Friendship Rising

Chapters

Prologue
Good-byes and Hellos
The Mare in the Moon
The Trials of Many
Home Sweet Home
Oh Deer
But I'm Fawn'd of Puns
Business as Usual

Prologue

Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer were sisters. They were not always that way. Sunset Shimmer had grown up in another world, as a completely different species. She had come to Equestria through a magic portal, and was forced to find her way there. But, she was soon adopted by the family of Twilight Sparkle, and the two mares became students of Princess Celestia.

They were enjoying their break, by getting in some light reading. Spike, the baby dragon that Twilight had hatched, was with them. His dragon fire allowed the two mares to have quick correspondence to Princess Celestia. He then did just that, delivering a book and letter from the princess. Spike opened up the letter and read, "Dear my faithful students, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer, I know that it is now a break from the school year. During this break, I would like for both of you to at least read this book. You both will find it very interesting. Princess Celestia."

Both mares were very interested in the book, and opened it before even looking at the title. The mares decided to read outloud, so they could do so together. Sunset started off, "'Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her alicorn magic to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies.' Huh, I thought there was only one pony who controlled the sun, Princess Celestia."

Twilight then continued reading, "'But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger alicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon."

"Well, from what I've heard, that sounds an awful lot like the other me. Except different.," Sunset said.

"Yes, because you are one over the best ponies I know," Twilight replied, before continuing to read, "'She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponykind: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister, and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both..."

"'...sun and moon..." Sunset continued with her sister, before going on alone, "...and harmony has been maintained in Equestria for generations since.' Hmm... Elements of Harmony. I know I've heard of those before... but where?"

"Maybe in one of the books at our study?" Twilight suggested.

"Maybe, let's go," Sunset said. "C'mon Spike!"

[Cue Theme]

While Twilight and Sunset were running to their study, when they ran into Twinkleshine, Minuette, and Lemon Hearts. Not literally of course, that would have been rather unfortunate.

"Twilight! Sunset! There you are! Moondancer is having a party later, in the west castle courtyard. Do you want to come?" Twinkleshine said.

"Oh, sorry. I have a lot of studying to catch up on," Twilight said.

"Yeah. I wish we could go. We kinda found something that seems important. If it turns out to be nothing, we will come, right Twilight?" Sunset said.

"Right, I guess," her sister responded.

"I'll make sure to at least send Moondancer some gifts," Sunset said, before running off after her sister.

"Do those ponies do anything but study? I think that they're more interested in books than friends," Twinkleshine asked.

"I know they don't, but it did seem important. They probably got a letter from the princess or something," Minuette replied.

Twilight and Sunset burst into their study, Spike on Twilight's back. "Spike, do you know where that old copy of Prediction and Prophecies is?" Twilight asked.

"I'll check," he said, before he, Twilight, and Sunset began searching the library.

While searching, Sunset gathered up a few things, and Twilight glanced her way. "Just getting stuff for Moondancer in case we can't make it," Sunset defended.

"Okay, fine," Twilight said.

Spike then pulled out the book. "Twilight, I found it," he yelled.

Twilight levitated it over, along with Spike, but, before he could fall, Sunny caught him in her magic.

"Ah! Elements, Elements, E, E, E... Aha! Elements of Harmony, see: Mare in the Moon?" Twilight said.

"Mare in the Moon? But that's just an old ponies' tale," Spike said.

Sunset rushed over to her sister, and turned the pages. "Mare, mare... aha! 'The Mare in the Moon, myth from olden pony times. A powerful pony who wanted to rule Equestria, defeated by the Elements of Harmony and imprisoned in the moon. Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternal!'" Sunset read.

Twilight gasped. "Sunset, do you know what this means?" she asked her sister.

"That Nightmare Moon will be returning shortly?" Sunset replied.

"Yes. Spike, take a note," Twilight said, and then dictated. "Our dearest teacher, our continuing studies of pony magic have led us to discover that we are on the precipice of disaster!"

Sunset continued, "For you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Nightmare Moon, and she's about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night! Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true. We await your quick response. Your faithful students, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer."

Spike then finished the message, before rolling it up. "You want me to send it now, don't you?" he said.

"How'd you guess?" Sunset asked.

"One, the precipice for disaster, and two, that you two never want to wait for sending anything, and three, I know you're being sarcastic Sunset," he responded.

"Good," she said. "Besides, it's imperative that she get this, for the longest night of the thousandth year is tomorrow night. If Nightmare Moon does return, there may be no Summer Sun Celebration."

Spike then rolled it up and sent it. "All right, all sent. Though I would probably go to Moondancer's party, I wouldn't expect a reply for at least a few hours."

"I agree, the Princess normally doesn't read our letters until the evening meals," Sunset responded.

"Yes, but I know that she will respond. In all our years of being our mentor, the princess has never once doubted the word of both of us," Twilight said.

"Well..." Sunset started to say, before Spike breathed out a letter.

"Well that was fast," Twilight said. "But I knew she would want to take immediate action. Sunset, I guess you'll just have to send those gifts to Moondancer."

"Okay, fine. Give me a second," Sunset said before teleporting the presents away. "So, what did she say?"

"My dearest, most faithful students, Sunset and Twilight. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely, well, as long as you're not joking," Spike started reading.

Twilight's mouth hung open.

"See, I told you," Sunset said.

"...But you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!" Spike continued.

Sunset and Twilight both gasped.

"My dear Twilight and Sunset, there is more to a young pony's life than studying, so I'm sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location: Ponyville. And, I have an even more essential task for the both of you to complete: make some friends!" Spike finished.

"Looks like we're going to Ponyville," Sunset said.

"I guess so," Twilight said.

"I'm sure the princess has things handled, Twi," Sunset encouraged her sister.

"I guess so, but don't I have enough friends? I have you and Spike!" Twilight defended herself.

"If Princess Celestia thinks it's important, it must be," Sunset said. "Besides, that was one of the other Sunset's downfalls, not having friends."

"I guess so, well then, let's pack. I believe we'll be leaving first thing tomorrow morning," Twilight said, and then the three began packing.

Author's Note

And so begins the second book of my Rising Universe. Picking up right where the epilogue of The Sunset Also Rises left off!

Spike knows the words Twilight is telling him, don't let the show tell you otherwise. He grew up with Twilight Sparkle, aka Book Horse. I also added stuff about Moony's party. It's not too sad for her now. Also, classic Sunset sarcasm. I love it!

Pro tip: hit both links, for Cue and Theme. I may have put different themes in there.

I hope everyone enjoys this, as they have

Good-byes and Hellos

Twilight woke up the next morning, to find that her sister was not in her bed. She yawned, and then remembered the previous day. "Oh, right, I'm supposed to be going to Ponyville today with Sunny," she said to herself. She then made her way downstairs to find Sunset in the kitchen.

"Morning, Twi," Sunset said.

"Morning, Sunset," Twilight responded. She then sniffed. "Are you making pancakes?"

"Yes I am, for two reasons. One, and more importantly, it's been five years since you all found me in Manehatten, and offered to take me to Canterlot for the Summer Sun Celebration. Second, we're leaving today, at least for a little bit. Might as well have one last meal as a family before leaving," Sunset said.

"Oh, right!" Twilight said, remembering. "Happy five years, sis." Twilight then hugged Sunset.

Sunset hugged her sister back. "Happy five years, Twi," she said. "Now, I think Mom, Dad, and Shiny should be up soon."

"Probably, I'll go set the table," Twilight offered.

"Thanks, Twi."

The rest of their family slowly trickled down, and when everypony was down, Sunset served breakfast. "Happy five years, everypony," she said with a smile.

"Happy five years," they all said, before digging in.

Shining looked up. "So, Ponyville?"

"Yeah. The princess wants us to help with preparations there," Sunset said.

"Even though there could be a great evil returning to Equestria," Twilight added.

"What?" Shining asked.

Spike, however, wasn't paying attention. "Thanks for these gemstone pancakes, Sunset," he said.

"No problem, Spike," Sunny said, and then turned to her older brother. "And, from what Twilight and I have read, Nightmare Moon is returning basically tonight. But, the princess told us not to worry about it."

"She said it wasn't true," Twilight said.

"Not exactly, she just told us to stop reading those dusty old books. She probably can handle it herself. And she also has the E. U. P., to help handle thing," Sunset pointed out.

"True," Shining said. "But, I haven't been notified of anything."

"Aren't you supposed to become the captain of the Royal Guard in about a month?" Sunset asked.

"Yeah, ten moons from today," he replied.

"So, it's probably fine. If not, we'll magic our way to victory," Sunny joked.

"Yeah, maybe if we can find the Elements of Harmony," Twilight quipped back.

"Well, I suppose, if it comes to that, we must go and find them," Sunset said.

"But, in the meantime, you two must be getting to Ponyville. I expect to see you in a few days, unless somehow you must stay there. Then I'm sure you'll be at my promotion," Shining said.

"I guess I'll go pack," Twilight said before heading up. Sunset, however, stayed down.

"So, when are you going to ask her?" Sunset asked Shining once Twilight was out of earshot.

"What?" Shining said.

"You've had that goofy grin on your face all morning. You've finally decided to ask Cadance, haven't you?"

"How did you? Never mind. Yes I have. She had to go do something for the Summer Sun Celebration. Said it was classified. So, when she gets back, I'm bringing her on a date and asking her then," Shining said.

"I was wondering how long it would take you to finally do it, and I'm not oblivious to that stuff like Twilight," Sunset said.

"She's too busy reading," Shining laughed.

"Yeah. At least now she'll be getting out some. As long as she doesn't close herself in," Sunset said.

"True. Where are you staying anyways?" Shiny asked.

"A library. Good thing the princess sent us a list of things to do. Otherwise, she might not leave," Sunset laughed.

"Of course. But have don't have too good of a time without me, okay?"

Sunset put her lip out into a pout. "Fine. But I make no promises."

"Sunny! Are you packed yet?" Twilight shouted from the bedroom.

"Not yet," Sunset shouted in reply. "I better pack. We're leaving in less than an hour," Sunset said to her brother.

"Okay. And don't forget to pack your toothbrush," Shiny said with a smirk on his face.

"I don't think I'll be forgetting anything. I'm going with Twilight, remember?" Sunset replied.

"Right," Shining said before Sunset headed up the stairs.

Sunset and Twilight headed to Ponyville on a royal chariot, along with Spike.

"So, do we have a plan about checking on the preparations?" Sunset asked.

"Of course," Twilight responded. "First we will check on the baking preparations, as that has the most to check beforehand. Then, the weather, though that should not be a problem. After that, we should go check on how the decorating is going. Last, we will check on the music, as that would seem to need to take the most preparations. Then we can go do some research in the library!"

