> Sunset Heritage
>  by luckyboys121
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Changes and Revelations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Sunset Shimmer left her final class of the day she did her best to keep an optimistic smile. Sadly that proved as challenging as ever as she walked along and saw the side ways glares she was getting from the other students as she did her best to wave at them and look friendly thinking, "Remember Sunset, it's not their job to forgive you, it's your job to be a better person and hopefully one day they will see you've changed." For a moment she thought that day might be today as Vinyl Scratch began approaching her with a smile, said smile was interrupted though as Vinyl suddenly found herself being pulled back by Octavia who said, "What are you doing, you know she's still trouble!"

Sunset's own smile flinched slightly but she did her best to breath as she thought, "OK girl, focus on the positive, you're about to meet your friends to watch their band practice, that's always fun... granted it might be more fun to play but," she shook her head as she thought, "NO! Stay positive!.... You know what happens when you get really stressed out and you don't need that today. Watching is fun enough, and after practice we can just talk and hang out and it's going to be a good day." 

Her smile turned a little more genuine at those thoughts as she finally reached the music room and walked in, it was then however that it finally went away entirely as she was greeted to her friends all sitting in a semi circle around the room as they all turned towards her with stern gazes. 

Sunset nervously stepped in saying, "Um... is everything OK?"

Rarity was the first to speak up saying, "Yes of course darling... it's just we noticed a few things about you lately."

"And we felt it best to all get together to talk to you about it," added Rainbow Dash.

"As a supportive friend group," said Applejack.

"Oh," said Sunset as she moved towards the nearest empty chair and sat down in front of them. As soon as she did though her nerves got the best of her as she began panting and said, "Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry, you know I'm still new to this friendship thing and whatever it is I can change please don't leave me!" As she began to panic more and more an image began to take shape in the corner of her eye and a slight whisper entered her ears, causing her stress to rise even more.

Thankfully she was snapped backed to reality as Rainbow Dash stood up and raised her hands defensively saying, "WOAH WOAH CALM DOWN!" It's nothing like that."

"Oh..." said Sunset as she blushed, embarrassed about how easily she lost it and letting out a sigh of relief as she noticed her vision becoming clear and her mind becoming quiet again, before she continued saying, "Then what is this about?"

"Well it's just..." said Fluttershy as she paused for a moment.

Finally Pinkie it more bluntly saying, "When was the last time you've been to a doctor?"

"I... what?" asked Sunset totally thrown for a loop by the question.

"It's just... we've noticed a few things about you lately that got us all pretty concerned about your health," said Applejack.

Fluttershy nodded as she said, "Like this one time when you came over to my house."


As Fluttershy sat her backpack down she looked to her guest saying, "So, do you want to get right to the studying or should we just relax for a bit first?"

Sunset simply shrugged as she said, "We can just relax for a bit, I know you think fractions are confusing but trust me, once we actually get into it, it'll be a breeze."

Before Fluttershy could respond she suddenly was greeted to the near silence of a cat jumping on her table as she smiled and said, "That's good, because it looks like Mr. Fluffy wants to play for a bit." Fluttershy quickly ran over to grab his favorite laser toy as she said, "You can grab a snack from the kitchen if you want, I'll just make sure this little guy gets all the attention he needs." Fluttershy then aimed the laser pointer and pressed the button as she watched Mr. Fluffy make his way to the red dot, only to be shoved aside as Sunset leaped to the floor and began batting the red dot with her hands.

"Um... Sunset?" asked Fluttershy in a mix of confusion and concern as she unconsciously moved the red dot back a bit.

As Sunset turned to face it, Fluttershy saw that her pupils had grown to almost fully encompass her iris's as she continued to bat at the red dot with a smile of pure bliss.


Sunset nervously chuckled as she scratched her head and said, "That, that was a joke."

"But the eyes though?" asked Fluttershy.

Sunset blushed slightly as she tried to play it off saying, "Pffth, had to be a trick of the light or something."

"Yeah maybe.. if that was the only weird thing your eyes have done," said Rarity. "But there was that one time in class."


As Rarity got up from her desk she prepared to exit her class, only to see that someone else wasn't as ready as her. 

She sighed as she approached the sleeping Sunset and gently shook her saying, "Sunset darling, it's time to get up."

Sunset simply groaned as she rolled her head to side and drooled on the desk, Rarity withdrew her hand in disgust as she said, "Alright then, time to do this the hard way." Rarity then reached into her purse as she pulled out a strong led light she keeps in case of emergency and yelled, "TIME TO GET UP!" before shining it directly in Sunset's face. Sunset's eyes shot open and to Rarity's surprise they appeared to be pitch black as Sunset quickly shied away from the light let out a guttural screeching noise. 

Rarity backed away as she cut off the light and Sunset rubbed her eyes saying, "What the heck Rarity!"


"Well to fair, YOU SHINED AN INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH LIGHT IN MY EYES! OF COURSE THE'RE GONNA LOOK WEIRD!" said Sunset as she was still kind of annoyed at the memory.

"Yes, but the noise you made didn't really sound... human," said Rarity as she struggled to find the right words while also blushing at her fault in it.

Sunset simply pouted saying, "Maybe if you had a light shined in your eyes you'd make a weird noise too."

Rarity shrunk back a bit as she said, "Perhaps... but still."

Applejack then spoke up saying, "OK, maybe those two aren't the best examples but what about the other day at the orchard?"


As Applejack wiped the sweat from her brow she huffed saying, "Well what do you think Sunset, a nice day of good honest labor really does the body good doesn't it?"

Sunset groaned as she leaned against a tree exhausted saying, "Whatever," before reaching over and grabbing an apple as she continued saying, "At least there's plenty to eat."

Applejack chuckled as she said, "Help yourself, after all you've earned it for all you've...." Applejack suddenly fell silent as she watched Sunset toss a whole apple and her mouth and appear to swallow it whole. As Applejack blinked in disbelief she was greeted to the less surprising sight of Sunset starting to gag. She quickly ran up to her thinking she was beginning to choke but as soon as she got in front of her Sunset coughed up what appeared to be some kind of pellet on the ground that had the apples core sticking out of it, before throwing another apple in her mouth and repeating the process. 

Applejack watched this display in disbelief as Sunset soon turned to her and simply asked, "What?"


Back in the present Applejack shrugged saying, "Granted it's a very efficient way to eat apples, but it can't be good for you."

"Not to mention it sounds positively horrid," said Rarity shaking and gagging at the mental image. 

Sunset simply shrugged as she said, "I mean, it's not like it hurts to do or anything, besides I don't see any of you complaining when Pinkie unclenches her jaw and wolfs down a huge cake in one bite."

The whole group looked at her in thought before Pinkie shrugged saying, "Whelp, she has a point there."

"PINKIE!" said Rarity as she looked at the girl in annoyance.

"What!? She's not wrong, besides I haven't seen anything weird from her," said Pinkie.

Sunset cocked her head at that as she said, "Wait why are you here then?"

Pinkie smiled as she said, "Because an intervention is sort of like a party, and there is no way I'm not going to a party with all my friends!"

Sunset chuckled at this as the others rolled their eyes before Rainbow Dash sighed and said, "Looks like I'm next... remember that time on the soccer field?"


As Rainbow sighed and wiped the sweat from her brow she looked at the rest of the team, smiling with pride that she finished her drills before any of them before looking over to see Sunset approaching the field.

Rainbow smiled and waved at her as she turned to others and said, "Whelp looks like my rides here, catch you guys later."

Soarin moved the ball towards himself as he glared saying, "Do you seriously want to take a ride with that demon?!"

Rainbows sighed as she said, "Come on, you know she's not like that anymore."

Soarin rolled his eyes at that as he said, "Whatever," before a devious smirk crossed his face.

Before Rainbow could comment, he kicked the soccer ball with all his might right towards Sunset. As Rainbow watched the ball rocket towards her legs she realized she didn't have time to yell out a warning to Sunset, let alone run to help her, and yet somehow in that infinitesimally small amount of time, Sunset seemed to leap a full five feet in the air before landing back down with a slight wobble as she continued along.


Sunset looked hurt as she said, "Wait, Soarin tried to hit me on purpose?"

Rainbow blushed as she scratched her face nervously saying, "Yeah... maybe should have left that part out."

"The point is though, you went from barely being to handle a day at the farm to the level of a trained gymnast and back in seconds," said Applejack.

"Indeed darling, random bursts of strength like that have hormonal imbalance written all over it," said Rarity.

Sunset shrugged as she said, "Really, I just figured it was an adrenaline thing or something."

"OH! I've read about those, like the lady who lifted a car above her head to save her baby," said Pinkie as quickly pulled up the article on her phone and showed it to everyone.

"Hum, well I suppose compared to that a simple jump isn't much," said Rarity.

The group simply sat for a moment as they all had the wind taken out of their sales as Sunset spoke up saying, "Look girls, I'm glad you're all worried about me, but I feel fine. Whatever you girls saw was either a mistake or just not as a big a deal as it looked."

"Well... if you say so," said Fluttershy with a smile.

"We just want to make sure you're OK sugarcube, so if you feel fine that's good enough for me," said Applejack.

The others shared similar sentiments as Sunset got up and opened the door saying, "I'm glad that's all cleared up, now then how about you all get your instruments tuned while I grab some sodas." 

They all nodded as Sunset exited the room and made her way to the nearest vending machine thinking, "It really is sweet that they worry about me like that.... maybe I should I tell them about the stuff I see and hear when I'm stressed out.... no, I don't want them to worry even more, besides I've dealt with that on my own my whole life. I can keep dealing with it."

As Sunset reached the vending machine she soon cleared her head before pulling a coin from her jacket pocket, a coin she sadly dropped. She watched it roll beneath the vending machine and without thinking she bent her hand down towards it as suddenly she saw what looked like a blue ethereal hand shoot out of her own, grab the coin, and then come back into her real hand. She lurched back in surprise as she stared at her hand, barely noticing the coin itself as her palm and forearm suddenly glowed red, with the fingers themselves glowing blue



As Sunset panicked at the sight, she looked around to thankfully no one else there as she made her way back to the music room, all the while her breathing became more and more ragged as her heart rate began to increase, and with it the voices started to come as her vision blurred.

"King... yeah, here's your crown."

"Why... do you refuse to gain more power?"

"My soul is saying it wants to stop you!"

"I should hit the jackpot sooner or later."

She barely heard any of it, or noticed any of the odd creatures that drifted in or out of her vision as she tried her best to focus on the door, suddenly feeling woozy. She shakily grabbed the handle with her right hand, only to stumble at seeing it again, as she reached out with her left hand and opened the door.

Her friends turned to her and all at once their looks turned from relaxed to a level of concern beyond any she had seen before as she shakily laughed and raised her right hand for them all to see as she said, "I guess you guys where right about something being wrong with me," she then saw the others begin to run towards her as she quickly found her vision turning towards the ground before it suddenly went black. As she began to slip into unconsciousness she briefly saw a vision of what appeared to a man and woman, both dressed in red standing over her. Before she could make out any other details her vision went totally black again as she went out.
> A Much Needed Checkup
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset looked up to the red figures as she began to hear the man speak up saying, "Are you sure this is the right call?"

Immediately followed by the other turning towards him, as the woman began saying, "It's the only call we have if we want to keep her safe."

It was then that the two bent down closer to her, however the finer details of their appearances still alluded her as she heard them say, "We love you Sunset."


"Sunset, Sunset SUNSET!" she heard as she suddenly found herself awake. As her blurry vision began to clear up she saw that she was laying down in the very backseat of a three row van. She soon felt a warmth beneath her head as she looked up to see that she was laying on Fluttershy's lap as she slightly smiled before turning to the others and saying, "She's awake."

Sunset groaned as she said, "What happened," as she reached her right arm up to her face and jolted as she saw it was... completely normal. "Was it another hallucination?"

"The freaky glowing hand thing," said Rainbow Dash as she leaned towards her from one of the passenger seats. "Nope, totally happened."

"Hold on a minute darling," said Rarity as she leaned from next to Rainbow Dash saying, "What do you mean 'another hallucination'?!"

"Oh..." said Sunset as she thought, "Whelp I guess the cats out of the bag." She sighed as she said, "It's nothing, just... when I get really stressed out and my heart rate get's too high I start seeing and hearing things."

"What kind of things?" asked Fluttershy in concern.

Sunset looked up at the concerned look, before blushing as she turned to the side, or at least tried to but found she was much weaker then she thought at first and couldn't manage it. She instead looked away saying, "Just weird monster creatures and crazy dialogue, that doesn't make any sense." Sunset briefly smirked as she tried to lighten the mood a bit saying, "I remember one time I heard someone yell 'I should have been the one to fill your dark soul with liiiiggttthh,'" as she started a laugh that quickly turned to a cough.

The comment failed to make any of the others so much as chuckle, not even Pinkie as Sunset noticed her in the front passenger seat seemingly giving Applejack directions as she drove. "And how long has this been going on?" asked Rarity.

Sunset's coughing fit soon ended as she simply closed her eyes and said, "All my life. I didn't want to bother Celestia or any of the castle staff about it since it didn't seem like a big deal, and until now I didn't really have anyone here who would care."

"Well you have us now," said Fluttershy as Sunset felt her stroke her hair again comfortingly. 

Sunset smiled slightly as she said, "Thanks... it actually feels kind of nice to tell someone after so long." Fluttershy smiled back down at her as they simple sat for a moment before Sunset came to a realization as she asked, "So where are you taking me?"

"THE HOSPITAL OF COURSE!" said Pinkie somewhat panicky as she turned the map she had to the side as she said, "Take the next right."

Sunset suddenly got nervous at that comment as she said, "Are you sure about this, I mean whatever is going on seems to be magic."

"That may be sugarcube, but we can't exactly get in touch with Princess Twilight right now and if they can at least give you something so you don't pass out again that'll be a start," said Applejack.

"Actually I might have a way to talk to her, back at my locker at school," said Sunset as she tried to sit up saying, "We should go back and-" but she was quickly interrupted as she found herself collapsing back on Fluttershy's lap. 

"Enough darling! We can talk to Twilight later, you need a doctor now!" said Rarity.

"Why are you so nervous about this anyway?" asked Rainbow Dash.

Sunset looked away as she did not want to answer the question, and as Fluttershy stroked her hair she suddenly realized why as she said, "You never answered our question."

"What question?" asked Rainbow Dash.

Rarity gasped as she said, "Wait you mean!"

"You've never been to the doctor... have you Sunset?" asked Fluttershy.

Sunset sighed before saying, "No, Celestia took me in when I was a filly and she would always just use a health check spell every now and again to make sure I was in good shape, and after I came here I was..." Sunset trailed off as she nestled deeper into Fluttershy's lap.

"You're scared aren't you?" asked Fluttershy. She got no verbal response, but felt Sunset slightly nod at that.

"Oh, it's alright dearie... I'm a little nervous whenever I have to go in for a checkup," said Rarity.

Rainbow Dash nodded as she said, "Yeah, even I can be a little scared, especially when I'm hurt and think they might tell me I have quit the sports teams or something."

Sunset slightly perked up as she looked out at everyone as Applejack said, "There's no shame in being scared."

"We're right here with you," said Pinkie.

Before she could say anything, she suddenly felt her hand being gripped tight as she looked up to see a calm and reassuring look from Fluttershy. Sunset smiled back for a moment before noticing that the van had come to to a stop as she  glanced towards the window and saw the large white building with the red cross above its entrance.

Fluttershy looked her in the eye as she said, "If you need to wait to go in we understand."

Sunset sighed as she said, "No, I can go now... I'll need some help though."

"Of course," said Fluttershy as she lifted up Sunset  by her left arm and hefted her over her shoulder before saying, "Rainbow."

Rainbow Dash nodded as she said, "I'm on it," before sliding the van door open as she quickly made her way over grabbing Sunset by the other arm as the two carefully lifted her up and out of the way as Sunset shakily stood being held up by her shoulders. Rarity and Pinkie quickly followed after placing themselves behind and in front of her respectively ready to catch her in the event of a fall. 

Applejack reached over and grabbed the door handle as she said, "I'll find a place to park, you all get her checked in," before sliding the door shut as she began pulling away.

As the group made their may towards the door they saw several wheel chairs sitting near the entrance, as Pinkie asked, "Do you think you need one of those?"

Sunset looked over at them before nodding as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash carefully lowered her into one before Fluttershy began pushing it as they made there way through the door. As Sunset looked around she didn't really see many other patients but did see the woman sitting at the reception desk suddenly gasp and pick up the phone upon seeing her as she thought, "God, do I look that awful right now?"

As they approached the desk Rarity stepped forward saying, "Yes, our friend Sunset here suddenly passed out in the middle of our band practice and she hasn't been able to move much since then."

"I figured," said the woman as she quickly hung up the phone before standing up as she said, "Follow me please, you're in luck. Dr. Noceda just finished up with her last appointment and should be free for the rest of the day."

She then bent down to Sunset as she held out a form saying, "Sweetie, do you think you could fill this out or do you need a friend to do it?"

"I-" began Sunset but her nerves started to flare up.

Thankfully Pinkie came forth saying, "I got it," as she grabbed the forms and began filling them out.

The nurse simply nodded as they began to follow her down. Sunset's nerves only got more and frayed as her breath began to become ragged as where she was fully dawned on her. As she looked to the side of the hall she briefly saw what looked like a human sized wooden puppet with blades for hands as she thought, "Oh come on not now!"

As Sunset's panting increased she expected the voices to come... but instead suddenly found a hand placed on her shoulder, as she turned to see Fluttershy smiling down at her, flanked by Pinkie, Rarity, and Rainbow who where also doing their best to reassure her. Just seeing them caused her to calm down as she felt her breath and heart rate slow down as her vision began to clear. No sooner had that happened had they reached a door as the nurse took the clip board from Pinkie with a nod, before opening the door and leading them through where she quickly caught site of a woman standing near the standard examination table she had seen in countless movies. The woman turned towards them, and gave Sunset a sympathetic look before taking the clip board from the nurse as she quickly exited.

She looked at the papers saying, "Hello Sunset, I'm Dr. Noceda and... oh pobre querida. You passed out in the middle of school?"

Sunset simply nodded as her friends pushed her forward.

Dr. Noceda adjusted her glasses as she continued to look at the clip board saying, "And according to what your friends have written this isn't the first thing that has made them concerned about your health."

Sunset nodded again as she said, "Deep down I think I knew something was up, but I felt fine and I just...." 

Sunset trailed off before suddenly finding a new hand on her shoulder as she looked back to see Dr. Noceda right in front of her saying, "No need to explain, I have a daughter just a little younger then you so I know being nervous when I see it. I promise though this isn't that a big a deal."

"Really?" asked Sunset.

Dr. Noceda stood up saying, "Absolutamente. Most of what they wrote doesn't particularly sound bad... odd to say the least but trust me when I say that odd isn't always bad. Our big concern though is why you fainted, and why you feel so weak right now." She then looked at the others as she said, "Girls, do you think you could help her get her jacket and shirt off and get on the exam table while I get the equipment ready?"

Without even being given a response, Sunset found herself being lifted by Rainbow and Fluttershy again as she was moved towards the table. As she looked at them she did her best to focus and keep calm as she lifted her arms allowing for her jacket and top to come off more easily as Rarity quickly folded them both up and laid them flat across her lap. 

Sunset briefly felt cold at having only a bra covering the top half of her body, but such concerns quickly melted away as she saw Dr. Noceda turn back around and slip a blood pressure cuff on her arm as she began to pump it up and say, "Now then. What have you had to eat and drink today?"

Sunset thought back as she said, "I had a light breakfast of toast and orange juice, but had a big lunch with a salad, some milk, and a piece of cake."

"I see," said Dr. Noceda as she continued pumping before saying, "Are you a vegetarian?"

"Yes," said Sunset as she thought, "Even after living in the human world so long, I still can't bring myself to eat meat."

"Hmm, I'm not saying that's bad but you might need to look at your diet carefully to make sure you're getting plenty of iron," said Dr. Noceda.

Sunset slightly moved her eyes as she asked, "Could that be what caused this?" highly doubtful that it was something so simple. 

Dr. Noceda simple shrugged as she said, "I doubt it, but it's just some friendly advice." She then removed the cuff as she said, "Now then, your blood pressure seems to be normal. So far so good." She then raised up her stethoscope as said, "Lo sentimos mucho, but this is going to be pretty cold." 

Before Sunset could respond she slightly shuttered at the cold feeling on her chest as Dr. Noceda began listening to her heart beat. "Hum," she simply said.

"What now?" asked Sunset in renewed concern as she reached out slightly and was thankfully greeted by Fluttershy gripping her hand again.

"Your heart beat is slightly irregular, not bad mind you just different... do any heart diseases run in your family?" asked Dr. Noceda.

"I don't know... I was adopted when I was pretty young and don't really remember my birth parents," said Sunset before briefly having a flash of the two red figures before refocusing on the present.

"Oh lo sentimos mucho," said Dr. Noceda as she briefly looked away embarrassed. 

Sunset slightly smirked as she said, "Está bien."

Dr. Noceda smiled slightly as she said, "You speak spanish too?"

"Just a little, I took a few language classes online," said Sunset mentally adding, "Granted they where all in case I needed to quickly get out of the country as part of an evil plan, but probably shouldn't say that."

Dr. Noceda smiled further as she began moving her stethoscope to Sunset's back and said, "Now I need you to take a deep breath in and hold it until I say."

Sunset nodded as she did as instructed. Dr. Noceda looked at her watch as she listened and counted the seconds before saying, "And breath out." Sunset let out the breath and soon the process repeated.

After the fifth time Dr. Noceda moved back in front of Sunset as she said, "Now then... your breathing seems fine... it doesn't look like you're sick." She briefly scrunched her face in thought before saying, "I think I have a pretty good idea of what this could be, but I just need to do one more thing."

"And that would be?" said Sunset.

Dr. Noceda sighed as she pulled out a small needle and a cotton ball saying, "Your friend here failed to fill out a blood type for you... and I'm guessing that's because you don't even know it."

Sunset gulped as she nodded. Dr. Noceda sighed saying, "Sorry honey but I need to check this to be sure."

Sunset trembled slightly as she found her friends putting their hand on her shoulders. She did her best to hold still as she simply nodded before placing her hand out. 

Dr. Noceda stepped forward as she quickly began wiping the needle with a sanitizing wipe saying, "Say, do you read the Good Witch Azura books?"

Sunset seemed taken aback slightly as she said, "Um.. no."

She grabbed Sunset's hand as she said, "I only ask because my daughter really loves them and is always telling me about them, and... if I'm being honest I did pick up the first book and read through some of it while she was at school, you know just to see what the fuss was about and it was muy interesante. Though of course I haven't told her that yet since if she knows she'll probably make me read all the books and watch the movies with her which... I'm not sure I'd be ready for right now."

Sunset did her best to politely listen but began to grow slightly impatient as she said, "No offense but can we just get on with getting the blood sample?"

Dr. Noceda simple smiled as she said, "Actually, I've already taken it," as she showed the blood soaked cotton ball before putting it in a test tube.

"How did you?" asked Sunset in confusion.

Dr. Noceda simply smiled as she said, "Like I said, I have a daughter and know how to deal with these kinds of things."

Sunset smiled at that as she unconsciously thought, "It must be nice having a mother like her."

Dr. Noceda went to her desk with the test tube as she began using a dropper to squirt some other substances onto the cotton ball before putting it under a microscope connected to her computer. She watched as the substances began to form near the red blood cells, only to be completely ignored by them as she said, "Que? Imposible."

"What's wrong?" asked Sunset.

Dr. Noceda continued staring at the screen for a moment before saying, "Nothing... I'm sure our chemicals are just out of date or something."

"Why's that?" asked Sunset as she gripped Fluttershy's hand tighter in worry.

"Well... OK. So how we determine blood type is we place several antibodies near the blood cells and whatever ones the blood cells take in determine the blood type, i.e. if they take in type b antibodies it's type b blood and so on," said Dr. Noceda.

"OK," said Sunset as she believed she understood.

"Well," said Dr. Noceda before gesturing to the screen as she said, "As you can see, your blood isn't taking in any of them... almost as if it's a totally unique blood type." 

"Oh," said Sunset as she thought on this new information.

"Well like I said though, it must be some kind of mistake... regardless I believe what is wrong with you is a genetic disorder and... since you can not ask anyone for confirmation I was hoping that some blood work could confirm it instead," said Dr. Noceda.

"I see," said Sunset as she continued to think on this.

Dr. Noceda pulled out her notepad as she said, "I'll call you when I can actually get some proper readings, in the meantime I'm going to prescribe you a basic vitamin supplement that I think will help and write you a note to get you out of school for the next few days while," before tearing off those notes and handing them to Pinkie.

"Thank you Doctor," said Sunset as Rarity began helping her get her shirt and jacket back on, before the others began moving her back to the chair.

Dr. Noceda quickly joined in helping Sunset ease into the chair as she said, "Please call me Camila," with a warm smile towards her.

Sunset smiled back as she said, "Thanks Camila... say, that book series you mentioned, what was it called again?"

"The Good Witch Azura," said Camila as she watched the others begin to wheel Sunset out.

"Yeah, I think I might check it out, after all I'll be laid up at home the next few days. Who knows, maybe I'll like it as much as your daughter does," said Sunset.

Camila's own smile widened as she said, "Buena idea, I'll have Luz look out for you at the next convention."

Sunset smiled at that as she said, "Absolumanete, I'd be happy to meet her," as she meekly waved goodbye before exiting the room. She leaned back in the chair as she said, "I guess that wasn't so bad."

"See dearie, it was no big deal," said Rarity.

"Yeah... you guys where right," said Sunset.

As they went through the lobby the group briefly waved goodbye to the nurse before exiting, or at least attempting to as Applejack suddenly stood in the door and looked at the assembled crew saying, "Shoot that was fast." 

"More like you where slow, what the heck AJ?" asked Rainbow Dash.

Applejack simple groaned as she said, "Well you trying finding a place to park a big hunking van this time of day."  Her annoyance soon turned back to concern as she remembered what was going on saying, "Never mind that though, how's Sunset?"

"Well, I'll live if that's what you're wondering," said Sunset now feeling a little calmer about all this.

Fluttershy spoke up saying, "The doctor said she has a genetic condition, and prescribed a vitamin supplement that should help."

Applejack nodded as she said, "Sounds good, I'll pull the van around then we can pick up the prescription and take her home."

"And then take me to the school so we can pick up whatever Sunset needs to talk to Twilight, and I might as well drive her motorcycle back while we're at it," said Rainbow Dash.

Sunset blushed as she said, "You don't need to do that all for me."

"Nonsense dearie, you'd do the same for us if we weren't well," said Rarity as the group moved outside. She then looked around before saying, "Besides, if this is magic related we should contact Twilight asap."

Sunset thought about before nodding as she said, "Maybe..." and held her head down in thought.

Pinkie noticed this as she stepped forward saying, "What's wrong?"

"I'm just thinking, yes there is certainly a magic component to this... but if this is also genetic it just has we wondering about..." before she trailed off.

"Your parents," said Applejack as she looked down in thought herself at that.

The silence was palpable as Applejack shook her head clear before running towards van leaving the assembled group. Fluttershy was the first to speak up saying, "Do you know anything about them?"

Sunset prepared to say no, but had the image of the two red figures cross her mind causing her to change it to, "I don't think so... I knew Celestia could probably find some info is she really wanted, being a Princess opens a lot of doors after all, I was just scared at what she might find out."

The others thought on that before Rarity said, "Well, now might be a good time to ask."

"And if the answer is something scary, we'll be here to help you deal with it," said Fluttershy as the others nodded in agreement. 

Sunset smiled as tears of joy flooded the corners of her eyes before she said, "I couldn't ask for better friends."


Before she knew it Sunset found herself being carried through her door as the others, sans Applejack and Rainbow Dash, where leading her through her living room as Rarity said, "Alright girls, let's get her changed into her pajamas and get in bed so she can go right to sleep as soon as she takes her medicine."

The others nodded as they slowly worked together getting her up the stares before Sunset quickly found herself sitting up in bed in her pajamas. She smiled at that as she said, "Thanks again for all the help girls."

Pinkie smirked as she said, "Don't thank us yet because we're not done helping."

"What do you mean?" asked Sunset.

"We all texted our families what was going on and they said it was OK for us to spend the night and stay home from school tomorrow to help out," said Fluttershy.

Sunset looked down at that as she said, "I don't deserve all this help."

"Yes you do," said Fluttershy as she placed her arm on Sunset gently and gave a comforting smile.

Sunset blushed slightly as she smiled back before laying down in bed. 

The group simple sat in a comfortable silence before hearing a definite motorcycle engine as Rainbow and Applejack quickly entered the room. Applejack moved forward as she opened an orange pill bottle, poring one into her hand as she moved a water bottle to Sunset before giving her the pill as she said, "They said you can go ahead and take this now, and start taking one every morning from now on."

Sunset nodded as she took the pill and popped it in mouth, before taking a swig of the water to swallow it. She coughed slightly before saying, "Thanks, I feel better already."

Applejack smiled at that while Rainbow stepped forward as Sunset noticed she was carrying more then she should be. Rainbow also smiled as she said, "OK, so I got the book from you locker you said," as she held up the familiar brown journal with Sunset's cutie mark on it, before moving another book in front of it as she said, "And I took the liberty of stopping by the bookstore on the way back and picked this up for you."

Sunset smiled as she saw the cover


"Thanks Rainbow, that means a lot," said Sunset as the girl handed her both books with a nod. She briefly smiled down at the novel, before letting out a sigh as she opened up the journal. 

"So what is that anyway?" asked Fluttershy.

"It's basically the magic version of e-mail. Whatever I write in this book appears in a book Celestia has, and vice versa," said Sunset. She paused at that before saying, "If you had told me only a month ago I would be doing this again I'd say you where crazy."

The others recognized the hurt behind that humor as Rarity said, "Darling, are you sure about this?"

Sunset thought for a moment, before looking up towards Fluttershy as she saw the usually meek girl giving her a look of confidence and support thinking, "Man, I'm really gonna have to find a way to thank Fluttershy especially after this is all sorted out," before saying, "Yeah... I've put this off enough," as she began to reach over to her bedside table to grab a pen. The others moved forward to help her but she simply said, "I got it," before she grabbed the pen and leaned back over. "Hmm, I was just joking around when I said I was already feeling better, but I actually kind of do... I guess human medicine is as advanced as they say."

She then looked down at the journal with a sigh as she turned to the next blank page and began saying out loud as she wrote, "Dear Princess Celestia, hi.... it's been a while and I know this isn't the best way to start us talking again but I need your help. Something is happening to me and it seems to be magic related, I can't explain how or why but my hand began to glow as it let me grab something several feet away from me. After words though I felt so drained I had to go to a hospital, the doctors over here seem to think it's something genetic and I can't help but think the're right... I know we've never talked about it but if there's anything you can tell me about my parents I need to know now. Your, not always faithful but faithful from here on out student, Sunset Shimmer." Sunset then closed the book with a sigh as she simply said, "And now we wait."

"Nope, no waiting for you my dear," said Rarity as picked up the book saying, "You need to get some sleep."

"Wait but," began Sunset but was quickly interrupted as the others pulled the covers over her.

"Now come on sugarcube, staying up all night waiting for an answer wouldn't do you any good, especially now," said Applejack.

Before Sunset could protest further Fluttershy spoke up saying, "We promise to check for messages every so often and get you if we need you."

"And in the meantime feel free to get us if you need us for anything at all," said Pinkie.

"You got it," said Rainbow as she pulled Sunset's phone from her jacket and sat on the bedside table saying, "Just in case you can't quite yell loud enough to reach down stares."

"Well... OK," said Sunset as she reluctantly curled up in the bed saying, "Goodnight girls."

"Goodnight," they all echoed back.



"Hmm," cried Celestia as she suddenly awoke from her slumber. A strange noise permeated the air as her sleepy mind tried to make sense of it as her blurry vision spotted something glowing in the distance. Instantly she began to think it was an intruder, but quickly she also thought of the possibility that a maid simply was trying to get something she missed in the day before Celestia woke up as she quietly grabbed the light switch in her magic to get a better view. Once the lights where on though she gasped as she saw something she never expected to see again.

Carefully she got up and made her way towards her desk as with every hoof step she became more and more aware of what exactly she was seeing. Finally she reached the desk as she saw a very dusty journal with her cutie mark on it glowing and vibrating. Still barely believing it she opened the book and turned to the last page as she began to read it.

