Chapters I stepped back after accepting a hug from Fluttershy as I eyed the portal with nervous anticipation. The last time I had been to Equestria was for a bit more nefarious reasons than my current reason.
I was a bit surprised Twilight was all for it considering my last visit. But I’m not gonna question it. I already had to turn down meeting Celestia again. That was the last thing I wanted to do there.
“Stay safe, have fun,” Applejack finished her mom lecture. “And be careful sugarcube.”
‘”Okay mom,” I teased and she rolled her eyes. “I’ll be back in two weeks time. Thanks for agreeing to keep an eye on my apartment Fluttershy.”
The shy girl nodded as I inhaled and prepared to step through as a mint green hand grabbed my wrist and I flinched instinctively, glaring at the girl.
“Lyra. What do you want?” I asked coolly as Bon Bon got her to let go of me.
“Take me with you!” Lyra screamed and held onto my shoulders as I sighed internally. I should have known she would have tried this. Note to self, do not talk about going to Equestria at the lunch table we share with Lyra.
“Lyra! Let go of the poor girl!” Bon Bon groaned and pried her off. “I’m so sorry about her. She gets excitable, like a puppy.”
“Are you implying I’m a bitch?” Lyra demanded and shot Bon Bon a glare.
“N-no of course not-” Bon Bon said hastily as she went pale and put her hands up.
“Because you’re right! I’m a bad bitch.”
I rolled my eyes and Rainbow snorted back a laugh. Lyra was practically a version of Rainbow, just not as arrogant about or anything. And she didn’t care about sports whatsoever so I guess the Rainbow comparison was a shit one. Pinkie would have been better but a toned down Pinkie.
“It’s fine I guess,” I mumbled and gave them a wary look. It hadn’t been entirely too long since they had hated me. “I can’t take you with me. Sorry.”
“Sorry not sorry,” Rainbow cut in and winced as Applejack smacked her upside the back of her head. “Ow!”
“Maybe next time after them I take my friends,” I suggested as Lyra’s face lit up. Oh boy, I’m really in for it now.
“Yes!” Lyra screamed and I jumped back. “Sorry.”
“Uh huh,” I muttered and stepped to the portal, shoving a hand through as Bon Bon gave a startled gasp.
“You think there’s other ponies on the side watching?” Pinkie asked curiously before she put her head in the swirling surface of the statue.
“Oh god help me,” Applejack groaned before she pulled Pinkie by her waist. “Calm down and collect ya self. Ah’ll give ya donuts later if you stop this.”
I rolled my eyes and inhaled, stepping through the portal fully as bright colors swirled around me. I felt my body changing as my hands shifted into hooves. Thank the gods this wasn’t painful because if so, I’d never come back.
I tumbled out onto my hooves as I swayed back and forth slightly before finding enough balance to rear back on my hind legs and place my forehooves on my waist.
“You know, we tend to use all four around here,” Twilight said casually and she set a coffee cup down on a table in her magic before levitating a book from the mirrors strange contraption next to it.
“You know, I’m gonna do that to everyone I come across in the future when I cross over,” I mused with a grin as we both hugged. “Thanks for letting me come over PT.”
“PT?” Twilight asked in confusion and I smiled slightly once we dropped down to proper all fours.
“Princess Twilight,” I clarified as she tilted her head. “It’s what PT means. I came up with it because I was bored one day in class.”
“Sunset!” Twilight snapped and I flinched.
“Don’t like it?”
“I don’t like you not focusing on your classes. This is your entire life!” Twilight shouted and started pacing. “I mean, your very future is on the line here. We’re talking about college, jobs, everything Sunset! No more talking to me when you should be focusing. Understand?”
I watched as she continued ranting in silence. I knew she could be a bit over the top from Spike but I had no idea it was like this. This reminded me of my mom in all honesty. Scarily similar, not gonna lie.
“Are you always like this?” I asked curiously and idly levitated a quill up, spinning it with a small smile. I missed having magic I could levitate stuff with. “Or is this just a one time thing? Because if so, Spike overplayed your freakouts.”
“Yeah I’m done,” Twilight said and blushed as I chuckled.
“Okay, sounds good.”
Twilight breathed again and I shifted on my hooves as I took another experimental step forward to the door of what I assumed was a library.
“Be careful,” Twilight warned and I paused.
“Of?” I asked as the door handle glowed a light blue.
“That’s the supply closet. The exit is to our left,” Twilight said casually and I blushed, turning around to my left.
“I knew that.”
“Sure you did,” Twilight snarked as I opened the door, glancing down the long hallway with wide eyes. “Where next?”
“Sweet Celestia,” I whispered in awe. “It’s so big!”
“If Rainbow or Pinkie were here, I’m fairly certain a dirty joke would follow that statement.”
We both burst out laughing as Twilight slipped past me and I rolled my eyes as I stated to follow her, occasionally glancing at door ways and random pictures on the wall or well, the lack thereof.
“You should decorate,” I commented as we started trotting down a staircase. “We’re both friends with Rarity. Surprised she hasn’t done something with this castle yet.”
“Believe me, she’s tried,” Twilight said in a tone that made me feel there was a much more dramatic story involved that I didn’t feel we had the time for. “It was an experience that’s for sure. It still doesn’t really feel like home I suppose, no matter how many books I cram inside it or Wonderbolt memorabilia.”
“Whaddya mean?”
“I’ll tell you later. I believe Spike was making lunch right now. I assume you’re hungry,” Twilight said as she looked at me once we paused at a door and my stomach growled.
“I may have forgotten to eat,” I admitted with a growing blush. “What’s Spike here? A dog or a-”
“Dragon.”
I paused and stared down in stunned silence at the small green and purple dragon wearing a white apron with a heart in the middle.
“I’m a dragon,” Spike said again and poked me with a claw. “I think I broke her. At least it’s better than the time the flower sisters first met me. My head hurt for days after that.”
“Sorry it’s just this is the last thing I expected,” I shook my mane and smiled slightly at him. “Hi Spike. Nice uh apron?”
“Thanks. Rarity gave me it for Hearths Warming last year,” Spike answered and I glanced around the small kitchen. “Anyway, I was there when you stole the crown. How didn’t you see me?”
I gulped nervously as my eyes drifted downward, faintly catching Twilight giving him a unimpressed glare.
“I wasn’t really paying attention to the area around me. I only was focusing on the crown,” I explained before I lifted my head up again. “Water under the bridge and all.”
“Agreed. So,” Twilight gestured me to the table. “Are you sure you don’t wanna see Celestia? I won’t push but...”
“I’m certain. I’m definitely not ready for all that yet.”
We fell silent as Spike joined us with some daisy sandwiches.
Celestia would probably toss me in jail or banish me from Canterlot or worse, Equestria. Or send me to Tartarus where all the other awful monsters go to-
Okay, enough of that train of thought. I’m going to enjoy my two weeks here and spend time with Twilight and Spike. Once I eat of course.
“Hey Sunset,” Twilight said and broke the silence.
“Yeah?” I asked as I took a bit of my sandwich and sighed contently.
“Why was there a pink face sticking out the mirror screaming hello earlier?”
“It’s really bigger on the outside,” I mused as I stared up at the castle in awe. To say I was jealous was an understatement. I had always wanted this and to be a princess, but I’ll be honest, I’m very happy for Twilight. From what I heard, she deserves it. “So you got this after beating Tirek? Wow.”
“Yep,” Twilight sighed sadly and scuffed a hoof against the dirt. “It’s nice and all, but I miss my library. Golden Oaks will always hold a special place in me and Spikes hearts.”
I followed her gaze to where a scorched spot of earth was visible as Twilight sighed again.
“Anyway!” Twilight forced a smile on her muzzle. “Let’s go for a walk or something. This got heavy. I think Spike is going to find Rarity and Flitter.”
I only know of those names really. I tapped a hoof against my chin before shrugging and trotting off to catch up with Twilight.
“So is this Rarity any different than the one I know?” I asked curiously as Twilight shrugged.
“Bit more mature and older obviously but not really any different than that. She lives with Sweetie Belle at Carousel Boutique,” Twilight answered as we continued down the dirt path and I started examining the town, faintly making out Canterlot on the mountain.
I’d always seen this town from the hill as a dot in the distance. Nothing more than an town in the middle of no where that I had no intention of ever going to till now. From what I’ve seen briefly and heard from the two, Ponyville ponies were quite friendly unless you were Trixie apparently.
“Huh, makes sense. Fluttershy just as shy?”
“Oh you have no idea,” Twilight laughed softly as some ponies waved at us. “Hey Big Mac.”
I stared with a dropped jaw at a very large earth pony trotting past with a wagon full of apples. His human counterpart was pretty strong so I feel I should have known his counterpart was an earth pony. I just didn’t expect him to look like that.
“Wow he’s a big ass earth pony,” I muttered and Twilight snickered.
“Yeah, he’s a big soft giant. He still has Smarty Pants and won’t give me her back,” Twilight grumbled and kicked the dirt with a hoof.
“Has what?”
Twilight blushed and avoided my eyes as I raised an eyebrow slightly.
“She’s a stuffed animal that I cast a Want It, Need It spell on to make the town fight over it to have a letter to send to Princess Celestia and well, it went less than well,” Twilight admitted and looked at me as my eyebrow climbed higher.
“Well, looks like I’m not the only one with a secret,” I teased as she blushed again. “I tried to enslave a high school and you made an entire town fight over a doll I take it?”
“Stuffed pony but yes. It was a unique time in Ponyville history.”
“I can imagine,” I said dryly and smirked at her.
“You two might wanna run,” a stallion trotted past and I shifted slightly into a defensive position. “Pinkie heard about a new mare in town and considering I’d remember a mane like that, I think she is coming for you. Good luck.”
“Oh boy,” Twilight muttered and we both froze at a bouncing pink mare cross over the hill, her eyes locking onto me.
“Should I run?” I asked and Twilight shook her head.
“Believe me, she will catch up with you no matter where you go. Ask Rainbow, she can speak from experience. All she will do is throw you a welcome to Ponyville party, most likely tonight and invite the town. You already know this, but Pinkie parties are something else. Especially when she and Berry Punch get together to plan one.”
I bit back a question as Pinkie skidded to a stop in front of me.
“Hi!”
“Hey Pinkie,” I smiled slightly as she examined me closer.
“I remember you. You’re the pony who stole Twilight’s crown,” Pinkie commented as she leaned back. “Oh my gosh! I get to throw a redeemed villain becoming my friend party tonight and invite the town!”
“Can we drop the villain part?” I asked hopefully and looked around. Thankfully the townponies were too busy to focus on us. “I’d be okay with just a welcome to town party I guess. I don’t wanna get any weird looks.”
“Hmm okay Sunset!” Pinkie announced and flung her forelegs around my neck as Twilight’s jaw dropped and I stared in surprise as Pinkie squeezed me tighter.
“H-help!” I wheezed and waved a hoof desperately at a shocked Twilight.
“Pinkie, she can’t breathe!” Twilight started pulling Pinkie away. “Are you alright Sunset?”
“I’m good,” I panted and slumped over on the ground as I continued gasping. “She has a strong grip like her human self. Dear god.”
“Sorry!” Pinkie sang and bounced away. “Bye Sunset, see you girls tonight.”
“You know, you might be the first pony and person to ever reason with Pinkie Pie,” Twilight mused as we watched the pink ball of energy disappear further into town. “Congrats.”
“Thanks.”
I sat at a table surrounded by the pony versions of my friends as I looked around at Sugarcube Corner decorated in red and orange that matched my mane and coat perfectly. I had spent a few hours meeting the pony versions of my classmates that ironically all lived here.
Reconnected with Lyra, which was nice. Been a long time I saw her last. Met Bon Bon and Octavia. The two were reserved but quite nice. Which was an exact opposite to their marefriends. Lyra and Vinyl were damn near the loudest ponies I know along with Pinkie.
“I still can’t get over the fact Derpy has two daughters,” I commented and shook my head, glancing over at Dinky and Amethyst next to Derpy. “She’s nice, no matter what world I go to.”
“Yeah she’s like that,” Applejack chuckled and tipped her hat at a passing pony. “Must say sugarcube, it’s nice to finally get to know ya. Twilight has said a lot about ya.”
“Oh has she?” I shot Twilight a teasing grin. “Someone have feelings for me or something?”
Twilight blushed and sputtered incoherent words as Rainbow started laughing.
“I like her,” Rainbow snickered and nudged me. “Tell the truth Twi.”
“I love Sunset like a sister but that’s it. She is a beautiful mare but it doesn’t go further than that,” Twilight said carefully and I laughed with Rainbow. “Yeah, yeah laugh it up you two.”
“Oh we are,” I chuckled and looked around, my eyes falling on Roseluck and her sisters laughing with some stallions. “I’m surprised everyone in town came. Nobody except Lyra and you all really know me.”
“Not that we really know you well darling. Hopefully we can change that,” Rarity said as she leaned against the table. “You have quite a flair to you shall we say. You’re a very recognizable mare. Maybe you wish to come try out some dresses sometime or go to the spa with me?”
“Sure,” I shrugged as my eyes fell on a persian colored pegasus with a messy light blue and white mane with pink eyes standing next to a similar looking mare with a pink bow in her mane and I froze.
“What do you see?” Twilight asked and Rarity followed my gaze, grinning wickedly.
“W-who is that? ” I asked as my mouth felt dry suddenly, pointing at the pegasus.
“That’s Cloudchaser,” Rainbow answered before a mischievous grin grew on her face. “Why?”
I felt a slow blush spread on my face as I watched Cloudchaser bit into a cupcake. My eyes drifted to her pasterns and my face felt hotter. I’d never say this out loud to but they looked really nice on her lean body. Don’t even get me started on her hind quarters.
“Equestria to Sunset?” Pinkie waved a hoof in front of my face and I quickly looked back at their smiling faces. “Somepony got their eye on a birdy.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” I scoffed and my eyes fell on Cloudchaser again. She was pretty nice looking mare. “It’s only my first day back in Equestria. But she is pretty attractive, I’ll give her that. Just like Rarity and you all but Rainbow isn’t my type and well, pegasus are my type.”
“What about Fluttershy?” Applejack asked and grinned.
“She’s beautiful too but I don’t know,” I admitted as Fluttershy brushed her mane aside.
“I appreciate the compliment but uhm I’m straight,” Fluttershy answered as she folded her wings. “I got my eye on somepony anyway.”
