A Shimmer of Hope

by Dawn Swordspony

Rating: everyone
Tags: Starlight Glimmer, Sunset Shimmer, Main 6, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Human
Length: 8798

Sunset Shimmer, stuck in the human world and working diligently to redeem herself, faces questions of conformance and equality when an unusual substitute teacher comes to Canterlot High.

Sunset Shimmer didn't think twice about the assignment from her literature teacher, Mr. Turner, to read and analyze 'Harrison Bergeron' - at least, until she actually read the story and found herself fascinated with the ideas it presents. Unable to settle her thoughts, she goes to class the next day brimming with questions, only to find that Mr. Turner has the day off, and their substitute is an unusual teacher named Starlight Glimmer.

I highly suggest that anyone who has not had a chance to read
Harrison Bergeron give it a read.

Note: This story presents some of my opinions. If you disagree with something I have said, feel free to comment as I am always willing to participate in an open discussion.

I also would like to thank my wonderful Proof-Reader Song Coyote.

Published 2015-05-14 17:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2015-05-14 17:30:02 UTC

A Shimmer of Hope

Sunset Shimmer didn’t hate doing homework, especially since she was doing her best at turning her life around. She was driven to prove that she was no longer the bad person she was before Twilight Sparkle and her friends had shown her that there was another way to be happy. But for the formerly prized pupil of Princess Celestia the commonplace homework assignments of Canterlot High seemed like a task only fit for a filly.

Sunset chuckled to herself at this last thought… it wasn’t often she found herself slipping back into Equestrian mannerisms. She had been away from Equestria for so long at this point that sometimes she even caught herself thinking she was human. Truth be told she couldn’t really complain about her homework; it just wasn’t challenging enough for a student who had formally studied some of the most powerful magic known to Ponykind. Most of the science and math on this side of the mirror worked the same as in Equestria (although generally more reliably with the lack of magic to change the rules). History and politics were vastly different, but Sunset could never wrap her head around the ways and reasons humans fought each other, and she was only just starting to understand how friendship could affect humans’ (or ponies’ for that matter) decisions about war and conflict.

Literature was probably her favorite class, as it turned out. In this class she was able to explore the thoughts and imaginations of famous writers throughout human history. Who would have thought that Mare Shelley, an infamous Mad Unicorn Scientist, would have a Human counterpart who would write one of the most well known horror novels in the Human world. Without the magic to create a pony from the body parts of the recently deceased, the human Mary Shelley could only write a novel about it. And what a novel it was!

In fact, Sunset Shimmer had found that many of the well known ponies in Equestrian history were – when stripped of the wings or magic and put on two legs – writers of great merit.

With a sigh Sunset reached for the short story anthology her class had been reading through during the semester. She had made sure to mark the correct page during class, so she didn’t even have to think before flipping to the assigned reading.

http://www.tnellen.com/cybereng/harrison.html

Sunset had never read Harrison Bergeron before (or anything else by Vonnegut for that matter) but she had to admit she was Impressed. Her literature teacher Mr. Turner had gone over a brief biography of Kurt Vonnegut Jr. during their class that afternoon, but Sunset mainly ignored it. Now she wished she hadn’t. It wasn’t often that a story this short sucked her in so completely; she had avoided anything of the sort in the past, preferring non-fiction books on magic and history. This story, though, had called to her, so she decided to give it a second read just in case she missed anything the first time.

Half an hour later she was still thinking about what she had read. The satire had certainly tickled her fancy, but she found herself most drawn in with Harrison’s rebellious actions and his own destruction. She could see much of her own past in his actions. Although she had never been forced to give up her uniqueness to be like other ponies, she had certainly felt like she had been stifled when Celestia had refused to teach her about advanced dangerous magic that she knew she could master.

Her anger at her mentor (who was only trying to help and protect her) had caused her to delve into the dark and secret magic of Equestria. When Celestia discovered her, she had even had the arrogance to demand that the Princess turn her into an Alicorn. Sunset knew she could have done it - she had discovered a text that described the spell. But as much as it rankled at the time, it was now rather obvious to Sunset why Celestia had so blatantly refused, instead having her expelled from the castle and thus ending her study of advanced magic. Even Sunset’s subsequent attack on Equestria (foiled by the humans and pony she now called friends) was reminiscent of Harrison Bergeron’s attempt to take control of the country when the handicapper’s devices proved useless to stop him.

Filled with dark, depressing thoughts and memories of the past, Sunset Shimmer pulled another book from her backpack. Unlike the cheaply printed softcover short story anthology she had just been reading, this book was older and much more interesting. It was one of the only things that had traveled with her from Equestria the first time she had entered the human world. The book was emblazoned with her cutie mark and smelled of old dry trees; Unlike hardcover books in the human world, Equestrian bookmakers had long ago created a plant-based material to protect and preserve books. This material looked and felt so much like the leather humans used that Sunset had gone into self imposed exile for a week after learning where humans got the material that was used to cover their fancier books.

