The Setting of Two Suns (Hiatus)

Chapters

Chapter 2: Shimmer in white
Chapter 3: The search
Chapter 1: Troubled minds

Chapter 2: Shimmer in white

Twilight and Pinkie found themselves momentarily struck speechless, their eyes locked onto the figure before them—a woman who bore a striking resemblance to their friend, Sunset Shimmer, though with noticeable differences in her hair and attire.

With a gentle, gracious smile, the woman who resembled Sunset spoke, her tone now polite and welcoming. "I must beg your forgiveness for any prior lack of courtesy. It seems I have been remiss in providing a proper introduction. My name is Sunset Shimmer. I hail from Manehattan and am presently visiting the illustrious Canterlot City." She extended her hand toward the two girls. Pinkie Pie eagerly accepted, her excitement palpable, while Twilight regarded this Sunset with a hint of suspicion, unnerved by her unreliable smile and the somewhat intimidating aura she exuded. She analyzed her silently and thought, "This is probably Sunset's human counterpart."

Pinkie, still shaking Human Sunset's hand with boundless enthusiasm, gushed, "Golly! You must be our friend's human version! You're so different from her! Your short hair, your style, you look so-"

Twilight intervened, gently placing her hand over Pinkie's mouth and pulling her aside, offering a nervous laugh. "I'm sorry for my friend here. She consumed a lot of sweets today, which is likely the cause of her high energy."

Pinkie Pie shot Twilight a disapproving look, but Human Sunset's unnerving smile remained. Twilight knew she needed to steer the conversation in a different direction to avoid any awkwardness. She glanced at the breast pocket of Human Sunset's attire and seized upon a topic. "Oh! You must be a student at Everton University! I rarely see anyone from that prestigious school. I intend to enroll there soon because I've heard that their Engineering Science program has a lot of fantastic offers!"

"Indeed, they do present a plethora of enticing propositions," Human Sunset concurred. "Following your visit, I would be delighted to arrange a tour of Manehattan for your enjoyment."

"Totally!" Twilight replied with a nervous chuckle.

Pinkie freed her mouth from Twilight's grasp, took a deep breath, and launched a barrage of questions. "Is that guy beside you your butler? Are you rich? Do you own a mansion? What's your butler's name? Have you met our friend, Sunset? She's you, but a pony version-"

Twilight's hand again restrained Pinkie's mouth, and she continued to laugh nervously. "Like I said, she's very hyper, and she doesn't even know what she's talking about. We're very sorry. We must have been wasting your time. We should take our leave now."

As Twilight Sparkle started to lead Pinkie away to make a hasty exit, Human Sunset called out to them, halting their retreat. "Why the hurry, I wonder? We still have ample time for conversation. There's certainly no time-wasting involved here," she remarked with a genteel tone.

Human Sunset directed her attention towards them and extended a warm smile, although it seemed to slightly unsettle Twilight. "I must say, your mention of this friend has piqued my curiosity. They do indeed seem to be a rather captivating individual," she remarked with a gentle smile. "I would be most grateful if you could share additional details about them."

Pinkie Pie, now freed from Twilight's grasp, hurried over to Human Sunset. "So this friend of mine is also called Sunset and is the pony version of you, who's living in another world called Equestria and has the same looks as you, but looks more punk and has long hair! She likes dark leather clothes and is a badass! You should meet her! She would be happy to meet you in person!"

Twilight rushed to Pinkie's side, realizing it was too late to stop her friend from sharing everything. Pinkie just smiled happily, and Human Sunset's expression remained friendly, if not a little too much so.

"This Sunset you speak of does sound intriguing," Human Sunset expressed. "I'd love the chance to meet her in person."

Twilight Sparkle scrutinized her more closely, and it didn't go unnoticed by Human Sunset.

Reaching into her breast pocket, Human Sunset gracefully retrieved a small business card and offered it to Twilight. "My contact details, including my phone number and email address, are conveniently listed on this card," she informed. "Currently, I am staying at the Canterlot Palomino hotel. Might the two of you be available tomorrow in the afternoon? I have a place reserved at the same establishment and will be having a tea party, and I would be delighted to meet this Sunset you've mentioned. During your stay, feel free to partake in any activities that may interest you, as all amenities will be at your disposal."

Twilight hesitated, her suspicions growing. "Perhaps we'll think about it."

Pinkie Pie, however, was quick to interject, her enthusiasm undeterred. "We're more than happy to be visiting you tomorrow! And also, who doesn’t want to attend a tea party? We don't have anything to do for the weekend, so it would be amazing!"

Twilight shot Pinkie a shocked glance. Human Sunset, on the other hand, responded with grace. "Thank you for graciously accepting my invitation, and I must extend my apologies for not inquiring earlier. Might I be privileged to learn your names?"

Pinkie beamed. "I'm Pinkie Pie, and this is Twilight Sparkle!"

Human Sunset offered a warm yet unsettling smile. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Pie and Miss Sparkle," she expressed as she bowed. "I am looking forward to our meeting tomorrow. Until then, ladies."

As Human Sunset departed with her butler, her smile gradually faded, returning to a colder demeanor, and Twilight Sparkle couldn't shake the shivers that ran down her spine. Twilight knew they were now caught in something much larger and more mysterious than they could have ever anticipated.

Twilight's concern deepened, and she couldn't help but think that she really couldn't trust her vibes. How does Pinkie not notice this? She cast a worried glance at Pinkie, who seemed completely oblivious to the unsettling undercurrent of the situation.

