After Sunset Shimmer walked through the mirror, it is likely she may have compromised the delicate fabric of the realities that held the two together. It only gets worse - as she now has to deal with strange beings who wish to correct her intrusion.
Sunset Shimmer made the mistake of playing with things not even Celestia could truly understand. Upon moving through the mirror and into another world - she has compromised the very existence of her human doppelganger, who she has replaced entirely. Living a life far different, but also eerily familiar - Sunset is haunted by her own personal demons and seeks redemption one day at a time. This proves difficult, when she begins to have strange visions of mythical beings that dwell between the two realms, preying on those that wish to travel between the different planes. Pursued by phantom riders in her dreams and morally pummeled by the struggles of troubled teenhood - Sunset is about to discover something that will forever change the fate of two Equestrias.
One could not predict the amount of consequences the traveling between dimensions can possibly cause. Some are minimal, brief instances that occurred at such a low frequency of existence that they might as well have not even happened at all. Yet, surely there is some being that was able to witness it. This kind of magic was greatly forbidden at one time, constrained by only a few portals and enchanted objects. To travel across these various, alternative planes of existence, was known by mages and sorcerers of the old world as being a "Tourist". The magic originated from the ancient tribes of Elven Deer-kin, who originally inhabited the Everfree Forest. When pony tribes came to claim the land, they were pushed out - some placed on reservations and others growing in numbers in guerilla groups. Someponies would whisper in the night that it was the Deer who placed a curse on the Everfree, they were magical beings that could walk between what they referred to as "Spheres". Realms of existence, often dictated by their own demi-gods to a degree. Dismissed by unicorn specialists as folklore, mysticism and heresy - much similar to their treatments of taboo Zebra magic - these theories soon fell into obscurity and vanished along with the original tribes of the Everfree.
But then, Sunset Shimmer was shown something. A gate of magic, to another world - another "sphere". This realm was a strange one, not a mirror universe but rather - a universe that has been born into existence through thought alone. Sunset remembered it vividly, what it was like to step through and onto other side. Such an invasive, assertive action that had violated another world, but in her mind, gave a gift to it. Their ego was already at an all time after she had just knocked out two members of the Royal Guard herself. Her heart thundered as her hooves did on the polished marble floor of Celestia's palace. Her eyes eagerly grew when the portal came closer to her touch, a strange reflection looking back at her - not of her form, but certainly of herself. She saw power, where there was such power - there would be somepony like her wishing to take it.
Sunset did not hesitate, she would show a world that it did not need a princess like Celestia. Her once beloved teacher had become a tyrant that dictated her life, that had held her back for far too long. The consequences would never be the same, it was time to embrace a brand new world. She forced her head through like a thin layer of water that rushed down the side of a building, generated from the harsh rains above. It was a cleansing experience, nearly a baptism. She opened her eyes and felt as if her soul had merged with another. The same sensation a mother would have, carrying a child - only this was different in the way she felt another presence in her heart. But the journey to the other world was not yet complete - the strange magic had its own, very strange ways of introducing itself to a newcomer, a new "Tourist".
"Good evening, good evening, good evening!" A surprisingly posh, sophisticated voice greeted her as she traveled through a blinding abyss of warping, water-like magic. What looked to be a silhouette of a man, a strange bipedal creature never seen in the eyes of the pony Sunset Shimmer. It would be like seeing a new colour, for the first time. Even if she could speak and react, there was nothing to say other than give an absent stare of utter astonishment and surprise. The head was not of anything that should be mounted on the creature's strange shoulders. But the head was almost equine, yet had proud, twisting antlers that reached upward. "It has been so long since we have seen a new face, so forgive me if we come off as anything hostile or simply - not of your age. You see, culture tends to change in the dark, backward abysm of time." Sunset would have blinked in confusion to these words, but that is when she realized she had no eyes to blink with. She was merely a soul - transitioning from one place to another, in some otherworldy transit.
The sensation of not being tangible would give some nightmares, but only intrigue others. Sunset Shimmer was an expert user of magic, even when she dabbled briefly in the Dark Arts she was enthralled by instances such as this. Some had occasionally dreamed of seeing themselves hovering over their own bodies, but this was like being the paint on a new canvas - starring back at its own, previous - restricting container and prison. A vessel that would hold them down, no longer - anymore. "Very shocking, I am sure it is - all very enthusiastically different from anything your kind has dabbled with - regarding the use of magic and what not. In fact, your people only discovered magical transportation 100 years ago?" The voice came from a soft female mouth - a similar shadow was nearby. An oddly slim, shaped head but with no antlers to be seen - unlike the other to her side. The interdimensional beings were hard to put a definition on - they stood in place through the moving, waving winds of existence, even when tangibility in the first place did not exist. "The question you want to ask is going to involve the word "what", I am sure. But I insist it is less of what, where and why."
Their seeming shadow twin continued off from the last sentence. They continued forth with a verbal barrage of diction and understanding, showing they both communicated the same thoughts and perhaps even had a conjoined consciousness of some sort. "It is more about "when". Time is a strange thing, even in dimensions - we are not merely hoisted up by the strings like some puppets by what you consider to be logic. We are beyond logic, even existence - we are misused, well-placed paradoxes." Sunset Shimmer's currently non-existing head hurt trying to take all this cryptic communication from alien lifeforms. The winding path was coming to a close, as the walls of flowing time itself started to funnel down. She began to feel her flesh again and even hair. Their eyes moved so hard that they must have clicked, the end of the portal was soon in her face - only to be left to fend on her own in the new world with just a few words of advice. "So, I am sure you know the drill. Don't freak out too much, enjoy your new life and don't kill anyone if you can avoid it. Murder is universally frowned upon in all spheres of the cosmos. Wear a helmet, don't run with scissors and drink milk."
