Chapters View Online
Prologue: What did I lose? (Spoiler Alert !!)
The crystal mirror glowed, and from it came a yellow mare with yellow and red mane. She carried a brown backpack with a drawing of a red and yellow sun. Her name was Sunset Shimmer. Former Princess Celestia’s student. Sunset Shimmer looked around and was surprised to see that she wasn’t in Twilight Castle, but in Canterlot Castle. Sunset Shimmer found it strange.
Weird. Why is the mirror in Canterlot? I think i better go ask Twilight about that.
Sunset Shimmer opened the door and was surprised. The castle has changed a lot. She wondered if Celestia and Luna wanted to change the style of the castle. Everything was so confusing.
“Hey. Who are you?”
Sunset Shimmer was startled by the voice and saw a blue griffon wearing gold armor, “I am Sunset Shimmer. And you?”
The griffon calmed down, “ah. You’re Sunset Shimmer’s friend. I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was you. My name is Gallus”
“Ah. Hi Gallus”, Sunset Shimmer greeted with a smile. She didn’t know him but she smiled friendly.
“So what do you do here?” asked Gallus, now curious.
“Princess Twilight is here?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
“Yes. She is in the throne room with Spike. Would you like me to inform her of your arrival?” said Gallus.
“Yes. Please, Gallus”, Sunset Shimmer replied.
Gallus nodded before heading toward the throne room. Sunset Shimmer followed him. Sunset Shimmer watched as the castle changed a lot.
Things look different since the last time I came here. I’m sure Celestia will better explain to me what is going on.
Gallus opened the door to the throne room and closed it. Sunset Shimmer waited outside the throne room. She heard the voice of Gallus and Twilight Sparkle on the other side.
“Majesty, you have a visitor”
“Who came to visit me?”
“Sunset Shimmer”
“You can let her in”
Sunset Shimmer heard footsteps and stepped back. She saw Gallus leave, “Twilight left. You may come in”
“Thank you”, that said, Sunset Shimmer came in. She was surprised by what she saw. The castle was very different since she visited to ask Celestia for help.
“Sunset, I missed you”
Sunset Shimmer looked where the voice was coming from and she was surprised by what she saw. Twilight Sparkle was a grown alicorn with golden perks. Beside her was Spike, he grew up and wore a locket. Sunset Shimmer was surprised. Where was Celestia and Luna?
Twilight Sparkle went to Sunset Shimmer, who was confused, “Sunset, are you ok?”
Sunset Shimmer looked at Twilight, still surprised. She couldn’t believe the alicorn in front of her was Twilight. How long has it been? “Yes, Twilight”
Twilight Sparkle didn’t seem to accept the answer, “are you sure?”
Sunset Shimmer sighed, before looking at Twilight, “Why are you the size of Celestia?”
Twilight Sparkle looked nervous, “It’s just… Sunset… Celestia and Luna… Let’s say they retired and now I’m rule Equestria…”
Sunset Shimmer was surprised. Celestia and Luna retired? But why? “Why did they retire?”
Twilight Sparkle didn’t know how to explain, “I think it’s because they think I’m ready to rule Equestria. Celestia and Luna told me they would only retire when I was ready. And after Chrysalis, Tirek and Cozy Gloom were turned into stones, they knew I was ready to rule Equestria”
Sunset Shimmer was fighting not to cry, “but, I don’t understand ... What did I lose ...?”
Twilight Sparkle put a wing on Sunset Shimmer, “Sunset, would you like to go to the dining room for tea?”
Sunset Shimmer smiled, though she still had tears in her eyes, “it’s a good idea”
Twilight Sparkle started walking. Sunset Shimmer followed her. As they walked, Sunset continued to look at the changes the castle underwent.
Everything has changed… Nothing is the same. Where would Celestia and Luna be?
Sunset Shimmer heard door sound open. She didn’t know why she was surprised. It was obvious that the whole castle was now modified. Twilight Sparkle sat in a chair. Sunset Shimmer sat next to her. A waiter came to where they were sitting, “what would you like to eat?”
“Tea, please”, answered Twilight Sparkle.
The waiter bowed before doing what Twilight ordered
Sunset Shimmer looked at Twilight, “So, are you technically a queen?”
Twilight was surprised, “well ... I think so ...”
“How are your friends?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
Twilight Sparkle smiled sadly, “They’re all old. Fluttershy and Discord are together, Pinkie Pie and Cheese Sandwich had a daughter, Rainbow Dash and Applejack seem to be together, I’m not sure. It depends on each pony’s point of view and Starlight and Sunburst had a daughter named Luster Dawn, and she’s my student”
Sunset Shimmer was now crying, “Gee. It must be hard for you to see your friends grow old while you are immortal”
Twilight Sparkle was almost crying, but wiped it off with a hull, “yes, it’s hard. When they are no longer here, it will be difficult to rule alone without my friends. But I know I have no choice but to keep moving on”
Sunset Shimmer was fighting not to cry, “Gee. I see how much you grew and matured ”
Twilight Sparkle smiled, “thank you, Sunset”
Suddenly the kitchen doors opened and the waiter brought a banner with two cups of tea and a teapot. The waiter set it on the table before leaving. Twilight Sparkle poured tea.
Sunset Shimmer picked up the cup of tea already with her magic, “As time went by fast”
Twilight Sparkle nodded, “Time goes by, yes, Sunset. And we must enjoy every moment of our lives”
“Yes, Twilight”, said Sunset Shimmer, before sipping some tea.
“What happened to your Ponyville castle?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
Twilight Sparkle stopped drinking tea and looked down, “I left him”
Sunset Shimmer was surprised, “what? But why?”
“Sunset, I had no choice. I would have to move permanently to Canterlot in order to rule Equestria. Friendship Castle is now an abandoned house”, explained Twilight Sparkle.
