Sunset opened her eyes. Before shutting them earlier, she watched her sworn enemy and her friends turn from human into human pony hybrids, complete with multicolored skin, hair, wings, and ears. For whatever reason, Twilight and Rarity didn’t have unicorn horns. But that didn’t matter now, as Sunset opened her eyes, she saw that, to her surprise, everyone in the room was passed out on the floor of the cafeteria.

Sunset began to laugh at her adversaries who lay pale on the floor.

“Talk about an anti-climax.”

She then looked over at Twilight Sparkle, who still wore the Element on her head. She approached the now floored Princess. She then felt her pulse. Nothing.

“What did I tell you, Twilight?” She asked as. She then removed the element from her head. “You will never beat me.”

She then placed the crown her head, feeling power recourse through her body. In the blink of an eye, she teleported from the cafeteria to the statue in front of the school.

“Goodbye you back water world, and hello victory.”

She stepped through the portal. After a several moments, she arrived back in Equestria. To her surprise, the mirror wasn’t in that room in the Crystal Empire, but in throne room in Canterlot Castle.

“What the hell?”

“Welcome back Sunset.”

Sunset turned and saw the very pony she wanted to see, Princess Celestia.

“Hello Celestia.” She said. “How have you been?”

“Where is Twilight?” Celestia asked with anger. “What have you done with her?”

“I did to her what any true ruler does to their enemies.” Sunset answered with a sinister smirk.

Celestia’s brow furrowed ever more than it already was.

“Now with the Element, I’m back to take what is right fully mine.” Sunset said boldly. “All I need to do is take out one more obstacle.”

“Twilight may have fallen to you, but I most certain won’t!”

Celestia shot a magic beam at Sunset who deflected it with a shield spell before returning fire. Celestia dodged the beam and charge at Sunset. The former student jumped out of the way before managed to hit Celestia in the side, causing to stumble to the ground. She quickly recovered as Sunset ran over, her eyes glowing brighter as the power surged through her. Celestia got up and flew above the unicorn and fired several beams at her, who dodged each one before firing another one of her own. This one managed to hit Celestia in the wing, causing her to fall to the ground with a loud thud. She didn’t move after that.

“Far too easy.” Sunset with a chuckle as she approached the downed princess. “I told you I could rise above you, Celestia. I have always been more powerful than you. Now with you gone…”

Suddenly, Princess Celestia disappeared. She didn’t teleport, as she, instead of disappearing in a flash, but appeared to evaporate in a poof. Before Sunset could even question what had happened, she was suddenly hit a massive beam of magic. The beam was so powerful; it launched Sunset off from her hooves and through one of the windows of the throne room.

Sunset landed with a thud on the ground with the moon having already have risen. She felt and saw that the element had fallen from her head and was now lying on the ground several feet away. She tried to get up, but a wave of pain coursed through her, evidence that she had broken her hind legs. What’s more is that whatever power that was coursing through her was now gone. Her heart rate increased when she heard a second thud. She looked and saw that is the real Princess of the Sun, the previous one being a duplication, which explains why it was so easily defeated.

“You have caused so much trouble!” Celestia said with fire in her eyes and anger in her voice. “Not only have you disobeyed me all those years ago, stole money, essentially enslaved the students of Canterlot High School in that other world and stolen not only a crown, but an Element of Harmony!”

“Celestia, I…”

“As if we’re going to believe a word you’re going say!” An all too familiar voice said.

Sunset looked and saw that it was the pony versions of Twilight’s friends, all of which were wearing Elements of Harmony and were not happy to see her.

“Twilight was our friend!” Rainbow Dash shouted, being the one who spoke earlier. “You’ll pay for what you done!”

“I second that!” Applejack added.

“After all of you’ve done…” Celestia said getting Sunset’s attention. “…I have come to see that you can’t be trusted whether you’re in this world or in the other world.”

“What… …what are you going to do to me?”

For once in a very long time, Sunset felt fear. In front of her was the one pony she ever known who she considered family, about to administer a punishment that she could never imagine.

“Sunset Shimmer.” Celestia continued. “I hear by sentence you to be turned to stone!”

Celestia then picked up the Element of Magic and placed it on her head, in place of her crown. The rest of Twilight’s friends stood by her.

“Princess, please.” Sunset said. “Have mercy, I…”

“MERCY?!” Celestia shouted, her voice almost echoing. “Did you show mercy to the people in the Human world? Did you show Twilight mercy! So why should you receive as such? I’m sorry Sunset, but you’ve brought his upon yourself!”

The Element of Magic began to glow on Celestia’s head. Along with the rest of the Elements in order. Honesty, Kindness Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty. The five ponies and alicorn rose from the ground as their eyes began to glow.

“Princess…” Sunset said as the elements went into the final stage. A tear went down her cheek. “…CELESTIA I’M SORRY!!!”

Finally, the rainbow beam she saw back on Earth came and rocketed at her. Sunset then shut her eyes as she screamed in terror.

“I’VE SEEN ENOUGH!”

Sunset both recognized and didn’t recognize the voice. It was familiar, but had something else to it. She opened her eyes and saw that the rainbow beam had stopped in midair while everypony was frozen.

“How?”

“I believe this is my doing.”

Out of the corner of Sunset’s eye, she saw a twinkle of light coming from the moon. She looked and via another twinkle, an alicorn appeared. She looked similar to that of Celestia, but had a darker coat, mane, and tail. She wore a dark crown, necklace, and slippers. Her cutie mark looked like a black splotch with a white crescent moon.

With the flap of her wings, the alicorn touched down in front of Sunset.

