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NOTE: Due to the size of this story, the full chapter can not fit in this description box. Please click on the Sta.sh link below for the full story (including the second illustration!)!! Thank you!
Below is a portion of the chapter.

Sta.sh version of story: First Day
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-Astral Dusk sits awkwardly within the foyer of Princess Twilight's castle. His eyes drift from one mare's face to the other as both his mother and the princess stand shoulder to shoulder, giddily peering into the screen of a camera-

Sunset Shimmer: Okay, now turn your head a liiittle to the left...

Astral Dusk: *sighs and shakes his head to himself, following her directions for the umpteenth time with a smile* You know mom, if I didn't know any better, I'd really think I was graduating instead of heading off for my first day.

Twilight Sparkle: *giggles* I'd think the first day of high school is equally as much of a big deal, Astral!

Sunset: Aaand done~ *clicks one more picture and smiles at her son, trotting forward to close the distance* 'Course it is! This is going to be a whole new chapter of your life, buddy!

Astral: *rubs his foreleg, or at least the sleeve of the leather jacket pulled around his form* Right...

Twilight: By the way Astral, you look absolutely dashing in your jacket! *grins at Sunset* Reminds me of another pony back in the day~

Sunset: *gives her son a lookover, a soft glimmer of pride in her teal eyes* Yeah...good times. *ever so slightly adjusts the collar of his jacket with her magic, earning a chuckle from him* Now, are you sure you already brought everything you'll need to Terra's house? Not that I mind running over to drop something off, but you know.

Astral: *smiles* I'm fine, mom. My room's already set up and everything, down to the bedsheet covers.

Twilight: *nudges her friend* Relax, Sunset, we both know everything's set and ready *lifts her head proudly* Two Twilights planning arrangements is even better than one if I do say so myself~

Sunset: *chuckles and playfully shoulders her friend* Yeah, yeah, don't let it get to your head, Twi.

Astral: *adjusts his posture and dips his head deeply* Thank you again for letting me transfer to Canterlot High, princess. *straightens up, appearing determined* I promise I'll learn as much as I can about friendship there. I'll always appreciate being able to complete my education alongside Terra, and I won't take your kindness for granted-

Twilight: *laughs* Geez, Astral, don't be so serious about it! *places a hoof on his shoulder, smiling gently* You're a responsible colt, one I trust wholeheartedly. But please don't forget to have fun, too! Laughter is a very important part of friendship and harmony! *pats him* I'm sure having Terra around will make that part pretty easy~

Astral: *smiles gratefully* Yeah. You're not wrong about that.

Twilight: So! Would you like us to walk with you to the mirror? Would that help with the nerves?

Astral: *winces, realizing how obvious his stiffness must be* N-no, I can make the journey by myself. Thank you, princess.

Twilight: Alright! Well I wish you all the luck, Astral!

-As Astral watches Twilight head up her staircase, more than likely heading to her throne room, he feels the slightest shift of his bangs and realizes his mother's magic brushing his hair to the side. Face-to-face, a gentle look full of warmth greets him.-

Sunset: You're going to do great...even if things get hard, remember that you have me, Terra, Timber and both Twilights behind you, as well as all the potential friends just waiting to meet you. And I'll always be a single written message away. All you have to do is ask Twi to write it.

Astral: *lowers his gaze and nods softly, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding* ...I just hope I won't...you know. Give myself away.

Sunset: *chuckles, eyes crinkling in amusement* Well Astral, you've only ever had seven years to get the gist of being human. But I'm pretty sure you'll be okay, pal. *leans up to peck the side of his head. Pulling back she grasps his shoulders, looking him straight in the eye* Hey...I know you can't help feeling nervous around your own peers, but I promise you. Be you, and once you find the right friends, even if it's just a few, things will be that much more bearable. And if anyone gives you grief... *darkly stares off into the distance* ...well, I'll end them.

Astral: *laughs and leans his head down to rest it against his mother's* Thanks for the pep talk. I'll do my best.

Sunset: *smiles and pulls him into a full embrace* I mean you're my kid. I know you will.

Astral: *pulls away, sharing one last smile before he turns towards a nearby hallway.* Well...here I go. I'll um...see you this Saturday, mom.

Sunset: Yep! See you, buddy!

