Flashback: NLR Girls
Main Characters: Alba, Sunset Shimmer
Cameos: Fluttershy, Flash Sentry
Original Start Date: February 14, 2014 (Nothing special about that date at all... Ever...)
Corona leads Alba deep under Canterlot Palace. The princess looks around, having never been in this part of the palace before.
‘How did you find this again?’ Alba asks.
‘Sunset found a mention to it in a book in the library,’ Corona replies. ‘She has been flying about trying to find anything that can help save everypony.’
‘I’ll say. Her wings see more action than the whole air force with all her trips visiting libraries around the Republic and beyond.’
‘Hopefully this will work out so she can get some rest.’
The cousins reach the end of the hall. Corona opens a door leading to a room filled with boxes and covered artefacts. Sunset tries to raise an object that is laying flat on the ground. Corona uses her magic to help her sister. Sunset pulls the cover off of the mirror she found.
Alba stares at her reflection. A wingless Alba with a messy mane stares back. ‘I don’t think changing my mane style will save the universe.’
‘According to the books I found, this is a magic mirror,’ Sunset replies.
‘See the future magic?’
‘Travel to another world magic.’
Alba raises an eyebrow. ‘How does it work?’
‘Uh...’ Sunset flips through a book. ‘Ah! Every thirty moons the portal will open to another world for three days.’
The princess taps the mirror. ‘Not much time to evacuate if it comes to it. Not to mention, hardly reliable since we don’t even know how long we have until the end. We don’t even know what is on the other side.’
‘According to the book, it is a world unlike anything the author had ever imagined.’
Alba frowns and taps the mirror again.
‘There is a list of dates when the portal was active during the author’s time,’ Sunset adds. ‘We can use that to predict the next time it is open. Then we can investigate if it is a suitable world for us.’
‘I’ll have the mirror moved to my research room,’ Corona says. ‘I can study it to see if it is safe for use and what possible side effects it might have.’
Alba nods. ‘Sounds like a plan. If you find out anything more before it is active again, tell me immediately.’
The princess leaves her cousins to their work.
Sunset smiles and gives a small laugh. ‘This is like something out of a movie.’
Corona rolls her eyes. ‘Now that you said that, something is sure to go wrong.’
A couple days later. Alba is trotting to breakfast, levitating several books and reports around her. Sunset flies up.
‘Alba! It is time!’
‘Huh?’
‘The portal! It is opening tomorrow.’
‘Are you sure?’
Sunset nods. ‘Corona checked my maths twice. We’re certain that it will be open.’
Alba smiles. ‘Let’s tell my mom. If she approves, we’ll get an exploration party ready.’
The royal family meets in the throne room. Corona, Sunset, Technis and Razzly have joined them. Luna is talking with Corona about her research on the mirror.
‘Are you certain it is safe?’ Luna asks.
‘It seems so,’ Corona replies. ‘I haven’t detected anything using any test I know.’
‘And the book’s author seems to have made repeated trips through the portal while studying it,’ Sunset adds.
‘Shouldn’t we test it more before we try crossing?’ James asks. ‘Maybe a series of unponied probes before building up to a live exploration?’ He gets up. ‘I’m going to start planning a Portal, Wormhole and Nexus Yassociation.’
‘Love the acronym,’ Technis snorts, trying not to laugh.
Alba groans. ‘Dad, it will be fine.’
‘But do you have to be the one who goes?’ Luna asks. ‘Wouldn’t it make more sense to send somepony less important?’
The princess rolls her eyes. ‘I considered sending somepony more expendable, but Helios chickened out.’
‘Hey!’ her brother complains.
‘Besides, if we are potentially going to send more ponies after me, we should make the best first impression we can and send somepony who can negotiate on our behalf. Sending a member of the royal family would demonstrate our seriousness to anypony we may encounter on the other side.’
Luna takes a deep breath and nods. ‘Very well. You may go, but make sure you are prepared. Who knows what dangers you may face.’
The next day. Alba and her family gather around the mirror. The portal shimmers, waiting for somepony to pass through. Alba checks her saddlebag one last time.
‘Bag of bits, journal, camera, phone, my crown...’
Helios raises an eyebrow. ‘Why your crown?’
‘It is good proof of who I am and my credentials. Should be helpful if I get in a sticky situation.’
Luna frowns. ‘It might be risky taking an Element of Harmony to another world, but I am willing to risk it for the sake of saving the world.’
‘Don’t worry. Everything will turn out fine,’ Alba assures. She looks at the portal and takes a deep breath. ‘Okay. Here I go.’
Razzly hugs her friend. ‘Be safe.’
‘If you need backup, I am just a call away,’ Technis says.
The princess smiles and nods. ‘Thanks. You’re a good brother.