“Are you sad to have to leave Ponyville and your Ponyville castle?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
Twilight, still staring at the floor replied, “Yes. But I know it was necessary. It was a sacrifice I had to make”
Sunset Shimmer smiled sadly, “I see you changed a lot, Twilight”
Twilight looked at Sunset, she was smiling a little, “thank you, Sunset”
A silence, until…
“Do you spend all day in this castle?”
“Well, not always. But I spend a lot of time in Canterlot”
“Do you visit Ponyville?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
“Sometimes. If I’m not that busy”, answered Twilight Sparkle.
“How are things in Ponyville?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
“There are new ponies, the foals I saw before must have grown”, answered Twilight Sparkle.
Sunset Shimmer wasn’t surprised by this. Because she knew it was kind of obvious.
“Do your friends live Ponyville yet?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
“Yes. But they visit me”, answered Twilight Sparkle.
“I think I should visit to see your friends and meet this new student of yours”, said Sunset Shimmer.
Twilight Sparkle smiled, “Yeah. I’m sure they will be happy to see you”
Sunset Shimmer smiled back, “ok. I will do this after I finish drinking tea”
After Sunset Shimmer had finished her tea, she went to the train station. She sat up and stared at the sky.
It’s amazing that Equestria has changed. Celestia and Luna have ceased to rule and now Twilight Sparkle rules Equestria. I wonder where Luna and Celestia would be.
When the train stopped, Sunset Shimmer got off the train and went looking for friends of Twilight Sparkle. Sunset Shimmer decided to go first at Boutique Carrousel, she knocked on the door. Hooves were heard. The door opened and Rarity appeared, “Hi, Sunset Shimmer. It’s been a while since I see you”
Sunset Shimmer smiled, though inside he was sad, “Hi, Rarity. How are things?”
“They are good. Thanks for asking”, Rarity replied with a smile.
Sunset Shimmer wanted to say more things. But she had no business to talk about, “well, I’m going”
“Okay, dear”, said Rarity, before closing the door.
When Rarity closed the door, Sunset Shimmer walked back.
Ok. I’ve seen Rarity. Missing now: Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Luster Dawn.
When Sunset Shimmer arrived at Fluttershy’s house, she noticed that still had animals outside.
Yeah. Some things never change.
When Sunset Shimmer arrived at the door, she knocked with a hoof. Footsteps have ears. And Fluttershy opened the door, “Oh. Hi, Sunset Shimmer”
“Hi Fluttershy. How are things?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
Fluttershy smiled, “oh. They’re wonderful. Discord and I are together”
Sunset Shimmer smiled, “congratulations”
“Would you like to come in? Discord and I were having tea”, Fluttershy offered with a smile.
“That’s very kind of you, Fluttershy. But I came here just to see how you all were”, Sunset Shimmer replied.
“OK. If you need anything, just let me know”, said Fluttershy, before closing the door.
Sunset Shimmer left Fluttershy’s home.
Okay. Now there’s Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Luster Dawn.
When Sunset Shimmer arrived at Sugarcube Corner, she entered. She was surprised that the store was still the same.
“Oh. Hi, Sunset”
Sunset Shimmer looked where the voice came from. She saw Pinkie Pie behind the counter, “Did you eat something?”
“No. But I came here to know how your life is,” Sunset Shimmer replied. “How is she?”
Pinkie Pie smiled, “a wonder. Cheese Sandwich and I have a foal”
“Congratulations Pinkie Pie”, smiled Sunset Shimmer.
“Are you sure you don’t want to eat something?”
“I’m sure”
“Well then, goodbye”, said Pinkie Pie.
As Sunset Shimmer walked, she wondered where she should look. She didn’t know if she should look in Sweet Apple Acres or cloudsdale. She would first look in Sweet Apple Acres. Then in Cloudsdale. She just hoped Applejack and Rainbow Dash were there. Because she knew that if they were in Cloudsdale it would be harder. She decided to rush towards the Sweet Apple Acres. While doing this, some ponies watched Sunset Shimmer run.
After a long run, Sunset Shimmer has arrived to the farm, she was surprised to see Applejack, Rainbow Dash and a yellow horsehair unicorn sitting in a tree. She went to them. Rainbow Dash and Applejack heard footsteps. They looked and saw Sunset Shimmer, “ah. Hi, Sunset Shimmer”, said Rainbow Dash.
“Hi, Rainbow Dash,” greeted Sunset Shimmer. “How are things going?”
“Good. Applejack and I are together”, said Rainbow Dash.
“Congratulations,” Sunset Shimmer noticed a pink unicorn with yellow mane staring at her. She approached the unicorn.
“Hi. My name is Sunset Shimmer. And yours?” Greeted Sunset Shimmer.
“My name is Luster Dawn,” replied Luster Dawn with a smile. “I’m a student of Princess Twilight Sparkle”
Sunset Shimmer just managed to smile, “Well, I’m going. It was good to meet you, Luster Dawn”, Sunset Shimmer turned her back and started walking.
Luster Dawn was confused now, “where are you going?”
Sunset Shimmer looked back, “I’m going back to Canterlot Castle to talk to Twilight Sparkle”
“To do what?” asked Luster Dawn.
“To talk to Twilight a little more”, Sunset Shimmer replied.
Luster Dawn smiled, “Well, good luck, Sunset”
Sunset Shimmer smiled back, “thank you, Luster Dawn”, Sunset Shimmer said before walking back.
As Sunset Shimmer walked out of Sweet Apple Acres, she began to think about what she was going to do next. Sunset planned to ask for a map for Twilight so she could get to know other places in Equestria to try to find Celestia.
I just hope Twilight has a map…
Meanwhile, Twilight was on the balcony to lower the sun and raise the moon. When she was done she looked at the moon. She let out a breath as she smiled.
I hope Celestia and Luna are having fun…
Suddenly she heard footsteps. Gallus appeared, “Majesty, Sunset wants to talk to you”
“Let her in”, said Twilight Sparkle.
Gallus went to do what Twilight asked and gave Sunset Shimmer permission to enter. Sunset Shimmer approached Twilight, “Twilight”
Twilight Sparkle approached Sunset Shimmer, “Yes, Sunset?”
