The sound of the alarm going off was like a bombing exploding inside Adagio's and Sunset's heads. At first they were confused then angry. It was too early for the alarm to be going off on a Sunday. They had both just gotten to sleep. Slowly they began to realize why it was going off. Still that didn't make it any easier to accept.

"Dag, turn the alarm off will you," Sunset grumbled. She was half awake, half asleep which fit since the sentence was half a statement and half a question.

"It's your clock. Why do I have to do it?" Adagio groused back.

"Because you're closer; that's why."

"And you're on top of me."

"Fine; I'll roll over." Sunset quickly rolled over and off of Adagio.

"Alright, but we're going back over these sleeping arrangements then." Adagio threw back the covers and stumbled over to the clock and turned it off. She turned around to see that Sunset had already snuggled back in under the covers.

"Hey, get up. You need to get a shower."

"So do you. You're already up so you go first. You can wake me when you're done."

Adagio folded her arm and growled. Then she walked over to the bed, threw the covers off, and grabbed Sunset. "If I'm up, you're up" she said as she drugged Sunset from the bed.

Sunset squealed in surprise and protest. She struggled to break free which caused both women to fall on the floor; at which point both women busted out laughing.

"Ok, ok," Sunset said as she slowly stopped laughing. "I'll make breakfast while you get your shower then I'll get mine. How's that."

"That sounds like a winner," Adagio responded happily. "Just, you might want to put something on if you're planning on frying anything."

Sunset laughed again. "Duly noted."

**************************************************

Adagio sat at the bar and Sunset stood behind it. Each had a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and cinnamon and sugar toast. It was something quick and easy for Sunset to whip up. She had time to make everything and wash the pans while Adagio had been getting ready. Adagio had decided to wait until Sunset had gotten ready so they could eat together.

"So," Adagio said as she put a fork full of eggs in her mouth, "are you nervous?"

Sunset just kind of scrunched her face up as she took a bite of toast. "I don't know. I never met myself before." She chewed then swallowed. "But if the other girls can do it, so can I. I'll just have to make sure we don't touch. I still can't figure out why, I just know it wouldn't be good."

"Fair enough. I never met my Earth self. Of course I never will now."

"You know, that makes me think of something. Princess Celestia's twin is Principle Celestia. Yet, she's older than you are. So I wonder, did she have a double before? I mean Principle Celestia CAN'T be that old."

"Hmm," Adagio said, mildly curious. "I don't know how that would work. Who knows? Maybe I do have a double out there, somewhere. Interesting to think about."

"Coffee?" Sunset asked as she turned to get a cup for herself.

"Yes please."

Sunset got a second cup down. She poured two cups, one she added just sugar to, the other cream and sugar. She handed the one with both in to Adagio and she took the other.

Adagio took a sip, smiled, then her face grew serious again. "So how'd you sleep?"

Sunset shook her head. "Not well. I kept having nightmares. You?"

"I've slept better," Adagio just said.

Sunset nodded. She took another sip then placed the cup back down and just stared at it.

Adagio reached out and took Sunset's hand. "We'll get through this," she said softly.

Sunset looked up, gave a half smile, nodded. "We better hurry up. I want to get the dishes done before we leave. I'll wash, you dry."

*************************************************************

Shimmer waited in the food court. Her eyes kept darting back and forth, scanning the area for any possible sign of Adagio or her other self. She really had no game plan as to what she was going to do when she met her. I mean, seriously; what do you say when meeting a complete stranger that looks exactly like you (kind of) and has your name? Part of her even wondered why she cared so much. Sure it was an interesting curiosity; but still, was it anything to get worked up over?

She looked down at her watch. Nine fifty-three. Seven minutes to go, if they were punctual that is. She looked up again and she saw them. Adagio and her twin. For a second she couldn't breath. This other Sunset looked so poised, so regal; she moved like a sovereign through her people. There was a grace and beauty to her that Shimmer could never hope to possess.

Adagio, too, moved differently when she was beside her. As if mirroring Sunset's own regalness; Adagio also seemed to move with more power and dignity than she had seen her move before. The two, together, were a breath taking sight to be seen. Shimmer was amazed how everyone in the food court didn't just immediately get up and kneel before them.