---
Sunset opened her eyes, sweat pouring down her face. She sighed and was glad that it was just another dream. Rather, it was more of a memory that kept replaying itself like a bad, daytime television movie. Her head raised slowly to scan the room, in her half-asleep state, it almost resembled the one back in the castle in Equestria. But that was impossible, she was primarily stuck here and she knew it. She could not return, especially after the heresy she committed in front of Celestia. A regretful sigh escaped her as she rolled her body to the corner of the small bed and let her feet touch the soft carpeting. She was still exhausted and recovering from the Battle of the Bands incident. Her reformation has been a long road to recovery for some, many did not recognize her new state as a new person and a better one at that. Especially her parents, who could not grasp to understand the changes in their daughter over the last year. It was a shame, just like the ones back on the other side of the mirror, it seemed that they only cared about her when they were in worry.
Throughout the night, they would open the door to peek in or even dare to knock, asking if she needed anything at zero two in the morning. But, when things were perfectly fine, there was nothing from them. Distance parents who only provided the necessary, sometimes with very little of the love. With a stretch of her back, she stopped at the dark pink, almost purple dresser beside her bed. The mirror was decorated with stickers and photographs, from a past that was not exactly her's. She had trouble deciding which kind of Sunset Shimmer she wanted to be. While similar, her counterpart in this world - who strangely disappeared when she entered it, as if she took her place - had a growing streak of mean from a young age. Perhaps this is was just how time worked in other dimensions. Some things are predestined, predetermined by greater trials of existence. She was always meant to be this way, but maybe it was her upbringing primarily under Celestia, as a student and almost daughter-like figure, if not a little sisterly that prevented her from boiling over before.
The idea of many strands of existence, all with different "what ifs?" brought an all familiar migraine that focused in the center of her forehead. Sunset stared into the mirror, for some reason, she felt that she looked better in the mornings when she was slightly unkept. This illusion did not interfere with her hygiene, of course. Already she had started to maintain her red and yellow hair, sometimes she would brush it like a mane unknowingly. Her past life was always more than a shadow looming behind her, unlike the shame of her actions in both worlds. Her eyes wandered past her own face to a photo in the corner of the mirror, wedged between the glass and the frame. A fairly young Shimmer, greeting a man in uniform - weary from his travels. Her father, a member of the Equestrian Home Reserve Force. A national guard, home army that operated on weekends for drill to give part-time assistance to local security. There was a small tear bundled up behind an eye, as her father too - back in Equestria, was a drilling member of the Royal Guard. It was his efforts and hard work that got her placed into such a prestigious school for her magical education.
Sunset approached the shower, but not before she examined her bra size and behind in the mirror, like a typical teenager growing into adulthood. There was always a tinge of guilt from back home that rivaled that of her current life. Her father was so proud, simply ecstatic to hear that his daughter had been chosen to become Celestia's chosen, personal student. The enthusiasm died down quickly, however - as it just meant they no longer had to support their daughter financially and domestically. Soon, he went full active duty. Sunset wondered what he was up to now, with his daughter having ran away to another world entirely. It was not fair, even though there was days her parents did not seem to care, it must have hurt them greatly. At least, Shimmer almost hoped so. But even then, she had too let down her adoptive mother Celestia more than anypony else. She was raised better than this, trained and mentored to better - instead she wanted to take a grab for power.
Shaking her head, wanting to just forget the bad, negative thoughts and discontent in her heart that suffocated her mind as well. The waters from the luke-warm shower cleansed away a layer of dried sweat and worry, yet another symbolic baptism to start her day. A shower used to be her best place to think, to relax. It was less a chore to have one everyday and more a pleasure to have one every morning and every night. Cleanness was next to godliness, the very thing she envied so much of Celestia. On harder days, she would use all the hot water and just sit in the tub, a hot rag on her back - letting the warmth fall through the strands of her hair. A girl her age shouldn't have to harbour so many secrets. Sunset could not do any of this now, not anymore. The thoughts would come to her just as quickly as the water, which is why she kept it luke warm - to encourage her to get out much sooner.
Before long, she was dried off and getting dressed. Her favourite hardcore punk song playing loudly on her radio, by none other than the "Dead Princesses". She bobbed her head lightly to the rhythm of the intro, the soft thumbing of bass notes along with the pounding of drums with shrill guitar harmonics. "Holiday In The Everfree" was a prominent mix of aggressive surf, rockabilly music that was pioneered by the band a few decades prior. Sliding on her boots like a soldier and then sliding her favourite jacket onto her body, Sunset Shimmer was ready to start the day, even if it was one she dreaded. With the notes of the song still pumping in her head, she quickly descended the stairs of her home - Sunset's palm pressed against the cool wall on the way down. Her fingers briefly touched the tassels of a scarf pinned up as decoration, the colours of the Wondercolts team with the words "Giddy up!" printed on it. The pseudo mascot and prominent player Derpy had her face designed on the left side of the fabric.