"Sounds good," Sunset said. "But when were we going to do the friend making we were told to do?"

"Well, I want to be prepared if Celestia isn't able to defeat Nightmare Moon. And I doubt the fate of Equestria depends on us making friends," Twilight replied.

"Says the purple unicorn who uses magic for daily use and who also has a dragon as a close friend," Sunset said.

"Just because unicorns are mythical in your world says nothing about this one. Hay, magic hardly exists there, if at all, and friendship is there. There is no way that friendship is a powerful magic that could help us defeat Nightmare Moon," Twilight replied.

"But, who is more likely to win, somebody all alone, or a group of ponies standing together?" Sunset said.

"But, there is a weakness from a group as well, that they have to worry about each other. And you said somebody, somepony might notice that," Twilight said.

"I guess both have strengths and weaknesses. And, honestly, I'm still kinda surprised that you all say somepony instead of somebody. Ponies have bodies, and, if you think about it, somepony is actually more exclusive. For example, Spike is a dragon, not a pony. Thus, he would be included in somebody but not somepony," Sunset replied to her sister, before they landed.

"True. But, you still are bound to get odd looks," Twilight said as they got off.

Sunset turned to the royal guards that brought them. "Thank you," she said, and then they proceeded to fly off.

The two mares and the dragon then began to walk. "Maybe the ponies here have some cool stuff to talk about," Spike said.

"Yeah, it is a more quaint place than Canterlot, so the conversations will be different. Probably less snooty," Sunset agreed.

"Well, I may as well give it a shot, how hard could it be?" Twilight said.

"That's the spirit," Spike said.

The three then walked up to a pink pony with a poofy mane, and Sunny nudged her sister.

"Um, hello, I'm-" Twilight started, before being cut off by a loud gasp from the pink pony, who then practically flew off, despite being an earth pony.

Sunset shrugged. "You can't win them all, I guess," she said.

"That certainly was different than what we would have seen in Canterlot," Twilight admitted, before continuing to walk.

Sunset and Spike quickly followed. "So, you said that we were checking up on food first?" Sunset asked.

"Yes, at Sweet Apple Acres," Spike said, pulling out the list.

"And we know we're headed the right way because?" Sunset said.

"Because I memorized a map of Ponyville before we came here so that way we could get everything done more efficiently," Twilight said.

"Of course you did," Sunset said, rolling her eyes.

The three then made their way to Sweet Apple Acres, to find an orange pony, who was bucking trees to get apples down.

"Good afternoon," Twilight said, and the other pony turned around. "My name is Twilight Sparkle, and this is my sister, Sunset, and Spike," she introduced.

"Well howdy, I'm Applejack. It sure is good to meet y'all," the mare said, giving a firm but short hoofshake to Twilight, Sunset, and Spike. "So, what can I do for ya?"

Sunset stepped forward. "We're here to check on the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration tomorrow. Are you in charge of food, or is there somepony else we have to talk to?"

"My family is," Applejack replied. "Would you care to sample some?"

Twilight shrugged. "Why not?" Sunset said.

"Well then, I'll introduce you to everypony, follow me," the earth pony said.

When they arrived at the house, Applejack called her family. "We just had our annual reunion last month, but some decided to stay here after learning that Princess Celestia would be coming, all thought they could lend a hoof. And they sure have."

Twilight cast Sunset a look, that basically said that she was in a hurry, and couldn't really stay, but Sunset was not having it, knowing full well that the checklist would not take them very long.

Applejack then introduced her family, ending with, "Big Macintosh, my older brother, Apple Bloom, my little sister, and Granny Smith."

"Howdy," Granny said, because she most certainly would not fall asleep while helping out with a big festival.

"Well, I can see that things are handled here, so we'll be on our way," Twilight said.

"Aren't you gonna stay for lunch?" Apple Bloom asked, with an adorable sad face.

Twilight hesitated. "How could you say no to this, Twi?" Sunset asked. "Of course we'll stay. Though, I must warn you, we had a big breakfast," Sunset said with a smile.

"Now that food is all taken care of, next up is weather," said Spike.

"I think I ate too much pie," Twilight groaned.

"I told you to go light, you already had a big breakfast," Sunset said.

"Thanks, mom."

"What? Can't I look out for my little sister?"

Twilight huffed.

"There's supposed to be a pegasus taking care of the weather, one Rainbow Dash. She's supposed to be clearing the clouds," Spike said.

Sunset and Twilight looked up. "Why just one pegasus?" Sunset asked.

"Probably because light weather was already ordered for today, but, she doesn't seem to be doing a good job, does she?" Twilight said, already annoyed that her research time had been cut into.

Just then, a streak came flying down, which Sunset narrowly avoided being run into by quickly teleporting away. However, Twilight wasn't so lucky. Though it was less of a crash, and more like a tackle. Unfortunately, with less mass to slow the impact, the two rolled into a puddle of mud.

Rainbow laughed sheepishly after getting off Twilight. "Uh, 'scuse me?" she said.

Twilight only responded with a groan, and started to get up.

"Let me help you," Rainbow said, quickly grabbing a cloud and hopping on it to allow it to rain on Twilight, though pour would be a more appropriate word, and soaking Twilight.

"Oops, I guess I overdid it," Rainbow laughed."Um, uh, how about this? My very own patented Rain-Blow Dry! No no. Don't thank me. You're quite welcome." Rainbow made tight circles around Twilight, blow drying her, and poofing her mane up. By this time Sunset and Spike had joined in on the laughter.

"Let me guess, you're Rainbow Dash," Twilight said, even more annoyed than she was before.

"The one and only. Why? You heard of me?" Rainbow asked.

"Or maybe it was obvious by your mane," Sunset said.

"Oh, that too, but you had to have heard my name somewhere," Rainbow replied.

"We heard that you were supposed to be keeping the sky clear," Twilight said. "I'm Twilight Sparkle, and this is Sunset Shimmer, my sister, and we were sent here by the Princess to check up on everything, including the weather, which is not how it is supposed to be."

"Yeah, yeah, that'll be a snap. I'll do it in a jiffy. Just as soon as I'm done practicing," Rainbow said, making a loop-de-loop.

"And does running into my sister count as practice?" Sunset said.

"Well, it was more supposed to be a tackle hug for the both of you," Rainbow said sheepishly. "What was supposed to happen was I tackled you and then we stopped at her, but you teleported out of the way."

"Fine," Sunset replied. "But what even are you practicing for?"

"The Wonderbolts! They're gonna perform at the Celebration tomorrow, and I'm gonna show 'em my stuff!" Rainbow exclaimed.

"The Wonderbolts?" Twilight asked.

"Yup."

"The most talented flyers in all of Equestria?" Twilight said. Sunset suddenly realized what Twilight was doing.

"Exactly!" Rainbow said.

"And you think they're just going to accept a pegasus who can't keep the sky clear for one day?" Sunset said.

"Please. I could clear this sky in ten seconds flat," Rainbow replied.

"Prove it," Sunset challenged.

Sure enough, ten seconds later, the sky was clear. "What did I tell you? Ten. Seconds. Flat. I'd never leave Ponyville hanging," Rainbow said.

"Impressive. Most impressive," Sunset said.

Twilight, however, was dumbfounded.

"You should see your faces. Can't wait to hang out some more," Rainbow said, before flying off.

"Wow," Spike said.

Twilight was only more annoyed. "Sis, your mane's not bad. I've seen a lot worse. Besides, it looks kinda cute on you," Sunset said to Twilight.

"You're only saying that because you're my sister, not because it's actually true," Twilight said.

"Who's to say it can't be both?" Sunset replied.

They then walked into town hall. "Next, decorations," Spike said, before looking up, and seeing Rarity. "Beautiful," he muttered.

"Yes, the décor is coming along nicely. This ought'a be quick. I'll be at the library in no time. Beautiful indeed," Twilight responded.

But Sunset was paying a bit more attention. "I don't think he's talking about the décor, Twi," she said.

"No, no, goodness no," the mare working muttered to herself.

"How are my spines, are they straight?" Spike asked.

Twilight just continued walking. "Yes, they're straight, Spike. But don't get too caught up in looks. Appearances can be deceiving," Sunset said.

"Good afternoon-" Twilight started.

"Just a moment, please! I'm 'in the zone', as it were. Oh, yes! Sparkle always does the trick, does it not? Though shimmer does work too. Why, Rarity, you are a talent. Now, um, how can I help yo--" Rarity said, before yelling. "Oh my stars, darling! Whatever happened to your coiffure?!"

"Oh, you mean my mane? Well, it's a long story. I'm just here to check on the decorations, and then I'll be out of your mane," Twilight said.

"Out of my mane? What about your mane?!" Rarity exclaimed, before pushing Twilight along.

"Wait! Where are we going?! Help!" she said, but continued to allow herself to be pushed.

Sunset only laughed and followed, along with a lovestruck Spike.

They wound up in Rarity's Boutique, where she was fitting clothes on Twilight, which Sunset found absolutely hilarious.

"You were telling me where you were from?" Rarity asked.

"Yes, we were sent from Canterlot, so that we could check on the preparations," Sunset explained.

Rarity gasped. "Canterlot?! Oh, I am so envious! The glamour, the sophistication! I have always dreamed of living there! I can't wait to hear all about it! We are gonna be the best of friends, you and I... Emeralds?! What was I thinking? Let me get you some rubies!" Rarity exclaimed, not truly thinking.

"Quick! Let's go. Before she decides to dye my coat a new color," Twilight said.

"I don't know. Personally, I think maybe amber would look good on you," Sunset laughed.

Twilight rolled her eyes before they left.

"Wasn't she wonderful?" Spike asked.

"Focus, Casanova. What's next on the list?" Sunset said.

Both Twilight and Spike gave her a confused look.

"Nevermind," Sunset said.

"Next up is music," Spike said. "And it's the last thing on the list."

They heard a beautiful song coming from a group of birds.

As they came closer, they saw a yellow pegasus with a pink mane. "Oh my. Um, stop please, everyone, umm. Excuse me, sir? I mean no offense, but your rhythm is just a teeny-tiny bit off. Now, follow me, please. A-one, a-two, a-one two three-" she said in a hushed tone.

"Hello," Twilight said, scaring the birds off. "Oh my, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to frighten your birds. I'm just here to check up on the music and it's sounding beautiful."

Sunset then stepped forward. "I'm Sunset Shimmer, and this is my sister, Twilight Sparkle, and Spike should be around here somewhere," she said, introducing them. Spike, however, was behind a bush, daydreaming. "What's your name?"

"I'm Fluttershy," the pegasus whispered.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" Sunset asked.

