The student before Twilight Sparkle was Sunset Shimmer. A unicorn who sought to follow in her mentor’s hooves by becoming an Alicorn. When her mentor, Princess Celestia, denied this request, Sunset abandoned her studies and escaped into a mirror leading to another world.

This world was inhabited by humans of which she now was. They didn’t have colorful skin like ponies had colorful coats. For the longest time, she assumed there was no magic in this world. Then, she got into duel monsters which was invented by Reiji Akaba.

He had discovered stone carvings of monsters in Egypt. She never could figure out how to make use of this ancient magic, but she did discover that being skilled at the game would garner respect. So, Sunset played while devising plans to take Equestria for herself.

The former apprentice rose quickly as a duelist using the Elemental Heroes. It was mainly a way to get under people’s skin since many would call her the furthest thing from a hero. Still, there were two duelists she couldn’t beat. Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

For them, she turned their little friend group against each other souring their love of the game. Eventually, Sunset discovered that the Element of Magic was in Equestria. To her, it was time to strike. She entered the mirror and arrived in the Land of Equestria.

More specifically, within the recently returned Crystal Empire. She managed to acquire the Element of Magic but alerted the student who replaced her. This would lead to Sunset’s inevitable defeat, for Twilight Sparkle would end up tackling her causing the crown to fall in.

While Sunset managed to follow it, the element went through before her and ended up in the hands of Celestia’s human world counterpart. This led to Twilight and Sunset competing for the crown through the Fall Formal.

Sunset did everything in her power to make Twilight look poor before the student body; however, her former boyfriend, and the group of friends she broke up, ensured Twilight’s victory while reuniting the school.

Still, Sunset was not to be deterred as she took Twilight’s dragon turned human, Spike. Twilight and the group followed her. Among that group were Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. Still, Sunset was not to be deterred.

She released Spike and threated to destroy the portal. Twilight refused, and Sunset was ready to quit. Hearing those humans praise her reignited her fire. She acquired it and became a demon which enslaved the school save the six girls who defeated her.

In the end, they showed her forgiveness. Twilight returned to Equestria, and Sunset began trying to make up for all she did. Now, we know how this story would have played out; however, that is in a different world. How does Sunset’s journey continue from here?

Canterlot Bridge: 2 Months Later, Night…
Sunset had finally finished fixing the school and was heading home only to stop where she did every night. A bridge overlooking the water, but she was more fixated on the yellow with red accented deck box in her hand.

Sunset was a good height for her age with peach colored skin, cyan eyes, and long, red and yellow hair. She wore a dark pink top with an orange skirt, black leather jacket, and black boots with pink accents.

“I should just ditch this deck already.” Sunset thought. “It’s not like I have much use for it these days, and it never represented me.” She raised the deck box into the air. “I used it to get under people’s skin before, and I’m certainly no hero now.”

Sunset threw her arm forward, but she subconsciously held onto the deck box with an iron grip preventing it from going into the water. The girl simply sighed, tucked it away, and walked on her way back to her apartment unaware of someone watching her from the shadows.

Sunset’s Apartment
Sunset didn’t live anywhere fancy by an adult’s standard, but it was perfect for her. She lived on the second floor of a two story, yellow apartment with black stairs leading up. She climbed those same stairs and entered a sparsely decorated, one room apartment.

All it contained was a decently sized T.V., VCR, bed, desk, and sink for her dishes. As she entered, she noticed a brown package lying on the ground with her name on it. Sunset didn’t act as if this was anything new. She simply picked it up and walked over to her T.V.

“Looks like I got another tape from my benefactor.” Sunset opened the package and retrieved the tap within. “Better see what she has to say this time.”

She noticed a black flip phone inside but chose to focus on the tape first. She put it in, flopped down on her bed, and turned everything on. Almost immediately, Sunset was greeted by the same image she saw every time. A figure sat in a dark room masking all features.

“Hello Sunset. I’ll keep this brief.” There was an air of familiarity even if it was distorted. “Firstly, I’m proud of the changes you’ve been making lately. It may not be an easy road you’ve chosen to walk, but I know you’ll be a better person on the other side.”

