//------------------------------// // Graduation Day // Story: Cinematic Adventures: Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope // by extremeenigma02 //------------------------------// A few white puffy clouds lined the otherwise clear, sunny sky overlooking Canterlot City. Normally, one would believe this beautiful sunny day would take place in Equestria. However, today was a special day in this alternate universe. For today was the day the senior class of Canterlot High would be graduating. Amongst this group was none other than the alternate human versions of the Mane Six and Sunset Shimmer. All the girls stood at their place beside the stage as Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna stood before them, addressing the gathered crowd. “Thank you all for your attendance today everyone,” Celestia spoke, through a microphone. “Today is a most momentous day for the students and faculty here at Canterlot High. For today, the senior class will be taking their place upon this stage for one last time before they venture off towards their own futures.” “We have been very proud to have been their principals these last few years and we are most proud of all of them,” Luna added. “We have all been on many exciting, and interesting, adventures during their time here. But now, they must go forth and create their own adventures.” As Sunset stood in her cap and gown alongside her friends, she looked out amongst the gathered crowd and could faintly make out a few figures in the background. The ponified Twilight Sparkle and Princess Celestia both stood at the back of the crowd, waving in Sunset’s direction. Sunset in turn waved at them before turning back toward her human friends. “I can’t believe this day has finally come,” Sci-Twi said excitedly. “It feels like only yesterday I came here from Crystal Prep.” “I know exactly what you mean darling,” Rarity agreed. “What a momentous few years this has been. Seems like it went by much too quickly thought.” “No kidding!” Rainbow Dash nodded. “I still got a lot I could offer the Wondercolts. What if this is all some weird practical joke to keep my away from tryouts next year? “Y’all sayin’ y’all don’t wanna graduate Dash?” Applejack inquired. “No! I’m just saying it all seems like a bit of a joke.” “Considerin’ yer grades, it does seem funny for you tah be graduating at all.” Raimbow gave Applejack the bigger glare she could muster, while the farm girl chuckled to herself. Pinkie, of course, was the most energetic of all the girls as she jumped up, down, and all around in great excitement. “Oh, this is so super-duper mega ultra-exciting!” She exclaimed excitedly. “We’re finally graduating! Tonight I’m throwing the biggest graduation party anyone has ever seen! There’ll be cake, games, punch, cake… wait, did I say cake already? Probably, I’m not sure.” “So… what’s everyone’s plan now that we’re all graduating?” Fluttershy asked. “I’m going to Filldelphia to attend veterinary school.” “I’m going off to college at Canterlot University to study finances while serving as part time librarian,” Sci-Twi answered. “I shall be traveling to Manehatten to study in one of the finest designing academies in the entire world!” Rarity added. “Ah’ll be doin’ part time classes on agriculture while workin’ full time on the farm,” Applejack said. “I got a whole bunch of schools offering scholarships for my awesome sports skills,” Rainbow bragged. “Not sure which one I’m gonna do, but I know I can pick any one I want.” “I’ll be attending culinary classes at Canterlot University!” Pinkie said excitedly. “I sent in a few samples of my cupcakes and they sent me my registration the very next day!” “How about you Sunset?” Sci-Twi asked. All the girls looked at Sunset for her answer, but the flaming orange-haired girl just looked down at the ground with a hint of uncertainty. “Sunset, are you alright?” Sci-Twi asked concerned. Sunset finally looked up from the ground, trying to present a more cheery face. “Yeah, I’m alright,” She nodded. “Just thinking I guess. If I’m being honest, I’m not entirely sure what I’ll be doing.” “What do you mean darling?” Rarity asked. “Surely you must’ve thought at least a little bit about what you want to do.” Sunset shrugged her shoulders, as she turned back toward the audience. Her eyes could pick out Princess Twilight and Celestia from the crowd. “I have… but I’m still not