Sunset Shimmer made her decision to return to Equestria.
A single word appeared in Sunset Shimmers journal. Help. A simple word with a complicated meaning. She knew Princess Twilight was in trouble. The only way to find out what happened, the one thing she avoided for so many moons, can only be her return to Equestria.
She saw everyone with tears in their eyes and of course Rainbow Dash was trying to hide them. Dash had always been the tough one. Even herself from this world couldn’t hide her watery eyes. It was time, one of the hardest things she ever had to do, time to say good bye to her dear friends and her counterpart. It was only a few weeks ago that they discovered the Sunset Shimmer from this world. They were very much alike yet very different.
She was more like her past self, before she went the wrong way, before she became an evil she-demon and was in need of rescue. Indeed it was pony Twilight and the girls who are now Sunsets friends, who transformed her into the Sunset Shimmer everybody seemed to like and love. It was the forgiveness of her friends she remembered. She smiled to herself.
“Watcha smilen about” asked Apple Jack.
“I just remembered why I will be going to miss you guys.” Sunset said. She kept smiling. She took a last look into their faces.
The area around Canterlot High seemed abandoned. It didn’t really surprise anybody since it was Sunday. In fact there was very little going on and the new built Horse Statue, the symbol of Canterlot High School, seemed more magnificent than ever before. Standing right in front of the Statue was the group of young girls. Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Apple Jack, Rarity, Sunset Shimmer (from this world), Sunset Shimmer and Twillight Sparkle. Twilights Backpack seemed to move and then opened. It was Spike her little purple dog. He was not just a dog but he was a talking dog. Ever since the friendship games where Spike passed through a portal to Equestria, he could talk.
Together, arms around each other, the girls are having their final group hug. You could feel the love and friendship for each other in the air. But after a few seconds the sadness of losing a friend overshadowed the close feeling of friendship and love. Pinkie Pie started crying a bit louder than everybody else. The girl in Pink loved her friends, loved to make friends, and put a laugh or a smile on everyone she talked too. The excitement of her party loving soul got party pooped.
Sunset had become the leader of this group. So much was clear and she hoped that Twilight would take over that role once she was gone. Her counterpart from this world was still in the integration process and it would take her a long long time to take over that role. While Rainbow Dash was the team captain of every sports team in Canterlot High and an excellent leader, her loyalty towards her friends would make it hard to lead this group. Her Rainbow colored hair struggled against the wind.
“We are going to miss you too, Sunset” her scratchy sounding voice replied.
“Here, take this” Rarity added. She gave Sunset a bag.
“What is this for?” Sunset asked.
“Just a little surprise for you when you are back in Equestria” Pinkie Pie smiled and her voice did not sound so sad anymore.
“Thank You girls, thank you for everything” Sunset said. She pulled Twilight to the side.
“You will take care of them, yes ?” Sunset asked Twilight.
“Mhm”. Twilight nodded.
“Oh, before I forget. Here take my Journal. That way you can keep in contact with your ponyself.” She held the book up to her. Twilight pushed with one finger against her glasses and reached for the journal. “Sigh”. It was with a heavy heart she took something so precious. Considering the last message from Princess Twilight, she was a bit scared as well. That last message, only one word. Help.
Princess Twilight needed help, but what for and why hadn’t she answered when Sunset wrote her back? Though the message seemed urgent, the girls debated if they all would pitch in and go to Equestria. But nobody from this world ever crossed the portal to Equestria. Sunset Shimmer thought it was too dangerous for the girls to enter the portal. She had become very protective of them over the past few moons. Being a Pony and having done the trip more than just once, she decided to go alone.
Sunset walked towards the Portal. The portal located on the base of the Canterlot High Statue didn’t reveal itself just by looking at it. You had to touch the base on the side facing the school to see that there is more to it than just the stone itself.
“Good bye Sunset” a whisper soft voice said. She could barely hear it.
“Good bye Fluttershy” Sunset replied. “Good bye girls, take care of each other”.
She grabbed the bag she got from Rarity and turned to the portal. She knew the longer she stayed the harder it would be for her to leave. Not long ago, she had wanted to return to Equestria. She missed being a pony and having her magic. She remembered Princess Twilight telling her “Whenever you are ready to come back to Equestria I will be there for you Sunset”. But the friendship she achieved here at Canterlot High took away her homesickness.
Help. Over and over Sunset thought about what the Princess wrote to her. One word. No reply. She was worried. She set one foot in front of the other. Her hand touched the portal and waves of liquid energy came from her hand. Last time she went through the portal to steal Princess Twilight’s Crown she ended up being in the Crystal Empire. She knew that this Portal would now bring her to Ponyville, to the castle of Princess Twilight. But she had no idea what she would find when she arrived there.
One step and half her body was already in the portal. Sunset was surrounded by liquid energy waves and a light buzzing noise. She turned her head around to take a last glimpse of her friends and her counterpart. They waved and smiled at her with tears in their eyes. It was a heartbreaking good bye for Sunset. Her eyes turned serious and she took another step. Her friends could feel her determination to come to Princess Twilight's aid. Then Sunset Shimmer vanished in the Portal. The seven remaining girls and one sad puppy dog saw their friend disappear. “Sigh” suddenly their heads hung heavy and low from their shoulders.
Sunset's eyes were going crazy, her head was spinning. She was dizzy when she landed on her hooves exiting the portal. It was dark and she couldn’t see a thing. Using the magical power of her unicorn self, a bright glow shimmered from her horn and slowly exposed her surroundings.
On occasion, Sunset missed her ability to use her Unicorn powers. But her head got heavy and her eyes were staring sadly at the ground. The emptiness of missing her friends now fully settled in her. Sunsets eyes teared up, again. “Get it together Sunset, Twilight needs your help” again she was talking to herself.
Forms and structures took shape in the light her horn produced. She saw books a table and a weird structure which seemed to be the portal. It looked as if it was powered by Princess Celestia’s Book where she received the entries of Sunsets Journal. But how could Twilight send the message when the Book was still in its place? That thought quickly dispersed when she realized that it was still dark and nobody seemed to be around. Seeing so many shelfs filled with books made it clear to her that she must be in the castles library.
“Hello anybody there?” Sunset shouted. No answer, indeed it felt quieter than before. A cold, uncomfortable feeling came over her. She took her hooves and made for the door. But she forgot something. The bag that was given to her by Rarity before she left the human world. Sunset's magic picked up the bag and carefully placed it on her back. She slipped through the door into a long hallway. It was still dark around her and only her horn was shining enough light so she could see where she was going. “Hello is any pony here?”
“Heeellooooooooo” her voice got louder. Patience was always something Sunset didn’t have very much of. Especially back in the days as Princess Celestia's student. Her patience had improved. But it was situations like this, when she didn’t know what was going on, that made her uneasy.
At last, Sunset saw light shining through two big purple windows, framing the sides of a rather large door. The soft light was enough to see more of the hallway that stretched ahead. She debated with herself, explore the castle or take this exit and look for the pony princess outside. Given that nobody answered her in the castle she went for the latter. Sunset opened the big castle door. Beautiful in a yellow gold color combination with two purple hearts. The door looked more like an impressive gate up close.
A white light fell upon her and she looked toward the sky. “It is night” she mumbled. Of course, she was looking at the moon, every pony is asleep. No wonder nobody was answering her. But what should she do now? She could go back inside and search for Twilight in the castle? After all, she didn’t really have a place to stay in Equestria.
A dark shadow moving quickly through the night. It came closer and closer. Sunset couldn’t make sense of the shape, it was moving weird and somewhat bouncy. And it was coming alarmingly closer. Expecting trouble, she moved her body into a fighting stance, lowered her head and powered up her horn for a confrontation. The closer the shadow came the louder it became.
“La la la la la la la la” “Sunset Shimmer” a high pitched squeaky loud voice yelled. The voice sounded familiar. That couldn’t be right, she just got here. Nobody knew she was coming and how could somebody see so well in the night to realize it was her standing here? The moon was shining but not brightly enough. “Sunset Shimmer” the voice got louder. Just before Sunset could see who it was, it disappeared into nothing. No sight or sound of it anymore. “Must be my imagination” she mumbled to herself.
“Nope, I’m real” she heard the voice loud and clear right next to her. The sudden appearance shocked and scared her for a split second, until she saw the big eyed, glass-wearing pony face staring at her. She could tell the pony was pink but why was this pony wearing such ridiculously silly glasses? Her voice sounded sooooo familiar. The other pony took her glasses off.
“Pinkie Pie?!?” Sunset asked, totally confused.
“Yeah, duh! Who else did you expect in the middle of the night running through the dark looking for you” the pony replied in rather fast spoken words.
“Wait, let me get this straight you are pony Pinkie Pie right?” she still looked confused.
“Maaaybeee. Or maybe I’m a fish or oh oh wait a Dragon or a Dog!” while the pink pony answered she imitated everything. Her muzzle formed kissing lips like a fish, then she roared, like a fire breathing dragon before she flattened her nose to the ground and imitated the sniffing of a dog.
“Of course it’s me silly” she added. Her pink grinning face was almost in Sunset Shimmers face.
“But how? How did you know I was here or I was coming to Equestria?” Sunsets expression told everybody how confused she was. Knowing the human Pinkie Pie made it actually easy to talk to the pink pony, it felt so familiar but yet it still was very confusing.
“Well at first Princess Celestia told me you were on the way but earlier when my Pinkie sense was tingling I knew you had arrived, so I clapped my hoovies and came over here to welcome you home” suddenly there was balloons and confetti flying through the air and the sound of a party whistle echoed through the night. Sunset was smiling; it was her first smile since she took her good bye from her dear friends at Canterlot High.
“Thank you, but you don’t know me. I mean I know you, the you from the other world but what made you come to greet me? The last time you saw me was at the Palace in the Cristal Empire when I stole Twillights Crown” Sunset said.
“Who says I don't have a connection with my Pinkie-self from the other side?” Pinkie grinned and stared at the very confused yellow pony.
“Pinkie you are confusing and mysterious in all the realms I have met you. Where is Princess Twilight and why does she need my help?” Sunset's primary concern returned in a rush.
“We don’t know where Twilight is” Pinkie Pies grinning suddenly turned into a sad expression. “We haven’t heard from her in days” she added.
“But she sent the message to my journal” This was all very confusing for Sunset. More questions than answers.
“I’m not sure how she sent the message but Princess Celestia knew it somehow cause she told us you were coming.” The pink pony did not offer a solution to the riddle. “We have been looking for Twilight all over Equestria. The Royal Guard, The Wonderbolts half of Ponyville were searching. No sign of her or Spike” a bitter cold feeling overcame both ponies.
A moving shadow quickly covered the area and it got pitch dark. Sunset quickly felt threatened, again. “Pinkie Pie get behind me” she yelled. Her hooves formed her body into an attack position, she expected the worst. Maybe this shadow is responsible for Princess Twilights disappearance. Her horn started to glow much brighter as she was about to strike down whatever came from above. A shape started forming.
It looked like a Pegasus but it was dark... very dark. She stared at the flying pony, ready to engage when she saw that this pony was wielding magic of her own. A white light came from above her head and it looked like she had a horn as well as wings. Sunset's first reaction was to establish a force field around her and Pinkie Pie, a magical defense spell she learned way back as Celestia's student.
“Watch out Pinkie Pie” Sunset said in determined voice.
“Where, Why, What, Who for, where is it what is it” the pinkie pony queried. Her head swiveled in every direction in just a split second of time. Sunset pointed to the moving shadow with the glowing light. “Ooooh” Pinkie's eyes got wide. “You got me there for a second silly. That's Princess Luna” she added.
It felt like a big weight was taken of Sunset’s shoulders. The dark pony landed with all four hooves on the ground. Sunset Shimmer released her defensive magic shield surrounding her and Pinkie Pie. Under the light of the moon, Sunset could see that this Pegasus pony was actually an Alicorn. It had been a long time since she had seen such a beautiful and rare pony. Her thoughts ramped up on past memories.
Harmless pulled on her leg interrupting her thoughts. “Mh mh” the sound came from the pink pony crouching on the floor? Oh oops! She wasn’t crouching, she was bowing. Quickly Sunset followed her gesture.
“Princess Luna” Pinkie Pie said. Now Sunset could see the midnight blue pony Princess in all her glory including her cutie mark the crescent moon. She knew, thanks to Twilight, that Luna was Celestia’s sister. But what was she doing here?
“Please my dear ponies, don’t be so formal” Luna implied to the two. “I’m here to speak with Sunset Shimmer. She may be the key to finding Princess Twilight” “Oh, oh that’s great cause I found herrrrrrr!” Pinkie was bouncing excited until she laid a leg on Sunset. Her unique smile was so bright, it could have lit up the night.
“Where are your wings Sunset Shimmer?” Luna asked rather seriously.
“My what?” Sunset was shaking her head. ”I’m sorry Princess but I m a Unicorn, not a Pegasi” she added.
“No Sunset Shimmer you should be an Alicorn” the dark pony sounded even more serious.
“I don’t understand” Sunset Shimmer was even more confused than before.
“In the other realm, did you not transform into a human form of an Alicorn to fight the misguided Twillight Sparkle? It was at the friendship games if I remember correctly.” Luna said.
“Yeah. I transformed into something alright. I just don’t have a clue into what. All I know is that the magic of friendship transformed me. How do you know all that?” the Unicorn replied.
“I’m the Princess of the Night. I raise the moon and guide ponies through their dreams. I see the dreams of all ponies in Equestria and beyond. I saw yours Sunset Shimmer. You did tap into the magic of friendship but it wasn’t the reason for your transformation.” The Princess of the Night explained.
“It wasn’t???” Simultaneously Pinkie Pie and Sunset Shimmer asked with wide open eyes. Pinkie’s shrill voice made the other ponies aware that she was still there. The wind picked up and it got colder a lot colder.
“We have to take shelter. Winter is coming” Luna said.
“Usually in winter time the Pegasus ponies are responsible for bringing snow and cold weather to Ponyville. But this time it’s different” Pinkies eyes got bigger the longer she spoke.
“Shall we get back into the Castle?” Sunset asked.
“No. Since we do not know how Twilight Sparkle disappeared we do not consider the castle safe.” The Princess said with a rather deep and serious voice.
“But I have no place to stay here in Equestria” the yellow unicorn sounded troubled.
“Oh oh oh. You can stay at my place. We can have a slumber partieeeeee” Pinkie offered with a big grin while bouncing around her.
“No Pinkie Pie. I shall take Sunset Shimmer with me to Canterlot. We still have much to discuss and I already made arrangements.” the Alicorn replied. Pinkies face got sad for a few seconds.
“Thank You Princess Luna” Sunset Shimmer said. She had all kinds of feelings right now. Sadness, happiness, excitement, confusion and it all came together. Though she hasn't been in Canterlot for a long time Sunset was actually looking forward to it. The need to apologize to Princess Celestia was one reason for it. She wanted to make things right. Another shadow in the sky was spotted by all three ponies. It was Princess Luna's Royal Guard pulling a carriage. They came closer to the ground.
“Thank you again Pinkie Pie. I sure wasn’t expecting you but welcoming me home has made me very happy. I will come and visit you as soon as my business in Canterlot has concluded” Sunset actually seemed to smile.
“Pinkie promise?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Cross my Heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye” while the unicorn was speaking the words her leg and hooves moved. She crossed her heart with her hoof and touched her eye.
“Wow. I didn’t expect that” the pink pony stared as if her eye were about to pop out.
Sunset knew all about the Pinkie promise from the human Pinkie Pie. The carriage and four strong dark looking Pegasus ponies have arrived, waiting for her and Princess Luna. Sunset smiled once more towards Pinkie Pie before she got onto the carriage with Princess Luna. She placed her bag, took a seat and shook her head with a grin. Sunset was thinking about how similar the Pinkie Pies were and how they are always able to put a smile on everybody’s or everypony’s face. The carriage lifted up into the sky and started the journey to Canterlot.
The carriage with Princess Luna and Sunset Shimmer arrived at Canterlot Castle. It was a rough flight. The wind seemed to get stronger the longer the journey lasted. Sunset Shimmer was not afraid of flying however this trip had her on the edge. It was indeed a bumpy ride. “Quick, let us go inside. I will talk to the guards if there is any news on Princess Twilight” Luna said. Both ponies went inside. Canterlot Castle was as beautiful as Sunset Shimmer remembered. The decoration on the walls, the story telling art crafted stained glass windows, and the checkered floor partially covered by red carpet.
A chill went through the yellow Unicorns body. She felt ashamed and sad for leaving so many moons ago, on not so good terms. Sunset knew she had to make things right with Princess Celestia. However, her priority was to find her friend Twilight Sparkle.
“Wait here. I will talk to the royal guard.” the Alicorn said. Luna went to Celestia's Royal Guard. Two white Pegasus ponies where guarding the throne room. They bowed down to the Princess of Night as she approached. “Princess Luna” the high ranking guard addressed the dark pony. The white ponies in their gold metal uniform seemed nervous.
“Royal guard ponies. Is there any word on Princess Twilight?” Luna asked.
“No Princess. There is no word on Princess Twilight or Princess Celestia.” the high ranking guard replied.
“My sister has not returned?” the Alicorn was confused. “It is unlike my sister to stay away from Canterlot without letting me know.” she added.
“She was heading south following a lead. She was accompanied by four of our best guard ponies.” the lower ranking guard pony said.
“Thank you, I will take it from here.” Luna turned around and went back to Sunset Shimmer.
“Sunset Shimmer, we have much to discuss. Come follow me.” requested the dark pony. Both ponies walked down a long hallway. The light was dimmer here as in the main hall. Sunset felt the full force of the darkness and exhaustion, she was tired. They must have passed four or five doors before they stopped at their final destination.
“Do you remember this place?” Luna asked. The Unicorn was worn out. It had been ages since she was here. Sunset had a hard time remembering.
“I’m not sure Princess. It’s been a long time.” Sunset replied.
“This is your old suite, the one you stayed in while you were my sister’s student.” the dark pony explained.
“Oh.” the Unicorn was too tired to comprehend. Princess Luna opened the door and both entered the room.
“I will leave you to it Sunset Shimmer.” the Princess turned away and left.
“Thank you!” Sunset yelled after her but Luna was gone. The Unicorn dropped her bag on the floor unopened. Her curiosity was overcome by exhaustion. She used her horn to close the door and climbed with her front hooves onto the bed. She was so tired she didn’t even cover herself with a blanket. It only took a few seconds and Sunset was asleep.
Teenagers were running across the hallway at Canterlot High. Loud noises echoed from all sides as Sunset Shimmer made her way through. “Hi Sunset.” she heard from the left, then from the right. “Hey Sunset.” “How are you doing Sunset?” her face started to light up with a smile. She was recognized, liked, even loved by some of the students. It was a very different feeling from what she experienced when her dark side reigned at this school.
“Sunset Shimmer, over here!” a loud high pitched voice yelled. It was Pinkie Pie , sitting with her good friends on a table in the school’s cafeteria. A feeling of happiness brightened her mood when Sunset saw all of the girls together. Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie and Twilight Sparkle waved her to their table.
“I missed you guys so much!” Sunset said when she arrived at the table.
“We missed you too.” Rainbow Dash replied with her scratchy voice.
Rarity pointed at an empty chair right next to her. Sunset took the invitation and sat down.
“How was your visit to Equestria?” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“It was… I don’t remember. Hm. How odd.” she replied. But before Sunset had a chance to think about it she was interrupted by the intercom.
“Sunset Shimmer, please go to the Vice Principal Luna’s Office”.
“Looks like I have an appointment. I'll see you girls later?” Sunset seemed surprised.
“Ya, we’ll be here Sugarcube.” Apple Jack replied and the other five girls nodded.
Sunset Shimmer got up from her chair and headed to the Vice Principal’s office. It felt like she was just walking a few seconds but the way from the cafeteria to Luna’s office is pretty far since it’s located on the other side of the building. It usually takes a few minutes. Something just did not feel right. Sunset knocked on the Vice Principals door.
“Come in.” the girl heard a voice and entered the room. It was dark in Luna’s office, blinds covered the windows and only a dim light made it possible to see. The Vice Principal sat behind her desk, her attention focused on a book.
“You called for me Vice Principal Luna?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“Yes Sunset Shimmer. Please take a seat.” Luna replied.
“Do you know where you are?” the Vice Principal asked.
“Uhm. Yeah. I’m at Canterlot High.” the girl replied.
“Are you sure?” Luna stared into her eyes.
Something seemed off. Sunset saw the Vice Principals eyes come closer and closer. The room suddenly started to spin. Everything was moving around her. She felt dizzy her eyes started to spin too. Everything was moving the chairs, books, the desk, windows, and even the floor. She realized what she saw was in the reflection of Luna’s eyes. Sunset shook her head and closed her a eyes for just a second. “And what about now?” asked the Vice Principal. Sunset Shimmer looked around. Red carpet, banner hanging from the sealing and the walls, windows crafted in stained glass. She was in the throne room of Canterlot Castle. Vice Principal Luna was standing in front of her. That didn’t make any sense.
“I must be dreaming” Sunset said.
“Indeed you are, Sunset Shimmer.” the Vice Principal replied. A light blue glow surrounded her, Lunas shape was changing. The human transformed into an Alicorn pony.
“Princess Luna.” Sunset Shimmer was confused. She took a look at herself and realized she wasn’t a human girl anymore but a yellow Unicorn.
“I told you we had much to discuss, but I also realized how tired you were. So I chose to talk with you in your dream.” Luna said.
“I’m dreaming, I get that, but how do you expect me to remember anything when I wake up?” Sunset asked.
“I can let you remember everything or forget everything all together as I did in your past.” the Princess replied with a very sad face.
“What do you mean in my past?” the yellow Unicorn got curious.
“Many moons ago, when I was Nightmare Moon and you a student of my sister, I turned you cruel and impatient. My power was growing so close to the end of the thousand year cycle. I wanted to take revenge on my dear sister and the only way I was able to do so was in your dreams. I used your dreams to turn you against my sister. After every dream I made you forget about the dream, slowly changing you one step at a time. Finally you ran off into the other realm.”
“Somehow my sister found out it was me, though there wasn’t anything she could do for you. However, she protected her next student Twilight Sparkle using a spell.” while Princess Luna explained she projected all she said in picture with a projection from her horn. To Sunset it was like a movie where she played a lead role. She began to understand.
“You made me steal Twilights crown. I remember now. I dreamed of every little detail, where to be, what to do, and how to escape. I remember even dreaming how I could rule Equestria with this crown.” Sunset said.
“Yes Sunset Shimmer. I made you steal the crown. It was not Nightmare Moon. Once I realized how much damage I had done to you, I knew I could not just simply change you back to the Sunset Shimmer you used to be. So I had to think of some way to get rid of the bad seeds I had planted in you.” Luna replied.
“It was ultimately Twilight Sparkle and her friends who freed me from being Nightmare Moon. Though I wasn’t sure how exactly to do that for you, I started to observe your dreams and kept an eye on Twilight and her friends. It wasn’t until Twilight transformed into an Alicorn and became a Princess that I was inspired enough to create a plan.” she added.
“I knew Twilight was special, but I had no idea how special and what all she had accomplished here in Equestria.” the Unicorn seemed surprised. Princess Twilight and she had talked a lot about Equestria when they were in the human world, but she never talked much about herself and what she did.
“She is not the only special one Sunset Shimmer. You are special too and my sister saw that very early on. I have seen how you transformed and tapped into the magic of friendship. But the magic of friendship wasn't responsible for your transformation. I’m not quite sure yet but I think it has something to do with your cutie mark.” the Alicorn implied.
“My cutie mark? I never could figure out what it meant. Even Princess Celestia wouldn’t or couldn’t tell me. She said it would reveal itself in time.” Sunset said.
“My sister might be able to help solve this puzzle but she is missing too.” Luna said. She looked worried something the yellow Unicorn had not seen from her Princess yet. Actually the dark Alicorn didn’t easily get worked up. Luna had a strong and persuasive appearance, you wouldn't want to get on her bad side.
“Princess Celestia is missing?” Sunset asked, worried.
“My sister was following a lead deep to the south. She has not returned yet. I’m not sure what happened.” the Princess answered.
“I will have to rely on you Sunset Shimmer to find Princess Twilight and my sister. I will not be of much help, raising the moon is one thing but raising the sun in the morning will take everything I've got. I never had to perform this task before. It will be difficult to say the least.” the dark pony Princess seemed even more worried.
“I will do whatever it takes to get them back Princess Luna. But I’m not sure if I can do it alone.” the Unicorn didn’t doubt her own abilities but she knew for the best results she has to get some help.
“I think I know a group of ponies who are eager to help you with this task Sunset Shimmer.” the voice of Princess Luna got more and more quiet as she finished her sentence and slowly moved away. The Alicorn disappeared in the distance.
Sunsets eyes opened after a long night of sleep. Daylight came in through a big glass window and brightened up the room. She remembered every little detail about last night's dream. Her feelings about it were mixed. Regardless of that, Luna had told her the truth and she had to deal with it now. She got out of bed, a little magical fix up and she looked a lot better than yesterday. Sunset's worries eased up a little knowing she would not be alone in the search of Princess Twilight.
She walked down the long corridor to the main hall. She had to find Luna. In the main hall she encountered what seemed to be a large group of Royal Guard Ponies. One of them stood out. A white Unicorn colt with different shades of blue mane and geared with what looked like royal armor. He turned around and walked towards Sunset Shimmer.
“You must be Sunset Shimmer. My name is Shining Armor, Prince of the Crystal Empire and brother of Princess Twilight. I’m glad you are up.” Shining Armor sounded very official.
“Yes that’s me. Nice to meet you too, Twilights brother.” Sunset smiled. After a few seconds of silence passed. “I’m sorry, I meant nice to meet you Prince Shining Armor.” She added and bowed.
“Shining Armor is just fine. I’m not that kind of Prince. Twilights friends are my friends too.” The colt smiled at her.