Shimmer caught Adagio's eye and waved. Adagio leaned over, whispered something into Sunset's ear, and then Sunset looked at Shimmer. She smiled and waved. Then they both began to walk over to Shimmer.

Shimmer could feel her excitement grow. It was weird that she would be having this reaction. She felt like a fan girl who was meeting her favorite celebrity. Yet, to honest, out side of sharing looks and a name, there really wasn't anything that special about this person she was clearly dying to meet.

Even the looks weren't exact. This Sunset shimmer had on a black leather jacket, a white shirt, blue jeans, and black leather biker boots. All that with her long red hair gave the look of an 80's rocker chic.

In contrast, she had short hair with the sides buzzed down, an olive drab coat, a shirt with horizontal rainbow stripes, a fringed skirt with purple leggings, and a pair of pink Converse. The other Sunset looked cohesive, put together, and a bit dangerous. She, on the other hand, looked like a toddler who just threw on as many different clothes as possible.

"Hi," Adagio said as soon as they had gotten to where Shimmer was seated. "Sunset Shimmer, meet Sunset Shimmer."

"Hi," Shimmer said and waved goofily; not knowing what else to do.

"Hi," Sunset smiled a warm, sympathetic smile. Shimmer was amazed at how much older and mature she sounded. Far beyond Shimmer's years.

"I'll leave you two alone now," Adagio said with a sly smile. She then leaned in close to Sunset and whispered something in her ear. Whatever it was made Sunset get a cute, little smile on her face. She then whispered something in Adagio's ear. Adagio smiled and nodded. She turned to Shimmer, waved bye, and walked off.

"She's amazing," Shimmer said walking Adagio walk off.

"Yes she is," Sunset agreed, watching Adagio as well. "More than you'll ever know." Sunset then turned to Shimmer. "Before we begin, I just need to set one very important ground rule. I might sound like a witch, you might think it's weird, but I have to insist on it. No matter what; you and I can not touch each other. Absolutely, positively, no exceptions. Ok?"

Shimmer shrugged. "Hey, I had an uncle who would make you wash your hands three times in front of him before he would give you a handshake. Everyone gots their peccadillos."

Sunset nodded and sat down. "So, this is a bit odd I admit."

Shimmer giggled with excitement. "Yeah, kind of. I don't know what I'm really after or what I'm looking for exactly. I just know as soon as I saw your picture, I wanted to meet you."

"To be honest, I'm glad you did."

"Really?" Shimmer could tell there was something hiding behind Sunset's words but she didn't know what. Regardless, her feeling of excitement grew even more hearing Sunset was glad Shimmer wanted to meet her.

"Adagio's already told me a lot about you. You moved here from New York. You go to Crystal Prep, . . ."

"I'm a lesbian," Shimmer interrupted. She wanted Sunset to know that. She also wanted her to know she was attracted to Adagio. Maybe Sunset could do something that would make Adagio want to be with her instead of opining over Sunset.

Sunset smiled and nodded. "That too. And that you have a crush on her."

"Well, yeah. I mean, she's . . ."

"Amazing," Sunset laughed. "We've already established that." Shimmer blushed and Sunset went on. "Adagio is very special. I understand why you have feelings for her."

"She also has feelings for you too." Shimmer hoped that didn't come out too wrong, like she was trying to scare Sunset. Still, she wanted Sunset to know.

"Yes; I already know that. She told me. I have feelings for her too."

"Yeah but these are FEELINGS, feelings." Shimmer wasn't sure if Sunset knew what she meant.

"I know. I know exactly what they are. I have them too. We've actually just became an official couple last night."

Shimmer's mouth dropped open then she just shook her head in surprise; not believing what she was hearing. "Wait, I thought you were straight. Adagio even said you had a boyfriend."

Sunset blushed and looked down. "Yes, well, up until last night that all was true. I was straight but now I guess I'm bisexual. As for my boyfriend, um, well he and I are going to have a very unpleasant conversation Monday."

Shimmer looked at Sunset then over to where Adagio was. "Well, I'm both disappointed and relieved. I know Adagio is off limits now, which sucks; but I have to admit the idea of another me being with a guy, it is a bit gross."

