May the Sunset Sparkleby TheFosterColtChaptersThe True BeginningTaking SidesShe's BackThe True BeginningIt was noon in the Crystal Empire train station, and Sunset Shimmer had been doing awe-inspiring magic tricks all morning, trying to earn thirty bits for a train ticket to Canterlot. She sent up a ball of energy into the sky, and as it exploded, it told the history of Equestria, when the Royal Pony Sisters had went against each other, the elder banishing her young sister to the moon for one thousand years. Meanwhile, she counted her bits, and a generous pony dropped two bits in the little pile she had going. She counted them, and they came out to thirty exactly. She said goodbye and thank you to the crowd she had created, and went up to the reception desk to purchase a ticket. “One ticket to Canterlot,” Sunset Shimmer said, laying her bits on the counter. “I’m sorry, miss, but I’m afraid we don’t have any departures to Canterlot at the moment,” The receptionist said, apologizing for the inconvenience. “Ugh! Really?!” Sunset Shimmer said with anger. She sighed, and said, “Fine… what other departures do you have at the moment? “Well, we have a departure for Fillydelphia, Manehattan, Las Pegasus, and Ponyville. All leaving within fifteen minutes.” Sunset Shimmer pondered at these options, and she knew that Ponyville was just a quaint little country part of Equestria. “I’ll take one ticket to Ponyville.” “That’ll be twenty bits, please!” the receptionist said cheerfully. Sunset Shimmer got the ticket, and started waiting for ten minutes. She decided to go into the store to buy a small saddlebag, which cost 6 bits, leaving her with a mere 4 bits. Sunset Shimmer knew she needed it though, for she didn’t know how long this trip would take. By this time, it was time to board the train. “Train departure for Ponyville! All aboard!” the Conductor bellowed proudly. Sunset Shimmer boarded the train, and took a seat. About a minute later, the train started moving, the landscape before her starting to blur before her eyes at the speed of the train. Sunset Shimmer started to contemplate on how exactly she was going to get revenge on Twilight Sparkle. She never truly had a plan from the beginning, she just knew that this was her calling, like she had to do this for what Twilight did to her. Her mind raced for answers, and she remembered back to her apprenticeship with Princess Celestia… “Princess Celestia?” Sunset Shimmer asked, looking up at her teacher. Celestia directed her attention to Sunset Shimmer, who was looking up at Celestia with admiration. “Yes, my young student?” “May I ask you about Starswirl the Bearded?” The young filly asked. “Of course, he was one of my finest pupils. What would you like to know about him?” Celestia said, laying on the ground in front of the filly to make the young unicorn feel more on her level. “I’d like to know… since he created so many spells that we still use today, were there any spells created by him that we don’t use now? And, I noticed that the collections of spells in books are written by other ponies. So, where is the source of his original creations?” “My my, that’s a very good question to ask, my young student. I’ll tell you, but you must promise not to tell anypony. These are secrets only known to royals, and the Canterlot Guards.” “I promise I won’t tell anypony.” Sunset Shimmer said. “Well, the book of his most powerful spells are kept in a top secret place somewhere in the Canterlot Castles, guarded by a magical force lock, which immobilizes any creature that touches the barrier, and it will also set off an alarm for guards to come and take any trespassers that try to steal Starswirl’s secret book. I am the only one that knows how to take the barrier down, in case I ever need the book.” “Why would you need the book?” Sunset Shimmer asked questionably. “Don’t you know every magical spell there is?” Celestia chuckles at her question. “My little pony, it would be incredibly difficult, even for me, to learn every spell there is. The book isn’t just about spells. Starswirl the Bearded was a very gifted unicorn, but he was just missing something in his magic, for it to truly mean something important, that could potentially change a pony’s life forever. That’s why I like to study the book every now and then.” “Oh… thank you Princess. That answers all of my questions.” “You’re welcome, my faithful student. So, made any new friends lately?” As Sunset Shimmer snapped back to reality, she knew that she had to get her hooves on that book. She knew that it might hold some valuable spells that could alter lives with ease. She's even heard rumors about the most powerful forms of time and space altering spells that are rumored to lie in text, written by Starswirl himself. Sunset Shimmer won’t know until she gets it. Sunset Shimmer then tried to think of where the secret spell book would be in the castle. “Hmmm… Celestia said guards would come running to the secret place… so that means that the book would be somewhere in which no guards are around.” Sunset Shimmer thought aloud. “But… there were always guards, guarding everything in the Canterlot Castles… at least from what I remember...” Sunset Shimmer got tired of thinking, and stared out the window at the rolling greens of the Unicorn Range. Twilight Sparkle slowly rolled out of bed, still sleepy from waking up. She brushed her mane, flew downstairs, and made some breakfast to eat for her and Spike. By this time, she was fully awake. “Spike! Breakfast is ready!” She said, calling her assistant downstairs to start the day. Spike came surprisingly quick down the stairs, as if he had something important to say. “We’ve gotten a letter from Princess Celestia!” The young dragon said enthusiastically. Twilight levitated the letter and opened it. She read aloud… Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, I ask that you come to the Crystal Empire at once. I’d like for you to go to the other universe through the Magical Mirror to check on the friends you made there, and that Sunset Shimmer has remained there, and has caused no havoc. I’m sure they will all be very pleased to see an old friend. Terribly sorry for the short notice. A chariot, along with Princess Luna, will be there at high noon to take you there. Sincerely, Princess Celestia “Awesome! I can’t wait to go!” Spike said excitedly. “Actually, since the princess didn’t say you could go in the letter, you probably shouldn’t come with me. Sorry Spike.” Twilight said with sorrow. As if answering to Twilight’s statement, Spike belched, and another letter from the princess appeared in the green flames. Twilight picked it up with her magic, and read aloud, “P.S., Spike may come with you, since he went with you last time.” “Yes! We get to go and meet your old human friends, Twilight!” Spike said exuberantly. Twilight chuckled at Spike’s excitedness. “We sure do, Spike.” Sunset Shimmer awoken in some sort of dark landscape, with no major features in particular. The land was flat and plain, with not a tree or hill to be found. Sunset Shimmer did notice one thing… the moon. It shone beautifully in the sky, and was the only source of light in this flat landscape, and it was all lit up just enough to see. It was also silent, the silence enough to drive a pony mad. “Hello?” Sunset Shimmer asked into the silence. “Is anypony here?” As if an answer to Sunset’s question, she suddenly heard hoofsteps behind her. Sunset Shimmer quickly spun around, knowing she saw nopony around when she surveyed her area. “Who’s there?!” Sunset Shimmer asked alarmingly. She saw a black figure approaching her. It was pitch black all over, had no facial features, and appeared to not have a mane. “What are you?!” Sunset Shimmer asked, trying to keep herself together. The black figure kept slowly pacing towards Sunset Shimmer, her heart rate rising with each dreaded hoofstep. She felt as if she were immobilized, that she couldn't move from her spot, that she would have a slow and excruciating death. The pitch black monster stopped just inches from Sunset Shimmer's face, making sweat bead on her forehead. The monster slowly opened its wide, gaping mouth, revealing a few rows of long, sharp teeth, resembling those of a shark. While doing this, the monster let out a piercing scream, the sheer volume torturing Sunset Shimmer's eardrums. All she could do was stare at her eminent death. Suddenly, the creature stopped its squealing, and burst into bright white light, revealing a pony that Sunset Shimmer had never seen before, but has heard enough rumors about to know exactly who she is. “Why hath thou invaded Equestria?” Princess Luna asked, interrogating Sunset Shimmer. Sunset Shimmer was too in shock to say anything. “Well? What is thy reason?” Sunset Shimmer gathered her sanity, and spoke. “I-I have come to Equestria seeking revenge…” “On Twilight Sparkle, if