Sundown

Chapters

Chapter 1: Clearing the Fog
Chapter 2: Consequence
Chapter 3: Stand, Breathe, and Continue
Chapter 4: Flush and Run

Chapter 1: Clearing the Fog

Celestia looked back down at the scrap of paper she had in her hands. This was the right address, and she really did not know what she had expected. She knew it was going to be bad being so close to the industrial district, but she didn’t consider that it would be an abandoned factory. Just looking at it, Celestia could see it was condemned. All the windows that were not boarded up were in fact broken. Some enterprising young person had spray painted a skull on the large sidewall with the word ‘Fangs’ replacing the teeth. If this was where Sunset was living then Celestia could see where some of the girl’s coldness had come from.

She took a deep breath. No one had seen Sunset Shimmer since the incident at the Fall Formal. She knew it was going to be bad, but she knew that she had to check on her. No one else was going to. Celestia suspected that no one knew where she lived. Considering the location, she would be very surprised if Sunset had not hidden it.

Celestia decided she had stalled at the door long enough. She knocked and waited; no sound came from the building. She knocked again and was only greeted by the same chilling silence. Looking around her to be sure that no one else was in the vicinity, she forced the door open. It had no lock, but it was obviously jammed in a way to make it difficult to open.

Celestia found herself in a darkened hallway. It looked like something out of a horror movie. The walls were grey and lifeless and there was dust everywhere. Luckily, the dust that made it obvious where people had been, as the floor showed paths that lead in two directions. Choosing the one that lead into a room nearby first, Celestia found herself in a small break room. It had cupboards and a sink, but the fridge and stove were missing. The sink seemed to pull double duty, having both dirty dishes and a toothbrush next to it. A little cracked mirror hung over it. Taking stock Celestia could tell that Sunset has not been eating well.

There was a bathroom in the break room, after a short peak she learned that it indeed had a shower. Likely, an emergency shower for washing off chemicals they used in the factory. Just looking at it, she doubted it had hot water. The sink had a broken basin, making it clear why it was not being used.

Leaving the break room, she headed back to the other path. It lead upstairs to a door marked simply ‘office’. She knocked on the door but received no answer. After a moment, she walked in. The room inside was dark. The one window it had had been covered by a board. The room was in shambles everything was broken. There was a desk, which was broken in the middle and splintered badly. A chair lay nearby was clearly used to hit something with. There was a full body mirror that was shattered. The whole room smelled of blood.

The most depressing part was the bed where Sunset Shimmer laid surrounded by twisted and broken crowns. All of them were snapped in half and crushed, the gems broken off them. Celestia only had recognized them because there was one that seems to still be mostly whole. Twisted down the center and horrifically covered in blood.

“Go away!” Sunset screamed at Celestia. Sunset Shimmer’s eyes were red and puffy and she looked exhausted.

“Sunset, no one has seen you in a week. I came here because I was worried.” Celestia hesitated and then approached the bed.

“Stop acting like her! I don’t want you near me! I don’t need you or anyone!” Sunset cringed back further into her bed.

“Sunset… I just want to talk. Please, I am worried about you.” Celestia stood still not wanting to pressure her anymore than she had. She kept a quiet, even tone to not alarm Sunset further.

“I don’t want to talk. I just want to be left alone.” Then she muttered much quieter, “Alone where I can’t hurt anyone else.” Sunset rolled over and buried her face into her bed.

Celestia walked over in silence and sat on the bed next to Sunset Shimmer.Being so close made her painfully aware that Sunset was clutching her hand to her chest tightly.

“Sunset… May I see your hand?” Celestia asked softly. Sunset shook her head into her bed.

“Please, Sunset?” Celestia asked again. Sunset sat up slowly this time. Saying nothing, she thrust her injured hand to Celestia.

“Oh, Sunset.” Celestia took in the damage. There was a gash that ran diagonally down her hand, still fresh and bleeding. Gently grabbing the hand, she looked Sunset right into the eyes. “Please, come downstairs with me so I can clean this up.” Sunset nodded in reply but said nothing.

Celestia lead Sunset Shimmer downstairs to the break room. Looking into the cupboards, she found a simple first aid kit. Celestia took out a roll of gauze bandages and some saline. Walking Sunset over to the sink, she carefully ran the tap water and washed the blood from Sunset’s hand and forearm. Celestia then silently applied the saline to disinfect the cut. Sunset had cringed at the contact but had not cried out. Celestia finished up with wrapping the wound with the gauze bandages.

Celestia looked at Sunset, but Sunset stubbornly looked away from her. Celestia spoke up anyway. “Sunset, I would like it if you were to come with me back to my home to have a warm meal and maybe a hot bath. Would that be okay with you?”

Sunset Shimmer locked eyes with Celestia. She was crying again. “Yes,” she had said submissively.

☼ ☀ ☼

The pair stayed silent through the entire ride to Celestia's apartment The silence persisted throughout the whole of the pasta dinner Celestia made for them. There was small bouts where Celestia asked Sunset particulars for what to make, although they never lasted long before lapsing back into a respectful quiet. It was only when Sunset had finished her meal that Celestia moved to broach the topic they had been avoiding.

"Sunset, would you like to talk with me about what is wrong?"

Sunset stared at the counter in front of her. Celestia had a small space, there was no kitchen table. Only a dividing counter with some stools that separated the living room from the kitchen. It was the sparse and functional space that Princess Celestia would give anything to have. Although it was small, it was extremely comforting to Sunset. It was unfamiliar and yet she felt like she knew the space.

After releasing a long sigh Sunset Shimmer spoke directly to Celestia. "No, to be perfectly honest, I would rather crawl in a hole and disappear. But, I already know I’m going to talk about it anyway. You'd only find a way to wear me down."

Resting her head on her hands, but still looking at Celestia. "I am a failure as a student. I haven’t learned the one thing my mentor set out to teach me above all else. Worse yet, I was brought down by someone who did listen to her. I got a real glimpse of my heart. I am just a horrible demon, a danger to everyone, and I should probably just go away."

"Oh, Suns-"

"Don't you 'Oh, Sunset' me!" Sunset Shimmer burst out with an angry interruption. "You aren't her so please do me the favor and don’t pretend that you care!"

Celestia looked hurt and was taken aback. "But, Sunset, I do care. Although, you have me curious... who do you mean?"

Sunset Scoffed. "Who else: Princess Celestia." Celestia looked surprised at the title and the name with it, but Sunset continued before she could respond. "The loving princess of the sun, my mentor. I suppose Sparkle did not mention that part about Equestria."

Sunset had paused so Celestia took the opportunity to voice her thoughts. "I thought Twilight Sparkle was the princess."

"Heh hardly. Beyond Princess Sparkle, there is the alternate you, Princess Cadenza, and I suppose Nightmare Moon has returned too. I think she goes by Luna now. Which would make sense since she is your sister here as well." Celestia wasn't sure that Sunset was being serious.

"If you don't mind me asking, but could you tell me more about your mentor?" Celestia was genuine in her speech.

"I kind of do, but whatever." Sunset rested her arms on the table and her head on top of them before continuing. "Princess Celestia," Sunset used the name just to see the cringe from Principal Celestia, "is an insufferable old sow, and was always telling me what I should and shouldn't do. Always nagging me about how I acted. Her lessons were cryptic and challenging, but when you figured them out, you felt really good about it. She had this annoying way of always getting me to open up and talk to her. She always taught ponies to be more kind, more sincere, and more loving. She took me in when I was very little. Cared for me when everypony else left me in the orphanage. She didn't even take me in for my magical talent... We found that much later. No, I think... she was just lonely. I relied on her for support. Then I ran out on her because I felt she was just holding me back from being great. A-and I just... miss her s-so much." Sunset's eyes were now buried in her sleeves, she sounded like she was trying to keep from sobbing.

