Equestria Girls - The Tale of Two Sunsets

The morning sun had finally shimmered through the curtains of Sunset's apartment, painting a gentle glow upon the walls. As Sunset slowly opened her eyes, she glanced over at the clock on her bedstand, which painted a heavy reminder of today's significance. Though she was typically a heavy sleeper, especially with her habit of often staying up late to play video games, the reality of the coming week began, which served as an incentive to immediately get up. After much contemplation of which life to truly choose, the time had finally come for her to return to Equestria, if only temporarily. Sunset's stomach fluttered with excitement, along with a touch of anxiety, as it wasn't often for her to attend such grand events, let alone one as significant as Princess Twilight's coronation.

With a sigh of anticipation, Sunset immediately went downstairs to change out of her pajamas, as she knew that the time had come, at long last. The thought of seeing Princess Twilight and Celestia again had brought a smile to her face, but she also knew that she'd miss the comforts and familiarity of the Human World. Aside from seeing some familiar faces, including the pony counterparts of her own friends, Sunset had already foreseen the awkwardness of adjusting towards being a pony again. This meant no longer having thumbs to easily pick things up, and having to rely on her horn once more, much like she exemplified when she first met Starlight.

After changing into her clothes, Sunset went over to her kitchen to prepare a little breakfast for herself, as she knew she had a long day ahead of her. While going through a mental checklist of every necessity before leaving for Equestria, Sunset felt assured that everything had already been taken care of. This included leaving her apartment in the capable hands of someone she could trust. Although she was perfectly fine with leaving any of the girls up to the task, Pinkie Pie seemed like a fine fit, especially with her enthusiasm and charisma to help her friends. As Sunset eventually finished her plate of waffles, she then looked over to her bag, and noticed a familiar journal sticking out of it. Though she had already accepted Twilight and Starlight's personal invitation, it still seemed like a good idea to get a time estimate beforehand, regarding how far she would need to travel.

"Hmm, I should probably check in with Twilight, in case the trip to Canterlot takes longer than I expect." Sunset said to herself, after swallowing her last bite. "Although today's main event is attending the coronation, I might still have some time to also explore and relive the experience of being back in Equestria, something that I haven't really done in ages."

Sunset immediately took the magical journal and picked up a pen, as she began writing another message to Princess Twilight. She realized that her princess friend was likely already stressed with preparations towards her big day, but figured that it wouldn't hurt to at least give her a quick heads up. Knowing Twilight, she was always the kind of pony to put her friends first, regardless of the challenges that were often thrown at her.

Princess Twilight had already awoken from bed a while ago, but not before being delivered that jarring news from Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. A mysterious yet impending doom, which was powerful enough to completely wipe out Equestria in a near instant, and would supposedly emerge right after Twilight's official crowning. Whatever this mysterious threat was, Twilight already felt her determination in her sleep, that she and her friends would certainly figure something out. After all, defeating such powerful foes as Lord Tirek or King Sombra, Twilight knew that her experience and growth had given her the strength to fulfill her charge, once she finally became the ruler of all of Equestria.

However, despite the excitement in having a life-changing ceremony on the horizon, Twilight still couldn't quite help but feel a lingering ounce of sadness. She would essentially be moving away from Ponyville, resulting in Twilight seemingly abandoning her friends, especially from becoming distant, thanks to all of her new royal responsibilities. This concern had mirrored what Sunset had been going through with her own human friends. Despite this, Twilight was unaware that she had someone who could relate to her dilemma at all, as her own friends didn't seem phased by these very thoughts. These concerns kept swirling around Twilight's mind, as she and Spike were still busy at work, packing everything up from the Castle of Friendship.

"Twilight?" Spike looked up from his checklist. "Uh, I'm pretty sure that's everything."

"I'm just doing a final check, Spike." Twilight said, as she continued running around the castle.

"But we did a final check." Spike tried his best to explain. "Of every room, twice."