“Is there any news on Twilight or Princess Celestia?” The yellow Unicorn was hoping for good news.
“No, I’m afraid not. I have been on search parties since the day I learned she disappeared. The problem is, we don’t even know where she and Spike disappeared. She was here in Canterlot meeting with Celestia, Luna, and my mare Cadance. She was not seen again in Ponyville after the meeting. She could have made it back to her castle or not, we simply don’t know.” The Prince explained.
“Wait. Exactly how long has she been missing?” Sunset asked. She remembered Pinkie Pie telling her she had been missing for days.
“It has been eight days now.” Shining Armor replied.
“Eight Days? I got Twilight's message for help yesterday.” The yellow pony said.
“What did her message say?” the Prince asked.
“She wrote one word. Help. I don’t even know how she did it since Celestia's Journal was still connected to the portal. I have to go back to Ponyville and take a closer look at Twilight's castle and the Journal. Things don’t add up here.” Sunset was determined to solve this case. “Princess Luna called the castle of limit cause she is worried that whatever happened might repeat itself.” Twilight’s brother added.
“I know, she told me. But if we are to find out what happened we can’t leave any stone unturned.” The yellow unicorn replied.
“No stone unturned? How is that going to help us?.” The Prince asked.
“Hehe. It’s a human expression. It means we have to look at everything if we want to find out what happened.” Sunset grinned.
“That makes sense.” Shining Armor understood now what she meant.
“Do you know where Princess Luna is? I need to let her know that I’m going back to Ponyville to start my search for Princess Twilight and Celestia.” The yellow pony asked.
“Princess Luna is resting in her Chambers. After she lowered the moon and raised the sun she was exhausted. I will let her Guard Ponies know to tell her when she wakes up. I have to go back to the Crystal Empire and check up on my pregnant mare. I’m sure Cadance is worried since I haven’t talked to her these past few days.” The Prince had a worrisome look on his face.
“Then it is settled. I will grab my things and take the train back to Ponyville.” Sunset said.
“You don’t have to take the train. I can provide you with a carriage and have some of Canterlot's Royal Guards fly you over there. It would be faster.” Shining Armor offered.
“That won’t be necessary. I'd rather stay on the ground and in this cold I think prefer the train actually. It will give me some time to think things through.” She had a lot on her mind to go over.
“Sunset Shimmer, it was good meeting you. I’m very pleased to see that my sister has so many good friends who care for her. I just hope we can find her as soon as possible. We planned to spend Heart’s Warming Eve together this year and it’s coming up in a few days. Please let me know if you find out anything.” The Prince looked sad.
“Will do. It was good to meet you too, Twilights Brother.” Sunset smiled.
The yellow Unicorn went back to the suite where she spent her night. On the floor was the bag she'd gotten from Rarity. Sunset took a long look around the room. It looked exactly the same as she had left it, like nobody had used the suite since she left. Memories over memories went through her head. Good ones, bad ones, happy and sad ones. Using her horn's magic, she lifted her bag up and left her room to walk to the train station.
The train station in Ponyville was empty. Nobody around, nobody getting on or off the train. Sunset was wondering where everybody was. Last night when she returned to Equestria, it was her first time in Ponyville. So she hadn’t really seen anything but a little bit of Twilight's Castle in the dark. It had been eight days since the Princess went missing. Nobody asked for ransom and nobody had seen her and what about Celestia’s disappearance? Sunset still tried to make sense out of it while walking through Ponyville.
The wind wasn’t as strong as the previous night but it felt colder than yesterday. She walked by half-timbered houses with hay roof tops. Finally, Sunset saw life in this beautiful little town. Ponies walked the streets, some in a hurry others not so much, then suddenly everybody stopped. Sunset could feel the glares and stares from these ponies. Obviously they noticed she wasn’t from around here.
“Howdy Stranger, whatcha looking for?” A familiar country voice asked. Sunset turned in the direction of the voice. She saw an orange Farm Pony hooked up to a wagon carrying supplies down the road. She looked at the pony's cutie mark, three red apples, and had no doubt who it was.
“A.J. is that you?” She asked.
“Who are you and how do you know my name? Only some of my friends call me A.J.” The orange Farm Pony gave her a suspicious look.
“I’m sorry Apple Jack. Your voice, your country accent, they are identical with my friend A.J.'s in the human world. I’m Sunset Shimmer and I have come back to Equestria to help find Princess Twilight.”
“Oh shucks. It’s been awhile since I have seen ya. Last time you stole Twilight's crown. Sorry I didn't recognize ya, especially after Pinkie told us you were here.“ Apple Jack put a grin on her face and seemed at least a tiny bit embarrassed.
“Nothing to be sorry about A.J, I hope its ok to call you that. I’m so used to it, it would be hard for me to change. I know this is strange since I know a lot about you and feel connected to you, but yet you barely even know me. Anyhow, have you seen Pinkie Pie? I told her to come and see her when I’m back in Ponyville and I have no intention to break that pinkie promise.” The yellow Unicorn replied.
“Actually I do know quite a bit too. Twilight did tell us a lot about the human world, about our counterparts, and she always had a lot to say about you. So the answer is yes Sugarcube, you can call me A.J.” Apple Jack said.
“Pinkie Pie and most of the ponies should be in Town Hall. That is where I’m heading. Just tag along and put your bag on the wagon.” She added. Sunset placed her bag on Apple Jack's wagon. It smelled like fresh backed apple pies and sure enough the whole wagon was full of it.
**********
She remembered visiting A.J. in the human world. Apple Trees were everywhere and it seemed like the small farm popped up in the middle of nowhere. A white fence separated the buildings from the Apple trees and a sign on the farm entrance said: Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres. Sunset remembered how much she liked that name. During the school breaks she went to visit Apple Jack to help out on the farm and with the harvest. Back then, nobody expected that Sunset was even interested in simple work like that.
One of Sunset's favorite memories was the time when she and A.J. created a new apple pie. The girls had been planning on it for weeks. It was a few days before Thanksgiving which always signified the Apple Family Reunion. Apples came from all over the country to Sweet Apple Acres to celebrate. Apple Jack insisted on the name Apple Sunset for the pie.
The pie had a thin bottom layer of vanilla pudding, a main thick layer of three different kinds of apple filling, and another thin layer of vanilla pudding, topped with a cinnamon sugar garnish. It was the first time ever that Sunset saw Apple Bloom, A.J’s younger sister, eating two pieces of pie. Big Macintosh even ate three pieces. She remembered Granny Smith saying this was the best Apple Pie since the invention of Apple Pies.
Apple Jacks Family wanted Sunset to be there at Thanksgiving but she declined the invitation. She felt close to Apple Jack and her family but she was worried about feeling out of place. When she first started to make up for all the damage she caused, when she was evil, almost all the students and teachers showed her the cold shoulder. She felt terrible and out of place. Sunset didn’t want to feel that again. A.J. understood her and told her later on what a mega success the apple pie was. Everybody asked for the recipe but she did not share it.
**********
The two ponies stopped in front a big round building. They had arrived at Town Hall. It used to be the largest building in Ponyville until Princess Twilight got her castle. The Princess of Friendship’s home was a little outside of the town, however it was still considered Ponyville just like Sweet Apple Acres. Ponies were racing by Apple Jack and Sunset Shimmer into the building.
“Hurry there is news about Princess Twilight.” Both Ponies overheard one of the Pegasus Ponies who was running inside. They decided not to waste any time and followed. There was at least fifty other ponies in there. Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasis all were standing in front of the podium. A beige colored Pony with a ribbon bound scroll for a cutie mark made her way past the crowd to the podium.
“Who is that?” Sunset asked.
“That’s our Mayor. Mayor Mare.” Apple Jack replied. Lots of noise from talking and whispering ponies made the Farm Pony's voice hard to hear. The beige colored pony arrived at the podium. Sunset could see now that the Mayor was wearing glasses, something you don’t see a Pony wear very often. Mayor Mare signaled with her front hooves to the crowd to be silent. She certainly got every ponies' attention.
“It has been eight days since Princess Twilight’s disappearance. We heard numerous rumors where ponies have seen her with the Dragon and without. We have another unconfirmed report that they were seen on Foal Mountain. But please, every Pony, keep calm this may be just another rumor. So keep searching and we will send some ponies to investigate.” The mayor left the podium after her short speech.
“Yeah, I don’t think they are at Foal Mountain.” Sunset said.
“Why is that Sugarcube?” Apple Jack asked.
“Cause Princess Celestia also disappeared while searching for Twilight and Spike. She was reportedly searching way south of Canterlot and Ponyville. And Celestia and four Ponies of the royal guard went missing yesterday.” The yellow Unicorn replied.
“Shucks. Princess Celestia has disappeared too?” A.J. seemed to be in disbelief.
“Unfortunately so. Princess Luna actually raised the sun today. I guess the news has not made it to Ponyville yet. We should tell the Mayor.” Sunset added.
The Mayor was shocked when she heard the news about Princess Celestia. After debating it back and forth, they decided not to say anything right away. Ponies are already worried about Princess Twilight. There was no telling how much panic and maybe chaos the news about Equestria’s Ruler would bring. Though Sunset knew she had to tell the other ponies before they started a new search.
“A.J. we've got to find the others. I need to take another look at Princess Twilight’s castle. No stone can be left unturned.” The yellow Unicorn said.
“Why do you need to turn stones at the Castle for exactly?” Apple Jack wondered.
“Sorry A.J., it is an expression from the human world. It means checking everything carefully so we don’t miss anything.” Sunset blushed for a second, it was the second time she'd used a human expression on a Pony.
“Apple Jack.” A scratchy sounding voice yelled through Town Hall. Apple Jack turned around to see where that voice was coming from but there were so many ponies around them it was hard to see past them. The orange earth pony shoved her way through to the door and finally back outside. Sunset Shimmer was right behind her. Rainbow Dash was standing at the wagon which was loaded with Apple Pies and Sunset’s bag.
“Rainbow? How come you are back so fast?” Apple Jack asked.
“I’m just that fast. Remember Wonderbolt in reserve here.” The blue Pegasus answered with a snippy remark.
Sunset remembered Rainbow Dash saving her life in the human world at the Friendship Games. She was her personal hero. They practiced guitar playing together and whenever she needed her for some sort of sports training she would help out. Sunset wasn’t the real sporty type though she got a lot better at sports and had a lot more practice thanks to Dash. Her guitar skills however were on par if not better then Rainbow’s though she would never admit to that.
Even though Sunset had changed she did have an attitude. Her bad side came to life when she or her friends were threatened. Rainbow was the only one at those moments who really understood her. Dash’s loyalty for the girls could turn her bad side on if it was needed.
One memory, particularly about Rainbow Dash, always comes back up when Sunset thought about her. Homework help and test preparations. It took her quite a while to figure out that Rainbow had a hard time learning like other students. Her grades where bad and if it wasn’t for her sports skills she probably would have had to repeat a school year. Some of the other students actually thought Dash was dumb. Sunset knew Rainbow wasn’t dumb but she needed help. She wrote into the journal asking Twilight for advice. The Pony Princess explained that they had similar problems with the Pony Rainbow Dash. All came together then and Sunset created a plan how to help out her friend. She learned with Rainbow while they were doing other activities like playing guitar or practicing sports. Sunset was fascinated by Dash’s ability to multi-task.
************
“Hi, Dash.” Sunset said with a bright pony smile.
“Uhm, ok. Hi there, Sunset Shimmer.” Rainbows eyes where wide open, she didn’t know how to react. Nobody really called her just Dash.
“I have to give out these apple pies, ya’ll go ahead and go to the castle.” Apple Jack said.
“To the castle? I though Celestia said we shouldn’t go to castle cause we don’t know how and where Twilight and Spike disappeared.” The blue Pegasus replied.
“I know Rainbow. But Sunset said to leave no stone unturned.” A.J. put a big smile on. “Oh and there is another situation we have to discuss.”
“No stone unturned? What has turning stones around have to do with it? And what other situation?” Rainbow Dash had a confused expression on her pony face.
“I have to check in with Pinkie Pie first and bring her with me to the castle if that’s alright?” Sunset said.
“Sure Sugercube. Rainbow why don’t you get Rarity, Fluttershy, and Starlight to meet us all there?” Apple Jack insisted.
“Alright. But then I want to know why we have to turn around stones and the other thing.” Rainbow Dash was confused but didn’t have any issues gathering the other ponies. Like lightning in rainbow colors, she zapped up into the air and all that was left to see was a streak of rainbow following the direction she went.
Sunset used her Unicorn magic to pick up her bag from Apple Jack’s wagon. She asked a few ponies around her if they had seen Pinkie Pie but nobody seemed to have seen her. Out of nowhere a little pink pony with a purple white mane showed up.
“Pinkie Pie is at Sugarcube Corner.” The little pony said with pride in her face.
“And who are you?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“I’m Diamond Tiara. You don’t look like you are from around here.” She stated.
“You are right, I’m not from here. I’m a friend of Pinkie Pie.” The yellow Unicorn explained.
“What’s your name?” Diamond Tiara was curious.
“Sunset Shimmer. If you don’t mind, could you show me the way to Sugarcube Corner?” Sunset clearly needed a guide. Ponyville is not a big town but big enough to get lost if you don’t know where to go."
“Well the old me would probably say no. Most likely not even talk to you since you are no Pony of status. But I did change not too long ago, so sure, why not.” The young Pink Pony replied. Both ponies started walking.
“So you are a Pony of status?” Sunset kept the conversation going.
“Yeah. It never has done anything for me though. I grew up getting everything I wanted and expected that everybody else did the same. I drove ponies apart and was pretty mean to everybody at school and wanted to be loved for it. In the end the Cutie Mark Crusaders helped me turn around.” The young Pony added.
Sunset listened to Diamond Tiara’s life story. She was amazed how much they had in common. It was refreshing to hear somepony else overcame her dark side. The pink earth pony talked about her rich parents and how her mother was the root of her evil. This was the one part where Sunset couldn’t relate. She didn’t know anything about her parents. She grew up an orphan. Sunset didn’t know if her parents were alive or not. It was the one topic she avoided discussing with her friends and especially with her counterpart from the human world.
When they arrived at Sugarcube Corner, Sunset was astonished how neat the building looked. Sure it was a half-timbered house like most of the houses in Ponyville, but it was decorated. The roof looked like it was taken straight off a huge gingerbread house. A chocolate Pony holding a candy cane was the weathervane. The whole place looked awesome for a bakery. Pinky Pie lived in the apartment above the shop. Both Ponies entered the bakery.
“Hello Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Is Pinkie Pie around?” Diamond Tiara asked.
“Hello Diamond Tiara and friend. Yes Pinkie Pie is upstairs.”Mrs. Cake answered.
Before they had a chance to go to Pinkies apartment a loud party whistle got their attention. Indeed it was the pink earth pony with her balloons cutie mark, doing a spinning loop through the air while confetti pieces seemed to fly off her body. Pinkie Pie was already here.
“Sometimes I wonder how you do that.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Ah, that’s nothing. Oh you great Pinkie promise keeper.” The earth pony bowed down in front of Sunset Shimmer and her escort.
“I see you made a new friend.” Pinkie added.
“Yeah, Diamond here was kind enough to show me the way to Sugarcube Corner.” The yellow Unicorn said.
“Wow, we are friends now?” Diamond Tiara was delighted.
“Sure thing my little pony. Pinkie Pie and I have to go to Princess Twilight’s castle to meet with the others.” The Unicorn said.
“We do?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“I know Princess Celestia said not to go inside but we need to find clues where Twilight and Spike are and we are running out of options.” Sunset replied.
In the blink of an eye Pinkie wore a deerstalker hat and a cape, both in checkered pattern. In her mouth she had a pipe blowing bubbles. It reminded Sunset of a character from the human fiction world with the name Sherlock Holmes. After wondering how Pinkie Pie could have known the character, she dismissed it quickly with she is just being Pinkie Pie.
“Can I come to Princess Twilight’s castle too? My best friend Silver Spoon is visiting her aunt and my parents are in Canterlot.” Diamond Tiara asked.
“Better not. It might be dangerous.” Sunset said.
“Please. Pretty please.” The little earth pony put her cutest sad face on. It was when Pinkie Pie smiled at Sunset in a take her along way, that she realized Pinkie's outfit had disappeared.
“Alright. But you will stay close to me the entire time while we are in the castle.” The yellow Unicorn agreed to take her along but she wasn’t sure if that was really a good idea. After all, it could be dangerous. The three Ponies left Sugarcube Corner"
“Sunset Shimmer, why are you carrying that bag with you the whole time?” Diamond Tiara was curious.
“Well, I don’t exactly have a place to live here in Equestria.” The Unicorn answered but seemed a bit irritated by the question.
“What is in that bag anyway?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Honestly I have no idea. My friends packed and gave it to me and I have yet to open it.” Sunset said.
“Why don’t you open it now?” The bigger earth pony had a huge curious side. She started shaking a bit and then bounced around Sunset Shimmer eager to find out what was in that bag.
“I will check it out later. Right now we need to focus on the search.” Sunset replied.
“How come you have no home Sunset?” The small earth pony asked.
“It’s a long story and maybe one day I will tell it to you.” The yellow Unicorn kept on walking. Both earth ponies were not too satisfied with their answers but their spirit was high and it wasn’t coming down that easy. Twilight’s castle was still some distance away so they still had quite a walk ahead of them.
Sunset Shimmer, Pinkie Pie and Diamond Tiara arrived at Princess Twilight’s castle. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Starlight Glimmer were already waiting in front of the door. Apparently they'd heeded the warning from Princess Celestia not to enter the castle. Sunset didn’t think much of it, she had already been inside when she came through the portal. The yellow Unicorn noticed that Apple Jack was still missing.
“Every Pony, meet every Pony.” Pinkie Pie was excited.
“So where is Apple Jack?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“A.J. was giving out pies to the ponies in Town Hall. I’m sure she will get here asap.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“If you don’t mind me asking Darling, why have you summoned us to the castle? Princess Celestia told us not to go inside since we don’t know what happened to Twilight and Spike.” Rarity had a concerned look on her face.
*********
Sunset remembered how she admired Rarity’s attention to detail and her generosity in the human world. It wasn’t long after Sunset transformed back to good when she noticed it the very first time. The transformation into an oversized She-Demon ripped her cloths making them unwearable. Sunset had loved her fake leather jacket and was heartbroken when she saw it in pieces.
A few days after the debacle, Rarity invited Sunset to come over to her house. The two girls were talking and Sunset apologized one more time to Rarity for all that had happened. Rarity had already forgiven her but Sunset felt she didn’t apologize enough for all she'd done wrong. Rarity’s home was neat and spotless in every sense of the word.
Rarity made Sunset a fake leather jacket identical to the one she lost in the transformation. Every little detail even the metal pins were precisely where they should have been. It wasn't real leather of course, she knew she wouldn’t wear a real leather jacket since they were made out of animal skins. Sunset Shimmer cried when she received this gift. She couldn’t afford to buy another one and after all she had done to the girls she did not expect such generosity. She cried cause she felt ashamed, happy, joyful, sad, loved and forgiven all at the same time. Her emotions were overwhelming and got the better of her.
Later on she visited Rarity every once in a while. Sunset learned a lot from her while helping her make clothes, go shopping, and design entire wardrobes, though she never really was good at any of these things. Her sense of fashion was heavily influenced by Rarity these past few moons and the way how generously Rarity treated even strangers taught Sunset to be a better person.
*********
“Well I know you guys have been searching for at least seven days without much success. I think it is time to take a closer look at the places where they could have disappeared and Rarity your attention to detail is invaluable.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“But isn’t that very dangerous?” Fluttershy’s body was shaking; her face had scared written all over it.
“Oh come on Fluttershy. We have been in and out of this castle hundreds of times. How dangerous can it really be?” Rainbow Dash’s words were more a statement than a question.
“I’m sure it can be pretty dangerous.” The yellow Pegasus Pony added.
“Ahhhrg.” Rainbow rolled her eyes.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy grew up in Cloudsdale together and had been friends for a long time. It always took the blue Pegasus Pony a while before she acknowledged what a scary Pony Fluttershy actually was. It never bothered their friendship, though it got under Rainbow’s skin in times of action.
“I have to agree with Fluttershy here. If the Princess told us not to go into the castle, then we shouldn’t go. Surely not on the behalf of some random Unicorn I don’t even know.” Starlight Glimmer said. It looked like she was angry at Sunset for even suggesting it. Starlight’s mane, two shades of purple and one shade of blue, was struggling in the wind. The Unicorn’s light purple face turned nearly red in her anger.
“I’m sorry who are you?” Sunset countered. “If I’m not mistaken nobody knows anything yet and it is up to us to find answers. We will not find them by looking at the sky.” She added. A glow of admiration popped up in Diamond Tiara’s eyes when she saw the yellow Unicorn's reaction.
“I’m Starlight Glimmer and I m a part of this group.” Starlight got almost into Sunset’s face when she stated her name. The other ponies were just watching unsure of what was happening.
“Oh I know who you are alright. You are the pony who nearly destroyed Equestria by messing with the timeline. But now you want to play it safe?” The yellow Unicorn glared at Starlight Glimmer and gave her the evil eye.
“At least I didn’t try to steal somepony else’s crown in a conquest to take over Equestria.” The purple Unicorn countered.
“Oh yeah? It wasn’t all my fault, I was somewhat mind controlled. What is your excuse?” Sunset Shimmer fired right back at her.
Starlight Glimmer had enough of the yellow Unicorn. She powered up her horn. It seemed that a confrontation with words could turn into a physical fight between both Unicorns. The other ponies appeared frozen, no movement, just a shocked expression on their faces. When Sunset Shimmer saw Starlight powering up her Unicorn magic powers, she was determined to defend herself and did the same. Two powerful Unicorns staring in each other’s eyes, face to face, and ready to fight.
“What in the hay is going on here?” Apple Jack yelled out loud when she walked up to the group of ponies. Nobody noticed her coming before cause everypony seemed mesmerized by the arguing Unicorns. Immediately after everybody heard Apple Jack’s voice the Unicorns powered down their horns. The orange earth pony had a rather angry look on her face.
“Somepony tell me what is going on here.” A.J. said with a rather angry voice.
“Oh. Oh. Let me. Let me.” Pinkie Pie started to bounce jump towards Apple Jack.
“You see. Sunset was like; we have to get into the castle and Starlight was like; no we have to listen to what the Princess told us. I think at that point it was a competition of who was the worse pony or something. Then they both powered up their magic, ready to fight each other.” While the pink earth Pony was explaining, she imitated both Unicorns which looked rather funny.
“Alright ya’ll. Let me make this simple. Sunset is right, we have to go into the castle and Starlight is right too. We should heed the warnings. However, since Princess Celestia disappeared too we have no other choice but to dig deeper.” When Apple Jack mentioned Princess Celestia’s disappearance, all ponies' eyes except Sunset Shimmer’s got larger. The yellow Unicorn hadn’t told them yet.
“You are right A.J. I should have been more considerate. I’m sorry Starlight.” Sunset apologized.
“Princess Celestia is gone? That changes everything. I’m sorry too, Sunset.” Starlight Glimmer seemed to understand the situation and apologized too.
On the way inside the castle Sunset Shimmer explained how she got the news about Princess Celestia. The ponies discussed while they walked, where to search and what to look for. They searched for magical clues or signs of struggle but there was nothing out of the ordinary in the castle's hall way.
“We should split up girls to cover more ground faster.” Rainbow Dash suggested.
“Good idea Dash. Starlight and Diamond Tiara can come with me to the library. Dash, you, Fluttershy, and Rarity should look through the upper chambers. A.J. you and Pinkie should check the lower chambers. We should all meet up at the throne room when we are done.” Sunset instructed.
“You sure you want to take Starlight along, Sunset?” Rarity asked.
“Yeah I’m sure. We got off on the wrong foot but I think we are good now.” The yellow Unicorn answered.
“No problem here.” Starlight Glimmer added.
“Alright ya’ll. Let’s do this.” Apple Jack grabbed Pinkie Pie by her hooves and started her search.
Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity went on their way to look for clues in the upper chambers. The castle was quite big. Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, and Diamond Tiara made their way to the library.
The library looked exactly the same as the day before when Sunset Shimmer arrived from the human world. But this time she could see more. The castle's lights had been magically lit by Starlight Glimmer and Rarity when they walked inside. The yellow Unicorn used her magic to put her bag on the ground.
“I have to check the Journal.” Sunset Said.
“Will that not close the portal?” Starlight asked.
“Yes. We can reactivate it when we put the Journal back in place.” The yellow Unicorn explained.
Starlight used her magic to move the book onto the small round table next to the portal device. Diamond Tiara didn’t know anything about the portal or the journal, she was fascinated. Sunset went over to the table and opened the book with her Unicorn magic. She turned page by page to find the last the entry.
“But how can that be?” Sunset said in a shocking voice.
“How can what be, Sunset?” Starlight Glimmer wondered.
“Yeah, what is wrong Sunset?” Diamond Tiara added.
“There is an entry missing. See before I came back from the human world a message appeared in my Journal. It was one word. Help. But the message is not in this Journal here. If it appeared in my book it had to be written into this one. But it’s not there. So how did I receive the message and from whom.” The yellow Unicorn was confused. The ponies discussed and discussed. Time went by quickly but they weren’t any closer to solving the mystery.
“So you are saying there are two books. This one here and there is another one like it which you have, and if you write into one of them it appears in the other book as well?” The purple Unicorn was curious.
“Actually I gave it to human Twilight in the human world. I’m not sure if I will stay in Equestria, so it is there in case I go back and if not, Twilight can keep in touch with her ponyself or me.” Sunset said.
“This whole other world thing sounds crazy.” Diamond Tiara said.
“Yeah, I wonder if there is another me in this human world.” Starlight Glimmer added.
“I’m sure there is. We need to check with the others but before we do I have to write a message.” The yellow Unicorn implied.