"What?" Pinkie asked, her expression one of pure confusion. "Who doesn't love to see their pony versions?"

In Rainbow Dash's house, Sunset continued her search beneath Rainbow Dash's bed, her sigh echoing the frustration that had built up over hours of searching for the missing geode.

"Still not here..." she muttered, her tone full of disappointment.

Rainbow Dash's frustration was equally evident, and she clenched her fists in annoyance. "Ugh! Darn it! I'm pretty sure it's just around here somewhere! I shouldn't have put it under the lamp!"

Sunset proposed a break, hoping it might clear their heads and rejuvenate their energy for the search. "Maybe we should take a break? To cool our heads off. That way, we can get the energy to find your geode."

With a weary sigh, Rainbow Dash agreed, "You're right. I'm a bit tired too. I'll go get some drinks in the refrigerator and some snacks."

As Rainbow Dash made her way to the door, fate took an unexpected turn. The tranquility of the moment was shattered as Rarity and Applejack burst through the door, causing all three friends to stumble and fall.

"They're missing!" Rarity and Applejack exclaimed in unison, panic etched on their faces.

"Your sanities?" Rainbow Dash quipped, momentarily confused.

Sunset's anxiety spiked. "What's missing?"

"Our geodes! They're gone, missin' too!" Applejack clarified, her voice heavy with concern.

Sunset couldn't believe their misfortune and couldn't fathom the mounting troubles. "Dear sweet Celestia... could this day get even worse?"

Their momentary respite was shattered when they heard Pinkie screaming outside the door. Pinkie and Twilight arrived, both out of breath, and Pinkie seemed to be bursting with excitement.

"SUNSET! SUNSET! SUNSET! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!" Pinkie exclaimed as she panted, her eyes gleaming with exhilaration.

Twilight, equally breathless, leaned on the doorframe for support. Pinkie, despite her fatigue, wore a gigantic grin as she addressed Sunset.

"Don't tell me that your geodes are missing too?!" Sunset asked in a more anxious tone.

Pinkie, still panting, corrected her, "NO SILLY! I HAVE GOOD NEWS!" She squealed with joy and enthusiasm.

"Did you win the lottery or something?" Rainbow Dash smiled in anticipation and curiosity.

Pinkie built up the suspense, "EVEN BETTER! WE SAW HUMAN SUNSET!"

The room was filled with gasps, smiles, and shock as the gravity of the revelation hit them. Sunset, on the other hand, had a mix of fear and shock on her face as she realized the implications.

"Don't tell me... No... A-Are you sure about this, Twilight? Now is not the perfect time..." Sunset stammered.

Before Twilight could respond, Fluttershy appeared at the door, explaining her presence. "Oh, it looks like I'm not the only one who wants to help Rainbow Dash search for her geode."

Sunset was growing more anxious by the minute. "Wait, wait, wait. Twilight. Pinkie. What do you mean by Human Sunset? You both saw my other counterpart?"

Pinkie eagerly confirmed, "Indeed, di doodo liii! She's like you, but has short hair and goes to Everton University in Manehattan! She actually wants to meet all of us in the Canterlot Palomino hotel tomorrow for a tea party!"

Rarity gasped in sheer astonishment, her sapphire eyes wide with amazement. "A student from the glamorous streets of Manehattan?! And, oh my stars, she's lodged in the Canterlot Palomino hotel? Canterlot's most exquisite 5-star and extravagantly opulent hotel?!And she's hosting a tea party tomorrow?!"

Rainbow Dash was equally incredulous. "Dude!!! Only rich people who can afford such things can enter that place! Don't tell me that Sunset's other counterpart is that rich?"

Pinkie nodded enthusiastically. "Yup! And she invited us there tomorrow for a tea party!"

The girls gasped once again, their excitement and anticipation growing. Sunset, however, was left speechless and overwhelmed. Three of the geodes were missing, and now her human counterpart had suddenly appeared in their lives. She glanced at Twilight, who shared her concern.

Applejack interjected, bringing them back to the pressing issue. "Y'all girls keep on chatterin'! So what if Sunset's human counterpart is in town? Y'all forgot that me, Rainbow Dash's, and Rarity's geodes are missin'."

"How did you lose your geode, Applejack?" Fluttershy inquired, her face showing worry.

Sunset pressed further, "And yours too, Rarity?"

Applejack explained their predicament. "Same reason as Rainbow Dash's. We lost it while we were catchin' some Z's. It's mighty strange 'cause I always keep my geode in a secure spot in my locked drawer, but when I woke up, that drawer was wide open, and my geode had done up and disappeared. I tried askin' Big Mac and the others about it, but they didn't know a lick about what happened."

Rarity shared her own experience with a gasp of distress. "Oh, darling, I always kept mine in the most secure, exquisitely adorned chest right beside my impeccable bed. But, to my utter dismay, when I awoke, my splendid chest had vanished! And, can you believe it? The bedroom window was wide open, despite the fact that I unfailingly close and lock it every single night!"

The tension in the room tightened, and the girls exchanged concerned glances. Sunset couldn't help but voice her growing unease. "Someone has been stealing the geodes..."

The mystery was deepening, and the arrival of Sunset Shimmer's human counterpart only added to the complexity of the situation.