Opening the old Equestrian tome, Sunset started to flip past the many foalish letters she had sent to Celestia (and the far more calmly written responses) during her time as a student back in Equestria. Nearing the back quarter of the book, she found the letters that she and Princess Twilight had been sending back and forth for the last few weeks. Mostly they were about band practice and quarrels on Sunset’s part, while Princess Twilight tried to give advice but mostly told Sunset about how uncomfortable it was to be living in a castle where she only had Spike and the occasional visit from her friends to stave off the loneliness of her new home. Twilight was still in the process of moving in – mostly rearranging the library again and again as the shelving was designed before the introduction of the Durpy Decimal System.

Unfortunately, Twilight had not responded to Sunsets last letter, indicating she was probably on some sort of trip or adventure. Sunset shut the old book with a sigh. She had been intending to write to Twilight about the Kurt Vonnegut story, but if the Princess had duties to attend to, Sunset’s thoughts on Equality-based Dystopias could wait. Putting the book back in her bag she grabbed her towel, slipped on a pair of sandals and made her way down the hallway to the hostel’s shared showers.

Lunch the next day was nothing out of the ordinary. Sunset Shimmer had always felt a little lucky that the school she had chosen had a variety of vegetarian options for lunch. She understood the need for some humans (such as athletes like Rainbow Dash) to eat meat as a way of getting valuable protein, but Sunset could never stomach the idea. There were just some things that she would never accept or really understand about humans and their tendencies. It was this moment that Rainbow Dash decided to put down her half-eaten beef taco, lean back in her chair, and sigh contentedly.

“You veggie eaters are missing out!” She raised her eyebrow sarcastically at Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Sunset. Pinkie didn’t seem to care; she just stuck her tongue out. But Fluttershy and Sunset both had the same reaction of sinking lower into their chairs and staring down at the table. Rarity coughed loudly, causing Rainbow Dash to glance her way.

“Rainbow, dear, I thought we had discussed not talking about vegetarianism in front of our… um… herbivore friends.”

“Oh, right. Sorry, Sunset.” Sunset Shimmer looked up from the table. She knew that Rainbow Dash really couldn’t understand the trauma involved in transitioning from a life as a pony to one as a human, but she still could have been more sensitive. Deciding not to dwell on these negative thoughts, Sunset shifted the topic to the other issue on her mind.

“What did you girls think of the story for Mr. Turner’s class?” Sunset knew that she was the only one who really enjoyed the Literature class, but she might as well see what they had to say, at least to get an idea of the normal human reaction to such a story.

“Bwahaha.” Rainbow burst out laughing, “You're kidding right? I didn’t read it, I just watched the movie, but it seems ridiculous that anyone would want to live without athletes like me reminding them what awesome looks like.”

“Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy piped up, “I don’t think we can judge them for wanting to be equal. It seemed like George and Hazel were happy with their life until their son was killed.”

“Don’t believe what they say, Fluttershy,” for once Pinkie Pie seemed rather serious, “They were obviously only brainwashed into thinking that they could ever be happy with all those handicaps.”

Applejack chipped in with her own observation. “Hazel did seem a little too willing to let her husband remove his handicap. It must be incredibly hard for her to see what all the extra weight must have done to his energy.”

They all turned to look at Rarity who had yet to comment on the story. She looked around at her friends and then huffed, slouching back in her chair and crossing her arms.

“I thought the whole thing was absolutely horrid! Imagine having to wear scrap metal or a bag of buckshot.” She shivered, her eyes scrunching half closed. “Not to mention loud noises playing into your ears at random times. I’m not sure any fashionista could really work with all those distractions.”

“Rarity, I think people probably just all wear the same getup. They’re all equal, so there would be no need for fashion.” Applejack chuckled; she had known even as she was reading the story what reaction Rarity was likely have.

“The Travesty!” Rarity shot up out of her seat and slammed her fists on the table.

“It’s just a story, Rares.” Rainbow said trying to contain her laughter but still smiling like an idiot.

Sunset watched this with some amusement. She had been hoping to discuss the feelings she had been having about the similarities between Harrison’s rage-filled quest for superiority and her own past mistakes. Not that she felt that the equality based society described in the book was something people should strive for, but she did feel like there might be other types of equality that could improve on some of the problems that faced the population of the Human world she now lived in.

Thinking about the problems with poverty and the class system that did little to improve it, Sunset went back to her own experiences. She had had some issues when she first arrived at Canterlot High. Unlike when Twilight had first come to the school, Sunset was stuck in this world and had to figure out how to eat, shower, and find shelter without any money or support. At first she had spent most of her time, outside of the few ventures she took to the school, living in a homeless shelter.

Luckily, she had been assigned a very naive caseworker who, after seeing how intelligent Sunset was, stopped asking questions about when and why Sunset ran away from home and started helping Sunset find a youth hostel to stay at and apply for some money from an organization that helped the homeless youth attend school and find jobs to support themselves. It was all very strange to Sunset; back in Equestria there was always somepony willing to give a free meal and a bed to anypony that decided to move away from their parents. In fact, poverty was not really an issue in Equestria.

This gave Sunset Shimmer pause. Was there really no poverty in Equestria? She knew ponies had problems and felt like they needed to work harder to make more money, but were there really any ponies who could not afford the things they needed or were unhappy with their jobs? No, she couldn’t think of any, and other than herself (and only when she had compared herself to the Princess) there wasn’t really any pony she could think of that was not happy with their chosen career. It was as if because everypony knew what their very special talent was, and this could not be questioned because of their cutie marks, they all were able to do the jobs that made them the most happy.