“Sunset Shimmer, I presume?” She asked.

“Who…?” Sunset was very confused and terrified after what had just happened. “…who are you?”

“It appears I have forgotten when thou were my sister’s student.” The alicorn said. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Luna, the Princess of the Moon.”

Due to massive focus on school funding, many schools in the Canterlot area had a rather impressive program when it came to treating injured students, as many schools, like Canterlot High had infirmaries that almost looked like hospital wards. One of these injured students, or non-student in this case, was Twilight Sparkle. The last thing she remembered was she and her friends sending a large torrent of magic at an overpowered Sunset Shimmer who had donned the Element of Magic. At this point, she had no clue of what had happened after.

Around Twilight were her friends, either standing, sitting on a bed or chair, or pacing around the room. What’s more is that they were still in their magic forms with their ears, tails, and skin tones. Flash sat in a chair right next to the bed with a very worried expression on his face.

“I really hope she’s alright.”

“We all do, Sugercube.” AJ said. “We just have to be patient.”

“Yeah.” Derpy added. “She’s probably just a little tired from whatever it was she did back there.”

“But, we all did the same thing.” Dash said. “How come we woke up before her?”

“Probably because she was at the center main component.” Pinkie said. “It’s just a hunch, but the mostly likely reason.”

Flash smiled at Pinkie before returning his attention to Twilight.

“You really like her, don’t you darling?” Rarity asked.

“Why wouldn’t I? Twilight is the first girl I’ve ever had actual feelings for since Sunset and I broke up.” Flash asked. “She’s kind, she’s smart, she’s pretty, she…”

He then looked over at his ex-girlfriend who lied in the bed opposite from Twilight’s with a look of scorn.

“…she doesn’t treat me like her personal bank, her personal chauffeur, her personal…”

Flash suddenly felt a hand set on his shoulder. He looked and saw it was Derpy, still without glasses, as they have broken during the confrontation with Sunset, which is what also led to her receiving a shiner as well. The swelling had gone down, but was still very noticeable.

“It’s alright, Flashy.” His sister said with a smile.

Flash sighed and nodded.

“By the way, I was wondering.” Dash said. “Does your dad or your uncle and aunt even know about Twilight and Spike staying at your house?”

“Flashy called them the first night they stayed.” Derp explained. “They said it was okay. It’s not the first time we’ve done this.”

Flash then looked over at the bed next to Twilight’s and saw Spike sitting their next to Rarity with a very worried look on his face.

“Are you okay, Spike?”

Spike looked up.

“What’d you say?”

“I was asking if you’re alright.” Flash answered.

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine.” Spike said unconvincingly.

“Are you sure, Darling?” Rarity asked, putting her arm around him. “You’ve been very quiet.”

Spike sighed.

“I’m just worried, okay?”

“I know, Sugercube.” AJ said. “We’re all worried for her.”

“Not as worried as I am.” Spike said. “She and have known each other for, well, ever since I was born. In fact, she was the one who hatched me.”

Everyone suddenly had a look of confusion on their faces, of which Spike noticed.

“I’m a dragon back in Equestria, remember?”

Everyone understood upon the reminder, just in time as they heard a certain someone groan.

Flash and Spike immediately looked at the bed and saw Twilight beginning to stir. After a moment, Twilight’s eyes finally opened, not immediately, but they did.

“What…” She said as she tried to find her voice. “…what happened?”

“TWILIGHT!”

Suddenly Twilight found herself in a vise-like grip by Pinkie.

“I’m so happy you’re alright!”

“Pinkie, you might want to let her breath for a moment.” Dash said.

Pinkie then realized the tightness of her grip around Twilight.

“Oh, sorry Twilight.”

“It’s alright Pinkie.” Twilight said as the bubbly girl let her go.

She then felt someone put their hand on her shoulder. She looked and saw it was Spike.

“I’m glad you’re okay, Twilight.”

Twilight smiled and pulled Spike into a hug. Just hugging her number one assistant caused her to feel her stress and trouble melt away from her body. It was also a great relief to see that Spike was okay, especially after watching him being incapacitated.

“I’m glad you’re okay, too.” She said. She then looked around the room at her friends. “I’m glad you’re all alright.”

“We are too, darling.” Rarity said.

“By the way, those are some nice wings you have.” Flash said.

Twilight blushed a little and was about to thank Flash for the compliment, until she realized what he was complimented on.

“Wings?”

She then looked over her shoulders and saw that on her back was a pair of purple wings. She then felt the top of her head and saw that she had a pair of ears.

“How long have we been like this?”

“Ever since we took down Sunset.” Flutters answered, gesturing over at Sunset’s bed.

“Obviously you’re element did this to us.” Dash added. “Honestly I have no problem at all! Seriously, I can fly now!”

Dash then demonstrated by flapping her wings, causing her to lift off the ground.

“See, this is awesome! How could you not like… …OW!”

Dash was cut off by her head making contact with the ceiling.

“Not so awesome now isn’t it?” AJ asked with a chuckle.

“You’re just jealous because you can’t fly!”

“The element!” Twilight suddenly gasped. “Where is the element?”

“Safe with my sister.”

Everyone turned and saw Principle Tia walk into the room with a novel in hand.

“How are you feeling, Twilight?”

“I’m alright.” Twilight said as she got off the bed. She wobbled for a moment, but Flash managed to catch her. She smiled at Flash before returning her attention to the Principle. “So, the element is safe?”

“Safe and sound. It’ll be all yours when the dance is underway.” Tia then looked at her watch. “Of which will officially be underway at eight thirty.”

Twilight looked at the clock on the wall and saw that it was fifteen after seven.