"My name is Fluttershy," the pegasus whispered, even softer than before.

"I didn't quite catch that," Sunset said.

The pegasus only squeaked in response, leaving for an awkward moment.

Twilight also felt awkward, so she said, "sell, um, it looks like your birds are back, so I guess everything's in order. Keep up the good work!" She then turned around with Sunset, and began to walk. "Well, that was easy."

"Yeah. Where'd Spike go?" Sunset asked. "Spike?"

Spike came to his senses, and walked out from behind the bush, into Fluttershy's line of sight. She gasped. "A baby dragon," she said, in a soft but excited tone, and rushed over, avoiding the sisters. "Oh, I've never seen a baby dragon before. He's sooo cute!"

"Well well well," Spike said, with some pride.

"Oh my, he talks. I didn't know dragons could talk. That's just so incredibly wonderful I, I just don't even know what to say!" Fluttershy said.

"Well, in that case, I guess we better be going," Twilight said.

"Wait, wait! What's his name?" Fluttershy asked.

"I'm Spike."

"Hi Spike, I'm Fluttershy. Wow, a talking dragon! And what do dragons talk about?" she asked.

"Well, what do you wanna know?" Spike answered.

"Absolutely everything," she replied.

"Reminds me of someone else who wants to know everything," Sunset said.

"Spike, you better give her the abridged version. We don't have very long," Twilight said.

"Well... I started out as a cute little purple egg..." he started.

And so he talked, all the way to the library. " ..and that's the story of my whole entire life! Well, up until today. Do you wanna hear about today?" he finished.

"Oh yes," Fluttershy said.

"I am so sorry, how did we get here so fast? This is where I'm staying while in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep," Twilight interrupted.

"Twi, I don't think that will work. She does seem like an animal expert, after all," Sunset said.

"Fine," Twilight said. "But, we really do have things to do," Twilight said.

"Okay," Fluttershy replied.

Then, Sunset, Twilight, and Spike headed inside the library. But, for some reason, the lights were turned off.

The lights then turned on, revealing a ton of ponies. "Surprise!" they shouted.

The pink pony from earlier trotted up to them. "Surprise!" she said. "Hi, I'm Pinkie Pie, and I threw this party just for you! Were you surprised? Were ya? Were ya? Huh huh huh?"

"Very surprised. Libraries are supposed to be quiet," Twilight replied.

"Ponies don't normally stay the night in libraries either," Sunset pointed out.

"Not helping," Twilight said.

"Well, being quiet would be silly! What kind of welcome party would this be if it were quiet? I mean, duh, bo-ring! Y'see, I saw you when you first got here, remember? You were all "hello" and I was all [deep gasp], remember? Y'see I've never saw you before and if I've never saw you before that means you're new, 'cause I know everypony, and I mean everypony in Ponyville!" Pinkie rambled.

Twilight groaned at this, but Pinkie only continued. "And if you're new, that meant you haven't met anyone yet, and if you haven't met anyone yet, you must not have any friends, and if you don't have any friends then you must be lonely, and that made me so sad, then I had an idea, and that's why I went [deep gasp]! I must throw a great big ginormous super-duper spectacular welcome party and invite everyone in Ponyville! See? And now you have lots and lots of friends!"

While she was speaking, Twilight poured herself a cup of something. Fortunately, Sunset noticed it was hot sauce. "Um, Twi. You know that's," Sunset started, but, it was already too late. "-hot sauce," Sunset finished.

Twilight started to tear up, it was too hot for her.

"Are you alright, sugarcube?" Applejack asked.

"See, she's so happy she's crying," Pinkie said.

Twilight ran upstairs.

"At least I saved her from the quesadilla," Sunset muttered, before following her sister.

Pinkie then poured the hot sauce on a cupcake, and ate it. "What, it's good," she said.

Author's Note

Ah yes, the first actual chapter of Friendship Rising. I especially liked the beginning. After that, however, it got difficult. How to recapitulate events without boring the audience? It is hard to read something you have already watched. Recently, I watched the first episode. And it made me cringe so much. The characters felt so one dimensional and out of character in the first part. So, I fixed things, and made things match with their actual characters, rather than having them fit basic stereotypical molds, like Granny falling asleep. Sunset's addition also made things better. With her sarcasm, she could liven up scenes. I also had to smooth out awkward transitions, like the jumping from one scene to another but continuing the same sentence. Yes, the show did that at one point.

A pure copy paste episode with some additions can be boring. But, livening things up can make it better and more interesting. That is something "Sunset Shimmer is Mad about Everything" did well. But, whoever said that the outcome would be the same?

Anyways, I hope everyone enjoys this!

The Mare in the Moon

Sunset found Twilight upstairs, in what was their shared room. "You okay?" she asked.

"If you're asking about the hot sauce, then yes," Twilight said. "I should have been paying more attention."

"And about everything else?" Sunny prodded.

"I... I don't know. Yes, the princess told us to make friends, but I cannot help but worry. And we both know I'm not good with others. I was hoping to get some more research on the Elements of Harmony, but everypony else has kept me distracted from doing so," Twilight admitted.

"Both the princess and I know that you worry. Perhaps the reason she wanted you, she wanted us, to make friends so we wouldn't worry as much. Twi, I understand that in the hardest of times we need other people, I mean ponies, to help lift us up. You, Shiny, mom, and dad all did that for me. Now, Princess Celestia is encouraging us to make friends, friends who will do the same for us. I don't understand friendship, but, before I met you, I didn't really understand family," Sunset said, before grinning. "Besides, why not also make this party a celebration of when we met?"

Twilight smiled back at her sister. "You're right," she said. "Yes, legend may say that on the longest day of the thousandth year that the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring eternal night, but, you're right about the princess too, that she is quite capable."

"Besides," Sunset said, looking up. "The Mare in the Moon is still in the moon."

Twilight looked up. "But, she may not stay that way."

"Let's just enjoy ourselves some, okay Twi?"

"Okay."

And so the two sisters headed downstairs.

"We have come to party!" Sunset announced.

"Yippee!" Pinkie exclaimed, pulling them into a hug.

"Plus, we have another reason to celebrate today," Sunset said.

"Ooohhh, what is it?" Pinkie asked.

"Can't... breathe..." Twilight squeezed out.

"Oopsie," Pinkie said, before letting go.

"Today is the five year anniversary of when Twi and I met," Sunset said.

"Really?" Pinkie said. "But how?"

"I'm adopted," Sunset explained.

"Ohhhhh. Well then, happy five year meetiversary!" Pinkie said, before somehow making a banner that said, "Happy Five Year Meetiversary Sunset and Twilight!"

"How?" Sunset said with jaw on the floor.

"Well, from what I've heard people say, 'don't question it, it's Pinkie Pie,'" Pinkie said.

"Huh," Sunset said.

After a night of celebration, which was mostly calm, due to the ponies not wanting to tire themselves out, it was almost time for the Summer Sun Celebration.

Once they were all there, Pinkie could not contain herself. "Isn't this exciting? Are you excited, 'cause I'm excited, I've never been so excited-- well, except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went," Pinkie paused and gasped. "But I mean really, who can top that?"

"I'm sure you'll find out one day," Sunset said.

The guards then fanfare, introducing Mayor Mare. "Fillies and gentlecolts, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of the Summer Sun Celebration!" she announced.

At this, everypony cheered with excitement.

"In just a few moments, our town will witness the magic of the sunrise, and celebrate this, the longest day of the year!" she continued.

Twilight, despite Sunset's reassurances, was still nervous. She looked up at the moon, worried. She then saw the stars coming together, seemingly on top of the moon, and she nudged Sunset, silently urging her to look up. Sunset obliged, as they both saw the Mare in the Moon disappear. They glanced at each other nervously, knowing what just had happened.

Despite this, as nopony else had noticed, the mayor continued, "and now, it is my great honor to introduce to you the ruler of our land, the very pony who gives us the sun and the moon each and every day, the good, the wise, the bringer of harmony to all of Equestria, Princess Celestia!"

Right before the princess was announced, the birds sung out in glorious song. However, when the curtain opened, there was nopony there.

"This can't be good," Sunset said, as ponies started muttering among themselves.

"Remain calm, everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation," Mayor Mare assured.

Pinkie jumped up and down excitedly, "ooh, ooh, I love guessing games! Is she hiding?"

Rarity looked around the area, and saw no sign of the princess. "She's gone," she said.

Ponies began panicking even more so than they already had.

"Ooh, she's good," Pinkie said, still thinking this was a game. Or perhaps she was trying to lighten the mood.

Then, a trail of blue smoke came together in the form of a black alicorn with light blue armor on. The crowd stilled at this, worried.

"Oh no, Nightmare Moon," Twilight whispered, as Spike proceeded to faint and fall off of her back.

"Oh, my beloved subjects. It's been so long since I've seen your precious little sun-loving faces," the new alicorn said.

"What did you do with our Princess?!" Rainbow Dash demanded, not caring whether or not she was an alicorn, just that Princess Celestia was gone, and she was the main suspect.

"Whoa there, Nelly," AJ said, grabbing Rainbow's tail with her teeth to prevent her from doing anything rash.

"Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?" the alicorn asked.

"I don't care if you are an alicorn," Rainbow shouted.

"Ooh, ooh, more guessing games! Um, Hokey Smokes! How about Queen Meanie! No! Black Snooty, Black Snooty," Pinkie said, knowing that names and personalities quite often matched, before having a cupcake shoved in her mouth by Applejack.

The black alicorn continued, "does my crown no longer count now that I have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Did you not see the signs of my return?"

We did. And we know who you are. You're the Mare in the Moon, Nightmare Moon," Twilight and Sunset said in unison.

Everypony gasped in shock at that. They thought Nightmare Moon was just a tale for scares on Nightmare Night, not an actual pony.

"Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here," Nightmare Moon said.

Twilight nervously replied, "you're here to, to." She gulped, not able to truly say it.

"Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!" Nightmare Moon exclaimed, before laughing maniacally.

"Seize her! Only she knows where the Princess is," Mayor Mare said.

"Stand back, you fools," Nightmare said, before exiting the same way she came.

Rainbow finally got loose of Applejack's grip. "Come back here," she said, but she was too late. "Nighttime? Forever? Where are they going?" she asked, seeing Twilight and Sunset run off.

When Sunset and Twilight arrived at the library, Spike woke up and mumbled, "we gotta stop Nightmare."

"You've been up all night, Spike. You are a baby dragon after all," Twilight said, laying him down, and then proceeding to search the library on for a book on the Elements of Harmony. She knew she brought the book from the princess with her, but she sat it down, and assumed somepony had put it in with the library books, not thinking. "Elements, elements, elements. How can we stop Nightmare Moon without the Elements of Harmony?"

