Chapters Rainbow Dash tossed and turned on her bed as she was taking her afternoon nap but over the past several days she had been having this weird dream. Instead of dreaming about the Wonderbolts or her marefriend Twilight, she dreamt of this strange creature that was crying, she felt something very wrong, almost like this strange creature was betrayed in the most horrible way possible and she had something to do with it. Rainbow's eyes snapped open as she bolted up, sweat pouring down her face.
"What was that?" Rainbow questioned as she swiped the sweat with her hoof, the nightmares about this strange creature kept getting worse, she looked out of her bedroom window and spotted Twilight's castle in the distance. A warm feeling filled her as she thought of her marefriend, causing her to smile.
She suddenly felt an odd sensation on her flank, just before catching something flashing in her peripheral vision. She turns her head to see that it was her cutie mark, she raises an eyebrow as she wonders what this could mean, she turns her attention back to Twilight's castle.
"Maybe Twilight might know."
With that decided, Rainbow Dash jumps off her bed and shakes off any remaining tiredness. She flies down towards her front door, putting on her hat, scarf, and winter boots before opening the door and flying towards Twilight's house.
Rarity is busy working on her Hearths Warming gifts for her friends and family, she hadn’t been sleeping well these last few days as she kept having this dream about a strange creature with red and yellow hair crying and being laughed at and mocked by other strange creatures like her. Rarity shivered at the memory, she felt bad for this creature and couldn’t shake the feeling that this was her fault but how can it be if she never met a creature like her.
She was broken out of her thoughts when her cutie mark started flashing.
"Oh my, I wonder what this could mean?"
Rarity observed her cutie mark closely before deciding that it would be best to talk to Twilight about this.
"And while I'm there, I might as well drop off her and Spikey-wikey's gifts."
Rarity levitated her winter clothes towards herself and placed them on before she levitated Twilight and Spike's gifts, she opened the door to the carousel boutique, flipped the open sign to close, and began trotting through the snow towards Twilight's castle.
Fluttershy is in her cottage, enjoying a cup of hot chocolate while being surrounded by her animal friends. she along with the other animals is wearing turtleneck sweaters that she hoofmade herself. Fluttershy sighs contently, she always enjoyed moments like these. It especially helped ease her mind from the horrible nightmare she had been having these last few days. She had been dreaming about this strange creature that was in tears as it pleaded with her but she refused to listen and yelled angrily at her before she turned and walked away, leaving the creature to collapse on the floor and cry in despair.
“Why would I hurt somepony like that?” Fluttershy asked no one, she felt so sad for the creature and horrified at herself for doing such a mean thing.
She felt a tugging from the hem of her sweater and looked down to see her pet bunny, Angel.
"What is it, Angel?"
Angel pointed toward her flank where her cutie mark is glowing.
"Oh my, I wonder what this could mean?" Fluttershy looks at her glowing cutie mark worriedly. "I better go see Twilight."
Fluttershy got up from her sofa and headed towards her front door, her bird friends flew towards her carrying her winter clothes in their beaks.
"Thank you." Fluttershy thanked them as she put on her winter clothes. "I'll be back soon, stay warm okay?"
The animals nodded and waved goodbye as Fluttershy left her cottage.
Pinkie Pie is in Applejack’s kitchen helping her make some delicious holiday treats, the two also discussed the odd dream they’ve been having and are surprised how eerily similar they are.
“And then I called this creature a secret stealer and made her cry!” Pinkie Pie explained her dream as she was on the verge of tears.
“It seemed so real, it felt like ah knew her and the way ah left her crying on the floor…” Applejack trailed off as she remembered the look of devastation on the creature’s face, how could she do such a cruel thing?
"Oooh, Applejack your cutie mark is glowing!" Pinkie Pie bounced excitedly as she pointed to Applejack's flank.
"Yers is too." Applejack motioned to Pinkie's glowing flank. "Ah wonder what it could mean?"
"I bet Twilight would know!" Pinkie Pie suggested.
"Yeah, ah reckon Twilight probably knows what's going on." Applejack agreed, her marefriend who she shared with Rainbow Dash might have the answers they need.
"Then what're we waiting for?! let’s go!" Pinkie said as she grabbed Applejack and bolted out of the Apple house. Applejack barely managed to tell her family that she was going to visit Twilight.
All five friends reached Twilight's castle and upon seeing each other’s cutie marks, they knew that something very important must be going on. They entered Twilight's castle and started calling for their friend, when they received no response they ventured further inside.
"Maybe she's in the library?" Rainbow Dash suggested. "That's the most likely place she'd be."
The girls head towards the library and true to Rainbow's word, Twilight Sparkle was teleporting around the room looking for something.
"Hey, Twi!" Rainbow Dash greeted, smiling cheekily.
Upon hearing her name, Twilight quickly turned her head and smiled upon seeing her friends. "Girls!"
Twilight teleported to them and they all engaged in a group hug, she gave Applejack and Rainbow Dash a quick kiss on the lips.
"What brings you all here?" Twilight asks as she backs up from them, she then notices their glowing flanks. "And what's with your cutie marks?!"
"We were hoping you could tell us, darling." Rarity spoke up.
"Hmmm I would love to find out, but I can't right now." Twilight looks towards a mirror that is connected by complicated devices. "I just received a message from Sunset and she needs my help."
"It's alright darling," Rarity assures her while flashing her a gentle smile.
"We completely understand," Fluttershy adds.
"We'll just wait till you get back." Rainbow shrugs.
"Say hi to the other me for me!" Pinkie says in her usual excited tone.
"Be careful sugarcube." Applejack tells her, a hint of worry in her tone.
"I will, and thank you. all of you." Twilight thanks them, smiling gratefully as she goes to collect the last of the things she needs and depositing them in her saddlebags.
They all gather by the mirror portal and as Twilight prepares to step through, a weak-sounding voice stops her.
"Twilight."
The girls turn around and their eyes widen upon seeing a very ill-looking Spike.
"I don't feel so good," Spike utters weakly, his scales look dull, he has bags under his eyes and there are glowing light purple veins throughout his body. He starts coughing violently as electricity dances around his body before dispersing outward. knocking several books out of their shelves.
"Spike!" Twilight shouts in worry as she teleports in front of the young dragon just as he was about to collapse and incased him in her magic. She brought Spike closer to her and felt his forehead, he was burning up. "Oh, Spike."
The rest of the mane six came rushing towards them.
"Twilight, what's wrong with Spikey-wikey?" Rarity asks in a worried tone.
Twilight lights up her horn as she casts a diagnostic spell, the tip of her horn lit up as it scans Spike's body. her eyes widen and she goes pale upon realizing what's wrong with him.
"Magic flux."
"Oh no." Rarity mutters as her ears drop.
"What's the matter? what does Spike have?" Rainbow Dash asks as she looks between Rarity and Twilight.
"Magic flux..is an illness that young unicorns get. it disrupts their magic causing it to go out of control." Twilight begins to explain as she uses her magic to lift Spike onto her back and runs out of the library. "Their horn flares wildly with magic for several days, straining their mental and physical health."
Twilight arrives in her bedroom and jumps onto her bed, laying down on her stomach, she places Spike in between her front hooves and begins casting a spell.
"By the time the illness passes, the young unicorn is left exhausted and bedridden for several weeks." Rarity finishes. " I had it when I was younger and Sweetie Bell too, it is a very dreadful illness. But poor Spike seems to be having it far worse than either of us."
"But why did Spike get it, isn't he a dragon and not a unicorn." Rainbow questions.
"It's because of me," Twilight mutters sadly.
"What do yah mean sugarcube?" Applejack asks.
"My magic hatched Spike, my magic courses through his body. That's why he contracted the illness...that's why I can do this." Twilight's horn radiates a dome that covers her and Spike.
"What are you doing Twilight?" Rainbow asks.
"She's administering the only known effective treatment of magic flux." Rarity explains. "The only way to treat this is for the foals parent to siphon the magic into themselves to help stabilize them and at the same time pour their stable magic into the foal to heal their bodies and the familiarity of the magic helps keep the foal calm, therefore stabilizing their mind."
"Wait doesn't that make Twilight his mother then?" Rainbow Dash pointed out.
The room was silent as they thought over this revelation, but it was broken when Fluttershy spoke up.
"Look, it's working."
Indeed, Spike's facial expression looked calm as his heavy breathing began to lighten. Twilight sighed in relief as she lowered her head to gently nuzzle Spike. But now a bigger problem presented itself, with her treating Spike's illness, she won't be able to help Sunset.
Suddenly Twilight's friends’ cutie marks emerged from their flanks in astral form and flew outside Twilight's room.
"What're they doing now?" Rainbow Dash mutters as she glances between the door to Twilight's room and Twilight.
"It's okay girls, go ahead," Twilight says as she locks eyes with Rainbow Dash.
"We'll be right back as soon as we find out what's going on with our cutie marks." Rarity promise as she and the girls' race after their cutie marks.
Strangely enough, their cutie marks led them right back in the library and were circling the mirror portal.
"Why are they circling aroun' the mirror." Applejack questions.
"Maybe something is happening on the other side that requires us to help solve it." Rarity states.
"I think it may have something to do with Twilight's friend," Fluttershy adds.
"How do yah figure shy?" Applejack ass as she looks at her friend.
"Because our cutie marks are also circling the journal." Fluttershy points out.
The girls look back to the portal and sure enough, their cutie are circling the mirror and Sunset's journal.
"We better tell Twilight."
The girls race back to Twilight's bedroom and tell her what they had found.
"Hmm, you may be right. your cutie marks did lead you to the portal and I think I may know what you're meant to do," Twilight says as her eyes widen in realization.
"What?" all the girls ask in unison.
Twilight tells them about what's been happening on the other side, the girls are shocked to learn what their counterparts did to Sunset.
"H-how could they do such a thing?!" Rarity was aghast.
"Poor Sunset!" Pinkie Pie blows her nose on a tissue.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash were speechless, not just because of what they heard but because it sounded very similar to what they did to Twilight.
"We have to help her," Fluttershy speaks up, her eyes flare with determination.
"And we will." Rainbow grits her teeth.
"Twi, yah gotta let us go in yer place." Applejack pleaded with her marefriend.
Twilight watches all her friends look at her expectantly, she smiles before responding. "Sure, I'll message Sunset and tell her that you'll be going instead of me."
The girls cheered as they quickly made their way towards the library that housed the portal, several minutes later, Twilight managed to make a makeshift bed in the library to be closer to the portal. She had messaged Sunset about the change in plans and although she sounded a little nervous through her writing, Twilight assured her that it would be fine and that they wanted to help her. Not to mention that who better to convince her Canterlot High friends of her innocence than themselves. she also sent a letter to her parents, informing them of Spike's condition and that she might need their help. Their reply was quick and they were already on their way to Ponyville.
Twilight looks over her friends who are standing in front of the portal, checking their saddles bags to make sure they have everything they might need on their trip.
"You girls ready?"
They all gave her a firm nod in response.
"Then good luck."
"Try not to miss me too much babe." Rainbow Dash says as she winks at Twilight, before stepping through the portal.
"See yah soon Twilight, well be sure to keep in touch using the journals." Applejack bid her marefriend goodbye as she too enters through the portal.
"Take care of Spike Twilight, and try not to overdo it with the spell." Rarity speaks next, casting a worried look at the sleeping dragon resting on her friend's hooves before turning around and entering the portal herself.
"Bye Twilight" Fluttershy bids her goodbye and enters the portal.
"We'll bring you back a souvenir." Pinkie assures her as she hops into the mirror.
"Good luck girls." Twilight whispers, as she lays her head next to Spike. She can feel the unstable magic from Spike as she drains it into her body before it becomes stable. She prays to Celestia that everything would turn out okay.
Author's Note
This is my new story, I hope you like the first chapter and I will be posting 1 chapter every week until it's done. I look forward to your comments.
Sunset Shimmer waited nervously in front of the Wondercolt statue, a small part of her feared that the other world versions of her ex-friends might reject her as well. Twilight assured her that they genuinely wanted to help her after she explained what happened, but that same small doubt reminded her that the human counterparts that Twilight had entrusted to take care of her had let her down. She didn’t think any further as the portal started to ripple and Rainbow Dash emerged, she flailed her arms around as she isn’t properly used to walking on two legs. Sunset acted quick and held onto the rainbow-haired girl so she didn’t fall.
“Thanks,” Rainbow Dash thanked Sunset.
The portal rippled again as Applejack stumbled out, followed by Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. Sunset opened her arms to catch the girls as they lost balance.
“That was fun!” Pinkie said with a big smile, she loved the swirling colors.
“Sweet Celestia!” Rarity shrieked as she noticed her new form. “What happened to my hooves?!”
“Whoa!” Rainbow Dash is shocked at what she has become, she stares at her new hands and flexes her fingers.
“Mah muzzle is gone!” Applejack cried out as she touched her face with her closed fists.
“Ooooh!” Pinkie looked in wonder at her transformed self.
“My muzzle, my manicured hooves, my tail!” Rarity wailed, her mascara running down the sides of her face at her beauty being diminished.
“Girls, calm down.” Sunset tried to calm down the Equestrian versions of her former friends. “It’s okay, you’re supposed to look like this here.”
Rarity stopped her wailing and looked at Sunset.
“I’m sorry darling, but who are you?”
“My name is Sunset Shimmer. ” Sunset introduced herself in her native Equestrian language to emphasize that she’s from Equestria.
“Sunset!” Pinkie cried out as she wrapped her arms around Sunset to hug her. “We heard about what happened to you from Twilight, I’m sorry for what my counterpart did!”
