Princess Celestia looked at the women seated in front of her. Principal Celestia sat next to Twilight, who sat across from Rainbow and Applejack. Adagio and Aria both still looked out of their windows, listening in but otherwise not participating.

“Well, does anyone have any questions for Her Highness?” Principal Celestia began softly, looking to Rainbow, who didn’t return the soft gaze. “I am sure that each of you have something you want to ask after everything that's happened.”

“Yeah, I have a question,” Rainbow began, still not looking up. “I want to know what actually made Sunset come to this world?”

“It was because of me that she came here,” Princess Celestia began. “I didn’t give her the attention she needed, and because of that, I created a problem for you all to deal with. For that, I am truly sorry.”

“That's nice 'n' all, but that don't exactly answer the question,” Applejack chimed in, locking eyes with Princess Celestia. “We all wanna know why Sunset actually came here, so out with it, if ya don't mind.”

With a light sigh, Princess Celestia began, “It was not only because of me but also because of the events that took place at Saddleville.” Looking down, she continued, “I should have known that, due to my secrecy and my world's Cheerilee, Sunset wouldn’t be able to trust any pony. And I can’t blame Sunset for that.” Princess Celestia looked back up and continued hesitantly, “I adopted her when she was just a foal, though I kept the fact that she was adopted a secret from her. When she found her birth certificate in my library, she...reacted poorly. Soon afterward, she left my castle and was taken in by Cheerilee, but after Saddleville was destroyed in an avalanche, Cheerilee blamed Sunset for her lover's death.”

Fluttershy gasped and said, “That’s awful. How could anyone blame Sunset for that? I know she was...rough around the edges, but Sunset would never have done something like that.”

“Yer Highness, Sunset told me several days before we...well, before we laid her to rest that she doesn’t have anyone waitin' for her back home. Is that why? Yer fallin' out with her and Cheerilee's accusation?”

“That's exactly why, Applejack. After two betrayals, Sunset had no more room for trust, and I believe she truly felt that she didn't have any pony waiting for her back home.”

"But Sunset and I became friends shortly after she got to this world," Fluttershy said.

"That's wonderful, Fluttershy, though it's curious. Perhaps she felt that humans would be easier to get along with than ponies. Regardless, it warms me a good deal to know that she was still able to make friends after arriving here. Though, from what I've heard, her scars and worries got the better of her, and she turned on you. I'm very sorry."

Fluttershy didn't respond, instead simply bowing her head. Seizing the opportunity, Pinkie, her hair having long since fallen completely flat, asked “What was that crystal thing Sunset had? I almost tripped over it when I found it at Sugar Cube Corner. It was some sort of heart-shaped crystal with a needle in it. When I touched it, it felt like a heart beating.”

Looking at Pinkie, Princess Celestia replied a bit cautiously, “That is called the Demon's Heart. It is a relic from Equestria. It is also a prison.”

Principal Celestia, hearing the confirming information from her counterpart, said, “Sunset told us that the Demon’s Heart can grant unlimited power to 'anyone foolish enough to use it'. According to Sunset, it can bring back the dead, but you just said it was a prison. Was Sunset wrong? And how did she get her hands on it?”

“I can only assume that she was able to remove it from its vault. The magic on that vault can only be opened by one that is either a family member of mine or one that has been thoroughly trained in esoteric arcane magic. And it is indeed a prison, for it contains a terrible evil. But Sunset was also correct; it can bring back the dead.”

“How do you know all this?” Fluttershy asked, worried, “You didn’t actually test it on yourself, d-did you?”

“No.” Princess Celestia swallowed hard, reluctantly continuing, “I used it on my husband Storming Winds after his death. What came back was not what I had laid to rest. When he awoke in my home, he attacked me viciously. I had little choice. I used my magic and incinerated what I had brought back. I decided then to place the Demon’s Heart into a secret vault and never to speak of it.”

“And, um, how did Sunset learn of it?” Fluttershy asked.

“Sunset had only learned of it from my personal journal, which she read without my knowledge or permission. She asked me about it, but I gave her no information about it.”

Twilight opened her mouth to ask her own question, but she was cut off when Adagio started laughing coldly. Everyone turned to her as she said, “You stupid sow.”

“Excuse me?” Princess Celestia’s eyes widened in surprise at the insult.

“You should've known better than to perform a resurrection spell! Because of your foolishness, Storming Winds could've destroyed all of Equestria and Cantlantis.”

“How dare you speak to Princess Celestia like that!” Twilight snapped. “She has offered you hope and a chance at going home, and that's how you treat her? Get out of here before I--”

“I will speak to this cow as I see fit! She clearly has no idea how dangerous it was to bring Storming Winds back with dark magic!” Stepping forward and narrowing her eyes, Adagio continued bitterly “This stupid princess doesn't belong on the throne. She has no common sense, no heirs, and no clue how powerful Storming Winds actually was!”

