Encore!

by JayWalker

Rating: teen
Tags: Dark, Alternate Universe, Equestria Girls, Suicide / Self Harm, Sunset Shimmer, Main 7 (EqG), Profanity, Adventure, Violence, Twilight Sparkle (EqG), Principal Celestia, Slice of Life, Crossover, Human, Dean Cadance
Length: 7192

What happened between Rainbow Rocks, and the Games.

Sunset was... Having an ok time, after the battle of the bands.
Her friends are better now, and not... Alluding to HER all the time anymore. She's gotten better in a lot of ways, and is being treated better.
But, now she's got some mysteries, and having to deal with her ambient magic slowly fading away, rendering her vulnerable to the needs of a human.
And who the heck is Dead Heart, and why does she feel so weird around them?

Published 2024-07-22 23:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-07-29 21:52:58 UTC

Hunger

Sunset felt hungry.
That's not supposed to happen. Something unique to unicorns is that they can use their magic as an emergency source of food, in case anything happens. So, they don't need to eat as much as Pegasi, or even Earth Ponies.

So why was Sunset hungry? That's not supposed to happen? Why is this a thing now? What?

"Hey, you alrigh' there sugarcube?" Applejack asked with confusion. "Ya look... Well, hungry."
"Oh! Did you not eat breakfast?" Rarity asked, concerned. "I've got a bar in my bag in case of something like that."
"I'm fine, really. I don't often have breakfast." Even as Celestia's personal student, she hardly ate. She... may have gotten addicted to the magical fullness she had, and didn't realise she needed food to replenish her reserves. And well, let's just say, addiction is a topic Celestia had drilled into her head.

It was the reason why she stayed away from all drugs and alcohol. It scared her, to be honest. As does being hungry. She's supposed to have a lot of magic, as she can't use it here, and the portal clearly has some type of magic being put into her clothes, as they've grown with her, for five years.

Wait, it's been five years... She... Oh wow, she hardly even thinks of Equestria as home anymore, does she? Is it home? Or... Is this place home? This school.

Does she have a home? Wow, she's hungry. She needs something to eat. Wow, that's actually starting to hurt slightly. Huh, this is weird. She's never felt this before.
Is this stomach pain? She doesn't much care for it, thank you. She doesn't like this.

But, does she deserve it? She wonders if this is punishment for not trying to deal with the Sirens sooner. That could be it. Ok, so a bit of a punishment. She'll be better next time. She'll have a good lunch.

"Sunset… you look close to falling over..." Fluttershy said worriedly. "Please, eat something?"
"I can wait till lunch," Sunset said, smiling. It's true, she could wait till lunch.
Why do people not believe her? Wait, was that...
"Uh, I think the three are here," she said, wincing as something fell over in the hallway. Sounds like a locker.

"The- Oh... Oh dear. I thought Cheerilee was looking after them..." Rarity said worriedly. "It seems they got away from her… again."
"I'll grab them," Sunset said as she got up. The teacher, she couldn’t remember their name, just sighed and nodded.

Sunset clutched her stomach, as she looked for the kids.
"Look, I get that you're bored, but yah can't be doing things like this," a girl's voice was saying. "I've got to get to class. Don't, be naughty. Ok?" Footsteps, and Sunset turned the corner.
"Who was that?" she asked them. Scootaloo just shrugged.

"Dunno. She's been around but... She's weird," Sweetie Belle said. "I think Mamma said her name was Dead Heart," she said.

"Wait. Dead Heart?" Sunset asked. That...
"Yeah," Bloom nodded. "Dead Heart. Weird huh? We don' know any other name for her."

... A little rule for naming, in Equestria. The words, Death, Dead, Living, Life, or anything that is close to that, are not allowed.
They're banned, as they are considered rude, and even downright hateful towards the filly that would be named it.

So why are they called that? Why do they have thi- WAIT DID SHE SAY ANOTHER NAME!?
"Other name?" She asked.
"Yeah. We've all go' nicknames. Mine's Apple Bloom, but mah name's really Blossom," she said smiling.

"..." Sunset blinked, and almost doubled over, as her stomach rumbled. WOW THAT HURT!
"Are yah ok?" Ap- Blossom, asked worriedly. "Did yah eat? Are yah hungry?"
"I'm fine," Sunset said, shaking her head. "I'm ok," she lied.

She just smiled, and lead the three back to the library. Cheerilee just smiled, as the four walked in.
"There you three are. Thanks Sunset. Geez, Today's been a mess, sorry," she said, wincing. "Come on, it's story time, you three."

Sunset sighed as she finished lunch. That's better. No more stomach pain. She'll ask for some notes later.
"So, uh... Why don't yah often eat?" Applejack asked. Does she have a different name too? "It's just... You act like it's normal?"
"Oh, right," Sunset sighed, and shrugged. "Magic."
"..." Everyone just stared at her with a dull look. "..."
"I'm not joking," she shrugged. "It's a long story."