"Ah-ha!" Twilight exclaimed, as she picked up a familiar piece of the past. "See? An issue of Power Ponies. Now, aren't you glad we triple-checked?"

"Thanks, but I already read this one." Spike shrugged it off. "I don't need to take it to Canterlot."

"No, no, no!" Twilight insisted. "You love Power Ponies, we're taking it."

"Really, Twilight, we don't have to bring the comic." Spike replied. "I'm not even sure how much longer I'll collect them, a lot is changing, and I am getting older."

"Just because things change, doesn't mean you leave everything you love behind!" Twilight sighed.

"You're not still worried about ruling Equestria, are you?" Spike asked, trying to get an understanding of where this insistent behavior was coming from.

Although this was a valid thing to ask, especially given how drastic of a change Equestria would soon go through, this concern was still linked to how this change would affect Twilight and her friends. She wanted to believe that the warning of this impending calamity had also contributed towards this continuous fear, especially if it had something to do with her friends drifting away. After all, Twilight had already learned this the hard way, thanks to Starlight's time travel spell. More specifically, her own friendships in particular, which were crucial in preventing Equestria from ending up as a desolate wasteland.

"No, I know it took some time, but I've never been more ready for anything in my life." Twilight denied. "Just because I'm ready to sit on the throne in Canterlot, doesn't mean I'm ready to leave Ponyville. When we were all fighting to save Equestria from Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow, I was too busy to think about it, but now it's all happening at once."

"What is?" Spike raised an eyebrow.

"The coronation." Twilight opened up. "Moving, leaving our friends."

"I thought we'd all be ruling Equestria together." Spike reminded.

"Of course we will, but it won't be the same." Twilight expressed her fear. "They all have lives here, we're moving away and they're not, and I can't help but feel like we're leaving them behind. What if we all just... drift apart?"

"I guess I hadn't thought about it like that..." Spike finally understood. "Maybe you should talk to them, I bet they're feeling the same way."

"...You're right, Spike, thanks. "Twilight perked up before coming over to give Spike a hug. "Sometimes, talking to a good friend is all it takes."

Suddenly, Twilight and Spike both heard a magical noise coming from within one of the packages they had planned to move to Canterlot. The princess went over to open the box, and saw that it was a magical journal. More specifically, the same journal that she always used to communicate with Sunset Shimmer, while she was still in the Human World.

"Speaking of good friends... it looks like Sunset wants to talk to you, first." Spike said, as Twilight opened the journal. "In fact, I almost feel like she proves my point, much better than I ever could. Don't you hardly ever get to see her yourself, but still keep in touch through this journal? You two are still pretty close from what I've seen, even after that last adventure we all had together, stopping that trio of sirens at that school place."

"Sounds like you might be onto something." Twilight nodded, as she began reading the new message. "Sunset's always had a way of making me feel less anxious about the future, even when I was admittedly unsure of what to do. Let's see what she has to say..."

Dear Princess Twilight, I'm looking forward to joining you at your coronation today, and I can only imagine how excited you must be right now. However, I felt like giving you a heads up, given how I'll likely have to find my way to Canterlot, especially after being gone from Equestria for so long. I also have a feeling that time passes differently between the two worlds, which might be an issue, if I want to spend a little time exploring Equestria for a bit. If I'm able to catch you in time, perhaps we could go together? But in case I can't, could you please let me know what time your coronation begins?

Your friend, Sunset Shimmer.

Before she decided to head out of her apartment, Sunset looked at her outfit in a mirror, feeling a sense of nostalgia upon seeing some clothes she hadn't worn in a while. After her other outfit had been shredded up by that violent and aggressive girl last night, Sunset settled on an outfit that she hadn't worn in ages. More specifically, she was now wearing the same clothes that were immediately given to her, upon first setting foot into this mysterious new world. Given how this upcoming trip had entailed returning to Equestria for a whole week, Sunset figured that dressing appropriately would fit the mood better, despite no longer wearing clothes, once she transformed back into a pony.

