> Confusing Reality
>  by CrossRedstone
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Wu-wha-eh-what de fu*********?!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Sunset Shimmer it was pretty normal to wake up, when the sun was going up for obvious reasons. During the summer she also normally woke up before her alarm clock started to ring. And since it was summer, she didn't thought much, when she woke up groggily with her vision blurring.

"Urrgh, just one more test today..." she groaned. She was really looking forward to summer vacation this year, because she and her friends were going to spend it in Ponyville.  Unfortunately they first had to overcome the last tests of the year. For Sunset they were nothing more but unnecessary work for her hands.

Sunset threw the blanket away from her body and let out a yawn, sitting up on the edge of her bed. Her vision was still a little blurry. This must have been because her head had been buried inside her pillow with the eyes in the front. Planning on washing them out in the bathroom, she jumped off her bed...

...and collapsed to the ground. "Ow. Day's starting good." she muttered, getting up on her hooves. Wait, what hooves?

"H-hooves?" she asked groggily. Am I still dreaming? she wondered to herself. It certainly wouldn't be the first time that she was lucid dreaming about her home. Only normally they would turn out to be nightmares. "This still feels damn real for a dream. Too real..." she mused.

Looking around she found out that the room looked similar to the chambers of the castle in Canterlot. Spacious, a balcony, curtains in her mane colors and the furniture just looked pretty expensive.

"Oh buck, this is bound to go to tartarus." A dream of either her being royal or from the time she was still Celestia's prized student. Luckily Principal Luna of all people had taught Sunset how to deal with various dreams and nightmares. That was after she got shot into the ground from the Elements of Harmony. She had been getting a lot of nightmares for quite some time afterwards.

One trick that worked with Sunset was inflicting on herself pain. A little pinch was normally enough to wake her up. "Ow." It hurt. Sometimes she felt the pain on the body part she pinched herself and sometimes she even pinched herself in her sleep. Today it was neither of the two. Sunset was still in the over-expensive room, was a pony and had no idea where she was.

"What the-?! The hell? Okay, cool down Sunset. There's gotta be some kind of a more or less logical explanation for this. Obviously you're in Equestria again. Let's see...expensive room...uhh..." She walked towards the window and looked outside. "Canterlot. Room decoration...must be a coincidence it matches my colors. So concluding all this....

Something must have happened back at home....and the girls brought me here for some reason. Well my apartment is closer to the school than the hospital.

...

It's the only thing that makes sense. But why Canterlot? Why not stay in Ponyville? I guess it would be best to ask, than to continue thinking about it and not get anywhere on my own."

Satisfied with her answer, well more or less, Sunset started walking towards the door. She was still confused of course, but tried to cheer herself up with the fact  that she didn't have to take the test. Before she arrived at the door, her body forced her to use the bathroom. As expected it was pretty much like a bathroom in an expensive Dubai hotel. Except from the electricity.

Afterwards, Sunset splashed some water on her face and after rubbing her face, she decided to do a little more self-encouraging. It was something she had been training with Fluttershy to get over her stage fright and it did wonders. Now Sunset herself could use some encouragement.

"You can do this Sunset. It's not like you woke up in a prison cell. You have done a lot of work in order to make up for your past mistakes and you still are working on it. Most likely the princess will be more interested about your own studies about friendship. So get your ass...ehh...flank moving and....? What is this?" She noticed something odd about her body. The mirror was pretty large, so she could see a part of her own body and that's when she noticed something strange on her side.

She decided to check it out. If it was the remnants of an injury, she might be able to figure out what happened. She thought along the lines of a fire leaving a scar and it somehow appeared as a burn mark on her fur, when she got her old body back. She still didn't know how the mirror worked after all.
However what she found made her question her eyesight and rub her eyes. Nope, they were still there.

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! What the...?! That's...?! W-w-w-WINGS?!" she shouted and cringed, surprised as to how loud her voice became at the end of the statement. However, her loud booming voice was the least of her concerns, as she was now here standing with additional limbs on her back. Being aware of them, she awkwardly started using them. It was like having arms again on a pony body. Just sometimes instead of moving a wing, she accidentally used one of her forelegs, as those actually replaced arms.

"WHAT THE ACTUAL-?! Again Sunset cringed at the volume of her own voice. Perhaps this was a dream after all. No this felt too real to be a dream. If she would have paid closer attention, she would have noticed that she caused quite the disarray in the room.

Someone or most likely somepony knocked at the door. "Sunset Shimmer? Are you alright, dear?" Said called mare froze up for a second, before taking a deep breath. "I hope she has an explanation for this. If this is a joke, it's not a funny one." Shaking her head, Celestia would never make such a cruel joke, Sunset opened the door.

"P-princess Celestia." Sunset greeted the sun deity as formerly as possible, but couldn't help the little stutter. She almost forgot to bow, but did it at least.

"Sunset, what are you doing?" the question and the confusion in Celestia's voice made the fiery maned mare look up. She even looked confused for some reason.

"Umm...bowing? You ARE a princess after all. And...after everything I've done..." Sunset looked to the side.

"What are you talking about? What have you done? And you certainly don't need to bow to me because I'm princess." She now sounded amused. "After all, you're one too, are you not?"

"W-whaaaaaaaat?!" Sunset couldn't help herself.  She shook her head again. "No, you'd never make a joke like this. I have to be dreaming."

Celestia blinked a few times. "Are you feeling alright? Did you possibly hit your head?"

"Nah, it must be whatever was in that cupcake yesterday. That's it, no more of Pinkie Pie's cupcakes before going to sleep. Whatever she puts in those things, it can't be good for my sleep."

"Pinkie Pie? I didn't know you made a friend."

"Huh?...Okay, this is just getting weird. Maybe if I hit my head just a little harder I will finally wake up." No one said it is easy to accept the truth. If you would suddenly wake up as a pony prince/ss, would you belief it, despite the fact you already experienced pain inside the dream?

Sunset looked for something hard, but not too hard to hit herself with. However Celestia stepped in with her magic before Sunset could use her magic to levitate things around. The taller pony used her leg in order to check Sunset for high temperature, but showed obvious signs of relief. 

"Is it you who is making a joke my mischievous daughter?"

...

Sunset's brain needed to take a double take after hearing those words. "D-did you just call me...? No, come on Sunset, snap out of it." She hit herself with her hoof on the cheeks. Again pain and she didn't wake up.

"You gotta be kidding me." she whispered, realizing (again) that this was definitely not a dream.

"Sunset?" Celestia stepped closer and wrapped her foreleg around the shocked/frozen uni-(sorry, wrong script) alicorn.

"You're acting really strange today. Are you sure you're alright? Did something happen?"

"Twilight." Sunset breathed out. "I need to talk to Twilight. I'm sure she can make some sense out of all of this."

"Twilight?" Celestia asked, thinking a little bit. She nodded satisfied. "Okay, let's wake up your sister. The servants told me she read all night again." Celestia chuckled. She started walking out of the room, but Sunset didn't follow. Her brain was having difficulty processing the new Information.

This is just a dream. None of this makes any sense. Twilight...my sister? Celestia...my mother? I...am a princess?! No, this gotta be a dream! Nothing else makes any sense!! Stupid sub-consciousness! Wake up! I don't want to be a princess! I....I....ARRRGH

> Okay, so...I guess I should start somewhere...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

That was officially the weirdest dream I've ever had. Sunset thought to herself. Kind of overreacted. Whatever, I better get ready for school. Sunset yawned and stretched her limbs, mindlessly throwing the blanket to the ground. Sitting up, she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. Yet when she opened them, it wasn't her room that greeted her eyesight.

"Oh buck..." she muttered defeated. It was still the huge bedroom from before. She got up a little and checked on the things that kind of felt weird on her body. Yep, the wings were still there.

"Sunny!" The fiery mare cringed visibly, after hearing that particular nickname. She hated it beyond belief, before and after her reformation. The voice she recognized easily, as it belonged to the mare she owed so much. Titling her head, Sunset found Twilight leaning towards the bed and looking intensely.

"Twilight?"

"Mom said you wanted to talk to me, before you hyperventilated. She has to run court today, so she couldn't stay here. What happened? Why did you hyperventilate in the first place?"

Because my world just made a complete three-sixty? "Twilight...are we...sisters?"

Twilight blinked at the question. "Uh, yes. Of course. You're my BSBFF."

"Excuse me, what?"

"Big Sister Best Friend Forever." Twilight explained, as if she had to tell Sunset what a hoof was. The lavender alicorn's expression turned into one of concern. "Sunset, are you feeling alright?" she asked.

The other alicorn sighed and shook her head. "I'm not sure anymore. I'm getting a headache and..." her stomach growled very loudly "...that."

Twilight giggled, while Sunset finally got off from the bed. "We should probably get you some breakfast. You probably just overdid it yesterday somehow while you practiced. Let's go, I need to make sure Spike doesn't eat so much gems again."

"Sounds...good." It sounded at least better than sounding like a crazy mare. Sunset had no idea what was going on, but playing along sounded better than getting into another fit. Yes, I used the word on purpose.

Since it had been years Sunset last had been in the palace, she actually followed Twilight without the mare noticing anything. She let Twilight go two steps ahead in order to do so. Five minutes later they arrived in a small private dining room. Breakfast was already served and a certain purple dragon was rubbing his stomach happily. Twilight rolled her eyes.

"Spike!"

"What?"

Twilight actually started lecturing the dragon about how eating too many gems was not good for his health and how he also needed to eat his vegetables and so on. It was completely mother's talk. Sunset silently chuckled as she took a seat. As she used her magic to levitate some stuff to her plate, she didn't feel like any of her magic is missing. Luckily levitating was something no unicorn ever forgot to do, no matter how long you're without magic.

I totally forgot just how tasty flowers are. Reminds of when I tried one of them, when I was a human. Boy that were times...times I wish I just could forget.

"Jeez Twilight, if you're so worried about him, you should put him on a leash." Sunset joked.

"I actually might just do that..." Twilight muttered, annoyed that Spike wasn't really listening at all. Spike just waved off, knowing that Twilight would never do such a thing.

"By the way Sunset, what happened?" Spike asked.

"I'd... rather not talk about it." Sunset replied.

The little dragon shrugged and munched on his own sandwich without gems (Twilight made sure of it). "So what are you two gonna do today?" Spike asked.

"There's something I stumbled upon yesterday and I need to look deeper into it."

"Really Twilight? More studying?" Spike asked in a deadpan.

"This is important Spike. I think I'm onto something big." Twilight insisted.

The drake groaned and looked over to Sunset. "Tell me at least you have planned something different from studying."

"Uh...well, I have nothing really planned today." I actually have no freaking idea what a princess does all day. Celestia has her court, but what am I supposed to do? Wow, I never actually thought this through.
"Though, now that I think about it...there's something I want to check out in the castle and afterwards...I'll think of something. Maybe talking a little walk and getting some fresh air."

"Great, I'll go with you." Spike declared.

Sunset blinked. "Uh...alright. Twilight, are you sure you don't want to come along?"

"Maybe next time." Twilight replied, her focus clearly being somewhere else.


XIII


"Where are we going again?" asked Spike.

"I'm not too sure if I'm honest. It's been a while since I've seen the thing I'm looking for." Sunset explained. "I'm not even sure if we're walking into the right direction."

"Well, I have never been in this part of the castle." Spike shrugged.

In fact, the two were now in the basement of the castle, which was still well illuminated by magic crystals. There were still a lot of ponies running around in the basement: maids and servants, carrying stuff from the various storage rooms. Speaking of those ponies, they always bowed to Sunset and even greeted her sometimes with her 'title'. One particular encounter was still fresh in her mind:

Spike and Sunset were just turning around the corner, when Sunset accidentally bumped into a maid, who was carrying a tea-set with her magic. The set was ruined and as for the tea, it was all over Sunset's face. The maid then bowed her head quickly and started apologizing.

"I'm sorry, your highness. I'm so sorry! Please don't banish me from the castle! I have three children to take care off." The mare was trembling in total fear and shakily levitating all the pieces together. Sunset knew what fear looked like and right now the mare almost resembled Fluttershy during the time Sunset bullied her.

Getting out of her stupor Sunset spoke to the mare. "Calm down already. It's no big deal."

"Y-your highness?"

"It's just tea. Don't worry about it. It's partially my fault anyway. Here let me help you."

"N-no, i-it's alright."

Sunset rolled her eyes and picked everything up quickly with her own magic. With another spell she dried the tea of her face and the little stuff that got the maid's face.

Afterwards the maid had quickly bowed and ran away with the shards in her magic grip. That hadn't been so surprising in the aftermath. What had been were all the ponies, servants and guards and even Spike staring at her like she was some kind of alien. When she asked the drake, after quickly getting away from there, he didn't exactly gave a clear answer, except from: "It's nothing."

Back at the basement one of the servants approached the duo. "Excuse me, your highness, Sir Spike, can I help you two somehow."

"Hmm, no not- actually, do work often in this part of the castle?"

"Indeed I do your highness." The stallion replied.

"Good. Did you notice a mirror in one of the storage rooms? It's oval shaped, has the height of three or four ponies standing on top of each other and on top is a picture of a pony dancing on its hind-legs. Any ideas?"

"A mirror? That's what we're looking for?" Spike asked in disappointment.

"A mirror....ah yes, I recall stumbling upon one in one of the storage rooms on the second basement floor. I can lead you there, if you wish me to do so."

"That would be really nice. Thank you."

The stallion seemed to freeze up for a second, but that surely was just Sunset's imagination. The servant lead the two into the second basement floor in which didn't seem to be used as much as the first one. It also wasn't as tidy with boxes and old armor lying around in the corners among with other stuff.

"It's cold here." Spike complained, rubbing his arms.

"Ah yes, here we store the food that is not used the same day it is delivered. The cold temperature is there to keep everything fresh."

"Ah, I see. I still don't like the cold." Spike started to shudder. "Let's get this over with quick."

The stallion walked towards one of the doors and opened it. He took a quick look inside, only to close the door quickly. "I-I'm sorry. This was wrong door." He looked a little startled. An all too familiar smell told Sunset what exactly got that kind of reaction out of him. Back in the other world it was very easy to come by this product. This was for special guests.

"Ah, here it is. My apologies."

"No problem. We can take it from here. I promise we won't take long."

The stallion bowed and left the basement. "You okay Spike? You can wait upstairs, I won't take long."

"I-it's fine." he shuddered a little. "You got me curious, why you're so interested in a mirror."

Sunset chuckled and closed her eyes, letting some nostalgic memories flow through her mind. "It's more than just a mirror Spike." She went inside and illuminated the room with her magic. Being there, she finally remembered why the mirror was moved here. This room was so barely used, the chances someone accidentally using it were slim. On plus there was the thing that it only opened every 30 moons.

Dust had settled all over the mirror, but it was definitely the same one. Seeing it again brought up mixed emotion, which Sunset fought down for the moment. There was time for worrying about her friends later, when she was alone.

"That's it? Huh, that picture is weird."

"I never understood the design choice either." Sunset slowly walked up towards the mirror, until she could see her own image. She slowly raised a hoof and touched the mirror.

...
...
"Figures. It's closed." she muttered.

"What did you say?" Spike asked.

Sunset took a few steps back. "This isn't just an ordinary mirror, you know?"

"Uh...no."

Sunset glanced at Spike for a second. "This thing here is actually a portal that leads to another world."

"W-what?! Are you serious."

"Dead serious, Spike." And she also sounded dead serious. "I did some...research. Starswirl for example used the mirror to sent some evil beings called "The Sirens" into this world, because it doesn't contain any magic. In short, it cut them greatly in their power and ever since they've been stuck there."

"Wow. So...how do we open it?" Spike asked. Sunset sighed.

"That's the annoying part, but also a good safety measurement. It only opens every thirty moons. Though with a constant power source we could change that, but we would need one at the other side too. Arrgh, I better stop before I start rambling." Sunset stopped herself before she said too much. Luckily Twilight explained her how she managed to keep the portal constantly open. Rebuilding the device shouldn't be that hard with some studying up. 

"Yeah, please do." Spike agreed.

"Guess I have to wait until it opens and just check every day from now on."

"You really want to visit this other world, huh?"

Sunset shrugged. "I'm just curious. Don't tell me, you aren't?"