Soon the door to her room opened though as another familiar voice spoke up saying, "Sister are you alright? I sensed you woke from your slumber rather abruptly."

As Luna approached she saw Celestia with her muzzle buried in a particular book as she appeared to be reading and re-reading a page over and over again. Luna was briefly confused before she got a look at the book as she began to say, "Is that-"

Before she could finish though Celestia put the book down as she said, "Assemble the messengers to get a message to Princess Cadence, I'll write a letter to Twilight."

"NOW! Sister it's rather late, what is this about?" asked Luna in confusion.

"Yes now... I've put this off long enough," said Celestia as she got to writing a letter.

"Put off what long enough, what did Sunset tell you?" asked Luna.

Celestia briefly stopped writing as she sighed saying, "She asked me some questions... questions I should have answered for her a long time ago... questions she deserves to have answered face to face, and if we're going to open the portal early to do that we're going to need as much magic as we can get."

Luna didn't quite understand what was going on, but could feel the intensity in Celestia's voice as she simply nodded and exited the room.

Celestia watched her leave before letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding as she said, "The hospital... she wound up in the hospital because of this... if I had only told her sooner then maybe she wouldn't be suffering now... maybe we would have never..." Celestia let out a tear at that before shaking her head as she said, "Well, no point in dwelling on the past... time to move forward," as she went back to writing the letter.
> New Days, New Sunset
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight did her best to keep her eyes open as she sleepily made her way into the main hall of the Crystal Castle, and was instantly greeted to the sight of the other princesses awaiting her arrival.

Cadence was the first to notice her as she smiled and walked up to her excitedly saying, "Twily!" She then lowered her head to the floor and gestured with her hooves as she began to say. "Sunshine sunshine ladybugs... awake.." but trailed off as she saw Twilight not joining in.

She let out a yawn as she said, "Sorry Cady, but can't really wake up the ladybugs if I'm not awake," with a slight smirk.

Cadence chuckled at that before she was interrupted by a slight fake cough intended to get her attention. This brought her back to reality as she turned back towards the table and began walking, and it was then that Twilight finally got a good look at the others. Luna seemed normal enough, kind of serious but she was always kind of serious thought Twilight. It was Celestia that was really upsetting as she had never seen her look the way she did now. Her mouth was stern and resolute but her eyes seemed to be unfocused, as if her mind was constantly wandering to somewhere far away or to a time long past. Whatever it was, it was enough to get Twilight to straighten up as she also made her way over and said, "It's good to see you two as well."

"Likewise," said Luna with a slight smile trying to lighten the mood.

Celestia simply nodded as she said, "Yes it is good to see as well Twilight... now then I'm sure you're all wondering why I gathered you here at such an hour."

"Is everything alright auntie?" asked Cadence already knowing the answer.

Celestia didn't even seem to register the question as she said, "I'll make this simple, I received a message from Sunset Shimmer and it is imperative we open the portal as soon as possible so I can reply."

The group simply sat in silence for a moment processing the statement, before Cadence spoke up saying, "Wait what?"

Once again Celestia didn't seem to register the question as she moved towards the crystal mirror in the back of the room saying, "The four of us together should be able to open the portal long enough for myself to go through, after all Starswirl was only one unicorn and he was able to fully create it."

"YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS!" said Luna as she stood up giving Celestia a look of pure disbelief. "That's your plan, brute force the portal open and trap yourself on the other side just to tell Sunset whatever it is you won't tell us!"

"I have to agree with Luna, it doesn't seem like you've thought this all the way through," said Cadence.

Celestia looked back with a huff as she said, "I assure you I have," she then lifted a saddlebag onto her back as she said, "I have prepared everything I will need for this world based on the notes that Twilight provided me about it, as well as a device that will allow any of you to move the sun while I am away. I'm confident you all can handle things for the few months before the portal naturally reopens."

"Assuming it will reopen after we tamper with it like this," said Luna as she leaned against the table in annoyance at all this.

Celestia seemed to get even more irrational at this before turning to Twilight as she said, "Twilight, my faithful student you must understand that what I am doing is for the best. After all, one should do whatever it takes a help a friend," and let out a somewhat nervous smile.

Twilight simply sat stunned at seeing how her mentor was acting as she said, "Well I... don't understand."

"What?" said Celestia as she was totally floored at the fact that the one pony she thought would be a given wasn't on her side.

"I'm sorry Celestia but I don't understand... mainly because you're refusing to explain it to any of us," said Twilight.

"Indeed sister, you have not given me or anypony else a straight answer since you got this message," said Luna.

"I... it's a personal matter, between me and Sunset," said Celestia as she looked away from the three alicorns who where now all in front of her, both figuratively and literally confronting her.

Twilight was the first to speak again saying, "Sunset is my friend too, and if this is as bad as it seems I think I deserve to know too."

Cadence nodded as she said, "As do I, I may not have known Sunset for long before she went to this other world, but at the very least I also feel I deserve an explanation if I'm going to help you help her."

Celestia's head only lowered further as she muttered, "I suppose."

She simply sat there before feeling a hoof placed on her shoulder as Luna looked at her saying, "Clearly you're worried about whatever is going on and we'd be glad to help you, but to do so we need to know what it is."

Celestia paused for a moment before sighing as she said, "I... I'm sorry everypony... I should have been more upfront with you from the beginning but this is... something I have kept secret for so long, and in doing so I may have jeopardized the very life of someone I care about deeply."

"What do you mean?" asked Twilight.

Celestia only went back to her seat as she gestured for the others to sit near her which they soon did. She sat for a moment in thought before saying, "Sunset Shimmer is not in good health, and while the doctors of the other world seem to be helping, I fear that they do not know what is truly going on.... and it's all my fault."

"What do you mean!?" asked Twilight as her concern mounted.

Celestia sighed before saying, "While it's true that I found Sunset when she was just a filly and took her in... I did not find her on the street like I had previously said... rather I found her in front of that very mirror," as she pointed her hoof to the Crystal Mirror.

"What?" asked Cadence in shook as she looked down saying, "So... does that mean?"

Celestia nodded as she said, "Sunset is not from Equestria... I doubt she is from the world she currently calls home as the mirror was behaving very strangely the night she came through it, though that story is one I definitely believe Sunset should hear first, never the less she is indeed from another world."

"And you didn't tell her this?" asked Luna in shook.

Celestia winched as she said, "And not a day goes by I don't regret not telling her... if I did perhaps we might not have drifted apart like we did and maybe..." Celestia looked at the mirror as she shed a small tear at what could have been before sayin, "At the time I thought telling her would only make her feel like an outsider... she barely interacted with the ponies in the castle as it was, I worried she might totally cut herself off if she found out she wasn't one of them."

The group sat in thought for a moment taking this information in before Twilight spoke up saying, "Not to sound rude or anything but if she isn't really a pony then... what is she?"

Celestia looked back down in shame as she simple said, "I do not know."




Sunset's eyes slowly opened as she began to stir from her slumber. As she began to look around she let out a light sneeze as she rubbed her nose and quipped saying, "Someone must be talking about me," she sat up with a smile at her own joke before she realized something... she could sit up. As the memory of yesterday flooded back to her she looked down at her hands that she struggled to move at all yesterday, as she made a fist as easy as she normally would. Carefully she lifted the covers off herself as she moved her legs towards the floor and began to stand up, prepared for shaky struggling steps. Instead though she looked down in surprise as she found herself standing up firmly and easily as she moved around feeling this out and said, "I feel.... good... great even!" She smiled as she began to do lunges as she suddenly felt filled with energy she wanted to burn off. As she did this she noticed the pill bottle on her bedside table as she smiled saying, "Guess Camila was right about me needing these," as she opened the bottle and popped the one she was supposed to take in the morning in her mouth and followed it up with a swig of water.

She began to walk towards her door only to feel some giddiness as she felt the energy she was feeling seem to get stronger as she said, "God this must have been some kind of chronic genetic issue, because I actually think I feel better then I ever have in my whole life!" As she exited her room she wanted to go into a full sprint but quickly backed down to a tip toe as she looked from her balcony and saw all of her friends sleeping. She quickly looked over at the clock as she thought, "Wow, 5am... makes sense considering how early I went to sleep but still, I'm not sure when the last time I've been up this early was, let alone felt good about it."

She slowly made her way downstairs as she took in the sight of the others sleeping on her various pieces of furniture with with some simple blankets being their only proper bedding. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity where scrunched together on the couch while Pinkie Pie slept and on a bean bag chair, and finally Fluttershy slept on her recliner. As Sunset looked at her, she noticed that her journal was resting on Fluttershy's lap as she thought, "I wonder how long she waited for a reply before passing out... also WHAT THE HECK CELESTIA! What have you become a heavy sleeper in your old age!?"

Sunset grimaced at the thought before thinking better of it as she thought, "It is nice they did all this for me... I should probably pay them back somehow... breakfast would be a good start, but I'm not much of a cook, plus they'd definitely wake up if I tried." She then looked around as she saw they had placed her bag on the coffee table as she thought, "Then again, the coffee shop will be open this early... and I do feel like I need to burn off some more of this energy."

She grabbed the bag before looking down at her purple pajamas with her cutie mark on the shirt as she thought, "Should I go back up and change?... nah, no ones out this early, besides these can probably pass as a track suit, especially with no sun out." She carefully slipped on her tennis shoes and made her way out the front door exiting as she quietly said, "Besides I don't really have anything good for running... probably because I've never really been running before," she then swung the bag behind her back as she went into a full spring saying, "Right now though, I feel like I could run halfway across the world."



As Sunset basically kicked in the door of the coffee shop, she let out an excited whoa, as she pumped her fist in the air saying, "I'm starting to see why Rainbow Dash likes jogging so much!"

The man working the counter was surprised to say the least at not only seeing a customer this early, but one he recognized, sort of, as he began saying, "Um... hey Sunset... right?"

Sunset looked at him and chuckled saying, "Yup, hey Mocha Bean, and yeah I get why you'd say that, honestly I feel so good I don't believe I'm me right now."

Mocha Bean smiled at that as he said, "Happy to hear it, you'd seemed kind depressed lately."

Sunset briefly winched as she approached the counter saying, "Yeah schools been... a little tough lately," her smile returned though as she said, "But I've got some genuine friends helping me get through it."

"Great to hear," said Mocha as he turned to the side saying, "Wish my friends where so reliable, HEY CAFFEINE FREE GET YOUR ASS UP! WE GOT A CUSTOMER!"

Caffeine Free groaned as he was forced to get up from his nap behind a few boxes of supplies as he said, "This early... why!?"

Sunset simply chuckled at the twos antics as she said, "Sorry Caffeine but I got a big order today."

"Getting stuff for your friends?" asked Mocha Bean.

Sunset nodded as she said, "Yup, just a way of saying thanks for them being there for me... so yeah let's see... I'll take my usual half caf no foam latte and sesame seed bagel for me, a plain bagel and straight black coffee for the practical Applejack, a strawberry jam sand which and milk for the simple Fluttershy, an everything bagel and if I remember correctly... tall double caf no fat late with a caramel drizzle for Rarity, and a bear claw and hot chocolate with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles for Pinkie."

Mocha chuckled as he straightened his apron and got to work saying, "Sounds like a pretty diverse group."

"Sounds like a complex order," said Caffeine as he too got to work with a groan.

Mocha nudged his shoulder as he said, "Come on dude, it's one customer and besides we just finished the first batch for the day so it's all fresh and ready to go. Pretty much all we have to is bag it up for her."

"It's still more work then I want to do right now," said Caffeine as he begrudgingly fit the cups into the machine and began punching in the drink commands.



Before she knew it Sunset was grabbing a bag of food and tray of coffees as she handed her money to Mocha for him to put in the register as she then slipped a five to each of them saying, "Thanks for helping me out so early."

"Anytime," said Mocha with a smile.

Caffeine had the briefest of smirks as he said, "I guess this makes it kind of worth it."

Sunset smiled back as she secured her things and made her way out the door.

Caffeine began to go back to his napping spot as he said, "Was that really Sunset?"

Mocha got to wiping down the counter as he said, "Yeah, I'm glad to see she seems to be back on her feet."

"I guess, but what's with the dye job though?" asked Caffeine as he made a pillow out of a bag of plastic lids.

Mocha shrugged as he said, "Beats me, but the new look seems to have given her confidence so I didn't say anything."

"Whatever," said Caffeine as he rested his head down with a yawn before briefly letting out, "You don't see someone willingly having a white streak in their hair often though," before drifting off to sleep.



Ironically, at that very same moment someone's eyes began to open as Fluttershy began to yawn and stretch her arms. She took a glance around the living room before looking down at the book and pouted as she mumbled, "Still nothing." She slowly got to her feet though as she made her way towards the stairs and quietly said, "As long as I'm up I should really check on Sunset." She carefully tip toed to the balcony on top of the stairs before gripping the doorknob and gently easing it open. As soon as she looked in the room and caught sight of the empty bed though, the normally quiet girl suddenly burst through the door as she yelled from the balcony, "WAKE UP EVERYONE! WE HAVE AN EMERGENCY!"

The others sleepily got up as Rainbow Dash was the first to speak up saying, "What's wrong Shy?"

Fluttershy looked down at the group in panic as she called out, "SUNSET'S MISSING!"

Instantly the others where fully awake and on their feet as Pinkie yelled out, "WHAT!?"

"Are... are you sure she didn't just make her way to the bathroom or something?!" asked Applejack trying to stay level headed.

Fluttershy instantly ran down the stairs and opened the door to the only bath room in Sunset's apartment as she cried, "SHE'S NOT IN HERE!"

"Oh dear, where could she have gone?" asked Rarity.

"Poor thing probably thought she was feeling well enough to go out and grab something," said Applejack as she thought for a moment before saying, "Alright I'll get the van, Pinkie and Rarity will come to be my look outs while we check around the school and the suburbs, Rainbow you take the bike and look uptown. Fluttershy stay here in case Sunset comes back."

Fluttershy nodded and as the group prepared to leave only to all stop as they heard the click of the front door unlocking and turned to see Sunset as she blushed upon seeing them saying, "Looks like you're all awake."

Sunset stepped into the room as she sat the bag and tray of coffees she was carrying down as Applejack in disbelief repeated, "Looks like you're... WHAT! Where have you been!? We where worried sick about you!"

Fluttershy stepped forth with a nod that twinged at Sunset a bit as she nervously smiled saying, "Um... I got breakfast," as she patted the items on the table.

"Forget breakfast, you shouldn't have gone out like that," said Rainbow.

Sunset blushed further as she looked away from everyone saying, "I.. I'm sorry I made you worry, I just wanted to pay you guys back for helping me out like this and also..." she trailed off at that.

"Also what?" asked Pinkie.

Sunset blushed further as she said, "Well... I think Camila was right about this being a genetic thing."

"Why's that?" asked Applejack

Sunset stood up as she said with a slight smile, "Because I feel better then I have in my whole life, I have more energy then I've ever had before and I just HAD to go out and burn some of it off. I definitely should have started taking those pills years ago."

The group looked at her as they all paused for a moment before Fluttershy spoke up saying, "Well... that's good at least."

Sunset nodded at that as she slightly smiled thinking, "I REALLY have to find a way to thank Fluttershy after this is over." She then moved over to her kitchen saying, "Exactly, now if that's settled I'll get plates for everyone."

"Well, I don't know if I'd call it settled... but I am hungry," said Applejack with a sigh.

Sunset nodded as she got the plates over to her table and began spreading the food among them.

The other girls began to sit down as Rainbow noticed the logo on the bag and said, "I guess a trip to that coffee shop wasn't that big a deal. It's not like it's too far away."

Sunset nodded as she said, "Exactly I was only gone for a few minutes."

Rarity groaned as said, "Oh please darling it must have been longer then that with your other trip."

Sunset tilted her head to the side in confusion as she said, "What other trip?"

"Don't think we didn't notice, it must have been a rather good salon to get that perfect a streak in your hair," said Rarity.

"It looks nice though," said Fluttershy with a smile.

"Oh I'm not denying that darling, though I am a little annoyed that I'll have to redo some of the outfits I made you to better compliment it," said Rarity as she took a bite into her bagel.

Sunset became slightly concerned at this as she asked, "What are you all talking about?!"

The others looked at her for a few seconds, before realizing she wasn't joking as Rarity pulled out her compact mirror and handed it to Sunset. As she took it her eyes went wide as she saw that one of the iconic yellow streaks on the left side of her head had turned pure white as she looked in disbelief saying, "I... I didn't do this."

The others all sat up a little straighter also concerned as Rainbow asked, "You still feel fine right?"

"Yeah... but I," said Sunset as she could her heart rate elevating at this unknown development.

Before the voices could come though Applejack spoke up saying, "Maybe it's a side effect of the medicine," before pointing to the kitchen counter as she said, "The prescription sheet is over there."

Sunset quickly stood up still in a panic and without even thinking reached out her hand towards the counter. The others watched in awe as once her hand began to glow red and blue as the ethereal hand shot forth, grabbed the sheet and pulled back into Sunset's organic hand. Sunset jumped back at the result as her heart only increased more and the voices began to return.

"Might controls everything."
"Well this is gonna be interesting."

As Sunset looked at the others in fear her panic only rose as she heard a voice yell out in rage, "DON'T COME ANY CLOSER YOU DEVIL!" Sunset suddenly began to back away feeling like she might actually be a danger to her friends, she found herself backing into something warm though as she felt a pair of arms wrap around her back.

Fluttershy hugged her deeply as she said, "Shh, it's OK."

"Yeah, we're here for you sugarcube," said Applejack as she slowly approached.

"How do you feel dearie?" asked Rarity.

"I..." said Sunset before saying, "Still feel pretty good," as she began looking at her hand with a clearer head saying, "I don't feel drained like I did last time anyway."

"Hmm, then maybe this isn't so bad then," said Rainbow Dash as the others looked at her. "WHAT! You gotta admit that was cool, plus we got the whole ears and tails thing going when we play music... maybe this is Sunset's thing."

Sunset thought on that as she said, "Maybe." She then shuttered though as she remembered those words and said, "But the way my skin is red though... it almost looks like when I."

Before she could finish though, they all heard a noise as they turned to see Sunset's journal glowing and vibrating.

Pinkie was the first to move towards the book as she began flipping through the pages. As she did so Fluttershy slightly moved towards Sunset's ear and whispered, "I know what you where going to say and you don't need to worry about that, you're a better person now Sunset so even if this is related that doesn't mean it's bad."

Sunset blushed and gulped at that as she thought, "Is... is she right? If this is some kind of remnant of my demon form... can I control it... can I use it for something good... something like what Twilight did?"

As Pinkie reached the last page she quickly read through it before moving the book to Sunset as she said, "You might want to read this yourself."

Sunset looked down at the book and read the quick words, before her eyes went wide in disbelief as she re-read them out loud to make sure of what it said. "My dearest Sunset, this is a matter we absolutely must discuss in person. With the help of my fellow Princesses I have reopened the portal and thanks to Twilight's directions I should be at your apartment very soon, your teacher... and dear friend who has been longing to see you, Celestia."
> Truths Long Forgotten
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset tried to eat her bagel as she raggedly breathed and watched as shaky images tried to overtake her vision. The only thing keeping her grounded in reality was Fluttershy rubbing her back and leaning on her shoulder, but at times she felt like that was barely working. It certainly didn't help that as she took the last bite she once again was greeted to her glowing blue and red hand. 

The others simply sat in silence as they ate their food and drank their coffee. No one knew what to say, what could they say after all. Sunset was about to be reunited with a mentor she hadn't seen in years, to potentially find out information she had spent her life both longing for and dreading hearing. Perhaps it was the uncomfortable nature of the situation or perhaps a pony princess knew how to hail a cab, but before they knew it they all heard a knock at the door. Sunset lurched as she got up and made her way towards the door, as she tried to think, "OK girl keep it together... deep down you wanted this, and more importantly you need it. Though... maybe you shouldn't get your hopes too high, for all you know Celestia isn't even here yet and you're gonna open the door and see a neighbor or something."

That theory was quickly smashed away as she saw the woman in the regal dress standing before her 



The royal gown and bearing made it all the clearer that this was indeed her Celestia and not the principal, even if the messenger bag slung on her back somewhat betrayed the look. As did a look of sorrow and concern as she raised her hand in front of her mouth in shock as she got a good look at Sunset saying, "Oh my... your hoof."

Sunset did her best to keep calm as she moved it in front of her face and lightly chuckled as she said, "Actually it's called a hand and... yeah this is new." She raised her hand and absent mindedly twirled her pointer finger, this turned out to be a mistake though since as her finger moved a blue ring of light trailed behind it, and once it was a complete circle the blue on her hand moved into it leaving her hand now completely red as a blue ball of flame rested in her palm. Sunset only grew even more nervous at this as she said, "And this is even newer." As the others hopped up in concern and Celestia backed away, Sunset did her best to think quickly and calmly... and in doing so she threw the ball of fire out the now clear front door as it struck a garbage can lighting several papers in it. Sunset quickly pulled the princess into the apartment and shut the door before anyone could say anything, as she did this though she noticed the blue return to her hand as she quickly put it behind her back.

Celestia continued to look at Sunset as she said, "Oh Sunset..." she briefly glanced at her face as she said, "And the white in your hair?"

Sunset nodded as she said, "That's part of this too... whatever this is."

Celestia nodded as she said, "I wish I had all the answers you seek, but sadly I only have something that will lead to more questions...." Celestia then glanced around as she noticed the others in the room as she said, "Hello it's nice to meet all of you, and not to sound rude but this might be a conversation me and Sunset should have alone."

Applejack nodded as she said, "Well you heard her yall," as she made her way to the door with the others following behind her. "We'll go look at the shops across the street, most of them should be open by now... just come get us when you're ready."

As Sunset watched them start to exit she grabbed at the nearest one of them, not even realizing who it was until she caught sight of the yellow arm now gripped in her glowing hand. She briefly feared that she could accidentally hurt Fluttershy with it, but she watched at the hand quickly stopped glowing and reverted to normal. She briefly made a mental note of that before she looked up at Fluttershy's light blue eyes as she blushed slightly and said, "Can you please stay... I need someone to keep me grounded." 

Fluttershy blushed in turn before she nodded and turned to the others who quickly nodded back before leaving the three alone. "Grounded?" asked Celestia as her concern grew.

Sunset sighed as she and Fluttershy went over to the couch, now holding hands, as Sunset said, "Yeah... I probably should have told you this a long time ago, but I kind of get these weird hallucinations when my heart rate gets too fast."

"Oh my..." said Celestia before she suddenly lowered her head in shame and sat down across from Sunset as she said, "It sounds like I wasn't the only one keeping things hidden."

Instantly Sunset became frazzled at this as she said, "What do you mean... do you... do you know something about this?" She soon felt Fluttershy begin to stroke her back again as her breathing began to settle, and she was infinetly glad she asked her specifically to stay.

Celestia looked down as she said, "No but if I had told you what I'm about to tell you now perhaps this wouldn't be happening... or at the very least it wouldn't be such a shock." Celestia sat for a moment deep in thought as she said, "I suppose I should start with what really happened the night I took you in."



"MY LADY!" 

Celestia awoke with a start as one of her royal guards cried out to her. Quickly she got to her hooves as she looked at him saying, "Stout Shield, what's wrong?"

The white stallion took off his helmet as he bowed to her saying, "It's the mirror in the Starswirl the Bearded section of the library it...." 

"It what?!" asked Celestia as she thought, "It shouldn't be doing anything, it's only been five moons since it last opened."

Stout Shield simply looked at her as said, "It would be better if you saw it yourself."

In the many years Celestia had been alive she had seen many things, but this was not one of them as she was led into a library that despite its late hour was being lit as if it was day as light constantly flashed from the mirror. She gestured for Stout Shield to stay back as she approached the mirror getting a look at it as she saw that rather then the smooth surface it normally had it flickered as countless images played out before her. She looked at the brief images of unknown creatures and scenarios as she thought, "It... it's flipping between worlds. But that's impossible, Starswirl took most of the secrets on how to operate this mirror with him when he dissapeared including how to change its destination. No one in Equestria knows how to do it... unless." She then braced her hooves as she charged her horn thinking, "Unless the one changing it isn't in Equestria but is trying to come here!" Before Celestia could elaborate on this further the mirror seemed to suddenly change to a large yellow eye with a slit black pupil before the world became bathed in white. Celestia shut her eyes at the sudden sensation as she mentally prepared herself for the probable combat she was about to face. As the light seemed to fade Celestia opened her eyes, ready to confront this invader to her land, only to gasp as she instantly let her combat spell fade away and began approaching what she saw.

"MY LADY BE CAREFUL!" cried out Stout Shield as he tried to rush to her aid.

Celestia simply shushed him as she quietly said, "You'll wake her," as she reached down with her hoof and picked up what came from the mirror.

As Stout Shield approached he finally got a good glimpse at what it was and was stunned. Resting in Celestia's hoof was what appeared to be a sleeping orange foal with a red and yellow mane, wrapped up in a red cloth.

Celestia moved the filly closer as she slightly lifted the cloth noticing several items wrapped up in it with her. She glanced at them briefly before levitating a piece of paper from it in front of her face. She carefully read over the words on it and as the filly began to stir and open her eyes Celestia smiled down at her as she said, "Hello little one, you must be Sunset Shimmer."


The room was filled with a deafening silence. Sunset simply sat their as she began thinking, "All this time... I couldn't have found my parents in Equestria, because they weren't in Equestria." As her brain lurched struggling to make sense of this realization she turned towards Celestia and found herself filled with anger as she said, "Why didn't you tell me any of this?"

Celestia looked away in shame as she said, "I worried that if I did you might cut yourself off from a world you no longer felt was yours."

"WELL THAT'S BECAUSE IT WASN'T!" said Sunset as she suddenly stood up in rage. As she did so her right hand began to glow again, but she didn't seem to notice or care as she said, "The whole time I lived with you, you knew I wasn't really like you and yet you didn't even tell me! You didn't even make an effort to treat me different from your other students, let alone like a child you where looking after!" As the anger began to turn from one topic to another Sunset suddenly found her hand being gripped by Fluttershy and as she looked down at the concerned girl she sighed and did her best to calm down as her hand turned back to normal and she sat back down.

Fluttershy looked at Celestia as she said, "While I'm sure you had your reasons, this is part of Sunset's life and something you should have told her about." 

Celestia sighed as she said, "Indeed, especially when she became so curious about the mirror," she then looked at Sunset as she said, "Perhaps on some level you remembered it... maybe that's what these hallucinations are, dormant memories."

Sunset avoided eye contact as while she wanted to calm down for Flutterhsy's sake, she still was feeling resentment towards Celestia, both at this new revelation and her old wounds at separating from the princess opening back up. Celestia let out a slight tear as she said, "I deserve that... and far worse. Sunset I know I made a lot of mistakes in your upbringing... shielding you from truths I thought you couldn't handle as if I was your mother and yet acting entirely professional with you in person... you needed things that I had no idea on how to provide."

"Maybe you could have asked," mumbled Sunset as she looked towards her, any fear she had from the royal now melted away as the last few pieces clicked into place. She thought, "So that's why she never fully treated me like her own, she didn't adopt me because she wanted too... she just felt she needed too!"

Celestia looked down as she said, "Indeed... if I had the humility to admit I didn't know what I was doing we could have avoided so much..."

Sunset slightly perked up at that, as she suddenly felt a tear streak down her own face as her previous thoughts totally dissipated and she came to a new realization thinking, "When I left it hurt her just as much as it did me." She didn't much have time to dwell on that as Celestia then pulled the bag off her back and opened it as she said, "I was never the parental figure you needed... but perhaps I can help you find your real ones."

"What do you mean?" asked Sunset as she watched Celestia pull out a red folded up cloth. 

Celestia unfolded it revealing that it was a hooded cloak as she moved it towards Sunset and said, "This is what you where wrapped up in when I found you."

Sunset tentatively stood up and grabbed the cloak, quickly examining it before putting it on. The soft fabric felt understandably familiar and comforting as she briefly nuzzled her cheek on the side of the hood before siting back down as she looked over the cape saying, "This fits me perfectly... like this," as she suddenly had a look of shock as she realized what that meant.

Celestia nodded as she said, "While you may not have come from this world originally, it seems that the form you had in your home world was very similar to this one."

Sunset though on that for a while before saying, "That does explain a little... I remember feeling comfortable almost immediately when I got here, as if my body wasn't even different."

Celestia nodded as she said, "There's more," before reaching into the bag as she pulled out a chain necklace that had a large red gem stone fitted into a odd silver facet. The facet looked somewhat warped as if the one the forging it allowed it to cool in the basic jagged shape the metal fell in rather then molding it into something uniform. Sunset took the necklace as she put it on looking at the resplendent red stone, she turned it over it over in her hand gazing it the back and noticed it was oddly smooth compared to the rest of it, as if it had some kind of engraving that had been sanded off. 

Sunset was snapped out of those thought as Celestia spoke up saying, "I had the top gemologist analyze it in hopes of finding out something, anything about it... but it's unlike anything they had ever seen before or since."

Sunset chuckled as she said, "I guess it would be a long shot that Rarity would be able to tell me about it."

Celestia slightly smirked as she said, "It's good to hear your mood has improved." That smirk somewhat faded as she said, "This next item however... I'm not sure if jokes can be made about it." Celestia reached out into the bag and pulled out something that caused the more sensitive Fluttershy to flinch. Resting in Celestia's palm was what appeared to be an ornate black pistol. She quickly flipped it around handle first as Sunset gripped it and began examining it. Sunset was by no means a gunsmith but she could still notice a few oddities about this one. Firstly it's stylized curved handle was totally solid with no way to insert or remove a clip, secondly it's solid black finish appeared to be impossibly shiny and smooth only interrupted by the last oddity, that being the word Jade carved into the side of it in cursive.

"As you can see there is no obvious way to load it, and while for safeties sake I don't recommend pulling the trigger now, in all my attempts it fired nothing.... I'd venture to say it was simply some sort of sculpture or perhaps even a toy, but this would suggest otherwise," said Celestia as she reached into her bag and pulled out the last and likely most important thing. 

Sunset sat the pistol on her table as she reached forward to grab the clearly old piece of paper. She hesitantly brought it to her face and began reading, "We're sorry we can't be their for you in person, but we can be with you in spirit. With this cloak you have the protection of your mother, with this necklace you have the treasure of your father, and finally with Jade you have the power of both of us, we love you Sunset Shimmer and we hope that wherever you are you're happy." Sunset found her eyes watering at that as she soon found herself being hugged to Fluttershy's chest as the tears began to flow freely. Sunset thought, "I... I now know my parents loved me and abandoned me because they had to and not because they wanted to... this should make me happy, so why does it just make this feel so much harder?" She tried to think on this further but couldn't as the tears began to increase. She only briefly noticed the warmth on her back as Celestia had joined in to try and comfort her. The three simply sat as Sunset let out a sadness she didn't even know she had.
> The Search Begins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was impossible to tell how long they had sat for, but it was long enough that Applejack had led the others back through the door, only to be taken aback by the sight of the two comforting the still sobbing Sunset. "Oh um... we can just come back later," said Applejack as she and other began to turn around.

"NO!" said Sunset as she quickly stood up. "I..." she said, before taking a calming breath and wiping her face as she said, "I'm good." She then quickly got down though and hugged Fluttershy and Celestia saying, "Thank you both for helping me with this."

"Anytime," said Fluttershy as she returned the hug.

"Of course my dear... friend," said Celestia as she thought, "Now more then ever I want to say dear daughter but I can't do that to her... not now when she has learned about her true mother and father." Celestia did her best to internalize those thoughts though as she stood up saying, "Now then, I have one more thing to give you before I go."

"You're leaving already?" asked Sunset.

Celestia sighed as she said, "I'm afraid so... as while Twilight has found a way to open the portal permanently using the journal as a tether, she only did so under the condition that I return of my own free will after I have helped you."

"Oh," said Sunset as she looked down slightly saddened, as she had finally made up with Celestia only to have to part from her again. If she had any tears left she would have let them out now.

Celestia let out a slight tear in her stead as she cleared her throat saying, "Now then... I wanted to provide you with all the notes Starswirl had taken of all the various worlds he visited with the mirror as while granted those would be a thousand years out of date they would at least be a start." She then groaned before saying, "Sadly though Starswirl had a nasty habit of thinking EVERYTHING he knew was common knowledge and thus only ever mentioned things like that in passing while talking about other things, a trait which he sadly passed onto his apprentice as well. So unfortunately I have no choice but to do this." Celestia then turned the messenger bag she had been carrying on its side as a seemingly impossible amount of books and scrolls began to fall out of it. 