“It looks like we need to hurry if we want to attend.” Rarity said. “And so someone can get her crown.”

“You all can go on ahead.” Tia said. “I’ll stay and watch Sunset. For whatever reason she tends to restrain herself around me.”

“Alright, we’ll see you later tonight.” Twilight said.

“Have fun all of you!”

“Luna?” Sunset Shimmer said with surprise as her eyes widened. “I thought you were in the moon for a thousand years.”

“I made my return about one year ago. And with the thanks of Twilight Sparkle and her friends, the demon you know as Nightmare Moon is no longer with us.”

Sunset then remembered what happened earlier back on Earth.

“But Twilight, she…”

“Is alive and well.” Luna said. “Fear not because this is merely a dream.”

“A dream? What do…?” Sunset reach a hoof out to Luna and saw it had touched a some sort of invisible barrier, causing a ripple, similar to water when it is disturbed. “Well, that explains why my legs don’t hurt anymore.”

Sunset then stood up, and saw that, despite Luna being the younger sibling of Celestia, she was still taller than Sunset.

“Why are you here?” The unicorn asked. “If this is a dream, then we’re not really talking are we?”

“As the Princess of the Night, it is my duty to oversee the dreams of the inhabitants of Equestria. Therefore, you will remember this conversation.” Luna explained. “Ever since the portal reopened, I took the opportunity to look into your dreams. I must say they really do seem what’s a proper word? Troubled.”

“I can handle a few nightmares.” Sunset said. “I’m not a filly anymore.”

“I’m sure you can.” Luna said. “You seem the kind of mare to get over dreams of several of your fellow students getting revenge on you. But there is one particular dream that has caught my interest.”

There was a moment before it clicked in Sunset’s head.

“I want to wake up now.”

Ignoring Sunset, Luna stomped her hoof. The surrounding area looked to be sucked away to be replaced by new scenery. The new location was that of inside the dark hallways of Canterlot Castle.

“We’re here.” Luna said. “Does any of this look familiar to you?”

“Yeah, it’s the halls of the castle.” Sunset said bemused. “Why…?”

They suddenly heard something fall and hit the ground. Luna led Sunset towards a door that was cracked open, which a sign on it that said “Dark Magic; No Entry”, a light peeking through the crack. Sunset was surprised when she watched Princess Luna walk through the door, but was then reminded that she was in a dream. Upon entering the room, she saw somepony very familiar searching through various books.

“That’s…”

“…you.” Luna said, finishing the unicorn’s sentence. “If I am correct, you were looking for further information about the mirror.”

Sunset nodded and looked at herself looking through a book.

“This was several weeks after Celestia showed me the mirror.” She said. “Since then she always avoided the subject every time I brought it up.”

The past Sunset let out a quiet gasp.

“Here it is!” She said with an open book in her hooves. “Every thirty moons, a portal will open to another world. So that’s what I saw in the mirror, a creature from another world.” She then smiled. “And that might be the same world HE maybe from. Once I find him I…”

“You will what?”

Luna and both Sunsets turned and saw Celestia and two guards at the door.

“Just what do you think you’re doing?” She asked with anger beginning to boil in her voice.

“What am I doing? What was it that YOU were doing this whole time?” Sunset asked in return. “How could you keep this information from me this whole time? Don’t you realize that I’m ready for this? You know I’m ready, you know I can be great!”

“You could be great!” Celestia said, raising her voice. “Before now I saw potential in you, I saw what was compassion and greatness. But now I see nothing but selfishness. You need to stop and realize that…”

“I’m the selfish one?!” Sunset shouted. “You’re the selfish one, Celestia! This book right here says that I could become powerful, that I could be more power than an Alicorn! As far as I know, you deny me my rightful place because you’re scared that I might be more powerful than you!”

“That is not the reason, Sunset and you know it!” Celestia said, letting her anger loose. “Now you put these books back and leave this room immediately. We’ll talk about this tom…”

“I’M TIRED OF TALKING!” Sunset shouted as loud as she could. “I’m tired of talking, I’m tired of waiting, I’m tired of being denied my destiny, and I’m tired of being lied to about who my parents are! If you won’t give me the truth, then maybe I don’t need some coward for a teacher!”

“I’d watch what you’re saying!” Celestia said as she took a step forward. “Now I’ll say this again, put the books away and…”

“I’m done listening to you!”

Sunset, without even thinking, threw the book as hard as she could at her mentor. As she realized what she had done, she heard the book make contact with the Princess’s face before hitting the floor, followed by the clank of her crown. Celestia stumbled to ground as she put a hoof to her nose, of which blood dripped out.

“Celestia, I…”

Sunset was interrupted by the two guards tackling her to the ground. After a moment, the two stallions lifted her off the ground. Celestia approach Sunset with blood still going down her face.

“Guards, take Sunset to her room and make sure she doesn’t leave.”

She then turned around and trotted toward the door, picking up her crown on the way. She then stopped and looked over her shoulder.

“I will deal with you later, Sunset.”

The dream then ended with the past Sunset being dragged out of the room.

“That was a rather surprising development, don’t you think?”

Sunset didn’t answer.

Luna turned to Sunset who had a look of sorrow.

“It looks like you regret what had happened.” She said. “Do you?”

Sunset looked up at the Moon Princess. But behind her she saw somepony all too familiar leaning on the doorframe, her eyes cyan on black.

“I…” She had trouble speaking for a moment. “…I don’t regret it! She should have given me what I wanted!”

Luna cocked an eyebrow, obviously bemused, but Sunset didn’t notice.

“How about I show you something that would change your mind?”

