My Little Pony Equestria Girls 4: Sunset Shimmer Returns

Chapters

After All This Time
Goodbye
Welcome to Ponyville
Forgiveness
Party Crasher
Thrashed
Going to the Tower
Revelations
Unmasked
A New Power
The Final Takedown
As the Sun Sets...

After All This Time

Chapter 1

Recap: A year after the Battle of the Bands, Twilight’s human counterpart made her appearance and tried to determine what was going on at Canterlot High. Sunset Shimmer tried to protect her from the truth but, driven by her desire to be noticed, the Human Twilight refused and in the process became infected with dark magic and corrupted by her hatred thanks to a small piece of the Dazzlings pendant. Needing a way to stop her, Sunset and the Rainboom’s called forth Princess Twilight to stop her alternate self, but alone she wasn’t enough so the girls formed an alliance with their old foes the Dazzlings and together they defeated the Evil Twilight in a furious final battle. However, with the threat over the Dazzlings attempt to betray the Rainboom’s, but Sunset saw this coming and thanks to her plan the trio were stopped and placed in prison. Following that Princess Twilight returned to her world, her human self gained new friends and the Rainboom’s had their High School Graduation, all of them ready to face the world. But for Sunset Shimmer to finally start a life in that world she must first right one more wrong…

It was late at night in the human world and outside the old Canterlot High building the moon shined brightly in the sky, having reached its full peek. Normally, this would keep the portal between the Human world and Equestria separate but with the help of the two Twilight’s that is no longer a problem.

Also outside the school, aside from the night sky, was a banner at front of the school that read ‘Canterlot High One Year Reunion’ and from all over the place there were multiple former students rushing inside for the party being thrown for all the previous students of Canterlot High and everyone was eager to see each other again after being separated for a year.

One of those people was a young woman named Applejack, a farmer at Sweet Apple Acres, she hadn’t changed much in appearance since graduation and still wore her classic brown hat but she clearly seemed much wiser, being a young adult and all. At the moment she was currently scanning the crowd looking for her friends.

“Hey, AJ!” Someone called out.

The cowgirl turned around and smiled when she saw her Athletic friend known as Rainbow Dash walking over. “Well, I’ll be, Rainbow Dash, ain’t you a sight for sore eyes,” she remarked as she and Rainbow embraced.

“Man, it’s good to see you again.” Rainbow expressed. “How’s the farm?”

“Doing great, now that me and Big Mac are working their full time.” Applejack said.

“And what about your sister?” Rainbow inquired. “Staying out of trouble?”

“What do you think?” Applejack questioned with a raised brow.

Rainbow chuckled. “Yeah, I guess not,” she said, amused.

“So, Rainbow, what have you been up to?” Applejack asked.

“Well, I’ve been trying to set up a soccer academy, you know give kids a fun thing to do after school.” Rainbow said.

“Cool. That sounds like fun.” Applejack

“Yeah… haven’t a bit of trouble raising the money though.” Rainbow shrugged.

“Just keep it up RD, you’ll get there.” Applejack assured her.

“Thanks.” Rainbow said, sharing a smile with her

“APPLEJACK! DASHIE!” A loud voice yelled.

“Hey… that sounds like…” Rainbow began.

“Eeyup.” Applejack confirmed before a certain pink haired girl popped up near them and embraced them in a bone crushing hug before lifting them up..

“Ooh! It’s so good to see you guys again!” she squealed.

“It’s good to see you too Pink…” Applejack said, feel the tightness of the hug.

“Yeah, really good…” Rainbow agreed before she finally released her and Applejack. They both rubbed their backs. “You know… I never thought I’d miss your hugs Pinkie.”

Pinkie just smiled, happy to hear her friends words.

“So Pink, what’s new?” Applejack inquired.

“Ooh! I’ve being doing birthday parties for kids all over the place! One time, I even dressed up as a Pony, that looked like me!” Pinkie beamed.

“That… is creepy.” Rainbow remarked, slowly. Applejack nodded in agreement while Pinkie smiled.

“Yoo-hoo! Girls!” Somebody said, in a sing song voice nearby.

They all turned and saw their beautiful and fashionably forward friend Rarity walking over to them, and causing every male head in the room to turn to her, even the ones who already had girlfriend’s causing them to get smacked.

“Hey, Rarity!” Pinkie Pie waved.

“Rarity! I didn’t know you were gonna be at the reunion.” Applejack remarked.

“Well, the schedule at my new fashion school is hectic, but I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” Rarity said.

“Aw! That’s so sweet!” Pinkie Pie gushed.

“You were expecting something else perhaps?” Rarity inquired, smiling.

“Not really, though I am expecting to get those new soccer uniforms I ordered.” Rainbow pointed out, smiling. “And they better not be sparkly, ok?”

“You’ll have them soon enough, I promise.” Rarity assured her.

“So Rarity, how is fashion school?” Applejack inquired.

“Oh, it’s exactly like saving the world… just replaced The Dazzling’s with a pompous teacher named Prim Hemline and a highly annoying fellow student named Suri Polomare.” Rarity stated, slightly agitated. “But forget them, I’m just glad to finally be back at Canterlot High after all this time!”

“Me too!” Pinkie Pie nodded. “But aren’t we missing some of us?”

The all looked around and then someone softly cleared their voice to get their attention. They all turned and saw their shy friend, Fluttershy, standing right behind them.

“Uh… hi everybody…” The shy girl known as Fluttershy said.

“Fluttershy!” Pinkie cried, happily before she rushed over and gave her a bear hug and a lift into the air, also. “I can’t believe it’s you!”

“Uh… hi Pinkie…” Fluttershy said. “Could you… put me down now?”

“Ok!” Pinkie said before placing her back down. She smiled at her brightly while the others approached.

“It’s good to see you again, Fluttershy.” Applejack smiled.

“Yeah, how you’ve been?” Rainbow Dash asked, curiously.

“Oh… ok.” Fluttershy said, shyly glancing at the floor.

“Ok? Come on, ya gotta tell us more than that.” Rainbow told her.

“Yeah, come on girl, give us the deets!” Pinkie added, excited.

“But I don’t have any deets, I’m deetless…” Fluttershy said, a bit intimidated by Pinkie’s enthusiasm.

“Pinkie Pie, calm down, let Fluttershy calmly tell us what she’s been doing all year.” Rarity said.

“Oh… just doing more volunteer work… I’m even thinking about going to college to become a veterinarian like I originally planned.” Fluttershy replied.

“A vet? Oh, wonderful darling! That’s the perfect job for you, just like Sunset Shimmer said it would be!” Rarity told her.

“Yeah, it’s practically your destiny or something.” Applejack agreed, smiling.

“Thanks, girls.” Fluttershy smiled, thankfully.

“Ok, let’s see… there’s Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Me, that leaves…” Pinkie began before someone suddenly spoke up nearby.

“Hey, guys.”

They all turned and smiled when they saw her former enemy turned friend, Sunset Shimmer, who had now ceased wearing her leather jacket, approaching them with a smile.

“Sunset Shimmer, as I live and breathe.” Applejack remarked, smiling. Sunset returned the smile as she and Applejack quickly embrace. “Good to see ya, sugarcube.”

“Yeah, it’s been a while.” Rainbow agreed.

“How’ve you been?” Fluttershy inquired, shyly.

“Have you had fun?” Pinkie asked, interested.

“Yes, I had fun and it sure is good to be back together with you guys again after all this time.” Sunset expressed.

“Likewise darling.” Rarity agreed, smiling.

“So how have things been?” The former bully inquired.

“Oh, you know, same old.” Applejack said. “I’m farming.”

“I’m volunteering.” Fluttershy added.

“I’m parting!” Pinkie chirped.

“I am designing the latest trend.” Rarity said, proudly.

“And I’m starting my own soccer academy!” Rainbow boasted. “Well… trying to anyway. That reminds me there’s a certain guy trying to help me fund it that I need to have a talk with.”

“Is it your boyfriend, Soarin?” Pinkie inquired.

“Pinkie!” Rainbow snapped, embarrassed. The girls all chuckled, amused.

“Well, I see you guys haven’t changed.” Sunset Shimmer remarked.

“Hey, why change perfection?” Rainbow pointed out, proudly.

“I have to agree with that, though with a different meaning of course.” Rarity said.

“Yeah, we may have gotten older and wiser, but we’re still the same and still friends.” Applejack stated. The others nodded in agreement and smiled.

“Hey, do you think Twilight’s gonna be here?” Sunset inquired.

“Doubt it, I here she’s in that fancy science college trying to get her degree.” Applejack said.

Then just as she said those words they noticed the Human Version of Twilight, now no longer wearing her glasses or keeping her hair in a bun and wearing the clothes Princess Twilight usually wore when she came to their world, approaching them.

“Trying being the operative word, I’ll tell you,” she expressed. Everybody smiled when they saw her and Sunset quickly hugged her.

“Twilight!” she smiled.

“Hey, Sunset! Oh boy, I’ve missed you.” Twilight said, happily. She turned to the others. “And you as well, girls.”

“Aw, thanks! We missed you too!” Pinkie said, still as bubby as ever.

“I see you’ve been keeping up your appearance after all this time, well done darling.” Rarity complimented.

“Thank you, Rarity.” Twilight nodded. “Thought it looked nice, so why not wear it like the other me?”

“Good call. So how’s getting your doctorate going?” Applejack asked, interested.

“Well, it’s been hard but I’ve come up with a lot of good theories and I’m working on some pretty interesting stuff.” Twilight said. “Don’t worry, it’s not technosorcery, I promised I wouldn’t make any more than scanner and I haven’t.”

“Good, because you don’t want to break a Pinkie Promise.” Pinkie warned her.

“Really? Because I didn’t get that after the hundreds of texts, the emails and the hourly visits.” Twilight remarked, deadpan. “Which, by the way, I did not appreciate the one when I was in the shower.”

“You what?” Rainbow asked Pinkie, shocked. The others looked at her, surprised also.

Pinkie smiled, sheepishly and chuckled. “Uh… Oopsie?”

“Yeah… wasn’t exactly the highlight of my day…” Twilight said. She turned to Sunset. “And what about you, Sunset? What are you doing these days? Last I heard you were looking for part time work.”

“Yeah, it’s been kinda hard trying to find one.” Sunset confessed, depressed.

“Well, don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll find the right job.” Human Twilight assured her.

“I hope so…” Sunset said, she paused for a bit then spoke in a more upbeat tone. “By the way, how are you and Flash doing Twilight?”

“Actually, we’re doing fine.” Twilight admitted. “Sure he’s always on tour but we talk to each other every minute between when he’s not practicing or playing in front of a huge crowd, so it’s not so bad.”

“But what if…” Pinkie began before Rainbow nudged her hard.

“What if he cheats on me while he’s away? Don’t worry, I know that hasn’t and never will happen.” Human Twilight stated.

“How did you…” Applejack began.

“I did my research on long distance relationships and the pitfalls that come with it, but thanks to Applejack’s advice and the books on lying I will always be able to determine whenever Flash is lying to me or not, which he isn’t.” Twilight explained. The girls looked stunned.

“Yep, you are Twilight Sparkle all right.” Applejack remarked, impressed. She turned to Sunset. “Speaking of whom, have you heard from her?”

“A couple of times, she’s pretty busy, running a whole kingdom and all.” Sunset said,

“I suppose that makes sense.” Rarity admitted.

“And why she hasn’t dropped by for a visit in like… forever.” Rainbow Dash added.

“Well, we can’t expect her to visit all the time.” Fluttershy pointed out.

“Yeah, like Sunset said, she’s in a busy position now.” Applejack stated. “More so the us.”

“Exactly, we shouldn’t pressure her into coming every time we miss her.” Rarity agreed.

“Aw…” Pinkie Pie said, disappointed. Sunset Shimmer glanced at all of them sadly and then finally decided to say what was on her mind.

“Also… I’m thinking about going back there for a while.” Sunset confessed. They all looked at her stunned.

“What?” They all asked.

“Why? Why are you going back!?” Rainbow Dash questioned. “Aren’t you happy here?”

“I am, it’s just… I got some stuff that I need to sort out there and now I finally know what I want to say. Plus… I’m having trouble figuring out whether I belong here or there.” Sunset Shimmer admitted.

“I suppose what makes sense.” Human Twilight admitted.

“Still don’t like it though.” Rainbow said, while folding her arms and frowning.

Applejack nudged her. “Rainbow, it doesn’t matter if we don’t like it or not, whatever Sunset decides to do is up to her, not us, ok?” she told her, sternly.

“Fine…” Rainbow Dash grumbled.

“Well… are you coming back?” Fluttershy asked her, worried.

“I don’t know… maybe… I’m not sure… I’ll guess I’ll just have to go back and figure it out when I get there.” Sunset Shimmer said.

“So you’re just gonna abandon us!?” Rainbow accused her, angrily.

“No! Of course! I would never abandon you girls, your my family! I just… need to sort some things out before I make my next move. I don’t think I can think straight until I make things right with Princess Celestia, Princess Twilight’s friends and of course… my pony family.” Sunset Shimmer said, sounding depressed.

“Hmm, having that much on your mind does make it harder to make certain decision in life.” Twilight pointed out.

“Exactly.” Sunset nodded. “I just need to sort those things out and then I’ll be able to figure out just where I belong, but no matter what happens I’ll always love you girls.”

They smiled at her touched and began to understand her reasoning.

“Well… if you think that’s what’s best… then I support you.” Fluttershy smiled.

“As do I.” Rarity added.

“Same here.” Applejack nodded.

“I still don’t like it but… if it’ll make you happy then fine, go for it.” Rainbow encouraged.

“And of course I’ll support whatever decision you make, I owe you that much.” Twilight’s Human Counterpart stated.

“Thank you, girls.” Sunset Shimmer smiled. “This means a lot.”

“Of course, what are friends for?” Twilight asked, returning the smile. Sunset looked at her proudly, happy with how far the human version of Twilight has come since her corruption.

“Then it’s settled!” Pinkie declared, firmly. “We’re gonna have to throw you a going away party!”

“Pinkie Pie, you don’t have to do that…” Sunset Shimmer tried to tell her.

“Oh, but I do! What kind of friends would we be if we just said ‘Goodbye’ like that?” Pinkie questioned.

“She has a point, darling.” Rarity told her.

“Yeah, besides I’ve been looking forward to a Pinkie Pie party for a long while now.” Rainbow expressed.

“Same here.” Applejack nodded.

“Me too.” Fluttershy agreed.

“I’ve only been to a few but… I’d like to go to one again… if that’s ok with you.” Human Twilight said. They all looked at Sunset Shimmer expectedly and hopefully until she finally gave in.

“Ok, fine! Let’s do it,” she said with a smile.

“Alright! Party time!” Pinkie cheered. As the all began to discuss plans for the farewell party, somebody in a dark hood watched them from a far. Somebody with glowing red eyes that were looking directly at Sunset Shimmer herself. The two eyes narrowed as the unknown person growled with anger.

Goodbye

Chapter 2

Meanwhile, the next day back in Equestria, while everybody back in the other world was preparing for Sunset’s little ‘farewell’ party, the citizens of Ponyville were just getting up and getting ready to resume their peaceful lives, as well as their newest Princess, Princess Twilight, who had just gotten up and yawned as she walked into her castle’s kitchen where her assistant Spike was currently eating his breakfast.

“Morning Spike!” Princess Twilight Sparkle said.

“Morning Twilight.” Spike said as he ate his breakfast. “What’s up? Sleep well?”

“Oh, definitely, especially since there’s no world threatening disaster at our doorstep these days.” Princess Twilight expressed.

Spike groaned. “Come on, Twilight, when you say that it’s like you want something to happen,” he complained.

“I do not!” Twilight frowned. “I’m just really enjoying the peace we have right now.”

“More like for now…” Spike muttered under his breath.

“Trust me, Spike.” Princess Twilight assured him, as she levitated a cup of tea over to her. “There’s nothing to worry…”

Just before Twilight could finish her pupils shrank as she gasped sharply, causing her to drop the cup, which shattered upon impact, startling Spike. As Twilight seemingly stared off into space she began to see multiple images in her mind, images of a masked woman, Sunset Shimmer, her and the other Princess’ falling and the Rainbow Power that they used to defeat Tirek. She screamed as she held her throbbing head and dropped to her knees. Spikes eyes widened.

“Twilight!” Spike cried as he rushed over to her and helped. “Are you ok? What happened?”

“I… I had a vision…” Princess Twilight breathed.

“A vision?” Spike echoed as he kept her from falling, “What kind of vision?”

“I’m not sure… but I have a feeling that something terrible is about to unfold…” Princess Twilight mused.

“Oh great…” Spike groaned. “Told you that you were asking for something to happen.”

Just then, the book with Princess Celestia’s Cutie Mark, currently set nearby, started to glow and vibrate, catching their attention.

“Speaking of which…” Spike muttered.

Twilight levitated the book over to her and read it.

“What is it?” The dragon inquired.

“A message from Sunset Shimmer, it says she’s coming back to Equestria to talk to Princess Celestia!” Princess Twilight read, shocked.

“Wow! Really? Sunset Shimmer is coming here?” Spike questioned, surprised.

“Yeah, I guess she wants to set things right with the Princess…” Twilight said.

“It’s about time if you ask me, she and Princess Celestia haven’t spoken since she first left after… you know.” Spike said, slowly.

“Yeah, I do, and I hope the Princess has it in her to forgive her for what she’s done like we have.” Princess Twilight voiced, concerned.

“Twilight, this is Princess Celestia we’re talking about, everything will be fine.” Spike assured her.

“I hope so…” Princess Twilight voiced.

Meanwhile, in the other world, it was late at night and at Pinkie’s house Sunset’s farewell party was in full swing. Like the graduation party there were snacks, drinks and tons of people who, like the Rainboom’s, had finally accepted and befriended Sunset Shimmer, who couldn’t be happier as she danced alongside her good friends.

As they danced, they also noticed Human Twilight dancing in a style that was almost as bad as Princess Twilight’s during the Fall Formal, possibly worse as they all stared at her somewhat freaked out.

“Uh… Twilight? Are you dancing or did your legs fall asleep?” Rainbow questioned, disturbed.

“Oh… little bit of both.” Twilight shrugged. “This is one of the few parties I’ve been to so…”

“Well, in that case just do as we do, darling.” Rarity instructed.

“Yeah, don’t try to force it, just feel the flow!” Rainbow Dash added.

Rainbow and the others then continued dancing, Twilight watched them for a few seconds and then began to feel the flow of the music and dance a little bit more normally. They all smiled, proudly.

“Hey, great party, Pinkie!” Sunset Shimmer said.

“Only the best for my friends!” Pinkie Pie beamed. “By the way…”

Pinkie Pie then began to do an Egyptian style dance.

“Walk like an Egyptian!” she cried, happily as she continued to do the funny little dance all around them, which both embarrassed and disturbed the girls a bit.

“If anyone asks… I don’t know her.” Rarity told them.

“Same here.” Applejack nodded.

“Now, now, let’s all calm down, Pinkie’s just being her normal self.” Fluttershy urged them, gently.

“If by normal you mean random, then yes.” Rainbow Dash said, flatly.

“Hey, at least she’s more entertaining than her sister.” Sunset pointed out.

“Truer words have never been spoken.” Twilight expressed. Just then they heard a little alarm clock go off, quickly which caught everyone’s attention.

“Oh! The timer!” Fluttershy gasped.

“And you know what that means…” Rainbow Dash said, expectedly.

“Limbo time!” Pinkie Pie cheered. “And I gotta warn ya, nobody beats me at limbo.”

“I’ll take that bet!” Rainbow declared, eager to compete.

“Alright! I’ll get a pole!” Pinkie said before she zipped off, then zipped right back with a long pole in her hands. “Here it is!”

“Ok, let’s do this!” Rainbow Dash said, pumped as two other party kids each grabbed one end of the pole. “I’m up first, called it!”

Rainbow started to walk over to the pole, bent over backwards as she did so and went down as low as she could until she was on the other side of it.

“Beat that, Pinkie!” Rainbow challenged.

“Ok!” Pinkie chirped as she walked forward.

Pinkie then bent over backwards, approached the bar and then she seemed to slid right under it, as if she was on a moving floor. Everyone’s jaws dropped upon seeing that.

“How’d you do that?” Rainbow questioned, dumbfounded.

“Just comes naturally.” Pinkie Pie replied with a wide grin.

“My turn.” Sunset said.

“Good luck!” Rainbow smiled.

Sunset then stepped forward and slowly began to bend over backwards as she approached the pole and prepared to go under it but after bending a little lower they all heard a crack, which made them all wince.

“Was that my back?” Sunset Shimmer asked, stunned.

“Unfortunately…” Rarity grimaced, before Sunset collapsed. Fluttershy and Pinkie helped her up.

“Are you ok?” Fluttershy questioned, concerned.

“Yeah… just sore… don’t think I’ll be able to bend over for a while…” Sunset Shimmer groaned.

“Ok… moving on! Fluttershy, you’re up!” Rainbow Dash told her.

“Uh… ok.” Fluttershy said as she stepped forward.

“Be careful, darling.” Rarity advised her.

“Yeah, we don’t want anyone getting hurt again.” Applejack agreed.

“Come on! What are the chances of that?” Rainbow questioned, confidently.

Fluttershy stood in front of the pole, bends over backwards and begins to skirt herself under it slowly, when she finally went under it and stood back up she accidently tripped and screamed as she landed right on top of Rainbow. Everybody winced at this.

“Ooh… what was that crunching noise?” Fluttershy asked, dazed.

Rainbow then raised her head looking sore. “My spine…”

“Welcome to my world…” Sunset commented.

“Oh! Sorry Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy said as she helped her up.

“That’s ok, guess I should have gotten out of the way…” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“Yes, you should have.” Twilight agreed.

“Don’t help.” Rainbow Dash grumbled, annoyed.

The timer then went off for a second time.

“Ooh, goodness! It’s time for our song!” Fluttershy realized.

“Come on, Rainboom’s! Let’s rock and roll!” Rainbow said, pumped.

“Yeah!” They all cheered before they raced over to the impromptu stage set up before the crowd and grabbed their respective instruments, with Twilight taking over as lead singer. Vinyl also came up and got on her turntables as well. Sunset held her rhythm guitar fondly and smiled.

“I sure am gonna miss this…” she muttered.

“Hey!” Rainbow called out. Sunset turned to her. “You ready?”

Sunset nodded and stepped forward.” Ready!” she said, eagerly.

“One! Two! Three! Four!” Pinkie cheered, tapping her drumsticks together before they started to play a song similar ‘ Friends Never Say Goodbye’.

When they finished they got a loud cheer from the crowd that nearly hurt their ears as they waved to their fans.

After the show and the party, the girls all laid down in the grass near the portal and gazed up toward the stars with thoughtful looks on their faces.

“Now that was fun!” Rainbow Dash expressed.

“Eeyup, sure was.” Applejack agreed.

“And now we can just lay back and relax.” Rarity sighed.

“Sounds good…” Pinkie breathed

“Oh yeah.” Sunset nodded.

Fluttershy sighed. “The stars sure are beautiful tonight, aren’t they?”

“They sure are.” Sunset agreed. “Never really got a chance to admire them since I came to this world, figured they were just like Equestria’s… and while they are… it’s still beautiful.”

“Indeed, and if you look closely you can see Orion’s belt from here.” Twilight said, pointing up above them. “See? Just there.”

“Oh yeah! Good eye, Twilight!” Sunset complimented.

“Well, it was mostly a matter of calculating where exactly…” Twilight began.

“Twilight.” Sunset cut in. She smiled. “Just say ‘thanks’.”

“Oh… thanks.” Twilight smiled back. Sunset smiled back, proudly. Then she noticed Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo running by.

“Hi, Sunset Shimmer!” They cried.

“Hi, girls!” Sunset waved to the Human Crusaders.

“Keep on rocking it, ok?” Scootaloo told her

“I will!” Sunset Shimmer assured them as they continued to run off.

“Boy, you’ve sure come a long way since you first came here.” Applejack remarked impressed. “You along with everybody else.”

“Got that right… hard to believe I was ever that mean, huh?” Sunset said.

