Equestria Girls-Manehattan University

by Burning_Heart

First published 21st of January, 2018

The Gang from the Equestria Girl movies are about to take on their toughest challenge yet, College!

After graduating high school, the gang from Equestria Girls are ready to take on more challenges then they can possibly handle including new threats making it's way from Equestria, finding out who they really are, falling in love and the toughest challenge yet, College.

Prologue

“And that’s the last one,” said Sunset Shimmer as she zipped up the suitcase she had laid on top of her bed. She picks up the luggage so that she can place it beside the rest of her belongings that are already packed up. “Now that I look at it, I really don’t have a lot of stuff,” Sunset said as she looked at the five suitcases that were mostly clothes that her friend Rarity had made for her, her guitar, a PZ4 and some games, and her diary she uses to talk to Princess Twilight back in Equestria. She rolled her eyes with a smirk on her face thinking that it was no big deal.

She walks over to her now empty drawer next to her bed and bends down to look inside the ten-gallon sized tank on top of it to see her pet gecko, Ray.

“Well Ray, tomorrow we’ll be on our way to college with the rest of the gang, maybe there I can hopefully learn more about the magic leaking into the human world from Equestria,” said Sunset. But Ray just lays there in his tank just staring back at Sunset. “You know what Ray, you’re the ideal guy. You always listen to everything I have to say.” Sunset pulls out her phone to look at the last few text messages from her friends and begins to read them in her head.

Applejack - Hey Sunset, make sure you get to bed early cause I’ll be at your place to pick you up in the bus round 5 in the mornin.

Pinkie Pie - OH MY GOSH, OH MY GOSH, OH MY GOSH, SUNSET I CAN’T WAIT FOR TOMORROW WHEN WE FINISH UNPACKING IM GOING TO THROW US ALL THE BEST PARTY EVER!!!

Rarity - Darling, I hope you remember to pack up everything for tomorrow, I want to make sure our new house on campus is absolutely fabulous.

Fluttershy - See you in the morning Sunset.

Rainbow Dash - Hey Sunset I hope you’re ready because after tomorrow The Rainbooms are totally going to run Manehattan U, it’s going to be so AWESOME.

After reading the last text she puts her phone down and heads to the bathroom so that she can get ready for bed. After a few minutes, she changes into her pj’s after taking a shower and begins to lay down in bed but she sees she received a text message from her friend Twilight Sparkle of the human world. She picks up her phone and reads the message out loud, “Hey Sunset I’m really looking forward to going to Manehattan University with all of you and just wanted to thank you again for being my friend after the incident with the Friendship Games. So anyway, have a good night see you in the morning.”

Sunset giggles after reading the message, “Twilight, you don’t have to keep thanking us for being your friend especially after what happened after the games or at Camp Everfree.” But the smile that she has had up till now thinking about college life with her best friends starts to turn into a frown. "I don't know why Ray, I have this feeling like something bad is going to happen at college." She turns to look at Ray and just like how she first met Ray, he fills her heart with warmth and says, "haha you really are just a ray of sunshine aren't you." She sets the alarm on her phone and pulls her blankets over herself. “Goodnight Ray, love you boy.” She begins closing her eyes and then drifts off to sleep. But unknown to her, the geode around her neck starts to give off a faint glow.

____________________

After sending her text message to Sunset, Applejack finished loading her luggage in the moving trailer that is attached to the Bands bus. “Whelp, that should be just about it, all except for my bass that is,” said Applejack. She walks back into the house and starts to head up the stairs to go into her room to grab her bass until “Hey sis can you come to the kitchen really quick,” said Applebloom. “Sure thing, be right there,” said Applejack, she heads back down the stairs to head into the kitchen when suddenly, “Surprise, good luck in College Applejack!” Granny Smith, Big Macintosh and Applebloom, Applejack’s family, stand there in the kitchen with a fresh apple pie and a carton of vanilla ice cream.

“Well gosh, what’s all this now,” said Applejack.

“Well we just wanted to say congrats on being the first apple to get into college, right Big Mac,” said Granny Smith

“Eeyup,” Said Big Mac.

“And we just wanted to say that we love you and that we’ll miss you when you’re up in Manehattan,” said Applebloom as tears begin to roll down her face.

“Aw sugarcube, I’m going to miss y’all too,” said Applejack as she leans in to give her a big hug with Applebloom hugging her back. Suddenly Big Mac and Granny Smith join in the hug. Suddenly Granny Smith says, “I’m sure if Bright Mac and Buttercup where here, they’d be so proud of you,” with Big Mac saying “Eeyup.” After being there for what felt like hours, Granny Smith says, “Alright Y'all let’s eat this here pie before it gets cold and the ice cream melts.” Everyone agrees and sits at the table to enjoy pie and ice cream as a family.

Applejack is in her room with the family dog Winona about ready to go to bed when she hears a knock on her door and goes to open the door and there stands Big Macintosh. “Well hey Big Mac what can I do for ya,” said Applejack. “Well I know your heading out tomorrow, but I just wanted to make sure you’ll be able to still come to my wedding here in a few months,” said Big Mac. “Are you kiddin, of course, I’ll be there. There’s no way I’d miss it. I think you found a good one there in Sugar Belle,” said Applejack. “Well I do owe it to Applebloom and her friends, I just wanted to make sure. Well I’ll let you get to bed now, cause big day tomorrow and everything,” said Big Mac. “Love you, sis.”

“Love you too bro.”

Big Mac begins to walk out but turns around a says, “Oh if ya find a guy over there in college, maybe you can invite him to the wedding too.” He walks out and closes the door, while Applejack stands there and starts to laugh nervously to herself, “Y-ya haha, a guy haha *sigh*.” Applejack walks to her bed to lay down then Winona hops in her bed to cuddle with her.
“Oh Winona, what am I gonna do, maybe college can help give me some courage to tell them, what do you think.” *BARK*. “Ya, maybe it can.” Applejack goes and give a big hug but unknown to her, the geode around her neck gives a faint glow.

____________________

After sending her text to Sunset, Pinkie Pie continues to keep packing for tomorrow. "Okay, now that I've texted Sunset I just need to go over what else I need to bring with me! Let's see here balloons check, streamers check, confetti check, backup confetti check, backup confetti check, baking supplies check, hhhmmmm what else! Can you think of anything Gummy," said Pinkie staring at her stuffed alligator. "Oh Gummy I'm going to college, I don't think I can take a party cannon with me, I already asked."

Behind Pinkie Pie she hears a knocking on her door, she turns around to see her sister, Maud Pie. "Oh hey Maud, maybe you can help! I'm trying to figure out what else I need to take with me but I'm having trouble, what do you think?" said Pinkie.

"What about your clothes and your drums?" said Maud.

"..................................................OH YA!" said Pinkie.

"Listen Pinkie, everyone wants to talk to you before you go to bed okay," said Maud.

"Oki-Doki-Loki," said Pinkie

Pinkie heads to the dining room where her father, Igneous Rock Pie, mother, Cloudy Quartz, and her sisters, Maud Pie, Marble Pie and Limestone Pie, all sit at the table waiting for her to set down. "Pinkamena, may you please sit down, this won't take but a moment," said Igneous Rock. "Sure thing dad," said Pinkie as she goes to sit down, "so what's up." Cloudy Quartz begins to speak saying, "Well your father and I support you in whatever you want to do with your life but we have been wondering maybe if....well." "Yes?" said Pinkie with a confused expression on her face.

After a few moments of silents, Limestone decided to speak up, "Ugh, fine if no one's going to say it I will. Pinkie we all think all these parties are preventing you from being happy yourself!" Pinkie Pie then tilts her head to the side with a look of confusion on her face. "Pinkie, we all know that parties are important to you and you like to make people happy. But have you ever thought about what it is that you wanted?" said Maud. "You all don't think that way do you?" ask Pinkie, but everyone just sits there in silence, "Even you Marble!"

"Mm-hmm," said Marble Pie.

"Come on guys, of course, I'm happy, I mean why wouldn't I be. I actually get to go to college with my best friends, how could I not be happy," said Pinkie Pie in the same energetic tone in her voice as always. "Well okay then, we just wanted to make sure you're alright before you leave tomorrow," said Igneous Rock. Pinkie begins to form a big smile and says, "Awe thanks for looking out for me everyone." Pinkie begins to go around the dining room table and gives a hug to every one of her family members with Limestone trying to fight her off. "Well I'm going to bed now, Love You All!" said Pinkie as she heads to her room.

As she walks, she starts to talk to herself, "It's nice of them to worry about me like that, but I mean come on of course I'm happy," she suddenly stops at her door and grasps the geode around her neck before saying softly, "aren't I?" But without her knowing, the geode in her hand begins to give a faint glow.

____________________

With her message set to Sunset, Rarity goes over the last of her supplies that she uses to design and creates her lineup of clothes so that she knows what to bring with her tomorrow. "Yes, this should do quite nicely. All that's left is my keytar and I'll be ready to go," said Rarity. She turns around to grab her keytar to put it in its case but sees that her pet cat, Opalescence, is rubbing up against it. "Opal sweetie could you please not rub against my keytar," said Rarity.

Opal just glares back at Rarity before heading to her bedroom door. The door opens up and on the other side is Rarity's sister, Sweetie Belle, then suddenly Opal rushes out of the room and runs past Sweetie Belle.

"Uh Rarity, whats with her," asked Sweetie Belle.

"Oh it's just Opel being Opel," said Rarity.

Rarity goes to pick up her keytar to put it in its case, after putting it away she realizes that her sister is just standing there in silence with a sad look on her face. "Why darling, whatever is the matter," asked Rarity. Suddenly, with tears in her eyes, Sweetie Belle rushes to Rarity to embrace her. "Do you really have to go tomorrow," said Sweetie Belle, "it's just...Im going to miss you so much." With a soft smile on her face, Rarity gently strokes her sister's hair to comfort her. "Oh Sweetie Belle, I'm going to miss you too."

"Now that's what I call a beautiful sight right there, don't you agree there Cookie?"

"Oh my yes, it is."

Rarity and Sweetie Belle both look over to see their parents, Hondo Flanks and Cookie Crumbles, standing just outside Rarity's room with Opal resting in Cookie's arms. "Oh I'm going to miss you too mother and father," said Rarity. Hondo walks over to his daughters to hug and lift them up saying, "Oh I can't believe my little girl is going off to college."

"Father Please, you're embarrassing me," said Rarity.

"Dad, I can't breathe," said Sweetie Belle.

After a second, Hondo puts them down saying, "Sorry about that, got carried away there." With a giggle from Cookie, she walks over to her husband and daughters. "Listen you two, could I have a word with Rarity real quick," asked Cookie. With a nod, Hondo reply's, "Sure thing there Hon, come on Sweetie Belle it's about time for bed."

"Okay, good night mom, good night sis," said Sweetie Belle.

As they leave the room, Rarity looks to Cookie and says, "So what is it you wanted to talk about mother?"

"Listen dear, I just wanted to say, take care of yourself. I know and your father knows that you work hard to help everyone out especially your friends, and we are proud of you for it cause honestly, you're the most generous person I know. Just make sure you don't go overboard okay," said Cookie.

With a giggle, Rarity says, "Okay mother, I promise to not go "overboard" as you say."

"As long as you understand, I'll let you get to bed now," said Cookie. She pulls in Rarity to give her a hug, "I love you Rarity," said Cookie with tears in her eyes. Rarity begins to hug her back saying, "I Love you too mom." But during their hug without her knowing, the geode around Rarity's neck begins to give a faint glow.

____________________

After her message was sent, Fluttershy goes over to her luggage that she packed up earlier that day to make sure she isn't forgetting anything. "It looks like that's everything," said Fluttershy. She turns to face her pet bunny, Angel. "Are you ready to leave tomorrow Angel," said Fluttershy. With that always sour look on his face, he sticks his tongue out at her and bolts out of the room. Fluttershy gets up to go after Angel, "Wait, Angel come back."

Fluttershy makes it to the living room to find Angel resting in the lap of her younger brother, Zephyr Breeze, while he rests on the couch watching TV. "Hey there Big Sis, I believe that this little guy belongs to you," said Zephyr. "Shouldn't you be asleep already Zephyr," said Fluttershy as she gives a concerned look on her face for her brother.

"Relax I just wanted to talk for a bit, I was going to come see you but the bunny made it easy for me," said Zephyr.

Fluttershy goes over to the couch and sits next to her brother. "What do you want to talk about," asked Fluttershy.

Zephyr turns to look at his sister and asks her, "Are you nervous about tomorrow there Big Sis."

"Yeah, maybe a little bit. I mean, I know that I'll be able to go to college with all my friend and I'm happy about that," said Fluttershy. "But..." said Zephyr.

"I'm just nervous about being in a new place surrounded by new people is all. I don't even like the big city, but I thought it might be good for me to try something out of my comfort zone. It's just what if college just isn't for me," said Fluttershy.

"Okay, now listen here Flutter Butter, there is a lot more to you then you think. You encouraged me to realized what it is I want to pursue when I go to college. That kind heart of yours is a lot stronger then you think it is," said Zephyr. Angel then hops off of Zephyr's lap and onto Fluttershy's lap and cuddles up to her. A smile begins to form on Fluttershy's face, "Thanks, I really appreciate that I mean I'm still nervous about leaving tomorrow but talking to you really helped me out."

"No problem there Sis, just watch yourself out there. Too much kindness might just be a bad thing," said Zephyr. He proceeds to get up and walks to his room and says, "Anyway it's time for this guy to get his beauty sleep, love ya, sis."

With that remark, she sits there confused, "But how can kindness be a bad thing," said Fluttershy. She picks up Angel to ask, "What do you think Angel?" But Angel just gives her a shrug. "Well, maybe we should get to bed after all everyone else is asleep." She gets up to go to bed but didn't notice that the geode around her neck began to give off a slight glow.

____________________

"All right, now that I texted Sunset, I should really get to packing up for tomorrow," said Rainbow Dash. She activates the geode around her neck to use her super speed to pack up her belongings, including her guitar, ZBox One, and her Daring Do book collection. "Well now that's been taken care of, I think it's time for a quick bite before bed," said Rainbow Dash. She walks over to pick up her pet turtle, Tank. "How about you Tank, are you hungry?" But Tank just stares back at her and slowly blinks. "Ya lets get you some lettuce buddy."

Rainbow begins to run to the kitchen with Tank in her arms, but before she can get to the kitchen she can hear crying coming from there. She takes a peek inside to find her parents, Bow Hothoof and Windy Whistles. "Is everything okay in here guys?" asked Rainbow. Her parents look over at her with tear filled eyes and rush over to hug their daughter very tightly with Tank going into hiding in his shell.

"WAAAA I can't believe our little Dashie is going to college," cried Bow.

"Our little girl is now a full grown woman WAAAA," cried Windy.

"Mom, Dad, I think your squashing Tank," said Rainbow. They then released their daughter and Tank pops his head out of his shell. "Sorry about that, it's just that..." said Bow. "We're just a little sad that our little girl will be leaving tomorrow," said Windy. "But you two have known I would be leaving for weeks now," said Rainbow and then they both go, "We know."

"Well I'm just going to grab a snack for me and Tank here so I'll see you two in the morning so goodnight you two," said Rainbow. She goes to grab an apple for herself and a leaf of lettuce for Tank. She starts to head to her room then suddenly, "Hey honey, can we talk real quick," said Bow.

"Um sure, whats up," said Rainbow.

"Well we just wanted to tell you to not go too overboard when you're at college," said Bow.

"What do you mean," said Rainbow.

"We know that your loyal to your band and all, but don't expect that everyone else will be able to stick with it. Cause every one of your friends has there own reasons to go to college," said Windy.

"Well I don't know what you're getting at, The Rainbooms are here to stay. But sure I'll listen to what you just said," said Rainbow.

"Well as long as you understand honey, we'll let you go get some sleep," said Bow. He and Windy lean in to give her a softer hug, "We love you Dashie."

"Love you guys too," said Rainbow.

But during the hug with her parents, the geode around her neck begins to faintly glow.

____________________

"Hey Twilight, shouldn't you be going to bed," said Spike. Twilight puts her phone down after texting Sunset to reply to Spike. "How can I sleep Spike, I mean tomorrow we'll be heading off to college with my best friends and Timber. Plus I'm going to be an aunt soon, how can I not be excited about it." Before Spike could respond, Twilight heard a female voice on the other side of her bedroom door saying, "Honey, are you still awake? Could we come in for a bit?"

"Sure, come on in," said Twilight. The door opens up and it's her mother, Twilight Velvet, accompanied by her father, Night Light. "How come your still awake dear, aren't you supposed to wake up early," said Night Light.

"How am I suppose to sleep tomorrow I finally start college well not really we're just moving on to the campus we don't actually start until next week but we will be on the site and not only that but Shining Armor and Cadence are suppose to have their baby girl soon but I'll be away so I won't be able to see the baby when she's born and..."

Twilight Velvet places her hands on her daughter's shoulders to try and calm her down, "Twilight, sweetie breathe, just breathe." After a couple of deep breaths, she is able to calm down. She sits down on her bed next to Spike. Her mother then comes over to sit next to her. "Sorry about that, it's just that there's just so much going on right now and I'm still processing all of it," said Twilight Sparkle.

"Is that all that's going on dear," asked Twilight Velvet.

"No there's more. I think that Timber Spruce and I are starting to get serious too but he called earlier and said he might be late to actually start school because of some problems with his sister and Camp Everfree so there's that," said Twilight.

"Well that's good," instantly replied by Night Light in a soft-spoken voice. But not soft enough as both Twilight Sparkle and Twilight Velvet give him a sour look. "I mean that's awful dear, but don't let that get you down. I mean just remember why you're going to college.

"Ya, your right. It's to expand my knowledge and make me smarter so that I can become a professional scientist," said Twilight.

"That's right dear, just don't let this little drawback prevent you from following your dream," said Twilight Velvet.

"Thanks, mom, thanks, dad, I think I'm ready to go to bed now," said Twilight.

"Well we'll just leave and let you get to bed dear," said Twilight Velvet. She gets up and grabs Night Light by the arm as they head out the door, "Goodnight dear," said Twilight Velvet followed by Night Light saying, "We love you."

"Love you guys too," said Twilight. With her parents out of her room, Twilight goes to lay down in her bed. "Hey Spike, do you think the rest of the girls have a lot on their minds too," said Twilight. With no response, she looks over and sees Spike fast asleep. "*giggle* goodnight Spike," said Twilight softly so not to wake up Spike. She closes her eyes and begins to go to sleep but without her knowing, the geode around her neck began to give off a faint glow.

But on that night before the group would leave for college, over in Manehattan, a portal opens up above the city, a shadow like being flies out and the portal closes behind it. It lands on top of a building and a voice can be heard from it saying, "wE...nEeD...nEw...HoSt..."

Author's Notes:

This is not meant to be a full chapter but instead a look at the character and what they will be dealing with during the story except for Sunset, for she will be mainly dealing with multiple problems.

Ch. 1-Moving Out, Settling In pt. 1

"WAHAHAHAHA, your attempt to stop me it seems wasn't enough, the dark and negative energy from this "human" world was able to make me far stronger then anything over in Equestria," said the mysterious shadow-like being, who was flying up above the massive city of Manehattan. Sunset Shimmer, with a look of horror on her face, looks above her where the creature is, only to look back down to see her best friends, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash, defeated lying down in the streets.

"No, this can't be happening," said Sunset, with tears rolling down her face.

*HONK*

"Oh but it is, and once I take you out, I can finally conquer this world and move on to conquering Equestria," said the shadowy figure.

*HONK*

A tendril then shoots out from the beings hand. Inching closer and closer to Sunset until finally it...

*HONK*HONK*HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONK*

____________________

"NOOOOO," yelled Sunset. She rises up from her bed with sweat dripping from her head. Before she has a chance to gather herself, she hears what sounds like a horn from a car going off outside. "What's going on outside...", but before she can finish speaking, her eyes widely open up. She goes to grab her phone next to her bed so that she can check the time. "5:05, what happened, it was supposed to go off at 4:30. Oh no they're already here," said Sunset in a panic. She jumps out of her bed, grabs her house shoes and puts them on and heads to open her front door.

She opens the door and on the other side are her best friends, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity and Rainbow Dash. "Hey girls, I'm so sorry I overslept," said Sunset. She looks at her friends and sees that all of them have a worried look on their faces. "Um, whats wrong?"

"I think that's what we should be asking you," said Rainbow Dash.

"What do you mean," asked Sunset.

"Well, your crying Sunset," said Fluttershy.

Sunset is surprised, so she wipes the tears from her eyes that she didn't realize were there. "What's wrong sugarcube," asked Applejack.

"It must have been the dream I was having," said Sunset.

"Do you want to talk about it," asked Twilight.

"Sure but can we talk about it on the way to Manehattan, we're kind of running behind," said Sunset.

"Sure thing and don't worry, we can load up your stuff," said Pinkie.

"Pinkies right, you go get freshened up darling. We'll handle everything here," said Rarity.

Everyone gives a nod in agreement. A soft smile form on Sunset's face, "Thanks, I really appreciate it." She heads off to her bathroom so that she can clean herself up. But in the back of her head, a thought pops up in the back of her head, Was that really a dream or something else.

____________________

After getting her belongings loaded up, along with her pet and getting dressed up, Sunset and the rest of the girls get loaded onto the bus with Applejack behind the steering wheel and begin driving off to their destination. Sunset looks around and sees that everyone else has brought their pets with them. She sees Spike the dog, Opel the cat, Angel the bunny and Tank the Turtle, "Don't forget about Gummy," said Pinkie. Sunset begins to giggle and tells her, "Of course I wouldn't forget Gummy," and then goes to pet the stuffed animal on top of its head.

"By the way, where's Winona AJ," asked Sunset.

"Oh I would have loved for her to come, but a big city like Manehattan just isn't the kind of place for a dog like her, so I decided that she should stay home with Granny and the rest," replied Applejack.

"Oh and what does that make me," said Spike.

"I think you're a special case, Spike," said Twilight.

"Ya, your right, I am pretty special, aren't I," replied Spike.

Everyone in the van begins to start giggling. "So are you going to tell us about this dream or not," asked Rainbow Dash.

"Ya tell us, tell us," said Pinkie.

"Well that's the thing, I don't think it was a dream," said Sunset.

"It wasn't a nightmare was it," asked Fluttershy.

"No it felt more like, a vision I think," said Sunset.

With that answer, everyone gave her a confused look. "What do you mean," asked Twilight. And so Sunset begins to tell her friends about the dream she had.

____________________

"...but before the tendril could hit me, I woke up thanks to all the honking this morning," said Sunset. After telling the others about her dream, she looks at the terrified looks on their faces except for Applejack who was driving. "Oh my goodness darling, that's awful," said Rarity.

"Ya, it was," said Sunset. She looks over to see that Twilight is deep in thought after hearing the story. "What is it Twilight?"

"Sunset, were you wearing your geode last night," asked Twilight.

Sunset replied, "Yes, but I don't see how......wait, are you saying that..."

"Yes, I believe your geode allowed you to see the future," said Twilight.

"Now hold on a sec there Twilight. I thought we only get one magical power from our geodes," said Applejack.

"But that's just it, what if the powers we have are more then we think they are," said Twilight.

Everyone begins to ponder on what Twilight had just said. After a few moments of thinking, Sunset comes up with a response, "Telepathy."

"What was that Sunset," asked Fluttershy.

"What if my magic isn't only just being able to see into other peoples minds, but what if it's actually Telepathy," said Sunset.

"Wait, so you're saying that we all have more magic powers inside us," said Rainbow.

"I believe so," said Twilight.

"That's So Awesome," said an excited Rainbow.

"Oooo, I wonder what else we all can do," said Pinkie. Everyone begins to talk about the possibility of new or enhanced magical powers, all except for Fluttershy who sits there even quieter then she usually is. Rarity notice that Fluttershy isn't joining in on the conversation and goes to ask, "Fluttershy, whats the matter." Then Fluttershy response with, "Well it's just, if Sunset can see the future, then doesn't that mean what Sunset saw is going to happen."

And with that, the inside of the van goes from everyone happily expressing the possibility of discovering new powers to complete silence with the only sound being the engine of the bus as Applejack drives down the street.

"Maybe not," said Twilight.

"What do you mean Twilight," said Sunset.

"Well remember the future isn't set in stone and since we know of one possible outcome we can anticipate this shadow creature's arrival and make preparations for it," said Twilight.

"Hey, good thinking there Twilight," said Pinkie.

"Ya and just to be safe I'll write a letter to Princess Twilight when we get to the campus and see if she knows what we might be dealing with," said Sunset.

"Well I hope your patient cause we still have a while before we get there," said Applejack.

"Um can we pullover really quick," asked Spike.

"What's the matter Spike," asked Twilight.

"I need to use the little dogs room," said Spike.

____________________

After hours of driving, the gang finally make it to Manehattan University. "Alright ya'll, time to wake up," yelled Applejack. After hearing Applejack, they wake up after taking a nap on the long car ride and see that they have finally arrived. "ahhhhhh finally, I thought we never going to make it," said an exhausted Rainbow Dash.

"Alright girls, we need to go to the administration office so that we can find out where it is we'll be staying," said Twilight.

"I'm just glad that we all get to stay in one of the boarding houses on campus," said Fluttershy.

"And that they allow pets," said Pinkie.

Applejack drives to what looks like the main building of the school and goes to park in the parking lot. Everyone begins to hop out of the van and starts to stretch after the long car ride. "Hey Twilight, are you sure the rest of us can't come in," said Spike with the rest of the pets standing behind him.

"I'm sorry Spike, but animals aren't allowed in the school. It will only be for a few minutes," said Twilight.

"She's right, that's why we need you to stay out here to look after the others, do you think you can do that," asked Sunset.

With a look of pride on his face, he lifts his front right paw to give a salute, "You can count on me girls," said Spike.

The girls close the bus door and leave a few windows cracked and head to the administration office. They walk into the building, they see a woman behind the front desk and go to talk to her. They get to the desk and notice that the woman has pinkish red hair in the style of a mohawk, has a scar on her right eye and has her right arm in a sling. She looks over to see the girls standing there and asked them, "Can I help you ladies out with something?"

"Um yes, we're new students here and we are trying to figure out where it is we'll be staying at," said Sunset.

"Names please" asked the woman behind the desk. Each of the girls begins to tell her their names and puts the names into the computer. "Well well, aren't you all lucky. All seven of you will be staying at the same boarding house. The building is the Tempest Shadow house."

"Wow that's quite the name," said Pinkie.

"Ya well the woman who's in charge of that building is quite the character," the woman said. She goes to grab a key for each of the girls to their new home. "You girls be safe on your way there."

"Thank you very much," said Sunset. The girls head back to the bus but before they reach the door to leave the building, the doors open up and they see a tall and slender man with a long white beard wearing an awfully mismatched colored suit which caused Rarity to faint only to be caught by Applejack. "Well well, what do we have here. New students, I presume?"

"Yes we are, whats it to you pal," said Rainbow.

"Oh, where are my manners, allow me to introduce myself. I'm the dean of this fine University, you can call me Dean Discord." After hearing that name, Sunset's face grew terrified but after realizing that she's in the human world, she started to calm down.

"Oh, sorry about that sir," said Rainbow

"It's fine but I must ask, is the young lady there filling alright," asked Dean Discord as he points at a passed out Rarity. While the girls try to think about what to say, Dean Discord says, "I bet shes just tried so I'll let you girls go to get moved into your new housing." The girls agree and head back to their bus while Applejack is carrying a passed out Rarity. Dean Discord heads over to the desk where the lady with the mohawk is at. "So where will our new students be staying at," ask Dean Discord.

"The Tempest Shadow house," said the lady.

Dean Discord gets a giggle from hearing that and starts to walk away but not before saying, "Well now, I do hope you take good care of them, Miss Berrytwist."

____________________

After leaving the administration office, and Rarity waking up from her little episode, the girls get back to the bus and start to drive into the campus where the boarding houses are located at. As they drive along the way they see some more first year students with moving trucks unloading their belongings but also see some other students from CHS who also decided to enroll at Manehattan University. Finally, they arrive at a building with a sign in front of it reading Tempest Shadow House. "Well girls, home sweet home," said Applejack. Everyone steps out of the van so that they can take a look at their new home.

"My goodness, this house is absolutely gorgeous," said Rarity.

"It even has a garage for the bus too," said Rainbow.

"Well what are we waiting for, let's go check it out," said Sunset.

They walk up to the front door of the house with their pets following behind them, Spike behind Twilight, Opal following Rarity, Ray resting on Sunset's shoulder, Fluttershy holding Angel and Rainbow holding Tank. Sunset grabs her key and goes to unlock the door. Once unlocked, the girls walk in to see the inside of the house. The inside has a large living room, dining room, fully equipped kitchen. Fluttershy begins to speak saying, "Wow, this place is..."

"AWESOME. And look the living room has a TV, now we know where we can play our video games," said Rainbow.

"You know, with a little sprucing up, this place will be amazing," said Rarity.

"This is the best place to throw a party," said Pinkie.

"Shouldn't we check out the upstairs to find our rooms," said Twilight.

Everyone agrees and they all head up the stairs. They get up there and notice that there are nine rooms. "Okay, there's seven of us and one must belong to the person in-charge of this building, so I guess there must be someone else who'll be living with us," said Sunset.

"Ohhh does that mean a new friend," asked Pinkie. But before anyone has a chance to say anything, *WOOF*WOOF*, a dog can be heard barking and everyone starts looking at Spike, who is still next to Twilight. "Don't look at me," said Spike.

"I'll go check it out," said Applejack. She heads down the stairs and goes outside to find the barking dog. It's a brown and white border collie, the same as her dog back on the farm. "Winona is that you," said Applejack.

"Wally, where are you!"

Applejack can hear a voice yelling for a Wally and notice the dog was looking in the direction of the yelling voice. She turns to look in that direction and what she saw made her face turn bright red. She saw a girl with wavy brown hair walking towards her direction. She walks to Applejack and the dog saying, "Oh my gosh, thank you so much for finding my dog."

Applejack, with a nervous stutter, says, "S-sure no problem."

The girl replies, "I'm Rosebud, and this here is Wally."

"N-nice to meet you, I'm Applejack."

"Nice to meet you too. Maybe you could help me out, my brother and I are trying to find the boarding house I'll be staying at. Do you know where the Tempest Shadow House is," asked Rosebud?

"Sure it's the one behind me, wait are you the other person who's going to be living here," said Applejack.

"Does that mean you're going to be living here too," asked Rosebud. Applejack nods. Then in a burst of excitement, Rosebud says, "Yay isn't this great Wally, we get to live with such a cutie." Upon hearing that, Applejack's heart starts to beat faster. After calming down, Rosebud with an embarrassed look on her face says, "Sorry about that, I just get excited around cute girls."

"Don't worry bout it," said Applejack.

"Hey AJ, did you find that dog," said Sunset. She notices that Applejack is talking to another girl and goes to say hello. Applejack and Rosebud both look at Sunsets direction. Sunset begins to walk to the two and says, "Hey you must be the other person we're expecting, I'm..."

"Sunny," said Rosebud.

Sunset stops and looks at Rosebud and in that instant, both her hands cover her mouth and her eyes open wide and start to tear up. She says, "Rosie, is that you?"

From down the street, a van is driving down and a male's voice can be heard yelling from the van, "Hey Rosie, where did you run off too." The boy stops in front of the Shadow Tempest House and gets out of the van. "I finally found you, don't run off like...," but then he stops talking, he looks and notices Sunset, "No way, Sunny is that you."