"Hehe, I sure am. Wait until Twilight hears about this."

"Yeah, I guess we shouldn't leave her out." Sunset nodded. "Okay, let's get out of here. I'm suddenly in the mood for ice cream. Wanna join?"

"What? How can you think of eating ice cream now?!"

> Getting ice cream
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

If Sunset would get a bit-coin for every stare she got, she could easily fill the half of the royal treasury within  a day. There was a time she actually wanted ponies to look at her, but this story is getting old. Tell you what, I won't mention it anymore, 'kay? I probably should Pinkie Promise it or I'll forget...

*AHEM* Anyway,

Sunset did her best to ignore the stares she got and moreover the whispers. Dear Celestia AND Luna, high school gossip wasn't nearly as bad as this. For example one particular mare whispered that Sunset and Spike were secretly, although the drake was supposed to date Twilight. He was just a baby dragon for buck's sake!

"Let's get down over there. Looks as good of a place as any other."

"Sure." Spike quickly took the next best seat outside of the little cafe. His body temperature seemed to have increased enough for him to get into the mood of ice cream. Especially since Equestria had ice cream with gem sprinkles. Not to get confused, gems were still valuable, just in Equestria you can grow them like crop. It just took a while and there were of course more valuable gems, depending on how long they had been growing and a bunch of other stuff Sunset actually didn't know.

Sunset herself carefully readjusted her wings, as she sat down. It was almost like having arms again, only her forelegs were supposed to be her arms. And there was one more thing: she couldn't fly. She needed to fix that, fast, yet she knew only one way as to how she could learn flying as fast as possible.

Sticking that plan into the back of her head, Sunset tried to enjoy the warm breeze, while she and Spike waited for somepony to come and bring them the menu card.

"What do you think we'll find on this other world? Maybe we'll meet aliens?" Spike asked. Sunset was brought out of her stupor and chuckled at Spike's comment.

"It's possible. Although it does sound like out of a comic. At least we can conclude there's no toxic air or something. Starswirl must have at least visited the place to note down that there exists no magic. Makes me wonder if that is the place he disappeared too..."

"At another theory to add to Twilight's list." Spike stated. "Now that I think about it, we probably shouldn't tell her. She's going to have a fit, when she finds out that she could meet some aliens."

"Cool, we leave her with the whole politic, while we check out the night clubs."

Spike laughed and imagined Sunset dancing with alien ponies in a disco. A loud sound of a door being burst open caught their attention. A yellow mare with an apron stumbled out of the house and quickly approached their table.

"G-good morning Princess Sunset Shimmer, Sir Spike!" The mare put on the most obvious fake smile Sunset had ever seen. Out from the corner of her eye, she saw a stallion looking out of the window with an expression that you give to a soldier who you sent to suicide mission. Clearly this must have been her boss.

"W-what can I b-bring you two on this magnificent day, your mother so generously created?"

Sunset resisted the urge to facehoof and at the same time to just smack the mare in front of her. Family was a really touchy subject for the former unicorn, one that she particularly tried to ignore for lots of reasons.

"I'll have a chocolate glass with sapphire sprinkles." Spike proclaimed. "Please don't tell Twilight." He quickly pleaded Sunset, who shook her head in amusement. Seeing as she still had to order something, but had no idea what exactly, she asked: "Do you have a menu card?"

"O-of course. Right away your highness!" She high-tailed back into the building. Seconds later the two heard the sound of glass and pottery crashing.

"Talk about overreacting..." Sunset muttered. "Next time remind me to up a disguise."

"Uh...sure?"

30 seconds later the menu card was brought to Sunset, who thanked the pony and opened it with her magic. "Hmm....what to get?"
It doesn't look like they have anything special here. Meh, I can always stick with the classics.
...
What a way to just shove away my problems. With ice cream. How low can I sink?
Well, it's not like I can do anything as long as the portal is closed.
The portal is irrelevant. You need to talk with somepony about this.
But who would belief me?
...
I'm arguing with myself...

"Sunset?"

"H-huh?" Spike got her back to reality.

"You were spacing out."

"Oh...sorry. Just having a lot on my mind today. I think I quit studying completely today. Maybe a book before sleeping at most."

"Wow, something must be really up, when you quit studying just like that." Spike commented.

Sunset didn't comment any further, instead she checked the menu out again. In the meantime, a group of four ponies took a place on a table a little away from the duo. Sunset overheard their conversation.

"I swear, sometimes I wonder why I even bothered getting to this place." a stallion unicorn spoke up. "Seriously, what's wrong with those so called nobles anyway?"

"You get used to it." another one, a pegasus, said. "Just be careful what you say around the nobles. They're the ones with the money after all."

The only mare in the group, another unicorn, snickered and her friends gave her a look. "I just remembered that one time. You know, those nobles are always proud of their pure unicorn blood? I was practicing my shield spells in the park, when of them walked by with some "friends". Tried to break through it, only to fail miserably. I swear I never felt a weaker magical aura in my life."

The last stallion in the group, an earth pony, snorted. "They probably are all related to each other already. Incest for day!"

They all had a good laugh, despite it being not so funny. It was probably an inside joke among friends, the way the earth pony had raised his foreleg in the air.

"While we're at it" the first unicorn spoke up again "does anypony know who's the pop of the two daughters of Princess Celestia?"

Sunset lowered the card a little and sharpened her ears.

"Uh..." there was a silence at the table.

"Huh? I thought you Canterlot guys would know or at least heard rumors about who had an affair with whom."

"Actually...nopony ever asked that question." the pegasus answered. The unicorn who actually asked that question, facehoofed.
"Really?" he asked in a deadpan matter.

"I guess even princesses need some "fun" in their life." the earth pony spoke up again.

The others looked at the earth pony, before laughing out loud.

"Oh wow. I'll never get THAT image out of my head." The pegasus shouted.

"Who cares anyways?" the mare spoke up. "I bet she slept with a bunch of stallions. She is immortal after all and she's bound to get bored. And maybe she just was in the mood of having kids. Spending the eternity all alone doesn't exactly sound pleasant to me. I think even IF she did what we all think she did, we should overlook it."

"Don't tell me you're pregnant yourself and just say all that stuff, so we won't-"

"Shut up."

Sunset blocked them out, when they started talking about stuff of their personal lives and joked about it. Still there was another thing that could be added to the list of questions that needed to be answered. If Celestia for whatever reason, then who was her father? Yet, she wasn't really going to ask Celestia this question, because of the high level of awkwardness it would ensure.

The waitress brought Spike's order and turned then to the princess. "H-have you decided your highness?"

"Yes. I'll take a strawberry cup."

"Right away, your highness."

The waitress left quickly, this time without crashing into anything. As soon as she left it became awfully quiet. Well not completely silent with ponies walking around and the general city noise. It just seemed like someone shut off a radio that had been playing for the last twenty minutes. Turning her head, Sunset found out what the problem was. The group of four, who had arrived were now holding their heads low and whispering around each other, stealing glances every now and then towards Sunset.

She sighed. This feels way too much like the first thirty moons at CHS.

Sunset just ignored them and waited for her ice cream. When it arrived, she immediately duck into it. However after the first bite she immediately froze with the spoon in her mouth. The owner seemed to have an heart attack.

"You okay Sunset?" Spike asked.

The mare finally took the spoon out of her mouth. "Best ice I've ever had." she said before she wolfed it all down.

"That was very princess like." Spike grinned.

"Shut up."

Spike had a good laugh out of it, while Sunset ordered seconds. The ponies on the other table whispered among each other and commented about their princesse's behavior.

"Urrgh, I think I have brain freeze." Spike complained.

"YOU have brain freeze? What are you a dragon or a worm?"

"Very funny."

Spike walked towards a place where the sun could shine directly onto his poor little head, while Sunset took care of the payment. Earlier that day she found a huge stack of bits inside her room. Okay, more than one apparently and there had been lots of jewelries.

Since she had more bits than she could count, Sunset gave a rather huge tip, along with the lines: "Best ice cream I've ever had. Definitely coming here again."

Sunset and Spike left a stunned waitress who had just received her pay a month earlier than usual.

"Hey, how about we head to Donut Joe?" Spike suggested.

"First ice-cream and now Donuts? You're gonna be one fat dragon and I'd have rather not Twilight beating me up (again)."

"Come on, Twilight would never do that. At most she'd give you a speech."

Sunset laughed out loud. "Oh you have NO idea Spike." You have so no idea.

Again ponies were watching/bowing to her. Spike seemed to have no problem with that. At least he wasn't making a scene or something.

I wonder if it is still there. Sunset got suddenly the thought of something really important. "Spike, do you mind going ahead of me. There's something I need to check out."

"Huh? Are you sure I shouldn't go with you?" the dragon asked a little confused.

"Sorry, it's something really personal for me. I'll tell you another time."

"Okay. See you at lunch. I better help Twilight anyway or else she's going to get lost in her notes again." Spike hurried ahead towards the castle. Sunset looked after him, until he was out of sight. She herself walked back the road she came and further downtown.

XIII

"It's still here." she muttered. "Heh, back then I took the first chance to leave this place and now I actually feel drawn to it. Stupid elements of harmony, I didn't need that."

She walked a little closer to the building. "Why did I come anyway? This place was...no it probably is still an equivalent to Tartarus. There's nothing for me to get here and especially no good memories to relive or old "friends" to look after. I should go...and stop speaking to myself." Probably my emotions running wild. I can't wait for the mirror to open again.

"It's time." spoke a sing-song voice. "You have the bits, do you not?"

Sunset turned towards the speaker. Oh. So that's why...now I really feel bad. But now I can do something against it.
...
If this is your fault, I hate you elements of harmony.


> And now I own an orphanage...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A stallion, wearing some kind of stereotypical I-am-a-bad-greedy-guy (now that Sunset thought about it, a lot of things in Equestria are generally stereotypical) was standing in front of the mare who owned the orphanage. She had been always overworked and thus always in a bad mood. In her youth Sunset like most others at the orphanage had avoided her, for even Pinkie Pie would have a hard time turning that frown upside down.

"Well?" the stallion asked.

"I...I-I....I need more time!" The mare stammered. Sunset had completely forgotten her name. "Just one or two days. I promise I have the money by then, Mr. Goldcoin."

The stallion, now dubbed as Goldcoin, laughed coldly. "Now if I had a bit-coin every time I heard that phrase. Cheer up, a renovation was overdue at this piece of rubble. Would probably cost you more than you owe me!"

Sunset had heard enough. This guy was either the worst or a loan shark...which was actually the worst in her opinion. As much as she disliked her old life at the orphanage, she still owed that mare something. The best part was she could actually do something.

"Is there a problem?" she made herself known to the other two ponies. They turned around, one hoping the mare wouldn't get caught up in the trouble as well, the other being annoyed, expecting it to be one of those hero type ponies. Both were taken aback at seeing one of the princesses casually walking up to them.

"Y-your highness!" the mare exclaimed, bowing immediately. The stallion was brought out of his stupor and did the same.

Nope, still not used to it.

"Alright, enough bowing already." Real smooth talk Sunset. "It looks like you two have a little...disagreement." She looked at each of them for a few seconds. "As far as I heard you owe him a debt. Do the two of you mind explaining this in further detail?" she asked.

"Oh, I assure you, nothing you have to bother yourself with, princess." I should throw him into the dungeon just for his voice.

He levitated a paper out of his tuxedo and showed it to Sunset, who immediately took it with her own magic.

"I'm simply here to collect the money the fine mare here owes me."

Sunset carefully read through the paper. It was an official document alright, with a high interest. Sunset did some quick math inside her head and concluded there was no way an under-payed orphanage like this could actually come up with the money.

"Hmm dededede....must pay if dededede insists, yada yada yada...doesn't look too good." she muttered. There wasn't much Sunset could do regarding this document.
...No, that was wrong. She COULD actually do something. She had the money and moreover she had even more authority than she ever could dream of in Canterlot High. Urrgh, thoughts heading towards the wrong direction.

"Wait here."

Her horn lit up and she disappeared in a flash of light. Up until she appeared in her own room it had only been a theory, but it was true. Thanks to her alicornhood, her teleportation range had greatly increased. Teleporting into the castle wasn't a problem. But instead of admiring her new energy reserves, she had something to do. Opening her drawer, she searched through her jewelry, looking for something that was just enough to pay off the depth.

Damn, I should have asked how much she owed him. But now it was no use. It didn't really matter, since everything looked excessively expensive. She might not look like it, but Sunset had amateurish knowledge as to how valuable a gem or a necklace was. Years of trading Equestrian gold and gems, plus a few books from the human world and lastly the internet taught her this. One had to be skills in many things if you wanted to survive on your own in the human world. Some of she wasn't really proud off anymore.

"Tch, I this one is as good as any." She finally decided on a gold necklace with a ruby attached to the middle. One teleport later, she again stood in front of the two ponies.

"All right. How much do you owe him?"

"Y-your highness?!" Both ponies were aghast. "B-but-"

"Just tell me, already." Sunset said, a little more aggressive than she wanted.

"Th-th-three thousand bits, your highness."

Yikes. Does this guy ever gets his money back, the way he lets the liabilities rise? Tch, damn that stallion, today is his lucky day.

"Here." she pushed the necklace into the stallions chest. "The thing is worth at least five thousand. Now do everypony here a favor and go away, before my mood really begins to drop."

The stallion gulped and quickly headed away, after another bow. The mare in the meantime gaped at Sunset Shimmer, before the owner of the building threw herself to Sunset's hooves, crying.

"Thank you, your highness. sob Thank you from all of my heart."

Needless to say, Sunset felt a bit uncomfortable.

"H-hey, come on. Stop it already. Let's get inside. There's something I wanted to ask you."

"A-a-are you sure your highness? It's-"

"I swear if you tell me it's too dirty for a princess like me, I'm...I'll think of something."

Despite the joke not really being that funny the mare couldn't suppress a giggle. It must have been the stress of the situation, Sunset concluded.

"I-if you wish, your highness. Please follow me."

"By the way, what's your name?" Sunset asked, as she started trotting next to the mare.

"Caring Heart, your highness."

No wonder I didn't remember her name. Doesn't quite match with the picture I remember.

Caring Heart looked like a really stressed mare and way older than she actually was. Her yellow mane had long ago lost its brightness. Her orange fur looked a little grayed out, like a t-shirt you've put too often in the washing machine. Her tail was short and flat, her blue eyes looked a little bit more alive than 5 minutes before Sunset showed up. Her cutie mark was a daisy flower with a smile inside. (Bet you guys expected something heart-themed. HA!)

The mare (a unicorn, almost forgot about that part) opened the door with her magic, which was a dark blue. A wave of nostalgia overcame the princess, as she walked into the old building immediately followed by the familiar smell it gave off. A mixture of a dusty building and the cafeteria, which was just down the hall. Sunset took a quick sniff.

"Pizza? Now you're making me hungry." The concept of Pizza wasn't alien to ponies. They just only had vegetarian pizzas. Caring Heart blushed a little. "I thought I would do one last thing for the children, before...oh well, now I have an excuse for the children."

Sunset laughed a little. "Yeah, I can guess." She looked around the hallway. The floor was made of a dark wood, which creaked every now and the, when somepony stepped on it. The walls were white with all kinds of kid's drawings on them. Old magic lamps were stuck on each side on the wall every ten to twelve meters. Nopony was sitting behind the reception desk.

"I kind of expected more fillies and colts running around."

"Yes well, they have lessons at the moment. The classrooms are on the other side of the building."

"Right, school. Somehow I already forgot about that." The princess shook her head. Wait, if it's a school day, shouldn't I have school too? Or at least a private tutor? Urrgh, details, who cares about them? That's how I understand Hasbro Logic.

"Y-your highness, if I might ask a question?"

"Go ahead." Sunset titled her head.

"Not to appear disrespectful or ungrateful for what you have done for me..., no, for the children," Caring began "but won't it bring you trouble for helping us?"

"Trouble?" the princess was confused, then snorted. "You mean that guy from earlier? How's he supposed to get me into trouble?"

"No, I didn't mean him. Not exactly anyway..." The other mare shook her head. "What I mean is that, you're a princess. The crown-princess at that."