When Sunset was first put under the care of this person, she hadn’t questioned it. Whomever this was, he made life here easy. Now, Sunset’s curiosity had peaked on who this person was. She just didn’t ask because Sunset felt it wasn’t her place.

“Secondly, I know we have never met face to face; however, it is time that I offer you a particular choice.” The voice declared.

“A choice?” Sunset questioned.

“You can stay in Canterlot to continue making amends or move to Domino City, Japan, and start a new life.” The voice continued. “I won’t be expecting an answer now, but I’ve left you a new phone in the package. By the end of the month, give me a call.”

The image faded and Sunset took out the black cell phone. She wanted to call that number and turn the benefactor down. While it’d be great to go where no one knew her, Sunset knew fleeing from her mistakes wasn’t an option.

Sunset merely sighed and moved over to her desk setting the phone down. “I’m probably just tired.” She moved to get ready for bed. “I’ll call them tomorrow and turn down their offer.”

Canterlot High: Gymnasium, Next Day…
This day was more of a workshop for the school as the students gathered in the gym to create various posters for the upcoming Musical Showcase. Currently, the three Crusaders were painting their own poster when Sunset grabbed a brush.

"Want some help?" She asked.

"Uh, no thanks.” Apple bloom stated. “We're good."

Yeah, they wanted her to go, and Sunset took the hint. “Oh... Okay."

Sunset walked away from them only to hear Pinkie yell out to her. "Sunset Shimmer!" She was waving her hands. “Over here!”

Sunset smiled as she saw Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy on the other side of the gym. She was glad that her, but that was counteracted a bit by having all eyes on her now. She walked towards her friends, noticing that everyone was talking about her...

Sunset sighed as she got to her group. "I had no idea the whole school would be here."

Fluttershy put a hand on her shoulder as reassurance before Pinkie Pie and Rarity lifted up their poster to show to her. It had a purple guitar in the middle, a piano in the top right, drums in the bottom left, musical notes and a blue background.

"Quite the eye-catching advertisement if I do say so myself." Rarity stated.

"Oh, it also smells like cake!" Pinkie said.

"It does?" Fluttershy asked.

She tried to sniff the poster before Pinkie rammed it into her face and took it away leaving some purple frosting on her nose.

"I used frosting instead of paste!" Pinkie declared.

"Uh, Fluttershy.” AJ pointed at her face. “You've got a little somethin' uh…”

Fluttershy wiped off a few sprinkles. "Did I get it?"

Sunset came to the rescue with a handkerchief wiping it off. Then, Celestia and Luna came into the gym.

"Good afternoon, students.” Celestia greeted. “I just wanted to tell you all how pleased I am that so many of you are going to participate in the first ever Canterlot High School Musical Showcase!” The entire gym cheered.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to raise money for our after-school programs at CHS, so keep working on those posters. I think it's going to be one of the most exciting events we've had at CHS since the Fall Formal."

Nobody was clapping now, and the entire gym looked to Sunset Shimmer as if she was the devil. The girl tried to hide her face in shame.

Music Room
Rainbow Dash leaned on the piano with her guitar wile Sunset sat on it, Pinkie sat at the drums, Applejack stood with her guitar, Fluttershy stood with her tambourine, and Rarity stood at an electric piano.

"Ugh! I am never gonna live that down." Sunset complained.

"You were pretty bad at the Fall Formal." Fluttershy said.

"A demon.” Sunset crossed his arms. “I turned into a raging she-demon."

"Not to mention you tried to turn everyone here into teenage zombies for your personal army!" Pinkie added.

"Sunset, darling, you have us, and we've forgiven you for your past booboos." Rarity said.

"To be honest, I'd say the whole experience brought everyone at Canterlot High closer than ever before!" Applejack declared.

That started the group playing a tune while Sunset watched.

Pinkie smashed her drumsticks together. "One, two, three!"

"There was a time we were apart,

But that's behind us now!