As everyone watched in awe at the seemingly endless amount of papers finally ended, Celestia spoke up saying, "These are all the notes taken by Starswirl the Bearded and Clover the Clever after the portal was first created, be thankful I was able to narrow it down to this, otherwise I would have basically had to bring the whole library to you, both the public and forbidden section."

Sunset nervously laughed, less at the joke and more at the shear amount of work that lay before her as despite being a top student, she was more of a hands on learner rather then a book reader and this would be no easy task.

Celestia sighed as she said, "I suppose I should leave it to you then... but before I go." Sunset instantly found herself wrapped in another hug as Celestia continued saying, "Remember, the portals open all the time now, so if you need ANYTHING I can come right back and you can even come back to the castle if you want... I'm planning on having the mirror moved to your old room in Canterlot Castle for you... if you're ready for that of course."

Sunset gripped the hug tighter, honestly unsure if she was ready as she simply said, "Sounds good."

Celestia nodded, understanding the deeper meaning behind such simple words as she nodded before releasing the hug as she said, "Well then... it's good to know Sunset has many good friends here to help her though this time," as she glanced to the others before turning to Fluttershy specifically as she said, "Especially those so close to her heart."

Fluttershy blushed at this resulting in Celestia chuckling slightly before making her way towards the door as she said, "Well good luck my student... I hope you can find your answers soon." She quickly made her way out the door as the others simply stood for a moment.

The group stood in silence before Rarity spoke up saying, "I'm sorry dear but... what exactly is going on?"

Sunset sighed as she sat and leaned back on the couch saying, "Basically... I'm not actually from Equestria, my parents had to send me away for some reason and now I'm gonna comb through Starswirl's notes about other worlds in hopes of finding out what one I'm really from and... go from there." Sunset then paused in thought as she wasn't entirely sure where this would end up.

Those thoughts where interrupted though as Rainbow Dash broke the tension saying, "Whelp, I guess we better to work reading all this stuff."

Before she could reach the pile though, Sunset stood before her as she said, "Thanks girls, but I feel like this is something I should do myself... after all, the goal is to figure out which world I came from based around my hallucinations being dormant memories... and no offense but some of those hallucinations are things I doubt I'd be able to describe in a way you could understand."

"Well if... you're sure darling," said Rarity.

"Is there anything else we could do to help?" asked Pinkie Pie.

Sunset thought for a moment on that, before she was greeted by a large growl from her stomach as she said, "Maybe you can grab lunch... something big, now that I have a task for this I'm not so nervous anymore and my appetite is back with a vengeance."

The others briefly chuckled at that as Applejack checked her phone saying, "Shoot, it's noon already. I think we should all probably have some lunch, we'll head out to the pizza place and bring a couple back here."

Sunset's stomach once again growled as she said, "Get an extra large veggie lovers just for me... and I'll still probably eat slices from yours as well. Also grab a strawberry sundae from the dessert bar. Not sure if it's due to all these changes or just because I hardly ate anything yesterday but I can not exaggerate at how hungry I'm feeling."

Once again they chuckled as Rainbow Dash said, "You got it... if it turns out it's more then you can handle though, make sure to puke away from us."

Sunset let out a giggle of her own as she said, "You got it."

The others quickly headed out the door as she turned back to the couch and was greeted to the sight of Fluttershy still sitting there as she still had a slight blush on her face. Sunset didn't seem to notice that though as she said, "You could go with the others if you want too."

Fluttershy quickly shook her head as she said, "No, I'd like to stay. Even if I can't help with the reading I can at least be here for you... just in case."

Sunset smiled as she said, "Thanks... that means a lot." As she sat back down and opened the nearest scroll.

Fluttershy looked over as she asked, "So do you think you'll really have to read all of this?"

"Probably not, I mean this is clearly useless just a chili recipe that...." said Sunset as she suddenly stopped in disbelief.

"What?!" asked Fluttershy as she leaned over in concern.

Sunset repeatedly read it in disbelief before saying, "At the end of this long winded multi paragraph recipe that goes into excruciating detail about how much red pepper too add to maintain the flavor without over powering the cumin... he basically wrote 'oh and by the way I learned this from an alternate universe Sombra that was king of Canterlot, but whatever'." 

Fluttershy's jaw dropped as she said, "Oh my... are... are you sure you don't want any help reading all this?"

Sunset simply sighed as she said, "Sadly it looks like that isn't even an option," as she handed the scroll to Flutteshy who took it and was instantly greeted by seemingly, and technically, alien symbols as Sunset continued saying, "It appears as though Starswirl had his head firmly stuck up his own flank as he wrote everything in old ponish rather then the common writing language, which is coincidentally the common language of this part of the world but that's not something I want to get into right now."

She then sighed as she sat back down saying, "Well this is gonna be a long night."


As the trio walked through the dimly lit streets one of them spoke up saying, "Why are we going this way Adagio?"

Adagio turned back to the purple girl as she groaned and said, "Because that magic burst we saw was over a school, which wouldn't exactly be open this time at night, especially on a Friday and even if it was we need the students around to try and get information out of them. So for now we need to be focusing on finding a place to stay and if my memory is right there should be a good hotel just down this road."

"Whatever," said Aria as she rolled her eyes and they continued on.

The third girl skipped slightly behind the others as she began tracing the wall of the building they where walking past with her hand, trying to ignore the bickering of the others. Soon however she found herself in a dead stop as she caught a smell of something coming from the door in front of her, something familiar yet different. She took in a deep breath letting whatever it was fill her as her gem began to glow and she thought, "This is just... wow! Like magic but with something else thrown into the mix it's.... positively intoxicating." As Sonata smiled warmly she absorbed this energy as the red of her gemstone intensified and began to spread towards her eyes, it was at that point her hand still on the door began to flicker and change, said change though was quickly interrupted by a yell.

"SONATA! HURRY UP!" called back Adagio from the front of the crowd.

This snapped the girl back to reality as she said, "Hey Adagio I smelled-"

She was soon interrupted though as Aria said, "I don't care if you spied a cheap taco truck, we can get better tacos from hotel room service anyway."

"Tacos!" said Sonata excitedly as she jogged to meet the others, quickly forgetting about the door or what she smelled coming from it as her eyes faded back to their usual color, yet the gem continued to glow unnoticed.


Once they where out of sight though, that door opened up as Applejack said, "Are you sure you're cool with us leaving... we can stay another night."

"No it's fine... you've already done enough, besides you should probably get a change of clothes and a shower and stuff. We can pick this back up tomorrow, thankfully it'll be Saturday so we won't miss any more school.... and I'll have more time to look at all this," said Sunset as she leaned back with a groan.

"Oh if you need a good distraction, you should try and get a beat on your sweet new powers," said Rainbow Dash as she smiled. The others looked at her as she said, "What, the're awesome so far, besides maybe understanding them can help figure out where she's from, like she might a read a thing saying that a world has creatures that can do the stuff she can."

"Hum, that's actually more thought out then I expected," said Rarity.

Rainbow looked at her annoyed as Sunset giggles before saying, "Actually I think I have some idea on how they work... kind of." Sunset then stood and focused her mind on something that would make her angry, causing her hand to begin to glow, "This seems to change whenever I feel threatened in some way, or just have a goal in mind that it can help with, like with grabbing things at a distance." As a way of demonstrating Sunset used it to grab the nearest book off the table. She then sat it on the couch next to her saying, "And I noticed how it turned back to normal when I grabbed Fluttershy's arm so," she then used it to grab her non glowing arm causing it revert to normal as she said, "It looks like I can turn it turns off on instinct whenever I'm holding something important to me, or when I've completely calmed down like when she stroked by back... so until I figure out how to use it better that should do."

"AWESOME!" said Rainbow Dash as she beamed at the demonstration.

The others seamed to echo that while Fluttershy moved to the side blushing as she thought, "Did she just say I'm important to her!?"

Applejack stepped forward saying, "Well... if you're sure you'll be OK... I guess we'll see you tomorrow then."

Sunset smiled and gave a thumbs up as she said, "You got it, though don't put yourselves out, if only a few can visit that's fine, you all have to get back to your own lives eventually after all."

The others all nodded at that and said their goodbye's as they went out the door and began getting in the van to be dropped off at their respective homes. Sunset waved as they pulled away before moving back over to her couch, at which point she noticed the book she had grabbed wasn't any of Starswirl's, rather it was something much better. Sunset looked over the cover of the Good Witch Azura book as she said, "Well... I could use a break from the research, and this does seems like it could be something good to unwind with." Sunset then cracked open the book to the first page saying, "I'll just read a little before bed," as she began to read and soon found herself entrapped by a world of magic and wonder as she eagerly flipped to the next page.
> Research
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset awoke to a banging sound as she opened her eyes and took in her surrounding. She soon realized she was still on the couch with the Good Witch Azura book draped on her lap. As she took a moment to collect herself she heard the banging noise again and realized it was a knock on her door as she got up to answer, only to quickly turn back around and make sure she had a book mark in place as not to forget where she was, and then went back towards the door. As she opened it and was greeted to a familiar pink haired girl on the other side. "Hey Fluttershy," she said with a yawn before saying, "I didn't oversleep or anything did I?"

Fluttershy blushed as she said, "Um no, it's still kind of early, I just finished feeding all my animals sooner then usual and was a little worried about you... I'm sorry if I woke you up."

Sunset simply shrugged as she said, "It's fine, I ended up passing out on the couch reading anyway so it's not like it was the best sleep to begin with."

Fluttershy gasped slightly as she came in saying, "Oh my, you spent that long looking for information?"

Sunset now had a blush of her as she scratched her head nervously saying, "Actually I was checking out the novel Camila recommended... and yeah, I see why her daughter loves it so much."

Fluttershy calmed down as she began chuckling slightly as the two sat down and she said, "Oh, well I'm glad you like it."

Sunset perked up slightly as she said, "Oh my gosh it is so good! The setting, the story, the characters was just AHHH! YESS!"

Fluttershy smiled at seeing this enthusiasm as she said, "I'll have to check it out too then."

"You definitely should but... oh," said Sunset as she looked away in thought.

"What?" asked Fluttershy.

"Well... I do have a slight complaint but I'm debating if I should tell you or not," she sat for a moment before shrugging as she said, "Ah screw it, it's not really a spoiler anyway since... OK so it's painfully obvious that this one girl Hecate has a crush on Azura and Azura doesn't seem to notice AT ALL! And it's just like, how can someone be that dense you know!?"

Fluttershy seemed to blush a little more as she nervously laughed saying, "Yeah seriously."

"So anyway, have you had breakfast?" asked Sunset as she started walking towards the kitchen. 

Fluttershy shook her head no as she said, "I always feed the animals before I eat."

Sunset chuckled at that saying, "I figured, well hope you're OK with cereal since I suck at cooking." As Sunset walked though she suddenly found herself stumbling as she had to stop and brace herself.

"Are you alright!?" asked Fluttershy as she bolted next to her.

Sunset panted slightly as she said, "I suddenly feel a little light headed." 

Fluttershy thought for a moment before saying, "Did you take your pill?"

Sunset shook her head no saying, "It's on my nightstand."

Fluttershy nodded as she ran up the stairs while Sunset sat back down and did her best to stay calm. She noticed her hand begin to glow as she quickly grabbed it saying, "No... stay calm, doing that seems to take up some energy and if it happens you could burn through too much and pass out again."

Quickly Fluttershy made it back to her as she handed her a pill and the water bottle that was next to it as Sunset quickly popped it in her mouth and swallowed it with a swig. She shook herself as she instantly started to feel good again saying, "Well the good news is, we now know for sure the pills work and it's not just coincidence I got better."

Fluttershy seemed less flippant about this as she sternly said, "Yes but you need to make sure this doesn't happen then," She then grabbed the pill bottle as she said, "You should set a daily alarm to make sure you remember to take it, as well as a monthly alarm to make sure you always get the prescription refilled." She then popped the lid off the bottle as she poured two into her hand saying, "And you should always make sure to carry a few with you, that may if somehow you do forget or just feel otherwise weak again you can take it real quick."

"Um, thanks," said Sunset as Fluttershy popped the pills into her hand. "I'll be sure to get one of those small plastic containers for them but in the meantime I'll just keep them in a dice pouch of something."

Fluttershy nodded as she, "Good," she then walked over to the kitchen saying, "Now then, I'm gonna make us both breakfast."

"You don't have to do that-" began Sunset but she was quickly interrupted.

"Now now," began Fluttershy as she opened the cabinets and pulled out both several pans and a pink apron with hearts on it that Sunset didn't even know she owned as she continued saying, "You need to rest, besides after eating all that pizza and ice cream yesterday you need a properly cooked meal."

"Well OK, thanks again," said Sunset as she leaned back on the couch and watched as Fluttershy grabbed various things from her fridge as she said, "Just don't do this too often, you're gonna make me feel like your lazy girlfriend who sits around all day while you cook and clean."

A sudden bang was heard as Fluttershy had sat the frying pan on the stove a bit too hard as she blushed severely and nervously laughed at Sunset's joke saying, "Your girlfriend ha ha."

Sunset chuckled herself, simply chalking up Fluttershy's red cheeks to the heat of the stove as Fluttershy poured herself into working to try and clear her head. Sunset too wanted to busy herself as she began reaching for the Good Witch Azura book before thinking better of herself as she thought, "I should save that for later, use it for my reward for getting through some of this mountain of paperwork." She then reached over towards the pile and grabbed a random one, this time a journal of Clover the Clever as the thought, "Her writing is at least somewhat tolerable, I mean she sadly did pick up her mentors bad habits and big ego but at a somewhat lesser, probably because she actually had friends if the Hearthswarming play is to be believed."

Several minutes passed as Fluttershy cooked and Sunset read. Soon though the silence was broken as she said, "Hmm, this is kind of interesting. Apparently Clover the Clever banished an artifact called the Memory Stone to another world."

"Oh," said Fluttershy as she flipped an omelet saying, "What does the Memory Stone do?"

Sunset continued reading as she said, "Erases or alters memories mainly... though Clover did theorize it could be used to bring back long forgotten ones as well."

"Hmm," said Fluttershy as she moved the omelet to a plate and started pouring some milk saying, "And what kind of world did she send it to?"

Sunset became slightly deflated as she said, "It doesn't say so either that info is written somewhere in a round about way, like a lot of stuff in here, or she was ridiculously irresponsible and sent it to a totally unknown world."

Fluttershy walked over with two plates before turning back to the kitchen to grab two glasses as she said, "I'm hoping it was the former."

"Me too, though I wouldn't the put latter past her especially given her mentor seemed to do that tossing some magical creatures called Sirens in another world thinking it would be cool just because he couldn't sense any magic there," said Sunset somewhat chuckling as she thought, "Man I kind of want to talk to this Twilight about this, either to see her nerd crush on Starswirl absolutely shatter, or see what insane logic she uses to try and defend him." Before she could dwell on that though she looked down at the meal before her. The perfectly fluffy golden omelets that seemed to call to her as she stared at them, mouth beginning to water. "Wow! These look so good."

Fluttershy slightly blushed at the compliment as she placed the milks down saying, "Thank you... I just hope they taste as good as they look."

Sunset nodded as she grabbed a fork and took a bite, upon doing so she dropped the fork saying, "No... they don't taste that good."

"Oh..." said Fluttershy as she hung head down briefly.

She prepared to say more but was interrupted as Sunset had her right arm glow as she used it to pick the fork back up saying, "IT'S EVEN BETTER!" As she scarfed it down like a wolf.

Fluttershy stared at this scene before chuckling as she said, "I'm glad you think that," as she watched her though a question began to form in her mind as she said, "Um hey Sunset?"

"Hmm," said Sunset as she licked the plate clean before finally noticing her glowing arm as she said, "Oh," before grabbing it with her none glowing arm causing it to return to normal.

"No... not that," said Fluttershy as she simply thought for a bit saying, "If anything it's good that you're starting to casually use it like that, it is a part of you after all."

Sunset looked down at her hand as she said, "Yeah... I guess so," still a little uneasy about it.

"I was just wondering... why don't you eat everything like how you eat the apples?" asked Fluttershy.

Sunset opened her mouth to respond, then paused as she said, "I'm... not sure exactly. I mean, I know I do it with the apples because it's so easy to cough a pellet back up with the core, but I can't really say how I figured that or remember off hand what other foods I do it with."

Fluttershy tilted her head at Sunset's choice of words as she repeated, "Pellet?"

Sunset simply nodded as she said, "Yeah, that's what they look like, I wouldn't mind showing you but I don't really have any apples on hand."

Fluttershy thought on that before pulling out her phone as she quickly scrolled through a few things before showing Sunset a picture as she asked, "Does it looks like this?"

Sunset blinked as she said, "Yeah... almost exactly, but how did you get this picture?" 

Fluttershy then scrolled over to the next picture showing an owl as she said, "This is an owl pellet that Owlicious here coughed up." 

"An, owl pellet," said Sunset as she thought about this for a moment before saying, "I highly doubt my parents where owls but that could at least be a lead." She then leaned over and gave her a hug saying, "Thanks for that, and everything you've been doing for me during all this. You're a really good friend."

Fluttershy blushed slightly as she awkwardly patted Sunset's back saying, "Yeah... friends," before Sunset could pick up on this though a new knock at the door gave Fluttershy an excuse to stand up as Sunset soon followed. 

The two got to the door where they saw Applejack standing on the other side as she said, "Hey Fluttershy, Sunset you should probably get changed."

Sunset looked down as she was still wearing the cloak and necklace over the top her pajamas, reluctant to take those off as she said, "Why?"

"I remember you saying before how you learn more by doing then reading, so I set up a little something for you... you can keep the cloak and necklace if that's what you're worried about but you should probably put on some jeans and a t shirt too... and just to be safe you should probably took your necklace in your shirt, the first place we're going to isn't exactly in the nicest part of town... oh and grab that Jade gun." 

Sunset blinked saying, "Um, how bad of a part of town is this?"

Applejack blushed slightly as she said, "NO! I didn't mean it like that just... you'll see when we get there."

Fluttershy and Sunset looked at each other for a moment, before the latter said, "Well... OK."


"AHHH! They call this a continental breakfast!" groaned Aria as she held up a stale waffle before reluctantly putting it on her plate. "We seriously couldn't have a better hotel?"

Adagio scowled as she said, "I didn't see you complaining when you parked yourself on that king sized silk sheet bed!" 

"Yeah, only to get the stink eye from you all night just because you had to sleep on the queen size one," said Aria as they moved forward across the open food bar, Aria now wishing it was another kind of open bar. 

"Well you should have asked before just taking the best bed in the suite!" said Adagio as she now glared at Aria.

Aria simply scoffed as she said, "Please, Sonata didn't complain and she just slept on a couch!"

It was at that point that Sonata finally spoke up saying, "WOULD YOU TWO JUST HURRY UP ALREADY!" 

The two of them had their jaws drop as it wasn't often they saw the blue girl get angry, and it never lasted too long either as she went flush slightly and said, "Sorry, I've just been a little on edge today for some reason, plus I really want to get to the make your own fruit punch juice bar before they run out of grape, because you know how grape is the corner stone of any good fruit punch."

The two backed up, still unnerved by the girls outburst as Adagio said, "Um, sure Sonata... how about you go ahead of us so you can make your punch while we pick our food."

Aria nodded at that as she said, "Yeah, and if it will help you be less cranky tomorrow you can have the big bed tonight... we should probably trade off each night anyway."

Sonata smiled as she said, "Oh yeah! Thanks girls," as she happily skipped down to the juice section. Just as the girls breathed a sigh of relief sadly too soon as they soon heard Sonata yell, "HEY! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?"

They turned to see a large muscle bound man with a nose ring turn to Sonata as he said, "Iron Will is getting his daily dose of vitamins," as he held up a glass of grape juice.

"That's fine, but it's a make your own fruit punch bar! You're not supposed to just take the whole pitcher of grape juice for yourself!" said Sonata.

Iron Will simply chuckled as he said, "Oh yeah little lady," he then approached her as continued saying, "And what exactly are you going to do to stop Iron Will?"

Sonata's rage began to increase as her gem once again glowed brighter, and her eyes where soon to follow after. "THIS!" cried out Sonata as she raised her arm and too the shook of everyone involved it too briefly glowed red before totally shifting as suddenly it had claws on the end of each finger, her skin was replaced with blue scales, and finally there was a dark blue fin running along the length of it. They barely had time to take in its appearance though since without warming Sonata picked Iron Will off the ground with just that one arm as she suddenly threw him clear across the room.

The other Sirens jaws dropped as they took in the scene, they ran up towards Sonata, thankful that no one else had taken part of this in this sham of a continental breakfast, as Adagio asked, "What was that!?" 

"How the hell did you turn your arm back into Siren form!?" asked Aria as she stared at the still out stretched appendage. 

Before she could answer though Sonata suddenly stumbled as her arm quickly reverted to normal. She suddenly began rubbing her head as her eyes returned to normal as she said, "Wha-what happened?"

"That's what we want to know!?" asked Arai.

"Hold on," said Adagio as she got a closer look and saw Sonata's gem stone flickered for a bit before dimming back to normal. "Sonata, where did you absorb this energy?" 

Sonata blinked as she said, "I.. I don't really remember... it was last night when we where walking to the hotel," before stumbling once again.

Adagio, in a rare moment of concern for her youngest sister grabbed her arm as she said, "Come on, let's go back to the room."

As the two walked Arai said, "What about breakfast?"

Adagio scowled as she said, "Oh please you know this isn't the real meal anyway, besides," she the glanced down at Sonata remembering the intense power the girl had just a moment ago as she said, "It looks like there might be something even more appetizing here then even Equestrain magic," as she had a sly smile cross her face.
> Gunsmith
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Sunset got out of the van she looked at that small building before her and read the sign saying, ".45 Caliber Art Warks? What the heck is a warks?"

Applejack chuckled as she said, "That's a bit of a funny story, apparently Nico's grandmother spelled it wrong when she opened her first shop and it's been a family tradition to spell it that way ever since."

"Who's Nico?" asked Flutteshy as she got out and followed the two into the building.

Applejack simply smiled as she opened the door saying, "Only the best damn gunsmith this side a the world."

Sunset looked over to see a woman in glasses and wearing a belly cut yellow shirt and jean shorts suddenly look with a smile saying, "Don't you mean best damn gunsmith in the world," before letting out a chuckle as she said, "What's going on AJ, didn't expect to see you in here until hunting season."

"I'm good, I'm actually here to help out a friend here, you see it's a bit of a long story but my friend here found an old pistol and any information you could give her about it would be great," said Applejack as she gestured for Sunset to step forward.

She did so as Nico said, "Nice to meet you hon, the names Nico Goldstein, and might I say I like your look there."

Sunset briefly blushed as she began to feel somewhat shelf conscious about wearing this cloak out in public thinking, "Extra glad I tucked the necklace in my shirt, otherwise she'd probably think I was some kind of cosplayer... then again she's not exactly dressed sensibly either so that might not have been sarcasm... whatever." She then shook her head clear as she said, "Hi, I'm Sunset Shimmer," before pulling out the pistol as she said, "Anything you can tell me about this would be a big help."

Nico took the gun in her hand as she straitened her glasses saying, "Let's have a look see here." Upon seeing the basic shape of the gun and feeling it's odd weight distribution she thought, "Hmm, it almost looks like..." She then looked towards Sunset as she said, "You wouldn't happen to know a feller by the name of Tony Redgrave would you?"

Sunset cocked her head to the side as she said, "Not that I can remember though... why?"

She simply shrugged saying, "No real reason, just making conversation." Nico then looked the pistol over as she felt some slight notched and imperfections before let out a groan thinking, "No way in hell my granny could have made such a crappy thing, I knew it was only a matter of time before someone caught sight of a red cloaked gunslinger and made a knock off... or a toy?" she thought as she attempted to pull the clip out of the handle only to have nothing come out at all. 

She then pointed the gun at a nearby wall as Fluttershy became startled saying, "No wait!"

But Nico quickly pulled the trigger to absolutely no result, she then sighed as she turned the gun back to Sunset saying, "Sorry hon but it looks like you've been bamboozled."

"What do you mean?" asked Sunset as she put it back in her bag.

"Well, taint no way it can be real. Not only does it have no clip, it doesn't seem like it even has any mechanism inside of it, that's why there wasn't even a click when I pulled the trigger... even if it was real though I wouldn't trust it, doesn't seem like whoever made it didn't much now what they where doing, probably some idiot saw a fancy looking gun and figured he could make a copy," said Nico.

"Oh, that makes sense," said Sunset as she moved towards the door, "In that case I'll be going then."

Fluttershy soon followed after as Applejack briefly said, "Good seeing ya Nico and sorry wasting your time."

Nico simply shrugged as she said, "No trouble at all, and tell that Sunset girl if she ever wants to pack some real heat I'd be happy to help."

"Will do," said Applejack with a nod as she followed the girls out.

Nico then went back to working on some paper work as she mumbled, "Great, now I gotta worry about poor copies of my granny's master pieces coming through here. Still though that girl seemed nice enough and didn't mean any harm, walking in her with that poor imitation of Ebony and Ivory and her red cloak..." Nico trailed off at that before shrugging saying, "Nah, gotta be coincidence, after all no ones seen hide nor white hair of him in years," as she brushed the interaction to the side and went back to work.


Meanwhile the three where piling back in the van as Sunset said, "Um, AJ... you do realize this is probably a magic gun right? I don't think any Earth gunsmith would be able to tell us about it."

Applejack shrugged as she said, "I know, but I figured it was worth a shot... speaking of shots though, I do have another stop for that though."



As Sonata curled up in the King sized bed she yawned saying, "Thanks girls, I just felt tired all of a sudden."

"No problem, it was probably from sleeping on that couch all night," said Adagio.

Sonata yawned as she said, "Maybe," before quickly drifting off to a nap.

Adagio then exited the bedroom as she was greeted to Aria sitting on the couch saying, "How's she doing?"

"She doesn't seem to remember what she did or exactly where she got that power, and I doubt we'll be able to get any info retracing our steps... especially since it was so dark out and I don't fully remember what street we took," said Adagio as she sat on the couch next to her in thought.

Aria scoffed as she said, "So what? We get a peak at some power even better then Equestrian Magic and you just want to forget about it?"

Adagio scowled as she said, "I'm not saying that, I'm just saying we shouldn't go and charge ahead recklessly."

"So what then?" asked Aria as she rolled her eyes.

Adagio groaned at that before taking a slight calming breath as said, "Look, whatever street we where on was close to the school meaning that someone related to that energy, or even the source of it themselves must go there. So all we have to do is keep our noses peeled and we should get a hint of if."

Aria thought about this for a moment before saying, "I guess that makes sense, after all Sonata was able to do all that after just catching a whiff from the street."

Adagio smiled as she said, "Indeed, just think of what would happen if we could get even more," as she allowed her mind to think about bending this world to its knees, not with just her voice though, actually causing some real damage with her bare hands, and with that thought her smile only grew larger and more menacing.


Sunset stared at the tin cans sitting atop the fence as she said, "Really?"

Applejack simply shrugged as she said, "Well I figured you'd probably want some target practice with that thing to figure out how to use it."

"Yeah, but you heard Nico, it won't fire," said Sunset as she inspected the pistol and felt the Jade etched into the side of it.

"Yeah, but you said yourself that it's probably some kind of magic," said Applejack with a slight smirk.

Sunset winched at having her own words thrown back at her before sighing as she decided to take aim at one of the cans. She let out a cool breath before pulling the trigger, to no avail. She repeatedly tried again and again but nothing seemed to happen. She then looked at the thing as she said, "Maybe this is a toy."

It was then that Fluttershy spoke up saying, "Um, I have an idea?"

"What is it sugarcube?" asked Applejack.

"Well, maybe you should try it with your arm transformed," said Fluttershy.

"Hmm, it's worth a shot," said Sunset as she called up a little anger and made her hand glow, instantly they saw that Fluttershy was onto something as the blue left Sunset's hand and flowed into the bottom of the handle as if it was loading it before a symbol suddenly appeared on the side of it.



The group simply stared for a moment before Sunset smiled saying, "Right again Fluttershy, you're really good at figuring out this stuff."

Fluttershy blushed as she said, "Well I'm just trying to help is all," and nervously brushed her hair to the side.

Sunset nodded at that before turning back to the can as began to take aim. In doing so she noticed a strange turn of events as the world around her seemed to slow down to a crawl. As odd as it was though for some reason it felt right to her as she pulled the trigger and watched what looked like a compressed blue flame sail towards her target, only to burst on impact as the can caught on fire, but so did the fence post it was sitting on. "OH GEEZE!" said Sunset as the world around her returned to normal speed.

"Don't worry, it shouldn't spread," said Applejack in mild panic as she watched the other worldly blaze, honestly unsure of what it would do.

Sunset however simply looked as she tried to think of a way to put it out, before glancing down at Jade as she thought, "If only this could shoot water or something." Then as if on que a darker blue glow flowed from her hand to the clip as the symbol began to change.



Without thinking she fired the gun at the burning post and watched as it let out what appeared to be some kind of glowing shard of ice, that quickly froze over the enter thing. Sunset let out a sigh of relief that was quickly followed by the others.

"Well then, now we know it works," said Applejack with a chuckle.

"How did you do that?" asked Fluttershy.

Sunset stared at the thing as she said, "I just thought about how I wanted something to put the fire out and it just... happened."

"Well that explains the magic... sort of," said Applejack as she scratched for a moment before saying, "But how did you hit the post twice like that? I wouldn't have pegged you as a gunslinger?"

"Actually I've never fired one before I just..." began Sunset before she simple shrugged saying, "Did it... honestly it almost felt like time slowed down as I began to pull the trigger and getting the proper aim was the easiest thing in the world."

The group stood there for a moment before Applejack said, "Well it looks like you don't need any target practice then, at least until I can figure out a special range for you to see what else that thing can shoot."

Sunset let out a chuckle as she put the gun away and turned her arm back saying, "Thanks Aj, that would be great," as the three boarded the van and the soon made it back to the apartment.


Sunset spent the rest of the day studying the papers to no avail and as she laid down in bed for the night she said, "Well another full days of reading and nothing really to show for it... honestly I get more out of talking to my friends about this stuff." She sighed as she curled up slightly feeling the soft cloak against her face, still reluctant to take it off, before pulling up the necklace to take a look at it saying, "These are really nice though, and Jade might be pretty useful, especially if I end up just having the go to other worlds for this and need to defend myself." She thought on that as she took in the slight sparkle of the gem stone before drifting off to sleep.
> Fashion and Music
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Sunday morning rolled on in, Sunset was honestly surprise to wake up at a reasonable hour as no one had come to wake her up early. She took her pill and then quickly went down stairs and made herself some microwave waffles before sitting back to reading the notes, all the while with a groan as she mumbled, "Why does this have to be so hard, maybe I should have asked Twilight to come through and help, I bet she could read it all and write me a detailed essay in under a day... then again she has such a nerd crush on Starswirl that her essay would probably be longer then all this somehow so maybe that's not the best idea."

Just as she was thinking about this though she was greeted to a knock at her door as she went over and greeted those at the door saying, "Oh hey Rarity, Rainbow Dash," before noticing a particular absence as she said, "Where's Fluttershy?

"Oh, she said she had something to take care of today," said Rarity.


As Fluttershy scribbled in her notebook the words, "good friend" repeated in her head as she began writing saying, "I may not have the courage to tell Sunset directly how I feel, but maybe this musical showcase is a good time to sing it." once again she heard those two words as she scratched what she was writing before starting over saying, "I just gotta make sure it's extra clear."


Sunset shrugged as she said, "That makes sense, she has been here pretty much all day everyday," she then gestured for them to come in saying, "So what can I do for you two today?"

"Oh, well I figured I could look over that cloak of yours and see if I can find out anything... and all though you said it's probably a waste of time, it couldn't hurt for me to inspect that necklace as well," said Rarity.

"Sure that makes sense," said Sunset as she reached out to grab the cloak and necklace, only to hesitate.

"What is it deary?" said Rarity.

"Well it's just... aside from when I shower I haven't really taken these off since I got them," said Sunset.

"Oh... well I can assure you I'll be careful dear," said Rarity.

Sunset turned her head down as she sighed saying, "I'm sure you will but I just..." before trailing off.

