Chapters I sighed with relieve. At last, we had rebuild Canterlot High's font door and wall.
"Well, not to shabby." Snips said pleased.
"Yeah, we did a pretty good job, you'd never know Sunset broke it to begin with." Snails replied.
I shot him a glare and he looked away. Still, I can't believe we did it in one night. Of course, we got help from a construction team later that night, but I still thought it was going to be at least a 3 month project.
"Excuse me, Sunset?" Fluttershy asked quietly.
I turned around to see the five girls standing in a line.
"We were wondering..." Shy continued.
"You want to know about Twilight's world, don't you?" I asked.
They five nodded.
"Okay, I'll tell you what you want to know, but can it wait until tommorrow?" I asked.
"Sure Sunset, we'll wait until your ready." Applejack replied.
"Great, goodnight everyone, or as they would in Equestria, everypony." I yawned and walked away.
I made my way to the abandoned house I found when I first came to this world. It was in pretty good shape, so I don't know why the previous owners left it. I walked in and went to bed, still thinking about me as a demon.
***
I stood face to face with the monster I had created. The beast roared. I turned and ran away as fast as I could, but the demon that was me only caught up and held me in one hand.
"What now Sunset Shimmer?" it asked.
I tried to free myself, but it was no good. The monster held me over it's mouth...
***
I woke up with a scream. Panting hard, I looked around to see sunlight coming in through the window. A glance at the clock told me it was time for school.
***
"Well Sunset?" Rarity asked.
"Huh?" I asked. I was distracted lately, mainly because of everything that happened the last 3 days.
"You said you'd tell us about what happened at the fall formal and Equestria at lunch." Pinkie replied.
The six of us were sitting at a table. I wonder why they bother after the way I treated them for 2 1/2 years.
"Right, first you have to understand that this world and Equestria run parallel to each other. For every human here, there's a pony over their. " I said.
"Makes sense, we did get those pony parts with that strange magic. What was that anyway?" Applejack asked.
"That was the Elements of Harmony. That magic serves at Equestria's most powerful means of defense. The crown for the princess of the fall formal was one of them, the element of magic, which can only be wielded by Twilight Sparkle herself." I replied.
"And there are six elements, Honesty, Generostiy, Kindness, Loyalty, Laughter and Magic" Applejack said.
"Yes, your pony selves wield the other five." I replied.
"Can you tell us about our pony selves?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Well, I've only seen them once, I guess I remember enough about them to satisfy you. In Equestria, your a pegasus pony Rainbow Dash, as well as Fluttershy, that's why you got those wings." I replied.
"What about me?" Rarity asked.
"Your a unicorn in Equestria Rarity, I'm pretty sure you could have done magic while you were in that pony-like state, even if you didn't have a horn." I replied.
"Are Applejack and I unicorns in Equestria too?" Pinkie asked.
"No sorry, you and Applejack are earth ponies, ponies without horns or wings. Kind of like ponies of this world." I answered.
"And Twilight?" Applejack asked.
"She's what we call an alicorn pony, a pony with both a horn and wings, they're the most powerful among ponies, and are usually royalty. Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna are both alicorns in Equestria." I replied.
"What's Equestria like?" Fluttershy asked.
It has been a while since I saw my homeland. It could have changed a lot during the 30 moons I was gone.
"Well, ponies are the dominant race, but other kinds of animals live with them in harmony. They live in town and cities, just as we do, and they speak English, but over their, it's called equine. They're not as advanced as us, they don't have computers, cell phones or MP3 players, at least, not to my knowledge. Also, the word "pony" is thrown around a lot in speech." I replied.
"What's the deal with Twilight as a princess?" Rarity asked.
"In Equestria, the title "princess" has to be earned, unless you were born into the royal family. To do that, you'd have to study under Princess Celestia, which I did because I used to be her personal student. If I didn't leave, maybe I could have become one myself."
"I assume you left because of your own selfish desires." Applejack said seriously.
"Yes, I wanted power, so I resorted to other means to get it. When Celestia caught me, she sent me to this world, hoping I would learn to be a better pony. I did go back, but to steal the element of magic." I sighed.
"Well, when you did come, why did you break us up as friends?" Rainbow asked.
I was crying at this point.
"I did that because if I wanted to take over the school. The last thing I needed was a revolt, and you five were the best of friends I'd seen. You know there's strength in numbers, so I broke you up so you wouldn't raise against me." I sobbed.
I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Look Daring, that's in the past. I can see you're a different person, er pony now." Rarity said encouragingly.
I looked upon them.
"I'm sorry for the way I treated all of you." I said, tears drying.
"That's alright, your among friends now." Applejack said softly.
"Friends?" I asked.
"Of course, Twilight asked us to look out for you, we can't do that if you weren't our friend, could we?" Rainbow asked.
I smiled and we hugged.
***
Later that night
I stood face to face with the monster I had created. The beast roared. I was scared, but then I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked back to see my new friends behind me, even Twilight Sparkle was there. I smiled and turned back to the demon that was me, standing my ground.
"You don't scare me anymore." I shot.
"I AM you, Sunset Shimmer. You created me out of your greed and selfishness." the monster spat.
"I'm not like you, not anymore, because I learned of the most powerful thing their is." I shot back.
I could feel myself rise into the air. I looked back to see the others feeding me the power of friendship. I looked my demon self straight in the eye. She looked terrified at me. Looking down at my hands revealed they were glowing.
"It's called FRIENDSHIP!" I shouted as I shot a powerful yellow blast from my fist at the demon.
"Nooooo!" the monster shouted as the blast went right through her heart. I stopped shooting and watched as the demon fell to ground, a hole where the heart should have been. Then the rest of the body turned to dust.
I landed on the ground feeling empowered, but not with the kind of power I used to desire. I felt like I can go into the world a new person. Now that I had defeated my inner demons, it was time to change my life, for the better.
When I got to school that morning, I went straight to the principals office.
"Excuse me, Principal Celestria?" I asked.
The woman behind the desk looked up from her paperwork. It was funny how she had 4 colors in her hair, but then again, so did Princess Celestia.
"Yes Sunset Shimmer?" she asked. Her voice soft with just a hint of cold in it.
"Could I make an announcement? I need to address all my classmates at once." I replied.
Celestia looked at me surprised, then she smiled, as if she knew what I was going to do.
"Okay Sunset." she replied, handing me a mic.
I cheered my throat and turned it on.
"Attention Canterlot high student body, this is Sunset Shimmer and I have sometime important to say." I waited until I sure they stopped to listen.
"I'm sorry for the way I treated all of you. I was a tyrant who ruled with an iron fist and let power consume me, so much I wanted more, and went to some... extreme measures to get it. But, I've seen what that kind of mentality can do. It makes you something ugly, a monster. I don't know if any of you can forgive 2 and 1/2 years of bullying, but just know I reget all of it. I don't blame you if any of you don't want anything to do with me, but please know, I really am sorry." I said, then broke into a sob.
"Thank you Principal Celestia." I said, putting down the mic.
I could see the principal struggled to think of what to say next. Eventually, she gave up and gave comforting smile. I returned the smile and turned to walk out of her office. I opened the door to see every student stare at me. Then, to my surprise, they all smile and started clapping. Something tells me I'm forgiven.
I figured the day would go on as usual after that. When I went to my locker, a surprise was waiting for me there.
"Flash?" I exclaimed.
Sure enough, Flash Sentry was leaning on my locker.