sure,” She spoke. “I could go back to Equestria, I was born there after all. But… even then I don’t fully know what I’d do there. I could stay here and go to college; except I have no idea what my main area of study would be.” A soft, comforting hand nestled along her shoulder and Sunset Shimmer turned back toward Sci-Twi, as she and all the other girls smiled at her. “No need to worry about it Sunset,” Sci-Twi assured. “You’ve still got plenty of time to think about it. But right now, let’s just live in this moment and just enjoy it.” Sunset formed a small smile along the corner of her mouth as she nodded. “You’re right. It’s our graduation day after all. We’ve earned this; we’re going to enjoy it.” After that, the graduation ceremony went off without a hitch. The human Celestia and Luna read off each student individually and one-by-one they all came up on stage to receive their diplomas. After all was said and done, a few honor students made a few speeches. Finally, Principal Celestia and Luna stood upon that stage before the students and audience once more. “Attention students, please move your tassels to the left side of your caps,” Celestia instructed. Each student grabbed the tassel on tehri caps and moved it to the left, signifying their completion of school. They all had big bright smiles on their faces, as did Celestia and Luna themselves. “Congratulations Canterlot High graduates!” Celestia and Luna announced together. All the students stood, cheered loudly, and threw their caps in the air. Everyone in the audience stood, clapped, and cheered for this momentous occasion. A few students broke out in tears of joy, others hugged each other, and many danced in celebration. Once the ceremony had ended, Sunset walked to the back of the audience where the pony Twilight and Celestia (In their human forms) both stood waiting with smiles on their faces. “Congratulations Sunset!” Twilight smiled. Sunset hugged her pony-turned-human best friend. “Thanks Twi, that means a lot coming from you,” She said thankfully. Sunset hugged her former mentor next. “It is truly a momentous occasion you have achieved,” Celestia admired. “The first pony ever to graduate from a human school.” “Yeah, I know,” Sunset nodded. “Well, we should probably be getting back to Equestria for your graduation party,” Twilight spoke up. “Pinkie’s been planning your party all week long.” “When Pinkie plans a party, I have no idea whether to be excited or terrified,” Sunset said honestly. All three ladies burst out laughing over how true that statement actually was. With Pinkie’s parties, it truly could go either way. Nevertheless, they all loved the energetic party pony. “Well I suppose we should get back,” Celestia suggested. “Don’t want to keep your guests waiting.” “Good idea!” Sunset agreed. The three of them walked over to the huge statue in the school courtyard, serving as the portal between Equestria and the human world. <> Back in Equestria, the party for Sunset Shimmer rolled on just as every pony expected it. Twilight’s castle was the most liveliest it has ever been in Equestria’s history. Every creature that was invited for this party had a great time. Twilight and all the girls stood in a circle talking amongst themselves. “So Rainbow, A.J., how’s the relationship going?” Twilight asked. “Man, it’s totally awesome!” Rainbow replied. “Me and A.J. go out on dates all the time.” “It true!” Applejack nodded. “Ah remember this one day, we was walkin’ down by the creek and Rainbow found this perfect bloomin’ daisy. You know what she did with it? Plucked it right outta the ground, snuck up behind me, and put it in mah mane without me even knowin’ it.” Both Rainbow and Applejack leaned in, giving each other a quick peck along the lips. Since the last adventure when they finally admitted their love for each other, they were inseparable. Normally Rainbow was not all for mushy-gushy love stuff, but after finally admitting her love for Applejack, it’s like she just changed. Suddenly, she’s become more romantic and quite frankly, it made many of their friends wonder if she was even the real Rainbow Dash. “Personally, I think that’s fantastic darling,” Rarity smiled. “Perhaps we could double date sometimes. You two and me and Erik.” “Ooh, ooh, don’t forget me and Cheesy!” Pinkie piped in. “We’ll make it a Triple Date!” “Uh Pinkie… I thought you two didn’t go out much anymore since you had Lil’ Cheese,” Rainbow pointed out. “Well ‘originally’ because it’s so hard finding a sitter with a sense of humor for my little guy. But I think we’ve finally found the right pony for the job. I tell you that pony’s always full of laughter.” <> Meanwhile, at Sugar Cube Corner, Maud Pie was currently reading a bedtime story to her little nephew. “… And so the prince and princess married in a beautiful ceremony and lived happily ever after,” Maud read in her monotone voice. Lil Cheese yawned cutely in her hooves before drifting off to sleep. Maud carried the little colt onto her back and laid him in his crib. <> “Oh yeah, that’s sure to be one hay of a riot,” Rainbow said sarcastically. All the girls laughed at that when suddenly Twilight turned for one moment, and her shoulder bumped into a passing pony. She gasped as she saw Storm Shield behind her, his punch spilling along his coat. “Hello!” Storm chuckled. “Oh, hey—um—you—hi Storm,” Twilight said awkwardly. “Nice to see you again too Twilight.” Ever since Storm Shield made his return to Equestria, after being trapped in the Philosopher’s Stone for the last thousand years, Twilight tried on so many occasions to get to know him. It’s not every day that Celestia’s long lost son appears out of nowhere after all. “So… enjoying the party so far?” Twilight asked. “Oh yeah, it’s pretty cool!” Storm nodded. “So this Sunset Shimmer, I understand that she was my mother’s student… then she was plotting revenge on her and Equestria… and now she’s your student?” “Yeah, crazy right?” Twilight chuckled. “Sorry if that’s… pretty weird.” “Nah, it’s all good! She seems pretty cool from what mom’s told me of her. A bit temperamental sure, but she seems nice. Would’ve liked to have known personally how mom’s sessions with Sunset were like—but there’s a downside with being trapped in stone for a thousand years.” “That’s rough… I mean, you being in stone… you know, not like being isolated… even though it must’ve been… I mean… what was the first thing you thought of? You know when you finally got out?” If Twilight Sparkle thought things were getting awkward between a princess and a returning prince, it wasn’t helping that Twilight was struggling with her words. But Storm was actually playing it cool. “Heh-heh… well, aside from a crick in the neck, the one thing I could think of as soon as I got out… I was hungry.” “Really?” Twilight nodded. “I’d never would have guessed.” “Enough said,” Storm replied. “You won’t believe how much life moves quicker after the time I’ve had. The body still feels the same, the mind matures slightly, and it’s like waking up from a deep coma. You know I spent the last three days just eating and sleeping trying to recover. And check it out?” Storm flexes one of his hooves as Twilight’s eyes starts to widen a bit, while trying to keep a straight face. “Not a single bit of body fat below the neck no matter what,” Storm replied. “Unbelievable, right?” “That’s hot…” Twilight whispered, realizing. “Uh… that is… um, what I mean to say… you must feel really hot with all this activity going on. I mean… some pony should crank the AC, you know?” “Well, actually…” Storm began. “Oh! How neglectful of me!” Twilight interrupted, smiling awkwardly. “I’ve spilt your punch! I, uh… let me just go… and get you another one! Yeah, I’ll totally get that! Enjoy the party!” Twilight quickly made a break for it before Storm could even have a chance to say another word. Soon as she was far enough and while her back was turned, a heavy sigh escaped her lips groaning over how embarrassing that conversation turned out to be. “The first thing you thought of Twilight?!” Twilight argued, with herself. “You don’t just ask some pony a question that personal! What were you thinking?!” Course as Twilight Sparkle left to ‘fetch some punch’, little did she know that Storm Shield was watching Twilight the whole time as his brow raised with the slightest trace of interest. “She’s a funny one,” Storm remarked, with a smirk. <> Standing along the balcony of Twilight’s castle, Sunset Shimmer gazes upon the tiny town of Ponyville. One would think she’d be inside enjoying the party, celebrating a grand occasion such as this. Yet here she was, standing alone outside with a look of uncertainty on her face. “You know the party’s downstairs, right?” The sudden voice almost made Sunset jump in shock. Calming herself quickly, she turned around and saw Twilight, holding a cup of punch, standing beside her. Taking a deep breath, Sunset turned back to look at the night sky. “Just needed to get some air,” Sunset replied. “I’ll be back down in a few minutes.” Twilight walked up beside her friend, looking out over the town she called home. “It’s a great sight isn’t it?” She asked. “Yeah… it really is,” Sunset nodded. “So, what’s bothering you?” “What do you mean?” Twilight turned toward Sunset, with a knowing smirk on her face. “Sunset, in all the years you’ve known me, have you ever been able to keep anything from me?” “Heh-heh… okay, you caught me!” Sunset chuckled, raising her hooves. “Nothing gets past you princess.” Sunset laughed about it for a while, until a long heavy sigh came out. Becoming serious in the moment, Sunset turned toward Twilight Sparkle. “All my life, I always thought with all my talents I could do whatever I wanted,” Sunset explained. “I thought I had everything figured out, only to realize… I don’t. One instance I’m aiming to become the next ruler of Equestria, something I wanted so bad I’d brainwash an entire school to lead an invasion.. boy did that backfire on me quickly.” “Yeah… I remember,” Twilight recalled. “Because of you and the other girls I was able to realize that what I really needed was a group of friends to show me there’s more to life than having things my way. But is that really all there is for me? Just being that one part of a friend circle who are like you and the ponies except… not? Now I’m finally graduating Canterlot High, and everyone already knows what they want to do for themselves. But me… no point in being a leader when you’re friends move on without you.” Twilight looked on with concern, nodding with understanding of the position Sunset was in. The princess can only watch as Sunset paces back and forth along the boundary, weighing in all her options. “When I look at myself, I wouldn’t say I’m as smart as you Twilight,” Sunset admitted. “Just considerably intelligent enough to develop computer applications. I could pursue scientific research; I’ve always preferred the more ‘hands-on’ approach… but I don’t know if that’s for me. I do love to paint, especially sunflowers… those are my favorite… no, I couldn’t make a career of that. I do run my own Internet gaming channel, doing ‘Let’s Plays’ and stuff. You’d be surprised how much money you can make for doing videos. But… it’s really more of a hobby for me.” “They do sound like pretty good choices,” Twilight assured. “Least you have time to decide what you want to do with yourself.” Now it was Sunset’s turn to address Twilight Sparkle, as a sigh escaped her own lips. “I’m really starting to love the idea that I could be a princess, understanding why that meant something to you before,” Twilight continued. “But honestly, it still feels like a life that was made ‘for me’ and not so much because I ‘wanted’ to be a princess. I always assumed all I needed besides my books was the company of my best friends, to be able to do things for others not out of duty but because we care about our fellow ponies. Now I’m suddenly having the responsibility of all Equestria and someday I know I have to take the throne… yet I feel like I didn’t have much say in it. “And now it turned out that my own mentor has a son. Can you believe it? Princess Celestia… having a child? A pony none of us ever knew until today… some pony who already had the title of royalty before I did.” “No, I know what you mean,” Sunset spoke. “I was Princess Celestia’s student for a time, and not once had she ever mentioned she had a son. Course, back then I didn’t care enough to ask… not like I’d want to. ‘Family’ has always been a difficult subject for me.” “You know, you never mentioned your family,” Twilight pointed out. “I’m surprised no pony you knew even showed up for your own graduation.” “Let’s just say… the last time I ever spoke with my parents… we didn’t end things as well as we could’ve. It’s been so long; I don’t even remember them anymore.” As they both discuss about some difficult matters on their hooves, they both looked out toward the sky as a shooting star flowed over them. The evening air drifts over their manes, making them sway back and forth. “I guess what worries me is if there really is a future for me,” Sunset sighed. “If I even have a sense of purpose when it’s all over.” “My concern is whether I can still be the Princess I actually ‘want’ to be,” Twilight added. “Yet now with Storm’s arrival, as much as I want to get to know him, what if it turns out I was just the ‘back-up’ plan until Celestia’s son comes back.” “Celestia would never treat you as a back-up, Twilight,” Sunset assured. “She’s the kind of pony who cares for others more than herself… even cared for me despite how hard of a time I gave her.” “She is very special…” Twilight nodded. “Twilight… would it be okay, before I decide what to do, that I could ‘stay’ here in Equestria for a while? Just until I feel ready to get out on my own hooves.” “You’re always welcome here Sunset; we even have a room just for you in the castle. Don’t ever feel like you need to decide right away. I can give you all the advice I can based on ‘my’ experiences, but at the end of the day… you alone must decide for yourself how you want to live. It is your story, after all.” Sunset turned toward Twilight, smiling warmly toward her teacher/best friend. “You are going to make a great princess, Twilight,” Sunset assured, with a smirk. “You’re talking just like Celestia, so that’s a start.” “Oh, shut up!” Twilight laughed, nudging Sunset’s shoulder. The two girls laughed it out as they stood upon the balcony, under the bright stars and Luna’s moon hanging over them. <> Meanwhile, while the party was going on, Spike was just strolling down the hall with a carefully wrapped graduation present for Sunset Shimmer. A little gift he and Twilight prepared shortly before she & Celestia left to pick her up. Now that she was here and settling back in Equestria for a while, now was the time to bring it out to her. Just as he was on his way back to the party… “Help me…” A feminine voice made Spike stop in his tracks. His eyes dart side to side, as his head slowly turned. “Hello?” Spike called, looking around. “Some pony there?” “Help me… Help me…” Spike turned until his head faced the door beside him. Carefully putting the gift down, he slowly edged his way toward the door and opened it slightly. Peeking his head inside, Spike’s eyes caught a glimpse of the television within the one vacant room of the castle where the throne was kept. For some strange reason, the television was turned on and static was shown on the screen. And the voice he heard… was coming from it. “Help me… Help me…” Spike couldn’t make heads or tails as to what was going on. Naturally, the television has been rather tricky to manage at times. Just a while ago, the T.V. caught a signal that messed with its circuitry and when they adjusted it a butterfly flew out and beckoned him and the others to enter the portal. No portal was on this time, but somehow it appears ‘something’, or ‘someone’, was trying to make contact. Spike knew that he shouldn’t… but if someone needed help so badly, it wasn’t in the dragon’s heart to leave a plea unanswered. “Maybe if I can adjust the signal…” Spike thought. “Perhaps I can get a stronger reading…” Spike slowly reached out toward the lever which was connected to the wires hooked up to the television. As his claws firmly clamp onto the lever, Rarity happened to be passing by the door. “Oh, there you are Spikey-Wikey!” Rarity greeted. “I found the present you said you were bringing to Sunset, and I was wondering—what are you doing?!” But it was too late. By the time Spike turned his head, the lever was already pulled… and the television started to shake and spit out sparks from the circuits. Spike fell back as the television began to rumble, the room itself began to shake and a mass of energy was building up. Rarity quickly approached Spike. “Spike, what in Equestria were you doing?!” Rarity asked. “I didn’t mean to!” Spike insisted. “Someone was crying for help—I just pulled a lever and—” “Wait, someone was trying to contact us?” Before Spike could concur, the castle itself suddenly began to shake as their eyes turned toward the television. Sure enough, a portal was starting to form… only it was getting bigger and bigger by the minute… “That’s… not… good…” Spike said, wide-eyed. <> The disturbance did not go unnoticed as the gathered crowd nearly lost their balance. Shouts and screams filled the air, as everything began to shake from the unforeseen tremor below their hooves. The rest of the Mane Six and Storm twisted their heads around, trying to figure things out. Princess Celestia tried to maintain