THAT'S a new one. Crown-princess?! "Celestia is kind of immortal already. Crown-princess is kind of a useless title if you think about it, you know? Sorry, you were saying?"

"What I meant with trouble...how should I....? Won't other ponies bother you? I mean they could say: You helped that orphanage, why aren't you helping my bakery? Ponies might think if you don't help them, you're not a fair ruler. I don't know about politics, but I don't think the nobles-"

"Urrgh..." Sunset let her head hanging down, startling the other pony.

"Y-your majesty?"

"Well done, Sunset Shimmer. Well done." If Sunset would have been able to clap, she would have done it slowly. "I've done it yet again."

"H-huh?"

"I've done something without thinking it completely through." Sunset chuckled dryly. "You're right. It wouldn't be a matter if I would be just some rich kid." Sunset rubbed her forehead, groaning. She could already see Celestia giving her a lecture actions that just so might have a greater impact in the future.

"Do you have some tea by any chance? I think I could need some right now."

"Of course. Please follow me to my office, your highness."

The office was located on the other end of the hallway. As for the office itself, the word 'dusty' was the first one that came to Sunset Shimmer's mind, when she entered. It wasn't like a layer of dust was settled everywhere, just that it seemed like nopony dusted off the shelves and everything else. Photos of different generations of children were hanging on the walls.

The only thing missing is an old PC that runs on Windows XP. Or 98. Meh, human jokes aren't really working here.

There was also an old tea-set standing on the windowsill, the only thing that seemed to be really taken care off. Said set was levitated up by the owner of the building. "I'll get right to the tea, your highness."

"Take your time and relax already." Sunset said with a smile, trying to reassure the other mare.

"I'm sorry, your highness."

Now she's acting like Fluttershy.

"Please excuse me, your highness."

Sunset was left alone inside the office, after the mare left. Sighing, she placed herself on a chair, thinking about her current situation. Ignoring came to mind, but that would hardly work. She wasn't sure what kind of reputation she had in this universe (it had to be another universe or timeline, anything else didn't make any sense), but most likely the nobles will be the same. She could already hear their complaints, since that pretty much seemed to be the only thing they were doing, as far as Sunset remembered anyway.

Looking around the room a little, she noticed a certain piece of paper. It stuck out because it was the only one without at least a little bit of dust on it. Sunset could imagine Caring just sitting in this room, despairing over the fact that she would lose this orphanage. The stacks of papers indicated that work hadn't been done here for quite some time.

Curious about this piece of paper and ignoring the slight guilty feelings, she took a good look at the document. Calling it 'taking a peak' would have been a complete lie.

"This looks awfully familiar....oh right. I thought about getting my own house. It's a contract about selling the building. Somepony and I think I know which pony, thought of this as a last resort. If this building is really in need of renovations, than its pretty overpriced. Who'd thought my experience of signing all kinds of apartment contracts would come in handy...hoofy? In Equestria?

While I'm at it, I might as well have a look at everything around. Had my fair share of rusty pipes and...urrgh... mold. Also, I should stop talking to myself before it gets a habit." Now where's a pen? Oh right, they still use feathers and ink here. There we go.

A couple of minutes later Caring Heart entered her office, carefully levitating the tea. Sunset was sitting on the chair in front of the desk, examining her right wing. "They're aching. Probably need to actually use them." she muttered.

"Thanks." she said to the older mare and levitated one cup towards herself.

"Sugar, your highness."

"Ehh, I try to keep short on that stuff. A friend of mine makes the best sweets in the entire world and I kind of overdid it already yesterday." she chuckled.

Caring Heart smiled and took seat behind her desk. Silently she wished she would have at least cleaned up her office. Princess Sunset Shimmer wasn't the kind of mare Caring expected her to be, quite the contrary from what she'd heard.

"Wow, that's some good tea."

"Thank you." Caring smiled at the compliment.

"Say Caring" Sunset nipped on her tea again "is your money problem really solved? Your debts are paid for that stallion, but there's gotta be a reason you needed the money in the first place, right?"

The other pony placed her cup on the table and sighed. "I don't want to bother you with my problems, your highness. I am really grateful for what you have already done for us and wouldn't it get you into more trouble?"

Sunset smiled. "Depends. I was a bad pony and took a really close peak at the thing you wrote." She levitated the paper in front of Caring, whose jaw dropped immediately, when she saw the sign on the of the two required lines. She looked up towards the princess in front of her or rather gaped.

"B-but...!"

"It solves both of our problems. Celestia has her school for gifted unicorns, so why can't I do something similar?"

"I-I...d-don't..."

"By helping me bringing this in front of Celestia. Sheesh, what have I done? This day is getting really confusing. And it's not even lunchtime."

Reminds me of one of those really bad written fanfictions. A giant robo attack and this could have been easily written by Rainbow Dash. Damn you Rainbow, why did you ever show that web-side? I didn't need to read Pinkie's Cupacake story.
> This chapter is so filler, I decided to call it filler. Yeah -.-
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Doesn't look too bad, but I've seen worse." Sunset said as she wrote yet another thing of her ever longer getting list of things that need to be either repaired in one way or the other or completely replaced. In case of the sinks the pipes connecting them, a replacement seemed to be the best solution, but she would leave that to the construction ponies.

"You have?" Caring Heart asked surprised, for pretty obvious reasons.

"You wouldn't belief me anyway." Sunset said, only half paying attention, as she skipped over the list she made one last time. "Okay, I think I have a good overview of what needs to be done." The princess said, as she and the former owner left the bathrooms.

"Thank you...for everything."

"That's probably the hundredth time you said that." Sunset smiled.

The two finally arrived at the first floor again, after spending half an hour taking a quick look over the place.   Sunset didn't want to think about how long the list would have been, if she would have paid the same attention, she did with the places she lived in the human world.

"I think I better go back to the castle. I have...a bit of explaining to do." the princess rubbed the back of the head uncomfortably.

"Should I maybe come with you, your highness?"

"Nah, it's cool." Sunset waved off. "I know I said otherwise earlier, but I bet you have a ton of stuff to do right now. I'm pretty sure I'm going to come back later today for-"

A gasp coming from the other side of the hall caught the attention of the two. Turning around they found a filly unicorn in light green color, yellow eyes and dark green mane looking at them with excitement. She was standing at the bottom of another staircase, from where quickly more fillies and colts came running downstairs, some still equipped with their school bags.

"Oh right, it's lunchtime..." Caring murmured to herself.

"Look everypony!" the first unicorn who came down shouted and pointed at Sunset Shimmer "it's a princess!" The effect was immediate, as every single one of the foals ran up to her, amazed simply by her being there.

"What are you doing here?"

"Is it true that your bathtub is made of gold?"

"Are you adopting one of us?"

"Hey, I want to see her too!"

The narrow hallway was quickly filled with an overwhelming number of ponies. Caring Heart having experience with those kind situations and when she raised her voice, everyone immediately quieted down.

"Please children, calm down. I know this is a surprise for us all, but Princess Sunset Shimmer is a busy pony. She was about to leave us, anyway."

"Awwww........." came from the entire crowd of small ponies. Seeing everypony so disappointed made Sunset feel really guilty.

"Oh well, I think I can spare some more time." Sunset said. Again there was an immediate reaction, this time cheering from everypony. She gave a quick smile to Caring Heart, who returned the smile, only a little bit unsure.

"Okay everypony. Let's get into the cafeteria." Caring said, immediately causing the ponies to rush down the hallway. The grown ups almost got carried away in the stream.

"I'm sorry, your highness."

Sunset just kept smiling. "Kids will be kids. Considering I just bought this whole place, I should interact with them at least a little, shouldn't I?" she asked in a little sarcastic matter. On another note, she silently hoped she would be able to get a slice of pizza.

As they entered the cafeteria, Sunset remembered that she neither took a look at this room or the kitchen. Bad memories started resurfacing, when she remembered that one time she needed to go to the hospital thanks to...yeah. It was...NOT NICE.

The cafeteria itself contained a lot of rundown tables, along with even more rundown chairs. None of them looked comfortable at all. The walls looked like they could use some new paint on them. On one end of the room were some larger tables, where obviously the food was being picked up, along with plates and some old silverware.

Two unicorn cooks just brought in the pizza. Upon seeing the crown princess in the room, they almost lost the large plates from their magic grips. "Y-your highness?!" one of them exclaimed. Both tried to bow awkwardly, while still holding the plates.

"No need to bow, really. I'm not here for long anyway." she explained. "All right kids, I'll answer a few questions for now. And don't worry about the food." Sunset activated her magic and lifted up a piece of pizza, put it on a plate and finally levitated the plate over to a colt, who in return smiled gratefully. She repeated the whole process, only faster and carrying more and more pieces.

Soon enough everyone had a slice of pizza in front of them. Half of the kids cheered, while the other half was already eating. The older ones, granted there were only a few teenagers, looked with a mixture of skeptic and disbelief. Sunset even recognized a few, although the names just wouldn't come to her mind.

"Now" Sunset spoke up "as I already said, I can answer a few questions before I really need to go and no, my bathtub is not made of pure gold." There were a few chuckles from the older ones and grown ups. 

Surprisingly the first question came from one of the older orphans. "Why are you here? Not to be rude or anything, but...doesn't a princess have something better to do?"

Sunset thought about the answer for a second. "Actually, it was just coincidence I met Caring Heart today. I think it's no secret this orphanage could need some help, so I decided to help."

"But why?"

"Why not?" Sunset countered. "What's wrong with wishing that you have at least a nice place to stay?"

That silenced the mare. It took a few seconds before another colt raised his leg. "Yes?"

"Are you going to adopt m-...one of us?"

"Sorry" Sunset looked apologetic "I can't really do that. But I can visit you from time to time, I'm sure." Of course being adopted was the best thing that could happen to an orphan. The second best was becoming her student. Sunset Shimmer silently commented the colt on his courage on daring to ask the question.

The next question came from the unicorn who discovered Sunset first. "Can you take me on a flight?" More than a few snorted at this question. The princess however froze up for a second. It would lead to at least some uncomfortable situations.

"E-e-err....maybe another time. L-look at the time, I need to go now. I'll see you then." Sunset gave Caring a signal to follow her outside. The children were shouting after her, but Sunset ignored them for now. Almost ignored them. "Sorry, I really need to go now. Oh, almost forgot." She quickly levitated a piece of pizza over to herself. "Apparently it's uncouth for a princess to enjoy fast food, so...you won't tell anypony if I bring you chocolate next time, will you?" she winked at the kids, who cheered in return.

Outside, the princess quickly devoured the pizza, before Caring Heart appeared next to her. "Sorry about the abrupt leave here, but I really better get back now." she explained.

"I understand, your highness. I will tell the rest of the staff today what happened. Everypony was confused about your "help" you did to us. To be honest...I didn't even tell anypony else how bad it was looking for us." she admitted, looking down on the floor. "Though I'm sure they suspected something. Haha, it's funny. It all worked out in the end."

"You should have told them." Sunset stated flatly. "They would have helped you. And even if not, they would be prepared to lose their job and already start looking for alternatives. As cold as it sounds, losing your job just like this from one minute to another is a nightmare."

Caring Heart only nodded, her head still hanging low. The alicorn lost her stern face and put a hoof on the other mare's shoulder. "Hey, now you know better." Caring looked up again.

"I'll bring this up to Celestia right when I'm back. I'll probably get one heck of a talking, but it'll be worth it."

"Thank you. I...just can't thank you enough." Caring replied, barely holding back her tears.

"Explains a lot." Sunset smiled. "I'll see if I can make it today. If not, definitely tomorrow. I'll see you around. Oh and you better close your eyes."

In a bright flash Sunset teleported out.


XIII


"Gotta love my new teleportation range." Sunset said, after reappearing in her room. "I wonder where my limits are now that I'm an alicorn?"

Sunset walked out of her room and just turned towards the way to the dining hall, when she ran into her "mother".

"Ah there you're." Celestia said. Sunset had a hard time not to appear nervous. "I was wondering where you went. You're feeling better now, aren't you?"

"Y-yeah, I'm better." Sunset said.

"Are you sure? Twilight said, your magic was at least halved this morning." Celestia came a little closer.

"I-I'm fine, really." Sunset tried to argue.

"If you say so." Celestia wasn't convinced at all, but dropped the subject. "Let's not let the others wait any longer."

"Wait!" Sunset called out. "There's something...something happened today."

"Oh?" Celestia turned around again. "What is it?"

"Well" Sunset was literally sweating bullets by now. How in tartarus am I going to explain this?! Straightforward? Beating around the bush?

"Sunset?"

The fiery maned mare gulped and took a deep breath. "So....ummm......I....there was this mare who needed help...she runs an orphanage...." she trailed of.

"Go on." Celestia didn't show any emotion, which was actually more terrifying than her being angry or disappointed.

"There was this stallion....she owed him money....it was legit and there was now way for her of paying back. He wanted the money, so..."

"So you decided to pay for her." Celestia smiled, hiding her surprise, but at the same time let out a sigh.

"Yeah..." Sunset scratched her head.

"So you realized your own mistake already?" The larger princess said.

"Actually it was Caring Heart who pointed it out. She's the mare who owns the orphanage." Sunset explained to Celestia's confused face. "Or rather 'owned'."

"Owned?" Celestia asked intrigued.

"Yes. She wanted to sell the place to someone who could possibly get it out of the jam. She had a contract prepared and everything. I had a chance to read it thoroughly and...yeah. It got me and the orphanage out of the jam.
I-I did it for the children! You can't expect from me to just look and see foals and fillies get thrown out on the street."

Celestia looked down at Sunset Shimmer with an analytically gaze. Sunset wished she would just disappear. She would be able to do that, but then again: if she would run away this time, Celestia would probably send the royal guard to find her.

What came next surprised Sunset (but none of my readers I hope) as she was pulled into a hug by the sun alicorn.

"C-Celestia?!"

"I'm so proud of you, my daughter."

"Pr-proud?! But I-"

"You thought I would be angry at you?" Celestia interrupted. "For helping those in need? For ignoring your status as a princess and simply being generous?" Celestia laughed amused. "No Sunset. You made me really proud today." the larger alicorn pulled back, but kept her daughter in her embrace.

"I hope you're ready for the responsibilities you loaded onto your shoulders. But you have my full support on this."

Sunset was stunned for until she realized she shouldn't be stunned at all. This was Celestia after all.

"Tell you what, after lunch we all go to your orphanage. I'm sure I'll be able to help you with the bureaucracy."

"A-are you sure? Don't you have day court to hold?" Sunset asked.

"Oh day court fell a little short today and honestly, it's been far too long since we spent time as an actual family. It will do Twilight some good to get her nuzzle away from those dusty old books."

Phew the yellow alicorn thought that went better than expected. She and Celestia walked down the hall together, Celestia still having that smile on her face, perfectly hiding the puzzled thoughts that were going through her head.

Spike was right. Sunset is acting a little strange.
> Why's there a face on the moon? Oh no...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset didn't pretend she knew much about the proper etiquette, but she knew one thing: Twilight was NOT behaving like a princess should behave. What did this mean? Well, the three princesses were having dinner, with all kinds of five star meals Sunset never heard about and Twilight here was wolfing everything down. Rarity would say she behaved like a pig. Celestia didn't comment on it, so it had to be a common thing.

Sunset decided to keep her focus on her salad, instead of commenting on Twilight's eating behaviors. Besides, she just couldn't come up with a good joke at the moment.

The three alicorns and dragon simply ate in silence, Sunset having a hard time not to moan with each bite, for some time until Celestia decided to speak up. "So, how was everypony's day so far? I already heard Sunset's day was rather exciting."

"Really?" Twilight asked, looking over to her sister. The fiery mare needed to swallow before telling what happened. "I kind of got myself in a situation. I wouldn't call it exciting...although...it really depends on the viewpoint. Anyways, I was just walking down the street, when I found a mare and a stallion arguing. It turned out she owed him money from the orphanage she was running. The stallion ticked me off a little. He didn't really care that all the foals and fillies would be homeless."

Twilight's expression turned into a mixture of surprise and disgust. Taking some quick bites, Sunset continued. "Long story short, I paid for everything without really thinking. The owner, Caring Heart is her name, pointed out that I put myself in a troublesome situation. In order to get out of it I...well,...I own the place now."