Sunset's dad was standing awkwardly in the living room, just as Sunset predicted. Something as calm and casual as sitting was obscure to him, even in the relaxation of his own home - he moved with the unmistakable discipline of a soldier. Their hands never in their pockets, their digitized camo uniform pressed and not a single flap looked anything but straight, flat - perfect. Combat boots tied tight and the laces snugly tucked into the sides, the pants puffed up slightly with blousing straps. White Light had only two expressions on their face at all times, complete and utter robotic apathy or a constant sarcastic glare as if they knew a hilarious secret about you that they were about to unleash onto the world at any moment. A natural blonde, their hair was dyed black and allowed to grow in bulk on the top, the sides shaved to remain in regulation - even if it was just barely at times. Their combat patch was the sigil of Royal Guard, proudly below a velcro rocker with his branch of service. "Sunset". He simply said, with the lack of restraint only someone who just recently got off of watch and their duty section hours prior - eyes weary with a constant lack of sleep. It was a considerable weekend.
Shimmer managed a shy wave, a shameful motion for someone's daughter to give them. The distance between the two was more than as child and father, but there was a physical gap at all times. Being a professional gate guard and working door detail in the Canterlot Royal Castle, White Light always maintained a solid 2-3 meters away from everyone - even his wife. Their leg that often carried a holster and firearm sat back for balance as if their retention had trained them to anticipate someone to grab for his gun at any moment. His hands were hardly ever at his sides and almost always floating just above where his duty belt would be - at his lower abdomen. Ready, prepared - feeling empty and light without a proper rifle at the very least, lazily slung into their grasp. "Nice trophy." He mentioned, nodding his head and breaking eye contact for a moment to look over at Sunset's prize from the last Friday for winning the Battle of the Bands.
Shimmer sighed and crossed her arms. She adopted a lot of body language from her father, she used his occasional outbursts of anger or flat out shaming as a model to use with her fellow classmates back at Canterlot High. Assertive, disciplined behavior could recruit just about anyone for anything - just so happened people like Snips and Snails were more attuned to such treatment and blind obedience due to their weaker personalities. But that was the old Sunset, she had to remind herself again. "Well, hopefully if the upcoming Wondercolt game goes well - there will be another trophy on the shelf for you to forget about later." Okay, perhaps those were not the nicest words she could have chosen. But regardless, it got the point across - White Light frowned for a fraction of a millisecond before reverting back to the face of constrained clown trying not to smile at all times. The stationary combat boots finally started a straight, confident path to the kitchen. Sunset's own followed after with a decent ounce of ambition. "So, I am guessing mom will be seeing us there?"
"As always..." Light answered, his finger picking up the key ring from the counter before they were tossed into his opposite hand, that also managed to grip and sip the coffee mug by the door. Everything was kept in his left hand out of habit, just in case he ever had to salute an officer that walked by on base or his watch standing post. His free hand placed a patrol cap on their head that was tucked into his cargo-pocket, all but the non-bent bill having been concealed in it prior. Sunset remembered why they did not wear their hats, or "covers" as they were so called indoors. Centuries ago, in the time of knights, those who used to serve the kingdoms of Equestria would remove their helmets when inside the castles of their superiors out of trust of their safety. Of course, this was only if they were not there to stand guard in the stone walls themselves. The saluting of officers also originated from the times of the original, medieval Equestrian world. When approaching a superior, knights would raise their visor to show their face - thus identifying themselves.
Sad, how of all the things a daughter should be taught by her dad, all she knew was about customs and traditions of a world she will never be apart of. In the true Equestria, her true home - she was an academic of the magical arts - not a soldier. She did not even know what she was destined to be in this world, or what this world's version of her had planned for a future. All that was lost, the Sunset of this existence was gone and now there was only one. Sunset used to sleep softly to the idea of such, but now it was the consequence that kept her awake on some nights. She let her mind question such things again as she got into the car before she knew it - they were already pulling up to Canterlot High. Sunset's eyes scanned the parking lot and scanned the faces they cruised by. Some friendly, some still suspicious of her behaviour. On the bright side, the name Sunset Shimmer was no longer a sin to be roll off of anyone's tongue like venom.
By the newly opened Noodles and Wraps shop at the edge of the parking lot, three familiar figures and now permanent students of the facility stood with piercing stares. The Dazzlings were more than open about their distaste for Sunset, Sonata happy to give her a disapproving thumbs down and Aria presented an intimidating fist. Adagio carried a face of contempt while her eyes somehow remained completely unimpressed with her surroundings. Wearing only jeans and hoodies, it did not seem they were trying to impress anyone at the school. Their makeup and hairdos were still spot on, but their flamboyant wear has been substituted for the more conservative and on the down-low. Sunset resisted the urge to make an angry face back at them, but instead smiled sheepishly and managed a wave. For the most part, it worked - since Sonata was eager to suddenly grin widely and wave like a maniac trying to clean a window. Adagio was quick to slap her hand down, hard enough to make an audible smack that startled Aria and brought a few tears to Sonata's eyes as she pet the top of her wrist.
White Light drove with the grace of someone who got their license several years ago and then never drove ever again. Every simple, civilian action and motion to them were foreign and forced, completely awkward. Sunset could sense some mild anxiety from him as he scanned the parking lot, looking for the appropriate spot - but not one where he would have to get out and walk too far, nor one they required paying attention to the other, juvenile drivers. "Come on, come on, give me a good one..." Finally, they spotted a space and just barely managed to pull into it, jerking the wheel like they were dodging a missile. The tires squeezed against the curb and the vehicle was hardly parallel to the painted lines, but it would have to do. "I think that is your mom's car over there..." he noted, turning off the engine and hopping out - some coffee slipping out of the mug and onto the pavement below as he popped up. White's ears perked at the sound of his daughter's disapproving boot tapping the ground.
"Dad, this is Vice Principle Luna's parking spot." Shimmer announced, pointing to the reservation sign fashioned with a half crescent moon. She was surprised that a soldier, even if part time, who was basically paid to have attention to detail - could miss such a thing. Then again, White Light was selective about everything, especially when he did not to be. They shrugged and carried on, gulping at their coffee for the extra caffeine boost to get them through the meeting. As the two made their way to the door, they quickly removed the lid and dumped the rest of the coffee onto a nearby plant - no one noticing except for his daughter, who got a few splashes of it on her skirt. She bit her tongue because if she felt her teeth part and her mouth open - she knew a few curse words would come flying out.
Starlight Glimmer was just a few hallways down, having finished handing out her fliers to some passing students. Her deep purple hair with light, baby blue highlights was put up in a comfortable, but swirling ponytail. Her bangs rather conservative and well balanced, in thickness and how much they covered. It was a mature haircut, but also managed to have some considerable youth in it still. Her face always had relaxed eyebrows, empty eyes and a deceiving smile. Sunset's mother was deeply political and she carried the banner of her party with her, physically and mentally. Sometimes her husband would go into a mindset before a deployment as if they already were gone. But Starlight was always in a different place, a different realm. It was obvious Sunset got her own natural streaks from their mother, as well as a love for the colour purple. Ironic now, since for awhile - because of Twilight, she hated anything to do with it.
A lot of her fashion had a big influence on the Sunset of this universe. For a mother, she kept herself somewhat hip and youthful. Probably because she knew just how important youth was to the face of a political leader, as well with the motherly overtones thrown in for good measure. Underneath an open, short purple leather jacket was a modest light blue shirt - similar to the streak in her hair. A long, dark grey skirt with lighter rings at the bottom. An equal sign design. Purple belts draped over her hips to form an x shape atop her covered thighs. The thighs themselves, unseen - even the flesh below the knees were mostly covered in her black, purple heeled boots. An equal sign printed on the shin of each. Starlight turned when hearing the distinct steps of her daughter and husband approaching from the hallway at her rear. "Oh, Sunset..." She looked surprised to see her, or rather - something on Shimmer's face. This sort of concern was rare from her. "Your nose is bleeding."
Sunset's eyes widened and quickly, a hand came up to cup the blood that dripped miserably slow from her nose - some specking her chin and bottom lip. Her mind phased out - it was almost like the dream from this morning again. She saw Equestria back home, she saw what it had become in her absence. A father working miserably on active duty, full-time - no home to support, nor a wife and daughter. Her mother, living a life of exclusion - of extroverted madness. In the absence of her daughter, she moved even further into her beliefs. And with that, her claim for power. Images of her first propaganda shows play thoroughly in such a small amount of time, blaming that her daughter's cutiemark is what effectively extinct her from this existence. She used the interdimensional defection of her daughter as a podium to present her message to a sympathetic crowd. "Sunset, dear, are you okay?" Glimmer brought a tissue up to her nose, catching more of the blood. But Sunset could only look down at the red puddle that formed in her palm.
She saw all of them, the consequences. The consequences that were only to grow stronger. Somehow, her toying with realities had a literal bleed through effect. The dreams she has been having, they were not hallucinations - but perhaps cautious advice from strange beings. Sunset blinked hard and soon the visions disappeared, only the sight of her surprisingly concerned mother and a distant father, watching - unimpressed as always. But then, there was something in the corner of her eye. Sunset turned around sharply, the students passing through the halls warped into a pathway of eternal, intensely shimmering light. Like that from the sun. The strange, anthro creatures walked into the bright, white rays - casting only a mystic shadow. Time was still around them, Sunset noticed this when looking back at her parents - a stain in time now, a single frame of the larger, moving picture. Something inside her told to follow the stalkers of time into the light - it could not have been any more difficult than walking into the mirror, she told herself.
But, of course, there will always be the consequences.
When her eyes had opened, not even the greatest of wizards could have comprehended what realm she stepped into. A place of immensely concentrated magic, known only as the Warp. Energy moves like water and air, whirling about in spectral mists of dark blue. The gravity felt greater, the oxygen much thicker and the environment ever so dangerous and foreign, simply alien. Sunset was not a native to this land - she was an invader or perhaps even a guest, as she was invited in by the mysterious watchers. She brought her hands up in front of her face, to properly examine them and confirm that they were indeed her's. A single finger poked her cheek to confirm that her spiritual avatar was tangible. That meant she could feel any pain inflicted here, as she would if her physical body was walking around this mystical, otherworldly swamp.
The trees winded upward - to the sky that was a mist and raging river of power sources, coursing through the world like blood in one's veins. The clouds were dark, brooding but produced no rain or thunder, lightening was also strangely absent. Shimmer had no choice but to continue forward into the unknown, as it carried her curiosity greater than the need for any explanation. There was nothing else she needed to know, somehow - there was already an embedded, implied knowledge and understanding in the back of her head. As unlikely as it seemed, she knew of this place and where she had first encountered it. Mere text, words scribbled by maddened scribes and deranged, aging sorcerer monks in her very first books on magical theory.
So it was here, that a great universe changing incident took place. She was excited and eager to just confirm it. Throughout the planes of existence were realms known as Spheres. By sure chance, the varying forces of magic in the Warp somehow crossed paths and created this catalyst. A platform, a walkway to many existences and realities. The Great Convergence also had a major mishap, as there is always a downside to every miracle. It had given the creatures of Tartarus a forbidden knowledge, that being - the fact they were physically encased underneath the crust of Equestria. Merely buried at the feet of mortal beings. From there, monsters would enter the world of the surface above, to hunt, to reproduce and would rarely be forced back into their original prison.
Two destroyed moons floated in the artificial sky, once being the architects of time and reality itself, their gravitational pull keeping the order of the tides of other dimensions - far from being just rotting debris. Some creatures, perhaps invaders like Sunset Shimmer herself, had come here and destroyed the great order of these two moons. This would allow them to reach into other realms effortlessly and with little caution - not carrying what abominations followed them in or out. She did not know how she knew this, yet it was cradled in her knowledge like a common fact. "This cannot be real, the Warp is only a fairy tale... A sorcerer's mindless fantasy to tell the first year students..." Sunset found the truth hard to handle, this spiritual experience was easy to deny from an ignorant place in her heart. This place somehow fed off her energies, specifically the brooding negativity that brewed within her. "Is this where the Sirens came from? Before they were banished? Or was this where they were originally banished to?"
Speaking aloud, as her mind itself was already too foggy from all the things she needed to process - it alerted something nearby. The girl turned around at the sound of a foreign animal, belching within its mouth, possibly dying. Their unnatural breath wheezing in and out of collapsing, stressed lungs. From the hidden shadows of the forest, spectral riders stared into her very soul. Seeing her through the foliage and ghost-fog with vision intoxicated by strange, mutagens and potions to enhance their hunting capabilities. The glow of tamed and enslaved Sirens beneath them - their owners, Spectral Elven deer and reindeer were wraiths known as the Siren Riders. Creatures who only existed to dominate and destroy. Said to be the original Elven race, their counterparts in modern day Equestria merely being those who were left behind during a failed conquest. Fearsome fighters, only featured back in Equine lore as tall tales from drunken, washed up heroes and the myths featuring the monster hunters known as Hexers.
As for the one leading them, there was something so strange about them - they were at home here. Not an Elf from the Everfree Forest, nor a suffered guerrilla fighter whose land was taken, a deer that has seen no reservation and was, in fact, native to the Warp. Surely, it was a "Drevnii Sin" - an "Original Son" of this world. Sunset felt that familiar fear of inadequacy sneak up behind her along with the threat of her own life being at stake. She looked down to see her feet have returned to the form of hooves. Their eyes scaled up again to the Siren Riders, now eerily floating to her. "Run little Sun, it is about time for you to Set..." Their leader remarked, one who Sunset could only think to call The Native. The unicorn's horn lit up to try and combat the antlered Riders, only to find that her magic was useless here - like trying to light a flame underwater.
There was no other choice, she would have to take the advice of this demon to heart, which would soon begin pounding. The first few steps of her hooves nearly knocked her off balance, she never thought she would have forgotten to walk - not to long ago she had traveled back into the Equestrian realm. The muscle memory caught on quickly, as no pony forgets how to put a hoof to dirt. But this was different dirt, these hooves hardly felt like her own. She dashed through the swamps of the Warp, the fog grew rapidly around her. Dim-lit eyes of creatures and monsters watched from the safety of the shadows. It was like a bad dream where you are being pursued and you run in slow motion. Every trot felt like a crawl through high water. She would not allow herself to be trapped here, even if she was merely a spectral projection.
The tamed Sirens hounded after her, their eyes long plucked out and replaced by small balls of energy - similar to what peered out of the sockets of their masters, the Wraiths. Sunset was scared, even if she could defend herself - there was no use. It is impossible to kill or destroy a wraith in combat, it can only be banished and harvested to another dimension such as this one. They were often creatures of vengeance, hungry ghosts that would never bloat - not even with their gullet swollen from swallowed souls. The Sirens began to sing a hymn for the chase, for the hunt - it was so beautiful - but noticeably made Sunset feel more erratic and spontaneous - her own mind now eager to make a mistake. They have rehearsed it for many millennium, songs not of their own for entertainment or to produce simple negativity, but to create waves of vibrations through the Warp. Which was somehow just as brittle and hollow as it was full and hefty. Through these vibrations, the blinded dogs of war would see any hidden foe or creature - taking their riders to the hunt itself.