Chapter 3: The search

As the girls continued their discussion about the missing geodes, Sunset felt an ever-growing sense of unease and mounting stress that eventually compelled her to excuse herself from the room. Her abrupt departure didn't escape Rarity's keen eye.

"Are you alright, darling?" Rarity inquired with genuine concern, her graceful demeanor masking her worry.

Sunset paused, her back to the room, attempting to wear a brave face. "Y-yeah... I'm alright. I just needed some fresh air to clear my mind," she replied, her voice betraying her true feelings of uncertainty. She turned to Rainbow Dash, who was the closest to her. "Do you have any water, Rainbow?"

Rainbow Dash nodded. "Yeah, there's a water dispenser in the living room. Just go straight down the hallway and turn right."

"Thanks, Dash," Sunset acknowledged with a nod.

Following Rainbow's guidance, Sunset found herself in the living room. She picked up a pristine cup from the table, filled it with water, and leaned against the hallway wall. She took a deep breath and sighed heavily, her mind in turmoil.

The water did little to quell her anxiety, with thoughts of the missing geodes and the sudden appearance of her human counterpart weighing heavily on her mind. Sunset needed clarity and focus, yet her thoughts remained chaotic.

Meanwhile, Twilight emerged from Rainbow Dash's room and, like Sunset, headed for the water dispenser. Her gaze fell upon Sunset, who stood alone with her troubled expression.

"Are you alright, Sunset?" Twilight asked, concern evident in her voice.

Sunset looked at her half-full glass of water and let out a sigh. She hesitated, feeling a twinge of embarrassment about revealing her anxiety and stress regarding the day's unexpected events. She typically maintained a confident, level-headed demeanor to prevent her friends from worrying.

"I'm fine, Twilight," Sunset replied, her voice steadier. "Just thinking about the missing geodes..." She hesitated, her thoughts drifting to her human counterpart. "And my human counterpart as well."

Curiosity mixed with anxiety in Sunset's eyes as she met Twilight's gaze. "S-So why does my human counterpart want to see me?" She continued, her thoughts racing. "Does she know about me? If she does, is she... Is she going to want to meet me so she can punch me in the face because I stole her identity in the human world? No, I mean, I shouldn't be worried. I—wait—what was she like? Does she look like me? Does she also act like me? What did she say?"

Twilight stood by Sunset's side, her eyes focused on the floor as she wrestled with her own concerns. "About that..." she began slowly, her voice tinged with hesitation. "I wanted to talk to you first about what happened back there before I told the girls."

With a gravity in her tone, Twilight recounted their encounter with Sunset's human counterpart, sharing her doubts and unease about the situation. "It might just be my imagination, but Sunset, my alimentary canal, is telling me that there's something off about her demeanor."

Sunset's anxiety deepened as she listened to Twilight's account. She had hoped for a connection with her human counterpart, but it appeared that her other self was enigmatic and potentially untrustworthy. Twilight looked up at Sunset with a serious and worried expression, her concern reflecting in her eyes.

"It does sound like she's trying to hide something," Sunset agreed, her mind racing with questions. "But maybe we shouldn't jump to conclusions yet. I want to meet her in person, and maybe I'll use my geode to read what's really on her mind. Maybe we should discuss this with our friends first."

Sunset and Twilight returned to Rainbow Dash's room, where the other girls were deep in their conversation regarding the missing geodes. Despite the underlying unease and worry, their primary focus remained the geodes. Sunset mulled over the situation, her thoughts repeatedly circling back to her human counterpart's cryptic invitation.

Pinkie Pie's excitement was palpable as she spotted Sunset and Twilight entering the room.

"Sunshim, Twilight! You're back!"

The rest of the girls turned their attention to Sunset and Twilight.

"We gotta figure out who's been swipin' them geodes, find out why, and make sure they face the long arm of the law," Applejack declared, her unshakable determination ringing clear in her voice.

Rainbow Dash nodded vigorously in agreement. "Absolutely! We can't just sit idly by and let them get away with it!"

"But we're also meeting human Sunset tomorrow, right?" Pinkie Pie interjected.

A momentary hush settled over the group as they contemplated this. Rainbow Dash eventually conceded, "Oh, right. I nearly forgot about that."

Sunset's curious gaze fixed on Rarity, who was engrossed in her task, fingers dancing across the keyboard of Rainbow Dash's computer.

Sunset's inquiry cut through the silence. "What are you searching for, Rarity?"

With unwavering determination, Rarity replied, "I'm currently endeavoring to locate your human counterpart, my dear. I've made extensive efforts, employing your name on Hoovle and various social media platforms, such as YouSaddle, SnapGab, and MyStable. Yet, regrettably, all I've managed to discover is information about you. There seems to be no trace of your human counterpart, much to my chagrin."

Leaning in closer, Sunset and the girls peered over Rarity's shoulder at the computer screen. "Yeah, I tried searching for her a few times in the past but gave up because I couldn't find anything, which is rather perplexing."

Twilight pondered for a moment before unveiling her plan. "I have an idea. I think I know how to find her."

"With your nerdy hacking skills?" Rainbow Dash teased.

Pinkie chimed in with her typical enthusiasm, "Magic?"

Twilight shook her head, her eyes filled with determination. "No, well, I could use my hacking skills, but there's a simpler way."

"And what might that be?" Applejack inquired with a curious tilt of her hat.

Twilight settled beside Rarity, her fingers deftly working the keyboard as the other girls gathered around, anticipation in their eyes.