“Thanks,” Sunset thanked Pinkie as she patted her back.
“Hello darling, my name is Rarity.” Rarity introduced herself as she wobbled a bit on her two legs.
“Um, my name is Fluttershy,” Fluttershy introduced herself timidly.
“Ah’m Applejack,” Applejack tilted her hat up slightly in greeting using her closed fist.
“I’m Rainbow Dash, I’ll give you my autograph later,” Rainbow said, grinning cheekily.
“It’s nice to meet all of you, even though I’ve already met your counterparts,” Sunset said with a small smile. “How about we take this conversation back to my place?”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Rarity agreed. “I believe I need some time to adjust to this strange form.”
Sunset guided her fellow Equestrians back to her apartment while holding hands to keep each other balanced. Once in her apartment, Sunset helped them remove their coats. As she helped Applejack and Rainbow Dash pull their sweaters over their heads, she noticed the diamond ring with a string going through the ring hole to make a necklace around their necks.
“Glad this came out okay,” Rainbow Dash said in relief as she held the ring in her closed palm.
“I didn’t think you two would wear jewelry,” Sunset commented, she knew that the human versions of Rainbow and Applejack wouldn’t be caught dead wearing any kind of jewelry unless it was a special occasion or part of Rarity’s outfit she designed for them.
“This is from a very special occasion,” Rainbow Dash smiled proudly.
“It’s our engagement ring,” Applejack said with a serene smile as she looked down at her ring.
“Engagement ring?!” Sunset said in shock, that was the last thing she expected them to say. “You two are engaged?! To who?!”
“Twilight,” Rainbow Dash and Applejack answered in unison.
“Twilight?!” Sunset said in disbelief, Twilight never mentioned being engaged.
“It’s truly wonderful but let’s focus on you, darling.” Rarity said in a serious tone. “Twilight has told us what has been happening but I want to hear it from your side.”
“Right,” Sunset agreed as she leads the girls to her living room couch where she explained what had been happening since the sleepover at Pinkie Pie’s home.
The girls listened very closely as Sunset described how she once again became the most hated student at CHS. When she is finished, her fellow Equestrians had a mix of emotions, from Pinkie and Fluttershy’s saddened looks, Rainbow Dash’s look of frustration at her human counterpart, Applejack’s look of shame, and Rarity’s thoughtful look.
“You poor thing,” Fluttershy said in tears as she went to hug Sunset. “You’ve been through such a horrible thing all by yourself!”
Pinkie also joined the hug as she wailed, Sunset enjoyed the comforting hug, she needed this.
“Darling, before you were publicly abandoned did anyone else believe you were this Anon-A-Miss?” Rarity asked.
“No,” Sunset answered. “It was only after everyone else’s secrets were posted did they all blamed me.”
“I thought as much,” Rarity said with a sigh.
“What are yah getting at Rarity?” Applejack questioned, her interest peaked as Rarity might have picked up on something.
“That the only reason Sunset is being blamed is because this world’s version of ourselves said she did it,” Rainbow Dash answered, understanding what Rarity was saying.
“Precisely, they pointed you as the obvious suspect and everyone followed suit as soon as their secrets were posted.” Rarity said, a sad look on her face. “I’m sorry, darling. It appears that our counterparts are to blame for your suffering.”
“Oh,” Sunset said in a soft voice, she saw Rarity walk closer and put her closed hand on Sunset’s shoulder.
“Not to make excuses for your former friends but I don’t think they realized what they had done,” Rarity said, trying to assure Sunset that her former friends didn’t mean for this to happen.
“Then we better tell them what they had done and make them realize what a mistake they made,” Applejack said, determined to fix this mess.
Rainbow Dash stood up from the couch and hugged Sunset.
“It’s going to be okay,” Rainbow Dash gently assured Sunset. “We’re here now.”
“Thank you,” Sunset thanked E-Rainbow Dash, returning the hug and tears stinging her eyes.
The rest of the girls joined in, their fellow Equestrian has suffered enough and they are determined to fix this mess no matter what.
The Rainbooms are in The Sweet Shoppe, they had a rough week with the students teasing them about their secrets, and especially Rainbow Dash who’s failed test paper has been posted for everyone to see and laugh at. They heard the chime of the door opening and turned to see the last person they wanted to see.
“Hey! Get out!” Rainbow Dash yelled angrily at Sunset.
“Yer not welcome here!” Applejack told her as she rose from her seat and glared at Sunset.
“Wait! I know that you don’t want to see me right now but I brought someone to convince you that I’m telling the truth!” Sunset quickly said as she stood aside to reveal the Equestrian versions of the Rainbooms.
“What in sam hill?!” Applejack said shock at seeing her counterpart.
“Howdy yall,” E-Applejack greeted everyone.
Both groups of girls walked forward until they were standing in front of their counterparts.
“This is so freaky,” Rainbow Dash commented as she inspected her double.
“It’s like looking in a mirror,” Applejack commented.
“A fun mirror!” Both Pinkie’s said in unison before laughing.
“I do say you are looking fabulous, darling!” Rarity complimented her counterpart.
“Thank you, darling. Although I can’t say the same since I’m not familiar with what’s beautiful here,” E-Rarity said. “I hope I’m right in saying that your outfit looks Magnifique! Did you design it?”
“Of course!” Rarity answered with a smile.
“Hello there,” E-Fluttershy greeted her human counterpart.
“H-hello,” Fluttershy timidly greeted back.
“They are your counterparts from Equestria,” Sunset explained.
“I’m surprised you didn’t rope Twilight into this,” Applejack said, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow.
“Twilight had a serious emergency to deal with,” Sunset explained.
“Oh my, I hope everything is alright,” Rarity said with worry.
“It will be, Spikey-Wikey is in good hooves,” E-Rarity assured her counterpart.
“Spike’s in danger?!” Fluttershy gasped. “Can I help in any way?”
“Sorry, darling but only magic can help him,” E-Rarity said. “While she helps Spike, we will help you see reason.”
“What do yah mean by that?” Applejack narrowed her gaze at Sunset. “Did she convince yah with her lies that she is innocent?”
“I’m not lying!” Sunset raised her voice. “Why would I do this to you girls!”
“Revenge fer one,” Applejack answered as she crossed her arms.
“Revenge for what?” Sunset questioned.
“Fer beating yah at the Fall Formal,” Applejack answered.
Sunset was about to say something in response when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
“Don’t waste yer breath sugarcube, she aint budging no matter what yah say,” E-Applejack said with a sigh. “Ah am pretty stubborn.”
“Darling, let us deal with them. You run along and figure out who this Anon-A-Miss is.” E-Rarity instructed, giving her fellow Equestrian an assuring smile.
“How can you be so sure you aren’t being deceived?” Rarity questioned her counterpart.
“Because we’ve sadly been through this same song and dance,” E-Rarity answered, frowning at the memory of them abandoning Twilight and believing the fake Cadance.
“Are you girls sure?” Sunset asked in concern. “You don’t know your way around here, what if you run into trouble?”
“Don’t worry, we can handle whatever this world can throw at us,” E-Rainbow Dash assured her.
Sunset still wasn’t so sure.
“We’ll be with them so ah’m sure they’ll look out fer us,” E-Applejack said.
“Didn’t work out so well for me,” Sunset whispered sadly. “Okay, I’ll call you later to check how you’re doing. Good luck.”
Sunset and her fellow Equestrians hugged each other before Sunset left the Sweet Shoppe.
“Now then, shall we get started?” E-Rarity smiled at the Rainbooms.
‘Yer not changing our minds,” Applejack stubbornly said, looking at her counterpart. “Like yah said, yer wasting yer time.”
“Um, why don’t you explain to us your side of things,” E-Fluttershy suggested. “That way we can get the full picture.”
“Great idea, Fluttershy.” E-Rainbow Dash said.
“Alright, we’ll tell yah. Maybe our version will help expose the lies Sunset told yah,” Applejack said as she and the Rainbooms sat down with their counterparts and told them what happened.
Like with Sunset E-Rainbow Dash and E-Rarity listened very closely and analyzed every detail, they already noticed similarities with how they accused Sunset to how they falsely accused Twilight.
“Now do yah see why Sunset is lying?” Applejack asked, she’s confident that her counterpart will realize the mistake she made in trusting Sunset.
“All ah got from yer story is that yah acted rashly in accusing Sunset,” E-Applejack said.
“We acted rash?!” Applejack said in disbelief. “She betrayed us by posting mah secret and those photos!”
“Keep your voices down please,” Mrs. Cake said from behind the counter before doing a double-take when she noticed the two identical groups of girls.
“Sorry,” Applejack apologized. “Maybe we should take this conversation elsewhere.”
All the girls agreed as they left the Sweet Shoppe.
“Yah told Sunset yer secret and the next day Anon-A-Miss shows up with yer secret being the first thing in it. Doesn’t that seem a little suspicious?” E-Applejack questioned.
“The same goes for the photos of the slumber party,” E-Rarity added. “It makes it very obvious that the culprit is Sunset Shimmer.”
“A little too obvious,” E-Pinkie Pie said, rubbing her chin in a thinking pose.
“I don’t think Sunset is dumb enough to make it obvious she’s this Anon-A-Miss,” E-Rainbow Dash pointed out, crossing her arms.
“That makes sense,” Fluttershy admitted.
“C’mon Fluttershy, this is Sunset we’re talking about. That snake manipulated us into severing our friendship and controlled the whole school, ah wouldn’t put it past her to make it look obvious so that she wouldn’t be suspected but we didn’t fall for it,” Applejack said. “The whole school knows she’s Anon-A-Miss.”
“Because yah accused her in front of everyone!” E-Applejack raised her voice, glaring at her human counterpart. “If yah hadn’t done that then probably not everyone would immediately accuse her!”
“Easy there, Applejack.” E-Rainbow Dash placed a hand on Applejack’s shoulder as she tried to calm her down.
“Sunset’s the one who brought this on herself an’ yall can’t see that she’s using yah!” Applejack shouted back, getting close to E-Applejack’s face but Rainbow Dash held her back.
“Why can’t yah see the truth in front of yah?!” E-Applejack shouted back.
“Girls! Stop!” E-Fluttershy raised her voice as she stood between the two Applejacks. “Shouting at each other isn’t getting us anywhere.”
“Sorry,” Both Applejack’s apologized as they gazed at the ground.
Pinkie’s phone suddenly rang and when she pulled her phone out of her pocket the caller ID showed Sunset.
“Sunset’s calling!” Pinkie announced as she answered the call. “She’s asking how we’re doing?”
“Not good,” E-Applejack said.
“Maybe we should call it a day?” Fluttershy suggested.
“Might as well, we’re done anyway.” Applejack said as she put her hands inside her pockets and walked away.
“You girls just don’t know Sunset as we do,” Rainbow Dash sadly said as she walked away.
“Darlings, I know your hearts are in the right place but take it from me that Sunset is taking advantage of your kindness.” Rarity said. “Maybe you should return home and think carefully about who it is that you’re trying to help.”
“Why are you writing off Sunset’s innocence so easily?” E-Rarity asked.
“As Applejack said, Sunset has done something like this to us before.” Rarity answered. “We’ll take you back to the statue.”
“Thank you,” E-Fluttershy thanked Rarity.
The remaining three members of the Rainbooms escorted the Equestrians back to the school after informing Sunset. The Equestrians were a little disappointed and frustrated that they failed to convince their human counterparts to see reason.
Author's Note
Here's the second chapter, things didn't go as the Mane 5 hoped. I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to your comments.
“So you couldn’t reason with them either,” Sunset said in a said tone, she and her fellow Equestrians are standing in front of the Wondercolt statue, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie had already left before she arrived.
“I’m sorry darling, it turns out convincing our counterparts of your innocence is a lot harder than we thought,” E-Rarity apologized, disappointed in herself for failing to convince the Rainbooms of Sunset’s innocence.
“It’s alright, you tried your best,” Sunset assured the fashionista. “I couldn’t convince them either.”
“The other me is gettin’ on mah nerves,'' E-Applejack complained. “Was ah always that stubborn?”
“For as long as I’ve known you,” E-Rainbow Dash said with a grin. “You’re the most stubborn pony I know.”
“Ah guess now ah know what it’s like when yah girls deal with mah stubbornness,” E-Applejack said with a sigh.
“What do we do now?” E-Fluttershy asked.
“We keep trying,” E-Applejack said. “We heard their side an’ ah know fer sure that they made a mistake.”
“After what you girls have been through together, I can’t believe they wouldn’t listen to you,” E-Rarity said aghast.
“They called yah family and then threw yah away!” E-Applejack said angrily.
“It’s not unfounded though,” Sunset said, her tone soft. “I haven’t always been very nice to them, I am responsible for breaking them up.”
“Do you think they could still be holding a grudge?” E-Fluttershy asked.
“Possibly,” Sunset responded. “They promised Twilight to teach me about friendship, but Applejack wasn’t too keen on having me in their group.”
“Did she tell yah to yer face?” E-Applejack asked.
“No, she simply refused to talk to me,” Sunset answered sadly, remembering how Applejack would always look at her with a scowl.
“Bottling up one's feelings isn’t healthy,” E-Rarity said as she looked at E-Applejack.
“If yah got nothing nice to say to someone then don’t say anything,” E-Applejack said with a sigh.
“She stopped following that,” Sunset said as she recalled the insults that Applejack threw at her just a few moments ago. “Anyway, I should get back to figuring out who Anon-A-Miss is. You girls should head on home for now,”
The Equestrians looked at each other in concern before looking back at Sunset.
“But won’t you be by yourself?” E-Fluttershy asked with concern.
