Sunset's life has taken a turn for the worse since the fall formal, some students are unforgiving, and take the opportunity to get revenge. Sunset in her state of defeat goes through a crisis when she notices her demon trying to get out of her, the abuse at school doesn't help. Listening to that created being, she decides to listen to her demon, the only one capable of understanding her. Dealing with new spooky magical occurrences; The 5 mane try to reach her, but it is useless, is approaching… a musical showcase.
I finally finished, after one month of construction, the wall that I ruined. I looked at the pile of concrete in front of me, a tower of my mistakes, it was disappearing with the help of the builders. I'm done with vacation. I'm back from my “vacation” well, working as a forest ranger. I decided to follow Delilah's advice. Ever since I came back from the woods, I can't stop seeing Brian in my head, his little dead body, and also what Ned, that bastard, told me.
"Hey Demon!" said a boy on a bicycle, launching a water balloon.
Sunset dodged it, it wasn't water it was red paint, now she had to clean it up. Speaking of bastards, for a long time, even before I left, many students teased me. They ranged from the simplest, stealing lunch, locker notes telling me to get the hell out of school, to die, angry messages, profanity and crudely drawn caricatures of me, etc. Also paint it on the outside, offenses and symbols of demons. She couldn't do anything alone, not even go to the bathroom, afraid of hearing the water tap and having to cover herself from wet, used toilet paper. But each time it got worse, the beatings, there was a group that burned me with cigarette butts, put nails in my seat, and endless other things.
Sunset finished cleaning, and she headed to the music room, but voices stopped her...
"So, whose turn is it?" Rainbow asked.
"What are you talking about Dashie?" Rarity asked.
"I think she means who gets to hang out with Sunset" Pinkie said.
"It sounds bad when you ask it like that" Fluttershy said.
"It's not our intention sugar cube, Dash just wants to make sure Sunset stays out of trouble" Applejack said.
"That's why I asked, except in certain classes, we don't stop hanging out with Sunset, that's why I want to know whose turn it is to hang out with Sunset, I have a game and I need to practice" said Rainbow.
“Oh my! Rainbow Dash! if Twilight could listen to you now” Rarity said.
"I know, I'm sorry, I'll keep Twi's promise, I'll take care of Sunset" Rainbow said. “We already know what to do if she gets out of control”
Sunset, who had heard everything, quietly walked away, went to the gym, luckily empty for her. She entered and burst into tears uncontrollably. Her so-called friends treated her like an object, something to take care of in case she turned bad again. What Dash was referring to is what hurt her the most. No matter how many months Sunset has worked hard to earn her trust, they would still hit her with that ray of friendship. A friendship that she was not a part of.
Sunset just stayed there the rest of the day, she didn't want to go out, she didn't want to see anyone, she just wanted to die, she pulled a sharp metal object out of her jacket, lifted her skirt a little, showing barely visible pink marks, took a deep breath and started to use the sharp object.
At the entrance of the school, Principal Celestia was talking to the builders, and thanking them for repairing the entrance, all the students came out, except for 5 girls.
"Where is she? I want to go home” Rainbow said, annoyed.
"Calm down Dash, maybe she's in the bathroom" Applejack said.
In a little while, vice principal Luna arrived. "You girls should go now, it's late"
"We can't, we're waiting for our- well, Sunset," Rarity said.
"Sunset will stay with me to help with future school projects, she asked me to tell you to leave" Luna said.
The five girls left the school without asking any more questions, not knowing that Sunset was watching them from a window, looking at the girls who swore to help her, she held back her tears, not willing to shed tears for them, no more. She sat back down to finish helping vice principal Luna.
The night was almost here, Sunset finished and went to her apartment, she had to walk to get there, since her motorcycle was under repair, again, because of certain students. She was almost there, but as she turned the corner, she was yanked into an alley, crashing her body against a wall. When she opened her eyes, she spotted her attackers. A group of two boys and one girl.
"Hey Sunset, why the rush?" the girl smiled. “Yes, it seems that you are running away”
Sunset wanted to get up, but she was knocked down by a punch to the face by one of the boys, a kick to her abdomen by the other young man.
"You are so stupid to think that you could escape from us" said the girl smiling.
"We've wanted to do this for a long time," said one of the boys. "Now that Rainbow and the others have you under control, you're not so tough anymore, huh?"
“How does it feel to be the abused one now?” The girl smiled again.
“Oh! I'll show her how it feels,” the taller boy said, approaching Sunset, taking off his belt and unbuttoning her pants.
Sunset was bleeding and biting her lip from anger. From everything bad, what they were going to do was already the worst, a crime. She heard their laughter, getting closer. Sunset couldn't take it anymore, she was so angry that she closed her eyes, she was furious, she looked at her attackers and her world went black.
An intense light in her eyes is what Sunset felt, she woke up in her bed, even with her pajamas on. Last night's events were as real as other of her nightmares, she got out of bed and went downstairs to the closet. She prepared her clothes to go to school, or hell as she called it now. She went to the bathroom to shower, but when removing her clothes she noticed that all her cuts and bruises had healed. The marks on her thighs and wrists were almost faded. She took a closer look at herself noticing something more alarming, her left eye had a darker tint.
Suddenly she heard the TV turn on, she was scared to see the news channel about three missing students since last night, the same ones that bothered her. This was when Sunset understood everything, what happened last night was not a nightmare, it was real, but as it happened, maybe those guys la-
"Nope. They didn't."
A voice interrupted her thoughts, she was scared she took the bat and pointed everywhere.
"Don't worry, I won't hurt you, after all, I wouldn't hurt myself"
She was more confused than scared.
"The mirror" Sunset went to it.
"No... it can be" she backed away.
There, in front of her, her reflection was her, that demon she once was.
"You... it's not possible, they eliminated you" Sunset said disturbed.
“Oh no Sun~ they just sealed me inside you” she smiled.
"What?! No! What-?"
"For being me, you don't know how to listen. Everything will clear up, sit down"
Sunset was undecided, her demon side has come to life, and now she is talking to her, but despite the situation, she decided to listen. She sat in front of the mirror and her demon side copied her actions.
“So… questions?”
"Well, first, how could you possibly be here?" Sunset asked.
"I already told you, the element of harmony sealed me inside you, but this one absorbed the greedy magic within you," she explained.
"I'm not like that, not anymore," Sunset said.
"Oh yes, because your efforts have paid off," she bared her sharp teeth. "And don't come to me with your excuses, I already know them all"
Even Sunset knew there was no point in arguing with herself.
“Then you know the shit I've been through, and yet, you never showed up” Sunset growled.
"I couldn't do it, I can't manifest myself physically, not without a body"
"And last night?" Sunset asked.
“Oh that, that was the trigger for it to come out, your breaking point, if you die, so do I”
"What did you do to those guys?"
"Didn't kill them if that's what you're thinking. I just took them for a ride" the demon laughed. “I think I forgot to pick them up. Are you worried?” she showed her sharp teeth.
"Of course not" Sunset said seriously. "And now that? Are you going to possess me?"
“If so, we wouldn't have that conversation now. No. What I want is for you to stop those pathetic attempts at friends. They're not really your friends."
"I-"
“No Sunset, for them you are a phenomenon, and the rest of the humans have always hated you. They wait for you to make a mistake, and bam! They'll put you to sleep with that ray of friendship."
"But they-"
“They will never trust you, how could they after what you did to them, after ALL of the things before me”
“They are the only thing I have…”
"They are not, and you know it. But, if you have other friends, real ones, who knew you and accepted you,don't be afraid to tell them who you are"”
Sunset was impressed, this demon showed more affection than her supposed friends.
"Is that the only thing you want?" Sunset asked.
"Nope. I want you to let me out once in a while"
"For what?" Sunset asked nervously.
“Because I need to recover, I need to absorb magic to feed myself. I only have a few months to live, what a bad mother you are Sun”
"Will you-?"
"No. I won't kill anyone, I just need a bit of magic to not die. In return I will give you the power to defend yourself, to be in control again"
"I don't plan to be like I was before, if the students don't accept me, fine, but I changed, for me"
"Oh sure~ it's a shame I'll miss those days" smiled the demon.
"Okay, if I let you manifest, feed yourself, will you give me the strength to defend myself from the rest?"
The demon agreed. "Besides you will have some of my powers, absorb magic, detect it, even repair it"
“Okay, it's a deal” Sunset extended her hand. "I'm just telling you, even if you know me, I know you too" she threatened.
“Oh my~! There's still hope for you~ Alright Sun, it's a deal”
The demon took her hand out of the mirror and shook her hand. She released the same type of magic that Sunset had when wearing the crown, and her right eye began to glow brighter. After she returned her arm and looked satisfied.
“The agreement has been sealed”
"Yeah... this whole conversation got too long, I'll be late for school."
"Do you still want to go back?" ask 'D'
"You said you need to feed, Canterlot is the center of all magic, it's where I must stay"
"Then, let everyone see the new you" smiled the demon.
Sunset took a quick shower, but going through her clothes, she found other clothes.
"The new you needs a total makeover" the demon flew into the mirror.
Without protest, Sunset put on the new clothes; Boots very similar to the ones from before, with a different color tone, a black skirt, an orange belt with her cutie mark, a purple blouse, short gloves, a choker necklace, and one of her many leather jackets.
"How do I look?"
" Threatening" she bared her teeth.
