Cracks in Reality - Book One

Despite the amounts of coffee Sunset had consumed in her efforts to stay awake during her intense three day study session, her need for sleep had taken over and she had passed out when she was halfway through checking off items on the Summer Sun Celebration’s checklist. Spike, not being one to waste a perfect opportunity for more rest, had covered his guardian with a warm blanket before snuggling down in his basket for more sleep. Unfortunately for Sunset, she had slept through the next morning and it was mid afternoon by the time Celestia came and knocked on the library door.

Sunset groaned tiredly as the Princess’s insistent knocking on her door woke her up, and when she went to answer it her foot got tangled in a blanket she didn’t remember putting on, and with the grace of a one legged blind pony trying to walk down a flight of stairs she fell off her chair and onto the cold hard floor. Celestia continued knocking completely oblivious to Sunset Shimmer’s already bad start to the day.
“Alright, I’m coming! Don’t get your panties in a twist!” Sunset yelled as she untangled herself from the blanket around her body. Once she free, the tired and now very annoyed unicorn plodded towards the front door wandering where Spike had gotten to. She then noticed something stuck to her cheek and when she pulled it off she found it to be the schedule she was supposed to have worked on last night fatally covered in her drool. Sunset sighed and scrunched up the unreadable mess of smudged ink and threw it in one of the corners before opening the door revealing Princess Celestia in her all elegant and royal glory.

“Hello Sunset Shimmer.” Celestia greeted with the enthusiasm that could only come from seeing her student after so long. “I tried to come by this morning to discuss your letter, but a group of nobles demanded...”

Sunset made a shushing noise and held up a hand in front of Celestia’s face effectively cutting the Princess off mid sentence. “I need coffee,” Sunset muttered, before dragging her tired and almost dead body towards the kitchen. She made a vague waving motion for Celestia to make herself comfortable in the library.

An amused smile formed on Celestia’s face at Sunset Shimmer’s antics. Had anypony else done what Sunset had just done, they would have received a stern scolding from the Princess, and fallen out of her good graces for a very long time. But since Celestia’s relationship with her student had grown beyond academic professionalism, and into the realms of a good friendship, she always allowed her student some leeway when it came to formalities. Besides she found Sunset’s complete disregard for formalities very refreshing. It was nice to be able to shrug off her royal persona once in a while, that’s why she always looked forward to her visits with Sunset Shimmer.
Celestia was bought out of her thoughts by the sound of things crashing in the kitchen and Sunset Simmer’s cursing at the lack of coffee powder. She quickly rushed to her student’s aid not willing to unleash a “decaffeinated Sunset Shimmer” on a town of unsuspecting ponies. The only ones she felt deserved such treatment were the useless nobles in Canterlot City.

When she stepped into the kitchen she found Sunset Shimmer glaring angrily at the offending emptiness of a coffee powder can. “Just one rule Spike had to follow above all the others. Always let me know when we’re running low on coffee. I’ve even used up my entire emergency supply of coffee.” Sunset’s lower lip quivered as she placed the empty coffee can in the bin, and she looked back at Celestia with wide pleading eyes. “I don’t suppose you remembered...”

“To bring your favourite brand of coffee from the castle’s kitchens?” Celestia’s horn glowed and before the can of coffee powder was even halfway out of her bag, Sunset was snatching it up, and using her magic to instantly boil a jug of water. Soon the entire library was filled with the scent of fresh coffee brewing, and once it was done Sunset poured the Princess a cup of the delicious brew before settling down with the rest of the jug.

One of the things Celestia had learned the hard way was to always wait patiently while her student drank her first round coffee and to never to interrupt such an important ritual before it was complete. Once Sunset’s coffee jug was almost empty, and she didn’t look like she was about to fall asleep at any moment, Celestia cleared her throat and set down her own empty coffee cup. “Now that you’re awake and somewhat alert we can discuss the return of Nightmare Moon.” Celestia pulled a medium sized chest from her bag and set it on the table between them. “I assume your studies of Nightmare Moon’s return have led you to the subject on the Elements of Harmony?”
Sunset downed the rest of her coffee in a few quick gulps and nodded at Celestia’s question. “The Elements of Harmony represent the most important traits of friendship. Loyalty, Honesty, Kindness, Generosity, Laughter, and the sixth Element is Magic. None of them can work without the other. Is that them in the chest? The Elements of Harmony?”