"Well it wasn't and still not for me. I still don't know how this will play out," Sunset turned to look at Adagio as well, "but she's worth it." Sunset then looked back to Shimmer. "So, any questions for me?"

"Um, yeah, ok. To be honest, I, like really didn't think that far ahead. I mean I did; but I didn't. Know what I mean? No, of course not. I'm rambling like and idiot here."

Sunset giggled and tried to calm Shimmer down. "It's ok. Honestly I'm nervous too. Just start with the basics."

Shimmer smiled. "Ok. You have any siblings? I have a little sister."

Sunset shook her head. "Only child."

"Hmm. Well what do your parents do? My dad's a software engineer and my mom is a house wife who also is an amateur writer."

Sunset's face grew somber and Shimmer knew she had touched on something painful and immediately regretted it.

"They're dead. They died a while ago. Dad died first, then Mom." Sunset's voice was full of restrained sorrow.

"Oh. I'm so sorry. But who do you live with then? I mean, you and Adagio just don't live on your own."

"Actually; we do. I'm, well, I'm fairly well off. It wasn't always the case; but I was able to turn somethings around and, you know, have a good life."

"Really? But how? I mean you two are what? - sixteen, seventeen, nineteen at the most. How could you have pulled that off?"

Shimmer noticed a mischievous and almost frightening smile come across Sunset's face. Suddenly Shimmer found herself afraid of this other self and that maybe meeting her was an extremely bad idea.

"You know, I debated on what or how much I was going to tell you," Sunset said slyly. "But you know what? I think I'm going to just show you."

Before Shimmer could protest, Sunset bowed her head, closed her eyes, put her hands out on the table palms, and immediately snapped her hands closed. By the time her finger had reached her palms; she, Shimmer, and Adagio were at the court yard of Canterlot High.

"Hey," Adagio shouted. "Could you warn me next time before you do that? I'd just gotten a drink."

"Sorry Dag. I didn't have time." Sunset said with more than a little merriment taken at Adagio's annoyance.

Shimmer looked around in disbelief. She had been at the mall; now she was here. Really here. This wasn't a dream or an illusion; but actual real life.

"How, what, how did you, how did we, where is here?" Shimmer stumbled to find words to express the confusion she felt.

"Teleportation. It's pretty advanced magic. Not to many can do it. It was actually one of the first things I mastered though. Well, as far as advanced magic is concerned."

"Magic? Did you just say magic? Magic isn't real. It's superstition and trickery and . . ."

"You're here. You feel the air, see the sky, the landscape, kneel down and touch the grass if you like. Take it all in. Verify with all your senses that this is real," Sunset said sympathetically but still enjoying her other self's confusion.

"I know I'm here. I know this is real; but it can't be magic." Shimmer was beginning to get annoyed at this other her and her talk of magic.

"It is and there's more. I am not of this world. I'm not even of this dimension. I come here from another realm. So does Adagio. We came here through a portal to this world."

"You came, I was exiled." Adagio interrupted bitterly.

"You're both crazy," Shimmer said in fear and anger. "Naw, I'm done. I'm gone. You two are messed up. I never want to see you again." Shimmer started walking off.

"Wait!" Sunset called.

Shimmer turned around if for no other reason but make sure Sunset and Adagio weren't going to try anything.

Sunset walked over to a broken statue. When she got there, she stuck her hand through the concrete base. Literally in the concrete. Shimmer just gasped in amazement.

"This is the portal I came through."

"So that's where it was," Adagio said in astonishment (and just a little bitterness). "It was there the whole time."

"You might be of this Earth; but you are also a version of me. You are a Sunset Shimmer. And I know, inside you, beats the heart of an explorer, a seeker of knowledge. Through this portal lies an entirely different dimension with creatures wild and fantastical. A realm with a completely different laws of physics. Can you tell me that you honestly don't want to know what lies on the other side?"

Shimmer kept looking back and forth between Sunset and the portal; completely unaware that she was slowly walking towards both. When she finally got there and realized she was there, she gently stuck her hand through the portal. The feeling was akin to that of a limb going to sleep.

She pulled her hand back out and looked at Sunset and Adagio. Her mouth was agape and here mind was overwhelmed but she forced herself to speak. "Ok. Let's do this."