Celestia was struck; she had to do something to help this girl. "Sunset, I am not going to pretend to know you very well, but I really can't stand the thought of you going back to live in that warehouse. I would like it if you would live here with me instead." Looking around at the place she owned. "In this somewhat small one bedroom apartment." She frowned.

"Y-you don't h-have to put up w-with me. I-I am just a worthless monster. I d-deserve to live in a hole." Sunset said through sobs.

“Sunset,” said Celestia seriously. “There is only one thing that you deserve.” Celestia tried her best to lock eyes with the tearful ones of Sunset Shimmer.

Gasping a lungful of air Sunset asked. “What… a s-swift kick?” she asked with a humorless tone.

“No, the one thing you deserve more than anything is…” Celestia paused to gently grab Sunset’s hand. “A second chance.”

Author's Note

Um... Hello, I suppose if you made it to this Author's note then you have just read through the first chapter. If so, then thanks for giving the story a chance. I don't really know if anyone would want this but I want to explain some of what Celestia does here for Sunset... After some thought I have decided to move it to a blog post rather than in the story's AN section. I believe I will continue to do this for the rest of the story as sort of a Depression survival guide. Here is a link to it.

Edited edition: 10/21/2014 Edited by The Albinocorn

Chapter 2: Consequence

Sunset was in a dark room, featureless save for one lone full body mirror. An ordinary mirror it was not, it looked like the one from years ago, the mirror that was a portal to the human world. She had never forgotten it, and the image it showed her. She approached it with trepidation.

Peering into the mirror Sunset only saw herself, same scrawny body and fiery hair. The same way she has looked for two and a half years. She remembered finding out the relative age difference between ponies and humans for maturity was around 6 to 8 years depending on who you asked what mature for a human was. Thanks exclusively to that Sunset Shimmer was forced to go through a sort of second puberty.

As Sunset was lost in reflection, the Sunset Shimmer she had been staring blankly at had begun to change. First, it took a more standoffish posture. Then it began to smirk and its eyes narrowed. It now mirrored how Sunset acted as well.

“Well,” It said, “it didn’t take you very long to run to Celestia again.”

Sunset Shimmer was surprised. Her reflection had just spoken to her. “Uh… What?”

Scoffing the reflection replied scathingly. “Quite the quick thinker you are. What was that we said before…” The reflection shifted its weight from one leg to the other and rolled her eyes. “Uh’s and um’s are the sign of a weak mind.” Smiling sinisterly, she locked eyes with Sunset. “We’re better than that right?”

Sunset shut her eyes and shook her head before replying. “Who the hell are you?”

“Heh, well isn’t it obvious?” Sunset’s reflection stepped forward and pressed her hand against the other side of the mirror. “I’m Sunset Shimmer.”

☼ ☀ ☼

Sunset woke quickly her heart pounding in her chest. The dream was fading away quickly. There was something at the end that she could not remember, something important. It was gone though.

Sunset Shimmer lay back down and waited until her heart slowed its pace, forcing her breathing to be even and measured. Then a new wave of panic surged in Sunset. She began looking quickly around the room not recognizing it. She was not in her warehouse. It took a moment for Sunset to remember the events of yesterday. It took a lot for Celestia to get Sunset to take the bed while she slept on the couch. It still didn’t feel right to her. In the end there was no arguing with Celestia though.

Sunset got up and felt immediately awkward. She had not grabbed any spare clothes before she left the warehouse yesterday. So she slipped on her clothing she had worn yesterday, a simple orange shirt and red-violet skirt with a red highlight. There was also a pendant that was shaped like her sun mark, she smiled seeing it. She was reminded of when she had gotten her cutie mark, but she had no time for a trip down memory lane. She heard noises from outside the room.

Celestia had woken up first and was in the middle of making the best breakfast Sunset had seen in her time since leaving Equestria. She knew better than to start until Celestia was finished making it though, so she settled down on a stool at the counter. Sunset just watched as Celestia continued to flip the pancakes and cook hash browns. Sunset had been relieved to find out over dinner that Celestia was a vegetarian as well. Sunset could never bring herself to eat meat. She understood that humans did need to eat meat to remain healthy, but even so it unsettled her to eat something she could have had a conversation with in Equestria.

Celestia had finished up cooking the last of the pancake batter she had made. Bring it all over to the counter she set down the pancakes, hash browns, two glasses of orange juice and a bottle of pills. Sunset raised an eyebrow at that.

“Supplements for what we don’t get from not eating meat.” Celestia supplied.

“Oh, that makes sense I suppose.” Taking one of the chalky tablets Sunset popped it in her mouth.

Breakfast was delicious, but it had ended too quickly for Sunset Shimmer. Soon she was sitting next to Celestia on the couch digesting the nearly inhuman amount of syrupy sweet pancakes she had eaten.

“It’s Saturday, is there anything you would like to do?” Celestia asked.

“I would like to go back to the warehouse and change out of my clothes.” Sunset replied.

“Sorry, can’t do that.” Celestia said to the shock of Sunset, but she continued. “I cannot let you go back to that place. Instead you can come out with me and get some new clothing to wear.” Celestia smiled easily.

It took a little convincing, but Celestia was adamant that Sunset would never be returning to that warehouse. It made Sunset feel a bit warm inside to know that Celestia cared enough about how she feels to try to protect her from things that might upset her. It was also a bit annoying, but mostly warm fuzzies.

Celestia lent Sunset a pair of jeans that she had to keep up with a belt. Sunset refrained from commenting on that. Then she covered her top with a white poet’s style shirt. Celestia insisted wearing such a baggy shirt wouldn’t look weird as that was how it was made to look. Sunset just felt awkward though, it was far and away from her usual style. She took the necklace she had worn yesterday and put it around her neck. It bore her mark, the eight pointed red and yellow sun.

After Sunset had reluctantly changed, they were off. Celestia made a minor stop by the manager of the apartments on their way out.

As soon as Celestia stepped out of the door to the manager’s place Sunset asked. “What was all that about?”

Celestia gave her secretive smile and replied coolly. “Just a little chat with a friend.”

Sunset Shimmer leveled a glare at Celestia. “Fine, keep your secrets.”

Celestia gave a tittering laugh and lead the way to the car. The drive to the mall did not take very long, Celestia already lived close to downtown Canterlot where the mall was located. When they got there, Celestia pulled out some money and gave it to Sunset.

“What’s this?” Sunset Shimmer asked quizzically.

“Oh, I am just going to let you go off on your own to find the things you need. Unless you would like my company, I would be glad to join you.” Celestia gave Sunset a soft and slightly hopeful smile.

“No, I think I will be alright. Thank you Celestia.” Sunset said trying to sound confident. In truth, she was scared of being here alone. Sunset was under no delusions of how well liked she was. A good amount of the people here will be people from school.

“Now, just make sure to meet me at the food court at…” Celestia checked her watch, it informed her that the time was 10:02am, “around two sound good to you?”

Sunset just gave Celestia a nod.

Sunset and Celestia parted ways at the first split. Sunset Shimmer elected to go down the side with the most clothing shops, while Celestia went the other direction for entirely unknown reasons. It was off to a pretty good start all things considered. She was only being openly stared at by all the teens from Canterlot High. No one was shouting or starting a mob… yet.

