Sunset Shimmer returns to Equestria for the third time where she'll meet new faces and get a big surprise.
As a way to say thank you for inviting Starlight to the human world, the unicorn offers Sunset Shimmer a chance to visit Equestria. Her visit may not be as eventful as the last two times, but she's still met with meeting leaders of other countries, dealing with a giant monster and a bad tempered changeling, and finally getting the biggest surprise of all time from her family.
Follows along in the timeline of Sunset's Redemption, Sunset's Hearth's Warming and other stories in my fan-made MLP series.
The sounds of hoofsteps could be heard in a room that looked like a library, but really was partly a library, for it was also the spot of a magical mirror that connected the world of Equestria with the world of the humans.
The hoofsteps belonged to Starlight Glimmer, and today, she was waiting for her new friend; Sunset Shimmer to come through the mirror for a visit. This was Starlight's way of saying thank you for Sunset's previous invite to the human world. As she waited though, a small smirk came to her face, for she also had a little surprise for the red and yellow maned pony.
With a great whoosh and a bright light, a single figure came out of the mirror standing on two legs. Starlight smiled, "welcome back to Equestria Sunset," she smiled.
Sunset smiled back, "thanks, it's good to be back." She wobbled a bit before falling forwards onto her front hooves, "this is only my fourth time coming back since my redemption, and yet, I still forget how to act like a pony here."
"Well I'm sure it'll come to you in no time, just like I did in your world."
As the two ponies began to leave the room, Sunset noticed that Starlight was counting the doors in the corridor.
"Uh Starlight, what are you doing?" Sunset asked curiously.
Starlight smirked, "well apart from inviting you here for a short visit, I also arranged for a small surprise for you." Sunset was about to open her mouth, but Starlight cut her off, "before you say I didn't need to do that, you're right, I didn't, but I did it anyways." She stopped by one of the doors, "your surprise is in here." With her magic, she opened the door.
Sunset stared in confusion, "Brooms?"
"Huh?" Starlight looked and smacked her forehead, "opps, wrong room. Must've counted wrong."
She closed the door, then silently counted the doors again. The correct door was to the left of them.
Using her magic, Starlight turned the door handle and opened the door, revealing a great big surprise to Sunset Shimmer.
"Mom? Dad? Sunny Rays?"
Indeed it was her family. All of them smiled at seeing her. Sunny Rays most of all, ran up to Sunset and wrapped her little hooves around her. Sunset smiled and in turn, hugged her little sister.
"It's so good to see you guys again," she sighed happily.
Moon Crest and Sunrise trotted up and embraced their oldest daughter in a hug, "it's good to see you too Sunset," her mother said kindly, "though you should write to us more often."
"We do miss hearing, or seeing anything from you sweetie," added her father.
"I'm sorry, it's just so much came up and...well it doesn't matter now, we're all here." She looked back to Starlight and mouthed the words thank you to her. Starlight just nodded back.
With the hugs complete, the Shimmer family and Starlight began making their way through the corridors towards the front doorway.
"Sweet Celestia, anypony can get lost in this place," Moon Crest commented. "How do you do it Miss Glimmer?"
"Truth be told, I don't. I get lost in here a lot."
Sunny Rays meanwhile was talking with Sunset, "have you been on anymore big epic adventures since the last time I saw you?"
"Yeah I have, from Camp Everfree and discovering a source of magic, which by the way lets me read people's minds." Sunny Rays' eyes lit up at hearing this, "plus I've helped with a music video, got to go on a movie set and had Starlight save myself and my friends from a magical mirror."
Hearing that part got their parent's attention.
"I'll explain that one later."
"Indeed, we have much to talk about," said Moon Crest. "But first, we do need to get our things unpacked." Sunset raised an eyebrow, "well since we are invited guests, we'll be staying at the castle for a while, at least till you're ready to go home."
"But that doesn't stop you from exploring around Ponyville Sunset," added Sunrise.
"Can I go with her?" Sunny Rays asked, before adding; "Pllleeeeeaaaaasssseeeee." She begged showing her adorable filly eyes.
Her parents caved, "alright, you can go with Sunset and Starlight. After all, ever since we've been invited, you've been wanting nothing more than to be with her. As long as it's okay with her of course."
"Of course it is, I love spending time with my little sister." And she rubbed the top of the filly's head, which made her giggle.
With permission granted, Sunny Rays followed Sunset and Starlight into the town of Ponyville.
Within Ponyville, there was a lot going on. Banners were going up, streamers were being put in place, fire-pits were being made, and flowers were being removed from the area.
"Sorry Junebug," Spike said to one pony, "but dragons are not fans of flowers."
He walked over to one of the fire-pits, "where's the fire in this one? It needs to be..." but he was cut off as a huge burst of flames hit him in the face and threw him back, "lit."
"Ouch, that looks like it hurts," commented Sunset as the trio arrived.
"Not really, I got thick scales, so it doesn't hurt."
Princess Twilight saw the trio and flew over towards them, "hey Sunset, it's been quite a while since I last saw you, and Sunny Rays, it's always a pleasure to see you."
"You as well Princess," said the sisters in unison, then laughed upon realizing what they've done.
"So, what is all this about?" Sunset asked.
"Dragon Lord Ember is coming to Ponyville," answered Spike. "She and many of the dragons have been having problems making friends, so she's coming here to learn from us, well mostly me. She said so in her letter." He pulled out a letter from within his scroll and showed it to the two out of town mares. "Though I don't know why she wants me to teach her, Twilight would be better at that. She's the Princess of Friendship for Celestia's sake."
"Not even the Princess of Friendship is a master at friendship, I learn something new everyday."
Sunset smiled, "don't we all."
"I think the reason she's asking for you is because you're the first creature she became friends with," said Starlight. "She trusts you more than any other creature."
Spike sighed, "perhaps, I just hope I don't let her down."
"Oh you won't," smiled Twilight. She was about to say something else, when something caught her eye.
Curious, Starlight and Sunset looked too. They stared for so long that Spike was getting worried, "What? What are you guys looking at? Is there something about to crash down and ruin everything we've been working on? Are we under attack?"
"Wrong on both counts," answered Starlight, and she pointed her hoof to behind Spike.
Sunny Rays turned her head, gasped and ran behind her big sister. Spike turned his head and gasped to see what everypony had been looking at. For it was in fact...
"Thorax?!" Spike exclaimed. "What brings you here?"
"You invited me over Silly," smiled King Thorax. "And you know me, when a friend invites me over, I'm there right when I'm suppose to. Hey Twilight. Hey Starlight," he waved to the two ponies. Then he noticed Sunset and Sunny Rays. "I'm sorry, but did I scare her?"
"Nope, she's just a little shy around creatures she doesn't know," Sunset answered. "After an hour and a half, she'll come around." She turned her head, "it is still an hour and a half right?"
"Uh-huh," Sunny Rays nodded.
"Oh okay, well I hope we can have a proper meeting when she gets to know me. I'm Thorax, king of the Changeling hive."
Sunset stared in amazement, "Wow, I've always wanted to meet a changeling up close..." She noticed the looks of Twilight and Starlight's stunned faces, "after hearing how nice they are now, that is, not from before."
"Yeah, we weren't the greatest bunch around," Thorax sighed.
"Well still, it's an honor to meet you. I'm Sunset Shimmer, and this is my baby sister; Sunny Rays Shimmer."
"It's a great pleasure to meet you both." Thorax then noticed all the decorations around town, "Wow, this place looks fantastic. Did you do all this for me?"
"Um...well...uh..." Spike sighed. He could've said no, and hid Ember from Thorax, but that would only create problems in Ponyville, and with his friendships with the two leaders, so he did what Applejack would do; tell the truth. "Actually Thorax, I had forgotten I had invited you here, and had invited another friend over today."
Thorax looked a little surprised, but he didn't lose his smile, "it's okay Spike, we all forget things sometimes."
"So you're not mad?"
"Me, mad? Nah, not a chance. You told me the truth, and you know what they say..."
"Honesty is the best policy," Starlight, Twilight and Sunset said in unison.
"Yeah, how did you know I was going to say that?"
The three ponies all rolled their eyes and said in unison; "Applejack."
