//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Another Brick in the Wall // Story: Equestria Girls 2: Shards of Harmony // by Zurvan //------------------------------// "Okay girls," Rainbow Dash says. as she taps the final brick into place, "We finally got this place fixed up from Sunset Shimmer's attack.” "I am sorry about that," Sunset Shimmer says obviously remorseful, "at the time it just seemed like the logical thing to do." "Don't fret it," Applejack says. “I appreciate you all pitching in to help me get the school back together,” Sunset says, “It would’ve taken me months to rebuild this by myself.” “Whatever happened to your two henchmen?” Pinkie asks. “Snips and Snails?” Sunset asks and the others nods, “They disappeared the day after the dance.” “That’s the difference between fake friends and true friends,” Rainbow Dash says. “You can say that again Rainbow,” Applejack says, “A real friend will stick beside ya for better or worse.” “But none of you are my friends,” Sunset says. "No, but we all heard what ya said to Twilight before she left,” Applejack comments. "And she did ask us to teach you about friendship," adds Fluttershy quietly. "While we're discussing help, your wardrobe could use an overhaul," Rarity comments lightly. "You helped me fix the school, now you want to help me with my clothes?" Sunset asks, taken aback. "Clothes are my thing," Rarity replies as if it were the most obvious idea in the world. "Sunset? May I call you Sunset?" Pinkie Pie asks, and Sunset nods. "Twilight said we were all doubles of her pony friends back in Equestria, does that mean her double and yours are here? If so where are they? Can we meet them?" she asks in rapid succession. "Whoa, back up a minute, Pinkie," Applejack says. "I'm not sure that's a good idea." "Why not?" Pinkie asks innocently. "We don't even know if they have doubles here, for one thing," Rarity replies. "And if they do, they're already living their lives," Applejack adds. "We wouldn't want to mess with their lives here," comments Fluttershy. "But Twilight did help renew our friendship," Rainbow Dash says before looking off in thought before adding with some hesitation, "Perhaps Pinkie's idea has merit." The others look at her in shock. "Are you actually agreeing with Pinkie?!" Rarity stammers. Rainbow Dash shrugs, "I'm just saying that maybe we should give the idea some thought." “Actually...” Sunset Shimmer begins hesitantly, “I already know where Twilight Sparkle’s double is.” “WHAT?!” Pinkie Pie yells. “I might of had something to do with her not transferring to Canterlot High your freshman year,” Sunset Shimmer admits. “Why would you do that?” Rainbow Dash asks. “Initially I just didn’t want any more competition,” she replies. “But then, 30 moons ago I returned to Equestria for the first time since I’d come here, and found out about her and her friends renewing the Elements of Harmony. I did a little reconnaissance work and learned the names of her friends there, ” Sunset Shimmer admits begrudgingly. “That’s what drove me to tear apart your friendship; I couldn’t stand the idea of my replacement being happy, and since I couldn’t do anything about that, I decided, the best I could do is make her friends here miserable.” “What a minute!” Applejack exclaims, “Are you saying you purposely broke up our friendship because the other Twilight took your place?” “Pretty much,” Sunset says, “Didn’t you all find it odd how much effort I must've used to make sure that your friendship was broken up?” “What are you talking about?” Rarity asks. “I thought you all had figured it out already, every thing that made your friendship fall apart in the first place was my fault. I faked the messages between Pinkie and Rarity, I told the soccer team the bake sale was on a different day, everything.” “Just so we wouldn’t be friends?” Pinkie asks. “I had to get back at Twilight for replacing me, I just couldn’t stand the idea of being replaced, but also, I never had a friend, so I didn’t realize exactly what it meant to have one, and to lose one, which is even worse.” “Well…” Applejack says hesitantly, “I suppose we’ve already said we would forgive ya for everything in the past, so it’s only right for us to let this go too.” “Just as long as you’re not hiding anything else,” Rarity says, “No more surprises.” Sunset shakes her head, “I think I’ve told you everything now.” “Hey, what about your double?” Rainbow Dash asks. “Why have we never seen her?” “You know, I have absolutely no idea. Maybe I can do a little research and find out,” Sunset replies. “It can’t hurt to find out.” “Now the question is are we going to meet Twilight or not?” Applejack asks. “I definitely say we go and meet Twilight,” Pinkie says, “Especially if she was trying to transfer here, she may need friends.” “Pinkie does make a point, what kind of friends would we be if we didn’t even check it out?” Rarity asks. “Not to mention how awesome it would be to have everyone together again,” Rainbow Dash adds. “I have to agree,” Flutter adds meekly, “I’d hate to think of Twilight out there without friends, I know I didn’t like it when I was on my own” “Alright,” Applejack says, “So it’s decided, Sunset will ya give us Twilight’s address so we can meet her?” Sunset sighs and hesitantly writes down Twilight’s address. “You’ll be back right?” she asks obviously afraid of the reply. “You don’t want to come with us Sugarcube?” Applejack asks. Sunset shakes her head. “I think it’d be better if I stayed here and tried to find my double, also I’m not quite ready to face Twilight yet. After all if she doesn’t have any friends it’s all my fault.” “Look, no matter what happens we’re still going to teach you about friendship,” Fluttershy says quietly. “We promised Twilight, and we’re not about to break a promise,” Rainbow Dash says firmly. “Now, let’s go meet Twilight again!” Pinkie says cheerfully. Sunset heads to the library to use the computer, and the others head to the address Sunset gave them.