Stardust Balance

"This had better be good..."

Twilight and Starlight rolled their eyes, the latter flashing her mentor an apologetic expression whereas the Princess responded. "It will be, Jack, as I've repeated as much the last seven times now."

Prepare to make it eight in a moment. Heaving a sigh, I followed after the two equines towards the royal throne room, barely acknowledging the passing guards and servant not batting an eye to the bipedal life form walking around as if he owned the place. Hell, the staff here was probably use to bizarre occurrences considering whom their employers were.

Five in the morning. This mare gets me up at five in the morning, practically dragging me from the couch and Starlight out of Shining's old bed after I insisted she used it instead when the unicorn was offered to stay a night too. But yeah, Twilight insisted waking me earlier than much usual - much, much usual - and forcing us to attend a morning stroll down a barely lively Canterlot served a good purpose.

Unless Celestia was announcing her retirement, I was going straight back to bed.

I'm certain the Princess has a sound reasoning.

Oh hey! You've been quiet these last few days old one.

Indeed. My own teacher sounded both amused and somewhat tired. I was addressing some instabilities in the magic realm. Things have been rather hectic up here for better and worse.

Any signs leading to Zagreus?

Afraid otherwise. Damn. Alas, our foe continues to lay low despite his unfortunate several advantages against us nowadays. It is clear Zagreus is preferring to taking his time with us and patiently waiting at the right opportunity.

Or he could just be waiting for us to come to him.

...That is also a possibility.

...Really? I was just kidding there, Starswirl.

The mental conversation was interrupted then by a timely arrival to the throne room, guards opening the doors helpfully and the sight of the tall, regal white alicorn within welcoming with her benevolent smile. Twilight grinned warmly at the view, her pace quickening to meet her former teacher and practically second mother with Starlight and I approaching from behind at a steady walk. Rising and descending from her throne, Celestia met Twilight's embrace softly and even I couldn't help but smile at the sight.

Mostly because of Twilight's own happiness.

"Thank you for agreeing to this, Princess." The purple alicorn started with a note of sheepishness in her affectionate voice. "I'll admit, I wouldn't have even considered this route if I thought it wasn't potentially essential."

Celestia chuckled. "I'm always more than happy to help Twilight." Following that with a wink. "Especially with the added benefit of finally gaining a few days of rest and relaxation. It's a win-win for us all, I think."

Was I missing something? Help with what? Was Celestia going on vacation? Was Twilight taking over for the day? One glance at Starlight showed the mare actively avoiding my expression and displaying a sly smirk.

Definitely out of the loop here.

"Are you absolutely sure about this though, Princess? I trust him more than anything, but I thought you'd initially have reservations about this arrangement."

"Hmhm, I'd endured his presence here before Twilight; and let me tell you, his own ideas to improving the kingdom have been rather helpful in dire times. Canterlot will be in good hoofs."

"Hands would be the more appropriate term, in this instance..."

Another look at Starlight before I could no longer hide it. "Excuse me." Both alicorns turned to me as I raised a hand in question. "What exactly's going on? Is Celestia going on vacation or something?"

Twilight smirked. "Not exactly."

"I will still be here to raise the sun." Celestia added with an amused smile. "The rest of my duties this weekend are to be handled by someone whom, according to my former pupil here, was passionately certain he could attend these responsibilities for the next three days without any problems whatsoever."

...

...

...

"What?"

Twilight's grin widened. "You heard correctly, honey." The Princess of Friendship motioned to the Princess of the Sun. "Princess Celestia will be catching up on much-needed rest." And motioned in my general direction. "While you will be handling all her regular fulfillments for the next three entire days."

...

...

...

"Sorry, my brain is trying to process this. Are you saying that... That..." Finally, it clicked, my voice turning to quiet awe and sheer incredulity. "I will be ruling Canterlot? ...For three days?"

"An entire weekend carrying out the responsibilities and hardships a royal must overcome everyday of their life." Twilight nodded with a proud smile. "Without any assistance from Starlight and I whatsoever, although of course we'd be more happy to give some small advice here and there. Instead, we'll be watching from the side and see how you perform in accepting these responsibilities. Personally, I'd call this a good experience for you, and Princess Celestia thinks so too. You'll grasp a deeper understanding under the workings of royalty and see for yourself that it's not just all 'standing around and looking pretty' from your eloquent summary...?" The Princess trailed off by rising chuckles.