"Well as long as you are here," said Twilight, "you can meet Dragon Lord Ember. She's really nice, in a dragon kind of way that is, and who knows, maybe you two could learn from each other."
Thorax thought about it, then agreed, "now that sounds like a great idea...say, is that a fire-pit? It's so pretty." Thorax moved towards it.
Sunny Rays looked confused, but Starlight answered, "changelings are like bugs, and bugs are attracted to flames."
"Ohh, now I get it."
Spike walked over towards Thorax, "so Thorax, while we wait for Ember to arrive, why don't you tell me of what's wrong?"
Thorax sighed, "it's not going well at my hive. While many of my changelings are embracing the new ways, there's a group of them that prefer to stick to the old ways. Not only that, but I got this nasty feeling in my stomach, not sure if it's from my diet or maybe it's stress, or maybe it's both."
Before any pony could respond, they heard wing beats from above, and coming in hard like a superhero would, Dragon Lord Ember landed in front of the group.
"Hey Spike, long time no see," she smiled. Her smile disappeared though as she looked in a different direction, "say Twilight, why is there another version of you?"
"Where?" Sunny Rays asked in confusion and looked around for Twilight's other version.
Sunset took one look and chuckled, "I think she's referring to Starlight," she whispered to Sunny Rays. "They do almost look alike."
"Actually, my name is Starlight Glimmer, I'm one of Twilight's pupils. Sunset Shimmer is the first one," she said, pointing to Sunset. Sunset waved and quickly introduced her baby sister, and once again explained about her small fear.
Ember smirked, "well at least I can tell Ms Shimmer apart from Twilight, no offence."
"None taken," Twilight said in a deadpan voice. It wasn't really the first time somepony, or creature in this case, had said that Starlight looked a bit like her.
Spike stepped forward, "Ember, today I was planning on giving you a grand welcome, but I had forgotten that I invited another leader here."
"Oh?" Ember asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yeah, and that would be him," Spike said, pointing to Thorax, "this is Thorax, the new king of the Changeling hive."
"Changelings?" gasped Ember, "as in, the love stealing creatures?"
Thorax sighed, "I see our old reputation spread far and wide." He then looked to Ember, "that was our old way of doing things, but after Chrysalis was dethroned, we have embraced in the ways of friendship, much like the ponies and Spike have. Though I'm having a little trouble with my hive."
"Since you're both here, maybe we can chat and see if we can't help each other," suggested Spike.
"You know what, that sounds like a great idea." She looked all around to see ponies watching her. Lots and lots of ponies. She gulped, "is there somewhere more private we can talk? I hate to say it, but all these ponies are starting to creep me out."
"Oh that's only because they're not used to seeing other dragons, or changelings here," said Spike. "We can go to the castle, we have a nice feast all set up there, and I'm sure there's enough for our new guests too."
With that confirmed, the groups of ponies, changeling and dragons made their way to Twilight's castle.
In the throne room's dining room, everyone ate, though Twilight wasn't pleased as she saw Ember eating other stuff, namely her food bowl and her walls. She knew dragons loved gems, though she did admit that when Spike invited her, she had forgotten to protect them or infuse them with a re-building spell. She'd have alot of work to do later with fixing up her dining room.
"Uh Ember, can you stop eating?" she asked, which got a glare from the Dragon Lord. "I don't mean to be rude, but the gems here aren't for eating, they're meant for serving other food, also to keep the ceiling from coming down."
Ember stopped eating, and blushed with embarrassed, "opps sorry, I didn't know." She looked to Spike, "how do you control yourself?"
"I have my ways," boasted Spike.
"Well you'll definitely have to tell me later, but first..." she looked to Thorax, "what's your problem?"
Thorax sighed, "well it has a lot to do with the changelings who don't want to change."
"Are they still in original form?"
Thorax nodded, "they look like they used to, and they act the same way as they used to. I ask them nicely, but they blow raspberries in my face. I order them to listen, but they don't follow."
Ember raised an eyebrow, "show me how you give a firm order."
Fearing what response would come out, Sunset covered her little sister's ears. Thorax cleared his throat and gave an order, "please listen to me," but it sounded weak.
Ember burst into laughter and fell onto the floor, much like Rainbow Dash would.
"You call that giving an order. Sorry Thorax, but the best way to give an order is to be firmer and louder, like this:" Ember cleared her throat and spoke, "LISTEN TO MY COMMANDS OR FACE CONSEQUENCES!"
Thorax stared in surprise, while the others looked on in shock.
"Too loud Sis?" Sunset asked.
"What?!" she cried, "I can't hear anything."
"Oh uh, sorry." And she removed her hooves from her sister's ears. "Well at least you don't have any ringing in your ears."
"WHAT?!" cried Starlight.
"Sorry, sometimes I forget how loud I can be," said Ember. "But you see now Thorax of what I was talking about? By being firm, you can get those changelings to listen to you."
"I do see," he nodded. "And it could work." He cleared his throat to shout, to which Sunset covered Sunny Rays' ears again, but his commands were not as loud as everypony expected.
Once again, Ember fell onto the floor laughing.
"Well I'm sorry if I'm not the firm type!" Thorax snapped.
"It's okay Thorax, there's nothing wrong with who you are," encouraged Spike. "After all, not every..."
But he was interrupted by Ember getting up and wiping a tear from her eye, "I'm sorry for laughing, but it wasn't because of you, it was because it reminded me of how I was growing up. Shouting wasn't my thing, but overtime, I learned how to be strong and firm, and now no dragon doubts me, even as a leader. Maybe I could teach you."
"Could you?"
"Of course, though maybe we should practice elsewhere, these walls act more like an echo chamber."
"Gee I don't know, I thought maybe we could..." but Spike was interrupted once again, this time by Thorax.
"Sounds good, but where should we go?"
"I saw a nice little lake outside of town, we can go there. There's no creature around, so we're not going to scare them. Come on," and without another word, Ember flew off.
"Hey, wait for me," and Thorax followed after her.
Silence filled the room, that was until Starlight broke the silence, "Well, that was...interesting to say the least."
"It was also kind of rude," added Spike.
Twilight put on an encouraging smile and walked over to Spike, "let them go off and learn from each other, that was the new plan right? Then they'll come back, we'll give them both a proper welcome ceremony, and we'll be able to talk with them."
That cheered Spike up, "yeah, you're right Twilight, after all, they wouldn't forget the main reason they came to Ponyville in the first place, right?"
Preparations resumed after that, with Starlight, Sunset and Sunny Rays helping. Though it seemed as minutes went by, neither Ember nor Thorax returned to the town square, or to the castle.
"Maybe they're still busy?" suggested Sunny Rays.
"Probably," nodded Sunset, "that could be it." She smiled at her little sister, "you know, I'm proud of you right now."
"You are?"
"Yes, you're becoming more open with other creatures. You weren't hiding behind me in the dining room, and even now, you're not hiding. I'd say you're coming out of your shell, sort to speak. This is a big step for you, and it really shows just how far you've come since the first time I met you."
Sunny Rays ran up and hugged Sunset, "well it's all because I have the best big sister here, thank you."
Sunset hugged her back, "anytime Little Sister." In her head though, she thought to herself; "do I really have an effect on Sunny Ray's confidence?"
Minutes soon turned to hours. Spike feared the worst, "maybe they got attacked."
"By what?" asked Starlight curiously.
"I don't know, but they are leaders of their lands, if anything were to happen to them...their lands could be in big trouble...not to mention we would be too."
"What?"
"Think on it, we, well mostly I, had invited them over to Ponyville, their nations could..." but what Spike said next was lost in a bubble of silence from Twilight.
"You have been spending too much time around me Spike," she said. "And I can't believe I just said that. I'm sure they're fine, but if you're really worried, we could always go look for them."
Spike nodded to that idea, so the three mares, one filly and dragon ran off towards the lake.
When they arrived at the lake, they found Thorax yelling at Ember. Spike was surprised, "how could this have gotten so bad?"
He was about to run down when Sunset stopped him with her magic, "Hold up Spike, I don't think it's a real argument."
And indeed she was right. As they made their way towards the duo, they could hear Ember laughing with joy, "now you're getting it, you even had me shaking there."
