Odd Morning Visitor

"Shiny? Shiny wake up."

"What is it Twiley?" Shining Armor asked as he opened his eyes enough to peek out from between the lids. Standing on the bed looking him was his little sister. Twilight was nose to nose with him, her big purple eyes wide as she looked at him.

"It's almost time to open the library," she told him. "And," turning she pointed toward the door, "there's a pony standing outside waiting to come inside already."

"What?" Shining moved to sit up and look around. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"That's odd." He moved to get out of bed. "We don't get many visitors, and I don't think we have ever had a pony waiting to come inside first thing in the morning." Crossing the room, he went to the window. Unfortunately, he could not see the front door from it, so he could not see the waiting pony for himself.

"Maybe it's a great and powerful unicorn from Canterlot who is looking for a mysterious and obscure spell," Twilight suggest, hopping off the bed.

"Why would a unicorn come here from Canterlot come here to look for a spell?" Shining asked. "The would have access to The Royal Library."

"But maybe it's a spell that they can't find in the library there," Twilight continued, "so they are traveling to every library in all of Equestria in hope of finding the book that they need."

"What could be so important," Spike asked from his basket, "that a pony would travel to every library in Equestria?"

"No distance is too great for knowledge," Twilight retorted. "Maybe... OH. Maybe they're looking for a spell that will let them grow facial hair!"

"Facial hair?" Shining and Spike both asked in confusion.

"Yeah," the filly continued. "That way, when Nightmare Night comes around, they can be Starswirl the Bearded with a real beard."

"First of all," Shining said, "I'm pretty sure that they have spells like that in Canterlot already. Second, I don't think anypony would travel town to town for a spell just for Nightmare Night, which is months away."

"I bet I would look great with a mustache though," Spike added. He stroked a claw along his upper lip as he imagined it.

"Oh." The unicorn filly rubbed her chin, thinking again. "Maybe... Oh!" She looked up at her brother. "Maybe they came all the way out here looking for you."

"Me?" The young stallion raised his eyebrow as he looked down at his sister.

"Yeah," she continued. "Maybe they have an idea for a really amazing new spell that will change magic as we know it, but they can't cast it. So they need the most powerful unicorn in all of Equestria and Celestia's personal student to help them."

"I don't think I'm the most powerful unicorn in all of Equestria," Shining Armor said. He shifted as his face heated up and turned a bright shade of red.

"You know," Spike spoke up, "instead of standing up here and speculating, we could just go downstairs, open the door, and find out."

"...Right..." Shining agreed. "Okay. Spike, Twilight, you two go ahead to the kitchen and have breakfast. I'll go open the door and see what our visitor wants."

The young dragon and the unicorn filly turned and headed down the stairs as quickly as they could. Shining Armor moved at a more casual pace. Where the younger two headed for the kitchen when they reached the bottom, the young stallion turned and headed for the door.

"Welcome to The Golden Oak Library," Shining said as he opened the door.

The pony standing at the door and stepped inside. She was a sandy yellow-brown in color. It was hard to tell what type of pony she was though. The floppy grey hat she wore covered her head, hiding a horn if she had one, and a large purple cloak covered her body. Her rose colored eyes looked around through the large red-framed glasses.

"Can I help you find something miss...?"

"I'm looking for information on an ancient legend," the mare said as she looked around. "A set of artifacts called The Elements of Harmony."

"Well I know quite a bit about The Elements," Shining said. "If you can tell me what you want to know, I might be able to answer."

"Do you know any legends saying where they might be located?"

"Oh those would do you no good. They're in Canterlot with Princess Celestia."

"What?!" the mare shouted, turning to face Shining Armor. There was a flutter of the purple cloak.

"Oh..." Shining's ears dropped back as he looked at the mare, giving a smile. "I guess I should have started with explaining. Some friends and I found The Elements of Harmony during The Summer Sun celebration. Princess Celestia took them back with her to Canterlot for safe keeping....

"Do I know you? You look familiar."

"Well if The Elements are with the princess," the mare said to herself, "I guess they're safe." She turned her attention back to Shining Armor. "Where were they?"

"Well they were in the old castle ruins in The Everfree Forest."

Before he had even finished saying "Everfree" the mysterious mare had turned and started running for the door. With that, she was out and gone, leaving Shining Armor standing there blinking in confusion.

"Wonder who that was."

A New Unicorn

"So she just ran out when you told her The Elements were with Princess Celestia?" Spike asked.

"Not exactly," Shining responded. "She asked where they were discovered first for some reason." His steps slowed down. "She never told me who she was either."

Shining Armor, Spike, and Twilight Sparkle continued walking down one of the roads of Ponyville. After the strange events of the morning with the visiting mare, Shining had come into the kitchen to eat breakfast. Neither the filly nor the young dragon had asked what happened right away. They did ask eventually though. Since then, Shining Armor had been telling them what happened.

"That's weird," Twilight said as they continued. "Unless... Maybe she's an adventurer like Daring Do and was on an epic quest to find The Elements of Harmony to stop some evil monster from getting their vicious talons on them."

"Well I'm sure they'll be safe with the princess, seeing as she lives in a castle surrounded by guards," the stallion responded.

"Do you think she went into The Everfree to explore the castle?" Spike asked.

"I hope not. I don't think she could hire a pony to take her, and it seemed a dangerous place to go alone."

"Gang way!" a voice shouted. "Coming through!"

At the shout, Twilight leaped onto her brother's back, turning to look in the direction of the sound.

Spike was not so fortunate. He had continued to stand there in surprise at the shout until he was caught up by two unicorn colts who started to carry him off with them.

"Snips!" the young dragon shouted, "Snails! What's going on?"

Snips -- a short, round, blue unicorn colt with an orange mane and tail -- and Snails -- a gangly orange colt with an aqua green mane and tail -- came to a stop. The two skidded for a moment before stopping completely, sending the young dragon flying another seven feet.

"Oh haven't you heard?" Snips asked. "There's a new unicorn in town."

"Yes!" Snails added, hopping up and down. "They say she's got more magical powers than any unicorn, ever."

