Tang Ri Shan

My Little Pony Equestria Girls- Seeing Double

(Let's kick off another chapter, shall we?)

CH 35

A collection of gasps rang out at Imitae's remark. Celestia and Luna looked stunned, as did Twilight and Sunset. Fluttershy had actually risen to her feet and backed away, her hand over her mouth and her eyes wide with horror.

Only Rainbow Dash did not looked horrified. She simply scoffed. "Oh come on! You're not all gonna fall for that are you?" She addressed the assembled students. "This is a girl who put you under a mind control spell and had you attack us! She'd say anything to save her skin!"

"Kinda like what I did once?" Sunset reminded Rainbow Dash, causing the girl's face to redden as she realized just what she was saying.

"Rudeness aside, Rainbow Dash does present a valid point" Rarity spoke up. "How can we be sure she's telling the truth?" Her question was met with silence.

Principle Celestia stroked her chin thoughtfully and her gaze drifted to 'Twilight', along with over half the assembled students. Glancing around at all of them, 'Twilight's eyes met Twilight's, who subtly tapped her bracelet and stepped backwards into the crowd. There was a click in 'Twilight's ear "I think Imitae's telling the truth. She has no reason to lie anymore. Just say what I tell you" 'Twilight' tapped the button on her bracelet to show that she had understood.

"I believe her" 'Twilight' announced to the crowd. "I really don't see what reason she would have to lie about this"

"Tell them that I was able to study changelings since one of their queens attacked my family in Equestria, and Imitae's behavior is not typical of a changeling drone." Twilight's voice whispered

"I've been studying changelings since one of their queens attacked my family a few years ago, and I..."

"Chrysalis" Imitae suddenly hissed angrily, cutting 'Twilight' off.

"I'm sorry, what?" 'Twilight' asked.

Imitae turned to look at her and the venom in her gaze made 'Twilight' feel uneasy. "We changelings had survived for hundreds of years in Equestria in relative peace due to one simple fact, because no one in Equestria knew we existed. Queen Chrysalis's attack changed all that. Now everyone in Equestria knows about Changelings! Now they hunt us down, persecute us, segregate us, even going so far as to...!" Imitae's ranting paused when she saw fear and confusion emerging in the eyes of those around her and she seemed to deflate in front of them. "Well, let's just say I wouldn't be welcome by Equestria's populace." She added.

"And that's all assuming her own kind doesn't find her first" Adagio suddenly spoke up, causing everyone to look around. The golden-haired siren had struggled to her feet, but her eyes were hard.

"Adagio, what are you talking about?" 'Twilight' asked, noticing confusion appear on Sunset's face and alarm on Imitae's.

Adagio noticed these signs and quickly changed her tone. "Well, I remember Imitae telling me that some changeling queens will hunt down and kill changelings that are banished form other hives for sport." Adagio's statement made everyone gasp in terror.

"And that's what happened to you?" Applejack asked, turning back at Imitae, who sadly shook her head.

"Worse, the changelings that hunted me...were from my own hive"

"No!" Fluttershy gasped, sinking to her knees, and Rarity swooned, falling into Applejack's arms.

"Yes! The queen that rules my hive is very sadistic and she loves torturing her drones. Even before I left my hive, life was very hard, but it only got worse after I ran away. I spent two years being chased all across Equestria by my members of my own hive on the orders of my own queen!" Imitae pounded the floor with a fist "Even with my abilities, I could barely keep ahead of them, and I couldn't ask anyone for help because I was worried they might be infiltrators. The only way I could be safe was...to never trust anyone, to always remain...alone" She ended, the misery in her words all too clear. Sunset and Twilight could see pity begin to show in the faces of the surrounding students. Vice Principle Luna was slowly nodding, almost like she understood and Rarity and Fluttershy actually wiped tears from their eyes.

"Wait, you ran away? I thought you were banished from your hive" Adagio said, cocking her head.