order amongst the ponies. “Every pony remain calm!” Princess Celestia bellowed. “Drop for cover, hold onto something!” “What in tarnation’s goin’ on around here?” Applejack called, holding her hat. “O-O-O-Oh my!!!” Fluttershy shuddered. “H-H-H-H-H-H-HEY! W-W-W-W-What gives?” Rainbow asked, holding onto A.J. “A-A-A-Another stampede?” “Something tells me this isn’t that kind of story, girls!” Pinkie called, bouncing up and down. Amidst all the chaos, of ponies falling over or clutching onto something solid, Storm Shield worked his way toward the group. “Where are the others?” Storm asked. <> The force of the quake was so great, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer held onto the railing of the balcony looking around frantically. “Twilight, what’s going on?” Sunset asked. “I-I-I don’t know!” Twilight answered. “We don’t usually get something this big in Equestria! Unless…” Suddenly, Twilight’s eyes went open as a gasp escaped from her lips. Quickly she grabbed onto Sunset. “Hold on! I think I know what it is!” Concentrating with all her might, Twilight Sparkle summoned all the magic she could muster and together the two ponies teleported themselves away from the balcony. <> Soon as they reappeared, shaking the dizziness aside after landing, the two girls looked ahead, and their jaws dropped. A huge portal formed in front of the television screen, Spike and Rarity were holding on for dear life as the portal tried to suck them in. “SPIKE!” Twilight called out. “What happened?!?!” “I don’t know!” Spike cried, through his teeth. “Something was up with the television; a message tried to get through! I pulled a lever and—and—” “Oh Celestia’s sake, HELP!!!” Rarity cried. “HANG ON, GUYS!!!” Sunset called out. Holding onto each other, Twilight and Sunset slowly worked their way toward their friends while trying to keep a firm footing against the suction from the portal. As they made their way closer to their friends, the rest of the Mane Six, including Storm Shield, skidded toward the open doorway and discovered the calamity before them. “The portal’s open!!!” Applejack called out. “Twilight! Sunset!” Storm called out. “Get away from there!” The group raced toward them, but the force of the portal caught them in it’s path. It proved so great, it carried the group into the air, and they flew about screaming. The four girls barreled passed Twilight & Sunset, crashing directly into Rarity & Spike sending them through the portal. Before either of Celestia’s students could react, Storm Shield crashed beside Sunset Shimmer, knocking her off her feet. They flew toward the portal till Twilight Sparkle grabbed the pair by the hoof. Twilight Sparkle found herself planting her hind legs onto the ground, flapping her wings as hard as possible to back away from the force of the portal. This proved difficult as she held Sunset Shimmer in one hoof and Storm Shield with the other. The unicorn and alicorn prince held on as best as they could, as Twilight sweated profusely, and the strain formed upon her face. She tried so hard to save her two friends, not wanting to choose who to hold onto the most. “Sunset, look at me!” Storm called out. Sunset Shimmer turned toward Storm Shield, tears streaming from her eyes. “We’re going to be okay!” Storm assured calmly. “Everything’s going to be fine, just don’t give up! Whatever happens, don’t give—” Suddenly, the portal proved too strong for Twilight Sparkle and the three ponies flew directly inside screaming their heads off. By the time Princess Celestia and other ponies raced toward the room, the portal had already closed, and the tremors ceased. “Twilight! Sunset!” Celestia gasped. <> Screams filled inside the rapidly swirling portal. The bodies of the Mane Six, Spike, and Storm Shield stretched and squeezed as they flew through a sea of spinning colors, carried away to parts unknown. The whole time Twilight Sparkle retained her grip on Sunset and Storm, her best friend and fellow alicorn both struggling to hold on. But all at once, Sunset Shimmer found her grip slipping away as Twilight squeezed harder. “I can’t hold on much longer!!!” Sunset screamed. “Sunset, hang on!!!” Twilight shouted. But despite her best efforts, despite all her pleas, Sunset’s grip eventually slipped, and she fell from her friend, crashing into the wall of the portal and disappeared. “SUNSET!!!!!!!!!!!!” Twilight screamed in horror.