"No way!" Twilight shouted as she hopped off of Shining Armor's back. "The most powerful unicorn ever was Starswirl the Bearded. As for most powerful unicorn alive, that has to be my brother." Turning, she pointed at him.

"I don't know about that," Shining said as he shifted. "Anyway, where is this new unicorn?"

"She's in the town square," Snails answered. "Come on!" The young colt then started running again.

"Yeah," Snips agreed, hopping up and down. "Come on." With a shout of excitement, he started chasing after his friend and running toward the town square as well.

"Come on," Twilight growled. "I want to see what makes this unicorn so great." With a snort, the young filly started walking toward the town square. Until an aura of magic wrapped around her and picked her up to bring the Twilight back to where Shining and Spike stood.

"Relax, Twiley," Shining said as he set her down. "I'm sure they're exaggerating." He began to walk toward the town square. "Besides, what difference does it make it this other unicorn is more powerful."

"But she's not," Twilight said as she caught up. "You are. You have to be. I mean you're the Element of Magic. You defeated Nightmare Moon and freed Princess Luna."

"You make it sound like it did it all alone with my bare hooves." The stallion let out a chuckle.

"I still think you're the best and most powerful unicorn ever," Twilight said with a huff.

"And I appreciate that." Shining ruffled his sister's mane.

"I don't think she's completely wrong," Spike added from the other side of the stallion. "I mean you do seem to have more magic and skill than most."

"HA!" Twilight shouted with a grin. "You're outvoted two to one."

"Let's just go meet this new unicorn," Shining sighed, rolling his eyes.

Spike and Twilight looked at each other with a grin, snickering at the irritated stallion.

Town Square Show

In Ponyville's town square, a great many of the residents were collected. Most of them were facing a large carriage set up at one side. The crowd was talking to themselves, most wondering what was going to happen.

As Shining Armor, Spike, and Twilight Sparkle approached, the three saw some familiar faces in the crowd. A pale blue pegasus floated above a white unicorn and an orange earth pony. Shining began to push his way through the crowd gently and politely, working his way toward his friends. Being smaller, Spike and Twilight quickly wove their way through the crowd, moving around other ponies and slipping between their legs.

"What's going on?" Shining Armor asked as he reached the three. "We ran into two colts saying that there was a new unicorn here."

"Well I don't know anything about that," Rarity responded. "Sweetie Belle said something about a performance and..." She looked down at Twilight. "Oh, you haven't met her yet, have you?" Turning, she glanced around.

"Met who?" Twilight asked.

"There she is," the white unicorn mare continued. "Sweetie Belle. Come here, darling."

Making her way toward Rarity was a small unicorn filly. She had the same white coat, but her mane and tail were curly with a split of pink and purple both in pastel shades. Behind her was an orange pegasus filly with purple mane and tail pushing a scooter.

"Sweetie Belle," Rarity stated, "this is Shining Armor's little sister, Twilight Sparkle. Twilight, this is my sister Sweetie Belle and her friend... uhm..." She looked at the orange pegasus. "I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your name."

"Scootaloo," the orange filly answered.

"Ah, yes."

"Hi," Twilight said with a smile. "Do either of you know what's going on?"

"I heard something about a magic show," Scootaloo answered. "That's about it."

"Everypony seems so excited about it all though," Sweetie Belle added.

"Isn't it great?" Pinkie Pie asked. "I bet it's going to be an amazingly awesome show."

"Pinkie Pie?" Shining Armor asked. "I didn't see you there a second ago."

"That's because we just got here." Moving to one side, she revealed Pumpkin and Pound Cake standing behind her. "I couldn't let these two miss out on the fun."

Closer to the front and off to the right of the stage, Snips and Snails made their way. The two joined a pale blue unicorn filly with a mane and tail so light, they looked almost white. As the two colts approached, the filly turned to look at them with narrowed purple eyes.

"Took you long enough," she growled.

"Sorry," Snails said as his ears drooped. Snips said nothing, just looking for away.

"Hmph," the filly said, turning her nose up in the air. "Lucky for you that you know a pony smart enough to get the best spot for the show."

"What makes this spot so good?" Snips asked as he moved to watch the stage.

"Just watch the show," the filly responded, rolling her eyes.

"Mare and stallions!" a voice boomed, getting the crowd's attention. "Colts and fillies! Be prepared to be shocked and awed. A show like no other you have ever seen before, done by the most powerful and talented unicorn in all of Equestria. The great, the powerful, the amazing..."

As the voice spoke, the trailer shifted and changed. The wall dropped and flipped to double in size, creating a stage and revealing a curtain. The sides of the trailer spread out like wings on the sides, horns emerging at the base. The roof popped open with several decorative items showing up.

"Sunset Shimmer!"

There was a burst of sparks and puff of smoke on stage, obscuring the view from the audience. When the smoke faded, standing on stage was a sunny yellow-orange unicorn mare with red and yellow mane and tail, as well as a similarly colored sun on her flank. Head held high, she looked down at the audience with a smirk. Catching sight of one particular pony in the crowd, the mare's eyes narrowed and she bared her teeth in a grin.

Boasting and Bragging

"Sunset Shimmer?" Shining Armor rubbed at his chin, watching the mare on stage. "Why does that name sound familiar?"

"Watch in awe and be amazed," the stage mare stated with a voice that carried all across the crowd, "as I, Sunset Shimmer, perform the greatest of magic more incredible than any of you could even dream of doing."

"Did she just insult everypony?" Spike whispered to Shining Armor.

"My my my," Rarity said, "such boasting."

"No one is as magical as Shiny," Twilight said, staring at the stage.

"It's just stage patter," Shining said. "She's just talking herself up to get the audience interested."

The group watched as a hoop of flame appeared on stage and Sunset Shimmer jumped through it. As she landed, the ring shot up into the air and exploded in a burst of fireworks.

"Ah suppose," Applejack admitted. "Still," she looked back at the stage, "Ah don't like the way she's looking down her nose at us just for knowin' a couple of fancy magic tricks."