Sunset was about to speak up, when Rainbow burst in, followed by Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. "And just what are the Elements of Harmony? And how did you two know about Nightmare Moon, huh? Are you spies?" Rainbow questioned, before AJ cut in.

"Simmer down, sugarcube. They ain't spies. But they sure know what's going on. Don't y'all?"

"We read all about the prediction of Nightmare Moon. Some mysterious objects called the Elements of Harmony are the only things that can stop her, but we don't know what they are, where to find them; we don't even know what they do," Sunset explained, keeping her composure more than Twilight.

"The Elements of Harmony: A Reference Guide," Pinkie said, pulling said book out.

How did you find that?" Twilight asked.

"It was under 'E,' Pinkie sang out.

"I thought it was supposed to be organized by author's last name," Twilight said in frustration.

Sunset picked up the book, and read, "there are seven Elements of Harmony, but only five are known: Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. And the seventh has never been used before, so it is even more mysterious than even the sixth. It is said, the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters. It is located in what is now the Everfree Forest."

"Well then, I guess we better be going. Come on, Sunset," Twilight said.

"Hang on there. We ain't letting you two go alone," Applejack said.

"Thanks, but we're not alone, we have each other," Twilight responded.

"Darling, do you really think that we would let you go without anypony but the two of you?" Rarity pointed out.

Twilight was about to speak up, when Sunset asked, "do all of you insist with coming with us?"

All five of them confirmed that they did.

"Then I guess we best be off, all of us," Sunset said, before they all left to go to the Everfree Forest.

Author's Note

Ah yes. Finally, another chapter of this. It's been a couple weeks. Well, last week was spring break, so I didn't really have as much internet access as I'm used to, and I prefer writing on desktop. But, I still plan on updating regularly.

Before anyone points out that Nightmare Moon says foals in the show, first, my fic, my rules. Second, the fools vs foals argument. Fools is indeed used in the show, foal is not some witty horse pun. Most the time when I see foolish in the show, it can mean childish. Fools know better, children/foals do not.

Remember, since this is my fic, any number of things could happen, we don't truly know the outcome.

Anyways, I hoped you all enjoyed it, and will see you in the comments section probably. :trollestia:

The Trials of Many

It was dark out. Why was it still dark out? Where was the princess? Wasn't she supposed to be in Ponyville with Twilight and Sunset? Were his sisters right about the return of Nightmare Moon?

These thoughts plagued Shining Armor as he paced about. While the Princess was away, he was in charge of guarding the Canterlot Palace. However, he was able to keep his pacing as a march, keeping up appearances. He wished that he could help his sisters in some way, knowing that they would be looking for the Elements of Harmony. But, he knew the best thing he could do was stay his post. If Nightmare Moon had indeed returned, he could at least keep her from taking the castle, or at least delay her enough to buy his sisters more time.

But, his thoughts strayed elsewhere, to his marefriend, Princess Cadance. She had been sent on some sort of mission, though he knew not what. Perhaps it was some backup plan to defeat Nightmare Moon. Or perhaps it was to keep her safe and hidden.

Then, a letter appeared in front of him. First checking for any wards or traps on the letter, and then, finding none, he opened it.

Dear Shining Armor,

By now I am sure you are aware that the sun has not risen, but that it is still night. Your sisters have indeed pieced together that Nightmare Moon has returned. As you know, you are in charge of protecting Canterlot Palace right now, but, now that Nightmare Moon has returned, you must protect Canterlot if it comes to that. More important are the ponies in Canterlot. I do not wish for any of them to be harmed.

But, I do not believe she will go to Canterlot, as it was not the capitol in her day. I regret to inform you that I am unable to face her again, due to multiple circumstances. The first being I cannot bear to face her again, it would bring too much pain to my heart. And second, even if I wanted to, I have lost my connection with the Elements of Harmony. They were never intended to be used by one pony, and I only wielded them all once. But, if the Elements are not found, and she threatens my subjects, I fear I will have no choice in the matter.

You should also know that Princess Cadance is safe. I have sent her away, for the time being.

The Captain of the Royal Guard has been posted to Ponyville, for the Celebration, and I believe that will be near where Nightmare Moon returns. Your sisters, I believe, hold the key to defeating her. I do not believe that she will do any harm to them.

May Harmony be with you,
Princess Celestia

As Shining finished reading, he instinctively nodded. He knew his sisters, and how strong they were. He hoped that indeed they were okay. He also breathed a soft sigh of relief about Cadance. He then called the Royal Guard together, and told them that due to this night, they were to guard Canterlot, and to notify him of any signs of an attack.

Then, he went to where most ponies were gathered for the Summer Sun Celebration. "Hello everypony," he spoke firm but calmly. "I know you all are worried, but, rest assured, the situation is being dealt with. The Princess sent me a letter herself assuring me that it was okay, and that it should be cleared up in a few hours." Shining was confident in his sisters' abilities to defeat Nightmare Moon. "She said that there has been a delay to to unforeseen circumstances, that she and others are working to clear up as we speak. Thank you."

As he finished, he quickly walked off the stage, not allowing for any questions. He knew, thanks to Celestia's letter, that the threat might not even near Canterlot, and might be dealt with swiftly. He then turned his gaze towards Ponyville

"The Everfree Forest," Twilight announced as they arrived.

"Whee! Let's go," Pinkie exclaimed.

"Alright," Sunset said, heading in with the rest of them, leaving Twilight to groan, before reluctantly following.

"So, none of you have been in here before?" Twilight asked.

"Ugh, heavens no! Just look at it, it's dreadful," Rarity said.

"And it ain't natural. Folks say it don't work the same as Equestria," Applejack said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sunset asked.

"Nopony knows. You know why?" Rainbow said in a creepy voice.

"Rainbow, quit it," AJ said, not in the mood to put up with her friend's antics.

"Let me guess, because everypony who comes in supposedly never comes out. Which, I am sure is not true, due to the fact that there's a castle in the forest. So what is it supposed to mean?" Sunset said, firmly.

"Fine. It basically means that everything here works on its own, the weather, the animals, that sort of stuff," Rainbow said.

"Because that's oh so scary," Sunset said, rolling her eyes, before running into something. She then looked up. "Well, that is scary."

"A hydra," Twilight shouted, seeing that it was on the side of the path. "Run!"

Everypony began running, or flying in Rainbow's case, but the hydra was still chasing them, Sunset in the back. "I'll hold it off," she said, turning around to face it. She then teleported a few feet over, distracting it. "Go!" she shouted, before teleporting some more.

As the rest started running some more, Rainbow turned around. "What are you doing?" Twilight asked.

"I'm not going to leave her to face that thing alone," Rainbow replied. "Nopony left behind, especially when it's one of my friends." She then flew back towards the hydra, who was lunging right at Sunset, who had just finished a teleport, and would not be able to do so again quickly enough. Rainbow picked up speed, knowing what would happen if she was too slow, and knocked Sunset out of the way, the hydra then barely missing Rainbow.

"You saved my life," Sunset said.

"Well, if you can't count on your friends, who can you count on?" Rainbow replied. "Now, let's take this thing down."

The pair quickly did so, with some fancy flying and tactful teleporting, causing it to get wrapped up in itself. The two then rejoined the group.

"Wow, that was amazing," Twilight said.

"Yeah, though I don't think I could have done it alone," Rainbow admitted.

As they continued through the forest, they came upon what appeared to be a dead end.

"Oh dear, what are we going to do now?" Fluttershy asked.

"We go this way," Applejack said.

"Why? How do you know it's not going to lead to another dead end?" Twilight asked.

"Because I've been here before," Applejack admitted. "Honestly, I was hopin' never to come back here. I could ask y'all to trust me on this, but I think I should probably explain." Tears began to well in her eyes. "This is near where my parents died. We were havin' a picnic, when some timberwolves came out and attacked. So, we ran into the forest, as it was the only way to go. Dad said that I was going to be okay. I guess he knew that is would not end well. But we ran into this clearing. That's where we ran, and my parents made their final stand defending me, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom. Apple Bloom is too young to remember, I can hardly remember everything myself. Big Mac, he was traumatized. That's why he doesn't speak much. Anyways, they were able to defeat the timberwolves, at the cost of their lives. We- we cleared out the area, and buried them there." Applejack began to weep.

Sunset came over and comforted her. "Hey, I know how you feel. I haven't visited the place my parents died either. But thank you for being honest, so that way we could help you when going through."

"I, I, I wish that I didn't have to burden y'all with this," Applejack chocked out.

"Well I'm glad you did," Sunset said.

As they walked through the area, Sunset helped comfort Applejack. "Thanks for the help," she said.

"No problem," Sunset replied. "I know how tough it can be, and that sometimes you need somepony to help you through it."

The group continued on, coming upon a zebra, who had just tripped and dropped her stuff. She was slightly off the path, but that did not keep Fluttershy from going over to help her. "Are you okay?" she asked softly, and began to help the zebra pick up her stuff.

"Yes, indeed, I am okay. Thank you for your kindness today. But another reason I sense, that you are so tense. Is it the moon, for it should have set soon?" the zebra asked.

"Actually, yes," Fluttershy responded. "Nightmare Moon has returned, and we are looking for the Castle of the Two Sisters to find the Elements of Harmony," she explained.

"An old castle ruin, I hear? Fear not, for it is near. That way you must go, I hope you and your friends can spare us from great woe," the zebra said.

"Thank you. What was your name?" Fluttershy asked.

"Zecora is my name. To you I ask the same."

"I'm Fluttershy, it's good to meet you. Now, my friends and I must be going."

"No problem, my dear. Remember, no matter what, your friends are in here," Zecora said, speaking one last word of encouragement to the group, pointing to her heart.

And so the quest continued, and they got closer to the castle. Or so they thought. Instead, they walked on and on, and seemingly made no progress. Due to this, most of them got discouraged.

"We'll never find the castle now," Rarity said.

"Don't say that," Pinkie said.

"Really? Because it seems like we've made no progress, we've past that rock five times now, at least. I've counted," Twilight said.

"Really. Because I know we can get through this," Pinkie said, before breaking out into song, leading them through the forest.

"When it seems like all hope is lost
And everything is getting you down
You just gotta stand up
And wipe away your frown!

You just gotta push on
And push your fears away
For laughter is the best medicine
Each and every day

Sometimes all you need
Is another view
Laughter can help you see it
And pull you through

Seeing things through a positive light
Can make your way so bright
Even through the darkest night
It can make it all go right!"

