“The conference? You mean the one you talked about the other day?” asked Sunset as she sat at the dinning room table at Celestia's house. She proceeded to sip a cup of coffee as Celestia began to explain.
“Yes. Unfortunately, both me and Luna have to go to another city for it.” Celestia looked down at her cup of coffee as she continued. “I hate to say it Sunset, but I want you to come with us. I don't like the thought of you being home alone for three days here.”
“Oh...uh...well, I don't mind. I don't really have anything planned.”
Celestia showed her usual smile. “Thank you. We already have a hotel booked...its just, I hope you won't get too bored while we're there.”
“I'll just bring a book then. Don't worry Celestia, I'll be fine.”
Celestia got up and gave Sunset a tight hug. “Thank you. Thank you so much for understanding.”
“No problem.” Sunset said as she returned the hug. “I mean, you two put up with me all the time and all the trouble I've caused. It's only fair that I put up with yours.”
“We do not put up with you Sunset! You know we love you and love having you here!”
“I know.” Sunset said as she tightened the hug. “I know...”
Celestia released the hug and bent down to Sunset. “Sunset...don't ever think we don't want you here.” a small sigh escaped Celestia's breath. “I know I haven't always been there to help you...especially over your lost memories.”
“It's fine-”
“No.” Celestia put her finger over Sunset's lips. “Let me finish. Regardless of what I've done, I want you to know that I love you Sunset. I'm glad that you've been living with us these past few months.”
“I know. And I'm glad you gave me a chance when you found me at that hospital.” Tears flowed from both of their faces. “Thank you for giving me that chance.”
“Of course.” Celestia hugged her again. “I'm so glad you're with us Sunset.”
A few hours later, the trio had put everything they needed into the car. As Sunset hopped inside, she thought about what had happened to her these past few months. She thought about when she discovered the book, Gilda, Fluttershy, her friends, everything. 'Wow...can't believe I've been without my memory for two and a half months now. And apparently I've been in this in world for three months...amazing. So much has happened.'
Her head fell back on the chair. 'To think...I had those two crazy weeks of fights, magic books, friends...wow. Now look where I am. I'm in a car with Celestia and Luna, going to a conference while I stay at a hotel room for three days. Quite the change of pace...'
Her arms folded over as she put her hands behind her head in relaxation. 'But...this past month's been great...except for the whole Bon-Bon and Lyra thing. And that Halloween incident. Still, no fights, no sports stuff, I found out I like to play music...Too bad I had to tell Twilight I wasn't gonna talk to her for the next few days. I'm still betting I shouldn't show the magic book from another world to Celestia just yet...that and I have no idea how to explain it.' Sunset readjusted her arms. 'It's probably for the best that I left the book at home...'
The following hours were long in that car. Sunset watched the outside world pass by, admiring the different sights and sounds. Even now, certain parts of this world astounded her. 'Tch...I really am from another world. I mean, why else would I find all of this stuff cool? Cars, planes, computers...wow.' The trip continued as Celestia drove down the interstate and Luna sat in the back, playing a game on her phone.
A few hours later, they arrived. The trio quickly shuffled their stuff up to the hotel room and practically fell asleep after settling in. The land of sleep welcomed the three as the night turned to day. After that, Sunset found herself alone in the hotel room. She sat down in one of the beds and pulled out the book she had brought with her. It's title: Daring Do and the Jewel of Thousand Blades.
'Hmm...Rainbow Dash said this was supposed to be good. She also said it was for 'cool' people and other books are for eggheads.' Sunset yawned as she flipped through another page. 'It's not too bad...wish it wasn't just action all the time.'
It wasn't long till Sunset became bored of the book. As she put it down, she pulled out her phone. 'I wonder how everyone's doing?' she thought as she began texting them. 'Glad I finally figured out how to use this thing...'
Several beeps from the phone later...
The first response was Fluttershy:
I'm doing fine Sunset! I'm about to go to the animal shelter and Rainbow Dash is coming with me this time!
Then Rainbow Dash:
She's dragging me with her and she said that they have some snakes today, please help! Say, are you enjoying Daring Do?