“It’s alright, I’m used to it,” Sunset assured them, smiling sadly at them.
“No yer not,” E-Applejack said as she walked up to Sunset to place her closed fist on her shoulder. “Ah aint going to let you deal with this alone.”
“But what about your families?” Sunset asked in surprise. “Isn’t it Hearths Warming back in Equestria?”
“All the more reason to prove your innocence so we can all enjoy the holidays with our loved ones,” E-Rarity said as she and the rest of her friends gathered around Sunset.
“What about Twilight?” Sunset asked, looking between E-Rainbow and E-Applejack.
“I’m sure Twilight will understand when we tell her,” E-Rainbow Dash answered.
Sunset looked at each of her fellow Equestrians who are smiling at her just like her former friends used to.
“Alright then,” Sunset relented, a grateful smile on her lips.
“Otherworldly Slumber party!” E-Pinkie Pie cheered excitedly.
“If we’re going to have a slumber party I need to pick up a few things from the store,” Sunset said.
“We’d be happy to help,” E-Fluttershy offered with a smile.
“I could use the extra hands,” Sunset commentated which confused her fellow Equestrians. “I’ll tell you later.”
Sunset led her fellow Equestrians to the store where they picked up some food that they could eat, she picked up some vegetarian meals as well as some fruits, vegetables, and sweets. The equestrians exited the store laughing at a joke that Pinkie told, unaware that they were being watched by a wide-eyed Applebloom.
“Is that Sunset hanging out with your sister and her friends?” Diamond Tiara asked in surprise besides Applebloom. “I thought they broke up.”
“They did,” Applebloom whispered as she continued to stare in shock at what appeared to be her sister and her friends laughing with Sunset as they used to.
“Maybe they made up?” Diamond Tiara questioned.
“No, they have no reason too,” Applebloom said, shaking her head.
“Then how do you explain them hanging out together, shopping, and laughing?” Diamond Tiara asked. “Maybe she convinced them that she was innocent after all.”
“She isn't innocent,” Applebloom said bitterly. “She must’ve tricked them again.”
“It had to be a very convincing trick,” Diamond Tiara said, she witnessed the Rainbooms rejection of Sunset and honesty felt bad for her as she was left in tears. She looked to Applebloom to see that she was very unhappy about this, she told her how Applejack wasn’t spending time with her like she usually did during the holidays. “Sorry Applebloom.”
“Why are yah apologizing?” Applebloom questioned.
“It’s just that you won’t be spending time with your sister again,” Diamond Tiara explained. “I know how much you value your time with her this time of year.”
Applebloom blinked before smiling at Diamond Tiara.
“Thanks, fer worrying about me,” Applebloom thanked Diamond Tiara as she squeezed her hand that she is currently holding. “But yah don’t gotta apologize fer that.”
“I’m here if you need anything,” Diamond Tiara said, squeezing Applebloom’s hand.
Applebloom smiled, she appreciated how supportive Diamond Tiara is being. But her smile faltered a little as it appeared that her plan to break up Sunset and her sister has failed.
‘Sunset, what did yah do to get them back? ’ Applebloom thought.
Twilight closed the book she was reading with a sigh, she cast a glance at Spike who was sleeping peacefully at her side, the purple magic dome was doing its job perfectly.
“Oh Spike,” Twilight whispered worriedly as she nuzzled his face, he felt hotter than normal which is another symptom of magic flux. She looked at the portal and worried about her friends, she wondered how they were doing and if they managed to clear Sunset’s name.
She heard a vibrating sound and looked at the journal to see it glowing and vibrating, using her magic she removed the journal from its pedestal and placed it in front of her before flipping it open to see the message.
“Hi, Twilight. Just wanted to let you know that your friends are having a sleepover at my apartment, I hope that’s alright?” Sunset wrote.
“That sounds wonderful! I don’t mind at all, so I’m guessing that the girls were successful in convincing our Canterlot High friends? ” Twilight asked hopefully.
“No, they couldn’t convince them.” Sunset wrote. “But they’re not giving up, after hearing their side of the story they are more determined than ever to make them see the truth.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, ” Twilight responded, feeling disappointed that the issue wasn’t resolved.
“Anyway, how’s Spike doing?” Sunset wrote.
“He’s doing fine, though he has a slight fever ,” Twilight answered.
“Has he been showing any other symptoms of Magic Flux?” Sunset asked, she had Magic Flux when she was a filly and is familiar with the symptoms.
“He did have the magical bursts earlier before I administered the treatment,” Twilight answered. “But he’s sleeping peacefully now.”
“That’s a relief, Spike’s in good hooves,” Sunset wrote. “Your friends are relieved as well and Pinkie says hi.”
“Tell her high back, tell them we’re doing fine and…” Twilight hesitated a bit before continuing to write. “Tell Rainbow and Applejack I love them. ”
“Will do,” Sunset responded, Twilight could practically see her grinning. “Applejack and Rainbow Dash already told me about you three, congratulations!”
“Thanks,” Twilight wrote. “Enjoy the sleepover.”
“We will,” Sunset wrote.
Twilight closed the journal and placed it back on the pedestal, she is happy that Sunset is spending time with her friends and fellow Equestrians instead of spending another night alone. She wished she could be there but Spike needs her more.
“Maybe there’s still a way I can help,” Twilight said to herself as she levitated a quill and paper and started writing down the events that Sunset described that took place from the slumber party at Pinkie Pie’s home.
“Sunset slumber party!” E-Pinkie Pie said excitedly as she and the rest of her friends are wearing Sunset’s pajamas.
“I hope you girls don’t mind wearing my pajamas?” Sunset asked as she set a plate with snacks down on the table.
“Not at all,” E-Rarity assured her from her spot on Sunset’s sofa. “Thank you for your generosity, darling.”
“And yer hospitality,” E-Applejack said as she reached for one of the snacks on the table, Sunset had shown them how to use their hands to grab things and the snacks she made are sliced fruit that they can practice with.
“I can’t believe our counterparts would accuse you of betraying them,” E-Rainbow Dash said. “Granted you were not a very nice pony in the past but you’re not that pony anymore."
“You are a very nice pony, Sunset,” E-Fluttershy said next to E-Rarity, taking some sliced apples.
“Thanks, Fluttershy.” Sunset thanked the shy Equestrian, she was just as kind as her human self but she felt more mature and brave.
“Are the things you do in a slumber party the same as in Equestria?” E-Rarity asked.
“Honestly I’m not sure,” Sunset replied. “I’ve never experienced a slumber party in Equestria and I’ve only experienced three here, four with this one.”
“There can’t be much difference,” E-Rainbow Dash said.
“Each slumber party is unique like the one I had with Applejack and Twilight,” E-Rarity brought up.
“It was Twilight’s first slumber party and she used a book to plan out the activities,” Applejack said, smiling at the memory. “We gave each other makeovers, roasted marshmallows, had a pillow fight, and told ghost stories.”
“That’s kind of what we did,” Sunset said, smiling slightly before it disappeared.
“Then let’s get this Sunset slumber party started!” E-Rainbow Dash raised her voice, hoping to raise Sunset’s spirits.
“We could tell scary ghost stories,” E-Pinkie said as she held a flashlight to illuminate her face.
“No scary stories please!” E-Fluttershy pleaded, she hated scary stories.
“I would love to hear about the adventures you girls had in Equestria,” Sunset said, glancing at Fluttershy and smiling.
“That sounds like a great idea!” E-Rarity said. “But where to start?”
“I can tell you about the time I saved Rarity in the Cloudsdale Best Young Flyers competition!” E-Rainbow Dash said with an excited smile as she glanced at Rarity to see her blushing in embarrassment.
“Or how about that time I made clones of myself!” E-Pinkie said excitedly. “Or that time Twilight beat Rainbow Dash and Applejack in the Ponyville running of the leaves! Or maybe when we beat Tirek! Or maybe even-“
“Calm down Pinkie,” Sunset said as she calmed down her fellow Equestrian. “I know you’re excited to tell me about your adventures but let’s take a deep breath, okay?”
“Okay!” E-Pinkie said with a smile.
“Where should we start?” E-Applejack asked as they all sat in a circle, some were on the couch while others sat on the floor.
“How about our first adventure against Nightmare Moon?” E-Rarity suggested.
“Great idea Rarity!” Applejack said, her face lit up at the suggestion. “It’s also when we all met Twilight for the first time.”
“You girls faced off against Nightmare Moon?!” Sunset was shocked to hear this. “I thought she was just a legend.”
“Nope, she’s very real and she’s Princess Celestia’s younger sister,” E-Applejack explained.
“Her sister?!” Sunset raised her voice. “Princess Celestia has a sister?!”
The Mane Five explained the story of the first villain they all faced, how that adventure solidified their friendship. They told Sunset about their adventures and how they helped them grow and prepare them to face the next big threat to Equestria. Sunset listened with great interest, the way they talked about their adventures made her realize how much different they are from her former friends. She learned how their friendship has been tested and how much stronger it has become, she couldn’t help but compare their experiences with that of herself and her former friends. They only faced one major threat together and it helped them become true friends, at least she had thought they did.
They told her about the Canterlot wedding and how they made the worst decision of their lives and abandoned their friend Twilight, Sunset immediately saw parallels to her dilemma. She empathizes with Twilight and felt hope that her friendship with the Rainbooms can be saved as the Mane six told her how they spend every day after the incident making it up to Twilight. Sunset, Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy gushed when Applejack and Rainbow Dash explained how they fell in love with Twilight.
“Wow, you girls sure had some interesting adventures,” Sunset commented.
“We sure did,” E-Rainbow Dash agreed as she took a bite of an apple.
“We had an amazing time and the best part was that we got to do it together!” E-Pinkie Pie cheered as she brought Applejack and Rarity close for a hug.
“What adventures have you had with your friends?” E-Fluttershy asked.
“Hmm, the only adventure we went through together was The Battle of The Bands against the Sirens,” Sunset air quoted as she told them the story.
“What a touching story,” E-Fluttershy said, smiling as she placed her hand over her heart.
“Sounds like you saved the day,” E-Rainbow Dash said with a smile.
“It wasn’t just me, we all defeated the Sirens,” Sunset humbly corrected Rainbow Dash.
“But without yah, our counterparts would still be arguing with each other,” E-Applejack pointed out.
“Thanks,” Sunset thanked Applejack. “You know I just realized something.”
“What is it?” E-Rarity asked.
“When I stopped my frie-former friends from arguing I told them that if they don’t work out even the smallest problems then the magic of friendship can be turned into something else,” Sunset explained, looking dejected. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see Rarity.
“I know this may sound odd coming from us but we would like to be your friends,” E-Rarity said with honesty.
“Me too, you’re an awesome pony Sunset!” E-Rainbow Dash said.
“Count me in too!” E-Pinkie Pie said with excitement.
“I would also love to be your friend,” E-Fluttershy said, smiling kindly.
“What do yah say sugarcube, can we be yer friends?” E-Applejack asked, smiling at Sunset.
Sunset felt very happy to the Equestrian counterparts of her formers friends wanted to be her friends.
“Thank you, this means so much to me,” Sunset thanked her fellow Equestrians. “But I don’t think I’m ready to make new friends yet. Sorry.”
“You have nothing to apologize for, darling,” E-Rarity assured Sunset.
“We understand that yer still feeling hurt fer what yer former friends did,” E-Appleajck said in understanding.
“We’re here for you if you ever need us,” E-Rainbow Dash promised.
“Thank you girls, you have no idea how much I needed to hear that,” Sunset thanked the girls, wiping away a stray tear.
“Do you need a hug?” E-Fluttershy asked shyly.
Sunset merely nodded as the Mane 5 enveloped her in a hug, Sunset returned the hug as a few tears ran down the sides of her face.
Author's Note
Despite the setback, Sunset is having fun with her fellow Equestrians. I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to your comments.
The following morning, the Mane 5 and Sunset are in the kitchen discussing what their next move is going to be.
“Maybe we should talk to our counterparts separately,” E-Rarity suggested. “We might have better luck if we’re alone with them.”
“It’s worth a try, are you sure you girls will be alright?” Sunset asked with concern as she looked at Applejack. “I don’t want things to escalate between you and your counterparts.”
“Don’t worry, Sunset. Ah won’t start anythin’ with my counterpart. “E-Applejack promised.
“Same here,” E-Rainbow Dash also promised.
“But what about your counterparts?” Sunset questioned. “What happens if they take it too far?”
“Then we’ll de-escalate the situation,” E-Rarity answered.
“We know the tells of when we’re upset so we have this covered,” E-Applejack said.
“Okay,” Sunset said as she took out her phone and called Pinkie Pie
The Rainbooms are waiting in The Sweet Shoppe, they didn’t look too happy to be doing this again.
“This is a waste of time,” Applejack spoke up. “Why are we humoring Sunset?”
“Because we’re trying to make our counterparts see through her lies,” Rarity answered.
“Sunset’s got them so convince that she’s innocent that she could use them to tell the whole school that she isn’t Anon-A-Miss,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Wouldn’t she have done that already instead of doing this?” Fluttershy questioned.
“Yeah, she would’ve used them to turn the whole school against us!” Pinkie Pie agreed with Fluttershy.
“Maybe she’s not as smart as we thought,” Applejack mumbled but her friends heard her.
“Applejack, are you sure you’re up to this?” Rarity asked. “Ever since we cast Sunset out of the group you’ve been in a bad mood.”
“Can yah blame me, ah wanted Sunset to experience what Christmas is like with those yah care about and she throws it back at our faces,” Applejack explained. “Ah can’t believe she was deceiving us this whole time.”
“I guess people don’t change,” Rarity sadly said.
