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My Little Pony: Sunset's Shimmer

Chapter 7: Redemption

You're never gonna bring me down.

You're never gonna break this part of me.

My friends are here to bring me 'round.

Not singing just for popularity.

I know the chorus to Fluttershy's song – I was never a member of the Rainbooms, but they were still willing to let me read their lyrics. I've never sung Fluttershy's song before. But as I do so…it's like a dam, I reflect. The dam is open, now comes the flood. But does it purify, or destroy? The sirens hover in the sky above us. Puzzled, confident, I can't tell. But they're not singing. I am. And I continue to sing as I help Twilight to her feet.

We're here to let you know,

That we won't let it go,

Our music is a bomb and it's about to blow.

The Rainbooms get to their feet as well and begin to play again. In the sky above us, the sirens' projections swoop down, like pegasai, but with the malice of demons. Yet as I look up, I realize that I feel no dread. No fear. The sound of music flows, and once again becomes one with light. Three demons up above me – what are they to what I've faced already?

And you can try to fight,

But we have got the light of

Friendship on our side!

We continue to sing, but that's not all that happens. A rainbow shoots out in a horizontal arc – it knocks back the sirens' projections. It washes over the crowd in the amphitheatre. In the distance, I see how the Dazzlings themselves stagger from the force of the blast. Why now, I wonder? Why do we give them pause now, when all that's changed is the presence of my voice? I can't answer such questions, but right now, in this moment, I cease to ask them. All I do is sing. Because I have to. Because I want to. Because I enjoy it. Because…because…

It's happening.

I'm rising into the air as golden light envelops my body. At first, I feel fear – this isn't the first time I've transformed in this world, and the last time I did so, it was into a monster no less foul than the sirens that even now, are trying to get to us. I rose in a pillar of black and white light after I put the Crown of Harmony on my head. Teeth became fangs, hands became claws, and a demon was born. I fought against it then, but failed. I cried, I railed against the bitter wind that blew, but it came to nothing. I fought, and failed.

This time, I let it happen. I close my eyes, and let the music wash over me. Sound and light mix, and I let them do so – without fear, without resistance, without regret. In this moment, bathed in the light of a small sun, all roads lead here. To me. Without shame, I see my ears grow. Without remorse, a my hair forms into a mane, long and lush. I 'pony up.' No different than the Rainbooms, and no less than them. All six of us rise into the air, as the song bursts out from all of us. Before us, the sirens are nothing. Before my eyes, I see the entire school united in song. The mist is gone, the world is clear. And all we have to do is sing. Sing, and form the rainbow, this time shooting into the sky. Not a rainbow made from the refraction of light against water, but from the light inside us all. None of our demons lay claim to it. Yellow, orange, blue, white, and pink beams shoot upwards, this time joined by the colours of purple and red. From it forms a giant alicorn made of light. Like a constellation, and indeed, its shining horn points up to the night sky, while a rainbow mane extends from its neck. For at last, we can see the stars again, as the red miasma the sirens cast over this area begins to clear. It stands there, on a cloud, as if Celestia herself had come to this world, bringing a new sun.

Do I feel regret, seeing this creature? The symbol of what I can never be? A reminder of the teacher and friend I spurned all those years ago? This manifestation of friendship and magic, light given form, standing high above us all?

No. I just sing with my friends. The song reaches its end, and from the creature's horn comes a stream of white light. It envelops the Dazzlings' astral projections, and vaporizes them. It envelops the Dazzlings themselves – I can't see what's happening, but as quickly as the creature formed, it disappeared. Our song has ended. Night has returned, but it's with joy that I realize that Canterlot will still be able to see the dawn.