"The Everton University website?" Rarity recognized the site from their prior discussions. "Isn't that the university you aspire to attend, Twilight?""

Twilight nodded. "Yes, that's the university I intend to enroll in someday. When Pinkie and I met Sunset's human counterpart earlier, she was wearing the Everton University uniform. The website for Everton University includes a method to safeguard the confidentiality of its students' personal information. It's a highly prestigious school, and its student body primarily comprises the extremely wealthy or exceptionally intelligent. This explains their stringent privacy measures. Sunset's human counterpart's information, which we can't easily find elsewhere, must be here."

With a few swift keystrokes, Twilight gained access to the university website and logged in, revealing a wealth of information about its students.

"And bingo!" Twilight exclaimed, a smug smile on her face, her self-satisfied expression evident to all. Her fingers danced across the keyboard, unveiling the sought-after information.

Sunset was genuinely impressed, her eyes wide with wonder. "Wow, Twi! That's amazing. How did you do that?"

Blushing slightly, Twilight rubbed the back of her neck and chuckled nervously. "Well... I had been researching Everton University since my junior high days at Crystal Prep. I've had some experience hacking their system in the past." Adjusting her glasses, she continued, "But I had never searched for individual student information before, only the school's details and course offerings."

Rainbow Dash couldn't resist a teasing remark. "You mentioned an 'easier way,' but why does it still involve your nerdy hacking skills?"

Twilight gave Rainbow Dash a wry look before proceeding to search for Sunset Shimmer's name in the Everton search bar. Multiple names and pictures popped up on the screen, and the girls leaned in eagerly.

Excitement bubbled in Pinkie's voice as she pointed out, "There she is, and oh! There she is as well! Is this her junior high school photo? Her hair was longer back then. Oh, and there's a photo of her in primary school too!"

Fluttershy's gentle voice cooed, "Awww, she looks so adorable, just like Sunset."

"Seems like she's been plantin' her roots in that school since she was knee-high to a grasshopper, don't it?" Applejack noted.

Rarity exclaimed in astonishment, "Darling! She really does resemble you!" She glanced at Sunset, who was gazing at her human counterpart's childhood photos, a mix of emotions crossing her face.

Sunset couldn't tear her eyes away from the childhood photos of her human counterpart. A strange blend of emotions filled her as she muttered, "So, this is what I looked like as a human child. I only saw myself as a filly when I looked in the mirror at my parents' house when I was a kid."

Fluttershy, with a hint of concern, studied the photos and remarked, "She looks so adorable and so much like Sunset, but why does she appear so empty and sad in her photos?"

As the girls observed Sunset's human counterpart's photos, a heavy silence settled in the room, the somber expressions on her face not escaping their notice.

Pinkie couldn't help but express heartfelt concern. "What if she had a difficult childhood? Oh no, poor Sunny."

"It does appear that the sparkle is missing from her eyes, doesn't it?" Rarity delicately noted. "Perhaps we should also search for photographs of her in her current state. One can only hope that she's doing better now."

With a click, Twilight displayed the most recent photos, her shock palpable as she read the accompanying information. "S-She's the school president at Everton University?! I-wait-what? And it also says here that she is one of the smartest students in-in…" She was too taken aback to finish her sentence.

"Someone's a little jealous," Rainbow Dash smirked, unable to resist teasing.

Twilight, her cheeks faintly tinged with embarrassment, retorted, "I am not jealous at all," though her eyes told a different story as she read the information.

Fluttershy, still studying the photos, observed, "She looks all right now, but... her eyes still hold the same sadness and emptiness; only now it appears..."

"That she wears a colder expression," Applejack chimed in, her brows furrowed in concern. "From all them photos, I can't spot a single smile."

Pinkie couldn't reconcile the photos with her own experiences. "That's strange. When Twilight and I met her in person, she had the warmest smile I've ever seen, and she didn't seem cold at all."

Twilight voiced her unease. "You may see it that way, Pinkie, but for me, the energy she gives off feels unsettling."

"Hmm, she did act oddly when I bumped into her, but she became so gentle and kind afterward," Pinkie pondered for a moment.

Rarity gracefully added her insight. "Tomorrow, when we have the pleasure of meeting her in person, all these mysteries will unfold." With a contemplative air, she continued, "I must say, she does give the impression of being quite charming, exquisitely attired, and ever so stylish, if I may be so bold."

"Well, sugarcube," Applejack added, “I reckon she's just like Sunset herself, but y'all can sure 'nuff tell 'em apart by the length of their hair and their choice of duds. It's as simple as tellin' a sheep from a goat, no doubt 'bout it."

Rainbow Dash couldn't help but make an observation as well. "Although I have to admit, she looks cooler than our Sunset." Her statement was met with a sharp, almost jealous glance from Sunset.

"No offense, Sunset." Rainbow Dash quickly backtracked, realizing her misstep. "I mean, she may be the cool one, but you're the hotter one! Like ice and fire!" She chuckled nervously, trying to diffuse the tension.

Sunset chuckled slightly at Rainbow's attempt to smooth things over. "How am I 'hot,' though?" she asked, a hint of a bittersweet smile on her face.

Rainbow panicked, her face blushing slightly, and in a nearly high-pitched tone, she nervously stammered, "I mean, I'm the hottest, but you are too!" In her desperation, she nudged Twilight, hoping she would come to her rescue. "Twilight agrees that you're hot too, right, Twilight?"