Rarity placed her hand on her saying, "Darling I understand, these are gifts from your parents after all and you feel uncomfortable being away from them even for a second." Sunset nodded as Rarity said, "Well if that's the case I can always just look at them later."

Sunset thought about that before letting out a sigh as she reluctantly pulled off the cloak saying, "No it's fine, I trust you... and besides I can't exactly wear the cloak to school, the necklace sure but not the cloak."

As Rarity took said cloak in hand she said, "Why ever not deary?"

"Well... I mean for starters Trixie would probably go off saying I'm copying her style," said Sunset.

Rainbow Dash chuckled as she said, "Yeah Trixie can be a little crazy about that stuff, one time I was out in the sun a bit too long and she accused me of being a darker blue then her on purpose and plopped in a tanning bed to try and change it."

Rarity let out her own chuckle as she said, "Oh I remember that, though by the end she was more red then blue," 

The three let a slight laugh out at the memory before Sunset grew serious again saying, "More then that though... people already look at me weird enough right now, I don't want to add another thing to the pile, especially since it might make them tease you all for hanging out with me." 

"Oh darling no," said Rarity as she placed a hand back on her giving a comforting look as she said, "You shouldn't think like that."

"Yeah who cares what a few dicks have to say about you or us anyway," said Rainbow Dash with a shrug.

Rarity had her hung down in thought for a moment before saying, "Normally I don't approve of such crude language but in this context... dicks is far too generous a word to describe people like that."

Sunset's seriousness broke through into a chuckle at hearing both the encouragement, and just how odd it was to hear Rarity talk like that as she said, "I guess... I still would feel weird about it though," said Sunset as she handed the necklace over to Rarity.

Rarity smiled as she said, "Well I at least recommend you bring the cloak in your hand bag so you can put it on if you change your mind." She turned away and seemed to have a slightly nervous smile as she said, "And besides, I feel like the students might surprise you next time you see them."

As Sunset prepared to ask about that, Dash suddenly stepped between them saying, "And while she's doing that stuff, I want to check out some of the stuff your cool glowy hand can do."

Sunset stepped back as she said, "I'm not so sure about that, remember the fire ball I shot."

Rainbow simply waved her hand as she said, "Pffthh, firstly that was awesome, secondly," she then reached into her bag and pulled out several balls as she said, "I just figured we could try and work on that whole long range grabbing thing, how about I throw these balls in the air and you try and catch them."

Sunset thought on that for a moment before seeing the pleading look on Rainbow's face as she let out a chuckle saying, "Alright.. that actually sounds kind of fun anyway."

"OH YEAH!" said Rainbow as she pumped her fist in the air excitedly.

Rarity simply rolled her eyes as she laid the cloak and necklace out flat on the table and began getting her examination equipment out of her hand bag.

Sunset simply smirked as she focused her mind and made her right hand begin to glow as Rainbow readied the first ball saying, "Alright here we go," as she gently lobbed it above her head resulting in Sunset reaching out an etheral hand, catching it with ease.

Sunset chuckled as she said, "If you really want to test me, you're gonna have to do better then that."

Rainbow smirked as she said, "Oh that was just a warm up, try this on for size!" Without warning Rainbow tossed several balls in the air at once. Sunset stared at them as everything began to look like it was slowing down just like it did when she was using her gun, taking advantage of it she reached out and grabbed all the balls before sitting them on the table.

As Rainbow stared in disbelief she let another smirk form on her face as she said, "Alright, you got speed down but how about distance." This time she only tossed two balls up but in radically different directions as they sailed up three feet apart from each other. Even with the world appearing to slow down, Sunset knew she couldn't get both in time and without thinking she split the distance reaching out for the dead center in between them. To her and Rainbow's shock though a much larger hand shot out of her own grabbing the two balls into its grip. Sunset stared at the large clinched fist in disbelief before moving it back towards her as it shrunk down to normal size placing the balls in her hand like always.

"That was... AWESOME!" said Rainbow as she now stood in front of Sunset excitedly.

Sunset let out a surprised huff as she said, "Yeah," before glancing at her hand as she said, "Didn't know it could do that." 

As she glanced at the hand she casually wondered, "I wonder what else you can do."

As if on cue Sunset suddenly saw an image of the hand bigger then her apartment as a voice called out, "THIS HAND WAS MADE FOR SENDING GUYS LIKE YOU BACK TO HELL!" 

She lurched back at the vision and voice as Rainbow Dash went from excited to concerned as she said, "Woah girl... you OK?"

Sunset stammered for a moment before saying, "Ye-yeah, I'm good.... heart rate must have got too high from the excitement is all."

"Dang... I thought it was just stress that triggered it?" said Rainbow.

"Technically it's happened whenever my heart rate get's really high up in general but the visions are always worse when I'm stressed... this though was different," said Sunset as she calmed herself turning her hand back.

"In what way?" said Rainbow Dash.

"Well it... it showed my hand, or at least one that looked like it growing absolutely massive and said something about sending guys back to hell... it was almost like it was answering my question about what else it could do," said Sunset in thought.

"Hmm," said Rainbow Dash unsure of what to say to that. She then simply put the balls back in her bag as she said, "Well maybe we should take a break."

"Good idea," said Sunset as she smirked.

The two then turned back to Rarity as she was looking over the cloak intently, seemingly not even noticing what was going on. 

"Um Rares?" asked Rainbow Dash as she soon plopped down next to her.

At the sudden motion Rarity looked up spying Sunset as she said, "Oh perfect timing, I actually found out something you might like."

"Really?" asked Sunset as the questions melted away at this new development. 

"Indeed, firstly I'm sad to say Celestia was right, I was unable to find a gem like what this one is... though I must say it is gorgeous. Secondly while the fabric is not recognizable look at the stitching on it," said Rarity as she showed it to Sunset.

Sunset bent down and looked at it... not sure exactly what she supposed to see as she raised an eyebrow looking at Rarity as she said, "Um... what am I supposed to be seeing here?"

Rarity pointed at the stitches as she said, "Look at the mild differences in the spacing, and slight frays here and here... this is hand made Sunset. This isn't just something your mother gave you... she made it for you."

Sunset's eyes widened as she held the cloak in hand again and slipped it back on, now glancing down at with much greater appreciation as she imaged the pained needle pricks of making a garment, her eyes slightly watered as she smiled saying, "You know what... you girls are right, to hell with anyone else, I'm wearing this and my dads necklace tomorrow and everyday from now on!"

"HELL YEAH!" said Rainbow Dash as she jumped up.

"Well said," said Rarity with a nod.


Once again the day seemed to tick by like normal from there on, with Sunset looking over some more papers, and reading more of Good Witch Azura, before plopping into bed.
> Dazzling Demons
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A loud noise, that was what Sunset was greeted to as she woke up and whether it be on instinct or from her practice session the day before, she activated her glowing right arm and gestured it to the side, grabbing the source of the offending noise. Her eyes went wide for a moment as she realized said offending object was her own alarm as she blushed slightly with a chuckle saying, "Guess it has been a few days since I was woken up by this instead of a knock at the door or something." Sunset slowly sat the clock back down as she did her best to calm herself as the arm stopped glowing. "There we go, if I really want to control this thing I need to try and turn it off with my mind as much I can instead of just grabbing something."

She then stretched before becoming startled again by another noise, this time she thankfully only looked towards it as she sighed saying, "And there's the alarm reminding me to take my  medication," as she silenced it before taking a pill and heading down stairs as she quickly grabbed some frozen waffles and popped them in microwave before letting out a slight groan as she said, "Next time Fluttershy stops by I gotta ask her to make some extra omelets for me to reheat later... or I suppose I could ask her to teach me how to make them," she paused in thought for a moment before shaking her head saying, "Nah, no way I could make anything that good." 

She soon got to work eating her mediocre food before heading back up stairs as she quickly removed her pajamas she put on her street clothes with the cloak and necklace over top as she glanced at herself in the mirror. She cocked her head slightly before doing something she'd almost never done, buttoned up her leather jacket as somehow the red cloak over top the black with the red yellow and white of hair, finally complemented by the necklace seemed to all go together in the best way. She smiled as she said, "Hum, not bad," before glancing down at her orange skirt as she said, "Mostly..." she then trailed off as she looked in the closet saying, "For some reason I feel like either a red dress skirt or black leather pants would look best... neither of which I own so I guess jeans and leather boots will have to do."

She quickly changed again before taking her look in as she said, "There we are... don't know when I suddenly became a fashion snob but this just feels... right." She then nodded towards herself before grabbing her bag and heading out on her bike. 


As Sunset entered the school building she expected to see the usual glares from everyone that she typically got, what she didn't expect though was the students to all give her soft looks and gentle waves as she passed by. As she looked around at them all she was suddenly greeted by a familiar voice say, "Um Sunset."

She turned towards the voice as she took grey girl before her saying, "Um... hi Octavia, what's up?"

"Well I..." she said as she looked away for a moment in shame saying, "I just wanted to say sorry for how I treated you the other day and I'm happy to see you back at school." She then reached into her bag before she pulled out some tupperware saying, "And here, you should have some of this spagheti, it always makes me feel better."

"Wow, thanks," said Sunset as she smiled at that and took the container, though it was slightly tapered by how out of nowhere this seemed.

"No problem, and if there's anything else I can do let me know," said Ocatvai as Sunset nodded before walking off. 

Quickly she caught sight of Rarity going through her locker as she ran up to the girl, Rarity quickly caught sight of her as she looked away saying, "Oh Sunset, good to see you... lovely day isn't it?"

"Yeah, a little too lovely since all the students seem to be treating extra nice," said Sunset.

"Oh, well that's good isn't it?" said Rarity as she laughed awkwardly.

"Yeah, they sure surprised me just like you said they would... care to explain why that is?" said Sunset.

'Well um," began Rarity before sighing as she said, "When you passed out the other day and we had to carry you to the van a couple of other students saw us and one thing led to another, a rumor started going around that you weren't eating or sleeping enough due to the stress of everyone being rude to you and we... never really bothered to correct them."

"So... the're being nice to me out of guilt and pity?" asked Sunset.

"Fraid so," said Rarity.

Sunset glanced around taking in the looks of everyone around her as she shrugged saying, "You know I should be mad about that but it's honestly a pretty big step up for me."

Rarity smiled as she let out a relieved sigh and said, "Well I'm happy you feel that way, well regardless I'm happy to see you here and I'll see you in class soon."

"Sure thing," said Sunset with a nod as she turned and began walking to her own locker, only to see a familiar yellow girl standing in front of it. She smiled saying, "Hey Fluttershy, how's it going?"

Fluttershy seemed to blush as she said, "Oh... um real good and oh, here," she then stepped aside and let Sunset into her locker.

As she opened it and began putting her stuff away she asked, "Is everything alright?"

"Oh, of course I was just wondering... you're coming to the Musical Show Case tomorrow right?" asked Fluttershy.

"Of course, I'm super excited to see you girls perform, plus since we took finals two weeks ago it's pretty much the only reason to come to school," said Sunset as she cracked a smile.

Fluttershy had her own smile at that as her blush intensified. She began saying, "That's good, because I've been working on this new song and-"

Before she could finish a voice rang over the intercom saying, "Sunset Shimmer you are needed by the entrance to welcome some new students, repeat Sunset Shimmer to the entrance to welcome new students."

Sunset scratched her head as she said, "Oh, guess I forgot I signed up to be student ambassador, didn't think anyone would enroll at this point in the semester either but I guess they just wanted to familiarize themselves with the school before starting in the fall." 

"Ye-yeah," said Fluttershy somewhat deflated.

"Oh, don't worry I'm sure this won't take long, I'll see you later," said Sunset as she headed off.

"Yeah, see ya," said Fluttershy slightly pouting as she thought, "Spend the day working up the courage to talk to her only to be interrupted.... well I suppose that's why I wrote the song," as she clutched her music journal to her chest before heading off.


As Adagio walked through the doors with her sisters flanking her, she briefly glanced back saying, "You sure you're good Sonata?"

The girl in question gave a salute and a smirk as she said, "I'm A-OK, thanks again for giving me the big bed and bringing me food yesterday."

Aria was about to snark on this, only to remember how the blue girl threw someone three times her size into a wall as she said, "It was no sweat, you'd do the same for any of us if we felt off."

Sonata smiled even harder at that as she said, "You bet! I just hope I can help you find this energy stuff to help pay you all back, that and..." suddenly her smile turned slightly darker as she said, "It felt REALLY good when I had it!"

Just as quickly as it turned dark though, it went back to innocent, which only served to unnerve the others further as they turned their attention forward as Adagio said, "Yeah... anyway I think I see our guide coming here," as she pointed towards the approaching girl.

"What's with the cloak, what she rocking a little ride riding head look or something?" said Aria.

"I think it looks nice," said Sonata as her innocent smile persisted.

As the girl appeared to wave to them they briefly noticed her arm start to flicker before she suddenly ducked behind a group of lockers.

The three blinked in disbelief before Adagio said, "Well well, looks like we may have caught a lucky break."


As Sunset stared at her glowing arm she did her best to calm down as she tried to get it to stop, only for the glow to intensify. She tried grabbing it with her other hand only for nothing to happen as she shook it saying, "What is with you?!"

Once again she heard the voice echo in her head as it said, "Without strength you can not protect anything... let alone yourself."

"And what does that mean?!" Sunset whisper yelled at the appendage. But just as she felt like it might answer again, the glow of it began to fade before returning to normal. Sunset breathed a slight sigh of relief as unbeknownst to her, a red mist flowed from her to just on the opposite of the lockers.

Adagio, Sonata, and Aria breathed in this strange energy as they felt its new found strength fill them up, she briefly looked back at them as she saw Aria flex her hand like she wanted to try it out immediately where as Sonata seemed to have a sinister smile once again at having this power back. Now confident she could respond to this though she said, "Not now, that was just a taste and now that we know the source we need to tread carefully."

She then gave a look that said, "Follow my lead," before turning towards the girl now coming from behind the lockers as she said, "Are you alright sweetie?"

"Yeah, I'm good just... thought I saw a quarter," said Sunset as she let out a nervous laugh at the lie. She then waved her thankfully non glowing hand as she said, "Sunset Shimmer by the way, nice to meet you all."

"I'm Adagio Dazzle, and these are my sisters Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk," said Adagio as she gestured back at the two.

"What's up," said Aria.

"Nice to meet you," said Sonata.

"Oh, so you're all siblings?" asked Sunset.

"Technically we're triplets, but Adagio won't let anyone forget the order we where technically born in," said Aria as she looked at her nails.

"It's not my fault that those extra few seconds have apparently made me more mature," said Adagio with a smirk.

As Aria rolled her eyes, Sonata simply giggles while Sunset let out a smirk of her own thinking, "Yup definitely siblings," as her eyes where suddenly caught by something. She glanced down to see them all wearing matching red necklaces that seemed to glow for just the slightest moment as she looked up at them saying, "Guess that explains the matching necklaces."

On reflex Adagio suddenly held hers closer to herself before smiling as she said, "Yes well, they are something very precis to our little family." 

"Oh I understand, in fact I have something similar myself," said Sunset as she gestured to her own necklace. 

"Hum, how funny," said Adagio as she looked at it thinking, "Might be useful to know later." "Did your parents give that to you?"

Sunset briefly lurched as she simply said, "Yes."

Adagio smiled wider as she thought, "Oh, touched a nerve there... definitely useful."

The four stood in silence for a moment before Aria spoke up saying, "Anyway, shouldn't we get on with tour?"

"Oh, of course," said Sunset as she snapped back to reality and turned and led them down the hall. "There are a couple of classes along this hall, though since finals have all been taken care of it's pretty much all busy work, though a handful of cool teachers are playing movies," Sunset then leaned towards them as she said, "I'd be happy to point them out so you can duck out of the busy work classes and stop by, since you're all here to just familiarize yourself with the school I'm sure you could get away with it."

Sonata chuckled at that while the others simply smirked at it. Sunset continued saying, "Over there is the gym, and here's the library, OH!" She then stopped in front a poster saying, "Tomorrow we're having a Musical Showcase, I'm sure Principal Celestia can fit you in the line up if you're interested."

"A musical showcase you say," said Adagio as her face lit up at it.

"Yeah, do you three play anything?" asked Sunset.

"Not really," said Sonata.

"But we do sing from time to time," added Aria.

"Awesome, I'd love to hear it," said Sunset as she led on.

"And I'm sure it would be great to hear you as well," said Adagio.

Sunset briefly flinched as she said, "Actually I'm not in it."

"Oh," said Adagio as her smile turned more devious. "Why not, I mean you have a nice gruff to your voice that I know I'd love to hear."

Sunset slightly blushed at the complement as she said, "Thanks but.. I'm just happy to sit on the sidelines and support my friends."

"I see," said Adagio as she said, "Feeling like an outsider, clearly something going on with her family, and a necklace that coincidentally looks like ours... yeah I think I'm starting to figure out how this will go down."

Sunset didn't seem to notice anything wrong as she said, "And here's the principal's office, where you'll be getting your schedules, anyway I gotta head to class, Mrs. Cheerilee is gonna be showing The Little Witch Academia movie, but if you see me in the halls feel free to ask me any questions you might have."

"You got it," said Adagio as she and the other waved goodbye to the retreating Sunset.

"Are you sure it's good to let her walk away like that, I mean the source of this energy stuff right there and we're just letting her escape," groaned Aria.

"Not escaping, just giving her time while my plan gets in motion," said Adagio.

"And what plan is that?" asked Sonata.

"In due time sisters, for now let's play the principal a visit and see if we can't make this musical showcase a little more interesting," said Adagio as she led them into the room.
> Feeding
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Sunset made her way through the cafeteria she sat down and soon found herself interrupting a heated debate as Applejack said, "All I'm saying is, yes it's good they went back and dubbed it with the current cast, but you can still tell it's an ova that came before the series, I mean look at the way Diana acted!"

Rainbow scoughed as she said, "Please, that was the standard anime movie thing of bumping up personalities to give a quick intro of everyone, they did the same thing having Lotte do her spirit singing so often, and Susie dumping mushrooms in their potion."

"OK yeah... maybe that was a little much compared to the series, but still Diana was like a whole other person," said Applejack.

"She seemed fine to me," said Rainbow with a shrug as she turned to the newcomer saying, "What did you think Sunset?"

Sunset thought for a moment before saying, "Gonna have to go with Applejack on this one, yes it was still good but you can tell it isn't canon. Though I don't mind Diana being full on tsundere for Akko like she was, albeit it makes it extra hard to believe that Akko wouldn't notice she likes her." 

The others let out there own chuckles as Fluttershy slightly blushed saying, "So how was showing the new students around?"

Sunset shrugged as she said, "It went alright, they seemed nice enough and where interested in entering the Musical Showcase."

"Oh that's good, means we'll get to meet them soon," said Rarity.

"And I'll get to party with them Pre-Showcase Bash tomorrow!" said Pinkie excitedly.

Rainbow Dash shrugged as she said, "Eh, that is if they can enter that is. After all they gotta make sure to have plenty of time for the encores everyone will want after they hear my latest song."

"I thought we agreed to do my song," said Fluttershy with a pout.

"Yeah but," began Rainbow Dash before interrupted as the pout soon turned to a particular stare as she nervously chuckled saying, "Of course we're playing your song... sorry I forgot."

Fluttershy cut off her stare and smiled at that before munching on her salad. 

Sunset chuckled slightly as she reached for her own food, but the second she caught sight of her arm though she remembered what else happened with the new students as she sighed saying, "It wasn't all good news though, since it looks like I don't have as much control over my powers as I thought."

"What do you mean?" asked Applejack.

"I... don't know, right before I met those new girls it just started glowing on its own and I couldn't turn it off," said Sunset.

"Oh dear," added Rarity.

"Did it act like it was trying to tell you something like yesterday?" asked Rainbow Dash.

Sunset thought as she said, "Maybe... It said something about needing strength to protect myself."

"Well that doesn't sound good," said Pinkie as her hair deflated slightly.

"I mean, considering one of the things her parents gave her was a gun, I don't think this journey is going to be all peaches and cream," said Dash.

Sunset was just about to shrug and agree to that, when Fluttershy suddenly stood next to her saying, "DO YOU FEEL OK!? Did you remember to take your medicine!? Do you have some on you just in case!?"

Sunset backed up slightly as she said, "Oh well... firstly yes I feel fine, secondly also yes I took some today, and finally," she then reached into her pocket and pulled a small cloth bag saying, "I put two in here just in case like you said."

Fluttershy relaxed slightly as she said, "Well that's good then... although that bag doesn't seem the best place to keep it, it's going to get covered in lint." She then thought for a moment as she blushed before reaching into her pocket saying, "I was going to give you this later, but you should have it now." She then reached out
to Sunset holding a small plastic container with a butterfly shaped clasp.

"Wow... thanks," said Sunset as she took the case in her hand.

Before they could continue on though they suddenly heard the doors to the cafeteria open as they all turned to see the three new girls enter and begin singing



As the three sung the girls watched as the cafeteria descended into fighting and chaos. Meanwhile Sunset had to tuck her arm behind her back as it began to glow again, once the song was over though it stopped... only this time she started to feel weak after words. She briefly panted as she popped open her butterfly case and took one of the pills, instantly feeling better.

"Are you alright Sunset?!" asked Fluttershy in renewed concern.

"Yeah... I'm good," said Sunset as she sat back up and looked at those girls as they seemed to revel in the chaos before they sat down at a now empty table and began eating.

"What was up with them?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"And what did they do to everyone?" asked Pinkie as she looked around at the fighting youths before them.

"The... the Sirens," said Sunset as her breath calmed down and the realization dawned on her.

"The what?" asked Applejack.

"Those creatures you read about?" asked Fluttershy.

"Yeah, they supposedly sung enchanted songs that caused everypony to fight and fed off their negative energy," said Sunset.

As Applejack watched two students begin to push each other she briefly stood up to separate them before saying, "That certainly sounds like what's going on." 

"But how did some ancient Equistrian monsters end up here of all places?" asked Rarity.

"Starswirl banished them to another world... a world without magic," said Sunset as she realized what that meant.

"This world," said Fluttershy finishing her thought.

"Yup... I hate to say it but the brightest minds of Equestria may have used this whole world as a magic dump," said Sunset with a sigh.

"Well that's kinda concerning," said Applejack.

"Does that mean stuff like Big Foot and Loch Ness monster are real and from Equestria?" asked Pinkie somewhat excited.

"I wouldn't go that far," said Rarity. "Still though, that must have been such a long time ago."

"Over a thousand years ago," said Sunset.

"Damn, they look good for their age," said Rainbow, resulting in some glares from the others as she said, "WHAT!? I couldn't have been the only one thinking it!"

The others stared in silence for a moment as Pinkie simply shrugged before saying, "Eh, she's not wrong."

"Moving on though... why would they just show up now?" asked Rarity.

"I don't know," said Sunset before she stood up saying, "But I'm gonna find out." 

Before she could move any further though she suddenly found herself being stopped as she turned to see Fluttershy grabbing her and saying, "Wait!"

Sunset looked down at her as she said, "You saw what they did and how my hand started glowing... I think the're the threat it was trying to warn me about."

"Maybe, but whatever they did also seemed to take it out of you, can't exactly fight them if you pass out before you can get close to them," said Applejack.

Sunset paused at that as she said, "Maybe, but..." she soon trailed off as she saw Fluttershy's pleading eyes looking up at her as she sighed saying, "I guess I can let them go for now, at least until I can get home and read more about them."

Fluttershy smiled at that before returning to her food saying, "Maybe you should talk to Celestia or Twilight about it, after all you got enough on your plate trying to find out about your parents."

"Maybe," said Sunset as she began to eat while thinking this over.


The three girls simply sat at the table as Aria groaned saying, "God, I forgot how bad High School cafeteria food is in, this is why I swore I'd never come into one of these places after we got kicked out of Sunnydale." 

"You kidding!" said Sonata as she munched away at her plate of tacos saying, "THIS IS THE BEST!"

Aria rolled her eyes as she said, "So what's the deal Adagio? I mean sure we managed to get some more of that weird energy but we pretty much only did our usual thing."

Adagio winched as she said, "To the untrained eye yes, but to someone who actually has a brain in their head they'd know this is a scouting mission." She then pointed at the Sunset saying, "Firstly her hand was glowing right before we took the energy so that's where it must have come from, secondly right after we took it she looked like she was about to pass out before taking a pill so if we want to use her as a battery we'll have to make sure we don't drain her dry too quickly. Thirdly you see the girls around her?"

"What about them?" asked Aria.

"They seem nice," said Sonata.

"Exactly, they aren't fighting like the others meaning they where protected from our magic which means," said Adagio as she pointed at Aria.

Aria chuckled as she said, "So the Equestrian magic batteries are friends with her."

"Exactly, and I managed to do a little test of our new abilities," said Adagio as she parted her hair revealing that instead of a normal human ear, she had her large pointed Siren one.

"HEY! I thought you said not to use this stuff yet!" said Aria as a bit of red overtook her eyes.

"And I maintain that," said Adagio as she let a shimmer of red go across her head turning her ear back to normal as she said, "Which is why I only used a small amount, after all our hearing as Sirens was so much better then as humans and with that I picked up a little tid bit that will make our plan come to a head." Adagio then looked at Sunset with a smirk as she said, "So she's looking for family huh, well maybe she's already found one."
> Sister Sunset
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Sunset stood by her locker she looked at her journal thinking, "Should I tell Twilight or Celestia about this? I mean... I guess this is kind of big, and like they said I do have a lot of other stuff to worry about... but still though" as her thoughts dwelled on this she glanced to the side where she saw a familiar orange haired girl smirk at her before gesturing for hand for her to follow. She felt her arm twitch and start to shimmer as she said, "Well it looks like I might just have to deal with this now," as she followed after the girl.

Soon she found herself being led into a dark side hall as she caught sight of the other Sirens standing at the end of it looking at her. Adagio came to a stop just in front of them as she turned back to Sunset, that confident smirk never leaving her face.

Sunset glared back at her as she allowed her arm to fully transform and brought it to bear in front of her saying, "Alright I may not know why you're here but I know what you are and I'm not letting you hurt my friends!"

Adagio seemed undaunted by this display of power as she gave a look back to Sonata and Aria who gave quick nods in response as they began to slowly and silently inhale. Adagio then chuckled as she stared at Sunset saying, "You may know what we are but... do you know what you are?"

"I..." stammered Sunset slightly, not noticing the fine red mist now flowing out of her arm and to the girls before her. 

Adagio's smirk only grew wider as she raised her own arm saying, "Then allow me to tell you." She then had a transformation of her own, as her fingers grew into talons, her skin to scales, a dark orange fin suddenly ran down the length of her arm like a blade, and finally a red glow seemed to persist along it, not unlike the blue glow over Sunset's own hand.

"Wha... what?!" stammered Sunset at seeing the sight.

Aria having gotten her fill of power stepped forward transforming in the same way as she said, "Oh come on, you think it's just coincidence that we also are from another world and have red stones given to us by our parents?"

Sonata let out a slight laugh as she too stepped forward and transformed saying, "Yeah, that would be like, really lazy writing."

Sunset stared in disbelief as her arm suddenly began to flicker to normal, she glanced at it saying, "What the... what is?"

"Looks like your power finally remembers we're not a threat... little sister," said Adagio as she walked towards Sunset.

Sunset began to hyper ventilate expecting the voices to come any minute, but to her horror the only voice that seemed to fill her head was the one of the girl standing before her, the words so palpable and mind shattering that Sunset failed to notice the sing songy quality to them, or how Ara and Sonata began to hum behind her.

Adagio soon placed her hand on Sunset's shoulder as she turned her smirk from menacing to gentle saying, "So then, ready to join your family?"

Sunset stared into her eyes as a her own blinked green for a moment before she shoved her hand away saying, "NO! My parents where good people... they had to have been if they wanted to protect me like this!"

"Oh really... and what makes you think we're so bad?" said Adagio as feigned being hurt by the words.

"You tear people apart and feed on their anger," said Sunset.

"And humans tear animals apart on feed on their flesh... so tell me which is more gruesome?" said Adagio.

Sunset looked at the girls before as her mind struggled to compute what was going on, she turned her head downward catching sight of her necklace, the object that had just an hour ago made her feel calm and special, now began to disgust her as the thought of it being just like theirs entered her mind. "You... what do you want from this school?"

"Well besides bringing you in little sister-" began Adagio.

"DON'T CALL ME THAT!" yelled back Sunset.

Adagio slightly rolled her eyes as she said, "Besides that, we sensed some powerful Equestrian magic here, enough for us to finally stop relying on anger and bring this world to order."

"ORDER UNDER YOUR RULE!" said Sunset as she found herself looking back at the girl in anger as her arm began to flicker and glow once more.

The  two girls behind Adagio motioned to breath in, but Adagio simply raised a finger to stop them as she said, "Now what would be so bad about that, after all you tried to do the same thing not to long ago." Sunset jolted at that statement as she stared at the girl before her in a mix of rage and sadness as the green glow once again over took her eyes as Aria and Sonata returned to humming. Adagio simply chuckled at that as she said, "And why wouldn't you, after all it's our place in the natural order to rule over creatures like this."

"I... I'm nothing like you," said Sunset as she soon found herself falling to her knees in panic as she looked up a the three before her. Though as much she told herself that mentally, she couldn't help but feel the possibility as she said, "Even... even if I am a Siren, I'll never be anything like you!"

Adagio bent down to look her in the eye as she said, "Well then if that's how you feel little sister then so be it," she then began to walk away as she gestured for the others to follow. She then stopped for a moment with her back turned to Sunset as she said, "Regardless of how you feel though, the Requiem of the human race shall soon be sung, the only question is... will it be sung by a trio or a quartet?" Without even waiting for a response Adagio and the others simply walked away as she Sunset curled up into a sobbing mess on the floor.


Once the girls where far enough away they did undid their transformation as they all let out a strained puff. Aria grimaced at Adagio saying, "Do you seriously know how much of a pain it was to use magic and that new stuff at the same time?!" 

"I admit it was more of a strain then I though... but it worked didn't it?" said Adagio as she looked back with a growl

"I don't know... she didn't seem that eager to join us," said Sonata as she thought on the situation.

"She doesn't actually need to join us idiot, we just need her power," said Aria as she glanced back at her sister.

"Who are you calling idiot, idiot!" said Sonata as she glared back at Aria.

"Enough, you're both idiots!" yelled out Adagio, bringing the two to attention as she sighed saying, "You seriously need to get a beat on the temper this new power is giving you or else the plan won't work."

"And what exactly is the plan?" asked Sonata, still somewhat confused

"Well, as you saw we just tricked her into thinking she might be our sister with both our my clever words and a little bit of sweet music to limit her thinking," said Adagio as she smirked.

"About that... putting her under spell meant using up most of what we got in the cafeteria and even then it barely worked. Sure she might think of it as a possibility now, but the second she talks to someone else about it or even just has time to really think it over she'll see it's all a big lie," said Aria.

Adagio shrugged at that as she said, "Perhaps, but right now she's filled with so much sadness and confusion that if she does learn the truth her rage will be beyond compare." Aria and Sonata soon began to smirk as they started to get Adagio's train of thought as she continued saying, "Either she believes it and willingly becomes our little battery, or she explodes in the most delectable anger possible and we use it to drain her dry... 

"I thought you said not to do that," said Aria.

"Getting alot of power now is better then none later, besides now matter how get it we win," her smirk then grew dark as red flickered into her eyes as she continued saying, "And this world loses."
> Remember
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset couldn't say how long she had been crying, all she knew was that eventually someone found her and helped her off the ground. She didn't bother to look up at who as she was blindly led out of the hall while gently weeping and looking at the floor. Eventually though she heard a voice that cut through her mental haze.

"OH MY GOODNESS!" cried out Fluttershy as she took the virtually limp Sunset in her arms before glancing to the one who brought her there saying, "What happened?"

Octavia looked towards her in a worry saying, "I'm not sure, I just found her in the hall like this."

Sunset briefly glanced up to see she was now in the usual practice room with all of her friends once again looking over her. Applejack soon stepped forward saying, "Did you happen to see those new girls around when you found her?"

"The Dazzlings... I think I might have saw them walking the other direction but," began Octavia before saying, "Why would you ask?"

"Never mind darling," said Rarity as she looked at the girl now basically going fetal in Fluttershy's arms before she said, "Right now we have to get her home."

From there is was all a haze as Sunset could only hear a voice echoing the words, "little sister," as she found herself being sat in bed as Fluttershy held her.