The door chime rang which caused the Rainbooms to look towards the front door to see their Equestrian counterparts and Sunset Shimmer.
“I hope we didn’t keep you waiting,” Sunset said as she and the Mane 5 approached the Rainbooms.
“No biggie, we didn’t wait long enough to complain about it,” Rainbow Dash shrugged. “So we’re doing the same thing as yesterday?”
“Kinda, you’re going to pair up with your counterpart for the rest of the day,” Sunset explained.
“Figures,” Applejack scoffed. “Yer trying to pick us apart individually just like last time.”
“Would yah knock it off already?” E-Applejack asked, rolling her eyes. “Yer anger at Sunset is showing.”
“So what if it is?” Applejack questioned.
“Save it fer when it’s just us,” E-Applejack said. “Ah reckon yah got a lot to get off yer chest.”
“Aint that the truth,” Applejack glared at Sunset. “Ah got chores to do so we can talk as we work.”
“Sounds fine to me,” E-Applejack agreed.
Applejack got up from her seat and walked towards the exit but stopped next to Sunset.
“What are yah going to be doing while we talk with our other selves?”
“Finding out who Anon-A-Miss really is,” Sunset answered as she looked Applejack right in the eyes.
Applejack stared back before breaking eye contact and leaving with E-Applejack.
“Well then,” Rarity said, rising from her seat and adjusting her skirt. “I hope you don’t mind helping me work on some designs.”
“I would love to,” E-Rarity happily agreed. “It will give me a good opportunity to see what the fashion trends are for this world.”
Rarity left the Sweet Shoppe with her counterpart, Sunset could hear them sharing fashion tips.
“Alright, let’s get this over with,” Rainbow Dash said as she stretched. “Time to see how awesome the other me is.”
“Bring it, I can take anything you throw at me,” E-Rainbow Dash challenged.
“Would you like to help me at the animal shelter?” Fluttershy asked her Equestrian counterpart, a small smile on her lips.
“I would like that very much,” E-Fluttershy agreed, returning Fluttershy’s smile.
“Let’s have a twin party!” Pinkie cheered. “Even though I already have a twin!”
“Me too!” E-Pinkie gasped. “We have so much in common already!”
Pinkie and Fluttershy left with their counterparts, all of them had smiled on their faces.
“At least I don’t have to worry about those four starting a fight with each other,” Sunset said in relief, she ordered a coffee and muffin before heading home to resume her work but bumped into someone.
“Sorry about that,” Sunset quickly apologized before realizing that she bumped into Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. “Hey girls.”
“H-hey there, Sunset,” Applebloom nervously greeted, she didn’t expect to run into Sunset.
Sunset smiled at the girls before resuming her way home.
“Our sisters weren’t with her today,” Scootaloo pointed out before looking at Applebloom. “Are you sure you saw them together yesterday?”
“Of course Ah’m sure! Me and Diamond Tiara saw them gettin’ out of the grocery store,” Applebloom said, raising her voice.
“Easy there, Applebloom.” Scootaloo tried to calm down her friend. “I’m not saying you're a liar, it’s that we’re not seeing what you saw.”
“Ah know,” Applebloom said as she calmed herself down. “Ah’m sorry ah raised mah voice, ah’m just upset that after what we did to break them up they just got back together.”
“How did they get back together?” Sweetie Belle asked.
“The way they broke off their friendship looked bad,” Scootaloo said, rubbing her arm nervously. “It made me feel bad for Sunset.”
“Same here,” Sweetie Belle agreed, she almost cried after witnessing Sunset breakdown after her friends rejected her.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Applebloom said. “How can they be friends again after that? Mah sister even threw away everythin’ that reminded her of Sunset.”
“Rarity too,” Sweetie Belle said sadly, she watched Rarity tearfully throw every photo, sketch, and outfit that was related to Sunset before she collapsed on her bed and cried while eating a bucket of ice cream.
“Girls, do you get the feeling that maybe we made a mistake?” Scootaloo questioned.
"We can’t think like that!” Applebloom said. “If we start having doubts then everything’ we’ve done would’ve been fer nothin’.”
“But how long can we keep this up?” Scootaloo questioned.
“We’ll keep this up as long as we have to,” Applebloom answered as she took out her phone, and logged into the Anon-A-Miss account.
“What’s yer history with Sunset?” E-Applejack asked her counterpart as they are both shoveling the snow from the driveway.
“She made a liar out of me and broke up me and mah friends,” Applejack angrily answered. “Ah thought she had changed and given friendship and us a chance but ah was wrong.”
“Is that all?” E-Applejack questioned.
“What do yah mean?” Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow.
“We value our honesty and our family and don’t take kindly to those who mess with that,” E-Applejack pointed out. “Be honest with me, did yah want to be friends with Sunset?”
“No,” Applejack answered without hesitation.
“Then why did yah agree to teach Sunset about friendship?” E-Applejack questioned.
“Because ah promised Twilight,” Applejack answered, pushing a pile of snow until she got stuck. “After what she did for me it was the least ah could do.”
“Why didn’t yah refuse?” Applejack questioned as she helped her counterpart. “Ah’m sure Twilight would’ve understood.”
“There was no time, Twilight had to return home.” Applejack said as she and her counterpart struggled to push the pile of snow.
“Did yah even try to talk to Sunset?” E-Applejack asked.
“No!” Applejack answered as she and Applejack got the snow shovel unstuck and pushed the snow into a pile. “Ah had nothin’ to say to her.”
“Then how were yah able to become friends with her?” E-Applejack inquired. “Yah couldn’t have become friends if yah still hated her.”
“Because ah was stupid enough to believe that she had changed,” Applejack answered angrily. “Ah thought after the Battle of The Bands Sunset understood friendship, that she finally opened up to us but she was just waitin’ to stab us in the back.”
“Horseapples!” E-Applejack raised her voice. “It sounds to me like yah still had yer doubts about her, how else would yah accuse her without hearing what she had to say?”
“Yah don’t know anythin’!” Applejack argued.
“Ah know yah because ah made the same stupid mistake,” E-Applejack argued back. “When ah and mah friends were helping with Princess Cadance’s wedding, Twilight tried to warn us that she wasn’t the real Princess! But instead of believing the pony who knew Cadance better than any of us, ah believed the Princess, and it turns out ah was wrong!”
Applejack was taken aback by her Equestrian counterpart’s outburst, she could see the tears that threatened to spill from her eyes.
“The fake Cadance was an evil Changling Queen that almost took over Canterlot with her Changling army and if it wasn’t fer the real Cadance and Twilight’s brother Shining Armor stopping them then she would’ve succeeded!” E-Applejack explained. “After the wedding, we all apologized to Twilight, and despite her sayin’, she forgave us we could all tell how hurt she was.”
E-Applejack wiped away her tears before glaring at her counterpart.
“Do yah have any idea how much yah hurt Sunset? Because of what yah did she couldn’t bring herself to be friends with us,” E-Applejack turns away from Applejack. “Yah said that Sunset made a liar out of yah but yah had no problem lying to her.”
“Ah never lied to her!” Applejack raised her voice, feeling insulted that her counterpart called her a lier.
“Yah did lie, yah lied that she was yer friend, yah lied that she was like family,” E-Applejack said as she turned to look at her counterpart with disappointment. “Sunset trusted yah to be honest and yah lied to her face, ah doubt she’ll ever trust anythin’ yah say again.”
“Ah don’t care if she doesn’t trust me, it doesn’t change what she did,” Applejack said in annoyance, she picked up her shovel and started walking towards her house. “We have to clean the pig pen next.”
E-Applejack watched her human counterpart walk away before sighing and following after her.
“What exquisite designs!” E-Rarity gushes at seeing Rarity’s outfits, they are in Rarity’s room.
“Thank you,” Rarity thanked her counterpart, happy that she could impress a fashion designer from another world.
“Tell me, darling. Do you own a boutique?” E-Rarity asked curiously, she wanted to learn what other differences there are between them.
“I’m afraid not but I do want to open one in the future,” Rarity said.
“I do not doubt that you will,” E-Rarity said with confidence.
“Do you have any advice you can share?” Rarity asked.
“You have to believe in your brand and never waiver from your ideals,” E-Rarity said. “There will be those who will take advantage of your generosity which is why it’s important to have ponies you can trust by your side to aid you.”
“Ponies?” Rarity questioned.
“It’s an Equestrian terminology,” E-Rarity clarified, she had forgotten that it wasn’t just physical appearance that is different in this dimension. “Basically, trust that your friends will be there for you.”
“I’ll have no problem trusting my friends,” Rarity said with a confident smile. “We’re as close as family.”
“Is that so?” E-Rarity questioned.
“I know where this is going,” Rarity sighed. “Listen, Sunset is not who you think she is.”
“Who exactly is Sunset Shimmer?” E-Rarity asked.
“A manipulative, deceiving, and spiteful person.” Rarity listed. “She’ll do whatever it takes to get to the top.”
“You sound very familiar with her methods,” E-Rarity noted.
“Unfortunately,” Rarity admitted sadly. “There’s an event at our school called the Spring Fling, the winner would be crowned a Princess, and Sunset was also participating. She had won the previous crowns but I had confidence that I would beat her, I also had my friends by my side. But we had a falling out with each other so I had to deal with The Spring Fling alone, and Sunset made that the worst night of my life.”
“What happened?” E-Rarity asked, looking at Rarity with fear.
“Sunset had put itching powder on my dress and I had to scratch myself furiously in front of everyone,” Rarity explained, wrapping her arms around herself as she recalled that horrible night. “It was such an un-lady thing to do, everyone was laughing and I could do nothing to stop it. I ran off the stage and as I passed Sunset, I noticed the satisfied smirk on her face.”
“I’m so sorry, darling,” E-Rarity said as she laid a comforting hand on Rarity.
“Now do you see what kind of person she is?” Rarity asked as she wiped away a stray tear.
“I see, Sunset was indeed a terrible person,” E-Rarity agreed.
“I’m glad you finally see the truth,” Rarity said, happy that she finally got through to her counterpart.
“But she’s not that person anymore,” E-Rarity added, placing her other hand on her counterpart’s shoulder. “That Sunset Shimmer humiliated you to win the Spring Fling, what does she hope to gain from humiliating you now? She stands to lose everything.”
“She wanted revenge on us for defeating her at The Fall Formal,” Rarity answered.
“Do you honestly believe that?” E-Rarity questioned. “If you are familiar with Sunset’s tactics then you have to see that none of this makes sense.”
Rarity looked away, she bit her lip as she mulled over E-Rarity’s words. Anon-A-Miss’s actions certainly didn’t match Sunset’s before her reform.
“Then how do you explain the pictures of our slumber party being posted on Anon-A-Miss?” Rarity questioned, looking back at E-Rarity. “Sunset was the only one who took those photos and they were only on her smartphone.”
“I have no idea what a smartphone is but couldn’t someone else have taken them from her phone?” E-Rarity suggested.
“Are you accusing my friends of being Anon-A-Miss?!” Rarity said aghast.
“The Irony in your accusation is evident,” E-Rarity raised an eyebrow as she crossed her arms. “I am not accusing your friends but I do know that falsely accusing someone without going through all the facts isn’t good detective work.”
E-Rarity reached over to grab a detective-looking hat with a feather on the side and placed it on her head.
“I see you’re a fan of Shadow Spade as well,” Rarity said, crossing her arms.
“You’ve already deduced how Sunset posted your secrets which is Anon-A-Miss, the opportunity which is during the slumber parties, but you lack the motive,” E-Rarity listed. “Tell me, did Sunset seem genuine in her friendship with you all?”
“I assumed she did,” Rarity answered. “She was happy to be with all of us and enjoyed the activities we did together.”
“What about her tears?” E-Rarity questioned. “When you left her crying in the hallway, was it fake to you?”
Rarity closed her eyes as she tried to remember Sunset’s expression, she can picture Sunset’s devastated look in her mind and analyzed every detail of her face to see if there was any deception. When she analyzed her eyes, she immediately recognized the look of betrayal and devastation. Rarity felt like she was looking in her mirror from the night of The Spring Fling, the eyes of someone whose world has come crumbling down. Rarity’s eyes snapped open.
“Do you finally understand?” E-Rarity asked.
“Yes,” Rarity responded softly, her tears mixing with her mascara and leaving two dark lines down her cheeks. She had finally realized the truth. “What have I done?”
Rarity fell to her knees and covered her face with her hands as she started sobbing. E-Rarity knelt beside her and wrapped her arms around her counterpart.
“Oh Sunset,” Rarity cried. “Why didn’t I see the truth earlier?”
“Because we lacked faith in our friends,” E-Rarity said sadly.
“What?” Rarity lifted her head to look at her counterpart.
“I and my friends were tasked with helping prepare a royal wedding between Princess Cadance and Twilight’s older brother,” E-Rarity explained, managing a small smile. “Twilight was very against it at first since she is very close to her brother and feared losing him, but warmed up to the idea when she found out he was marrying her old foal sitter.” E-Rarity’s smile instantly dropped. “Which was why she knew right away that something wasn’t right with the Princess, I assumed it was pre-wedding jitters but I couldn’t have been more wrong.”
E-Rarity sighed as she took out a napkin to wipe Rarity’s eyes.
“Twilight tried to tell us that Princess Cadance was a fake but the fake gave us reasonable explanations for Twilight’s accusations, we assumed that she must’ve still been against the wedding and instead of taking the time to talk to Twilight in private, we all believed the fake and left the room to check on the fake to see if she was okay,” E-Rarity sadly said, tears pooling in her eyes as she recalled that day. “I didn’t even spare a glance at Twilight, didn’t even try to defend her, and just left her to suffer alone.”