Twilight, caught off guard, stammered, her face flushed with embarrassment. "W-what? Why are you bringing me into this conversation?"

Sunset, momentarily feeling a hint of jealousy when compared to her human counterpart, managed to set it aside. She refocused on the matter at hand, asking, "Are there more details about her, Twilight?"

Twilight, absorbed in her search for information on the computer screen, responded, "Hmm, there's more information about her, but it mostly relates to her accomplishments and how they portray her as the ideal student at Everton University. It also mentions that she's one of the youngest billionaires in Manehattan City. Aside from that, there's not much available."

Rainbow Dash was astounded. "Whoa! She's a billionaire?" Rarity couldn't conceal her shock either, exclaiming, "A BILLIONAIRE?? MY GOODNESS, SUNSET! DARLING! I never fathomed that your human counterpart would be this affluent!"

Sunset, making an effort to hide any feelings of envy, offered a polite response. "Uh... well, good for her, I guess."

Pinkie Pie, with enthusiasm, chimed in with wide-eyed wonder. "Wow! I thought so too! I only thought that she was just a regular rich person, but wow, a billionaire? Wait—what's a billionaire again?"

Rainbow Dash provided an explanation. "It means she's incredibly rich, Pinkie, with enough money to last a lifetime."

Pinkie's eyes sparkled with delight. "Wow! Does that mean she can buy all the cupcakes in the world?"

"If she wants to, then yeah, it's possible." Rainbow grinned.

Pinkie's excitement knew no bounds. "Wowzie! That's so amazing!"

However, Rainbow Dash couldn't help but notice Sunset's human counterpart's disinterested expression on the computer screen. She leaned in, whispering, "Although, by the looks of that face, she seems completely uninterested in cupcakes."

Pinkie Pie, bewildered, shook her head in disbelief. "A person who doesn't like cupcakes?! Oh no! But why? Everyone likes cupcakes!" The concept of someone not sharing her boundless enthusiasm for cupcakes was truly perplexing to her.

As the group continued their search for information about Sunset's enigmatic human counterpart, Twilight's fingers danced across the keyboard. Her brow furrowed in concentration as she reported, "There isn't much personal information available. Although I did find her birthdate and place of birth, that's about it. Her birthdate matches Sunset's, and she was born in Manehattan."

Applejack couldn't help but express her unease. "Well, now, it's mighty peculiar, ain't it? It's got me scratchin' my noggin, seein' how there's so darn little info 'bout her out there on the internet. If she's supposed to be the bee's knees in Manehattan, why's it feel like we're diggin' for apples in a haystack just to find her info on the school's website?"

"That is indeed peculiar..." Fluttershy voiced her concern.

Applejack, however, couldn't help but voice her suspicions. "Now, I don't wanna go a-hootin' and hollerin' 'bout it just yet, but it's got me thinkin'. Ain't it the darnedest coincidence that our geodes were done up and disappeared 'round the same time that Sunset's human counterpart showed up?"

The room fell into a contemplative silence, with all eyes turning to Applejack. She continued, "Well, you know, reckon it's worth a good ol' ponder. Pinkie and Twilight crossed paths with Sunset's lookalike here in Canterlot City, and she seemed eager to make friends and get herself acquainted with us, especially takin' a shine to our gal, Sunset Shimmer."

Rainbow Dash, her intuition honed, stated, "It does seem rather suspicious now that you mention it."

Twilight interjected, her analytical nature urging caution. "That's also why I have reservations about her aura."

Fluttershy offered a note of caution, saying, "Girls, let's not rush to conclusions just yet because we haven't met her in person. We should give her a fair chance."

Sunset Shimmer, having considered their options, proposed a plan of action. "I agree with Fluttershy. Let's meet her in person first and find out why she wants to meet us, especially me. I plan to use my geode to read her thoughts tomorrow."

Twilight praised her strategic thinking. "Good idea, Sunset."

Sunset proceeded to outline their next course of action. "Now, all we need is a plan. Let’s meet tomorrow, before 3 p.m., in front of the Canterlot Palomino Hotel. Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie, and I should bring our geodes tomorrow and keep them close. Leaving them at home is too risky."

Fluttershy, however, couldn't help but voice her concern. "But what about tonight? What if the thief breaks into our houses and steals our geodes?"

Sunset pondered for a moment when Pinkie Pie sprang into action. "Then let’s have a sleepover at my place tonight! That way, we can all look out for each other!"

"Oh, right! Great idea, Pinkie!" Rainbow Dash enthusiastically supported the plan.

Just as it seemed the plan was coming together, Twilight stood up from her chair and delivered a surprising declaration. "NO!"

The sudden outburst left everyone in the room astonished. Rarity, concerned, inquired, "What's the matter, darling?"

Twilight took a deep breath but continued to pant and sweat, her words stumbling out in an almost incomprehensible jumble. "I-I... I can’t... I’m sorry, but, uh, m-me and Spike have, uh, plans for the evening!"

Rainbow Dash leaned back and gave Twilight a skeptical look. "You're obviously lying, Twilight, and you're not very good at it."

Twilight nervously glanced at Rainbow, causing her to sweat even more anxiously. "I... I-"

Rainbow wasn't finished. "You're probably just too shy to spend the night with us because you're on the phone with your boyfriend, Timber, all night."

