Four months after Equestria Girls….

The party last night at Sunset Shimmer's apartment was a blast.  However, it also emptied her fridge out quickly. After making a trip to the grocery store collecting enough food for the week, she walked home carrying a heavy brown-paper-bag in arms.

So far, making friends and setting new goals for herself in this world was going good.  Yet Sunset couldn't feel entirely happy after fixing all her mistakes, including repairing the school and giving a huge apology speech to the student population.  Sunset always wondered why this feeling persisted, especially when she was entirely alone.

Looking up at the human-world’s sun, Sunset thought of the Equestrian sun.  To her, it seemed illogical that the sun and moon moved by themselves in this world.  In fact, everything in this world seemed illogical at first to her, but somehow worked in a sense after two years of understanding it; the automobiles, the computers, the cell phones…

“Sunset Shimmer? Where have you been?”

Sunset stopped in her tracks and her thought train, recognizing that voice. It was Twilight Sparkle's.  

Sunset looked over her shoulder before fully turning around finding her face to face with the Twilight that belonged to this world (not the one that had gone through the portal four months ago).  Only how did this Twilight know her name?

“Oh…I, uh….What are you doing here?” Sunset asked, surprised.  

Twilight had the same puzzled expression. “I was planning on attending Canterlot High after you said you would check it out for me that one day.  Then I never saw you again. Until now course.”

“Uh..I…um…”  Sunset Shimmer stammered, unsure of what to say. “...I forgot…”  Sunset wanted to kick herself so hard for saying that.  You never say ‘I forgot’.

Twilight did not ask further but eyed Sunset suspiciously "I also see you got a new look. You're….taller, prettier…different…”

Sunset Shimmer knew this human-world Twilight hadn't had a clue to who she really was talking to.  How was she supposed to explain that she was talking to someone who was a unicorn from another world?

“Well, You always promised you would be my 3F….”  Twilight stated, confusing Sunset even further.  She further clarified to a continually-confused Shimmer that 3F meant ‘First and Friend Forever.’

Sunset Shimmer wanted to yell 'I didn't promise anything!' to this half-stranger.

“Twilight…I…need some time to think about how I can explain this…” Sunset requested. Surely this Twilight Sparkle was just as tolerating as her pony princess counterpart.

“Wait, are you hiding something?  Why did you run away?”  Twilight asked, sounding hurt. “Is…it because you don’t want to be friends with me anymore?”

Trying to act more caring that confused, Sunset gave a fake grin and asked, “Hey….why wouldn't I be friends with you anymore? You’re….”  

Twilight turned her back to Sunset before she could speak further, saying in a broken voice “It’s clear that you don’t want to be my friend anymore.  You left me at that private school, You clearly care more about your appearance as I’ve have seen you right now, and you pretend not to know me! How could you? You promised that you would come back!”

“Darnit, will you just listen to me?”  Sunset urged, feeling angered about something she was not responsible for.

“No - I’m done being your friend.  Even if I end up going to Canterlot High, I will never speak to you ever again! Our friendship is over.”  Twilight started to run down the street.

Later, Sunset continued to walk down the street in the opposite direction with her groceries, thinking about what had just happened.

“It’s not your problem, Sunset…” She told herself “This happens in high school – people make friends and then they leave them pretty quickly…it's all just teen drama...”

But part of Sunset Shimmer felt that even if this Twilight said she had wanted nothing to do with her, this Twilight would still have questions to ask her.

-------------------------------

“She just left you before you tried to explain? That really isn't the Twilight Sparkle we met months ago.” Rarity commented, cleaning up the local boutique with her sister.  Sunset Shimmer needed someone to speak to and she found Rarity in the closest distance.

“From what Twilight said…she thinks I’m Sunset Shimmer from this world…”  Sunset commented, helping by stacking a pyramid of yarn balls on a shelf.

While putting the needles and scissors in their respective drawers, Sweetie Belle then suggested “Why not become friends with this Twilight, anyway?"

“Easier said than done, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity replied.  “For all we know this Twilight is an entirely different person.”

As Sunset Shimmer was carrying some clothes from the dressing room, she noticed something familiar about them.  “Hey – aren't these Twilight’s?”

In fact they were; a purple skirt with a magenta star on the side, a light blue button-up shirt, and her purple boots.

Rarity replied“Yes they are. But I forgot to have Twilight – Well, the princess Twilight - take those with her before she left. She even left her backpack here.”