Celestia used her magic to disable the protective charms and spells she had placed on the chest so many years ago, before opening the wooden box and sliding it towards Sunset Shimmer. The unicorn was silent for a moment as she stared down at the six gems of power nestled snugly in the soft velvet lining of the chest. Five of the gemstones were arranged in a circle around the largest of the gemstones which was star shaped and a dark violet color.

Once she was done studying the powerful magical artifacts, Sunset closed the chest and looked back up at Celestia. “I’m guessing by the fact that you brought the Elements to Ponyville we’re going to take a stand against Nightmare Moon here, and away from the major cities packed full of ponies.”

“You’re half correct in your assumptions my faithful student. The first thing Nightmare Moon will do when she returns is hunt down the Elements of Harmony as they are one of the things that can stop her in her mission to bring eternal night to Equestria. I need your help in finding a way to reactivate them so you use them to defeat Nightmare Moon.”

Sunset bit her bottom lip thoughtfully. “What did you mean when you mentioned me using the Elements to face Nightmare Moon? Am I the most suitable candidate to use them? If so, why can’t you use them?”

Celestia’s ears folded back against her head and she looked down at the ground with haunted eyes, and when she spoke her voice was so soft Sunset could barely hear what her mentor was saying. “Nightmare Moon is the dark side of my sister Luna.” Sunset’s mouth dropped open in disbelief at what Celestia had just said. During all their time together Celestia had never mention having a sister, let alone that sister being one of the most dangerous threats to Equestria. She felt a little betrayed that her mentor, and guardian would keep such a thing from her. But Celestia continued talking before she could voice any of her thoughts.

“The last time I used the Elements of Harmony, it was to battle, and eventually, banish my sister to the moon for a thousand years. For many years since than my heart was filled with hate at myself for what I did to my sister. Because of these feelings I became disconnected from the Elements, and now I believe it would be best if somepony else were to use them. I can’t fight with my sister, not again.” Celestia looked back up at her student. “I-I know it’s a lot of responsibility to ask of you, but could you find a way to reactivate, and use the Elements of Harmony to save Equestria?”

Sunset didn’t answer right away as her mind was still reeling at the fact Celestia had kept such a massive secret from her. Did the Princess not trust, or respect her enough to be able to tell her such things? Even after she had spent four years in Ponyville, after agreeing to turn her life away from the self destructive path she had started down.

Celestia noticed her student’s hesitation, and she let a heavy sigh. “I realize all this must be difficult for you to process, but please don’t feel as though I don’t trust you. I never told you about my sister because it’s very painful to even think about what has happened to her. Especially when I think about how I could have saved her if I had not agreed with Dar...” Celestia drew in a shaky breath and a single tear slid down her cheek.

Sunset didn’t hesitate to pull her mentor into a soft but sincere hug. She stroked the space on Celestia’s back between between her wings, causing Celestia to let a sigh of contentment. “Don’t worry Princess,” Sunset said reassuringly. “We’ll find a way to save Equestria, and free your sister from Nightmare Moon.” Her hand continued its strokes down Celestia’s back, and once the Princess was breathing normally again Sunset pulled back and gave her a warm smile. “Feel better now?”

“Yes, thank you Sunset Shimmer,” Celestia said. “You’ve always known what to say to make me feel better.”

Sunset smirked and booped Celestia’s on the nose. “Maybe you should promote me from student to royal adviser.”

“But that would mean you leaving Ponyville in order to return to Canterlot.”

“Never mind then,” Sunset said, hastily shutting down that terrible idea. “You can always send me a letter or something if you ever need advice and stuff.”

Celestia now back in a fairly good mood, stood up and stretched out her limbs with a loud and very unroyal like groan of satisfaction. “Sometimes I consider resigning as Princess just so I didn’t have to act so perfect in public. But then I think of what would happen to Equestria if the nobles of Canterlot ever took over the role of ruling my kingdom. Honestly, they have as much common sense and brains between them as a dry sponge. But enough talking about the grievances of Canterlot city, let’s go out and check on the preparations of the Summer Sun Celebration, did you finish the schedule I had asked you to prepare?”

“Ummmm...” The amber fur on Sunset’s cheeks turned a slight red and she looked shamefully down at the ground. It was a look Celestia had long gotten used to whenever Sunset had fallen asleep while doing her homework, and the following morning she would hand in the resulting mess of soggy parchment and ink. An amused smirk formed on the Princess’ muzzle as she thought of all the playful teasing she could catch up on thanks to Sunset’s bad habits.

