//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Friends in Both Universes // Story: Five New Arrivals // by JusSonic //------------------------------// Chapter 5: Friends In Both Universes Things has calmed down now. At least Ponyville is safe from another attack that would've doomed them all. As the Shadowbolts Five were settling down at Sugarcube Corner for resting, Sunshine and her two friends approached them. "Hey, girls. Everything alright?" Sunshine ask her friends in concern. She is wondering if they're all right after what almost happened to them. "Sure we are, why couldn't we be?" Sour Sweet ask Sunshine with a smile. "Right. We almost got killed by a huge Hydra and a bunch of love eating bugs. At least we got out of there in one piece." Sugarcoat admits with a shrug, apparently not worried about what happened. "Why you ask?" Indigo ask Sunshine. She wonders what is on her friend's mind. "Listen, I know I can't ask you about this case. But if we're gonna solve this problem, I need your help. Look do you trust me or not?" Sunshine ask her friends seriously. She must get them to explain what happened involving whoever hired Chrysalis to split them up in the first place. The Shadowbolts looked at each other for a moment before they sighed and nodded in agreement. Looks like it's time to come out with it. "I don't know if we want to talk about it or not. We know who she is." Sunny Flare said with a serious tone of voice. "Five years ago, the Imperial Phoenix Army received news about students suddenly scoring A's for every test from Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. And the next, the students looked addict and crazy for some reason." Sugarcoat said seriously. Looks like the students are getting good crazy, but became insane the next. "We believe something is amiss at that place. We disguised ourselves as students while asking ponies if there's anything odd happening to the school. The teachers claimed that the students are behaving oddly and differently than they used to know them. And they believed that the students were drugged or addicted. We suspected correctly.” Indigo Zap nodded as she continues, "We were sent there to solve the case. We investigate the area or finding the clues. We found three things - some kind of Black Magic Potion, Injection and even the Supplier." "All the teachers don't even know about it. And we believe that both teachers and students are innocent, all but one - the headmaster." Lemon Zest explains that the real culprit is none than the headmaster, the one before Spell Nexus. "How could she hurt the students - all for the sake of her reputation and the school's?!" Sour Sweet ask sweetly. Then she gave a sour look while continuing, "She's terrible and evil! She doesn't even care about the students!" Sugarcoat groaned in annoyance, "Evil is a strong word, Sour Sweet. I would rather say - irresponsible and child abuse. And she is-!" "I know who she is. And is she gonna be release from the prison?" Sunshine ask her friends thoughtfully. Sunny Flare hummed as she answers, "According to my daddy, she'll be released by next week. But how are we gonna make her talk about the crime she committed?" "Leave that to us. Just tell me where she is." ------------------ At the Canterlot Prison Cells, a female unicorn is in a meeting room, preparing for her release from prison. Cinch has waited a long time and she will get what's coming to her. But apparently, not the way she attended. For you see, Cinch has some visitors who wanted to speak, some she didn't thought to see again. "Well now; if it isn't those meddling kids." The former Headmaster Cinch taunts at the mares who dared exposed her and send her to prison. She saw a new pony, making her more amused. "And who is this? Your best friend's replacement? I thought you would never replace her." "Yeah, I'm new here, Cinch. And by the way, my name is Sunset Shimmer." Sunshine said with a frown to Cinch. She is using her real name for now. "Save the formality, Miss Shimmer. What do you want?" "Your confession. We know that you were behind this mess especially in driving and killing the Leader of Vengeance Squadron. And you specifically told Queen Chrysalis and her Changelings in handling that matter until the team are killed and disposed of." "I have no idea of what you were talking about. I was stuck here. So, how could I be involved of this mess? My word against yours." Cinch points out slyly to Sunshine. The former headmaster does seem