See how we've made a brand new start,

And the future's lookin' up, ah-oh, ah-oh!

And when you walk these halls,

You feel it everywhere...

Yeah, we're the Wondercolts forever, ah-oh, yeah!

We are all together!

Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh!

Now it's better than ever!

Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh!

You can feel it, we are back!

You... can... feel... it...

And I'm so glad that we're better!

Better than ever!

Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh!

Oh yeah, we're better than ever,

Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh!"

"There was a time we couldn't see past the differences..." Rainbow sang.

"That separated you and me, and it left us on our own..." Applejack sang.

"But now you walk these halls, and friends are everywhere!" Pinkie sang.

"Yeah, we're the Wondercolts forever, ah-oh, yeah!

We are all together,

Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh!

Now it's better than ever!

Ah, ah, oh-oh-oh-oh!

Now that we are back on track,

Now... that... we... are...

Yes, I'm so glad that we're better!

Better than ever!

Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh!

Oh yeah, we're better than ever!

Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh!

Oh yeah, we're better than ever!

Whoa-oh, oh-whoa-oh!

Oh yeah, we're better than ever!"

Once the song concluded, a knocking came at the door and Flash entered soon after. "Uh, heard you outside. You guys are sounding really tight."

"We're getting there. Rarity's still coming in a little late on the second verse, and Applejack's bass solo could use a little work.” Rainbow declared. “They'll get it together in time for the showcase."

That did not sit right with the group at all.

"Uh, I don't suppose any of our friends from out of town might come?” Flash asked. “Uh, it being a special charity event and all."

"Sorry, Flash. I don't think Twilight's gonna be back at Canterlot High any time soon." Applejack replied.”

Flash laughed a bit nervously... "Oh, yeah. Okay. I just, you know, thought I'd ask... Uh, k-keep on rockin' it."

Flash walked back into a wall before blushing and running off.

"Well, someone is quite the smitten kitten." Then Rarity looked to Sunset. "Oh, sorry. I always forget you and Flash used to be an item."

"It's okay.” Sunset rubbed the back of her head. “Flash is a great guy, but I never really liked-him liked him. I was just using him to become more popular." she realized how that made her sound. "Ugh! The old me really was just awful, wasn't she?”

Yeah, everyone was agreeing with her there.

"Look, the important thing is that you've turned yourself around." Applejack stated.

"Thanks AJ, but I'm not sure everyone else at CHS feels the same way." Sunset returned.

"They'll come around to it." Gohan said.

Then Luna came on the P.A. "Sunset Shimmer, please report to the main foyer.”

"Gotta run.” Sunset stated. “Some new kid is interested in possibly attending CHS, and I volunteered to show him around. Thought it'd be good for him to get to know the new me before he potentially hears all the stuff about the old me."

Sunset then ran out the door.

Entrance
Sunset went to the entrance to find a peculiar guy standing there. He had purple hair, green eyes, and silver earrings in his left ear. His attire consisted of black pants, a blue shirt with golden accents, and a white blazer.

"Oh, hi there.” Sunset shook her head. “Are you the guy I'm supposed to show around?"

"Wait, you are the one who offered to show me around?" The guy asked.

“Hm, I’m sorry, but do we know each other?” Sunset asked confused since this guy seemed familiar with her.

“No, I suppose we don’t in this life, but Reiji still sent me to find you.” The guy rubbed his chin. “Perhaps there is more to that fate stuff he was talking about than I know.” He noticed that Sunset was completely lost and a little weirded out. “Oh, sorry I’m Kev Ravenwood.

I should have probably started with that. My employer, Reiji Akaba, sent me to contact you almost as soon as he found out you are what I am. Have you seen any one in armor or someone that seemed to be in a reflective surface?”

Okay, Sunset was prepared to slowly walk away from this guy. It’s not that she couldn’t believe the things he was saying, but the way he was talking was too odd even for her. She suddenly stopped and pointed at the glass door behind them.

“Do you mean seeing people in reflective surfaces like that?” Sunset asked.

Kev turned around to see a gray skinned, skinny man with bowl cut blue hair and matching eyes. He wore light brown armor with blue trim. The man quickly vanished upon being seen.

