Three Days Until Portal Closes

DJ, Scootaloo, Spike, and Nyx walked through the front doors to the humanized Sugar Cube Corner, getting out of the blistering cold wind that had sprung up as they walked. Scootaloo was desperately rubbing her shoulders, trying to draw more warmth from her father’s jacket. DJ had put it around her shoulders as a way of keeping warm during their walk. When questioned if he was cold, DJ simply smiled and denied it. Even though he was just wearing a black t-shirt, DJ felt perfectly fine in the cold environment. Simply another effect of his affinity with ice and snow.

Once inside the bakery, they were immediately struck by the familiar smells of sugary concoctions that warmed their souls and tempted their bellies. Spike went to find them a seat, telling DJ his order as he left, while a large woman was at the counter and regarded them. “Welcome to Sugar Cube Corner!” greeted this world’s Mrs. Cake. “Oh, Scootaloo, I thought you were out of town with your folks?”

Crap! Forgot about this world having a Scootaloo, too. Luckily Scootaloo seemed to have thought ahead. “I decided to stay behind. I’m getting older so I should be allowed to have the house to myself for a few days.”

“Okay, then dearie. Who are your friends?”

“Hello there!” DJ greeted. “My name is DJ and Long Run and Peppy Cheer placed me in charge of Scootaloo until they return home. She may not like it, but I only have to keep an eye on her. And this one is Nyx, my, uh, my little sister! Yeah, that’s it.” DJ mumbled that last part. It was the only logical thing he could come up with on short notice.

“Oh, alrighty then,” Mrs. Cake answered, not entirely sure about the truth of their story. “What can I get for all of you?”

“Order anything you want girls. Lunch is on me!” DJ pulled out his bag of bits, only to find a leather wallet in its place, filled with the equivalent of bits: dollars. So, 675 bits matches up to $675, huh? Perfect! That’s another problem out of the way. Thank you magic! Scootaloo ordered a cheesecake and a chocolate malt, while Nyx went with an ice cream sundae. DJ settled for a few chocolate chip cookies and some milk. In all it only cost about fifteen bucks, so they weren’t out very much. Food in hand, they three found Spike waiting for them near the back of the establishment.

“Here you go, bud. One vanilla cupcake with blue frosting and a glass of chocolate milk,” DJ said as he handed Spike his lunch. He licked his lips and took a big bite out of the treat.

“Oh yeah, that’s the good stuff,” Spike said through his food-induced wonderland. DJ chuckled at his brother as he and the girls started on their own food. They sat for a few minutes before DJ decided to strike up conversation.

“So, Scootaloo, any luck on getting that cutie mark, yet?” Scoot’s face drooped a little, but a glimmer of hope in her eyes reassured DJ.

“Not yet, but I know I’ll get it soon! Me and Apple Bloom both!”

“Just you and Apple Bloom?” DJ asked curiously. “What about Sweetie Belle and Dinky?”

“Dinky said she has an idea what her talent might be and Sweetie Belle already got her cutie mark.”

“Wait, what?! When did this happen!?”

“After the talent show. Don’t you remember, dad? You were even at her cute-ceañera!”

DJ racked his brain for the memories, but most were just a blur of color. He sighed and banged his head on the table. “I really need to start paying attention sometimes.” He lifted his head back up. “No, I don’t remember. What’s it look like?”

“A musical note in the shape of a heart,” Nyx said from memory. “Her talent is singing. She figured it out from our song at the end of the talent show. Even though she was a background singer, Sweetie enjoyed it a lot. She found the mark the next morning. And, yes dad, you really need to start paying more attention. What would mom say if she heard about this?”

DJ looked at his daughters’ evil grins. “You’re blackmailing me?” They nodded in answer. “Heh, heh, I have taught you well. We’ll work something out after the trip is over, okay?”

“Hmm, deal!” they said together. Spike smiled smugly over at his brother-in-law.

“You know that this gonna end badly, right?”

“Eeyup,” DJ responded simply. The foursome continued eating in silence, being the only ones in the restaurant at the time. The sound of the bell above the front entrance brought four sets of eyes over to the new arrivals. Seven in all and each one looking very familiar, especially the young gal in front who started looking around the store for something. DJ smiled and started waving in her direction. “Hey, Twilight! Over here!”

Twilight looked over and smiled when she heard his voice and saw her family. “Come on girls, they’re over there.” She started walking over to the table, six girls falling in behind her. They all took seats around the table, while Twilight took a seat next to DJ. “Girls, I want you meet DJ. He’s a very special friend of mine.” DJ smiled at her compliment.