"Well," Shimmer's voice boomed, "it seems we have doubters among you who question my greatness." Tilting her head back slightly, she narrowed her eyes and looked down at the crowd. "Do you dare to challenge me? To come up and face the most powerful and talented unicorn in all of Equestria?"

"Just who does she think she is?" Rarity asked after a very unladylike snort.

"You should challenge her," Twilight told Shining Armor.

"No," Shining responded. "I'm not going to start a fight with a pony just because of some exaggerated bragging."

"But you're way better at magic."

"We don't know that." Shining took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "And even if that's true, it's not a reason to challenge another pony."

Twilight looked at him a moment, then sighed and looked away.

"I guess you're right," she mumbled, "but you could totally kick her flank."

A burst of fireworks exploded from the stage and a fanfare of horns played, drawing their attention back to the stage where the mare stood on her hind legs. As soon as the lights and music finished, Rainbow Dash bolted to the stage, hovering in front of the show mare.

"So, Sunset Shimmer," the pegasus said, "what makes you think you're so awesome anyway?"

"Oh my dear simplistic chromatic citizen," Shimmer stated, "I am so glad you asked. For you see..."

Her horn glowed with a pale green energy as light erupted from the brass horns on the ends of the stage. The light took to the sky above the audience, taking shape as the mare spoke.

"I have studied," the stage mare continued, "for years at Cel..." She cleared her throat, "at the prestigious school for gifted unicorns in Canterlot. After becoming too powerful and talented for their piddling classes, I traveled all across Equestria to learn... and beyond.

"I have traveled to the zebra lands to study strange magic under the tutelage of their shamans. I have learned about weather and combat magic at the talons of the griffons. I have faced dragons, stood against a hydra, and even... vanquished the ferocious Ursa Major!"

The audience watched the shifting and changing lights as it illustrated her story, letting out oohs and ahs.

"I could tell you all about how the poor, pitiful ponies of Hoofington were at their wits end," Shimmer continued, "desperate for help and willing to pay whatever it takes. Or how I was able to defeat the creature, forcing it to return to The Everfree Forest." She narrowed her eyes at Rainbow Dash. "But I don't want to bore you little mind with such things."

"That settles it," Snips said, him and Snails moving closer to the stage.

"Shimmer surely is the most talented, most magical, most awesome unicorn in Ponyville," Snails stated.

"No," Snails corrected. "In all of Equestria."

"How do you know?" Spike shouted at the two. "You didn't see it!"

"Spike!" Shining said firmly. "Calm down."

"Yes my young colts," Sunset said with a grin. "It is true. I am certainly the best in Ponyville."

The audience stared at the mare in silence. Shining Armor let his glance shift sideways, noticing the glares at Sunset Shimmer from his friends.

They don't look happy, the stallion thought. Hopefully I can talk to them and calm them down. Just need to make sure nothing else-

"Don't believe me?" Sunset Shimmer said with a chuckle. "Well then, I, Sunset Shimmer, do hereby challenge you Ponyvillians. Come up and face me with your challenge. Anything you can do, I can do better."

-provokes them, Shining finished the thought with a sigh.

"Any takers?" Shimmer asked. "Anyone? Or do you all accept that I am the greatest pony ever?!"

"Come on," Twilight whined at Shining. "Just listen to her. She's offering you a chance and has been very rude."

"How about..." Sunset Shimmer pointed at the audience "YOU!"

Challengers

Sunset Shimmer smirked at the look of wide-eyed shock at the challenge. The pitiful stallion looked extremely uncomfortable, like he was ready to run or something. She would challenge him, of course, prove that she was a far more powerful unicorn, but not yet. No, first she had to undermine his confidence and security. Let him dread what they both knew was coming. First, she would go after some pony else.

His friends.

"So how about it?" the burning yellow unicorn asked. "Is there anything you think you can do that I can't?" She narrowed her eyes and showed her teeth. "Well, little hayseed?"

"That's it," Applejack snapped. "I can't stand for no more o' this."

"Applejack," Shining Armor started, but getting no response as the orange earth pony went up on stage.

"Can your magical powers do this?"

Applejack started spinning a lasso with her tail, the loop of the rope large enough for her to stand in the middle of as she spun it around herself. Standing on one leg, she lifted her tail to raise the lasso up into the air and above her head. Shifting, she twirled the length on one side of her, then jumped as she moved it across her to the other and back. Applejack did this again two, three, four times. Finally she threw the lasso, having the loop snag an apple from a tree. The lasso released the apple in mid-air, and Applejack caught with her mouth.

The crowd let out a cheer for the local farm pony.

"Top that missy," Applejack said as she leaned on two hooves, giving the unicorn a smirk of her own.

"Well I already jumped through a flaming hoop," Sunset stated, "but if you want to see me do a rope trick..."

Her horn glowed with pale green energy. The magical aura began to encompass the tip of the rope, waving it back and forth as it rose up like a cobra. It continued to rise and undulate, the movement nearly hypnotic. Especially to Applejack who not only watched, but started to move in time to the swaying without even realizing it.

The other end of the rope lifted up and shot out, grabbing another apple from the tree. The serpentine end dropped down and shot forward, rapidly wrapping around Applejack's legs and tying them together. The mare let out a yelp of surprise as it happened, suddenly turned upside down as she was hog tied. The opposite end shoved the apple into the open mouth, lodging it in place.

"And now," Sunset said, "that is how you catch a cowgirl."

The audience let out a small cheer and laughed at Applejack. For her part, the mare managed to turn over onto her legs and started hopping for the end of the stage.

Sunset Shimmer looked through the audience, and tried to keep her smile in place as she caught sight of her main target. He was not laughing, but she had expected that. But he did not look embarrassed or sad for his friend either, which she did. He looked... annoyed? Irritated?

"There's no need to go showing off and strutting around like that," Rainbow Dash snarled as she floated on the stage, her face barely two inches away from Sunset Shimmer's.

"Oh?" Sunset said as she looked at the pegasus.

"That's my job!"