that may be my first guess?” Luna asked. “Y-yes...” Sunset Shimmer was devastated. She knew that she had been found out, and would be banished back to the human world. Or even worse, put to death right here in Equestria. “I see. First and foremost, you were banished from Equestria many moons ago. You were not to set a single hoof inside Equestrian borders. Yet, you are asleep on the train, on your way to Ponyville as we speak.” Luna said, picking away at Sunset Shimmer. “I know that… What shall be my punishment?” Sunset Shimmer asked, hanging her head in agony. “Sunset Shimmer, you shall be sent to the gates of Tartarus to live out your last days as soon as you set a single step off of the train.” Sunset Shimmer knew this was it. Her journey over, she was going to die alone, and unsatisfied about never getting her revenge. “Unless.” Sunset Shimmer’s eyes opened wide, and her ears perked up. “W-what did you say?” “Unless. Unless you aid us in our journey, you may continue on with your own, and you will not be detained.” Luna said. “What might your journey be?" Sunset Shimmer questioned. “I ask that you help us overthrow my oh so beloved sister, Princess Celestia.” Luna said with triumph. Sunset Shimmer couldn't believe this. Not only will she get her revenge on Twilight Sparkle, but she will help in the cause of taking down Princess Celestia herself! "Your wish is my command," Sunset Shimmer said. “Very well, then. Your first task is to find three certain ponies. Upon awakening, you will find that three pictures of certain ponies will have appeared in your saddlebag, along with fifty bits. These pictures have their names on the back, and their location. Once you find the three, they will know what to do. Now, we have an agreement. You wish to take revenge on Twilight Sparkle, is that correct?” Luna asked. “Yes, Princess.” Sunset Shimmer said obediently. “Do you require my services?” “All I require is Starswirl the Bearded’s secret original spell book. That’s all I ask.” “I see. You wish to take revenge on Twilight Sparkle this way?” “Yes I do, princess.” “Very well, Sunset Shimmer. I must be going now. Also, keep in mind that you are banished from Equestria. Twilight Sparkle is going to the Crystal Empire to check on the human world. She will see that you are not there, and will come back with bad news. Your name and face will be all over Equestria by tomorrow morning, making it extremely dangerous to move anywhere. You must not be noticed. And, the friends of Twilight Sparkle that were chasing after you the night you stole the crown know exactly who you are and what you look like. I also put their pictures in your saddlebag. Be careful. I shall end your life myself if you fail to complete your task.” Sunset Shimmer nodded her head in agreement. Princess Luna’s horn started to glow, and the entire landscape started to shine radiantly, and then everything went black. Sunset Shimmer woke up, and done a reality check. She confirmed she was no longer dreaming, and took in what Princess Luna had just said to her. Sunset Shimmer remembered what Luna said about the pictures, and looked in her saddlebag. She found a sack of fifty bits, along with some envelopes. She tore open the evelopes, and took three pictures out and observed them. She is looking for Crescent Moon and Minuette/Colgate, whom both live in Ponyville, and Night Light, who resides in Canterlot. She memorizes their looks, tears open the other envelope, and looks at the pictures inside. She then noticed something odd. These ponies look very familiar. Not familiar in the fact that they were chasing Sunset Shimmer when she stole the crown, but familiar in the fact that these ponies looked just like a group of friends from the human world. She then looked at their names, and was shocked. They read, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. Sunset Shimmer was in awe. She knew that Equestria and the human world were two completely different universes, but she did not know that they were alternate universes. Just then, the train jarred to a stop. “Attention all passengers! We have reached your destination, Ponyville. Please grab your things and step off the train.” A voice said over the intercom. Sunset Shimmer grabbed her saddlebag, and got off the train. As soon as she got off, she seen a royal chariot take off, towards the direction she just came. She recognized both ponies sitting in the chariot. Princess Luna and Twilight Sparkle. “Soon, Twilight Sparkle. Soon.” “Twilight Sparkle! Come now! We must be on our way at once!” Princess Luna bellowed, in front of Twilight’s house. “Coming!” Twilight Sparkle came bursting through the door, dressed in her formal attire, with Spike right by her side, carrying some bags for her. “Are you excited to go and see some old friends?” Luna asked, holding out a hoof to help Twilight into the chariot. “Of course I’m excited!” Twilight said, boarding the chariot. “Good. I’m coming with you simply to survey your progress. And, it’s always nice to have some company, right?” Luna said cheerfully. Twilight was tuning out Luna, and instead looking over at the train station. The chariot then took off, and Twilight turned back around. “Twilight? Is something the matter?” Luna asked. “Oh, it’s nothing. I thought I seen somepony I knew.” Author's Note Oh, look! A plot twist! I am really enjoying writing this. I hope you all enjoy reading it! Taking SidesSunset Shimmer was hungry after getting off the train, so she decided to get something to eat before starting to look for the ponies she was looking for. She asked the first pony she seen where she could find some food to eat. “Hey, do you know any good places to eat?” Sunset Shimmer asked a pony running a flower stand, particularly roses. “I really like this place over by the Town Hall called the Hay Café.” Roseluck said. “Would you like to buy any roses while you’re passing through?” “Oh, no thanks.” Sunset Shimmer said, even though a fresh rose sure did sound delicious right now. “Okay, well have a nice day!” “You too.” Sunset Shimmer noticed all the ponies in this town are very nice and pretty considerate. And, wow! The place has really grown over the years. However, it’s not all that modernized. Everything in the small town looks very olden pony times, even the houses. Sunset Shimmer got to the Café, and takes a seat at an open table. She was happy to see that the place seemed to be pretty upkeep and quite fancy. A waiter came to her table. “Hello ma’am, may I take your order?” The waiter said politely. “Yes, I’ll take water, and a lily and pansy sandwich.” Sunset Shimmer said. “Yes ma’am, your order will be out in just a minute.” The waiter said, walking back to the main restaurant. Sunset Shimmer nodded to the waiter, and took a minute to survey her surroundings. She seen nothing out of the ordinary, and looked up at the sky. Ponyville must have a very good Weather Team, because there were only a few clouds up in the sky, and the few that were in the sky were white as snow. It seemed like a very quaint town. Then Sunset Shimmer remembered Princess Luna saying something about Twilight’s friends. She took out the pictures she received from Luna, and looked at the back of them, and seen that all of the backs of the letters had their location, and they all lived in Ponyville. Sunset swore under her breath, and became very paranoid. “Here is your meal, ma’am.” The waiter layed Sunset’s order on her table. “Would you like to pay now?” “…Oh, uh yes, thank you.” Sunset Shimmer stuttered. “That will be seven bits, please.” Sunset Shimmer gave the waiter the bits, and he bidded her a good day. Sunset scarfed her sandwich down in about five bites, and started looking around for the ponies named Minuette and Crescent Moon. She decided the fastest way to find them would be to ask around, so she went to the first pony she seen. “Um, excuse me? I need to find two ponies named Minuette and Crescent Moon, do you know where I can find them?” Sunset Shimmer asked a minty green pony. “Oh, of course!” Lyra beamed. “You can find Minuette at the dentist’s office, and Crescent Moon, I don’t really know where he works, or even lives, for that matter. Oh, and you can call Minuette ‘Colgate’ if you want! That’s what everypony calls her. Are you new to Ponyville?” Lyra asked Sunset Shimmer, hoping to get to know her better. “Oh, thank you. I’m definitely not new to Ponyville, I've been here before. I've got to get going, though. Thanks for the help.” Sunset Shimmer said with as much positivity as she could muster. She knew she couldn't just go around making a scene everywhere, she would be easily spotted later on and taken to jail, and then assassinated Luna. She most definitely didn’t want that. Then she realized something. “Wait!” Sunset Shimmer yelled back to the pony she was just talking to. “Where is the dentist?” “Oh, just down that