-With that, Astral and Sunset both set off, his mother following Twilight up the staircase while he starts down the hallway. The crystal walls that make up the castle's great halls gently echo the colt's hoof clacks, breaking the eerie early morning silence.
Upon turning a corner, Astral comes to realize there is a faint second series of hoof clacks up ahead. From a different adjacent hallway further up the hall, a small form turns their own corner. It takes everything in Astral not to curse and turn the opposite direction when he recognizes the form's purple coat and the gradient of midnight blue, red, and orange in their mane.

Astral eyes Prince Nova as the younger colt obliviously walks in his direction on the opposite side of the hall, a book floating in front of his face within the grasp of magenta magic. As much as Astral tries to avert his eyes and focus forward on his own path, his pupils betray him and continuously flicker towards the other colt. Nova, fully adorned with his blue royal attire accented by shimmering silver designs and a white cravat, appears unaware of his surroundings. His expression is oddly tired and tense as his deep blue eyes scan the pages of what appears to be a book on arcana. It isn't until the two colts are a few tail lengths away from one another that the prince's ear twitches and Nova calmly peers up.

The colt's eyes blow open suddenly, a sharp snort of laughter escaping him before he lifts the book up higher to obscure his face. But the sound of muffled snickers and the shaking of Nova's shoulders isn't lost on Astral. And though he knows it'd be best to simply ignore the colt...-

Astral: *stops in place before Nova can pass him, narrowing his eyes* What's so funny, prince?

Nova: *a fit of laughter echoes from behind his book, and lowering it, the disbelieving, cheeky grin Nova wears greatly contrasts his demeanor from moments ago* L-leather? On you? Dude, come on! *ignores Astral's pointed glare as another fit of laughter hits him, wiping away a tear* W-what, did you lose the rest of your clothes in a dumpster fire? Who approved this??

Astral: *feels his face grow hot, uncertain whether from self-consciousness or anger* I can wear what I want, Nova.

Nova: Yeah yeah, sure, but just imagine it! *stands up straight, voice robotic and expression serious; his way of mimicking Astral, no doubt*Greetings fellow humans. I am not a pony in disguise, but your everyday leather-wearing bad boy. By the way, wanna see my rock collection?

Astral: *jaw shifts stiffly* ...incredible how even after years of "royal training", you're still just as impudent. *glares* Congratulations on being nowhere close to your own mother's level of decorum after all this time. I'm sure she's proud.

Nova: *stiffens, sucking in a sharp breath. A few beats later he glares back haughtily* G-geez, it was just a joke, genius! *huffs, snapping his head away and bringing his book back up indifferently* Whatever. Hope you manage to find a sense of humor on the other side. Good luck with that.

-Seeing Nova trot off and round the corner, Astral rolls his eyes and heaves out a sigh. Despite the sliver of self-doubt threatening to rise up again, the colt fights it down, refusing to let the prince's words ruin what should be an exciting morning. He travels the rest of the distance to his proper destination, and there, he spots a unicorn guard standing outside of the door. Noticing his approach, the guard opens the door with his magic aura and salutes him-

Guard: Greetings, Sir Astral! I have been assigned by Princess Twilight to tend to this room and the opening and closing of the portal for the duration of your dimensional travels. She informed me that the journal you possess will serve as the key.

Astral: Ah, yes sir. Here.

-Astral reaches into his teal and brown saddlebag to pull out his magical brown journal, one with his own cutie mark displayed on the front. As he passes the journal over and steps into the room, the guard following behind him, there's an uncomfortable twinge to his stomach at the thought of leaving such a personal belonging behind with a stranger. But if he had to trust anyone with it, one of Princess Twilight's trained guards would be on the list. And with the cellphone his mother had gifted him, he knew he wouldn't have a need for his journal outside of his visits back home anyway. To the colt, it was a shame the princess couldn't conjure up a third set of books or another pair of magical objects to create a connection between the portals, but he's become all too aware of Twilight's wariness in recreating too much of a magical influx between the dimensions.

On the other side of the room, the complex construction that empowers the Crystal Mirror towers over the two ponies. Without pause, the guard lifts the journal up with his magic and places it in its proper pedestal high above the mirror. With a luminous glow, the cutie mark decorating its cover shoots out a series of purple electrical sparks. A familiar sight, the streams of energy seem to erratically course through the contraption before shooting into the mirror, activating it as the glass's surface swirls with magical energy.

