Sparks and Shimmer go to Canterlot for a day.

by Feral Font

Rating: teen
Tags: Slice of Life, Human, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Romance
Length: 13382

(Set in the aftermath of Equestria Girls) Two teenagers from Everfree City, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer, are on a day trip to Canterlot. Soon they run into a lot of strange teens who act like they know them or something.

Set in the Aftermath of Equestria Girls, though centred on that world's Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle.

Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle have always been close friends, although recently things have been strained. They need to sit down and talk.

When Twilight suggests going for a trip to the Canterlot's Golden Oak Library and Museum, Sunset jumps at the chance to get out of Everfree City and have a day with Twilight all to herself. It'll clear out all this weird awkwardness and they can start acting like friends again. She'll be able to be herself, and relax. It's not like they know anyone in town.

However it quickly becomes apparent that a lot of people think they know them. Their relaxing day trip becomes more and more complicated, and something tells them that it has only just started.

The name of this fic was changed from Sparks and Shimmer go to Pennyville, because after listening to Equestria girls again I heard the town referred to as Canterlot and not just the school.

Published 2014-02-04 20:30:05 UTC
Last updated 2014-10-10 22:58:10 UTC

1: The weird day begins

Sunset Shimmer stood waiting in the Everfree City train station. It was a beautiful sunny morning with a cool breeze coming in along the open air platform. The station clock showed that it was 8:53. She had been here almost ten minutes and was still too early, an understandable consequence of always waking with the sun. Still, it gave her time to tame her unruly hair and prepare herself for the day ahead.

She looked at her outfit again. She reconsidered whether she should have gone with the bookish scholarly outfit she had put together, over the jacket and boots she had chosen. She knew that her leathers made her more intimidating, but she found comfort in their ability to make people think twice about pushing her around. That feeling of strength might be important today.

She scanned the crowd again and grinned to see Twilight Sparkle, the girl she was waiting for, walk into the station. Her friend wore her usual outfit, something resembling the uniforms that some schools required. She drank from her travel mug, probably coffee, and looked around the station. Noticing Sunset Shimmer she walked over to her, smiling.

"Hey, Shimmer, so sorry I am late, I had to take Spike for his walk, and I couldn't find my itinerary for the trip and I was up so late working on it, and..." she rapidly apologised.

"It's cool, Sparks," Shimmer laughed. "I know you are way more of a night owl than an early bird. Besides you aren't late. Can't blame you that I am always early for everything under the sun. So how have you been? I have not seen you since school ended for the holidays. So..."

"Umm, yeah," Sparks said with hesitation. "I've been busy with my summer study schedule, my programming internship and volunteering at the observatory. Anyway, what you been doing for the last, ah, 5 weeks, haven't heard from you much, everything, uh, good?"

"Good, great, amazing even. Yeah, you know me never a minute to spare. Been getting our summer challenge up and running for the gangs you know. Can't let them to their own devices or they'll start slipping into bad habits. The burden's of leadership and all that," Shimmer replied with bravado, smiling a little too wide. "Haven't even noticed you, uh, weren't... um, yeah"

Sparks looked away from her friend,"Glad to hear it's been good."

"So..." Shimmer replied, desperately trying to think of something to talk about. "Canterlot, never been there before, what are we going to see again?"

Sparks' face filled with enthusiasm as she replied, "First time visiting there for me as well, but there is an exhibit on at the Golden Oak Library about Star Swirl, so called 'Father of Astrophysics.' I am so excited. I hear that they have some of his notes and a replica of one his prototype telescopes. They even have one of those bells he used as wind chimes. It's going to be..."

The whistle of the train pulling into the the Everfree station drowned out their conversation. Shimmer stepped on and nodded to Sparks. "Come on, you can tell me all about Star Swirl on the train ride over." Turning away, she was able to let out a breath of relief. She wouldn't have to worry about an awkward silence during their journey at least.

Sparks sat at one of the outdoor tables of Sugar Cube Corner, a café specialising in baking and confectionery, flicking through the photos on her digital camera. Her milkshake glass stood emptied, drained of its delicious contents. Shimmer sat opposite her, stirring her mostly full sundae. Sparks wasn't used to her friend being so quiet. Shimmer had been smiling in all the photos from the trip so far, but whenever she thought Sparks wasn't looking she became pensive. Maybe she was bored, Sparks knew that most people did not get filled with energy at the thought of learning about the lives of historic physicists. She leaned forward to say something but was interrupted by someone shouting down the street.

"Twilight! You're back" a tall teenage blue haired teenage boy came running towards her. "Where did you go after the dance? You just disappeared." He pulled her out of her chair into a hug. "Never mind that, it's so good to see you."

"Um, ah, who, what are you... who?" Sparks struggled to push herself away bewildered.

"Hey, Buster," Shimmer freeing her friend from this stranger's embrace. "You lay a hand on my friend again and you'll regret it."

The boy turned to her, "Sunset Shimmer, after all you've done. You think I'd do anything to Twilight. What..."

"So you know me, in that case you know I don't put up with bullies or boys who get hands on," Shimmer's entire presence became threatening and hostile, she spoke in a cold but frank voice. "You should get out of here, before I make you regret it."

"Shimmer, wait, there's probably a perfectly valid reason this guy randomly hugged me," Sparks tried to explain.

"He grabbed you out of nowhere, Sparks, why are you always so..." Shimmer stomped her foot in exasperation.

"Guy? You've forgotten me?" The boy turned to Sparks, but then walked away with a sigh, "Whatever I'm out of here."

"Good riddance!" Shimmer shouted after him. "You okay Sparks?"

"I hate it when you get like this," Sparks mumbled. "He probably just thought I was someone else."

Shimmer's face fell in confusion and frustration, "He called you by name, he grabbed you out of nowhere. You have no idea who he is. You can't leave people push you around like that, they'll take advantage."

Sparks stepped back and turned away from the other girl, "Look, you've been acting weird all day. What is up with you?"

"I've been trying to find a way to say that... umm... it's not's important, I just really wanted today to..." Shimmer faltered.

"Maybe we should split up for a while, explore Canterlot individually for a bit. I don't think you could sit through me dredging through another bookshop anyway," Sparks offered with a forced smile. "maybe meet up for lunch in an hour or so. I'll text you."

Shimmer stood still, saying nothing, as Sparks grabbed her stuff and left a tip. After walking a little away she turned back, "I'll message you later, I promise."

Shimmer was still standing outside that café ten minutes later, watching her sundae continue to melt in the summer sun. Her face full of conflicted emotions. She was interrupted by a waitress coming to clean up.

"Sorry, been really busy inside, let just clean these up..." A girl with an unruly mess of bright pink hair with an amazingly infectious smile whisked away the glasses while wiping down the table. "Sunset Shimmer! Sorry didn't notice it was you. Umm, are you okay? This isn't about last week is it?"

Shimmer looked at the girl. "No. It's something else. Wait. What. Do I... know you?"

"Oh, Ooooh!" the waitress's face filled with understanding of something unknown. "I'll be right back. Sit there."

Shimmer sat down confused, and a minute later the other girl came out with a pot of tea and poured it for her. As Shimmer smelled it, she couldn't suppress a small smile. "Is that ginger and lemon? That's my favourite. How did you know?"

"I can tell everyone's favourite, it's a thing I do. I thought is was peppermint but that's someone else. My name's Pinkie Pie, and it's really great to meet you!" Pinkie enthused.

Shimmer took a sip of tea, "Wait, you know my name, but it's great to meet me. Apparently something happened last week, and you had my tea confused with someone else. What's going on here?"

Pinkie took in a deep breath, "Well..."

Sparks walked out of another bookshop. Normally searching through books would calm her nerves but today they weren't helping. She couldn't stop thinking about her fight with her friend. She never wanted to just abandon her, but things had gotten so confusing. She sighed again. She ran through the days events again, when she saw something that made her stop.

A girl who looked just like Sunset Shimmer was wandering through the town square mumbling to herself. She was dressed differently though. He hair was tied back and her clothes were simpler, no leather jacket or boots, intellectual and subdued. Sparks approached her but stopped, today was strange enough without tackling doppelgangers.

As she turned away her friend's lookalike saw her. "Twilight, how are you back? It hasn't even been seven moons, let alone thirty. Is Equestria okay?"