Sunset laughed at the texts and soon responded. Rarity and Applejack never responded back till later. Pinkie Pie only responded in emoticons which gave Sunset a bit less incentive to respond back.
Soon, the conversations were done and Sunset found herself bored again. She rubbed her face in discontent, knowing that this was what the next day was going to be like as well. “That's it!” she said to herself in angry boredom. “I'm going for a walk! I may not know this place but that doesn't mean I'm gonna sit here, cooped up in this room all day!”
Grabbing a small jacket and her shoes, she exited the hotel in haste. 'There has to be something to do around here, even if it is kinda late...' she thought as she walked down the nearby street. 'This bustling city has to have something more to it than apartments and hotels.'
At the next corner, she saw a restaurant. 'Cherry Hill Diner? That's a weird name...' thought Sunset as she approached the building. 'Doesn't look too bad...maybe I could get a nice snack here.'
Sunset walked in, her hand pushing the door. There, she saw what looked like an old western looking pub, designed to be a small diner. As she looked around, a southern voice spoke up. “Well howdy there!”
“Hmm?”
“Over here! Behind the counter!” said a woman as she waved her hands in the air. “Come on over here!”
“Um...okay.” Sunset said as she walked over, her eyes glancing around the diner. 'There's almost no one here...just a few people in those booths over there. Must be a slow night.'
“Well hello to you!” The woman gave a hearty laugh. “I'm Cherry Jubilee, the owner of this fine establishment! Who might you be?”
“I'm Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset took a seat at the counter. “Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you as well. As you can see, we ain't getting much business tonight.” Cherry jerks her head to the rest of the diner. “Haven't seen you around here before Miss Shimmer, you new?”
Sunset scratched her head in response. “Yeah...just visiting.”
“I see. You look like someone who needs somebody to talk to.” Cherry put her elbow on the counter. “Why don't you order a drink and have a chat?”
“Well...” Sunset cocked her head sideways. 'She seems nice...then again, I wouldn't mind someone to talk too.' Sunset looked at the menu and back at Cherry. “Just a simple cherry float if you don't mind.”
“Coming right up!” Cherry turned her head and yelled. “Silver Shill! One float!”
“Yes Ma'am!”
“It'll be out in a sec.” Cherry said as she turned back to Sunset. “So, how's your day been?”
“It's been...boring. Like, really boring.” Sunset said with slumping down. “It's like the day is out to bore me to death.”
“Ha! I know the feeling. Let me tell you something, life has its way of doing whatever it can to have fun with you.” Cherry waved her arms out, pointing at the rest of the diner. “Take this diner for instance, why it may look like it's as dandy as a daffodil but...business is slow today. That doesn't mean things are going bad, it just means another day will be better!”
“Oh...I think I see your point.” Sunset rubbed her chin. “But, I guess being bored isn't so bad. It's better than bad things happening to ya, right?”
“You are ab-so-lutely right!” Cherry shined a grin. “Besides, sometimes life needs to slow down. Maybe that's why we have boring days.”
“True.” Sunset nodded.
“So, what are-” Cherry stopped and shifted her eyes to the door. “Ah! Some more customers! Howdy there!”
Sunset turned her head and saw three individuals walk in. They had hoodies on, hiding their faces except for three big mischievous grins. A shiver went down Sunset's spine as she saw the trio got closer to the counter.
“Welcome to the Cherry Hill Diner! I'm Cherry Jubilee! Who might you three be?”
“Oh...” one of the three let out a slight giggle and took her hood off. She then adjusted a small pendant hanging around her neck as she began to crick her neck. Sunset's eyes stared at the pendant as it gave a very unusual shine from the readjustment. The girl pulled back her long orange hair, ready to respond to Cherry Jubilee. Sunset's body began to feel a chill like no other as she looked at the girl's smile. It was like the smile of a devil in disguise.
“I don't usually say my name but...it honestly doesn't matter. I guarantee you'll soon forget it.” Her devilish grin grew as she continued. “My name is Adagio Dazzle. It's nice to meet you.”