“Not one word about this,” Sunset muttered darkly. She placed the chest containing the Elements of Harmony in her bag before walking out of the library. Celestia followed after the unicorn still smirking with amusement as she noticed her student’s tail was slightly swishing from side to side with annoyance. It was one of the little tells Celestia always looked for when she was playfully teasing Sunset Shimmer so she didn’t take things too far and cause her student to lose her temper.

As they exited the library Celestia waved off her guards before they could even start approaching her. “We’re in Ponyville,” Celestia explained. “One of the quietest towns in Equestria where nothing exciting or dangerous ever really happens, you can take the day off and enjoy yourselves.”

“But Princess,” one of the guards started to protest, only to be stopped when Celestia held up a hand.

“This is an order sirs. Take the day off and enjoy yourselves. I hear the apple cider in Ponyville’s bar is the best in Equestria. Go and have a few drinks, meet a few mares, and maybe even get lucky tonight.” The last suggestion was accompanied with a sly wink from the Princess before she walked away leaving the guards staring after her in complete disbelief.

“Are you sure it’s wise to leave your guard detail with the threat of Nightmare Moon just around the corner?” Sunset asked once they were on their way to Sweet Apple Acres.

“My guards are trained for protecting the kingdom and I against normal everyday threats from normal everyday enemies, there is very little they can do against Nightmare Moon. I won’t have them lose their lives for me in a battle I know they cannot win, I refuse to put their loved ones through that pain.”

Sunset suddenly stopped and turned to face her mentor with a thoughtful frown. “So how are you okay with me facing Nightmare Moon? I mean, sure I’ve been trained by some of the best magic teachers in Equestria in both defensive and offensive magic, before being taught by you, the most powerful being in Equestria...”

“You’ll also have the most powerful artifacts of magic on your side,” Celestia interrupted and placing a comforting hand on Sunset’s shoulder. “I know this is a daunting task for you Sunset Shimmer. I would face my sister’s dark side myself, even with my personal feelings of fighting against my own flesh and blood. But even if I wanted to, I can’t use the Elements of Harmony. And I can’t use my own magic to strip Luna of her darkness without killing her. One other thing, once the Elements of Harmony’s powers are restored they will be Equestria’s greatest defence, so we must keep them hidden and protected as our so called “allies” in other lands won’t be able to resist the temptation to get their hands on Equestrian magic.”

Sunset Shimmer held her satchel bag containing the Elements of Harmony closer to her body. “I promise to protect them with my life Princess!”

Celestia smiled and bent down to give her student’s forehead a motherly kiss. “Thank you Sunset. Now if only we had schedule to tell us when Applejack is supposed to be delivering her baked goods.”

Sunset grumbled some angry obscenities under her breath unbecoming of a Princess’ personal student before storming off down the path towards Applejack’s farm, her tail swishing a bit more violently then before. As the two mares walked to their destination, Sunset Shimmer couldn’t help but notice Celestia’s continuous snickering no doubt directed at her. She tried to put it to the back of her mind but the longer they walked the longer her mentor’s snickering kept bothering her. Finally she snapped. “What’s so funny?” Sunset demanded, glaring suspiciously at the princess.

Celestia’s expression instantly turned from one of amusement, to that of pure innocence as she tactfully changed the subject. “I’ve always loved coming to Ponyville during the warmer months of spring and summer. Canterlot city completely lacks the sweet fresh air. I really should come out here more often.”

“I would actually like that a lot,” Sunset said with genuine happiness.

Soon the wide open sky above them was replaced by the shady green tops of the Apple Family’s tree orchard and Sunset Shimmer breathed in the apple scented air. To her there was no better scent. Except of course when the apples were baked into delicious, and delectable treats. Soon the two mares heard the unmistakable thud of Applejack’s strong legs and heavy booted feet kicking apples from the trees and they followed the heavy thuds further into the orchard.

“Howdy there Princess,” Applejack greeted, before bursting out in hysterics when she saw Sunset Shimmer.

Sunset’s eyes widened in surprise at her friend’s sudden outburst and she looked at Celestia whose shoulders were shaking as she struggled to contain her own mirth. “What in Equestria has gotten into both of you?”

With great effort AJ got her laughter under enough control so she was able to talk. “You’re still wearing ya pajamas, and ya hair looks like a flock of birds made their nests in it.”

