What happened to Sunset? (Final Revision)
by Mariana Deep
First published
Homesick usually defines somewhere where a person is accepted and likes to be versus their current location. Sunset feels just that, and after much consideration, returns to Equestria to face her past. Upon returning however, something is different.
Set after the Friendship Games, Sunset Shimmer, Homesick, decides to return to Equestria for 2 weeks to fill the void she didn't know she had. Facing the fear of a possibly scorching mad Celestia was enough to make her nervous, but she had to, else she couldn't call herself that brave anymore. 2 weeks is all she wanted back in her old home, under the wing of her old mentor, meeting the friends she never had and with that, the Equestria Girls crew supported the decision, much to Pinkie's sadness. But something strange occurred, a ripple in the portal, and a rumor of Sunset being seen a week earlier than she had planned. Twilight was convinced something was wrong, and she was dedicated to finding out what.
Leaving at Sunset (Final Revision)
Sunset couldn’t help but giggle at the scene unfolding before her. Pinkie, in her fit of over exaggerating sadness, found herself square on the floor balling her eyes out. “Pinkie, please stop crying. No really, you’re making me sad too.”
“But…b-but…you’re gonna leave me…and I’m going to have no one to throw a party with.”
“Except literally everyone else.” Sunset replied.
“Come now darling.” Rarity cut in as she placed the crying teen’s head within her lap. “She’ll only be gone for 2 weeks at the most. You have survived plenty worse without one of us.”
“Rarity’s right.” Applejack added. “A tad overdramatic don’t ya think.”
Pinkie continued to sob desperately into Rarity’s skirt, to Rarity’s dismay, Sunset sighing upon packing the last of her things into a bag and slinging it over her shoulder. “Pinkie you can calm down, I’ll only be gone for two weeks, not forever.”
Despite being emotionally distressed, it seemed the words coming from Sunset herself got through to her. “R-really…only two weeks?”
“Yes, only two weeks, and I’ll even bring back some souvenirs, equestrian’s delight.”
Pinkie’s sadness became an instant smile, popping up like a jack rabbit with a bounce of happiness only this containment of utter energy could emit. “Oh my god, yes yes yes! I will take that offer. What’s the cake made from, what do they use for parties, what--”
“Pinkie please, it’s not really that different from the human recipe. Parties and cake stay just the same.”
Sunset shook her head, such a switch in personality so quick, it was funny. "But maybe if I eat something from Equestria, I’ll permanently get wings, or a horn, or maybe even..."
With each new suggestion, she seemed to grow ever more excited, so much so that she began to jump up and down in her excitement. To the point, where the apartment was noticeably shaking. Rarity was quick to grab Pinkie’s shoulders and gently bring her to sit in a chair just beside herself. “Pinkie darling please, calm yourself.”
“But Equestrian food…”
“You’re having another sugar rush dear, just take a deep breath, you can throw her a party when she gets back."
For the first time in a while, Pinkie was relatively calm…ish. She was still giddy like a school girl but had since ceased her tremor inducing rush. “Whew, I kind of lost it for a second. Still suuuuper excited though.”
Sunset giggled. “Long as you don’t drill a hole through my floor, you can be as excited as you want.”
“Yay!”
“Say sugar, we should get going for school, gonna be late for your 2 weeks off.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world…or the other world.”
“You’ve never talked about the other world up until now Sunset darling. What’s it really like?”
“Uh…ponies everywhere, walking on four legs is kind of the norm there, the usual.”
“Walking on four legs?” Pinkie added. “Sounds fun, can I come?”
“Yea, no Pinkie. Considering there would be two of you, Celestia would be really mad at me, even more so than when I left the first time.”
“Darn.” That smile never left her face as happily exited the room. “Come on slowpokes!”
Applejack was quick to grab her bag and follow suit. “Better catch up. You coming Rarity?”
“Certainly. We’ll be outside Sunset.”
“Thanks for keeping me company guys.”
“Anything to get Pinkie to stop crying dear.”
Silence, that was all she heard now. She couldn’t help but think about the similarities between both the worlds. It's crazy to see how something as amazing as a different world didn't change the way they are. I know I only briefly heard about the pony versions from Twilight, not like they’re much different from these versions, but I can’t wait to actually see them in person. Course Celestia will have to come first, and she’s probably still mad at me for the whole She-demon incident. No time, faster I get there, the better. She quickly rejoined Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie shutting the front door upon leaving. The conversations continued as the four continued their walk to school but Sunset just wasn’t in it. She was way to excited, and scared, and nervous, and all the words she could think of that mean anxious.
Soon the four arrived at the front of the school noticing the rest of the gang sitting on the steps. Applejack was first to greet with a wave. "Hey ya’ll!"
Rainbow was first to take notice, standing and returning the wave. “Hey guys, we were just waiting on you.”
Sitting alongside Rainbow was Fluttershy, and surprisingly Twilight, who had been a bit of social stand off the last few days. Sunset was quick to extend a friendly hand toward her. "Uh…hey Twilight, how are you doing? You’ve been kind of…distant the last couple of days, I was a little bit worried.”
"Oh well you know…just…getting used to talking to so many people. Kind of new for me and everything. Actually, I was curious.”
“Hmm? About what?”
“Fluttershy told me that you plan on going to, that other world I kind of tore a hole in. What was it called again?”
"Equestria, and don’t worry they patched all those holes."
Twilight nervously chuckled and adjusted her glasses. "Right, Equestria. I’d love to study it, the chemistry of how those cutie marks works, the environment, everything.” She adjusted her glasses again but this time, a look of uncertainty was clear. “But…after what I did, could I even consider myself…”
“Oh no you don’t.” Rainbow cut in. “You’re not playing the guilt card now, besides, I don’t think they know what you look like over there anyway.”
Sunset smiled. “She’s not wrong. And every pony is really nice, way over the normal scale you’d find here. They’d forgive you in a heartbeat if they could.”
Twilight shrugged. “That definitely inspires confidence.”
“Course, there would be two Twilight’s and—”
“Right, not something that sits right with princesses correct?”
“Yea, sorry about that.”
“It was worth a try.”
“Guys, we’re gonna be late, let’s go let’s go!” Pinkie said as she rapidly dashed inside.
Everyone looked at each other in confusion. “She does know we still got 5 minutes, right?” Applejack asked.
“Oh Pinkie, what will we do with the girl?” Rarity sarcastically remarked as everyone made their way inside.
Twilight giggled at the sight, Sunset tapping her shoulder and making a gesture toward the entrance. “Want to get some quick breakfast before class?”
“S-sure.”
They all continued inside to attend their classes. After school, the girls met up in the band room listening to Rainbow rant about her history class. "So, I get up to show flash a replay of that amazing shot I did, and the teacher gives me detention. Can you believe it?"
Sunset couldn't help but give her an annoyed look. “Dash, you were in a classroom kicking a soccer ball around or did you forget that it nailed the teacher right in the face?"
Rainbow nervously rubbed the back of her head. "Well, see the way I kicked it wouldn't have hit him.... if he didn't move into its path."
Everyone was quick to sigh and shake their heads, all except for one absent mind. Sunset was first to notice the vacancy in magical girls within the room. "By the way, has anyone seen Twilight? She kind of disappeared after this morning.”
“We’re just as lost as you are.” Rainbow added. “Didn’t see her on the track, or the gym either.”
“The Library and Science Lab were vacant as well.” Rarity continued.
Twilight was nowhere to found making Sunset slightly drop her head and sigh, a concerned look on her face. “I hope she’s just reading a really good book or something.”
“Considering you leave in about ten minutes when school officially ends, I’m sure she’ll be right on time to wish you goodbye.”
Pinkie hummed at that thought. “Twilight’s not the fashionably late type, unless she really got caught up in something, then always the late type.”
Fluttershy quickly rushed to comfort Sunset with a hand on her back. "Oh, please don't think too much of it Sunset, I'm sure she’s on her way right now.”