Twilight choked on her rice. Spike almost spit out his juice, but, managed to kept it in his mouth and swallowed it. "You what?!" the drake exclaimed.

"Really? That's so nice of you!" the lavender mare exclaimed. "You really are the nicest pony in all of Equestria."

"Oh, come on Twilight. You're a way better pony than I'll ever be." Sunset retorted, blushing at the compliment. Twilight mimicked her sister's behavior and looked to the side. "Please, what have I ever accomplished?"

"You hatched a dragon, when you were 6 years old." Celestia pointed out.

"Besides, you would have done the same." the yellow alicorn said. "I mean, all I did was spend money, from which we have more than enough for our personal comfort. I could feed Spike with the gems from my jewelry for a year."

"Oh please. He would be done within an hour and still ask for more." Twilight retorted.

"Hey!"

Everypony laughed a little, Sunset adding a joke about Spike getting too fat and desperately in need of a diet.

"At least I don't eat ten cakes each day." He huffed, looking at Celestia. The oldest of the bunch replied by stuffing a piece of cake into the dragon's throat.

"I bet she burns all the calories in her sun. Would explain everything." Sunset muttered. It took her a few seconds to notice that the table had fallen completely silent. She then realized that everyone else present had heard her little statement.

Spike fell of from his chair, laughing his scales off. Twilight tried to suppress a snicker, putting a hoof in front of her hoof. It was a futile attempt, as eventually the snicker turned into a full fledged laughter.

Celestia's reaction was not as extreme as it was with Spike. In fact, she didn't react at all, which in retrospect was all the more terrifying. It meant she was planning. Planning her revenge on Sunset Shimmer. It wasn't a question of IF Trollestia would strike, rather WHEN she would strike.

[This is all an excuse for me not being able to come up with a good joke. I'm up for suggestions.]

After everyone recovered from their laughter, Celestia decided to put the topic back to Sunset's orphanage. "Back to the matter at hoof, I thought it would be a good idea for Sunset to show us the orphanage."

"What? But I still have a lot of reading to do, not to mention-"

Twilight was interrupted by Celestia placing a hoof on her shoulder. "Twilight, it's been some time since the four of us actually spent some family time together. Besides, it's not healthy for you to stay day in and out in the castle surrounded by your dusty old books."

"But-....but....! Fine..." Twilight sighed. Sunset raised an eyebrow at Twilight's behavior, but filed it away for later. She didn't know Twilight that well. It could be that her sister (now even she was thinking of Twilight that way) simply didn't like children or didn't like being interrupted in the middle of her studies.


XIII


"Come on, Twi. You're acting like it's the end of the world." Sunset stated as they walked down the street without an escort one should say. It was pretty surreal, but Celestia had insisted.

Twilight looked up to Sunset, her face almost being serious. "Actually, if I'm right with what I have found and I certainly hope I'm not, then we might have a problem in the foreseeable future."

Sunset's ears dropped. From her (brief) experience, Twilight's studies about world doom bringing entities were pretty accurate. However before Sunset could ask Twilight what she actually had been researching the entire day, Celestia walked between the two. "Now, don't be so glum, you two." she brushed them with her wings playfully. "I have to deal with enough serious issues in the throne room."

"Blublood's shampoo supply?" Spike offered, causing Celestia to giggle.

Sunset looked over to Twilight again. "You know, let's talk about this when we're back. There's something I've come across today too and I wanna share it with you."

Twilight's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Really? What are we waiting for? Let's go already!" The lavender alicorn skipped ahead. "Twilight! The orphanage is the other way!" Sunset called out. Embarrassed Twilight turned around and walked back to her family.

"I think it's better if I lead the way." Sunset stated. Wow, she really must be looking forward into spending time with me. The fiery maned pony walked ahead, trying to ignore the ponies who either stared or bowed to the trio.

She noticed Twilight moving closer to her, when they entered the side-street. It was a little darker, since the buildings were closer together and the road in itself a little more narrowed, but it certainly wasn't your run out of the mill dark allay like you see in the batman comics. Or rather batmare in this part of the universe. Sunset mixed there some stuff up.

Reaching the building, the new owner mentally added an up-stroke to the to do list. Celestia as always didn't show any signs of having prejudice thoughts on the poor state the building was in. Most likely the older mare already expected something like this to be the case.

Without further ado, Sunset Shimmer walked up to the door and knocked three times. It took some time until somepony actually came. Sunset was about to knock again, almost hitting Caring Heart in the process. "Whoops, sorry about that."

"Y-your highness! I wasn't expecting you to be back so early." The older mare stated.

"Me neither. But mom wanted to see what exactly I had gotten myself into."

"M-mom?" Caring repeated. Sunset stepped aside giving view to Celestia and Twilight. Sunset was sure that the mare in front of her would hit the floor. Luckily she only touched the floor with her muzzle, as she bowed deeply to the two other princesses.

Celestia walked up towards the mare. "Rise my little pony. I'm sorry we arrived here without telling you beforehoof."

"I-I-It's no problem at all, your highness. Please come in! Can I bring you something? Tea perhaps?" she hastily asked.

"Perhaps later." Celestia replied. "We're merely here for a friendly visit. May we come in?"

"O-of course. P-please, make yourself at home."

"Why do they always have to act that way?" Twilight whispered to Spike, loud enough to hear Sunset to hear. The fiery mare glanced over to the alicorn and the dragon.

"What are you expecting? You just need to say a word and nopony is going to see her ever again." he pointed out.

"Yeah." Twilight sighed. "Sometimes I wish I wouldn't be a princess."

...Talk about a stereotypical situation. Does all of this is actually happening, just because some higher being is bored and wants to open up old wounds? I swear...

"Come on, Twi." Sunset spoke up. "Don't worry. The kids won't be scared of you banishing them to the moon or something."

Twilight looked over to Sunset and sighed. "Alright. How bad could it be? I mean, they're just children."

Sunset couldn't help, but laugh out loud. "How bad could it be? Aside from the fact that you're just asking for trouble, have you ever dealt with children? When they see a princess...oh mare, keep a close eye on your wings. I got lucky today, but I'm pretty sure they won't miss another opportunity on getting something they can brag about."

Twilight gulped. Sunset snickered. "Oh don't be like that. I'm sure as long as we're around Celestia, I'm sure they'll behave. And hey, kids can be a lot of fun."

"If you say so..." Twilight said still unsure.

The two walked inside, following Celestia and Caring Heart down the hall. They didn't came far, before some foals and fillies came running down the stairs, playing a game of tag. The first foal came to an abrupt halt, causing the others to crash into him, as the princesses came into view.

"It's the princess!" One of the foals exclaimed. "The princess is back!"

Their game forgotten, the foals rushed forward until they almost crashed into the royals. Twilight instinctively took a few steps back. "Look another princess!"

"Are you going to adopt me?"

"Wow, a dragon!"

"Is he your pet?"

"Does he bite?"

"Hey, I'm not a pet!" Spike exclaimed, effectively scaring the foals, who were now all hiding behind Sunset.

"It's going to eat us!"

"Safe us princess!"

"Urgh..." Spike facepalmed, causing Twilight and Sunset to chuckle.

"Don't worry." Sunset ruffled one of the colt's manes. "Twilight trained him well. He's even toilette trained."

"Hey, what did I do to you?" Spike exclaimed, waving his tiny arms up and down.

A chuckle from the other end of the hall, caught the attention of everypony. Celestia and Caring Heart were standing at the end of said hall, watching the exchange. "Well then, if you two could please gather everypony? There's something I want to speak with Miss Heart about real quick."

"Okay." Sunset levitated one of the foals onto her back. "Alright, you heard your princess. Let's gather the others."

"Yay!"

The other foals looked up to Twilight with big puppy dog eyes. Letting out a sigh, Twilight levitated the other two foals onto her back. "Uff, why do I have to carry two and you only one?" Twilight complained.

"Tsk, tsk, Twilight. If you ever want to look as good as me, you need to do some workout."

"W-what?" The foals and Spike laughed at her, while Sunset gave Twilight an apologetic smile. Twilight in return pouted like a little filly.
Sunset still knew where the playroom was, so she walked ahead, leading Twilight and Spike just there. Before they reached the open double doors, they could already hear the fillies and colts laughing and occasionally a caretaker calling out one of the kiddies. Mentally bracing themselves for the attention they would be getting, the two alicorns and one dragon walked up and stopped at the door frame. The effect was almost immediate, as the foals stopped playing with each other, looking with wide eyes towards the two princesses.

Oh crap. I forgot I promised to bring chocolate. The yellow alicorn reminded herself of her promise. Luckily none of the children seemed to remember, as they were more surprised upon seeing not only one, but TWO princesses. Before anypony could say anything, the two princesses found themselves surrounded by fillies and colts, all wanting to get their attention. Neither could understand one word and it only got worse, as word spread out about the royal visit throughout the entire building. Soon there was no escape left for the two, not even through the air, since some of the young pegasi could already fly. The caretakers did their best to calm down everypony. It didn't work in the least. One of the fillies, who had a comb as a cutie mark, already started styling Twilight's tail, which the latter noticed a little too late, when the thing already had several knots and ribbons on it.

Twilight let out a shriek as she noticed what happened to her tail, causing the kids to erupt into loud laughter. Sunset suppressed her own laughing fit, thinking Twilight already had enough small humiliations for the day. Instead she helped her sister getting her tail back to what it used to be.

It wasn't until a princess Celestia appearance that things finally calmed down. Her mere presence had an effect on each of the foals somehow, calming everyone down in an instant. The caretakers silently sighed in relief, while bowing to their monarch. Caring Heart stood behind her, not really looking all that calm. In fact she looked like, when she first met Sunset Shimmer today.

"Now that everypony has calmed down" Celestia spoke in her usual motherly tone "I want to ask a question. Is everypony present?" 

The caretakers looked around a little, before stating: "Y-yes. Everypony is here your highness."

"Excellent." Celestia made it herself as comfortable as possible on the ground, numerous foals surrounding her and leaning against her. Her daughters mirrored their mother and soon they found themselves used as makeshift pillows.

"Now then, I'm sure you're all quite surprised from our little visit. Well, I myself was surprised, when I found out that one of my daughters decided to help this orphanage. And how could she not, with such wonderful fillies and gentlecolts living here?" The sun princess nuzzled one of the smaller ones, causing the filly to giggle. "I have an idea, how about we read you a book and after this, you can ask question and we can also play a few games."

The kids cheered upon hearing that and immediately started to argue what story the princesses should read them. Before things got out of hoof, Celestia managed to calm everypony down, by doing it like in school: raising hooves and letting everyone speak. After gathering some ideas, the kids voted and chose a ponyfied version of Snow White. Heck, even the title was the same.

Every princess read one third of the story. And Twilight absolutely nailed it. She caught up everyone during the final act, raising her voice when necessary, increasing in pace during the chase scene of the evil queen. At the end, everypony stomped with their hooves, cheering on Twilight.

The second half of their stay, the princesses played with the kids, although Twilight did it rather reluctantly. Spike played the obvious game with everypony: being chased by a dragon. Celestia was reduced to a makeshift mountain, while Twilight somehow managed to gather a couple of kids into a corner and reading books for them.

As for Sunset, she played board games with everyone. She tried talking with the older orphans, but things got awkward the moment she spoke up, so she decided to try another time. She knew firsthoof that closing oneself off from everypony else was unhealthy. Sadly she didn't have the time today to actively try as the princesses and Spike needed to leave.





"It wasn't THAT bad."

"No, it was worse. How can our youth be so uneducated?!" Twilight complained.

"You can't expect everypony to be a genius." Sunset retorted. "This way." The fiery maned pony pointed at one direction. It was evening and the moon was about to be risen at any moment. Sunset wanted to show her sister the mirror, since Twilight also wanted to do some stargazing tonight, along with showing Sunset her own results of her research.

There weren't as many servants running around, as in the morning, but still occasionally the two would meet another pony. Spike was in Twilight's room, not in the mood to go into the cold cellar again.

"Yes, but still. I'm going to talk to mom about this. Who knows, I'm thinking about getting my own school and set a new standard. Maybe I should start with a grade school."

"Copycat."

Twilight simply stuck her tongue out.

Finally the two arrived at the storage room, where the mirror was located. Nopony seemed to have touched it ever since this morning.

"A mirror? That's what you wanted to show me?"

The other princess shook her head. "Not a simple mirror. I couldn't quite get enough information, but what I'm sure about is that this is a portal to another world. A parallel universe."

"A...a...PARALLEL UNIVERSE?!" Twilight exclaimed, gaping at the mirror. Sunset nodded, walking up towards the mirror. "Starswirl the Bearded used it to banish creatures known as the Siren's into a realm without magic, well supposedly without magic. The mirror activates only every 30 moons for 3 days. I personally speculate that there's not enough magic on the other side to keep it constantly open."

"This...is...AMAZING!" Twilight squealed. "Imagine what could be on the other side? We could come into contact with a complete alien species!"

"Yeah." Sunset chuckled. "Too bad the thing is closed and I have no idea when it's going to open. But I placed a charm that will inform me, when the thing is going to open."

"Really? Oh, you have to tell me, when it's going to open!" Twilight beamed with excitement.

"I will, don't worry." Sunset reassured. "So, you wanted to show me something? Uhh...I think I'll go to the little filly's room first."





This place has way too many hallways. Sunset complained inside her mind, as she finally had found her way to Twilight's personal chambers. They weren't that far away from her own, luckily. Just around the corner.

She was about to enter Twilight's room, when she heard she and Spike talking about her.

"-different. It's like she's a complete other pony!" Spike said, really loud.

"Oh Spike, you've read too many of those dumb science-fiction comics." Twilight replied. "Next you're going to say that she's been replaced with an alien."

"I'm not saying that, although it would be really cool." Spike's voice trailed off. "A-anyways, what I'm saying is that she's totally not herself. She's so...friendly! She didn't make any snark comments about the "lower class", she wasn't holding her head high, she gave a huge tip, she didn't try to incinerate me-"

"Spike, you're fireproof. You know she'd never hurt you on purpose. It's just....her kind of humor, that's all."

"Uh huh and the way she's acting?"

"Oh please, Spike. Sunset is always friendly and helpful."

"She's always friendly to YOU and ONLY YOU! I tell you there's something wrong with her."

"Well, maybe she's acting a little different. After all, she had a magic spell accident, which caused her to have slight temporary amnesia. But I wouldn't say she's changed to the extreme. Just a little confused. Anyways, I need to go now. Sunny and I are going to be stargazing!" Twilight squealed. "And then I'm going to tell her-"

Sunset could hear Spike's facepalm. "Again Twi? The mare in the moon? You really need to get out more often."

Twilight let out a huff. "You'll see, she is going to belief me. Now where..." The rest Sunset didn't understand, as she was rushing to her own room, quickly entering her own balcony and looking into the night-sky.

"Fuck me." the human curse slipped out.

What...just....okay. STAY CALM!! Plausible explanation: magic surge from the Sunset of this universe; I got here; mirror involvement; time travel?
...
This is just getting more and more messed up.
Okay, okay. Remember what Twilight told you. She was send to Ponyville, found the Elements of Harmony (pony and gems) and freed Princess (Aunt??) Luna. Bam, perfect fairy tail material. You'll just have to let it play out like it was supposed to be!
...
No, no. I'm not going to think about the possible changes my presence alone could cause. Not going to think about time paradoxes or anything-

"Sunset?" Twilight knocked at the door. "Are you in there?"

"Coming." Sunset calmed herself down as much as possible and then opened her door.

"Hey! ready to go?" Sunset asked, maybe a little too chipper. Luckily Twilight was just as excited.

"Of course! Let's go!"





"The mare in the moon?" Sunset asked, acting all oblivious. "I know you wouldn't bring an old pony's tale up, if you haven't found something important."

Twilight let out a sigh of relief. "Finally, somepony actually listening! I knew you would belief me."

"Easy there Twilight. So, what do you have?"

Along with star charts and a telescope, Twilight brought a tome with the legend of Nightmare Moon in it, along with some notes. Sunset placed herself next to Twilight in the grass field, as Twilight started explaining eyewitnesses accounts of the old days, diary entries, old history books, stories from mad ponies and how she gathered all the information together and sorted through. Much of it was just a bunch of hayseed, but even Sunset could see the pattern Twilight found.