With that in mind Sunset Shimmer made her way quickly to a thrift clothing store. Sunset often frequented this shop out of necessity, money had always been tight for the girl from another world. Of course, Celestia had given her money and now that she thought about it… how much?

She discreetly pulled out the money Celestia had given her. It had been too much… Celestia had given Sunset five hundred dollars cash. It was too much. Celestia may have been a principal of a school, but from what she understood that didn’t mean she was swimming in money. Half a grand was too much as an act of kindness toward Sunset. She had thought that it was around just one hundred, enough to get some stuff to wear, but this made it clear that Celestia did intend to let Sunset replace her wardrobe even if it was pretty spartan. Then again, if she was really thrifty Sunset could get enough clothing to go a week and then she could give the rest back to Celestia.

Sunset’s heart set to do right by her mentor… her… to do right by Principal Celestia for putting up with her. Sunset spent around two hundred dollars and had five fresh outfits for her to go to school in. She got a little selfish though and got her sun mark placed on a few of the items of clothing.

☼ ☀ ☼

It was around half passed noon when Sunset got to the food court. She knew she was early but she didn’t really want to be in the mall right now. She didn’t see Celestia though. Sunset just sat down by herself and waited.

It didn’t last though, soon enough she saw some people she did not want to have to deal with. It was already too late though. She locked eyes with Gilda, the brash, well built, and mean spirited girl who even Sunset went out of her way to avoid angering. While Sunset had been manipulative, Gilda was more forceful with her control over the students.

Gilda looked shocked at first and then a wicked grin spread across her face. She whispered something to one of the two cronies she had flanking her. They both laughed and then approached Sunset.

“Heh, if it isn’t the other heartless bitch from school. Got to say that display at the dance had me impressed. I didn’t know you were actually a demon.” Gilda said almost jovially.

Sunset Shimmer didn’t know how to take it, electing to play it close to her chest. “What do you want Gilda? I am busy today.” Sunset said coldly.

“Oh, we just wanted to hang out. Figure you are now cool enough to hang with. Come with us, we know this great spot to hang out.” Gilda responded confidently.

“It’s not a good time for me.” Sunset had said trying to impress onto Gilda that she wanted to be alone.

“I insist.” Gilda said and lifted Sunset up with an arm across her shoulders pinning her and leading her away. Not giving Sunset any time to grab her things.

☼ ☀ ☼

Gilda had lead them to a roof access. Before Sunset could protest she was being pushed through it. Gilda and her crones passed through it too with one hanging back to hold it open.

“Don’t worry, the alarm on this door has been broken for years.” Gilda said in a way that sounded like she was trying to be reassuring.

“Now that we are up here.” Gilda smiled at Sunset. “Hand over all your cash and I won’t hurt you.”

Sunset balked. “And why should I do that?”

“Because you are the heartless bitch who destroyed part of the school and ruined my night at the dance. I had been planning that prank on for a whole month only for it to go south because someone decided to literally be the devil. So, if you don’t want your face rearranged I suggest you fork over the cash.” Gilda angrily spat.

“Well, I don’t have any. So you can just shove off and let me off this roof.” Sunset moved to walk passed Gilda and back to the stairwell.

She should have expected to be blindsided by Gilda when she passed her. Gilda’s punch laid Sunset out. Gilda smirked and walked over to the groaning Sunset and fished in the pockets of her jeans. “Heh, see bitch you were loaded.” Gilda pulled the money out and inspected it.

“That’s not… mine.” Sunset weakly murmured.

“Oh, so you stole this? Priceless.” Gilda walked away laughed heartily. “A pleasure doing business with you today.” With that, Gilda had left with her two companions.

It took a while for Sunset’s head to stop spinning for her to get up. Gilda had hit her in the left temple. The pain and the spinning was quite severe, but after a while she got up and walked over to the door. She found out why the thug had held it open…
It could only be open from the inside. There was only a hole for a key on this side. Sunset was trapped on the roof. No one knew she was even up here. She pounded on the door with her good hand. “Hey! Open up! I’m stuck out here!”

She angrily called out. “Someone open this door! I’m stuck out here!”

After several minutes, she was hysterical. “Please… Please open the door...” She leaned her back against the door and slid down.

☼ ☀ ☼

Celestia had been making preparations for a surprise for Sunset. She was completely finished and everything was set to be delivered. All that was left was to meet Sunset at the food court. She hoped that Sunset would not be to mad with her for her lateness. It was only half passed two, so Celestia hoped that much was forgivable.

Celestia entered the food court. Looking around Celestia could not see her charge anywhere. Sunset surely would have been waiting here for Celestia had she gotten finished with her shopping right? Sunset must not be done then.

Celestia ordered a strawberry smoothie from a nearby shop and sat down at an empty table. Then she waited. After ten minutes she got anxious, then worried when her watch passed three. She got up and started looking through the clothing stores for Sunset Shimmer. After she searched the last one Celestia was panicked, it was a little after five and she had not seen Sunset.

Approaching a guard, with blue hair and pale skin she rushed to ask. “Have you seen a fire haired teenage girl? She’s lost and I’m worried she might be in trouble.”

“Ma’am, I am not mall security.” He turned around to face Celestia and she saw the CPD badge. “But, if you allow me, I can help find the girl.”

“Thank you officer. Her name is Sunset Shimmer. She’s about five foot four and maybe a hundred and ten pounds. She’s wearing a white poet cut shirt and blue jeans. She was supposed to have met me in the food court at two this afternoon. I got there a little late and she never showed.” Celestia said trying to give the officer as much information as possible.

“Let’s check in with the security office.” The policeman lead the way to the backrooms of the mall. They came upon a small room with one overweight security guard. He had seemed to have dozed off at some point in the day. The wall was of much more interest, it had a couple dozen monitors displaying different sections of the mall.

“Ahem!” The officer didn’t so much as clear his throat opting just to say it. When this didn’t stir the sleeping guard, the officer slammed his hand down on the table making a loud slapping noise. This woke the guard and he fell off his chair and hit the ground.

“Huh! Wha-?” Anger and confusion were written all over his face. Getting up he glared at Celestia and the officer. He was about to shout, but it died in his throat when he noticed the police uniform.

“Er, What can I do for you today officer?” He quickly changed his tune before he said anything stupid.

“This woman,” he indicated Celestia, “requires assistance finding a lost girl. May we use your monitors to help her?” The officer tactfully decided to leave the dereliction of duty as a matter to be addressed after the current more pressing problem.

“Oh! Yes sir! We have monitors all over the mall and several of the outside areas as well.” He moved out of the way and held out the chair for Celestia to sit down. The monitors were thankfully in color, although there were a few with the green tint of night vision in dark places.

“She has red and blond hair and is wearing a white top with blue jeans.” The officer informed the guard. Celestia was too busy frantically searching the monitors for Sunset.

After an agonizing minute where time seemed to have slowed down, Celestia pointed frantically at a monitor. “There! Where is that?” The monitor looked to see the outside and in the very corner was a feint wisp of red and blond hair. It didn’t have a good angle on Sunset, but it was recognizable to Celestia.

“Oh, uh… I think that is on the roof. She must be stuck up there cause the door locks after you walk out.” Said the guard. “Come on the stairwell if this way.”

He lead Celestia and the police officer down the hallway and up three flights of stairs. At the top he opened up the door and let Celestia and the officer through.

Celestia emerged onto the roof and instantly saw Sunset standing on the ledge that over looked a highway. Panicking Celestia shouted. “Sunset!”