During the song, Sunset thought she glimpsed a tree down a cliffside that was glowing, but shrugged it off, thinking that it was just another Everfree Forest thing. But, after they passed, the Tree of Harmony glowed in all of the Element's spots, but it glowed brightest in the element that had not been removed, the Element of Empathy.

As Pinkie finished her song, they came out of the clearing, and lo and behold, before them was the Castle of the Two Sisters. Well, almost right in front of them. There was a river in between, but, in a distance could be seen a path across. The water was being riled up by a sea serpent, who was wailing.

"Come on, this way," Twilight said, turning in the direction of the bridge.

"Hold up, darling," Rarity said.

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked.

"It appears that our sea serpent might not be just thrashing about because he is a sea serpent," Rarity stated.

"Really?" Fluttershy asked.

"Really," Rarity responded, before turning to the sea serpent. "Excuse me."

He stopped thrashing a moment. "Huh?" he said

"Hello, Mr.-" Rarity thought for a moment about what to call him.

"Magnet. Steven Magnet," he said.

"Yes. Hello Steven Magnet. Might I ask why you are thrashing about?" Rarity asked

"Because I'm hideous!" he exclaimed.

"Because of your mustache?" Rarity asked.

"Yes, it's terrible," he dramatized.

"Well, I cannot let this go unfixed," Rarity said, plucking of one of his scales, and cutting much of the tail off with it. She then levitated it over, and tied it to his mustache, straightening it out and using her magic to make it orange.

"Rarity, your tail," Twilight said.

"It's okay, darling. Short tails are in season. Besides, it will grow back," Rarity replied.

"The water is kind of deep. If you wanted to go across," Steven Magnet said, before making a path across with his body.

"Why thank you," Rarity said.

The group the proceeded to jump across on his back, finally arriving at the castle. They then rushed inside, to find five stones.

"The Elements of Harmony," Sunset muttered.

Rainbow and Fluttershy then proceeded to carry them to the ground.

"Indeed. But there are only five. Six were used to defeat Nightmare Moon last time," Twilight said, before pulling out her book, and reading. "'when the five are present, a spark will cause the sixth Element to be revealed.'"

"What is that supposed to mean?" Sunset asked her sister? "A magical spark?"

"That must be it," Twilight said. "Stand back, I don't want any of you getting hurt, as I don't know what will happen."

"I'll help too," Sunset said. The rest of the group backed away, near the entrance of the room, but did not leave.

As the two sisters tried to use their magic to ignite a spark, Nightmare Moon in her mist form came and began to take the Elements, prepping for a teleport. Sunset and Twilight looked up just in time. The only reason that they were able to teleport over a distance was because it was less of a teleport, and more of a warp. "The Elements," they shouted, before jumping into the teleport, leaving their friends who were calling out to them to wonder what had happened.

Their friends, then, sticking together, decided to search the castle, going back to the main throne room first.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the teleport, Nightmare Moon was standing, holding the Elements, when Sunset and Twilight landed a few meters away. Nightmare Moon laughed, and the sisters gasped. Twilight prepped up for a charge.

Nightmare Moon was taken aback in shock. "You're kidding," she stated incredulously.

Sunset even had a puzzled look on her face. But Twilight began to charge, so Nightmare Moon charged back at her. Then, Twilight's horn glowed, and Sunset realized what she was doing. When Twilight teleported, so did Sunset, making sure to avoid landing in the same spot as her sister. "Just one spark," Twilight said to her sister, lighting up her horn. Sunset did the same.

"Come on. Come on," Sunset said, before the Elements were encapsulated by Twilight's magic.

Nightmare Moon then teleported to beside the two mares, as a jolt of electricity sent both Sunset and Twilight flying.

Nightmare saw the electricity buzzing throughout the Elements. "No, no" she said, afraid of being banished to the moon once more. But, the electricity stopped.

"But, where's the sixth element?" asked Twilight in shock.

"That should have worked," Sunset said, equally surprised.

Nightmare Moon then began laughing, before smashing the Elements. But, her features shifted a little, to a lighter blue, and she whispered a soft, "no," before returning back to normal and exclaiming, "you little foals, thinking you could defeat me. Now you will never see your princess, or your sun. The night will last forever."

"But why?" Sunset asked.

"I'm sorry, what?" Nightmare asked.

"Why do you want the night to last forever?" Sunset clarified.

"Because of its beauty. Nopony truly appreciates the night. But now they will. I have been ignored for too long!"

Then, the sounds of their friends could be heard shouting their names, coming to the throne room. Hearing this, Twilight's eyes lit up, and, if one looked closely enough, they would see a spark in her eyes. "You think you can destroy the Elements of Harmony just like that?" Twilight asked. "Because the Spirits of the Elements of Harmony are right here!"

The rest of the group came into the room, surrounding Twilight and Sunset. The Elements lit and lifted up. "What?" Nightmare Moon said, scared again. But, in her eyes, there was a glimmer of hope, deep inside.

"Rainbow Dash, who refused to leave Sunset when she held off the Hydra represents the Spirit of Loyalty! Applejack, who put aside her pride and told us the truth about her parents even though she didn't need to represents the Spirit of Honesty! Fluttershy, who went out of her way to help Zecora represents the Spirit of Kindness. Pinkie Pie, who, when we were all discouraged, stayed positive and led us out of the hopelessness we were feeling with smiles and joy represents the Spirit of Laughter! And Rarity, who went out of her way, even giving up her tail to help out Steven Magnet represents the Spirit of Generosity." As Twilight spoke, the Element shards came and spun around the named ponies as they were called. "The Spirits of these five ponies helped us through every challenge we faced today."

"But you still don't have the sixth Element," Nightmare Moon said in a panic. "The spark didn't work."

"But it did. A different kind of spark," Twilight said, turning to her new friends. "I felt it the moment I realized how happy I was to hear you, see you, how much I cared about you. The spark ignited inside of me, when I realized that you all are my friends," Twilight announced, the sixth element revealing above her. "You see, when the Elements are ignited by the spark that resides in the heart of us all, it creates the sixth Element, the Element of Magic."

But, before anything happened, Sunset spoke up, as she could not bear to remain silent with her friends, and seeing that Nightmare Moon did have something in her, seeing her shift earlier. "And, in each of you, I see parts of myself, parts I can relate to." She then turned to Nightmare Moon. "Even in you, I can see something. The wanting of love, of attention, feeling ignored. I once felt that. But it does not stay, not when you have friends and family around you." The seventh Element was revealed above Sunset. At this, Nightmare's eyes shifted, a small tear spilling, as her features softened. Sunset smiled when she saw it.

"The Element of Empathy," whispered Luna's voice, before she reverted back into her normal look. But, Sunset could still see the bit of the good pony in her.

The Elements came together on their bearers, giving each a necklace, except for Sunset and Twilight, whose Elements came together as tiaras. Then, through a great rainbow laser coming down on Nightmare Moon, the darkness was removed from her, leaving a weakened Luna behind.

As the Spirits of the Elements of Harmony landed, they looked around, each noting their Elements.

"These necklaces look just like our cutie marks," Fluttershy observed.

"Even the tiara's look like our cutie marks," Sunset said. Sunset's Tiara had a gem that was a fiery amber, as opposed to Applejack's earthy orange.

"Wow, I reckon we do represent the Elements of Harmony," Applejack said.

"Indeed you do," came the voice of Princess Celestia, as the sun began to raise. She knew that the struggle was over because the moon set, as it had began it's descent when Luna, even inside the Nightmare, felt hope again. She came in through the broken roof, and the five necklace bearers bowed down, while Sunset and Twilight ran up to hug the princess. "Twilight, Sunset, my faithful students. I knew you could do it," she said.

"But I thought that you told us not to worry," Twilight said.

"I also told you that you needed to make some friends," Celestia said. "You both saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return, and I knew that inside both of you was the magic needed to not only defeat her, but cure her. But you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart. Now, if only another will as well." She turned to Luna. "Princess Luna, it has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. It is time to put our differences behind us, sister, and rule together as we once did."

"Sister?" Twilight asked.

"Looks like it takes sisters to save sisters," Sunset said.

"Will you once again come with me, and accept my love, and the love of other ponies?"

"I'm so sorry," said Luna. "I missed you so much, Tia."

"I missed you, too, Lulu." The two then embraced in a hug, and Sunset and Twilight hugged each other.

"Now, I do believe we have a Celebration to get to, both of us," Celestia said.

After the return to Ponyville, they did indeed celebrate. Even Luna got a ring of flowers that was put around her neck, which surprised her.

Celestia then turned to Twilight and Sunset, who looked slightly downtrodden. "Why so glum, my faithful students? Are you not happy that your quest is complete, and that you can return to your studies in Canterlot?" She asked, knowing the answer already.

"Well, I can't speak for Twi, but I like it here. Especially the friendships we have made," Sunset said.

Twilight nodded in agreement.

"Then, would you prefer something else? Like continuing your studies here, in Ponyville?"

Sunset looked up, in shock, and replied, "well, if that's possible, though I would miss some people back in Canterlot."

"Then it shall be so. You both can stay in Ponyville, and learn about friendship. You may also freely come and go to Canterlot. But, I would like friendship reports," Celestia said with a smile.

"Thank you so much, princess," Twilight said.

"Yes, thank you," Sunset also said.

The sisters then turned and smiled at each other, happy to be with each other, and with their new friends.

Author's Note

Indeed I am done with this chapter. I started doing a simple rewrite, just with Sunset, but it was difficult. It was bland. On top of that, others thought it bland too, not liking rehashed. So, I changed the scenes for each to show off their Elements, well, except Rarity, couldn't think of anything better with her.

But, that leads me to my next point. THIS FIC IS NOT A REWRITE OF SEASON 1. The first episode, I felt was necessary for the plot. But, If you want season 1, go to Netflix or something. What the rest of these chapters will be is original Sunset episodes. Perhaps I have one or two where I'll rework a song or something to fit Sunset in, but this will not be yet another rewrite. They are too bland to read and too bland to write.

Also, AJ parents feels. Sunny and AJ talking about it. Luna showing through Nightmare was also a good touch of mine. At least personally. Forgiveness can only be earned if someone accepts it, and I think that deep down, she was willing.

Naming this chapter came last. Trials is what it's all about, and not just the trials of the Mane 7, but also those of Shiny and Luna, as well as those implied of Tia.

I look forward to the continuous writing of this, as it will no longer be episodes. Also, Tree of Harmony made a cameo. Also, Shining bit in the first part. Yay! But you'll need to wait to get more Shiny, this chapter is already longer than any other I have written.

I hope you all enjoyed me switching things up this time, and now we are finally done with the rehash portion of this fic. Let's get original now!

