//------------------------------//
// Arc 2-3: The Sister's Demonic Curse 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Trials of Friendship" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


The Sister’s Demonic Curse



Sunset Shimmer continued to wince in pain on the grass, all while her friends and Shining Armor watched helplessly.  Her dark aura grew brighter and brighter, concerning everyone around her.  The lone exception was Majesty, who had her back to the school wall, observing the incident.
“What’s happening to Sunset Shimmer?” Starlight asked.
“I have never seen this before,” Sunburst said.  “Is it something new?”
“It’s worse than you imagined,” Shining Armor said.  “Princess Celestia told me that Sunset Shimmer was possessed by the spirit of a she-demon that once laid waste to Equestria.”
“A demon?” Danged Spell said.  “That sounds even worse than my Wolf’s Breath curse.”
“It is,” Shining Armor said. “Whatever you do, keep your distance until Princess Celestia arrives.  Got it?”
But before any of the younglings could respond, Sunset Shimmer rose up and faced the entire group.  The iris in her eyes glowed a bright red, all while a purple aura flowed from her eyeballs.  She growled at the group before she marched towards them.
“Uhh guys,” Starlight said as tears began to flow from her eyes.  “I think she’s approaching me.”
“Everyone, stand behind me,” Shining Armor commanded before he pointed his horn at Sunset Shimmer.  “I’ll try to keep her at bay.”
As Sunset approached the group, leather wings emerged from her back.  Fangs formed from her teeth.  Her horn grew and curved into a crescent moon shape.  Her tail extended out like a cat.  She roared like a ferocious tiger, causing Abigail to hide behind Shining Armor’s leg.
“Scary,” Abigail cried.
“Everyone,” Shining Armor said.  “Stay close.  It’s about to go into the air.”
Immediately, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, and Danged Spell gathered around Shining Armor and Abigail, just as Sunset Shimmer flew into the air.  Shining kept his eyes on Sunset Shimmer before emitting a shield around him and the rest of the younglings.
“There,” Shining said.  “This will keep you safe.”
Sunburst looked to the side to see Majesty just leaning back at the nearby wall without a care in the world.  He turned back to Shining Armor.
“Shining,” Sunburst said.  “We’re missing one, and it’s Majesty.”
Shining Armor turned to his left to see Majesty wave right back at him.  His face went from focused to terrified.
“Shoot.  I forgot about Majesty,” Shining Armor said. 
The lack of focus was enough to cause the shield around Shining Armor and the younglings to disappear, leaving them all vulnerable.  Danged Spell looked up in the air to see the demon-like Sunset Shimmer dive bomb at them. 
:”EVERYONE,” Danged Spell shouted.  “MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!”
Immediately, Shining Armor grabbed Abigail by the scruff of her neck with his teeth and jumped out of way with Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell scattering away, just before Demon Sunset hit the ground with a powerful shockwave to send the group flying to the ground.  Her mass was no longer the size of a filly, but now an alicorn like Princess Celestia.
“MEEEEOWWWW!”  Abigail screamed as Shining Armor held her by the scruff of her neck.
“It’s okay,” Shining said as he let go of Abigail.  “I’m not going to see your sister fall.”
Shining Armor got up on his four hooves and fired a few blasts of magic around Demon Sunset Shimmer, catching the former filly’s attention.  Shining jumped in front of Abigail as he glared down Sunset.
“Sunset,” Shining Armor said.  “It’s okay.  I’m not here to hurt you.  I just want to help calm you down.”
Shining Armor and Demon Sunset circled each other, keeping their focus directly on their opposite counterpart.  Shining kept his horn glowing bright, while Demon Sunset growls viciously.
“Easy,” Shining Armor said.  “We’re here to save you, Sunset.”
But suddenly, Demon Sunset’s ears picked up the sound of a pony whimpering.  She turned her attention to Starlight Glimmer, who was now hiding behind a tree, unable to get her sight away from Demon Sunset. 