Sunset, who starts crying says, "Burnie too?"

Sunset starts walking towards them saying, "You guys, I'm so sorry about...," but she gets interrupted by the two people who just arrived as they both run to her and they start hugging Sunset. Both with tears in their eyes.

The boy, while crying said, "We missed you so much," with Sunset saying, "I missed you both too."

The girls from inside the house stepped outside seeing what was going on with Sunset and the two new people, which made everyone confused. Applejack walks over to the rest of the girls, filling awkward about the whole thing since she was close by when it happened.

"Um, do you know whats going on AJ," asked Rainbow Dash with Applejack replying, "I have no idea sugarcube."

Ch. 2-Moving Out, Settling In pt. 2

A few minutes have passed and everyone makes their way back into the boarding house with Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity going into the living room with their pets waiting for Sunset to finish her talk with the two people they just met outside in the kitchen. "So how do you girls think Sunset knows those two," asked Fluttershy with Angel laying in her lap.

"Well I don't remember them from CHS, I remember everyone from high school," said Pinkie Pie.

"It must be from before she started attending high school, don't you think," said Rarity.

At that moment, Sunset walks out of the kitchen with the other two right behind her, "Well your right about that one," said Sunset. After seeing her exit out of the kitchen, the girls get up and go to her to make sure that she is alright. "Sunset, are you alright," asked a concerned Twilight.

"It's better then alright, it's fantastic. Girls I would like to introduce you all to Burning Heart and Rosebud. Burnie, Rosie this is Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash." The two say their hellos to the girls.

"Okay it's nice to meet you two and everything but just how do you both know Sunset," asked Rainbow.

Then Burning steps up to tell them the truth, "Well that's easy to explain. Sunset's our family." Silence felled the up the house after what Burning just said. But all in unison the six girls all yelled out, "WHAT!"

"Sorry about that, Let me explain," said Sunset.

Sunset begins to tell the story of how she knew Burning and Rosebud. About how when she first came to this world, Burning saw her come through the portal. After seeing that she needed help, he offered her a place to stay at his place along with his sister, Rosebud and their grandmother, Vanilla Swirl and over the course of a year of her living with them, they showed her so much love, that she became a part of the family. But that all changed when their grandmother sadly passed away and was forced to move back in with their stern Step-father but wouldn't allow Sunset to move in with them. Afraid of feeling abandoned again, on the morning that they were supposed to leave, Sunset ran away and hasn't seen them until today.

"And that's what happened," said Sunset. By the time she finished telling her story, her friends were all crying.

"Darling, that's the saddest story I've ever heard *WAAAA*," cried Rarity who goes to lay down on the couch.

"Girls please it's alright now," said Sunset. After everyone calms down, they started talking to try and get to know one another. The girls would ask them how Sunset was when she lived with them and the brother and sister asked how Sunset was when she was in high school. The girls would learn that there was someone who knew about Equestria before them but sadly, Burning and Rosebud would learn about what happened to Sunset before she became friends with the girls.

"I can't believe it, so if we had stuck around then none of what you all told us would never have happened, I'm so sorry Sunny," said Rosebud as she holds onto her pet dog, Wally.

"Rosie you have nothing to be sorry about," said Sunset.

"No if it's anyone's fault it's Tailored Made's," Burning said as he tightened his hand into a fist.

"From what you said in your story, that's your step-father correct," asked Twilight.

"Yes he is," said a sad looking Rosebud. Burning sees the look on her face and asked the girls, "And if it's not too much, we would rather not like to talk about him."

The girls look at Rosebud and with the feeling in the air, they all agree to drop it. All except for Pinkie Pie who looks like she's about to explode. Fluttershy notices Pinkie and goes to ask her, "Um Pinkie whats the matter."

"I CAN'T WAIT ANYMORE," yelled Pinkie which scared all the pets. "We need to throw a big party right now, not only do we have to celebrate coming to college, but because we made two new friends and because Sunset got to reunite with her old family."

But before anyone has a chance to say anything, Pinkie runs off to gather her party supplies but she ended up running into someone knocking herself and the other person over. Pinkie quickly gets back up to help the person up, "Oh my gosh I'm so sorry I wasn't looking where I was going," said Pinkie. She tries to give the person a helping hand but looks and noticed the woman looked familiar, she had a pinkish red mohawk-style hair, a scar over her right eye and her right arm was in a sling. So Pinkie extends her left hand and helps the person. The rest of the people come to see what had just happened and they all recognized her. "Well, that's one way to introduce yourself but whatever. Hello allow me to introduce myself, my name is Fizzlepop Berrytwist and I'm the person in charge of this boarding house you eight will be living in, if you have any questions ask me, do it now, if not I would like to retire to my room."

Trying to process that the woman they met at the administration office is the person in charge of their new house, some of the girls decide to ask her some questions.

"Why didn't you tell us who you were when we first met you," ask Sunset.

"Didn't fill like it," said Fizzlepop.

"Who does your hair," asked Rarity.

"Me, next," said Fizzlepop.

"You don't have a problem with our pets do you," asked Fluttershy.

Fizzlepop looks to see two dogs, a cat, a turtle, a gecko, a bunny, and a stuffed alligator, "Nope."

"Are you single," asked Rosebud with everyone giving her a look, "What, she's hot."

"Yes and no, I'm not interested," said Fizzlepop.

"Oh, Oh, pick me, pick me," asked Pinkie.

"What is it," said Fizzlepop.

"Why is this house called Tempest Shadow," asked Pinkie.

"OK enough questions, I'm going to lie down, so keep the noise down," said Fizzlepop. She walks past the group and heads up the stairs and enters the room in the very back.

"Sorry Pinkie, but I don't think we shouldn't throw a party tonight," said Twilight.

"Oooohhhh bummer," said Pinkie.

"Well I know Rosie and I just met you all, but maybe we can have it tomorrow. After all, she still needs to unpack all her stuff and I need to do the same," said Burning.

"Now that you mention it, we haven't even unpacked our stuff yet. I guess with everything that just happened, we all just forgot," said Sunset.

"Oh ya before we forget," said Rosebud. She then pulls in Burning and whispers something in his ear.

He pulls away and says, "Oh ya, hey Sunny can you follow me real quick."

"Sure thing," said Sunset. They walk out the house and Burning leads Sunset to the van he was driving earlier and opens the side door. "I always hoped we would see each other again someday so I've been holding on to this for such a day." He then pulled out what he wanted to her and Sunset was shocked at what she saw. It was the guitar she got for a birthday gift all those years ago.

"You mean you've held on to it all this time," asked Sunset.

"Of course," said Burning.

Sunset takes the guitar that she hasn't seen in such a long time and then gives Burning a hug

"I've missed you Burnie."

"I've missed you too, Sunny."

____________________

A couple of hours have passed and everyone had just finished unpacking their stuff into their rooms, but along the way, Sunset introduced Burning and Rosebud to her pet gecko, Ray. Burning and Rosebud were surprised to see Spike, a small dog, talk. Rainbow Dash and Sunset set up their video game counsels in the living room and put together a setup to do streaming thanks to Twilight, who set up the computer. Rosebud tried to flirt with the girls but was focused mostly on Applejack.

"Well it's about time I headed out, I still need to unpack but I'll come by tomorrow for that party," said Burning. They all wave to Burning as he drives his van to the boarding house he will be staying in and everyone else heads back in except for Sunset. She stands there watching him drive off but then she feels a hand on her shoulder, she turns around and sees that it's Rosebud, "Don't worry, he's not going to leave again," said Rosebud who goes and gives Sunset a hug, "and neither am I."

"I know," said Sunset.

"Hey you two, come on we want to hear more stories," yelled Rainbow Dash.

Sunset turns and sees the other girls with their pets on the porch of the house, "I guess your family's really grown huh," asked Rosebud.

Sunset starts to get misty-eyed and says, "Ya, it really has."

After the bombardment of questions, everyone decided that it was time for bed and everyone retired to their rooms. After making sure his tank was ready, Sunset puts Ray in his newly made home, "I know it will take some time for you to get used to this new place, but I know you're going to love it here, I know I do," said Sunset. She goes to grab her diary to talk to Princess Twilight, goes to lay down on her bed and starts to write, "Dear Princess Twilight," *KNOCK* *KNOCK*. A knocking starts to come from Sunset's door, "Come in," said Sunset. The door opens and it's Twilight.

"Hey Sunset, I hope I'm not interrupting anything," asked Twilight.

"Well I was writing a letter to Princess Twilight about what we talked about this morning but it can wait a few more minutes," said Sunset.

"You know, I still can't believe that your world's version of me is a princess," said Twilight.

"I know what you mean, I can't believe there's actually another version of me in this world," said Sunset. "So what's up, Twi."

"Well I know it's not really any of my business, but how come you never mention Burning or Rosebud," asked Twilight. But Sunset didn't say anything, "Sorry I shouldn't have asked, I'll just leave so that you can finish your letter."

"No it's fine, I don't mind telling. Come sit down," said Sunset. She motions Twilight to come sit next to her on her bed, so Twilight goes and sits next to her.

"It's just, when Granny Swirl died and their step-father came to take them away, the look he gave me and basically telling me I was nothing, it just filled me up with so much hate. Rosie had to break up with her girlfriend all because their step-dad didn't agree with her choices. Even with his grandmother who just passed away, Burnie came to check up on me and tell me he was sorry for me not being able to live with them. I should have been comforting them but I was so mad because I was going to be abandoned again that I yelled at him. Then we just started yelling at each other and he had every right to, he was only thirteen and his grandmother just died and I was only thinking about myself. I didn't even tell them bye to their faces, I just left a note. After that, I used all that hate and anger to get what I wanted during high school to the point where I blamed Princess Celestia for making me feel that way, that I tried to take over Equestria. After Princess Twilight stopped me, I felt so ashamed of myself that I tried to lock away what happened that day so that those feelings wouldn't come back. And thanks to all of you, I can finally remember and enjoy the memories I had with them when I first got here."

Then out of nowhere, Twilight goes to hug Sunset and tells her, "I can't believe you've been through so much."

"It's okay Twilight," said Sunset. Sunset then looks at her bedroom door and said, "You girls can come in now."

Her bedroom door opens up and on the other side is the rest of the girls. Applejack then asked, "But how did you know." So Sunset points at the geode around her neck with all the girls, minus Rosebud, remembering she has telepathy now, "Listen girls, I think we have all done enough hugging and crying for one day, so we really need to get some sleep," said Sunset. They all agreed and went to their rooms to sleep and Sunset was finally able to get back to writing her letter.

"sorry if you're getting this letter so late, but so much has happened today that I just wanted to tell you. The girls and I arrived at college today and finally settled in, but we ran into some people from my past. I never told you this but when I first arrived in this world, I met someone who saw me come through the portal, sorry for not saying anything before now, and he let me stay at his house with his sister and grandmother for some time and I became apart of their family, and I have reunited with them after so long. But the reason I'm writing to you is that it looks like the geodes we have are starting to become more powerful. It looks like the powers that I have turned out to be telepathy instead of just seeing the thoughts of others by touching them. But that has me worried because it looks like I can see the future and I saw me and the rest of the girls losing to this shadow-like being and I was wondering if you might know anything about what it might be. If you find out anything, let me know as soon as possible. Your friend, Sunset Shimmer."

____________________

Later that night, a person in a black hoodie was roaming around in Central Park trying to find something when a park security guard finds and approaches the suspicious person. "What are you doing out here this late at night kid," asked the security guard. But the hooded person didn't respond in the slightest to the guard's question, still trying to find what their looking for, so the guard says, "Maybe we should have a little talk with the police," he then grabs the person by the shoulder to turn them around and shines his flashlight at the person. What the guard saw terrified him, causing him to fall backward for the suspicious person's hood fell off, and showed a young male but with black shadow-like hair that moved like fire, a crooked black horn on their head and white eyes with black flames coming out of them. The scared guard asked, "Wh-what in the world are you."

"Well the owner of this body does have a bit of an ego, so I guess you can call me The Shadow Man."

The guard try's to call for help with his radio, but the shadow man shoots a tendril out of his hand and hits the guard but instead of killing him, the shadow man breaks a piece of the tendril off and it absorbs into the guard. The guard begins to fidget on the ground before he stops and rises back up and his eyes were completely white. "Well this is a successful experiment, it looks like this one is under my control. Now go away and if I want your help I'll call," said the shadow man. The guard didn't say a word and he starts to walk off.

"Now back to business," said the shadow man. He goes back to looking for what he was trying to find earlier until he finally found it. "Looks like that feeling I had before was right." He lifts up a piece of a bush and finds a small portal to the Everfree forest in Equestria. He makes a tendril from both arms and uses them to expand the portal. "Alright, so who wants to step up first," said the shadow man. He looks inside the portal and sees three pairs of glowing green eyes, "It looks like you three will do just fine."

Ch. 3-A Walk in Timberwolf Park

It's five in the morning and it's the first full day on campus and Applejack is up and ready for the day. After living on a farm for years, shes used to waking up early to get started on the morning chorus. She walks down the stairs and reaches the kitchen but to her surprise, she finds Fizzlepop Berrytwist cooking breakfast. "Good morning there Miss Berrytwist," said Applejack.

Fizzlepop turns around to see Applejack, "Your Applejack yes."

"Yes ma'am," said Applejack. She looks to see that Fizzlepop has her right arm in a sling again and asked her, "I don't want to sound rude but do you want any help with the mornin spread."

"Thank you for asking but I'll be fine, I've gotten used to fixing food with one arm for years so don't worry about it. Why don't you go back to sleep, it's still dark outside," said Fizzlepop.

"Well after living on a farm my whole life, I'm used to waking up early. This is actually sleeping in for me, but you sure you don't need any help," asked Applejack.

"I'll be fine if you want to Central Park opens in an hour so you can check it out, It's a nice place for morning exercise," said Fizzlepop.

Applejack agrees and decides to go back up to her room and changes into some work out clothes and watches TV in the living room until then. A few minutes passed and Applejack hears a couple of people walking down the stairs. She looks over to see it's Rainbow Dash and Rosebud with her dog Wally. "Well, mornin you two."

"Morning AJ," said Rainbow Dash.

"Morning Jackie," said Rosebud.

Applejack looks confused and asked her, "Um is that me."

"Of course it is, I like giving all my friends nickname, right Bowie," said Rosebud.

"That's you I'm guessing Dash," asked Applejack.

"Yep and mine make me sound like a rock star. So what are you up to AJ," asked Rainbow Dash.

"Oh, I'm just wanting for Central Park to open up. I was thinking of getting some morning exercise," said Applejack.

"We doing the same thing, why don't we all go together," said Rosebud.

So the girls agreed to go together and waited in the living room. It's close to six, so they started to head to the park.

____________________

They make their way to the park with Rainbow Dash leading the way and Applejack, Rosebud and Wally following behind. As their walking to the park, Rosebud decided to have a chat with Applejack, "Hey Jackie, your not upset with me about yesterday," asked Rosebud.

"About what," said Applejack.

"Well, Burnie has told me that when I see a cute girl, I tend to be little over "flirty" with them that I end up making them feel uncomfortable. So if I did that to you, I just want to say sorry."

"No no, it's fine."

"Really, that's good to hear. By the way, do you have a dog because when I saw you yesterday, you looked like you knew Wally."

"Sure do, in fact, I have a dog the same breed as Wally there. Her names Winona."

"So where is she at?"

"I thought it would be best if she stayed home on the farm with my family."

"Well, that's nice of you."

A little bit of time passed as they walked to the park until Applejack asked Rosebud, "So you think I'm Cute."

"Sure do," said Rosebud causing Applejack to blush. So Rosebud asked her, "Why, do you think I'm cute." But before Applejack has a chance to say anything, "He girls, you might want to check this out," said Rainbow Dash.

They reached the park but as they arrived, they see that it's blocked off by the police. They walk to an officer to ask what was going on. "Excuse me sir, but what is going on in the park," asked Applejack.

"I'm sorry miss, but you and your friends need to evacuate the area," said the police officer. Rainbow was about to say something to the officer, the geodes around hers and Applejack's necks begin glowing. They leave the officer alone and out of his sight.

"Rosebud we need you to head back to the house and tell the rest of the girls to come to Central Park right away," said Rainbow Dash.

"Why what's going on," asked Rosebud.

Applejack looks Rosebud in the eyes and tells her, "Please Rosie, it's important."

After seeing how serious Applejack is, Rosebud nods and tells them, "OK, I'll get them as fast as I can. Come on Wally let's go."

After Rosebud has left, Applejack asked Rainbow Dash, "You reckon it's something equestrien Dash?"

"Might be, we better check it out before someone gets hurt," said Rainbow. So the two girls activate their geodes to transform into Crystal Guardians and headed into the park.

____________________

Inside the park, two police officers are hiding from three otherworldly creatures behind a boulder. "What in the world are those thing," one of the officers said. The other officer try's to call for backup, but one of the creatures smacks away the boulder away exposing the two officers. The beast lunges at them to try and bite them, so the officers tried to shield themselves from the oncoming attack. Nothing happens, they looked up and saw a girl with long blonde hair in a teal-green outfit holding the beast back, it was Applejack. "Are you two okay there," said Applejack. She uses her enhanced strength to throw the beast back. Suddenly Rainbow Dash shows up thanks to her super speed telling Applejack, "I've gone around the whole park, it looks like there no civilians around and just three of...whatever those things are."

They look at the creature who is joined up with the other two just like it, their appearance looked like a giant wolf only made out of wood. "What in tarnation are those thing," asked Applejack.

"I forgot to mention, but I also found a portal that looked liked the ones Twilight made during the Friendship Games," said Rainbow Dash.

"So we were right, it does have something to do with Equestria," said Applejack.

Suddenly the two police officers approached them and one of them asked, "Do you two know what these creatures are."

"We're not sure but we might be able to send them back. I'm going to try and lead them to the portal," said Rainbow Dash. She runs to the creatures and starts to run around them to try and get their attention, "Try and catch me you pine breath puppies." Rainbow Dash then starts to run in the direction of the portal. Applejack was about to follow them but is stopped by one the officer and tell her, "Look we have no idea whats going but when this is all over, you two are coming down to the station to answer some questions." Applejack nods to the officer and begins run in the direction Rainbow Dash ran off to.

Applejack makes it to them and finds Rainbow fighting off the beast trying to get them into the portal but is having trouble facing all three alone. "Oh come on, get into the portal already," said Rainbow. Applejack runs and slams into one of the beasts, grabs it by its tail and throws it into the portal. "Come on Dash, don't tell me you were having trouble with these guy right," said Applejack.

"You just got lucky AJ," said Rainbow.

Trying to deal with the remaining two, they notice a rustle in the bushes and see a park security guard. So Rainbow goes to make sure the guard is alright, "Hey are you alright, it's dangerous around here." Suddenly he grabs her by the wrist and starts to squeeze, "Hey what are doing, let go," yelled Rainbow. She try's to wrestle out the guards' grip but is unsuccessful. The guard looks up at Rainbow and she looks back, and she sees that he has all white eyes. He then throws her in the air and Applejack see her in the air while fighting off one of the wolfs.

Rainbow balances herself a glides back to the ground thanks to her wings and runs toward Applejack's direction, Applejack sees her coming and comes up with an idea and hope Rainbow can adapt to it. She firmly places one of her feet in place, grabs a wolf by its paw and throws the beast over her shoulder. Rainbow sees this and notices that the direction the wolf is heading in will put it in front of the portal. She starts running faster and is a short distance away from the wolf and the portal. At just the right moment, she jumps up and kicks the wolf into the portal and bounces of the wolf as to not fall into the portal.

"Good thinking there AJ," said Rainbow.

"I'm just glad you figured out what I was thinking. Now we only need to deal with one more," said Applejack.

"That's not the only thing we need to deal with," said Rainbow. Both AJ and Dash look over to see the wolf but alongside it is the security guard that Dash ran into just a moment ago. "Careful AJ, that guy is really strong," said Rainbow.

"Let's just focus on getting that wolf-thing through the portal and try to close it, we'll deal with him later," said Applejack.

They charged for the wolf and the guard but the guard garbs and pins down both girls. They try to escape but are not to break free, Urg, you right, he is strong," said Applejack. But then suddenly they hear the sound of a barking dog followed by, "Wally get back here." Rosebud shows up chasing after Wally and stumbled into the fight. The two sees Rosebud and she sees her two new friends pinned down by a security guard and the giant wolf made of wood. Wally starts to bark at the wolf, causing it to run after them. Rosebud goes to grab Wally and try's to run away but is so scared her legs give out on her and falls to the ground.

"ROSIE RUN," yelled Applejack. Her strength starts to rise and is able to break free by kneeing the guard in the gut, causing him to let go of both AJ and Dash, making him fly into a tree. Applejack gets up and goes after Rosie. But the guard gets up and start to go after Applejack but is stopped by Rainbow who grabs him with her speed and slams him into a tree causing him to pass out.

Applejack runs to try and stop the wolf from reaching Rosebud and Wally, but it looks like she won't make it in time. Her mind begins to race, thinking she not going to reach them in time, how she, Dash and the rest of the girls are going to lose a friend. But worst of all, how Sunset, who just got reunited with her old family, is losing a part of them again. But at that moment, her geode glows brighter then it ever has before and a surge of energy flow through her whole body. She uses her strength to takes one step to push herself, causing the earth beneath her shatter, to be right next to the wolf and punch it in its face causing it to fly, hitting a bunch of trees.

Rosebud, who is shocked by what just happened, faints and starts to fell backward but instead of hitting the ground, she falls into Applejack's arms. "Rosie, Rosie can you hear me," said Applejack. Rosebud wakes up a sees Applejack and starts to blush, reliving shes in her arms. "You saved me," said Rosebud, who goes in to hug Applejack, "You're my hero."

This causes Applejack to get all flustered but pushes her aside. She gets up and walks over to the wolf. It gets back up and sees Applejack walking to it and starts growling at her. She stops and slams her foot on the ground causing a tiny earthquake and cracking the ground beneath her foot, causing the wolf to go from a growling beast to a scared puppy. "Portal, NOW," yelled Applejack as she points at the portal. The wolf obeys and heads into the portal with Applejack closing it by opening her hand at the portal and closing it by closing her hand.

Rainbow Dash is in so much awe at what just happened that she didn't notice that a small shadow is coming off the guard and makes it way over to a man in a hoodie who watched the whole fight and vanishes into the shadows. The security guard wakes up starts freaking out, "AHAHAH where is his." Rainbow try's to calm to guard down asking him what wrong and the guard tells her what happened last night.

Rainbow gets to Applejack and Rosebud and tells them, "Hey AJ that was so awesome."

"Thanks but we need to get out of here, I don't think we can explain to the police what those things were or why part of the park is destroyed," said Applejack. The three girls agreed and they, along with Wally, head back to the Tempest Shadow house without running into the police.

____________________

Back at the Tempest Shadow house, Sunset and the rest of the girls are up and enjoying breakfast that Fizzlepop Berrytwist had prepared before she went off to work. "Has anyone heard anything from Dash, AJ or Rosie yet," asked Sunset.

"No but I'm sure they'll be back before you know it, darling," said Rarity.

The sound of people walking on the house's porch can be heard from outside, "Ooooh, I bet that's them right now," said Pinkie Pie.

The door opens up and the three girls walk into the house. Sunset turns to greet them saying, "Hey we were just talking about you three."

"Hey girls, boy do we have a story for you," said Rainbow Dash. So the three tell them about what happened to them while at the park including the wolf creatures and Applejack's power boost.

"Timberwolves, you three actually Timberwolves," said Sunset.

"Is that what those things are called," said Applejack.

"Yes but how can that be, so there are portals all the way here in Manehattan, interesting," said Sunset.

"I'm just surprised that those necklaces give you all superpowers," said Rosebud.

"So what, AJ has super speed now," asked Rainbow Dash.

"From what you told us, I don't think that's the case," said Twilight.

"What do you mean Twilight," asked Fluttershy.

"Well let's take the laws of motion into account, Applejack seemed to have tapped into her geode's magic to boost her strength and the amount of force she used to get herself from point a to point b within such a short amount of time would mean she the ground she was on couldn't handle the power she had used," said Twilight.

"Do what now," asked Rainbow.

"It means that instead of super speed, her super strength just got more powerful," said Sunset.

Everyone begins to go and congratulates Applejack for becoming more all except for Sunset, which Twilight noticed right away. "Is everything alright Sunset," asked Twilight.

"Well I'm happy for AJ and all, but it's what Rainbow said that's got me thinking. It's what that security guard said, A Shadow Man," said Sunset.

"You think it might have something to do with that vision into the future you had before," said Twilight.

"Maybe, which mean we need to be prepared for anything."

Ch. 4-Pinkieberry Pie and Flutterchai Tea

Because they weren't able to throw a party last night and still having time before they start their classes, Pinkie Pie, along with Fluttershy, decided to use the first full day in Manemattan to go and shop for supplies for the party she's wanting to throw tonight. With the rest of the girl's staying behind at the house, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy take the band bus to drive into the city. "Thanks for driving me into the city Fluttershy," said Pinkie.

"Not a problem Pinkie, I told Zephyr that I needed to get used to the city anyway," said Fluttershy.

"This is going to be so exciting, getting to explore the city and finding everything for the party. I looked at all the supplies I have and it wasn't enough for what I'm planning. I'm just glad Ms. Fizzle said it was okay for us to having one tonight. I remember it like was yesterday," said Pinkie Pie.

"But that was this morning," said Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy, I'm trying to have a flashback here," said Pinkie Pie.

"Oh sorry," said Fluttershy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Earlier that morning and before Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rosebud came back from Central Park, Pinkie Pie and the rest of the girls wake up and head downstairs. They reach the kitchen and find Fizzlepop finishing up the breakfast she's been working on earlier. "Morning Ms. Fizzle," said Pinkie Pie. After hearing that, Fizzlepop Berrytwist turns around and shoots her an evil looking glare telling Pinkie Pie, "Don't call me that."

Fizzlepop places the last dish on the table and the table has six stacks of pancakes with a verity of different flavors of syrup and a plate of butter for everyone to use, "Did you prepare all this Ms. Berrytwist, it all looks really good," said Sunset.

"Yes and you can just call me Fizzlepop," said Fizzlepop. "Now don't just stand there, dig in."

Everyone sits down at the table in front of their own plate of pancakes and they each top their plates with different ingredients. Everyone takes a bite and they all smile with joy because of their breakfast. "My word, these are absolutely wonderful," said Rarity.

"Well enjoy them, because you all need to start preparing your own food starting tomorrow," said Fizzlepop. Everyone looks at Fizzlepop with a confusing look and she enplanes to them, "Look, your all basically adults now and you need to start looking out for yourselves for now on. You can't stay kids forever." After she said what she needed to say, Fizzlepop goes back to eating, followed by everyone else.

After eating and going back to get ready to work, Fizzlepop is about to head off to work, but not before getting stopped by Pinkie Pie. "Ms. Fizzle, before you go, I was a wondering if it would be alright if we had a party tonight."

"As long as it's not to load, whatever," said Fizzlepop. "And stop calling me Ms. Fizzle." Fizzlepop leaves the house and Pinkie goes to the rest of the girls are to tell them, "Ms. Fizzle said that we can have the party."

"That's good, so does anybody have any plans today," said Twilight.

"Well when Rosie get's back, I was planning on spending some time with her and Burnie today," said Sunset.

"I'm planning on going shopping for supplies for tonight, who want's to join me," asked Pinkie.

"I'll go with you, Pinkie," said Fluttershy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Um, Pinkie. We're here," said Fluttershy.

The two girls made it to a party store and they go in to buy the stuff for tonight. After some time has passed, they leave the store with bags in hand after they finished shopping, "I can't believe it, that store had everything but now I craving something sweet. How about you Fluttershy," said Pinkie.

"Um, I could go for something to drink," said Fluttershy.

"Then let's go see whats on campus," said Pinkie.

They decided to go back to the house to drop off everything they bought so that they can go around the campus to find a place to eat. As their walking around the campus, they run into some of the students who they will be going to classes with starting next week and decided to have a chat. "So did you enjoy going to the city Fluttershy," asked Pinkie.

"Not really," said Fluttershy.

"Don't worry about it Fluttershy, I'm sure you'll be used to it in no time," said Pinkie.

"Do you really think so Pinkie," asked Fluttershy.

"I do think so oh look a cafe," said Pinkie.

The two girls arrived at a small cafe on the campus and go inside. We walk in and Pinkie Pie noticed the verity of backed goods behind a glass container up at the front desk and Fluttershy looks around at the wooden interior design of the cafe, feeling like she's back home spending time in the wood.

"Wow, all of these look super-duper yummy," said Pinkie. A voice behind the counter can be heard saying, "Well thank you, I try my best." Pinkie looks to see who was talking and looks at the person behind the counter. The person is a tall dark-skinned male with a clean shaved head who has a heavy set build wearing a waiter-style uniform of the cafe but not in the most professional looking way.

"Did you make all these," asked Pinkie?

"Sure did, I'm kind of proud of my cooking skills. Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet, my name is Brownie Bite."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Pinkie Pie. And this here is Fluttershy."

"Nice to meet you both so what can I get you two," asked Brownie?

Both Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy went up to the front counters display case to try and figure out what it was they wanted. After a bit of thinking, both girls decided on what they wanted.

"I'll have the raspberry pie," said Pinkie.

"And I'll have a cup of chai tea please," said Fluttershy.

"Coming right up, if you ladies would have seat, they'll be brought right out to you," said Brownie. He goes into the back and the girls can hear him speaking with someone else, "Hey, Gin, we need a chai tea and one for a raspberry pie." The girls then hear someone with an English accent saying, "Coming right up, mate."

So Pinkie and Fluttershy go to have a seat in the dining area of the cafe. "This cafe sure is nice, don't you think so Pinkie," asked Fluttershy.

"Ya, it sure is," said Pinkie.

A few minutes passed and Brownie comes out with their orders in hand and brings them to the girls, "For the soft-spoken young lady, a cup of chai tea. And for the cute girl with the big, puffy pink hair, a plate of homemade raspberry pie." They both take their orders from him and try their pie and tea.

"Wow, this pie is delicious," said Pinkie.

"And this tea is just wonderful," said Fluttershy. From behind the counter, another man with green hair wear the same uniform as Brownie Bite but looking more professional comes to greet the two girls with a plate in each hand. "How do you do," he said while giving a bow and placing the plates on the table.

"How do you do," said Fluttershy.

"Um, Fluttershy, he asked us that," said Pinkie. Fluttershy then giggles and tells her, "No Pinkie, that's the polite way of saying hello in Great Britain."

"Very true miss and do pardon me, but allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ginger Ale." He then goes to shake there hands, Pinkie accepting but Fluttershy too nervous to do so. But as a gentleman, Ginger pulls back as he can see Fluttershy doesn't want to shake hands. They introduce themselves to him and look down at the plates Ginger just placed in front of them. "What are these," asked Pinkie?

"Well Gen here thinks that every serving of food should be served with some kind of drink and vice versa, but mostly tea," said Brownie.

Ginger nods and says,"I believe that everything has something out there that compliments the other. For you Miss Pie, a cup of earl grey for your raspberry pie. A plate of strawberry crepes for you chai tea. And not to worry, these are on the house."

So the girls try desserts with there tea and are amazed at the difference.

"You're right, this tea makes the pie taste even sweeter," said Pinkie.

"And these crepes truly are wonderful with chai tea," said Fluttershy.