"On the thousandth day..." Sunset said slowly "that is..., when exactly?"

Twilight levitated a stack of papers over, showing multiple calculations. "It's on the day of the Summer Sun Celebration in two weeks."

Two weeks?! Sunset exclaimed in her mind. We have two weeks to prepare ourselves for a mad goddess, ready to cause a nuclear winter?!?!?! Sweet Celestia... "Guess we're going to meet aunty soon..." Sunset joked half heartily.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Twilight asked confused. Her sister needed to resist the urge to facehoof. It was so obvious, how could she have overlooked it?

"Alright Twi. In the story, there're two alicorns. One raises the sun and one the moon. One gets banished. Who raises the sun and moon today?"

Twilight's face paled.





"My daughters" Celestia sighed, as she watched the two from her hidden spot "so smart. Maybe a little too smart." she chuckled dryly. "Both have the potential to become the Element of Magic. But...no. I can't endanger them. Not my own daughters." Celestia looked up to the moon. "Maybe I don't have to..."

> Celestia's plan, Sunset's convinience
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset was woken up by one of the castle maids the next morning. Groggily she rose her head, to see just who interrupted her sleep and found said maid looking at her fearfully.

"Wazzup?" she asked in a sleep drunk state.

"E-excuse me your highness, b-but I w-was instructed t-t-to wake you up."

"Huh...?" Sunset yawned and looked over to her nightstand, only to be reminded that she wasn't in her apartment anymore, where normally her electronic clock was. "What time is it?"

"It's 11 'o' clock, your highness."

"What?!" The alicorn now fully awake, threw the blankets of her body and stumbled out of her bed. "Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" she asked the mare, who winced in return.

"I-I'm sorry, your highness. T-the princess, Princess Celestia I mean, asked us to let you and your sister sleep in a little, after your late night study session."

"Oh." Sunset calmed down, letting out another yawn. "Oh mare, sorry. Well, thanks for waking me up. Probably would have slept until tomorrow otherwise." Sunset chuckled heading towards the bathroom, preparing herself for the day. When she came out, she surprisingly found out that the maid already made her bed. Must be normal to be woken up by a maid. At least for a princess.

Walking outside, the alicorn found herself with a problem: she didn't remember where the dining room was in this maze of hallways. She ended up wandering around for a bit, until she accidentally bumped into Twilight.

"Ow. Oh sorry Twi, wasn't looking where I was going."

"Morning Sunset. It's alright. Wait, where are you going? I thought you were already with mom at breakfast." Twilight titled her head.

"Oh...uh...that! I was, yeah, I wanted to get you. See if you were alright. It was...exciting yesterday after all." Sunset stammered.

Twilight seemed satisfied with this answer. "Excited. I guess that's one way of putting it. Who'd have thought our aunt is the mare in the moon?" she asked, looking with worry at her older sister. Sunset felt the urge to do something and wrapped her leg around her younger sister's neck. "It'll be alright. Knowing Celestia she already has a plan. Most likely she didn't plan on telling us until "the time was right" or something like that." she couldn't help, but roll her eyes. Twilight giggled at this.

"Yeah, that sounds like mom alright." Twilight replied.

The two walked down the hallway, Sunset making sure Twilight was "leading" them. "Still, it's so annoying that she always does that. What if one of her plans go wrong and we don't have all the information we need?"

I didn't know Twilight was annoyed about this too. She sounded almost too loyal to Celestia last time I spoke to her. But then again, "here" they are...WE are family. "Which is why we're going to talk to her now." the older sibling said out loud. "By the way, where's Spike?"

"Already awake. I think I saw him outside, reading a comic. He said we were "overreacting" and "over-analyzing" things." the lavender alicorn flared her nostrils a little.

2 minutes later the two arrived at the dining hall. Celestia was already waiting for them, sitting in the middle of the table. "Ah, good morning my daughters. Did you two sleep well?" the oldest princess asked.

"Just fine." Twilight replied.

"Had a weird dream, where Twilight chased me around and then hypnotized me with some weird rainbow magic into "joining the herd" or something. Must have eaten something wrong yesterday."

Celestia shook her head at that. Her daughters took place on each side of her, not knowing how to start up the conversation. They both simply started with their breakfast, glancing at each other every now and then. To their surprise, it was eventually Celestia who broke the silence.

"I assume you have questions regarding your aunt, don't you?"

Twilight choked on her breakfast, while Sunset took a spit take. "You were spying on us?!" the older sibling accused her mother.

"I happened to pass by in the royal gardens and overheard your conversation. I'm sorry." Immediately after hearing this, Sunset looked down, realizing she overreacted. Celestia wrapped her wings around her and Twilight. "It's alright. I do owe you two an explanation."

She took in a deep breath. "You see, as you two already found out, the story about Nightmare Moon is all true. 1000 years ago I...I banished my own sister to the moon." Although Twilight knew this already, hearing this straight from the source was another thing altogether. She wrapped her fore legs and wings around Celestia. Sunset copied her sister, after seeing her doing this. The alicorn of the sun pulled her daughters in front of her, looking them straight in the eyes.

"I...I was a fool. I should have noticed what Luna was going through, yet at this time I wasn't as experienced as I am today. I waved her off, when she looked for aid by me, claiming to be too busy running the country. Now it didn't happen over night, but gradually Luna would become more and more distant. Being the ignorant fool I was at the time, I thought everything with Luna had been cleared up."

"But it wasn't, was it?" Sunset asked.

"One night, she refused to lower the moon. I learned an important lesson that night: nothing is more important than family. Luna's emotions had overwhelmed and corrupted her, turning her into Nightmare Moon. Surprised and desperate, I used the Elements of Harmony in order to clean her of her own corruption. But you see, when the two of us first found the elements, three of them were bound to me and the other three were bound to her. I wasn't...let's call it in sync with them, resulting in Luna being banished to the moon."

She hugged her daughters tighter. "Afterwards the elements abandoned me. To this day they don't see me worthy of bearing them. Originally I planned on finding the new element bearers and have them cure my sister."

"Originally?" Twilight asked.

Celestia nodded grimly. "I realized that I simply can't risk the lives of our subject because I was a bad sister. No, when Luna returns...I will be facing her."

"WHAT?!" Twilight and Sunset exclaimed.

Seeing the upcoming protests, Celestia hold their mouths shut with her magic. "Please, I had 1000 years to prepare for this day. I have become significantly stronger this millennium. I will subdue Luna and cure her without the elements if I have to. I know you two are worried and I know what you're thinking, but no. You won't be participating in this fight."

"MMMPHHMPPHMMHMMM!" The two younger alicorns protested.

"No." Celestia stated firmly. "I won't risk your lives as well. You're no match for a thousand year old alicorn, no matter how outdated her knowledge around spells might be." She released her daughters from the spell, which kept them quiet, more or less.

Sunset and Twilight took in a deep breath. "But, there's got to be a way er can help!" both exclaimed at the same time. Looking at each other the two couldn't help but giggle. The good mood dropped as soon as it came though.

"Last time you used the Elements of Harmony." Sunset argued. "If they don't listen to you, we might be able to find someone else who can use them."

"No." Celestia didn't hesitate a second. "I will NOT bring any innocent into immediate danger. Actually what you can do is keeping the population calm, while I fight Nightmare Moon over the Everfree Forest. Once I secured and sedated her, we'll bring her to Canterlot and THEN we can look for potential Element Bearers." Celestia's voice was one of authority. Clearly she was not accepting a "no" as an answer.

Sunset was torn between raising an objection and simply letting go. This was not the Celestia she remembered. The Celestia she remembered would have waved everything off, probably made something up about inventing the legend herself and arranged something so they both would end up in Ponyville for the Summer Sun Celebration. Looking over, Sunset found that Twilight was thinking along the same lines. Of course she didn't know who the Element Bearers were.

In the end, Sunset sighed. "If you end up on the sun, I'm gonna eat your entire cake stash."

Celestia smiled again. "I'll keep that in mind." She looked over to Twilight, who still seemed to struggle with her own thoughts. But in the end, she sunk her head and nodded. Celestia pulled both of her daughters into a hug again.

"Thank you. I know this is not easy for you two, but I promise everything will be fine."

"Can you tell us about her? About our aunt, I mean." Twilight asked.

Celestia sighed. "Not now, sadly. It has to be in the evening. I decided to prepare everything for the Summer Sun Celebration today, so I can use the rest of the days until then to prepare...for her return." Celestia took in a deep breath and let it out slowly.

"Oh, alright." Twilight sounded pretty disappointed.

"Now then, Sunset, I managed to get you an appointment with the manager of Canterlot's best renovation/restoration companies. He's waiting for you in the court waiting lobby. Twilight, I actually want you to help me prepare the Celebration. I had some documents about Ponyville brought into your room."

"Why would you hold the celebration in Ponyville?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, incidentally, a hundred years ago...I think, my memory is a little fuzzy on that one, Ponyville was founded. It is a little promise I made with the families back then. Also, the Everfree Forest is closer to Ponyville. As I said,I want you to keep the citizens of Ponyville calm-"

"Now hold on a minute." Sunset spoke up. "Earlier you said we should keep the civilians calm and now you're saying the citizens of Ponyville? Isn't at least one of us staying in Canterlot?"

"Oh don't worry. I've thought about this already. Now I need to go. I see you two in the evening." Celestia hugged her daughters one last time (because she felt she didn't do this enough in their entire lifetime) and left for the Royal Court. Once she was outside, Sunset stomped with her hoof on the ground.

"Bullshit!"

"Sunset?!"

Said mare was walking up and down in the middle of the dining hall. "That's never gonna work out! We need the Elements and she knows it!"

Twilight just watched her sister letting out some steam for the next minute, until the older sibling finally calmed down. The younger sibling approached Sunset and nuzzled her gently on the neck. "Hey, it's gonna be alright. I mean it's mom we're talking about. When was the last time one of her plans didn't work?"

Sunset breathed in and out. "I know, it's just....urgh. I'm just worried, you know?"

"I know. I'm worried too, but we have to have faith in mom." Twilight smiled reassuringly.

"Yeah, guess you're right." Sunset nodded. "Still...I think we should find out as much as possible about the Elements of Harmony, just to be on the safe side."

"Hmm... I guess it can't hurt to look into it." Twilight acknowledged. "I guess the two of us better get going then. The sooner we're finished, the sooner we can find out about the Elements."

"Yeah, agreed. Uh...could you point me to the direction of the waiting lobby? My memory is still a tad unreliable about the castle." Sunset said sheepishly, causing Twilight to frown.

"It's down the hall, to the right and then straight ahead. You know, if your memories don't come back the next couple of days, we should probably have you checked over with the doctors."





The pony Sunset met up was an older brown stallion, with yellow eyes and a measuring tape as a cutie mark. His darker brown mane and tale were a mess. His cutie mark was a measuring tape.

"Ah, princess." The stallion bowed. "I'm Straight Measure, a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise." Sunset replied. "So, your company is supposed to restore the orphanage. Have you already taken a look at things."

The stallion shook his head. "I'm sorry your highness, but the order came in yesterday evening. I didn't have the time to take a look at things."

"Well, what are we waiting for then? Let's get going." Sunset walked ahead, not even looking if the stallion was following her. About twenty minutes later (of walking and ignoring onlookers) they arrived in front of the orphanage.

"Well, I say, it certainly can use some paint." The stallion said, looking at the building from the outside. "Looks like it's at least 40 or so years old."

"Let's get inside. I'll get the manager and then we can look around."

Walking inside, Sunset immediately walked down towards Caring Heart's office. Sunset knocked at the door for three times, before Caring from the inside called: "Enter."

"Princess? Ah, are you here with the construction pony?"

"How'd you know?" Sunset titled her head.

"Princess Celestia told me you'd come today. Where is the pony, by the way?" Caring stepped away from her desk.

"Just down the hall." She nodded with her head. "Should we go?"

"Yes, let's." Caring agreed.





Caring Heart noted that the stallion looked at things the same way the princess did last time. And like the princess he took notes and probably noticed a few more things than the princess. The foals and fillies luckily were all at school, so they could look around without being interrupted.

It took them one and a half hours until the stallion was satisfied with his observations. They were now back in Caring Heart's office, drinking tea, while the stallion explained his findings.

"Welp, it's not as bad as I thought it would be, so I guess that is a plus." The stallion chuckled lamely. "The minus however, well, where's no minus is the question? I'll be honest, I'm very close to just bring down the entire building and build a new one on top of it."

"That's out of the question." Caring Heart spoke up immediately. "The other orphanages just don't have the space to hold so many foals for such a long time."

The stallion shrugged and looked at his notes again. "Well, luckily none of the walls have water damage or anything similar, though we would have to replace the pipes, I recommend new kitchen equipment, the floors, we need to close off one of the staircases...it would be a lot cheaper to just build a new building."

"Money is not the problem." Sunset interjected. Although with the way I spent it, I'll be broke pretty soon if I'm not careful. I better take a look at my account data later.
"How long would it take to renovate the entire building?"

"A couple of months, at least. However..." the stallion thought for a bit. "If you could relocate the children temporarily, I'm confident we can do it in a month, a month and two weeks at most."

Sunset raised an eyebrow at that. She knew that ponies were far dedicated in their work than humans and doing a trashy job for the princess would  not look good for their company.

"Hmm, well Celestia said you are the best company in Canterlot. That still leaves us with the problem on where to with the kids."

Caring and Sunset frowned. Where to indeed? Sunset thought about bringing them to the castle, but who knew what kind of trouble that idea would bring with it? Sunset's vision trailed around the room, until it landed on the desk, where a bunch of unopened letters and flyers were located.

Looks like Caring Heart didn't have the chance to look through her mail as of yet. One of the flyers picked her curiosity, so she levitated it over and read the content.

"Summer Camp in the White Tail Woods.
Eh....hmmm.......huh?
Fillies and foals with have a chance to witness the Summer Sun Celebration in Ponyville!"

Well, isn't that convenient? Either fate is screwing with me or I seriously should consider starting to gamble.
> Ponyville (1)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hey Twi!" Sunset slammed Twilight's door open and entered the room. She heard a strange noise coming from behind the door and on a whim, decided to check.

"Woops. Sorry Spike." Sunset helped the little dragon up, picking up some papers along the way.

"Sunset? What are you doing here?" Twilight got up from her desk and walked over to her sister. "What are you doing here?"

"Little change of plans. They say they can fix the house in a month and a half, but only if the kids and everypony else are out."

"Don't tell me you want them to stay here?" Twilight asked.

"Nah, don't wanna know what kind of stories would appear if I did that." Sunset shook her head. "No I got an idea, but I want to check it out first." she showed Twilight the flyer, who picked it up with her magic.

"Are you sure about this?" Twilight asked.

"I checked. Whitetail is in the other direction of Ponyville. I actually hope to get there today, but I gotta talk to Celestia first."

"Today? You could simply go tomorrow, you know." Twilight pointed out.

"I could, but I have not really much to do here. Besides, I might be able to find something out in Ponyville about the Elements. Besides, if this really works out then I'm going to travel between Canterlot and Ponyville a few more times, so I might as well get started today."

"Do you really have to?" Twilight asked, her ears lying on her head. "This comes a little out of the blue."

"A little?" Spike asked. "It's practically coming out of nowhere! The ponies won't even know that you're coming! Imagine how they're going to react!" the dragon exclaimed, throwing his tiny arms up.

"Oh, come on." Sunset rolled her eyes. "What are they going to do? Go into a stampeding panic?"





Surprisingly, Celestia had no objections towards Sunset's plans. In fact she even praised her daughter for being so dedicated towards her new responsibilities. So now she was sitting in the royal chariot, Caring Heart couldn't come along, and watching the Equestrian landscape from above. She never actually had the chance to see any landscape from above. After all, Sunset never had a reason to enter a plane. Besides, she didn't trust those things.

Sunset sighed, thinking of the human world again. When she woke up today, she hoped it had all been just a dream, but as it turned out it wasn't, meaning her friends didn't remember her at all. Sure it was a good opportunity to start over and not be a bitch, but still, Sunset needed to find out what the hell was going on. Even if it meant that her friends were probably living a better life right now...