path that you’re on! You can’t miss it!” Lyra said back. “Thank you!” Sunset Shimmer said. “You’re welcome!” Lyra said back. And with that, Sunset Shimmer was on her way. She walked about three blocks, and she could see the dentist’s office two blocks away. Her hopes were instantly raised, and she sped up her pace. However, her hopes were dashed just as quickly as they came. She noticed a cyan pegasus with an unmistakable rainbow mane in the sky above, and dove for cover in a nearby alleyway, behind some trash cans. The pegasus quickly and expertly flew over at amazing speeds. And like that, the cyan pegasus Sunset Shimmer knew as Rainbow Dash for obvious reasons was gone, out of sight. Sunset Shimmer let out a sigh of relief, and continued on towards the dentist’s office. She made it without seeing any other ponies that were friends of Twilight’s, and stepped inside. She surveyed the room, and all was clear except for a gray pegasus with a yellow mane that had mismatched eyes, and a receptionist that has a purple mane and a light lavender mane. Sunset Shimmer went up to the reception desk. “I’d like to talk to Colgate, please.” Sunset Shimmer said to the receptionist. “Did you schedule an appointment?” The receptionist said in a very monotone voice, obviously bored out of her mind. “No, but I need to speak to her right now. It’s an emergency.” Sunset Shimmer said, hoping she wouldn’t have to wait any longer than she had to. The receptionist sighed and said, “What is the emergency, and how do you know Colgate?” Sunset Shimmer decided to go on the offensive. “The emergency is none of your business, and me and Colgate are friends!” Sunset Shimmer told the receptionist, hoping to be able to go and talk to Colgate right away. The receptionist sighed again, and said, “Fine, go ahead.” “Thank you!” Sunset Shimmer said offensively. The receptionist went back to doing absolutely nothing, and Sunset Shimmer went into a short hallway. At the end of the hallway, she could see a door that had a sign on it that read, “Minuette.” Sunset Shimmer walked towards the door, and knocked on the door. “Hello? May I come in?” Sunset Shimmer asked, hoping to get answer. “Who are you?” Sunset Shimmer heard a voice from behind her. She turned around, to see Colgate right there. “My name is Sunset Shimmer, and I have come here for… special reasons. And your name is Minuette, although you go by Colgate.” Colgate looked as though she realized something, and said, “Come into my office.” Sunset Shimmer nodded, and allowed Minuette past her to open her office and went inside. “So, who sent you?” Minuette asked Sunset Shimmer, in a serious tone. “Princess Luna.” Sunset Shimmer said blatantly, knowing this pony meant business. “To ensure you are not a spy, I must interrogate you. Please take a seat.” Sunset Shimmer sat in a chair that Minuette had pointed to. As soon as she sat in the chair, metal bands come over her hooves and head, strapping her into the chair. Sunset Shimmer struggled to get out. “Don’t bother. You’re not getting out of that chair. It has magical properties that negates you from using your magic at all. Now, here’s the rules. I will interrogate you on the information from Luna’s dream, and if you answer a question wrong, then I will kill you so fast, you won’t even have time to scream for mercy. Got it?” Minuette said coldly to the pony she’s barely knew for a minute. “Y-yes!” Sunset Shimmer said, scared for her life. “Very well. Now, first question. Where were you in the dream, and what moon phase was the moon in?” “It was just a dark, flat, barren landscape. The moon was full.” Sunset Shimmer said. “What was the first thing you heard?” “Hoofsteps from behind me.” Sunset Shimmer said. “What was the creature making the hoofsteps?” Minuette asked. Sunset Shimmer thought for a second. “It… it was… it was a pony, but it was pitch black, and horrifying.” “What did it do?” Minuette asked. Sunset Shimmer got a chill up her spine at this question. "It slowly stepped towards me," Just thinking of that horrifying memory in her dream made Sunset Shimmer want to scream. “…and then?” Sunset Shimmer shivered while answering Minuette's question, "It came up to my face, revealed its sharp teeth, and screamed." "What did it do after it was done screaming?" Minuette asked. "It suddenly stopped screaming and burst into light," Sunset Shimmer said. “Who then appeared in front of you after the light subsided?” Minuette asked, knowing this was an easy question, but a necessary one. “Princess Luna.” Sunset Shimmer said, relieved they were past the nightmare. “What appeared in your saddlebag after you woke up?” “Fifty bits, a picture of you, a picture of a pegasus named Crescent Moon, a dark blue unicorn named Night Light, and five pictures of ponies that are Twilight Sparkle’s friends.” Sunset Shimmer said. Minuette looked at her decisively for a second. "Very well," Minuette said. As soon as Minuette said this, the metal bracers retracted back into the chair, letting Sunset Shimmer free. “Welcome to the New Lunar Republic, Sunset Shimmer,” Minuette said with a smirk. “Well, it seems we have arrived at the Crystal Empire.” Luna said. The chariot came and landed just outside of the Crystal Castle. “Thank you, sirs.” Twilight said to the royal guards that pulled their chariots, who responded by snorting and standing proudly. “Let’s go in, you must say hello to Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, and go and come back from this… ‘human’ world you spoke so fondly of.” Luna said. Twilight nodded her head, and went in, along with Spike. Shining Armor and Cadence were waiting for them in the main foyer. Twilight gasped when she saw Cadence, and went straight up to her. “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs, awake! Clap your hooves, and do a little shake!” They both sung and danced. Spike rolled his eyes thinking if they will ever get tired of that. “It’s so good to see you again, Twilight!” Cadence beamed. “Same here, Cadence! And hello, BBBFF!” Twilight said as she hugged her big brother. “Hey, Twily! Happy to see you.” Shining Armor said. “Ahem.” Luna spoke up. “The portal will close tonight, so we must move quickly. I’m sure Twilight is very excited to go back through the portal.” Luna said. “You bet I am!” Twilight said with excitement. “Come on this way, then.” Princess Cadance said. Everypony followed Princess Cadance through the halls to the room that holds the magical mirror. “Are you ready, Twilight?” Luna asked. “Yes yes yes yes yes! Come on, Spike!” Twilight said exuberantly. “Coming!” Spike said. “Remember when to come back, Twilight?” Luna asked worriedly of Twilight. “Yes, before the three stars touch the moon, right?” Twilight asked. “That is correct.” Luna said. “Be careful, Twilight.” Cadence said. Twilight nodded her head, and looked at the portal, thinking about her human friends, and how Sunset Shimmer was doing. She took a deep breath and walked through the portal, with Spike coming in after her. Author's Note Alright, you guys hang with me, because this story is just about to get good! I'm looking forward to releasing the next chapter. She's BackAll was peaceful in Ponyville, the town bustling with ponies going here and there. Rainbow Dash was relaxing on a cloud, the sofa clerk was selling quills, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were out trying to earn their cutie marks. All was relatively calm, when suddenly… *Crash!* *Slam!* “Ugh!” Twilight exasperated. “Where in Equestria is Advanced Combat Spells Vol. 3?! I swear I just had it!” “Uh, Twilight? It’s right here,” Spike said, picking up the thick book. “Oh! Thank you, Spike. What would I do without you?” “No problem!” Spike said proudly. “Just set it on my desk over there. We should probably get going to Sugarcube Corner for Pinkie Pie’s Pop-Up Party-tastic Extravaganza. You know how she is about ponies being late for a party,” Twilight said. “Alright! Are you going to wear your crown?” Spike asked. “What? Of course not. I don’t want to draw attention to myself. This party is for everypony,”Twilight stated. “Oh, just making sure. I hope Pinkie has harvested for ruby season!” Twilight rolled her eyes as they walked through Ponyville, getting plenty of friendly waves from the townsponies along the way. “Just think, dear sister. Thrity moons ago, Twilight Sparkle became the newest Princess of Equestria,” Luna said, gazing up at her beautiful night sky she had just created. “Yes, I know, Luna. I’m very proud of her. She’s come an astoundingly long way. Out of all the students I’ve ever had, I knew, I just knew she had to be the one back when I seen her for the very first time. Not to say I never worried about her at times,” Celestia said, chuckling as she looked up at the night sky. “Whatever do you mean, dear sister?” Luna asked. “I was worried she was going to turn