30 Moons After

I still remember that day like it only happened a few minutes ago. A lot has changed since then. Flash and Twilight got together, and surprising, so did Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Even more surprisingly, the student body was cool with it. In Equestria, homosexuality is socially acceptable, so I guess all the tolerance there is here too. As you can imagine, graduation was bitter sweet, and Pinkie speared no expense to make prom an absolute out of this world, over the top, no way you're going to forget this night blast. All eight of us are now starting our sophomore year at Canterlot Community College. The first few weeks were pretty much uneventful, but today would prove to be different.

"Sunset Shimmer, please report to the dean's office." was the announcement that would start it all.

I got up from my seat and made my way to the dean's office. When I got there, the worst possible thing happen. Standing by the dean was Sunset Shimmer, the Sunset Shimmer that belonged to this world.

The Dean himself looked shock that two girls looked exactly alike. He turned to me.

"Do you care to explain?" he asked.

I looked at my other self. She looked confused at me.Then I could tell she wanted to rip me apart.

I gulped. "Well, it's like this."

I turned and ran out of the school as fast as I could. No one tried to stop me thankfully, but they all watched as I ran out the building. I ran all the way back to my house and isolated myself for the rest of the day. Sitting on my bed, i happen to catch a glance at the calender.

In Equestria, when were refer to "moons" we mean the time it takes for the moon to complete it's cycle of phases, about a month in this world. Since the moon finished it's 30th cycle last week, the portal will open on the full moon of this cycle, which so happens to be tonight.

As much as I hate to admit it, my other self has forced me to go home. I packed my bag for the return journey tonight.

***

I stood in front of the statue. As the moon came overhead, a light flashed from the base, indicating the portal was open.

"Sunset, wait!" a voice called.

I turned around to see my friends.

"Sunset, we know what happened, do you really have to go without saying goodbye?" Twilight asked.

"Sorry about that, I was just to..."

"We know, we just came by to wish ya luck." Applejack said.

"I'll need it, I don't know what I'm going to do with myself back in Equestria." I replied.

"Maybe makes new friends? you're going to need some." Flash said.

I rolled my eyes.

"He's right, if you can make it here after the demon incident, you can make it in Equestria." Fluttershy said.

I cried and hugged her. She hugged back, followed by the others. The group hug lasted a few minutes, then I pulled away.

"Goodbye guys." I said.

"Goodbye Sunset." they said in unison as I walked through the portal, never to return.

The way through was faster, more swirly  than I remember, but before I knew it, I came out the other end. The room was the same way I remember it from last time.

I walked out and tried to find an exist. Sneaking about the castle, I went down hall after hall, almost if I was in a maze. Then I saw a light around the corner. I ran down the hall I was in, only to run into a big purple pony wearing armor. He looked down on my with a deadly serious expression on his face. I could only smile weakly at him.

***

Two guards lead me to one of the rooms in the castle. One opened the door, revealing a throne room. Upon the thrones within was a pink alicorn I never saw before. Her mane had 3 colors in it, pink, purple, and light yellow, and she had a serious expression on her face. Next to her was a white unicorn with a blue mane with two highlights in it, on lighter than the blue of his mane, one darker. He had more of a grumpy look on his face.

The pink alicorn spoke first. "Sunset Shimmer, I presume?" she asked.

"Y Y Y Yes." I stammered as I bowed.

"I'm Princess Cadance, and this is my husband Shining Armor. What bring you back after these 60 moons?" Cadance asked.

"I was forced to return really." I explained.

I could see both of them were tired.

"Show her to a room, this issue will be dealt with in the morning." Shining Armor ordered, and glanced over at his wife, who nodded in agreement.

The guards escorted me to a bedroom. To my surprise, it was the same room Twilight Sparkle was in when I stole her crown all those moons ago. It hadn't changed much since I lost saw it. I took off my  backpack, which was now my saddlebag and crawled into bed. I must of been really tired since I fell asleep at once.

***

The next morning, Princess Cadance summoned me to the throne room. At her request, I explained my current situation. After a moment of silence, she spoke up.

"You'd better go to Canterlot and see Aunt Celestia."

I really didn't want to, but I knew she was right. Princess Celestia wasn't one to hold a grudge, but she wouldn't be happy to see me.

"Guards, escort Sunset to the train station, she has to get to Canterlot." Cadance ordered.

The guards did as much. I was nervous the during the train ride over to Canterlot. Would the princess want to see me again? What if she isn't. She could sent me to the moon this time. All to soon, the train arrived at the station. I got off and made my way to the castle. A orange pegasus guard was at the front door.

"Sunset Shimmer?" he asked. He sounded exactly like Flash.

I nodded.

"Follow me please, Princess Celestia has been waiting for you."  Flash continued.

I swallowed nervously as I followed him into the castle.