“Yeah we all know you wanna jump on Discords bones,” Rainbow rolled her eyes as Applejack laughed and Fluttershy let out an eep while Rarity glared at the pair. “Wanna go meet Cloudchaser since you’ve been staring at her for the last ten minutes?”
“Maybe I do,” I said uncertainty.
“She’s single,” Fluttershy offered as we all stared. “Uhm according to Thunderlane, that is.”
Cloudchaser glanced back at me as I downed a glass of water and she flashed me a warm smile that made me feel weird inside.
I smiled back and I cursed internally.
“Come on, I’ll introduce you two after the party. I know her pretty well,” Rainbow offered with a wicked grin.
“You’d really do that for a stranger?”
“Hey, we’re friends now. Anything you need, I’ll be there,” Rainbow answered with a shrug. “And besides, I get to see you squirm next to your mare.”
I turned red as everyone laughed, including Twilight.
May Celestia have mercy on my poor, poor soul.
Author's Note
Getting a Cloudchaser phone case this Tuesday for my new phone. Kinda excited ngl. Going on a Cloudchaser rabbit hole recently. She's so cool lol.
I swished my tail as I followed Rainbow or well, followed the smell of cider to be exact. The mare reeked of alcohol and I don’t blame her honestly. I miss being able to drink legally. I should probably ask around and find the best bar around town. From the rumors I’ve already heard, Berry Punch ran the local tavern and was the best at it.
If memory served me right, a toothpaste looking unicorn had carried Berry Punch home. She had looked oddly familiar but not sure why. Lyra is the only pony I really remember from my past.
“I think I’m gonna go back to the castle,” I mused and shifted nervously. “I mean, it’s not a huge deal to met her.”
“Nope. You’re meeting my co worker and that’s that,” Rainbow proclaimed as she dropped behind me and started pushing me forward. “Don’t get cold hooves, let’s move!”
I growled slightly as she continued pushing my flanks.
“If you don’t get your hooves off my flank,” I warned as she stopped pushing me. “Thank you.”
We both stopped walking as I inhaled the air. It was something I didn’t know I missed until I was here. The human world was so noisy and smelled awful. Here, it’s so quiet and peaceful. The only noises are ponies or insects. The occasional monster in the Everfree making noises.
My nose twitched at the smell of lilies and I was definitely sure it wasn’t Rainbow. She smelled more like a football game with beer mixed in.
“Hey Rainbow,” Cloudchaser stood in front of us with that smile I liked a lot. It suited her a lot. “Hey stranger.”
“H-hi,” I stammered and internally cursed myself out. I’m Sunset Shimmer, I don’t get phased by thinking someone or somepony is attractive. I’m the dominant one, not a shy pony like Fluttershy. “Hey there.”
“Hey Cloudy,” Rainbow grinned and hovered behind me as she wrapped a hoof around my neck. “This is my friend, Sunset Shimmer. She’s visiting from out of town for the next few weeks.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” Cloudchaser said smoothly as I shook her hoof. Her voice sounded smooth as silk and easy on the ears. Her hoof was soft and I stared for a second longer than I should.
“Likewise,” I said as my mouth went dry again as I examined her lean frame yet again. I should have brought more water with me.
“I’ll see you around Rainbow. Gotta escort my baby sister home,” Cloudchaser rolled her eyes and smiled again at me. “Thank Celestia Flitter is inside still otherwise she’d give me the twin lecture again.”
Rainbow gave a low chuckle as I yawned behind a hoof.
“You know,” Rainbow said casually as we watched Cloudchaser trot away to Sugarcube Corner where a similar looking pegasus that I saw earlier with the pink bow was waiting. “I have weekly dinners with them and Fluttershy. Fluttershy was right about Cloudy being single. You can come along as my guest and I’ll be your wing mare.”
“It’s fine,” I waved a hoof casually in the air. “I don’t want to intrude. That’s your guys thing.”
“Look, do you want the Cloudchaser shaped bird or not?” Rainbow demanded as she slammed a hoof into the dirt and swayed slightly before I caught her with my magic. “Thanks.”
“I don’t even know if I like her. I just met her today Rainbow. And I live in a whole ‘nother world, remember? I’ve literally only been here a span of about twelve hours or so,” I reminded her flatly as she rolled her eyes.
“Okay fine. If I beat you in a race, you have to come to dinner with me and Cloudchaser. If you by some miracle win, you don’t gotta go,” Rainbow suggested and gave me a devilish grin. “Deal?”
Rainbow spread her wings and crouched low as I chewed my lip.
“Deal.”
I flopped onto my back on the bed in the room Twilight had allowed me to use as Rainbow fluttered above me with a proud smirk as Twilight and Spike both gave me concerned looks.
“You could have told me how fast she was or that she could do a sonic rainboom,” I gasped out and levitated a bottle of water to me. “Sweet Jesus.”
“What’s a Jesus?” Rainbow asked and frowned slightly. “Anyway, you did almost beat me. I’d be more upset about you using magic to run faster but I never said you couldn’t so. And besides, I did say you’d need a miracle to beat me. I’m the fastest thing in Equestria.”
“Why the hell aren’t you a Wonderbolt yet?” I demanded breathlessly as her eyes lit up.
“Don’t feed her ego,” Twilight warned with a smirk. “She goes to the Wonderbolt academy alongside some other ponies here in town.”
“I’m just a reservist right now. Maybe one day they’ll make me a full fledged member. Then I can show off for all of Equestria and get paid for it!” Rainbow cheered as she flew into the ceiling. “Ow!”
I giggled softly as she rubbed her head with a wing, wincing slightly before she grinned at me.
“And since I won, you have to follow through with our bet. If nothing happens between you and her, I’ll never make you again. But if something does, you owe me big time!”
I grimaced slightly at that. The list could honestly be endless and let’s be real, I don’t have any bits to do anything crazy expensive.
“You owe me a cider!” Rainbow flung a hoof and I sighed in relief. Cider was relatively cheap, even the nice brands were only a few bits. “And all the details. I’m not Rarity, but I do enjoy my fair share of gossip. Like the fact Soarin and Fleetfoot are sleeping together.”
Twilight rolled her eyes and I snickered with Rainbow.
“Anyway, I’ll come get you in a few days. Don’t tell Rarity anypony because she will freak and try to turn this into a full blown date. We’re just testing the waters with these two. I’m looking at you Spike!” Rainbow continued and shot Spike a look. “We all know how tight you and Rares are.”
“Fine. I’m going to go sleep now. Night Sunset. It’s nice to see you again in your true pony form again,” Spike waved a claw and waddled through the door.
“Bye Spike!” We called out. “Sleep well!”
“So ready to own up and do your part?” Rainbow asked as she leaned toward me with a large grin that screamed she was planning something. That made me more worried. Rainbow planning stuff usually went poorly. For both versions I heard.
“I’m a mare of my word,” I sighed finally and locked eyes. “Yes, I will go to dinner with you and your friends.”
“And your potential marefriend,” Twilight teased as I rolled my eyes with a faint pink tinge on my cheeks.
“Maybe get you laid. I’m pretty sure the leak in my sink has seen more action than you have recently,” Rainbow commented and I choked on air.
“Hey!” I snapped and shot her a glare. “I’ve been laid recently. And besides, I’m not interested in hooking up with Cloudchaser.”
“When the dinosaurs roamed the earth,” Rainbow answered and I snorted as I cuddled up against the blankets.
“It was uh,” I searched for the words. “Sweet Celestia, it was almost two to three years ago. I doubt your any better Dash.”
“Oh it was five years ago,” Rainbow said instantly and her eyes widened as she sat down on her plot and Twilight started laughing with me. “Damn.”
I grinned in triumphant as I rested my head on the pillow. After trying to catch Rainbow for damn near an hour, I needed this desperately.
I’m just not entirely looking forward to going to dinner with Rainbow.
Knowing my luck, I’d embarrass myself somehow.
I rolled onto my stomach and sighed contently pulling the blankets around me. Applejack may call it lazy, but I always stay in bed on the weekends until twelve or so. I love my bed and that means here too in Equestria. Nothing compares to soft sheets and blankets, especially when they’re warm and the magic I’ve used on them kept them warm all night. Damn near felt like a burrito almost.
“Are you awake?” Twilight asked outside the door and I groaned. “What?”
“Unfortunately. I’ve been up since ten,” I grumbled and rolled onto my back and covered my eyes with a hoof followed by a wince. I yanked the curtains closed with my magic and took a sip of my water I had on the nightstand. “Don’t ask what I’ve been doing.”
“Now I feel like I should ask,” Twilight mused and I snorted a laugh. “Do I need to wash the sheets or something?”
“Twilight!” I snapped and sat up. I had expected her to be last of all ponies to imply I was doing that of all things. I expected that from Pinkie or honestly, Fluttershy. She acts shy but she’s the most dirty minded of us all. I remember the time we played cards against humanity and Jesus, I learned things that night I never expected to. “No, you don’t. I wasn’t doing anything crazy. Lordy, I never expected that to come from your mouth.”
“Don’t underestimate me,” Twilight teased and I imagined her sticking her tongue out at me. “Anyway, Rarity and Fluttershy are both here. They asked if you wanted to come to the spa with them. I left you a bag of bits in your saddlebags on the table. Go explore the town. Or you can help me restock the library. It’s gonna be so much fun Sunset, you’d love it.”
My eyes widened at the implication. That sounded the opposite of my idea of a good time. Well, guess my choice was already made.
I bit into my foreleg to stifle a moan as I felt Aloe or Lotus continue working out the tension of my lower back. I didn’t really know who was who, they been seemed really similar and I only saw them briefly before I was laying on my stomach.
“You are very tense miss,” Spa One said. I didn’t really remember who was so I’m just gonna call them Spa One and Spa Two for now.
“I guess I am. Life is stressful at times, Aloe,” I admitted and sighed again as she let out a faint laughing sound.
“I’m Lotus. Easy mistake to make. We do sound fairly similar. We are twins after all. We do everything together,” Lotus explained and pressed her hoof higher up my back. “My sister is with Miss Rarity and Miss Fluttershy. Do you want me to file you horn Miss Sunset?”
“Sunset is fine. Don’t gotta keep calling me miss- oh that feels really good- and sure, why not?” I shrugged to the best of ability. I was more grateful it was her and not Bulk Biceps giving me a massage. He seems like he’d easily break my spine in two and then I’d be dead. I personally prefer my spine being in one piece, not a million small ones. “So where are you from? That accent isn’t one like I heard around here.”
“Stalliongrad. My sister and I moved to Ponyville to pursue our dreams of opening a spa. Our grandma had a spa here and she got too old to keep it up so we scraped the bits together to get Aloe here first and then she worked a few odds till we could afford to send me over here,” Lotus explained as I nodded. “You may sit up now.”
I sat up and stretched slowly as she bit onto the handle of a horn filer and slowly rubbed it against my horn as I bit my lip after a moan escaped my throat.
“Sorry,” I mumbled and she smirked slightly. “Horns are sensitive.”
“I know. Most unicorns that come in here make various sorts of noises once I get to their horns. Sea Swirl is one of the loudest. At least you aren’t a stallion. The last one well, finished to me filing his horn,” Lotus answered with a blush and I snickered.
“Ah. Musta been unexpected. What’s the cleanup fee?” I asked with a smirk.
“I had to shower.”
I paused and stared with wide eyes as her cheeks turned a brighter red as I gave a low laugh.
“Oh, I see. You have my sincere apologies,” I teased and patted her shoulder before she turned to put the filer away. “Thanks for this. I didn’t even realize how much I needed this.”
“Anytime. I believe Miss Rarity and Miss Fluttershy are done with their normal treatments. Right this way Miss- er Sunset.”
I took a shaky step as she caught me in her hooves. She was surprisingly stronger than she looked but I guess that’s to be expected. I assume she had to occasionally lift heavy items here.
I followed her out the small room once I was able to walk straight where Rarity and Fluttershy were laying on their backs with mud or something on their faces. I don’t really go out to spas often, if at all. It’s not really my thing but I’d come back if Lotus was here.
“Hello darling,” Rarity said as she levitated some cucumbers off her eyes. I’ve never really understood that whole cucumbers over your eyes things. “Done already?”
“Yeah. Why do you two have cucumbers on your eyes exactly? Doesn’t that feel uncomfortable or something?”
“Because cucumbers have many benefits for your skin. Cucumbers are high in water content and contain acids that hydrate the skin. Cucumbers can also reduce swelling and puffiness while stimulating blood flow to the skin and are rich in vitamin C and folic acid, which can stimulate new cell growth and help your skin fight off environmental toxins,” Aloe explained with a smile as she continued giving Fluttershy a hooficure. “Cucumbers contain minerals like silica, potassium, and magnesium as well.”
“We chill them in our fridge and cut them ourselves. We throw them in the compost bin every night out back,” Lotus chimed in. “We originally debated cleaning them and donating them to less fortunate ponies but that’d be disgusting.”
“Spikey eats them often,” Rarity said with a grimace as Aloe and Lotus wiped the mud off the other twos faces.
“Oh.”
I shifted on my hooves as I watched Rarity follow Aloe to a counter and levitated some bits onto the counter with a small smile.
“This way,” Fluttershy gestured to the front door and I nodded with a flat expression.
“Uh huh- oh sweet Celestia,” I covered my eyes with a wince at the sun. “Bright out today.”
“Mhm.”
I watched Rarity stretch out slightly before trotting alongside us.
“So darling, anywhere else you wish to go?” Rarity asked with a smile as I continued looking around curiously. It was a pretty nice town, I’d been out for about thirty minutes before they had taken me to the spa.
“This is gonna sounds childish but ice cream,” I admitted and crossed my forelegs. “I love me some mint ice cream.”
“I could for some ice cream,” Fluttershy agreed with a faint smile. “I like vanilla.”
I sat at a table with Rarity and Fluttershy as I levitated a spoon into my mouth. They may have not had any mint in stock but Trotverse cherry fudge is just as good. And naturally, Pinkie somehow knew I’d ask for it.
“Sunset?”
“Yes Fluttershy?” My spoon hovered halfway to my mouth as Fluttershy and Rarity both giggled.
“You have something on your muzzle dear,” Rarity levitated a mirror from the counter up to my face and I stared at my mirror. I had ice cream all over my muzzle. “Here, have a wash cloth. The Cakes keep them at all the tables after the Sweetie Belle and Button Mash ice cream incident.”
I decided not to question that as I started wiping my muzzle off with a blush.
