It had been about a week since Duskfall and Spike had moved into the palace the Tree had conjured up. Neither Spike nor Dusk had talked about it, but the palace felt sterile. It felt more sterile than a just built house, hell, more than your average hospital. Both were becoming increasingly less comfortable and it was weighing on their minds.

There wasn’t even a room to set up a proper laboratory! It was like the Tree didn’t know Twilight at all. It also meant that instead of working towards getting Tom and Twilight back, Duskfall had spent the entire week repurposing the biggest room in the palace and ordering equipment to replace what had been lost in Golden Oaks.

To that end, Dusk was expecting a delivery of Twilight’s library from Canterlot in a day or two. Given Twilight’s habit of buying every rare tome she came across, ignoring her already prestigious backlog of books she had yet to read, it was quite possible there was something in one of those books that could help Duskfall.

At that particular moment, Dusk was looking to take a nap. Even after a week, it was hard to hide the wreck her conscious mind was, with Tom and Twilight’s memories clamoring for attention every waking moment. It was a miracle she had been able to only refer to herself as Tom or Twilight three times over the course of the week.

She was just settling down on the new bed that would one day belong to Twilight, or maybe Tom, when Spike burst into the room. Duskfall let out a groan.

“Spike, the fuck do you want?” Duskfall groaned as she hid her head under a pillow.

“Celestia sent a letter for you,” Spike said apologetically, holding out the missive for Duskfall to grasp in her magic.

“Dear Twi Duskfall,

I have been in contact with Sunset Shimmer and she has reason to believe that Equestrian Magic is still active on that side of the portal. I hate to ask this of you, but as you and Luna are the foremost experts on the portal and Luna is needed here, would you mind too terribly going to the other side and seeing if Sunset’s worries are warranted?

Yours,

Princess Celestia”

A paranoid part of Duskfall’s mind supposed that Celestia was just trying to distract her, much in the same way Celestia had with Twilight when she first sent the then Unicorn to Ponyville. However, Dusk knew that even if that were the case, if Sunset needed help, she couldn’t very well ignore a request for aid. She may not be Tom or Twilight, but she had inherited many of their morals.

“Spike, will you be able to hold down the fort while I pop over to Sunset’s world? I doubt this will take more than an afternoon, but it wouldn’t be the first time unforeseen circumstances got the better of well laid plans,” Duskfall sighed as she began the arduous task of pulling herself off the very inviting bed.

“I can do that, but are you sure you don’t want me coming along?” Spike asked.

“It’s nothing world ending and you did get kidnapped last time,” Dusk pointed out. Spike grew a sheepish look.

“I, uh, I suppose that did happen…alright, I’ll stay here and let everyone know where you’ve gone,” Spike promised.

“Thanks Spike,” Duskfall felt marginally better about the whole thing knowing Spike would take care of the home front.

In short order Duskfall had packed her saddlebags with as much equipment as she could fit for detecting and measuring magic and was stepping through the portal. The wild screaming colors and the feeling of being stretched like a noodle were exactly as Tom and Twilight remembered. Getting violently thrown out the other side was new, however.

“Twilight!” A group of familiar, yet subtly different, voices called out. Duskfall picked herself up, brushed herself off, and turned to give a winning smile to the girls that were the counterparts of the Elements and Sunset Shimmer.

“I came as soon as Celestia told me something was up, but first, Sunset, can I talk with you in private?” Duskfall steadfastly ignored Rarity’s tittering.

“Oh! Uh, sure thing. Can you girls go ahead and set everything up in the music room?” Sunset requested.

“Of course, Darling! We’ll run along while you two have your little… chat~” Rarity ushered the rest of them away, thinking herself oh so clever.

“So, what did you want to talk about?” Sunset asked.

“I- well- the thing is- I don’t know. It’s just-” Duskfall was floundering with how she wanted to start, especially considering Sunset might have a crush on Tom. Thankfully, Sunset put a finger over her mouth to calm her spluttering.

“‘And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’,” Sunset quoted. Duskfall’s eyes grew huge.

“Philippians 4:7? How do you know that verse?” Dusk questioned.

“I wanted to read the story of Alma for myself. So I did some digging and found it was actually something from religious text. After that I just kinda read the whole thing out of curiosity,” Sunset shrugged.

“Ah…if you know it’s from religious text then you probably also know…” Duskfall trailed off.

“That you’re not Twilight Sparkle, denizen of the religionless Equestria? Yeah, I figured,” Sunset replied. Duskfall’s shoulders slumped.

“It’s a whole lot worse than that, but at least that gives me a starting point,” So Dusk told Sunset everything, about Twilight summoning Tom and about how the battle with Tirek brought about her.

“Oh, you poor thing,” Suddenly Dusk found herself wrapped in a hug. Her first instinct was to struggle away, but Sunset’s hug was firm and warm. It was different from when Celestia had wept over her. Maybe it was because Sunset was hugging Duskfall and not the memory of Twilight Sparkle.