Rarity could see the great pain her counterpart is feeling, her story sounded eerily similar to how she and her friends left Sunset.
“Because of my mistake, the fake Princess almost succeeded in taking over Canterlot but thanks to the real Princess Cadance and Twilight’s brother love, they repelled the fake and her army,” E-Rarity explained, taking a napkin and wiping her eyes.
“Love saves the day,” Rarity said. “It sounds like a scene from a fantasy book.”
“Our world can be considered fantasy,” E-Rarity said. “After the incident, we apologized profusely to Twilight, and even though she had forgiven us, it was plain to see that she is still deeply hurt by our actions. After the wedding we visited Twilight’s home to talk about what had happened, it took a bit of convincing but Twilight was finally open to us about her feelings. The incident had shaken her belief in us, she felt like she didn’t know who we are anymore and could no longer trust us.”
E-Rarity sobbed as she tried to speak.
“She told us how she cried herself to sleep the night after the wedding,” E-Rarity covered her mouth with her hand as she sobbed. “We hurt her so badly that I feared our friendship was beyond repair.”
“W-was it?” Rarity asked, fearful that her friendship with Sunset is doomed.
“Not if we had anything to say about it,” E-Rarity said, her voice clear. “My friends and I did everything we could to earn back Twilight’s trust and restore her faith in us, it took time but our friendship is stronger than ever, especially for two of us.”
“What do you mean?” Rarity asked curiously.
“Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack fell in love with each other and are now engaged!” E-Rarity gushed.
“That’s wonderful news!” Rarity’s sorrow was instantly gone and replaced with joy for her friend.
“We’re all helping out for the wedding like we did with Princess Cadance but this time we’ll make sure that everyone is who they say they are,” E-Rarity winked.
“So there could still be hope for me and my friends,” Rarity said softly.
“There’s always hope, darling. But you have to fight for it,” E-Rarity said, taking her counterpart’s hands in her own.
“I will,” Rarity nodded. “Thank you for helping me see clearly.
“Anytime,” E-Rarity said as she hugged Rarity who gladly returned the hug.
Author's Note
Looks like E-Rarity succeeded in convincing her counterpart the same cannot be said for E-Applejack. I hope you enjoy the chapter and I look forward to your comments.
“The animals here are just like the ones back home,” E-Fluttershy noted as she brushed the hair of one of the dogs, she and her counterpart are grooming the animals who were shocked to see two Fluttershys but quickly got over it as there was now more of her to go around.
“Really?” Fluttershy questioned as she finished brushing a cat. “So all our animals are the same as yours?”
“Well, I haven’t seen any phoenixes around,” E-Fluttershy said as she looked around. “Unless you keep them somewhere else.”
“I don’t think we have any phoenixes, sorry.” Fluttershy apologized.
“You don’t have to apologize,” E-Fluttershy assured her. “I should be the one apologizing for assuming the animals here are the same as my world.”
Fluttershy smiled at her counterpart who smiled back as they continued to groom the animals.
“I always found comfort in taking care of the animals,” Fluttershy said. “It helped me through some bad times.”
“Like Sunset?” E-Fluttershy questioned when she saw the pained look on Fluttershy’s face she realized her mistake. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories!”
“It’s okay,” Fluttershy assured her. “I just wished I knew why Sunset would throw away our friendship?”
“Why do you think she threw it away?” E-Fluttershy asked.
“For laughs probably,” Fluttershy answered with a frown. “Sunset loves to make others miserable for her amusement.”
“Do you honestly believe that?” E-Fluttershy questioned.
“Yes!” Fluttershy raised her voice. “We opened our hearts to her and she betrayed us!”
“Do you think she opened her heart to you and the girls?” E-Fluttershy asked, remembering how Sunset didn’t want to accept their friendship.
“I...I’m not sure,” Fluttershy said, looking away from her counterpart as she picked up a puppy and started petting it.
“Have you thought about how Sunset might be feeling?” E-Fluttershy asked, when her counterpart didn’t respond she continued. “We asked Sunset if we could be her friends but she said no.”
Fluttershy looked up at her counterpart to see her smiling sadly.
“Have you ever hurt anyone?” E-Fluttershy suddenly asked.
“No, never!” Fluttershy quickly answered, she could never hurt anyone.
“I have,” E-Fluttershy sadly said. “I hurt my best friend, Twilight. I didn’t listen to her and left her alone to suffer.” Tears pooled in E-Fluttershy’s eyes as she remembered how she and her friends left Twilight over concern of the fake Cadance. “I almost lost a dear friend.”
“B-but you’re still friends right?” Fluttershy nervously asked.
“Yes,” E-Fluttershy answered. “I didn’t want to lose her so I and my friends worked hard to regain her trust and faith, we’re closer than ever and Twilight is even happier now that she’s marrying Applejack and Rainbow Dash.”
“Your Applejack and Rainbow Dash are marrying Twilight?!” Fluttershy gasped.
“Yes,” E-Fluttershy smiled but it quickly fell. “When Twilight told us about what was happening, it sounded scarily familiar to what we went through. That’s why my friends and I came here, to make sure you girls don’t ruin your friendship like we almost did. Look deep in your heart, tell me that the Sunset you know now is like the Sunset in the past.”
Fluttershy looked at her counterpart’s pleading eyes and decided to do what she said, she closed her eyes and recalled the times she and Sunset spent together. She saw Sunset smile whenever she helped at the animal shelter and saw genuine sadness when the shelter had to put an animal down. Sunset had made it her mission that every animal in the shelter would find a good home and loving families, she used her amazing artistic skills to make eye-catching posters for each of the animals that she posted around Canterlot and on the shelter’s website. Fluttershy noted how gentle Sunset is and how she never hesitates to help no matter how small like when she wiped the frosting off her face. Tears started welling up in Fluttershy’s eyes as she recalled how happy Sunset was at the sleepover, she had never seen her that happy before. But then she recalled the look of devastation when she accused her of faking their friendship, the desperation of her trying to convince her of her innocence, and the great loss at losing everything.
“What..what have I done?!” Fluttershy started sobbing as she finally realized the mistake she had made. “Oh Sunset, I’m so sorry!”
E-Fluttershy wrapped her arms around her counterpart, comforting her as she cried on her shoulder, the animals sensed something was wrong and did their best to comfort the crying girl.
“It’s okay, you can still fix this,” E-Fluttershy said.
“But after what I said to her I don’t think she’ll forgive me,” Fluttershy cried.
“Do you honestly believe that?” E-Fluttershy asked.
“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked as she pulled back, her eyes are red from crying.
“If you’re truly sorry for what you did then Sunset will accept your apology,” E-Fluttershy explained. “But you have to be brave and work hard to prove to Sunset how sorry you are.”
“Okay,” Fluttershy agreed as she wiped her tears. “I’ll be brave, for Sunset.”
E-Fluttershy smiled and the animals happily cheered for Fluttershy.
“Do you really think, Sunny is a big meanie?” E-Pinkie Pie asked as she and her counterpart are baking cupcakes at the Pie household.
“I don’t want to believe it but she posted all our secrets on Anon-A-Miss for everyone to laugh at!” Pinkie Pie said as she poured the cupcake mix on a cupcake tray. “I don’t mind a good laugh but not if it hurts someone’s feelings.”
“What about Sunset’s feelings?“ E-Pinkie questioned.
“As if that meanie has feelings,” Pinkie Pie mumbled but her counterpart still heard her.
“But she does!” E-Pinkie argued. “If she didn’t then why is she so sad that you broke off your friendship with her?”
“She’s faking it,” Pinkie Pie said, sniffing and wiping away a stray tear with the bend of her elbow.
“Was she?” E-Pinkie asked softly. “Did her smile look fake to you?”
“No,” Pinkie replied. “Her smile was real, I don’t understand why she would throw it away.”
“That’s because she didn’t throw it away!” E-Pinkie said. “Sunset is a very nice pony, there’s no way she would hurt any of you girls! But you girls really hurt her!”
E-Pinkie grabbed onto her counterpart’s shoulders.
“You girls held those sleepovers so Sunset wouldn’t be alone but she’s alone again! And worst is that for a brief moment she finally felt like she had a family only to be abandoned by that family!” tears spilled down E-Pinkie’s cheeks. “Why would you take away somepony’s smile!”
“She’s right, sis.”
Both Pinkies turned to see Limestone Pie standing by the door frame.
“Pinkie, you told me how hard Sunset worked to make up for her mistakes after The Fall Formal and that nobody would give her a chance. So why go after you and your friends first who have stood by her side instead of the students?” Limestone pointed out. “If Sunset was able to get away with the shit she pulled without anyone finding out then why point an obvious target on herself with Anon-A-Miss?”
“Limestone, you can’t curse in the house!” Pinkie said aghast.
“Whatever, the point is you messed up Pinkie,” Limestone said as she pointed to E-Pinkie Pie. “At least your double makes more sense than you right now.”
Limestone Pie wasn’t even fazed by the fact that there are two Pinkies, growing up with a little sister like Pinkie has taught Limestone to expect the unexpected. This is why she didn’t even flinch when Pinkie Pie rushed over to her and hugged her tight as she balled her eyes out.
“Oh Limestone, you’re right!” Pinkie sobbed. “I’m so stupid! How could I do this to Sunset?!”
“You’re not stupid, Pinkie.” Limestone assured her younger sister as she hugged her. “You just made a mistake that you’re going to fix, right?”
“Of course I am, I’m going to apologize to Sunset and do everything in my power to make it up to her! That’s a PInkie promise!” Pinkie Pie vowed.
“That’s what I like to hear,” Limestone said with a smile, she then felt another pair of arms wrap around her and it was E-Pinkie Pie.
“You’re the best, Limestone!” E-Pinkie said with a smile.
LImestone sighed as she hugged her other sister too.
“Think you’re strong huh?” Rainbow Dash said as she and her counterpart are in her room arm wrestling.
“Stronger than you,” E-Rainbow Dash said as she was starting to overpower her human counterpart.
Rainbow Dash struggled against her counterpart before E-Rainbow Dash finally beat her.
“Haha, I’m the best Rainbow Dash of two worlds!” E-Rainbow Dash cheered, jumping up in victory.
“Yeah, yeah you just got lucky,” Rainbow Dash said as she rubbed her sore arm.
“Luck had nothing to do with it,” E-Rainbow Dash, a big smile on her face as she reached inside her shirt color to pull out her engagement ring. “I owe it to my better half.”
“You’re engaged?!” Rainbow Dash said in shock.
“Yep!” E-Rainbow Dash said happily before sitting down, gazing lovingly at her engagement ring. “Twilight’s the best thing to ever happen to me.”
“You’re engaged to Princess Twilight?!” Rainbow Dash in surprise. “How did that happen?”
E-Rainbow Dash’s smile dropped which caused Rainbow Dash to worry.
“Did I say something wrong?” Rainbow Dash asked cautiously.
“No, it’s just that what led to us getting engaged is something I’m ashamed of,” E-Rainbow Dash said. “You see, my friends and I were asked by Princess Celestia to help out with the wedding of Princess Cadance and Twilight’s brother, I was supposed to do a Sonic Rainboom when the bride and groom said their I dos. But Twilight started suspecting something was off with the bride but rather than believe her I brushed her off and when she confronted the Princess who we later found out was a fake, her brother explained all her accusations away and told her not to come to the wedding as he left to check on the fake bride, the rest of us followed and didn’t even spare a glance at Twilight as we left her alone.”
Rainbow Dash was shocked to hear how her counterpart left a friend and she found the way they left Twilight to be eerily familiar.
“Some loyal friend I was,” E-Rainbow Dash said bitterly. “It doesn’t matter if I’m the element of loyalty, I should always have my friends back. That’s why when Twilight told us what was going on with Sunset, we noticed how similar her situation was with ours so we insistent on helping Sunset convince you that she’s innocent.”
“Listen, our experience is different from yours, Sunset broke up me and my friends by making it look like we were being terrible friends,” Rainbow Dash explained. “She turned us against each other so that we wouldn’t pose a threat to her.”
“Was Sunset a loyal friend?” E-Rainbow Dash asked.
“Of course not, she betrayed us!” Rainbow Dash easily answered.
“I meant before this,” E-Rainbow Dash clarified. “Was there a moment that showed Sunset’s loyalty to you?”
Rainbow Dash thought for a moment and remembered a bet she had lost to Applejack where she had to wear a dress for a full day, the dress made her look very cute and she received those compliments everywhere she went, it was worse at school. But to her surprise, Sunset had also worn a very cute dress which contrasted with her bad girl look.
“Sunset shared my embarrassment,” Rainbow Dash whispered.
“Your embarrassment?” E-Rainbow Dash questioned
“Let’s just say I lost a bet with Applejack,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Ah! Gotcha,” E-Rainbow Dash understood and winked and Rainbow.
“I asked why she did it and she said that she didn’t want me to feel alone,” Rainbow Dash said with a grin. “I just laughed and said I never feel alone when I have my friends.” Rainbow’s eyes widened as she realized something. “Sunset showed her loyalty to me again when she chose to help me work on my grades instead of going to a concert that was only on for one night!”
“We both were looking forward to the concert but because I recently failed a test my parents said I couldn’t go and I had to study for a makeup test the day after the concert, I was pretty bummed and called Sunset to go without me. You can imagine my surprise when she showed up at my house with her textbooks to help me study,” Rainbow Dash recalled how guilty she felt that Sunset threw away her only chance to see her favorite band.
“Did you pass your test?” E-Rainbow Dash asked.
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash answered, looking down dejectedly.