"Alright Sunset what happened?" asked Rainbow Dash as she stared down at the girl.

Sunset simply laid their unresponsive as Applejack said, "This aint good yall.... Pinkie, get that book we got to get a message to Celestia asap."

Pinkie simply nodded as she ran down stairs. Applejack then glanced at the others as she said, "Rarity, Rainbow, and I will straighten things up in the living room."

Rainbow cocked her head confused saying, "Straighten up, but how will that OW-" 

She suddenly stopped as she found herself being elbowed by Rarity who whispered, "Honestly I don't know who's more dense about this you or Sunset."

Rainbow only looked further confused as Applejack groaned and whispered, "Look, I don't know if you've noticed or not but Sunset and Fluttershy have grown a lot closer during all this," she then glanced at Rarity saying, "And putting aside love lives for a moment, the point is if she's gonna fess up and tell anyone what happened it will be her, and if she's gonna do that they should probably be alone."

"Oh," said Rainbow before nodding as the three headed out the door.

Sunset cast her gaze to them for a moment as she felt Fluttershy's grip on her tighten as she said, "Please Sunset... talk to me."

Sunset could barely hear her as the voice continued to echo in head. "I..." she tried to choke out but the words died in her throat.

Fluttershy grew even more concerned at that as she said, "Did the Dazzlings do anything to you?" Sunset remained quiet as Fluttershy suddenly got a little angry as she muttered, "Those monsters."

Sunset lurched as she mumbled something. Fluttershy instantly went back to reality as she leaned in saying, "What's that?"

"I'm a monster," mumbled Sunset.

"Wha... why would you say that?" said Fluttershy as she gripped Sunset tighter. 

"Because I'm just like them," said Sunset as she looked away.

Fluttershy reached down and moved Sunset's head to look her in the eye as she said, "That's not true at all." 

"Yes it is," said Sunset as she sat up saying, "I tried to take over the school before, and now with my 'big sisters' around I might end up doing it again."

"Big sisters?" said Fluttershy in confusion.

"Yeah... that's what they said, and between the fact that the're also from another world, they have red gem stone necklaces like mine, and they made their arms glow like mine... it's kind of hard not to believe them," said Sunset as she curled back up in on herself and tried to move out of Fluttershy's grip.

Fluttershy only tightened it as she said, "Sunset look at me... you are a brave, strong, funny, kind, and beautiful young lady. You may have fallen to the darkness at one point but with all the stuff that happened in your life... I honestly don't blame you for that."

Sunset briefly uncurled at those words as she looked towards Fluttershy and saw her soft smile and blush as she continued saying, "There is no doubt in my mind that those girls where lying to you, but even if somehow some way they weren't you are still nothing like them."

Sunset sat up looking somewhat relieved as she said, "I guess," before a soft green glow went across her eyes as she laid back down saying, "I just wish I could know for sure." 

Fluttershy thought for a moment as she looked down before a realization struck her as she said, "I'll be right back." She then ran down the stairs as she looked towards Pinkie saying, "Have you written the message to Celestia yet?"

"Not yet no," said Pinkie as she looked over at her.

"We where actually waiting to see if you could get anything out of her first," said Applejack.

Fluttershy nodded at that as she said, "Good, give it here." Pinkie Pie quickly did as she was told as Fluttershy took a pen in hand and began writing as she said, "I think I have a plan to help with this."


Celestia answered the book the second it started buzzing, due in no small part to the fact that she had kept it on her person at all times since she had gotten the first message. She quickly opened it as she read the still forming words.

Before she could do anything a voice to her side spoke up saying, "Sister please stay calm, if you go off without explaining anything again it will just delay you."

Celestia took in those words and a deep breath as she said, "As always little sister you prove that despite my many more years, you are the more mature one."

Luna briefly chuckled at the comment but then returned to her usual stoic self as she could tell whatever this was is serious. "Apparently the Sirens have shown their ugly heads in Sunset's world."

"Now!? Out of all the times they could choose," said Luna.

"Indeed," said Celestia with a nod. "And with their silver forked tongues, they seemed to have gotten into Sunset's head that she might be one of them."

"Oh my..." said Luna as she looked down in thought saying, "I can't imagine she's doing well with that."

"And that's why the Fluttershy of that world has messaged me a plan," said Celestia.

"And that would be?" asked Luna.

"Well if the Sirens where banished to that world, perhaps other things where as well... including something that could make Sunset's memory of her parents a little clearer," said Celestia.

Luna took in that information before realizing what it meant as she nodded saying, "I'll get the detector from Clover the Clever's old study room, you pack your things and make your way to the portal."

Celestia nodded as she gave a brief hug saying, "Thank you Luna, this really is going better with your help."

Luna once again chuckled as she said, "Well what can I say, I'm the more mature sister after all."

Celestia let out a chuckle of her own as she said, "Maybe not as more mature as I thought."


Fluttershy slowly closed the door on the sleeping Sunset as she looked down at the assembled group and said, "Now you all keep an eye on her while I go out to the courtyard to meet Celestia."

"About that... are you sure you want to go alone sugarcube?" asked Applejack.

Fluttershy only looked at her in determination as she nodded saying, "I have to... you didn't hear Sunset's voice when she said she might be related to them... the sadness, the pain, the absolute fear of herself. So if there's anything I can do to help her then I have to be the one to do it."

"Wow... I don't think I've seen you this confident," said Rainbow Dash.

"Well... if that's how you feel I suppose we can't change it deary," said Rarity.

"Do you at least want me to give you a ride over there?" asked Applejack.

"Oh there's no need I'll just take Sunset's bike," said Fluttershy as she quickly went out the door.

"Wait... since when can she ride a motorcycle?" asked Pinkie Pie in slight confusion.

The others looked just as puzzled, apart from Rainbow Dash who shrugged as she said, "About as long as I've been able, my uncle Blitz taught us both when we where little."

"Then how come we haven't seen her riding before like you?" asked Rarity.

"Well... normally she'd be too scared to ride on the road like this, she only ever drove around the country roads around Blitz's place," said Rainbow before pausing with a slight smirk as she said, "Right now though, with that look in her eyes... I don't think anything can scare her."


As Celestia exited she checked herself to make sure she was secure on her legs mumbling, "This still takes a little getting used to," before she looked around saying, "Now then I suppose I should wait for young Fluttershy.... I wonder how long she'll take?"

Before Celestia could mull over that though she was suddenly greeted to a loud thundering noise. As she looked in the direction of the sound she saw a large bright light that began to slow down as it approached her, and on instinct she jumped on all fours remembering her lessons on Earth pony martial arts. As she raised her head high and her right arm forward she prepared to defend herself as the strange light pulled up in front of her and turned off, allowing Celestia to get a good look at the bike and its rider.

"Oh um... is everything OK?" asked Fluttershy as she removed her helmet and dismounted.

Celestia's face turned deep red in embarrassment as she bolted up saying, "Yes um... just checking around, search has to start somewhere after all," as she smiled nervously.

Fluttershy looked somewhat skeptical, before shrugging it off as she said, "Glad to hear it, so then do you have that detector you mentioned."

Celestia recomposed herself as she said, "Indeed I do," she then reached into her bag as she pulled out a compass like device saying, "This is the very artifact detector used by Clover the Clever used to find the Memory Stone in the first place."

"Oh wow," said Fluttershy as she glanced down at the object before her.

"I urge you not to get your hopes up though, as while I did manage to tune it to the precise magic frequency so we don't pick up on anything else... sorry about that by the way," said Celestia in slight embarrassment at her teachers actions.

"Just as long as you don't toss magical creatures or artifacts into random portals anymore it's fine," said Fluttershy with a slight chuckle.

Celestia let out one of her own saying, "Well as I was saying, despite my best effort there's no way of knowing for sure if the Memory Stone is nearby or even if the detector will work here." She then opened up the detector and was immediately greeted to its magical needle beginning to glow green before it turned towards the forest to the right of the school. 

"Well it looks like we're good," said Fluttershy with a smile.

Celestia stared in disbelief at just how easy that was as she said, "Indeed, well then... shall we go?" 

Fluttershy simply nodded as the two made their way into the woods.


Aria groaned as she opened the school door saying, "Did we seriously have to do stay this late after classes ended?"

"Yes, because we needed to make sure we know this school inside and out by tomorrow just in case," said Adagio.

Sonata simply smirked as she munched on a taco saying, "I'm just glad the cafeteria had left overs."

Aria rolled her eyes before noticing an odd sight heading to the woods as she said, "Hmm, looks like one of Sunset's friends is heading into the woods with the principal."

"An after school project maybe?" asked Sonata.

Adagio looked over briefly noticing the odd bearing and dress of the woman with Fluttershy as she took in a deep breath, smelling something she had gotten hints of before as a wide grin formed on her face before she said, "Oh don't you see girls... that's not the principal."

"What do you mean?" asked Sonata.

"Who else could it...wait, you don't mean?" asked Aria in realization.

Adagio just her grin grow wider and turn darker as she said, "Well it looks like the bearded bastard's little student is all grown up and ready to join the game... hope she doesn't mind that we play dirty," as she gestured for the others to start following her.


The pair walked through the woods for some time before the silence was eventually broken as Celestia simply said, "So... how long have you had a crush on Sunset?"

Instantly Fluttershy's face went pure red as she said, "What do you mean, I don't," before devolving into a series of stammers. 

Celestia simply smirked before Fluttershy let a sigh saying, "Am I that obvious?"

"Well to be fair I have quite a lot of admirers over the years and have thus had ample time to learn all the signs and signals... but yes you are extremely obvious," said Celestia with a slight chuckle.

Fluttershy on the other hand just pouted as she said, "If it's so obvious then why hasn't Sunset noticed!?"

Instantly Celestia's laugh died down to a contemplative look as she said, "I suppose that might be partly my fault."

"What do you mean?" asked Fluttershy.

Celestia looked down slightly, focusing entirely on the detector as she said, "As you know I made a lot of mistakes in Sunset's upbringing... one of which was failing to instruct her on the ways of romance and relationships."

"Oh," said Fluttershy as she looked down in thought saying, "Well lots of parents or guardians just leave a few things like that to the kids to figure out for themselves."

"Perhaps... but I fear I left far too much for her... and now the only thing I can do is hope to unite with her real family so that they can help her in the ways I failed," said Celestia as a tear drop fell onto the detector.

Suddenly Celestia found a warm hand being place on her shoulder as she looked up to see a soft smile as Fluttershy said, "Hey, nobodies perfect and if it helps... I certainly think the girl you raised is amazing."

Celestia wiped her face as she smiled saying, "That's very sweet of you to say young Fluttershy," before she began walking again as she said, "So then... back to the question."

Fluttershy grimaced before she let out a sigh saying, "It started just after the Fall Formal... I saw how hard she was trying to help everybody out despite how most of them still hated her... how she never gave up and kept trying to be a better person." She then looked down with a blush as she said, "At first I thought it was just a little friend crush that would go away after a week or two... but then all this started and I saw that normally confident and unbeatable girl scared and in pain and knew I had to everything I could to make her feel better.... and that's when I realized it was more then that."

Celestia smiled at that as she said, "Well I'm glad to hear you say that, and she's very lucky to have someone like you pining for her... if you need any help telling her by the way I'd be happy to lend my aid."

Fluttershy blushed further as she let out a slight chuckle saying, "Thanks but I don't think now is a good time for her... so how much further until we get to the Memory Stone?"

Celestia glanced over the detector before stopping dead in her tracks as the arrow suddenly turned from pointing in front of her, to pointing straight down at her feet as she said, "Actually it looks like we've found it."

"Really?" asked Fluttershy as her blush faded as she kneeled down to get a better look.

"Careful," said Celestia as she pointed to a nearby flower patch saying, "It looks like someone is cultivating a garden nearby," before she pulled a small shovel from her bag and began digging.

"Oh my, it's a good thing they didn't accidentally dig it up," said Fluttershy.

Before Celestia could respond she suddenly felt her shovel strike something solid as she reached down and pulled a box from the ground and opened it up as she flatly said, "Very lucky, as apparently Clover felt it best to banish this to another world along with detailed instructions on how to use it," as she held up several papers.

Fluttershy glanced at them as her jaw dropped as she said, "She didn't even write them in old ponish."

"Nope, it's as if she wanted someone to use it," said Celestia before letting out a sigh as she put the papers back in the box before putting the box in her bag as she said, "Well at least it makes our job easier."

Fluttershy nodded at that as the two began walking back the way they came. That walk didn't last long though as they suddenly heard a voice saying, "Well well well." 

The two stopped dead as Celestia placed herself in front of Fluttershy in order to protect the girl as Adagio stepped out from behind a tree saying, "It looks like the little sun filly is all grown up."

Celestia scowled as she said, "So, you must be Adagio Dazzle, leader of the Sirens."

"Oh my, it seems my reputation proceeds me," said Adagio as a smirk went across her face.

Before Celestia could respond, Fluttershy suddenly jumped in front of her saying, "Why did you lie to Sunset and say she was your sister?"

"Oh... and how do you know it was a lie?" asked Adagio feigning as though she looked hurt by the comment.

"Because someone as cruel and vicious as you could NEVER be related to someone like her," said Fluttershy as she stared daggers at her.

"Oh, ho, so we have the teacher and the girlfriend... well if it's any consolation you're right so at least you'll be smart bait," said Adagio as suddenly both her arms began to glow and shift, along with her legs as she jumped forward at lightning speed.

Instantly Celestia tried to push her away saying, "RUN FLUTTERSHY!" but she only succeeded in pushing her into the waiting arms of Aria as Sonata smacked her across the side of her head causing her to fall over limp in their arms. "NO!" she cried out as she tried to make her way over to the girl before being pinned on the ground by Adagio.

"Oh and don't think we're counting you out of this Princess, even in this pathetic human form the amount of magic I'm sensing from you is beyond even all the Rainbooms put together," said Adagio as her eyes flashed red.

Instantly any sense of royal a bearing dissapeared as Celestia stared up at the girl fuming with rage as she yelled, "You.. YOU BITCH! What do you plan-" that yell was cut off though as she went limp as Adagio struck her head.

She soon got up as she slung the unconscious princess over her shoulder saying, "Come on girls, let's take them to the basement below the stage." As Aria and Sonata hefted up the unconscious Fluttershy Adagio simply laughed as she said, "Got to make sure we have everything me need for the final encore."
> The Matchup
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Sunset watched the crowd around her start to argue she turned her attention the trio causing it as she began to walk towards the one in the center. Soon Sunset reached her as Adagio let her voice die down before turning towards the newcomer as she asked, "So, have you made up your mind little sister?"

A large smirk began to cross Sunset's face as she said, "Oh of course I have big sister." This resulted in an equally matched smile from Adagio as she stepped to the side, letting Sunset take center stage. She soon opened her mouth to sing, but as she stared out at the crowd she saw the faint image of a man and a woman dressed in red staring up at her. As she began to feel torn between the pair in front of her and the three behind her... she woke up.

Sunset found herself laying in bed drenched in sweet as she panted and looked around. She quickly used her glowing hand to grab hold of the water bottle by her bed as she pored most of it down her throat trying to calm down. She then reached over and grabbed her medication as she took it with the last swig of the bottle. As she sat up and calmed down though her dream began to replay in her head as she once again began to feel a pull between her thought to be parents and her Siren sisters. She suddenly blinked as she said, "Wait... my parents," as she talked a slight bit of green overtook her eyes, only to instantly shatter as she continued saying, "Aren't Sirens." She then smiled widely as she repeated, "They aren't Sirens the're humanoid that," she then glanced down at the cloak she was wearing as she said, "That's why they gave me this, and why it fits right now."

She snuggled in it briefly before she got to her feet and ran out the door saying, "Fluttershy I'm sorry I doubted you I-" but instantly her words caught in her throat as she looked down from her balcony to see all of her friend except the one she was talking to. And she did mean all of them as a nervous looking Twilight Sparkle waved up to her saying, "Oh... hey Sunset."

"Twilight what are you doing here and," she then glanced around before saying, "Did Fluttershy need to go home or something?"

"About that..." said Applejack.

"See's kind of... missing," said Rainbow Dash as she looked down in worry.

In an instant Sunset's smile fell, and so did she as she instantly jumped over the railing of her balcony, landing on her feet and walking towards the others as she said, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN MISSING!?"

The others blinked at that for a moment before Pinkie Pie spoke up saying, "She went to try and find something to help you."

"I believe she said it was called a 'Memory Stone'," said Rarity.

"And you let her go alone!?" said Sunset.

"Well... not exactly," said Applejack scratching her head.

"She went with Celestia, the princess one," said Rainbow Dash.

"What!?" said Sunset in disbelief.

"That's why I'm here, when Celestia hadn't come back yet Luna asked me to come and get her... we all thought she had lost track of time comforting you.... but now," said Twilight as she looked to the side in a mix of fear and worry.

Sunset blinked before saying, "Well why are we just standing around, we gotta go look for them!?"

"Woah sugarcube, what do you think we've doing while you where asleep," said Applejack.

"We've already been to her house and looked around the school but haven't found anything," said Rainbow Dash.

"And I've been texting her non stop," said Pinkie as she pulled out her phone to prove it.

Sunset began to slightly twitch as her arm flared up, however a thought occurred to her that caused her fist to clench and arm to glow brighter as she said, "The Dazzlings had to have done this!"

"Now we don't know that for sure," said Applejack as she placed her arm on Sunset's shoulder trying to calm her, to no avail.

Sunset simply stared back at her with intensity as the sclera of her eyes began to darken as she thought, "If they hurt my friends after one did so much for me and the other just came back into life I swear I'll-"

Before she could finish that thought Rarity spoke up saying, "All we can do now is stop by the school and see if the're there, and if not ask around to see if anyone saw anything."

The others nodded at that as Applejack said, "We'll leave to get changed, see you there soon."

They all headed for the door as Twilight briefly paused and turned around towards her saying, "I'm just as worried about them as you are Sunset but getting angry and losing our heads isn't going to help."

Sunset blinked slightly as her eyes and arm both faded back to normal and she mumbled, "I guess."

Twilight looked at her in concern saying, "Do you want me to wait here until you're ready?"

"No, I'll be fine, just go ahead with the others," said Sunset as she turned to go back towards her bedroom.

Twilight rubbed her arm nervously, not sure what to say, but trying anyway as she said, "Well OK, but if you need to talk about school or anything just let me know."

Sunset offered no response as she simply closed the door, resulting in a sigh from Twilight as she walked away thinking, "I know how she feels but... I can't help but feel like she's going to do something she'll regret."

Sunset didn't even pay much attention as she grabbed some clothes out of her closet and got changed, as she went over to grab her bag though she briefly caught sight of a shiny black object as she barely thought before grabbing the Jade and putting it in her bag as she headed down stairs and out the door. 


As Fluttershy slowly blinked her eyes open she instantly felt the pounding on the side of her head as she saw nothing but a blur. She rubbed her head and tried to will her vision to focus as she heard a voice say, "Oh good you're awake."

She slightly tensed up at hearing the voice before finally she managed to get a clear view as she breathed a sigh of relief saying, "Celestia, thank goodness you're OK."

"I was going to say the same for you," said the royal as she sat up on the concrete floor opposite the girl.

Fluttershy briefly smiled at that before taking in their surroundings, as she saw little more then the small concrete room illuminated by a single light bulb. "Where are we?" asked Fluttershy.

"It seems to be a basement of some kind," said Celestia as she let out a sigh saying, "At least that's what I'd guess given the limited view from the window."

"Window!?" said Fluttershy as she shook herself catching sight of the small pain of glass near the ceiling. She slowly walked up to it and stood and had to do a slight pull up on the shill to get a brief look at some bleachers as she said, "I think we're bellow the stage."

Celestia nodded as she said, "Sadly the door is locked and rather sturdy and that window won't open and even if it could neither of us could fit through it," said Celestia. She then reached over to her side and grabbed a bottle of water saying, "Well there are at least a few of these and some chips so either the Dazzlings do not intend to starve us, or whoever was here last left it and they didn't notice."

Fluttrshy nervously chuckled at that as she sat down with Celestia saying, "So then, we're stuck here until someone can rescue us."

"I'm afraid so," said Celestia.

Fluttershy sighed before having a realization as she said, "My phone!" as she reached into her skirt pocket.

"Phone?" asked Celestia in mild confusion.

"Oh, it's like the journal you use to talk to Sunset," she then took her empty hand out of her pocket before going to the other as she let out a sigh saying, "And it looks like the Dazzlings took it."

Celestia let out a sigh of her own as she said, "I figured they took something from you as well," as she gestured towards her head that Fluttershy now noticed was missing a crown. 

Fluttershy then grew nervous as she said, "They didn't take the memory stone did they?!"

Celestia breathed a slight sigh of releaf as she said, "Thankfully no," before opening her bag to show both it and the notes about it where still there. "They must have taken your phone to stop us from getting help and my crown in a mix of pride, I wouldn't be surprised if Adagio is wearing it as we speak, and to prove they had us to Sunset."

"Sunset..." said Fluttershy somewhat wistfully as she said, "I'm sure she'll save us." 

"Oh I don't doubt it," said Celestia with a slight smirk, that only briefly faltered as she caught sight of one of the note pages about the stone, before looking away from it.


As Sunset followed the others into the gym she instantly began to glance around looking for three girls in particular. The others didn't seem to notice as Applejack said, "Alright gang, lets split up and look for clues."

"Ruh row," responded Pinkie on instinct resulting in glares from the others as she said, "Sorry, not the right time."

Sunset didn't hear the joke though as she scowled at not catching sight of who she was looking for. She groaned before she closed her eyes to think, and it was in that moment she started to feel something. She briefly opened her eyes in surprise saying, "I'll head over this way," before she walked off a bit and closed her eyes. She didn't know how or why but she could feel a presence ahead as her arm slightly blinked. She looked down at it saying, "So you can do more then just sense threats, you can also point me towards them," she scowled at it as it fully flared up before she said, "Could have used that earlier."

Sunset walked through a side door as she was greeted to a sight that made her blood boil. 

Leaning against the lockers was Adagio Dazzle as she smugly tapped the crown atop her head as she began to say, "Little sister so good to-"

Before she could finish though she found Sunset on her in instant and holding a gun in her face causing her swagger to falter. Sunset simply glared at her as her eyes began to change and the red of her arm started flowing up to her neck as she said, "No calling me sister, none of your attitude, and no lies. Just tell me where they are or die."

Adagio briefly flinched in a combination of terror and satisfaction as she could feel the absolute rage coming from Sunset. She did her best to compose herself though as her smile returned as she said, "I wouldn't do that if I where you."

"I said no lies," said Sunset without faltering.

Adagio briefly gulped before saying, "Haven't you noticed that I'm alone here... now where do you suppose Aria and Sonata are?" Sunset flinched at the question as Adagio stood taller saying, "Now then, I have an ultimatum for you, play along or the sun princess and butterfly girl die."

Sunset backed away slightly as her rage briefly broke into fear, before returning with a vengeance as the red now covered the right side of her head and caused her ear to become pointed as she said, "I'll just find where they are."

Adagio now feeling her pride swell up at regaining the upper hand had a dark look in her eyes as she thought, "You never lost the upper hand, getting her angry is part of the plan." She then smirked as she said, "I'm afraid you're not the only one with keen senses at the moment you get close to them well.... they'll be nothing left for you to save," as she let out a chuckle.

Sunset flinched once again as she grit her teeth saying, "So what do you mean by play along?"

"Well it's simple... let's turn this Battle of the Bands into a real battle. When my sisters and I take center stage for the finals you feel free to hit us with everything you got, and if you somehow manage to beat us we'll tell you where they are," said Adagio.

"And if there's nothing left to tell me anything?" asked Sunset.

Adagio chuckled as she made her way down the hall saying, "I doubt that will happen, but hey if all three of us are dead then you won't have anything stopping you from looking for them."


Sunset stood in the hall absolutely fuming when Twilight approached her saying, "Sunset what are you-" she paused as the girl before her turned to reveal herself. For standing in front of Twilight was someone bearing both the features of Sunset's demonic form she had last seen at the Fall Formal and the girl she called a friend and whoever that someone was they where holding a gun and pointing it towards her.

Twilight flinched as Sunset lowered the weapon and began walking towards the nearest exit as she said in a voice that seemed to echo with intensity, "Sorry just need to blow off some steam real quick."

Twilight barely had time to comprehend the sentence as she followed Sunset out the door and watched as she pointed her gun straight up and focused all of her rage into it causing an entirely new symbol to form as the gun seemed to grow larger in her hand.



The weapon now looking more like a rifle then a pistol discharged a large beam of red, the very shockwave of which knocked Twilight to the ground as she stared at this fire of pure hatred extending out into the stratosphere. 


Adagio briefly flinched as she sensed what happening. Part of her wanted to run in fear, but that part was quickly silenced by the red in her eyes as she mumbled, "Don't go wasting that power before I have a chance to take it."

Aria and Sonata exited the gas station as Aria mumbled, "I guess we've been away long enough for Adagio's little trick."

Sonata simply shipped on her slurpy ready to make a comment, but the two stopped as they saw the red light shooting into the sky and felt the very presence of it. Their own eyes quickly became red as Sonata chuckled saying, "Looks like you're right, the plan is certainly going off with a bang."


After a good thirty seconds of firing Sunset finally cut off the beam as her own appearance and that of the Jade quickly returned to normal. She briefly stumbled before removing her pill case and popping one. Seeing the butterfly clasp threatened to rile her up once again but she turned her focus away from it and too the fearful Twilight as she said, "Let's go back to the others, and tell them how the Dazzlings just wrote their own headstones."

Twilight barely had time to gulp in fear as she quickly got to her feet and began to follow Sunset.
> Battle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Adagio sat atop the stage looking down at the floor and remembering what was bellow, she smirked as she said, "One more hour until this world is ours."

Aria groaned as she said, "Why exactly did we need to compete in the Battle of the Bands and do this on stage anyway?"

Sonata nodded as she said, "Yeah, it wasn't even fun competing, and since the Rainbooms dropped out they where one band short and we've already won," as she held up the golden microphone shaped trophy Principle Celestia had given them. "So all we're doing now is playing a big encore performance."

"Obviously you have forgotten what separates us from people like that muscle bound idiot Tirek or that tiny bug Chrysalis," said Adagio.

"And what would that be?" asked Aria as she raised an eyebrow.

Adagio smirked as she straightened the stolen crown atop her head saying, "PRESENTATION!" The two looked at her in confusion as she said, "Just imagine it, we drain not only Sunset of her energy, but Celestia's magic as everyone watches in horror as the new rulers of their world emerge."

"Yeah but Celestia isn't under our spell, so how are we going to drain her magic?" asked Aria.

Adagio simply chuckled as she pointed to a small window below them saying, "Oh trust me, with what she's about to see she'll be fuming soon enough." She then began to laugh as the red once again over took her eyes.

Aria and Sonata opened their mouths as if they had a comment or retort, only to join in on the laugh as red entered their eyes as well.


As they all stood in Sunset's place Applejack spoke up saying, "Alright yall, the Dazzlings go on stage in about an hour. So what are we gonna do?"

Sunset simply pointed Jade forward as she said, "Well it's simple, I'll kill them and then we look for Celestia and Fluttershy."

This unnerved the group as Rarity spoke up saying, "About that dearie," but Twilight gave her a look that said, "I'll handle this."

Twilight then spoke up saying, "Beyond that though we have to find a way to break everyone free of the Dazzling's spell, if my reading about them is true we might be able to play a musical counter spell."

"You mean like a song?" asked Pinkie Pie.

Twilight nodded as she said, "We just need a way to make sure everyone can hear it over the Dazzlings singing," she then glanced at Sunset as she said, "And the gunfire... you wouldn't happen to know anyone with high quality audio equipment?"

They all thought this before Rainbow perked up as she said, "Vinyl Scratch! She performs the half time show at all my games and no matter how loud the crowd cheers we can always hear her."

"Do you think she'll be able to help though, I mean what if she's under the Dazzlings spell?" asked Applejack.

"Even if she is Octavia didn't seem to be yesterday, and if anyone can get through to Vinyl it's her," said Rarity.

Twilight nodded at that as she said, "Sounds like a plan," she then glanced at Sunset polishing her weapon as she said, "Why don't you all go out and make the calls."

They all nodded knowing what Twilight was getting at as Rainbow said, "I'll call Vinyl."

"And I'll talk to Octavia," said Rarity as the two headed out the door.

Applejack soon got up as she said, "Pinkie how about you help me make sure all the instruments are secure in the van."

Pinkie nodded as she followed behind, soon leaving Twilight and Sunset alone in the apartment. The silence was palpable as Twilight tried to collect her words while Sunset continued to polish her gun.

Eventually Twilight opened her mouth but was interrupted as Sunset simply said, "I know what you're gonna say," without even bothering to turn towards her.

Twilight blinked at that as she said, "Wait... what?" 

Sunset sighed as she placed the gun down and turned to Twilight with a blank stare as she said, "You're gonna say about how no one is to far gone, and you could have killed me and I don't want to hear it. These girls have gone way further then I did and you know it and I don't want a lecture about this from someone who was just able to shoot a rainbow laser and become best friends with anyone she wanted."

Twilight suddenly went from confused to angry at that as she said, "You think that's what I do?!"

"Oh, I know that's what you do, and why you have no right to lecture me!" said Sunset as she suddenly stood up and looked Twilight in the eye, fully showing that hers where beginning to change again.

Twilight didn't back down form this as she stood up saying, "Then you're wrong on both accounts as not only is that not what I do, but I'm probably the only one who sees where you're coming from!"

Sunset suddenly blinked in surprise as her eyes went back to normal as she said, "What?"

Twilight stared back at her before sighing as she sat back down and said, "I haven't told anyone about this but... do you know about Lord Tirek?"

Sunset sat back down herself as she said, "I remember reading about him when I studied under Celestia."

"Well he came back awhile ago and he actually managed to steal the magic of almost everypony in Equestria," said Twilight.

"Oh.. oh wow," said Sunset as she placed her hand to her head. "With that magic power he could... he could do pretty much anything."

Twilight nodded at that as she said, "But that still wasn't enough for him, he wanted Alicorn magic and so... to stop him from getting it all the Princesses agreed that one of us had to absorb all our magic and hide somewhere and since Tirek didn't know I had become a Princess yet... they picked me."

Sunset blinked at that as she said, "You... had the power of all the Alicorns at once?" Twilight nodded as Sunset thought on that for a moment before she continued saying, "How... how did it feel?"

Twilight slightly chuckled at that as she said, "Like nothing I'd ever felt before... my entire body was my horn, channeling enough magic throughout every cell that I could have done every spell I know at the same time and barely use any of it." She smiled for a moment before looking down as she said, "That's not the point though, the point is the plan didn't work. Tirek found me and fired a blast right at me, and while I was able to teleport away in time it completely destroyed my home."

"Oh... wow," said Sunset as she placed her hands on table.

Twilight grew serious as she said, "In that moment I looked at him and saw a monster beyond redemption willing to do absolutely anything to get power... power he didn't need but simply wanted out of some twisted ambition.... and so I fired my own blast at him. A blast more powerful then any I had ever fired before or since, a blast that I knew full well that if he didn't block would've blown a hole straight through his head... a blast I hoped he didn't block."

Sunset stared at Twilight unable to find the words as Twilight looked up at her with a stern face saying, "I know as well anyone that some people can't be reasoned with Sunset and from what I've seen of the Dazzlings, it doesn't seem they can be either so if you have to do it, I won't stop you, I just have one piece of advice."

"And what's that?" asked Sunset.

Twilight paused before she sighed saying, "My friends and I ended up finding a way to drain away all the magic Tirek stole, leaving him a shell of his former shelf... a shell so weak I could have taken him out even without my magic. But I didn't, because even if he is beyond redemption I couldn't bring myself to finish off someone so weak and helpless." She then looked up at Sunset as she said, "And even though I know I might come to regret that decision some day, I'll be able to live with that in a way I can't imagine I'd be able to live with seeing that weak body drop at my hooves... so if the same thing happens, if the Dazzlings end up laying powerless at your feet... I just want you to think about what you're able to live with, OK Sunset."

Twilight then placed a reassuring hand on Sunset's shoulder as the girl looked back towards and cracked the first smile since she had talked to Adagio as she said, "Thanks Twi, I... I'll think on that."

Twilight smiled back as she said, "No matter what happens, I know you'll make the right decision."