“It sure is!” Pinkie agreed.

“I’m telling you, if I could go back in time and talk to the old me, I’d tell her exactly why she’s in wrong… and then hit her.” Sunset added. Fluttershy gasped at this. “Just once though…”

“Oh, ok…” Fluttershy breathed, relieved.

“And I’m sure most of you wanted to back then, huh?” Sunset remarked. They’re eyes all darted left and right nervously as they tried to come up with a pleasing answer, but Pinkie, as always, just said it bluntly.

“Yep!” she said, cheerfully.

“Though because of a few misunderstandings we couldn’t do anything about what you were doing, until Princess Twilight made us see how stupid we were acting.” Rainbow said.

“Yes, we should have known that each of us didn’t say those things to each other.” Rarity expressed.

“If only we had just talked to each other about it…” Fluttershy said, feeling guilty.

“By the way, how’d you manage to make it look like Fluttershy sent Pinkie the text? How’d you get her phone?” Applejack inquired, confused.

“Yes, that been puzzling me too.” The other Twilight noted.

“Well… hundred dollar phone… ten dollar lock…” Sunset Shimmer replied, smiling sheepishly.

“Oh…” Applejack said, understandingly.

“And what about those emails?” Pinkie Pie added.

“Yeah… you see the thing is… the sleepover at your house wasn’t exactly my first trip over there… I kinda broke in one time when no one was home and sent emails to Rarity via your laptop…” Sunset Shimmer admitted, feeling guilty. Pinkie gasped. “Plus… I read your letter to Santa Claus.”

Pinkie looked a bit hurt. “That’s personal…”

“Sorry…” Sunset apologized.

Pinkie’s face then brightened up. “It’s ok, we’re besties now!”

“Thanks… I don’t know what I was thinking breaking you guys up like that… or stealing Princess Twilight’s crown…” Sunset Shimmer sighed.

“How did you know about the crown anyway?” Rarity inquired. “You were stuck here for thirty moons, correct?”

“Yeah… but the moment the portal opened up I snuck in and heard all about Princess Twilight and her crown, then I snuck back here before anybody could notice me. Then when it was nighttime… I stole it…” Sunset Shimmer admitted, shamefully. “I’m not proud of it… but it happened.”

“Thank goodness that I found it first, huh?” Fluttershy remarked.

“It sure was, if you hadn’t grabbed it before I did, I don’t know what would have happened…” Sunset expressed.

“You would have taken over Equestria with your teenage zombie army?” Pinkie Pie guessed, squeeing.

“Yeah… pretty much…” Sunset sighed.

“Well, good thing Twilight came along and stopped you… no offence.” Rainbow Dash said, apologetically.

“None taken, I’m actually happy she did.” Sunset Shimmer said. “Best thing that ever happened to me was getting blasted by that rainbow you fired.”

“Now that’s something I thought I’d never hear.” Applejack marveled.

“And something I never thought I’d say out loud either, I know.” Sunset Shimmer agreed.

“Everything is relative.” Twilight shrugged.

Sunset nodded in agreement and then checked her watch.

“It’s getting late…” Sunset Shimmer observed before sighing and getting up. “I’d better go.”

Fluttershy lowered her head, sadly. “Yeah… you don’t want to keep Princess Twilight waiting,” she muttered.

“Yeah…” Sunset nodded, as she picked up her bag and walked closer to the portal. Applejack and the others stood up also.

“So… I guess this is goodbye then.” Applejack said, sadly.

Sunset turned around and shook her head. “No, it’s never goodbye,” she said, smiling sadly. “It’s just goodbye till next time…”

“Yeah, it is.” Applejack agreed, also with a sad smile.

“Thanks for being my friend, Applejack.” Sunset said, sincerely. “And teaching me the importance of honesty.”

“Don’t worry about it, sugarcube.” Applejack assured her as they shook hands. “Good luck, Sunset. I hope ya find what you’re looking for in Equestria.”

“Yeah, me too.” Sunset admitted, as Applejack then walked off while Pinkie Pie stepped forward.

“Hey, don’t forget to have lots of fun with the other us’!” Pinkie told her.

“Don’t worry I will.” Sunset assured her. “And thanks again for the party.”

“Aw, it was nothing! I just hope the other me throws just as good a parties as I do!” Pinkie said.

“I’m sure she does.” Sunset nodded. “Though yours will always be the best in my eyes.”

Pinkie then became teary eyed. “I’m gonna miss you a lot Sunset Shimmer…” she said.

“I’m gonna miss you too, Pinkie.” Sunset Shimmer smiled, teary eyed also. “I hope we see each other again someday.”

Pinkie then gave her a big bear hug that caused her a little bit of pain but she smiled anyway. Then as Pinkie walked away to wipe her tears, Rainbow Dash approached looking somewhat upset.

“So, this is it then, huh?” Rainbow remarked as she kicked the ground, frustrated before turning away. “You’re leaving us!”

“Rainbow, it’s not like that!” Sunset Shimmer protested.

“Yeah, I know, you got some stuff to take care of back in Equestria… you need to… figure out where you belong and junk.” Rainbow grumbled, while struggling to fight back here tears. She turned to her. “But what about us? We need you to, you know! Your part of our band, you’re our friend for crying out loud!”

A tear fell down Sunset’s face. “I know… and your my friend too… but I need to take this journey, Rainbow Dash. In order to fully redeem myself, once I’ve done what I’ve done… I just might come back here.”

“And… if you decide to stay in Equestria?” Rainbow questioned. They all looked toward Sunset with sad looks on their faces, Sunset lowered her head. This would not be easy to answer.

“Then… I might not be able to see you as much as I want, but like Twilight I can still come and visit but… it’ll be hard to tell when.” Sunset Shimmer admitted.

“I figured…” Rainbow Dash muttered.

Sunset put a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, like I already told Applejack; it’s not goodbye, it’s just goodbye till next time. Till then… you take care, ok?” she asked.

“Yeah… see ya.” Rainbow said as she began to walk away.

“Rainbow…” Sunset began as she tried to go after her, but Applejack stopped her.

“Let her go, she needs time to deal.” Applejack said, before suddenly Rainbow suddenly stopped.

“By the way… I really am gonna miss you Sunset… this is… if you decide not to come back anyway.” Rainbow said, turning towards her and looking somewhat depressed. “Just… call us if there’s any trouble… and don’t forget about us, got that?”

Sunset smiled and put a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll never forget, and thank you Rainbow Dash, for showing me what true loyalty really is.”

Rainbow looked somewhat comforted by her words and smiled a bit. “No problem,” she said. Human Twilight then stepped forward.

“I… wanted to thank you again… for saving me that day and… teaching me what means to be a friend,” she said, sincerely.

“No problem, the important thing is that you’ve turned yourself around and found where you belong, now it’s my turn.” Sunset Shimmer said.

“And to that, I wish you luck.” Twilight said as she and Sunset shook hands before hugging. Rarity and Fluttershy stepped forward next.

“Darling, Fluttershy and I have been meaning to give you something.” Rarity announced.

“Just a little something to remember us by, should you decide to stay in Equestria from now on.” Fluttershy added as she handed a little red box to her. Sunset took the box, curiously.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Well, you can open it and find out if you want.” Rainbow Dash said, smirking.

Sunset then opened the red box and gasped when she took out a necklace with a little silver heart attached to it. The others smiled.

“Girls… this is beautiful!” she expressed.

“Open it up! Open it! Open it!” Pinkie said, excitedly. Sunset did so and was even more surprised when she saw a little picture of all seven of them together, more tears began to fall.

“Placed it in their myself.” Twilight’s Human Counterpart said.

“We thought that… no matter what you choose to do, you should always have a piece of us with you at all times.” Fluttershy smiled. Sunset started crying tears of joy.

“I… I don’t know what to say except… thank you… thank you all for everything that you’ve done for me, I don’t think I could ever make it up to you…” Sunset Shimmer stated, touched.

Applejack smiled sweetly. “You already have, sugarcube,” she told her. “You became our friend.”

“Oh… group hug!” Pinkie Pie cried as she pulled everyone together for a tight embrace, which they all happily returned.

As they hugged Sunset suddenly felt a certain presence nearby, and she was right, the hooded figure was still watching them close by. She turned slightly but saw no one there, but she still felt uneasy and judging by the look on her face, this was not a new feeling.

“Say… did you ever get the feeling you were being watched or something?” Sunset Shimmer asked, glancing around nervously.

“What do you mean?” Applejack inquired.

“I don’t know… it just feels like I’m being watched by somebody… somebody stalking me… I’ve had this feeling for over a week now…” Sunset confessed.

“Oh, how creepy…” Rarity expressed, with a slight shiver.

“It’s probably just the jitters.” Rainbow shrugged.

“Yeah, I’m sure it’ll go away once you get back to Equestria.” Fluttershy assured her.

“Yeah, probably…” Sunset Shimmer mused. “Speaking of which…”

Sunset then turned to the portal again and began to walk toward it, but before she stepped through it, she turned again and saw the sad looks of all her friends. She smiled at them.

“Bye you guys…” she waved, sadly.

“Bye Sunset…” They all waved back with sad expressions.

“Have a safe trip!” Pinkie said.

“Take care of yourself!” Rarity told her.

“It’s been fun!” Applejack smiled.

“Yeah, real fun.” Rainbow agreed.

“Farewell…” Fluttershy breathed.

“Until we meet again…” Twilight added, with a tear in her eye. Sunset nodded then turned to the portal, activated the hidden panel with the special scanner the two Twilight’s made and pressed her hand against it. The portal then opened with that and she slowly walked through it and vanished.

“She’s gone…” Fluttershy muttered. Everyone lowered their heads, depressed.

“Well, Sunset Shimmer… goodbye.” Twilight declared, sadly.

Just then, a black blur, followed by a sharp gust of wind blew right by them, most of them had to hold their skirts down until it passed. They looked around confused.

“Hey… where’d that breeze come from?” Pinkie Pie remarked, surprised.

They all shrugged, with no idea of what just happened. Though Human Twilight stared at the portal suspiciously and narrowed her eyes. Inside the portal Sunset flew down a swirling, colorful tunnel, unaware that something was following her close behind.

Welcome to Ponyville

Chapter 3

Later, in Equestria, Twilight and Spike were both waiting by the open portal waiting for Sunset to arrive. Much like the counterparts of Pinkie and Applejack while they were waiting for Twilight, the two of them were currently playing cards.

“Sure she’s coming?” Spike inquired.

“I opened the portal just after I got her message, so all she needs to do is activate the magic scanner and it’ll let her in, so she should be coming through.” Twilight said. “She just needs time to say goodbye to our Canterlot High friends.”

“Ok…” Spike sighed.

“Now, what do you got?” Princess Twilight challenged.

Spike laid his cards out. “Full House, ha!” he boasted. “Beat that!”

“Well, ok, like Rainbow Dash would say…” Princess Twilight began before she laid down her own cards. “Read ‘em and weep.”

“No way!” A Royal Flush!?” Spike exclaimed, dismayed. “Come on Twilight, you’re killing me here!”

“Sorry Spike, fair’s fair.” Princess Twilight shrugged.

Spike threw his cards down frustrated. “Well, I don’t think she’s coming…” he muttered.

Just then something yellow-ish orange, red and yellow flew out of the portal and slid across the ground for a bit. They could tell right away that it was Sunset.

“And… I’m wrong.” Spike remarked.

Princess Twilight quickly rushed over to her as she began to stand up and smiled.

“Sunset Shimmer! Your back!” Twilight said, happily as she helped her up.

“Thanks Twilight, it’s good to be back.” Sunset smiled, her knees then began to wobble a bit as she stood on all fours.

“Are you ok?” Twilight inquired.

“Yeah… I’ve just forgotten what it’s like not walking on two legs… it’s hard to move like this…” Sunset admitted.

“That’s how I felt when I started standing on two.” Twilight confessed. They both chuckled.

“Funny, it wasn’t that hard for me.” Sunset Shimmer shrugged. Spike then approached. “Oh, hey Spike!”

“Hey Sunset, how have things been?” Spike smiled.

“Oh, pretty good, considering.” Sunset Shimmer nodded, she looked around the shiny area they were in. “So this is your new castle.”

“Well, part of it, you should see the library, it’s wonderful.” Princess Twilight said, with a loving smile as she thought of her books.

“I’m… sure it is…” Sunset said, slowly while backing away. Spike then got her attention.

“Uh, best not to get to involved in this particular interest of Twilight’s, you’ll be bored to death in a matter of minutes, trust me…” Spike muttered to her, quietly. Sunset nodded to him, understandingly.

“So… when can I see Princess Celestia? She here?” Sunset inquired.

“Well, she is but I think she’s busy at the moment, I’ll have Spike send her a letter, letting her know you’re here.” Twilight said. “In the meantime, why not a tour around Ponyville?”

“Well… I’ve never really seen Ponyville before so…” Sunset Shimmer began. “Yeah, sure!”

“Great! Follow me.” Twilight said as she began to lead Sunset Shimmer out of the room.

They soon stepped out of the castle and walked down the whole pathway until they were into Ponyville. To anypony else they’d describe it as rustic yet comfortable, but to its inhabitants, it was home. Sunset saw many species of ponies walking and flying all around whilst talking amongst themselves and laughing with joy.

“Wow… so this is Ponyville.” Sunset Shimmer remarked, gazing at the peaceful scenery around them.

“Yeah, it’s beautiful isn’t it?” Twilight asked.

“Sure is…” Sunset agreed. “Can’t believe I never came…”

“Well, you were a different mare back then.” Twilight told her. “Now you’ve changed.”

“I hope everypony else sees it that way…” Sunset said, a bit sadly.

Twilight put her hoof on her shoulder. “They will, trust me, now come, time for you to meet them personally.”

Twilight then began to lead Sunset through the peaceful village towards the home of one of her friends, on the way she began to wave and exchange smiles with every pony she passed. Unknown to her, that hooded figure was standing right behind her. She then felt that feeling again, turned and saw nopony there.

“Sunset! Come on!” Twilight called out. The fiery haired unicorn ignored the feeling in the back of her head and then began to follow her.

Later, Twilight and Sunset Shimmer soon arrived at Applejack’s farm, which looked the same as it always did, with the red and purple barn and farm house still standing like the pig house and the Apple Orchard’s stretching as far as the eye could see

“Our first stop; Sweet Apple Acres.” Princess Twilight declared, as they continued to walk towards it.

“Wow… it’s so much like the Sweet Apple Acres in the other world…” Sunset remarked.

“Got that right.” Twilight agreed.

“And I assume this world’s Applejack is here too?” Sunset inquired.

“She should be here somewhere…” Twilight said.

“YEEEEEHAW!”

The group jumped in surprise and looked in the direction of the voice. It was the pony version of Applejack running towards an apple tree. She skidded to a stop and gave a powerful kick to the tree's trunk with her hind legs. The apples in the trees shook and fell into multiple baskets set below the tree. The orange pony crossed her front hooves proudly.

“And there she is.” Twilight smiled.

Sunset sighed. “Well… let’s hope this works…” she voiced as she began to approach Applejack, along with Twilight.

“Hey, Applejack!” Twilight announced. Applejack turned to her, pleased.

“Howdy, Twilight!” Applejack smiled before she noticed Sunset and narrowed her eyes a bit. “Say… don’t I know you?”

“Hi, AJ!” Sunset said..

“You… know me?” Applejack asked, surprised.

“Well, I know a you, so…” Sunset Shimmer began.

“Oh yeah, the other us’ from the other world, how they doing?” Applejack inquired.

“Pretty good, they send their regards by the way.” Sunset told her.

“Cool, so what brings you here?” Applejack questioned.

“I… came to right some unresolved wrongs here, for starters… I’m sorry for what I put you and your friends through by stealing Twilight’s crown… it was wrong…” Sunset said, shamefully. “Hope you can forgive me.”

Applejack glanced at Twilight, who gave her a nod, and she smiled. “Well, of course I forgive you, sugarcube,” she assured her while putting her hoof around her.

“Really?” Sunset asked, hopefully.

“Yeah, it’s better to forgive and forget, besides… if Twilight believes in you, then so do I.” Applejack stated.

“Thanks Applejack, glad to see you and your counterpart don’t share many differences.” Sunset said. “Course… mine is a bit more stubborn then you…”

“That so?” Applejack inquired, interested.

Twilight stepped forward. “It’s true, you didn’t notice when you first saw them but unlike you and the others they haven’t exactly learned all the lessons we have learned about friendship.”

“But don’t worry, they are learning. I’m helping them just like they helped me.” Sunset added.

“Good to know, thanks. Say… you wanna try some of my family’s cooking?” Applejack offered.

“Oh, I don’t know if I should…” Sunset Shimmer began.

“Come on! I guarantee you’ll like it!” Applejack encouraged her.

“I’ll vouch for that!” Twilight added. They both gave her begging looks.

“Well… ok.” Sunset relented.

“Great! Right this way, we got a lot for you to choose from!” Applejack told her, cheerfully as she put her hoof around her and began to lead her away.

Later, after trying some of Applejack’s pie, Twilight and Sunset left Sweet Apple Acres and went to visit another friend of the Princess of Friendship. As they walked Sunset groaned while struggling to walk with her fully belly.

“Are you ok?” Twilight inquired, concerned.

Sunset groaned again. “I think I ate too much pie…”

Twilight giggled a bit. “Yeah, I made the same mistake too, don’t worry about it.”

“So… who’s next?” Sunset asked.

“Rainbow Dash, and speaking of which she still hasn’t cleared the clouds away yet.” Twilight said, looking upward and seeing all the clouds that were still in the sky above.

“Rainbow Dash clears the sky?” Sunset Shimmer echoed, surprised.

“Yeah, in Equestria she’s a weather pony.” Princess Twilight told her. “She’s in charge of the weather team, as a matter of fact.”

“Wow, that’s pretty impressive.” Sunset Shimmer remarked, amazed.

“Yeah… course she does slack off every now and then… but don’t worry, I know from personal experience that she can get this all cleared in ten seconds flat.” Twilight stated, proudly.

“Really?” Sunset Shimmer inquired. “Is that true?”

“Your darn right it is!” Somepony boasted, catching Sunset Shimmer by surprise.

“Huh? Who said that?” Sunset Shimmer asked.

“I bet I know who…” Princess Twilight said, knowingly.

A blue blur with a rainbow tailed zoomed them over and over again until it finally stopped in front of them and revealed to be a rainbow maned Pegasus that Sunset Shimmer immediately recognized.

“Rainbow Dash.” Sunset Shimmer smiled.

“The one and only. Why? Have you heard of me?” Rainbow asked before she got a good look at Sunset Shimmer. “You…”

“Rainbow Dash, this is…” Princess Twilight began to say.

“Sunset Shimmer.” Rainbow Dash cut in, still frowning. “Yeah, I know who you are. And I also remember how you stole Twilight’s crown!”

“Knock it off, Rainbow! She’s already learned her lesson, she’s changed, you know that.” Princess Twilight scolded her, firmly.

“They don’t change that much, I got my eye on you.” Rainbow Dash warned Sunset.

Sunset then leaned toward Twilight. “And I thought my Rainbow Dash was abrasive,” she remarked.

“You and me both.” Twilight smiled.

“I heard that!” Rainbow Dash protested. Twilight gave her a glare and she sighed. “Ok… I’m sorry…”

“It’s ok, I can’t really blame you for doubting me, I’d probably act the same way, plus I’m used to it… Sunset admitted, smiling wearily.

“Oh… that must stink, huh?” Rainbow remarked.

“Yeah, it does.” Twilight told Rainbow Dash somewhat sternly.

“It does kinda sting at times…” Sunset Shimmer admitted. “But don’t worry, I’m dealing with it, plus a lot of started to forgive me. Course… there’s still a few that haven’t gotten over it…”

“Oh… well… give them time, they’ll come around.” Rainbow assured her.

“Thanks.” Sunset said, thankfully.

“By the way, don’t you have some clouds to clear?” Twilight pointed out.

“Yeah, I’ll get to that later, right now… I’m napping.” Rainbow stated as she zipped up, landed on a cloud and quickly laid back before flying asleep. Twilight groaned, exasperated while Sunset Shimmer giggled to herself, amused.

After visiting Rainbow Dash, the two then decided to visit Rarity and soon entered her store; the Carousel Boutique.

“This is Rarity’s boutique, it’s here she designs some of Equestria’s greatest outfit.” Twilight said.

Sunset looked around. “Wow… this place sure is fancy looking,” she remarked. “Totally her style.”

“Got that right.” Princess Twilight agreed.

“Where is Rarity, anyway?” Sunset Shimmer inquired.

“Probably in her ‘Inspiration Room’.” Princess Twilight guessed.

“Think we can go check on her?” Sunset asked, curiously.

“If she’s not too busy, I don’t see why not.” Twilight shrugged. “Sure! Let’s go!”

They both then walked up the steps of the Boutique and upon arriving on the second floor they stepped into a room where Rarity was currently working on a dress.

“Rarity…” Twilight began.

“Just hold on a second, I’m ‘in the zone’ as it were.” Rarity said, as she continued to work.

Sunset just smiled. “You never change, do you Rarity?” she remarked.

Rarity turned her attention from her work to Sunset, surprised. “Do I…” she began before it hit her. “Oh! Of course! Sunset Shimmer! You’re here!”

“It’s good to see you Rarity… the Pony version of you anyway.” Sunset Shimmer stated.

“Likewise, darling.” Rarity nodded, as she approached her. “Tell me, what brings you back to Equestria?”

“Well… I have some wrongs I need to sort out here and I wanted to apologize for…” Sunset began.

“Oh, darling, there’s no need to apologize. Like our other selves in the other world, we’ve forgive you for your past misdeeds.” Rarity smiled.

“Thank you.” Sunset said, gratefully.

“See? Not everypony here hates you.” Princess Twilight told her.

“Yeah… guess not.” Sunset Shimmer smiled.

“Indeed, you just need to have a little faith in yourself, after all how can you expect everypony to like you if you don’t even like yourself?” Rarity pointed out.

“Hmm… I guess you have a point there… thanks Rarity.” Sunset told her, smiling. Rarity returned the smile and nodded.

“By the way… is there any chance that the other me sent some new wardrobe designs with you?” Rarity inquired, interested.

“Uh… no… but I can tell you some.” Sunset offered.

Rarity squealed. “Ooh! I’d be honored! Please do tell me,” she insisted. “Oh! And while we’re at it, why don’t we fit you for a new dress!”

“Oh… I don’t know…” Sunset began, but Rarity quickly pulled her in close.

“Nonsense! I won’t take no for an answer!” Rarity declared.

“Uh…” The fiery haired unicorn began to say before Twilight leaned in close to her.

“Don’t argue, just go with it, trust me.” Twilight whispered.

“Ok…” Sunset Shimmer said, slowly as Rarity began to push her away with, Twilight following.

Pretty soon, they were in Rarity’s dressing room where Twilight and Rarity eagerly awaited Sunset Shimmer to come out and reveal her new outfit to them.

“Oh, I do hope you like the outfit choices I picked out for you.” Rarity expressed, excitedly.

“Yeah, they’re all beautiful! I’m particularly fond of these two.” Sunset Shimmer said.

“Well then, put both of them on and let’s see them!” Rarity encouraged.

“Ok, here I come.” Sunset Shimmer declared.

Sunset Shimmer then stepped out wearing a glittering mint green and teal ruffled dress that sparkled a bit and had a little golden crown on her head as well.

“Wow! That outfit looks gorgeous on you!” Princess Twilight remarked, amazed.

“You really think so?” Sunset Shimmer asked, bashfully.

“Oh, of course darling! The silk the colors perfectly match your complexion and eyes!” Rarity said, dazzled.

“Oh, thanks.” Sunset Shimmer smiled, flattered.

“Alright, let’s try on the next one, shall we?” Rarity offered.

“Ok, one sec.” Sunset Shimmer said as she went back to change again.

She then came back out wearing another ruffled dress only in shades of red, yellow and pink, she also did her hair in a different style as well

“Brilliant!” Rarity expressed, happily. “It fits you perfectly!”

“I guess so…” Sunset said, blushing.