‘Me too,’ Helios adds. ‘I can come if you need me.’
Alba stares at her brother. ‘Okay. Cool.’
The prince scowls. ‘Thanks.’
Alba laughs and smiles at Helios. ‘Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.’ She touches the portal. ‘Perfectly fine...’
Alba takes one more breath then crosses the portal. She holds back screaming as she feels her body twisting and changing. The princess grunts as she is hits the ground after being ejected on the other side of the portal. Her belongings spill around her as her bag lands beside her and the statue she fell out of.
‘Okay. Ow.’ Alba moans and rubs her face. ‘Huh?’ She sits up and touches her face again. ‘What the huh? My nose is smaller… and weirdly-shaped. … Wait.’ She holds her arms out in front of her and looks at her hands. ‘What?’ She lifts her legs and looks at her boot-covered feet. ‘What?’ She looks down and pokes the new lumps on her chest. ‘What?’ She hangs her head and closes her eyes as she thinks. She rubs her forehead. ‘Sheesh. I have a freakishly large head.’
‘Wark!’
Alba looks up. A seagull sifts through her spilled backpack.
‘Hey! Shoo!’
The seagull looks up. It holds Alba’s crown in its beak.
‘Put that back!’
‘Wark!’
The seagull spreads its wings and starts taking off. Alba screams and chases the bird. After getting up to speed and flapping hard enough, the seagull takes flight.
‘Get back here you freaking bird!’
Alba picks up a rock and hurls it as hard as she can. The seagull drifts to the side as the rock shoots past its head. Alba screams and looks for another rock. She finds a stone bench and tries ripping it from the pavement.
‘Stupid, dumb bird! You’re worse than Shaun!’
The bench refuses to move. Alba loses her grip and falls back, her dress landing over her head. She fixes her exposure and looks around. A man with blue hair wearing a dingy jumpsuit and standing next a garbage truck is staring at the out-of-place princess.
Alba kicks the bench, knocking off chunk of rock. She catches it and takes aim. ‘What are you staring at, you perv!’
The man hurries into the truck and drives off. Alba growls and throws the rock chunk. She pulls her legs in and balls up. She tries holding back tears as she wonders what to do next.
‘What the hell are you doing here?’
Alba looks up. An older woman with long red and yellow hair wearing a purple tank top, orange skirt and black leather jacket holds a hand to the younger woman.
‘Corona?’
‘Huh? Did crossing over mess with your head or something?’ She grabs Alba’s arm. ‘Come on. Let’s get out of here. You’re causing enough of a scene already.’ She looks around. ‘Not to mention, two odd women hanging around a high school looks very creeperish.’
Alba takes the assistance in standing. ‘Right. Sorry.’
‘Here.’ The woman hands Alba her backpack. ‘I’m Sunset Shimmer. Nice to meet you.’
Alba takes her bag. She stares incredulously. ‘What?’
‘What part? My name or nice meeting you?’
‘Sorry. You look like somepony I know, but you have her sister’s name. You don’t have a younger sister, do you?’
Sunset shakes her head. ‘Sorry. Only child. And it is “someone” in this world. Don’t want to give yourself away.’
Alba looks confused. ‘How do know I am not from here?’
‘I’ll tell you once we get somewhere more private. Come with me.’
Sunset leads Alba to a red sports car and gets the door for her. She gets in and drives away. Alba opens her mouth, but she is cut off.
‘So, how did you get here?’ Sunset asks. ‘Since Twilight dismantled the gate her end, we’re not due for another opening for another couple dozen moons.’
‘Well, uh...’
‘Furthermore, what sort of unit is “moons” anyway? Lunar cycles would be more accurate. Moons can mean anything!’
‘Um, Sunset… I think you are getting a little off topic.’
‘Heh, heh. Right. Sorry. Anyway. Where are you from? How did you get here? What is your name? Do you have any money? And you better buckle up because I am a pretty intense driver.’
The younger girl fastens her seatbelt. ‘Uh… My name is Alba. I am from Canterlot. I used that mirror portal you seem to know about. And I had some bits with me when crossed over.’
Sunset pull the car off the street. ‘Good. Then you’re buying.’
Alba growls as Sunset orders them some food at a drive thru. The women sit silently as they get their food, which Alba has to pay for. Once they have their meal, they drive away again.
‘Sorry about that,’ Sunset apologizes. ‘I haven’t had breakfast yet.’
‘But it is...’ -- Alba finds a clock on the dashboard -- ‘almost noon. You should be more responsible.’
Sunset rolls her eyes. ‘Ugh. You sound like Celestia… Both of them.’
‘Huh?’