"Gotta enjoy that good old fashion, I can't believe I still have these clothes." Sunset said to herself, as she glanced at the reflection of her oldest attire. "I guess it's like riding an old bike, except more fabulous than you truly remember. Now then, let's hope I still remember how to use my magic, especially after all this time."

Though she hadn't used her magic in ages, it still remained surprisingly potent, despite being in a human body for so long. Sunset had also considered bringing some extra clothes, in case she had to return to the Human World early, for some unexpected reason. With her last-minute preparations out of the way, Sunset grabbed her bag, but not before suddenly noticing a magical glow from within her journal, which meant that Twilight had already given her a response. She immediately opened the journal up, curious to see what her princess friend had written back.

Sunset, it's so great to hear from you! I may not be an expert on how the Human World works, though I'm sure that the time difference is something to consider. The coronation is set to begin at 7:00 PM exactly in Canterlot, but don't worry, I'm sure we can make some time beforehand for a little reunion. Please make sure that you arrive early, and I'll arrange for somepony to guide you to the right spot. I can't wait to see you!

Yours truly, Princess Twilight.

"Hmm, if the coronation's going to be at 7:00, then it sounds like I've got plenty of time to explore Equestria." Sunset brainstormed. "Then again, it might be difficult to find an efficient form of transportation, depending on how far away Canterlot is. Kinda funny that I'm saying this about the Canterlot I grew up in, here in Canterlot City of all places, but that's besides the point. Better yet, if the time zone's going to be an issue, I should definitely go now, just to avoid making things more complicated for myself."

Sunset gently slid the magical journal back into her saddlebag, as her thoughts fixated with excitement on seeing some familiar faces at the coronation. Just then, she immediately turned her attention towards a knock on her front door, accompanied by Pinkie's voice, which signified that her housekeeper was already on top of schedule. Feeling assured that she was now in a position to leave for her trip, Sunset glanced over at her pet leopard gecko. Ray was basking in his terrarium under a warm light, and with a tender smile, she took her pet out, before leaning in and kissing him on the forehead.

"See you soon." Sunset gently whispered to Ray, as his little eyes blinked back. "You'll be in good hands with my friend Pinkie, but I'll certainly be thinking about you, while I'm away."

Petting him one last time, Sunset carefully placed Ray back into his terrarium, as she took a moment to admire her little reptilian companion, who remained unfazed by the upcoming events. With a nod of reassurance, she turned away and went over to the front door, having an undeniable anticipation of the grand adventure that awaited her. She wasn't exactly sure what Pinkie would do to pass the time before graduation, but knew that as long as her expectations and conditions were followed, she didn't have much to lose. As long as there weren't any uninvited guests, or even that gang leader lurking around the corner, all would be well, upon her eventual return. Pinkie's voice grew louder, which prompted Sunset to finally invite her housekeeper inside, as it was finally time to depart.

"Good morning, Sunset!" Pinkie chirped, cheerfully. "Ready for your grand adventure back to that Equestria place?"

"You know it, Pinkie." Sunset replied, as she picked up her bag. "I'll admit, it's weird getting ready for a trip to a place I've actually been to before, but as a totally different person, or... pony, I guess. I mean, it's not exactly the first time I've gone back to my old home world, though this'll be the first time I'll have the luxury of fully exploring and appreciating the very world I've left behind. Something that I haven't done in forever, given how before, I've had no other choice but to focus on other priorities."

"Oh, I totally get you, don't you worry about that!" Pinkie cheered. "I know you're going to have the most amazing time ever, hope you'll have time later to tell us all about the trip! Now then, I promise I'll keep everything safe and sound here, and I'll even throw a little party for Ray while you're gone! After all, I keep my Pinkie Promises like an elephant keeps their memory!"