"I'm not sure what you mean by that, darling," Rarity. Is that her real name? "But... I feel that the long story isn't quite wrong. So, uh... What do you mean by the magic stopping you from being hungry?"
"... Well, magic can be a secondary source of food so we don't starve." DON'T MEANTION YOU WERE A PONY SHIMMER! "Even the ones with Wings, can do it too. But... If they have to use it too much when they're young, either Magic, or Wings... well, they can stop growing their wings, making it almost impossible for them to fly, or for Magic to not be as strong as others, as their bodies become dependent on that." She blushed. "And as they get older, they might get an… addiction."

"Speaking from experience?" Rainbow asked... gently? Also, Rainbow might be her name. That tracks with her family.
"I've seen it happen to a few... and a few funerals..." She shuddered. "And an AA meeting or two..." Another shudder, and a sigh.
Everyone just stared at her. "I... I wa... What the fuck Sunset!?" Rarity asked with a hiss.

"I..." Sunset just remembers the worry... Wait, the same look Principal Celestia gives her, every morning. Why? She's ok. "It's a long story."

Twilight has had a very weird day.
And not in the usual science is cool sort of way.
In the, SHE HAS NO IDEA WHAT'S GOING ON! kind of way, ya know?

She had been in the library as it was Saturday, and she just felt like reading a book. A new one. She loves the library, as it's large and is kept very nicely. And, it's quiet. She didn't have to talk, or listen to anyone or anything.

She heard the sounds of a pen on paper, and a girl muttering. She blinked, and wondered if they were studying, or if they were a vandal.

Oh if it was a Vandal! She quietly walked over to where she heard it, and turned the corner.
She just sighed, and looked at the multi-coloured haired girl. Pretty like a sunset...
WOW! What a thought there Twily! Just shout about how gay you are to the universe, why don't you!
"So, uh... what ya got there?" she asked, pointing at the weird book, which had a sun with a yin yang symbol. And on the back, it was... wait, that's her mark! HOW DOES SHE HAVE HER MARK!? "And why do you have my symbol?"

"Your- Oh... You're Twilight Sparkle," she said. "Ok... I'm Sunset Shimmer," she said, holding out a hand.
"Nice to meet you?" Twilight said, shaking it, and quickly grabbing the book.
"HAY!" Sunset cried. "You could have just asked," she said, with a sigh.

She saw the handwriting. Her handwriting. But, she's never even seen this book... And why are they writing in the same book? Like... A conversation...

And it was writing. In her hand. And not a pen around her. "What... Is... This?" She asked.
"Uh... Magic Journal. That can communicate between two worlds," she said without hesitation.
"... Just like that?" she asked.
"I mean. Can't really hide it, can I? You saw it write itself."
"Fair. So, uh... There's another world, that's a mirror to this one?" Twilight asked. "The possibilities! If someone is needing a blood transfusion, or if you needed a person to rant to, or-"
"ok, before you get too excited. One. Government. I'd be taken faster than a Pinkie Pie Cupcake."

"¿Disculpe?"
"Two, not everything is the same. Uh..." Sunset pulled out a phone, and flicked a number of photos. "I never really brought it up, cause like... Don't understand it? But, she hasn't got the same colours as you. Or style," Sunset said, and showed Twilight a picture of a girl in a really nice dress, with a crown, looking like a princess. Oh, and she's white.

"¿Qué carajo?" She hissed, looking at the white girl. "Why does she look so different?"
"Dunno." Sunset shrugged. "... Write back, I wanna see what happens." She grinned.
"Trouble, Troublemaker, yeah that's your middle name. I know you're no good but you're stuck in my brain~" She blinked. "Uh, thanks brain!? WHAT!?" Twilight thought.

"So, uh... ... Can you answer some more of my questions please?" Twilight asked. "I... Want to learn more."
"Sure? I mean, ok. Uh, better get away from other people. Talking about magic and mythological creatures like they're real, tends to get some odd looks."
"Alright... Uh, how about we go to my place. Mami won't be home for a while."
"Ok then. Lead the way, Ms Sparkle."

Accessing Memory...
Sunset Shimmer <~~
Twilight Sparkle
Mia Angelina Cadenza

Sunset... Sunset could remember it like it was yesterday.
The hunger. The... The fullness. The emptiness.
The Addiction.
It had started off slow. Not that much, not that often. Just when she had a long night in the library. Or the food at school wasn't that great.
She used the power sparingly.

She should explain. Should a Unicorn, or a Pegasus, not have enough food, or energy to continue. They may use their magic to give them a burst. But... sometimes it can turn into an addiction.

She stopped sleeping, when she realised it dealt against that. Then she stopped eating so much. She could feel the fullness from the magic. The... The feeling of good that came from it.

She became a bit snappy, and rude. But, not enough that people thought something was wrong. Well, only one person noticed something was wrong.

Celestia. Damn that Alicorn. She's been around so long, she knows the signs of a Magic Addict. So, she knew. But, didn't say anything.

At first.
Then, after a while, she left Sunset alone. Just for a day. Sunset would always eat when she asked. But, not much else. Just enough to make her happy.