“Still think Sunset betrayed you?” E-Rainbow Dash questioned, when her counterpart didn’t answer she continued. “You said that Sunset tricked you and your friends into breaking up, tell me, does Anon-A-Miss seem like something she would do?”
E-Rainbow Dash waited for her counterpart’s answer, she saw Rainbow Dash ball her hands into fists.
“No,” Rainbow Dash softly answered, finally realizing the mistake she made.
“I almost lost someone very important to me because I lacked faith in them,” E-Rainbow Dash said as she placed her hand on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder. “Sunset needs you.”
“Even after I betrayed her?” Rainbow Dash asked, raising her head to look at her counterpart with teary eyes.
“You’ll continue to betray her if you do nothing,” E-Rainbow Dash said. “Be there for Sunset and after this is over you can make it up to her.”
“You’re right,” Rainbow Dash agreed as she wiped away her tears. “I got to apologize to Sunset first.”
“Let’s go then,’ E-Rainbow Dash said with a smile, happy that she was able to make her counterpart see the truth.
Rainbow Dash took out her phone and started texting Pinkie Pie.
Sunset sighed as she looked over her notes, she very close to finding the identity of Anon-A-Miss but she needed one more clue to put it all together. Suddenly, she heard her text alert and saw that it was from Pinkie Pie telling her to meet up at the Wondercolt Statue.
“I wonder if they succeeded?” Sunset asked out loud as she got up from her chair, she texted Pinkie that’s she’s on her way before placing her journal in her backpack and leaving her apartment.
Sunset made her way to the school and when she saw the Wondercolt statue she saw Applejack arguing with E-Applejack, she quickened her pace and was close enough to hear them.
“Stop being stubborn about this!” E-Applejack said to her counterpart. “Can’t yah see that yer friends figured out the truth?!”
“There’s no way ah’m believing that!” Applejack stubbornly said. “Yah probably used yer magic to brainwash them!”
“Yah honestly think we would use magic fer that?” E-Applejack questioned, raising an eyebrow at her counterpart. “Fer one thing, only Rarity can use magic on the count of bein’ a unicorn. Secondly, the only magic we all share is the Magic of Friendship.”
Applejack had reached her limit with her counterpart, somehow her friends’ counterparts had managed to convince them of Sunset’s innocence but she wasn’t buying that they realized their mistake, not when they all agreed that Sunset had betrayed them. She was losing her friends again and it was Sunset’s fault.
“Magic this!” Applejack said as she reeled her fist back and threw a punch at her counterpart but to her surprise, Sunset was suddenly in front of her and took the punch.
Everyone gasped in horror and even Applejack was stunned.
“Sunset!” E-Applejack shouted in worry as she checked her fellow Equestrian. “Are yah alright?!”
“I’m fine,” Sunset assured her, she felt something run down her nose and when she wiped it off she saw that it was blood. “I wondered when you would draw first blood.”
“Sunset, I…” Applejack trailed off, her anger disappearing as she realized what she had done.
“Save it,” Sunset growled as she glared at Applejack. “You made it clear that you won’t listen to anything we say so I’m done trying.” She turned to E-Applejack and her gaze softened. “Thanks for trying Applejack, but it’s a lost cause.”
Sunset walked past E-Applejack who reached a hand out to her but stopped, she turned to look at her counterpart with a disappointed look and walked after Sunset. The rest of the girls watched Sunset go before looking at Applejack, the Rainbooms looked conflicted before their counterparts motioned for them to stay with Applejack while they chased after Sunset. Applejack watched the Equestrians leave, her friends standing by and looking at her with remorse. Applejack had screwed up.
Author's Note
Applejack's anger and stubbornness have always gotten the best of her and it always ends up biting her, I hope you enjoy this early chapter and I look forward to your comments.
“W-what do you girls want to tell me?” Sunset asked a bit nervously
“That we were wrong,” Rarity answered, her voice cracking. “We want to apologize to you in person for falsely accusing you of being Anon-A-Miss. ”
“I…” Sunset trailed off, she always hoped for this moment but now that it was here she was lost for words. She cast a glance at her Equestrian friends who excitedly whispered to her to say yes. “Will Applejack be there?”
There was a pause before Rarity answered.
“Yes.”
“Then I’ll meet you all there,” Sunset said.
“That’s wonderful, darling ,” Rarity said, happy and relieved that Sunset agreed to meet them. “We’ll see you shortly,”
“Looking forward to it,” Sunset said with a small smile before hanging up.
“This is so awesome!” E-Rainbow Dash said, barely able to contain her excitement.
“Thank you, girls. This wouldn’t have happened without your help,” Sunset thanked her Equestrian friends, who knows if she would’ve convinced her human friends of her innocence without them.
“That’s what friends do,” E-Rarity said with a smile.
“I can see why Twilight trusted your human counterparts with teaching me about friendship,” Sunset said with a sad smile.
The Mane 5 enveloped Sunset in a hug which she happily returned, the glow from the journal broke the moment as Sunset checked what Twilight had written.
“Sunset, how would you like to proceed with this information?” Twilight asked.
“I’m going to meet with the Rainbooms and tell them what we’ve found,” Sunset wrote.
“Do you think they’ll believe you? ” Twilight wrote.
“I’m not sure but I believe they will, ” Sunset answered before smiling. “Especially since their counterparts convinced them of my innocence. ”
“That’s wonderful! ” Twilight wrote.
“Rarity even called from Pinkie’s phone to meet them at The Sweet Shoppe,” Sunset wrote.
“Are you nervous about meeting them? ” Twilight asked.
“A little, I’m just glad that I’ll have my friends back, ” Sunset responded.
“Make sure to let them know how much their actions hurt you, ” Twilight wrote. “They have to learn from this incident and become better friends.”
“I’ll be sure to let them know exactly what I felt after their betrayal, ” Sunset assured Twilight before closing her journal.
Twilight closed her journal and let out a content sigh.
“Did something good happen, honey?” Night Light asked.
“Yep, my friend Sunset was able to convince her friends of her innocence,” Twilight told her father before letting out a yawn, with the identity of Anon-A-Miss solved and Sunset’s human friends believing she is innocent now, and Spike’s condition improving; Twilight felt relief. “Mom?”
“Yes, dear?” Twilight Velvet asked.
“Do you think you can take over Spike’s treatment?” Twilight asked, her eyelids becoming heavy.
“I would be happy to,” Twilight Velvet said with a smile.
“Thanks,” Twilight thanked her mother before she laid her head down next to Spike and fell asleep.
Twilight Velvet’s horn lit up as she added her magic to the dome before Twilight’s magic faded, Night Light used his magic to pull the covers over Twilight and Spike. They smiled as they watched Spike and Twilight snuggle against each other.
The Rainbooms waited inside The Sweet Shoppe for Sunset Shimmer to arrive, they were nervous but Applejack was more nervous due to hitting Sunset. The farm girl contemplated on what she was going to tell her former friend, she actively insulted Sunset more than any of her friends. The sound of the door chimes caught their attention and they saw Sunset enter with her fellow Equestrians. The Rainbooms all stood up and faced the Equestrians.
“So what do you want to talk about?” Sunset asked, her expression neutral.
“Sunset, darling. We want to apologize for the horrible mistake we did of accusing you of something you never committed,” Rarity apologized with tears in her eyes.
“We’ve been horrible friends,” Rainbow Dash said, looking ashamed. “We should’ve given you a chance to explain yourself.”
“I’m so sorry for hurting you, Sunset,” Fluttershy cried.
“You’re not a secret stealer!” Pinkie cried, her hair deflating.
“Sunset, ah…” Applejack tried to find the words to say to Sunset. “Ah’ve been such a fool, ah refuse to see the truth even as my counterpart pointed out how Anon-A-Miss just isn’t your style. Ah said some harsh words that ah can never take back,” tears ran down the sides of Applejack’s face. “Ah’m so sorry Sunset, yah is a better friend than ah’ll ever be, and yah proved it when yah took that punch for my counterpart. Anon-A-Miss didn’t just expose mah embarrassing nickname, it exposed what a terrible friend ah was.”
Sunset watched her former friends tearfully apologize, they all looked very remorseful for their betrayal. But even so.
“Do you have any idea how much your betrayal hurt me?” Sunset asked, her anger rising as she balled her fists. “You all called me family and treated me as such, I was the happiest I have ever been in a long time but then you threw that away! Did it ever once occur to you that I was being set up, how obvious it looked that Anon-A-Miss was me?” Angry tears welled up in Sunset’s eyes as she glared at her so-called friends, she closed her eyes and calmed herself down. She opened her eyes to look at her former friends with disappointment, her gaze then focused on Applejack.
“Was it all a lie? Did our friendship, did I mean anything to any of you? I can’t trust anything you say,”
The Rainbooms were hurt by Sunset’s words but it was more painful for Applejack as Sunset directed it towards herself, her counterpart was right, Sunset would never believe a word she says again.
“I accept your apology and I’ll give you a chance to make it up to me,” Sunset said as she wiped her tears, the Rainbooms faces lit up at hearing this.
“Thank you, Sunset,” Rarity cried as she blew her nose on a napkin.
“You won’t regret this,” Rainbow Dash said, a big smile on her face as she wiped away her stray tears.
Applejack sobbed as she wipes away her tears, she was not going to let this second chance go to waste.
The mane five smiled at each other, happy that they managed to save their friendship and now it was up to their counterparts to earn back Sunset’s trust and become true friends.
“Listen, girls, we figured out who Anon-A-Miss is,” Sunset brought up.
“Who is it?” Rarity asked.
“Who’s the varmint that played us for fools?” Applejack angrily asked.
“You girls aren’t going to like this,” Sunset regretfully said as she looked at Rainbow, Rarity, and Applejack. “It’s Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.”
“What?!” Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash shouted in shock.
“But why would Sweetie Belle do such a thing?” Rarity asked in disbelief, how could her sister be Anon-A-Miss?
“That’s what I’d like to know,” Sunset said as she frowned. “But the proof points to them, Applebloom said Applejack’s nickname over the phone and the next day Anon-A-Miss shows up, Sweetie Belle was the only other person that was at Rarity’s sleepover, and Scootaloo had the opportunity to take a photo of Rainbow’s failed test since the junior soccer team has practiced with the senior team.”
“Our sisters pulled a similar stunt like this,” E-Applejack spoke up. “Except they used the school newspaper and published lies about everypony in Ponyville.”
“You girls really have experienced this before,” Rarity said sadly.
“It’s unfortunate,” E-Rarity said, sighing sadly. “Let’s hurry and find them so we can put a stop to Anon-A-Miss once and for all.”
“Ah think they’re hanging out at mah house,” Applejack said.
The girls quickly left the Sweet Shoppe and made their way towards Applejack’s house, Anon-A-Miss has nowhere to hide now.
“Okay, we’ve got several secrets that are ready to be posted,” Applebloom said as she and her friends are in her room, she looked at her smartphone, looking over the secrets as well as the commentary she was going to post.
“Applebloom, maybe we should stop,” Sweetie Belle suggested.
“What?! Why?!” Applebloom asked in shock.
“Because this is getting out of hand,” Scootaloo said. “We were only supposed to separate our sisters from Sunset and we did that but now we’re posting everyone’s secrets and the whole school is at each other’s throats!”
“Not to mention that our sisters are back together with Sunset,” Sweetie Belle said sadly.
“That just means we gotta keep trying,” Applebloom said with a frown.
“Will you listen to yourself, Applebloom. You’re becoming obsessed,” Scootaloo said.
“Ah thought we all agreed that we needed to do this?” Applebloom said as she glared at Scootaloo.
“We did but not anymore,” Scootaloo glared back. “It’s over, Applebloom.”
Applebloom gritted her teeth, she refused to give up. She looked at her phone and was tempted to press the post button when the door suddenly opened, Applebloom was so startled that she dropped her phone. She tried to catch it but only pushed it towards Diamond Tiara who had entered the room.
“I got it,” Diamond Tiara said as she reached down to pick up the smartphone.
“Diamond Tiara no!” Applebloom said as she tried to get her phone back but she was too late as Diamond Tiara’s eyes widened when she looked at what Applebloom was doing.
“Applebloom, is this what I think it is?” Diamond Tiara asked as she showed Applebloom the Anon-A-Miss page.
“Yah see…” Applebloom trailed off, trying to come up with a good excuse but when she saw the glare in Diamond Tiara’s eyes she sighed in defeat. “Ah’m Anon-A-Miss.”
“We’re Anon-A-Miss,” Sweetie Belle corrected.
“But why?!” Diamond Tiara raised her voice. “Do you realize what you three have done?”
“We did, which is why we want to put an end to Anon-A-Miss,” Scootaloo said before looking at Applebloom.
“Applebloom?” Diamond Tiara raised an eyebrow at her girlfriend. “Does this have something to do with your sister spending less time with you?” Applebloom’s silence told her it was, Diamond Tiara sighed as she walked to Applebloom and placed her hands on her shoulders.
“Applebloom, you have to let go of your grudge against Sunset.” Diamond Tiara pleaded, her tone soft. “How much are you going to hurt your sister to ruin her friendship with Sunset?”
Applebloom’s eyes widened she had almost forgotten how much her sister and her friends were suffering because of her, she had always justified it as a necessary evil to get rid of Sunset but maybe Diamond Tiara and her friends were right.
“Trust me, Applebloom. This isn’t worth it, it’ll come back to bite you,” Diamond Tiara pleaded.
Applebloom looked into her girlfriend’s pleading eyes before looking at her friends, she started to have second thoughts about posting the secret.
