August

Moon Dancer waddled out of the bathroom. She was sore from yesterday. Moon Dancer and Twilight/Midnight had been doing walking exercises yesterday at Princess Twilight’s insistence. Now Moon’s whole body hurt in ways it never had before. Moon stretched and walked down the hall. She could now walk almost normally. She held her head high.

Midnight was still having problems. She stumbled towards her. “Good Morning Moon Dancer!”

“How are you Twilight?”

“Sore in ways I didn't know I could be.”

“Same. Who knew learning to walk could be so hard. How do babies do it?”

“I think they just don’t know how to give up.” Twilight stretched. “Let’s go eat!”

Moon Dancer got her fork to stick to her hoof for a whole minute. She was excited. No one noticed they were too busy watching Twilight. Twilight was showing off again. Pony Moon Dancer showed up grabbed some food and turned to leave. She wasn’t wearing her awful perfume from yesterday day. She was still in the uncomfortable cloak and she still looked on edge. As the pony passed by Moon Dancer noticed an odd smell she couldn’t identify it but it reminded her of her wife.

“Umm. Moon Dancer?” Princess Twilight said caucoisely.

Moon Dancer jumped like she had been caught. She starred unblinking at the princess who squirmed.

“I hate to disturb you. But do you have any advice on basic floating spells for two unicorns who can’t quite do it yet?” Princess looked hopeful. Midnight and human Moon Dancer both looked away embarrassed.

“Read the Haicart’s book on beginner magic. Ignore everything else.” Moon Dancer turned back to the door. “

“Really Starswirl the Bearded’s book helped me!”

Moon Dancer rolled her eyes. “Seriously Twilight you are obsessed. I’ll be in my room if anyone needs me.” She said pointedly. She stalked off like an angry teenager.

There was long pause only broken by Spike shoveling down pancakes.

“Is there something we should know about you and her?” Midnight asked the princess.

The princess immediately snapped back to her senses. “No everything’s fine!” She blushed deeply.

“Seriously Twilight? They are going to find out one way or another. Do you really want HER to be the one to tell them?” Spike said.

“I don’t want to talk about it right now!” The Princess snapped defensively.

Spike rolled his eyes before stuffing an entire pancake in his mouth.

After breakfast Princess Twilight watched her guests practice magic. Moon Dancer strutted around and practiced balancing while the princess tried to teach her counterpart how to float a feather.

“Moon Dancer why don’t you come over here and try? Don’t you want to learn how to use magic?” Princess asked.

“Later. I want to be able to run first.” Moon Dancer stumbled down the hall while Spike timed her.

This continued until lunch time. Princess Twilight’s Council of Friendship started filing in. Fluttershy’s thick but pleasant perfume filled the air when walked in. Each meme we of the council took their seat. Starlight Glimmer floated lunch in.

Everyone was getting settled when the large door was pushed open.

Applejack poked her head in. She glanced around and walked in slowly. Starlight Glimmer levitated Applejack official chair aside and floated over a couch. Applejack make several attempts to haul herself onto it.

Midnight and Moon Dancer exchanged glances. They had not been expecting this kind on clumsiness. Midnight adjusted her glasses and peered at the pony. Moon Dancer watched and noticed that Applejack’s belly was large and round. Big enough to make it difficult to haul oneself up onto a high couch. In one moment Moon Dancer understood. She glanced at Midnight who still looked confused.

Applejack succeeded in hauling herself on her seat. She waved away food. “I already ate.” She said smiling.

“I’m glad you are feeling better.” Fluttershy said.

“Yeah. I would have been no help yesterday. I slept through your meeting.” Applejack said.

Moon Dancer found herself studying this Applejack as much as the other one although for different reasons. This Applejack reminded her of her wife and staring at her was comforting. She looked away. Rarity was speaking.

“Any luck in your research Twilight?” Rarity asked.