“Do you have a map?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
Twilight Sparkle was confused, “But why do you need a map?”
“For me to explore the other places and towns of Equestria to try to find Celestia”, Sunset Shimmer replied.
“Well, I think I have a map in the library”, answered Twilight Sparkle.
“Can I go to the library?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
Twilight Sparkle smiled, “Of course, Sunset. You will always be welcome here at the castle and the library”
Sunset Shimmer smiled, “thank you, Twilight”, Sunset Shimmer said before heading toward the library. Twilight Sparkle watched Sunset leave the throne room.
When Sunset Shimmer arrived at the library, she began to look through every book for a map that could be in the books. Whether it is on a page of a book or if the map is hidden in the books.
After many hours, Sunset Shimmer was able to find a map that was hidden in the books. Sunset Shimmer smiled.
I found it!
Sunset Shimmer rolled up the map and put it in her backpack. Sunset Shimmer looked out the window and saw that it was dawn. Sunset Shimmer yawned.
I think I better go to sleep before I leave.
Sunset Shimmer left the library sleepily. Sunset Shimmer went where it had a bedroom.
Twilight Sparkle and Spike were eating pancakes in the dining room until they heard a knock on the door.
The door opened revealing Gallus. Twilight Sparkle noticed, “Gallus, what’s up?”
“Sunset, went to sleep in a room. I could see the tiredness on your face”, replied Gallus.
“Let her sleep, Gallus. I believe she spent the whole night in the library”, said Twilight Sparkle.
Gallus bowed, “If that’s what you want, I’ll obey”, said Gallus, before leaving and closing the door.
Twilight Sparkle and Spike ate the pancakes again. Twilight Sparkle was thinking about after eating check Sunset Shimmer to see if Sunset was sleeping.
After Twilight and Spike finished eating, Twilight left the dining room and headed for the bedroom. But there were so many rooms she didn’t even know where to look, “Gallus!”
Gallus headed toward Twilight before bowing, “yes, your majesty?”
“Do you know which room Sunset is sleeping in?” asked Twilight Sparkle. Spike was beside her.
“Yes. Follow me”, replied Gallus, before leading the way to the bedroom.
“Sunset Shimmer passed you very tired?” asked Twilight Sparkle.
“Yes. It was as if she was spending all night in the library”, replied Gallus.
Twilight, knowing Sunset Shimmer, knew that Sunset was determined and wouldn’t give up until she got what she wanted. That is, Sunset wouldn’t give up until she found the map, “maybe she actually spent the whole night in the library”
It didn’t take long for them to arrive in the room where Sunset Shimmer was, “this is the room where I saw Sunset come in”, said Gallus.
Twilight Sparkle propped his hull on the door before opening the door a little and seeing Sunset Shimmer lying on the bed. Sunset was covered to the neck. Twilight Sparkle closed the door with her magic. She looked at Spike and Gallus, “let’s let her sleep”
Spike and Gallus agreed.
When the next day came, Sunset Shimmer woke up. She felt the sun on her face. She got out of bed and grabbed her backpack. She checked to see if she had everything in her backpack she saw her yellow lizard named Ray in the backpack, “Hi Ray. Did you sleep well?”
In response, Ray was silent, “I’ll take that as a yes”
Sunset Shimmer took Ray out of her backpack and put him on her back, “Let’s see Princess Twilight, Ray”
Sunset Shimmer went toward the door, opened it with a hoof, left the room and closed the door with her magic. That done, she went as far as she believed where Twilight Sparkle was.
Twilight Sparkle and Spike were in the dining room, eating pancakes, until they heard a knock, “come in”
The door opened, revealing Sunset Shimmer, “ah. Hi sunset. Did you sleep well?” said Twilight Sparkle while smiling
Sunset Shimmer smiled back, “yes, Twilight”
As Sunset Shimmer approached, Twilight noticed a slat on the back of Sunset Shimmer, “Sunset, you have a lizard on its back”
“It’s my pet lizard. His name is Ray”, Sunset Shimmer replied as she headed toward the table.
“Where did you get him?” asked Twilight Sparkle.
“In the human world”, said Sunset Shimmer, now sitting at the table.
“By the way, are you going back to the human world?” asked Twilight Sparkle.
“No, Twilight”, Sunset Shimmer replied.
Twilight Sparkle was surprised, “but why not?”
“My counterpart appeared”, Sunset Shimmer replied.
“Oh. So are you staying here in Equestria now?” asked Twilight Sparkle just to be sure.
“Yes, Twilight,” answered Sunset Shimmer. “And I plan to travel looking for Celestia”
“You already told me that, Sunset. Before you go, do you have everything you need?”
“Yes, Twilight”, Sunset Shimmer replied.
“So, good luck”, said Twilight Sparkle.
Sunset Shimmer smiled, “thank you”, Sunset Shimmer approached Twilight Sparkle and hugged her. Spike watched.
When they left the hug, Sunset Shimmer knew it was time for her to say goodbye, “Well, I’m going. Bye”
“Goodbye Sunset”, Twilight Sparkle said goodbye.
Sunset Shimmer before going decided to ask, “Is it okay if I get some breakfast while I go to the train?”
Twilight Sparkle smiled, “Of course, Sunset”
Sunset Shimmer smiled before grabbing a piece of pancake and walking toward the outside of the castle while eating the pancake.
Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
Sunset Shimmer was already at the train station, she had already finished eating the pancake. Sunset was sitting on the train seat. Ray was by her side. She looked at Ray, “Ray, what do I do? Celestia and Luna retired and I didn’t even have time to talk to them. I mean, except when my friends lost their memory and I had to go back to Equestria to ask for Celestia’s help”
Suddenly she saw a brown-haired unicorn holding a newspaper with its magic. The stallion sat next to Sunset Shimmer. Sunset picked up her gecko with her magic so he wouldn’t step on her gecko. When the unicorn sat down he began reading the newspaper he brought. Sunset Shimmer breathed a sigh of relief.