We stand there, in silence, as we all peer towards the stage. I think the sirens are trying to sing. "Trying" being the operative word here, because I can't hear anything. Well, not from them at least. What I can hear however, is a tidal wave of boos from the crowd – whatever they're hearing, they're not enjoying it. And as I squint through the gloom, I see the sirens run off the stage. I should be happy, but seeing such humiliation…I pity them. Pity them because humiliation is never pleasant, and I know what it's like to be the figure of ridicule. Pity them, but not so much that I can't feel joy in what we accomplished.

"So," Rainbow says eventually. "Did we win?"

I give her a hug. "Yeah," I say. "We won."

---

"Rainbooms rock!"

Was that a compliment? Yes, I think it was. I'd almost forgotten what it was like to receive a compliment, since the last few days haven't been the right atmosphere for such pleasantries, and for me personally, neither have the last two months. Heck, even the last three years, I had to scheme and bully my way to get compliments half the time. But, yes, the crowd is cheering - DJ Pon aside, we've returned to our human forms and along with Spike, marched down from Horsehead Hill to the amphitheatre, the crowd cheering us all the way.

Us, I reflect, as the other Rainbooms wave to the crowd. It feels good to be able to use that word. But as much as I'd love to bask in the spotlight, my eyes are nonetheless cast downward. Because there's three piles of shattered ruby here – they must be the remains of the sirens' amulets. I pick up one of the larger pieces.

"Guess this explains why these were so special to them," I say.

"Without those pendants and the magic you brought here from Equestria, they're just three harmless teenage girls," adds Twilight.

I frown for a moment – "harmless." I can only hope that's the case. If experience has taught me anything, you don't need magic to ruin peoples' lives. But we've saved Canterlot High, Canterlot itself, and perhaps the world. For now, I can bask in that victory, as the crowd continues to cheer. So the frown fades, and is replaced by a smile.

"Rainbooms rule! That was amazing!"

A smile that widens as I see Flash make his way onto the stage, running at the speed of a stallion, and hugging Twilight with the strength of an ursa major. The Rainbooms and I snigger, but they fade, as I see the embrace become less strong, but more tender. As I think that now that the Dazzlings' spell is lifted, and Twilight no longer has to worry about them, these two can finally realize another kind of magic. I mean, the way they blush, the way they kinda-sorta-maybe look at each other but don't, the way they nonetheless edge closer and-

"You may have vanquished the Dazzlings, but you will never have the amazing, show-stopping ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie!"

Damn it!

Yep, there she is. Popping up right in front of them, pushing them apart, showing that siren spells may come and go, but Trixie remains Trixie. That includes her throwing down a smoke bomb, leaving us all coughing.

"She's gone!" Pinkie exclaims. "Oh wait, there she is."

There she is indeed, climbing over the backstage wall, before tumbling. "Trixie's okay," she calls out, leaving the crowd laughing.

"Y'know," Rainbow says. "Someone's gotta teach her a lesson someday."

"Oh, she'll learn," Twilight says. "She just needs to be given a chance."

For a moment, her eyes meet mine. She nods, and with a smile, I return it. I can only hope that before this is over, she and Flash will get to sing Love in a Flash together. Or something.

But Trixie's ruined the moment, as Flash awkwardly says his goodbyes – the school begins to file out of the amphitheatre, guided by Luna and Celestia. So, I wonder, did we win the battle of the bands, or did the Illusions? Maybe come next week we'll get answers to that – it's Friday night, and I think everyone will want to take it easy over the weekend. Myself included.

"You know, Twilight is going back to Equestria soon," says Rainbow, looking at me. "The Rainbooms could really use someone to help Fluttershy on backup vocals."

I grin, and pick up a guitar, playing a quick riff. Months of practice coming to fruition, the music flowing without fear or regret. It only lasts a few seconds, but given the looks of shock on the girls' faces, one might have thought I'd played an entire soundtrack.

"I also play guitar," I say.

"We'll see," Rainbow says. For a moment, I fear that it isn't enough. That she was right all along. But only for a moment, as the girls hug me. As one group. As one band. I smile, as for the first time in months, I no longer hear her voice.