Rarity, with her knack for reading between the lines, couldn't hide her amusement. "My, my, I was nearly on the verge of forgetting about that little detail! Oh, Twilight! How positively enchanting! We certainly wouldn't dream of encroaching upon your cherished moments with Timber, dear. We completely comprehend if that's the reason you're inclined to decline our invitation for an overnight stay..."

Applejack spoke with a heartfelt, down-to-earth charm. "Well, Twilight, ain't no need for fibbin' 'round here. We're as open as a barn door on a sunny day, so don't you worry, none, Sugar Cube."

Twilight's cheeks turned a deep shade of crimson as she stammered, "N-no, we aren't at all!"

Sunset Shimmer patted Twilight's shoulder gently. "It's alright, Twi. There's no need to hide it. We support you in this."

"I reckon I'm in the same boat. The farm's callin' me, and I can't leave Granny Smith to tackle those heavy chores all on her own. Don'tcha fret, though; I'd love to join y'all, but not tonight. Maybe next time, when the apples ain't demandin' quite so much attention."

"Aww, that's a bummer," Pinkie Pie's head drooped. Sunset patted her head and smiled at her. "Don't worry, Pinkie. We'll have a sleepover soon if everyone is free."

Pinkie's eyes shone with excitement. "Really?! Yippee!!" She jumped up and down with joy.

Sunset's tone then turned serious as she outlined a new plan. "Let's adjust the plan for tonight. Putting all of our geodes in one place is risky; they'll be too exposed. Let's each do our best to guard our geodes for the rest of the night. Lock all doors and windows tightly, and maybe put something in front of them for added security. Hide your geodes well, but keep them within reach at all times. Be vigilant, and don't let your guard down. It won't be easy, but let's do our best."

The girls all nodded in agreement. Twilight gazed out the window and noticed that the sun was setting below the horizon.

"Well, it's getting late," she observed. "We should head home before it gets dark. There's a good chance the thief might target us if we're out at night."

Sunset added, "Twilight is right and remember that we should also prepare our homes for the night, sealing any possible entrances."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the girls bid their farewells and embarked on their separate journeys home. Sunset made her way to her motorcycle, parked in front of Rainbow Dash's house, preparing for her ride. However, just as she was about to set off, Twilight's voice called out to her from behind.

"Hey, Twi. I thought you had already left. What’s up?" Sunset inquired, turning around to face her friend, a sense of curiosity in her tone.

Twilight hesitated, her gaze locked on the ground, and her head gently shook as if trying to dispel an invisible burden. "Sunset... I-"

There was a palpable weight in Twilight's silence, a feeling that she had something of great significance to share, yet her hesitation hung in the air. Sunset, with her unwavering gaze, waited for Twilight's response, her concern apparent.

Twilight finally looked up, her nerves betraying her as she spoke. "A-Ah... N-Never mind. I’m fine!" She offered an awkward smile. "I... I’ll see you tomorrow then."

Sunset, undeterred, studied Twilight's troubled expression with genuine care. "Twilight? If there’s something bothering you, I am always here to listen."

Twilight's eyes darted as if she yearned to reveal a hidden truth but couldn't muster the words.

"I... I’m alright," Twilight stammered, her smile widening. "Just a little worried about the t-thief! Yeah, the thief! But I don’t feel scared anymore! I think I can handle it!" She practically beamed. "Gotta go now! See you again tomorrow, Sunset!"

Before Sunset could respond, Twilight dashed off to catch the departing public bus. Sunset watched the bus recede into the distance, perplexed and somewhat uneasy. "Um, okay? Uh, bye?" she murmured, her confusion evident.

As Sunset revved up her engine and sped away in the direction of her home, she couldn't help but ponder Twilight's behavior. Something seemed amiss. She remembered Twilight's tears from a few weeks ago, following their battle with Sombra. She had been there for Twilight, offering solace and support in those trying days. Though Twilight had seemed to recover recently, Sunset still hoped that Twilight wasn't having trouble with Midnight Sparkle again.

With these thoughts, Sunset continued her journey, her mind filled with unease and questions about her friend's well-being.

Chapter 1: Troubled minds

Inside a sumptuous penthouse nestled in the heart of Manehattan City, a woman stood before an elegant desk, her eyes locked onto the luminous glow of her laptop screen. Across the screen, a bespectacled man engaged her in a video call, his voice a blend of sternness and concern.

"Could you please elucidate why your presence is now conspicuous on platforms like YouSaddle, SnapGab, and MyStable, especially considering your prior inclination towards maintaining a low profile? Furthermore, what strategies do you intend to employ to ascend to the position of CEO within your family's company amidst this heightened attention? How do you envision accomplishing this goal while being scrutinized by an attentive audience?"

The woman, initially captivated by her laptop's screen, turned her attention to the websites the man mentioned. A deluge of articles and videos had inundated her digital space. She clicked on the video at the top of the list and began to watch.

A resounding news anchor announced, "Behold, the leader of the Rainbooms!"

A girl with vibrant rainbow-hued hair playfully interjected, "Hey! I thought I was the leader?!"

Another girl, freckled and exuding a charming farmgirl persona, let out an exasperated groan. "For the umpteenth time, Dash, no siree, you're plum not!"

"There is no leader among us." said a girl with a tangle of unruly red and yellow hair.

The rainbow-haired girl sighed in frustration. "They've clearly referred to you as the—oh, never mind."

The heroic girls on the screen, identified as "the heroes," engaged in an animated discussion, playfully scolding the rainbow-haired girl who loitered in the background. The news reporter then extended her microphone toward the girl with the fiery red-yellow hair. As the woman watched the broadcast, she found herself in a state of shock.

