> Making Friends
>  by TheKing2001
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Make A Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset sat with her legs tucked under her as she relaxed near her favorite tree, her eyes scanning the page of her book she had resting on the grass in front of her.

“Legend has it that on longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape and she will bring forth night time eternal,” Sunset mused as she turned the page with her magic. “Longest day of the thousandth year? That’s going to be the Summer Sun Celebration which is in four days. Oh buck, that’s four days away.”

Sunset stood up and stretched out her hindquarters as she slammed her book her shut with her magic, shoving it into her saddlebag she had left sitting next to the trees trunk.

Sunset levitated her saddlebags onto her back and closed her eyes tightly, focusing on the hallway outside the throne room as her horn started glowing teal and she teleported away, leaving scorch marks on the grass where she once stood.

Sunset opened her eyes and grinned slightly in triumph as she took in the expensively decorated walls of the castle as she pumped a hoof. While the mare was skilled in a good majority of spells, teleporting was still a bit tricky for her.

No wonder I’m the princess’ prized pupil. I’m good at everything I do. I didn’t even destroy Bluebloods house this time! That is a pity though, I hate that guy,  Sunset mused to herself as she trotted down the hall. Prince Blueblood was probably one of the few ponies Sunset truly despised.

To the amber unicorn, Blueblood had zero redeemable qualities. Not like she would ever say that Princess Celestia and risk offending her mentor. Though the proud unicorn suspected deep down that Princess Celestia shared her sentiments.

“Princess Celestia!” Sunset called out as she caught a glimpse of the taller mare walking down the hall. Princess Celestia paused and looked back as Sunset trotted up and Celestia smiled fondly at her prized student.

Ever since Celestia had found the filly abandoned on the castle door steps, she had taken Sunset in and been thoroughly impressed by the younger mares ability to adapt, spells and learn to navigate the political landmine that was her Day Court.

“Yes my dear Sunset?” Celestia asked curiously as she sat down on a nearby chair, tapping the spot to her with a hoof.

“I was reading and I found an alarming section. You shouldn’t go through with the Summer Sun Celebration this year,” Sunset said and raised a hoof as Princess Celestia opened her mouth to speak. “I know I look forward to it every year as does everypony else as well as you, but Nightmare Moon will return on that day. It says so here.”

Sunset levitated the book out of her saddlebags and flipping quickly to the page she had left off on, her bright eyes searching and letting out a triumphant “aha” as she found it, tapping a hoof on it as she spun the book around for Celestia to read the text.

“See?” Sunset exclaimed as Celestia looked up from her book. “We have to cancel it for this year. I don’t truly think it will matter but ponies won’t be in the way of fire if she does come back.”

“Sunset, I love you my dear student, you have to quit reading these fantasy books. There is no Nightmare Moon,” Celestia answered as she gently closed the book. “You want more responsibilities, correct?”

Numbly, Sunset nodded. Internally, she couldn’t believe that only she was taking this serious. Eternal night would kill them all and Princess Celestia seemed adamant it wasn’t an issue nor that Nightmare Moon was real.

“I’m sending you to Ponyville to oversee the preparations. You will be staying at the Solar Residency in town and a royal guard will be awaiting your arrival. She will show you around town and stay with you until further notice.”

Sunset let out a sigh and nodded. She personally never liked small farm towns like Ponyville. She could see the speck of the town from her house all the way up here on the mountainside Canterlot was built upon.

“And make a friend,” Celestia added with a warm smile as Sunset recoiled.

“Why?” Sunset asked as she raised an eyebrow. The unicorn never truly had any friends as an adult, only as a filly that she lost contact with. Friends mainly held back  working hard to better Equestria.

“Because friends are always nice to have Sunset. I would like you to get out more. The only times I see you is at breakfast, lunch and dinner or when you want to show me a new spell.”

Sunset sighed as she traced a hoof up her hindleg, looking down as Celestia placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“Your wish is my command, Princess,” Sunset said as she slid off the bench and knelt down in front of Celestia. “I’ll board the next train immediately to Ponyville.”

“I have some royal guards flying you to Canterlot. They are in the center courtyard as of now, awaiting your arrival.”

Sunset peered out the window overlooking the yard where she saw four guards waiting along with what seemed like a party with a blue unicorn with a blue and white mane, a white unicorn with a pink mane, a yellow unicorn with a blue mane, a white unicorn with a red mane and a purple unicorn with a purple mane laughing.

Sunset faintly recognized them as students in Celestia’s school with her, along with her rival Twilight Sparkle. Twilight was another pony Sunset was not fond of, constantly trying to steal her spot. Or well, that’s how the amber unicorn viewed it.

“I understand Princess. It will be done.”

“I know you will do well, my faithful student,” Celestia smiled as Sunset’s horn glowed.

Sunset gave a curt nod and disappeared in a flash of light.





A grey pegasus with a light grey mane and a blue cutie mark of a bow and arrow in bright gold armor paced back and forth with a bit of nervous as she inhaled and exhaled repeatedly.

Silverspeed was still new to this whole royal guard thing and Sunset Shimmer was her first official task given to her by Princess Celestia herself.

All she had to do was follow any orders given to her from the mare, escort her around town to the Residency and all of the places she needed to stop at.

Silverspeed stretched her wings out in nervous anticipation before letting them fall back against her sides. She normally was from Cloudsdale, as a good majority of pegasi were but had moved to Ponyville to look after her younger sister, Silver Spoon.

Her parents oddly like naming their only two daughters Silver something. Presumably money related or something Silverspeed mused to her self as she straightened her helmet slightly. She had spent hours polishing it till it shined just right in the day, getting admiring looks from the townsponies as she trotted to where she had been told Sunset would be arriving at.

She stood still as a chariot descended from the sky and came to a stop near her with the amber unicorn on the back as a few townsponies she identified as Berry Punch, Daisy and Cherry Berry watching with curious expressions as Sunset disembarked.

“Hello ma’am!” Silverspeed gave a hasty salute as Sunset approached her.

“Hello,” Sunset said as she forced a smile. “My name is Sunset Shimmer and you are?”

“Cadet Silverspeed at your service. How was your flight?”

“It was alright,” Sunset said dismissively as she stretched her forelegs and looked around the town.

It looked pretty much exactly what she had pictured. Just a small, farm town with not much going on really.

“Where is the Residency?” Sunset asked as Silverspeed pointed a hoof to downtown Ponyville.

“This way ma’am,” Silverspeed answered eagerly. “I must say, I’m very excited to be working with you. I’m assigned to work with you until further notice. The Residency is okay, your room is left as is ma’am.”

“Uh huh,” Sunset said dismissively as she started trotting after the Royal Guard. She didn’t really care in all honesty, she just wanted to get to the Residency and get set up.

“Oh dear Celestia,” Silverspeed muttered as she paused and Sunset bumped into her flank. “Oh sorry.”

“Why are we stopping?” Sunset grumbled as she rubbed her head with a hoof.

“Hi I’m Pinkie Pie!”

“Gah!” Sunset screamed and recoiled as pink mare appeared in front of her grinning excitedly. “What?”

“I’m Pinkie Pie!” Pinkie repeated and grinned wider if that was possible. “You’re new!”

“Uh, yeah how did you know?” Sunset asked uncertaintly.

“I know everypony in town and it’s my Pinkie Sense!” Pinkie giggled and booped Sunset’s muzzle. “I know whenever a new pony comes to town!”

Sunset shot a desperate look to Silverspeed who gave a sheepish shrug and crossed her forelegs as Pinkie hugged Sunset excitedly.

“And now I’m your new bestie!” Pinkie giggled as Sunset choked on air.

“Look alright I’m not really interested in friends alright. I’m just here on order of Princess Celestia to make sure her Celebration goes off without a hitch and then I’m back off to Canterlot. I’m truly sorry but it’s the truth,” Sunset said as Pinkie released her and the pink mare stared at her.

“I will convince you to be my friend!” Pinkie screamed as she stood on her hind legs. “I will get you the whole town as your friend, no matter the cost! No matter the distance!”

Pinkie took off and left with a pink blurr behind her as the mare zoomed off.

“What the buck was that?” Sunset asked finally as she shook off her confusion.

“That was Pinkie Pie. She’s a bit unique. Nice mare when you get to know her. And don’t feel bad, she did the exact same thing to me. We get breakfast together every few days at her job. Best donuts in town,” Silverspeed sighed wistfully. “Anyway, let’s get to the Residency and go over all you gotta do. Princess Celestia had a letter dropped off specifically for you hours before you arrived.”

“Fun,” Sunset rolled her eyes as she gestured with a hoof. “Lead the way. I wanna get this over with and get back to studying to prevent the apocalypse.”

“Don’t forget to make a friend!” Silverspeed winked as Sunset groaned.

“Friends won’t save the world. Only preparing for the worst will. Now let’s get a move on,” Sunset stated firmly as Silverspeed sighed and trotted ahead.

“That mare is stubborn as Tartarus,” Silverspeed whispered under her breath and Sunset thankfully didn’t hear it.

One way or another, Silverspeed vowed to change the amber unicorns mind.
> New Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset trotted up to a yellow house with a black fence going around the property and a coat of arms above the door as Silverspeed opened the door and waited to follow Sunset inside.

The door thudded shut as Sunset examined the interior warily. An office was to the left with a dark black desk in the middle and a couch inside with a glass cupboard behind said desk.

“Your room is upstairs ma’am,” Silverspeed comments as Sunset came back to reality. The living room had multiple chairs set up with paintings of the sun decorating the place.

“Thank you. Who is all on the list?” Sunset asked as Silverspeed hoofed her the letter. “Thanks.”

“Let’s see, if I remember correctly we have to see Roseluck and her two sisters for the floral arrangements, Shoeshine is helping Rarity set up decorations in town hall, check up on the weather and the entertainment for the fillies and colts and check on the food,” Silverspeed recited by memory.

“Who the entertainment? Probably some stuffy orchestra, right?” Sunset gave a low chuckle as she finished reading.

“It’s Trixie.”

Sunset paused and gave the guard a stunned look as she set the paper on the coffee table.

“Trixie is the entertainment? As in Trixie Lulamoon?”

“That’s the one I believe,” Silverspeed answered as she set her helmet down gently on the table. “Why, you know her?”

“Not really.”

That was a lie. Trixie was probably the only other pony other than Celestia Sunset had a genuine respect for. The unicorn made it a point to visit all of the magicians shows in Canterlot. No matter how hard Sunset tried, she couldn’t figure out Trixie’s tricks on stage. It was rare for Sunset to be outsmarted and whenever she was, she threw herself at trying to prevent it from happening again.

“Who’s in charge of the weather?” Sunset asked and looked up as Silverspeed finished hanging up her armor on a nearby stand.

“Rainbow Dash but she is a bit lazy. I can almost guarantee that it will be pushed off till the Princess is almost. Most likely is hanging out with Fluttershy at her cottage.”

Sunset gritted her teeth slightly and forced herself to breath. She despised lazy ponies and by extension, was most
likely going to despise this Rainbow Dash.

“Take me to this Rainbow Dash.”





“She should be around here somewhere,” Silverspeed commented as she and Sunset looked around the center of town at the sky full of clouds. “Most of time she likes to sleep on clouds.”

“Joy, she sounds like a hard worker,” Sunset commented sarcastically with an eyeroll. Silverspeed looked completely different without the golden armor on. Looked more natural around town and the pair didn’t draw as much attention as before. “If that mare doesn’t get her lazy flank here and do her damn job, I’ll have her removed from her position.”

“Watch out!” A grey pegasus shouted as the mare narrowly avoided crashing into Sunset and Silverspeed. “Woah, sorry about that. Didn’t see you two there. Busy trying to get rid of these clouds.”

“I see. Are you Rainbow Dash?” Sunset demanded as the mare shook her blonde mane and Sunset noticed her eyes pointing off in different directions and quickly looked elsewhere to not seem rude.

“It’s fine to look at them. I personally quite like my eyes. Makes me unique,” the mare commented with a grin. “And no, I’m Derpy. Usually the mailmare but well, clouds gotta go. Raindrops and my other friends, Flitter, Cloudkicker, Cloudchaser, Thunderlane and a few others would normally help but they have today off. I’m working with my other friends White Lightning, Sassaflash, Sprinkle Medley, Dizzy Twister and Blossomforth. Dash is asleep above you.”

Sunset glared up at a cloud floating above with a pair of blue hindlegs sticking out the end. The mare bit back a curse word and blasted the cloud.

“Gah!” Rainbow screamed as the cloud dissipated and she flapped her wings desperately to keep herself aloft. “What the hay was that?”

“Me!” Sunset shouted up angrily. “Get to work, get rid of these clouds!”

“Oh they’re not a problem. They’ll be gone in like ten seconds flat,” Rainbow waved a hoof dismissively as Sunset inhaled sharply.

“I really don’t give a damn about that. I want it done now,” Sunset growled as she slammed a hoof into the concrete as the other two mares watched warily. “The princess is coming and if you can’t do your job, I’ll just have you removed from the team. You only have this mare and a few others working!”

Sunset thrust a hoof at a blushing Derpy as she rubbed the back of her neck.

“And I have to get my kids from school,” Derpy admitted as Sunset nodded.

“You’re dismissed for the day. Go get your kids and head on home,” Sunset levitated a bag of bits her way and dropped them into her hooves. “And go get some food for you all. Thank you Derpy.”

“Oh thank you miss fiery mane!” Derpy giggled as she flew away awkwardly as Sunset gave a cruel grin Rainbows direction.

“Now get to work Rainbow and I just may let you keep your job. But the chance of that is very slim,” Sunset glared at the pegasus. “I’m not happy with your lack of performance and I despise laziness.”

“Fine. But you owe me a cloud!”

“I don’t owe you shit. You have a house unless you’re homeless or something which would explain the cloud sleeping. Seriously, who does that?” Sunset asked as Silverspeed bit back a laugh. “Now come on, I’m in the mood for coffee. And maybe alcohol.”

Sunset spun around and trotted off, leaving a fuming Rainbow Dash behind her.

“I’ve never seen her so speechless before,” Silverspeed commented as she flew to catch up. The mare would never admit it, but she did find it entertaining. The weather was almost always never on time since she got here.

“Probably because no one has ever stood up to her before. Now where is sugarcube corner?” Sunset asked as Silverspeed pointed to a gingerbread looking house. “I should have known.”

Silverspeed let out a low chuckle as she stretched her wings out. The pair trotted inside and they both inhaled at the same time.

“Oh Celestia it’s her,” Sunset groaned as Pinkie raced around behind the counter in a pink dress and hat with light pink stripes. “She works here?”