Home Sweet Home

It was the day after the Summer Sun Celebration in Canterlot. Shining Armor had gotten a decent night's sleep after he had heard that everypony was okay. He was relieved when he received the letter from his sisters detailing that they were okay, and that they would be visiting him the next day, along with some extra news. As soon as he arrived at home, he reassured his parents, before they all turned in. Though he was nearing his promotion to Captain of the Royal Guard, he still stayed with his family at times. Yes, he could stay at the barracks, but the guard was encouraged to have some time with their families, as it would lighten their burden, while still reinforce what they were fighting for, should the need ever arise. Shining mostly went there on special days, but sometimes showed up for a surprise visit. This visit was important because he needed to be with his parents, to reassure them.

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Shining Armor reminisced on the previous night and its events. Nightmare Moon had not attacked Canterlot, and he was able to reassure the ponies of Canterlot. Though there were a few incidents, it was no more than what was expected. He made his way down to the kitchen, and looked around, but before he was able to decide what to do, he heard a knock on the door. He looked at the clock, and wondered who could be there at this hour. He wasn't expecting Sunny and Twi until about noon. Nevertheless, he opened the door, to a pink princess. "Cadance!" he exclaimed, before hugging her. "I'm so glad that you're okay."

Cadance hugged him back. "I wish I could have told you, but Princess Celestia told me not to tell anypony, not even you," she said.

"It's okay. She sent a letter telling me that you were safe. But that didn't keep me from worrying. But, since I knew you were safe, I was more worried about Sunny and Twi," he explained, finally breaking the hug.

"I know," Cadance replied gently.

"You do?" he asked. "About Sunset and Twilight?"

"Yes," she admitted. "But I was only truly told before I left. Celestia seemed to think that it was the only way to stop Nightmare Moon and bring Luna back to being, well, Luna."

"Wait, you knew about Nightmare Moon being Princess Luna?"

"Yes, I found out about her during the first few days of when Sunny arrived to Equestria."

"And you had to keep that all to yourself? Unable to share it with anypony else?" Shining said, concerned, not angered.

"Yes," Cadance said, starting to cry. "I wanted to tell you so many times, but that could have put lives at risk, according to Celestia, and I see that she was right."

Shining hugged her. "It's okay, you don't have to keep it a secret now. Princess Luna is back, and Sunset and Twilight are safe," he comforted.

She hugged him back. "Thanks, Shiny," she said, her tears drying up, and a light smile upon her face.

"So, where did you go?" he asked.

"Up north. Celestia said an empire might return, and that, if somehow Sunset and Twilight didn't succeed, I would have to use this empire against Nightmare Moon. But, now that Celestia is back, I don't think we'll have to worry about it for a while at least," she replied, assuring him.

"I hope not."

The two continued to talk for a few more minutes, Night Light and Twilight Velvet eventually joining in. They had a nice breakfast as well. Around noon, as they were talking, Sunset and Twilight walked in, Spike on Twilight's back.

Shining was the first up. "Twilight! Sunset!" He immediately hugged them.

The two mares and dragon came in, and hugged the rest of their family. Then, Sunset and Twilight came to Cadance.

"Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" they sang as they danced, before hugging.

"So, we actually have some big news," Sunset said.

"Yes. Apparently you had to have us wait," Shining said with a smile.

Sunset rolled her eyes. "Twilight and I have decided that we're moving to Ponyville," she said. "This was not a decision we came to lightly. There were multiple factors. First, Twi and I now have friends in Ponyville. We never got out much here, and honestly, we want to get to know them better. Second, we haven't spent much time at home anyways, since we were either at school or at our library. It is around that time for us when ponies do grow up and move out, and this, well, it felt right for us. Yes, we do promise to visit, and we'll write."

Everypony stood there dumbfounded. Night Light finally spoke up, "this is a big change. Are you two sure you're up for it?"

"Yes dad, we're sure. I even made a list, but Sunset and I agreed to let her do the explaining, as apparently sometimes I get long winded," Twilight replied.

"My fillies are grown up," their mom cried out, before going to hug them again. "They grow up so fast."

"We knew this day was coming," Night Light said, before joining the hug. "But we didn't know it would come this soon."

"Mom, dad, it's okay. It's only a few hour trip, and we have Spike, so our letters will be as fast as texting," Sunset said.

"Texting?" Cadance asked.

"It's a human thing," Sunset said.

"Oh, okay."

"Just, just stay safe, and write everyday," Twilight Velvet said.

"Yes ma'am," the two girls replied.

After the hug was broken, and everypony had calmed down a little back, Shining asked, "So where will you be staying? I know you stayed in a library, but will you two get an actual house there?"

"It doubles as an apartment basically, so we're good to stay there," Sunset said.

"And the books," Twilight said enthusiastically.

Twilight Velvet smiled at them. "As long as you're sure," she said.

"We're positive," Sunset replied.

"Yes, we're sure," Twilight Sparkle said.

"So what are these new friends like?" Night Light asked.

"They're varied, but all are pretty positive, especially given the circumstances. Had they not been with us, well, I don't want to think about what would have happened," Sunset answered, somberly, before perking back up. "But, I can't wait to get to know them better."

"And I'm sure they can't wait to get to know you two better as well," Cadance said.

"Speaking of, how much do they know?" Shining asked.

"A little," Sunset said. "Not anything about another world, but they know I was adopted and that I've had to deal with the loss of my birth parents. Speaking of which, the mirror opens in eight moons, so I'll make sure to be ready for that."

"Have you thought about telling them?" Shining inquired.

"No, I haven't, at least not yet. I don't think I know them well enough, and I don't know how well they'll react."

"Well we trust whatever you do," her mom said.

"Thanks mom," Sunset said, hugging her.

A few hours later, Sunset and Twilight were on the train to Ponyville, this time with all their stuff. They had decided to leave a few things back at their parent's house. Spike was sleeping, as the events that had happened within the past few days had completely messed up his schedule.

Sunset broke the silence. "A big change, huh?"

"Yeah, it is," Twilight replied. "I've never actually moved before," she admitted.

"They're never easy," Sunset said. "But, they can sometimes turn out for the better."

"Like when you moved in with us when we adopted you."

Sunset smiled. "Yep. Though I've had a particularly hard one as well. It was when my father and I moved to Canterlot City. I had a friend in Hollow Shades, Starlight was her name. She was really my only friend at the time, but her parents were pretty nice too. Moving away from her was hard on me, and I wasn't even able to communicate with her. I wonder if she's still living there, I might go look her up the next time I'm over there. But, back to the point, that being that we'll still be able to talk to mom and dad, and that we'll be able to visit them regularly. And that we already have friends in Ponyville, so we won't be that out of place."

"I guess we have Pinkie to thank for that," Twilight laughed.

"Yes we do," Sunset said, before looking up in thought. "Hmm."

"What?"

"I was just thinking, what is up with these naming conventions? Across both worlds even. Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer. What next? Dawning Twinkle?"

Twilight laughed. "I hope not. But, I suppose it is one of the ways to name ponies, and people too I guess. Others could be color and something their good at. But, maybe we're figure that out when we're older."

"Perhaps. Just a thought."

Spike then yawned and woke up. "Hello?" he muttered.

"Hi Spike," Twilight said.

"About how far are we from Ponyville?" he asked

"Not far. It's a pretty short ride, about an hour. You passed out only a few minutes after we boarded," Sunset replied.

"Actually, there's the train station now. We're coming up on it," Twilight said.

"Five bits says that Pinkie is going to throw us a 'Welcome to Your New Home' party," Sunset said.

"I am not taking that wager. She probably will, from what I've seen of her," Twilight replied with a smirk.

"Fair enough."

When they arrived at the train station, they got off, with all of their bags. Sunset made Twilight ship her books, as they would have occupied too much place in the train.

"Surprise!" Pinkie exclaimed. Above her was a banner that read: "Welcome to Your New Home, Twilight and Sunset and Spike!"

Twilight and Sunset looked at each other and giggled.

"Who all was invited to this one, Pinkie?" Sunset asked.

"Just the five of us, plus you two," Rainbow said, flying up to them.

"Yup! Since you already had a welcome to Ponyville party, and since you've become close with all of us, I decided it might be a bit better to have something a bit smaller," Pinkie said. "And it's better for a moving party, in more ways than one! Because we'll be moving to your house, and you'll be moving in!"

"Thanks Pinkie," Twilight said.

"Let us help y'all with those bags," AJ offered, taking up one of the bags.

When they arrived at the Golden Oak Library, they went upstairs to the bedroom. "Do you want to do this alone?" Fluttershy asked.

"Actually, yes," Twilight said. "It will mostly be organizing, so Sunset, Spike, and I will have a system."

"Besides, we wouldn't be able to surprise you all with how it looks when it's done," Sunset said.

"Okay. And if you need any help, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and I have all moved before, too, so we could give you a few tips," Rainbow said.

"Thanks for the offer," Sunset said. "And I've had to move, myself, so I think we'll be good."

After goodbyes and a few hugs, Twilight, Sunset, and Spike went to work.

"So, this is our new place. It's a lot roomier than one would think a library would be," Sunset said.

"I'll have to do some research into that, along with how one can even make a tree into a library. I mean, it can be done, but this is huge for any tree."

"I suppose you will. But after we're done setting up."

Once they finished, the sun had set, the twilight had come and gone, and night was upon them, so they decided it would be best to go to bed. And they hoped that some crisis wouldn't wake them up the next morning. Or Pinkie, she might do that as well.

Author's Note

Huzzah, I finally have an editor, AilingStar. Many thanks for editing this chapter.

I hope everyone enjoys the fact that this isn't recapitulation anymore, but actually original. Most of what will be coming out now is original.

Apologies for the late update, Life is hectic.

But, enjoy the read. Lightning Striker out! ⚡

Oh Deer

Colt, was Ponyville eventful. Or was it ponies in general, and she just wasn't paying attention as well as she should have. No matter the reason, Sunset needed a break. So, she decided to go on a walk through nature. Not pony regulated nature, but pure, untouched nature, like she had back in the human world. And there was only one place she could do it: The Everfree Forest.

However, her friends had first objected. But, she reassured them, reminding them that if she ever got into any danger, she could teleport away. Besides, she could put up a fight. Just because her element was empathy didn't mean she couldn't be a badass. In fact, knowing how to be one while still being the element of empathy just made her that much more of a badass. And Zecora lived there, so if she ran into any unusual plants, she'd be fine. The poison jokes effects were interesting on her. Twilight had to deal without magic. Sunset had to deal with that on top of being in a body she hadn't been in for months, as well as not ready to show anypony else. She hid through the ordeal, and Twilight covered for her, but it was still a close call.

