> Ponies Go To Heaven
>  by Gpizano
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> I'm Not Feeling That Great
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was four days after Christmas had come and gone, the day passed with Sunset Shimmer and Jackie Vibrato had spent the time alone in the apartment watching television and enjoying the finest of cheap TV dinners. Luca Bookkeeper, or Bobby as he was commonly called, had left to go spend the holidays with his family, as had the rest of Jackie's friends. While the holiday did remind her of the promises broken and friends lost thanks to the whole Anon-A-Miss incident back in Canterlot, Sunset wasn't too bothered by it. She'd never really celebrated this world's holiday before so she really didn't feel she was missing much. Although she did notice that her roommate seemed rather morose as the day went on, checking her phone every now and then before going back to what she was doing.

Jackie only cheered up some when she informed Sunset Shimmer that her friends had finally set a date to celebrate a second Christmas that was just for friends. Of course it reminded Sunset of how her friends had promised to celebrate the holiday with her but despite the dour feelings that stirred up, the red head had agreed to come with. It had been decided that it would be held at Sandra Lupine's apartment, which was in a slightly better and more oriental neighborhood. Jackie had commented that besides the low rent, Sandy had only bought the apartment because it was a quick hop, skip and a jump away from the famous Los Pegasus Theater. It would be a bit farther away then the health food store that Sandy worked and the traffic wouldn't help matters but Jackie had managed to make good time.

When they had finally found a parking spot not too far from the apartment, Sunset Shimmer took in her surroundings with interest. Little Neighpon was a fairly nice district of the city, with a blend of oriental and western design, there were even some old brick buildings that looked to still have the original fire escapes. She had some time to take in the sights as Jackie got her guitar case and amp out of the trunk, passing the amp off to Bobby when he offered to help, before all three strolled down the street to one of the old apartment buildings. Sandy lived on the second floor and happily welcomed them in. 

"I'm glad you all could make it! I found plenty of bargains at the convenience store down the way, Tino and Poppy have also brought food for us to enjoy."

"Well sorry to say we came empty handed Sandy. But I brought my guitar and amp so we can have a real party!"

"Really, please don't be as loud as the last time you were here Jackie! I do not need my neighbors angry with me again."

As Jackie and Sandy continued to converse, Sunset Shimmer began to shrug off her hoodie but smiled and let Bobby take it off for her when he offered. While the guy was a little strange, he was polite and sweet, making it easy enough for Sunset Shimmer to warm up to him. 

Sandy's apartment looked to be one bedroom and one bathroom, decorated more in a modern style but with hints of gothic decor here and there. What was really the stand out feature were some of the classic posters of famous plays, Twelfth Night, Into The Woods, A Streetcar Named Desire... no doubt Sandy desired to have her own face on a poster one day, remembered as a great actress of her time. 

The living room had a couch and a couple of chairs, with a coffee table and TV, with a rug covering part of the wood floor. Tino was on one side of the couch and Poppy had taken a chair to the right of the couch. 

"Heyyyy, Sunset! 'Bout time! I was beginning to think Jackie got you lost!"

"Psssh, my driving and sense of direction is flawless! Especially compared to yours!"

"You wish scrub! I could recount plenty of times you got us lost!"

The banter between the blonde bassist and the blue haired guitarist would continue, the rest and Sunset Shimmer finding them easy to ignore as they partook in their own conversations. Mostly though, Sunset Shimmer talked more to Bobby. Sandy was a bit easier to talk to than Poppy but she still felt a bit nervous talking to either of the women. It was hard to know what to talk about when she hadn't spoken to either of them much after having first met them over a week ago. But soon the conversations would come to an end as stomachs began to growl for food and they all began to load up their plates with an interesting combination of foods. 

Rice balls with various fillings from the convenience store, flautas from Papa Chayote's with guacamole and beans, and what looked to be a homemade salad filled with veggies that Poppy had brought. Dessert would consist of a stale, discount cake they had been ready to toss out at the health food store Sandy worked at and a half gallon of ice cream to share. By the end of it everyone was full and satisfied, happily lounging about wherever there was room, with Bobby and Tino sitting on the floor to give the ladies some room.

"Man that was good. Whose ready for music?"

Lazy groans were given in answer as Jackie moved over to the closet where she had stashed her guitar case and amp, moving to the open area in the living room behind the couch. Her electric guitar was quite a beauty... once. Like most things Jackie had it was old, beat up and second hand used. The silver and black paint had chips and was fading in areas while there were some noticeable dents and scratches on the rest of the body. Yet as Jackie warmed up the strings, the sound that came out of it seemed to be just as good as any brand new electric guitar.

"Ugh, always music with you Jackie. You can't wait until we break out the presents?"

"What? I can play some "present opening music". Besides, you guys have to hear Sunshine! Her voice is awesome!"

That caused Sunset Shimmer to sit up, looking nervous as she glanced over the back of the couch and towards Jackie.

"Uh... I dunno about that Jackie..."

"Oh come on, I've heard you and you sound great! Everyone would really dig it, right guys?"

"Do we have to sit up and watch you guys?"

"Ugh, no Tino, you lazy bastards don't have to sit up and watch."

"Then I say go for it!"

Before Sunset Shimmer could protest any more, Jackie already had her guitar warmed up and was already strumming a few notes to a song that Sunset was familiar with. It was hard to believe that Jackie liked some pop songs while she came off as so hard into alternative, rock and punk, but after having snooped through the blue haired woman's CD collection, Jackie had come clean. And while Sunset had teased her a little bit, she liked to see that the others tastes weren't so narrow.

As the first few chords played and lead her into it, Sunset Shimmer began singing "Four, Five Seconds". While the piece was played with an acoustic guitar, the way Jackie played it had a little rock to it but she managed to elicit such soft and smooth sounds out of that old guitar that Sunset Shimmer was amazed. While Sunset Shimmer took the Rihaynna parts, Jackie sang the Kaneigh West, and while Jackie shined on the electric guitar, Sunset really took it away as she got into the song (but pulled it back when she felt a twinge of magical energy start to well up inside of her). When she glanced to the others, all had their eyes closed and smiles on their faces as they enjoyed the smooth, mellow, and sometimes energetic version of the song.

However, when Sunset Shimmer looked back to Jackie, she saw something she hadn't expected.

A silver glow seemed to surround Jackie, unnoticed by the guitarist as she had her eyes closed, lost in the music. Sunset Shimmer's eyes widened to the point someone would fear they would pop out of their skull if they saw her. Jade green pony ears appeared on top of Jackie's head, wings of the same color appeared on her back and her shaggy, cobalt blue hair extended into a short, messy ponytail. 

When Jackie opened her eyes, the grin on her face slipped some as she noticed the look Sunset Shimmer was giving her.

"... what?"

While the other four in the room clapped appreciatively, Sunset Shimmer scrambled off the couch and grabbed Jackie, dragging the confused and protesting woman to the nearest door. Once it was shut and locked, Sunset Shimmer cursed softly as she realized they were in the bathroom. It wouldn't be her first choice since there wasn't a lot of room but it would do for now. 

Slowly she turned around to face Jackie, seeing the pony ears and pony tail were still in place. By now the other woman had her arms crossed, looking agitated and waiting for the other to explain her behavior.

"Seriously, Sunshine. What's up with you?"

After a moment of opening and closing her mouth, unsuccessfully trying to form words, Sunset ended up simply pointing to the bathroom mirror. When Jackie looked to where the red head was pointing, her body was rocked with shock as she took a step back, staring into the mirror and specifically at the wings sticking out of her back and twitching pony ears on top of her head. Slowly she reached to where her normal human ears had once been and upon finding nothing there, moved them up to the top of her head... and felt her hands touch the edges of her pony ears.

And naturally Jackie did something that many people would do in this situation.

"..... AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"


> I'm Not Catching on Fire Today
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


When Sunset Shimmer thought about starting a new life in a new city, she felt she had reasonable expectations. Find a new place to live, get a crappy job at first before finding a better job, probably would have to eat cups of noodles for awhile before she could afford good food. What she did not picture was locking herself in a small bathroom with a roommate freaking out over having magically gained pony ears and wings while trying not to let on to the people outside what was really going on. That didn't even make her top twenty list! Maybe top thirty if she were being honest...

But really who could make a proper list when Jackie was freaking out and knocking shit over with her wings!?

"Oh god! Oh god! Oh god! What is this?! How!? I swear to god if someone slipped me something- me, Poppy and Tino swore off stuff that made us hallucinate! Oh-!"

Finally managing to get past flailing limbs and wings, Sunset Shimmer clasped a hand over Jackie's mouth and pushed her up against the wall of the bathroom. 

"Jackie!? Jackie what the hell is going on?!"

Grimacing as she heard Sandy keep calling to them and try to open the door, Sunset Shimmer turned her attention back to Jackie and looked her right in those panicking silver eyes as she kept her voice barely above a whisper.

"Jackie... I am only going to remove my hand if you promise me that you will be quiet. Can you promise me that you will be quiet?"

After the guitarist gave her a slow nod, Sunset removed her hand just as slowly, being cautious just in case the other decided to freak out again.

"Sunshine... first, please back up... you're so close my guitar is pressing into my stomach and it hurts. And second... what the hell happened to me?!"

Glad that the other could keep her voice down despite the strange situation, Sunset Shimmer took a step back, ignoring the pounding and worried voices of the other people outside.

"Look... it's a little weird."

"Uh, you think?! What am I gonna tell the guys?!"

"You're not telling them anything! You haven't told them about my past and you're not telling them about this!"

"Oh, great, I'll just walk out here with fucking pony ears on my head and wings on my back and say everything is freaking normal then!"

"Please, keep being sarcastic, it's making the situation so much better!"

At this point Sandy was sounding frantic on the other side of the door and Poppy was saying something about fetching a screwdriver to take the door out of the frame. There wouldn't be much time left before the door was forced open in one way or another and she had to act fast!

"Look, Jackie... please, they can't see this! It's just going to raise too many questions that I don't want to answer. Please."

As much as the guitarist wanted to protest, she found herself strangely powerless against those pleading, teal eyes. So she tilted her head back and let out a soft, frustrated groan.

"Fine! Fine! I'll try and help to get us out of here. But you are going to have to answer so many damn questions for me after this!"