Anticipation pushing him forward, Astral murmurs a quick thanks towards the guard and steels himself. He steps through the portal, and for a moment, he feels like he's walking on air within a swirling void of colors. He vaguely notices his form reshaping itself and adjusts his stance to balance himself. Within seconds he then finds himself pushing through a thin barrier, and what was once a void of distorted sound and swirls gives way to a peaceful silence. Blinking his eyes, Astral takes in the faint blue sky above him and the faint pastels beginning to peek through the distance, casting shadows all around him. As planned, arriving as early as he did meant entering the quiet, empty courtyard of Canterlot High.

Well, almost empty-

???: DUUUUSKKYYYY-

Astral: *wheezes as he's suddenly side-tackled to the ground. Locating the source, he finds a familiar shade of purple and green hair at the corner of his vision right beside his head. The next thing he processes are the girl's arms wrapped around his neck, her legs interlaced with his yet blissfully kicking behind her* T-Terra! Geez! *can't help a laugh, pushing himself up on an elbow* Maybe warn a guy next time...I thought I was supposed to be standing on two feet here.

Terra: *pulls back to grin into his face* Where's the fun in that~? *hops to her feet and uses both hands to pull Astral back up. Dusting off his jacket she smirks* Well heckin dang, sir, you sure brought your A-game!

Astral: *feels his cheeks heat up for the second time and groans* Terra, don't tease me...

Terra: *grins wider* Aww, but I like it when you get all embarrassed!

-Astral prepares a counter, but then notices a shift in movement behind Terra. An unseen figure until then is leaning their shoulder against the corner of the statue-portal, staring stunned in their direction. Feeling himself go rigid, Astral instinctively grabs Terra's shoulder tightly, dread clawing at him. His reaction seems to startle the gawking dark-haired human, causing them to jerk back-

Astral: *squeezes Terra's shoulder, the fright of being discovered so soon taking him* Terra...

Terra: *whips around with great confusion and apprehension, then jumps in realization* OH! Oh nonono! *turns back to Astral and frantically waves her hands* Dusky, it's okay! This is my friend Monochrome! They know all about this!

Astral: *brows knit in recognition, and looking closely, he recognizes the curve of the teen's green eyes and the tied up white-and-gray streaked hair; an appearance shared by his sister's own friend* Monochrome...?

Monochrome: *holds up hands, frowning* I'm so sorry for scaring you. I really should have said something. I just...*glances over at the tall, flat surface of the statue's pedestal beside them* ...my mom told me things, but I don't think I was actually prepared to see it in person.

Astral: *eyebrows shoot up* "Told you"? My mom and her friends agreed to keep the portal a secret.

Monochrome: *rubs their wrist* Yeah well, if you know anything about my mom Rainbow Dash, you can probably imagine her accidentally letting some details slip. *glances at Terra, the corner of their mouth quirking up* I actually would have thought she was making it up, but Terra's presentation when we were kids only corroborated the story.

Astral: *pauses, then blankly turns to his friend* ...you mean that one class presentation you made about Equestria?

Terra: *laughs nervously, taking a step back* Y-you mean about my bestie and Equestria? Y-yep! The very one! G-guess I forgot to tell you that one of my friends actually believed me! Craaazy, right??

Astral: ...*sighs deeply and lowers his head*

Terra: (!!!) H-HEY MAN, I was seven! I didn't realize it was that big of a secret! *crosses arms and pouts* And our teacher ended up misunderstanding the whole thing anyway, and I got an A for creativity, AND we have a solid backup story for you because of it, so it worked out!

Astral: *rubs forehead* It's fine, Terra... *brushes the same hand back through his hair, remeeting Monochrome's gaze* Well, you're family with one of my mom's friends, and you're friends with Terra. So...if anyone had to know, it probably should be you.

Terra: Yep yep! But let's not forget official introductions! *noisily clears throat, lifting a presenting hand* Monochrome Dashielle, this is Astral Dusk! *eagerly motions towards Monochrome* Astral Dusk, this is Monochrome Dashielle, one of my best friends that I've known since preschool! *counts off her fingers* Also known as Mo, Momo, Chrome, Chromey, Dashie- *folds hands behind her back and leans over, fluttering her eyelashes up at Monochrome* But I just call 'em Ellie, cause it's cute just like them~

Monochrome: *shakes head fondly, lightly nudging their friend* Not as cute as "Terri Rosie".