"Alright, now that I've tried a firm yell, it's your turn. Try talking to me like a little dragon with a hurt knee."
Ember took a deep breath, and spoke calmly, "hey now little one, it's alright, you don't need to be sad. We get hurt every now and then, I can help you get back up and be with your friends or family again."
Thorax clapped, but stopped when he saw the group.
"Hey everyone, what's going on?"
"We came out here looking for you," answered Spike, "we thought something bad had happened to you."
"Oh, but nothing bad has happened at all. In fact, Ember and I are making great progress, she's shown me some real good tricks on being firmer with the renegade changelings."
"While Thorax here has been teaching me how to be nicer to others. Next, he's going to teach me all he knows about making friends. This will surely fix all the problems dragons have with making friends."
"But what about the ceremony?"
"Ceremony?" Ember smacked her forehead, "oh that's right, I had almost forgotten the main reason I came here in the first place. Don't worry Spike, we'll be there, we just need a few more minutes."
Spike sighed, "alright then, a few more minutes it is. Come on everypony, let's get back to Town square and finish up."
And that's what they did, though deep down, both Sunset and Starlight felt that those 'few minutes' may take longer than Spike believed.
Sadly, they were right. Minutes went by, and soon they turned to hours, and as the hours went by, Celestia's sun went lower and lower until it had set for the entire day.
"Alright, this is ridiculous," grumbled Spike, "they said a few minutes, but this is more than a few minutes."
"I agree, it's time to find out what's going on," nodded Twilight.
Instead of walking or running or flying, Twilight's horn lit up and teleported them all to the lake, but when they arrived, there was no sign of Ember or Thorax.
"They left?" Spike asked. "Or maybe they're on their way to Ponyville."
So they went back and waited a few more minutes, but neither leader turned up. Spike sighed in defeat, "so much for welcoming both leaders, clearly they were more interested in each other than this celebration."
"But they came to see you," said Sunny Rays, "that's not really fair."
"Life isn't always fair kid. Twilight, we'll take down the decorations tomorrow, let's go back to the castle."
Twilight nodded and without saying a word, lifted the dragon onto her back and carried him back to the castle. As they left, even in the dark, the two mares and one filly saw a small tear drop from Spike's eye.
"Sunset, we can't let them hurt Spike like that."
"Indeed not Little Sister, something needs to be done." She looked over towards Starlight, "are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
Starlight nodded, "I'll find Ember, and you go after Thorax." She was about to teleport, but stopped when she realized, Sunset had never been to the changeling hive before. She told her of where to go, then disappeared with a poof of magic.
Sunset was about to use her magic too when she saw her sister look up to her.
"Maybe you should go back to the castle too, you never know..." but Sunny Rays shook her head and give Sunset the most adorable face a filly could give. "ARGH! One of these days, your cute look will make me melt. Alright fine, you can come with me, but you stay close, understood?"
"Yes Big Sister," Sunny Rays nodded and jumped onto Sunset's back.
Sunset chuckled, "You're definitely my little sister." Her horn lit up and before anypony knew it, she and Sunny Rays were gone.
As Starlight appeared in the dragon lands, she noticed her cutie mark was glowing. She rolled her eyes, "thanks Cutie Map, but I think I know what the Friendship Problem is."
Outside the Changeling Hive, Sunset and Sunny Rays were surprised by two things. One was the scenery around them, and the second was Sunset's own glowing Cutie Mark.
"Why is it glowing?" Sunny Rays asked curiously.
"I think it's the map in Twilight's castle telling us about a Friendship Problem. She did tell me that's what happens when a pony gets called by the map."
"Should we go back to Ponyville Sis?"
Sunset shook her head, "nah, I know what the Friendship problem is..." she paused and pointed to the throne room of the Changeling Hive, "...and it's right up there. Come on Sis, and remember, stay close to me."
Sunny Rays gulped over seeing damaged armor on the ground, "right behind you Sis!" and she scurried after Sunset. "Where do you think that armor came from?"
"Probably from when Chrysalis was defeated, who knows."
That seemed to be the best answer for Sunny Rays, as she didn't want to think about another scenario of how it got there.
After a bit of walking, Starlight found Ember's throne, and sure enough, she was sitting right there and speaking with some dragons. By the looks of it, she was using Thorax's advice on them. It was good on one hoof, but on the other hoof, she did leave in a rude manner, and Starlight was going to help put things right.
"Dragon Lord Ember!" she shouted.
Ember turned her head, then smiled, "ahh Twilight Sparkle, how nice to see you again."
Starlight smacked her forehead, "for the last time, it's STARLIGHT GLIMMER! I have a curl and a glimmer for a cutie mark, not stars and bangs."
Ember backed up nervously, "yikes, I hit a nerve there."
With the help of some of the changelings, Sunset and Sunny Rays were led up to Thorax's throne room, where he could be seen talking firmly with the changelings who hadn't changed.
"Let me make this very clear, if you don't learn to except the new ways of the hive, then you will be forced out, cause if there's one thing I will not stand for is to see changelings stealing love."
"But it's been our way for a long time," said one.
"Perhaps, but that was back under the leadership of an evil changeling, and she's not here now. I AM! Now I will give you the night to think things over, and if you want to stay the way you are, then you can leave tomorrow. If you want to stay, meet with me and we'll talk. Do I make myself clear?!"
"Yes King Thorax," they all gulped nervously.
They walked away, and past Sunset and a shivering Sunny Rays, "he scares me."
"Yeah well he doesn't scare me." She walked up towards him with Sunny Rays following right behind her, but still hiding behind her. "King Thorax, we need to talk."
"About what?" He asked in a calm voice this time.
In both the Dragon lands and in the Changeling Hive, Sunset and Starlight's words were exact, "you both spent so much time teaching each other on how to become better leaders, you've forgotten one important fact..." they paused to give them a chance to think it over. But after about ten seconds of nothing, both mares shouted; "SPIKE!"
Both sets of eyes went wide as they realized the mares were right.
"We forgot about Spike! What have we done?!"
"Last time I invite leaders over to Ponyville," Spike sighed as he lay on the couch in the living room.
Twilight walked over towards him, "I'm sorry things didn't turn out the way you wanted it to, but sometimes not everything goes according to plan. The important thing is, you didn't freak out like I did, and do on occasion."
"On occasion? Twilight you freak out so often you're predictable."
Twilight smirked, "now there's the Spike I know and love."
"Yeah, it's good to be smiling again, but still...hey, hold on a second, where are Sunset, Sunny Rays and Starlight? Shouldn't they be here?"
Twilight looked down the hallways, but couldn't see them, "oh great, now they've run off too."
A small smile came to Twilight's face as she saw a glow down the hallway, "perhaps, but I think it's for a good reason. Come with me Spike." With her wings flapping, Twilight took off to the map room.
Sighing, Spike climbed off the couch and followed Twilight. As he came into the throne room, he was surprised to see it wasn't just the Princess of Friendship in there, but Sunset, Sunny Rays, Starlight and the two leaders.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Solving a Friendship problem," Starlight said, looking firmly at Ember.
"Yeah, the one we created," admitted Ember. "Twi...er, Starlight here told me about what I did wrong."
"And Sunset told me the same thing," added Thorax. "I'm sorry Spike, neither Ember or I meant to do this on purpose to you, it's just that we were so excited to try out what we taught each other that we forgot about you, even though we said we'd arrive for the ceremony in a few minutes."
"We didn't even think about you afterword, until your friends came to tell us of what we did. Can you ever forgive us?"
Spike looked at the two leaders, but said nothing. They were both worried he would yell at them and say to get out. Instead though, he smiled, "well you came back and apologized, so yeah, I can forgive you for this. After all, it's pointless to hold a grudge right?"
"Indeed it is," Sunset answered for every creature with a smile on her face.
"What she said."
After that, Thorax and Ember, along with all of Ponyville gathered in town square for a proper welcome celebration.
"We all make mistakes, we all hurt others, but it's what we do to make up for them that makes true friendships," Spike was saying to every creature there, "and tonight, I'm proud to introduce you all to Dragon Lord Ember, and Thorax, leader of the Changeling hive. May our friendships last forever."
