Equestria Girls - The Tale of Two Sunsets

Sunset went up to her friends sitting on the porch, curious at what was seemingly troubling AJ. The girls noticed her approaching, but immediately made it clear for Sunset that it really wasn't a good time to go inside, and that Applejack most likely needed some time alone.

"Girls, what's going on with AJ?" Sunset questioned. "I thought that since we left Sugarcube Corner, our plan was to come over to her house and continue working on our song for the graduation performance."

"Yeah, that's what we were originally going to do." Rainbow replied. "But when we got here, she was... well, you know how Applejack can sometimes get with her family. She didn't say much, but it's pretty clear that she's upset."

"It's probably something to do with her family's farm." Twilight speculated. "I've been hearing reports lately, that there's a strange blight going around and ruining people's crops. At least, that's what most residents have been saying, it could just be a rumor."

"That, or it could be something related with her family." Rarity suggested. "Applejack hasn't mentioned anything about it to us yet, I can tell that she's always so strong for everyone else, not willing to burden us with her own troubles."

"But until this issue's resolved, Applejack's asked us all to remain on the porch for a bit, especially since she won't be able to focus on anything related to our song." Fluttershy added. "It must be incredibly serious for her, so I think it's better that we give her some space."

Although Sunset understood where her friends were coming from, she felt more inclined to check up on Applejack, and do whatever she could to help out. Years had already passed since the bitter Anon-a-Miss winter incident, and although Sunset went through a number of hardships and struggles throughout that time, she would never forget Applejack's philosophies on family, and that the girls were all considered the family that she chose. Putting the past behind her, along with understanding why the girls had more reason to distrust her back then, Sunset believed in doing what was best for their friendships.

"I know she's tough, but we're her friends." Sunset insisted. "If there's something going on with her family or the farm, she shouldn't have to deal with it alone. I'm going to talk to her, maybe I can offer some comfort or assistance."

"Sunset, I get that you want to help, but Applejack's got her pride in keeping family issues private." Rainbow reminded. "When it comes to family stuff, she's as stubborn as a mule during mud season. We've gotta respect her space until she's ready to talk."

"While your intentions are noble, dear, it's true that Applejack might not appreciate us prying." Rarity added. "However, perhaps there's something we could do in the meantime? At least, some way that we could possibly cheer her up, once she's ready to rejoin us? Our song can wait, after all, what's important is supporting our dear friend through whatever storm she's weathering."

"Well, you've certainly got good points there." Sunset folded her arms across her chest. "But sitting around and waiting isn't going to help either, maybe we can find a way to support her without intruding."

Just as Sunset said this, some commotion from within Applejack's house began to make itself present. Everyone could very clearly overhear Applejack in distress, and seemingly unable to come up with an answer to her supposed predicament. Although their intent was to do anything but eavesdrop, Applejack already began to clearly spell out what was troubling her family, which the rest of the girls started to get a better understanding of.

"What do you mean the profits from this year's harvest are gone!?" Applejack exclaimed from within her home. "Are you sure that you've checked every inch of this house!?"

"Sis, I've checked everywhere, twice!" Applebloom insisted. "We can't find the money anywhere!"

"That money was essential for Granny Smith's deposit on her Social Security taxes!" Applejack reminded. "We're talkin' at least $5,000 here! Without it, she won't be eligible for her retirement checks, and she needs them more than ever, now that she's resigned from work at CHS!"

"But I don't know what else to do! Applebloom's voice was filled with a mix of frustration and concern. "We've turned this place upside-down, but only found pocket change and dust! We've got to tell someone, maybe they can help us figure it out."

"No, absolutely not!" Applejack's voice grew firm, yet Sunset could still detect the underlying fear. "We're gonna handle this ourselves as a family, we don't need anyone else pokin' their noses into our business."

Just then, Big McIntosh turned the corner and brought his younger siblings over to the back of the house. One of the back windows had been shattered apart, the glass remnants sitting on both the kitchen counter and grass outside. Applejack had immediately deduced that some sort of burglary had taken place, likely when nobody was home.

"Big Mac, what are we gonna do?" Applejack's heart sank as she took in the sight. "We never installed any security cameras, and for all we know, this burglar might've even stolen much more than just our money..."

"Eeyup." Big McIntosh replied, fearing that something else important might've gone missing.

"We've got to file a police report, at the very least!" Applebloom suggested.