That was close.
Sunset Shimmer took the map from her backpack and looked at the places that she could visit to see if she found Celestia.
I think I’ll go first to Manehattan. To spend a few days there and try to see if Celestia is there.
Sunset Shimmer put the map in her bag before looking out the window. The train hasn’t yet arrived in Manehattan. Sunset Shimmer knew this would take too long. Sunset wished That she had brought something to read. But she didn’t even bring it. What could she do? It seems the only thing she could do was watch the landscape.
I think when I get to Manehattan, I go to the book store to buy some books. So when I go to the train, I can read something.
After hours on the train, the train finally arrived in Manehattan, Sunset Shimmer paid with Bits and got off the train. She was surprised that Manehattan was a big city. Manehattan was much bigger than Ponyville and Canterlot. Before she explored and tried to search for Celestia, she needed to find a hotel for her to sleep. And that was what she was going to do. She started walking in Manehattan looking for a hotel to stay. But she hardly knew what the streets of Manehattan were like. Her chance of getting lost was very high. But she was so distracted looking at the buildings that she didn’t see a fur-colored mare with baby blue mane. Her Cutie Mark was a hat, “Sorry. I didn’t see you”
The mare stood up, “it’s all right”
“My name is Sunset Shimmer and yours?”
“Coco Pommel”
“Do you live here?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
“Yes”, said Coco Pommel.
“Do you know any hotels that have here?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
“Yes, Sunset. Would you like me to show you where it is?” said Coco Pommel.
“Sure. Lead the way”, Sunset Shimmer replied, smiling.
“Ok.me follow”, said Coco Pommel, before leading the way. Sunset Shimmer followed her.
“Where were you born, Sunset?” asked Coco Pommel.
“In Canterlot”, Sunset Shimmer replied.
Coco Pommel smiled, “I never visited Canterlot. Is there a good place to live?”
“Yes, Coco”, Sunset Shimmer replied.
“I plan to visit Canterlot. I’m going to Canterlot’s Rarity Boutique to see which dresses have can inspire me to create my new dresses”, said Coco Pommel.
“Does Rarity have a boutique in Canterlot?” asked Sunset Shimmer, surprised.
“Yes, Sunset”, replied Coco Pommel.
“I didn’t know,” said Sunset Shimmer. “Thanks for letting me know”
Coco Pommel smiled, “You’re welcome, Sunset”
Coco Pommel stopped walking. Sunset Shimmer was confused, “Why did you stop?”
Coco Pommel looked at Sunset Shimmer, “Because we have arrived at the hotel”
Sunset Shimmer was surprised, “but already?”
Coco Pommel nodded, “Yes. It is very close”
Sunset Shimmer smiled, “good”
Coco Pommel walked back, “well, I’m going”
“Coco, wait!”
Coco Pommel looked at Sunset Shimmer, “The train station is over there”, said Sunset Shimmer as she pointed back.
“I know, Sunset. But I will have dinner in a restaurant before going to Canterlot”, said Coco Pommel.
Sunset Shimmer was surprised, “Wait, is it dark?”
“Yes. Look at the sky”, said Coco Pommel.
Sunset Shimmer looked up at the sky and saw the moon and stars, “wow. The trip to Manehattan must have taken a long time”
“Yes. Manehattan is a long way from Canterlot”, agreed Coco Pommel.
Sunset Shimmer just nodded.
“Well, I’m going”, said Coco Pommel.
Sunset Shimmer looked at the hotel. But she began to think. Maybe she should have dinner out, along with Coco Pommel. After all, Coco would have to eat too.
Coco Pommel arrived at the restaurant, sat down in a chair and with her magic, took the menu to choose what to eat. Suddenly she heard the sound of the door opening. She looked back and saw Sunset Shimmer. She found it strange. Why did Sunset Shimmer follow her? Sunset Shimmer sat at the table she Coco Pommel was at. Sunset Shimmer smiled as she saw Coco Pommel, “Hi again, Coco”
Coco Pommel raised an eyebrow, “Why did you follow me?”
“Because how are you going to have dinner at a Manehattan restaurant, I thought I should have dinner with you. So I can know more about the food that have here”, Sunset Shimmer replied.
Coco Pommel was surprised, but then smiled, “ok. Sit down and choose something to eat”, Coco Pommel took another menu and gave it to Sunset Shimmer. Sunset Shimmer took the menu with her magic and sat next to Coco Pommel.
Sunset Shimmer opened the menu and marveled at the images of food that had. The foods were more fancy, and look, they weren’t even in Canterlot. Because in Canterlot, the foods were fancy. Suddenly a brown-skinned, unicorn mare with a pack and a feather went to where Sunset and Coco were, “have you two chosen what you are going to eat?”
Coco Pommel stopped looking at the menu, “I’ve already chosen. I’d like to have a tomato sauce pasta, please”
The mare took the order in her notebook, “ok. And you?” she looked now at Sunset Shimmer.
Sunset Shimmer looked at the menu. What should she choose? She realized that she had palm heart Stroganoff. She decided to pick this one, “Palm Stroganoff, please”
The unicorn mare took the order before heading toward the place where food was make. Coco Pommel looked at Sunset Shimmer, “So, Sunset”
Sunset Shimmer looked at Coco Pommel, “Do you plan on living here?” asked Coco Pommel.
“No, Coco Pommel”, Sunset Shimmer replied.
Coco Pommel was surprised, “So why did you come here?”
Sunset Shimmer knew it would be hard to talk but she knew she should, “is that Celestia and Luna have retired and I want to find them”
Coco Pommel was surprised, “Do you think you can find them?”
“Yes, I’m sure. With determination, I will go far”, Sunset Shimmer said confidently.
The same mare that attended Sunset and Coco Pommel brought both foods, “here is your order”, the mare handed the noodles to Coco.
“Thank you”, said Coco Pommel.
The mare looked at Sunset Shimmer before handing the stroganoff to Sunset, “and here is your order”
“Thank you”, said Sunset Shimmer.
The mare has left. Coco and Sunset began to eat.
By the time they were done eating, it was dawn. Sunset and Coco left the restaurant.
“So, are you going to Canterlot now?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
“No. It’s already night. I’m going to my house to go to sleep. When the day comes, I’ll have breakfast before taking the train to Canterlot”, said Coco Pommel.
“And I’m going to sleep at the hotel. When the day comes, I’ll have breakfast and then explore Manehattan,” said Sunset Shimmer. “Well, goodbye”
“Goodbye”, said Coco Pommel.
Each went in a different direction. Sunset Shimmer went left and Coco Pommel went right. To Sunset Shimmer’s surprise, it didn’t take long for her to arrive at the hotel. She opened the hotel door with a hoof and saw a mare with glasses. She approached, “excuse me”
The mare looked at Sunset Shimmer, “who are you?”
“Sunset Shimmer. I’ll stay here a few nights”, said Sunset Shimmer.
“It will be 15 bits”, said the mare.
Sunset Shimmer took out of her backpack 15 bits, “here it is”
The mare took the 15 bits with a hoof, “very well. Follow me and I’ll show you to your room”, The mare walked toward the elevator and pushed the button. The elevator began to descend.
What Sunset Shimmer was going to ask seemed obvious, but she wanted to know, “Will my bedroom door have a number?”
The mare looked at Sunset Shimmer, “yes. Why?”
“Because I’m afraid I might forget. Could you write down my room number, please?” Sunset Shimmer replied.
The mare smiled, “Of course, Sunset Shimmer”
Sunset Shimmer smiled back. Suddenly they heard the sound of the elevator door, they entered the elevator. Sunset watched the mare clicking the number two button.
So my room is on the second floor. It’s good that I remember that.
Sunset Shimmer watched the elevator style. She couldn’t deny that the elevator was very pretty. Suddenly, the elevator door opened, revealing a red hallway. Sunset Shimmer couldn’t deny that she loved the color of the corridor, “follow me, Sunset Shimmer”
Sunset Shimmer noticed that the mare has already left the elevator. Sunset Shimmer followed her, “come on. I’ll show you where your room is”, said the mare.
Sunset Shimmer exited the elevator. She was surprised that the elevator didn’t close while she got out of it. When the mare saw Sunset Shimmer outside the elevator, she nodded before starting to walk. As they walked down the hall, Sunset Shimmer kept looking and admiring down the hall. She really loved that the hallway was red. Well, she couldn’t blame herself, because red was her favorite color.
“This is your room, Sunset”, said the mare, now standing at a door with number ten.
Sunset Shimmer feared that the mare might forget, “Can you write it down for me?”
The mare smiled, “Of course, Sunset”, she brought out a piece of paper and a quill. She started to writing when she finished writing, the mare handed it to Sunset Shimmer.
Sunset Shimmer read what the mare wrote, “second floor. Room number ten”, she smiled at the mare.
“Thank you”, Sunset Shimmer said with a smile.
The mare smiled back, “You’re welcome”, that said, she handed the key to Sunset Shimmer.
“That’s the key to your room”, said the mare.
Sunset Shimmer took the key with her magic, “thank you”, she turned her back and opened the door. When she saw how her room she let out a sigh of surprise. Your room was simply beautiful. Her bed had a sun-patterned blanket, similar to Princess Celestia’s Cutie Mark, and the color of the blanket was red. In the bedroom there was a window with red curtains and the pillow was white. Sunset Shimmer looked back at the mare, “thank you, miss”
The mare smiled, “You’re welcome, Sunset. Well, I’m going. Bye”
“Bye. See you in the morning”, said Sunset Shimmer. When the mare left, Sunset Shimmer locked the door. She left the key in the lock and went to sleep.
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Chapter 2: A bowl, an Aquarium for Ray and more!
When morning came, Sunset Shimmer felt the rays of sunlight on her face. She took the pillow to cover her face. She didn’t want to have to get up yet.
Just five more minutes ...
Sunset Shimmer turned to the right, with the pillow in her face.
After minutes of sleeping, she heard the alarm ringing. She moaned tiredly and turned it off. She got up from the bed and made the bed before picking up her backpack, going to the door to open it, taking the key and closing the door with the key. She knew what she was going to do today. She would go to a pet store to buy a dog bowl for her gecko. But first, she was going to eat the breakfast the hotel was going to offer. She decided to go down stairs because she thought it would be faster. But when Sunset goes up to her room, she would use the elevator. When she reached the ground floor, Sunset saw the mare who helped her yesterday. Sunset Shimmer smiled at the mare before heading in the direction of breakfast. But there was a problem, she didn’t know where it was.
“Excuse me. My name is Sunset Shimmer, and I would like you to help me,” asked Sunset Shimmer.
The mare stopped what she was doing and looked at Sunset Shimmer. “Ah. Hi, Sunset. Need help?”
“Yes. I don’t know where they eat the breakfast,” replied Sunset Shimmer.
“Follow me,” said the mare, before showing the way. Sunset Shimmer followed. It didn’t take long for them to arrive at the site. Sunset Shimmer thanked the mare before going to sit at the table. Everypony looked at Sunset Shimmer, not happily.
“It took a long time to wake up, huh?” said a mare of yellow color with purple mane. She was wearing a pink hat and didn’t look happy.
“Yeah. Why did you take too long?” asked a stallion in a black hat, not happy.
Sunset Shimmer didn’t know that Manehattan’s ponies were punctual. They didn’t accept ponies who woke up late. If Sunset Shimmer knew about it or if they had informed her, Sunset would have made an effort. She knew she should be sorry. “Sorry, everypony. It’s just that I wasn’t born in Manehattan. I’m sorry for not knowing your customs.”
The ponies were no longer serious. They looked at Sunset Shimmer with a look of understanding. “Sunset, we should be sorry for not knowing that you weren’t born in Manehattan. Where were you born?” asked a stallion with fur-colored fur and brown mane.