Ember shook Spike's right claw, while Thorax gave him a hoof bump. As they did this, Starlight and Sunset's cutie marks started glowing again.
"That's got to be a new record," commented Twilight, "you two do make a good team, maybe you should do this more often."
"Only if I'm here, and only if I'm not spending time with my family," smiled Sunset as she ruffled up her sister's mane again.
"And I rather wait another six or months before another Friendship mission comes up," added Starlight, "added with my last one, it's tiring work."
Twilight just rolled her eyes. As for Spike, he couldn't have been happier, cause after everything that happened, he could for sure say that Thorax and Ember were truly his friends, and they in turn could say Spike was their friend too. They were relieved he forgave them, cause they sure would miss hanging out with the dragon that helped changed their lives for the better.
The wooded area outside the home of the changelings was quiet, safe for the sounds of woodland creatures going about their everyday lives. The silence however was soon broken by a loud pop of magic as four unicorns popped into view.
"There we go, right at the changeling hive!" announced Starlight Glimmer.
"We're not really there yet Starlight," Trixie corrected. "We've been popping around Equestria, passing many towns along the way, and yet, we still have to walk the rest of the way."
"Well it's better than where we were originally. Remember, no magic could past the barrier."
"I remember, even Discord was of no help then. Speaking of which, why didn't we ask him to bring us here?"
"Two reasons; one, he's busy and two; I don't want him scaring Sunny Rays. She's not used to a creature like him."
Behind the two mares were Sunset Shimmer and her little sister; Sunny Rays Shimmer. The latter was looking dizzy, "so much popping around, didn't know which way we were going."
"Are you going to be okay Little sister?" Sunset asked.
Sunny Rays nodded her head, "I'll be fine. Thanks for letting me come along with you."
"You're welcome, though it wasn't easy. I had to do some serious convincing to Mom and Dad about bringing you here."
Using her magic, Sunset lifted Sunny Rays onto her back, and the three mares started their walk to the hive.
"Thorax is going to be surprised when we walk right into the throne room," smiled Starlight.
"No doubt on that," Trixie agreed. "I mean, I do know how to surprise others with my presence."
"You can say that again," Sunset muttered, but it wasn't loud enough for Trixie or Starlight to hear.
As the four mares continued on, Sunset couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
"I really hope that Thorax has been using Ember and Spike's advice," Starlight continued. "From what he wrote in his letters, being a leader of an entire colony sounds like a really big and demanding job."
Trixie scoffed, "how hard can it be? You just tell them what to do, while you sit back and relax."
"There's more to it than that," said Sunset. "A good leader needs to understand the wants and needs of their subjects, and must also be willing to help them if they need it. Hence why I wouldn't be a good leader myself, that and my history of course."
Trixie raised an eyebrow, but before she could say anything, she tripped on a branch and fell into a hole.
"Trixie, are you okay?" Starlight asked.
"I'm fine, but what did I trip over?"
Sunset pointed to the branch, then raised her hoof to show that the hole was actually a giant footprint.
"Oh yeah, I forgot to mention about the giant maulwurf that's been stalking the area."
Sunny Rays shivered on Sunset's back, "what's a maulwurf?"
"It's half bear, half mole and lots of raging claws."
Sunny Rays' shaking increased. Sunset groaned, "thanks for scaring my sister there."
"Sorry, but you can rest easy, it only eats plants. Which sadly isn't good for the changelings as they're trying, in vain, to grow new ones for food. Yet this maulwurf keeps eating them up."
Trixie rolled her eyes, "oh please, a creature like that would be of no match to a pony like; the Great and Powerful, and dare I say, unscareable Trixie!"
"Wanna bet?" asked a voice from behind her.
Trixie turned around and to her horror, the rock behind her changed into a changeling, only this one didn't look anything like Thorax's changelings. This one looked much like they had before.
The transformation startled Trixie, who ran and hid behind Starlight.
"So much for being unscareable," muttered Sunset.
Using her magic, she made herself and Sunny Rays disappear. She looked back to her sister and placed her hoof in front of her muzzle, indicating her not to say a word. Sunny Rays stayed as quiet as she could.
"Did Thorax mention a terrifying Changeling that might actually be friendly?" Trixie asked while shaking.
"No he did not," answered Starlight.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not nice to intruders," snarled the changeling.
It charged towards them, forcing Starlight to fire off. Sunset groaned, "that's not good."
Her attacks however missed. Trixie stepped forward, ready to teleport, but in the flurry of the moment, she had forgotten the correct way to do it, and thus she and Starlight were captured easily by the changeling. It caught them in a big bag, and began dragging them into the hive.
"And that's worse," added Sunset. "Hang on Sunny Rays, we're going after them."
Sunny Rays held on as they followed.
"I've taught you how to teleport, how can you forget so easily?" Starlight asked, quite annoyed.
"I panicked okay? I'll get us out of here, now!" Her horn lit up, but nothing happened.
Starlight rolled her eyes, "maybe I should've brought Twilight or Spike instead."
Suddenly, the bag flipped over, leaving the ponies on their backsides.
"I captured these trespassers," said the changeling. "You can do with them as you wish, or you can leave them with me. Either way, I don't care."
"STOP!" shouted a voice.
All eyes looked to the source, and saw Sunset Shimmer, with Sunny Rays still on her back, now reappearing.
"Ah yes, almost forgot about you two," snarled the changeling. "You're all going to be in big trouble for this."
"We're not intruders you dummy!" snapped Sunset. Using her magic, she ripped the bag open, revealing Starlight Glimmer and Trixie. "We're friends with King Thorax."
"In the old days, changelings were never friends with ponies."
"WE ARE NOW!" snapped a well known voice. All eyes in the room turned once more, and found the source of this voice was King Thorax. He walked down from his throne and looked the changeling in the eye, "Pharynx, I told you we have changed. We no longer follow the dark antics of Queen Chrysalis. Now, should I catch you doing this to ponies again, you will be dealt with. Do I make myself clear?"
Both Pharynx and Thorax seemed to stare firmly at each other, neither one willing to give up. In the end though, it was Pharynx who lost the stare war.
"Fine! They can mingle with you, but if I catch them doing anything wrong, I'll..."
"You'll do nothing!" Thorax said with a firmer tone.
Pharynx grumbled under his breath and stormed away, leaving Thorax with the ponies. He looked to them, and a smile came out, "it's great to see you again, sorry for your welcome."
"It's alright, we've all had worse," said Starlight. Both Trixie and Sunset agreed.
"I have to say Thorax, it looks like all of Ember's lessons are paying off for you," said Sunset.
"Oh they are indeed," he beamed. "With this new persona, I've been able to convince almost all of the changelings to change over and rejoin the hive." He sighed however as he watched Pharynx hiss at some of the changelings, "the only one who's resisting the change is my brother."
"That's your brother?!" Trixie asked in shock. She almost couldn't believe what she had heard.
"Yes we are brothers, well sort of, it's complicated."
Pharynx meanwhile was walking over to a nearby wall, and in plain sight of the king, he kicked it, creating a hole in the wall.
"HEY!" snapped Thorax, "how many times do I have to tell you to stop doing that?!"
"Hive looked better with holes," and he hissed loudly before buzzing off.
There was silence before Trixie stupidly said; "well, having one act that way is better than having them all act that way."
Both Sunset and Starlight looked to her with firm glares, which silenced her. Thorax however only nodded, "one day we'll get through to him. In the meantime, what brings you four here?"
"We just wanted to see how you're doing," Starlight answered. "Plus Sunset really wanted to see more of the hive."
Sunset nodded eagerly.
"Well if you'll follow me, I'll show you the hive and show you how we're doing."
The hive itself was quite big, and quite the sight. Originally, it felt lifeless with holes in the wall that opened and closed on their own, and with the feeling of danger around every bend. Now though, the hive felt alive with plants on the walls, and with a little more color all around. The changelings themselves had changed too, living like the ponies in Ponyville would.
But still, there was an army being lead by several guards.
"The Maulwurf isn't the only creature after us," explained Thorax, "while ponies and changelings have made peace, it's best not to be unprepared."