Clearing her throat, Jackie raised her voice and made it sound so weak and scared that if she wasn't in the room, Sunset Shimmer would have bought that Jackie was in serious trouble.

"G-Guys... I... I found some stuff in my closet the other day. You know, from the party days? I dunno why I tried it and now I'm really freaking out here!"

"Jesus Christ Jackie! You promised me you had stopped with all of that!"

Grimacing as she heard the worried and disappointed tone in Sandy's voice, Jackie shot Sunset Shimmer a glare and the red head tried to look as guilty as possible.

"Urgh... I don't... I don't feel so good... Oh god I can't stand the light! S-Sunset! Go get the hoodies! I gotta' get out of here!"

Moving to hide behind the door as it opened, Jackie immediately locked it after she was out so that none of the others could get in. The red head moved as fast as she could to get their hoodies and return to the bathroom, slipping in and managing to muscle the others back so that she could cover Jackie's head and wings. Only once she was sure that a wing wouldn't pop out or the hoodie would slip off of her head, Sunset carefully guided Jackie out, the latter hunched over and pretending to dry heave.

"Damn Jackie, how could you be so stupid?"

It killed her to hear Poppy say that, knowing that they and Tino had made a pact to leave behind such destructive recreational activities. They probably thought the worst of her but it was the only excuse she could think of at the moment.

"Want me to drive you guys home?"

"Bobby... just stay here... have someone else drive you home."

And leaving Bobby behind when the poor guy was clearly worried. Great.

Once they were out of the apartment and down the stairs, they made a rush for the car and got in, Jackie having a fair amount of trouble since she now had a new pair of appendages on her back. Especially when she had to just shove her electric guitar in the back and had to navigate around the seats without her wings going everywhere.

"Okay, Sunset... WHAT. THE ACTUAL. FUCK?!"

Leaning back in her seat, Sunset Shimmer took a deep breath before going into the details of the Battle of the Bands. Yes she had said she and her ex friends had used magic to defeat the Sirens, but she had left out what exactly that entailed when they had used their magic.

"Oh seriously? So you're telling me that some how, some way, some magic shit happened and now I've-I've-"

"Ponied up."

"... Seriously? That's what you call this? I mean... geez, get back to me, I know I can think of a better word for this."

"Look, don't worry, it'll go away soon enough. Then we can just drive home and forget about it."

"Uh, excusa? What if this happens again!?"

"I don't even know if it will happen again! I mean, it always happened to my f-, ex-friends when they played music but that was because they were-"

But she cut herself off, knowing she would have to open up a whole can of worms to have to explain things now. A glance over at Jackie proved that the woman was waiting patiently, knowing that Sunset Shimmer was holding back.

"... were what? Come on Sunset! You're sketchy about explaining this magic business, you say magic comes from your hometown wherever the hell that is but you won't talk about it...  I mean, what, do I have to turn into a full on horse before you finally explain why the hell this is happening?"

"I'm sorry..."

A wall of silence rose between them, Jackie staring at Sunset Shimmer and Sunset Shimmer staring at the dash board, determined not to look at the other. Yet her will was not strong enough and as she glanced over, she saw that the woman had a stony expression on her face but her pony ears had started to droop. Seeing the classic pony sign of sadness sent a pang of pain through Sunset Shimmer and she watched as the wings and ears faded away in a soft, silvery glow of light. Jackie faced the front, buckling up before starting up the car and mumbling.

"Guess I gotta' keep jumping through hoops..."

"Jackie..."

"It's fine...  let's go home."

The entire ride back to the apartment was uncomfortably quiet, Jackie not saying anything and Sunset Shimmer not knowing what to say. When they arrived back, Jackie went straight to their room and close the door. Sunset Shimmer didn't know if it was locked, probably not, but she didn't want to try it. Instead she moved to the couch in the living room and slowly sank down onto it. The more she thought about tonight, the worse she felt. Jackie had been keeping her secrets, to the point of having to lie about having taken drugs to throw off suspicion. If this wasn't a one time thing, would Jackie have to stop playing music to keep it a secret?

.... no. That was totally unfair to Jackie. Music was her life!

There seemed to only be two options for Sunset Shimmer. One meant running away, and the other option scared the shit out of her...

It was obvious what she had to do.


> I'm Not Gonna Smile Today
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The next morning when Sunset Shimmer woke up, she found that she had, in fact, fell asleep on the couch. At least now she knew why Bobby didn't fold it out at times, it was actually fairly comfortable as it was. Although she hadn't remembered getting a blanket to cover herself...

"Morning Sunset."

Hearing the familiar voice of her male roommate, Sunset sat up and looked over to the kitchen, easily spotting the man as he went about fixing something on the stove. The smell of coffee soon hit her and she rose up to get herself a cup, not minding that Bobby had his shirt off but thankful he kept his pants on.

"Morning Bobby. When did you get in?"

"Mm, not long ago. Sandy managed to give me a ride this morning, she even let me have some eggs! You want some?"

"I'm fine, Bobby, thank you."

Instead she added cream cream to her coffee and contentedly sipped at it while Bobby finished cooking up some scrambled eggs. There was a small sound on the counter, signaling the toast had popped up from the beat up old toaster they used and Bobby was quick to butter the two slices. When he offered one to her, Sunset Shimmer was tempted to refuse but she could feel hunger start to creep up on her and instead took the offered slice.

"So you slept outside the room... is Jackie okay?"

Why hadn't she seen that coming? At least she could delay some by taking a big bite of toast and chewing. What could she really say? Although if she were to talk to anyone other than Jackie, the college student seemed like the best choice. She glanced back just in time to see Bobby squint his eyes slightly, having just taken a bite of the scrambled eggs he made.

"Man, I thought I got all the egg shells this time..."

Well, maybe the most harmless at the very least. And the only one in the apartment that she could talk to. After washing down her bite of toast with more coffee, Sunset Shimmer quickly went over what she would say in her head before speaking.

"Hey Bobby... is it okay if I talk to you about something?"

"Uh, really?"

"Yeah?"

"Wait, really? Usually you just talk to Jackie like... ninety percent of the time. I kinda thought it was just a girl thing even though Jackie isn't into girl stuff for the most part... wait, do I need to have any like, any specific knowledge for what we're about to talk about?"

"Uh, no, it's fine... so Bobby, can we please focus?"

"Huh? Oh right! Well, is it okay if we sit on the couch then? It'd be more comfortable."

As they moved the conversation from the kitchen and to the living room, Bobby placed his food and coffee on the table before flopping down on the couch, Sunset Shimmer opting to sit down normally.

"So... has Jackie... told you anything about me?"

"Not really. She just said you wanted to come to Los Pegasus and needed a place to say. I kinda assumed you were a runaway or something at first, but you'd think there would be like, a news bulletin out by now, especially since it's around the holidays and that seems like the time when thee sort of stories happen. Unless you're on the run from the law, like a serial killer or something. In which case I appreciate you not killing either me or Jackie yet."

At the last part Sunset Shimmer had to stare at Bobby to make sure the guy was actually being serious. But no smile or laugh left the man to show he was joking, the red head slowly shook her head.

"Uh, no."

"To the runaway thing or the serial killer thing?"

"Uh, both. Look, I haven't done anything bad and I'm not a runaway, I'm here because I want to be here. Legally. It's just... after last night I feel like I have some explaining to do but I'm worried that if I tell then something bad might happen. I'm trying to trust people again but I'm still worried because what I have to say is pretty major and hard to believe, but if I don't then it's just going to hurt a friend and I don't want that. Argh, I feel like such a chicken!"

"Nothing wrong with that, chickens make delicious."

That caused her to groan softly and hide her face in her hands. Although just as she was starting to think that it was a bad idea to talk to him, Bobby reached out and patted her shoulder. She looked up to see he was facing her now, sitting cross legged and with a kind smile on his face.

"Hey, it's gonna be okay you know? I mean, whatever you have to explain can't be that bad, right? I mean, I don't know you that well but I bet you don't have anything major to hide."

"Bobby, I had to leave Canterlot City because I was being bullied and harassed, abandoned by all of my friends for something I didn't do because I used to be a very bad person that bullied and hurt other people."

"... huh. Okay, that's kind of major."

"And that's not even the major thing I have to explain."

"Really? I'm still trying to get it into my mind that you used to be a bully. I mean, maybe if you had a face or neck tattoo or wore a leather jacket I could see it..."

"Bobby..."

"Hm? Oh right! Anyways. Look, Sunset, we all have major baggage. Jackie, Tino, Poppy, Sandy, even me! I mean, there was this chick back in high school that used to pick on me all the time. Passing me notes, hitting me with spit balls, she really liked to focus a lot of energy on me. So I got her back by taping flowers to her locker."

"... your way of getting back a girl who was picking on you, was to give her flowers?"

"Well yeah, she had allergies! And she'd have to get close to them to get to her locker!"

Having no way to follow Bobby's logic or understand how he might possibly have missed the clues, Sunset Shimmer shut her eyes tight and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Oh Bobby... I'm worried knowing one day you'll be handling other people's money."

"Pfft, Jackie says the same thing. But anyways, I guess it's up to you if you feel you can take the chance and share things with people. But I think you'll find that people can be trusted."

Despite the slightly... odd... direction the conversation took at times, Bobby did have a point. There was risk in trusting people and she would have to know if she could trust Jackie and the others. Yet as she glanced back to Bobby and saw the way he was looking at her with those happy, sincere eyes... well, maybe she didn't know them well but she knew Jackie. And if they were friends with Jackie, maybe they could be trusted? With a soft sigh, Jackie thanked Bobby for the talk and headed back to the bedroom. She'd have to arrange some things...





Meanwhile, despite it being the holiday break, Vice Principal Luna was waiting in Principal Cel-... ex-principal Celestia's office. After her sister had resigned and taken most of the heat for the Anon-A-Miss incident at the school, the school board had moved fast to find a replacement. While her sister had put forth a case for Luna to take over, superintendent Tirek had convinced the school board that he had a much better candidate in mind. Luna had been left out of the loop until now, where she had received a message that she would be meeting with the school's new principal and bring them up to speed.

At the moment Luna was standing in front of what used to be her sister's desk, gazing at the nameplate in her hand that said Principal Celestia. How could things have gone so wrong?

"Well, well, well... I never thought I would see the day that I would be taking over little Miss Perfect's office. But the taste of victory is just as delicious as I thought it would be."