And then Celestia took her to a Rehab centre. Showing her the effects it could have. It was having.

Sunken eyes, muscles going. Ribs almost visible through her coat... Irritation, mood swings... Loss of magic.

Sunset was scared straight. She... She didn't want this to happen to her. So, she stopped. She went to bed on time, and ate as much as she needed.

That was two weeks before the mirror incident. Sunset doesn't want to remember the week leading to it, thank you very much.

She doesn't like who she was. At all. She's better now. Than she ever was.

Celestia doesn't need to see the failure of a student again. Ever again.

Accessing Memory...
Sunset Shimmer
Twilight Sparkle
Mia Angelina Cadenza <~~

Mia Angelina Cadenza. Often just called Cadenza.
A Dean of her school. A kid that was a baby sat next to Celestia's younger sister.
And... A mother.
She doesn't know how it happened. It's just that one day, she decided to take a babysitting gig.

A week long one.

God she should have seen the red flags the second she walked in. There were no personal effects of the parents, or older brother. The kitchen was clean, but there was the smell like cookies had just been made.

A crap load of money was on the table, and... A bunch of papers for her to sign.
She's never taken care of someone for a week straight. A couple days maybe. But never a full week.

So she didn't think the papers were odd, as it was a full week. And she'd need to be responsible. So, she signed all the papers she was asked to. No questions asked, nothing read over.

A fool. A fool of a woman she was. She felt herself get mad even thinking about them.

Twilight Velvet, was almost a recolour of Twilight Sparkle. And Night Light was... Well, he was there. He just looked like an older Shining Armor.

She settled in, and made some dinner for the both of them. Twilight was just happy reading books. But, that's another thing that should have tipped her off.

She was used to being alone. Kids shouldn't be used to that. So she spent most of the week with her. Anytime she needed to go out and get something, she took Twilight. She made sure Twilight was happy, and safe, and cared about.

And then the end of the week came, and she noticed something. They didn't text her that they were about to fly back. She got in the mail, with something addressed to her.

Why? It was a bunch of money, of bloody course. "Mierda. Se movieron. No van a volver... Pobre Twilight."

"Hmm?" Twilight asked, as Cadence walked back into the room.
"Nothing princess. It's just... A long day. Uh, good news. I'll be sticking around for a bit longer," she said, and Twilight looked happy at that.

She called up the courts to see what the actual hell that legal document was.

"ADOPTION PAPERS!?" She yelled into the phone.
"Mam, if you would please-"
"DON'T TELL ME TO CALM! HOW IS THAT LEGAL!?"
"You signed them. Correct?"
"I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE HELL THEY WERE!"
"It still legally binds you."
She growled. And hung up.

"A- Ah- Adop... Adoption?" Twilight got out, between sniffs, and trying to dry her eyes. "They... They they they wouldn't just give me up... Right?" she asked, as tears streamed like waterfalls.

"Oh, oh honey... Mi amor, don't worry. I'm here. I... I'm your mami now," she said, knowing what that paper work was for.

Fucking bastards!

Author's Note

Notes! Important ones:

Yes! I have made the CMC actual little ones. Around six years old. I hated how the movie made them so close in age, because it doesn't really make sense, in any sense of it. And, there were no others around their size, for the entire series, I'm not sure about the comics, but yeah.
So, they're four year olds now, and more often than not, get looked after by a teacher not on duty. Or, Cheerrilee. She's often their baby sitter, as she's just the librarian.

Pony Twilight is White. That is all.

Ghost

"A ghost haunts my dreams.
She wears the face of you.
It's been a long time.
Since I caught a view.

I almost forgot that little smile.
The little laugh.
The little eyes~
Oh how I miss you.

You were my sunshine, sunlight.
I remember your name everyday.
Because this girl wears the memories of you.

The same smile.
The same laugh.
Her eyes hold a sadness you were too lucky to hold.
A ghost, of a memory~

Oh my darling girl, how I miss you~"

Cadenza couldn't believe her eyes, as she walked into her house.

There was another pair of shoes at the door. A friend? Twilight doesn't often invite those. Moondancer was one that came over, and even then very rarely. The shoes were boots. Sour Sweet? She... Does seem to have a slight crush on Twilight.

She smiled, as she heard a game being played. She wonders how long they've been doing this. It's been a number of hours since Twilight had gone to the library, thanks to what Ruby Scroll said.

"God of War?" Sunset asked, as she looked at the game.
"Yeah. It's a ga-"
"I know what it is. I... I've played the PSP ones. And watched gameplay of the others. Never seen this one though..." She muttered, looking at the very nice cover, a older Kratos, and a kid holding a bow.
"Oh, you have? Better than me. This is the only one I got right now. Uh, other than Ragnarok." She said, with a small chuckle. "I was about to start a new game. You wanna watch, or play? I... Uh... Don't have many two player games... Or friends in general."