Before Sunset could answer, Luna stomped her hoof again, transported the two to another location. This location was in a place that Sunset recognized.

“This is the castle at in the Crystal Empire, right?”

Luna nodded. She then motioned her head for the unicorn to look at the other side of the room. Sunset looked and saw that they were in the throne room. At the throne were three alicorns, one of them was Luna, the second was Celestia, and the third was a pink alicorn she didn’t recognize.

“Who is that?”

Luna saw which of the three that Sunset was referring to.

“That is Princess Cadence.” She said. “Celestia’s niece.”

Sunset’s head snapped toward Luna.

“When did she become an Alicorn?”

Before Luna could answer, they all heard what sounded like shouting a screaming. Suddenly, the door to the throne room burst open, and running in was a familiar yellow pegasus. A look of horror on her face.

“Fluttershy!” Cadence said as she ran over to the mare. “What happened?”

Fluttershy had tears of terror in her eyes.

“It’s Sunset!” She said. “She back through the mirror.”

Luna and Celestia immediately trotted over.

“When did this happen?” The latter asked.

“I was walking down the hall when I saw Flash Sentry get thrown out of the mirror room and I saw Sunset walk out of it.” Fluttershy sniffed, holding back tears. “I got the others and Rainbow just told me to run. We got to help them!”

There was then another scream, this time it was much closer.

“Please somepony help!”

Down the hall came the familiar indigo maned unicorn.

“She’s coming!”

Before Rarity could pass through the doorway to the throne room, a magic aura formed around her tail and proceeded to be dragged down the hall.

“HELP ME!”

Without another thought, Cadence broke away from Fluttershy and charged down the hallway after Rarity out of sight. What followed was a series of blasts of magic, at one point a certain apple loving mare was heard shouting, “Get off of her ya crown stealin’ varmint!” Then there was silence. After a moment, the lone sound of trotting began to sound. The dream Luna quickly went to the doorway, ready for Sunset to approach.

Nothing.

“Where did she…?”

The Princess of the Night was cut off by a magic poof behind her, followed by her and Fluttershy being thrown down the hall by large blast of magic. The figure turned, revealing it to be Sunset Shimmer, looking like she did in Sunset’s dream with Twilight’s Element on her head, but this time she had a familiar looking Stetson skewered on her horn with a red stain on it.

“Sunset!” Celestia called as she approached the mare. She then saw the blood stained hat on her former student’s horn. “What did you do?”

Sunset took notice of the hat.

“Simple.” She said nonchalantly. “I eliminated a threat.”

She then used her magic to glow her horn, causing the hat to catch fire and burn to a crisp. A sinister smile formed on her face.

“Now I have only one obstacle left.”

“Sunset, don’t make me do this!” Celestia said. “If you continue now…”

Without letting the Princess continue, Sunset charged her horn and fired a blast of magic at her former mentor. Celestia dodged the blast fired one of her own. The battle was looking very similar to that in Sunset’s dream, with the surrounding the structure being heavily damaged by the battle. The fight then spills out a window and into the streets outside, revealing it to be night time, just like in Sunset’s dream. After a blast from Sunset, Celestia was sent flying down the main road before landing with a thud.

Sunset approached her former mentor with a sinister look.

“I told you I was ready.” She said. “Now with one simply gesture, all of Equestria will be…”

Sunset stopped talking as an aura suddenly surrounded her. Celestia then stood up from the ground, with pure anger in her eyes.

“Sunset.” She began. “You have caused so much trouble. Not only have you disobeyed me, you committed the worst crimes imaginable.”

What made Celestia the most intimidating, was that Celestia’s voice didn’t rise.

“From what I’ve gathered, you have also caused a lot of trouble in that other world as well.” She continued. “It appears that you cannot be trusted in any world. So that there is only one thing I know to prevent you from hurting anypony ever again.”

Celestia then glanced at the moon above. Sunset then put two and two together.

“You wouldn’t dare.” The agro Sunset said. “You’re too much of a coward to do it. Besides, I still have the element! You don’t even have the other elements!”

Celestia then cocked an eyebrow. With the glow of her horn, the Element on Sunset’s head disappeared. Suddenly, the five other elements the appeared as well, still in their jewelry style forms. The mere sight of the elements caused Sunset’s pupils to shrink.

“You wouldn’t!”

Celestia then began to rotate the elements around her, until finally, the same blast from back in the school engulfed Sunset.

“NOOOOO!”

The glow then rose and shot towards the moon. After a bright twinkle, a familiar shape formed on the lunar surface.

Celestia then let the elements clink against the ground before dropping to her knees.

“I’m sorry Sunset.” She said as a tear went down her cheek. “I’m so sorry.”

With a stomp of Luna’s hoof, she and the real Sunset were transported to a different plain of existence. She then looked over at Sunset.

“Are you alright?”

Sunset had a very shocked look on her face.

“What did you just show me?”

Before Luna could answer, somepony else decided to add to the conversation.

“A whole lot of bullshit!”

The two turned and saw a second Sunset standing before them. Luna then got in front of the real Sunset with her wings spread out in defense.

“Get back you demon!” She said. “Sunset is no longer under your grasp!”

“If that is the case, then why am I still here?”

The corrupt Sunset approach the real Sunset, disregarding the Night Princess.

“Why do you need to listen to her? You never listened to her counterpart on Earth, so why start now?” She asked as she put a hoof on Sunset’s shoulder. “Be honest, do you really want to give this up? Think about it, the whole school under your control and every student under your hoof, all of it. And you’re really giving it up just because some banished alicorn showed you some stupid dream?”