Astral: *eyes light up with recognition* So YOU'RE Ellie...Terra brought up your name throughout the years. *rubs neck* All uh, good things of course.

Monochrome: *crosses their arms and smiles at Terra* Is that right?

Terra: *grins up at them* Guilty! *turns to Astral* Anyway, you don't have to worry about Ellie! They're probably one of the most trustworthy people you'll know! They came from the element of loyalty after all. Right? *quickly and repeatedly pokes Astral's side with both pointers* Riiiiiiight~?

Astral: *laughs and swats at her hands* Right, right.

Monochrome: *bows their head* I know saying this won't prove anything, but this secret's safe with me. I promise.

Astral: *smiles* Alright. I'll hold you to that.

Terra: *hums happily, rocking back and forth on her heels* By the waaay Ellie, Dusky may look and act all serious, but he’s really just a big nerdy goober on the inside. Promise.

Astral: *sighs* Way to blow my second cover.

Terra: *snickers, lacing her fingers behind her head* What can I say? I love my big dorky horse friend~

Astral: *before he can show his own pout, he hears a chuckle and notices Monochrome walking closer to him*

Monochrome: *holds out their hand, gaze kind* That's good to know. You'll fit right in, then.

Astral: *surprised at first, but with a meek smile, reaches out to loosely grip their hand* That's reassuring...

Terra: Well awesome! *peers down at her phone* HM, we've got some time before the school opens, and Sunny said she's getting ready as we speak!

Monochrome: *brightens, subconsciously leaning back against the sculpture again* Can't wait...I haven't seen Sunny since vaca- *eyes widen and they quickly pull away from the sculpture base's surface. Mo stares at it in confusion before reaching out with their fingertips, brushing the smooth marble* What...happened to the portal?

Astral: Oh. *reaches out too, letting out a hum of understanding as his fingers hit the cold, solid surface* It's been closed on the other side until I need to cross back over. It's just an extra precaution.

Terra: Yep! But hey, lean or poke all you want! You don't ever have to worry about accidentally falling in, mkay~? Magical portal properties and whatnot! *stage whispers* It's classified.

Monochrome: Huh... *carefully leans back, crossing their arms* Okay...I'll take your word.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

PREVIOUS:

I think teenage Astral is just in this perpetual state of nervous sweating. Poor awkward soft boy.

TLDR and context for this chapter: First day of high school at Canterlot High and Astral Dusk meets a few... interesting characters. Some more familiar than others.

In the aftermath of expelling (most) magic from the human universe, as well as the graduation of Princess Twilight's friends and class from Canterlot High, Twi and friends settled that keeping the existence of the portal a better kept secret from that day onward would be the best course of action in keeping the portal, both dimensions, and all inhabitants safe while preventing a possible second wave of magical corruption.

Sunset Shimmer was the only one granted free but careful passage between worlds until Twilight gave the rest of Sunset's family a chance to experience what was and still is a huge part of Sunset's life. Only Astral Dusk, Sunset's son, developed an attachment to the other dimension in the form of his best friend, Terra Rosa. Seeing her son's deep bond with Terra and understanding the opportunity in having her son attend her old high school, Sunset gains Twilight's permission in having Astral attend Canterlot High. Not only is it a way for him to spend time with Terra, attending school together and living in her household for the next four years (visiting Equestria every other weekend and keeping in touch with his mother via SciTwi and her magic journal). Sunset also believes the experience can help her son learn to find his footing with others his age and develop more relationships. It helped her, after all.

And thus behold, Mirrorverse!Monochrome, Skychaser, and Summer Rush, who are each new characters in their own right. In the future they will all have their own ref image and bio! Forte too will have her own bio coming up!

Aaaand....with this chapter, the rest of Astral's arc will be on hold. Astral has always been a unique case and was never going to have his full past arc shown all at once, but as I was working, I found myself majorly rewriting and better developing his story ideas. SO, until I pull together these new ideas to better write the chapters I had in mind for the showing, we'll be pausing here! Though that doesn't mean I'm done with Astral, or done posting things for certain characters in said arc...I have a few more things to share~

Destinyverse Archives
Feat.
Astral Dusk Terra Rosa
Forte

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Description
NOTE: Due to the size of this story, the full chapter can not fit in this description box. Please click on the Sta.sh link below for the full story (including the second illustration!)!! Thank you!
Below is a portion of the chapter.