Hearing this, Sunset couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt, as she handed Pinkie her apartment's keys. This feeling had nothing to do with trust issues, but rather about Pinkie's memory, especially after their experience at the Starswirled Festival. She had told Pinkie all about the bands, the food they ate, and the memories they've made together, yet Pinkie insisted that it never happened, as if her memory had been completely wiped clean, since the whole event. Regardless of how Pinkie lacked such a crucial and distinct memory, Sunset knew that she was right to put her faith in Pinkie, and that her own memory of the event was what mattered most, as far as making this decision.

As Sunset stepped out of her apartment and waved goodbye to Pinkie, she hurried along the streets to CHS, hoping to meet up with Princess Twilight, once she crossed through the portal. She clutched her bag tightly, feeling the comforting weight of her journal, which served as a reminder of her dual existence in both worlds. This jog was almost treated as if she was running late to school, but Sunset knew that this was a rare occurrence for her. As Princess Celestia once put it, Sunset may've lacked social skills, but she was still a star student, which remained consistent with her strengths, even after going through the darkest phase of her life.

After jogging for a while, Sunset realized that she had already made it halfway to Canterlot High, before her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sight of a familiar face, right outside of Sugarcube Corner. Adagio Dazzle was standing nearby, sipping a cup of coffee, before taking notice of Sunset approaching. The Dazzlings' leader decided that it was courteous to have a quick word with her, especially after yesterday's respectful encounter. Sunset had similar thoughts on her mind, and figured that it wouldn't hurt to give two minutes of her time, despite being in a hurry for Equestria's time zone difference.

"Well, look who it is." Adagio took another sip of her coffee. "I guess no matter the endeavors we all want in life, you and I just seem so destined to cross each other's paths. Did you by any chance find a housekeeper for your little dilemma, by the way?"

"That's right, you bet I did." Sunset nodded. "And just in time too, since I'm already leaving for my little trip. Thanks for the concern, by the way. Clearly a lot's changed since the Battle of the Bands, it's hard to believe that we used to be at each other's throats."

"Sounds like the good old days of competition and chaos." Adagio rolled her eyes, playfully. "How time flies when you're not trying to take over a school. Speaking of which, despite my initial concern of your school's principal not hiring us as entertainment, my concern was all for naught, though it took quite some convincing. She eventually gave us the job, and even offered a larger bonus for showing up at such an opportune time. Sixty grand might mean that I can finally allow Sonata to taste other gourmet foods besides just tacos, and Aria won't have to do... questionable things with our landlord."

"Well, congrats on getting the job, I'm sure you'll knock it out of the park with your performance." Sunset smiled. "I know that Principal Celestia's seen a different viewpoint on giving others a second chance, after what happened with me. To tell you the truth, I'm mostly just happy that I could finish my time at CHS on a good note, especially since... it wasn't necessarily my initial plan to start a new life here."

"Our exile to this... peculiar world wasn't so different from moving to this city, I'd imagine?" Adagio pondered. "Equestria was once our very home, yet thanks to an old wizard, we were suddenly thrusted into a new reality, trying to piece together what we've lost. I suppose that's the difference between being me, and a human like yourself? At the same time, we're both trying to find our places, notably in a place that doesn't quite understand us. With how much of a challenge it's become to fend for ourselves in this harsh world, Aria and Sonata have mutually agreed with me, that we shall never give up trying to find our way back home."

Upon hearing this, it suddenly dawned on Sunset that after all this time, Adagio was completely unaware of something major. Despite the fact the Dazzlings were also from Equestria, they actually had no idea that Sunset had always been a unicorn in a human's body, nor did they seem aware of the portal at CHS. She had only just made this realization, after hearing Adagio specifically label her as a human, along with believing that she merely moved here from another city. It was a rather surprising revelation, especially after being told that the trio had already heard all about her. However, it was more likely that they had only been referring to Sunset's past actions at CHS, rather than her true past and identity, long before being a student there.