Sunset Shimmer looked around the library until she found a desk which had a feathered pen and some ink on it. She used her Unicorn magic to move the book from the table by the portal to the desk. She opened the Journal and began her entry… Dear Twilight Sparkle…
After Sunset was done writing, all three ponies made their way to throne room.
Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were already sitting on their thrones. The only empty seats were Twilight’s and Spike’s. The room looked impressive and reminded Sunset of King Arthur’s round table from the human world. Each throne had been set up around a golden circle in the floor which had Twilight’s cutie mark embedded. Twilight’s cutie mark represented magic.
“Took you long enough.” Rainbow’s scratchy voice shouted.
“Did you guys find anything?” Sunset asked while she was walking up.
“It’s like looking for a needle in a hay stack.” Apple Jack said.
“Yeah, this game is no fun.” Pinkie Pie added with a sad face.
Sunset Shimmer hadn’t felt this bad since her transformation. She was so sure they would find something in the castle but even the Journal gave more questions than answers. Sunset felt she needed to apologize for dragging everypony out here. She walked up to the middle of the circle. When she stepped on the magic symbol everything went crazy.
A loud buzzing noise made the other ponies open their eyes wide. The silver grey magic symbol turned all colorful before shooting out a huge beam of light. Sunset Shimmer was suspended up in the air and slowly turned. Her eyes started glowing with an intense white light. Sunset had no control over her body.
Starlight Glimmer had a somewhat frightened look on her pony face. She looked at Rainbow Dash in the hope for an answer. The blue Pegasus Pony got the hint.
“Don’t look at me. It never has done that before.” Rainbow Dash said.
Sunset Shimmer hovered in the center of the room. Her eyes were glowing white, her horn was all powered up, and it looked like she had grown magical wings out of light. She looked like an Alicorn just with magical wings. None of the other girls had any idea what was going on but they couldn’t stop staring. Diamond Tiara seemed frozen solid while gazing at Sunset Shimmer, it appeared she was a bit scared, yet fascinated.
Pinkie Pie was smiling and out of nowhere a bucket of popcorn showed up right next to her. She lifted up the bucket and must have poured half of it straight into her muzzle. Rainbow Dash noticed the pink earth pony eating popcorn.
“You are so random, Pinkie.” The blue Pegasus Pony said.
Sunset Shimmer hovered right next to Twilight’s empty throne. Surrounded by magical light she was slowly let down to the ground. Sunset could not stand, she dropped down to the floor. She was exhausted and had no energy to get up. Her eyes were back to normal and the magical wings of light had disappeared too.
“Are you alright Sugarcube?” Apple Jack was worried.
“Wha.. What happened?” Sunset could barely speak. She felt weak all around.
Starlight Glimmer was the first Pony to assist Sunset. She helped her up on her hooves. But the magic show hadn’t been over. The golden circle suddenly shot up from the ground and turned into the cutie map. The cutie map had been somewhat the living ingredient of the castle, it covered all Equestria and sent Princess Twilight and or her friends to solve friendship problems at different locations. The map called for individual ponies by making their cutie mark glow.
Sunset Shimmers cutie mark started glowing. A magical holographic image of her cutie mark signified a location on the map.
“Uuuuhhhhh. That’s soooooo exciting…” Pinkie Pie couldn’t contain herself. The pink earth Pony jumped off her throne into the air, well she was excited.
“Sunset. The map is calling for you. I didn’t even think that that was possible.” Rarity said. Every Pony was staring at the yellow Unicorn. Sunset Shimmer started to feel better. She made her way to the cutie map and stared at it.
“Ok. Now what?” Sunset asked. The yellow Unicorn had no clue what was going on and everypony could see that.
“You see the small blinking version of your cutie mark? The map wants you to go there.” Rainbow Dash stated.
“Really Map. You could have sent me anywhere… Had to be the Everfree forest?” Sunset Shimmer was not happy.
“Maybe it’s a clue to where Twilight is.” Fluttershy’s voice whispered. The yellow Pegasus Pony had been there the entire time but Sunset forgot she was there. Fluttershy didn’t talk much so it was easy to forget her presence. Apple Jack got up and took a closer look at the map.
“I’ll be darned. The map is sending you to the castle of the two sisters.” The orange earth Pony said with eyes wide open.
“I wonder why the map didn’t call any of us.” Rainbow Dash hated to miss out on action.
“So let me get this straight. This map here calls you to solve friendship problems, right?” The yellow Unicorn was confused.
“That’s what it does.” Pinkie Pie answered excited with her vocals getting higher and higher.
“I don’t have time to solve a friendship problem. We need to continue the search for Princess Celestia, Twilight, and Spike.” Sunset wasn’t just confused but angry as well.
“Well Darling, the map sends us out for friendship problems. Who knows why you are being sent. Don’t get me wrong but the map has been so far very exclusive. Even Starlight who has been friends with us since a few moons has never got to go on a Quest.” Rarity explained. “You may be right.” The yellow Unicorn calmed down and wasn’t that angry anymore.
Sunset Shimmer knew the Everfree forest was dangerous and wild. She had not been there, not even to the Castle of the Two Sisters. It wasn’t just the Timberwolves that worried her, there were other creatures and stories which made her feel uncomfortable. She knew if she wanted to find out what just happened she had to go. Though the yellow Unicorn was confident and knew about her strength, she did not want to go alone.
“If you go, can I come?” Diamond Tiara asked.
“No little one. You gotta sit this one out, its way too dangerous.” Sunset replied.
“Maybe you can take me along. I've never been on a cutie map mission before and would love to see what the fuss is all about.” Starlight Glimmer asked in an excited way.
“Well you want to come along to one of the most dangerous parts in Equestria. Consider yourself hired.” The yellow Unicorn replied.
“I certainly wouldn’t want to come along.” Fluttershy whispered from her throne.
“It is settled then. We stay here while Sunset and Starlight go to the Everfree forest.” Apple Jack said.
“If you don’t mind, I left my bag in the library. I'll pick it up when I come back.” Sunset said.
Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer left the throne room to start their journey to the Everfree forest.
“Ok girls. Let’s talk.” Rainbow Dash paused for a few seconds. “What just happened? The castle went all haywire on Sunset and the cutie map gave her a quest and did you see her wings?”
“Oh but Rainbow, how could I have not seen her wings. They were beautiful.” Rarity said.
“I don’t know, for a second there I thought she was transforming into an Alicorn.” Fluttershy whispered.
“We should have gone with her.” Apple Jack stated.
“Nah, she’ll be fine. Besides, Starlight is with her, so nothing to worry about. The map never sent us some place where we needed extra help, even if it was only two of us who were sent.” Pinkie Pie threw in.
“Maybe she is a Princess, she just doesn’t know it yet.” Diamond Tiara spoke her thought out loud.
“Shucks. It’s good talkin ya’ll but we need to figure out how to find Twilight and Spike.” The orange earth Pony said. All ponies suddenly got quiet and had a sad expression on their face.
The last day of school was over. The bell rang for the last time this year. The students of Canterlot High got ready for the winter break. Happy teenagers ran through the hallway. Twilight Sparkle had been on the way to her locker when the intercom called “Twilight Sparkle please go to Principal Celestia’s office”.
“Hey Twi, want me to come along. You never know if you need backup when you have to go to the Principals office.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Hehe. Thanks Rainbow, but I don’t think I have to worry about anything. Do you mind watching after Spike while I’m at the Principal's office?” Twilight Sparkle replied.
“Hey, I don’t need somebody watching me.” Spike threw into the conversation.
“I know Spike, but it makes me feel better.” Twilight smiled at her dog.
“Consider it done, Twi. Come on Spike, we'll get some fresh air.” Rainbow shouted with her scratchy voice.
“Alright.” The purple dog followed the girl with the rainbow colored hair.
“Thanks, Rainbow. I'll meet back with you guys by the statue outside.” Twilight made her way to the Principal’s Office. Celestia's office was rather small and simply decorated unlike Principal Cinch’s. She had one book rack, a cork board, a few pictures, an old looking desk, and a few school gadgets on the desk like the intercom. Twilight knocked on the door as she arrived.
“Come in, please.” Principal Celestia said from the other side of the door.
“You wanted to see me Principal Celestia?” Twilight asked.
“Yes Twilight. Please take a seat.” Celestia offered.
“How can I help you Principal?” Twilight took a seat.
“Actually, it is I who wants to help you Twilight.” The Principal said.
“I beg your pardon?” The girl was confused.
“You have been here for several months now. I have no problems with your academics, your grades are perfect but attendance requires my attention. You were late on several occasions.” Celestia explained.
“I’m sorry. I missed the bus a few times and had to wait for the next one. This never happened at Crystal Prep, there I could just walk to school. But I’m afraid Canterlot High is just too far away to walk.” Twilight looked sad.
“I know. That is why I have asked you over here. I recently inherited a book store from my Aunt Adele. The book store has an apartment above it. The store itself has been closed since my Aunt died. I don’t have the time to run it. I could use some help maintaining the place so I wanted to offer you the job. You could live in the apartment rent free. All you have to do is take care of the place. Of course, you can read all the books in the store as well.” The Principal offered.
“Oh, and before I forget, it is in walking distance of the school.” Celestia added.
“Are you serious? That would be awesome. Thank you, thank you, thank you…” Twilight was so happy about the offer. She and the girls had discussed her living situation, and had been looking for a new place nearby.
“Great! Here are the keys. I also printed out a map so you can find the place. It’s about a ten minute walk from here. I will come by from time to time to check up on the place. But no worries, I will not come unannounced or uninvited into your apartment. Let me know if you need any help.” Celestia gave her the keys and the map with directions.
“I can’t thank you enough Principal Celestia.” Twilight was so excited and yet so embarrassed.
A simple thank you didn’t feel enough. She took the keys and the map. Twilight thanked the Principal a few more times on her way out of the office. Twilight was on the way to her locker when someone tapped her shoulder. She turned around and saw Apple Jack.
“Heya there nerdy girl, whatcha doin?” Apple Jack asked.
“Oh, hi A.J. I was just at the Principal’s office. You won’t believe what happened!” Twilight was still excited and couldn’t wait to tell her friends.
“Shoot.” A.J. wanted to know what was up.
“Principal Celestia just gave me keys to my new place! Her Aunt died a while ago and she had a bookstore with an apartment. Can you believe that? A bookstore, in the same building as my new apartment, and I can use whatever book I want to read. I don’t even have to pay rent, all I have to do is take care of the place and the store.” Twilight told Apple Jack all about it.
“Bust my boots. That is awfully nice of the Principal. Especially after we were looking for a new place for you these past two months.” Apple Jack was happy for Twilight. The girls walked to the lockers. A.J. was a few steps ahead of Twilight.
“Uhm, Twilight? Your locker is making noises. You left your phone in there?” Apple Jack noticed.
“No, I have my phone on me. Hmm, how strange.” Twilight turned her locker combination and opened the locker. The book she got from Sunset Shimmer was glowing and vibrating.
“Oh. It’s Sunset’s Journal.” Twilight grabbed the book and opened it up. She flipped a few pages to find the last entry. Then she started reading…
Dear Twilight Sparkle, It’s me Sunset. Let me get right to the point. Princess Twilight, or your pony you, disappeared eight days ago. Nobody has seen her or knows her whereabouts. I got the ponies to search her castle for any clues. I actually thought this Journal would give me some answers but I can’t even find the “help” entry. My old mentor and ruler of Equestria Princess Celestia is missing too.
I need your help. You are the smartest person I know. Got any ideas? So far we have nothing and, unless a magical wonder happens, I don’t know what to do.
How is everybody? I hope you guys are alright. For me everything is different than I expected it to be. All you guys are here with the exception of you, Twilight. I know it sounds strange but your pony counterparts are so alike, it feels like I’m here with my friends. It is hard to describe. I still miss you guys though.
Oh and before I forget. I already had my first fight here. A pony with the name of Starlight Glimmer got the better of me. It’s all worked out though, nothing to worry about. But enough with the chatter, I have to go meet with the other ponies and continue the search. If you have any ideas write them down into the Journal. Thanks in advance and I will try to keep you up to date as much as I can.
PS. I've had this weird feeling ever since I entered the castle. When I arrived here yesterday, I thought it was just me being nervous. I can’t describe it, but something is up with me and I don’t know what it is. Anyway, I’m sure I can figure it out. Say hi to the girls for me and tell them that I miss them.
Love you guys, Sunset
Twilight's mood changed drastically from excited and happy to worried and even a little sad. Apple Jack noticed it right away.
“No. Princess Twilight has been missing for eight days and nobody knows where she is. Sunset is ok, she said. But after reading her message, I don't feel that she is. Here, read it for yourself.” Twilight handed Apple Jack the Journal.
The farm girl read the entire entry. Apple Jack raised her eyebrows with a worried look on her face.
“Looks to me like they are in quite a tizzy over there in Equestria. Though Sunset is right, you are the smartest person around.” A.J. laid her arm around Twilight’s shoulder.
“Let’s go A.J., Rainbow is waiting on me outside. She's watching Spike.” Twilight indicated that they had to go. She put the Journal in her book bag and walked to the school’s exit. Apple Jack followed her.
The two girls informed Rainbow Dash about what happened. She was happy for Twilight, yet sad for Princess Twilight. They wanted to tell the other girls but Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Sunset Shimmer were planning for the Christmas Eve Party at Pinkie's home. And Fluttershy had an emergency at the animal shelter. The three girls decided to meet later that afternoon at Twilight’s new apartment. They were eager to see it as much as Twilight was.
Twilight Sparkle and Spike were on the way to the bookstore and their new home. It had been a cold winter this year. Snow was covering the ground like a thick blanket and cars were driving very slowly on the icy roads. Twilight wore a bright blue winter coat with a warm hoodie. She got this jacket from Rarity and it matched perfectly with her colors. Purple and bright blue went well together. The coat even had stitches with the symbol of magic on it.
“Spike, any idea how we can help Sunset Shimmer?” Twilight asked her dog.
“No sorry, I got nothing but you will figure it out, Twilight. You always do.” The purple dog answered.
“I hope you are right Spike. I know very little about magic and solving a problem for a magical place like Equestria. There seems to be very little room for science.” The girl paused for a few seconds. “Or is there. Wait a second…, I got it Spike. I think I got it.”
“See! I told you, you could figure it out. What is on your mind?” Spike smiled
“Remember the device I built to pick up the strange energy readings from Canterlot High? I can use that design to build a device which would look for Princess Twilight.” Twilight got excited in a nerdy kind of way.
“But how can you tell Princess Twilight's magic from all the other magic in Equestria.” The purple dog now thought this wasn’t such a great idea after all.
“Cause I will adjust the device, not to search for magic, but for DNA.” The girl’s brain was flooded with new ideas how to perform this task.
“Then how do you get her DNA?” Spike perked up.
“I won’t. I'll use my own DNA. She is me and I am her. We live in different worlds, but if I’m right we share the same physical attributes. That is why she looks exactly the same as me. I would bet too, if I go through that portal I would look exactly the same as she does. Let’s hurry Spike, we need to get back to our old home. I need a few things.” Twilight and Spike crossed the street to go to the nearest bus stop. They took the next bus heading back to the city.
Rainbow Dash knocked at the door of the animal shelter. The shelter was closed for two weeks during the holidays, but she knew Fluttershy should be there. Nobody answered her knocking. Rainbow pushed down on the doorknob and was surprised to find it unlocked. She walked into the animal shelter and started calling for Fluttershy.
“Fluttershy, where are you? You left the door open.” Nobody responded to Dash’s calls. She went to the next room and suddenly stopped when she heard a noise. It sounded like somebody was crying from the corner across the room. Rainbow Dash walked in that direction and found Fluttershy.
“What’s up girl, are you alright?” Dash was concerned.
“I-I’m fine. I’m just sad.” Fluttershy responded.
“Why are you sad Fluttershy?” Rainbow wondered.
“Well remember when I left school today because of an emergency?” The kind girl started to explain.
“Yeah, I remember. You had to go to the animal shelter.” Dash remembered.
“Chester, died this morning.” Fluttershy busted out in crying.
“Oh no, not sweet old Chester.” Rainbow felt bad for Fluttershy.
*********
Rainbow Dash was thinking about how five years ago, Fluttershy rescued Chester from certain death. The cat was badly hurt, had a broken leg, and a burned tail. Rainbow Dash was there when it happened. Fluttershy saw the cat by some trash cans looking for food, barely able to walk. It broke the kind girl’s heart to see a cat so mistreated.
She picked Chester up without any hassle, even if he wanted to run away, he couldn’t. It looked like he hadn’t eaten in weeks. It was the first time Rainbow Dash really saw Fluttershy’s gift. The kind girl had a bond with animals like no other, it was magical. Rainbow escorted Fluttershy and Chester to the Vet. The animal doctor treated the cat immediately. Dash even put some money down on Chester’s treatment because Fluttershy did not have enough.
It took weeks before Chester could walk and run again. Some of his grey fur didn’t grow back on his tail. Nowadays Fluttershy did not have to pay at the Vet anymore. Her work with animals at the animal shelter was praised to the highest at the Veterinarian’s office. They knew she worked without pay. Rainbow recalls Fluttershy telling her that helping animals in need was a privilege.
Chester was such a sweet and lovable cat. Even though he was already an older cat, he was very playful. Fluttershy’s first true pet. Though she loves Angel the rabbit and all the other pets she cares for now, Chester was her first pet and losing him must be hard for her.
*********
Rainbow Dash laid both arms around Fluttershy and gave her a gentle hug.
“I’m so sorry. I know how much he meant to you.” Dash whispered in her ear.
“I’m going to miss him.” Fluttershy replied and broke out crying again.
“I tell you what. Write a song about him for the Rainbooms. Let’s carry on his legacy and tell his story.” Rainbow said.
“O-ok.” Fluttershy was still crying. Rainbow Dash was still hugging Fluttershy. She wouldn’t let go of the crying girl until she was convinced that she was ok. Rainbow was going to tell her about the Journal and Twilights apartment but the situation hadn’t given her the opportunity. She just wanted to be there for her friend.
Apple Jack was on her way to Sugarcube Corner to see Pinkie Pie and the other girls when she got a text message from Rainbow Dash. She read about Chester's demise. It had been one of those days where all big things happened at the same time. She rang the doorbell. Maud Pie answered the door.
“Howdy Maud, is Pinkie home?” Apple Jack asked.
“She is in her bedroom with the others.” Maud Pie’s voice was incapable of excitement in any form. Apple Jack went straight to Pinkie's room.
“Hi Apple Jack.” Pinkie Pie said.
“Hi A.J.” “Hey Apple Jack.” Sunset Shimmer and Rarity added.
“Heya. Gals do I got some news for ya'll.” A.J. was shaking her head.
Apple Jack laid it all out. Twilight got a new Apartment, Pony Sunset Shimmer called for help, and Chester’s passing. The girl’s had a hard time believing all this happened today. The three party planner girls put their notebooks down.
“We've got to go to Fluttershy. She needs us.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“I agree. I can’t imagine how horrible she feels right now.” Rarity added.
“What are we waiting for, let’s go.” Pinkie was completely dressed and ready to go. She changed in a split second. If it was any other girl than Pinkie Pie, the girls would have stared with an open mouth, but they were used to it. Pinkie broke the laws of physics at breakfast and did the impossible for lunch. After a few minutes, everybody was ready to go and the girls left Sugarcube Corner.
Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer entered the Everfree Forest. Both ponies had a lot of respect for these woods. Even though the sun was high in the sky, it was dark inside the Forest. The trees grew so thick that neither sunlight or moonlight could penetrate it, however the winds picked up again and was coming through.
“This strange weather doesn’t make the trip more pleasant.” Sunset grunted.
“Yeah, I've never seen the weather so out of balance in Equestria. I wonder if it has anything to do with Twilight's disappearance.” Starlight said.
“So, Starlight what happened earlier?” The yellow Unicorn asked.
“I was jealous of you. You just showed up and seemed to be accepted by all of them. You talk to them like you have been friends since forever. I felt threatened. If Twilight would have been there, I’m sure it wouldn't have come that far.” The purple Unicorn replied.
“Oh. Not that. Sorry, I know why you reacted the way you did and trust me I would have done the same a while ago when I just started to have friends… I meant what happened to me in the castle? I have no memory of it.” Sunset was curious.
“Oh. Phew. Well I’m not quite sure. You got lifted up in the air, grew some magical wings and your eyes glowed white. You spun slowly around and then landed on the ground. For a second there I thought you turned into an Alicorn.” Starlight Glimmer explained.
“First Princess Luna asked why I was not an Alicorn, now this. On top of that, I had this weird feeling in Twilight’s Castle. I wonder if this trip can get any weirder.” The yellow Unicorn was thinking out loud.
“Hey, I got an idea. How about we start all over again? Hi, my name is Starlight Glimmer, Apprentice of Princess Twilight Sparkle, and a pretty magical unicorn if I may say so myself.” Starlight grinned.
“Great idea. Hi, my name is Sunset Shimmer, former protégé to Princess Celestia, and second best student at Canterlot High.” Sunset grinned as well.
“Canterlot High?” The purple Unicorn asked.
“Hehe I knew you'd fall for it. I spent many moons in the human world. I wanted to learn all I could, so I decided to go to one of their schools. I lost my crown for being the best student when Twi joined us from Crystal Prep.” The yellow Unicorn said.
“That Twi must be pretty smart.”
“Yes. Twilight Sparkle is the smartest human I know.” Sunset knew Starlight did not know she was talking about Twilight Sparkle, so she had to spell it out.
“Twilight, so she is not just smart here in Equestria, but also in the human world, interesting.” Starlight Glimmer seemed fascinated.
“Honestly though, I think that human Twilight is a lot smarter than pony Twilight. Don’t tell the Princess I said so. Princess Twilight is one of the most powerful magical ponies I have ever seen and that includes Celestia.” Sunset said.
“Are you sure Sunset? I mean Twilight is pretty magical, but she had a hard time keeping up with me.” Starlight didn’t agree with the yellow Unicorn.
“I heard you are a pretty powerful Unicorn. Twilight’s problem is that she is holding back because she is afraid of what might happen when she goes all in. I assume she didn’t use her Alicorn magic on you.” Sunset explained.
“I never saw it from that perspective. Hmm. She didn’t use her Alicorn magic, I wonder why that is.” The purple Unicorn wondered.
“See, that is another difference between human and pony Twi. Human Twilight goes all in every time she does a science experiment. She just wants to test the limits. It also shows the difference between science and magic. Magic if you go all in, you could easily kill somebody, and science well there are usually parameters in place to prevent that from happening.” Sunset smiled when she spoke about human Twilight. Howling noises took the ponies attention away from their conversation.
“Timberwolves!” Starlight powered up her horn.
“You are right. The question is how many?” Sunset followed the purple Unicorns example and powered up her horn as well.
The two ponies could see bright green, shining eyes further up the way behind some bushes. First there were two, then four, then eight pairs of eyes, at the end it looked like it was a pack of at least twenty Timberwolves. Starlight got into an attack stance; she was ready to take them on. The purple Unicorn knew they were too deep in the forest to out run them. Sunset Shimmer, on the other hand, felt no excitement at all. She should have been scared but she wasn’t.
“Are you ok, Sunset?” Starlight noticed how carefree the yellow Unicorn was.
“Yeah, no worries here.” Sunset said.
“I can see that. That’s what worries me.” Starlight eyes seem to grow larger.
Now they could see the whole pack on the walkway. It was actually a pack of thirty-four Timberwolves. The ponies were clearly outnumbered. The wolves seemed to want an early dinner. The pack slowly moved toward the ponies. Growling and howling got louder and louder the closer they got. Starlight was shocked when she saw Sunset Shimmer walking straight up to the wolf pack. The wolves got aggressively loud when they noticed the yellow Unicorn coming up to them.
“Sunset, are you crazy! What are you doing?” Starlight’s voice sounded scared.
Sunset Shimmer did not answer the purple Unicorn; she kept on walking towards the wolves. The yellow Unicorn was almost upon them when one of the wolves charged at her.
“Sunset, watch out!” Starlight Glimmer yelled out of her lungs to the pony in front of her. The purple Unicorn didn’t have a clear line of sight for a shot. Starlight assumed the worst would happen, but the outcome was different than she thought.
The magical wolf, made out of tree limbs and logs, stopped his attack just inches in front of Sunset Shimmer. Sunset’s eyes were glowing white and all the wolves seemed to give her their undivided attention. “You will leave us now and go on with your business elsewhere.” Sunset ordered the wolves with some sort of telepathy, talking to them from mind to mind. The pack then broke up their attack and disappeared in the depths of the Everfree Forest. Starlight Glimmer was speechless. She didn’t understand what happened, but her mouth was open and her muzzle nearly reached the ground.
“What did you just do?” The purple Unicorn was impressed and frightened at the same time.
“I think I just told them to move along.” Sunset not quite sure about what happened herself.
“You are kidding right! There is no pony who can talk to the Timberwolves, no pony, not even the Princesses.” Starlight had a hard time dealing with the situation.
“I have no idea how to explain this to you. It’s new to me too. All I know is, I wasn’t afraid of the wolves. The why is still a mystery I have to figure out.” The yellow Unicorn had always been afraid of the Timberwolves.
The stories she heard when she was a filly were horrifying. A lot of ponies lost their lives when meeting these mystical creatures. In the end, the ponies wanted them gone. Princess Celestia explained there was no way to get rid of them and that every creature in Equestria had it's purpose, no matter if it was good or bad.
The forest grew darker and darker. Far ahead of the ponies was a light which seemed to come off a very large tree. This large tree had been remodeled in to a house. The two ponies wondered who would live in the Everfree Forest. Their curiosity got the better of them and they headed straight for the lights from the tree. They knocked on the door when they got there.
“You pony-folk come on in, it’s been a while, where have you been?” Said an inviting voice from inside the tree house.
Both ponies entered the structure. The Unicorns saw a very strange room. Weird masks, artifacts, books, and a huge pot with shining green goo was standing on the floor in the middle of the room. Then they glimpsed a rather weird looking pony.