“IT WASN’T A DREAM!” Luna shouted with the royal voice. “Sunset what I had shown you was not a dream, it was a scenario in which Twilight and her friends failed to stop you! If you continue down this path, it will happen! If not for Celestia, do it for HIM!”

That caused something to click inside Sunset’s head.

“Don’t listen to her, Sunset!” The corrupt Sunset said, forcing Sunset to look at her. “You can still take back power by attacking when they least expect it! Trust me! What do you say?”

Sunset turned to Luna after the corrupt Sunset got of her and backed up.

“Only you can decide your fate, Sunset.” The Princess explained. “You have two choices. You go down the path that will lead to your destruction as I did all those years ago or you go down the path that will lead to your salvation.”

Sunset looked at Luna and her corrupted self, back at Luna, her corrupted self, and anxiously repeated the process. Until finally, she stopped her gaze on one of the two.

“Good choice, Sunset.”

Luna was shocked.

“What? No!”

Sunset began to walk off with her corrupted self, only to stop, of which the latter noticed.

“What’s the matter? You nervous for your new found…?”

The corrupted Sunset couldn’t finish her sentence before two back hooves sent her tumbling to the ground.

“I hurt Celestia once; I will not do it again!”

She then hauled flank over to Luna.

“I want to wake up! I want to make it right!”

Luna smiled.

“Very well Sunset.”

Luna’s horn began to glow as what appeared to be a whirlwind began to form around the two.

“You can try all you want, Sunset!” The corrupt Sunset shouted. “You’ll never be rid of me! You hear me?! You’ll never…!”

“Congratulations Silvia.”

Tia found herself deep into the novel she had brought to read while she watched over Sunset. The book was called “Blood and Iron” by Harry Turtledove and was a part of an eleven book series called the “Southern Victory Series”. She was congratulating one of her favorite characters, Sylvia Enos, the now widowed Boston mother of two, who had shot and killed Roger Kimball, the submarine Captain who ordered her late husband’s Destroyer to be sunk.

Tia then sighed and put a hand to her lapel pin.

“I wish I was as lucky as you.”

She then looked up at the clock.

“Jeez, the Formal is in full swing at this point.” She then looked over at Sunset who was still lied down on the bed. “Maybe it won’t hurt if I get a quick cup of coffee.”

Just as Tia got to the door, with novel still in hand, the door opened inward and in stepped the Vice-Principle.

“Oh, hey Lu…”

She then spotted what were in Luna’s hands which caused her eyes to go wide with surprise.

“You must’ve read my mind for you to being me coffee.”

“You can say that.” Luna said with a smirk. As she set the two cups on the desk, she saw the book her sister was reading. “I see you’re getting deep in the book. Did you get to the part where President Hampton getting assassinated?”

“I’ve already got past that part.” Tia said as she closed the book. “I got to where Sylvia got her revenge on Roger Kimball. I must say just picturing it is pretty satisfying.”

“If you ask me, I find Jake Featherston reacting to the Freedom Party not winning the election just as satisfying.” Luna said. She then took a sip of her hot beverage before continuing to speak. “I gotta say, it reminds me of a certain girl we both know.”

Luna gestured her head in the direction behind Tia. The elder sister looked and saw that Luna was referring to the two toned haired girl in the bed.

“Are you seriously comparing Sunset to Jake Featherston?” Tia asked. “That’s a little rash don’t you think?”

“After what happened earlier today I wouldn’t put it past her.” Luna said after another sip of coffee. “Still, it’s so strange to realize that the girl we known, or thought we knew, was really from a different world the whole time.”

“I know it’s strange. But right now I’m drawing a blank of what punishment to administer. “Tia said before a sip of coffee. “After everything she has done, these newly found offenses, and after she did, well, ‘that’ to us, I can’t really think of any another punishment other than expulsion.”

Suddenly, they heard what sounded like sniffing.

“Do you hear that that?”

“Sounds like someone crying.” Luna said. She then looked over at the bed Sunset lied on. She stepped forward and saw that several tears were running down her cheeks. “Is she, crying in her sleep?”

Luna then looked back at her sister with surprise.

“Tia, look at this.”

Tia set her book down and approached.

“She is.” The elder sister said. “She’s actually crying.”

The two sisters have been in the school system for as long as they remember and they both know crocodile tears when they saw then. But right now in front of them was a girl who had bullied and manipulated her way to the top of the school hierarchy, the girl who managed to weasel her way out of trouble time and time again, the girl who had literally turned into a demon only hours before, was crying before them. And the most shocking part is…

…the tears were genuine.

Music blared throughout the school gym as lights flashed and as students danced and enjoyed themselves. Among these students were Twilight, Spike, and their friends and they were having the time of their lives while wearing their outfits, all with adjustments due to their magic forms, thanks to Rarity. It was very surprising to everyone when the six walked in in their new forms, but with Formal going into full swing it was no issue. Flash and his band, “Flash Drive”, were on stage providing the evening’s entertainment, playing a variety of classic songs that would put any band back in Equestria to shame. Not only was Flash good on the guitar, he had a pretty good singing voice. Due to some of the songs involving the use of other instruments, such as a piano and saxophone, for example, Rarity and other students were more than willing to provide assistance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ec0XKhAHR5I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFo8-JqzSCM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InRDF_0lfHk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud_JZcC0tHI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gj0Rz-uP4Mk

“Thank you, Canterlot High!” Flash shouted as their last song ended. “Give it up for Rarity on piano, Nathan on Sax, and Beatrice on Trombone!”

The students applauded as the mentioned students waved and left the stage.

“You were amazing Rarity!” Twilight said as the fashionista approached.