"Woah."

"Sorry, your highness!" One of the pegasi called back. "But we're here!" The guards had started going down, throwing Sunset off balance a little. Luckily she didn't fall off or else things would have gotten nasty. The chariot landed a little outside of the center of the town, in order to not draw too much attention.

Sunset got off the chariot. "Thanks for the ride."

"Any time your majesty." the guards took off.

Sunset took in a deep breath and looked around. "So, this is Ponyville?" So far she only saw a few small houses and a little shop called Quills and Sofas. There weren't many ponies around and so far none of them seemed to have noticed her, either chatting with each other or going after their daily lives.

Sunset decided to walk off. She had to go to the town hall, but that wasn't her only destination for today. Her mind was absolutely settled on bringing the foals here, it was only a matter of formalities. Once she had done that, she could finally look for the other five Element Bearers.

The town hall was actually hard to miss, since it seemed to be the tallest building in town. In order to get there, Sunset had to walk down the "Mane Street." Sometimes she wanted to jump off a cliff, because of the amount of horse puns in Equestria. Fun fact of the week, she didn't even notice those until she lived for a month on Earth.

Of course a princess just casually walking down the streets of Ponyville wouldn't go unnoticed for very long.  Gasps and whispers echoed throughout the street, as the alicorn just continued on her way, trying to ignore the other ponies around her. That wasn't of course an option anymore, when ponies started bowing to her. Sighing Sunset turned towards the townsponies.

"H-hey..." Oh mare, this is embarrassing. "...look. There's no need to bow or anything. I'm just here for a little visit.

...

Please, just go on with whatever you were going to do. It'll be easier for all of us."

The ponies seemed still unsure and Sunset added practicing speeches to her mental list of things she had to learn. She walked inside the town hall, hoping the locals would just go away once she was out of sight. Inside the Town Hall consisted of nothing more than, well, a huge hall and in the back was the actual office of the mayor. Sunset knocked at the door and waited for a response.

An older looking mare opened the door from the inside. Her eyes looked like they were about to fall out, when she noticed the crown princess standing in front of her office.

"P-P-Princess!!" the mayor exclaimed, bowing immediately, resulting in her head hitting only the half opened door. Sunset suppressed a laugh to the best of her abilities.

"Are you alright?" she asked amused none the less.

"Y-y-yes, your highness. Not a problem at all." the mayor replied hastily. "P-please come in. I-I'm sorry for no proper welcome-"

"It's alright and calm down, please." Sunset interrupted the mayor. "It's no problem, really. I didn't plan on coming here until a few hours ago." she placed herself on the chair in front of the mayor's desk and said mayor got back to her place, almost being like a stick standing upright on a chair. The princess frowned inwardly.

"Seriously, calm down." she couldn't help but say, only causing in the mayor to flinch. Sighing, the alicorn went straight to business, figuring the faster the better. "You see, I've recently acquired an orphanage."

"Y-yes, it was in the newspaper."

"Really?" Sunset ears flickered. "I missed that one out. You'd think there're more important things to report...anyway. The building itself seriously needs renovation however. It'll go faster if it's done without the kids inside. There's just a problem. Finding a place in Canterlot for so many kids, assuring that their education is still on par with others...eh...good luck." Sunset didn't even need to check. Back when she was young, she overheard the adults talking about the situation of orphanages in Canterlot. She considered transferring, but that was out of the question, once she gathered that information and actually asked a few of the adults.

"I-I see." the mayor nodded. "Although, I don't think we have the necessary means to house that many children. A full orphanage..."

"Actually, I don't plan on keeping them in a house per say" Sunset brought up the summer camp flyer. "Your town offers Summer Camp for the time of the Summer Sun Celebration in the Whitetail Woods. I would need to request for the camp to be extended for a few weeks. I heard the entire renovations will take one month and a half."

The mayor looked at the flyer and then at the princess. "Y-yes, I think we could manage that. Well, normally. If we would have the funds..."

"I swear, I'm going to empty my bank account at this rate."

The mayor looked up at the princess. "So, you're going to..."

"Yeah." This is gonna hurt my purse, but if I hold back next month I should make up for a good portion of what I spent already. Getting paid just for being royal, sure has its advantages. "It's no problem. It's for the kids after all. So, you said you can manage it?"

"Well, we'll have to add a few more tents. And some volunteers to look after the children." the mayor commented.

"The staff from the orphanage can do this. A few teachers are under them as well. Outdoor teaching may not be as efficient, but, better than no teaching I guess." Sunset shrugged.

"Actually princess, we might use the town hall for this. It is rarely used anyway."

"Thanks mayor. That'll help significantly.

Hmmm....I think that's all for now. I'll see to it that you'll receive the funds soon and next time I'll be bringing the manager of the orphanage along in order to clear out the details. Aside from that, do you have anything to add?"

"A couple of things, but...yes, I think we should talk about them later. Are you going back to Canterlot now?"

"No, I still wanted to take a look around town. My chariot only comes in the evening. Oh yeah." Sunset facehoofed. "We should decide now when we're going to discuss everything."

"Oh yes, certainly. Let me take a quick look in my schedule...I am free the day after tomorrow."

Sunset nodded. "Yes, that works out. I'll be off then. Maybe we run into each other today? Goodbye Mayor."

"Goodbye princess." the mayor bowed.

"Oh yes, one last thing. Could you point me the way towards Carousel Boutique?"





"Huh, doesn't look all that much different from Rarity's other place." Sunset commented. The best way to really deal with onlookers was to ignore them entirely. Using that strategy, Sunset found herself in front of Carousel Boutique about ten minutes later.

After getting a good look at the building, Sunset stepped inside, a little bell signaling her entrance. Looking around there was no sign of Rarity. A few pony mannequins were standing around, wearing dresses Rarity designed. They looked awesome, but weren't really what the alicorn was looking for.

The sound of hoofsteps drew Sunset's attention away from the ponyquins.

"Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where everything is- is. is- PRINCESS SUNSET SHIMMER?!" the unicorn Rarity exclaimed and bowed immediately, yet still gracefully. "Welcome to my humble shop, Princess. Please tell me, what can I do for you, your highness?"

Sunset noted that Rarity was handling the stress of meeting a princess way better than anypony else so far. She was nervous, but there was also an exciting glimmer in her eyes. Pinkie would probably say that Rarity was nervousxited.

"Well obviously I'm here to do some shopping." Sunset smiled. "I've heard of your skills you see and decided, why not check it out? I mean, seriously, everything I've seen in Canterlot looks like it's been copied almost ten times." Canterlot City that is.

"To be a little more precise, I have actually two requests. Do you have a pencil and paper by any chance?"

"Certainly, your highness. May I ask what you need them for?"

"You'll see."

Rarity quickly fetched a pencil and levitated it over to Sunset Shimmer. "I'm not really an artist..." she mumbled as she drew a black jacket on the paper. At certain points she made an arrow, pointing towards the word "button".

"It's..." Rarity couldn't find the words.

"Simplistic? Uncouth for a princess? Disastrous?" Sunset offered with a chuckle. Rarity wasn't inclined to answer to this one. "It's my personal style and I'm not going to let it be dictated by what others think is "in" or "out"."

"I...see." Rarity replied. "Well, this shouldn't be a problem at all. You had a second request?"

"Yes and this one should be more to your liking. You see," Sunset stepped forward "I want you to design a dress for me by using your imagination."

"P-pardon?" Rarity stuttered

"I'll leave the design of the dress and everything included to you. Surprise me."

Maybe Sunset should have brought the news over in a more sensitive way, because Rarity looked like her brain looked like it just shut down. Sunset got a little concerned, until Rarity finally snapped back to reality. "Of course! Don't worry Princess! The dress shall be done to your liking!" she said determined. "Now please, if you would step up to the podium, so I may be able to take your measurements." Rarity levitated over a measuring tape.

Sunset stepped onto the podium, as Rarity said and waited patiently for the fashionista to take all needed measurements from the princess. The alicorn had the feeling the unicorn was taking her time. The Rarity from the human world would be done within 2 to 5 minutes, plus the additional chit chat. Here Rarity was taking her sweet time and was not even talking. Something new for Sunset was that Rarity also needed to take her wingspan, although it only made sense.

"There, we're finished here princess."

"Thanks. I would love to stay for a little longer, but I have some more things to do today. Though, I'll come back here the next few days, so maybe we'll run into each other again. How long will it take you to finish these orders?"

"Oh well...it's a little early to say, but...I assume..."

"Rarity"

"Y-yes?"

"Take your time." Sunset advised. "And please, don't stress yourself out just because I'm a princess. Well then, goodbye for now."

Sunset left Rarity at her boutique. Now all alone the first thing that came to the unicorn's mind was freaking out, nut then something else shoved itself in front of her thoughts. "I never told her my name."
> Ponyville (2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay, how hard can it be to find a bragging, rainbow maned pegasus? Oh right, she's a lazy, bragging, rainbow maned pegasus. How could I forget? Sunset blew a raspberry, looking around for anything cyan colored in the air. The Rainbow Dash from the other world always used every moment to fly around, when she was transformed. So naturally, this Rainbow Dash must love flying as well.

Since she had been searching for a good thirty minutes without as much as a clue of where Rainbow Dash could be, Sunset decided to ask around. By sheer coincidence, she just happened to be next to the most "abstract" building in town, which was a bakery by coincidence and thought she might as well get something to bite.

The inside at least looked more like a standard cafe. The decor was still in the same candy like style, like the building looked from the outside, but no way near as excessive. There were a couple of customers inside, all of them going silent as soon as the princess entered the building, making Sunset Shimmer almost regret her decision for a quick snack. 

Ignoring the stares she was getting, Sunset was becoming really good at this, the alicorn arrived at the empty counter and pressed the little bell on the table. Two seconds later a blue mare, who was a little chubby, came out of the kitchen. Sunset raised an eyebrow upon recognizing Mrs. Cake, but shrugged it off pretty quickly.

Mrs. Cake professional smile vanished in an instant from her face and was replaced with one that just saw the end of the world standing at her counter. "P-P-P-Princess!!" The older mare exclaimed, appearing as fast as a teleporting unicorn on the other side of the counter. "W-what can I bring you princess?"

"Umm...I think I'll simply take one of your eclairs. Whoa!"

As quickly as not Pinkie Pie possible Mrs. Cake had produced the treat on top of the counter, surprising the alicorn princess a little. Acting as if nothing happened, Sunset Shimmer quickly produced the bits necessary and presented them in front of the eerily grinning mare. Resisting the urge to slowly walk backwards, she asked the baker: "Do you happen to know where I can find Rainbow Dash?"

"Rainbow Dash? W-why yes, she's the local head weather mare. She lives on the west side of Ponyville, in her cloud house, though normally you can find her flying around town at this time of the day." 

"Yes, well, I have been looking for her all around town, but so far no luck. Aside from her home, is there a spot in town she really likes?"

Mrs. Cake put a hoof under her chin, thinking about the question. Nervously she shook her head.

"I-I'm sorry, Princess Sunset Shimmer, but I can't think of anything."

"Tough luck. Thanks anyways." Sunset grabbed the eclair with her magic and took a bite. "Mmh, this is really good." she said with her mouth full. Turning around, she waved casually and trotted away.

Outside Sunset all too quickly finished the tasty pastry. She considered getting herself more, but quickly lost that train of thought, when somepony bumped into her from the side. Quickly catching herself, she turned around and found a particular pink pony was lying on her back. The earth pony rolled on her hooves and jumped up.

"Whoopsie!! Sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going." Pinkie Pie dusted her legs off and then looked at Sunset. A sudden sense of dread entered the alicorn's mind, when she found Pinkie's eyes shrink to pinpricks.

"You!" she pointed her hoof at the princess. Onlookers started with their last prayers.

"Me?"

"Yes, you!" Pinkie Pie confirmed, her face completely serious. For a fleeting moment, Sunset was sure that the pink mare, bysome divine intervention, also knew the original timeline or reality and was about to beat the alicorn senseless, then tie her up and bring her to some kind of party torture chamber. Or possibly cupcakes.

"You are a new pony!!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Now Sunset was just utterly confused.

"So?"

"That means I have to throw you a 'Welcome to Ponyville Party'!!"

A party, of course. Should have figured, it's Pinkie Pie after all.

"And it's the first time I'm gonna be throwing a party for a princess! That demands another party!"

"Actually-"

"Oh, I have an idea! We could throw a double party!"

Sunset smiled, knowingly. She put a hoof on Pinkie Pie's shoulder, in order to get the attention of the earth pony.

"Belief me, I would love to go to the party, but I just don't have the time today."

Pinkie's smile dropped immediately. "Aw really?"

"Hey, no frowny face." the princess chided playfully. "You know, the day before the Summer Sun Celebration, me and my sister will come here with a huge group of foals and fillies from Canterlot. How about you prepare a party for then?"

Sunset watched with interest and a little fear, as the mind of the party pony was processing the information. Her head was ticking like a clock, until it was straight up again with the biggest grin on the face, Pinkie Pie could possibly muster.

"That sounds like a super terrific idea! I have to start working immediately! Oh and Rainbow Dash is at Hay Burgers just down the road." Having her lines said, Pinkie Pie immediately disappeared into Sugercube Corner, leaving a dusk cloud that was shaped like her. For a moment Sunset considered going back inside and asking Pinkie as to how she knew the alicorn was looking for Rainbow Dash, but in all actuality, she already knew the answer. THAT creepy smile.





Rainbow Dash was sitting on an outside table at the burger joint and enjoying her all too delicious hay burger.

Nope, don't think about it Sunset. Gotta keep your figure in check.

"Excuse me, Rainbow Dash, is it?" Sunset spoke up.

The pegasus head turned around, speaking something incomprehensible, since her mouth was full. The magenta eyes of said pegasus widened, when she saw she accidentally spit a princess in the face. Swallowing her food, the mare gave a weak grin.

"Hehehe...sorry, your princesshood?"

Being diligent, Sunset both facehoofed and wiped the spit filled food off her face. "Whatever. I was looking for you."

"For me?" Rainbow Dash seemed ecstatic.

"Yes you. Would you mind finishing up and meet me at the edge of the Everfree? There's something I need to talk with you about."

"...Sure?" Rainbow answered.

"Great. See you there, slowpoke." the princess mock-grinned and teleported away.





Sunset didn't have to wait long. A rainbow streak was coming at her at very high speed and it didn't seem to slow down anytime soon. In fact, the yellow mare was ready to cast a shield spell, when the streak hit the ground, throwing up dust and dirt everywhere.

Oh dear Celestia, she looks pissed.

"What did you say about me?" Rainbow asked in a dangerously low voice.

"Oh jeez, don't take it personally. It was just a joke." Sunset tried to defuse the situation.

It seemed to work on Rainbow Dash, as the mare cooled down and even smiled. "Hehe, and I thought you high and mighty ponies were all just a bunch of stuck up jerks. Eh, no offense."

"None taken." Sunset smiled, knowing full well what the pegasus was talking about. "I have met some of those stuck-up jerks myself. They're really annoying. But enough of this. The reason I wanted to talk to you is...well..." she rubbed the back of her head "I need your help."

"One of the princesses needs MY help?" Rainbow asked, before flying three quick loops and landing in front of Sunset Shimmer. "Rainbow Dash, reporting for duty, ma'am." she saluted.

Sunset couldn't help but laugh. "Easy there Dash, This isn't some dangerous mission, more like a personal favor."

The disappointment was present all over the pegasus' face.

"You see, I recently cast a spell...oh mare this is embarrassing to say. Okay, I'll be blunt. The spell backfired, I lost a good junk of my memory and somehow my muscle memory on certain parts got affected too."

"Uh...meaning?" Rainbow asked.

"I...don't know how to fly and need you to teach me, because I promised a filly I would take her on a ride on her birthday, which is in a couple of days."

Rainbow Dash's face froze upon hearing those words. The not want to be princess was sure that the cyan pegasus would laugh over the alicorn's misfortune, maybe make a stupid comment or two. What she didn't expect was Rainbow's face to harden and take a good, measuring look at Sunset.

"Damn, you're really tough." she commented. "Most pegasi I know would be really depressed if they lost their ability to fly. Don't worry, princess. You can count on me. Though, why are ya asking me of all ponies? Couldn't you like ask a guard or a Wonderbolt?"