“I expected Princess Twilight and her friends to arrive here, but please stay and do not fear.” The grey pony with dark grey stripes wore gold jewelry around her neck, legs, even had golden earrings.
“You are Zecora the zebra right?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
She remembered Princess Twilight telling her about Zecora living in the Everfree forest. Zecora had been mistaken for a pony a lot of times, but she was actually a Zebra.
“You know my name, my Goo shines dimmer. You must be Starlight and you Sunset Shimmer.” Zecora pointed at them when spoke out their names.
“How do you know our names?” Starlight Glimmer asked.
“You are friends of Princess Twilight are you not? You do not have to expect a plot. Stories from her friends, she tells me every time, some bitter sweet as lemon and lime. Where is our Princess at? I have her potions, they soon go bad. She said she’d get them nine days ago, but have I seen her since? The answer is no.” The zebra always spoke in rimes and riddles.
“You don’t know? Princess Twilight has been missing for eight days. Nopony knows where she is.” Starlight replied with a sad voice.
“She and Spike disappeared without a trace, and Princess Celestia has been missing since yesterday too.” Sunset Shimmer added.
“Hmm, a potion already used in the past, but surely this is not my last. It is this potion who can tell, if combined with a powerful spell. If Princess Twilight’s fate has been tragic, but be aware, it only responds to Alicorn magic. Only an Alicorn Princess can turn this potion from purple to white, and the darkness will vanish under its powerful light.” Zecora gave the ponies a purple potion.
Many moons back, when Twilight Sparkle had recently become an Alicorn Princess, the Evergreen Forest ran wild and invaded Ponyville. Zecora gave this potion to the Princess, which she turned from purple to white, and after a sip she got clues to what had occurred. In the end it turned out it was Discord’s fault. In order to save Equestria, Princess Twilight and her friends had to return the elements of harmony to the tree of harmony.
“Thank you Zecora. I will bring this potion to Princess Luna once I’m done with my mission.” The yellow Unicorn said.
“Do not forget, this potion has powerful magic. If you try it yourself the result will be tragic.” The zebra warned before seeing the two Unicorns off on their way.
Starlight and Sunset were talking about Zecora after they left. They both agreed that the zebra was unique and mysterious. Both ponies made it their goal to befriend her when they had the chance. The weather eased up a bit and the wind wasn’t as strong anymore. It had been very cold and the temperature didn’t seem to warm up.
The castle of the two sisters was still far ahead of them. The two Unicorns had to go deeper and deeper into the forest. Cracking branches and rattling in the bushes kept them on guard. They were prepared to defend themselves in a moment's notice if they had to.
“Sunset, may I ask you a rather personal question?” Starlight asked.
“Sure. What is it?” Sunset became curious.
“You have been Princess Celestia’s student. Do you regret not finishing your studies with her?”
“Oh, you picked a hard one eh?” The yellow Unicorn smiled. “Where to begin… hm… yes and no.”
“What do you mean yes and no?” The purple Unicorn wondered.
“Well, yes because of the way we parted and how I left things undone. Of course, now I know it wasn’t entirely my own fault but I shouldn't have been so easy to manipulate.” Sunset Shimmer gave herself a few seconds. “No, because I had the best time of life in the human world. I got to experience so much. Sure, at the beginning it wasn’t all that great but when Twilight turned me around, let’s just say I wouldn’t want to trade it for anything in the world.”
“What is it like to be human?” Starlight wanted to know.
“That is very hard to explain and better if experienced. For one, being human means you can’t use your magic. Sure the magic of friendship can be used by only a few, since I stole Twilights crown, but in general humans don’t have magic. They have technology and science.” Sunset amused herself trying to explain the difference between the two worlds.
“So you are saying if I was to go through the portal, I couldn’t use my magic on the other side?” The purple Unicorn was fascinated. Princess Twilight spoke a lot about the human world, but not in detail like Sunset Shimmer did.
“That is correct. In the human world everybody tries to stay connected with their friends and families using technology to communicate over great distances…“ The yellow Unicorn kept telling Starlight about the human world, who seemed to get more amused and fascinated.
She kept asking questions, and Sunset Shimmer tried to answer all of them. It was obvious to Starlight that the yellow Unicorn missed the human world. The human world used to be home for Sunset Shimmer. Now she had no idea where her home was. Her allegiance to Equestria had always been there but was it stronger than her connection to the human world?
As they continued on, the trees grew thinner and the world around them brightened with warm sunlight. The two Unicorns were able to see the two towers of the castle.
“We are almost there Sunset.” Starlight Glimmer said.
“Finally. I had no idea the castle was that far away.” Sunset Shimmer replied.
“I know I haven’t been called by the cutie map, but I would like to help if that’s ok?” The purple Unicorn glanced at Sunset.
“Hey, it’s fine by me. I had no idea about the whole cutie map, but it can’t hurt to have some extra hooves around. I have the feeling it’s not a friendship problem I have to fix.” Sunset acknowledged the purple Unicorns need to help.
“It must be hard for you. Being part of a group, but not part of the group activities.” The yellow Unicorn added.
“You are not wrong there. I have watched the girls get deployed on missions over and over, but I was not included. I don’t blame them but I just don’t understand why the map never chose me.” Starlight explained with a rather sad voice.
“I’m glad you came along Starlight. It is really great to get to know you. Meeting some pony who actually had a similar messed up past like me, priceless. I hope we become good friends.” Sunset Shimmer smiled at Starlight again.
“It really feels like we are two pieces of the same puzzle. I’m sorry again that I was so hostile towards you earlier. It would make me very happy if we became friends.” The purple Unicorn apologized again.
“Hey, if you want to be my friend there is one condition.” The yellow Unicorn said.
“And what condition would that be?” Starlight Glimmer was worried.
“You have to stop apologizing to me.” Sunset Shimmer started laughing.
“Hehe… deal. Hehehe.” The purple Unicorn agreed and both ponies were laughing.
The two Unicorns were close to the castle. A canyon separated the castle from the Everfree forest.
“Woah. That is pretty deep.” Sunset looked down the canyon.
“There has to be a bridge somewhere.” Starlight started to look around for the bridge.
“How are your teleporting skills?” The yellow Unicorn asked.
“I can’t teleport. But I can fly.” The purple Unicorn answered.
“Then let’s do this.” Sunset Shimmer disappeared into thin air and appeared back on the other side of the canyon. Starlight Glimmer powered up her horn and a magic aura surrounded her whole body. From mane to muzzle, from hooves to tail, everything was covered. It was like a magical bubble around her. She started to hover over to the other side of the canyon.
“You've got to teach me how to fly.” Sunset said.
“Sure thing Sunset, but you have to teach me how to teleport.” Starlight hadn’t mastered teleportation yet.
“You got yourself a deal.” The yellow Unicorn smiled.
“This castle is in total ruins, what happened here?” Starlight Glimmer said when she saw what was left of the castle.
“I have no clue. But it might explain why Princess Celestia moved to Canterlot ages ago.” Sunset replied.
Both Unicorns kept speculating about what happened to the building while they were walking up to it. The ruins, once known as the castle of the two sisters, were covered with moss and other wild plants. Even though the castle was broken, it appeared alive. Starlight and Sunset reached their destination and were standing in front of the main entrance to the castle. The winds, which had been so uncomfortable when they entered the Everfree forest, almost completely died off.
Fluttershy’s world was shattered. The loss of her good old cat, Chester, left her heartbroken. Rainbow Dash welcomed the other girls when they arrived. Rarity was the first girl to lay her arms around Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie and Sunset Shimmer followed Rarity’s gesture. Rainbow Dash was right next to Fluttershy and hugged her again. The hugging turned into a big group hug. Apple Jack was the only girl who did not participate.
“I’m sorry for your loss.” Apple Jack said.
“Yeah we are all sorry Fluttershy.” Rarity followed up.
The girls felt bad for Fluttershy. Seeing the girl with the pink hair so sad had an affect on all of them. Apple Jack was reminded of the death of her parents. The orange girl felt the full weight of that experience coming up again. A.J. didn’t like to think about it, but situations like this one brought it all back.
“Hey, I've got an idea. Let’s throw Chester a good bye party.” Pinkie Pie said.
“Oh come on, Pinkie. You can’t be serious.” Rainbow Dash gave the party girl a weird look.
“Actually, that might not be such a bad idea. It doesn’t have to be a party but I think a get together after the funeral, where we exchange our memories about Chester would do just fine.” Rarity brought up.
“Fluttershy. What do you think?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“I-I don’t know if I’m up for that.” Fluttershy whispered.
“Give yourself some time to think about it.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Where’s Twilight at?” Rainbow asked.
“I guess she is at her new place.” A.J. replied.
“I texted her too, but I didn’t get a response yet.” Dash explained.
“She must be busy, figuring out her haystack.” Apple Jack said.
Pinkie Pie had a hard time seeing everyone down like this. She knew they needed a change of scenery. The party girl convinced the girls to go to Sugarcube Corner for some coffee and cake. Pinkie also thought about another sleepover at her place. Maud Pie, the party girl’s sister, had left this morning to go back to their parents’ house. Pinkie Pie was going to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with them as she did every year. Pinkie had plenty of room to accommodate all the girls.
“Spike! Can you please stop watching TV and help me over here with the device. I need a micro screwdriver.” Twilight Sparkle was eager to finish the project.
“Argh. I never catch a break. Alright, I’m on my way.” Spike fetched the screwdriver for Twilight.
“Thank you Spike.” Twilight smiled. She was just about to put the finishing touches on the device, when she was interrupted. Ring. Ring. Ring. “What is that disturbing noise? I need to focus and how can I focus with such an annoying noise?” The girl was clearly upset to be interrupted.
“Uhm. Chill would you? It’s just your phone.” Spike rolled his eyes.
Twilight Sparkle looked for her phone, but it took her a while before she actually found it. Her desk was full of tools and stuff that she needed to work on the device. Organized Chaos came to mind. The girl picked up her phone.
“This is Twilight.” Twilight answered the call.
“Howdy, Twi it’s me A.J.” The voice on the other end of the line said.
“Oh hey A.J. Oh my gosh. Did I forget to be at my new apartment? I went back to my old house and started working on something important. I’m so sorry.” Twilight panicked and spoke faster.
“Slow down Sugarcube. Rainbow texted you earlier and you didn’t respond. I figured ya were working on something.” Apple Jack said. “Oh phew. I thought I forgot our appointment.” The purple girl was relieved.
“Well I think it ain’t gonna happen today. Fluttershy’s cat Chester past away. We all are at Sugarcube Corner trying to cheer her up. Pinkie wants us to stay over at her place for tonight.” A.J. explained.
“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that. I would like to join you guys but I really need to finish this here.” Twilight said.
“No biggie. You got plenty to hassle about. Anyway I just wanted to let ya know.” Apple Jack said.
“Alright A.J. I'll catch up with you guys later then.” The purple girl said.
“Later, Twi.” Apple Jack hung up.
Twilight went back to work on the device. She tightened a few more screws and done.
“So Spike did you hear that?” The purple girl asked.
“Yeah, yeah, a cat just died. How tragic. It’s not like there isn’t enough of them around.” Spike said in a rather bitter voice.
“Spike…” Twilight shouted. “What is wrong with you today? Didn’t get your nap this morning or was there something in your food?” Twilight wasn’t pleased to hear her dog talk like that.
“Hey. I’ m a dog. I don’t like cats ok? That really shouldn’t surprise you.” The dog explained.
“I get it ok. You don’t have to be so rude about it.” The girl countered.
“Alriiiight. I’m sorry. Sheesh, can’t be a dog for one day, should have just kept my mouth shut.” Spike apologized in his own way.
“It’s ok Spike. Apology accepted. I’m almost done here. Then we have to test it and figure out how to get it to Equestria.” Twilight sneered.
“What do you mean? Isn’t Sunset picking this thing up? By the way, you could give your inventions a name so I don’t have to call them thing anymore.” The purple dog wasn’t sure of Twilight’s intentions.
“I know this sounds crazy Spike, but I want to bring it to Equestria. You never know if something needs to be adjusted.” The girl explained.
“Are you out of your mind? Sunset said none of you should go to Equestria because nobody knows what happens when a human goes through that portal.” Spike suddenly started yelling.
“I have done the math Spike. It will be alright.” Twi sounded so sure about it.
Twilight tested the device she just rebuilt with success. Instead of picking up magic and other energy readings it now picked up Twilight’s DNA. The only thing the device needed was a name.
“Mefinder. That could be the name for the device.” Twilight said.
“Mefinder, really? Come on Twilight. Give it a cool name like Detector-X or P.K.E. Meter.” Spike objected.
“P.K.E. Meter, you've got to stop watching so much TV. Alright. Let’s call it Detector-X then. I’m going to have to pack my bag.” The girl added.
“You're really wanting to go, aren't you? Well in that case take me along there is no telling how you would do without my assistance.” The purple dog was serious.
“Spike, I do need your assistance but not in Equestria. I need you here to watch over the journal and contact the girl’s tomorrow. They are under no circumstances to go through the portal. I’m fairly sure what will happen when I go through, but I can’t be one hundred percent certain.” Twilight explained.
“Well, I appreciate you at least had that little dog door put in last month. So I’m not stuck here for who knows how long.” Spike did not like the idea of being left alone.
Twilight packed her bag, mainly with gadgets and experiments she was working on, which she thought could come in handy. The X-Detector was placed carefully on top of the items. She remembered her 6th Grade Science teacher telling her without risk, no results. Twilight knew she was taking a huge risk going through the portal but she did it for the right cause.
Saving Princess Twilight from whatever she needed saving from was the right cause. However, the possible side effect of becoming a pony and seeing Equestria had a nice touch to it. And of course there was Sunset Shimmer. Twilight considered pony Sunset her best friend, and admired her very much. There was no greater cause than to help a dear friend.
“Spike, I've got to go. I left my smartphone on the living room table for you. I will be back as soon as possible. And don’t forget, nobody else is to enter the portal.” Twilight shouted on her way out the door.
The girls were trying to cheer up Fluttershy at Sugarcube Corner. Apple Jack finished her phone conversation with Twilight outside, since it was so loud inside the store. Sugarcube Corner was a popular hangout place for all the students of Canterlot High. Winter break officially started here. During the summer, this place gave out milkshakes and ice cream. But during winter Sucarcube Corner served pies, cakes, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, coffee, and tea.
A.J. went back inside and navigated her way back to the girls through the crowd. She had to tell the others that Twilight was not joining them. When Apple Jack returned to their table, the door opened again. It was Flash Sentry, the blue haired boy, who just walked in. All the girls turned to see who it was but it was obvious that Sunset was not just looking, but staring.
“Who is this handsome boy?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“Oh. Uhm. Yeah I think we forgot to tell you something.” Rarity said.
“Hehe, yeah I think he is Mr. Unavailable to you.” Rainbow Dash giggled.
“That fella over there is Flash Sentry and he used to be your boyfriend.” Apple Jack replied.
“My boyfriend?” Sunset Shimmers eyes grew larger and her face turned slightly red.
“Yeah, not exactly your boyfriend but the other you.” Pinkie Pie through in.
“Darling, don’t even think about it. It’s complicated. When pony you was a really bad girl, she took him as her boyfriend, but he dumped her a few months later.” Rarity paused for a few seconds. “Even though your counterpart has changed, they haven't talked since. To make matters worse, he has a crush on Princess Twilight.”
“How come you guys haven’t mentioned this before?” Sunset seemed a bit embarrassed.
“Sorry honey, but with all that happened here. What I’m trying to say is, it must have slipped our minds. Even pony you forgot all about it and you aren't going to Canterlot High yet.” Rarity said.
“That’s just great. I finally find a guy who seems interesting and I already lost the battle before it began. Thank you, pony me.” Sunset Shimmer banged her head on the table.
“There seems to be some irony here. I don’t even think Flash has realized that Twi and Princess Twilight are not one and the same. Or that you are not pony Sunset Shimmer. He is hitting on Twi with every chance he gets hehe, and she is showing him the cold shoulder every time. While Princess Twilight seems to have a little crush on him herself.” Rainbow looked around to make sure Flash wasn't nearby.
“So Flash dumped pony you and likes pony Twilight, but our Twilight couldn’t care less, while you seem to be interested. Haha, that’s not a love triangle that’s a love quintet. Hehehehe the irony.” Rainbow Dash started to laugh a little lauder.
“That’s not funny Rainbow Dash.” Rarity insisted.
“Actually, I think it somewhat is.” Apple Jack took Rainbows side.
“I know funny, and yeah, it’s kinda funny, not funny funny though, I know funny funny and funny. But yeah it qualifies.” Pinkie Pie said with her high pitched voice.
“Well then, all that means is I have to take matters into my own hands. Because there is something about this guy I dig.” Sunset Shimmer got up from her seat.
She walked over to the group of boys standing with Flash Sentry. The girls waved her back, didn’t want Sunset to go so unprepared over there. But it was already too late. Sunset Shimmer pulled on the blue haired boy’s leather jacket. Flash turned around and looked pale when he saw who pulled on him.
“Sunset?” Flash Sentry asked.
“We need to talk, let’s go outside.” Sunset Shimmers voice was determined.
“Hey, you don’t get to boss me around anymore.” The blue haired boy gave her the evil eye.
“I’m sorry. Flash, would you please come outside with me so we can talk.” The girl knew she had to change her approach.
“Alright. Don’t expect anything to change.” The evil eye was still staring.
Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry walked outside the store. The snow was getting thicker on the ground and the temperature was falling. It was already dark outside. Sunset forgot to wear her Jacket, she'd removed it while settling down in the store. She was shivering.
“Here take my jacket.” Flash took his leather jacket off and hung it around Sunset for her to wear.
“Thanks.” The girl smiled.
“So what did you want to talk about?” The blue haired boy asked.
“About us. We never talked after you broke up with me.” She relied on what the girls told her.
“What do you want to talk about specifically?” Flash was confused.
“Alright. Why did you break up with me?” Sunset had no issues discussing this because she wasn’t actually the one he broke up with.
“You are kidding me right? You used me to gain popularity. Then you got it in your head that you could boss me around. I was just a toy for you.” His confusion turned into anger.
“So it was all bad, huh?” She changed tone and her tactic.
“I didn’t say that. We had some good times. Why are you asking?” Flash eased up a bit.
“Because, I still like you and I have changed. I’m sure you noticed, even though you did try your hardest to avoid me.” Sunset glanced at the snow covered ground. “Look. I know you don’t want to get back together but at least give me a chance and become friends again. That’s all I’m asking.”
“I guess that’s fair. We did have some great times and that one time where we almost… nevermind.” Flash blushed.
“What, you are having amnesia now?” Sunset was eager to find out what they almost did.
“Hey, you want to be friends. Let’s be friends and respect my privacy. Besides, you were there and know exactly what I am talking about.” The boy actually smiled at her.
“Yeah, I know exactly what you are talking about. Alright, you win. Let’s go back inside. I’m sure our friends are wondering what we are doing” The girl improvised and blushed for different reasons.
Sunset Shimmer gave the jacket back to Flash and walked back into the shop. Flash followed Sunset Shimmer inside Sugarcube Corner. They split and went back to their group of friends.
“What did ya just do?” Apple Jack wondered.
“Well. Let me put it this way. I leveled the playing field.” Sunset Shimmer had a big grin on her face.
“Oh darling, you really like that boy, huh?” Rarity noticed.
“Yeah there is something about that guy. Anyways, since Twi doesn’t want him, and I don’t think a two world relationship with Princess Twilight would work for either of them. What can I say? I dig that guy and I want a chance. ” The girl with red yellow hair made her point.
Fluttershy was staring off into the distance. She hadn’t said a word this entire time. Pinkie Pie noticed, but she also knew Fluttershy well enough to not say anything. The party girl was never someone who could stand on the sidelines; no she had to be all game. So she convinced them all to go to her place and start the slumber party early. When the girls were leaving the store, Sunset Shimmer turned around to Flash and winked at him before she went outside.
Twilight Sparkle ran out breath. She nearly missed that last bus towards Canterlot High. She took a seat in the back of the bus by the window. When she took a look around in the bus, she noticed there was only one more person in the vehicle who was sitting behind the driver. The bus was driving very slowly. Constant fresh snow on the ground made it hard to drive. Twilight thought about what would happen when she went through the portal.
Twilight Sparkle didn't get nervous very easily. But the closer they came, the more nervous she got. “It’s alright. You have done your homework. There will be no problems.” She consoled herself. The bus reached it's destination and Twi got off the bus. It was already dark, only dim street lights around Canterlot High.
Twilight Sparkle was standing in front of the Wondercolt Statue. She turned her head as if she wanted to say goodbye to somebody, but nobody was there. When Twi headed for the portal she spoke out her thoughts.
“Well Albert Einstein said. Only two things are infinite, the universe and the human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former. Hhm. Maybe this is not the right one. Oh, I got it. Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them, and that is exactly what I’m doing right now.” She used Einstein's quotes for motivation and inspiration. She thought it wasn’t a big deal going through that portal, but now standing in front of it gave her shivers.
Twilight did not expect to be scared last minute. She grabbed her bag tighter, threw it over her shoulder, and stepped into the portal. Once inside the portal, she saw all the colors from the rainbow. She saw lights, stars, and everything spinning faster and faster and faster. Twi didn’t feel anything. It took only a few seconds before Twilight Sparkle exited the portal into Equestria.
The ponies must have been in every room. The Castle of the Two Sisters didn’t offer any answers to why the cutie map called Sunset Shimmer. Starlight was frustrated which didn’t go unnoticed by the yellow Unicorn.
“Hey Starlight. Don’t give up. I know we haven’t found it yet. But we will.” The yellow Unicorn smiled.
“Sigh. It feels like we have been in and out of every room in this castle, or rather, what's left of it.” The purple Unicorn said.
“Maybe. Hmmm or? Maybe?” Sunset was guessing.
“Maybe what?” Starlight wondered.
“Maybe the map didn’t send us to the castle after all.” The yellow Unicorn’s eyes got larger.
“You mean you. The map didn’t send me anywhere. Ever… urgh” The purple Unicorn glanced at floor.
“Come on Starlight. Let’s go. I think I know where we have to go.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Where are we going?” Starlight sounded a bit depressed.
“To the Tree of Harmony.” The Yellow Unicorn felt sure.
“The Tree of Harmony? Princess Twilight told me about it, but I’ve never seen it.” The purple Unicorn said.
Both Unicorns left the castle. The Tree of Harmony was located beneath the ruins. Princess Twilight had told Sunset Shimmer about the Tree and the Elements of Harmony. How they had to return the Elements in order to save Equestria. Even though Sunset Shimmer had never seen the Tree of Harmony, thanks to Twilight, she knew exactly where it was.
It was a magnificent sight when they entered the cave underneath the castle. The Tree seemed to be made out of the purest crystals ever seen by pony eyes. The Tree had a faint glow around it when both Unicorns walked up to it. They stopped in front of the magical tree. Suddenly a buzzing noise appeared out of nowhere.
The Elements of Harmony started to light up. Each Element’s light was moving toward the center of the tree, where the Element of Magic had it's place. The faint glow around the Tree was suddenly as bright as the stars in the night sky. Rainbow colors were powering up the Element of Magic. Sunset and Starlight could not help but stare.
Beams of magical Light in rainbow colors erupted from each Element of the Tree. Their target was Sunset Shimmer. The yellow Unicorn’s eyes turned glowing white, and her horn color changed from yellow to a glowing white. Magical glowing wings of a brilliant yellow light grew out of her body. Starlight was fascinated by all the magic and beauty she saw.
Sunset Shimmer was lifted up in the air. She stopped ascending when she reached the same height as the Element of Magic. A magical ball consisting of white and yellow light consumed her body. Starlight Glimmer couldn’t see the yellow Unicorn anymore. A band of bright glowing rainbow started to spin around the magic ball. After a few seconds an explosion of light blinded Starlight Glimmer. It took the purple Unicorn a while before she could see again.
Starlight Glimmer was staring in the direction where Sunset Shimmer used to be. The Unicorn was unsure about what just happened. She didn’t have time to consider it, though. Loud rumbling noises and a shaking ground required her immediate attention. It sounded like the Castle of the two Sisters was falling apart on top of her.
Starlight started running towards the exit of the cave. She was almost there before falling rocks and boulders sealed the entrance. Starlight powered up her horn trying to move the debris out of the way but she couldn’t move them.
“Your destiny is not today.” A soft voice said.
“Who is there?” Starlight tried to clear her head, the voice sounded familiar.
“I have to send you back now.” The voice said.
“Sunset? Is that you?” The purple Unicorn identified the voice.
The Tree of Harmony lit up again. But this time it was different. Around the Element of Magic, the cutie mark of Sunset Shimmer appeared. Even the tree branches were lit up as an exact replica of Sunset’s cutie mark. The red and yellow light formed a beam of magic.
“Do not worry, everything will be ok!” The voice assured.
A bright beam of red and yellow magical light fell down on Starlight Glimmer. The purple Unicorn disappeared into thin air.
Sunset Shimmer’s eyes returned to normal. She was standing on solid ground but when she looked down, there was nothing. It didn’t take her long to figure out she wasn’t exactly in Equestria no more. Sunset felt warm, protected and loved. A feeling she last felt at the battle of the bands, after she and her friends defeated the Sirens. That was the first group hug from the girls she'd ever gotten. The Tree of Harmony transported her, but where?
“Hello? Anyone here?” Sunset didn’t get an answer.
She saw a light in the distance moving closer. More and more lights gathered around her. Some were close to Sunset Shimmer, others further away. A sea of stars surrounded the pony. Sunset heard voices echoing through time and space.
“Who are you?” Sunset yelled.
“We are all that was.”
“We are all that will be.”
“We are all that is.” Different voices from different directions answered.
“Why am I here?” The pony asked.
She got a different kind of response. Pictures started to form in front of her. What she saw, was pieces of her own memories. The day when she left Equestria.
