There was a certain charm to Maretime Bay as the sun began its final descent towards the western horizon. Most of the buildings downtown were two stories, and every single one of them was of course dwarfed by the 'CanterLogic' factory up on the hill to the east, which was six stories tall even before accounting for the hill, and judging by the garage that the all-terrain vehicle was pulled into last night, there was probably more than one basement level as well.
It didn't take a genius to figure out that this town's economy revolved almost entirely around that factory. Maybe there would be time for a tour later.
Double-checking her map, Sunset walked down the main street, and came to one of the trolley stops, in front of a two-story yellow structure, part of the greater strip on the left side of the street. She assumed that it was a lot like downtown Everfree; first floor was businesses, second story was housing for the owners. Coming up to the set of double glass doors, she saw the 'CLOSED' sign hanging prominently on the left door, but immediately saw Sunny waiting by the front desk, scrolling through her phone, and the earth pony immediately saw her, and came to the door with a smile. She unlocked the door just long enough to open it, give Sunset a smile, and let her inside before locking it again.
"Good evening, Sunset. Thanks for making the time to come down here. I hope what I've gathered here can provide you with at least some answers. Please, follow me."
Sunny wore a black velvet vest, with a gold tag with her name on it, signifying her as a curator of the museum. Beyond the entrance hall, the first large room they came to was filled with more modern history. Sunset took a few seconds to glance at what she could, but kept pace with Sunny as she went towards an archway on the left wall. Above the archway, almost touching the ceiling, were mounted letters, spelling out 'GUARDIANS OF HARMONY'. On the right wall next to the archway, there was a wooden and gold plaque, with a photo on it.
Guardians of Harmony Wing
This wing of the Maretime Bay Museum of History is dedicated to
the memory of
ARGYLE STARSHINE
Who never stopped reaching a hoof out in friendship
when his surrounding society would not.
"Your dad?" Sunset asked as she looked at the picture.
Sunny nodded solemnly.
"The studying and research he did set the foundation for what we've done to this place over the past several months."
Sunset stepped up to Sunny as she was led through the archway, and gave out a near silent gasp at the displays all around her.
The unicorn's eyes were immediately drawn to the larger-than-life cutouts of Princess Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack. They were mounted on the walls above several glass display cases, each containing gems. Before approaching the displays, however, she made her way towards the center of the room, where three more exhibits awaited her. The center one was a very impressive scale model of Princess Twilight's castle. She looked down at the etched words on the plaque.
The Kingdom of Friendship
The Tree of Harmony bestowed this residence to Princess Twilight as a beacon of her rule, as she and the other Guardians spread the Magic of Friendship far and wide across the land of Equestria.
To the left of that, a trio of pegasi mannequins hung with Wonderbolt uniforms.
The Wonderbolts
At first formed as an aerial honor guard wing of the Royal E.U.P., the Wonderbolts were known across the nation as the pinnacle of flight acrobatics and demonstrations.
"This is our newest addition. Added just today, actually," Sunny said, motioning to the case to the right of the castle model.
Sunset stepped up to the case, and saw inside, carefully set atop a wire display stand, was a dull, gray heart-shaped rock.
The Crystal Heart
The lifeblood of the Crystal Empire in the far northern reaches of the nation, the Crystal Heart is currently believed to be the origin of the Earth, Unicorn, and Pegasus crystals that restored magic when the reunification of Equestria began.
Sunset's gaze moved again, listing over to a large stone tablet over on the right side of the room. Walking over to it, she approached the informational kiosk in front of it.
Replica of Discord's Last Message
Discord was once an antagonistic demigod of chaos that was befriended by Princess Twilight Sparkle and the Guardians of Harmony. But when magic began to fade, so too did his grasp on his corporeal form in this realm. This is an exact replica of the last words he carved into the top tower of Princess Twilight's castle.
Feeling her throat tighten as she read the draconequus' farewell, she walked over to the left side of the room, bypassing most of the Guardian displays, and went right to Princess Twilight's, and looked up at the cutout, before gazing down into the display case, at the two dozen gems.