Suddenly it all hit her at once. The lying to everyone’s faces, the pretending she was alright, the constant noise of two competing sets of memories. Duskfall melted into Sunset’s embrace and started sobbing, ugly tears streaming down her face.

“You can lie to everyone else, but please, I think you need at least one person to confide in,” Sunset whispered in her ear.

“You don’t know what you’re offering,” Duskfall protested hoarsely.

“So I’m not offering to be the confidant to someone who is clearly about to self-destruct if she doesn’t let off some steam soon?” Sunset asked teasingly.

“…Maybe you know some of what you’re offering,” Dusk admitted, “Let’s head in before Rarity starts thinking we’re out here making out or something.”

“Rarity is already thinking we’re making out,” Sunset assured her.

“If only it were true, we might give her a heart attack,” Dusk snarked.

“That’d only happen if we did it in front of her,” Sunset returned.

The pair entered the music room to a number of different reactions. Rarity’s hopeful smirk. Rainbow Dash’s teasing smirk. Applejack’s knowing smirk…there was a lot of smirking.

“OK, so if you’d be so kind as to show me this rogue Equestrian Magic that has Sunset so worked up?” Duskfall requested. The girls picked up their instruments and started singing. Soon thereafter they started growing pony parts. Duskfall’s jaw dropped.

“I- how- what- HUH?!” She shouted.

“Now you see why I called you in,” Sunset remarked.

“But how-? Unless-? But even then-?” The combined might of Twilight and Tom’s intellects were processing the data faster than Dusk’s mouth could keep up with, “I need to set up my equipment! Keep playing!”

Dusk scurried about setting up sensors and meters to capture the Magical emissions. She swore under her breath a few times, wishing desperately for some of the gear that had been lost in Golden Oaks, but she could make do. Soon the data was coming pouring in.

“OK, you can stop playing!” Almost as soon as they stopped the pony appendages vanished.

“So, egghead, what’s the sitch?” Rainbow asked.

“Before I start explaining, I want to make sure we’re all on the same page. You’re all aware that on the other side of the mirror you have counterparts who are ponies, yes?” Dusk inquired.

“Sunset mentioned something to that effect,” Rarity replied while the others all nodded.

“Alright, so, the pony versions of you are all chosen bearers of extremely powerful artifacts known as the Elements of Harmony. The crown Sunset stole was the Element of Magic. The others are Generosity, Kindness, Loyalty, Honesty, and Laughter. Now, normally, this wouldn’t matter to any of you. Despite similarities in appearance and personality, you’re all unique individuals. However, in the struggle to get the Element of Magic back, something unforeseen happened,” Duskfall started to explain.

“Yeah, that was the first time we grew pony ears and such,” Applejack noted.

“Right, well, this is only an assumption, but when the Element of Magic was turned against me, its bearer, it resorted to emergency measures. The Elements are all linked, so I’m guessing the Element of Magic was able to reach out to the other Elements through the portal and register you five as secondary users, thus allowing us to use Harmony Magic against Sunset’s demon form. However-”

“There’s always a ‘however’ isn’t there,” Rainbow grumble.

“Equestrian Magic isn’t compatible with Humans, even Humans that are a part of a parallel dimension to Equestria. So, to continue the computer analogy, the Elements corrupted your DNA and possibly added a few lines of code to your Souls. So you’re able to use Equestrian Magic without horrifying consequences now,” Duskfall relayed to them.

“That doesn’t sound healthy,” Fluttershy noted with concern.

“Well, if the Elements only corrupted your DNA, then that’s cause enough for worry. I don’t know for certain if they modified your Souls in any way. I’m not licensed to practice Soul Magic nor Necromancy, so if we want to get a solid yes or no on that, you’re all going to have to come with me to the other side to see a professional,” Dusk told them as their faces grew more afraid.

“Is it likely to hurt them now?” Sunset asked with concern.

“In the short term almost certainly not. Even when you perverted the very nature of the Element of Magic, it only turned you into a demon and you reverted back easy as you please. I don’t know if the Elements are even capable of actively harming anyone. In their recorded use they’ve always purified, petrified, or banished. However, I’m running off the idea that they’re comparable to a low functioning synthetic consciousness. So then the question becomes ‘are they programmed to be able to modify DNA and Souls correctly’? I’m going to assume not, so whatever they did to you would be a haphazard solution that may or may not cause… issues,” Duskfall finished sheepishly.

“Issues?” Dash asked worriedly.

“One of the least of which would see the genetic alterations cause a cascading mutation that would turn you all into ponies,” Duskfall just ripped the band-aid off.

“WHAT?!” The room erupted in shouting.

“You said that was one of the least things that could happen! What could possibly be worse?!” Rarity demanded to know.

“Well…let’s just say there are some things worse than death and leave it at that,” Even Dusk felt a bit queasy at some of the possibilities.