"Glad you like them, Gin here prepares all the tea for the place, isn't that right buddy," said Brownie while slapping Ginger on the back. After straightening himself up, Ginger replies, "Yes, and could you please act like your working." But Brownie just laughs at the remark.

"So are you both students here as well," asked Fluttershy.

"Yep, we both start next week but came early because we wanted to get started working here at this cafe, you two are actually our first customers," said Brownie.

"Really, we start next week too," said Pinkie. "So I'm guessing you two are friends then?"

"Correct, Brownie and I have been best mates since freshmen year of high school when I moved here to the states," said Ginger.

"That nice, being able to go to college with your best friend," said Fluttershy. So Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy spent some time at the cafe talking to Brownie Bite and Ginger Ale, with everyone getting to know each other better, with Pinkie Pie getting along with Brownie Bite because of their interest in sweat and both having a fun and energetic aura that could make anyone smile and Fluttershy being drawn to Ginger Ale's polite and gentlemanly mannerisms that she didn't really see growing up. After a few minutes of talking, Pinkie coming up with an idea and asking, "Oh, can we have an order to go. We're having a party tonight and we need to have one of your desserts at the party, Brownie."

"Sure thing, what would you like," asked Brownie. Pinkie then starts to wonder what kind of dessert to order, "I'm not sure. What do think we should get Fluttershy?"

"Um, maybe a strawberry cake perhaps," said Fluttershy. After hearing the suggestion, Pinkie licks her lips at the thought of a strawberry cake. After eating and knows how good his pies taste, Pinkie thinks about how Brownie's cake would taste, "Good thinking Fluttershy, we'll take a strawberry cake please," said an excited Pinkie Pie.

"Sure thing, if it's not too much trouble, I need to bake one but we can deliver it to where you're having the party at," said Brownie.

"Oh, it's no trouble at all. It'll be at the Tempest Shadow house on campus," said Fluttershy.

"Most excellent, and for a bonus, I'll throw in some delicious white tea to go with your cake," said Ginger. After placing the order, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy say their goodbyes to Brownie and Ginger and begin to head back to their new home.

"You seemed to have gotten along with Brownie Bite really well," said Fluttershy.

"Well ya, I mean he seems like a really fun person to be around. Plus he can bake just as good as the Cakes back home," said Pinkie.

"He does remind me of a certain someone I know."

"Really? Who?" But Fluttershy just giggled with Pinkie looking confused, but decided to let it slide. "Oh well. Anyway, it looked like someone was really paying very close attention to a certain English lad." Suddenly, Fluttershy got more quite then she normally is while blushing. Pinkie just laughs at the blushing Fluttershy and wraps her arm around her saying, "Come on Fluttershy, there's no need to be embarrassed. Besides we've got a party to throw." Fluttershy agrees and both the girls make their way back home.

____________________

Hours passed and it's finally time for the party that Pinkie has been wanting to throw ever since they arrived. Every one of the girls is spending time together sitting in the living room, listening to Applejack and Rainbow Dash telling the story of their encounter with the Timberwolves is morning while waiting for Burning Heart to show up with Fizzlepop resting in her room after work.

"I know that you all said that you get magic powers because of those necklaces, but to see it first hand was just amazing. Thanks again for saving me, Jackie," said Rosebud.

"Aw shuck, it's was nothin," said a blushing Applejack. "I would have done the same if it was any of you girls."

"But it still makes me wonder, just how did you tap into more strength when you saved Rosie," asked Sunset.

"Who cares how, all that means is that the rest of us need to unlock the rest of our powers now," said Rainbow Dash.

"Especially if Sunset's vision does indeed come true," said Rarity.

"Speaking of which, did you ever try using your powers to see into the future anymore," asked Twilight.

"I have, but I it won't work. But I have practiced reading peoples minds thanks to Burnie when he was here earlier. If I concentrate on someone hard enough, I can read and see what they're thinking without having to touch them," said Sunset.

"Oh, oh, try me," said an excited Pinkie Pie. But before Sunset could say anything, her eyes glow white showing that her powers are working, "Burnies here, but he's with two other people," said Sunset.

"That must be Brownie and Ginger," said Pinkie. She gets up and bolts for the door with everyone looking confused as to who she was talking about. "Those are the two people me and Pinkie meet today who work at that cafe we ordered the cake from," said Fluttershy.

Pinkie opens the door and on the other side are Burning Heart, Brownie Bite, and Ginger Ale, who are all in casual clothing, and sees that Brownie is holding a cake box. "Hey guys, glad you could make it, come on it," said Pinkie.

"We didn't even knock, how did you know we were here," asked Brownie.

"Oh that, that's because Sunset was reading Burning's mind and knew you were right outside." But after hearing that, Brownie and Ginger just looked confused with Burning saying, "Well lets this party started," and then whispers to Pinkie, "They don't know about magic, so let's just keep it hush-hush," with Pinkie nodding in agreement. Pinkie brings the three boys into the living room and introduces Brownie and Ginger to the rest of the girls. Fluttershy noticed that the two she had met today were not in their uniform and asked why.

"Oh, well that's because I made it at our boarding house," said Brownie.

"You see Miss Shy, Brownie and I became so busy after you and Miss Pie left, he didn't get a chance to make the cake, so he decided to make it at home," said Ginger.

"And when I saw them making the cake, they told me it was for the party tonight, so I told them that I'd show them the way," said Burning. "Oh ya, I should mention that we all live in the same house."

"Wow, that's pretty neat," said Pinkie.

"Also pretty convenient," said Sunset. Afterwards, Pinkie invites Brownie and Ginger to stay for the party, with everyone agreeing. Brownie cuts the cake and serves a slice to everyone while Ginger prepares some tea. Soon everyone starts enjoying themselves and get to know Brownie and Ginger more while playing with the pets. Sunset decides to head up the stairs to her room to grab Ray and Burning see her leave, deciding to follow her. She grabs Ray and leaves her room and bumps into Burning. They both apologized at the same time and start to laugh, "Well aren't you just a ray of sunshine," said Burning.

"That's funny, I said the same thing the day I picked up Ray from the shelter," said Sunset.

"I wasn't talking about Ray there," said Burning. Immediately after hearing that, both Sunset and Burning start to blush. A few seconds of awkward silence passed until someone finally spoke up, "S-so, those two downstairs are your roommates huh," said Sunset.

"Y-ya they are, there really nice guys," said Burning.

"So, how are the rest of your roommates," asked Sunset.

"Well, funny thing is, one of them is someone we both know. It's Flash," said Burning.

"Wait, do you mean Flash Sentry."

"Ya, small world, right? I still remember when Flash and I took guitar lessons. But aside from those two and Flash, there's a guy who's mute but can play the violin. There's a guy who's here on a track scholarship. There's one guy who stayed in his room studying last night and we're supposed to have another guy there be he hasn't shown up yet."

"Sounds like an interesting bunch."

"Ya, I guess. But come on let's head back, there is a party going on after all." Sunset agrees and they both head back to the party. But little did Sunset know, was that everyone she knows and will get to know from Burning's boarding house would have a role to play sometime in the future.

Ch. 5-A Rarity Musical Delight

It's been three weeks since everyone moved to Manehattan to start College and the girls have begun their courses in the hopes of following their career goals. One day after all of their classes ended for the day, Sunset, Twilight, and Rarity meet up and decided to spend some time together to discuss how their classes are going. They went to the cafe that Brownie and Ginger work at, which became the new hang-out spot for the group, to relax with something to eat and drink.

"So how have you're classes been going you two," asked Sunset.

"Well, my general physics class are going well, and it turns out that the professor in charge is not other than Professor Time Turner," said an excited Twilight. Twilight looks at her friend to see that both of them have no idea of who she talking about. "He's famous for a paper he wrote about that time isn't a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually, from a non-linier, non-subjective of view it is more like a big ball of wibbily wobbly timey wimey...stuff." But that explanation just made her friends even more confused.

"Anyway, what about you Rarity," asked Sunset, trying to change the subject before Twilight tries to explain what she's talking about.

"Well, Business Management has been going quite well. Mr. Magnet is such a wonderful teacher and is such a delight. One day after class, I went to compliment him on this fabulous scarf he was wearing and the next thing you know, we were just talking gossip like the latest fashion trends, it turns out that he met his husband here that Manehattan U and was roommates with Mr. Cranky Doodle."

"Wait, you mean Mr. Cranky Doodle from CHS," asked Twilight.

"Why yes, the very same. It seems the two of them became best friends since their days at college."

"By the way, aren't you, AJ, Fluttershy, and Pinkie in that class," asked Sunset.

"Why yes, we are and it turns out that Brownie Bite is in our class as well."

"Really? I wonder what he's wanting to do after school." The girls then hear the sound of footstep approaching them, they turn to see that it's Ginger Ale carrying a trey. "Sorry for the wait ladies, here are your orders. A herb salad with green tea for Miss Shimmer, a caramel latte for Miss Rarity, and a ham and swiss with a lemonade for Miss Sparkle." He places their orders on their table in front of them with the girls thanking him. "You see, Brownie hopes to open his very own restaurant one day. Also, I must apologize for the late arrival, but he is actually still in his culinary classes right now with Miss Pie right now, so everything has been prepared by our new part-timer." They soon hear a familiar voice coming from the kitchen speaking to them as he walks closer to them, "That's temporary part-timer there, Gingie."

"Please don't call me that, Burning," said Ginger.

Sunset and the girls look to see that's it's Burning Heart, "Burnie, I didn't know you could cook," said Sunset.

"Oh, I can't. But first time for everything right, go on, dig in." Sunset and Twilight look at their food, almost nervous to eat and look over at Rarity, happily enjoying her latte. So they finally start to eat and to their surprise, it's not too bad, at least for Twilight. "Wow, this sandwich is not so bad."

Burning just shrugs and says, "Well it's not so hard to fix a sandwich." He looks over at Sunset and sees that she isn't eating her salad. He then takes her plate, telling her, "Sunny, I remember that face, you don't have to eat it if it's bad. This will be on me and next time BB's working, my treat." He takes the plate back to the kitchen with Ginger following behind with Sunset looking at him walk away with a smile on her face saying, "I'm surprised he remembered."

"What do you mean darling," said Rarity.

"Well, back when I was living with Burnie and Rosie, Granny Swirl was serving meat one night for dinner and I didn't want to be rude since she was letting me stay there. So I tried it and it almost made me sick, Burnie saw the look on my face and remembered I was really a pony and told her I'm a vegetarian."

"That was very nice of him," said Twilight.

"You girls talking about me," said Burning as he walks back to their table and sits next to Sunset. "Oh, Sunset was telling us about how you told your grandmother she's a vegetarian," said Rarity.

"Oh ya, well I just thought that it would be weird for a pony to eat meat," said Burning.

"Oh, what about you Sunset. how have your classes been going," asked Twilight?

"They're going fine, but I've been spending most of my time in the labs trying to figure out the magic in our geodes. I've been looking into mine and AJ's since they've powered up but I just can't figure it out," said Sunset. Sunset starts get frustrated, rubbing the temples of her head. A hand is softly placed on her shoulder and she looks over and it's Burning. "Don't stress out about it Sunny, I know you'll figure it out." Sunset smiles and puts her hand on top of his, "Thanks, Burnie."

"Oh my, could there be a little spark forming perhaps," said Rarity. Both Sunset and Burning get embarrassed and pull away from each other, not looking at one another. But unknown to all three of them, Twilight sits there like nothing is wrong, but the only thing going through her mind is that Timber Sprues still hasn't come to school yet.

____________________

He looks over at the clock hanging up on the wall of the cafe and suddenly jumps up out of his seat, accidentally scaring the girls and causing everyone else in the cafe to look in their direction to see what was going on. "Oh, I almost forgot. Do you girls have anywhere you need to be in the next few minutes?" The girls looked at each other and looked over at Burning, all three shaking their heads no. "Good, because one of mine and Gingie's roommates is coming here to do a violin performance."

The bell from the opening of the door to the cafe could be heard and Burning looks over to see who it is, "Speck of the devil their he is, I'm going to help him get set up so I'll see you all in a bit." Burning gets up and walk over to the guy who just walked in and the girls look over and see him having a one-sided conversation with a young man wearing glasses carrying a case for his violin and few note notebook and pencils as the both of them get set up.

"So that another one of Burnie's roommates huh," said Sunset.

"That's cool that he plays the violin, what do you think Rarity," asked Twilight. But Rarity didn't say anything, so both Sunset and Twilight look over at her and see that she has a daydreaming look on her face, "Oh my, he is quite handsome." Hearing that, both Sunset and Twilight start to giggle as it's not the first time they've seen their friend like this. After a few minutes have passed, Burning came back and sat down next to the girls, "I hope three are ready for a treat."

Ginger Ale gets up on the tiny stage in the cafe to make an announcement, "Good evening ladies and gentlemen, how are you all this fine day. Today, we have one of my mates here today who would like to do a performance for you all today. So please, give a round of applause for Mister Allegretto." The people in the cafe begin to clap as Ginger sets off the stage and Allegretto sets up and bows to his audience. He sits down on the stool on the stage and looks out into the cafe. He sees Burning out there and sees him giving him a thumb up, but he looks over close to Burning and sees Rarity. Their eyes meet and both of their hearts start to beat a little bit faster, she gives him a little wave of her fingers and he smiles back. He closes his eyes and takes his bow and puts it against the strings of his violin and starts to play.

The sound of the violin fills the air in the cafe with a loving feeling that nearly made some people start to tear up. A few minutes passed as Soft Melody finishes playing, the moment he stops he received a round of applause. "See, I told you all were in for a treat," said Burning. Allegretto stands back up and bows before leaving the stage and heads to the front counter were Ginger Ale is at. Burning gets up and turns to the girls and asked, "Well, I'm gonna check on Al. If you want, I can introduce you all to him?"

"Why of course Burning, we would love to meet him, right girls," said Rarity. Sunset and Twilight both agree and all three get up to follow Burning, but Rarity rush passed them in a hurry to where Allegretto is at. Looking as Rarity rushes passed him, Burning looks over at Sunset and Twilight, "Is she always like that?"

"Ya, when she sees something she likes, she goes for it," said Sunset.

At the front counter with Allegretto and Ginger Ale, Allegretto hands Ginger a small piece of paper. Ginger looks and reads what is written on it, "One green tea coming right up," said Ginger. While waiting for his green tea, Allegretto could hear someone approaching him, he turns and sees that it's the same girl that he locked eyes with just a few minutes ago. "Excuse me, I don't mean to bother you but I just wanted to say that your performance with the violin was just marvelous," said Rarity. Allegretto take a pencil and piece of paper, writes something down and hands it to Rarity. She looks at the note and reads it, "Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Before Rarity could say anything, Burning, along with Sunset and Twilight, show up and tell her, "Sorry about that, but I should have told you. Al here is mute." Rarity looks over at Allegretto and he nods yes. "Oh, darling, I'm so sorry."

Allegretto takes another piece of paper and writes on it and hands it to Rarity, "Don't worry about it, I've been unable to speak for years now. Just talk to me you would anyone else." He writes another note and hands it to Burning.

"Al says that it's nice to meet you all," says Burning. All the girls introduce themselves to him and tell him his performance was great. They spend some time with Allegretto and Burning, getting to know Allegretto before they need to head home for the day.

____________________

The girls leave the cafe and start to head home. As their walking back to their house, Sunset looks over a Rarity giving her a cocky smile, "Someone seems to be crushing on Allegretto. Wouldn't you agree, Twilight?"

"Yep, definitely."

"What can I say, he is quite handsome and the way he plays the violin, simply beautiful. But what about you Sunset dear, don't you have a crush on Burning?" Sunset gets red in the face after hearing that and try's to disprove her, "W-what are you talking about, I don't have a crush on Burnie." Both her friends giggle after hearing that, Twilight places a hand Sunset's shoulder, telling her, "Sunset, listen, if you like him then why not see if he likes you back."

"She's right darling. Look, I've liked a lot of guys and I've tried going out with some of them, sometimes there really nice but not for me and sometimes they can be like Blueblood and just be jerks. But you'll never know unless you try."

"So I'm guessing you're going to try and go out with Allegretto then," asked Sunset.

"But of course. And who knows, he might just be the one."

"You know what, you're right. Also, you might want to have this same conversation with Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie," said Sunset.

"Oh I have, but sadly Fluttershy nearly passed out of thinking of dating and of course, Pinkie was just being Pinkie. But I must say, you're quite a lucky girl, Twilight." Twilight not knowing what Rarity is talking about, asked her, "What do you mean?"

"I mean that you have Timber Spruce darling."

"Ya, I just hope everything at Camp Everfree gets wrapped up soon, I really miss him," said Twilight. Twilight lowers her head, now sad because she hasn't seen her boyfriend in over three weeks. The girls decided to not talk about relationships the rest of the way home.

They make it back home and could hear that the rest of the girls are home as well. Rainbow Dash is in the living room, with Tank, playing video games, Pinkie Pie could be heard in the kitchen making dinner for tonight, and Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rosebud are in the dining room working on some homework. Rosebud looks over to see the girls that just walked in and gives them a friendly wave, "Hey girls, where have you all been?"

"We were at the cafe, and just listened to the most beautiful violin performance," said Rarity. Pinkie pops her head out of the kitchen and says, "Oh, do you mean Allegretto?"

"Ya, but how did you know Pinkie," asked Sunset?

"Oh, during cooking class today, Brownie Bite was telling me that his roommate who plays the violin was doing a show at the cafe today." Rainbow Dash stops her game and says, "We need to do a show there girls, we need to show this school just how awesome The Rainbooms are!"

"That does sound like a fun idea, we need to do some practice first," said Applejack.

"And maybe Fluttershy could show off her tambourine playing to impress Ginger Ale," said Rarity. Fluttershy gets embarrassed, with her cheeks getting red, and hides her face behind her hair. She pokes an eye out and asked, "Do you think so?"

"I'm sure he will, sugarcude," said Applejack.

"So what do you all say, are we doing this or not," asked Rainbow Dash. All of the girl's nod in agreement and an excited Rainbow Dash yells, "Alright, it's time to show Manehattan U what we're made of!" A door opens in the backroom up on the second floor and Fizzlepop Berrytwist yells from her room, "Keep it down, I'm trying to rest," before slamming her door shut.

____________________

After closing the cafe for the day, Burning Heart, Ginger Ale, and Allegretto all head to their house. "You know Allegretto, you didn't have to stay till closing time," said Ginger. Allegretto shook his head back and forth showing he's thinking no. Burning wraps his arm around Ginger Ale's neck, telling him, "C'mon Gingie, if Al wants to hang with his friends then let him." Allegretto shakes his head up and down saying yes. Burning sticks his fist out to Allegretto and both fist-bumped. "Could you please stop that, Burning," said Ginger Ale.

Allegretto looks over at the setting sun and taps on Burning's shoulder, "What's up, Al?" Allegretto points at the sun, trying to tell him something, "I don't get it."

"I believe he's trying to say Sunset, Burning," said Ginger and Allegretto gives a thumbs up.

"What about Sunny," said Burning. Allegretto draw the image of a heart in the air around the setting sun and points at Burning. "Ha, am I that obvious."

"Burning, if it's not rude to ask, do you like Miss Shimmer," asked Ginger Ale.

"Well, ya. I guess I do, I mean I've liked her back when she lived with me and Rosie but I never had the courage to ask her out."

"Then maybe you should before some else does before you," said Ginger Ale.

"You mean like you and Fluttershy, Gingie."

"Touche." A ringing can be heard from Burning's cell phone, so he pulls his phone out and sees that it's a text message from Sunset.

"hey burning, me and the girls were wondering if there any way we can have our band perform at the cafe sometime."

"Hey Gingie, Sunny was wondering if she and the girls could perform at the cafe with their band."

"Well I need to go over it with Brownie, but he should be all on board with it, ask if a couple of weeks would work." Burning texted her back to see if they could do it in a couple of weeks. A minute later, he receives a reply that reads,"that perfect."

A small shadow, unbeknown to the guys, crawls off of Burning and travels to a man in a black hoodie and merges with him. "A couple of weeks huh, that around the time of the Ursa migration and the perfect time for a new portal opening."

Author's Notes:

For the violin performance, the link below is around what I have in mind. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwUpnykZ0AE

Ch. 6-Chasing Rainbows

🎵I'm awesome, take caution🎵
🎵Watch out for me, I'm awesome as I wanna be!🎵

The final guitar note plays and the crowd burst into cheers, "RAINBOOMS, RAINBOOMS, RAINBOOMS!" Rainbow Dash picks up the microphone and speaks into it, "Thank you, everyone, it has been a pleasure to play for you all."

"Encore, Encore!" The crowd keeps chanting for The Rainbooms to continue playing. "You heard the crowd girls, who ready to shack your tail." Rainbow Dash gives the signal to Pinkie Pie, she taps her drumsticks and starts to play followed by the rest of the girls.

🎵We've just got the day to get ready🎵
🎵And there's only so much time to lose🎵
🎵Because tonight, yeah, we're here to party🎵
🎵So let's think of something fun to do🎵

The crowd cheers as The Rainbooms begin to perform again, with every starting to dance and sing along until the song comes to an end.

🎵Shake your tail 'cause we're here to have a party tonight!🎵

Rainbow Dash jumps in the air to strum the last note, but...

____________________

*CRASH* "OW, what happened," said a confused Rainbow Dash. She looks around her surroundings and sees that she is in her room laying down on the floor in the early morning. She picks herself up and walks over to Tank because her fall woke him up and pets his shell, "Sorry about that buddy, guess I was dream rocking." A knocking can be heard from her bedroom door, so Rainbow goes to answer and opens the door. It's Fizzlepop Berrytwist. "Is everything fine in here, Rainbow Dash?"

"Oh ya, everything is fine. I just fell out of bed."

"So that's where that cut above your eye came from." Rainbow is surprised and goes to fell above her eye, it stings and she looks that her fingers have a little bit of blood on them. "Come on let's get that cleaned up before it gets infected." Rainbow follows Fizzlepop to the bathroom so that they can clean the cut. They arrive and Fizzlepop grabs some antibiotic cream, a clean washcloth, some bandages, and some painkillers. "Here you go, the cut doesn't look deep so it shouldn't leave a scar," said Fizzlepop. Rainbow washes her hands and cleans the wound, applies the cream, and puts a bandage on. "Thanks for the help, Miss Berrytwist."

"Ya well, you had to keep an eye open for infected wounds in the military, especially out in the field." Rainbows eyes open wide, "Wait, you were in the military."

"Yes, I was. I got injured while out in the field and lost all motor functions in my arm and was discharged." Rainbow is shocked, she looks at her arm and gets a little sad, Fizzlepop puts her hand on Rainbows shoulder, "Hey, don't worry about it." Fizzlepop begins to leave the bathroom but turns around to ask Rainbow Dash something, "By the way, since your up, do you mind going to the campus convenience store and pick some stuff up for me, I need to head out for work. I'll leave some money and a list on the counter."

"No problem," said Rainbow. She heads to her room to gets dressed and puts her geode on. She grabs the money and heads out the door. She activates her geode and runs to the store. She grabs the items on the list and goes to pay at the front register. She starts to walk out of the store and bumps into someone and both of them fall over. "Ow, whats with me and falling this morning."

"Are you alright, I'm sorry about that," said a male voice. He extended his arm to help Rainbow Dash up. She grabs his hand and helps her up, "Don't worry about, it's no prob..." Rainbow stops talking and is shocked. She looks at the man with blue and light blue dreadlock hair, tied back into a ponytail, wearing a tracksuit and recognizes who he is, "Aren't you Star Chaser?"

"Yes, I am."

"I knew it, I saw you on TV during the high school national track and field competition, you were so awesome!"

"Thanks, I'm guessing you're into sports then?" A feeling of pride in herself begins to form inside Rainbow Dash, so she puffs her chest out and says, "Well not to brag or anything, but I was captain of all my school's sports team."

"Cool. Well, it was nice to meet you, um..."

"Oh, I'm Rainbow Dash."

"Nice to meet you Rainbow Dash. Well, I guess I'll get back to shopping."

"Oh ya, and I need to get this stuff back to the house." Rainbow starts to leave the store and walks passed Star Chaser but, "Say, you wouldn't happen to have been track, would you Rainbow," asked Star Chaser? Rainbow turns around to tell him, "Yep, and I was the fastest runner too."

"Is that so, cause I could use a training partner and nobody on the team wants to train with me. Think you might be interested?" A big grin forms on her face, the thought of training with a national athlete was more then she could handle. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh. Yes, I would love to be your training partner."

"Great, how about we meet here tomorrow morning around the same time, sound good?" Rainbow Dash nods her head excitedly. "Well, see ya tomorrow morning." Star Chaser leaves the store. Rainbow Dash, in a burst of excitement, leaves as well, activates her geode and runs back home, running passed Star Chaser along the way.

____________________

The girls are up and eating breakfast before their classed start, but instead of eating, they stair at Rainbow Dash who has been eating with a giant grin on her face. "Um, Rainbow, are you okay," asked Sunset?

Rainbow Dash jumps out of her chair, surprising the rest of the girls, saying, "Okay? It's better than okay, it's the most awesome thing ever!"

"What is it then," asked Twilight?

"I got asked to be the training partner for Star Chaser." A moment of silence passed and nobody spoke a word, "Oh come on, he's was a track and field running star who went to the national high school competition and he asked me if I could be his training partner."

"So I'm guessing he must be a fast runner then," asked Fluttershy.

"Are you kidding, of course, he's fast. He's won medals in every sprinting events he was in."

"Wow, you weren't kidding Bowie, he does sound fast," said Rosebud.

"By the way, Rainbow, are we going to be practicing for our band performance at the cafe," asked Rarity. Rainbow stands there, frozen in place after what Rarity said. Pinkie Pie goes over next to her, waves her hand in front of her face and pokes her in the cheek, "I think she may be broken."

"I FORGOT," yelled Rainbow Dash, scaring Pinkie Pie and causing her to fall backward. "What am I going to do, I told him that I'd train with him but we need to practice for our performance, we have classes to worry about and we still have that shadow man problem!"

"Easy there sugarcube, there's no need to go gettin in a hissy fit now," said Applejack.

"She right Rainbow, we still have two weeks before the performance, I'm sure we'll be ready before then," said Twilight.

"And I've been working on trying to see into the future again so you don't have to worry about the shadow man," said Sunset. Then at that moment, Sunset came up with an idea, "and maybe training with this Star Chaser could help with your powers as well."

"What are you talking about," asked Rainbow Dash?

"Well think of it this way. AJ, when that Timberwolf was going to attack Rosie, what was it you were thinking at that moment?"

"Well, I reckon it's that I couldn't let anything terrible happen to her, afraid she might get hurt. And I couldn't let that happen," said Applejack.

"So your motivation to save her awoke magic more powerful inside of you, is that correct," said Rarity.

"And that's my theory. If we all have something to help push and motivate us, we all might just be able to get more magic," said Sunset.

"That could work, so why not give it a try," said Fluttershy.

"You know what, why not. I'm down for the challenge," said Rainbow Dash.

____________________

The next day, Star Chaser is waiting outside the convenience store where he met Rainbow Dash, waiting for her to arrive. Out of nowhere, a big gust of wind flies passed him and then he heard a familiar voice, "Hey, sorry I'm late," said Rainbow Dash.

"Not a problem, I haven't been waiting long. So you ready for a challenge," said Star Chaser.

"Oh I'm more than ready," said Rainbow Dash. They go inside the store to buy some water and then head to Central Park. They arrive and see that a portion of the park is closed off. "Did you hear what happened here, apparently a couple of weeks ago a rumor began to spread that a couple of superheroes were fighting some monsters here in the park and wrecked the places up," said Star Chaser.

"R-really, wow that sure is some rumor," said a nervous sounding Rainbow Dash. They head to an open section of the park that has a straight path and circular path and they begin their sprint training. They jog a few laps around the circular path then after the jog, they do some stretches. "Alright, so whats next Star Chaser," asked Rainbow Dash?

"Well, let's with some thirty-second sprints for starter and you can just call me Chase. I have a roommate that gave everyone in my boarding house and I've gotten used to the name."

"Funny, I have a roommate just like that too," said Rainbow Dash. A quick thought popped into her head, "Say, that roommate you mentioned wouldn't happen to be Burning Heart, would it?"

"Ya, it is. How did you know?" Rainbow starts to laugh after guessing right, "It's because I'm roommates with his sister, Rosebud, she calls me Bowie." They both get a chuckle over the coincidence but after a few seconds of laughter, both get back to being serious about training, "You ready to see fast I am, Chase?"

"Ha, bring it on, Bowie."

After a few thirty-second sprints, both Rainbow Dash and Star Chaser took a short break to get themselves hydrated with some water. "So how do you feel about a race, Rainbow?"

"Sure, that sounds like a plan."

"Okay, so we'll do a 100-meter race and if you want, we'll pick it up from there."

"Sounds great, you ready to eat my dust."

"We'll see about that." They both get into position after marking the finish line, "OK, you ready," said Star Chaser and Rainbow nods her head. Star Chaser sets an alarm to go off in a few seconds, he starts the alarm and they hear *beep*beep*BEEEEEEP* and both take off.

____________________

A week has passed and the girls are practicing for their performance for the cafe with Burning Heart, Rosebud, Brownie Bite, Ginger Ale, and Allegretto there to see them perform.

🎵And you don't have to wonder🎵
🎵We can be free🎵
🎵Anything you want🎵
🎵You can count on me🎵
🎵I'll be around🎵
🎵I'll be around🎵

The song comes to an end. The girls stop playing and cheers can be heard from Rosebud and Brownie Bite. "Wow, oh my gosh guys, that was incredible," said Rosebud.

"Ya, that sounded great, don't you think so Al," asked Brownie Bite. He looks over at Allegretto, but he shakes his head in disagreement, "Yep, I agree with Al there B.B.," said Burning Heart. "Something was off with Bowie, but I don't know what."
Allegretto then grabs a notebook and starts to write something down.

Back over with the girls, they gather around an exhausted Rainbow Dash. "Is everything okay Rainbow, you don't look so good," asked Fluttershy."

"Pfft, what are you talking about, everything is fine," said Rainbow Dash.

Allegretto walks over to Rarity and taps her shoulder, she turns around and he hands her his notebook. She reads whats written inside, "Oh my, so that's whats wrong. Thank you Allegretto." Rarity walks over to Rainbow Dash and shows her the notebook and Rainbow reads whats inside, "Rainbow Dash, It looks like the reason your guitar playing seems lacking is that your hands are off the mark while playing and you were moving your feet, not to the beat but to something else. Simply put, your mind is thinking elsewhere and not on the guitar in your hand."

"Rainbow, whats going on. You were really looking forward to playing in front of everyone," asked Sunset.

"Pardon the interruption, but maybe it has something to do with Star Chaser," said Ginger Ale. Everyone looks at Rainbow Dash, who looks like she about ready to pass out.

Even though it's one of her best friends, Sunset knows she needs to look inside Rainbows mind. After some training she has been doing on her own, she closes her eyes and uses her telepathy to send a quick message to Burning, "I think I know whats going on, could you get the others to leave, I don't want them to know about magic just yet." At first, he was shocked to hear another voice in his head but he recognized it was Sunset, he looks over at her and nods.

"Come on guy, maybe it's time to go."

"Shouldn't we stay to see if the ladies need help with Miss Dash," said Ginger Ale with Allegretto nodding behind him.

"Na I'm sure they'll be just fine, besides it getting late." The other boys agree and they say their goodbyes to the girls and head to their house. After they leave, the gang try one more time to figure out whats wrong with Rainbow Dash. "Come on Rainbow, how are we suppose to help if you won't tell us whats wrong," asked Twilight.