Sunset just smiled sadly at the girl. She's nice, and pretty. She shouldn't have to deal with that. She grinned, as the game booted up.
"Graphics are already so much better." Sunset whined.
"Heh. Emulator, or Crappy second hand?" She asked.
"Scatty second hand." Sunset sighed. "It's scuffed on the back, but still plays pretty well."

"Uh... Ok then?" Twilight just smiled as the game started up, on a new user. Showing the seamless transition into the game. And winced.

Sunset chose Give Me God of War. Shouldn't be that bad, right?

Right?

"TAKE THAT YOU IMMORTAL FU-!" And Twilight's getting into the game. A bit too much.
"Why was that so hard?" Another voice asked. She's never heard that voice before. Perhaps from the library, not school? That would be nice.
"Dunno. Maybe that, you dID GIVE ME GOD OF WAR FOR A FIRST PLAYTHROUGH!?" And that's the yelling. Alright then.

"Hello, yes hi. It's your mami. Twilight, I swear if you don't calm down, the neighbours will call the cops. Again." She said, rubbing her eyes as she stood in the doorway. "If your friend here chose the hardest mode, that was their choice. Now, it's ni-"

That Sunset. That's Sunset Shimmer. THAT'S FUCKING SUNSET SHIMMER!?

Oh, oh gods. Nope. Nope. Nope. No, it can't be. She's dead. She died. She was murdered. She's dead. Not... A ghost? Yeah. A ghost... Talking to her daughter. "Twilight. Over here now, please Hija." She ordered, her voice stiff, like her muscles.

Twilight looked scared, and glanced back at Su- The ghost. The fake. The not real girl. A... A doubleganger. Right. Those exist. "Who, are you." Mia asked, looking at it.

"Sunset Shimmer." It said, sounding scared. "Uh, wait... That hair... Cadence?" It asked, It's eyes widening in shock. "So, you're Cadence. Got it. Cool."
"Who. Are. You? The Truth. Now." She growled at it.
"Sun. Set. Shim. Mer." It gritted out. "You can ask Twilight over there. Cause it's true."

"Mami, it is. Really." She said, and handed her a book. "Look at who's writing in this. Now."

She opened the book. It was... Months ago. This handwriting was different. But... The other, was... She's seen it so much... "cómo..." She whispered. "cómo?" She asked again.
"Mirror Universe. We were talking about it earlier." She said, and motioned for... Sunset, to show her something.

It was a picture of Twilight, if she was a 90's kid. "And that girl is white." Twilight whispered. "So, can't exactly be me, right?"

"Oh." Cadence blushed. "I... I'm sorry, Sunset."
"It's cool. So, uh... Why?" She asked, confused... Does she not know? "Why didn't you think I was the Sunset from here?"

"Not my place to say." Cadenza muttered. "I'm really sorry. But, I don't feel right doing that." Not when... Not when Celestia needs to see her. Hold... Hug, Sunset one last time. "Sorry Sunset." She rubbed her hands together, while feeling like she did a whole lot wrong, in just a few seconds.

"It's fine. So, uh... Sorry for intruding. I better get going..." Sunset said, with awkward fingerguns, and went towards the door, before falling over, and a growl from her stomach. "... Ow." She heard hissed.

"Need some food?"
"I don't want to impose." Sunset said to Cadence's question. Twilight answered
"It would be no trouble!" She said, with a smile.

Cadence just nudged the teenager slightly, who blushed hard. "Little crush?" Cadence teased. Twilight didn't say anything, and helped Sunset up.
"Want some Pizza?" She asked.
"PLease." Sunset whispered. "Ow, that actually hurts." She hissed, rubbing her stomach.

While Sunset went to go sit down, Cadence looked at Twilight. "... You really like her, huh?"
"

Celestia's Phone!

Contacts:
NightmareSis
Sundrop(Emergency)
ChaosBastard
Aphrodite(ButTame) <

Hey Auntie!
Ah, Cadence. What's wrong?
What makes you think somethings wrong?
... Dear, please. You're like Luna's Twin, when it comes to your tells. What, happened? did... Did they come back?
No! No! Uh... Someone else did...
Oh, who, Mia? Are they trouble.
... Your kid.
... Mia-
It's Sunset. She's back, and there's like this whole thing right now about a mirror world, a Twilley that's whit eof all things! She's got magic? And it currently eating a Pizza, and apparently doesn't know about you being her mamma.
... And here I thought only HE could cut off a text. I know.
I know this is a shoc WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU KNOW!?
I know. She's a student in my school. I enrolled her.
... I'll get Luna to hide the cake and donuts.
Jokes on you, she knew for two days before me. If anything, she earns the punishment.
... I hate you both right now. I... May have been a little rude.
It took all my will power and years of teaching, not to go crying and hug her. She... She grew up.
I know. By hell I know. Auntie? Does she know? Anything? Is she living with you?
No, she isn't... But how do I explain... Any of that? Really? That I gave birth to the other her? That she was... Killed, by that man. That it takes most my will to not just break down crying, and just try to mother her at a distance?
... I am Sorry, Tia. I'm really sorry.
Don't be. Make sure that she's eating, and that she's ok... Please?
Of course I will. Love you Tia.
Love you too kiddo.