Rainbow Dash took off as fast as she could flying toward the mill. Hitting one of the blades, she pushed the windmill fan, speeding it up. Using the momentum, the mare launched herself high up into the air. Flying straight up, she punched her way through cloud after cloud as she ascended higher and higher. As she reached the apex, she stopped a moment before turning one hundred and eighty degrees and flying back down. Each time she flew through one of the holes in the clouds, more and more raindrops collected behind her, following Dash's path. After spinning through the fan of the windmill again, the mare flew back to the stage. She came to a sudden halt and spread her wings wide. The water struck the mare's back and burst apart, creating a rainbow above Rainbow Dash.

"They don't call me Rainbow, and Dash, for nothin'."

Once again the crowd cheered, with a few exceptions. One of them was Scootaloo. The orange filly stared at Rainbow Dash with her eyes wide and mouth hanging over.

"That," the young filly said, "was, the most AWESOME thing ever!" She jumped up and down in excitement, grinning at the stage. As far as she was concerned, Rainbow Dash was now the coolest, most awesome pony ever.

Back on stage, Sunset Shimmer rolled her eyes as the antics of the pegasus.

"If only your brain was as fast as your mouth," she said with a snort.

Once again the mare's horn started to glow. The rainbow glowed with magic before disappearing,the water turning to ice and dropping onto Rainbow Dash. Before Dash could do anything, the frost gripped her and spun, launching her from the stage. The young mare spun like a top as she went, landing in the dirt face first.

"I," Dash groaned, "think I'm... going to be sick."

"That," Shimmer said, "was a very impressive Rainbow Crash!"

Her horn continued to glow as she created a massive storm cloud over the prone pegasus. As Rainbow Dash was getting back out, thunder boomed as a bolt of lightning fired from the cloud to strike the pegasus on the rump, causing her to yelp in pain.

"Oh don't be so shocked," Shimmer said with a laugh.

"That's enough!"

Sunset Shimmer stopped laughing and turned to look at the source of the interruption. Shining Armor now stood on the stage. His legs were spread wide and head low. The stallion's eyes were narrow as he stared, letting a snort out through his nose.

"Oh?" Shimmer raised an eyebrow and tilted her head to look at him. She had to hide her shock. She had not expected him to be so bold as to jump up on stage, or to actually be angry. She was expecting cowardice, not confrontation. A shame too. she had been hoping to get the white unicorn mare next. One that seemed so prissy and uptight would have been so much fun to humiliate in front of everypony.

"I may not like you embarrassing my friends," Shining Armor stated as he took a step closer, "but that's a part of the show. I get it. But I will not let you continue to humiliate them, and I will absolutely not let you hurt them."

"Okay." Sunset Shimmer turned to face him. "So, what are you going to do about it?"

Shining Armor opened his mouth, closed it, opened it, and closed it again. That was a good question. One he had not actually thought about before jumping up on stage. He had already been irritated about seeing Applejack and Rainbow Dash embarrassed on stage in front of most of Ponyville, but seeing Sunset Shimmer attack one of his friends had set him off. Now that he was up on stage, he realized that he had not made any plan what to do once up there.

The stallion shifted, looking out toward the crowd. A lot of ponies were out there, watching the stage. Some stuck out to him more than others. Specifically one little purple unicorn filly and two friends who had been somewhat embarrassed on stage not too long ago.

Shining Armor took a deep breath, slowly let out out, and turned to look at Sunset Shimmer. He straightened up, looking at her with his full height.

"Okay," he said, "you've made your point. Why don't you just go on with your show and not try to give any ponies a hard time?" With that, he turned and hopped off the stage, walking toward his friends.

"Spike, remind me when we get home to write a letter asking about information on her." He turned his attention to Rainbow Dash. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," Dash replied. "I'm fine." She gave a smirk. "I've been struck worse on accident by Derpy than that."

"That's good." Shining gave a gentle smile. "So how about I treat you two at Sugarcube Corner to help salve your pride?"

"Sure," Dash said.

"Ah'm not going to turn down some grub," Applejack agreed.

"Oh oh," Pinkie Pie shouted, "I know just the perfect thing." And with that, she bolted off.

"Shiny?" Twilight asked, "Can I go play with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo?"

"Sure Twiley," the stallion answered. "Just be sure to be home before dinner." He turned to Rarity. "Want to come?"

"Thank you darling," the unicorn mare answered, "but I have other matters to attend to."

With that Shining Armor, Applejack and Rainbow Dash started to head for Sugarcube Corner.

"Well then," Sunset Shimmer said from her spot on the stage, "I guess that I have proven that I am the greatest, most powerful, and most talented unicorn in Ponyville." She let out a snort. "As if there was ever any doubt." With that she walked off stage.

Twilight and Spike still stood in the crowd that was dispersing. The unicorn filly stared at the stage, eyes narrowed and ears pulled back.

Snips, Snails, and Dragon Scales

"Twilight?" Spike asked. "Are you okay?"

"No," the filly responded, turning to the young dragon. "Shiny finally stood up to her, but he didn't do anything. Now she still thinks she is the most powerful unicorn in Ponyville. He should have... should have..."

"Should have what?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I don't know. Turn her into an orange. Lock her in a shield bubble and use her like a pinball." Twilight let out a sigh, sagging. "Something. You've seen what he can do. He could have easily beaten that bully and stopped her from being so mean." She looked at the ground, kicking at the dirt in front of her.

"Twilight," Spike said as he put a claw on her shoulder, "why don't you go play with your friends? You can talk to Shining when you get home later. Besides," he looked toward Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, "it might make you feel better."

"Okay." The purple filly walked over to where the other two stood and started talking to them. The three of them then took off. Spike watched them go, then turned as something else caught his eye: Snips and Snails running through town.

The young dragon's eyes narrows as his ear fins gave a twitch. What were they up to? Spike walked toward the wagon the two unicorn colts had been running toward.

"Tells us about how you vanquished the Ursa Major," he overheard Snails saying.

"It has been a long and exhausting day," Sunset Shimmer said, "and I have other matters that need tending to. Leave me."

"Anything you say, Sunset Shimmer."

"That includes you too."

