//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Old Faces, New Ponies // Story: Five New Arrivals // by JusSonic //------------------------------// Chapter 1: Old Faces, New Ponies It is another day in Equestria...and around such time as one of the biggest adventures has taken place. Right now, the Mane Six along with their friends and family went up to the Frozen North to deal with the evil Ice Queen who is planning to freeze all of Equestria. Ponyville meanwhile is doing its best to continue on while their princess and her friends are out of town at the moment. Fortunately, and hopefully, this won't take too long. On a hill, Sunshine hummed as she was looking at the picture of herself and five familiar girls from Crystal Prep. The girl sighs. Even though Sunshine is a pony now, she remembers her old human life as well as what the former Sunset has left behind. "I miss you girls so much. I wonder how are you've been doing lately. Hopefully, you're not doing anything stupid like in the Friendship Games." Sunset remarks, recalling how many Friendship Games that Crystal Prep has went through with Canterlot High years in the past. By this time, Sunshine's coltfriend Flash came by with Starlight. After the event involving the Ice King not too long ago, the two wanted to check on their good friend. "Hey, Sunset-I mean - Sunshine." Flash groans out as he slaps himself with a hoof. The Pegasus is still trying to get used to calling his fillyfriend by her new name. "Yeesh! I always forget to use your nickname since we don't want to get confuse with another Sunset Shimmer." "It's okay. I don't expect you all to remember me so easily." Sunshine said to Flash with a giggle. It's cute how her love tried too hard. "So, what you're looking at?" Starlight ask puzzled as she looks at the picture. The mare yelps as she recalled the picture send to her and Twilight by the pony Sunset from the Human Realm. "Wait! Are those girls-?" "They're my best friends - Indigo Zap, Sour Sweet, Sugarcoat, Sunny Flare and even Lemon Zest." "You befriended Canterlot High School's worst rivals! And the ones who made Human Twilight Sparkle to unleash the Dark Magic and let the Alliance of Darkness almost destroy their realm?! And not to mention, they all supported Principal Cinch! You've gotta be kidding me!" "Hey! Nobody's asking your opinion about them. I know them well. They're my best friends that I ever counted on. And no one talks to them like that." Sunshine snaps to Starlight furiously. Hearing that made the mare a bit guilty. Perhaps she went too far in saying that. "Sorry, Sunshine. I didn't mean to-!" Starlight begins to apologize to Sunset for saying that. Sunshine sighed as she interrupted the apology, "No... I'm sorry, Starlight. I shouldn't have done that. It's just that...these girls are the only friends I ever had since I became Azure Phoenix's protege and moved to Crystal Prep Academy. When I was 8, nobody else even want to befriend me. These girls... They're like my family..." "You miss them so much. I know how it feels to be disconnected or even lost touch with someone you have befriended for an entire life." "Yeah. I guess my disappearance must have gave a great impact on them to do something stupid. I can't say I blame them when they have someone who can help and guide them to do the right thing." Sunshine sighs and looks down. Perhaps her disappearance is why her friends went deep as they did: she wasn't there to help them, make them make the right decision. If Sunshine was there, perhaps they wouldn't have help Cinch pressured Human Twilight into opening that amulet in the first place. "Like forcing Twilight Sparkle to open the amulet and unleash the magic?" Flash ask, suspecting what Sunshine is thinking of right now. "Something like that. I just can't believe that they would do something stupid as that. I was so disappointed and angry with them." Sunshine remarks with a grunt while shaking her head. She was close one time to return to her own realm and confront her friends about what they did...but Twilight has stopped her, not wanting the balance to be ruined. "Did you talk with them about this?" Starlight ask Sunshine in concern. "No... Twilight told me of what happen from my home. I was so furious and angry with them. How could they think about winning especially knowing that Principal Cinch is wrong for everything?!" "Technically, Indigo Zap and Lemon Zest are the only girls who disagreed with the mess." Flash admits though he did some thinking. "Of course, I am sure they didn't disagree OUT LOUD. Perhaps there are voices that kept theirs from being heard." "It doesn't matter! I don't even want to see or talk with them again!" Sunshine exclaims in disgust. As far as she knows, her old friends are gone, only the monsters replaced them! "You still miss them, don't you?" Starlight ask, seeing the sad conflicted look on Sunshine's face. The mare knows what it feels like, missing someone who hurt her before. Sunshine sighed as she shakes her head, "It's complicated when you trusted and befriended with someone for a long time. You miss them but angry and upset with their doing." "I know what you mean. We won't ask about them again." "Thanks..." The trio thus prepares to head back to Ponyville. They felt it's best that the subject about the Shadowbolts be silent about...for now. But what they know is that it's about to brought up again and in a whole new way! ------------------ Sunshine, Flash Sentry and Starlight Glimmer were on their way back to home when they heard some ruckus. They came over to investigate as they heard a sweet voice, "Leave me alone. Please. I don't want trouble." Sunshine's eyes widen in shock. No, it can't be. The mare and her friends came over and saw three robbers surrounding an Earth Pony, her Cutie Mark is a bow on pink heart shape with its another layer of cyan colored. But when Sunshine looks at her...it reminds of...Sour Sweet! "Yeah, sure, just hand over some money to us." One of the robbers remarks with a scoff of dismissal. "Believe us, kid. We won't hurt you." The second robber said in agreement with a cruel laugh. "Besides, we'll go easy on you." The third robber said with a smirk which said a secret ugly surprise. The mare spoke in a sour but soft voice, "Like I'm gonna believe in you." "What was that, missy?!" The first robber scowls furiously. He didn't like the mare's backtalk suddenly. The mare quickly spoke in a sweet tone, "Nothing! Please, just leave me alone." "Listen carefully, girly. I won't ask again. Hand over the money before we'll give some beating on you! You're just a dumb sweet little girl like Fluttershy." Flash and Starlight looks alarmed. They have seen enough. These guys are about to learn now to try to harm an innocent mare in Ponyville, even when the main heroes are out of town! "We've gotta help her!" Flash exclaims in concern. "Yeah." Starlight said in concern. Even she can't stay here and watch this madness unfold! Sunshine however stopped the two time with one foreleg. She spoke in confidence, "She can handle it." "Why?" Flask and Starlight ask confused and worried. Why is Sunshine so confident all of the sudden? "Sour Sweet has two personalities in her. And believe me, don't play nice with her, she will go sour." Sure enough, Sour Sweet gave a sour scowl as she spoke, "I try to be nice and all you did is make demands to me! Take this, morons!" Just before robbers could do anything, Sour Sweet swiftly beaten all robbers to the ground hard. Flash and Starlight gasps in surprise. She took them down without any effort! "That's what you get for messing with the wrong pony!" The trio waited until they are certain that the robbers are down for the count. Then Sunshine's group came over, startling Sour Sweet. She had no idea that somepony was watching her! "Wow... I didn't know you can beat them to pulp." Starlight said to Sour Sweet in amazement. Sour Sweet spoke in her sweet nature once more, "These stallions were mean. I didn't have much choice." "Yeah, I can tell. And you are?" Flash ask Sour Sweet curiously. Of course, he suspected that Sunshine knew but wanted to make sure. "Sour." Sour Sweet then frowns as she goes into her sour mood. "Sweet!" Starlight yelped in surprise by this reaction, "Wow! That was mean." "No... That's her personality. It depends on how moody she can get." Sunshine said with a smile. It's true, she has seen Sour Sweet acted so moody before, and it's not a pretty sight. Sour Sweet got sour as she snaps at Sunshine in annoyance, "Hey! Who you're calling moody, princess?!" Sunshine giggled in amusement, "I'm Sunset Shimmer, but you can call me Sunshine." She ponders if her other self has met this pony yet, but then again, maybe now. Sour Sweet goes sweet as she giggles politely, "It's very nice to meet you. You are such a sweetie, Sunshine." "Thanks. And believe in me, I won't go to your bad side." "Thank you so much. So, it there anything I can do for you?" "Like what are you doing here?" Sunshine ask Sour Sweet curiously. She wonders what brings this mare to town for some reason, especially since the Mane Six and the others are out of town, dealing with the Ice Queen. Must be for some reason, right? "Just moving away from dad. I'm starting to live on my own." Sour Sweet of course narrow her eyes as she snaps in her sour way, "He can be so annoying sometimes!" "Swordstruck's ego problem?" "Eeyup. How did you know?" "Lucky guess." Sunshine remarks with a shrug. She knew that Sour Sweet was Swordstruck's daughter back home and suspected that his ego problem is the same here. "By the way, do you know where Fluttershy is? I was told that she needs someone to look after her cute little fuzzy animals." Sour Sweet spoke in her sweet nature. Sunshine, Flash and Starlight guessed that she is here to help Fluttershy out with a job. "You?" Flash ask, doing his best not to laugh. With Sour Sweet's nature, she would freak the animals out in no time! Of course, Sunshine nudged him. The last thing she wants is for the pony version of her old friend to go into one of her moods! "I mean, she's not here! She's with her friends on a mission right now." "Aw... I was hoping to get a job... But nevertheless, I'm going to look around the area." Sour Sweet said sweetly yet the hint of disappointment is heard in her voice. "Do you need someone to help you?" Starlight ask Sour Sweet curiously, wondering if the new pony in Ponyville needed some help. The Earth pony looks like she could use it. "No thanks." And as expected, Sour Sweet goes into her sour mood once more. Unless you can help in getting me a job." "I actually can." Sunshine said as a thought came in her head. "Meet me at the Castle of Friendship, I'll try to get you a job." "Okay..." Sunshine trots on off, making Flash and Starlight puzzled. What is this mare up to? Sunshine meanwhile is hoping. If there's a pony version of Sour Sweet here...maybe there are more pony versions of her other human friends too! ---------------------- Sunshine, Flash and Starlight were passing by the Carousel Boutique when they notice something through the window. "Looks like Rarity got a new customer." Starlight said in notice. "And bad timing when she's busy elsewhere." "Well, perhaps we should see who is inside." Flash suggested thoughtfully. "No need to keep the customer busy." "Hope Sweetie Belle isn't causing problems in there..." Sunshine remarked in concern. "If she is, wouldn't be the first time." Flash remarks with a scoff. "That's for certain." Starlight agreed. The trio came in and saw another female Earth pony waiting impatiently. Her Cutie Mark is purplish sun shape with cyan cloud shape with few raindrops. Sunshine almost collapsed as she looks like Sunny Flare! That must mean… “I can't believe it! Where is that manager?!” Sunny Flare complains as she taps her hoof onto the ground impatiently. “I was told this is the place to start work!” The mare notices the others staring. “What do you want?!” “Sorry. Just couldn't help but wondering why you're here for.” Starlight apologizes to Sunny Flare, giving out a sheepish smile. “Well, I moved here to start my work, dearie. And I heard that Rarity require some little assistance for her Carousel Boutique.” Sunny Flare explains clearly. Rarity needs some help around the shop. “You're good at clothes?” Flash ask in curiosity. Sunny Flare laughs as if being told the most amusing joke in Equestria, “Dearie, I'm good at anything especially some fashion and tech. They're so my thing.” “Yeah, sorry to break it to you but Rarity left for a mission.” Starlight explains clearly to Sunny Flare, much to her chagrin. “And we got no idea when she will be back.” “Seriously?! How could this happen?! How could I live up to my daddy's expectation?! If I don't find the job now, he's gonna think I'm useless!” Sunny Flare complains like mad, fearing the worst. Sunshine deduces that she is referring to Snaptrap. It makes sense now. Well, she needs some help. Sunshine put a forearm around the mare’s shoulder as she spoke calmly, “You're not useless. You're just having some bad day. And don't worry, Mr. Snaptrap will acknowledge you as good business mare.” “I supposed so.” Sunny Flare said with a sigh. Perhaps whoever this pony is is right. “My name is Sunny Flare. You are?” “Flash Sentry.” Flash said as he introduces himself to Sunny Flare. “Starlight.” Starlight said with a delightful smile on her face. “Sunset Shimmer, but call me Sunshine.” Sunshine said with a smile to Sunny Flare. She hopes that this mare hasn’t heard of her or isn’t friends with the pony version. She is right on both counts. Sunny Flare gave an odd look to Sunshine as she spoke, “I didn't know you have a nickname.” “Let's say I don't want to confuse other ponies.” Sunshine remarks with a sheepish chuckle. That’s a bit true, she doesn’t know when the pony version would ever be back. Better safe than sorry one would say! “I supposed so, dearie.” Sunny Flare remarks with a shrug, accepting that answer. “How about this - Meet me at the Castle of Friendship. I will help you get the job.” Sunshine said with a thoughtful look on her face. “Okay...” Sunny Flare remarks with a nod. Sunshine smiles as she leaves, making Flash and Starlight more puzzled as they follow her. What is she up to? "First, Sour Sweet, no Sunny Flare. What's going on with Sunshine?" Starlight wondered. "I got no idea." Flash said in concern. Sunshine is up to something! --------------- The trio heads into Sugarcube Corner to get some treats. But they arrived at a time when a commotion is happening which is disturbing the customers: a Unicorn who has an Cutie Mark which is a big golden lemonade with three flower patterns. Looks like Sunshine has indeed found another pony version of an old pal of hers: Lemon Zest. "Hey, what's going on?" Starlight asked. “Party! PARTY! PARTY!” Lemon Zest laughs as she jumps all over the place, the mare is listening to music to a boom box strapped on her back which is playing loudly. “Wowza! Miss! Lower the volume down! You're scaring the customers away!” Mrs. Cake exclaims to Lemon Zest in precaution. She is used to Pinkie’s behavior, but not somepony else’s! “Please!” Mr. Cake exclaims in agreement and worry. “What?! Want them up! You've got it, man!” Lemon Zest exclaims. She misunderstood what the Cakes wanted and turn the volume up to the maximum. “ROCK ON!” “No!” Mr. and Mrs. Cake yells out in annoyance. They have had enough, the couple grabs Lemon Zest and kick her out through the door. “And stay out!” The trio watch as the Cakes closes the door. Mrs. Cake groans out as she scowls, “I wish Pinkie Pie was here, instead of letting us deal with pony chasing after another pony for a job.” “Yes, dearie.” Mr. Cake sighs in agreement. At least Pinkie would’ve deal with this wild party animal! The trio looks concerned as they left the shop. Lemon Zest is on the ground, groaning, “That is so uncool. I thought Sugarcube Corner is all about PARTY!” “That's them. In fact, if you want that job, you might need Pinkie Pie to help you.” Sunshine said to Lemon Zest calmly. Pinkie is one thing, the Cakes are too wild for even the owners to deal with! “Try it, dude. Pinkie is a no show! I was told that she need some serious backup for her job especially the music!” Lemon Zest exclaims as she roll her eyes in annoyance. “Dude! Do you know how great to have that music?! Nopony wants it! Uncool!” “I know. Hey, mind if I listen to it?” Sunshine ask as she glances at the boom box. Maybe Lemon Zest would calm down more if somepony else would give it a try! “Sure! Check this out!” Lemon Zest laughs as she put a headset’s cord to her boom box (which she should’ve done in the first place) and gives the head set to Sunshine. “It's from Countess Coloratura! Her song is so epic man!” Sunshine put the headset on her ears as she tapped her hooves on the ground while dancing wildly and happily. She then screamed wildly and happily before Lemon Zest joined in. Both Flash and Starlight were surprise and shock of it. Sunshine gave the headset back as she spoke, “Thanks, Lemon. That was awesome.” “No problem.” Lemon Zest said with a smile. The mare blinks as she looks confused by what Sunshine just said. Something isn’t right here! “Wait! How you'd know my name?” “Newspaper?” Sunshine ask, giving out an excuse. She doubt Lemon Zest would believe that she’s really a human from another world! “I also know that you dad likes maps.” “Drillmap? Yeah, that's him. He likes drawing maps. This dude loved music coz it's awesome!” Lemon Zest remarked with a laugh. She knows it’s amazing because what was said about Drillmap was true! “Yeah. Anyway, my name is Sunset Shimmer, that's Flash and Starlight Glimmer. Still want to work as a music manager?” Sunshine ask with a smile on her face. Flash and Starlight roll their eyes. Now Lemon Zest too? “Sure do.” Lemon Zest said with a smirk. Maybe this pony would give her a shot at the job! “I know somepony else want that, especially when it comes to parties.” Sunshine advises the pony version of her old friend. “Meet me at the Castle of Friendship.” "You got it, pal." Lemon Zest nodded. "Now Lemon Zest is in." Starlight mumbles as the trio of ponies headed off somewhere. "Why do I have a feeling that two more will be coming to the Castle of Friendship?" "Sunshine? What do you got planned?" Flash ask Sunshine in concern. "You'll find out." Sunshine said with a smile. She has an idea in mind. ------------------------------ Now at this point, Sunshine’s group was passing through town…when they yelped as somepony rushed past them, being chased by somepony into another building. It looks a criminal who is trapped in front of a wall…by a Pegasus whose Cutie Mark is a Firecracker! “Hold! In the name of the law! You are under arrest for breaking the laws by stealing gems, bits, food and especially toys. And above all, you also involved with the black market! That is considered to be breaking the law as well! And of course, you like to do some crazy cross dressing! That was the most disturbing thing I ever seen. Do you have anything else you wish to say?!” The Pegasus said, speaking like a certain girl that Sunshine also known. Her talking is getting on the criminal’s nerves! Soon the police came in, much to the criminal’s relief. He shouted out, “Make her stop! Her talking is irritating!” “You're fired, Sugarcoat!” The police chief exclaims sternly to Sugarcoat, much to her shock and disbelief. “What?! You can't do this to me! Don't you know who I am?” Sugarcoat protests to the police chief sternly. How dare this stallion kicked her out like this, especially with her connections?! “You may be the daughter of Strict Stalker, but this is not the Land of Ma! So, get out!” The police chief snaps sternly. He has had enough of Sugarcoat’s behavior, especially when it upset his men! Sugarcoat growled as she leaves the building. The mare could hear the police who are arresting the criminal mocking her behind his back. “The nerve of him! He dare fired me.” Sugarcoat snaps in disgust. She didn’t see Sunshine’s group coming up and noticing her being so unhappy. “Bad day?” Sunshine guessed to Sugarcoat. She has seen this behavior before. This must be the pony version of Sugarcoat! “You have no idea. I just transferred here as a Sergeant but instead I got fired.” Sugarcoat explains gloomy as she crosses her upper forelegs in disgust. “Why is that?” Sunshine ask Sugarcoat. Of course, the unicorn already suspected why. “They said my talking is very irritating and annoying. How dare they insult me?!” Sugarcoat exclaims in disgust and annoyance. If her father was here, they would’ve spoken differently, that’s for sure! “I would say you need to say one word or a sentence for everyone to follow. And of course, you need to be quiet about ponies' privacy.” Sunshine suggested thoughtfully to Sugarcoat. Perhaps if the latter would’ve followed that advice, she wouldn’t been fired in the first place! “I supposed so.” Sugarcoat remarks with a shrug. Perhaps this new pony got a pony. “My name is Sugarcoat. It's a pleasure to make acquaintance with you.” “Sunset Shimmer but call me Sunshine. These are my friends - Flash and Starlight. Pleasure is mine, Sugarcoat. So, what are you going to do now, Sugarcoat?” Sunshine ask Sugarcoat curiously. Since the mare has lost her job, what will the future hold for her? Sugarcoat sighed as she answers, “Find a new job. It's not much of a choice I have now. Maybe some Apple Farm I could work on.” Sunshine hummed as a thought came to mind, “Maybe I can help you with that. Meet me at the Castle of Friendship.” Sugarcoat shrugged as she agrees, “It wouldn't hurt to try.” ---------------------- The trio was heading back to the castle. So far, they have met up and seemingly befriending four ponies that looks like old friends of Sunshine from her world. Which means, the last member, Indigo Zap, is not too far behind. And speaking of which, the trio spot a Pegasus who has a Cutie Mark which is the same as Rainbow Dash's but with yellow star on dark navy clouds with cyan lightning shape. She appears to be flying fast in the sky for some reason. "Gotta go fast! Go faster! I've gotta too!" Indigo exclaims in determinations. Suddenly the mare yelps as she saw something about to collide into her. "WOW! Watch it!" Indigo Zap got knocked on a helicopter. She went out of control as she was heading straight to the ground. As she was about to meet her end, she was stopped before hitting the ground. She looked around as she found herself levitated by Starlight and Sunshine who saved her in the nick of time. That was a close one! "Wow... That was close." Indigo sighs as she was put onto the ground safely. "I thought I was a goner." "What are you doing here?" Sunshine ask Indigo in amazement. She suspects that the mare is doing something like she normally does back home. "Practicing. And wow, it's so hard to break her record." "Her?" Starlight ask, blinking a bit as she wonders whom Indigo was preferring to. "Dude, I'm talking about Rainbow Dash. I heard she's the fastest pony in Equestria!" Indigo exclaims with a laugh. The others look surprised and amused at each other. Why are they not surprised to see that Rainbow has another fan? "Well, I want to see it with my own eyes! And of course, I'm gonna race with her! They don't call me Indigo Zap for nothing! And believe me, I'm the fastest Pegasus alive in Equestria!" "Really?" Flash ask Indigo skeptically. He finds that claim so hard to believe. "Want some proof? Here! 8 sec max!" Indigo laughs in determination. Before the ponies could react, she flew up into the air. They all watch from the ground as Indigo begins beating all the clouds in 8 seconds! The mare smirks as she lands right in front of the bewildered group. "So, who's the winner?! I'm the winner! Got trained by my coach." "Wow... She's fast..." Starlight nodded as she admits, "She might create another Sonic Rainboom." "Okay, I'm done with my talking. Who the hay are you?" Indigo demanded more than she ask. The mare hasn't met these ponies before and yet they caught her curiosity. "My name is Sunset Shimmer but call me Sunshine. These are my friends - Flash Sentry and Starlight Glimmer." Sunshine explains, smiling as she introduce herself and the others. "What's up, dude? So, anyway, do you know where Rainbow Crash is?" "Sorry, she's not here. She's with others on a mission." "Bummer. I was hoping I could challenge her, so I can join the Wonderbolts. Easy peasy." Indigo sighs a bit annoyed and worried. She came all that way...for nothing! "Well, I've got nothing else to do..." "I might have something for you. Meet me at the Castle of Friendship." Sunshine said with a smirk, making Indigo looks hopeful. Maybe this is her first chance! Starlight and Flash looks at each other in bewilderment. Now all members of the pony versions of the Shadowbolts has been invited! Something is indeed up! ------------------- It was the next morning at the Castle of Friendship. Twilight's group hasn't come back from their mission yet. The trio couldn't help that things around Equestria has been getting cold. They can only hope that the heroes can stop the Ice Queen before the world freezes over. "Okay, wanna tell me why you want to befriend with those mares who look like your old buddies?" Flash ask Sunshine suspiciously. His love couldn't just does so for no reason! "I thought you said you don't want to see them." Starlight said in agreement. Sunshine said she didn't want to see them and yet the mare has chosen to befriend their pony selves! "True. But I just can't sit here and do nothing." Sunshine said quickly. This made Flash and Starlight suspicious however. Something is indeed up and they're going to find out what! "You actually miss them, don't you?" "Don't lie to me, Sunshine." Flash said to Sunshine sternly. His love sighs, looks like he has seen through her. No need to hide it any longer. Sunshine sighed as she gave in, "I do miss them. And after what they did from my home, I didn't want to bother about them. But here, I see that these ponies need help. So, I decided to help them. I want to start my friendship all over again." "I guess it won't to try." Starlight said in agreement. She wondered if she herself would get the same chance if the mare were to see Sunburst again. Who knows where he is now? "They're here now." Flash said. Sure enough, a group of familiar mares come into the room, not noticing each other at first. "Hey, girls. Welcome." Sunshine said with a wave of the hoof. The mares stopped to greet their new friend. But they finally look at each other. And folks, they looked shocked, confused, angry and/or alarmed, maybe not in that order for some reason! Sugarcoat, Sunny Flare, Sour Sweet, Indigo Zap and Lemon Zest pointed hooves as she demanded at once, "You?! What's she doing here?! What am I doing here?! Sunshine asked me to come here! She told me that she will help us!" The trio looks worried. The pony versions are upset each other for some reason. Something tells them that there may have been something going on between them before now. "Uh-oh... Something tells me this is not a friendly term." Starlight said as she, Flash and Sunshine watches the mares yelling and arguing with each other. "Houston, we've got problem." Sunshine mumbles as she put a hoof to her face.