“No.” Twilight flattened her ears. “I am determined. I’m sure the answer will appear in the books. I just need to read them all a few more times. And maybe get Celestia to check my notes.”

“Well we can deal with that later. Time for check ins!” Pinkie Pie said in a sing song voice. “Who wants to go first?”

“I’ll go.” said Rainbow Dash. “I feel so awesome! I got a date! Soren asked me out. Finally! I kept trying to get his attention. It seems to have worked. Perhaps he won’t mind being my stallion friend when I got into heat next week.” Rainbow Dash has a mischievous look on her face. She turned to Fluttershy “Next!”

Fluttershy looked thoughtful. “I am doing well. My heat has almost ended. I am happy about that. I was called in yesterday afternoon to solve a dispute between two bares. They were fighting over hunting grounds. I solved it for them and then I had to help a wounded fox. That’s all my news.” Fluttershy turned to Rarity. “Next.”

Rarity sighed. “I am a little tired but very satisfied. I finished the wedding invitations. I don’t want to ruin the surprise. You’ll all get them in the mail soon enough. I am so excited. Being engaged is fun. I will get two in the mail for your two Midnight and Moon Dancer. Even if you won’t be around for the wedding you can still appreciate a unique invitation.” Rarity smiled at them. “Next!” she turned to Pinkie Pie.

“Hold on.” said Midnight. “How old are you. All of you?”

The Ponies glanced around at each other.

“I’m twenty five.” Rarity said.

Midnight stared at her. She glanced around. “And the rest of you?”

“We are both 21” Rainbow Dash said indicating herself and the princess. “Pinkie Pie is twenty two, Fluttershy is twenty three, and Applejack is twenty seven.”

“Wow.” Midnight said.

“How old are you and our counterparts?” Rarity asked.

“We’re all eighteen except Applejack who is nineteen.” Midnight said.

“That’s quite the age gap.” Applejack commented. There was a few seconds of silents nodding before everyone turned to Pinkie Pie.

“I like Rainbow also have a date. tomorrow night! I am catching a train for Canterlot!” Pinkie Pie bragged.

“And will you tell us who you are seeing?” Rarity asked in bored tone.

“No.” Pinkie Pie said in a shifty voice.

Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy all rolled their eyes.

“And how do we know this boyfriend of yours isn’t made up?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Are you accusing me of lying!? I am not! I have a boyfriend I just don’t want you to know who he is right now.” Pinkie Pie said like this was normal.

Applejack rolled her eyes. The princess sighed.

“My turn. I am stressed. I wish I had found more answers yesterday. I think I need to combine spells to make one that will work for us I just don’t know which one. Also I got some of the guest lists from various room and board places and A letter from Luna which I will read later.” Princess Twilight said. She turned to Spike. “Next!” guest

“Oh. I don’t have anything exciting to report. Nothing has happened. I just helped Twilight as I usually do.” He said. “Next.” She turned to Applejack.

“Like I said I was ill yesterday. Nothing exciting happened. I through up and slept. I woke up late and did a few chores and read a book and then went back to bed. I am happy with my life.” Applejack smiled. “Next!”

Everyone turned to Midnight. “Nothing has happened or changed from yesterday. I still can’t use my horn and I still can’t walk. Next.”

Everyone turned to Moon Dancer. “ I’m fine. I wrote to the other Rarity last night and she got back to me. We can discuss later. Otherwise nothing.”

“Well if that is all, let’s move onto the important stuff.” Princess said. “I got various reports from lots of establishments between here and Canterlot and Sunset isn’t on any of the lists.”

“Applejack and Rarity… the other ones pointed out that she didn’t use a fake name in the bakery but maybe she used one somewhere else. I just think it is important to know she used her real name at least once.” Moon Dancer said.

“I think it would depend on whether or not she wanted to lie low or not. If she felt like she was in extreme danger from someone and couldn’t trust anyone she would hide her real name and her appearance if not she wouldn’t.” Midnight said.