Finally, for the first time in years, I feel loved.

---

It's Saturday afternoon, and Twilight is about to leave.

I have a feeling that if Saturday were a school day, Canterlot High would have been closed regardless – with the school recovering from the Dazzlings' spell, no-one's in the mood to get straight back to classes. So, we've got the school grounds to ourselves. Long enough to jam out some tunes – all eight of us. It's amazing what kind of sound you can get from amplifiers, and it's amazing to actually play a guitar with my friends. To be a Rainboom. To hear nothing but the music, and the vocals that go with it.

But that could only last so long. In the space of an hour, we had time to share months' worth of gossip. Rainbow tells Twilight about soccer and baseball. Rarity her upcoming fashion line. Fluttershy tells her about the animal shelter she works at, Applejack about Sweet Apple Acres, and Pinkie? She laughs the whole time, and we welcome it. But now we're at our feet – DJ Pon is back at the amphitheatre, waiting for us. Her farewells were quick, while ours drag on. None of us want her to go – even Spike looks reluctant. But it's Applejack who says what we're all thinking.

"Sure wish you could stay longer."

Short, blunt, to the point. As expected, and is welcomed.

"Me too," says Twilight. "But I have responsibilities in Equestria that I need to get back to. Its citizens need me. But now I can go through the portal whenever I need to. So…this isn't goodbye. It's just goodbye till next time."

One after the other, the girls hug her. Finally, it's my turn. But the look on Twilight's face is different. For a moment, I'm reminded of when she arrived here a few days ago. I was the first one to come to her, and I still remember the look she gave me, of the distrust that shone through her eyes. This isn't the same look. But it isn't one of joy either.

"Um, guys?" Twilight says to the other Rainbooms. "Can you give us a minute? It's, er, pony stuff."

"I like ponies," says Fluttershy blankly.

"Don't think that's what she meant," Applejack says. "Go on Twilight. We get ya."

If they do, then they're on a higher level of awareness than I am. Nonetheless, I follow Twilight away from the statue, to the road that runs parallel to the school. If I were to go down it, I'd end up at the Sweet Shoppe. Beyond that, the rest of Canterlot, and the city that lies beyond.

"Long road," Twilight says.

"It's not that long," I murmur. "If I took the bus, I'd end up in the city in thirty minutes. Twenty on the weekend."

We look at each other. A cold wind blows, making our hair wave like manes. It'll be winter soon, I reflect – I can see the autumn leaves covering the grass back at the school.

I nod. We look at each other in silence, waiting for one of us to break the silence.

"You sure you want to stay?"

I remain silent, and look back at the city. So far, so large…it reminds me of Canterlot. My Canterlot. Looming over me, even across dimensions.

"Sunset?"

"Yeah, about that," I say, rubbing my neck. I glance back at the Wondercolt statue. "I don't think I'm ready."

"What, after everything you did?"

"Yes, after everything I did," I sigh – I was hoping Twilight wouldn't bring this up. "I mean, I betrayed Celestia's trust, I stole your crown, I made the lives of the students here miserable, I-"

"What? No," Twilight exclaims. "I mean, everything you've done since then. The Rainbooms, the Dazzlings, you being…you."

I stare at her. I want to say something, but I can't form words. The wind blows harder, but I no longer feel its chill.

"Sunset, before I leave, I want you to know…I forgive you," says Twilight. "I mean, I thought I'd forgiven you at the Fall Formal, and I guess I did, but now, after these past few days…I trust you. I can call you a friend. And I know Celestia would forgive you as well. In fact, I think she already has."

I look away – I don't want to talk about Celestia right now. "That was a long time ago," I say. "I don't think-"

"Sunset, when I arrived back in Equestria, the first thing she did was ask about you. And even before I became the princess of friendship, I've seen her forgive others for far worse. Whatever you've done in the past, I think you've redeemed yourself. And I know she'll think the same."