And how could things have gotten worse?! 

The blue haired woman set the nameplate down and turned to face the other, fists clenched tight, eyes filled with venom as she hissed out the accursed name.

"... Chrysalis."


> I'm Not Gonna Laugh
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


"I can't believe you are my sister's replacement! What happened to you finding new job opportunities to the west?"

"Oh I was very under appreciated out there. So when my good friend Tirek called me and offered me this position, well. Who was I to turn down such an opportunity to give this school what it really needed?"

There were quite a few things Luna could say to that. Chrysalis's brand of teaching had been thought of as rather... severe. It was why she had lost the principal position to Celestia and was passed over for a position as dean of Crystal Prep Academy, the position instead going to Cadence. Luna didn't doubt that the woman was still quite bitter over the two losses and her black little heart must of been fluttering with glee at having finally gotten what she wanted.

"And what exactly do you think this school needs, Chrysalis?"

"I'm sorry? I don't think that is the proper way to address me."

Gritting her teeth, Luna took a deep breath in through her nose and then slowly let it out.

"Principal Chrysalis?"

It felt like a vile taste was in her mouth after having said that and that smug smirk on the woman's face wasn't helping either. The taller woman stalked over to the desk, her venomous green suit oddly complimenting her dark toned skin and long, teal green hair. Chrysalis stopped for a moment, picking up the name plate and sliding it out of the holder before moving to take a seat behind the desk, turning Celestia's nameplate in her hands.

"Much better. And as for what this school needs, well... clearly it needed something sweet, foolish Principal Celestia was unable to give it. Proper discipline."

"The students have always been properly disciplined."

"Oh? Because she trusted them? Believed that they would always act properly and promote... harmony?"

The last word she had said with a sneer before tossing Celestia's name plate into the waste basket next to the desk.

"That has lead to chaos in the hallways, students acting out of control and attacking others while the teachers have been too lazy or soft to act! You see dear Luna, that simply will not do in my school. Those beasts that you like to call students have had it too good, they think they can get away with anything! But I will bring order and make them obey, then this school will become one of the finest in the city. Perhaps even the whole country! But to start... an example must be made."

"The students involved with Anon-A-Miss and the cafeteria incident have already been dealt with!"

The laugh that came from Chrysalis was enough to make Luna feel a chill run down her spine.

"Oh come now, to go even further than what has already done would be... cruel. No, I think when the students come back from their holiday break, I shall deliver a clear message to them personally. Then the faculty will be next. Oh and Luna? If you try to interfere with my plans, well... your stay at this school would certainly become a nightmare for you."

Feeling her stomach drop hard, Luna could only fight down the spark of fear that had ignited and slowly nod her head. Seeing the vice principal submit made Chrysalis look like a cat that had just eaten the canary and all the fish in the tank.

"Good. Now let's get to work, shall we?"





"Okay, Sunshine, I know you said you're okay with this, but are you like, sure, sure? I mean, I will vouch for my friends until the end of days that whatever you tell them will not leave their lips outside of our group but-"

"Jackie. It's fine. I'm fine."

Although truthfully she didn't actually feel fine. It felt like a horde of butterflies were doing the conga in her stomach but she knew this would have to be done. She didn't want to run away again and she couldn't risk Jackie ponying up (although Jackie was insisting that they change the name to either Pony Breaker or Pony Mode) while she played and have other people see. Letting Jackie keep on lying had crossed her mind but she couldn't keep the woman from playing music. Which was why she had convinced Jackie to get the rest of the group together the next day so that she could explain some things to all of them.

They had all gathered together in their apartment and currently Sunset Shimmer was in her bedroom with Jackie, assuring the other that she was fine with this. Although now it was getting on her nerves so she simply dragged Jackie out to the living room where everyone was seated. Bobby and Poppy looked neutral while Tino, and especially Sandy, had looks of disappointment on their faces when they saw Jackie. Seeing that and Jackie grimacing, Sunset Shimmer took a deep breath and knew it was now or never.

"Look, guys... Jackie wasn't on drugs a few nights back... I made her lie to cover for me. And what I am about to tell you and what you are about to see... you can't tell anyone else."

All eyes looked curiously and suspiciously to Jackie, who nodded in turn.

"I want you all to promise. Seriously."

Knowing it must of been serious since Jackie didn't try to threaten them in a manner that was more comedic than threatening, one by one they all nodded before turning their attention back to Sunset Shimmer. The red head motioned for Jackie to get her guitar and get ready. 

"I know what I am about to tell you is going to be hard to believe... but after you see this I hope you will be more inclined to do so."

When Sunset Shimmer gave the go ahead, Jackie started to play the start of 'Santeria' by Sublime and while they were both nervous and awkward at first, Jackie soon let go and really played. As the song took on a more rocking edge, the silver light from before appeared. Everyone's eyes widened as they saw pony ears appear on top of Jackie's head, her hair lengthen into a short ponytail and wings appear on her back. By the time the song ended, everyone was dead silent. Jackie and Sunset exchanged nervous looks, wondering how to break the ice but Tino ended up beating them to the punch.

"MIERDA! ¿Cómo en el infierno- que tienes oídos pony chica!"

"Uh, Tino, switch the language, I can only understand about... half of that."

"JACKS! You got those ears outta' the top of your head! And-and wings! Girl, what the hell?! Did you spike our drinks?!"

Even though it didn't feel like a hallucination, Tino still had to make sure as. Approaching Jackie so that he was close enough to reach out and give a good tug to her wing.

"Ow! Stop that!"

Before she could move her hand, her wing moved instead, slapping Tino's hand away and making the others jump.

"Dios mio... they're real!"

"Yeah, no shit! Now Sunshine, can you please tell us what the hell is up with this magic shit?"

With a soft, weary sigh, Sunset Shimmer leaned against the wall and started by giving the others the same information she had given Jackie. That she had stolen a magical crown from her hometown and brought it to Canterlot, how she had been a raging bitch for three years tormenting people before then, how she had turned into a she-demon, how she had helped her new friends in the battle of the bands... and how her ex-friends had turned against her as she explained the Anon-A-Miss incident. She had the complete attention of the five for the most part, excluding Jackie since when she took a seat on the floor near the couch, Sandy had kept trying to reach out to pet Jackie's new pony ears.

"Damn. That's messed up."

Tino had basically summed up the whole situation very nicely.

"I can't stand bullies... but what they did wasn't right."

Poppy had her arms crossed, scowling by the end of it but also smirking when she saw Jackie smack Sandy's hand away for about the tenth time during the explanation.

"Still, ponying up? How... precious."

"Shut up! That's not what we're calling it! It's either going to be Pony Breaker or Pony Mode."

"... cute."

As Jackie glared at a snickering Poppy (and Tino who couldn't choke down his chortles), Sunset Shimmer cleared her throat to get their attention once more.

"I've told you a lot, I suppose I could just leave it at "it's magic" and call it good..."

"Doesn't explain where you're from. Or how this place has a magical crown no one in the world has heard of or where it disappeared to."

"Yes, Poppy... I suppose those are questions I will have to answer."

For a moment she paused, teetering on the edge as she took a deep breath before taking the plunge.

"I'm... not from here. Not from this world. I actually came through a portal from another world. Where magic was common and I was a unicorn. There are no humans there, just ponies and other races. When I stole the magic crown from someone who became a dear friend to me, I brought magic into this world with me and as far as I know, that's what is making these things happen."

Silence. Terrible, oppressing silence as five pairs of eyes stared at her. What were they thinking? Did they think she was crazy? Would the call her a liar and want nothing to do with her? Sweet Celestia she hoped they-

"Eh, I buy it."

All eyes snapped to Tino. Not Bobby who would probably of been the one to take this the easiest. Not Jackie who was on her side already, but Tino. When the blonde noticed that everyone was staring at him, he gave a shrug of his shoulders.

"What? I mean, if she used to be a unicorn or whatever, she looks pretty damn good now. Plus, how can you say there isn't magic or a portal to another world when Jackie here just grew wings and pony ears?"

While there was still some skepticism, the logic (what little they had) seemed sound enough at the moment. They certainly couldn't think of any other explanation outside of magic since this clearly wasn't a hallucination. And if magic was real, why would they discount magic portals?

"O... kay. I suppose for the sake of argument and based on what we've seen... there is not much of a reason to doubt what you say Sunset. But where does that leave Jackie? Is this... a thing now?"

"To be honest... I don't know Sandy. I couldn't even figure out how my ex-friends magic worked, even though they're basically this world's elements of harmony."

"Elements of what now?"

"Ugh, that's another story Jackie."

By now Jackie's Pony Breaker had started to fade, leaving a Sandy disappointed since she hadn't gotten a chance to pet Jackie's cute pony ears!

"Either way... if you want to keep this a secret, can you two figure out how to not make it happen by tomorrow?"

"Why? What's happening?"

"Seriously Jackie? We got booked at a club for new years! You know, that big break we need for a shot to take it to the next level?"

Both Jackie and Sunset Shimmer became very quiet, faces going slightly pale as the guitarist summed the situation up beautifully.

"... FUCK!"


> I've Got Dues To Pay
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was the night of the Dune Dog Runner's (yup, still thinking about changing that name) show at the club known as Vagrancy. The name hadn't painted a great picture on Sunset Shimmer's mind, especially when they had to go through a fairly rank smelling alleyway and down some stairs behind a building. But now that she was actually here, she had to admit that she was totally wrong!

The entire interior had an industrial style, with metal walkways and exposed piping out of the brick walls, the place had obviously been sound proofed since while there had been no sound outside, inside it felt like everything around her was vibrating, the sound traveling through everything. It made the crowd on the dance floor move, bathed in the various neon and flashing lights that made the graffiti artwork on the wall look all the more wild and beautiful. There were couches and chairs around tables where people sat, a well stocked bar off in the corner that had servers go around with drinks. There was even an indoor half pipe where people moved back and forth on skate boards, roller blades and she even saw a couple people with bikes!

Whether it was the music or just the environment, Sunset Shimmer felt ready to launch herself over the railing and join everyone on the dance floor! But for now she had to help Jackie and the others move the equipment backstage, knowing they had very little time before their showing. Originally she had come along as support for Jackie, they still hadn't figured out how to control her from going into Pony Mode (Jackie had insisted switching to that, saying she would use Pony Breaker if she got a special move or something), but now she had a feeling that the rest of the band was just as nervous.