“We can consider that. I’ll keep the lists but for now the hotel thing is a dead lead.” Princess said.

Moon Dancer cleared her throat. “While we are talking about it, something important that they brought up was money. How did Sunset get money? How does one get a job in this world? What sort of paperwork and identification do you need? The other Applejack wondered if she stole and if so who from?”

All the pony gave each other distressed looks. Finally Rarity spoke. “The job scene is complicated to navigate so much is word of mouth and reputation. Lots of ponies are self employed or created a business with their friends. I have a hard time imagining Sunset getting a job in a week. As for paperwork well, to really be established and credible you need paperwork. At the very least to pay taxes. Not to do so would be against the law.” Rarity glanced at Mon Dancer. “I don’t mean to suggest anything I’m sure your wife is an honorable pony, I just don’t think they is a way she could have gotten a job through legitimate means.”

“Perhaps she made friends who gave her money.” Pinkie Pie said.

“But they why haven’t they come forward when Luna sent out the add? Surely they trust our princesses.?” Fluttershy asked.

There was a long silence.

“Well how about we move on to the letter from Luna?” Twilight suggested.

There was lots of nodding around the table as Twilight levitated the letter.

“Dear Twilight,

A librarian from the Royal Canterlot Library just meet with me. She says that two days ago Sunset walked into the library and wanted to know where the maps were. The librarian said she was rude and aggressive. The librarian had asked her why she needed help and Sunset walked away. The librarian had gone back to work. She was unable to describe Sunset very was but was extremely confident that it was her. She said that Sunset looked fat and spoke softly. She was also wearing a hideous cape and hat that didn’t go with it at all. The Librarian seemed to find the visit annoying.

Personally I don’t know what to make of this. Why was Sunset Rude to someone she wanted help from? Did she find the maps? What did she want a map of?

I got a letter from a shop owner. If you want I can transcribe the whole thing but it is mostly just boring flattering and fluff. I will summarize the important stuff.

Sunset Shimmer walked into his store. She got into a fight with an employee bought a hat and left. Details. The employee is the one who picked the fight. Apparently they are sisters. They weren’t happy to see each other. They apparently did not part on good terms. The owner was displeased by his employee's behavior. She had shouted something and Sunset had burst into tears. That’s when he heard the commotion and interceded. He helped Sunset pick out a hat. He gave it to her free of charge and then docked his employee’s pay.

He described Sunset as fragile and somewhat pathetic. she was wearing a very warn out cloak and she was unable to use magic and unable to see clearly. She also couldn’t walk very well. Both he and his employee thought she had recently been in an accident. He hoped she had a partner to come home to. Some strong stallion who could take care of her and their foal. Sorry Moon Dancer.

Those were the two pony that came forward. I hope this information helps.

Best Wishes Princess Luna.”

There was a moment of silence. About half the ponies were staring at Moon Dancer.

Moon Dancer fought back rage. A strong stallion. How dare he think of her wife as pathetic. How dare he assume anything! She doesn't need a penis to be satisfied.

“I’m sure he didn’t mean it like that.” Princess said.

“Oh he probably did.” said Rainbow Dash.

Rarity glared at Rainbow Dash and Rainbow Dash shrank back.

“What exactly is bothering you?” asked Fluttershy. “We can talk about it.”

“How dare he!” Moon Dancer almost screamed. She took a deep breath. “What in the world! My wife is not pathetic. She can take care of herself. I can take care of her. Does he not think a woman could look after another woman? What is wrong with me being a lesbian. Does he just not understand the concept? I can take care of my wife just fine. I’ve been looking after her since we started dating. We look after each other. She doesn’t need a guy to be happy.” Moon Dancer glanced around. Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack gave her concerned looks. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash looked bored.

“I’m sorry.” Moon Dancer said.

“It’s fine dear we are just worried. If you ever need to talk to another lady who like ladies let me know.” Rarity said studying her.