Sunset groaned with embarrassment as she realized she was in fact still dressed in her her favourite golden silk Pajamas with her cutiemark design sewn all over them. Sunset blushed brightly feeling self conscious at being seen like this.

She cast an accusing glare at her mentor, and began running her fingers through her mane to try and get rid of her pronounced bedhead, but it was a lost cause and she finally conceded her endeavors were in vain. “Why didn’t you say something to me before we left the library?”
Celestia’s grin grew wider. “Because this was far more amusing.”

Sunset’s horn glowed and with a bright flash of magic her pajamas were replaced with her favourite outfit consisting of faded denim jeans torn at the knees and upper thighs, a light blue shirt, and black leather jacket, she had also used the opportunity to make her mane more presentable.

Applejack leaned against one of her apple trees still grinning widely at Sunset Shimmer’s expense. “Ya actually looked pretty cute in ya PJs sugar cube.” Sunset shot her friend an annoyed glare.
“Not another word about this AJ. You too Celestia.”

“Ahm just teasing ya, sugar cube. No need ta get ya knickers in a twist. Anyway, it’s a good thing ya showed up when ya did, I could use some help getting these barrels of apples back ta the farm.” Applejack went to pick up one of the full barrels, and Sunset used her magic to gather all the baskets of harvested apples, before teleporting all three of them back to Applejack’s house. “Thanks for that Sunset.” Applejack said, “You can just put the apple barrels beside the front door.” The unicorn did as instructed but before she could make a move to leave, Applejack placed a hand on her shoulder. “Ya do realize you’re gonna be stayin’ for lunch don’t ya?”

Sunset stepped out of AJ’s reach only to have Celestia drape an arm around her shoulder to stop her from escaping. “We’d love to stay for lunch Applejack. As It would be a great chance to meet the rest of your wonderful family.”

“Unfortunately we’ve got a lot of things to do before the start of the Summer Sun Celebration, so we’re going to have to catch up later.” Sunset’s horn glowed and in a flash of her magic both she and the princess were back in Ponyville proper where everypony was doing something to get ready for the Summer Sun Celebration.

“That was a bit rude,” Celestia pouted. “I was actually looking forward to meeting with the rest of Applejack’s family.”

Sunset merely shrugged. “You should have thought of that before you let me walk out of the library dressed in my PJs.” She then began walking around town making sure the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration were going along smoothly.

“Correct me if am wrong, Sunset Shimmer” Celestia said breaking her student’s concentration. “But I’m fairly certain the weather forecast called for clear sunny skies today. I guess without the checklist we’ll never know.”

Sunset sighed and rolled her eyes. “Are you ever going to stop with the checklist jokes? I mean, sheesh, I know I’m forgetful of the little unimportant things, but I don’t need to map out every little detail of my life.”

Celestia smirked and nodded towards a cloud where Sunset spotted Rainbow Dash napping. “Isn’t that our rainbow maned weather pony who is supposed to be keeping the skies clear?”

“Yes it is,” Sunset muttered through gritted teeth, and she used her magic to evaporate the cloud Rainbow Dash was napping on. The pegasus gave a startled yelp as she suddenly woke up and found herself falling to the ground, she flared her wings and caught herself just in time to land gracefully. “Now that you’re up and about Rainbow Dash, you can explain why you haven’t cleared the skies yet.”

Rainbow gave a tired yawn and stretched out her body and wings revealing her graceful curves and well toned muscles that could only come from a life time of intense training to be a Wonder Bolt. Celestia bit her bottom lip as she allowed herself a moment to admire the young pegasus’ sexily toned body and got a painful jab in the ribs from Sunset Shimmer. “What?” Celestia whispered with annoyance.

“Stop eyeing up my friend!” Sunset muttered.

Celestia rubbed her ribs and glared down at her student. “But she’s hot.”

Sunset made a face. “You’re so much older than her!”

“I’m not that old,” Celestia huffed, and then her eyes widened as she realized what she had just said, and Sunset gave her a victorious smirk. “Shut up, I can still admire a hot mare or stallion if they happen to catch my eye.”

Sunset went to say something else, but Rainbow cleared her throat stopping the two mare’s argument. “You two do realize I can hear you, right? And as for the clouds Sunset, you know I can have them cleared in ten seconds flat.”

“Sooner would be better, Rainbow.” Sunset pointed out.