I still look down the road, so that Twilight can't see the tears in my eyes. She can't see what I see – a road leading down one way, a road to Equestria leading the other. Two roads, without a wood, even as leaves are carried on the wind.

"So, whadya say?" Twilight asks, laying a hand on my shoulder. "Ready to come back home?"

I turn, and smile. Twilight smiles in kind as well.

"Not yet," I say.

The smile fades.

"Maybe one day," I continue. "One day, I'll be able to return to Equestria, and look at Celestia in the eye. Maybe in her presence I can feel…redeemed." I look at the Rainbooms, and my smile grows brighter. "But I think there's a lot I can learn here about friendship as well. The Dazzlings are still out there. And it's not like I'll lack good company."

"No," says Twilight. "I guess not."

I stick out a hand. "Thanks Twilight," I say. "For everything."

Without hesitation, she takes my palm and shakes it. Handshakes aren't for hooves, but she takes to it like a natural. As does the final embrace between us. Finally, as friends.

We return to the Rainbooms – none of them ask what we talked about, but I don't think it's from lack of interest. They know by now that I'm intent on staying here for the foreseeable future. And I dare to hope that they welcome that.

"Ready?" Twilight asks Spike.

"Ready," he says.

The pair head through the portal, and we wave them off. I know that in mere moments, they'll arrive in Equestria, as an alicorn and dragon. Someday, I'll be ready to make the trip back. Someday, but not today – I begin to wipe my eye.

"You okay Sunset?" Fluttershy asks.

She looks at me. They all look at me. But I find the speck of dust, and smile.

"I'm fine," I say. "Great, actually."

That's the truth.

And I think they know it.

---

We head back to the amphitheatre. DJ Pon doesn't ask us what went down – not that she speaks much anyway, but I'm not complaining. The battle of the bands has finished, and two days from now, we'll be back at school. But the weekend's our oyster, and the amphitheatre is the pearl. But while she and the other girls set up their instruments, I walk to the edge of the stage and pull something out of my bag. A book with the image of a sun on it. The book that Celestia gave me all those years ago. A book that no longer feels alien to my hands. It's been less than an hour since Twilight left – since we said our goodbyes. But I want to get this out now. Something tells me that I'll be writing in this tome quite often. As I begin to do so:

Dear Princess Twilight,

Missing you already, and I hope you'll be back soon. Things are definitely looking up for me here at Canterlot High. But I know I still have a lot to learn about friendship. Hope you don't mind if I write to you for advice when I need it.

Your friend,

Sunset Shimmer.

It isn't that detailed, but as I close the book, I feel closure envelop my spirit as well. Twilight's back in Equestria, and I'm here. I'll miss her to be sure, but now, finally, it feels like I'm home. Home, I reflect, as I whisper words under my breath. Words that have stayed with me for months, coming ever closer to this point.

Power…was all that I desired.

But all that grew inside me,

Was a darkness I acquired.

When I began to fall,

And I lost the path ahead.

That's when your friendship found me,

And it lifted me instead.

Like a phoenix burning bright,

In the sky.

I'll show there's another side to me,

You can't deny.

I may not know what the future holds,

But hear me when I say.

That my past does not define me,

'Cause my past is not today.

"Hey, you ready or what?" Rainbow calls out.

I shut the book and look over at the girls. The ones who found me. Lifted me. Make me feel as high as the sun above us, bathing us with warmth – winter is near, while discontent is not.

"Ready," I call out. I run over and pick up my guitar. Ready to rock as well – specifically, to play Shine Like Rainbows. We need a good pick me up after everything that's happened, and since Fluttershy's first song got turned into a music war, least we can do is give her the joy of playing through this one uninterrupted. But, we have to start it first. And as Rainbow clears her throat, I suspect it might be awhile before that happens.

"So," she begins. "I'd like to introduce the following players to my…heh, I mean, our band." She gestures to DJ Pon. "Our turntablist, DJ Pon, who just made this band twenty percent cooler."