"Equestria? I'm sorry, who are you?" Sparks said perplexed. "You look just like my friend Sunset Shimmer, but you're not her... are you?"

"I am Sunset Shimmer, but...you're not Twilight," the girl said with a deflated tone, "I mean you are but the other one. I was hoping you, she, Twilight could help. It's been so hard since you, the other you left. I'm sorry. It's..."

"Maybe I can help." Sparks said with fake confidence. "I know a lot about Sunset Shimmers and the trouble they get in. So tell me what's wrong, Sunset. You don't mind if I call you that. I just call my friend Shimmer and it'd be easier to be able to use different names."

"Sunset is fine," the mysterious girl answered. "You'll really help?"

"It's what we Twilights do, apparently," Sparks answered. She put on a cheesy grin and shook hands with Sunset. "I'm Sparks, nice to meet you... So what's up?"

Sunset took in a deep breath, "Well..."

Author's Note

It's my first fanfiction. I changed Sunset to Shimmer and Twilight to Sparks to help differentiate between the ponies who became people and the people who were people the entire time but off-screen. I wouldn't apply this to any other characters as it's unnecessary and I like the idea of Everfree City Twilight and Sunset calling each other Shimmer and Sparks.

All feedback is appreciated.

2: and continues to get stranger

"and that's why I almost brought you peppermint tea," Pinkie finished as her breath ran out. Shimmer was torn between awe at the sheer quantity the girl had said without stopping for air once and a bizarre numbness at trying to absorb the information contained within.

"Wait, wait," Shimmer said willing the headache away. "You really expect me to accept that this other me dated that blue haired guy. I'm not sure I can swallow that. I mean, ew."

"Yup, yup," Pinkie nodded before cocking her head to the side. "What's wrong with Flash Sentry anyway?"

"Just... not my cup of tea, I guess. I mean he is such a... Brad." Shimmer said as she struggled to find some flaw based on Pinkie's narrative. "Flawless, unobjectionable, bland"

"But the magic, transformations, alternate selves, ponies, zombie-esque teenage army," Pinkie said with uncertainty. "You believe me about those right?"

Shimmer looked serious as she responded, "Well, it's absurd, insane and a little nonsensical... but it does explain why Canterlot transfers are always shy around me for the first few weeks. Besides, anyone who can instantly tell everyone's favourite tea can't be a bad person. I refuse to live in a world where that could be otherwise."

"Glad to hear it!" Pinkie said and smiled even more, it was infectious, Shimmer could feel that grin stripping away all of her worries. It was like having a weight suddenly fading away. It could probably chase away negative feelings in a block wide radius. She wouldn't be surprised if people started having withdrawal symptoms if the energetic waitress left town for any extended period of time.

A thought suddenly occurred to Shimmer, "Wait, you asked if I was upset about last week, what happened?"

Pinkie's face faltered for a moment, her eyes had a far off look, but then it seemed to pass. She did start packing away the tea set though, "I better get back to work, otherwise people might start frowning, and that would be the worst thing ever."

"Oh, okay, that makes sense. Well, it's been really great, Pinkie. One last thing, any chance you could point me towards someone who'd tell me more about my double. I'm pretty curious about having another me, and maybe I can help with whatever," Shimmer said as she helped tidy.

Pinkie stopped for a moment, as though weighing up the decision, but then nodded vigourously, "Yes, indeedily! A friend of mine should be running a juice stand in the park today, just look for a girl with apples and a Stetson. I'll let her know it's 'you you' and not 'not you you'."

It took Shimmer a few seconds to put that last bit together, before replying jokingly, "You don't think they'd be able to tell."

"Unlikely," Pinkie said with feigned exasperation, "they tend to miss obvious stuff like that. Crazy right?"

Pinkie stood up, and skated away. She weaved through tables with impressive grace, taking orders, clearing tables and making conversation. Shimmer hadn't even noticed any skates earlier, probably just because she had been distracted about Sparks. She left a generous tip and waved to the waitress.

"See you round, other, new, alternate... original, classic" Pinkie called, as she rolled backwards towards the cafe's main door, a tray in each arm and one balanced upon her head.

"Call me Shimmer," she called after her new acquaintance.

She took a deep breath and stopped for a moment. Maybe she could text Sparks, and then probably make everything worse by saying the wrong thing. That, or find out more about the other Sunset Shimmer and not have to think about the fact she was spending her day trip without her best friend by her side. She took out her phone and looked at it, before returning it to her pocket and heading for the park.

Sparks looked at Sunset as she finished her tale of how a Twilight Sparkle had ended her reign of terror in Canterlot High and stopped her plans of harnessing ultimate power. It was a lot to take in but the girl seemed genuinely upset and remorseful.

"Well, it explains the video of 'me' acting weird showing up on-line," Sparks said with reluctance. "So sure, I believe you, even if I am more than a little sceptical when anyone uses magic to explain anything."

"Um, the video was my fault. I'm so sorry," Sunset retreated into herself even more, "I hope it didn't make you life difficult or anything."

Sparks shook her head and laughed. "It turned out to be pretty funny actually. Shimmer decided that it was the most hilarious thing and made a version of herself pretending to be a wolf failing to make dinner. It actually caught on and after a while all of our friends had made a video like it, it even spread to people we had never met before. I even had to record one after I insisted the original was not me."

"I'm glad," Sunset said softly. "I'd hate to be responsible for any more hurt. I just don't know what to do."

Sparks looked at her, trying to find something useful to say. It was obvious that the girl needed advice, and she didn't want to say the wrong thing, "Well, why not ask those girls that this Twilight teamed up with. They might have some ideas how to make up with everyone."

Sunset shook her head, as her face filled with doubts and regrets, "I messed everything up. I doubt they'd talk to me any more."

"It's probably not that bad, why don't you tell me about it?" Sparks tried to sound calm and encouraging, remembering how Shimmer would calm her down when she was panicking over imagined mistakes in homework and exams.

"I can't, I promised I wouldn't say anything," Sunset answered dejectedly, "and I was just trying to do the right thing. I'm so stupid!"

"Blaming yourself won't achieve anything, " Sparks said as she tried to channel Shimmer, she had to seem confident and knowing, and not let Sunset get caught up in self doubt and remorse. If she couldn't help with the specific problem she would have to give general advice and hope it helped. "You have to keep moving forward. It's easier to stop and look back, wishing you could change things, that to turn your gaze ahead and work to make things better for you and everyone. That takes courage, but its worth it."

"and how do I do that." Sunset said with a sigh. "I don't think I can."

Sparks walked over to a near by bench and sat down. She motioned for Sunset to sit with her. "Do you want to hear about how Shimmer and I became friends. It's related, I promise."

Sunset nodded, but didn't say anything. Sparks smiled bringing the memories to the fore.

"When I was a little girl I didn't care much about having friends, I had all I thought I could ever need in my books and family. Then one day, while I was reading, this girl walked up to me and declared that she has decided that we will be friends. I ignored her and kept reading, I was so close to the end and didn't want to be interrupted. What I didn't know was that she had no friends and didn't know how to make them, or that Dancer and her friends were bullying her because of it. She was not to be dissuaded, and would sit with me every day and talk away, while I read. I think she liked imagining us as friends, and not having to sit alone.

After about a week of this, Dancer decided to take me away from her. They asked me to sit at their table instead, but I ignored them as well. It was obvious that something was going on, and I just wanted to spend my breaks with my books. They started calling me names but I didn't care.

It was a Friday, when I was reading in the playground, that they caught up with me. I had this stuffed doll, 'Miss Smarty Pants', that I carried with me everywhere. She even had a tiny book to read. They grabbed her and told her that they would only give her back if I stopped being friends with Sunset Shimmer, I didn't even know that had been the other girls name till that point. I tried to get my doll back but they kept throwing her between them.

I was on the verge of tears when Shimmer showed up holding a teddy that belonged to Dancer. They dropped my doll and rushed her. Shimmer ran around the playground. When they caught her pulled her hair and scratched her trying to make her release it. Instead of fighting back she just started ripping up the teddy, even biting an ear off. Dancer's face exploded a cascade of tears as she ran inside. Her friends followed after her. I picked up my doll and watched Shimmer just sitting there over this destroyed toy. She was covered in scratches but just kept looking down at the stuffing strewn around in front of her."

Sunset raised an eyebrow, "and that's how you became friends? I don't see the point of this story. I can't just declare that someone become my friend and reap some bizarre vengeance on any who oppose them."

Sparks rolled her eyes at the sarcasm, at least Sunset was opening up, even if it not the best method.

"I'm getting there. Anyway, I didn't see her back in class after the break, apparently she had called her dad and asked to go home early. She was not there on Monday morning either. It was at first break that I saw her talking to her dad. She seemed scared but he told her something and she nodded and walked into the yard. It was like her entire attitude had changed. Dancer still looked upset but her friends seemed ready to fight. Still Shimmer walks by all of them, looking only at Dancer. No one stopped her, she was like a queen or a force of nature, walking with unstoppable purpose.

She stopped in front of Dancer and takes something out of her back pack. It was the teddy, but repaired and wearing a cute new outfit. Shimmers hands were covered in little plasters, or pin pricks. It was obvious she had done the repair work herself. She held it out and said she was sorry. Dancer took it from her without a word, and then Sunset turned, waved at her dad and walked into the school."

Sunset shook her head, "I've tried coming up with some big gesture to win everybody back. I threw a few parties, I publicly apologised to the school, I even offered to let everyone slap me, but it doesn't help."

"After that she started being nice to everyone, complimenting their clothes, asking to join in games, helping people with school work. She even became friends with Dancer, who loved her teddy's new outift. I still ignored her when she sat with me, but she seemed set on us getting to know one another.

Then one day she asked me what I was reading. Suddenly I wanted to talk. I told her all about the book and recommended things for her to read. After about a month of this I realised I liked spending time with her, and we would chat about other things, not always about reading or learning.

The thing is that you can't decide to be friends with someone, they have to want it too. Grand gestures can open the door but they won't make it happen. You have to work at it. Sharing interests can help bridge that gap but they won't do everything. You have to put time and effort in. It's small things built up over time that make strong friendships."

Sparks looked at Sunset as she finished. Her story had made an impression and the girl was thinking about the lesson it contained. "I think I get it. It doesn't sound easy."

"Sometimes it's not," Sparks confirmed. "but it's worth it. So is there anyone you could spend some time with now? Maybe help them with something they care about."

Sunset thought for a while, "Well, Fluttershy helps out at the Canterlot Animal Shelter on weekends, and they are always looking for more volunteers. So I guess we could start there. Um, could you come along, it'd help to have a friendly face."

Sparks thought about texting Shimmer and letting her know what was going on, maybe inviting her. It probably wasn't a good idea. She probably needed some time to cool off.

She turned to Sunset, "Of course I'll let you out. Well, lead the way."

Author's Note

So it turns out the town is actually called Canterlot and not just the school. Fluttershy was looking for volunteers at the Canterlot Animal Shelter. So the name Pennyville is out and Canterlot is in. Keeping the Golden Oak Library because it further illustrates the merging of Canterlot and Ponyville in the Equestria Girls.

I also missed that the dance is called the Fall Formal, so my original timeline was off.

So I actually edited this to continue in Summer and upped the timeline to be about 6 and a half months after Equestria Girls. This resulted in complicated the issues involved, but setting it in winter didn't seem right either. That said I have a very clear idea of where I want this to go now. The next chapter should be up sometime on Thursday, Friday evening at the latest.

I was hoping for a quicker update schedule but course work has been crazy at the moment. It will be once a week at the latest.

3: The complications increase

Canterlot Park was a hive of activity. Teenagers and families relaxed on its lush grass, beneath its beautiful tress. Dog walkers traced its winding paths, while joggers took the opportunity to exercise under the wondrous summer sun. The myriad of public sculptures were tasteful and complimented the tranquil scenery.

After enjoying a stroll around the park, Shimmer found a girl wearing a Stetson running a juice stall on the northern edge. Shimmer could only assume she had come to the right place. Luckily there was not a line. The cowboy hat wearing girl was restocking her supply from a portable cooler when she saw Shimmer. There was also a selection of apples and even some pastries available, all marked as the produce of "Sweet Apple Acres." Judging from the amount of restocking, it looked like today was a good day for business.

"Well, ah'll be, ya really do look just like Sunset Shimmer," the stall runner said with a smile. "I wouldn't have thought you were someone else if Pinkie had not tagged me in some status about a Second Shimmer visiting my stall. Name's Applejack by the way. It's nice to meet ya, bizarre but nice."

"Wait, Second Shimmer, it that what she called me?" Shimmer asked quizzically.

"It looks to be that someone saw you around town, and Sunset soon after and asked if anyone else knew what was going on. They tagged it as Second Shimmer. Its actually exploded surprisingly quickly, along with TwilightReturns. Way ah figure it, things get pretty peaceful here in summer and people want something to talk about," Applejack answered conversationally. "Ah wouldn't worry about it. So what brings you over?"

Shimmer laughed a little, there was something really genuine about this girl. Not exactly blunt, but direct. "I was in town with Sparks, that's my Twilight, and after... splitting up I met Pinkie, and she told me everything about having a double. Pretty amazing stuff actually, magic, other worlds, ponies..."

Applejack shook her head, "She knows she ain't supposed to talk about the stranger parts of it, but I can't fault her for being honest, especially not with you, all things considered. But if ya got the full story, why'd ya come to find me, Sunset?"

"Call me Shimmer," she replied easily, but then hesitation crept in. "The thing is that Pinkie mentioned that something happened with my double last week, and she seemed a little upset about it. I was hoping to find out some more, but she was suddenly very busy with work. So she told me where I could find you, and I was hoping you could..."

"Fill in the blanks," Applejack added helpfully. "Wish ah could, but ah don't know much about it. Ah'm also not sure if ah feel comfortable talking about my friends' personal business with someone ah don't know, no offence?"

Shimmer nodded thoughtfully, "I get that, but I just want to help, one me for another. Do you mind if we talk about your Sunset for a bit. It doesn't have to be anything deep or personal, I'm just curious."

"Ah'm still not sure that it'd be appropriate, but " Applejack stopped as a tall reddish haired teen carrying some crates of sparkling cider walked up to the stall. " Oh, hey Mac, glad you got here, this here is Shimmer, the one Pinkie mentioned. Shimmer, this is my brother Big McIntosh. Mac, you finished your deliveries already?"

"Eeyup!" McIntosh answered with a smile while unpacking the crates. He turned to Shimmer and nodded a greeting, but seemed happy to say little.

Passing a bottle to Shimmer, Applejack wiped her brow, "Try some, it's our own produce. Helping run Sweet Apple Acres is a lot of work, but it's worth it. I swear you can taste the diligence of everyone at the orchard in every drop."

Shimmer knew she wouldn't get any further with her questions, but saw no reason to be rude and took a thankful sip, "This is... really, really good, like, really good. You actually make this?"

"Eeyup!" McIntosh answered with pride.

Applejack was beaming, "We all put a lot of work in. Mac, our little sister, and myself, do deliveries, run the stalls, and help out with some of the jobs on the orchard. We're pretty busy during school holidays as well. We'll be helping out more once we graduate school. We also got a lot of aunts, uncles, and cousins working from the orchard, to packaging, to advertising. It's all one big family thing."

There was no mention of parents among all those family members. Shimmer hid the sympathy in her heart. Everyone has a past, and she knew dredging it up wouldn't help anyone. She flashed a smile, "That's impressive, you don't secretly own the whole town do you?"

"Ah wish," Applejack laughed. "To be honest, we are always trying to get more work. Granny even works in the school cafeteria, though I suspect it's more cause she wants to keep an eye on us, than for the money."

"Actually, if you'd be interested, I might have a proposal for you and yours," Shimmer said, as she offered a business card. "I volunteer with the Everfree City Council on a number of youth projects. We have a series of events throughout the summer. If 'Sweet Apple Acres' would be willing to sponsor us it would get you a lot of great PR in the city, and maybe open up a new market."

Applejack took the card and looked at it curiously. "Says here you are the chair of 'Horizon Endeavours', but that doesn't mean anything to me"

"I'm not sure how familiar you are with Everfree, but a few years ago there was a serious problem with kids skipping school and joining gangs." Shimmer explained.

Applejack nodded, "We still hear stories about that sorta thing. You saying this has something to do with it?"

"We run events after school, on weekends, and during holidays that help teens feel like a part of something, while helping them develop as individuals and members of the community," Shimmer caught herself, and laughed. "Sorry, I give a lot of funding presentations, jargon just sort of slips out. Anyway, it's going really well. We have a lot of local sponsors and even support from the City Council. We run a lot of events, talent shows, challenges, sporting events, dances, study groups, internships, we're even running a musical at the end of the month."

"How'd ya get involved in all that?" Applejack asked intrigued, "Seems hard to believe adults would leave a teenager in charge of the whole thing."

Shimmer smiled broadly recounting it. "We were discussing the problem in class once and Sparks said that it was probably because of a lack of investment in community areas and projects, alongside a lot of Sociology stuff I still get wrong... even after all this time. So I got stuck on this idea, that all we needed to do to was help direct our energies towards building a community. So I rushed in, by running events for teens, which were successful but not changing anything. So I was about to quit when I asked Sparks what I was doing wrong, and she started explaining all these theories of youth work and community. Re-enthused I declared myself chair, Sparks vice chair, of something that we had not named yet, and we got to work. After three months Sparks suggested we look for local sponsors, and at the six month mark we got a call from the City Council asking if we would like to expand the programme. It's now three years on and we are stronger than ever. The Everfree 'gangs' are more like clubs, competing with each other, than anything else."

"That sure sounds like something great. I'll pass the idea on, if Granny likes it, she'll make sure we send something," Applejack said as she tucked the business card away for later. "Gotta admit I'm impressed, when Sunsets put their minds to something they really go all out."

"I just make a lot of noise, Sparks is the brains behind everything, without her I'd still be running in circles. She also gives the entire thing credibility. I don't think anyone would have taken this seriously... without her, " Shimmer stopped herself from going down that train of thought, and stayed positive. "She is the heart of the group, she keeps us together, even when she is not always around."

"Our Twilight was like that too, it's easy to follow her. She has a certain... something," Applejack reminisced. "She just sort of..."

"Sparkles, yeah, I know." Shimmer completed with a sigh. "It's more than a little corny, but..."

"AJ, um" McIntosh interrupted, gesturing at a line that had formed behind Shimmer.

"Sorry, I'll just wait over here," Shimmer apologised, as she quickly moved out of the way.

She took in the fresh air, and relaxed. It was really peaceful. Maybe she could just get a snack, and rest here for a while. Sort out her thoughts. She was still no closer to finding out what had happened. She checked her phone again, still no word from Sparks, maybe something had... no, she would think about something else. Applejack was really friendly, and McIntosh seemed nice too. Though when she looked at him working she noticed something strange. He would look off into the distance for a couple of seconds, his face would mellow into an easy smile, catch himself, try to look neutral and glance at his sister worriedly, and then about a minute later it'd happen all over again. Shimmer looked behind her. His eyes seemed to be tracking a girl practising football with a younger girl. There was something familiar about her, but Shimmer couldn't think what.

After the queue had once again died down, Shimmer returned to the stall. She was not sure what was going on but she had enough complications without making them worse. There didn't seem to be more she could accomplish here anyway. She bought an apple and another juice, and turned to see the younger soccer player running towards the stall, the older girl chasing after.

"Hey, Scoots, wait up, it's my treat," the rainbow haired girl called to the younger purple haired one. She stopped running and looked at Shimmer, "Sunset..."

Applejack cut in, "Dash, this is Shimmer, she's the Sunset from the city. Shimmer this is Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow's face lost most of its worry. She wore an uneasy grin, "It's nice to meet you."

Shimmer's mind froze, she could feel anger building up in her. There was something about this girl something she was trying to remember, something that she had done to someone she cared about. Then she remembered, and suddenly she snapped, "Rainbow Dash, what the hell is wrong with you?"

Everyone else at the stall stared at Shimmer in stunned silence. Rainbow's confusion turned to anger as she replied, "Look if it's about last week, it's none of your..."

"It's not about that, it's about Gilda, do you remember her, your discarded best friend?" Shimmer interrupted seething.

"Gilda, what? I didn't discard her, she was being a jerk!" Rainbow's voice got louder as she defended herself. She glanced at McIntosh but only for a moment.

"She was trying to be cool, you know, like you," Shimmer's voice became cold and bitter. "Do you know what she was like when I first met her. She was a transfer student that couldn't relate to anyone, always acting out. The first time I saw her smile was when she was telling everyone she was going to spend her weekend visiting the best, most loyal, coolest friend in the world. She was so excited, it was infectious. Suddenly people started to notice how nice she could be, and asked her to tell them all about it when she got back, but that Monday she wouldn't talk about it. Every time someone asked she folded more into herself. She was depressed and broken. That was two years ago."

"Its not my fault. I didn't know. She was treating my friends like they were nothing, and I..." Rainbow struggled to think, stunned by something she had almost forgotten coming back like this. Her eyes darted to each of her gathered friends, lingering once more on McIntosh. Shimmer wasn't sure what to make of it, but right now she didn't care.

"She was probably jealous, she had no friends and you had... replaced her." Shimmer started walking towards the other girl. Her entire posture changed, almost becoming predatory.

"I didn't..." Rainbow protested, for a moment before releasing a defeated sigh. "Is she okay now?"

Shimmer stopped at that. She fought her anger back down. This wasn't fair. "She's fine, it took a few months, but after she came back everyone worked to make her feel welcome. I think she still misses you though. I'm sorry. I had no right to... it's been a weird day. I should get out of here."

She turned and walked away, leaving the group in a stunned silence. She felt rotten. She was not exactly sure where all that had come from. She didn't want to guess, but it was probably the idea of discarding a friend, and seeing someone fall apart like that. It made her feel uneasy about her and Sparks. They didn't hang out as much any more and they were becoming more and more distant. Still that didn't excuse anything. She cursed her stupidity as she left the park, not sure where she was going. She also had probably hurt her doubles reputation, even though they were different people. If people thought all Sunsets were terrible then they would be less likely to forgive her double's past deeds.

"Ah'm guessing that wasn't really about Rainbow," Applejack said standing in front of Shimmer. McIntosh sat in the driver seat of a Sweet Apple Acres delivery van a little down the street. "She's pretty loyal actually, watching the stand right now."

Shimmer couldn't look at the girl that had been so nice to her, "I'm sorry. You're right, it's... complicated."

"Rainbow's in a strange place at the moment, part of it's about Sunset, but there's something else," Applejack look a little uncomfortable as she continued. "and now you've brought up something from years ago. Seems like she's feeling pretty bad about a lot of things at the moment. So if you are serious about wanting to help your double ah'll tell ya something, because I can tell ya care about those around ya and try to make things better, even when ya mess up."

Shimmer looked at Applejack, she seemed very serious but not exactly angry, "I want to help, and I won't go off like that again."

Applejack looked at Shimmer weighing her character, and nodded, "Last week Sunset and Rainbow had a fight, ah don't know the details but they were with Rarity at the time, she might be able to shed some light on it. Since then ah haven't seen Sunset much, she's been avoiding all of us, and Dash won't talk about it, and ah don't like to intrude, but ah'm worried. Even Pinkie seems on edge and I don't know if our friendship'll survive a big fight."

Shimmer nodded, she remembered Pinkie's smile momentarily fading, "Where do I find Rarity?"

"She volunteers in a thrift shop two block that way, it's called 'Carousel Boutique', it's really something, she takes old clothes and modifies them, make 'em special. She's kind, you'll like her, but clear your head before ya go though. Maybe find that Sparks of yours," Applejack advised.

"I will and thank you," Shimmer said softly. "Tell Rainbow I'm sorry."

"Will do," Applejack answered smiling. "Ah'm taking a risk on you, so don't mess it up, clear?"

"Why do you trust me?" Shimmer asked hesitatingly.

"Well it's like a said earlier, Sunsets get things done when they set their minds to them. Ah'm going to gamble on that, because ah got nothing else." Applejack turned towards the delivery van. "Ah promised Rainbow ah wouldn't look into the fight, never said ah wouldn't let someone else... Well ah better get back. G'luck!"

Shimmer couldn't help smiling, she felt... grounded. Sure, she now had a responsibility to see this through. She even thought about continuing alone, but she needed to sort her head out and calm down. That meant getting in contact with Sparks, and touching base. She took out her phone and started typing.

Author's Note

Life got a bit crazy there for a minute. I am hoping to maintain a once a week schedule at least.

The next chapter shouldn't take much longer, and will follow Sparks and Sunset. This one took a while because there was a lot I wanted to happen on Shimmer's side, and trying to get the voices of particular characters can be difficult.

Hope you are still enjoying it.

4: Meanwhile at the Animal Shelter

Sparks stood outside the Canterlot Animal Shelter. A sign depicting some cartoonish animals stood in its window, asking for volunteers. Sunset seemed nervous, obviously rethinking this. Sparks gave her a comforting smile and stepped forward, motioning for her to lead the way. Sunset nodded and took a deep breath. She walked up to the entrance and put her hand on the door, hesitating once more before turning the handle.

Chimes rang as Sunset opened the door. The inside of the Shelter was painted in a welcoming yellow, its walls covered with motivational posters about animal rights and the beauty of nature. A brown haired girl came to greet them. She was a few years younger than Sparks, wore glasses with think black rims, and had a wide welcoming smile.

"Hey, hey, want to adopt, we have the cutest, cutest, cutest animals here looking for homes, waddya say?" the girl said in a rush of enthusiasm. She constantly hopped from foot to foot, seemingly unable to stand still.

Sparks couldn't help but grin, it was pretty cute how excited the girl was, but she had to decline, Spike was enough work. Shaking her head, she explained herself, "Actually we were hoping to volunteer, if that's okay?"

"Okay? Okay? That's wonderful! I'll go tell Fluttershy, she'll be so excited, follow me!" the girl skipped down the corridor, leading them deeper into the building. "Fluttershy, we have volunteers. Isn't it amazing?"

The room they entered was filled with animal enclosures. A pink haired girl in green and white was attempting to put leads on a whole host of creatures, though mostly dogs. Sparks felt that Fluttershy looked familiar, but could not figure out why. Sparks was prepared for the confused look she received but was surprised by the brief expression of panic when Fluttershy looked at Sunset. Maybe this would be more complicated than simply doing some volunteer work.

As Fluttershy glanced back at her and smiled, Sparks realised how she knew her. They had met at the Everfree Pet Fair a year or so ago. The girl had been so outgoing and extroverted. She talked, asked questions, laughed, joked and gave a lot of advice for how to properly care for Spike. If she was the same charismatic girl she had met then, this would be easy.

"Hey, Fluttershy, right?" Sparks began. "You might not remember but we met once... though not as recently as you might think. Last summer's Everfree Pet Fair. You were really enthusiastic. Anyway, I'm not your friend from the dance, but it's good to meet you again."

"You're not Twilight?" Fluttershy asked shyly. "Sorry, I don't..."

"It's okay," Sparks assured her. "I wanted to say thanks, you gave me a lot of advice about Spike."

"Spike? I remember him, he was your really cute dog," Fluttershy's eyes shun with delight. "How is he? Did that diet I recommended work? He is going for enough walks, and socialising with other dogs, right? "

Sparks couldn't help but smile at the other girls energetic response, "Yes, yes and yes. He's good, thanks for asking. You can call me Sparks by the way, it's easier."

Sunset stood back in the room, looking at the animals milling around. She seemed uncomfortable. This was definitely not as straight forward as she had hoped, but maybe working together would remove the awkwardness.

Fluttershy turned to Sunset, looking uncertain, "So, Zippoorwhill said that you were planning on volunteering. Is that right?"

Zippoorwhill was dashing from creature to creature, petting them, picking them up, checking on them. Nodding enthusiastically and humming, all the while.

"I'd like to," Sunset replied. "If that's okay."

"Well... we don't get many volunteers," Fluttershy mumbled. "and ... there are a lot of jobs. So okay."

"Yes!" Sparks proclaimed, happy that Sunset would have the chance to make some progress. "So what do we need to do?"

Fluttershy straightened up, becoming more assertive, "A lot of these guys need feeding, playing, grooming and bathing. The rest will need to go for their walk. Zip, you stay here, I'll take them for their walk. Miss Fauna is in her office, if you need any help."

"Will do!" Zippoorwhill did a quick salute.

"So, who wants to come with me for the walk?" Fluttershy asked, looking towards Sparks hopefully.

"Well, I'd love to but I think..." Sparks began before Sunset cut her off.

"I'll stay here if that's okay," Sunset explained. "You go for the walk."

Fluttershy seemed relieved as she put leads on the varied host of animals. Was that a pig, and a goat.

"If that's what you want," Sparks sighed. The entire point of being here was for Sunset and this girl to spend time together, but if it felt forced it wouldn't work. Best to make the most of it. Maybe some one on one time with Fluttershy might give her an opportunity to smooth things out.

"Okay you take these," Fluttershy handed Sparks a mess of leads, enough that she was holding onto around five animals with each hand. "and I'll take the rest."

"Sunset, I'll see you later, okay?" Sparks called back as she was dragged forward by the hoard of animals.

"Zip, call Miss Fauna, if you need anything? I'll be back soon," Fluttershy said, following Sparks, her group behaving itself, even if it was twice the size. "Sunset... be good, okay?"

"Okay," Sunset answered with little enthusiasm.

Neither girl seemed to want to deal with the other, but Sparks was confident that taking baby steps would work, in between praying that the hoard would at least move as a cohesive whole, and not run in every direction once they were outside.

Sunset watched her new friend, confidante... acquaintance walk out with the girl she had bullied for around 5 years. This was a mistake. She couldn't take back what she had put that girl through just by bathing some animals. Still, she had to try.

"Hey, listen, hey, hey, listen," She was broken out of her ruminations by Zippoorwhill tugging on her arm. "We have a lot to do, so lets not look sad and get started. Okay. The critters like smiles not frowns."

Sunset felt her mood lighten, chased away by Zippoorwhill's cheesy grin. "Okay, what do I need to do?"

"Singing helps the most," Zippoorwhill answered as she spun around the room, holding a terrier. "Otherwise, they don't behave."

"Singing, really? I am not singing. I don't sing. It's not something I do," Sunset said with finality.

"But, Miss Fluttershy always sings" Zippoorwhill announced, looking up with watering puppy dog eyes. Even the terrier she was holding seemed to be begging Sunset to sing. Her resolve crumbled.

"I'm only good at one kind of singing. If we are going to do this, we are going to do it right. So you'll have to get in character and help me out," Sunset thought for a second, trying to think of a suitable story for the song. "Once upon a time..."

Sparks held on with all her might. The group was splintering, wanting to explore the outside world, in different directions and different speeds. Calling up books on group psychology, she knew she had to show that she was in charge. With a sharp tug on the leads she halted both groups, and gave her animals a stern, commanding glare. Once pacified she walked forward, and they, thankfully kept pace. Looking over at Fluttershy she saw that her ridiculously large collection was well behaved and not fighting for control. Sparks was impressed to say the least.

They continued in silence for a few minutes, taking up the entire sidewalk, as they made their way through the town. Sparks noticed that Fluttershy kept

"So Twi... Sparks, How do you know Sunset?" Fluttershy asked nervously.

Sparks grinned, maybe she could make some progress after all, "I saw her in the square, looking pretty sad about something. She thought I was the other Twilight, so we got talking about, well, everything."

"I'm sorry that she was sad," Fluttershy sighed. "But... she deserves it. She was mean for so long. If she does anything to Zip and the animals, I'll..."

"She'll be fine. She's just trying to be a better person. She reminds me of my friend, Shimmer, unsurprisingly, considering that in a way they are the same person. Sunset just took the wrong path. Stubborn, headstrong, but brilliant, if she knows how to shine. She just needs friends to show her when she loses her way," Sparks reassured the other girl.

"Shimmer... you know this worlds Sunset?" Fluttershy mumbled. "What's she like?"

Sparks felt confused, this shouldn't be a difficult question. "Well... she's like a force of nature. This means she can be over protective, rash, sometimes down right unhelpful and rude... but she cares people a lot. She gives them her time because she wants to help them, or inspire them to help themselves. It's easy to get caught up in her flow, and when she declares something, even if it sounds impossible, suddenly it becomes improbable. She'll slowly wear it down to doable, likely, and eventually you'll feel certain that it'll occur. Even if the odds are stacked against you. You wouldn't believe what she can do."

"You must really like her," Fluttershy replied with a smile, but it faded as quickly. "I wish Sunset was like that."

"Maybe she could be. I mean all she really needs is friends right," Sparks suggested with a meaningful glance.

Fluttershy looked away, focusing on the pack in front her, "I'm sorry. I don't think I can. I'm not strong like the others, and she was so cruel. I can't forgive her."

The trip continued for an agonisingly long time in silence. Sparks wasn't sure what to say. Sunset needed this. She had somehow messed things up with the others, and if she felt that this sweet girl could never forgive her, she might think herself beyond redemption. She had to think of something to convince Fluttershy to give Sunset another chance.

The quiet was broken when one of the dogs Sparks was holding saw a cat walking atop a nearby wall. The german shepherd almost pulled Sparks over, when it started barking and jumping at the wall. Recovering her senses she held on, but was in danger of losing control of the group.

"Cuddles, Sit" Fluttershy commanded. Her tone was not loud, and yet it brooked no arguments.

The dog, Cuddles, immediately stopped trying to chase the cat. Its head hung low, showing regret and guilt. The rest of the animals also sat, and looked away from the offending animal.

"Cuddles, I have told you before about being a bully, and trying to chase Mr. Whisker Kisses. Now say you are sorry, not to me, but to Kisses."

Cuddles looked up at the cat and barked a soft sad bark. The cat, bizarrely, nodded and walked on.

"Good boy, but don't do that again. No one likes a bully, but I'll forgive you this time," Fluttershy rubbed the dogs head, and he perked up. "Now say sorry to Sparks. She is being very nice, and you almost made her fall over."

Cuddles presented his paw to Sparks, and she was barely able to shake it, with her hands filled with leads. Thus forgiven he rejoined the pack, although made a noticeable effort to not pull against her.

"Sorry, about Cuddles, he is a good boy really," Fluttershy apologised. "He just has some bad habits he needs to work on."

Sparks nodded, she knew what she needed to say. Though it was another few blocks before she broke the silence again.

"So," she began. "Cuddles can be a bully sometimes. Was he always like this, or has he gotten any better?"

"Oh no, he was really improved. When he was first rescued, he was mean to all the other animals, and then they wouldn't be his friends. They wouldn't trust him." Fluttershy explained softly.

Sparks acted surprised, "Oh really, what did you do?"

Fluttershy spoke with the same enthusiasm and confidence that she had shown when Sparks first met her "Well, I gave him a firm talking to, and I convinced the others to try and give him another chance. It took a long time, but he is really trying. He just falls into old habits sometimes."

"What would have happened if you hadn't convinced them to give him a chance?" Sparks queried with hesitation.

Fluttershy's eyes dropped, tearing up slightly, "That would have been awful. he would have felt so alone, and might have become a bully again."

"Maybe you could do the same thing for Sunset. I mean it worked for Cuddles, right? She is trying, but if no one gives her a chance, she'll be alone. Someone needs to keep her on the right path." Sparks explained slowly. It was not the strongest of arguments, but it was all she had.

Fluttershy's eyes lit up, thinking about it, "So call her out when she slips into bad habits, and pat her head she is good. Maybe even give her some treats. That sort of thing?"

"Sure," Sparks answered with relief. It was not an ideal model, but better than nothing. Besides, everyone likes getting treats.

They entered Canterlot Park as Sparks finished telling Fluttershy about how she and Shimmer had been involved in organising the Everfree Pet fair, and that it might be something that Fluttershy and Sunset might think about doing for Canterlot. Sparks even offered to help them with the paperwork and getting some council funding. She could probably even get some of the "gangs" to come out for the day.

"That's a pretty neat idea, actually. The girls would probably want to get involved too. It'd also give Sunset a way to give back to Canterlot, only..." Fluttershy's voice became almost a whisper towards the end.

"Only?" Sparks asked curiously. She was walking much easier now, having gotten used to signalling her intentions to the animals.

"Well, I don't know all the details, but, Sunset had a fight with Rainbow Dash about something, and they are not exactly speaking right now," Fluttershy mumbled.

Sparks took in the view of the park. It was weird, so much sadness on such a beautiful day, "Yeah, she mentioned she had done something, but wouldn't say what. Any ideas?"

"Sorry, I really don't know. Rainbow won't say anything either." Fluttershy answered in her soft voice. "I'd help if I could"

They continued in silence once more, but was a more comfortable one. The animals seemed pretty excited to be in the park. Sparks noticed that Fluttershy seemed to be on the lookout for something. She perked up as they approached a juice stand.

"Hey, Flutters, and.... Twilight?" a girl with multicoloured hair called to them. She reminded Sparks of someone a friend of hers used to talk about.

"Hey, Dash. This is Sparks, she's the Twilight from Everfree." Fluttershy explained.

"Sparks, weird, met another Sunset earlier." Rainbow said downcast.

"You met Shimmer?" Sparks asked, then recognising the new girls mood, got worried. "She didn't do anything bad did she?"

"Yes, no, she gave out to me about something that happened a long time ago. Something I was happy to forget," Rainbow answered awkwardly. "But... she wasn't completely wrong. Not sure how I feel about it, really. Wow, it's weird. I know you aren't Twilight but I guess I trust you. Like I said, weird day."

Suddenly Sparks realised that she was talking about Gilda. She understood why Shimmer had gotten angry, but let it go. Rainbow was already thinking about it, and Shimmer had probably been overly harsh.

"It'll be okay. Sorry if she came off bad. She just worries about people sometimes. If you meet her again, she'll probably be a lot less confrontational. So don't worry about it," Sparks reassured the girl. Today seemed to be the day for cleaning up after Sunset Shimmers.

Fluttershy looked around expectantly, "Is Applejack around?"

"Nah, she went after Su... Shimmer. I'm watching the stand," as Rainbow explained her frown became a smile. She waved to a younger girl trying to get a kite into the air. "She promised me cider enough for me and Scoots if I did a good job."

"Oh okay," Fluttershy seemed a little down. "I'll catch her next time. Anyway, we should be getting back."

"I'll tell her you called by," Rainbow assured her. Then she jumped with enthusiasm, calling to the girl with the kite. "Go, Scoots, go. It's flying. You did it!"

"See you, Dash," Fluttershy called as she led her pack forward.

Sparks waved as she followed on, "It was nice to meet you."

They continued through the park, when Sparks remembered something, about how Fluttershy had acted at the juice stall.

"You mentioned Applejack earlier, she was one of the girls who stood up to Sunset. What's she like?" Sparks asked with curiosity.

"She's amazing, she is always really helpful with animals whenever she has time to help. She is honest and dependable. She can be really patient too, which is nice. She asks me over to the farm sometimes to check up on some of the animals. She is so kind to her dog, Winona. It's really heart warming," Fluttershy said with a fond smile. Her eyes shone as she continued. "She always tries to have time for me, and helps out when she can."

Sparks smiled, sensing some very deep feelings within the other girl.

"But... sometimes she gets withdrawn. Like she can't be herself. Maybe it's because we weren't friends for a while, because of... well, you know. I don't know if her brother approves of me. I mean, he's always nice and polite, and I can't sense any negative feelings. It's just that, when he's around she'll be more removed. Maybe, maybe he blames me for leaving her alone, when we were fighting," Fluttershy left her hair fall in front of her face, as though she was trying to hide from the words she was saying.

Sparks sighed. It seems that fallout from Sunset's reign of terror was still being felt. She'd have to try and clear this up too if she got a chance. Though she was not sure how. As they made their way out of the park, her phone started ringing. She barely managed to take her phone out of her pocket with all the leads, but seeing that it was Shimmer, she hesitated. She hit the reject button. She hoped Shimmer would be okay, but she'd call her back when she was not ferrying a herd through the city.

They arrived back to the sound of singing, it was weird. Like a villain song in a cartoon. Fluttershy ran forward with her pack and opened the door to the back area, with Sparks close behind. The room was filled with animals in tubs of shampooed water. Sunset was busily washing a group of puppies, while singing.

"Get into the depths," she sang in a maniac chorus.

Zippoorwhill bounced around the room, like some sort of crazed minion, also singing, "Down to the deep."

"Was away your sins," Sunset stood as her voice rose higher. "or your souls, I'll keep!"

It was evident that they had not noticed their audience, until they heard the soft sound of Fluttershy clapping.

"Uh, didn't see you there," Sunset replied shyly, obviously uncomfortable with having been caught.

"Miss Fluttershy, wasn't that amazing, Sunset is a great singer, and she was a villain, and I was her minion, and we fed them, and played, and we just finished giving them their baths. It was so great!" Zippoorwhill enthused.

"It was very good," Fluttershy gave them both an approving gaze. "So I'll give you both a treat. How about I make some lemonade?"

"Yes, yes, yes, your lemonade is the best!" Zippoorwhill answered drying off a sheepdog.

Fluttershy gave Sunset a reassuring smile, "Would you like some too?"

"Yeah, sure, I mean, yes please," Sunset answered with a smile.

Sparks was glad to see some progress being made, but thinking about Shimmer she felt a pang of guilt. She had abandoned her earlier, and while understandable it was not fair.

"Hey, I have to go get lunch with a friend. Where's good?" Sparks asked taking the leads from the surprisingly well behaved charges.

"I like the 'Hey! Burger'. They have the most delicious food." Zippoorwhill answered with the same energy she did everything.

"Sounds good, Sunset, I'll meet you here later if that's okay. Fluttershy, that's okay with you right?" Sparks asked, anxious to get back in touch with Shimmer.

Both girls nodded, and then smiled at each other. Progress was indeed being made.

Sparks reached for her phone as she left the building.

Shimmer wandered the streets of Canterlot. She had tried calling Sparks but only got voice mail. Maybe Sparks was still angry at her. Maybe she should call again, or just try and find this Rarity and learn more about her double, or perhaps she should give up and go back to the Everfree. Her thoughts were interrupted when her phone rang. It was Sparks.

Shimmer pushed her worried to the back of her mind, and tried to sound relaxed. "Hey... No, it's cool...Yeah, lunch sounds nice... The 'Hey! Burger'?... I'm sure I can find it... I'll see you soon."

Consulting a map on her phone, she made her way with a spring in her step. Sparks called her, and didn't sound mad. Maybe this trip would work out after all. Besides she's need Sparks help to learn more about her double. She tended to deal with things with force of will and determination, but Sparks had a more subtle touch, that grounded her, and this was a problem that called for a balanced approach.

Author's Note

Sorry for the huge break in updates. My course got pretty intense in the last few weeks, but it's over now so I can put time into writing again.

It feels good to be back.

I wrote a sort of Human in Equestria fic in the meantime, because it was an odd idea that was bouncing around, and I wanted something that was a standalone.

Not going to lie, every time I sit down to write this, ideas for other stories plague my mind. Procrastinating from procrasting, is like "Procrastinception."

Also to everyone who has favourited so far, (and liked) thank you. Sorry for not posting thanks on your page, I was not aware it was a thing to do until people started doing it for me.

5: Lunch at the Hey! Burger

Shimmer looked at the pinkish purple fast food outlet, with its faux thatched roof. It was an odd sight, much bigger than the Everfree branch of the franchise, though that made a lot of sense, taking into account the plaque declaring this the origin of the chain. The "restaurant" was surprisingly busy, with most of the booths being filled with groups of teens, hanging out and killing time on their holidays.

Shimmer scanned them for Sparks, but didn't see her. She did notice people whispering to themselves, while glancing at her. She was not sure if they were doing it because they though she was the other Sunset, or because they thought she wasn't. Either way she figured that it was something she would have to accept as part and parcel of being in Canterlot. She continued looking for Sparks, but to her annoyance she only recognised Flash Sentry, though the feeling seemed to be mutual as he also noticed her. With a sigh she walked over to him, better to get this over with.

"So..." Shimmer initiated.

"Yeah. I'm..." Flash responded uncertainly, before Shimmer cut across him

"I'm..." Shimmer took a deep breath, focused on her words, trying to get this over with all at once, "sorry about earlier, I'm not the Sunset you know, nor is my friend the Twilight you know, hence the confusion, and why I was so aggressive towards you earlier. You did have a legitimate reason for hugging her suddenly, and I could have asked instead of exploding at you."

"Me too." Flash replied awkwardly, "I mean, I'm also sorry. I could have reacted better to you defending Twi or Sparks or whatever and thinking I had been forgotten. So yeah. doubles huh, weird, right?"

"You heard about the doubles, Hashtag Second Sunset, right?" Shimmer said attempting to sound joking.

"I told him," A pink blur announced as it whizzed past, delivering trays, and cleaning tables. She was wearing roller blades and the yellow and orange uniform of the Hey! Burger. "cause you mentioned seeing him earlier and he looking kind of confused and annoyed when he came in, and I figured that you are probably great at confusing and annoying people."

"Pinkie?" Shimmer exclaimed. "I thought you worked at Sugar Cube Corner. What are you doing here?"

"My shifts are a little crazy, but I work here in the afternoons on even dates, but not on a 14th or 22nd, "Pinkie explained as she cleaned out a booth nearby. "but always on a 7th and 31st, and every other 3rd."

Shimmer nodded taking in the bizarre schedule. Sparks had gone through something similar a couple of years ago trying to get her extra curricular classes to balance.

"Pinkie," Sunset began, "I'm actually really glad to see you. I was hoping you could tell me more about..."

"Can't talk now! Maybe later," Pinkie called back as she disappeared back behind the counter. Shimmer was certain she had seen a frown on the seemingly hyperactive girl's face, if only for a moment.

Shimmer turned to Flash, "So? Is she always like this?"

"Kind of, I mean, I think so, we aren't really close, but yeah, she is known for her infinite energy and always having a smile on her face. Like the only times I've seen her not smile, was because of you, well, Sunset. Pinkie mentioned the whole Shimmer and Sparks thing. Makes it easier, I guess." Flash paused, nervous. "So is Sparks around?"

"Yeah. I'm meeting her later," Shimmer answered with suspicion. "Don't get any weird ideas though. She is not Twilight. Besides didn't you have a thing with Sunset. I am not going to be happy if I think you are fooling around with either of our doubles, especially if it's both of them, and if you think you can replace Twilight with Sparks, I'll have words."

Flash started to say something, then stopped, this process happened two or three times as his brain struggled to process the accusation. Eventually he sputtered out a defence, "No. I mean, yeah, I did, but it's not like that. I wouldn't, I mean I would, but. Um."

Shimmer contained her amusement at the obviously flustered teen, and took a deep breath, suppressing her defensive urges. She put forward her friendliest smile, "It's okay. So this Twilight made an impression on you. They can do that. I can see why you would be pretty excited at another shot at it."

"Yeah, you could say that," Flash said visibly relaxing. "I mean, she wouldn't be a replacement, but..."

Shimmer shook her head. She really needed not to treat everyone like they were already confirmed jerks. She made sure her body language was friendly as she sat opposite Flash, leaning in she asked, "What happened with you and Sunset anyway? I'm pretty curious. You're not my type, but then again she likes peppermint tea, so we obviously like different things."

"Peppermint tea?" Flash queried, trying to avoid the question.

"Yeah, Pinkie has this thing with people's favourite teas. It's how she realised I wasn't Sunset. Saying that out loud seems a bit weird, but it's been that kind of day," Shimmer explained. "I also noticed you didn't answer my question."

Flash took a sip of his cola, and nodded, "Okay. So we went out for a few months last year, but it became obvious that she was only using me to cement her power in the school, and as a fashion accessory. I broke up with her soon after that. God, how could I have been so blind."

Shimmer nodded solemnly, she didn't like thinking about herself as the type of person who would have date someone as a trophy, but she had to acknowledge that Sunset was a different person after all. However one thought did jump out at her, "From what I heard everyone knew that Sunset was someone to be feared for the entirety of her career in Canterlot High, so why'd you date her?"

Flash sighed, "Honestly, she was really pretty, and confident, and I thought it was just rumours, created by spurned guys, and jealous girls. If it was true, I thought maybe I could find the good in her, and change her, like all she needed was a chance. Either way I was just seeing what I wanted. There was one thing though, that impressed me, even when I saw her for the manipulative person she was. She had this drive, this fire, that refused to give into anything, it was daunting but incredible."

"Yeah, it's okay. It happens. Good that you are aware of it though. I guess," Shimmer struggled, she really didn't know what to say. "What's she like now?"

Flash looked at Shimmer, "I don't know. I've been ignoring her since the Fall Formal. I guess everyone has, except Pinkie and the others. I guess she doesn't bully people any more, not that she could anyway. No one would let her get away with it any more. She seems subdued, like that flame has gone out, like she doesn't know who she is or what she wants any more. I don't know."

"Wow. I'm glad I'm not her right now, sounds pretty lonesome. I'm not saying she doesn't deserve it, but no one should feel alone. Anyway, I'm going to go order a tea or something. It's been," Shimmer hesitated, pushing past her initial dislike of him, "good talking to you."

Shimmer played with her phone, sipping her tea, checking up on her and Spark's social media tags. There was a lot of discussion of them, especially Sunset. Most of it wasn't very nice, not exactly cruel, just a little negative. She kept and eye out the window and saw Sparks coming down the street. Shimmer smiled, though it quickly faltered. It was great seeing her again, but Shimmer was worried, that she would say something that would make everything weird and awkward. She already felt weird and awkward enough around Sparks without all this. This trip had been about dissolving the distance that had developed between them and maybe more. She let out a sigh of frustration, and cleared her mind. Though she sighed again when she realised she would need to explain the entire doubles thing. Sparks was very scientific, and probably wouldn't buy something so crazy easily.

Shimmer fought off the frown when she saw that Sparks had met Flash as he went to leave the diner. They were smiling and laughing. No big deal, not at all. Flash said something. Sparks laughed nervously and blushed. She smoothed her skirt, something she does when embarrassed, or nervous. Perfect. Fan-freakin-tastic. Sparks opened the door for Flash, and he walked out waving at her. She then saw Shimmer and waved. As she walked over, a smile on her face, Shimmer pushed her unease down, and smiled. It was easier than she thought. She had expected it to be forced, but she was genuinely relieved to have met back up with Sparks. Together they would be able to deal with this Sunset debacle, if Sparks believed her, that is.

Shimmer's thoughts were broken when she heard Sparks calling her. "Hey, let's order, I am famished. I need to eat something. I had a lot of unscheduled exercise. You would not believe my day."

"Yeah. It's been quite a day, and there is still a lot of it left," Shimmer agreed, as they got in line. "Oh, I apologised to Flash, we are kind of cool now."

Sparks nodded, "Yeah, mentioned. Also heard that you met Gilda's old friend. I also heard it didn't go very well."

"Yeaaahhhh, I'm sorry, I just..." Shimmer stammered.

"Are sometimes a bit overly protective, yeah" Sparks reprimanded her jokingly. "It's okay, she seemed to be thinking about it, so maybe she'll patch things up yet. That said you could probably have been nicer about it. Are you okay? You aren't normally this... confrontational. I mean where is the girl that tamed the Everfree?"

"Sorry. I've had something on my mind. Nothing to worry about. Oh look time to order," Shimmer said, changing the subject.

Over the meal the two girls laughed and joked about inconsequential things. About ten minutes after finishing their meal, Pinkie skated by and dropped off a lemon and ginger tea and a coffee. She picked up their trays with a smile, "Sparks right. Though you like hazelnut not caramel in your coffee. Oh, got to skate."

Sparks looked a little confused, "I wish I could say that was the oddest thing to happen today."

"Pinkie is pretty great. She does this thing where she knows people's favourite beverages and she aced mine, and yours," Shimmer explained smiling. "The mention of caramel was probably related to umm the other... Twi..."

"Twilight. Yeah. I heard about her. It's better that you know about this already. It'll make the next bit easier, cause I met your doppleganger," Sparks exclaimed with a smug grin.

"Wow, cause I have been following her trail, since we split... since Sugar Cube Corner," Shimmer said surprised but continued conspiratorially "and I was hoping we could help her. You know how Sunsets are, they need Twilight to work."

"That is sooo cheesy, but yeah. I was had the same plan," Sparks agreed winking. "Of course like all good strategy meetings we'll need icecream as we share intel."

After telling their stories and sharing a sundae, the girls were thoughtful.

"So there are six girls in this. Sunset, Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow, Fluttershy and Rarity." Sparks began.

"Yeah," Shimmer agreed, "and something happened last week between Rainbow and Sunset, but no one is saying what. Apparently Rarity might know, so one of us should go meet her."

"We also need to find something that can bridge the gap Sunset caused in the group. There seems to be some fallout. Fluttershy mentioned that she is called over to the farm a lot by Applejack, but that she thinks her brother might be angry at her, cause Applejack gets weird when he is around," Sparks added with a frown.

Shimmer took a moment to consider, "McIntosh was pretty distracted looking at Rainbow often, but he seemed to be worried about something with Applejack. Rainbow seemed to worry about what he would think when I exploded at her as well. So... maybe..."

"Rainbow and Mac like each other, but are worried about offending Applejack. Dating someone's sibling or sibling's friend can be pretty weird," Sparks exploded with enthusiasm. "and what if Applejack and Fluttershy spend so much time together cause they want their friendship to become more than that."

Shimmer thought about it, and frowned as a though hit her, "What if Applejack thinks Mac likes Fluttershy. You said she was quiet and so is he, so they'd be an obvious pairing. It'd explain why she gets anxious when they are around each other."

"Oh, wow, that makes sense," Sparks agreed. "What if Mac thinks that his sister likes Rainbow, they both sounded very athletic. I could see his logic, and it would explain his awkwardness. It's weird though, I mean why wouldn't they talk about it. I know it's hard but not as hard as it seems staying silent."

"Well..." Shimmer frowned. "We know that Sunset broke their friendship, so maybe no one is willing to take the risk of doing something that could break it again. It might not survive it."

Sparks nodded solemnly, "This is a pretty tangled knot, even without the fight between Rainbow and Sunset."

"Pinkie seems a little upset sometimes, but I'm still not sure. It might be unrelated. Anyway, you're the brains," Shimmer beamed. "What's the plan?"

"I think we need to split up again. Sunset won't tell me, but she might tell you," Sparks said playing with her hair. "You know Sunset solidarity and all that."

"That makes sense, and I am curious to meet me," Shimmer agreed reluctantly. "So, you'll have to go meet Rarity. It makes sense. Having her tell me what other me did could be awkward."

"Shimmer, are you sure this is okay? I know you wanted to spend this day together. Are you sure you want to spend it dealing with problems of people we just met?" Sparks asked, her concern showing on her face.

"Yeah. I mean, I want to spend the day with you, but I don't want to leave it like this," Shimmer answered. "I mean, what if I would have ended up like her, without friends, without... you. It wouldn't feel right."

"Okay, let's do it," Sparks said standing up. "Carousel Boutique, right?"

Shimmer nodded, "Yeah, and I'm headed to the Animal Shelter. You go on ahead, I want to see if I can grab a moment with Pinkie."

Shimmer waved at Sparks as she left the building.

"You called," Pinkie said grinning, appearing behind Shimmer. "I can take a quick break."

"So, Pinkie. Can you tell me anything about what happened a week ago?" Shimmer asked quietly.

"I can't," Pinkie mumbled. "I made a promise."

"To Sunset, or Rainbow?" Shimmer asked, but she got no response other than that momentary frown. Realisation hit Shimmer hard. It all made sense. It explained why Pinkie was so sad, but trying to hide it, because she couldn't tell anyone. "You promised both of them. Oh you poor dear. I prom... I promise I will do whatever I can to help. Sparks is helping me, together we can do anything."

Pinkie half smiled, but didn't seem convinced. Shimmer wanted to cheer up this sweet girl. She remembered something her dad used to say, "Can I borrow a hug?"

Shimmer outstretched her arms. Pinkie smiled a small fragile smile, but accepted the hug readily. Somehow she knew the response, the same way she knew other things, "Only if you promise to give it back."

A moment passed and Pinkie pulled away. She wore a deep honest smile, "Thanks for that. I better get back to work."

Shimmer grabbed her jacket and headed out. She turned to see Pinkie gliding around the tables once more, waved and left.

She had a Sunset to find, and a mystery to get to the bottom of.

Author's Note

Sorry to all my readers. I hit a life block for a long while there, but I am back now.

Thanks to everyone for the likes, and the comments.

I hope you like this chapter that has been in my brain for months.

I also hope you are enjoying the story.