A Shimmering Memory

‘Twilight, this is Rarity. I am with the others.’

‘What do you TRAITORS want? Let me contact Sunset.’

‘That is what this about. I'm Applejack.’

‘Let me speak to Sunset.’

‘You can't. She's not here. This is Fluttershy now.’

‘FIND HER AND LET HER KNOW I WANT TO TALK TO HER!’

‘Not unless you have a Ouija board. It's Rainbow Dash.’

‘Tell me you aren't kidding!?’

‘No we aren't. It's Pinkie now’

‘I'm coming to see her. Don't try stopping me OR ELSE’

“Princess Celestia, I have to go,” Twilight said trying to hold back tears as she approached the the throne room

“What happened,” Celestia asked

Wordlessly; Twilight handed her mentor the book used to contact Sunset, that was open to a particular page. Celestia immediately broke down afterwards.

“Sister, what is it,” Luna asked only to be handed the book as a response

“My daughter; gone. They must pay,” Celestia said angrily

“Then we all go tomorrow. Twilight, you will lead as you have been there previously,” Luna decided

“Very well. We're going to need some kind of clothing to keep us covered,” Celestia said

“Some kind of robe, it seems,” Twilight said

“We leave in a few days and will be there Wednesday,” Celestia said

The rest of the day past painfully slow as the three princesses couldn't believe what they read. Sunset was actually gone, by her own hand, no less. Although she did have help pulling the trigger, in a manner of speaking.

“Twilight, what's wrong,” Spike asked curiously as she returned home

“Read this,” she said sadly handing him the book

“She's,” he started as Twilight nodded

“Let me go with you. I want to give them a piece of my mind,” he said angrily

“I'm sorry, but that isn't going to happen,” Twilight replied “I want you to stay here where it's safe. You don't want to see what happens.”

“If you believe that to be best,” a defeated Spike said

“Twilight, darling; they're finished,” Rarity said hugging her friend “I'm sorry you have to do this.”

“Thank you Rarity. I'm sorry, too.”

Twilight modified the portal to allow objects to pass through as the princesses donned their hooded robes. They gave a final goodbye to their friends and stepped through.

“So, this is what the other side is. It really is similar to home,” Celestia mused

“Indeed. This new form is hard to get used to,” Luna said

“We're going inside the school,” Twilight directed

Twilight led the two through the doors where she was surprised by the sight. The students weren't running around or acting cheerfully. A pin drop would echo around the school.

“That's ominous,” Luna said looking at the writing on the lockers reading ‘Guilty’

“Miss, Sparkle; shall we head to my office,” principal Celestia asked

“Lead the way,” Twilight said simply

Principal Celestia directed the three princesses down another hall that didn't contain any lockers and straight into her office. Once inside, Twilight casually closed the door behind them.

“What brings you here,” Celestia asked as Vice-Principal Luna entered the office from a side door

“Where is she,” Princess Celestia said with a low growl

“Where is who,” VP Luna asked

“MY DAUGHTER, THAT'S WHO,” Celestia roared, causing her hood to hall backwards

“You look like you've seen a ghost,” Twilight said

“I have. Every day starting on Monday,” principal Celestia replied sadly

“After lunch, you WILL set up a mandatory assembly for everyone,” Twilight ordered

“What do you mean about seeing a ghost,” Luna asked lowering her hood

“Sunset Shimmer. Just before noon, her spirit heads to the bathroom for a moment before leaving. You have to see it for yourself,” Celestia said

“It's 11:00 now; around 11:45 you'll see,” VP Luna added

“What's with the writing,” Luna asked

“Sunset’s spirit wrote those on the lockers Monday morning. Three have ‘Anon-a-Miss’ as the culprits, while anyone who ever supplied secrets received ‘Guilty’ on their lockers,” Celestia explained

“I want to see the lockers,” Twilight said

She took a walk around the school and the message written on dozens of lockers that were accused of sending secrets to Anon-a-Miss. Amongst the graffiti, on Sunset’s locker was a mural of Sunset as an angel.

“In life she's hated, yet in death Sunset is revered,” Twilight said with a chuckle

A poster on the wall to Twilight’s left caught her attention as writing appeared out of nowhere in ink.

‘Hello Twilight’.

“Sunset,” Twilight whispered

‘Yes. Sorry for everything’.

“Your mom and aunt are here with me.”

‘Tell them I love them’.

“You just did,” Celestia said approaching

“Why did you do this,” Twilight asked

‘I couldn't take the pain any more. I didn't feel that I could return either’.

Twilight walked over and removed the papers before sticking them in her backpack. Even in death, she couldn't leave her friend's last message behind. Celestia headed to the locker and kissed it, wishing it was her daughter.

“Twi, it's time to look,” Luna whispered motioning to a nearby clock

Twilight headed down the hall with the princesses following behind and saw Sunset’s spirit head inside and leave the bathroom. Entering the cafeteria, the three were holding each other as they watched the moment where Sunset died.

“I'm sorry. It's my fault,” Twilight said through tears as she fell to her knees

“You are not at fault,” Celestia said helping Twilight to her feet

The three headed back to Principal Celestia’s office and were surprised to see three salads waiting for them to eat.