"I told you, I'm fi*yawn*ne," said the tired Rainbow Dash.

"Sorry Dash, I don't want to do this," said Sunset. She reaches her hand out to touch Rainbow, but get stopped by Pinkie Pie. "Hold up, let me take a crack at this!" Pinkie Pie stairs intensely at Rainbow Dash and after a few seconds, Pinkie speaks.

"I've got it, the reason you're tried is that you've been thinking of nothing but racing Star Chaser, because not only do you two keep beating one another in races to see who the fastest one is but also because of what Sunset said about motiving yourself for the sole chance that it will help you get more powerful magic in case the shadow man attacks anyone of one of use again," said Pinkie Pie, leaving every one dumbfounded.

"Are we sure you don't have telepathy, Pinkie," asked Rainbow Dash.

"Nope, it's just what I do," said Pinkie Pie.

"Is this true Rainbow," asked Sunset.

"Ya, it's true. It's just that, when we started training we decided to have a race and after our first race, Star Chaser ended up winning. I was shocked, I wanted to race fair and square so I didn't use my magic so I kept challenging him. But he kept on winning, so I thought that this is what Sunset meant about motivating myself to become stronger. But no matter what I did nothing was changing, no matter how hard I push myself, I could never win or unlock more magic."

Sunset places her hand on Rainbow's shoulder, trying to comfort her, "Listen Rainbow, I'm sorry if I pushed you into trying to unlock more of your powers, I never meant that you should focus just on that."

"She right Rainbow, maybe the only thing that the rest of us to do is just be patient and one day, I'm sure all of us will have our full powers," said Twilight.

"And the Shadow Man won't know what hit him," said Pinkie Pie.

"Well that's not the only reason," said Rainbow Dash.

"What do you mean by that Bowie," asked Rosebud?

"Well, I've always been competitive and knowing that there's someone out there whos better than me at something, just makes me want to beat them so much." All the girls then burst out in giggles as to how serious sounding Rainbow Dash is.

"I don't think we need to worry so much," said a giggling Sunset. The giggles stop and they see a sleeping Rainbow Dash, who's exhaustion finally caught up with her. They lay her down on the sofa, trying not to wake her, and put a blanket on top of her. "I think we should call it a day," said Fluttershy. Everyone agrees and they all head upstairs to sleep.

Author's Notes:

"Awesome As I Wanna Be" - The Rainbooms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM0p7ETnBg4
"Shake your Tail" - The Rainbooms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdVdpRzUzR0
"I'll Be Around" - Palmer Reed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IjbZy8rd44

Ch. 7-Time to debut pt.1

After a week has passed, the day has finally come for the girls to make their debut at Manehattan University. They load up their instruments onto the band bus, "Well I think that's everything we need," said Sunset. She hears the sound of footsteps behind her, she turns around and sees that it's her first and oldest friend in the human world, Burning Heart. "So you ready to so this place what you're made of, Sunny," said Burning Heart.

"As ready as I'll ever be," said Sunset.

"Hey don't worry about it so much, I'm sure you'll do-" but before he could finish what he was saying, "AAAAAAAAA," a scream could be heard from inside the house, sounding like Twilight. Sunset and Burning run into the house to see what the problem is. "Twilight, whats wrong," said a scared Sunset. But what Sunset saw was her friend looking at her phone with a big smile on her face.

"She's here, she's here, she's finally here," yelled an excited Twilight.

"Who's here Twilight," asked Sunset.

"Shining Armor and Cadance final had their baby." Twilight shows her phone to Sunset and Burning that has a picture of a newborn baby girl with purple and blue hair, wrapped in a swaddling cloth. "Oh my gosh Twi, she's adorable," said Sunset. After seeing the picture, Sunset goes in to give a hug to Twilight, "Congratulations 'Auntie' Twilight."

"Ya, congrats Sparky, so what her name," asked Burning Heart. Sunset and Twilight released each other from their hug, "Her name's Flurry Heart. I need to go show the rest, then we'll head on over to the cafe so just give me a minute."

"Take your time, Twi," said Sunset. Twilight goes off the show off the picture to the rest of her friends. Once she's gone, Sunset looks over to give Burning Heart a puzzled look. He sees her and raises an eyebrow, "What?"

"Sparky, really?"

"What, I've got names for everyone else," said Burning Heart. Sunset starts to laugh, then Burning starts laughing alongside her. "I'm so glad you haven't changed, Burnie. You or Rosie."

"Me? If anyone's changed, it's you."

"Ya, I guess I have. I owe it all to them." Burning looks down and his voices get soft, "Ya, make me kind of jealous."

Sunset, looking confused, asks him, "Why."

"I just, when I first meet you, you fell out of a portal from the statue in front of CHS, it changed my whole world. I found out that there are other worlds out there, other dimensions out there. I wanted to change your world like you did for me, but I guess they beat me to it." But out of nowhere, Sunset playfully punches Burning in the arm, "Come on don't be so down on yourself. You'll always have one thing they won't have."

"Ya, and that is?" Sunset goes in to give Burning a hug, catching Burning off guard, "You always be my first human friend."

Burning smiles and starts to hug her back. He soon starts to blush and pulls Sunset off of him, surprising Sunset, "Listen, Sunny, there's something I want to ask you." Soon after hearing him and seeing how red his face is, she begins to turn red herself, "Yes, what is it?" Burning takes a deep breath and exhales, "Will you be-"

At that moment, a rainbow blur rushes passed them, ruining the moment, "Come on everyone let hustle! We don't want to be late for our debut," yelled an excited Rainbow Dash. Soon, the rest of the girls follow behind, walking passed both of them, "Now hold yer horses there Rainbow, the cafes not going anywhere now," said Applejack.

"I'm still a little nervous about playing in front of all those people," said Fluttershy.

"C'mon Fluttershy, it time to show everyone just what we're made of," said Pinkie Pie.

"Now Pinkie, if Fluttershy is, well shy, to play in front of everyone then we shouldn't push her to play," said Rarity.

"No, she right Rarity. After all, I want to perform with everyone," said Fluttershy.

"If you say so, I just wish I had time to make us some gorgeous outfits for our performance," said Rarity.

As everyone walk to the bus, both Twilight and Rosebud stop and go to Sunset and Burning. "Are you ready both alright, you two look like your both burning up," asked Twilight. Rosebud looks at the two and came to a conclusion, "Oh my, did you finally ask-," but Burning quickly goes to cover his sister's mouth and shakes his head. "Don't worry about now, I'll ask you after you all perform hehehe," said Burning Heart as he drags Rosebud with him.

"What happened Sunset," asked Twilight?

"He was going to ask me something, but I guess that'll just have to wait," said Sunset.

____________________

The gang arrive at the cafe in the bus and begin to unpack all the instruments from the bus with Brownie Bite, in his work uniform, helping to unload Pinkie's drum set. They set up their equipment outside the cafe because with the size of their band, they couldn't set up inside. While setting up, the girls see some familiar faces from high school, who heard they were playing and wanted to see them play. Suddenly, a familiar voice is calling out to them, "Hey guys, long time no see." They turn around to see a boy with blue hair, wearing a black zip-up hoodie, Flash Sentry "Oh my gosh, Flash, where have you been this whole time," asked Sunset.

"I bet he was hitting on every girl on campus," said Rainbow Dash.

"Na, I've just been busy with a lot of stuff, like what I going to major in."

"I figured you'd start a famous rock band or somethin," said Applejack.

"I wish, but Ringo and Brawly had other goals in mind, but I'm happy for them."

"Hey, don't beat yourself over it, Brad, I still don't know what I'm wanting to do," said Burning. Everyone then begins to just stair at Burning, "What?"

"Okay, Sparky, I get. But Brad, really," said Sunset.

"What, he looks like a Brad," said Burning.

"I know what you mean, I feel like a lot of people call Flash that, but I don't know why," said Pinkie.

"You know Flash if it helps, we can tell you what we're studying and it might give you an idea," said Twilight with everyone nodding in agreement.

"Sure thing, I really appreciate that," said Flash. Then, one by one, the girls begin to tell Flash what they plan on becoming.

"I'll start. Since I've been living on an apple farm my whole life, I'm planning on owning my own plot of land and opening up my own apple orchard to keep the Apple family name going," said Applejack.

"I'll go next, I've always dreamed of opening up my own fashion boutique, filling up with my own line of clothes and hope of designing clothes for celebrities, like Sapphire Shores or Songbird Serenade," said Rarity.

"Um, well, since I love taking care of animals, I'm hoping to become an animal caretaker and help them out in anyway that I can," said Fluttershy.

"Me next, I'm going to be a professional party planner. Since I enjoy parties and throwing them for all my friend, why wouldn't I want to be one," said Pinkie Pie?

"I suppose I'll go next. My dream is to become a physicist in hopes of answering and understanding everything out there," said Twilight.

Everyone looks over to Sunset, Rainbow, and Rosebud to see what they have to say, but they say nothing. "Well, I guess I don't know what I want to do, I just want to figure out how magic works in this world," said Sunset.

"And I still don't know what I want to do," said Rosebud.

"Same," said Rainbow.

"Well, I'm kind of glad I'm not the only one still trying to figure out what I want to do. Well I'm going to grab a bit inside, can't wait to see you guys play," said Flash. He turns to go inside the cafe but turns to back say something else, "By the way, I was able to get Stygian to come out to them see them play, Burning."

Burning gets excited and both him and Flash fistbump, "Sweet, way to go Brad." Flash finally head into the cafe. "Hey bro, who's Stygian," asked Rosebud?

"Who Styx, he's one of my roommates, he likes to keep to himself and mostly just studies in his room when he's not in one of his classes."

"Well I guess we should be getting set up for the show," said Sunset.

"Yep, break a leg, Rainbooms," said Burning.

____________________

After some time has passed, Sunset and the rest of the Rainbooms are set to play. Sunset looks over at the others but sees that Twilight is sitting on the ground, looking sad, so she goes over to sit next to her and to see what's wrong with her friend. "Hey, Twi, whats wrong?"

Twilight looks over to see Sunset after looking at her phone, "Wha, oh I was just sending Timber a text to tell him that we were about to performer. I was hoping that he'd finally show up."

"I know. it's weird that it's been a whole month and He still hasn't shown up. It must be pretty bad over a Camp Everfree," said Sunset.

Suddenly, the sound of small wheels could be heard roller closer to them and sound of a familiar voice speak to them, "Oh trust me, it was worst then you could believe." Both Sunset and Twilight look over and a big smile forms on Twilight's face as she sees Timber Spruce with his luggage for college. She jumps up and runs over to Timber. She reaches him and they both start hugging each other, "I can't believe your finally here," said Twilight as tear begin to come out.

"I'm so sorry Twilight, I would have been here sooner if I could have," said Timber. Both let go of one another and they go in for a kiss. As Sunset sees, she begins to blush at the sight of the two, but the reunion gets interrupted, "Hey Y'all, it's about time to-, well I'll be," said Applejack. The other follow behind and she Twilight with Timber, and Twilight and Timber see the girls. Everyone is happy to see that the two have reunited after a month but the moment is ruined as Rarity stairs at the black hoodie that Timber is wearing, "Oh my goodness darling, BLACK, with your complexion, I simply can not." And Rarity walks away followed by Applejack to fuss at her.

"Did I do something wrong," asked Timber.

"No, that's just Rarity being Rarity," said Sunset.

"Hey look, glad your here and all, but come Twilight we have a show to put on," said Rainbow as she leaves. Fluttershy and Pinkie follow after Rainbow Dash and Sunset goes over to Twilight, "Come on, you two can spend time after we play."

"But-"

"No, she right. Besides, I haven't seen you all play since you all came to camp," said Timber. Twilight agrees and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek and follows Sunset to the stage.

____________________

A small crowd forms outside of the cafe, wait to see the performance that's about to begin. The crowd contains people who have and haven't heard The Rainbooms perform before, including Burning Heart, Rosebud, Brownie Bite, Allegretto, Star Chaser, Flash Sentry, Timber Spruce, and Fizzlepop Berrytwist. Ginger Ale get up on the stage to make an announcement, "Ladies and Gentlement, may I have your attention, please. It gives me great pleasure that I present to you all, The Rainboom." The girls arrive on stage and crowd begins to cheer and apple. Ginger Ale continues, "On electric guitar, Miss Rainbow Dash. On bass guitar, Miss Applejack. On the keytar, Miss Rarity. On the tambourine, Miss Fluttershy. On the drums, Miss Pinkie Pie. On rhythm guitarist and backup vocalist, Miss Sunset Shimmer. And also the lead vocalist, Miss Twilight Sparkle." Rainbow takes the mic from Ginger Ale and he goes to join the others in the crowd.

"Hello Manehattan University, are you ready to rock," said Rainbow Dash on the mic. The crowd cheers, the girls look at one another and nod. Rainbow hands the mic to Twilight and gets into position, then Pinkie hits her drumsticks together to get the song started, "ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR."

🎸A rhythm guitar starts to plays🎸
🎶Followed by the rest of the instruments🎶

Twilight:

🎵So, we wanna stay🎵
🎵But can't find peace while sittin' still🎵
🎵I guess we never will🎵

Sunset Shimmer:

🎵We're on the way🎵
🎵We won't hurry back again🎵
🎵The journey is the end (oh)🎵

Applejack:

🎵I love this very moment🎵

Rainbow Dash:

🎵We're speedin' up, not slowin'🎵

Fluttershy:

🎵We might know we can't win🎵

Pinkie Pie:

🎵But we're dumb enough to try🎵

Rarity:

🎵We're going, there's no maybe🎵

Sunset Shimmer:

🎵That's why they call us crazy🎵

Twilight Sparkle:

🎵And we'll say if anybody asks us🎵

The Rainboom:

🎵"Hey (hey!), where you gonna go?" [clap clap]🎵
🎵We're off to see the world🎵
🎵We don't need to know (oh)🎵
🎵"Hey (hey!), where you gonna go?" [clap clap]🎵
🎵We're off to see the world🎵
🎵We don't need to know🎵

The crowd cheers during the performance, some with their smartphones out recording them play.

Twilight Sparkle:

🎵We never need to know🎵
🎵Seekin' boundaries to break🎵
🎵Let's forget the ones we've made🎵

Sunset Shimmer:

🎵So we carry on🎵
🎵Don't let good things pass us by🎵
🎵The time we're gone will be the best time of our life🎵

Applejack:

🎵I love this very moment🎵

Rainbow Dash:

🎵We're speedin' up, not slowin'🎵

Fluttershy:

🎵We might know we can't win🎵

Pinkie Pie:

🎵But we're dumb enough to try🎵

Rarity:

🎵We're going, there's no maybe🎵

Sunset Shimmer:

🎵That's why they call us crazy🎵

Twilight Sparkle:

🎵And we'll say if anybody asks us🎵

The Rainboom:

🎵"Hey (hey!), where you gonna go?" [clap clap]🎵
🎵We're off to see the world🎵
🎵We don't need to know (oh)🎵
🎵"Hey (hey!), where you gonna go?" [clap clap]🎵
🎵We're off to see the world🎵
🎵We don't need to know🎵

Twilight Sparkle:

🎵So go tell 'em we won't stop🎵
🎵We know they can't change us🎵
🎵We're gonna go way off the map🎵
🎵To get ourselves back on the track🎵
🎵Go tell 'em we won't stop🎵
🎵We know they can't change us🎵
🎵No need to worry so much🎵
🎵We do whatever we want (oh)🎵

The Rainboom:

🎵"Hey (hey!), where you gonna go?" [clap clap]🎵
🎵We're off to see the world🎵
🎵We don't need to know (oh)🎵
🎵"Hey (hey!), where you gonna go?" [clap clap]🎵
🎵We're off to see the world🎵
🎵We don't need to know🎵
🎵Ohhhh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh🎵
🎵Ohhhh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh🎵
🎵Ohhhh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh🎵
🎵Ohhhh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh🎵

The song comes to an end and the crowd gives a round of appeals to The Rainboom performance, but the happy moment didn't last long.

"AAAAHHHHH!"

A scream can be heard from someone down the walkway and everyone looks over to see whats happening, "EVERYONE RUN, GIANT SPACE BEAR!" The crowd begins to mummer to themselves in confusion, but all that once. *boom*, *Boom*, *BOOM* the sound of loud footsteps can be heard and in the distance, a giant purple, partially translucent, bear with huge teeth and claws that look like a starry night sky. Everyone is stunned in silence until the bear releases a terrifying growl, "HRRRRRRWRRRWRRR!" The crowd scream and begin to run away in terror.

The girls run into the cafe without anyone seeing them, "Okay Sunset I'm going to guess you have any idea what the heck that thing is," said Rainbow Dash.

Sunset nods, "I do, that's an Ursa Major, a creature from the Everfree Forest in Equestria."

"This has to be the Shadow Man's work again," said Twilight.

"Well, girls, it looks like it's up to up to use to us to take that varmint down," said Applejack.

"No, wait, please. I think I know why it's so riled up," said Fluttershy.

"What do you mean dear," asked Rarity.

"Well, it's just a thought, but Sunset, could you come with me please," said Fluttershy. Sunset nods and follows Fluttershy to the cafe door. They peek outside to see the Ursa Major. "Sunset, could you use your telepathy to read it's mind."

"Sure, I'll give it a try." Sunset rises her arm toward the creature and focuses. Her eyes turn white as she can hear the thoughts of the Ursa Major, "WHERE IS HE! WHERE IS MY BABY!"

She comes back and she and Fluttershy return to the girls. "It's a mother, and she's looking for her cub," said Sunset.

"I knew it, a mother bear will only attack if she believes her cub is threatened in any way. And if it's like it is now, they should be getting ready for hibernation. So if the shadow man took her baby, she would stop at nothing to find it," said Fluttershy.

"So you're saying that her baby is over here as well," asked Pinkie Pie.

"Maybe," said Fluttershy. Then suddenly, the geode around Fluttershy's neck begins to glow, shocking everyone. She grabs ahold of it and I begin to whisper to her, in her head. She bends down and lays her hand flat on the ground, a few seconds pass and she rises back up, "It looks like it's at the Riverside Park, pass the church a little over 2 kilometers away." The girls look surprised at her. "Darling, did you just unlock new magic," said Rarity.

"Um, maybe."

"Look we can't be wasting any more time," said Sunset and everyone nods in agreement. The girls tap into the power of their geodes and begin to transform into Crystal Guardians. They rush out of the cafe with Sunset taking lead. "Okay, here the plan. Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie, you three will hold off the Ursa Major to keep it from causing any more damage and to protect the people. Meanwhile, Twilight, Fluttershy, and I will find her cub, the Ursa Minor, and try to deliver him back to his mother. Lastly, Rainbow Dash, I need you to find the portal or portals those two came from, once you do, I want you to rendezvous with Applejack team and help them out."

"Sounds like a plan," said Applejack.

"Oh, before we split up, I have something for everyone," says Rarity. She then pulls out masks for everyone to wear. "Um, Rarity, what are these," asked Twilight.

"Why they're our superhero masks silly, not only are they fashionable, but they'll also hide our identity. I even match them up with the colors of our geodes," said Rarity.

"That not a bad idea," said Sunset. Each of the girls puts on their mask, after that, Sunset makes the call, "Alright girl, let's move out," and everyone runs off to their destinations.

____________________

But unbeknown to them, there was a crack in the door to the cafe, a group of familiar faces steps outside and they see the girls run off the stop the Ursa Major and find the Ursa Minor. That group contained Burning, Rosebud, Brownie, Ginger, Allegretto, Star Chaser, Flash, Timber, and someone unknown. "You see Burnie, I told you they look like magical girls from your animes," said Rosebud.

"I guess you're right, Rosie," said Burning.

"Hold on just one minute there Burning," yelled Star Chaser. Burning Heart and Rosebud turn around to see that some of the people in the group are shocked that not only that their friends not only have magic powers but that Burning and Rosebud don't seem shocked in the slightest. "Just what in the world is going on, how come the two of you and those two over there aren't frecking out," said Star Chaser while pointing towards Flash and Timber.

"Oh, I've known since high school," said Flash.

"And they stopped my sister when she became a plant demon," said Timber.

"WHAT! How has this not make it on the news," yelled Star Chaser.

"Did they just transform just," asked Brownie Bite.

"That's what you're asking."

"Please calm down Star, Burning, could you explain what's going on," asked Ginger Ale.

"Sorry, Gingie. I can't right now."

"Please don't call me that." Burning starts to run in the direction that Sunset ran off towards, "Burnie, where are you going," asked Rosebud.

Burning stops moving and turns around, "Look, I might not have magic powers like they do, but I'm not going to stand back while someone I care about possibly gets hurt."

"I'm going to," said Timber. "Twilight's my girlfriend and I want to help out."

"Welp, guess I'll go help Pinkie," said Brownie Bite.

"Brownie, think about this rationale," said Star Chaser.

"I'll follow you, Burning. If anything were to happen to the sweet Miss Fluttershy, I wouldn't be able to live with myself," said Ginger Ale.

"You too, Ginger," said Star Chaser.

"I MUST HELP JACKIE," yelled Rosebud.

Star Chaser looks over at Allegretto, "You to Al?" Allegretto nods, thinking about helping Rarity. Star Chaser starts to get angry and starts to yell, "AAAAAAAA, fine! Rainbow Dash, when this is over, you're racing me at your full power, you hear me!"

A grin forms on Burning face. He looks over at Flash and the boy with the bowl-cut blue hair and brown shirt, cowering on the ground, "Well Brad, what about you and Stix?"

"I want to help but I want to make sure Stygian get somewhere safe," said Flash.

Stygian gets up and looks ahead with confidence in his eyes, "No I want to help. I may not know your friends, but I won't stand back if someone gets hurt." Burning walks to the two and he lifts his fist up to Stygian and the two fistbump. Burning Hearts commands the group, "Alright guy, let's go." They split up with Burning Heart, Ginger Ale, Timber Spruce, and Stygian follow Sunsets group and Rosebud, Brownie Bite, Allegretto, Star Chaser, and Flash Sentry follow Applejacks group.

Author's Notes:

The song I chose for The Rainbooms to play is my favorite song from the MLP Movie.
Lukas Graham - Off To See The World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDiCuZTjS18

Ch. 8-Time to debut pt.2

"EVERYONE, THIS WAY. MOVE, MOVE, MOVE," yelled Fizzlepop. She directs a group of students who are running away from an Ursa Major that showed up out of nowhere. She looks over to see a couple of students falling behind, with the Ursa Major following behind. One is a girl with white hair and wearing light blue and the other is another girl with purple hair with a mint green strike. One of the girls' trips over and fall and the other girl turns around, "Starlight!" She runs to her friend and tries to help her up, "Starlight, come on we need to move!"

"I'm sorry, Trixie, but I can't. I twisted my ankle." The Ursa Major stops right next to them and looks down at the two and they begin to tear up. "What are you two doing, get out of there," yelled Fizzlepop. The Ursa Major lifts it's paw up and starts to bring it down on the two, Trixie tries to cover Starlight, thinking it's the end for them. But nothing happens, both Trixie and Starlight look up and sees a girl in teal green, holding the massive paw up with her bare hands. "Don't just stand there, get movin," said Applejack. Fizzlepop approaches the two on the ground and helps Trixie lift up Starlight with her good arm. They get away, and out of nowhere a giant diamond appears behind them, creating a wall of diamonds to block the Ursa Major from going any further.

"I don't think there are any more people around," said Pinkie Pie.

"Good," said Applejack. She uses her super strength to push the Ursa Major up, causing it to become off balanced. While off balanced, Pinkie grabs a handful of sprinkles from her back pocket and sends magic to them. She throws them in the air in front of the Ursa Major face and the sprinkles explode like fireworks, making the Ursa Major fall over. "Hows that wall comin Rarity," said Applejack.

"And there. It's done and I must say looks fabulous," said Rarity as she finishes constructing a wall made out of diamonds.

"So what do we do now," asked Pinkie Pie?

Suddenly, a voice can be heard inside the three girl's heads, "Testing, can anyone hear me." It's Sunset Shimmer, speaking directly into the minds of the others. "Sunset? How in the blazes are you doing this," asked Applejack.

"I'm using my telepathy to form a link to all of us so that we can talk to each with our mind. It would be best if no one hears us talk, they might recognize our voices."

"She's right, so for now on we shouldn't speak, just think what you want to say," said Twilight.

Suddenly, everyone can hear Rainbow Dash, "Okay, despite how weird this is, I have good news. I found the portal, it's at the Apollo Theater."

"WOOHOO, way to go, Dashie," said Pinkie Pie.

"That's great Rainbow, now get together with Applejack's group," said Sunset.

"You got it," said Rainbow Dash and she runs to join up with her group.

"Okay, so now we just have to get the Ursa Major to the theater," said Rarity.

"Yep, this will be a piece of cake," said Pinkie. But from the corner of her eye, Applejack looks over to see people who didn't make it past the wall, but then she realizes that she received them. It's Rosebud, Brownie Bite, Allegretto, Star Chaser, and Flash Sentry. Rosebud sees the group and she waves her arms and yells to get their attention, "Jackie, over here. We've come to help," but in the prosses, she gets the attention of the Ursa Major.

"Aw, horseapples."

____________________

Back over with Sunset's group, they are getting closer to Riverside Park. Suddenly Fluttershy comes to a stop, so Sunset and Twilight stop as well and talk to her telepathically, "What's wrong Fluttershy," asked Sunset.

"I have a feeling that we're being followed." Sunset tries to hone in on the targets and sure enough, she can read the minds of someone following them, "Twilight, grab him," said Sunset and points in the direction of the person. So Twilight uses her powers to levitate an unknown person off the ground from a few yards away and bring him to them. It was a boy with blue bowl-cut hair wearing a brown shirt, Sunset gets in his face, scaring him in the process, demanding to know who he is, "Alright answer, who are you and why are you following us."

"Sunny, wait, he's with us." A familiar voice calls out and the girls look over to see Burning Heart, Ginger Ale, and Timber Spruce. In her own voice, a confused Sunset ask, "Burnie? What are you all doing here?"

"Sunset, Darling, we have a little problem over here." Sunset hears Rarity's voice in her head talking to her and replies, "Let me guess, it's Rosie and the other, isn't it?"

"Yes, and they say they want to help."

Sunset signal Twilight to put the boy down and she does so. "So Sunny, this is Styx and-"

"I don't care who he is," yelled Sunset but she looks over at Stygian and tells him, "Not that I'm mad at you or anything."

"Oh no it's quite alright," said Stygian.

"Sunset, we need to get going. We don't have to waste," said Twilight.

"You're right. Burnie, you all need to get out of here. Now."

"No Sunny, we know it's dangerous, but we don't want you all to get hurt," said Burning.

"He's right," said Timper. He walks for to Twilight and grabs her hands softly, making Twilight blush. "Twilight is my girlfriend and I won't stand back while she puts herself in danger."

"Mister Spruce is right. A gentleman must always help a lady in need," said Ginger Ale. He looks over at Fluttershy gives her a wink, making her blush.

"And I can't stand to stand back and don't nothing if I can help some, I may be weak, but I'm smart," said Stygian.

"So what do you say, can we help or what," asked Burning. Sunset looks to see everyone determined to help out. "Alright, but we're going to talk about this when it's all over, deal?"

"Deal." Both Sunset and Burning shake hands in agreement and the whole group run of to find the Usra Minor.

____________________

"No Deal," said Applejack.

"But why not," said Rosebud.

"In case you didn't know, we are going up against a giant magical bear." Points at the Ursa Major fighting off against Rarity, who is creating diamond shields to block its swiping claws, Pinkie throwing more exploding confetti, and Rainbow running around its feet, jumping up to kick it.

"Now Y'all need to get out of here before someone gets hurt," said Applejack to Rosebud and her group. Brownie Bite walks away and heads to Pinkie Pie's location. "Now where in tarnation do you think you're going."

Brownie stops walking to speak, "Look Applejack, I know you're just trying to look out for us, but that's what we're trying to do too." He then he starts running to Pinkie Pie's location. He arrives, "Pinkie!" Pinkie looks to see Brownie next to her with shock and excitement, "Brownie? What are you doing here?"

"I came to help."

"Thinks, but I'm running low on ammo, so unless you have any dessert topping I don't know if-."

"Who said I didn't." Then from the apron in his uniform, he pulls out a few boxes of sprinkles, "You never know when a cake needs some decoration." A big grin forms on Pinkie's face, "Your the best." She lean to give him a hug. She lets go and he hands over the sprinkles.

Star Chaser star to walk away next. "Look, I'll admit that this whole thing is really scary, but when I was racing Rainbow she didn't go all out and refuses to lose to someone I know is faster than me." He runs off to catch up to Rainbow Dash. In the midst of one of her jump and kick attacks, the Ursa Major swaps, hitting Rainbow in the process. Rainbow Dash goes flying and is about to hit the ground, but not before getting caught by Star Chaser. She looks up to see him holding her bridal style and gets red in the face, "Chase! What are you-,"

Star Chaser interrupts her saying, "Look, Bowie when this is all over, you and I are training and you better not hold back on me. Deal?" She nods her head in agreement and Star Chaser puts her down.

Allegretto is the next to leave as he heads to Rarity. "Allegretto, get back here," yelled Applejack. But he keeps running, ignoring her. Allegretto reaches Rarity, much to her surprise, "Allegretto dear, what are you-," but he puts his finger to her lips to make her stop talking, he signals her to follow her while Pinkie and Rainbow have its attention and sneak behind it.

"Let me guess, you want to help too, Flash," asked Applejack.

"Well, that's why I'm here," said Flash and he runs off to try and find if anyone didn't get passed the diamond wall Rarity created. Applejack starts to rub the temples of her head with her hands, but suddenly Rosebud grabs one of Applejack's hands and she holds it within both her hand. Applejack looks and starts to blush. "Listen, Jackie, we all know it's dangerous for us that don't have any magical powers like you all do. But we can help out just as much. I mean just look."

Applejack looks and sees that Brownie Bite is giving Pinkie more dessert topping to use as ammo. Star Chaser is helping to distract the Ursa Major while Rainbow Dash attacks it. And Allegretto is showing Rarity that she should make a cage with her powers. "So can we help?" Applejack looks at Rosebud, who is giving the puppy dog eyes, and she caves in, "Oh alright."

"A.J., can you hear me?"

"Is that you Sunset," thought Applejack, talking to Sunset in her head.

"Ya, have you all made any progress yet," Sunset asked.

"We're still working on it."

____________________

"OK, well we just found the Ursa Minor, and it's not alone."

Sunset and her group arrive at their location to find the Ursa Minor, but it's being watched over by three people who look possessed. "Blank white eyes, it's just like Rainbow said, they must be under the Shadow Man's control."

"What should we do," asked Fluttershy.

"What's the big deal, their just people," said Timber. Then in the blink of an eye, one of the people appear in front of Timber and before anyone has a chance to do something, they punch Timber in the gut knocking him out and they return to the others. With the shock of what happened, everyone gathers around Timber to make sure he's okay. Twilight lifts up his head and rest it in her lap, "Timber, say something, please," cried Twilight. Stygian places his head to Timber's chest to try and hear a heartbeat.

*bump-bump*bump-bump*bump-bump*

"Don't worry, he's only unconscious right now," said Stygian. Everyone sighs a breath of relief for the good news. "We need to move him out of the way and to make sure that nothing else happens to him."