“Hey Sunset,” Cloudchaser snickered as she and Flitter trotted past. “You uh, got some ice cream on your muzzle still.”
I slammed my head into the table in response as Rarity chuckled.
I slowly started rocking back and forth in my chair, listening to the squeaking as I laughed internally. I never imagined I'd find balancing a chair on two legs and rocking back and forth entertaining until now.
"Are ya sure ya wanna meet the Crusaders? They're a nice bunch but are a hooffull or well, a handful in your case. Especially since ya said they hated you at one point," Applejack gave me a look as she sat across from at the table. "Ah'd let ya meet Granny but she is napping."
"I'm sure AJ. And that's okay, I'm sure I can meet her later on," I reassured her and stood up off the chair. "Now where is this tree house?"
"West orchard. Ah'll show ya the way Sunny," Applejack paused at the door and looked back at me quizzically. "Ah can call you Sunny, right?"
"Fine by me. At one point in my life, I'd have hated it but now it's fine," I answered and Applejack opened the door, gesturing me after her. "Lead the way. You do let me call you AJ, after all."
"Shoot, Ah let everypony call me that. Now come along because Ah ain't fond of waiting for ponies who lag behind," AJ tossed me a smirk as she straightened her Stetson.
"Can I ask a weird question?" I asked suddenly after a silence that was occupied by the crunching of leaves and sticks under our hooves.
"Shoot."
"What's with the hat? Your counterpart wears it constantly but she's never really talked about it. I mean, it really completes your look and all. Goes well with your mane and coat."
"It was mah dad's hat," Applejack said simply as I followed her deeper into the orchards and I examined the trees for moment. "He and Ma went on to greener pastures after Apple Bloom was born. Hay, she doesn't even really remember em unfortunately. They were some damn good ponies. Owe em a lot."
"I'd say sorry but I have a feeling you hear that a lot," I said and Applejack gave a dry chuckle.
"Sugarcube, ya have no idea how much we all hear that," Applejack lifted her head and I stared into her green eyes. "So thanks. Anyway, we're here."
I looked up at a decently sized tree house that had a staircase wrapped around as I followed Applejack up it, listening to our hooves clip clop on the wooden surface and Applejack pounded her hoof agaisn the door.
"Ah'm comin in!" Applejack called out and the door opened.
"Oh hey sis," a filly that I presumed was Apple Bloom glanced up from where was playing a card game with a unicorn and a pegasus. "Who's that?"
"This is mah friend Sunset. She came from out of town to visit me and the other girls. She asked to meet you three."
"Nice to meet ya," Apple Bloom nodded at me. "That there is Sweetie Belle and the other one is Scootaloo."
"You're pretty," Sweetie Belle announced as she looked me up and down as I gave her a warm smile. "I like your mane and eyes."
"Thanks Sweets," I chuckled and trotted over to a window. "I like your mane and eyes as well. Hi Scootaloo."
"Look at her cutie mark," Scootaloo trotted over and tapped it with a hoof. "It's cool as heck. Kinda reminds me of Celestia."
"Believe it or not, I used to be her at student before Twilight came along," I chuckled as they all three stared at me.
"That true?" Apple Bloom asked and shifted her gaze onto Applejack who simply nodded.
"Ah was there when Princess Celestia told Twilight about Sunset here."
"That's so cool!" Scootaloo cheered as I was swarmed by the fillies.
"How did you get your cutie mark?" Sweetie asked curiously as she looked at it closer. "What does it mean?"
"One question at a time please. I uh had a mishap with my magic, had a whole floating overload episode with sparks flying and stuff. Set half of Canterlot of fire and I got it during that. Princess Celestia had to intervene and stop me," I explained with a sheepish look. I thought about that day all the time. Best day of my life was getting my mark. "It means different things. It's obviously related to magic and my name, Sunset Shimmer. The red represents my determination and fiery personality, the gold represents my achievements."
Sweetie Belle made an "Ooh" sound as she sat back down on her haunches and I faintly made out the door shutting.
"So why exactly aren't you still Celestia's student?" Scootaloo asked and I inhaled, staring down at the floor as I sat down and tucked my forelegs under my barrel. I had expected this question to come up sooner or later. But I didn't necessarily like reliving it.
"We had a fight after I demanded she make me a princess. I always had a ego and decided I was made for great things," I started and looked up. "Anyway, after she refused, I broke into the restricted area of the library to find a spell book to make me one and find some books about a mirror she had."
"What happened then?" Applejack cut in as I glanced at her. She seemed as interested in my story as the fillies sitting in front of me.
"The librarian woke up and caught me, going straight to Celestia where she and I had our worst fight ever. We both said some things that hurt each other and she banished me from the castle and said I was no longer her student. I was escorted from the castle and swore revenge on Celestia before I ran away," I explained. "Celestia tried to teach me a completely different way than she taught Twilight. She had a more heavy handed approach with me."
"What's a hand?" Apple Bloom asked in confusion.
"Long story," I answered with a shrug. "Anyway, it's not like I'm pushing blame onto her because we both made mistakes but she tried forcing me into making friends, not letting me use the library till I did make one. I may have tried using my position to force ponies to like me because that's all I really wanted deep down but you can imagine how that went."
"I can relate. Being alone sucks," Scootaloo commented and fluttered her wings for a moment. "At least you two forgave each other, right?"
I rubbed the back off my mane with a sheepish look before I shook my head.
"It's complicated," I traced my hoof in a circle on the wood floor. "It's a bit too soon for me to go asking for forgiveness. Not until I've done something to better Equestria, like bring technology here to this world or machinery. I'd revolutionize Equestria."
"Uh what's technology?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Longer story," I said with a shrug. "Anyway, what do you three do around here?"
"Try to earn our cutie marks, do random stuff to get it. That's about it. We were about to go paragliding I think it was next?" Scootaloo looked at Sweetie Belle who nodded enthusiastically.
"Oh boy," Applejack muttered and I snickered.
"Wanna come with us?" Sweetie asked curiously and I gulped.
"I uh don't do well with heights," I admitted with a frown. "Sorry."
"It's cool. Not everypony can be as daring as us," Scootaloo boasted and I snorted. Clearly she spends too much time with Rainbow here too. "Hopefully we don't run into that idiot Diamond Tiara and the featherbrain, Silver Spoon."
"Be nice," Applejack chided with a frown and sat down. "They're rotten apples but doesn't mean ya get to talk bad about em."
"I mean, if I got forgiven by Twilight, you guys can forgive her," I suggested as the three gave me flat looks.
"Those two are no good bullies and ain't deservin of friendship nor forgiveness," Apple Bloom announced and slammed a hoof on the ground. "She calls Scootaloo a flightless chicken all the time."
I had noticed Scootaloo's wings were lesser developed than all the other ones I'd seen around town. Rainbow did mention she uses a scooter to get around faster or something.
"I've done bad things in my life. I've lied, cheated, stolen and broke apart friendships for my personal gain and physically hurt people for my own amusement at times. I stole a crown, pushed my way to the top with little care for who I hurt on my way to the top. Everyone I met just used to be a stepping stone who meant nothing to me except cogs in my agenda to be the best and in control. If I can be forgiven and have friends, so can Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon," I added with a frown.
The four stared at me long enough for me to start feeling slightly uncomfortable.
"Want a hug?" Sweetie Belle asked suddenly and I nodded as she flung her forelegs around me and I leaned down to nuzzle her.
"Thanks Sweets," I muttered and she nuzzled me back.
"You're welcome!"
I trotted silently next to Applejack as we continued through the woods. I kinda favored this Sweet Apple Acres over the one my Applejack has. This one feels more like home in my opinion.
"Ah wanna take ya somewhere," Applejack broke the silence. "In fact, we're almost there and then ah'll take ya on back."
"Okay," I said after a moment and followed her through some trees to two stone slabs sticking out of the ground with writing on them. "What is th-?"
"Ma and Pa," Applejack gestured to the graves and took her hat off. "Ah brought another friend to meet ya'll. She's a good'un. Y'all woulda liked her. Shoulda seen her with Bloom and the others."
I watched silently before Applejack nudged me slightly.
"Say hi,"Applejack instructed and I stepped forward slightly.
"Uh okay. Hi Miss...." My voice trailed off as I read the writing. "Buttercup and Bright Mac. Have you met all of AJs friends?"
"Eeyup," Applejack confirmed and I glanced back, jumping slightly at Big Mac standing with her. I hadn't even heard him approaching. Guess Twilight was right about the gentle giant part. "All of em have been. Rarity has been here multiple times because we grew up together. It's a sign of trust to allow others here. This here is sacred ground to us Apples. We always feel closest here to em."
I felt my eyes slightly widen and water a bit as I stepped back to allow Big Mac to place flowers down.
"You trust me that much?" I asked finally and the other two looked at each other before laughing.
"Eeyup," Big Mac answered with a smile and the two hugged me. I didn't even think Big Mac hugged people. "If AJ trusts you, then so do ah."
That was probably the most I've ever heard either Big Mac speak.
“Do I have to?” I asked as we stared at a restaurant with an outdoor area as Rainbow rolled her eyes. “I heard Spike was doing game night with the cmc and some other kids at the castle tonight.”
“Yes, you lost a bet fair and damn square Sunset. Don’t tell me you’re getting cold hooves,” Rainbow teased and I bit my lip nervously as her smile faded. “Hey, you got this. You got an awesome wingmare on your side.”
I rolled my eyes slightly and shifted my weight from side to side. I was a bit nervous but I did get a few days to myself after going over to Applejack’s to prepare I suppose. Mainly hanging out with Spike at the castle.
“Okay Miss Ego. But if this backfires, don’t be upset if I head back to the castle,” I warned and followed Rainbow into the restaurant to a table with Cloudchaser and Flitter, an earth pony and Amethyst were talking and laughing quietly.
“Hey Dash,” Cloudchaser greeted and rested her forelegs ontop of each other on the table as her eyes flicked to me and examined me head to hooves. “Hey Sunset. How’s it going?”
“Good and you?” I asked and Rainbow pointed at a chair next to Cloudchaser as I shot her a flat glare. I shrugged and sat down next the pegasus and forced myself act natural.
“Good. This is our friend Noteworthy and Amethyst Star,” Cloudchaser pointed with her hoof. “This is Sunset, she’s visiting from out of town.”
“Heyo.”
“Hey Miss.”
I gave a small smile and Rainbow flashed me a cocky grin that I was slowly getting accustomed to.
A waiter came and left, me asking for lasagna and a glass of liquor after everyone else had gone before me. I didn’t really drink in the other world for legal reasons so I was able to cut loose a bit more here due to being an adult and all.
“How’s the sister?” Flitter asked suddenly and glanced at Amethyst. She did remind me a lot of her human counterpart except a bit more quiet. A bit like this worlds Lyra, she’s a lot more reserved than her human version.
“Dinky is doing well. Currently in some competition with Sweetie Belle I overheard the other day,” Amethyst answered as she set down a glass of water.
“About what?” I asked curiously as they all glanced at me.
“Oh, something about them both liking the same colt or something. Cheerilee had to intervene in their argument on the play group last week,” Amethyst answered as she eyed me up and down. “You look familiar.”
“I’ve been around town for a few days now. Probably seen me there,” I said as she tilted her head to the side.
“That’s not what I mean. You went to Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns, didn’t you?” Amethyst asked and I shifted nervously. I had slightly reminded seeing a filly that looked like her around near the tail end of my tenure as Celestia’s student.
“Yeah,” I said finally and nodded. “Formerly Celestia’s student and all.”
“I’m sorry, what?” Flitter choked on her water and stared at me with saucer plates for eyes. “Great, we have two students of Princess Celestia in town. As if the first one wasn’t crazy enough.”
“Twilight can go bananas a bit but she means well,” Rainbow chimed in with a frown. “How do you like being the weather manager? Obviously not as awesome as I was but eh.”
Flitter rolled her eyes and Noteworthy snorted back a laugh.
“It’s going well. Icy Wind is a good assistant manager,” Flitter answered with a shrug. “Since damn near my entire work force left me behind to be Wonderbolts, you all left me in an awful spot with damn near nopony to work the weather so thanks for that.”
“Sorry,” Cloudchaser muttered after a moment of silence as she and Rainbow both wore equally guilty looks. “Legitimately. We never really wanted to put you in a bad spot.”
“Thank Celestia I still got Sunshower, Clear Skies and Open Skies,” Flitter continued with a growl. “And the weird dude with the mustache.”
“The weird dude?” Noteworthy asked.
“Fluffy Clouds.”
“Oh he’s pretty cool. He was at poker night the other day at Time Turners and Derpy’s,” Noteworthy commented with a smile. “I lost one hundred bits but it was a good time.”
“That sounds like a pretty shit time if you ask me,” I chimed in as the other four laughed.
“She’s got a point there,” Amethyst snickered and leaned back. “Mom sure cleaned up that night. She even beat Thunderlane and Caramel.”
I let out a low whistle. Derpy had always been scary good at card games and was the current Uno champion running three years now at CHS. Not even Pinkie could beat her and Pinkie is a goddess at any form of card games.
I levitated some of my lasagna that was dropped off to my mouth and took a bit, sighing contently. I had kinda missed this more than I had thought.
“So where are you from?” Noteworthy asked as he propped his head up with a hoof and a smile.
“I’m from Canterlot,” I answered after a moment. “You?”
“Ponyville but I travel to Canterlot with Octavia fairly often to perform at events like the Gala and such.”
“We get it,” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “You know how to play an instrument. Cool.”
“You play guitar here, right?” I asked as I received multiple weird looks.
“Uh, how can she?” Cloudchaser asked after a moment. “Rainbow has never played an instrument before in her life, excluding the harmonica.”
I hummed in thought and tapped my hoof against my chin. I had noticed minor differences here and there, like Cheerilee’s skin and hair color being swapped here. Fluttershy being way more shy than her human version was the most noticeable.
“I can play the guitar,” I commented with a smirk. “Electric guitar is my favorite though. I own one that is a bright blue, a red and orange one and a tan one.”
“I’d like to see this one day,” Cloudchaser sighed and eyed me up and down as I blushed slightly. “Do you only play guitar?”
“No. I do back up vocals in a band and occasionally lead singer,” I said casually and waved a hoof in the air.
“You’re singing us a song sometime in the future,” Amethyst announced with a grin and Rainbow nodded her head enthusiastically.
“Won’t be as cool as me but I bet it’d be about twenty percent under me.”