“Sunset, please. What has happened to you?” Princess Celestia spoke in a soft voice.
“You are holding me back. You don’t want me to become powerful because you are scared that I might become even more powerful than you are.” A conflicted Sunset Shimmer yelled back at her mentor.
“You know it’s not true. I want you to become who you are meant to be.” The ruler of Equestria explained.
Sunset Shimmer was crying and ran through the portal with nothing but a bag. The picture changed and went to another moment out of her past.
“Hi, my name is Flash.” The blue haired boy reached out with his hand to pick Sunset Shimmer up.
“Where am I? And what are you?” The girl asked.
“You must have hit your head pretty hard if you don’t know what I am.” he answered.
With a flash of light the scenery changed to a another moment.
“I could stay like this forever.” A happy Sunset Shimmer said. Laying on the grass next to the blue haired boy and staring into the sky. He leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss. It was her first kiss in a world which was as strange to her as the feeling it produced.
“I would like for you to be my girlfriend.” Flash looked into her eyes.
“Flash…” Their lips met again.
A thunder clap accompanied by lightning heralded the change of scenery.
“I don’t know you anymore Sunset. You have changed. You are cruel to people, mean and sometimes plain hateful. You even think you can boss me around now. I think we have to end this.” Flash Sentry said in his anger about her.
“What do you mean we have to end this?” Sunset Shimmer was upset.
“I mean that I’m breaking up with you.” The blue haired boy turned around and walked away. Sunset’s eyes teared up and her heart felt heavy.
The thunder became louder before her glimpse of the past changed again.
“What exactly do you think you're going to do to stop me? I have magic and you have nothing.” Sunset Shimmer had transformed to a She-Demon and was confronting Twilight Sparkle at Canterlot High.
“She has us.” Rainbow Dash said with her scratchy voice. The girls lined up with Twilight.
“Hahahahahaha. She? The gang really is all back together again. Now step aside. Twilight has tried to interfere with my plans one to many times already. She needs to be dealt with.” She-Demon Sunset threw a magical fireball at Twilight Sparkle. “Hahahahahhahahaha. Whaaaaaaaaaaat?”
“The magic contained in my Element was able to unite with those that helped create it. The same Elements that exist in Equestria can be found in this world—Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosirty, Loyality, Magic. Together with the crown, they create a power beyond anything you could imagine. But it is a power that you don’t have the ability to control.” Twilight Sparkle paused for a second.
“The crown may be upon your head, Sunset Shimmer, but you cannot wield it, because you do not possess the most powerful magic of all—the Magic of Friendship. Here and in Equestria, it is the only magic that can truly unite us all.” A magical beam in rainbow colors surrounded the She-Demon and forced her to transform back to Sunset Shimmer.
The pictures moved forward in time.
“Sunset Shimmer, we need you!” Twilight yelled. Once Sunset Shimmer picked up the microphone, she slowly made her way to the Rainbooms. Vinyl put on another beat and Sunset started singing.
“You’re never gonna bring me down. You’re never gonna break this part of me. My friends are here to bring me ‘round. Not singing just for popularity.” Twilight pitched in and both sang.
“We’re here to let you know. That we won’t let it go.” Now Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, Pinkie Pie and Rarity brought themselves in.
“Our music is a bomb and it’s about to blow.”
“And you can try to fight. But we have got the light of Friendship on our side! Got the music in our hearts. We’re here to blow this thing apart. And together, we will never. Be afraid of the dark…”
A huge magical Alicorn destroyed the Siren’s ability to seduce anyone. Thanks to the Magic of Friendship the day was saved. But this time it wasn’t just the Magic of Friendship, it was friendship magic plus one. Sunset Shimmer realized during the battle of the bands, when her friends were fighting and arguing that they lacked harmony. There was just one thing she didn’t realize.
The pictures of the past changed one more time. Sunset was at the Friendship Games shortly after human Twilight Sparkle became Midnight Sparkle.
“This isn’t the way! I know you feel powerful right now, like you can have everything you want! I’ve been where you are, I’ve made the same mistake you’re making! I put on a crown and, just like you, I was overwhelmed by the magic it contained! I thought it could get me everything I wanted!” Sunset was talking directly to Midnight Sparkle.
“Oh, you’re wrong. Unlike you, I can have everything I want!” Midnight Sparkle replied in a dark manner.
“No, you can’t. Even with all the magic and power, you’ll still be alone! True magic comes from honesty! Loyalty! Laughter! Generosity! Kindness! I understand you, Twilight, and I want to show you the most important magic of all…” Sunset threw the magic container on the ground.
When it broke apart it created a huge round ball of magic, which consumed and transformed Sunset Shimmer, and ultimately turned her into a human Alicorn, Daydream Shimmer.
“… the Magic of Friendship!” Daydream Shimmer finished. She was right to a certain extend but also wrong. It was part Magic of Friendship and part of the plus one which made her transform.
Both magic infused girls started to fight each other. The fight didn’t take very long after Midnight Sparkle was affected by Spike’s puppy eyes, she lost her concentration. Daydream Shimmer blasted her into a magic realm. But she followed her.
“Take my hand, Twilight. Let me show you there’s another way… just like someone once did for me.” Daydream Shimmer reached out for her. It took Midnight Sparkle a while to accept, she teared up and reached for Daydream’s hand. Together they transformed back into Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle.
Sunset Shimmer saw how her past-self took Twilight's hand and reassured her that she would be forgiven. All the images disappeared and all Sunset could see was a sea of stars in endless darkness.
“Sunset Shimmer, do you understand now?” Sunset Shimmer turned in the direction where the voice came from.
“Princes Luna?” Sunset Shimmer bowed down.
“No need for that anymore. Do you understand who you are?” Luna asked again.
“I think so.” Sunset Shimmer’s eyes got a bit larger and she had an innocent expression on her face. The thing she didn’t realized was that she'd closed the gap. She brought the harmony back to the Rainbooms in the battle of the bands.
Luna spread her wings. She stood on only two hooves and her eyes started to glow white. Lightning strikes came from all direction and hit the dark Alicorn’s horn.
“It is time for your destiny to begin.” Princess Luna used her extremely loud, royal canterlot voice.
“Loyalty.” “Generosity.” “Kindness.” “Laughter.” “Honesty.” “Magic.” “Harmony.” It sounded like hundreds of voice spoke the words. It was loud, even louder than Luna’s royal canterlot voice.
As it got quiet, Sunset Shimmer looked at Princess Luna. The dark Alicorn’s horn was glowing the brightest white Sunset had ever seen. It was surrounded by lightning. The Princess of the Night aimed her horn at Sunset Shimmer and shot a massive lightning bolt toward the yellow Unicorn.
“Sunset Shimmer… Guardian of Harmony and Princess of Equestria! Rise!” By the end of Luna’s sentence, the massive lightning bolt hit Sunset Shimmer. Sunset’s eyes started to glow white and her magical wings turned into normal wings. She transformed into an Alicorn. Sunset's wings spread wide with her front hooves lifted up in the air.
Starlight Glimmer appeared in the Castle of Friendship throne room. The expressions on the other ponies seemed as if they were seeing magic for the very first time. Wide open eyes, open muzzle, and no clue what had just happened.
“Starlight, how in the hay?” Apple Jack wondered.
“What just happened?” Rainbow Dash followed.
“Uh. Oh. Ah. P-p-pinkie –S-s-sense.” Pinkie Pie's Tail was electrified and stood up in the air. Her mane did the same thing.
“Pinkie? Starlight?” Rarity couldn’t keep up.
“Gotta go. Somebody, and I think I know who it is, came through the portal.” Instead of Pinkie Pie on her throne there was only pink dust and a few streamers floating in the air. The pink earth Pony took off so fast that even Rainbow Dash couldn’t keep up.
“Alright ya’ll. Let’s check it out. Diamond Tiara… Sugarcube, I need you, to stay here ok?” A.J. said.
“But Apple Jack…” Diamond wasn’t too happy.
“No fussin ‘round. I need you to be safe. We don’t know what or who came through that portal.” Apple Jack insisted. The ponies made their way to the library where the portal was. Even Fluttershy was eager to see who it was. When they got to the library it wasn’t anything like what they expected. Pinkie Pie lay knocked out on the floor near the door with a few scruffs and puffs on her body. Rainbow Dash raced to her aid.
“Pinkie, what happened to you?” Dash asked but Pinkie Pie was knocked out cold, unable to answer.
A purple lightning bolt nearly missed the blue Pegasus. Rainbow Dash stared in the direction where it came from.
“Twilight? You are…” The blue Pegasus didn't get the chance to finish what she wanted to say.
Twilight Sparkle’s eyes were glowing white, her whole body was shaking hard. She was crouching on the floor and purple lightning bolts were coming out of her horn. She had no control over it, she hit Rainbow Dash’s wing and tore it up. With that, she knocked the blue Pegasus down for good.
“Ouch. That hurt. What are you doing?” Rainbow Dash started crying in pain.
Rarity, Fluttershy, and Apple Jack tried to help the defeated ponies. But one after the other, they were taken out by Twilight Sparkle. Starlight Glimmer was the last pony standing. She tried to fight back, her powered up horn created a magical defense shield around her. The first bolt from Twilight Sparkle destroyed the shield as if it was never there. Starlight changed her tactic and went on the offensive, trying to knock Twilight out with her magic.
The fight between Starlight Glimmer and Twilight Sparkle took only a few seconds. Twilight absorbed the purple Unicorn’s magic bolts without consequence. Starlight was the last to join the fight and the last to go down. But she went down and was seriously injured. All ponies lay on the floor in pain, unable to get up.
Twilight’s eyes were still glowing white, and random lightning bolts kept coming off her horn. An explosion of white light in the room blinded all the ponies on the ground. Princess Luna and Sunset Shimmer arrived in the center of the room. Sunset understood the situation immediately. She recognized it was Twi and not Princess Twilight. Before Luna had a chance to react, Sunset Shimmer's eyes turned glowing white.
“Take my hand, Twilight. Let me show you there’s another way… Concentrate on my voice and clear your thoughts.” Sunset Shimmer produced her voice in Twilight’s head.
The fresh Alicorn walked slowly towards the shaking pony. It was when Twi felt Sunset Shimmer rubbing her head against hers, that she finally calmed down. The human pony looked around and realized what she had done. Twi teared up and started crying. Sunset’s eyes returned to normal.
“I-I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have come here. I-I’m sorry.” Twilight broke out in even more in tears.
“It’s ok Twi. I’m here for you.” Sunset laid one hoof around Twilight, trying to comfort her.
Princess Luna looked up with pride at Sunset Shimmer. The yellow Alicorn had brought the situation under control. But there were still injured ponies all around them.
“Twi, excuse me for a second.” Sunset said.
Sunset Shimmer went to the center of the room. Her eyes started glowing again, her Alicorn wings transformed to glowing yellow magical wings, and her horn turned into bright white light. Sunset spread her wings, went a little into the air, and her horn produced magical sparkling flakes. All the ponies on the ground started to heal from their injuries.
The yellow Alicorn was overwhelmed with feelings. She didn’t know if she was to be upset at Twi for coming to Equestria, despite her warnings, or overjoyed that her best friend came to her aid not caring about how dangerous that could have been. She decided for the latter and walked back to Twilight.
“Welcome to Equestria, Twi!” A smiling Sunset Shimmer helped the visitor up on her hooves.
"Sigh" "ugh" "uff" The other ponies felt like they just got ran over by a train.
“I have to return to Canterlot and perform my royal duties. I don’t want ponies to worry in the absence of my sister.” Luna was talking with Sunset Shimmer while walking down the hallway.
“Princess…” Sunset Shimmer started.
“Luna is fine.” The Princess of the Night interrupted.
“Ok, Luna... Is it normal for Alicorns to have the kind of healing power I used earlier? The reason I ask is… I've never heard of it before.” The yellow Alicorn wondered.
“Each Alicorn is given special magical powers only they can use. One of your special powers is healing.” Luna answered.
“This is all so new to me. It's something I always wanted, to become more than who I was. But it is so different from what I expected.” Sunset explained.
“I’m sure you will be fine… Will you continue the search for Twilight and my sister?” The dark Alicorn asked.
“I sure will. But it’s already late and dark. We’ll continue tomorrow. I think human Twilight needs my immediate attention.” The yellow Alicorn answered.
“Are you sure it’s a good idea keeping her here and not sending her back to her own realm?” Luna was concerned.
“I know it will not be easy for her. But I will do my best to guide her. In the end, I need her help as much as she needs my guidance to get a handle on magic. I did temporarily close the portal to avoid other incidents.” Sunset replied.
“A wise precaution, I shall watch over the human Twilight during the night.” With these last words Princess Luna took off into the night.
Sunset Shimmer walked back to the library. The other ponies never left the library. Almost all of them were staring at human Twilight Sparkle. Given what just happened, it was understandable. Pinkie Pie seemed to be the only pony excited about Twi’s arrival.
“So, you are a human? Huh?” Pinkie bounced around her.
“Mhm.” Twilight wasn’t in the mood to talk.
“Well, you look like a pony to me. Not that I would know what a human looks like.” The party pony added. Twilight Sparkle glanced at the floor, ashamed of what she had done to the others.
“So did you ponies introduce yourselves yet?” Sunset was back.
“I’m Pinkie Pie.” The pink earth pony was still jumping around Twi.
“If there was one pony she could guess, it would be you, Pinkie.” The yellow Alicorn added with a smile.
“Sorry, I just don’t feel like it. I've got to go.” Rainbow Dash left, she was embarrassed that she was so easily beaten.
“Girls, it was an accident.” Sunset Shimmer insisted.
“Let her go, she’ll come ‘round and what ever happened to ya’ll, Sunset?” A.J. asked.
“When I have figured that out, you will be the first to know A.J.” The yellow Alicorn replied.
“Twilight, Darling, are you alright?” Rarity asked the still shivering human pony.
“I didn’t mean to hurt any of you. I-I’m so sorry.” Human Twilight replied.
“Ah popalipup. No pony got hurt, well at least not for long.” Pinkie smiled.
“You were truly amazing Sunset! I mean, I can see that you have become an Alicorn, but your healing magic was extraordinary splendid. I have never seen anything like it.” Rarity said.
“H-Have y-you b-become a Princess?” Fluttershy whispered, the shy pony was shivering too.
“It’s not official yet. But that is what I have been told.” All ponies with the exception of human Twilight bowed down to Sunset Shimmer.
“Guys, no, stop, stop it right now!” Sunset was embarrassed.
“Why? What’s wrong Darling? You are a Princess now.” Rarity explained.
“She is right, ya know.” Apple Jack added.
“Your Highness.” Starlight Glimmer bowed down again, her intention seemed to be a tease.
“Please, we are all friends here. No bowing down and most certainly not, your Highness. I’m the same pony I was before. Your friend, Sunset Shimmer, and don’t you ever forget that.” Sunset sounded just slightly upset in a funny way.
“She always gets embarrassed when somebody admires her. You should see how worked up she gets when it’s actually a boy who shows his admiration for her.” Twi gained some of her confidence back and actually made the other ponies giggle. Sunset Shimmer on the other hand just blushed.
“Jeez, thanks Twi… Are you feeling better?” Sunset’s face was still red.
“Yeah, I think I’m good now. I’m keeping my head clear.” The human pony was shocked to find out she had destroyed her own bag. “Oh no, my bag is gone.” Only a piece of fabric and a black spot on the ground was left of Twilight’s bag. She started to tear up again.
“Then whose bag is this one then?” Fluttershy pointed at a bag on the desk in the corner.
“Sunset’s. We packed some special things for her.” Twi replied.
“Oooh ooh ooh, tell us what’s in it. She hasn’t opened it yet.” Pinkie Pie got excited.
“No, Pinkie I will open the bag when I feel the time is right.” Sunset gave her the evil eye.
“Come on now, Twilight. I’m sure it wasn’t that important.” A.J. said.
“But that’s just it. The reason I came through the Portal was to help find Princess Twilight. I brought the gear to help find her. Without it, there is really no reason for me to be here.” Twi calmed slowly down.
“Darling, how would some gear help you find Princess Twilight?” Rarity asked.
“You don’t need gear, you've got us.” Pinkie tried to encourage the human pony.
“Sunset, I hope you still have the potion we got from Zecora?” Starlight asked.
“You were at Zecora’s? Oooohh…” Pinkie’s eyes got larger.
“Oh. I almost forgot all about it.” Sunset Shimmer pulled out the potion from Zecora.
“Aaahhh. That kind of potion...” The party pony smiled.
“I don’t know dear, you might want to wait until tomorrow with this potion. When Twilight used it the last time she got super worked up. I think you had enough stress for one day. It will not help us find Twilight and the others if you are not at your best.” Rarity added.
“Oh shoot. I left Diamond Tiara alone in the throne room.” A.J. remembered.
“You are right Rarity. I’m pretty beat. We all should take a break until tomorrow morning… A.J. I will take care of Diamond Tiara. Twi and I can stay here at the castle. We should meet back here in the morning.” The yellow Alicorn said.
“By the way Sunset, you were right earlier. She did hold back.” Starlight Glimmer received a smile from Sunset.
Sunset Shimmer and human Twilight were the only ones left in the library. The yellow Alicorn went up to the human pony. She helped her stand up on all four hooves. Together they slowly walked towards the throne room where Diamond Tiara was waiting.
“You are back! And you found Princess Twilight!” Diamond Tiara bowed down.
“Well it’s a long story.” Sunset replied.
“Whaaaaaaaaaaaaa… You got wings.” The young earth Pony’s eyes grew super large.
“You are a Princess too?” Diamond bowed down again, she was shaking in excitement.
“Wow, Sunset. She seems super excited.” Twi noticed.
“Sigh. It seems like I have that affect today. Diamond, please get up. It’s alright.” Sunset said.
“But you are royalty. This is how I have been told to act around a Princess.” Diamond felt unsure what to do around the two Alicorns.
“You are like the little sister I never had. So get up. We are friends remember?” The yellow Alicorn reassured the little pony.
“Like a sister?” The young earth Pony’s heart started beating faster. “You mean that?” She asked.
“Yes I do. So please get up and help us find a place to sleep.” Sunset reached her a hoof.
“There is enough room in my house for you and me.” Diamond said excited.
“Hehe, I meant here in the castle. We need two guest rooms. One room for you, and one for me and Twilight.” Sunset surprised Diamond Tiara with that.
“Princess Twilight and you? Does she not have her own bedroom, I mean it is her castle after all.” Diamond Tiara was clearly confused.
“I will explain later, for now let’s just say this is not Princess Twilight.” Sunset Shimmer just spoke it out, and Diamond Tiara collapsed. Double Princess, not the Princess, like a sister, friends, so many emotions at once was too much for the young earth Pony to handle.
Sunset Shimmer picked her up with magic and laid her softly on her back. The yellow Alicorn dropped Diamond Tiara off in a guest room and made sure she was comfortable sleeping in a bed. She took Twi and went to the guest room next door. Sunset entered and used her magic to turn on the light. The bed in the room was big enough to carry both ponies through the night.
“I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you.” Twi said.
“Don’t sweat it Twi. I had no idea what would happen when one of you girls went through the Portal.” Sunset replied.
“My device is gone now. I’m not sure how much help I can be anymore. I’m still not used to this body. It feels alien. Maybe I should go back home…” Twilight explained.
“Back home? But you just got here! Seriously Twilight Sparkle, stop thinking about what just happened and relax. Nerd... Explore what you are now, and how you can use it. You should be excited. You are in a strange new world, your physical attributes are completely different, and you have access to enough magic to blow up the Universe.” Sunset Shimmer wanted to encourage Twilight.
“You know every time you call me Twilight Sparkle, you lecture me. You are right, it would be exciting if I wasn't scared right now. I’m frightened after what I just did, what I could have done. Thanks to you, it didn't end any worse.” Twi was everything but excited.
“I’m sorry. Of course, I should have considered your feelings. Not sure if it makes you feel better or not but I’m really happy you are here. I promise, I’ll help you get a handle on the magic. And don’t worry about Rainbow Dash, she’ll come around... What I’m trying to say is, I want you to stay and I need your help.” Sunset voice got really soft.
“How does one even sleep in this body?” Twi asked.
“There she is.” Sunset smiled “Just watch me.” The yellow Alicorn climbed up on the bed and laid down slowly, so Twilight could take note and reproduce the procedure. Twi climbed up on the other side of the bed and copied Sunset’s moves.
“That was easy. Good night Sunset and thanks.” Twilight closed her eyes.
“Good night Twi.” Sunset looked towards the window where she could see the moon in the sky.
“Good night Luna.” The yellow Alicorn closed her eyes.
“Unleash the magic! Unleash the magic!” Twi’s former school mates were singing.
“Why not?! There’s a whole other world right there, and it’s just filled with magic.” Midnight Sparkle said.
“But you’re destroying this world to get!” Sunset Shimmer was upset.
“So what? There’s more magic there, and I want to understand it all!” Midnight Sparkle yelled out.
The Wondercolt Statue was destroyed and there were rifts to Equestria everywhere. Midnight Sparkle felt powerful. Students were screaming and aimlessly running about.
“Take my hand, Twilight. Let me show you there’s another way… Concentrate on my voice and clear your thoughts.” Sunset’s voice was in Twi’s head.
“I can hear Sunset’s voice in my head. I need to clear my thoughts.” Spike’s puppy eyes looked up to Midnight Sparkle.
“Spike!”
“Take my hand, Twilight… Take my hand... Take my..” Twilight Sparkle heard echoes of Sunset Shimmer’s voice.
She took a look around and saw ponies on the floor crying and moaning. The blue Pegasi seemed to have lost part of her wing. It looked like a war zone, a battlefield of a library.
“Unleash the magic!” Chrystal Prep Girls were singing.
“Ouch. That hurt. What are you doing?” Pony Rainbow Dash started crying in pain.
“Unleash the magic!”
“Unleash the magic!”
“Nooooooo…” Twilight Sparkle screamed.
Ponies were in agony, humans were in agony, and all because she used magic. Twilight's dream changed.
“Take my hand, Twilight.” She heard Sunset Shimmer, again.
Sunset was right in front of her. She reached out with her hand. The girl which seemed to be Sunset Shimmer became all blurry, and her skin got darker. A transformation was in progress. The girl turned into an Alicorn Pony.
“You are the pony which arrived with Sunset earlier by the portal.” Twilight noticed.
“Hello Twilight Sparkle. I’m Luna, Princess of the Night.” Luna replied.
“I don’t even know how or why I am talking to you. This is a dream after all.” Twi said.
“Very observant of you. How do you know this is a dream?” The dark Alicorn asked.
“First off, you are a Pony talking with a human. Then the constant back and forth flashes between the Friendship Games and my arrival in Equestria. Both are connected through the use of magic. And final, you were somebody else and transformed right in front of me. That doesn’t happen in the real world, at least not in the one where I’m from.” Twilight explained.
“Very analytical. You are right, this is a dream.” Luna paused for a few seconds. “Are you punishing yourself, Twilight Sparkle?”
“Huh? What would give you that idea?” Twi was confused.
“Because, I did the same thing once. Over and over I lived the same Nightmare to punish myself for all the harm I caused.” The dark Alicorn explained.
“I don’t think it is that easy. I can’t turn my dreams on or off.” Twilight said.
“I see. There is no guidance in the human realm of sleep.” Luna was curious.
“Well I wouldn’t say there is no guidance. If you think you are crazy enough you probably go and look for professional help. That is, if you can afford a Psychologist.” Twi explained.
“Hm. Interesting. This Psychologist visits your dreams?” The Princess of the Night became more curious.
“I only get nightmares when I think about Dr. Phil. Sigh… Nevermind. So it’s safe to say I’m not trying to punish myself. But I might be crazy though. Talking to a Pony about nightmares in a dream kinda qualifies for a nut-case class.” Twilight sounded serious.
“Would you prefer this form?” Surrounded by a light blue glow, Princess Luna transformed to the human Vise-Principal Luna.
“Wow, an interactive dream. It’s almost as if you were real.” Twi seemed surprised.
“I’m real Twilight Sparkle. My special Alicorn magical powers allow me to enter the realm of sleep. I can visit everypony in their dreams. I also guide most of the younger ponies through theirs. But should there be a pony, who doesn't want me in their dreams, then I will just leave.” The Princess explained.
“Interesting! So you could help me get rid of my nightmares?” Twilight Sparkle wanted to know.
“Yes, Twilight Sparkle. I can guide you through this realm, but banishing your nightmares from your dreams, only you possess that power.” Luna’s voice got softer.
“But how? I used magic twice, and twice I hurt people with it. It has been haunting me ever since I used magic for the first time.“ Twi had a sad look on her face.
“That may be so. You also received help both times, did you not?” The dark Alicorn got more serious.
“Sunset… She was there for me. Both times… She saved me.” The human’s voice got softer.
“She means a lot to you. You are afraid to tell her about your dreams because you think it will bother her.” Luna’s voice changed and became compassionate.
“H-How do you know all that?” Twi seemed conflicted.
“Everypony gets their special somepony. Sunset Shimmer is yours. She is the anchor in your dreams. Only she can return harmony to you.” The dark Alicorn explained.
“Are you saying I’m in love with Sunset Shimmer?” The girl was rattled.
“Matters of love are Princess Cadance's specialty, I know very little about it. You care for her a lot more than you would like to admit and that is why you haven’t told her. Tell her and your nightmares shall go away.” Luna slowly disappeared in the distance.
“Great, I psychoanalyzed my own nightmares with the help of a Pony Princess who turned into Vise-Principal Luna. Scientifically speaking, I’m nuts. Not that it matters, I probably won’t remember any of it anyways, when I wake up.” Twilight was talking to herself.
“You will remember…” Luna’s voice was echoing around her.
“Because it’s not your special day! It’s mine!” Sunset Shimmer saw another Princess Cadance enter the ceremony. Like the guests who attended the wedding, the yellow Alicorn had no idea what was going on.