"That's usually what we would do in situations like this, but unfortunately, without any evidence on who committed this here robbery, there's just not much that the cops would do." Applejack sighed. "For that matter, chances of us gettin' our money back are slim, assumin' the burglars already spent it all..."

"But we can't just let this slide, especially for the sake of Granny!" Applebloom reminded, her voice quivering. "Maybe we can offer a reward for any information?"

"We're already fresh out of five grand, Applebloom." Applejack responded. "I don't think we could offer anything worthwhile as a reward when we're already this deep into the hole."

"We can't just do nothing!" Applebloom protested. "Granny's been lookin' forward to her retirement for so long, and now she might not even get to enjoy it! What are we goin' tell her when she gets home!?"

"We'll have to figure this out together as a family... one way or another." Applejack said, before she heard a knock at the door.

"Applejack, is it alright if we come in?" Sunset knocked at the front door.

"Yeah, come on in." Applejack said, sounding defeated. "It's unlocked."

As Sunset and the rest of the girls went into the house, Applejack was now by herself in the living room, sitting on the couch, whilst Applebloom and Big McIntosh went upstairs to dial for the authorities. Applejack looked over to her friends, all with concerned looks on their faces, upon overhearing her predicament. Despite this, the farm girl decided not to bring anything up, and that it was better to focus on the main reason they were coming over, that being their collaboration on their graduation song.

"Well, since we're all here, I reckon we should get down to business." Applejack said to the rest of her friends. "Might as well come up with the lyrics to our openin' verse, wouldn't you say?"

"AJ, are you sure you're okay to work on the song right now?" Sunset sat down next to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You look like you've got a lot on your plate, if you need to talk about it, we're all here for you."

"I appreciate the concern, Sunset." Applejack replied. "However, since it's a family matter that we need to figure out on our own, I wouldn't want to be a burden on y'all. Besides, we've got a performance to nail at graduation, and I wouldn't want to let you girls down."

"Well the thing is, Applejack?" Fluttershy spoke up. "We... admittedly overheard everything you just discussed with your siblings back there, you were all pretty vocal about it."

"We didn't mean to eavesdrop on you, it's just that we heard everything loud and clear, while waiting on your porch." Twilight added.

Applejack's eyes widened upon hearing this, as she escorted her friends back outside. Sunset and the other girls were directed to the front of the garage, where they could continue their conversation in private, as Big McIntosh was busy filing a police report, and it'd be unwise to make a lot of noise downstairs. When Applejack saw that she and her friends were now alone in a safe and quiet spot, she continued the conversation, as normal.

"I'm sorry y'all had to hear that, I know it's not exactly what you girls came here for." Applejack sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping. "I just never could've imagined that after decades of the family business goin' well here in the city, we'd have to deal with burglars and break-ins. We've always lived in what felt like the nicest neighborhood."

"Applejack, darling, I know you're trying to keep a brave face, but you don't have to carry this burden alone." Rarity assured. "We're here for you, always, and if there's anything we can do to help, please tell us."

"You've helped us out of some pretty tight spots before." Rainbow said, her eyes bright with determination. "Let's put our heads together and figure out what happened, maybe we can even catch the person who did this!"

"I certainly reckon that'll be difficult, considerin' an investigation can take months, even years to fully crack the case." Applejack replied. "I just feel bad that I invited you girls over, so we could work on our graduation song, and now I'm holding everyone back with my family issues."

"AJ, you're not holding us back, we're here for you through thick and thin." Sunset's voice was filled with genuine concern. "And if we can't help you solve this dilemma directly, we'll be here for you. We're not just bandmates after all, we're friends."

"I know you girls mean well, but I just can't risk us gettin' involved in something that could be actually dangerous." Applejack said to her friends. "I'm talkin' remorseless criminals, this ain't like our usual adventures, it's real life with real consequences. I appreciate you all offerin' to help, but right now, Big McIntosh is currently filin' a police report on the phone. Until we hear back from the authorities, I'm afraid there's just not much we can do now, especially since we ain't got no idea who committed this burglary. If we can't figure something out on our own, I'll come to you girls for further assistance, but for now, let's just try to focus on the music, alright?"

"Alright Applejack, if that's what you think is best." Sunset nodded. "Please remember that whenever you need us, we're just a call away. In the meantime, let's keep our minds busy with something positive, maybe we can come up with the lyrics to the chorus, something that'll really get the crowd going at graduation."