“Oh shut up,” Cloudchaser shot back and raised an eyebrow. “She can play a guitar and you can’t. That gives her a leg up on you in my eyes.”
Flitter and Noteworthy snorted a laugh as Rainbow slumped back in her chair with a small scowl.
“Do you have any family?” Cloudchaser continued as she looked at me with a smile.
“I don’t know. All I’ve really know my entire life was Celestia. I sometimes have faint memories of a white pegasus hugging me and stuff but I mostly remember the orphanage. I don’t know what happened to my family but I assume dead or something since I was in the Canterlot orphanage. But it’s okay,” I forced a smile on my muzzle. “Really. It’s the past.”
“Anyway,” Rainbow coughed into her hoof before she waved it around. “Time to lighten the mood.”
“What can I help you with?” Our waiter asked with a bored expression.
“We need the strongest bottle of bourbon you got. My friend Sunset here needs a drink,” Rainbow shouted and I slowly sank in my seat with a blush as Cloudchaser and Noteworthy cheered.
“Oh boy,” Amethyst shook her head. “Thank Celestia I don’t drink.”
Based on Noteworthy and Rainbow cheering, I had a feeling my head was gonna be pounding tomorrow morning.
I shifted slightly as I yawned and opened my eyes as I rolled over on my cloud. I shot up straight and looked around, blinking in confusion as my head started pounding. Twilight didn’t have cloud beds in her castle.
“Where the fuck am I?” I wet my lips as the door opened and I jerked around to look at it.
“Finally you’re awake,” Rainbow commented as she stood in the door way. “How’s the head?”
“Feels like a semi truck ran me over,” I whimpered and held a hoof to my head as I fell onto my back with a pomf sound. “Where in the wide world of Celestia of am I?”
“My cloud house. You tried walking to the castle,” Rainbow answered and set down a plate of toast with a pill and water. “Drink. You’re what’s it called? Empty of water.”
“Dehydrated, Dash. Wait. How in Equestria am I not falling through the cloud? I really, really don’t do well with heights,” I looked down nervously at my hooves.
“Twilight cast a spell on you so you didn’t fall through. Waking up on a cloud always helped me with a hang over,” Rainbow answered proudly with a grin as she puffed her chest out. “I know, I’m awesome.”
“Yeah,” I rolled my eyes and picked the pill up with a hoof. Using magic while hung over is a big no no. It hurts so bad and I’m speaking from experience. “Hey, why aren’t you hung over? You drank more than me!”
“I’m an alcoholic, Sunset. It’s why me, Pinkie and Berry Punch get along so well. I drink a lot, let me tell ya. The Apple family cider is my shit,” Rainbow explained with a smug smile.
“Did I do anything embarrassing?” I asked nervously as Rainbow started laughing. “Oh no. What did I do?”
“Where should I begin? Let’s see, you started taking shots about nine thirty, got really sappy and talked about how depressing you were around something called the battle of the bands and fall formal, tried to hurt yourself apparently, you also talked about the portal extensively and how mean you were while we all listened. Amethyst tried to help you feel better by hugging you and you said you didn’t deserve hugs or something like that. Lyra also heard you talking about this human thing so get ready for that sometime soon. Then you started crying and begged Amethyst for forgiveness for about twenty minutes or so before you got really happy when she said she forgives you. You then got even more drunk despite us all trying to stop you and you ended up throwing up on Cloudchaser and Noteworthy. Berry Punch and Amethyst helped me bring you to Twilight for that cloud spell. I also gave you a shower before you fell asleep so you’re welcome,” Rainbow concluded as I stared with wide eyes. “Sunset?”
“I threw up on her?” I repeated in disbelief.
“And Noteworthy,” Rainbow reminded me.
“Oh my life is officially over. There’s definitely no way Cloudchaser would ever like me after that,” I grumbled and slammed my face into the pillow.
“I wouldn’t be so sure about that one,” Rainbow scoffed and straightened a picture of a tortoise on the wall. “It’s not like you killed her dog or anything.”
“I threw up on her,” I deadpanned with a bored expression.
“And you were drunk,” Rainbow shot back with an equally bored look. “It’s not like you singled her out to vomit on her or something.”
“Does she remember anything? Hell, does anypony remember anything? Twilight is going to absolutely murder me for talking about the portal. She’s gonna straight up out my head on her wall like a trophy,” I groaned and shoved my face in the cloud. “This is really soft, by the way.”
“Uh ponies don’t put heads on their walls anymore unless they’re weird,” Rainbow commented and scratched her head. “Well, mine don’t at least.”
“Celestia apparently got rid of all of hers and Luna’s a few thousand years ago. What did Cloudchaser do? Oh god have mercy on my damned soul,” I rubbed my eyes and yelped as Rainbow slapped me with a wing. “Ow bitch!”
“Are you done having a freak out yet?” Rainbow asked flatly with an unimpressed look. “Because if so, it’s not really doing me or you any favors. She was eyeing you all not if you weren’t oblivious as all Tartarus. Celestia, you’re just like Twilight and Spike.”
“Okay. You’re right,” I sighed and moved to stand up off the bed. “What do you, like Spike and Twilight?”
“Twilight has freak outs too. What is with you students of Celestia and having major freak outs?” Rainbow asked with a smirk as she hovered above me slightly. “And well, Flitter likes Spike but Spike is so caught up on Rarity he doesn’t even notice Flits.”
“Huh.”
“Anyway, get your flank out of bed. I like being in bed as much as the next mare but we gotta head to Pinkie’s,” Rainbow examined me. “But first, you need to brush your mane and tail. It’s a mess, even by my standards.”
“Why Pinkie?” I asked as I looked in the mirror and froze. My mane was sticking up in all sorts of directions along with my tail. My eyes were had eye gunk under them along with bags under my eyes. “Dear god.”
“Yeah dear god,” Rainbow agreed as she tossed me a mane brush. “Rarity made me get one. Pinkie is gonna help us get your mare because this is way out of my area of expertise.”
I blushed as I avoided some ponies looking at me weirdly as I walked side by side with Rainbow to Sugarcube Corner where Pinkie was vibrating in place for some odd reason.
“What is this?” I asked once we got closer.
“INSIDE!” Pinkie screamed and we both jumped and she started shoving us forward. “Now!”
She slammed the door shut and I looked around warily at the empty building save for the Cakes and Berry Punch who sat in a corner drinking from a bottle.
“I got your cupcakes,” Pinkie announced as she trotted up to a box. “Tada!”
“What in Celestia’s name are you talking abou-” my voice trailed off as I read the cupcakes. They were positioned in a way that read “Cloudchaser, will you go out with me?” and I blushed even more red. “What the hell?”
“This is Pinkie’s way of asking ponies out,” Berry Punch called out and burped. “Told ya she’d react that way!”
“I can’t give her these!” I flung a hoof at the case. “I appreciate the gesture but just imagine how bad she might take it. Oh Celestia, what if she thinks I’m calling her fat because it’s sweets?”
Pinkie and Rainbow both exchanged annoyed expressions as Berry and the Cakes watched curiously the door opened as we jumped and looked at it.
“My sister is sick with a hang over so I came to pick it her cupcake order,” Flitter announced as she trotted forward and my eyes darted all over.
“She ordered those?” I mumbled and Pinkie gave me a large grin.
“Yuppers!”
“Oh,” Flitter stared at the cupcakes and turned red. “I hate to break it to you Pinkie but I don’t think you’re her type but I’ll uh make sure she gets the message?”
“Pinkie Pie!” Rainbow shouted and flung her hooves in the air. “It was supposed to be decorated in Sunset’s mane color, not bright pink! Sunset likes Cloudchaser, not you!”
“Wait, you like my sister?” Flitter asked with a grin and gestured to me with a hoof. “Oh buck yes. About damn time she got together with somepony. How’s the head?”
“Hurts.”
“We need the big guns,” Berry Punch called out from her spot on the bench.
“The big guns?” I echoed and shivered. That sounded pretty damn ominous in my opinion.
“The big guns,” Rainbow nodded solemnly. “Pinkie, find Rarity.”
My eyes widened as I slumped over in Berry’s booth as she pushed a wine bottle to me.
“Drink?” She offered with a grin. “Looks like you could use it.”
I stared at it for a minute before I accepted it gratefully. She was right about that.
I stood still as Rarity paced around us as my fellow unicorn gave us unreadable expressions.
“So,” Rarity started and stared at me directly. “You like Cloudchaser and for some odd reason, you went to Rainbow Dash for advice.”
“That uh sounds right to me,” I admitted as I shot Rainbow a look. “She had a unique outlook on it.”
“As much as I trust Rainbow, she’s the last pony I’d have to gone to for romance advice. You should have came to me darling,” Rarity answered with a frown.
“So will you help me?” I asked and scuffed a hoof on the floor of her boutique as she switched from frowning to beaming a wide smile at me.
“Of course I’ll help you darling! But as long as I get the details of your date I have planned afterwards,” Rarity shot me a mischievous grin. “Now come along darling, what do you know about Cloudchaser?”
“She’s a pegasus,” I answered and Rainbow snorted.
“Tell us something we didn’t know,” Rainbow snarked and Rarity whapped her upside the head with a washcloth. “Ow!”
“She likes flying, alcohol and uh cupcakes? That’s about it really,” I answered and rubbed my head.
“She likes cloud watching,” Rainbow chimed in. “I caught her doing it all the time when I was the weather manager. She’s lucky she got her job down and watched clouds otherwise I’d have canned her.”
Rarity hummed in response as she turned to trot to her desk as I shrugged and followed, peering over her shoulder curiously.
“What are you doing?” I asked finally and Rarity levitated her glasses on her desk.
“Reading a book. Pinkie isn’t the only girl in town to collect information on the ponies in town. Now what exactly do you want with Cloudchaser?” Rarity asked as she turned to face me with an unreadable expression.
“Uh, what do you mean?” I asked in confusion and scrunched up my muzzle.
“What do you want with her?” Rarity repeated and jammed her hoof against my chest with each word. “Is this a one time hook up, friends with benefits, dating, what? What do you like about her?”
“I don’t really do friends with benefits and my last hook up was years ago,” I admitted. “So dating obviously but I kinda threw up on her last night?”
Rarity made a grossed out face as I forced down a laugh. I had expected her reaction to be that way. Hell, I was grossed out myself and I barely remember it. I only know what Dash told me happened.
“And you’re still trying to date her? I will admit, you’re a brave one,” Rarity commented with a smirk. “Pretty determined. That’s good. Mares like that.”
“I know considering I am one too,” I shot back dryly and raised an eyebrow. Rarity coughed as her cheeks tinged a slight pink and she nodded.
“Well, obviously darling. Do something lowkey but wear a simple dress. It’ll take me a few days to get something together. Now go stand up there so I can get your measurements please. Unless you don’t want one of course. I don’t know if she will be clothed,” Rarity shot me a questioning look and I shrugged.
“I uh don’t know? I mean, maybe as a back up it’d be nice to have and I can always use it if this first one is successful,” I mused aloud and trotted back and forth across the stage looking thing. “I can always ask her out to go do something and then come back here.”
“Good choice darling. Now stop moving please so I can get to work.”
“That was tedious,” I muttered and Rainbow chuckled once we finally left Rarity’s hours later. I’d spent damn near fours hour sitting there listening to her talk while I have a hangover that’s slowly getting better. “Should have expected that. The human version did something similar to me once.”
“Hmph. Also, Lyra is coming. I’m out of here to go visit Cloudchaser and try to get her to come out. Good luck!” Rainbow called out and took off, leaving a rainbow trail behind as Lyra galloped up with a grin.
“Sunset,” Lyra panted as she rested a hoof on my back and I raised an eyebrow. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you! My house. Now.”
“Hell no,” I shot back as she started dragging me and I dug my hooves into the dirt. “This is kidnapping.”
“No it’s not. You’re my only hope to prove I’m not crazy to Bon Bon, Minnie, Twinkleshine and Lemon Hearts! You have to come with me because you know about humans and have been there to their world multiple times!” Lyra shouted as I glowed a faint gold color of Lyra’s magic as her horn glowed a similar color. “Twilight is there too. Pleaseee?”
Lyra gave me puppy dog eyes as I stared into her giant gold orbs and sighed.
“Fine,” I grumbled and rubbed my head with a hoof. “Lead the way.”
Lyra cheered and wrapped her hooves around my neck, nuzzling me with wide grin as her horn glowed brighter and we disappeared with a pop.
I stumbled to my hooves and looked around quickly at the startled looking unicorns staring at me as I examined the green living room I was in before focusing on the smoke rising off my body along with Lyra’s.
“What did I say about teleporting inside?” Bon Bon shouted as my jaw dropped. I only met her briefly, not enough to look at her properly. She was a couple inches shorter than me but was fairly strong looking with three wrapped candies on her flanks. Her human counterpart was a fairly decent candy maker, enough to rival Pinkie but I wouldn’t ever say that out loud.
“Bon Bon?” I asked and she nodded before my eyes widened. Bon Bon hastily shoved a bucket she had next to her and I vomited into it.
“Ew!” Lemon Hearts gagged as I weakly lifted my head and wiped my mouth with a hoof.
“Euagh,” I groaned and plopped next to Twilight and a white unicorn with a pink mane on the couch. “Already hungover and now it’s even worse. Thanks.”
“I may have got carried away,” Lyra admitted sheepishly. “That’s Twinkleshine you’re sitting next to and Minuette next to Lemon Hearts. You all remember Sunset’s human talking at the restaurant yesterday?”
“How could I forgot?” Twinkleshine answered as she, Lemon Hearts and Minuette gave me wary looks as Twinkleshine shifted away from me slightly. “She threw up shortly after all over that poor mare.”
“I threw up on her. I am well aware. Please stop mentioning it,” I groaned and held my head in my hooves. “It’s really not making asking her out any easier.”
“I’ll give you Pinkie’s hang over fix at the castle Sunny. Berry Punch buys a lot of it,” Twilight commented and rested a wing around me.
“I heard. I was drinking at Sugarcube Corner with her earlier today. She’s a nice mare really,” I said and glanced at Lyra. “Why exactly am I here again? You have Twilight, she’s been to the human world twice. You don’t really need me here when you have her.”
“Two witnesses,” Lyra explained and I nodded.
“What about Spike?” I tilted my head. “He was there both times too.”
“He was holding out on me!” Lyra shouted and flung her forelegs up as we all jumped excluding Bon Bon, who simply turned a page of her book and glanced up briefly. “He was having dinner with me and Bonnie last night!”