Imitae shook her head. "As you know Adagio, we changelings can assimilate the appearance of others. Often times we use this to gather emotional energy from families by abducting and replacing one of their members, or we assume a random disguise and feed off of any friendships we make. I was sent to a small village not far from the Equestrian capital. While I was there, I met a handsome guy who...well, let's just say my disguise was very attractive to him. We became good friends, and for a harvester like me, that was good enough. A steady source of love energy that I could take back to my hive, but he wanted to go farther. We began dating, and eventually, he proposed to me"

"Awwww" Pinkie crooned, her eyes big and wet, an action mirrored by a few other girls, which made Imitae smile happily for a moment.

"But, before we could say our vows, Chrysalis attacked. While she and the majority of her hive focused on Canterlot Palace, smaller groups were sent out to the surrounding villages to feed on the ponies there. One of those villages was the one I was in, and when my fiance took charge of the village defenses, I helped him and the other villagers in defending the village from the invading changelings. It was pretty easy for me actually, seeing as how I knew what their weaknesses were, plus I've always been a good fighter."

"Wow. I'd have loved to have seen that!" Rainbow exclaimed.

Imitae nodded, before continuing. "Unfortunately, whatever magic was used to defeat Chrysalis not only blew the changelings away, but it affected me as well, dissolving my disguise in front of all the villagers. As soon as they saw what I really was, they turned on me. I pleaded with them to stop, but they wouldn't even listen, especially my fiance who called me...a...an ugly leech with wings!" Imitae covered her face with her hands and began sobbing again.

"Aw. There there" Fluttershy soothed.

"That's gotta be rough" Pinkie added, shaking her head.

"But why didn't you just fight back?" Rainbow asked. "I mean, you fought against your own kind with no problem"

Imitae pulled her hands away from her face. "Because just as he had grown to love who he thought I was, I had grown to love him too, and all the other villagers. I had enough energy stored up that I could have defeated all of them easily but...the last thing I wanted for to hurt any of them. So instead I...ran. It wasn't long afterwards that changelings from my hive began coming after me. At first I thought they were trying to help me, but when one of them tried to shackle me, I immediately knew that my queen was trying to kill me, and I ran from them. And I've been running ever since." As Imitae finished her story, many students shifted uneasily. A handful looked like they were on the verge of tears. One of two looked outraged.

"That is one of the saddest stories I have ever heard" Rarity sighed as she dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.

"You said it" Applejack agreed.

"Ask her why she stole the Star Stone" 'Twilight' heard Twilight whisper in her ear. She knelt down in front of Imitae and asked. "Imitae, does this have anything to do with you taking the Star Stone from my castle in Equestria?"

The changeling sighed. "It's funny, I had never planned to come here, to this...other world." Imitae gestured around her. "I had heard rumors of the Star Stone's ability to enhance magic, and I thought I could use it to fuel my own powers, so that I could escape the assassins my queen kept sending after me. All I wanted was to just leave Equestria behind, leave all my troubles behind, and make a fresh start somewhere else." Imitae chuckled and shook her head. "I guess I got my wish, for a little while at least"

"Yeah, I guess you did" 'Twilight' agreed, then glanced up at 'Sunset' who held her gaze for a minute and then slowly nodded.

"I'm really sorry" Imitae slowly rose to her feet. "About all of this. But I didn't know what to expect when I got here. I thought that maybe people in this world would act the same as ponies in Equestria. I was also worried that other changelings might find the portal and come here after me. That's why I wanted to take control of the students here so that if any changelings did find their way here, I could fight them off."

Sunset exchanged a glance with the other Rainbooms, who were all smiling. Then she came forward and extended a hand. "It's okay Imitae. The method behind your madness was pretty clear, and I'm sure most of us would have done the same thing" She glanced around the crowd, and saw a lot of heads nodding.

"I'm sorry too" Adagio suddenly spoke up, also looking ashamed. "When Imitae first approached me, I thought she was nuts, but then I saw what the Star Stone could do and after she restored my powers...I got hooked." Adagio sighed and her shoulder sagged, causing Sonata to give her a friendly pat. "Imitae told me that once she had taken over the school, she would restore my sister's powers and we could live the same as we did before. Things have gotten a lot more difficult since we lost our siren abilities. I was only trying to make things better for us"

"Oh Dagi" Sonata laughed. "You didn't have to do that! Aria and I actually enjoy our new lives better than our old ones!" Aria nodded in agreement. "But it's super sweet to know you care about us that much!" Sonata swooped in and gave Adagio a great big hug. Aria placed a hand on Adagio's shoulder and smiled. A tear fell from Adagio's eye and she hugged Sonata back.