“Oh, don’t be so modest, darling!” Rarity told her. “Embrace your beauty!”

“Modest, heh… now that’s word I haven’t been called in a long time.” Sunset expressed.

“Well, maybe you should start.” Princess Twilight suggested.

“Yeah… maybe…” Sunset said, thoughtfully as she gazed at her reflection.

Latter, Princess Twilight and Sunset Shimmer were making their way to the edge of the forest, hoping to find and talk to Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy should be around here somewhere…” Twilight Sparkle said, looking around.

“So Princess Twilight, how much is your Fluttershy like mine?” Sunset Shimmer inquired.

“Very much like yours, course… the other Fluttershy seems a little more easier to anger…” Princess Twilight noted.

“She was pretty mad at Rainbow when she wouldn’t do her song…” Sunset Shimmer remembered.

“And when she thought Pinkie ruined her silent auction…” Princess Twilight added. “That was… not pleasant.”

“I’ll bet.” Sunset Shimmer agreed.

“Yeah… oh and speaking of Fluttershy, there she is.” Princess Twilight informed her.

Sunset looked forward and indeed saw Fluttershy hovering in front of a group of singing birds perched on the branches of a practically leafless tree. She was currently helping birds with their singing. The duo listened to the beautiful and harmonious music and both looked impressed by how beautiful it was.

“Hey, Fluttershy!” Sunset Shimmer called out. Fluttershy yelped and hid behind a rock, rather poorly though. “Oh! Sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you, Fluttershy!”

Fluttershy poked her head out from behind the rock and looked to see Twilight and Sunset. “Oh… it’s you again.”

“Yeah, nice to see you again Fluttershy…” Sunset Shimmer said, shyly.

“It’s nice to see you again too…” Fluttershy agreed, just as shy. “I’m glad you made it here ok.”

“Thanks.” Sunset Shimmer smiled. “So uh… whatcha doing here?”

“Oh, I’m teaching my bird friends here a new melody.” Fluttershy replied, proudly.

“Cool! Can we hear it?” Twilight inquired.

“Of course!” Fluttershy beamed, she turned to her birds. “Ready?”

The birds all nodded.

“Ok, a one… a two… a one, two three…” Fluttershy said before she gestured them to begin and they all then started to chip a lovely little song for them. During the song Sunset began to smile and tear up a bit, making Fluttershy and the birds stop.

“Oh! Did that song hurt your feelings? I’m sorry…” Fluttershy apologized.

“No, I’m fine it’s just… that sounded a lot like a song… my Mother used to sing to me as a filly…” Sunset admitted, smiling.

“Really?” Fluttershy remarked, surprised. Sunset nodded. “Where is your Mom? Is she…”

Fluttershy’s voice trailed off, believing the worse had happened to her.

“In Canterlot… with my father, brother and sister…” Sunset said, sadly.

“You have a family?” Twilight asked her, just as surprised as Fluttershy. The fiery haired unicorn nodded. “How long has it been since you’ve seen them?”

“A long time… they probably heard about everything I did too…” Sunset muttered, depressed. “I wouldn’t blame them if they hated me…”

“Sunset, they’re your family, they could never hate you.” Fluttershy told her, comfortingly. “I mean… I sure don’t.”

Sunset smiled, touched. “Thanks, Fluttershy.”

“Hey, maybe after you meet with the Princess you can go pay them a visit!” Twilight suggested. “I’m sure they’d love to see you again.”

“Yeah… maybe…” Sunset mused as she looked up towards the sky and watched a family of birds fly overhead.

They soon arrived back in town, after meeting with Fluttershy and searched around for the last member of their Princess’ group of friends, which was fairly easily she was the pinkest and most happiest pony around.

“And there’s Pinkie Pie.” Princess Twilight gesturing to the party pony herself who quickly spotted the two with a wide-eyed expression.

“Is she gonna…?” Sunset began, before Pinkie zipped over and stood right in front of her.

“She is.” Princess Twilight confirmed, deadpan.

Pinkie gasped sharply. “It’s you! Sunset Shimmer! The one who stole Twilight’s crown but later reformed and helped save the world! Your back!” she cheered as she hugged Sunset tightly.

Sunset groaned a bit. “It’s… good to see you Pinkie…” she said, with a smile. “Could you… put me down… I think my spine cracked… again…”

“Again?” Twilight echoed.

“You don’t want to know…” Sunset assured her.

“Oh! Sorry!” Pinkie Pie apologized as she quickly released her. “So, when did ya get here?”

“Uh… an hour or two ago…” Sunset Shimmer began.

Pinkie gasped again. “Then that means that I get started on your welcome to Ponyville party!” she exclaimed. “Don’t worry Sunset Shimmer, I’ll have your party up two hours ago!”

“But uh…” Sunset began, but before she could Pinkie quickly zipped off in a flash.

Twilight chuckled, nervously. “Sorry about that… you know Pinkie Pie.”

“Yeah… I do.” Sunset Shimmer smiled. They both shared a smile, then noticed something floating down from up above them. “Hey, what’s that?”

Twilight looked closely. “Looks like some of the royal guards are coming.”

“Oh yeah… the Royal Guards…” Sunset said, slowly. “Forgot they were coming here… which means…”

The armored Royal Guards then landed on the ground with a carriage being pulled right behind them, obviously meant for Sunset. Upon stopping they whinnied.

“Well… it’s time to see the Princess…” Twilight declared.

“Yep…” Sunset muttered.

Twilight comforted her again. “Hey, it’s gonna be ok, alright?”

“I hope so…” Sunset admitted. “The Princess and I didn’t exactly leave on good terms…”

“Hey, you know Princess Celestia as well as I do, so you know that she won’t hold it against you.” Twilight stated. “Truthfully… I was worried about you meeting her too… but Spike made me see otherwise and have faith.”

Sunset Shimmer smiled. “You’re lucky to have him you know.”

“He drives me crazy sometimes… but I don’t know where I’d be without him.” Twilight said, with a warm smile. “That goes for all my friends.”

“Funny, I usually think the same about my friends.” Sunset remarked. She and Twilight shared a smile. “Guess we have more in common than we thought.”

“Guess so.” Princess Twilight beamed.

“Wish me luck.” Sunset said, as she began walking forward toward the carriage, which quickly took off as soon as she got on it.

“Good luck.” Princess Twilight whispered.

Forgiveness

Chapter 4

After a little while, the guards pulling the carriage carrying Sunset Shimmer arrived in Canterlot, a place Sunset Shimmer hadn’t been to in what seemed like forever. It was her home during and before she was Princess Celestia’s student, but upon landing and getting off she could see plenty of ghosts. Times where she was rude and callous to everypony, and it haunted her.

She soon arrived at the castle where a few more guards were already waiting for her.

“Right this way, the Princess is waiting for you.” The guard said.

“Right, thank you sirs.” Sunset Shimmer said, politely as she began to follow them down the hall. Along the way she spotted glass images of Twilight and her friends prevailing over every threat that came their way and she smiled with pride.

Sunset walked down the halls to the throne room, nervous as a kid starting high school. They soon reached a pair of large doors, the doors to the throne room, that was where the guards stopped. The doors swung open and Sunset Shimmer entered, as Sunset walked to the throne. there, Celestia stood before her, her look of thought and a poker face not showing emotion. Sunset Shimmer bowed in respect of the Princess, something she hadn’t done in a long time.

“Sunset Shimmer.” The Princess said, calmly.

“Princess.” Sunset responded, still looking fearful and sad.

There was a long period of silence between the two before Sunset Shimmer finally began to say something to her former teacher.

“Listen, before you say anything Princess… I just want to say… I’m sorry.” Sunset said. “You were right, I wasn’t ready to become a Princess… but my arrogance and anger got in the way. I thought I was special because you chose me as your student, that I was better than everypony else… but I was wrong… you tried to show me that there was more to life than just becoming powerful and I didn’t listen and… it lead to me leaving and stealing Twilight’s crown… and for that I am sorry… whatever punishment you think I should have… I’ll take it… no questions asked.”

Sunset lowered her head, shamefully, expecting to her the Princess’ answer and punishment for her, but her former teacher just smiled and approached her before putting a comforting hoof on her shoulder, surprising Sunset Shimmer.

“No punishment necessary,” she said. “I’m just so glad you’ve returned home.”

“But… but I betrayed you… I tried to take over Equestria… why would you…” Sunset Shimmer began to say.

“Because the events the caused you to steal Twilight’s crown were not entirely your fault.” Princess Celestia told her.

“It wasn’t?” Sunset Shimmer asked, confused.

“Yes, it was also my fault, I showed you the Mirror before you were ready and I never was able to show you just how important friendship truly was." Celestia expressed, regretfully

“But Twilight did…” Sunset Shimmer pointed out.

Princess Celestia nodded. “Yes. Once again, she has saved the life of somepony I cared about, somepony I failed help when I could…” she said, regretfully.

“Princess, you haven’t failed anypony, we all make mistakes I mean… look at me.” Sunset Shimmer told her, smiling.

“Indeed.” Celestia smiled. “And I am so proud of the mare you’ve become.”

“You are?” Sunset asked, touched.

Celestia then pulled her into a hug, much to her surprise. “I am.”

Sunset Shimmer’s still remained wide, shocked by the sudden hug but eventually came to accept it and returned it right away. They then heard a door opening and turned to see Princess Luna entering.

“Luna!” Princess Celestia said, pleased.

“Greetings, sister.” Luna greeted her, before she noticed Sunset Shimmer. Her eyes narrowed. “Oh. And I see you have a guest.”

“Indeed.” Princess Celestia confirmed.

Celestia gave Sunset a smile and subtly gestured to her sister, silently encouraging her to go over and introduce herself. Sunset nodded and walked up to the Princess of the Night, who did not looked too thrilled to see her.

“Sunset Shimmer.” Princess Luna said, seriously.

“Uh… Hi Princess Luna…” Sunset Shimmer smiled, nervously. “I… take it you’ve heard of me?”

“Indeed I have.” Princess Luna replied, her eyes narrowed. “And I was there when you decided to steal Twilight’s crown.”

“Oh… really?” Sunset Shimmer remarked, surprised and now sweating bullets.

“Yes, and just remember if you end up hurting my sister or Twilight again…” Princess Luna began.

“You’ll ‘get me’? Yeah… I think there’s gonna be a line for that thing.” Sunset Shimmer admitted, jokingly. She and Celestia let out a bit of a giggle while Luna remained straight faced. She soon stopped. “Uh… sorry.”

“I see part of you still has no problem disrespecting authority, am I right?” Luna questioned while her sister approached.

“Now Luna, Sunset Shimmer has learned from her mistakes and right now she is struggling to fit in with many ponies still believing her to be evil, you know what that’s like.” Celestia reminded her.

Luna looked away, feeling guilty then looked back at Sunset. “Apologizes, I meant no disrespect.”

“It’s ok, believe me, I’m used to it…” Sunset expressed.

“As am I.” Luna nodded.

“Oh yeah… you were once Nightmare Moon, right?” Sunset inquired.

“Indeed I was, but Twilight and her friends saved me just as they saved you.” Luna stated. “Though it took a quite a while before everypony became accepting of me.”

“Guess we have a few things in common, huh?” Sunset remarked.

“I suppose we do, but remember this; I am not my sister and if you do show signs of relapsing or betraying us… well you know the rest.” Princess Luna told her, sternly. “Farewell.”

The Princess of the Night then turned and walked away. Sunset Shimmer lowered her head sadly but was comforted by Celestia’s hoof on her shoulder.

“Give her time, she’ll come to forgive you fully in due time.” Celestia assured her.

Sunset looked down sadly. “Question is… will my family?” she wondered, which made Celestia look at her sympathetically. “How are they?”

“They’re fine… though word of your actions has already reached the area around their home and…” Princess Celestia began.

“Oh…” Sunset Shimmer said, understandingly. “I should have known my reputation would bring them nothing but grief…”

“No, you must not think that way.” Princess Celestia told her. “Your family loves you no matter what you do.”

“Fluttershy told me the same thing…” Sunset noted.

“She’s a kind and wise soul, you should listen.” Celestia said. “But if you really want to know, you could pay them a little visit.”

The unicorn looked up at her. “That’s actually what I was planning on doing, thank you Princess,” she smiled.

“Your very welcome.” Princess Celestia nodded. “Also… if you plan on staying I do have a proposal for you.”

“What’s that?” Sunset asked, curiously.

“Well, since Twilight Sparkle has completed her studies and become a Princess I was hoping that if you chose to stay you would become my student once again.” Celestia offered.

Sunset Shimmer was speechless after the Princess spoke but soon she finally regained her voice. “Do… do you mean it?”

The Princess put a hoof on her heart. “With all my heart,” she said, sincerely.

Sunset Shimmer looked touched by the Princess’ offer, but also a bit conflicted. “Thank you Princess… can I… can I think about it?” she asked.

“Take all the time you need.” Princess Celestia nodded. “Now, will that be all?”

“Not yet.” Sunset Shimmer said. “There’s one more thing I gotta take care of first.”

The fiery maned unicorn then began to leave the throne room.

Before long Sunset Shimmer had arrived in a more homely part of Canterlot and approached a simple yet expensive looking home, which happened to belong to her family whom she wasn’t too close to, especially after becoming Celestia’s student and after she betrayed the Princess. She raised her hoof toward the door, looking a bit scared to knock on it.

Sunset sighed. “Ok, here goes…” she said before knocking on the door. She waited for moment before a mare and a stallion opened the door, it was her parents.

Her mother, named Sunny Day, had a dark yellow coat with a dark red mane that was in a style similar to Sunset’s. Her cutie mark was a yellow sun with long rays stretching out. Her father, named Solar Wind, had a coat that was red with a ragged orange mane and had a red ball on a gust of wind for a cutie mark.

They both gasped when they saw Sunset standing on the other side of the door with a sheepish smile on her face.

“Uh… hi Mom… hi Dad…” she finally said.

“Sunset!?” Sunny Day gasped.

“Is it really you?” Solar Wind asked, equally stunned.

Sunset Shimmer nodded, sadly. “Yeah… it’s me…”

“After all this time… you’ve finally come back…” Sunny Day breathed, tears beginning to form.

“We’ve missed you, sweetie.” Solar Wind smiled. Sunset looked surprised and touched by their words and soon enough, tears began to form in her eyes as well.

“Mom… Dad… I’m sorry… I’m so sorry about what happened…” Sunset said, beginning to sob. “I never should have stolen Princess Twilight’s crown… and I know part of you must hate me for it but…”

“Hate you? Sweetie, we could never hate you!” Her mother told her.

“Sure, you made some mistakes, but that’s all part of growing up.” Her father added. “And we can see that you’ve grown up a lot, sweetie.”

“You really think so?” Sunset Shimmer asked, hopefully.

“We know so.” Sunny Day said, firmly as they hugged even tighter.

Just then a little filly with an orange coat and a wavy blond mane entered the room. Her flank was still blank, indicating that she had not found her special talent yet. Sunset Shimmer quickly recognized her.

“Sunkiss…” Sunset Shimmer whispered.

“Hi,” she said.

Sunset Shimmer slowly approached her younger sister while her parents watched on proudly. Sunkiss looked up to her big sister with wide eyes. Sunset smiled.

“You… probably don’t recognize me… but I’m your big sister, you’ve grown up so much.” Sunset told her little sister, fondly.

“Sunset?” Sunkiss said.

“Yeah… that’s me.” Sunset Shimmer said, with tears falling down her face as she smiled.

The two sisters looked at each other for a moment before Sunkiss then came running over and embraced her tightly.

“Sunset!” The filly cried. “I missed you so much big sister!”

Sunset cried a bit while hugging her back. “I missed you too…” she said.

“Where were you?” Sunkiss inquired.

“Uh… away…” Sunset said, slowly. “But don’t worry I’m back now.”

“Are you here to stay?” Sunkiss added, curiously. Sunset looked hesitant to answer, then somepony suddenly spoke up nearby.

“I hope not.”

Sunset Shimmer then noticed somepony else entering. It was a stallion, who looked to be the same age as Shining Armor, but had a frown on his face. He has a rust orange coat with a slicked back black mane with a red and yellow streak.

“Solar Flare…” Sunset Shimmer said, surprised.

“Sunset Shimmer,” he said, displeased.

The two parents behind them exchanged looks, feeling the awkward tension in the air, while their little sister just blinked at the two of them, confused.

“I’d say it’s nice to see you again, but then I’d be lying.” Solar Flare said, frowning.

“Solar Flare…” Sunset began.

“Don’t bother, I don’t want to hear it.” Her brother told her, looking away and scowling.

Sunset sighed. “Look… I know you’re angry… you have every right…” she began she started to approach him. “But it is good to see you Solar…”

She stopped as soon as Solar Flare suddenly gave her a death glare in response.

“So… what’s new?” Sunset inquired, slowly.

“Well, I’m clearly still getting over the fact that you’ve shamed our family name!” Solar Flare said, harshly.

“Solar Flare!” Sunny Day scolded him.

“Well she did!” Solar protested.

“He’s right… I did…” Sunset admitted, depressed.

“See?” he said.

“I ruined our reputation with how I acted, how betrayed the Princess… and when I stole Princess Twilight’s crown…” Sunset Shimmer said, shamefully. “And for that… I’m sorry.”

Solar Flare turned to her. “Why?”

“Well… when I was… away… I ended up becoming the monster that I really was inside, but then… Princess Twilight cured me, and when she did… I saw every bad thing I had ever done… I know now why people hated me… and probably still do… and I’m gonna do anything I can to make up for the misdeeds of my past, you’ve got to believe me, big brother.”

Solar Flare then saw how much she was tearing up and looked down before sighing and turning to her fully. “I don’t,” he said, bluntly.

Everyone else in the room gasped in shock. “But… but why?” Sunset asked, heartbroken.

“ ‘Why’? I’ll tell you ‘why’. You were never there whenever one of us needed you, not even when Sunkiss took her first steps or started her first day of school and after you did what you did our lives became miserable and now their gonna get more miserable now that you’re here!” Solar Flare said, frustrated. “You never should have come back to Equestria.”

Her big brother then turned and left, leaving Sunset heartbroken.

“Solar Flare’s right… I never should have come back…” she said, depressed.

As Sunset sighed, her mother put a hoof on her shoulder. “Oh, don’t listen to him. He just needs time.”

“He along with everypony else that still hates me…” Sunset noted. “I passed some of my former classmates on my way here, the ones that wanted to hang out with me? They just brushed me off. Everypony in this town hates me…”

Her mother then looked at her seriously before kissing her on the forehead. “Not everypony, my dear.”

Sunset looked surprised, then smiled gratefully as she and her mother embraced. Her father and younger sister soon joined in. But as they did so, the dark figure that had been following Sunset Shimmer watched them from the window. The being narrowed their eyes at Sunset and vanished as soon as Sunset’s chest starting hurting again and she turned to the window, seeing nopony there.

Party Crasher

Chapter 5

After catching up with most of her family, Sunset bid them a tearful farewell as she returned to Ponyville to report to Princess Twilight, who quickly invited to take her to one her favorite restaurants in Ponyville. As they sat at one the tables eating daisy sandwiches Sunset did her best to keep her brother rejecting her off her mind.

“Thank you so much for taking me out to lunch, Twilight.” Sunset Shimmer said, gratefully.

“Well of course! Anything for a friend.” Twilight smiled.

“A friend whose practically your student.” Sunset pointed out, smirking.

“Yeah, I guess.” Twilight admitted.

The two shared a laugh.

“So, how did it go with the Princess and your family?” Princess Twilight inquired.

“Pretty good, the Princess has forgiven me, along with most of my family…” Sunset said, slowly.

“Most?” Twilight echoed, confused.

“My brother…” Sunset said, slowly. “He’s… taking a little longer to convince that I’ve changed…”

“Oh… I’m sorry.” Twilight apologized.

“It’s not your fault… it’s really mine…” Sunset told her. “I just gotta figure out a way to get him to see that I’ve changed…”

“You know you can’t force someone to like you, it takes times, your brother will forgive you, he just needs to let go of his anger.” Princess Twilight Sparkle said.

Sunset then began rocking in her seat a bit. “Yeah, well I hope it’s soon…” she muttered as she continued to shake, which was noticed by Twilight.

“Is something wrong, Sunset?” she inquired.

Sunset fidgeted a bit and sighed. “Nothing… it’s just… well after being gone for so long…” she began to say.

“It’s hard to adjust back to being a pony?” Twilight guessed. Sunset nodded in response. “Yeah… I imagine that would be hard…”

“You have no idea… I never knew how much I’d miss walking on two legs, texting, typing, eating with my hands… all of it…” Sunset Shimmer said, depressed. “But still…”

“Still what?” Twilight asked, curiously.

“Well… I’m glad that I finally managed to work things out with my family… sort of… but now that I’m here… I don’t think I want to leave them again…” Sunset Shimmer said, sighing sadly.

“I’m sorry Sunset.” Twilight said, as she put her hoof on Sunset’s. “I wish I could help.”

Sunset smiled. “You already have,” she said, softly before turning away sadly again.

Twilight thought for a minute, then remembered something. “Hey, I almost forgot, Pinkie managed to convince Princess Celestia to have your ‘Welcome Back’ party in Canterlot!” she said, excited.

“Really?” Sunset inquired.

“Yeah, you up for it?” Twilight asked.

“Sure! I always loved Pinkie’s parties in the other world and I’m sure I’ll like the ones in Equestria as well.” Sunset smiled.

“I guarantee you will.” Twilight smiled back. “Trust me, when Pinkie Pie goes big… she goes big.”

Sunset looked at the Princess interested.

Not too long after Twilight had gotten permission from Celestia to have Sunset’s ‘Welcome back to Equestria’ party in Canterlot, Pinkie quickly zipped right over there and got to work. By the time Sunset and Twilight arrived the entire garden area of the castle was full of party people, streamer, decorations, loud music with large speakers and little fireworks not to mention gigantic and colorful balloons, some of which were shaped just like Sunset, who was starstruck at the sight.

“Wow… you were right… when Pinkie goes big she really goes big…” Sunset said, amazed.

“She sure does.” Twilight sighed.

“I wonder how many ponies showed up.” Sunset Shimmer mused.

“Knowing Pinkie… probably all of them.” Princess Twilight smiled, knowingly.

Sunset then spotted her old classmates Moondancer, Lemon Hearts, Minuette, Twinkleshine, and Lyra Heartstrings nearby and smiled. “Hey, it’s Moondancer and the others! How’d Pinkie know I was acquainted with them?”

“Pinkie just asked the Princess who were previously mean to before you left and gathered most of them here.” Twilight replied. “Course some just slammed the door in her face upon mentioning your name…”

“Yeah… I figured…” Sunset admitted.

“Well…?” Twilight said, gesturing to the group.

“Well what?” Sunset asked, not getting it.

“Well go over there and talk to them.” Princess Twilight encouraged her.

“Oh, I don’t know… what if they don’t want anything to do with me? What if they don’t accept my apology?” Sunset wondered, worried. She sighed. “Not that I’d blame them…

“You won’t know for sure unless you talk to them.” Twilight pointed out.

“I guess not…” Sunset admitted.

“Yeah, now get over their!” Twilight said, enthusiastically as she pushed her forward.

Sunset Shimmer turned and gave Twilight a comforted smile before she began to trot over to the five ponies up ahead, who quickly scowled upon noticing her.

“Hey Moondancer, everypony.” she said, smiling nervously at the ponies she disrespected last time they met. “How are…”

Before she could finish, Moondancer closed her eyes and turned her back to her.

“Save it.” Moondancer interjected, bitterly. “You didn’t want anything to do with us before, so why should we want anything to do with you anyway?”

The other’s all huffed and turned away in response.

Sunset sighed. “I know I was an awful pony back then, but I just want you to know that I’ve changed and I’m really sorry for how I acted. So… you can go on hating me if you want, but I’ll never hate you and I hope one day… you can forgive me,” she told them.

At that moment, Moondancer opened one of her eyes, along with the other and slowly began to turn to their old acquaintance, looking a bit stunned.

“Wow… you actually sound serious.” Moondancer remarked, amazed. Sunset nodded. Moondancer looked to her friends and they nodded. “I suppose… we could give you another chance… maybe hang out if your free.”