“What do we do?!” Applejack yelled.

“Relax! Heaven above, this isn’t something that’s going to happen overnight. I don’t even know if anything will happen. Without closer study, it’s perfectly possible that you’ll suffer no ill side effects from what the Elements did. Hell, it’s possible that the alterations could benefit you! We won’t know anything until I can assemble a proper team of experts to come over and study you thoroughly. Which we have plenty of time to do. So everyone take a deep breath and relax!”

“From inciting panic to soothing the masses. You are a real leader,” Sunset quipped.

“Piss off Shimmer,” Dusk sulked quietly enough that only Sunset could hear. Sunset favored her with a cheeky smile.

“Sunset Shimmer to the principal’s office! Sunset Shimmer to the principal’s office!” Suddenly the voice of Vice Principal Luna came over the PA system.

“Oh, is someone in trouble again?” Pinkie asked with wagging eyebrows.

“I have done nothing wrong since the Fall Formal. I’m innocent!” Despite saying that, Sunset still felt the same guilty conscious everyone felt when going to the principal’s office.

“You all go on ahead, I’ll stay here and make sure I crunched the numbers right,” Dusk waved them off. They all followed Sunset out the door without further prompting and Dusk took a seat to start reviewing the readings.

She didn’t get very far, as a blue haired young man poked his head in the door soon after the girls left.

“Oh! Uh, are you Twilight Sparkle?” He asked hesitantly.

“I am,” Duskfall lied.

“Great! I’ve been hoping to talk to you ever since the Fall Formal! I’m Flash Sentry!” He introduced himself.

“Why would you want to talk to me?” Dusk asked.

“I was wondering…if you’d like to catch a movie or something with me.” Flash offered.

Dusk’s brain flatlined. The size of this boy’s balls was enormous! Dusk’s first impulse was to laugh in his face. But that wasn’t something Tom or Twilight would do.

“You are aware that I’m a pony princess from another dimension, yes?” Dusk questioned.

“I was aware, yes,” Flash confirmed. His answer caused Dusk to arch an eyebrow.

“You are exceptionally brave, Flash Sentry,” Duskfall observed.

“Brave?” Flash asked with his head cocked to the side like a puppy.

“You come in here, unprompted, looking for a date with an alien. You don’t even know what my tastes are. You don’t know if I find Humans to be charming simians or disgusting apes, yet you came asking anyway. So yes, you are very brave,” Dusk elaborated.

“Oh. So does that mean..?” Flash trailed off.

“Can you give me an hour to think about it? Just giving you my kneejerk reaction wouldn’t be fair to either of us. Also, even if I do say yes, you have to realize I have responsibilities and such back home. I don’t think it’ll ever go beyond one date,” Duskfall warned.

“That’s fine. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?” Flash said hopefully, “I’ll just leave you to it then.” He exited the music room, leaving Duskfall alone again.

Dusk was ready to put the whole thing from her mind. But then a wicked idea started to form in her mind. Tom and Twilight were both disasters when it came to romance. So, why not give them a helping hand from someone who knew them both best? Dusk didn’t even notice a grin that was too big for her face starting to form.

Twilight had caught Shining and Cadence kissing on the couch when she was a young filly and declared them ‘icky’. Just about every little kid does this at one point or another, but Twilight hadn’t grown out of it. Instead of admitting she was wrong once she got older and that she might actually want to try kissing and this or that, she simply told herself and everyone around her that she was asexual.

Duskfall knew better. She knew exactly what Twilight found attractive, both physically and emotionally. Hell, her own tastes were pretty much a cut and paste job mixing Tom and Twilight’s. If anyone could pick out the perfect mare, stallion, man, or woman for either of them, it was her!

Tom wasn’t nearly as bad as Twilight, but he had only ever had one girlfriend back in high school and that disaster had ended after two months and hadn’t progressed past a couple of pecks on the cheek!

The facts of the matter were that both her originals were sad, lonely virgins and it was up to Duskfall to fix it! She didn’t hear herself start to cackle maniacally. After all, one was supposed to leave a site better than they found it and what was Duskfall but a squatter in Tom and Twilight’s lives?

But that brought her to a problem. Both Twilight and Tom were virgins. That meant she was a virgin too. How would she find the perfect partner if neither knew what they wanted out of sex? Duskfall supposed that the best she could do was to find a few people to have sex with and approximate what Tom or Twilight might enjoy based on her experience.

Duskfall could already hear Tom complaining about premarital sex, but she and Twilight both agreed that it was patently silly. How on Earth is anyone supposed to know they’re compatible in every sense before marriage if they don’t fuck at least a few times beforehand? Tom had heard more than a few married couples complain about their sex life when they didn’t think Tom was listening. If you’re gonna get hitched for eternity, you damn well better be compatible in more than just personality.