"Gosh, I was all shook up about this unexpected robbery, but with you girls by my side, I almost feel like there's nothing to worry about." Applejack put her hand on Sunset's shoulder and sighed. "Sunset, you really know how to take the stress off of a girl's shoulders, even when I believed this family matter should stay within the family."

"Well, that's technically what we're already doing, since we consider you part of our family too, AJ." Sunset replied. "After all, remember what you told me about family, a couple of winters ago?"

"I did say that your friends are the family you choose, and you girls have certainly chosen to be the best kind of family for me." Applejack's voice was filled with warmth and affection. "But that doesn't mean you should be dealin' with our troubles. Big Mac and I will bring everything we need to the authorities when we get the chance, so for now, let's get to work on that graduation song! I'm beginning to see what you meant, Sunset, when you suggested that we should make the song's meaning focus more on our growth and friendships. I'm really startin' to feel that sentiment, right about now."

"I get that feeling a lot too, thanks to an old friend teaching me that valuable lesson, a long time ago." Sunset reflected what Princess Twilight had done for her back at the Fall Formal.

"Well then, we're not getting any younger here, especially once we officially graduate." Rarity said, enthusiastically. "Let's get to work on that chorus, shall we?"

"Alright, if you're all really okay with this, I'll go grab my old notebook, it's back upstairs in my room." Applejack nodded. "Maybe there's something in there that'll spark some inspiration for our verses."

As Applejack ran back into her home to get what she needed, Sunset and the rest of the girls began to speculate with one another, trying to get a more solid idea on who could've committed this robbery. For the most part, this was the first time that they had ever encountered a case as serious as a break-in and theft, and it was jarring to think that any of their houses could've been next. Canterlot City generally had next to no serious cases for criminal activity like this, which almost led the girls to suspect that something crucial must've recently occurred for this to happen.

"Girls, I know we should be focusing on the song, but I can't help but wonder who could've done this." Twilight began speculating. "It's so unlike Canterlot to have something like this happen, and... Applejack's never really had any personal enemies who'd want to do this to her."

"That's true, Twilight, but we can't rule out the chance of it being someone from outside the city." Sunset's eyes narrowed as she considered the possibilities. "And considering we've dealt with many culprits who somehow got ahold of Equestrian magic, for all we know, it could've been anybody, even someone we've never met before. It's entirely possible that someone's been watching us from a distance, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike."

"Hold up, girls, I know we're trying to keep the peace and all, but maybe we should consider every angle here." Rainbow spoke up, her mind racing. "Remember that time when Applejack was running for class president, and a certain someone tried to sabotage her campaign?"

"Wha...?" Sunset raised an eyebrow. "You're not... talking about me, are you? To be honest, I've tried to forget about my awful past, when I was ruling CHS with an iron fist, that I've even clouded out every awful thing that I've done to hurt you girls and the other students back then. If I was somehow involved with sabotaging AJ's campaign, please know that I am-"

"Whoa, whoa, Sunset!" Rainbow put her hands up. "No, I'm not referring to you at all. In fact, as far as I'm aware, you've probably never even met her before, considering that this was way back during our freshman year. But just know that the way she treated everybody at CHS was so bad, that Principal Celestia ended up expelling her."

As Rarity and Fluttershy both heard this, Rarity was suddenly able to get a vague idea on who Rainbow was referring to, while Fluttershy's eyes had widened, as she fully knew who this girl in question was.

"Oh no, you don't mean...?" Rarity said, as everything came flooding back to her.

"She... made my time in school absolutely abysmal..." Fluttershy whispered, as she hid her face in her arms, almost feeling traumatized upon being reminded of this girl. "The absolute nastiest bully I've ever had the misfortune of dealing with..."

"Yeah, it sounds like you two know exactly who I'm talking about." Rainbow began reflecting, as she turned to Sunset and Twilight. "Let's just say, she was a real piece of work back in the day, always looking to stir up trouble. And if she's somehow back in town, and she's still got it out for Applejack, I wouldn't put it past her to do something like this."

"But why would she wait until now to do this?" Twilight questioned. "And what would she even gain from it?"

"Heck if I know." Rainbow shrugged. "But Sunset made a pretty good point, who knows if somebody's been watching us from the shadows for a while, and specifically waited until now, just a week before graduation?"

"You think... she, or whoever is truly behind this, would be willing to sabotage our graduation?" Rarity suggested.

"Oh... please don't say that!" Fluttershy felt terrified at the thought. "The last thing I want lingering around my mind in bed tonight, is the very idea that she's somehow back, and lurking around the very place we all used to consider a nice neighborhood!"