"Hmhmhmhmhmhm... Hahahahahaha..."

Oh Twilight...

Oh Twilight Twilight Twilight...

"Hmhmhmhmhmhmhm. Hahahahahahaha. Hahahahahaha! HA HAHAHAHA!" My head flung back in sheer laughter and triumph, catching the bewildered ponies off-guard. Well, that explained why seemingly all the staff of the castle were currently observing near a stained window. But by God!

You have no idea what you've just unleashed, ladies!

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea..." Starlight commented in apprehensive nervousness, stepping back after my moment of hilarity. "I think he's finally gone mad, no offense Twilight."

"Oh I've always been mad, Starlight." Grinning, my elated expression turned to the two Princesses. "Oh my dear Twilight. Having researched humanity all this time you should know better; my kind aren't responsible nor mature enough to wield this type of power, which you've just given on a silver platter, three days or not."

The plans I had in store for this kingdom... Oh how you've basically made things worse for you, love, but better for everyone else.

"Just for the weekend, Jack." Twilight pointed out after a pause, frowning in doubt and question. "Don't let this newfound position go to your head."

Too late! HA!

"Well, I for now believe this was a sound idea." Oh, me too Celestia! Trust me! "You have the future of Equestria in your capable hands, Stardust, which I believe is far from a distasteful choice. I presume you'd want to get started right away?"

Oh, absolutely! "But of course Celestia. Go and have your rest; I've got everything under control." Both Twilight and Starlight frowned in sync, not hiding their suspicion at my sly tone. Celestia seemed none the wiser, however, smiling lightly and nodding to us all before departing.

"Then I shall leave you to it. Thank you so much again for recommending this idea, Twilight, and thank you for accepting it, Stardust. Have a good day."

It took a few seconds until we waited for the Princess to be out of earshot, before Starlight pointed out questionably. "You do seem rather okay with basically ruling an entire land, Prince Stardust. Are you just growing delirious from sleep deprivation?"

Prince... I don't think so.

"She's right Jack; you're surprisingly accepting of this sudden transition." Twilight added with a wary frown. "You understand this won't just be cakewalk, right-?"

"As my first decree I shall only be addressed by the staff and subjects as King Stardust. None of that Prince [BEEP]." My gaze snapped to the blinking guards and servants alike, pointing with fierceness. "When you're a ruler in my world, you're a King or Queen and will be addressed as such. Am I clear?"

"Yes King Stardust!" They called back in quick obedience.

"Hmm. 'Your Majesty' also works too."

"Yes your Majesty!"

"Much better." I then motioned to the two equines beside me. "Secondly you shall address the Princess here as Queen Twilight for the time being." Ohh, something about that title with Twilight's name just felt right. "And our friend here as Princess Starlight. Treat them as you would me, or accept the consequences."

"But I'm not a-"

"Yes your Majesty!"

"You are now." I smirked to the flummoxed Starlight, both mares flushing by the new positions of power I was handing to them. "You have just as much a right to be considering your accomplishments." The pink unicorn's cheeks turned a deeper shade of red by that sincere admission. Meanwhile, the blushing Twilight frowned.

"And why am I suddenly a 'Queen?'"

Easy. "Because even though I'll be doing everything, there's only one pony I envision ruling beside me on the throne." Haha! It was adorable how easily flustered this beautiful mare got; Twilight's cheeks shifting to five shades of red while Starlight smirked.

"This might as well be a learning experience for him." The unicorn then stated with a knowing glint, sounding rather teasingly mischievous. "For future reference, huh Twilight?"

"A-Anyway!" Twilight clearly had enough of the being embarrassed by constant implications from two people close to her, hastily summoning a scrolled list and letting it roll across the floor. "We-We should address your duties for the day, Jack. You have a meeting at ten forty-five from ambassadors from Manehatten and Las Pegasus-"

"Yeah, we'll get to that in a moment." Sorry love, but I wasn't going to let my new position of power go to waste. I'm King now, just as I always wanted. Sombra would be having a fit. While Twilight blinked irritably from the interruption, my gaze looked back to patient staff and gestured to the room itself. "First of all we're giving this place a new paint job, after I am fitted with proper royal attire for this occasion." Couldn't imagine the people taking a sudden new ruler in casual wear seriously. "Next I'll be addressing the guard's schedule; there are tons of improvement needed with how overall poor they are at their job."