“Well the portal opens every thirty moons, Rarity. So we'll just have to hang onto them” Sweetie Belle shrugged.

“Well I suppose so-” Rarity said, and the happily chimed, “I-de-a! Maybe if I start working on a welcome-back-gift for the princess Twilight today, it could end up being my finest creation when she arrives!  I would be welcoming real royalty! Oh, I am so excited to get started!” Rarity thought aloud, taking out some paper and pencil for a design, humming happily 'Art of the Dress' to herself. Sunset resumed cleaning up the boutique, concerned about what she would have to tell Twilight.

---------------------------------

A few mornings later in dimly lit office, Celestia was wondering what to make of Twilight Sparkle coming the Canterlot High School.

“Any ideas, Sis?” Celestia asked, looking over the file for the Twilight Sparkle of this world.  She was a very academic student who formerly attended a private school.  Yet she was noted to be willing to sacrifice all her social time for her education.  That was the complete opposite of the one that the CHS student population had known to love.

Luna sighed “I have tried to inform every single student to keep their mouths shut about the events surrounding Fall Formal.  But my dear sister, this is a high school; nothing is a secret for long.”

“So what do we do? Tell her?” Celestia wondered.

Luna nodded “I don’t see any harm in it; so far the city does believe the new entrance was created due to a dangerous prank.  And That portal is closed for some two years or so. If we tell her, she with undoubtedly keep it s secret.”

Celestia nodded “…yes…but after Princess Twilight left,  all I wanted to do was revert things back to normal and under my control, like I thought this high school always had been. Ever since I discovered that portal, I’m worried about the next thing that comes out, even if it will come in two years...could it endanger us?  Or force this High School to shut down?”

Luna considered Celestia’s words, feeling the same. “Maybe we can sort through all this during after school hours. In the meantime, I will bring Twilight to your office as you requested.”

--------------------------------

Sunset Shimmer, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy strode down the halls. for today was going to be the day when Twilight Sparkle was coming to Canterlot High.

“Okay the plan is simple.” Sunset stated. "Either I tell Twilight the truth or act like the Sunset Shimmer she knows”

“Don’t worry, Sunset.  Whatever you choose, we'll be right beside you in case things go south.”  Rainbow Dash explained.

"And how exactly will you help?" Sunset asked back.

“I-I can be here for morale support if that is alright…” Fluttershy stammered. “Besides, you have become a better a person since Fall Formal.  We believe in you.”  

That made Sunset Shimmer smile from ear to ear, though she refrained from showing it to Rainbow and Fluttershy as she led them through the halls.

Pretty soon, the three girls could hear Pinkie Pie and Twilight conversing in the hallways. The trio crept closer wanting to hear more from behind a line of lockers.

“But, it’s true, Twilight!” Pinkie hollered

“For your information, dimensional travel is currently impossible and the claim that there is world filled with copies of us in the form of horses is also impossible.  And I have judged that on evidence – not hunches – that Sunset Shimmer is more occupied with her new friends and new life at this school, and is willing to put me out of her life for good.” Twilight settled and started to walk past Pinkie, only to have Pinkie repaper by bursting out of a locker on her right side her.

“That’s just a conclusion you are making too soon!”  Pinkie shouted.

Twilight was wondering how Pinkie managed to appear out of nowhere. “How did you…”

“You don’t know that Sunset Shimmer hates you for sure!”

"So you're saying she does hate me and I don't know it?" Twilight clarified, unamused

"NO! Just...just go talk to her again!" Pinkie pleaded trying to make things better.

Twilight grumbled.   “Listen here; if I asked Sunset Shimmer anything, the first thing she will do is lie to me.  I heard she was jerk at this school for a while.  And because she ditched me for four months, I can clearly see that she probably still is one.”

“But she’s making lots and lots of friends now, including me!” Pinkie wailed, hugging herself.

“Oh really?  Is that her excuse for dumping someone who…thought…she…had…only one friend in the world?” Twilight refuted, not wanting to admit what she was true.

“Dumping you? Sunset Shimmer never even met you!” Pinkie snapped “Well, at least ‘this’ you…”

“This me?” Twilight asked.

“We’ll…there is that pony princess you….”

Twilight moaned so loud, eveyone in hallway hear her. “All you people in this school are CRAZY! First I get told I'm a magical pony princess that fought magical demons, then I feel as though everyone knows me as some popular celebrity, what’s next?”

From her hiding place, Sunset wanted to rush out and to tell Twilight the whole truth just so she could stop being negative Nelly. But she stayed behind the lockers, thinking if it would make any difference.

