“Ugh… My head hurts. Why is everything spinning?” Starlight’s eyes were racing in circles.
“It will be over soon. Welcome to the human world Starlight Glimmer.” The equestrian Princess said.
“Ouch, what kind of a creature did you turn into? And where is your muzzle?” The purple girl’s eyes grew large as she saw the yellow Alicorn in human form.
“Thank you for that. But you don’t look much different. Hehe, I guess it is somewhat weird to see a human for the first time.” Sunset shimmer smirked.
“I’m sorry Princess. I didn’t mean to insult you.” Starlight said rather hastily.
“Please, don’t call me Princess in this world. Just call me Sunset… Oh and yeah, you didn’t insult me so don’t worry about it.” The equestrian Princess remembered how strange everything seemed back when she came through the portal the very first time.
It took Starlight Glimmer a full ten minutes, with Sunset's help, to be able to walk on two legs. It was a strange feeling and while she practiced walking she didn’t really take a look around. Since it was winter break and evening, the area around Canterlot High was deserted. It was even stranger that two figures in the dark seemed to get closer to the two Equestrians.
“Sunset Shimmer!!!” A shrill loud voice sounded through the air.
“Pinkie Pie?” Sunset recognized the voice immediately.
“What? Pinkie Pie came through the Portal too?” Starlight was so busy learning to walk on two legs, she didn’t realize they were approaching from a different direction than the Portal.
“Heya Sunset, watcha doin here by the Portal. I thought you went to the movies?” Apple Jack asked as they arrived.
“That’s pony Sunset, silly.” Pinkie gave the orange girl a crazy look.
“I’m not even going to ask how you know that, Pinkie.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Who is ya friend?” A.J. wanted to know.
“Starlight Glimmer… This is Apple Jack and Pinkie Pie. The human versions of them, that is.” The equestrian Princess said with a smile.
“Wow. You talk exactly like Apple Jack. Nice to meet you ponies.” Starlight Glimmer was amused.
“What about me, what about me?” The pink girl felt left out.
“Uhm… ah… ehh.” The purple girl didn’t know what to say.
“Ooh okay.” Pinkie Pie had a sad expression on her face.
“Uhm.. Your hair is as crazy as your pony counterparts.” Starlight rushed out.
“Sunset, we heard that Twilight went through the Portal to Equestria. Is she alright?” Apple Jack asked with concern.
“Yeah, no worries. Twi is alright. There was a bit of a magic issue when she first came through the Portal but she got a grip on it.” Pictures of defeated ponies ran through Sunsets head.
“So, with you being here, does that mean you found Princess Twilight?” A.J. kept popping questions while Pinkie Pie investigated the new equestrian girl in her own pinkie way.
“We know where she is being held captive. We have not gotten her back yet. It’s a little more complicated. That's why I’m here, actually. I need help… from the Dazzlings.” As soon as the equestrian Princess spoke out the name both girls' mouth opened and their eyes grew larger.
“Not the Dazzlings!” Pinkie Pie shouted.
“Don’t ya think that is a bad idea? It’s like pickin bad apples. Nothing good will come of it.” Apple Jack was concerned.
“I understand your feelings girls. But the threat Equestria is facing right now, is far greater than three former sirens.” Sunset said.
“Former?” The pink girl was curious.
“Yes, former. Do you remember how their pendants were destroyed at the Battle of the Bands? Those pendants were the reason they turned into sirens to begin with. As it turns out, they used to be ponies just like Starlight and me.” The equestrian Princess explained.
“Not quite like you, your Highness.” Starlight teased.
“Your Highness?” Apple Jack wondered.
“It’s a long story and right now, time is of the essence. We need to find Adagio. If we can find her, we will find the other two as well.” Sunset said with urgency in her voice.
“Well whatcha waitin for? My truck is parked around the corner. Let’s go.” A.J took the lead walked through the snow to her pick-up truck.
“Last I remember, she worked at the Theatre. I saw her a few times when I went.” The equestrian Princess noted.
Pinkie Pie didn’t take her eyes of Starlight Glimmer. There was no telling if she was just plain curious, or if something bothered her about the equestrian girl. Apple Jack had a large pick-up truck with enough room for all four of them. It was an all-wheel drive vehicle with winter tires. It was easy to drive, even through this thick layer of snow.