Back in track, Coach Spitfire always told Sunset not to look back when running. It would only slow her down. But it was impossible to fight the urge to glance back every so often. The light of the Sirens they rode illuminated the armour the Wraiths wore, made from the scales of dragons - decorated with soot and the blood of their enemies. The skulls of their former bodies worn on their face, held by string or enhanced charms. This being due to the fact that a soul, even when it has become a wraith - is comfortable only under the face mortality itself. Their antlers in a permanent state of shedding, looking as if they were coated with gore and had just plunged them into a stuffed boar. They howled alongside the singing beasts beneath them, taunting and hollering - this was the finest entertainment to them. The chilled winds of the Warp bothered the Riders not, grown insensitive to most sensations besides blood lust and eagerness for conflict, the urge to conquer and dominate prey. "Giddy-up, little pony!" One snarled, laughing heartily from ash filled lungs.
Somehow, the Native had cut around them and quickly swerved his Siren into the side of Sunset. Knocked down with great force, there was no use getting up - her back against a tree and mane clung to the sweat of her face. Reality shifted yet again, a consistent phenomenon in the ever-changing Warp. The humanoid figure looked elegant, with their bladed, metal-taloned hand - the Native wiped a strand of braided hair to his side and over an antler. They had no skull to wear, for they have no previous life. This was their mortal, true form. His face slender, wise - but handsome. His ears perked and tight, like most creatures of any forest. Their dark, snake-like lips curled into a smile upon their pale complexion. He reached down, placing his palm in the throat of the once-again human Sunset.
Kicking and punching, her boots could not even make him flinch. His grasp would tighten, bringing her down to his face level, holding her a solid half meter in the air in front of him. The Native's head tilted, the Warp's only true resident was intrigued by this invader in particular. His Siren, which resembled more an overgrown wyvern, softly whistled a strange tune. The notes sharp and abrupt in combination, but flowed into the ear just right. The Native smirked, knowing full well what the signal meant while also being amused by Sunset's ignorance and fear of the whole situation. "As Above, So Below". The Native spoke - their voice resembling twisting vines around a dagger, squeaking but also weaving about like a suicidal symphony.
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The classroom. She was back in the school. Back in her home realm. There was such relief, but she looked visibly troubled to her parents and teachers. Not only was her first-period teacher Cheerilee there, but Principle Celestia as well. With Sunset raising her head and looking around the room like she had just heard a whale calling her name, all of them shared glance in her direction before they were brought back on subject. Sunset Shimmer was astonished of what she just witnessed, she had no memory getting here and certainly none about falling asleep at her assigned desk. With a sigh, rested a hand on her cheek and leaned toward the window. Dark clouds loomed above and from them, a soft rain had started. There was some security in that, for a second she would close her eyes and swear she would see the dead moons from the Warp looking down on Equestria.
"It was just so strange. She came home one day and she was just simply not herself, there were some behavioral problems before but one evening she was just..." Starlight had gone in hard, drilling down her own daughter's name as if she had forgotten she was still in the classroom with her for the conference. Her husband just stared on, not much going on in his eyes. Light imagined himself chugging down some hardcore coffee right about now, the kind that was black enough to wake you up but still had just enough creamer to taste good. Yeah, that would hit the spot well right now. "I really don't know what happened. I know we have not always been home often in recent years, but isn't that what a teenager wants? Privacy and a night to herself?" Starlight continued, her voice completely destroying the peaceful existence Light had found in his own imagination.
Cheerilee frowned, she was obviously very disapproving of virtually everything Starlight had managed to say. However, for the past few minutes, every time she would put in her opinion, she would get talked over by Starlight who was far too used to ruling the stage. As a teacher, Cheerilee had tremendous patience - but she also lead by example. Rather than intruding at any time, she preferred if her students make a comment or ask a question only after raising their hand. So naturally, there she stood, her hand half raised as Starlight spoke, only to lower discouraged every time she went onto a new subject or simply repeated herself, only this time - much louder with slightly different wording. Her kind eyes brought themselves to Celestia's, a subtle begging for help.
No one pushed around Celestia, at least in this world. It was strange, as a princess - she was kind and sometimes would let others walk on top of her. She was just that, a princess - not a warrior or an adventurer and Sunset noticed this. It was this weakness, this absolute kindness that overpowered all other emotions, that was exploited by Sunset and for the most dastardly of things. But as a principal, it was a completely different game. Nothing got past Celestia without her knowing and approving it or shutting it down. Some students speculated that she even had her own elaborate system of spies and that she secretly ruled her own kingdom in a faraway land. You know, just fairy tale stuff that teens think up.
"She has shown improvement and that is what we are here for primarily. To discuss her improvements and how we can work toward" Celestia's statement was surprising, enough to grab Sunset's attention again - who was too busy watching rain droplets race on the window pane beside her just before. The principal crossed her arms and seemed to loom over everyone in the room, it was intimidating but also strangely comforting how she could take charge of not just a situation, but also the atmosphere. For a moment, Shimmer remembered why she eagerly became her student back in Equestria.
Before she was even a candidate for such - she had one major trial to go through. It was an important day, more so than any other in her schooling. Sunset had fond memories and on occasion, would fantasize about the early days at the Clever Clover Academy of Gifted Unicorn Mares. The castle was built high upon Mount Korin, once a fertile ground for the training of Gryphon Valkyrie units, an expert of air-to-ground spear assaults. Their old training helmets were frequently the subject to object-duplication classes. Sunset was once one of the youngest students to ever attend, beaten only a few years later by a mare named Spell Luck. Conveniently, they were both roommates - their window allowed them to peer over the green fields of at the foot of Mount Korin.