“Are you pan-sexual?” Moon Dancer asked.

“Yes… how did you know?” Rarity looked shocked and uncomfortable.

“Your counterpart is.”

“How do you know?”

“Applejack, the other one, told me.”

“Right.” Rarity said still studying her.

“So now what?” Asked Pinkie Pie.

Princess answered. “Well I think we should discuss takeaways from the letter. The map thing is very important. What did she want a map of. Where wash she trying to go-”

“Home.” Moon Dancer said immediately.

“There isn’t a map that is going to get a pony from here to the other world.” Princess said.

“Yeah but she doesn’t know that! If I woke up here in this body I would go looking for a map. I would go do as much research in a library as I could to see if I could learn anything helpful.” Moon Dancer said.

“I agree.” Said Midnight. “A library is the first place I would go. We should see if any books went missing. Or if the Pony Sunset’s account was used.”

Princess made note.

“Do you have something to say Applejack?” Fluttershy asked. Applejack had a thoughtful look on her face.

“Forgive me. The thing I am stuck on is the sister thing. I didn’t know Sunset had siblings. What happened for them to get into a fight? How long has it been since they have seen each other? What did they fight about? Also how will we explain this to her sister. They pony she thought she saw was from another world.”

“Speaking of which we still don’t know where the pony Sunset is.” Midnight said.

“One thing at a time.” Princess said.

Midnight scowled.

“Your right AJ that whole part was suspicious.” Rainbow Dash said. “I don’t have siblings but I would imagine there are lots of ups and downs.

Applejack chuckled.

“Well?” Princess asked. Everyone turned to Midnight and Moon Dancer who both looked uncomfortable.

“It’s not my story to tell.” Moon Dancer said.

“What if it is important to finding them?” Princess asked.

“Well what if it isn’t?” Moon Demanded.

“When pony Sunset was ten she was chosen as Celestia’s prize pupil. She moved away from her family and never saw them again.” Midnight said flatly.

Moon Dancer took a deep breath. “When human Sunset was thirteen her parents died in an accident leaving her and her younger siblings at the mercy of child protective services. They were separated and sent to abusive and neglectful foster families. As soon as she was old enough Sunset fought the system to gain custody of her siblings. They rejected her and they haven’t spoken in years.” Moon Dancer said in a slightly angry tone.

The ponies around the table looked shocked and horrified.

Well no wonder they didn’t get along.” Starlight Glimmer said. Everyone glared at her and she hastily scurried back out f the room.

“So human Sunset met pony Sunset’s little sister… do the two Sunset’s have nicknames?” Applejack asked.

“Human Sunset is Rai, Pony Sunset is Dusk.” Midnight said.

“Okay. Rai ran into Dusk’s little sister. The reason they fought is probably a difference in story. From Dusk’s little sister’s perspective her sister walked away and never came back. She has every reason to be angry. From Rai’s perspective…” Applejack glanced at Moon Dancer. “I imagine she did everything she could do to reunite what was left of her family and then was betrayed.”

“Yeah.” Moon Dancer looked away.

“Okay but why is this important?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Because my first thought when we were asking where Rai got money and logins was family. Perhaps she found a relative and passed herself off at the other Sunset and they took her in because they cared about her. But it doesn't sound like that is a possibility. Which brings us back to the drawing board.” Applejack said.

Fluttershy looked thoughtful. “Does either Sunset have connections to other relatives?”

Moon Dancer and Midnight changed skeptical looks. “Not that I know of.”

There was a long silence as everyone was lost in thought.

“So we still don’t have any leads on either Sunset.” Midnight said looked depressed.

Before anyone could respond there was knock on the door. Everyone looked at it as it opened and a pony entered.

“Princess Luna!” Princess Twilight cried out. She was so exited the few ungracefully out of her chair and over to the older princess. The others flaked over to Princess Luna like children. It didn’t help that they were all so much shorter. Applejack was the only one who didn’t move. Moon Dancer glanced over at her. She slowly sipped water and waited for the others to come back.

