoughtfully. "I suspected as much"

"Ah'm glad one of us understands what's goin on" 'Applejack' commented. Her twin looked just as confused, as did everyone else in the room. "Now maybe ya could explain it to the rest of us"

"Let's put it this way" Twilight turned to the others. "There's energy all around us, right? Energy exists in everything, living or not, and can be found everywhere, in the earth, in the air, anywhere. The reason why Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth Ponies are able to manipulate magic, the weather, and the Earth in Equestria is because we can tap into that energy to do so"

"And?" Rainbow Dash pressed

"And, the energy found in this world is very similar from the energy that exists in Equestria. so those of you from there would have a similar energy signature than those of us who are from here" 'Sunset' continued.

"So we all have the same 'energy' as you say" 'Applejack' scratched her head. "That don't sound like a problem"

"It's not, if these similar energies remain separate." 'Twilight replied. "If you put two magnets of the same charge together, they're naturally going to repel each other. The more you try to push them together, the more they will resist each other. The energy between the magnetic fields gets stronger as the magnets get closer together" 'Twilight and 'Sunset exchanged a glance before 'Twilight' continued. "We think a similar situation may be happening here. Basically, the fact that there are now more than one of each of us in the same place is causing an energy imbalance, and as the energy struggles to correct itself, that's what causes a release of magical energy similar to what you just saw"

"You sure?" 'Rainbow Dash' raised an eyebrow.

'Sunset' nodded as she stepped up to them. "Trust me, I've experimented enough times with my twin to be completely sure about this."

"Oh yeah, and we all saw it happen at the Halloween Dance when the two Sunsets shook hands, remember?" 'Pinkie' suddenly spoke up.

The Rainbooms nodded, recalling the event.

"So, you're saying that we'll cause magical energy imbalances every time we come into contact with each other?" Fluttershy asked, glancing nervously at her twin, who also looked nervous. Both girls backed away from each other.

"Not exactly" 'Sunset' held out a pair of gloves to Rainbow Dash. "Based on our observations, the imbalance only seems to occur with skin-to-skin contact. As long as at least one of you has your skin covered, you should be fine."

One by one, Twilight's friends came forward and each took a pair of gloves from 'Sunset'.

"Does our Sunset know about this?" 'Rarity' asked as she watched her twin pull in her gloves.

"Mm hm" 'Twilight' nodded. "But we'd prefer no one bring it up, or demonstrate it in front of her"

"How come?" 'Pinkie' asked.

"Because we kinda don't want her knowing that we're all here" Twilight couldn't stop the giggle that followed.

The Rainbooms all looked at each other. "Why not?" 'Applejack' finally asked.

"Well it wouldn't be much of a surprise birthday part if Sunset knew about it, wouldn't it?" Pinkie giggled.

"Huh?" The Rainbooms all gasped in surprise, except for 'Pinkie'

"Oh come on! You girls really don't know it's Sunset's birthday tomorrow?" She chided.

The other Rainbooms looked at each other, and shook their heads.

"Well it is, and that's the reason we're all here." Twilight said. "To throw Sunset the best birthday party she's ever had!"

One by one, the Rainbooms' surprised expressions morphed into smiles.

"So, you girls wanna help?" Twilight asked playfully.

"I'm in" 'Rainbow Dash' answered

"As am I" 'Rarity' nodded

"Me too" 'Fluttershy spoke up

"Count me in" 'Applejack' finished

Everyone looked at 'Pinkie', who snorted. "Oh, like you even have to ask!" She said.

"Excellent" Twilight smirked. "Hopefully this inter-school competition will keep Sunset distracted long enough for us to get everything set up."

"Oh don't worry about that" 'Rainbow Dash' spoke up. "The Equestrian Games are the only thing she's talked about for weeks, well..." She hesitated. "That, and figuring out how magic is supposed to work" She glanced at 'Sunset' and 'Twilight' who exchanged a glance.

"We're still working on that" 'Twilight' admitted sheepishly. Next to her, 'Sunset' looked at the floor.

"It's fine" Twilight smiled at them. "We know you're doing all you can." She turned back to the others. "Now, who's ready to help plan the best birthday party ever?" She announced, stretching out a hand.

"LET'S DO IT!" Everyone placed her hand on top of Twilight's and they let out a cheer.

---

Meanwhile, outside the school:

Sunset Shimmer's eyes widened at the reactions of the six Crystal Prep girls in front of her. Each of them were staring at her like she was out of this world. And how did they all know her name?

"Um…yes?" She finally said, glancing at Vice Principle Luna, who looked just as confused as she did.

"Sunset?" The girl with teal streaks in her hair stepped forward. "Sunset Shimmer?"

"Yeah, that's me" Sunset nodded, looking closely at the girl. "And you are...?"

To her surprise, the girl recoiled as if she had just been slapped. "Sunset, it's me, Starlight Glimmer!"

Sunset racked her brains, but couldn't recall that name anywhere. "I'm sorry, but I don't know anyone named Starlight Glimmer."

Six gasps echoed through the air in response, drawing the attention of those in the crowd who weren't already watching.

"Wow, and I thought Sugarcoat was harsh. OW!" The green-haired girl yelped as the white haired girl next to her punched her on the shoulder

"How could you say something like that?" The girl named Starlight exclaimed loudly. She seemed on the verge of tears.

What's going on here?" Sunset looked up and her eyes widened. A man was approaching them, with a skin and hair color very similar to her own. He had wire-rimmed glasses and a small beard. When he saw Sunset standing there, he paused, and his eyes widened. "Sunset?" He gasped.

"Yes" Sunset said, taking a step back.