Spike could not see who the other pony Shimmer was talking to. However, he was able to see Snips and Snails backing away. Neither of them were aware that they were walking right to where the young dragon was standing.

"What are you two doing?"

"We were just bringing Sunset Shimmer a smoothie," Snips answered.

"How can you fall for that bully and her lameness?" Spike asked, throwing his arms open wide. "She's just a show-off who intimidates other ponies."

"She vanquished an Ursa Major." The chubby blue unicorn leaned in close, practically nose to nose with Spike. "Do you know any other unicorn that can say that?"

"Oh really?" Spike narrowed his eyes and leaned toward the two. "Were you two actually there?"

The two colts looked at each other before Snips answered.

"No, but-"

"But nothing," Spike interrupted. "Shining and his friends don't go around bragging about Nightmare Moon and we were all here. He also has Princess Celestia to back him up. So unless somepony else who was there tells me it happened, or an Ursa Major comes waltzing up the street for Sunset Shimmer to vanquish, I'm not going to believe a word she says. And neither should you."

"Hmm..." Snips said. "An ursa walking up the street, eh? Snails!" He turned to his friend. "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"Why do they call it a flea market when they don't really sell fleas?" the gangly colt responded.

"Ye-" Snips shook his head. "Nuh-..Oh come on!" With a huff, he moved to walk away. Snails watches him a moment, then followed.

Spike watched them go and let out a snort of annoyance.

Back to The Library

Shining Armor looked up from the book as he heard the front door open. The unicorn stallion caught sight of a rather irritated looking young dragon entering, slamming the door shut behind him harder than necessary.

"Something wrong, Spike?"

"I think that Twilight was right," Spike answered as he walked closer. "Somepony should stand up to her and put an end to her bragging. You should have taught her a lesson when you were on stage earlier."

"What do you expect me to do?" Shining asked.

"Twilight mentioned putting her in a shield sphere," the young dragon replied. "Maybe we could do that and send her rolling down a hill into the pond."

"SPIKE! That's not very nice. What's got you so upset over this anyways?" Shining Armor tilted his head, raising one eyebrow.

"Snips and Snails," Spike finally answered with a huff. "The two of them are practically ready to serve Sunset Shimmer's every whim without question just because of all the stuff she claims she did. They don't even care about how she treats them or other ponies."

"I don't think a little hero worship is going to hurt anyone," Shining responded. "Besides, what's the worst that could happen?"

"I suppose," Spike said, rolling his eyes. "But I still don't like it. Anyway, you said something about a letter?"

"Oh that was taken care of. I managed to get it sent with today's mail."

"Why didn't you have me send it to Princess Celestia?" Spike asked.

"I'm pretty sure she has more important things to deal with," Shining replied, "than looking for information on one former student. It doesn't seem right to pull her away from her royal duties to ask somepony else to search through a bunch of old files."

"I'm back," a voice called from the door.

"Welcome home Twil-AAAAaahh!" Spike screamed, falling over at the sight of the filly.

"What happened to you?" Shining Armor asked as he stared at his little sister

Twilight stood in the doorway, or at least something the same general size and shape of the filly. The thing also had purple eyes like the filly, which were currently looking at the young stallion and dragon. The thing that was supposedly Twilight, however, was mostly a mud brown in color, with sticks and what looked like wet plants sticking out from it.

"All sorts of neat stuff," Twilight said excitedly, grinning through the mud. "We got to see Scootaloo do some stunts on her scooter, she's really good. She even let me try. I'm not very good though. Ended up driving it into a pond. I'm okay though, and it didn't break. Oh oh. I also caught a frog. I was going to bring it home, but it peed on me. Scootaloo thought it was funny, but Sweetie Belle says that's how you get warts. Is that true?"

"No," Shining answered. "But, Twiley? Why are you covered in mud?"

"I am?" She looked at herself. "Oh. I guess I that was when I was helping pull the scooter out of the mud after I crashed. It was stuck really deep."

"Well now you need a bath really bad. Head on upstairs."

Twilight gave a nod and started walking across the library, leaving a trail of mud in her wake, as she headed for the stairs.

"She's really dirty," Spike said.

"Yeah," Shining Armor agreed. "I think she's going to need more soap and shampoo to get it all out. Keep on eye on things here while I go and get some."

"I guess I could start mopping up her trail." The young dragon looked at the floor, seeing the path of mud the filly had left.

"Appreciate it," the young stallion called out as he headed out the door.

A Bear of a Problem

"Thank you for the assistance," Shining Armor said, "I appreciate it."

"It's fine," the mare behind the counter said, waving a hoof. "I have a pair of colts of my own. I know how messy little ponies can get when they run around." She put the rest of the soap and shampoo into the bag.

The sound of a massive roar echoed through the building, causing the two ponies to jump. They bag fell to the floor as the two of them turned to look toward the door.

"What in Equestria was that?" the cashier mare asked.

"Whatever it is," Shining Armor responded, "it's not good." The stallion's horn lit up to grab the bag, taking it with him as he ran out of the shop and into the street of Ponyville.

There was nothing to be seen right away. Fortunately there was an easy way to figure out which way to go. Looking around, he spotted the ponies he was looking for. After watching them a moment, he then started running the way they had come from.

Most smart ponies run away from danger, he thought as he continued to run toward it.

"What's going on?" a voice asked. Turning his head, Shining Armor caught sight of Rainbow Dash flying near him in the same direction he was running.

"I don't know," the stallion answered, "but it sounds big."

The two ponies continued to run, soon being joined by Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. As the group continued to move through town, they made their way closer and closer to whatever the source of the disturbance was. Then they saw it.

Standing in the center of town, was a shape that looked primarily like a bear. Except this bear was fifteen or twenty feet tall while standing on all fours, and was not solid. It looked like the night sky given shape, even with glowing stars making up its backside and tail. There was also a bright white star on its forehead above the big yellow eyes. One of its large clawed legs stood in the remnants of a trailer. Not far from the creature stood three unicorns: Sunset Shimmer, Snips, and Snails.