“Yeah. Go sit down and I’ll get us something,” Silverspeed gestured to a table and Sunset bit back a groan as she complied.

Sunset watched from behind a menu as Silverspeed trotted up to the counter and Pinkie jumped over to hug her.

“Sweet Celestia,” Sunset whispered to herself. How anypony could handle the pink ball of energy as Sunset now called Pinkie was behind her. Somepony honestly needed to take that mares coffee machine away if this was the result.

Sunset examined the muffin and mug in front of her as Silverspeed sat down next to her with a danish and hot chocolate.

“Oh thanks,” Sunset said absent-mindedly as she levitated the muffin to her mouth and took a bite. “Wow, these are good. Does she make all these?”

Sunset thrust a hoof at the pink ball of energy talking to a mare with grapes for a cutie mark with a small unicorn filly on her back.

“Yeah. Well, her and the Cakes. They’re her landlords, she lives upstairs,” Silverspeed answered as she bit into her danish. “Definitely better than anything we had in Cloudsdale.”

“My respect for her has increased greatly. So what’s next on the list?” Sunset asked as she took another bite.

“Up to you. Roselucks is closer but might take longer. She and her sisters are uhm easy frightable.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Sunset asked as she raised an eyebrow slightly and took a sip of her coffee.

“That the littlest thing scares them. I’ve only been here for about a week and a half at most and they’ve woken me up screaming on the residency doorstep about the everfree forest making noises or something. And spiders. And rabbits of all things.”

“You’re joking.”

“Nope I’m pretty serious,” Silverspeed answered as Sunset shook her her mane slowly. “Your bestie is looking over here.”

Sunset looked over at the counter where Pinkie was waving excitedly and Sunset forced a grin on her face as she weakly waved back.

“Come on, let’s hurry up and get the hay out of here before she decides to come talk to us,” Sunset said hastily as she started eating faster.

With a frustrated sigh, Silverspeed nodded and quickly complied.
> Playing With Flowers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roseluck bit the handle of her watering can as she carefully started watering the potted plants she and her sisters had out near their store front as Daisy and Lily were snipping dead leaves off the various plants the three mares grew.

Roseluck inhaled as she stopped in front of a lilac and sniffed it, smiling contently before setting the watering can down under the table.

“How’s it going back there girls?” Roseluck called out as Daisy looked up and dropped her shears down on the table.

“Pretty good Rosie. Lily is going to deliver some flowers after to the mayor’s house. And then I have to check on the Princess’ flowers arrangement,” Daisy answered as Roseluck nodded in approval.

As the oldest sister, Daisy ran the books and made sure everything financial wise was in perfect order while Lily did the deliveries to ponies. Roseluck chose to alternate between the three jobs and spent most of her time at the front of the store.

While she did love being with her flowers, she liked being up front more because she got to greet each new customer personally. The three mares switched out who did what each day for fairness sake and all.

The door opened with a chime as Roseluck smiled at an amber unicorn with a fiery mane and bright blue eyes next to a grey pegasus with a grey mane and bright purple eyes.

“Hello!” Roseluck smiled warmly at the two as she leaned against the register. “I’m Roseluck, how can I help you?”

“Uhm hi. Here to check up on all the floral arrangements for the summer sun celebration,” the unicorn answered as Roseluck reached under the small table next to her for a clipboard.

“Name?” Roseluck asked as she examined the papers.

“Sunset Shimmer and this is Silverspeed.”

“Okay,” Roseluck hummed as Sunset glanced at the mares rose cutie mark on her flank. “I see you right here. The arrangements are coming along but you’d be better off asking Daisy for more information. She put them together.”

“Why don’t you know, isn’t this like your business?” Sunset asked as Roseluck took a startled step as Lily and Daisy both looked up from their flowers.

“Well yes but-” Roseluck started as Sunset cut her off.

“I have a lot of work to do and ponies to check up on, so can you just tell me if it’ll be ready or not?”

“Someponys got a stick up her plot,” Lily whispered to Daisy who stifled a giggle and forced a smile on her face as Sunset locked her teal eyes onto her. Inhaling, Daisy trotted up next to Roseluck.

“I’m Daisy. And yes, I can vouch that everything will be perfectly ready for when the celebration begins Miss Shimmer. We personally will decorate town hall with them ourselves for maximum perfection,” Daisy reassured the unicorn as she ran a hoof through her green mane.

“Good, see to it by at least three days from now,” Sunset remarked as she turned to leave.

“Wait!” Roseluck called out and Sunset paused to look at her with a bored expression.

“What?”

Roseluck looked around at the flowers around her and pulled out a bright orange and red rose, slipping her namesake into Sunset’s mane. The mare pulled out a silver lily and place it above Silverspeeds ear and smiled.

“There! Perfectly matches your coats and manes!” Roseluck beamed as the two gave tired smiles. “Free of charge as well.”

“Thank you Roseluck,” Silverspeed nodded slightly as the pair left.

“Talk about a piece of work,” Lily commented as she casually trotted up. “And that’s the princess’ student?”

“I guess so. Why in the wide world of Equestria did you give the pair free roses? You know we don’t have the bits to spare Rosie!” Daisy snapped as Roseluck rolled her eyes.

“Oh the horror, the horror. We lost five bits which will totally affect us in the long run,” Roseluck commented sarcastically as she leaned against the table and took a long sip of her water. “It’ll be fine, just you wait and see.”

“Wish I had your optimistism sis,” Lily shook her head and sighed.

“Alright you two back to work and then we can call it a day. We are supposed to have dinner with our friends and Lily, you are coming so don’t bother arguing,” Daisy said sternly as Lily gave a grunt in response.

“Joy,” Lily muttered under her breath as she picked up some shears. “Social interaction with annoying ponies.”

“I heard that!”





Lily sat next to her sisters outside of Berry Punchs tavern as she internally was cursing Daisy out. She absolutely hated social interaction and half of her sisters friends. She hated Bon Bon, she hated Sea Swirl and her wife Sassaflash, she hated Carrot Top. She practically hated the whole town except Derpy, Dinky, Sparkler and her sisters.

“Have you girls met the Princess’ student yet?” Derpy asked as she set down her wine glass.

“Yeah we did,” Daisy rolled her eyes. “She’s a character, that’s for sure.”

“She was a bitch,” Lily grumbled as everypony glanced at the mare. “Don’t look at me like that, she was and you know it.”

“She’s probably just stressed about all the planning,” Roseluck commented as she speared a piece of zucchini. “I would be. Hay, I’m stressed just planning out the arrangements with you girls. There’s so many flowers. At least royal contacts pay out the big bits.”

“I can drink to that,” Bon Bon said with a grin. “I think Lyra mentioned that Princess Celestia’s pupil was coming to town. Lyra seemed unusually not happy about that. Apparently this Sunset Shimmer is often at odds with one of Lyra’s friends. Twilight Twinkle I think it was?”

“Twilight Sparkle,” Shoeshine chimed in helpfully as Lily watched the blue mare quietly. She had a silver mane with two interlapping horse shoes for a cutie mark, one silver and one gold. Which reminded Lily she needed to get her horse shoes replaced soon. Shoeshine was probably the towns only real farrier. “Rarity is driving me up the bucking wall! No darling, those bows aren’t in the right spot! They go five inches above the blue ribbon and to the left. No, my left not your left!”

The mares excluding Lily burst out laughing as Lily rolled her eyes again. She knew just as well that Rarity was a pain in the flank and was grateful she didn’t have to work with her. Shoeshine had a better eye for detail and was often teamed up with Rarity for decorating the town hall and other areas around town for important events.

“I heard this Sunset Shimmer gave Rainbow Dash the what for today,” Carrot Top commented as she was known to her friends. “Might even get fired thankfully. My farm has suffered so much due to her laziness.”

“You’re piquing my curiosity,” Raindrops said as she tilted her head to the side and fluttered her wings slightly. “Tell me more.”

“According to Junebug, she and Caramel watched Sunset destroy her cloud, make her fall awake and screamed at her to quit being lazy and to get to work for a solid ten minutes at least in front of everyone. Rainbow was so red, she looked like one of Roma’s tomatoes!” Carrot Top giggled behind a hoof. “Strawberry Sunrise thought it was quite funny.”

“Can she even fire Rainbow Dash?” Derpy wondered aloud as Carrot Top nodded.

“I mean, if she is permanently in charge of the region, she has the crowns backing and has authority to do so.”

“So what happens to the Mayor then? Is she just for looks or something?” Daisy pressed as Carrot Top shook her head.

“Nah, she and the Representative would make decisions together but this Sunset Shimmer doesn’t really seem the type to work with others based on stories I heard.  You, Berry and Cherry Berry watched her land this morning,” Carrot gestured at Daisy and the mare nodded rapidly.

“That’s right! I knew she looked vaguely familiar. She has that royal guard with her and all that fun stuff,” Daisy said as she bit into her eggplant lasagna.

“Now I’m a bit worried to deal with her and I almost never get worried,” Shoeshine muttered as she wrapped a hoof around her beer. “Here’s hoping.”

Lily grunted in response as she finished her dinner, slapped her share of bits down and left the table.

“I’m going home,” Lily announced as Roseluck rolled her eyes and sighed in frustration as Carrot Top face hoofed.

“Fine. Don’t get lost!” Daisy called out as Lily started trotting away. “And stay away from the Everfree!”


“Don’t get lost my flank,” Lily grumbled once she was a suitable distance away. “As if I could get lost when our house is right down the bucking street.”

The pink mare sighed as she straightened her blonde mane and looked up at the night sky and for a brief second, Lily swore she saw the stars moving closer to the moon. Lily blinked and shook her head before looking closer at the stars.

“What the buck was that?” Lily wondered aloud as she kept staring intently at the stars for a few more moments. When nothing else happened, she gave a shrug and continued home. “Probably just me being tired and seeing things.”

As the earth pony continued trotting home, she couldn’t shake the feeling how wrong she was.
> Coffee Is Everything
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shoeshine stretched out on her bed as she yawned, glancing at the clock before staring up at her white ceiling.

She could faintly hear her housemate, Carrot Top trotting around downstairs as Shoeshine tried(and failed) to find the energy to leave bed. She was really not looking forward to working with Rarity again today. The only thing to two had in common really was they both had a good eye for detail, Rarity with fashion and Shoeshine with horse shoes.

As the town farrier, Shoeshine prided herself on her businesses reputation of having quality horse shoes and quick installation time. All her horseshoes were hoof made in her shop instead of being imported.

“Shoeshine! Get down here, got coffee ready!” Carrot Top shouted up the stairs as Shoeshine grumbled a curse word and kicked her blankets off before rolling onto her hooves.

“Coming!” Shoeshine called back hoarsely as she paused in front a mirror. “Sweet Celestia, my mane and tail are awful.”

She grabbed a nearby mane brush and started brushing her mane back into her normal style before focusing back on her tail. Satisfied, she tossed her mane brush onto her nightstand and swung her door open, trotting down the stairs.

“There you are. Thought you fell back asleep,” Carrot Top commented with a smirk as she pushed a mug of coffee Shoeshines way across the table as the mare sat down across from her friend.

“Wish I could Cara. Celestia forbid Rarity has to work alone,” Shoeshine grumbled as she lifted her coffee mug to her lips and started drinking.

“That’s not fair and you know it Shoe,” Carrot Top frowned at her friend. “Rarity values your help, otherwise she wouldn’t have specifically asked for you. And if you truly hated working with her, you wouldn’t keep agreeing. We’re all working hard around town this past week.”

“Yeah you got me there,” Shoeshine admitted after a moment and picked up a piece of buttered toast with cinnamon. “Thanks for breakfast. I’ll make it up to you tomorrow morning.”

“You better. Buying me more coffee grounds will do. And bring back coffee creamer please, I used it up all this morning,” Carrot Top requested as Shoeshine started quickly eating her toast and Carrot picked up her plate. “You’re like a dog when it comes to breakfast.”

Shoeshine paused as she tried to decide if she should feel insulted by that or not. With a shrug, she decided not to be and wiped her mouth with a napkin.

“Wanna come see Screw Loose later tonight? I planned on taking her to the celebration. Might be nice for her to get out of the hospital for a few days,” Shoeshine asked as Carrot Top shrugged.

“Might be nice. Haven’t seen your sister in a few days. She might appreciate the company. I’m surprised you’re still allowed there after saying you didn’t think Nurse Coldheart was doing her job properly.”

“Buck that bitch,” Shoeshine answered as she finished off her coffee.

“You’re lucky Noi is visiting her grandparents in Manehatten otherwise I’d be mad right now,” Carrot Top shook her head and sighed. “You should probably get going. You know how much a stickler Rarity is for showing up on time.”

“Yeah yeah I know. Thanks for the reminder Cara,” Shoeshine waved as she trotted to the front door and sighed as she opened the front door, taking off into a full gallop.

“And shut the door behind you!” Carrot Top shouted after the galloping mare from the doorway, Shoeshines laugh echoing off the buildings. “What am I gonna do with that mare?”

“Nothing!” Shoeshine shouted from a few streets over and Carrot Top jumped slightly.

“Damn that mare and her good hearing.”

Carrot Top let the door shut behind her as she turned around with a faint smile.





“Have you gotten your side done?” Shoeshine called out as she placed another bow on the balcony of the town hall.

“Almost darling!” Rarity called back as Shoeshine stretched to reach the other side as her hoof slipped and her eyes widened.

“Buck, oh buck, buck!” Shoeshine shouted as she fell and a blue aura caught her. “Whoa, thanks Rarity. That was a close one.”

“Anytime,” Rarity waved a hoof as she set the earth pony down. “I’d rather not have you fall to your death in front of me.”

Shoeshine paused and blinked at the mare.

“You know, for a mare that acts all haughty and stuff, you sure have a dark sense of humor.”

“Rainbow Dash is quite the negative influence darling. But she is quite friendly when you get to know her,” Rarity sad Shoeshine scoffed. She didn’t really like the rainbow maned pegasus, mainly due to her constant pranks.

The pegasus learned to leave Shoeshine alone or well, she’d retaliate. Mainly loudly with quite illustrative threats and wild hoof gestures about how she was going to rip off her wings and ground her for life.

“It looks okay in here I guess.”

The pair turned around and looked at a frustrated Sunset Shimmer next to an exhausted Silverspeed.

“Hello darling!” Rarity smiled warmly at her fellow unicorn as Sunset shot her an annoyed look and Rarity tilted her head slightly. “Are you okay?”