‘As you probably guessed by now, I came from another world too. I was once Princess Celestia’s top students until we had a falling out. I was replaced by Twilight Sparkle, who I assume you know since you look just like her.’ She laughs. ‘Though your hair makes you look like her husband.’
‘What?’ Sunset shows Alba a vanity mirror. The younger woman groans and tries flattening her hair. ‘Happens all the damn time these days...’ She sits back and grumbles. ‘Anyway. My relation to Twilight Sparkle is murky. In the world I am from, she is dead.’
‘Are you trying to tell me the portal connects to two different worlds? How come nobody has crossed from your world before? I’ve been watching it ever since I first came here.’
‘Well, until a few days ago, our end was face-down in the castle basement’s basement.’
‘And you thought you’d just hop on in and take a look. I appreciate the initiative you are showing.’
‘I’m not here for fun.’ Alba sighs. ‘Our world’s in trouble. I came here to see if it is a good place to hopefully evacuate some ponies to.’ She looks at her hands. ‘Or whatever we are here.’ She groans. ‘I woke up today with wings and a horn. Now, I have hands and’ -- she pokes her breasts -- ‘these big things.’
Sunset laughs. ‘Well, I don’t know about evacuating citizens here. I can show you what I can, but you might be in for a bit of disappointment.’
‘Tell me about it.’ Alba looks out her window. ‘Ten seconds here and a seagull stole my crown.’
Sunset slams on the brakes. Other cars honk and veer around the stopped vehicle.
‘Crown? What sort of crown? Don’t tell me you had an Element of Harmony.’
‘I won’t tell you that, but it is true.’
Sunset starts slamming her head into the driver’s wheel, honking the horn with each hit. ‘Damn it. Don’t you know what will happen if you bring a powerful magic object to another world? Especially one without magic!’
‘Hey! I didn’t know I was going to be assaulted by a bird as soon as I stepped on the other side of the portal! Or maybe if you found me a few moments earlier, you could have prevented the crown-naping!’
‘How is this even my fault!’
‘I don’t know! You just started yelling at me first!’
The women snarl at each other. There is a tap on Sunset’s window.
‘Everything okay, ma’am?’ a police officer asks.
Sunset lowers her window. ‘Everything’s fine. My, uh, cousin here just told me she lost something very important. Seems she is going to spend her whole vacation with me finding it again.’
‘Would you mind looking somewhere else? You’re holding up traffic.’
‘Sorry about that officer.’ Sunset raises her window and drives away. ‘It is going to be hell getting your crown back.’ She groans, ‘Gotta tell Sonata to keep Adagio from finding out about it...’
‘Sorry.’ Alba digs through her pack for her phone. ‘I just need to make one call, and the entire New Lunar Republic army can be here in moments.’
‘A full-scale military invasion from another world. That will go over well.’
‘Well, I don’t hear you coming up with any plans.’
Sunset thinks. ‘I have a friend in Downtown City who can talk with animals, but it would take too long getting her out here before you have to return to your world.’
Alba covers a laugh. ‘Downtown City? That is a stupid name.’
‘What? And all the horse puns are better?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Canterlot. Trottingham. Manehattan. And best of all, Ponyville. It is like something out of a cartoon for young girls.’
Alba snorts and sits back. ‘Whatever.’ She stares out the window. ‘If Fluttershy were alive, she would be able to help us.’
Sunset tenses up. ‘What was that?’
‘There was once a pony named Fluttershy in my world who could talk with animals. Too bad there isn’t anyone like that here.’
Sunset’s driving slows. ‘That might not be entirely untrue...’
Alba looks at the other woman quizzically.
Sunset stops the car. ‘Oh, look! We’re here.’ She gets out of the car and goes to a door. ‘Well, come on.’
Alba sighs and follows. Sunset leads her through a lobby to an elevator. The older woman fidgets nervously the whole elevator ride. She shows Alba to an apartment.
‘So, uh, this is home,’ Sunset says.
Alba looks around. ‘A bit of a step down from the palace, but I’ve seen worse.’
‘Well, excuse me, princess.’
The guest sighs and sits on a couch. ‘So, what were you saying about someone like Fluttershy?’
‘I… wasn’t saying anything. Nope. Not a thing.’ Sunset gets out a laptop. ‘Hey! How about I show you a few things about this world so that you can report back how bad of an idea it is to colonize here.’
Alba scrutinizes her host. ‘Sure… Let me see it.’
Sunset gives Alba the laptop. The princess quickly types ‘Fluttershy’ and searches.
‘Don’t search that!’ Sunset shouts.
Alba glares at the screen, eye twitching. ‘Tiniest Animal Store, owner: Fluttershy.’ She gets up and goes to the door.
‘Wait! Where are you going?’
‘I got the address from the computer. I figure I can hail a cab and get there.’
‘Please don’t. It would be… awkward.’
‘How awkward?’
‘Well, um… We sorta had a big fight recently.’
‘You’re kidding, right? The fate of both our worlds rests in the balance, and you are scared to apologize to someone?’
‘That is not exactly it...’
The princess shakes her head. ‘What did you fight about?’
‘It is embarrassing, and I don’t want to talk about it.’
Alba groans and goes back to the couch. ‘I am a princess, and I teach at my mother’s school. I have saved the world, negotiated with ancient evils, battled changeling queens and put up with Shaun. I think I can handle patching up your friendship.’
‘It was a really big fight.’
The princess cracks her knuckles. ‘Then I’ll just have to be really persuasive.’
Sunset facepalms and shakes her head. ‘I don’t want to deal with this right now. How about I teach you a little more about my world and we’ll talk about Shy later, okay?’
‘Fine.’ Alba picks up the laptop and types away.
‘Great! What’s your poison?’ Sunset goes to the refrigerator. ‘I have beer, wine, vodka… AJ gave me a ton of hard cider recently.’ She looks at her guest. ‘You’re a princess… I’m betting you’re a wine drinker.’
Alba blushes and pulls the laptop up to try covering her face. ‘I just turned eighteen! I’m not old enough yet!’
‘I won’t tell if you won’t.’
Alba keeps typing, trying to ignore Sunset. ‘Give me a hard cider,’ she mumbles. ‘My big brother lets me have them all the time...’
‘That’s the spirit!’ Sunset cheers, getting two bottles from the fridge. ‘Though technically, they aren’t spirits.’
Alba sighs and keeps researching, taking the bottle when it is handed to her.
After hours of learning and drinking, Alba is pretty disappointed. Everything she has found shows that this new world would be horrible for evacuation. She has ended up browsing about the world’s popular culture while stretching across the couch. Sunset sits with her new acquaintance. She has her cosmetics out and is painting Alba’s toes.
‘If your movies are anything to go by,’ Alba comments, ‘then just knowing we exist would keep us in a lab for the rest of our lives.’
‘I know, right? Probably dissect us to see if we are still ponies on the inside. See if we have hearts as strong as horses.’
The princess snickers. ‘Aside from being a little tipsy right now, I am certain I am as healthy as a horse.’
‘I remember when I told everyone I was from the same world as Twilight. My friends were surprisingly calm, probably because Twilight’s reveal dealt with all the initial shock. That or my whole she-demon fiasco.’ Sunset raises Alba’s foot and blows on the nail polish. ‘Alba… You mentioned someone like me in your world. What is she like?’
‘Corona?’ Alba shrugs. ‘I guess she is like you. Smart, ambitious, friendly. She is a good sister to our Sunset and a great cousin and role model to me.’
‘She is your cousin?’
Alba smiles and nods. ‘Luna is my mother. Celestia is her grandmother. That sort of makes us cousins.’
‘If she is related to Celestia in your world...’ Sunset shakes her head. ‘Never mind.’ She starts painting Alba’s other foot. ‘Do you have a boyfriend back home?’
The princess blushes and tries hiding her face again. ‘I am busy trying to save my world from peril. I don’t have time for dating.’
‘What about this “Shaun” you keep mentioning?’
‘He is just a friend, and the ruler of the Griffin Empire. Besides, I really doubt he would ever be interested in somepony like me.’
Sunset laughs. ‘I am sure there are lots of guys interested in a pretty girl like you.’ She smiles. ‘When I was your age, I was dating the nicest guy. He was on the yearbook and school paper. A photographer. Sadly, we broke up after graduation since we were going to different universities. If you ever meet someone named “Shady”, give him a chance.’
Alba rolls her eyes. ‘I’ll keep that in mind.’ She types a bit. ‘Why didn’t you look him up after uni?’
‘I don’t know. When I got back in town, I ran into my friends again, and we just picked up where we left off.’ She sips her drink. ‘I see Shy all the time. We get along great..’
‘Unless you don’t see eye to eye on the subject of mystery.’
‘Drop it or I’ll drop you.’
‘Please. Did you see the rocks I threw? I bet I could have taken the head off that pervert garbageman if I tried.’
‘Pervert garbageman?’ Sunset scowls. ‘You should do your best to avoid him. He is nothing but trouble.’
‘You know him.’
‘Technically, he is the reason I met Twilight and made all my friends, but he is scum. Pure and simple.’
‘I take it you have some history.’
Sunset simmers with anger. ‘I dated him for a time. All he really cared about was his stupid guitar. The night we broke up, he tried forcing himself on me.’ She smirks and wangs a finger. ‘I’m surprised I hit him given that small a target. Anyway, he got to school first that morning so he made up the story that I dumped him, not the way it really happened. Given my reputation, everyone believed that more than the truth. His lack of remorse towards the end of our relationship, the constant catty comments behind my back and just enough leftover anger towards Princess Celestia almost made me destroy this world. Thankfully, Twilight Sparkle saved the day.’
‘I’m sensing a little resentment.’
‘Just some.’ Sunset takes a drink. ‘If you meant towards Twilight, there is not one bit of anger. I gained a new set of friends who helped me recover. Principal Celestia helped a lot too.’ She stands and stretches. ‘You pick out something to watch on Netflix. I’ll order us some pizza and get another round. That is...’ -- she smirks -- ‘unless you want something stronger.’
Alba starts looking up movies. ‘Hard cider is more than enough for me. Besides, your friend must have stolen my brother’s recipe. It tastes and kicks exactly the same.’
Sunset laughs as she goes to the kitchen. ‘Applejack and your brother must have learned from the best.’ She stretches again. ‘Hope you don’t mind a little meat on your pie. I’m feeling like a bit of a carnivore tonight.’
Alba sighs as she continues her search for a film.
‘Yo. Princess. Time to get up.’
Sunset shakes the guest sleeping in her bed. Alba groans as she wakes up. The bedding barely covers the princess. Her clothes are heaped by the side of the bed with her panties hanging around her ankle. She wipes aways some drool with her left hand since her right arm is under her. Sunset sighs, shaking her head.
‘I know how interesting a new body is for the first time, but you could have at least considered the fact that you are staying in someone else’s place,’ the host groans. ‘Anyway. Get dressed. This is probably the hangover talking, but we are about to do something stupid.’
Alba wipes her hands on the bedding before reclaiming her underwear. ‘What are we doing?’
‘We’re going to see Fluttershy.’
A tall, thin woman with long pink hair wearing a bright yellow dress arranges pet toys on a shelf while singing to herself. A corral of animals play in a day camp area in another part of the store. A chime sounds when someone enters the store.
Fluttershy turns. ‘Welcome to Tiniest Animal Store. How may I help… Oh.’ She turns away and huffs, ‘Please leave.’
Sunset looks at the floor sheepishly. ‘Uh, hey, Shy. D-do you have a moment?’
‘Get out,’ Fluttershy snorts. ‘I’ll call the cops, or do I have to get the shotgun under the counter?’
‘Shy, you don’t have a shotgun.’
‘But I do have THIS!’
Fluttershy spins around and throws an item as hard as she can. A rubber hot dog lands barely a meter from the woman. Both women stare at the toy. Fluttershy blushes bright red in embarrassment and holds back tears. A light purple Cavalier King Charles spaniel wearing a beret rushes out of the day camp and grabs the toy, squeaking it as she chews it during her retreat.
‘Damn it...’ Fluttershy swears to herself, still looking down to try and hide her embarrassment.
‘I thought it was very threatening,’ Sunset replies.
‘Yes, threatening as a butterfly,’ Alba comments, stepping around her escort. ‘Now, Fluttershy, we need your help.’
‘Who are you?’ Fluttershy whispers.
‘I am Princess Alba,’ she introduces. ‘I have a bit of a situation that requires your assistance.’
‘Princess? Like Twilight?’
‘Not exactly.’
‘I can explain later,’ Sunset says. ‘Right now, we really need your help.’
‘Like I would help you,’ Fluttershy huffs, ‘throwing’ another toy.
‘Would you help me?’ Alba asks.
‘I don’t even know you...’
The princess walks forward, picking up the chew toy as she goes. ‘Please, Fluttershy. This is really important. You might not know who I am yet, but I am sure you’ll get to know me as we go.’
Fluttershy takes the toy. ‘I don’t know what I can do to help… What happened?’
Alba sighs dejectedly. ‘It is really stupid.’ She laughs. ‘A seagull took my crown.’
‘Crown?’ Fluttershy covers a laugh. ‘A seagull took your crown?’ She lets a laugh slip out. ‘How does a seagull take a crown? That is just silly!’ She laughs at the situation.
‘Fluttershy, this is serious,’ Sunset interrupts. ‘This is like when I took Twilight’s crown.’
Fluttershy scowls at the other woman. ‘Are you causing trouble again?’
‘I’m trying to help her. Please, Shy. Will you help us?’
Fluttershy takes a deep breath and thinks. She glares at Sunset. ‘Are you driving?’
Sunset shakes her head at the implication. ‘No way. You drive too freaking slow. I might drive fast, but I drive safely.’
‘Ladies, please!’ Alba shouts, stepping between them. ‘I think we’re losing sight of what is really important here: the missing crown which could be used to destroy the world.’
‘Oh, sure. Make everything about you now,’ Sunset huffs.
‘No wonder you two get along,’ Fluttershy counters. ‘Although, saving the world is important.’
Alba grabs Fluttershy’s arm. ‘Good enough for me. Glad to see you’re on my page. You’re the one we needed anyway.’
A bus passes by the store. Sunset feels as though she was just thrown under it. ‘Wow. Thanks, princess. Not like I let you stay at my place or anything.’
‘Sorry. You said that Fluttershy was the one I’d need, so unless you two can agree to get along and put your argument behind you, I’m set with just her.’
‘And people think I wasn’t ready to be a true princess...’ Sunset growls.
Fluttershy looks at the other women then at the ground. ‘I guess Sunset can come… but only if she is nice.’ She glances up. ‘You too, princess. You’re being very rude.’
‘See! We can agree on stuff,’ Sunset states. ‘We can be friends again.’
Fluttershy frowns and looks away.
Alba gives an exasperated sigh. ‘Great. We’re all on the same page. Let’s find my crown!’
Alba marches out of the store. Sunset smiles. She looks back at Fluttershy. The other woman sighs, rolls her eyes and follows the others.
Sunset hangs her head in shame. Alba stares at Fluttershy, confused. Fluttershy is crouching in the middle of a park, next to a bin. Seagulls pick at the refuse as the woman talks to them. Other park patrons give the women confused or disturbed looks as they pass.
‘Thank you! ♥!’ Fluttershy stands and wipes her hands on her dress. She turns to the others. ‘I think we have a lead.’
‘That is so weird,’ Sunset complains. ‘This is worse than when you talk to squirrels.’
Fluttershy glares at the other woman.
‘What did you get, dare I ask?’ Alba dares.
Fluttershy glares at the princess as well and snorts. ‘Are you two having fun teasing me?’
‘Maybe a little,’ Alba replies.
The two older women groan.
‘What! Honesty is a good policy to have.’
Fluttershy shakes her head and crosses her arms. ‘Anyway, they told me that a seagull with something shiny was living in the dump. That could be it.’
Alba facepalms. ‘Helios is going to tease me to no end when he hears this whole story.’
Sunset grimaces. ‘Now I really wish you were driving, Shy. It is going to suck getting the stink out of my car.’
‘Maybe you deserve it for everything you have done,’ Fluttershy quips, walking away.
‘Was she talking to me or you?’
‘Yes,’ Sunset replies, following her friend.
Alba sighs and walks after them.
Sunset’s car pulls up to the dump. The woman has a disgusted expression when she gets out of her car. Alba looks around as she gets out. Fluttershy holds her nose as she joins the others.
‘What an incredible smell you discovered, princess,’ Sunset comments.
‘Proper sanitation and landfills are a necessary part of any functioning society,’ Alba replies. ‘Thought I never thought I would see one up close...’
‘Uh, I don’t see anymore seagulls...’ Fluttershy starts.
‘Neither do I,’ Sunset replies, ‘but that shouldn’t stop you from coming in case we do. I’d hate having to catch one and possibly hurting it to bring it back to you.’
Fluttershy whimpers and follows as the others head to the gate. As they get closer, they hear yelling and squawking.
‘Let go of that, you stupid bird!’ a male voice shouts.
‘Wark!’ a seagull shouts back.
The garbageman Alba encountered the other day is fighting a seagull for the princess’ crown. Sunset growls as she steps forward. The man gets control of the crown and laughs evilly.
‘You better have been getting that for us, Flash,’ Sunset hisses.
Flash yelps and faces the women, trying to hide the crown behind his back. ‘What crown? What are you talking about?’
Alba rolls her eyes and faces the man. ‘Yeah. Like you are the first to steal it to try to pawn it.’ She holds a hand out. ‘Please give it back or this will get ugly.’
‘Like your face,’ Sunset adds.
‘Calm down, Sunny,’ Fluttershy whispers.
‘That’s right, Sunny,’ Flash agrees. ‘You wouldn’t want this to get messy.’
The man draws a handgun from his jumpsuit and points it at Alba. The other women back up while the princess holds her ground.
‘Is that supposed to scare me?’ Alba sighs. ‘Can I have my crown back now?’
‘It is mine now,’ Flash replies. ‘I know what it is. I know what it can do. This is my ticket out of here and into the life I deserve. I’ll even get the princess that was taken from me too.’
Alba blinks. ‘Okay. Cool. Crown. Givie. Now.’
Flash thinks for a moment. He lowers the gun and holds the crown out. Alba steps forward. Before she can reach the crown, Flash grabs her and traps her with his arm while aiming the gun at her again.
‘Alba!’
‘Oh no!’
‘Ha! I win! I get the crown and the princess!’ Flash gloats. ‘There is nothing you can do to stop me. You could have had me when we were younger, Sunset, but now you’ll wish you never broke up with me after I ruin everything you care for.’ He smirks. ‘Though I am not adverse to having a harem.’
‘Go screw yourself!’ Sunset shouts. ‘No matter what you do, we will never submit to you. I will fight you to protect my friends. Magic or none, I will not let you win.’
‘You really don’t seem to realize the predicament you are in. You lost! I just need to place the crown on my head, and I’ll transform into the creature that will be your new ruler.’ He laughs. ‘I hope it has wings and horns.’
Alba yawns. ‘Are you done yet? I’d really like my crown back.’
‘I’m just getting started.’
‘Yeah. Right. Whatever. Is it my turn to do something?’
‘Shut up, bitch! Once I get what is mine, you’ll learn your place.’
‘You know… That is no way to talk to a woman, especially if she is a princess.’
‘Oh yeah? What are you going to do about it?’
Alba laughs. She grabs Flash’s wrist and pulls the gun from his hand while he is surprised. In the same motion, she tosses the weapon as far as she can, sending it flying into the dump. She elbows backwards, loosening Flash’s grip on her. Keeping the grip on his wrist, she twists his arm back as she slips behind him. With two swift kicks to his knees, she drops him to a kneeling position. One more kick to the back gets him on the ground. Still holding his arm back, Alba steps over Flash and tries taking her crown. When he won’t let go, she places the heel of her boot on his neck and slowly applies pressure.
‘Okay. Let go,’ she coaxes. ‘Come on. Let go. Almost there. That’s a good boy.’
Flash’s grip on the crown goes when he passes out due to loss of oxygen. Alba calmly picks it up and puts it in her pack.
‘At times like this, I am glad my big brother is an assassin.’ She smiles at the others. ‘I’m good to go if you are.’
Alba walks towards the others, but they back away.
‘Oh, come on. I’m not going to hurt you.’
‘Is he… dead?’ Fluttershy asks.
‘Nah. Just unconscious. And he is face down too, so he won’t choke on his own vomit.’
‘If Twilight pulled moves like that on me, I would have dropped out of the race for the crown right then and there,’ Sunset comments. ‘Where’d you learn to do that?’
‘One of my brothers taught me. This isn’t the first time I was held hostage or my life was threatened.’ Alba laughs. ‘Beats having to fight a changeling queen though.’ She takes a deep breath and coughs. ‘Can I take a shower before I go back? I don’t want my family finding out about this as soon as I return.’
Sunset nods. ‘Of course… I’ll even loan you bus fare to get back.’
Alba cracks her knuckles.
‘Or we can keep all the windows down on the ride back to my place. Same thing.’
Alba exchanges farewells with her new friends. Fluttershy blushes a bit as she returns the hug she is getting. The princess lets go and steps back. She has an extra bag filled with gifts with her.
‘Thank you so much for your help,’ Alba says. ‘I couldn’t have done it without you.’
‘Except if you didn’t lose you crown in the first place,’ Sunset snides.
‘I also meant learning all I could about your world and the people in it. It was quite fascinating.’
‘Yes, I thought I heard you learning more about yourself during your shower.’
‘That was for science!’ Alba snaps.
‘You gave us a very interesting adventure too,’ Fluttershy states. ‘I had… fun?’
‘I don’t think that word means what you think it means,’ the others reply.
‘Anyway! I put in a few calls and got you some gifts from my world.’ Alba puts her arm into the portal. She returns with a fiery, red and yellow egg and holds it to Fluttershy. ‘If anyone asks where you got a phoenix...’
Fluttershy’s eyes go wide. ‘You will give me the egg.’
Alba reaches back. ‘As for you, Sunset...’
‘You didn’t have to get me anything.’
Alba returns with a tiara. ‘As princess of the New Lunar Republic, I hereby declare you Duchess Sunset Shimmer for your deeds aiding both the Republic and Equestria.’ She places the tiara on Sunset’s head. ‘I figure your friend Twilight owes you at least this much too. Not to mention the title will be moot once our world ends.’
Sunset shimmers with excitement for her new title. ‘I’m a real princess now.’
‘Not quite, but close.’
Sunset hugs Alba. ‘Princesses!’
Alba breaks free. ‘All right. That’s enough. You don’t want to make a scene.’
‘Sorry. I am just so excited.’ Sunset takes off the tiara and looks at it. ‘Can I banish people?’
‘Not really, even if you were back in the Republic.’ Alba scowls. ‘You’re not thinking of getting revenge for your argument.’
Sunset shakes her head. ‘I had realized I was stupid for fighting Fluttershy in the first place.’ She laughs. ‘We practically agreed anyway.’
Fluttershy nods. ‘It was a stupid fight anyway. There are more important things to worry about.’
Alba sighs and looks at the portal. ‘You got that right.’
Sunset smiles. ‘Maybe you can find a way to Equestria. I know Twilight would love meeting you, and maybe you’d be able to come and visit with her and her family sometime.’
‘That would be great.’ Alba turns away. ‘I’ll miss you. Stay safe.’
‘You too, princess.’
‘We’re rooting for you.’ Fluttershy takes a deep breath. ‘yay~~~~~!’
Alba laughs and steps forward. ‘Before I go, what were you two fighting about anyway?’
The women blush.
‘Like I said, it is stupid,’ Sunset replies. ‘See, I cut my sandwiches diagonally while Shy cuts them in a X pattern.’
‘That is pretty much the same thing anyway...’
Alba’s eye twitches. ‘Sandwiches? Really?’
‘How do you cut them?’
‘Like my father, I don’t.’
Alba groans and shakes her head as she crosses the portal. The others have one last laugh before leaving.
Alba steps out of the portal in Corona’s room. Her mother and cousins watch her. The princess smiles weakly when she sees them. ‘Hey, everyone.’
Corona raises an eyebrow. ‘Reading a lot of Lyra’s fiction while you were away?’
Alba laughs. ‘Sorry, Sunset. I just got used to their way of speaking.’
‘Huh? Did crossing over mess with your head or something? I’m Corona.’
‘Right. Sorry. You reminded me of someone I met.’
‘How was it?’ Luna asks. ‘Is the world suitable?’
Alba shakes her head. ‘While we could cross without incident, the government of that world would likely treat us as hostiles. A few ponies could sneak in and make a living, but it would be hard for more than a hoofful.’
‘That is disappointing to hear. Perhaps we could send a few willing ponies to live there.’
Alba shrugs. ‘That might work. I’ll have my report written up soon, so you can choose a group to cross right away.’ She yawns. ‘If you’ll excuse me, I want to get some rest.’
Alba trots away. She levitates her mobile and works on her report. Corona and Sunset follow the princess.
‘What was the world like?’ Sunset asks.
‘It was pretty interesting,’ Alba replies. ‘The people were nice. Lots of interesting technology. Everything was so fascinating. I had a lot of fun just getting to know my new body.’
Corona covers a laugh. ‘Knowing you, you studied that subject a lot.’
‘It was for science!’
The Shimmers snicker at their cousin.
‘Alba!’
The young mares stop as Helios gallops up to them.
Alba hugs her brother. ‘So good to see you again too.’
‘Okay. Cool.’
Alba snorts.
Helios levitates a scroll. ‘I found this scroll with a spell that allows communication between worlds. I think we can use it to contact Full Moon in her world. Maybe she will be able to help us.’
‘Helios, I just got back...’
‘That’s fine. Take some time to rest. I’ll find one of Full Moon’s dolls so we can use it in the spell.’
Alba nods as she heads away. ‘Fine. Fine. I just hope it doesn’t end up as crazy this adventure was...’
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One of the only things good with Quebec, able to drink at eighteen! Not that big of an achievement considering a good deal of people don't care for the law, and I haven't drank yet... Oh, well.
Sunset Shimmer! Such a great villain-turn-good. Now only if they do the same thing for Chrysalis... Anyways, like the chapter. Until next time,
-Sphinx
5905144 Alba isn't the big social butterfly she wishes she were. She probably doesn't know she meets the age requirement for most places. That would be why she sticks to cider. Apple Pie makes it (using AJ's recipe apparently) and lets his little sister try some. Or she has some wine at social functions with her parents and assumes it is them treating her special.
The line also sets up her age and establishes that only seven year passed since her introduction in RoH. (Which also gets over various age hurdles for later chapters that might be squick otherwise.)
And we had RoH's Sunny around for the last third of that series. She even went demon mode too. She'll be around more too.
Sunset is my favorite character after Twilight for many, many reasons. In addition to drawing mostly from EqG for her, I also referenced a lot of her back story comic, even just with the foreshadowing in the mirror.
The tons of LPS references were just because I think EqG and LPS (and maybe Pound Puppies too) should share the same world. I'd love a scene of Dash or AJ meeting Blythe and commenting on her voice. Or Fluttershy talking to the pets. That would be fun.
Boo! Flash lived. That sucks. Bad Alba and Sunset.
It is interesting seeing your take on Sunset's life outside of the movies. You should do a series based on that.
to be honest, I expected alba to trick flash into going to the NLR, then boom-de-banished to moon in dying world!
5906405 That would have made two Flashes she "disappeared" if she did that. And I have something else in store for human Flash. Although, that would be in her character given a line in a later chapter.
Always the sandwiches, thou sunset said it was dumb. SANDWICHES ARE NO LAUGHING MATTER!