“On it!” Rainbow said, flaring her wings before shooting into the air and becoming a colorful blur as she decimated the cloud cover in the skies. Celestia gave a low whistle as she watched the weather pony do her work.

“I can see you were not joking when you told me your friend was the fastest pegasus in Equestria.”

“Just don’t go telling Rainbow that yourself, her ego’s already too big as it is. Now then, we just need to go check up on how Rarity’s doing with decorating the town hall, see how Fluttershy’s doing with her bird choir, and make sure Pinkie Pie hasn’t gone too overboard with the party preparations.”

Celestia paused and looked in the direction of Sugar Cube Corner. “Pinkie Pie? She’s the one that bakes the most delicious cakes I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting, would you mind if I...”

“Sure go ahead,” Sunset sighed. “I’ll catch up with you later when I’m done checking up on everything.”

Sunset shook her head sadly as she watched her mentor walk into Sugar Cube Corner to no doubt divulge in her love of cake, it seemed the Princess had yet to break free from her addiction of the frosted baked goods. Sunset put her worries for Celestia’s dress size aside and walked into the town hall just as Rarity was adding the finishing touches to a red ribbon decoration. Sunset noted with no real surprise that Spike was also there assisting the beautiful unicorn with her work. Well he would have been assisting had his entire focus not been on Rarity’s skinny jean covered ass.

Sunset gave the door a hard shove causing it to slam shut and brake the young dragon’s attention away from the sight of his crush’s flank. It also caused Rarity to give a startled yelp, and jump a mile in the air. “Sorry about that Rares, just been having a lot of frustration this morning.”

“It’s quite alright darling, I heard about you walking around Ponyville in your pajamas.” Rarity wilted under Sunset Shimmer’s glare that made it clear she wasn’t amused with that particular topic. “Anyway, I was really worried when you didn’t show up to check on my work this morning, but then Spike came along and explained how you were still sleeping because of all the late nights you’ve been having. By the way, I made some coffee for you when you stopped by. It’s over there on the snacks table.”

Sunset immediately levitated the large cup of coffee to herself and downed its entire contents in a few quick gulps not even caring that it was only lukewarm. She set the empty cup with a satisfied smile.“Thanks Rarity, I really needed that.”

“It’s my pleasure darling, though I really must protest to you pulling so many all nighters at once. Especially if it’s in the pursuit of trying to prove an old pony’s tale.”

“Actually I have proof that the Mare in the Moon is more than just a old mare’s tale.” Sunset pulled out the chest containing the Elements of Harmony and opened it with an “I told you so” look all over face. “Everypony thought these were just a legend as well, but as you can see they’re real.” Rarity gazed in disbelief at the gemstones in front of her, and her mouth opened and closed several times without saying anything. “All I have to do now is find a way to reactivate these Elements and I can use them to stop Nightmare Moon from bringing eternal night to Equestria.”

Rarity extended a hand to touch them and Sunset snapped the box closed before she could. “Sorry Rares, but these are essential to Equestria’s survival. So I can’t risk anything happening to them.”

“But darling, how on earth are you even going to reactivate them?”

Rarity’s question completely blindsided Sunset Shimmer and her shoulders slumped as she realized she hadn’t even given that particular problem very much thought. “I have absolutely no idea,” Sunset admitted. “Perhaps if I charged enough magic through them, they’ll reactivate?” Sunset shook her head dismissing that idea. “That wouldn’t work otherwise Celestia wouldn’t need my help, she’s powerful enough to do that on her own.” Sunset reopened the case and sat on a chair as she studied the precious gems in front of her.

After a while of observing her unicorn friend, Rarity gave up trying to figure out what as going through her mind and went about adding the final touches to her decorations in the town hall. “It’s just too bad you can’t simply activate them with your own magic, darling.”
Sunset sighed and closed the box once more. “Yeah that would...” Sunset’s eyes widened as an idea formed in her mind. “Actually work!”
“Begging your pardon, darling. But I distinctly remember you saying that using your magic to...”

“Not my magic!” Sunset Shimmer said vehemently. “Our magic! The magic that binds as all together.” Her statement was met with an uncomprehending stare from Rarity. With a frustrated sigh Sunset placed a hand on the unicorn’s shoulder and teleported them both to Sugar Cube Corner.