“We thought you'd like something to eat before the assembly. We're sorry you had to see that,” Principal Celestia said

“These are some papers I removed from your message board. I hope you don't mind,” Twilight said

“Of course not. Those are personal,” VP Luna replied “After school, I have some friends that are going to see Sunset. Feel free to join.”

“Thank you very much. I'd like to see my daughter's grave,” Celestia said as Twilight and Luna nodded

The five of ate in peace until just before the end of lunch where principal Celestia made her announcement.

“To all students and staff, there will be a mandatory assembly held in the gym immediately after lunch,” Celestia said

“My friends that are on their way to assist with the assembly,” VP Luna said before her phone beeped

‘Reaper- Queen, Sombra & I are here and dressed to kill, so to speak, Chaos’

Both principals headed into the gym as the princesses stayed behind for their introduction. Three people in armor and black motorcycle helmets entered through the opposite doors and stood there, guarding them.

“You're probably wondering why this assembly was called. There are a few people that want to speak with you,” principal Celestia said cryptically

“Keep your hoods up until I tell you to remove them,” Twilight said as they nodded

The doors opened and the hooded princesses entered first followed by Twilight. The students noticed her demeanor wasn't the same.

“There are five students in particular I address first. Get up here now,” Twilight demanded

Reluctantly, Rainbow Dash and the others made their way towards Twilight and the group in front of them.

“Give me that book,” Twilight demanded

“Are you sure,” Applejack asked

“Shut your mouth until I ask you to speak,” Twilight replied firmly, with a hint of disgust in her voice

AJ reached into her backpack and lifted it out, only to have it ripped out of her grasp by Twilight.

“You don't deserve this. Now I want an answer. Why did you abandon Sunset,” Twilight asked placing the book in her bag

“She was Anon-a-Miss,” Rainbow Dash replied only to receive a slap in the face

“Try again. This time answer honestly.”

“She returned to her demon nature,” Rarity said getting slapped

“Bullshit.”

“She was a big meanie,” Pinkie said getting slapped

“She broke up our friendship,” Applejack tried to argue before getting a slap of her own

“It wasn't Sunset’s fault. It was ours. We fucked up and abandoned her,” Fluttershy yelled finally realizing what Twilight wanted

“I am not going to punish you, but she will,” Twilight said motioning to the hooded Luna, who lowered her hood on cue

“Normally I shouldn't do this, but an exception can be made. The five of you will feel everyone that Sunset felt until her last moments,” Luna said holding out a hand

“You can't do this,” Rainbow Dash said desperately

“You will live, but are going to suffer. Had we been in Equestria, I would be able to do much worse,” Luna said evilly before putting them in a trance “I'm not called ‘Nightmare Moon’ for no reason.”

“I'm getting out of here,” Gilda yelled jumping over the bleachers

“Where do you think you're going,” Discord asked

“Through you apparently,” Gilda replied only to be taken down by Chrysalis with a palm strike to the solar plexus

“Anyone else want to try,” Chrysalis asked

Almost half and hour later, the five were brought out of their state and couldn't believe all the beating Sunset received. Even her final moments were torture, knowing they should have been there for her.

“We fucked up big time. I didn't know that Sunset went through that,” Applejack said

“Yes you did. Because of you, I lost someone I love,” Celestia said lowering her hood “I could deal with her running away out of anger, but now I lost her forever.”

“Now; where are the three that created ‘Anon-a-Miss’,” Twilight asked as the CMC approached “Why am I not surprised? Let's here your explanations.”

“I wanted to spend time with my sister, but Applejack brushed me off for Sunset,” Apple Bloom said

“Rarity kicked me out of her sleepover because it was a school night. I wanted to get back at Sunset,” Sweetie Belle said hanging her head

“I wanted to have Dash help me out with soccer practice but she hung out with Sunset instead,” Scootaloo said

“You created Anon-a-Miss because you were jealous,” Twilight exclaimed as her hair became enflamed

“The three of you are guilty of driving my daughter to committing suicide. YOU MIGHT HAVE WELL PULLED THE TRIGGER YOURSELVES,” Celestia roared, causing her hair to enflame as well

A message appeared on the back wall above the students with a single word.

‘Punish’.

“You three will be receiving a special punishment for your actions,” Celestia said sadistically

“If you do not mind, I have school-wide punishments to hand out,” principal Celestia said

“Be our guest,” Twilight replied motioning to the students

“Firstly, Apple Bloom and company; you three are to be split up in all classes and will be forbidden to be together on school grounds. Next, all computers will be blocked from accessing all websites that are not school approved. All extra curricular activities are hereby disbanded. Finally, the Rainbooms are no longer permitted to practice on school grounds again,” Celestia said as many students groaned “Unfortunately, due to the amount of students involved with the incident you will not be punished. Be warned that any further incidents involving bullying or assaults will result in immediate expulsion.”

“You're dismissed,” VP Luna said to the students “You eight, however aren't.”