"So, let me see if I'm following you" Rainbow Dash thought aloud. "Imitae restored Adagio's powers and used her song to control the students here to protect herself from a possible attack from other changelings from Equestria."

"Wow." Aria gasped sarcastically. "Did you figure that out all by yourself?"

Rainbow Dash frowned at the siren while the other girls giggled. "Very funny Aria"

"Principle Celestia. Vice Principle Luna" Imitae and Adagio stepped forward until they were facing the two principle. "We're sorry" The said unanimously, their head lowered.

The two principles glanced at each other. "Well" Celestia finally said. "While I certainly cannot overlook what you have done" She motioned to the ruined gymnasium around them. Imitae and Adagio both winced at this. "I can however, understand your motives for doing so. Adagio, you did this to make things better for you and your sisters. And I'm starting to guess that you weren't completely yourself most of the time" Celestia gave a knowing smile at the siren, who shot a dark look at Imitae, who tried her best to look small.

"As for you, Imitae" Luna stepped forward, a stern look on her face. "I still don't understand why you couldn't have just asked for help, in a civilized way." Imitae covered her face with her hands as Luna spoke. "But I think my sister would agree with me that sending you back with Twilight...is out of the question."

Imitae stared, then she gasped, her eyes widening. "You-you mean it?"

Luna smiled and nodded. "I have no desire to see someone live the rest of her life in fear." She said simply and gave Celestia a strange look. "Of course, the two of you are going to have to do something about this mess." She gestured to the gym. Suddenly, a bright flash came from 'Sunset's necklace and what looked like a comet of red energy erupted from the trinket and zoomed around the room. Anything broken that the comet touched magically repaired itself and in a matter of minutes the gymnasium looked like brand new. The students all oohed and awed as the comet made one last circuit around the gym and then dove back into 'Sunset's necklace. "Or not" Luna corrected herself as both principles turned to face 'Sunset' "Twilight, is this a friend of yours?" Luna asked.

'Twilight' was caught off guard. "Who, her? Um...she's...well she's..."

"Tell them that she's a powerful unicorn sorcerer I brought with me from Equestria" Twilight whispered.

"She's...a powerful unicorn sorcerer that I brought with me from Equestria when I learned that Imitae was here!" 'Twilight' repeated rapidly, earning a confused look from the masked maiden.

"And does this powerful unicorn sorcerer have a name?" Celestia asked.

"Uh...yes, but she would rather not say it, or show her face for that matter" 'Twilight' quickly answered. 'Sunset' shook her head in agreement and took a step back.

"Oh, and why not?" Celestia raised an eyebrow, and her mouth curled up in a playful smile.

"Trust me, if you knew her name, or saw her face, it would get pretty confusing" 'Twilight' giggled nervously. "Besides, Halloween is supposed to be all about trickery and disguises, isn't it? My 'friend' thought it would be fun to fully embrace this human custom"

The principles exchanged a glance, then nodded. "Well, I guess we can respect that." Turning to the students Celestia announced. "Now, I think we have a Halloween party to continue!" The students cheered as Luna signaled to Vinyl in her booth, who nodded, spun a record on her finger and plopped it down on her turntable. A sick beat began blasting through the speakers and students began dancing, either alone, or in pairs.

'Twilight' turned to head towards the other girls, only to come face-to-face with Flash Sentry.

"Hey" He said simply, smiling at her.

"Um, hey" She said back, blushing slightly.

"Well, it sounds like you saved our bacon once again" Flash said, his smile growing. "Don't you ever get tired of it?"

"Tired..of..what?" 'Twilight' asked slowly

"Of being a hero." Flash answered, than quickly added. "Not that..you..know...there's anything wrong with being a hero, especially since you do it so...naturally"

"Really?" 'Twilight giggled and then her face flushed, as she glanced behind Flash and saw the Rainbooms and Twilight watching the scene with smirks on their faces.