“Lyra, dear please no shouting in the house,” Bon Bon chided with a small frown.
“Sorry. Anyway, tell me about humans and don’t leave anything out,” Lyra levitated a thick book and quill in front of her as she eyed me eagerly.
“Well, they’re real,” I answered after Twilight and I looked at each other, her giving me a nod. “I’ve been there for a good few years now.”
“What’s it like?” Lyra asked as I caught Bon Bon watching curiously. “Being a human I mean. Surely it’s different.”
“It took a lot to get used to. Walking on two legs, having to wear clothes all the time or face jail time, getting a job and apartment but I’m Sunset Shimmer. I’m a strong girl who can handle herself,” I boasted and grinned slightly. “Can I have a wash cloth by the way? My foreleg is starting to feel gross.”
A washcloth was tossed onto my horn as I rolled my eyes and started wiping my leg and mouth off.
“What’s your job?” Lyra asked curiously and continued writing.
“I work at a Dairy Queen in the summer but it’s closed right now. Getting a second job for the winter and fall at a sushi restaurant later,” I answered and levitated the cloth back to the kitchen.
“Are you really living in another world?” Twinkleshine asked as she glanced at me. “Without magic? Is it safe there?”
“She is,” Twilight confirmed. “It’s mostly safe I suppose but humans are a bit more violent than us ponies. They have wars all the time. A billion people or so and multiple continents. I think Sunset said one war killed what, ninety million people?”
“Close,” I corrected and the others gave us stunned looks. “Seventy to eighty five million people. Any thing else?”
“How do you get there?” Lyra asked eagerly as she got closer and I glanced at Twilight quickly who shrugged. “Sunset....”
“Twilight has a mirror in the castle. Originally Celestia had it, then Cadence in the Crystal Empire, now Twilight has it. Starswirl the bearded created it. He banished the sirens to the human world,” I explained as Minuette tapped a hoof thoughtfully on the arm rest.
“He was always making weird stuff,” Minuette commented thoughtfully.
“Yeah that fucker was,” Lyra agreed with a rapid head nod. “How did you know the sirens were there?”
“Last trip I went was because Sunset sent me an urgent message. The sirens had taken over the school she attends and she needed me to help break the spell. Sunset was integral in defeating them. The missing link, if you will,” Twilight explained as we both smiled warmly at each other. “They ran off to who knows where. Sunset has been looking for them but no luck yet.”
I received a few surprised looks from Minuette and Twinkleshine as Bon Bon continued reading quietly from her chair.
“And there’s versions of all of you at that school,” I added as Bon Bon looked up. “There’s Bon Bon, Lyra, Cheerilee, the Crusaders, the elements except Twilight, Derpy, Amethyst, Dinky. No Minuette, Lemon Hearts or Twinkleshine that I’ve seen. Celestia and Luna run the school.”
“No more questions,” Lyra announced and set her book aside before grinning widely again. “Say, the mirror is in the castle, right?”
“Uh huh. Some room with books,” I answered absent mindedly as I looked outside at a bird. “This has been nice but I really need to go find Cloudchaser and work up the nerve to ask her on a date.”
“Check the northern fields,” Bon Bon called out and tossed me a small container of chocolates. “She loves coconut candy. Pinkie dropped by and said I’d need them. Now I know why. Cloudchaser is always around the northern fields.”
“Thanks Bon Bon. It was uh nice to meet you all again,” I glanced at Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine and Minuette nervously. “Sorry for a being a bitch back in school.”
“You’re forgiven,” Minuette said after she and the other two had a silent discussion based on looks. “Now go get your mare!”
“Can I teleport?” I asked and looked at Bon Bon who waved her hoof in response.
“Yeah sure go for it.”
I gave them a grateful nod as they all looked away and I disappeared in a flash of red and gold with a pop.
“How come she gets to teleport inside the house?” Lyra demanded.
“Because she doesn’t destroy stuff when she does so,” Bon Bon explained with a teasing smile.
Lyra folded her forelegs with a huff with a smile as the others laughed.
I trotted around some flowers growing next to a tree stump as I continued my way around the fields. I faintly made out the purple pegasus stretching out among the grass as I approached and stopped to watch.
“What are you doing out here?” Cloudchaser asked as I watched her continue stretching with a hind leg tucked behind her head. “And how did you know I’d be here?”
“Bon Bon,” I said instantly and immediately wished I could shove my hoof in my mouth. “I mean nobody. Just luck.”
“Mhm,” Cloudchaser hummed in an unconvinced tone as she untangled herself and laid down flat before pushing her stomach out along with her wings. “You know, you got a pretty damn interesting reputation around town already and you’ve only been here for what, five days or so?”
“Seven days but yeah. I’m uh sorry for throwing up on you two days ago by the way.”
“Meh it’s fine,” Cloudchaser commented as she continued stretching. “I’m used to it from Rainbow and Flits.”
I could believe that. Rainbow did tell me she was an alcoholic, after all. It wasn’t entirely unbelievable before hand anyway.
“You got a pretty damn interesting story by the way,” Cloudchaser told me as she finished stretching and I finished admiring her flexibility. If I even tried half of what she had been doing, I’d have been stuck for hours. “Former student of Celestia’s, former villain. Gotta admit, don’t come across too many ponies with Celestia and villain in the same sentence together. Definitely not one as attractive as you.”
I blushed and crossed my forelegs as she chuckled and rolled over onto her hooves before cracking back and letting out a content sigh.
“You seriously think I’m attractive?” I asked and internally kicked myself. I’m Sunset Shimmer, I don’t act like a filly having her first crush yet here I am acting just like that. I’m always the dominant one, not the shy one. “What are you doing after this?”
“Not much. Probably heading home for a shower unless you got something in mind,” Cloudchaser commented with a shrug as she ran a hoof through her mane.
“Nah just wanted to see if you wanted to hang out but if you need to go,” my voice trailed off as she pressed a hoof to my mouth.
“I can wait. Come on, I got something we can,” Cloudkicker grinned slightly as she removed her hoof and started trotting away. “Come on. I’m not gonna wait and I don’t hold up for anypony.”
I shook my mane before galloping to catch up to her as she continued trotting briskly to a field of sun flowers that were ironically enough pointed in my direction and for some reason, I could swear were following me.
“Lay down,” Cloudchaser instructed as I watched her flop on her back among the flowers and crossed her legs with her forelegs folded behind her head.
“And do what exactly?” I questioned as I copied her and laid down on my back with a content sigh.
“I’m a Wonderbolt trainee. I fly and do wild stunts that a normal pegasus only dreams of doing. Naturally, I live my life a thousand miles an hour. It’s nice to be able to slow down once and a while. Take in the scenery around me, you know?” Cloudchaser asked and her eyes examined the sky. “Like right there, that cloud. What do you see, Sunset?”
I stared at the cloud she was watching and tilted my head. It reminded me of a cat honestly.
“A cat,” I said finally. “I see a cat.”
“Strange because I see a wolf,” Cloudchaser commented and I tried hard to see anything but a cat. She pointed a hoof to another cloud and glanced at me. “Right there, I see a fish. Gotta look at it just right. Cloud watching and pony watching are similar things. It’s all about the perspective and what you’re looking for. The real question is, what are you looking for?”
“I see a earth pony colt,” I admitted as she gave me a small smile. “And I don’t know. Whatever happens I guess?”
“So you’re more carefree I take it?” Cloudchaser asked and I nodded after a moment as she let out a hum. “Kinda like me. I just go with the flow and whatever happens, happens. Cloud to your right, I see a train.”
My eyes followed where she was looking and I stared at it for a moment as I examined it’s shape.
“Yeah me too. So what’s it like being a Wonderbolt and flying around in front of thousands?” I asked as she shrugged.
“It’s nice but I occasionally miss my weather job here. I’m part of the C team with Surprise, High Winds and Dizzy Twister. Misty Fly is in charge of us four. Cloud over to my left, what ya see?”
“A ball. You?”
“Same.”
“So Ms. Wonderbolt trainee,” I started and she glanced back at me. “What’s there to know about you? You know a helluva lot more about me than I know about you.”
“Well, not much to tell. From Cloudsdale, went to the same flight school as Rainbow Dash, Derpy and Fluttershy. There’s apparently pictures of Fleetfoot, Soarin and Spitfire in our class as kids but I’m not sure about that one. Pretty damn sure I’d remember the big three Wonderbolts in my class. Derpy used to beat me and every pony in all the races and courses till her accident messed her eyes up. Flits and I are her daughters godmoms. Good kids. Anyways, I worked under Rainbow here with Flitter for a few years till I went to the academy. Got my cutie mark when I watched a shooting star and tried to chase it. So I guess my special talent is astronomy and following my dreams. What’s your mark mean?”
“It’s related to magic and my name, Sunset Shimmer. The red represents my determination and fiery personality, the gold represents my achievements,” I explained for the second time recently and she gave a slow nod. “What do you like to do?”
“Fly, read, drink and sleep. Hang out with Derpy and her kids, travel around,” Cloudchaser answered as she rolled a hoof in the air. “I already know your hobbies, guitar player.”
I internally debated if she meant that as an insult or not. I shrugged and decided it wasn’t as I smiled slightly.
“This has been real. How do you feel about heights?” Cloudchaser asked suddenly as she rolled over and pushed her self up, standing over me and staring down at me.
“I don’t really like them but I always did kinda wonder what it would be like to fly. Why?” I asked as she hooked her hooves under my forelegs and I gave her a confused look. “What the heck are you doing?”
“You might wanna hold onto tight,” Cloudchaser warned me before she pushed off the ground into the sky and I screamed.
“What are you doing?” I screamed and she gave a low chuckle.
“Relax, just showing you what flying is like. It’s not that scary, see?” Cloudchaser flew through a cloud and ignored my screams. “Don’t kick me, you’ll kill us both. Or well, maybe not both but you get my point.”
“I’m gonna vomit I think,” I commented and turned slightly green as she did a barrel roll and my eyes widened at how high up we were. The castle seemed like a speck. “Oh my fucking Celestia. How high up are we? Wait, don’t tell me. I don’t wanna know.”
“About forty five hundred feet, give or take,” Cloudchaser answered casually. “That area. We can go higher to fifty five if you want.”
“No!” I screamed and she tightened her grip on me.
“I’m not going to drop you, don’t worry. I got a strong grip. We’re just gliding right now,” Cloudchaser answered and I hesitantly glanced back to confirm we were. “It’s not so bad up here. To our left is Ghastly Gorge.”
I glanced over at the thin red winding Gorge as I raised an eyebrow, inhaling slightly.
“Not so bad after all, is it?”
“No, it’s not as bad as I thought. It’s pretty up here,” I admitted as I looked around at the clouds and landscape. “You see this all the time?”
“Yep. Poor ponies below us don’t even know what they’re missing up here. Unicorns and earth ponies are amazing obviously because I’m not racist because fuck that but I’m grateful to be a pegasus. I wouldn’t give up this freedom for anything,” Cloudchaser answered and paused. “Okay, there’s some ponies like my sister or Dinky or Amethyst or Junebug and Big Mac but not many.”
“In the human world, there’s airplanes. People fly up in them, and jump out.”
“To die or something? I can think of a million better ways to take one’s own life than that,” Cloudchaser snorted and I snickered.
“No, not like that. They have parachutes and they pull a cord and boom, they just float down the ground. Some do it in groups and do these tricks in the sky and shit,” I wiggled a hoof in the air. “Sounds terrifying to be honest.”
“Well, you’re up here so wanna try it?” Cloudchaser asked and I gave her a confused look as she rolled her eyes. “I’ll catch you, don’t worry. Unless you pull a Rarity and knock me out like she did to three Wonderbolts in about thirty seconds.”
“You better catch me or I swear I’ll- gyaaah!” I screamed as she suddenly let go and I started flailing my forelegs and hindlegs as I flew through a cloud. “This was a mistake! Cloudchaser!”
“Okay well now we know your limits,” Cloudchaser admitted as she wrapped her hooves around my waist. “Let’s not do that again then. It’d be a shame to kill you on the first date.”
“Yeah it would,” I agreed before giving her a startled look. “Wait, you’re seriously considering this a date?”
“Why not?” Cloudchaser shrugged as we continued diving to the ground. “We’re alone and flying, looking around clouds and talking about each other. Ticks all the boxes for a date in my book.”
“You could have told me at least,” I grumbled and she gave a faint laugh.
“I figured you knew. I don’t really open up much to ponies unless I genuinely like em,” Cloudchaser shrugged again as the ground got closer. “Well, what ya think of heights?”
“Not as scary as I imagined,” I admitted after a moment. “I mean, the free falling was absolutely terrifying and I’m never doing that shit again. But the actual flying part and gliding was pretty awesome. Equestria seems so different from the sky.”
“Yeah it does,” Cloudchaser agreed as she set down on her hooves and released me as I stumbled for a moment before regaining my balance. “Last time I took Amethyst up and she kissed the ground repeatedly when we landed.”
“I see.”
“Anyway, you’re up for the next date. I’m free all week,” Cloudchaser stretched her wings and grinned at me. “There’s a theater I like for reference downtown.”
“Monday at five work?” I offered and she nodded.
“Yeah. We can meet at the castle since I got a cloudhouse and well, you’re a unicorn unless you know a cloud walking spell. If so, my house is right above where the library remains are,” Cloudchaser said and started to walk away. “Oh right, one thing.”
“What?” I asked as she kissed my cheek and I turned red.
“I’ll see you Monday Sunset,” Cloudchaser smirked and I watched her turn around and started trotting off slowly as she swayed her hips more than needed.
I rubbed a hoof where she had kissed and I sighed contently as I continued watching her walk away.
Rarity is so gonna freak after this.
“She kissed you?” Rarity echoed in disbelief as I sat across from her, Applejack, Pinkie and Spike as I set down my tea. “On the cheek?”
“That’s what I said, yeah,” I answered and sniffed the tea. I idly reminded myself to take a pack home because this shit is good.
“And what did ya do then?” Applejack asked as I looked around Fluttershy’s cottage. It was pretty nice house, I’m not gonna lie. I wouldn’t mind owning one similar one day.
“I froze and everything short short circuited,” I admitted sheepishly with a blush.
“She was up all night, freaking out about how she didn’t even kiss her back and pacing around her room,” Spike chimed in.