"Hey Sunset." he said.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"Did you really mean everything you said?" he asked.
"Yes, why?" I questioned.
Flash was quiet for a moment. "The reason I broke up with you is because, most of the time I've known you, you acted like a real dog, not around me off course, but when I learned who you really were, I had to finish it. But, I'm glad to see your a changed person now." he said.
I smiled.
"So you want to pick up where we left up?" I asked hopefully.
"No, sorry. I kind of have my eye on the new girl. She looks strangely familiar." Flash said.
"Strangely familiar?" I asked.
"Yeah. let me show you." Flash replied.
I followed him down the hall to another locker, where a girl with lavender skin and dark blue hair with pink and purple streaks in it was putting away her stuff.
"See? She looks exactly like Twilight Sparkle." Flash pointed out.
"That's because she IS Twilight Sparkle. She's the Twilight Sparkle of this world. The Twilight you fell for was a pony from an alternate universe." I replied.
"I know, I sat with you and the others while you guys talked about it yesterday. I still can't believe none of you noticed me." Flash said.
"Oh, sorry about that." I apologized.
"It's alright, anyway, I already introduced myself, and I think you'd better do the same, she wants to talk to you anyway." Flash replied.
I walked over to her.
"Hi." I said casually.
"Hi, are you Sunset Shimmer?" she asked.
"Yes."
"I wanted to talk to you about a view you about a video you had posted online." Twilight replied seriously.
"You mean the one with the girl that looks like you struggling to used the stuff in the library?" I asked.
"Yes, that one."
"Well, you see, I had something against her, she was running against me for princess of the fall formal, and I well trying to ..."
"Win the vote?" Twilight asked.
"Yes, listen, there are a few people I need you to meet. Can you sit with us at lunch?" I asked.
"Sure, why?"
"Let's just say there's more to tell." I explained.
***
After the others introduced themselves to this universe's Twilight Sparkle (they were only to glad to meet her), we told her everything that happened before she arrived.
Twilight Sparkle stared. Then blinked. The awkward silence dragged on for a while.
"So let me get this straight. Sunset stole a magic tiara from a pony princess from another dimension, and she came here to get it back, and when she came here, she looked like me, mainly because this princess is suppose to be me in her universe." she asked finally.
"Yes, that about it." Pinkie said cheerfully.
Twilight looked at me.
"And you're a unicorn pony from that other world banished here?" she asked.
"Yes." I replied uncomfortably.
"You stole her crown because it was actually a powerful artifact, and it ended up as the crown for your fall formal. She ran against you and posted the video of her struggling in our world so you could win the crown?"
"Yes."
"Then you used the crown to become a demon and take over the other world, only to turn back to normal by the other Twilight and these other five girls?"
I nobbed. "Yeah, I was a terrible pony then, but after I was turned back to normal, I learned a HUGE lesson that night."
The new girl was silent.
"Look Twi, I know ya just met us, but assure ya, everything we told was as the true. Ah admit it does sound far fetched, but it really happened." Applejack said comfortingly.
Twilight looked at us.
"Alright, I don't know all of you that well, but my gut is telling me I can trust all of you." she said after a long pause.
"I'm sorry about the video, I never meant..." I began.
"...to hurt me. It's okay." Twilight finished.
I smiled with tears in my eyes.
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.
Finding My Place in this World
Flash led me to the throne room. Waiting with in was the very goddess who sent me to the other world. By the look on her face, I think she wanted me to stay there.
"Thank you, Flash." Celestia said shortly.
Flash bowed and walked out the room, leaving me with her. The princess looked down at me with disapproving eyes.
"Well, Sunset, what have you to say for yourself?" she asked coldly.
I bowed my head in shame. "I'm sorry, for everything."
"I should think so. Twilight Sparkle has told me what you have done with the element of magic." Celestia continued.
I looked at the floor ashamed.
"However, since you shown remorse for your actions, you are forgiven."
I looked up at the white alicorn, smiling warmly now.
"Welcome back, Sunset." she said warmly.
I looked up at her, tears in my eyes, and hugged her. To my surprise, she returned it. After a while, she pulled away.
"You know, you can't be my student again."
"I figured."
"I want you to go to Ponyville."
"Why?"
"If your going to start over in Equestria on your own, you'll need some help, besides, somepony you know is there."
Curious choice of words, no matter, if I want to make it in Equestria, I'd better get started. I bowed at walked out of the room. Flash was outside. He took his helmet off.
"I was ordered to escort you to Ponyville." he said.
"Fine by me, but why?"
"Somepony special to me is expecting me there, and since we're going to the same place, I might as well." he replied.
I nodded and followed him to the train station. Once we were on board, I couldn't help but wonder about what the princess said. Was their somepony specific she wanted me to see?
"Is everything okay?" Flash asked.
I broke away from my thoughts and looked at him.
"Yeah, everything fine, it just that, I've been gone for five years, and I don't know if I can live here normally." I replied.
"Where have you been for those five years?" Flash asked.
"I've been living in a parallel universe, where they're are no ponies." I replied.
"Well, if you made a life for yourself there, then you can make a life for yourself here." Flash said confidently.
"I-I guess I can." I said hopefully.
Flash smiled and the train stopped.
"Look, we're here." the orange pegasus said excitedly.
He got off his seat and exited the coach we were in.
"Flash!" a familiar voice cheered.
I got out of the train to see Flash kissing Princess Twilight Sparkle. I really should have known.
"OMC, Sunset!" Twilight exclaimed. She ran over and hugged me, which caught me off guard, but I returned the hug.
"Celestia called ahead, don't worry, I'll help you." she said reassuringly.
At least I know they have phones now.
"Thanks Princess."
"Please, you can call me Twilight." the alicorn replied.
"Okay, Twilight, were do I start?" I asked.
"Just follow us." Twilight said.
So I followed the couple through town. They led me to a strange building, it looked like a gingerbread house with a cupcake at the top.
"What is this place?" I asked.
"Sugarcube Corner, home of the Cakes, and more importantly right now, Pinkie Pie." the princess replied.
"Oh I get it, you're going to have Pinkie throw a party for me to meet everypony in town." I figured.
"Yeparoonie." can a new voice.
Wouldn't you know it, Pinkie Pie is right in front of me, big goofy grin and all. But, the smile was soon replaced by a frown.
"Wait, I remember you, you stole Twilight's crown, and you were rude to here in that other world, and you used magic to become a monster, then Twilight and those other girls who look like us defeat you and you were really really really sorry,and so thirty moons later you came back here because the Sunset Shimmer of that other world showed up where you were living and you don't know if you can live in Equestria anymore." Pinkie said.
Blank stares all around.
"Don't worry, even though you were a big meanie pants, I'll throw you the party anyway because you were sorry for what you did." the pink earth pony said after a long pause.
"Um, thanks?" I said.
"No problem, it'll go down later today, when everypony isn't as busy." Pinkie replied.
"Great, come on Sunset, I'll show your where you can stay until you can get your own place." Twilight said.
Twilight and Flash lead me to a house build into a tree. I stared in wonder. Twilight and Flash laughed.
"I was surprised when I saw it too." Flash chuckled.
"Welcome to Golden Oaks Library, my home, and for now, yours too." Twilight said.
When we went inside, the interior was indeed a library, as the room we walked into had shelved filled with books. Twilight led me upstairs, where I correctly assumed living quarters were. After I unpack, Twilight asked me if I could explore Ponyville.