The red-yellow-haired girl spoke into the microphone, declaring, "We've made a solemn vow to protect Canterlot City, no matter the challenges. Be it dark magic or any other threat, we will do everything within our power to stop it.”

The woman perused the various articles, chronicling the exploits of these half-pony girls who had saved Canterlot City from impending doom and highlighting their heroic deeds and the mysterious magical occurrences within the city. The man reappeared on the screen, his tone unwavering.

"What prompted your presence in the rather ordinary and unremarkable city of Canterlot, Sunset? Furthermore, how did you find yourself entangled in this curious amalgamation of magical heroism? I earnestly request a thorough and comprehensive explanation," he insisted, his resolve unwavering.

The woman replied, her voice tinged with confusion and disbelief, "This individual on the screen, it's not me," still bewildered by the uncanny resemblance between herself and the red-haired girl on screen. "It's someone who bears a striking resemblance to me. I find it exceedingly difficult to grasp. It seems... implausible."

"We simply cannot permit these headlines to besmirch our esteemed reputation," the man asserted. "I fervently hope for these issues to be promptly resolved."

The woman hesitated but opened MyStable, typing her name cautiously. She expected not to find an account there, yet her name and image appeared on the platform. It was unquestionably her, and yet, it wasn't her at all—a perplexing duality. She clicked on the profile and was met with the words, "the hero of Canterlot and leader of the Rainbooms, Sunset Shimmer." Absurd as it seemed, she couldn't deny the striking resemblance between herself and this enigmatic girl.

"Sunset?" The man's voice broke her reverie.

She sighed, her emotions conflicting. "Kindly grant me a week's respite to address this matter."

"Understood. We cannot allow our reputation to be tarnished by these news articles. While I may not fully grasp the complexities of the situation, I entrust you to swiftly uncover a solution."

"Understood... Uncle."

The call ended, leaving the woman to confront the relentless news articles on her laptop, all featuring a girl with her face and her stolen identity.

"Yellow."

A butler with a complexion like pale sunshine, an elaborate mustache, and black hair adorned with striking white streaks, elegantly dressed in traditional butler's attire, entered the room. "Yes, m'lady?"

"Fetch my coat."

The butler promptly retrieved her pristine white coat, elegantly embroidered with the Everton Academy emblem on its breast pocket, and assisted her in putting it on.

"May I inquire, m'lady, as to our destination for the day?"

The woman's countenance grew even colder. "I have the intention to rendezvous with my doppelgänger, the one who resides in Canterlot City."

Weeks had drifted by since the devastating attack by Sombra, leaving the city in a state of reconstruction. Sunset Shimmer and her friends were slowly recuperating from their injuries sustained during the last battle.

One bright morning, bathed in the golden rays of the sun, Sunset and Pinkie Pie found themselves in the charming atmosphere of the Sweet Snacks Café. The day was still young, and the cafe was relatively quiet, allowing the few customers present to relax and enjoy their treats in peace. However, Sunset was not sharing the same sense of contentment. She sat in a secluded corner, her face buried in her hands, exuding an air of despondency.

Their high school graduation had come and gone a few months earlier, and it was starting to weigh on Sunset's mind. She felt a growing unease about her future. While she was currently juggling part-time jobs to make ends meet, the money she was earning was far from enough to cover her college tuition for the future. The real question, however, was whether she even knew what she wanted to study or pursue.

Despite her considerable talents in various areas, Sunset remained uncertain about her path. The dreams she had nurtured since her youth—of becoming a powerful princess like Princess Celestia and ruling Equestria—had evolved and changed.

As Sunset was lost in her thoughts, her contemplation was interrupted by Pinkie Pie, who waved her finger in front of Sunset's face.

"SUNSET!" Pinkie exclaimed. "Have you heard about the new candy shop in town?" She thrust her phone in front of Sunset, displaying a picture of the enticing store. "It just opened two days ago, and I didn't even get a notification! We have to go there soon!"

Sunset gazed at Pinkie with a troubled expression. "Yeah," she responded with a distant tone. "We should definitely check it out sometime."

Concern flickered in Pinkie's eyes as she probed further. "Hey, is everything okay?"

Sunset Shimmer let out a heavy sigh, her face reflecting her inner turmoil. "I'm not sure what to do now. I've finished high school, but I'm uncertain about going to college. It seems like everyone else is already on their way to building their futures."

"Twilight, for instance, aspires to become an engineer-scientist and is planning to attend Everton University. Applejack wants to deepen her knowledge of farming and baking right here in Canterlot. Rainbow is gearing up for a career in professional sports. Rarity is opening her own boutique. Fluttershy, meanwhile, has always had a passion for veterinary medicine and is already self-studying. And you, Pinkie, are pursuing courses in party planning and baking. Then there's me, who's struggling to figure out what I want."

Sunset slumped forward, resting her head on the table and emitting a despondent groan.

Pinkie's eyes twinkled with enthusiasm. "There are so many exciting things you can explore, Sunset! You could be a rock star or maybe dabble in pastries with me, hmm, although I know you're not too fond of them, but hey! The possibilities are endless!"

Suddenly, Twilight Sparkle entered the café, approaching their table. "Rainbow lost her geode this morning."

"Again?" Sunset questioned.