The Second in Command stopped and saluted the king before looking back, "Blacktrot! I see you slacking back there! Get back in line!"
"Sir Yes Sir!" said the solider and fell back into line.
Thorax smirked, "and to think he wanted nothing to do with us. Now look at him, leading the army and with no complaints."
"I have to say Thorax, this is all very impressive," said Starlight. "Looks like you added some elements of Ponyville and the Crystal Empire in here."
"Well," he admitted, "can't be serious all the time right?"
Before the ponies could agree, another changeling came forward, looking rather annoyed. They were covered in pure black paint.
"He's done it again!" the changeling snarled. "As he was flying over me, he dumped an entire can of black paint on me. Said my color wasn't intimating to our enemies!"
Thorax smacked his forehead with his hoof, "another day in the cells. Don't worry, he'll be dealt with. Why don't you get cleaned up and carry on with your day?"
"Fine, but next time he does this, I'll clobber him!"
With that, the changeling stormed off.
"This happens a lot?" Sunset asked.
"Afraid so. He just won't change," he sighed and went to get the second in command, "I'll have him spend three days in the cell, again."
"Wait!" Sunset called out, "maybe we can convince him to change."
Thorax turned back to her, "are you sure about that? It'd be like trying to convince Chrysalis to change."
"Hey, if Starlight, myself and two times with Trixie can change our personalities, then surely we can convince him to change."
"I heard that!" snapped Trixie.
"Oh come on, I know the whole story, I know about what happened the first two times you came to Ponyville. You can't deny it."
Trixie opened her mouth, but quickly shut it. She had no come back.
"Well okay, but I'm only giving you today," said Thorax. "Otherwise, he is going to be arrested."
He turned and went off to attend to other business. Trixie walked up to Sunset, "are you sure we can even get through to him? He doesn't seem like the type of creature that can change."
"Anypony can change, so why not any creature? I'm not leaving this hive till we do."
Starlight rolled her eyes. That stubbornness was something she had come to expect since she met the red head.
"Alright then, lead the way Sunset."
Sunset nodded and after Sunny Rays jumped down from her back, they and Starlight started walking. Trixie though was still annoyed, "I'm still mad about that comment you made on me!"
"Hey, I was only speaking the truth," came the reply.
Trixie growled, "I do not like her one bit."
They soon found Pharynx attacking some of the vines growing on the wall. He growled and hissed as they were putting up quite a fight.
"Okay, so this is how we're going to do it," said Trixie, thinking that she was going to take charge, "I'll play good pony, Starlight will play bad pony and Sunset will-"
But her words fell on deaf ears as the three other ponies were already walking over toward Pharynx.
"I'm starting to regret coming here with you," but she said it to herself.
Sunset spoke first, "hey Pharynx, you've already gotten a bad record to your name, do you really want to make it worse by destroying the plant life around here?"
"Don't care," he grumbled. "Besides, these were always safety hazards. An enemy could hide behind them or weapons could be hidden."
Starlight looked confused, "you don't care for the changeling hive, yet you care for their safety."
"I never said I didn't care for the hive, it's just-" he stopped and looked firmly to the ponies, "why am I wasting my time with you all? Just get out of my way!"
He pulled the vines down and started walking away, but Trixie got in front of him.
"You know, we're not so different," she said. "You were a bad guy once, and we were all bad mares. Except the baby there."
"I'm five years old! I'm not a baby!" snapped Sunny Rays.
"Whatever," Trixie huffed. "The point is, we all got second chances-"
"Third," Starlight corrected.
Trixie cleared her throat, "right, third for some of us, but nowadays we're doing much better. You can too if just learn to work things out with your friends and family."
"Losers," muttered Pharynx and he flew away.
"Well that went well," Sunset said with sarcasm, "also, never insult my sister like that again."
Trixie huffed, "I said whatever, now let's get rough with him. I'm done playing the good pony."
She turned and ran off, with Starlight following close behind. Using her magic once more, Sunset lifted Sunny Rays onto her back, "come on Sis, I don't want to miss a minute of this."
And they were off.
When they caught up, Trixie was already shouting at Pharynx, with Starlight trying to be the good pony and holding Trixie back. Seems it wasn't working as Pharynx gave a loud hiss and kicked Trixie down.
"Glad I didn't miss that," smirked Sunset. She then called out, "how did your plan turn out?"
"Shut up!" snapped Trixie.
Starlight meanwhile was trying to keep Pharynx from flying away, "look, forgetting whatever it was Trixie was doing. We're here to merely talk and find some kind of common ground. You're a changeling, you're in the changeling hive surrounded by other changelings and your own brother is king. Doesn't that give you a little bit of pride?"
"Nope," he answered simply.
"What do you have against the others anyways? What did they do to you?"
"You wouldn't understand."
"You're wrong on that one. I once ruled an entire village with an iron hoof, Trixie once captured all of Ponyville in a glass dome and Sunset nearly took over all of Equestria with an army."
Trixie looked up with a smirk. Sunset gave her the look of 'Shut Up' without saying a word.
"Yet, we are different ponies now and doing better. Wouldn't you like to have a life like ours?"
Pharynx was silent for a moment. Starlight began to think that he was going to consider it, but that thought left her when he simply again said; "nope." And this time, he flew off.
Starlight turned back to the group, "he's a lost cause. I hate saying that, but he's not going to change, he's much like his former queen."
"So what do we do about it?" Trixie asked.
"We're going have to tell Thorax to arrest his brother."
Sighing, the two ponies started walking off to find the king, only to find their hooves stopped in their tracks by magic. Sunset's magic.
"Oh sure, give up on him, that's a great idea, just like how everypony else gave up on us. Brilliant idea," she said with sarcasm.
"But he won't listen to reason Sunset," said Starlight.
"Maybe not right away, but I'm sure if we keep going at it, we'll get through. Besides," she added, narrowing her eyes, "what would Twilight say if she heard we gave up on a new friend?"
Neither mare answered. They knew Sunset was right.
"You guys head down the left corridor to find Pharynx. Sunny Rays and I will go the other way. Surely one of us will find him again."
Trixie was about to retort, but Starlight stopped her with a hoof in front of her mouth.
"Sunset's right, we can't give up. We'll meet back here in half an hour."
With a confirmed nod from Sunset, the two mares walked away. But Sunset didn't move. The area itself was quiet, except for the sound of a fly buzzing around Sunset's head.
"You can change back now Pharynx, it's just the three of us."
Sunny Rays looked confused until she saw the fly buzz away from Sunset, and then change back into Pharynx.
"How did you know that was me?" he asked in shock.
"Call it a gut feeling," she answered.
Pharynx only huffed, "doesn't matter, Thorax is going to place me under arrest and I'll be spending the rest of my miserable useless life in the dungeon."
"I thought as much, you are missing your purpose in life, aren't you?"
Pharynx just narrowed his eyes at her, "what would you know about it? Sure you were bad, you nearly took over Equestria, now you're just a goody-good pony, not like me."
"Oh you'd be surprised of how much I can relate to you."
"How so?"
Sunset reached a hoof up and rubbed the top of Sunny Ray's head as she spoke, "yes I tried to take over Equestria, but what they didn't say was that I did it cause; I felt my purpose was taken away, by Princess Celestia no less."
"And what position would that be?"
"To be her equal, or better than her. But she felt I was going too far with my conquest of power, and so she expelled me. In anger, I ran and went off to find a way to finally take her down. All it did though was get me into trouble, cost me to have no-one in my life for a long time, and give me a lesson I would never forget." She shuddered remembering the rainbow blast, "years of anger and tormenting others came back to haunt me, and to this day, they still do."
"Well if they do, then how are you doing good now?"
"I found my purpose in life."
"Which is?" Pharynx asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I can help others, even without putting myself in the spotlight. I became like an element, an element of empathy you could say, and now, I have amazing friends and despite a couple of hiccups, I got my family back, including this wonderful little sister of mine," she paused and patted Sunny Rays' head, while the little unicorn just smiled up at her.
"Love you too Big sister," she smiled.
Sunset lowered her hoof with a smile before focusing back on Pharynx.
"So I ask, what was taken from you?"