“Sunset, I know you don’t trust me, but we got to run.” Kev declared. “This is…”

Before she could choose what to do, a hand reached out of the nearby trophy case touching Sunset’s back. Before she could even react, she was suddenly turned into red light which flowed into the glass.

“Sunset!” Kev shouted.

?
Sunset was shown kaleidoscope imagery before falling to the ground.

“What just happened?” She questioned.

Sunset stood and looked around finding herself still in the entrance to the school; however, the world was currently bathed in red and brown light. It was to the point that everything either looked red or brown. In addition, Kev was gone.

Sunset looked at it in confusion. “Just what is going on here?” She looked around. “Hello! Is anyone out there!?”

“Perhaps I could shine light on your situation.” A voice declared.

Sunset whirled around to the doors as the figure she’d seen walked into the school and came to stand across from her. “Wait, you’re the guy I was seeing.”

“That is a fact.” The guy stated. “My name is Stygian, this is the Mirror Dimension, and you are much like me high schooler.”

“What are you talking about?” Sunset asked confused. “What is the Mirror Dimension?”

“The Mirror Dimension is one of two battle grounds for Dragon Lords like us to do battle.” Stygian explained. As for what a Dragon Lord is, we are warriors granted power from G.O.D or better known as Genesis Omega Dragon.”

“Genesis Omega Dragon?” Sunset questioned. “What are you talking about?”

“The time for explanation is over.” Stygian declared as a red and brown table, formatted for duel monsters, appeared between them. “Now, it is time to duel by the rules of this new age. If you ever want to return home, you must combat me.”

“Wait, we have to duel?” Sunset was very worried since she hadn’t dueled for quite some time. “I don’t get this.”

“That’s the way my master likes his prey.” Stygian declared. “Awakened to their power but unaware of the stakes. Now, you have no choice but to duel me. A being like you must know how definitive magic like this is.”

Sunset knew alright. She had no magic of her own to even attempt to break this magic around her, so the only way to beat it was to play by their rules. It’s not like she couldn’t believe what she heard even if much of it didn’t make sense.

“Looks like I have no choice.” Sunset grabbed her deck and placed it on the table before taking her seat. “I’ll play your game only to get out of here.”

“If you loose…” Stygian smirked. “Well, I’ll reveal that tidbit when the inevitable comes to pass.”

Sunset could theorize that losing wouldn’t be good, but her opponent didn’t seem willing to spill.

“Let’s Duel!”

(Sunset 2000/Stygian 2000)

“The first turn is yours.” Stygian declared. “Remember, the inability to play a monster is an automatic loss on your part.”

“Yeah, I know.” Sunset drew. “I’ll set one monster and end my turn.”

“My move!” Stygian drew. “I’ll start with Resonator Destruction. First, this card will remain on the field until my second end phase. Secondly, this card allows me to destroy any one card you control for every Resonator I send to the grave as Synchro material.”

“Destroying a card?” Sunset thought confused. “What’s the point in that when my opponent can’t attack me directly and my only card is the face down monster Elemental Hero Clayman?”

“I can see the confusion, but cards today have multiple ways to deal damage outside of attacking.” Stygian declared. “Allow me to show you what I mean. First, I normal summon Red Sprinter(LV 4/1700/1200).” A bipedal, flaming red fiend appeared above the card.

“Is that a real monster!?” Sunset asked in shock.

She had read up on the myths and legends concerning shadow games before, but she had assumed those died out in the ancient past.

“That’s right Sunset.” Stygian declared. “This is a shadow game, so the damage will be real just like the monsters. Granted, this field does not lend itself well to their full glory, but there isn’t much we can do about that. Now, my Sprinter has an added ability.

Since he was normal summoned while I control no other monsters, I’m free to special summon a level 3 or lower fiend from my hand or grave. I choose Dark Resonator(LV 3/1300/300).” A fiend in a purple cloak appeared. “Now, he shall give my Sprinter a tune up to summon for 7.