"Dios Mio, I'm gonna upchuck!"

Yup, definitely nervous.

"Hey, it's going to be fine." 

Sandy and Bobby had also come along to both help move the equipment but also to stay as moral support. Both their schedules had been clear for new years and this was important to their friends after all. 

"Come on guys! We gotta' focus! If we're a hit then the Dune Dog Runners will finally be the band everyone will be talking about!"

While Jackie sounded confident, a glance down and Sunset Shimmer could see that the woman's right knee was shaking. Very badly. To the point that she was surprised the other hadn't lost her balance and collapsed. Even Poppy, the normally stoic drummer, had crossed her arms very tightly and looked a bit pale. She had seen this before, mainly with Fluttershy back during the Battle of the Bands at CHS and it would of been more surprising if the three hadn't been nervous. 

"COME ON! We're the Dune Dog Runners! Yeah maybe we played smaller venues before but we kicked like, ten kinds of ass at those venues! We were nervous then but we all know when we hit that stage we're gonna rock this out and punch our nerves in the throat! RIGHT?!"

This seemed to help the other two some, Tino and Poppy both nodding and verbally agreeing, not as bombastically as Jackie but some confidence could be heard in their voices. 

"Damn right! Now let's get out there, set up, and rock this crowd's collective faces off!"

With a resounding 'yeah!', Tino and Poppy headed to the stage to set up their instruments, Jackie hanging back when Sunset Shimmer placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Jackie..."

"I know... I'll try to hold back but I don't know if I can. I mean, maybe I won't go into Pony Mode this time?"

As hopeful a thought as that was, Sunset Shimmer just didn't know. They had tried to figure this out but the only thing that seemed to work was if Jackie held back when she played. The downside to that was that her music didn't sound as good as compared to if she put her whole heart into it and that could easily factored into whether the band would be well received by the crowd. Yet there was nothing more that could be done and Jackie took to the stage with the rest of her band. As much as Sunset Shimmer would have wanted to go and join the crowd on the dance floor, she stood off to the side of the stage, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed.

"You know, they will catch you one day Jean Valjean."

"What?"

"Sorry, with the movie that came out years ago I always think that to be the easiest play reference people will understand."

While Bobby had gone to join the crowd, Sandy had stuck behind without Sunset Shimmer realizing it. Of course Sunset Shimmer had seen the movie (Rarity had always raved about wanting to go see the play on Bridleway and had been a bit obsessed for awhile) and read the book, both of which she found a little dense but could understand the reference and what Sandy was trying to imply.

"You have brought something major to the world Sunset Shimmer and you were a big part of your former friend's lives. It is not something you will be able to escape. And I think that the sooner you stop hiding, the sooner you will be much happier."

"And you know this how?"

"Oh with all the stories I have read? All of the lives I have studied and been prepared to act out? My own experiences seeing someone close to me have to run and lie? I would like to think I know what I am talking about. All the world is a stage, Sunset Shimmer, and I am afraid you are too major a player in it for the spotlight to shine on someone else."

With one last smile, Sandy left to join Bobby in the crowd as Sunset Shimmer mulled over her words. She liked to think she could hide forever, that she could pull it off. But now with Jackie being able to go into Pony Mode... would that mean she would have to cut herself off entirely from others? She was taken out of her thoughts, however, when Jackie greeted the crowd and then they began to play. Sunset had listened through their CDs, enough that she recognized the songs, knew enough of the lyrics and had thought they were pretty good. Yet as they progressed through their songs, Sunset Shimmer realized that she wasn't being moved by the music as she usually was and saw the crowd was more or less the same way. She could see the confidence of Tino and Poppy wavering, Jackie as stiff as a board while she played and looking conflicted. 

When the guitarist glanced over to her, Sunset Shimmer hesitated a moment before shaking her head. It seemed that the motion had been wasted though, as Jackie squared her shoulders and prepared for the next song. Suddenly Jackie kicked out, hitting the opening chords hard and catching the attention of everyone on the dance floor. Soon the crowd was getting as into it as Jackie, the energy in the room immediately picking up as she put her entire being into playing. Sunset Shimmer's hopes rose as for most of the song there was no trace of magic!

And then those hopes were horribly dashed as not only a silver light appeared around Jackie, but a lime green light around Tino as he rocked out on his bass and a pale grey lavender around Poppy! Their hair grew to short pony tails, Poppy having ash grey wings and pony ears while Tino's were the color of cream. Both hands covered her mouth as Sunset Shimmer watched the three finish out the last notes, not noticing what had happened until they heard the deafening silence from the crowd. Jackie reached up and felt her pony ears and soon both Tino and Poppy noticed their new body parts as well.

"Uhhhh..."

There was a rising murmur going through the crowd, Sunset Shimmer could see phones coming out and all three of her friends on stage slowly starting to panic. The three felt the urge to run but how far could they get like this?! And who knew if they could recover their equipment afterwards!? Sunset Shimmer could see that they had no idea what to do and thus took a deep breath before heading out onto stage and getting to the microphone.

"Everyone! They're special effects! It's all part of the show!"

Catching on fast, Jackie was quick to try and back her up.

"Yeah! Totally! I mean, new gimmick, trying new things! No big deal, right?"

Despite how convincing Jackie tried to sound, there were those in the crowd who were neither high or drunk who were still highly suspicious of such an explanation. And Sunset Shimmer was feeling increasingly awkward staying on stage like this. Of course a panicked Jackie only tried harder now as an idea came to mind.

"BECAUSE. We're a whole new band now! New year, new band! We're the uh... uh... Pony Breakers!"

It took every ounce of will Sunset Shimmer had not to face palm. So much for saving that name for a special attack move!

"With our new band member, Sunset Shimmer!"

Both Sunset Shimmer and Jackie snapped their heads around to both stare and then glare at Tino. Apparently the bassist had gotten caught up in the moment, looking rather sheepish and like he just wanted to disappear into the ground. Whether it was because the crowd actually dug this change or all of the talking was killing their new years buzz, they started chanting for more music and 'booed' when Sunset Shimmer tried to get off of the stage. The red head looked helplessly to Jackie, who shrugged her shoulders in an equally helpless manner before giving a small, pleading smile. With a long, low sigh, Sunset Shimmer moved over to Jackie and whispered into her ear. The blue haired guitarist nodded and motioned for the others to follow her lead as she began to play a sort of rocking pop song, Poppy and Tino easily complimenting the tune as Sunset Shimmer sang a song she had come up with. The Pony Breaker's first song together, 'My Past is Not Today'.

Despite it being different from what had been played by the Dune Dog Runners, the crowd began to get into it. Jackie played it with enough of a rocking element that all could dance to it. Despite feeling stiff at first, Sunset Shimmer soon began to get lost into the music, the others joining her in the chorus when it came up. Soon, a sort of orange light surrounded her, the high schooler going into Pony Mode as well but there was a new addition to her form. A pair of wings that seemed to be made of fire instead of feathers like the others, making the crowd cheer at the awesome looking 'effects'.

By the end of it the crowd had been worked up into a frenzy as they cheered, Sunset Shimmer feeling like she was on top of the world. Jackie looped an arm around her shoulders and she did the same as they pumped their fists into the air in victory!

It truly was a new start to a new year.





The next day in Canterlot City, Fluttershy had managed to drag herself out of bed and head downstairs to get breakfast. Ever since Twilight Sparkle had told them Sunset Shimmer was fine but would not say where she was, she and the others had not given up in their search. But they had been completely miserable. Christmas could not lift their spirits and the new year seemed to be shaping up horribly for them so far. 

After breakfast, she went online to check her mail box and see if anyone had any leads. Once word had spread through the various school groups and networks that Sunset Shimmer was innocent, Fluttershy and her friends had been trying to organize everyone to track their friend down but with no luck so far. 

At the top of her mailbox was an e-mail from her friend Treehugger and the small description had said it was a video of her friend from Los Pegasus and their band. Even though she was in no mood to see what video had her friend's attention, it seemed mean to just ignore it. 

However, when she clicked the link, her eyes widened in shock at what she saw. The title of the video was 'wild band Pony Breakers at Vagrancy'. Three people on stage, two women, one guy... ponying up. And soon joining them on stage to sing with them....

"Sunset?!"
> The Barber Can Give You A Haircut
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was three days into the new year and oh what a year it had been already! Not only did Jackie's band become a hit at club Vagrancy (even if they did go into Pony Mode and had to change the band name on the spot), but they had been signed on to play again in a couple of weeks! Which meant more money! And their songs had seem a small spike in sales online and people were asking for 'My Past Is Not Today', which would have to be recorded and which meant Sunset was basically more or less a part of the band. So far the new year was awesome!

... except for the hangover she had right now as she woke up that morning. 

It felt like her brain was sticking to the insides of her skull and her mouth felt like a slightly damp, sticky sponge. It took every ounce of strength she could muster to crack open her eyes, glad that her room was still dim thanks to the blanket she had over the window. At the moment she was face down into her pillow... and feeling an odd, light pressure on her back. Was she having a stroke? Wait... no, she was pretty sure that wasn't a sign of a stroke. 

Slowly she turned her head and saw red and yellow just about at her shoulder blades. Right... this was nothing new.

Sometimes on the rare occasion when Jackie woke up before Sunset Shimmer, the high schooler was sometimes found cuddled up against her. Usually just sort of pressed up against her side but somehow in the night, the other had gotten her head and part of her upper body resting on her back. Even though Jackie wanted to get up and was desperately in need of some water and aspirin, it seemed a shame to move the other. She couldn't exactly see Sunset's face but it probably looked peaceful. That was fine, all good, she could just go back to sleep.

.... fuck, she had to pee!

Things had now become serious, Jackie started to whimper slightly as she felt the mounting pressure. There was no way she was going to piss her pants and wet the bed. It wasn't fun back when she used to party in high school and she wasn't going to embarrass herself in front of Sunset Shimmer! But how could she move without waking the other up?! Okay, she knew her brain probably hated her guts, had lost a lot of brain cells during her party days and was probably in horrible shape right now but it had to give her an idea! Think. Think! THINK DAMMIT!

"... you know if you need to get up, you could just gently move me."

"You're awake?"

Jackie winced as she noticed how cracked and hoarse her voice sounded.

"Mm, it's kind of hard to sleep when I can hear you and I can feel you squirm."