Silence returned to the area. Sunny Rays and Sunset began to wonder if Pharynx was just going to fly away without saying a word to them. Instead though, he spoke.
"I was the second in command. I used to have the best army at my own hooves. I had respect, I had power and I was the best. Then everything changed. Chrysalis was gone, Thorax took over and my position was given to another changeling. He tells me to change, but even if I did, which I won't," he stated firmly, "it wouldn't change anything. I would be a changeling with no purpose."
"Maybe then, it's best you talk it out with your brother, I'm sure he'd understand."
"Yeah right. A lot of good that would do, he'd still thrown me away."
"Families help each other," Sunny Rays stated as she joined in. Pharynx looked at her with an eyebrow raised, "when my daddy threw Sunset out, mommy and I never gave up on her and we went out to look for her, and a few months later, my cousin fought off my grandmother when she tried to hurt us."
Pharynx looked back to Sunset, "what kind of family do you have?"
"Crazy, but loving," Sunset answered. "But do you get what we're saying now?"
"Yeah, I get it." He rubbed the space between his eyes before speaking, "fine! I'll go talk with Thorax. Can't promise anything though."
"It's better to try than not at all."
And with that, they made their way to the throne room.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know that's how you felt," Thorax said when he was told everything.
"Well it's the truth. All I ask for is something to make me feel like I'm actually one of the hive."
"Sadly, I can't make you the second in command, but I'm sure we can find a bit of a compromise."
Sunset chuckled over that bit. She remembered reading in her journal with Princess Twilight that she had thought this might happen in the changeling kingdom.
"Wait till I tell her how right her idea was," she thought to herself.
"Your highness!" another changeling's voice broke her out of her thoughts.
The changeling ran in and stopped in front of the king.
"What is it?" he asked with a concerned tone.
"It's those two mares; Starlight Glimmer and Trixie. They were looking around for Pharynx, but ended going outside and they were dragged off by the dreaded Maulwurf."
"They what?!" exclaimed Sunset and Thorax.
"What the heck was that thing doing here again?" Thorax asked.
"It was trying to eat the plants outside the castle your highness, but it spotted those two and must've thought they were snacks."
"But that doesn't make any sense, Maulwurf's don't attack anything that isn't plant-life. It must be sick. We have to go help them." Thorax got up from his throne and called out to his troops, and the second in command, "we're going to fight the Maulwurf! Are you ready!"
All the soldiers saluted, except for the second in command.
"Well? Aren't you ready?" Thorax asked.
"I...I...I'm sure they got away, they are unicorns after all," the second in command said. "It'd be a waste of time if we went out there."
Thorax looked him firmly in the eyes, "you're the second in command, how could you say stuff like that?"
One of the soldiers stepped forward, "he's not a very good second in command your highness. He's always standing on the sidelines ordering us around and at Target practice, he won't shoot."
Thorax looked down at the second in command with a disappointing look, "seems I picked the wrong changeling for the job then."
"What?! No please your highness, I want to be-"
"For now, you're going to stay put and we'll discuss this later." Thorax turned to Pharynx, "Brother, I'm putting you in as the temporary Second in Command. Can I count on you to do the job?"
Pharynx showed a smile for the first time in weeks, "oh you bet!"
"Good, then lead your troops!"
Pharynx stepped forward and looked his new soldiers in the eyes, "listen up now, we're in a different age yes, and while we used to hunt down ponies, today we're going to save a couple from a Maulwurf. I know it'll be tough, it'll be difficult, but we can do it. We're coming back in one piece, am I right?"
"SIR YES SIR!" they all shouted.
"Darn right I am, now move your flanks, double time!"
The changelings made their way out of the throne room with Pharynx leading the way. Sunset, Sunny Rays and King Thorax followed close behind.
They hadn't gone far before they heard the shouts of two unicorns and the roar of a beast.
"Is that?" Sunny Rays began, but was too nervous to finish.
Sunset nodded, "it's the Maulwurf."
They ran up to the edge of an embankment, and found Starlight and Trixie. Well, mostly Starlight as she fired off one magical beam after another while Trixie only threw rocks half her size, which did nothing.
"Hang on guys, we're coming!" cried Sunset. "Sunny Rays, stay up here!"
Sunny Rays nodded and jumped off her sister's back as Sunset and the changelings charged in.
"Alright Changelings, just like the old days. Troop A, 2-6-6-2 arrangement, top!"
"Yes Sir!" and they flew up to attack the creature in the face.
"Troop B! 4-8-8-4 arrangement, lower, GO!"
"YES SIR!" they all saluted and charged too. Pharynx charged in with that group while Thorax helped Troop A. Sunset meanwhile had helped Starlight and Trixie back, all the while, firing at the creature, only to produce no damage.
"Why aren't any of my attacks hurting that thing?!" snapped Sunset.
"Didn't you know, Maulwurf's have really tough skins, they can't get hurt from magical attacks," replied Starlight.
Still, Sunset kept firing to keep the Maulwurf back. The changelings attacked from all directions, but even the plans Pharynx shouted out weren't working.
"Now what? We won't be able to fight it off like this," groaned Thorax.
"Maybe not, but there are other ways!" cried Pharynx as an idea came to him. "Thorax, do you remember how I used to make you hit yourself?"
Thorax groaned, remembering the times his brother would pretend to be nice to him, only to make Thorax hit himself. He was about to tell Pharynx off, when he got the idea too.
"Oh yes! That could work!"
And so, the changeling swarmed all around the Maulwurf, but this time, being too close. As it swung it's arms, it made contact with it's own body and smacked itself. All the changelings taunted the creature, making it hit itself more and more, doing even more damage to itself.
Pharynx landed on it's left arm, hissing loudly. The Maulwurf tried to bite him, only to bite it's own arm.
"Ouch, now that's going to leave a mark," commented Trixie.
The Maulwurf, now bruised and sore in the arm, dug a hole and disappeared.
"And Good bye!" shouted Sunny Rays before blowing a raspberry in the direction of the Maulwurf.
Thorax landed on the ground first, followed by Pharynx, and the rest of the changelings.
"You did good out there, just like you always did dear brother," Thorax smiled. "I have to say, I now know who's going to be our true second in command."
"You'd...you'd really give me my old job back?"
"Of course, but you'll have to learn to except the hive as it is. And I'll learn how to except your ways."
Pharynx smiled, "that's all I could ever ask for."
Without another word, Pharynx started to glow, blinding everyone around him. They all looked away, except Sunset, "finally, I get to see the transformation for myself."
When the light died away, Pharynx had been transformed into looking similar to Thorax, but with darker colors.
"But what about the second in command from earlier?" Trixie asked.
"I'll teach him a few things," snickered Pharynx. He turned to Sunset, "thanks for not giving up on me. It's no wonder you're the element of Empathy."
"Nah, I'm just a pony who likes to help. Besides, I can't take all the credit, Starlight and Trixie deserve some too."
"Really?" both mares asked in surprise.
Sunset nodded, "if they hadn't gotten themselves into trouble, you would never have found your purpose in life again."
"Hmm, you got a good point there." He turned to Thorax, "I thank you for this offer, and I won't let you down."
"I know you won't."
Pharynx turned to the other changelings, "alright lads, back to base, we have training to do. Now move!"
"SIR YES SIR!" they saluted.
They followed him back to the hive. Starlight whispered to Sunset, "you know we didn't do that on purpose right?"
"I know, but I can't take all the credit for this."
"You really are modest, you know that right?"
"I've heard that one before. Now," she said, lifting Sunny Rays back onto her back, "let's get back to the hive, I really would like to see the rest of it before returning to Ponyville."
And so, they followed the group back. Only Trixie stood alone in the same spot she had been in, "still don't know why I came here." Then she remembered where she was standing. "Eek! Wait for me!" And she took off faster than a speeding rocket.
"Are you sure we should ask her of this?" Sunrise asked Moon Crest. "I mean, she lives a very busy life as it is, and she has all her friends. I'm not sure this is a good idea."
Sunrise sighed, "yes, you are right. Okay, let's go."
Sunset was out and about exploring Ponyville. She had gone back to Canterlot at least a couple of times, but rarely had the chance to explore around Ponyville itself.