"What's going on?" Shining asked as he ran up to the three. He stopped as Sunset Shimmer looked at him. The look in the mare's eyes made him feel like someone had just dumped a massive bucket of ice water on him.

"Well, well, well," Shimmer said, "so nice of you to join us Shining Armor. I was hoping you would show up. It seems these two," she motioned toward Snips and Snails, "have decided to bring an Ursa Major to town."

"What?" Shining Armor, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack all called out.

"We wanted to see Sunset Shimmer vanquish it," Snips admitted.

"Yeah," Snails agreed. "Just like in her story."

"Oh I'm not going to vanquish it," Shimmer responded. "I'm going to incinerate it."

"WHAT!?" the seven ponies surrounding the flaming mare all cried out.

"That's right," she said with a grin. "Prepare to watch it become nothing but a pile of cinders."

Fluttershy to the Rescue

Sunset Shimmer had a massive wicked grin on her face as she took a step toward the creature. Her cheek gave a twitch as she stared up at it, her green eyes wide. Bracing herself, the mare's horn started to glow a luminescent green as she started to collect her magic. The aura grew larger as power built up, sparks starting to fly off with a faint popping sound as the spell started to form.

A rose colored dome encompassed the mare. The sudden action caught her off guard, causing her to break her concentration. Keeping a hold of the magic she had, she shifted the spell to fire a blast of energy at the dome. The impact rapidly faded, but seemed to have no effect on it.

"What's going on?" Sunset Shimmer asked, snarling as she looked around. Her head turned to look around, catching sight of Shining Armor and his own horn glowing. "What are you doing?" She narrowed her eyes at him. "Let. Me! OUT!"

"First," Shining Armor answered, "it's not an Ursa Major, it's an Ursa Minor. A baby. Second, I'm not going to just let you kill it."

"Oh?" Shimmer tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. "And how are you going to stop it."

"I'm not." He turned to look at it. "I'm just going to hold it. Dash," he turned toward the pegasus, "go get Fluttershy. We need her expertise. Fast as you can."

"Right," Rainbow Dash said with a salute before taking off.

Shining Armor turned to face the Ursa Minor. Slowly the stallion took a deep breath and let it out. Closing his eyes, he began to concentrate as well.

The aura around his horn grew larger and brighter as he focused. Layers of energy built one on top of the other as. With it, a bolt of pain pulsed through the stallion's head.

A massive second dome appeared, encompassing the Ursa in a shield large enough to actually contain it. The creature let out a roar as it noticed the strange thing around it. Lifting one massive paw, it swung to hit the inside of the shield. There was a massive echoing boom from the impact, but the surface did not shift or shimmer, holding strong.

"That," Applejack said slowly, "is a mighty big shield."

"Pinkie, dear," Rarity said, "don't touch him. I am fairly certain such a large spell requires a lot of energy and concentration."

"Is he okay?" Pinkie asked. She pulled her hoof back but turned her head side to side as he looked at him.

"The size isn't a problem," Shining answered, startling the Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Sunset Shimmer. "It's taking a lot of energy, but I can handle it." He gave his head a shake. "Bigger problem is having to maintain two shields at once."

"Anything we can do to help?" Rarity asked.

"Just let me concentrate."

The three friends of him looked from Shining Armor to each other, then to the trapped forms. Each one shifted as they stood there, wanting to help but unsure how.

Nearly five minutes passed in silence before Rainbow Dash returned, carrying Fluttershy with her.

"Oh dear," the yellow pegasus mare said as she caught sight of the Ursa Minor in the shield. "What's going on?"

"That," Applejack pointed at the Ursa Minor, "was rampaging through the town."

"And Miss Meanie Maniac," Pinkie Pie said as she motioned toward Sunset Shimmer, "wanted to burn it."

"Shining Armor," Rarity continued, "said that it was a baby and sent for you."

"It's cranky," Shining said with a groan, "because someone woke it up."

"A cranky baby?" Rainbow Dash asked, "I guess I can see why he wanted you."

"What do you expect me to do?" Fluttershy asked, looking around as she rubbed a hoof in the dirt of the road.

"Same thing you would to calm any other cranky baby, I would suppose," Rarity answered.

Fluttershy looked from the four other mares to the stallion, then up at the Ursa Minor. The buttery yellow pegasus crouched down pulling into herself.

"I..' she stammered. "I don't know. What... what makes you think-"

"Fluttershy," Shining groaned, "Please. We don't have time. You're our best chance. Just do what you do best."

Fluttershy looked around again, hiding behind her hair. All of her friends, save Shining Armor who had his eyes closed, were watching her. Looking away from them, she looked around as she thought. Closing her eyes, she let out a sigh. The mare then straightened back up and looked at her friends again.

"Pinkie Pie," the mare stated, in a voice that was surprisingly firm, "I'm going to need some music. Something for a lullaby."

"I got just the thing," the pink pony squealed before bouncing off.

"Shining Armor, can you keep lift the water tower and empty it?"

"I'd have to drop one of the shields to do it," he answered.

Fluttershy turned to Sunset Shimmer.

"Do you promise not to try and hurt the poor baby?"

"Fine," Shimmer said with a roll of her eyes.

"Good," Fluttershy continued. "Applejack, Rainbow Dash, once the tank is empty, I need the cows milked and the milk put into it."

"We're on it," Applejack said as she started running toward the barn.

"Rarity?" The pegasus turned to the unicorn. "Do you have anything we can use as a giant blanket?"

"I believe I might have something," Rarity answered before turning to head quickly toward the boutique.

Fluttershy let out a sigh of relief. She was not done, but she would have to wait a while for some of the other things to be finished before she could do her next part.

The shield dropped from around Sunset Shimmer as Shining Armor's magic took a hold of the massive water tower. The dome shaped top pulled away from the major portion of the container, which then tipped over to pour out the water. Applejack was in the barn, milking cow after cow. Each time she filled a pail with milk, Rainbow Dash would take a hold of it and fly it to the tower to dump it in before going back for the next one. While not the fastest method, the two were rapidly filling the tank.

Pinkie Pie was the first to return. With her was three additional ponies, all carrying a different instrument: a cello, a violin, and a flute.