“Yeah, you killed it!” Dash agreed.

“I didn’t know who can play a piano like that, Rares.” AJ added. “Well I knew you played piano, but not like that.”

“Well after our little falling out I had a lot of time on my hands.” Rarity said to the cowgirl. “And a lady can’t just sit around and do nothing on her spare time.”

“You looked great while doing, by the way.” Spike said.

“Why thank you, Spikey.” Rarity said before rustling Spike’s hair, causing the former dragon to blush.

Flash’s band left the stage, with Jailhouse Rock being their last song of the night. Replacing them was Principle Tia.

“Please give a round of applause to Flash Drive!”

Everyone in the room did so.

“I hope everyone is having fun.”

The crowd answered with a cheer.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” The crowd chuckled. “I’m glad you all are having a good time. But I think it’s about time for a certain crown to be given out.”

The crowd then roared in applause as Tia retrieved as a small envelope from one of her pockets. Everyone knew who the winner was, but it was still excited to hear the announcement.

“And the winner is…”

She then opened the envelope.

“…oh.” She said in mock surprise. “Would a Miss, Twilight Spencer come up here please?”

The crowd then roared in applause even louder than before. Twilight knew that she would win, given that she was the only candidate at this point, but she still felt the swelling of pride within her. As she got onto the stage, Flash was waiting for her as his band put up his instruments.

“Congratulations, Twilight.”

“Thank you, Flash.”

The two then hugged before hearing the sound of chanting.

“Twilight! Twilight! Twilight! Twilight!”

“You better get out there.” Flash said before winking. “Princess Twilight.”

Twilight then smiled and blushed before she walked out onto the stage.

“Twilight! Twilight! Twilight!” The crowd continued before cheering when they saw Twilight walk out onto the stage.

Twilight merely smiled and waved. She had the same feeling she felt when she was first crowned Princess back in Equestria. She then stopped and stood next to Principle Tia. She saw that she didn’t have the crown. Was Vice-Principle Luna going to bring the crown out?

“Can we have the crown please?” Tia asked.

From stage left came Vice-Principle Luna, but she wasn’t carrying anything with her.

“But where’s the…?”

Before Twilight could even finish her mental question, her answer came in the form a two toned haired girl who had hours earlier turned into a complete demon, was walking toward her with a box, which held the crown, walking towards her.

“What is she doing here?” She asked herself in a panic, as the crowd began to boo Sunset.

“Boo! Go home!”

“You lost!”

“Get off the stage!”

“That’s enough!” Luna said, causing the crowd to go quiet. She then looked over to Sunset and nodded. Sunset nodded in return and turned towards Twilight.

“Twilight.” Sunset said. She then opened the box, revealing the crown inside. “This is for you.”

Many people in the crowd gasped while everyone else remained silent. Twilight the then took the crown in hand and put it on her head, causing her wings to flare out and the Element emitted a bright and beautiful glow throughout the room.

“Presenting, Princess Twilight!” Luna said, causing the crowd to cheer.

Twilight smiled and waved at the crowd, but despite finally, officially getting the crown back, something still bothered her. Did Sunset Shimmer really just give her the crown? What happened to her after she and her friends took her down? This question was then answered.

“Um, excuse me, everyone…”

Twilight saw that Sunset was now at the microphone.

“…I just want to say…”

She seemed to be having trouble saying what she was going to say,

“…I’m sorry.”

Did she really just say that?

“I’m sorry for everything I did!” She then looked over to Flash, who was now in the front row of the crowd. “Flash, I’m sorry for the way I treated you when we were dating!” She then looked around the room. “Rarity, I’m sorry for posting that video of you last year! Flutters, I’m sorry for bullying you! Derpy, I’m sorry for punching you! Pinkie, Dash, AJ, I’m sorry for tearing your friendship apart!” She then finally turned to Twilight. “Twilight, I’m sorry for steeling your crown, I’m sorry for posting that video, I’m sorry to everyone for fucking everything up! I’m sorry!”

Sunset then fell to her knees and began to cry. The whole gym went quiet as everyone watched Sunset cry. The very same girl, who made their lives a living hell, was crying.

Without a second thought, Twilight went to Sunset’s side and pulled her into a hug.

“I’m sorry… …I’m…” Sunset tried to say through her sniffling. “I… … I didn’t know there was another way.”

Twilight then tightened her hug in Sunset.

“Friendship isn’t just restricted to Equestria, Sunset. It’s everywhere.” She said as she looked into Sunset’s eyes that were in the early stages of bloodshot. “You can either seek it out for yourself, or you will end up alone. Only you can make the choice.”

Sunset sniffed.

“But driving everyone apart and turning them against one another is all I’ve ever done.” She said. “I don’t know the first thing about friendship.”

Twilight then smiled and pulled Sunset to her feet.

“You may not know, but I know some girls who do.”

She then directed Sunset’s attention to the group of pastel colored girls in the crowd who waved.

“That’s all well and good.” Vice-Principle Luna said. “But right now Sunset is leave now.”

Twilight’s smiled faded.

“Vice-Principle Luna, you think you can wait to punish her another time?"

Sunset looked at Twilight with surprise.

Before Luna could protest, someone in the crowd shouted.

“Yeah! Give her a chance!”

Sunset looked and saw that the person who shouted was, to her surprise, Flash.

Suddenly another student shouted, and literally flew above the crowd.

“Yeah, let Sunset stay!” Dash shouted.

“Let her have some fun!” Pinkie added.

“Let her stay!” Shouted several other students. “Let her stay! Let her stay!”

Suddenly almost a third of the crowd was demanding that Sunset stay for the dance.