“Maybe Anon-A-Miss has gotten out of hand,” Applebloom said, she took her phone back from Diamond Tiara and deleted what she was going to post. “Yah were right Scootaloo, ah have become obsessed.”
“Then let’s stop this now and come clean,” Sweetie Belle said.
“Our sisters are going to be pretty mad at us but maybe they’ll be less mad if we confess instead of them finding out it was us,” Scootaloo said.
“That does sound like the better option,” Diamond Tiara agreed. “What do you say, Applebloom?”
“Let’s do it, Ah’m tired of stressing out about whether or not we’re found out,” Applebloom said.
Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo nod and they all made their way out of Applebloom’s room, as they walked down the stairs they heard the front door open followed by a familiar voice.
“Granny, we’re home!” Applejack’s voice echoed around the house.
Applebloom suddenly felt very nervous, her resolve quickly crumbling as she heard approaching footsteps. She felt someone take hold of her hand and turned to see a smiling Diamond Tiara, that seemed to give her strength as she squeezed her hand. She saw Applejack enter the room and when she spotted her she frowned, Applebloom guessed she figured out who Anon-A-Miss is.
“Applejack, ah-” Applebloom didn’t finish as her eyes widened in shock when she saw a second Applejack enter the room followed by the Rainbooms and their counterparts.
The CMC was stunned to see two of each of the Rainbooms.
“Applebloom,” Applejack said her sister’s name.
“There’s somethin’ we want to ask yah,” E-Applejack said as she crossed her arms.
The CMC’s attention soon focused on the last person to enter the room, Sunset Shimmer who had a frown on her face.
Author's Note
The CMC have realized their mistake and now they have to deal with the consequences. I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to your comments.
Everyone is gathered in Applejack’s living room, the CMC was sitting on the sofa while the rest of the girls stood in front of them. Diamond Tiara stood to the side, the girls suspected her of being involved but Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle quickly told them that she had nothing to do with Anon-A-Miss. The Rainbooms had explained to them that their doubles are their counterparts from Equestria who came here to help Sunset clear her name.
“Why?” Applejack spoke in a hard tone as she looked at Applebloom’s phone that was logged on to Anon-A-Miss. “What possessed yah to make this account and frame Sunset?”
“It’s because yah were spending so much time with Sunset that yah barely spent any time with me,” Applebloom answered. “We always do our Christmas traditions but ever since yah did the sleepovers with Sunset yah missed decorating the Christmas tree an’ the house!” Bitter tears slid down the sides of her face. “We were supposed to bake cookies for Santa but yah were busy at Rarity’s house with Sunset!”
“Is that the reason?” Applejack questioned in disbelief. “Yah made us laughing stocks and ruined Sunset’s reputation at school-“ Applejack stopped herself, she glanced at her counterpart and remembered what she had said. “No, it was us that ruined Sunset’s life at school. Applebloom, why didn’t yah talk to me about this?”
“Ah didn’t think yah would listen,” Applebloom answered.
“How can yah know if yah didn’t try?” E-Applejack spoke. “Ah would like to believe that if mah sister had somethin’ important she had to say then ah would drop what ah’m doing and listen.”
Applebloom rubbed her arm as she looked away in shame, maybe she should’ve tried talking to her sister and she could’ve avoided this mess.
“What about you, Sweetie Belle?” Rarity said, bringing everyone’s attention to her younger sister.
“It’s more or less the same,” Sweetie Belle confessed. “Sunset was taking up a lot of your time that you used to spend with me and also… I wanted to get back at both of you.”
“For what?” Rarity asked as she looked to Sunset in confusion before looking back at Sweetie Belle.
“For kicking me out of your room and not letting me hang out with you and your friends,” Sweetie Belle answered before looking at Sunset. “And for what you did to Rarity at the Spring Fling.”
“Revenge,” Sunset whispered sadly.
E-Rarity looked sighed at hearing this, she was sadly reminded of how her sister sabotaged the headpiece she made for Saphire Shores.
“And you, Scoots?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“The same as them, you kept promising to spend time with me but you always broke them because you had to hang out with Sunset,” Scootaloo frowned as she looked at Sunset. “I tried to talk to you but the moment Sunset shows up you forget about me.”
Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash felt guilty for ignoring their sisters, maybe if they paid more attention to them then they could’ve prevented this.
“Don’t go thinkin’ this is all yer fault,'' E-Applejack warned her counterpart, knowing full well what she was thinking. “They still made Anon-A-Miss and posted yer secrets.”
“They could’ve stopped when they succeeded in breaking up your friendship with Sunset but they kept up this slander and involved the rest of your school,” E-Rarity added.
“Which only made things worse for Sunset,” E-Rainbow Dash said with a frown and crossed her arms.
“All this because of the slumber parties,” Sunset whispered, if she had never told Applejack that she spent the holidays alone then perhaps none of this would’ve happened. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see E-Fluttershy’s disapproving look.
“Don’t blame yourself either, Sunset,” E-Fluttershy said, which gained the group's attention. “You’re the victim here and not the one responsible for this horrible situation.”
“She’s right, darling,” E-Rarity said before turning to the CMC.
“Sunset, we’re sorry.” Applebloom apologized. “Ah wanted my sister back so bad that ah didn’t even care about what happened to yah.”
“I’m sorry too,” Sweetie Belle also apologized, looking very remorseful. “As much as I wanted to get back at you and Rarity, I felt awful about what I did.”
“Me too,” Scootaloo agreed, looking down in shame. “This whole mess was our fault and despite not wanting it to get this bad we let it happen.”
Sunset walked over to the girls and knelt to look them in the eyes.
“You girls underestimated the problems your blog caused, and revealed some uncomfortable truths,” Sunset said as she glanced behind her to the ashamed Rainbooms. “But you realized your mistake and decided to come clean before we showed up.”
“Ah needed more convincing than Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo,” Applebloom shamefully admitted.
“You have good friends,” Sunset said with a smile. “I accept your apology and forgive you, girls.”
The CMC was shocked to hear this.
“Really?” Applebloom asked, not believing that she would be forgiven so easily.
“Yes, you girls have learned your lesson and I know what it’s like to feel alone,” Sunset said with a smile.
The CMC lunged at Sunset and wrapped their arms around her in a hug.
“We’re so sorry Sunset!” they sobbed.
Sunset hugged them back as they continued to cry, the Rainbooms and Mane 5 watched with smiles on their faces. Suddenly the Mane 5’s cutie marks flashed on their cheeks.
“What the?” E-Rainbow Dash questioned as she and her friends looked at each other in confusion.
“What’s going on?” Applejack asked.
“I have no idea but our cutie marks acted strangely before which lead us to find out about Sunset’s situation,” E-Rarity said.
“Could somepony else need our help?” E-Rainbow Dash asked.
“I’m not sure, perhaps we should return to Equestria and see if they act as they did before,” E-Rarity suggested before turning to Sunset. “Will you be alright without us?”
“Yes, we found out who was really behind Anon-A-Miss so all that’s left to do is tell Principal Celestia,” Sunset explained. “After that, we’ll be picking up the pieces of our shattered friendship. I doubt we’ll be the only ones.”
“Ah have faith yah girls will pull through this,” E-Applejack said hopefully.
“Thanks, Applejack. It won’t be easy but you girls gave me hope that our friendship can recover,” Sunset thanked her fellow Equestrian as she pulled out her journal from her backpack and wrote a message to Twilight.
Twilight Velvet and Night Light are reading a book when they hear a vibrating sound.
“What’s that sound?” Night Light asked from beside his wife.
“It’s coming from that book,” Twilight Velvet pointed to the journal she placed on a nearby table.
“Do you think it’s Twilight’s friend?” Night Light asked as he glanced at a sleeping Twilight and Spike inside a dome of Twilight Velvet’s magic. “Should we wake her?”
Twilight Velvet didn’t want to disturb her daughter’s sleep but she had no choice as this could be very important, so she walked over to her sleeping daughter and gently nudged her.
“Twilight, honey wake up.”
Twilight groaned a bit before raising her head and looking in her mother’s direction her tired eyes opened slightly.
“What is it?”
“Your journal is glowing and vibrating,” Twilight Velvet informed her daughter before pointing at the table.
Twilight’s eyes snapped open and all traces of sleep left her body, she was about to get up but remembered her precious baby sleeping beside her. Her horn glowed as she levitated the journal to her, she read the new entry and smiled widely.
“Did something good happen?” Twilight Velvet asked.
“My friends managed to clear Sunset’s name!” Twilight squealed in excitement. “Their cutie marks are acting up again and want to come back to Equestria.”
Twilight wrote a quick reply and then placed the journal on top of the pedestal near the portal.
The girls are all gathered around the Wondercolt statue, the Mane five are all hugging Sunset while the Rainbooms look on.
“Take care Sunset,” E-Applejack said, feeling a little sad to be leaving her friend.
“Do come for a visit, darling. I would love to make a fabulous dress for you,” E-Rarity said, already planning out what Sunset’s dress will be.
“If you ever need me, just write to Twilight and I’m there,” E-Rainbow Dash promised, in Just a very short time Sunset had become a very important friend to her.
“I’m gonna miss you soooo much!” E-Pinkie Pie said as she hugged Sunset tight.
“I hope you stay happy and safe,” E-Fluttershy said gently, she was happy that Sunset will no longer suffer because of Anon-A-Miss.
“Thank you, girls. I don’t know how I can ever repay you for what you did,” Sunset thanked her Equestrian friends, tears wheeling up in her eyes.
“That’s what friends are supposed to do,” E-Rainbow Dash said as she broke the hug to look at Sunset with a big toothy smile. “They are always there for each other.”
“True friends are generous from the bottom of their hearts,” E-Rarity said as she pulled away and placed her hand over her heart.
“Yah can always count on yer friends, to be honest with yah,” E-Applejack said as she pulled away from Sunset and looked at her with a smile. “The truth may hurt their feelings sometimes but they love their friends too much to lie to them.”
“Friends looove seeing their friends smile!” E-Pinkie said as she squeezed Sunset one more time before backing away. “They do everything they can to turn their frowns upside down! And laughter is the best medicine!”
“Friends are always kind to each other,” E-Fluttershy said as she pulled away from the hug, tears welled up in her eyes before she wiped them away. She was sad to be leaving a friend.
Sunset felt a lump in her throat as her new friends spoke, she could feel the Kindness, Generosity, Loyalty, Honesty, and Laughter emanating from them. This was the Magic of Friendship.
“Friends empathize with one another,” Sunset said with a smile as tears slide down the sides of her face. “They know when the other is feeling sad and know what will make them laugh, they know their friend didn’t mean to hurt them with the truth and are thankful for their honesty; they can feel the kindness and generosity of their friends’ actions, they understand how loyal their friends are when they go above and beyond for them. That’s what makes friendship magical.”
The Mane 5 are touched by Sunset’s words, she truly understood the magic of friendship. Suddenly, they and Sunset are surrounded by a magical aura and pony up. The girls are surprised but laugh at what just happened.
“I guess that’s another thing to tell Twilight about,” Sunset said as she wiped away her tears. The whole group shared one last hug before the Mane five went through the portal.
“Are yah going to be okay, Sugarcube?” Applejack asked with concern.
“Yeah,” Sunset responded as she turned to face the Rainbooms with a smile. “Are you girls hungry? I’m thinking we could order something and play some video games back at my place.”
The Rainbooms smiled at this and agreed with Sunset’s idea, they all headed towards Sunset’s apartment with happy smiles on their faces.
Sunset Shimmer entered The Sweet Shoppe and looked around until she spotted Twilight waving at her, several days have passed since the Mane 5 returned home.
“I hope I didn’t keep you waiting long,” Sunset said as she approached Twilight's table.
“Not at all,” Twilight assured her as she rose from her seat to hug her friend.
“So how’s Spike doing?” Sunset asked as she took a seat in front of Twilight.
“He’s doing great, he’s no longer suffering from Magic Flux but I’m having him take it easy for a couple of days just to make sure,” Twilight answered.
“I thought Magix Flux was a unicorn ailment, how can a dragon get it?” Sunset asked curiously.
“I believed it has something to do with how he was born,” Twilight said. “I hatched Spike with my magic as part of an entrance exam for the School of Gifted Unicorns, I believe my magic that’s coursing through his body is the reason why he got sick and probably why his illness was much worse than mine.”
“If that’s the case then wouldn’t that make Spike your child?” Sunset questioned. “I remember when I was locating your room on the night I came to steal your crown I sensed two similar magic signatures and assumed that you brought your foal with you but I was surprised to find a sleeping baby dragon instead of a unicorn.”
“In a way, he is,” Twilight admitted. “I see a lot of myself in him and I feel this special bond with him that when I explained it to my mother she told me it is the special bond between a mother and her child.”
“Then congratulations on being a mom,” Sunset smirked as she winked at Twilight.
“Thanks,” Twilight blushed before deciding to change the subject. “So how are you and the girls doing?”
“Pretty great,” Sunset said as she smiled fondly. “We’ve gotten a lot closer over the last few days.”
“Did you resume the sleepovers?” Twilight asked.
“Not right away, I felt bad that their sisters had to miss out on their special bonding time so I told them to spend time with them,” Sunset explained. “But that didn’t stop the girls from visiting me and spending what time they had before going back home. Applejack and I had a long talk about what happened and she practically begged me to punch her, I refused and instead told her to better control her anger. She’s been coming over to my house to bring me a homecooked meal and we would eat together.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Twilight said, she recalled the meals she would eat together with E-Applejack when it was their date night.
“Fluttershy would text me every day, wishing me good morning and good night. She would tell me words of encouragement when she visited and asked how I’m doing and even volunteered to cover my shift at work so I can have a day off,” Sunset explained. “I refused and instead I helped her at the animal shelter.”