"You know, you and Flash wanted privacy, you just had to say so." I said sarcastically.
"Would you please leave me and my boyfriend alone so we could..."
"All you had to do was ask." I replied walking out.
Flash was kind enough to hold the door for me. When I got outside, I could here the couple start to get busy. I walked away from the door and into the abyss that was Ponyville.
Choosing a direction at random, I began to walk into town. I was reminded of the times back I was studying under Celestia I would look down on this town from my bedroom window and call every last resident a loser. But now, being in the so creatively named town made me see the ponies who lived there aren't losers. Indeed, each and every one off them were happy where they were. So much at every once in a while, a random stranger would smile at me or say "good morning" which I admit did ease my mind a bit.
"Look out!" a voice cried.
I turned my head and something crashed into me. After a moment, I got up to see it was a gray pegasus with a mail bag. She had blonde hair and yellow eyes. What jumped out at me most were her eyes were crossed, giving here a funny look on her face.
"Hi, I never saw you before, I'm Ditzy Doo." she said cheerfully.
"I'm Sunset Shimmer." I replied after while.
"Sunset Shimmer, I've heard of you, everypony knows you stole the element of magic from Princess Twilight Sparkle." Ditzy said.
"Everpony knows! Great, now I'll never be able to make another friend in Equestria." I complained.
"I wouldn't say that." Ditzy said confidently.
"How do you know?"
"Well, when I was younger, ponies use to make fun of me for my disability, especially when I messed up at something. They would tease me and call me " Derpy".It really got to me, I felt alone, but mom told me if I showed those other ponies the real me, so I did. I blew bubbles for them to pop. All my class mates had so much fun that day, that they accepted me as an equal that day, and earned my cutie mark. Sure I still mess up now and again and could a little absent mind now and again, like when I flew north to retrieve the birds that flew south for winter, or when I jumped on a storm cloud and damaged town hall, but my friends know I mean well." Ditzy said proudly.
"Well, that's good for you, but I did rather regrettable things, back where I came from." I replied.
To my surprise, Ditzy laughed.
"Everypony knows you where sorry for your actions, besides, that was 30 moons ago, it's old news already."
Well, that's a relief.
"You know, I don't know if your looking, but I could use some help at the post office, I run the local mail single hoofedly, and reliability goes down as a result. I need somepony to sort the mail so I can deliver it.You wouldn't be seeing me there much, but I'll come lend a hoof whenever I can." Ditzy continued.
"Sure, I'll work for you. Um, I don't mean to sound brash, but how much am I working for?" I asked.
"Ten bits an hour." Ditzy replied.
I stuck out my hoof. "Deal."
Ditzy Doo shook my hoof and told me I could start tomorrow. Wow, my first day and I already have a job, maybe this won't be as hard as I thought. She flew away. leaving me to explore Ponyville once again. Continuing on my way, I saw a crowd of ponies gathered around a stage. A blue unicorn was on the stage, performing magic tricks. I walked over. The unicorn bore a striking resemblance to Trixie Lulamoon.
"For my last trick, The Great and Apologetic Trixie will need a volunteer from the audience." she said.
The Great and Apologetic? I'd figure unicorn Trixie would call herself "The Great and Powerful" and roll the R in her name. It was clear this pony didn't have the ego human Trixie had.
"I volunteer!" a colt cried.
He was a white pinto pony with a brown mane and tail and he was small, even for a foal, wouldn't surprise me if his name was Pipsqueak. The colt got on stage.
"What's your name?" Trixie asked.
"Pipsqueak, ma'am." the colt replied.
"Okay Pipsqueak, I need you to stand in this spot." Trixie said, pointing to spot in the stage.
Pipsqueak did as much. Trixie put a top hat over the colt. Trixie then tapped the hat twice with her horn. It kind of struck me as odd that her horn didn't light up with an aura. The unicorn them lifted the hat from it's spot, revealing nothing to be under it. The crowd gasped. Trixie, however, smiled knowingly.
"Your probably wonder where Pipsqueak went? Well, he's right here!" Trixie said confidently as she lifted the hat on her head to reveal the volunteer on her head.
The audience gasped, cheered, clapped and threw bits at her. Trixie bowed and gestured a round of applause for Pipsqueak. Shortly afterwards, the crowd dispersed. Once they were gone, I approached Trixie, who was gathering props.
"Excuse me?" I asked. She turned to me.
"Yes, how can the Great and Apologetic Trixie help you?" Trixie asked.
"Didn't you call yourself "The Great and Powerful" Trixie at one point?" I asked.
"Yes, I did, but not after the alicorn amulet incident." Trixie replied with a blush.
I raised an eyebrow. The alicorn amulet was lost to time, at least while I was studying under Celestia. Trixie seemed to noticed I was confused.
"You haven't heard of it?" she asked.
"I haven't been living in Equestria for five years." I replied.
That seemed to strike a chord with her.
"You're Sunset Shimmer, aren't you?" Trixie asked.
"Yeah, I guess you know what I did 30 moons ago." I replied.
"Everypony know that." Trixie laughed. "Anyway, the long forgotten now. You know, your not alone."
"In what?" I asked.
"I was bested by Twilight Sparkle too, twice." Trixie said.
"Oh, do tell."
"Well, the first time I came to Ponyville, I only wanted to preform and earn bits. However, having made a name for myself as "one of the greatest traveling magicians of this generation" I had the biggest ego this side of Canterlot, and it made me rather...boastful, so much I made up a tale that I defeated an ursa major, which happened to inspired two colts to bring one here so they can see it for themselves. I was forced to come clean, and Twilight took care of the ursa. which happened to be a baby. After that, I fled Ponyville, but news got around and everywhere I went, I was laughed at and ostracized."
"That must of hurt."
"And fuels the thirst for revenge. I found work on a rock farm somewhere between Canterlot and Ponyville. I would visit Canterlot from time to time, since everypony there left me alone. On one of those trips, I went to the library and found of book on charms, one of the chapters explained about the alicorn amulet, which blessed the user with untold power, but corrupted the one who wore it. I figured if I had, I'd only need it long enough to get my revenge, which would be long before it corrupted me. I worked my tail off for a year on that farm until I had enough to buy it. When I got my hooves on it, I went straight to Ponyville called Twilight out. This time, I can out on top and I banished her from this town and took it over for my own.
"You took this town over?"
"Under the influence of that cursed amulet, anyway, Twilight called for a rematch and she tricked me with smoke and mirrors gags into taking the alicorn amulet off. I realized what I had become when I let my pride get the better of me. So I changed my way and made up with Twilight." Trixie concluded.
"I guess we both have to thank Twilight for reforming us." I said with a smile.
"Oh, really? Tell me your story." Trixie said.
"I was your average back stabbing, self-adsorbed, thinking she was better than everpony else girl before I met Twilight. You know I stole the element of magic, what happened at Canterlot High,and that I tried to take over Equestria, so after Twilight and the humans defeated me, I realized I was no better than the monster I became. I didn't hold it against Twilight like you did, I knew I deserved it. Actually, I'm glad she stopped me, Faust knows what I would have done to Equestria if they hadn't." I replied.
Trixie nodded. "Well, I'm glad you got over it. Anyway, I have to prepare for my next preformance, good day and nice meeting you." Trixie said as she got into her wagon.
I said a goodbye and headed back into town. As I walked, I heard a buzzing noise, followed by a "Woah, I thought only Princess Celestia had a sun cutie mark."
