"You OK Forte?"

Forte's attention was brought from looking out at the Equestrian countryside from the train window to the mare sat on the seat opposite.

"I'm OK Sunny, just a little nervous about meeting my counterpart."

"Understandable. I'm sure I'd feel the same way meeting mine."

"We should have a look into that, see if we can find her; if she exists at all."

A sultry smirk crossed Sunset's face, "You'd like that wouldn't you? Two Sunset Shimmer's."

"What?" Forte mumbled, a blush beginning to form.

"Oh you know," Sunset replied, playfully waving mane about, "Two Sunset Shimmer's to give you a good time."

Forte's blush grew larger and redder whilst Sunset continued the teasing.

"One of us could hold you down while the other one goes down-"

"Sunset!"

"Yes?"

"There are children nearby."

"We're alone in a private compartment."

Forte just blinked and scowled; unamused at the smart, if accurate, comeback, "Don't get all clever with me Sunnykins."

"Oh come on," Sunset teased, "You know you totally would be up for a good time with my double."

"No I wouldn't."

"Oh really? Then why are you blushing and why are your wings stiff?"

"My wings?"

Forte looked to his side to get a view of his wings, curious as to what Sunset was referring to. Rather than being folded to his sides, they were indeed spread out and stiff as ironing boards.

"Errrr Sunny?"

"Yes Pony Boy?"

"Why are my wings stiff?"

"Because you like it when you think of me naked."

After a few seconds of growing embarrassment, Forte groaned and threw a cushion at Sunset,"Damn it Sunny!"

Sunset just burst into laughter and ended up rolling of the seat and onto the floor; the impact did nothing to lessen her jocular happiness.

"You...should...see...the...look...on...your...face!" Sunset said between laughs.

Forte could only groan and sulk into the bench he was sat on.

The train eventually arrived in Ponyville and passengers were disembarking, including a still giggling Sunset and still grumpy Forte.

"Come on Sunny, it's not that funny," he grumbled as he trudged through the snow.

"Maybe not, but your pouty expression is," Sunset replied, giving Forte a nuzzle on his cheek.

Forte blushed from the intimate contact, but still continued to pout.

"Come on Pony Boy, cheer up; we'll soon be at Twilight's castle."

"I know, I can see it," he snarked, pointing to the building in question, "Seriously, is there really any reason to have such a big-arse castle in a small town? It stands out like sore thumb!"

"So?"

"So?! It looks bloody awful! How would you even get planning permission for something like that?!"

"According to Twilight it grew out of a crystal chest that sprouted from a magic crystal tree."

Forte could only give a deadpan expression before lifting a foreleg into the air, "That's it. I'm done. I can't take much more of this crazy world where shit doesn't make sense."

"WHAT FUN IS THERE IN MAKING SENSE?!"

Forte yelled in shock and jumped out of his skin, taking refuge behind Sunset's plot, unconsciously placing his hooves in her flanks...for support, much to her embarrassed delight. After calming down a little and regaining his breathing, Forte looked up to something he wasn't expecting.

"GOTT IM HIMMEL! WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU?"

"Tut tut little Forte, such language. What would Oma and Opa say if they heard such filthy language?"

"Who the flying fuck are you and how do you know who my grandparents are?" Forte snarled, slightly out of fear; his breathing having picked up the pace a little.

"I must say I'm sorely disappointed in you. And you are one of by best students too."

It took a few moments of grinding gears in his head, but the penny finally dropped and a stunned Forte could only stand open mouthed.

"Discord?"

"That's Professor Discord to you young man," Discord said with a frown.

"B-b-but h-how?" Forte babbled, completely at a loss to explain.

"Just ignore him Forte, that's not our Professor; just his counterpart."

"Spoil sport," Discord replied, folding his arms and frowning in displeasure, "Anyway, if you'll excuse me; I have a tea party scheduled with Fluttershy. Tah tah now."

Discord disappeared in a flash of light, leaving Forte and Sunset alone once more.

"You OK Forte?"

"I'm OK, despite the crazy shit I just saw."

"Yeah, according to Twilight that's normal for Discord....the Discord of this world anyway."

"Do you think he's related to our Discord?"

"I wouldn't rule it out."

Forte and Sunset continued their journey through Ponyville. Whereas before they travelled by chariot at night, now they were travelling by hoof during the day; allowing Forte to get a good look at the ponies. He could barely contain his shock as he saw many ponies who strongly resembled his class mates, going about their business. One thing seemed to stand out however, and the only one who might have an answer was walking right next to him.

"Sunset?"

"Yes?"

"Why do the pony counterparts of our classmates all look like adults here?"

"Because they are."

"Come again?"

"I said because they are. Most ponies here are just teenagers in the human world, albeit with some exceptions. Take the Cakes for example, here like in Equestria, they're adults who run their own bakery. Our friends, here as you've seen they're young adults but their counterparts are just teenagers."

"How does that even work?"

Sunset just shrugged her shoulders, "Magic?"

"Of course, 'magic'. The same stuff that causes me to grow a pair of wings and have a stupid ponytail."

"Hey! Ponytail's aren't stupid!"

"Maybe on girls, but on guys they just look wrong."

Sunset lifted up a hoof to begin another counter argument, but lowered it before she spoke, "I suppose you have a point. But speaking of pony tails, you seem to enjoy looking at mine."

"I DO NOT!"

"Are you saying you don't like looking at me?" Sunset asked with a frown.

"Yes. I mean no! I haven't been staring at your tail! I'm not a pervert."

Sunset snorted and rolled her eyes, "Sure you're not, that's why you always sneak in a few peaky looks whenever I get changed."

Forte felt his face blush, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"So you don't deny it?"

Forte responded by playfully pushing Sunset, "Shush you, I don't have to answer that."

"You don't need to answer me, you stiff wings are the only answer I need."

"Huh?" Forte muttered, twisting his neck to get a good look at his sides.

Only to see his feathery appendages stood to attention.

"Oh for fu-"

Forte and Sunset were sat in the library of Twilight's castle, waiting patiently for Twilight to arrive with Forte's counterpart. Or more accurately, Sunset was waiting patiently while Forte was trotting around nervously.

"If you walk back and forth much longer you'll dig a trench into the ground."

"I know, I know; I'm just a little nervous," Forte replied as he stopped walking.

"Everything will be fine Forte," Sunset said, "Come and sit next to me."

Forte trotted over and pulled himself up to the sofa, plonking his plot next to Sunset. Sunset then wrapped a foreleg around Forte, pulling him in close for a cuddle.

"Everything will be fine Forte. Twilight has assured me that Forte, your counterpart that is, is a really nice stallion. Much like yourself."

"How old is he?"

"Twenty four, a few years younger than me."

"Older than I thought, not that I......hang on a sec, he's twenty four and he's younger than you?"

Sunset smiled and nodded.

Forte braced himself and asked a question one really should never ask a mare, "How old are you?"

"Thirty.....almost."

Forte blinked.

Thirty. That just can't be possible, she doesn't look a day over twenty!

"Awwww, thank you Forte," Sunset replied, hugging him tightly.

"I said that out loud didn't I?"

"Yep."

"Would you two like to be alone?"

Forte and Sunset looked up to the source of the voice to see Twilight stood in the doorway of the lounge, accompanied by...Forte.

The pony version of Forte.

"Bloody Hell," Forte mumbled.

"Bloody Tartarus," Pony Forte mumbled.

Twilight and Pony Forte trotted up to the sofa where Forte and Sunset where sitting, all the while Forte and Pony Forte kept their eyes locked onto each other.

"Forte, I'd like you to meet Forte," Twilight said, pointing a hoof from one to the other, "Forte, I'd like you to meet Forte."

Forte and Pony Forte continued looking at one another, not quite believing what they were seeing. Looking between them, it was impossible to tell the two apart. Right down the the strands of mane colour, they were identical.

"Hi," Forte said, nervously extending a hoof.

"Hi," Forte replied, equally as nervous, hoof bumping his counterpart.

After hoof bumping awkwardly and sensing there awkwardness in the room, Twilight wasted no time in moving the conversation along.

"So, why don't we go into town? Give you a tour now the shops are open again? We could start at one of the cafes and allow you two to get to know each other."

"Sure," replied Forte, "You OK with that Sunny?"

"If you're happy, I'm happy."

Twilight turned to Pony Forte, "How about you? You up for another tour?"

"Of course I am! It means I get to spend more time with you!"

Pony Forte's eyes suddenly went as wide as dinner plates and panic began to spread through his veins, "I-I-I m-mean I'd like that."

A blushing Twilight, ignoring the stifled snickers from Sunset, magicked in some parchment and a quill. She obscured her red face behind the parchment and all that could be heard was the scratching of the quill on it.

"What are you writing Twilight?" asked Sunset.

"Just writing up an itinerary."

"Is there plenty to see and do in Ponyville?" asked Forte.

"More than you'd think for a small town. Now come on, let's not waste any time."