Sunset took her backpack, took out her phone and dialed a number, sadly the only contact he had, she waited until the call came through.
“Hello?...Can we meet after class?...ok! I have to tell you a lot of things"
Sunset came to school with her new look, the typical looks of hatred that tried to penetrate her, but she was firm showing her new eyes, such was the impression that many students backed away, others were surprised, only a small group tried to return to mess with her... serious mistake.
"Hey Sunset!" a voice yelled.
Sunset was at her locker putting away her things.
“We have been looking for you, you took a long time to arrive, what happened?” Applejack asked.
"Too bad, you missed today's announcement" Rarity said.
"Announcement?" Sunset asked.
"There will be a musical showcase, everyone is very excited" said Fluttershy.
"As exciting as the fall formal" Pinkie said happily.
They all looked at Sunset uncomfortably, but she closed her locker and walked away from them.
“Sunset wait! We want to know-"
"Know whose turn it is to take care of the devil?"
That comment surprised the group.
"That..." Fluttershy said.
"For your well-being, your friendship services are no longer necessary, go do your things" explained Sunset.
"What are you-?"
"What I'm saying, Applejack, is that I don't want to be with you guys anymore, or try this friendship magic"
"Did you-?"
"Yes Rarity, I heard your conversation yesterday" said Sunset.
"Oh that, we just-"
“Were you taking care of me? Well, if taking care of me means just seeing that I don't cause problems, you’re terrible" Sunset said, annoyed.
The conversation was getting more and more awkward and guilty.
"Look Sunset, it's not what you're thinking, the thing is-"
Rainbow was silenced as Sunset held up her arms, bearing the scars and bruises from her beatings, a product of bullying.
"Consider this the end of this pathetic attempted friendship"
She suddenly heard herself being called from the loudspeaker.
She suddenly heard herself being called from the loudspeaker. “Sunset Shimmer, report to the main entrance” was vice luna.
Without saying more, she adjusted her jacket and left.
“Sunset! Wait!" Rainbow yelled.
But to this one, she did not listen and she continued. Leaving the rest shocked, sad and very guilty. Sunset arrived at the entrance to get the new students.
"Hello, are you the new ones I'm supposed to show around?"
Three girls stepped out of the shadows.
"We are" said the older one, with fluffy orange hair.
"Sorry for the late, I'm Sunset Shimmer, your guide"
"Don't worry dear, I'm Adagio Dazzle, this is Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk" the girl said pointing to each side.
"Let's start the tour of Canterlot High" Sunset said, moving forward.
“Oh yes, we really feel there’s something ‘magical’ about this place” Adagio smiled at her sisters.
Sunset showed them different areas and places in the school. On their way some students looked at Sunset, again with those hateful looks, who was doing her best to ignore them.
"What the hell are you looking at?!" Aria said, scaring some students.
"Don't they like the new ones here, huh?" Sonata asked.
"Yeah; What happened here?" Adagio asked. Although she already had the possible answer.
"Who knows" Sunset said. "Anyway, the computer room is over there and the science lab is on the other side"
"What is that?" Aria asked, pointing to a poster.
"Oh, we'll have a musical event, all the students will participate," Sunset explained.
“A music showcase?” Adagio smiled.
“Registration closed last Friday” Sunset said.
“I'm sure there will be an exception since we're new,” Adagio said.
“Are you interested?” Sunset asked.
“We have been know to sing from time to time” Aria said, checking her nails.
"Hello?! We sing like all the time, it’s how we get make people do what we want” said Sonata, making her sisters angry. "What did I say?" she said innocently.
"What you mean to say, was that being in a musical showcase sounds like a great way to meet other students" Adagio smiled kindly at Sunset.
"Oh yeah, what she said I meant to say, that's what I meant, to say" Sonata smile.
“And what you would have said if you weren't the worst” Aria said.
"You are!" Sonata yelled annoyed.
"You'll have to excuse them, they're idiots" Adagio said.
Sunset was taken aback by this behavior. She noticed their necklaces, black chokers with a bright deep red gem. In that moment, she felt a pulse inside her,
"These girls have something strange, it will be better to keep an eye on them" She-Demon said, in Sunset's mind.
"Nice necklaces by the way, they seem very valuable" Sunset said, looking a little closer.
"Oh, they are" said Adagio. “These necklaces mean a lot to us. We'd hate it if something happened to them."
"Anyone would be with jewelry like that, if you want to participate that's okay, I'll take you to the principal" Sunset continued walking with the trio.
Aria walked over to Sonata and whispered. "Distract the girl, I have to talk to Adagio"
Sonata nodded and went ahead with Sunset to ask her about school, and Aria went ahead with Adagio.
"So, what's your plan?"
“We will hypnotize the principal’s first and this girl by the way” Adagio said. “This is how we will ensure the position in this musical showcase”
“This girl is strange, did you see how some students looked at us? Obviously it was her” Aria said.
"Yes, everything indicates that she has something to do with what we saw, we have to watch her" Adagio said.
The four girls arrived at the office.
"Principal Celestia, have a moment?" Sunset called.
“Sunset Shimmer, sure come on in” Celestia, who was also with vice principal Luna, said.
“I see that you are with the new students, I hope you are treating them well and showing them the facility.” Luna said.
"I-"
“It was lovely, she showed us around the place” Adagio smiled, caress Sunset shoulder. “She also told us about a musical event”
"That's right, a new event to raise funds for our school clubs and other... recent events" Luna explained.
“We would love to participate, since we are new, we would like to participate,” Adagio said.
“Of course, since Vice Principal Luna is here, we can make a last audition.” she took the notebook. “You can start.” Make smaile the trio.
As soon as they began to sing, Celestia and Luna went into a trance, their eyes changing color in fascination with the melody. When they finished singing, the new girls smiled victoriously.
"Fascinating! What is the name of your group? Luna asked.
"The Dazzlings" Adagio said proudly.
“Welcome to Canterlot High and to the musical competition,” Celestia said.
"Do you need anything else, principal?" Sunset asked suddenly.
Who was serious and calm, without any effect from the spell of the dazzlings, who were shocked to see that their music didn’t work on her.
“In fact, yes, go with vice principal Luna to her office, some detectives need to talk to you” Celestia said.
"Why?" Sunset asked, confused. Though she had an idea.
"As you know, three students have disappeared, an investigation is being made into the incident, asking each student if they saw them."
"Okay," Sunset said, then addressed the dazzlings. "This is as far as I get, good luck at school and at the musical event. " she showed the best smile of hers.
"T-Thank you, dear" Adagio said, coming out of shock.
She left the office following Luna through the halls. Once they arrived, there were two police officers, preparing the interrogation.
“Thanks for coming, have a seat”
Sunset complied, sitting down across from the cops. Vice principal remained in the room as responsible.
"As you know, three students have disappeared last night"
"Yes, I was informed" Sunset said.
"Where were you between 8:00 and 8:45?"
“At the school, finishing up some repairs” Sunset said.
"Your teacher said the same thing" he looked at vice principal Luna.
"But according to our other testimonies, these students were always seen with you, constantly," the other officer commented.
“Inattentive students, always looking for someone to vent that energy on” Sunset said.
"Yes, these students are a troublesome bunch." The policeman took some pictures, he showed Sunset leaving the school and the students in the background. “A witness affirms that the last one to see them was you”
Sunset recognized the angle of the camera, they were from her former henchmen.
"And I assume this witness described me the same as the disappeared?" Sunset asked, in a slower voice.
Without understanding why, the policeman began to feel nervous, began to sweat and felt his throat close up.
“W-We were also informed that this witness mentioned that you weren't that different from these students” one of the police officers stood up.
"Yes, these students were constantly with you" said the other, approaching the girl.
"You said it sir, they're bullies, they pick on people" Sunset said.
"Even you were tired of her abuse, right?" the cop leaned close to Sunset, trying to corner her.
“You would do anything to make them stop,” the other officer said, copying his partner's actions. They didn't understand why they felt pressured by this girl's attitude. “So much to want to make them disappear? So much to-?"
"Enough!!" Luna yelled. "If you are going to come to our school, to accuse my student without real evidence against her, you better leave"
"Sorry vice principal, we will continue calmer"
"The interrogation is over, go away Sunset" Luna said.
Sunset complied, but the officer stopped her, grab her arm.
"We haven't--"
But the detectives froze when Sunset looked at them, with her left eye specifically. Different now, it looked like one of a beast. The policemen were surrounded by a black atmosphere and right above Sunset, was... She-Demon. Showing her evil smile with those piercing eyes.
"Officers!" Luna yelled. Awakening the men from their trance, one of them withdrew his hand from Sunset, because he felt a burning sensation in his hand.
"Y-Yes, excuse me, we'll withdraw" said the cop.
They clumsily grabbed their things and left.
"I’m sorry Sunset, you can go" Luna said.
Sunset obeyed and left the office."Didn't you think it was too much?" she asked.
“Nah! It will be more than enough to drive them away” the demon laughed. “I told you I would protect you~”
“Oh my heroine~” Sunset said on her way to the cafeteria.
She was about to go in, but she heard voices arguing, and other familiar voices.
“¡Let’s have a Battle~! ¡Battle~! ¡Battle~! ¡Battle of the Bands~!”
She looked through the glass of the door, there they were, the Dazzlings, with their voices provoking students making them argue and generate a greenish cloud from the ground to their red gems.