"Hey." Fluttershy said, hugging Rainbow, before placing the bowls of Ice Cream down. "Where's Scoots?"
"Lying down. She did a lot today. And her leg was starting to hurt." Dash said, thanking her. "She's still awake, just not moving right now."

Phoebe just smiled at Reyna. "Hey, she's going to be ok. We'll be able to get everything sorted soon. As soon as they get into the country again, we'll have the papers. And probably be old enough." She promised the rainbow haired girl.

"I know but I'm just... Kid deserves better than this." Reyna said, and bounced her leg. "She deserves so much more, Flutters."
"I know. I know." She just smiled. "... Dashie, did you invite anyone?" She hissed, as she heard someone start to walk towards the door. Two people, actually.

"I'll get it. Stay with Sara, ok?" Dash hissed, and walked to the door. "Who is it?" She called to the door.
"Snap Shutter, and Mane Allgood." A woman's voice sounded. "Scootaloo's parents!"
Reyna hissed. "Yeah right. If that's true, we would have gotten a message. And two, Those aren't their real names, idiot!" She kicked the door open, smashing into one of the two that stood there.

She grabbed the baseball bat the other held, and slammed it into the side of the still standing ones head. The woman the door slammed into, was starting to get up. Dash kicked her quickly.

"Called the cops." Fluttershy said, with a harsh voice. "Stay. Down." She growled, holding a knife. "Here they are." She said. "Officers."

"Well, seems you have it handled. Who are they?" Officer Bishop asked.
"No clue." Rainbow shrugged. "Claimed to be Scoot's Parents. They are not." She just glared at the two. "Uh, are we in trouble?"

"Officer Nolan?" Bishop asked. "What is the procedure here?"
"Uh... They had the right to defend themselves, as they were likely about to try and take a kid... So, uh... Get their statement, and take the two offenders in?" Nolan seems confused.
"... To be honest I have no clue either." She shrugged. "But that sounds right." She admitted. "... We'll take the now."

Accessing Memory...
Phoebe Whispers <~~
Reyna Grace Amelia Bianca Prism <~~

"Just for tonight, ok?" The two women said, as Reyna and Phoebe sat down, and placed their bags onto the couch. "Little Sara's asleep right now, but while she doesn't talk, she's... Uh, very excitable... And, there was one more thing we may have left off th-"
"She's missing a leg." Reyna said, shrugged. "Not that different to a normal kid, just gotta keep a good eye on them, and make sure they don't hurt themselves."

"How did you..." Lofty asked.
"I help out around after school." Phoebe said, with a small smile. "Reyna sticks around so I don't get lonely."

"Ok..." Holiday shrugged. "Uh, well... Guess we'll be going then..." Reyna had to strain her ears as the door just about closed. "Christ they're a younger us..." And then the door shut.

Time to see Scoots! YAY!

Honestly, it was a fun night. Dash had a lot of fun. And it was just nice all in all. And, Uh...

Scootaloo was non-verbal, for most of the time the two had known her. A lot of the other kids didn't like to talk to her, but two did. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom... Those names sound familiar? Eh, she'll ask around later.

So, when she started to try and talk to the two, both Reyna and Phoebe were shocked. It was just babbles, a bit more babyish than what other kids were doing. But, it was cute, and not many minded.

"Hey scoots. What's up?" Reyna asked gently.
"BWe... Mami! Ti- tired Mami." Scoots yawned.

"... Flutters!?" Reyna yelled, really worried. "HELP!?"
"Mami?" Scoots asked confused. "Mami angry?"

"Uh, no buddy. I'm ok... Just, needing Flutters, ok?" She said, smiling. "Hey buddy." She said, wiping away some of the tears. "I'm not mad. Just... Suprised, that's all. You don't talk a lot, you know?"

"Mhmhm." Sara nodded, and sniffed. "Mami ok?" Scoots asked.
"Yeah. I'm good. Don't worry kid. You want your leg on, or off?" She asked, holding it.
"On?" Scoots asked.
"Oh, you're wanting to know if we're going anywhere?" She asked, and Scoots nodded. "We're not sure yet. Maybe. Off for now?" Scoots nodded. "Want to be on the couch buddy?" Another nod.

Reyna picked her up, and walked to the couch. Phoebe looked at her confused. "Hey Flutters. We going anywhere?"
"No, what's up?" She asked worried. "You called out a few seconds ago."

"It's ok, Flutters." She smiled. "Just got surprised. That's all." She smiled softly. "¿Qué estabas pensando para cenar?" She asked.

"Chinese." She said, smiling. "Lemon Chicken, right?"
"Yeah. For all of us?" Reyna asked with a smile.
"Yesh!" Scootaloo cheered, happy.
"Oh! She's talking! Aww, this her first word?" Fluttershy said, sparkles in her eyes.

"Uh... I... It's not." Reyna said, face bright red. This confused Phoebe, as she didn't usually act like this. "It... Was Mami..." She said, rubbing her arm.
"Wait, is that true Sara?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yes Mommy!" Sara cheered. Phoebe blinked, with a red face, and looked at Reyna.
"Is that... Uh, did she..." She asked in a hushed tone.
"Yes. She did." Reyna said. "Buddy, why are you calling us that?" She asked softly.
"You Mommy and Mami!" She cheeered.

"... How about we eat, ok honey?" Fluttershy asked gently. "Lemon Chicken?" Sara nodded with happiness.
"Yay!"

Both just smiled, but with slight hesitance. It was concerning, but sweet.

A few hours later, and both Holiday and Lofty walked in, with big smiles on their faces. "We're home~!" Lofty sang. "Oh, is Sara in bed?"
"Uh... Um, well. Yes, she is." Fluttershy said, rubbing her arm. "But, there's... Well, it's a bit of a change, to wrap your head around."

"I'm sure it'll be fine!" Holiday said smiling pleasantly. "Can't be anything bad right?" She asked, and her smile dipped slightly, as the two remained silent. "What happened?"
"... Well, uh... Well. Dashie? Please tell her?" Fluttershy whimpered. She shuffled back, and despite her height, almost hid behind the smaller girl. "... I don't them to be mad at me."

"Uh, ok," Dash nodded as she looked around not meeting their eyes. "Sc- Sara called me Mami, and Phoebe mommy..." She said, and scratched the side of her face, while taking a small step backwards. The two adults stared at the two, before looking at each other.

"Do you mean..." Holiday asked. "She talked?" She was cut off by Lofty. "Like, really talked? She... She hasn't talked before!" Both looked really excited. "That's amazing!"
"Yeah, but..." Reyna was interupted.
"Oh! That's amazing. Really, it is!" Holiday said, with a giant smile. "Oh, she's talking!"

"Well, um... I'm not sure it's a good thing," Fluttershy meekly said. "She... She called me Mommy, and Dash, Mami." Fluttershy said, her voice slightly louder, almost a normal volume. "... I believe, there is something wrong with that image... Sorry." She said, turning red, and hiding behind Rainbow Dash again.

Both aunts looked at each other. This was going to be a long conversations, wasn't it?

Author's Note

Hope ya don't mind the Chat-Fic part. It's just to show the texting between two characters, not for the whole fic, not denoting when someone speaks. I know it's in the rules, to not have it. But, why can't I have it in small bursts?

Got Rickrolled by my teacher... That was weird.

Big thanks to Prism Shadow for proofreading this! Thanks buddy!

A Painful Past

"Hey Rainbow Dash! Our baby gi-" Delete.
"Hey Rainbow it's you-" Nope. Just. Delete.
"It's... It's been a number of years, Rainbow Dash. We miss you."
"Well I don't miss you," Reyna hissed, as she deleted the message.
"Now listen young lady, we are your-" Delete. Anger. Right. Those are not wanted, nor needed.
A welcome change.

"I'm sorry about the last message, I just got slightly heated. Please, call u-" Nope. She's never going to even think about the two of them, if she could help it.
There was a reason she lived in an apartment with Phoebe. But, it was not one she liked to think about, or explain.
"Reyna Grace Angelina Prism! Fu- Full name. Her full name.
Her phone fell to the ground, the earbuds ripped from her ears, as they too fell to the ground after the clunky phone with crap Bluetooth.

She saw a few people stare at her in concern, Phoebe most of all. She walked over, and gently placed a hand onto Dash's shoulder. "What happened?" she asked softly.

"Full name," Dash whispered, and felt Fluttershy hug her. Which one was shaking? Oh, what's it matter? "They... They used my full name, Phoebe. They've never done that. Ever," she hissed.

Fluttershy looked at Rainbow Dash as she pulled back slightly, and just pressed her forehead to Dash's own. "I'm sorry. But you're safe. There's nothing to worry about. I promise. I do" she whispered, taking Rainbow's hand and placing the phone into Dash's pocket. "You don't need to worry with me around Reyna. Promise with all my heart."

Dash did nothing but smile, as Shy led her inside the school. She could believe the love of her life, but this time, it was just a little too hard.

It was a can of worms she didn't want opening, but alas. This happened.

Dead Heart. Heh, it wasn't just Irony as to why she chose that name. It was a reminder, to all she had lost.

She's had a few names over the years. She’d honestly forgotten how to just... be a kid. But, she loved it. The feeling of school, even if she didn’t attend classes, and helped Cheerilee with the little three. She thought she'd seen the older siblings around.

Dead Heart. What a funny title, to give yourself. It was...less of a nickname, to be honest. It was a title, or a descriptor. She just sighed as she looked at the cut on her hand. No blood was even drying around it. Bone was showing.

She just smiled sadly, looking at the group of six. They were really close, and good friends. What she wouldn't give, to see them at least one more time... Well, what else she wouldn't give.