Sunset found herself caught in a memory, her hooves braced against the stone window sill - eyes glued to how the field would move and dance to the great winds. Her mane was held together in two small buns at the back of her head, right beside each other. This was the sign of a senior student while having the mane in two small - tight braids to lay upon the back of the neck was traditionally for mares near graduation. This was actually a tradition that did not originate in unicorn culture, but rather from the rare non-unicorn sorceresses that populated the backwoods of middle aged villages. Spell Luck, a dark green maturing filly with eyes of a lighter shade. A four-leaf clover as a cutie-mark and a curly, ginger mane with only a single bun at the back of her head - the styling of a new student of the academy.
"I can really feel that anxiety coming off of you." Spell Luck was always the mare to state her intuitions allowed, face buried in a book to hide a sly smile. Around her neck and body was a tan cloak with a small hood, Elven markings for the border. Sunset considered it overly dramatic. "Should I be worried about the trial when I finally get to it? I've never seen you worry about anything."
Sunset bit her lip, a good talk with Spell Luck was bound to happen daily, but she was more prodding than most mares could ever be. It could be chalked up due to her age, a prodigy and already catching up to Sunset despite being a few years her junior. "Yes, maybe I am. I am not used to channeling my magic off of anything but myself, let alone other - more powerful unicorns. It would feel like cheating if it wasn't already such a difficult task." Shimmer shunned away from the image of the fields below their castle keep on the mountain. Her conscious was filled with the tension and constant anxiousness that followed her throughout the past few days. "I've trained, I've practiced and I have studied. I have fasted from extensive magic use and my reserves should be full. But why am I so worried?"
Spell raised an eyebrow, Sunset was likely asking herself that question - but that did not mean she didn't expect any input from somepony else. Flipping a page with her horn's magic, Spell Luck finally gave up and closed the book with gentle grace before it was tucked away into the bookshelf by the bed. The bad mojo had spoiled the studying and reading mood. "I can't say I blame you... It sounds simple enough, but there are senior students who got recycled back a few moons to try again since they did not succeed the first time." Sunset was unsure how she was supposed to be reassured by the noting of other unicorns' failures. Her roommate stood and stretched their body out, having been prone and reading for some time now - their Elven hood nearly falling over their head, stopped only by their large ears. "There is no actual shame in failure, as from failure we build success... Isn't that what Mage Friscella always says?"
Every mare at Clever Clover acknowledged the importance and respected the efforts of the many High Mages and Professors who taught there. Yet, something rubbed Sunset wrong about the new student, who was rumoured to be a brown nosing, teacher's pet - to be one of the few to actually quote the dreaded Mage Friscella. Shimmer was unable to close her eyes with that name on her tongue or slipping around her mind without the mental image of her weary, lifeless glare being visualized. A chill tapped each vertebra down her spine. "With all due respect, Mage Friscella is only enthusiastic about teaching magic so she can watch those half her age - with half her experience at that, fail to perform her high-level illusion spells." The fire-maned mare threw herself onto her bed, their own personal bookshelf of tomes and literature shook, a single novel falling out and onto her mangled sheets. "Why is she even teaching illusions in an alchemy class?" She murmured, face hidden in her pillow.
The unicorn peeked up at the book that had fallen at the foot of the bed. Her heart tinged at the photograph of her mother and father staring at her - waving, happy and proud. The caption 'See you at graduation!' sketched on the bottom. It served as her inspiration on the harder days at the academy, which became more frequent as her final trials neared. Spell Luck rolled onto her bed as well, sensing that Celestia would lower the sun soon and the chill of the high mountain would then creep into their castle room. "Alchemy and illusions have some things in common, you know. At least - the similar logic. Do you remember the Alchemist Edwin?" Luck questioned, a fan of trivia as well as a fan of the exercising of her own encyclopedic, well-read knowledge.
Sunset was too distracted for a moment, using her magic to place the photograph back into the novel. "Hmm?" came a moan, the book soon slid firmly back in place. Their head faced Spell Luck's side of the room again, but only because the tired Sunset Sparkle preferred to sleep on her right side, face firmly sideways against the pillow. "Of course... Alchemist Edwin - convicted of debauchery, unlawful sodomy, and black magic. Encased in silver and turned into a miniature figurine through artifact compression. Used as a chess piece by High Alchemist - Ela Gothar." Sunset finished her reply with a quick blow of air from her mouth, pushing a tuft from her mane out of her face.
"Exactly." Spell Luck smiled, a star-like shine gleaming back at Sunset. She was a strange mare, into strange things. But no pony could argue with her without facing a thesis in itself, delivered with accurate delivery and often more, somewhat loosely related trivia on the side. "Before being Ela Gothar's personal, prized Rook piece - Edwin realized that illusions were the purest form of magic, therefore was directly related to the same power source behind alchemy, teleportation and so on." The ginger haired mare propped her head on a hoof. "Pony is an incomplete being. Magic is incomplete without the pony that uses it. Each is a partial mirror to an incomplete cosmos. Magic is so intertwined with us as beings - that when both come together, the true potential is met. A partial cosmos becomes a full cosmos. And until then, these two mirrors... They will co-exist until they meet, like the time when magic was first introduced to us - when all the Planes came together for a brief time."