I turned around to three fillies, a yellow earth pony and a white unicorn in a wagon and an orange pegasus driving a scooter which seemed to be connected to the wagon.
"Oh, sorry, we didn't mean to offend ya." the yellow one said.
She had a red mane with a pink bow in it. What was most interesting about her was he cutie mark, an apple blossom with a hammer crossed with a paintbrush behind it .
"That's okay, you didn't." I replied.
Ms. can you tell us what your cutie mark means?" the pegasus asked.
She took off her helmet to reveal a purple mane and a picture of her scooter adorned her flank . I looked back at the yellow and red sun that decorated mine.
"Well, to be honest, I don't know remember, I don't even remember how I got it." I replied.
This is not good. A cutie marks shows what your good at. I always though once you knew your talent, you'd take up a role in society which you can use your talents.
"That's strange, you have to not be a pony for that to happen." the unicorn said.
She had a purple and pink mane with a bell and music note cutie mark .
"Actually, I haven't been a pony for five years, in fact, I haven't been in Equestria for that time." I pointed out.
"You'd have to be Sunset Shimmer if that true." the unicorn filly said.
"I am Sunset Shimmer." I replied.
Now the fillies stared at me.Then smiles spread across their faces, no doubt a storm of questions was about to burst out of their mouths.
"Did you really study under Princess Celestia?"
"What the parallel universe like?"
"What's does a human look like?"
"What's a hand?"
"What are our human selves like?"
"What's that machine Twilight told us about with the letters and the screen?"
"Girls!" a new voice called.
The fillies turned to a magenta pony with a pink mane and tail and three smiling flowers on her flank.
"Oh, hi Ms. Cheerilee." the yellow filly said nervously.
"Hello girls, what are you doing?" Cheerilee asked.
"We were asking Ms. Sunset Shimmer here some questions." the pegasus said.
"Asking or overwhelming her with questions?" Cheerilee asked them.
"Well, I guess we we're asking a bit too much all at once." the unicorn said.
"Okay, say your sorry and be on your way, you'll see Ms. Shimmer at her party later today." Cheerilee replied.
"We're sorry Ms. Shimmer." the three foals said in unison.
"It's okay." I laughed.
The fillies rode off, leaving me with Cheerilee.
"Thanks, I was afraid it was end of me." I said gratefully.
"No problem, I am their teacher after all." she replied.
"You're a teacher? But, you're so young!" I exclaimed.
"Yes, I had a head start on it, but I can say the same for you, I though you'd look a little order yourself." Cheerilee laughed.
"I was a foal with an attitude problem when I was sent away.I found out that I grew up faster in the human world than in Equestria. I looked into the matter and discovered the air accelerated my growth drastically, so in two and a half years, I went from filly to mare. It would have taken me twelve years to go through the growth process if I remained in Equestria. Surprisingly, after my body got accustom to the air, I began to age like a normal equine after my first thirty moons. However, the time difference is something I'll never be able to explain. I mean at first I thought 2 1/2 there equal 12 years here, but after my last 30 moons, it seems time runs at the same pace here and there.Maybe Twilight's visit did something to the time stream."
"Well...that's rather interesting, though I think you'll find you'l find you'll have a better conversation with Princess Twilight about that." Cheerilee said after a moment.
"I think your right there." I laughed.
You should get ready for Pinkie's party, it's going to start soon." Cheerilee replied.
I left Cheerilee with a goodbye and headed back to Golden Oaks. Surely Twilight and Flash has finished horsing around by now. However, I didn't want to take any chances so I knocked first. Twilight answered the door, her mane messy from her activities with Flash.
"Oh,Sunset, I was just about to look for you, it almost time for you party." the princess said.
"Great, can you help me with something before we go?" I asked.
"Sure, what is it?"
"Do you have a spell that can read memories?"
The princess looked at me confused.
"I need it so I can remember how I earned my mark." I explained.
"Well, there is a spell, but only an alicorn is powerful enough to cast it. Fortunately, I can show you the memory while I cast it." Twilight said.
Her horn light up a magenta aura and rested on my forehead. In that instant we were surrounded by moving pictures, my memories. Twilight began to search for memory I wanted. She eventually found it and brought it up.
This particular memory showed me as a blank flank foal only four years of age about to take a magic test, in this case crack open a dragon egg. I stood in front of the egg aimed my horn and shot a light green blast from it to the egg, engulfing it in a light green aura. Then the egg grew rapidly,faster than I though it would, so much it made a holes in the wall and took off the roof.
"That looks familiar." Twilight chuckled.
Fortunately, I stopped and shrunk the egg down to a smaller size and fixed the room.
"Sorry, it kind of got out of my control." I apologized.
"That's okay." a voice said behind me.
I turned around to see the all mighty Princess Celestia.
"What's your name?" the sun god asked.
"Sunset Shimmer." I replied.
"Well Sunset Shimmer, I see you're powerful for a filly your age. I'd like to take you as my person student, since it's clear your more advance in magic than the average." she said.
"Really?" I asked excitedly.
"Really." the princess replied.
I smiled proudly.
"Oh Sunset, one more thing." Celestia continued.
"What's that?" I asked.
"You earned your cutie mark." Celestia replied, pointing to my flank.
I looked at my plot to see I had indeed earned my mark, a sun with a red and yellow yin and yang swirl. Of course I jumped for joy.
"Amazing, not unlike me. I earned my cutie mark during my magic test too. The difference is I hatched the baby dragon from the egg, and completely lost control when I heard a sonic rainboom. Celestia had to stop me herself." the princess commented as she finished the spell.
I let the idea sink in. I was a magic protegee. My special talent is magic. Interesting, since I'm five years out of practice. I remember the basics, but I'm sure I knew so much more before I left. Jeez, I really need to brush up.
"Um, Sunset?" Twilight asked after a while.
"Huh, yeah Twilight?" I asked, breaking away from my train of thought.
"It's time for your party." Twilight replied.
"Oh, okay, lets go." I said heading out the door.
"Come on Flash!" I heard the alicorn call out for her boyfriend, followed by the sound of pegasus wings flapping.
After that, Twilight and Flash lead me back to Sugarcube Corner for my welcome party.
When we arrived at the bakery, five other ponies were already there. Pinkie Pie, of course and the four others I easily recognized. Of course awkward silence filled the room, after all, the last time we met, I had stolen Twilight's crown.
"Come on girls, I don't bite." I joked.
"Eeyup, but ya do steal, don't ya." Applejack pointed out,getting in my face.
"APPLEJACK!" Twilight scolded.
Applejack backed down. "Ah'm sorry, Ah know ya apologized for what ya did in that other world, but it always gets under mah skin when somepony messes with mah friends."
"It's okay, I understand." I replied.
After another pause, Rainbow Dash spoke up.
"So, why did you return?" she asked curiously.
I had no trouble explaining my... unusual predicament since Twilight had told them about the other world.
"What was it like when you first arrived?" Fluttershy asked.
"Well," I replied,"I didn't know what I became when I first went through the mirror or what the strange creatures around me were. I felt like an alien. Eventually, I learned what a human was and how to live like one. Of course, I was under the impression that to get ahead in life you have to cheat, so..yeah." I replied.
"What about you time under Celestia? How was that?" the princess in the room asked.
"Actually, I don't remember that much. I don't even remember what I did to be sent to the other world." I replied.
"Perhaps I can shed some light on the subject." a new voice said.
We all turned to see Princess Celestia had arrived.