“Rainbow Dash has been over every day, every chance she got she would spend it with me. We would play video games or I helped her practice with Scootaloo.”
“How are the girls’ relationships with their sisters?” Twilight asked.
“It was strained with their actions but their bond is still there,” Sunset said. “They confessed to Principal Celestia and were given six months of detention, they had to issue a public apology to the entire school and me. The girls and I made sure there wasn’t any retaliation against them.”
“That’s good to hear,” Twilight said, she was glad that the CMC wouldn’t suffer as Sunset did.
“As punishment for humiliating them, Sweetie Belle is forced to be a model for Rarity who used her to sow all my damaged clothing. She even gave me my present early which was a brand new outfit” Sunset explained with a smile. “Applebloom had to do Applejack’s chores so she could hang out with me but later they get to do their holiday traditions, Scootaloo has to join Rainbow Dash on her early morning jogs and helps her walk the dogs from the animal shelter.”
“At least they still get to spend time with their sisters,” Twilight said with a smile.
“Pinkie Pie has been giving me a hug every time we meet and always made sure I went home with a smile,” Sunset said.
“Have you been able to move on from this?” Twilight asked.
“It’s a little early to tell but the pain is starting to lessen with the girls’ genuine effort to make up for what they did,” Sunset answered.
“I’m happy to hear that,” Twilight said sincerely.
“Twilight, I want to thank you for believing in me. If it wasn’t for you I would’ve crumbled under everyone’s accusations,” Sunset gratefully said.
“What are friends for,” Twilight said with a smile. “Speaking of which, the reason I had you meet with me is to give you this.”
Twilight reached inside her skirt pocket and pulled out an envelope which she handed over to Sunset.
“What’s this?” Sunset asked as she took the envelope, it looked fancy.
“Open it and find out,” Twilight said still smiling.
Sunset opened the envelope and read the letter that was inside.
“You are cordially invited to attend the wedding of Princess Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack!” Sunset gasped.
“Do you think you can make it?” Twilight asked.
“Are you kidding? There’s no way I’m missing my friends’ wedding!” Sunset said as she pulled Twilight for a hug. “I’m so happy for you three.”
“Thanks,” Twilight said as she returned the hug.
Author's Note
This story has finally come to an end, I would like to thank everyone who has stuck with this story this far and I hope you enjoy the chapter. I look forward to your comments.
“Sunset, wait up!” E-Applejack called out as she caught up to Sunset.
Sunset stopped but didn’t look at her, instead, she glared at the ground. She heard more rushing footsteps and assumed that it was her fellow Equestrians.
“Darling, are you alright?” E-Rarity asked with worry as she approached Sunset and reached for her face to check for any injuries.
“I’m fine, Rarity,” Sunset assured the fashionista as she gently grabbed her hands.
“You’re anything but fine,” E-Rarity said.
“Ah’m sorry, Sunset.” E-Applejack apologized as she took off her hat and placed it against her chest. “Ah should’ve reacted sooner to her attack.”
“There’s no need for you to apologize, Applejack,” Sunset assured her, smiling at the Equestrian cowgirl. “The fact that you’re even apologizing says a lot about your character.”
“Our experiences help shape who we are,” E-Rarity said.
“You’re right,” Sunset agreed smiling at the group, they demonstrated a level of maturity and unity that was unlike her former friends. They genuinely wanted to not only help her but also their counterparts, trying to spare them all the pain of betraying and losing a friend. “Say, do you girls still want to be my friend?”
“Are you sure?” E-Rainbow Dash asked.
“I’m sure,” Sunset said with a smile before she was engulfed in a hug by E-Pinkie Pie.
“Yay! New friend!” E-Pinkie said with delight.
Sunset laughed as she returned the hug, she was soon joined by the rest of the mane 5.
“This is so awesome, I have a friend from another world,” E-Rainbow Dash said excitedly.
“Technically I’m originally from Equestria,” Sunset reminded her.
“Who cares, I have an awesome new friend!” E-Rainbow Dash said.
“You’re all pretty awesome yourselves,” Sunset complimented before breaking the hug. “Listen I don’t want you all to think that I’m replacing you for your counterparts.”
“Don’t worry, sugarcube. We know that yah aint using us to replace yer former friends,” E-Applejack assured her.
“Oh! That reminds me, I have great news darling!” E-Rarity said in excitement. “I managed to convince my counterpart of your innocence.”
“Really?!” Sunset said in shock.
“Hmhm,” E-Rarity nodded.
“I convinced my counterpart too,” E-Rainbow Dash said with a nod.
“Me too!” E-Pinkie cheered.
“I’m happy to say that I succeeded in convincing the other me of your innocence,” E-Fluttershy said with a smile.
“Ah obviously failed,” E-Applejack said with a sigh.
“Don’t sweat it, Applejack. There’s no point in wasting any more time with your counterpart,” Sunset said.
“Still…” E-Applejack rubbed the back of her head, still feeling guilty about what happened.
“If she’s sorry for what she did then she’ll apologize right?” Sunset asked.
“Yeah,” E-Applejack agreed. “Tha’s what ah would do at least.”
“Then we’ll just wait for her to make the first move,” Sunset said before she felt something vibrate in her backpack and pulled out her journal.
“Is it from Twilight?” E-Rarity asked.
“Yes and she’s been working on who Anon-A-Miss is too,” Sunset said as she read the Princess’s message. “She wants to compare notes to see if we can get the whole picture.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” E-Rainbow Dash said with excitement.
Sunset closed her journal and lead the girls back to her apartment, things are starting to look up for her.
Applejack stared at her drink as she and the Rainbooms are in the Sweet Shoppe, the Rainbooms looked at her worriedly as she hadn’t said a word since they arrived.
“Applejack, are you alright?” Fluttershy asked with concern.
“Why’d she do it?” Applejack said in a monotone voice, her gaze still on her drink. “Why did she take the hit?”
“Because that’s what friends do,” Rainbow Dash answered. “Sunset always has her friends’ backs.”
“She would rather take the hit than see her friend hurt,” Fluttershy said.
“Why are yah girls so convinced that she’s innocent now?” Applejack asked. “ A while ago we all agreed that she betrayed us.”
“Our counterparts helped us reflect on what Sunset means to us,” Rarity answered sadly, feeling foolish for doubting Sunset’s character. “Darling, what does Sunset mean to you?”
“Ah thought she was family,” Applejack answered simply.
“Has she always been family?” Rainbow Dash asked. “You used to tell me how much you couldn’t stand Sunset but only tolerated her because we promised Twilight we would look after her.”
“After everything, she put us through ah wasn’t going to forget that and welcome her with open arms,” Applejack said.
“You never tried to get to know her?” Rarity asked.
“Ah refused to,” Applejack answered.
“Just like how you refused to believe she’s innocent?” Rarity inquired as she raised an eyebrow. “Darling, you’re being unreasonably stubborn about this.”
“Yeah, it sounds like you never gave Sunset a chance or got to know her,” Pikie Pie said.
“Ah didn’t,” Applejack admitted sadly. “At least not at first, but even after we became friends we never really hung out much, and ah wasn’t in any hurry to. We only really connected during the sleepovers.”
“Applejack, I say this with love but stop being so stubborn and think for a minute.” Rarity said. “What does Sunset have to gain from being Anon-A-Miss?”
“Revenge for defeating her?” Applejack answered, a little unsure of her answer.
“That’s what we thought too,” Rainbow Dash said.
“But when you think about it, Sunset’s actions were always with a goal in mind,” Rarity said. “If revenge was her goal, why make it obvious that Anon-A-Miss is her?”
“Sunset broke us up without us having no idea it was her,” Fluttershy said.
“She also counted on us being too mad at each other to ask about the texts,” Pinkie Pie added.
“It’s obvious now that Sunset is being framed and they counted on us being too upset at Sunset to look further into Anon-A-Miss,” Rarity said.
“If you don’t believe Sunset then believe us,” Rainbow Dash said. “Sunset is innocent, AJ.”
“Applejack, I Pinkie Promise you that Sunset is not Anon-A-Miss,” Pinkie Pie promised, doing the motions of the Pinkie promise.
Applejack’s eyes widened, Pinkie Pie always took her Pinkie Promises seriously, and if she promises that Sunset is innocent then it’s true.
“But then…” Applejack trails off remembering all the bad things she said to Sunset and the look on her face when she walked away from her. “Oh, Sunset.”
Applejack covers her face as she realizes the horrible mistake she has made.
“It’s not too late to apologize,” Rarity said as she lays a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I have some apologizing to do myself.”
“Same here,” Rainbow Dash said shamefully.
“We all owe Sunset an apology,” Fluttershy said sadly.
“We’ve all been terrible friends,” Pinkie Pie whimpered.
“Some worse than others,” Applejack said, referring to herself.
“Then let us not wait any longer,” Rarity said as she and her friends nodded in agreement. “Pinkie, can you call Sunset?”
“No problem,” PInkie said as she took out her phone, found Sunset’s number, and pushed call.
Sunset and her fellow Equestrians are gathered around her journal in her living room, Sunset had written to Twilight about everything she had found out about Anon-A-Miss.
“Okay, so the first secret to be posted on Anon-A-Miss was Applejack’s nickname,” Twilight wrote.
“It was also when Anon-A-Miss first appeared,” Sunset wrote back. “Then Anon-A-Miss posted the pictures of the slumber party at Rarity’s home.”
“That’s when your former friends broke off ties with you,” Twilight wrote. “Then Anon-A-Miss started posting the secrets from the others student of Canterlot High.”
“I’ve tried to find any pattern of the secrets posted but there isn’t one, ” Sunset wrote.
Twilight pondered as she read the entry, if there was no pattern then it made it difficult to pin down who Anon-A-Miss was. Suddenly, the doors to the library opened to reveal her parents.
“Twilight, we got your message,” Twilight Velvet said as trotted into the room.
“How’s Spike doing?” Night Light asked.
“He seems to be doing fine,” Twilight answered as she looked down at Spike who is resting peacefully between her forelegs.
“My goodness Twilight!” Twilight Velvet gasped as she saw all the papers around her daughter’s makeshift bed. “Have you been up all night?”
“I’ve been helping my friend,” Twilight said before yawing.
“Twilight, you need to rest,” Twilight Velvet told her daughter as a magic aura enveloped her horn. “Let me take over Spike’s treatment while you get some rest.”
“It’s okay mom, I can handle it,” Twilight tried to assure her mother as she felt her mom’s magic mix with hers. “Besides I’m in the middle of helping my friend with a serious problem.”
“Twilight, you can’t do both at the same time,” Twilight Velvet said.
“Judging by the number of notes you need a lot of concentration which is being split between you healing Spike and helping your friend,” Night Light pointed out. “Your lack of sleep will only make it worse.”
“Twilight, let your family help you,” Twilight Velvet said.
“Family…” Twilight whispered before her eyes widened. “That’s it! Thanks, mom!”
“You’re welcome, honey.” Twilight Velvet said with a smile.
Twilight floated a quill over and started writing in her journal.
“What more could we be missing?” Sunset asked aloud.
The rest of the Mane 5 are spread around the room in various thinking poses, E-Rainbow Dash is leaning against the wall with her arms crossed and her head down, a look of concentration on her face. E-Pinkie Pie is sitting upside down on Sunset’s couch, E-Applejack is pacing back and forth, E-Rarity sitting next to Pinkie Pie with her eyes closed deep in thought, Fluttershy has a look of worry as she looks at her hands resting on her lap while sitting next to Rarity. Suddenly, the journal vibrates gaining everyone’s attention. The girls crowd around Sunset as she reads the message.
“Sunset, who else knows about Applejack’s secret?” Twilight asked.
“Just myself, the girls, and her family,” Sunset answered.
“And at Rarity’s slumber party, who else was there?” Twilight inquired.
“Us and her family,” Sunset wrote before her eyes widened in realization. “Do you think it was their sisters?”
“Possible, it does make sense given that the first secret to be posted was Applejack’s nickname.” Twilight wrote.
“Wait a second, a picture of Rainbow Dash holding a failed test paper was posted on Anon-A-Miss and it was during soccer practice,” Sunset wrote. “The junior soccer team also practiced at that time and Scootaloo is on it.”
“If those three are involved then it’s just like Gabby Gums!” Twilight wrote.
“Gabby Gums?” Sunset questioned.
“The pony counterparts of Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle were in their school’s newspaper team to try to earn their cutie marks; they created a gossip column that posted ponies' secrets before they started posting lies about other ponies.” Twilight explained. “They eventually published an article explaining their actions and apologizing to everyone in Ponyville they hurt. I can’t believe I didn’t see the connection!”
“Don’t beat yourself up, Twilight. We didn’t have the whole picture,” Sunset assured her.
“What did Twilight say?” E-Applejack asked.
“We’ve figured out that it might be Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo,” Sunset informed them.
“Why would they-“ E-Rainbow Dash’s eyes widened before she slammed her palm against her forehead. “Gabby Gums, of course! Why didn’t I see it sooner!”
“The Gabby Guns incident certainly matches Anon-A-Miss,” E-Rarity said with a sigh.
Sunset’s phone started ringing and the caller ID told her it was from Pinkie.
“Hello?” Sunset answered.
“Sunset?” a familiar voice asked that wasn’t Pinkie.
“Rarity?” Sunset was surprised that Rarity was the one calling her.
“Do you think you can meet us at The Sweet Shoppe? The girls and I have something we want to tell you.”
Author's Note
Anon-A-Miss has been identified and Sunset has new friends! I hope you enjoy the chapter and I look forward to your comments!