Sunset’s thoughts were broken when she felt a hand on her shoulder giving her a little shake. She looked up to find Rainbow Dash and Rarity standing behind her.

“Come on Sunset, the bell just rang, we have to ‘dash’ over the literature if we want to be on time.” Sunset smiled and stood, watching as Rarity smacked her forehead at the absurdity of Rainbow’s pun. Together they made the way quickly to class, stopping briefly to let Pinkie Pie get the short story anthology from her locker.

Laughing at some silly thing Pinkie had said, the six friends entered their literature classroom just before the second bell. Turning her gaze away from her laughing friends Sunset couldn’t help but notice that the chairs and tables had been rearranged to the standard rows used by many teachers in the school. Mr. Turner normally arranged the class so that everyone was sitting in a circle and felt free to participate in the conversation. He really should be called Professor Turner, or possibly Doctor Turner. But their teacher refused to accept a title that would put him above the rest of the staff. Sunset had never figured out what Mr. Turner’s PhD was in, but she had occasionally heard some of the teachers sarcastically refer to him as “The Doctor”, so she figured it was something of note.

However, instead of Mr. Turner at the front of the class there was a tall slightly plump woman wearing a very modest white blouse and long charcoal pencil skirt. A pair of low black kitten heels rested firmly on the ground in front of the classroom and her gray stockings muted the light purple tint of her skin. Compared to the variety of colors and clothing worn by the students in the classroom this new woman seemed to have stepped straight out of a reform school. Her posture and attitude seemed to speak of adult sophistication and gave her an air of responsibility.

The substitute teacher cleared her throat as the final bell rang. “Alright students, take your seats.” There was some grumbling and confusion as the students milled around trying to make the best of the oddly normal seating arrangement.

“Hello everyone,” The purple and blue haired woman began, “Mr. Turner could not make it to class today, and he requested that I be your substitute today. You can all call me Ms. Glimmer.”

As she turned her back to the classroom and started the traditional practice of writing her name on the blackboard, Rainbow Dash leaned forward from her from her desk tapping Sunset Shimmer on the shoulder.

“He requested her? What the heck does that mean?” Rainbow whispered to Sunset. Ms. Glimmer cleared her throat, back still turned to the class.

“Rainbow Dash, is there something you would like to share with the class?” She turned back to the class smiling, but her eyes narrowed as they singled out Rainbow Dash. “Or do you think that you are somehow above the rules?”

Sunset could hear Rainbow swallow loudly behind her, but not one to back down from a challenge Rainbow stood up and confidently faced the teacher.

“I was just wondering why Mr. Turner requested that you be our sub.”

“Well,” Ms. Glimmer began, her smile widened but her eyes did not move from their narrowed gaze, “Mr. Turner happened to read my Thesis about the merits and disadvantages of an Egalitarian society with the introduction of modern technology as a way to remove some of the flaws that Vonnegut and other critics pointed out in the past. He told me that my specific views on the matter could make for a very interesting discussion. And it is obvious that your current school curriculum is not really teaching you how Egalitarianism could use modern advancements to solve many of the ethical and social issues that our society suffers from.”

Everyone in the class was dumbfounded; Sunset in her shock didn’t even think to look at her friends’ reaction. This was just too confusing and surprising. Exactly who was this Sub, and had Mr. Turner really believed that what this woman was talking about was something that they should consider?

“Mr. Turner’s notes say that we should have an ‘open discussion’ on societal change, but seeing as most of you are only aware of the rather closed off and one-sided view of the world that is presented in this school’s limited curriculum, I think it would be of more benefit for me to answer any questions you have about the different ways that we could improve our rather oppressive society. So, does anyone have a question about Egalitarianism?”

“Yeah. What is it?” Thunderlane asked, getting a laugh out of most of the class. Ms. Glimmer’s eyes locked onto the boy sitting near the back of the classroom. Her smile never dropped, but Sunset could swear she saw pure malice flash across the substitute teacher’s eyes.

“I see. I had expected superior study habits from Turner’s class, but it is nice to see that you are all relatively average in the fact that you don’t do extracurricular reading. If no one knows what Egalitarianism is, I will just have to educate you all.”

“I think I could give it a try.” Sunset Shimmer was surprised at herself, she had been participating in class more since she helped to defeat the Dazzlings, but most of the teachers still didn’t trust her.

Ms. Glimmer smiled sweetly, a sentiment her eyes did not share, and said, “Well, go ahead, my dear.”

Sunset cleared her throat while thinking back on her studies, both here at Canterlot High and back in Equestria. “Based on your explanation of your expertise and the story Harrison Bergeron being the basis of today’s lesson, I am going to guess that Egalitarianism is the belief that society should have human equality physically, mentally, and socially.”

“Very close, Ms. Shimmer, but you would do better to focus on social, political, and economic equality. It is not possible to achieve those when people consider themselves superior to others because of their talents and skills. Could the average person ever feel socially equal to a superior athlete, intellectual, or charismatic person?”

Sunset felt a slight bump from the desk behind her as Rarity and Rainbow dash shifted a little uncomfortably in their seats. Ms. Glimmer continued, ignoring them magnificently. “In our current society a person who is shy will never be able to compete with someone who is very social when it comes to making friends, networking, or participating in politics. And what about the honest worker? Will they ever be able to compete economically with someone who is willing to lie and cheat to get their way to the top?”

The air of discomfort grew around Sunset as her friends thought about what the Ms. Glimmer was implying. No one in the classroom spoke - none of the other students really knew what to say. Mr. Turner had always challenged them to debate ideas during class but none of the Literature students had ever met a teacher who presented the world in such a black and white way.

None except Sunset Shimmer. She had been Celestia’s Prized Student for a reason, and she had some experience with how to debate with people who were convinced they were in the right. Sunset knew better than to try and show off in front of her friends, or the class, but as no one else seemed willing to challenge the substitute’s idea, she felt it was up to her to start the debate.

“Wasn’t the idea that everyone must be equal in personality and physique to be equal in other ways, exactly what Vonnegut meant to unseat with Harrison Bergeron?” Sunset could tell that this comment would not actually faze Ms. Glimmer, but it was a tactic to bring to light more of her actual theory, creating a bigger target for those debating against Ms. Glimmer to find weaknesses.

“I assume you are referring to the fact that the handicaps used to equalize people actually bring everyone down to a below average level.” There was a slight squeak from somewhere behind Sunset; clearly one of her classmates had not previously picked up on the less than subtle implication in the story. “It is a very well documented defense against the proposition of Egalitarianism. However, it does not take into consideration both the improvements of modern education and the possibilities inherent in current technology.”

This wasn’t exactly what Sunset Shimmer had expected. In the past she had often debated with the Canterlot Intellectuals, a group of ponies who mostly believed and defended the opinions that they read in books or were taught by their professors. This meant that despite their experience in debating, they were never discussing their own thoughts and thus were much easier to dissuade from their “misguided” opinions. Ms. Glimmer on the other hand, had not only told the class that she had done some scholarly work on this subject, but it also seemed that she had experience defending her own ideas.

Sunset wasn’t sure if she would actually be able to change Ms. Glimmer’s mind about this idea of Egalitarianism, but it would still be worth making her struggle a little. In the worst case scenario Sunset would have demonstrated that the substitute was underestimating the students of this school - most importantly, underestimating Sunset herself. Best-case scenario, Sunset would find a pinprick in Ms. Glimmer’s defense and tear it wide open for the entire world to see. But first things first she had to get Ms. Glimmer to start talking more.

“Ms. Glimmer, I understand that advancements in education are going to make people smarter overall, but there are still going to be people who struggle with mental or physical handicaps. Even with today's ‘technology’ we would face the exact same issues as presented in Harrison Bergeron.”

The teacher’s eyes shone as she warmed to her subject, and Sunset felt a thrilling mix of accomplishment and fear. “Well Ms. Shimmer, it seems to me you that you are a little behind the times with the advancements in technology. Just addressing your concerns with the handicapped, there are many new machines and devices that can be used and perfected to put any physically handicapped person on the same level as the desired average, this could be artificial legs, or lifting devices, or even technological implants made that could fix internal issues that could prevent the desired average.”

Almost, Sunset interrupted, but she held her peace rather than interrupt Ms. Glimmer’s flow. “The mental average seems even easier to fix. You might be unaware of the experimentation with wearable computers, but many scientist have been working on ways to integrate technology into humans, thus giving our society the ability to enhance or detract a person to the desired average intelligence.”

Sunset Shimmer let a slight smile cross her face. She had found what she was looking for, an opening. While the conversation about different technologies continued Sunset started to let her response formulate in her mind. Looking to her friends she saw that they all wore looks of concern. They must not have been able to see the fatal trap that the teacher had stumbled into. It didn’t seem like any of the other students had seen it either. Well that was fine. It just meant that Sunset’s training had better prepared her for this type of discussion and she was the only one suited for the job.

Raising her hand Sunset got Ms. Glimmer’s attention “So who would maintain the ‘desired average’? This society you suggest, would need a group of people who were smart enough to create all of this technology, integrate it and then constantly adjust everyone else’s technology so that they would all maintain the ‘desired average’. You could decide to leave the average intelligence of the common man at a level where everyone could do this, but who then stop anyone person from adjusting their own intelligence to be slightly better than any of the other people who might try to punish them for their crime. It seems to me that the only way to maintain a society of equality would be for two classes to exist: one to be equal, and one to be smart enough to maintain and control the equality of the other class. To use the vocabulary from Harrison Bergeron, you would always have Citizens, and you would always have the superior ‘Handicappers’.”

Confident that she had she had just ripped open a massive hole is the substitute’s argument, Sunset Shimmer leaned back, and established direct eye contact with Ms. Glimmer. But instead of seeing the confusion, rage, or shock that Sunset had expected, she saw something that caused fear to well up inside of her. Instead of trying to find a way to discredit Sunset’s statement, or try and explain why it wasn’t the case in her particular example, Ms. Glimmer said nothing. Instead she smiled wider than even and met Sunsets eye contact with a look that told Sunset she was out of her league.

“Well Ms. Shimmer, if you are totally unaware of modern computer programming methods and advancements, I can’t really blame you for thinking that there must be ‘someone’ to pull the strings that create equality. However, with the revelations revealed by Eager Snowflake, we now know that governments around the world have been creating computer systems that track and process everything we do, and then use that data to identify trends that could represent a threat. Our government has made a computer that can spy on everyone, everywhere and track all of their data to prevent ‘terror attacks’. It, therefore, does not seem like a stretch to believe that we could develop a computer that could manage the handicaps and enchantments of every citizen so that no one person would ever be better or worse that any other person.”

Sunset’s stomach felt like lead. It was true she had no idea about the computers that Ms. Glimmer was talking about, and because of this no idea how to find any flaw in what Ms. Glimmer said. The class was silent. Sunset looked back at Rainbow Dash, only to receive a shrug and a quiet “She’s right.”

Aware that Sunset would not get any support from her classmates, Ms. Glimmer continued. “Now, since it doesn’t seem like anyone else has any thing else to say against Egalitarianism...” She paused briefly and surveyed the classroom, receiving a few headshakes; she allowed a small, smug smile to form on her lips. Glancing at the clock, notes her smile faded slightly.

“Seeing as we only have a few minutes left, I have two last things to go over. First, Mr. Turner asked me to cover this class for him tomorrow as well.” A murmur started in the classroom, but faded as Ms. Glimmer’s predatory smile returned.

“Furthermore, since one of you took it upon herself to try to elevate herself above you, your homework is to write a three page paper comparing Harrison Bergeron’s obvious lack of consideration for others and belief in his own superiority to someone in your own life. Perhaps someone who tried to manipulate you or your classmates to show themselves superior.”

Sunset’s face burnt with a mixture of rage and embarrassment. Judging by the whispering that she could hear from the rest of her classmates they were all talking about her. Keeping her eyes on the surface of her desk, Sunset tried to focus on ignoring the hubbub, but this attempt was in vain as a familiar voice spoke above the low mumble.

“Thanks a lot Sunset! You got us extra homework. You're always trying to prove that you're better than the rest of us.”

Sunset Shimmer shot out of her seat, the rage pouring out of her. Turning she locked eyes with the commenter, a blue girl with a star pinning her hair back out of her face.

“Shut up Trixie!” Sunset yelled, anger seething out of her like a dark cloud. “You think you can blame this on me? You can’t possibly agree with this crap she is telling us. But no, we don’t hear a peep out of ‘the Great and Powerful Trixie’.”

Trixie crossed her arms, obviously pissed that she had been compared to Sunset, and muttered to herself. “At least I don’t try and brainwash the entire school to get my way.”

Sunset’s rage nearly boiled over, and it was all she could do not to leap over the desk and give Trixie the pummelling she deserved. Instead she stood there, shaking, and screamed at Trixie. “Do you want to say that to my face!”

But before Trixie could answer, a tut-tut from the front of the room drew the attention of the entire class. Ms. Glimmer stood watching them, her arms crossed and a small smile on her face.

“So, the daemon shows her true colors. Sunset Shimmer, the girl who would do anything to get what she wants, even hurt everyone at the school. I won’t ever understand why you weren't kicked out of this School, let alone how you still have friends. They must really pity you to let you treat them like inferiors.”

Suddenly all the anger and fury flooded out of Sunset Shimmer, replaced by the same sensation that she had felt back at the Fall Formal. Shame flooded through her, bringing back the feeling that no matter what, she could never find happiness, and everything she tried would only ever hurt others, her friends included.

Tears blossomed in her eyes even as she squeezed them shut, and she felt like running as fast as she could away from this school, from this place, from this world. Her guilt and pain rooted to her to the spot, though, and unable to move or open her eyes she stood behind her desk, unaware of anything happening around her. She didn’t even flinch as the bell rang and the class dispersed. All she could do was hope that the classroom would empty and then she could grab her books and run, run forever.

Her breath stilled when she felt a warmth on her shoulder, a pressure of confidence and comfort. The warmth was joined by two more on her other shoulder, and then one in each one of her hands. Opening her eyes, forgetting about the tears rolling down her cheeks, Sunset found that her five best friends had stayed in the classroom with her. Ms. Glimmer had gone and the six of them were alone in the middle of the empty classroom.

“Why are you all still here?” Sunset sobbed, shrugging away their hands and trying unsuccessfully to wipe away the tears that peppered her cheeks. “She’s right. You are all trying to be my friends, and I still treat you like enemies. No matter how well you treat me I still feel like I have to prove I’m better than you!”

“We know you don’t mean that, sugarcube.” Applejack said softly, reaching back out to squeeze Sunset’s shoulder. “You shouldn’t have snapped at Trixie, but she shouldn’t have been saying those things in the first place.”

Fluttershy reached out, gently taking Sunset’s hand again. “You just got a little upset, and we all say things we don’t mean when we’re upset.”

“And, we all agree with you, darling!” Rarity added, taking out a handkerchief and offering it to Sunset. “That society she was speaking of just sounds just dreadful.”

“Yeah, who would ever want to live in a world where you couldn’t be awesome?” Rainbow Dash said lightly punching Sunset on the shoulder.

“Yeah! Booooring!” Pinkie Pie grinned as she pulled all six of them into one giant hug.

When Pinkie finally released them Sunset’s eyes had stopped tearing. She offered them a small, rueful smile as she sniffled and wiped her cheeks with Rarity’s handkerchief. “But she was right about one thing. I really wanted to rule, to be better than anypony else.” Glances passed between her friends at her pronoun slip, but no one said anything. “How can any of you be my friend after what I did?”

“What’s past is past.” Rainbow Dash assured her. “Anyway, we got bigger issues, like taking Ms. Glimmer down a peg!”

Rarity groaned slightly, “Rainbow, don’t you think there are more pressing issues here, for example our dear friend Sunset?”

“What?” Sunset had brightened slightly at Rainbow’s suggestion but she wasn’t sure what Rarity had meant by ‘more pressing issues’.

Applejack chuckled, “Well sugarcube, you look like a fifteen pound pig being picked for supper at the county fair.”

Seeing Sunset’s confusion Rarity clarified “You don’t look so well darling. I think you could use a nice hot shower, a manicure, and maybe some ice cream.” She smiled as she held out a small hand mirror.

Looking at her reflection, Sunset felt like she must have been crying for much longer than it had seemed. Her eyes were all red and puffy, her hair had started to frizz out in all directions, and she couldn’t seem to keep her lower lip from quivering. Looking up, she gave her friends a weak smile. They were all offering her comforting, if worried, looks, except for Pinkie who seemed to be lost in a thought.

Fluttershy noticed Sunset’s glance and looked over at Pinkie as well. “Pinkie, are you okay?” she asked hesitantly.

Pinkie looked up, smiled and, broke into an excited squee. “Sleepover!”

The others giggled at their bubbly friend as she continued. “We need to cheer up Sunset, tell her we don’t hate her, and figure out what to do about Ms. Substitute Meanie Face! That means we need a sleepover!”

A series of glances shot around the group, each of them nodding in turn. Finally they turned to look at Sunset, hope playing over their concerned faces.

“Thanks girls but you really don’t have to…” Sunset was cut off by another Pinkie-initiated group hug.

Rainbow Dash managed to squeeze out a few words over the strength of the embrace. “Don’t worry Sunset, it’s been forever since we had a sleepover, and I think you probably need some friends to talk to.”

Sunset let out a sigh of mixed resignation and relief. Dash was right of course, but as they started to pack their bags, skipping study hall to head over to Pinkie Pie’s house, Sunset couldn’t help but worry about their reception in Literature class the next day.

“Did Twilight ever tell you about Cutie Marks or Equestrian society?” Sunset asked after finishing her third slice of pizza. They were sitting in their pajamas, sprawled around Pinkie Pie’s bedroom and keeping themselves occupied in smaller groups as usual. Although they had all agreed that they were having a sleepover because of the troubles of the day, Sunset got the feeling that it might not be something any of her friends was really comfortable talking about. However, at the mention of Twilight they all seemed to become more interested.

Rarity was the first the answer, obviously hopeful about the possibility of discussing the alternate universe. “No she hasn’t, darling. All we really know is that the two of you are ponies and she is a princess.”

“Also the Elements of Harmony!” Pinkie Pie added, suddenly sitting next to Sunset as if she had been there the entire night.

Fluttershy peeked up from the stuffed alligator she was mending for pinkie and added hesitantly, “She probably would have told us if she thought it was important.”

“Well I have been thinking about it a lot, especially with today’s lecture.” Sunset sighed, as it seemed that her friends’ hopes for gossip were replaced by a reluctant resignation to talk about that afternoon’s class. “It’s just that there seem to be so many more problems in this world, like hunger and poverty.”

She took a breath and then forged onward, relieved at the chance to tell someone about her thoughts. “Its not that I agree with Ms. Glimmer’s ideas, it’s just that I feel like something needs to change. In Equestria, ponies have problems, but they are happy because they get to be themselves and pursue what they are good at with no one questioning it. Cutie marks and special talents make it pretty clear how different we all are. But the teachers at our school here are always downplaying our talents, trying to encourage us to work in fields where we will make more money and be secure.”

“They just want to make sure we have a backup plan.” Fluttershy said, her compassion clear as she did her best to understand their teacher’s actions.

“Thats all well and good, but I think there is a big difference between a backup plan and a path to walk down once you have failed. Just the other day Rainbow was telling us that Mr. Doodle told her that she needed to focus more in class so she could have something to fall back on besides athletics.”

“Like I’d need that!” Rainbow scoffed.

“Exactly. In equestria a pony’s special talent is represented by their cutie marks. Once a pony has gotten their mark then everyp... everyone supports him or her in doing whatever they want to do because it is obvious that is what will make them happy. But that's not what happens here.”

Pinkie Pie had been listening attentively for the last few minutes but could no longer keep herself quiet. “But Sunny, we are all happy!. Even if our teachers and parents tell us that our life goals aren’t realistic, and we need to figure out what we really want to do, we don’t have to listen, and they will still support us.”

Sunset sighed and shook her head. “But that’s not true for everyone. True, you five have the support of your families and the school, but what about other students in the school? Those punk dudes, the ‘Diamond Dudes’, or Chrysstal, or Gilda? They don’t get the benefit of having supportive families like you do. Their families are all struggling with money, and the teachers treat them differently because they know they probably won’t go to college like the rest of you.”

Rarity gave a hopeful smile, “Darling, they could if they tried, they just don’t focus as much as they should in the academic classes, so they don’t do well in school. I’m sure that they will still end up doing something that makes them happy even if they aren't trying hard now.”

Sunset smiled at Rarity’s optimism. “You’re right of course. They will be happy. But they will still have gone through much of their life with people feeling like they did not achieve everything they could.”

Rarity’s smile soured slightly as Sunset went on. “I guess it’s just hard for me to see people go through all of that. From what I have read most of the world doesn't have the opportunities every student in this country has, but it’s hard to see knowing that it could be different.”

“Do you think thats true, sugarcube?” Applejack stood up and joined Sunset and Pinkie on the bed. “Equestria sounds like a mighty fine place to live, and it seems like everyone is very happy. But, do you think that cutie marks are really the only thing that makes your world so peaceful? From the little we do know, I reckon that magic has more to do with Equestria’s peaceful nature than anything else.”

Now it was Sunset’s turn to look concerned and confused. Pondering Applejack’s points, she realized that magic was responsible for solving many of the problems that humans had to face on a day to day basis. But if that were really true, was there any hope for the improvement of human society?

Sunset found her thoughts growing dark until she felt a hand on her shoulder, the same warmth that had snapped her out of negative thoughts earlier in the day. Looking up she saw her friends smiling at her, and Applejack squeezed her shoulder as she continued.

“We might be the only six humans to have magic, but all humans do share one thing, and that’s the capacity for friendship.”

Sunset couldn’t help but smile at that. Looking at her five friends she felt something that she had been feeling more and more since she had started to change her life. She felt like she was home.

Lunch passed far too quickly the next day. The six friends let it slip by in relative silence; they had decided to do the writing for Ms. Glimmer, but instead of hurrying through it so they could enjoy the rest of the sleepover, each one took their time and really considered their thoughts. Even Pinkie seemed to force herself to focus, although she did have to take half a dozen trips to the kitchen for some whipped cream (a trick she had developed for studying, according to Rainbow). When they had all finished they each took turns reading their thoughts out loud and discussing them.

In the end they decided that Sunset Shimmer would again stand up against the ideal of Egalitarianism. But this time she was armed with more than just her wit, opinion and desire to win. In fact, Sunset felt almost no need to win, partially because her friends had determined there would be little chance of actually change Ms. Glimmer’s mind, and partially because win or lose, the situation had again brought the six friends closer together.

They entered the classroom and took seats at the front of the room with time to spare before the final bell. Ms. Glimmer looked them over with that same small but terrifying smile. It was all Sunset could do not to excuse herself and flee the defense she knew she would have to make as soon as the class had settled. As the other students filed in there did seem to be a rather glum and resigned mood throughout the classroom. This did not seem to faze Ms. Glimmer, who hadn’t taken her eyes off of the six girls who sat together in the front of class.

“Alright, students,” Ms. Glimmer said as the last pupil slid into their chair. “If I am not very much mistaken, I believe that their are some in the class who would like to say something about today’s topic.”

Her eyes never left Sunset as she stood silently, ignoring the mumbling from the rest of the class. Rainbow caught Sunset’s eye and winked, encouraging her to continue down the path they had decided the previous evening.

“Ms. Glimmer, I believe we got off to a bad start yesterday.” Sunset forced her eyes to meet the teacher’s and was surprised to be met with curiosity rather than hostility.

“I’m still pretty new to making a good first impression. And I would like to apologize for not hearing you out before trying to prove you wrong.” Ms. Glimmer raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting this new, humble Sunset.

“It quite amazing, the research and thought you have done about how technology could change and affect the human race. But, I do have to object to how you suggest technology should be implemented.” Now Ms. Glimmer’s eyes narrowed, though she gave Sunset a little nod to continue.

Fighting down the urge to panic, she did. “You seem to focus on all of the negative aspects that being unique can bring, and you seem to assume that every person will flaunt their uniqueness or use it to gain control over others. From how you spoke about it, this appears to stem from a rather pessimistic idea that all people are inherently evil.”

Sunset took a moment to breath as she turned away from Ms. Glimmer to address the entire class. “But there is another way to look at it. What if all people were born good, and only become evil because of circumstances?” The students traded glances, and it seemed like Trixie or Thunderlane wanted to speak up, but Sunset continued before they could make an objection.

“I might not be the best example, I know. But look at my friends, here. Each one of them is unique, but none of them hold themselves above anyone else.” A grumble from the class pushed Sunset forward, knowing that her friends were expecting what would come next.

“Sure, Rainbow Dash can be sort of arrogant and a show-off, but she is loyal to her friends, and would gladly drop anything to help out her friend or her school.” The class’ focus shifted to Rainbow Dash who was trying her best not to meet anyone’s eye.

“Or you could look at Rarity, who always seems to hold her nose above anyone else. But ask her for her help and she will be more than generous with her help, committing all her time and energy into making what ever you are working on as fantastic as possible.”

Turning back to Ms. Glimmer, Sunset made direct eye contact before continuing. “But these qualities don’t make our other friends despise them. Applejack might feel like she needs to compete with Rainbow, but she never holds a grudge when she loses, and will be the first to honestly admit that Rainbow won. Pinkie Pie might not concentrate as hard on projects as Rarity but she brings another aspect to the table, the ability to make people laugh and in doing so lighten the load that they feel.”

Her smile was gentle as her gaze shifted to Fluttershy, who as expected was trying to disappear under the table. “And who could forget Fluttershy. She might be a little timid, but the minute an animal or a classmate is in need you can always count on her to quietly help in whatever way she can, never asking for thanks.”

Looking around the class she found that they were all now looking thoughtfully at her. No one spoke as they waited to see what she might say next, and perhaps dreaded Ms. Glimmer’s response. “And that just leaves me, the Demon. I might have turned evil, and I might have mistreated everyone in this room, even turning the five I now call friends against each other. But they forgave me, and... and I’m working hard to do better.”

Despite how well things were going it still took a lot of Sunset’s strength to face Ms. Glimmer. “I may still be new to friendship, but I know that I’m friends with these girls because they are each unique. If it weren’t for their skills and talents I would never have anything to strive for. Friendship can’t really flourish in a world without difference, because there is nobody to inspire or encourage us, or make us grow. Isn’t it our friends’ confidence and respect that makes us proud of our own achievements? A world without difference would be a world without friendship, without happiness. A world without hope.”

Ms. Glimmer stood in what seemed to be silent shock for a rather long time, nothing moving but her eyes, which raked over Sunset Shimmer. Sunset felt a line of sweat appear on her brow under the heat of that glare, but she managed to hold her ground. She had given it her best shot and spoken the truth she and her friends had found together; all that remained was for the teacher to pass her judgment.

“You have managed to surprise me,” Ms. Glimmer said in a strangely subdued voice. “And even given me something to think about. What can I say but... well said.” Her gaze dropped, and she walked slowly around behind Mr. Turner’s desk and sat down, her eyes and thoughts far away.

There was a long, stunned silence; Sunset was still finding it hard to catch her breath. Suddenly the quiet was broken by the sound of slow clapping, and she whirled to see the smiling face of Ditzy Doo as she applauded, tears running down her cheeks. Then another pair of hands joined in the clapping, and another and another, until the whole class was applauding, nodding and smiling.

Tentatively, then genuinely, Sunset managed to smile back.

Sunset Shimmer was never sure what happened next. she was exhausted and emotionally spent and had no memory of the rest of the class. When she asked later she got a variety of responses. Each one of her friend had a slightly different version of the story, mostly similar other than minor details.

Well, except for Pinkie Pie’s. In her version, the entire school had one big party and every member of staff and the student body was there to congratulate Sunset on her understanding of friendship. She even had Mr. Turner coming out of the phone box in the lobby to tell Sunset Shimmer he knew she was the one person who could change Ms. Glimmer’s mind.

But whatever really happened that afternoon, Sunset found herself still thinking about everything, hours later, as she lay in bed in her room at the hostel. Although her friends had helped her discover why friendship was so important, and helped show that to the class and to Ms. Glimmer, one thing still preyed on her mind. She couldn’t help but feel that Ms. Glimmer’s worldview was based on some very problematic norms of the human society.

Picking up the old Equestria book she had taken when she left, Sunset Shimmer flipped to the first blank page. There was still no response from Princess Twilight, but that didn’t stop her this time. Putting pen to paper she began.

Dear Princess Twilight,

Today, I learned something very important about myself, this world, and Equestria. A substitute teacher in our school tried to convince our class that a society based on pure equality would be perfect. Although we were able to show her another possibility, I have realized that there is a problem in this world that she was trying to fix.

There are so many adults in the human world who are forced to work at jobs and in careers that don’t make them happy, and are only necessary to obtain money to try and bring themselves more happiness outside of work. However, the idea that you need money to stay happy also pushes people to give up their dreams and passions to do things that allow them to make more money. Any person might have to work at four or five different jobs before they find one that is bearable enough to be worth the happiness it will allow them in their free time.

But as you and I both know, that is not the case in Equestria. Although some ponies do suffer from sadness and sometimes bullying, once a Pony receives their cutie mark there are no real questions about what they decided to do. However a pony decides to use their special talent, it will generally make them happy. Although foals struggle with teasing and concern over their future before they get their cutie mark, no parents (I exclude the very rare exception) would ever try and convince a foal that they should do anything but embrace whatever makes them special, and pursue whatever makes them happy.

Maybe that’s what these humans need, and I myself need. Hope. Hope that we will be able to pursue our special talents and live our lives without sorrow. I came to this world feeling like Celestia should trust me to be a princess in Equestria and rule everypony. But now I know that was never what I was meant to do. My ambition, my intelligence, and even my magic are not what make me special; it’s my ability to strive to be as talented as those around me. And through pushing myself, I also push them, and together we all improve ourselves.

I hope that I can share this with my friends, and share it with the school. And maybe some day I will even be able to Share it with Ms. Glimmer.

Missing you always,

Sunset Shimmer