Dusk understood that there had to be a balance. A purely physical relationship or “Friends with benefits” had ended in heartbreak too many times when one or the other began to crave an emotional aspect that the other didn’t want to fulfill. Likewise, a purely platonic romance that wasn’t between two asexual people was doomed to feelings of dissatisfaction. Just about every living creature had a desire to procreate, thus a desire to have sex.

It was only through a relationship that was both physical and emotional that any lasting bond could be formed, romantically speaking. That is what Duskfall believed. Just look at Tom’s paternal grandparents! They were both over 85 yet they still kissed and made eyes at each other and were supportive of each other. In short, they were both still very much in love.

Duskfall heard the voices of the others coming down the hall. She’d have to think this over more carefully when she was back in Ponyville. For now she turned to greet the returning friends.

“So, what did the principal want?” Dusk questioned.

“She wanted me to show some new transfer students around the school. I don’t know, something just felt off about them,” Sunset shook her head.

“How so?” Duskfall asked.

“They were kinda acting like my aunt,” Rainbow noted.

“What does your aunt have to do with anything?” Sunset wondered.

“She’s…ah…she’s an ‘adult entertainer’ if you catch my drift,” It didn’t take a genius to parse the innuendo.

“I’m almost certain pony Rainbow’s parents are both only children. Interesting where these differences pop up,” Duskfall remarked idly.

“I guess Rainbow has a point. They did seem older than they appeared. Probably just us over thinking things,” Sunset shrugged.

“Lunch is gonna start in a minute. Wanna grab something to eat Twi?” Pinkie asked.

“Lunch? I thought it was after school!” Duskfall squawked.

“Half day with lunch served!” Rainbow smirked, “Next best thing to a day off. School let out an hour ago officially, but a lot of students are hanging around for clubs and to hang out and stuff…also lunch.”

“Sure, why not? I could stand to eat something before going home,” Duskfall remarked.

“That’s silly Twi! You’re supposed to sit when you eat in the cafeteria. Unless you ponies don’t do that?!” Pinkie gasped.

“Us ponies sit to eat just like you do, Pinkie,” Sunset assured her. So they all moved to the cafeteria, none the wiser of what was about to happen.

Not long after the group sat down to eat, what appeared to be three young women burst into the cafeteria and started singing. Duskfall and Sunset instantly knew something was off.

“That’s not a Heartsong,” Dusk muttered.

“It’s not any regular singing either,” Sunset agreed.

“Why’s everyone acting all nutty all of a sudden?” Rainbow asked as the rest of the school started bickering with one another.

“Let’s see, things that specialize in vocals. We have banshees; unlikely as those things kill with their screams or are warnings of death. We have mermaids, sirens, and the rest of the world’s feminine sea monsters; temptresses who used their beautiful voices to lure sailors to their deaths. I suppose fairies, but they mostly stick to instruments. Anything I’m missing? Oh yes, the Muses of Greek Mythology. Given what these three are doing, it wouldn’t surprise me one lick to find out if they’re some kind of mermaid or siren,” Duskfall rattled off.

“I thought mermaids were aquatic?” Rarity asked.

“Well, technically the original sirens were depicted as half bird women, who mutated over time to being half fish which then descended into mermaids. Hang on a sec,” Duskfall pulled out one of her sensors and it quickly told her what she needed to know, “That’s definitely Equestrian Magic they’re using. If they came through the portal or something similar, then it isn’t strange that the journey changed them. Actually now that I think about it T- I’ve read a book about Starswirl the Bearded, a famous Mage of ancient times, dealing with a trio of sirens by banishing them to another world. I wonder if these are the same sirens or if they’re the descendants of those sirens?”

“So what are we gonna do about it?” Applejack wondered.

“First order of business should probably be alerting Celestia and Luna. We can kick them to the curb all day, but if the administration keeps inviting them back, nothing will get solved,” Duskfall pointed out.

With everyone in agreement, they headed to the principal’s office, only to discover they were too late. The Dazzlings, as they called themselves, had ensnared Celestia and Luna before making their debut in the cafeteria. Knowing they’d find no help there, they left.

“We should blast these Dazzlings with the rainbow and once their hold on the school is broke, send them on their way!” Rainbow suggested.

“I like where your head is at RD, but I’m not about to head into such a confrontation unprepared if I can help it. It’s time to call in the cavalry!” Dusk declared.

“Horse joke, nice,” Fluttershy giggled. Duskfall snickered herself when she realized what she had said.

“I’ll pop back through the portal, gather up the Elements, and be right back. You girls should see if you can find a place we can corner them,” With these instructions Duskfall headed for the portal.

“Hey, Twilight!” Before she could exit the school, Dusk was stopped by Flash.

“Sorry, as you may or may not have noticed, there’s another magical catastrophe brewing here at CHS. I’m in a bit of a hurry. However, I’ll probably be free on Saturday, around noon, if that works for you?” Duskfall asked. She may not know much about his personality yet, but as far as looks go, he’d score a solid 8 on Twilight’s meter.