“Where am I?” Sunset Shimmer looked around. It took her while before she realized she was in Canterlot, attending a royal wedding.
“What? But how did you escape my bridesmaids?” The Cadance garbed in a wedding dress wanted to know. “You’re still too late.” She added.
“I-I don’t understand. How can there be two of ‘em?” Apple Jack was confused when she saw Princess Cadance twice.
“She’s a changeling. She takes the form of somepony you love and gains power by feeding off your love for them.” The beat down scruffy looking Cadance yelled for everypony to hear.
Sunset Shimmer knew she couldn’t interfere. It was the past she saw, so she tried to concentrate on every little detail which might help find Princess Twilight. She saw the Cadance in the wedding dress change. A green magical ring of fire appeared around her and quickly erupted. Then Cadance changed into a black pony like creature the size of Princess Celestia.
“Hahahahaha, right you are, Princess. And as Queen of the Changelings, it is up to me to find food for my subjects. Equestria has more love than any place I’ve ever encountered. My fellow Changelings will be able to devour so much of it that we will gain more power than we have ever dreamed of!” The Changeling Queen stated.
“They’ll never get the chance! Shining Armor’s protection spell will keep them from ever even reaching us!” Princess Cadance said.
“Oh, I doubt that. Isn’t that right, dear?” The black creature turned to Twilight’s brother.
“Mm-hmm.” Shining Armor nodded.
Sunset Shimmer observed how Princess Cadance attempted to reach her future husband. But the Queen of the Changelings wouldn’t have it.
“Ah, ah, ah. Don’t want to go back to the caves, now do you? Ever since I took your place, I’ve been feeding off Shining Armor’s love for you. Every moment he grows weaker and so does his spell. Even now, my minions are chipping away at it.”
Sunset Shimmer remembered now her earlier studies on mystical creatures. She was finally able to give the dark creature a name. Queen Chrysalis. The Changelings attempted to conquer Equestria several times in the past. But they had always been defeated by Princess Celestia. More and more unfolded around the yellow Alicorn while she tried to remember everything she knew about the Changelings.
“No you won’t. You may have made it impossible for Shining Armor to perform his spell, but now that you have so foolishly revealed your true self, I can protect my subjects from you!” Princess Celestia’s voice was able to catch Sunset Shimmer’s attention again.
The yellow Alicorn watched her former mentor rise up into the air. The white Alicorn powered up her horn and a concentrated beam of yellow energy emerged from it. Sunset thought this was the part where Chrysalis would be defeated once more. She couldn’t have been more wrong.
Celestia’s magical beam was about to strike the Changeling Queen but was intercepted. Chrysalis herself went on the offense and shot a green beam of magical energy towards Equestria's Ruler. Both beams met halfway to their opponents. Chrysalis' beam slammed the white Alicorn and knocked her unconscious.
Sunset Shimmer tried to intervene, “Princess Celestia!” she shouted and her eyes teared up. Her heart shattered, her legs and hooves gave out underneath her. The yellow Alicorn broke down. ”No… no.” At that point, Sunset did not remember it was the past and she couldn't take any part in it, no matter how hard she tried.
“Ah! Shining Armor’s love for you is even stronger than I thought! Consuming it has made me even more powerful than Celestia!” Queen Chrysalis laughed in victory.
“Sunset, snap out of it.” Twi had just entered the room when she saw her friend collapsed on the floor crying.
“Let it play out.” Apple Jack said.
“Yes darling, she needs to see this.” Rarity added.
“No this is wrong, she is clearly in pain. It needs to stop.” Twilight worried.
The purple human Pony rushed to Sunset Shimmer's side, trying to protect her from whatever she was going through. Apple Jack and Rarity looked at each other, not understanding why this human reacted the way she did. Sunset’s eyes changed from glowing white back to normal. Concerned, Apple Jack and Rarity jumped up from their thrones and rushed to the yellow Alicorn's side.
“Sunset…” Twi was shaking. The human was worried and upset, a combination best avoided.
“Ooouch... My head hurts.” Sunset whispered.
“You alright, Sugarcube?” A.J asked.
“Maybe we should have waited at bit longer. It looks like she is more exhausted than I thought she was.” Rarity was clearly concerned.
“Can somebody tell me what in the world is going on here? Why did my friend just collapse from magical torment?” Twilight raised her voice.
“Look, Sugarcube…” Apple Jack started.
“Don’t Sugarcube me. I want to know what’s going on and I want to know it now!” Twi's horn started glowing, her face turned red, symbolizing anger and frustration.
“It's alright Twilight. I'm ok. I just had a sip of the potion.” Sunset’s voice was barely louder than her whisper.
“Potion? What potion?” Twi slowly seemed to calm down. Apple Jack appeared a bit cowardly when she turned her back and chewed on her hoof. But given the circumstances from the night before it was understandable. None of the ponies wanted to encounter a rage filled Twilight Sparkle again, who had no control over her extremely powerful magic.
Rarity explained to human Twilight what the potion was all about. How Princess Twilight used the potion in the past and how it helped to save Equestria. Twi finally settled down, not just by the information she received, but also because of Rarity’s persuasive and calming tone of voice. The yellow Alicorn started to feel better and got herself back up on all four hooves.
“Maybe I should have eaten something. It’s been two days since my last meal.” Sunset stated.
“Sunset, why didn’t ya say something?” Apple Jack gave her a look.
“I guess I was too busy. All the transforming, worrying and trying to find Princess Twilight, made me forget about taking care of myself.” Sunset said.
“Darling, did you see anything important that would help us find Twilight and Spike?” Rarity wondered.
“I’m not sure yet. I was at a wedding where Twilight’s brother was about to marry Princess Cadance. It turned out there was two of them. One was actually the Queen of the Changelings… Queen Chrysalis. The last thing I remember, Celestia was defeated by Chrysalis. I’m not sure how it ended.” Sunset explained.
“I think we can fill in the blanks. Since we were there.” Apple Jack paused. “But after we get ya something to eat. I’m gonna head on home and bring ya some fresh Apple Strudel and some yummy Cider.”
“I will accompany you.” Rarity was looking at A.J.
“Ya sure? Ya’ll might get your hooves dirty!” Apple Jack teased.
“We have been over this, Apple Jack. Besides, we need enough food for three ponies.” Rarity countered.
“Oh that reminds me, Diamond is still sleeping… And I really appreciate you bringing us food A.J. I don’t even have any bits to buy something.” Sunset seemed fully recovered.
“I gotcha covered.” Both Apple Jack and Rarity left the throne room.
“You could have woken me up, you know!” Twi fussed.
“Sorry Twi. After last night I figured you could use the sleep.” Sunset replied.
“It sure was interesting.” Twilight remembered her dream.
“Interesting huh? What do you mean?” The yellow Alicorn was curious.
“Well I met Princess Luna. At least, I think I did. I’m not really sure, after all it was a dream.” Twi tried to make sense of it.
“If you met Princess Luna in a dream, I’m sure it was real. So don’t think you are crazy. She has powers beyond my understanding.” Sunset smiled.
“She sure is better than Dr. Phil.” Twilight put out there.
“Dr. Phil, hahaha, ok, now I need to know. What happened?” The yellow Alicorn laughed.
“Well… hmm… It’s something I should have told you a while ago. See, ever since the Friendship Games and my transformation. How do I say it… hmm… I have nightmares.” Twi glanced at the floor.
“What kind of nightmares?” Sunset was worried.
“The kind which keep you up at night or wake you up. The kind that make you doubt yourself, in some situations, sometimes so bad that you start crying.” Twilight Sparkle was still glancing at the floor.
“Twi… Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” The yellow Alicorns voice became soft.
“I’m not sure. I guess I didn’t want to bother you. Maybe I was too afraid that if I unloaded my emotional junk on you, I would lose you as a friend.” Twi confessed.
“Don’t be, ever, you hear me Twi? You can tell me anything. Anything! You are my friend and I care for you, if there is something on your mind, I want to know about it.” Sunset’s voice was raised but quickly settled down.
Human Twilight told Sunset Shimmer all about her nightmares. How she was afraid to use magic so she would not hurt anybody again by accident. The yellow Alicorn understood why she was scared. Sunset reassured the human pony. Then she explained how magic works in Equestria and Twilight started practicing.
After a while Apple Jack and Rarity returned from their trip to Sweet Apple Acres. Both ponies carried plenty of food and Apple Cider. Rarity explained how the floor of the castle could be turned into different objects like the cutie map or a table. And Sunset asked human Twilight to give it a shot. She concentrated and imagined a round table in her head. Her horn started glowing and a round table came out of the floor.
“You've gotten a handle on magic pretty quick eh?! Nerd… Thanks Apple Jack, these Apple Strudels are delicious.” Sunset Shimmer smiled at Twilight then thanked A.J.
“Thank ya’ll, but my lil sis deserves the credit for those. Apple Bloom has been bucking at it since early this morning. But lemme ask ya’ll, what’s a nerd?” Apple Jack wondered.
“It’s human terminology for Egghead.” The yellow Unicorn said.
“A termee what now? Ooh, hahaha. Egghead, I get it.” Apple Jack laughed.
“Apple Bloom, where...? Oh, sorry. Good morning everypony. I think I overslept.” Diamond Tiara tiredly walked in bowing down and blushing at the same time.
“Your timing couldn’t be better. Come, sit down and have some breakfast with us.” Twi offered.
“Where is everypony else?” Diamond asked.
“Rainbow Dash is working on the winter weather with the other Pegasi. Since the weather anomaly stopped yesterday they are finally able to bring in a normal winter… Fluttershy is taking care of her animals it will be a while before she gets here and Pinkie Pie, I have no idea where Pinkie Pie is or Starlight Glimmer…” Rarity said.
The ponies enjoyed their breakfast. Human Twilight figured out how to use magic to feed herself, while in her pony body. They kept on talking for a while, laughing and having an all around good time. But it didn’t take very long before the good mood was soured by the task ahead. Rarity and Apple Jack filled in the blanks and told the yellow Unicorn all about the Canterlot Wedding. They still had to find Princess Twilight, Spike and Princess Celestia. Sunset Shimmer, feeling replenished and mentally prepared, took another sip from the potion.
“Equestria, will be mine. All mine.” Queen Chrysalis said.
“Mother, I don’t understand. What is your obsession with Equestria. Ponykind never did us any harm, neither did they drove us from our home. That was the Gargoyles remember?” The young changeling Princess objected.
“Silence, Emadia. You are a Princess of the Changelings. Act like one. You weren’t there or even born back then. I begged Celestia for help when we were so devastatingly invaded by the Gargoyle armies. She declined to help us and now all of Equestria will pay for it.” Chrysalis used her hoof to smack her daughter’s face.
“This is wrong mother, and you know it. Celestia didn’t want to interfere in a war which ponies had nothing to do with. She protected her own kind and yet you keep blaming her.” Emadia kept the argument going.
“Go, now, before I forget you are my daughter.” The Changeling Queen ordered.
“Queen Chrysalis, we have news from the Crystal Empire.” A male changeling guard approached Chrysalis.
Sunset Shimmer stared in the direction Emadia ran off to. The yellow Alicorn never thought there would ever be a Changeling who stood up for the ponies. But there she was, Emadia the daughter of Queen Chrysalis. Sunset began to wonder if there were more Changelings who felt like their Princess. She wanted to follow Emadia but her thoughts were quickly interrupted.
“So we infiltrated the Crystal Empire. Hahahaha.” The Changeling Queen produced an evil laugh.
“Yes ma’am. The head chief has been replaced by our spy and will begin to poison Princess Cadance as soon as she returns from Canterlot. It will take approximately two weeks for the poison to show its full effect.” The guard explained.
“Two weeks waiting for Cadance and her unborn brat to vanish. Delightful… How are preparations coming along to abduct Princess Twilight?” Chrysalis green eyes glowed in excitement.
Sunset Shimmer heard every single word of their conversation. She knew Chrysalis was bad news but she never could have guessed how far the Changeling Queen would go to satisfy her thirst for revenge. Cadance’s life was in danger and the life of her unborn foal. It had been ten days since Cadance returned to the Crystal Empire, so she had been poisoned for about as long.
Sunset had all the information she needed and more. She knew who was behind Twilight’s disappearance, and it was more than just likely that Chrysalis captured Celestia as well. The yellow Alicorn took a good look around but couldn’t really identify where they were. Sunset was in a cave connected to several other caves but she didn’t recognize any of it.
The yellow Alicorn decided to follow in Emadia's direction, curious to learn more about the Changeling Princess. Sunset heard a murmur of voices. She hurried to catch up with her and walked right in on another conversation.
“So you mother still wants to go through with her plan?” A male Changeling asked.
“Yes, Terrus. Unfortunately so. I can’t even warn the ponies because she doesn’t trust me. I have no clue what her plans are, nor can I go outside without being followed.” Emadia explained.
“I heard rumors she wants to kidnap the Princess of Friendship. Without her the Elements of Harmony would be unable to aid Equestria’s defense. Maybe it’s for the best; maybe we can finally have a new home.” Terrus said.
“You can’t be serious. I don’t even want to imagine how many Changelings and Ponies will perish in an all out open war. This insanity has to stop. I don’t want a new home, paid for with the lives of Changelings or Ponies.” The Changeling Princess was disgusted.
Sunset Shimmer was impressed with the Changeling Princess. She felt compassion towards her and wanted to help them, but she knew that was not possible at the moment. This was an image of the past, nothing more and nothing less. Sunset was fully aware of what was at stake. The fate of Ponies and Changelings rested in her hooves.
“Darling, are you alright you look like you have seen a ghost?” Rarity worried.
“We are in big trouble.” Sunset replied, her eye’s still staring at the wall.
“You aren’t kidding, are you? Spit it out.” Apple Jack felt uncomfortable.
Sunset’s eyes were wide open as if in shock. She turned and glanced at the other ponies. Her head was moving but her body seemed to be stuck. Diamond Tiara walked up to the yellow Alicorn and tapped her lightly with a hoof.
“Wake up Princess. This is no time to freeze up.” Diamond got everyone’s attention.
“Whaaa… Oh. I’m sorry everypony. I've got to go to the Crystal Empire. Princess Cadance is in grave danger.” Sunset was now fully aware of her surroundings.
“Hold on a second. What do ya mean the Princess is in danger?” Apple Jack wondered.
“The Changelings infiltrated her staff. She is slowly being poisoned since the past ten days and there is not much time left…” The yellow Alicorn explained everything she had heard and seen. She purposely left out the part about Emadia, the daughter of Queen Chrysalis.
“Then what are we waiting for?” Rarity asked.
“No, Twi and I will go to the Crystal Empire. I need you girls to stay here and wait for our return. Don’t leave the castle. When Rainbow Dash and the others arrive, make them stay as well. For sure, since there is no telling who and what all has been compromised by the Changelings.” Sunset warned.
“There is no way of telling?” Diamond Tiara asked.
“Actually there is.” Human Twilight powered up her horn and fired some magic chain lightning at everypony.
“Hey, what the hay did ya do that for?” A.J. was really not happy to get zapped, even though it didn’t hurt.
“Well, I just made sure that you are all who you are supposed to be.” Twi said.
“Twi?” Sunset gave Twilight one of those looks that said she needed more information on the topic, asap.
“Hmm… Fine. Every pony’s molecules are static. The molecules don’t change. While a Changeling, in order to change shape, needs its molecules to constantly move. So I used my magic here to make molecules static. If you were a Changeling you would have lost your ability to keep your fake shape up and would return to your natural state. Something I picked up in Genetics and Microbiology.” Twi really didn’t want to explain that because she knew what was coming next.
“Great job, Nerd.” Sunset smiled.
“Yep, she’s an Egghead alright.” A.J. added.
“I have noooo idea what you just said.” Rarity seemed overwhelmed.
“Nobody tell the others where we are going and do not mention the Changelings. Don’t forget, your closest friends could be one of them.” Sunset warned.
“Gotcha!” A.J. nodded.
“Oh dear, you can’t go like this Twilight. Everybody who sees you would mistake you for Princess Twilight. Just wait here, I'll be right back.” Rarity walked off.
“I didn’t even think about that.” Sunset Shimmer banged her head lightly against the table in disbelief.
“Here you go.” Rarity returned with two robes.
“Did you just grab them out of thin air?” Twi asked.
“Why is it, when Pinkie Pie pulls a party cannon, party dishes and party favors out of her hair... nobody questions that? But when I come up with two simple robes you guys wonder!” Rarity couldn’t believe Twi’s question and rolled her eyes.
“Thank you, Rarity!” Sunset grinned.
Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle got dressed in their robes. They were covered head to hooves. It reminded Twi of a monks robe with it's simple style and off brown color. The two Alicorns had a mission, they said their goodbye’s and left the Castle of Friendship.
“You girls can not be serious! Now I have two tickets and no one wants to go and see the movie with me?” Sunset Shimmer was upset.
“Oh Darling, it’s just that not everybody is into Science Fiction. I’m sure if you ask Twi she would go with you.” Rarity tried to calm her down.
“Speaking of Twi, I’m gonna give her a call, she seemed all worked up yesterday on the phone.” Apple Jack pulled her phone out.
Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring.
“Hm… She sure likes to take her time answering the phone!” A.J. said.
“She is probably still asleep.” Rainbow Dash commented.
“O-Or maybe she d-d-dis-disappeared.” Fluttershy whispered.
“I say she is taking a shower.” Sunset added.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
“Hello.” Spike answered Twilight’s phone.
“Spike?” Apple Jack was surprised, the dog usually never answered the phone.
“Oh, hi Apple Jack. I tried to call you all earlier but I forgot how to use the phone the right way.” The dog remembered how he accidentally snapped a picture of himself with the phone instead.
“I was just gonna check up on ya’ll. Twi seemed a bit stressed yesterday.” A.J. said.
“A bit stressed. Huh… That’s an understatement.” Spike fussed.
“What did ya say?” Apple Jack didn’t understand all of that.
“Uhm… Nevermind. Well Twilight is gone.” The dog said.
“Gone? Like where, going shopping or something?” A.J. wanted to know.
“Not exactly. She packed a bag and went through the Portal.” Spike said it as if it was a normal thing to do.
“She did whaaaaaaaaaat?” All the girls suddenly stared at Apple Jack.
“She went to Equestria. Oh yeah and left me behind of course. Why should I have any fun…” The dog said with touch of irony.
“E-E-Equestria…” A.J. couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“Yeah, that’s the place. If one of you guys could come and pick me up… I really don’t want to hang all day here in the house all on my own… Argh… I can’t believe she left me here.” Spike was fussing again.
“Alright, Spike hang in there. We will figure it out. Somebody is gonna pick ya up later.” Apple Jack promised.
“Thanks Apple Jack.” The dog hung up.
“Twilight did what?” “Equestria?” “The Portal?” “Yesterday” The girls brought a storm of questions towards Apple Jack.
“Yeah, apparently Twi thought it was a great idea to go through the Portal by herself! Oh and somebody needs to pick up Spike.” A.J. sounded very concerned.
“Goooooood Morning Girls. You guys sure are up early. What’s up?” Pinkie Pie asked with her high pitched voice while her smile brightened up the room.
“What’s up is that Twilight went through the Portal alone. Despite the warning from a certain Pony.” A.J. was upset.
“So what? Its winter break, let her have some fun.” Pinkie Pie replied.
“I-I think, going through the Portal is kind of dangerous.” Fluttershy whispered.
“Hey Flutts, since you are doing all better today and stuff. You want to go with me and pick up Spike?” Rainbow Dash asked with her scratchy voice.
“I-I d-don’t know.” The kind girl replied quietly.
“Then it’s settled. Pinkie Pie! We need to borrow your helmet. I left my spare one at home.” Dash knew that Fluttershy didn’t want to go but it was her way of keeping the shy girl occupied and distracted.
“Does anybody want to talk about the fact that Twilight went to Equestria?” A.J. still wasn’t over it.
“Apple Jack, darling, what do you expect us to do? Run after her and drag her back here?” Rarity asked.
“That ain’t so bad for starters!” Apple Jack got louder.
“Nah, come on now. She is a big girl; she knows what she is doing. Besides, pony me told us not to go through the Portal.” Sunset Shimmer made her point.
“I wanna go, I wanna be a pony. I wonder how partying is like when you are pony.” Pinkie Pie said while giving Rainbow Dash her helmet.
“I’m not sure if Equestria is ready for two of you, Pinkie Pie.” Rarity sounded sarcastic.
“So what are we gonna do about it?” Apple Jack wondered.
“I tell you what I’m going to do about it. Since I got all of pony me’s stuff, bike, apartment, smart phone and good looks. I’m going to call Flash later and see if he wants to watch the movie with me tonight. In the meantime, I have an appointment with a shower in my new apartment.” Sunset Shimmer was heading for the door.
“Wait up Sunset we are leaving too, come on Fluttershy lets roll.” Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy walked up to the door. All three girls said goodbye and thanked Pinkie Pie for the slumber party, then they took off.
“As much as I would love to stay, unfortunately I have to go too. Sweetie Belle is coming over soon. My sister is going to spend winter break with me. Again. My parents use every school break as an opportunity to go on vacation. Hmpf… Oh well, nothing I can do about. Thank you Pinkie Pie, for letting us stay overnight. I will see you girls later.” Rarity left.
“It’s just you and me Pinkie.” Apple Jack said.
“Yeah, it seems everybody is super busy even though it’s the holidays.” Pinkie’s high pitched voice squeaked.
Sunset Shimmer opened the door to her newly inherited apartment. Her counterpart bought it a few years back. It was the first time for human Sunset to enter this place. It wasn’t really all that she expected it to be, it was clean and everything seemed organized. Unlike her old place where some chaos had taken over.
The apartment lacked personal charm and some creature comforts. There were no pictures or posters on the wall, not even a couch or a bed. It looked as if pony Sunset were sleeping on a simple mattress laying on the floor. A small kitchen with one table and two chairs gave the place at least a little charisma. The girl noted there was no microwave but at least she spotted the coffee maker right away.
“Please, let there be coffee.” Sunset said to herself.
Sure enough she found coffee in the cabinet, right next to about 30 boxes of Oatmeal. "Who in the world could possible need that much Oatmeal?" Then she remembered that her counterpart wasn’t exactly human. After a few minutes the coffee was ready, and Sunset made herself a cup. She went over to the table and sat down. While having her first sip, she realized there was a letter right in front of her. It had a note “For Sunset Shimmer from Sunset Shimmer”. The girl opened the letter and started reading.
Dear Sunset,
If you read this, that means that I have already made my decision to go back to Equestria. I have been thinking about it for quite a while now and came to the conclusion that is where I belong. Don’t get me wrong, I love this world and most people in it too, but my real home is not here. I started to write this letter shortly after I discovered you.
Its sole purpose is to make your integration easier for you. The apartment and everything you see here is yours. It’s been paid for and there is nothing to for you to worry about. The only bills you have to cover are the utilities. To get to the point, I made you a list about the people I care for the most, so you can have a great relationship with them as well. You can finish High School and get your diploma at Canterlot High, the girls will help you.
Rainbow Dash
Rainbow saved my life in the Friendship Games. If you are ever in trouble, no matter what, it’s always good to have her on speed-dial. Her loyalty to her friends is beyond anything I could ever ask for. She loves sports and is very competitive. I used to practice with her a lot which made us even better friends and helped me get a better grade in P.E. She also likes to prank people every once in a while, so watch out.
Apple Jack
A.J. is an all-around great girl. She works harder than anybody I have ever seen, but is there for you if you need her. I help her out on the farm, especially during the summer time. To have a few weeks every year, to live the simple country life, is just awesome and refreshing. A.J. is super honest and as far as I can tell she has never told a lie. It can be irritating sometimes, because she doesn’t always tell you what you want to hear, but if it’s the truth you should be able to go with it.
Fluttershy
Fluttershy loves animals above all. She is one of the kindest persons in this world. Her compassion for others always touched me deeply. Fluttershy is also very shy and an easy target for Bullies. You won’t find many Bullies at CHS but there are plenty around elsewhere. I need you to keep an eye out and stand up for her whenever and wherever it is needed. Also help out at the animal shelter when you get a chance, it will make her very happy.
Rarity
Rarity’s sense for fashion should make every fashion designer blush. Her taste for clothes and making them is unreal. If she gives you fashion advice, you better listen to her. She is also a very generous spirit, one of those girls who will give her last shirt for you. Watch out for people who try to take advantage of Rarity’s generosity.
Pinkie Pie
Pinkie Pie is the only one who was always able to cheer me up, no matter how down I was. She is more than just a party girl. She can sense when somebody is in a bad mood and will transform that into laughter. She usually finds a way to make people around her happy. Watch out for crazy things happening when she is around. But don’t think too much about it, just put it aside as typical Pinkie Pie behavior and I promise you won’t go insane. However, if you do try to figure it out, you are on your own.
Twilight Sparkle
Twi is my best friend. It’s hard to explain. I have known all the other girls longer than Twi, but there is a connection I can’t quite grasp. She is not exactly like her pony counterpart but not far off either. I guess it’s like you and me, we are kind of the same but yet we aren’t. She is intelligent and combines all the attributes the other girls have, in her own special way. She's also a lot smarter than I am and we both know that isn’t easy to admit. So you can do me a big favor and just watch out for her, ok?
Flash Sentry
Now we come to the part I screwed up for you. Flash Sentry, I assume you will meet him at some point, is really a great guy. When I came to this world he was the first to help me get on my feet and it wasn’t much later that we became a couple. Things didn’t turn out well but that was my fault and my fault alone. If you should be interested in Flash, which may or may not happen, promise me one thing. Don’t hurt the guy, be true and honest to him because he deserves that much. We never really talked after he broke up with me, I think that is the one thing I regret, not apologizing to him.
Of course I could have given you some more detailed information on everybody. But I think it is up to you to find those things out. I know you world just got turned upside down when you saw me the first time or when we told you about Equestria and magic. But since you stayed around, it tells me that you want to be part of this and I’m glad. I’m glad for you and I’m glad for the others who will get to know you. I will come and visit from time to time and I hope you will let me stay at your place.