“Oh?” asked the human Rarity. The others were now staring at the couple, though Rainbow was sneaking curious glances at Scootaloo, who started to shrink under the human version of her idol’s gaze. “Is this one the reason for turning down Flash’s moves?” DJ’s right eyebrow rose up and he glanced at Twilight with suspicion. Then Rarity turned to DJ before Twilight could answer. “Are you Twilight’s boyfriend?”

DJ could already tell that the girls didn’t seem too keen about him. Like he cared, though. So he smiled and chuckled a little. “No, I am not Twilight’s boyfriend,” he answered truthfully.

“Then what are ya to her?” Applejack asked.

“I think I know the perfect way to answer that. Twilight?”

“Hmm?” she asked as she turned her head to look directly at him. DJ leaned in suddenly and kissed Twilight lovingly and passionately. Twilight’s surprise was soon drowned out by her blissful moans. Works every time!

“EW!”

“Ugh, every time!”

Spike was the only one of their family who just looked away without saying anything. His make-out sessions with Rarity had quite desensitized him to such acts of intimacy. Instead, he looked to the human versions of her friends. Fluttershy was hiding a deep blush behind her hair, muttering something along the lines of “Oh my,”. Rarity was staring with eyes wide and mouth agape. You know, she looks kinda hot like tha—NO! Bad, Spike! You have your Rarity back home, if she finds out you’re interested in her human counterpart… I am not risking our already precarious relationship like that!, Spike thought with confidence. He continued down the line. Rainbow and Applejack just had bug eyes, while Pinkie was beaming happily. Sunset simply had an eyebrow raised, staring at the pair.

After another moment, DJ broke the kiss, leaving the two lovers to stare into each other’s eyes. Suddenly, Twilight grabbed ahold of DJ’s shirt and pulled him close, a lustful look in her eyes. DJ panicked a little and started talking as fast as he could. “Twi. Twi! Twilight! We’re in public! We are in public!!” His small shouts hit their mark and Twilight looked around to rediscover that they were indeed not alone. She blushed heavily and shrank back a little, letting DJ go.

“Eheh, heh. Sorry, got caught up in the moment,” Twilight said, highly embarrassed.

“Ah’ll say!” Applejack said, still looking surprised. “Y’all looked like ya was gonna take him right here and now!”

“You should have seen what happened on our anniversary!” DJ proclaimed proudly. “Now that was something else.” The looks on their faces were amazing! I swear that their eyes are about to pop out of their skulls if they hear any more surprises. Oh well. They had a good run!

“Wait just a minute,” said Sunset. “You’re saying that the two of you?”

“Eeyup,” they answered together.

“Isn’t that what husbands and wives are supposed to do together?” Twilight asked innocently.

“HUSBAND?!?!” the girls nearly screamed in unison, including Sunset Shimmer. Now all their jaws were agape and practically on the ground. DJ simply smiled, while Twilight blushed and leaned her head on his shoulder.

“And that’s not all, is it, my dear?” DJ asked with a smirk. “You probably never told them about Nyx, did you?”

“Uh, no. Never came up and it didn’t seem important to mention when all of Equestria was at risk.”

“Who’s Nyx?” asked Fluttershy. “If you don’t mind?”

“I am!” Nyx waved at them all with a big smile. “Hi! I’m Nyx and DJ and Twilight are my daddy and mom!” I think we may need to call an ambulance.

Nah. They’ll be fine.

You sure? I don’t think human jaws are actually supposed to touch the floor like that.

Yeah, they’re good. Plus, it’s funny as hell!

Yes, yes it is. This is fun!

“If they react to sis like that, how are they gonna feel about me?” Scootaloo asked out loud.

“’Sis’?” Rainbow asked.

“Yep! I’m the Scootaloo from Equestria and these guys are my family. Nyx is my younger sister, DJ’s my dad, and Twilight’s my mom. Oh, and Spike’s my uncle.”

“Spikey’s here?” Rarity asked looking around for a little dog.

“Right here!” said the young male. All eyes turned to him, another round of shock and awe. “I know I look good, but I’m taken ladies. Sorry to break your hearts.” Spike smiled smugly and DJ offered another fist bump, which he replied in kind.

“How--?”

“Magic,” DJ responded simply. “Whenever something strange happens from Equestria, just count it off as magic and you will have much less problems in life. Trust me on this as a former member of your race.”

“Huh?” they asked again.

“You are looking at a human turned pony, now human again! Confusing, ain’t it?”

“Um, could we get some context here?” Sunset asked, now completely lost. So Twilight went into everything that had happened since the girls last met. From returning the elements of harmony, which shocked Sunset Shimmer, to her future husband’s arrival in Equestria and everything that happened afterwards. There were ‘d’awws’, gasps, and tears of both sadness and joy as Twilight recounted everything to her old friends. This Rainbow Dash looked ready to kill King Sombra, too, as Twilight got to the point where Scootaloo joined the family. From there she described how they lived their life free of most troubles, enjoying a peaceful life in the country. Well, mostly peaceful.

“This is certainly a lot to take in. It may have been years for you, but it has only been a couple of months since we last saw our little Twilight who was crushing on Flash Sentry,” said Rarity lost in her memories. DJ twitched a little at the mention of Flash, something he was hoping would pass. “Though, you are still our friend, darling, and your husband does seem like a gentleman. At first glance anyways.”

“I can be when necessary. Other times I just prefer being crazy and weird. It keeps Twilight on her toes, or hooves usually, and her over compulsiveness keeps me in check. Ow!” DJ rubbed his side where Twilight had nudged him with her elbow, blushing profusely at his openness.

“And I have to suffer through it,” Spike said, putting in his two cents.

“Oh come off it! You and Rarity have plenty of fun, from what I’ve heard.”

“Hey, we’ve only hit first base! I won’t let you spread rumors about my marefriend. Remember that!”

“Pardon? Did you just say that Rarity is your marefriend?” asked Rarity.

“Yeah, Spike’s dating our world’s you,” DJ answered.

“Have been for almost two years, though it’s been an on-off relationship,” Twilight mused.

“Wow, you sure know how to pick ‘em Rarity,” Rainbow jabbed with a smirk. Rarity was not amused.

“So what are you five doing here anyways?” asked Applejack before Rarity could explode on Rainbow.

“Vacationing. Since the portal was open, Princess Celestia offered us a chance to come see you girls again. We thought it would be fun,” Twilight answered truthfully.

“That’s great! You can help us with our band!” Rainbow said enthusiastically.

“Band?” DJ and Twilight asked.

“Yeah. I’m on guitar, Applejacks on bass, Rarity has a keytar, Pinkie’s on drums, Fluttershy has her tambourine, and Sunset will be singing back up. We really need a lead singer!”

“Why doesn’t Sunset sing lead?” Spike asked, curious.

“I’m not one for singing up front,” Sunset admitted. “I more prefer it in the background when it comes to performing.”

“Mmhmm. What do you say Twilight? We could really use your voice,” Rainbow pleaded.

“Well…” Twilight said, thinking on it.

“Please Twilight? We’re set to perform in the battle of the bands during the Winter Wingding. Why they call it something so uncool, I’ll never know, but we need a singer.”

“Okay,” Twilight said after a moment of thought. “But only if you can find DJ a spot in the show as well.” Her condition caught several looks from her friends and an incredulous one from her husband.

“I’m not saying no, but why?” Rainbow asked.

“Because DJ is incredibly talented with music. I’m not saying to have him play against us, but what about like closing the event or something. That’s something right up DJ’s alley.”

“Is he really that good?” Rainbow looked like she wasn’t too sure Twilight was telling the truth.

“You doubting me?” DJ asked with a suspicious look.

“Maybe I am. What are you gonna do about it?”

“Oh! It. Is. On! Is there piano in here?” DJ asked directing the question to Pinkie.

“Yuppers! It’s in the back corner!” DJ looked over and saw an old, classy piano. Perfect for his needs.

“Nice!” He hopped up and went over to the musical device. DJ sat on the bench and flexed his fingers. Before he began to play, DJ turned back to the group which had moved closer to him. “Hey Spike, catch!” DJ caused a guitar to pop into existence and handed it to Spike, who deftly caught it. “Gonna need a good sound to go with this. You know what to do.”

“No problem, bro! Just do your thing and leave the guitar to me this time.” The others were now quite curious, while Twilight, Nyx, and Scootaloo just watched, knowing not to underestimate these two guys.

“Okay, this one is classic from where I come from and I feel that it keeps it message through all times.” DJ placed his fingers on the appropriate keys and began to play out a modern version of a classic song, while Spike strummed out a matching sound for the tune.

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DJ’s performance was beginning to get noticed by the few customers in the shop as well as the owners. They all watched as DJ and Spike sang and played. It was a song that was both calming and feely. Small tears began to appear on Mrs. Cakes face, the effect of the song was just too powerful.

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Their playing had attracted quite the crowd, the shop nearly full from the amount of people. The tempo for the song kept building and Spike just kept strumming making sure DJ’s song had the fullest effect. The girls were now all hanging out around the piano, drinking in the music at its highest point.

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With song finally over, DJ stood and bowed to the crowd which cheered and clapped in great appraisal for his song. He gestured over to Spike, who bowed in turn, getting his own applause for the great work he did. DJ then turned to Rainbow, beaming happily at her as she leaned on the piano. “So, Rainbow Dash, what did you think?”

“It was good, but kinda slow. Don’t you have anything with more, I don’t know, edge? Something quicker maybe?” He knew that Rainbow was just testing him, but he wasn’t going to turn down a musical challenge.

“You want something more, I’ll give you something more.” The crowd cheered as DJ say back down at the piano. “Ready Spike?”

“Ready when you are!” DJ smiled and returned back to the proper starting points. The Cakes were originally going to ask DJ to step away from the old thing, but with so many customers keeping them busy thanks to his playing, they decided to allow it, especially once he started up his next song.

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Twilight had joined DJ in singing, making her performance debut in front of the gathered humans. They all cheered her on, even her friends congratulating her. DJ simply smiled and kept going, getting engrossed in the upbeat tempo of the song. He wondered why he was hearing drums and turned his head slightly to see Pinkie drumming on her set, smiling the whole time. DJ chuckled and refocused.

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With the piano solo in full swing, DJ poured on every ounce of his skill, letting the music flow through him just as strongly as the Force. His hands moved as if they had a true mind of their own, his mind going blank as it focused on making the music shine. And the crowd just loved every second of it, clapping along to the beat.

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As DJ finished out the song with his piano playing, the crowd cheered in appreciation. With it finally over, his smirk had returned as he looked to Rainbow Dash. “Yeah, that was pretty good,” Rainbow admitted not looking him in the eye. “Not my style, but it was still good.”

“I’ll say,” said a voice from the crowd. Out walked a young woman, older than DJ, but still quite young, with long blue-hair and a familiar voice.

“Vice-principal Luna!” the girls said in unison. Explains the familiarity.

“I don’t think I have seen you around the school before,” Luna mused as she looked DJ over. “Are you a transfer student?”

“Sorry ma’am, but I graduated from high school years ago. I’m just in town vacationing with my wife and some friends.”

“Wife?” Luna asked. DJ pulled Twilight closer to him and kissed her head. This was quite easy since Twilight was quite shorter than him. Several inches, even.

“Yes, I believe she won your Fall Formal Princess title not too long ago.”

“Oh, my. So young. Did you get consent from her parents?” Luna’s look started to turn dangerous.

“They tolerate me, let’s say that,” DJ said with a chuckle.

“As in they can’t understand you, just like everyone else,” Spike quipped.

“Oh shut it!”

“Hey you’re the one claiming insanity!”

“Your point?”

“Ugh! There is nothing right about you DJ!” Spike groaned in annoyance.

“And I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Twilight said as she gave DJ another peck. A goofy smile found itself on his face.

“D’aww. I’m so loved,” DJ said stupidly. Luna’s glare softened at the exchange.

“Well, I have a proposition for you, Mister…”

“Sparkle. DJ Sparkle, at your service.” DJ put out his hand and Luna shook it.

“Well, Mr. Sparkle, would you be willing to be the closing act for Canterlot High’s Winter Wingding and Battle of the Bands? Your skills would be quite the hit.”

DJ smiled at her. “Looks like your condition just got met, Twi. I gladly accept your offer Vice-Principal Luna. It will be a night to remember.”

“Great. I shall go inform my sister and you should settle everything with the planner, Pinkie Pie.”

“No prob bob! When is this dance?”

“In a few days, it will be the last day of the semester so everyone should be in attendance.”

“That’s doable. We will be there!” Twilight nodded, while the others watched on. With that taken care of, Luna made her leave along with a majority of DJ’s audience and they went back to discussing the details of the battle of the bands with the girls.

As they planned, so did another who watched from the shadows outside the bakery. The beings form was hidden by a dark black cloak, though her piercing eyes focused hard on the new arrivals. “Those five might complicate things, but it will make no difference in the end. The Battle of the Bands will be my greatest triumph and from there, I will have more power than ever! Celestia and all of Equestria will bow to me!” The being laughed maniacally and disappeared in a burst of flames, leaving DJ, Twilight, and the others none the wiser.