Moon Dancer studied Princess Luna. She was very tall. She was pretty and had an elegance to her that just radiated power. Moon Dancer would have known she was important even if no one had told her.

Princess Summoned Applejack’s chair over and presented it for Princess Luna to sit in. Princess Luna declined and Princess put the chair back in the corner. Princess Luna walked over to Applejack and greeted her and then walked over to Midnight and Moon Dancer. The two of them scrambled out of their chairs. They bowed as gracefully as they could.

“Greetings! I am Princess Luna. It is wonderful to meet you both.” Princess Luna said in her loud voice.

Midnight and Moon Dancer both flinched. Moon Dancer’s ears were ringing. There was a long pause.

“You can stand up now.” Princess Luna said in her normal voice.

Midnight and Moon Dancer scrambled to their feet. Princess Luna nodded to their chairs. Moon Dancer scrambled back in to her chair. Midnight tried to get back in hers but fell down. Blushing furiously she tried again.

Princess Luna walked around the table to stand in the gap between Fluttershy and Rarity’s chairs.

“So any news?” Princess asked eagerly as she situated herself on her seat.

“Yes.” Princess Luna said. “Celestia has finally calmed down. She is back on the throne running everything. She isn’t done being mad but she is able to do her job.” Luna sighed. “I have no idea where Sunset is. I tried searching for her with my dream powers as soon as I found out and…” Princes Luna had a funny look in her face. “I couldn’t find her. I think someone was hiding her from me.”

“What’s with the look?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Well, while I was looking for Sunset I found someone else.”

“Who?” Pinkie Pie Looked really interested.

“I don’t know. They were hiding from me. I investigated and was swept up in memories from my childhood. The river I used to play in when I was a tiny foal who just learned how to walk. it also reminded me of my time in the moon and the pleasant dreams I would occasionally have.” Princes Luna had a loving nostalgic look on her face like she had just have the best dream. “I looked for the presence again the last few nights and I can’t find it.” Luna looked sad. “Anyway. I don’t know where Sunset is but I can tell you for certain that she is not anywhere in Canterlot Castle.”

“Nieghter Sunset?” Midnight asked.

“Oh. That’s right there are two missing Sunset’s. No neither of them are in Canterlot Castle.”Princess Luna confirmed.

“So we still don’t know who took either Sunset or where they could be.” Princess said . She sighed melodramatically. “Well-”

“Hold on.” Princess Luna interrupted her. “Celestia asked for her guards to go to the Human world and bring her former student back.”

“What!” Princess Twilight shrieked. Everyone was stunned.

“Yeah. When she calmed down she told me she wanted to talk to her about something important.” Princess Luna said.

“And where is she now?” Fluttershy asked.

“Missing. Someone broke into the castle and stole her from under Celestia’s nose.” Princess Luna said grimly.

“Hold on.”Moon Dancer said. She hesitated. “I beg your pardon your majesty, but are you telling me the High Princess of this land sent some armed guards into another world to fetch someone without telling anyone just to talk about something? I don’t mean to be rude or suggest anything but. It just doesn't add up for me.”

“I’m not offended. My sister can be… sometimes she likes to work her influence from behind closed doors. That being said it is still odd. I didn’t think Celestia and her former student were on that bad of terms when they split. I don’t see why she couldn’t send a letter.”

“So she hasn’t explained herself to you yet?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“No. She said I wouldn’t be able to approach the situation rationally. That I would be clouded by my emotions. Which is a little rich coming from her.” Princess Luna said.

“Did she give you any clues?” Midnight asked.

“No really. I found her in the dungeons of the castle rambling on about needing to keep her assets near her and how the moon needs to rise. I didn’t get it.” Princess Luna said.

“Well it looks like we have a plan now.” Midnight said. Moon Dancer nodded.

“What’s your plan?” Rarity asked.