As Twilight suggested, their first stop was indeed a cafe. A rather quaint and traditional tea room that had been in Ponyville for decades and run by the great-granddaughter of the original owner. The quartet entered and removed their scarves, hats and fuzzy shoes, leaving them on the shoe rack and hat stand; before finding a table with four chairs near the centre of the room. The other ponies paid no attention to the fact that there were two identical ponies sat near them, most of them quite used to all manner of odd occurrences and shenanigans happening in their little town.

"This looks nice," Forte commented, looking around the cosy interior, "It's the sort of thing my mum would like."

At the mention of his mother, Pony Forte winced uncomfortably; an action not gone unnoticed by Forte.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to upset you like that."

"No it's OK, besides, your mother isn't really my mother; but this tea room is something she would have liked too."

Forte internally sighed in relief at avoiding causing someone to get upset over something very emotional, and potentially ruining any chance of having a new friend.

"So, what would everypony like?" asked Twilight, holding a menu in her magic.

Forte picked up his menu and browsed through the options. What was on offer was typical for a tea room of its kind. Tea, scones, cakes, toasted teacakes, toast, sandwiches etc. After a few seconds browsing, he put down the menu and told Twilight of his choice.

"I'll have a pot of tea, and some scones with strawberry jam and cream......and two toasted teacakes."

"Anything else?" asked Twilight, in a manner like she was expecting more.

"What do you mean?"

"According to Sunset you like to eat a lot, so I was wondering if you wanted anything else to eat as well."

Forte shifted around uncomfortably on the Windsor chair, trying to avoid Twilight's gaze.

"You'd like something else too wouldn't you?" Twilight asked.

Forte nodded meekly.

Twilight couldn't help but giggle, "Don't worry Forte, order what you want; the bill's on me."

"Be careful Twilight, Forte has an insatiable appetite for food."

Forte scowled and rolled his eyes, "I do not, I just like to eat. I personally love smoked salmon."

"I prefer smoked haddock myself," Pony Forte replied, "But here I'll settle for a pot of tea and two toasted teacakes. What about you Sunset?"

"The same, what else are you having Forte?"

"A large grated cheese sandwich with tomato sauce."

Three pairs of eyes grimaced at the unpleasant sounding snack.

"What?" queried Forte, noticing the grossed out looks.

"How can you eat something like that?" asked Twilight.

"It's great! Tomato sauce on top of cheese in a sandwich is something I've always liked."

"It sounds like the sort if thing Rainbow Dash would enjoy," Twilight replied, "She has an affinity for gross things."

"Don't knock it until you've tried it."

"I believe I can make an exception in this case."

About ten minutes later, their orders had arrived. Forte was almost beside himself with joy at all the food in front of him. The smells of the freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, the toasted teacakes and grated cheese sandwich (with tomato sauce) filled his nose with an almost heavenly euphoria.

"I take it you like what you see?" asked Twilight.

Forte could only nod like an idiot, a huge grin plastered all over his face.

"Well then, dig in."

Forte didn't need telling again. He immediately went for the teacakes, deciding to have them while they were still hot.

"Sunset, would you be a dear and butter my teacakes for me please? I can't handle cutlery with hooves."

"Certainly."

Sunset picked up a knife with her magic and began buttering the teacakes, the butter melting into the hot snack immediately.

Warm buttery teacakes, Forte thought, not realising he was starting to salivate.

This was brought to his attention when he felt a napkin being dabbed on his chin by Sunset.

"Honestly, I can't take you anywhere," Sunset complained.

Forte didn't respond an instead picked up one of the teacakes and took a huge bite out of it, moaning in delight at the taste.

"Enjoying yourself?" asked Sunset.

Forte just nodded.

Sunset stifled a giggle and turned her attention to her boyfriend's counterpart, "So....Forte, what is it you do for living?"

"I play music in nightclubs and pubs, it doesn't pay much but I mostly do it because I enjoy it."

"Cool. Do you travel all over Equestria?"

Pony Forte nodded, "Manehatten, Canterlot, Vanhoover, Baltimare, Trottingham, Fillydelphia....all over really."

"Sounds like a cool job," Forte said, adding his two bits to the conversation, "I'm interested in a musical career too. Sunset and I are part of a band on our side of the mirror."

"What do you play?" asked Pony Forte.

"Guitar, piano and saxophone. And the Ocarina. The last of which Sunset got me for Christmas."

"Christmas?"

"My world's version of Hearth's Warming."

"Ah, I think I remember Twilight saying something about it."

The group continued to chat and eat their food, though not without the girls and Pony Forte grimacing when they saw Forte eat his cheese and tomato sauce sandwich. The conversation mostly revolved around CHS and the things that had occurred since Forte first attended. The talk of battling sirens, growing wings via 'ponying up' fascinated Pony Forte; Twilight certainly wasn't exaggerating when she first told him of the other world.