Princess Twilight Sparkle
Twilight Sparkle was a unicorn prodigy and former student of Princess Celestia. She was sent to Ponyville to learn about the magic of friendship, in order to help fulfill a millennium-old prophecy, and restore Princess Luna to her rightful place next to her sister on Equestria's thrones, afterwards spreading the magic of friendship far and wide.
The display case had buttons and a screen built into the kiosk directly above the plaque. She hit the first button, and a focusing lens slid into place above the top left gem, and sent the image to the screen; a party in a library.
"So... So that's what she looked like without wings..." Sunset said, her voice beginning to quiver, taking a single step back from the display. "She... She promised me she would take the time to go through her early scrapbooks when I came back, and..."
The unicorn couldn't keep the torrent of emotions down any longer, and she dropped to her knees as she began to weep in front of the display.
"...And now she's gone. Everypony... Everything... I ever knew, is gone..."
Sunny took a quiet breath and came up next to the grieving pony, softly putting a reassuring hoof on her back, rubbing gently.
"Gods, what am I doing here? What am I supposed to do now? We had it all planned out. I was going to be her court wizard, an archmage... I couldn't imagine a better gift, to spend most of my years with the pony who helped me begin to turn things around..."
Sunny struggled to come up with something, anything to say to her new friend who had leapt forward untold centuries into an unfamiliar, frightening new world.
"I think if she was here, if she could see you now, I don't think even she would expect you to know what to do right off the bat. I mean, putting together a terrarium for your pet lizard barely a day after unwittingly time traveling? That's an accomplishment in itself, Sunset."
Sunset calmed her heaving shoulders, and took a breath, followed by a second before getting up off of the floor.
"You did all of this. You and your dad. I know we've only known each other for not even a day, but I'm honored to know you, Sunny Starscout. Thank you for bringing her story to as many others as you can."
Sniffling, Sunset stepped forward and put her front hooves around Sunny, a hug that was immediately returned.
"I owe a lot of it to my dad, he put that tenacity in me to very, very slowly get through to this town, and everypony for that matter."
Sunset parted from the hug, and took another deep breath, taking another look around the room.
"I feel so lost, and I don't even know where to begin," the unicorn confessed.
"Considering the circumstances, I think I'd be concerned if you did know where to begin. I mean, you said you just graduated school in this other realm, right?" Sunny asked.
"Yeah. I was actually planning on taking a few weeks off before jumping into the whole 'archmage' thing. Kinda get my Equestrian footing again, you know?" Sunset answered.
"So, why not do that anyway? My questions can wait if you want. Take some time to get to know the world you've come back to. Or just kick back and relax while you get all your ducks in a row."
Sunset wiped the last of the tears from her eyes and considered Sunny's words.
"You know, that's not a bad idea," Sunset replied, sniffling. "And don't worry, if I leave town for a bit I'll be sure to take Ray with me. Don't want to saddle you with anything more. And feel free to hit me with your questions any time, Sunny. Me being here must be a head trip and a half for you."
Sunny gave the unicorn a nod and a smile.
"You got me there. Well, if you insist, how about over dinner?"
The unicorn couldn't keep the torrent of emotions down any longer, and she dropped to her knees as she began to weep in front of the display.
"...And now she's gone. Everypony... Everything... I ever knew, is gone..."
I really feel bad for sunset she's been gone for a long time even though in the human world it doesn't seem too long but to Equestria it's a different story just like Chronicles of Narnia
not everything is gone. The lessons she taught live on through Sunset
So the day was almost over but Sunset went to the museum as promised to Sunny once we got there they had a private tour of the Museum and yeah seeing all the items that's Sunny her friends some of the ponies who donated and her father bring a back of the previous My Little Pony Friendship is Magic and she felt more emotional knowing that everybody she knows in Equestria are pretty much gone it's really going to take her a long time to get used to this new world now but good things sunny and her friends will back her up I wonder what's going to happen next
Yeah, I can't imagine Sunset seeing something like that wing and not breaking down. She's in a whole new world with no current direction. Yeesh.
FYI:
Wuh-oh.