"I happen to think that-"

"The King has spoken! Go forth with your duties and bring me the best fashion tailors in Canterlot, and the excellent painters and decorators around!" The staff obediently bowed and hurried to carry out their duties, leaving only Twilight to glare at me in annoyance and Starlight to look properly amused.

"I think Stardust was made for this, Twilight." The unicorn said humouredly. Damn right I was. Now, to sit on my throne. I eagerly paced forward up the steps and took a careful sit down on the comfortable cushion, a definite upgrade from the seat back home.

Leaning back, I grinned widely, feeling all the power entrusted to me with a sly smirk at the amused mares. This is your fault to regret, Twilight.

"Comfortable?"

"Oh yes." I nodded with a content sigh. "Also, Twilight, I will be going by my full Equestrian name; Stardarus Baltarium." Twilight rolled her eyes with a faint smirk as Starlight giggled behind her hoof, prompting my smirk to widen. "I will be a benevolent ruler who will treat his subjects as equals and kindness."

"I'm glad to hear that." Twilight replied half-dryly, half-pleased, bringing up the long list again. "Now, if we finally can turn our attention to your to-do list as the new Prince- Sorry, 'King' of Canterlot. There are more important matters to address before putting on new clothes and decorating one room-"

One room? Twilight you're so naive it's hopelessly endearing. "I thought you'd approve of the clothing idea." I gave a sheepish grin for Twilight scowl to the constant interruptions. "Wouldn't you want to see Canterlot's new ruler taking his role seriously by expressing with appropriate attire."

That gave the mare pause. "I... Suppose that's a fair argument." Twilight conceded with a nod, smiling lightly then. "Yes, good thinking Jack. I'm glad you're taking this matter with the respect it deserves."

Of course love. I shifted then with a humoured smile. "Also, this throne is really comfy you know, although a little lonely up here. How about you try it for yourself, love, say... On my lap." Twilight was now hiding her whole face behind the list, Starlight blushing in embarrassment and humour for our antics, whereas I grinned. "Hail to the King baby."

Well, dinner was... Nice.

At least, nice for them. Awkward as Hell for all me. Twilight chatted with wild enthusiasm towards her loving parents, both at fond rapt attention by their Princess's passionate words and gestures, recapping events since we've last met at Hearth's Warming. I, meanwhile, was currently poking at the salad on my plate with the fork, not really feeling hungry nor motivated enough to take a bite. Unlike their meals, mine was specifically filled with healthy food humans regularly consumed, which I imagined Twilight was responsible for consulting her mother with beforehand. Always taking care of me even when I'm not looking.

Huh...

Just occurred to me I referred to Christmas as 'Hearth's Warming,' again. I must be going native.

Tch, Hell, I've been going native for a long [BEEP] time now. Here I was, eating dinner with talking cartoon ponies, one of whom I was currently dating. The kind of trails life leads you down and ending up in unforeseen conclusions. Did I regret any of this though?

No. Never.

But I'm starting to regret agreeing with accompanying Twilight here, because the longer I stayed the more painful this was becoming. It wasn't too long back that I was reminded of my own mortality in that hospital room, by Starswirl's affirmation.

It then became noticed by me that the three equines were regarding me intently, prompting me to look up and ask rather sheepishly, "Sorry?"

Twilight smiled in weary endearment, Night smirking knowingly whereas Velvet giggled, the unicorn repeating herself. "Twilight was just telling us about your last little date together near a lake. I understand you have some prejudice against water."

I blinked, recalling that exact picnic we had not too long ago. "Yeah." I smirked in amusement by the reference. "Large bodies of it anyway."

"Jack never taught himself how to swim." Twilight added casually, prompting my raised brow.

"Oh I tried learning, believe me love. It's not exactly easy."

"Neither is it too difficult." The alicorn sent a coy look. "You simply weren't trying hard enough."

Oh, we're doing this now? I smirked back at the teasing mare. "I seem to recall you having trouble doing a simple lap when Rainbow dragged us to that swimming pool in Cloudsdale. Don't talk to me about practice love."

