Reflections That Don't Always Show The Present

[magicalrealist]

(With the shattering of the mirrors to other worlds, the ensuing burst of chaos invited a whole slew of interesting factors to Equestria. As per the norm, they were from other worlds, other jamjars...and Twilight even met a few from Mayfield! With such free reign, it wasn't right to really expect certain results, but little would she expect someone from another's past, one who almost became her future...)

Comments

[magicalrealist]

There are stranger things happening now, so I think you'll be fine.

(And here they are at the local burger place.)

I've always been curious about their onion rings. Have you tried theirs before?

[shimmer_on]

Not for a long time, but I heard they are first class. We should get some of them actually.

It would be nice to change up the usual order.

[magicalrealist]

Ooh, maybe we can try onion rings in the burgers...

[shimmer_on]

... that actually sounds incredibly good right about now.

Do you want milkshakes with it too?

[magicalrealist]

Sure! I'm thinking strawberry. What about you?

[shimmer_on]

... Strawberry is fine. Huh... I guess we are kind of alike, aren't we? Even Flash commented months ago that my singing voice sounds like you.

[She shakes her head as she makes her order; onion rings, hayburger, milkshakes.] Go figure you know?

[magicalrealist]

(A somber look forms on Twilight's face as she ponders that. There...really isn't all that much separating her from Sunset, is there? Just the appearance...mostly the appearance. And that's not because she's currently human, either.

...Onion rings, hayburger, milkshake. Just like Sunset.)

...You're still entirely you. That's crucial.

[shimmer_on]

Yeah I guess you're right. And it's not like the end of the world that we're most likely fundamentally different anyhow. Right?

[Even if Sunset was turning the implications over in her head that she was a lot like Twilight, she pushed it to the back of her mind as she sat down in a booth.]

Lets eat. I think we've waited enough.

[magicalrealist]

(A smile returns to Twilight's face as she nods. She had a point. What's so bad about having so much in common with someone else? That won't...can't...stop her from being herself.

But rather than overthink that, Twilight goes ahead an fills her burger up with onion rings, just as intended. After the first bite, her eyes widen.)

Wow...it really is good...

[shimmer_on]

[Taking a bite of her own burger, she sighed in relief.] It still tastes really good to me too. I'm glad. I missed this taste. I've grown accustomed to a vegetarian with an occasional meat diet since it's so hard to get veggies out of the house but still...

[magicalrealist]

...Now that you mention it, it must've been awkward, shifting from hay and veggies to meat. That comes with being human, right?

[shimmer_on]

Yeah it does. While humans aren't carnivorous automatically and many can eat vegetables all their lives, the vast majority of people eat beef, chicken and pork which come from cows, chicken and pigs.

However, I limit my own intake. I usually like having lentils and other protein supplements my body can handle

[magicalrealist]

That might be for the best. It...wouldn't sit well with me if I ate a hamburger or chicken wings. I knew a few humans who loved those.

[shimmer_on]

Some can't get enough, but it's a matter of personal taste. I can't eat chicken myself, but I can have eggs for breakfast.

Still, it's nice to indulge in some pony food for a while.

[magicalrealist]

(The unicorn nods and takes another bite out of her burger.)

...Sunset? Do you ever think about coming back to Equestria?

[shimmer_on]

... Sometimes. Not always. I miss it sometimes, but at the same time I feel like I'd be lost again. And I'm still getting over my issues with Celestia. I was reckless and stupid and I see that now but I still need my space.

[She took a bite and swallowed.] Seems petty but I just got a apartment of my own, thanks to Principal Celestia.

[magicalrealist]

(Twilight shakes her head, putting on a light smile.)

If it's petty to want your own space to walk your own path, then I'll be petty with you.

[shimmer_on]

Heh, yeah true enough. And I like having my own path. It's fun, being able to make your own decisions.

Beats sleeping out in the gym every night, I've got to say.

[magicalrealist]

It's not always the easiest path, or the most hygienic, but it's the most satisfying. And necessary.

...It's one I'm walking, too.

[shimmer_on]

Sounds good to me. I'm just glad I finally moved out of the place I was sleeping in for almost two years.

[magicalrealist]

...You lived in a gym for two years?

[shimmer_on]

It... really wasn't so bad. I refused Celestia's help for a while, but she always looked out for me. Had Granny Smith stock the kitchen with all my favorite foods and kept the doors open after evening, provided me with a key, stocked shampoo, towels and bath soaps in the showers, provided fresh clothing and access to the school washing machines...

... I have a lot to thank her for, don't I?

[magicalrealist]

I'd say so.

If you ask me, she saw the same thing Princess Celestia saw in you.

[shimmer_on]

Yeah. Yeah I think so. Sometimes I really feel like I made a mistake getting upset...

[magicalrealist]

Making mistakes is how we learn. It's how we grow. Sure, we'll regret them, but moving on from them is just as important as learning from them.