On another note, Sunset felt another form of relatability with these sirens, given how they were technically just like her, albeit unknowingly. Aside from having a past that they weren't too proud of, they had also ended up becoming trapped in this world, and were insistent on finding a way back to Equestria, out of seeming homesickness. That was when Sunset realized that Aria, Adagio, and Sonata could all technically accompany her, given how there was an indefinitely open portal at CHS. As much as Sunset would've felt comfortable in sharing this valuable knowledge with these girls, she knew that the timing seemed awkward, especially after Adagio had worked tirelessly to secure this job during graduation. With this in mind, Sunset decided to keep quiet about the magical portal, despite respecting the Dazzlings now.

"That's very commendable, it's always nice to see when people can turn their lives around for the better." Sunset replied. "It's been nice getting an update on your situation, but I'm afraid I really have to go now, and I can't be late."

"If you insist, then I suppose I'll see you at your school's ceremony, very soon." Adagio said. "We'll catch up again, Sunset, and remember, the world is a stage, and we're all just actors playing our parts. After all, Aria and I may not see eye-to-eye often, but I can certainly understand her personal complaint, when it comes to getting tired of fast food. We all miss what we had always been accustomed to, so if only we had a way to go back to Equestria, somehow..."

Sunset nodded before waving goodbye, and continued to make her way to CHS. She admittedly felt an ounce of guilt for keeping this knowledge to herself, but knew that it was likely for the better, given the current timing. Adagio and her sisters were likely already on their way to rehearse heavily for this performance, and they admittedly also needed to patch everything up with CHS, and end their career on a more positive note. Telling them that they could go through the portal with her, it would've seemingly complicated things even further, especially without checking in with Princess Twilight first. For that matter, would Equestria even welcome the sirens back with open hooves, given how they had actually been banished here?

It was way different than what ended up happening with Sunset, in the sense that she had only become trapped in the Human World from her own curiosity, as a result of the portal closing, shortly after she went in. Unlike Sunset did with Princess Celestia, it was difficult to say whether or not the sirens had anyone to turn to, had they ended up causing irreversible damage, which warranted their banishment in the first place. In the best-case scenario, Sunset believed that it would've been better to settle back in to Equestria, and get a solid idea on whether or not the sirens would be allowed to return. Only after obtaining this crucial knowledge, would Sunset then consider sharing her secret knowledge with them.

That being said, Sunset couldn't deny that she felt a pang of empathy for the Dazzlings, and their shared mutual longing for returning to Equestria. For the time being, she knew that she had to prioritize her current mission, which was to be there for Princess Twilight, once she became the new ruler of Equestria. With a firm resolve, Sunset picked up her pace down the sidewalk, as CHS finally came into view. The sight of the horse statue's pedestal stood proudly at the center of the schoolyard, which also brought back a flood of memories, from when she first came to the Human World. Sunset specifically recalled how jarring it was to suddenly adjust towards being a human, as opposed to a pony on all fours. The time had finally arrived for her to potentially start a whole new chapter of her life, depending on how her experience in Equestria would turn out.

"Although I knew this day would inevitably come, I didn't expect it to be so soon." Sunset said to herself, as she slowly approached the portal. "I've missed Equestria for so long, yet I've also made a home here, and so many good friends over the years. I remember first coming here, thinking it was an interesting development, and here we are, now. As for returning to Equestria, let's hope I can still find my place there, now that I've changed so much."

Sunset took a deep breath and reached her hand towards the reflective surface, as she knew what was coming. The world around her began to blur with swirling colors, and she could feel the fabric of reality stretching, once she finally went inside. It still wasn't entirely clear how much Sunset would enjoy being back to Equestria, but she knew that one thing was certain. Regardless of her eventual decision, she would always cherish the friends and memories she's made here, even if she ended up choosing to remain behind in Equestria, for the rest of her life.