Princess Celestia’s student before Twilight Sparkle was Sunset Shimmer. A unicorn who sought to follow in her mentor’s hooves by becoming an Alicorn. When her mentor denied this request, Sunset abandoned her studies and escaped into a mirror leading to another world.
This world was inhabited by humans of which she now was. They didn’t have colorful skin like ponies had colorful coats. For the longest time, she assumed there was no magic in this world. Then, she got into duel monsters which was invented by Maximillion Pegasus.
He had discovered stone carvings of monsters in Egypt. She never could figure out how to make use of this ancient magic, but she did discover that being skilled at the game would garner respect. So, Sunset played while devising plans to take Equestria for herself.
The former apprentice rose quickly as a duelist using the Elemental Heroes. It was mainly a way to get under people’s skin since many would call her the furthest thing from a hero. Still, there were two duelists she couldn’t beat. Rainbow Dash and Applejack.
For them, she turned their little friend group against each other souring their love of the game. Eventually, Sunset discovered that the Element of Magic returned to Equestria. To her, it was time to strike. She entered the mirror and arrived back in Equestria.
More specifically, within the recently returned Crystal Empire. She managed to acquire the Element of Magic but alerted the student who replaced her. This would lead to Sunset’s inevitable defeat because Twilight Sparkle ended up tackling her causing the crown to fall in.
While Sunset managed to follow it, the element went through before her and ended up in the hands of Celestia’s human world counterpart. This led to Twilight and Sunset competing for the crown through the Fall Formal. Sunset did everything to make Twilight look bad.
Unfortunately, her ex-boyfriend and the group of friends she broke up, ensured Twilight’s victory while reuniting the school. Still, Sunset was not to be deterred as she took Twilight’s dragon turned human, Spike. Twilight and that group followed her.
Among the group were Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. Still, Sunset was not to be deterred. She released Spike and threated to destroy the portal. Twilight refused, and Sunset was ready to quit. Hearing them praise Twilight reignited her fire.
She acquired the element and became a demon which enslaved the school; save the six girls who defeated her. In the end, they showed her forgiveness. Twilight returned to Equestria, and Sunset began trying to make up for all she did.
Canterlot Bridge: 2 Months Later, Night…
Sunset had finally finished fixing the school and was heading home only to stop where she did every night. A bridge overlooking the water, but she was more fixated on the yellow with red accented deck box in her hand.
“I should just ditch this deck.” Sunset thought. “It’s not like I have much use for it these days, and it never represented me.” She raised the deck box into the air. “I used it to get under people’s skin, and I’m certainly no hero now.”
Sunset threw her arm forward, but she subconsciously held onto the deck box with an iron grip preventing it from going into the water. The girl simply sighed, tucked it away, and walked on her way back to her apartment.
Sunset’s Apartment
Sunset didn’t live anywhere fancy, but it was perfect for her. She lived on the second floor of a two story, yellow apartment with black stairs leading up. She climbed those same stairs and entered a sparsely decorated, one room apartment.
All it contained was a decently sized T.V., VCR, bed, desk, and sink for her dishes. As she entered, she noticed a brown package lying on the ground with her name on it. Sunset didn’t act as if this was anything new. She simply picked it up and walked over to her T.V.
“Looks like I got another tape from my benefactor.” Sunset opened the package and retrieved the tap within. “Better see what she has to say this time.”
She noticed a black flip phone inside but chose to focus on the tape first. She put it in, flopped down on her bed, and turned everything on. Almost immediately, Sunset was greeted by the same image she saw every time. A figure sat in a dark room masking all features.
“Hello Sunset, I’ll keep this brief.” There was an air of familiarity even if it was distorted. “Firstly, I’m proud of the changes you’ve been making lately. It may not be an easy road you’ve chosen to walk, but I know you’ll be a better person on the other side.”
When Sunset was first put under the care of this person, she hadn’t questioned it. Whomever this was, she made life here easy. Now, Sunset’s curiosity had peaked on who this person was. She just didn’t ask because she felt it wasn’t her place.
“Secondly, I wish to offer you a particular choice.” The voice continued.
“A choice?” Sunset questioned.
“You can stay in Canterlot to continue making amends or move to Domino City, Japan to start anew.” The voice informed. “I won’t be expecting an answer immediately, but I have left you a new phone within the packaging. By the end of the month, give me you answer.”
The video and Sunset took out the black cell phone. She wanted to call that number and turn her benefactor down. While it’d be great to go where no one knew her, Sunset knew fleeing from her mistakes wasn’t an option.
Sunset moved over to her desk and set the phone down. “I’m probably just tired.” She moved to get ready for bed. “I’ll call her tomorrow and turn down the offer.”
Canterlot High: Gymnasium, Next Day…
This day was more of a workshop for the school as the students gathered in the gym to create various posters for the upcoming Musical Showcase. Currently, the three Crusaders were painting their own poster when Sunset grabbed a brush.
"Want some help?" She asked.
"Uh, no thanks.” Apple Bloom stated. “We're good."
They wanted her to go, so Sunset took the hint. “Oh... Okay."
She walked away from them only to hear Pinkie yell out to her. "Sunset Shimmer!" The party planner was waving her hands. “Over here!”
Sunset smiled as she spotted Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy on the other side of the gym. She was glad that they at least wanted her around, but that was tempered by having all eyes on her.
Sunset sighed as she approached the group. "I had no idea the whole school would be here."
Fluttershy put a hand on her shoulder as reassurance before Pinkie Pie and Rarity lifted their poster to show to her. It had a purple guitar in the middle, a piano in the top right, drums in the bottom left, musical notes, and a blue background.
"Quite the eye-catching advertisement if I do say so myself." Rarity stated.
"Oh, it also smells like cake!" Pinkie exclaimed.
"It does?" Fluttershy asked.
She tried to sniff the poster before Pinkie rammed it into her face and took it away leaving some purple frosting on her nose.
"I used frosting instead of paste!" Pinkie declared.
"Uh, Fluttershy.” AJ pointed at her face. “You've got a little somethin' uh…”
Fluttershy wiped off a few sprinkles. "Did I get it?"
Sunset came to the rescue with a handkerchief wiping it off. Then, Celestia and Luna came into the gym.
"Good afternoon, students.” Celestia greeted. “I just wanted to tell you all how pleased I am that so many of you are going to participate in the first ever Canterlot High Musical Showcase!” The entire gym cheered.
"This is a wonderful opportunity to raise money for our after-school programs at CHS so keep working on those posters. I think it's going to be one of the most exciting events we've had since the Fall Formal."
Nobody was clapping now, and the entire gym looked to Sunset Shimmer as if she was the devil. The girl tried to hide her face in shame.
Music Room
Rainbow Dash leaned on the piano with her guitar wile Sunset sat on it, Pinkie sat at the drums, Applejack stood with her bass, Fluttershy stood with her tambourine, and Rarity stood at an electric piano.
"Ugh! I am never going to live that down." Sunset complained.
"You were pretty bad at the Fall Formal." Fluttershy stated.
"A demon.” Sunset crossed his arms. “I turned into a raging she-demon."
"Not to mention you tried to turn everyone here into teenage zombies for your personal army!" Pinkie added.
"Sunset, darling, you have us, and we've forgiven you for your past booboos." Rarity stated.
"To be honest, I'd say the whole experience brought everyone at Canterlot High closer than ever!" Applejack declared.
That started the group playing a tune while Sunset watched.
Pinkie smashed her drumsticks together. "One, two, three!"
"There was a time we were apart,
But that's behind us now!
See how we've made a brand new start,
And the future's lookin' up, ah-oh, ah-oh!
And when you walk these halls,
You feel it everywhere...
Yeah, we're the Wondercolts forever, ah-oh, yeah!
We are all together!
Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh!
Now it's better than ever!
Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh!
You can feel it, we are back!
You... can... feel... it...
And I'm so glad that we're better!
Better than ever!
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh!
Oh yeah, we're better than ever,
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh!"
"There was a time we couldn't see past the differences..." Rainbow sang.
"That separated you and me, and it left us on our own..." Applejack sang.
"But now you walk these halls, and friends are everywhere!" Pinkie sang.
"Yeah, we're the Wondercolts forever, ah-oh, yeah!
We are all together,
Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh!
Now it's better than ever!
Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh!
Now that we are back on track,
Now... that... we... are...
Yes, I'm so glad that we're better!
Better than ever!
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh!
Oh yeah, we're better than ever!
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh!
Oh yeah, we're better than ever!
Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh!
Oh yeah, we're better than ever!"
Once the song concluded, someone knocked at the door followed by Flash entering soon after. "Uh, heard you outside. You guys are sounding really tight."
"We're getting there. Rarity's still coming in a little late on the second verse, and Applejack's bass solo could use a little work.” Rainbow declared. “They'll get it together in time for the showcase."
That did not sit right with the group at all.
"I don't suppose any of our friends from out of town might come?” Flash asked. “Uh, it being a special charity event and all."
"Sorry, Flash. I don't think Twilight's coming back any time soon." Applejack replied.
"Oh, yeah.” Flash laughed nervously. “I just, you know, thought I'd ask… Uh, k-keep on rockin' it."
He walked back into a wall before blushing and running off.
"Well, someone is quite the smitten kitten." Rarity then looked to Sunset. "Oh, sorry. I always forget you and Flash used to be an item."
"It's okay.” Sunset rubbed the back of her head. “Flash is a great guy, but I never really liked him, liked him. I was just using him to become more popular." she realized how that made her sound. "Ugh! The old me really was just awful, wasn't she?”
Yeah, everyone agreed with her there.
"Look, the important thing is that you've turned yourself around." Applejack stated.
"Thanks AJ, but I'm not sure everyone else at CHS feels the same way." Sunset returned.
"They'll come around." Rainbow assured. “Anyways, let’s get back to practicing.”
The Past Week…
Little did Sunset know things would end up spiraling after that day. In fact, the next week would be on of the worst of her entire life. It all started with her first slumber party at Pinkie Pie's. During the merriment, Apple Bloom called her big sister to make sure she was okay.
Applejack told her she's fine, and Apple Bloom closed the call by calling AJ ‘Piggly Wiggly’. An embarrassed Applejack explained that she played with the pigs and earned the nickname from Granny Smith. The next morning, Applejack heard someone call out her nick name.
As she wondered who it was, Apple Bloom ran up to her and said someone with the username ‘Anon-a-Miss’ posted Applejack's story to MyStable. Applejack then overheard several students gossiping about her, but she didn’t let a little teasing bother her.
Realizing no one outside Applejack's circle of friends knew about her nickname, Apple Bloom suggested that Sunset was ‘Anon-a-Miss’, but AJ refuses to believe such a notion. After school, Rarity picked up Applejack on the way to the second slumber party at Rarity's.
They met up with their friends, and Rarity dismissed Sweetie Belle from the party. As the slumber party progressed, Sunset Shimmer took photos and video with her cell phone. During an ill-planned stage dive, Pinkie Pie discovered Rarity's ‘closet of shame’.
It’s where the fashionista keeps her awful outfits. The six friends use the outfits to play dress-up, and Sunset took more pictures. Later that week, she met her friends at the locker, and they all confronted her as the pictures which had been posted on Anon-a-Miss' MyStable page.
When Sunset couldn’t provide a satisfactory answer, her friends concluded that she is Anon-a-Miss. Even as she pleads innocence, the others don’t believe her given the evidence. They denounce Sunset as their friend and walk away.
Considering they were all she had, Sunset broke down. In the coming days, Anon-a-Miss posted more of the girl’s secrets making them laughing stocks of Canterlot High. Sunset Shimmer confronted Trixie in the hallway, but she denied being Anon-a-Miss.
In the cafeteria, an angry Rainbow Dash sat with Fluttershy, and the pair noticed that Anon-a-Miss started posting about everyone turning them against each other. They don't want to believe Sunset is Anon-a-Miss, but there are no other suspect.
Later, as Sunset enters a crowded hallway, someone bumps into her, and she falls over. The other students crowd around her accusing her of being Anon-a-Miss and glaring scornfully. As she returns home, Sunset merely wanted to sleep and forget about all of this for a little while at least.
She turned on to her side and spotted the black phone where she left it. “Maybe I should call and accept her offer.” Sunset reached out her hand. “There’s no one left here who wants me, so what’s the point of trying to make things right?”
Her hand stopped just above the phone before she sighed. “No, I can’t just give up.” She sighed as she sat up and took out her deck box before gripping it firmly. “One last chance to try and fix this.”
Sugar Cube Corner: Day…
The five girls were sat around a table with all of them feeling uncertain and down about the recent turn of events. The door’s bell rang, and they looked to see Sunset as she walked into the building.
“Hey, get out!” Rainbow exclaimed angrily.
“You’re not welcome here Sunset.” AJ added.
“No, wait.” Sunset stated sincerely. “I know none of you trust me, and I can’t prove I’m innocent; however, maybe I can show you.” She brought out her deck box. “I challenge any one of you to a duel. I’ll let that try to say the truth.”
The girls all looked at each other truly uncertain. None of them have dueled Sunset since her days as the school bully. In fact, she hasn’t dueled anyone since before Twilight appeared during the events of the Fall Formal.
To see about putting this to rest one way or another, Rainbow stood up. “Alright, if you want to duel someone, I’ll take you on. Let’s see if your dueling can tell us something your words and lack of proof can’t.”
Sunset nodded, and they sat at the table while the other girls crowded around to watch.
“Let’s Duel!”
(Sunset 2000/Rainbow 2000)
“I’ll take the first move.” Rainbow drew. “I’ll start by summoning a monster you haven’t seen before called Crystal Beast Peridot Cobra(LV 3/1100/900).” A pink cobra with a peridot gem was on the card. “I’ll end my turn there.”
“I didn’t know Rainbow’s been working on her deck.” Sunset thought worriedly. “Considering I couldn’t beat her before, I might stand even less of a chance now.”
“That’s a might peculiar.” AJ commented clearly just as unaware of this new card as Sunset. “For as long as I’ve known Rainbow, she’d never leave it at a monster, and I can’t remember the last time she didn’t draw at least one trap in her starting hand.”
“Well, there’s a first time for everything.” Fluttershy stated.
“My move!” Sunset drew. “I’ll activate Polymerization to fuse Elemental Heroes Gusting Avian and Blazing Burstinatrix from my hand. These two always count as Avian and Burstinatrix, respectively.
Fusion summon Elemental Hero Flame Wingman(LV 6/2100/1200).” A green hero with a red dragon arm was depicted on the card. “Now, Flame Wingman will attack your Crystal Beast Peridot Cobra.”
“Once per turn, Peridot Cobra isn’t destroyed by battle.” Rainbow countered. “Additionally, any battles with this monster result in halved battle damage (Sunset 2000/Rainbow 1500).”
“Since Wingman didn’t destroy the monster, his effect can’t be used.” Sunset sighed. “I set one card and end my turn.”
“Sunset seems really focused on dueling her best.” Fluttershy stated.
“Don’t let that dissuade you from the facts, Fluttershy.” Rarity reminded.
“I draw!” Rainbow drew. “I’ll summon Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat(LV 3/1200/400).” A pink cat with an amethyst on it was depicted. “Her special ability allows all my Crystal Beasts to attack you directly bypassing both the rule against that and your monster. The only condition is that the battle damage is halved. First, Amethyst Cat will attack you.”
“I activate my face down Draining Shield.” Sunset countered. “This will not only negate your cat’s ATK, but I’ll gain life points equal to your monster’s ATK (Sunset 3200/Rainbow 1500).”
“Not bad, but I can still attack you directly with Peridot Cobra (Sunset 2650/Rainbow 1500).” Rainbow declared. “That’s not all because now I’m going to overlay my two level three monsters to construct the overlay network.”
“Rainbow also got Xyz monsters?” AJ questioned shocked.
“After everything with Sunset, prior to Anon-a-Miss, I knew I needed to step my game up.” Rainbow smiled. “Don’t worry AJ. I have plenty of new cards I plan on using only against you.”
“I should really start looking into those XX-Sabers then.” AJ thought.
“No, let’s continue.” Rainbow declared. “I Xyz summon Crystal Beast Rainbow Bat(R 4/O 2/2000/300).” A white bat with a rainbow gem was depicted on the card. “While I can’t attack now, this monster has its own effect to circumvent that.
By detaching one overlay unit from Crystal Beast Rainbow Bat(R 4/O 1/2000/300) I can target any monster on the field. Then, I choose to gain life points or deal damage equal to half that monster’s original ATK. I’ll target Wingman and deal damage (Sunset 1600/Rainbow 1500).”
“Whoa, Rainbow completely mitigated Draining Shield’s advantage and left her own field in a good place.” Pinkie commented.
“Yeah, but unless she has something else up her sleeve, Wingman can win this duel next turn.” Rarity informed.
“My hand is still full girls; however, my bat has one last effect.” Rainbow informed. “Any Crystal Beast monster detached from him can act as though it were destroyed while on the field. When a Crystal Beast is destroyed, it can become a continuous spell.” Rainbow took Amethyst Cat and placed her in the spell/trap zone. “I’ll then end my turn with,1 face down.”
“Alright, I draw!” Sunset declared.
“I activate my face down Rainbow Life.” Rainbow declared. “By pitching one card from my hand, I’ll gain life points rather than loose life points at any time I would have taken damage this turn.”
“That doesn’t mean I can’t destroy your monster.” Sunset declared. “I just need to go about it in a different way. I send King of the Swamp to the grave. By doing that, I can add a Polymerization from my deck to my hand.
Then, I’ll activate it to fuse Elemental Heroes Striking Sparkman and Crashing Clayman which always act as Sparkman and Clayman. Fusion summon Elemental Hero Thunder Giant(LV 6/2400/1500).”
A hulking hero in yellow with white trim armor was on the card. “By sending a card from my hand to the grave, this monster can destroy any monster you control who’s original ATK is less than his. Your bat fits the bill. I’ll then end my turn.”
“Well, this isn’t good.” AJ stated. “Rainbow might have a hand of cards, but Sunset has two powerful fusions on her field while she has nothing.”
“True, but Sunset only has those monsters, darling.” Rarity stated. “This is hardly the end.”
“They’re right Sunset.” Rainbow drew. “I still have a hand. I activate Crystal Fusion which allows me to combine monsters from my hand or field to perform a fusion summon, and my field isn’t completely empty. Crystal Beast Amethyst Cat is still acting as a continuous spell.
I’ll combine her with Crystal Beast Amber Mammoth from my hand. Fusion summon Crystal Beast Ancient Amber Mammoth(LV 7/2500/1600).” A larger, wilder Amber Mammoth was depicted. “He’ll destroy Flame Wingman (Sunset 1200/Rainbow 1500). I then end my turn.”
“That was a smart move since that monster is one hundred too strong for Thunder Giant’s effect.” AJ commented.
“Careful AJ.” Rarity stated. “A single draw can turn everything around.”
Sunset drew. “She was right because I drew my Skyscraper field spell, and I’ll immediately activate it. This card grants any Elemental Hero I control 1000 more ATK if they battle a monster stronger than them. Thunder Giant will attack Amber Mammoth.”
Elemental Hero Thunder Giant(LV 6/3400/1500 effect)
“I activate the effect of Ancient Amber Mammoth.” Rainbow declared. “He allows me to target any other Crystal Beast in my hand or on the field, and he’ll gain ATK equal to that monster’s original ATK until the end of the turn.
If I sacrifice half my life points and banish the targeted monster, my Extra deck and grave become viable targets. I’ll do just that (Sunset 1200/Rainbow 750). The monster I target, and banish, is my synchro monster Crystal Beast Garnet Cerberus(ATK 2800).
Beast Ancient Amber Mammoth(LV 7/5300/1600 effect)
Sunset’s eyes went wide at the loss (Sunset 0/Rainbow 750). “Rainbow really has grown stronger.” She shook her head, gathered her deck, and ended up looking away from her friends. “So, what is the verdict?”
“I don’t know what this duel was Sunset, but I want you to leave.” Rainbow stated firmly. “Just go.”
Sunset did her best to hold back the tears as she left Sugar Cube Corner. Once she was outside, she could no longer contain them. Around the corner, Apple Bloom observed this with a rather guilty expression.
Sugar Cube Corner, Evening…
The group had spent all day mulling over everything concerning Anon-a-Miss and Sunset. Despite what Rainbow said, that duel with Sunset had been rather revealing. They really did want to trust Sunset, but everything Anon-a-Miss did fell in line with how Sunset had been.
Apple Bloom entered the shop followed by Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo. “It was us.”
“What are ya talking about Apple Bloom?” Applejack asked.
“We’re Anon-a-Miss.” Apple Bloom confessed.
“What!?” The girls all shouted.
“We didn’t mean for things to go this far.” Apple Bloom informed. “We were just angry at Sunset and couldn’t understand how you could forgive her for everything.”
“The fact that our own sisters were spending time with her didn’t help.” Sweetie Bell added.
Scootaloo finished. “Anon-a-Miss really got out of hand. People sent in pictures, and it was so easy to fall into what Sunset used to do. In the end, we didn’t think she changed, but every time she was faced with aggression, she never retaliated.”
“We are hoping you can take us to apologize to Sunset.” The girls stated together.
The five teens felt extremely bad.
“I think we all owe Sunset one heck of an apology.” Applejack stated.
“We doubted her all this time when we shouldn’t have.” Fluttershy stated forlornly.
“We’re all really sorry to you five as well.” The girls stated together sincerely.
“I know where Sunset lives.” Pinkie stood. “We need to throw her the best apology party ever!”
“You three will need to clear Sunset’s name with everyone starting tomorrow.” Rarity chided.
“We will.” The girls agreed.
Sunset’s Apartment
The group of eight walked up to Sunset’s apartment only to see a young man, around their age, stepping out the door. He had short, lavender hair and green eyes. His attire consisted of a blue shirt, white blazer, red tie, black jeans, and red sneakers.
“Hey, who are you, and what are you doing at out friend’s apartment?” Rainbow asked.
“Hm, my name is Kev Ravenwood, and I am making sure Ms. Shimmer did not leave anything behind before moving in.” The man informed.
The entire group shared a look of concern.
“Moving in?” Applejack asked. “What do you mean?”
“About two hours earlier, I signed a transfer of lease arranged between Ms. Shimmer, I, and a third party.” Kev shrugged. “No idea who the third party really is, but the rent is cheap.”
“You mean Sunset’s moved?” Sweetie Bell asked. “How is that possible?”
“Better question.” Scootaloo stated. “How long has she been planning this?”
“You girls realize this is our fault, right?” Apple Bloom asked. “It’s got to be.”
“I’m not quite sure what you are talking about, but could you please allow me through?” Kev requested. “I was hoping to take a stroll around the area before turning in.”
“Wait, where did Sunset go?” Pinkie asked.
“I was not told such information.” Kev replied. “I believe only the third party knows where, and I have no means of contacting them.”
The eight girls were just stunned, but they let the guy through regardless since he didn’t know anything.
“This is terrible.” Fluttershy stated sadly. “We must have made Sunset feel so alone all this time until she couldn’t take it anymore.”
“Dang it!” Rainbow clenched her fist. “I should have been a better friend.” Many of the others in this group thought the same. “I’m not letting this go. Even if Sunset doesn’t want to return, I’ll find her somehow. Then, we can at least apologize.”
The three preteens nodded.
“We’re in to.” Apple Bloom stated. “It’s our fault she’s gone, so we’ll do what we can to help.”
“I don’t know ya’ll.” Applejack stated. “Maybe this is for the best. After everything we did, Sunset should be free to start over.”
“I agree with Applejack.” Rarity stated. “We didn’t appear to mean our forgiveness after what Sunset did, so maybe it is best she starts with a clean slate.”
“I’m with Rainbow.” Pinkie stated. “We were total meanies. If Sunset is happier where she is, that’s fine, but I at least want to throw her a goodbye party.”
It was clear no one held how they viewed the situation against one another; however, there was clearly division in how to approach this. Regardless, Sunset would have people looking for her as best they could.