In a single second everything changed. Sunset heard the goading chants of Twilight's peers one second, then the pleading scream of a fear filled dog, then chaos. Unleash the magic, free the magic... Those words echoed in Sunset's mind even as she tried to get to Twilight before the locket opened. But she was too late; if only by a second. And as Twilight was engulfed by warped magic, screaming for someone to help her, Sunset was a moment behind to catch the fleeting hand of a terrified girl.

A girl consumed by magics she didn't understand or know how to control.

All around her the world she came to call home started to rip apart into the world she used to know. The ones she called friends cowered as magic threatened to destroy them all once more. Now, those eyes all fell to her with unsure hope. Now they looked to Sunset, the one who once did the very same thing. What Sunset did and what she spoke came from somewhere deep beyond herself. And as Harmony filled her, she felt something fill her mind and heart.

...Where... Am I?

Where do you think you are?

I don't know... Wait! No! I need to stop Twilight! I need to go help--

Shhhhhh... You're panicking. That's not very harmonious, is it?

But Twilight needs me! Canterlot High needs me right now! Even Crystal Prep needs me. I need to help them.

You say need a lot, you know that? It's really pushy.

I'm sorry. I've actually been trying to work out those problems--D-Don't distract me! What's going on? Where am I?

Where do you think you are?

You already asked that. I really need an answer right now.

There's that word again. Have you ever considered expanding your vocabulary? Try reading a page of the dictinary every day. I hear that's what's in right now.

Look, I'm really sorry for being pushy with you. But I really need... I really want to save my friends.

They're fine. I mean, as fine as you left them. Right now, you are simply in harmony.

In harmony? Like I'm at peace? Did I... Die?!

No you silly girl. In harmony.

What does that even mean?

You decide.

You're really starting to get on my nerves... You.

Try not to get too angry. Harmony tends to break when anger starts jumping on it.

I wouldn't be so angry if you just told me where I am!

Really?

Yes! I just want to know what's going on and where I am.

And that would make you no longer angry.

Yes.

Are you sure?

Of course I'm sure. I mean... I'm sure it would. Yeah... I guess.

That's a lot of indecision on your mind. Have you thought about doing some yoga? That clears the mind I hear. Or it just clears out stress in the bones. I never really listen to what the new age people say.

I'm just dealing with a lot right now.

What kind of things are on your mind?

Right now just getting back and helping everyone.

You must have some kind of hero complex. All I'm hearing from you is how you need to do everything for everyone else. Do you think they can't handle it on their own?

I do not have a hero complex, alright? I just want to be there for my friends because they were there for me.

So you owe them?

I do owe them. What's wrong with that?

Do you suppose they'll still be your friends after you return the favor?

Of course--

Is that why you want to repay them so badly? You want to see if after all the dust settles and everyone's square if they'll still be standing there waiting for you?

That's not... it.... It's not. It has nothing to do with any of that.

Your lips are telling me one story, but all of that uncertainty spells out a lot more.

...I want to help because it's the right thing to do. It's what they would do for me.

You sound certain. Why is that?

Because they did. I put a crown on my head and made every ounce of my magic mutate into something ugly... But also something beyond words.

Did all of that power feel good?

It did...

Would you ever want it back?

...No.

How are you certain?

Because I made my choice a long time ago. That's in my past and my past does not control me. I don't need any of that to feel good. I feel better than that every day with my friends. The ones who make me feel like I'm home.

That's your decision?

They gave me a chance to come back from all that. Now, I'm going to do the same for her.

Wow. You almost sound like you've got it all figured out. You've come a long way since you were panicking a few seconds ago.

Where is everyone?

Right around you. You haven't moved anywhere yet.

So... Time stopped?

Not at all. That would be crazy. But, speaking of time, I think it's almost time I leave. Do you got all this now?

No. But I have time to learn, don't I? Even if I lose.

Oh now that's just a defeatist attitude.

Sorry.

It's fine. So, Sunset?

Yeah?

Where are you?

You don't know? Come on. You were the one being cryptic.

I guess it slipped my mind. Refresh me?

Sure. Just this once. I'm in the most important magic of all with you...

Take care, Sunset Shimmer... Make me proud.

"The Magic of Friendship." The light cleared and from it came Sunset Shimmer, born anew with garbs and wings formed by the magic given to her.

What ensued was a short battle, one that reminded Sunset blow for blow of when she was on the other end. A place she would never stand again. A place she would never allow another person to stand so long as harmony dwelt within her.

"Take my hand, Twilight..." And if anyone ever did...

"Let me show you there's another way..." She would not let them walk in the darkness alone...

"Just like someone once did for me." Just like someone once did for her.

In a single second the battle had started. And in a single second more the battle was concluded. For each second after, there could be another thousand stories to tell. Each of those stories Sunset would remember right along with the ones who share those precious passing seconds with her until those seconds pass.