Pinkie Pie gasped. "Princess Celestia, at one of my parties?" The party pony fainted.
"I didn't sent you to that other world, you went there yourself." Celestia said after the awkward moment.
"I did? Why?" I asked.
"I think it would be best if I show you." the sun princess replied, her horn lit up a yellow aura.
"Princess, I mean Celestia, I know it probably none of my business, but do you think..."
"Yes, I want you to see this as well." Celestia replied.
The white alicorn started the memory spell Twilight used on me earlier. However, this seemed a different variant, as we were in the memory, rather than seeing it as a moving picture and Celestia didn't rest her horn on my head.
We were in a room. I was in front of ponies for a test. They said that if I was to pass, I had to wow them, which I did with the growth spell I accidentally used on the dragon egg for my first test, only this time, I used it on a bonsai tree. Needless to say, I passed.
"How old was I at the time?" I asked.
"Six years old I believe, Twilight was five when she became my student, about a year after you left." Celestia replied.
Now we we're outside. I was studying when a group of 5 unicorn came up to me, congratulating me for my pass, they even invited me to lunch. Apparently, I was a real dog then as well because I turned them down and was rude to them about it.
"You know, I saw that from a window." Celestia pointed out.
I could only look down to the ground.
"Is that why you wanted to make friends Celestia?" Twilight asked.
"Yes, Sunset in her pride and tendency to study, Sunset drove others away and became a not so likable character." Celestia explained.
"Hey wait, what's that?" I asked, pointing to a trio of ponies who looked familiar.
"That's me with my foalsitter Princess Cadance and my big brother Shining Armor." Twi explained.
"I've met them when I returned." I replied.
The memory then went to Celestia and I having another one of our conversations.
"Sunset Shimmer, I heard that you're not getting along well with the other students. We talked about the fact that personal relationships..." Celestia said but I cut her off.
"Personal relationships? Who needs anypony? The most important thing in life is to be the best."
"I never spoke to Celestia that way." Twilight gasped appalled.
"No, but you were just as hard to get through on the same matter." the white alicorn declared.
"I know, I remember." Twilight blushed.
Celestia showed me the mirror and asked me what I saw. In my arrogance, I said I saw a pony who could rule Equestria. So that is what led me to be power hungry, and want to rule Equestria.
"Could I have become a princess?" I asked.
"Yes, but your attitude at the time, I could see you weren't worthy of it." the sun princess replied.
I continued to hound Celestia about the mirror until she lost patience and told me we'd get to it in due time. So I researched the mirror behind her back and discovered it was a portal to another world. Unfortunately, I was caught, so I demanded to be made a princess, to which Celestia refused and even renounced me as her student, then had some guards escort me out.
"Boy, I feel sorry for you Sunset, you lived my worst nightmare." Twilight commented.
As the guards showed me out, I asked if they can let me see the mirror one last time. They saw no harm in it, so they did. I overpowered them and jumped into the mirror. The last shot was of me, commenting on how it was a "interesting development" before the memory fade away.
The three of us stood in silence for a while.
"Why didn't you tell me about her?" Twilight asked the other princess.
"You didn't behave like her, so I felt it wasn't necessary I was going to tell you her story in case you got out of line." Celestia replied.
Another pause.
"Was it really your worst nightmare not to be my student anymore?" Celestia asked her former pupil.
The student could only nod.
"You were right Princess, I didn't deserve to be a princess, and while I regret the way I acted then," I looked at my successor, "I think maybe it was for the best thing worked out the way they did."
"I think your right, Sunset." Celestia smiled.
"Take care of her, Twilight, I must be off." Celestia said warmly, and walked out of the building.
By this time, Pinkie came around.
"Princess Celestia what can I..." a disappointed look came across her face when she realized Celestia was no where to be found.
"It's okay Pinkie, you can still throw the party." I said comfortingly.
"Maybe, but it would be more fun if the princess had stuck around." Pinkie said sadly.
After the princess's visit, the townsponies began to pile into the bakery, and of course, I had the pleasure of meeting them, which I felt was important since I was going to go through their mail tomorrow. Despite this, I was disgusted with myself. It must of showed.
"What's wrong Sunset? Are you still upset about you behaved all those moons ago?" Twilight asked.
"No, well yes, but it not the way you think. I wish I could go back and talk some sense into my old self, but doing that may deprive you of..." I pointed to her wings.
Twilight glanced at them.
"You know, it's not all it's cracked up to be. It's really a lot of work, especially in politics, which I didn't really care for before becoming an alicorn. Sometimes, I wish I can go back to being just a unicorn,but then again, I would have done all that studying for nothing, besides, I was preparing for this every since I became Celestia's student. Still, being a princess or even a prince is something not everypony can handle. Anyway, you said it yourself, it was for the best things worked out the way they did."
I cracked a smile. "Well, when you put it that way, you can have it, I've got enough problems of my own. I'm just glad being a criminal for defying Celestia isn't one of them."
That, and I never was interested in politics myself, I always found it dull and boring.
Twilight chuckled and walked over to Flash, leaving me to mingle with the guests. I walked over to the punch bowl was as about to take some when...
"Well look who it is." a voice said sarcastically.
I turned to see the five unicorns from my memory. I could see Twilight behind them, she smiled and nodded.
"Okay Sunset, no more hand,er, hoof holding, you have to make friends on your own." I thought to myself.
"Hi guys, long time no see, I'm really sorry about the way I treated you all those years ago, that was very stuck up of me." I said with a nervous smile.
I got unamused looks. Of course they wouldn't take an apology after the way I treated them.
"Come on girls, Princess Twilight reformed her, it's only fair to give her a chance." one said after a moment.
The other muttered something, seemly agreeing with her.
"Well you know who I am, but I never learned you names." I pointed out.
"I'm Moon Dancer ." the unicorn who spoke first said.
"Lyra Heartstrings."
"Minuette."
"Twinkleshine."
"Lemon Hearts."
It was interesting hanging out with them for a while, they turned out to be a bunch I'd like to be around. I found out Minuette was the local dentist, and had a thing for being on time, especially since ponies are always late for their appointments.
Lyra was a musician, her instrument of choice being the lyre, who was one to get on an obsession easily, her latest being on the recent discovery of strange creatures that lack hooves and tales and instead have hands called "humans", having heard about them from Princess Twilight Sparkle, much to the dismay of her lover Bon-Bon. Of course, I promised to tell her about them.
Moon Dancer still lives in Canterlot and came to visit old friends in Ponyville. A natural astronomer, she had a fascination with the night sky, especially the moon.
Twinkleshine, like Moon Dancer had a thing for astronomy, except her thing was the stars rather than the moon.
Lemon Hearts, an "odd man" of the group, got her mark in making, of all things, cards for different occasions, her first for hearts and hooves day.
After my time with them, I couldn't help but feel pleased with myself. Maybe I can make a life for myself in Equestria.
After that, I ran into the fillies from early. This time, they asked me one question at time, and I answered them to the best of my ability. They really got into it, and I couldn't blame then, the human world is fascinating because it's so different from ours, especially technology wise, but I could see we were starting to catch up, there was a television in the costumer area of the bakery.
"So, what about you guys?" I asked them.
"Well, I'm Apple Bloom," the yellow one said, "Mah special talent is carpentry. You know, I never would have guess it was anything special, I fixed things around the farm so many times Ah assumed anypony could do it. Course, I learned that wasn't the case when I fixed the storm drain that had been bust for a while. Imagine may surprise when Applejack told me mah big brother Big Mac couldn't fix and she hired every other repair pony in town and none of em could fix it. That's when I realized it was my talent." she finished proudly.