"Can you do that Styx," asked Burning. Stygian nods and he lifts Timber off Twilight and moves him out of the way so that he can keep an eye on him. "So ladies, what should we do now," asked Ginger? Everyone takes a stance in case the three people decide to attack again. But just like before, one of the people charges at them to attack, but the geode from Twilight begins to glow. She places her hands up and the person charging at them stops and is surrounded by a purple aura. Everyone looks over and Twilight pushes the person back to the others.

"I have an idea," said Sunset as if a light bulb turned on in her head. She sends a telepathic message to Twilight and Fluttershy. Both girls nod in agreement and go to make their move. Both Burning and Ginger are confused but decide to follow the girls anyway. The three possessed people start to move but Twilight stops them in their tracks. Fluttershy runs passed them, followed by Ginger Ale, and makes it to the Ursa Minor. She looks to see that the Ursa Minor is scared and she uses her powers to talk to animals, she tells it, "Oh it's going to be okay, my friends and I are going to make sure you and your mother get back home safely." It looks over and walks closer to her. It begins to sniff her and feeling no ill will from her, it nuzzles up to Fluttershy, "Aw, your just a little baby boy, aren't you." Ginger looks over at Fluttershy petting the Ursa Minor and thinks to himself, "She really does have a way about her."

Sunset steps up next to Twilight asking her, "Can you hold them Twi?"

"Yes but I don't know how long, I thought I could only levitate thing, so it's kind of new to me."

"If you can, hold them for just a little longer." Sunset sends Fluttershy a message, "Fluttershy, you need to get him to the theater, we'll stay behind to hold them back."

"Alright, we'll be back as quick as we can," thought Fluttershy. She tells the Ursa Minor and Ginger Ale to follow her to the Apollo Theather. Burning runs and finds a couple of sturdy tree branches and hands one to Sunset. "Sunny, think we can hold them off."

"I hope so."

Twilight's magic goes down and the three possessed people charge at them. Thanks to being in her high school fencing club, Sunset gets in position, imaging the branch is a fencing foil. She uses her telepathy to read the minds of her opponent before they attack and deflects their hits. Burning, with no fighting skills what so ever, try his best just to dodge the incoming hits. Twilight gets back up, and with only having to deal with one person is able to levitate in the air, preventing them from moving. Suddenly, Sunset receives a message from Rainbow Dash, "Hey, Sunset, hows things on your end."

"Not great."

"Hold on I'll be right there." A few seconds later, a rainbow blur shows up and goes passed the possessed people and all three of them fall to the ground and standing there is Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow, what are you doing here and what did you do?"

"Oh that, well I just knocked them out, also we captured the Ursa Major."

"What," yelled Sunset.

"Well, Pinkie and I kept it distracted while Rarity made a cage and trapped her inside. And right now, AJ is carrying her to the theater now."

"Well, that's good. We should probably go meet up with the others," said Burning.

"Ya, I guess your right," said Sunset. She looks over a Twilight and sees that she's looking in the direction that Stygian took Timber. Sunset places her hand on Twilight's shoulder, she looks up at Sunset. "Come on Twi, just believe that in Timber."

"Ya, your right. We should see this through," said Twilight. Everyone then begins to head to the portal's location.

____________________

Time passed and everyone is at the Apollo Theater where the portal is located at and both Ursa Major and Ursa Minor are reunited. "Sorry for being rough with you, ma'am," said Applejack. The Ursa Major gives a growl.

"Translation, Fluttershy," asked Sunset.

"She's saying she's just glad to be reunited with her cub," said Fluttershy. The Ursa Major and Ursa Minor walk through the portal and as they make though, the girls use their powers to seal the portal. Then all at once, everyone falls to the ground in unison, due to execution and Sunset and the rest of the girls go back to their normal forms. "So that just happened," said Rainbow.

Everyone gets back up and start to walk back to the campus. "Okay, so when we get back, we're going to get an explanation to this, right," asked Star Chaser.

"Can we do that tomorrow, I'm tired, and I need to do something about all this sweat," said Rarity.

"And I want to make sure Timber is doing better," said Twilight.

"I do have to say, if Y'all didn't help when ya did, it would have been a lot harder to catch ol'mama bear," said Applejack.

Sunset walks behind the group, looking at all the new people that now know about magic and thinks about how she's going to explain it all. "Hey, why the long face, Sunny," asked Burning. Sunset looks at Burning Heart walking next to her and sighs, "Well, so much on waiting to tell everyone about magic when I was ready, huh."

"Hey, you had no idea, that all this was going to happen."

"I guess you're right."

"Besides, look. Now that everything is out in the open, doesn't everyone look closer." Sunset look ahead and sees that every one of her friends, new and old, seem to happier talking to one another now that there's nothing to hide. "Haha, I guess you're right."

*STAB*

"Speaking of everything out in the open, weren't you tell me something earlier Burnie," said Sunset. But no response.

*THUD*

"Burnie?" Sunset turns around and what she saw horrified her. It was Burning Heart, laying on the ground, with a stab wound in his back. "BURNING!" Sunset runs to his side, and her yell grabbed the attention of the others and they see the horror. Everyone runs next to Sunset who is hold Burning in her arm with tears pouring down her face.

"Burnie, no no NO, you can't leave me too," cried Rosebud.

"What happened here," asked Flash.

"Muhahaha, aw yes, this is what I was hoping for." A mysterious voice calls out and everyone looks up and sees a man in a black hoodie, flying over them with a long tendril-like arm, "True and utter despair. It's simply delicious, no?"

"Who are you," yelled Rainbow Dash.

"Are you sure that's what you all should be worried about." Everyone looks over at Sunset holding Burning. "Rainbow, run me and Burnie to CHS to the statue," said Sunset.

"But I don't know if I-"

"PLEASE!" Rainbow pause and nods. She turns back into a Crystal Guardian and grabs both Sunset and Burning and runs off to CHS. Once the three are gone, everyone looks up to sees that the man from before disappeared. "Quick we need to get to our house," yelled Twilight. Everyone begins to run, following Twilight. "Why, what at your all's house," asked Brownie Bite.

"It's where Sunset has her journal to Princess Twilight!"

Back with Rainbow Dash, she runs at her top speed, but with still with a couple hundred miles away from CHS, she fills like she won't make it in time and Burning won't make it. So she pushes herself harder, trying to get more speed. She begins to think back to her training with Star Chaser.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In her memory, she loses another race to Star Chaser. She falls to the ground and slams her fist down, "Darn it, why can't I beat you."

"You need motivation, Bowie," said Star.

"But that's why I'm training with you, to make me faster." Star Chaser walks over to Rainbow and bends down, "Why, are you going to be competing or something."

"Well, no but-"

"Listen, Rainbow. I don't know why you want to run faster, but the right motivation doesn't come from here-," he points to his head and moves his fingers to his chest, over his heart, "-but in here." He gets back up and goes to grab a bottle of water. He takes a drink and another bottle and throws it to Rainbow. She catches it. "Do you want to know why I run."

"Sure, why not."

"I run because of my family. I grew up poor and we couldn't afford to send me any kind of school. But I knew that I was fast, so I tried out for track and field and through years of hard work, I was able to go to college on a track scholarship. I dream of going to the Olympics and earn enough money to support my family. That why you need the right motivation."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And she found it, cause at that moment, her geode glows. Not wanting to let someone she cares about losing someone they care about, Rainbow takes one step and she breaks the sound barrier. She starts to run so fast, that in mere seconds they arrive at CHS in front of the status in mere seconds. "Thanks, Rainbow," said Sunset. Sunset lift Burning up she takes him with her through the portal to Equestria and Rainbow runs back to Manehattan.

Arriving on the other side of the portal, Sunset and Burning arrive in Twilight's basement, both as ponies, and Sunset starts yelling, "TWILIGHT, WHERE ARE YOU!" The sound of hoofs begin to gallop down the stairs to the basement and it's Princess Twilight Sparkle. Twilight speaks, "Sunset? What are you-" but stops and she sees Burning Heart laying the ground, injured. "Who is that?"

"Not now, if we help him now, he's going to die!"

Ch. 9-How Sunset meet Burning

Let's travel back to a time when a certain boy and girl first meet. One night a boy with orange and yellow hair is running down the street trying to get home, "Man lessons went on longer then it usually does, just because that new kid never picked up a guitar before doesn't mean the rest of us should suffer. Stupid Flash" yelled the boy. He begins to slow down before stopping in front of Canterlot High School. "No that's not right, I mean he was new to playing after all," said the boy. He turns to look at the high school, "I mean I start high school next year, I can't be childish forever now can I?"

But the blink of an eye, the statue in front of the school begins to glow and one side of it starts to get wavy. The boy starts to panic yelling, "What in the world is going on here!" He looks and sees that something is trying to come out of the statue and he goes to hide in the bushes. The figure final comes out and it's a girl with red and golden colored hair, "So it's true, there really is another world on the other side of the mirror." The boy looks at the girl and starts to blush, quietly saying, "Oh my gosh she's cute." He tries to move in the bush to get a better look but snaps a branch and the girl hears the snap. "Who's there, show yourself," yelled the girl looking at the direction of the boy. He shoots up out of the bushes saying, "Please don't do anything, I didn't see anything." He stands there not moving with his eyes closed tightly with his hands held in the air. With nothing happening, he opens up his eyes and sees the girl just standing there.

"Hey you over there, I have some questions for you," said the girl. She starts to walk over to the boy but trips and falls over.

"Oh my gosh are you okay," said the boy. He starts to walk over to her and the girl yells at him, "Don't move!"

She tries to get back up but keeps falling over. The boy couldn't watch anymore and goes to help the girl up. He puts her arm around him and lefts the girl up. "What are you doing, don't touch me," yelled the girl.

"You need help okay," said the boy. The girl didn't say anything and the boy walks her over to a nearby bench. He sets her down and grabs a handkerchief and bottle of water from his backpack, wets the handkerchief and cleans the scraps she got when she fell. She sits there quite while he cleans her wounds. "You said you had some questions right," asked the boy.

"Yes," said the girl.

"Okay, but I have some questions too, I'll answer your and you answer mine, deal," said the boy.

"Deal," said the girl.

"Then, in that case, let's get to know each other, my name's Burning Heart. Whats your name?"

"Sunset Shimmer."

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"And that's how I ended up here," said Sunset.

"Wow, so what your saying is that your a magical talking pony who was the student of your world's leaders but because she wouldn't teach you about this world, you ran through this portal and ended up here," said Burning.

"Ya, that's about it. And this is earth, your a human and this world has no magic right," asked Sunset.

"Right. You know if I didn't see you come out of the school statue, I'd say you were crazy. So what are you going to do now," asked Burning?

"Whats it to you anyway, we just met," asked Sunset.

"Well that's because you said you're not going back right so how about you come stay at my place, I'm sure my sister and grandma would love to have you over," said Burning.

Sunset starts to think in her head,This is perfect, now I don't have to sleep on the streets. And if something better comes along I'll just ditch him,"Sure but that doesn't make us friends, I don't do friends alright."

"Sure thing. Well let's go Sunny," said Burning.

With a raised eyebrow, Sunset asked, "Who's Sunny?"

"You are, by the do you need help walking since well, you used to be a pony and all," ask Burning.

"Um sure thanks," said Sunset.

After showing her a few pointers on how to walk like a human, they begin to walk to Burning Hearts home.

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They make it to Burning's home but stop at the front door. "Okay Sunny listen, let me do the talking. I don't think it would be a good idea to say your from another world," said Burning.

But she doesn't say anything. He doesn't think anything about it and opens the front door. "Grandma, Rosie I'm home, sorry for being late," said Burning.

A young girls voice can be heard coming towards them, "Welcome home Burnie, what took you so long." She stops and sees Sunset standing behind him. "Grandma, Burnie brought a girl home!"

"Rosie shut up," said Burning.

"And she really cute too."

Now an elderly woman's voice can be heard coming towards them, "What was that dear." The Elderly woman sees Burning and Sunset standing behind them, "Burning Heart do you know what time it is, why didn't call to let us know where you were at. And who is this girl."

Burning, in a panic, says, "Sorry about that grandma, I would have called but my phone is dead. And about the girl, I can explain." He turns around and continues, "Let me introduce you, this is..." but stops talking after seeing tears falling from Sunset Shimmer's eyes.

The elder lady walks over to Sunset asking, "What the matter dear." Sunset then bends down and start to bawl, trying to speak, "I'm so s-sorry, but my mom and dad, they *hic* they abandoned me saying they didn't need a failure of a daughter like me. So *hic* I ran away and Burning found me and said I could stay here. I don't have any other family and I-I don't want to be alone."

The girl and an elderly woman, with tears in their eyes, bend down to hug the crying Sunset, while Burning stands there completely dumbfounded.

After some time has passed, everyone moves to the living room and Burning introduced everyone, "Grandma, Rosie, this is Sunset Shimmer. Sunset this is my sister, Rosebud, and our grandmother, Vanilla Swirl."

"It's nice to meet you both, sorry about earlier," said Sunset.

"Don't worry about it," said Rosebud.

"She right and you can stay for as long as you want dear," said Vanilla Swirl.

"Thank you so much, ma'am," said Sunset.

"Now don't start that ma'am stuff now, just call me grandma like these two. Rosie can you help Sunset get settled in," said Vanilla Swirl.

"Sure thing grandma, come on Sunny let's get you upstairs," said Rosebud.

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After some time has passed, Sunset is relaxing in her new room on her new bed, suddenly a knock on the door can be heard outside with Burning asking, "Hey can I come in really quick?"

"Sure whatever, it's your house anyway," said Sunset. Burning opens the door and sees that Sunset has changed into pajamas that Rosebud let her borrowed, "So what do you want anyway?"

Burning looks to make sure that no one is around and closes the door. "What was that all about downstairs," asked Burning.

"Oh that little act from earlier," said Sunset.

"Yes, that! Look I know that your situation is complicated but don't do that to my family alright, I hate lying to them," said Burning.

"What are going to do, you going to kick me out then," said Sunset.

Burning, with a puzzled look on his face, says, "Why would I do something like that."

Sunset, with an equally puzzled look, was about to say something but stops and sits there quietly. After a minute of silence has passed, Sunset finally speaks up and asked, "Why did help me out anyway, you don't even know me."

"Because you needed help," said Burning. But Sunset just raised an eyebrow at that response. "I mean is it wrong to help someone in need of it."

"Whatever," said Sunset. She grabs one of the pillows on the bed and goes to lay down hugging the pillow she grabbed and rest her head on the other pillow on the bed.

"Well I let you go to bed now, you must be exhausted after today so goodnight," said Burning. Sunset just lays there not saying anything. "By the way, your acting was impressive."

After hearing Burning leaves the room, the silent Sunset begins to cry and quietly, in a soft-spoken voice, says, "Who said it was all an act." She lies there thinking that just yesterday she was in Equestria, she was studying magic with her mentor, Princess Celestia, the only pony who she felt the closest to and considered her like a mother. And just today was abandoned by her mentor, wouldn't be able to study magic anymore and was forced to leave the only place she thought of as home. Before she even released it, she had cried herself to sleep.

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The next morning, Sunset sits at the dining room table with everyone else eating a plate of pancakes that Vanilla Swirl had made. "I hope you don't mind pancakes, Sunset," asked Vanilla Swirl.

"I just surprised that both worlds have pancakes," said a quiet Sunset.

"What was that Sunny," asked Rosebud.

"Oh, it's nothing. There great by the way Mrs. Swirl" said Sunset.

"I'm glad to hear it, dearie," said Vanilla. "So what is it you kids have planned today."

"Well it's Saturday, so I was thinking of helping Sunset get settled in," said Burning.

A sad looking Rosebud says, "I wish I could help out but I already made plans today with Bunny today."

"Bunny?" asked Sunset.

"Oh, I'm talking about my girlfriend, Cinnamon Bun. Is that alright Burnie?"

"Hey don't worry about it Rosie, you go and enjoy yourself," said Burning.

"Thanks, bro and sorry Sunny," said Rosebud.

"Hey don't worry about," said Sunset.

A couple of hours have passed and Rosebud starts to head out the door to go her date, "I'm heading out everyone."

"Go have a good time dear," said Vanilla.

After seeing his sister off, Burning heads upstairs where Sunset is waiting for him in his room. He enters his room and finds Sunset look at the books, movies, and his guitar. "I know these are books and all but why are they backward," asked Sunset.

"Oh those are called manga, they're like comic books but they come from another country called Japan," said Burning.

"Weird. So your sister has a girlfriend huh," said Sunset.

"Ya why you don't have a problem with that do you," asked Burning.

"Why would I have a problem, it's common where I come from," said Sunset.

"Interesting, so everyone is pretty open with themselves from your world, cause there some people who still judge other because of stuff like this," said Burning with a sad look in his eyes. "I was wondering, do you want to try and get into school?"

"Why would want to do that," asked Sunset.

"Well it would look weird if a teenage girl wasn't going to school right," said Burning.

"*huff* fine whatever," said Sunset.

"Awesome I'm sure grandma can help since she used to be a teacher. She even helped to current principle get her position."

"Oh wow, that's so cool," said a sarcastic Sunset.

"But enough about that, are you getting used to this world yet?"

Sunset shakes her head saying, "No, I'm still trying to get used to these."

"Hands?" asked Burning.

"Ya, hands."

Burning begins to think of a way that could help her out and comes up with an idea. He goes to grab a guitar of his and hands it to sunset but she gives him a confused look and asked, "What am I supposed to do with this?"

"I'm going to show you how to play the guitar," said Burning.

"Why," asked Sunset.

"Learning to play the guitar can help you get used to your new hands and can help learn hand-eye coordination," said Burning.

Sunset just gives him a shrug and says, "Sure whatever." Sunset grabs the guitar and holds it in place. Burning sits across from her so that he can show her what to do, "Okay so let start with the basics."

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Four Months Later

It's been months since Sunset Shimmer came to earth through the portal from Equestria and has been living with Burning Heart and his family. As time passed by, the nonfriendly Sunset Shimmer that only Burning Heart knows about seem to be opening up more and more. Burning opens the door to his house after another day of guitar practice. "Hey I'm home," yelled Burning.

"Welcome back Burnie," said Sunset. "Granny Swirl and Rosie went to get some groceries. They said they'ed be back shortly." After hearing her out, Burning starts to giggle. "Whats so funny?"

"You know what Sunny you've changed a lot you know that," said Burning.

"What do you mean," asked Sunset.

"Well when you first got here, even though I was to only one who saw it, you only seemed to act friendly but you've started opening up more. It's really nice," said Burning.

Sunset, trying to stay calm but blushing, says, "W-well I can't study magic anymore and I needed to learn how to live in this world and I owe it all to you. Plus you did teach me how to play the guitar, so thanks, Burnie."

Burning, who also starts to blush after seeing Sunset's cute smile, says, "Hey I'm just surprised you picked up on playing so quickly. So since I don't have school tomorrow, do you to hang out. Unless you have plans already."

"No, I don't have anything planned so sure, I'd love to hang out."

"Hey Sunny we're back, could you help us bring the food in," yelled Rosebud who along with Vanilla Swirl who are back from shopping.

"Sure thing," yelled Sunset. "Come on, your helping out too, Burnie."

"Ya I'll be right there," said Burning. After Sunset left the room, Burning gives a mid-air fist bump thinking,"Awesome, that takes care of phase one."

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After spending the whole day together, Sunset and Burning start to head back home since it's gotten dark outside. "I hope you had a good time Sunny," asked Burning.

"Are you kidding, of course, I did. After all, I got to go spend today with my first friend in this world," said Sunset.

"Haha that's rich hearing from you, since when we first meet you told me you didn't want to be friends," said Burning.

"Well what can I say, you were very persistent about it," said Sunset.

"I'm just glad it paid off cause there's a surprise waiting for you at home," said Burning. He reaches for his phone and sends a message which made Sunset raise an eyebrow.

They reach the house only to notice that all the light are all turned off, "Are Granny Swirl and Rosie asleep already," asked Sunset.

"Ya that's weird, let's try to be quiet going in," said Burning. Sunset nods to agree.

Burning unlocks the front door and he and Sunset start to tip-toe into the house. When suddenly the lights come on surprising Sunset, she covers eyes from the sudden lights. But what she heard next made her even more surprised.

"Happy Birthday, Sunset."

After her eyes adjust, Sunset sees a birthday cake, a banner, and balloons that all read Happy Birthday. So then she asked them, "But how did you know."

"Well you let it slip last week that today is your birthday dear," said Vanilla Swirl.

"So we decided to throw you a party," said Rosebud.

"Here's your present, Sunset. It's your own guitar," said Burning

Sunset takes the present and its a guitar and says, "I just...I just can't believe you did this all for me."

"Of course we would Sunset. Your practically family now," said Burning.

Those words hit harder then she would ever know because instead of smiling, Sunset starts to cry. Everyone moves in to give her a group hug which caused her to cry because, at this moment, she has never felt happier.

Later that, Sunset woke up filling thirsty and decided to head downstairs to grab a glass of water. She makes it to the bottom of the stairs and sees Vanilla Swirl, asleep in her chair with the TV on. She goes to turn the TV off and Vanilla, who just woke up, says, "Huh, is that you Ivory?"

"No Granny Swirl, it's me, Sunset. I was trying not to wake you up, sorry if I did."

"Oh that's okay Sunny, I should be going to bed anyway." Vanilla gets up off of her chair and starts to head up the stairs but Sunset asked her, "Who's Ivory?" Vanilla stops and turns around and goes to sit down on the couch, motioning Sunset to come sit next to her. Sunset goes to sit next to her and hear what Vanilla has to say.

"Ivory was my son dear."

"Was? What happened to him?"

With a look of sadness, Vanilla tells her, "A few years ago, he passed away in a car accident."

"Oh, I'm sorry for your loss."

"Why thank you, but I fell the worse for those two upstairs sleeping."

"What do you mean?"

"Well here's the thing, I'm sure you've noticed but the kids are very close to each other and were very close to their dad but not so much their mom, she worked away from home a lot that it was mostly so when he died, it hit those two very hard."

Sunset started to look down, thinking about the close relationship she used to have with her mother figure, Princess Celestia.

"When Rosebud found out she was attracted to girls, she was afraid that her dad and brother would be disappointed in her, but Ivory told her that they were proud of her for telling them and that they'll love her no matter what. And Burning always had a fixation on those animes and mangas because Ivory used to tell him about the shows he watched as a youngin, and when he told Ivory that he wanted to play guitar, Ivory told him if can save up to buy one he would let him take lessons"

"Wow, he sounded like a great guy."

"He was and I'll always be proud of him. But then around over a year ago, their mother got remarried to this rich snob so that she wouldn't have to work anymore and allowed him to run their home. It turned out he homophobic and told Rosebud that if she didn't become normal, he was going to throw her out of the house, well I sure you can guess but Burning wasn't going to have any of that."

"Man, that guy sounds like a real jerk."

"Oh he's something alright, but when they went to their mother she told them that they should be more respectful of him, so when they told me about him, I talked to both of them and told them they could stay with me, but what he said made my blood boil."

"Why, what did he say?"

"If those two want to spit in my face after trying to help make their lives better, then let them leave."

Sunset sit there stunned after hearing that story, "Wow, I've never heard of anyone like that in Equestria."

"What was that dear."

"Oh, it was nothing. But I have to ask, why did you tell me all this?"

"Well isn't it obvious." Vanilla reaches over to Sunset in to bring her in to give her a hug, "Your family now, so have a right to know."

But this story isn't meant to have a happy ending because close to a year after she came through the portal Sunset's world is about to change for the worse.

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One Year Later

With practice over today, Burning is walking home with Sunset but they stop at the statue in front of Canterlot High School. "Hey Sunny, can you believe it's been a year since you showed you showed up," asked Burning

"I know, it feels so surreal to think about," said Sunset.

She starts to stair at the statue, she touches the part of the of the statue where she came through last year but nothing happens.

"Do you wish you could go back," asked Burning.

Sunset removes her hand from the statue and says, "No not anymore. After all, I have you three now," said Sunset.

A smile forms on Burning's face and says, "I'm happy to hear that, well let's get home."

The two start to head home. As they start to get closer to home, they see what looks like flashing lights up ahead. As they reach home can see where those days were coming from, they were coming from an ambulance and the ambulance is parked in front of their house. Burning's eye begins to widen and his head starts to race and before he knows it, he starts running to his house. "Burnie, wait," yelled Sunset. But he didn't hear her. He makes it inside and sees his sister crying on the couch in the living room and runs to her.

"Rosie, what happened," said Burning. Rosebud look at her brother with tear filled eyes. Sunset makes it to the house and asks, "Hey Burnie, whats going on."

Rosebud tries to talk but can't. Then a voice can be heard from upstairs and it tells them, "I'm sorry Burning Heart, but your grandmother is dead, I'm truly sorry."

Sunset and Burning look up to see who said that, and it's a man in a fancy business suit. Sunset looks back at Burning and sees a look of anger on his face.

"What are you doing here," asked Burning with tears in his eyes

"Burnie, who is this," asked Sunset.

"Yes Burning, answer the young girl," asked the man.

"ANSWER ME!"

"Please don't fight," yelled a crying Rosebud.

Sunset goes to hold and comfort Rosebud with tear starting to form in her eyes. "Sorry, where are manners, young lady. My name is Tailored Made and I'm young Burning and Rosebud's Father."

"You are not our father," yelled Burning.

Tailored Made then just glairs at Burning, "Honestly, your grandmother just died, show some respect," said Tailored Made. "Don't worry about a thing, I'll take care of the funeral arrangements, I would suggest you two start packing because after tomorrow you two will be come back to live with your mother and me."

"What about Sunset."

"Who now."

"Her." Burning then points at Sunset on the couch, "She lives here too you know. She's our family," said Burning.

Tailored Made turns to look at Sunset and says, "I'm sorry but I'm not about to open up the doors to my house to some nothing girl. She isn't welcomed." He heads out the door, leaving the house in silent and Sunset is left there speechless.

"I'm so sorry Burnie, I tried to call mom but she would answer," said a crying Rosebud. "So I called him and I said he had business in town and came right away. I'm so sorry.

But he didn't talk, nobody talked for a while. Burning and Rosebud could only cry over the loss of their grandmother and Sunset sat there, tears coming down her eyes, not only thinking about Vanilla Swirl but of something else.

Later that night, Sunset is in her room in silence until she hears a knock on her door. "Sunny, it's Burnie can I come in."

"Sure."

Burning opens her door. Sunset looks over and sees that Burning is by himself, "I thought Rosie would be with you," asked Sunset.

"She's in her room right now, she just broke up with Cinnamon Bun," said Burning. But Sunset didn't say anything.

"Listen, Sunset..." suddenly Sunset rises out of her bed and starts yelling.

"No you listen, I spent my whole life not welcomed anywhere! My parents left me because they didn't want me and I had to work hard to get accepted into Princess Celestia's school for gifted unicorn just so I could have a roof over my head! When she made her personal pupil, I finally felt I belonged somewhere but when I showed I had more ambition than other, that I could be more then what I am, she was going to throw me out on to the street, so I ran away before she had a chance to throw me away! That stunt I pulled last year, that wasn't an act, that was real and now I'm going to be abandoned again!"

"Why are you yelling at me for, in case you forgot me and Rosie just lost our Grandmother and don't have a choice but to move back with our step-father and mother!"

"Well, I'm so sorry that you get to have a place you can call home!"

"That wasn't home and it's never going to be home! Look, I get that you feel mad."

"No, you don't know how I feel, I don't even belong here. I'm a pony from another world that got here by accident. All because Princess Celestia didn't care enough about me to teach more magic. Sure you may have had a dad who loved you but both my parents didn't love me and now nobody does."

A voice can be heard outside of Sunset's room saying, "But we love you." Sunset and Burning both looked to see Rosebud, outside the hallway. "And now because of that, when I get left behind tomorrow it's going to hurt even more, so just leave me alone." But Burning is trying to say, "Sunny, Listen..."

"I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!" So both Burning and Rosebud leave Sunset's room and go to their own rooms.

The next morning, Burning and Rosebud knock on Sunset's bedroom door, but no response. They open the door and find her bed empty except for her guitar she got for her birthday with a note on top of it. Burning picks up the note and reads it out loud,I'm sorry.

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In the Principal's office of Canterlot High, Sunset Shimmer is inside talking to the principal of the school who is a tall woman with long light blue, pink, purple and green hair. "I understand your situation Miss Shimmer, I would be willing to let you stay at a small apartment under my name but only because I owe a lot to Miss Vanilla Swirl. If you can prove that you can keep up your studies. If you can do that we won't have any problem."

"Thank you, Principal Celestia," said Sunset Shimmer.

Sunset leaves the office and heads down the hallway but instead of being warm and kind, she has now become cold and cruel, not allowing herself to be close to anyone again or to be hurt by anyone again.

"Well that was easy, out all people why did the principal have to be her of all people. Oh well, it doesn't matter, All I need to do is wait for the moment I can go back to Equestria and gain enough power to rule just like I always wanted, I just need the right moment do so, then I won't be worthless in anyone eyes ever again."

Sunset suddenly thought of an image in the back of her head, she became sad for a minute but then she went back to her new cruel self but the image didn't go away, for it was an image of her last birthday spending time with her human family.

Sunset then says trying not to cry, "I don't need anyone anymore, not family and I don't need friends."

But somewhere in another world, there was a was a young purple unicorn reading a book in a park, a book about a mare in the moon.

Ch. 10-A time to rest and something more

A couple of days have passed since Sunset brought Burning to Equestria so that his injury he received from the Shadow Man. At the hospital in Canterlot, Burning is asleep in a hospital bed with Sunset sitting in a chair next to his bed, waiting for him to wake up. A vibration goes off next to her and she looks at the journal that Princess Twilight has so that the two can talk to each other. She uses her magic to lift and opens up the book to see what is written in it.

"Sunset, it's Twilight. The rest of the group and I are just wondering how Burning is doing."

Sunset levitates a quill and writes a response. "The doctors say that he's stable now, it's only a matter of time before wakes up." A couple of minutes passed before she gets another message, "Well you just take your time, since there's no class going on now because of the Ursa Major incident, you two don't have to worry about missing any classes.

Sunset sighs with relief. She writes, "Cool, I'll talk to you later if something new happens," before closing the journal and puts it down. She looks over at Burning and remembers when she arrived with him a couple days ago.

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"Not now, if we help him now, he's going to die!"

Princess Twilight looks over at Burning on the floor, she sees the injury and panics. Without thinking, Twilight uses her magic and in an instant, she teleports herself, Sunset, and Burning to the Royal Palace in Canterlot, in front of both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Suprised by the intrusion, Princess Celestia asks, "Twilight Sparkle and ... Sunset Shimmer? What is the meaning of this?"

Twilight steps up and speaks, "Apologizes Princess, but it's an emergency." Celestia and Luna both look down at Burning Heart on the ground and they see his injuries. They both rise up the Celestia uses her magic to left up Burning, "Luna, we need to act fast."

Luna nods, "Of course, Sister." Luna raise her voice and commands the Royal Guard, "Guards, have it to where my sister and I are not disturbed!" The guards salute and leave the room with one approaching Sunset and Twilight, "Princess Twilight, this way while the Princess work."

"Of course. Sunset let's not distract them," said Twilight. She turns to see Sunset running to Celestia and she stops in front of the princess. "Princess, please. Save him," cried Sunset. Celestia looks at her former student and sees the tears falling down her face. She cups Sunset's face with her hoof and raises her face. A gentle smile form on the princess's face, "I'll do everything in my power to save him, Sunset Shimmer." Celestia lets go and she and Luna go into a back room try and save Burning and Sunset look onward with tears still in her eyes. A wing wraps around Sunset and she looks over to see Twilight, "Come on Sunset, just believe in them." Sunset nods and she follows Twilight out of the royal chambers.