“How dare you speak to me like that, Adagio! You have no idea--”

“No, you have no idea!” Adagio glared at Princess Celestia as she continued, “Your husband was an alicorn, you idiot. He could've wiped out not only my home but all of Equestria!”

“That’s not possible! He was a pegasus. He had no horn.”

“Oh, yeah? Do you remember what he looks like?”

“How could I ever forget? I remember him vividly.”

“Good. Then you'll have no trouble recalling a particular mark on his face? His forehead, specifically.”

Princess Celestia thought for a moment before it hit her. “He...had a circular scar. But, how did you know about that?”

“My mother gave it to him a few years before my sisters and I were banished. To make a long story short, she fought with Storming Winds at Ponyville and broke his horn, causing him to lose most of his magic. When she didn’t return, my father sent Chrysalis to the village to see if she could find her. Chrysalis came back telling him what he had most feared.” Adagio smirked wickedly to the princess as she added, “It was no coincidence that you met Chrysalis that day on your way to Ponyville. She was sent there to find my mother, and now, because of you, the prophecy will come to pass.”

“Wait, what prophecy?“ Twilight asked. “The only prophecy I know was the one that foretold Princess Luna’s return.”

“Oh, it's an old siren prophecy. I'm sure it would've interested you greatly, but since Little Miss Sunshine here wiped out my species, it's now lost to history. I mean, I know of it, but I'm not telling you. Now, I have work to do. I need to ensure that my kingdom-or what's left of it--is safe.”

“Adagio, you are not a princess,” Twilight said angrily. “What kingdom are you talking about?”

“Actually, genius, I am. I am the firstborn daughter to King Eqidon and rightful heir to the throne of Cantlantis.”

“Then, that means your mother was--” Princess Celestia began.

“That's right. My mother was Equta, queen of the sirens, the very same siren that was sent to Tartarus by your husband!” Adagio was snarling by the time she finished but was soon back to laughing while she turned around and walked away towards the library doors. “You have condemned all of Equestira to burn. May your house rot in Tartarus for what you have done.”

Looking to her sister as she watched her leave, Aria said, “We have things to do here before we leave for home. Maybe we can help you, but more likely, we'll just sit back and let your land fall to ruin as you let ours.” Staring straight into Princess Celestia's eyes, Aria continued. “Our babies, our daughters would be grown by now. They won’t know us, so there's no reason for either me or my sisters to return home. However, I will try to help my sister. You have done enough as is, Your Highness.”

The sirens left, and Princess Celestia quickly followed. Principal Celestia also headed outside, calling out to the princess, “Your Highness, wait! I have some questions too.”

Stopping in front of the portal, Princess Celestia said as the principal reached her, “What do you want to know, Tia?”

“When Sunset told us about the Demon's Heart, Cheerilee seemed terrified, more than I'd have expected her to be of it. Did she realize something I missed?”

“She must have figured out that if Sunset had actually used the Demon's Heart, it would have made her unstoppable. It would have given her the power of the evil trapped within. She'd be more powerful than any alicorn. I can raise and lower the sun with a mere thought. Can you imagine what Sunset could have done with that type of power?”

“I'd rather not imagine it. I will look for the Demon's--”

“Your Highness,” Twilight's voice caught both women off-guard as they turned to see her and everyone else coming out of the school. Twilight knelt down on one knee, her right arm and hand over her chest and her left clenched into a tight fist placed at her side, knuckles on the ground. “I, as your palurin, beg you to allow me to remain in this world.”

Princess Celestia hesitated slightly before saying, “T-Twilight, are you sure about this? Equestria will likely need you very soon.”

Not looking up, Twilight replied, “Yes, Your Highness. This world needs me. Perhaps I can help heal the wounds that have been left by Sunset's death. Perhaps, if I remain here, this school and its students can heal and move on.”

“Very well. As your princess, I grant you this on one condition.”

“Yes, Your Highness?”

“That you find the Demon's Heart and destroy it before it can be used on anypony or anyone in this world.” Looking to the portal, then down to Spike, who didn’t look up to meet her gaze, she said, “I need to leave now. I must see Foal Mountain for myself, and there are other matters that I must attend to.” Looking to Principal Celestia, the princess quickly added, “Twilight, if you will please pardon me, I must speak to Principal Celestia alone.”

“Of course, Your Highness. I will take the girls to Sugar Cube Corner. I think we all need some food and refreshments.” Twilight stood up, adding, “If it is alright with you, Principal Celestia, I would like to attend classes for a few days. That way, I can help your students heal from all of this, and I can begin my search for the Demon's Heart.”

Twilight looked to everyone and hesitantly smiled to them as each of them started to head down the street. Once she was sure that Twilight was out of earshot, Princess Celestia said, “I need to ask you a very, very big favor, Tia.”

“And that would be?”

“That you don’t ever allow Twilight back into the portal again.”

“What!?” Principal Celestia’s eyes widened in shock at the request. “Why ever not?”

“Twilight is…..my daughter. I will not risk losing her in a war that we might not be able to win. Chrysalis is after the Elements, and none of the Elements are as powerful as the one that Twilight guards. Chrysalis will be targeting Twilight, and I will not lose her again.”

“'Again'? What do you mean?”

“I gave her up after my firstborn daughter and my husband died.” Princess Celestia looked down sighing deeply. “My daughter died of what I thought was sudden foal death syndrome. I only recently learned that it was Chrysalis that killed my firstborn.” Walking over to the steps of the school, Princess Celestia sat down, fighting back her tears. “I know she can be very cruel and heartless, but I never thought she would kill a innocent foal.”

“What happened that caused all this, Your Highness?”

“I was taking care of Crystalis when a dragon attacked. Crystalis fell from the mountain we were on. I tried to save her, but I was hurt during the battle and wasn’t able to. When her mother got to the scene, she found me standing over the little filly and thought I murdered her. She wouldn’t listen no matter how hard I tried to explain what happened. Since then, we have been bitter enemies.”

“I see.” Principal Celestia swallowed lightly as she continued, “Didn't you try to take her to court or something?”

"It's not quite so simple. International politics and all. And at the same time, I wanted to help her, bring her back from the dark side. I know that somewhere deep inside that monster she's become is still goodness. There has to be.”

“Sounds to me like there isn’t any good left in her at all,” Principal Celestia said, sitting down next to the princess and pulling her into a hug. “How does Sunset fit into all this?”

“Sunset is,” Princess Celestia gulped hard, trying desperately to fight back her tears as she choked out, “my firstborn daughter.” Burying her head into Principal Celestia’s shoulder, the princess couldn’t contain her tears any longer. “And the horror doesn't end at her violent death. Unbeknownst to me at the time, horrific experiments were being done at a mansion in a secluded village in the far north called Crystal Ridge.”

“Experiments?” Principal Celestia asked, confused and worried. “What do you mean?”

“I didn’t know anything was amiss until the day an old couple brought to me a very young foal. They told me they found her alone on the road leading to the mansion just outside of Crystal Ridge and, not able to afford raising a foal, made the long journey to me. I don't know why they decided to come all the way to me rather than give her to another couple at Crystal Ridge, but I'm glad they did. This foal, you see, was the spitting image of Sunset. Same mane, same coat. Everything about her was identical to my deceased daughter."

Principal Celestia listened carefully to her Princess Celestia's words as the woman continued her tale of woe. All the while Principal Celestia sat wondering about her own daughter and hoping to see her again.

"As I held her in my hooves, alarm bells should've been going off in my head, but instead, I was awestruck and, hoping to fill in the void left by my daughter's death, hastily I agreed to adopt the little foal. I even gave her the same name: Sunset Shimmer. And for a long while, I truly felt happy. I knew that this wasn't the daughter I gave birth to, but I had once again a tiny little foal to care for, raise, and be very proud of.”

“That sounds nice. I'm not sure how I feel about naming your adopted daughter after your lost daughter, but other than that, it sounds like you had a lovely time with her.”

"Oh, I did. And my pride in her only grew as she aged. She showed both an extremely inquisitive mind and astonishing magical prowess. I couldn't have been more proud when she got her cutie mark, a most beautiful sunburst.

"However, that happiness wasn't to last. Eventually, she found her birth certificate and lost all faith in me. She became obsessed with learning about her own origins. She traced her path back to Crystal Ridge--a place I had vainly forbidden her to go to--and found the truth of her existence, and it drove her mad."

“What did she do?”

Celestia hesitated at the truth she was about to reveal. “She killed them. All of them. Back then, Crystal Ridge was a small, up-and-coming town. Only about one hundred fifty ponies at most lived and worked there. By the time I got there, the town was engulfed in flames. I tried so hard to get her to call off her attack, but she wouldn’t listen to me. I chased her to the mansion of Crystal Ridge.”

“What happened when you got there?”

“She and I fought tooth and hoof. Our fight led to a laboratory near the top of the mansion. I blasted her with a very dense pulse of magic, which briefly knocked her out As I kept my guard up, I got a good look around. It was there that I finally learned what was actually done to both her and to my late firstborn. What I saw there will haunt me for the rest of my life.”

“What happened there, Your Highness?" Principal Celestia asked with equal parts interest and nervousness. "What did you see?”

"Pods. That's the best word I can think of for them. Giant glass cylinders with green translucent fluid in them.” Princess Celestia gulped hard. “But the contents of the pods are what really scarred me. Each pod had a...a pony in it, and each pony was...was...”

Princess Celestia couldn't continue, her emotions overcoming her as she started crying and shaking violently. Principal Celestia quickly backpedaled. "Your Highness, it's okay. You don't have to talk about it if it's that painful for you. Just...skip to the part after that."

Princess Celestia nodded gratefully and took a moment to collect herself. After calming down, she continued. "As I was...examining the pods, Sunset woke up and shot at me. We resumed our fight, and I eventually ended up flinging her at one of the pods. The collision was strong enough that the pod she hit broke from its base. As it toppled, it broke through a window and tumbled out of the mansion and over the cliff the mansion sat on. And Sunset dove through the window after it, screaming in fear and, now that I think about it, perhaps anger as well.”

“What did you do?”

“What else could I do? I flew after her and caught her; even though she did horrible things that night, she was still my daughter, and I couldn't let her die.

"When we landed near the pod, she broke free from me and ran over to it. Not finding any pony inside it, she attacked me again, only this time, she used her hooves instead of her magic.”

“Did you hurt her again?” Celestia asked accusingly.

“No. I could tell she was just venting at that point. Eventually, she broke down crying and, much like Adagio had done earlier tonight, demanded that I kill her. But I refused. Instead of ending her life, I banished her from my castle and revoked her status as my student. She vowed to return and make me pay for what I did that night, and she ran away. I can still recall her tears running down her cheeks as she ran off into the mountains.”

“So, like Twilight, you also didn’t give Sunset a trial for what she did. I see where Twilight got that from.”

“Don't judge me. Yes, I know I should have given her a trial, but I wasn't about to let the courts take away my second daughter. I saved her life by sending her away.”

“Saved her life! You condemned her to a life of more pain and torment!” Principal Celestia scoffed. “And if you were so worried about what would happen to her, why did you send Twilight here? Why didn’t you come yourself that night at the Fall Formal?”

“I was scared that if I came instead of Twilight, I would lose her again. I knew that if I did battle with her again, only one of us would have been able to walk away.”

“And so, because of your actions, she came into this world hating you, and Twilight used her magic on Sunset, taking away her confidence in herself. Everything certainly worked out well." Principal Celestia sighed heavily. “It doesn’t matter now. What matters is that we find the Demon's Heart and destroy it before it can be used on anyone.” Principal Celestia considered a bit and said, “I’ll let Twilight stay with me, and I'll keep her from the portal until this matter is settled. Before you leave, how will I or Twilight get in contact with you should the need arise?”

“You still have Sunset's journal, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Give it to Twilight. She will know what to put into it when the time comes. Until then, you are free to use it to communicate with me. I’ll keep the other one while I stay at Twilight's castle until she comes home.”

“Very well. I will tell Twilight of this conversation, by the way.”

“You will not. There's a reason I had Twilight leave first. Telling her would only cause her a great deal of pain. Like I said, I needed to give her up after losing Sunset. Why do you think that is?”

“Because you were afraid Chrysalis would target her?”

“Close. As if a psychotic shapeshifter killing one of my daughters weren't bad enough, I lost my husband only three days before then. My own nephew Blueblood, ever the opportunist, decided to stage a legal coup of sorts and take the throne for himself. He saw that I was not in my right mind, as I was grieving the loss of my first daughter and my husband.”

“That's awful. How did he do it?”

“He tried to take me to court and cite my inability to think straight as reason enough for them to force me to cede the throne to him. The courts disagreed with him, and in response to his betrayal, I stripped him of his rank and title and seized all of his land. He became a prince in name only. Livid, he threatened to go after Twilight, so I placed her in the care of the Velvet's to raise her, but I remained in her life from afar to help guide her as best as I could, and I made sure to keep secret agents around to stop Blueblood from making any move.”

“I take it he didn’t like that one bit.”

“No, he didn’t, and thankfully, by the time Twilight was old enough to take care of herself, he saw that she was not a pony to mess with. Even then, though, you have no idea how painful that was for me to do, but I had enemies that would try to kill her or use her to seize the throne. My happiness had to be sacrificed for the good of all of Equestria and for the sake of my family. I had no choice in this matter.”

Looking down, Principal Celestia said sternly, “Fine, I’ll keep this between us for now, but I find this most distasteful, to say the very least.”

"I don't care. I'm doing what must be done. Farewell, Ms. Soleil. May we meet again under better circumstances."

Looking back up, Principal Celestia watched as her counterpart entered the portal, leaving her to sit on the school steps to think about what the princess had said to her.

Next Chapter: Evil Rising (Edited by Icecreammac) Estimated time remaining: 10 Hours, 5 Minutes