The snow on the ground reflected the street lights. Starlight couldn’t help but stare at everything. It was a strange new world for her, yet there was a faint hint of familiarity. The iron carriage, the strange houses, the lights, and not to mention the two counter parts of Apple Jack and Pinkie Pie. Starlight Glimmer felt nostalgic as if she was dreaming.
“Great, you made it in time.” Human Sunset Shimmer said.
“Hehe, I’m always up for a good flick.” Flash replied.
“I still can’t believe none of the girls wanted to come along.” She said, but she was really glad that it was Flash Sentry whom she wound up with at the movies.
“Yeah, at least, I thought Twilight would have wanted to watch this movie.” The blue haired boy wondered.
“Well, what do you know? She is a nerd after all. She loves to get lost in her science experiments.” Human Sunset smirked.
Since Sunset Shimmer already had the tickets, they didn't have to wait in line. Surprisingly, she took Flash by the hand and started running to the Showroom. He blushed but didn’t seem to mind. There was barely anybody in there yet, so they were able to claim the seats they were looking for.
“Sweet, we got us some good seats.” Sunset said.
“Yes, you made sure of that.” Flash didn’t sit down.
“Is something wrong Flash?” The girl asked.
“Just keep my seat reserved for me would you?” Then the blue haired boy left the showroom.
Flash Sentry made his way through the mass of people to get to the concession stand. A few minutes passed before he could order. Two drinks and a large popcorn is what he got, not realizing the girl who was serving him was Adagio Dazzle. He was thinking about Sunset Shimmer waiting for him. A weird feeling overcame the blue haired boy. Why was he suddenly thinking about Sunset Shimmer? Until recently, the only girl on his mind was Twilight Sparkle. He hurried back to the showroom.
“Took you long enough.” Human Sunset grinned when she saw what goodies he brought.
“I had to fight my way through a Legion of Soldiers, three children, and a grandma.” Both of them laughed.
Shortly after Flash Sentry took his seat, the movie started. The showroom was dark and only the projection on the screen shed some light into the darkness. The audience enjoyed the movie, and Sunset Shimmer might have enjoyed the movie a little too much. She let hear guard down and grabbed Flash Sentry’s hand. Toward the end of the movie, Sunset went all in. She snuggled into the boy's left side, and leaned her head on his shoulder without letting go of his hand.
“Flash?” Sunset whispered.
“Yes Sunset?” The blue haired boy's voice was quiet and soft.
“I’m not the Sunset from back then.” The girl said with remorse in her voice.
“I know you've changed. It’s ok, I’ve forgiven you.” Flash used his right hand and stroked lightly through Sunset's hair.
“That’s not what I meant. But I guess that’s good enough for me.” Sunset whispered so quietly that the boy did not hear the first part of it.
After the movie ended, Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry were the last people in the showroom. The girl still clung to the blue haired boy. It was the feeling of warmth and security which made her not want to leave. She clearly was in love with him. If it was up to Sunset Shimmer, this moment would last an eternity.
“You have got to be kidding me.” One of the theatre workers shouted when she saw the two still left.
“I’m sorry, we were just about to leave.” Flash acted fast.
“If it isn’t Canterlot’s High famous Sunset Shimmer and her not-so-boyfriend Flash Sentry.” The theater worker turned out to be Adagio Dazzle.
“Oh, hey Adagio.” The blue haired boy responded while Sunset Shimmer had no idea who this person was.
“I guess you are too good to talk to me Sunset Shimmer huh?” Adagio gave her the evil eye.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know you.” Sunset’s reply was made on reflex, not even considering that the girl might have been an acquaintance of pony Sunset Shimmer.
“Wow. Get out, both of you. I need to get this room clean before the next show starts. I mean, I know we did wrong in the past but pretending you don’t know me?! That’s just, wow. Please get out.” The theatre worker was shaking her head and obviously upset.
“Flash, I had a great time tonight. Thank You.” Human Sunset looked the boy in the eyes and smiled.
“Yeah, I had a great time too, Sunset. Thank you for inviting me.” Flash was surprised how good of a time he actually had.