“Do I look okay? I’ve slept about three hours because of animals howling in the forest, what sounded like a rabbit and woken up at nine in the morning because of singing ponies and I’m stuck in a backwater town permanently as a representative!” Sunset snapped angrily as Rarity and gave Shoeshine a confused look. Sunset spun around to examine the town hall as Silverspeed gave a tired yawn. “And it doesn’t even look done in here!”

“Hasn’t had her coffee yet,” Silverspeed explained as Shoeshine nodded. Coffee was the life blood of everypony, after all.

“I assume you darling it will be finished. We’ve all been so busy-” Rarity starred and she closed her mouth as Sunset shot her a dirty look.

“I don’t care for excuses. I expect efficiency, no matter what the tasks. I bet a group of school ponies could get this done faster. And add some decorations from the school ponies, Celestia likes children. It’ll make her happy,” Sunset declared.

“But it’ll look so tacky compared to our work!” Rarity argued and raised a hoof to point at the banners she had hung up. “It will-”

“I don’t care,” Sunset cut her off coldly. “Get it done. And I mean, pronto lady. I wanted this done by yesterday.”

“I-I understand,” Rarity stammered as she took a nervous step back. She wasn’t exactly used to being talked to this way. Shoeshine gritted her teeth angrily as Sunset trotted out the room as Silverspeed gave them both an apologetic look before galloping after her. “I guess I will go see the school ponies for some assistance. You can go to Goldens for lunch I suppose.”

It took Shoeshine a minute to realize Rarity meant Carrot Top. The farmer only allowed her friends to call her “Carrot Top”. Her real name was Golden Harvest.

“Oh I’ll go do something alright,” Shoeshine commented under her breath as she glared at the doors that Sunset had slammed shut behind her. “Where’s the Residency at?”

“Downtown near the flour mill and the forest. Why darling?” Rarity asked as Shoeshine made for the door. “Shoeshine, don’t do anything rash.”

“Oh I won’t,” Shoeshine promised as she narrowed her eyes and disappeared out the doors.

“Oh I won’t my flank,” Rarity grumbled as she levitated her saddlebags on. “Somehow, I don’t believe that.”

With a sigh, Rarity stepped out into the busy street and headed to the school house.





Shoeshine paused outside the yellow house and looked up as she inhaled, shoving the doors open and trotted inside.

“Where is Sunset?” Shoeshine asked calmly as Silverspeed glanced up from behind her desk in the center of the room.

“In her office but she’s busy-” Silverspeed started as Shoeshine trotted past the Guards desk and to the only half opened door she could see. “Hey, you can’t go in there! She’s specifically requested to be left alone while she works.”

“This will only take a minute,” Shoeshine promised as she slammed the door open.

Sunset sat behind her desk with a pen held in her magic, scribbling away on a piece of paper with a thick book next to her that she occasionally glanced at worriedly. Sunset glanced up for a brief moment to look at Shoeshine before looking down again.

“What do you want?” Sunset asked as Silverspeed tugged on Shoeshines mane.

“I tried to stop her ma’am,” Silverspeed said weakly as Sunset waved a hoof.

“It’s all fine Silverspeed. Is the town hall and other adjacent buildings done?” Sunset asked as Shoeshine inhaled.

“Almost. I’m here about that. You almost made Rarity cry for no reason when she’s working her flank off harder than she does normally while she has dozens of orders to do. You can’t just spring a big change like that on us and expect it to be done immediately,” Shoeshine answered as Sunset continued writing.

“Uh huh. She’s a big mare, she will adapt. And if she had a problem, why did she send you and not come herself? Cowardly much?” Sunset asked pointedly as she smirked slightly. “Can’t even fight her own battles.”

“Rarity is busy visiting the school ponies. You’re lucky we both share the sentiments of liking kids otherwise we would be putting a way larger fight. You can’t just talk down to ponies like that. If you have like, self esteem issues that’s fine,” Shoeshine said as she shifted on her hooves and Sunset gave her a flat expression as she narrowed her own eyes.

“I think it’s time for you to leave,” Sunset pointed a hoof at the door. “I don’t know why you’re here but I’m busy trying to prevent the end of the world.”

“I’m trying to help you-”

“I don’t need help from anypony. Get that through your head please,” Sunset snapped as Shoeshine rolled her eyes.

“Everypony needs help. Buck, I ask for help sometimes. Just get your shit together, okay? You’re what, twenty four?”

“Twenty five.”

“My point exactly. I’m twenty six, I’m only a year older than you. Quit acting like a child and quit the yelling around my town. And your guards pony is what, twenty?”

“Twenty one ma’am,” Silverspeed bowed her head respectively.

“Okay so I was mistaken. Just quit acting like a bitch to literally everypony and get it together.”

Shoeshine turned around and trotted out the way she came in, leaving a stunned Silverspeed and Sunset behind her.
> Meeting The Magician
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Raindrops stretched out her forelegs as Trixie trotted around her slowly as she tossed her magicians hat carefully onto a nearby crate next to her cape.

“Alright so this spell shouldn’t cause you any physical harm,” Trixie said as she examined Raindrops as the two stood on Trixie’s stage.

“You don’t sound too sure about that,” the pegasus noted as she gave a nervous flutter of her wings. “Are you sure I won’t be maimed? The last time you said a spell won’t cause me any physical harm, I got a concussion from being launched into a wall.”

“Trixie is ninety percent certain you will not get harmed,” Trixie promised but didn’t sound completely sure herself.

“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?” Raindrops asked flatly.

“Both really.”

“That’s reassuring,” Raindrops muttered under her breath and shook her head. “Tell me again why I agreed to this?”

“Because I’m your friend and you love me?” Trixie suggested with a smirk. “And you specifically requested today off work to help me with my tricks?”

“Yeah yeah,” Raindrops rolled her eyes and smiled. “Alright, hit me with it. Do whatever you gotta.”

“Alright just stay still. This spell should cause no harm and if it does you won’t have to worry about it because you’ll be dead,” Trixie said casually as her horn glowed and Raindrops opened her mouth to argue. Raindrops paused as she looked at Trixie as her horn quit glowing pink.

“I feel weird,” Raindrops mused as Trixie snorted a laugh. “What?”

Trixie pointed a hoof at the mare and Raindrops looked behind her slowly and screamed. Her back half and front half were cut in two as Raindrops screamed again.

“Trixie, what the hay?” Raindrops shouted as she inhaled and exhaled rapidly. Raindrops felt a slight gratitude that she couldn’t see any of her back half internal organs. She shakily somehow managed to get behind her self and sighed in relief. “Okay good my tail is still there. Can you please cover my mare parts? It’s weird.”

“Sure,” Trixie snickered as she sat the back of Raindrops down. “Anything else?”

“Yes. Connect this half to that half!” Raindrops pointed at her self and her eyes widened as she fell onto her face. “Not a word about this to anypony and I mean it Trixie. I can’t take Rainbow Dashs job if there’s two parts of me laying around!”

“Well this is a trick for the show so and you already agreed to help me. I left out the fake saw this time,” Trixie commented as she levitated Raindrops front half to her. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay like this? You won’t ever have to work again and can come along with me on the road. You can sit in my bedroom.”

Raindrops folded her forelegs and glared at Trixie as the magician rolled her eyes, putting Raindrops back together with a pink flash and dropped Raindrops to her hooves.

“Thank Celestia!” Raindrops exclaimed as she gave her wings an experimental flap. “And thanks. Are you really leaving after the Summer Sun Celebration?”

“Yeah. I’m a traveling magician after all Raindrops. It’s not like me to stay in one town for too long. You know this,” Trixie answered as she levitated some cards out of a chest. “Besides, it’s not like it will affect us. We’ve been sending letters to each other since we graduated high school and we always see each other when I’m in the Ponyville area.”

“Yeah I know,” Raindrops scuffed her hoof on the worn wooden stage. “Ponyville has a lot of fillies and colts as is, you’d make a decent living if you just stayed here. You’d need a house though.”

“Trixie has her perfectly good wagon that she lives in. She doesn’t need a house,” Trixie declared loudly.

Raindrops gave her an unimpressed look before glancing at the wagons faded blue paint and wheels bending from years of use before she looked up slowly at the roof sagging on one end.

“If you say so,” Raindrops said after a moment. “I still think you at least should get it fixed.”

“Nonsense! Trixie’s wagon is admittedly falling apart but it is a sign it is well loved. You can’t put a price on attachment. You know that just as well as I do,” Trixie answered as a shingle fell off and the two mares stared at it. “Maybe at least the roof fixed.”

“Maybe,” Raindrops agreed as she turned to Trixie. “Wanna get lunch? On me.”

“Yeah sure.”

The pair jumped of the stage as Trixie glanced up at the sky.

“Skies look clearer than they were yesterday,” Trixie noted as Raindrops gave a shrug. The magician had been in town for a week and half and it’s been sunny only five days in a row. Primarily due to Raindrops working overtime with Rainbow to get it done.

“Yeah. I will admit Rainbow is really lazy and makes us do a lot but she stepped up. Especially after Sunset shouted at her,” Raindrops said with a faint smirk.

“Think you might actually get Rainbows job?” Trixie asked hopefully as the two continued their slow trot.

“I hope so. Might subtly try influence Sunset’s decision if the rumor of her staying her permanently turns out to be true.”

“Wow and here I thought I was the only one of us who manipulated others for my benefit,” Trixie joked and hip bumped her friend.

“Yeah you’re a bad influence on me,” Raindrops snarked as she hip bumped her friend back. “Big surprise there. And you don’t really manipulate ponies, you just trick them.”

“Sounds the same to me,” Trixie admitted after a moment.

“Well yes but you do it to ponies who deserve it or to help others. So it balances out your karma in the long run!” Raindrops suggested with a wide grin.

“I hope so Rainy. I hope so.”

Raindrops rolled her eyes as she placed her wing of Trixie’s back.

“It will. And you’re a pretty funny mare so you could just make whoever is running up there laugh till they let you in,” Raindrops continued as she gestured at the heavens.

“Should I be concerned about you planning my death?” Trixie asked as Raindrops gave a fake evil laugh. “That was actually a pretty good fake evil laugh, good work.”

“Thanks. Now I’m hungry, let’s get a move on!”





“Alright I’m heading home,” Raindrops said as she and Trixie stood outside Trixie’s wagon. “It was nice hanging out without having to talk about work.”

“I agree,” Trixie nodded as she opened her wagon doors with her magic as Raindrops gave the wagon a doubtful look.

“Are you sure you want to sleep here? It looks unsafe Trixie,” Raindrops said uncertaintly as her eyes flicked to her friend.

“Trixie will be fine. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Trixie promised as Raindrops nuzzled her and Trixie blushed as she returned the gesture.

Raindrops waved as she flew off as Trixie turned to walk into her wagon as a stick snapped behind her and Trixie spun around, horn glowing.

“Hey,” Sunset said casually as she leaned against a nearby tree trunk and Trixie sighed in relief. “I’d cancel whatever spell you were about to use, I can guarantee I’m faster than you and my spell would be much stronger than yours.”

Trixie nodded numbly as the pink glow faded.

“What can Trixie do for you?” Trixie asked curiously as Sunset smirked slightly.

“How’s the entertainment going for the Celebration?” Sunset asked as Trixie raised an eyebrow.

“You stopped Trixie for this?” Trixie demanded as she glared at the mare. “Do you have any idea what time it is?”

“Yeah I do. Ten thirty,” Sunset noted dryly. “Not too late because you’re still up. Now answer my question.”

“It’s going fine. Now goodnight,” Trixie snapped as she turned around to walk inside her wagon.

“I didn’t dismiss you. Show me a trick,” Sunset answered as she stretched a hindleg out. “Something good, mind you.”

“Fine,” Trixie sighed as she levitated a coin out of her wagon and held it up for Sunset to see. “Trixie will make this coin disappear before your very eyes.”

“You’re a unicorn. You just can teleport it away,” Sunset pointed a hoof at Trixie’s head.

“Which is why Trixie will be using her hooves only so you can focus on my horn not glowing,” Trixie explained as she rolled the coin around on her left hoof.

Sunset watched intently as Trixie curled her hoof and waved it in front of Sunset as she uncurling the hoof to reveal the coin and Sunset smirked.

“Not so great and powerful now are you?” Sunset mocked as Trixie rolled her eyes, curled her hoof slightly and waved it again before she uncurled it and the coin was gone. “How the-”

“A magician doesn’t reveal her secrets,” Trixie said with a smug smile as Sunset stared in confusion.

“Where is it?” Sunset demanded as she stared at the ground under Trixie’s wagon steps. She hadn’t even seen her horn glow or see the coin fall.

“It’s right here,” Trixie said and reached behind Sunset’s ear and held up the coin as her smug grin grew wider.

“What-” Sunset started as Trixie gave a wink and walked into her wagon fully, shutting the doors behind her.

Sunset stared for a moment before walking away with a satisfied nod.
> Bring Your Kids To Work Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset slammed her book shut as she stretched out on her bed that she was surprised to admit was quite comfortable. She was even more surprised to find out Silverspeed had specifically made her bed for her before she arrived.

And Sunset was admittedly a bit more concerned to find out she slightly enjoyed the Guards company from time to time. Silverspeed was surprisingly friendly and helpful, good at following orders and fast in the air and on her hooves.

“Is it okay if I leave my sister Silver Spoon here while I run some errands?” Silverspeed asked as she poked her head in.

“Fine. Just don’t let her touch anything,” Sunset answered as she climbed out of her bed and stared down at a bored looking filly that resembled Silverspeed to a scary degree. “What exactly do you need?”

“You ran out of coffee,” Silverspeed answered dryly. “You went through all four boxes and two bottles of whiskey in three days. You also asked me to get you various snacks such as cereal and carrots.”

Sunset had a faint memory of that as she levitated some bits the pegasus’ way.

“Here, it should cover everything. And bring back some medicine for this hangover please!” Sunset called out as Silverspeed flew out the room. Sunset muttered curse words about her lack of coffee as she stumbled to her office and plopped down on her chair, opening up her files of paperwork necessary for the rest of the Celebration as Silver Spoon sat on another chair in the room.

“Hey. I’m bored,” Silver Spoon announced as Sunset spared her a glance.

“That’s nice,” Sunset said dismissively as she dipped her hoof in ink and signed a document.

“Got any toys?”

“Kid this is a government building. I’m a government official. I don’t have toys,” Sunset explained as she washed her hoof off and levitated a pen onto Silver Spoons lap.

“What exactly do you expect me to do with this?” Silver Spoon demanded as she lifted it.

“Play with it, I don’t know. It’s the type you gotta push on the end to get the tip to come out. You can make it bounce in the sky. I did it often whenever I accompanied Celestia to her Day Court,” Sunset rolled her eyes as she licked a envelope and shut it with a hoof.