Stay true to yourself,
Sincerely your friend,
Sunset Shimmer
Sunset Shimmer had no idea that her pony counterpart was so concerned for her. Actually, in the last two weeks it seemed that the Equestrian distanced herself from her. The girl smiled as she thought about it. A few minutes later she went to take a shower. During the relaxing hot shower, she remembered the time when she met her pony counterpart for the first time.
*********
“Wow, you look exactly like me! I didn’t know I had a twin sister.” Human Sunset Shimmer said.
“I’m not exactly your sister.” Pony Sunset replied.
“What do you mean you are not exactly my sister? You look exactly like me, same hair color, eye color, skin color, so how are you not my twin sister?” Human Sunset was upset in an excited kind of way.
“Look, what I’m about to tell you might sound a bit crazy. No… It definitely will sound crazy. I’m you.” Pony Girl tried to explain.
“Sure you are! Look, just because I’m a high school dropout doesn’t mean that I’m stupid. I had to make a living for myself. Anyways, since time travel is science fiction, I’m not buying it.” Human Girl sounded sarcastic.
“No, let me explain. I’m you. I’m the you from another world.” Pony Sunset kept trying to explain.
“Oh, another world, that explains it. Probably a world with flying horses and magical Unicorns, a place where a beautiful Princess reigns over all the people, a place where peace and harmony are at home. A world where the grass couldn’t be any greener. No, it’s cool. I get it. You are the kind of twin which isn’t quite right in the head. Just my luck.” Human Sunset said with irony.
“Hey, how do you know… Wait a sec, you think I’m crazy or that I’m lying to you?” The pony Girl now got upset.
“No, not at all.” The Human Girl rolled her eyes.
“Alright, let me prove it to you.” Pony Sunset said.
“How?” Human Sunset was curious.
“The girls and I have band practice today. I want you to come along. I’ll prove to you that I’m not the lunatic you think I am.” The pony Girl sounded very serious.
Later that afternoon, both Sunset Shimmers arrived at Sweet Apple Acres where the band practice was held. The other girls were already there practicing. Pony Sunset had the idea to let Human Sunset enter first, to see if the other girls would notice a difference right away.
“Sunset!” The girls shouted when human Sunset Shimmer entered the room.
“Hey.” The human girl was unsure of how to react.
“Better late than never.” Apple Jack said.
“Oh dear, Darling what happened to your clothes.” Rarity was shocked how the girl was dressed.
“What do you mean my clothes?” Human Sunset Shimmer felt slightly intimidated.
"They look so, ordinary." Rarity's facial expression was disgust.
“Jeez, Rarity. Let’s practice! We don’t have all day. You can talk fashion later… Sunset pick up your guitar, we do Shine like Rainbows. A one, a two, a one two three four...” Rainbow Dash had the Rainbooms start playing but Pinkie Pie kept staring at Sunset Shimmer.
“Once upon a time, You came into my world and made the stars align.” Apple Jack started.
“Now I can see the signs, You pick me up when I get down so I can shine.” Rarity continued.
“Shine like rainbows, Shine like rainbows.” The Rainbooms kept going.
“Friends, you are in my life, and you can count on me to be there by your side.” Rainbow Dash sang.
“Stop all. Hey Sunset, what are you waiting for this is your part.” Dash seemed startled.
“Uhm.. ah..” The human Sunset Shimmer was tongue tied.
“She is not our Sunset Shimmer.” Pinkie Pie pointed at her with a finger and her high pitched voice seemed to be even shriller than usual.
“Alright, girls you figured it out. Well at least Pinkie Pie did.” Pony Sunset Shimmer entered the room.
“Yep, I knew it.” Pinkie Pie smiled.
“But how did ya know?” A.J. asked.
“Just a hunch.” The pink party Girl answered.
“Sorry for that girls, I tried to explain to her that I was her from another world but she insisted we were twin sisters.” The pony Girl explained.
“Yeah, here is the thing. She really is from another world.” Rainbow Dash said as if it was the most normal thing in the world.
“I-It’s the truth.” Fluttershy whispered.
“Oh sure I believe the strange cool looking girl with rainbow colored hair. I didn’t believe my twin, but if you said it, it must be true.” Human Sunset Shimmer spoke ironically.
“Guys, forget it. She is not going to be convinced with words. We have to show her.” Pony Sunset said.
Pony Sunset Shimmer grabbed her guitar from the human girl and the band started all over again. About half way through the song “Shine like Rainbows” the band transformed in front of human Sunset Shimmer's very eyes. The Rainbooms grew pony ears and their hair got longer. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were the only two girls who actually sprouted wings. They had ponied up.
Human Sunset Shimmer was shocked and fascinated at the same time. After the Rainbooms finished practicing, the girls told human Sunset Shimmer all about Equestria, the Magic of Friendship and pony Sunset Shimmer…
*********
After her shower and a fresh change of clothes, Sunset Shimmer decided to call Flash and ask him to go with her to the movies…
Human Twilight and Sunset Shimmer arrived just in time at the Ponyville train station. Traveling by train was the fastest means of getting to the Crystal Empire. Sure, both ponies were Alicorns and had wings but neither of them ever used them. Twilight was truly fascinated by the beauty of Equestria. It was like a Winter Wonderland.
There was a thick layer of snow on the roofs and on the ground. Sunset Shimmer explained to Twilight how the Pegasus Ponies were responsible for the seasons in the Ponyville area. It was traditional. In other cities like Canterlot, Unicorns used their magic to switch the seasons. The Crystal Express train arrived shortly after the two ponies.
Sunset Shimmer wanted to board a train wagon with as few passengers as possible. That turned out to be no problem, since the train was almost empty. It seemed like nobody from the area was heading to the Crystal Empire. When the train started to move, both Twilight and Sunset were glancing out the window. Ponyville in winter was a very pretty sight to behold.
“You never told me how beautiful Equestria was.” Twi said.
“I think I have forgotten that for a while.” Sunset said with a dreamy look on her face.
“Tell me about the Crystal Empire.” The human Alicorn was curious.
“I don’t know much about it. Even though I have been inside the Crystal Palace, my knowledge about this place is based on rumors and legends.” The yellow Alicorn wasn’t able to come up with much.
“That’s ok. Say, Sunset, I’m curious. How do you feel now that you are back home? I mean, after your transformation and everything.” Twi’s curiosity seemed endless.
“I’m not sure. I haven’t had much time to think about it. I guess, it’s kind of the same as in the human world. I feel at home but still out of place. You girls made me feel at home back on the other side of the Portal, but here I am home. I’m sure as long as I can go through the Portal I’m at home where ever I am, or not. I just don’t know.” Sunset Shimmer had no definite answer.
“What about your transformation?” The human Alicorn kept pushing for answers.
“Which one? The transformation from human to pony or the one from Unicorn to Alicorn?.” The yellow Alicorn wasn’t sure.
“The Alicorn one.” Twilight was actually concerned.
“Oh, that one… Honestly, I don’t think I really understand it yet. It feels so surreal. Guardian of Harmony, that is what Luna called me… Guardian. It sounds so important. Yet I don’t have a clue what it actually means. I think the whole transformation makes me feel more out of place than ever before.” Sunset Shimmer had a sad look on her face.
“I think, I know.” Twi surprised Sunset with her comment.
“You think you know why? I’m looking forward to hearing that one. Unleash your magic.” They yellow Alicorn smirked.
“Alright. Remember at the Friendship Games how I was transformed. I was confused, I didn’t care for anybody but my goal to learn everything there is about magic.” The human Alicorn said.
“Hmm. How could I forget…” Sunset wanted to continue but was interrupted.
“When you and I fought, and you blasted us to wherever that was you blasted us. You said 'Take my hand Twilight, let me show you there is another way…' Well, when your hand touched mine it was incredible. The feeling that overcame my entire body was something I had never felt before. Everything seemed so clear and peaceful. You restored harmony back to me. The very same thing happened when I came through the Portal. You helped stop me from being out of control.” Twi rubbed her head on Sunsets.
“Thank you.” She added.
Sunset Shimmer was speechless, probably for the first time in her life. She looked at the human Alicorn when a single tear came out of her left eye. Twi lifted a hoof and wiped the rolling tear off Sunset’s face. There was a mutual understanding of silence. The human Pony looked out the window and admired the scenery.
“For somebody who didn’t have any friends until just recently, you sure know how to find the right words.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Thank you, your Highness.” Twi started laughing.
“No, thank you, your Highness.” The yellow Alicorn went along with it. Both ponies were laughing.
“Next stop, The Crystal Empire.” The Conductor Pony shouted.
“Are you ready to meet the pony version of Shining Armor?” Sunset asked.
“I don’t think so.” Twi answered.
“Then let us do this. Cadance needs our help.” The yellow Alicon raised her voice a little.
“Mh-hmm.” The human Alicorn nodded.
It wasn’t long after the Conductor’s announcement that the train stopped at the Crystal Empire train station. It looked very different from Ponyville. There was no snow around and all the buildings were made of crystals. It was beautiful. The two Alicorns walked toward the Crystal Palace. It wasn’t just the tallest building, but it also marked the center of the Crystal Empire.
Sunset and Twilight took a while before reaching the massive building. They talked about how the ponies around them were crystal ponies. Twi tried to avoid thinking how something like a crystal pony was even possible, but Sunset always reminded her about magic. When they reached the entrance to the Crystal Palace they were stopped by two Guard Ponies.
“Hold! Nopony is to enter the Palace.” The purple Crystal Guard Pony said.
“We are here to see Princess Cadance.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Sorry, nopony is allowed to enter the Palace. Per Prince Shining Armor's orders.” The other Guard Pony said.
“But it’s important that we see the Princess immediately!” The yellow Unicorn raised her voice.
“We have our orders. So move along.” The purple Guard Pony started to get rude.
“We can’t do that…” Before Sunset was able to finish, one of the Guard Ponies pointed a spear right at her face.
“I guess you want to spend a night in the dungeon. So be it.” Both Guards were approaching Sunset Shimmer.
“Enough!!!” Twi yelled as loud as she could and got immediate attention from the Guard Ponies. When the Palace Guards looked at the human Alicorn they noticed she had removed her robe. Her wings spread wide and her facial expression was no joke. They immediately noticed her as the Princess of Friendship.
“I-I-I’m sorry, Princess Twilight.” The purple Guard Pony bowed down, followed by the second.
“We need to see Princess Cadance immediately.” Twilight’s voice turned normal.
“Of course, your Highness!” Both Guard Ponies stepped out of the way and let them pass.
Twilight donned her robe again after entering the Palace. The yellow Alicorn had memorized every room and hallway inside the palace. Before she stole Twilight’s crown, Luna embedded the architectural plans for this building in Sunset’s head. They made their way to the royal chambers expecting nobody would be at the throne room.
“Hold. Who goes there.” Two white Guard Ponies were standing in front of the chamber.
“We, don’t have time for this.” Sunset looked at Twilight who already took her robe off again.
“Stand aside. We have to see Princess Cadance immediately.” Twi’s voice was unusually harsh.
“We have been ordered to let nopony inside. That would include you, Princess.” The higher ranking Guard said.
“Step aside Guards. We don’t have time for this nonsense!” Sunset Shimmer’s voice got really loud while she took of her robe as well.
The Guards crossed their spears to block the entrance. The yellow Alicorn wasn’t having it and took action. Her horn started glowing white and her wings spread wide.
“Last chance, let us pass!” Sunset demanded.
“We have our orders.” The white Guard Ponies prepped for a fight.
“As you wish.” Sunset Shimmer used her magic and lifted the two guard ponies into the air. Then she smashed them against the hallway walls and both of them lost consciousness. The Alicorns walked right into the royal chambers.
“Twily?” Shining Armor was shocked when he saw Twi.
“Before you say anything else, this is not your sister. It’s human Twilight.” Sunset knew she had to take control of the situation immediately.
“W-What? H-How?” The Prince seemed very confused.
“Where is Princess Cadance?” Twi asked.
“Cadance became ill while I was searching for you, I’m sorry I meant while searching for my sister. We had the best Doctors take a look at her, but nopony was able to help. Even the royal Canterlot Doctor has no idea what’s causing her illness. They all say she and our foal are dying unless a miracle happens.” Shining Armor started crying.
“Zap him Twi.” The yellow Alicorn seemed totally inconsiderate towards the Prince, but she didn’t want to waste any more time. Shortly after, Twilight zapped Shining Armor with a magic lightning bolt to ensure he was not a Changeling.
“Hey, what was that for.” The Prince, still with tears in his eyes, was quite upset.
“We will explain later, bring me to her.” Sunset Shimmer’s voice sounded urgent.
“What?” Shining Armor didn't understand the situation.
“Now!” The yellow Unicorn yelled.
“She is resting in the bedroom, follow me.” The Prince led the way.
Cadance was laying on the bed. Her mane was a mess and her body looked rough. The Princess’s eyes didn’t look right, they were somewhat grey and half closed. Sweat sheened on her forehead, running all the way to her muzzle. Sunset Shimmer and human Twilight Sparkle walked up to her side. It was then, when Prince Shining Armor noticed that Sunset Shimmer actually had wings.
“When we met at Canterlot Castle the other day, I don’t think you had wings. What happened?” The white Stallion wondered.
“Your mare first. Explanations later.” Sunset said in a hurry.
Sunset Shimmer’s eyes started glowing white. Her wings changed into sparkling yellow light and her horn became bright white. She soared in front of Cadance’s body and her horn showered a beam onto the weakened Princess. Sparkling magical flakes shimmered from Sunset's horn. There was a connection between both Alicorns which lasted for minutes. Immediately after the procedure the yellow Alicorn transformed back into her natural state and collapsed.
“Sunset!” Twi yelled.
“Cadance!” Shining Armor looked at his mare as she opened her eyes.
“I’m fine dear.” Cadance said with her soft voice.
“Sunset, get up!” The human Alicorn was yelling even louder.
The Guards that were previously knocked unconscious came running into the room. The Prince and Twi were right next to the unresponsive yellow Alicorn. The royal Guard Ponies apologized to Shining Armor, but he dismissed their apologies. They had only done their job and the Prince explained it was his fault for not mentioning that, of course, any Princess who came to visit should be allowed to pass. A few more minutes went by.
“She is not de… I mean she is not, is she?” Twi’s body started shaking and her eyes started to tear up.
“I honestly don’t know.” Shining Armor said with a sad expression on his face.
“Hey, rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated.” Sunset’s voice was weak and quiet.
Twi started to cry pretty hard, her head was on the yellow Alicorn’s body. Twilight's tears were tears of relief. Shining Armor laid a hoof around her, even though he knew it wasn’t his sister, he still felt connected to her. Sunset Shimmer healed a near death Cadance and her unborn foal. The amount of energy the yellow Alicorn had to use nearly cost her own life.
“Thank you Sunset Shimmer. You are a Guardian.” Cadance said softly.
“I-I’m sorry for c-crying.” Twi said.
“It’s ok sis, nothing to be ashamed about.” Shining Armor showed his brotherly love to the human Twilight.
“If you guys don’t mind, I need to get up.” Sunset Shimmer’s voice grew a bit stronger. The human Alicorn and Prince made room for her to stand up.
“Twilight, where have you been?” Cadance asked.
“I’m not Princess Twilight. I’m Twilight from the human world. I came to Equestria to help Sunset Shimmer find Princess Twilight.” This time the human answered for herself.
“I see, my dear friend and sister in law is still missing?” The Princess of the Crystal Empire had a sad look on her face.
“We will find her.” Sunset Shimmer sounded sure of it.
“Sunset Shimmer, last time I heard you were in the human world. And now you came here to save me and my foal. I’m grateful. But was it a coincidence you came at this point in time to the Crystal Empire?” Cadance wanted to know.
“No. We knew you were sick, and the reason why. We also know who is behind Twilight’s abduction.” The yellow Alicorn said.
“Queen Chrysalis.” Shining Armor had that feeling since a few days.
“Yes. The Changeling Queen had Cadance poisoned. So whoever is preparing your meals is responsible. How did you know?” Sunset Shimmer seemed almost fully recovered.
“I never encountered anypony who wanted to harm Cadance. Well, that was until Chrysalis. I had a feeling she was out for revenge after our wedding.” The Prince answered.
Cadance eyes were wide open when she heard this. Chrysalis was a name she tried to forget for a long time. The pain the Changeling Queen caused her before her marriage to Shining Armor, was unforgettable. Just hearing the name Chrysalis brought shivers down her spine. It was with a simple nod from the Prince that the royal Guard Ponies left the room.
“How are you feeling?” Twi was worried about her friend.
“I’m alright. Don’t worry.” The yellow Alicorns replied softly.
“How could I not? I thought you were dead.” The human Alicorn glanced at the floor.
“She is right. Saving us nearly cost you your life. I knew Chrysalis was bad but I never imagined she would go that far.” Cadance spoke softly.
“That is not all. She is preparing to invade and take over Equestria.” Sunset Shimmer broke the bad news.
“Then it’s true. The Changelings are truly evil. This time we might not be able to stop them my love.” Shining Armor had a sad expression on his face when he looked at Cadance.
“I know and this time we cannot interfere.” The Princess of the Crystal Empire had tears in her eyes.
“What do you mean you can’t interfere?” Twi asked nervously.
“We are bound to protect the Crystal Empire at all cost. It depends on our love and we can’t let the Crystal Ponies down, again…” Shining Armor said knowing that the Changelings would come there at some point to take revenge.
“The Changelings are not all evil.” The yellow Unicorn noted.
“What do you mean?” Cadance asked.
The Guard Ponies returned with the kitchen personal. Four ponies were escorted into the royal chambers. Two Crystal Ponies, one Pegasus, and one Earth Pony lined up in front of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor.
“You wanted to see us, your Highness?” The earth Pony asked.
“Twi…” before Sunset Shimmer could finish Twilight powered up her horn and shot a chain lightning of magic at the arrivals. The human Alicorn was angry her sister in law had been poisoned. She couldn’t help but think of Shining Armor and Cadance as her family. If they were her family in the human world, then they were family here too.
The magical lightning struck the royal Guard Ponies first, then the kitchen personnel. The head chief, an Earth Pony by the name of Cubby Cumber transformed into a black winged Changeling. Everypony else in the room seemed to stay who they were. Shining Armor grabbed the Changeling with his magic by the neck, and pressed him against the wall.
“You tried to kill my mare! My foal! Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t end you right here?” The Prince was in a rage, poised to eliminate the threat.
“Because that is not who you are, my love.” Cadance spoke even softer than usual while she approached the Prince. She rubbed her head against his, and slowly Shining Armor eased up on the Changeling. Sunset Shimmer stared at the Changeling's blue eyes.
“He is scared. But not about what happens to him.” The yellow Alicorn got that impression from staring at Cubby Cumber.
“I can feel it too. Tell me Changeling what are you so afraid of?” The Princess of the Crystal Empire seemed concerned for the very being that tried to kill her.
“I-I can’t.” The black creature's answer was short.
Sunset Shimmer's eyes started to glow white and so did her horn. Twi was the only one who noticed at this point. The human Alicorn was worried that her friend may collapse again. Images formed in the yellow Alicorn's head. Flashes of Changelings appeared in front of Sunset’s eyes. She understood now. Her eyes transformed back to normal as did her horn.
“I understand now. You didn’t want to poison the Princess. But if you did not obey, you would lose another loved one.” Sunset Shimmer had seen what he was afraid of.
“H-How do you know that? It doesn’t matter it’s too late anyway. I have failed.” The Changeling dropped his head.
“You lost your brother, now you are afraid that she will take your wife and children from you.” The yellow Alicorn saw it all in her head.
“Yes, that is what she does. She takes the ones you love to punish you. And now, I will never see them again.” The black creature actually broke out in tears.
“It’s ok. We will find a way.” Cadance was very kind to the Changeling who had attempted to kill her and her foal, it surprised everyone in the room.
“Well, I may have an idea.” Twi tossed in.
“Don’t keep it to yourself Twily, speak up.” Shining Armor was curious.
“Nobody but those of us here in this room know that Cadance has recovered, or that we have discovered the Changeling. I know it sounds like a risk, but I think we should let him continue to work in the kitchen, without poisoning the food that is. That will buy us some time to come up with a plan to take Queen Chrysalis down. That means Cadance will need to stay here and pretend she is still sick. Also for the rest of you, you can’t talk about this, to anybody” The human Alicorn laid out her plan.
“That’s why she got the brains.” Sunset smiled and made Twi blush.
“Why would you ponies do that for me?” The Changeling was confused.
“Because the Changelings are as important to this world as every other creature. The Dragons, the Yaks, The Breezies, The Buffalos, and many more. True harmony can only exist if we all live in peace, and right now your Queen Chrysalis wants everything but peace. But I know there are many Changelings who do seek peace, her daughter is one of them. Princess Emadia has tried many times to convince her mother not to attack us, but failed. I don’t think we can change Chrysalis, however I think we can give the Changelings a new leader with Emadia. A leader who will give your kind a new future and maybe a new home.” Sunset Shimmer felt it inside her that she was right and that this was the correct path.
“You would have to kill the Queen before she would ever give up her power. I don’t think any pony can. Queen Chrysalis is too powerful.” The black creature said.
“No. I will not kill anypony. But I will ban her from this world if necessary.” The yellow Alicorn said with determination.
“Spoken like a true Princess.” Cadance bowed before Sunset Shimmer, and everybody in the room followed the gesture including the Changeling.
“Can you give us the location of the Changeling hideout? I promise we will not engage them, but I need to arrange a meeting with Emadia. I’m pretty sure it’s somewhere to the south, but you could save us a lot of time and time is of the essence.” Sunset asked the creature nicely.
“Ok, I hope this works. If not, my family is done for. They are in the Badlands. We took over a cave system after the Dragons left…” The black Creature explained in great detail where the Changelings were hiding.
“Thank you, I promise we will do our best to end this peacefully. Twi, it's time to head home.” Sunset Shimmer put her robe back on as did the human Alicorn.
Princess Cadance offered them a royal carriage to transport them back to Ponyville. Twi kissed the side of Prince Shining Armor's muzzle and even though they were from different worlds, he felt like family. Both, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer knew the task ahead wasn’t an easy one and they had only a little time to complete it.
When Sunset Shimmer and human Twilight Sparkle arrived at the Castle of Friendship, the missing ponies from earlier that morning were there too. Princess Luna arrived a little later that afternoon. It was then when she heard from Sunset Shimmer what happened. The Princess of the Night was briefed on the entire situation regarding the Changelings. Both Princesses devised a plan to infiltrate the Changelings and get Emadia to meet with Sunset Shimmer.
Luna was eager to defeat Chrysalis, but knew it was in Equestria’s best interest to leave it up to Sunset Shimmer. If the yellow Alicorn's duty was to protect the Harmony, then it was her responsibility to resolve the issue. Princess Luna however, didn’t want to sit on the sidelines and be a simple observer. She wanted to help for her sister's sake. Twi, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Apple Jack, and Starlight Glimmer were waiting in the throne room.
“I am not quite sure that you understand what I’m asking of you.” Sunset Shimmer looked worried.
“I know, trust me. Look Princess Sunset, I’ve never been asked to do something of any importance before. All my life I have been told how to act, what to do, but never ever did anybody ask for my help. Please let me help, let me do this.” Diamond Tiara was earnest.
“Child, make no mistake. This is a dangerous mission and we won’t be able to run to your aid if anything goes wrong.” Princess Luna was concerned.
“Princess Luna, I’m ready to serve Equestria. Besides, it’s a great opportunity to prove myself, to prove that I’m not just concerned about me. I mean I have changed. Some ponies have noticed and are convinced. Others not so much, but this is my chance to convince myself.” The pink Earth Pony was determined to point out how important this was to her.
“Alright. We have a few more hours before dark. Take a break, a nap, anything to comfort yourself. That’s an order.” The yellow Alicorn was serious.
“Thank you.” Diamond bowed low before both Princesses and left the room.
“I don’t like it.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“There is much at stake, but we need to act now. We can’t wait and bring the sorrows of war to Equestria. I will accompany her and make sure Princess Emadia makes a swift escape. That is, if the mission is a success.” Princess Luna knew time was running out.
“Are you sure? Lowering the sun and raising the moon costs you a lot of energy does it not?” The yellow Alicorn asked.
“You are right Sunset Shimmer. However, I do have a way to replenish. Cadance has to protect the Crystal Empire and you have your own mission. Our forces are spread thin.” The Princess of the Night showed no signs of weakness.
“I guess you are right. I’m not sure if bringing the Sirens back to Equestria is such a good idea.” Sunset still harbored hard feelings toward the Sirens.
“Their pendants have been destroyed. They are Sirens no more. They are ponies like you and me.” Luna said.
“You seem pretty sure about it.” The yellow Alicorn pointed out.
“Trust me on this Sunset Shimmer.” The Princess of the Night’s voice grew softer.
The yellow Alicorn nodded and walked to the throne room where everypony was waiting. They all stared expectantly at Sunset Shimmer when she walked into the room. They wanted to hear that everything would be fine but the yellow Alicorn couldn’t give them that.
“Diamond Tiara and Princess Luna are going to the Badlands to arrange a meeting with Princess Emadia.” Sunset Shimmer looked at each of the ponies.
“Diamond Tiara? Isn't it too dangerous for a filly to go on such a dangerous mission?” Starlight Glimmer asked.
“Ya, it ain’t good to send a filly to do a ponies buckin.” Apple Jack agreed.
“Sunset? Are you sure this is a good idea?” Human Twilight had doubts as well.
“I’m not going to lie to you. It will be dangerous but she wants to do it. She is the best option for this mission and Princess Luna will be close by.” The yellow Alicorn explained.
“I-I for sure wouldn’t want to go.” Fluttershy whispered.
“Ah, it will be fun for her. She will have fun right? If you are on a mission you should have fun so it better be fun. Okiedokiewokie. Fun. Fuuuuun!” Pinkie Pie got louder and louder.