Sunset Shimmer smiled for their understanding. “Canterlot.”
Now the speaker was a mare with red glasses, blue fur and pink mane. “I was also born in Canterlot. When I came here, I got used to the customs and managed to live here.”
“Good for you,” said Sunset Shimmer, before sitting down on a chair.
It looked like there was a banquet. Because there was a lot of food: There was strawberry pudding, cake, milk, bread, toast, butter, curd, cheese, water, cookies, sandwich and many other delicious things. Sunset Shimmer took a toast from a basket with a blue towel with white stripes, brought the curd close to it and a knife. When she brought it to her, Sunset Shimmer curd cheese on toast before eating. She couldn’t deny that it was delicious. How long has it been since she ate toast?
When she finished eating, Sunset Shimmer said, “goodbye” to the ponies that were still eating at the table. She took Ray out of her backpack and left the hotel to go to a Pet shop, “today Ray, I’m going to fix up your Aquarium and your bowl,” said Sunset Shimmer before starting to walk towards the Pet shop.
As Sunset Shimmer walked, she observed the streets, shops and buildings of Manehattan. But she was more looking at the buildings, which were quite tall.
No matter how many times I look at these buildings, they will always make me feel that they seem to be quite tall.
She was so distracted, she ended up hitting a wall. Sunset Shimmer put the hoof on the cheek.
I think I should stop being so distracted and look ahead.
Although her cheek is still aching, she took the hoof out of her cheek and took a few steps back to see the wall she hit was the wall in the Pet shop. Sunset Shimmer smiled.
Found it!
With happiness, she entered the store. She just hoped it had what she was looking for. Sunset Shimmer entered the Pisces session, because there were aquariums there. She needed to find the right size for the Aquarium. Lucky she read about geckos and knew that the Aquarius size for a gecko was between eighteen and thirty-eight l. Somepony needed help her for showing the Aquariums. Because she has never been to an Equestria Pet shop before.
“Do you need help, miss?”
Sunset Shimmer turned on her back and saw a mare with yellow fur and blue mane. “Yes. I need an Aquarium for my gecko. Do you know where in the store is?”
“Yes. Follow me,” replied the mare before to start walking. Sunset Shimmer followed. “I must admit. I’ve never seen a pony have a gecko as a pet.”
“Before I chose the gecko, I was unsure whether I should have a dog, cat, turtle or rabbit. But I realized that these animals were not ideal for me to have as a pet. But when I saw the gecko, I knew it was the ideal pet for me,” replied Sunset Shimmer.
“Did you bring your gecko?” asked the mare.
“Yes. He’s in my backpack.”
“Can I see him?”
“Of course,” replied Sunset Shimmer, before opening her backpack and picking up Ray with her magic. “He’s called Ray.”
The mare smiled. “Until a gecko he’s cute”
Sunset Shimmer smiled. “Thanks.”
When they arrived at the Aquarium site, the mare delivered an Aquarium without water. “Here is the Aquarium”
Sunset Shimmer caught the Aquarium with her magic. “Thanks. Do you have a dog bowl?”
“Yes. Wait a minute.” the mare went out to get the bowl. Meanwhile, Sunset looked at what was in the store around, but without leaving the place.
“Here it is!” The mare returned with a light blue bowl.
Sunset Shimmer took the bowl with her magic. “Thanks. Now I will pay and then find a low-heat lamp.”
Sunset Shimmer went to the cashier and placed the Aquarium and bowl in the cashier. “I will take just that.”
“It’s fifteen bits,” said the cashier pony.
Sunset Shimmer took fifteen bits out of his backpack and paid. The cashier’s pony took the fifteen bits with its magic. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” said Sunset Shimmer before leaving the store. Ray was on her back.
Sunset Shimmer now intended to return to the hotel to place the Aquarium in his room. Later, she planned to buy a low-voltage heating lamp to control the temperature; so that the temperature would be ideal, after that, buy a newspaper to be the substrate of the Aquarium, put plants and hiding places, she feared that she would have to travel through Equestria to find it, but maybe she could find it in the market in Manehattan, find a cork for Ray to hide in and buy a spray bottle. It was going to be a long day, but Sunset Shimmer knew that after she finished doing that, she could go looking for Celestia. She just wasn’t looking for Celestia yet because she didn’t want Ray to die because she didn’t take care of him properly.
When Sunset Shimmer arrived at the hotel, she got on the elevator and went to her floor to go to her room. It didn’t take long for her to reach her floor because there was no one in the elevator but her. The door opened and Sunset Shimmer got out of the elevator, went to his room, opened the door and placed the Aquarium on a table in his room. Now, she had many things to do today. Ray was on his back. Sunset Shimmer left the room, closed the door, and confidentially, she went downstairs to the ground floor. She was afraid that she wouldn’t be able to do all this and Ray would die because of her. Just thinking about it, she was already worried. She opened the door and found herself in the room where the mare who had shown her room before was. Sunset Shimmer left the hotel and went to a lamp store to find a heating lamp.
She looked at the sky and noticed the sun. She didn’t know why but seeing the sun reminded her of Celestia. She hardly spent time with Celestia and now that she has retired, Sunset didn’t know if Celestia missed her. She tried not to cry, because she knew that the other ponies would wonder why she was crying. So she decided to go and do her chores right away and then regret later. She decided to run to the lamp store.
Come on. After you cry. Now you can’t.
As she ran, her eyes were closed and tears left her eyes.
Please, let me get to the store soon.
When Sunset Shimmer finally arrived at the store, she opened the door with the hoof. She realized that she had several lamps on. She didn’t know that ponies were so fond of leaving lamps and lights on.
“Do you need help, miss?”
Sunset Shimmer looked in the direction the voice was coming from and saw a mare not far from her. Sunset Shimmer approached the mare. “Yes. Do you have a heating lamp?”