Sunset sat on the patio reading an old book and eating her salad.
"Well?"
“According to the evidence, these girls must be the sirens. Creatures of equestria with beautiful voices, but very dangerous. Absorbing the negative energy of ponies, they became big and strong. That's how it was for a while, until Starswirl stopped them and banished them to another world, this world” Sunset explained.
"Sirens banished centuries ago, in an ancient pony age. How do you explain they still alive?" 'D' asked.
“Immortality, or they were sent to this century, maybe who knows. Anyway, their singing is the start of everything, total chaos and domain” Sunset said.
"Your ex-friends weren't affected, being magic they will come to you. Well, use it to talk to their TRUE friend, Twilight"
Sunset finished eating and thought about what to do. She received a message from the same number that she dialed this morning, she smiled when she read it, and knew what to do.
“So let them come, follow me” Sunset said, walking back to the school.
Sunset was now at her locker with a garbage bag next to her, throwing away all notes with swears and pictures. She then took her backpack and put some things inside it, objects that she had inside a box. She closed the locker and as she predicted, the five girls were there.
"Hey Sunset, I know you don't want to see us right now, but we need your help," Applejack pleaded.
"Really?" Sunset asked, feigning surprise.
“New girls are bad! They charmed the whole school with their song” Rarity said.
"Except us" Fluttershy said.
"And it looks like you too" Rainbow said suspiciously.
“The same girls I showed the school? Oh, I didn’t know they sang,” Sunset lied.
"We need Twilight!!" Pinkie said.
“Do you know if there’s a way to contact her?” Applejack asked.
Sunset turned her back on them, taking a thoughtful pose, a wide dark smile forming on her face, she returned with them showing her kinder face.
"Maybe there's a way" she showed a book with her cutie mark on the cover. “I used to talk to Princess Celestia. Whatever I write here will be reflected in her other book” Sunset explained, taking out her pen and starting to write, to the delight of the Rainbooms.
On the other side of the portal, Sunset returned to the school, a little exhausted.
"This spell always dizzy"
"Have everything?" asked 'D'
"Yes, it's incredible that almost everything was there" said looked inside her backpack"
"By doing this, you will lose the only chance to return to equestria" said 'D'
"I'll take the risk, let's see what has happened since I left" she said entering the building.
Sunset arrived just in time, in the gym, to see the group of Rainbooms trying to stop the dazzlings and failing.
"That's the most pathetic thing I've ever seen," said 'D' laughing.
"Surely, I suppose, without her crown, Twilight is powerless," Sunset said.
The group left the place when the magical drama began, all the students arguing, Sunset could see the dazzlings more directly absorbing the negative magic with their necklaces. She couldn't see any more, because Twilight took her arm and led her away from the area, unaware of the sirens gaze on her. The 7 girls reached to the entrance.
"Sunset, where were you?" Twilight asked.
"Yes! You were supposed to watch out for the sirens!!” Rainbow said angrily.
“I did it, wow, you guys put on a show” Sunset smiled.
"It doesn’t make any sense, I should have been able to créate the spark that would help us break their spell, that’s how it worked before" Twilight said.
"To defeat me you drew magic from the crown i was wearing, they are sirens that use music as drew magic, obviously you have to use the same magic to defeat them" Sunset said.
"You're right, it’s when you play music that you transform now, right?" said Twilight.
“Yep, ears, tails the whole shebang” said Applejack.
“And to counter sirens spell we need a counter musical spell!” said Twilight.
“You mean like a song?” ask Fluttershy
"So let's beat them in the battle of the bands!" Rainbow said.
"With our newest member, Twilight Sparkle" Rarity smiled. Exciting the rest of her friends.
“Yay! slumber party at my house!” Pinkie yelled. Sharing a hug the alicorn princess.
Sunset walked past the area, walking away.
"Sunset, where are you going?" call Twilight.
"It's late, I'm going home"
"Oh, then, we'll see you there I guess" Twilight said.
“Nah, I have other business” Sunset said. "Besides, I don't go to other people's houses"
"What are you talking about? We go to Pinkie's house" Twilight said, confused.
"Exactly" Sunset said.
"I'm confused. What's going on here?" Twilight said looking at her friends. "Girls, why our friend-"
"I'm not" Sunset said coldly.
"What?"
“Oh… I see that your friends from this world haven't told you yey; They and I, are not friends"
"What?! Since when?"
“Exactly today, before you got here” Sunset explained.
"Wha-"
"But sugar cube, I thought everything was fine now" said Applejack.
"You even helped us bring Twilight, wasn't all forgiven?" Rainbow said.
“There's nothing to forgive” Sunset said, cheering the group up. “Because there wasn't even an apology”
That went down like a bucket of ice water for the human girls, her guilt mounting as she noted that they hadn't even apologized for failing Sunset to be her friend.
"I'm leaving now, good luck in the battle, you're really gonna need it" Sunset smiled as she walked away.
"I... I don't understand anything," Twilight said.
"Let's go to Pinkie's house, we'll explain there" Fluttershy said.
All the students left the gym, some arguing and glaring at each other over the competition. With the dazzlings absorbing what was left of the energy.
"Enough for today, let's go" said Adagio.
The dazzlings were on their way to the parking lot for their camper, until they saw Sunset Shimmer in the distance.
“It's ridiculous that human would cause such much disaster” Aria said.
"And that she spell everyone like zombies" said Sonata.
“The demon of CHS, seriously, hard to believe” Adagio mocked. " Even though, it's interesting how she got the magic from equestria, that brought us here, we should… say a nice hello" she smiled at her sisters.
They got into her car to catch up with Sunset, they followed her into the city, through a building, Sunset turns the corner, followed by the dazzlings. But they stopped abruptly when they didn't see her.
"What a fuck?!" Aria said. "Where she go?"
"There!" Sonata yelled, pointing to the pony girl walking into a vet shop.
"Should we follow her inside?" Aria asked.
"No, you have to watch from afar" said Adagio
Sunset came out with an orange bag, reached inside it and pulled out a human skull, baffling the trio. Then she entered another store, it didn't take long, she came out with another bag, this one was more visible, there were two boxes, one with crickets and the other with worms.
"This human is getting more weirder and weirder" Sonata said, disgusted.
“I just need to see her come out with a dead body at the next store” Aria said.
"Don't let her out of our sight" Adagio said.
"I don't understand why. We already found the magic we need, why do you want her?" Aria asked.
"Because I want to know where the magic came from, we have been in this world for centuries and we have never seen a beam of energy like that" Adagio. "If magic leaked from equestria I want to know how and where"
"What if she turns into a devil?" asked Sonata.
"How ridiculous" Aria laughing.
Sunset no longer entered any more places, she continued with her path, being followed by the sirens, they were about to reach her, but another car crossed her path, Aria braked aggressively.
"Look out idiot!" Aria yelled.
"Shut! Do you want to rat us out?” Adagio said angrily.
"Apparently we're not the only ones following her" Sonata said, pointing again.
"Hey Shimmer!" the driver yelled. "Why you hide?"
"Leave it Gilda, Sunset is now very good for us now" laughed the co-pilot.
“Oh yes, that's right Lighthing, now she is the pure and good Sunset Shimmer. How are your cuts, huh?!” she sneered, imitating a cut with her arm.
Gesture that the dazzlings understood, looking at each other.
"Or your blows?" Lighthing said, cracking hers knuckles.
Sunset stopped like the two girls, she looked at them seriously.
“You talk a lot, Lighthing second place” Sunset said.
The nickname offended and annoying the blonde girl, she leaned against the door pulling Sunset's jacket furiously.
"What did you say Demo-?!"
But Sunset shut her up, covering her mouth with her hand, and pushing her into the driver's seat; Gilda tried to take away, but her partner started spitting crickets out of her mouth. Lighthing in desperation hit the gear lever, at the same time that Gilda pressed the accelerator, giving reverse, where the dazzlings were, copying they move, get away from the area.
“That takes out two plagues in one shot” Sunset said, walking away.
The human unicorn enter hers house, a two floor apartment; At the entrance, there was a plant, she approached to the plant and took a rock, under it, had a key embedded. Upon entering, notice that there were some boxes on the floor. As she continue walking at the small livingroom of the apartment, there were only two and small couchs and some and some furniture, at the end was the second floor stairs, and on the other side the kitchen, as she predicted, there was someone in it.
“Hey Shimmy~! finally you arrive"
“Lemon Zest… how did you get into my house?” ask annoyed.
"You should change your hiding place, it's easy to find the keys, by the way, someone missed you" Lemon smiled.
She left the kitchen and went to a cage about 90 cm high, about 40 cm deep, and about 60 cm wide. Out of this came a small ferret running towards Sunset.
"Hi Onix, I missed you too" carried the animal on her shoulder. "Thank you for taking care of him"
"That’s okay, I love doing it, did you go for the stuff?" Lemon ask.
"Yes," Sunset replied, showing her bags.
"Cool! Let's start" going to the second floor, followed by Sunset.
After 2 hours, the duo finished building a 30 x 12 x 12-inch tank. Inside was everything Sunset bought; Small rocks, skull head, plants, huge trunk, a house made of a coconut with ladders made of ropes, sand and bowls.
“It looks good” Sunset said.
"Now the most important thing" Lemon said, showing a box with a small gecko inside, handing it to Sunset. Letting the reptile explore in the tank. "Welcome to your temporary home, Ray" Lemon smiled. "You didn't have to give me this Little reptile or anything" she said.
"It's the least I could do, after all, you save me" Sunset said. "When I see your brother I will thank him too"
“I'm afraid he won't be here until next week. He went to a basketball championship. Thanks to you we get along well; But enough about me, tell me, what did you want to talk about? Lemon asked.
Sunset got up from her computer chair, and went to the couch. "Come here, I have a lot to tell you"
“Wow… so, you're from another world? A unicorn pony? And you have a demon side too?!” she scream pointing to the mirror, there was She-Demon.
“Yes, yes, and yes. That last one is recent” Sunset replied. "I did horrible things, and now I'm getting what I deserve"
"Sunset no, nobody deserves that what you're going through, those stupid students have taken it too far"
"I don't care, I have 'D' now, and she has helped me deal with everything, I won't let them bother me again" Sunset said.
"You mean, you'll go back to doing the old bitch I met before?" lemon laugh.
“No, I have changed for the better, for myself, not for others. But, after everything I told you, do you still want to be my friend?" Sunset asked nervously.
"Of course! Sunset you are my best friend, pony, demon, human, it doesn't matter. I won't abandon you” Lemon said, hugging the pony girl.
Sunset felt great relief, she finally told the truth, and her only friend accepted her nature, she looked at 'D' who had an expression of "I told you" She hugged her friend back, try to hold the tears, after a few minutes, they separated .
“I can't wait for my brother's reaction” Lemon said.
"Yes, but now I want to know what means that message you sent me before, I saw it when I was having lunch" Sunset said.
"Oh! That. I need your help, I was commissioned to take care of someone” Lemon explained.
"Okay..? Who will we take care of? Sunset ask.
“It's a small job, and we'll get paid” Lemon said.
At that moment, the front doorbell rang. Lemon ran downstairs, Sunset followed her, behind the door. There was a man with a bag in his hand, and something in the other arm, Sunset couldn't see what it was, when he left, Lemon showed what It was, a 2-year-old baby in red pajamas.
"A baby? Is this what you meant?" Sunset asked.
“Yeah, his dad said he needs a babysitter, he just got divorced from his wife, it's only going to be for three days” Lemon said.
"Well, in that case, I'll lock Onix up, I don't want he bite him" Sunset said. "What were you cooking by the way?" ask.
“Pasta tenette al pesto~” she smiled
"Elegant" Sunset smiled.
“You will be, it’s your favourite” Lemon said, leaving the baby on the living room rug, playing.
The two girls went to the kitchen to prepare the small dining room, and ate the delicious pasta, later, they cleaned up, until the little boy began to cry.
"Sunset, could you go see what he wants?" Lemon said, washing the dishes.
"Okay" go to the baby. "Let's see little dude, what is-" she interrupted.
Touching the baby's arm, her eyes sparkled, and saw three black shadows, she turned away, in shock.
"What happen?" Lemon asked surprised.
“I…” Sunset said, looking at the still crying baby.
She took the teddy bear and gave it to him, who happily accepted. She noticed that she dropped an amber necklace on the ground, she took it and her eyes sparkled again, now she saw several surreal places, lights, shadows, all seen with distortion, again, the same three shadows. She released the necklace, and plopped down on the sofa.
Sunset opened hers eyes and now she was in a house, in a room of blue and colors, assuming it to be the old baby's room.
Left the room, walking down the hall, hearing various sounds, like murmurs, breaking objects, and some bursts of light. She got to the kitchen and everything was scattered, open cabinets, broken dishes, some food. She was about to go to the living room, but a twisted shadow appeared in front of her out of nowhere, distorting everything around her, or what she could see. Sunset walked away and ran to a closet, actually discovering a basement, she heard a murmur of a melody, a feminine voice humming a song.
"Can you see your reflection?"
The white figure of a woman was holding the necklace that the baby was wearing before, took the necklace and disappeared. And in her place a slide appeared, Sunset enter it. Now she appeared in another place, there was nothing, just a strange house. She went to inside, there were toys and a large door connected to a large pipe.
“Mmm, looks like I need a key,” Sunset said, checking her pockets, but she only had the jewel.
She put the necklace inside and turned the handle to activate the door, and it work, the thing opened it.
“Looks like I'll need another three memories to free this kid from whatever this is, it just has to do with magic,” Sunset said.
Inside was another one of those tubes, so she go in; But when she explored the new area, it seemed like some kind of limbo, it was like a playground, like in some strange jungle or forest. Eventually, had to do certain puzzles and found another place. A tower, it wasn't difficult to climb, just had to climb until got there. Cross the wooden bridge. Behind the thin curtain, there was another memory. Once again the atmosphere changed.
"Ha ha! Alright then, one more time, but that’s it"
Now was holding a music box, she took it and disappeared again. Sunset opened a path to another bridge, whose timbers were colored, as she passed over them, it sounded like a xylophone. Reach the other side, finding another pipe. And yes, returning to the same place. Get inside the house and repeat the process, now with the music box. Another zone opened up, she was about to cross, but felt a horrible headache.
Sunset blinked and returned to her apartment, she had both objects in her hands, the necklace and the music box. Lemon kept playing with the baby.
"What happened?" she ask.
"I was right, whatever this baby went through, the traumas he had, the magic that was connected to him, whatever happened, it caused nightmares so real that they hurt this child" Sunset explained.
"Actually some things moved here, so now I believe you more" said Lemon.
"What a day... first I find out that my demon side came to life, then a sirens come to my school because of my mistakes, and now, I take care of a traumatized baby, who was formed into three shadows by magic" Sunset said tiredly.
“Tell me about it, I think we both need a break” Lemon said. "Can I stay the night?" ask.
“Yeah, sure” Sunset said. "Let's get this little one ready" she smiled, hugging the baby.
"And tomorrow, we'll get the rest of the demons out of you" Lemon said.
They went to the second floor; As usual when Lemon came over, she would sleep on the couch. They prepared the baby for sleep. They decided that Lemon would watch the baby the first night, while Sunset slept. Soon her friend fell asleep next to the little baby. Sunset was still lying there thinking about how quickly her life changed. She finally fell asleep thinking about the long day she would have tomorrow.
The next day, Sunset woke up first, slowly got up. She checked her arms and legs, her cuts were gone; So everything was real, hers demon side came alive and lives inside ofher. And now she dealing with a baby with dark magic inside, without knowing how. And if it was not enough, she had three banished sirens trying to take over her school. She got out of bed and went to check the boy, he looks paceful, then she started to prepare breakfast.
"Hey Sun" Lemon said waking up.
"Good morning. Who will take care of the child if we are both at school?” asked.
“I'll do it, we won't have classes until the day after tomorrow” Lemon said.
"Why?" Sunset asked, serving the food.
“They told us there was an electrical problem or something. It caused a lot of accidents” Lemon explained, eating.
"Well, that leaves me, my demon, dealing with the sirens" Sunset said, eating.
"Sunset, are you seriously gonna do something?" Lemon asked.
“I don't know, should I? Twilight and the others are already doing it, and yeah, why should I?" Sunset asked. "But what about letting them take over her school.?"
“So, you transfer to my school and everything is fine. After what they have done to you, they deserve worse, besides, those sirens have not done anything to you” said Lemon.
“Yet. I don't care about the students, what interests me is understanding the dazzlings, why they create so much chaos” Sunset said.
“Understand what? You said that sirens absorb magic with their voices. Not too different from the mythology here” Lemon said.
“I don't know, I feel like there's a reason behind everything” Sunset said, finishing eating.
"Always obsessed with getting answers to everything, eh Sunset?" Lemon laugh.
"Bad habit. Anyway, if anything happens to our little man, call me, and I'll be here fast” Sunset smiled, stroking the baby's head.
"I'll take care of him, when you come back we'll take out the rest of the demons" Lemon said, smiling at the baby.
“Don't say it like that” Sunset said.
"But it's true, you said you took one of those shadows from him on your trip" Lemon said. "How was it?"
“I'm not sure if that shadow is gone, it was horrible. It was like a headless person and seemed to have a cane or umbrella” Sunset explained.
"And how was the place?" Lemon asked.
“It seemed unreal, like a purgatory for childrens, by getting the mother's happy memories, she could release some of that magic. But why only from the mother? Sunset said.
“Do you think the father is bad? He was nice” Lemon said.
“I don't know, it could be, or maybe I haven't found any memory of the father. I think I released the baby from one of the shadows."
"Oh yeah" said her 'D' manifesting herself in the mirror behind Lemon.
"Shit! Don’t do that!" shout.
"By helping to recover his memories, he allowed me to absorb one of those shadows, making us more powerful" said 'D' ignoring Lemon.
“Fine, I won't be dealing with your hunger” Sunset said. "I have to go, see you later" leaving the apartment.
"You can with those students!" Lemon said, eating.
“Waahh!!” the baby said.
Sunset smiled and closed the door, went to the garage to get her motorcycle. Already repaired, she sit on it, installed her helmet, and started the engine; Going to school
This time, she left her motorcycle in a safer place, and took hers belongings. She was about to walk through the front door. But she began to hear the demon speak in her head.
"Hey Sunset" called 'D'
"What happen?" asked.
"Before you go in, there's something I want to try" said 'D'
"What is it?" Sunset said.