"It is such a lovely place," she thought to herself. "I wish the girls could see this with their own eyes. Oh well, at least I have my camera with me."
Using her magic, she lifted it up and took a picture of Sugarcube Corner. She smiled as she looked at the picture taken. It showed Mr Cake dusting the steps with Mrs Cake walking by with one of the twins on her back. The picture also showed Pinkie Pie pointing in a certain direction from her window. Sunset was confused by that, until she remembered, "oh that's right, I was suppose to meet up with my parents!"
"Now you got it!" she heard Pinkie Pie shout out.
Sunset shouted her thanks and took off.
Sunrise and Moon Crest had only just put in their orders when Sunset came up, "sorry I'm late," she panted. "I got distracted with this beautiful town."
"No worries Sunset, it is easy to lose track of time," smiled Sunrise.
Sunset walked over, looked through the menu quickly and placed her order. Once the waiter had gone, she turned her attention back to her parents, "so, what did you want to tell me?"
Both parents looked to each other, nodded and turned back to Sunset.
"Well sweetheart," said Moon Crest, "do you remember when you found out you are an older sister?"
"Oh yes, I remember that well. The shock of learning about Sunny Rays almost made my jaw drop to the ground. But what does have to do with this conversation?"
"Well there's a good reason," said Sunrise as she pointed down to her belly.
It didn't take long for Sunset to realize what her parents were trying to tell her, "you're going to have another baby?"
Both of them nodded.
"Yep, baby number three," smiled Sunrise as she rubbed her belly. "Your father and I were surprised to learn this ourselves. It's a true miracle."
"It is indeed hon," nodded Moon Crest as he pulled his wife in for a hug.
Sunset was stunned at first, but then, a big smile appeared on her face, "congratulations guys. I'm so happy for you."
"Ahh, thank you sweetie, it means alot hearing you say that. We were going to tell you with the journal, but then thought, it might be better to tell you face to face." Sunrise gave a warm smile, "and clearly, we made the right choice."
Sunset laughed, "yes you did."
"However," added Moon Crest, "we're not done yet. You see, both Sunrise and I have come to the realization that with our age, we're not able to look after two young ponies."
"Oh please, you're not that old," Sunset joked.
Moon Crest rolled his eyes, "well either way, we won't be able to look after the baby and Sunny Rays."
"Sadly that's true," sighed Sunrise. "Babies need a lot of attention, and that would mean Sunny Rays wouldn't get the attention she needs. We don't want that to happen, which brings us to the reason we wanted to talk to you."
"Would you look after Sunny Rays?" Moon Crest asked.
Sunset looked uneasy at the question, "guys, it's a really nice offer and all, but I can't just give up everything and everyone I know just to stay here in Equestria."
"We know that, and that's not what we meant."
"Okay, so what did-" she stopped, realizing what they meant, "you want me to take Sunny Rays back to the human world?"
Both parents nodded, "it'd make more sense that way. You wouldn't have to give up your time in your world, and you'd get more time with your baby sister. It's a win-win situation if you ask me," said Moon Crest.
"So, what do you say to that?" Sunrise asked hopefully.
"I...uh, well..." Sunset didn't know what to say. "Can I have some time to think about this?"
Moon Crest and Sunrise nodded, but they also added, "if you decide not to accept, then that's okay. We'll just have to find other ways to look after her."
They finished their meals in silence, then Sunset left, thinking hard.
"On one hand, or hoof in this case, I'd be nice having Sunny Rays around. On the other hoof, magic is always causing trouble in my world, and I certainly don't want her to get involved with all that."
She thought back to what happened to Juniper Montage not that long ago, Gloriosa Daisy at Camp Everfree and even her world's Twilight before that. But then she thought of how she often wished to be more involved in her sister's life.
"Oh what's a girl to do?"
As she walked along, a thought came to her, "maybe I should talk to some ponies who know about siblings. Like Applejack, or Rarity, even though they're not the ones I know, surely they'll be just as helpful as the ones I know."
She picked up the pace and dashed off in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres.
"So you're being given the chance to have your sister around, and you don't know how to answer the question?" Applejack asked before bucking another tree.
"Yeah, you got it right, so what should I say?"
"Well Sugarcube, having your sister around can be a blessing, but sometimes it can be a curse. Like one time, Apple Bloom was asked to look after Babs Seed, but due to some misunderstandings, she and her friends made a cart with shoddy brakes that would go flying into the mud. Honestly, the ideas she gets, it worries me."
Apple Bloom, who was helping collect the apples with Applejack, frowned as she looked to her, "for the record, once we learned everything about Babs, we threw her out and we took the fall."
"True, but you still did it anyways."
Apple Bloom rolled her eyes.
"On the other hoof," continued Applejack to Sunset, "having your sister around can be helpful, like doing farm chores, or even if you're shopping in town and you need to get alot."
"Also, having a sister means you won't be alone, right Applejack?"
"Right you are Apple Bloom."
Apple Bloom looked back to Sunset, "just don't go hovering over your sibling like a certain other pony did."
Applejack groaned, "look, that was in my 'need to protect you' phase, and you know it!"
"Oh please, you were giving me helmets right, left and center. As Granny puts it, 'you worry too much'."
As the Apple siblings started having a bit of a heated debate, Sunset took this as her cue to leave. Maybe Rarity and Sweetie Belle could help.
"Oh yes, having a sister around is a wonderful thing," smiled Rarity. "They can really brighten up your day when you're feeling down, and they can help you whenever you need it."
"You know, Applejack said the same thing."
"Did she now? Well I shouldn't be surprised, after all, she had to teach me on how to be a big sister." She sighed happily and looked over to her sister cooking in the kitchen, "I love having Sweetie Belle around. You can even learn things from them that you never knew before."
"I guess, but I'm still not sure. I mean, I love being around my sister, but what if I turn out to be a bad care taker, and I make Sunny Rays hate me?" She shuddered, "I was on the receiving end of hate for some time, and while I deserved it, I don't ever want to go back to that again. And I especially don't want to lose my bond with my only little sister."
"You won't," said Sweetie Belle as she came out of the kitchen. "Sisters argue, that's just the way siblings are, but at the end of the day, we learn from those mistakes and become better ponies because of it. Or even better people, remember what happened with Rarity's and my counterparts?"
Sunset did remember that, but despite hearing that from Sweetie Belle, she still wasn't sure. After all, not getting along wasn't the only thing bothering her.
"What about the magic that pops into my world without any warning?" she asked Starlight Glimmer later on. "I've seen it turn our Twilight and Juniper Montage into darker versions of themselves."
"True, but if you're worried that your sister will turn into one, then you need to stop." Starlight smirked and added; "after all, her heart is too pure to ever allow her to be turned like that."
"True, but magic can also trap others in magical objects, or worse, make them disappear into other worlds or who knows where." She shook her head, "the risk is too great to ignore, I can't allow that. I know my answer."
"Do you though?" Starlight asked with a raised eyebrow. "Cause if you choose not to have your sister with you, you just might miss out on bonding with her, more than you already have."
Now that one hurt. Due to her own actions, and living in the other world, Sunset did miss the first few years of Sunny Rays' life, and given recent events, they don't get to see each other very often.
"Of course it's your choice Sunset, but remember this. You've been away from Equestria for years, and you don't come around often. So if you decide not to accept, how long will it be till the next time you see your sister?"
"I...well I..."
"Sunset?!" called out the voice of Sunny Rays.
The two mares looked to the door and saw Sunny Rays poke her head through it.
"Oh sorry, am I interrupting something?"
Starlight shook her head, "nope, we're done here. I was just leaving." She looked back to Sunset, "maybe you should ask her of what she'd want." She turned and left the room.
"Ask me what?" Sunny Rays asked curiously.
Judging from the question she just asked, Sunset could only guess her parents hadn't told Sunny Rays yet.
"I'll ask you later. In the meantime, would you like to explore more of Ponyville?"
"I'd love to!" Sunny Rays cheered as she jumped into the air.
And that's what they did. They started off by paying a visit to Sugarcube Corner, then they went to Sweet Apple Acres where they hung out with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The next stop was Fluttershy's animal sanctuary. Sunny Rays really loved that one.