Sunset Shimmer turned around, she was crying and her movements were very shaky, but as soon as she saw Celestia her face lit up with desperate panic. She slowly climbed off the ledge and her shaky legs carried her over to Celestia. Celestia had run to meet her and immediately grabbed Sunset in a tight embrace.

“I wasn’t gonna… I was-“ Sunset cut off with a sob. “I-I… was going to. I almost d-did.”

“Shush, it’s okay I’m here.” Celestia held her tightly and stroked her hand through Sunset’s hair. Whispering comfort to Sunset, she then said quietly to Sunset. “Don’t face it now. Let’s go home and I will face it with you.”

It took a while but eventually Sunset Shimmer calmed down enough to let go of Celestia. They stood up and walked over to the two men. Sunset keeping her head held down in shame while Celestia addressed them. “I can never thank you enough officer….” She paused realizing she never got his name.

“Shining Armor ma’am, and there is no need to thank me for doing my duty.” He said earnestly, in a dorky I-practiced-that-in-a-mirror sort of way.

Celestia suppressed a chuckle. “Still thank you,” then looking over at the guard, “and you too mister…?”

“Sentinel, Stand Sentinel, ma’am.” He visibly stiffened his slouch and beamed with pride. “Now then, let’s get off the roof.”

After some time an incident report was filled out and Sunset quietly explained to Celestia how she got onto the roof, mostly because she needed to for the form. Celestia and Sunset Shimmer were free to leave, but Shining Armor came up to Celestia.

“I’m happy that I was able to reunite you with your daughter.” He said calmly and with a smile.

Celestia sputtered. “S-She isn’t my daughter! Er, I meant I do look after her, but we aren’t related.” Celestia didn’t see because she was facing the wrong way, but Sunset flinched at that, hurt visible on her face.

“Oh, sorry to assume, just the whole Sun theme between the two of you and how you treated each other.” He gestured toward Sunset’s necklace and a mark on Celestia’s shirt.

“Ah, It’s alright I suppose.” Celestia said. “Well goodb-“

“Ma’am!” Sentinel came running up to the small group holding some bags. “Sorry, *huff* wanted to catch you before you left." The overweight guard weezed. "Someone brought these to the security office earlier. After reading the incident report I realized they were yours.”

Sentinel handed over the bags that contained the clothes Sunset had bought. Sunset and Celestia had completely forgotten about why they had come to the mall in the first place.

“Thank you again Sentinel.” Celestia gave him a smile and took the bags. Sunset demurely took them from Celestia’s hand.

“I can carry it.” She weakly said. Celestia decided not to argue. They departed saying final goodbyes.

☼ ☀ ☼

When they finally got home to the small apartment Celestia spoke up as she went to the kitchen to make the pair a late dinner. “If you don’t mind Sunset, I think tomorrow we are just going to stay in.”

Sunset responded apathetically, “Yea.”

She sat down at the counter and waited patiently for Celestia to finish. They ate boiled broccoli topped with melted cheese. Celestia explaining she just didn’t have the energy to make anything more. Sunset was more than grateful for the simple dish.

“I’m sorry.” Sunset Shimmer said suddenly halfway through her meal.

“Whatever for?” Celestia asked concerned.

“I was going to jump. I was up there for hours and my thoughts… got to me. I convinced myself no one loved me and that I should just… stop subjecting the world to someone like me.” Sunset said staring at her bowl.

Celestia felt like there was more. Something Sunset said just sounded off. “What’s wrong Sunset?”

Sunset shied away and took a bite, using the food as an excuse not to talk.

“Sunset, please tell me what’s the matter.”

“S-She’s not my daughter.” Sunset said choking back tears.

“Oh, oh no Sunset. I’m sorry.” Celestia realized her mistake.

“It’s a-lright.” Sunset looked up. “I know you aren’t her. It’s just… your voice is hers. Hearing you say that… I heard her say it instead.” Her eyes leaked tears.

Sunset continued, “You’d think I’d run out of these silly things.” Sunset said wiping away her tears with the back of her sleeve.

“I’m sorry Sunset.” Celestia’s voice was low and her head was hung over her own bowl.

“It’s alright, I am the one who said you weren’t her before. It wouldn’t be fair for you to be her in my mind only when it’s convenient to me. It would not be fair to either of you for me to replace her with you. I’m sorry that my heart just didn’t get the memo.” Sunset said in a sarcastic tone that almost overpowered her hurt one.

She then got up leaving her half-finished bowl on the counter. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight Principal Celestia.”

Celestia said back in a hurt tone. “Goodnight Sunset.”

Author's Note

Well, wow. I did not expect this story to bring in any attention. I don't think I write well enough for so many of you to like it. I'm shocked and thankful that you all enjoyed it so far. The second chapter's compainion blog is here.

Chapter 3: Stand, Breathe, and Continue

Sunset Shimmer bolted upright from Celestia’s bed. Her breathing was quick and labored. Her heart felt like it was trying to make a desperate escape from her chest and to her horror, she did not remember what was so bad about her dream. No details remained of what she dreamt, only the lasting fear and oppressive feeling of hopelessness.

The modest nightgown that Celestia lent Sunset was soaked in a cold sweat, clearly the signs of a troubling night. She wondered if she should talk to Celestia about her nightmares. They weren’t really the main cause of her grief but maybe she might be able to help.

She wiped her hands over her face and was shamed to discover she had been crying. She had been doing that a lot lately, more so in the last few weeks than she had since leaving Equestria, and perhaps maybe a long time before that. She felt like an exposed nerve and being so sensitive to everything was beginning to drag on her sanity.

Sunset finally collected herself enough to look over at the clock. It helpfully informed her that it was 5:13am, really she should have expected as much since the sun had yet peeked over the horizon. Resigning herself to wakefulness Sunset Shimmer climbed out of bed. Glancing around the small room her eyes came to rest on her bags of clothing that were all but forgotten yesterday.

Sunset suddenly realized how lucky she was that some good soul had brought the bags to security rather than take them home themselves. Sunset Shimmer pained in realization that she would have just walked off with them. Putting the thoughts from her mind she gathered up the bags and place them on the messed up bed.

Taking the contents slowly from the first bag she found that all was accounted for, the two pairs of tight fit jeans and three shirts she had in that bag hadn’t shown so much as a sign of being disturbed. Sunset Shimmer then reached over for the second bag which she assumed would have her three skirts, the last few tops, and the orange zip up hoodie she bought.

Which is exactly what she found, but what she hadn’t expected was the small envelope resting on top. Quirking her eyebrow Sunset pulled the small letter out of from its covering.

To the owner of these bags,

Hello, sorry that I couldn’t return these directly to you! I couldn’t find you after those other people led you away. I can only assume you will try checking in with the security office before giving up on your bags, which if you are reading this then I can only assume you have. Oh, look at me ramble, sorry I’ll try to make this brief.

You looked very sad when I saw you sitting alone in the food court. Do you need some help? Or maybe just a friend? If it’s not too forward, I would like to say I would gladly be your friend. I am starting up school at Canterlot High tomarrow, if you go there maybe we can meet? You looked about the same age as me so it wouldn’t be too much of a leap of logic to see you again there.

Signed,
Twilight Sparkle

When Sunset read the name, she felt her blood run cold in her veins. Twilight Sparkle was going to start going to Canterlot High? It was going to be a disaster. Beyond the fallout of the dance, she was going to now have to face the girl who beat her daily! Wait… did she just misspell ‘tomorrow?’