out like Starswirl the Bearded. Secluded, scornful, never making any friends. Or even worse, Sunset Shimmer, becoming greedy for power, and wanting it as fast as possible. The magic of friendship has saved Equestria numerous times from many evil forces. Just think, without Twilight and her friends, we probably wouldn’t even be standing here, looking at your beautiful night,” Celestia said. Luna took the thoughts in and said, “We sure wouldn’t dear sister.” Sunset Shimmer is walking home, late at night after an afterschool project that she had to finish for Ms. Cheerilee. *Sigh* “Finally got that stupid project done. I’m so done with all this useless schoolwork,” Sunset Shimmer said. She could have paired up with a partner, but she has no friends. Sunset Shimmer couldn’t seem to befriend anyone, no matter what she done. She ended up spending the next two and a half years of her life alone, getting funny looks in the hallway from what she had done. Sunset Shimmer has never forgotten Twilight. Even though she tries to remember Twilight as a good friend who helped her immensely, she cannot help but genuinely hate her. Sunset Shimmer basically had it all for a few minutes. The Element of Magic itself, ultimate power surpassing that of Celestia’s, even a teenage army. It was all taken away from her as fast as she had gotten it. “Why? Why is it so unfair?!” Sunset Shimmer said. She was now standing in front of the magic mirror that leads to Equestria. “I remember that night…” Sunset Shimmer thought of the night that Twilight Sparkle won the Princess of the Fall Formal. She remembered while laying down the bricks, she picked up a brick, and went over to the mirror. She touched its smooth surface, backed away, and with all her might, threw the brick at the mirror. Snips and Snails watched in awe as the brick flew through the air. But, when the brick hit the mirror’s surface, it didn’t do anything. The brick simply fell down, not even leaving a scratch on the mirror. Sunset Shimmer stood there, dumbfounded at what she just seen unfold before her eyes. She concluded that the magical portal to Equestria was forever linked somehow, and thus could not be broken. Sunset Shimmer was glad she didn’t break the mirror that night; for it would have been yet another damage she would have had to pay for. She just wanted something to take her anger out on. She had never really accepted Rarity’s, Pinkie Pie’s, Applejack’s, Fluttershy’s, and Rainbow Dash’s friendships. She couldn’t, especially after what she did to all of them. She basically spent the next two and a half years alone, not being able to accept anyone’s friendship. “It’s not fair!” Sunset Shimmer yelped, while rearing back and kicking the mirror. When her foot should have made contact with the mirror, she lost her balance and fell forward. She opened her eyes and was dazzled at the array of colors before her. She snapped back to reality and realized she was going through the portal, back to Equestria. Sunset Shimmer suddenly felt as if she were being spiraled, and launched forward. A blinding flash of white light hit her, and then she blacked out for a few seconds, and felt herself slam onto a hard, smooth surface. “Owww, my everything!” Sunset Shimmer said, trying to compose herself. She rubbed her head trying to lessen the pain of landing face first on a hard floor, and suddenly felt very awkward. She looked at her hand, and realized it’s a hoof. She’s a pony, and she was back in Equestria. She looked back at the magic mirror, and turned back around, and snickered. “Heheheh, this is going to be good.” Sunset Shimmer said with an acid tone. She had been seeking revenge on Twilight Sparkle ever since the Fall Formal. And now, Sunset Shimmer has the perfect opportunity. The only question was, where in Equestria was she? Sunset Shimmer knows the Canterlot Castles like she knows the back of her hoof. However, she wasn’t in Canterlot. Judging by the appearance of her surroundings, she figured she was in the Crystal Empire. She had been here before, for she can remember the night she stole Twilight Sparkle’s crown. She knew that she had found the Elements of Harmony that night. Luckily, she was able to remember a spell that allows her to see magic as a substance that floats in the air. She could literally see the magical connections between all of the friends, and seen a very strong connection flowing directly to Twilight’s room. She just had to steal the crown, and get out. Which she admits, she failed horribly at. She can’t think about that now. She has to focus on getting out of the Crystal Castle, out of the Empire, and seek shelter somewhere safe. “Hmmm… maybe this castle is modeled like the Main Canterlot Castle…” Sunset Shimmer wondered aloud. “Well, I’m certainly not going to get out of here sitting here and thinking. I need to get out.” Sunset Shimmer scanned for any presence of Royal Guards nearby, and seen it was clear. She slowly opened the door, and stepped outside. The hall went only one main way, so she quickly and quietly trotted down it. As she was nearing a two-way fork, she saw the glow of a Unicorn Guard’s searchlight to the left. She panicked, and levitated herself to the ceiling to avoid getting caught. Sunset Shimmer waited in anticipation as the guard slowly and leisurely passed by, sweat glistening down her face in fear and intimidation. Once the guard passed, she slowly came down and landed on the floor. She figured the guard might have come from a central stationing near the entrance, so she took the left path when it was safe. She came across an opening that had many doors, and an open path that lead down. She decided to take the path that lead down, and was met with a huge, extravagant crystal door. “I think I’ve found it.” Sunset Shimmer said. She decided to teleport to the outside of the door, assuming the door would make tons of noise when heaved open and shut. She found herself outside, under the Castle awning. She smiled in delight, and galloped through the streets of the Crystal Empire. “Wow… this place is amazing!” Sunset Shimmer said with appreciation for the unique crystal architecture. “But… I’m not here for sightseeing.” Sunset Shimmer said, while hurrying her pace. After what seemed like forever, she came to some sort of crystal gateway. She admired its beautiful floating crystals, and quickly passed through the gate. It was wide open now, and she noticed it getting colder. Sunset Shimmer remembered back to her apprenticeship with Princess Celestia… “…There was once a place in the Frozen North called the Crystal Empire.” Princess Celestia said to Sunset Shimmer, teaching her the unspoken and unwritten history of Equestria. “What happened to it?” Sunset Shimmer asked questionably. “Well, the place was cursed by a corrupted unicorn by the name of Sombra. He was banished by… another pony and I, turned to shadow. However, the Curse of the Crystal Empire had banished the entirety of the Empire into Oblivion.” Celestia said to her young student. “Wow…” Sunset Shimmer said in amazement. “Will it ever come back?” “Maybe one day, my young student.” “It certainly came back.” Sunset Shimmer said. “Ugh, it’s starting to get really cold!” Just as Sunset Shimmer said that, she started to see something off in the distance, and seen it was a train station. She galloped as fast as she could, and seen that the place was unlocked, and went inside to seek refuge. “Hello? Is anypony in here?” Sunset Shimmer asked. “Who is that? What’re you doing here?” the owner of the train station asked with an edge to his voice. “O-oh, I-I just need somewhere to stay for the night… you see, I’m new here, and I don’t have any bits to spend on a hotel…” “Hmmm… fine. You can stay here for the night. I just don’t want no funny business, got it?! “Yes, of course. Thank you so much.” “Phew! That party was over the top!” Twilight Sparkle said, exhausted after Pinkie Pie’s crazy party. “I just wanna know where she got all these jewels!” Spike said, eating a bowl full of gems. “I just want to get home and have a nice night’s sleep. I will have to read that book of combat spells later.” Twilight Sparkle said tiredly. “Oh yeah, why have you been studying combat magic so much lately?” Spike asked. “Well, you never know when you might have to defend yourself from somepony. Especially with me being a princess, some crazy pony may assault me. I have to know how to control to only stun the pony that’s attacking me, and not seriously injure them or worse! Combat magic is really hard to control minimally in intense situations. It’s incredibly easy to shoot a deadly ray of magic.” “Oh… well, ok. But I don’t think anypony’s going to try and take your position of princess-ship.” Spike said unworriedly. “You never know, Spike.” Twilight said/ Author's Note Well, this is my first fan fiction I've ever made. I hope I do a good job. Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated!
The True BeginningIt was noon in the Crystal Empire train station, and Sunset Shimmer had been doing awe-inspiring magic tricks all morning, trying to earn thirty bits for a train ticket to Canterlot. She sent up a ball of energy into the sky, and as it exploded, it told the history of Equestria, when the Royal Pony Sisters had went against each other, the elder banishing her young sister to the moon for one thousand years. Meanwhile, she counted her bits, and a generous pony dropped two bits in the little pile she had going. She counted them, and they came out to thirty exactly. She said goodbye and thank you to the crowd she had created, and went up to the reception desk to purchase a ticket. “One ticket to Canterlot,” Sunset Shimmer said, laying her bits on the counter. “I’m sorry, miss, but I’m afraid we don’t have any departures to Canterlot at the moment,” The receptionist said, apologizing for the inconvenience. “Ugh! Really?!” Sunset Shimmer said with anger. She sighed, and said, “Fine… what other departures do you have at the moment? “Well, we have a departure for Fillydelphia, Manehattan, Las Pegasus, and Ponyville. All leaving within fifteen minutes.” Sunset Shimmer pondered at these options, and she knew that Ponyville was just a quaint little country part of Equestria. “I’ll take one ticket to Ponyville.” “That’ll be twenty bits, please!” the receptionist said cheerfully. Sunset Shimmer got the ticket, and started waiting for ten minutes. She decided to go into the store to buy a small saddlebag, which cost 6 bits, leaving her with a mere 4 bits. Sunset Shimmer knew she needed it though, for she didn’t know how long this trip would take. By this time, it was time to board the train. “Train departure for Ponyville! All aboard!” the Conductor bellowed proudly. Sunset Shimmer boarded the train, and took a seat. About a minute later, the train started moving, the landscape before her starting to blur before her eyes at the speed of the train. Sunset Shimmer started to contemplate on how exactly she was going to get revenge on Twilight Sparkle. She never truly had a plan from the beginning, she just knew that this was her calling, like she had to do this for what Twilight did to her. Her mind raced for answers, and she remembered back to her apprenticeship with Princess Celestia… “Princess Celestia?” Sunset Shimmer asked, looking up at her teacher. Celestia directed her attention to Sunset Shimmer, who was looking up at Celestia with admiration. “Yes, my young student?” “May I ask you about Starswirl the Bearded?” The young filly asked. “Of course, he was one of my finest pupils. What would you like to know about him?” Celestia said, laying on the ground in front of the filly to make the young unicorn feel more on her level. “I’d like to know… since he created so many spells that we still use today, were there any spells created by him that we don’t use now? And, I noticed that the collections of spells in books are written by other ponies. So, where is the source of his original creations?” “My my, that’s a very good question to ask, my young student. I’ll tell you, but you must promise not to tell anypony. These are secrets only known to royals, and the Canterlot Guards.” “I promise I won’t tell anypony.” Sunset Shimmer said. “Well, the book of his most powerful spells are kept in a top secret place somewhere in the Canterlot Castles, guarded by a magical force lock, which immobilizes any creature that touches the barrier, and it will also set off an alarm for guards to come and take any trespassers that try to steal Starswirl’s secret book. I am the only one that knows how to take the barrier down, in case I ever need the book.” “Why would you need the book?” Sunset Shimmer asked questionably. “Don’t you know every magical spell there is?” Celestia chuckles at her question. “My little pony, it would be incredibly difficult, even for me, to learn every spell there is. The book isn’t just about spells. Starswirl the Bearded was a very gifted unicorn, but he was just missing something in his magic, for it to truly mean something important, that could potentially change a pony’s life forever. That’s why I like to study the book every now and then.” “Oh… thank you Princess. That answers all of my questions.” “You’re welcome, my faithful student. So, made any new friends lately?” As Sunset Shimmer snapped back to reality, she knew that she had to get her hooves on that book. She knew that it might hold some valuable spells that could alter lives with ease. She's even heard rumors about the most powerful forms of time and space altering spells that are rumored to lie in text, written by Starswirl himself. Sunset Shimmer won’t know until she gets it. Sunset Shimmer then tried to think of where the secret spell book would be in the castle. “Hmmm… Celestia said guards would come running to the secret place… so that means that the book would be somewhere in which no guards are around.” Sunset Shimmer thought aloud. “But… there were always guards, guarding everything in the Canterlot Castles… at least from what I remember...” Sunset Shimmer got tired of thinking, and stared out the window at the rolling greens of the Unicorn Range. Twilight Sparkle slowly rolled out of bed, still sleepy from waking up. She brushed her mane, flew downstairs, and made some breakfast to eat for her and Spike. By this time, she was fully awake. “Spike! Breakfast is ready!” She said, calling her assistant downstairs to start the day. Spike came surprisingly quick down the stairs, as if he had something important to say. “We’ve gotten a letter from Princess Celestia!” The young dragon said enthusiastically. Twilight levitated the letter and opened it. She read aloud… Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, I ask that you come to the Crystal Empire at once. I’d like for you to go to the other universe through the Magical Mirror to check on the friends you made there, and that Sunset Shimmer has remained there, and has caused no havoc. I’m sure they will all be very pleased to see an old friend. Terribly sorry for the short notice. A chariot, along with Princess Luna, will be there at high noon to take you there. Sincerely, Princess Celestia “Awesome! I can’t wait to go!” Spike said excitedly. “Actually, since the princess didn’t say you could go in the letter, you probably shouldn’t come with me. Sorry Spike.” Twilight said with sorrow. As if answering to Twilight’s statement, Spike belched, and another letter from the princess appeared in the green flames. Twilight picked it up with her magic, and read aloud, “P.S., Spike may come with you, since he went with you last time.” “Yes! We get to go and meet your old human friends, Twilight!” Spike said exuberantly. Twilight chuckled at Spike’s excitedness. “We sure do, Spike.” Sunset Shimmer awoken in some sort of dark landscape, with no major features in particular. The land was flat and plain, with not a tree or hill to be found. Sunset Shimmer did notice one thing… the moon. It shone beautifully in the sky, and was the only source of light in this flat landscape, and it was all lit up just enough to see. It was also silent, the silence enough to drive a pony mad. “Hello?” Sunset Shimmer asked into the silence. “Is anypony here?” As if an answer to Sunset’s question, she suddenly heard hoofsteps behind her. Sunset Shimmer quickly spun around, knowing she saw nopony around when she surveyed her area. “Who’s there?!” Sunset Shimmer asked alarmingly. She saw a black figure approaching her. It was pitch black all over, had no facial features, and appeared to not have a mane. “What are you?!” Sunset Shimmer asked, trying to keep herself together. The black figure kept slowly pacing towards Sunset Shimmer, her heart rate rising with each dreaded hoofstep. She felt as if she were immobilized, that she couldn't move from her spot, that she would have a slow and excruciating death. The pitch black monster stopped just inches from Sunset Shimmer's face, making sweat bead on her forehead. The monster slowly opened its wide, gaping mouth, revealing a few rows of long, sharp teeth, resembling those of a shark. While doing this, the monster let out a piercing scream, the sheer volume torturing Sunset Shimmer's eardrums. All she could do was stare at her eminent death. Suddenly, the creature stopped its squealing, and burst into bright white light, revealing a pony that Sunset Shimmer had never seen before, but has heard enough rumors about to know exactly who she is. “Why hath thou invaded Equestria?” Princess Luna asked, interrogating Sunset Shimmer. Sunset Shimmer was too in shock to say anything. “Well? What is thy reason?” Sunset Shimmer gathered her sanity, and spoke. “I-I have come to Equestria seeking revenge…” “On Twilight Sparkle, if that may be my first guess?” Luna asked. “Y-yes...” Sunset Shimmer was devastated. She knew that she had been found out, and would be banished back to the human world. Or even worse, put to death right here in Equestria. “I see. First and foremost, you were banished from Equestria many moons ago. You were not to set a single hoof inside Equestrian borders. Yet, you are asleep on the train, on your way to Ponyville as we speak.” Luna said, picking away at Sunset Shimmer. “I know that… What shall be my punishment?” Sunset Shimmer asked, hanging her head in agony. “Sunset Shimmer, you shall be sent to the gates of Tartarus to live out your last days as soon as you set a single step off of the train.” Sunset Shimmer knew this was it. Her journey over, she was going to die alone, and unsatisfied about never getting her revenge. “Unless.” Sunset Shimmer’s eyes opened wide, and her ears perked up. “W-what did you say?” “Unless. Unless you aid us in our journey, you may continue on with your own, and you will not be detained.” Luna said. “What might your journey be?" Sunset Shimmer questioned. “I ask that you help us overthrow my oh so beloved sister, Princess Celestia.” Luna said with triumph. Sunset Shimmer couldn't believe this. Not only will she get her revenge on Twilight Sparkle, but she will help in the cause of taking down Princess Celestia herself! "Your wish is my command," Sunset Shimmer said. “Very well, then. Your first task is to find three certain ponies. Upon awakening, you will find that three pictures of certain ponies will have appeared in your saddlebag, along with fifty bits. These pictures have their names on the back, and their location. Once you find the three, they will know what to do. Now, we have an agreement. You wish to take revenge on Twilight Sparkle, is that correct?” Luna asked. “Yes, Princess.” Sunset Shimmer said obediently. “Do you require my services?” “All I require is Starswirl the Bearded’s secret original spell book. That’s all I ask.” “I see. You wish to take revenge on Twilight Sparkle this way?” “Yes I do, princess.” “Very well, Sunset Shimmer. I must be going now. Also, keep in mind that you are banished from Equestria. Twilight Sparkle is going to the Crystal Empire to check on the human world. She will see that you are not there, and will come back with bad news. Your name and face will be all over Equestria by tomorrow morning, making it extremely dangerous to move anywhere. You must not be noticed. And, the friends of Twilight Sparkle that were chasing after you the night you stole the crown know exactly who you are and what you look like. I also put their pictures in your saddlebag. Be careful. I shall end your life myself if you fail to complete your task.” Sunset Shimmer nodded her head in agreement. Princess Luna’s horn started to glow, and the entire landscape started to shine radiantly, and then everything went black. Sunset Shimmer woke up, and done a reality check. She confirmed she was no longer dreaming, and took in what Princess Luna had just said to her. Sunset Shimmer remembered what Luna said about the pictures, and looked in her saddlebag. She found a sack of fifty bits, along with some envelopes. She tore open the evelopes, and took three pictures out and observed them. She is looking for Crescent Moon and Minuette/Colgate, whom both live in Ponyville, and Night Light, who resides in Canterlot. She memorizes their looks, tears open the other envelope, and looks at the pictures inside. She then noticed something odd. These ponies look very familiar. Not familiar in the fact that they were chasing Sunset Shimmer when she stole the crown, but familiar in the fact that these ponies looked just like a group of friends from the human world. She then looked at their names, and was shocked. They read, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. Sunset Shimmer was in awe. She knew that Equestria and the human world were two completely different universes, but she did not know that they were alternate universes. Just then, the train jarred to a stop. “Attention all passengers! We have reached your destination, Ponyville. Please grab your things and step off the train.” A voice said over the intercom. Sunset Shimmer grabbed her saddlebag, and got off the train. As soon as she got off, she seen a royal chariot take off, towards the direction she just came. She recognized both ponies sitting in the chariot. Princess Luna and Twilight Sparkle. “Soon, Twilight Sparkle. Soon.” “Twilight Sparkle! Come now! We must be on our way at once!” Princess Luna bellowed, in front of Twilight’s house. “Coming!” Twilight Sparkle came bursting through the door, dressed in her formal attire, with Spike right by her side, carrying some bags for her. “Are you excited to go and see some old friends?” Luna asked, holding out a hoof to help Twilight into the chariot. “Of course I’m excited!” Twilight said, boarding the chariot. “Good. I’m coming with you simply to survey your progress. And, it’s always nice to have some company, right?” Luna said cheerfully. Twilight was tuning out Luna, and instead looking over at the train station. The chariot then took off, and Twilight turned back around. “Twilight? Is something the matter?” Luna asked. “Oh, it’s nothing. I thought I seen somepony I knew.” Author's Note Oh, look! A plot twist! I am really enjoying writing this. I hope you all enjoy reading it!
Taking SidesSunset Shimmer was hungry after getting off the train, so she decided to get something to eat before starting to look for the ponies she was looking for. She asked the first pony she seen where she could find some food to eat. “Hey, do you know any good places to eat?” Sunset Shimmer asked a pony running a flower stand, particularly roses. “I really like this place over by the Town Hall called the Hay Café.” Roseluck said. “Would you like to buy any roses while you’re passing through?” “Oh, no thanks.” Sunset Shimmer said, even though a fresh rose sure did sound delicious right now. “Okay, well have a nice day!” “You too.” Sunset Shimmer noticed all the ponies in this town are very nice and pretty considerate. And, wow! The place has really grown over the years. However, it’s not all that modernized. Everything in the small town looks very olden pony times, even the houses. Sunset Shimmer got to the Café, and takes a seat at an open table. She was happy to see that the place seemed to be pretty upkeep and quite fancy. A waiter came to her table. “Hello ma’am, may I take your order?” The waiter said politely. “Yes, I’ll take water, and a lily and pansy sandwich.” Sunset Shimmer said. “Yes ma’am, your order will be out in just a minute.” The waiter said, walking back to the main restaurant. Sunset Shimmer nodded to the waiter, and took a minute to survey her surroundings. She seen nothing out of the ordinary, and looked up at the sky. Ponyville must have a very good Weather Team, because there were only a few clouds up in the sky, and the few that were in the sky were white as snow. It seemed like a very quaint town. Then Sunset Shimmer remembered Princess Luna saying something about Twilight’s friends. She took out the pictures she received from Luna, and looked at the back of them, and seen that all of the backs of the letters had their location, and they all lived in Ponyville. Sunset swore under her breath, and became very paranoid. “Here is your meal, ma’am.” The waiter layed Sunset’s order on her table. “Would you like to pay now?” “…Oh, uh yes, thank you.” Sunset Shimmer stuttered. “That will be seven bits, please.” Sunset Shimmer gave the waiter the bits, and he bidded her a good day. Sunset scarfed her sandwich down in about five bites, and started looking around for the ponies named Minuette and Crescent Moon. She decided the fastest way to find them would be to ask around, so she went to the first pony she seen. “Um, excuse me? I need to find two ponies named Minuette and Crescent Moon, do you know where I can find them?” Sunset Shimmer asked a minty green pony. “Oh, of course!” Lyra beamed. “You can find Minuette at the dentist’s office, and Crescent Moon, I don’t really know where he works, or even lives, for that matter. Oh, and you can call Minuette ‘Colgate’ if you want! That’s what everypony calls her. Are you new to Ponyville?” Lyra asked Sunset Shimmer, hoping to get to know her better. “Oh, thank you. I’m definitely not new to Ponyville, I've been here before. I've got to get going, though. Thanks for the help.” Sunset Shimmer said with as much positivity as she could muster. She knew she couldn't just go around making a scene everywhere, she would be easily spotted later on and taken to jail, and then assassinated Luna. She most definitely didn’t want that. Then she realized something. “Wait!” Sunset Shimmer yelled back to the pony she was just talking to. “Where is the dentist?” “Oh, just down that path that you’re on! You can’t miss it!” Lyra said back. “Thank you!” Sunset Shimmer said. “You’re welcome!” Lyra said back. And with that, Sunset Shimmer was on her way. She walked about three blocks, and she could see the dentist’s office two blocks away. Her hopes were instantly raised, and she sped up her pace. However, her hopes were dashed just as quickly as they came. She noticed a cyan pegasus with an unmistakable rainbow mane in the sky above, and dove for cover in a nearby alleyway, behind some trash cans. The pegasus quickly and expertly flew over at amazing speeds. And like that, the cyan pegasus Sunset Shimmer knew as Rainbow Dash for obvious reasons was gone, out of sight. Sunset Shimmer let out a sigh of relief, and continued on towards the dentist’s office. She made it without seeing any other ponies that were friends of Twilight’s, and stepped inside. She surveyed the room, and all was clear except for a gray pegasus with a yellow mane that had mismatched eyes, and a receptionist that has a purple mane and a light lavender mane. Sunset Shimmer went up to the reception desk. “I’d like to talk to Colgate, please.” Sunset Shimmer said to the receptionist. “Did you schedule an appointment?” The receptionist said in a very monotone voice, obviously bored out of her mind. “No, but I need to speak to her right now. It’s an emergency.” Sunset Shimmer said, hoping she wouldn’t have to wait any longer than she had to. The receptionist sighed and said, “What is the emergency, and how do you know Colgate?” Sunset Shimmer decided to go on the offensive. “The emergency is none of your business, and me and Colgate are friends!” Sunset Shimmer told the receptionist, hoping to be able to go and talk to Colgate right away. The receptionist sighed again, and said, “Fine, go ahead.” “Thank you!” Sunset Shimmer said offensively. The receptionist went back to doing absolutely nothing, and Sunset Shimmer went into a short hallway. At the end of the hallway, she could see a door that had a sign on it that read, “Minuette.” Sunset Shimmer walked towards the door, and knocked on the door. “Hello? May I come in?” Sunset Shimmer asked, hoping to get answer. “Who are you?” Sunset Shimmer heard a voice from behind her. She turned around, to see Colgate right there. “My name is Sunset Shimmer, and I have come here for… special reasons. And your name is Minuette, although you go by Colgate.” Colgate looked as though she realized something, and said, “Come into my office.” Sunset Shimmer nodded, and allowed Minuette past her to open her office and went inside. “So, who sent you?” Minuette asked Sunset Shimmer, in a serious tone. “Princess Luna.” Sunset Shimmer said blatantly, knowing this pony meant business. “To ensure you are not a spy, I must interrogate you. Please take a seat.” Sunset Shimmer sat in a chair that Minuette had pointed to. As soon as she sat in the chair, metal bands come over her hooves and head, strapping her into the chair. Sunset Shimmer struggled to get out. “Don’t bother. You’re not getting out of that chair. It has magical properties that negates you from using your magic at all. Now, here’s the rules. I will interrogate you on the information from Luna’s dream, and if you answer a question wrong, then I will kill you so fast, you won’t even have time to scream for mercy. Got it?” Minuette said coldly to the pony she’s barely knew for a minute. “Y-yes!” Sunset Shimmer said, scared for her life. “Very well. Now, first question. Where were you in the dream, and what moon phase was the moon in?” “It was just a dark, flat, barren landscape. The moon was full.” Sunset Shimmer said. “What was the first thing you heard?” “Hoofsteps from behind me.” Sunset Shimmer said. “What was the creature making the hoofsteps?” Minuette asked. Sunset Shimmer thought for a second. “It… it was… it was a pony, but it was pitch black, and horrifying.” “What did it do?” Minuette asked. Sunset Shimmer got a chill up her spine at this question. "It slowly stepped towards me," Just thinking of that horrifying memory in her dream made Sunset Shimmer want to scream. “…and then?” Sunset Shimmer shivered while answering Minuette's question, "It came up to my face, revealed its sharp teeth, and screamed." "What did it do after it was done screaming?" Minuette asked. "It suddenly stopped screaming and burst into light," Sunset Shimmer said. “Who then appeared in front of you after the light subsided?” Minuette asked, knowing this was an easy question, but a necessary one. “Princess Luna.” Sunset Shimmer said, relieved they were past the nightmare. “What appeared in your saddlebag after you woke up?” “Fifty bits, a picture of you, a picture of a pegasus named Crescent Moon, a dark blue unicorn named Night Light, and five pictures of ponies that are Twilight Sparkle’s friends.” Sunset Shimmer said. Minuette looked at her decisively for a second. "Very well," Minuette said. As soon as Minuette said this, the metal bracers retracted back into the chair, letting Sunset Shimmer free. “Welcome to the New Lunar Republic, Sunset Shimmer,” Minuette said with a smirk. “Well, it seems we have arrived at the Crystal Empire.” Luna said. The chariot came and landed just outside of the Crystal Castle. “Thank you, sirs.” Twilight said to the royal guards that pulled their chariots, who responded by snorting and standing proudly. “Let’s go in, you must say hello to Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, and go and come back from this… ‘human’ world you spoke so fondly of.” Luna said. Twilight nodded her head, and went in, along with Spike. Shining Armor and Cadence were waiting for them in the main foyer. Twilight gasped when she saw Cadence, and went straight up to her. “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs, awake! Clap your hooves, and do a little shake!” They both sung and danced. Spike rolled his eyes thinking if they will ever get tired of that. “It’s so good to see you again, Twilight!” Cadence beamed. “Same here, Cadence! And hello, BBBFF!” Twilight said as she hugged her big brother. “Hey, Twily! Happy to see you.” Shining Armor said. “Ahem.” Luna spoke up. “The portal will close tonight, so we must move quickly. I’m sure Twilight is very excited to go back through the portal.” Luna said. “You bet I am!” Twilight said with excitement. “Come on this way, then.” Princess Cadance said. Everypony followed Princess Cadance through the halls to the room that holds the magical mirror. “Are you ready, Twilight?” Luna asked. “Yes yes yes yes yes! Come on, Spike!” Twilight said exuberantly. “Coming!” Spike said. “Remember when to come back, Twilight?” Luna asked worriedly of Twilight. “Yes, before the three stars touch the moon, right?” Twilight asked. “That is correct.” Luna said. “Be careful, Twilight.” Cadence said. Twilight nodded her head, and looked at the portal, thinking about her human friends, and how Sunset Shimmer was doing. She took a deep breath and walked through the portal, with Spike coming in after her. Author's Note Alright, you guys hang with me, because this story is just about to get good! I'm looking forward to releasing the next chapter.
She's BackAll was peaceful in Ponyville, the town bustling with ponies going here and there. Rainbow Dash was relaxing on a cloud, the sofa clerk was selling quills, and the Cutie Mark Crusaders were out trying to earn their cutie marks. All was relatively calm, when suddenly… *Crash!* *Slam!* “Ugh!” Twilight exasperated. “Where in Equestria is Advanced Combat Spells Vol. 3?! I swear I just had it!” “Uh, Twilight? It’s right here,” Spike said, picking up the thick book. “Oh! Thank you, Spike. What would I do without you?” “No problem!” Spike said proudly. “Just set it on my desk over there. We should probably get going to Sugarcube Corner for Pinkie Pie’s Pop-Up Party-tastic Extravaganza. You know how she is about ponies being late for a party,” Twilight said. “Alright! Are you going to wear your crown?” Spike asked. “What? Of course not. I don’t want to draw attention to myself. This party is for everypony,”Twilight stated. “Oh, just making sure. I hope Pinkie has harvested for ruby season!” Twilight rolled her eyes as they walked through Ponyville, getting plenty of friendly waves from the townsponies along the way. “Just think, dear sister. Thrity moons ago, Twilight Sparkle became the newest Princess of Equestria,” Luna said, gazing up at her beautiful night sky she had just created. “Yes, I know, Luna. I’m very proud of her. She’s come an astoundingly long way. Out of all the students I’ve ever had, I knew, I just knew she had to be the one back when I seen her for the very first time. Not to say I never worried about her at times,” Celestia said, chuckling as she looked up at the night sky. “Whatever do you mean, dear sister?” Luna asked. “I was worried she was going to turn out like Starswirl the Bearded. Secluded, scornful, never making any friends. Or even worse, Sunset Shimmer, becoming greedy for power, and wanting it as fast as possible. The magic of friendship has saved Equestria numerous times from many evil forces. Just think, without Twilight and her friends, we probably wouldn’t even be standing here, looking at your beautiful night,” Celestia said. Luna took the thoughts in and said, “We sure wouldn’t dear sister.” Sunset Shimmer is walking home, late at night after an afterschool project that she had to finish for Ms. Cheerilee. *Sigh* “Finally got that stupid project done. I’m so done with all this useless schoolwork,” Sunset Shimmer said. She could have paired up with a partner, but she has no friends. Sunset Shimmer couldn’t seem to befriend anyone, no matter what she done. She ended up spending the next two and a half years of her life alone, getting funny looks in the hallway from what she had done. Sunset Shimmer has never forgotten Twilight. Even though she tries to remember Twilight as a good friend who helped her immensely, she cannot help but genuinely hate her. Sunset Shimmer basically had it all for a few minutes. The Element of Magic itself, ultimate power surpassing that of Celestia’s, even a teenage army. It was all taken away from her as fast as she had gotten it. “Why? Why is it so unfair?!” Sunset Shimmer said. She was now standing in front of the magic mirror that leads to Equestria. “I remember that night…” Sunset Shimmer thought of the night that Twilight Sparkle won the Princess of the Fall Formal. She remembered while laying down the bricks, she picked up a brick, and went over to the mirror. She touched its smooth surface, backed away, and with all her might, threw the brick at the mirror. Snips and Snails watched in awe as the brick flew through the air. But, when the brick hit the mirror’s surface, it didn’t do anything. The brick simply fell down, not even leaving a scratch on the mirror. Sunset Shimmer stood there, dumbfounded at what she just seen unfold before her eyes. She concluded that the magical portal to Equestria was forever linked somehow, and thus could not be broken. Sunset Shimmer was glad she didn’t break the mirror that night; for it would have been yet another damage she would have had to pay for. She just wanted something to take her anger out on. She had never really accepted Rarity’s, Pinkie Pie’s, Applejack’s, Fluttershy’s, and Rainbow Dash’s friendships. She couldn’t, especially after what she did to all of them. She basically spent the next two and a half years alone, not being able to accept anyone’s friendship. “It’s not fair!” Sunset Shimmer yelped, while rearing back and kicking the mirror. When her foot should have made contact with the mirror, she lost her balance and fell forward. She opened her eyes and was dazzled at the array of colors before her. She snapped back to reality and realized she was going through the portal, back to Equestria. Sunset Shimmer suddenly felt as if she were being spiraled, and launched forward. A blinding flash of white light hit her, and then she blacked out for a few seconds, and felt herself slam onto a hard, smooth surface. “Owww, my everything!” Sunset Shimmer said, trying to compose herself. She rubbed her head trying to lessen the pain of landing face first on a hard floor, and suddenly felt very awkward. She looked at her hand, and realized it’s a hoof. She’s a pony, and she was back in Equestria. She looked back at the magic mirror, and turned back around, and snickered. “Heheheh, this is going to be good.” Sunset Shimmer said with an acid tone. She had been seeking revenge on Twilight Sparkle ever since the Fall Formal. And now, Sunset Shimmer has the perfect opportunity. The only question was, where in Equestria was she? Sunset Shimmer knows the Canterlot Castles like she knows the back of her hoof. However, she wasn’t in Canterlot. Judging by the appearance of her surroundings, she figured she was in the Crystal Empire. She had been here before, for she can remember the night she stole Twilight Sparkle’s crown. She knew that she had found the Elements of Harmony that night. Luckily, she was able to remember a spell that allows her to see magic as a substance that floats in the air. She could literally see the magical connections between all of the friends, and seen a very strong connection flowing directly to Twilight’s room. She just had to steal the crown, and get out. Which she admits, she failed horribly at. She can’t think about that now. She has to focus on getting out of the Crystal Castle, out of the Empire, and seek shelter somewhere safe. “Hmmm… maybe this castle is modeled like the Main Canterlot Castle…” Sunset Shimmer wondered aloud. “Well, I’m certainly not going to get out of here sitting here and thinking. I need to get out.” Sunset Shimmer scanned for any presence of Royal Guards nearby, and seen it was clear. She slowly opened the door, and stepped outside. The hall went only one main way, so she quickly and quietly trotted down it. As she was nearing a two-way fork, she saw the glow of a Unicorn Guard’s searchlight to the left. She panicked, and levitated herself to the ceiling to avoid getting caught. Sunset Shimmer waited in anticipation as the guard slowly and leisurely passed by, sweat glistening down her face in fear and intimidation. Once the guard passed, she slowly came down and landed on the floor. She figured the guard might have come from a central stationing near the entrance, so she took the left path when it was safe. She came across an opening that had many doors, and an open path that lead down. She decided to take the path that lead down, and was met with a huge, extravagant crystal door. “I think I’ve found it.” Sunset Shimmer said. She decided to teleport to the outside of the door, assuming the door would make tons of noise when heaved open and shut. She found herself outside, under the Castle awning. She smiled in delight, and galloped through the streets of the Crystal Empire. “Wow… this place is amazing!” Sunset Shimmer said with appreciation for the unique crystal architecture. “But… I’m not here for sightseeing.” Sunset Shimmer said, while hurrying her pace. After what seemed like forever, she came to some sort of crystal gateway. She admired its beautiful floating crystals, and quickly passed through the gate. It was wide open now, and she noticed it getting colder. Sunset Shimmer remembered back to her apprenticeship with Princess Celestia… “…There was once a place in the Frozen North called the Crystal Empire.” Princess Celestia said to Sunset Shimmer, teaching her the unspoken and unwritten history of Equestria. “What happened to it?” Sunset Shimmer asked questionably. “Well, the place was cursed by a corrupted unicorn by the name of Sombra. He was banished by… another pony and I, turned to shadow. However, the Curse of the Crystal Empire had banished the entirety of the Empire into Oblivion.” Celestia said to her young student. “Wow…” Sunset Shimmer said in amazement. “Will it ever come back?” “Maybe one day, my young student.” “It certainly came back.” Sunset Shimmer said. “Ugh, it’s starting to get really cold!” Just as Sunset Shimmer said that, she started to see something off in the distance, and seen it was a train station. She galloped as fast as she could, and seen that the place was unlocked, and went inside to seek refuge. “Hello? Is anypony in here?” Sunset Shimmer asked. “Who is that? What’re you doing here?” the owner of the train station asked with an edge to his voice. “O-oh, I-I just need somewhere to stay for the night… you see, I’m new here, and I don’t have any bits to spend on a hotel…” “Hmmm… fine. You can stay here for the night. I just don’t want no funny business, got it?! “Yes, of course. Thank you so much.” “Phew! That party was over the top!” Twilight Sparkle said, exhausted after Pinkie Pie’s crazy party. “I just wanna know where she got all these jewels!” Spike said, eating a bowl full of gems. “I just want to get home and have a nice night’s sleep. I will have to read that book of combat spells later.” Twilight Sparkle said tiredly. “Oh yeah, why have you been studying combat magic so much lately?” Spike asked. “Well, you never know when you might have to defend yourself from somepony. Especially with me being a princess, some crazy pony may assault me. I have to know how to control to only stun the pony that’s attacking me, and not seriously injure them or worse! Combat magic is really hard to control minimally in intense situations. It’s incredibly easy to shoot a deadly ray of magic.” “Oh… well, ok. But I don’t think anypony’s going to try and take your position of princess-ship.” Spike said unworriedly. “You never know, Spike.” Twilight said/ Author's Note Well, this is my first fan fiction I've ever made. I hope I do a good job. Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated!