"My name is Scootaloo, and I ride a scooter better than anypony else in Equestria. Like Apple Bloom, I wasn't aware my talent was my talent. I learned the fact when i did this amazing rescue on my scooter. The victim was pegasus colt stuck in a tree. Using my scooter, I made a makeshift ramp, rode my scooter up it, and snatched the colt in the jump with a perfect landing. The colt and some onlookers told me that none of them had seen moves like mine. That's when I realized what I did on a regular basis wasn't as common as I thought it was and got my mark." Scootaloo said proudly.
"Sweetie Belle's the name, singing's my game," the white unicorn sang, the continued talking normally, "and unlike most singers, I write my own songs."
"Really?" I asked. That's rather a first for me, in the human world, most famous singers had songs written for them.
"Yep," Sweetie Belle continued, " I can come up with a song on the spot. But, unlike these two, I didn't think my talent was common, I was nervous about singing in front of others. I had to face this fear when I was asked to write a song for the opening of a talent show. When I finished, the pony originally meant to sing it had come down with a sore throat and since I was the only other pony there who knew the song, I had to sing it. Fortunately, with some encouragement, I went out their and sang it, and the crowd loved it. I was so overjoyed, I realized I had created something they enjoyed, and I was one to deliver it. That's when I got my cutie mark."
"Well, that's interesting." I replied.
"I know, and it only took us four years to earn our cutie marks since we started the CMC." Scootaloo said cheerfully.
After that, the Cutie Mark Crusaders went off to play party games and mingled more with the other guest. Eventually I found Pinkie Pie.
"How are you enjoying your party? Are you having fun? Is there anything I can do to make it better?" Pinkie asked worriedly.
"No, it's fine, I'm having a great time." I reassured her. "The thing is, I have so many questions about the future. Where am I going to live after I move out of library? What am I going to do to support myself? What if others aren't as tolerant of my past actions as the ponies here in Ponyville?"
"Sunset, your being silly, nopony can ever be sure of the future. You'll cross those bridges when you get to them. You should always live life one day at a time." Pinkie said surprisingly calming.
Now where did hyper-active party loving Pinkie Pie get wisdom like that?
"Anyways, the party is already over, go home and get some sleep, you'll need it for your new job tomorrow." Pinkie continued.
"Right... Well it looks like Twilight and Flash are ready to turn in, I'd better join them." I replied.
"Okay, goodnight, and remember what your antie Pinkie told you." the earth pony said as she hopped away cheerfully.
"Hey, I'm a year older than you!" I cried, but it did no good.
I turned around and almost ran into Fluttershy.
"I know girl, I've been there." she said softly.
Meanwhile, back in the human city of Canterlot
I stood in front of the desk while the principal and vice-principal went through my records,which also happen to be the records of my doppelganger. After seeing her in the dean's office, I had more than a few questions.
"Well, miss Shimmer, it would appear you're the victim of identity theft." Principal Celestia said finally.
I sighed. "I can very well believe that, I was in the hospital with a coma for four years after a car accident the summer before I was suppose to start my freshman year. I was suppose to come here to Canterlot High, and I don't blame you for thinking she was me. However, since we made it clear that she was NOT me, you must know something I don't, where did she come from and why did she look like me?"
"That, I'm afraid neither I nor my sister knows, however, I do happen to know a group of students who probably can tell us that information. Anyway, I'll contact Dean Deadly Serious to get this sorted out. We all need some answers." Celestia continued writing names on a piece of paper and handing it to me.
"Hmm, okay, thank you Principal Celestia, Vice Principal Luna." I said, and walked out of the office and closed the door behind me. However, I stopped and listened to the sisters conversation.
"Well, what do you make of this mess Luna?"Celestia asked.
"What do I make of it? I want to know where duplicates of people are coming from."
"Yes, it's funny really. When I first met Twilight Sparkle, I was sure I've never seen her in the school before, and you know I make it a habit to memorize the faces of our students. However, I checked the records and there was indeed a student of that name who was transferred here, save for at a later date. She was a mere four days early so I did think much of it."
She did prove to be someone special, you yourself said she truly was a princess Celestia, especially after that episode at the fall formal."
"I know, Luna, you and I both saw her go through the statue base, to her own world I would imagine."
"I still think we have that statue destroyed. But, why didn't you tell her that?"
"We don't know much more than that, this Sunset Shimmer would have had more questions. The only ones able to answer them would be those the doppelganger was close to, the students who's name I wrote on that paper."
"I see, still we have to make sure something like this doesn't happen again."
"And how, prey tell, do we do that?"
I walked away was the sisters began to argue about the subject. When I returned to Canterlot Community College, I handed Deadly Serious the list and he called down the students in question, six girls and a boy. Both Celestia and Luna joined us shortly afterwards.
"It has come to my attention that there was two of the same person and that you seven can explain this." Dean Serious said in a serious tone.
"Well, I'm not going to lie to ya, it's pretty far fetched." one who Identified herself as Applejack said.
"Don't worry, after what I saw yesterday, you can get me to believe in Big Foot." the dean replied.
"Okay, long story short, there is this alternate dimention where every person here is a pony. The Sunset Shimmer of that world came here and took human form. She lived her for five years until she was found out yesterday morning and went back to her world." another girl named Rainbow Dash explained.
It was silent for a good 5 minutes until Principal Celestia spoke up.
"Well, since it this other Sunset Shimmer has gone back to her world, which I think would be best if we kept under wraps, the Sunset of our world should simple take her place."
"I agree, the last thing we need is an investigation into something as confusing as this." Deadly Serious replied.
"Wait, what does that mean?" I asked.
"It means," Vice principal Luna stated, "that you got someone else to earn a high school diploma for you"
I guess I should count myself lucky I don't have to go through a high school education. Still, I highly doubt that Sunset and me had the same interest.
"What's my major?" I asked.
"Physics" Dean Deadly replied.
Okay, maybe we're not that different for each other. I did always want to become a physicist.
"That's actually what I was going to choose."
"Well, that means you'll be taking her courses then, as for your doppelganger running out, just say it was you and a family emergency had arise if anyone asks." the dean replied.
Once we had that was sorted out, the school was closing, so the eight of us walked to the bakery. The seven of them told me about my double, how she was a bully for two and a half years until she learned her lesson from Twilight Sparkle, another pony from the alternate universe where everyone is a pony, and impersonated the human Twilight. The story goes that pony Sunset stole pony Twilight's crown, (that other Twilight was a princess) and attempted to take over Equestria, a country in the alternate universe, using an army of teens that'll turn into ponies when they cross the portal. Thankfully, she was foiled and changed her ways afterwards. She too returned to her universe after our brief encounter.
"Wow, hard to believe anything like it has happened." I commented when they had finished.
"Like I said, far fetched." Applejack replied.
It may seem impossible to believe, but I was a bully like her once. I didn't have any friends. The difference is, I changed my ways after someone did something for me. I don't remember who it was or what they did, but they became my first friend, and I was soon able to make more.
"I know how your feeling right now, it was alot to take in at once for me too." Twilight said. "My advise is to listen to your gut. I know I've had no regrets doing so."
She turned to the boy, Flash Sentry and hugged him.
I stopped an listened to my heart, because it's usually more reliable than my gut. I felt they were trustworthy, even if I didn't know them that well.
"You guys want to hangout again tomorrow?" I asked finally.
The question was met with a cheer and a hug from Pinkie Pie, and the other followed. As stupid as it was, it felt kind of nice too.
I think this might work out just fine.
"Why didn't anypony tell me my mane was a mess?" Twilight asked when we had gotten to the library.
As hard as it was to believe, Twilight went to the party with a disheveled mane and nopony asked her about it, probably because she was a princess and had every right to try a bold new style.
"If it helps, I though it was a nice look for you." Flash said helpfully.
Twilight looked at him unamused at first, but couldn't help but crack a smile.
"How did your mane stay perfect during our bang?" she asked.
"Homemade extra strength hair gel." Flash replied simply.
"You have to teach me the recipe..."
RRRRRRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
The princess levitated what appeared to cell phone over to her and answered it. She must of really help Equestria advance over the next two and a half years. I could only imagine the look on everyone's, er, everypony's face when devises like these came into the market.
"Hello? Hi Spike. Okay, I'll call you if I need anything. Bye."
I remember meeting the baby dragon come in a little later. What surprised me was the fact that Rarity kissed him on the lips when he arrived.
"Hey, Twi, can I ask you something?" I asked.
Twilight nodded.
"Are Spike and Rarity..."
"A thing? Yes, they are. I know he doesn't look it, but Spike is an adult by pony standards." Twilight said reassuringly.
Wow, that means he has to be at least 12 years old.
"It's just that, it reminded me of what I had with, you know who, when I went to the human world." I said sadly.
"He was the first friend you ever made, wasn't he?" the alicorn asked.
I didn't reply. I thought back to that day.
***
I walked through the mirror, promptly lost my balance and fell flat on my chest. Picking myself, I look at my hooves, and gasped. They had taken a new form, there were things poking out of them. Inspecting the rest of me, I saw my body had changed entirely to something I didn't recognize. Looking around, the environment was different from what I was use to. Something that looked like a horse drawn carriage went by. Getting on all fours, I walked toward the large building in front of me. I had only gone a few steps when I ran into something. I looked up at the strangest creature I ever saw. Since it lacked eyelashes, I assumed it was male. He had a blue spiky mane, but no tail. He stood on two legs and the same strange appendages at the sides. We just stared at each other for a moment.
"What are you looking at?" I asked.
"I saw you come out the statue, and you seem to be struggling." he replied.
I had deduced that I had to walk on my hind legs in this world. I got up, but couldn't keep my balance. I fell over and landed in his arms. He held me up until I had managed to get my bearings a few minutes later.
"I'm guessing you don't have humans were you come from?" Flash asked.
"Humans, is that what I have become? A human?" I asked him.
"Pretty much, yeah. Anyway, my name is Flash Sentry." he replied, sticking out a hand.
I stared at it for a while, then imitated his actions with one of mine.
"Sunset Shimmer."
"That's a pretty name."
"Thanks?"
"So, where did you come from?"
"I'd rather not talk about it. But...I would like to hear all about this world."
"Sure, I'll help you." Flash said with a smile which I returned.
At first, I only intended to use him, but as time went on and Flash taught me more about the human world, I started to care about him, and we grew close. How unfortunate I reminded myself what I was there.
***
I nodded. "And the only one I'd have for 2 years. Flash was a real help when I first arrived. Of course, then he left me and got with your human counterpart after you left."
Twilight was silent for a moment.
"You know, it's funny. When I came back this time around, I felt like I did then. I felt like I was in some strange new world, even if it was home, but I guess that's because I'm a new pony."
"Well, you've got a guide with you." Twilight smiled.
I smiled and hugged her. "Thanks, Twi." I whispered.
"No problem Sunset."
"Hey, Twi, getting kinda lonely here!" a voice called.
It seemed the pegasus excused himself and went to bed.
"Stallions, am I right?" the princess asked.
I chucked knowingly and went to bed. Human Flash could be the same way sometimes, but I'm sure human Twilight has him under control.
***
I stood in a bright grassy field on a bright sunny day. Yet, an eerie feeling hung in the air. I looked up at the sky, and saw her, the demon I had created when I donned the element of magic. She landed in front of me, and I grew scared.
"No, no, it's not possible, the elements of harmony killed you!" I panicked.
"Sunset, did you forget? The elements of harmony don't kill, they imprison or purify, and in this case, they did both. They not only purified you, but me a separate entity and banished me to the boules of your mind. I tried to take back control, as evident from your past dreams. Remember the first one, when I tried to eat you? I would have succeed if you hadn't woke up. Alas,I grew weak, and you so quickly making friends didn't do me any favors, ESPECIALLY, after you shot me through the heart in round two. However, you didn't entirely do away with me, and your self-doubt since you came back to Equestria is doing me a world of good."
I put on a brave face and took a fighting stance. "I told you, I'm not like you anymore, and your crazy if you think I'm going back."
Of course, she had foolishly told me the key to her defeat.
"So you say, but I don't think you really know what's at stake."
"I know full well what we're play for."
I hadn't forgotten my intentions before the Fall Formal fiasco.
"Then let the games begins." the demon said as she flew away, leaving me to wake up.
Seeking Help, Giving Help
A sunbeam shone through the window as I opened my eyes. I stretched out my hooves and yawned. The smell of oatmeal greeted my nose as I waited for my senses to catch up. Once they had, I made my bed and went downstairs. To my surprise, the guard was stirring the pot.
"Good morning Sunset." Flash said kindly when he noticed me.
"The Flash I dated couldn't boil oatmeal to save his life. Once, when he tried, he left it on the stove for too long that it stuck in the pot." I replied.
"I can believe that, Twilight taught me how to do it properly. It took who know how many tries, but I got it eventually. Still, if you told me I would be dating a princess, much less gotten cooking lessons from her, I wouldn't of believed you."
"I could believe it, Flash Sentry was always a perfect gentlemen."
To my surprise, the pegasus laughed. "Perfect? That guy is far from perfect. Did you know he has pride issues?"
"Pride issues?"
"Oh yeah, all it takes is one blow to the ego and this guy become a big jerk who stops at nothing to exact revenge. Once, shortly going our new relationship, Twilight was introducing me to her friends, Rainbow Dash challenged me to a race, and I lost. I was mad, and you don't want to know what I wanted to do to Rainbow, but her highness was there, and wanted to make a good impression, so I held back."
Strange, I never saw this side of Flash, then again, I've never known anyone to hurt in the ego. Well, as they say, no one's... nopony is perfect, but still...
"Well, breakfast is ready." The guard continued and poured the oatmeal into three bowls and brought them to the table, already set with spoons.
"Flash, have you ever been afraid that your issues might come back to bite you?" I asked.
The pegasus sat down and picked up his spoon. "Sure, but I learned something else that same day." he said coolly.
"And that would be?"
"Ponies can raise above their flaws. It's not easy, and it can take your whole life, but you can it you try. I confessed my problem to Twilight later that night and she promised to help me with it if I promised to help her with her problems. Why do you ask?"
"I think I know why." another voice interrupted. We turned to the purple alicorn. "Your past still haunting you?" Twi asked.
"More like my past took a physical form in my head and is threatening to take over Equestria." I replied, much to Twi's surprise.
"Oh my, how...the elements must have, yes that's the only explanation." she thought aloud.
Flash and I stared.
"Sorry, I was thinking out loud. I know somepony you can talk too. Rarity went through something similar when she was corrupted by the Nightmare forces. We can see her after your shift at the post office." the princess replied.