DJ Pon gives us the thumbs up. I return it, while wondering how Rainbow Dash arrived at twenty percent specifically.

"And secondly, but worth no less, Sunset Shimmer," Rainbow continues. "Guitar player, backup vocalist, and all around cool person."

I blink. "Cool person?"

"Yeah, cool person," she says. "The person who got us out of the darkest place this band has ever been. Person who helped whoop the sirens' arses, and who's going to make this band forty percent cooler."

"Forty percent?" Rarity asks.

"Yeah. Twenty plus twenty. Forty."

"Right," says Applejack.

"Or…" Rainbow smirks. "Maybe twenty-five."

I return the smirk. Yeah, I get it. I saved you. We're cool.

"Oh, and one more thing," Rainbow says. "We still need a song from you."

"A song?" I blurt out.

"Yeah," she says. "Band requirement."

Applejack looks at her. "Rainbow, we didn't agree to this."

"Course we didn't. But I did."

"Rainbow-"

"Guys, guys, it's fine," I say – I can take the joke, even if the others are slower on the uptake. "I mean, I may have one in the works, and Rainbow may have heard it but…" I trail off, as my eye catch's Rainbow's. "But it's a work in progress."

The other girls give me encouragement. All but Rainbow, who nods. Maybe she understands as I do that some songs are solo works.

But not this one. Shine Like Rainbows is a song written for five players, but not so restrictive that two more can't join in. So, we're ready. I'm ready.

"One two three four!" Pinkie calls out before setting us off.

So at last, without fear or hesitation, I play. Without holding back, I sing. Now, finally, as a member of the Rainbooms…

I feel redeemed.

---

"Night guys. See you on Monday."

Evening has arrived. Farewells are said, warm wishes are given, and DJ Pon remains silent the whole time. Guess being replaced on backup vocals isn't something I'll have to worry about. But, hey, I'm glad for her company, as I am with the rest of the Rainbooms. But, it's here that our company part ways. I have to get this guitar to the music room – I have no idea how it ended up on the stage, and if I believed in fate, I might be inclined to believe it was placed there. But, I can guess at its place of origin. So on that note, I've walked over from the amphitheatre, and am now in the courtyard of Canterlot High. I smile as I look at the Wondercolt statue. Once, it felt like a sentinel, standing over me in silent judgement. Now, it feels like a welcome reminder of the world that I came from. A world I can someday return to. Not like this, granted, but still, as me. To see Twilight. To see Celestia.

But that day's not yet here, even as this day draws to its end. While still in the light, I walk up to the front doors and-

"Ouch!"

Bump into them – damn things didn't open, and upon reflection, it's obvious why. It's Saturday. Schools don't open on Saturday, especially schools that have only narrowly escaped enthrallment by winged dragon-wannabees. I sigh, and rest my head against the glass. I could just bring the guitar back on Saturday I guess, or just store it under the amphitheatre. But that would-

"Sunset Shimmer?"

Celestia?

As I did on Tuesday evening, I look around, expecting to see the Celestia of my world. Like then, I realize that it's not her. It's Principal Celestia only.

"Why are you here?" She walks over to me – close enough so that through the gloom, I can see her eyes. Bright magenta. They shine with a light of their own. A light that the Dazzlings temporarily put out. Light that looks like it's on the verge of fire, as she looks at the guitar in my hands.

"I was just returning this to the music room," I murmur.

"Uh-huh." I force a smile – her voice is her own. A bit scathing, a bit suspicious, but that's still better than the monotone I had to listen to over the past few days. "Well, I'll take it in. You should head home." She takes the instrument and begins unlocking the door.

"Which home?" I murmur, my smile fading.

"Hmm?" She glances at me, but says nothing.

No home.

I blink. That voice. It can't be-

"Well, you should get going," she says.

"Yeah," I say, feeling autumn's chill enter my veins. "I'll get on that."

I turn around and begin walking. The Dazzlings were right, I reflect. If they'd succeeded, no-one would remember what I'd done. But they didn't succeed, so now I'm back to being the face of everything bad at Canterlot. I kick a stone as I walk towards the street and-

"Oh, and Sunset?"

I look back at Celestia. And raise an eyebrow, as I see a smile on her lips.

"You sung excellently, by the way," she says.

"I did?"

"Yes. I mean, I'm not sure what happened exactly, and, well, haven't really been myself over the past few days."

I've noticed.

"But, well, keep it up," she says. "You've got a real talent."

Talent. I smile, as I remember how a Celestia of another world told me that same thing all those years ago.

"Thanks," I say.

Hearing it from this one, after all I've done…I appreciate it just as much.

She nods and enters the school. The wind has died down, and warmth enters my heart again. I look back at the street, as my mind reflects on my principal's words. To 'keep it up.' I glance at the setting sun, its rays of light visible beyond the school structure. I smile again, as I remember Rainbow's words – they need a song from me.

Finally, at long last, I'm ready to sing it.

---

Celestia would kill me if she caught me on the roof.

This world's Celestia, specifically. I can't say what the Celestia of my world would do exactly. Probably something similar, but not exactly the same. This world has counterparts to Equestria, but I've long since realized that there's far too many quirks in everyone here to be called exact copies. And in the end, you can only be responsible for your own actions. So yes, I take responsibility for climbing up onto the roof, to catch the last glimpse of a setting sun. A passage of time as old as Creation itself. The sun rises, the sun sets, but what we do each day is what matters. Now, with time laid before me as sure as the rays of light, I no longer feel trapped. I see this world's sun, and drink in its light, its warmth. Its feeling that for all the differences between worlds, the sun and sky are the same.

Finally, it completes its journey, as I have. Its light disappears from view, leaving the world in darkness. But, for the first time in a long time, my world is no longer dark. The time has come to sing.

Power…was all that I desired.

But all that grew inside me,

Was a darkness I acquired.

I turn away from the west, and begin walking eastward. Specifically to the dome that juts up from the centre of the roof, its glass no longer reflecting the evening light. It's a way of allowing natural light to enter the school, and its glass is crystal clear.

When I began to fall,

And I lost the path ahead.

That's when your friendship found me,

And it lifted me instead.

No whispers, no murmurs, the words flow, as my friends reside in my mind's eye. Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Rainbow, Applejack, Twilight…The ones who rescued me from the darkness. Brought me out of shadow, and allowed me to find my own light again.

Like a phoenix burning bright,

In the sky.

I'll show there's another side to me,

You can't deny.

I near the dome. Like the sun, my journey will continue. How much of Canterlot High will remember what happened? Time will tell, I suppose. But light, not time, is the constant of the universe. For all I've done, I can't stop. What I've done over these past few days aren't the end of my road, but the start.

I may not know what the future holds,

But hear me when I say.

That my past does not define me,

'Cause my past is not today.

I finally reach the glass, and see my reflection. See my eyes, my lips, their smile. I raise a palm to its cold surface, and for a moment, feel a chill. So frail, I think. The portal in the statue is less solid, but how easy it would be to slip through. To stumble and fall.

Sunset…

I see her in the glass. Looking at me. The demon. She bares her teeth, and her eyes rage with a fire that is bereft of warmth. She looks…desperate, I reflect. Her voice is but a whimper. In that moment of silence, as light and time become one…I swish her away. My hand slides across the glass, and she fades from view as surely as the sun, but many times as faster. Unlike the sun, she'll never return, even though she'll always be there. We all have our demons, I reflect. Those demons are always lurking, ready to emerge from the black depths of our inner selves if given the opportunity. But never again will she control me. Never again will I see her, or listen to her barbed tongue. I look up at the night sky, and see the stars arrayed before me. Too far to feel their warmth, yet their light is welcome all the same.

Ambition…

Is what I believed.

Would be the only way,

To set me free.

The words come out unbidden, but not unwelcome. The song continues, as I continue eastward.

But when it disappeared,

And I found myself alone.

That's when you came and got me,

And it felt like I was home.

I toss my jacket aside. It's become too warm for it now. And, I reflect, it's the same jacket I came to this world in. The jacket everyone knows me by. Maybe it's time for a change of wardrobe, if not scenery. Because, after all, this is my home now. The Rainbooms found me. Accepted me. Made me feel that I belonged.

Like a phoenix burning bright,

In the sky.

I'll show there's another side to me,

You can't deny.

The song is nearly at its end, and finally, I reach the eastern edge of the roof. I stare, for a moment, for I can see the sun beginning to rise. How long have I been up here?

Does it matter?

The voice is my own, unmarred by any id within. Enough for me to answer that yes, it does matter. But, I suppose, maybe I already know the answer. Light, not time, is the universe's constant, as surely as the setting of the sun. As at long last, I see it rise, bathing me in its glow.

I may not know what the future holds

But hear me when I say

That my past does not define me

'Cause my past is not today

The song ends, the sun rises, and I find myself rising with it. This time, without fear. Light and magic, I embrace them both. The magic, in the knowledge that there'll always be more to learn. The light, in the knowledge that shadow will always exist, but never again will it consume me. The alicorn I saw all those years ago is the person I'll never be, for good or ill. But that no longer matters. Even as wings of light form around me, blazing with the glory of a hundred suns, I know that their fire will fade. The light will pass, the wings will diminish. I welcome them, but know that their time will pass. The present is now, but it is the future I look to. I will tread my path on my own feet, without the wings of angel or alicorn.

For the past does not define me.

And it never will again.

The End

---

A/N

I remember when Rainbow Rocks came out, with people speculating that Sunset represented some kind of seventh element of harmony. Course that's long past the point of relevance now, since the elements have been retired from the show, but if it was up to me, I'd have gone with some like "courage" or "forgiveness." Still, the Equestria Girls website lists redemption in Sunset's "what she stands for" entry, so that's about as close as official confirmation we're going to get, even if it's not an actual element. And it fits with the story I guess, hence the chapter title.

Per the Past is Not Today sequence, I knew I wanted to incorporate it into the story, but you could make a reasonable argument that it takes place before Rainbow Rocks - it does show the immediate aftermath of the first film at least, and it arguably fits better, since it Sunset making the promise to "show the other side of me." Still, I think it can work as well taking place after Rainbow Rocks because Sunset being in high spirits in the song fits the end of Rainbow Rocks, but not so much the beginning, where she's in low spirits. Course that doesn't discount the idea that her spirits sagged in the interval between the two films, but I feel it also works as a transition to Friendship Games, which is basically the last stage of her original character arc, and in the third film, she's still plagued by insecurities, albeit not to the extent of the second film. Likewise, her attire in the short (the cyan undershirt) is in sync with Friendship Games but not Rainbow Rocks, where she's still got the purple undershirt from the first film. If you want a good example of how character appearance can add to character development in visual media, Zuko's shifting appearance over The Last Airbender is a great example, and while Sunset isn't nearly on that level of said development, I'm willing to apply the same concept, even in a non-visual medium.

And for sticklers, I know Ishi Rudell stated that the entire sequence is metaphorical, but, well, creative licence. I did have a choice as to whether Sunset would really sing from evening to morning, and that's admittedly stretching things, but the wings sequence doesn't feel out of place, especially since Daydream Shimmer is a thing later on.

Anyway, that's that. Thanks for those who reviewed. Far as shameless plugs go, don't have any other MLP stories on my 'to write' list, but am currently working on a Sonic the Hedgehog story titled Fire in a Crowded Workshop. So, um, laters.