“One last thing. I, Princess Twilight Sparkle; hereby strip the five of your Elements of Harmony. I hope you do not have a crisis that requires help, because it will never come. Once we leave, the portal will be destroyed,” Twilight said

Discord and his companions stepped aside to allow everyone to leave except the Rainbooms and their siblings.

“We're sorry,” Apple Bloom said

“Don't apologize to me. Let's go to who needs it,” Twilight said

“We're heading there,” Discord asked cryptically as VP Luna nodded

“Get to stepping,” Chrysalis ordered

Principal Celestia led the CMC and Rainbooms out of the gym as the Changelings were directly behind them, ending with the princesses. They stopped in front of a particular locker no one would ever forget.

“Why are we here,” Scootaloo asked in disbelief

“Simple. You're going to apologize to Sunset for the hell you put her through,” Twilight ordered

“Sunset, I don't know if you can hear us, but we're sorry. Anon-a-Miss was created only so we could spend more time with our families. It was never supposed to go that far,” Apple Bloom said sadly

“We didn't know you were suffering as bad as you were. Everyone thought you got what you deserved by getting assaulted,” Sweetie Belle added

“We hope you could possibly forgive us for our actions,” Scootaloo said hanging her head

Without warning, Sunset’s spirit completely manifested itself in front of everyone. She held her left hand in the shape of a gun and ‘fired’ it at the CMC at their mouths one by one, causing them to fall to their knees in surprise.

‘They just felt the pain I suffered’.

“Someone care to explain this,” Applejack demanded ripping paper with the message off the wall “Is this some sick joke?”

“You all saw the spirit of my daughter dish out her punishment for them. They should be okay physically. Mentally,” Celestia said with a shrug

“Get out of here now. Take those bitches with you,” Twilight said angrily “You deserve everything you felt for betraying Sunset and I.”

The Rainbooms brought their siblings to their feet and led them out of the school and towards home.

“Changelings, remove your helmets,” Luna directed

“Discord, Sombra, Chrysalis? This is a surprise,” Twilight said “Sorry, the three of you are in our world as villains.”

“Before we head out, mind if we change,” Discord asked as Luna nodded

The three stopped by the office and retrieved dufflebags with a change of clothes and ducked into the closest restroom. VP Luna also removed her blazer and Twilight was surprised.

“Curious to the meaning, Twilight,” VP Luna asked

“Yes. It is nice art, from what I can see,” Twilight replied

“Sorry for the wait Captain,” Discord said “Changelings are present and accounted for.”

“Why do only three of you have that,” Twilight asked

“The three of us: Discord, Chrysalis and myself were an elite combat unit known as the Changelings, if you didn't know. We were known respectively as Chaos, Queen and Reaper; respectively. Sombra was our tech expert,” VP Luna explained

“Everyone has secrets, it seems,” Twilight replied “Who would have expected you to be awesome?”

“Sadly, some secrets are worth killing for or being killed over,” VP Luna added sadly

“If we're ready; let's go,” principal Celestia said holding a wrapped item in her hands

Once at the parking lot, the three princesses climbed in principal Celestia’s car, while her sister jumped on her motorcycle. The remaining members of the Changelings jumped in Sombra’s truck as the three vehicles headed to the cemetery. Moments later they arrived at their destination towards the back.

“Sunset, I'm so sorry I caused you to run away. It was selfish of me to not allow you to continue your training. One little incident didn't mean you were bad. I was glad you were doing so well until this incident. I love you dearly and wish you could be here,” Celestia said through tears “Rest well.”

“I'm sorry I didn't come through the portal and help you. I could have taken you home to be with real friends. You were a promising friend. Rest in peace,” Twilight said

“Sunset, I'm sorry you resorted to such methods. I gave you that pistol as you feared being attacked. Chrysalis and I were talking about adopting you to give you a family,” Discord said sadly

“I may not be your mom; but goodbye sweetheart. At least you can be at peace,” Chrysalis said

Sunset’s spirit appeared in front of them before disappearing.

“I'd like you to have this,” principal Celeatia said handing Twilight the item

“Sunset’s diploma. Thank you very much. Valedictorian? What's that,” Twilight replied putting it in her bag

“Valedictorian is the student with the highest grade point average. Sunset had a 4.0 GPA,” principal Celestia replied

“Goodbye Sunset,” Twilight said before they headed back to school

“I'm sorry you had to see what's been happening at school,” VP Luna said

“I'd like to apologize for our actions. Keep an eye on those students. It's unknown how they might be mentally,” Luna said

The three headed back through the portal and destroyed it, before being joined by the rest of the mane-six. Twilight removed the papers and placed them inside the journal before handing it to Celestia.

“Sunset would want you to have that,” Twilight said handing her the diploma as well

“Thank you Twilight. There is something I want to do,” Celestia said

Celestia had a statue made of her daughter with alicorn wings spread open. Due to it being made from marble, the statue would take a month to complete. Once done; Celestia had it placed underneath her room as a makeshift monument to her daughter.

“She's really gone,” Rarity asked

“Yes, she died. I'm glad we were able to see her one final time,” Celestia said

“Rest in peace, Sunset Shimmer,” everyone said

Sunset’s spirit appeared momentarily to the three princesses before completely disappearing, giving her family one last view.