“Well, I’m going home now. Good night.” Sunset surprised the boy by kissing him on the cheek.
“Uhm… Eh… Good Night. I'll call you.” Flash was blushing.
Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry parted ways. The girl went to her motorcycle and the boy to his car, then they took off .
“Thanks for driving us A.J.” The equestrian Princess said with gratitude.
“Yes thank you for the trip in the iron carriage.” Starlight Glimmer added.
“This iron carriage is called a car.” Pinkie Pie’s eyes came within an inch of Starlight’s.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” the purple girl replied.
“Naaaaah, I’m just messing with you. However, I expect you to come again. I can’t have you over here from Equestria, and not throw a party for you. Do I make myself clear?!!! Pinkie Pie turned super serious.
“I will vouch for her.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Ya’ll take care. Call me if ya need anything.” Apple Jack shouted after the two equestrians exited the car.
Apple Jack and Pinkie Pie left. Starlight Glimmer and Sunset Shimmer were standing right in front of the theatre. When they went inside they were stopped by a worker.
“Sorry, we are closing in a few minutes.” A young man working for the theatre said.
“We are not here to watch a movie. We are here for Adagio Dazzle.” Sunset Shimmer replied.
“Oh, I’m sorry. She is cleaning the showroom. If you go back there and stay to the left, you should find her.” The theatre worker was nice enough to give them directions.
“Thank you.” Both equestrians made their way to the showroom.
“You've got to be kidding. Let me guess, you forgot something.” Adagio saw the two equestrian girls enter the showroom.
“We have come to talk to you Adagio Dazzle.” Sunset said.
“Oh, you remember me now? What is this? A case of switch your clothes, switch your personality?” The theatre worker noticed Sunset Shimmer was wearing a completely different set of clothes than before.
“I’m not sure what you are talking about.” The equestrian Princess replied.
“What happened to Flash? Did you kiss him and he turned into a purple girl?” Adagio smirked.
“We need to talk to you, in private.” Sunset said again.
“What do we have to talk about? I haven’t even seen you since almost a year, and now twice in a single day.” The theatre worker replied.
“Equestria.” Starlight Glimmer couldn’t keep quiet anymore.
“You have my attention.” Adagio was stunned when the purple girl called out her home world.
“Not here, is there anywhere private we can go?” The equestrian Princess asked.
“We can go to my house. Aria and Sonata should be home too. Give me five more minutes to finish up here, and then we can go.” The theatre worker said.
“We will wait outside for you.” Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer left the theatre and waited out front.
It took a little over seven minutes for Adagio Dazzle to come out of her workplace. Her home was only about a ten minute walk from the movie theatre. All three girls walked together, not saying a single word. Nobody wanted to spill the beans to the humans that there was another world, for more than one reason. It was late when they arrived at the Dazzlings' house.
“Aria, Sonata. I’m home. Oh and I brought some… visitors.” Adagio wouldn’t dare call them friends.
“Welcome home Adagio. Dumb beetle here and I just finished recording your show. What the…” Aria’s eyes grew wide when she spotted Sunset Shimmer.
“Uh Uh, you brought some friends over?” Sonata was excited.
“Puh, more like the enemy.” Aria Blaze stared at Sunset Shimmer.
“Aria, cut it out. And Sonata, you idiot, when did I ever make friends here?" Adagio scolded the other two girls. "You guys make yourselves at home on the couch. I need some coffee before I hear you out.”
Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer walked into the living room. They sat down on the loveseat while Aria and Sonata shared the couch. It took a few awkward minutes before Adagio Dazzle returned with coffee. She'd made enough for all of them.
“Thank you, about earlier. You said I wouldn’t even remember you?” Sunset Shimmer started the conversation.
“You are pulling my leg right? You don’t remember being in the theatre with Flash, wearing different clothes?” Adagio's tone was a bit more aggressive.
“Yeah, I'm pretty sure that wasn’t her.” Starlight Glimmer got involved.
“What do you mean, it wasn’t her? Do you think I was hallucinating?” The theatre worker replied angry.
“Yeah, she only does that in her sleep.” A most unnecessary comment from Sonata.