“I was nervous okay!” I defended myself with a scowl. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been kissed by someone who I’ve actually liked? Flash I never gave a fuck about and he was an awful kisser. Made me sick honestly. The last one before him was some royal guard cadet before I went through the portal.”
“She ain’t lying,” Applejack commented and bit into an apple. “Ah wouldn’t know what to do if ah was in her boat.”
“See!” I flung a hoof Applejack’s way. “She gets me. But it was nice. We had fun, she took me flying which was naturally pretty damn terrifying at first but I grew to enjoy it. She was really soft. And then she dropped me but-”
“She dropped you?” Fluttershy repeated with a furious expression. “Why in Equestria would she do that? You’re a unicorn, you can’t fly!”
“Relax. It’s because I told her about humans parachuting all the time. It’s not like she just dropped without any warning,” I said and winced. Okay, maybe she technically did do that but it wasn’t to hurt me or anything. “She asked me if I wanted to try free falling and that she would catch me which obviously she did because I’m here with you all right now. Once I started screaming her name, she caught me. I’ve never seen anybody fly so fast before. She was there in damn near the blink of an eye.”
“Okay,” Fluttershy blushed and sat back down on her couch. She seemed like she was about to fight someone but this is Fluttershy we’re talking about. She doesn’t do violence and I assume the same for her pony counterpart. “Anyway, so uhm she kissed you?”
“On the cheek,” I confirmed and found my hoof touching the same spot. “We got a date Monday at five. I’m taking her to a theater she likes downtown and we’re gonna watch some movie I guess.”
I didn’t necessarily know what we were gonna watch. When all else fails, go with action movies. Everyone likes those and they are the best selling here too.
Knowing that, Cloudchaser would probably be a complete one eighty and like something completely random like romance or something. I don’t do romance movies. I’m no Dash but they’re too sappy in my eyes.
“How exactly didn’t you know it was a date from the beginning?” Spike asked and I rolled my eyes.
“Spike. It’s been literally ages since I’ve had someone legitimately interested in me so a really long time. I’m not entirely used to these feelings. I’ve kinda long since pushed that side of me away till now. This is an entirely new ballgame to me dude,” I answered and leaned back on Fluttershy’s couch. “It’s nice though. Cloudchaser is pretty cool after all.”
“She is,” Fluttershy agreed readily. “If Derpy trusts her enough with her daughters occasionally, then I suppose I should trust her. She has a rough side but means well I think.”
Scarily similar to me. I just tried to hide my occasionally aggressive side. It only came out on rare occasions and it was always when I was pushed to my limit or my friends were insulted. Brawly could confirm that personally.
“So you asked Twilight about a cloud walking spell but you didn’t tell us how you would get there?” Fluttershy said and I paused. I didn’t necessarily think of that one. Especially since Rainbow had to go to Cloudsdale for a few days and couldn’t fly me up there.
“I don’t know,” I answered and Fluttershy nodded.
“After this, I’ll take you to Cherry Berry. She’s the local balloon pilot. She owns a helicopter too I think it was called?” Fluttershy mused and I raised an eyebrow. I didn’t necessarily know helicopters existed here.
“I owe you all big time,” I sighed and they all snorted before smiling at me.
“Nonsense,” Applejack waved a hoof dismissively. “Ya don’t owe me or the others a single darn bit.”
“She’s right,” Spike added. “You’d do the same for us in a heart beat.”
I idly wondered if I should mention Flitter to him but decided. She’d probably not be happy if I outed her to him. Besides, she didn’t tell me herself.
I watched the pink earth pony with an aviator cap on trotting around a hot air balloon, occasionally tightening some ropes holding it down before she looked up at me trotting up with Fluttershy.
“Hey Fluttershy,” Cherry Berry I presumed greeted her as she flicked her eyes to me. “Hey there stranger.”
“Hi,” Fluttershy said quietly and rubbed the back of her head. “I just wanna say sorry for dumping trash on you that one time.”
“That was three years ago and you apologized almost three hundred times. Bon Bon and I already forgave you multiple times. Honestly starting to think you want to date me with how often you come up to me,” Cherry teased and Fluttershy turned bright as I chuckled and Cherry turned to me with an outstretched hoof. “Cherry Berry. You must be Sunset Shimmer.”
“One and only,” I answered as we shook hooves.
“Figured. You do have a pretty recognizable mane, Golden Grape was right about that,” Cherry Berry leaned against her balloon basket. “What can I do for you two today?”
“I kinda need to get to a cloudhouse Monday around five pm?” I said and she nodded. “Fluttershy here told me you’re the best pilot in the area.”
“Hell, I’m the best pilot in all of Equestria,” Cherry boasted smugly with a large cocky grin. “One of the first earth ponies to fly. There ain’t no better feeling than being miles up in the sky. Though you would know considering I saw you and your marefriend flying around the other day. It’s expensive though. This balloon here isn’t cheap to upkeep and I got house payments. One hundred and fifty bits. If you have to cancel before the flight, you get fifty bits back and I keep one hundred to make a profit after readying it. Short notice cancelations are the death of me.”
I winced and shrugged. One hundred and fifty bits was a lot. That was about three hundred dollars, give or take. I levitated the bits out of my saddlebag as Cherry Berry held out a bag and gave a satisfied nod once I poured them all in.
“All there,” she confirmed after she weighed it. “I took mathematics in college along with flight studies. Pretty handy skills to have, I’d say. Just sign this waiver saying you accept there’s always the off chance we could potentially die if something very wrong happens.”
I should have seen that coming, I mused to myself as I accepted the clipboard with the waiver attached and a quill Cherry had held out.
“So,” Cherry drew out the word as she looked at Fluttershy and I continued writing. “Spike still single?”
“Mhm.”
“Huh damn. Berry, Junebug and I all got into an argument about who should date him. Junebug says it should be her because she met him first but Berry said Spike helps her out the most. Me, I just somepony to travel with. Surprised you didn’t make your move on Spike Fluttershy,” Cherry eyed Fluttershy up and down. “You certainly get a lot of stallions and mares alike looking at you wherever you go.”
“Spike is like a son to me. I love him yes, but it’s purely platonic. There’s nothing romantic there Cherry. And I don’t really like anypony. I’m always so shy and don’t know what to say no matter what Rarity tries to do,” Fluttershy blushed a bright red. “There’s stuff I haven’t even told Rarity yet.”
“Now I’m interested,” Cherry grinned slightly. “Spill sis.”
“Not yet.”
“You’re no fun,” Cherry sighed and shook her head. “Anyway, I’ll be here Monday waiting. You got a couple days till then and don’t wear any clothing in the balloon. Sometimes the dresses go crazy and one caught on fire because of the flame setting White Lightning and Sprinkle Medleys dresses on fire. Don’t even get me started on the Sea Swirl and Sassaflash incident of last year. No sex allowed either unless I’m in heat and I can confirm I’m not.”
I sniffed the air briefly and shrugged. Not really my business whether she was or not.
“If you’re an earth pony and have cherries for a cutie mark, why exactly are running a hot air balloon company? Fluttershy says you have a helicopter?” I questioned and Cherry’s eyes lit up.
“I could talk about this all damn day. It’s about testing the boundaries, being the first earth to go places where others of my kind haven’t. Unicorns too I suppose since they’re land based too. My grandpa was a unicorn. It’s a completely different world up there in the sky. Everything stretches for miles and miles, the water is gorgeous up there. You can see every little detail, from how the Gorge goes and cuts through the land. It’s a nice feeling. I stole the neighbors hot air balloon as a filly and that’s where I got the idea from. Of course, I got grounded for three months but it was worth it.”
“Huh. Fascinating.”
“And a helicopter is the coolest thing I ever made with Pinkie. She calls it the whirley bird,” Cherry Berry continued and I gulped nervously.
“You mean you and Pinkie Pie of all people made a helicopter?” I repeated and rubbed my eyes. That doesn’t entirely seem safe if Pinkie was involved.
“Yep! Hoof powered. We pedal to make it and it’s hundred percent safe. We take it up all the time. We used stuff we found under her couch,” Cherry answered with a wide smile. “Wanna see it? We have plans to make an entirely gas powered aircraft.”
Honestly, I wasn’t so sure about this. But I’d be lying if I wasn’t the least bit curious. Not to be a dick or anything, but I just expected her to be a cherry farmer based on her name and cutie mark. I didn’t expect to be standing next to practically a genius engineer or whatever they are called.
“Yeah I do actually.” Cherry took off and could damn near rival Rainbow Dash as my jaw dropped slightly.
I explained the balloon for a brief second before galloping with Fluttershy to catch up. Remind me to preparing for this next time.
I glanced over the edge of the balloon as Cherry continued pulling on the rope to push a flame into the balloon, lifting us higher to the clouds. I will admit, hers and Pinkie’s helicopter was actually pretty cool. It was only a one seater, but surprisingly ingenious. And we had been shown their frame and drawings for an airplane. Cherry did ask a lot of questions about how airplanes worked in my world and was pretty fascinated by it all.
I should bring her a bunch of books about airplanes and flight when I come back. She and Pinkie would probably like that a lot.
Twilight had mentioned that Pinkie was the only one of our friends who understood what she gonna do to the portal to get it to work when she came the second time around so she was most definitely smarter than she let on.
“Nervous?” Cherry Berry asked as I continued shifting on my hooves anxiously and nodded.
“The first date was a bit of a blindside really but it was fun. Obviously, I have big shoes to fill because I can’t fly without magic or your creations. So the second date naturally has to be good,” I answered and shrugged. “Rarity gave me some ideas as did Rainbow and Applejack. Twilight just gave me a book and be open. Rainbow said try to get in bed if I could with her, Applejack smacked her upside the head, Applejack said be honest and Rarity said be affectionate. Fluttershy agreed with everyone but Rainbow. All Pinkie said was make it fun.”
“I feel I should be surprised Rainbow said try to get fucked but really, I’m not. Rainbow doesn’t really think about things like this. Dating isnt really her area or thing in general. I dont think she’s been in a relationship the entire time she’s been here in Ponyville,” Cherry commented. “Want my advice?”
“Shoot.”
“Just try to have fun. Don’t take it super serious like I know some ponies do where you can’t enjoy yourself. Pinkie and I have fun everytime we go out but this is Pinkie I’m talking about. Walking down the street with her could be fun somehow.”
“Wait, you and Pinkie?” I asked and she nodded with a blush.
“Why do you think we spend a lot of time together building aircraft and such?” Cherry pointed out before gesturing at her flank. “And besides, I’m a decent farmer so I can supply her with cherries. It’s on my flank after all. I help my sister Berry in her small garden to get grapes for wine all the time.”
“Huh. I never would have guessed that. You two seen very different and I know two different Pinkie Pies,” I mused and Cherry chuckled.
“Opposites attract after all. I’m bi as is Berry. The straight ones in the family are Cheerilee and Cherry Blossom. Last I heard, Blossom was dating some stallion in Canterlot and Cheerilee is with Noteworthy.”
I hummed in response as a cloudhouse came into view and I swallowed my nerves and Cherry rubbed my back reassuringly with a warm smile.
“You can do this,” Cherry whispered with a confident smile.
I gave a nod and my horn flashed blue and I took a hesitant step onto the cloud, watching my hoof sink a few in inches before I felt comfortable enough to apply my full weight on the cloud.
I examined the modestly sized two bedroom looking house and trotted up, knocking softly on what I assumed was the door. I really didn’t know how I could knock on a cloud. I’d have to ask later.
“Coming!” I faintly made out Flitter shouting. I listened to trotting and stepped back as she opened the door. “Oh, hey Sunset. Cloudchaser is just finishing up the last touches of her makeup then she will be right down. Come in.”
I inhaled and followed the pegasus, watching her close the door with a gentle thud before Flitter gestured to the couch.
“Cloudy is making me bring in all of our guests recently. Apparently I have an occasionally been off putting accidentally to someponies or some bullshit. Apparently shutting the door in Whispers face after turning down his date invitations for the ninth time is considered rude,” Flitter sighed and flung her self on the couch as I chuckled. “I mean, I wasn’t that mean. I just said get the hell off my cloud. Anyway, how are you?”
“Nervous,” I admitted and Flitter snorted.
“So is Cloudy. More nervous than the time she applied for the Academy. Haven’t seen her like this over a mare in a long time,” Flitter mused and patted the couch cushion next to her. Or well, I assumed it was one as I sat down, folding my forelegs under myself.
“How do you knock on a cloud by the way?” I asked suddenly and she gave a quiet laugh.
“Easy, magic. The door to cloudhouses are compressed more than everything else. And most of our stuff is made of clouds except the fridge and night stands and stuff. I don’t know the particulars.”
“Sounds cool. Am I underdressed?” I asked and Flitter examined me.
“Well, considering you’re wearing nothing I’d say no. She isn’t wearing anything either. Just some earrings and makeup. You’ll be fine,” Flitter decided after a moment and I sighed in relief. “Cloudchaser! Your girlfriend is here, hurry up!”
“She’s here already? Oh sweet Celestia I’m late,” I faintly made out Cloudchaser shout back. We both watched as she galloped down the stairs and her eyes widened as she stepped on her tail, falling face first. “Woah!”
She glowed blue as I held her in the air briefly before levitating her the rest of the way down to stand in front of us, dropping her on her hooves as she blushed red.
“Thanks for that,” Cloudchaser rubbed the back of her head sheepishly and I smirked before looking her up and down. Her mane was brushed but still was surprisingly chaotic looking and had a small amount of makeup on to be noticeable along with purple eye shadow.
“Wow,” I muttered and Flitter giggled before starting to shove us out the door.
“Alright now get the fuck out. I have a bunch of movies that I wanna watch tonight because Cloudy hates cheesy romance movies. Have fun! Bye!” Flitter called out as she slammed the door shut behind us.
“Remind me to hide her mane brushes for that,” Cloudchaser grumbled and we both turned red as we both realized we were pressed to each other. “Uh sorry.”
“You’re good and I’ll help you with that.”
I had waved goodbye to Cherry and trotted inside the small looking with Cloudchaser next to me. A bored looking colt leaned against the counter, occasionally blowing purple bubble gum out.
I’ve seen that a lot in the human world at theaters with my friends. Guess some things never change, no matter where you go.
“This looks interesting,” Cloudchaser commented as we casually trotted by signs displaying different movie titles and I paused to examine what she was pointing a hoof at.
“Terminal Impact,” I read aloud. The picture had a train on the cover with a pegasus flying above it with an earth pony hanging off a rope the pegasus was holding. “Is this the Equestrian version of Unstoppable?”
“I’m gonna go with yes even if I don’t know what Unstoppable is,” Cloudchaser answered after a moment of her rubbing her chin.
“It’s about a runaway train that is well, runaway carrying toxic chemicals. Based on a true story.”
“That sounds cool actually,” Cloudchaser answered and I strode up to the yawning colt.
“Hello,” I said and smiled slightly at him. “Two tickets for Terminal Impact.”
“K. Drinks and popcorn too?” He asked and I glanced quickly at his name tag. Vanilla Hooves. What a name.
“Yes sir,” I answered and slid a bag of bits across the counter as he shoved some buckets across to us. “Have a great day!”
“You too. Don’t forget your cups,” Vanilla said with a small smile.
“Thanks,” Cloudchaser called back and nudged me. “He seemed bored as hell. Don’t blame him. I used to work at a place like this. Got really slow this time of day with nothing to do so we should have the entire theater to ourselves. I usually come here with Flitter at this time and we get to be as loud as we want during her comedy movies.”
“Sounds like Rainbow and Pinkie. Only problem is those two don’t care if we’re alone or in a packed theater, they just ignore everyone giving us dirty looks,” I commented and she chuckled as I levitated everything in my magic.
We trotted down the hallway, internally counting the doors we passed idly.
“Wow, you’re right. This place is empty,” I said once we entered the room and looked around. It was damn near empty except for one or two ponies.
“Yeah. Follow me,” Cloudchaser gestured with a hoof and I shrugged, following her to some seats in the back and sat down next to her. “These are always the best seats. Too close and you have to strain your neck looking up. Shit is lame. You look nice by the way. You changed your mane style.”
“Yeah, for tonight. You look good as well,” I eyed her up and down as she gave a faint blush before shrugging.
“Yeah well gotta give off a good impression, right?” Cloudchaser answered and I smirked slightly.
“You already did days ago, believe me.”
We both fell silent as we watched some previews for a few kids movies, some romance movie that she claimed Flitter would probably like.
“I never really understood what the point of previews were. I mean, they’re technically to show off upcoming movies, sure but let’s be real here. I’ve never seem a preview and been like, let’s go see that!” Cloudchaser flung a hoof and I chuckled.
“I have a better idea of how to spend time till the movie starts,” I commented and Cloudchaser glanced at me with a raised eyebrow.
“Let me guess, you’re pulling a Rumble and brought some video games,” Cloudchaser said and I kissed her, smirking slightly at her wide eyes.
She reminded me of blackberries and vanilla as she kissed me back. Stupid need for air made us stop for a moment and Cloudchaser gave me a large smile.
“No, not really,” I answered once I pulled back. “I’d like to think that was a bit better than any video game.”
“It was,” Cloudchaser mumbled and I grinned slightly as she placed a wing around me. I leaned into the hug and shivered slightly. I always forget I was ticklish on my sides and Cloudchaser is pretty soft.
“This is clearly the pony version of yawning and putting your arm around me,” I teased and she smirked back. “You uh wanna go again?”
Cloudchaser weakly nodded and I internally pumped a fist. Hoof, whatever. You got the meaning.
And yes, the movie was fairly decent but we were more focused on each other to be honest.
The two of us trotted up to Cloudchasers house with her wing resting on my back as she nuzzled me.
“I had fun. Thanks for that,” Cloudchaser admitted as I kissed her cheek. “You good to get to the castle safely?”
“Yeah I should be fine. I had fun too. We should do this again,” I suggested and Cloudchaser nodded before opening her mouth.
“You can stay the night if you want. It’s late,” Cloudchaser offered and rubbed the back of her head with a blush. “Not in that sorta way.”
“I figured. I’ll stay here,” I answered and Cloudchaser beamed as she opened the door and we both froze, staring for a moment at Flitter with a hoof between her legs. She thankfully didn’t notice us as I closed my eyes and Cloudchaser blushed.
Flitter made a moaning sound and I internally wondered why I find myself in situations like this all the time. This is like the fifth time in my life as a pony walking in on someone doing that. I kinda wonder how she would react to her having hands.
Definitely wiping that thought from my mind. I’m trying to date her sister, not Flitter.
“You know what, I think I’ll come with you to the castle.”
I stifled a yawn as I curled up more under the wing over me, my flank bumping against the mare next to me and I sighed contently before shifting to face Cloudchaser permanently.
“Good morning,” Cloudchaser said casually and tightened her wing around me.
“Morning,” I said in a dry voice before clearing my throat. “Morning. There, now my voice doesn’t sound like I’ve spend days in the desert without water.”
Cloudchaser chuckled and I kissed her forehead before wrapping my forelegs around her.
“What are you up to?” I asked and she nuzzled me. She had been to first to pass out after we got to the castle. Twilight and Spike had long since gone to bed. She had apparently been inside a few times for Hearths Warming and knew her way around, probably better than me. Okay, definitely better than me.
“Just watching you sleep and thinking,” Cloudchaser answered and smirked slightly. “You’re cute when you sleep. You also do a faint snoring but wasn’t too distracting. It was kinda adorable.”
“Thanks. You are too,” I shot back and brushed a hoof along her side. “You’re a quiet sleeper, no snoring. You do move around a bit till you decided using me as a pillow was preferred.”
“Are you complaining?” Cloudchaser teased and kissed my nose.
“No ma’am,” I commented and bit her neck with a smirk. “You can use me as a pillow anytime you want Miss Cloudchaser.”
“Excellent Miss Sunset,” Cloudchaser smiled back before licking my neck. I can almost guarantee none of my human friends would understand the whole licking or biting thing. Maybe Applejack or Fluttershy or Sweet Leaves or even Lyra maybe but not the others. Sure, some humans do the biting shit but not the licking neck thing. It’s basically a huge sign of affection for us ponies. You’re only really supposed to do it to ponies you’re serious about dating or very close friends with. “Because I plan to now.”
“Good,” I muttered and we both glanced at the door, finally noticing a blushing Twilight in the doorway. “Oh hey Twi.”
“H-hey,” Twilight circled her hoof on the floor and was bright red like a tomato. “I uh came to get you guys for breakfast but I can see you’re uhm busy so I’ll save you guys some waffles. Bye!”
Twilight zipped away with such speed that Rainbow would impressed by, slamming the door shut behind her.
“That happened,” Cloudchaser broke the silence and grinned at me. “Since she’s gone, wanna make out more or get breakfast?”
I kissed her in response, snickering slightly at the stunned expression on her face.
“I think that should answer your question,” I shot back with a smug grin and shifted my weight.
“Mhm,” Cloudchaser agreed and rested a foreleg on my shoulder. “You’re soft.”
“I take good care of myself,” I said simply and yawned. “What were you thinking about?”
“You,” Cloudchaser answered casually. “Rumble was asking about you. He invited me to go play with his friends today. He wanted me to ask if you would be coming too. Apparently he and a certain sister of mine were spying on us. Also the fact that I don’t really date often. So you’re clearly something special if I’m interested.”
“I’m down. Might as well beat you in whatever game they’re playing,” I teased with a grin. “And we can find a way to prank Flitter to get her back for spying.”
Cloudchaser matched my grin as I brushed her mane.
“I knew there was a reason I liked you.”
“Wow and here I thought it was my good looks and nice body,” I teased and she rolled her eyes.
“Those are definitely pointers but it’s more so your personality. You have a nice personality and that’s always a plus,” Cloudchaser explained and pulled the blankets tighter over us. “Now I’m going back to sleep for a few hours.”
“Okay,” I shrugged and nodded. “Same I guess. I’m comfortable and besides, your wing is soft as hell.”
“You know, I think we scarred Twilight for life,” I said and examined the fillies and colts running around the field in front of us.
“Or the next few days,” Cloudchaser agreed and tossed her water bottle next to her saddlebags on the ground. “Hey Rumble, this is Sunset Shimmer.”
A grey colt with a jet black mane had wandered up in front of us and Cloudchaser grinned, ruffling his mane with a hoof.
“Flitter and I watch him for his big brother occasionally. Rumble is a cool little dude,” Cloudchaser explained at my raised eyebrow. “He helped us in tornado duty.”
“Not that I did much,” Rumble grumbled and stared back at me. “I’ve heard a lot about you Miss Shimmer. Cloudchaser was talking about you nonstop when she was hanging out with me the other day.”
“Was she now?” I asked and bumped my flank against Cloudchasers. “What did she have to say?”
“That you were really cute and fun to be around and- mphm!” Rumble gagged as Cloudchaser shoved her hoof in his mouth with a bright red face.
“Don’t you finish that sentence mister,” Cloudchaser growled and I bit back a laugh. Cloudchaser removed her hoof and Rumble grinned slightly.
“It was pretty gross. Fillies are gross,” Rumble continued. “I mean, they have cooties and stuff I heard Button say a few months ago. He has Sweetie Belle after him. I’ve just been hiding from Dinky since then.”
“And what are you gonna do when you’re in high school?” I asked curiously and Rumble gave me a confused look. “You think you’re gonna be thinking girls are gross forever?”
“Am I gross?” Cloudchaser asked and Rumble shook his head. “Good.”
“No but you do kiss me too much. Girl mouth is gross,” Rumble gagged into his hoof. Cloudchaser tilted her head and we both smirked at each other.
“Hey Rumble,” I said casually and he glanced at me as Cloudchaser slowly leaned down. “You have something on your face.”
“I do? Probably leftover cake from lunch,” Rumble muttered and went wide eyed as Cloudchaser kissed his cheek with an exaggerated sound. “Ew, girl mouth!”
We both laughed as the colt took off running to a waiting group of colts and few fillies mixed in.
“Is Cloudchaser and her marefriend joining us Rumble?” A British voice called out and we both immediately turned bright red as Rumble glanced at us.
“Yeah sure,” Cloudchaser called back and we both started to trot over there. “What are we doing today?”
“Hide and Seek,” Rumble said simply. “We do teams though.”
“What?” I interjected and Cloudchaser shrugged. I never heard of anyone playing hide and seek like this ever in my life.
“There’s an event fourteen of us, excluding adults. I call Cloudchaser!” Rumble shouted, apparently already forgetting her kissing his cheek. “Sunset gets to lead the second team.”
“Hm,” I paused at a shy looking earth pony filly and stared at her. “You, what’s your name?”
“Uhm Lily. Lily Longsocks,” Lily answered hesitantly and I smiled slightly down at her.
“You’re on my team,” I announced and she gave me a bright smile.
“But Lily is the worst!” a pegasus colt said and I scowled at him with Cloudchaser matching my frown as lily’s face fell.
“Cool. I don’t care about winning, I care about her having a good time now what’s your name?” I demanded and stared down at him.
“Featherweight,” the scrawny looking pegasus answered.
“Featherweight. I don’t see you being chosen first or looking entirely impressive yourself so shove a hoof in it, would ya?” I grumbled and his eyes widened as Lily rubbed against my foreleg with a smile.
I levitated a bush up and sighed, dropping it again. I had some colts named Skeedadlee, Button Mash and Pipsqueak on my team along with Dinky, Kettle Corn and Lily.
“I don’t see anypony,” Skeedadlee commented. “Last one was Noi and she’s out on the bench. She was pretty annoyed.”
“I wish I could do magic like you,” Dinky stared up at my horn. “Amethyst teaches me here and there but she only knows the basics.”
“I’m certain Twilight wouldn’t mind,” I commented and paused, my ear flicking to my left at the sound of faint wings flapping. “You all hear that?”
“Mhm,” Lily whispered and stood next to me. She had practically been glued to my side ever since the start of the game.
“Why do you never get chosen first?” I asked as we passed by some fallen trees and Lily stepped to one.
“Because of this,” Lily answered and lifted one of the large trees with a single hoof and my eyes slightly widened. “Ponies think it’s weird, especially Diamond Tiara.”
“Dude, that’s sick. You could easily be a royal guard with strength like that. Might even be a captain of the guard,” I said as she gave me a confused look.
“You really think so?” Lily asked and I grinned down at her.
“Absolutely. Might even be guarding Twilight one day,” I winked and I gestured to a nearby bush and leaned closer. “There’s a pegasus inside. Either Rumble or Cloudchaser. Wanna get them?”
Lily nodded and jumped inside the bush, idly watching as Cloudchaser jumped out and she slowed to a trot to allow Lily to catch up.
She clearly forgot about me as I tackled her and she gave a gasp, rolling me with and Lily on top of her.
“Well,” I started as I stood above her with my forelegs holding her down and gazed down at Cloudchasers stunned expression. “Looks like we caught a bird. What should we do with her, Lily?”
“Nothing you can do with a kid around,” Cloudchaser muttered quietly and I had to strain to hear her. Even then, I barely heard a thing.
“I didn’t hear you. What?” I asked and Cloudchaser turned red enough to be considered a tomato.
“N-nothing!” Cloudchaser answered and I raised an eyebrow. “Honestly.”
“We can keep her?” Lily suggested and I gave a low laugh before leaning down to kiss Cloudchaser.
“Works for me,” I answered and Cloudchaser gave me a warm smile that made me feel warm and shit inside.
“Are you two dating?” Kettle Corn asked curiously and I quickly realized those on my team had been staring the whole time with wide eyes.
“Do you really know Princess Twilight?” Button Mash chimed in.
“And are you an element of harmony too like Princess Twilight said?” Dinky added and I nodded.
Cloudchaser and I maintained eye contact for a minute before we both nodded and I kissed her again.
“Yeah we are,” Cloudchaser answered and nuzzled me as Kettle Corn made a weird squeaking sound.
“Yes I know the princess. She’s my friend and yes, according to Twilight I represent Empathy. She did some weird test thingy on me,” I answered and the two gave me grins before bowing slightly. “Uh please don’t bow to me. I’m nothing special. I’m Sunset, not a princess. I don’t like being put up on a pedestal. Not anymore.”
“Wait she kissed her,” Rumble realized as he backpedaled in the sky with his wings. “Ew!”
Cloudchaser and I looked at him before we burst out laughing and I nuzzled her with a small smile.
“So dating huh?” I commented as we watched them start to chase after each other again. “Moving a bit fast there.”
“We can always slow it down if you want,” Cloudchaser answered and wrapped a wing around me as I curled up in a ball.
“Nah, this is fine. Haven’t had the title of girlfriend in a long time. It feels nice to have it from someone who I legitimately like,” I said and she chuckled. “I live over through the portal, you live here. How will that work?”