"Well well" The man smiled stepping forward and placing a hand on Sunset's shoulder. "This is a surprise. You should have told us you were coming"

To Sunset's surprise, the man knelt down and pulled her into a hug. She struggled in the man's grasp. "Let go of me!" She cried out.

"Professor Sunburst, release my student this instant!" Vice Principal Luna's voice rang through the air.

Sunset heard gasps echo all around her and felt the teacher holding her stiffen. She broke out of his grasp and ran to Vice Principal Luna.

Professor Sunburst slowly got to his feet, his eyes wide. "Your student?" He asked as he adjusted his glasses, the confusion on his face evident in his voice.

"Yes, Sunset Shimmer is a valued student here at Canterlot High" Vice Principal Luna's eyes narrowed to angry slits. Sunset felt her heart leap upon hearing Luna's praise of her. "Really Professor Sunburst! I never would have expected such disgraceful behavior from you! " Luna snapped.

The confusion in Professor Sunburst's face quickly faded, and was replaced by anger. "Now wait just a minute!" He exclaimed. "That girl just happens to be...!"

"Sister?" Everyone looked up to see Principal Celestia approaching, with Principal Cinch and Dean Sombra at her heels. "What's going on here?" Celestia demanded.

"Sunset?" Principal Cinch's eyes widened when she saw Sunset.

"What are you doing here?" Dean Sombra demanded

"This is getting ridiculous" Sunset muttered under her breath as she backed away from the approaching teachers. She stopped when she felt Luna's hand on her shoulder.

"Luna, what's going on?" Principal Celestia asked again, louder this time.

"I just witnessed Professor Sunburst roughhousing one of our best students, sister" Vice Principal Luna's voice was as cold as the look she threw at Professor Sunburst.

"Your student?" Dean Sombra repeated. Next to him, Principal Cinch raised an eyebrow.

"What? No! That's not what happened at all! I was just...!" Professor Sunburst started to say.

"Is that so?" Principal Celestia cut him off. Now her eyes narrowed at the confused teacher. She crossed her arms and moved to stand in front of Sunset. "I have to admit, Professor Sunburst, I'm quite surprised to hear this. Just because Sunset Shimmer is playing against you today, doesn't give you the right to abuse her like that"

"Wait, Sunset's playing on your team?" Indigo Zap asked. The girl was staring at Sunset like she was an alien, as were all the girls except for Starlight, who was giving her a look of pure hatred.

"Why shouldn't she?" Luna responded. "She's a Wondercolt, after all"

"She's a what?" Dean Sombra exclaimed. Principal Cinch's eyes widened next to him. Sunset could now feel very eye upon her and the heat of everyone's gazes made her shift uneasily.

"Sunset, why don't you go and see if the rest of your classmates are ready for the opening ceremony, while we try to sort this out?" Principal Celestia turned to Sunset.

Sunset shuddered and backed up a few steps. The principal's eyes were no longer bright and sunny, they were cold and hard, just like Princess Celestia's eyes when she got upset. Sunset had only seen that happen a few times, but it was not something you forgot.

"Y-yes Principal Celestia, right away" Sunset answered, then turned and moved quickly towards the school doors. The crowd of Crystal Prep students parted before her.

"Sunset wait!" She heard Professor Sunburst call out after her, but she didn't even look back as she headed for the school. As she walked, she heard whispering from all around her and her eyes caught the faces of many Crystal Prep students as she passed. Many were surprised, but many were also angry and shaking their heads at her. Several students even turned their backs to her when they noticed her looking.

What just happened? Sunset wondered, her mind spinning as she climbed up the steps. Why are all the Crystal Prep students and teachers acting this away around me?

"Obviously your reputation has expanded beyond Canterlot High! I mean, did you see the look on everyone's faces? They're practically terrified of you!" Sunspot's voice whispered gleefully in Sunset's head as she reached the top of the stairs.

"But I'm not like that anymore" Sunset muttered through clenched teeth as she opened the main doors.

"Well, good luck convincing them of that" Sunspot replied and Sunset's heart sank as the raised voices of the five teachers seemed to echo behind her as stepped back inside the school. She was too far away to make out any of their words, but her gut was telling her that they were words she didn't want to hear.

---

And Cut!

Wow, it's been a long time since I updated this story, but I saw this as one of the key points in the plot and I wanted to make sure it was perfect. Even when I thought it was ready to be submitted, I'd always find some little thing to add or change whenever I re-read it. For example, Rarity's ventriloquism bit, and Applejack commenting on her twin's 'honesty' were both last-minute additions that I thought would be humorous. If you want to see that again, let me know. The big reveal turned out longer than I expected, but that's an important scene an I wanted to highlight it as such.

One thing that I liked during the Friendship Games was Twilight's confusion at the fact that everyone as CHS knew who she was, especially the rest of the humane 6. If I were her, I would have been running for the doors, especially when they revealed they knew Spike's name too. I wanted to try to incorporate that confusion into Sunset Shimmer, who still feels like an outcast in this world. This complication is further complicated by the actions of Professor Sunburst. For those of you who are wondering, there was a reason why he tried to hug Sunset, but I'm not saying what it is. See if you can guess.

Speaking of Sunset, are there sparks flying between her and Flash Sentry? Will they get back together? Like I said, I'm not saying anything (Hee hee hee!)

So, now the Rainbooms and the Mane 6 know about each other (mostly) and we have a theory as to why the Twilights and Sunsets glowed when they came into contact in the last story. But with seven sets of twins now running around, it's gonna be difficult to keep them all apart. And what about Starlight and crew? Will they end up discovering the magic that is present at CHS? To find out, stay tuned!

I'm not sure when the next chapter will come out, as exams are drawing closer. Just give me some patience and I'll see what I can do.

Until next time!