But thinking like that was how she got here in the first place. She just grabbed her sketch pad, and walked to the library. She wasn’t needed here. So, she could relax.

Why could she just relax?

Rainbow groaned as she looked around the library. Screw them! Urgh, she was ditching on PE! PE OF ALL THINGS! She... She just needed a breather. Say hi to the three. Yeah, that's a good idea. Yeah.

"Hey," she said, sitting in a chair while Cheerilee just smiled a little hesitantly at her. "I got permission. Things... Well, some stuff's been going on."
"And, you're taking a breather?" the teacher asked.
"Better than just... Running away from everything," Dash said, and looked at her. "I... Urgh, I'm not sure if I should go to the cops, or get a restraining order."

"Why not both?" Cheerilee asked. And Dash just gave a strained smile.
"It wouldn't work." Dash sighed. "Not for a lack of trying though." She laughed bitterly. "I'm ok," she said to the worried look. "Just a bad day today."
"Then take all the time you need." Cheerilee said, with a kind smile on her face. "Just... Please at least be somewhat quiet, alright?"

Reyna just grinned.

Sunset smiled at the message from Twi. "Don't set anyone on fire!” She just giggled as she read that. Big mistake telling her about how she favoured Pyromancy in the Mirror world.

She wondered why she didn't tell the others about it already. All the Magic, her past. Everything. But, she... She didn’t think she trusted them, at least as much as she does Twi. While Sunset had called her Twilight Sparkle, her name was actually Dawn Cadenza.

A pretty name, for a pretty girl. She just put her phone away, as she came across the other fi- four. Rainbow's missing? Huh, she came in sick, and only left because she vomited on Zecora. Wonder where she is?

"Hay!" What's with people taking her stuff?! First it was the book with Twiligh- Well, first was the cro- Well, there was a bunch of stuff in the cas- And the entrance- Ok, she's had her scat stolen a lot more than she'd willingly admit, but whatever. "Not cool Pinkie!" she hissed at her friend.

"Aww, I don't know your password~" Pinkie whined. She handed the phone back to Sunset with a slight giggle. "Sorry. It's just... You hardly smile, let alone laugh. Especially after the Rainbow Nuke."
"Elemental Harmony Beam," Sunset corrected. "But, same difference." Had she really not been smiling?

She's been happy. She's been surrounded by people that try to be friendly towards her. That's Friendship, right? But... That's not what's going on with Twi... Twi's nicer than that. Inviting her over, spending time... That adorable smile when Sunset needed a little lesson on some human phrasing...

The way she did her hair into a bun, instead of a ponytail as it kept it out of her way when studying. The way she got into whatever she was doing. The patience she showed for Sunset. The love for her mother...

"Uh, Sunset?" Rarity said, like she felt it was rude to interrupt. "I really hate to cut into your daydream of your crush, but... the bell has rung." She said with a warning. "You're very lucky we have the same homeroom."

"Yeah... Sorry, Rarity." Sunset then blinked. "Is that your actual name?" she asked, hushed. Might be a bit rude.
"Yes, darling." She laughed. "My parents didn't think that much when naming me or Sweetie Belle. Those are our actual names. Compared to what other people are called, we're weird."
"Eh, compared to mine, yours can pass." Sunset muttered bitterly. Her Licence being called in as fake FIVE TIMES! All because of her name. Urgh, those stations were cold, and uninviting... Well, except that one, but it was the one where that one cop worked, so that made sense.

"Wait." Rarity turned to Sunset. "You are meaning to tell me, that your actual name, is actually Sunset Shimmer." Sunset just blinked. "Because I can understand Shimmer. It's a bit odd, but last names often are. But, Sunset?" She started to rub her arm at Rarity's looks. "That is quite the name! My, with how you asked... Do you not have normal names over in the mirror?" she asked quietly.

Sunset looked around, and just stepped into class. It was a conversation, for all the group. And a tape recorder for Rainbow.

"Sister?" Luna asked, and Celestia just shook her head.
"I am fine, Lulu," she said, with a wave of her hand. "I'm just debating betraying Sunset's trust, and calling her. Or... Or letting m- the little Sundrop, just live on her own for a while," she said, slipping for a fraction of a second.

"Celestine..." Luna was worried, but she didn't need to be! Celestia was certain that Sunset is doing just fine on her own! And Celestia didn’t need to be babied! She was ten years older than Luna! "I am very much fine, Luna," she breathed out.

Her stomach rumbled, and she blushed. "Guess I forgot breakfast this morning." Celestia said embarrassed. "Want some cake?" she asked, pulling a fresh one out of her bottom desk drawer.
"Celestia, you are a bloody diabetic!" Luna growled.
"Type 2 my dear sister. Unlike Pinkie Pie. Poor girl, so much insulin having to be prescribed, due to her lifestyle." Celestia sighed.
"My god you are going to die someday soon. And I'll be able to tell you, I told you so!" Luna said, as she walked out the room.

"More for me then." Celestia grinned, pulling out a spoon, and decided to ravage the cake.