The mare stroked her chin with a hoof before smiling and nodding. “Yes. I have. Wait here,” the mare opened a door with a hoof and went looking for the heating lamp. Because she knew that the heating lamp was not there. The lamp was inside another room in the store.
Meanwhile, Sunset Shimmer decided to look at the other lamps they had in the store. She couldn’t deny that the others were beautiful. She would even buy the others. But she wasn’t here to buy lamps for her, she was here to buy lamps for Ray’s Aquarium. But she knew that that wasn’t one of the only things she had to do. There were still many things for her to do today.
“Here is the heating lamp,” said the mare as she held the heating lamp with her magic and approached Sunset Shimmer.
Sunset Shimmer looked at the mare. “How much cost it?”
“Five bits, please,” replied the mare.
Sunset Shimmer opened his backpack, took out five bits and handed the mare. “Here it is.”
The mare, smiling, took the five bits with her magic. “Thank you. Here is your lamp,” she handed the heating lamp to Sunset Shimmer. Sunset Shimmer took the heat lamp with her magic.
“You’re welcome. Well, I’m going,” said Sunset Shimmer, before leaving the store. Now she had to go to a newsstand to buy a newspaper. But first, she had to go to the hotel to put the heating lamp on the table.
I just hope it’s still morning. When I arrive at the hotel, I will see what time it is.
When Sunset Shimmer arrived at the hotel, she looked at the clock on the wall. She realized it was nine o’clock in the morning. Great. She still had plenty of time. Sunset Shimmer pushed the button for the elevator to go down. And luckily for her, the elevator until it went down fast, she went inside and pressed the button that led to the floor where her room was. When she got to her floor, Sunset got out of the elevator and went to her room and opened the door. She put the things she bought on the table. She still had a lot to do today. She blew out a breath before leaving the room, closing the door and walking down the stairs. She was walking, but it looked like she was running. After arriving on the ground floor, she, with Ray at her back, Sunset left the hotel and went to look for a newsstand.
As she walked, she looked at the sun. The sun wasn’t yet on the horizon. It was probably eleven hours and thirty minutes. When she arrived at the newsstand, she looked for a newspaper. It took ten seconds for her to find it. She picked up the newspaper with her magic and went to the pony that owned the stall. The pony was a brown-haired stallion with yellow mane and the Cutie Mark was from a newspaper and magazine. “I’m taking this newspaper,” Sunset Shimmer pointed to a newspaper next to her. In the newspaper, there was a photo of Twilight Sparkle in its adult form.
The stallion looked at Sunset Shimmer. “It’s ten bits.”
Sunset Shimmer took ten bits out of her backpack and handed them to the stallion before leaving the stall. She kept the newspaper in her backpack. That done, she ran to the hotel. As she ran, more ponies saw Sunset Shimmer run. When she arrived at the hotel, she said “hi” to the pony owner of the hotel and took the elevator. She started to think about what she needed to do today. She had to put plants and hiding places for Ray to sleep through the night and buy a spray bottle. She planned to buy plants and hiding places at the Pet Shop. Because she was already beginning to imagine that doing it on her own would be very difficult than buying.
The elevator door opened and Sunset Shimmer got out of the elevator and went to her bedroom door. She took the key and opened the door. Then he closed the door and put things on the table. After she finished buying things, Sunset planned to fix Ray’s house. Sunset Shimmer took Ray with her magic. “come on, Ray. Soon, you’ll have your new home,” that said, she left the hotel, closed the door with key and went down the stairs. She was happy that she was almost finished with everything she needed for Ray. After she did that and tidied up Ray’s house, she could begin her search for Celestia.
When she reached the ground floor, she went to the hotel door. The hotel door was glass and transparent. She opened the door with a hoof and went towards the same Pet Shop that she bought the bowl and Ray’s Aquarium. She opened the store door with the hoof, the mare owner of the store smiled when she saw Sunset Shimmer. “Ah. Hi again, Sunset Shimmer. Do you need something?”
“Yes. Do you have plants and hiding places for geckos?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
“Yes. Wait here,” replied the mare, before walking. Sunset Shimmer was waiting in place.
Sunset Shimmer started looking around. She was surprised to see animals like: Dogs, cats and parrots trapped in a cage. Sunset Shimmer wondered how they managed to find the animals. Did they take it from the street. If so, it would make sense.
Sunset Shimmer heard footsteps and saw the mare holding the plants and hiding places for her gecko with her magic. Yes. She was a unicorn. Sunset Shimmer caught the gecko plants and hiding places with his magic. She went to the cashier, “I’ll just take this.”
“It’s five bits,” said the cashier’s mare.
Sunset Shimmer took five bits out of his backpack and handed them to the mare. The mare took the five bits with her magic. “Thank you very much.”
Sunset Shimmer smiled. “You’re welcome.”
Sunset Shimmer left the store and now planned to go and put what she bought in her room. By the time she passed, it must have been noon, that is, lunchtime. Well, she would find out as soon as she got to the hotel. When she arrived at the hotel, she smelled good food. Yes. It was really noon. At least, she could take a break. After eating, she would continue what she was doing. Sunset Shimmer opened the door with both hooves and saw that he had plenty of food. Parec there was a banquet. Sunset Shimmer approached the table and sat on a chair. An orange stallion with a yellow mane in a black hat and black coat looked at Sunset Shimmer. “At least you weren’t late for lunch. Can I know why a Manehattan pony is not on time?”
A yellow mare with a purple mane looked at the stallion, not happy. “Honey, be nice to her. She was not born in Manehattan.”
The stallion was sorry and looked at the mare. “I’m sorry, dear.”
As far as Sunset Shimmer could see, these two were married. She looked at the table and started to decide what to eat. On the table there were: Pasta, rice, beans, spinach, zucchini, carrots, salad, tomatoes, lettuce, pancakes, fruit juice, water and cucumber sandwiches. Sunset Shimmer took a spoon and picked up rice, beans and spinach on a plate before sitting down to eat.