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A knocking can be heard from outside Burning's room and Sunset gets up to answer the door. She opens the door and on the other side is a familiar purple unicorn, "Oh, hey Starlight," said Sunset.

"Hey Sunset, just wanted to check up on you."

"Thanks, let's step outside. I don't want to disturb his sleep," said Sunset. Starlight looks over Sunset and sees Burning laying down in his hospital bed. "Sure thing."

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In the cafeteria of the hospital, Sunset is sitting at one of the tables and Starlight is bringing over to the table a couple of dandelion sandwichs and some juice and sits down. Sunset takes one of the sandwichs and bites into it, she then gets a sour look on her face, "Why does all hospital food taste like medicine."

"Well, it is a hospital," said Starlight.

"That is true," said Sunset. Both go back to eating and in the middle of their meal, Sunset asks, "So, wheres Twilight at."

"Oh, she probably at school right about now," said Starlight.

"What is she a teacher or something," said Sunset and goes to take a drink of her juice.

"Actually, she is," said Starlight and Sunset spit out her juice.

"What," yelled Sunset. Everyone in the cafeteria looks over at the two making a disturbance before a nurse shows up, "Please keep the noise down." Sunset and Starlight both apologized before the nurse leaves and they get back to their conversation. "When did this happen," asked Sunset.

"Not that long ago actually, some stuff happened and Twilight decided to open up a friendship school," said Starlight. Sunset starts to giggle after hearing that, making Starlight raise an eyebrow. "It seems like every time I come here, she's becoming more and more like Celestia. I guess that's why I never heard anything back from her."

"Does this have something to do with your friend, Sunset," asked Starlight. Sunset gets quiet and sad before looking down at the ground, "Ya, it does."

"Look, it going to be okay, Sunset."

"I know. It's just that, I lost him once a long time ago and I almost lost him again, this time for good and there are some things that I've realized that I need to tell him."

"What, I do like him or something," said Starlight before she drinks her juice. She looks over at Sunset and a soft smile forms on her face. Starlight's eyes bug out and she spits her juice out, "You do, don't you." The nurse from before comes back and tells them, "Please keep the noise down." Sunset and Starlight get up from their table and throw away their trash and head down the hallway.

"Thank you Starlight, I needed this," said Sunset.

"What do you mean," asked Starlight.

"Just having someone to talk to who isn't a princess or one of the doctor's asking questions. But I just a regular pers-pony to talk to."

"Hey, don't mention it."

As their walking down the hall, they make it to the lobby of the hospital and by the entrance, a gathering of ponies forms. "So what's that all about," asked Starlight. The pony behind the reception desk tells them, "Apairitly, both Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna are coming here to see a patient they brought here a couple of days ago. They must have just arrived." The doors open and everypony bows as the Princess walk into the hospital. Celestia spots Sunset and makes her way to her. Sunset starts to get nervous, even though she has made up with the princess thanks to another incident from before, she still gets scared when she sees her.

"Aw, Sunset Shimmer, Luna and I are just about to check up on your friend. Would you mind showing us to his room."

"No, not at all," said Sunset.

A nurse comes running to the front desk and makes a callout, "We need security down at room 115, now."

Sunset gets scared, "But that's Burning's room."

Sunset, Starlight, Celestia, and Luna make their way to Burning Heart's room and come across a doctor right outside his room and speak to him. "What seems to be the problem doctor," asked Celestia. The doctor turns and sees both princesses and bows, "Oh Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, thank you both for coming. This has something to do with the patient you both brought here."

"Whats wrong with him. I thought he was stable," asked Sunset.

"Oh no, that's not the problem. The young unicorn is awake now."

"But..." asked Starlight.

"Well, one of the nurses was inside cleaning when he came too. From what she told me when he saw her he started to freak out, saying stuff like 'what's a talking horse doing here,' and started shooting off magic bolts as if it was his first time using magic."

"Doctor, you have to let me talk to him. Let me try to calm him down," said Sunset.

"Yes, let her do it. She is quite familiar with this individual," said Luna.

The doctor nods and opens the door for Sunset. She walks in and she sees Burning standing on all four hooves with his flank to her with two security guards in front of him. "Sir, calm down and stop using your magic," said one of the guards.

"I-I can't, I don't know how. I have no idea whats going on or why I'm a horse," said a scared Burning.

"Burnie." Sunset calls Burning and he starts to calm down, "Sunny." He tries to turn around but has trouble being in his pony body. He sees Sunset and starts freaking out again, "OK I'm going crazy, now I'm seeing Sunny as a-." Sunset runs up to him and starts to hug him tightly, causing him to stop talking.

"Thank Celestia, your okay," said a crying Sunset. Outside the room, Celestia tells the doctor, "You can send to medical to the castle, doctor."

"Of course, your highness."

____________________

Over at the Castle, a few hours have passed since Burning was released from the hospital. Burning is looking up at the stain glass windows in the throne room before Sunset walks in. "So, how does your new body fill." Burning looks over and sees Sunset walking to him. "Now I understand how you felt when you came to my world."

Sunset stands next to Burning, both looking at the stain glass windows. "So I'm guessing that's this world Sparky then," asked Burning.

"Yep, and if it weren't for her, you-" but Sunset stops talking, not realizing what she was about to say. "Might not be alive right now," said Burning. With tears filling up her eyes, Sunset tells him, "I so sorry Burnie, if only I had more control over my powers, you would have got hurt."

"Hey, it's not your fault. Look, I'm fine Sunny. If anyone is to blame, it's the Shadow Man."

Sunset clears the tears from her eyes, "Your right, speaking of the Shadow Man, Princess Celestia said that she was inviting some important guests over to talk about whats going on in our world."

"Who," asked Burning. Suddenly out of nowhere, Twilight comes running in. "Sunset, their here." She then looks over to see Burning next to Sunset. "I'm glad you're doing better now."

"Thanks, Sunny said it was you who helped save me. So thank you" said Burning.

"Oh I didn't do anything, but we really need to get going." Everyone agrees and they head down the hallway to the meeting room.

They make it to the meeting room and there they see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, but with them is the guest that Sunset and Burning were told about. The guest is Star Swirl the Bearded. "Aw, Sunset and Burning Heart, thank you for coming. Allow me to-" but before Celestia could finish, Sunset screams with joy, "AAAAAA, is that Star Swirl."

"Yes it is," said Twilight, who is just as excited. Both girls start to fangirl out, talking about random knowledge that they both know about Star Swirl. Seeing a side of her he's never seen before, Burning asked, "So whos Star Swirl?"

"He's one of the most powerful unicorns who ever lived. But I don't understand, I thought he disappeared 1000 years ago," said Sunset.

"Can we please continue with what we came here to do, I'm still in the middle of my vacation," said Star Swirl. Twilight leans over to Sunset and whispers to her, "I'll tell you later. Sunset, Twilight, and Burning walk to the table where the meeting is being had.

"So, the reason I called you here today Star Swirl is something that Twilight brought to my attention. Twilight if you would," said Celestia. Twilight nods and by using her magic she creates a holographic image of a dark and shadowy pony. The almost real looking image scares Burning, causing him to fall over, "What in the world is that thing."

"The Pony of Shadows," said Star Swirl.

"Whats the Pony of Shadows," asked Sunset.

"Was is the correct answer. It's was evil being that was once one of my dear friends being controlled by a dark spirit, but thanks to Twilight and her friends, the foul creature is now trapped in Limbo," said Star Swirl.

"Or maybe not," said Twilight. Everyone looks at Twilight. "Star Swirl, if I may ask, are you sure that we sent the spirit to Limbo and not the human world."

"Even if we did send it to the human world, Equestrian magic doesn't work there, that's why the Pillers and I sent the Sirens there," said Star Swirl.

"But that's not true," said Sunset. Confused at the remark, Star Swirl asked, "What are talking about."

Sunset and Twilight both explain to Star Swirl that some time ago, they confronted the Sirens in the human world, "But that's shouldn't be possible," said Star Swirl.

"Well it is, and it looks like the dark spirit was sent to the human world and has taken control of someone over there," said Twilight.

"And that's why we summoned you here Star Swirl. Surely you must have some kind of idea of how they can stand up to this dark spirit," asked Celestia.

"Well I wouldn't even know where to begin," said Star Swirl. Upon expecting Sunset, he sees the geode hanging around her neck, filling like he's seen it before. Suddenly something came to him, "You where did you obtain that gem around your neck." Everyone looks at the geode that Sunset has and she says, "Um, the Twilight from the human world and I found them in a cave. They give us magical powers and-"

"I knew it," said Star Swirl.

"I assume you know what that gem is," asked Luna.

"Indeed I do. You see, the seed that grew into the Tree of Harmony was not the first of it's kind. The Pillers and I each attempted to create a seed from our elements, but they were a failure so we tossed them into the human world."

"Is my world just a trash can to you," said Burning.

"The point is since Equestrian magic does indeed work there, my theory is that is you use some sort of talesman and have it connected to the gem, the person with the talesman should be able to use magic as well," said Star Swirl. He then turns his attention to Burning. "You, whats your name young colt," said Star Swirl, pointing his hoof at Burning. "Who, me. I'm Burning Heart."

"Burning Heart, are you willing to do where I have failed and protected your world alongside your friend." Without having to wait to respond, Burning tells him, "Of course, if it means protecting Sunny, Rosie, and all my other friends, I'll do anything it takes."

"Then if Sunset will allow it, you both can fight alongside each other using the powers inside her gem with Burning using a talisman the channel some of her powers," said Star Swirl.

____________________

Back in Twilight's basement, Sunset and Burning, along with Twilight and Starlight, are next to the mirror portal about ready to head back to the human world. "Well, I guess they should be there by now," said Sunset.

"I mean you did send them that message hours ago," said Burning. They hear the sound of someone walking into the room, they look and it's Twilight and Starlight. "So do you two know what you have to do when you get back," said Twilight.

"Yep, Star Swirl said that if Burning and if anyone else what's to help us, we need to form a link with our geodes to a talesman that they wear on them," said Sunset.

"And I was thinking that the best thing to use would be a piece of jewelry," said Burning.

"I'm guessing you have something in mind," asked Starlight. Burning nods his head with Sunset looking puzzled. Suddenly from the portal, a balled up piece of paper fly out and hits the floor. Everyone looks as Sunset lifts up the paper and unravels it, reviling a note, "We're here, Sugarcube."

"I'm guessing they're here," said Sunset. She goes to give a hug to both Twilight and Starlight, "Thanks again, to both of you." Sunset heads to the portal but sees that Burning isn't following her, "Is everything OK, Burnie."

"Ya, everything fine. It's just, can you give me just a minute, I need to speak to Twilight and Starlight real quick." Everyone is confused, not knowing what he's talking about, "In private." Twilight and Starlight both follow Burning outside the room, with Sunset waiting by the mirror portal. While waiting, Sunset hears what sounds like a squill form the other room with Burning showing back up shortly afterward, alone. He walks over to Sunset and straightens himself up, clearing his throat, "Sunny, there's something I want to ask you." Seeing how serious he's being, Sunset gets nervous and starts to blush, "Okay, what is it?"

"You see, I was going to ask you this the other day, but as you know, some stuff happened and I never got the chance. So I want to do it now, so I asked Twilight and Starlight what I should say and, well here it goes." Sunset's heart starts to race the longer this goes on until Burning finally said it, "I've had feelings for you for years now but I was too much of a coward to tell a long ago, but I won't wait any longer." Tears begin to form in Sunset's eyes. "I love you, Sunset Shimmer. Will you be my very special somepony."

Burning looks at Sunset who has tears in her eyes but has a soft smile on her face. "Yes, yes I will be your very special somepony." She goes in and gives Burning a tight hug, now this time it's his heart that's racing. "You-you mean it," asked Burning.

"Of course, ever since we were reunited, I came to relive how much you mean to me. And came to a realization that, I love you too." Before she could say anything else, Burning makes her stop talking, by pressing his lips against hers. Being thrown off by the surprise kiss, Sunset closes her eyes and leans in and the two have their first kiss as a couple.

"AAAWWWWWW."

The two stop after hearing the aw's and look to see Twilight and Starlight peaking from the corner. After saying the goodbye to their pony friends, Sunset and Burning step into the portal. They travel through the portal and land on the other side into the human world, "WOW, that felt very weird," said Burning. But before he could get his footing after spending the last few days as a pony, he's tackled to the ground. "OW, ok that hurt." He then hears the sound of someone sobbing on top of him and looks down to see that it's his sister, Rosebud. He then looks around to see all his new friends are around, Brownie Bite, Ginger Ale, Star Chaser, Allegretto, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Flash Sentry. He then looks over next to him and sees his new girlfriend, Sunset Shimmer, holding his hand.

"I'm so glad your back," said a crying Rosebud. With his free arm, he gives his sister a hug, "Ya, I'm back."

Ch. 11-Waiting can be the worst

Let's go back a few days, to the day that Sunset took Burning through the portal to Equestria. Twilight and the rest of the group make it to the Tempest Shadow house and head inside. Twilight goes up the stairs into Sunset's room to try and find the journal she uses to talk to Princess Twilight. Everyone waits downstairs in the living room and wait for Twilight. "OK now, we need some answers, what's going on," said Star Chaser.

"He's right, I think it's about time we know," said Brownie Bite. Allegretto taps on both Brownie and Star, and they turn around to see him. He points the direction of Rosebud, who set on the cough, crying, being consoled by Applejack and Fluttershy. A sense of realization hit the two like a bus, in everything that happened, they remember that their friend and Rosebud's brother, Burning Heart, has been stabbed by the Shadow Man, and last they saw him, was on the verge of death and the two felt ashamed of themselves. Rarity looks at everyone and tells them, "Look, boys, we'll tell you everything but-"

Suddenly, Rainbow Dash runs into the house, interrupting Rarity. "Guys, I'm back." Rarity and Pinkie Pie, along with the boys go up to her and Flash asked her, "So, what happened." Rainbow, who's existed after unlocking more of her magical powers, tells them, "Well, when we got to CHS, Sunset took Burning through the portal and-"

"I FOUND IT," yelled Twilight. Twilight comes running downstairs, holding a book and goes into the living room. She places the book on the living room table and everyone gathers around and looks at the book. "I must ask Miss Sparkle, but what's so important about this book," asked Ginger Ale.

"Here, let me show you. Does anyone have a pen I can use," asked Twilight? Pinkie reaches into her hair and grabs a pen, "Here you go." Twilight takes the pen, while the boys wonder how nobody's questioning how Pinkie pulled out a random pen out of her hair, and Twilight begins to write into the journal and as she writes the words glow, "Hello, this is Twilight Sparkle of the human world, if Sunset Shimmer is there, we need to talk to her."

"Now we just need to wait. But in the meantime, could we go to see how Timber and Stygian are doing," said Twilight. The boys look around and see that the girls are on the edge of their seats, hoping that they hear back from someone soon. "Hey, why don't we go and look for him, you girls should wait here in case you get a reply," said Flash.

"He's correct, you ladies should rest up," said Ginger. The boys agree and they had out of the house while the girls wait at the house, but before he walks outside, Flash is stopped by Twilight and she asked him, "Look, I'm sorry to ask you this, but could you explain to them about magic and everything."

"Ya, sure. Not a problem," said Flash.

____________________

Since the only one who was with the group that had Timber and Stygian in it, everyone is following Ginger Ale to the destination. "I hope Burnings alright," said Brownie.

"Ya, man I feel like a jerk. Here I am wanting answers about whats going on instead of worrying about my friend," said Star.

"Well, Twilight did ask me to explain everything to you guys," said Flash.

"That's right, you did know about them having magic beforehand," said Ginger.

Allegretto looks at Flash, expressing he wants to hear the story, "Well, where should I start," said Flash. After a few minutes, Flash tells them about everything that he knows about magic and Equestria. "Wow, so Sunset is really a pony from another world," said Brownie.

"If it weren't for the fact that we all saw a giant bear and the girls using powers, I'd say you were lying," said Star.

"It does sound a little farfetched, but it's all true," said Flash.

"Fellas, we're close so let hurry," said Ginger. The guys are running to the spot that Stygian took Timber during the fight with the possessed people they ran into earlier that day. "Stygian, where are you," yelled Flash. A rustle can be heard from close by and the boys approach the noise. The get there and they find Stygian and Timber, who has woken up, walking out of the woods and are surprised to see the group. "Hey guys, did we miss anything," asked Timber. The boys get depressed and the two could tell that something was wrong. "What's wrong and wheres Burning, I thought that he would be with you all," asked Stygian.

"Burning, he's got hurt really bad," said Flash.

"What happened to him," asked Timber. They look over at the guys and they see tears in their eyes and Stygian's eyes widen, "Oh no. Don't tell me he's-"

"We don't know yet, we're still waiting to hear back," said Ginger.

"We came out here to find you two, Twilight really worried about you Timber," said Flash. Everyone agrees to head back to the Tempest Shadow house where the girls are at. Some time has passed and they arrived and walk into the house. The girls look to see who it is and they see that it's the boys but Twilight notice that Timber is with them. She goes and runs to him, happy to see him, and hugs him. Flash looks at the rest of the girls, hoping they have heard anything yet, but nothing.

____________________

Hours have passed and it is now night time, both the girls and the boys are still at the Tempest Shadow house waiting to hear something back. After knowing how the journal works like a two-way messaging device, Rosebud stairs at the book just hoping that a message will come through with Wally sitting next to her feet. Applejack and Fluttershy stay on the cough with Rosebud in case she was to start crying and to comfort her. Rainbow and Star are playing a video game to keep their minds occupied. Pinkie, Brownie, and Ginger are in the kitchen making coffee and snacks to keep everyone awake. Rarity is fixing up Opal's fur and the rest of the group are sitting and waiting to hear something.

Pinkie and Brownie step out of the kitchen with coffee and snack, "Snacks are ready," said Pinkie. Everyone gets up to grab and a cup of coffee and a snack, everyone except for Rosebud. Applejack sees that and brings a cup and a snack to her, "C'mon sugarcube, you've got to eat somethin," said Applejack.

"Thanks, Jackie, but I'm not hungry," said Rosebud. She folds her legs up to her chest and holds them, "I'm too worried about Burnie to eat."

Timber, who is sitting next to Twilight with Spike lying in her lap has his arm over her shoulder, decided to ask, "If you don't mind me asking. But how come you're so close to Burning. I was told he's your brother and all but-"

"Timber, don't you think that's a little too personal to ask," said Twilight.

"No, it's fine Sparky. I don't mind telling," said Rosebud. She unfolds her legs and gets comfy. "Burnie and I are fraternal twins, so we've been together since day one. As we've grown up, we were really close to our dad but not so much our mom."

"Why's that darling," asked Rarity.

"Mom has always been a career woman spending most of her time at her office, so it was mostly just the three of us. Dad was the one who thought us the importance of family and that lesson really hit hard in middle school."

"Why, what happened," asked Fluttershy.

"Well, it was during middle school that I realized I'm gay. I was so scared to tell my family because of all the stories I've heard about people coming out to their family. So one day, I built up the courage to tell them and when I did tell them I was the one in tears, but what Dad and Burnie told me stuck with me to this day. Burnie came up to me while I was crying and patted my head and told me 'Silly, did you think we would be mad. There's no reason to cry.' And then Dad told me 'He's right dear, your her brother and my daughter. As long as you stay who you are, we'll always love you.' I was so confused and I asked them why. Then Burnie told me 'Because we're family.' When he said that, I cried even harder and they both started hugging me, I was so happy."

Rosebud looks around the room and sees that everyone is getting misty-eyed, "Wow, that's beautiful," said Pinkie. Rosebud started to smile, "Thanks," but her smile quickly turned into a frown, "But it did last long. A week later, dad died in a car accident." Wally rubs his head next to Rosebud's leg and she rubs his head, "It's okay, Wally." She stops and continues to tell the story, "About a year passed after Dad died before Mom got remarried to our step-dad and let's just say Burnie and I didn't like him one bit. After a fight Burnie had with him we went to live with our grandma and meet Sunny. But after granny died, we were forced to live with them again and we didn't get a chance to say goodbye to Sunny.

"That just sounded awful, but what I don't get is why did Burning get into a fight with your step-dad," asked Star.

"It turned out that our step-dad is homophobic and when he found out I'm gay, he threatened to kick me out of the house. Then Burning stepped up to defend me. So in a way, he's always been my knight in shining armor." But then, her eyes begin to fill up with tears and they began to stream down her face, "I just can't lose him, I've lost Dad and Granny. I can't lose my brother too, I don't want to be alone," cried Rosebud. A hand softly places its self on her shoulder and looks to see who it is and it's Applejack. Rosebud places her head on AJ's chest and starts to cry even harder and AJ's holds her and gently strokes her hair, trying to comfort her.

Suddenly, the journal on the table starts to vibrate like a cell phone and the room turns completely silent. Everyone looks at the book, afraid to open it with the possibility of bad news. Twilight decides to take the book and opens it up to read it,"Hey guys, it's Sunset. I have fantastic news, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were able to help Burning, he's going to live." The gang all cheer after Twilight reads the line, "Isn't this great, Rosie," said Applejack. She looks over at Rosebud, who is crying tears of joy. "But he's unconscious right now and has to stay here for a couple of days so that the doctors here can keep an eye on him. I'll stay here with and keep you all updated,[/]" said Twilight.

"Well, at least we know he made it. And I don't know about you all, but I'm ready to go to bed," said Rainbow.

"Same here, we're happy to hear about Burning. But should be heading back to our house," said Star. The boys leave waving goodbye, but no before Timber gives Twilight a goodbye kiss and they head to their house, while the girls all get ready for bed.

____________________

A couple of days have passed since Sunset took Burning to Equestria. After waiting so long for Burning to wake up, they finally received a message from Sunset, "Hey guys, great news. Burning has woken up is ready to come home. Just come by to the statue to pick us up. BTW send us a note saying you're here. Burning and I can't wait to see you guys." After receiving the message, the girls try to figure out how to get there. "So how are all of us suppose to get there, I mean I can run there and pick them up you know," said Rainbow.

"No, Bowie. I want to see Burnie the moment he comes through the portal," said Rosebud.

"I think she's got you there, Dash," said Pinkie.

"Maybe we could use the band bus," said Fluttershy.

"Oh, that's a wonderful idea darling," said Rarity.

"But the only problem is that we have fourteen people goin," said Applejack.

*HONK*HONK* The sound of a vehicle can be heard from outside the house, so the girls step outside to check it out. They walk out and see a van with all the boys inside with Allegretto behind the wheel. From the passenger seat, Flash pulls himself out and set on the edge of the door and waves to the girls, "Hey, sorry to keep you all waiting," yelled Flash. The side door slides open and inside are the rest of the guys. "What's all this now," asked Applejack.

"Well we all want to go see Burning when he comes home," said Brownie.

"But we know that we all can't fit in your all's bus," said Star.

"So Allegretto suggested that the boys should use his van to arrive there," said Ginger. Twilight looks inside the van and notices that Timber and Stygian aren't inside, "Wheres Timber," asked Twilight.

"And that really small guy, Stygian," asked Pinkie.

"Well, Timber has to stay so that he can get caught up with the work he's missed and Stygian said that he would stick around to help him out," said Flash. Twilight looks sad, knowing that Timber has to stay behind, "Well that stinks."

"Come on, can we get going please," said Rosebud. She runs to the bus with the others following her, except for Rarity. She walks over to the driver's side door to talk to Allegretto before they head out, "Now Allegretto dear, be careful driving now." Allegretto gives her a nod and a thumbs up. Rarity goes to join the girls and she gets in the bus. The bus starts up and starts to drive off, shortly with the van following behind. "So, Flash, how long till we get there," asked Brownie.

"Let's see, a few hours at the least," said Flash.

"A few hours. Al, at least you have some music to play," said Star. Allegretto nods and connects his phone to the radio and plays some music and the van is filled with the sounds of a piano, "Interesting, would this happen to be Moonlight Sonata," asked Ginger with Allegretto nodding. Star growns and says, "This is going to be a long trip."

A few hours passed and they all arrive at CHS. Everyone goes over to the statue in front of the school and wait. "So how are we suppose to send them a message," asked Fluttershy. Applejack comes up with an idea and walks over to Allegretto, "Heya, Al. Mind if I borrow one of your notebooks and a pen real quick." He nods and heads her a notebook and a pen. She writes something down and rips the paper out, wades it up and throws it at the statue, going throw the portal, "I'm guessin like that."

A couple of minutes pass and the portal activates. Sunset and Burning both walk out from the other side. "WOW, that felt very weird," said Burning. At that moment, a flood of emotions hit Rosebud and she starts to cry. She goes running and lunges at him landing on top of him, knocking them both down, "OW, ok that hurt," said Burning. While cry after seeing her brother is alive and well, Rosebud says, "I'm so glad your back." She fills him wrapping an arm around her, hugging her, she looks up at him and he tells her and to everyone else there, "Ya, I'm back."

Ch. 12-Singing Shadows

With Sunset and Burning back from Equestria, they hop into both the band bus and Allegretto's van and head back home. But that's not the focus today. With the girls and boys traveling back to Manehattan, let's focus on a small group of three girls, who also happen to be in Manehattan, who are leaving their part-time job at a Mexican restaurant, let's focus on Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, and Sonata Dusk and the encounter they are about to have.

After the defeat they had against the Rainbooms in the battle of the bands and losing their magical crystals, The Dazzlings have been working part-time after part-time job in order to survive. After arriving in Manehattan, they got a job at a Mexican restaurant and have been working there for a couple of months now. After the end of their shift, The Dazzlings are leaving the restaurant and heading back to their apartment taking with them some take out. On the way, Sonata opens up a bag, grabs a taco out and starts to eat it. "Ugh, I still don't understand how you can eat that garbage, Sonata," said Aria.

Sonata finishes eating the taco and tells her, "I can't help it. There just so tasty."

"Don't you fill ashamed of yourself, we're sirens, we should be feeding off the negative energy of people," said Aria.

"Well, we can't help it. Thanks to The Rainbooms, we don't have our magic gems anymore," said Sonata. Adagio staps at the two and yells, "Would you two just stop talking!" Suprised by the sudden outburst, both Aria and Sonata step back from Adagio. "Gezz Adagio, what's up with you," asked Aria.

"She's right, ever since you saw that thing on your phone you've been in a bad mood all day," said Sonata.

"You want to know what's wrong with me," said Adagio. She pulls out her phone and searches for something until she finds what's shes looking for and shows it to the two, "This is whats wrong with me." Aria and Sonata look at the phone and it's a video from the internet of a certain group of girls performing in front of a cafe. The video ends and all three girls have a sour look on their faces after watching the video. "They have over 100,000 views and it's still going up," said Adagio.

"Hey look on the bright side, they have at least one dislike," said Sonata.

"That's from me, Sonata," said Adagio.

"Can we just go home, I'm tired and now I'm depressed," said Aria. The girls agree and head to their apartment. They get onto a bus and while riding they think about how their lives came to this point. All that The Dazzlings wanted was for people to adore them with their singing but the only way they could survive was to feed off the negative energy around them. But thanks to Sunset and The Rainbooms, they can no longer sing and must work in this foreign world that they were sent to by Star Swirl the Bearded.

They arrive at their apartment and get to their door. Adagio puts the key into the lock but noticed that something is off. "What's wrong, Adagio," asked Sonata.

"The doors unlocked," said Adagio.

"Well that's just perfect," said Aria. Adagio slowly opens the door and quietly sneaks inside followed by Aria and Sonata. They look around their place to see if anything was stolen, they see a mini refrigerator, no dinner table, an empty sink, and a small living room with one old king size mattress, exactly how they left it when they left for work. "It doesn't look like they stole anything," said Adagio.

"Not like we have anything to steal anyway," said Aria.

"Well, well, I was wondering when you three were going to come home." A mysterious voice talks to them from behind and The Dazzlings jump forward and turn around, with Adagio and Aria getting into a fighting stance and Sonata hiding behind Adagio. "Wow, easy there. I just want to talk," said the stranger.

"Who are you and what do you want," yelled Adagio. The stranger steps out of the shadows and it's a man in a black hoodie. He removes the hood and his head looks like a shadowy black flame, it's The Shadow Man. "I'm a friend and I want to help you out," said The Shadow Man. He throws down a few huge sacks to the Dazzlings feet, "Go ahead, open them up." They hesitate at first, but while keeping an eye on them Adagio opens up a sack and saw something she wasn't expecting, "What is it," asked Aria. Adagio turns the sack upside down and hundreds of thousands of dollars pour out. Aria's and Sonata's eyes lite up and they open the other sacks and see that they have money in them as well. "So, do like my gift," asked The Shadow Man.

"Okay, what's the catch. It's clear your not from around here so what do you want," asked Adagio.

"How right you are, I'm not from here but I also am," said The Shadow Man. Confused by what he said, Sonata said, "I don't get it."

"Well I myself am from Equestria, but the person I'm possessing is from this world," said The Shadow Man.

"Wait, you're from Equestria too, so are we," said Sonata.

"Sonata, hush. So tell me, how did you arrive here in this world," said Adagio.

"Oh the same as you three, because of Star Swirl," said The Shadow Man. Them hearing that name sent a wave a hate through them that they haven't felt in a long time since they first came to this world. "So are you going to tell us what you want or not," said Aria.

"I just need your help with a little problem I'm having with a certain group of girls you three tangled with before," said The Shadow Man. They thought about it for a second before coming to the conclusion that the group he is talking about is The Rainbooms. Of course, they want to help take care of The Rainbooms after the what happened to them, but there's only one problem. So Adagio tells him, "Look, as much as we would love to help after giving us all this cash."

"And trust us, we would love to take care of those Rainbooms," said Aria.

"But thanks to them, we no longer have our magic powers," said Adagio. The Shadow Man snaps his fingers as if he just remembered something, "Oh, that reminds me, I come bearing even more gifts." He digs into his hoodie pocket and pulls out a jewelry case. He opens it up in front of them and inside are three necklaces with a dark gem attached to them, "Go ahead, there's one for each," said The Shadow Man. The Dazzlings each take one of the necklaces and put them one. Suddenly, a surge of power courses through them, giving them a familiar feeling they haven't felt in quite some time and decide to try singing once again.

🎵Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh🎵
🎵Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh🎵

The Dazzlings are shocked by what just happened, after months of not being able to sing and now being able to bring a tear to their eyes. Sonata jumps in excitement and hugs both Adagio and Aria, "We can sing again you guys," said Sonata.

Adagio pushes Sonata off of her and approaches The Shadow Man, "Okay then, let me ask you something, Mister-,"

"Oh, you all can call me Shadow Man."

"Wow, how very original," said Aria. Adagio points her finger up, telling Aria to be quite without telling her to, "Mister Shadow Man, why do you have a problem with The Rainbooms."

"Oh that's for me to know my dear," said The Shadow Man.

"Well whatever, now that we have our powers back let go take care of them," said Aria.

Aria starts to head out the door but gets stopped by The Shadow Man. "Now hold your horses there. Why the rush there."

"Listen, Shadow Man, thank you for the gifts but no one is going to stop us from getting our revenge," said Adagio. She signals Aria and Sonata to get into position and all three begin to transform into their siren forms, about to attack.