"It sounds truly amazing," Pony Forte added, "And you 'pony up' every time you play music?"

"Yep," replied Forte, "And for some reason it levitates us in mid-air while it happens."

"Probably a health and safety precaution," Pony Forte replied, "You can never be too safe nowadays, at least according to all the know-it-all do-gooders."

"Too true. Anyway, where are we going after we have finished here?"

Twilight took the opportunity to show her itinerary to the group, "I though first we could start at the town hall and work our way outwards in a clockwise direction."

"Fine with me," Forte replied, "Better than wandering around aimlessly."

"Same here," Sunset added.

Pony Forte too nodded in agreement and, after finishing their tea and what not, left the cafe to start their tour. The sun was shining just as brightly as they went in, reflecting off of the perfectly smooth snow. Twilight began leading the group towards their first destination, all the while the two Forte's were conversing with one another.

"So, what's it like being a pony?"

"A little strange, though I am used to having the ears."

That brought out a chuckle from Pony Forte, "I bet that was a weird feeling when it first happened."

"You've no idea, though I suppose you'd feel the same way when you feel and use hands for the first time."

"Hands? Those things like a claw that Lyra's always goes on about?"

"Yep, I know a little about from what Twilight's told me; mostly about her fascination with humans. Apparently we're a myth here in Candyland."

"Well not so much now we know you exist."

"True."

"Candyland?" queried Pony Forte.

"Well this world is brightly coloured like old school sweets."

Pony Forte looked around, this time taking into consideration his counterpart's views, "I suppose so, I've never really seen it that way."

"Well it's normal for you. My world would look grey and bleak compared to Equestria."

"I'd really like to see it sometime, hopefully Twilight will allow it."

"I can't see why she wouldn't, she let me come here after all."

The pair continued to follow the mares in front of them, themselves being in their own conversation. Forte once more found himself transfixed on Sunset's swinging plot and swishing tail, something that hadn't gone unnoticed.

"Enjoying the view?" Pony Forte asked, smirking.

"I'm allowed to, she's my girlfriend."

"How long have you been together?"

"A few weeks. What about you? Are you seeing anyone?"

"No, I've been in a relationship in the past but it obviously didn't work out."

"Why not?"

"She was too busy writing stories about going off on adventures in far flung places of Equestria to pay attention to our relationship. So after a long talk, we decided to end the it; but we did decide to stay friends."

There was a short silence as Forte looked between his counterpart and one of the ponies in front, recalling some of the things he heard said, "What about Twilight?"

Pony Forte groaned and rolled his eyes, "Not you to."

"Do you like her?"

Pony Forte didn't answer.

"Come on," Forte said, "If you can't talk to me who can you talk to?"

"I suppose so," Pony Forte conceded, "Alright, I do like her, but I'm a little nervous about asking. I mean she's a Princess for crying out loud. In the old days, plebs like me who asked such questions to royalty and the nobility spent the rest of their days in a dungeon."

"Does that still happen?"

"No, Princess Celestia put a stop to that after a secret coltfriend of hers was imprisoned by jealous nobles."

"What happened?"

"Her coltfriend was released and the nobles responsible were stripped of their lands and titles, and imprisoned themselves."

"What about the 'coltfriend'? What happened to him?"

"He spent his life officially as Princess Celestia's advisor, but unofficially as her lover."

"So, taking all of that into account; what's stopping you from asking Twilight out on a date?"

Pony Forte racked his mind for any excuse he could think of but ultimately came up short. Sighing in defeat, he lowered his head, "Nothing."

"Then ask her, after the tour. I managed to ask out Sunset and I'm usually a nervous wreck around girls."

"I'll think about it."

"Well," they heard Twilight say, "Here we are boys, the Town Hall."

Forte looked up at the tall structure, something he could see more clearly now they were in daylight, craning his neck slightly in the process.

"Why don't you just fly up to the top to get a better view?" Twilight asked.

"Fly?" Forte asked, squinting in confusion. It took a few seconds but eventually his eyes lit up and he smiled in realisation, "Oh yeah, I have wings don't I?"

Three pairs of eyes simultaneously rolled.

"You can see why I love him can't you?" Sunset whispered to Twilight, who could only giggle.

"Just one question?" asked Forte.

"Yes?" Sunset asked.

"How do I fly?"

"DID SOMEPONY ASK HOW TO FLY?!"