When she arrived at the Everfree Forest, she took a deep breath of fresh air. She scamned the weather above the forest. Even without pegasus help, it was a wonderful day for a walk. In fact, the unpredictability of it made it all the better. The fact that, despite the fact that it was not controlled, it was beautiful.

Sunset decided to go exploring, and decided to leave a magical trail for her to follow back. Sure, she could teleport, but where would be the fun in that? She could see things she missed on the way back. She trotted into the forest, a smile upon her face. The world seemed to be just right today. And though Equestria might take those words to be a challenge, it was rare, at least rarer than on Earth.

The amber unicorn took a direction she had never seen anypony take. Who knows what she might find? A magical plant that she could contain with her magic and show Twilight? Or perhaps another explorer, knowing that at least some ponies going in have made it out alive. And Sunset knew she was one of those few.

Sunset looked around at the flora and fauna, both beautiful, with some things even being akin to what she had seen on Earth. One day she might take a hike there, to compare and contrast. For Twilight's sake, of course. She wasn't remotely interested otherwise. At least, that's what she told herself.

In another universe, perhaps, this path would go unexplored. But, there are infinite universes, and such there would be infinite in which this path was never touched. However, this was the path Sunset chose, as if Fate herself had guided Sunset. And thus, it was Fate that made Sunset trip. No other reason than that. Well, other than that she was looking up and not down. But, she was sure Fate was involved.

So, she tumbled, all the way to a mouth of a cave. When she got up, she brushed herself off, and used a spell to check herself for injuries. Seeing that she was perfectly fine, she then turned to the cave, feeling a strange magic emanating from it. Something unlike anything she had ever felt. But, it was not dark. Dark magic had a tendency to cause ponies near it feel negative emotions. This was nothing like that. Instead, it was soothing. Closer to the magic of earth ponies than anything else, but seeming a bit more magical in a way, like there was more of an outlet for it or something.

She moved closer to the cave, her horn lit up to try to identify the magic. Still unable to find anything, she finally moved inside the cave. She worked her way down the cave, and ended up turning around to see if somehow she missed something.

"Hello?" she heard a voice call. "Is anydeer there?"

This brought a puzzled look to Sunset's face. Either some foals were playing out here, pretending to be deer, which was unlikely considering it was the Everfree Forest, or she had just somehow stumbled upon a sapient deer. Not that it would surprise her, she was a sapient pony, after all. But, unlike other species such as yaks, buffalo, and dragons, there were no documented appearances of deer.

"Hello," Sunset called back. "Where are you?"

"Over here," the voice called.

Sunset lit up her horn, and began walking towards the voice. "What's your name?" she asked, trying to get the voice to speak again, just so she could be sure.

"Souroupa Lamphie," she responded. "What's yours?"

"Sunset Shimmer. Is there something wrong?"

"Yeah, I think I broke my leg."

Sunset approached the voice, and her magic lit up the area, revealing a deer, with purple fur, and a pink mane. The purple was slightly darker than that of her sister's coat.

"You're not a deer," Souroupa said, worried.

"No, I'm not. I'm a pony. And I'm here to help," Sunset said, calmly.

"But mom said not to trust ponies."

"And what about your dad?"

"He actually is one of the ones that say we need to give ponies a chance," Souroupa replied.

"So, what about you?" Sunset asked.

"Me?"

"Yes, what do you think?"

"I... I'm not sure," the deer said, cautiously.

"Can I help you? You look like you need it," Sunset said.

Souroupa Lamphie thought about it for a minute. Finally, she decided. "Yes, could you take me home?"

"Sure, where is home?" Sunset said, now with a smile on her face.

"Down the cave. I was exploring the forest when I fell and broke my leg. I was able to get here, but I'm having trouble moving it now."

Sunset lit up her horn, before stopping. "Is it okay if I lift you with my magic? Just onto my back."

Souroupa nodded. Sunset then levitated her up and put the deer on her back. "Let's get you home."

The deer smiled at the pony. "Thanks."

"It's no problem," Sunset replied.

"Well, according to mom, nopony would do something like this, and help a deer."

"Well, your mom doesn't know us as well as she thinks. What's her name?"

"Anthismena Louloudia," the purple deer responded.

"That's a pretty name. And what's your dad's name?"

"Helio Thermio."

"Helio? Like the sun?" Sunset asked.

"Yeah, how did you know? I thought ponies didn't know the ancient words of the deer."

"I travel a lot. Some other culture also has something similar to helio to represent the sun," Sunset replied. It was true, the ancient Greeks thought Helios was the sun god.

"Wow, that's cool," Souroupa said, warming up to her new pony companion.

Sunset smirked. "Yes it is."

They quickly arrived at the gate to the land of the deer, or at least the home of the deer. "Hello? Anybody there?" Sunset asked.

She was immediately surrounded by deer guards, all pointing spears at her. One of them, Sunset presumed it was the captain, spoke up. "Release Princess Souroupa Lamphie at once, foul pony, or suffer the consequences."

Sunset gulped. "Oh deer..."

Author's Note

That's right, I'm back! Summer classes have finally started, meaning I have a constant source of wifi for my computer!

Also, I fully blame Novel-Idea for this. It's his fault deer are in this. He gave me the idea.

Hopefully I'll get to updating my other works soon.

But I'm Fawn'd of Puns

But I'm Fawn'd of Puns

Souroupa giggled.

The captain, however, was not amused. He whispered something to one of the guards, who ran off. "What did you just say?" he said in a stern voice.

"Oh deer," Sunset replied, but quickly began speaking again. "But that's not the point. I didn't foal-nap, or I guess in this case it would be fawn-nap your princess."

The guards murmured amongst themselves. "Like we would believe you. Souroupa, come over here. Your mother has been worried sick about you."

"But she-" Souroupa began.

"No buts, young lady. You may be a princess, but your mother has given me orders to get you back home, and queen ranks above princess."

Souroupa sighed. "Yes Captain Propurgio." She then limped over to him, reluctantly.

"You're hurt?" he gasped.

"I'm fine," she responded.

Sunset looked around. "And what about me?" she asked.

"You will be taken into custody," the captain replied matter of factly.

Sunset thought for a moment. "So there's no way for you to just let me go and pretend this never happened?" She smiled widely at them.

"No. We will not let you taking our princess go without recompense. Either cooperate or we will take you by force."

The unicorn sighed. "I was afraid you were going to say that."

At this, the guards readied themselves for a fight.

"But," she continued. "Since I had nothing to do with taking your princess, and the fact that it seems deer-pony relations are a bit icy, I best not let them slip any further, and come willingly. It would be just cold of me to leave you all here, and it would look bad for me."

Captain Propurgio blinked in surprise, while Souroupa just giggled some more. "I cannot be sure of that."

"Fair enough. But is there a way we can get through all this without anybody being harmed?"

The captain was again surprised. "You said anybody."

"Yeah, so?" Sunset said, raising her eyebrow.

"As in you didn't say anypony or anydeer."

"Well, I didn't want to be hurt, and I figured anybody was the most inclusive term. I don't think anyone would like it if I started saying something like any creature," Sunset reasoned.

"You... you're trying to confuse me!" Propurgio almost shouted.

"Actually, I'm not. I'm just trying to cooperate."

The captain huffed. "Then just be silent and wait here. And if you do anything-"

"Something bad will happen to me," Sunset interrupted. "I get it. I'll just sit here and be quiet, starting now."

After about fifteen minutes of waiting, Sunset was getting impatient. Captain Propurgio had not let Princess Souroupa out of his sight, and no one had uttered a word. "What are we waiting on, anyways? A professional interrogator? A magic suppression ring?"

"I said be qui- wait, a magic suppression ring?" Propurgio asked.

"Yeah, goes on the horn, doesn't allow unicorns to use their magic? I thought most deer didn't like ponies. Surely you would have a way to inhibit them if ever they were to attack and you captured one? I thought that's what you were going to put on me if I went 'the hard way' and you knocked me out."

Before the captain got a chance to respond, two deer, standing a head taller than the rest of the deer walked up. Souroupa immediately did a limp-run up to them and hugged them. "Mom! Dad!" she shouted before immediately letting go. "The guard are holding the pony who rescued me captive blaming her for my disappearance when I was really just wandering and she helped me out and brought me back here despite my injury and they need to stop," she rambled off.

The king turned to Propurgio. "Ischuro, my daughter says this pony helped her, and you decide to attack her?" he questioned.

"My king, I do not know what sort of magic this pony could have worked on your daughter, so I decided to hold her here until your arrival. She has been surprisingly cooperative for a pony."

The queen's eyes widened. "What do you mean, 'cooperative'?"

"I mean that, despite her magic, and even ability to possibly get away, she decided to allow to be held here. However, she has been constantly rude to us," the captain explained.

Sunset stepped up, and bowed to the rulers of the deer. "If I may, your majesties?" she asked.

"You may," King Helio responded swiftly, interested in the pony, not wanting to waste the opportunity as his wife might.

Sunset rose. "My name is Sunset Shimmer. I am currently living in Ponyville. I was exploring the Everfree Forest when I stumbled upon this cave. I found your daughter injured, and brought her back here. I mean you no harm. I also know not what rudeness Captain Propurgio is referring to."

"I mean those... those... those puns! They are highly offensive to us! Don't pretend you didn't know that," Propurgio explained.

"The puns? How was I supposed to know that? I didn't even know that you all existed until I stumbled upon the princess," Sunset thought out.

Souroupa spoke up once again, "I never understood that, anyways. Why are puns bad? Honestly, I'm fawn'd of puns." She then laughed at her own joke.

Sunset laughed as well, before cowering away from the look the queen gave her.

The king, however, was more understanding. "It is probably one of the things we kept from the olden days without any reason."

Queen Anthismena quickly countered her husband, "We need to honour our ancestors. If we don't we could fall into chaos."

"That doesn't mean we have to follow their traditions blindly," Helio responded.

"They knew what they were doing. Who are we to question them?"

Sunset's eyes darted between the two, and then looked at Souroupa, who backed away, a sullen look on her face.

"We are the king and queen, my love. It is our job to keep our society running smoothly. We have new information that they did not have. A pony rescued our daughter. Clearly they have changed."

The queen scoffed at him. "You mean the creatures who couldn't even get along with themselves, separating themselves by race. Unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies. Why should they have peace with us if they cannot have peace with themselves?"

Sunset quickly cut in, "We've changed, your majesties. Unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies all live together in harmony now. There has not been a war in over a hundred years." She then backed up again, slightly cowering, not knowing what the queen's response would be.

"And how do we know that you are not lying, pony?" Anthismena challenged.