Dragon of explosive power correspond to my summon! Synchro Summon Exploder Dragonwing(LV 7/2400/1600).” A bipedal black dragon with orange accents appeared. “Since a resonator was used as material, your monster is gone.”

An earthy golem briefly appeared on Sunset’s field before shattering and being sent to the grave.

“Now, I activate King’s Law.” Stygian declared. “This spell allows me to target a monster I control and deal damage to you equal to their original attack.”

“That’s all my life points!” Sunset exclaimed. “I already loose!”

“Not quite.” Stygian stated. “If you discard a card from your hand, then the damage dealt to you is halved.”

“Alright, I’ll do just that.” Sunset declared.

She looked over her hand before managing to spot a decent combo for her next turn. She discarded Elemental Hero Bladedge. Black energy then shot at Sunset before passing through the transparent image of Necroshade decreasing in size by half. The impact was still enough to have Sunset screaming in pain (Sunset 800/Stygian 2000).

“With that, I will set one card before turning it over to you.” Stygian declared.

“Alright, I draw!” Sunset drew. “I first activate Monster Reborn allowing me to summon the monster you allowed me to discard. Come on out, Elemental Hero Bladedge(LV 7/2600/1800).” A golden warrior appeared on the field.

“Next, I summon Elemental Hero Sparkman(LV 4/1600/1400).” A hero in blue spandex with golden armor appeared. “I’ll then equip Sparkman with Spark Blaster and Bladedge can have Axe of Despair boosting his attack by 1000.”

Elemental Hero Bladedge(LV 7/3600/1800 effect)

“A well thought out combo, but that’s nothing compared to what we’ve seen you pull off.” Stygian smirked. “Seems as though you’ve really lost your edge.”

“Maybe, but even with a lost edge, this is the end of the duel.” Sunset declared. “I activate Spark Blaster’s effect. Since it’s equipped to Sparkman, I can shift your monster’s battle position up to three times. I’ll change your dragon to defense mode. Then, Bladedge will strike your dragon, and since he has piercing damage, it’s just enough to end this duel.”

“It would be if not for my face down King’s Guard.” Stygian declared. “By halving my life points, my monster can’t be destroyed by battle, and I take no battle damage for the rest of this turn.”

A red and black shield appeared before Exploder Dragonwing taking the attack while Stygian glowed with the same energy causing him to scream in pain (Sunset 800/Stygian 1000).

Sunset closed her eyes with a sigh. “I end my turn.”

“Allow me to end this.” Stygian drew. “I turn Exploder Dragonwing to ATK mode and attack your Sparkman!”

Exploder fired a ball of black energy into Sparkman causing him to blow up and Sunset to scream in pain as she was sent flying from the chair before crashing into the ground (Sunset 0/Stygian 1000/Rev(Intrusion Penalty) 1000),

Before Stygian could move to claim his prize, whatever that may be, another scream rang out as the red and brown of this word was joined with a white bathing this mirror dimension in three colors.

“Sorry about this, but I’m stepping in on Sunset’s side meaning you can’t take her until you beat me.” Rev declared as he appeared in the dimension with an exhale of relief. “Seems as though I made it just in time to.”

Sunset was unable to get up, but she could turn her head to stare at who had essentially been a stranger less than an hour ago. Now, he was defending her witch did excuse a lot of the strangeness earlier. Stygian glared but seemed determined to defeat him just like Sunset.

Author's Note

So, for those of you who are coming into read this, you'll notice this chapter begins much how it originally did; however, I took out the association with Anon-a-Miss. I instead set the beginning of this story around the beginning of Rainbow Rocks.

Obviously, that is not the story I intend to tell by who was there to greet Sunset. While she will still end up in Japan at Domino Academy, it will be under better terms than I previously had it. Hopefully, this new beginning to my story is better.

P.S.: As commitment to giving you Duel Monsters with new arcs concerning Yugi enjoy the mentions of Reiji and Kev who are from Arc-V. That is my declaration that while some elements will be similar, the overall story is not about Pharaoh Atem in its entirety.