Jumping in fright and once again hiding behind Sunset's plot, Forte nervously looked up from behind her to see a familiar-not-familiar friend.

"Rainbow Dash," Twilight scolded, "Stop scaring ponies like that!"

"Chillax Twi, Forte's fine," she replied in her laid back manner, "See, he even has his hooves on Sunset's flanks!"

Twilight looked to where Rainbow was pointing and as she turned her head, she saw Forte quickly shove himself off of her and beginning to whistle innocently. She rolled her eyes and began walking over to her particularly odd friend.

"Well Casanova? Do you want Rainbow to give you a flying lesson whilst we tour the town at the same time?"

"Sure," Forte replied, a little red in the cheeks, "I'd like that."

In a flurry, Rainbow landed in front of Forte, causing him to stumble back a little.

"Ready to fly? Newbie?"

"Errrr....yes?"

"You don't sound too sure. I said are you ready to fly?"

"Yes."

Rainbow's eye twitched at the lame answer, "I SAID ARE YOU READY TO FLY?"

"Yes!" Forte replied, a little louder than last time.

"LOUDER!"

"YES!"

"I CAN'T HEAR YOU! ARE YOU READY TO FLY!"

"I AM READY TO FLY!" Forte bellowed out.

"That's more like it! Now come on newbie!"

Before he could respond further, Rainbow picked him up and flew him up into the sky; watched on by the others.

"My counterpart is very odd."

Some time later, up and above in the sky over Ponyville, Rainbow and Forte were stood on a cloud looking down on the ponies below.

"This is awesome!" Forte squeed, "And you can do this every day?"

"I sure can. Being a pegasus is awesome!"

"I'll say, and these clouds are so comfy. I wouldn't be able to resist just taking a nap on one."

"I do that loads of times."

"Why don't we do that now then?"

"Hmmmm, a nap does sound nice right about now," Rainbow said, pondering the appealing suggestion.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Twilight, Sunset and Pony Forte down below get a face full of snow courtesy of Pinkie Pie. Instantly, her eyes lit up with a wild, amusing idea.

"I have a better idea, if you're up for it?"

"What would that be?"

Rainbow leaned in close to Forte and whispered her idea into his ear.

Back on the ground, the trio had just exited Sugarcube Corner; having been invited in to clean up after being hit with a Pinkie Pie snowball. And some cakes baked by Pinkie Pie. In the meantime, Twilight, Sunset and Pony Forte were joined by Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy inside Sugarcube corner; all of whom were eager to see the two Forte's together.

"That was splendid as usual," Rarity stated, "Pinkie never fails to deliver on sweet treats."

"I'll say," Pony Forte added, "I think I might just move to Ponyville so I can experience it more."

The sound of dancing hooves and squeeing could be heard.

"Are you OK Twilight?" asked Rarity, "You seem excited about something.

Twilight immediately stopped dancing in the spot and looked shyly over to Rarity, a blush clearly visible on her cheeks, "I'm OK. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Oh, no reason," Rarity replied, smirking as she looked between her friend and Pony Forte, "No reason at all."

"So, what are we all doing now?" Sunset asked.

"Well if we can find Forte and Rainbow, we could-"

"TWILIGHT!" the group cried in unison.

Before Twilight could finish her sentence, something hit her in the face. Stunned from the impact, she wiped off what she could feel on her face and realised it was snow. Looking around for who was responsible, her attention was attracted to the sounds of laughter above.

"Twilight, are you alright?" asked Rarity.

"I'm fine Rarity, just a victim of a well aimed snowball."

Rarity, and the other, looked to where Twilight was looking to see Rainbow and Forte on a cloud, laughing their flanks off.

"You should see you face Twi!" Rainbow cried out.

Twilight scowled fiercely and lifted up a large snowball the size of of a football and launched it at the two pranksters. Rainbow and Forte were too busy laughing to notice the snowball hurtling towards them and subsequently got their faces covered in snow.

The laughing abruptly stopped.

Wiping their faces clean and peering over the cloud once more, Forte and Rainbow looked down to their friends below.

"So," Rainbow started, "You wanna snowball fight?"

"Bring. It. On," Twilight replied, lighting up her horn and picking up several snowballs.

"Ooooh, I like it when you get all competitive like this Twi," Rainbow said, gushing with excitement.

"Me too," Pony Forte added.

The others looked at him with raised eyebrows, Rarity with a knowing smirk.

"I I I mean-"

"We know what you mean darling."

The next thing Rarity knew, she was getting hit in the face with another snowball, much to her ire. From the sound of yet more laughter, she did not need to ask who threw it.

"RAINBOW DASH!"

"Yes, darling?"

Rarity grit her teeth and levitated up a snowball, launching it at Rainbow with surprising velocity and accuracy; scoring a bull's eye hit and knocking Rainbow off of her hooves.

"Wow!" exclaimed Pinkie excitedly, bouncing out from a snow covered bush, "Way to go Rarity!"

"Thank you darling, one must never-"

Rarity was cut off by yet another snowball. Shaking the snow off of her face and looking back up to the cloud, she noticed that this time it was not Rainbow who threw the snowball, but Forte.

"Forte! I thought you were a gentlecolt!"

"I am, but we're in a snowball fight; everyone's a target to be pelted with."

Rainbow, who was now hovering half way between Forte and the others, came up with a great idea. At least in her mind she did.

"Hey guys, instead of a tour, how about a massive snowball fight involving Ponyville?"

The snowball she received to her face gave her her answer.

Forte, Pony Forte, Rainbow and Fluttershy were all perched on a cloud overlooking a deserted Ponyville below, scanning the area intensely for any sign of movement. It didn't take long for all of Ponyville to become involved with the town's pegasi taking on everyone else. Pegasi had hidden themselves inside clouds whilst non-pegasi took shelter inside bushes, hedges and even trees in an attempt to evade Pegasi Snowball attacks.

"You see anypony?" Rainbow whispered to her comrades.

"No," whispered back Forte, "We need to lure them out somehow, or at least get them to reveal where they're hiding?"

"How do we do that?"

"You could fly out really fast, do loads of tricks and stunts so they don't hit you; while they're focussed on you we can attack them."

"I love it!" she whispered excitedly, "Snowball up ponies, it's time to strike!"

Rainbow crawled slowly to the cloud edge and peered over, making sure the coast was clear below. After double checking to make sure that it was, she launched herself into the air, quickly gaining speed.

As expected, snowballs were hurled in her direction with which she evaded with ease. Meanwhile, Forte, Pony Forte and Fluttershy flew off of their cloud and attacked the ponies below, dropping snowballs like a Stuka dropping bombs.

Ponies came running out of the bushes, screaming their lungs out and thus allowing Pegasi hiding in other clouds to launch their own attacks, swarming their non-winged brethren with a volley of snowballs.

Flying rapidly around the town centre, Rainbow Dash spotted her next target. Swooping down and scooping up a large ball of snow from the ground, she gained altitude once more and moved in for the attack.

"Heads up Rarity!"

Rarity didn't have time to react as she felt the force of the snowball pelt her in the side, splashing her new snow coat with wet snow.

"RAINBOW DASH! THAT WAS MY NEW COAT!"

The fainting sound of laughter was all Rarity could hear as Rainbow flew away, gloating in victory. Gritting her teeth and scowling fiercely, Rarity stomped back to her boutique, mumbling furiously along the way.

"Just you wait Rainbow Dash; just you wait until I finish my new line of next season's dresses! YOU WILL BE SOR-"

"POW! RIGHT IN THE KISSER!"

Rarity was knocked back slightly in shock from the impact of yet another snowball. Furiously shaking the snow off of her head and mane, she looked around to find the culprit and soon saw the sight of a cobalt blue pegasus flying awkwardly away; a tell-tale sign as to which Forte she was looking at.

"And you to Forte! You too will suffer my wrath!" she bellowed, shaking a hoof in the air above her head.

Two hours later, the Great Snowball Fight of Ponyville came to an end. Many ponies had suffered horribly as a result of the overwhelming Pegasi victory, who were all congratulating themselves with the pony equivalent of high fives.

"Way to go Rainbow!" exclaimed Thunderlane.

"You're awesome Rainbow!" cried Scootaloo.

"Thank you! Thank you!" Rainbow boasted, hovering around with her hooves in the air, soaking in the adulation, "But let's not forget the awesome Forte!"

"Which one?" asked a nearby pegasus.

"Both of them!"

Both Forte's had a smug smile on their faces, revelling in the praise showered upon them. Forte (the human one), particularly liked Cloud Chaser and her sister hugging him and nuzzling his cheeks.

"Where's Twilight been in all of this?" asked Scootaloo.

"She and Discord decided to observe given they would have a significant advantage over the rest of us given their super powerful magic," Rainbow replied, "Though if they were both on the non-pegasi side team, it would have made this an even fight."

"It's awesome being a pegasus," Forte added, "Having wings is way cooler than having a horn, or nothing at all."

"You said it," Rainbow continued, "Now, who's up for celebrating in the Town Hall?"

In a very crowded Town Hall, ponies from all over town were gathered; either celebrating their victory or lamenting their loss. As expected, Pinkie had outdone herself with cakes of all kinds of colours, flavours and shapes. Forte meanwhile, was sat with Sunset. Both of whom were enjoying the festivities.

"So Sunnykins, good game?"

"Yeah, it was fun. Though don't think I won't forget that huge snowball you threw at me," Sunset said, playfully elbowing him in his sides.

"In my defence it missed you."

"Doesn't matter, you still threw it."

"You were on the opposite team, you were a valid target."

"You thought your girlfriend was a valid target to throw a snowball at?"

"Hmmmmmm.....yes," Forte replied, before stuffing his mouth full of cake.

Sunset giggled and wrapped her hooves around Forte, pulling him in for a hug, "Just don't gloat like Rainbow Dash."

"I won't. But changing the subject, we're heading back tomorrow morning aren't we?"

"Yeah. We don't want to be away too long, and I have a bit of school work to catch up on."

"Need any help with it?"

"Nah, I'll be OK. Thanks anyway though."

The sound of silverware clinking against glass drew everyone's attention to Twilight who had placed herself on top of the sales counter.

"Thank you all for attending everypony. I'd like to start by thanking you all for partaking in the snow-ball match, and I'd personally like to congratulate the pegasi for the victory."

The resounding stomping of hooves filled the room with the losing team showing respect for the victors. Soon enough, the noise died down allowing Twilight to continue speaking.

"I'd also like to formally introduce two very special ponies...well, one of them isn't technically a pony, but nonetheless I think it would be great if we could all give them a big Ponyville welcome. Forte and Sunset, come on up!"

Sunset enthusiastically got up and headed for the counter where Twilight was standing, taking Forte with her in her magic after noticing he remained in his place. Coming to a stop and putting him down next to her, he whispered into her ear.

"I don't like being put in the spotlight like this."

"I know. Consider it payback for that snowball. Now smile, ponies are looking at us."

Forte reluctantly did so, and waved a hoof awkwardly for good measure. Looking around he still couldn't get over the fact that many of the ponies looked like his fellow students, some even had their own children.

I doubt I'd be able to look at them the same way again.

Soon enough, the cheering and stomping hooves died down and Twilight continued speaking to the crowd.

"Thank you everypony, I'm sure Sunset and Forte appreciated that. And speaking of Forte, I bet you're all wondering why you see another pony looking exactly like him."

A few nods from the crowd confirmed Twilight's suspicions.

"Well," she continued, "The Forte you see up front is from a world no the other side of a magical mirror. The other pony who looks just like him, is also called Forte but he is from right here in Equestria. The Forte from the other world wanted to visit with his marefriend Sunset Shimmer, also an Equestrian native and was Princess Celestia's personal student before she entered the other world."

Sunset momentarily winced at Twilight's last words, as memories of that encounter once more resurfaced in her mind. And unease though was immediately evaporated as ponies once more cheered, clearly impressed at what they had heard.

"Ponyville has two personal students of Princess Celestia?" one pony could be heard saying in the background, drowned out in a cacophony of cheers and hoof stomps.

"She must be really special if Princess Celestia chose her," another pony said, this time catching Sunset's attention.

"She's not exactly wrong," Forte whispered into her ear, "You are special. Amazingly so."

"Thank you," Sunset replied, blushing softly, "You're a special guy too."

The cheering died down once again, allowing Twilight to finish speaking, "Now, without further ado, why don't we carry on partying? All of this food won't eat itself."

The party did continue and Forte was now sat with his counterpart in the corner, slightly away from the dance floor.

"So," Forte said, "You headed back to Canterlot tomorrow?"

"Probably. Or I might stay in Ponyville another day," Pony Forte replied, turning his head ever so slightly in Twilight's direction.

"I can't imagine why."

"Can you blame me for not wanting to leave sooner?"

"No I suppose not. Twilight's a nice girl, make your move while you have the chance."

"You're right, I'll ask her."

"Excellent!"

Both Fortes began to watch the party unfold from the sides; neither of them inclined in anyway to get up and dance with the girls on the dance floor.

"Forte?" Pony Forte asked, "Can I ask you something....personal?"

"Sure."

"What are your parents like?"

The topic Forte had been expecting, and dreading, had finally come up. He knew of the deaths of his counterpart's parents and knew he would have to tread carefully on the sensitive matter.

"They're great. I couldn't ask for better parents."

"What do they do for a living?"

"My mum's a songwriter and composer and my dad's a construction engineer. Recently he was appointed Chief Engineer of a major construction project, specifically overseeing the construction of the new Wonderbolt stadium. Wonderbolts are a football team in my world, one of the biggest too."