Sunset thought about it for a moment, before responding, "You don't, not yet. But if you send an envoy, a diplomat, they would be able to see it for themselves. A small group of ponies could come here, of all three races, and you could see them, all friends. You could even meet with our ruler, Princess Celestia."

"Ruled by one pony? And what race is she? Which race is on top?" Anthismena questioned.

"She's actually an alicorn. A combination of all three races. Unicorn, pegasus, and earth pony. All three traits."

The queen sighed. "We will consider it. But for now, you will remain in the city, always accompanied by a guard. Souroupa, come on. Captain Propurgio, assemble the elders, we would like to discuss this with them. And put a guard on miss Shimmer here. I want us to know where she is at all times."

"Yes, my queen," the captain responded. He ordered a guard to Sunset, before heading out after the royal family.

Sunset smiled at the guard. "I guess there's hope."

Author's Note

I'm not dead! Surprise!

I know, I haven't updated in over two months. I got busy over the summer. But I'm back!

This would have been out sooner, but I had to figure out deer politics, social structure, etc. Kinda what happens when you make a new society.

But anywho, I hope to be updating often again. I should have more time to write.

Hope you all liked it!

Business as Usual

They were indeed awoken by Pinkie the next morning. After she woke them, she told them to meet her in the kitchen. Once the two mares had crawled out of their beds, they made their way to the kitchen, where they found Pinkie and Spike.

"Hi girls!" Pinkie said, excitedly. "I decided to make you two some breakfast, because you two have just moved to Ponyville, and if you have just moved to Ponyville, then you haven't been able to get a job, and if you haven't been able to get a job, then you haven't been able to buy groceries, and if you haven't been able to buy groceries, then you don't have food to eat, and if you don't have food to eat, and if you don't have food to eat, then you won't have energy, and if you don't have energy, then it will be difficult to find a job, which leads back to the original problem of not having a job. So I decided to help you two out!" She smiled and squeed.

"Thanks Pinkie," Sunset said, and smiled back at her.

Twilight, however, still was waking up. "Huh?" she said.

"Well, that and the author needed a way to open this chapter! But that's besides the point. You two needed food, I provided, and afterwards we need to get you two jobs!"

Sunset now was confused as well. Spike just shrugged at her.

Everybody then proceeded to sit down, and Pinkie served them donuts.

"These are delicious," Sunset said after taking a bite.

"Mmmmm," was all Twilight could say, still too tired to say anything. She had a busy few days, and she could get like that. And, Sunset wouldn't be surprised if Twilight snuck down in the middle of the night and read something.

"Pinkie, do you have any coffee?" Sunset asked.

"No. I don't drink coffee. I can't have caffeine. And no, it's not because it makes me more hyper. It actually strangely has the reverse effect on me, draining my energy. Maybe because I'm always on max energy anyways. Or maybe caffeine is some magic that takes away someone's energy, giving it to somepony else. That's probably it! Also, hot cocoa is better

"Well, I'm not sure Twilight will be able to function this morning without it."

"That's not good. She needs to find a job!"

"Can't I just work at the library?" Twilight mumbled.

Pinkie gasped. "That's an excellent idea, Twilight! You're smart, even when you're tired! You should probably meet with Mayor Mare later to make it official!" She then turned to Sunset. "What about you, Sunny? Got any ideas for a job?"

Sunset shook her head. "Nope. I might just travel around town and see what everypony else does. It might give me inspiration."

"That's also a great idea! Maybe you can stop by Sugarcube Corner later, to come talk about it! That's where I live and work! Thanks to the Cakes!"

"Sounds good, Pinkie, I see you then. Probably this afternoon, maybe evening."

During this conversation, Twilight had somehow acquired coffee, probably via teleportation. She always kept backup coffee somewhere, and was able to teleport little things, like coffee, to herself. Sunset taught her how to do that, but that was the extent of it. "Coffee," she mumbled.

Sunset shrugged. "I'm more of a tea mare, myself. But, to each their own," she said, getting up. "Now, this might be a long day, so I best start now. See you guys later!"

Sunset exited the library, and sighed. "Let's get looking. This will also help me get to know the ponies of this town," she said to herself.

And so, she walked. In no particular order, she passed the bank, which she saw a woman with a strange muzzle talking to what seemed like her daughter, the hospital, which she saw multiple doctor ponies going in, and a few patients going out, including an orange pegasus filly with smaller wings, who was looking a bit sad, and the bowling alley, which just did not interest her, but had a few ponies that looked strangely similar to characters she thought she saw in a movie that her dad, her human dad, watched. Sunset was tempted to talk to some of these ponies, but just couldn't bring herself to it. She figured that these problems would sort themselves out, though the only real problem she saw the was disappointed filly. She figured her parents would deal with that one.

She then entered into a concert hall, more out of curiosity than interest in getting a job there. Inside, she heard ponies practicing. But that was not the strange part, ponies normally practiced. It was what she was hearing. It sounded dubstep violin. She didn't know that ponies even did dubstep. When she arrived the main hall, she saw two ponies, a grey earth pony playing a violin, and a white unicorn, doing the dubstep. Sunset smiled, listening to them. After a few minutes, she decided to keep going on her search, knowing that the two would probably be practicing for a while.

Sunset pushed onwards, wondering where she would be a good fit, and what job would suit her. After avoiding being run into by the mail mare, and looking a few other places, she gave up, at least for the day. Her talent was in magic, and there was nothing really to do with magic in Ponyville for a job. Everypony who had magic used it for their specific job, such as Rarity with the Carousel Boutique. On her way to Sugarcube Corner, she ran into an eccentric stallion.

"Hello. I was wondering if you had seen anything materialize out of thin air lately?" he asked, seeming worried.

Sunset almost giggle at that, and smirked instead, teleporting herself to the side of the stallion. "Like that?"

"Great wickering stallions," he said in shock. "You can do that?"

"Yeah. You don't see many ponies who can teleport things around here, do you?"

"No, we don't," he admitted. "I'm the Doctor by the way." He reached out his hoof to her.

"Sunset Shimmer. Good to meet you. But, Doctor who?" She shook his hoof back.

"Actually, it's Doctor Whooves, but most people just call me 'Doctor,'" he said.

Sunset shrugged. "Okay. But what exactly are you a doctor of?"

"All sorts of things, really. Mostly math and science. I dabble," he replied.

"Alright. What were you looking for, anyways?"

"I actually can't remember. I'm sure I'll think of it soon enough. Good luck, Sunset Shimmer."

"You too, Doctor."

The two departed from each other. Sunset then went to Sugarcube Corner to meet Pinkie. When she walked in, she was immediately greeting with a smiling face.

"Hey, Pinkie."

"Hey, Sunny! How did your job search go? Did you get a job? I'm sure you did! I bet they love you, and that you will make them so much better!"

"Actually, today's been a bust," Sunset admitted, making her way to a table.

"Really? Well, then have a cupcake! They always make me feel better when things don't go my way."

Sunset grabbed the cupcake, and sat down. "Where did you get this?"

Pinkie "We're in a shop full of them! I present to you, Sugarcube Corner, the best bakery in town!" Pinkie gestured with her hoof.

"Wow."

"I know, it's great! I live and work here. The Cakes allowed me to stay with them, and I work for them, helping sell things when they get too busy baking stuff."

Sunset bit into the cupcake. "It's really good. Did one of the Cakes make this?"

"No, I did. I bake sometimes, but sometimes it's too busy to bake." Pinkie's eyes then lit up. "I just got the most amazing, wonderful, spectacular idea!"

"What is it, Pinkie?"

"You could work here! Then I'd be able to bake more! And we'd finally be able to do catering!"

Sunset raised her eyebrow. "And what would I be doing?"

"Selling stuff, maring the cashier, that sort of stuff. You don't need any work experience for that!"

"That sounds great Pinkie, but what would the Cakes say?"

"I'll go talk to them, be right back!" Pinkie said before whooshing off quickly.

Sunset blinked. "Did she just? Never mind."

Sunset finished her cupcake, and Pinkie came back, with Mr. and Mrs. Cake in tow. Sunset looked up at them.

"So you want to work here?" Mr. Cake asked.

"Yeah. It's actually really nice here," Sunset replied.

"Pinkie says you would do a great job. We trust her, but how well do you think you could do here?" Mrs. Cake questioned.

"I think I'd do alright. With some hooves on experience, I think I could get pretty good at it. I've never had a job, so I got to start somewhere."

"Are you kidding, Sunset? You'd be fantastic!" Pinkie said.

"We actually have been looking for somepony to hire recently, and you might just be the mare for the job," said Mr. Cake.

"To start catering, right?" Sunset asked.

"Actually, we won't be able to start that for a while. It's actually because I need to take some time off. I'm pregnant," Mrs. Cake said. "Actually, we were about to talk to Pinkie about it, and let her throw the baby shower."

Pinkie gasped. "Oh my gosh, yes! I'll do it! Does this mean Sunset gets the job? Please say yes! Please!"

"I believe so. There are just a few things we need to do to get it sorted out and make sure, but it looks like it," Mr. Cake answered.

Sunset smiled. "Thank you."

"No problem, dear. We'll get Pinkie to show you the ropes in a few days. Until then, rest up," Mrs. Cake said.

"Yay! We're going to be co-workers! Isn't that great, Sunny?"

Sunset smiled at her. "Yeah, and I'll be able to buy my own groceries."

"And get the employees discount here! It's going to be wonderful. But, I should get back to work, and you should tell Twilight!"

"See you, Pinkie," Sunset said as she waved, before leaving.

When Sunset arrived back at the Golden Oaks Library, she found Twilight and Spike organizing. "I'm home," she announced.

"Sunset! How did your job search go?" Twilight asked.

"Not well, for most of it," she admitted.

"But that means something must have gone well," Spike pointed out.

"Actually, yes. After I had stopped searching for a job."

"At Sugarcube Corner?" Twilight asked.

"Yes. I met up with Pinkie, and somehow, she got me a job there."

Twilight jumped on and hugged her sister. "That's great!"

"I know. More surprising than anything."

"When do you start?" Spike asked.

"In a few days."

"Good, that means you can help me organize this library. It's like nopony has organized it since it was built!" Twilight said.

Sunset laughed. "Sure, I'll help. Where do you want me to start?"

Author's Note

Finally done with this chapter. I know, it's been a while. But, it's done. Honestly, the biggest challenge was Sunset's biggest challenge, finding her a job. A big thanks to Novel-Idea for giving me some general writing tips to help get me out of writer's block. He really just redirected me to some posts he did about it, but it was a humungous help.

Now, who played spot the background pony? I squeezed in a few.

Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed this, and I'm looking forward to updating more regularly! :sunsetsmirk: