You were both astonished and shocked to witness such an event you've never believed could ever happen at any possibilities. Well, that is until two mythical "human-like" creatures entered the equation.

You stood behind the Wonderbolt statue at the Canterlot high plaza entrance, attired in a (f/c) (tux/dress), obviously because for the festivity of the 'Fall-Formal', yet that time of merriment and fun was abruptly interrupted by an ominous force. The school-tormentor, bully, and "queen" of C.H's, Sunset Shimmer, was actually a 'pony' creature from the lands of the world "Equestria". She actually made a home in this alternate world of hers, making it her "first step" into becoming the dominant, superior ruler-pony-hybrid? However she is. Either way, when she first arrived, Canterlot had it coming when she reigned down her wrath upon everyone.

Anyone that so much as get in her way, she either terrorizes them to no end, ruthlessly breaks them until they shatter, or black-mail them to-now-fall under her whim at the mercy of releasing whatever dirt she may have on them to the world. And everyone already has had a bad time through that certain experience, and not another person want's to re-iterate that again.

You certainly didn't want to be apart of that predicament either. A part of you detested the 'she-demon's' reign, enslaving everyone just for her selfish gain-literally and mentally, taking whatever she deems as "hers", and not tolerating whatever 'that stands out'. Which to her is "unacceptable".

Yet, another part says otherwise. Here's why...

2 months ago

Relief washed over you when today's final bell rung, allowing all the students to leave their respected classrooms in glee, finally able to exhaust the stress, pent-up anger, and all the so-on's school "brought upon" them. Which you can agree on some terms, like 'timed-speed seminars' or 'weekly essay assignments'. It's murder for you and your brain to take for another minute.

Having no strength to think it over, you shrugged the thought off. Making your way down the hall to the front doors, backpack slouched over your shoulders, hands stuffed in pockets, and your mind, now, focused on the free time you may relish with some reading, video games, or a nice walk outside. Everyday is always a beautiful one to enjoy every once in a while anyways, and nothing can ruin that, not even-

"Well, well, well, look who's dragging themselves behind again?" Spoke a unsettling, though familiar voice behind you, making you halt in your tracks. "Not really the 'quick-one' are ya? Figures, that's why it's a no-brainier your always the weak link"

You gave the person a 90 degree turn, not really the best time to argue with her now, "What do you want, Shimmer?"

"What? Can't this year's queen have some decency to be respected around here?" She said, going on with her massive ego again. She always had no doubt of her chances into becoming C.H.S' prom queen, accounting her recent years. And the pictures hanged beside the trophy case could say so. Always having the same look of utter victory in those teal eyes of hers.

"Yeah, don't put your hopes up for winning this year" You responded bluntly, "Sooner or later, someone new would swipe that stupid crown from your grasp so you'd finally give up on all this efforts into getting it. I mean, it's nothing but plastic with some fake gems, it's nothing to get 'thrilled' over"

Sunset chuckled as she began slowly walking around you, "Oh you don't know the half of it, (Y/N). That crown holds more to worry about then the dance itself. And you shouldn't be talking big when I get my hands on it. Trust me"

"Really? I'm shaking in my boots" You crossed your arms, giving the girl a blank look. She responded with another heckle, "You have a lot to say in that thick head of yours, don't ya?"

"Yes, yes I do. But at least it's more in-line then what's going on in yours. And what's so "special" about the stupid crown anyways?"

"(Y/N), (Y/N), (Y/N).." Sunset gave a 'tsk, tsk, tsk' motion with her finger as she found herself in front of you. "You'd never believe what it REALLY holds"

"Other then just cheap junk?"

She gave another chuckle before moving closer, making yourself a bit uncomfortable with her invading your personal-space. "You can never be so wrong then ever, (Y/N). It's the main piece I need to turn my domain on this school to an extraordinary level. Everyone will be at my mercy and control. I'l be more powerful then any one of you low-life's. But don't worry, when the Formal arrives, you'l know" She reached up and flicked your forehead a bit roughly. Though it didn't hurt, n'or made you flinch, but made your blood boil. Your eye twitched uncontrollably, yet you dismissed it with a sigh, trying to keep yourself together. It's the weekend anyways, you didn't want to deal with this on a beautiful day anyhow. "And I'l be waiting till then"

You kept quiet until you've gathered your thoughts to finally speak again, "You really are a work, aren't ya, Shimmer?"

"Why, I haven't noticed?" She responded with that same smug grin you always loathed.

"Yeah, I guess you haven't. Not after all you've done to make this school drop to it's knees so easily, or manipulated it's student's to gain full control. No, it's none of that I suppose" You took a few steps away from her, "Guess Flash is pretty lucky to have someone like you in his life... To bad it'l end soon"

This caught Sunset's attention, though not in her concern her, but something she'd like to question at. "And why do you propose that?"

"Oh, nothing. It's just that his interest in you is slowly thinning with every passing day he's with you. I can't imagine what he's thinking whenever your around him. Kinda sounds horrific in my opinion"

Sunset grinned at your attempt to anger her, "Real clever. Wouldn't think of anything to say then that little insult"

"I'm not finished" You protested, letting your hands tie behind your back as you keep a "straight posture". "The guy feels torn to have to deal with you and his, future, musical career, which he ACTUALLY ENJOYS doing. Yet with you on the other hand, he feels your nothing but driftwood; just useless crud. And furthermore, your little 'determination' for the Fall Formal really shows what you really are. A pathetic numb-skull, with nothing better to do then focus on her own selfish needs then to care about the tinniest things. Hey, I guess that's what queens are really capable of. But don't take it from me, remember? I'm 'slow'"

Sunset growled at your mocking tone, "You wouldn't know that if it hit you over the head!"

"True. Though I have a hunch, Shimmer. 'Cause every year it's always been about you, and everyone's getting sick of it. So.." To end this conversation short, since you'd REALLY want it to end so, you walked up to the teen and gave her a small flick to the forehead just like she did to you earlier. "You're time's already over"

You turned on your heal and resumed your walk back to the exit, leaving behind a myth'd Sunset Shimmer. You were satisfied to finally get her to shut her trap, yet the feeling of regret lingered in your chest, considering you to go back and "apologize"..?

You brushed that thought aside. Why should you even consider after all the cruelty she's bestowed to C.H.S? Besides, you'd have the weekend to look forward to, and that's what you should worry about now.

But as you were making your way, you felt a something clamp your wrist around, getting a good, firm grip. You didn't process what happened next as Sunset took hold of you and rammed you up against the locker, back first, with a look of anger you've never seen her with before. No matter who upset'd her more, this was completely out of the question. Guess you really threw her off the edge this time. You felt the sharp pain of the locker's locks hit your back roughly, probably creating a mark similar to the combination's face.

"How dare you say such things to me, you runt!" She shouted, tightening her fists on your (F/C) shirt. "I am, and WILL BE, this school's TRUE queen and ruler, the likes no one has ever seen! I will not allow any one to stand in the way of my plans, no matter what costs, I will win! And I'm not letting anyone ruin that for me!"

'Plans?' You questioned in your head, wondering what she really meant by that. Since you did had your suspicions about Sunset, yet you weren't too sure about it.

"So here's how things are gonna work" Sunset toned down her volume to a 'hiss', "I will take the crown, undetected, while they announce this year's winners, and have it's powers finally take control. Plus, I'l have it switched with my 'replica' just in time, leaving no leads to the real one's disappearance. That, and a a couple of 'assistants' of mine will help up in covering my tracks. So no one the wiser will suspect a thing. And now, here's where you come in..." The teen leaned up until her faces was-nearly-inches from yours, your noses softly pressed together. Her looks slowly changed back to their usual smug-like look, "Since I know how persistent you are, (Y/N), your gonna do me one tiny little favor. STAY. AWAY. FROM. THE. FORMAL!"

You raised a brow at the "threat", if you may call it one. "Oh, really? And what-prey tell-will happen if I go against your word there?"

Feeling her anger disappear shortly, later being replaced with another chuckle, Sunset looks at your (E/C) orbs with a mischief glint in her's, "If you don't comply, like a nice little (boy/girl), then I'l be forced to reveal who you really are to the whole school"

Hearing this made your body stiff and whiten up instantly. You've kept that secret a-lid for as long as you can remember, and if C.H.S-heaven forbids Principle Celestia-finds out about it then you're long gone. Maybe even banned for life! And you'd never dream of such a thing. You enjoyed your time at the school, and the peacefulness it offered unlike any other

You couldn't find any loop-hole to counter Sunset's black-mailing, so with a defeated sigh you nod your head in agreement. "All right, all right...I'l...stay away..."

Sunset's grin grew more at your reasonable favor, "Excellent. Thank you for cooperating so nicely. And I promise, once the crown is mine, you won't regret being under my allegiance"

'Allegiance? Now this is all getting sill-'

You couldn't finish that thought as you felt Sunset's lips peck against your cheek unexpectedly. Further thoughts were being derailed to a halt as your body stiffened up once more, your brain trying process what just happened? Sunset leaned up yet again to let out a faint whisper in your ear, "I'l make sure your my little (prince/princess) by the end of the dance" She took a few steps back and began making her way out of the school, looking back at your shocked figure again, she gave you a reassuring wink before disappearing from your sights.

You couldn't even think of any logical words to tumble out of your mouth-considering your limp, open jaw. The only thing you could've mustered was something most people can agree on, "That girl..she's...really hard to get...At all..."

You then felt your chest tighten up with a feeling you've never felt before. Ever. And it pounded at your heart, making it beat rhythmically with every motion, feeling as if it might explode for some reason. You didn't understand how, or why for that matter? Especially if it came from her...

End of flashback

And here you are now. At the aftermath of a foreseen showdown between good and evil. Even though you promised to stay away from the Formal, but the lingering feeling/possibles of something about to hit the fan gave you a reason to head on over. (That, and you had the help from a certain pink lass). You found it all as a huge disaster. The predicament could've turned you into a mindless henchman, under the ternary of Sunset Shimmer, which you doubted those two months ago. But, you have to accept it's foreshadowing, as it actually came true. But someone else inside saw it as exhilarating to watch such a rumble, witness the unbelievable go-forth and duel it out until the last one stands. And said-winner was none other then the new-comer of C.H.S, Princess Twilight Sparkle. And, just like Sunset, you had a hunch that something fishy was up with her, ever since she first stepped foot in the high school. Acting as though it was the VERY first thing in Canterlot she's ever come to experience with. Ever.

Sunset...

You craned your neck around the statue to the large crater at the center of the plaza, where a crying, curled up figure is there, balling her eyes out in shame, regret, and agony. It was a surprise turn-of-events how "the princess" was able to defeat Shimmer with, to your shock, "the magic of friendship". But she was not alone in the struggle. Five other, familiar, faces were beside her, sticking together until the bitter end. And the favors were in their hands, as they each held the "elements of harmony", just like their "pony-counterparts", that're used in defeating multiple evil doers, WAY menacing then a 'she-demon'. And speaking of which, you also didn't suspect Sunset to even transform into that beast when wearing that crown. Out of all every creature in exsistance, her results lead up to that winged monster. Letting it bid to Sunset's control. You, of course, didn't see that coming. For everything she's done, that sort of transformation best suited her.

Although, a certain other half could retort back on that. He always saw a good-nature'd Sunset underneath all that jealousy and envy, knowing that she could never stay who she pretended to be forever. That there was someone else trapped inside. Someone who hasn't understood yet...

Just like yourself through all this "magic" business. That, and this unknown 'feeling' from two months ago suddenly arose again when watching Sunset's defeat, and ache when seeing her let out all the pain she held for so long. Secluded in her mind so she can finally satisfy her needs and wants, already accepting the later-consequences that follows shortly.

And you would like to find out why. Right now.

You made your way to the edge of the crater, seeing the girl, still huddled in her own mess. You are still torn either to go down and comfort her, assuring her that it's all "in the past", or gloat on how this sort of future was coming her way from the beginning. Your mind said option #2, though...he..said #1. Going with that intention, you skidded down the crater until reaching it's pit, staining your (tux/dress) in the process. But you didn't care up until this point. This has to be done.

You walked over until you're right in front of her. Sensing a presence looming above her, Sunset looked up at you with her teal eyes again, filled with nothing but regret and sadness. With large tear streams running down her tangerine colored cheeks like waterfalls.

"W-what do you want..?" She asked, her voice hoarse and scratchy, "I-I get it, alright?! I've just lost a-all I've worked f-or to the new-b-bie! Happy?! Y-your predic-ction came t-t-true..."

You didn't say anything then just look down at her with (E/C) orbs, filled with pity.

"W-What?! You've finally-y h-had it all f-f-figured out, I'm h-here, defe-eated and over w-with, a-aren't you gonna g-gloat now?"

Still, nothing came out.

"Answer me! H-huh?!"

Your body took action without thinking, causing you to drop on your knees and embrace the crying Sunset in your arms. She herself was taken back too, and so were you, but something made you want to hug the girl. Sunset could not muster up anything to react other then stay still, her mind  trying to get whatever you are getting at.

Silence fell on the scene until you decided to break it again, "I think I get you now..."

This made the girl puzzled, about to question your statement before you beat her to the punch, "Everything you've done, worked for, and persisted over, wasn't your actual intentions, were they? Even though they turned you into...that" You refereed to her 'alicorn state', "It's because you didn't understand the TRUE qualities of friendship then thought it was nothing but a gateway for total power. Letting all the hate, pride, and glory turn you into someone you'd never recognize. Ever.."

Absorbing this like a sponge, Sunset soon takes a trip down memory lane, reminiscing her recent accounts of mistakes, all having one similarity that she was oblivious too: She was all by herself. Alone. Away from any means of making any friends, not even a single one. Considering her on-going reputation that is.

The pieces fell into place, causing a new feeling to spice up in Sunset's chest. Loneliness.

She never wanted that to become of her, even if she was a cold heart'd brute, her own knowledge and understanding's about friendship wasn't enough to change ANYTHING to her liking as she expected. With shaky hands, she grasped the back of your clothing, squeezing the fabric as she laid her head on your shoulder. Her body felt warm against your own, especially the tears that were staining your (suit/dress)'s shoulder blade. Just like after entering the crater, you can hardly care if it get's ruined anymore.

"But you don't have to worry anymore, Sunset" You faintly whispered, "You're not gonna keep going down this road alone ever again. I can assure you. And I'm pretty sure five other faces do to" You pulled back and wiped the tears from Sunset's cheeks, making your own glow in a pink color. The same feeling came back yet again as you looked into those broken teal eyes, "Because I'l be with you the entire time. Because despite everything you've done to everyone, even me... Sunset. I forgive you"

Hearing those words made Sunset choke up with fresh new tears once more, yet these ones weren't sad, but happy. Happy to know that through this path of redemption, she's not gonna go through it alone. Not anymore. She took the initiative by returning you two back into the embrace, burying her face back over your shoulder again, pouring her heart out.

You've made a promise to the, once, antagonist of this story, to help her into understanding the "magic" of friendship, and let bygones be bygones. Plus, you too can get the one thing that 's been pestering you ever since those two months ago. Her.