“Ms. Twilight Sparkle,” The voice of the Principal Luna silenced Twilight and Pinkie’s conversation. “Principal Celestia would like to see you.”

Then, a relieved Twilight was escorted by Principal Luna, away from Pinkie.  Dash, Fluttershy, and Sunset then walked up to Pinkie.

“I’m sorry Sunset Shimmer - I tried my best.” Pinkie mopped.

“And I don’t blame you or anyone.” Sunset assured.

"This Twilight sure is…different…” Rainbow Dash noticed. “It’s almost like she doesn't know a thing about friendship, other than social psychology. What an egghead.”

“Well…at least Principal Celestia will probably explain everything to her for us….”  Fluttershy assured.

Even if Principal Celestia did clear things up, Sunset felt that it was wrong to just push away this issue.  She wasn't sure why, but the more time passed with this Twilight feeling hateful at Sunset, the more her gut twisted.

“I have to…do this alone, girls,” Sunset settled. “I may not feel anything for this Twilight, but she certainly feels something for me…”

“Yeah…while you are at it, we'll just explain to everyone in the school the whole thing with the new Twilight Sparkle.” Rainbow Dash said.

------------------------------------------------

“Here is your updated schedule, Twilight Sparkle. It’s always a pleasure to have an honorable student such as you attending Canterlot High.” Principal Celestia stated to Twilight, giving her the schedule.  

There was almost no difference compared to the Twilight Sparkle from Equestria.  It twisted Celestia's gut to know such a thing.

Twilight thanked Celestia when she got the schedule but looked in disappointed once she read it “….I thought I signed up for three honors courses.  Why is there only one on my schedule?”

Princess Celestial clarified “You have completed all the coursework for honors classes at your School for Gifted Girls.  However, your file states that you have a huge downfall in social activity.”

Twilight didn’t mean to argue with the principal, but the words came out of her mouth anyway. “But I don’t have time for social activity.  The future of world needs smart and intelligent people to solve problems, not-”

“- one more friendly person?” Princess Celestia interrupted, half playful.  

Not wanting to be anywhere near a bad first impression, Twilight Sparkle politely thanked Principal Celestia as she walked to the office door.

However, it suddenly flew open and whacked Twilight in the face, knocking her down.  Sunset Shimmer was on the other end.

“My door is always open but you should have knocked first, Shimmer.”  Celestia advised sternly.

“I’m sorry…” Sunset replied, also seeing that she accidently open the door on Twilight. She held out a hand to help her up but Twilight brushed it away.

“I need to you to show Twilight the truth.” Sunset stated to principal Celestia

“What do you mean ‘show me the truth’?”   Twilight asked, getting up.

Sunset said to Twilight “What everyone is saying the halls…they aren’t crazy Twilight.  They are right - in a sense. And I am not Sunset Shimmer. Not the one you know.”

“Please, tell me…is this…some kind of joke?” Twilight asked, ready to snap.

“I think both me and Sunset have a lot of explaining to do.” Celestia began, pulling up some camera recordings on her computer, taking place around the Fall Formal.

“So there is this other magical world that has copies of us, but in the form of ponies, known as Equestria. I am the Sunset Shimmer from that world ….” Sunset explained as a recording showed Sunset popping out from the portal at the base of the school statue years ago.  She was really perplexed with her new body and started to lose her balance and trip repeatedly.  A young male student saw her and came over to help her.

“…In Equestria, I never knew Twilight Sparkle as a longtime friend.  In fact I didn't know anything about her until now.  She followed me into this place after I stole the element of magic….”  Shimmer explained, with Twilight listening but still doubtful.

The camera recordings then displayed Twilight and her dog-companion also popping out of the portal four months ago, with both of them trying to understand the new environment and their new forms.

“…there was a Spike there, too?” Twilight wondered not wanting to believe this one bit but it seemed too farfetched to be a prank.

“Yes, and he actually talked if that means anything to you….” Sunset confirmed. “Principal Celestia, could you show other recordings of me and Twilight?”

Celestia did so, showing the pony-Twilight trying to adapt to high school lifestyle and acting a lot like a horse in certain situations.  Sunset Shimmer was also shown messing things up and trying to mud-sling Twilight in any way she could.

“S-So…what happened to my pony counterpart? Is she still here?” Twilight asked.

Celestia and Shimmer shook their heads. They presented all what had happened at Fall Formal, and what had happened to Shimmer’s human counterpart.