Despite how she sometimes acts, she's not stupid at all.

"It's simple, really. A good friend of mine has described you as the best flier in all of Equestria. And I would trust that friend with my life."

"The best flier in Equestria? Of course, makes total sense! Don't worry, princess. We'll get you back in shape in no time at all! No, scratch that! When we're done, you'll be even better at this!"





At the end of the day, Sunset had way more respect for peagasi fillies and colts learning on how to fly. Rainbow's method of teaching or re-teaching, as Rainbow put it,  was basically the way bird mothers taught their little ones on how to fly. Meaning, throwing the princess off the cliff or cloud or whatever the pegasus could find.

Aside from having a few close calls, Rainbow Dash actually let the princess crash into the ground. The first time that happened, Sunset was sure she had broken a few bones.

"What the hell Rainbow?! Are you insane?!?!"

"Oh relax, princess." the pegasus had replied. "I'll catch you, when it really gets dangerous. But, I guess you're right. It's time for some wing push-ups."

Now, the alicorn had always kept herself in shaped, but there was only so far the alicorn could push herself. Her wings were sore after they were down with the push-ups and continued straight with trying to get off the ground. And hey, she actually managed to get off the ground. Only to fall straight back at her stomach, when Sunset's stamina was finally drained.

"All right, five minute break."





"You know, I could always try a levitation spell..."

"Nope! No getting out of this princess!" Rainbow grinned, flying overhead, while the princess was walking on the ground.

"Urgh and what kind of torture lesson do you have for me now? Escaping a bunch of dragons?"

"Nah." Rainbow Dash waved off. "That comes tomorrow."

"Very funny." Sunset groaned, when her wings aching got worse again. "So where are we going?"

"To my friend, Fluttershy."

Sunset almost stopped in her tracks, but continued. "Fluttershy?"

"Yeah. She's not really good at flying, but she got this paste, which she always put on my wing muscles after training. She said it relaxes them. Plus, she's really good at massages."

"Alright." Huh, didn't know that. And I really could use a massage. I just hope Fluttershy won't faint, when she sees me.

Soon enough, a cottage came into view, one that had a small stream in front of it and a lot of animals occupying the surrounding area. Said animals didn't pay the two ponies much mind and just went on with whatever they were doing, be it flying, swimming, singing or just lazing around.

I wonder what would have happened if the mirror didn't turn me into a human and I would have met Fluttershy first.

Rainbow Dash flew a ahead and knocked at Fluttershy's door. Before Sunset arrived on hoof, the door opened. She wasn't close enough to hear anything, because it was Fluttershy speaking there. However, she could understand the last thing she said before fully opening the door.

"O-okay. I'll help the pony, if she doesn't mind, that is."

"Thanks Shy. Just, please don't freak out."

"Freak out?" the other pegasus asked, before Sunset Shimmer came into her view. Immediately the shy mare's eyes widened, after which she let out her trademark "EEP" and threw herself to the ground. Sunset gave Rainbow a look, who smiled apologetically.

The situation reminded Sunset way too much of her early days at Canterlot High and how she treated Fluttershy there. Walking up to the mare, the princess spoke in a soft tone to the trembling mare.

"Hey, there's no need to bow, really."

Fluttershy remained in the bowing position, still shaking in fear.

"There's no need to be afraid, really." the alicorn tried to reassure, now standing in front of the pegasus. Fluttershy did look up, but couldn't suppress the escaping whimper.

Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Sunset pondered. 

Frowning, Rainbow Dash stepped between the princess and her best friend. "Sorry princess. Can you give us like five minutes or so?" the pegasus asked, wrapping a wing around Fluttershy.

"Sure. Take all the time you need. Maybe I should go for now anyways. My chariot arrives in 30 minutes or so anyways. I, owe, think I'll manage a little bit of pain until then. Ow."

Sunset winced at her aching wing muscles. Suddenly she wished she could teleport all the way back to Canterlot, but it seemed even alicorns had their  limits. Turning around, she also accidentally slammed her left leg against the door frame, leaving a rather huge splinter in her foreleg.

"Ow! Shit! That was stupid..." she cursed, removing the splinter with her magic.

Rainbow Dash snickered at the misfortune of the other pony, whereas Fluttershy on the other hand, got up from her crouching position and flew to the alicorn.

"Oh dear, let me have a look at this." And before anyone could react, the shyest mare in all of Equestria held Sunset's leg with her own two forelegs, carefully removing fur and was inspecting the wound.

"Oh dear me. Looks like there some tiny splinters left. We have to remove them, carefully."

It just then so happened that Fluttershy realized as to what she was doing. With another trademark "EEP" she let go of the leg and went straight back to the ground. Rainbow just groaned at this point.

"I-I'm so sorry, princess." the pegasus whimpered, having her wings fold over her eyes. "Please don't throw me into the dungeon."

"Shy, I tell you the princess ain't like that." Rainbow tried to explain. "She's really cool."

Fluttershy looked up again, her face showing still feat, despite her best friend's reassurance. The alicorn couldn't stand seeing her friend like this anymore and decided to do something about it, remembering her own past.





It had only been a few days since the Fall Formal and once again Sunset was alone in the library, crying to herself in a corner. She knew full well that she deserved all the hate she was getting from the other students, but it didn't ease the pain one bit. It actually made it worse. The teachers didn't do anything about it, but then again, Sunset couldn't really blame them.

She had avoided Twilight's friends to her best efforts and so far was successful, knowing very well that one day they will corner her and pay her back in the worst possible way. Maybe it would have been better, if she went with Twilight back to Equestria and let herself be locked away in a dusty old cell. At least there she would be forgotten rather quickly and could spend the rest of her miserable existence in peace, rather than being forced to endure the revenge of the student body every day.

She was snapped out of her train of thought, by a looming shadow above her body. Looking up, she could see that Fluttershy had finally found her. Whimpering, Sunset lowered her head in shame. The girl would probably not resort to violence or anything, that wasn't like her. But what she most likely would do, was calling her friends, who would then take care of Sunset.

What the Equestrian did not expect, was for the girl to get down and give the crying girl a hug.

Sunset slowly rubbed the back of Fluttershy in a circular motion, while soothingly whispering to the other mare.

"Shh, it's alright. I promise I won't hurt you."


> Another one?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Better?" Sunset asked as kindly as possible to the shy pegasus. Fluttershy could only nod meekly in return, feeling a little embarrassed after what happened. Rainbow Dash in the meantime eyed the princess suspiciously, until something caught the corner of her eye. Looking outside Fluttershy's window, Rainbow Dash could see a pair of royal pegasi guards approaching the cottage.

"Yo, princess. Looks like your taxi is here." Rainbow Dash pointed at the window.

Confused, Sunset followed the weather pony's hoof, until she herself spotted the approaching stallions.

"How do they know I'm here?" the alicorn asked more herself than anyone else.

"Looks like it's time for me to go. I'll see you girls tomorrow. If my wings don't fall off that is."

"See ya tomorrow, princess!"

"Bye."

Sunset left the cottage went to her guards. "How did you guys know, where to find me?" she asked.

The two pegasi bowed briefly, before the higher ranking guard spoke up. "Princess, we asked the populace about your whereabouts."

"Oh, makes sense." Sunset admitted, blushing at the mental assumption she made about being supervised 24/7. She watched way too many crime shows back on the human world.

"Your highness? Are you alright? No offense, but you look a little tired." the other guard voiced his concerns.

"Don't worry about me. Just found a possible new drill sergeant for the pegasus guards."





Back at the castle, the only thing Sunset wanted to do, was to use her huge, golden, private bathtub and possibly exploit her status as a princess and get a good message. It was really a shame Fluttershy couldn't give her one.

She barely made it into the hallway, when she heard a loud scream: "COUSIN!" What followed was a pick blur that tackled the yellow unicorn to the ground.

"Urrgh, who, what?"

A pink pony was looking down at her, one that Sunset thought she should remember, but couldn't wrap her head around.

"Where have you been?" the pony whined. "I am FINALLY back in Canterlot and one of my two cousins is nowhere to be found."

Sunset took a better look at the pony in front of her and noticed the horn and the wings. Now she remembered, she saw this pony briefly, when she stole Twilight's crown, but never got her name.

"Uh, sorry?" Sunset tried.

"Sorry?! SORRY?! You better have a good explanation for not being here, when I arrived! Oh, is it a stallion?"

"What?! Get off of me."

The other alicorn giggled, as she was pushed off by Sunset. The yellow furred pony got back up onto her hooves and shook her wings a little, to get the dust out of her feathers.

"So...uh...how was your trip?" Sunset tried.

"Oh, no, no, no, no. You're not getting off the hook that easily." the pink alicorn said with a sly grin. She gracefully walked over to her cousin and threw a wing over the other.

"So, where have you been, cuz?"

Sunset let out a sigh and resisted the urge to slap the wing away. Whoever this alicorn was, if they were family, they were probably pretty close.

"I was in Ponyville, if you need to know."

"Ponyville?" the pink alicorn put a hoof under her chin. "It doesn't ring any bells."

“It’s where Celestia wants to have the next Summer Sun Celebration. I had really nothing better to do...so I thought I might check it out. Y’know…”

To Sunset’s dismay, the pink alicorn looked at her suspiciously.

Oh crap. I probably acted out of character. Stupid me, I should have informed myself of how I usually act around here. Spike is already suspicious, but he’s a baby dragon. Hardly anyone would listen to him. But to….whoever that pony is, doesn’t matter, she’s an alicorn!

“Checking the place out? Whatever happened to the mare who could think of nothing more than studying, studying and even more studying?” the alicorn asked clearly amused.

Sunset in return rubbed the back of her head sheepishly. “She got caught up in an accident the other day, in which she apparently erased a few of her memories. All by herself”
The other alicorn gasped, putting her hoof over mouth.

“Oh dear. Are you alright at least?”

“Yeah. I think so.” The yellow alicorn made a gesture with her hoof. “It’s coming back bit by bit. Though, I guess I have been acting a little off, at least from the looks others give me.”

“Hmm...really? Well from the looks of things, you got the okay from auntie, so I guess there’s no reason to be worried.” The unknown pony smiled. “Now, come on! Auntie and Twily are already waiting for us. Or did you forget the way to the dining hall?”





“Ah, Cadance, Sunset.” Celestia greeted the two other ponies, as they entered the dining hall. “It’s good to see you’re back, my daughter. How was Ponyville?”

The alicorn involuntarily shivered. “It was...something else to say the least.” If her muscles would be able to talk, they’d probably say that, that was the understatement of the year.

“Oh? Well, now you know that there’s more out there, than just the luxuries of these walls.” The now dubbed Cadance gestured around the room.

“I wouldn’t have figured.” Sunset muttered sarcastically.

Celestia giggled. “Come, you two. Twilight, Spike and I have been waiting all day for you two. Sunset can tell us about her new experience, but first, Cadance, tell us about your trip to Prance. It’s been years since I have traveled there myself.”

“Of course, auntie.” Cadance took place directly next to Twilight, while Sunset sat besides Celestia.

“Oh, Equestrian cuisine.” the pink alicorn smiled. “Nothing against the Prench kitchen, but after a while you start to miss what you have here.”

“Did you visit the-”

“No Twilight, I didn’t visit any museum or historical site, aside from the tower.” Cadance gave Twilight a knowing look.

Spike laughed, while the lavender alicorn looked disappointed.

“I don’t understand you. You have so many opportunities to visit historical landmarks, all kinds of museums and you just miss out on them.” Twilight flared her wings aggressively.

Both Cadance and Celestia shook their heads.

“Well, excuse me, miss Princess of Books.” Cadance began in a mock-tone. “But I much prefer to view the landscapes and go on a little shopping spree every now and then.”

“Ah yes, about that.” Celestia chimed in. “As of late, there seems to be a little empty space in one of the royal treasure vaults.”

Sunset choked on her foot, having a hard time not to spit it out. Cadance puffed her cheeks.

“Oh come on, auntie. I’m not buying THAT much. A mare is allowed to have a little variation in her closet.”

“A little variation?” Celestia quoted. “I took the liberty to check on the latest transactions and as it turned out you bought no less than 50 clothes on your latest trip.”

Sunset and Twilight choked on their food. Spike spit his half eaten gems right out and fell onto the floor, laughing and rolling around. Cadance for her part puffed her cheeks and let out a “hmph”, looking away from her aunt.

“Sunset, why don’t you tell us a little bit about your trip?” the pink alicorn asked, causing Sunset to stop in mid-movement of putting the fork into her mouth. She placed it back on the plate, suddenly aware of everyone looking at her, especially Celestia.

“Well...what’s there to say? It’s a nice little, quiet town with some friendly ponies in it. I managed to sort things out with the summer camp-”

“Summer camp?” Her cousin interrupted. “Could you please elaborate on that?”

“That’s right! You weren’t there.” Twilight looked eagerly up to Cadance. “Sunset bought an orphanage that was in financial crisis.”

Cadance almost spit out her drink.

“She...you did?!”

Sunset’s cheek got a little red, as she looked to the sight. “What was I supposed to do? Watch as the kids get put onto the streets or overfill other orphanages?”

“I..that’s...never mind, go on.”

Sunset eyed the pink alicorn for a second, before she continued. “Okay. You see, the building really needs to be renovated from ground up and for the works to get done as fast as possible, it’s best if the kids stay out of it. Ponyville was organizing a Summer Camp, so I thought about bringing them there, until the worker ponies are done.”

“I...see. Kind of unorthodox, but if it works.” the second oldest alicorn said slowly.

“Mhm. Oh yeah, that reminds me, I’ll need to go to Ponyville again the next couple of days, to sort everything out. If that’s no problem.” the fiery alicorn looked over to her mother, who smiled and nodded.

“Of course. Maybe you could even take Twilight and Spike with you.”

The purple duo looked to the regal, white alicorn. “Really? We can?” Spike asked eagerly.

Twilight didn’t share his excitement. “Uhh...as nice as this sounds, I have an awfully lot  of study material to go through, so-”

“Oh, nonsense Twilight.” Celestia put a wing around her younger daughter. “You always spend your time studying, studying, studying. It’s high time for you to see the outside world. And museums don’t count.”

Cadance laughed upon seeing the horrified expression on Twilight’s face.

“Tell me, Sunset. Did you perchance meet some interesting ponies?” Celestia asked.

“Now that you mention it, there was this crazy earth pony baker. I’d almost say she’s a relative of the spirit of chaos.” Sunset chuckled a little. “But she’s pretty funny and makes the best pastries I have ever tasted.

Then there’s a unicorn mare, named Rarity. I was surprised to find a dress shop of all things in a small town like this. Of all ponies, she reacted the worst to me, even worse than the mayor.”

“Worse? What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

Sunset playfully rolled her eyes. “That mare almost fainted, when I entered her shop just out of curiosity.

“Then there was this pegasus mare, Rainbow Dash. I swear she can even give the Wonderbolts a run for their money.”

“That’s quite the statement.” Celestia commented. “I see that you have met quite a colorful of characters.”

Sunset eyed the princess for a moment. Something about the way she said it, seemed somewhat off to the fiery maned alicorn. She just couldn’t put her hoof on it.

“I...guess. And finally there was another pegasus I happened to stumble upon. Her name is Fluttershy and she got as many animals, as you would normally find in a zoo.”

“Huh, is that so?” Cadance asked.

“You need to see it for yourself, really.” Sunset concluded. “Maybe I should ask her if that bear of hers is up for adoption.”











Later that evening, Celestia stood on her balcony, watching the moon intently, like she had done the past month. Each day seemed to pass faster than the previous. The princess needed to double check that she didn’t lower the sun too soon each day.






Both Cadance and Sunset had excused themselves earlier, since they were exhausted from their trips, though Celestia had no idea what could be so exhausting about a little trip to a small town.







As for Twilight, the poor sheltered mare desperately tried to argue that there was so many important things she had to study up, like how to properly interact with their subjects or the customs of the town she had never visited before. Celestia had simply argued that experience was better than any book and stood firm to her word. She giggled, remembering the puppy dog eyes her daughter had given her.







“Uh...Celestia?”






Her train of thought was interrupted by the voice of a certain dragon speaking.