“Oh, yeah! Sure! It’s a date!” It was almost adorable how smitten he sounded. But Duskfall didn’t have the time to dwell on that. She reached the portal and jumped in.

“Dusk, you get everything sorted out?” Spike looked up from a comic he was reading when he noticed the portal light up.

“We’ve got troubles on all fronts. The girls on the other side of the portal have been exposed to potentially dangerous magical transformations and there are Equestrian monsters running amok in the school. Can you send a letter to Luna while I gather the Elements?” Dusk requested.

“Sure I can! One urgent message for Luna, coming right up!” Spike dashed out of the room to find a quill and parchment.

“You’re the best, Spike!” Dusk called out as she teleported to Rarity’s boutique.

“Darling, you do realize you can knock, yes?” Rarity deadpanned as Duskfall appeared right in front of her.

“Sorry, we have an emergency! No time for social niceties. Do you know where the other Elements are?” Duskfall asked quickly.

“Fluttershy is at her cottage, Rainbow should be with Pinkie baking something or other at Sugar Cube Corner, and Applejack is at Sweet Apple Acres,” Rarity listed off.

“You have just saved me half an hour of teleporting around town looking for them. Thank you!” Duskfall said gratefully as she teleported Rarity to the room with the portal in it.

Sure enough, everyone was where Rarity said they would be and soon enough they were all gathered.

“I’m sorry to call on you on such short notice, but there’s an Equestrian menace threatening the other side of the portal. They appear to be sirens and if I’m right then we’ll be cleaning up a mess left behind by Starswirl,” Duskfall announced to the gathering.

“The sirens? Truly?” Luna asked.

“What, are you gonna tell us they’re long lost friends of yours too?” Rainbow teased. Luna snorted.

“Hardly, the sirens and I have a bloody history. One I would have no issue reopening with a solid hoof to Aria’s face,” Luna grinned darkly.

“Well that answers the question of if they’re the originals or descendants…” Duskfall muttered to herself, “OK, so, when you go through the portal, you’ll all be transformed into Humans. Please try to keep your freak outs to a minimum as time really is of the essence.”

“I am familiar with the workings of such portals. You needn’t worry about me,” Luna promised as she stepped through the mirror.

“This is gonna be fun!” Pinkie chirped as she pronked through the mirror after Luna.

“We’re not going to have… never mind,” Duskfall sighed. Soon the rest of the Elements and Spike filtered through the portal, with Duskfall last to enter.

Thankfully, those going through the portal were semi-functioning adults. None of the Equestrian natives flipped their lids and started screaming or anything like that. After a bit of stumbling about by the other Elements, they quickly got the hang of walking on two legs.

“This is so weird not having my wings,” Rainbow complained.

“Darling, how do you think I feel without my horn?” Rarity returned.

“You know the lay of the land, Duskfall. Lead the way,” Luna instructed.

“Before we do that, we should figure out a way to tell each of you apart from your counterparts of this world. I’d ask why the portal made you all the same age and wearing the same clothes as your counterparts, but at this point I’m just going to assume everything hates me and that’s why,” Dusk pouted.

“How could you possibly mix up my awesomeness for anyone else?” Rainbow teased.

“They’re either going to kill each other or it’s gonna be an echo chamber,” Spike snarked.

“I should’ve brought name tags. I’m slipping,” Duskfall mused.

“If there should come a need to distinguish who is an Equestrian, just ask them who raises the sun. If they look at you with a blank expression, then they’re native to this side of the portal. Except for Sunset, of course,” Luna suggested.

“Hopefully we won’t be here long enough fer that to be a problem,” Applejack remarked. When the two groups met, Duskfall resolved to call the Equestrian natives their name followed by a P just for keeping things orderly inside her own head.

“Twilight, you’re back!” Sunset called out as Dusk led the ponies into the music room.

“I have returned with the promised reinforcements!” Immediately the ponies went to mingle with their Human counterparts, but Duskfall had come prepared with an air horn, “You all can socialize later! Right now we have to take out the Dazzlings and free the school, capiche?”

“The Dazzlings are probably going to be overlooking the pre battle of the bands party. If they aren’t in the gym right now then they’ll definitely be at the battle itself,” Sunset relayed.

“Then let us not tarry! It’s been over 1500 years since I’ve had a chance to fight a siren!” Luna was sounding way too eager in Dusk’s opinion, but given she had very sincerely tried to kill Tirek a week ago, she couldn’t talk.

The group made their way to the gymnasium and sure enough, everyone who was participating in the battle of the bands was there, even the Dazzlings. Her prey spotted, Luna made a beeline to them. As she drew close, she tapped the one with purple hair on the shoulder.

“Oh, Vice Principal Luna, what can we do for you?” She asked in a silky smooth tone. A confident smirk was on her face.

“Hello, Arianna,” Aria’s face barely had time to morph into a look of shock before Luna decked the siren across the face, sending her to the ground. The gym was suddenly deathly silent. “That was for the Battle of the Depths.” Luna sneered as she shook her hand to dispel the aftereffects of the punch.