"And here I was hoping we could be civil about this," said The Shadow Man. He raises his palm into the air and slowly starts to close his hand. Suddenly, The Dazzlings start to fill a shortness of breath until it fills like their being choked. They fall to the ground, having trouble breathing. Adagio looks up at The Shadow Man and, barely able to talk, ask him, "What did you do."

In a total change of mood, The Shadow Man looks down at Adagio with a sinister look on his face telling her, "Fool, did you honestly think I didn't think you lot would try to betray my goodwill, well those necklaces are infused with my dark magic and they can't be removed. So unless you want to see you're 'sisters' parish, I would suggest you listen to what I say. Are we clear." Adagio, with tears in her eyes due to the pain, looks over at Aria and Sonata and sees them raizing in pain not being able to breathe. She looks him and nods. "Oh no, I want you to tell me," said The Shadow Man. So Adagio uses every bit a strength she has to say, "Yes."

The Shadow Man releases his hand and The Dazzlings start to inhale, being able to breathe again. Adagio goes to Aria and Sonata to make sure that they're okay. "What in the world happened," said Aria.

"Ow, that really hurt," said Sonata. Out of nowhere, Adagio brings the two in to hug them catching them off guard, "Thank goodness you two are okay," said Adagio. Aria just accepts the hug while Sonata hugs her back.

"Aw, now isn't this just a sweet showing of sisterly love," said The Shadow Man. Adagio turns around and glares at The Shadow Man. The girls get up off the ground and Adagio ask, "Okay, we'll follow what you have to say, so why can't we go after them now."

"Well the thing is, it seems that their gaining stronger powers and are possibly going to be gaining more allies," said The Shadow Man.

"Okay, and just how do you know that," said Aria.

"Oh I have a mole that doesn't know is secretly helping me," said The Shadow Man.

"So how are we suppose to go up against them then," said Sonata. The Shadow Man begins to laugh before telling them, "We build our own army."

____________________

A few minutes passed and The Shadow Man is no longer in the apartment, so The Dazzlings sit down in their tiny living room about to eat some ramen noodles. "Well girls, enjoy these noodles because tomorrow we live the high life," said Adagio.

"So how long exactly are we suppose wait anyway," asked Aria.

"You heard him, he said he would let us know when the time is right. Until then we just have to wait," said Adagio. An alarm goes off, "Noodles are done," said Sonata. The three start to dig into their noodles and Adagio looks over at the stack of money that The Shadow Man gave them. Aria sees Adagio looking over at the money and says, "Awesome right, must be way over a million. Now we can quit that stupid restaurant job."

"Does that mean no free tacos," said Sonata. Aria slaps her face, "Sonata, just be quiet." But unknown to The Dazzling, from across the street of their apartment, The Shadow Man is looking at them from atop of a building, seeing them throw the window of their apartment.

"HA, enjoy it while you can girls. You have some hard work ahead of you," said The Shadow Man. From behind the door that leads up to the roof of the building that The Shadow Man is on opens up, he turns around and looks to see who it is and it's someone he recognizes, "Aw, so you made it after all little lady," said The Shadow Man. The girl, who is also wearing a black hoodie, walk up to The Shadow Man. "Shut up. So are they going to help us out," she asked.

"Of course, though once they put those necklaces on, they didn't have much of a choice," said The Shadow Man. The girl smiles and starts to laugh, "Hahaha, those dumb fools, just bait them with magic and they'll fall for anything." The girl continues to laugh until The Shadow Man yells, "ENOUGH!" The girl stops and stands there in silents. But to her surprise, The Shadow Man pats her on the head, telling her, "Sorry about that, but for now let's try to get along with them. Soon, we'll have everything that we want." He removes his hand from her head and she removes her the hood from her hoodie, showing short red and yellow hair. "You got a haircut? It looks good on you."

"Thanks," she said while blushing. She tries to gain her composer back and asked him, "So? Are we going after the rest now?"

"Of course we are." He closes his hands together and slowly opens them up, creating a dark vortex within his palms. He expands it and with a snap of his fingers, it splits it into fourteen smaller vortexes. And acting as one way mirrors, each showing a different person in each one. The girl looks at each one carefully, "I don't remember those six," said the girl.

"Oh just found them on my own. I believe they have a lot of promise," said The Shadow Man.

"One is wearing a puffy yellow sweater and another is cowering to a sheep," said the girl.

"Trust me, I know what I'm doing," said The Shadow Man. And with another snap of his fingers, the vortexes all disappear, "Let's get going, we've got a long road ahead of us," said The Shadow Man. He turns around and opens a shadowy portal and he walks through it. "Right behind ya," said the girl and follows behind him. The portal closes behind them and the two disappear into the night.

Author's Notes:

Welp, this is the end of volume one, if you're interested in what happens to the whole gang be sure to follow and keep an eye on my blogs on when new stories will be available.

Ch. 13-A crying sun and flower

In the ruined city of Manehattan, Sunset looks up at a familiar image she has encountered many times by now, The Shadow Man. She looks around and sees that all of her friends are down on the ground, not moving at all and she focuses all of her attention on The Shadow Man. "Why, why do all this. What did we ever do to you," yelled Sunset! But what she heard next was something that she wouldn't expect, as The Shadow Man just starts to laugh, "Hahahaha, oh you poor little thing. I just want to spread my darkness around the world and plunge the world into chaos and you all got in my way, nothing more nothing less."

Sunset fell to the ground, tears in her eyes and looked on as what The Shadow Man said had come true, the world that she has called home for many years now is no more. The sound of footsteps begins to approach Sunset, getting closer and closer until they stop and a shadow lums over her. She looks up and she sees The Shadow Man look down at her making her more terrified. The Shadow Man smiles at her and tells her, "Don't worry though, I'll be sure to unity you with your friends really quickly." He raises his arm up and it turns into a sharp spear and he plunges it into Sunset's chest.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"AAAAAAA," yelled Sunset. She raises out of her bed in a cold sweat with tears in her eyes. She looks around and realizes that she in her room and then suddenly, the door to her room swings open. "Sunny, is everything alright," said Rosebud. She looks at Sunset in the state that she's in, "Oh no, not again." She goes over to Sunset and set on her bed and holds her while stroking her hair, "This makes the third time this week."

"Ya, and it keeps getting worse each time," said Sunset. Sunset stops Rosebud from stroking her hair, "It's okay Rosie, I'll be fine. And sorry if I woke you up."

"Hey don't worry about it, I just wanted to make sure you were okay," said Rosebud. Rosebud gets off of Sunset's bed and starts to leave her room. She turns around to wave bye to Sunset and Sunset waves back and Rosebud leaves the room. Sunset lays back down on her bed and starts to think back. It's been a week since she and Burning returned from Equestria after their last run-in with The Shadow Man, who nearly killed Burning, and ever since they came back Sunset's future visions have been happening every other day. But each vision that she sees is worst each time. So Sunset tries to clear her head and tries to go back to sleep.

____________________

It's the next day in the early morning and Sunset is sitting at a table in the campus courtyard still tried from last night. While sitting at the table, out of nowhere a cold feeling hits Sunset on the cheek and it makes her jump. She turns around to see who it is and it's her boyfriend, Burning Heart, with a bottle of iced coffee. "Sorry if I scared you there, Sunny," said Burning. He places the iced coffee in front of Sunset and takes a set next to Sunset, "I thought you could use a little caffeine."

"Thanks, Burnie, I needed this," said Sunset. She opens the bottle and takes a drank. She puts the bottle down and looks over at Burning, "So how are you feeling no side effect from Equestrian magic."

"Nope, I feel pretty good for a someone who almost died." Burning then looks over at Sunset and he asks her, "But what about you, Rosie told me that you've been having those visions almost every night since we came back."

"Ya I have but I'm fine okay, there's no need to worry," said Sunset.

"Of course I'm going to worry Sunny," said Burning. Sunset looks at Burning and surprises him with a kiss on the cheek, "Thank for worrying about me but I'm fine." Sunset grabs her phone to look at the time, "Shoot, look at the time. I need to hurry or I'll be late for my first class."

"Want me to go with you, I still have some time before my first class," said Burning.

"Sure, I'd like that." So the two walk to Sunset's next class, holding each other's hand.

____________________

After her class has ended, Sunset exits the room still tried from the previous night. "Stupid coffee, didn't work at all," said Sunset. While walking to her destination, she comes across Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rosebud on their way to their business management course. "Hey there sugarcube," said Applejack.

"Hey there girls," said Sunset. Rarity gasps at the sight of Sunset and runs up to her. "Oh my goodness, darling, you look just awful." Rarity examines Sunset's eyes as there are dark circles under them and are puffy. "Are you okay there, Sunset? You look like you've been crying," said Pinkie Pie.

"If you need to talk to us or anything, we're always here to listen," said Fluttershy.

"Really girls, I'm okay. Just a few bad dreams, that's all it is," said Sunset. But before someone could say something else to her, Sunset looks at her phone and starts to head off, "Sorry, got to go. See you all later." The girls watch as Sunset disappears out of sight, "I sure hope she doing alright," said Rosebud.

____________________

Durning one of her courses, Sunset is still tired and is on the verge of collapsing. She's sitting at her desk trying to listen to the lecture when the person next to her asks her if she is feeling okay and that person is her friend, Wallflower Blush. "Hey, Sunset, are you feeling okay? You don't look too good," asked Wallflower.

"Yes, Wallflower, I'm fine," said Sunset.

"Okay, but if you need to talk to someone I'm here for you," said Wallflower. But Sunset just nods and the two continue their course. After an hour has passed, Sunset and Wallflower are leaving the classroom to grab a drank. "So what are you feeling today, Sunset," asked Wallflower. Sunset still tried from the week of nightmarish future visions tiredly tells her, "Need coffee."

"Oh? I was thinking of like a smooth or something, but coffee sounds good," said Wallflower. With the two walking to a coffee house Wallflower looks back at Sunset, who is slowly falling behind looking as if she is on the verge of passing out. Wallflower, who is concerned about her, walks up to her and asks her, "Hey, Sunset, are you sure you're feeling okay?" Wallflower goes to places her hand on Sunset's shoulder but before she could make contact, Sunset passes out and fells to the ground. Wallflower begins to freak out after seeing Sunset hit the ground, "Oh no, Sunset!" So Wallflower pulls out her cell phone and dials 9-1-1.

____________________

Slowly opening her eyes, Sunset looks to see that she is in a hospital room and looks over to the side of the bed and sees Wallflower. "Wallflower? What's going on? Where am I?"

"Oh Sunset, thank goodness you're okay," said Wallflower. Wallflower gets up out of the chair to give Sunset a hug, but she stops herself thinking that Sunset might be in pain and goes to sit back down. "You're in a hospital Sunset. You took a bad fall when we were going to go get coffee, so I called for an ambulance."

Felling down about the whole situation, Sunset tells her, "I'm sorry to worry you, Wallflower."

"Don't worry about that. How are you feeling though," said Wallflower?

"A little drowsy, but that's about it."

"Oh, okay." Wallflower looks down, away from Sunset sight. Sunset looks at Wallflower and sees that she is looking away from her. "Wallflower, whats wrong." Wallflower bites her lip and decides to ask her, "You're lying Sunset."

"What do you mean," said Sunset.

"The doctor's took a brain scan to make sure it wasn't damaged when you fell. And they noticed irregular waves due to emotional stress." Sunset stood there in silents while listening to Wallflower. "Look, I know we haven't been friends as long as you've been with Twilight and the others, but I was hoping that we wouldn't keep secrets from each other."

"Listen, Wallflower. I'm sorry but I can't tell you."

"Why? What's so important that you can't tell me and is a treat to your health," yelled Wallflower.

"Because it's about the future okay," yelled Sunset. She soon covers her mouth and Sunset curls up into a ball on the hospital bed. Wallflower is surprised about what Sunset said about it being about the future and decides to ask her more about it. "What do you mean." But Sunset's doesn't say anything, with her face buried in her knees. Wallflower goes to try and gets Sunset to talk, "Listen to me Sunset, I don't what you're trying to hide, but maybe it would help if you talk to someone about it." Sunset starts to come out of her ball and looks over at Wallflower, crying. "Okay, I'll tell you."

Sunset begins to tell Wallflower about her future visions that she's been having ever since she came back from Equestria. "I've been having visions of the future that started about a month and a half ago."

"Does this have to do with magic," asked Wallflower.

"Yes, it does. See it turns out that Sometimes I can see into the future and what I see is horrible. There's is person whos calling himself the Shadow Man and he's trying to plunge the world into darkness and in all of my visions he succeeds. Me, Twilight, and the others, we try to stop him but we end up failing and one by one, I see him killing every one of them until I'm the last one standing."

Wallflower is shocked to hear this, with her hand over her mouth. "But he's just one guy right, how is he so strong," asked Wallflower.

"When I saw the future the first time he was alone. But everytime since, he's grown himself an army and it gets bigger with every vision I have. That's why I haven't told anyone, how can you tell someone that they're going to die." Sunset is about to start crying but Wallflower goes to hold her, "It's going to okay." Sunset then starts to cry in Wallflower's arm with Wallflower stroking Sunset's hair trying to calm her down.

After a few minutes have passed, Sunset finally calmed down after telling Wallflower everything she has been keeping secret till now. "Thank you, Wallflower. It felt good to get that off my chest."

"Your welcome and listen Sunset, I know I don't have any magic powers anymore. Again, sorry about back then," said an embarrassed Wallflower.

"Hey, don't worry about it. I've forgiven you already," said Sunset.

"Right, even still if there's any way that I can help out I will," said Wallflower. She looks at Sunset in the eyes and blushes. She clears her through and decides she needs to tell Sunset something. "Sunset, I want to help you out not just because we're friend okay." Sunset, confused by what Wallflower said asks her, "What do you mean?"

"The truth is, Sunset." Wallflower looks into Sunset's eye's and slowly reaches for her hand. "I...I,"

Suddenly the door to Sunset's hospital room swing open and on the other side is Burning Heart. "Sunny!" Both Sunset and Wallflower look at the doorway, with Wallflower being confused by the person at the door. But she looks at Sunset, who has a big smile on her face. "Burnie," said Sunset. Burning runs into the room and hugs Sunset. He releases her from the hug and starts asking a lot of question, "Sunny, are you okay? Are you hurting anywhere? What did the doctors say? What..." Sunset places her fingers on Burning's lips to make him stop talking. "Burnie, I'm fine." Wallflower looks on as Sunset and a man she hasn't met before are talking so casually with one another and speaks up, "Um, Sunset. Who is this?"

"Oh sorry about that. Let me introduce you two. Burnie, this is Wallflower Blush, she's a friend from back in high school. It was her the called the ambulance that got me here. Wallflower, this is Burning Heart, he's an old friend that had a long time ago and we reunited when college started up and he's also my boyfriend." Then suddenly a deep sinking filling hits Wallflower, but before she knew it Burning came to her and started to shake her hand. She looks up at him and he smiles at her and tells her, "Thank you so much for helping Sunset. I hope that we can be friends."

"Oh um, sure," said Wallflower. Sunset looks at the two before realizing that Wallflower didn't finish telling her what she was saying, "By the way, you were saying something before Burnie show. What was it?"

"Oh, sorry for interrupting you two's conversation. I can leave the room if you all need some privacy," said Burning.

Wallflower gets up from her chair and tells them, "No it's fine, it wasn't important." Wallflower starts to leave the room to leave the couple alone. "Well, I should get going and let you two have some alone time." She reaches the doorway and stop and turns around to look at Sunset and tells her, "Don't forget, it's not healthy to keep secrets in a relationship," before leaving the room.

"What does she mean," asked Burning. Sunset takes a deep breath and tells him, "Burnie, there something I need to tell you and the others."

____________________

Outside of the hospital room, Wallflower is walking down the hallway thinking to herself, "So, she has a boyfriend huh. I mean why wouldn't she. She's smart, pretty, popular." She stops walking and starts to cry in the hallway with no one else around and she can feel her heart breaking. "It looks like I waited too long," said a crying Wallflower.

She walks out of the hospital and walks down the street until she passes an abanded ally where she hears familiar singing.

🎵Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh🎵
🎵Ah, ah-ah, ah-ahh🎵

Wallflower remembered back when CHS had the Battle of the Bands the orchestrated by The Dazzlings and used their singing to control the student of the school. So she goes down the ally to see if it really is them or not. She gets closer to where the singing is coming from and she peaks around a corner to see who is singing and in fact, it was them. She tries to sneak away but suddenly, the singing stops, "Well, well, looks like we have a visitor here girls," said Adagio. Wallflower stops in place, turns around, and walks around the corner and comes face to face with The Dazzlings. "Hey girls, it's one of the people on his list," shouted Sonata. Confused by what she just said, Wallflower shakes her head and tells them, "Look, I don't know what you three are doing here, but leave Sunset and her friends alone. They beat you all once and they can do it again."

"Stupid, we didn't come here for her or them," said Aria.

"You're not?" Adagio starts to walk closer to Wallflower and tells her, "No. We came here because we have a 'friend' who wants to talk to you." Adagio looks behind Wallflower and laughs, "And look, he's here." Wallflower turns around and what she sees scares her, a man who emerges from a nearby shadow. She falls back and falls over and the man reaches for her, so she tries to cover herself. But nothing happens, so Wallflower looks and sees that the man is offering her a hand, she takes his hand and he helps her up. "Are you The Shadow Man," asked Wallflower.

"Yes, I am and I've come to make a deal with you."

Ch. 14-Honesty

After being released from the local hospital, Sunset along with Burning both arrive at The Tempest Shadow house with Sunset afraid of going inside. "Whats wrong, Sunny? Don't you want to go inside," asked Burning.

"I don't know, Burnie. I've been keeping the visions I've been having all week a secret. And I'm still scared to tell them what I've seen," said Sunset. Burning pats Sunset on the back, surprising Sunset. "Look, I know that I haven't known your friends for as long as you have. But they all seem like strong people and I'm sure they can handle what you tell them." Burning then flashes her a smile, telling her, "Plus I'm sure they would like it if you were honest with them." Sunset thinks about what Burning said before coming to the conclusion that he's right. So without further hesitation, Sunset opens the door into to the building. "Girls, I'm ba..."

Suddenly, a pink blur runs to Sunset and Burning and it lands on top of Sunset and it turns out to be a crying Pinkie Pie. "Oh Sunset, I'm so glad you're okay. WAAAA" cried Pinkie. Pinkie is suddenly lifted off of Sunset, being picked up by Applejack. "Calm down there sugarcube, Sunset just got released from the hospital. Don't want to send her back now do ya," said Applejack. She places Pinkie Pie down and goes to help up the down Sunset. Sunset looks behind Applejack and sees the rest of her friend wanting to welcome her home. Twilight holding Spike, Rainbow Dash with Tank, Rarity holding Opel, Fluttershy with Angel, and Rosebud with Wally.

"Hey girls," said Sunset.

"Sunset, if you weren't feeling well, why not say anything," asked Twilight.

Rainbow Dash jumps in and tells Sunset, "Ya, what if you had been by yourself and nobody had a called you a..." A crystal wall pops up in front of Rainbow Dash, created by Rarity. "Oh hush now Rainbow. Sunset was just released so we should let her rest," said Rarity. Rarity then dispells the crystal wall.

Rosebud goes up to Sunset and places a hand on Sunset's shoulder, "Come on, Sunny. Let's get you to your room so you can rest," said Rosebud.

"Thanks, Rosie. But there's something I need to tell you all something first," said Sunset.

"What's the matter, Sunset," asked Fluttershy.

"It's something pretty big." Sunset then takes everyone into the living room to tell them about the visions that she's been having all week.

____________________

After the next few minutes passed, Sunset finishes telling everyone about the visions she's been having all week. "I'm sorry, I know I should have told you all earlier," said Sunset. She looks at her friends and can see the look of despair on their faces. Spike looks up at Twilight and asks her, "Twilight, you're not going to die, right?" Not knowing how to respond, Twilight sits there in silence and holds Spike tighter.

"Gosh, so not only do we all not make it, but the Shadow Man grows a whole darn army," said Applejack.

"Goodness, you told us how grim it was before, Sunset," said Rarity.

"But this is WAY worse than before," yelled Pinkie.

"Wow, this is the first time I've heard one of your visions, Sunny. That's just scary," said Rosebud.

"So nothing has changed, has it," said Fluttershy. Everyone sits there in silence when out of nowhere, Rainbow Dash slams her foot on the floor and surprises everyone and scares the pets. "Come on, why is everyone so down in the dumps." Everyone then focuses on Rainbow Dash. "We've gone through some much in the last couple of years now and we've come winning too."

A smile comes to Sunset's face, "Rainbow's right. We've haven't lost yet, so we can change the future. Nothings set in stone and since we know he'll be raising an army, we just need to get stronger and try to increase our team."

A hand is placed on Sunset's shoulder, she looks and sees Burning. "I've already said I'd help out and I'm sure the rest of the guys will help out too," said Burning. With the mood of the room going from despair and it turns into hope. Everyone begins to smile, feeling like they really can win. Sunset places her hand out, followed by Burning placing his hand on top of Sunsets. Shortly everyone places their hands on top of one another. "Remember. No matter how we will come out victorious," said Sunset. Everyone nods in agreement and they raise their hands into the air and they all yell, "We've got this."

A door slams open from upstairs, "HEY, QUIET! SOME OF US ARE TRYING TO SLEEP," yelled Fizzlepop before slamming her bedroom door.

"Sorry Ms. Fizzle," yelled Pinkie.

____________________

A couple of days passed by and everything seems to have gone back to normal. Over at the business management course, we see Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Brownie Bite about to leave the classroom of Steven Magnet. "So, Y'all want to head on over to the cafe and grab some grub," asked Applejack.

"AW YA! Brownie, didn't you say you were working on a new cake recipe he's been working on. I need to try it," said Pinkie Pie.

"Sure thing, Pinkie. By the way, Ginger said that we got a new shipment of teas in," said Brownie.

"That sounds nice," said Fluttershy. The five friends head for the door to the classroom, their teacher call out toward, "Pardon me, but Applejack, dear could stay behind for just a few minutes," said Steven Magnet.

Everyone is shocked to hear that Applejack needed to stay behind. "Um, sure thing, Mr. Magnet. You girls go on ahead now," said Applejack. Everyone nods and leaves the room. "What seems to be the problem there, sir," said Applejack.

"Oh, honey, class is over now. Please, just call me Steven." Feel awkward about doing so, since he is her teacher, Applejack asks him, "Am I in trouble or somethin."

"Oh goodness no, I just wanted to ask if you're doing alright. You've seemed off lately," said Steven. Not knowing what it is he was talking about, Applejack tells him, "Yep, doing just fine, Mr. Magnet."

"Sweetie, after being married to someone as long as I have, you can tell when someone is when someone isn't being honest. So tell me, is everything okay," asked Steven. Applejack hesitates to respond to him because, in the back of her mind, she knows she isn't being honest. Not to her friends and not to herself. "No, I'm not."

"Please, tell me what's wrong dear," said Steven. Applejack goes to sit down at a nearby desk and she turns her phone to silent. She takes a deep breath and she asks, "Mr. Magnet, was there ever a point in your life where you felt like you weren't being honest with everyone around you, especially yourself."

Steven leans back in his chair to think about the question. It didn't take long for him to come up with an answer. "No, I can't say that I have. Do you feel like that dear," said Steven?

"Maybe, but I'm not sure about it myself," said Applejack.

"Would you feel better if you told someone about what it is that you feel like you need to get off you're chest," said Steven.

"I guess so."

"Then go ahead, dear. I'm all ears." Applejack takes a deep breath. "I have a secret that I haven't told my friend and family and I feel like I need to tell them. But I'm too scared to tell them. To tell them that I'm-," but Applejack stop herself from talking and looks down. Steven looks at Applejack and can see that she's trying to hold back the tear. "Honey, let me tell you a story." Applejack looks at Steven and listens to what he has to say. He gets up out of his chair and walks to a nearby window.

"Back when I was going to college, same as you, I had a friend who kept a secret from his friends and family for a long time too. One day he felt like if he didn't tell someone, it would keep eating away at him. So one day, he decided to gather his closest friends together and told them, 'Fellas, I'm gay.' After telling them, it felt like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders. And you know what happened next?"

"What was it," asked Applejack.

"They accepted him. They told him that they were proud of him for telling them. So he felt that he should tell his family too," said Steven.

"And what did they accepted him too," asked Applejack.

"Sadly, no they didn't. They disowned him but he made peace with that. He knew that not everyone was going to accept him and he made peace with that," said Steven. Applejack sat there in silence, thinking about what Steven said. He walks back to his desk and sits back down. "What I'm saying is, sometimes it's better to tell the people you trust with a secret and you might just feel better about," said Steven.

Applejack thought about what Mr. Magnet said. Maybe it was time to tell them. With the coming threat of the Shadow Man coming if she didn't tell them now, she never will. She gets up from the desk and tells Mr. Magnet, "Thank you, Mr. Magnet. I feel like I can tell them now," and she leaves the classroom to meet up with her friends at the cafe.

____________________

Later that night at the Tempest Shadow house, Applejack gather her best friends together. Everyone meets up in the living room of the house and sits down. "What's the matter Applejack, is something the matter," asked Fluttershy.

"No, no. Everythings fine, it's just that there's somethin I need to tell you Y'all," said Applejack.

"Well don't keep us in suspense, what is it," asked Rainbow Dash. This was it, the moment that Applejack knew that one day she was going to have to tell her friends herself. She looks over the row of seats that sat her friends. From Sunset, Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie, Rarity, to Fluttershy. Applejack takes in a deep breath and exhales and she tells her friends, "Girls, I'm a lesbian. I've liked girls for as long as I can remember. It's something that I've kept closeted for a while now and I felt that it was time I told you all and I hope that you can accept me."

The room grew silent that you could hear a pin drop. Applejack told her friend the truth and there was no going back. She hung her head down and waited to hear a response. But quicker then she thought, "Thank you for telling us, AJ," said Sunset. Applejack looks up to see her friends all giving her smile, "You mean, you all accept who I am," asked Applejack.

"Of course we do, silly," said Pinkie.

"Why wouldn't we accept you," asked Fluttershy.

"You're still the same Applejack to us," said Twilight.

"It was really brave of you to come out to us," said Rarity.

"Seriously, we have been through so much together," said Rainbow.

"This changes nothing with our relationship, AJ. We'll always be our friends and we'll always love you," said Sunset.

Applejack couldn't believe it. After being afraid for a long time of telling her friends that she was a lesbian, they still consider her a friend and no matter what will always love her for who she is. And without realizing it, tears begin to roll down her face, cause a huge weight has been lifted off of her. She wipes away the tears and sees that the girls have their arms wide open and she goes in to hug her friends. Everyone group hugs Applejack and more tear roll down her face with everyone else starting to cry. "Thank you, girls. I love Y'all so much," said Applejack.

____________________

The next day, Applejack goes to pay a visit to Steven Magnet. She reaches his classroom and she knocks on the door, "Yes, come on in," said Steven on the other side. Applejack then opens the door, "Um, Mr. Magnet," said Applejack.

"Aw, Applejack, sweetie, please come on in," said Steven. Applejack walks into the room and sits down at the nearest desk. "So, what can I do for you today," asked Steven.

"Well, I just wanted to say thank you," said Applejack.

"Oh, and what for," asked Steven.

"For helping me out yesterday. After talking to you, I finally decided to talk to my friends about my secret and when I go home to see my family, I'm going to tell them too," said Applejack.

"And, did you feel any better after telling them," asked Steven. Applejack smiles and nods, "I haven't felt better." Applejack pulls out her phone to look at the time. "Sorry Mr. Magnet, but there's someone I need to go see."

"Not a problem, dear." Applejack starts a starts to leave the classroom but stops that the doorway, "Mr. Magnet, that story that you told me yesterday. That was you, wasn't it," asked Applejack.

"Goodness, no. That was my husband in that story," said Steven. Applejack forms a soft smile on her face and she tells him, "Your husband is lucky to have someone like you." Applejack then leaves the room, leaving Steven alone. He looks over a photo that he has on his desk and he tells himself, "No dear, I'm the lucky one," as he looks at an old photo of himself with who would be his future husband along with his best friend, Cranky.

Applejack runs off to one of the campus courtyards to meet up with someone. When she arrives, she spots the person she wanted to meet up with, Rosebud. She waves her arm and yells out, "Hey, Rosie!" Rosebud sees Applejack and runs up to her, "Hey Jackie," said Rosebud.

"So what was up last night, I got home and I see you and the rest of the girls in a big group hug."

"Don't worry bout that now, I'll tell you later. More importantly, there's something I wanted to ask you," said Applejack.

"Sure what is it?" Applejack looks over at Rosebud and her heart starts to beat faster and faster. She swallows down her fears and Applejack asks, "Rosie, would you like to go out sometime. You know, like on a date." Shocked by what Applejack had just asked her, Rosebud gets red in the face. She then smiles and she tells Applejack, "Sure, I'd love too."

Ch. 15-Reunions and Formation

Over at Manehattan University, Twilight Sparkle and Timber Sprue are having a study session on a campus courtyard. Twilight lays out a set of questions for Timber Spruce to try and answer. But he is having trouble thinking of an answer. "Come on, Timber. I know you're smart enough to answer this. I'll ask one more time, 'Materials for rain-proof coats and tents owe their water-proof properties to..." Timber tries to think of an answer when it suddenly hits him, "Surface tension."

"Light from the star, Alpha Centauri, which is nearest to the earth after the sun, reaches the earth in..."

"4.2 years."

"And finally, Nuclear sizes are expressed in a unit named..."

"Fermi." He answered the three question that Twilight set up for him and now he waits to see if he got any of them right or not. Twilight sits there quietly to let the tensions build up with Timber staring directly at her. Then she smiles at him and says, "You did it, Timber. You got all three right." Timber gives a sly smile, "Of course. Did you also know that a Fermi is a unit of length equal to 10^-15meter or one femtometer that's used in nuclear physics is similar to the diameter of a proton?"

"Wow, someone sure has been studying hard lately. Maybe you deserve a reward," said Twilight. She bats her eyes at him and Twilight asks him, "So? What reward do you want?"

"Oh, I'm pretty sure you know what I want," said Timber. He leans in towards Twilight and she leans in towards Timber and the two kiss. They stop kissing and just stare into each other's eyes. Suddenly a group of five are walking by when one of them spots Twilight and they stop. "Twilight, is that you?" Twilight and Timber both stop to see who it was that called out to Twilight. She looks over to see the group of five. Sunny Flair, Sour Sweet, Sugarcoat, Indigo Zap, and Lemon Zest.

"Oh my gosh, I had no idea you all were coming to Manehattan U. You should have told me," asked Twilight

"You could have easily have told us as well. It doesn't always have to be us," said Sugarcoat. Sunny Flair jabs at Sugarcoat in the side, "Sugarcoat, be nice now," said Sunny Flair. Twilight continues to talk to the five girls with Timber surprised to see Twilight talking to people that aren't her normal group of friends. He walks up to the group to introduce himself. "Hey, Twilight. So are you going to introduce me or what?"

"Oh ya, sorry about that. Timber these some girls that I knew from Crystal Prep. Sunny Flair, Sour Sweet, Sugarcoat, Indigo Zap, and Lemon Zest." So the former Shadowbolts introduce themselves to Timber. "Girls, this Timber Spruce, my boyfriend."

"WHAT," yelled Sour Sweet. She calms herself down and says, "I mean, That's just wonderful. I'm SO happy for you and totally not jealous at all." Everyone, excluding Timber and Lemon who has her handphones on, knew that Sour Sweet was just being sarcastic. Indigo walks over to Twilight and wraps her arm around her, "Hey now, don't think you won just because you got yourself a hottie for a boyfriend. Just you wait, I'll find someone whos way hotter."