“Alright, alright!” Luna shouted. “She can stay!”

The crowd then cheered.

“But don’t think you’re off the hook just yet, Sunset.” Luna said. “We have a lot to talk about when Monday comes around.”

Sunset then turned her attention to Twilight and pulled her into a tight hug.

“Thank you!”

After the coronation, the Formal continued, but instead of more live music, it was a period in which the students took a break from dancing to mingle and indulge in the snacks provided. In the corner of the gym stood Sunset. She was alone due to Twilight trying to wade her way through all the well-wishers congratulating her on her victory and the rest of the girls were mingling with others. Despite being allowed to stay for the rest of the formal, she didn’t feel welcome due to the amount of daggers being stared at her.

“Thirsty, dear?”

Sunset looked and saw it was Rarity, still with ears and pure white skin, with two drinks.

“Thanks.”

Sunset took a drink, discovering that it was fruit punch. Very good punch at that. She then looked over at Rarity and got a good look at her dress, it being a light blue one shoulder dress.

“Nice dress, by the way.”

“Why thank you darling.” Rarity said. “Had I known you’d see the error of your way tonight, I would have made a dress for you. Maybe next time.”

“It’s alright, you don’t have too.” Sunset said before taking another drink.

She then saw several students walk by, staring daggers at her.

“Ignore them, darling.” Rarity said, putting a hand on Sunset’s shoulder. “They’re just not ready to forgive.”

“Can you blame them?”

Before Rarity could say something, Sunset was suddenly hugged tightly by someone who seemed to come out of nowhere.

“Hi Sunset!”

This someone was Pinkie.

“H-Hey, Pinkie.” Sunset said, feeling like she was being squeezed. “What’s up?”

“Oh, nothing much.” Pinkie then let go and went to pull someone else over to them. “Just here with my date! You remember Bassy, right?”

Sunset was familiar with this boy. His named was Theodoro Basco, but everyone called him “Thunder”, “Thunderbass”, or in Pinkie’s case, “Bassy”. He was in a band called lightning strike. which was somewhat of a rival band of Flash's band. He was about several inches taller than Pinkie, had skin that was a tad tan, hazel eyes, and black hair with blue and cyan streaks through it. Normally he is seen wear torn jeans, sneakers, and a gray blazer and tie with a lightning bolt pin, but now he is wearing a full grey suit

“Yeah, I remember him.” Sunset said, knowing full well what she did to him. “Look, Thunder, I’m really sorry about…”

“About when you messed with our equipment at one of our gigs?” He asked, finishing her sentence. “It’s all good. Forgive and forget, am I right?”

“Seriously? You had a huge falling out with Lauren and…”

“Don’t worry, we patched things up, so there’s nothing for you to worry about. So yes, I forgive you.”

“I forgive you too.” Said a newcomer. The newcomer was Derpy with her date. Her date was a shaggy, brown haired boy named David, the son of the history teacher. Derpy’s black eye had gone down but was still noticeable. Due to her glasses being broken earlier, she had where contacts she had on hand, which actually made her look better. “We may have had our quarrels, but now that you’ve seen the error of your ways, I’m more than willing to forgive you. What do you think, Davey?”

David had a bemused look on his face.

“It may take a while to get over you punching Derpy.” He said in an accent similar to his father’s. “But since she’s willing to forgive, I guess I’ll have to follow suit.”

This made Sunset feel relieved to know that some were willing to forgive her.

Just then Twilight, wearing her crown, approached the group along with Flash, AJ, and Flutters.

“How’s it going, Sunset?” AJ asked.

“I’m doing alright.” Sunset said. “I’ll feel a little better knowing that some people forgive me.”

Thunderbass, Derpy, and David all nodded.

“That’s good to know.” Twilight said. “I’m glad you’re starting somewhere.”

“I agree.” Flutters said. “It’s good that some people are willing to forgive you. Although, I’m sad to say that many others aren’t as willing.”

“One step at a time, am I right?” Flash asked which was met with nods from everyone.

“Where is Dash, by the way?” Rarity asked as she looked around. “Or Spike for that matter.”

“Spike had to run to the bathroom.” Twilight answered before pointing her thumb back at the crowd. “Dash on the other hand is over with the rest of the Wonderbolts.”

Sunset looked and saw Dash hugging on Soarin while talking with Spitfire and Fleetfoot, who of which were both wearing matching tuxedos, which really caused her to raise an eyebrow.

“Why are Spitfire and Fleetfoot dressed the same?”

AJ looked and saw what Sunset was looking at.

“Oh right, last I heard they were doing that as a joke.”

“What joke?” Spike asked as he returned to the group.

“A while back everyone thought Spitfire and Fleetfoot were a couple, so they’re doing this as a joke.” Flash explained.

Suddenly everyone, except Twilight and Spike, then looked over at Sunset who had a look of embarrassment on her face.

“Yeah…” She said. “…I’ll add that to the list.”

“Anyways…” Pinkie said, changing the subject. “…how did you change your mind so quickly? Did whatever it was we did to you back in the cafeteria really just wipe the bully out of you?”

“Well…”

Sunset was about to explain but was then interrupted by the sound of Principle Tia on the mic.

“I hope everyone is enjoying themselves.” She said. “Right now I ask everyone grab your special someone and immediately head to the dance floor, because the classical club is about make things a little intimate.”

They suddenly heard Pinkie squee.

“Oh I’ve been waiting for this!” She then turned to Thunderbass. “Bassy can we go dance, pleeease?”

Thunderbass then chuckled.

“How can I say no to you?”