“The Shimmer you know now is in Equestria, for she stumbled into the portal during afterschool hours when no one was aware of it.  She never came out ever again.” Celestia Spoke “Had I know there was a portal standing right outside my school I would've gotten rid of it as soon as possible, avoiding all this trouble. But what has happened has happened. You two are dismissed to class.”

Celestia signed two late-passes for both of them and smiled, “And as I told your ‘other’ before, my door is always open.”

-----------------------------------------------------

As Twilight and Shimmer exited Celestia’s office, Shimmer wasn’t sure if she should say anything more to Twilight.

“Hey, um…” Twilight began struggling to look at Sunset in the eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you…when we first met.  It…kind of feels funny to call you Sunset Shimmer, even though you aren’t the one I was thinking of.”

“And I’m sorry for a lot of things that I did to the other you…” Sunset confessed.

“Does the portal really open every thirty moons? Can we even set up a communication with…the other world?”  Twilight wondered, thinking of the other Sunset Shimmer.

Sunset took Twilight by the shoulder and headed down the busy hall. “You know, that Sunset might like life in Equestria.  Its peaceful, colorful, and never a boring moment.  Speaking of this other Sunset Shimmer, what was she like?”

“Well…”  Twilight began, thinking. “…We became friends because we were the best students in the school.  But the Sunset Shimmer I knew, she always wanted to be at the top.  She would sometimes drop her regular courses and pursue her own path.  Often times, I would be there to bring her back to school.”

“Kind of sounds like the old me…”  Sunset murmured to herself.  She was worried briefly about the other Sunset Shimmer, running lose in Equestria.  But then again, Princess Twilight and her friends would probably take care of her.

Unnoticed to the two of them, Flash Sentry and Applejack were behind them, seeing Sunset and Twilight converse further down the hallway.

“You sure you don’t want to introduce yourself, partner?” Applejack asked Flash.

“No, not yet.” Flash stated “I’m still trying to wrap this around my head. This Twilight isn't the same one I danced with. And I'm a little concerned that…she may have the same feelings for me as her princess counterpart.”

Applejack gave a chuckle “Oh, Flash…I’m sure she will find a special somebody other than you.  After all, why did you hook back up with, Sunset?”

Flash thought about it “Don't know why.  Other that that fact she has name similar to Twilight Sparkle.” Flash joked.

“Come to think about it...what would your pony counterpart be doing with Princess Twilight in Equestria? Horse'in around?” Applejack asked.

Flash grinned “Probably doing the same things that I am doing with Sunset Shimmer, here."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back in Equestria……

“Look – they actually are talking!” Rarity told to the rest of the mane six, who were spying on Royal Guard Flash Sentry and Princess Twilight Sparkle from a thick bush.  She could actually see they were having a great time near a shining lake with a picnic of fresh food.

“Who knew she would get a coltfriend faster than you.” Applejack whispered to Rainbow Dash, who rolled her eyes.

“For an egghead, Twilight has got the guts to ask a royal guard out, even if she was so scared to just talk to a really nice one like Flash Sentry.” Rainbow stated.

“Oooooo! Hugs are good! Look!” Pinkie cheered, seeing the couple go into a hug.  Everyone crowded around Pinkie seeing the same picture.

They all broke down into ‘awww’s.  Then Fluttershy quietly asked “But where is that new student that Princess Celestia said was coming? It’s too bad she won’t get to see this…”

Rainbow Dash surged “Don’t know - the student wasn’t at the train station so we thought she was in Ponyville already. But it turns out she wasn’t there, too.”

-----

In truth the student was actually at the edge of the Everfree forest.  Striding into the forest like a cloaked phantom with a hood to cover her face, she knew that the first steps to ultimate power were just ahead of her.  

All she had to do was find the secrets that would help her and keep them hidden, until she was ready.  She was alien to this world, but through the help of others, she had adapted to her environment easily.  Now her ambitious engines had kicked in and it was time to be at the top.

Her name was Sunset Shimmer.  A day before the portal closed, she was a human who stumbled into this world by accident and was transformed into a unicorn.  The guards had taken her into the dudgeon, thinking she was an criminal that sneaked into the Crystal Castle.  Princess Celestia found out and released her from captivity, taking her as a private student shielded from the public eye, only to have her interact with a few other students in Canterlot.  Although it was too late for this Sunset Shimmer to go back into the world she originated in, she was eager to get started with proving herself in this world.