Grateful when Sunset Shimmer carefully rolled off and back onto her side of the bed, Jackie fell out before scrambling out of their room and to the toilet. She exited afterwards with a sigh of relief, aspirin in hand as she headed to the kitchen to get a glass of water. Bobby was on the couch, studying for the upcoming spring semester and clad only in a pair of long johns for the cold weather, minus the top that was resting on the back of the couch along with his pants that he could put on when Sunset Shimmer got up.

"Morning Jackie. How do you feel?"

"Like a gobi desert booger. So not bad in terms of hangovers."

"Mm. I guess, you're still in your clothes from yesterday though. I mean, you didn't have to consume both packs of beer..."

"You kidding? I got to pay the guy on the corner with my own money! Not money I borrowed from you or one of the guys because I had to use the money I was saving for things like bills n' stuff."

After gulping down three glasses of water with the aspirin, Jackie was starting to feel a lot less dead and decided to make herself some toast. However, just as the slices had popped out of the toaster, she heard her phone start to ring. The blue haired guitarist grumbled softly as she fished it out and put it to her ear, propping it against her shoulder so that she had both hands free to butter her toast. 

"Yeah?"

"U-Um... is this Jackson Vibrato?"

"Yeah? What you want?"

"S-Sorry! Um, is Sunset Shimmer with you? My name is Fluttershy, we both know Treehugger and she gave me your number and-"

Fluttershy... why did that name sound familiar? It was hard to shift through all her mental notes and memories with a brain that felt like it had been pickled but eventually something popped up. One of Sunset Shimmer's friends that had turned on her was named Fluttershy! Jackie's eyes widened, completely forgetting her toast as she reached up to take her phone back into her hand.

"... excuse me."

Once she had hung up, she raced over to the couch where Bobby was and slapped the text book out of his hand.

"Hey!"

"Shhhh! It was one of them!"

"One of who?"

"Sunshine's ex-friends!"

When his own brain brought him up to speed, Bobby's eyes went wide as well while he lowered his voice.

"Well? What did you say!?"

"Nothing! I dunno what to do! I mean! Argh! What do I even say to one of them!?"

Before the banter could continue, Jackie's phone rang once more and she cautiously answered it.

"Hell-?"

"WHERE THE HELL IS SUNSET SHIMMER!?"

"OH SWEET JESUS TAP DANCING CHRIST!"

A very loud voice with a slight scratchy squeak to it had blared through her cell phone, waking up a very angry sledgehammer that apparently had been slumbering in her head until now. With it's awakening came a fury as it started to pound at her forehead and temples from the inside, leaving Jackie at it's mercy until the reinforcements of the twin aspirin finally kicked in. To give the aspirin a chance at success in their mission, Jackie immediately hung up on who ever it was that had called her. 

She whimpered pathetically as she rubbed her forehead, wondering if there truly was some sort of wheel that turned, giving good luck and then immediately giving shit luck. The new year was supposed to be awesome, and what wasn't awesome was having some assholes call her while she was still recovering from a hang over!

For the third time instead of a call there came a text. A text in that freaking annoying text language that Jackie could barely fathom when she was sober! And came with a lot of blank spaces that she guessed were supposed to be emojis, not that her cheap old phone could get those.  More and more came, a flood of texts so mighty that Jackie worried for a moment that her phone might explode and thus blocked this new, terrible number. 

"Bobby... I think I died and went to hell."

A fourth number rang in and instead Jackie passed the phone to Bobby, curling up on the other end of the couch while the college student answered her phone.

"Hello?"

"Hullo? This Jackson Vibrato?"

"Um, no. This is Bobby. Well, Luca Bookkeeper, but everyone just calls me Bobby."

"Uhhh-huh, that's nice. Cin y'all hand me over to Jackson?"

"You want to talk to Jackie?"

Glancing over at the other end of the couch, he noticed Jackie shaking her head and mouthing 'I am not here!'.

"Uhhhhhh, no?"

"... no s'in ya' can't hand me to Jackson or no s'in Ah can't talk ta' her?"

"... yes?"

There came the sound of air, it sounded like a sigh to Bobby.

"Look mister. It's important Ah talk ta' Jackson. She knows where our friend is."

"You mean Sunset Shimmer?"

"Wait, ya' know her too?"

"Uhhhhh... yes?"

"Is she there with ya'?"

"Um... not... in this immediate area?"

"Now ya' look here ya' shifty varmint-!"

"Applejack! Please give me the phone! Now!"

Waiting patiently and looking slightly uncomfortable, Bobby tapped his finger against his knee as he heard a bit of muffled arguing on the other end before someone new was on the phone.

"Hello, please excuse my friend, she has been under a lot of stress lately. My name is Rarity, may I know yours?"

"Sure, I'm Luca Bookkeeper, Miss. But everyone just calls me Bobby."

"I see, well it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Bobby. May I please speak to Miss Jackson Vibrato?"

"Erm. Well, she's kind of not feeling up to it at the moment. She's kinda... hung over."

"Oh dear. Well be that as it may, I am afraid I must insist on speaking to her. It would mean ever so much to me and to all of us if you could hand the phone over to her."

With how nice and well mannered the girl on the phone sounded, Bobby hesitated for a moment before holding the phone out for Jackie to take. The woman shook her head and tried to push it back but Bobby was insistent, which lead to Jackie simply giving in and taking her phone back.

"God dammit Bobby... hello? This is Jackie Vibrato."

"Excellent. Miss Vibrato-"

"Ugh, please. Just call me Jackie, I don't want to sound like a school teacher."

"Very well, Jackie. My name is Rarity and I... was, a friend of Sunset Shimmer's."

"Yeah, I know, she told me about what happened in Canterlot. Smooth move by the way."

"... yes. But we have known for some time now that she wasn't the one responsible and we've been desperately trying to find her."

"Wait... how do you know?"

"Pardon?"

"I mean... you dump her like... ugh, I dunno, like something you dump and now you're saying you know? What tipped you off besides the obvious everything?"

"Well... we found the ones responsible."

"Oh yeah? Who?"

"I really don't think this concerns you-"

"Bullshit it doesn't. I found her being assaulted on the streets and she was really messed up by what you and the others did. This totally concerns me!"

"... she was attacked?"

The other side of the line was quiet for a time, Jackie not hearing anything and wondering what Rarity was doing on the other end. 

"Very well. If you must know... it was our sisters."

"... are you shitting me? I'm hanging up now."

"WAIT!"

Wincing and pulling the phone away from her ear, Jackie rubbed her forehead for a moment before moving it back.

"Wait, please... when Sunset Shimmer disappeared without a trace, we all were so worried. And then when we found out the true identity of Anon-A-Miss we felt so foolish, to say the very least.  We hadn't given up and when Treehugger sent Fluttershy that video, we felt so relieved at least knowing she was still alive. All we want is a chance to make it up to her, to make things right and bring her back. Please."

Maybe it was the headache egging her on, but Jackie still felt very tempted to hang up on the other. Except... except the other sounded so sad and she sounded so sincere in wanting to apologize. She knew Sunset Shimmer still hadn't tried to contact anyone back in Canterlot, what if she never did and needed a push? Did this group deserve it? But... everyone deserved a chance, didn't they? She knew how it could feel to so badly want that shot. 

"Ugh, why do you have to be so loud?"

Jackie's head snapped over (an action she immediately regretted as her headache flared up) and saw that Sunset Shimmer was up and about. The red head yawned as she headed over to the kitchen and towards the coffee pot that contained cold coffee brewed up earlier in the morning. Jackie bit her lower lip before glancing over to Bobby, the man offering not much more than a simple shrug before motioning to Sunset Shimmer. After steeling her nerves, the guitarist stood up and slowly approached Sunset Shimmer, who didn't notice her until Jackie cleared her throat.

"Um, Sunshine? Sooooo I was wondering. Where were you on um, calling your ex-friends back in Canterlot?"

"Why do you want to know?"

She could hear the slightly irritated tone in Sunset's voice, not a good sign. Put it off or just rip off the bandage?

"Well... funny story. I guess some how they know about me. And got my number. And one of them is on the phone right now wanting to talk to you."

When Sunset Shimmer turned to face her, the woman shrunk under the astounded and angry gaze turned upon her.

".... no."

"But Sunshine-!"

"NO! I am not ready to talk to any of them!"

"Yeah but-"

"JUST STAY OUT OF MY BUSINESS!"

With that, Sunset Shimmer took her cold coffee and Jackie's toast before storming off back to their bedroom and slamming the door shut behind her. Leaving Jackie was a headache that throbbed as a chorus of jackhammers drilled away at her skull.

"Fuck my life..."





"... she won't talk to us."

The other four sitting around the table looked as dejected as Rarity, the fashionista hanging up her phone before turning her sullen gaze downwards. They had all met at Sugarcube Corner Cafe, determined to get in contact with Sunset Shimmer and let her know how sorry they were. It seemed they would never get the chance though. She barely noticed the door ring, catching two new figures entering the establishment out of the corner of her eye but not really paying attention to them.

"Hey, we can't give up now! Look, Treehugger knows this Jackson Vibrato right? Probably knows where she lives? Let's just go there and see Sunset!"

"Um, Rainbow Dash, Treehugger told me Jackson lives in Los Pegasus..."

"So? I mean, we could totally get there and back before school starts again!"

"Um... but what about money? And our parents?"

"Fluttershy, we can't just let this go! No matter what we have to make this right now that we know where Sunset is!"

"You found Sunset Shimmer?!"

All eyes at the table looked over and were shocked to see Discord and Celestia standing there! Well, not so much Discord, he seemed to just pop up these days, but this was the first time they had seen Celestia since the last day of school! It was surprising to see the woman out of her usual pants suit, instead dressed in slacks, boots, and a winter coat that was open enough to show the long sleeved shirt she wore underneath. What was really striking was how tired and run down she looked. She looked less vibrant than usual and it made all their hearts ache some, especially Applejack's, Rarity's and Rainbow Dash's, since it had been their siblings who were responsible for the events leading up to her resignation.

"Erm, yes'm. We found she's livin' in Los Pegasus with some Jackson Vibrato gal'. She won' talk ta' us though."

"So we're forming a super plan to go there and talk to her and get her back but we don't know how to get there or if she'll still not talk to us and getting around our parents! I'm thinking cat suits and the full tech gear to sneak out!"

Ignoring Pinkie Pie's usual ramblings, the girls started arguing over if they should even attempt trying to go while Celestia became quiet, deep in thought. She soon felt a nudge at her side and glanced over to see Discord grinning toothily to her, already catching on to what he was suggesting.

"... girls. There's no way you can go to Los Pegasus by yourselves. I just don't see that plan working."

"Oh yeah? Then what do you suggest we do? Er, ma'am?"

Smiling to Rainbow Dash and over looking the tone of voice, Celestia then surprised all of them with her suggestion.

"I will go."

> The Carpenter Can Take You Out To Lunch
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The trip to Los Pegasus had been... interesting... to say the least. When Celestia had proposed that she go in the girls' stead, they had at first protested until she made the point that she was an impartial party that possibly had a better shot at speaking to Sunset Shimmer. Especially after it seemed clear by way of phone that Sunset still did not want to speak to them. Plus it would also be a matter of money, how they would navigate a city they had never been to, if their parents would even let them go and if they would be back in time for the new school year. Begrudgingly they all came around, which left Celestia and Discord to plan so that they could leave early the next morning. The girls had seen them off and even Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo had been there, handing her an envelope and telling her it was for Sunset Shimmer.

While the beginning had started smoothly the next two days had been more hectic. Spending long hours in a small space with Discord had been both hilarious at times yet also annoying. The man could bring up interesting topics of conversation and engage in complex topics concerning theory, philosophy and even home economics but in the next second he could be begging to detour to see the world's largest waffle or to try some diner that had paid for billboard advertisement. However, Celestia had accepted there would be good with the bad and had managed to masterfully deal with the eccentric janitor. Plus truth be told this was much more preferential than staying at home, job hunting and feeling sorry for herself. 

After a night at a motel they had finished the last leg of their journey and made it to Los Pegasus just as the last rays of the evening sun slipped away. While Discord had wanted to go out on his own to explore this new city, Celestia had stayed behind in their hotel room, looking up directions to the address given to her by Fluttershy who had received it from her friend Treehugger. It had been hard for Celestia to gain a proper sleep, feeling quite nervous about what would happen tomorrow when she went to see Sunset Shimmer and nervous even until the next day when she and Discord had driven to the address and were climbing the stairs of the apartment building.

"You know you worry too much? I say this neighborhood has character! All over the place! There's even some against that wall in the corner over there!"

"I'm not rather interested in seeing it, Discord."

Wrinkling her nose and refusing to look in the direction he was pointing in, they were soon heading down a hallway as she looked over the numbers on the doors. She thought she could hear voices coming from one of the apartments up ahead but ignored it for now.

"But really Celestia, you shouldn't be so tense! I'm sure things will work out just fine! And I know by saying that I've most likely caused something hilarious to happen right aboouuut... now!"

He had finished his sentence just as Celestia knocked on the door, the voices now apparently coming from inside and as the door opened they were greeted with a cloud of smoke above their heads.

"Dammit Bobby, you fucking over loaded the toaster with some stupid fat bread slices!"

"It was all they had on sale! And it's supposed to be good for you! It says it has oats and grains! Hello, may I help.... yerp?"

The man who had opened the door seemed to lose the power of speech as he stared at Celestia, eyes widening slightly as he took in what was, in his opinion, a vision of a very lovely woman. So speechless was he rendered that instead of saying 'you', he had instead formed some other word that would be apart of a growing vocabulary if he was unable to remember how to make actual language instead of just noises. Fortunately a young woman had come to the door, muscling him aside so that she could see who was there.

"Bobby who the hell are you talking to-... uhhhh, hi? Look we've already been saved so uh-"

"Um, no. Are you Jackie Vibrato? My name is Celestia and this is Discord. We are here to speak with Sunset Shimmer."

"Oooookay. How do you know her and what are you here to speak to her about?"

"I am... I was, the principal at Canterlot High School, where your friend Treehugger goes to school. I am here on behalf of Sunset's friends to speak with her."

"Ugh, seriously? Wait, why didn't you call?"

"Uh, Jackie, you turned your phone off and hid it in the couch after all of Sunset's ex-friends called you to talk to her."

Having regained the power of speech yet still with the inability to stare at Celestia like a love sick puppy, Bobby had reminded his roommate of the fate of her phone. The blue haired guitarist thought back to the event before disappearing into the apartment, returning a few moments later with the phone in hand and a scowl on her face.

"Ugh, way to many messages. Look, Miss Celestia, Sunset Shimmer's been in a real bad mood since her friends called me."

"And she's been unhappy because Sunset's been keeping Jackie out of the room."

"Shut up Bobby. The point is, I dunno if she'll want to talk to you."

"Can you at least tell her that I'm here? Please?"

The longer she stared at Celestia, the more this compelling urge to comply rose up until finally with a long, drawn out sigh, Jackie turned and headed back into the apartment. Now left alone, Bobby's ability to speak had gone as he tried sneaking glances over to Celestia. In a way it was flattering but the woman could not say she was interested, especially when Discord kept smirking to her. If they were alone he probably would have made a quip about Bobby's infatuation. Then came a bit of shouting from the apartment. While she could understand Jackie, the other voice was muffled and most likely belonged to Sunset Shimmer. When the verbal argument came to an end, a grumpy looking Jackie returned and it was clear what the end result was before she had even spoken.

"Yeah, ain't happening right now. And I think I am deeper in the shit with her, thank you very much."

Seeing that this was getting her nowhere, Celestia thought about her next move. It was then that Discord decided to interject with an idea.

"I'm starving for something to eat! How about since we so rudely intruded upon the both of you while making breakfast, I'll go get us something? Me and the lad here can go while Celestia stays here with you to wait out Sunset Shimmer?"

"Huh? Wait, why do I have to go with you?"

"Because while you seem nice enough, you are not at all an interesting companion while you are struck dumb by a beautiful woman's presence."

This made Bobby blush some as he was called out but also allowed for Discord to drag him out of the apartment now that the college student's guard was low.

"Oh don't worry my boy! You can show me a good place to pick up breakfast! We'll be back just as you wrap things up I'm sure!"

Both Celestia and Jackie stared until both men had disappeared down the stairs.

"He always like that?"

"Usually. You don't seem so shocked by his actions."

"Trust me, you see a lot weirder shit around here in general. Sooooo how about you come on in and have a seat I guess?"

Now that she got to see the apartment proper, it made Celestia flash back a bit to when she had gotten her first apartment. The freedom had been exhilarating but reality had come crashing down when she could no longer stand to keep the place a mess. It seemed reality had yet to set in here. Celestia moved aside a text book and a pair of pants to clear a space for her to sit while Jackie simply flopped down onto a chair. 

"So you want anything? Water or something?"

"No, thank you."

And then came an awkward silence. If Celestia was a more betting woman, she wouldn't count on it being the last. As she tried to think of something to talk about, her gaze shifted over to Jackie and began to study her in earnest now. While she had seen plenty of teens dressed in t-shirts and jeans, there was just something different about it on Jackie. Perhaps it was the fact that Celestia had never really seen any of her students who wore a Red Hot Chili Peppers shirt or ones that wore jeans that had been worn and torn over time instead of bought that way. If she had to put a word to it, this Jackie just seemed more... authentic. 

"... I'm very grateful to you."

The blue haired guitarist's attention snapped back to Celestia, giving her a confused look that made the woman elaborate further.

"For what you've done for Sunset Shimmer. I... haven't been told much of the situation. But when her friends told me about that video and I saw it, she looked happy."

"Yeah well... I try my best, you know?"

"May I ask why?"

"Why what?" 

"Why you have been helping her?"

"Yeah that's complicated. I mean, I have my own reasons for why I help people but I help people, you know? She got really messed up with everything that happened in Canterlot and since I could do something, I did something. Though now it seems like I'm back a couple steps thanks to her ex-friends calling before she was ready to talk to them. I mean yeah, I'll admit, I got lucky with how much she's been trusting me with so quickly but I'm getting hella frustrated with this. I don't want her to be sad, okay?"

It was clear the guitarist was vexed if she was to the point of unloading on a stranger. But Celestia was quiet as she listened and patiently waited for the younger woman to finish her small rant. There was actually a small smile on Celestia's face by the end of it.

"Well, I am happy that you cared enough to help. I can't thank you enough for your compassion. I just wish that if I had even half of your diligence during the Anon-A-Miss situation then maybe Sunset would not of had to run away."

"Why? What'd you do?"

"... I... had thought I could trust my students. That they would act in the right way and do the right thing. I miscalculated how they would act during the incident."

Already she could feel her mood start to lower at the thought of her greatest failure at CHS. Jackie could easily see that the woman was becoming sad and was quick to try and think of something comforting to say.

"Well, yeah, you fucked up. But I mean like, only kinda? Come on, if a principal could control all the students at school then me and my friends would've been in the shit with our monster principal. But that's not the point. I guess the point is, I dunno what you could of done to curb this."

"I could have tried to take the account down."

"Another one probably would have popped up."

"I could have banned phones and use of the computers until this was cleared up."

"Uh, kids have the internet and phones outside of school you know."

"I could have tried harder to investigate this matter!"

"Oh come on, like you got some detectives and CSI shit at your disposal! Listen lady, maybe you could of tried harder but it sounds to me that your students were just a bunch of assholes! You can't control what they do and if they do bad things it's their choice! The point is-"

"It's not your fault..."

Both Celestia and Jackie's heads snapped to look at Sunset Shimmer, the girl having apparently snuck up on them during their back and forth. Like Jackie, she was dressed in a t-shirt and jeans, although the black t-shirt had Nirvana on it instead of RHCP.

"I need to put a bell on you or something..."

"Sunset Shimmer..."

Celestia rose up from her seat and faced the other while the red head continued to stare at the woman. Admittedly it was hard to remember that this Celestia and the one she had grown up with were different. Before she had felt anger and rage towards her mentor, now there was just a bitter, dull feeling of shame in the pit of her stomach. The same shame that made her stay here instead of going back home to Equestria or try to even contact her former mentor. This Celestia had nothing to do with that but it was hard to fight down all those negative feelings that rose up when she stared into those pink eyes, familiar and yet foreign at the same time.

"... I'm not going back."

"At this point I can see why you wouldn't. But what about your friends back in Canterlot?"

"Ex-friends. And if they think they can guilt trip me into coming back, then they can forget about it."

"Sunset, that's not what they're trying to do. Yes, they made a terrible mistake but they want to do everything they can to make it up to you. They care about you."

"Bullshit! If they cared about me they would have stuck by me! If they had cared then they wouldn't of left me to fend for myself! If they had cared then they would of known I was right about Anon-A-Miss and not blew me off!"

"You know-?"

"Jackie told me. She had said how Rarity told her that they knew it was their sisters. It was the only other logical option but they wouldn't even consider it! Because they couldn't let go of what I did!"

By now Sunset's eyes were starting to glisten, tears threatening to spill over and Celestia felt an urge to just give the poor teen a hug. Jackie, however, was already on her feet and by Sunset's side to try and provide comfort and support.

"Sunshine..."

"Look, Pr-, Principal Celestia, I don't know why you're even here. Just... go back to CHS and get everything set up for classes or something."

Right on the money there was another awkward pause, Celestia's lips forming into a tight line while Jackie glanced nervously to her. Of course, Sunset Shimmer was quick to catch on and looked quizzically between the both of them. 

"... what?"

"Uh, what?"

"Jackie..."

"Sunset... I... I'm not the principal of Canterlot High School anymore. After an incident at the school, I resigned to avert the blame to myself since I did not want to risk the school being shut down."

Eyes widening, Sunset Shimmer's gaze turned to Celestia and she just stared at the glum looking woman. Even if this wasn't her mentor, to see Celestia cast down from her position. While the old Sunset Shimmer would have found glee in seeing even an alternate Celestia brought down and disgraced, all she felt now was sick.

"You're kidding..."

"Sunset-"

"No! You have to be fucking kidding me! You didn't do anything wrong! You didn't spill secrets! You didn't start the account! You didn't tell the students to bully or attack me! Why would you fucking do that for them?!"

Not waiting for an answer, Sunset Shimmer turned and stormed back to the bedroom, slamming the door and locking it, much to Jackie's chagrin. 

"Why god? Why have you banished me from my own room?"

Grimacing, Celestia moved over and gave Jackie a sympathetic pat on the back. 

	
> So You Might As Well Have A Good Time
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Hey, we're back... and I guess things didn't go so well?"

Considering the scene before him, Bobby had a feeling that what he had said would be called an understatement. Celestia looked very glum as she saw on the couch and Jackie was sulking on the chair she was sitting on. Now he didn't catch on to situations fast but he was willing to bet that the conversation they'd had with Sunset Shimmer had been less than stellar. Luckily he was sure what they had brought would lighten things up!

"Well, we went to that pizza place down the block. You know, the one you like Jackie cause it's got the gooey, greasy cheese?"

"Shut up, Bobby."

Or not. It seemed that Jackie's mood had dipped so low that she was just going to be very sour (or as Poppy called it, bitchy) to him and others around her. Still, he set the two boxes of pizza on the coffee table and went to get plates while Discord opened the bottle of soda he had bought.

"Certainly different from Canterlot pizza! I was very intrigued Celestia, you simply must try the half I ordered. Anchovy, goat cheese, zucchini and a ranch sauce!"

"Um, no thank you, Discord."

The woman scooted to the far end of the couch as Discord sat on the other, already having the box open and taking out a slice to devour. Instead she opened the other box and looked between the two pizzas to see what her choices were. Outside of Discord's odd choice on one half of the pizza, there was also a choice of pepperoni and mushroom, a vegetarian supreme, and what looked to be some sort of chicken meat with black olives and garlic. Once Bobby had handed her a plate, she took a slice of the pepperoni and mushroom to be safe, noting as she took a bite that the cheese was indeed gooey and greasy, but not overly so much that it would make her sick to her stomach, more in a delicious, guilty pleasure this is not good for you sort of way.

Silence fell upon the room once more as they all ate their pizza until Bobby decided to speak up.

"So I guess Sunset is locked in the room again?"

"I am afraid so. When I broke the news to her that I had resigned from being the principal at Canterlot High School following the Anon-A-Miss incident, she did not take it very well."

"Well, why did you resign? I mean, you didn't do anything wrong, right?"

"It was not so much as what I did, but more what I did not do, Bobby."

"Still. I mean, why resign when it was the students who were being jerks?"

Not immediately responding, Celestia instead finished her pizza and left the crust on her plate before finding a random, unused napkin under one of the pizza boxes to wipe off her fingers.

"I suppose it is because I still believe in the school and it's students."

"Why?"

"Because I know there is still good in them, despite the mistakes they have made. And that the school can be a place where friendships can thrive."

"Yeah, but what they did was still pretty bad, Miss Celestia. At least from what I've heard."

"I know."

"So why?"

With a long, silent sigh, Celestia closed her eyes and leaned back against the couch. Just when Bobby was starting to squirm and worry that he had ticked her off, she spoke up.

"Many friendships have started at that school, friendships that could be torn apart if the school were shut down and the students sent away to different schools. I know what you are thinking. There are so many ways to stay connected these days, but distance and separation can still cause people to drift and great friendships to fade away. I should know."

Sitting up straight again, Celestia opened her eyes and looked directly at Bobby.

"Many years ago I went away to Manehattan University. It was the chance of a life time to earn my degree at a prestigious college and I studied very hard to keep up my grades and graduate. I was gone for so long that I didn't realize that someone I cared for very much had fallen in with the wrong sort of people, fueling bad feelings and bad habits within her. When I came back she hurt me, very badly, and I could have cut her out of my life completely after that. But I saw that there was still good in her and I worked hard to help her and get our relationship back on track. It would have been easy to condemn her for the mistakes she made, but I couldn't forget all of the good times we'd had. All of the good I knew was still in her. I believe that it is rare that a person is beyond forgiveness, Bobby, and I did not want my students to suffer such harsh consequences."

Afterwards everyone was quiet. Well, except for Discord who had seen fit to applaud what he called a 'beautiful speech', which had him effectively kill the mood with his levity. It would only be a moment later that Jackie stood up from her seat and put a couple slices of vegetarian supreme and pepperoni and mushroom on her plate and grabbed the bottle of soda before marching to the door of her bedroom. She gave a good, loud knock after she shifted the bottle of soda so that it was being held under her other arm.

"Sunset! Let me in! We need to talk!"

"Go away!"

"No! I know we kinda of, silently agreed not to push each other about stuff but this is serious! And I want to be able to get back in my damn room again!"

It was only after she kept knocking periodically that the door was finally unlocked and opened a crack, allowing Jackie entrance to her room once more. After she shut and locked the door behind her, she saw that Sunset was lying on the bed and facing the wall with the window, clearly trying to give Jackie a sort of cold shoulder.

"Thanks for letting me in."

"...."

"Right."

With a soft sigh, Jackie approached the bed and sat down on the other side, setting the plate of pizza down between them as she opened the bottle to take a swig.

"Got you some of that veggie pizza you like. I'm pretty sure you haven't really eaten anything yet today. Or at least by now you'd be hungry again."

"......"

"Come on Sunshine. Look, the thing with Miss Celestia sucks, but what can you even do about that? It was her choice and if she thinks that school should keep going because she thinks they're still good, then fine. I mean, you can't stay angry at them forever. Not to say that you should just forget what they did but getting so hung up on them-"

"I can't stand it..."

"Ugh, I know Sunshine, the situation sucks but-"

"I can't stand how this Celestia is just so... forgiving."

"Wait, what?"

The guitarist flinched when Sunset Shimmer suddenly sat up, the red head trying to pin her down with a hard stare but was undermined by the tears falling from her eyes. 

"How could she just give up her job? For them? Maybe they didn't turn into a raging demon but she still forgave them! HOW COULD SHE DO THAT???"

"Um... because... she thinks they deserve another chance?"

"She doesn't do that. That's not what she does!"

"Um, but she did?"

"No, she can't! Otherwise everything is all my fault!"

At this point Jackie was beyond confused and it didn't help that Sunset Shimmer had a complete break down. Despite her discomfort, the blue haired guitarist tried pulling the other in for a hug to comfort her but was met with resistance as the high schooler pulled away. Since it seemed the other wouldn't be keen on a hug this time, Jackie went to a back up that she remembered had been a comfort to her when she was younger and started rubbing the others back. It seemed to help and before long Sunset Shimmer had calmed down. 

"... back in Equestria, I used to be the personal protege of Princess Celestia."

"Princess?"

"Yeah. She was an alicorn, a combination of all three pony races, the strongest being in all the land."

"Right. You know if there's a copy of everyone between this world and pony world, you're going to have to make it clear what you're talking about."

"... sorry. Anyway, back when I was her student, I wasn't... nice. I was rude to other ponies and blew them off, all I cared about was being the best and getting power. I think Celestia saw this in me, especially when I found the mirror that lead to this world. I was so obsessed with learning about it, but I got so angry when she wouldn't tell me. I let my anger and obsession get so out of hand I thought she was actively keeping secrets from me. Then one day we got into a fight about it, she took away my position as her personal student after I became downright vicious towards her and said a lot of things I still regret. Then I ran through the mirror, came to this world and the rest you know..."

"Okay... so what does that have to do with this world's Celestia?"

"... I am angry at them. That she resigned to protect them. And I am angry that she forgave them so easily but... to forgive them? To still see good in them? It just has me think that if this world's Celestia is like that then... then it was just me making me stay here. That it was me being too proud and angry to see that I was wrong, that I had made her in my mind to be this cold, unforgiving pony that would hold me back. I didn't want to be wrong, otherwise staying here, through the fallout of the Fall Formal, through Anon-A-Miss, being here in the first place... I did it all to myself."

It was hard to know what to say at this point. Jackie could grasp that Sunset was obviously dealing with some heavy and complex emotions, no doubt made all the more hard to deal with since it was two different universes. The guitarist would be the first to admit that she was no philosopher, but there was one little gem she had learned through life that was especially true in this matter.

"Sunshine... throughout your life, it's often shit."

The bluntness of that statement was enough to get Sunset Shimmer to stare at Jackie, the blue haired woman in turn smiled back to her.

"Look, I don't know what to tell you. This is some complicated as fuck shit. Would your life have been different if you had apologized? I dunno and neither do you. Maybe she would of forgiven you but you don't know for sure if you would've been Princess Celestia's student again. And yeah some shitty stuff has happened here in this world for you but there's been some good stuff too. I guess if I'm gonna bottom line it, I'd have to say you just have to do the best that you can with what you got and you can't let your past rule you. I mean, if I let my past keep messing me up I'd probably be over dosed, dead in the San Palamino desert somewhere. And yeah, I wish I could've done things in the past better, but I wake up every day, do what I gotta' do, and try to enjoy life. I know it seems hard now but I want you to trust me when I say it's gonna get better. Okay?"

Although it was a little hard for her to take Jackie's words seriously, the red head still gave a soft nod and seemed less likely to start crying again.

"That a girl. Now how about some pizza and soda? I know greasy cheese and sugar makes me feel better!"

Despite the heavy weight on her heart, the growling that came from her stomach made Sunset begrudgingly reach for a slice of vegetarian supreme pizza and take a bite. The speed of her chewing picked up as the flavors gave her appetite a good kick and she was eating with a bit more gusto. But still, there was something gnawing at the back of her mind now.

"... you really would've been dead out in the desert somewhere?"

"... yeah. I mean, I wasn't no power hungry, dimension hopping unicorn, but I kind of had my mind all messed up as a teen."

"And I'm guessing you had your own version of being blasted in the face by rainbow pony magic?"

"Ehhhh, I sort of had to get my head on straight on my own. But that's something for another day."

With a nod and not pressing for any more information, Sunset Shimmer finished her slice of pizza before taking a drink of soda. There was still a lot on her mind and a lot to think about, along with worrying if there was any backwash in the bottle now.





A couple hours later and it was time for Celestia and Discord to leave, Bobby disappointed that Celestia was leaving but a little glad that Discord was going since the guy liked teasing and confusing him so much! Even Sunset Shimmer had come out of the room to see them off, quiet up until the end.

"You know... it would mean the world to your friends if you called them."

"Ex-friends. And I'm still not ready for that."

Shifting for a moment, Sunset seemed to finally make a decision and pulled a piece of paper out of her jeans pocket.

"... but I'll keep in contact with you. If you want."

"... and if I tell your, ex-friends, how you are doing?"

"Whatever."

With a small smile and a nod, Celestia took the piece of paper and immediately stored the number on her cell phone.

"Well, I wish you luck, Sunset Shimmer. And to the both of you, Jackie and Bobby. Let's go Discord."

"Toodle-ooo! I'm sure we'll be seeing each other soon enough!"

Once the two were down the hallway, Jackie closed the door and let out a relieved sigh.

"Finally. Maybe now things can settle down around here. And you'll stop locking me out of the room, Sunshine."

"... no promises."

Sunset shot a playful grin to Jackie and quickly headed off to their room, the guitarist hot on her heels.

"No way! I'M SLEEPING IN MY OWN BED TONIGHT DAMMIT!"


> Ponies Go To Heaven, Humans Go To Hell
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	In the following week after Celestia and Discord had departed, things had actually started to return to a sort of normalcy. Granted Sunset Shimmer's mood had dipped again when Bobby found an envelope left on the coffee table addressed to Sunset Shimmer and upon opening it, had found it was from Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Not that anyone could blame her, who would want to read a note from the three girls who had ruined her life? But Bobby hung onto it anyway, telling Jackie that one day she might change her mind and see what the three girls had to say. But now that she was feeling better, she was with the Pony Breakers in the make shift studio Tino had set up in his family's garage, helping them record 'My Past Is Not Today'.

When they had finished, they took a break and happily darn the hot tea that Tino's mother had brought out for them. Granted that was a bit awkward since they had gone into Pony Mode while playing and Tino had to keep his mother out while at the same time opening the door just enough to get the drinks though.

"Man that was awesome! You can really belt out a rocking song Sunset!"

"Hey, don't forget guitar! Sunshine's almost as good as me when she plays!"

"Tch, that ain't much of a compliment saying she's almost as good as some scrub."

"Pssh, if I'm a scrub then you're the scrub lord!"

Rolling her eyes as they continued their usual banter, Sunset Shimmer hid a pleased smile by taking another sip of her tea before glancing over to Poppy. The woman was as quiet as usual, a deadpan expression on her face as she watched Tino and Jackie go back and forth, numb to it after years of exposure to such repartee. 

"You know, it's not too late to bail, Sunset. Otherwise you're stuck with this until the band breaks up."

"I think I can last a year."

A bit cutting but before Sunset could chastise herself, a small, playful grin came to Poppy's face.

"One year? Optimistic. I bet six months of fame and Jackie gets a swelled head and leaves the band."

"Well if we're going with the highly unlikely scenarios, then I say a year and a half before you all turn into pegasi ponies and have to give up music because you have no hands to play with."

Both had a small chuckle before going back to watching Jackie and Tino, the argument now some how having evolved into comparing themselves to famous guitar players and debunking each others claims.

"... I know you've been asked this a lot. But are you going to be okay? You've got a lot of shit happening in your life and if don't want to be apart of the band anymore, I know none of us will hold it against you."

Not immediately replying, Sunset Shimmer stared down at her cup of tea for a few moments, her finger tapping against the side of it in thought. It would be more stress, especially since they would be going into Pony Mode every time they played. And sure people seemed to be buying that it was 'special effects' for now but people would be asking questions. So why go through with it? She glanced up for a moment and looked to Jackie, smiling softly as she saw that she and Tino had gotten each other into a headlock. 

"I know we kept a lid on it back at my old high school... but I don't know how much longer magic can be kept a secret in this world and I don't want to go into hiding for the rest of my life. Not when I've found a place where I finally feel at home. Besides, not to brag, but I'm pretty amazing and you guys kind of need me."

The last part Sunset Shimmer had a playful smirk on her face while Poppy simply rolled her eyes.

"Certainly, if you so desire I will support that narcissistic fantasy you seem to be dreaming up."

"You're too kind."

They exchanged a smile and tapped their mugs together in a toast before finishing off the last of their tea. Sunset knew that her choice was going to make her life a little more rockier, but she had a feeling that it was all going to be worth the ride.





There was a feeling of unease as the students filed into the auditorium. It was the first day back from the holiday break but the first thing on the schedule was an announcement. On top of that, most of the student body had learned the terrible truth about the Anon-A-Miss incident and while most felt very guilty, the prevalent feeling was anger whenever they spotted the three girls responsible. Said girls were trying to stick close together and look as small as possible, avoiding eye contact with their fellow students as they made their way to their seats. The had seen their sisters in the crowd but with the way things were, they had very little support from them right now. 

The dejected trio of young teens sat down in the front row, not at all looking forward to the new school year and sad that Celestia had no information on whether Sunset Shimmer read their letter or had talked about them. 

"Ah wonder what this's all 'bout."

Applebloom kept her gaze to the floor, the normally cheerful girl in very low spirits. Sweetie Belle seemed very nervous and could not stop fidgeting in her seat and Scootaloo was stoic with her arms crossed in front of her chest. 

"I don't know, but it can't be good!"

"Calm down, Belle. We'll get through this. And if we can't well... maybe we could run off like Sunset did."

"I-I dunno where I'd go! I don't even know if my parents would let me switch schools!"

"Maybe aunt n' uncle Orange would let me stay with 'em."

Each of the girls had already thought about their options if it became too hard to make it through high school. Applebloom knew she had a lot of relatives to pick from, Sweetie Belle would even take boarding school, and Scootaloo was considering just flat out running away. As optimistic as they tried to be, thinking they could stick together and weather their time through high school... to have the whole student body hate them...

Suddenly the chatter died down as two women took to the stage, one being the vice principal Luna, and the other a woman with bluish-green hair and dark toned skin, dressed in a black suit with green accents. For some reason the smile she had on her face made every student in the auditorium feel a bit sick with dread. Luna would approach the podium first, tapping on the microphone to make sure it was on before speaking.

"Attention everyone. Due to the Anon-A-Miss incident, there are certain... changes, that have and will take place. To explain in detail is our new principal, Miss Chrysalis."

This earned a round of shocked gasps from many students, the auditorium a buzz with hushed whispers that died out when Chrysalis spoke.

"Hello, as shocking as I am sure this is for all of you, I hardly have the time to explain the whys or hows. All you need to know is that Celestia is gone and that I am in charge now. Celestia was weak in the way she handled all of you during the Anon-A-Miss incident and now it is my duty to make this school respectable once more. To start, I will be cutting down on many clubs that I deem unnecessary, such as the knitting club, the jazz band club, the fashion club, and anything else that is a waste of the school's time and space, such as using the music room for non-school sanctioned bands to practice in. Activities the school hosts will also be revised to leave out such frivolous activities such as the Battle of the Bands and anything else like it. Although I will say that the upcoming Friendship Games will still go as planned. In addition, metal detectors will soon be placed at all school entrances and exits, and every day you are expected to hand over your phones and internet access on school grounds will be severely limited so that you can focus on your education instead."

By the end of it the entire student body had been worked into an uproar and much of their anger became directed towards the three girls sitting in the front row, who were trying to shield themselves as many in the crowd began pelting them with random objects. 

"I WILL HAVE SILENCE! OR THOSE THAT CONTINUE TO SPEAK OR THROW THINGS WILL FIND THEMSELVES SUSPENDED!"

`	Immediately the entire room became deathly quiet, brought to submission between the angry tone in Chrysalis's voice and the poisonous glare that seemed to paralyze each and every one of the students. But what really sent a chill down their spines was the laugh. A low chuckle at first that evolved to near raucous laughter. When Chrysalis finished, she wiped the corner of her eye and smirked to the crowd before her.

"So this is the caliber of students Celestia had groomed during her time as principal. Spoiled brats, so eager to pass on the blame. I know all about the Anon-A-Miss incident. Those three in the front row did spread secrets but tell me... who read those secrets? Who actively stabbed others in the back by sending them those secrets? Who ganged up on a lone student to the point that she disappeared? No one put a gun to your heads to do all of that. Despite the last school I ran being filled with students who threw away their lives through partying or wasting their time running around the streets and trying to make it big in music... they certainly knew better than to screw themselves over. All of you did this to yourselves. You proved yourselves to be out of control and now I will bring order to this school."

Throughout the speech, many of the students seemed to sink lower into their seats while Applebloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo felt their stomach's churn violently. A sickly sweet smile came to Chrysalis's face.

"That will be all for now. And I hope you all enjoy the rest of the school year."