Sunset smiled. “Maybe.”

“Great!” Lyra expressed.

“Yeah, while I admit it’s a little creepy seeing you be nice to us… I’ll take ‘Creepy Sunset Shimmer’ over the old Sunset Shimmer, any day.” Minuette expressed.

Sunset nodded. “Me too.”

“Wanna come with eat with us?” Lemon Hearts offered, eagerly.

“Sure, just gotta have a word with Princess Twilight and her friends first.” Sunset replied.

“Ok, hurry over!” Twinkleshine said as she and the others walked off while Sunset walked over to the Mane Six.

“So? How’d it go?” Twilight asked, interested.

“Great! They were able to forgive me and want to have dinner with me too.” Sunset said, happily.

“Oh, that’s excellent, darling!” Rarity expressed.

“Yeah, I’m so proud of you Sunset Shimmer!” Twilight beamed.

“Coming from you… that means everything, Princess Twilight.” Sunset said, sincerely.

“I’ll bet it does.”

The unicorn jumped and turned to see her older brother standing right behind her. She nearly bugged out.

“Solar Flare!” Sunset gasped.

“Hey, sis,” he said.

“Oh… hey…” Sunset said, slowly. “Everypony, this is my brother Solar Flare. Solar Flare… everypony.”

“Hello everypony,” he said, dully.

“Uh… hi?” Rainbow Dash responded, slowly. Looking a bit unnerved by him.

“Hi!” Pinkie chirped.

“Howdy!” Applejack added, tipping her hat.

“Charmed I’m sure.” Rarity smiled, flirtatiously. “Love the hairstyle by the way.”

“Uh… hello.” Fluttershy muttered, shyly.

“It’s nice to meet you Solar Flare.” Twilight said. “Sunset Shimmer’s told us a lot about you.”

“Yeah, I know who you guys are.” Solar stated. “Everypony knows what you guys have done.”

“Really?” Rainbow asked, surprised, just like the others. Solar nodded while Rainbow turned to the others. “Well, what do you know? Looks like we’re all famous.”

“Pretty cool, except we didn’t even know about it.” Fluttershy admitted.

“So… my sister’s got you buying her little ‘redemption’ façade too, huh?” Solar Flare remarked, lowly which surprised them again.

“It’s not a façade!” Sunset Shimmer protested.

“That’s right! She’s changed!” Twilight added.

“Darn tootin, she did her time and she’s doing her part now.” Applejack stated. “If you can’t see that…”

“Then what? I’m loser? Just like she always said I was? You don’t know a thing about me… or her for that matter.” Solar said, coldly as he walked off again, leaving them stunned.

“My, what a charmer.” Rarity said, sarcastically. She then noticed Sunset. “Oh! Sorry! I forgot he was your brother for a second.”

“It’s ok, he never was good being around other ponies… thing is I was worse.” Sunset admitted.

“No doubt.” Rainbow muttered, before everypony shot a glare. “I mean… really, that’s a shame.”

“I can’t believe he thinks you’re just faking it!” Pinkie said, displeased.

Fluttershy nodded in agreement. “It was pretty rude…” she confessed.”

“Well, he’s probably only seen the bad side of her… her being good is just too foreign to him…” Twilight deduced.

“Exactly.” Sunset nodded. She then gained a determined look. “I’m going to try again.”

“You sure, sugarcube?’ Applejack asked, concerned.

Sunset turned to her, determined. “I’m sure,” she said before she began to leave.

It took a little while but Sunset finally caught up to her brother, who was nearing the edge of the castle and apparently getting ready to leave for some reason.

“Solar Flare!” Sunset Shimmer called out as he stopped and finally turned to her once she approached him.

“What do you want?” he questioned, apathetically.

“I just… wait, where are you going? The party’s just started.” Sunset pointed out.

“I have to get to my audition.” Solar answered. “Not that you care, but I’m an actor now.”

“Wow! You’re an actor?” Sunset Shimmer questioned, surprised.

Solar Flare nodded. “Yeah, since I’m the ‘late bloomer’ I had to focus my talents elsewhere, you know?”

“You’re not gonna blame me for that are you?” Sunset questioned.

“No, but you always made Mom and Dad so proud because of your magic, never mind that I was the oldest.” Solar said, bitterly.

“Solar Flare… I’m so sorry about that…” Sunset Shimmer muttered, sadly as she looked away.

“Whatever.” Solar Flare grunted as he turned and began to walk away. Sunset stopped him.

“Please Solar Flare, I’m begging you to forgive me.” Sunset pleaded. “You’ve never heard me beg before so you know that I’m being serious here.”

Her brother paused for a moment and then turned to her with his cold eyes, the resentment in them was apparent. “Maybe, in a hundred moons, I’d consider it,” he said.

Sunset lowered her head while her brother walked away and eventually left the party.

Pretty soon after that, Sunset rejoined the others, who were all eager to hear what had happened between the two siblings.

“So? Did he accept your apology this time?’ Fluttershy inquired.

The fiery haired unicorn shook her head. “No… he still won’t forgive me, even when I begged him to.”

“Boy… your brother is one tough cookie.” Pinkie Pie remarked.

“Guess it runs in the family…” Sunset Shimmer said, depressed. “Ugh! I don’t get it! I can convince some old classmates of mine to forgive me but not my own brother? Why is that?”

“Don’t know, but he’ll come around!” Pinkie beamed.

“That’s what everypony keeps telling me…” Sunset sighed.

“Yeah, now let’s go back and enjoy the party!” Pinkie cheered as she began to lead Sunset back to the others.

Sunset smiled a bit. “Yeah… I guess I could start…”

Before she could go any further, her chest started hurting again and then just afterwards she heard a noise behind her, but saw nothing there.

“What was that?” Sunset asked.

Pinkie looked around, curiously. “What? What was what?” she inquired. The others looked at her curiously as well.

“I thought I heard something…” Sunset Shimmer said, looking around. “And… I’m getting that odd feeling again…”

“What odd feeling?” Fluttershy asked.

“Hard to say… I’ve been having it even while I was in the other world… for some reason my chest hurts, I feel uneasy and think there’s someone watching me…” Sunset expressed. “I thought it would go away once I came here… but it hasn’t…”

“Oh… how creepy.” Rarity expressed, with a shiver.

“The other Rarity thought the same thing…” Sunset pointed out, as she groaned once again.

“Maybe you need to get some rest.” Twilight voiced, concerned.

“Yeah… maybe…” Sunset Shimmer agreed.

“Or maybe she should just roll over and die!”

The voice from out of nowhere was heard by all and made them all jump, startled.

“What was that?” Fluttershy shook, fearfully.

“I don’t know…” Rarity muttered, looking around.

“It sounded like it was coming from every direction…” Twilight observed.

“But how?” Sunset wondered. “It’s impossible!”

“Poor little Sunset, don’t you know that nothing is impossible in this world of ours?”

“Hey, what is this? Show yourself, whoever you are!” Rainbow demanded.

“Why I’ve been hear the whole time, pony. Practically whispering in Sunset Shimmer’s ear.” The dark voice hissed.

“The whole time…?” Sunset echoed, fearfully.

“You could say that, yes.” The voice confirmed.

Pinkie couched, loudly. “Psycho stalker.”

The villain then spoke to Pinkie, threateningly. “You will be silent!”

“Ok! Sorry! Never mind…” Pinkie said, quickly.

“What is your problem lady?” Rainbow demanded.

“The same as many of you I assume; Sunset Shimmer!” The voice declared. “And I have come to wipe that little pest from your memories!”

Sunset gulped but Twilight stood in front of her. “Not gonna happen!”

“Oh really? Then I’ll just have to get past you to do so…” The dark voice hissed, evilly.

“Just come out already! Let us see your face!” Sunset exclaimed.

“If you insist…”

Everypony turned to the source of the voice, which seemed to be coming right behind them. Just then they saw a strange coming out of the shadows.

The stranger, who was revealed to be female due to her figure, wore a long black robe with a hood and black gloves then stepped forward. She also wore black and pink boots and covered her face with a red Oni mask.

Everypony’s eyes widened in fear and gulped upon seeing the figure, especially upon seeing her mask which scared Fluttershy greatly.

“Happy now?” The stranger asked. Because of the mask, the mysterious woman’s voice was muffled.

“It was you… you were in the human world… you followed me here… you’re the reason I’m so uneasy…” Sunset realized. The masked one in front of her stayed silently. “Why have you been following me? Why?”

“If you want to know that… your gonna have to beat me.” Sunset’s stalker told her. The unicorn could practically see her smirking beneath her mask as she dashed toward her while emitting red energy from her body. Sunset galloped toward her on all fours, emitting golden lightning but when they clashed the villain easily over powered her and knocked her down.

“Not fast enough, dweeb.” The Masked Villain taunted her.

They then began to have a magical laser tag match, with each of them firing magical blasts at each other over and over till the bad guy managed to get a lucky shot and send her rolling across the ground

“Who are you!?” Sunset demanded.

“You know who I am Sunset Shimmer.” The Masked Villain stated.

Sunset quickly got up and began to trot over to her once again, then she teleported a little closer to her, but as soon as she reappeared near the masked woman she was easily knocked aside by her and slammed into a wall.

Sunset weakly raised her head. “I don’t know who you are!”

“Oh, but you do. Deep down you know. We’ve actually been at this a long time you and I.” The villain said, while Sunset slowly got back up. “In fact, we share a bond that you cannot escape. No matter how hard you try, because I’m always… one step ahead.”

“What?” The fiery haired unicorn questioned before she began to feel a painful sensation inside of her that made her groan and place a hoof on her chest. “What… what is this? This… awful feeling…?”

“Time’s up!” The villain declared as she began to race towards the unicorn.

Sunset Shimmer then began to charge toward the masked one also but the horrible feeling inside her acted up once more, causing her to slow down a bit and eventually stop. “Again?” she muttered before she was easily knocked aside once again.

Sunset groaned as she got back up. “Darn it… what is going on?” she wondered.

The masked on chuckled a bit. “Aw, having a little trouble there?” she asked, mockingly.

“What is this pain… coming from my heart…?” Sunset muttered, quietly, as the throbbing continued.

“Now… let’s get this over with quickly, shall we?” The villain suggested as streams of dark magic began to seep out of her and swirl all around Sunset Shimmer.

“What? What’s going on?” she asked, sounding a bit scared.

“It’s the beginning of your end, hope you enjoy it.” The Masked Villain hissed, sinisterly.

The mists then started to get solid and began to squeeze Sunset Shimmer as hard as they could, causing Sunset to choke and squeak before she started to generate a large amount of magic.

“Let. Me. GO!” she yelled as she broke free of the misty binding and fell to the ground, still conscious.

“I’ll grind your bones to dust!” The Masked One declared, frustrated, as she held up her hand and charged up what appeared to be a red colored magical aura.

Sunset got back up with a groan then charged up her own green colored magical aura as she faced the villain. “Bring it,” she said.

“Sunset Shimmer! Wait!” Princess Twilight cried before they both fired a magical beam at each other which collided upon impact and created a small explosion.

Just then jets of light coloured by their respective aura, with the masked one’s red beam struggling to overpower Sunset Shimmer’s green beam, both were deadlocked. A criss-crossing golden beams of light surrounded then the duelists and kept everypony back.

“Wha-What’s going on!?” Rainbow exclaimed.

“I don’t know!” Applejack cried.

“Their magic… it’s creating some kind of feedback!” Twilight shouted.

“Feedback?” Fluttershy questioned, surprised.

“It’s like their magical cores are exactly the same!” Princess Twilight explained. “Thus… the resonance.”

“What does that mean?” Rainbow Dash questioned.

“It means…” Twilight began to say before they noticed their magic beams coming to together in a tight white ball before expanding and creating a shockwave that sent everypony flying.

Sometime later, Twilight finally regained consciousness and slowly got back up with a groan. When she looked around she saw that the whole area of the castle was totaled, with cracks and rising towers of smoke all around, and everypony close by was knocked out. She turned to her friends.

“Is everypony alright?” Twilight inquired, concerned.

Applejack got up next and panted. “Yeah… for the most part,” she said as she glanced at all the others were having trouble getting up themselves.

Then parts of the rumble began to shake before Pinkie Pie burst out from underneath some of them.

“Whoo! What a rush! Can we do that again?” Pinkie Pie asked, eagerly.

“Again?” Fluttershy repeated, sounding exhausted. They then spotted Sunset laying on the ground apparently unconscious and beginning to get up.

“Sunset!” They all cried as they rushed over to her, and stopped her from falling.

“Easy there, we gotcha sugarcube.” Applejack assured her.

“Thanks, girls…” Sunset said, tiredly.

“Sunset Shimmer! Are you ok?” Fluttershy asked, concerned.

“Yeah… what was that?” Sunset asked, sounding sore.

“I think Twilight said it was some kind of… resonance or something.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“A resonance?” Sunset echoed.

“Yeah, it was like your magical energies were the same… but different.” Twilight mused.

“Strange… all I felt was a strange pain in my chest…” Sunset said, rubbing her heart.

That’s when it hit Twilight. “Pain… that’s it! Your strange feeling, the masked visitor, the resonance. The answer’s right in front of us!” she exclaimed. “The stranger’s really…”

Before she could finish, Twilight was suddenly hit by a little bolt of dark magical, which knocked her out cold before she began to levitate upward, thanks to a magical aura.

“Twilight!” They all cried.

Twilight was then pulled forward until she was floating in front of the Masked Woman, who had just appeared in the sky.

“Yes…” she hissed, pleased as she stroked her cheek. “I have you know my pretty.”

The others all rushed over to the edge and looked up at her.

“Give Twilight back!” Rainbow Dash demanded, angrily.

“I don’t think so… but if you hand over the Elements of Harmony I’ll spare her life.” The Masked Woman said.

“The Elements?” Fluttershy echoed, surprised.

“But we don’t have them anymore!” Rarity told the villain.

“Then you’d better go get them back or else or Equestria will have one less Princess in it,” she stated, darkly.

“No!” Fluttershy cried out in despair.

“Give her back!” Sunset Shimmer cried as she began to run toward her once again. The villain fired some more dark magical blasts at her but she easily dodged them this time and leapt toward her. The masked one released Twilight and left her floating high in the air while she swooped down and engaged Sunset.

While Sunset relied primarily on his reflexes and speed to try to overwhelm her opponent with random striking, The villain quickly revealed herself to be a very methodical fighter, using her superior speed to strike at precise spots in order to systemically wear down Sunset Shimmer. She easily defeated Sunset in single combat, quickly pummeling her to the point he was unable to fight back and sent her flying back with an uppercut and then zooming forward and pressing Sunset’s face into the ground.

“It is your destiny to lose to me, Sunset Shimmer.” The villain mocked her again. “Just as it was that certain someone’s destiny… to die that day.”

Sunset’s eyes widened to the size of diner plates. “How do you know about her?” she questioned, horrified.

“Oh, you’d be surprised.” The villain told her before teleporting again, allowing Sunset to stand back up again. The others rushed over to her.

“Sunset Shimmer! Are you ok?” Fluttershy asked, concerned.

“Ugh… I think so…” Sunset muttered as she got up. “But where did the…”

“Up there!” Fluttershy cried as she gestured upward.

The others turned and saw the Masked female Villain appear in the sky again with Twilight right next to her, still unconscious.

“Here’s a little parting gift.” The Masked Woman said, sinisterly as small red streams of energy flew out from all over and start to form a crimson energy sphere in the palm of her hand. She then raised said hand and the sphere began to expand many times its original size. Everypony watched in shock.

“What’s that?” Rainbow asked.

“Oh no… that’s a huge amount of compressed Dark Magic.” Sunset Shimmer said, fearfully.

“What can I say? Karma’s a pain.” The villain said as she condensed the sphere to the size of her body, put both her hands on it and positioned it towards Canterlot. “DIE!”

The masked one then dropped the ball of dark magic towards the city, it fell to the ground making the same sound a firework does when it’s flying into the air only in reverse. When it finally touched ground nothing seemed to happen but in a few seconds a massive red explosion occurred and practically enveloped the city itself.

Thrashed

Chapter 6

It took a while but Sunset finally woke up again, she heard muffled noises and screams but couldn’t distinguish them and her eyes keep opening and closing over and over again. A louder scream soon wakes her up fully and makes her sit up a bit as she turned to see the other laying on the ground, apparently unconscious also. They all seemed to be surrounded by smoke, just like all the other citizens.

“Girls? Girls, wake up!” Sunset called out to them. Eventually they all began to slowly wake up one by one. Rarity raised her head to her.

“Sunset?” she asked.

“You’re alright!” Sunset said, relieved.

Rainbow groaned as she sat up again. “Ugh, barely.”

“Oh my poor head…” Rarity moaned. She then gasped. “Is my hair ok?”

“Your hair is fine, Rarity.” Applejack told her, annoyed as she got up. “By the way, we’re ok to.”

“Oh. Right… good to know!” Rarity said, sheepishly.

Pinkie then popped up, her eyes rolling around in her head. “Ooh… my head feels funny…” she said in a goofy manner before falling over. The others gazed down upon her.

“Ah, she’s fine, don’t worry.” Rainbow Dash said, nonchalantly,

“Um, are… are… we dead?” Fluttershy asked, nervously. “I can’t see anything…”

“I don’t think we are… ” Sunset Shimmer said, glancing around and noticing something. “The smoke… the smoke surrounding us… there all in perfect circles…”

“So?” Rainbow asked, not getting it.

“So how are we not…” Sunset began before she looked up and her eyes widened.

Above and the others, were the Princess of the Sun and the Moon themselves, their horns glowing brightly before finally fading as they floated to the ground and turned around to face everypony.

“Is everypony alright?” Princess Celestia asked, concerned.

“Princess Celestia! And Princess Luna” Sunset gasped, relieved as she and the others stood up. “It was you two! You saved us! With a shield!”

“Yes. However…” Princess Celestia said, grimly as she glanced toward the city. Sunset looked to where she was looking and gasped in shock.

In front of her she saw that most of Canterlot was destroyed, while all the inhabitants were unharmed thanks to the Princess’ shield, they’re homes were nearly rubble and had large towers of smoke rising out from them. Most of the ponies were sad, miserable and crying over what had just occurred to their beloved home.

“Our spell was only able to protect every living being in Canterlot, everything that was not… was destroyed.” Celestia said, regretfully.

The others then saw the destruction around them and their reactions were more or less exactly the same as Sunset’s Shimmer’s. Pinkie’s hair even fell flat.

“Oh no…” Fluttershy breathed.

“Good golly…” Applejack added, stunned.

“Canterlot… it’s been completely destroyed!” Rarity said, close to crying.

“How could this have happened!?” Rainbow exclaimed. “Why did that creep do this?”

Luna turned to Sunset Shimmer and narrowed her eyes.

“She hates you. So much that she’ll destroy everything to end you but her psychosis requires that you know she’s responsible.” Luna deduced.

“Princess, could somepony that deranged actually exist?” Rarity gasped.

The Princess of the Night turned to a destroyed picture of Nightmare Moon and looked at it regretfully. “Dear Rarity, you would be amazed by the monsters this world can create.”

“Princess… I’m so sorry… this is all my fault…” Sunset Shimmer said, depressed. “I should have never come back here…”

“No, you mustn’t blame yourself, there is no way you could have foreseen this coming.” Princess Celestia assured her. “There is no way any of us could have seen this.”

“Yeah… maybe…” Sunset said, unconvinced.

“How’d you get here so fast anyway?” Rainbow asked.

“We were the ones watching over the party, remember?” Luna reminded her.

“Oh yeah…” The Pegasus remembered.

“Yes. And we saw what was happening we tried to get out and help you, but whoever did this casted a spell that trapped us inside the castle.” Celestia explained.

“When we finally managed to escape the villain had already dropped her dark magical bomb upon us.” Princess Luna added. “We barely had enough time to cast a spell to protect all of the citizens.”

“Or save Twilight…” Celestia added, sadly.

“You know that she’s been taken?” Applejack asked her.

Princess Luna nodded. “Yes, we saw her disappear along with the masked stranger before Canterlot was destroyed.”

“Whoever this individual is, she possess unimaginable power, not to mention the greatest… the purest hatred I’ve ever seen.” Princess Celestia breathed. “Even I do not know who she is or why she is after you Sunset Shimmer…”

“Great! Now not only is Twilight gone but Canterlot is in ruins and we still don’t even know who this lady is!” Rainbow cried, frustrated. She turned to Sunset Shimmer. “This is all your fault!”

Sunset looked hurt by this.

“Rainbow! It wasn’t her fault!” Applejack scolded. “We all tried to save Twilight and we all failed. She tried her best, that’s all.”

“Thanks, Applejack.” Sunset Shimmer said. “But I could have done more…”

“We all could have…” Fluttershy added, lowering her head and looking depressed. The others did so as well. The Princess’ then approached them.

“My little ponies, this is no time for depression.” Celestia told them. “We still have a crisis on our hands.”

“Indeed, this Masked Woman has taken Twilight and if we do not make haste she could possibly absorb all her magic and gain even more power and that we cannot allow.” Princess Luna added, firmly.

The fiery haired unicorn nodded as she turned to the others. “She’s right, we can’t save Twilight if we keep obsessing over what could have been and what has happened,” she said. The others nodded.

“So… what should we do then? Should we give her the Elements?” Fluttershy wondered.

“No. We can’t give her what she wants, Twilight wouldn’t want that.” Sunset stated.

“And besides, I’m not sure if we really can.” Rarity added.

“Yeah, they’re locked in the Tree of Harmony, remember?” Rainbow Dash reminded them.

“Oh yeah…” Fluttershy remembered.

“But how does this lady know about the Elements?” Applejack questioned.

“I’m not sure, but she obviously does not know what has become of them in recent days.” Celestia deduced.

“So whoever that masked woman was, she was definitely from the other world.” Sunset said.

“But how is somepony from that world, here? I thought only people with magic in them could get through.” Applejack pointed out, confused.

“I don’t know, but whoever that is, she’s my responsibility.” Sunset Shimmer stated. “And to save Twilight, I need to stop her .”

She turned to the five mares and the dragon behind her.

“I could use a helping hoof.”

“Wait… you’re asking for our help?” Rainbow questioned. “You wanna take the lead?”

“If it means saving Twilight, yes. But I can’t do this without you, nor can I force you all to risk your lives for me, the choice is yours.” Sunset Shimmer stated.

“Well, if the mission is to save Twilight… then I’m with you!” Applejack declared, firmly. Sunset Shimmer smiled in response.

“I’m in too!” Fluttershy said.

“Me three!” Pinkie Pie chirped. “It wouldn’t be a party without yours truly, you know!”

The white unicorn in the back stepped forward as well, looking just as determined as the others.

“We’re all going.” Rarity stated.

“Thank you.” Sunset smiled. She and the others all glanced at Rainbow and stared at her until she finally gave in.

“Ugh! Stupid peer pressure… fine! But do we even know where to start looking?” Rainbow Dash questioned. “I mean… she and Twilight vanished into thin air, remember?”

“We do have a general idea of her location.” Luna voiced.

“It’s in an area just between Appleloosa and the Badlands, deep in the Macintosh Hills, it’s called ‘The Dark Tower’.” The Princess of the Sun said, grimly.

Pinkie gasped. “Not the Dark Tower!!!” she exclaimed, dramatically. She then whispered to the others. “I don’t actually know what that is.”

“Of course you don’t…” Rainbow said, slowly.

“Princess, what is the Dark Tower?” Rarity questioned, curiously.

“The Dark Tower is a forbidden place, filled with dark magic and evil spirits, very few ponies venture there.” Princess Luna said, gravely.

“Dark magic…?” Sunset echoed.

“Spirits…?” Fluttershy whimpered.

“You mean like ghosts or something?” Rainbow Dash asked, slowly.

“In a way.” Luna said. Pinkie and Fluttershy yelped and hide behind the others, shaking.

“I don’t care what’s lurking there, we’re going to do whatever it take to save Twilight.” Sunset Shimmer stated, firmly.

“My thoughts exactly!” Applejack nodded.