Before long, the two sisters were sitting on a bench and enjoying some ice cream. Sunny Rays was sitting like a pony would. Sunset at first tried sitting like a human, but managed to slip off a few times. Finally, she gave it up and sat down like any pony would.
"I really had fun being with you Sunset," Sunny Rays smiled. She sighed and looked down to the ground, "I only wish you didn't live so far away, then maybe we can play together again."
"So would I, but I do live a busy life Sis. Don't worry though, we still have the journal to help us talk."
"It's not the same though."
Sunny Rays was right, it wasn't the same. It was good to talk to each other, but seeing someone face to face just felt better than just reading their messages through letters, or through a magical journal.
"So Sunny Rays, have Mom and Dad told you about what's coming to the family soon?"
"No, why? What's coming?"
"Oh uh, it's better to hear from them instead of me."
"Oh, okay."
The rest of the day went by as normal, though to Sunset, it seemed that Sunny Rays wasn't talking as much as she did before.
That night, as she was getting ready to go to sleep, she heard voices from the other guest room. It was coming from Sunny Rays and their parents.
"I'm going to be an older sister?!" she exclaimed.
"Yes," answered Sunrise. "Yes you are. I'm surprised Sunset didn't tell you that."
There was silence before Sunny Rays continued, "there's alot she's not telling me. I could sense she was holding something from me, but why wouldn't she tell me? Am I not suppose to know?"
"Sweetie, it's not that she doesn't want to tell you, it's just that she's trying to figure out what she wants to do."
"About what?"
The parents sighed and continued, "about possibly letting you go to the human world with her when your new sibling arrives," said Moon Crest.
"Go with her? But why can't I stay with you?"
"Well sweetie, both your father and I are old ponies, and we can't really look after two young ponies. That's why we want Sunset to look after you until we feel we can handle two again."
"But why can't she stay with us at home?"
"Because she has a busy life," answered Moon Crest. "Plus, you did say you wanted to see her world, so this might be your chance."
"But then, why didn't she tell me?"
"Like we said," said Sunrise, "she's still trying to figure it out herself. It's a big task looking after a young sibling, and I'm sure she's got a lot of things to worry about with magic all over her world. But I'm sure she'll make the choice that makes everypony happy."
"I hope so."
Sunset turned away, pondering everything. Her worries, the advice given to her and hearing how much her sister wanted to be with her.
She stayed awake for almost the entire night, before sleep overtook her and she was out like a light.
When she awoke, she found herself standing in front of the mirror with everypony looking to her.
"So what's your choice Sunset?" her father asked.
"I...I just...I don't know what to do. I need more time to figure this out."
"You've had a whole day to figure this out," her mother said firmly. "Now give us your proper answer, and no beating around the bush this time."
Sunset took in a deep breath and said, "there's too much danger over there, I can't-"
"I knew she couldn't be trusted," Moon Crest said angerly.
"What?! Of course you can trust me, it's just-"
"A real sibling would agree to take their younger sibling with them," Sunrise added with her voice getting angrier as she spoke, "yet you turn your back on us."
"No, that's not it." Sunset looked to Sunny Rays, "you're always welcome to visit, but I-"
"I don't want to see you anymore!" cried Sunny Rays with tears in her eyes.
Sunset couldn't believe it. Because of her choice, her family was turning on her. They started to walk away.
"Wait! I didn't mean that I don't want to see you again! I love you all!"
"Well we don't love you, and nopony ever will!" Sunny Rays shouted, her words filled with anger.
It hurt Sunset to hear her sister say those words. She tried screaming for her family, but her words seemed to vanish and she was left in the void of darkness as her family walked away. But then, a bright beam of light shone through the darkness.
"Having trouble Miss Shimmer?" asked a familiar voice.
She turned around and found herself face to face with the princess of the night; Luna.
Sunset quickly wiped her tears away before speaking, "just having a bit of a nightmare."
"Seems to me that was more than just a bit of a nightmare, as you put it. Something is on your mind. What is it?"
Sunset sighed and explained everything to Princess Luna, including her worries of what her family would say if she said 'no'.
Luna nodded after Sunset finished, "I know what you're going through, as do many siblings in Equestria or on Earth. But you have nothing to worry about Miss Shimmer, for your family would never turn their backs on you. Again."
"But you didn't hear Sunny Rays when she was told by my...our parents. It sounded like she really wants to come to my world to see me, but I don't know what to do. Do you have any advice?"
"Sunset Shimmer, I could tell you to do this, or not to do this, but that wouldn't help your situation, now would it?" Sunset shook her head. "It's like they always say, go with what your heart wants."
"Doesn't that only apply to falling in love?"
Luna laughed, "it can, but it can also relate to this situation when it comes to family. Only you can decide what it is you truly want, just remember one thing from this."
"And what's that?"
"All siblings care for each other."
The dream ended and Sunset awoke to Celestia's sun rising for the day. She closed her eyes and muttered, "thank you Luna."
She took the time to think it over, and by the time she was ready to leave for home, she had made up her mind.
Her parents and little sister were waiting by the portal. Sunset first addressed Starlight Glimmer, "I never thought I would ever bring you back to my world, let alone be asked by you to visit Ponyville, but I'm certainly glad I met you Starlight."
"I'm glad to have to met you too Sunset, and I hope we can hang out again someday."
"Oh for sure."
They hoof-bumped each other, just as Spike came into the room, "Starlight, you're needed outside. Somehow, Trixie got herself stuck up in a tree by chains."
Starlight groaned and followed Spike out to help Trixie. Sunset chuckled before looking back to Twilight, "thank you for being a great host once again, and tell Spike I said thank you for everything."
"I will," Twilight smiled.
Now Sunset was ready to focus on her family, "there's no point in beating around the bush, I know you two told Sunny Rays of what's coming up."
"Well, you know your sister," said Sunrise, "she has her ways of getting the answers."
"Do I ever. And I know she knows about the choice of being with me or not."
Sunny Rays stepped forward, "no matter what you choose, I'll accept it, even if one will hurt." She quickly wiped a tear away before speaking again, "I'll always love you Sunset, no matter what."
"I'm glad to hear that Sis, and after much thought, I have made up my mind."
She paused for dramatic effect, making her parents and sister wait with anticipation. Finally, with a smile on her face, she said; "I'd be happy to have Sunny Rays stay with me."
Sunny Rays' face lit up, "HOORAY! I get to visit Sunset's world! I get to visit Sunset's world!"
"But," continued Sunset, making Sunny Rays stop in her cheering. "There is still unknown danger over there, so I want you to promise me that if I tell you to run, you run. I don't want to see you get hurt, okay?"
Sunny Rays nodded, "I promise to listen to you."
"Then it's settled, you'll be my new room-mate."
Sunny Rays couldn't hold it back anymore and started bouncing on the spot. Her bouncing around would put Pinkie Pie's bouncing to shame. The parents turned to Sunset, "it won't happen till the baby arrives," said Moon Crest. "So I hope you'll be ready on that day."
"Oh don't worry, I will be."
Sunrise smiled and hugged her daughter, "this is going to be a huge relief to us Sunset, thank you. And I'm sure you and Sunny Rays will get along in your world. It's about time you two got to spend some time together, outside of Canterlot that is."
"Yeah, that'll be nice."
Once Sunny Rays had calmed down, Sunset gave her a big hug and promised to continue writing to her till the big day arrived. She then hugged her parents once more before saying 'congratulations' again.
Now came the part she disliked, walking away from her family. She got up on the portal stand and looked to them all, "I'll miss you till we next meet."
"We'll miss you too Sweetheart," smiled Moon Crest. "You take care over there."
"I will, as long as the magic behaves itself," she chuckled.
She gave one last wave before going through the portal.
She appeared on the other side to find all her friends waiting for her, but something seemed different about them.
"Hey Girls, what's with the new outfits?" she asked.
"Well, Rarity thought it was time for a bit of a change," smiled Twilight as she helped Sunset to her feet. "And we're not the only ones, wait till you see what Rarity has made for you."
Sunset smiled, "well then, let's go see it. After that though, I got something to tell all of you."