“I can’t ask you to leave anypony behind. You can always come visit and hell, maybe I could visit you one day. It’d be nice to see where my girlfriend lives,” Cloudchaser nudged me with a yawn.
“I’d like that,” I admitted after a moment. She had a point there about the whole visiting thing.
After all, I’m just a mirror away.
Author's Note
Gonna do a story from Cloudchasers pov soon.
I tossed my saddlebag onto my bed and stretched my forelegs out. I glanced out the window and stifled a yawn.
I had promised to give Rarity the details of of the other night and well, plus I know she’d just track me down. She knows where I’m sleeping after all. I’d spent all day at Pinkie’s and I was exhausted.
I opened my door and sure enough, the white unicorn was outside my door with Fluttershy, Rarity practically dancing on her hooves as she gave me a wide grin.
“Well darling how did it-?” Rarity paused leaned forward and sniffed me a few times.
“Uh Rarity?”
Rarity looked me up and down before grinning even bigger which was kinda disturbing. Looked liked her face was about to split in half. Stuff of nightmares, honestly.
“Sunset Shimmer, you sly dog you!” Rarity shouted and Fluttershy jumped. “I can smell Cloudchasers scent all over you! You slept with her?”
“Uh yeah, last night. She’s really soft. We slept in the castle after our date,” I answered and Rarity chuckled.
“You had sex with her on the second date?” Rarity asked incredulously as Fluttershy let out an eep and turned red as my eyes widened. “My my, you do move fast darling!”
“No, it wasn’t that,” I shot back after a moment of stunned silence. “We slept. As in snoring sleep! You know, mimimi! Just with each other.”
“Mimimi,” Fluttershy giggled softly and I smirked. “That was funny.”
“Indeed. My apologies, I thought you meant something entirely different by sleep,” Rarity admitted and I blushed. “But how was your date? Tell me everything darling.”
“Well, we kissed a lot. The movie was really good. I was gonna sleep at her house but well, Flitter was busy in the self love department if you get my drift,” I winked as Fluttershy blushed red. “So we came to the castle, cuddled and talked for a bit before Cloudchaser passed out pretty fast. She’s cute in her sleep. She said the same thing about me when she woke up.”
“Ah I see. How did Twilight take Cloudchaser visiting?” Rarity asked and I burst out laughing, gesturing them to follow me into my room as I plopped down on my bed.
“So she walked in on us kissing and she was bright red like Fluttershy is right now. Anyway, she took it very well. Lunch was a bit awkward after what happened in the morning but we managed. We’re officially dating and honestly? It feels really nice. I haven’t felt this cared about in a long time,” I admitted.
“What about the other us?” Fluttershy asked curiously. “Don’t they care about you?”
“Well yeah they do but for a long time they viewed me as a chore. Mainly Rainbow and uhm Rarity’s counterpart,” I admitted and Rarity scowled slightly.
“You’re no chore to me darling and I quite enjoy your company. Even if our roles were swapped and it was us taking care of you, I would never view you that way and none of the others would either,” Rarity stated firmly.
“I appreciate that Rares. Fluttershy’s counterpart was nice but a bit scared of me. Applejack and Pinkie were the nicest even if Bloom didn’t like me. Sweetie Belle didn’t like me for a bit and Scootaloo straight up hated me so I was afraid of meeting your sisters but they’re pretty damn adorable. You and Sweetie remind me of marshmallows. Anyway, Applejack and Granny pretty much took me in as family pretty quick and Pinkie gave me a cake. But they’re just friends. You’re gorgeous Rarity and Fluttershy’s shyness is cute but I’d never date my friends. They’re just friends,” I explained and the two hugged me briefly.
“You’re not bad yourself,” Fluttershy admitted and sat back down. “But Discord has my eye. Rarity is obsessed with what’s it called? Shipping us?”
“Yes darling. So what do you want to do for your last day? I heard Applejack was willing to get help in the farm,” Rarity suggested and I rubbed my chin with a hoof.
“Yeah a little labor is no problem. I’ve helped on my AJs farm before. This will be a piece of cake,” I answered and Fluttershy snorted.
“This should be interesting.”
I levitated my lemonade down next to the tree as I briefly watched Applejack buck a tree and a bunch of apples tumbled into waiting baskets. I may have under estimated how difficult this would be. It’s hard as hell in the human world because they do everything by hand. At least here we can use magic to harvest their apples.
“Having fun?” Apple Bloom asked as I glanced over at her before I kicked the tree with a hindleg, watching in slight satisfaction at the apples falling. Take that AJ, you’re not the only pony who can do that. Might not be as much as she would but hey, minor detail.
“Oh loads,” I answered back and levitated the baskets in the air. “You?”
“Uh huh. Chores ain’t exactly mah idea of a fun time but it could be way worse,” Apple Bloom answered. “Ah get to go play with Scoots and Sweets in an hour. Gonna hit the pond and try to get our marks in fishing.”
Thank Celestia it wasn’t anything crazy like last time. I levitated the baskets onto a wagon that Big Mac had left before glancing at Twilight repeating the tree bucking and levitating basket routine I had fallen into.
“Ah gotta go check up on Granny,” Apple Bloom said and I nodded as she trotted away. I started to face the next tree when a pair of hooves covered my eyes followed by the sound of wings beating and a pony landing behind me and I yelped.
“Why hello there,” Cloudchaser purred in my ear as she let go and I spun around. “How’s it going, my sun?”
“Good, you?” I asked and eyed her with a grin. “You know I was close to shooting you, right?”
“I doubt you’d actually shoot me,” Cloudchaser scoffed as we settled down under the tree and she wrapped a wing around me as I laid on her stomach. I shot her a look that screamed try me and she gulped. “Okay, maybe you would have. Note to self, don’t startle a powerful hot unicorn mare.”
“Mhm,” I hummed and felt Cloudchaser sigh. “Oh! I got you something.”
“Oh? What’s that?” Cloudchaser asked as I levitated a book out of my saddlebags with Cloudchasers and my cutie mark proudly emblazoned on the cover together.
“It’s a book,” I explained and Cloudchaser rolled her eyes.
“I see that. Is this yours and Twilight’s way of telling me to read more often?” Cloudchaser laughed and I snickered.
“Well no but you’ll wanna read this one. It’s enchanted so you can write in it and anything you write will end up in a copy I have in my saddlebags. Twilight helped make it,” I answered and levitated a quill along with my copy and opened it to the first page. “Here, write something in yours and watch.”
Cloudchaser stared at the quill before shrugging and she picked it up, opening her book and writing a simple “Hey” in it, watching with a stunned expression as it appeared in my copy.
“See?” I gave a smug smile. “So we can communicate together when I’m not here.”
“That’s actually cool,” Cloudchaser admitted and nuzzled me.
“How did you know I was here anyway?” I asked and she snorted.
“I was watching you buck trees for about an hour or so. Kinda hard to not watch,” Cloudchaser answered with a grin.
“Oh great, I’m dating a stalker,” I grumbled and she smacked me with a wing.
“Shush you. You love the attention,” Cloudchaser commented and wrapped a foreleg around me. “So what do you wanna do on your last evening here? We can stay here or go see another movie?”
“Can we go flying again?” I asked hopefully and grinned slightly. “That was actually really damn cool. Minus the dropping me thing.”
“Sounds good to me,” Cloudchaser nodded and I felt her shift slightly to grab under my legs and stood up, spreading her wings.
She shot upwards and my eyes widened slightly as I examined the area under us.
“Having fun?” Cloudchaser asked and I nodded as I tore my eyes off the farm becoming a speck below us. “Good. Where to?”
“Anywhere you want.”
I felt Cloudchaser nuzzle me as I blinked a few times, staring at the cloud in her house we had fallen asleep on and she gave me a wide smile. We had ended up at her house and thank the lord Flitter wasn’t busy again. We had snuck past the snoring mare on the couch and I felt like I was a young filly again sneaking her first girlfriend inside the house past her mom.
“Good morning,” Cloudchaser said casually as I faced her and smiled back. That was a view I didnt think I’d ever get tired of seeing. “Welcome to the inside of our humble abode.”
“Very cloudy,” I stated dryly and she laughed.
“Well, my name is Cloudchaser after all. Sucks you have to go home today,” Cloudchaser said and ran a hoof along my side. “You gonna tell your other friends about us?”
“I mean, if they ask me about my relationship status I will. It’s not really their business who I’m seeing after all. And besides, you’re mine,” I smirked and nudged her with my muzzle. “Kinda wanna keep this between me, you, Flitter and the others for a bit. Knowing my Rarity, she’ll spread it around the school so. I don’t need a million people in my business or harassing my girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend. I like that,” Cloudchaser mused aloud and I had to agree with that. I wrapped my forelegs around her and she mimicked the action with a wing.
“Me too. Next time I’ll bring a guitar and I’ll play some song for you,” I commented and Cloudchaser shrugged.
“I only really like rock music so. Flitter really likes country and hip hop. Don’t know how she can stand the last one,” Cloudchaser muttered and I chuckled.
“That’s like Rainbow with rap. She’s actually a pretty good rapper and so is Pinkie. The amount of times I’ve been in the car with them and they randomly start is insane.”
Cloudchaser hummed in acknowledgement and I glanced out the window at the sun rising. I didn’t even think cloud houses could have glass windows or well, windows in general really. I assume it’s a result of pegasus magic or something like that.
“When do you gotta leave?” Cloudchaser broke the silence and I stared at the sun with a sigh.
“In about three hours,” I answered with a groan. “I’m not entirely ready to to back go two legs and school work.”
“I can imagine. Sleeping alone is gonna suck,” Cloudchaser sighed and I agreed with her on that. “Maybe I’ll ask Rarity to make a stuffed animal of you. Though that might seem a bit weird if you came back and saw a plush of you on my bed.”
“Potentially,” I admitted after a moment. “But it could be weirder. It could be a magically enchanted one that moves and talks like me.”
“That’s a terrifying thought. Come on, I wanna go do something before you leave,” Cloudchaser said and fluttered her wings. “And hurry. Three hours isn’t long.”
“What you got in mind?”
“We can go walk by the lake. It’s a nice spot to hang out. Most of the colts and fillies go there after school,” Cloudchaser answered and I stretched out on the cloud. “Hope you don’t hate sand.”
“I’m not Anakin Skywalker so I’m okay with it,” I answered and she gave me a confused look.
“Not who?”
I burst out laughing and fell backwards on the bed as I pressed my hooves on my chest and continued laughing before I was able to speak a bit between my laughs.
“I’ll tell you later.”
I tightened my saddlebags and stared at portal with a sigh before glancing back at the other elements, Spike, Berry Punch, Lyra, Minuette, Lemon Hearts, Bon Bon, Twinkleshine, Flitter and Cloudchaser and the cmc standing behind me.
“Well it’s been fun having ya sugarcube,” Applejack tipped her hat before hugging me. “Stay safe, have fun back there.”
“Write to me every now and again,” Cloudchaser said as I stepped away from Applejack to hug Cloudchaser.
“I will,” I promised before kissing her, faintly listening to Scootaloo and Rainbow both gag while Rarity and Sweetie both grinned widely at us.
“Adorable,” Rarity sang and we both blushed as Cloudchaser kissed me back. I inhaled before sighing contently, sniffing a few times and smelling her lavender shampoo she used this morning.
“Think you’re gonna miss me yet?” Cloudchaser asked breathlessly as the others blushed or looked away.
“Mhm definitely,” I answered and flicked her with my tail. “What are you gonna do about you know who?”
I jerked my head to Flitter and Spike as Cloudy grinned at me before she rested her wing around me.
“Oh I’m gonna get those two together,” Cloudchaser whispered and I nodded. That was what had I hoped for.
“Excellent. In a few months, you want to come over?” I asked and tapped a hoof against her wing as she shrugged.
“Yeah sure I’d like that a lot. Let me know when and I’ll visit the Princess to open it I suppose. But you better take me to the movies. I wanna see what human movies are like,” Cloudchaser smirked at me and she wiped some purple lipstick off my mouth. “You had something on your mouth. Wonder how that got there.”
“Gee, I wonder,” I snarked and rolled my eyes. “It’s been really nice seeing you all. I’ll be back whenever I can. And well, thanks for all the help getting me with Cloudy. She was a lot more confident about getting my attention.”
“I wasn’t confident. I was terrified,” Cloudchaser admitted and blushed. “It was fifty fifty. But that’s a conversation for another visit.”
I gave a nod and quickly hugged everyone in the room as Pinkie and Minuette both nuzzled me as Berry and Twinkleshine wrapped a hoof over my back.
I somehow unwrapped myself from the hug and pressed a hoof against the portal, the others who didn’t know about it giving startled gasps as a mint green hoof rested on my foreleg.
“Take me with you!” Lyra screamed and Bon Bon grunted a curse word before biting her tail. “Ow!”
“I’m very sorry about her. She gets excitable,” Bon Bon shot Lyra a look and I rubbed my forehead. I was really feeling deja vu right now.
“The amount of deja vu I’m feeling right about now is insane,” I muttered and Lemon Hearts giggled as I nuzzled Cloudchaser one more time and I inhaled before stepping the mirror completely this time.
I squeezed my eyes shut before I tumbled to the ground and opened my eyes, wincing slightly at the sun light.
“Woah!” I exclaimed as I stood up and almost face planted if Applejack hadn’t caught me.
“Easy there,” Applejack smirked at me and handed me my backpack.
“Hey!” I grinned and looked around. “You guys were waiting for me?”
“Well duh!” Rainbow scoffed and continued bouncing a soccer ball. “We’ve been counting down the days. Schools been boring without you.”
“Was your trip productive?” Fluttershy asked curiously as she and Rarity dusted off my shirt.
“You could say that,” I answered with a smile. “It was a really fun. Oh! I got you all some stuff. Let’s go to Sugarcube Corner and I’ll give you it. Got a hat for you from pony Rarity Rares, a bird whistle from pony Fluttershy for Flutters, balloons from Pinkie, Wonderbolt memorabilia from Rainbow and some recipe I think from Jackie.”
“I don’t know what a Wonderbolt is but sick!”
“I hope you plan on telling us all that happened,” Rarity hummed as she wiped at my lip with a pointer finger and examined the purple lipstick that I guess Cloudchaser missed. “Hm.”
“Come on, I’ll tell you everything,” I answered with a smile before pausing. I’ll probably be better off not telling them how often I kissed Cloudchaser. That’s mine and hers business.
Okay, maybe not tell them everything.