“Princess Luna?!” The one with poufy orange hair shouted incredulously.

“Adagio, Sonata, how lovely to see you again,” Sarcasm was thick on the Princess of the Night’s voice.

“HOW?!” Adagio shrieked.

“That’d be me,” Duskfall stepped up, “Hi, Twilight Sparkle, newest Princess of Equestria. I also brought along the Elements of Harmony.”

“There are more of you?” Sonata asked in surprise.

“You didn’t really think Starswirl would just banish you and not maintain some way of keeping an eye on you, did you?” Dusk taunted. They didn’t need to know it was pure serendipity that one of the only portals that still survived just so happened to lead to the world they were trapped in.

“That bastard!” Adagio swore, “Not content to banish us to this sorry world, he had to spy on us too?!”

“Well, seeing as how we have fresh Equestrian Magic, the Elements of Harmony, and two Alicorns, you seem quite thoroughly outnumbered. So, I’m going to make you an offer you really shouldn’t refuse. Release the people from your spell and try to learn to get along with others with the long term goal of returning to Equestria in peace or we drag you all back to Equestria right now and throw you in Tartarus. You see, we’ve had a bit of a jailbreak from Tartarus recently and we’re all eager to test the new, improved, and…unpleasant security,” It felt good to hold all the cards, even if there was a little bit of bluffing involved.

“That bitch punched me!” Aria finally recovered enough of her senses to cry out indignantly.

“And this bitch will happily do it again!” Luna growled.

“Aria, shut up!” Adagio barked before pulling the other two sirens into a huddle. The rest of the gym was still in shock, not the least of it because suddenly there were duplicates of AJ, RD, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie.

It took about five minutes of heated whispering between the Dazzlings, but eventually their huddle broke. Adagio, apparently the spokesperson, stepped forward.

“We agree to the terms of our surrender,” It was clear the siren wasn’t happy about it, but even a fool could see they had little choice in the matter and Adagio was no fool.

“But how are we gonna feed?!” Aria shouted.

“If the Changelings can learn to feed on Love without forcefully draining people, I’m sure you can manage much the same,” Luna remarked dryly.

“The Changelings are back?” Adagio asked with no small surprise.

“They’re valued members of society now,” Dusk confirmed.

“Far out!” Sonata giggled.

“According to the book I read, you all feed on negative psyonic energy, correct?” Dusk questioned.

“That is correct,” Adagio confirmed.

“Have you tried eating angst? This is a high school, after all. I’m sure there’s enough to go around,” Duskfall snarked.

“I…don’t know. My sisters and I have always eaten anger, hatred, and other emotions born of direct conflict. We never saw a reason to try anything else,” Adagio shrugged.

“Well, try that for now. If that doesn’t work, I’m sure we’ll figure something out. But for now, how about releasing those under your spell?” Duskfall reminded. The Dazzlings slumped in defeat. The spoke a few words and the oppressive atmosphere caused by the spell suddenly broke.

“There, it’s done,” Adagio grumbled.

“Excellent! Now, I’d suggest you hang around Sunset Shimmer. She’s the resident recovering power addict, after all,” Duskfall giggled.

“Gee, thanks,” Sunset deadpanned.

“I love you too, Sunny!” Dusk then let out a yawn she failed to stifle in time, “I’m sure you all want to spend some time here getting to know each other, but I personally need a nap. I was going to take a nap before this whole thing started, but it got interrupted. Luna knows how to control the portal, so feel free to stay as long as you like. I’ll catch you all later.”

However, before Duskfall could make her escape, she found herself in the center of a massive group hug featuring all her pony friends and human ones. She let herself be hugged until they dispersed naturally. Holding back another yawn, Duskfall made her way to the portal.

“I hope you realize the sirens are plotting their revenge as we speak,” Luna remarked, standing next to the portal.

“Oh, I’m sure they are, but they won’t be able to do anything for quite some time. By then, hopefully the Magic of Friendship will have converted them. After all, Kindness, Compassion, and Friendship can grasp at one’s Heart just as insidiously as any Dark Magic,” Duskfall smirked.

“That is an…interesting way of looking at it,” Luna allowed.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I was serious about needing a nap. See you later, Luna. Oh, and before I forget, I’m gonna need your help gathering up Necromancers and Soul Magic practitioners. We’ll also need a doctor or two specializing in genetics. The human versions of the Elements were magically modified and I want to make sure they’re safe,” Duskfall reveled.

“It will be done. Pleasant dreams, Duskfall,” Luna departed back into the school and Duskfall walked into the portal.

Duskfall expected to find an empty room when she returned. She did not expect a brown stallion with a darker brown mane. She also didn’t expect the supremely contrite look on his face.

“Duskfall…I’ve come to apologize,” His voice sounded somewhat like a Trottingham accent at first blush. Now Dusk had reason to believe it wasn’t even close.