"Um, but we're not competing or anything," said Twilight.

"Everythings a competition, Twilight. Everything," said Indigo. Sunny Sweet pulls Indigo off of Twilight. "I must say, Twilight. I would never have thought that you would get yourself a boyfriend," said Sunny.

"Especially with what happened at the friendship games," said Sugarcoat.

"C'mon, I thought we wouldn't bring that up again. Don't forget that it's partly you're alls fault too," said Twilight.

"Um, what are you talking about, Twi," asked Timber.

"Oh, it's nothing, nothing all. Oh look at the time we really should be going," said a panicking Twilight. She then grabs Timber by the arm to drag him off. "Well, girls we really should check up sometime. See you all later." Twilight walks away from the girls while dragging Timber. The group wave goodbye to Twilight and Timber. "See you soon, Twilight," said Sour Sweet. Lemon Zest takes off her headphones and she asks, "Was that Twilight's boyfriend or something."

"Just go back to your music, Lemon," said Sunny.

____________________

After a few minutes of silence after walking away from Sunny Flair and her group, Timber decided to break the silence. "So those were people you use to go to school with huh."

"What, oh yea. That's when I use to go to Crystal Prep," said Twilight.

"But what was it that one with the pigtails talking about. Something about the Friendship Games," said Timber. But Twilight didn't say anything to Timber. She thinks back to when the incident happened at the Friendship Games. With how her obsession with learning more about magic caused her to become Midnight Sparkle and almost destroyed the world. She worries that if Timber knows what happened to her back then, would he still like her and think of her as the same person.

"Listen, Timber, if it's alright with you it something I really don't like to talk about, so could we just not bring it up anymore," said Twilight. Timber looks over at Twilight and sees that she is uncomfortable talking about what back then. So he shrugs it off and tells her, "Hey don't worry about it. If you don't want to talk about it then you don't have to." Twilight smiles, happy that Timber didn't try to get her to talk about what happened. "Thank you, Timber." They walked together for a little bit longer, suddenly Timber pulled out his phone, "Oh shoot. Sorry Twilight, I need to go take care of something. You going to be alright getting back home by yourself" asked Timber.

"Yes Timber," asked Twilight.

"Cool, I'll see you tomorrow, Twilight," said Timber. He gives a quick peck on Twilight's cheek before running off. Twilight blushes and starts to head off home. Once Twilight is out of view, Timber checks his surrounding to make sure nobody is around. He dials a number on his phone and calls them up, "Hey, it's me."

____________________

Twilight reaches the Tempest Shadow house and walks to and opens the front door. "Hey girls, I'm-"

"WHY DO YOU ALL HAVE TO HANG OUT HERE," yelled Fizzlepop.

"Come on, what's the big deal, Ms. Fizzle," said Rainbow.

"The big deal is you all have a whole campus to hang out in when you're not in class, so why do you all want to hang out here. AND STOP CALLING ME THAT," said Fizzlepop.

"That's not true, we also hang out at the cafe," said Rainbow. Twilight is surprised to see Fizzlepop arguing with Rainbow Dash. So she exams the room to see whats going on. Pinkie Pie and Brownie Bite are cooking something up in the kitchen. Rarity is drawing up a new lineup of cloths with Allegretto tuning his violin. Fluttershy is having tea with Ginger Ale. Sunset and Burning are both reading books on the couch, Sunset reading a book about mythical creatures while Burning is reading a manga. Applejack and Rosebud are talking to each other on the couch next to Sunset and Burning. And Star Chaser is playing a video game on the TV with Flash Sentry.

"Hey everyone, foods ready," said Pinkie.

"Get it while it's hot," said Brownie. Everyone gets up and heads to the table for the food made by Pinkie and Brownie, except for Rainbow, Twilight, and Fizzlepop. "Um, what's going on," asked Twilight. Fizzlepop looks over at Twilight's direction and smiles, "Twilight, you're a smart one. Can you explain to them that they keep hanging out here whenever they want."

Twilight looks at her surroundings to get a feel for the area and notices that even with the number of people here, they're not being nosey. "Um, Ms. Berrytwist, all you have told us was that you wanted it to be quiet whenever you're here so that you could. Everyone has been as quiet as possible so I don't see the problem." Twilight looks up at Fizzlepop and sees that she is irritated with her left eye twitching.

"Fine, but let me say this," said Fizzlepop. She turns to the dining table that everyone is sitting at and makes her presence know. Her face so a twisted smile, scaring everyone in the house, "If anyone of you wakes me with any load noise, I'll show you something more terrifying then that giant bear from before." Fizzlepop starts to leave to head up to her room to sleep. But as she walks past the dining table, she spots a bowl of homemade dinner rolls and she snatches one away and bites into it while leaving. Before she was out of sight, everyone could hear her say, "This is good," before she enters her room.

"Well that went better then I thought," said Rainbow. She pats Twilight, getting her attention. "Come on, Twi lets join them."

"Oh yeah, sure," said Twilight. So Twilight and Rainbow join the rest of the group at the dinner table.

"So Twilight did you ask Timber if he would join us," asked Sunset.

"No sorry, I thought that with him starting his classes so late, he really need to catch up," said Twilight.

"Hey, don't worry about it, Sparky. Styx told me once he helps Tim catch up, they both should be able to help out," said Burning.

"Come now, everyone, we can talk about why we're here after we eat," said Ginger Ale. Everyone nods in agreement and enjoy their food. After a few minutes passed, everyone finishes eating and they get to the matter at hand. Sunset stands up and clears her throat to get everyone's attention.

"Thank you to everyone for coming here today. As you all know, there's a being out there called The Shadow Man who's wanting to shroud the world in darkness. We've all have come into contact with him when he tried to kill Burnie." Everyone thinks back to that moment and it sends a cold chill down there spines. "You all also know that I'm not of this world, that I'm from a world filled with magic."

"And also that you're a pony as well," said Pinkie.

"Yes Pinkie, but that's not important right now. When I was over there to get Burnie healed, we ran into the wisest unicorn in the land, Starswarl the Bearded and he told us a way to allow normal people to gain magic as well. Burnie and I will show how it works." Burning stands up as well and stands next to Sunset. He reaches into his pocket and he pulls out what looks like an old ring. Rosebud is surprised to see the ring. "Burnie. Isn't that ring..."

"You got it, Rosie. This is grandpa's wedding ring," said Burning. He hands the ring to Sunset and she grips it in her hand and she uses her other hand to grasp the geode around her neck and start to perform an enchantment on the ring.

"Stnemele, tnarg htrof rewop ot eht reraeb fo siht gnir dna evig meht ent rewop ot tcetorp."

A bright red glow begins to come from Sunset's hands catching everyone off guard. After a few moments, the glow from Sunset's hand that's holding the ring start to fade. Once the glow has completely faded away, Sunset opens her hand and the ring levitates from her hand and goes to Burning, with him catching it midair.

"What did you just do, Sunset," asked Fluttershy.

"It's a spell that I learned while I was in Equestria. With it, Burnie should be able to use magic now. Burnie has said that he would help but I'll ask one more time, The Shadow Man is building an army of his own so we to increase our own numbers.
Can we rely on you all to help us in the upcoming battle," said Sunset.

Everyone sits there quietly deep in thought. Thinking about what they know, they'll be fighting to help save the world from an upcoming darkness and the only way to stop it is to fight. Surely, one by one, the friends state their thought.

"Of course I'll help, we'll outsmart him at every turn," said Twilight.

"With my speed, he won't see whats coming," said Rainbow.

"Let's put that varmet down," said Applejack.

"This going to be so much fun," said Pinkie.

"Let's save everyone that we can," said Fluttershy.

"Don't forget, we need to look fabulous while saving the world," said Rarity.

"I finally got reunited with Sunny after all this time. There's no way I'm letting some jerk ruin that," said Rosebud.

"I'm done always being in the background. This time I'll help out too," said Flash.

"I won't let some shadow jerk ruin my dream," said Brownie.

"I won't allow any harm to come to anyone," said Ginger.

Allegretto nods his head and gives a thumbs up. Everyone looks at Star Chaser, who is the last one to say anything. He looks up and sees that everyone is looking at him. "Okay, if everyone is going to help out, might as well join too," said Star.

And with that, everyone comes to an agreement and decide to join forces to fight The Shadow Man and his army. "So what are you waiting for, Burning. Let's see this magic of your's," said Star. Everyone looks at Burning, wanting to see what he can do. So Burning takes his ring and puts it on his figure and...

Nothing.

"Um, Sunny. How do I activate it," said Burning?

Ch. 16-Awakening pt.1

Everything is slowly starting to come together. With The Shadow Man slowly building his army, Sunset was able to get her new friends from college to help fight alongside the Crystal Guardians. She was even able to teach a new spell they can use to give them magic powers as well. But one small problem has occurred, with Burning Heart being the first one to receive a magical talisman, his doesn't know how to activate it. So until they can figure out how the talismans work, Sunset has told everyone to remain on standby until they find the answer.

So the boys leave the Tempest Shadow house and head to their place. "Hey don't worry about it, Burning. I'm sure you can figure it out somehow," said Brownie. But Burning didn't hear him, for he was focusing on the ring his has in the palm of his hand.

"Well, this sucks. We all want to help but still can't," said Flash.

"All we can do is wait patiently, Mr. Sentry," said Ginger.

"Well until that happens, I'll be focusing on my running," said Star.

Soon, the boys have reached their boarding house, Panthera. They open the door and head inside, being met by the person in charge of their house, Capper. "How's it going my amigos, staying out late with your lady friends again I'm guessing," said Capper.

"Yes, we were, Capper. I hope you don't mind," said Flash.

"Hey don't worry about it boys. As long you all don't neglect your school work, it's all good," said Capper. But he notices that Burning is staring at a ring in his hand. "What's wrong with Burning, he's really spacing out."

"O-oh he's just deep in thought. It's no big deal really," said Brownie. Capper looks concerned but then he just shrugs it off, "Well if you say so. I'm going to bed now so night boys." Capper goes up the stairs to head to his room and walks past Timber and Stygian as they head downstairs.

"So you all finally made it back huh," asked Timber.

"Were you all able to find out anything about fighting this Shadow Man," said Stygian.

"Sorry, but we still haven't gotten there just yet," said Ginger.

"Really, well if anything new happens, be sure to let us know," said Stygian.

"Come on Styx, let's get back to studying. There still some stuff I don't understand," said Timber. Stygian nods in agreement and head back upstairs.

"Welp, I think I'll go to bed. Need to wake up early tomorrow for some more training," said Star.

"He's right, all that food has made me sleepy," said Brownie. So Star, Brownie, and Ginger decide to go to bed, leaving Burning and Allegretto by the doorway. Allegretto tries to get Burning's attention by tapping his head with one of his notebooks. It works. Burning looks over at Allegretto, "What's up, Al."

Allegretto start to write something down and he shows it to Burning. "Come on, you can try to get it to work tomorrow."

"Ya, your right, Al," said Burning. So the two head upstairs to their rooms.

____________________

The next day, Burning wasn't able to concentrate in any of his classes cause he was too focused on his new magical ring. After his last class ended, he goes to sit down on a nearby bench to think to himself. "What can I do to activate this ring." After think for a few minutes, someone sneaks behind him and gives him a light chop on his head taking him by surprise. He turns around to see who it is and he sees Sunset. "Hows it going, Burnie."

"Haha, dang Sunny, nearly gave me a heart attack there," said Burning.

"Sorry about that, just wanted to see if you wanted to go somewhere," said Sunset.

"Of course. I always have time for you," said Burning. So Burning gets up and follows Sunset's lead, not knowing where she is taking him. They get onto a bus and head into the city and after traveling for a few minutes, the bus came to a stop and the couple step off and are in front of the mall. "You wanted to come to the mall, want to do some shopping," said Burning.

"No, there's this store I want to show you. You're going to love it," said Sunset.

"Alright then, let's go," said Burning. They enter the mall and are passing multiple stores until they reach their destination, a bookstore. They head inside and become surrounded by hundreds upon hundreds of books. "Follow me," said Sunset. Sunset leads Burning into a section of the store and enter a section with nothing but manga and light novels. Burning's eyes widen and they have a sparkle as to see so many of his favorite reading material.

"Wow, there's so many titles here I've never seen before. Here the newest volume of Dragon Sphere Super, My Hero School, and Food Battle." Sunset looks on as Burning is acting like a kid in a candy store. After a few minutes have passed, Burning walks out of the store with a smile on face, buying around twenty books, "You sure did buy a lot there, Burnie," said Sunset.

"It's fine. I still have enough money to last me for a while," said Burning.

"Well if you say so. Want to head to the food court, I'm getting pretty hunger," said Sunset.

"Sure, I could eat," said Burning. The two head on over to the food court with them each carrying a bag full of books. After arriving at the food court, they both go to order their food and they meet at a nearby table. Burning ordering a burrito with nachos and Sunset ordering a Japanese bento box.

"Sunny, I didn't know you liked Japanese food," said Burning.

"Well back in High School, I had a job at a Japanese restaurant at the mall. One day I decided to try something and I really liked it," said Sunset. The two start to eat and enjoy there food and Sunset sees a smile on Burning's face, she feels really happy. "Well, you seem to be feeling better there Burnie," said Sunset.

"Huh? What do mean," asked Burning?

"Well, last night you seemed kind of down that the spell didn't work. So I just thought that I would try to cheer you up," said Sunset.

"Thanks, Sunny. Look, you did your part so now it's up to me to do mine. I will make the magic you gave me work," said Burning. The two look into each other's eyes, each thinking about how much they care for one another. But Burning saw that Sunset's eyes started to get wider and could see a look of terror on her face. He turns around to see what Sunset is seeing and it's a swirling shadow rising with someone stepping out of the shadow. "Well, well, well. Looks like that wound I gave you healed up quite nicely. I figured you'd be dead."

Burning and Sunset jump out of their seat and away from the Shadow Man while at the same time, the people in the food court begin to freak out because of the person appearing out of the shadows and start running out of the mall. "What do want, Shadow Man," yelled Sunset.

"Why to make my debut of course," said The Shadow Man. He then flies up in the air and using his magic, he blocks the exits with solid shadows. "Good people of Manehattan, allow me to introduce myself. I am the Shadow Man." While he is talking, people start to pull out their cellphones and start to record him. "My goal is to cover this world in darkness with an army of my own creation. Allow me to show you all a demo of my power."

The Shadow Man then opens a portal from Equestria and from the portal comes a Cyclopes and a Chimera. "Go and play." The Cyclopes and Chimera chase after the people and everyone runs away from them. Sunset pulls Burning over to try and not be noticed and they hide out of sight. "Burnie, I'm going out there. If you can, try to get a hold of Twilight and the others."

"Are you crazy, Sunny. You can't take on those things all by yourself."

"Well, we don't have a choice right now. I'm the only one with magic to fight them right now. So do this for..."

"I told you already, I'm helping and that's that." Burning runs off and grabs a chair in the food court. "HEY ONE EYE, OVER HERE!" The cyclopes look over at Burning's direction and Burning throws the chair at the cyclopes and it hits it in the eye, making the cyclopes fall to the ground in pain. "YA, take that ugly!"

Suddenly, the chimera comes from behind Burning and swipes at him, sending him flying. He hits the ground and Sunset runs over where Burning landed, "Burning! Please, tell me your okay." Burning tried to stand up but is having trouble doing so. "Don't worry, Sunny this is..." he falls over, but Sunset catches him in time, "is nothing." Burning raises himself back up ready to go round two, but Sunset steps in front of him. She places her hand over her geode and transforms into a Crystal Guardian.

The chimera leaps towards the two. Sunset push Burning to the side while she jumps the opposite direction, making the chimera miss both of them. The chimera starts to sniff around and its attention is focused on Sunset. "You smell like a pony," said the tiger head.

"Really, that thing doesn't look like a pony," said the goat head.

"Who caresssss, let'sssss eat it anyway," said the snake tail. Without further hesitation, the chimera leaps at and starts attacking Sunset. With her telepathy, Sunset is able to read the chimere's mind to dodge every attack that it throws at her. The chimera starts to get tired while not landing a single hit.

"Shoot, I can't keep defending like this. I need to be on the offense," thought Sunset. The Chimera stops to catch its breath after so many failed attacks. "Good, it's slowed down. Now's my chance!" Sunset runs at the beast, grabbing two chairs along the way. The Chimera sees Sunset running towards them, it tries to bit down on Sunset. But with its tiger mouth wide open, Sunset shoves one of the chairs in it mouth causing it to get stuck. She then runs behind the beast and the snake tail lunges at her, but Sunset hits it with the other chair as hard as she could, knocking the snake out breaking the chair. She then jumps on the beast's back then jumps off the goat's head to left herself into the air. As she begins to fall, she focuses all her weight on a single target, the tiger's head. She lands on the tiger's head, cause it to force it's mouth shut, crushing the chair and leaving the tiger head in pain.

Burning looks on at Sunset who was able to best the chimera with amazement. He gets up a walks over to Sunset, "That was great, Sunny."

"Thanks, but it's not over yet. Not until we can find a way to send both of them back."

"Ya, you're right. We need to..." but Burning look behind Sunset and sees the Cyclopes from before rising up. It looks over at the two of them and glairs. "What's wrong," said Sunset. She turns to see the cyclopes, as picks up a nearby booth and throws it at them.

"LOOK OUT," yelled Burning. He grabs Sunset and leaps out of the way of the oncoming booth, barely dodging it with the booth crashing nearby. Burning start to get up and looks down at Sunset, who is under him as he tried to protect her, "Sunny, You okay?" His eyes widen as his look at Sunset as she looks to be in pain as she clutches her arm, with blood coming from her arm. He moves her hand to look at the injury and it looks like a piece a debris from the booth flew and hit Sunset in the arm.

"Don't worry about it Burnie," said a wounded Sunset. But Burning didn't say anything. Instead, he rips his shirt off and tears it into strands and warps it around Sunset's wound. She looks up at him and sees a scar from when the Shadow Man impaled him not so long ago. "Sunny, let me take care of this." He stands up and faces the cyclopes and the chimera, who is standing back up.

"Burnie, are you crazy. You don't have any kind of magic so you can't-"

"SUNSET!" She stops talking, surprised that Burning yelled at her. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the ring.

"You hurt eye, I hurt you," said the cyclopes.

"Then we can finally eat," said the chimera. The cyclopes and chimera rush at Sunset and Burning.

"This time, I'm going to protect you," said Burning. The two beast lunge forward and Burning puts the ring on. Suddenly, a white and black light comes from Burning pushing the cyclopes and chimera are pushed back.

____________________

Burning finds himself in a void, not knowing where he's at. He looks around not able to see anything. "Hello, can anyone hear me." Nothing, the only thing that he can hear is the echo of his own voice. "Am I dead."

"No, you're not dead." A voice speaks inside Burning's head, confusing him. "Who's there, where are you!"

"Oh shut up, there's no reason to yell. We're right behind you." This time, a different voice speaks to him. Listening to what the voice said, he turns around and sees what looks like a golden lion and a silver wolf. "What the, what are you two."

"We are the magic spirits that dwell inside of you," said the golden lion.

"Okay, but what is this place?"

"What are you dumb. Are you sure that's whats important right now," said the silver wolf.

"What do you...On no, Sunny! I need to save her," yelled Burning.

"Yes and to do so, you need our help," said the silver wolf.

"What do you mean," asked Burning.

"We are the magic that was granted to you recently. With our help, you will have the power to protect those you hold dear, Master Burning," said the golden lion.

"So hurry up and call our names already," said the silver wolf.

"But I don't know your names," said Burning.

"Of course you do, just look inside yourself. You'll find the answer," said the golden lion. Burning closes his eyes and takes a deep breath to think, trying to find the answer. After a few moments, his eyes open and speaks.

____________________

The light that came from Burning starts to die down and fades away. The Shadow Man, who is flying up in the air, looks down at the fading light, "Well now, what do we have here?" Sunset looks over at where Burning is standing, with her eyes adjusting after the bright light, "Burnie, are you alright." With the light finally gone, she looks over and sees Burning and is shocked at what she sees. It's Burning, but he is wearing gold and silver armor look clothes and standing next to him is a golden lion and silver wolf.

"Don't worry, Sunny we've got this. Let's go, Gilgamesh! Enkidu!"

"Yes Master," said Gilgamesh (golden lion).

"You got it," said Enkidu (silver wolf).

Ch. 17-Awakening pt.2

With the Shadow Man watching from up above everything in the mall next to the portal that the chimera and cyclopes came through, Sunset sits in disbelief as to what she was seeing, her old friend and now boyfriend Burning Heart taking on the Cyclops and Chimera alongside a talking golden lion and silver wolf after activating his magic ring. "What's going on, earlier he could get his ring to work. But now..." Sunset thought. Burning runs to the two beasts at his full speed but the chimera and cyclopes aren't afraid one bit. The tiger head of the chimera starts to laugh, "Hahaha, what do you think you can possibly do."

"Kid, Boots," yelled Burning.

"On it," yelled Enkidu. Enkidu (the silver wolf) begins to glow and in a flash, the silver wolf turns into light and shoots itself at Burning hitting his legs. The light from Burning's legs shine then fades away and it shows that he is now wearing a pair of iron boots with silver fur, resembling wolfs paws. He gets into position and jumps high into the air, jumping over fifteen feet passing the hight of the cyclopes who stands around ten feet. Sunset, the cyclopes, and the chimera look up at Burning in awe.

"Gil, Gauntlets," yelled Burning.

"As you wish," said Gilgamesh. Just like before, Gilgamesh (the golden lion) turns into light and shoots itself at Burnings arms. As the light from Burnings arm's fade, he is now wearing a pair of iron gauntlets shaped like the head of a lion with a golden mane. He now starts to fall to the ground and as he does, Burning lifts his arm up. The chimera jumps towards at the falling Burning and pops its claws out to attack. As he gets close to the chimera, Burning swings his arm downward at the beast's tiger head, sending the chimera hurtling to the ground. The impact of the chimera hitting the ground sent a shock wave across the mall food court, breaking all the windows in the area. Burning lands next to the chimera, who is knocked out from Burning's punch, and both his arms and legs glow and the iron gauntlets and iron boots fly off of him, turning back into the lion and wolf.

Sunset gets up and walks over to where Burning is. "Burnie, what just happened. What are those two next to you," asked Sunset?

"I'll explain everything later, Sunny. Right now, we still have one more to deal with," said Burning. They both turn to face the cyclopes and get into a fighting position. The Cyclopes growls and picks up some nearby rubble and it gets itself ready to fight. "Sunny, is there any kind of weapon you can think of you could use to fight with," asked Burning.

"Back in high school, I was part of the fencing club. So maybe a rapier, why," asked Sunset.

"Good to know. Kid, Rapier," said Burning.

"Sure thing," said Enkidu. Enkidu then turns into light, transforming into a silver rapier in Burning's hand. Burning extends his arm, rapier in hand, to Sunset. "Here, use this. Not only will you be able to hold your own out there with a weapon, but your speed will increase as well," said Burning.

Sunset looks down at the rapier, then back at Burning, "What do you mean?"

"Well that's what I was told," said Burning. Sunset gives him a confused look, but Burning is thinking back to when he was in the void, talking to Gilgamesh and Enkidu for the first time.

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"Of course you do, just look inside yourself. You'll find the answer," said the white lion. Burning closes his eyes and takes a deep breath to think, trying to find the answer. After a few moments, his eyes open and speaks.

"TOM AND JERRY!" Silence filled the void as the white lion and black wolf look at Burning completely dumbfounded.

"BERT AND ERNIE." Silence still filled the void. "Jojo and Dio?"

"STOP MESSING AROUND AND TAKE THIS SERIOUS, IDIOT," yelled the silver wolf. Burning is shocked by the wolf yelling at him. But he stands his ground, "I am. The more time that I waste here, Sunny could be in danger." Burning starts clenching his fist in anger, thinking about the time that he is wasting. But the lion steps up in front of the wolf, "Not to worry, Master." Burning looks up at the speaking lion. "This realm that we are currently in right now has no sense of time. So until we leave this place, no time will pass in your realm. So relax and that your time."

A sigh of relief comes to Burning with the reveal. So he sits down on the ground to take his time with trying to figure out their names. After what felt like few minutes have passed, Burning sets in the same spot concentrating with the lion lies down right across him being quiet. At the same time, the wolf paces back in forth being impatient. The wolf walks over to the lion and the lion looks up at the wolf. "How much longer do you have to wait for," said the wolf.

"Patients my old friend, we need to let the master find the answer," said the lion.

"You know, I was wondering something," said Burning. Both the lion and wolf look over at the speaking Burning. "Besides that one there," as Burning points at the wolf, "Why do you keep calling me master?" The lion gets up from his spot and walks over to where Burning and sits next to him. "That's because we are your familairs." Burning tilts his head in confusion. "I feel like I've heard of that before," said Burning. The silver wolf comes up from behind Burning and bites him. "OW, what was that for."

"Just shut up and listen," said the wolf.

"Back then when people of your world would practice the magical art, they would require the help of a familiar, an animal spirit, that sleeps deep inside to tap into the magical realm in order to wield magic. For example, I'm able to transform into a weapon of your choice and whoever I'm being wielded by, I can enhance their strength," said the lion.

"I'm able to do the same, but instead of strength I enhance you speed," said the wolf.

"Wow, that sounds really cool. But is there something you could tell me that could help me try to figure out what your names are," said Burning.

"Only that every familiar is named after a figure from your world. Be it one of the multiple deities from your world or from your literature. That's all that we can tell you," said the lion. Burning sat back down to think about what their names are.

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Sunset reaches out and grabs the silver rapier from Burning's hand. Wielding the rapier, Sunset fills a new surge of magic fills inside of her. After handing the rapier over to Sunset, Burning shifts his attention to Gilgamesh. "Gil, Shield!"

"Of course," said Gilgamesh. Gilgamesh turns into light and transformers into a golden lion-faced shield into Burning's hand and Burning gets into a fighting stance. "You ready, Sunny?"

"You bet." The two charge at the cyclopes with Sunset running faster thanks to Enkidu's speed-enhancing powers. The Cyclopes starts throwing rubble at the two, with Sunset being able to avoid the oncoming rubble while Burning, not fast enough dodge, deflects it with the shield in hand using his enhanced strength. Sunset sets up a telepathic link to Burning to speak directly to him. "Remember, Burnie. We don't need to kill it. We just need to send them both through the portal and seal it."

"Roger." Sunset is able to reach the cyclopes, but the cyclopes see her and it begins to swing at her. Sunset uses her telepathy to read the cyclopes mind knowing how it's going to attack and is able to avoid all of its attacks, while at the same is able to land some piercing attack of her own. Burning gets behind the cyclopes while its attention is focused on Sunset. He charges at the cyclopes with his shield and hits the back of its leg, causing the cyclopes to collapse to the ground.

The Cyclopes than focused on Burning now. It rosed back up to its feet, curled its fist up and throws a punch at Burning. "Gil, Gauntlets!" The golden shield turned back into a pair of golden gauntlets and Burning throws a punch right back at the cyclopes. The two's fist collided with each other, causing them both to fall backward. But Burning plants his feet on the ground to keep himself balanced and runs over to the cyclopes and gives it an uppercut punch. With a strong punch, Burning is able to send the cyclopes upward high enough to send it back through the portal next to the Shadow Man.

"Well well well. Would you look at that," said The Shadow Man. He raises his arm up and turns it spear-like and focuses on an exhausted Burning. Sunset looks up after seeing the cyclopes go through the portal and see the Shadow Man who is focused on Burning. Her mind starts racing as she thinks back to when he attacked last time and nearly killed Burning.

"Throw Me." A voice calls out in Sunset's head and she looks down at the rapier in her hand. "THROW ME NOW!" Sunset nods and throws the rapier, like a javelin, at the Shadow Man and as it gets near him, the rapier transforms back to Enkidu. The Shadow Man shocked as the silver wolf is getting closer and closer. He raises his arm up to block the attack as Enkidu gets close and bites down on the Shadow Man's arm causing both of them to fall to the ground. While at the same time, Sunset runs to Burning and tells him, "Quick we need to get the chimera through the portal." Burning nod and runs over to the knocked out chimera and pick the beast up, with the help of Gilgamesh, and throws it into the portal. With both the chimera and cyclopes back in Equestria, Sunset uses the power of her geode and closes the portal.

Back over where the Shadow Man fell, he raises himself back and sees that the wolf is nowhere to be found. "*cough, cough* Well that sure was unexpected," said the Shadow Man. Suddenly, the Shadow Man looks to the side and jumps out of the way of an oncoming attack from Burning who comes running in and tries to land a punch. Burning turns to face the Shadow Man and start to throw a flurry of punches but the Shadow Man is evading every punch thrown at him. "Come now, is really all you've got," said the Shadow Man. But Burning gives him a smirk, catching his attention, "Nope, just need to distract you." In an instant, Burning ducks to the ground and The Shadow Man sees Sunset, who is holding a silver rapier again and is running at full speed, preparing to attack. With her being so close, Sunset performs a thrusting attack at The Shadow Man, who tries to move out of the way of the attack. But he wasn't fast enough as Sunset was able to cut his cheek.

The Shadow Man flys up away from them and opens one of his shadow portals and turns back to face Sunset and Burning. "Well kiddies, I must say that I am impressed. But let's not finish this too soon. We've only just got started, so let's make this fun." Sunset and Burning are both exhausted from their fight with the chimera and cyclopes and look up at the Shadow Man. Sunset rises the rapier in her hand, pointing it at the Shadow Man, "Remember this, Shadow Man, we are the Crystal Guardians. And no matter what you try to do this world, we will stop you." The Shadow Man smiles, with his cheek bleeding from the cut earlier, "You will try. And you all will fail. I will plunge this world into darkness and once I'm done here, Equestria will be next." The Shadow Man goes into the portal and both disappear.

____________________

Sunset and Burning hide away and transform back into their civilian clothes while getting a new shirt for Burning and leave the mall with the rest of the shopper, who are still evacuating. They reach the outside and after talking to some cops who asked if they need to go to the hospital, they get onto a bus and start to head home after an exhausting battle. They get off at the bus stop that is close to the campus and walk the rest of the way. Sunset looks over at Burning, who has a big smile on his face, "Still happy that magic ring final work."

"Did you read my mind."

"Nope, don't have to, I know what you're thinking about." They share a laugh together. "Yes, I am happy. I fill like with this power, I can really help out and make a difference. Plus, I can use this power to protect you, Rosie, and everyone else," said Burning.

"Well I have to say, you did look really cool out there today," said Sunset.

"Me? You were one looking like a fencer out there using Kid today," said Burning.

"Speaking of, where are those two anyway."

"Who, Gilgamesh and Enkidu. Their resting in the ring right. I'll to explain about them tomorrow. But for now, I just want to get back, relax with a good book and go to..." Suddenly, Burning goes quiet. Sunset goes next to him to see whats wrong. "What's the matter, Burnie?"

"I LEFT MY MANGA AT THE MALLLLLL," yelled Burning. After walking for a few more minutes, with some crying along the way, the two made it bake to the Tempest Shadow house and both walked inside, "Hey girls, I'm back."

"Sunset, get in here hurry," said Twilight from the living room. Sunset and Burning go into the living room and sees everyone watching TV. "What is it. Is something wrong," said Sunset? Everyone looks over and sees that it's both Sunset and Burning. Rosebud points at the TV and tells them both, "Um, you two are on the news."