Twilight didn't rise to the bait yet, tilting her head with an unimpressed look. "At least I made the attempt, rather than sit by the edge of pool looking downright miserable."

"I couldn't miss watching the great Twilight Sparkle fail at something she attempted to learn spectacularly." I grinned widely. "Seriously, watching you splash like an untrained fish in the middle of the pool was beautiful, love."

That struck a nerve. "I simply just need to practice some more before I get the hang of it."

"Yeah, just try not to drown in the water like you do with books."

The Princess opened her muzzle, but the further banter was interrupted by the lighthearted chuckles of two adoring parents. Night spoke first, "Shining and Cadence often bantered, but this is rather entertaining. Dinner and a free show, wouldn't you say honey?"

"Watching our daughter and future-in-law express their affection for each other this way? I'm inclined to agree dear."

My hand holding the fork froze. Of course, Twilight being Twilight, the mare flustered brightly at that, her lavender cheeks lightening in pinkness. "Mom, Dad, please! We-We haven't gotten that far ahead of our relationship to consider something like that yet..."

"Well do hurry up meanwhile." Velvet proceeded to tease her offspring mercilessly. "I'm fine with having one grandfoal already, but an extra or two wouldn't hurt..."

"Not too soon, I hope." Night interjected with a stern grin, regarding his daughter's bright reddened face. "I want my little Princess to keep being little a short while longer. Although, while we're on the subject of future children..."

"Should we really be having this conversation over dinner?" Twilight asked in exasperated embarrassment, staring desperately towards her amused parents, whom shared a look and Velvet then grinned rather mischievously.

"What better time dear? After all, you're reaching that age where such matters should be discussed-"

"Mom!"

"Your mother raises a valid point, Twilight. I mean, who knows what kind of intimate activities may spring to mind as your relationship together develops-"

"Dad!"

Normally I would be chiming in, adding to the red-faced Twilight's further embarrassment, not too flustered about it myself with the confession that I wouldn't at all mind with their suggestions. However, those would've been for entirely different circumstances.

Because right now, the thought of putting Twilight through any of that made me sick to my stomach.

As I look at this happy family, so carefree and teasing each other with content and peace in their hearts, just like the rest of this world and its inhabitants, it only painfully reminded of the slow agonizing fate reaching up to meet me. Starswirl had confirmed it himself, a while back, and my little heated exchange with Sunset back at Canterlot High only incited me to stray back from this current pleasant conversation between flustered daughter and loving parents, reminding myself as to why I was even having dinner with them to begin with.

Because Twilight thought I deserved such happiness.

Meanwhile, my body was slowly reaching into the cold embrace of death.

And as that's happening, I was sitting here, eating a well-done meal with ponies I've considered family for a long, long time now. My fork settled onto my plate, unable to eat at all with this lump of guilt and regret choking in my throat.

I couldn't do this.

There was no reason, at all, for me to ruin their peace.

The sound of my rising brought out their family discussion, all three heads turning to me curiously. "Is something the matter Stardust? You look... Pale." Velvet inquired with a faintly concerned brow.

"She's right Stardust. Was the conversation too much? We're sorry if so."

So kind... So loving... And here I was taking advantage of it.

"Jack?"

My tired eyes turned to the purple mare. "I can't do this love." And addressed the whole table again with a wry smile. "I'm not really hungry, sorry... Don't let me ruin your family moment." And made a hasty departure out the dining room before anyone could possibly stop me, intending to leave them to their own peaceful nature without these constant reminders making me bring despair and misery to the table.

It was too much... Far too much.

"You know what I'm going to say."

And you know I'm barely going to acknowledge that, emphasized by keeping my eyes glued to the pages I was hardly even reading, my vision a little blurred despite the glasses for the moment. The alicorn beside me on the couch sighed, giving up the last thing of the persistent mare's agenda. A trait I both adored and often found exasperating.

"I suppose it'd be pointless to say that everyone's deeply concerned about you." Le duh? "Of course that'd be evident. Since yesterday you've confined yourself to your room with exceptions of bathroom and kitchen breaks. I'd say you were still recovering from your ordeal with the heart attack, but we both know that's far from the truth."

Hmm...

Nope, not even reading my all-time favourite novel was doing any favours, neither hearing the soothing melodious tones of my special somepony. My features fixed on unpleasant, weary and angered. And who could blame me? Life's been a right state of misery since reverting back as human. Reminds me too much of the old days prior to life in Equestria.

Couldn't recall being this depressed under Sombra's possession. That's how questionably bad I was experiencing...

"What happened at Camp Everfree?"

My body stiffened, grip tightening against the spine of the worn book, features twitching uncomfortably. Blunt, Twilight, but I imagined at this point her patience with me was reaching the boiling point.

"You could've offered them advice and guidance, not throw them under the bus at every given opportunity!"

"Absolutely nothing." I promptly answered without so much a glance at the mare, though her own unconvinced state was evident through the air.

But I was right, though. Nothing happened at all. I took care of some things Hasbro was too cowardly to address themselves for the sake of simplicity. Nothing different than my usual interference of matters.

"Oh? Because what Sunset shared with me tells another story." Twilight paused before huffing in slight exasperation. "She told me everything, Jack."

"You had no right to choose what benefits yourself and others like that."

The book slammed shut with an echo, my posture rising upwards with swiftness and walking over to the small shelf. Twilight wasn't taking this lightly, as always. "Pretend nothing happened all you want, but you can't escape from your actions. Isn't that what you've been trying to instill your whole time there?"

"Instead, you carried this air of self-righteousness and casting holy judgement when it wasn't even their fault!"

"Why are you asking then?" I snapped without looking back, placing the book back and barely trying to keep my breathing even, the very idea of Twilight turning against me right then and there causing my limbs to shake uncontrollably. "If Sunset's told you everything, why come to me for information?"

"Because maybe I want to hear what my special somepony has to say for himself?" The Princess spoke as if it were obvious. "Because I'm trying to understand what he was attempting to accomplish, and listen to both sides of the tale before making any unfair judgement."

"The only unfair thing regarding this scenario was your prejudiced treatment of them and biased of mine."

My head bowed, eyes clenched shut. Please, I didn't need this right now. All of Twilight's word were resonating perfectly with Sunset's statements firmly planted into my mind, fresh scars from the recent betrayal of a friend I considered close. Don't turn against me too, Twilight.

Please, not you of all people...

The mare's voice tried a new tactic after a minute of tense silence. "Even Sunset's worried about you, you know." My nostrils inhaled sharply, but Twilight continued. "Ever since you stormed back through the portal in anger and tears, she's been constantly contacting me, begging to know if you're okay. Despite your own possible misgivings Jack, Sunset is still concerned for the well-being of a good friend, as are we all. Spike's worried sick about you too. In fact, most of our friends are beginning to presume you're reverting back to your old self..."

"I might as well be." I grounded out through gritted teeth. "Since I've brought nothing but misery ever since becoming human again... Since I returned to ruin your lives with my baggage..."

The sound of light hoofsteps. "That's far from true and you know that." I sniffed from the lavender limb touching my clothed calf, Twilight clearly attempting everything to get me to open up. "I want to help, but I need to hear your side of things, Jack. I know you, you obviously had everyone's safety in mind behind your actions at Camp Everfree."

That damn camp again... Why couldn't it just leave me alone?!

"What if I don't want to talk about it Twilight?" I finally snapped down to the mare, whirling around with exhausted but heated hazel eyes. "What if I am sick of talking about my feelings? About sharing my problems with others?" My limbs gestured wildly to emphasize the point, taking a few steps forward towards the startled alicorn. "What if, this once, I don't need to justify myself because for once you girls are wrong and I'm in the right? What if I'm so upset and angry because I did no wrong, but I'm being treated as the villain for it? WHAT IF THIS ISN'T MY FAULT TO BEGIN WITH? WHAT ABOUT THAT TWILIGHT?!"

It wasn't planned; raising my voice to such degree. But the damage was done, my mini rant over as it begun, breathing shallow as hazel clashed with bewildered violet, Twilight regarding me as though I wasn't her special somepony she thought so highly of and some ill-tempered stranger. The real Jack Wright she was insistent on seeing.

The Jack Wright whom never deserved her or such friends...

"It doesn't matter." I looked away again with a softer tone, Twilight's gaze literally causing me pain. "You'd take their word over mine anyway. I know how this works love..."

"...Is that what you truly think?" The hurt in her quiet voice was palpable, and anguish tore through my chest at the suffering I was unintentionally causing the mare I love. "That I would never take my special somepony's words into account. Do you really believe so little in me, Jack...?"

"...No." I sighed, confessing to this truth. "But I know how blinded by simple morality you girls are... It's no hard guess what you'll decide in the end."

Black and white. That was how they viewed things. How they always viewed them... And I couldn't judge them for it. Sometimes, I actually envied that simple perceptive. Would make life a billion times more easier if shades of grey never existed.

I didn't believe myself to be so dark, but if I was honest, I'd probably perceive myself as the darkest shade of grey possible... Despite what others may presume.

It wasn't until the door shut after Twilight's silent departure that I thoroughly collapsed to the floor, and let the tears of frustration and anguish escape me. Not since recovering from Sombra's invasion of my mind and soul had I felt so powerless and... And...

Evil...

"Let go of this mindless contempt you have against them."

Twilight... Sunset... Girls... I was so, so sorry...

Well... That was an entirely new sensation.

Apparently, going through the portal as pure human again induced some volatile reaction in my body, almost keeling over with the feeling to throw up all over the white stone floor. Starswirl was right to warn me just now. My hand gripped the edge of the mirror for support, other clutched to my stomach over the brief but asinine sensation. Just a reminder never to go through into this damn alternate universe when I could help it.

Alas, I could not. For my being here was needed, according to my sage of a mentor, because some event was happening involving my friends here which required my presence just to keep an eye on things. You know, imbalances or what-not.

Straightening myself after the sensation finally subsided, I gazed towards the front building to find everything... Well, seemingly normal. Canterlot High looked as dull and lifeless as its surroundings as ever. Sure there's any imbalance going on, Starswirl?

None which I can detect for this moment. Perhaps Zagreus intends no sinister plot at this point in time.

Good, now I can leave. Fastest trip to this world ever, not that I was complaining-

However, it may be imperative to inspect the school for a moment. Not to mention we should wait for any side-effects of your present body interacting through the magical portal to subside.

Damn.

Huffing, I turned back to face the insulting building and rolled my eyes tiredly. Alright, I'll take a gander. Couldn't take too long though, what with Twilight's recent paranoia of late. Long story short, the alicorn had me confined to bed upon my release from the hospital, wanting to make certain nothing else was wrong and that, if I really was ill, should take things easy and not strain myself with anything. Now, I wasn't opposed to staying in bed all day.

I mean, what human was?

But with Twilight acting like a mother hen of late, constantly checking my health and temperature every three hours a day, even my body was aching to do something aside from bathroom trips. Thankfully, Starswirl provided that oppotunity by dispatching me here, to a world I utterly despised without empathy.

Twilight was of course reluctant at first and insisted she tagged along, but Starswirl had me assure the alicorn that everything will be fine, and that Sunset and her human friends would take good care of me while I was here. All were oblivious to my flinch when I repeated those words to the concerned lavender mare.

Speaking of which, haven't spotted my friends yet. Although to be fair, Sunset hasn't been alerted to my coming here-

"Hey you!"

Oof!

Oh fantastic, five steps forward and I get tackled to the ground.

Landing on soft grass, thankfully, my vision was dazed despite my glasses managing to hang on briefly, feeling an uncomfortable weight holding me down in the form of pink intense eyes and rainbow-themed long hair. Oh of course... My sight cleared up eventually as the human Rainbow Dash spat with venom.

"What are you doing here?" Tight blue hands pinned my wrists on the ground, preventing me from even moving. I considered kicking her off, but that scenario just felt unnerving to even ponder. "Trying to cause trouble like last time?"

"Rainbow..." I growled, not in the mood for this. "Get off me. It's me for God's sake!"

She scoffed with a coy smirk. "Hoping to fool us again by pretending to be our friend, by looking younger? In your dreams pal!" And she leered forward. "You better start explainin', or I'm gonna-"

"You'll what? Kick a soccer ball at me until I submit?" I snarled back with sass, struggling to free my wrists. "Get off me dammit!"

"You're not Stardust pal, and you never will be, Zagreus!" The young athlete grinned with snark, leaning back up again. "And you know what? Great idea about the soccer ball! Might just consider it." Oh [BEEP].

"For the love of- I am Stardust!"

A snort to my justified outrage. "Prove it then!" What?! "Tell me something only Stardust would know, and make it good."

Make it-? "Rainbow I swear to God-"

"One..."

You... "What can I possibly say to convince you it's me?!"

"Two..."

"Rainbow Dash, for the love of Twilight, I won't be as merciful as I was at Camp Everfree if you don't let go of me this instant-"

"I know how you can persuade us it's really you."

Huh? Oh. I was too busy being indignant at the girl straddling me to the ground to notice the six other girls watching from the side with angered and skeptic expressions, Fluttershy cautiously hiding behind the group. Sunset, with that admirable boldness, approached forward and unfolded her arms, kneeling down beside my head and stared firmly into my gaze, features scrunched up in determination.

"When I was deeply uncertain about performing in The Battle of the Bands, before our final confrontation against the sirens, what was it you said to me on the rooftop of the school?"

...Good grief, that was a while back. I had to think hard on that, expression clecnhed in concentration. Sunset only waited, stalling Rainbow from carrying out with her threat. The girls from the side watched in apprehension, looking grimly prepared for any outcome unpleasant.

It was as if the words just sprung from my mouth.

"That I never requested you as lead singer for [BEEP]s and giggles, but because I trusted you. I had faith in you, just as your friends have as well. You were capable of achieving more than you know."

Please be right, please be right, please be right...

Sunset just regarded me for a long moment, searching my expression as if for any deceit, and then finally nodded, a small smile gracing her features. "It really is you..." She sounded both relieved and concerned at once. "Twilight mentioned that something unique happened involving you in Equestria, but I never considered... Rainbow, could you please give our friend some space?"

The bewildered teen looked back and forth between Sunset and I, hastily getting off me as if in realization and allowing me to breathe again. Oh thank God! I eagerly accepted Sunset's hand to help me stand, dusting myself off with a geniune grin in the pony-turned-human's direction.

"Thanks."

Sunset only smirked sheepishly. "Sorry about that. We immediately thought you were... Him." Yeah... That was understandable.

"Stardust...?" Our gazes turned to Fluttershy, hesitantly approaching with curious eyes. "It's really you?" I only nodded with a small smile, prompting her to add. "Goodness, we barely recognize you. You look very... Unique."

I snorted. "I look like the poster child for a deform center, I know."

Sunset perked a humoured brow, shared with Applejack and Rarity. The farmer stated, "Yep, yer Stardust all right. What in tarnation happened to ya?"

"Eheh..." Rainbow then laughed nervously, rubbing the back of her head with a sheepish smile. "No hard feelings, right Stardust? Guess I kinda acted without thinking things through."

...I sighed. "No Rainbow, your actions then were pretty warranted. My fault for not warning you girls about my arrival and condition beforehand."

The human Twilight, meanwhile, was busy circling around me as though I was some fascinating specimen to behold. Which in her case, I suppose I was something to examine, looking nothing like their, objectively offensive, version of humanity. The knowledgable teenager only blinked after concluding her examination, stepping back with curious violet orbs. "What has happened to you, Stardust?"

"Celestia happened." I shrugged, grinning simply before something else came to mind. "Before any of you ask further though, have there been any irregular occurances prior to my arrival? We suspect something may be amiss."

The teens exchanged glances. "None which spring to mind, regrettably." Rarity answered, before adding with some firmness. "But please refrain from changing the subject, darling. What could have possibly been done to make bear the resemblance to that dastardly fiend whom pretended to be you back at Camp Everfree?"

"And why do you look like Zagreus?!"

"That is what I just asked, Pinkie darling..."

"It's a long story." I shrugged, but seeing that their expressions weren't changing from saying that, I then motioned to the building. "Could we take this inside though? I'm not... Feeling so..."

My legs wobbled a little, thankfully caught by Applejack and Rainbow to my shoulders and chest respectively. "Take it easy sugarcube." The farmer muttered with worry and reassurance. I swallowed. Must be another side-effect from travelling through the portal.

Sunset, frowning with concern, nodded to my wishes and gestured for us to follow. "Let's talk more about this indoors. I imagine you don't wanna be stared at by people openly, no offense."

Tch, none taken whatsoever...