Already exhausted and being fed so much information, philosophy and thought at once - Sunset scoffed and rolled her eyes. It was probably best to just get to Spell Luck's point so she could go to bed. Finally and for good. "And so what? What does any of that mean? What is the point to any of that? Two mirrors forming to impartial reflections of the same thing? And they just... become whole or? What?"
"Well, you see... they kind of push together, just become one mirror with a single reflection. It is complete, but who knows - maybe they are not meant to be complete for so long? Not all reflections are meant to be seen."
"Not all reflections are meant to be seen...? Spell Luck - I know you are smart, but you talk a lot of gibberish sometimes. Intelligent gibberish, at least. But gibberish none-the-less."
"Well, maybe the whole reflection, the whole picture - it is something we do not want to see. A mirror can either amplify our flaws or draw attention from them. But, Edwin's idea about the two mirrors, two halves on different planes... They need to co-exist, one does not exist without the other. Maybe, calling it two mirrors is not so smart - but rather, imagine a mirror and then imagine the reflection."
Sunset was about ready to bury her head and ears deeper into the pillow. "So, what? Is it like a sandwich? Two pieces of bread to put some lettuce in between?"
Spell Luck was excited at the metaphor. "Yes, a sandwich!" Her hooves clapped together before she let out a soft yawn. Their head now down on the pillow, eyes heavy like the darkness that had come upon the world from the lowering of the sun outside. "You can't have a sandwich without bread, you know. That is why Edwin said 'As Above, So Below'. Magic and pony, they cannot exist without each other."
Shimmer opened her eyes, Spell Luck's talking made her fall asleep. But when their eyes opened again - the memory was over and there was no comfortable pillow under her head. Just the warmed leather sleeve of her jacket against her face, having become sticky from the slight sweat. The sun shined directly through the classroom window into her face. She wondered, her human hand being raised to cover her eyes, how did this sunrise? How did this one lower? It was so strange being in the world where the logic of magic was significantly less present. With her head back up, Sunset herself being fully conscious after falling back into another strange, almost hypnotic sleep - Celestia stood just ahead, arms crossed - foot tapping.
"I am glad you are awake, Miss Shimmer. We have some things to discuss." The principle pulled the chair from the desk behind her up to the one that Sunset was sitting at. Her parents take seats around her. This felt like a good cop, bad cop interrogation scene suddenly - just like from that funny investigation-crime show she has been watching online lately. Which reminded her, a new episode came out a few days ago. She really needed to catch back up on that. "In the past few days, you have been falling asleep in class. I would be upset if it wasn't for your consistent good grades and the recent rise in upbeat demeanor." Celestia could find the most positive things in the worst, most negative places. The intimidation factor lowered with her soft smile, which Sunset returned with confidence.
Celestia continued, "I am not here to scold you about that. In fact, this meeting is more about your well being - than just your grades and school participation. The latter also being impressive." Sunset could not help but to shine polisher a line of her nails against her jacket, a cocky grin as she looked to her mom and dad - who listened in silently. Not nearly as impressed with Sunset as herself or Celestia was, knowing her motivation levels were fairly down at home. When was the last time she did her own laundry? - Glimmer would think to herself. And now, here she was - hearing that her daughter was probably one of the better, more active students at Equestria High. "But not just myself, but Vice Principal Luna as well - have noticed that you fall asleep during class, during P.E and we have even seen you sneak away, skipping lunch in favour of a nap on the stairwell."
The leather jacket squeaked as Sunset crossed her arms together, a brief pout on her face. She had counted on no one noticing, or at least caring - about her odd sleeping habits. "In the past few weeks, have you been having any... weird dreams? That have interrupted your sleep at night?" Celestia must have had some conversations with Luna - a licensed sleep therapist and holding a Ph.D. in advanced Psychology - to get to this conclusion. It was eerily correct, but the fire-haired girl was not going to admit it outright. At least not yet. "What about incredibly vivid dreams? Times where you had trouble discerning what was real and not real?"
"No, Principal Celestia - it is nothing like that... I just have some mild insomnia is all, I come home, a lot is on my mind..."
"How have you been feeling since the Battle of the Bands...?" Celestia crossed her fingers politely and placed her hands on the table. An innocent gesture that almost asserted her dominance and authority over her, in a subtle way. "Your behavior has improved so much - but I know you still have some problems with a few of your classmates and students."
"Well, I can name three students that probably hate me right about now..." Sunset was honest about the Sirens, truth be told - they did not have many fans themselves anymore. Even though Celestia and Luna personally regretted never having any recordings of their old performances. Sirens with ill intent or not, those girls could sing. "But really, none of that has been bothering me... I just stay up late, get online - read some books... I'm fine, really."
Celestia loomed in, a suspicious look on her face.
"What books have you been reading?" The principal questioned.
The last thing Sunset even read all the way through was an article on leather jacket care and repair. She had to say something. "'As Above, So Below' - by the Alchemist Edwin the Wise.'"
Everyone raised a brow at that, especially her mother Glimmer. Celestia brought up a fake grin and a nod of understanding. "Well, I wish I could talk more, I really do... but I think my sister, Vice Principal Luna would be of more help to you." With that, Celestia offered her hand to shake, which Sunset, of course, did. The Principal winked and her soft hand soon departed Shimmer's. "I have already talked to your third-period teacher. You can visit Luna right after Lunch in her office."