Sta.sh version of story: First Day
____________________________________

-Astral Dusk sits awkwardly within the foyer of Princess Twilight's castle. His eyes drift from one mare's face to the other as both his mother and the princess stand shoulder to shoulder, giddily peering into the screen of a camera-

Sunset Shimmer: Okay, now turn your head a liiittle to the left...

Astral Dusk: *sighs and shakes his head to himself, following her directions for the umpteenth time with a smile* You know mom, if I didn't know any better, I'd really think I was graduating instead of heading off for my first day.

Twilight Sparkle: *giggles* I'd think the first day of high school is equally as much of a big deal, Astral!

Sunset: Aaand done~ *clicks one more picture and smiles at her son, trotting forward to close the distance* 'Course it is! This is going to be a whole new chapter of your life, buddy!

Astral: *rubs his foreleg, or at least the sleeve of the leather jacket pulled around his form* Right...

Twilight: By the way Astral, you look absolutely dashing in your jacket! *grins at Sunset* Reminds me of another pony back in the day~

Sunset: *gives her son a lookover, a soft glimmer of pride in her teal eyes* Yeah...good times. *ever so slightly adjusts the collar of his jacket with her magic, earning a chuckle from him* Now, are you sure you already brought everything you'll need to Terra's house? Not that I mind running over to drop something off, but you know.

Astral: *smiles* I'm fine, mom. My room's already set up and everything, down to the bedsheet covers.

Twilight: *nudges her friend* Relax, Sunset, we both know everything's set and ready *lifts her head proudly* Two Twilights planning arrangements is even better than one if I do say so myself~

Sunset: *chuckles and playfully shoulders her friend* Yeah, yeah, don't let it get to your head, Twi.

Astral: *adjusts his posture and dips his head deeply* Thank you again for letting me transfer to Canterlot High, princess. *straightens up, appearing determined* I promise I'll learn as much as I can about friendship there. I'll always appreciate being able to complete my education alongside Terra, and I won't take your kindness for granted-

Twilight: *laughs* Geez, Astral, don't be so serious about it! *places a hoof on his shoulder, smiling gently* You're a responsible colt, one I trust wholeheartedly. But please don't forget to have fun, too! Laughter is a very important part of friendship and harmony! *pats him* I'm sure having Terra around will make that part pretty easy~

Astral: *smiles gratefully* Yeah. You're not wrong about that.

Twilight: So! Would you like us to walk with you to the mirror? Would that help with the nerves?

Astral: *winces, realizing how obvious his stiffness must be* N-no, I can make the journey by myself. Thank you, princess.

Twilight: Alright! Well I wish you all the luck, Astral!

-As Astral watches Twilight head up her staircase, more than likely heading to her throne room, he feels the slightest shift of his bangs and realizes his mother's magic brushing his hair to the side. Face-to-face, a gentle look full of warmth greets him.-

Sunset: You're going to do great...even if things get hard, remember that you have me, Terra, Timber and both Twilights behind you, as well as all the potential friends just waiting to meet you. And I'll always be a single written message away. All you have to do is ask Twi to write it.

Astral: *lowers his gaze and nods softly, letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding* ...I just hope I won't...you know. Give myself away.

Sunset: *chuckles, eyes crinkling in amusement* Well Astral, you've only ever had seven years to get the gist of being human. But I'm pretty sure you'll be okay, pal. *leans up to peck the side of his head. Pulling back she grasps his shoulders, looking him straight in the eye* Hey...I know you can't help feeling nervous around your own peers, but I promise you. Be you, and once you find the right friends, even if it's just a few, things will be that much more bearable. And if anyone gives you grief... *darkly stares off into the distance* ...well, I'll end them.

Astral: *laughs and leans his head down to rest it against his mother's* Thanks for the pep talk. I'll do my best.

Sunset: *smiles and pulls him into a full embrace* I mean you're my kid. I know you will.

Astral: *pulls away, sharing one last smile before he turns towards a nearby hallway.* Well...here I go. I'll um...see you this Saturday, mom.

Sunset: Yep! See you, buddy!