11139977
Eesh, thanks. Fixed!
I want to hug Sunset and cuddle her and pet her and assure her that she will be okay
11139980
Sorry, can't help it.
She can be the Twliight she wants to see in the world.....
Yes, but what were Discord's final words? Hopefully it wasn't some wild goose chase, a final bit of chaos before fizzling into pure, untamed chaos magic. But it is a quite sad thought that everything magical died, including Ursa Majors/Minors and Timberwolves.
11140025
In the first instalment.
https://www.fimfiction.net/story/503677/7/forgotten/lavender
Great job on the exchanges, characterizations and future chapter set-up in all the right places. Definitely appreciated Sunset's reactions to the sites of the museum tour as well as the thoughts of getting a tour of Canterlogic later on. Also liked Sunny comforting Sunset and reassuring her that, under the circumstances, not knowing what to do next is completely understandable, At least Sunset still has friends in this time (including her pet). And, hey, the archmage deal can still work out (in fact, in a way, it could work better now as she IS currently the most powerful unicorn in Equestria) - it would just be focused on training the unicorns that just got their magic back a few months ago about the full potential of magic and providing helpful pointers to the three tribes in general.
11140028
ooooooh. Its a SERIES. shit now I have to go read a unch of stuff for context. damn.
If it hasn't been brought up yet, Sunset could absolutely help the unicorns around currently, get a grip on their magic. Probably fill out some parts about the past that hasn't been figured out yet, what species there were around, all sorts of things.
Aww, it's okay Sunset, you'll find your place!
It’s totally fine to take it slow. I definitely like this story because it’s Sunset learning how to go forward in life when she is stuck in the far future.
I do love the Sunset arts
I'm just waiting for sunset to become Queen Sunset in a roundabout way she would get what she always wanted. also I think if there was anypony powerful enough to become an Alicorn it would be sunset..... to bad there not enough magic left to do so.
11140070
Agreed. And judging by how magic may take time to come back to full strength, I feel that Brony Notion (Now Sawtooth Waves) may be correct in his theory (I kind of had a similar thought also) that magic underwent a major pendulum swing between the two worlds. At first it was equilibrium, but then humans began using more of the magic, causing things to go chaotic in Equestria.
If we can explore that as being the main reason, we could really go places
All unicorns that in who knows how many generations only now regained their magic, I think, in dire need of magic teacher that actually knows about magic.
Huh, so she wants to be an archmage in Twilight's court.
Hmm... Sunset can find a worthwhile job in the present Equestria, so at least to keep her from feeling like an outsider and keep her busy for a while so she can piece herself back and not spiral into depression. Considering the unicorns have just gotten their magic back, Sunset could rediscover the spells and techniques since her knowledge of magic taught by Princess Celestia herself might still be intact. So that's a thought.
The author's note.
"Sunset is the plot."
I approve of this plot.
Immature snow pone laugh.
11140110
Deputy Shimmer? 🤠
11140087
https://youtu.be/YbH11cGG4jE
this theory describes perfectly what happens......still sunset powers cannot be overstated. right now because of her knowledge and internal power I would compare her to starlight compared to foals which all the unicorns of this Era are. Heck even if Sunset dosen't become an Alicorn the others may make her queen by default because of that knewledge and power. So either way Sunset would have gotten everything she ever wanted....Just at the cost of everything she has ever known and care for. Its funny at one time Sunset would've taken that deal now all she can do is lament about it.
11140261
Yep, that’s the theory I’m referring to. Just imagine what might happen, at least in this series. And if miles doesn’t cover it, I’d be happy to take up the mantle
hopefully Izzy doesn't get jealous you are going out for dinner with another Mare Sunny lol
The fact that this isn't tagged "Alternate Universe" is amazing.
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Should it be?
I've felt that that tag is for when things happen differently than they did in canon, but all of this has been pure speculation on my part.
11140470
By technicality, no! TECHNICALLY this isn't diverging from canon, because there IS no canon!
Which is why I freaking love this.
11140474
Glad you're enjoying it!
11140474
Currently is no cannon, currently.