Sunset Shimmer checked the letter again. To her amusement, Twilight had in fact misspelled tomorrow. This broke her of her train of thought completely and only now realized how silly it was. This was the human world Twilight Sparkle. Sunset had no reason to be terrified of this Twilight. Assured in the thought that meeting her wouldn’t be the end of the world Sunset still resolved to stay away from her.

If this Twilight was anything like the one from Equestria then she would have plenty of friends waiting for her. The whole school would be singing her phrases within the week and any awkwardness over the fall formal should be quickly explained to her by the Canterlot Five. There would be no reason for her to need to be involved.

Sunset read over Twilight’s awkward letter again and saw something she didn’t notice the first time. A postscript was written at the bottom.

“P.S. I got you something. I hope that isn’t too weird.”

Pulling the bag back over she looked over the contents more thoroughly than before. At the bottom lay a book, or more accurately a journal. It was bound in black leather and featured Sunset’s sun make on the front cover. Getting the marks on clothing was one thing but this was a higher quality than a simple matter of dyes. The mark was sewn into the cover made with sheets of colored velvet.

Tearing up a little Sunset traced her fingers over the mark. “Just great, now I am going to need to thank that dork.”

After completing her morning routine Sunset Shimmer walked out into the small living area of the apartment. She was drying her wet hair off with a towel and was fussing over the tangles in it. Celestia was awake and sitting on couch going over some important looking documents.

Sunset wore just a large shirt she had found in Celestia’s room. Proudly announcing some band on the front called ‘Princess’ something Sunset was surely going to question Celestia about. Today Sunset and Celestia were just going to hang around the house and not risk any more excitement. Celestia was almost equally casually dressed. In a large pair of purple sweat pants and a plain grey shirt.

“You know, you could have the bed if you wanted. I wouldn’t mind sleeping on the couch.” Sunset offered again.

Celestia gave a quick good-natured huff. “Heh, I’ll be fine with the couch for a while longer. You have been sleeping on far worse and that is why you should take the bed.” Celestia then quickly scooted over to make room for Sunset. “Come over here and I’ll brush your hair out.”

Sunset Shimmer gave her an uncomfortable look, but sat down next to her regardless. “You don’t have to, you know. I am perfectly capable on my own.”

Celestia picked a brush up from the table. It sat there usually for her. With her hair so long it needed nearly constant attention. Sunset sat with her back to Celestia. Celestia got to work brushing out the wild mess that was Sunset’s hair.

Sunset sat in a comfortable silence for a bit, letting the brush glide through her hair. Sunset decided it was a good idea to start some sort of conversation. “I know who found my bags yesterday and brought them to security. You would never be able to guess who it was though.”

Celestia hm’ed and then replied. “Well, Derpy has never been one to hold a grudge and has a good moral compass. I bet it was her.”

Sunset snickered a bit. “Nope, but that was a good guess.” Sunset paused dramatically, even if the effect was ruined by her hair getting caught in the brush cause of a knot. “Ngh, it was Twilight Sparkle.”

The brush stopped for a second. “I thought she went back home.” Celestia said cautiously.

“Oh Princess Twilight Sparkle for sure did.” Sunset said smirking at no one since her back was facing Celestia. “This, is just regular human Twilight Sparkle. She is also supposed to be transferring to CHS.”

Celestia resumed brushing. “So, that is what Luna meant by we were getting a surprising new student tomorrow. What do you mean by human?”

“The princess really didn’t tell you anything did she?” Sunset turned a little to look at Celestia’s face behind her. Seeing just curiosity and confusion painted on Celestia’s features, she turned back around and continued. “I come from a world of magical talking ponies.”

“Ah.” Celestia said dumbly. “I guess I wasn’t hearing things when you said pony the other day.”

“Yep, I am a living magical unicorn turned human through magic.” Sunset let that sink in a little bit.

“So, that stuff was the real deal then wasn’t it? That was actually magic.” Celestia was trying her hardest not to just brush this off as crazy. Since her worldview was being reworked, she put most of her concentration of Sunset’s hair, which was now well detangled.

Sunset turned around and took the brush from Celestia’s hand. “Celestia, I know this is hard to take in so why don’t I just make it easy on you and give you the cliff notes version of it all.”

Celestia just nodded. Sunset Shimmer stood up and walked over to the small desk Celestia had in the corner. Taking a pencil and a sheet of paper, she came back and sat next to Celestia laying the paper on the coffee table.

“I come from the magical land of Equestria. Its inhabitants are ponies.” Sunset Shimmer drew a small stick pony. “There are three major tribes of ponies; Earth ponies, unicorns, and pegasi.” Sunset drew two more stick ponies, one with a triangle horn and one with stick wings.

“Earth Pony magic makes them excellent at adapting to their special talents. Earth Ponies are typically the ones who can find the most creative solutions to a problem.” Sunset Shimmer drew a little corn on the stick earth pony and then a field of stick corn next to him. “They created the best techniques for agriculture and are also most of the mechanical engineers of our world.”

“Unicorns are born with the ability to use active magic. Their magic is usually limited to being relevant to their special talent.” Sunset Shimmer drew a dumbbell on the stick unicorn and then an anvil with a wavy line around it. “Almost all unicorns can levitate objects, but spells can typically accomplish anything. Unicorns with talents in magic are normally where most of the arcane research of the world comes from.”

“Pegasi are born with wings and can stand on clouds as if they were solid. Their magic makes them more nimble and skilled at finer manipulations.” Sunset drew what she hoped look like a chisel on the stick pegasus and then drew a statue stick pony half sticking out of a fluffy stick cloud. “They are mostly responsible for Equestria’s weather as they can stand on and manipulate the clouds. Also flying helps reach them of course.”

“Not to make generalizations of course, after all there are ponies of all three tribes in all professional fields. There aren’t really any jobs that cannot be done by any of the tribes. It might seem odd, but there are earth ponies working in weather, pegasi in magical research, and unicorns working fields of crops. There is little to no stigma between tribes.” Sunset Shimmer left out the few exceptions. She wanted a simple explanation, and for most of Equestria this was all true. Canterlot’s unicorn noble class and the pegasi home land of Cloudsdale would just overload her.

“Are you with me so far?” Sunset looked at Celestia, who was the very picture of confusion. Celestia against evidence otherwise nodded her head.

“I thought Twilight had wings though, how was she able to cast spells?” Celestia asked clearly trying to wrap her head around the idea of magic being real.

“Twilight Sparkle is a princess. Well I guess that doesn’t really explain anything…” Sunset paused to gather her thoughts to make this next explanation as easy as possible. “Princesses are Alicorns.” Sunset drew another stick pony and then added wings and a horn to it. “They exhibit the traits of all three races, earth magic, active magic, and sky magic.”

“I think that there are only four right now Twilight, Cadance, Luna, and… Celestia.” Sunset stopped to let Celestia catch up again. She knew that Celestia witnessed real magic, but like all the other witnesses, the knowledge of what it was just sort of passed through them. It challenged how they thought the world worked so it was quickly forgotten or they made up explanations for themselves for what happened. The only real consequence was that now everyone in school hated her.

“Okay, well that was… informative. Can we talk about something else for a bit? I would like to know more about you personally. I know you told me a bit, but I am curious about the rest.” Celestia was clearly struggling.

Sunset sighed, “I mean whats there really to tell? I was a little orphan filly who didn’t fit in.”

Celestia frowned at her, but offered no reply.

“Fine, well I guess I could explain how I met Celestia…She was visiting the Orphanage. It was something she regularly did, but I made it a point to be out of the way when she came around. Well I suppose that only served to make me interesting to her, because one day out of the blue…”

“What Are you reading little one?”