to have a point: she was imprisoned the whole time so it should've been impossible for her to do anything...right? Sunshine smirked as she then said, "Simple. Chrysalis told us everything especially you. She mentioned that you're willing to betray everyone, just for revenge, even if it means the cost of innocent lives." "Yeah. What kind of sick teacher like you could do something like this? All this for the sake of reputation? You're the dumbest headmaster I ever met." Starlight remarks in disgust at Cinch. She is outraged of how dare this witch is going just for her reputation! Flash Sentry chuckled, "It's no wonder Princess Celestia have you replaced with Headmaster Spell Nexus as the new headmaster of her school. And now everyone knew about it." "What?! Blast that useless bug queen! I knew I should have hired the Assassins Six to finish the likes of you! No! I should have chosen Grimmore! That way none of this could have happened!" Cinch exclaims furiously and angrily. But then Cinch yelps as Sunshine smirks, using her magic to hold up something that was hidden until now: a special pen. And when a button is pushed, the headmaster's confession repeats right back. "Gotcha. Recorded everything with this little pen. We only told Princess Celestia and Azure Phoenix about this but need your confession to do that. So you can spend in the prison for the rest of your life." Sunshine taunts wickedly to the shocked Cinch. With this confession, she will never be released from prison, ever. "And the Changelings spreading rumors? We made that up." Starlight admits with a mischievous giggle. She knew saying that would set Cinch off! "Busted..." Flash laughs in amusement as he holds up a wing and high five his filly friend. "Now it's your word against yours. It's call a hustle, sweetheart." Sunshine remarks slyly. Cinch looks outraged. She was tricked into admitting her role in Chrysalis's involvement...and now she is going to be imprisoned for the rest of her life! Cinch groaned before screaming in fury, "Curse you, Sunset Shimmer! Why are you doing this to me?! You barely know these five ponies!" "Somepony you're gonna hate, Cinch." "I'm already hating somepony, brat! I will have my revenge!" Sunshine smirked as she remarks, "Count on it, Cinch." Cinch groans as the guards come to put her back in her cell. She will get her vengeance on Sunshine...someday, somehow! ------------------ It was a while later back at the castle back in Ponyville. Sunshine sighs as she, Flash and Starlight finish cleaning the place. Twilight and her friends are due to come back at any given moment. So the group would want a clean place to return to. Sunshine smiles, she wonders what else to do next. Just then, the Shadowbolts themselves came into the room, smiling in excitement. What are they so happy about? "Hey, what's going on?" Sunshine ask her new friends curiously. "You're not gonna believe what just happen! Princess Celestia told us that Azure Phoenix want all of us back home! We're going home!" Sugarcoat explains, much to Sunshine's surprise and concern. "I can finally become a Colonel among the Imperial Phoenix Army!" "And I'm so glad to be a strategist again as well as tech and fashion designer again." Sunny Flare said with a sigh. It looks like she will get her dream back! "Yeah! Party at Ma for Mapping and Travelling around Equestria!" Lemon Zest laughs as she jumps up and down wildly. This made Flash chuckles a bit, just like a certain random pink pony! "I finally become an agent! It's like dream come true!" Sour Sweet exclaims with a smile. "Oh yeah? I finally get to stick with my coach as his Second-in-Command! It's so awesome!" Indigo remarks with a chuckle of amusement. "Really? Wow... Congratulation, girls. Well done..." Sunshine said with a sad sigh. She turns, preparing to head off. Looks like after what happened, her friends are going to get their dream jobs...but it looks like she may never see them again. "Oh boy..." Starlight said, noting the sad look on Sunshine's face. Her friend was able to finally get the Shadowbolts together, learning new friendship...and yet, this has to happen. "Yeah. It's gonna hurt her a lot..." Flash said grimly. Is there anything that can be done to cheer his love up? But what Sugarcoat said next, surprised the three as Sugarcoat smiled as she spoke, "But we declined the offer." "What?!" Sunshine, who turned back around, Flash and Starlight exclaims in shock and alarm. The Shadowbolts got a chance to fulfill their dreams, but they turn the offer down? Why? "We told Azure Phoenix that we have found our job and new place to stay especially a new member to join our team." "You are, Sunshine!" Sour Sweet exclaims as she hugs the surprised Sunshine. "You're our new member!" "That job maybe good. But nothing good is having a new friend like you." Sunny Flare admits with a shrug. While her dream job is great, it won't be if Sunshine isn't with her. "And we're gonna keep that way, dude!" Lemon Zest exclaims, raising a hoof of as if saying "thumbs up". "So, what do you say, boss?" Indigo exclaims with a smile. Would Sunshine accept the offer? Sunshine try holding back her tears, but she sheds them anyway. This is great! Her friends refused the offer of returning back home...just so they will stay here, being near their good friend AKA Sunshine herself! It's...it's a miracle! Sunshine smiled as she spoke, "I couldn't be any happier than before." The mare hugged the Shadowbolts who smiles while hugging her back, "Thanks, girls for letting me to be your team." "It's an honor, friend, to be our leader." Sugarcoat said as Sunshine lets go of the hug. "We need to change our name. Vengeance is so overkill." Indigo said thoughtfully. She's right, the name Vengeance is overkill, time for a new one that could work. "Well, what would you choose, Sunshine?" Flash ask Sunshine curiously. Sunshine pauses to think, then smiles. She got an idea, one that could work! Yes, it will, definitely, definitely will! "I have one - the Shadow Six." Sunshine said as she holds both hooves together to announce the idea. "Sounds promising." Sunny Flare said with a thoughtful smile in liking this idea. "Oh yeah, awesome to the max!" Lemon Zest laughs in agreement. "Well, much better and less intimidating...to the point anyhow." Sugarcoat said, nodding in approval as she likes the name too. It will work. "I love it!" Sour Sweet exclaims excitedly and loudly, making her friends cringe yet laugh. They couldn't tell if she was being sour or sweet when saying that. "We shall do it." Indigo said with a smirk, holding a hooves up. "It looks like they're together." Flash said with a smile as the Shadowbolts hug each other. The Shadow Six has been born at last. "And not only that, it looks like we have new team to look after our home and Equestria. Think about it." Starlight said thoughtfully. Whenever the Mane Six or their pals would leave for a mission, the Shadow Six will be around to keep an eye on things! "I am. And it's gonna be tough for them." "We can handle it. It's no biggie." Sunshine said in determination. As long as she has her friends, there is nothing she cannot do! Suddenly the doors open up. Everyone turns to see the Mane Six coming into the room. They are back from their mission of defeating the Ice Queen! "It's great to be back. Hey, Sunshine. How's everything-?!" Twilight stops in her tracks, yelping upon seeing the Shadowbolts standing near Sunshine. "What the-?! Sunshine, are those-?" "Twilight, these are my friends. And girls, meet Twilight's friends!" Sunshine exclaims with a smirk as she motions her new friends to meet Twilight's. Sugarcoat looks Applejack up and down. The mare spoke up in her usual way, "You're Applejack? It's nice to meet you. And I truly impressed with your farm and working schedule. Should you ever go and save the world, I would be honor to look after your family as well as defending Ponyville. Do not worry about it." "Wow... You talk... a lot. But thanks." Applejack said a bit weirded out but thankful by this. "Oh my Gosh!" Indigo exclaims as she flew, excited upon meeting Rainbow at last. It's like a big dream come true for her. "I'm so hyped to meet Rainbow Dash! You have no idea of how long I wanted to challenge you in a race, especially joining the Wonderbolts too! And besides, I beat your old high score for bursting clouds." "Wow, seriously? That's cool..." Rainbow exclaims impressed and amused. Looks like not only she got a fan, but a friendly rival to boot! "Sunny Flare at your service. And don't worry, dearie; I haven't done anything wrong to your fashion. I go accordingly to your design and sometimes a bit of mine. Your boutique is safe at hoof by me." Sunny Flare said to Rarity with a smile. She is assuring her that she hasn't ruined her boutique at all. "Really, darling? I really appreciated it." Rarity said, impressed. Looks like her Boutique just got a new employee, one who sticks to her vision. "Don't worry, Fluttershy. I took good care of the animals. They're in no harm." Sour Sweet sweetly said, assuring Fluttershy that no harm came to her animals while she was away. The mare took care of that. "Really? Thank goodness." Fluttershy said with a smile. She is happy that her animals were taken care of by just a sweet mare. But then Sour Sweet got sour as she scowls, "Unless that bunny want to mess with me, he gets no dessert!" "Oh my... That's bit... extreme..." "Party on! Ready for music, Pinkie Pie?!" Lemon Zest laughs as she bounces in, ready to party at any time. "Are you kidding me? I'm always ready! And thanks for looking after my job, please don't do the volume up thing again at Mr. and Mrs. Cake's. They really hated it." Pinkie said to Lemon Zest with a smile. The pink pony pauses to think, then added, "But not really hate it, just don't like. Because that gave them a big headache. And believe hearing too much of music could be so much pain!" "What?" "Nothing. Just look after the shop! And remember rule number one - smile." "Got it." Lemon Zest said with a smile. After all, she always does her best to smile! "I've gotta say. That's very impressive. I thought you'd be angry or upset in seeing them again." Twilight said to Sunshine impressed. Her friend told the Princess of Friendship about her past and how it wasn't a good one. "Not really, Twi. I just felt I want to remake my friendship again." Sunshine pauses a bit as a thought came to her mind. Time for her to do it, if only to resolve this once and for all. "Speaking of which, I need a favor, Twilight." "Sure. What is it?" -------------------- In the laboratory of the Twilight Sparkle of the Human Realm, a special meeting is about to take place. Human Twilight calls in her former teammates the Shadowbolts down here. The five glares as she works on her Dimension Communication Portal while the Sunset from Equestria stood nearby. "So what gives in bringing us down here?" Sour Sweet scowls sourly at Twilight. "And it better be good!" "Honestly, it is a waste of time if you brought us here just to watch a science project." Sugarcoat remarks with a scowl. "Yeah, come on, out with it!" Indigo demands in frustration as Sunny Flare and Lemony Zest nodded in agreement. What is she up to anyway? Human Twilight smiles as she spoke, "There's someone who wants to see you." "Look, Twilight. We get it. But this is not the Sunset Shimmer we used to hang out and befriend for a long time.” Sugarcoat said with a sigh while shaking her head. "Yeah, nothing personal dude, but you just ain't her." Lemon Zest remarks with a shrug to Sunset. She isn't the human that she knows and cares for. "Right, so no need to try to pretend anyway." Sunny Flare said, looking down in sadness. "No one could..." "Actually, that would be ironic, girls. Shadowbolts meet your old friend." Sunset said, smirking as the screen on the device begins to change, causing an image to be formed. The girls gasped in shock and alarm. A pony appears on the screen, smiling at them. One who looks similar to Sunset! Could it be...?! The Shadowbolts gasped in shock, "Sunset?! Is that really you?" "Hey, girls. And yeah, I am a pony since I got transported into that realm." Sunshine said to her human realms with a smile. "So, to avoid some confusion. I will be called 'Sunshine'. It's nice to see you all." The Shadowbolts cried and sobbed tearfully while commenting of how stupid of what they did while ashamed of their actions especially hurting Twilight Sparkle. They somehow seem worried: what if Sunshine never forgives them for what they did? Sunshine sighs a bit as she spoke up with a small smile, "Well... I was angry and upset at you at first. But that doesn't mean we aren't friends. I forgive you. And I know, you were just venting anger out or even trying to make sure no one takes my place." "Really?" The Shadowbolts ask in surprise yet relieved at the same time. Sunshine has actually forgiven them and is still wanting to be their friend no matter what! "Yeah. And don't worry about me. I'll be fine, with some friends who look like you. Sunset, can you look after my friends as yours. You do need your own team since Twilight Sparkle is part of the Mane Six." Sunset Shimmer smiled as she assured her other self, "Sure, why not. And don't worry, I will take care of them." "Thanks." Sunshine said with a smile. She turns to her friends and giving a stern yet mischievous look. "Behave, you girls. Don't make me come back and hunt you down for another mess." The Shadowbolts giggled, "We won't." "Take care." And thus, Sunshine's image disappears from the screen. The human versions of the Shadowbolts sighs. It's good to know that Sunshine is all right and is now living her new life in Equestria. "What's next?" Sugarcoat ask with ponder. What will everyone do now? Sunset pauses to think, then smiles, having an idea. She ask, "Ever try to have some fun with your friends or date with boyfriends?" "Trust me on this one. It'll be worth it." Twilight said with a smile to the Shadowbolts. Looks like life in this world is about to become more funner than before, especially since it looks like Sunset will be having new friends now! ------------------ At Sugarcube Corner, a party is getting under way. It's celebrate the heroes' victory over the Ice Queen, as well as Sunshine having a new team that will keep an eye and protect Ponyville from harm. Best off, the former human is celebrating her reconnections to her old friends. "Sunshine, I'm proud of you. What you did today or three days ago, you did well." Twilight said, complimenting Sunshine on what she did. "You've made some friends, even though they looked like your old friends. But you also forgive them of their past mistakes." "Thanks, Twilight. I really appreciate it." Sunshine said with a smile. She felt good in forgiving her old friends like that. "And you know what? Having your own team at Ponyville is a very good idea. After all, when my friends and I went to another place to save the Equestria, we need some backup to look after our home as well as doing the daily works. Just in case, the bad guys would come and attack." "Yeah. That's what I think." "Therefore, I granted it. Just make sure, they don't do something silly again." Twilight said to Sunshine in precaution. Last thing Ponyville needed is something dangerous and silly from the new heroes of their town. "Don't worry, they don't! They learn their mistakes." Sunshine assures Twilight with a smile. After all, how much trouble would the Shadowbolts get into now? Without warning, loud music booms loudly throughout the Sugarcube Corner, causing some of the ponies to scream and yelp in alarm. What is going on here?! "Pinkie Pie! I thought I told you to shut that music down!" Mr. Cake exclaims loudly and alarmed to Pinkie. Mrs. Cake tries to calm her babies down while screaming loudly to be heard, "Wowza! Shut it down! My ears! And the babies! I can't hear a thing!" "What did you to my jockey?!" Lemon Zest demands angrily to Pinkie who is trying to put the volume control back onto the speakers. "Nothing! I just thought make a bit louder, and then the next, it broke." Pinkie insists innocently to the upset Lemon Zest. Hoo boy, it isn't going so well! "You broke it! Blast you, Pinkie!" "Hey! Watch it!" Applejack exclaims to Sugarcoat who almost knock her cake off her table. "That done took me weeks 'ta make!" "I think you just purchased it, I even see the writing on it." Sugarcuat remarks dryly as she points out some writing that seemed to said otherwise. "You calling me a liar?!" "Hey, you cheated!" Rainbow screams furiously at Indigo as she threw her cards to the table. The two Pegasus were playing a game, which got ugly. "You stole some cards from me!" "Me, you cheated first?!" Indigo protests Rainbow in annoyance. How dare she accused her of cheating?! "No, look what you done!" Rarity screams to Indigo as she tries to clean off a strain off the new dress that she's wearing. "My new dress!" "Hey, it isn't my fault! It was an accident!" Sunny Flare protests innocently and annoyed by Rarity's shouting. "No! Don't scare them!" Fluttershy exclaims to Sour Sweet frantically. Her new friend was screaming at some animals, and boy! Do they look scared! "Poor animals!" "You oughta teach them some manners!" Sour Sweet exclaims sourly to Fluttershy and annoyed. Soom both sides got into an argument before fighting each other wildly and crazy. Sunshine gave an awkward chuckle. Looks like they haven't learned all the time. "Okay, maybe they need some adjustment about this." Sunshine admits awkwardly to Twilight. Twilight Sparkle giggled as she patted Sunshine on the back, "Don't worry. I'm sure you and your new friends will get through it. My friends and I went through the same process." Sunshine smiled as she spoke, "Thanks, Twilight. Come on, we'd better stop them now." "Yeah, we'd better." Twilight and Sunshine rushes to the fighting in hopes to put a stop to this madness. A friend's work is never done! The End