“Sunset, NO!”  Shining Armor yelled.
But it did him no good.  Demon Sunset Shimmer roared loudly, causing Starlight Glimmer to scream loudly and run off in the opposite direction.  Demon Sunset Shimmer gave pursuit to the young filly, her roar filling the air with fear.
“Oh no,” Shining Armor said before pursuing Demon Sunset.  “Starlight’s in trouble.  I’ve got to save her.”
But as Shining Armor went in pursuit, Danged Spell looked at Starlight Glimmer running away from Demon Sunset.  The colt’s face was both focused and somber.
“Forgive me, Sunset,” Danged Spell cried.  “But I’m left with no choice.”
Immediately, Danged Spell’s eyes turned completely white as his Wolf’s Breath curse took over his mind.  He howled into the air before pursuing after Demon Sunset Shimmer.  Shining Armor was quick to take notice at Danged Spell and his face turned completely white.
“SPELL,” Shining Armor yelled.  “NO!”
Demon Sunset’s ears picked up Shining Armor’s screaming, causing her to turn her head towards Shining Armor before belching out a fireball.   The flame connected to Shining Armor, causing him to lose his footing and tumble onto the grass before landing on his back.  Sunburst, Moondancer and Abigail ran up to Shining Armor.
“Shining Armor,” Moondancer said.  “What happened?”
“I don’t know what Spell is doing,” Shining Armor said.  “But he better be careful.  Otherwise, he’s going to be a roasted wolf when this is over.”
Abigail looked at Danged Spell, still in pursuit of Demon Sunset, and her face was completely horrified.
“Wolf’s…breath,” Abigail said.

Up ahead, Demon Sunset continued her pursuit of Starlight Glimmer, who was running for her dear life.  The poor pony could barely keep ahead of her friend-turned-monster.  She ran as fast as she could, panting fast as if she was losing her breath.
“Sunset,” Starlight cried.  “It’s me….Starlight….don’t….hurt me.”
Suddenly, Starlight tripped over a loose tree root, causing her to go flying into the air, screaming loudly.  She landed on her back and slid a bit.
“Oww,” Starlight groaned.  “Not now.”
Starlight looked up and saw Demon Sunset charge towards her.  The twin-tailed filly laid there, helplessly as what was once her friend charged closer and closer to her.
“Sunset,” Starlight cried as she covered her face.  “Don’t do it.”
But as Starlight kept her eyes closed, she heard the sound of what appears to be a magical shield of some sort being smacked upon.  Starlight looked up and saw one shield surround her in a protective bubble, all while Demon Sunset struggled to break it free.
“That shield,” Starlight said.  “Could it be Shining Armor?”
But before Starlight could turn her head, she noticed Demon Sunset pause for a moment before roaring in pain.  Starlight shifted her eyes to Demon Sunset’s back right foot, where Danged Spell sunk his teeth in.
“Spell no,” Starlight cried.  “You’ll get hurt.”
Immediately, Demon Sunset shook Danged Spell off, sending the colt flying back on his four hooves.  Danged Spell immediately barked back at Demon Sunset, who roared ferociously.  She proceeded to smack Danged Spell aside with her paw, sending him flying to the ground.  But Spell immediately gets up and continues to bark wildly at his corrupted friend.

Nearby, Shining Armor, Abigail, Sunburst and Moondancer stood helplessly, watching as Danged Spell dodged swipes by Demon Sunset.  Shining Armor kept his focus on the shield surrounding Starlight Glimmer without breaking a sweat.
“This is getting nowhere,” Moondancer said.  “At this point, Spell’s going to be sliced to ribbons and Sunset’s chew us out.”
“I wish I could help out,” Shining Armor said as he kept his focus on the shield around Starlight.  “But I don’t want Starlight to get hurt.”
Sunburst looked around near Danged Spell, Demon Sunset and Starlight Glimmer.  Immediately, his eyes caught a tree that was near where Starlight was..  Sunburst turned towards Shining Armor and poked him on the shoulder.
“Shining Armor,” Sunburst said.  “There’s a tree near Starlight.”
“Good eye,” Shining Armor said.  “I’ll get her there.”
A bigger burst of magic flowed from Shining Armor’s horn towards the shield bubble that surrounded Starlight, lifting it into the air, much to the surprise of the twin-tailed filly.  Shining Armor then levitated the shield bubble with his magic towards the nearby tree.  But nearby, Danged Spell continued to dodge Demon Sunset’s claw swipes while continuing to bark at what was once his close friend.
Starlight looked down at the tree from the safety of the shield bubble and said “I think I know what Shining’s doing,” Starlight said.  “If he gets me behind the tree, I should be able to take cover while Danged Spell deals with Sunset.  At least I won’t have to worry about that demon that took over her mind.”
But just before the shield could begin to float behind the tree, Demon Sunset’s tail swung in the air and smacked the shield hard enough for it to burst.  Starlight flew from the shield and landed with a loud scream.
“STARLIGHT!” Shining Armor yelled as his magic returned to his horn.
Demon Sunset turned away from Danged Spell towards Starlight Glimmer, causing the twin-tailed filly to hide behind the tree.  Demon Sunset moved towards little Starlight, growling deeply and causing the little filly to freeze there, nervously.
“Sunset,” Starlight said.  “It’s me, Starlight Glimmer.  Don’t you recognize me?”
Demon Sunset approached the tree and turned towards Starlight.  The little filly stood there, shaking nervously as she held onto the tree.  The demon held her paw into the air.
“PLEASE DON’T HURT ME!” Starlight cried.
But before Sunset could swipe at Starlight, she paused right in her place before letting out a painful groan.  Demon Sunset turned her back to see Danged Spell holding her back with his mouth holding down her tail.  Danged Spell growled at the demon without turning away from her visage, which caught Starlight’s attention.
“Spell,” Starlight said.  “Don’t overdo it.”
But just before Demon Sunset made a move, Danged Spell leaped into the air and flung her by the tail, slamming Demon Sunset on the ground and creating a small dust cloud.  When the cloud cleared up, Demon Sunset was on her back, completely dazed.
“She’s down,” Shining Armor said.  “Now’s my chance to hold her down until Celestia arrives.”
Shining Armor fired off a blast of magic that lifted Demon Sunset’s arms and legs into the air before tying them together.  This action woke Demon Sunset up, who began to break loose from her bindings and pull Shining Armor away from Abigail, Sunburst and Moondancer.
“It’s not enough,” Shining Armor said as he struggled to pull himself back from Demon Sunset.  “She might be powerful enough to break herself free.”
“Then we’ll pitch in,” Moondancer said as she fired off a beam of magic to strengthen the bindings around Demon Sunset’s arms and legs.
“Moondancer,” Sunburst said.  “Are you crazy?”
“Better than standing around and doing nothing,” Moondancer said as she kept her concentration on Shining Armor’s magical bindings.  “Now give us a hoof.”
Sunburst closed his eyes and fired off magic from his horn right into Shining Armor’s magic, strengthening the magical bindings that held Demon Sunset’s arms and legs together. 
Nearby, Starlight continued to hide behind the tree, looking outward at Demon Sunset as she was held down by the magical bindings.  Danged Spell backed himself next to the tree, barking wildly at Demon Sunset.
“Spell, I dunno if I can help out,” Starlight said.  “I’m too afraid to even fight back.”
Spell turned towards Starlight with a slight whimper coming from him.
“I know,” Starlight said.  “You’re stuck in that Wolf’s Breath curse and you can’t use magic at this point.  What are we going to do?”
But as Shining Armor, Moondancer and Sunburst continued to hold down Demon Sunset, they began to tire as sweat poured from their heads.  Abigail hid behind Shining Armor, cowering in fear.
“I dunno if we can hold on long enough,” Shining Armor said.  “Sunset’s demon form is a force to be reckoned with.”
“But we have to, even if Starlight’s too afraid and Danged Spell can’t turn back,” Moondancer said.  
“She’s right,” Sunburst said, despite looking tired.  “We have to do this for Danged Spell and Starlight.”
But just as Shining Armor looked like he was about to collapse, another beam of magic hit Shining Armor’s magical tether, strengthening it and holding Demon Sunset’s arms and legs together.  Shining Armor opened his eyes to see the third beam hitting his magic.
“Who?”  Shining Armor said.  “Who’s doing this?”
“All I know is that it’s not Danged Spell nor Starlight Glimmer,” Sunburst said.
Shining Armor felt Abigail rub up against his arm, causing the teen stallion to turn down towards the little kitty.
“Look,” Abigail said as she pointed to the front wall of a nearby school building.
Shining Armor looked up to see Majesty firing that beam right into his magical beam.  While the alicorn kept her focus, she began to sweat a bit from exhaustion.
“Majesty?” Shining Armor said.
“No time to explain,” Majesty said.  “Keep this up until Princess Celesti arrives.”
Shining Armor nodded as he kept his focus on the bindings that held down Demon Sunset.  The former filly roared in agony as it struggled to break free.
Nearby, Princess Celestia rode out from the back entrance of the school with Wanda riding on top.  Princess Cadance, Princess Luna and Twilight Sparkle galloped in from right behind with Spike riding on Twilight’s back.  They all saw Shining Armor, Sunburst, Moondancer and Majesty hold down Demon Sunset with the magical bindings.  Twilight looked at Demon Sunset’s face and her jaw dropped down in horror just as Spike leaped off her back.
“Sunset?” Twilight shreked. “Is that her?”
“I’m afraid so,” Princess Luna said.  “For some reason, Sunset Shimmer was born with a demon’s soul bound to her.”
Wanda leaped off of Princess Celestia’s back before she said “Mommy.  Please help sister out.”
Celestia nodded as she ran off towards Demon Sunset.  Twilight frantically chased after Princess Celestia.
“Princess,” Twilight yelled.  “It’s too dangerous.”
Suddenly, Twilight Sparkle froze in place as Princess Cadance levitated her away from Princess Celestia.  Twilight struggled to break free as Cadance brought her close.
“LET ME GO,” Twilight yelled. 
“It’s going to be okay,” Princess Cadance said.  “This isn’t the first time my mother's done this.”
“Say what?” Twilight said as she began to calm down.
“Sunset has had these same fits thanks to the soul of the demon that she was born with,” Princess Luna said.  “It’s far worse than the Wolf’s Breath Curse that Danged Spell, Golden Lace and she possesses.”

Up ahead, Princess Celestia ran up to Demon Sunset, who still struggled to break free from her bindings.  As the eldest alicorn approached Sunset, the Demon roared in anger and agony.
“Sunset Shimmer you poor thing,” Princess Celestia said.  “You’re forced into this kind of state through no fault of your own.  Time and time again, we have had to contain the demon within just to keep you and all of Equestria safe.  It was part of the reason why I chose to adopt you, and even just to see you suffer like this makes me suffer as well.  But you are my adopted daughter, and I love you as much as I love Wanda, Cadence and all your friends.”
Celestia’s horn glowed brightly.  She placed her horn on Demon Sunset Shimmer’s head, emitting a powerful light that covered most of the field.  Everyone covered their eyes as Shining Armor, Sunburst, Moondancer and Majesty withdrew their magic.
“Is she…” Twilight said.  “Is she going to be okay?”
“She will,” Wanda said as a tear fell from her cheek.  “It’s not the first time I’ve had to see Sunset turn into that.  But I’m glad she’s coming back to normal.”
“Sunset,” Spike cried.
When the light disappeared, Princess Celestia stood over what was now Sunset Shimmer, having been reverted back to being a filly.  Sunset opened her eyes and looked up at Princess Celestia.
“Welcome back, my daughter,” Princess Celestia said with a smile.
Sunset slowly got up and looked around.  She saw the faces of her friends and family smiling back at him.  Danged Spell barked with excitement as Starlight teared up with joy.
“Oh dear,” Sunset said.  “I did it again.  What am I going to do?”
Suddenly, Starlight ran from the tree and grabbed onto Sunset Shimmer, crying right in her chest.
“Starlight,” Sunset said.
“I’m just glad you’re back to normal,” Starlight cried.  “I don’t know what would have happened to you if Princess Celestia didn’t save you.”
Sunset didn’t know what to say.  But just as she was about to put her hoof around Starlight’s back, she heard the sound of Wanda’s voice cry out.  Sunset looked up to see Wanda run up to her and Starlight.
“Sister,” Sunset said as she waved to Wanda.
Wanda leaped into the air and grabbed onto Sunset and Starlight, hugging them both.  Sunset pulled her arms out and hugged both Wanda and Starlight.
“I was so worried about you,” Wanda cried.  “I didn’t want to be alone without you.”
“Wanda,” Sunset said.  “You’re not going to be alone.  As long as you have me and the rest of the gang, we’ll keep you safe and content.”
“That includes me,” Starlight said as she wrapped her left arm around Wanda’s back. 
“Thanks guys,” Wanda said.  “It’s good to at least have friends like you guys.”
Princess Celestia looked down at Sunset, Wanda and Starlight, smiling with delight.  She wiped a tear from her eye before composing herself.  But her attention was taken by the feeling of a small paw brushing up against her leg.  Celestia looked down to her right to see Abigail meowing at her.
“Sunset…alright?” Abigail asked.
“She’s alright, Abigail,” Celestia said as she picked up the little kitty with her magic.  “It’s happened many times before, and while it is stressful to keep her demon form at bay many times, I still do it because I care for her, and her sisters.”
With that, Celestia patted Abigail on the head before she sat the little kitty on her back.  Abigail walked up to Celestia’s neck and rubbed her head on the alicorn’s hair.  Celestia smiled at Abigail before turning her attention to Danged Spell, who looked up to the alicorn princess whimpering like a dog.
“Spell you poor thing,” Celestia said.  “You forced yourself into your Wolf’s Breath Curse just for the sake of Sunset Shimmer, and now you’re stuck.  No worries.  This should be a simple task.”
Princess Celestia lowered her horn on Danged Spell’s forehead.  WIthin seconds, a small light formed from her horn, causing Spell’s eyes to glow brightly until his iris and pupils were restored to normal.  When the light in Celestia’s horn disappeared, Danged Spell shook his head.
“Sorry for worrying you, your majesty,” Danged Spell said.  “But I didn’t want Sunset to hurt the others.”
“I know you mean well,” Celestia said. “But you were a bit reckless with that curse, putting yourself in danger.”
“I know,” Danged Spell replied.  “But at the same time, danger seems to come to us, regardless.”
“You act as if the whole world is forced on your shoulders, Spell,” Celestia laughed.  “Remember, you don’t have to carry this burden by yourself.  There will always be others to aid you when you’re overwhelmed.  Never forget that.”
“I’ll try,”  Danged Spell said.  “But I do understand one thing: I may be forced down this path through no fault of my own.”
Celestia laughed and said “Well, we’ll make sure you don’t have to.”   Abigail followed up with a meow, making Danged Spell chuckle a bit.
Nearby, Twilight Sparkle looked up at the group ahead of her, all while Princess Cadance held onto her.  Next to her, Princess Luna breathed a sigh of relief while Spike was dancing around in celebration.
“See, what did I tell ya?” Princess Cadance said as she gave Twilight a hoof noogie, causing the filly to giggle.  “Mother can handle any problem.”
“Well except Queen Chrysalis,” Twilight joked.
Luna laughed and said “Well you got us there, considering it was you who drove her off.”
“But still,” Twilight said.  “I do worry for Princess Celestia’s well-being, just like Sunset and just like Wanda does.”
“And just like me,” Princess Cadance said.
“Just like you?” Twilight asked.
“Sure Princess Celestia can handle tough tasks like Sunset’s demon form,” Princess Cadance replied.  “But as you said, not Chrysalis.  If Canterlot was invaded once again by the Changelings and Coldnelius Snap’s Windigo’s Guild, I’m afraid we might get overwhelmed.”
Twilight held her hoof to her mouth and said “Oh dear.  I never thought about that.”
Spike looked up at Twilight and said “Worried?”
Luna looked down at Spike and said “She’s not the only one.”
Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance broke into laughter over Luna’s comments.  Spike looked up at the two and also started to laugh.  But while the two ponies and baby dragon laughed, Luna looked up at the others with her smile unwavering.
“As soon as the school day is over,” Princess Luna said.  “Princess Cadance will look after the two girls while we prepare a special guest for them.  Or rather a familiar face to live with us until everything is settled.  One that we smuggled into our castle sometime last night.”

Nearby, Majesty was walking away from the group when she overheard the sound of someone calling her name.  She turned around and saw Shining Armor, Sunburst and Moondancer run up to her.
“What do you guys want?” Majesty asked.
“I know there are some issues you had with Wanda,” Shining Armor said.  “But there is one thing I can say: Thanks for pitching in.”
Majesty just smiled and said “You don’t need to mention it.  Besides, I’ll have to admit.  Demon Sunset did scare me a bit.”
Without a second thought, Majesty walked away from the group, leaving Shining Armor a bit satisfied, though Sunburst and Moondancer a bit odd.
“I don’t get it,” Sunburst said.  “Even compared to Golden Lace, Majesty does put me off despite her helping out.”
“That’s true,” Moondancer replied. 
“She gets alot of that from her mother Creme Dream,” Shining Armor replied.  “And while I am thankful for her help, I am a bit cautious about her.”
“Is it because her mother might have some sinister motives?” Moondancer asked.
“I don’t know,” Shining Armor said.  “But considering that Creme Dream’s apprentice Gold Banks has control of all of the news media in Equestria, I wouldn’t be surprised if it were true.”
Up ahead, Majesty looked back at Shining Armor, Moondancer and Sunburst with a smirk on her face before running forward.  A half mile ahead of Majesty, Creme Dream stood there waiting for her daughter.  It didn’t take long before Majesty was right next to her mother.
“I’m surprised that you helped contain Sunset’s Demon form,” Creme Dream said.
“It would be a shame if your favorite daughter were to bite it,” Majesty said.
“Point taken,” Creme Dream said.
With that, Majesty and Creme Dream walked together down the back wall of the School.
“I take it you want to use that in a future propaganda piece,” Majesty asked.  “Maybe to question the princesses of Equestria.”
“No need for that,” Creme Dream replied. “Right now, I wish to stay the course in the fear of Changelings and Cultists.  After all, they are now our puppets.”
“And what about dear sister Cozy Glow?” Majesty asked.
“That fool of a daughter doesn’t know that there is a surveillance spell placed on her,” Creme Dream said.  “And right now, we’ve seen what kind of pain her best friend Golden Lace has been going through when she tried to vandalize Daisy Joy Tech’s mascot just to get expelled last night.  Foolish girl.  But still, Cozy Glow still has her usefulness, as our spy.”
Majesty giggled and said “I think we know where she’s gonna stay now.”
Creme Dream chuckled and said “All just to keep our friends close and our enemies closer.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 3: Golden Lace’s Lament


	A Pariah at Daisy Joy Tech