Silver Spoon gave the pen a doubtful look before balancing it on the arm of the chair, pushing down on it and watching it fly up into the sky.

“How was this supposed to be entertaining?” Silver Spoon asked after a moment as she played with her ponytail and Sunset groaned.

Kids these days. When Sunset was a filly, she was her own source of entertainment whenever the staff in the castle were too busy to play with her or her few friends she had as a kid that she didn’t anymore couldn’t play.

“Whatever I don’t care. I’m just watching you for Silverspeed, now come on. You’re going to show me where the post office is,” Sunset said as she stood up and held the letter in her magic. “I have to mail a letter to the treasurer in Canterlot.”

“You know Princess Celestia?” Silver Spoon asked in awe as she jumped off her chair to follow the unicorn who nodded. “Must be nice, bet you can get anything you want from her.”

“Ah yes totally. Instead of giving me a decent town to work at, I get this place,” Sunset flung her forelegs out to gesture at Ponyville as she opened her front door. “It’s so nice.”

“Mom said this town had potential,” Silver Spoon shot back as she stepped in front of the mare and started trotting to the post office.

“Potential to drive me up the bucking wall is pretty accurate,” Sunset muttered too quietly for the filly to hear. With an eye roll, she trotted after her.





“Hi!” A unicorn with a blonde mane and gold eyes said as Sunset pushed the doors open and the filly adjusted her mailmare hat. A pink teenager unicorn was leaning against the opposite wall with a similar hat on with a tired expression. “What can I do for you today?”

“Mailing a letter,” Sunset answered as she placed the letter down on table. “Straight to Canterlot.”

“Okay. That’ll be six bits please,” the filly said as Sunset nodded.

“Four bits,” a voice behind the table said and Sunset leaned over to star at Derpy sitting on her stomach and staring up at Sunset. “Hi.”

“Hello.”

“It was bring your kids to work day,” Derpy said sheepishly as she stood up. “Dinkys the filly, Sparkler is the grumpy one against the wall.”

“I see,” Sunset said as Dinky examined the letter curiously and Sunset placed down fourteen bits down. “Four for the filly, four for you and four for the grumpy one.”

“Ooh shiny!” Dinky stared closer at it as Silver Spoon rolled her eyes. Sunset shot her a dirty look and the silver filly sat down. “Thanks miss!”

“Thank you,” Derpy gave a smile as she shoved the letter into a plastic container with the words Outgoing stamped on it. “Her real name is Amethyst Star but she’s going through a phase. Teenagers are stressful.”

“It’s not a phase mom,” Sparkler commented before she yawned. “It’s my new name.”

“And what’s wrong with Amethyst Star?” Derpy shot back as Sparkler paused, opening and closing her mouth repeatedly.

“I don’t know,” the shorter mare said finally and crossed her forelegs. “I’ll get back to you on that when I figure it out. Hey, I know you. You weren’t to school with Lyra at Princess Celestia’s school of magic, didn’t ya?”

“Yeah what of it?” Sunset asked warily as Sparkler shrugged.

“I went there as a kid. Got moved to Ponyville school after Mom adopted me. Heard you are a massive bitch.”

“Amethyst Star!” Derpy snapped and pointed at Dinky. “Not in front of your sister.”

“That’s funny coming from you,” Sunset said casually as she leaned against the counter with a smirk. “Takes one to know, an I right? So you must be just as big a bitch as me then.”

Sparkler opened her mouth to retort as Derpy glared at the two with her eyes.

“Not appropriate,” Derpy chided sternly and pointed to a corner. “Go to timeout Sunset.”

“I’m not a filly- ow!” Sunset shouted as Derpy flapped her wings to stand next to the mare and Derpy bit her ear and started dragging her to the corner. “Ow, ow, ow! Let go of me right now!”

Derpy pushed her onto her plot and stared down at her with a frown.

“You sit there and think about what you’ve done,” Derpy said as Sparkler giggled and Derpy spun around to face her. “I don’t know what you think is funny over there. You’re next.”

Sparklers eyes widened as Derpy started trotting over and the unicorn took off up some stairs and Derpy flew after her.

“Dinky, make sure she doesn’t leave that corner!” Derpy thrust a hoof at Sunset before she disappeared up the same stairs.

“Aye aye!” Dinky tossed the pegasus a salute and jumped over the counter to stand in front of Sunset and a snickering Silver Spoon. “Now you stay right here. I’m the sheriff now.”

“What?” Sunset demanded as she gave the filly a confused look.

“Getting into character. Just sit there for thirty minutes while Mom gets Sparky. That’s normally how long my timeouts usually are,” Dinky explained as she sat down next to a small table with crayons and a coloring book. “Really, it’s not that bad. Could be worse.”

“How could this get any worse?” Sunset asked in confusion as Dinky giggled.

“Could be an hour long. Muffin?” Dinky offered a basket full of muffins.

Sunset pouted as she levitated a muffin to her and took a frustrated bite.





“We are never speaking of this ever again,” Sunset warned Silver Spoon thirty minutes later as the pair exited the post office.

“Oh but of course,” Silver Spoon snorted and rolled her eyes. “Definitely not going to tell my sister. What even is your relationship with her?”

“I don’t have a relationship with your sister.”

“You live in the same house as her, she alternates sleeping there and sleeping at the mansion so there’s obviously something going on,” Silver Spoon pointed out with a smug grin.

“She lives their because it’s her job as she works under me,” Sunset answered as Silver Spoon laughed. “What?”

“Oh I bet she works under you a lot,” Silver Spoon winked at Sunset as the unicorn blushed at the implication.

“It’s not even like that,” Sunset retorted.

“You’re blushing.”

“Because of what you implied, not because it’s true. And aren’t you a bit young to know about that?” Sunset said as Silver Spoon shrugged.

“Mom and dad taught me about it. It’s like a thing in our family. Silverspeed was taught it too when she was my age,” Silver Spoon said casually.

“Okay then. Hurry the heck up, I wanna get home,” Sunset grumbled as she picked up her speed.

“To see my sister?” Silver Spoon suggested as Sunset turned red again.

“No!”

With a smug grin on her face again, Silver Spoon trotted after the older mare.
> Well, This Blows Part One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roseluck pressed the brakes on her cart outside of town hall as Lily and Daisy set up the prices sign. They weren’t always happy to see their prized flowers being eaten as snacks but well, Daisy knew to go where the bits were and flowers were widely considered to be food.

The three were surrounded by ponies as Daisy quickly laid down the law and the ponies lined up with their bits ready as Lily rolled her eyes behind the stall cart.

“Do you think you Shoeshine has finally calmed down from her interaction with Sunset?” Daisy asked as she accepted some bits from some school ponies and handed them the flowers with a smile.

“Celestia I hope so,” Lily grumbled under her breath. “She’s been insufferable ever since then, even more so than usual.”

“She’s not that bad,” Roseluck corrected instantly. “And she has yeah. Mainly after getting drunk at Berry’s. How that mare found her way home I’ll never know.”

Daisy and Lily had both watched the mare stumble drunkenly around as the two argued over who was going to help her before Carrot Top carried her home. Literally. On her back.

“Carrot Top took her home,” Daisy answered as the pair looked up at the dark sky. “Looks like it’s gonna be a pretty night out. I always did like the stars.”

“Yeah me too,” Lily admitted as the three mares watched the moon shine brightly in the sky. “Wow, the moon is bright today.”

“Don’t you mean tonight?” Roseluck asked with a grin and Lily rolled her eyes.

The three shook off their admiration and went back to work, helping the crowds of ponies with their flowers, missing the stars glow brighter than normal.





“Come on Screw Loose,” Shoeshine grunted as she gently pulled on the leash around her sisters neck as Carrot Top and Redheart watched.

“Bark!” Screw Loose licked her sisters cheek as Shoeshine blushed and patted her on the head.

“Thanks sis. Don’t you wanna go to the Summer Sun Celebration and see the princess? Who knows, maybe she will be able to cure you?” Shoeshine suggested hopefully as Screw Looses tail wagged.

“Have fun girls,” Redheart waved as the three mares walked down the path from the hospital. They had invited Redheart to come with them but somepony had to stay with the patients after all.

“She seems to be doing better,” Carrot Top noted as Screw Loose stopped to sniff a plant.

“I guess,” Shoeshine shrugged as she sighed. “Screw Loose, don’t eat that. You don’t know what kind of plant it is and I don’t either frankly.”

Screw Loose growled softly before nodding and the three carried on.

“Don’t tell me you still hate putting her in the hospital,” Carrot Top frowned as she waved at the large building behind them.

“Yeah I am. What kind of sister just chucks her sister who thinks she’s a dog into a hospital?” Shoeshine said bitterly as she flicked her tail slightly.

“Well a sister who knows she can’t help her the way a professional could,” Carrot Top suggested as she blew some of her mane out of her eyes. “And you visit her every week and take her home when you can. I think it’s a good thing you did, you aren’t a professional mental health pony after all. Letting them take her was probably the kindest thing you could do for Screw.”

“I suppose you’re right,” Shoeshine sighed and stretched slightly. “We should pick up the pace, we’re gonna be late and I don’t like being late. Most of the time.”

“Yeah most of the time,” Carrot Top quipped with a smirk. “Hopefully this isn’t the Summer Sun Celebration like in Trottingham where you threw up in my mane from alcohol.”

“Yeah sorry bout that,” Shoeshine said sheepishly and rubbed the back of her mane. Screw Loose froze and narrowed her eyes at a squirrel as the other two mares eyes widened. “Screw Loose, don’t even thi- WAAAUGH!”

Carrot grinned as Shoeshine screamed and was dragged after the galloping mare.

“I have weird friends,” Carrot Top muttered and shaking her head, galloped after them.





Raindrops trotted onto the stage nervously as Trixie followed her with what she hoped was a fake saw, flying up onto a table and laying on her back.

“Watch as the great and powerful Trixie saws this helpless mare in half!” Trixie shouted as she reared back on her hind legs and stared out at her large audience. She wore her typical cape and wizard hat as she pressed the fake saw against Raindrops stomach and moved it as she used her magic to split Raindrops in half. “Tada!”

She levitated Raindrops two halves up as the mare tried to remember it was a spell. The crowd cheered and Trixie grinned, putting Raindrops together and hugging her.

“See, was that so bad?” Trixie asked with a smirk as Sunset left the crowd and Trixie watched her stare warily at the moon. Trixie glanced quickly at the moon and saw nothing wrong. Looked like how it always did to her, same weird face in it and all.

Trixie had no idea what the mare was looking at but presumed she just liked the night sky. Sunset scuffed a hoof in the door and trotted off toward the town hall.

“Not so bad,” Raindrops admitted as she and Trixie bowed. “Maybe I should be your assistant more often.”

“Maybe,” Trixie agreed excitedly as the two hip bumped and Raindrops placed a wing over the magicians back as Trixie started her next card trick.

“It’s surprisingly cool out,” Raindrops noted as she watched Princess Celestia and a few guards land nearby as Silverspeed saluted them before they all trotted away. “Hey there’s Sunset’s guard pony and the princess.”

“Huh you don’t see that everyday,” Trixie commented as she levitated a card to a colt in the crowd. “We should probably wrap up the show soon.”

Raindrops gave a nod as Trixie flipped a card and the colt smiled at the magician. With a smile, the pegasus focused back on helping her friend.





“Princess Celestia,” Sunset bowed her head respectfully as she and Silverspeed stood in the wings of the town hall.

“Hello Sunset and Silverspeed. I hope everything is going well,” Celestia said as the two stood up properly and nodded.

“Yes princess,” Silverspeed answered as she adjusted her helmet nervously. This was one of the few times she had ever been in direct contact with Celestia and made her more nervous than she would like to admit. A quick glance behind her down at the assembled ponies waiting for the princess, including her little sister. “Everything is as how you would like it.”

“And did you make a friend?” Celestia asked as Sunset shook her head and her face fell. “I see. I was hoping you’d be having friends but I’m happy to see you still have Silverspeed with you.”

“Good soldiers follow orders,” Silverspeed quipped with a smile.

“We will discuss this further later,” Celestia frowned slightly. “Why don’t you go have some fun Sunset and hang out downstairs? It’s almost time for me to raise the sun.”

“Yes princess,” Sunset sighed as she and the pegasus trotted down the steps and Celestia stared at the moon.

“Almost time,” Celestia mused. She had known Sunset was right naturally about her sister. Celestia hated lying to the younger mare but everypony has to make their own path and can’t have things just given to them. Celestia herself knew that as she watched the stars glow and the mare in the moon disappear and a dark blue mist appeared behind her.. “Hello Luna.”

“We always hated that name,” Nightmare Moon grumbled as she glared at Celestia. “You don’t seem surprised to see us.”

“I’m not stupid after all. I’ve been waiting for this,” Celestia said casually as she turned around. “It’s nice to see you.”

“Spare us the pleasantries,” Nightmare Moon scoffed as their horns glowed. “It is tiresome.”

“So be it,” Celestia sighed in frustration and the two launched at each other. “You always were the more aggressive one of us.”

Celestia punched Nightmare Moon in the jaw and she glared at her.

“That was a lucky hit,” Nightmare Moon admitted as she rubbed her cheek. “You won’t get another one, we can promise that.”

She kicked Celestia’s legs out from under her as she tackled Celestia, biting at her throat as Celestia headbutted her.

“Give up,” Celestia pressed a hoof to Nightmare Moons chest. “It’s over.”

“Never!” Nightmare Moon blasted her in the chest with a blue laser from her horn and Celestia slammed against a wall with a stunned expression. “I’ve been waiting for this day too.”

Celestia blinked as she groaned and everything went dark.





“How did it go with the Princess?” Derpy asked as she wrapped a wing around Dinky and Sparkler.

“Fine,” Sunset said and rolled her eyes when the mare couldn’t see it.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!” Mayor Mare said as Trixie groaned.

“She talks too much,” Trixie mused as she stared up at the mare and Raindrops giggled behind a hoof.

“Well, she is a politician,” Sunset answered as the others gave her flat looks.

“Aren’t you technically a politician because you’re a government official?” Silver Spoon asked and Sunset paused for a second.

“In a way I guess yeah.”

“In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year! And now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria,” Mayor Mare gestured for Rarity and Shoeshine to pull the curtains back. “Princess Celestia- what?”

The spot was empty as the others gasped and Sunset shifted nervously.

“Where is she?” Sparkler asked in confusion as she and Dinky looked worriedly at Derpy.

“I-I don’t know muffins,” Derpy admitted as a blue smoke filled the room. “Uh what the heck?”