"Sounds awesome. The Wonderbolts exist here too, but here they're an elite stunt team."

"Sounds cool. If I'm ever here again I'd definitely have to see them."

"They start touring again in about a month's time."

"Have you been to see them before?"

Pony Forte nodded, "Season ticket holder. I doubt there's a single Pegasi alive who hasn't seen them. My parents took me regularly when I was a foal. Had I not decided to pursue a musical career, I probably would have given it a shot at being a Wonderbolt."

Pony Forte sighed sadly and his shoulders slumped down, "My parents did a lot for me when I was young. More than I'll ever truly know.....and I'll never have the chance to repay that."

"Well the way I see it you tour Equestria performing songs, bringing joy to ponies and whatever else lives here. And from the looks of things," Forte said, looking over to Twilight, "You're starting to make a life for yourself. I know that while our parents are each other's counterpart like ourselves, I feel like they would be proud of what you've achieved."

"I guess so," Pony Forte said glumly, "It still hurts all these years later though, losing them."

"I'm sorry to hear about your parents," Forte said solemnly, "I can't imagine what it's like to lose them when you're so young."

"Don't worry about it, I'm not the only one who lost their parents when they were young."

"You could come over you know," Forte blurted out.

"Excuse me?"

Forte turned to his counterpart, "You could come to my place should you ever go through the mirror."

Doubt and uncertainty overcame Pony Forte. Seeing people that are counterparts of his own deceased parents would be an unusual experience to say the least. But on the other hoof it could help bring closure to his suffering over their loss.

"I'll think about it."

The party went on well into the night with many ponies dancing and drinking the night away; including Rainbow and Applejack having a drinking contest and only succeeding in drinking each other under the table, and Sunset spent the night giving Twilight dancing lessons.

However, all good things must end and at around 1AM, ponies staggered out of the town hall and headed home. Forte meanwhile was resting on Sunset's back having had a little too much to drink, and Pony Forte was likewise resting on Twilight's back for the same reason.

"Honestly," said Sunset looking back at Forte, "I can't take him anywhere."

"I get the feeling I'll have to put up with the same."

"Are you saying you like your Forte?" Sunset asked teasingly.

"No not at all! I never said that!" Twilight hastily replied, blushing in the process.

"Admit it Twilight, you like him."

"Maybe."

"Maybe? Come on Twilight, I'm a mare as well. I know that look you've been giving him all night."

"What are you talking about?"

"I saw how you kept looking over at him when you thought I wasn't looking."

"I was just making sure he and Forte were OK."

"Sure Twilight, keep telling yourself that."

...........

"OK! I admit it! I like him!" Twilight stated, dramatically throwing her hooves into the air.

Sunset beamed with joy, "This is perfect! Do I get an invite to the wedding?"

"Wedding? We haven't even dated yet."

"You went to a restaurant with him didn't you?"

"It wasn't a date."

"It was you and him alone, in a restaurant. I'd call that a date."

"Maybe that's what it's called in the human world, but here in Equestria it was just a meet up between ponies that soon became friends."

"Twilight," Sunset dead-panned.

Twilight groaned and rolled her eyes, "Fine! It was a date!"

"I'm proud of you Twilight. Getting yourself a coltfriend....and a handsome one too."

"He's not my coltfriend!"

Oh yes he is! Sunset thought.

"But yes," Twilight continued, "He is handsome."

"You are going to go on another date with him aren't you?"

"Will you continue to pester me if I don't?"

"Yes. And so will the girls."

Twilight and Sunset finally reached the castle and went inside, with both Forte's still riding on their backs and headed up the stairs towards the bedrooms. Before she turned into her bedroom, Sunset called over to Twilight.

"Are you two sleeping together?"

"No, I'm putting him in another guest bedroom. It's too soon to sleep together. We've only been on one date after all."

"Fair enough. My Forte however......well, I don't think I need to tell you."

"No," Twilight replied, giggling, "He does seem to enjoy being with you."

"That's putting it mildly. Anyway, goodnight Twilight."

"Goodnight Sunset."

Sunset headed inside of her bedroom with Forte still resting on her back. Closing the door and walking over to the bed, she magically shut the curtains and switched on the bedside lamps, gently illuminating the room. She pulled the covers back and gently levitated Forte onto the bed and quickly jumped in with him and pulled the covers back.

Leaning over to Forte, she gave him an nuzzle on his cheeks and whispered softly, "Love you darling."

Author's Notes:

This chapter was an absolute bitch to get out.

Thanks again toA random personfor editing.

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