“Ya’ll alright Sugarcube?” A.J. worried about Pinkie Pie.
“Aagh. She is fine. Pinkie is just twitchy, she has not hosted a party for almost two weeks now.” Rainbow Dash said. Pinkie Pie's hair was messy, she was chewing on her hooves, and her eyes seemed blood shot.
“I will have to go bring the Sirens back to Equestria. Hmpf.” Sunset wasn’t too happy about it.
“The Sirens? Not the Sirens… I actually know what that means now…” The party Pony’s eyes grew large but her mane was still a mess.
“So we go back to our, uh hm, huh, my world?” Twi asked.
“No. Actually, I want to take Starlight along.” The yellow Alicorn said.
“Me?” Starlight Glimmer looked surprised.
“Yeah, you. Unless you have something better to do.” Sunset Shimmer replied.
“No. Not really. Interdimensional travel sounds interesting.” The purple Unicorn agreed.
“A word please?” The human Alicorn stood up from the throne and walked outside the door, Sunset Shimmer followed.
“Twi? Are you ok?” The yellow Alicorn wondered.
“Am I ok? You're going back home, leaving me here in a strange world with really weird magical powers, and on top of that you are taking somebody else with you? No! I’m not ok!” Twilight struggled not to become too upset.
“Twi, I need you here with the other girls. If any threat should emerge while I’m gone, you and the girls are the only ones who can stop it. They need you here much more than they are willing to accept. And I am taking Starlight because I want her to feel useful. She didn’t have many chances in the past to show how valuable she can be. I really think she needs this. I know you are strong enough to handle this, but if for any reason you don’t feel comfortable, let me know and I will take you back home. I don’t want you to feel bad in any way.” Sunset Shimmer explained with a soft voice.
“Sunset... I didn’t think about that. I guess it was selfish of me to think that way. I’m sorry… Of course I will do my best until you come back.” Human Twilight understood.
“Thank you, Twi. I’m not looking forward to it, but only the Sirens know the spell Star Swirl the Bearded used to ban them. I may need that spell to ban Queen Chrysalis.” The yellow Alicorn explained.
Princess Luna and a transformed Diamond Tiara walked up. It looked as if they were ready for their journey. The cute little filly didn’t look so cute anymore after taking the form of a Changeling. Luna explained how she used a spell to transform the earth pony. The clock was ticking. Both Ponies left the Castle. Once outside, Luna lowered the sun and raised the moon. The Princess of the Night looked very exhausted afterwards.
Choosing a young pony like Diamond Tiara had a few advantages. In their young stages, Changelings can’t shapeshift or fly. So if it came down to it, the Earth Pony would not be expected to perform either task. At least, that was what everypony was hoping for. Luna’s Royal Guard lifted the carriage into the air and began their journey south.
“Princess Luna, thank you.” Diamond said.
“Child, do not thank me. This is a dangerous mission. While I appreciate your gratitude, it is too soon.” Princess Luna was still gravely concerned about all of this.
“Princess, may I ask you a question.” The earth Pony wondered.
“Of course.” The dark Alicorn nodded.
“How did Princess Sunset Shimmer become an Alicorn so quickly?” Diamond Tiara had wanted to ask yellow Alicorn but didn’t have the chance earlier.
“She was already an Alicorn when she returned from the human world. Her physical transformation here in Equestria was just a matter of time.” Luna tried to explain.
“So she is a real Princess, right?” The earth Pony’s eyes sparkled.
“Yes my child. She is a real Princess and the Guardian of Harmony.” The dark Alicorn cleared up.
“Then why does she not want to be treated like one?” Diamond Tiara wondered.
“They will in time… They will...” Luna said while thinking of Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle.
Luna’s royal Canterlot carriage disappeared in the dark of the night.
“Who goes there?” The guard Changeling asked with a bitter voice.
“Uhm. I’m sorry, I'm lost.” A frightened Diamond Tiara answered.
“You kids are not supposed to leave the caves. Queen Chrysalis gave the order herself.” The other guard said.
“Hurry up and get inside, I guess we can let it slip this time.” The guard Changeling with the bitter voice added with a smile. He knew what it was like for the changeling kids since he had two of them as well. The one thing the Guard didn’t know was that Diamond Tiara wasn’t a Changeling. The young Pony acted quickly and ran inside the cave system.
So far so good, Diamond was scared but it seemed the first step towards completing her mission was successful. She felt uneasy; the dark walls were lined with torches producing a green fire like light. What would the crusaders do in times like these? The pink earth Pony asked herself over and over. Actually, thinking about Apple Bloom, Schootaloo and Sweetie Belle made her feel a lot more comfortable. The Cutie Mark Crusaders, they are Diamond's idols, though she would never openly admit it.
After asking several Changelings about Princess Emadia, she finally learned her whereabouts. She hurried faster and faster, not even thinking about the attention she was drawing to herself. Diamond was running and Changelings all around her were watching. She ran right into a Changeling and fell to the ground.
“Ouch.” Diamond hurt her head.
“Are you alright Child?” An unusually soft voice asked her.
“Eh uhm. I think so. I have to find the Princess!” The incognito earth Pony said.
“Are you sure that you are alright? It seems you don’t even recognize your princess.” Emadia was the one she ran into.
“W-What a-a-are you s-saying?” At that very moment Diamond realized she had no clue how the Princess of the Changelings would look like.
“Hi, I’m Emadia, the Princess you were looking for.” The Changeling smiled.
“Uhm, uhm. I’m sorry Princess.” Good thing the earth Pony was incognito so nobody could see her blush.
“Why don’t we go to my chambers? There you can tell me everything you wanted to tell me.” Princess Emadia knew something wasn’t right and she wanted to avoid the curious Changelings around her.
The Changeling Princess was known to be kind. But what may seem kind to some, to the supporters of the Queen, it looked like weakness. Chrysalis reigned with an iron fist, there was no room for kindness. The Queen was feared among the Changelings and even her own daughter was afraid of her. After a short walk, Emadia and Diamond Tiara reached the Princess's chambers.
“Now child, who are you and why are you here?” Finally Emadia could ask the question without eavesdroppers.
“I’m sorry to have deceived you Princess. I’m not actually a Changeling.” Diamond said.
“I’m aware of that, but what or who are you and why are you here?” The Changeling Princess had questions.
“My name is Diamond Tiara and I'm a pony. I’m here on a mission to specifically talk to you, your Highness.” The incognito Pony bowed before the Changeling.
“Please, don’t bow. Given your size, is it right to assume you are still a child?” For a second, Emadia grew excited and even a little anxious. Those feelings vanished when Diamond introduced herself.
“Why do Princesses never want to acknowledge their title?” Diamond Tiara actually spoke that out loud.
“What?” Emadia wondered.
“Nevermind. Listen Princess, we know about the Queen. She wants to attack Equestria. If she does, it will be an all-out war between Ponies and Changelings. There will be lots of loss and suffering on both sides... We also know that you are against it.” The earth Pony stared at the ground, the thought that this could happen frightened her.
“You do know a lot, don’t you? Unfortunately it’s true. I don’t think there is anything I can do to prevent my mother from going to war. While there is a great number of Changelings who don’t want to go war, they are simply too afraid to oppose my mother.” Emadia surprised the little pony with her openness.
“That is why I’m here your Highness. Princess Sunset Shimmer wants to meet with you to discuss how to prevent a war and help the Changelings. Princess Luna is waiting outside for you right now, to escort you to the Castle of Friendship. She knows you would be followed if you tried to leave here, so she prepared for that.” Diamond Tiara explained.
“Why me? Why does she want to meet with me? I don’t understand. One of the two sisters is here?” The Changeling Princess had mixed feelings.
“Princess Sunset told me you were to be trusted. You don’t want a war with the Ponies and you actually want diplomatic relations with Equestria… Yes, your Highness. Princess Luna is here and prepared to do everything in her power to protect you and get you out of here safely.” The earth Pony kept explaining.
“But we captured her sister. Maybe if she captures me, she will want to trade me for her sister.” Emadia made her point.
“We are aware that you have Princess Celestia and Princess Twilight, the dragon Spike, and I assume four royal guard ponies. We want them back unharmed, but in order to do so we need to prevent the war first.” Diamond understood the worries of the Princess.
“I guess you are right little one. My mother wouldn’t exchange anybody for me anyway. I’m not worthy in her eyes. I will consider it, if you tell me more about Princess Sunset Shimmer. I have never heard of her.” The Changeling Princess was curious.
“Hmm, how to explain… She is amazing, fearless, powerful, kind, and compassionate. And foremost, she is my friend. I don’t have many friends… She just recently became an Alicorn. Honestly, I can’t tell you much about her. I have only known her for a short time, but she has left a big impression. Enough to risk my own life, just to help her get in touch with you.” The earth Pony admired the yellow Alicorn.
“You know, I have dreamed about the day when Changelings and Ponies could be friends again. This feud has been going on for far too long. I assume you have a plan?” Princess Emadia overcame her anxieties and was eager to help.
“Yes your Highness. It’s not much of a plan. Once you are past the guards, you should take off and fly north. We assume that you will be pursued, so Princess Luna will ensure that you are the only one with her to leave the badlands. I will stay behind.” Diamond explained.
“Child, are you sure? If they catch you, your life would be in great danger. I don’t like it.” The Princess felt for the pony.
“I know, but without you there will be far more lives in danger. I’ve never done anything to really help others and being able to finally do that makes me feel really good. So please, don’t worry about me. I made my decision before I came here.” The earth Pony had a faint smile on her Changeling face.
“I guess if a Pony is willing to lay down her life to protect Changelings, a Changeling Princess can do whatever she can do to help prevent a war… I don’t know who you are Diamond Tiara or what you really look like, but I admire how brave and committed you are. It would be my honor to call you a friend in the future.” Emadia was impressed.
“Thank you, your Highness. You should go.” Diamond was blushing again, but her heart was filled with happiness.
“I look forward to meeting you again.” The Princess bowed in front of the earth Pony and left.
“Ugh… My head hurts. Why is everything spinning?” Starlight’s eyes were racing in circles.
“It will be over soon. Welcome to the human world Starlight Glimmer.” The equestrian Princess said.
“Ouch, what kind of a creature did you turn into? And where is your muzzle?” The purple girl’s eyes grew large as she saw the yellow Alicorn in human form.
“Thank you for that. But you don’t look much different. Hehe, I guess it is somewhat weird to see a human for the first time.” Sunset shimmer smirked.
“I’m sorry Princess. I didn’t mean to insult you.” Starlight said rather hastily.
“Please, don’t call me Princess in this world. Just call me Sunset… Oh and yeah, you didn’t insult me so don’t worry about it.” The equestrian Princess remembered how strange everything seemed back when she came through the portal the very first time.
It took Starlight Glimmer a full ten minutes, with Sunset's help, to be able to walk on two legs. It was a strange feeling and while she practiced walking she didn’t really take a look around. Since it was winter break and evening, the area around Canterlot High was deserted. It was even stranger that two figures in the dark seemed to get closer to the two Equestrians.
“Sunset Shimmer!!!” A shrill loud voice sounded through the air.
“Pinkie Pie?” Sunset recognized the voice immediately.
“What? Pinkie Pie came through the Portal too?” Starlight was so busy learning to walk on two legs, she didn’t realize they were approaching from a different direction than the Portal.
“Heya Sunset, watcha doin here by the Portal. I thought you went to the movies?” Apple Jack asked as they arrived.
“That’s pony Sunset, silly.” Pinkie gave the orange girl a crazy look.
“I’m not even going to ask how you know that, Pinkie.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Who is ya friend?” A.J. wanted to know.
“Starlight Glimmer… This is Apple Jack and Pinkie Pie. The human versions of them, that is.” The equestrian Princess said with a smile.
“Wow. You talk exactly like Apple Jack. Nice to meet you ponies.” Starlight Glimmer was amused.
“What about me, what about me?” The pink girl felt left out.
“Uhm… ah… ehh.” The purple girl didn’t know what to say.
“Ooh okay.” Pinkie Pie had a sad expression on her face.
“Uhm.. Your hair is as crazy as your pony counterparts.” Starlight rushed out.
“Sunset, we heard that Twilight went through the Portal to Equestria. Is she alright?” Apple Jack asked with concern.
“Yeah, no worries. Twi is alright. There was a bit of a magic issue when she first came through the Portal but she got a grip on it.” Pictures of defeated ponies ran through Sunsets head.
“So, with you being here, does that mean you found Princess Twilight?” A.J. kept popping questions while Pinkie Pie investigated the new equestrian girl in her own pinkie way.
“We know where she is being held captive. We have not gotten her back yet. It’s a little more complicated. That's why I’m here, actually. I need help… from the Dazzlings.” As soon as the equestrian Princess spoke out the name both girls' mouth opened and their eyes grew larger.
“Not the Dazzlings!” Pinkie Pie shouted.
“Don’t ya think that is a bad idea? It’s like pickin bad apples. Nothing good will come of it.” Apple Jack was concerned.
“I understand your feelings girls. But the threat Equestria is facing right now, is far greater than three former sirens.” Sunset said.
“Former?” The pink girl was curious.
“Yes, former. Do you remember how their pendants were destroyed at the Battle of the Bands? Those pendants were the reason they turned into sirens to begin with. As it turns out, they used to be ponies just like Starlight and me.” The equestrian Princess explained.
“Not quite like you, your Highness.” Starlight teased.
“Your Highness?” Apple Jack wondered.
“It’s a long story and right now, time is of the essence. We need to find Adagio. If we can find her, we will find the other two as well.” Sunset said with urgency in her voice.
“Well whatcha waitin for? My truck is parked around the corner. Let’s go.” A.J took the lead walked through the snow to her pick-up truck.
“Last I remember, she worked at the Theatre. I saw her a few times when I went.” The equestrian Princess noted.
Pinkie Pie didn’t take her eyes of Starlight Glimmer. There was no telling if she was just plain curious, or if something bothered her about the equestrian girl. Apple Jack had a large pick-up truck with enough room for all four of them. It was an all-wheel drive vehicle with winter tires. It was easy to drive, even through this thick layer of snow.
The snow on the ground reflected the street lights. Starlight couldn’t help but stare at everything. It was a strange new world for her, yet there was a faint hint of familiarity. The iron carriage, the strange houses, the lights, and not to mention the two counter parts of Apple Jack and Pinkie Pie. Starlight Glimmer felt nostalgic as if she was dreaming.
“Great, you made it in time.” Human Sunset Shimmer said.
“Hehe, I’m always up for a good flick.” Flash replied.
“I still can’t believe none of the girls wanted to come along.” She said, but she was really glad that it was Flash Sentry whom she wound up with at the movies.
“Yeah, at least, I thought Twilight would have wanted to watch this movie.” The blue haired boy wondered.
“Well, what do you know? She is a nerd after all. She loves to get lost in her science experiments.” Human Sunset smirked.
Since Sunset Shimmer already had the tickets, they didn't have to wait in line. Surprisingly, she took Flash by the hand and started running to the Showroom. He blushed but didn’t seem to mind. There was barely anybody in there yet, so they were able to claim the seats they were looking for.
“Sweet, we got us some good seats.” Sunset said.
“Yes, you made sure of that.” Flash didn’t sit down.
“Is something wrong Flash?” The girl asked.
“Just keep my seat reserved for me would you?” Then the blue haired boy left the showroom.
Flash Sentry made his way through the mass of people to get to the concession stand. A few minutes passed before he could order. Two drinks and a large popcorn is what he got, not realizing the girl who was serving him was Adagio Dazzle. He was thinking about Sunset Shimmer waiting for him. A weird feeling overcame the blue haired boy. Why was he suddenly thinking about Sunset Shimmer? Until recently, the only girl on his mind was Twilight Sparkle. He hurried back to the showroom.
“Took you long enough.” Human Sunset grinned when she saw what goodies he brought.
“I had to fight my way through a Legion of Soldiers, three children, and a grandma.” Both of them laughed.
Shortly after Flash Sentry took his seat, the movie started. The showroom was dark and only the projection on the screen shed some light into the darkness. The audience enjoyed the movie, and Sunset Shimmer might have enjoyed the movie a little too much. She let hear guard down and grabbed Flash Sentry’s hand. Toward the end of the movie, Sunset went all in. She snuggled into the boy's left side, and leaned her head on his shoulder without letting go of his hand.
“Flash?” Sunset whispered.
“Yes Sunset?” The blue haired boy's voice was quiet and soft.
“I’m not the Sunset from back then.” The girl said with remorse in her voice.
“I know you've changed. It’s ok, I’ve forgiven you.” Flash used his right hand and stroked lightly through Sunset's hair.
“That’s not what I meant. But I guess that’s good enough for me.” Sunset whispered so quietly that the boy did not hear the first part of it.
After the movie ended, Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry were the last people in the showroom. The girl still clung to the blue haired boy. It was the feeling of warmth and security which made her not want to leave. She clearly was in love with him. If it was up to Sunset Shimmer, this moment would last an eternity.
“You have got to be kidding me.” One of the theatre workers shouted when she saw the two still left.
“I’m sorry, we were just about to leave.” Flash acted fast.
“If it isn’t Canterlot’s High famous Sunset Shimmer and her not-so-boyfriend Flash Sentry.” The theater worker turned out to be Adagio Dazzle.
“Oh, hey Adagio.” The blue haired boy responded while Sunset Shimmer had no idea who this person was.
“I guess you are too good to talk to me Sunset Shimmer huh?” Adagio gave her the evil eye.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know you.” Sunset’s reply was made on reflex, not even considering that the girl might have been an acquaintance of pony Sunset Shimmer.
“Wow. Get out, both of you. I need to get this room clean before the next show starts. I mean, I know we did wrong in the past but pretending you don’t know me?! That’s just, wow. Please get out.” The theatre worker was shaking her head and obviously upset.
“Flash, I had a great time tonight. Thank You.” Human Sunset looked the boy in the eyes and smiled.
“Yeah, I had a great time too, Sunset. Thank you for inviting me.” Flash was surprised how good of a time he actually had.
“Well, I’m going home now. Good night.” Sunset surprised the boy by kissing him on the cheek.
“Uhm… Eh… Good Night. I'll call you.” Flash was blushing.
Sunset Shimmer and Flash Sentry parted ways. The girl went to her motorcycle and the boy to his car, then they took off .
“Thanks for driving us A.J.” The equestrian Princess said with gratitude.
“Yes thank you for the trip in the iron carriage.” Starlight Glimmer added.
“This iron carriage is called a car.” Pinkie Pie’s eyes came within an inch of Starlight’s.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know.” the purple girl replied.
“Naaaaah, I’m just messing with you. However, I expect you to come again. I can’t have you over here from Equestria, and not throw a party for you. Do I make myself clear?!!! Pinkie Pie turned super serious.
“I will vouch for her.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Ya’ll take care. Call me if ya need anything.” Apple Jack shouted after the two equestrians exited the car.
Apple Jack and Pinkie Pie left. Starlight Glimmer and Sunset Shimmer were standing right in front of the theatre. When they went inside they were stopped by a worker.
“Sorry, we are closing in a few minutes.” A young man working for the theatre said.
“We are not here to watch a movie. We are here for Adagio Dazzle.” Sunset Shimmer replied.
“Oh, I’m sorry. She is cleaning the showroom. If you go back there and stay to the left, you should find her.” The theatre worker was nice enough to give them directions.
“Thank you.” Both equestrians made their way to the showroom.
“You've got to be kidding. Let me guess, you forgot something.” Adagio saw the two equestrian girls enter the showroom.
“We have come to talk to you Adagio Dazzle.” Sunset said.
“Oh, you remember me now? What is this? A case of switch your clothes, switch your personality?” The theatre worker noticed Sunset Shimmer was wearing a completely different set of clothes than before.
“I’m not sure what you are talking about.” The equestrian Princess replied.
“What happened to Flash? Did you kiss him and he turned into a purple girl?” Adagio smirked.
“We need to talk to you, in private.” Sunset said again.
“What do we have to talk about? I haven’t even seen you since almost a year, and now twice in a single day.” The theatre worker replied.
“You have my attention.” Adagio was stunned when the purple girl called out her home world.
“Not here, is there anywhere private we can go?” The equestrian Princess asked.
“We can go to my house. Aria and Sonata should be home too. Give me five more minutes to finish up here, and then we can go.” The theatre worker said.
“We will wait outside for you.” Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer left the theatre and waited out front.
It took a little over seven minutes for Adagio Dazzle to come out of her workplace. Her home was only about a ten minute walk from the movie theatre. All three girls walked together, not saying a single word. Nobody wanted to spill the beans to the humans that there was another world, for more than one reason. It was late when they arrived at the Dazzlings' house.
“Aria, Sonata. I’m home. Oh and I brought some… visitors.” Adagio wouldn’t dare call them friends.
“Welcome home Adagio. Dumb beetle here and I just finished recording your show. What the…” Aria’s eyes grew wide when she spotted Sunset Shimmer.
“Uh Uh, you brought some friends over?” Sonata was excited.
“Puh, more like the enemy.” Aria Blaze stared at Sunset Shimmer.
“Aria, cut it out. And Sonata, you idiot, when did I ever make friends here?" Adagio scolded the other two girls. "You guys make yourselves at home on the couch. I need some coffee before I hear you out.”
Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer walked into the living room. They sat down on the loveseat while Aria and Sonata shared the couch. It took a few awkward minutes before Adagio Dazzle returned with coffee. She'd made enough for all of them.
“Thank you, about earlier. You said I wouldn’t even remember you?” Sunset Shimmer started the conversation.
“You are pulling my leg right? You don’t remember being in the theatre with Flash, wearing different clothes?” Adagio's tone was a bit more aggressive.
“What do you mean, it wasn’t her? Do you think I was hallucinating?” The theatre worker replied angry.
“Yeah, she only does that in her sleep.” A most unnecessary comment from Sonata.
“Oh please Sonata, shut up.” Aria gave Sonata the evil eye.
“No, you shut up.” Sonata gave the evil eye right back to Aria.
“Hey, you two idiots. Both of you shut it and let the adults talk.” Adagio scolded them again.
“Sorry about the confusion. We just arrived from Equestria a little earlier today. So yeah, the one you saw in the theatre was my human counterpart.” The equestrian Princess said.
“You just got here from Equestria?” Aria looked suspiciously at her.
“No way!!!” Sonata’s eyes grew larger.
“So it was equestrian magic after all.” Adagio wondered.
“The battle of the bands, when we destroyed your pendants, yes it was equestrian magic.” Sunset Shimmer assured her.
“So, you were banned from Equestria? But how did you just now get here, when you took part at the battle of the bands almost a year ago?” Adagio Dazzle was confused.
“Simple. She wasn’t banned. The Princess and I traveled to this world through a Portal.” Starlight Glimmer pointed out.
“A Portal?” Was Aria’s reaction.
“A Princess?” Was Sonata’s reaction.
“You are kidding, right?” Was Adagio’s reaction.
“No, she isn’t. It wasn’t exactly the right timing to bring it up, but since it's out, let me explain why we are here.” Sunset Shimmer looked at a blushing Starlight.
“Uhm… My name is Starlight Glimmer and I’m from Equestria. This is actually my first visit to the human world. Oh yeah, and I’m a Unicorn.” The equestrian Girl said.
“So you are a pony. Like we used to be.” Adagio said.
“Princess Luna told me all about the pendants, how they turned you into Sirens. You guys fed off the negative energy ponies produced when you were singing. Same worked for you in this world, until we destroyed the pendants with equestrian magic.” The equestrian Princess explained.
“We didn’t remember our ponyhood until after the pendants were destroyed.” Sonata brought up. “The reason we are here is, we need your help.” Starlight Glimmer said.
“You want our help? You have GOT to be kidding me. After you destroyed everything we had?” Aria wasn’t very happy.
“Let’s hear them out Aria. Did you say Luna? The two sisters are still ruling over Equestria?” Adagio seemed rather relaxed.
“Yes. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia still rule over Equestria, but not alone anymore. You met Princess Twilight at the battle of the bands, she was the lead singer. Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor have been ruling the Crystal Empire since its return.” Sunset Shimmer said.
“It seems that Alicorns do have a long lifespan. So, and what about you Sunset Shimmer? Starlight here called you Princess.” Adagio Dazzle was curious.
“Well, I just recently became a Princess and it’s not official yet. Princess Twilight and Celestia are being held captive by the Changelings, which brings us to the reason why we are here. The Queen of the Changelings is a formidable foe, she is very powerful and has a huge army backing her up.” The equestrian Princess had a worrisome look on her face.
“So why come to us? Are you recruiting to fight the Changelings?” Aria was faster than Adagio.
“No, I will not let it come to war. But if necessary, I was going to ban Chrysalis the Queen of the Changelings from Equestria. You guys are the only ones I know of who were banned, so I assume you know the spell that was used on you.” Sunset said.
“So this is what it is all about. What is in it for us?” Adagio had no issues asking what there was to gain for the Dazzlings.
“We are prepared to return you to Equestria, your home. Of course, we would help you get settled.” Starlight answered.
“I don’t know. We have been in this world for so long. I don’t know where our home is anymore.” Adagio looked troubled.
“Girls, I leave it up to you. I will not force anybody to return to Equestria. I had my own doubts about returning, and who knows, if my friend wasn’t in trouble I might not have returned. But I’m glad I did, there are no regrets. If you do decide to return, I promise I will do everything in my power to help you guys.” The equestrian Princess couldn’t have been more serious.
“Uhm… I-I w-want t-t-to go home.” Sonata had tears in her eyes.
“Eh…? I had no idea you felt that way.” Adagio was troubled that she didn’t know.
The girls talked for a while longer before Sunset Shimmer called Apple Jack to come pick them up. She knew she had to return to Equestria quickly before things got out of hand. To prevent a war with the Changelings, the Guardian of Harmony had received her most powerful weapon yet. The spell to ban Queen Chrysalis to the human world.