"Really" Flash nodded, then to 'Twilight's surprise, he swept down into a graceful bow. "Would the hero of the hour care to share a dance with a 'humble count'? He asked dramatically in a Transylvanian accent.

'Twilight' laughed, then glanced up and saw Twilight nod. "This masked maiden would be delighted to, if you promise not to bite her" She replied, pulling back on her mask and hat.

"Cross my fangs and hope to fly" Flash winked at her, extending a hand. 'Twilight' took it and lead the masked girl away.

"That is...strangely beautiful" Sunset commented, watching the twosome push through the crowd.

"Ya think he'll get mad if he finds our that's not you he's dancin' with?" Applejack asked Twilight.

"I don't really think it matters to him." Twilight giggled. "And besides, it was the human Twilight and Sunset who saved Canterlot High this time. She's earned it."

"Um, speaking of which" Fluttershy drew their attention to 'Sunset' who approached the group.

"Hey...uh...'Sunset'" Twilight greeted the girl, after glancing sheepishly at Sunset.

"Um..I don't think we've officially met...yet" 'Sunset' replied in a low voice, glancing around.

Twilight got the hint and motioned the other girls towards the gym doors. "I don't think anyone will notice it we're gone for a few minutes". She suggested. "Come on girls"

"Ooh, this outta be good!" Pinkie squealed as the girls followed Twilight out of the gym.

Once in the hallway, the girls all followed Sunset and Twilight to the music room. Once they were inside, Twilight turned to 'Sunset'. "So, 'Sunset', let's see" She suggested.

'Sunset' hesitated, then slowly reached up and pulled off her hat and then her mask, revealing fair skin and blue eyes and a swirl of red-and-yellow hair. The other girls gasped as Sunset stepped forward until she and her double were face to face. For a moment, both girls just stared at each other in awe.

"Oh my stars!" Rarity finally broke the silence. "It's like looking in a mirror!"

"Even better because this double's not wearin' any makeup" Applejack commented, winking at Twilight, which made the girl roll her eyes.

"Wow. You two could be twin sisters" Fluttershy commented.

"Just imagine all the awesome pranks the two of you could pull" Rainbow said, her eyes glazing over.

"So Sunset, how does it feel to have a 'twin'?" Twilight asked teasingly.

"I...I had thought about this.." Sunset stammered, still sounding like she was in shock. "I mean..when we found out about the human Twilight, I briefly considered that there was probably another me here somewhere, but...now that I'm actually seeing her in front of me..."

'Sunset ' laughed "It's quite a shock, isn't it? I know it was for me. When I saw you for the first time, back when I switched places with Aria before the party,I nearly passed out" She confessed, then extended her hand. "Well, it's nice to 'officially' meet you, Miss Sunset Shimmer"

Sunset smirked as she heard the others chuckle. "It's nice to officially meet you too, Sunset Shimmer" Sunset clasped 'Sunset's hand, and the second she did, there was a bright flash of amber-colored light and a cracking noise like electricity and both girls were pushed backwards, staring at their hands, which were glowing.

"What in Equestria?"

"What in the World?"

"Twilight, what happened?" Both girls asked at the same time, whirling to face Twilight. For a moment, there was silence, than everyone burst out laughing.

"Wow. You two must be twins, you even react alike!" Rainbow chortled, causing everyone to laugh harder.

"Well, you see..." Twilight started to explain, but there was a sudden knocking form outside and the music room door swung open to reveal Vice Principle Luna.

"Ah, there you girls are!" She said as she strode into the room. "The crowd was wondering if you'd be willing to do an encore performance for..." Luna froze as she saw Sunset and 'Sunset' standing next to each other, staring back at her. Her eyes widened and her hands flew up to cover her mouth. "What in the...!" Her voice squeaked from behind her hands.

And that's it for another chapter. How will Luna react to there being two Sunsets? And what's up with 'Twilight' and Flash? To find out, stay tuned!

Bear with me people, we're almost done here. Just need to wrap up a few things.

Until next time!