As Adagio watched the students begin to pile into the stadium she began to tap her finger impatiently as she said, "Where is she?"

"Now who can't keep their temper in check?" said Aria with a smirk.

Adagio glanced back at her with a growl causing her to recede slightly before turning her attention to a van and a very odd car parking on the hill opposite the stage. She barely noticed as the car begin to turn into some kind of sound equipment as she saw Sunset step out of the van. She smiled greatly at having her prize before her, only for it to waver as she saw a seemingly calm and collected Sunset standing there. Adagio's eyes began to glow red as she made her way off the stage saying, "I just need to grab something real quick."

She once again changed her arms and legs as she quickly opened the door to the basement stage and closed it behind her as she rocketed forward, pinning Fluttershy to a wall as she she smacked her head with her claws, both knocking her out and putting a slight gash on her forehead. 

"NO!" cried out Celestia as she ran towards the girl, Adagio didn't pay any attention to her, eyeing the blood stained butterfly hair clip now held in her claws, before she put it in her own hair and exited the room just as quickly as she came. Celestia ran over to Fluttershy, knocking over her bag and spilling out the Memory Stone notes, the top most one saying, "Magic Overload, Self Destruct."

She held the girl to her lap as she she let out her tears saying, "This is all my fault, I could have gotten us out of here if I just destroyed the stone but I thought Sunset needed and I..." she grit her teeth as she said, "Why do I have to be so stupid!" Her tears continued to flow as unbenounced to her a green mist of her own self hatred began to flow out of her body and up towards the stage.


Applejack looked at the two before her saying, "Yall almost got the equipment ready?"

"Well... I think so, does it look good on your end Vinyl?" asked Octavia.

She simply gave a thumbs up in response resulting in Applejack smiling as she turned to the others saying, "Alright yall, we're all set for the music and Sunset you can..."

Sunset approached her with a nod saying, "Kick their asses and get our friends back, you got it."

The others slightly lurched at that as they actually didn't expect Sunset to have calmed down this much, where as Twilight simply smirked and nodded at her.

They all suddenly heard cheering as Applejack said, "Looks like the shows about to start."

Sunset turned to see Adagio take the stage and what she saw made her blood run cold. In addition to Celestia's crown, Adagio now sported Fluttershy's hair clip... covered in blood. In an instant everything she and Twilight had talked about went out the window as the Sunset's arm glowed far brighter then before as the red now flowed upward, across her head causing her eyes to turn black and both ears to become pointed, and finally down her back resulting in a new transformation. A pair of wings suddenly unfurled from her back, somehow having both the veins and talons of her previous bat like wings, but also having feathers all along them as though they where the wings of a bird or Pegasus. The others didn't have time to comment on this as in an instant Sunset flapped the wings launching herself into the air just in front of the stage as she pointed the now once again larger gun at the girls before her and without taking a breath pulled the trigger. 

The Dazzlings looked up as they saw a garbage truck sized beam of pure energy rocketing towards them, energy packaged in hatred for them to absorb. They all had a smirk as they opened their mouths and began to draw it in. Everyone watched in awe as the beam appeared to simply dissipate in front of the trio before it eventually ran out. Sunset finally regaining her senses as she fell back down to ground on the stage before looking at the the tio of girls as they began to levitate into the air glowing pure red. That red glow soon broke like a cocoon to reveal a horrifying new transformation as not only had their legs and arms shifted, but so had their faces giving them as they smirked as they lowered to the ground and began to pose in triumph at the crowd before them



Sunset didn't pay much mind to that as she glanced at the now shrunken gun before she flapped the wings once again shooting towards them with a thankfully clearer head as she reached her fist to strike Adagio.

It never even reached her though as she raised her hand and placed up a barrier knocking Sunset to the ground in front of her. She then let out a sadistic cackle saying, "Oh my don't rush to the end of the show dear, after all you still haven't heard our song yet."

She glanced at her sisters who nodded towards her before she looked back to Sunset saying, "Here's a new number to honor our rebirth as the goddesses of this world."



As the three sung Sunset managed to get back to her feet as she tried to kick out at Adagio, only to have her casually jump away. Sunset tried firing the Jade at her, only to have a pathetic bit of fire come out as she stumbled back. She pulled her pill case out of her pocket, only to have Sonata knock it the side as she said, "Sorry, but we're the only ones getting a power boost right now."

Sunset watched the case tumble down off the front of the stage as she stumbled to her feet just in time to block a punch from Aria.


Fluttershy slowly opened her eyes to a clattering noise as she hazily turned her attention towards it. After a few moments to clear her vision she saw something that made her become instantly alert. Sitting just outside the tiny window was the pill case she had purchased for Sunset, and as she started to feel fear of seeing that object tossed the ground she began to become more aware of her surrounding as she realized she was laying in Celestia's lap as she looked up to see the woman crying as she mumbled, "It's all my fault." 

She quickly got up startling Celestia out of it as she asked, "What's going on!?"

Celestia looked at the girl as she said, "Adagio knocked you out and took your hair clip for something... and it's my fault. I... I could have gotten us out of here earlier if I destroyed the Memory Stone, but I wanted to bring it to Sunset to help her."

Fluttershy became slightly annoyed at that but tried to ignore it as she said, "Whatever, that's not the point now," she then pointed towards the window as she said, "Sunset's in trouble out there and we need to get out to help her."

Celestia looked towards that but began to cry again as she said, "And again my decisions are hurting the ones I love what's wrong with me... why am I always wrong I-"

Celestia was suddenly interrupted as she felt a slap across her face getting her attention. Fluttershy stared at her as she said, "Listen here missy, you screwed up it happens, sure it was pretty bad but you do not fix it by sitting around hating yourself all day! You focus on what you can do now, and what you can do now is get us out of here to help Sunset now!" 

Fluttershy panted with rage for a moment as Celestia blinked at the display before saying, "You're... you're right, Fluttershy I'm so sorry I-"

The normally timid girl didn't let her finish though as she pushed Celestia towards the door saying, "Appologies later, fixing it now!"

"R-right," said Celestia as she pulled out the memory stone and said, "Here goes nothing," as she traced the symbols along it causing them to begin to glow. A glow that soon intensified as she threw it at the door and turned away from it.


The small explosion shattered the door to splinters but as Fluttershy and Celestia exited they saw how it paled in comparison to the fight before them, or rather the slaughter as Sunset was barely able to stay on her feet as the trio hammered away at her from all sides.

"SUNSET!" cried out Fluttershy as she reached for the girl. 

Sunset instantly turned at the familiar voice, and had a slight smile cross her face at seeing Fluttershy and Celestia where OK, a smile that was quickly knocked away along with the rest of her by a sucker punch from Adagio.

"NO!" cried out Fluttershy as she ran towards them, only to be stopped as Celestia grabbed her.

"We can't help her that way," she then pointed to the others atop the hill as she said, "But maybe we can help them help her."

Fluttershy stared for a moment before nodding as the two quickly began running up the hill.


Applejack was the first to notice the approaching crowd as she said, "Fluttershy, Celestia, yall are-"

"NO TIME!" said Fluttershy simply.

"Indeed, what is happening?" said Celestia.

Twilight stepped forward saying, "The Dazzlings used Sunset's anger at you two being kidnapped to absorb her power."

"And we set up our equipment to try and play a song to break their spell over the students," said Pinkie Pie.

They turned to see Sunset being knocked to the ground once again as Rarity gulped and said, "Though it seems like a mote point right now."

"So what are we gonna do then?!" asked Rainbow Dash, as her face twisted on horror at seeing their friend undergoing this brutally and knowing they couldn't directly help.

Fluttershy glanced around at the music equipment as she noticed who was manning it as she said, "I have an idea!" She then ran up saying, "Octavia, did you ever program in that orchestral piece I told you about?" 

Octavia blinked surprised as she said, "Well yes, but I hardly see how that matters now!"

Fluttershy simply nodded as she looked towards the others and said, "Follow my lead." 


Sunset struggled to stay awake as she looked up at the smiling monster before her as Adagio said, "Face it Sunset, we are the new goddesses of this world and you... why you're just a pathetic little demon getting in the way of our divine rights." She then readied her claws as she said, "And it's about time that demon went away!" 

Before she could follow through on that strike though she was suddenly interrupted by a loud noise. They all turned to see the Rainbooms begin to play as Fluttershy grabbed the microphone and sung.



Adagio simply chuckled at the song as she said, "Well, looks like your funeral has a good soundtrack at least." She once again began to strike with her claws, only to shudder as Sunset caught them mid air. "Wha-what!?" She stammered as Sunset began to get to her feet and stared back at her. It was then Adagio noticed a new change as while the sclera remained black, the previously blue pupil was now a full rainbow of colors as Sunset stared back at her. Once Sunset got to full height she noticed another change as the yellow totally drained from her hair leaving it a mix of white and red. Aria and Sonata quickly tried to punch her while she was distracted holding Adagio back, only for her to fold in her wings and block them, before flexing the wings as she launched them back. She then tossed Adagio towards them, as the three now laid on the ground in a pile looking at her.

"What is she doing Adagio?" asked Sonata.

"What the hell?" responded Aria more bluntly.

Sunset let out a slight chuckle as she walked towards the three girls before her saying, "This ends, right here, right now. I won't allow you to hurt my friends anymore... and I won't kill you either, since I know giving into my anger is what you'd want."

"You... how dare a lowly demon like you talk down to us!" said Adagio.

Sunset let out another chuckle as she said, "Maybe I am a demon, but that doesn't matter. I'll use that demon power to protect everyone I care about and that makes me better then any so called goddess like you."

Adagio began to fume at that as she and the other got to their feet as she said, "JUST DIE ALREADY!" as she and they all opened up their mouth's and shot pure red beams from them. Sunset on the other hand casually pointed her gun forward as a new symbol took form on it.



As she prepared to pull the trigger she heard a male and female voice echo something in her head and for some unknwon reason, she smiled at hearing as she repeated it aloud saying simply, "Jackpot," before pulling the trigger. The rainbow beam burst forth from the Jade as it collided with the Dazzling's beams. For a moment the two beams stood in perfect sync as the air around them seemed to crack apart and break, briefly revealing a void of light. Adagio seemed to be only one to notice this as she slightly stumbled before Sunset's beam finally overtook their's plowing into them as the shock wave went into the void before it seemed to seal itself back up. 

The Dazzlings where completely enveloped and knocked back by the rainbow as the song wrapped up and the crowd blinked back to reality at finally having the spell over them broken. Instantly Fluttershy began running towards the stage as Sunset looked towards her saying, "Fluttershy your song was-"

She was quickly interrupted though as she suddenly found Fluttershy's lips pressed against her own, and not knowing how to process this she simply leaned into it for a moment before Fluttershy parted from her saying, "Just in case the song didn't make it clear."

Sunset blinked as she said, "Just in case the..." she then smacked her forehead saying, "Oh god I'm the dense protagonist aren't I." 

Fluttershy giggled with a blush as she said, "Maybe just a little, but it's just another reason to like you."

Sunset blushed herself at that as she said, "Thanks... would you like to have dinner after this?"

"Absolutely," said Fluttershy beaming from ear to ear.

Sunset prepared to say something but was quickly interrupted as the others came forward. Celestia spoke up saying, "Sunset I... there are no words to describe just how glad I am that you're OK and how sorry I am for my part in this."

Sunset simply blinked at that before chuckling as she said, "You know what... I don't think either of us had the most healthy mental state back then and beating ourselves over it is just going to lead us making more mistakes. So how about we just wipe the slate clean and consider this a new start... maybe you can tell me about all the stuff that happened in Equestria since I was gone, say tea in the castle tomorrow?"

Celestia once again shed tears, but this time with a bright smile on her face as she said, "I'd like that very much."

Twilight opened her mouth to say something, only to stop as they heard a cough from the side. They all turned to see the once again human Dazzlings emerging from a cloud of rubble as Aria and Sonata tried to hold together their cracking gemstones while Adagio let her falls as she stared at the group.

Sunset looked at the three as she said, "Well what are you waiting for... get out before you ruin this moment."

Adagio slightly huffed in rage before complying as she and the others made their exit.

Twilight spoke up saying, "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

Sunset shrugged as said, "Maybe not, but it's what I can live with right now." As Sunset reached out her arms and the group all assembled in a large hug.


Aria looked at Adagio as she said, "Never thought we'd be running scared from one girl!"

"One demon girl," said Sonata as she slightly choked up in fear.

"She's not why I decided to run," said Adagio.

"What do you mean?" asked Aria.

"When our powers collided it cracked open reality itself for a moment, allowing that power to radiate across the worlds, Sunset just wrung the challenge bell, and I don't want to stick around to find out who heard it," said Adagio.


As always the demon realm echoed with countless screams as Mundus sat upon his throne and watched his soldiers tear each other apart. "The weak among them shall die, and the strong shall survive," he said simply as he looked up towards the blackened sky above him. Suddenly though the black seemed to crack open as everyone stopped their fighting to gaze at the power now visible before them. It was less the look of the power but the feel of it though as Mundus breathed it in as his three eyes narrowed with rage saying, "That smell... it's different but that pungent stench of betrayal is still there." Just as quickly as the crack came though it left, but its effect still echoed across the demon realm as Mundus stood up and looked down at his now attentive troops saying, "AT LAST THEY HAVE RETURNED THE HUMAN WORLD! AT LAST WE SHALL HAVE OUR REVENGE AGAINST THE INFERNAL BLOOD LINE OF THE TRAITOR SPARDA!!" This resulted in a number of cheers from the crowd as Mundus traced his hand over a small bullet wound scar on his chest saying to himself, "And at last I shall crush the child of that infernal Dante and see him writhe in despair and agony!" 


In total contrast the Emperor's Castle in the Boiling Isle's was the picture of perfect order as the various members of the Coven went about their business. They however all managed for a moment to salute the Emperor's right hand as she briskly made her way to the throne room carrying a magic device. The small creature soon reached the room as she nodded towards the guards before heading in as she saw her master cracking open a small creature and absorbing its magic into his eyes.

The casual act of murder did nothing to faze the girl as she kneeled down saying, "Emperor Bellos, I have news for you."

His eyes now glowing green with power, Bellos glanced down as he said, "Ah, Kikimora, to what do I owe this honor."

She placed the magical device before her as she opened a lid on it saying, "Our soldiers briefly reported seeing a flash in the sky and sensing an odd energy."

"And," said Bellos before sighing as he said, "Probably an unstable portal created by all this wild magic about, it's no wonder the Titan has tasked me with putting an end to it."

"About that, as you commanded we have been monitoring the human world in preparation for the Day of Unity, and we believe the energy originated from there," said Kikimora.

"Oh?" asked Bellos.

Kikimora gestured to a hologram forming as she said, "As you can see it is a perfect blend of demonic and magic energies."

Emperor Bellos looked at these readings before chuckling to himself as he said, "Well well, it looks like the forbidden child has finally made herself known.... and what of the Owl Lady and her disgusting half demon mate?"

"They remain unaware, since just as the barrier around the Owl House prevents us from sensing what is going on inside, so too are they unable to sense outside of it moreover our spies outside did not report anyone at the window to see the light," said Kikimora.

Bellos tented his fingers at that as he said, "Excellent, then we need not worry about interference. Summon Lilith immediately, tell her if she's having so much trouble trying to capture her sister then perhaps she might have better luck trying to capture her niece instead." 


Back on Earth though two woman sat in a dingy office having an argument that seemed trivial but was threatening to come to bloody violence. 

"I called the last peace of pizza!" called out Lady as she glared at the blonde girl before her.

"You had the slice before this one, so this one is mine!" said Trish as she matched her stare .

Lady began to slowly reach for her beloved weapon, the Kalina Ann, before Trish suddenly backed away as she held her hand to her head. Seizing the opportunity, Lady took the pizza and bit it before asking, "Hey.. is something wrong?"

"I... I just sensed a pretty hefty demonic aura... at least I think," said Trish.

"You think... since when are so imprecise?" asked Lady as she stuffed the rest of the slice in her mouth.

"I don't know it just felt... different," said Trish. Before she stood up straight saying, "It's probably worth checking out."

Lady licked the last bit of sauce from her fingers before glancing at what most would think was an ordinary landline phone as she said, "You think we should get Dante in on it?"

Trish thought for a moment before saying, "Nah, let the guy enjoy retirement with misses.... although having some help wouldn't be a bad idea." She then picked up the phone as dialed the number before saying, "Oh hey, Kyrie. Yeah it has been a while... I would love to get lunch, how about next Thursday... yeah Chinese sounds great, listen can you put Nero on?"


On another part of the Earth, a purple girl watched as the odd readings finished printing out from her spectrometer as she straightened her glasses and said, "No doubt about it Spike, something weird is going on at that school," resulting in a simply bark from her dog.
> Schools Out
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Sunset sat at a booth outside a cafe sipping her drink, she got a pen and began writing in her journal saying, "Dear Princess Celestia... or just Celestia, sorry force of habit. Anyway, sorry I haven't messaged you since our day in the castle, I've just been sort of," she then glanced at the other girl resting on her shoulder as she blushed saying, "Distracted. Anyway, things have been going well for me here, after the Battle of the Bands a few weeks ago. Ever since I absorbed energy from the Elements of Harmony, it just feels like something in me got jump started. I feel even better then before, I haven't had any hallucinations no matter now fast my heart goes, and I haven't gotten drained and needed to take an emergency pill." She stopped as she felt a slight glare up at her before she quickly said, "But I still take them in the morning to be safe, I've also been training with my wings a bit to make sure I can use them well... guess we were both right, I didn't deserve to be a princess but I did deserve wings." 

She let out a slight chuckle before glancing at her reflection in the silver napkin holder on the table as she said, "All the yellow parts of my hair are still white which I actually kind of like but there is another change I noticed recently," she then moved her hair to side as she said, "While not as much as in my demon form my ears are a lot stronger and have retained a slight point to them, that while not bad or anything certainly took some getting used to."

Fluttershy spoke up at that as she gently touched the ear closest to her saying, "I think the're cute."

Sunset instantly blushed at that before writing as she said, "Fluttershy thinks the're cute," and then somewhat regretting that she couldn't erase stuff from this book. She then sighed before saying, "Overall my life is good, and while I'm still not having any luck finding out anything about my parents from the notes, I'm hoping that I'll be able too with all the time I have over the break. As always... your faithful-" she thankfully caught herself this time as she continued writing, "Friend, Sunset Shimmer."

Sunset then crouched down slightly nuzzling into Fluttershy as she said, "I think that went well."

Fluttershy simply nodded at that as she said, "Thanks for agreeing to go with me to this cafe by the way, I know you're not usually a morning person especially with how you can sleep in as much as you want over the break."

Sunset smiled at that as she said, "Hey, if my girlfriend wants to have a brunch date we're going on a brunch date."

Fluttershy blushed at that as she snuggled into Sunset more. Sunset opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted as she felt her arm twitch in a familiar way. She closed her eyes for a moment and then moved out of the embrace saying, "Although I am kind of tired.. I think I'm gonna get a refill on my coffee."

Fluttershy looked slightly concerned as she got up saying, "Oh... well hurry back."

Sunset smiled and nodded at that in an effort to calm her, before making her way towards the cafe door, only to glance back and once she confirmed Fluttershy wasn't looking, quickly turn and head the other way as she let her arm fully glow thinking, "Alright what's up, this doesn't feel like the Dazzlings again."

She then turned down an alley as she looked down it and her heart started speeding up as she said, "No... no way." She then walked down the alley as she stared up in disbelief saying, "I... I must be seeing things." She rubbed her eyes as she saw something she had hallucinated thousands of times. Hanging on strings connected to nothing was a blood stained wooden puppet larger then her with bladed hands. As she got closer though, those strings appeared to be cut as it fell to the ground and began walking towards her. It raised its bladed hands up and prepared to swing down as Sunset jumped back, though not before it nicked her arm as she looked at the dripping cut before it began to heal as she said, "OK, so... you're real!" 

The creature looked up at her as it pried its blades from the ground and looked at the small bit of blood on them. Even though it didn't have a mouth and its blank face did not move Sunset could still hear it say in a deep gravely voice, "The blood of Sparda."

"The blood of who?" asked Sunset as she stared in disbelief before the creature began approaching her. She then got into a ready stance as she said, "Look buddy, I don't know if you're alive, or some kind of golem or what, but if you have any interest in self preservation I suggest you walk away." The puppet seemed undaunted as it continued to march towards her, slamming its blades against each other in order to sharpen them. On instinct she reached for a bag that wasn't there as she grumbled and said, "Damn, didn't think I'd need Jade on my date. Looks like we're gonna have to do this another way." She then focused on her back causing her wings to sprout as she flew above the creature and spun her finger, shooting a fire ball at it. 

The wood instantly caught fire, as Sunset floated down with a smirk, only for that smirk to leave as the creature continued to approach only now swinging flaming blades as she flatly said, "Hmm, I made it more dangerous." Thankfully her wings allowed her to keep a good distance as she said, "Well if I can make Jade fire different things by focusing then maybe." She then spun her finger again, this time though she shot ice at both the creature and ground below it, causing the fire to go out and it to slip and fall down. Sunset decided to capitalize on this by forming an ethereal fist as she bolted down and smashed into it, cracking its wooden chest open. "Woah," said Sunset thankful there was no sudden gore from it.

The creature on the other hand seemed entirely undisturbed by its body cracking apart as it looked off into the distance with its featureless mannequin like face saying, "My lord... I have found... the descendant of... Sparda, you must hurry... before the witches intervene," before it finally cracked to dust.

Sunset looked at this dust as she said, "Sparda... witches?" trying to make heads or tails of what was going on.

Her thoughts where soon interrupted though as she heard a gasp, as she turned to see Fluttershy standing just outside the alley, and judging by the look on her face she had been watching for some time.

Without thinking Sunset flew over and grabbed her in her arms as she said, "Come on, lets get back to my place before this guys buddies or the witches he talked about show up."

Fluttershy gulped as she nodded at that before they took off into the sky .

Meanwhile a woman who had been sitting at the cafe with them briefly lifted her large brimmed hat to look at her, revealing her blue hair and pointed ears as she said, "Not to concerned with hiding your powers, just what I would expect from Edalyn's daughter." 

Suddenly a man exited the cafe and approached her wearing a large metal mask and white cape as she groaned saying, "Speaking of a lack of hiding, what is it Steve?" 

"Well I was just wandering Lady Lilith, why aren't we following her exactly?" asked Steve as he sat his cup of hot chocolate down on table.

Lilith looked at the girls flying away as she said, "Because unlike Mundus and his lowly demons we are of the Emperor's Coven and that means we must do everything with tact and dignity, and it is for those reasons that we shall succeed where he fails."

As if to contradict that, Steve suddenly knocked their drinks to the floor as he jumped on the table excitedly saying, "YEAH! EMPEROR'S COVEN FOR THE WIN!" 

Lilith simply groaned as she looked at her menu muttering, "I wonder if this place has hard apple blood."


Meanwhile 20 miles outside of Canterlot City 

Nero laid atop the van allowing the sun to wash over his face as he chuckled and sarcastically said, "You know, this is great."

Lady grumbled as she grabbed a socket wrench saying, "I don't want to hear it Nero." 

"No I mean it, I mean I could be at home watching TV, having some Kyrie's delicious cooking, spending time with the kids, but you two had to get me to help you fight some unknown demon," said Nero as he crossed his legs.

"As I recall, you where totally onboard for that part," said Trish as she leaned against the door and lit up a cigarette. 

Nero groaned as he waved his glowing right arm at her to blow the smoke away as he said, "And I still think that part will be fun, what isn't fun is you two wrecking my damn van and leaving us stranded in ninety degree heat." 

"Look, I said I'd fix it, besides this is your fault for sticking with a stock engine, seriously what kind of Devil Hunter's ride can't even get triple digit speeds?" asked Lady with a groan.

"The kind that also needs to shuttle three kids to soccer practice every weekend," said Nero as he simply shrugged his shoulders.

Lady groaned at that before saying, "Whatever you just stay there and work on your tan."

Trish shrugged her shoulders as she said, "You can leave it if you want you know, I haven't really sensed any big spikes in demonic energy after that one night so we should be fine."

Nero thought for a moment before smiling as he said, "Nah, I've come this far already, besides I get the feeling this might be interesting."
> From All Sides
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

From the moment Bellos got his first report from Lilith, he knew this would be coming, and yet he still groaned in anger as he watched his communication mirror blink to life and laid eyes upon the three eyed face that greeted him as he said, "Ah, Lord Mundus. As always it is rather pleasant to meet with another royal."

In response Mundus simply glared at him as he said, "Spare me the formalities, I swear I'll never understand why you creatures insist on maintaining these tiring facades with each other."

"As opposed to you demons who simply kill anyone or anything they do not like?" asked Bellos as he leaned against his hand.

"You say that as though you don't do the same when possible," replied Mundus.

Bellos chuckled as he said, "Alright, I'll give you that one. So then why pray tell have you called me? If this is about renegotiating the peace treaty between our realms I can assure you that is not possible. Besides, I believe it is more then fair for you given all the demons from your world I allow to live here, and how few witches do the same for your world."

"I care not for the weaklings who fled to your world, nor do the witches here do more then be cannon fodder against my foes. You know full well what this is about, my soldiers have finally found the descendant of the traitor Sparda, and around her is your pathetic coven!" said Mundus as he learned towards the screen as a show of intimidation.

A show that did not work as Bellos continued to casually lean against his hand saying, "If I recall correctly we agreed that the child of the forbidden union between witch and demon shall be my prize."

"Yes, but only under the condition that you bring Dante to me, something you have spent nearly twenty years failing to do!" said Mundus as he began to fume.

"Well if you think you can do better, you are welcome to come to the Isles and try yourself and," said Bellow before pausing as he said, "Oh wait, the treaty forbids you from setting foot in my realm and intern I shall not set foot in yours."

Mundus's eyes began to glow red as he said, "Perhaps it is time that treaty comes to an end."

"Perhaps... tell you what, how about a simple contest among gentlemen," said Bellos as he sat up straight.

"Explain insect," said Mundus as he leaned back on his throne.

"Well it's simple, if your forces manage to capture the girl then the treaty will be restructured in favor of you retrieving Dante," said Bellos.

"And if your forces capture her?" asked Mundus.

"Well then we simply maintain the status que," said Bellos before mentally adding, "For now."

Mundus thought on this for a while before saying, "Very well you have a bet, but know that my soldiers well not hesitate to kill any of your half witted pawns that stand in their way."

"And neither shall mine, good day Mundus," said Bellos before hanging up. He then sighed as he looked up saying, "Once the Day of Unity arrives even you and your disgusting horde will be able to play a part in enforcing the Titans will."


Mundus chuckled as he leaned back in his throne saying, "Allowing me into your world will be the last mistake you make Bellos, Dante won't be the only one who's blood stains my claws that day... as for this day though." He then turned his attention to the figure standing before him, glancing down at the man in dark armor as his red cape bellowed behind him, and his glowing eyes stared forward soullessly. Mundus let out a brief smirk, as he always did when he saw this son of Sparda bending to his will as he simple said, "Go forth Nelo Angelo and do what you where made to do, slaughter your own kin and leave them broken at my feet." Mundus then reached out a hand and opened a portal as Nelo Angelo silently stepped through it. Once the portal closed behind him though he took only a single step in the direction he was supposed to go, only to stop as he sensed something familiar. He cocked his head to the side as a voice echoed from deep within what remained in his soul as he began walking towards a road leading out of town slowly calling out, "Yamato."


Sunset quickly locked the door behind her as she placed Fluttershy on the couch saying, "OK, we should be good."

"What was that thing!?" asked Fluttershy as she looked around worried.

Sunset grabbed the Jade as she briefly glanced out a nearby window saying, "I'm not sure... but I've seen them before in my hallucinations, or dormant memories or whatever they are!" 

"Oh my," said Fluttershy as she put her legs to her chest.

Instantly Sunset was in front of her holding her shoulders as she said, "Hey look at me... I promise that no matter what happens I will keep you safe."

Fluttershy looked away for a moment before turning her eyes to Sunset, who then lurched back as instead of the sad eyes she expected, she got an intense glare as Fluttershy said, "So is that why you lied to me?"

Sunset scratched her head as she said, "Well I..."

"You where worried I would get hurt, so you walked right into danger alone, without even telling me!" said Fluttershy as she stood up in a huff.

Sunset gulped as she thought, "How is she scarier then a giant killer puppet?" She then smiled shakily as she said, "Well... I didn't know for sure it would be dangerous, I mean just because something has demonic energy doesn't mean it's evil after all." 

Fluttershy looked at her for a moment before sighing as she said, "I still think maybe you should call it something else, after all Adagio didn't exactly mean it as a good thing when she said it."

Sunset shrugged as she said, "Well who cares what she thinks, and besides demonic energy just sounds... right."

Fluttershy smiled as she said, "Well... OK." Sunset smiled back before Fluttershy continued saying, "Look, I understand that I'm not as tough as you and that you might feel the need to protect me because of that," she then let out a sigh before she said, "And maybe you do, especially since some of this still freaks me out... really the only reason I was so confident during the Battle of the Bands was because you where in danger. Either way though you shouldn't try to protect me from the truth."

Sunset looked at her before sighing as she sat down next to her on the couch with a grin saying, "How do you always know what to say?"

Fluttershy smiled as she said, "Part of being kind is telling people what they need to hear, even if sometimes it's unpleasant."

"That sounds like it's leaning towards honestly more then anything... but I see your point," said Sunset before she sighed saying, "I think... those things might be what my parents where trying to protect me from."

"What?" asked Fluttershy.

"Right before the one I was fighting died it said something about me having the blood of Sparda and how they where looking for me," said Sunset.

Fluttershy thought on this as she said, "Sparda... you think that could be the name of one of your parents?"

"No... the way he said it sounded like he meant an ancestor of Sparda so there's probably a generation or two separating me from them... still though it is a clue," said Sunset as she rubbed her chin in thought.

Fluttershy thought for a moment before saying, "Well if it's a clue then maybe we should try to dig into it," as she grabbed one of the scrowls off the table, only to sigh as she handed the scroll to Sunset.

Sunset chuckled at that as she read through the Old Ponish writing as she said, "You know, we might be stuck here for awhile, I could try to teach you to read some of this if you want."

Fluttershy smirked at that as she nodded and leaned in to look at the scroll as Sunset began to read it.


As Lilith marched down the block with Steve in tow she said, "You see, now we know exactly where she lives and can calmly approach her, perhaps even convince her to come with us back to the Isles willingly, it is her rightful home after all."

Steve pouted slightly as he said, "I guess, but it would be more fun with a fight."

Lilith sighed as she said, "Well if it comes to that we have the other members of the Coven stationed in a perimeter so she can't get away."

Steve thought on that before placing his hands on his hips proudly as he said, "And as always I'm accompanying you because I'm the most skilled in the Coven."

"Yes.. of course Steve," said Lilith as she thought, Or it's because you're as immature as my sister and thus can provide a bit of needed insight." As Lilith thought on this though she noticed something on the buildings as she groaned saying, "Oh great, looks like the demons beat us here, and the're using stronger forces." She looked up at the large lizard like creature crawling across the rooftops towards the apartment building, brandishing a shield in one arm and long silver claws on the other.

"OH HECK NO! Don't worry Lady Lilith, I'll take care of this guy," said Steve as he flexed his arm.

"Now let's not resort to that just yet, after all this world has no airborn magic so if we use up the magic in our bodies we'll be rendered unconscious for some time," said Lilith as she turned to the now bit of empty space next to her before she sighed saying, "Well so much for the stealth approach," as she could hear the two combatants crash through the window to Sunset's apartment and the surprised scream that followed.
> Uninvited Guests
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset and Fluttershy stared as the two creatures crashed through the second story window and onto the ground in front of them. One a large lizard like creature, the other appearing to be a man in a large bird like mask and white cloak. 

As Fluttershy let out a surprised scream Sunset got in between her and the two strangers ready to leap into action.

Action that seemed unnecessary as the lizard creature only seemed interested in attacking the masked man as he hissed out, "Stay out of this witch," before striking out with his clawed hand. 

"No you stay out of this you demon freak!" said the much angrier man as he dodged the blow before sticking his hand out and twirling his finger in the air as Sunset watched in shock a a ring of light trailed behind it before firing off a fireball at the creature, just like with her. 

Her brain lurched as she thought, "Is... is this guy a friend?"

And as if to immediately disprove that he yelled out, "The forbidden child must be taken into custody by order of the great Emperor Bellos!"

The creature raised its shield and blocked the flames as it said, "Your 'emperor' is NOTHING compared to the power of Lord Mundus, he demands the girls head."

Immediately Sunset grew out her wings as she flew up to the second floor balcony with Fluttershy, putting distance between them and the newcomers.

"Who are these guys!?" asked a slightly panicked Fluttershy.

Sunset looked down as she said, "I'm not sure, but they don't really sound friendly. Let's just let them fight for now and see if maybe we can get some answers out of the winner."

Fluttershy gulped slightly as she nodded at that and began to calm down. 

Sunset watched as the girls gaze turned calmer and more focused as she smiled slightly thinking, "That's my girl," before turning back to the others.


Nero impatiently tapped his foot on the vans roof as he heard Lady working. After about the twelfth tap though he groaned as he sat up ready to berate her once again, but stopped as he saw a figure approaching them fast. "Um... guys?" he said as the figure got closer revealing the large sword it was carrying.

Lady looked away from her work as she groaned saying, "Oh shit, we're already dealing with this."

Trish cocked her head to the side to look at the figure only to fully turn and gasp as she mumbled, "It can't be."

Nero hopped down as he pulled the sword from his back saying, "He doesn't look so tough," before sticking it into the ground and cranking the motorcycle like handle causing the blade to begin to heat up and glow.

Trish grit her teeth as she said, "Lady, keep working, we need to get out of here as soon as possible!"

Lady looked confused for a moment, but the second she saw the serious look on Trish's face she simply nodded and got back to work.

Trish then grabbed the large sword from her back as she got into a ready stance and flared up her power. Instantly her body was covered in lighting as she literally jolted forward saying, "I'LL HANDLE THIS NERO!"

Nero groaned as he said, "Oh come on, you bring me out to the ass end of nowhere and then you take the first thing that came through all day?"

"I MEAN IT! STAY BACK!" yelled out Trish as she brought her sword to bear against the figures as she stared into his eyes, seeing the brief glimmer of something behind their normally soulless light.

Nero did a double take thinking, "Woah... never seen Trish this serious before," as he sat back down saying, "Well alright, but for the record you know I can take this guy."

"NOTED!" called out Trish as she pushed him back and the two began to size each other up. Trish gulped as she thought, "I don't doubt you could Nero, but no boy should have to kill his father."


As the lizard ran forward it managed to knock off the mans mask with its claws as it grinned in triumph, only to suddenly have his face contort in pain as he looked down to see a spear of ice formed in the mans hand and stabbed directly through its heart, before it fell to the ground dead and its corpse began to dissolve away. 

The man then turned towards Sunset and Fluttershy showing his short spiked brown hair, red eyes, and pointed ears as he said, "Victory for Steve, now then." He then moved his finger forward and twirled it as the ring began to form and Sunset braced herself in front of Fluttershy. Only for the ring to crack apart as Steve continued saying, "Time for a nap," before collapsing to the floor. 

The two stared in disbelief for a moment, before being snapping out of it as Steve began to snore very loudly. "What just happened?" asked Fluttershy.

"I think... he used too much power and passed out," said Sunset as she began to descend the stairs. 

Fluttershy followed after as she said, "Just like you."

"Yeah... between that and the pointy ears I think guy might be the same race as me," said Sunset as she leaned down to look at him. "At least, partially," added Sunset at noticing the lack of a glowing arm. 

"Well then, what should we do about him?" asked Fluttershy.

"Well... I guess we tie him up and see if we can get any answers out of him when he wakes up," said Sunset as she hefted his limp body up and plopped it down in a nearby chair.

"Isn't that kind of mean? I mean he did kind of save us from that lizard guy," asked Fluttershy.

"Only so he could kill me for himself," said Sunset.

Fluttershy thought for a moment before saying, "I'll get the rope," as she went off towards the kitchen.


Trish groaned from the effort of pushing back Nelo Angelo's massive sword as he muttered, "Yamato." 

She leaned into the clash and whispered, "Hey Vergil, if you're in there that guy is more then someone hanging onto your sword, he's-"

Nelo Angelo didn't seem to care to let her finish as he suddenly jumped past her and ran forward screaming, "YAMATO!"

Nero chuckled as he stood up saying, "Well, sorry Trish but it looks like this guy wants a new dance partner." He then reached his glowing Devil Bringer arm forward and allowed the the katana to materialize as he said, "You want this big guy? Then come get it!" 

Nelo Angelo said nothing in response as he simply rocketed forward, only to have Nero instantly swipe him across the chest with the Yamato. For a moment he just stood there in a daze, and then suddenly everything changed as the Yamato did what it was made to do, cut away demonic influence. His armor began to crack apart as the cape behind him burned away. 

Nero chuckled once again at seeing this enemy literally breaking before him as he said, "See, I told you I could take him." 

That confidence melted away though as the figure turned toward him and his eyes which only a moment ago had only the faintest hint of intelligence, now stared at him with a cold unfeeling logic that sent a chill down Nero's spine that he'd never felt before. Even as the figure appeared to be literally falling apart it began to speak in a now gruffer voice saying, "I can't die yet I... need more power!" In a flash he was suddenly on Nero, and grabbed the Yamato out of the confused mans hand. Before anyone could respond the figure swung the sword in the air, or rather through the air as it opened a inky black portal in its wake. 

As the figure turned towards it though it suddenly flinched as it watched the Yamato disappear in a sparkle of light that flowed back towards Nero's arm as he gripped it into a fist saying, "Sorry buddy, but the sword and the arm are a package deal, can't take one without the other."

"Good to know," muttered the figure before it hopped through the portal that closed behind him.

Nero and Trish stared in disbelief for a moment before Nero asked, "So do you know what was up with that guy?"

For a moment Trish lurched as she debated whether or not to finally tell him the truth about his father thinking, "Dante said he'd tell him eventually, but I don't think he'd have known this would happen either... or course he looked in pretty bad shape when he left, between that and ditching an order from Mundus no way he's living much longer, so telling him might just bring him heartache." 

Thankfully Trish was saved from having to make a decision as she heard the vans engine suddenly roar to life as Lady called out, "We can talk later, for now let's get hell out of here!"


As the two looked up at the tied up man before them Fluttershy asked, "So how long do you think he'll take to wake up?"

Sunset shrugged as she said, "Don't know... a few hours maybe."

"Do you think we should give him one of your pills?" asked Fluttershy.

Sunset thought for a moment before shaking her head as she said, "Nah, I don't think we'd really want him at full strength."

Before they could continue they suddenly heard a voice yelling out, "SUNSET SHIMMER!" 

She sighed as she said, "Especially since we have enough to worry about," as she and Fluttershy both ran towards the window to see a dozen men dressed just like Steve standing on the street with a pale blue haired woman, holding a white staff stood in front of them.

The woman yelled out once again saying, "I AM HERE TO TAKE YOU TO WHERE YOU BELONG!"

Sunset gulped as she made sure her cloak was gripped on tight and grabbed the Jade as she said, "Alright, guess I'll see what this is about."

"Do you want me to go with you?" asked Fluttershy.

"No, you keep an eye on Steve," said Sunset as she gestured to the snoring form.

Fluttershy looked for a moment before nodding as she said, "Well good luck, I wish I could do more though."

"I know," said Sunset as she placed a hand on her shoulder saying, "And I'm sure if our friend weren't out of town for the summer they'd say the same thing, but trust me." She bent down and gave Fluttershy a quick kiss before saying, "I got this."

"I.. I know," said Fluttershy with a blush as she watched Sunset go out the front door.


Mundus lurched as he said, "Impossible." He grabbed his chest in slight pain and disbelief as he felt his link his Nelo Angelo be severed. "How can this be," he asked as he brought up a projection of the area where Nelo Angelo had been as he saw exactly what kind of energy he faced as he once again said, "Impossible." He blinked in disbelief at seeing he had fallen far from where the girl was, and yet the putrid glow of Sparda's energy was still what did it. "How can that be, unless," began Mundus before the realization struck and his eyes began to glow red with rage. "There's two," said Mundus as he rised from his throne saying, "That detestable traitors bloodline that should have ended with him, and yet it has continued on to include not only two sons but two grandchildren as well!!!" He then kneeled down as if to meditate as he said, "Well no more! No more plans of half measures, I shall put an end to this infernal lineage once and for all, and I shall do it with my own hands!!" As he said this a rune slowly began to form in front of him as the process to form a portal strong enough for him to pass through had begun.
> Coming to a Head
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mundus's mind boiled with rage as he struggled to split his focus between opening a portal to the human world, while at the same time tracking the two beings he sought the death of more then anything. As the next ruin began to take form he thought, "Well, if it's any consolation by the time I am done the two shall be together to meet their end."


Sunset slowly walked out, fully transformed and gun firmly in hand as the woman looked her up and down and a slight smirk as she said, "My my, you know most people exaggerate when they say a child looks like a perfect combination of their parents, but with you it's uncanny." 

Sunset twitched slightly before raising the gun saying, "I don't know who you are, but if you're claiming to know my parents you better not be lying, because I've already had to deal with that a bit ago and I can't say for sure what I'd do if it happened again."

"Easy child," said the woman as she lowered the large staff she was holding to the ground saying, "There's no need for weapons here, I'm only here to talk."

Sunset let out a sarcastic chuckle as she said, "Yeah, your buddy in there seemed very much in the mood to talk about how much he wanted to kidnap or kill me and bring me to some Emperor guy."

The woman sighed at that as she said, "Yes well Steve is very... excitable."

"I could guess... if you really just want to talk I'll listen, but I'm not putting Jade down," said Sunset as she gripped the pistol tighter.

The woman sighed as she said, "So you named your weapons too, you really take after them."

Sunset glared at the woman saying, "Take after who? Either stop being vague and give me something to believe or get ready to dodge a bullet."

This made the woman slightly flinched as she said, "Very well... your mother is named Edalyn Clawthorne and your father is Dante Sparda."

Sunset blinked for a moment at hearing the familiar name but calmed herself saying, "What do they look like?"

The woman stood for a moment as she asked, "Why do you need to know that?"

"Just humor me... please," said Sunset.

The woman blinked as she said, "Um... well Eda has grey and white hair now, though when she was younger it was orange, yours actually reminds of hers a little bit. She has a number of outfits she stole from this world, but she mainly wears a red dress. Dante I know less about but he has white hair and usually wears some kind of red coat."

Sunset took in the words the woman said, as they not only seemed to fit the foggy image she had of them, but hearing the details seemed to make the image less foggy as she smiled slightly saying, "Alright... that checks out." She then looked up at the woman saying, "So how exactly do you know them?"

At this the woman smiled as she said, "Well as I said, I mainly know about your mother and that is because I am Lilith Clawthorne, her older sister and your aunt."


Fluttershy sat in worry as she stared at the exchange out the window, she was taken out of that worry though when she suddenly heard a mumbling noise behind her. She turned to see Steve waking up as he said, "Meh... what happened? Where's Lady Lilith?"

"Um... hi," said Fluttershy as she awkwardly waved to him. 

He turned to her saying, "Hi... listen do you think you could untie me?"

"I'm not sure if that's the best idea, I don't want you to hurt Sunset," said Fluttershy simply as she sat down in front of him.

Steve grew somewhat panicked as he struggled against the ropes saying, "No please... look I'll do my best not to hurt her, I just can't disappoint Lady Lilith."

Fluttershy's face went from stern, to concerned as she said, "You seem kind of scared of her, do you maybe want to talk about it?"


Sunset blinked at what she was told as she said, "You... how do... you?"

Lilith sighed as she said, "I know it's a lot to take in," as she walked towards Sunset and placed her hand on her shoulder.

Sunset flinched slightly thinking, "Her story... seems to line up so far, way more then the Dazzlings did... but even if it does."  She then looked at the hand and took a moment to memorize the feeling of this warmth of her own flesh and blood touching her for the first time she could remember, before pulling away as she asked, "Let's get to the big question then, why did my parents send me away and who is this Emperor?"

Lilith lurched back as she said, "That is rather complicated as... Emperor Bellos is the ruler of the Boiling Isles, your homeland and... technically speaking your existence violates his laws."

"What?" asked Sunset.

"By order of Emperor Bellos it is forbidden for a child to be born of a witch like your mother and a demon, or half demon, like your father as it is believed that the two conflicting energies woulds tear each other apart," said Lilith before turning to Sunset as she said, "But you have proven him wrong, I'm sure if you come back with me and join the Emperor's Coven you will be allowed to live in peace."

"And what about my parents?" asked Sunset.

Lilith put her hands on Sunset's shoulders again as she smiled and said, "I'm sure once they find you've joined our coven they will stop fighting the inevitable and join as well, your mother is a rather powerful witch and we can always use more guard demons, and then finally Edalyn will be saved."

At this Sunset's mood began to darken as she pushed Lilith away saying, "What do you mean saved?"

Lilith stepped back at that as she said, "Oh... I suppose I forgot to mention, your mother is under a curse that is slowly eating away at her magic and mind, so far she has been able to combat it using potions purchased on the black market, and as much as I don't like to admit it Dante has been able to help somewhat slow it down as well... but that won't last forever, only the emperor's power can break the curse for good."

"And he won't help unless she helps him first!? What kind of leader blackmails their subjects!?" asked Sunset.

"It's not like that... it's just he," said Lilith as she trailed off. 

Thankfully for Lilith she didn't have to think of an answer as they heard a honking noise before turning to the side and seeing a van approaching them at full speed. 

"Get back!" yelled out Lilith as she pushed Sunset to the ground as the van skidded to a stop past them.

Sunset looked at her for a moment before breaking out of her grip as she looked away from her mumbling, "Thanks."

As they did that though, they looked towards the van as its door slid open, a man soon stepped out in a large black and red cloak, white hair and a sword strapped to his back, but Sunset barely noticed that as she saw that his right arm was glowing and looked just like hers. The man looked behind him saying, "What the hell Trish, I thought you said it was some kind of demon but it's just these clowns who showed up last time we visited Dante's place."

"Well damn... at least Lilith is here, that should at least make the fight kind of fun," said a blonde woman in a tight leather top with a lighting bolt cut down the middle, and equally tight leather pants with a sword bigger then her strapped to her back.

"Um guys... I think your missing someone," said a lady with with black hair, a white colored shirt, and black shorts."

The two looked to see Sunset as they noticed her arm and wings as she awkwardly waved saying, "Um... hi."

Trish briefly closed her eyes before blinking them open in surprise as she said, "This demonic energy it's... it's just like-"

Nero looked at her with a slight smirk as he caught onto her train of thought and said, "Devil Bringer arm, owl like wings... well damn, I didn't think Dante actually had it in him."

Trish then snapped out of her stammer as she chuckled and said, "Still surprised he actually got a wife with how terrible his luck is with woman, speaking of which I still owe you on that bet don't I Lady."

"With interest, but either way looks like we got here just in time, don't want auntie dearest taking her away," said Lady as she unclipped the rocket launcher from her back.

Lilith growled as she said, "Not you people again, why must you insist on interfering!?"

"I could ask you the same thing," said Trish as she stepped forward and looked at Sunset saying, "Look sweetie, I know this is a little confusing, but we're friends of your parents and I don't know what she told you but this lady is just someone trying to get your parents to join her dumb boy band or whatever it's called."

Sunset chuckled at that as she approached Trish saying, "Yeah... she was pretty honest about that." She then walked up to her saying, "And even though you guys almost ran me over... you honestly seem more trustworthy then her, and friends of my parents seem like a better chance at helping me meet them."

"Meet them?" asked Lady.

"Yeah... it's a bit of a long story, speaking of which," said Sunset as she turned to Nero and said, "About that arm, you wouldn't happen to be?"

Nero briefly looked at his arm saying, "The Devil Bringer, yeah it's weird that we both have them, but I'm not your brother or anything...." Nero then blinked as he groaned saying, "Shit, Dante's not my dad is he?"

Lady laughed at that saying, "Please, he was lucky to get with one girl, two is way beyond his reach."

Trish simply smiled at that as she said, "Don't worry, he's not your father." as she mentally added, "But he better tell who your father is soon."

Trish then looked towards Sunset as she said, "So if you've never met them, I'm guessing these guys are somehow involved," she said as she gestured her sword towards Lilith and her guards.

"More then likely," said Sunset as she pointed her gun towards them with a smirk.

Lady chuckled as she said, "Like father like daughter."

Nero then stood next to her as he said, "What do you say we kick their asses then?"

"Sound like a plan to me," said Sunset.

Lilith groaned as she reached to pick up her staff, only to have it rumble away from her as the ground began to shake. "Oh no," said Lilith as she could feel what this was.

Sunset looked as her arm began to blow brighter, briefly noticing that Nero's did the same. Trish gasped as she said, "No, not now."

"What's happening?" asked Sunset as she briefly looked towards her apartment worried for Fluttershy.

Lady simply sighed as she said, "Well it looks like we just went from a therapeutic ass kicking to a real fight." 

Sunset sighed as she said, "Of course this is getting more complicated."

A large gap formed in the air as they all turned to see a giant clawed hand reach through it before another followed. Soon a large figure with a three eyed face became visible as he poked his head through saying, "Look upon me pathetic ones, for I am your end, I am the oblivion of this world, I am-"

"AN ASSHOLE!" said said Sunset as she felt slightly agitated at seeing this new interloper.

The three eyed creature turned down towards her as he slightly smirked saying, "I see you truly are Dante's daughter, and for that you shall die!"
> End of Eternity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Nero, Trish, Lady, and Sunset geared up for the fight, though Sunset doing so reluctantly, Lilith gaped in fear as she said, "Mundus, but you... you can't be here, the treaty."

"The treaty forbids me from entering your realm, but this is not your realm is it?" asked Mundus with a wicked smirk.

Lilith gaped for a moment while Nero stepped forward saying, "No it isn't, but it sure as hell aint yours either, so why don't you go on home before we make you go home!"

"Take it down a notch kiddo, this isn't an opponent you can underestimate," said Trish as she readied her sword.

Mundus then turned his smirk to her as he said, "Ah my lovely creation, still heaping praise unto me even after rebelling against me, you know it's never to late to return to my side."

Trish glared at him as she said, "Like hell, just because I know not to underestimate you doesn't mean I'm afraid of you."

"WELL I AM, RETREAT!" called out one of Lilith's men before he pulled a rod like device out of his pocket and gestured it forward creating a portal that he quickly hopped through.

Mundus glanced at that as he turned to the crowd and said, "Go on, my feud is with the traitor's spawn, you others are welcome to leave if you value your lives." 

This was the only cue the other guards needed to open their own portals as Lilith gulped and reached out a hand saying, "Sunset quickly, come with me."

"Why should I?" asked Sunset as she simply flexed slightly for the coming fight.

"He is ruler of the demon realm, the bringer of ends, one of the few beings in all realms able to rival the emperor's power, if you truly want to see your parents you need to leave with me now!" called out Lilith in a mix of frustration and fear as she reached out her hand towards her.

Sunset looked at the hand with a glare as she said, "And what, just let this guy destroy the world?"

Lilith slightly flinched at that before glaring back as she said, "So what if he does?! It's not really your world!"

"Maybe not by birth, but I've spent a lot of time here, made friends here," she then glanced back at the apartment with a slight smile as she said, "Found love here, and if I had to choice between meeting my parents and dieing to protect this world, then just make sure they pick out a good head stone for me back home."

Lilith looked at her for a moment before pulling out her own rod and opening a portal behind her as she turned away and simply said, "They'd be proud of what you're doing."

Sunset smirked at that as she glanced back at her saying, "Be sure to tell them about it then."

Lilith stood for a moment before sighing as she said, "Fight hard to tell her them yourself, and you all," she then turned back to the group as she said, "Do what you all do best, and be a thorn in the side of those much more powerful then you." 

She then walked through the portal as Lady said, "Hum, I think that's the nicest thing she's ever said to us." 

"Yeah, so let's not disappoint her," said Trish with a smirk before turning to Sunset as she said, "You ready for this little lady?" 

Sunset pointed her gun as she said, "Ready as I'll ever be."

Trish blinked for a second as she said, "Is that gun all you have?" 

"Well that and my arm yeah," said Sunset as she blinked in confusion at that.

Trish thought for a moment before smiling as she turned her sword handle first and gestured it to her saying, "Here, I think this will help."

Sunset looked at her in disbelief as she said, "Seriously, I can't just take your-"

"It's not really mine sweetie, it was your grandfather Sparda's, and your dad lent it to me... it's probably about time it goes back into the family," said Trish as she moved the sword towards Sunset.

Sunset blinked at that before reaching her hand out and taking it. She looked at it thinking, "Despite how big it is, it feels pretty light, and good to hold... almost as if it has a power of its own filling me up." She then blinked as she turned back to Trish saying, "Wait but what will you fight with?"

"Oh trust me honey," said Trish before moving into a punching stance as lighting wrapped around her arms and she continued saying, "I got my own way to fight."

Sunset smiled at that but was soon interrupted as the rumbled returned. She then looked forward as Mundus said, "What a touching moment, be thankful I needed more time to finish coming through, otherwise you would have never heard it."

The group watched as two clawed hand appeared to grip the edges of the portal before pulling the rest of him forward as it closed behind him. Now getting a full look at him, Sunset watched as what appeared to be a large distorted of statue of Zues, floated in the air periodically flapping his wings. 

Nero chuckled as he said, "He doesn't look so tough," before pointing at a number of wholes and scars on Mundus's chest as he said, "He looks like he's about to crumble apart on his own."

Mundus flinched as he mentally traced one scar in particularly before glancing down at Nero.

"LOOK OUT!" called out Trish as she watched a bolt of red lighting shoot out from Mundus's eyes towards Nero.

Nero turned forward and just as it looked as though the Lightning was about the hit him, Sunset stood in front of him swiping her newfound sword and knocking the lightning to the side. 

"Woah, thanks for the save... what's your name by the way?" asked Nero.

Sunset blinked for a moment as she realized she had never actually introduced herself to them as she said, "Sunset, Sunset Shimmer."

"Well Sunset, what do you say we send this guy packing?" said Nero as he revved his sword. 

Sunset had a brief smirk as she said, "You read my mind." 

"INSOLENT CHILDREN! STOP ACTING LIKE THIS IS A MERE GAME!" cried out Mundus as he flew down and prepared to strike at the ground with his claws. As he came down though, he was suddenly halted by an explosion at his finger tips as he turned to see Lady pointing her rocket launcher at him. "How... HOW DARE A MERE HUMAN STRIKE AT ME!" he cried out as his eyes began to flare with a red hot intensity. Before he could fire his lighting this time though he lurched as he fell to the ground as someone else's lighting struck him. 

Trish smirked as she held her still sparking out saying, "Hmm, maybe I was overestimating you Mundus... but then again I suppose that makes sense after all."

As Trish talked Sunset and Nero glanced at each other as a silent plan began to form and they both began to run towards the now prone form. "What?!" asked a bewildered Mundus. 

"You see, it's been a long time since you and Dante fought and since that time we've all had to face some hefty threats. Argosax, The Savoir, Abigail, The Beast Heads, and... god I feel like there was more but I can't for the life of me remember."

Lady shrugged as she said, "You could always mention Arkham or Gilver, sure they were before him but they still put up more of a fight then this guy," before letting out a chuckle

Mundus glared as he called out, "ENOUGH OF THIS!" as he sent a shockwave into the ground that knocked both Lady and Trish to the ground as Sunset flapped her wings to stay up while Nero formed a blue figure behind his back doing the same. As Mundus rised into the air he said, "How dare you make light of me! I am Mundus, the one true king of demons, and ruler of all worlds and I-" suddenly he stopped as he found his left arm being held still by a giant blue and red fist. Before he could react though he suddenly found his right arm in the same predicament as he looked down to see Sunset and Nero holding him in place with their Devil Bringer arms as they both readied their swords in their other hands.

Nero smirked as he said, "You know... I think Sunset had it right, you're just an asshole."

"A men to that," said Sunset as she flew forward brandishing the large sword behind her, as Nero did the same.

Mundus glared at them as he thought, "The fools, you think this shall be that easy, just because I can not move does not mean I can not kill you insects!" As Mundus's eyes began to glow red again, he was suddenly stopped by a surge of pain as he turned down to see another lighter blue glow wrapped around his throat. "What is this how.." he said before turning forward as he noticed off in the distance a small portal open and a white staff poking through it as he said, "Damn that witch, she-" but was interrupted as the two swords cut through his body, replacing any words with a cry of pain.


As Lilith stepped back through the portal and allowed it to close she breathed out a sigh of relief saying, "You may not like it child, but expect to get a little help from your aunt from time to time... after all... it's the least I can do." She then twitched as a memory started to worm its way to the surface of her mind before shaking it clear as she said, "Come, let's go back to the castle."

The guards all looked around awkwardly as one of them stepped forward saying, "Buy my lady, what about Steve?"

Lilith sighed at that as she said, "He has a portal rod just like the rest of us, I'm sure he'll be back eventually... unless one of you wants to try and mount a rescue."

They all collectively gulped at that as, none of them where particularly eager to face anyone currently in the human world right now, as they all began to make their way towards the castle.


Mundus laid down with a thud as blood dripped from the freshly opened chest wounds. He coughed elleciting more blood as he raised his head to glance at the pair before him saying, "This is not over, I am eternal and I shall return just as I always have."

"You do that," said Sunset as she raised the Jade level with his face.

"And we'll just keep knocking you back down," said Nero as he leveled his own gun. 

As the two fired Nero's bullets left behind a slight blue trail where as Sunset's where mainly red, but with flakes of other colors throughout forming a slight rainbow. As the bullets struck Mundus a look of horror formed on his face that caused even Sunset and Nero to lurch back as Mundus let out a cry saying, "What... what is this!? This isn't just demonic energy it-" He cut himself off as he started screaming as his body began to crumble apart at the harmony magic racing throughout it. 

Lady and Trish soon ran up to get a look as the once mighty king of demons now writhed in pain as his body cracked apart like the statue it appeared to appear before finally Mundus's cries went silent as he crumpled to dust, and seemed to dissapear from existence. 

They all blinked for a moment before Lady spoke up saying, "What just happened?"

"I think... you two just killed him," said Trish as she approached the spot Mundus once occupied in disbelief. 

"Well... I mean that was kind of the idea," said Sunset.

"No... I mean killed him killed him, like he'll never be back," said Trish.

Nero shrugged at that as he said, "So his immortality was all talk, not the first time we've seen that."

Trish shook her head as she said, "No, this is different," she then looked at Sunset saying, "I think this was because of you."

"What?" asked Sunset.

Trish simply closed her eyes for a moment before saying, "Your energy... isn't entirely demonic, which I guess makes sense when your moms a witch. It's because of that, that you where able to finish him."

Sunset blinked at that but quickly was snapped out of it as she felt an arm pat her on the back as she turned back to see Nero as he said, "Not bad for a first time Devil Hunter."

Before she could respond she felt another arm wrap around her as she turned to see Lady saying, "Gotta say, you're a hell of a lot better then your dad was at your age."

Trish sighed before joining into the group huddle as she gave Sunset a pat on the head saying, "Great job sweetheart."

Sunset took this moment in as she thought, "This warmth... it's like when Lilith touched me but somehow more... like whatever kindness or love was conveyed in that, is being conveyed even harder from them." Sunset smiled for a moment just taking this in, but soon blinked in realization as she said, "So... not to put a dampener on this but how exactly do you all know my parents?"

"Well we mainly know your dad," said Trish as they all broke out of the huddle.

"He used to be a Devil Hunter with us here on Earth... though I guess used to is a bit of an understatement since he's more then happy to come back for a bit if we need him," said Lady.

"He's a bit of a pain in the ass, but he's alright," said Nero with a shrug and a smirk.

Trish then tapped her chin as she said, "As for your mom, Eda is..."

"Way to good for Dante?" added Lady resulting in a slight chuckle from the assembled group.

Trish then continued saying, "Honestly she's a lot like him... just replace fighting demons with fighting Lilith's crew and pizza for Apple Blood and your good to go."

"Apple... Blood?" asked Sunset.

"Yeah, that might be better for her to explain since I don't fully get it either," said Trish with a shrug.

Sunset gulped at that as she said, "So does that... mean you can take me to them?"

"Oh... um, kind of," said Trish.

Sunset blinked in confusion as she looked around at the group. Nero sighed as he said, "Sorry Sunset but we don't actually know how to get to the Boiling Isles, whenever we visit them Dante or Eda open up some kind of weird glowing door in front of us, and boom we're there." 

Sunset lurched at that as she said, "What about when you need there help, you can call them right?"

"I mean... yes, but the only way is with a special phone we have back home," said Lady as she awkwardly scratched her head.

"And it was a couple days road trip to get here, looks like we barely got here in time at that," said Trish as she once again glanced at where her former master fell.

Sunset body began to turn back to normal as tears began to form in the corner of her eyes as she said, "I'm sorry... it's nice to meet all of you, it's just... for a second I thought."

Before she could finish though she found herself wrapped up in a hug as Trish said, "Hey don't worry about it, we get it."

Soon Lady joined in as she said, "Believe me I know what it's like to miss a family member."

Sunset found herself slightly heaving as she said, "Is... is miss even the right word? How can I miss people I barely remember?"

As Nero watched at the display he slightly turned away as his mind turned to the three kids at home who only recently started calling him dad, and then to years ago at a white haired boy asking who is father was, and never getting an answer. He had a few tears of his form before gritting his teeth slightly as he said, "Trust me... miss, is the right word... I know it's not much help but we promise to call Dante as soon as we get back."

"Of course we will, in fact if you want you can come with us, see where your dad used to live when he was on Earth," said Trish as she stroked Sunset's hair slightly.

Sunset looked at her as she wiped the tears from eyes saying, "That would be good but..." before trailing off.

"You got your hopes up," said Lady with a sigh.

Nero looked back at her as she said, "Believe me, we'd get you to them if we could, but unless you have an Emperor's Coven member stashed away somewhere that just can't happen."

Sunset stopped heaving at that as she blinked for a second before letting out a nervous chuckle as she said, "Actually."


"YOU LEFT ONE OF THOSE GUYS IN THERE WITH YOUR GIRLFRIEND!" said Trish as she ran alongside Sunset to the door.

"I figured it was fine, he was tied up and passed out," said Sunset as her worry mounted.

"Still, though that doesn't seem like the smartest move," said Lady as she cocked her weapon.

"I thought you said these guys where a bunch of jokes?" said Sunset to try and calm herself as they reached the door.

"To us maybe, but to a normal human," said Nero before pulling out his pistol and nodding towards Sunset as she did the same.

"Alright everybody, we got a hostile with a hostage most likely so be ready," said Trish as she looked at everyone.

They all nodded in response before the door was slammed open, as they all burst through ready for a fight. Instead though they where greeted to the sight of Steve laying on the couch sobbing while Fluttershy patted his shoulder.

He wailed as he said, "And no matter how hard I try or how much I do, Lilith and the others just see me as some of kind of joke."

"It's OK, just let it all out," said Fluttershy as she smiled down at him reassuringly.

"I deserve respect damn it! I'm not some kind of comic relief henchman, I'm a powerful witch just like them!" said Steve.

"Yes you are Steve, never forget that," said Fluttershy.

"Thanks, I really needed to hear that," said Steve as he wiped the tears from his eyes and noticed the bewildered group before him as he said, "Oh um... hi," and waved awkwardly.

Fluttershy looked up as she said, "Oh Sunset good news, I think he'll be willing to help us and..." she then took notice of the other people that came in with Sunset as she looked around saying, "Um, who are these guys."

The others all turned to Sunset as she stood another moment before letting out a chuckle as she said, "Looks like we were both making friends." She then gestured to the group as she said, "Fluttershy and... Steve, these are Lady, Trish, and Nero."

"Nice to meet you," said Nero with an awkward wave.

"Damn she's cute, glad to see you have better luck with the ladies then your old man," said Lady with a smirk that caused Fluttershy and Sunset to blush.

"Don't listen to her sweetie... even if what she's saying is the truth," said Trish with a shrug.

"Oh well... it's nice to meet you all," said Fluttershy as she awkwardly smiled at them.

"We actually met once before when Lilith had us attack the Owl House and she kicked me in the back of the head," said Steve as he pointed towards Lady.

"Did I... sorry you guys all look the same in those masks," said Lady with a shrug.

"So um... care to explain what happened out there exactly?" asked Fluttershy


Some time later

"And so yeah, that's pretty much it," said Nero.

"Oh my," said Fluttershy before grabbing Sunset as she said, "Are you OK?"

