Mirror's Image

Chapter 1

Twilight stared intensely at the protective shield. It nearly obscured the entire city from view. She could make out most of the key buildings though.

"I wonder what that shield's for." She said to herself. The capitol was never sealed off; only in times of war would princess Celestia order a lockdown.

"That's easy." Rainbow Dash said, not looking up from her book. "To make sure the groom doesn't run away!"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Yes Rainbow, they need a city-sized shield to keep Shining Armor from running off."

"Who was he marrying again?" Applejack asked. "Princess Mi a-something?"

"Princess Mi Amore Cadenza." Twilight said, obviously annoyed. "And no, I have no idea who she is."

"Rarity, do you know?" Fluttershy asked.

The seamstress looked up. "I'm afraid not, my dear. I haven't been keeping up with the ins and outs of royalty since my meeting with Blueblood." She shuddered. "Perhaps she's one of Celestia's nieces. Or she could be from another kingdom."

"Or perhaps she's some kind of dark entity from beyond the mirror, hell-bent on destroying Equestria." Rainbow Dash said. "Just like in this book!"

"Rainbow, stop spoiling the story." Twilight grumbled. "I haven't read that one yet."

"Really?" Rainbow Dash sat up. "You're a bigger Daring Do fan than me. How come you haven't read it yet?"

"Because somepony crashed through my window, swiped my book and flew off!" Twilight complained. "Does that sound familiar?"

"Hehe, yes." Rainbow Dash smiled.

Twilight just sighed and sat down in her seat again, once more content to just sit and watch as the city came closer and closer.

-

"We're almost there!" Fluttershy cheered.

"Does that dome look like a big scoop of ice cream to anypony else?" Pinkie asked. "I wonder if it tastes like strawberries. Oh! Or maybe it's cherries!"

Twilight was rather oblivious to the inane discussion whether or not the protective shield tasted of strawberries or cherries.

Besides, everypony knew that protection spells taste like raspberries.

Twilight groaned. Her head was pounding. The closer they got to Canterlot, the worse her headache became.

"What's the matter darling?" Rarity asked. "You don't look so well."

"My head's hurting." Twilight muttered, rubbing her forehead. The pounding intensified, like something was forcing its way into her mind.

"Lay down for a bit." Applejack said, a concerned look on her face. "We're almost in Canterlot anyway and then you'll be able to get some fresh air."

"Good idea." Twilight said as she laid down. Maybe a bit of shuteye would help.

-
Good.
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Just in time
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Amaryllis
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We are waiting for you
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Wake up!
-

Twilight blinked.

"What was that about?" She asked herself.

"Huh?" Applejack looked at her. "You say something Twi?"

"It's nothing. Just a weird dream." Twilight said, suppressing a yawn. "Are we there yet?"

"You slept for only a few minutes." Fluttershy said. "We're just about to go through the shield." She said nervously. "It won't hurt, right?"