Sunset's best bet is Magic teaching, as she is basically the only accredited magical authority alive.
11140479
I am now sure if this is asked or answered in the past. But with Sunset now being in this time. Would that make her the most powerful being in the known Equestria at this moment? She was on par with Unicorn Twilight maybe even a little more knowledgeable.
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Due to the snail's pace this story has been moving, I've had a couple weeks to ponder this.
We'll find out. Promise!
11140571
Sunset being in this world really puts her in a certain position. I'd weirdly think Twilight might even name either her or Starlight as her heir if something were to happen to herself. But thats just speculation on my part.
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My main issue that is insanely difficult to work around is limited locations.
Maretime Bay, Zephyr Heights (Canterlot), and Bridlewood.
Absolutely no idea if any other settlements or cities remained or survived.
11140584
As the author, you get to decide what new locations you add to your world. There are many stories to be made in new "first" contacts with the other known races of Equestria. I wonder what the griffons are up to.
I do think that Sunset could be of enormous value to the unicorns of Gen 5 though, whose knowledge of magic is limited to myths. She has actual practical knowledge and training in magic, even if it is a little rusty. Professor Shimmer please.
11140730
Yeah, and a lot of freedom comes from that too. Sure there's a lot of framework left behind because G5 is a direct sequel, but a lot can happen in the time it takes for an entire civilization to become nothing more than myth.
A lot of fics were written back when G4 hadn't even reached season three, people just kinda made stuff up.
Nice
There there's sunset, let it all out, your not the only one who's in the same boat as you.
She has a point.
If only it would be more simple sunny.
I still want them to accidentally bring flurry back and you to write that flurry sequel as a sequel to this one
I'd love to see Discords farewell message but also get why leaving it up in the air is better
11141297
It's in Part 1, simply titled "Forgotten".
11141307
Ohhh didn't know, just read it now too, I like his message!
Poor Sunset.
I think she should spend some time in Briddlewood. Maybe help quash some superstitions.
Just FYI -- "it's", with the apostrophe, is the contraction of "it is." "Its" without an apostrophe is the possessive pronoun. Possessive pronouns never get apostrophes before the 's'.
Also... that pale-yellow text is really hard to read with the site's default color scheme. You might want to switch it out for a brighter, more saturated color that works with both light and dark backgrounds. (Or better yet, don't try to force a color at all; just use italics or bold italics for that text instead. The problem with colored text is that you can never be sure what formatting or color scheme your readers are using to view the site with.)
11144427
Done and done.
I forget that not everyone is on Dark Mode; I enabled that when it first came out, and haven't turned it off since.
I definitely feel for Sunset, Being a High-functioning autistic, I sometimes have trouble dealing with change, granted it was much worse when I was younger, and these days it doesn't bother me too badly. That being said, coming back after a "trip" like in the famous story Rip Van Winkle, and finding your entire world turned upside down and forgotten by all but the most venerable elders and scholars would send me for a loop to put it VERY lightly.
While I am enjoying this story, One thing that bugs me a teensy bit is the speed. I feel that despite your note at the end of this chapter, you are still trying to get to the heart of the story without sufficient time to build up to it. For example, Sunset arrives in Equestria, and within a day she's good if not best friends with these six strangers. I feel that perhaps it might behoove the story if Sunset maybe spent some time in denial, or maybe letting her anger/fear cause her to be a bit wary/waspish of these "new friends" maybe accuse them of doing something to Twilight and company. They could be changelings, it could be a magical spell, the portal could have malfunctioned and sent her to another universe.
I was kind of looking forward to Sunset pointing out The Crystal that had the Equestria Girls in it, like 'hey that's me.' That would really blow her mind
People don’t understand how hard a displacement story is to write. And they don’t get that displacement also means taking one character to another time even if it is from the same show.
My favorite displacement story is where Ranma gets turned into Sophix form Flora from the Winx club and goes to Kim possible world.
11140548
But there will be. Pinkie had party cannon stashed all over Equestria in case of a party cannon emergency.
Ah, and reality finally hits. Poor Sunset.