Not recognizing the voice Sunset Shimmer immediately barked back with a scathing. “I’m three years old, do not patronize me.” She looked up from her book and nearly swallowed her own tongue.

“Oh, three years old and already you have such a good vocabulary. Wish I could say I knew what it was like, but it was so long ago that I am not sure I remember it right anymore.” Celestia was beaming at Sunset Shimmer with a bright smile.

“P-princess! I’m sorry I didn’t mean…” Celestia put a hoof at the end of Sunset’s snout softly.

“Didn’t mean what? That you did not appreciate being talked down to? Do not worry, I will not do it again. It is clear that you are very mature for your age.”

“She kept bothering me each time she came by the orphanage, but she never talked down to me again. She didn’t agree to adopt me until after I beat her at chess though. Apparently being nearly ageless doesn’t come with tactical skill, but then I think she let me win.” Sunset finished her little story taking a big breath.

“Alright that is quite enough about me and Equestria. I’d say it’s your turn now. So, are you some immortal human masquerading as a principal?” Sunset interjected before Celestia could as another question.

Celestia chuckled. “Hardly. No, I am just a perfectly ordinary human. I make a meager living as a overwhelmed principal of the world’s strangest high school. If it weren’t for Luna… Well…” Celestia sighed.

“So, you said the other day that Luna turned evil in Equestria? “ Sunset nodded to confirm Celestia’s question. “Well, I guess then there are a few more parallels to our world then. I wouldn’t say she turned evil so much, but she became passionate enough where I had to force her to take an extended leave of absence…”

Luna stormed down the hall. “Celestia! What is the meaning of this?” Luna was holding up a slip that without even reading it Celestia knew what it said.

“Luna, I think it would be good for you to take some time to yourself. Your recent… decisions… in how the school should be ran are getting… extreme.” Celestia chose her words carefully as if toeing landmines.

“Attendance is at the highest it’s been for years! The students are prospering because of my reforms.” Luna retorted adopting a smug stance.

“They are scared of stepping out of line. At the first infraction of the rules you send them to your opportunity class rooms. Isolating them and taking away all their freedoms during breaks. On top of that you’ve added a whole two hours onto the school day. The students are now getting out at five in the evening and are now too tired to participate in extracurricular activities.” Celestia took a deep breath. “Luna this has to stop. That is why I had the board make you take this break. They wanted to fire you Luna, I got them to just remove you from the principal position.”

“This is just a power grab isn’t it! I cannot do anything about this enforced absence, but when I return I will make you regret this, sister.” Luna angrily stomped away from Celestia.

“Well, that was definitely more mundane than what happened to Nightmare Moon.” Sunset Shimmer said as her only reaction to the tale. “I take it she came back with a new prospective?”

“Actually no, she was still angry and passionate. However, she is professional enough not to do anything drastic. Although, she has since simmered down quite a bit since then.” Celestia relaxed into the chair. Today had been enlightening to say the least. “Oh, I do have another question Sunset, What happened between you and the princess?” Avoiding using her name cause it was awkward calling someone else Celestia.

Sunset went rigid and her eyes became very guarded. Shrinking away she almost calmly replied. “I… am not comfortable talking about that. Can’t we just do something else? I am tired of talking for now…”

Celestia knew better than to push the issue so after a moment of thought. “I don’t have a TV or any games around, but I have a deck of cards.”

Sunset proceeded to get her butt handed to her by Celestia for the rest of the day. It was a great bonding experience but Celestia felt that they still would have to talk more later.

Author's Note

I am so sorry for making you all wait for so long for my mediocre horse words. I have just been so angry lately and it has been coloring my writing. This isn't a story that needs anger. The companion to this chapter will be likely be short or just be a ramble, but even so here it is.

Chapter 4: Flush and Run

Sunset sat up with a sudden start. Her heart was pounding and she found it difficult to keep her breathing under control. She didn’t have time for that though; the dream was already fading, and she needed to get it down in what she deemed her dream diary. Sitting up she pulled over the journal she’d gotten from Twilight and started scribbling down what she remembered.

Sunset walked through the darkness, being led forward by a light. The light was centered on the portal mirror. Approaching it she could see her reflection walk into view of the mirror. Only, her reflection had a scowl on her face.

“You’ve been getting real chummy with that fake Celestia. You should know by now how much of a mistake that is.” Sunset’s voice came from the mirror.

“W-What?” Sunset shook her head and forcibly replied. “No, I remembered how great it feels to be wanted somewhere.”

“You’re just her little pet, she’s pitying you and showering you with undeserved gifts. It makes me sick that you are putting up with being treated as a child, as some charity case. She’s doing it to look better, because she’s helping damaged goods stop from killing themselves, but face it, it’s just you and me. We should stick together, I can help you.” Mirror her looked at her nails in boredom as if explaining something obvious.

“There isn’t any we! There’s just me. You are a horrible reflection of who I was before, and I’m tired of this.” Sunset turned her back to walk away but froze in her tracks when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Oh, but I am so much more than that.” Her other whispered sweetly into her ear. Then everything went white.

Sunset sighed: looking down at the journal and muttering. “That’s it, that’s all I can remember. This dream diary stuff is going to be hard.”

She got up and left Celestia’s room to start her day. Celestia had apparently been awake before her, because she’d left a note under a small homemade muffin. Grabbing the baked breakfast Sunset read the note.

Sunset,

I had to go in early today. I will meet you at the gates of the school this afternoon. Make sure you eat, and don’t forget to brush your teeth.

Celestia

Sunset rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress a soft smile. She hoped against hope that today would be quiet and she could get out of school without anything major going wrong.

☼ ☀ ☼

Sunset hesitated at the corner, the school was just around the other side. She knew that no matter how much she hoped to the contrary, today was going to be unpleasant. She took a deep calming breath, then rounded the corner before she could chicken out and run back to Celestia’s apartment.

The hole was filled in and there was obviously new turf put in over it, but she could still feel its presence. She gave it a wide berth, as she not so calmly walked to the entrance hall. The place was filled with students and as she shut the door there was a wave of silence that washed over them. It wasn’t immediate like in the movies, but it was certainly fast as everyone realized who’d just entered the building.

“At least they aren’t forming an angry mob…” Sunset said under her breath. Sunset put on her usual scowl and walked through the crowd with a confidence she didn’t actually feel. As Sunset walked a student suddenly appeared in front of her. She accidentally knocked the girl over; none of the other students around her saw it like that though. They all stared at her with angry expressions. Some of them moved in closer.

Sunset panicked and ran. None of the student pursued her though. She quickly passed all of the halls she would have confidently strode through unchallenged weeks ago. Now they felt like a gauntlet of glares and restrained anger.

When she got to her locker she felt her heart tighten. It had been defaced, and if the drying paint was any indication it had been done so this morning. Written across the lockers in large angry letters was:

Ding Dong the Bitch is Dead!

Feeling numb but still needing her books, Sunset reached out and fumbled her combination into the lock. Looking inside, she saw that someone had squeezed several bottles of glue into her locker through the vent. All of her books were ruined. Sunset Shimmer quietly closed the door, not even seeing if any of the books could be saved.

Instead, Sunset turned around and walked to homeroom. Perhaps she could hide the remaining time until classes started.

Quietly sneaking into Mr. Biceps’ art classroom, she immediately took stock of the classroom just to be sure. Mr. Biceps was there, of course, but the rest of the classroom was empty.

“Uh, Mr. Biceps? Would you mind if I stay in here until class starts.” Sunset Shimmer asked with a slight tremor to her voice. He looked like he was going to tell her to leave, but a look of realization fell onto him.