“You!” Sunset snapped as she glared up at the dark blue mare and everypony around her stepped back nervously.

“Yes it us,” Nightmare Moon agreed readily. “Who is in charge of this pitiful town?”

“M-me,” Mayor Mare shakily raised a hoof. “Please don’t hurt me.”

“We won’t as long as you immediately relinquish control over to us and stand down. We will rule Equestria as we should have years ago!”

“No you won’t,” Sunset answered as she shifted her weight slightly. “I don’t know where Celestia is, but you have to get past me first.”

“You say that like it’s a difficult thing,” Nightmare Moon scoffed as Sunset smirked slightly.

“One way to find out,” Sunset shrugged as the other ponies watched in fear as Shoeshine and Rarity tumbled off the balcony and a purple mare with a purple mane caught them both.

“Thanks darling,” Rarity brushed herself off.

“No problem,” Twilight smiled at them both before staring in fear at Nightmare Moon.

“We will ignore this attitude from you as long as you follow all of our orders. Do not attempt to fight back and you will not die,” Nightmare Moon pushed past Sunset dismissively. “And in order to convince you, all these ponies will be coming with us to guarantee your compliance!”

“Wait!” Sunset shouted as Daisy, Lily, Dinky, Sparkler, Silver Spoon, Carrot Top, Raindrops and the rest of the townsponies disappeared as Sunset hastily cast a shield over Derpy, Silverspeed, Shoeshine, Trixie and Roseluck.

“Daisy! Lily!” Roseluck shouted as the two disappeared with the alicorn.

“Dinky!” Derpy laid on her stomach and stared sadly at where the two had been. “Amethyst.”

“Oh what the hay!” Trixie shouted angrily and bucked at the sky. “Where did Raindrops go?”

“And my sister,” Silverspeed chimed in as she inhaled and exhaled repeatedly. “Oh and Carrot Top.”

The mares turned to face Sunset and demand answers as the mare galloped away.





Sunset tossed her saddlebags on hastily and shoved the book inside as she galloped to the door as she froze when it was kicked open by Roseluck and she gulped nervously at a few angry ponies who apparently weren’t ponynapped protesting outside.

“Where are my friends?” A furious looking Bon Bon shouted.

“And mine!” Caramel chimed in as a grey pegasus shoved them aside as Derpy, Trixie, Shoeshine and Roseluck shoved their way inside with Silverspeed stopping to grab a spear and stood outside.

“Get back,” Silverspeed warned as she slammed the spear into the ground and blue electricity surrounded the tip. Sunset had faintly heard something about unicorns making specialized weapons to deal with rowdy crowds of ponies. “Or you’ll get it. I’m not in the mood right now.”

The ponies warily backed away as Silverspeed slowly stepped back inside and shut the door.

“You got the count of five to tell me what’s going on,” Shoeshine slammed Sunset against the wall and she yelped. “Five-”

“I don’t know alright! All I know is Nightmare Moon is back and I gotta go stop her. I didn’t know she was going to take hostages!”

“They took my daughters,” Derpy hugged herself. “Let’s calm down everypony. I’m just as scared as all of you. I don’t know what the buck is going on but I want answers.”

“They took my sisters,” Roseluck added as she leaned against the door.

“And my friend!” Shoeshine snapped as Silverspeed pushed her off Sunset and Screw Loose looked around her nervously.

“And Silver Spoon,” Silverspeed added sadly.

“Now what the buck is going on?” Shoeshine asked and stepped back as she inhaled. “Who the hay is Nightmare Moon?”

“Legend has it that on longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape and she will bring forth night time eternal,”  Sunset recited as she got confused looks. “I’m honest, I didn’t know she was gonna take hostages, I’m sorry. I promise you I will get them back.”

“And just what do you think you can do?” Shoeshine pointed out as she trotted back and forth nervously in place. “She evidently made short work of the Princess and her guards, what chance do you have?”

“I have to get the Elements of Harmony. They’re somewhere in the Everfree Forest,” Sunset explained as she tried to push past the earth pony and she was pushed back gently.

“Not alone you aren’t,” Shoeshine shook her head. “Everfree Forest isn’t natural, it’s scary in there. I’m coming with. That bitch took my my best friend, I want revenge.”

“And you’ll need me too,” Roseluck added after a moment. “There’s poisonous plants and stuff in it. I can help identify what to avoid.”

“I fly over it often so I know the layout well,” Derpy chimed in and wiped her eyes. Shoeshine carried Screw Loose to a bedroom and placed the mare under the bed.

“Do not come out unless Carrot Top, myself or any of the others come to get you. If you don’t know it’s us, stay hidden,” Shoeshine warned quietly as Screw Loose hugged her.

“Bark?”

“I know, I’m scared too. Just stay here and I love you,” Shoeshine kissed the mares forehead and retreated slowly, locking the door from the inside and shut it.

“Raindrops is my friend,” Trixie said as she tossed her cape and hat off. “I’m coming. Plus, the story would be entertaining to tell.”

“I serve the princess,” Silverspeed grumbled as she tossed her spear aside. “And by extension, you. I’m tagging along. Someponys gotta keep you all safe.”

“You all could die,” Sunset pointed out weakly.

“So could you,” Roseluck shot back as the cream colored mare peeked out a window as a rock shattered the adjacent one and she ducked with a yelp. “We should probably get out of here before they get in.”

“Fine,” Sunset sighed and her horn flashed as she teleported them to the edge of the Everfree.

“I’m gonna vomit,” Derpy moaned as she leaned against a tree as Silverspeed started throwing up her lunch, painting the grass various shades of yellow.

“Sweet Celestia what the hay?” Shoeshine groaned as she laid on her stomach and covered her mouth.

“Teleportation was the quickest way to get here,” Sunset gave them apologetic looks. “I’m uh sorry. Truly.”

“Warning would be nice!” Roseluck called out as she leaned against Trixie.

“It’s fine,” Shoeshine muttered as she stood up shakily and Silverspeed wiped her mouth off on the grass.

“Disgusting,” Silverspeed said weakly as Derpy tossed her a water bottle.

The mares looked at each other and nodded before entering the forest nervously.
> Well, This Blows Part Two
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset looked around warily around her, her cyan eyes narrowed and alert as she and the others worked through the forest.

“Any of you ever come in here before?” Sunset asked finally as a owl flew over head and she jumped.

“Absolutely not,” Roseluck shook her head adamantly. “I was always told as a filly to stay away from the forest and not to play inside.”

“Should have been told to stay away from more than just the forest as a filly,” Derpy scoffed as Roselucks face fell.

“What is that supposed to mean?” Silverspeed asked as Trixie and Shoeshine hastily made throat cutting gestures to the mare.

“Yeah Roseluck tell them what you did,” Derpy glared at the earth pony as she hovered above the ground a few inches. “How you slept with my husband and all that. Well, when he was my husband of course.”

An uncomfortable silence fell over the group as Sunset looked away and whistled quietly.

“I told you that wasn’t my fault!” Roseluck grumbled as the mare looked down. “And I’ve apologized a dozen times.”

“Woah you actually slept with him?” Silverspeed cut in with a stunned expression. “That’s wild. I’d never do that to my friend.”

“Not my friend anymore,” Derpy growled as she went back to ignoring Roseluck. “I obviously divorced him and he ran off to Celestia knows where.”

“Alright that’s enough,” Shoeshine said as everypony looked at her. “Roseluck was-”

“Shoeshine, leave it,” Roseluck said hastily as Shoeshine held up a hoof.

“No I’m gonna tell her. I love you both and I’m absolutely tired of you two ignoring each other for a while now. The reason Roseluck actually slept with your husband is because she got drunk at her eighteen birthday party and he took off his ring, she was drunk for crying out loud. She was a lightweight back then and didn’t even know who I was, let alone your husband Derpy. I can’t judge because I’d be mad at her too and hay, I was angry for a little bit but Roseluck didn’t want to tell you him lying because she knew it would hurt your feelings so cut her a break.”

“Shoeshine stop,” Roseluck begged as they all continued walking.

“Heck no, it’s time for everything to be put on the table. You both said and did shit that was bucked up to each other, Derpy not letting you see her kids and you sleeping with her husband. Drunk or not, it was bucked up but I’m slightly understanding because I’ve done crazy shit drunk before. End of story, move on and be the bigger mares. Fight it out if you  have to,” Shoeshine snapped as she stepped over a log. “This is absolutely ridiculous. You’re both adults, just drop it. We’re stuck together in this ridiculous forest till we get those elements thingies so we might as well get along and work together.”

“Fine,” Derpy said finally as she sighed. “I’m going to fly a bit higher and look around. What are we looking for?”

“Some ruins,” Sunset called back. “Celestia said it was in a ruined castle apparently.”

The pegasus nodded as she flew above the tree line and the others walked under her.

“Why not in a museum?” Trixie asked as she ducked to avoid a tree branch. “Trixie is confused, why just leave them in a ruined castle where anypony or random creatures could find em?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. She never told me and I never asked,” Sunset admitted as they all listened to a roaring sound and froze. “What the buck was that?”

“Nothing good,” Silverspeed answered as the pegasus stretched her wings before folding them back at her side. “Who knows what could be in this forest. There’s all sorts of stuff in here from ponds to manticores. Apparently years ago some Royal Guards tried document the place and well, all that was found was ripped open tents and a bunch of blood and half eaten corpses.”

The five shuddered at the thought and Sunset held up a hoof.

“Do you all hear that?” Sunset asked quietly as the others shook their heads.

“I do,” Shoeshine said just as quiet. “Sounds like something thirty feet to our left coming to us and fast.”

“Trixie can’t hear anything.”

“I have good ears,” Shoeshine whispered as the sound of breaking trees and branches got louder. “Up to you, we can run or we fight it. I’d rather not myself or anyone else become bear food.”

Sunset opened her mouth to speak as a four legged reptile with spikes burst through into the clearing, swinging it’s tail into a tree as it roared again and the five jumped.

“I hate cragadiles!” Sunset screamed as she ducked to avoid the tail. “Run!”

“Where?” Silverspeed screamed back as she jumped back to avoid it’s jaws.

“Straight!” Trixie shouted as she thrust a hoof in a random direction and galloped forward with Roseluck and Sunset as Silverspeed gulped before nodding.

“Holy buck!” Roseluck cursed as she looked back, going pale as the cragadile snapped at her tail. “That thing is unreasonably fast and hey, leave my tail alone!”

“What is going on down here- woah!” Derpy shouted and narrowly avoided the jaws snapping up at her. “Where did this little guy come from?”

“Little?” Shoeshine echoed in disbelief. “Derpy, that thing is easily thirty feet long and over three hundred pounds! That’s the opposite of little!”

Sunset and Trixie tripped over a log and the pair spun around to stare at the cragadile, hastily pushing them selves back as they bumped into a tree, hugging each other as they stared into the mouth of the reptile.

“Hey!” Shoeshine shouted as the cragadile glanced at her and she bucked it in the side of the head.

“Shoeshine run!” Sunset snapped as the earth pony grunted and shoved her forelegs under the creature, cursing as she stood on her hindlegs and lifted it above her head, throwing it as the others watched in awe. “Woah.”

The cragadile crashed through some trees as Shoeshine dropped back to all fours and smiled sheepishly.

“How did you do that?” Trixie demanded as Shoeshine helped her and Sunset up.

“I’m an earth pony for starters but I’ve always been strong. I’ve pulled boulders away from landslides when they need help,” Shoeshine said with a shrug. “No biggie.”

“No biggie?” Sunset echoed in shock. “Shoeshine, you yourself said that thing was over three hundred pounds. That’s literally more than triple your weight. I don’t even have the numbers off the top of my head to say how much that is over your weight.”

“Don’t know what to tell you there,” Shoeshine shrugged as the other three joined them around the three. “Let’s take a quick breather for a bit and then get a move on.”

Roseluck nodded as she passed around a canteen and Derpy hesitantly flew over to the cragadile on it’s side.

“Derpy, be careful!” Trixie called out as Derpy examined the reptile and grabbed a purple splinter with her mouth, yanking it out.

“If we leave him on his side, he will die,” Derpy announced as she dropped the splinter. “We can’t just leave him here.”

“He just tried to kill us,” Trixie pointed out flatly. “He most likely will try to do so again if we help him.”

“If you were in his spot, wouldn’t you want somepony to help you?” Derpy challenged as Trixie looked away before nodding. “Then leave me behind, I’ll do it myself.”

“Absolutely not,” Sunset said and shook her head. “I’m not really interested in leaving anypony behind.”

Sunset trotted over and started pushing on his side with Derpy as she used her magic to help push. With a frustrated sigh, Trixie joined them followed by Shoeshine, Silverspeed and Roseluck.

The cragadile rolled over and hissed at them as they all jumped back warily and watched as it waddled away.

“Well, that happened,” Sunset mused as she looked at the night sky. “What’s next?”

“Uh, up to you but I'm going ahead,” Roseluck answered and trotted ahead with the others. “I’m eager to get this resolved so I can go back to my simple life.”

Sunset watched as the others followed her and looked back at where the cragadile had been, deciding she really didn’t want to be in the vicinity of it.

Sunset shook her mane and galloped to catch up with the others as the splinter turned into a purple mist and disappeared.
> Well, This Blows Part Three
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Silverspeed was quickly coming to the conclusion she hated nature. Maybe not all nature but certainly the Everfree. It was hot in her armor, she was sweaty and getting tired of having to dodge low hanging branches and having to swat away the constant stream of bugs that seemed to like her mane and tail.

“Ow!” Trixie shouted as Silverspeed flicked her tail to scare away a fly and she looked back to see a red mark on Trixie’s cheek.

“Sorry,” Silverspeed muttered as she blushed. “Just these damn bugs. I hate this forest.”

“It’s not so bad once you get away from the monsters trying to kill us and stuff,” Roseluck said as the mare fanned herself with a hoof. “But I agree, the bugs are a bit much. And my hooves are aching.”

“Same,” Trixie agreed as Sunset stood on top a rock and looked around. 

“Imagine how I feel,” Shoeshine grumbled as she drank from a canteen. “I lifted a three hundred pound reptile and threw it.”

“Trixie thought you were strong,” Trixie smirked as the other mare rolled her eyes.

“I’m strong but I get tired just like everypony else Trixie. How’s Sunset doing?” Shoeshine asked as they all looked at the exhausted looking mare. 

“I’m fine just thinking,” Sunset answered and turned to look at her. “Why did you save me? You and I got into it a few days ago, you could have saved Trixie and left me to die.”