“Oh please Sonata, shut up.” Aria gave Sonata the evil eye.
“No, you shut up.” Sonata gave the evil eye right back to Aria.
“Hey, you two idiots. Both of you shut it and let the adults talk.” Adagio scolded them again.
“Sorry about the confusion. We just arrived from Equestria a little earlier today. So yeah, the one you saw in the theatre was my human counterpart.” The equestrian Princess said.
“You just got here from Equestria?” Aria looked suspiciously at her.
“No way!!!” Sonata’s eyes grew larger.
“So it was equestrian magic after all.” Adagio wondered.
“The battle of the bands, when we destroyed your pendants, yes it was equestrian magic.” Sunset Shimmer assured her.
“So, you were banned from Equestria? But how did you just now get here, when you took part at the battle of the bands almost a year ago?” Adagio Dazzle was confused.
“Simple. She wasn’t banned. The Princess and I traveled to this world through a Portal.” Starlight Glimmer pointed out.
“A Portal?” Was Aria’s reaction.
“A Princess?” Was Sonata’s reaction.
“You are kidding, right?” Was Adagio’s reaction.
“No, she isn’t. It wasn’t exactly the right timing to bring it up, but since it's out, let me explain why we are here.” Sunset Shimmer looked at a blushing Starlight.
“Uhm… My name is Starlight Glimmer and I’m from Equestria. This is actually my first visit to the human world. Oh yeah, and I’m a Unicorn.” The equestrian Girl said.
“So you are a pony. Like we used to be.” Adagio said.
“Princess Luna told me all about the pendants, how they turned you into Sirens. You guys fed off the negative energy ponies produced when you were singing. Same worked for you in this world, until we destroyed the pendants with equestrian magic.” The equestrian Princess explained.
“We didn’t remember our ponyhood until after the pendants were destroyed.” Sonata brought up.
“The reason we are here is, we need your help.” Starlight Glimmer said.
“You want our help? You have GOT to be kidding me. After you destroyed everything we had?” Aria wasn’t very happy.
“Let’s hear them out Aria. Did you say Luna? The two sisters are still ruling over Equestria?” Adagio seemed rather relaxed.
“Yes. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia still rule over Equestria, but not alone anymore. You met Princess Twilight at the battle of the bands, she was the lead singer. Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor have been ruling the Crystal Empire since its return.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“It seems that Alicorns do have a long lifespan. So, and what about you Sunset Shimmer? Starlight here called you Princess.” Adagio Dazzle was curious.
“Well, I just recently became a Princess and it’s not official yet. Princess Twilight and Celestia are being held captive by the Changelings, which brings us to the reason why we are here. The Queen of the Changelings is a formidable foe, she is very powerful and has a huge army backing her up.” The equestrian Princess had a worrisome look on her face.
“So why come to us? Are you recruiting to fight the Changelings?” Aria was faster than Adagio.
“No, I will not let it come to war. But if necessary, I was going to ban Chrysalis the Queen of the Changelings from Equestria. You guys are the only ones I know of who were banned, so I assume you know the spell that was used on you.” Sunset said.
“So this is what it is all about. What is in it for us?” Adagio had no issues asking what there was to gain for the Dazzlings.
“We are prepared to return you to Equestria, your home. Of course, we would help you get settled.” Starlight answered.
“I don’t know. We have been in this world for so long. I don’t know where our home is anymore.” Adagio looked troubled.
“Girls, I leave it up to you. I will not force anybody to return to Equestria. I had my own doubts about returning, and who knows, if my friend wasn’t in trouble I might not have returned. But I’m glad I did, there are no regrets. If you do decide to return, I promise I will do everything in my power to help you guys.” The equestrian Princess couldn’t have been more serious.
“Uhm… I-I w-want t-t-to go home.” Sonata had tears in her eyes.
“Eh…? I had no idea you felt that way.” Adagio was troubled that she didn’t know.
The girls talked for a while longer before Sunset Shimmer called Apple Jack to come pick them up. She knew she had to return to Equestria quickly before things got out of hand. To prevent a war with the Changelings, the Guardian of Harmony had received her most powerful weapon yet. The spell to ban Queen Chrysalis to the human world.