“You lying son of a bitch. Tom asked you to your face if you were The Doctor and you told him no,” Duskfall was supremely unimpressed.

“Well…I wasn’t technically lying. When I came to Equestria I tried to put The Doctor behind me. I wanted my adventuring days to be officially over,” The Doctor, for that’s who it was, tried to defend himself.

“If you think I’m in any kind of mood to argue semantics with you right now you have another thing coming,” Dusk growled.

“You have every right to be angry with me. I could’ve stepped in at any time during that mess with Tirek. I simply convinced myself it would be OK. Everything in Equestria always works out, I told myself. The truth of the matter is that I’ve become lazy and a coward. I’ve forgotten why I took the mantel of The Doctor,” The Doctor said sadly.

“It’s a little late for your moment of self discovery. Unless you mean to tell me you’re going to pluck Tom and Twilight out of time at the last second ala Chrono Trigger?” Duskfall asked.

“If I could do that I already would have. Souls don’t behave the same way as Minds and Bodies in relation to Time. When their Souls fused and were observed to be fused into you, it sent a ripple across the wibbly wobbly timey whimey stuff. Think of it like Schrödinger’s Cat. Once you were observed to be one Soul, it became nearly impossible to view your constituent Souls as anything other than parts of a greater whole,” The Doctor explained.

“Then why are you here? If you’re just here to apologize, then get out of my sight so I can take a nap. I may or may not accept your apology later,” Duskfall moved to walk past The Doctor.

“Wait! I can’t bring them back, but I can give you a chance to say goodbye,” Dusk froze. She knew this was a bad idea. She knew this was just begging for additional heartache. But against her better judgment, this opportunity was just too much to pass up.

“Take me to them,”

Tom was in an excellent mood. He and Twilight had just caught the first Canterlot showing of Hinny of the Hills. Now he was inside a bar that Shining Armor had recommended to Twilight. He wasn’t going to drink anything besides water, but Shining had promised their fish and chips were to die for.

Tom was nursing his first cup of water while discussing Hinny of the Hills with Twilight when a pony with a familiar shade of purple fur sat down on the stool next to him. Tom and Twilight’s good moods evaporated in an instant.

“Let’s grab a private booth before we send all of Canterlot into a panic,” He suggested and the Twilight doppelganger was easily led to an out of the way, soundproofed booth. There he summoned the body double for Twilight before he spoke. “So, he really is The Doctor, that lying bastard.”

“Rule number one of The Doctor,” The doppelganger began.

“The Doctor lies,” Tom finished, “So, given how he is about crossing personal timelines and that interesting case of heterochromia I’m going to assume Twilight and I don’t make it. I’m also going to guess we aren’t going to remember any of this. So you might as well lay it on us, how’d we die?”

“Long story short, you died heroes. You were battling a monster named Tirek and you both Surged at the same time. It caused your Souls to fuse, resulting in me,” She replied sadly.

“And who is you, uh… you know what I mean,” Twilight grumped. She just found out she had died, cut her some slack, alright?

“The name I’ve taken for now is Duskfall Sparkle,” Dusk answered, “It’s only been a week since I came to be.”

“Pretending to be Twilight during an emo phase? I approve,” Twilight glared at Tom.

“I do not have an emo phase!” She barked.

“Not yet you don’t!” Tom argued before realizing what he said. Twilight wouldn’t get a chance to have an emo phase.

“Don’t worry! I’m rebuilding the lab and I’ll have you back before you know it!” Duskfall promised. Tom and Twilight shared a look. Duskfall knew that look and it made her feel sick to her stomach.

“Rebuilding the lab?” Twilight contented herself with asking.

“Well…Golden Oaks was destroyed in the struggle,” Duskfall admitted.

“Was anyone hurt?!” Twilight demanded to know.

“No, the only one around at the time was Owlowiscious and Tom was able to save him at the last second,” Duskfall told them and both sighed in relief. Tom and Twilight looked at each other again before Tom nodded minutely.

“Duskfall, do you have any leads for getting us back?” Twilight asked gently.

“No, not yet,” Duskfall hated admitting that, “But it’s still early days! I will figure something out! I have both of your brains! I won’t give up!”

“Dusk…maybe you should give up,” Tom said quietly.

“If you do bring us back, what happens to you?” Twilight questioned. Duskfall felt as though she had just gone into freefall.

“It doesn’t matter what happens to me! I shouldn’t exist to begin with! You’ll come back, Tom will get his own body, and you’ll live happily ever after! You have friends who miss you, family who are mourning you. I’m just a nothing wearing Twilight’s face,” Duskfall felt tears welling up.

“You have to have some kind of desire to live!” Tom nearly shouted. Dusk fixed him with a glare.

“I’m not a Nobody who is going to become jealous of their Somebody just for existing. Or are you suggesting I “live” like you did after you caught Samantha cheating on you?” Tom reeled as if punched. Twilight wasn’t sure what Duskfall was talking about, but she could see the effect.