“Do you know how many times Cara and I get into it?” Shoeshine asked and Sunset shook her head. “A lot, trust me. I’m really not too keen on leaving anypony to die, even you. I don’t even know Trixie that well either actually.”

“Hm.”

Sunset didn’t really know what else to say to that as she jumped off the rock and yawned. The seemingly endless night was making her more tired than she had originally thought. 

“So what’s your story?” Roseluck gestured to Silverspeed and Sunset. “I know a little about Trixie, some about Shoeshine and the other member of our group but don’t really know you two all that much.”

“Not much to tell. Parents own a really successful trading business shipping stuff to different countries plus trade stocks and own the mansion on the far side of town,” Silverspeed said casually as the mares continued walking. “Was supposed to follow in their hoofsteps but went a different route in life evidently.”

“And that somehow ended you in the Guard?” Derpy asked and gestured at her gold armor.

“Yeah. I’ve always been good with a bow and arrow, the guard always is in need of ponies so I figured what the hay. Graduated at the top of my class and all,” Silverspeed shrugged. “Mainly in aerial attacks. Pretty fast flyer as well.”

“Uh huh and what’s your wing power then?” Sunset asked curiously. 

“Twelve point five.”

“That’s a bit under Rainbow Dashs but still pretty good,” Roseluck whistled approvingly. “We should all tell about ourselves. Shoeshine?”

“Uh okay? Not really much to tell about me either I guess. I’m the town farrier so I know practically everpony in town. Known Carrot Top for Celestia, years so I live with her and her daughter. Born and raised here in Ponyville. Other than that I’m pretty boring really. Wake up, go to work, hang out with my friends at the bar and come home,” Shoeshine commented as the blue mare shrugged. “I’m a pretty boring pony. Oh and I have a sister that you all met. Nice pony but thinks she’s a dog.”

“So that’s why she was licking my door when we left,” Sunset mused and Shoeshine nodded. “I don’t really like doctors, they annoy me. Asking all these questions and shit. Then there’s the needles. I hate needles.”

Sunset shuddered at the thought of needles and inhaled quickly.

“Trixie next!” Trixie shouted eagerly as Roseluck shut her mouth and shot her a dirty look. “Trixie is the greatest magician excluding Hoofdini to ever trot on Equestrian soil. Trixie is from Neigh Orleans, but has been around Equestria performing her spells for all sorts of ages, birthday parties to a funeral.”

“A funeral?” Roseluck gave a confused head tilt. “That’s a bit odd.”

“Trixie thought so too but bits are bits after all and she has to eat.”

Trixie was too proud to admit the fact that being a magician didn’t actually pay all that well. There was a reason her wagon was falling apart and not for sentimental reasons as she put it to Raindrops. She often ignored it’s issues as long as she could in favor of buying new magic items and food. Gotta spend money to make money after all.

“You okay?” Derpy asked as she patted the mare on her back.

“Yeah just worried about Rainy. She’s probably terrified,” Trixie admitted and sighed. 

“I’m scared too. My daughters are kidnapped but in all honesty, I’m just trying to keep busy so I don’t break down. It’s kinds difficult in all honesty,” Derpy admitted as the two hugged.

“I know,” Trixie sighed as Roseluck inhaled.

“So I’m Roseluck, I run a flower shop with my sisters Lily and Daisy. I’m the youngest of the three but the more socialable one. I chose to not go to college-”

“Why do I feel like we’re at an Alcoholic Anonymous meeting?” Sunset interjected and Roseluck coughed. “Right, sorry carry on.”

“Thank you. Anyway, I’m really afraid of literally everything. I hate heights most of all though. I’m really good at growing flowers obviously,” Roseluck jabbed a hoof at her rose cutie mark on her flank. “Name and everything, roses are my favorite. That’s about it for me.”

“I’m from Cloudsdale presumably like Silverspeed. I kinda had to move here because Dinky is a unicorn and well, pretty self explanatory why I came to the ground. Earth ponies and unicorns are always nicer anyway. Nopony making fun of my eyes here. I deliver the mail, help ponies move with Raindrops and work with the weather. I have countless friends here which is nice,” Derpy shrugged as she glanced at her flank. “I’m good at finding air currents to flight easier, according to my cutie mark.”

The others nodded at that as they all stared Sunset patiently as she gave them a confused look.

“What?”

“We all went. It’s your turn now,” Silverspeed answered dryly and smirked. “Spill the tea, what’s up with you? How you get your mark, where you from, what’s your relationship with the Princess and all.”

“I accidentally set half of the royal garden in Canterlot on fire practicing a spell and got my cutie mark afterwards. Apparently the Princess said I was floating in the sky and sparks were flying off me. She had to some sorta spell thing to calm down my overload,” Sunset waved her hooves around for emphasis. “As for where I’m from, I have no clue. We always assumed Canterlot.”

“How do you not know where you’re from?” Trixie demanded as they all sat in a small circle near a bush. Sunset shrugged in response as she blew some of her mane out of her eyes.

“I was found wrapped in a blanket on the doorstep of the castle by Princess Celestia and she never found anything on me. No name, nothing. So she just called me Sunset Shimmer because she found me shortly after setting the sun. She had the Guards look around for a missing filly but nopony claimed me so she just kept me as her own,” Sunset explained as she popped a berry into her mouth from her saddlebags. “And as for relationship, I’m technically her daughter if you want to get down to it.”

The others gave her stunned looks and she rolled her eyes. Not many ponies talked about her outside of Canterlot apparently. 

“I never knew she had a daughter. That explains why you were working hard to make it perfect,” Derpy mused as she locked an eye on Sunset. “Right?”

“Right,” Sunset lied and Shoeshine stared at her intently. Sunset figured that if she told the truth about trying to cancel the Celebration because of Nightmare Moon and Celestia refused would technically make Celestia responsible for the hostages being taken and the other mares would be technically pissed at her. Which she was too tired to deal with a bloody uprising.

“I’m gonna go scout out above. I’ll be back,” Silverspeed said as Sunset nodded and the pegasus took off above the tree line.

“I’m ready for bed,” Roseluck yawned and stretched out on the mud. Normally she would hate her coat getting messy but she had more important things to worry about. 

“Why are you here Roseluck? I mean, this is the Everfree and I’ve seen you get scared from a fly landing on your flank once,” Shoeshine pointed out as Roseluck sighed.

“Oh I’m terrified right now. But I’m just thinking about what Daisy would do if our positions were swapped. If it was me and Lily taken instead of her, she’d be right here trying to get us back like how I’m doing. Daisy always was the bravest out of us three,” Roseluck crushed a rock under her hoof. “I’m scared we’re all gonna die in here and then this will have been for nothing or the Elements aren’t gonna be there. Then what? It’s night time forever and everypony else dies a slow death.”

“I’d rather not think about that,” Shoeshine admitted after a moment as she patted Roseluck on the back. “If it means anything, I think you’re just as brave as Daisy. I think she’d be proud of you right now.”

“Celestia I hope so,” Roseluck muttered as Sunset awkwardly cleared her throat. 

“I agree,” Sunset admitted hesitantly. “I don’t know Daisy much or at all really, but she seemed like a good judge of character.”

“Thanks,” Roseluck sighed as she yawned and placed her head on her forelegs. “I’m gonna take a quick na-ow!”

An dart slammed into her into neck as everypony froze and stared at it, each letting out their own startled gasps. 

“What is this?” Trixie muttered as she pulled the dart and Roseluck sniffed at it before her eyes widened.

“It’s a tranquilizer dart. It has uhm what’s it called immobilion on it,” Roseluck explained as she yawned again. “Supposed to knock you out.”

Another dart slammed into her flank and she rolled her head to stare at a deer with a blow gun walking into the entrance as she and the others passed out.
> Well, This Blows Part Four
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roseluck groaned as she shifted and opened her eyes to stare at Sunset’s face shoved against hers and she jumped slightly.

“Uhm hi?” Roseluck said hesitantly as Sunset moved back a few feet. “How long was I out?”

“Few hours. Are you uh alright?” Sunset asked as she sat down.

“Head hurts. Where are we?” Roseluck asked as she looked at Shoeshine, Derpy and Trixie.

“No idea. We all woke up in this wooden jail cell. Can’t even destroy it or use magic,” Shoeshine replied as she gestured at the bars with a hoof. “There’s only one other pony in here and they took him a minute ago.”

Sunset sat quietly as they all stared at a large platform over some water.

“Spare me this mockery of justice,” the stallion said as they all gave each other wary looks.

“Has the council reached a verdict?” A small deer asked three taller older ones sitting on thrones.

“Innocent,” a tall deer said as the platform folded and the stallion fell into the water.

“Uh what the heck?” Trixie muttered as the stallion came above water and half shark looking thing ate him. “By the stars.”

“Not the way I imagined going out,” Shoeshine said grimly as she peered down at the shark creature before it disappeared.

“We have got to get a better travel agent,” Trixie quipped as Roseluck realized there was five of them, not six like before.

“Where’s Silver-”

“Shush!” Sunset hissed quietly as she shot the mare a look. “As far as they know, there’s five of us. Before I passed out, I saw Silverspeed watching before flying off. She’s probably getting help as we speak. For now, don’t mention her.”

“Or she abandoned us,” Derpy muttered as she hugged herself with her wings. “So she doesn’t suffer the same fate as us.”

“You don’t know that,” Trixie retorted as she yawned. “What was in that dart? Doesn’t it take five to ten minutes for a tranquilizer to work?”

“No clue. I’ve never even know deer were in this forest. Never met one, probably altered the drug in it to act faster,” Roseluck mused as she made a circle with a hoof. “I won’t know for sure till I get a sample or one of those darts to bring back home.”

“Wanna hear a joke?” Trixie asked suddenly as Shoeshine gave her a flat look.

“Now is really not the time to be cracking jokes,” Shoeshine snapped as she examined a wooden bar. “No laughing matter, we’re probably next.”

“Now is the best time while everypony afraid. Best way to get our mind off it is with jokes. What falls but never needs a bandage?” Trixie asked with a grin as Roseluck rolled her eyes.

“What Trixie?”

“Rain!”

“That was dumb,” Derpy muttered with a smirk. “But good, I liked that one.”

“What is an eggs favorite vacation spot?” Trixie asked as the others excluding Sunset shrugged. “New Yolk City!”

Shoeshine snorted and hid a grin behind her hoof as Roseluck smiled slightly.

“Wanna hear a joke Pinkie told me?” Trixie asked as Shoeshine groaned.

“I’m gonna regret it because that mare has a weird sense of humor but hit me with it.”

“Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Malaysian airlines flight three seventy!” Trixie said as everypony gave her confused looks and even Sunset turned around to stare at her.

“I don’t get it,” Derpy said finally as Trixie shrugged.

“Trixie didn’t get it either. But Pinkie found it hilarious for some reason.”

Sunset grunted and turned to watch the guards nearby again as she breathed slowly.

“I used to run a dating service for chickens, but I was struggling to make hens meet,” Trixie said as Roseluck giggled. “Thank you, a giggle is better than nothing. Why do we tell actors to break a leg? Because every play has a cast!”

“Sweet Celestia,” Sunset muttered as she bit her lip. She grudgingly admitted that was a good one.

“My uncle named his dogs Timex and Rolex. They’re his watch dogs.”

“That was good,” Shoeshine chuckled as she laid on her back and hoof bumped Trixie. “Got anymore?”

“Oh Trixie has a plethora. Did you hear about the guy whose left side was cut off? He’s all right now.”

Derpy laughed as Sunset smiled faintly and shook her head. Trixie glanced at Sunset and sighed. She was surprisingly hard to make laugh.

“Where do young trees go to learn? Elementree school.”

Sunset snorted and gave a faint chuckle as Trixie rolled her eyes. She really didn’t want to get into her more explicit material unless it was necessary.

“How many tickles does it take to get an octopus to laugh?” Trixie asked. “Ten tickles!”

Sunset laughed and the others gave her stunned looks as she tilted her head to the side.

“What?” Sunset asked as she calmed down.

“You laughed. I didn’t think that was possible,” Roseluck admitted. “You’ve really only shown two emotions, anger and boredom. You’re normally really stoic.”

“I have other emotions!” Sunset snapped and glared. “I just chose to hide them. Reveal too much about yourself and you can get used or blackmailed.”

“Maybe in Canterlot,” Derpy commented and she fluttered her wings. “Ponyville is completely different from there. We don’t blackmail our neighbors here, everypony knows everypony. Even the ones who don’t like each other still exchange friendly words.”

“You did share about yourself earlier unless you were lying. But you weren’t because I would have known. Nopony ever gets away with lying to me,” Shoeshine said as she glanced at Sunset. “Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell more. It’s natural to talk about one’s self.”

“I play guitar,” Sunset admitted after a moment. “That’s about it really. Don’t know any other instruments nor did I care enough to learn.”

“You use magic Trixie assumes?”

“Depends on the day. Some days hooves, some days magic. The arcade is pretty cool too. I have a few machines in my room back at the palace.”

“For like you and your friends?” Derpy asked and Sunset shook her head.

“I have no real friends. Life is easier that way. Not since I was a filly. Canterlot is different, most ponies just want to get close because of my status as Celestia’s daughter. It’s common knowledge in Canterlot we are related but not else where apparently.”

“Sounds like an awful way to live to me,” Roseluck commented as she wrapped her tail around herself. “Life would be boring without friends. Nopony really thinks to use me because I’m a simple flower mare.”

“Yeah well it is what it is. It doesn’t bother me any,” Sunset answered as Shoeshine narrowed her eyes.

“You’re lying, it bothers you a lot,” Shoeshine said flatly. “Nopony can lie to me, remember? Canterlot is a shitty place to me.”

“I hate you,” Sunset grunted as she folded her forelegs.

“No you don’t.”

“I’m going to shut up now,” Sunset snapped as Shoeshine snickered and Sunset stared at the guards again.

“What are you staring at?” Derpy asked as she moved to sit next to Sunset.

“Guard on the left is a bit slower than the one on the right when she does her rounds. Also is limping slightly which suggests she is hurt. If we get at least her over here before the other guard leaves, we can kill her and steal her key then get the heck out of this death trap,” Sunset explained quietly as Derpy turned green.

“I don’t like the idea of killing her. Isn’t there a better way?”

“I don’t know. We can wait and see,” Sunset said and glared at a deer walking up.

“Come with me,” he said and unlocked the door. “They want to see you.”

The mares gave each other wary looks and inhaled before following him.
> Well, This Blows Part Five
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Silverspeed stared down at the wooden enclosures from her tree she sat perched on. She had dropped her helmet and armor in a nearby bush, rolling around in mud to cover up her silver coat and mane as she narrowed her purple eyes.