“Spike.” the princess turned around. “What brings you to me? Isn’t it past your bedtime?” she asked, walking back into her chamber, where the dragon stood. He was nervously shifting from one foot to another, while at the same time fidgeting with his claws.






“Is something the matter?” the princess asked, sitting down in front of the dragon.






“Well...it’s about Sunset. She’s been acting really weird lately.” the dragon said.






Celestia blinked for a moment. “I think that is to be expected, after what she has put herself through.”






“I know about the whole memory loss thing, but she didn’t lose ALL of them, right?” he asked.






“Well, no. She didn’t. What exactly do you think is weird about her behavior?”






“It’s...hard to tell. She’s just so...so...nice.”






The alicorn titled her head. “I don’t see what’s wrong about that.”






“It’s not wrong.” Spike argued. “It’s just not like her. She hadn’t yelled at any of castle stuff, she actually treated me ice-cream, I haven’t seen her obsessed with a book or hanging out with some noble stallion and then there’s the thing with the orphanage and Ponyville!” The little drake threw his arms up. “You can’t tell me she’s been always like that. I remember you scolded her a lot for not behaving like a proper princess.”






Celestia closed her eyes, thinking for a minute. Of course she had noticed this herself, but wrote it down as to Sunset finally having learned her lesson after that accident she had. Celestia hadn’t shown it, but she had been ready to lock her daughter on the sun for a day, after she obviously did something foolish enough to do herself some serious damage.






“Yes, I noticed.” she finally admitted. “Have you spoken to Twilight about this? Surely she should have noticed something.”






In response Spike gave Celestia an “Are you kidding me?” look.






“Like she would ever notice a difference. For her Sunset is the best pony that ever existed. No surprise there, since Sunset is always so nice to Twilight.”






Celestia nodded. “Indeed. But personally, I think you shouldn’t dwell too hard on this matter. I think Sunset is finally taking my advice to heart and is trying to be a better mare in general.”






“...Just like that?” Spike asked with a raised eyebrow.






“Of course I belief the spell to be part of the reason of her changed behavior. It might have opened her eyes.”






“I dunno.” Spike shook his head. “I think it would take more than that to change her mind. Remember the time she blew up one of the labs at your school?”






“Only all too well.” Celestia said resigned.






“Woops. I forgot to calculate the minus over there.”






“What happened here?!”






“Sorry mom! But it’s not like you don’t have the money to rebuild everything, right?”






“I still don’t know how she got her hooves on the arcanite crystals…” she mumbled, but then shook her head. “Still, I believe she finally had her wake-up call and decided to try to change.”






“If you say so…” Spike mumbled, before yawning.






Celestia smiled and picked the little dragon up with her magic. “I think it’s high time for you to go to bed. Baby dragons do need their sleep after all.”






The purple dragon didn’t complain, as the white princess put him onto her back and made it himself comfortable there.
















Twilight was nervous to say the least. Ever since the revelation of her aunt (and actually having an aunt for that matter) being Nightmare Moon, who was probably really mad right now and would escape her prison in a couple of days, she had a hard time keeping a clear head.






Her books certainly helped her keeping her thoughts away from what was about to happen, though it didn’t help that she was currently researching the Elements of Harmony and Nightmare Moon. The best source available at the moment was of course her mom, but she had already made it pretty clear that she wanted neither Twilight or Sunset involved in all of this.






Normally she would listen to her mother, but at the same time she didn’t want to see her mother being hurt. And by how serious Sunset had sounded by saying that they needed the Elements of Harmony, it only helped increasing Twilight’s worries.






*knock* *knock*






“Ah!” Twilight jumped. “Come in!” she called, glad nopony saw her acting like she did.






The purple alicorn was surprised to see her mother entering her room, but that surprise disappeared, once she noticed Spike sleeping soundly on Celestia’s back.






“Did he fall asleep on the floor?” Twilight asked amused. She took the burden of carrying Spike away from Celestia, by levitating Spike into his oversized basket, which was positioned next to her own bed.







“No, he was just worried about Sunset. He said she acts a little off, ever since she woke up with her slight amnesia.”






“Off?” Twilight repeated. “I don’t know what everypony is talking about. I heard some of the staff mumbling that Sunset was acting differently. I think they’re just exaggerating, like they always do, when somepony from the high society starts acting a little differently. I haven’t noticed any differences and I’m her sister.” Twilight argued. “I should be the first one to notice if anything is off about her.”






Celestia smiled her usual regal smile. “If you say so. I’m glad Sunset is recovering quickly. Be a dear and keep an eye on her, just in case.”






“Of course.” Twilight smiled, nuzzling her mother.






“And one more thing. Please stop looking into the legend of the Elements of Harmony.”






Twilight was completely taken aback by the statement. She looked up to her mother, surprised.






“B-but how did you-?”






Celestia laughed, her melodic voice echoing through Twilight’s room. Spike turned around in his basket.







“Oh Twilight, have you forgotten who your mother is? Sunset going to Ponyville, using the convenient task of her new responsibilities as an excuse? While she investigates, you stay behind and study, like you do half the time anyway?”






Celestia ruffled her daughter’s mane.






“I can understand that you two are worried, but please, stay out of this.” She nuzzled Twilight’s neck. “I couldn’t bear seeing one of you getting hurt.”






“But I...Sunset...we...there has to be something…” Twilight couldn’t find the right words.






Celestia pulled her daughter into a hug, wrapping both wings around the little pony. “There’s no need to worry Twilight. I’ll come back. And I will bring your aunt back as well.”















Sunset sighed in relief, upon feeling the warm water finally relaxing her sore muscles. The oversized bath was so luxurious, there was even a cushion for her to place her head on, in case she wanted to sleep during her bath. And that was exactly what she was going to do.















































































































“Hello, my dear niece.”


> Nightly talks
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset jumped almost out of the bathtub, startled by the voice suddenly coming out of nowhere. The only problem was, she wasn’t in the bathtub anymore. In fact, from the looks of things she wasn’t in Equestria anymore. Or the actual planet for that matter.

“It’s confirmed. I’m losing it.” the alicorn deadpanned. After all, how else could you explain her suddenly appearing on the moon of all places?

A dark chuckle from behind her caught the attention of the yellow alicorn. Slowly she turned around and got a good look on the source of the chuckle.

“Oh, I can assure you dear niece, your mind is as sound as sound.” Said Nightmare Moon, who was slowly coming closer to Sunset. The smaller alicorn tensed up a little, but else didn’t move.

“Nightmare…” she breathed out. “Wait, that’s it. I must have fallen asleep. This is a dream.” she concluded.

Nightmare Moon let out another chuckle. “You’re correct, this is a dream.” The taller mare was now standing right in front of the younger princess. “But this is no ordinary dream, I assure you. I am not called Nightmare for nothing.”

Sunset’s eyes shrunk to pinpricks, understanding the implication. Somehow, despite being banished, Nightmare Moon had managed to invade Sunset’s dreams. And given how random dreams could be at times, if Nightmare did this, when Sunset was dreaming about something particular-

Her train of thought was interrupted, when she felt Nightmare’s hoof under her chin.

“You’re truly beautiful my dear niece. I am sure the noble stallions must gushing over you.”

Sunset took a few steps backwards. “Let’s just say, I’m not particularly interested in dating a stallion that is more interested about his mane style, than anything else. I don’t know how things were 1000 years ago, aunt Luna” she emphasized these two words “but nowadays, you’ll have a hard time finding a “noble” noble.”

Nightmare Moon blinked upon hearing her real name, but the smiled again. “I see, I see. Why don’t you tell me about yourself, my dear niece. It has been a terribly long time, since I have last talked to anypony.” The taller mare circled the smaller one, like a predator hunting her prey.

Sunset tried very hard to keep her cool. She knew what Nightmare was doing. Heck, she had done it herself countless times. Nightmare or aunt Luna as she mentally called the mare wanted information. Somehow, probably through dreams, Nightmare had found out about Sunset and probably Twilight as well. It wasn’t hard to imagine what Luna would do, had she this kind of information. Sunset had used it for blackmail. Given the backstory of Nightmare Moon, she would probably try to get Sunset to go against Celestia, maybe even Twilight.

Two can play this game, dear aunt.

“I cannot complain, really. I have more money than I could spend in a year, I have access to almost every book about magic there is...I could go on, but you understand, what I mean.”

Nightmare frowned, not because of the trivial information. No, she was no fool. She knew immediately that her niece had seen through her spiel. Nevertheless, this didn’t mean anything in the end.

“Yes, living the life of a princess. It’s what every filly dreams of.” The tall alicorn stopped right in front of Sunset, lowering her head until they were face to face. “Why don’t we skip everything trivial. Tell me, what do you think of your mother? Your sister? I am genuinely curious.”

The younger alicorn shuddered, feeling her aunts breath on her face.

“Well...I’m sorry to say, but I am suffering from a slight case of amnesia. My memories are not really reliable right now.”

“...Ah, yes. Your accident.” Luna nodded to herself, causing Sunset to raise an eyebrow.

“Oh, do not be surprised. I have been watching you for quite some time.” the taller alicorn revealed. “Maybe you want me to help you regain your memories? Dreams can be very revealing and your dreams have told me a lot about you.”

Great. I have a stalker aunt.

“I appreciate the help, but as of right now, I have much on my mind. For example, we’re in the middle of preparing your return. Surely you wouldn’t want it to be half assed, do you? By the way, do you prefer cake or pies?”

To those words, Nightmare Moon couldn’t help herself. She began to laugh. She laughed and laughed, Sunset was a little worried the dark alicorn would suffocate. Eventually however, the alicorn of the night caught herself, although she snickered a little.

“Oh, my sides. I don’t remember the last time I laughed this heartfully.”

Out of nowhere, Sunset felt herself being pulled into a hug, by the black wing of her aunt. “I wish I would have been able to talk to you earlier. But, who cares? Soon enough we’ll have more than enough time to get to know each other.”

Sunset just nodded, still too stunned at the fact that Nightmare Moon of all ponies had pulled her into a hug.

“Though I have to ask, why do you not want to regain your memories? With my powers it will be easy to dive into your subconsciousness and bring them back. Is there anything naughty you’re trying to hide?”

“WHAT?! NO!”

Sunset pushed herself away, blushing furiously. She just realized just how serious the entire situation was. Quickly, the yellow pony pushed herself out of the hug, taking a few steps back.

“N-n-n-o, i-i-it’s….urghh.”

Nightmare Moon laughed once again, her imagination running wild as to what her poor niece might have hidden. Though, in all actuality, the black mare knew already as to why her niece was refusing her help. It was because her own flesh and blood didn’t trust her at all. No doubt it was a certain white alicorn’s fault.

“Look, let’s get the facts straight.” said a still flustered Sunset.

Now she is going to say it.

“We both know that you’re either showing me some false pictures or abridging the proof in such a way that I will start hating Twilight and Celestia. It’s one of the oldest tricks in the world.” the younger mare stated, her wings flaring a little.

Nightmare Moon suppressed her anger and simply said. “Hmph, I should have known my sister put ideas into your head. After all, she had more than enough time to do so.”

Sunset laughed a dryly. “You know, you just might do the same thing.”

This time Nightmare Moon’s own wings flared a little, causing Sunset to take a few steps back in caution.

“Once a long time ago, I was a wielder of the Element of Honesty. And while none of the Elements respond to me anymore, I still value honesty.”

“Wait, what?” Damn, she’s right. I already forgot about this! But, just because she once represented honesty, doesn’t mean she’s honest now….right?

While Sunset was lost in her own thoughts, Nightmare Moon had a really hard time to keep her temper in check. Being stuck for almost a millennia on the moon didn’t help in that regard. As a result, she decided to cut tonight’s conversation short, in order to not lose her niece completely to her treacherous sister.

“If you do not believe me, why don’t you ask my dear sister?” the nightmare asked, before turning around. And before Sunset could say anything else, the dreamscape faded.






Sunset woke up with a gasp, splashing water everywhere in the bathroom. To her horror, she realized that the water had gotten colt and that her fur was soaked in it.

“A-CHOO!” Sunset sneezed, accidentally triggering the royal Canterlot voice. Not only did she knock the entire water out of the bathtub, but also herself and to top it off, the shockwave destroyed not only the mirrors, but also every bottle of perfume, shampoo, conditioner that was made of glass. It was a total mess.

Shivering from the cold, the alicorn needed a moment to catch herself from what just happened to her and her bathroom. She carefully raised a hoof and put it on the edge of her bathtub, only for her to lose footing and slip. The fall ended with Sunset somehow getting out of her bathtub and hitting her forehead on the ground.

“OW!! Oooooaaarr….” The yellow mare groaned, slowly rolling on her back and rubbing her forehead with her forehooves. “Oaarr...the pain...make it stop…” she moaned, barely registering the shampoos entering her mane and fur.

There was a knock at the door all of the sudden. For Sunset it sounded like someone was playing the drums.

“Sunset, are you in there?” Celestia’s voice sounded through the door. Sunset’s only reply was even more groaning. 

Celestia opened the door, her jaw dropping to the ground, upon seeing the devastated state her daughter’s bathroom was in. However what quickly caught her attention, was her daughter lying in a puddle of multi colored beauty products.

“Sunset!” Celestia exclaimed, levitating her daughter out of the puddle. “Are you alright?” she asked.

“Urrgh… it hurts...a lot…” Sunset replied almost comically.

“Oh dear, let’s get you to the hospital wing.”

After it was revealed that Sunset was only suffering from a slight concussion, Celestia brought her daughter to her personal room, while the maids were ordered to clean up Sunset’s bathroom. In the meantime, Sunset had recovered enough from her injury to form complete sentences again. Of course once she told her mother what happened, Celestia had one of the biggest laughing fits she had in centuries.

“You...you sneezed? *Snrk* Hahaha, oh- oh my, it’s just...hahahaha!”

The alicorn in the bathroom rolled her eyes, washing the last of the conditioner out of her mane.

“Should I bring you some tissues? You know, just in case...HAHAHAHAHA!”

“Yeah, yeah, we get it, alicorn sneezes are comparable to a category 10 tornado.”

“*Snrk* Alicorn sneeze...tornado...AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!”

Just how dull has her life been that she can laugh about something like THAT?! Sunset asked, getting out of the bathtub, though this time she used her magic to levitate herself out of it, instead of risking another head injury.

She slowly made her way to Celestia’s room, where she found the white alicorn, lying on the carpet, a huge smile on her face. The smaller alicorn placed herself in front of the bigger pony, subconsciously rubbing her forehead.

“Feeling better?” she asked.

“Yeah, a little.” Sunset sighed.

“It’ll take the maids probably all night to reassemble your bathroom. So why don’t you just spend the night here?”

“Are you sure? I mean, I could just stay in one of the other rooms. We only have about a million guest rooms or so…”

Celestia’s ears dropped and a little frown appeared on her face for just a split second. Sunset didn’t notice this, as she had been looking towards the door, while she spoke. When she looked back, Celestia had her smiling mask back up.

“Aww, too bad. My little pony is a big pony now.”

“Very funny…” Sunset deadpanned. “You know, this gives me an idea. We should hire a jester. It just might improve your sense of humor.”

“Oh you…” Celestia smiled. “Why should I hire a jester, when I have a humorously daughter like you?”

“Urrgh…” Sunset smiled despite her repeated groaning. This was just like the Celestia she remembered, always a little playful, even if nopony else found it funny.

“Behold, Sunset Shimmer, the princess of jokes. Augh!” Celestia was caught off guard, while her daughter magically threw a pillow at her mother. The smaller pony had used the fact that Celestia was making an over dramatic gesture.

Sunset smirked up to her mother. That smirk dropped in a split second, when Celestia levitated every single pillow in the room up.

“Umm...I surrender?”

“Don’t care.” Celestia smiled the most beautiful smile she could muster and assaulted her daughter with a bombardment of pillows. In a matter of milliseconds, the yellow alicorn was buried under a mass of textile filled with feathers. The alicorn dug herself out of the mountain of pillows, only to came face to face with her mother, who had saved up one last pillow. Said pillow somehow made the noise of a freaking shot gun, when Celestia pushed the pillow on two sides together, before stretching it, as if she was loading a real shotgun.

“Pinkie Pie, is that you?”