Sunset frowned deeply, recalling the tyrannical times of her own past as a bully. She knew all too well the kind of pain a person could inflict, and the thought of someone else now doing the same to Applejack or any of her friends was unbearable. Sunset also began having flashbacks of how awful she had been to Fluttershy in the past, which included making her feel vulnerable, and even shaming her for only having animal friends. She began feeling extra guilty, now realizing that she had unknowingly inflicted even further mental damage towards Fluttershy, at a time when she was already at one of her lowest points in life. And considering how this girl in question ended up getting expelled, something that Principal Celestia never even ended up doing to Sunset, she knew that this was much more serious.

"Fluttershy, it's okay." Sunset reached out to gently pat Fluttershy's back, her eyes filled with genuine care. "We're all here for you, and we're not going to let anyone ruin our graduation, or hurt Applejack's family. I'm sorry for everything I did back then too, I had no idea how much pain I was causing. But we can't let fear control us, we need to stay strong and supportive for one another. Let's focus on the song and be there for Applejack, and if we happen to run into whoever's been stirring up this trouble, we'll face it together, just like we always do."

"Thank you, Sunset." Fluttershy felt more assured. "I know you've changed a lot, and I appreciate your support, I just... I can't shake off the feeling that something bad is going to happen. What... she did to me back then, it didn't even compare to any other bully I've ever met in my life, even during elementary school."

"We can't let fear rule us, we've come so far since then, and we're all so much stronger together." Sunset reminded. "Even if she is back, we'll deal with her as friends, as a family who's even overcome sinking cruise ships and summer camp plant monsters, haven't we, girls?"

"Indeed, we've faced our fair share of challenges, but nothing has ever truly torn us apart." Rarity's voice grew firm, her eyes shining with a fierce determination. "And if she... has returned to cause trouble, we'll stand united, just as we always have."

"For now though, let's focus on what we can control, our graduation song." Rainbow suggested. "Applejack needs us to be strong for her, and I think the best way to do that is by ensuring our performance is nothing short of spectacular."

Just then, Applejack came back over to the girls with her notebook, ready to begin what they had originally planned to do.

"Big Mac's still goin' to take a bit with the cops upstairs, so I reckon it's better we discuss further details of our chorus in the garage." Applejack said to her friends. "Just like the good old days, when we tried to come up with something to defeat the Dazzlings, huh?"

"Those were some intense times, AJ, but I'm just glad we had each other to lean on." Sunset reminisced.

"Now, if you're all ready, let's head on inside and see what we can come up with for the chorus." Applejack instructed. "Maybe the rhythm of our friendship can be the inspiration we need to get through this tough time."

As the girls all nodded and followed Applejack into her garage, Sunset admittedly felt some concern in this potential new threat they could all soon face. The very idea of this mysterious culprit lurking in the shadows for so long, spying on their very move, and choosing to strike now, around the time of graduation at CHS, it left an uneasy feeling. Sunset also couldn't help but wonder if this new threat, once again involved somebody from the Human World wielding a magical artifact, or if it was possibly somebody from Equestria. With Princess Twilight's upcoming coronation, and the news of Princess Celestia and Luna retiring soon, was it entirely plausible that something sinister was going on back in Equestria?

These thoughts kept swimming through Sunset's mind, but she soon realized that she was getting absolutely nowhere, especially if this crime wasn't even committed by this mysterious girl that her friends had seemingly known. Sunset kept this at the back of her mind, that the possibility was still very much out there, and that she herself would soon run into a girl who had done something so horrible, that it warranted expulsion from CHS. Suddenly, the realization soon sank in, was this the same girl that Vice Principal Luna had vaguely alluded to, earlier that day? Regardless of what was truly going on, Sunset understood that since nothing else significant had truly happened as of yet, she'd focus on the positives with her friends for a while, as their graduation song certainly wouldn't compose itself.

Back in Equestria, Princess Twilight and Starlight Glimmer had already returned to Canterlot's throne room, now feeling assured that they had finally invited everyone they'd want to attend this upcoming coronation. Mr. Ramsay and the rest of the staff had already prepared the decorations and furniture, which meant that everything was set, and it was finally time to relax for the rest of the day. After the incredibly busy day she's just had, Twilight breathed a sigh of relief, but subconsciously knew that her workload would most likely quadruple, especially once she was put in charge of everything in Canterlot.