She had been quietly stalking one of the deer that had taken the others as he walked back and forth outside a gate.

“Why does life have to be so complicated?” Silverspeed mused as she examined her small knife she had brought with her and the bow she had made from random items she found in the woods.

She inhaled and notched an arrow and exhaled as she let go, watching in slight satisfaction as her arrow slammed into the deers chest and he swayed on his hooves as she flew down, picking him before he fell and dragged him back to her tree.

"Let me go-" he wheezed as Silverspeed drove her knife into his sternum as he gasped and went limp before flapping her wings with a grunt.

“You looked lighter up there,” Silverspeed grunted as she dropped the deer on a large tree branch and tied him down with some string she had found. “You stay there.”

Silverspeed turned around and picked up her knife with a hoof as she slung her makeshift bow on her back, resisting the urge to vomit as she dropped to the ground.

“One down, potentially a hundred or so more to go,” Silverspeed sighed as she snuck up on a small doevwith her back turned. The doe tensed up as Silverspeed pressed the knife to her throat from behind. “Don’t move or scream, if you do I’ll cut your throat and watch you drown in your blood. Don’t even bother trying to fight back because you’ll kill yourself. Now where are my friends?”

“The court room,” she answered finally.

“Why?”

“Ponies aren’t really our allies. They want to steal our forest,” she said as Silverspeed shifted slightly. “We arrest them and bring them here for trial. Most likely they will be executed.”

“Not happening,” Silverspeed grumbled as she tightened her grip. “Take me to them.”

“I have to stay here at the gate so no.”

“You’re really not in a position to be arguing. I really don’t want to hurt you like I did your friend but I will,” Silverspeed threatened quietly. “Now what’s your name?”

She stayed quiet as Silverspeed applied pressure on her throat and a small trail of blood dropped onto the dirt.

“Fern,” she said finally and Silverspeed relaxed her grip on the knife.

“Good. Now I’m gonna let you go. I’m faster than you so don’t try to run off or attack me,” Silverspeed warned as Fern nodded and Silverspeed lowered her knife and Fern sighed in relief. “Now take me to them.”

“The others will kill me if I do that,” Fern shot back as she faced Silverspeed for the first time.

“And if you refuse, I’ll kill you. Now get moving,” Silverspeed gestured forward threatening with her knife.

“Fine but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Fern sighed and gestured Silverspeed forward. “I’ll try to avoid the bulk of the others, but you have an advantage. I can’t smell you at all.”

“Well that’s an upside,” Silverspeed said dryly as the two walked quietly. “Ponies hate the forest. We never come in here unless we have to. It’s scary in here, we usually avoid it at all costs. Ponies don’t even know you’re all in here.”

“Then why are you in here?” Fern asked curiously as she pressed Silverspeed against a wall and the pegasus reached for her knife again as two deer walked past and she paused.

“Haven’t you seen the sky?” Silverspeed asked incredulously and waved a hoof. “Eternal night and all, Nightmare Moon? We’re trying to find her so we can stop her somehow.”

“We all noticed the sky. The council said it was the ponies trying to cast a spell on us,” Fern stated as she lead Silverspeed further into the camp.

“Hmph. Sounds to me you’re being lied to,” Silverspeed noted flatly. “We really don’t like this whole eternal night thing either. How does the trials go?”

“Don’t know. We aren’t allowed in during the trials but if they are found innocent, they get sent back to their families.”

“Who’s the jury then if you aren’t allowed in?” Silverspeed asked and Fern gave her a confused look.

“What’s a jury?” Fern asked and Silverspeed raised an eyebrow.

“You know, twelve ponies who have to be there and overlook the evidence to declare a pony guilty or not guilty. It’s like the law I’m pretty sure. You don’t have a jury?” Silverspeed asked and Fern shook her head. “That’s unusual. So how do you know the courts aren’t rigged?”

“Well I guess we just trust them to make the right decision,” Fern shrugged and Silverspeed snorted.

“So you don’t have jury’s, you aren’t allowed in the room when trials are going on. Have you even seen the ponies leaving your village?” Silverspeed demanded and Fern paused before shaking her head.

“No I haven’t now that you mention it. But if they don’t get released then where are they?” Fern asked Silverspeed gritted her teeth.

“That’s what we’re going to find out.”





The pair approached a dome shaped building as Silverspeed examined a rusty lock.

“How exactly do you plan on getting in?” Fern asked as Silverspeed let go of the lock, turned around and bucked it with her legs and the lock shattered.

“Like that.”

The pair snuck into a room with a large platform over some water as Silverspeed narrowed her eyes at the five mares on top.

“Can you move?” Sunset asked as Silverspeed grabbed Fern and flew to a nearby beam above them.

“No,” Derpy whispered back as she tried to bite the vines off.

“Silence or you’ll be held in contempt of this court!” The oldest deer shouted and Silverspeed glared at him.

“I have nothing but contempt for this court!” Sunset shot back angrily as she stared at them. “Let us go.”

“Guilty or innocent?”

“Innocent,” one said dismissively as the platform fell and Silverspeed dropped Fern on the beam as the doe stared with wide eyes and Silverspeed inhaled, diving off the beam and catching them.

“Silverspeed?” Shoeshine asked as she set them down and cut the vines off.

“The one and only,” Silverspeed smirked as Derpy hugged her.

“We thought you abandoned us,” Derpy admitted as Sunset stretched her legs.

“Nah. Just had to find a way in,” Silverspeed pointed at Fern as the doe jumped off some nearby pillars and landed in front of them. “Of course, I had to threaten to kill her repeatedly but you know, wasn’t about to let you all be executed.”

“Thanks,” Roseluck smiled back as Sunset levitated up the shark and dropped it. “Does that thing have freaking legs?”

“What is that?” Fern screamed as Sunset shrugged

“You tell us. You’re one of them after all,” Sunset scoffed as the shark snapped it’s jaws at them.

“Kill them!” One of the deer shouted from his throne and Sunset slammed a hoof on the floor.

“I say execute them!” Sunset snapped and pointed a hoof up at them as the shark looked between the two.

“Okay,” it shrugged and ran at the older deer.

“Did that thing just speak?” Derpy asked as her jaw dropped.

“I think so. After all this, the talking shark thing surprises you?” Roseluck pointed out.

“Talk later, run now!” Trixie suggested as the seven took off running to the doors.

“What now?” Silverspeed asked as she galloped next to Sunset.

“Get your armor and find the castle. You’re very brown,” Sunset noted as Silverspeed blushed.

“Mud.”

“Ah.”

“I can show you the castle,” Fern admitted as they all looked warily at the smaller doe. “I’ve been there, not far from here.”

“Fine but don’t make me regret this,” Sunset warned as the seven made it outside and ignored the terrified screaming coming from behind them. “Which way?”

“This way,” Fern paused and pointed as she took off.

With a wary glance at her, the six took off after her.
> Well, This Blows Part Six
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The mares and doe stopped at a creek panting after retrieving Silverspeeds armor and she set her helmet down after taking it off, stepping into the water to wash the mud off her coat and mane.

“She seems different,” Derpy noted as they stared at the mare washing her wings with Roseluck occasionally glancing at Fern sniffing some blueberry bushes.

“A bit yeah. She’s usually much more energetic than this,” Shoeshine commented as Silverspeed dunked her head in the water before coming back out and shaking her mane.

Sunset sighed as she stood up and trotted over, shivering at the cold water sinking up to her barrel.

“Are you alright?”

Silverspeed jumped slightly and turned her head to stare at Sunset.

“What?”

“I asked if you’re alright,” Sunset repeated as she and Silverspeed came out of the water.

“Not really,” Silverspeed admitted as she sat down and picked up her knife. “I killed somepony.”

“What?” Trixie asked as the others sat down next to them. “What the hay do you mean?”

“I mean I shot a deer in the chest with a bow and arrow I made, dragged his body up to the highest tree branch I could find, tied his body down and stabbed him in the sternum before taking Fern hostage. I killed somepony.”

The mares gave her a stunned look as she picked up her bloody knife and started washing it off quickly with her rag she brought as she wiped her eyes with the other.

“Silverspeed,” Sunset sighed and pressed her hoof on top the one cleaning the knife and Silverspeed paused. “It’s clean. Also, you’re crying.”

“Oh,” Silverspeed said as she stared down at her shiny knife before glancing at the red water. “So it is.”

“Who did you kill?” Shoeshine asked as she rested on a nearby rock.

“One of the deer guarding the entrance. We ran past the spot I killed him at and I faintly remember seeing red dripping from the tree branches as we galloped past. I’m a horrible pony, I’m going to jail.”

“No you’re not,” Derpy said and gagged. “Technically you did what you had to so you could save us. Sunset wanted to kill one of them too but well, there was too many of them. Are you hurt?”

“No,” Silverspeed sighed and shook her head. “Let’s just go.”

“But-”

“Fern!” Silverspeed cut off Roseluck as she stood up. “How far to the castle?”

“Uhm just a few more minutes till we get there,” Fern said uncertaintly and scuffed a hoof on the ground. “Follow me.”

“And remember, if it’s a trap I’m doing you in,” Silverspeed threatened as the others shuddered at her cold tone and Fern nodded nervously.

“Y-yes ma’am,” Fern nodded weakly as Silverspeed gestured forward as the two started walking.

“I’m still worried about her,” Roseluck mused as the mares slowly followed and Sunset levitated the knife from the creekside.

“I got this one,” Sunset said casually as she sped up to catch up to the two.

“Almost there,” Fern said as the two nodded.

“Hey,” Sunset said casually as Silverspeed glanced at her. “How’s it going?”

“Okay I guess. You?”

“Likewise. Uh thanks. For coming back. You could have abandoned us you know?” Sunset pointed out as Silverspeed shook her head.

“Not really. Then I’d have that to deal with. Plus, we’d still have Nightmare Moon to deal with. What do you think the hostages are up to?”





“Go fish,” Daisy sighed as she slapped a card down on the table in her cell she shared with her sister, Dinky, Sparkler, Carrot Top, Silver Spoon, Berry Punch, Ruby and Liza.

“Well dang it,” Dinky grumbled as she crossed her forelegs before shakily levitating a card out of the stack. “You’re too good at this game.”

Daisy snickered dryly as she looked out the window overlooking Canterlot.





“I don’t know,” Sunset said finally. “I’d rather not think about it.”

“Same,” Silverspeed agreed. “Silver is probably scared out her mind.”

“Well I guess we will find out after. I know you don’t like me much so uh thanks,” Sunset said as she slowed down her trot.

“I’m perfectly fine with you. And you’re welcome.”





“This is it,” Fern stated as they all stared across a chasm at a castle as Trixie and Sunset levitated the end of the bridge up, tying it off at the end. “I’d recommend one by one, not all at once. Who knows how old this bridge is.”

Sunset stepped hesitantly on the bridge and it shook as the others watched nervously. Sunset inhaled and continued walking across as it swayed and the others hesitantly followed.

“What was that shark thing by the way?” Derpy asked and Sunset inhaled.

“Not sure. I know there’s countries out who experimented on them to make soldiers but it didn’t go to plan and most got killed as a precaution. The Duke of Maretonias daughter had one as pet but apparently mysteriously went missing. Might have been that one but who knows.”

“Sounds like you have a fun life,” Trixie quipped as Sunset gave a humorless laugh.

“Oh you have no idea.”

“So this is the castle of the two sisters right?” Roseluck asked as she examined some torn banners hanging on the walls. “What happened here?”

“This is where Celestia fought Nightmare Moon years ago according to the books. Place is more falling apart than I thought. The history here is insane,” Sunset mused as she looked around. “If only these walls could talk.”

She and Silverspeed warily approached some stones in the center of the room before the others joined them.

“So these are it,” Fern stated as she waved a hoof. “We didn’t know what they were so we left them behind. Deer don’t really take stuff that we don’t understand the purpose of. Protecting the village and all.”

“But how do they work?” Derpy asked as Sunset examined it closer.

“Book says something about a spark. I know a few fire spells but that’s it.”

“And thee won’t do anything with them,” the seven spun around and stared at Nightmare Moon glaring at them from the doorway. “Those belong to us.”

“Not in a million years,” Sunset said as she shifted her hooves apart. “It’s over.”

“Hmph. We will see, we suppose now won’t we?” Nightmare Moon asked as Silverspeed pushed Fern behind her and spread her wings.

“I guess we will,” Shoeshine stood next to Sunset and smirked slightly. “One way to find out.”

Nightmare Moon shot a laser at them as Sunset hastily formed a shield in front of them and it bounced off the surface.

“Nice save,” Trixie nudged Sunset with a grin. “Gotta teach Trixie that some time.”

Derpy snuck around the two and took off flying as she did a loop accidently before crashing into Nightmare Moon.

“Oof,” Nightmare Moon groaned as she rubbed the back of her head and Derpy hastily ran away.

“Nice work. I think?” Roseluck said with a sheepish smile.

“You don’t even know how to use the stones!” Nightmare Moon screamed as the shield broke apart and Sunset stumbled and Roseluck caught her before she fell.

“We’ll find a way,” Roseluck grunted as she straightened Sunset. Sunset glanced at her and one of the glowing stones before levitating it over to Roseluck. “What the hay do you expect me to do with this?”

“I don’t know! Give me a minute!” Sunset snapped she noticed the other rocks glowing respective colors of the other ponies and she inhaled, levitating each one over before closing her eyes and sighing. “I just realized something and I’m not entirely sure how to process this.”

“Uh what?” Trixie gave her a confused look as she dodged Nightmare Moons hoof.

“I never would have admitted this back then at the village but I was worried for us all because you’re all my friends. Especially because I dragged you all into this shit. I was grateful you all didn’t die,” Sunset admitted as they all stared down at the red necklace in the shape of a Roseluck in Roselucks hoof. “The elements are generosity, honesty, kindness, laughter, loyalty and magic.”

“I call honesty!” Shoeshine called out with a smirk as she examined the silver and blue horseshoe necklace on her neck. “Pretty.”

“Derpy is probably the kindest pony I know,” Sunset continued as the pegasus glowed faintly and Derpy stared at her own necklace with her cutie mark. “And Silverspeed refused to leave us behind, even killing a pony to save- oof!”

Sunset slammed against a wall and slumped over on her side as blue smoke rose off her coat and the others gave her horrified looks as Nightmare Moon blew off her smoking horn.

“She talks too much,” Nightmare Moon scoffed as she rolled her eyes. She stepped around the stunned ponies and stared down at Sunset as the mare groaned.

“Back off,” Derpy pushed her back as she stood over Sunset as Shoeshine and the others joined her.