“Duskfall, you don’t mean that,” Twilight said sadly.

“I will get you back and nothing you can say will stop me!” Dusk nearly screamed.

“Duskfall, what if there came a time when we were apart?” Tom suddenly asked and it felt like Dusk had been doused in icy water.

“As long as we are apart together, we shall certainly be fine,” The words came unbidden to her lips.

“But if we weren’t? If we were separated by insurmountable circumstances, if Twilight and I were somewhere else?” Tom continued.

“But you couldn’t be. I would be…quite lost without both of you,” Tears were starting to escape from both Tom and Duskfall, “Who would I call on those days where I’m just not strong enough? Who would I call on those days where I feel all alone? Who do I call on those days when I just want it all to end?”

“Well, actually-” Tom began.

“Who would I go to for advice, when I don’t know which way to turn?” Duskfall’s voice took on a pleading tone.

“Dusk, we-” Tom was interrupted again.

“We? We simply wouldn’t be! I’d be alone, a stranger in a strange land!” Duskfall sobbed.

“Oh Dusk, if ever there’s a tomorrow where we aren’t together then there’s something you must remember,” Tom told her firmly.

“What could I possibly remember that would soothe this pain in my Heart and Soul?” Duskfall needed to know.

“You’re braver than you believe. You’re stronger than you seem. You’re smarter than you think. Finally, you’re never alone. Even if Twilight and I fade to naught but memories, we’ll always be with you. Always and forever,” Dusk couldn’t take it anymore. She scrambled over the table separating her from Tom and Twilight. To her surprise, she could feel Twilight’s body double, but that fact was quickly pushed aside as the three of them held each other tightly and wept freely.

The next thing Duskfall knew, she was waking up in her bed in the palace. The Doctor’s calling card on the bedside table proved it wasn’t a dream. Duskfall was more determined than ever to bring Tom and Twilight back!

Author's Notes:

So, quite a lot to unpack here. Let's start with the Sirens.

Twilight refusing to bring the ponies along to CHS was one billion percent plot contrivance. So here the sirens are stopped before any lasting damage could be done with strength of numbers and a convincing actor. I personally feel the sirens have a lot of potential, but they won't come into the spotlight much until Book 3 probably. I also think it's funny to imagine Luna and the sirens having a long and storied past involving them getting into drunken barroom brawls more than once.

Flash Sentry:

I was perfectly content to completely ignore the Vile Waifu Stealer in this chapter. Then Duskfall got an idea and dragged Flash into it. As much as I personally want to get to Starlight, Dusk has basically commandeered next chapter for her Shipping Scheme. Speaking of Shipping Schemes

Duskfall's Views on Romance:

This is largely a mirror of my own thoughts on the matter. I was told growing up that I'd go on a mission, come home, get married, and produce children from that union. The only reasons it would be acceptable to not have a kid were either reasons of sterility or financial difficulties. Doesn't matter if you and your partner are sexually compatible! If you aren't, just suffer through it as many times as it takes for a kid to pop out!

Fuck. That. Bullshit.

I have heard and seen way too many marriage horror stories to even be remotely close with OK with that plan. The prime examples being my own parents.

My Church leaders have encouraged not going steady with any one girl with one breath and insisting we get married by 21 with another all the while insisting that we don't have sex before marriage because it isn't like sex is anything more than banging your male bits against the lady bits until something happens, RIGHT?! It's not like physical intimacy requires a great deal of emotional trust and support for a lot of people or anything, RIGHT?! IT ISN'T LIKE GOD MADE THE ACT OF SEX SUPPOSED TO BE ENJOYABLE OR ANYTHING, RIGHT?!

Fuck, it's a mess.

This isn't even considering that I'm an introverted Schizoid with a number of other minor mental health issues who's never so much as held a girl's hand, never mind kissing! What girl wants to go on a date with the psychotic kid? Even if I could trick a girl into going out with me, if I did wind up liking her, there's no way in hell I'd ask her to marry me! Even beyond not wanting to inflict myself on someone I like, I wouldn't want to risk trapping her in an unfulfilling relationship. Is there the chance that we'd be great in bed together? Of course, but is it really worth risking something so permanent over a maybe?

So looks like I'll just die a single virgin. This has caused me untold amounts of angst since I was 13 and first started noticing girls. I just can't bring myself to do anything about it.

The Doctor:

The Doctor won't be seen too much over the course of the story. Now that he has a catalyst for returning to his job of saving the universe, he's going to be off world quite a bit.

The Meeting:

Yes, I cried while typing this. I know how this story ends and I still cried. For anyone who doesn't recognize it, the exchange between Tom and Duskfall is a modified version of: Silly Old Bear

Also, it looks like Duskfall got the complete wrong idea from her meeting with Tom and Twilight. Or maybe she got the right idea..?