Sunset smiled a bit. "Yea, that is like Twilight I guess. I'm overthinking this aren't I?" They all nodded as she smiled and brushed her hair aside. "Thanks guys. She is a A+ student after all, always busy and such.” Suddenly the bell rang cutting their conversation short. “That’s my cue. You guys ready?” With slightly unsure nods, they exited the front of the school and stopped next to the portal, sadness painting all of their faces. Sunset turned toward the portal and touched it just to make sure it was there. “Alright, final hugs guys.”
Each one of them was quick to line up and proceed with their temporary goodbyes. Rainbow was first to jump into Sunset’s arms. “I’m so gonna miss your rocking vocals.”
“And?
“Your awesome skills on the soccer field.”
“Rainbow…”
“Alright fine, and you ok.”
“Was that so ha—are you crying?”
With that realization, she jumped back, turning back to face away from everyone. “N-no, I was just got dust in my eye.”
Sunset rolled her eyes with a smile. Rarity and Fluttershy took their turn together, easing into the hug and holding it for a prolonged amount of time. “Stay safe over there darling. And please take lots of pictures, I’m dying to see the fashion that a pony might wear.”
“And please greet all the little animals for me.”
Sunset made a curious hum in response. “I can’t really speak to animals like the other you can but it’s worth a shot.”
Applejack was quick to dogpile the hug as well. “Don’t forget to get in some good practice while you’re at it. You’ll need it for the track after you get back.”
“And here I thought Rainbow was obsessed with sports.” A laugh ensued between all of them before Sunset was suddenly hit with a force of a truck, Pinkie the culprit. “P-Pinkie…you’re hurting me.”
Pinkie was embracing Sunset hard enough to crack pavement, her eyes literally waterfalls of tears. “I’m gonna throw the biggest, craziest party ever when you get back!”
“I... I look f-forward to it Pinkie, just stop crying…and breaking my spine.”
She was quick to release Sunset upon realizing this, but her tears still remained. “I just can’t wait for the cake!” she said as continued to sob. “It’s going to be so good!”
Sunset let out a giggle before taking a step back to search for the one person she hoped would show. Twilight was still nowhere in sight, and there was no hint as to what would’ve kept her. Sunset internally sighed before turning to the portal and sticking an arm through. Everyone was quick to initiate one last group hug before she stepped through responding in unison with their goodbyes. “You take care sugar.”
“Do be safe dear.”
“Make sure my other self is just strong as me.”
“Please make sure the animals are ok.”
No response from Pinkie, she was still crying...
Sunset gave one last smile to the group before stepping into the portal once again. “See you guys in 2 weeks.” The portal allowed her full entry before closing behind her. Everyone listened to the silence for a moment, their eyes still fresh with sadness.
Rainbow broke the silence that just passed. “Well, I guess we got to figure out what to do now that she’s out, like find a new lead singer until she gets back.”
Rarity got up and started back into the school. “Rainbow, that’s rude, you should feel ashamed.”
“Ok ok, not replacing the best singer we’ve ever had got it.”
Applejack hummed in agreement. “I reckon we can still practice though. Just gotta imagine she’s singing the lyrics.”
Rainbow shot up, her guitar suddenly in hand. “Heck yea!”
Rarity couldn’t help but think about Twilight’s absence to such an important event. “Perhaps we should find Twilight first. She’ll at least want to know that Sunset has departed.”
They all nodded, taking their leave back into the school. As the door closed however, the portal rippled a little before finally settling.
Here's to the Sunrise (Final Revision)
An entire week without Sunset alone was torture for some, less for others. Pinkie was unfortunately along with the former rather than the latter. The early morning was only moments from starting, the luminescence of the moon just barely tucking itself in the shadow of the now rising sunset. The sound of cars and people alike beginning their morning only added to the sound of birds chirping throughout the neighborhood. It was peaceful…and that was unusual. Pinkie’s house was silent, as if something in the universe just wasn’t right. The inside lay dormant, strewn with streamers and confetti, a giant cake sitting half eaten on the kitchen counter. The upstairs was fearfully quiet, save for Maud’s audible snoring. It wasn’t any different from a normal morning, of course it’d be silent, but this isn’t a normal girl we’re talking about here. Pinkie was sound asleep in her bed, the beams of the sun’s first light finally peeking through her curtains. The sound of a car passing quietly by roused the young girl from her sleep, lazily popping one eye open to the light now slightly blinding her before sitting up and letting out a well needed yawn. Like an old person with too many joint problems, she proceeded to stand up and stretch, an audible pop coming from her bones. “Breakfast…” she groaned.
Maud, who had just exited her room, noticed the groggy Pinkie descending the steps, with even less energy the normal. Although creepily not present in her expression, she was curious about Pinkie’s slowed pace. “Boulder, does Pinkie seem okay to you?” No response to any normal person…but to Maud, “You’re right. Maybe she’s just tired.” Or so she thought, until Pinkie came back up the stairs. Her posture was slouched and her hair, completely deflated. “Uh oh.” Maud was quick to her room, the phone immediately in her hand as she dialed the one number she could think of. “Hello…yes, it’s about Pinkie. What’s wrong? Does hair deflation do it for you? See you in ten.” There was knock at the door right on time, Maud opening the door and gesturing the figure inside. “She’s upstairs still in her room. Hasn’t made a hyperactive move in more time than I’ve ever seen.”
“That don’t sound right. Don’t worry, I’ll snap her out of it.”
A knock came to Pinkie’s door, her eyes only reacting to the sound a moment after. “Come in…”
Pinkie turned to see Applejack standing there, a concerned look of her face for obvious reasons. She gave a surprised whistle at the sight of the once vibrant party girl. “Wow Pinkie, looking…good?”
“I look terrible I know.”
“Terrible, no way. You look outstanding. The best in the entire place if I was the judge.”
“I’ve got bags under my eyes and my hair looks like the bottom end of a ragdoll.”
“…Ok, you’re depressed.”
“Now we’re on the same page.”
“So…” Applejack said sitting next to Pinkie. “What’s got ya all tuckered out?” Pinkie dropped back into bed, face first into the pillow before sighing into it. “Is it Sunset?” She grunted in agreement. “You wanna talk about it?” This time she grunted in annoyance. “I can’t hear you Pinkie.”
Pinkie turned to face Applejack’s lap right in front of her. “Is she still gone for another week?”
“Just about. You really miss her don’t ya?”
“More than I miss my 10th birthday party, and I’ve been throwing parties every night since she left just to get through it.”
“You’ve…been doing what now? No wonder you look like you’re just plain dead.”
“I haven’t gotten any good sleep since she left.”
“You’re gonna drop dead if you don’t get some rest Pinkie.”
“The magical frogs of frosting island are battling the darkness for supremacy.” Applejack only blinked in confusion making Pinkie nervously laugh before dropping the smile instantly. “I think I broke something.”
“If I put in a good word with the principle and get you excused, will you please get some shut-eye?”
“Promise, well not like I have a choice either way. But wait, doesn’t you team have practice today?”
“We have practice everyday until she gets back Pinkie, you won’t miss a chance to cheer us on.”
“Oh no, I can’t miss that, not for the world.”
Like a rocket, she had thrown on her clothes and emerged with smile…The bags under her eyes were still obvious. They both emerged from her house, walking to school with an extremely slowed pace. By the time they arrived at the school, Pinkie was halfway asleep. A passing Rainbow took note. “Hey guys—Pinkie, you look…”
“Terrible.”
“Deflated.”
“But…”
“Good.”
Her hair poofed up, in the moment only. “R-really.”
“Well…Kind of…no.”
“You’re a liar and you should feel bad.” She responded with harsh apathetic voice, her hair once again straightening.
“Sorry about that. Well you know what, maybe we can recharge your batteries with some food.”
Everyone could only stare at Pinkie in her horrid state, all the way to the band room. Inside sat Rarity and Fluttershy tending to their instruments. With a gasp, Rarity rushed to Pinkie’s side. “Pinkie, what on earth happened to you.”
“Lot’s of partying.” She responded happily. “But I’m tired both mentally and physically, and I’m sure that monkey in the corner is playing the Tuba.” Everyone looked back to each other for confirmation to which Pinkie slightly chuckled. “I’m currently dying inside…please help.”
Rarity nervously laughed. “It’s alright darling, we’ll just get you some food…or sleep, whichever one comes first.”
“Did ya ever find Twilight after yesterday?” Applejack asked.
“Not even a clue, as if she just disappeared of the face of the planet. We checked everywhere, even her house.”
Fluttershy looked to be on the verge of tears as she continued to think about it. “What if she was kidnapped…or worse.”
“Let’s not jump to conclusions Flutt—”
Rarity’s entire thought process was halted as the one and only strolled right into the room, a book in hand and her eyes equally glued to it. “If I take that variable into account however, then the entire project falls apart, it just doesn’t make sense.”
Rainbow quickly stopped her with a hand on her shoulder. “T-Twilight?”
“Hmm? Oh, hey guys…”
“That’s all we get is a hey guys? Where have you been?” Twilight was hesitant to answer the question, simply turning back to her book. “Twilight, we haven’t seen you since yesterday morning.”
“You missed Sunset’s departure dear.”
She instantly closed the book, her eyes wide and shocked. “I…did?”
Inside the lunchroom, everyone, especially Pinkie, was chowing down on whatever they served for breakfast, except Twilight. The idea of missing something so important was eating at her like rabid animal, even more so than Pinkie was tearing into her own food. “I can’t believe I missed her leaving. I was so caught up with my studies that I completely forgot about it.”
“It’s ok Twilight, you’ll get a chance to apologize at the awesome welcome back party I’m throwing.” Pinkie said finishing off the last off her food. “Wowee, that hit the spot.”
“And you got your splendid poofy hair back, the Pinkie we all know and love.”
“Yep, but now…”
“But what?” Fluttershy questioned.
“Energy doesn’t equal consciousness.” she said before dropping face first asleep into the table.
“Well there she goes.” Applejack said jokingly. “Who’s putting a word for her with the first period teacher?”
Rainbow shrugged. “I’ll do it I guess.”
Rarity began messing with Pinkie’s hair, twirling a strand around her finger. “What are you up after school Twilight?”
“I still have to study for an experiment I’m performing tomorrow so I won’t be available.”
“I suppose planning decorations for the coming home party will do me better now than later.”
The bell signaled everyone to clear out to the classrooms soon after, Rainbow carrying a drained Pinkie to class while everyone else took separated to their own classes. Chemistry class was quiet for Twilight, mainly because she was lost in her own mind the entire time plus during the rest of her classes as well. The end of the day rushed in like a blue blur, the gang hanging by the statue soon after. Twilight exited the front doors, everyone taking note and waving to her. To their surprise however, she had the expression of pure anxiety on her face. “Twilight are you ok?” Fluttershy asked.
“F-fine. Just ready to get a little rest is all.”
“Some shut-eye is always good, but you look like you’ve seen a ghost. You sure you’re ok?”
“I’m fine really see you guys tomorrow.”
With almost no time to respond, she speeded directly past the group and right down the street, in record Pinkie time might I add. Rainbow nervously laughed. “She doesn’t seem ok.”
“More panicked and fidgety than just fine.” Fluttershy added.
The questioning silence was ironically broken by Pinkie jumping up and down. “Only 6 more days until the most fantastic, spectacular, absolutely awesome day of my life!”
“Pinkie, you finally woke up.”
“A week of nothing but hardcore partying will do that to you. I can’t stay asleep forever though, I got a party to plan.”
Applejack started to take her leave waving back to the group. “See ya’ll later, got to get to back to the farm if I want those apples ready by the next week.”
“I shall join you.” Rarity said as she rushed to her side. “I have some amazing ideas for your dress that I wanted to show you.”
“And I’ve got a party to plan!” Pinkie exclaimed as she dashed off in a fit of unrivaled speed. Just as fast, she dashed back taking hold of Fluttershy’s arm. “I’m gonna need you!” Only the sound of Fluttershy’s screams could be heard in the distance as everyone split up.
The night was peaceful around the school at least, not so much around Pinkie’s or even Rainbow’s homes. However, a trio of footsteps broke the silence. They circled the surrounding area until it was obvious the coast was clear and began to make their presence known. “You brought the extra battery, right?”
“I’m not dumb Trixie, course I did.”
“Then turn it on, would you?”
“I swear…alright here we go.” The young lady pointed to cue the recording had started. “3…2…1…and—”
“Hello all you admiring fans, the Great and Powerful Trixie here to stun and amaze you. After the battle of the bands, I realized just how many of loved the song we performed. So, as a tribute to such an occasion, I will be performing the song personally for you, live and all with my own talent.”
The girl behind the camera cleared her throat making Trixie look up. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”
“(sigh) With the help of my lovely assistants and backups, there you happy.”
“Names would have been nice, but close enough.”
The other girl set up the ladder to allow Trixie access to top of the statue’s base and the video began. Trixie began to sing, for whatever’s that worth, and the other girl provided the back up vocals and dancing on the ground. ”You better believe I got tricks up my sleeve and I captivate cause I’m powerful and great.” Trixie was lost in the moment about halfway through her song, until a vibration caught her attention. “What in the world? I thought I told you not to touch the statue.” Trixie angrily stated towards the girl dancing.
“I didn’t, plus it would hurt if I did it while dancing, so I stood a good foot away.”
The camera girl was quick to point out the usual assumptions. “Is that statue as sturdy as you think it is?”
“Of course, it’s a statue idiot. Sturdy as a rock.”
“Then why is it moving again?”
“I don’t feel any—” Trixie was suddenly cut off when the vibration made her lose her footing. Her fall was successfully stopped by her so called partners, but the statue still continued its motion. At this point, it was visibly vibrating, as if it was moving faster and faster every second. “What’s happening to it?” The two girls shrugged with no clue. “Well then, I suppose I should…investigate.” She neared the statue, a single drop of nervous sweat upon her forehead. She reached out slowly, her so called partners in crime curiously backing up toward the street as she continued to near the statue. Contact…then nothing. No vibration, no craziness, just nothing. “See you big babies, nothing worry abo—” Trixie stopped to view her reflection in the mirror. Her false bravery sunk in her chest when she noticed her reflection had sharp fangs, red eyes and bat wings. She jumped back like a kangaroo, the two girls joining her in their distress. “Perhaps Trixie was wrong about this being a good spot to film.”
“I think so too.” The three of them looked to each other knowing full well that wasn’t any of their voices. Instead, a hand slowly emerged from the base of the statue followed by a full figure blackened by the shadows despite the moonlight shining down. The figure turned its head toward the trio and uttered a quiet, “Boo.” All three girls took of in Pinkie record time down the street leaving the figure to admire its form. “That was easier than I thought. Hahahaha!”
The sound of silence made its way around the home of young Twilight Sparkle, all except for her own room. Her supposed studying had soon turned into something much more as her book was clearly against the wall in a fit of rage and tears streamed from her eyes. “I’m so dumb…I knew she was going…I knew it and I still got lost. Some friend I am…”
“Twilight honey.” There was a knock at door, a motherly voice on the other side. “Are you alright? I heard a loud bang earlier.”
She was quick to wipe her tears, picking the book off the ground and opening the door. “F-fine mom, I was just a little frustrated at the experiment I’m working on, that’s all.”
The mother smiled. “Oh, my little scientist.” She said pinching Twilight’s cheeks a little. “Dinner is ready when you can take a break.”
“Thank you, mom.” The mother gave one last gaze to Twilight before exiting back down the stairs. Twilight took one last look at the book in her hand, before tossing it on the bed. “She’ll be back in a week, I can apologize, and this will all be better. I hope.” The door closed upon Twilight’s footsteps downward, the book resting softly on the bed, albeit with a few dents here and there. The book had closed upon it’s impact on the bed, the title now plain to see, Clannad.