“Thee have-”

“It’s you!” Trixie screamed and Nightmare Moon paused.

“What?”

“It’s you! Nopony has used thee or thou in hundreds of years. It’s you! I can make up words too. Fuck. I don’t know what it means but fuck it’s there,” Trixie continued as she shifted her weight.

“Trix I really wouldn’t antagonize her,” Roseluck said nervously as her eyes flicked to the taller fuming mare.

“Hell! I made up another one!”

“Do you realize how easily I could kill you?” Nightmare Moon asked as Trixie shrank back behind Roseluck. “Ow!”

A rock slammed into her head as Fern inhaled nervously as everypony gave her confused looks.

“Oh buck me,” Fern whispered as she ran in circles around Nightmare Moon.

“I think we get what you were saying earlier,” Shoeshine commented as she lifted Sunset up. “Are you alright?”

“Gonna be feeling that for a while,” Sunset grunted as she took a half step forward.

“Dibs on this one!” Roseluck called out as she admired her rose necklace on her neck. “What’s this one?”

“That was the generosity stone,” Derpy said helpfully. “Silverspeed has the loyalty one if I remember correctly.”

“Mhm.”

“So now what?” Trixie asked as she toyed with her own necklace idly with a hoof.

“I think this is yours,” Roseluck and Derpy rolled a stone to Sunset as it glowed red and they stared down at a crown as Sunset shrugged and put it on.

“Don’t get why it’s a crown but oh whale. And as for what to do now, I have no id-” Sunset paused and closed her eyes as the room glowed with various colors of the rainbow and Nightmare Moon screamed.

“What the hay just happened?” Trixie groaned as she opened her eyes and rubbed them. “Felt like the worst hangover ever.”

“I’m not sure,” Sunset admitted as the sun rose.

“Hey the sun is back,” Fern pointed out at the window as she jumped to her hooves. “And as for what happened, a rainbow came from your necklaces and crown, hit the other mare and boom bright white light.”

“What is that?” Derpy pointed to a blue mare on her side, missing the taller white mare.

“That would be Princess Luna,” Celestia as they all jumped and Fern backed away nervously as the ponies knelt down and bowed. “What’s her name?”

“Fern,” Silverspeed answered as she yanked her down with a wing hastily and the doe bowed hesitantly.

“Princess Celestia.”

“You call your mother by her first name?” Derpy whispered as Sunset nodded.

“It’s complicated trying to be professional and be related at the same time. Trust me,” Sunset whispered back as they stood up. “What are you doing with her?”

“You’ll see,” Celestia answered as Luna sat up. “Hello. We were meant to rule together remember, not hate each other.”

“I’m so sorry,” Luna sighed as the pair hugged.

“Wait, where’s Dinky and Sparkler?” Derpy asked worriedly.

“Ponyville. They’re all waiting for you,” Celestia answered as Shoeshine nodded. “And we will be talking back in Ponyville ourselves Sunset.”

“I understand.”

Fern watched quietly as she stepped to door and froze at the silver pegasus blocking her path.

“And where do you think you’re going?” Silverspeed asked with a smirk.

“Back to the village. Somedeer has to calm down the others and try to get things back in working order,” Fern answered sheepishly. “Might as well give it a shot.”

“As long as you come visit me sometime I’ll let you go. Friends?” Silverspeed held out a hoof.

“Sure why not,” Fern shrugged and hoof bumped the taller mare. Silverspeed nodded and stepped aside to let the doe out.

“Wow she’s fast,” Sunset noted as the pair watched Fern disappear into the woods.

“Got that right,” Silverspeed agreed and stared at her neck. “So what now?”

“We go back to Ponyville I guess,” Sunset gave a shrug. “But we’re teleporting this time. Fuck walking.”

“Are we actually embracing Trixies made up words?” Derpy asked as she hovered over them.

“Fuck it, why not?” Sunset commented as Roseluck snickered and hugged Derpy. “You two made up?”

“Yeah might as well if we’re these element thingies as you say,” Derpy answered.

“Excuse me but what is a fuck?” Celestia asked as Shoeshine hid a grin behind a hoof.

“I’ll tell you later,” Sunset answered as the others laughed. “I’m ready for a shower. I’m covered in mud, got a migraine and I need to sleep.”

“I agree with that holy fuck,” Shoeshine agreed. Celestia and Luna gave each other confused looks as they laughed again.

“What did we miss?” Luna whispered and Celestia shrugged.

“I have no idea.”
> Surprisingly Not As Scary As It Could Have Been
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sunset sat on a bench as she watched her now friends hug their friends or family members with a drawn out sigh.

“I was so worried,” Derpy admitted as she hugged Dinky and Sparkler with her wings. “You’re not hurt, are you?”

“No mom we are not hurt,” Sparkler answered as she hugged her back. “We’re fine. How are you? What’s with the necklace?”

“I’ll tell you later. It’s a long story.”

Sunset glanced over at Silverspeed and Silver Spoon talking about Celestia knows what before sighing and looking at Roseluck, Daisy and Lily sitting next to each other.

“And then Silverspeed single hoofedly saved us,” Trixie continued and waved her hooves around for emphasis as Raindrops snickered as a crowd of ponies listened to Trixie. “And then we fled for our lives with multiple hungry creatures after us.”

“She does know that’s not how it happened right?” Shoeshine asked curiously as Carrot Top and herself stood next to Sunset.

“It’s Trixie. She always was a bit creative with her stories. No harm,” Sunset waved a hoof dismissively as they watched a white pegasus filly give Luna a flower necklace before flying off. “What was that about?”

“Oh that’s Cotton Cloudy. She’s a friendly kid but doesn’t talk much.”

“Then how is she friendly?” Sunset asked as the two paused before shrugging.

“Actions I suppose,” Carrot Top answered. “So what exactly does being this element mean for you all?”

“Not sure,” Sunset admitted as she tapped a hoof on her chin. “I guess we will see what the future holds.”

“As friends,” Shoeshine added and nudged Sunset with a smirk.

“What, do I have a choice?” Sunset said with a smile as Shoeshine shook her head.

“Nah, not really.”

“So what is your relationship to her?” Luna asked as she and Celestia watched Sunset.

“Daughter. By adoption, mind you.”

“So we tried to kill our own niece repeatedly,” Luna sighed as she looked at the ground. “Lovely.”

“While you were Nightmare Moon, not Luna,” Celestia corrected and rolled her eyes. “Different pony entirely.”

“We suppose. Equestria has changed a lot in a thousand years,” Luna looked around curiously. “We remember when Ponyville was nothing but huts in a circle.”

“Me too,” Celestia mused as she looked at the sky. “We fought Discord here too. Ponyville didn’t even exist back then.”

“That was forever ago. Is that Canterlot?” Luna pointed a hoof to the city on the side of the mountain in the distance. “It looks so different from before.”

“So you don’t really remember anything from being Nightmare Moon? Canterlot is where the other ponies from the towns were kept,” Celestia said as Luna shook her head.

“We don’t remember anything except the small parts you told me and trying to kill Sunset Shimmer.”

“And her friends,” Celestia said pointedly. “It wasn’t Sunset alone so quit trying to blame yourself. Really, she would have killed them all not just Sunset.”

“You make a fair point,” Luna sighed and scuffed a hoof on the dirt.

“I’m going to talk to Sunset. Will you be alright alone?” Celestia asked as Luna nodded and Celestia gave a nod back as she stood up and trotted over to Sunset. “Sunset.”

“Celestia.”

“Are you going to introduce me to your friends?” Celestia asked with a smirk as Sunset turned faintly red as Derpy, Silverspeed, Roseluck and Trixie trotted over to join Shoeshine and Sunset. “I know Silverspeed but not the others.”

“Shoeshine, Trixie, Roseluck and Derpy,” Sunset pointed a hoof in rapid succession to each mare. “Town farrier, magician, she runs a flower company with her sister and she is the mailmare.”

“I see. I hope you have made up your mind about staying here as my representative for the town,” Celestia said casually as she sat down next to Sunset as Shoeshine and Trixie exchanged nervous looks as Sunset inhaled.

“I have,” Sunset admitted and nodded to the others. “I’m going to stay here. And let’s be real, you never intended on me coming back because this was my assigned role, were you?”

“No I was not.”

“And you knew I would make friends here hence why you insisted on Ponyville, correct?”

“Sharp as always,” Celestia sighed as Sunset laughed quietly. “You are correct. I just didn’t know who they were but I’m glad it was them. I expect weekly letters Sunset on all matters about the town and what you learn about friendship.”

“Kind of a weird order but I understand Princess,” Sunset said as the other mares gave relieved sighs. “What, you think I was gonna actually leave?”

“Kinda yeah,” Trixie admitted as she yawned. “And well, I’m staying too. Might as well if you’re all in one location.”

Raindrops made a sound that Sunset honestly couldn’t find the words to describe as the pegasus hugged Trixie with a grin.

“When did you two start dating?” Roseluck asked curiously as the two blushed.

“Trixie is not dating her friend! Why does everypony think that?” Trixie demanded as Raindrops snickered.

“Well, you two have always been super close,” Derpy pointed out.

“And you’re always together,” Dinky continued as she smirked up at the older mares.

“So it makes sense,” Sparkler finished and laughed. “I’m gonna have to come up with a ship name. Trixdrops. Raintrix.”

“Sweet Celestia,” Raindrops muttered under her breath and blushed. “Kill me now.”

“Speaking of her, where is she?” Roseluck asked as they all looked around and Sunset pointed to the fading white and navy blue dot in the sky.

“Just like Mom to disappear without saying goodbye. She always did love a stealthy exit.”

Sparkler gave Derpy a confused expression as the older mare mouthed “I’ll tell you later.”

“Are you actually the princess’ daughter?” Dinky as she she stared up at Sunset.

“Yeah. It’s a bit of a story that’ll have to wait until later. I’m going to bed. I’ll see you all tomorrow?”

“You bet,” Shoeshine answered. “I might be hungover though.”

“Sure why not.”

“Mhm.”

“Trixie has no plans except hitting the hay in the middle of the afternoon for her scheduled nap.”

“Yeah.”

Sunset waved as she started trotting away, glancing at the silver pegasus next to her.

“Go to her,” Sunset said simply as Silverspeed gave her a confused.

“Who?”

“Your sister. Go home with her tonight. I’ll be fine alone at the Residency by myself,” Sunset explained as the two stopped.

“If you’re sure...” Silverspeed trailed off as she scratched the back of her head.

“If you don’t go to her right now, I’m gonna make you clean my room,” Sunset threatened as Silverspeed paled and galloped off. “Wow. My room isn’t that messy.”

Sunset rolled her eyes as she continued her trot through out downtown, occasionally stopped to say hello to random town ponies as she made her way to the Residency before she stopped and stared with wide eyed at it.

The windows were shattered and the shutters to one fell off as her jaw dropped.

“Holy fuck,” Sunset muttered in awe as she slowly walked in and stepped over some glass. “Those town ponies really bucked this place up.”

She sighed and unlocked her bedroom door from the inside as she pushed the door open and stood inside, looking around. It had been the only room not touched apparently. Sunset sighed and turned to leave.

“Bark?”

Sunset paused and looked around before dropped to her stomach and staring under her bed at Screw Loose.

“Bark?”

“Hello there,” Sunset smiled slightly and waggled a hoof. “You can come out now, I’m not going to hurt you. We should probably get you back to Shoeshine.”

Sunset levitated the mare out from under the bed and set her down as Screw Looses started licking her cheek.

“Okay, okay! You’re getting me wet!” Sunset laughed and paused. “Not like that, don’t think like that. Come on, let’s go to the bars.”

“Sunset! Is Screw Loose still here?” Shoeshine asked as the mare galloped inside. “I completely forgot she was- oh am I interrupting something?”

“Nope,” Sunset smirked as Screw Loose hugged Shoeshine. “We were just about to find you. Have a good night.”

“You too. Carrot Top has a spare room if you need it. This place is messed up,” Shoeshine commented as she glanced around quickly.

“I’ll be fine. Thanks.”





Months later


Starfish sighed as he wrapped his hoof around his beer as a amber unicorn with a fiery mane trotted inside and looked around before trotting to him. The mare examined the sea green unicorn before sitting down.

“Bottle of Jack Daniel’s please,” the mare requested and the bartender nodded. “Hello there.”

“Hi.”

“Do you know who I am?” The mare asked curiously as she plopped some bits on the bar and drank from her whiskey bottle.

“No idea but we could go upstairs and find out,” Starfish suggested as the mare gagged.

“Not in a million years. My name is Sunset Shimmer, I’m a friend of your ex wifes,” Sunset said casually as the bar fell silent and everypony watched them. “A certain somepony told me you aren’t paying your child support and under Equestrian law, you’re required to if you cheat and divorce.”

“And how exactly do you know all that? You a lawyer?”

“Nah. I’m the government representative for Ponyville,” Sunset answered as she took another drink. “You’re a hard stallion to find. It’s only taken me six months and having a train to this bar in Appaloosa.”

“Sounds like you’re out of your jurisdiction,” Starfish turned back to the bar. “Now leave me alone.”

“Did I mention I’m also Princess Celestia’s daughter and element of harmony?” Sunset asked as he froze. “Which means I got jurisdiction Equestria wide. This here is a paper stating all the bits you owe Derpy and her family.”

“And if I don’t?”

Sunset’s face hardened as she glared at him.

“Then I’ll break every bone in your body slowly until you do. And if you still refuse, I’ll break your horn. And you know damn well as I do that a broken horn to a unicorn is very painful,” Sunset said casually as she swirled the whiskey in her magic. “And I’ll also have the full weight of the Crown coming down on your head to ruin your life more than it already is.”

He nodded hastily and signed the paperwork which had a very large number and Sunset nodded in approval.


“And by the way, one more thing,” Sunset said as Starfish faced her and she swung a hoof into his nose. “That was for Derpy. Also for Dinky and Sparkler, they’re the nicest kids I’ve ever met. If I ever see you in Ponyville, I’ll let Shoeshine and Trixie beat you up and turn the other way.”

Sunset stood up and took her whiskey bottle in her magic, tipping it in a mock salute his way.

“To your health sir,” Sunset said with a smug grin and trotted out of the bar with her court documents to where a grey pegasus was waiting.

“Did he actually sign them?” Derpy asked as Sunset nodded. “You didn’t have to do this.”

“Yes I did. Now come on, I’m hungry and I saw a nice diner on the way in. Dinner is on me of course. And we got alcohol.”

Derpy paused as she looked at Sunset back to Starfish holding a towel to his nose.

“Derpy! Come on!”

Derpy sighed and flew after Sunset with a faint smile.