“We go to Canterlot castle and demand answers and get Celestia to help us find my wife.” Moon Dancer said confidently.

Everyone nodded. Everyone except Princess.

Princess Twilight was staring at a space a just above Princess Luna’s eyes.

“Twilight?” Princess Luna asked. “Twilight?”

Princess snapped out of it.

“What.” She said harshly.

“What do you think of the plan?”

“No.”

“What do you mean no.”

“No!” Princess Twilight knocked her chair over as she stood up and marched over to Princess Luna. “take it back.”

Princess Luna’s ears flattened “Take what back.”

“What you said. You accused your sister of conspiracy and kidnapping. She didn't do it! Celestia would never do that!” Princess Twilight shouted. Everyone began to back away from the two Princesses

“Yes. Yes she did.” Princess Luna said firmly.

Twilight’s nostrils flared. Her face was turning red. Magic flared in her horn as she prepared to strike Princess Luna. How could Celestia do something like that! How dare Luna accuse her sister of something bad. Celestia was perfect. How could this be true. Celestia was a good pony. Twilight's thoughts swirled in her head.

Twilight’s horn emitted sparks. She tilted her head back and then forward to strike.

Just as Twilight started to release her magic a transparent sphere appeared around Twilight. The spell bounced off the inside and dissipated. Princess Luna teleported to Applejack's side.

Twilight spun around with a look of outrage.

Pony Moon Dancer walked towards her her horn glowing brightly. The clasp of her cloak came undone and it fell to the floor.

Twilight charged and rammed into the inside of the sphere. She topped over. She got up and tried again.

Moon Dancer vanished the bubble a split second before Twilight would have hit it. Twilight stumbled.

Twilight quickly rose to her feet to square off with Moon Dancer. The two old friends started circling each other.

Twilight plated her feet spread her wings and shot a beam of white light at Moon Dancer.

Moon Dancer created a similar transparent bubble around herself that absorbed the spell and then vanished.

Twilight sent a beam of green light at Moon Dancer and Moon Dancer canceled it with her shield bubble Twilight produced a beam of blue light and got the same result.

Twilight shot a beam of dark light at Moon Dancer. Moon Dancer shot a white beam out and the two meet then sizzled, crackled and smoked like a firework for several seconds before dissipating.

Twilight flared her wings at Moon Dancer and then shot a beam of red light at her.

Moon Dancer move a table with food on it to intercept the spell. There was a violent massive explosion.

Every one ducked for cover. Princess Luna protected them with a white shield spell. Dust and fragments of table and food rained in all directions. The dust cleared revealing the two combatants in separate shield spheres.

Twilight's horn lit up again and the plant nearest to Moon Dancer started to grow out of control. The limbs and leaves tried to smother Moon Dancer. Suddenly the plant was engulfed in flames Moon Dancer emerged unscathed.

Before Moon Dancer could retaliate Twilight mobilized an entire bookshelf worth of books and flung them Moon Dancer. Heavy hard cover books with metal reinforced edges were flying at Moon Dancer’s face from all directions.

Moon Dancer effortlessly intercepted each books and sent in to a stack. She made four neat stacks out of the books.

This seemed to enraged Twilight even more. Twilight flared her wings again and puffed out her chest. She horn began to glow and sparked with magic. Twilight was getting ready to unleash all her might. Her face strained with concentration.

Moon Dancer’s horn glowed and she hit Twilight with a beam of white light while Twilight was distracted.

Twilight collapsed and her horn slowly went out. The sounds of heavy breathing could be heard.

Moon Dancer picked Twilight up in her magic and carried her away.

The two humans looked at each other. Midnight looked how Moon Dancer felt. The two looked at Spike and then the others.

“Well that could have ended better.” Spike said.

Princess Luna and Rarity set about cleaning up.

Author's Notes:

Sorry this took forever. I'm already working on the next chapter.

I hope this was worth the weight.

As always I am interested in feed back.