The One And Only Sunset Shimmer(s)
You never know yourself, y’know? You think you do; you REALLY think you do. But it’s not quite that simple, is it? You try a new flavor of ice cream or a new food and find out that you love it. Did you always love it, or were you convinced to love it? Are we established, creatures? Born with a fully formed core and character since our inception, or do we need time to flourish and blossom before we truly find ourselves? Philosophers, religious scholars, and internet psychologists have debated the topic for years, and well, for me, at least, I can see that it’s the boots that make the man.
Because sitting across from me at this sleepy drive-in diner off the interstate somewhere between Canterlot Cove and some screw-off town in Appalachia is some pretty-looking girl with an awfully familiar face.
“So…you said your name was?” I say, feigning surprise and interest.
“Sunset Shimmer,” replied my doppelganger, “And you?” she said, looking at me with as much confusion and intrigue as I.
“....Sunset Shimmer,” I say cooly before offering a forced laugh to play off my growing anxiety, “It’s uh…more common name than I initially thought.”
“You’re telling me, small world, huh?” offered Sunset, trying to rationalize and process all of this as much as I am.
“Where are you coming from?” questioned my copy.
“I was coming from Canterlot Cove; actually, I’m taking a small bike ride into Equestria.”
She laughs, “You call that small? That’s halfway up the coast and into the country. You must’ve gone riding for at least a few days.” she looks at me with a tender smile and excitement in her eyes, “I always wanted a bike that reliable…what are you doing so far out?”
I start nervously playing with my hair, twirling my index and middle fingers around my yellow and red locks, “I’m…I uh….I dunno, I just needed to get away from it all.”
“Boy do I hear you,” chuckled my other, “Let me guess, family and friends driving you crazy?” offered Sunset.
I giggle. Of course, she would figure it out, “Yeah…you love them to death, but sometimes you just need a break from all the chaos.”
Sunset gives me an understanding nod, “I can relate. My folks drive me crazy too. ‘Sunset, can you fix the car? Sunset, can you go to the store? Can you help repair your little brother’s bike?’ Sometimes I regret ever picking up a lug wrench.”
“You’re a mechanic?” I say with piqued interest, curious about my human others life in this unremarkable and very average town devoid of any and all magic.
“Yup, I bought my first car when I was sixteen, and that hunk of crap couldn’t run to save its life. So I took a class in high school, hit the books, and got some hands-on experience constantly tuning that bucket of bolts on wheels. Now I work at Braeburn’s repair and salvage.” explained Sunset, appearing a little uncomfortable relaying this to me. I can tell she’s not sure she’s so comfortable telling me all of this.
I sit back and allow her words to hang in the air for a moment before speaking, allowing my other self to relax and feel comfortable with me. I take a long sip of my lukewarm coffee before sighing, “I’m a Highschool guidance counselor myself, and I fix my own bike from time to time whenever she decides to choke out.”
Sunset smirked, her brow furrowing, “Guidance counselor, huh? Now that’s something I couldn’t do. Dealing with a bunch of whiny and emotional hot cases like that every day? I’d rather fix my little brother’s bike every day.”
I shift my brow, ‘brother’ I have a brother? I think back to my old world and home of Equestria. I never had a brother myself; I grew up an only child in a relatively sheltered home. I never struggled or had to worry about finances like I assume my other does. Maybe if I had grown up like her, I wouldn’t have been so entitled and, more importantly, nearly terrorized Equestria and the human world…
“Something on your mind?” Sunset’s voice cuts through my thoughts as I quickly retain my attention on the woman in front of me.
“Ah, sorry… what’s it like having a brother?” I ask, trying to pull the newfound attention off of myself.
Sunset muses, “Heh, well…Phoenix is a good kid… can’t ride a bike to save his life though, he ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS, breaks it. Crashing into a fence post or tree. I’d have my work cut out if I didn’t fix the damn thing for free every time.” grumbled Sunset.
I laugh, “Phoenix sounds brash and bold like my friend Rainbow Dash. I remember how many times I had to fix her bike, and it wasn’t a chain bike either. I’m talking a gasoline-powered crotch rocket that can break zero to one-twenty in thirty seconds flat.”
Sunset whistled, giving a firm nod, “That sounds like a beast; jeez, she didn’t crash, did she?”
I shake my head, “Fortunately not…but I wish she did.”
Sunset’s eyes widened in shock, “Woah, why? I thought she was your friend!”
I grumbled, “She didn’t put up the kickstand and let her bike fall over and busted the gas tank.”
Sunset let out a sigh of relief and laughed, “Ohhhh, now I get why you wanted her dead!”
We both share a laugh before we’re interrupted by a loud buzzing sound. We both instinctively reach for our pockets as Sunset answers her phone, “Hello?... Uh-huh….just having lunch at Portly’s…okay….Phoenix again!?... Fine…love you too…bye.”
Sunset lets out a groan, “Guess who?” she says, exasperated.
I chuckle, “Your brother?”
“Yup…I have to go. It was nice to meet you, Sunset Shimmer. I’m glad I met you.” she stands up, offering her hand to me. I quickly take it before giving it a shake.
“You too. Hey, let me get your coffee, my treat.” I offer.
Sunset smirks, “That’s sweet; I’ll get the tip…” she reaches into her pocket before skimming through a few bills before setting aside a few dollars for the waitress, “I hope to see you around if you aren’t just passing through.” offered Sunset.
“I think I might stay here for a bit longer. The locals are nice.” I wink as I give Sunset a playful smile.
Sunset smiles back before she waves me off, “Pppffft, that’s cute. Alright, I’ll give you my number. Maybe we can hang out later.” she reaches into her pocket again and shows me her number.
I quickly copy it down before adding Sunset to my contacts, “Got it.”
“Great!” smiled Sunset, “Alright, I have to go now,” she pushed the diner door open as the bell atop the door frame rang, “See you later, Sunset Shimmer!” joked Sunset.
“Bye, Sunset; good luck with that bike!” I smile, watching her leave the diner before walking over to a beat-up-looking sedan with a worn sun bleached blue body and a mismatched front bumper that was an obnoxious bright right red.
I can’t help but think as she pulls out of the parking lot that despite the vastly different lives we have. That she’s as much of me as I am her. I can see it in her eyes and smile. She has that sarcasm and grit but a tender heart to balance it all out. Maybe it isn’t the clothes or boots that make the woman, but the very fiber of their core?
Maybe despite our differences in origin, we’re both the same people deep down. Then again, if this Sunset was raised so differently than me, would she have made the same mistakes as me? I ponder to myself as I sit alone in this booth by myself, staring at the empty seat that once held my perfect copy.
I thank whatever force brought me here for the chance to get to know myself.