“No, stay as long as you need.” He said without his usual force. He turned back to his delicate Macramé. He was gluing precisely cut strips of paper to a canvas to create a flower. It looked almost comical to have such a large man carefully apply his art with precision.

She thought about her own misconceptions of him when she’d originally seen him. He had a bodybuilder’s physique and a voice that had no need of a megaphone, but when she found out he was an art teacher and not a P.E. teacher she had laughed. Now, though, she saw that he was often misjudged and she felt sympathy for him.

“Uh, Mr. Biceps, would you mind if I asked you something?” Sunset shifted nervously in her seat.

“I don’t know why they are so big.” Mr. Biceps replied without looking at her.

“Ah, how did you know I was going to ask about your muscles?” Sunset was genuinely shocked.

“What? No, I meant the flower petals. See, they are just way too large, I am going to have to redo them.” Sunset’s mouth hung open and she was about to ask again, but then thought better of it. He’d redirected the question. It was likely that he didn’t want to talk about it.

“Ah yes.” Was the awkward response she committed to.

Moving away from making a fool of herself, Sunset pulled out the journal Twilight gotten her. Every time she looked at it, she got a feeling of comfort which made her like it more and more. She looked over what she’d written that morning. Trying to piece together what exactly had happened.

Before she knew it, she had started doodling a small alicorn in the bottom of the page. Snickering to herself she wrote under it, ‘Princess Sparklebutt’. Then she gave it a goofy face and called it finished.

That’s when the bell rang and immediately students started flooding the room. Mr. Biceps waited his normal three minutes before he shut the door to the class and declared a start to homeroom. All of the students sat away from Sunset Shimmer, leaving a large gap between them and the back corner that Sunset occupied. Not that she minded, she was trying to stay out of their view.

Mr. Biceps was always very good at remembering the faces of his student and did not call out roll call. Instead he marked down the absent and went onto the announcements. “The new entrance hall is done, and Vice Principal Luna wants to ask that students do not damage it again.”

Everyone in class cast a heated look at Sunset Shimmer. Mr. Biceps cleared his throat and continued. “Also noted is another reminder that bullying and pranks are forbidden and will be punished.” The students turned back to face forward. Sunset opened the journal again and continued to doodle. This time she was putting little devil horns on Princess Sparklebutt and drawing a brave unicorn hero in the corner to battle her.

A knock on the door had Mr. Biceps stand up and open it. There was a muffled conversation, drawing everyone’s but Sunset’s attention.

She was too engaged in doodling the great battle between her hero Sunny the Brave and the evil villain Nightmare Sparklebutt, to even notice what was going on. This was until Mr. Biceps spoke up.

“Class, we have a new student starting with us today. Her name is Twilight Sparkle. Give her your welcome with a YEAH!” The class laughed and gave out a mistimed but hearty ‘yeah!’ While in the back on the class, Sunset Shimmer froze up completely. Twilight Sparkle stepped out from behind Mr. Biceps. A clearly nerdy girl with glasses and straight purple hair with pink highlights in it, she smiled and awkwardly waved to the class.

Twilight Sparkle was staring at her and then looked down at the book on her desk. She smiled as she recognized what it was. Blushing furiously from embarrassment Sunset quickly pulled the book off her desk and hid it in her bag. Sunset immediately hid her face by putting it down over her arms.

“You can sit wherever you want Twilight,” said Mr. Biceps gesturing to the desks in general. Twilight of course picked the one next to Sunset Shimmer. Sunset’s perfectly reasonable response was to scream in her own head.

She could hear all the whispers asking, “Why did she go sit next to her?” “Doesn’t she remember what she did?” among other more colorful grumblings.

“Hi, I’m Twilight Sparkle. I'm the one who brought your bags to security yesterday.” Twilight Sparkle toned in an insufferably cheery voice. When Sunset didn’t reply however she got self conscious and turned back to listen to Mr. Biceps’ lecture.

Sunset spent the entire period avoiding talking to Twilight who kept trying to get her to respond. When the class was over Sunset was the first student out the door.

Sunset was distracted the entirety of the classes leading up to lunch break. She was not allowing herself to face it. She was not going to think about it. She entertained harmless thoughts like, how dogs were great companions and how Twilight Sparkle probably has… Okay maybe something else then.

Sighing to herself for her inability to be the master of her own mind Sunset without effort filled out her class work. She still had a perfect grade point average to maintain. Art was easy as she barely had to pay the lectures any mind, but now she had to deal with her more academic classes. Celestia had already said she would help her get the necessary catch up work for the week she took off.

Just as she lost herself in the busy work of her Algebra 2 class, the bell decided to ring. It called the end of the class and the beginning of lunch. Sunset Shimmer had never skipped lunch, but she was in a vastly different situation now. She was no longer scrounging for food and living mostly off of the free lunches that Canterlot High provided.

From the start of her stay in this world, she had grown to enjoy the lunch menu. There was always a vegetarian option too, which was most likely due to Celestia’s influence now that she thought about it.

These thoughts were what was on Sunset’s mind as she mindlessly grabbed a tray and sat down by herself. Not thinking of the consequences until it was too late, for the pink one had already sat down.

“Hi Sunset Shimmer! Where have you been? I can’t become your super best friend forever without you.” Pinkie shouted at an unreasonable level, alerting the few students that weren’t aware that she was in fact still around, as she tried not to flinch, since all eyes were once again on her. Faced with no real way out, Sunset Shimmer attempted to fuse her face with the table.

“Pinkie, you’ve gone and embarrassed the poor dear.” Rarity was the next to sit down, choosing a seat next to Pinkie Pie. When Sunset Shimmer tried to get up and run away, a hand fell on her shoulder.

“We need ta talk.” Applejack said while insistently pushing her down. Rainbow dash was the next to sit down, right next to her. She did not look particularly pleased but kept it admirably to herself. Fluttershy snuck in and sat next to Rarity on the other side.

“Sunset, you don’t need to be so afraid of us.” said Rarity. Sunset gathered that they’d decided Rarity should be the one to speak for the group, likely stemming from being the only one of them with decent diplomatic skills.

“You had us all worried darling. Not showing up all last week made us think something bad had happened, but there was little we could do. None of us, not even Pinkie knew where you lived.” Rarity started, it was not as bad as Sunset thought this conversation would go.

Then of course since the universe would not allow anything to go so smoothly, Pinkie gasped and ran from the table. They all followed her with their eyes until it became clear where she was going. Across the cafeteria Twilight was snatched up by Pinkie Pie. Twilight’s objections to being dragged across the room were drowned out by Pinkie’s gushing.

“Oh I thought you had gone back to Equestria to be an awesome magical princess again! I had no idea you would come back to Canterlot High so quickly, you should have told me I would have thrown you a party! It’s so great that you’re back-” Pinkie kept going until she reached the table and pushed Twilight Sparkle down across from Sunset Shimmer.

“So, uh hi. Welcome to the weirdest day of your life Twilight Sparkle.” Sunset offered. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash gave her a glare for her trouble.

“What?” asked Twilight in reply.

“Girls, this isn’t Princess Twilight. This is your world’s Twilight Sparkle.” Sunset said to the table at large. Everyone at the table gave an “oh” of understanding, except Twilight of course who was now even more confused.

“That explains the glasses ah guess.” Applejack said.

“What exactly did that mean? Look, can you just explain to me why everyone in this school seems to know me already?” Twilight asked.

“It’s complicated darling, but you should know about it.” Rarity responded.

Rainbow Dash was no longer able to hold it in and shouted, “It’s all because of her.” She pointed an accusatory finger to Sunset Shimmer.

“Yeah Sunset Shimmer passed through the portal at the base of the statue in the school courtyard and stole Princess Twilight’s crown. Princess Twilight came after her and united us as a group, dethroned her reign of evil, and blasted Sunset Shimmer with a rainbow of magic stripping her of all her badness. It was like whoosh pow wham sizzle.” Pinkie helpfully continued.

“Yea! And she's totally evil! You definitely shouldn’t trust her.” Rainbow Dash shouted, not understanding that Pinkie didn’t agree with her.

Mortified Sunset Shimmer got up from the table and ran. She was out the door before the others could react.

“Just Great Rainbow, now look‘t what ya did.” Applejack said with her hand waving at the door Sunset had run out of. Rainbow huffed and turned away muttering to herself.

“Shouldn’t we go after her?” asked Fluttershy.

Rarity sighed and said, “No darling, we’ll just have to have our talk with her later.”

Twilight frowned and said, “Okay, no really, tell me what happened.”

“Darling, it might be a bit of a bold claim, but that is what happened.” Rarity replied back.

“That can’t be what happened. Magic doesn’t exist.”

“Sure it does lemme show you!” Pinkie Pie pulled a laptop out of her hair and put it on the table. Moments later she pulled up a video on it on YouTube. Someone had a camera at the battle against Sunset Shimmer. It showed Twilight Sparkle and the other girls fighting over the crown and when the cameraman got brainwashed he dropped the camera and it pointed up at Sunset Shimmer in her demonic form for the entire time until she got blasted by the rainbow. Then the camera was picked up and captured a sweeping view of the crater outside the school, then zoomed in for a close up on Sunset Shimmer as she climbed out of the hole. The audio quality was terrible, rendering the voices incomprehensible.

Before Twilight could recover, Pinkie was already loading up another video taken of the events from a different angle. This one was a cell phone and it cut off when the owner dropped it after being mind controlled. But he captured Sunset’s demon transformation as well. Then a last one was brought up as a security feed someone managed to get ahold of that showed the whole event from above in a washed out night mode.

Applejack piped up again after the last video ended. “Twilight, this is no hoax or elaborate prank. Sunset Shimmer was turned into a demon through dark magic and we blasted her in the face with magic and it’s all thanks to an alternate you.”

“If you have so much evidence of it then why isn’t it in the news?” Twilight asked disbelievingly.

“It’s not because the magic just made everyone accept it and move on. It encouraged them to come up with excuses not to think of it as magic, and it’s better that way.”

“But, this is big! If magic is real then the world should know!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Darling, consider what would happen to Sunset Shimmer then. You couldn’t see it in the videos but that event changed her. You saw part of it just bit ago. She’s beating herself up over this, and everyone in school hates and distrusts her despite the magic. It would be worse if the authorities got involved.”

“What should we do then?” Twilight asked.

“Give her some time. Things are just too big and overwhelming for her right now.” Fluttershy said empathically.

“Here, why don’t we fill you in with the rest of what happened?” Applejack offered. The rest of the lunch period, the girls fully explained to Twilight the situation surrounding the fall formal. She still had doubts, but the mounting evidence was hard to ignore.

☼ ☀ ☼

Meanwhile, Sunset was running away. She couldn’t stand it anymore. They hated her and rightfully blamed her for what happened. Not really thinking, she ran to Principal Celestia’s office.

Except when she got there, Vice Principal Luna was sitting behind the desk. “Oh Sunset Shimmer, what can I do to help you?”

“W-where’s Principal Celestia?” She managed to ask in an almost calm voice.

“She’s out today, she had something important to take care of.” Luna looked down at her desk to straighten the papers out as she talked, but when she looked up Sunset was gone.

Sunset Shimmer ran again, and this time she left the school. She didn’t really have a plan but she couldn’t stay there anymore. The angry glares and judging stares were getting to her. She ran back to Celestia’s apartment. She knocked at the door and pleaded for Celestia to open up, but Celestia wasn’t home.

Sunset sat down right there exhausted. After she'd caught her breath and with no options left, Sunset wandered away.

After some time Sunset realized she had walked to the mall. It wasn’t too far away from Celestia’s place after all. She had walked much farther everyday to go to the warehouse she had lived in, but it had taken her a couple hours to end up there. That was likely due to her slow pace and wandering, though. Looking up at the mall she realized a spot she could go to, to be alone.

Entering the mall she passed all the stores and went up the service stairs to the roof once again. This time however she made sure to prop the door open with her bag. Sunset sat down with her back against the wall. It was weird that this place could feel somehow safer than the school. Staring out at the highway that was nearby she lost herself in watching the traffic.

Then she heard footsteps and the door opening. “Ah, I didn’t think I would ever see ya up here again.” said the husky voice of Stand Sentinel.

He walked over and sat down beside her. “Shouldn’t you be in school?”

Sunset just nodded.

“Ah, a rough day then? Are you having troubles there?” Stand asked.

“it’s just, I made a mistake. My whole life is coming down on my head and I feel like everyone is better off without me around.” Sunset confessed, being strangely open to this strange man.

“Not going to pretend I know what that feels like. I was a jock when I was in high school.” Then he sighed and continued. “Actually no, I think I know how you feel, mine just came later.”

Sunset watched him as he spoke.

“I know it might be hard for you to believe, but I always wanted to be a real cop. Not just some fat security guard.” Stand reached down and pulled his pant leg up. “Then I got hurt in training.” Sunset didn’t notice before, but the leg was just a prosthetic.

“Depression hit me harder than losing it did. I became what I always hated, a drunk. I was spiteful and washed up. I hated everyone and everything.” Then he smiled a bit. “It always takes someone else to pull ya out of it you know? For me her name was Elegant Step. Quite the woman, knocked me flat on my tush when I met her. Now, I have happiness, her and our little Flash, with them I don’t need my old dream, ‘cause I found a new one.”

Stand paused to catch his breath. “Girl, I know life is tough, but running away and shutting people out is only going to make it worse.”

Sunset felt the tears in her eyes. “I’m afraid.”

“I know, and it is hard to let people into your life.” With a grunt he stood up. “Come on girlie, you go to CHS right? I’ll give you a ride there. I have to pick up Flash soon anyways.”

The color drained out of Sunset’s face. “Flash Sentry?”

“Yes, that’s him. I guess you know him then?” Then he gave her an appraising look and then a hearty laugh. “Oh you must be that ball of fire he was so smitten with. Come on, you don’t need to be afraid of me. I know what high school romance is like, I don’t blame ya for breaking his heart.” Stand Sentinel held the door opened for her.

☼ ☀ ☼

They were just in time to hear the end of the day bell. Stand Sentinel walked Sunset up to where Celestia was waiting for her.

“Now ma’am don’t get mad, she just got scared and ran off.” Stand said defending Sunset’s actions.

Celestia already had Sunset in a tight hug, “I’m sorry, I should have been there today. I had a feeling you would have trouble with your first day back.”

“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have ran off even though I was afraid.”

Stand Sentinel politely excused himself and walked off to meet Flash Sentry.

“I have a surprise for you Sunset. Come on, let’s go home.” Celestia released Sunset from the hug. She then looked sternly into her eyes. “And on the way home you can explain to me exactly where you’ve been all day.”

“Yes, M- … Celestia.” Sunset followed her to the car.

Author's Note

Thank you to my glorious editor devas. Without him this chapter would be the hideous mess the first three were! This chapter was also proofread by 00RaiserGundam.

Sundown Companion can be found here