"Well, that certainly went better than expected, wouldn't you say, Starlight?" Twilight asked. "It's so nice to hear that Sunset's actually willing to attend my coronation, despite how busy she's gotten with her own life in the Human World."

"Absolutely." Starlight nodded. "I'm sure it'll be an unforgettable event, and it's just like Sunset to put aside her schedule to support her friends. Speaking of which, these decorations are absolutely stunning, the staff here at Canterlot have truly outdone themselves. It's almost hard to imagine this building was once the same one that Tirek, Chrysalis, and Cozy Glow had nearly taken over, huh?"

"I'm just grateful we can all come together like this, it seems like it's been ages since we've had the opportunity to truly celebrate without some looming threat." Twilight reflected. "I just really wish that I could come up with something to fill those empty windows that were once those beautifully historical stained glass portraits. The throne room just feels so empty with those generic, plain windows, especially when you can even see random trees and bushes from outside."

"I think I might have an idea for that." Starlight began suggesting her idea. "I saw some of the old drawings and designs in Canterlot's historical archives, we could totally recreate some of those old relics, and maybe even add some new ones with our modern flair!"

"It would be like preserving a piece of Equestria's history while also making it our own!" Twilight relished in her excitement at the idea. "But, where would we even begin? I'm sure there's plenty of historical events that have transpired over 1,000 years, and I wouldn't want to just copy everything from before..."

Just then, as Twilight stared at the various blank windows, she suddenly noticed that one of the bushes from outside was suspiciously rustling, as if someone was hiding inside of it. The princess had immediately derailed her previous thought on what to depict in the stained glass murals, and was unsure of what she just saw outside the castle.

"Hmm, am I seeing things, or did that bush outside just move?" Twilight stared at the one bush that seemingly just rustled out of nowhere.

"Hm?" Starlight spun around to look. "I didn't see anything, Twilight. Maybe it's just the wind playing tricks on us."

"I'm not so sure, actually." Twilight squinted her eyes at the window. "That bush was definitely moving in a pattern that the wind couldn't have caused, maybe we should go check it out?"

But before Twilight or Starlight could even do so, there was a knock coming from the end of the hallway, which prompted the two mares to bring their attention to the front doors of the throne room. Upon opening the doors, Twilight and Starlight were accompanied by Celestia, still unable to believe that her star pupil, whom she had taught from day one, was now stepping up and taking on the very role that she had occupied for over 1,000 years.

"Twilight, Starlight, I trust everything is coming along well for the coronation?" Celestia's regal voice filled the room, her eyes twinkling with a hint of pride. "I know that you two are more than capable of handling the preparations, but I wanted to personally check in."

"Princess Celestia, everything is going splendidly!" Twilight grinned. "The staff have worked tirelessly to make sure everything will be perfect for the big day, and the decor has never looked better. The flair and presentation just seems to completely outdo everything they did for my first coronation, back when I first got my wings."

"Justifiably so, considering this won't just be the mark of you becoming the Princess of Friendship." Celestia reminded. "You'll soon be the princess of all of Equestria, a title that hasn't been given in over 1,000 years. Just as a reminder, today will technically be my very last day holding that title, as once Luna and I hand you your official crown tomorrow, we shall forever be known as just 'Celestia' and 'Luna' then. Residing in Silver Shoals, and watching you rule Equestria from a distance."

"I can't even begin to express how much I've learned from you." Twilight's heart moved with a mix of pride and anxiety at Celestia's words. "You've been more than just a teacher, you've been a guiding star for all of us, and I'll do my best to rule with the same wisdom and grace that you've shown over the millennia. In fact, I seem to recall you recently mentioning that there's been a new star student at the School For Gifted Unicorns? Luster Dawn was her name, right?"

"Ah, yes." Celestia nodded. "Luster is quite a promising young unicorn, indeed. She's already showing signs of exceptional talent in the field of magic, and it'll be quite intriguing to see her potential unfold. Though I've been told that she appears to be rather unsociable among her classmates, certainly reminds me of somepony before I sent her over to Ponyville, wouldn't you say?"

"Well, I'm sure with the right kind of guidance and friends, she'll blossom into a wonderful alicorn, just like I did." Twilight giggled, a warm smile spreading across her face. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves, I still have so much to learn myself, and for that matter, so much more to teach, now that you and Luna are retiring."

"Retiring is perhaps a strong word, Twilight." Celestia pointed out. "We're simply... moving on to the next phase of our lives. We'll still be around to offer guidance and support when needed, but for the most part, any future responsibilities will now be handled by you and your friends."