“Yeah! Let’s break some rules!” Rainbow cheered.

“Rainbow Dash…” Rarity said, sternly.

“What? She said ‘do whatever it takes’!” The Pegasus defended.

“Anything but that.” Applejack stated, flatly.

“Ugh… fine…” Rainbow Dash grumbled.

“Then it’s settled, we’ll go to the Dark Tower, but we go together.” Sunset declared. They all nod in agreement. “Now, Princess, where exactly is the Dark Tower?”

“Allow us to give you a Map.” Princess Celestia said as she conjured up a scroll with her horn and levitated it over to Sunset Shimmer, who unrolled it and looked it over. The spot where the Dark Tower was flashed over and over again.

“Thank you, Princess.” Sunset Shimmer said, gratefully. “I won’t let you down again.”

“I know you won’t.” Celestia smiled as she and Sunset hugged each other. Sunset then turned to the others.

“Alright girls, it’s time to go.” Sunset Shimmer declared.

“Right! Oh, by the way… Twilight said something about her before she was taken. She seemed to know who she was…” Applejack realized. She turned to the others. “I don’t suppose any of ya’ll know what she was gonna say do ya?”

They all shook their heads while Applejack glanced ahead, seriously. Sunset then changed the subject.

“Come on, we gotta hurry.” Sunset Shimmer told them. “Twilight might not have much time.”

“Right, come on girls. We got a Princess to save.” Applejack said as she began to head off, along with Sunset Shimmer.

“Wha-hoo! Road trip!” Pinkie cheered as she zipped on ahead.

“Hey, I’m coming too!” Rainbow exclaimed as she zoomed after them.

“Not so fast!” Rarity called out as she began to trot off. “Do you know what sweat could do to my coat?”

“Ah! Wait for me everypony!” Fluttershy cried as she struggled to keep up with the others while the Princess’ stayed behind and watched them all go off.

“You really believe Sunset Shimmer is up to the task of being a leader?” Luna questioned.

“I have faith in her.” Celestia said, firmly.

“Well, in any case we should try to make contact with Princess Cadance and inform her of the situation.” Princess Luna suggested. “We may need all the help we can get for this particular crisis.”

“I fear you may be right about that…” Princess Celestia confessed. “Let’s hope they’re all ready for the challenge that lies ahead for us all.”

“Indeed.” Luna agreed.

The two Princess continued to watch as the six heroes began to make their way toward the direction of the Dark Tower, where the Masked Woman waited with Twilight still held captive there. Can they find a way to work together with a new leader or are they walking into a trap?

Going to the Tower

Chapter 7

It was early in the afternoon by the time they had reached the half way point between the Dark Tower and Canterlot and while some of them we’re tired, the six ponies kept on going in the hopes of saving their friend and their world. While they traveled, Sunset began to remember the conversation she had with her family before she left with the others.

“Listen, I know your all shaken by what just happened and I don’t want to leave you...” Sunset Shimmer began, while he family stood in front of her, looking worried. “But I have go with my friends and find the one who did this. And save Princess Twilight as well.”

“No! It’s too dangerous!” Sunny Day exclaimed.

“Yeah, I know it is Mom, but…” Sunset started to say.

“I said no! I lost you once… I won’t lose you again.” Her mother told her, stubbornly.

“You’re not gonna lose me, I’ll be ok.” Sunset tried to assure her.

“But can’t somepony else do it instead? Like the Princess’?” Sunny inquired.

“Well… the thing is I’m not sure even THEY can stop this evil.” Sunset admitted.

“But YOU can?” Her father questioned.

Sunset Shimmer looked doubtful but said some assuring words anyway. “I KNOW I can.”

“But Sunset…” Her mother began.

“Let her go.” Solar Wind spoke up as he rubbed the ground with his hoof thoughtfully. His wife turned to him surprised. “Sunset’s no filly anymore, she can take care of herself just fine and make her own decisions too.”

“That’s right, the world might be destroyed if I don’t help out Mom, I’m doing this to protect YOU!” Sunset told her.

“Sunset…” Sunny Day breathed, with tears coming down her face.

“Mom, Dad, don’t worry, I’ll be fine, I promise you.” Sunset Shimmer assured them.

“We know you will.” Her father nodded, with a proud smile.

“Goodbye…” Sunny Day cried.

Sunset teared up as well. “Bye guys,” she said as she embraced her parents tightly. She soon stops when she felt somepony nudging her below and saw her little sister looking up at her with her large, cute eyes.

“Sunset Shimmer?” Her little sister below her spoke up, whimpering.

The fiery haired unicorn looked down and smiled fondly at the filly, she kneeled down. “Don’t worry Sunkiss, your big sister just needs to take of a few things, ok?”

“And then you’ll be back?” The filly asked, hopefully.

Sunset looked a bit unsure but did her best to hide it from her little sister and smiled. “I’ll be back,” she told her before they both hugged.

“Well… I guess you should be going now.” Sunny Day said, sadly.

“Yeah…” Sunset nodded, just as sad.

“Just remember, we’re all proud of you Sunset, no matter what happens we’re proud.” Solar Wind stated.

“And we always have been.” Sunny Day added.

“Mom… Dad… Sunkiss…” Sunset Shimmer said, stunned before tears began to well up in her eyes as she smiled. She then turned and started running before crying out. “I love you all so much!”

Her father, mother and sister all watched her run off to join the others with proud but sad smiles on their faces and unknown to her, she ended up running right past her brother, who was watching from the shadows. He looked at her go with a stunned expression on his face and began to think very hard.

Then a voice called out to her.

“Sunset? Sunset!”

The aforementioned unicorn then snapped out of her flashback and quickly remembered who she was with and what was going on at the moment. She turned to the farm pony that called out to her.

“You ok, sugarcube?” she asked, looking very concerned.

“Uh… yeah… yeah I’m fine.” Sunset Shimmer assured her.

“Ok… but… let us know if something’s troubling ya.” Applejack told her. “We’re friends, aren’t we?”

Sunset looked a bit surprised and then smiled. “Yes, we are.”

“Glad to hear it.” Applejack smiled back. “Now let’s get a move on, ok?”

“Right!” Sunset Shimmer nodded, determined as they continued to move.

And so their journey continued once again and it seemed that they were getting closer and closer to the Dark Tower, but since none of them could see it just yet they weren’t fully sure and most of them were getting anxious and impatient, mainly Pinkie Pie.

“Are we there yet?” she finally asked.

“NO!” They all shouted, annoyed.

Pinkie paused before speaking again. “Now?” she inquired.

“Look, when we get there I promise I’ll let you know.” Sunset Shimmer told her.

“So until then, stay quiet!” Rainbow Dash told her, sternly.

“Okie, dokie, lokey!” Pinkie chirped.

“And also stay on your guard, you never know, this could be a trap.” Sunset told them.

“Heh, please, we totally got this.” Rainbow Dash said, confidently.

“Don’t be overconfident, RD.” Applejack told her, sternly. “Out of all the messes we’ve been in, this may be the messiest one yet.”

“Then we’ll just have to rise to the challenge like we always do.” Rainbow stated.

“Yeah!” Pinkie cheered.

“Maybe, but this time seems kinda different…” Applejack voiced, slowly.

“Different how?” Rainbow questioned, curiously.

“I don’t know… it just is.” Applejack said, a bit uneasy as they kept moving, but along the way Rarity began to complain and whine

“Oh… can we take a break? I can’t take another step!” Rarity expressed, exhausted.

“Rarity, we’ve just had a break like ten minutes ago! Tops!” Applejack pointed out, annoyed.

“Feels like forever…” Rarity sighed.

“Wow… you really are Rarity…” Sunset remarked.

“Wait… the other is just as whiny as our Rarity?” Rainbow questioned.

“Uh-huh.” Sunset nodded.

“Sister, I feel so sorry for you.” Rainbow expressed while the aforementioned white unicorn glared at her, which she noticed. “Uh… no offence.”

“Well, at least this version of you is more… considerate.” Sunset Shimmer noted.

“Thanks… I think.” Rainbow Dash said, sounding a bit unsure.

Sunset just chuckled softly and put her hoof around her. “Come on, let’s get going.”

“Right.” The Cyan Pegasus nodded as they began to leave.

Their journey continued onward until they eventually reached a fork in the road, both directions seemed to lead to equally unpleasant destinations and none of them seemed sure which one to take. Rarity’s face fell.

“Oh this just wonderful…” Rarity remarked, dismayed.

“Guess we should have known it wouldn’t be that easy to get there.” Sunset stated.

“Ok, so which way now?” Applejack asked.

“Hmm, let me check the map again.” Sunset said as she levitate the scroll out of her saddle bag and looked it over again. “I think it says we go to the right.”

“You think?” Rainbow questioned, with the others sharing her baffled look.

“Well, this map is kind of smudged so…” The unicorn said.

“Alright, well if it says we go right, then we go right, right?” Applejack asked.

“Right!” Fluttershy nodded in agreement.

“Ok, this is getting old…” Rainbow said, deadpan.

“Wait, are we sure this is the way? I mean it might not be.” Pinkie pointed out.

“My goodness! It’s a wonder we manage to get anything done at all!” Rarity expressed, frustrated.

Rainbow sighed, equally frustrated, she turned to Pinkie. “We’ve been discussing the topic about if were going the right way for the past ten minutes and we’ve all decided we are, haven’t you been paying any attention?”

“Uh…” Pinkie began to say.

“Apparently not.” Rainbow said, deadpan.

“So, does anypony have any other ideas?” Sunset questioned. “We need to make a decision of which way we’re going and fast. Twilight’s counting on us.”

They all began to think long and hard about what to do next but so far they had nothing. Then a thought popped into Applejack’s head that made her cringe a bit as well as a bit hesitant to speak, but she did so anyway.

“Hmm, I think I might know a way.” Applejack voiced.

“What’s that?” Sunset asked, curiously.

“Yeah, spill.” Rainbow added.

“Well… this crazy lady is after the Elements, right?” Applejack said.

“Yeah…?” Rainbow confirmed.

“So what if we go back… get the Elements out of the Tree of Harmony and then lure her to us by using them as bait and when she’s near… we blast her into next week!” Applejack declared. Everypony gasped.

“That sounds crazy!” Rainbow Dash voiced.

“It sounds dangerous…” Fluttershy added, shaking with fear.

“More like exciting!” Pinkie cheered.

“But mostly crazy and dangerous!” Rarity expressed. “We can’t just use the Elements like that!”

“Well, it’s better than talking ourselves in circles.” Applejack remarked.

“So we just risk losing them and actually giving the bad guy what she wants so that she can kick our rumps halfway across the street and back?” Rainbow Dash questioned, incredulously.

“I don’t think we have much of a choice ya’ll.” Applejack shrugged.

“Not quite.” Sunset said. “And I think know a way we can locate Princess Twilight a little faster and in way that’s less ‘crazy and dangerous’. Not sure if it’ll work though…

“Well, we gotta try! Twilight may not have much time left!” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

“She’s right… shockingly.” Rarity added. Rainbow glared at her, annoyed.

“Alright, so what is this idea of yours, Sunset?” Applejack inquired.

“We could… teleport closer to it.” Sunset said, hesitantly.

“Huh?” They all said, confused.

“Teleport closer to it? How?” Rainbow Dash questioned.

“Yeah, I thought you needed to know where you were going in order to teleport.” Applejack pointed.

“Otherwise you could end up inside a wall.” Fluttershy added.

“I know… but like Rainbow Dash said; Twilight may not have much time and we don’t really have much of a choice.” Sunset stated. “But if any of you have any other ideas… speak now.”

Everypony exchanged glances but couldn’t seem to find the right words to say or even a better idea, so they just stayed silent.

“Thought so, alright… everypony hold on tight.” The fiery haired unicorn told them as she charged up her horn, which glowed brightly. Everypony closed their eyes and started to hope that it would work, some of them even held hooves and in a flash they were gone.

When they finally reappeared, they were surrounded by fog but none of them knew that due to their eyes still being closed.

“Are we dead?” Pinkie Pie asked.

The farm pony looked around and saw that they seemed to be in a dark and foggy location with a rickety bridge near them.

“I don’t think so… I think we’re here…” Applejack breathed, smiling slowly.

They all opened their eyes looked around as well and saw, aside from the darkness and the fog, many jagged looking rocky formations pointing up ward all around them. They also appeared to be on a flat stone formation with a bridge connection to another and the tip of some kind of tower up ahead. It was the Dark Tower.

“It worked…” Sunset said, surprised. “It actually worked! But how?”

Then it hit Fluttershy. “It must have been our friendship!” she said.

“Our friendship?” Rarity echoed, surprised.

Fluttershy nodded. “Yes, I don’t know how but… when we all started hoping that Sunset’s spell would work… our hopes and friendship allowed it to do so and guided us all hear safely.”

“Yeah… I think your right!” Rainbow Dash said, with realization in her voice.

“Wow! Our friendship is awesome!” Pinkie Pie cheered.

“I’ll vouch for that.” Sunset nodded, smiling warmly.

“So now what?” Rarity inquired, curiously.

“Well… now I reckon we have to cross that they’re bridge.” Applejack stated, gesturing to the rickety bridge that Sunset spotted earlier. Fluttershy looked at it, nervously.

“Looks dangerous…” Fluttershy voiced.

“Don’t worry! If anything happens I’ll make sure the bridge stays straight.” Rainbow Dash assured her.

“Thanks Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy said, smiling warmly.

“Come on, if we run we can make it!” Sunset Shimmer said as she ran forward.

Applejack turned to the others. “You heard her, girls. Let’s move on out!” she said before quickly trotting off. The others soon followed as they ran across the bridge toward the Dark Tower up ahead of them, little did they know that the Masked Woman they were preparing to face off against was watching them from hover.

“So… they’ve arrived, now then… how will the dice fall?” she wondered before vanishing.

Revelations

Chapter 8

It didn’t take any of them very long to run past all the crazy looking rock formations and over the rock wall that was previously in front of them. After getting over that and running through some more deserted looking terrain that soon faced a large and scary looking tower that looked like something out of a horror movie with holes all over and vines wrapped around the bottom. It also glowed with an eerie looking light.

“There it is! The Dark Tower. We made it.” Sunset observed. They all gazed up at the spooky looking toward while lightning flashed all around them.

“Nice touch.” Pinkie Pie told me.

“Pinkie, who are you talking to?” Rainbow asked, confused.

“Uh… nobody.” Pinkie replied, nervously.

“Ok, before we go in everypony gather around me.” Sunset told them. “And take out one of the enchanted comics I asked for before we left too.”

“But why?” Fluttershy inquired.

“Just trust me on this, don’t worry you’ll like it.” Sunset Shimmer assured them.

“Ok…” Fluttershy said, slowly as they all gathered together and placed the comic in the middle.

“Alright… here goes…” Sunset Shimmer said as she began to charge up her magic, which slowly began to surrounded them all. Then the comic began to float up and spin around while glowing a bright light.

“I think it’s working!” Rainbow proclaimed.

“What’s going on!?” Applejack exclaimed as the light consumed them all.

Once the light had finally faded the girls opened their eyes and much to their surprise, aside from Sunset Shimmer herself, they seemed to be wearing the costumes of Fili-Second, Zapp, Radiance, Mistress Mare-velous and Saddle Rage, with Sunset Shimmer wearing the outfit of the Masked Matter-Horn instead of Twilight this time.

“Hey! We’re the Power Ponies again!” Pinkie cried.

“Wow! How did you do that?” Rainbow asked Sunset, stunned.

“Twilight’s not the only one who can do super advanced spells.” Sunset Shimmer smiled, proudly.

“Well, that’s good to know!” Rarity smiled.

“Yeah, now let’s go kick some bad guy flank!” Rainbow Dash declared, determined.

“Assuming she has one…” Pinkie pointed out.

“Whatever…” Rainbow sighed.

“Rainbow, don’t let your emotions control you.” Sunset told her, calmly. “We have to do this logically.”

“Ah, who cares about logic anyway?” Rainbow questioned, folding her forelegs.

“Uh… the logic police?” Pinkie Pie guessed.

“The point is… we need a plan to get in and save Twilight, but quietly.” Sunset Shimmer stated.

“Agreed.” Rarity nodded.

“I vote for quiet.” Fluttershy voiced, raising a hoof.

“Me too!” Pinkie said, loudly before they all gave her a look. Her voice then became quiet as she smiled sheepishly. “I mean… me too.”

“Good, now let’s go…” Sunset began as she started to walk forward, but before she could go any further something dropped down right in front of them. After the smoke cleared, the masked menace they were looking for was revealed.

“Looking for me?” she asked.

“Well, so much for quiet…” Rainbow snarked.

“Hand over the Elements of Harmony.” Their masked foe demanded.

“Not happening! We’re here to get Princess Twilight now let her go!” Sunset Shimmer ordered.

“Then I’ll just take them from you once I take you down.” The Masked Villain declared. “I was planning on killing you anyway. It’s time you paid for what you did to me.”

“What!?” Sunset Shimmer questioned. She then felt the pain in her chest again and groaned. “Oh… not again..”

The villain then extended her hand forward and forms a red energy sphere. “Take this!” she shouted as she fired it at Sunset and the others.

“Fiery death, 10 o’clock!” Pinkie Pie cried as they all scrambled to get out of the way before it hit. “Boy, what a hothead!”

The Masked Villain flew up. “You have no idea! And once I have Twilight’s magic I’ll even stronger!”

“And just why do you want her magic so badly?” Rarity questioned.

“Yeah, so tell us, what’s the deal ‘hothead’?” Rainbow Dash questioned, in a taunting manner as she began to buck several rocks at her as well as use her lightning metal to bring down some lightning bolts.

“I want make a certain someone suffer and that requires getting rid of all of you!” The masked lady said as she flew and zoomed through the air as she dodged each of the objects that were being thrown at her.

“Crazy stalker says ‘what’!?” Pinkie said, quickly just as the villain stopped in front of her.

“What?” she asked, confused.

Pinkie Pie snickered. “Too easy!”

As the pink pony zipped off, their enemy growled in frustration before she started blasting at them once again. Though Pinkie used her super speed to dodge each and every one of them while Rainbow and Applejack rushed forward while she was distracted.

“Come on, let’s get her!” Rainbow Dash called out, as she zoomed ahead

“Right, behind ya, RD!” Applejack said as she twirled her glowing lasso as she ran forward.

The Masked Villain then turned around and knocked Rainbow aside while grabbing AJ’s rope and pulling her away.

Fluttershy got mad and assumed her monster form which quickly tried to smash the villain but the being from the other world quickly zapped her, causing her to look singed before turning back to the normal and collapsing. Rarity then used her bracelet to create chain constructs around their foe.

“Chains? Your funny.” The villain practically chuckled before her whole body glowed with intense magical energy and when she finally let it out the shockwave sent Rarity and the still running Pinkie flying.

“Girls!” Sunset cried before the Villain dropped down in front of her.

Sunset and the Masked Villain glared at each other one more time before they both began to race toward each other. Sunset’s horn glowed brightly with her green magical aura while red energy flowed off her opponent as she neared her. As Sunset galloped toward her she attempted to strike her, but the masked one was too quick and smacked her upside the jaw, causing her to spin in mid-air before landing face first into the ground while the villain laughed.

“Pathetic!” she said. “You’re not even fit to shine my boots!”

Sunset growled in frustration as she stood right back up.

“Oh yeah?” Sunset questioned. “Let’s try this then!”

Sunset teleported and then reappeared right in front of the Masked Villain where she head-butted her hard, knocking her to the ground, potentially breaking her mask. They both rolled across the ground once they hit, getting some distance from the others before they both finally managed to get back up. Sunset looked pleased when she saw the crack on her mask.

“Yes!” Sunset smiled before the pain inside her acted up again, causing her to groan and fall to her knees.

The Masked Villain then began to get up. “Why you…”

“What is this? Why am I so uneasy?” Sunset wondered, as the burning sensation inside her continued.

“It doesn’t let up, does it? Deep in your soul.” The Masked Villain mocked her with a chuckle as her mask began to crack. “You are such a fool. Don’t you get it? Whenever we fight, that horrible feeling inside you gets worse and worse every time!”

“It does? What do you know about it?” Sunset Shimmer questioned her.

“Perhaps… there’s a resonance between us, you know what that is, don’t you?” The villain questioned as the crack went all the way to the end.

“Yeah… when two oscillating things come together, and the frequencies match, and one is unstable and can you get parametric resonance.” Sunset replied, slowly.

“Exactly. The two Twilight’s felt it before, but they choose to hide it. I can’t imagine their shock.” The villain said, casually as half her mask finally broke in half and then fell to the ground before shattering, while the other half of it stayed on. Sunset was shocked beyond belief when she saw the exposed part of her face. “Heh, to tell the truth I never saw it coming either…”

Sunset Shimmer continued to looked as she stared at the partially exposed face of her apparently human foe, which happened to look just like hers, who quickly ripped her dark robe right off herself, and revealed herself fully. It was her Human Self, only this Sunset Shimmer had black hair instead of red hair but had the same yellow streaks but also had red eyes instead of green and wore the exact same outfit she wore in the human world, including the jacket which she stopped wearing. She smiled evilly at her counterpart.

“You…” Equestria Sunset gasped, stunned.

“Hello… me.” The other Sunset smirked, evilly.

“But… but I thought you were…” Sunset Shimmer began.

“I’m not… but you’ll soon be!” The Black Sunset Shimmer promised as she threw another ball of red energy at her. Sunset quickly got out of the way before it struck a rock and exploded. As this happened, the unknown villain, now revealed to be the Alternate Sunset Shimmer cackled like a witch while the Equestrian Sunset Shimer looked at her other self in horror.

“Die!” Black Sunset screamed as she fired another dark energy ball at the Good Sunset, which she managed to dodge, despite being shocked beyond belief. “Nice move, just what I’d expect from me.

“How… how can you…?” Good Sunset began.

“Still be here? Word of advise me; when you’re trying to kill someone, make sure she’s really dead!” Black Sunset snapped before she blasted her and knocked her back.

Sunset groaned as she slowly began to get up and at that moment, the others finally arrived on the scene.

“Sunset! We’re here!” Rainbow cried.

“Are you ok?” Applejack asked, as they helped her up.

“Do you have snacks?” Pinkie added.

“Pinkie!” Rarity scolded her.

“What? Just asking.” Pinkie defended.

“Uh… ya’ll? Who is that?” Applejack asked, gesturing to the bad guy hovering above them.

They all looked up and saw the villain’s face for the first time, and they were shocked to see just how much she looked like Sunset Shimmer, aside from the black and yellow hair and the crazy eyes that is.

“Oh my, she looks just like you!” Fluttershy said to Sunset Shimmer.

“But how?” Rarity questioned

“Because she’s…” Sunset began.

“What? Spit it out already!” Rainbow told her.

“Yeah, you’re making me nervous…!” Fluttershy whimpered.

“Aren’t you always nervous?” Pinkie pointed out. Fluttershy gave her a look.

“That Sunset Shimmer isn’t a fake, she’s every bit as real as I am…” Sunset Shimmer said, still looking stunned.

“What!? That’s crazy talk! If she’s the real Sunset Shimmer and you’re the real Sunset Shimmer then…” Applejack began.

“She’s a different Sunset Shimmer, the one from the other world but… I thought she was gone…” Sunset said, sadly.

“ ‘Gone’? What do you mean by ‘gone’?” Fluttershy questioned.

“I… I… did something to her… I thought after I did it… I’d never see her again but…” Sunset began.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow Dash questioned.

“She didn’t tell you? Well I’ll tell you then; after she came to my world, she found me and pushed me through the portal, trying to send me to this place, she wanted to get rid of me! But instead I ended up stuck between dimensions for five years!” Black Sunset revealed. The others all turned to the now guilty looking Sunset Shimmer. “I’m here original sin. Everybody has one, what’s yours?”

The gang all looked shocked and turned to the other Sunset Shimmer.

“Is this true?” Applejack demanded.

Sunset looked nervous… “Well… maybe…” she admitted. They all gasped.

“But why…?” Fluttershy asked, hurt.

“I don’t know… I guess… I thought things would get… complicated if there were two of me walking around so…” Sunset began.

“So you made sure that there was only one of you, by getting rid her.” Rainbow finished, growing angry.

“Yes…” Sunset admitted, shamefully.

“Oh, darling… why didn’t you tell us?” Rarity questioned her.

“Well… we all have our secrets… and I was afraid! I thought if you knew… then you’d go back to hating me again… and I’d be all alone… again.” Equestria Sunset said, sadly.

“Then I guess you don’t know us as well as you thought.” Applejack stated, she turned to Rainbow. “Right?”

Rainbow just lowered her head.

“I’m so sorry… I just wanted the nightmare that was my past to end.” Sunset said.

“Well… looks like it’s just beginning.” Rainbow declared.

Black Sunset lowered herself to them. “You got that right, but it will end with your destruction me.”

“Look… Sunset Shimmer I was wrong to do that to you… I’m sorry…” Good Sunset Shimmer apologized.

“See? Now you respect me. Because I’m a threat. That’s the way both our worlds work, all kinds of people want respect and they will do anything to get it… like me.” Bad Sunset said, sinisterly. “And that means you, also.”

“No! I’m not that person anymore! I swear!” Good Sunset protested.

“You really expect me to believe that?” Black Sunset scoffed. “I wasn’t born yesterday you know!”

“I will vouch for that remark.” Rarity muttered.

“Ok, the truth this time, missy! Why are you trying to kill Sunset here?” Applejack demanded.

“Why? I’ll tell you why. She took my place. She lived my life, for almost five years, while I was trapped in that nightmarish limbo forever, thanks to her!” The other Sunset Shimmer said, bitterly. “This… is merely payback!”

“But this Sunset was defeated a long time ago!” Applejack pointed out. “She’s already paid for her actions and turned herself around, you got it!?”

“Ha! That’s a laugh!” Black Sunset scoffed. “Now out of my way you filthy pony!”

Black Sunset then seemingly backhanded the air but then a shadow hand appeared and backhanded Applejack into a rocky nearby.

“Applejack!” Rainbow cried.

“Boy… she’s evil and racist!” Pinkie remarked.

“A toxic combination.” Rarity stated.

“Sunset Shimmer, please, you don’t have to do this. Stop this now before it’s too late for you!” Sunset begged.

“Ha! Your life is in danger and you’re worried about me? That’s real touching.” Black Sunset remarked. “Maybe you should have shown me the same compassion before you tried to get rid of me, loser.”

“Wow, that’s a pretty strong word to use…” Fluttershy remarked.

“No kidding!” Pinkie Pie agreed.

“Don’t care!” Evil Sunset snapped. “Now prepare to be destroyed!”

“Ooh, prepare? Ok, but… I’m gonna need time to wash my mane…” Pinkie Pie began.

“Enough! It’s just an expression!” Black Sunset Shimmer said, exasperated. “The point is your gonna be finished here and now!”

The Dark Sunset held out her hand and began to rapidly fire energy balls right at the heroes. The blasts hit the ground, or each of the Mane Six on by one, sending them flying except for Sunset who met each of her blasts with some freeze rays before leaping over and landing in front of her now evil counterpart.

“How are you doing this!?” Sunset questioned.

“With supreme satisfaction!” Evil Sunset smiled before motioning a shadow to go and grab her. The unicorn barely managed to dodge it. “Pretty cool trick, huh? Thanks to a Black Crystal I found myself up in that very tower, then time began to catch up with me. Do you have any idea of how painful it is to go through five years’ worth of growth in mere minutes!? Anyway after the pain stopped I let the magic sink in and let my anger and hatred of you influence it, after that I went back through and waited for the right moment to strike!”

“Sounds like me…” Sunset admitted.

“I know right?” The other her smiled. “Now hold still so I can crush you!”

Sunset continued to run and blast ice beams with her horn to keep the shadow hands at bay when they eventually covered her bright lights began to come out of the cracks in the shadows before they were finally blown apart by an intense pulse of magic.

“You can’t stop me that easily, me.” Good Sunset stated.

“Right back at ya, me. But I’ve got magic to spare and you’re getting tired aren’t you?” Her corrupted counterpart questioned.

Sunset looked at herself and the other, who were weakly picking themselves up. “She’s right… and this spell won’t keep us in these forms for long…” she muttered to herself while the evil Sunset cackled.

“You really are pathetic. It’s no wonder your best friends are all a bunch of animals.” Black Sunset taunted. Then it hit Sunset, those were pretty much the same words she said to Fluttershy before she changed.

“She’s not just the other me… she’s become the old me… the one everybody hated.” Sunset Shimmer realized. “If that’s the case I’ll show you just how much I’ve changed!”

“Oh please! You still seem like the same girl who pushed me through the portal all those years ago!” Black Sunset Shimmer scoffed.

“No! I’ll prove to you that I’m not the same as I was before!” Sunset stated, firmly.

“The prove it then!” Black Sunset challenged her.

“Oh, I intend to!” Good Sunset promised, determined as she began to gallop toward her.

“Sunset wait!” Applejack cried.

The unicorn ignored her friend’s pleas and tackled her alternate self before she began fighting her but it went pretty much the same as it did at the castle, with the human version of her taking advantage of her height, speed and strength as well as predicting her every mood until she knocks her down into the dirt. Sunset groaned while her other self cackled.

“Having a little trouble ‘new me’? I’m not surprised.” Black Sunset Shimmer mocked. “After all, everything is identical about us, course I’m more like the reverse, so you’re bound to lose sooner or later you know.”

“No way! There’s no way I’m gonna lose to the old me! She’s worthless and weak and full of hate!” Sunset Shimer stated, stubbornly.

“Hey!” Her Human self protested, insulted.

Sunset then teleported up and grabbed her other self by wrapping all four of her legs around her body.

“Gotcha!” Pony Sunset declared.

“Not quite, pony!” Human Sunset snapped.

The Evil Sunset then created a dark energy wave that knocked Good Sunset right off of her and sent her rolling across the ground.

“Sunset! You ok?” Pinkie asked.

“Ugh, now I know how Twilight felt. Because she’s me she knows all my tricks…” Sunset said, a bit frustrated.

“That’s right, past, present, future, we’re exactly the same.” The Evil Sunset Shimmer stated, sinisterly.

“We are not the same! I’m not that evil person anymore!” Sunset proclaimed. “The old Sunset Shimmer that broke everybody’s friendships and bullied anyone that got in her way is finished!”

“Wow… you really hate the old you, don’t you?” Pinkie remarked.

“Yes, I do! I despise her!” Sunset Shimmer stated. “I used to be such a bully, believing I was superior to everyone and not understanding what it meant to be a leader or a friend. But the moment I met Princess Twilight everything changed, I learned what friendship really was, I learned to laugh, how to have fun and to live life to the fullest. Now, do you understand why I won’t let myself lose to the old me?”

The others all exchanged uneasy looks with each other.

“Yeah… we’re starting to…” Rainbow said.

“Heh, it makes sense that you feel that way, considering you were the one who tried to get rid of me! Now you just want to finish the job! Am I right!?” Dark Sunset Shimmer questioned.

“No, I’m gonna rid you of the hatred inside of you, that will be the complete destruction of the old me! Then I’m sending you back where you belong!” Good Sunset Shimmer stated, firmly.

Black Sunset smirked. “But I don’t want you to do that.”

“I’m not asking for your permission.” Good Sunset Shimmer said.

“Regardless, I’ve never felt power like this! It was strong before, but after coming here… it feels like they’re totally unleashed. I like this place.” Black Sunset Shimmer said, grinning sinisterly.

“Yeah, we’ll you’re not staying!” Good Sunset stated.

“And your gonna make me go?” Dark Sunset asked, mockingly.

“If that’s what it takes and if it makes protecting my friends, then yes.” Sunset stated, firmly.

“Ha! You may have everypony liking you now but eventually you’ll lose their trust and then they’ll be afraid of you again!” Black Sunset said as she pounded Good Sunset and sent her flying into a wall and down on her knees. She then began to approach her. “I mean really, do you honestly think there’s a single pony in Equestria or person in the other world that doesn’t despise you deep down?”

Sunset growled and pushed her other self back with her hooves.

“No! That’s not true!” Good Sunset cried.

“Are you kidding? You can deny it all you want but I know, deep in your heart, you loved Flash Sentry, loved and lost him forever!” Black Sunset Shimmer exclaimed as she fired another dark energy beam at Sunset, who blocked it with a shield that soon broke and knocked her back.

Sunset then got up again. “You don’t know me… you never did!” she stated as she fired a green energy beam from her horn and knocked Black Sunset away before she flew back and tried to strike her.

“Why you arrogant, dishonest, twisted little girl!” Black Sunset growled as she kept on trying to punch her Equestria self, who kept on backing away. “You have no place here or anywhere, especially in a group that has friends. You weak little…”

The good Sunset then had enough of her alternate self’s constant taunting and tackled her. They rolled across the ground until Pony Sunset got on top and began to relentlessly pound her other self’s face, and in a weird way… her former evil self also.

“I’m not like you! I’m nothing like you!” Sunset said, furiously as she continuously pounded her doppelganger.

The others then rushed over to her.

“Sunset! Stop!” Applejack shouted. The fiery haired unicorn then froze. “Let it go, sugar… she ain’t worth it…”

“Please Sunset ! Don’t be the monster she claims you to be…” Fluttershy begged. As that began to sink into Sunset her other self chuckled.

“So… this is the part where you kill me again, right?” Black Sunset Shimmer guessed, smirking evilly as Sunset’s fist shook while her corrupted self continued to taunt her. “Come on, hit me again, you know you want to.”

Good Sunset then released her alternate self and backed away in fear, while Black Sunset smiled and flew towards her only to be grabbed by Applejack, using her rope, and flung into a rock.

“You stay away from her you varmint!” she shouted.

Black Sunset slowly got back up. “Why you…” she began.

“Didn’t you hear? You mess with one of us, you mess with all of us!” The superhero dressed farm pony declared as the others stood by her. “Come on girls, time to Power Pony up!”

“Yeah!” They all cried.

The five of them all charged and one by one they landed a blow on the Evil Sunset, Applejack used her legs and her rope, Rainbow used lightning, Pinkie used her speed, Fluttershy used her strength and Rarity flicked her away with a giant hand. She flew into a giant rock, apparently unconscious.

“Had enough?” Applejack asked her.

The now corrupted Human Sunset then opened her eyes and screamed as she flew up higher into the air, and gazed at all the frightened ponies still trying to be brave.

“Why are you defending her!? You know what she’s done to me!” Black Sunset exclaimed.

“Yeah…” Applejack began.

“We know…” Rainbow Dash continued.

“And we don’t care!” Pinkie Pie finished.

“We’re Sunset’s friends and she’s our, we’re not leaving without her.” Fluttershy stated, firmly.

“That’s for sure!” Rarity nodded.

“Girls…” Sunset breathed.

Black Sunset pointed at the other Sunset threateningly. “She ruined my life! And now she's gonna to pay! Do you hear me!? I will get my revenge!!!” she screamed.

“Holy moly, is she obsessed with revenge or what?” Pinkie remarked.

“Whatever, let’s just get her!” Rainbow said as she prepared to fly only for their costumes to suddenly flicker and vanish, causing them to gasp. “Hey! What happened?”

“The spell finally wore off!” Sunset cried.

“Oh… that’s not good!” Fluttershy gulped.

“You have no idea!” Black Sunset Shimmer smirked as she charged up some more dark magical orbs. “Now let’s try this again shall we?”

She then began to try and attack the crowd below with bolts of dark magic that rained down upon them and sent some of them flying. It eventually became too much for the gang to take.

“It’s no use! She’s too strong! Let’s get out of here and regroup!” Applejack cried.

“You don’t have to tell me twice!” Rarity said, fearfully as she began to run. The girls all began to quickly run off while the Dark Sunset cackled.

“Go ahead and run! But there’s no place in the world you can run to when it’s… MY WORLD!” she screamed as she got a blast into the sky, creating a red, orange and shockwave that started to spread across the sky slowly while the six ponies trotted away. Sunset then stopped and looked back at her evil human self and tears formed in her eyes before she dashed off again.

Unmasked

Chapter 10

After fleeing from Sunset’s now deranged counterpart the girls quickly found a large and hollow cave to take shelter in. While the others started a fire for them to get warm around, Applejack moved a large boulder that happened to be inside over the entrance so that it would seal up the cave and they would be safe from the evil Sunset Shimmer.

“Ok. That should do it. We should all be safe for now.” The farm pony said, as she sat down by the fire along with the others.

“Yeah, until Sunset Shimmer’s evil twin finds us.” Rainbow Dash said, bitterly.

“How long do you think that will be?” Fluttershy whimpered.

“Knowing the old me… not long.” Sunset Shimmer said, depressed.

“So what do we do now?” Pinkie Pie asked, worried.

“I don’t know…” Applejack sighed. “I really don’t know ya’ll…”

“There’s gotta be some way of beating her! We can’t just let her have her way with Twilight!” Rainbow said. She turned to the other Sunset. “Sunset Shimmer, you were evil once, what could she be thinking about right now?”

“Oh… what the point?” Sunset sighed, depressed. They all looked at her surprised.

“Huh? What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked, confused.

“We can’t beat her… she’s too powerful, too crazy.” Sunset despaired. “Even with our comic book super powers we got totally stomped and we still couldn’t find or save Twilight… Let’s face it… we can’t beat her… I should know… she’s pretty much a part of me after all…”

“Not anymore.” Applejack told her, firmly.

“But she was… and she’s only like that because of what I did to her…” Sunset Shimmer stated. “No wonder she hates me…”

“Aw, but that happened a time ago, you’ve totally changed!” Pinkie Pie stated.

“I tried to show her that… but I failed…” Sunset sighed, sadly.

“Then try again!” Rainbow said.

“Yeah, if at first you don’t succeed…” Pinkie Pie began.

“Try, try again…” Sunset finished. “Yeah, I know but…”

“But nothing!” Pinkie stated. “You can do it! I know you can!”

“We all do.” Fluttershy added.

“Really?” Sunset asked, surprised.

“Of course!” Rainbow Dash said, smiling.

“Look, I know you hate all the bad stuff the old you did but… you know… if it wasn’t for the old you, you would never have met Twilight and become a better person.” Applejack told her. “So really, you owe the old you that one. The past may hurt sugarcube, but we gotta accept that those things happened and let them become part of who we are. Be honest with yourself; you may have made mistakes but your life still turned out pretty good, didn’t it?”

Sunset Shimmer gazed upon the smiling face of the new friends she had made and smiled back. “Yeah… it did turn out good,” she admitted.

“So…?” Pinkie Pie said, expectedly.

“So… what?” Sunset asked, confused.

“So are you gonna be honest with yourself or what?” Pinkie inquired.

“Honest with myself?” Sunset echoed, confused.

“She’s right, you kept saying that the evil you wasn’t apart of you anymore, but you didn’t really believe that, did you?” Applejack questioned. Sunset gulped, it was a piercing question but she sighed and knew deep down she was right.

“Your right… I didn’t… and I do need to be honest with myself…” Sunset Shimmer realized, smiling

“Exactly.” The farm pony nodded, looking proud.

“I know the cruel things I’ve done in the past won’t ever leave me but I’ve gotta move on with my life…” Sunset sighed. “I promise to concentrate on the good things that happened in my past and not the evil.”

“Do you Pinkie promise?” Pinkie asked, while doing the motions everypony knew by heart.

Sunset smiled. “I Pinkie Promise.”

“Great! Then your all set!” Pinkie Pie declared, proudly.

“Yeah. And right now I need to set things right again.” Sunset stated.

“And how do you plan on doing that?” Rainbow questioned.

“By finding the other me.” The unicorn replied, firmly.

“Don’t you remember? She’ll probably find us instead!” Rainbow reminded her.

“Right. And when she does… one more attack, her or us, all or nothing.” Sunset Shimmer said, determined. She looked at them. “Are you in?”

They all paused for a second before they all gained determined looks as well, Pinkie nodded.

“Then let’s get to work.” Sunset Shimmer declared.

After she said this, the very large stone that was blocking the way plucked away by Dark Sunset Shimmer, who was on the other side and aimed a contemptuous little sneer their way

“I’ve found you!!” Black Sunset sang. Pinkie and Fluttershy screamed, fearfully.

“Now!” Good Sunset cried as they began charging toward her.

“I’ve endured your existence long enough.” Black Sunset Shimmer said.

All six heroes move toward the twisted human girl only to be stopped in their tracks by an eye blast. The ponies soon found themselves trapped within a sphere of its crackling energy, and they all yelled and groaned in pain. They are now floating right in front of Black Sunset, who lifted a palm underneath the captives as if preparing to deliver the king daddy of volleyball serves, which she then did. The impact created a small explosion and all six of them were soon lying on the ground, barely awake and groaning.

“Looks like your face to face with defeat me, so it’s only fitting that you should come face to face with me!” Black Sunset declared as she removed the rest of the mask that was still on her face. And as soon as she did they all gasped in shock and horror, Fluttershy hide behind the others shaking like a leaf while Pinkie tried hard to hold down her lunch.

Black Sunset cackled at their reactions to her face, while one side of it was normal the other was red, twisted, black sclera, had jagged teeth and a pointed ear.

“Your… your face…” Good Sunset gasped.

“Neat huh? While I was wandering through the space between dimensions I experienced this interesting transformation.” Bad Sunset smiled, evilly. “I can still feel it trying to take over my body… it’s a thrill.”

“Ugh… how hideous…” Rarity shivered.

“I knew this whole thing would turn ugly but I didn’t mean that ugly!” Rainbow remarked, disgusted.

“No kidding!” Pinkie Pie agreed. Fluttershy nodded, shaking.

“What is she…?” Applejack questioned.

The good version of Sunset Shimmer stared into the face of her warped counterpart and began to see images of the demonic, winged monster she turned into during the formal.

“She’s… she’s turned into the same monster form I took on before…” Sunset Shimmer remarked, stunned and somewhat horrified.

“Yeah, only bigger, uglier and scarier…” Rainbow added, she then turned to the Good Sunset. “Uh, no offence.”

“No, I’m with you.” Sunset Shimmer assured her.

“If you think that’s bad, check out this trick!” The Dark Sunset said, before she quickly took out a black crystal.

“Is that…” Sunset began.

“Yep, the Black Crystal, the same one that got me out of that nightmarish limbo.” Black Sunset smirked, evilly. “Time to see what else it can do!”

The crystal glowed in her hand then she flew up, curled up into a ball and then extended her limbs and once she did, black and white rings appeared respectively around the her waist and moved in opposite directions of each other while transitioning her into the exact same demon form Sunset Shimmer took on during the Fall Formal, with the red parts on her hair, flock and tail becoming black. Sunset couldn’t believe her eyes, it was like a blast from the past for her, only worse.

“No way!” Sunset gasped.

“Surprised?” Her other self smirked, evilly.

“How did you…” The good Sunset began.

“That’s for me to know and for you to find out… in afterlife.” Black Sunset Shimmer hissed.

“Just what are you, anyway?” Good Sunset Shimmer questioned, appalled.

Her revenge minded twin just smirked again. “I’m you. Only a little more bizarre.”

“Your nothing like me, not anymore anyway.” Sunset stated, firmly. “I’m not that monster anymore! I’ve paid for my mistakes, I know and so do all my friends! I’m a different person now and you can’t change that!”

“I can try!” Dark Sunset snarled as she fired a fireball at her but Sunset blocked it with a shield, which shocked her.

“And you will fail.” Sunset countered.

Sunset charged up a large amount of magic and then when she was at max power she fired a massive magical beam right at her horrid other self, which sent her flying all the way back to the tower. She hit it with a loud ‘crash’.

“Alright! You got her!” Pinkie cheered.

“Let’s find out.” Good Sunset said, seriously. She didn’t seem convinced that it was over and quickly used a spell to teleport them all to the Tower. They all looked up and saw Monster Sunset imbedded in the wall of the tower. She soon removed herself from it and floated above them.

“You’re wasting your time dweeb, once I destroy you and seize the Elements for myself I’ll finally have enough power to begin my true plan!” Black Sunset Shimmer boasted.

“What are you planning to do?” Good Sunset demanded.

“I’m gonna finish what the rest of the lowlifes in this world started! First, I’m gonna plunge this world into darkness and make it a chaotic nightmare! I’ll drain every ounce of love and magic from these ponies and replace it with hate!” Black Sunset Shimmer declared. “A perfect world that I alone will control! Then after I’ve gotten everyone to adore me and I’ve had my fun I’ll let the Everfree Forest overrun this world and use all these ponies to invade my world. I just need to power of the Elements to do so, or the power of a certain Princess. That’s what I was going to do before you showed up, but I’ll get back to her soon enough!”

“That’s not gonna happen!” Good Sunset Shimmer stated, firmly.

“Then try and stop me… me.” Black Sunset Shimmer challenged.

“Ugh, my head’s starting to hurt…” Applejack said, groaning.

“Yes… no wonder Twilight rarely brings us along when she goes to the other world, having two us’ can be most confusing…” Rarity expressed, exhausted.

“I’ll say…” Fluttershy agreed, nodding.

Black Sunset growled, held out her hands and began to launch a volley of dark magical blasts down towards them. Most of them scrambled to get out of the way as they headed in the direction of the Dark Tower while Sunset made several quick maneuvers as she headed straight for her other self. The other Sunset lifted boulders and rocks but Good Sunset jumped and used them as stepping stones before they could be thrown and then leapt over and grabbed her other self’s arm, that was holding the Black Crystal, with her forelegs.

“Hey! What are your doing!?” Demon Sunset exclaimed.

“If that crystal your holding allowed you to stay human here, let’s see what it does for me!” Pony Sunset declared as the Black Crystal glowed again and zapped Sunset with a burst of energy that made her cry out and let go, causing her to fall.

“Sunset Shimmer!” Everypony cried.

“Ha!” Her evil counterpart said, pleased.

Then Sunset woke up, curled up into a ball and spun as she fell. Then her body glowed with a bright light and once it faded she was back in her anthro form, minus the jacket anyway. Their jaws all dropped.

“Sunset… your…” Applejack began before the aforementioned teenaged girl landed on the ground in a crouched position before standing up and sighing.

“Ah, it kinda feels good to back on two legs again.” Sunset remarked, pleased as held up and wiggled one foot.

“Not that it’ll do you any good!” Black Sunset scoffed. “Using my face? What a joke! Your weak and you know it!”

“That’s where you’re wrong!” Good Sunset Shimmer stated.

“What?” Her counterpart questioned.

“You know as well as I do that I am not weak, I’m just as strong as you and you know it!” Sunset told her, firmly.

“Oh please! Let’s face it, you only became strong because of me, because you lived my life! Do you hear me? MY. LIFE!” Black Sunset yelled.

Sunset just smiled a small smile. “For once you're right.”

“Huh?” The she demon floating above her responded.

“I became strong because the dark side of me existed. It’s because of that part of me that I got to where I am now.” Sunset stated. “It’s not perfect but again… nothing truly is.”

Black Sunset growled. “Do you think I care about all that garbage? All I care about is destroying you and getting my life back together!”

“Then you’re going to be disappointed.” Sunset said, calmly as she raised her hand, with glowed with a green aura. Before Black Sunset could even react, Sunset fired a magical bolt from her hand which sent her doppelganger flying back into the side of the tower.

She slowly removed herself from the wall. “Gah! How did you do that?”

“Guess that crystal did more than just make me human again.” Good Sunset Shimmer smirked. “Now where is Princess Twilight?”

“Like I’d tell you, and just so you know…” Black Sunset said as she held up the crystal. “This crystal didn’t really have the power to do this to both of us… until she came along anyway.”

It didn’t take Sunset long to figure out what she meant and it burned her up inside. “Why you lousy head case…” she began to say, very angrily. “You absorbed her magic, didn’t you!?”

“Just a bit, once I’m finished here I’ll drain the rest!” Dark Sunset promised. “Until then… she stays where she is until further notice.”

“Not for long!” Sunset said as she leapt up and punched her other self in the gut with both her fists, knocking the wind out of her and knocking her back before Dark Sunset lifted a fist and knocked her down to the ground by punching her in the back. She weakly raised her head and turned to the others.

“Applejack! You got a rope?” she asked.

“Never home without it!” Applejack said as she took out a rolled up piece of rope, which she had under her hat and tossed it to Sunset.

“Ha! What is this? A hoedown? How pathetic!” Black Sunset scoffed.

“We’ll see about that.” Good Sunset smirked, as she twirled the rope.

She then tossed it and managed to wrap it around Black Sunset’s ankle at which point she twirled her around and around in the air, making them a bit dizzy and Pinkie’s head spin… literally before launching her back at the tower. While part of it cracked upon impact Black Sunset dropped to the ground, at which point Sunset noticed a small opening through the crack. Her eyes widened with realization.

“That’s it!” Sunset realized before she rushed over and started to blast the side of the tower with magic, the others rush over to her.

“Sunset! What are you doing?” Applejack questioned, stressed.

“Yeah, hurry before she wakes up!” Pinkie added.

“I think there’s something behind this! Rarity! Help me with this!” Good Sunset said as she continued to blast the side of the tower with a constant magic blast. Rarity rushed over and used her horn’s magic to help out a bit. Eventually the rock began to crack and when it finally gave in, it crumbled away and revealed a slightly weakened looking Twilight blocked off from them by a couple of bars. She looked happy when she saw all of them and vice versa.

“Twilight!” They all cheered, as they quickly raced over to her.

“Girls! Sunset! Your all here!” Twilight said, relieved.

“You were expecting us to be somewhere else?” Rainbow smirked.

“Can you teleport out?” Rarity inquired.

“No… my magic’s still too weak after… you know…” Twilight said, shamefully.

“Well, stand back, I’ll free you from this cage just give me a second, my magic’s running a bit low…” Sunset Shimmer said as she charged up her horn. Then she fired a small bolt of magic that shattered the stone bars and allowed Twilight to walk out, weakly.

“You ok? Can you walk?” Applejack asked.

Twilight nodded. “Yes… I just… I need a minute to catch my breath…”

“Catch it on the way, we’re getting out of here.” Sunset said, firmly as they began to leave, but before they could Sunset’s other appeared.

“Not so fast!” Black Sunset declared as they all jumped, startled. “I’m tired of living in your shadow! After this there will be only one Sunset Shimmer.”

Good Sunset then stepped forward. “Oh yeah? Well, right now I got no problem with that,” she admitted, shrugging. She then readied herself again. “Let’s go!”

The girls all readied themselves also. “Yeah!” They all said before they and their demonic foe began to zoom towards each other and clash once again.

A New Power

Chapter 11

Despite being out numbered, Black Sunset did not look worried and quickly began using the bit of power she stole from Twilight and made herself even faster than she was before. To her it was like all of them were frozen in mid-air and because of that she easily knocked each of them away one by one before getting her other self and palm striking her. Everyone went flying after that while the other Sunset flew up and cackled maliciously.

“Time to see what else this thing can do!” Black Sunset smiled, evilly as the crystal glowed again.

Sunset’s eyes widen. “Oh no…” she muttered.

The gem glowed brighter and brighter until finally the other Sunset split into five copies of herself, similar to what the formerly evil Human Twilight did before. They all cackled.

“Now attack!” Black Sunset ordered as they dove in.

Before Sunset could react all of the Demonic Sunset’s took a shot at her, knocking her back, forth, side to side and all around until they finally flew up and zapped her together, making her drop to her knees.

“Sunset!” Everypony cried.

“Time to end this!” Dark Sunset Shimmer declared as she prepared to fire again.

“That’s quite enough!” Somepony said.

They all turned and much to their shock they saw the Princess’ of the Sun, the Moon and Love descend to the ground and land nearby them. They all looked ready for an intense battle and they would get one.

“Princess Celestia!” Fluttershy gasped.

“Princess Luna!” Rarity cried.

“Cadance!” Twilight added.

“Looks like we got here just in time.” Cadance remarked.

“But… how?” Sunset remarked.

“Princess’ of Equestria, remember?” Luna reminded with a raised brow.

“Oh… right.” Sunset remembered, blushing sheepishly.

“The point is… we’re here to fight by your side.” Cadance told her.

Sunset smiled. “Thank you.”

Princess Celestia returned and smile and nodded before turning to her old student’s corrupted self. “Sunset Shimmer… I would like to ask you to put an end to you plans now, before we are forced to strike you down.”

Dark Sunset then became even angrier, no doubt to them interfering and he palms glowed. “Just you try it!” she growled. “Your all a bunch of nuisances anyway!”

“Very well, then.” Luna nodded, she turned to her sister and niece. “Shall we?”

Celestia nodded again. “We shall.”

The three Princess’ then charged up their magic to the highest point before finally each of them fired a magical beam that went straight for the other Sunset, who put up a barrier around herself to block it. The Princess’ put everything they had into their attacks and judging from the groaning noises Dark Sunset was making, it seemed to be having an effect.

“Give it up, interloper!” Luna told Black Sunset Shimmer.

“She’s right, you cannot stop all of us.” Celestia added.

“Surrender!” Cadance pleased.

“N-N-NEVER!” Black Sunset screamed as she created a pulse wave that broke all their magic beams and sent the Princess’ flying before the demonic girl began to fly toward them with a vicious look. She then slowed down once she got to Luna and stopped once she was almost touching noses with her.

“Well, Princess Luna, guess you weren’t the only one with a bad side.” Black Sunset smirked.

She then delivered a walloping uppercut that lifted Luna far off his hooves. Princess Celestia and Cadance’s jaws dropped. The Princess of the Sun turned to Dark Sunset, angrily. A brief face-off gave way to a trade of savage blows and magical bolts, ending with the Princess being knocked well backward to skid out on her face. Cadance looked shocked by this also and put up a shield before something hit her at an obscenely high speed, knocking her backwards.

When she raised her head she saw Sunset’s counterpart looming over her with a malice soaked smile.

“Boo-yah,” she said.

She yanked her up; threw her to the ground; jumped high and stomped on her at full force; yanked him up again; tossed him into a rock to collapse it.

“Celestia! Luna! Cadance!” Twilight cried before she too was blasted away by Dark Sunset.

“Twilight!” The girls cried before Black Sunset pushed them all way with a dark magical pulse.

“Feeling a bit sore?” Black Sunset taunted the fallen Princess’. “Now to smash you all into a million pieces!”

She began to approach the four of them and presumably destroy them, but she was so focused on what was in front of her that she failed to notice what was behind her, namely her Equestria counterpart.

“Leave them alone!!!” Sunset hollered as she stomped her foot hard, causing her other self to turn and look at her angry face. She simply smirked.

“Don’t worry, I just want you anyway.” Black Sunset said, pointing at her.

“Well then good news; me is what you get!” Sunset stated as they faced each other and began to go around in a circle while doing so.

“No question about it me, this time I will have my revenge!” Black Sunset Shimmer declared. “But first… I’m gonna destroy everything you seem to care about. Maybe then you’ll know how I feel inside!”

“Not gonna happen!” Sunset snapped.

“And why’s that?” Her other self questioned.

“Because I have something worth living for; friends!” Sunset Shimmer exclaimed as she charged, leaped over and tackled her other self. They both rolled across the ground before Sunset kicked her other self back before leaping up and firing a beam that struck Black Sunset and kept her a float. Eventually Dark Sunset had enough.

“Go away!” she shouted as she charged toward Sunset and gave her an uppercut that knocked her away up into the air. Then, she stood up and head-butted her falling counterpart before roundhouse kicking her onto the ground. Finally, Black Sunset ran towards the reeling Sunset and kicked them up into the air before blasting them away into the ground with a magic blast, inflicting a massive amount of damage to Sunset Shimmer. Black Sunset cackled.

“Oh don’t think we’re done yet! I haven’t used my true power yet! Not even close!” Black Sunset declared as she flew towards Good Sunset again.

While the fight continued elsewhere, Princess Celestia finally managed to regain consciousness and raised her head slowly to see her sister, niece and prized pupil laying all around her looking bruised and unconscious as well.

“Is everypony… alright?” Celestia weakly asked. The others groaned in response as they began to wake up also.

“We’re ok Princess… but we’re too weak to move…” Twilight muttered.

Princess Luna sighed. “It’s no use…”

“She’s too powerful for all us to beat…” Princess Cadance expressed.

“What do we do now?” Princess Twilight wondered.

“It seems that we have no choice, in order to win we must give Sunset our magic, all our magic. Just this once.” Princess Celestia declared. “Just like we did to you Twilight when Tirek appeared.”

“I agree!” Princess Twilight nodded.

“Alright!” Princess Cadance added.

“Fine, let us do this.” Princess Luna relented. “But I do not intend to like it.”

They all nodded as they began to charge up their magic.

As they did so Sunset continued to suffer at the hands of her other self; he was quickly and brutally blown across the landscape by dark magic blasts, clotheslines, and very powerful punches. One of which slammed her into the side of the tower near the top, creating an impact crater, which grew bigger after Black Sunset hit here again, leaving Sunset on the brink of defeat.

“Huh, you lasted longer than I expected but your final hour has arrived!” Black Sunset smiled, evilly, as she prepared to deal the finishing blow and the Princess’ could sense it.

“Quick! Hurry! We don’t have much time!” Twilight said, anxiously.

“Alright… now!” Celestia declared as she and the other Princess each launched beams of magic into the air, which began to travel downward and into Sunset Shimmer. It was almost like slow motion but the Princess’ could feel the after effects of giving up their magic pretty quick and became weak.

“Don’t… let me down… Sunset Shimmer.” Princess Luna told Sunset, as the last of her magic left her causing her cutie mark to vanish right before she collapsed. The same thing happened to Princess Cadance as well.

“Defeat her… Sunset Shimmer…” Princess Celestia breathed before her own power and cutie mark disappeared and she fell unconscious.

“Take her out… my friend…” Princess Twilight muttered, softly then, like the other Princess’ she passed out once her magic and cutie mark were both gone.

All their magic then arrived in Sunset’s body, and once it did her eyes glowed pure white as the intense power of all four Princess’ made her body pulsate with energy and pushed back her evil self before she could land her attack.

“What!?” Evil Sunset Shimmer exclaimed, shocked as she back up. “Where is she getting all his magic?”

Sunset slowly removed herself from the wall and glared at her other self. “Your hour has arrived!” she said as she began to walk forward.

Black Sunset began to back away from her Equestria self, shaking in fear till she turned around and noticed the four unconscious Princess’ nearby. Then all the pieces feel into place for her.

“Oh! I see…” Black Sunset Shimmer hissed. “So… you did the same exact thing I was gonna do, you little copycat you…”

“No, you were going to use it for your own selfish goals. Me? I’m going to use it to stop you!” Good Sunset Shimmer declared, firmly.

Black Sunset Shimmer laughed. “Oh please, no matter how much magic you’ve gotten from those idiots, it won’t be enough to stop me!” she proclaimed, as she then powered up.

Good Sunset Shimmer gained a cocky smile on her face. “Heh, we’ll see about that. After all, we’ll never really know for sure until I try,” she pointed out.

“Well, come on then! Let’s have at it!” Black Sunset Shimmer declared, as she flew toward, screaming. Sunset readied herself as Black Sunset advanced threateningly. Once she was at least a few inches away from her, Sunset tried a punch only to get bashed away onto her back.

Sunset got up and then came up for a huge leap, but was caught in one enormous shadow hand and pinned down while the other one created a vicious weapon, which whistles down for a hit that will open Sunset up like a stubborn can of sardines. However, both of her hands lock around the shaft, stopping the blade just short of his head. It was pushed almost close enough to scratch her-but he throws his weight back, knocking down the slab he was pinned against and giving her the leverage she needs to heave her other self back.

But Black Sunset simply skidded backwards and quickly regained her footing before zipping back over and knocked Good Sunset back into the doors of the Dark Tower and bounced her to the ground.

“Time to die.” Black Sunset hissed.

Good Sunset groaned as she stood up again, giving her corrupted self a nasty death glare. “You first!”

She leaps up to perch on the door handles and pushed away as Black Sunset approached; the move carried her behind, and she nimbly dodged the attack that comes her way. Her counterattack, a flying kick, slammed into Black Sunset and left her staggering back toward the doors. Black Sunset now had a scratch mark under her left eye. Sunset dodged two vicious swings but was hit in the gut by a third and knocked back a bit and made her drop to her knees.

“Ha! There’s no way you can defeat pure evil!” Black Sunset scoffed.

“Yeah? Well, don’t forget, like you said; back then… I wasn’t really a nice person.” Sunset admitted with a smirk. “And while I have changed, I still specialize in… cheating.”

Sunset then extended her right leg forward and spun around, sweeping up some dirt that got in her counterpart’s eyes, blinding her before she stopped spinning and used her right leg again to side kick back a couple of feet. As she flew black she managed to zap Sunset’s leg and scrap it, causing her some pain and making her drop.

“Sunset!” Everypony cried.

“Don’t worry, I’m fine… Pinkie, Rarity, give me a lift!” Sunset told them.

“Like you have to ask?” The pink pony smirked.

“Let us do this, Pinkie!” Rarity declared, confidently as they raced over and together they both got Sunset up and sitting on both of their backs via standing very close to each other.

“Thanks… now charge!” Sunset cried. They all yelled as they began to dash towards Black Sunset Shimmer again.

As Pinkie and Rarity carried her forward, Sunset Shimmer then began to use Luna’s magic along with the rays of a moon above to create a ball of blinding white light. This forms an energy sphere with a white crescent moon with a star inside of it.

Black Sunset slowly got back up and raised her head toward them, where her eyes widen upon seeing her other self riding on both Pinkie and Rarity and screaming as they ran toward her with a power orb in her hand.

“Now… Power of the Moon!” Sunset Shimmer yelled, as she slammed the power orb into her other self, causing a giant sized explosion.

Then out of the smoke, Black Sunset rolled and guided backwards fast before landing on stone ledge far off. The rest of the smoke cleared and Sunset, along with the rest of her friends showed up, looking serious.

“Nice one, that attack actually knocked the breath out of me.” Evil Sunset Shimmer smirked. “Still not enough you know. I mean did you really think that would stop me?”

The demonic girl then looked very surprised when Sunset suddenly teleported over to her and grabbed her and then she saw what appeared to be a shining, mini sun in the palm of Sunset’s other hand.

“Think this might stop you? Power of the Sun!” she cried as she slammed the sphere into her other self which created an explosion that knocked her right into the air. She spun around and around as she flew until she finally stopped herself and looked toward the good Sunset angrily.

“Ugh! You shouldn’t be able to do that!” Bad Sunset Shimmer growled.

“Sorry to disappoint you.” Sunset said, with a cocky smile. “Now come and get me!”

“If you insist.” The dark version of Sunset Shimmer hissed before she began to move towards her other self, while pressing her hands together before expanding them and creating a crackling black sphere of dark magic. “Dark Ecliptor Blast!”

She then launched the sphere at Good Sunset who then channeled the power of the Princess through her arm which he raised up, then the golden colored magic inside her created a giant battle scythe, custom built with her cutie mark acting as both a counter-weight and a cutting edge.

“Sunset Demolition Slash!” Good Sunset cried as she pulled the scythe back then swung it hard, creating a red wave of energy that soon collided with Dark Sunset’s attack and created an explosion that kicked up a lot of smoke which the two Sunset’s dove into to fight after the Good Sunset’s weapon vanished.

The sounds of the two clashing and fighting over and over again were heard inside the smoke cloud before eventually the waves generated by them fighting managed to blow away the dust. The two were currently arm locked and struggling to overpower each other before they both jumped back and panted.

“Just give up! You can’t defeat us!” Sunset told herself.

“No Sunset, I will win this and I will save you from revenge, hatred and all the chaos that those two emotions bring.” Sunset told her other self.

“Hmph, how?” Black Sunset questioned.

“Simple, because I… forgive myself.” Sunset Shimmer declared.

The moment she said this a small bright light suddenly appeared and immediately expanded and lit up the area with rays of golden light that shined over all of them. Everypony’s jaw’s dropped upon seeing this, they couldn’t believe their eyes, the light was almost like the sun and it was just as welcoming.

“What!? What is that!?” Black Sunset exclaimed.

“Holy cow…” Rainbow muttered.

“Wowee!” Pinkie cheered.

“Oh, wow…!” Fluttershy gasped.

“What is that?” Rarity wondered.

“I-I was hoping one of you did…” Applejack admitted.

Sunset continued to stare up at the light wide-eyed before it slowly began to descend towards her before shrinking. Then once it got close to her head, it stopped, changed its shape in a flash then continue it’s decent. Once it stopped on her head the light faded, revealing a big shiny crown that looked similar to the one Sunset herself stole but with her red and yellow cutie mark instead of Twilight’s

“Whoa! What just happened!?” Rainbow exclaimed.

“I don’t know!” Rarity gasped.

“Is that… an Element of Harmony?” Fluttershy wondered.

“Yep! Looks like because Sunset Shimmer was able to forgive herself… she created a new Element!” Applejack realized.

“Yeah! The Element of… Forgiveness!” Pinkie cheered.

“The Element of Forgiveness… and it’s mine…” Sunset echoed, softly as she looked at the shining crown on her head and smiled. “I like it!”

“Well enjoy it while you can because I’m done with it… there will be nothing of it… or you… left.” Black Sunset hissed.

“That’s what you think.” Sunset countered.

Black Sunset just smirked. “Exactly!” she said.

“Everypony stay out this next one, she’s mine and I don’t want any of you getting hurt!” Good Sunset told them. “Go check on Twilight and the Princess’! Now!”

The others all exchanged reluctant and worried looks before they all nodded and began to trot off towards Twilight and the other weakened Princess’

“Better watch for this next one me, because this attack is fueled by the Love I have for my friends and their love for me, the true me!” Sunset Shimmer declared.

The Evil Sunset Shimmer chuckled a bit. “Love huh?” she remarked as she created another crackling sphere of red energy in her hand. “Well, let’s see which is stronger; Love… or Hate. Specifically my hate for you, you rotten monster! You will let me get my life back, and die in this miserable world!”

The two Sunset Shimmer’s then began to race towards each other like speeding trains once again, each with their own crackling energy orb in their hands.

“I… am not… a monster!” Sunset said, firmly as she grabbed a hand full of dirt and tossed it at Black Sunset Shimmer who, while blinded by the dirt now in her eyes, kept on running as they got closer and closer to each other. Her evil self grabbed her and smiled, believing she had just won, only for Sunset to use her blindness to hear advantage, teleport and disappear then reappear over her since she couldn’t see her doing so, during which she struck her in the back with the sphere of love. “I am… SUNSET SHIMMER!”

A massive explosion followed soon afterwards which sent both Sunset Shimmer’s fly and tumbling backwards till they were a good distance away from each other. They soon stood up again and yelled as they both charged up and prepared to fight again.

The Final Takedown

Chapter 12

Meanwhile, while the two Sunset’s continued their battle in a far off part of the dark and rocky terrain that surrounded them, the rest of the gang were tending to the Princess’ and Twilight, who was the first to open her eyes and make a sound, it was weak but it showed that she was alive, much to their relief.

“Twilight!” Pinkie cried.

“Oh, thank goodness! Your awake again!” Fluttershy aid, relieved.

“Hey, you ok sugarcube?” Applejack asked as she helped Princess Twilight back up.

Twilight groaned. “I think so…” she said as the other Princess’ awoke. She then realized something. “Wait… where’s Sunset Shimmer? Is she alright?”

“She’s over there…” Applejack said, gesturing to the multiple explosions coming from close by.

“Oh no! We gotta over there and help her!” Twilight said, as she began to get up.

“Wait! Sunset Shimmer said that she doesn’t want us to interfere.” Fluttershy said. “She said it’s too dangerous.”

“I don’t care! She’s done enough alone! And besides she needs us right now!” Twilight stated. The others all exchanged glances and wordlessly agreed with her by nodding.

As the others quickly began to make their way back to the battlefield, right above them two streaks zipped and zoomed all over the sky, constantly slamming into each other over and over. Up close, one could see the two Sunset’s duking it out viciously. Black Sunset then fired a massive amount of dark energy bolts but Good Sunset avoided and zoomed up toward her other self before finally kicking upside the jaw. She rubbed it with a sour look.

“Lucky shot…” Black Sunset grumbled.

“Luck had nothing to do with it, me. Now surrender! I have friends, the magic of the Princess’ and the Element of Forgiveness, there’s no way you can beat me!” Good Sunset Shimmer told her.

“Careful Sunset, power corrupts after all.” Black Sunset reminded her.

“Nopony knows that better than me!” Good Sunset shot back as she began to continuously throw little pebbles at her evil self who held out her hands trying to block them but they just kept down pelting her and annoying her.

“Ha! Can’t you do better than pebbles?” Black Sunset taunted.

“Is this better?” Good Sunset asked as she pounded the ground and created a rock wave that nearly hit her other self but she dodged it just in time.

“Ha! Not even close!” Black Sunset scoffed as she fired a quick dark magical blast that knocked the good Sunset right off her feet, but she quickly got back up.

The ground suddenly with a sudden tremor, and Sunset suddenly Evil Sunset hoisting one of the monolith sized rocks up above her head and threw it right at the good Sunset. It fractured into a pile of boulders upon hitting its target, and sent Sunset crashing down.

“Ha! I laugh at your pain! Ending your existence will be most amusing!” Black Sunset said, maliciously gleeful. “You have stuck it out this long but now you will be destroyed by your own, personal, demon.”

Beaming with the purest malice, the red skinned girl raises her clawed hands, palms toward her Equestria Counterpart, and warmed up a double magical bolt to finish the job. Horror appeared of Good Sunset’s face but before Dark Sunset could destroy her, a sudden blast from an unknown party sent her flying. Sunset turned and saw Twilight, the girls and the Princess’ coming over the hills.

“Nopony’s gonna lay a hoof on her!” Rainbow declared.

“That’s right!” Twilight agreed.

“Fighting’s still not my thing, it’ll always be fashion…” Rarity began. “But I won’t hesitate to crush you if you hurt her again!”

“Twilight! Girls!” Sunset said, surprised.

“You were expecting another group of awesome ponies?” Rainbow smirked. “I mean other than the Wonderbolts of course.”

“I thought I told you all to stay out of it!”

“This may have started as a solo, darling. But it will end in an ensemble.” Rarity smiled.

Sunset looked surprised by this and then smiled. “Alright, give me some cover, ok?”

“Will do!” Pinkie said, as she zipped away and then came back with her Party Cannon, which she fired at Black Sunset, knocking her back. The others then began to levitate, toss and even buck multiple rocks at the Evil Sunset, essentially pelting her with their own pebble storm and it was clearly getting on the other Sunset’s nerves as she didn’t have a chance to fight back.

“No! Stop it! Stop it please!” she practically begged.

“Alright! She’s open! Go for it!” Rainbow cried.

“Got it!” Sunset nodded, she started to run before Twilight called out to her.

“Sunset!! I believe in you! You are by far… the strongest unicorn… I’ve ever known!” Twilight declared.

“Thanks! But I could have told you that already!” Sunset smiled with a giggle as she began to run forward.

As Sunset Shimmer ran towards her doppelganger the sun suddenly began to rise up from the horizon while the moon set and as it shined, a glimmering rainbow was created thanks to the light and the reflection from the drops of light rain sprinkling down. The rainbow then began to swirl around Sunset until finally it gathered together and became a ball of pure white light in the palm of Sunset’s hand with swirling multicolored lights flowing from it. Everyone watched as the seven colors swirled all around in amazement.

“Look! It’s the Rainbow Power! It’s just like in my vision!” Twilight cried.

Princess Celestia had very wide eyes filled with shock but they soon settled as a happy and proud smile appears on her face. Black Sunset attempted to strike her but Sunset leaned backwards as if it was a limbo pole and then faced her directly.

“Take this! Power of the Rainbow!” she shouted as he slammed the sphere into Black Sunset Shimmer’s chest. She screamed as the magical energy grinded into her chest before creating a massive explosion, followed by a rainbow hurricane that quickly surrounded and enveloped her.