Sunset chuckled as she said, "From the fight yeah, not a scratch on me, emotionally though... well I suppose that depends if Steve is willing to help us."

They all turned towards the brown haired man, half of them preparing their weapons to threaten him, as he stood up saying, "Hell yeah I'll help you out."

"Really?" asked Sunset in shock and glee.

"And you won't be bringing her to Lilith or anything right?" asked Trish.

Steve groaned as he said, "No way I'm bringing her to Lilith, I'm done with that toxic system that makes ya feel like garbage."

Fluttershy smiled at that as she said, "I'm happy to hear it Steve, and remember, whose opinion of you means more then anyone else?"

Steve beamed with pride as he said, "Steve's does!" He then pulled out a rod as he said, "Which is why Steve is gonna defy the Emperor and take Sunset to see her parents and-" he then paused as he looked closer at the rod saying, "Oh no."

Sunset lurched at that as she said, "What's wrong?"

"Well, don't panic OK, but I sort of forgot to charge it before leaving the castle," said Steve as he shook it hoping the power level on it might go up, which it did not.

"So what... you can't open a portal?" asked Lady.

"No I can, it's just... I can only take two of you with me and after that it's dead... and I don't think they'll let me back into the castle to charge it after this so you'd have to figure your own way back," said Steve.

The group stood in silence for a moment before Trish spoke up saying, "Well... obviously Sunset's going, and I think we know who else is." 

"You're darn right you do," said Fluttershy as she let out a huff. 

Sunset turned to her as her face became flush with concern as she said, "Hold on, we don't know for sure what we'll have to deal with when we get there... it could be dangerous and if it turns out to be to much I can't just send you back here."

Fluttershy looked at her with an unwavering smile though as she said, "I've told you before that I want to stick by you through this no matter what, and so even if it is dangerous I want to come with you and I know for sure I won't want to turn back.

Sunset tried to think of something to say only to be interrupted as Fluttershy blushed slightly as she said, "Besides... I want to meet my girlfriends parents."

Sunset blinked at that before letting out a slight chuckle as she couldn't help but lean into the hug and give her a kiss.

Lady let out a chuckle of her and a slight clap as she said, "Bravo kid, you got a good one there."

Trish bumped Nero's shoulder as she said, "Looks like you're not the only one around here to get the girl in the end."

Nero simply smiled at that as the spectacle reminded him of when he and Kyrie first set off on their lives together.

"Um... I hate to interrupt Lady Fluttershy but the Portal Rod's power goes down at least a little even when not in use," said Steve.

This caused the two to break apart as Sunset let out a fake cough in embarrassment and said, "Oh of course..." she then turned back to the others as she said, "Well, I guess this is goodbye for now." 

"Don't get too sappy kid, you'll see us again," said Lady as she nonchalantly put her hands behind her head.

Trish rolled her eyes slightly at that as she said, "It may not have been long, but it was good to meet you Sunset.... you know it's kind of funny, we've always been kind of like a family with your dad at the center of it all, so in a way I'd like to think you're our family to."

Sunset smiled at that as she said, "I feel the same way... Aunt Trish."

Trish smiled back as Lady let out a groan saying, "I told you not to get too sappy."

Sunset let out a chuckle as she said, "Sorry Aunt Lady."

She let out another groan as Nero stepped forward saying, "In the meantime we'll stick around in case there's any demons left around here to clean up," he then sat on the couch and put his feet up on the table saying, "Hope you don't mind if we crash at your place for a bit."

"You got it Cousin Nero," said Sunset with a thumbs up.

Nero blinked as he said, "Ahh what! I don't get to be Uncle Nero?"

Sunset chuckled at that saying, "What can I say, you already said no to being a brother and you're too young for the uncle role."

"My wife and kids would beg to differ," said Nero simply.

Sunset thought on that for a moment before shrugging and saying, "Either way it just feels like a better title you know."

Nero thought on that for a moment as he shrugged himself saying, "Yeah I guess that's fair."

The group simply sat in each others company for a moment before Sunset turned to Fluttershy with a sigh as he reached out for her hand saying, "Ready?"

Fluttershy smiled at her as she said, "Ready."

"Alright then Steve... fire it up," said Sunset as she turned to the man.

He nodded as he held up the rod and opened up a portal as the three soon went trough, dissapearing in a flash of light.
> Reunion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

As Sunset and Fluttershy's blinked back into focus they where greeted by a large cliff edge as Sunset put her arm in front of Fluttershy and she said, "WHAT THE HECK STEVE!"

"SORRY SORRY!" said Steve as he helped the two back away saying, "I couldn't come back into my usual place nearby the castle and the Owl House has a spell on it that stops portals from forming too close so I was left to open it up based on my memory of the area," he then awkwardly scratched his head as he continued saying, "and I guess I don't remember it as well as I thought."

Sunset groaned slightly as she said, "Whatever... I guess we couldn't have gotten here without you."

Fluttershy's breathing calmed down as she smiled saying, "Yeah thanks Steve,' but she briefly flinched at seeing the man was looking off into the distance and no longer paying to attention to them. "Um... Steve?"

"I've never seen this place before," said Steve as he looked out at the sun over the cliff.

"Um... yeah, it's pretty but shouldn't I be the one awestruck given that this is the first time I'm seeing my home world?" said Sunset as she looked at the man.

"It's just.... I never realized how little of the island I've seen, I thought I'd explored most of it working for the Emperor's Coven but here I am, seeing something entirely new just outside of Bonesborough, a town I've been to countless times," said Steve before jumping around as he smiled saying, "Well no more, no more limited views, no more coven, no more dumb uniform."

At which point he tossed aside his cape followed by his tunic as Fluttershy began to blush and Sunset covered her eyes as as she turned and breathed a sigh to see that he had being shorts underneath his uniform. He then turned them away saying, "From now on Steve is his own man who does what he wants!" He then reached out his hand as a staff materialized within it as he hopped upon it saying, "And what Steve wants to do is explore the world!" He then took off into the air and said, "Catch you later ladies, and good luck!" before letting out a cheer as he flew out of sight.

"Well then... that was unexpected," said Sunset as she looked out with a sigh.

"Well at least he's going to live his life the way he wants," said Fluttershy with a slight smile.

"He didn't need to take off his pants though," said Sunset flatly.

"Still though, he's living free now," said Fluttershy.

"I guess... I give him about a week," said Sunset.

"I give him eleven minutes, but that's beside the point," said Fluttershy.

Sunset thought for a moment then let out a laugh as she looked out over the cliff at the sunlight reflected on water and the large curved rock formations rising up from it as she said, "Yeah I guess it is... he was right though this place does look beautiful."

"Yeah..." said Fluttershy before turning to Sunset with a smile as she said, "It sure does."

Sunset looked back at her with a slight blush, before blinking as she groaned saying, "I just realized he never actually told us where to go."

"Oh... well he did say something about a place called the Owl House and a town nearby," said Fluttershy hopeful.

Sunset sighed as she said, "Well I guess that's a start," before straightening her cloak as she made sure Jade was secured at her waist and her new sword to her back before sparing a glance and a smirk at her necklace as she thought, "Just wait a little longer guys, I'm almost there." She then turned to the side as she noticed a dirt path and grabbed Fluttershy's hand saying, "Alright, let's head out."

Fluttershy blushed slightly as she nodded and the pair walked off.


As the young girl walked down the stairs she stretched her arms and let out a yawn. She soon got to the kitchen and was greeted to her usual morning sight of a pale woman dressed in a purple sweater and blue skirt drinking coffee as she sat next to a man wearing a gray shirt and black sweat pants, and finally a small creature with what appeared to be a skull face that sat across from them.

The woman looked up at her saying, "Well looks who's finally up, not like you to sleep in this late Luz."

The man simply shrugged as she said, "Cut the kid some slack, after that whole thing with the Sliver Beast and learning a new spell yesterday she deserves some rest."

Luz chuckled at that as she sat down at the table saying, "Morning Eda, Morning Dante," before leaning over towards the small creature as she said, "Morning King, you little cutie."

"Wah, hey don't call me cute, I am the ruler of demons!" cried out King as he hopped onto the table.

"Hey, you got my vote. I'd much rather help you out then Mundus," said Dante with a chuckle.

"See even the half demon knows to respect me," said King a smile.

Dante glared slightly as Eda let out a snorting laugh saying, "Here that hun, your old man would be proud to see you in a demon kings army just like him," as she patted Dante on the back.

Dante rolled his eyes saying, "Very funny," before smirking as he pointed forward saying, "Hey Luz now that you're going to be enrolling in Hexside maybe you could help teach Eda some of the stuff she missed after dropping out."

At this Eda's laughter suddenly stopped as she looked Dante dead in the eyes saying, "Truce?"

Dante nodded repeating, "Truce," before leaning over and giving Eda a slight kiss.

"OH COME ON, I'M EATING HERE!" said King as he sat back down poking his fork at his food saying, "Though I don't want to with this slop."

Luz smiled briefly at the antics of those around her as she said, "Well I was just planning on having a relaxing day about town. Won't be able to do that starting next week... that is if I pass the entrance exam," said Luz as she began to tap her foot nervously. 

Eda leaned over as she said, "Pffth, you'll be fine. After all I'm teaching you and I have more magical talent in my pinkie then most of those guys do in their whole bodies."

Luz looked at Dante who simply nodded, the two assuaging her fears just a little, only to be interrupted as she soon found King sitting in her hoodie saying, "Yeah, I'm sure it will be fine, but what you need now is to go out and relax. Maybe get some nice scones from that cart in town."

"Really, you think that would help?" asked Luz as she looked back at the little demon.

"Oh absolutely, scones are well known comfort food," said King excitedly.

"And this has nothing to do with the fact you hate the pancakes I made?" said Dante as he crossed his arms with a smirk.

"How dare you make such a claim, I am merely trying to help my dear friend get through a stressful time in her life," said King as he crossed his arms with a huff. 

Eda chuckled as she said, "Eh let them go, it sounds like they'll have fun," before leaning over to Dante as she whispered, "Besides, do you want to have to sit through their annoying breakfast comedy routine again?"

Dante thought for a moment before raising his coffee mug with a smile saying, "You two have fun." 

"Thanks guys," said Luz with a smile before heading towards the door as she said, "See you later."

As they opened the door though an owl like face on it spoke to them saying, "Hoot hoot, do you want to hear my advice for your test?"

"No thanks Hooty," said Luz as she smiled and kept walking.

"Your advice would only make things worse," said King much more harshly.


As Sunset and Fluttershy walked into town Sunset was quick to put her hand on Fluttershy in protection as a large creature with multiple eyes walked past them, as he removed one of said eyes plopped it into his mouth.

Fluttershy briefly gagged at the sight before she pushed the arm away saying, "Oh come on, sure these guys look different but they seem alright," she then turned to a fairy floating by with a smile as she said, "Um excuse mam, can you help us?"

The fairy turned to her with a smile of her own as she opened up her mouth to reveal rows upon rows of sharp teeth as she yelled out, "GIVE ME YOUR SKIN!" 

Instantly Fluttershy ducked behind Sunset as the girl raised her gun up to the fairy.

The fairy then closed her mouth as raised her hands defensively saying, "Waoh, chill girl. I was just having some fun messing with the human, you know how it is."

Sunset glared as she said, "No I don't, but what I do know is I want to get to the Owl House. You wouldn't happen to know where it is do you?"

The fairy blinked at that before breaking out into a chuckle as she said, "You're kidding right?" When Sunset just stared back at her she broke into a full on fit of laughter as she rolled around in the air. 

Sunset stared at the fairy ready to say something, only to be interrupted as Fluttershy stood up and moved towards her before stopping and glaring at her as she said, "And what is so funny about that?!"

The fairy wiped tears from her eyes as her laughter finally died down as she looked towards Sunset and said, "Look kid, I've seen your type before. The fancy gun, the huge sword, your weird pet here," said the fairy pointing at Fluttershy. 

"I'm not a pet!" said Fluttershy as she was filled with a new sense of confidence.

"Sure whatever you say," said the fairy brushing her to the side before turning back to Sunset as she said, "Look, I don't know what kind of hot shot bounty hunter you think you are but there is no way you're gonna be able to take on those two, trust me the money isn't worth even trying."

The fairy then began to fly off still laughing as Sunset called out, "Hold on, what the hell are you talking about!?" 

Fluttershy then turned to the side as she blinked upon seeing a particular poster as she said, "Um Sunset... you might want to see this."

Sunset groaned before turning to the side and gasping at what she saw.


WANTED EDA THE OWL LADY AND DANTE THE DEMON SLAYER



REWARD 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000


Sunset blinked as a slight tear came her eye before shaking it off as she said, "Didn't think this would be the first way I'd see them."

"Well, it makes sense given how Lilith talked about them, it doesn't exactly seem like the're on the emperor's good side," said Fluttershy.

"Yeah well, he doesn't sound like someone I'd want to be on the good side of anyway," said Sunset as she looked closer at the poster saying, "They look... nice though," as she smiled and let another tear fall from her eye. 

Instantly Fluttershy gave her a side hug as she smiled saying, "Yeah, they do." The two simply stood like this for a moment before Fluttershy asked, "You ready to keep looking?"

"Yeah," said Sunset turning to towards Fluttershy and returning the hug as she said, "Thanks for coming with me by the way... I'm not sure if I could get through this alone."

"Anytime," said Fluttershy as the two gripped each other tighter before separating. They then looked around the town as she said, "So which way should we go?"

"I'm not sure," said Sunset as she looked around herself, before sitting eyes on what appeared to be a normal human girl sitting on a bench with some kind of small creature and eating scones. She blinked as she thought, "Wait, is she human too, and why does she look kind of familiar?"

Before she could think on that Fluttershy suddenly rocketed forward as she suddenly held the tiny creature in her arms saying, "Oh my goodness you are such a cute little guy, yes you are, yes you are!"

At this King started to squirm in her grasp as he said, "No... not again, I am not anyone's cute little guy!"

"Oh my goodness, you can talk!" said Fluttershy happily as she snuggled him more.

Sunset ran up to them as King turned back struggling further and saying, "WAH! Help me Luz!" 

Luz stood up as she tried to grab King saying, "Oh querido, um could you please put him down he doesn't really like that."

Sunset then grabbed onto Fluttershy as she said, "Yeah, I don't think this is what they mean by 'putting the squeeze' on people for information." 

They finally managed to pry them apart as Fluttershy breathed out a sigh saying, "Oh... oh my I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me."

Luz chuckled as she held the angry King before putting him down on the bench and sliding her own plate of scones to him as he began eating. She then smiled at her saying, "It's alright I did that the first time I saw him too and..." she then trailed off as she caught sight of Fluttershy's ears and ran up to her with the biggest grin as she said, "Es impossible, you're human too! I'm not the only human on the Boiling Isles!?"

"Um... not anymore I guess, we just got here," said Fluttershy as she awkwardly scratched her head. 

Sunset then stepped forward saying, "Only part human here... I think anyway, I'm actually here to meet my parents."

"Oh really," said Luz as she thought, "Another couple like that on the Isles, maybe Dante and Eda know them." Before asking, "Do you know anything about them?"

King finished his scones and had a ship of his box of Apple Blood as Sunset spoke saying, "Just that their names are Dante and Eda," causing King to immediately spit out the drink as Luz's jaw dropped.

"You, but... how!?" said Luz in disbelief.

"Wait you can't be Sunset, you where smaller then me last time I saw you!" said King before gasping as he covered his own mouth.

"Wait, you knew about this!?" said Luz as she looked down at him disbelief.

"Well... I wasn't supposed to say anything, it's not exactly the happiest subject," said King as he looked down and kicked his feet awkwardly.

"What do you mean?" asked Sunset as she leaned down to look at him as tears formed in her eyes. "Did they... did they not-"

King instantly caught her train of thought as he raised his hands saying, "They wanted you, more then anything in the world in fact but... it might be better for you to hear it from them, and I know they'll be happy to see you," said King as he hopped down.

Sunset stared in disbelief as she thought, "This... this is it, I'm on my way to see them now but... can I"

As Sunset began to fall into a sea of doubt she found a life preserver in the form of a yellow hand placed on her shoulder. Sunset gripped onto it before getting up as said, "Alright... let's go."

The four began walking for a bit in silence before Luz finally spoke up saying, "So um... I'm Luz by the way, Luz Noceda."

Sunset tried to focus on reality as she latched onto the familiar name saying, "Luz... your mother wouldn't happen to be a doctor named Camila would she?"

Luz suddenly stopped as she said, "You know my mama... she doesn't know I'm here does she?"

"Not that I've told her no," said Sunset as she was slightly taken aback.

Luz breathed a sigh of relief as she said, "Good... I mean, I plan on telling her about all this eventually but I mean, well you know how moms are and ohhh, sorry." Luz instantly retreated back as she realized the mistake she made.

Fluttershy then stepped up trying to break the ice saying, "I'm Fluttershy, Sunset's girlfriend."

King let out a slight chuckle as he said, "Just about to meet them and already bringing dates home, you're gonna be handful." 

Sunset actually let out a slight chuckle at the joke as she said, "Maybe so."

The four continued to walk along before eventually King stopped as he said, "Whelp here it is... the Owl House."

Sunset looked up at the large building before her, as she let out a slight gulp as she gripped Fluttershy's hand tighter. Fluttershy looked over as she said, "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

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

As they approached Sunset stewed in her own thoughts, but was quickly snapped out of it by an absolutely grating voice saying, "Oh Sunset, I haven't seen you in awhile hoot hoot." As Sunset looked up to see what looked like some kind of tube with an Owl face stretched out from the door to reach her. 

Sunset gaped at it as the door it was attached to seemed to open as he said, "I'll tell Dante and Eda you're here hoot hoot," before he began to stretch inside.

"HOOTY WAIT!" called out King as he ran after him.

"STOP HOOTY!" said Luz as she ran inside as well. 

Sunset briefly glanced at Fluttershy as the two entered the house to see Dante choking Hooty with a look of pure rage on his face as he said, "OK, this is the day I do it, this is the day this fucking thing went too far and I kill it!"

Hooty let out a cough as Eda said, "Dante wait I know it was a sick joke but you can't just kill him... now anyways."

"WAIT!" called out King.

"IT'S NOT A JOKE, SHE'S HERE!" said Luz as she pointed towards Sunset.

The two looked to where she was pointing as there mouths dropped open. Instantly Dante let go of Hooty as he began walking towards the girl. 

Sunset nervously smiled and waved at them as she said, "Um... hi."

Dante and Eda moved towards her silently as tears began to fall from their eyes. They then stopped just short of reaching her, as if they where scared she was some kind of mirage and touching her would make her dissapear. 

Dante blinked as he slowly reached out his hand saying, "It... it can't be."

Eda did the same as the tears began to fall from her eyes even harder as she said, "Sunset is it... is it really?"

Sunset looked at them and felt her eyes begin to water as the picture in her head finally filled out and was completed by the sight, and how the voices matched ones she had countless times in her. She knew instantly that these where her parents but the question was how to make them see that. She thought for a moment before it struck her as she placed her hand on her cloak saying, "With this I have the protection of my mother," before moving onto to the necklace as she said, "With this the treasure of my father." 

She then pulled out her gun as Dante finished it as he became slightly choked up saying, "And with Jade you have the strength of us both."

"Oh Sunset," said Eda as she broke into a smile before tackling girl into a hug.

Sunset began to cry herself as she felt an infinite sea of warmth and love conveyed in this simple act as she simply and unconsciously said, "Mom," as Eda gripped her even tighter.

Soon Dante broke as well as he joined in on the hug as Sunset felt the seemingly infinite amount of love seem to double as she said, "Dad," before wrapping her own arms around them.

"Sunset you don't know how long we've wanted to see you," said Eda as she sniffled slightly.

"My baby girl is finally home," said Dante between blubbers.

The three simply stood like this for who knows how long, as Luz, King, and Fluttershy looked on smiling.


Meanwhile in the Emperor's throne room

Lilith gulped as she entered the room saying, "Emperor Bellos I'm sorry to say that-"

She was however quickly interrupted as she heard a slow series of claps as she looked up to see Bellos let out one last clap before saying, "Bravo Lilith, I was beginning to think you where losing your touch with how often you failed to catch your sister, but you have greatly surprised me today."

Lilith blinked as she said, "But my lord, Sunset is."

"Currently in the Owl House, I must say leaving behind a single troop to take her back was a stroke of genius," said Bellos. "And do not worry, I have already rewarded Steve by allowing him the early retirement he seemed to want." 

"Oh um... thank you my lord," said Lilith as she looked up at him with a slight smile as she thought, "How does he know all this?." She then cleared her throat before saying, "Um... should we try and capture her and my sister now that the're together?"

"Not today, let them enjoy their family reunion for awhile," said Bellos before raising his arms and saying, "For now though you should celebrate. Not only is the forbidden child within my grasp, but thanks to her I will no longer have to put up with that moronic Mundus. I've already informed the next in line for the demon realm throne and they couldn't be happier, Argosax was always more amicable anyway." Bellos then pointed towards the door as he said, "For now go back to your room, I think you'll find an advance on your next few pay checks and a bottle vintage hard Apple Blood waiting for you."

"Oh um," said Lilith with a nervous smile as she said, "That is very generous of you."

"Please, for enforcing the Titans will you deserve that much and more," said Bellos as he pointed once again towards the door. 

Lilith got the hint as she said, "Thank you once again your majesty," before leaving.

Bellos then leaned back in his chair as he sighed saying, "You truly do deserve more Lilith, as does everyone else in the realms, and soon they shall get what they deserve by my strong right hand," said the Emperor as he raised his hand up clenching it into a fist and causing the large heart behind his throne to beat much more rapidly as a soft green glow briefly blinked into his eyes.
> Catching Up Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

No one knew how long it had been, but eventually the group hug had split up as Sunset sat on the couch. Eda soon sat a plate of tea cookies in front of her saying, "Sorry it's not much, wasn't exactly expecting this today," as she sat on a couch opposite them.

"No we where not," said Dante as he sat down next to her before blinking, as he said, "Damn, I completely to forgot to ask who you are Miss," as he turned to the girl sitting next to Sunset.

"Oh, my name's Fluttershy and Sunset and I are dating," said Flutterhy as she awkwardly waved at them.

Eda gasped slightly before smiling as she moved closer saying, "Oh tell me everything, how did you two meet, how long have you been together?"

Dante then suddenly slammed his hand on the table and leaned forward looking somewhat threatening as he said, "What are your intentions with my daughter?"

Fluttershy flinched as she began seeing, "Well um-"

But was quickly interrupted by Dante smiling and chuckling as he said, "I'm just messing with ya," before reaching out his hand as he said, "It's good to meet you."

Fluttershy breathed a sigh of relief as she said, "Likewise," before shaking Dante's hand. She turned to Eda as she said, "We actually met in school, and have been dating for just a few weeks," she then looked towards Sunset with a smile as she smiled back and the two gripped hands as Fluttershy said, "Though we'd been friends for a while so it feels like longer."

Eda smirked at that letting out an, "Aww," while Dante simply smiled proudly.

Luz, who was leaning against the couch to their left, slightly blinked thinking, "I've never quite seen them act like this before... then again, I can't imagine how they must feel seeing her after so long." Luz smiled before saying, "Hate to but in, but how exactly do you know my mom?"

"Oh I was treated by her not to long ago," said Sunset simply.

This caused Eda to jerk slightly as she said, "Wait, Luz's mom... in the human realm!?"

Dante sighed as he said, "Well I guess that explains how you got the sword... how are Trish and the other doing?"

"Pretty good, they helped me fight this guy named Mundus and... Aunt Lilith," said Sunset as she scratched her head nervously.

"LILY TRIED TO FIGHT YOU!" said Eda as she stood saying, "OH! I swear to Titan I'll-"

Sunset then stood up as she placed her hand on Eda's saying, "She didn't actually fight me... or even try to, she just wanted me to join her in serving the emperor."

Eda looked down at the hand on hers before a slight smile overtook her face as she sat down saying, "Let me guess, you turned her down instantly and then you tried to fight her?"

"Pretty much," said Sunset as she smiled back.

Eda let out a chuckle as she sat back down and said, "That's my girl."

Dante then leaned forward saying, "How did the fight with Mundus go?"

Sunset glanced at him and got a somewhat cocky smirk as she said, "Better then with you apparently since I managed to put him down for good."

"Seriously," said Dante as he blinked for a second thinking, "I didn't even think that was possible... also she definitely spent some time with Lady if she's showing that attitude."

King then stood up in his place on the of the couch saying, "YES! With that pretender the throne out of the way the true demon king is ready to rise!" 

Luz chuckled at that as she picked him up saying, "Now's not the time for that buddy." 

She then sat him down as he awkwardly rested on all four paws for a moment before getting back upright as he said, "Yeah... sorry."

Sunset slightly chuckled at that before Eda leaned forward saying, "More importantly though... how did you end up in the human word?"

Dante then blinked for a moment before saying, "Yeah... we kind of avoided sending you there since we knew guys like that would be able to find you there."

Sunset awkwardly scratched her head as she said, "That's kind of a long story and... some parts of it I'm not exactly proud of." 

Fluttershy, sensing how uncomfortable Sunset was, then interrupted saying, "How about we start with something else, like how you two met or why you had to send Sunset away."

Eda once again lurched as she said, "That um..."

"Yeah, having to send you away Sunset... you deserve to know why we had to do it, but we aren't exactly eager to relive that," said Dante as he placed a comforting hand on Eda's.

Sunset looked back and forth between them as she let out a chuckle saying, "I guess problems run in the family."

"Looks like," said Eda as she chuckled somewhat awkwardly.

Sunset then let out a sigh as she said, "I guess I'll go first.... no you didn't send me to the human world. The world you sent me to was called Equestria and believe it or not I was a unicorn there."

Luz instantly gasped as she leaned next to Sunset and with a huge smile said, "OH DIOS MIO! THAT'S AWESOME! Did your horn glow with the dazzling brilliance of a thousand suns!?"

Sunset blinked for a moment before letting out a chuckle as she said, "Well it wasn't quite like in the Azura books."

Luz somehow became even more giddy as hopped up and down saying, "You read them too! Oh man, I can't wait to tell Amity we have a new member in the club."

Sunset smirked as she said, "Well not to toot my own literal horn, but I could make it glow as well as bunch of other stuff, but that's mainly thanks to help of my mentor and friend, Princess Celestia... she was the mare who raised me... as best she could."

"Woah, a princess," said Dante as he let out a whistle and then continued saying, "We where hoping you'd have a good life where we sent you but being raised by freaking royalty is way beyond what we could have hoped for."

Eda smiled, somewhat sadly, as she said, "I bet this place is nothing compared to where you grew up then."

Instantly Sunset placed her hand on Eda's again saying, "Oh mom no, this is great... honestly even though I've only been here for a while, it already feels like more of a home then the castle ever did."

"What do you mean?" asked Luz as she calmed back down.

Sunset sighed as she leaned back down saying, "Well like I said, Celestia did her best but... she had never even thought about having a kid of her own so she didn't exactly know what she was doing, and lord knows I didn't exactly make it easy on her... looking back I can see she was trying even when it felt like she wasn't." Sunset smiled as she thought back to that time, her newfound friendship with Celestia allowing her to see things she had missed before and causing her to think about their time together a little more fondly. That didn't last too long though as she let out a sigh saying, "That doesn't change the fact though that in the moment, our relationship wasn't great, combine that with the fact that I had a big talent with magic and lacked the maturity not to let it go to my head and well...."

She then sat for a moment trying to think of how to put it as Fluttershy gripped her hand tighter to urge her on. Sunset smirked at her before thinking, "Well there isn't exactly a good way to say power mad so... might as well just come out with it." Sunset sighed as she said, "Celestia isn't just a princess, she's an Alicorn. An immortal pony with incredible power and... I thought I deserved to be one too and when she disagreed I ran away to the human world."

Sunset prepared for a scolding, or at the very least a disappointed sigh, instead she was greeted by Eda groaning and saying, "Who is this Celestia so say my little girl isn't worthy!?"

Sunset blinked as Dante said, "Seriously... well if it helps you already have most of that anyway."

Sunset blinked as she said, "What do you mean?" 

"Well you've probably already gotten a taste of some of your power if you've had to fight, add near instant healing from wounds and slowed down aging from me and you've got something going there," said Dante as he smugly crossed his arms.

Eda let out a chuckle as she said, "Don't let Dante make you think you only got power from him and while not quite immortal." Eda then reached up as she grabbed her head with both hands and gave a strong yank, pulling it clean off her neck as she continued saying, "Witches can't exactly be put down in the conventional ways." 

Fluttershy lurched at the sight as Luz shivered saying, "It's always freaky when she does that."

Sunset blinked as she looked at the sight saying, "I can... I mean I can't-"

Eda's head still in her hands spoke up saying, "Now I don't want you messing around with this, like I said it's not exactly immortality. My head getting yanked off or cut with a normal sword no big deal, but if it got cut by a demon sword like the one you got strapped to your back or hit by magic, completely different story. Plus it's going to take some time to fully get a beat on your powers and figure out what you can and can't do," she then placed her head back on as she smiled saying, "Pretty cool though right?"

Sunset blinked for a moment before letting out a chuckle as she said, "Yeah.. it is," She smiled at that for a moment before letting out a sigh as she said, "That part wasn't what I didn't want to tell you though... after I came to the human world I was sorta kinda... was a total bitch to everyone."

Fluttershy then turned to her saying, "You weren't that bad."

Sunset didn't turn to look at her as she stared at her parents saying, "I was though... I manipulated and blackmailed everyone at school just so I could rule the place, I even threatened to hurt people when that didn't work out... but that's not the worst part. I did eventually go back to Equestria, only to steal the crown of someone who was worthy to be a princess and used it to try and enslave the school to be an army to conquer Equestria." She then looked towards her parents with tears in her eyes as she said, "I was an awful person... and while I'm trying my damnedest to be better that still doesn't change all I did."

"NOW WAIT JUST A MINUTE!" said Fluttershy as she stood up firmly and said, "Firstly you've saved our world not once, but twice already so you've more then made up for trying to take it over when you where corrupted by power, let alone for being a bully."

Sunset then turned to Fluttershy as she said, "But I"

Flutteshy blushed as she said, "Besides... even back then I could tell there was some good in you, there where lines you were never wiling to cross even if it meant things would be easier for you, after all you only ever threatened to hurt people, never actually did it."

"I guess," said Sunset smiling back at her slightly.

Before she could continue though she suddenly found Dante in front of her as he said, "Hey, you thought Nero, Trish, and Lady where pretty cool right?"

"Yeah," said Sunset.

"Well they all tried to kill me at one time or another," said Dante, almost laughing at that fact.

"Wait what?" said Sunset as she blinked at that.

Eda sighed as said, "Look sweetie everyone makes mistakes, and... I'm gonna be honest with you, our lives are pretty messed up so the mistakes we make are kinda bigger then most."

"But it sounds like in spite of it all, you still had a good heart deep down, and whatever you did doesn't matter compared to what you're doing now," said Dante as he gave her a small smile.

"Exactly my point," said Fluttershy as she crossed her arms triumphantly.

"Your girlfriends got a good head on her shoulders," said Eda, resulting in an embarrassed blush from Fluttershy. 

Sunset had a smile of her own as the tears in her eyes turned from those of shame and sadness, to joy at getting all this off her chest and having it be accepted. "Thanks mom and dad," she then leaped over and hugged them both saying, "You're both better then I could have ever imagined."

The two hugged her back as Dante said, "Same with you Sunset."

"We couldn't have asked for a better daughter," said Eda. 

This went on for a time before Dante let out a sigh breaking the three of them up as he said, "Well... I guess it's out turn then."

"You don't have to tell me today if you don't want to," said Sunset.

"No... you told us something that was difficult for you, we should do the same," said Eda as she looked down in thought.

Fluttershy spoke up saying, "Like I said before though, if it helps you could start by saying how you two met and build up to Sunset."

Sunset smirked at that as she said, "I would kind of like to hear that."

Luz once again jumped up and down excitedly as she said, "OH! I want to hear that too!" 

King shrugged as he said, "That was a pretty interesting day."

Dante let out a chuckle as he said, "Well I'd say it was interesting... well it all started with a motorcycle going through an ocean of demon blood." 

"Wait what?" asked Sunset in instant confusion.

Eda scoffed as she said, "Oh honey please don't exaggerate," before turning to Sunset as she said, "The demon blood only covered up the beach."