When Sunset Shimmer finished eating, she left the hotel to do the last thing she needed for Ray’s house: A clean spray with no chlorine water. She just hoped there was a cleaning shop.
While Sunset Shimmer didn’t arrive at a cleaning shop, she thought about what she should do after she bought a spray bottle. Sunset Shimmer noticed something: As Ray was a gecko, it meant that if he fed on cockroaches, crickets, moth larvae. Sunset also needed a calcium supplement to put on the insects before she gave it to Ray, she didn’t know where and how she was going to find insects for her gecko, but that didn’t mean she would now abandon her gecko. Sunset Shimmer would continue to take care of Ray, but she would have liked to go to Everfree Forest to pick up insects for her gecko. A part of her wanted to go to Ponyville to go to the forest, but if she did, the hotel’s ponies would find it strange that the unicorn hadn’t returned. She needed to come up with an idea on how to resolve this issue of feeding Ray.
Sunset Shimmer looked ahead and saw a cleaning shop, she went into the store and went looking for a spray bottle.
“Do you need help, miss?”
Sunset Shimmer looked back and saw a yellow mare, with a blue mane and a purple outfit and glasses. The unicorn went to the mare. “Yes. I need a spray bottle.”
“Just a spray bottle?” asked the mare, to be sure.
“Yes. But the sprayer has to be clean and without chlorine water,” replied Sunset Shimmer.
“But why do you need a spray bottle?”
“I’m supposed to clean my gecko Ray’s aquarium once a day,” replied Sunset Shimmer.
The mare smiled. “Can I see him?”
“Sure.” Sunset Shimmer opened her backpack and took Ray with her magic.
“Is it him or her?” asked the mare.
“Him,” replied Sunset Shimmer.
“Can I pet him?”
“Yes.”
The mare stroked Ray’s head. Ray until he liked to be stroked. As she stroked the gecko, pink hearts appeared in Ray. When the mare finished stroking, she went looking for a spray bottle.
While Sunset Shimmer waited, she decided to think about how she should find insects for Ray. How would she do that? There was no forest in Manehattan. What would she do? Sunset Shimmer sat on the floor in thought.
“I found the spray bottle!” the mare ran to Sunset Shimmer with a sprinkler on her hooves.
When the mare got very close to her, Sunset Shimmer took the spray with her magic. “How much?”
“It’s three bits, please,” replied the mare.
Sunset Shimmer got up from the floor, took three bits out of his backpack and handed them to the mare.
The mare took the bits with a hoof. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Sunset Shimmer left the store while looking at the mare.
Upon leaving the store, Sunset Shimmer intended to buy the only thing missing: powdered calcium supplements. She just hoped she had that at the Manehattan vet.
When Sunset Shimmer arrived at the hotel, she took the elevator and went straight to her room. Sunset Shimmer looked at everything she bought: Aquarium, heating lamp, substrate also like newspaper, plants, hiding places, sprinkler and powdered calcium supplement. She started organizing things for Ray’s house. First, she took the aquarium with her magic, then took some sheets of the newspaper and put it inside the aquarium. That done, she took the plants and hiding places and put them inside, she put them not so close together, but also not so far apart. When finished, she placed the heating lamp on the right side of the aquarium to give it light. The spray bottle, calcium supplement and bowl were on the left side of the aquarium. Sunset then put Ray into the aquarium.
Sunset smelled food from the ground floor. Even though she was on the second floor, she could smell food from below. She looked at Ray. “Come on, Ray.” Sunset took the backpack , put the gecko and the map inside, left the room and closed the bedroom door. She wondered what she had for breakfast. Would it have the same thing as yesterday?
She decided to go down the stairs. As he went down, her thoughts were on what she would do after eating. Where should she go after that? Until she remembered something she needed to do that involved Ray: The food. Like Ray, he was a lark, he must eat insects. But until she noticed something. Ray was a large leopard. When she lived in Canterlot High, in a book she read about Larstix, she said that leopard geckos ate meat. But that was a problem, where would she find meat? Because practically, all Equestria ponies are herbivores. And now? What would she do? Sunset needed to come up with a solution. Who knows if she went to the Manehattan market tomorrow to find what she was looking for?
Upon arriving at the dining room, she realized that for some reason, she was the first to arrive. She didn’t know if it was because the others hadn’t arrived at the hotel or if they were at the hotel and didn’t know that the food was already on the table. But even with this doubt in mind, she approached the table to eat. She sat where she had vegetable soup. But before eating, she looked at the table to see if there was any meat around. Luckily, she saw a beef burger. Sunset ran over there and got the hamburger, took the meat and put it on the table, took a knife and fork and cut the meat into small pieces, took Ray out of the backpack and also put it on the table. Ray approached the small pieces of meat and started eating. Sunset, seeing that Ray could eat, started to eat too. While Sunset and Ray ate, the ponies of the apartment entered the dining room and sat on the chairs.
After five minutes, Sunset and Ray finished eating. Sunset put Ray into the backpack and left the room. As much as it is at night now, she didn’t intend to sleep yet. Upon reaching the second floor through the elevator, she opened the door with the key and entered directly. After that, she went to the balcony and watched the moon.
She blew out a breath. She never imagined that Celestia and Luna would retire. This was something she never imagined seeing in her life. She could understand why the princesses wanted to retire, but she never imagined that the princesses would actually do that and pass the throne on to Twilight. Was Sunset jealous of Twilight being named the princess of Equestria? No. Because since her reformation, she realized that Twilight deserved to be a princess more than she did. So, when she found Celestia, she would not ask Celestia to become a princess, as this would prove to Celestia that she hasn’t changed anything.
Sunset started to think about what she should do tomorrow. Tomorrow maybe she should go to the market to buy enough meat for her trips with Ray and give herself time to explore Manehattan to see if she can find Celestia and Luna. Tomorrow was going to be a hard day for her, just like today. But she was determined. She knew that if she had that, she would go far, no matter what happened in the days ahead.