"Here you go," the pink pony said with a grin, "three ponies with the perfect instruments to play a lullaby. Ready when you need them."

"You got actual musicians?" Fluttershy asked. "Not just instruments for you to play."

"Don't be silly," Pinkie Pie replied. "My music would be way too happy and exciting to put anything to sleep."

"...I guess that makes sense. Well... for you, anyways."

"Just tell me what you need them to play and Aunt Pinkie Pie will take care of it."

Fluttershy rolled her eyes at "Aunt Pinkie Pie." As she had pointed out before, the yellow pegasus was older than the hyper pink pony. Still, instead of commenting, Fluttershy explained what song she needed.

As she talked, Rarity returned with a very large piece of fabric, folded as small as she could get it, floating behind her as she carried it in her magic. Shortly, Applejack and Rainbow Dash joined as well, having finished with the milking. The explanation for the music soon became a full explanation of the plan and what certain ponies (pretty much Shining Armor and Rarity) would need to do. With that done, Applejack and Rainbow Dash moved to keep out of the way while Pinkie Pie and Rarity got into position.

Plan In Motion

At the wave of Fluttershy's hoof, Pinkie Pie motioned toward the musicians. The three gave a nod and started to play. A gentle music began to fill the air of Ponyville. Many ponies stopped what they were doing to listen, including a young purple filly who had been looking for her brother and a young dragon that was accompanying her. Curiously, Twilight and Spike began to follow the gentle melody, reaching the town square.

With the music playing, Shining Armor dropped the shield that was holding the Ursa Minor in place. The roaring stopped as the music reached the creature's ears. It seemed to relax, a smile passing across it's face. After the shield dropped, Shining Armor used his magic to lift the large bear-like creature. His rose colored aura was joined by a pale blue one as Rarity unfurled the large piece of fabric, wrapping the Ursa in it.

Once the Ursa Minor was properly swathed, Shining Armor put the top back on top of the water tank that now held milk and floated it into the bear's grip. The creature took a hold of the bottle, bringing it to its mouth and suckling from the tip.

With that done and musicians continuing to play, Fluttershy took flight. Flying up to the creature, she moved to float just above its head. The creature looked up at the pegasus, but did nothing else for a moment. Taking a deep breath, Fluttershy began to sing "Hush now, quiet now." The gentle lyrical voice of the pegasus blended with the steady rhythmic music of the instruments to create a calm, soothing song.

The lullaby floated through the air, the gentle song filling the town square. Soon, the Ursa Major was fast asleep, as were a large number of ponies that had been around witnessing the entire event. Spike and Twilight were both yawning and wobbling, but managing to stay awake. The two stumbled out of the way as the Ursa floated toward them, followed by Fluttershy, Rarity, and Shining Armor. The three ponies went with the creature as it was floated back to The Everfree Forest. The ponies stopped at the edge of the woods as the Ursa was returned to its cave.

As soon as it was finished, the magic from Shining Armor's horn vanished, and the stallion collapsed. He laid on the ground, rubbing at his head and groaning.

"You alright sugar cube?" Applejack asked as she walked up to where the others now stood.

"My head is killing me," he answered as he moved to sit up. "Never tried to use more than one spell at a time, or more than one target either."

"That was incredible," Twilight shouted as she ran up. "Did you see that? My brother was able to levitate an entire Ursa Major! That has to prove that Shining is the most powerful unicorn in Ponyville."

"That wasn't an Ursa Major," Shining repeated. "That was a baby, an Ursa Minor."

"That was a baby?" Spike asked, his eyes going wide. "Well, what does an Ursa Major look like then?"

"You don't want to know." He turned to look up. "Thanks for your help Fluttershy. I figured if anyone knew what to do, it would be you."

Fluttershy landed, and blushed, but did not say anything.

"Well, well, well," Sunset Shimmer said as she moved toward the group. "I must say I am surprised. You aren't as pathetically weak as I thought." She looked around at the others. "Still, you had to rely on your..." she snorted, "friends to help you. Oh well. Another time." Turning, she started to walk away.

"Where do ya think y'er goin'?" Applejack asked, moving to step in front Shimmer.

"Excuse me?" The unicorn mare raised an eyebrow and tilted her head, glaring at the orange earth pony in front of her.

"You ain't going anywhere," Applejack continued, narrowing her own gaze. "Least not til you pay for what you done?"

Sunset Shimmer snorted and rolled her eyes.

"And what, exactly, did I do hayseed?"

"Well," Applejack shifted, looking toward the others, "You were goin' ta kill it, weren't ya?"

"Oh no," Shimmer said sarcastically as she rolled her eyes, "I was going to destroy a massive monster that was attacking the town. Oh!" Her eyes went wide as she brought a hoof to her mouth. "Except, I never attacked the thing. You six stopped it."

"Yeah?" Rainbow Dash snapped as she flew into Sunset Shimmer's face. "Well... " She looked around a moment, then poked a hoof at Sunset Shimmer. "It's your fault that the thing came into Ponyville in the first place."

"I merely told a story about vanquishing an Ursa Major," Sunset Shimmer said, raising her nose in the air. "I cannot be held accountable if a couple of fans decide to try and find one to see it for real. Those two," she pointed at the sleeping forms of Snips and Snails, " are the ones you want. Not me."

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy all looked back and forth between each other.

"Face it," Sunset Shimmer said with a grin, "as much as you hate it, you can't do anything about it." With that, she stepped around Applejack and continued on her way.

"Ah normally don't say this," Applejack said as she watched the flaming yellow unicorn walk away, "but I hate that mare. It really sticks in my saddle that she's right."

"At least she's leaving," Shining Armor responded as he moved to stand up.

"Darling," Rarity spoke up, "what about the young colts who caused this?"

"I think that's going to have to be discussed between the mayor and their parents," the stallion answered. "We should probably take them to the mayor so they could..." Shining Armor stopped talking as he turned to look the way that Sunset Shimmer had gone.

"Shiny?" Twilight asked. "Is something wrong?"

"How did she know my name?"

A Royal Visit

Shining Armor laid in his bed, ice pack on his head as he stretched out on his stomach. The curtains were drawn tight over the windows to keep the room as dark as possible, and gentle, soothing music filled the room.

The door to the room opened slowly. As soon as the gap was wide enough, Spike poked his head through the opening.

"Uh, Shining?" the young dragon said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Are you up for a visitor?"

"I guess so," the stallion responded, adjusting the ice pack as he opened his eyes and looked up.

Spike gave a nod and pushed the door open the rest of the way. Once open all the way, Princess Celestia moved forward. Lowering her head, she stepped around Twilight Sparkle and Spike to come into the room.

"Princess?" Shining gasped, eyes going wide. "Spike, why didn't you tell me the Princess was here to see me."

"Twilight insisted," Spike answered, pointing at the filly.

"Why?" the young stallion asked as he turned to look at his younger sister.

"Because if you knew it was the princess," Twilight explained, "you would have insisted whether you felt up to it or not."

"What?"

"It seems," Celestia said, "that your little sister is feeling quite protective of you. At first, she refused to let me see you at all due to your recovering. It was after some conversation did she agree provided you felt up for company. How are you feeling?"

"Like somepony dropped all of Canterlot on my head," Shining answered. "Holding two spells is something I'm not used to, to say nothing about it being two massive spells like holding a shield around an Ursa Minor and levitating a water tower filled with milk. Which reminds me. Spike, please make a note that I need to set some time aside for practicing in case I have to do something like that again."

"Right," Spike said, pulling out a scroll and quill.

"So what brings you to Ponyville?" Shining Armor asked.

"Sunset Shimmer," Celestia responded. "I was informed that you sent a letter to the school requesting information about her."

"She mentioned that she went to your school for gifted unicorns," the stallion answered. He stopped and looked at the princess, tilting his head to one side. "Do you know her?"

"Not as well as I once believed." The princess turned to look at Spike and Twilight. "Perhaps you two should get comfortable. I am uncertain how long this conversation shall take."

The two shifted a moment, staring at the princess, before moving. Spike moved to his basket and sat down, stretching out. Twilight moved to the bed and climbed up, taking a seat next to her brother. Celestia moved and sat down as well.

"Sunset Shimmer," the princess started, "was my former student before you, Shining Armor."

"What?!" Shining, Spike and Twilight all shouted out in surprise.

"You didn't know?" Twilight asked, looking at her brother.

"I never asked," Shining responded. "I also figured that the student before me had gone on to some great thing, like explore the borders of Equestria, studying strange plants and animals, searching for ancient spells lost to time, or off somewhere to create new ones or something."

"There are many who have done such things," Celestia stated, "and others who chose paths and did things I could never have imagined for them." She looked up at the ceiling, smiling. The princess's head suddenly dropped down with a sigh as she stared at the floor.

"And, sadly, there were a few that were not so fortunate."

"With all due respect," Spike said, "how did a pony as crazy and mean as Sunset Shimmer end up as your student?"

"She was not always like that," Celestia replied. "Much like Shining Armor, Sunset Shimmer was tested when she was young and showed that she had great power and talent for magic. She was an excited and curious filly when I took her under my wing and began to teach her."

The princess looked away, staring toward the curtains a moment. None of the other said anything for a moment, uncertain what to say or do.

"Unfortunately," Princess Celestia finally continued, "she was not as kind or compassionate as I had expected. Things went well at first, but it did not last. Sunset Shimmer saw her position as my student as something to use. She looked down on others, including other students and the guards, to whom she was often very rude. She saw herself as superior to others, and was more than willing to tell them such, especially if it would give her an advantage.

"She also grew obsessed with magic. No matter what, she wanted to learn new, stronger magic and more powerful spells. No matter what I taught her, she wanted more. It did not matter if I thought she was not ready. Sunset Shimmer insisted on more and more. With it, she also wanted to have greater and greater magic.

"It all culminated into the events of a single day, and two specific points. One was early in the morning. Sunset Shimmer was in a fouler mood than usual and insisted that I help her with something I could not. When I refused, there was an argument where she accused me of holding her back.

"The second was later in the evening. Some guards caught Sunset Shimmer attempting to enter a room which was off limits to all. It is a place where certain relics and books are kept as they are seen as dangerous, including spells that are considered forbidden by many of the most powerful unicorns."

"Excuse me," Twilight held up a hoof, "but what do you mean? Don't you decide what is and isn't dangerous?"

"That is an understandable question," Celestia answered. "However, I am only a single mare. Were I to be the sole decider on such matters, I would be overprotective. A great many choices I would make, even if for the best of my little ponies, would possibly be too much and hinder their progress."

"So what happened to Sunset Shimmer?" Spike asked.

"When the guards brought her to me, we had an argument. She accused me again of holding her back, as well as such as I have claimed to try and avoid. I attempted to explain that some things had to be earned and proven in time with smaller steps, but she would not listen.

'In the morning, she was gone."

The three other three were all quiet for the moment. They shifted to look between each other and the princess.

"So.." Shining Armor finally said, "you've been trying to find her ever since?"

"Correct," Celestia answered. "That is how I heard of your letter. I have standing orders that any reports on Sunset Shimmer are to be notified to me as soon as possible." Standing up, she moved toward the bed. "And I fear that her coming to Ponyville was not a coincidence. I believe she came to investigate and study what she would see as her replacement."

"Me?" Shining Armor's went wide. "Why?"

"I cannot be certain. Perhaps to test your capabilities. Perhaps to see if you have learned something she has not. The possibilities are numerous, and with all the years since I have last seen her, it is hard to guess since I cannot understand how the passing years have changed her."

"What should we do?" Twilight asked. Celestia reached out, stroking the filly's mane.

"At the moment," the princess answered, "with her gone, you and your brother should be safe." She gave a gentle smile. "The most I can ask for now is to notify me immediately when and if she appears again. In the mean time, I will continue to have my guards report to me any sightings of her. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to make my way back to Canterlot."

With her usual grace and poise, Celestia rose and walked from the room. The three others watched her go, uncertain what to say or do.