"I know, we've warned her countless times about keeping it safe, but she's not listening," Twilight said, crossing her arms. "Typical Rainbow Dash."

"Did she misplace it in her room again, or worse, in the sports area?" Pinkie mused, "Because it would be a real challenge to find it there."

Twilight gently massaged her temples, a pensive frown furrowing her brow. "She claims her geode vanished this morning, right from her nightstand, next to her lava lamp."

Sunset furrowed her brow as well. "I hope she finds it soon. You never know when we might need to deal with equestrian magic again."

Twilight remained silent, choosing to sit beside Pinkie, her gaze steady on Sunset's eyes.

"Is something on your mind, Twilight?" Sunset inquired.

A fleeting, nervous smile appeared on Twilight's lips. "Oh, uh, it's nothing," she stammered.

Pinkie observed them both, her infectious enthusiasm barely contained. "I know just the thing to lift your spirits! How about a generous bowl of delicious ice cream, decked out with sweet sprinkles and delectable toppings? I'll fetch it right away!"

Without waiting for a response, Pinkie Pie sprang from her seat and dashed to the nearby counter to secure the ice cream, leaving the two other girls with lingering concerns etched on their faces.

"I..." they began almost simultaneously, then shared an astonished look before breaking into laughter.

Sunset chuckled. "You go first."

"No, you."

"Alright then."

Sunset Shimmer reiterated her concerns, expressing her uncertainty regarding her post-high school plans. She openly shared her desire to discover a meaningful path and her anxiety about saving enough money to cover the monumental tuition fees for her future college education, which her part-time jobs couldn't fully offset, despite her diligent efforts.

Twilight listened attentively, her heart going out to her friend on the brink of tears. "It's undoubtedly a challenging situation. Maybe take some time to explore your options. Scholarships could be within reach if you work hard for them, and saving a portion of your part-time earnings might help with college expenses."

"But..." Sunset began hesitantly, "is it worth it?"

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"I... I kind of miss my old world," Sunset muttered, her gaze drifting to her lap.

Just as the conversation was getting more serious, Pinkie returned with a massive bowl of ice cream, placing it in front of the two girls.

"I'm back!" she squealed. "I ordered the family-sized one so we can share it! Oh, sorry, did I interrupt something?"

Sunset smiled at Pinkie. "Not at all, Pinkie. Thanks for the ice cream."

"My pleasure! It's all on me, thanks to my discount from when I used to work here."

The trio dug into their ice cream, savoring each bite.

"So, Twilight," Sunset began, "what's on your mind?"

Twilight Sparkle glanced at her own scoop, hesitating. She didn't want to burden Sunset with her troubles when she was already grappling with her own.

Twilight managed a faint smile. "It's not important."

Sunset studied her response carefully but decided to honor her friend's wishes. "Alright," she said, gently placing her hand on top of Twilight's and offering a reassuring smile. "But if you ever feel like talking about it," she continued, "I'm here for you."

After finishing their treat, they left the diner.

"I'll see you later," Sunset said. "I need to check on Rainbow and her missing geode."

"Sure, Sunset," Pinkie replied. "Let's plan to visit that new candy shop soon!"

"Sounds great, Pinkie! And see you later, Twilight! I've got to run!"

With Sunset Shimmer gone, Pinkie and Twilight strolled together along the bustling sidewalk of a busy intersection. Pinkie Pie chattered away about the candy shop when Twilight suddenly flinched and covered her eyes.

Concerned, Pinkie rushed to her side. "Are you okay, Twilight?"

"Yeah, I think so. Just some dirt in my eye..."

As Pinkie comforted her, her eyes focused on a distant figure, a red-haired woman not far from them.

"Wait... is that...?" Pinkie squinted. "Is that... Sunset?"

Twilight looked in the direction Pinkie was staring and saw a woman who resembled Sunset, but something was off.

"I thought she was going to Rainbow Dash's house. Why is she still here, and why does she look different?"

“Sunshim!” Pinkie excitedly waved at the figure and rushed to embrace them. "Silly Sunset! We thought you were with Rainbow already. And when did you cut your hair? And what's with this attire you're wearing? Are you going to a party without us?!"

The woman turned to Pinkie with confusion and coldness in her eyes. "Do I know you?"

Pinkie stepped back, her excitement fading. She glanced at the woman who looked like Sunset and then walked back to Twilight. Both girls were genuinely puzzled, having initially believed that it was Sunset.

The woman in the white suit adjusted her coat and regarded them with a cold expression. "I have no recollection of cultivating any friendships. May I inquire, Who is this 'Sunshim' you alluded to?”

A man, out of breath, rushed to her side. "M’lady! I found you at last. May I know as to the identities of these civilians with whom you are engaged in conversation?"

"Is it customary for the residents of Canterlot to extend such a warm welcome?" the woman asked.

"Indeed, it would seem so, m’lady. It appears that they do recognize you.”

The woman examined the two girls once more, realizing they resembled the ones she saw on the news who were with her doppelgänger. She offered a slight smile as her icy demeanor began to thaw. "Might I presume that I am anticipated to be acquainted with the both of you?"

Author's Note

The timeline of The Setting of Two Suns actually happens after The Battle of Sombra story that I made before on Instagram (still can be found in my Instagram. Just search the story highlight named Battle Sombra 1 and Battle Sombra 2)

This story is still in progress. If anyone wants to leave some suggestions, you are free to tell them. For anyone who wants to be a pre-reader, just give me a DM.