“Gah! What’s… happening!?” Black Sunset screamed as her whole body glowed brightly as she let out more yell before a sudden flash filled the area and consumed them all.

Once they finally opened their eyes, the flash had ended and it seemed that the battle was over. They all looked a bit stunned and confused.

“What… what just happened?” Fluttershy wondered.

Luna turned to Celestia. “Sister?”

“I’m not sure…” Her older sister responded. Then suddenly, little magical balls of light flew out towards them and hit their flanks, restoring their cutie marks and their powers with it.

“Our magic!” Cadance gasped. “It’s back!”

“But that means…” The youngest Princess out of the four of them began.

Twilight then turned and saw the good Sunset Shimmer laying on the ground, presumably unconscious, with the her evil self also laying on the ground unconscious, just a bit further away. She gasped.

“Sunset Shimmer!” Twilight cried as she and the other rushed over to her.

“Sunset!” Pinkie called out.

“Are you ok?” Rainbow asked, panicky.

“Speak to us!” Applejack added.

“Darling please!” Rarity begged.

“Is... is she ok?” Fluttershy inquired, now close to breaking down and crying. Princess Celestia, now fearful and worried, started to reach forward and check her, but a voice catches her, as well as everypony else’s attention.

“Sunset!”

They turned and saw that it was none other than Sunset Shimmer’s older brother galloping all the way towards them, he also looked worried, surprisingly.

“Solar Flare!” Twilight gasped.

“But… how did he get here?” Rainbow questioned, baffled.

“Well, before we left, he insisted on coming along with us, so we took the carriage and placed it way over there before telling him to stay put.” Cadance explained. “Obviously… he didn’t listen.”

Solar Flare rushed past them, bent down near his sister and lifted her up with his two forelegs.

“Sunset please, please just open your eyes.” Solar Flare begged, but there was no response, which quickly made him fear the worse and he became severely depressed. “I’m the worst brother ever, I should have excepted your apology sooner but I was just so… so…”

“Angry?”

“Exactly… wait wha… Sunset!” Solar Flare gasped, along with the others as they saw a now awake Sunset Shimmer smile at her brother “You… you little nerd... you scared the hay out of me!”

Sunset Shimmer chuckled a bit as she stood up “Sorry big brother.”

“Ah, forget it, I’m just happy your alive.” Solar Flare sighed, relieved as he hugged her.

The others smiled at this and let the two enjoy their nice family moment.

“So… is it over?” Fluttershy asked. They all looked around the destroyed area waiting for any other surprises, but it was still as silent as a grave. Twilight smiled at this.

“Yeah, I think so… We did it! We stopped her! Hey girls! We saved Equestria… again!” Princess Twilight said, excitedly.

They all smiled at this.

“Hey, she’s right.” Sunset realized.

“We did it!” Fluttershy smiled.

“Ha-ha! We’re heroes!” Rainbow Dash cheered.

“Yay! Superheroes!” Pinkie Pie added. She then jumped for joy. “Yahoo!”

The others laughed in amusement and smiled at each other, happy that the crisis was finally over. They then noticed Sunset glowing a bit and gasped after it stopped, though Sunset herself didn’t seem to notice.

“What? What’s wrong?” she asked.

“Uh… Sunset? Sugar? You might wanna look at yourself.” Applejack told her.

“Look at myself?” Equestria Sunset Shimmer echoed. “Why?”

“I… uh… do this.” Rainbow told her as she shook her hoof a bit.

“Ok…” The fiery haired girl said as she began to do so.

She looked at what she thought was her hand but to her surprise she saw that it was a hoof, she had been restored to her original form.

“Huh? Oh… I guess I’m back to being a pony again,” she observed, smiling.

“Not quite…” Rainbow said, slowly, as everypony continued to stare at her in astonishment.

“What do you mean?” Sunset inquired.

“Maybe we should let the reflection do the talking.” Pinkie Pie suggested as she pulled out a mirror from out of nowhere and held it up towards Sunset Shimmer who gazed at her refection, curiously. She appeared to be back in her unicorn form but much to her shock she also spotted two wings on her sides.

“No way…” she breathed, shocked. “It can’t be… it can’t…”

“You’re… you’re an Alicorn!” Rarity gasped.

“Just like… me.” Princess Twilight added, stunned.

"Another Alicorn party! Yay!" Pinkie Pie cheered.

“This… this is incredible…” Sunset Shimmer breathed, just as shocked. “I’ve wanted this for so long in the past but now… I just don’t think…”

“Oh, but you do deserve it.” Princess Celestia said, stepping forward.

“I do?” Sunset asked, surprised.

“Of course, this whole adventure… this was your final test.” Princess Luna added.

“A test?” Sunset Shimmer said, surprised.

“Yes, your test was about you accepting your past and not giving in to all the power that we granted to, proving that you have truly changed.” Princess Celestia said. “When you were able to do just those things your ascension to the form of Alicorn was complete and the path you took toward it became your destiny. You’ve proven that your finally ready.”

“Ready? Ready for what?” Sunset Shimmer questioned, confused.

“To fulfill your destiny.” Princess Celestia replied.

“My destiny…? And what is my destiny anyway?” Sunset asked, still confused.

“You’ll know what it is soon enough.” Princess Celestia nodded, smiling.

They then noticed that the Black Sunset Shimmer’s body was surrounded by a glowing green aura. The good Sunset Shimmer rushed over to her and lifted her body up as her black and gold mane became red and gold again and her face was now back to normal she also transformed into the Good Sunset’s unicorn form.

“Hey… this Sunset’s back to normal!” Sunset Shimmer realized.

“But how?” Pinkie Pie wondered, surprised.

“It looks like she’s been freed from her hatred.” Princess Twilight observed. “The Rainbow Power purified her.”

“Oh, thank goodness!” Rarity expressed.

“And she’s a pony too.” Fluttershy added.

“Guess whatever dark magic was in her was keeping her in that form, once it was expelled…” Sunset began.

“She’s back to normal!” Pinkie finished.

“Exactly.” Sunset Shimmer nodded.

“Great to hear… can I clobber her now?” Rainbow asked, quickly.

“Rainbow!” They all scolded.

“What?” she asked.

“Rainbow, she’s not a threat anymore, ok? There’s no need to fight anymore.” Sunset told her, she glanced at her other self. “She tried to destroy me, but this Sunset Shimmer… is still a part of me so until she gets better I’m gonna take care of her. It is what a Princess would do after all, right?”

Princess Celestia nodded, proudly. “Right.”

Sunset smiled at her old mentor and gazed at her unconscious other self, who seemed to smile a bit now. The others also gained smile smiles on their faces while also letting themselves recover from the fierce battle they just waged. A battle that was finally over, thanks to their new friend, Sunset Shimmer.

As the Sun Sets...

Chapter 13

After waiting a bit and fixing up the cuts and bruises they had all received from the battle, everypony quickly got to work on fixing up Sunset’s alternate self, who was still unconscious. Equestria Sunset admired her new wings and was still having trouble believing that she had finally achieved her old dream, but something still bothered her deep down. Eventually they all gathered around Sunset’s counterpart as she began to wake up again. Rainbow was the first to notice.

“Hey! She’s waking up!” she announced while everypony turned to her.

“How ya feeling?” Applejack inquired.

“Terrible…” Alternate Sunset groaned.

“That’s understandable…” Rainbow Dash remarked.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight and Rarity scolded.

“What?” she defended.

“Oh… my head…” The other Sunset groaned.

“You ok?” Equestria Sunset asked, concerned.

“I-I… think so… what happened?” Alternate Sunset inquired.

“The darkness is no longer controlling you, it turned you into a monster… like it did me.” Alicorn Sunset told her.

Her other self sighed and looked down, feeling guilty. “What have I done?”

“What you did you did under the influence of hatred, it’s not your fault.” Sunset stated.

“Maybe… maybe not.” The other Sunset muttered. “I still feel bad about it though…”

“Well don’t, and be glad that their ok and that you have a second chance.” Equestria Sunset comforted her, which seemed to work.

“Sunset!” Somepony called out.

Sunset turned and noticed three ponies coming up over a far off hill, when they finally came into view she was overjoyed when she saw that it was her parents and her sister too.

“Mom! Dad! Sunkiss!” Equestria Sunset smiled, as she ran over to them and embraced them.

“Oh! We were so worried about you!” Sunny Day cried.

“Good to see you again, sweetie!” Her father added. “We’re so proud of you!”

“You were awesome, Sunset!” Sunkiss said, happily.

“Mom… Dad… Sunkiss… Solar Flare… thank you.” Sunset stated, very gratefully while her brother joined in the group hug.

Everypony else watched this happy scene from a far with pleased smiles of their own, while Sunset’s human counterpart looked at them sadly and lowered her head before turning and beginning to leave without saying a word. Sunset noticed her counterpart leaving and stepped out of the group hug she was in.

“Hey me, wait up.” Equestria Sunset said.

“What?” Sunset’s counterpart asked as she turned to her.

“Look, I really am sorry for what I did you to… I know part of you still hates me… you have every right… but I assure you that I’ve changed and if I could take back what I did I would, but unfortunately we all must face the consequences of our actions…” Sunset told her other half, who looked down sadly. She put a hand on her shoulder. “Cheer up, after all… we’re not all that bad off.”

The other Sunset looked at her counterpart, surprised.

“At least you and I have found good friends to help us through these dark time.” Sunset Shimmer said. Her counterpart looked at her surprised and gazed at the smiling faces of the Mane Six. “Again, I’m really sorry with how I acted towards you Sunset. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure that our name is never tainted again and I hope we can be friends if there’s no hard feelings.”

Sunset Shimmer held her hoof out to her other self who still looked surprised but eventually smiled and the two Sunset Shimmer’s both bumped hoofs.

“Yeah… friends.” Alternate Sunset smiled.

“Cool.” Equestria Sunset smiled back while the rest of her friends approached her from behind.

“Sunset Shimmer!” Twilight called out.

“What?” The two Sunset’s asked. They both looked at each other and then at Twilight. “Her or me?”

“Both! Either! Uh… doesn’t matter! Anyway, I just want to say that I’m so proud of you.” Twilight beamed.

“Thanks Twilight.” Alicorn Sunset nodded. “I’m proud of me too…”

“I’ll bet you are, I mean it’s not every day you can say you saved the world.” Rainbow smirked.

“We can.” Applejack pointed out, returning the smirk.

Rainbow chuckled. “Yeah, I guess we can.”

The other Sunset stepped forward, sadly. “Hey listen… all of you… I am so sorry about what I did to all of you… I did so many horrible things but… I hope that one day… you can find it in your hearts to forgive me…”

The Mane Six all exchange glances and smiled at her.

“You don’t need to apologize to us.” Twilight assured her.

“Yeah, we forgive you!” Pinkie beamed.

“But if you want our friendship…” Rainbow began.

“We’d be more than happy to give it to you.” Applejack finished, nodding.

“Absolutely.” Fluttershy agreed.

“Thank you… all of you… I don’t really deserve your forgiveness… but I’ll try not to let you down, any of you.” The other Sunset promised.

“See? I knew their was good in you.” Equestria Sunset smiled. She then turned to Princess, who had just cleared her throat.

“So my former student, have you made your decision?” Princess Celestia asked her.

Equestria Sunset looked the Princess, her friends, family and other self and smiled.

“Yes, now I have faced my past and mended the bonds that I’ve broken in Equestria I can safely say that my job is done and now… I must go back to the other world.” Equestria Sunset declared.

“What!?” Most of them exclaimed.

“You can’t!” Solar Flare protested.

“What happens if they decide to never open the portal again?” Her mother questioned, distressed.

“She’s right! You can’t do it!” Her father added.

“Please, Sunset…” Sunkiss begged.

“I have to go! After all, whose gonna protect that world if something like the Dazzlings happens again?” Sunset Shimmer asked.

“You got to admit, she has a good point!” Pinkie told the others.

Rainbow folded her forearms. “Yeah… doesn’t mean we have to like it though.”

“Now don’t tell me your actually upset she’s leaving, are ya Rainbow?” Applejack questioned with a teasing smile.

“Well I…” Rainbow stuttered.

“It’s ok Rainbow, I understand.” Sunset assured her. “But still, I have to go, the other world needs me.”

Fluttershy nodded. “Yeah… but we’re still gonna miss you…” she told her, sadly.

“I’ll miss you all too… but this is something I have to do.” Sunset said.

“We understand, sugarcube.” Applejack nodded.

“Yeah, you go Sunset Shimmer.” Twilight smiled. “You go back and keep the peace.”

Alicorn Sunset nodded, smiling back at her. “I will.”

Twilight thought for a bit, then got an idea. “Although… I’d like to make a request before you go.”

“What is it?” The now Princess Sunset Shimmer inquired.

“Well… I’m thinking that before you leave we should make you becoming a Princess official; with your own coronation and the title of co-ruler of my kingdom.” Twilight explained to her.

Equestria Sunset couldn’t believe her ears. “Really?” she asked, tears threatening to flow.

“You deserve it.” Applejack told her.

“Got that right!” Rainbow Dash agreed.

“Absolutely!” Rarity nodded.

“Yeah, and after this I think that officially makes you one of us!” Pinkie cheered.

“She’s right.” Fluttershy smiled.

“Yeah, welcome to the party!” Rainbow beamed.

“Ooh! Speaking of parties…” Pinkie began before she zipped off and came back with her party cannon. “Let’s get started on one!”

Sunset chuckled a bit. “Yeah, let’s.”

Everypony cheered and whooped as they began to leave the rocky wasteland and return to Canterlot, which was still currently being repaired, and celebrate Sunset Shimmer’s coronation.

Later on, news quickly got out that another Princess was being crowned and that the crisis was over, which the ponies of Equestria were very joyous over and flocked to the mostly repaired Canterlot Castle, where the coronation would begin, just like how it was when Twilight was crowned.

At the moment, the new Princess, Sunset Shimmer, now wearing the teal green dress she had previously worn for Rarity earlier on, was looking at her own reflection in the mirror thoughtfully, barely noticing Princess Twilight entering and approaching her.

“You look good.” Twilight complimented.

Sunset turned to her while flexing her wings. “Really? Because I feel like a fraud,” she admitted.

“Well don’t, you’ve wanted this for so long… and now you have it.” Twilight told her. “But this time… you got it through believing in friendship. You should be proud.”

“It’s only thanks to you.” Sunset smiled.

Twilight just shrugged. “I may have had helped out a little… but you did the rest by yourself.”

“Still… I owe you… and the girls… a debt I can never repay.” Sunset Shimmer expression. “And for that… I thank you.”

Twilight smiled, tearfully. “You’re welcome.”

The fiery maned alicorn turned away and looked up, thoughtfully. “It’s funny… so long ago I tried to dispose of you and now…” Sunset began.

“We’re friends?” Twilight finished.

Sunset turned to her and nodded, also tearfully. “Yeah… we’re friends,” she confirmed before they both hugged each other tightly. After finishing their embrace they looked at each other fondly.

“Well? Are you ready?” Twilight asked.

Sunset sighed, deeply. “Ready!”

“Then let’s go!” Twilight said, focused as she and Sunset walked side by side as they exited the room together.

A few moments later, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna along with Princess Cadence and Princess Twilight Sparkle herself, each wearing their own elaborate dresses and crowns stood before the crowd along with the rest of the Mane Six and Spike standing close by and at that moment, the ceremony began.

“Fillies and gentlecolts, we are gathered here for the coronation of yet another new Princess, last time, it was my faithful student; Twilight Sparkle.” Princess Celestia began as she smiled at the Princess of Friendship who returned the smile. “And now, it is yet another student of mine. While she may have lost her way in the beginning, she has been on a long path towards redemption and has now proven herself worthy of her Element of Harmony and wings by conquering the demons inside of her and saving all of Equestria. And now, let me introduce to you for the very first time… Princess Sunset Shimer!”

The doors opened and Sunset Shimmer entered the hall and walked down the aisle. A smile of happiness was donned on all of their faces as she walked toward them and behind her, servants bearing the flags with her cutie marks on them, several members of the Canterlot royal guard, began to sing as a way of announcing her presence. She saw her teary yet smiling family in the crowd and smiled at them all sweetly.

Sunset soon approached the altar and Spike, wearing the same black tuxedo he wore during Twilight’s coronation, walked over bearing Sunset’s Element of Harmony resting a purple pillow and Celestia took the Element with her magic and placed it on her head.. Upon being crowned, they turned to face her new friends and Rainbow Dash responded with a wink and Pinkie jumped up and did the same thing. Twilight gave her a nod while Sunset smiled. Meanwhile, the chorus continued their announcement of her ascension.

Soon after Sunset was crowned and everypony threw a party in her honor, Princess Sunset, her friends, counterpart and the Princess’ of the Day and Night walked outside into the castle garden, knowing that it was almost time for Sunset to take her leave for now.

“That was wonderful.” Princess Twilight expressed.

“Yeah, it was…” Princess Sunset sighed. “Thank you for the coronation, everypony, it meant a lot.”

“It was our pleasure.” Rarity nodded.

“Not to mention a total blast!” Pinkie added, excitedly.

“Got that right.” Rainbow agreed.

“Darn tootin!” Applejack nodded. Sunset smiled at this, then noticed Fluttershy clearing her throat to get her attention.

“So… what now?” Fluttershy inquired. “I mean… are you gonna stay here or… are you still going to…”

Sunset Shimer nodded with a sad smile. “Yes, I’m still gonna go back, like I said; someone has to take care of that place.”

“I thought you would make that choice.”

They all turned and noticed Princess’ Celestia, Luna and Cadance approaching.

“Celestia! I… uh…” Sunset began.

“It is alright, as long as you are sure that this is your choice.” Celestia said.

Sunset nodded again. “Yes. It is.”

“Then it is settled, the Sunset Shimmer from the other world shall remain here and begin her studies on the magic of friendship under my wing, while the Sunset Shimmer from Equestria returns to the other world to start her new life there among her friends.” Celestia declared.

Equestria Sunset smiled. “Thank you, Princess.”

She then turned to the depressed faces of her family, sad that she was leaving them again. They knew it was for a good reason, but it still hurt. She sighed as she approached them.

“Listen… guys I…” Sunset began before her mother suddenly hugged her, much to her surprise. Followed by her sister, father and brother as well. “Wha… what is…”

“Just our way of saying goodbye.” Her mother said, sadly. Sunset was at a loss for words. They soon released her from their embrace

“We know you have to do this, and while we miss you terribly… we must encourage that you do what you think is right and do what you want to do, you’re a Princess after all…” Her father added, sounding both sad and proud of her.

“We’ll miss you Sunset…” Sunkiss cried.

Sunset cried also. “I’ll miss you guys too…” she said, as she hugged them again. She then turned to her brother.

“Don’t worry, I’ll look after them, make sure their safe.” Solar Flare assured his sister.

“Cool, and here Sunset…” Equestria’s Sunset Shimmer said as she levitated her Element onto her other self’s head. “Take my Element of Forgiveness, it belongs to both of us after all.”

The other Sunset looked touched. “You’re really giving this to me? After everything I did to you?”

“I’ll admit I was hurt, but you had every right to be angry, even if you did go about the wrong way.” Sunset said, making the other her turn away sadly till Equestria Sunset put a hoof on her shoulder. “But listen, your past doesn’t have to define you, it’s not today, it is the rest of your story… who you choose to be. So… who are you?”

Sunset’s counterpart looked down for a bit, closed her eyes and sighed before opening her eyes again with a determined smile. “I am Sunset Shimmer! And this is my home.”

The other Sunset nodded. “Yes, it is,” she said. She looked to her family. “Take care of them for me?”

Alternate Sunset nodded as well. “I will.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem, we counterparts need to stick together, right?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Well, see you, Sunset.” Equestria Sunset Shimmer said.

“You too, Sunset.” The other world’s Sunset nodded before they both hugged. After that was done, Sunset turned to Twilight.

“You ready?” she asked.

The new Princess nodded. “Yeah, I’m ready.”

“Then this is goodbye.” Twilight said, sadly.

Sunset shook her head. “No… just goodbye until next time,” she stated, smiling. “And if you do need me don’t hesitate to contact me, after all… we’re co-Princess’.”

Twilight nodded. “Yes, we are and I hope to you again soon.”

“With our luck… it’ll be sooner.” Sunset smirked, which made Twilight giggle. Princess Sunset then turned to the Princess. “Princess Celestia? You mind?”

“Of course.” Princess Celestia nodded. She then charged up her magic and used a spell to transport the mirror portal from Twilight’s castle to right in front of them all.

“Now that’s a teleporting spell.” Twilight nodded, pleased.

“Which we’ve mastered… kinda.” Sunset noted.

“Well, we learned from the best.” Twilight said, smiling at their mentor, who smiled back sweetly.

Princess Sunset Shimmer sighed, as she looked toward the portal. “Well… here goes.”

“Take care.” Twilight said as she hugged her.

“You too.” Sunset added before they finally separated with sad looks.

Twilight then took a few steps back to join the rest of the pony crew, the last thing Sunset saw as she moved into the gateway. It closed behind her once she walked through, effectively turning it off for the time being.

Elsewhere, in the alternate world, everything was exactly the way Sunset had left it, except for the fact that the Humane Five were no longer present, that is until Applejack came walking up to the horse statue near the front of the school. She stared at thoughtfully and almost didn’t hear the voice behind her.

“You came back here too, huh?”

She turned and saw Rainbow Dash approaching from behind.

“Yeah, I don’t know why but… I just feel drawn to this place, you know?” Applejack shrugged.

“Your not the only one, and I’m not just talking about little old me.” Rainbow admitted as she glanced up. “Isn’t that right, Pinkie?”

Applejack turned and looked up and to her surprise she saw Pinkie pop her head out from behind the tall stone horse’s head and grin sheepishly.

“Ok… you got me,” she shrugged before she began to climb down. Just then, Rarity came out of the shadows near them also.

“And me as well,” she added.

Twilight’s Human counterpart showed up too. “Same here,” she voiced.

“Guess we all had this place on our mind.” Applejack remarked.

“Yeah… but we’re I think we’re missing someone.” Rainbow pointed out. They paused before Rainbow finally called out. “Ok Fluttershy, where are you?”

The aforementioned pink haired girl then popped out of a bush nearby. “Aw, how did you know I was here?”

“Well, everyone else is so…” Rainbow Dash said.

“Oh yeah…” Fluttershy muttered, seeing her point. “I don’t know why I came, I just…”

“Miss Sunset?” Applejack guessed.

Fluttershy nodded in confirmation. “Yeah…”

“We understand how you feel darling, we miss her too.” Rarity told her.

“Yeah, we super, duper miss her!” Pinkie added, very close to crying.

“I… would not put it quite like that… but things do seem empty here without her.” Human Twilight agreed. “She may be from another world… but she was still a part of ours.”

“That’s for sure.” Applejack nodded.

“Yes.” Rarity added, while Pinkie Pie nodded.

“I wish she was here…” Fluttershy admitted, somewhat quietly.

“Well, she’s not and fact is; we may never see her again!” Rainbow told them, bluntly though it was clear that she was as upset as they were. “The sooner we can accept that, the better!”

“But… but…” Fluttershy muttered, close to crying. After seeing the glares she was getting from everyone, Rainbow quickly changed her tune.

She then put a comforting hand on Fluttershy’s shoulder. “I know, I get it, but seriously Fluttershy, you need get used to life without Sunset Shimmer in it,” she told her, she gestured to the gate. “She’s not gonna come walking through that portal any time soon.”

Right after she said this a glowing noise was heard and all turned to the statue where what seemed to be the portal opening up. They all stared in shock at the light shining out of the portal and then before long someone began to step out.

“Is that…” Applejack began, stunned.

“It can’t be…” Human Twilight added, adjusting her glasses.

“Hey you guys, miss me?” she asked, smiling.

The Humane Five and Twilight’s human self couldn’t help but chuckle and smile big grins as tears began to fall down their faces, then before long they began to race towards Sunset cheering, whooping and yelling out her name while also jumping into the air, enthusiastically. And so, both worlds were safe once again and both versions of Sunset Shimmer stayed in their new homes to make sure that they stay that way as well as protect their new family/friends forever.

Fin