"It's a big responsibility, Twilight, but I know you can handle it." Starlight assured. "After all, you've come so far from the little filly who didn't believe friendship was so important, and you even helped me change for the better, too."

"Thank you both." Twilight looked back at Celestia and Starlight. "No matter the challenges the future will throw at me, I just know that I'll be able to get through them all, with my friends by my side. It's finally time for me to demonstrate everything I've learned from day one, and for you and Luna to get some well-deserved rest in Silver Shoals. Maybe you could even say 'hi' to Dusty Pages for me?"

"I'll keep that in mind for when Luna and I start moving our belongings from Canterlot." Celestia winked. "Above all, I wish you the best of luck when it comes to your new responsibilities as a leader, we're all counting on you, now."

"I won't let you or Equestria down." Twilight replied, her voice filled with determination. "I'll make sure that our friendship and unity are reflected in every decision I make."

Just as Twilight said this, the bush from behind the window rustled again, immediately prompting Twilight to turn around and take notice of it. This time, even Starlight saw the subtle rustling of the bush, as she realized that this wasn't the wind playing a trick at all.

"There it is, again!" Twilight shifted her focus onto this mysterious bush. "Spike, if that's you hiding in the bush, please come out right now!"

However, the bush ominously went silent, and there was no purple dragon to be seen. This prompted both Twilight and Starlight to rush out of the window and get a closer look at this bush, if it even was a bush at all. Upon further inspection, there seemed to be absolutely no one in the bushes, not even signs of any small animals that could've been nearby. The rustling just came and went, and if someone actually was hiding inside, they were definitely gone by now.

"Well, that's odd." Twilight murmured, turning back to Starlight. "I could've sworn I saw something... never mind, it's probably just the excitement of tomorrow's coronation playing tricks on me."

"Hmm, maybe not, Twilight." Starlight went inside the same bush that supposedly just rustled a few moments ago, and picked up what seemed like a clue. "This... doesn't look like it should've been here."

"Is that... a pegasus feather?" Twilight inspected the clue. "Hmm, an orange pegasus feather, and it doesn't seem to match the color of anypony I know, at least... this particular shade of orange. This certainly couldn't be Scootaloo's feather, that's for sure."

"It's definitely not from any of the Royal Guards, and I don't recall seeing this color from anypony around Canterlot lately." Starlight reflected. "Who knows, maybe this was just somepony who wanted an autograph, but didn't know how to approach you?"

"That's a possibility, but it seems rather out of place, doesn't it?" Twilight kept brainstorming. "I can't shake the feeling that there's something more to this."

"Well, we could always ask the guards if they've noticed any unusual visitors around the castle." Starlight suggested. "They usually keep a pretty close eye on everything."

"I suppose we could question one of our lieutenants right now." Twilight nodded. "Though, fair warning, she's known to be less sweet and more sour, but she at least gets the job done."

"That's fine, let's see if she has anything to report." Starlight followed Twilight back through the window.

Unknown to anypony else in Canterlot, there was in fact, imminent trouble brewing just around the corner. Within the alleyways of Canterlot's business area, a mysterious pegasus mare was now hiding within a dumpster, but had now gathered all the important information that she needed to hear. This pegasus had slowly peaked her head from the dumpster's closed lid, but the darkness of the alleyway had made her completely indistinguishable and hidden from view, so much so that anypony trotting by wouldn't even be able to notice her hiding there. An evil grin spread across the mare's face, as she began to realize that the day she had been anticipating for so long, had finally come.

"So... the rumors were true." The pegasus thought out loud in her head. "Those so-called princesses, Celestia and Luna have finally decided to pass the torch, and make Equestria completely dependent on that... Twilight Sparkle. Those dumb fools don't seem to realize that cutting Equestria's princesses by half will suddenly make everything so much more vulnerable. Well, I've waited so long for this day to come, for those princess sisters to step down, so I can finally reclaim what was always rightfully mine. I've waited in these shadows for this exact opportunity, and now it's time for me to steal as many riches and treasures as it'll take to get exactly what I've yearned for, since I was a filly. And this time... I'm not alone. I have a faithful husband by my side, who hates Canterlot and that stupid Celestia as much as I do, and a helpful daughter, whom I can use as a mere tool to do my dirty work. As for this new... Princess Twilight Sparkle, you'd better get serious, because I'm now officially back in business!"