Pinkie giggled in delight and practically dragged Thunderbass to the dance floor where everyone else is congregating.

“I don’t even have to ask, do I?” David asked Derpy.

“You know it!” The muffin living girl said.

As Derpy and her date went to dance, Flash immediately turned to Twilight.

“I’m pretty sure you were waiting for me to ask this question.” He said before sticking out his hand. “But may I have this dance, Princess?”

Twilight blushed and took hold of Flash’s hand.

“I would love to.”

As Flash and Twilight mad their way toward the dance floor, Sunset, AJ, Rarity, and Spike were now left.

“Hey Rarity, didn’t you have a date with someone?” AJ asked.

“I thought of asking someone out, but I decided to go alone.” Rarity explained before sighing. “But after seeing Flash and Twilight together, I wish I had asked someone out.”

That’s when Sunset looked over at Spike, who, after getting his attention, motioned her head toward Rarity. Spike nodded and stepped forward.

“Rarity.” Spike said, catching the fashionista’s attention. “I know I may be little young for you, or may not even be your type, but…” He then offered his hand. “…may I have this dance?”

Rarity was surprised at first from how forward the boy was. But after seeing the look on his face, the look of a combination of determination and nervousness, how could she say no to him.

“How could I say no to that?” She asked. “I most certainly will, sweetie.”

“I must warn you that I’m not that good when it comes to formal dances.” The boy said. “Would it be okay if you took the lead?”

Rarity smiled.

“Just try to keep up, Dragon Boy.”

She then held Spike’s hand and the two made their way toward the dance floor, just as the music began.

Sunset smiled upon seeing what had just unfolded. She then turned to the two remaining girls.

“How about you two?”

“I just came to be with friends.” Flutters said. “I’m not really interested in looking for a boy at the moment.”

“Same here!” AJ said before taking a swig of the bottle of apple cider she had. “I would be nice to have a boy in my life, but between school and helping out with the apples and the store, I ain’t got time for a boy.”

Sunset nodded and looked at the crowd of couples dancing. Among them being Twilight and Flash. Just seeing those two together showed that friendship wasn’t the only magic present that night.

What was supposed to be a long evening suddenly became quiet short, it was now almost midnight. After the slow dance, the Vinyl made sure the night ended with a bang or a “wub as she called it. Right now, Twilight, Spike, and her friends, including Sunset, Applebloom, Scoots, and Belle were standing out front at the statue. Twilight was still wearing her dress, of which Rarity allowed her to keep, and she had her bag in which contained her belongings, along with an assortment of photographs given to her by a student photographer who calls herself “Photo Finish”.

“Are you sure you can’t stay longer?” Pinkie asked.

“I wish I could.” Twilight said. “But if I don’t go before midnight, I’ll be stuck here for another thirty moons.”

She saw the disappointment in everyone’s faces.

“But even though I never really had a chance to spend actual time with all of you, I really had a great time here. And I can’t tell you all how grateful I am for you all helping me get the crown back. I…”

Twilight paused and smiled.

“…I love you all.”

Everyone then awed and surrounded Twilight and Spike in a large group hug. All except Sunset, who stood back, watching the girls hug Twilight. After being freed from the massive hug, Twilight saw Sunset.

“Sunset.” She said as she approached her. “I’m glad you’ve considered changing your behavior. I know you’ll do your best.”

Sunset smiled and pulled Twilight into a hug.

“I won’t let you down.”

While Sunset and Twilight were in their hug, Spike has having little discussion of his own.

“I hope it does somehow work out with the Rarity of the other side.” Rarity said as she hugged Spike from behind. “If it doesn’t, there plenty of other fish in the sea, or ponies in the field.”

“Yeah!” Belle agreed joining the hug. “A girl would have to be crazy to say no to someone like you.”

Little did Spike know the two sisters were plotting something. After a nod from Rarity, she kissed Spike on one cheek and Belle kissed the other causing the former dragon to blush beat red.

“And I thank you very much for the dance, Spikey.” The elder sibling said.

“Are you ready Spike?”

Spike saw Twilight approaching.

“Ready when you are.” He said as the sisters let go.

“Twilight” Flash said. “Before you go…”

Twilight turned and was suddenly hugged by Flash.

“When you get back home and you meet the other Flash.” He then looked at her in the eye. “Give him a chance. At least I’ll know that at least one of us will be lucky enough to be with the most wonderful girl in the world. Or mare if you will.”

Twilight smiled and blushed before planting a kiss on Flash’s cheek, causing the boy to blush.

“I will.”

“Twilight.”

This time it was Sunset.

“When you get back and see Celestia…” She said. “…tell her…” She had difficulty saying what she wanted to say. “…tell I’m sorry.”

Twilight smiled.

“I will, Sunset.”

She then turned to everyone else.

“Goodbye everyone. Hopefully we’ll be able to see each other again.” She said. “Ready Spike?”

“Ready!”

Spike then gave one last wink to Rarity, who smiled and winked back before walking into the portal.

Twilight looked at her friend one last time and smiled before she followed Spike into the portal. After a moment, Twilight was gone.

Derpy then looked at her watch.

“Just in time.”

She then showed her watch to everyone else, of which said it was now midnight.

Suddenly, the five girls reverted back to their regular human forms.

“Aww, bummer.” Pinkie said as she felt for the ears that weren’t there anymore.

Sunset looked at the statue and approached it. She put a hand on the surface and saw that it was now solid.

“You think they’ll be back?” Flutters asked.

“One day.” Sunset answered. “One day.”

Author's Notes:

Man this took a long while! Sorry this took so long everyone. Between work and working on other projects, I couldn't find the time to work on this. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed!