It was late into the evening when Sunset left the school. She kept thinking about Celestia and Luna. Facing Twilight Sparkle was obviously out of the question, but there were no other options. What do they do. Probably nothing, but they couldn't be sure. Maybe it would all blow over, and this worlds Twilight would decide to leave them alone.

I wish my friends were here, thought Sunset. They could probably drum up a few ideas. Maybe I should message Twilight*. No, that’ll probably make it worse.

Sunset walked over to the statue, tracing her hand alongside the hard stone. In Canterlot there was a store that sold delicious oat-burgers. Sunset would eat their often, absorbed in her books, always trying to learn more. I’ve learned a lot here too, she thought. She also learned how much she missed Equestria.

“Sunset Shimmer”

Sunset looked over her shoulder, and spotted a bespectacled girl standing a fair distance. Her clothing and her hair was different, but Sunset knew immediately who she was. She considered looking away, and putting as much distance between herself and Twilight as possible. No, that’s too obvious, but what do I say; do I just lie. Yes, she thought, I’m good at lying. I can just lie to her too.

“Can I help you?” she asked softly.

“I saw you leaving, and I wanted to ask if the Principal was still in the building.”

“Sorry, you just missed her.” It felt awkward lying to someone with the same face as her friend. Just keep at it, then she’ll go home.

“Then you’re all alone,” said Twilight. “I would have thought your friends would be here waiting for you.”

Sunset became nervous. She had expected Twilight to leave, not mention her friends. Was she purposefully waiting for me?

“Do you know about anything strange happening in this school? Maybe met with someone weird?”

Sunset relaxed a bit. She didn't know what to say, and she was afraid to reveal herself to be one of the weird things Twilight was asking her about. Just keep lying, she thought, she can’t know anything your not willing to tell her.

“I’m willing to overlook the fact that your being here is a sign that Celestia’s hiding something,” said Twilight, her voice becoming more stern. “But I’ll should mention I know a good deal about you. You’re obviously not from around here.”

“I’m not,” said Sunset. Give her some line, let her think she’s winning.

“Might I ask where your from?”

“Out of town.”

Twilight huffed. “That’s pretty vague.”

“Well I don't make a habit blabbing my life story with strangers.”

“Miss Luna seemed to know me. She mentioned my name.”

“I’m not Vice-Principal Luna.” Hold the line, let her tire herself out.

Twilight glared at Sunset. This was leading nowhere. Best pull before she gets angsty.

“Look, I have to get home,” Sunset began.

But Twilight rushed to get in front of her. She held out her arms, seemingly blocking Sunset’s exit. “Look, I don’t care who you are, or where you came from. But your school is on the precipice of disaster. I’ve come here to put a stop to it.”

Sunset looked at the double, puzzled. Twilight’s statement came off as though she had read it from a poorly written script.

“Precipice of disaster?”

“You know, threshold, brink,” Twilight said. “The point is everyone here is in danger and it all points to you.”

Twilight had a pointed finger bare inches from Sunset’s chest. The girls outburst sent a flurry of anger into Sunset Shimmer, but she couldn't bring herself to snap back at her. What does this girl think I am, she thought, some kind of monster. She knew she couldn't physically do anything to Twilight; she too closely resembled her friend to incite anything greater than a scolding. Stay cool Sunset, just spook her a bit and get out of there.

“I don’t know what your problem is,” she said coldly, “but you had better point your finger somewhere else. I’ve had enough trouble as it is without some egghead coming at me out of nowhere.”

It worked. Twilight immediately put her hands down on her sides. Sunset was a bit proud to know she could still be intimidating; but at the same time she felt a twinge of self-disgust.

“I’m sorry,” said Twilight softly. “I wasn’t trying to accuse of anything. But something weird is happening in this school, and you’re one of the newest students here.”

Sunset inwardly steeled herself. Was she baiting me? Maybe I was a bit too harsh. Sunset looked closely at Twilight. She wasn’t like the Twilight she knew in Equestria. She seemed less confident, more sheltered.

“Look I’m not some sort of raging she-demon,” said Sunset. “and while Canterlot High’s not the most normal school, I’m pretty sure no one’s out to hurt anybody.”

“You’re wrong,” said Twilight. Her voice had become more desolate.

Sunset was confused. What was Twilight getting at?

Twilight smirked mockingly at Sunset. “It must suck being that ignorant, not even realizing when something bad’s about to happen.”

“What are…” Sunset began.

“I don’t know how,” Twilight interrupted, “but you brought something here; an evil spirit. An evil spirit that wanders about the world, and is now here. You saw him too didn’t you, at the bakery.”

Sunset felt her stomach knotting. She was about to mention the cashier. But she held her tongue. There were no such things as evil spirits, not here or in Equestria. This was just stupid garbage being blurted out by some lookalike in glasses. But what if it was magic. It was possible. She brought Equestrian magic into the human world, and twice was it unleashed. Maybe it was having an effect on the town. Maybe it did something to that guy in the bakery. Sunset didn't like it. She wasn't suppose to be the bad guy anymore.

“It happened a long time ago. He was dying from disease. His friends and family had abandoned him, and left him to slowly decay. He cursed the unfairness of his circumstances, and continued to wander the world as a spirit. He always appears to people, kind and honest. The most wonderful person you could hope to meet. Then he sheds his facade and reveals himself as a monster.”

“You’re crazy,” snapped Sunset. It was too weird. She needed to get away from her.

“You saw it though, when he touched you!” shouted Twilight. “It always happen when you touch him. That’s when you see it. Suffering, pain, hate, sorrow; all the awful emotions you would try and keep buried inside, not letting anyone know you feel them. That’s what you see when you get too close to him. That’s the sort of monster he is.”

Twilight stepped closer to Sunset, her eyes hard but fearful. “That’s what you’re inviting into this school!”

Twilight was visibly shaking, trying to hold in tears. Sunset didn't respond when Twilight grabbed ahold of her jacket. She wanted to say something; anything to calm Twilight. But, somehow, she felt she had no right to console her.

“Look,” said Twilight, her voice becoming steady, “I’m not trying to cause trouble. But I can’t allow myself to do nothing. Please, if you know anything, please, just tell me.”

What am I suppose to say, thought Sunset. If there is some evil spirit wandering the town, its probably some sort of dark magic. But aside from the Sirens, whose magic Sunset had stripped away from, she knew no one capable of such magic. And that made her afraid.

Twilight recollected herself, pulling off her glasses to rub her eyes.

“I’m not going away,” she said. “Not until he’s gone.”

Before leaving she looked angrily at Sunset Shimmer and spoke. “I don’t know what you are, but I know you’re not human. If I find out you had anything to do with this, I’m taking you down.”

Sunset stood frozen beside the statue, watching Twilight walking further and further away. The bespectacled girl walked alone, alongside the sidewalk, passing two people before reaching Sugar Cube Corner. A bus had stopped close by the building, and as Twilight made her way to it, she noticed a figure close by. Immediately she felt a surge of disgust build in her stomach, and try as she might, could only barely conceal the fear she felt standing so close to it. She watched the figure board the bus, seating herself as the bus drove away. Laying back, she shut her eyes, holding back tears.

It was only after Twilight disappeared from view that Sunset made her way home. Along the way, her thoughts remained fixed to Twilight. She remembered the anger in Twilight’s face, and her thoughts drifted to the winged unicorn.

“Sweet Celestia, I’m so sorry.” Tears rolled along Sunset’s cheeks.

“I shouldn't have ever come here.” Next Chapter: Among Friends I Estimated time remaining: 26 Minutes