“Hi Sunset, hi Rarity!” Pinkie Pie greeted happily from the kitchen just as she pulled another cake from the oven. “The Princess and I were just sampling some of the cakes and other baked goods, and I gotta tell you they’re pretty amazing. Wanna try some?”
“Can’t right now Pinkie. Busy.” Without any other explanation Sunset Shimmer teleported away once more and reappeared back at Applejack’s farm. “AJ! Where are you! I need your help!”
“Ahm over here, Sunset. What’s wrong?”

Sunset didn’t waste time trying to navigate her way through the all the ponies at the Apple Family reunion, instead she just teleported right next to her friend and teleported them both back to Sugar Cube Corner. Sunset then teleported to the field outside of Fluttershy’s cottage. Her sudden appearance caused the timid pegasus to give a frightened squeal and dive behind a bush, which in turn caused the bird choir she was practicing with to fly away.

Sunset walked over to her hiding friend and held out a hand towards her. “Sorry about that Fluttershy, but I need your help with something very important that could save the fate of Equestria.” Fluttershy hesitantly took the unicorn’s outstretched hand and allowed herself to be pulled gently from the bush she was hiding behind. “I’m going to teleport us to Sugar Cube Corner, okay?”

Fluttershy gave a little whimper, but clenched her eyes shut and wrapped her arms tightly around Sunset Shimmer’s body. “Okay, I’m ready now.” Making sure to make the transition as smooth as possible for Fluttershy, she teleported them both back to Sugar Cube Corner where Rainbow Dash was casually leaning against the counter looking somewhat bored. Fluttershy noticing she was in a different location unclenched her arms from Sunset’s body and sat down at one of the empty tables.

“Now that we’re all here, mind telling us what’s going on?” Rainbow asked.

Sunset gave the pegasus a confused look. “I never bought you here...”

“No, but I saw you teleporting everypony else to Sugar Cube Corner. So I figured I’d save you the trouble of collecting me. Now mind telling us what we’re doing here?”

“I believe I may have found a way to reactivate the Elements of Harmony, which we can use to save Equestria from Nightmare Moon.”

Sunset glanced towards Celestia who gave her a warm smile and a nod of encouragement. “Now I know all of you have been skeptical of my theories regarding the return of Nightmare Moon, but I have proof that she’s more than just an old mare’s tale.” Sunset once more opened the chest containing the Element’s of Harmony and she showed her friends the gems it contained. “I have a theory that I can repower these Elements if they are wielded by somepony who best represents their qualities, and during the four years that I’ve been living here in Ponyville each of you have shown me the qualities of these Elements.”

Sunset levitated the Elements of Harmony from the chest and set the empty box down on a table. “When I first came to Ponyville was a bitch to all of you. Yet despite this, you all made your best efforts to befriend me even though you were all within your rights to hate me. Four years ago I was on a very dark and destructive path and it scares me to even think about the kind of mare I would be if it hadn’t been for the light each of you share guiding me away from that darkness.”

Sunset walked up to Fluttershy placing the yellow gem in the pegasus’ hand. “Fluttershy, when I first came to Ponyville I had no place of my own to live in. Everypony could tell I was a trouble maker and had no desire for me to live with them in their homes. But you were kind enough to see past my shortcomings and let me live with you until I could get on my feet. It was this kindness that stopped me from running away from Ponyville the very first chance I got.” Sunset gave the pegasus a fond smile while ruffling her mane affectionately.

She then stepped up to Rarity placing the purple gem in her hand. “Rarity, when I told Fluttershy I had no pajamas and she asked you to make me some, you agreed even though you were in the middle of finishing a massive clothes order. You not only generously gave me some of your precious time, you also gave up your rare gold imported silk to make me the best pajamas I’ve ever slept in. Your constant generosity has taught me to always think of others, and not just myself. Thank you.”

Applejack was next and Sunset handed her the orange gem. “Applejack, when you saw how badly I was treating everypony despite everything they were doing for me you were not afraid to step up and tell me how much of an ungrateful bitch I was. You then told me that I didn’t deserve the friendliness everypony was showing me, you said a few other things and you have no idea how badly your words hurt me.” Applejack looked down at the and was taken completely by surprise when Sunset hugged her. “But you also told I had so much to offer other ponies besides cruelty and pain. You told me it was up to me to decide if I was going to let the light you saw in me shine. If it wasn’t for your brutal honesty I would have never seen how wrong I was in my ways.”