-With that, Astral and Sunset both set off, his mother following Twilight up the staircase while he starts down the hallway. The crystal walls that make up the castle's great halls gently echo the colt's hoof clacks, breaking the eerie early morning silence.
Upon turning a corner, Astral comes to realize there is a faint second series of hoof clacks up ahead. From a different adjacent hallway further up the hall, a small form turns their own corner. It takes everything in Astral not to curse and turn the opposite direction when he recognizes the form's purple coat and the gradient of midnight blue, red, and orange in their mane.

Astral eyes Prince Nova as the younger colt obliviously walks in his direction on the opposite side of the hall, a book floating in front of his face within the grasp of magenta magic. As much as Astral tries to avert his eyes and focus forward on his own path, his pupils betray him and continuously flicker towards the other colt. Nova, fully adorned with his blue royal attire accented by shimmering silver designs and a white cravat, appears unaware of his surroundings. His expression is oddly tired and tense as his deep blue eyes scan the pages of what appears to be a book on arcana. It isn't until the two colts are a few tail lengths away from one another that the prince's ear twitches and Nova calmly peers up.

The colt's eyes blow open suddenly, a sharp snort of laughter escaping him before he lifts the book up higher to obscure his face. But the sound of muffled snickers and the shaking of Nova's shoulders isn't lost on Astral. And though he knows it'd be best to simply ignore the colt...-

Astral: *stops in place before Nova can pass him, narrowing his eyes* What's so funny, prince?

Nova: *a fit of laughter echoes from behind his book, and lowering it, the disbelieving, cheeky grin Nova wears greatly contrasts his demeanor from moments ago* L-leather? On you? Dude, come on! *ignores Astral's pointed glare as another fit of laughter hits him, wiping away a tear* W-what, did you lose the rest of your clothes in a dumpster fire? Who approved this??

Astral: *feels his face grow hot, uncertain whether from self-consciousness or anger* I can wear what I want, Nova.

Nova: Yeah yeah, sure, but just imagine it! *stands up straight, voice robotic and expression serious; his way of mimicking Astral, no doubt*Greetings fellow humans. I am not a pony in disguise, but your everyday leather-wearing bad boy. By the way, wanna see my rock collection?

Astral: *jaw shifts stiffly* ...incredible how even after years of "royal training", you're still just as impudent. *glares* Congratulations on being nowhere close to your own mother's level of decorum after all this time. I'm sure she's proud.

Nova: *stiffens, sucking in a sharp breath. A few beats later he glares back haughtily* G-geez, it was just a joke, genius! *huffs, snapping his head away and bringing his book back up indifferently* Whatever. Hope you manage to find a sense of humor on the other side. Good luck with that.

-Seeing Nova trot off and round the corner, Astral rolls his eyes and heaves out a sigh. Despite the sliver of self-doubt threatening to rise up again, the colt fights it down, refusing to let the prince's words ruin what should be an exciting morning. He travels the rest of the distance to his proper destination, and there, he spots a unicorn guard standing outside of the door. Noticing his approach, the guard opens the door with his magic aura and salutes him-

Guard: Greetings, Sir Astral! I have been assigned by Princess Twilight to tend to this room and the opening and closing of the portal for the duration of your dimensional travels. She informed me that the journal you possess will serve as the key.

Astral: Ah, yes sir. Here.

-Astral reaches into his teal and brown saddlebag to pull out his magical brown journal, one with his own cutie mark displayed on the front. As he passes the journal over and steps into the room, the guard following behind him, there's an uncomfortable twinge to his stomach at the thought of leaving such a personal belonging behind with a stranger. But if he had to trust anyone with it, one of Princess Twilight's trained guards would be on the list. And with the cellphone his mother had gifted him, he knew he wouldn't have a need for his journal outside of his visits back home anyway. To the colt, it was a shame the princess couldn't conjure up a third set of books or another pair of magical objects to create a connection between the portals, but he's become all too aware of Twilight's wariness in recreating too much of a magical influx between the dimensions.

On the other side of the room, the complex construction that empowers the Crystal Mirror towers over the two ponies. Without pause, the guard lifts the journal up with his magic and places it in its proper pedestal high above the mirror. With a luminous glow, the cutie mark decorating its cover shoots out a series of purple electrical sparks. A familiar sight, the streams of energy seem to erratically course through the contraption before shooting into the mirror, activating it as the glass's surface swirls with magical energy.