"Ever get that feeling someone is having it S~o~o~ much better than you?" Pinkie asked, as they sat at their usual table.
"Eynope." Apple Jack said with a grin.
"Sometimes, darling." Rarity admitted.
"Not really," Fluttershy stated.
"Nope, cause like. I have it pretty good," Dash shrugged.
"Nearly all the time," Sunset breathed. "But, what are your questions, Mortals?" she said with a smirk.

"Uh... Right," Rarity started off. "Is Sunset really your name?"
"Yep. Born and given. Never changed." She just chuckled. "It's common over there. Like, whatever your real names are? We don't have them. Your nicknames are your real names. I'm guessing. I-" Sunset stopped in a second.

She was about to mention her knowing this world's Twilight. Probably not a good idea. These people are crazy.
"I don't really know," she finished. "It's really unclear."
"Right." Rainbow nodded. "Well, guess it doesn't matter now, huh?"
"Oh, right. Where were you earlier?" AJ asked. "Ya just up an’ vanished."

"With the CMC." She shrugged. "Just... Some personal stuff."
"She skipped PE." Pinkie said with a passive face. No smile, but not the depressed frown they’d seen the few times she's stopped smiling. Just... passive. More so than ever. Understanding, and without the energy.
"Shit," Rarity breathed, "how bad was it Rainbow?"
"Parents." She shivered. "Just... A lot of voicemails, this time. 10." She breathed heavily. "I... I think they're trying to find me."

"Well, that... I'm guessing I'm missing a big story there?" Sunset asked, finishing off her third burger. Huh, she was really hungry today. That's weird. "You don't have to tell me, but..." She trailed off. "Just, sounds like a lot."
"Tell me about it," AJ sighed. "Honestly, I think the only one with a healthy family is... Uh, actually... any of us?" she asked, and everyone shook their heads. "No one. Not a single one of us has a healthy relationship with our parents."

"Sorry I brought this up." Sunset said meekly. "I uh... didn't think it would be like this," she said, and accidentally bumped shoulders with AJ while holding her phone, which was powered by an enchanted crystal.

Accessing Memory
Alison Jasmine Apple <~~

All her life, Alison had had a rough time. Either it be how she looks, her strength, or just even how she talked.
And then, everything went wrong. Her dad had an accident on the way to get their Tractor registered. And then, her ma when giving birth to Blossom.

Everyone's started to call her Apple Bloom. Heh, it took a while for Big Mac to have his special name, and Alison still didn’t have hers. It... It was a shield with an Apple on it. The Symbol. Man, she's rea- No, do not think that.

She was not lucky, she lost her mother. And didn’t even know that she would have had a father. Hell, she would only know her older sister, and brother. Her grandmother was... senile, at the best of times. How was she a bus driver?

"Hey there little Blossom," she whispered, looking at her sister. "You ok?" she asked, as the baby crawled towards her. "Hmm?"
"Mama!" Blossom giggled, with happiness.
Alison stopped, with a heavy bre-

MEMORY INTERRUPTED

"What the FUCK!?" Alison yelled, rearing back, and falling off the bench. She breathed heavily while staring at Sunset. "WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!?"
"Darling, what's wrong?" Rarity asked worriedly. She reached a hand, and grasped AJ's arm. "Is everything ok?"
"No it fucking ain’t!" AJ breathed heavily. "I just saw a memory!" she growled.

"I... I think I did too." Sunset said, rocking back and forth on the ground slightly. "Oh god. Celestia's Scat. What the heck was that? What?"
"Who's What now?" Pinkie asked. "Wait, memories? You have magic! Oh that's so coo-"

"IT'S NOT COOL!" Sunset snapped at Pinkie. "Memory Magic is outlawed, and illegal, and punishable by the worst punishments!" Sunset said, and clutched her head. "No. That was... I just imagined it! Yes, that's right! Yep! No magic here! Heh!" she said, sounding slightly insane.

"Sunset..." Rarity said, slowly raising her arm towards the girl, but thought better of it. She grabbed Sunset's phone, and called the contact, just labelled Help.

Celestia's eyes widened as Sunset called her.
"Hello!?" She asked, worried and confused. It was the middle of the day, the middle of lunch. Sunset should be fine!
"Oh, uh hi? Is this Sunset's mom? She's... Kind of freaking out over something, in the cafeteria, could you please come get her?" Oh, right. Celestia does sound different over the phone...
But not the point!

"I'll be right there." She said, and rushed out the office. Luna glanced up worried.

"Sunset?" A soft voice asked. "Sunset, can you look at me please?"
"N... No, leave... Leave me alone." Sunset whimpered.
"Sundrop, please." The voice was familiar... Why? "Sundrop, please look at me. You're ok. Everything's ok."
"Mamma?" She whimpered, and felt someone hug her. "Scared."

"I know my little Sundrop. But, you're ok. Don't worry. Come on, let's get you out of here."

Author's Note

Gum Ads are really weird. Like, WHY!? :raritydespair:

Thanks to Prism Shadow to looking over my chapters yet again!