Sunset continued hugging Applehack for a few more moments before using her magic to levitate Pinkie Pie from behind the kitchen counter. “Without you Pinkie Pie, I wouldn’t be here today. My heart was so full of sorrow and guilt for how badly I had hurt everypony that I believed I didn’t deserve any kind of happiness for myself. But it was your laughter and constant happiness that shone a light through my tunnel of darkness and guided me to the other side. Never stop laughing, Pinkie Pie.”

Sunset placed the pink gem in Pinkie’s hand and the party pony grabbed her in a massive affection filled death hug. “Can’t... Breath...” Pinkie let go of the unicorn with a sheepish smile, and Sunset turned to Rainbow.

“And finally Rainbow Dash the Element of Loyalty. When you and I had made arrangements for you to come to my graduation ceremony from Magic School to going into Celestia’s Advanced Studies of Magic, you had forgotten you also had a chance to try out for the Wonder Bolts on the same date. I thought for sure all of my friends would have been there except for you. But when I walked through the doors and saw you standing there smiling with everypony else happy to celebrate one of the biggest accomplishments of my life...” Sunset wiped away some tears that had escaped past her eyes despite her best efforts and placed the blue gem in Rainbow’s hand. “I will never forget the loyalty you showed me that day. Thank you.”

This time it was Celestia who grabbed the last Element of Harmony in her own magic. “And as for you Sunset Shimmer, very few ponies have ever shown enough abilities and aptitude for magic to become my personal student. And you are they very first pony to have ever made it into my advanced studies of magic.” Celestia placed the violet element in Sunset’s own hands. “I can think of none other who is more suited to represent the Element of Magic than yourself.”

As soon as the Element of Magic touched her skin a massive flood of warmth spread throughout her body like a raging river of fire, multicolored flames began flickering around the edges of the Element and everypony except for Celestia took an uncertain step backwards. The rainbow colored flames grew larger and more brighter fully engulfing her hand before shooting outwards in five different directions towards her friends. The flames hit the Elements of Harmony they were holding in their hands and spread up their arms before engulfing their entire bodies. Each of her friends gave a startled ‘eep’ and dropped their gems and the Elements hovered in the air in front of them.

Sunset grunted with exertion as she tried to contain the massive amounts of raw power coursing through her veins, but it was a losing battle, and when she opened her eyes they were shining with pure gold light and the multicolored flames pouring from the Elements of Harmony were swirling around them in a colorful tornado of magical fire. Suddenly each of the Element’s stones exploded into tiny shards of glass which then began reforming themselves into the image of her friend’s cutie marks set into into a golden necklace, and in Sunset’s case a crown. The tornado of flames suddenly descended upon the six mares pouring their powers into the new forms of Elements they
were wearing. Once the flams were gone, Sunset dropped into a nearby chair feeling both exhausted and rejuvenated at the same time.

“That was so awesome!” Rainbow exclaimed. “And we even get these cool necklace thingies of our cutie marks. Let’s do it again!”

“Absolutely not,” Celestia said sternly. “The powers you now wield are strictly for the protection and wellbeing of Equestria, there are many enemies of this kingdom who would love to get their hands on even one Element. And because they are now once again out in the open each of you must stick together and defend each other from those who would wish to exploit their powers.” Celestia sat down next to her tired student and wrapped a comforting wing around her. “Sunset Shimmer, you did extremely well today, but the day is not yet over and the threat of Nightmare Moon still remains. I wish I could assist you in the upcoming battle, but I’m afraid only the Elements of Harmony can stop Nightmare Moon without using lethal action.”

Sunset felt the warmth of her mentor’s embrace pulling her closer to the welcoming land of sleep and rest, but she reluctantly forced herself to stay awake as there were still the final preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration to be completed. With a small groan of disappointment, Sunset moved out from the feathery blanket of Celestia’s wing. “The Princess is right, girls. Now that we have a formidable defence against Nightmare Moon we need to stick together from now on so we can protect ourselves and Ponyville until Nightmare Moon is defeated.”

Applejack gave Sunset a confused look. “So are we still goin’ ahead with the Summer Sun Celebration?”

“Yes,” Celestia said, “Nightmare Moon won’t be able to resist making an appearance at this celebration, and when she does it will be up to the six of you to stop her. I must now leave you to begin lowering the last sun of the Spring season, I wish you all the best of luck tonight, and I’ll see you in the morning when it’s time for me to raise the first sun of summer.” In a blinding flash of magic Celestia disappeared leaving Sunset and her friends alone in the bakery.