Anticipation pushing him forward, Astral murmurs a quick thanks towards the guard and steels himself. He steps through the portal, and for a moment, he feels like he's walking on air within a swirling void of colors. He vaguely notices his form reshaping itself and adjusts his stance to balance himself. Within seconds he then finds himself pushing through a thin barrier, and what was once a void of distorted sound and swirls gives way to a peaceful silence. Blinking his eyes, Astral takes in the faint blue sky above him and the faint pastels beginning to peek through the distance, casting shadows all around him. As planned, arriving as early as he did meant entering the quiet, empty courtyard of Canterlot High.

Well, almost empty-

???: DUUUUSKKYYYY-

Astral: *wheezes as he's suddenly side-tackled to the ground. Locating the source, he finds a familiar shade of purple and green hair at the corner of his vision right beside his head. The next thing he processes are the girl's arms wrapped around his neck, her legs interlaced with his yet blissfully kicking behind her* T-Terra! Geez! *can't help a laugh, pushing himself up on an elbow* Maybe warn a guy next time...I thought I was supposed to be standing on two feet here.

Terra: *pulls back to grin into his face* Where's the fun in that~? *hops to her feet and uses both hands to pull Astral back up. Dusting off his jacket she smirks* Well heckin dang, sir, you sure brought your A-game!

Astral: *feels his cheeks heat up for the second time and groans* Terra, don't tease me...

Terra: *grins wider* Aww, but I like it when you get all embarrassed!

-Astral prepares a counter, but then notices a shift in movement behind Terra. An unseen figure until then is leaning their shoulder against the corner of the statue-portal, staring stunned in their direction. Feeling himself go rigid, Astral instinctively grabs Terra's shoulder tightly, dread clawing at him. His reaction seems to startle the gawking dark-haired human, causing them to jerk back-

Astral: *squeezes Terra's shoulder, the fright of being discovered so soon taking him* Terra...

Terra: *whips around with great confusion and apprehension, then jumps in realization* OH! Oh nonono! *turns back to Astral and frantically waves her hands* Dusky, it's okay! This is my friend Monochrome! They know all about this!

Astral: *brows knit in recognition, and looking closely, he recognizes the curve of the teen's green eyes and the tied up white-and-gray streaked hair; an appearance shared by his sister's own friend* Monochrome...?

Monochrome: *holds up hands, frowning* I'm so sorry for scaring you. I really should have said something. I just...*glances over at the tall, flat surface of the statue's pedestal beside them* ...my mom told me things, but I don't think I was actually prepared to see it in person.

Astral: *eyebrows shoot up* "Told you"? My mom and her friends agreed to keep the portal a secret.

Monochrome: *rubs their wrist* Yeah well, if you know anything about my mom Rainbow Dash, you can probably imagine her accidentally letting some details slip. *glances at Terra, the corner of their mouth quirking up* I actually would have thought she was making it up, but Terra's presentation when we were kids only corroborated the story.

Astral: *pauses, then blankly turns to his friend* ...you mean that one class presentation you made about Equestria?

Terra: *laughs nervously, taking a step back* Y-you mean about my bestie and Equestria? Y-yep! The very one! G-guess I forgot to tell you that one of my friends actually believed me! Craaazy, right??

Astral: ...*sighs deeply and lowers his head*

Terra: (!!!) H-HEY MAN, I was seven! I didn't realize it was that big of a secret! *crosses arms and pouts* And our teacher ended up misunderstanding the whole thing anyway, and I got an A for creativity, AND we have a solid backup story for you because of it, so it worked out!

Astral: *rubs forehead* It's fine, Terra... *brushes the same hand back through his hair, remeeting Monochrome's gaze* Well, you're family with one of my mom's friends, and you're friends with Terra. So...if anyone had to know, it probably should be you.

Terra: Yep yep! But let's not forget official introductions! *noisily clears throat, lifting a presenting hand* Monochrome Dashielle, this is Astral Dusk! *eagerly motions towards Monochrome* Astral Dusk, this is Monochrome Dashielle, one of my best friends that I've known since preschool! *counts off her fingers* Also known as Mo, Momo, Chrome, Chromey, Dashie- *folds hands behind her back and leans over, fluttering her eyelashes up at Monochrome* But I just call 'em Ellie, cause it's cute just like them~

Monochrome: *shakes head fondly, lightly nudging their friend* Not as cute as "Terri Rosie".

Astral: *eyes light up with recognition* So YOU'RE Ellie...Terra brought up your name throughout the years. *rubs neck* All uh, good things of course.

Monochrome: *crosses their arms and smiles at Terra* Is that right?

Terra: *grins up at them* Guilty! *turns to Astral* Anyway, you don't have to worry about Ellie! They're probably one of the most trustworthy people you'll know! They came from the element of loyalty after all. Right? *quickly and repeatedly pokes Astral's side with both pointers* Riiiiiiight~?

Astral: *laughs and swats at her hands* Right, right.

Monochrome: *bows their head* I know saying this won't prove anything, but this secret's safe with me. I promise.

Astral: *smiles* Alright. I'll hold you to that.

Terra: *hums happily, rocking back and forth on her heels* By the waaay Ellie, Dusky may look and act all serious, but he’s really just a big nerdy goober on the inside. Promise.

Astral: *sighs* Way to blow my second cover.

Terra: *snickers, lacing her fingers behind her head* What can I say? I love my big dorky horse friend~

Astral: *before he can show his own pout, he hears a chuckle and notices Monochrome walking closer to him*

Monochrome: *holds out their hand, gaze kind* That's good to know. You'll fit right in, then.

Astral: *surprised at first, but with a meek smile, reaches out to loosely grip their hand* That's reassuring...

Terra: Well awesome! *peers down at her phone* HM, we've got some time before the school opens, and Sunny said she's getting ready as we speak!

Monochrome: *brightens, subconsciously leaning back against the sculpture again* Can't wait...I haven't seen Sunny since vaca- *eyes widen and they quickly pull away from the sculpture base's surface. Mo stares at it in confusion before reaching out with their fingertips, brushing the smooth marble* What...happened to the portal?

Astral: Oh. *reaches out too, letting out a hum of understanding as his fingers hit the cold, solid surface* It's been closed on the other side until I need to cross back over. It's just an extra precaution.

Terra: Yep! But hey, lean or poke all you want! You don't ever have to worry about accidentally falling in, mkay~? Magical portal properties and whatnot! *stage whispers* It's classified.

Monochrome: Huh... *carefully leans back, crossing their arms* Okay...I'll take your word.

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PREVIOUS:

I think teenage Astral is just in this perpetual state of nervous sweating. Poor awkward soft boy.

TLDR and context for this chapter: First day of high school at Canterlot High and Astral Dusk meets a few... interesting characters. Some more familiar than others.

In the aftermath of expelling (most) magic from the human universe, as well as the graduation of Princess Twilight's friends and class from Canterlot High, Twi and friends settled that keeping the existence of the portal a better kept secret from that day onward would be the best course of action in keeping the portal, both dimensions, and all inhabitants safe while preventing a possible second wave of magical corruption.

Sunset Shimmer was the only one granted free but careful passage between worlds until Twilight gave the rest of Sunset's family a chance to experience what was and still is a huge part of Sunset's life. Only Astral Dusk, Sunset's son, developed an attachment to the other dimension in the form of his best friend, Terra Rosa. Seeing her son's deep bond with Terra and understanding the opportunity in having her son attend her old high school, Sunset gains Twilight's permission in having Astral attend Canterlot High. Not only is it a way for him to spend time with Terra, attending school together and living in her household for the next four years (visiting Equestria every other weekend and keeping in touch with his mother via SciTwi and her magic journal). Sunset also believes the experience can help her son learn to find his footing with others his age and develop more relationships. It helped her, after all.

And thus behold, Mirrorverse!Monochrome, Skychaser, and Summer Rush, who are each new characters in their own right. In the future they will all have their own ref image and bio! Forte too will have her own bio coming up!

Aaaand....with this chapter, the rest of Astral's arc will be on hold. Astral has always been a unique case and was never going to have his full past arc shown all at once, but as I was working, I found myself majorly rewriting and better developing his story ideas. SO, until I pull together these new ideas to better write the chapters I had in mind for the showing, we'll be pausing here! Though that doesn't mean I'm done with Astral, or done posting things for certain characters in said arc...I have a few more things to share~

Destinyverse Archives
Feat.
Astral Dusk Terra Rosa
Forte

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