"Yes, of course." I said doubtfully as I sat down and ate my breakfast.
***
I left the library later that morning with directions from Twilight. When I arrived at the post office, the door was curiously unlocked. I walked in and stared in amazement. Mail was everywhere, on the floor, in tall stacks on various tables, and spilling out the mail slots.
"Yikes! No wonder the mail system is said to be so unreliable." I said out loud.
"You got that right." a familiar voice said.
I watched as Ditzy Doo walked out from behind another door, dress in a mail carrier's uniform .
"I didn't see you wearing that yesterday."
"That's because it was casual Friday yesterday." Ditzy replied.
"Right...I assume you'll want me to organize this mess."
The pegasus nodded. picking up a bunch of letter and packages and stuffing them into her mailbag.
"I'll be back later for another round later." Ditzy said as she flew out the door (eventually).
I looked at the sea of mail the that lay before me.
"My,my, my, that's quite a lot of mail to through." The demon said casually in my head, "I don't think you'll be able to get through it all."
"Any other pony would give up right here, but not me. In fact, I bet I can organize it all before Derpy gets back." I said confidently.
"Oh? I'd like to see you try."
Sure another pony wouldn't bother, but I was a unicorn gifted in the field of magic. Every last piece of mail was engulfed in a light green aura.
***
"Hey, I'm back..." Ditzy's voice started, but her voice fell flat.
I looked up from my book to see her month hanging open, no doubt from the spectacle of the fully organized mail room.
"Great, your back. Stand still." I said, then I charged up my horn and cast a spell on her eye. My magic went into Ditzy's eyes, causing her to blink several times.
"Ow, Sunset what did you, I CAN SEE STRAIGHT!" she cheered.
"Of course you can, I cast a focus spell on your eye. They are still walled, but the spell readjusts your vision."
"Wow, thanks Sunset, this will make my delivers much easier, thanks. Do you now how hard it is to deliver mail looking at two directions at once?"
"I can only imagine." Alot of ponies were asking me to put in extra effort while I was here, apparently thanks to Ditzy's condition, the mail system was very unreliable, and Ditzy herself was living a hard life.
"Alright, organizing the mail is only part of the job, more of it will be coming one way or another, and you have to get it ready for me to deliver when I get back. Can you do that?"
I levitated another round of letters to her and placed them in her bag. Ditzy Doo smiled and left, leaving me to prepare for her third trip.
"So, how do you like them apples?" I asked to the monster in my mind.
"It'll take more than ONE good deed if you want to win." she spat, but voice had obvious fear in it.
But I didn't care. I was in too good a mood to be bothered. Sure, I did it to keep her in check, but the pay off was greater than that. I may need help myself, but giving somepony else help they so sorely needed just... just makes you feel so good inside, kinda makes me wish I had discovered it earlier. Oh well, better late than never.
Learning From Those Who Know
The rest of the day went without a hitch. Before I knew it, my shift was done.
"See you tomorrow Ditzy." I called as I walked out.
"Goodbye Sunset." she replied.
I was greeted by Twilight when I got out.
"Something happened to the mail. I calculated that reliability in the mail system went up over 200% in 4 hours today."she said in disbelief.
Poor Twi.
"Yeah, I know, I organized the mail room and corrected Ditzy's vision with a spell." I replied.
The Princess looked at me shocked. She remained that way for several second before she shook it off.
"That's great you did that for Ditzy Sunset, but are you sure you.."
"Yes, I'm positive, I spend said four hours THOROUGHLY researching the subject." I replied.
The alicorn sighed. "Okay, if you're sure. Let's go to see Rarity."
Twilight led me to a colorful tower like building called the "Carousel Boutique". She knocked on the door and called out for Rarity.
"Coming!" a voice called within, and the white unicorn opened the door.
"Ah Twilight darling, so nice of you to drop by, and you Sunset." Rarity said.
"Always a pleasure, you still have Spike with you?" Twilight asked.
"I'm in here!" Spike called.
We walked in to see Spike covered in various fabric and ribbons. He was standing next to a mannequin that held a partly finished dress.
"Need me back at the library already Twi?" Spike asked jokingly.
"I assumed you taught Flash everything he needs to know about being my assistant, you tell me." Twi replied.
"True, but you can't beat experience, can you?"
"No you can't, I assume you'll be back when Flash has to return to duty back to Canterlot?"
"Of course. You two don't get enough time together."
I had chuckle at the spectacle before me.
"I know darling. It's so funny when they converse." Rarity told me.
I hated to change the subject so quickly, but...
"We're here because Twi said you've been in a similar situation I'm in right now." I replied.
"Which is?"
"I have a demon living in my head."
Rarity's face went somber. "Yes dear, I was tricked into becoming the host for an evil shadow queen. After I was freed from her grip, I had to put up with her in my head. We shared a mental link, and she mocked me with my weaknesses."
"What did you do to beat her?"
"Well, I'll tell you what a wise pony once told me. You have to accept the fact that it happened, then draw from it the lesson you learned. Then, can you move on."
I considered this. Sure I accept the that it happened. My fear is that no one...nopony will accept me because of it. As for what I learned from everything 2 and a half years ago was I was a total jerk and had to learn what friendship was.
"That doesn't really help me now. I just...I don't want to become an outcast."
"Then make sure you have friends and family around. I know what fear can do to anyone. Fear can drive a pony to make bad decisions. I should know, it happened to me." Rarity said.
I felt a hoof on my shoulder. The princess spoke softly. "You don't have to be afraid Sunset, we'll be here for you, every step of the way."
I nodded. With that, we left the boutique and continued to the library. As we walked, Twilight sighed as we pasted a clearing in the middle of town.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"It's nothing" the alicorn replied.
"You can tell me Twilight."
"You'd think it would silly."
"Try me."
Twilight sighed. "Okay, I use to live in a castle that stood in that spot."
A castle in Ponyville? That must have been something to see.
"What happened to it?" I asked.
"It was destroyed by an evil unicorn stallion named King Sombra. I thought he was dead, but his horn regenerated the rest of his body, and he came back looking for my friends and me. He attack Ponyville out of vengeance and spite. We managed to evacuate everypony and fought him, but he managed to knock out my friends until it was just me and him. I remember feeling so angry at him for hurting my friends and all the innocent ponies in town. I..."
Twilight remained silent for a moment. Her face showed such distress that I wasn't sure if I wanted to hear the rest.
"I charged up my horn shot a powerful blast right through his heart."
"You killed him?" I asked in disbelief.
"I wasn't thinking when I did it, I just did. *sigh* Needless to say, I regretted it after I did it. I mean, just killing somepony in cold blood like that, what does that say about you?"
"Back in the other universe, we call that being human. You made a mistake because you're a flawed being. I should know what angry can do to someone, it can lead them to do horrific things. And I know everyone is vulnerable to it."
We arrived at the library after a moment of silence.
"You know, this library was actually destroyed once."
"Was it?"
"Oh yeah, a creature named Tirek escaped from Tartarus and stole magic from ponies, the princess not to far down the list. Celestia, Luna, and Cadance all transferred their magic to me to keep it from him. When he found me, he blasted Golden Oaks to smithereens. Fortunately, a friend of mine had no trouble fixing it after Tirek was back in his prison, in fact, you could say it was a snap for him." Twilight finished with a wink.
From the way she said it, you'd think all she had to do was get someone to snap their fingers.
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