"Since you absorbed that shadow, I felt a small part of my powers return" explained 'D'
"And with that?"
"I want to use it" smiled the demon.
"D..."
"Relax Sunset, do you remember what happened to those cops?" asked.
"When you almost made them pee on themselves?" she replied.
"Oh yes" the demon smiled. “I want to extend that aura even more”
"And how will you do it?" Sunset asked.
“With those policemen I showed myself through your eyes, I have more power than enough to induce fear. It'll work the same, only I'll expand that aura, on just the students, just the ones you were able to hypnotize before. Also, with this, they will leave you alone" said 'D'
"I understand. But why do you want to do that? Sunset asked.
"Imposing dominance, those sirens are here absorbing the magic that I generate bothers me, it's OUR magic" said 'D' "You said it Sun-Sun, it's better to be feared than loved" she smiled.
Sunset thought about the situation, in one hand, she was worried about using so much dark magic and being consumed by it, again, but on the other, she could be calm and keep a low profile.
“Okay, but don't kill anyone” Sunset said.
"As long as they don't touch you" said 'D'
Sunset smiled and walked inside the school. Just as the doors closed, a red van with instruments in the back, stop. Six girls and an alicorn princess came down from it.
The musical showcase, or rather, the battle of the bands, has begun. Almost all the students were present, they were arriving while the stage was finished, the first to arrive were the dazzlings. Once everything was ready, the director and vice principal went up on stage.
“Welcome to the first Canterlot High School Battle of the Bands. I belive I speak for everyone when I say it is by far the greatest thing we have ever done here at this school” Celestia said.
The students shouted excitedly. And Principal Celestia thanked the new students.
“But as this is now a competition, we can only choose one winner, whi is it going to be?” Luna said.
And the students started arguing, again. To the delight of the Dazzlings, the same green energy appeared, it ran all over the place until their necklaces absorbed it.
"You feel that girls? our true power is being restored” smiled Adagio, making her sisters laugh.
¡¡¡¡SLAM!!!!
The doors slammed open, it was Sunset Shimmer. As soon as she set foot inside, the atmosphere changed, everything turned red and black; She walk up the stairs. The students they shut up, feeling a chill down their spines, only to the ones who were hypnotized by Sunset at the fall formal; Those who didn't, couldn't stop trembling. The only ones not affected, were the principals, they were preparing their judges' seats, and of course, the dazzlings, for them everything was normal, just a little strange that everything had quiet. Walking up the stands, students getting out of Sunset's way, she sat at the end, same level with the dazzlings, only much further from them; She had her eyes closed the whole way, when she opened them, her demon eyes were visible, visible to the students In a blink, everything back to normal, and the students started arguing again. Sunset put her headphones and write in her notebook, to make some notes.
"What was that?" Sonata whispered.
“Oh~ the queen bee wants to get the honey back~” Adagio said smiling.
"What honey? what bee? asked Sonata confused.
“Ugh! Sunset is the bee, and the honey is the magic we absorb” Adagio said.
“That stupid human almost caused us to crash yesterday” Aria said.
“It won't happen again, if she messes with us, we'll get rid of her, like the others. Nothing will stop us” said Adagio.
Once again the doors opened, it was Twilight and her friends, witnessing the students, worried.
"And that’s before we’ve tapped into the strongest magic here"
“But the rain blossoms, or whatever they're called, aren’t under our spell, how exactly are we supposed to get to their magic, Adagio” Aria said.
“The Rainbooms are just as capable of falling apart as everyone else. They just need a little, push, in the wrong direction. I have a feeling everyone here is going to be lining up to give them a shove” smiled Adagio.
“Not all of them” Sonata whispered, looking at Sunset.
The auditions went from worse to worse, but, the next ones were Snips and Snails, their singing and rap attempt was horrible, Sunset was grateful for don't to be with them anymore, when it was the turn of the rainbooms, they started good; however, Rarity's strange movement ruined the presentation, although the directors enjoyed it. She knew that the other students were sabotaging them. But it was logical, from them first attempt to stop the dazzlings. All that didn't matter to Sunset, she spent all her time taking notes about the shadows that tormented the little baby; She suddenly felt how her cell phone vibrated, she discreetly looked at the message and left the gym.
The dazzlings watched as Flash's gang yelled at Twilight.
"Tears already? this is only the first round ”Adagio smiled, earning laughter from his sisters.
“The next band to take the stage is Trixie and the Illusions” Celestia said, through the speaker.
“Better head back, we're supposed to go on after Trixie” Adagio said.
The sirens headed towards the gym, entering from behind the stage, they were turning the corner, but Adagio stopped hers sisters, seeing that someone was waiting for them. Sunset Shimmer was leaning against the wall, looking at her notebook, reading her notes.
“You're not going to get away with this” Sunset said, not taking her eyes off to her notebook.
Adagio's grin momentarily grew wider, briefly alerting Sunset. "Why?" She questioned, having clearly anticipated this. "Because you didn't?"
Sunset didn't react to such intimidation, so the dazzlings began their stalking tactic.
"Oh, we know all about you, Sunset Shimmer. You've got quite the reputation here at-"
"¡I don't care what you have to do, keep her away from him!" Sunset yelled, slamming her notebook shut.
Such an action baffled the sirens, Adagio remained by Sunset's side, Aria had barely moved a bit, and Sonata remained where she was.
“Okay… see you outside” Sunset said, calmer. "Bye"
She keep her notes inside her jacket, and bring her hands to her ears; It was revealed that she actually wearing headphones, she was on a call, not even noticing the sirens passed by; Their reaction was from confusion to anger, Adagio recovered and stepped forward, getting in the way of the pony girl.
"Why the rush, Shimmer?" Adagio said. "Scared?"
“Maybe to hide from her latest flop at the fall formal” Aria smile.
"How terrible!" Sonata said, laughing.
The three started laughing, when they stopped, Sunset was behind them, passing by again.
"Have the same attitude when you guys faced Star Swirl?" Sunset said.
And just like that, the sirens confidence was shattered. Although was far from them, Sunset could also feel the shock and irritation of Adagio and her subordinates.
"...What did you say?" The leader asked in a low voice, a mixture of disbelief and anger.
Sunset couldn't help a grin wider. “You can use all the tricks you want it, won't work on me, even your spell didn't work. Our difference is that you were banished here, I didn't have to crawl around and steal negative energy scraps like a rat, I don't need to hide in everyone else's shadow. I can't help but feel sorry for you three” she laughed darkly.
That was enough to push Adagio past the point of regaining her composure. Without hesitation, she reached out a hand to Sunset. But this Sunsey looked up from her again, a strong explosion of invisible energy pushed her until the siren almost fell, being catch by her sisters. Now they could see her eyes, those demonic eyes that were glowing more and more, and her dark aura was stronger. The sirens remained incredulous this.
"Calm down..."
The corridor was filled with darkness, then a red mist spread across the floor and a growl was heard behind Sunset, it was getting louder. The mist vanished, it was actually the breath of the Demon; It was huge, they only distinguished her eyes and teeth.
“D…Back off”
Demon growled once more. In one second everything was back to normal. Sunset eyes back to the normal.
“Go back to your pathetic concert attempt and at least give something more decent than your defeat against the 6 pillars” Sunset said, walking away.
Adagio moved away and walk determined to stop her, but Aria grab her shoulder, it was they turn on stage.
"You gonna pay for that, Sunset Shimmer" Adagio whispered, walking into the gym.
At the entrance of the school, Lemon was waiting with the little baby. The pony girl came quickly.
"Lemon, I told you not wait here" she said.
"I'm sorry, but I had to come" Lemon said.
"Fine, let's go to the backyard and explain everything to me" said Sunset.
They both went to the soccer field, hid behind the stands, so they wouldn't be bothered.
"Now you said that a woman, who said was the mother of the child, try to take the baby?" Sunset asked.
“I told you, I was walking to the park, I was going to meet his father, when that woman appeared. Luckily the father stopped her when she tried to take him from me, they argued, And suddenly there was a car accident; They thought it was an accident, the father asked me to leave, they stayed to talk. It was then that I called you, I think another one of those shadows is torturing him” explained Lemon.
“Hmm…so one of the parents is triggering these episodes” Sunset said.
“You have to do something Sun” Lemon said.
"I'll try again, we'll help you little man" Sunset smiled, taking the baby in her arms. "Entertain him again"
Lemon nodded and played with the baby, took the music box out of her bag and gave it to the baby; Sunset took the boy's shoulders, closed her eyes, concentrated, her eyes sparkled again.
"There is no time to lose, I must solve this" said Sunset.
She enter the slide and arrive at another place; Now was in the corridor of an abandoned house, very old. She entered through the first door that saw, it led to a dark corridor, so she walked through it, it was very dark. Making as little noise as possible. The hallway ended at another door, she opened it and now Sunset was in a big room. It was a big place, in the center there were a lot of branches and roots connected to three different points, it was carefully steeled until it reached the center, something was covered by a sheet, was a puzzle.
“Those floating things… they look like memories, maybe the next one will be behind those roots” Sunset whispered. "Three pieces, three places... but I can't enter through any of them, a piece must be here" she began to search.
Suspicions confirmed by finding a piece under one of the paintings in the room. Piece that corresponded to the left side below. A light covered the roots, vanishing the enormous obstacle, on the other side there was a painting. It was in a forest, where a woman and a girl, near the river on top of a wooden bridge. As Sunset approached the painting, it moved, moving forward until the painting was gone, only the frame remained. She entered the next area, it was like a kind of river or swamp, perhaps the same as the one in the painting, but the difference was that everything was dark.
She toured the place, the strange thing is that there were furniture and drawers nearby, supposed that maybe there was a house nearby. The hard part is that she didn't know what to look for, only that it would be a happy memory and that she had to do with one of her parents. Indeed, her exploration led her to a house that was collapsing, it was partially flooded. The horrible thing was that she heard different sounds, not to mention that there were many strange objects, children's toys, that did not seem for infants. She carefully crawled out of the house, luckily she found another piece of the puzzle, once outside, she had to climb a tree as the exit was on the other side. But it was much more terrifying, so much that could swear that Sunset heard voices, she returned to the same bridge and went through the previous painting frame. Luckily return, she placed the next piece, the right one.
"This place is... better not hang around here too much, nowhere is safe" said Sunset.
The roots left and she repeated the process, this painting was the same woman as before, she was near a wishing well, she drew water from it and drank it. But the appearance of this change, her hair stood up and turned black, her dress was dirty, she left a black trail and went to the river. Sunset went back inside, it seemed that she was in the same house, luckily there were candles that illuminated a little. Now she was not her imagination, if voices and whispers were heard. Went through the rooms of the house, almost everywhere there were empty bottles. She came out of the last room, she thought that she had come out again, but actually there was a tree inside the house. Through a window she recognized the same well as before, she steeled herself to check, but in that second everything was distorted. A shadow suddenly appeared, its appearance was similar to that of the painting; Sunset was forced to back off.
"Shit!" yell softly.
She knew what she had to do, whether she liked it or not, she had to get out, the missing piece had to be here. Sunset managed to crawl out through a hole that overlooked the courtyard. She reach the well, the lever until get the bucket. Inside was the last piece she needed, there was also a key with a triangle-shaped tip, coincidentally there was a fence with a padlock. And yes, she fit. Another smaller bridge to cross the river, but her vision was distorted again, that thing was close. She had to hide inside the cabin in front of her. there was a drawing that caught her attention. It seemed to be that thing from before and he the baby, there was no time for theories. Sunset looked around and found another key, a square one. Once the shadow was gone, she left the hut and continued looking for the next exit. Found it! the padlock for the key, when placing it ,she heard sounds of whispers and footsteps, the thing was close. Luckily managed to escape. Now was about to pass the painting from before, she turned around and the shadow appeared on her face; so jumped hurting herself a bit.
"That...was very close" Sunset said scared. "Now to put the last piece, and I hope... that you already find the memory"
She put the last piece, the path ahead opened up. The picture went from a mother reading her daughter a story, to a little girl reading the book alone in the forest.
"OK. We're going for that memory” Sunset said. "This time, I'll catch that bitch" she snarled.
Easier said than done, Sunset had ended up in another part of the house, like a bookstore, she spent all the time running away from the shadow. She almost caught her, but she managed to escape from her, crawling down a hole. And finally! The next memory she needed, entered this one.
They had not dug far, before it started to rain. "Quickly, climb out, or there’ll be trouble again!" See? the bunny is climbing out of the hole!
Again the mother, a memory where she tells a story to her son, Sunset took the book and the slide back was in front.
"That thing... I've never seen anything like it" Sunset said, placing the book activating the machine. "A child should not go through this"
The new area was opened.
"I must solve this once and for all, I must save this boy"
Without hesitation, she enter the slide and reach the new area. A closet, so cautiously went out and discovered another house, but this one was better, it just had weird places. Before advancing she felt an intense headache.
As expected, the Dazzlings made it to the finals, and surprisingly the Rainbooms did too. Everyone thought they would lose to Trixie.
But Sunset didn't care about this battle of the bands, she was focused on helping the little boy. She spent all her time writing in her notebook. Was full of drawings with descriptions of the shadow monsters. For now everything is confused, She hoping to discover the truth this night; The directors announced the final battle in the auditorium on the outskirts of town. Everyone booed the rainbooms, Sunset took the opportunity and went out the other exit.
“Look Sunset, the girls explained everything to me. About how you are, how bad you had it and… how they abandoned you” said the alicorn princess. “They want you to know that they are truly sorry and they never meant you to go through it all that pain”
“You say that” Sunset said, mounting her bike.
"We all mean it" Applejack said, taking her hat off of her.
The rest were behind, each one with a different face, but the same emotion, guilt.
"Sunset darling, we really feel bad about everything" Rarity said.
"We were bad friends with you" Fluttershy continued sadly.
“We feel really bad” Pinkie said.
“Yeah…” Rainbow said.
"Could you forgive them?" Twilight asked.
Sunset look at each one without showing any expression. Suddenly, her cell phone rang, it was a notification from Lemon. She took the helmet and started the engine.
“Sunset?” call Twilight.
"I have to go, I have unfinished business" Sunset replied.
"What could be more important than defeating three horrible and monstrous sirens?!" Rainbow said annoyed.
Sunset glared at her, for the first time showing fear on the rainbow girl's face. She then drove away from her on her motorcycle.
"Well done, Dash" Applejack said.
"It's not my fault that she's so rancorous!" Rainbow said.
"With that attitude you show no regret, you and your foolish ego" Rarity said.
"My ego?!" scream.
Twilight sighed seeing how her friends were arguing again, she pushed them back to the truck, to go to the auditorium to get ready.
Back in the old house, Sunset explored the area, had to find the last memory and reveal the mysteries. After passing through several areas, she did not stop hearing strange noises and growls, and in the dark she could swear that there were her eyes watching her. She found another one of those drawings that changed and led to zones. This one was from a glass bottle with a shining star inside, it crossed the paint, but nothing new, same house, with narrow places. She suddenly had a clue, on the wall she found a drawing, painted with chalk; One looked like something or someone sitting down and down, and the other did not have a human form. When she got out, found a kind of closet with many coats, then she found another small room with a circular shape and a bright blue spiral. Locked, in the shape of the moon? And for convenience, it was in the same room, on a shelf above. Same glass bottle, but no star. She took a ball that was on the ground to knock down the bottle, and throw it and luckily, it broke. But the distorted vision appeared, it meant the nearby presence of another monster, she turned hers head and saw a very large shadow go by, it was not similar to the other two. So quickly put the moon and continued. And the same thing was repeated, but this puzzle needed the star. It wouldn't be that easy, she had to look for her. With now the noise of a hum melody.
"What is that sound?" Sunset asked, the music sounding girly.
After solving small tests, nothing difficult, understandable given the age of the baby. What most caught her attention was the bizarreness of the place, it was strange, but very familiar. Only wished the shadows would stop appearing; confirm it when was in the kitchen at the beginning, there was the bottle with the star. She had to break it again, but instead of that strange being appearing, the drawers and cabinets opened, plates and glasses fell to the floor. Return to the room from before, but now everything was in its place, as if the star controlled gravity. More passages take her to a room with several bottles, breaking one by accident. The figure appeared, it was very largem was a walking coat with its face covered, only its eyes were visible, approaching in a menacing manner. She ran to hide in another closet, luckily she passed by without seeing her presence. New plan; not break the damn bottles and find the last souvenir to get out of here. After much escaping, she arrive at the star's room, so she put the piece on and had the last memory.
"Hmm. what is this? Oh! Don't you know what an elephant is?! I am the biggest animal.
The mother had a pink elephant toy, she took the object, now had to hurry and get to the playhouse. On her way back, couldn't stop listening to the humming of the woman's song. Ignoring that, she continued to the exit. It was about to arrive, Sunset barely advanced a little; But the static returned and everything shook, right on her back, the Monster appers. Sunset rushed out, but she was caught by the thing, she turned to look at it, but now she had a teddy bear in her hand? She tried to get away, but the shadow pulling so hard the arm of the teddy broke, so she fell into the void.
She opened her eyes and saw the face of her friend worried.
"W-What happened? No! I have to go back!"
“Sunset!”
"What?!"
"You're bleeding!" Lemon said.
Sunset feel a liquid dripping from her lips, coming from her nose.
"This is getting out of the hands!" Lemon said helping to clean her wound.
"No, I was about to find out the truth, I had managed to get the last memory, but the shadow caught me" Sunset said.
"Sunset I told you I accepted your magic, but this is to much, we need to stop" Lemon said.
“No, please… I feel it, I'm close” Sunset begged.
"There’s no time, his father will pick him tomorrow" Lemon said.
"Then I must hurry, give me ten more minutes and-"
“How stubborn you are… well, but not now. Let the kid sleep” Lemon said.
"But-"
“Leave it Sunset, I said tomorrow. Besides, you have no other plans tonight?” said Lemon.
“I… you right, the sirens, I wonder how the things ended” Sunset said.
"Why don't you go and find out?" Lemon replied. “I think if you hurry, you will make to the see the last concert”
"For what? my presence won't change anything” Sunset said. "Twilight will know what to do, she does it all the time in equestria"
"Still, it would be interesting to see that magic" said D.
“You just want to feed yourself, what if you get sealed again?” Sunset said.
"No if we watch from a safe distance" smiled D.
"See? Go Sunset, she won't leave you alone anyway" Lemon said.
"Fine. But it's a waste of time” said Sunset taking her jacket and walk to the exit.
"Sunset" call Lemon.
"What is it?" she replied.
"Whatever happens, you can count on me" Lemon smiled.
"I know, you're always there for me" Sunset smiled.
And having said that, she left the apartment, went to her motorcycle and went out into the street. On her way to the stadium, she thought about what Twilight told her; Were they really sorry? Or just because Twilight talked to them? Sunset analyze the situation, maybe she went too far from by telling them all those things, but they never supported her. They didn't even offer to help her to finish the wall she destroyed; Of course, they talked to her, more for courtesy about school things, but not about other stuff, making plans, going out, spending time like... like friends. Then, she remembered that time when she heard Rainbow and Rarity talk about an emergency plan to contain her. How could she trust to them after that? If it weren't for Lemon, she wouldn't be here, she save her life, emotionally and physically. But would be worth to helping the girls who turned their backs on her? Of saving the students who almost led her to suicide? What should she do…?
The night arrive, the auditorium was packed, so Sunset couldn't get inside, and then change direction. She hide the motorcycle and went up a hill to watch the show from afar but enough for listen. Arriving, she saw Trixie and her band, but how? The Rainbooms supposed to go through to the finals, right? Or could it have been a plan by the Dazzlings? She would find out soon. A green mist covered the stage, but notice something different, and not just because of the slight change in color. There they were, coming out as predators, as music professionals; The sirens. They music was so good. They still did not sing with lyrics and their melody already had the public's attention. Sunset hated to admit it, but they were very good. As the music increased, so did their voices and power. Their necklaces shone crimson, transforming their ears into pony's, their hair grew even more and some astral wings too. Nothing seemed to stop them. Wrong, another melody played, as the dazzlings and Sunset looked at the source of the sound, it was the Ranbooms. They were clearly challenging the dazzlings, they even transformed like that time at the fall formal. The sirens were not far behind, they counterattacked, their last note causing her eyes to turn like her jewels. Adagio led her sisters to their full power. From her necklaces sprang astral versions of their true forms, great monstrous and imposing sirens. Both, the Rainbooms and Sunset were overwhelmed. They surrounded their enemy band like sharks about to eat dinner, but they didn't give up, they counterattacked with their instruments and voices. Twilight was no match for Adagio's amazing voice. Facing them was impossible, they were very strong together. They musical waves knocked the Rainbooms to the ground. Sunset was impressed.
“N-Now what?” Sunset said.
Suddenly, she heard a voice.
“Sunset Shimmer!” it was Twilight. "We need you!"
Taking the pony girl by surprise, she didn't know what to do.
"Well Shimmer?" asked ‘D’ in her mind. "The time to choose has come, what will you do?" smiled.
Sunset watched the fight, on one side, were the girls she thought were friends, or just Sunset thought. Only attached to an empty promise. And on the other hand, three banished sirens with no magic, who didn't really do anything to her. They just wanted attention. Both groups seemed to be waiting for Sunset's decision. What seemed like an eternity, it was seconds in which Sunset reacted. She took a deep breath and showed an expressionless face, then… she turned around. She walked slowly away, despite turn her back to them, she could feel Twilight's look of shock. As soon as Sunset was out of everyone's sight, the music started up again. Rainbow Dash's voice along with Twilight's, along with the others. Sunset returned, but she hid behind a tree, she watched as together they created a rainbow ray that nullified the dazzlings' spell. Together they flashed another rainbow into the sky, forming a ball of light, with wings. Everyone is happy now, to the anger of the Dazzlings, but it changed to surprise when they saw the huge alicorn of light in the sky, which with the shapes of the sirens looked like ants. With the last chorus of the song, they unleashed their friendship ray.
"Get covered!!" D, scream
Sunset hid behind a tree, while the dazzlings were hit with friendship magic. When it was all over, she saw how the sirens fell and their necklaces were broken. When they trying to sing again, their vocals were horrible, they were booed by the audience, throwing food at them. Sunset saw how they escaped, she felt a lump in her throat, she couldn't help but feel sorry for them.
"That explains why they necklaces were so special to them" said D. "What a show" she smiled.
“Don't make fun of it, losing isn't easy” said Sunset.
"Yeah, yeah, but they asked for it, although I admit that hers magic was impressive"
“I hope they're okay” Sunset said.
"They are sirens, Shimmer, they are strong creatures, they will be" said D.
The last thing she saw was how the girls hugged each other because of her success, she shook her head and left.
3:00 a.m.…
In the same auditorium, someone was approaching the stage, checked the place, but couldn't find what wanted. Until went through the trash cans, finding what craved. The long arm with long nails, took the pieces of the destroyed gems; But then, felt the presence of someone nearby. It was Adagio, with her jeans and hoddie.
"Luckily, there is no one here" she whispered.
The mysterious figure hid on the roof of the auditorium, it did so with incredible speed. Adagio found the remains, but incomplete. She searched frustrated without finding the rest; Frustrated, she ran away. The shadow watched her go until she disappeared, growled a little, but calmed down immediately.
Looked at the three pieces that reached for, the shadow using magic to embed them into the red skin. And, got up and flew out of the place.
She had just finished thebreakfast. A few seconds later, the pony girl appeared, yawning.
"You didn’t sleep?" Lemon asked.
"I did, I think I was more exhausted than I thought” Sunset yawned.
“Maybe, sit down” Lemon said.
Sunset settled next to the baby. "What will we have for breakfast?" ask, rubbing her skin.
“Eggs and bacon. Vegan version for you” Lemon put the plates on the table.
"Thank you" she said, rubbing her arm more.
“A mosquito bite you too?” Lemon asked.
"I think so, my skin burns a little" said Sunset. "But changing the subject, what time will the father arrive?" she started to eat.
“About two hours. You have to finish your magical session” Lemon answered.
“Last time I was falling down the slide that was supposed to take me to the playhouse, but if I still have the last memory, I'll be able to tell what's going on” Sunset explained.
"Let's finish then" Lemon said eating.
It only took them 30 minutes to finish eating. Sunset was in charge of cleaning, while Lemon packed the boy's things for the father's arrival. Once everything was ready, they sat down on the small sofa.
“You only have one hour, Sunset. No more. Understand? Lemon said.
“I know, I hope it doesn't take long” Sunset said.
For the last time, she held the baby and entered his memories.
Sunset felt a strong pain in her back, she had fallen into a dark place, only a light illuminated her from above. On the floor she found the bear's arm and the elephant's stuffed animal. In the distance she saw another light, so she walked to it. Then, another light.
"Not now, honey"
A woman's voice said. She kept showing up more lights, so she followed them.
"I said not now."
The voice sounded more aggressive when she drink all the bottle, due to a blurred vision she thought, and saw one of those monsters; She followed the light discover everything by pieces, and to escape the darkness too. Then everything went dark.
“Sweetie, be quiet now. Mommy had a rough day."
The coat monster appeared in front of Sunset, and disappeared as she approached.
“Please, go somewhere else. I'll just... just one more”
The Swamp Woman, and the Crooked Shadow. The three spoke with the voice of the mother. Sunset began to understand everything. Even the mother appeared, in a giant way for her.
"He will NOT take you from me!"
Darkness again.
“If you can't be nice and do what mom says, I'm going to be very angry. None of us want that!”
The last light, these were several, when she arrive, it was the playhouse. Once inside, didn't wait any longer, and she put the last memory in the machine. But when activate the magic something was missing. And notice a circular entry at the end.
"I wonder if... mmm" Sunset thought.
She placed the bear's arm and then, the door opened. Behind the same darkness with a slight light at the end. She went to this and everything lit up. Sunset returned to the house, to the baby’s room, with the difference that it was daylight. She came out of the closet and in front of her had all the objects from the memories. Sunset took the mother's necklace from the floor. But suddenly, heard noises below, found objects similar to other places she lived; The owls, the star, the bottles, the keys, the puzzle, etc. Once on the first floor, the noise came from the kitchen, there she was.
The mother crying on the floor, along with empty bottles to the sides. When facing each other, she noticed that she had the bear. Sunset suddenly felt something between her legs, it was the baby boy! he reached over to take the stuffed animal from her.
"Stay away from me!"
She pushed the boy to the ground, Sunset bent down to help him and felt the same distortion as before.
“I'm sorry, I never mean to… it's too much” the woman cried.
Sunset felt pit for the woman. Then he, the baby, caressed her head gently.
The front door noise, she watched as the baby left and followed him, before looking at the mother. When she opened the door now everything was light, too much. Sunset just listen.
"Hi there little one! Come here” a male voice said. "Did you like your gift? What happened to his arm? Don't worry, we'll fix him up."
She was interrupted by a black cloud forming in front of them; Lemon got up scared, but she didn't run away. The mass of black magic took on the slight forms of her mother's monsters; Sunset saw that the mother's necklace was in her hand suddenly, she raised the necklace before the energy, slowly the magic entered her necklace.
"What the fuc-?"
“It's over” Sunset said. “The monsters were the mother all the time. When she was drunk"
“Wow…” Lemon said.
“Everything I lived there was through the perspective of the baby. Such simple things were terrifying to him” Sunset explained.
“But you said there were three, you described each one differently. How can they be the same person? asked Lemon.
“Because each one represented her mother's moods when she drank” Sunset replied. "And now, they will no longer torment the child"
“Coo! so… well, you did it” Lemon smiled, sitting back down. "And now what?"
Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
"Must be the father, come on" Lemon said, running to the door.
Sunset carried the baby, she was holding his teddy bear. Even without the arm he loved him dearly. The door opened and Sunset finally saw him. A tall man with a big beard, smiled when he saw his son.
"Hi there little one! I missed you” he smiled carrying his son. "Thank you for taking care of him"
"It was nothing" Lemon said.
“He had a few nightmares, but nothing serious” Sunset lied.
“Oh... that, I just got divorced, we had problems that we couldn't solve. I tried, but she didn't. We try to move on” explained the man.
"Everything will be okay, Mr. Justin" Lemon said.
“Take care of your son, in these situations, they are the ones who suffer the most” said Sunset.
“You speak very wise for your age. I love my son, I want the best for him, believe me, I will take good care of him ”she smiled. "I have to go, thank you again, and goodbye" he said.
The man went to his car where a woman was waiting for him.
"You think the father will be better, Sun?” Lemon asked.
The pony girl saw how father and son were laughing together, they looked so happy... then a slight memory came to her, one of equestria. It didn't last more than a second. Sunset was shocked.
"Yeah... they'll be fine" she smiled wistfully.
"If you say so" Lemon said, not noticing her friend's tone. “And I'm sorry, but I have to go too. My parents are back and they will kill me if I'm not home. I'm supposed to be grounded” she laughed.
“You never said that” Sunset said, suprised.
“You know me, hehe. But seriously, will you be okay?" asked.
"Yes, I feel better now than before" the pony girl smiled.
"Glad to hear it. See you later then, and watch out for the devil” Lemon teased.
Her friend smiled and she left. Sunset entered her house and lay down on the couch, but she heard a vibrating sound from her backpack. Growl in frustration. Possibly Zest forgot something, but it wasn't her phone, it was her book. She received a message, read the message, and sighed. She didn't do anything for a few minutes until she made up her mind. She took her jacket and went for her motorcycle.
Meanwhile, the heroines of the battle of the bands, gathered in the statue of the portal.
"I wish you would stay longer" Applejack said.
“Me too, but I have responsibilities in equestria. The citizens need me” Twilight said.
"We too" said Raindow sadly. "With... you know"
“I know, that's why I asked to meet here. All seven of us” Twilight said.
"Seven?" they all said.
At that moment, the roar of an engine silenced them, the driver took off her helmet, and her face was that of the famous demon girl.
"What is Shimmer doing here?" Rainbow said annoyed.
"I asked her to come here" Twilight said. "Thanks for coming"
"Why did you call me Twilight?" Sunset asked.
“Sunset Shimmer. Your attitude last night told me a lot of things. You didn't help us to defeat the sirens, but you weren't against us either. However-"
“Do you want to know what direction I will take now? Know whose side I'm on?" continued Sunset.
"Well…"
“For your peace of mind, I am not interested in take over this school. Or equestria” Sunset said. "If that will be all-"
“Wait Sunset, I know an apology won't be enough for all the pain you've been through. Now I know, the girls told me everything; The fights, insults, hits, all have been done to you” said Twilight.
“We failed you Sunset” Rainbow said. “Especially me, I was the most reluctant to believe in you; I let my emotions dominate me, I was not… loyal to you”
"We weren't honest with you, sugar cube" Applejack continued, take off her hat.
"We should been kind and generous to you" Rarity said, Fluttershy nodding.
“Maybe we could… start over? Be friends and laugh together?" Pinkie said hopefully
“Sunset?” Twilight call.
The pony girl looked at each of the girls. They seemed genuinely repentant. Sunset thought about everything that happened; all her bad moments, her adventures... and every experience lived until now.
“I accept you apology. But not the friendship” Sunset said.
"WHAT?!!" They all said, except Twilight, the princess was just surprised.
"P-Please Sunset, yes I know, we screwed up, but you have to-"
“I already did Rainbow, really, I forgive you guys. But I won't be your friend."
"Why Sunset?" asked.
“Twilight, when you beat me at the Fall Formal, that didn't make me change my personality. What really changed me was being face to face to the death” Sunset said seriously.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Rainbow said confused.
“Before this, a few weeks after my defeat, I was in a party try to make Friends, but, there was a killer. He almost killed me, I spend months in a hospital” Sunset said. Shocking everyone.
"Y-You could have called us" Rarity said.
“You never gave me their numbers, although I gave you mine. For this reason, I need to be with real friends, who, despite knowing my past, don't judge me or suspect of me when something bad happens” said Sunset.
“It make me sad you think that Sunset. Are you sure?" Twilight said.
"I am. I know you're not so diferent to them, princess. I know you care more about what I will do, that how I feel. I won't take over this world, I don't want to, I don't need to” Sunset said.
Twilight wanted to justify that, but she decided against it. “I don't approve of your new direction, but I respect it. You still have your book, you can talk to me if you need anything, okay?"
"I'll keep that in mind, bye." She returned to her motorcycle and walked away from her.
"That didn't go so well" Fluttershy said.
"So what?" asked Pinkie.
“Sunset is not interested in dominating the school or this world. She's not interested in the friendship we offered her” Twilight said.
"We're sorry we let you down Twilight" Applejack said.
“It wasn't me, it was to her. I want you to take care of her from afar, don't let her go through that pain again” Twilight said.
"We swear!" Pinky said.
"Are you? Will you be able to do this?" Twilight asked.
“We understand that you get like this, darling. But we won't let this happen again, we'll do it for you, for Sunset, and us” Rarity said.
“I will trust you once again. Maybe in future, Sunset will give us another chance” Twilight said. "For Celestia I hope so" she prayed.
Sunset arrived at her house, and set out to clean it up. At the end of her task, she found her mother's necklace; She picked up the jewel and went to the second floor, went to her closet, inside it was a strange secret compartment. Inside there was a paper with a drawing of a very tall being without a face, with the word "FOLLOWS", another was a white hockey mask with dried blood, and a wave receiver with an installed compass. She put the necklace down next to her.
“I hate these things, but they remind me that I'm still alive” Sunset said. Her ferret jumped off the couch toward her.
"Don't worry buddy, I'm fine" Sunset smiled, let's go upstairs.
She went to the window behind the apartment, there was a fire escape. She went out to the roof, sat on the roof to play with onyx, and also to reflect on everything that has happened, the sight of her also helped her.
"Forgive me for ignoring you Onix, from now on we will spend more time together" Sunset smiled.
They played for a couple of hours and then went back inside. She left her pet on the couch, and picked up her towel and a couple of new clothes, went to the bathroom to take a well-deserved and relaxing shower. In about 10 minutes she came out with her pajamas on, go down to the living room and watch TV. Suddenly the doorbell rang, she walked to it and opened it. Sunset thought it was Lemon who forgot something. But no, was a guy. He was a tall boy with sky blue skin with green eyes and well-combed dark blonde hair. He was wearing an elegant suit; A cherry-colored jacket, blue shirt, orange tie, a brown sweater, gray pants, and elegant black shoes.
"Lemonade Blues? What are you doing here? You weren't-"
"I came back yesterday, but I had things to do" said the boy. He showed a white bag. "Did you have dinner yet?"
"No-"
The boy came in and went to the kitchen to heat up the food.
"Yes, of course, come in" Sunset said sarcastically.
"Lemon explained to me what happened. And about something you wanted to tell me too" the boy said.
"Oh, well, I was hoping to tell you, but..."
"We've known each other since you arrived here, you're my friend and you can talk to me" Blues said, very honest.
Sunset sat on the couch still unsure. The boy saw her, took the drinks she brought, sat next to her, and offered it to her. In a few ways, like her friend, he told her the truth. Since her past in equestria, until recent events. At the end of the joke he stared at him for a while.
"So?"
"I already said that you were very strange, I felt that you were different. But it is not what I expected"
"Thank you? But I mean, will you still be my friend?" Sunset asked.
"Just because you're a pony won't make me change my way of thinking. I care more about the way you are" said Blues.
"Wow... I was expecting another reaction unlike Lemon" said Sunset.
"Could it be that I know you more than she does, or maybe because you helped me before" the boy smiled.
"Thanks, but you're still have the same look as when I met you," said Sunset.
"I already told you that my situation is difficult, but I will fix it, I swear," he said nervously, adjusting his tie.
"You better, now let's go eat" Sunset said.
They sat in the living room watching a movie while they ate. They talked longer about other topics until the evening. Then the boy had to leave.
"Will you be okay Shimmer?" asked.
"Now thanks to you two, I will be."
The boy smiled and left. Sunset cleaned up again and went to take care of her, and let Onix sleep with her, she didn't want to spend the night alone. Her window had a perfect view. She watched as the sun slowly set.
“I wish my problems would disappear like the sun every day, but they'd be back the next day” Sunset smiled. She saw how Onix played with her fingers.
"I don't know what the future holds for me, but... I won't be alone" she smiled looking at the messages from Lemon and Thunder.
"And me~" the demon smiled.
"Yeah, everything will be fine now, D" Sunset said, looking at the horizon.
She took one of her guitars that hung on her wall, and she lay on her bed to sing a song she had been writing on.
“♪♪ It's all right, yeah. I'm walking right beside you. I feel the way, feel the way that you do, too. Oh, I can't lie, sometimes ♪♪”
