Sunset had decided to spend the next day with her friend Twilight. After a long day of window shopping, going out to eat and laughing, the two friends were winding down at Twilight’s home. Sunset had come to love this place as a second home the few times she had visited; actually, she truthfully enjoyed it more than her actual home. Twilight’s parents were generally calm people and very accepting of Sunset. She was almost like another family member at this point, and they always offered Twilight’s brother’s former bedroom to her should she need it. It was nice to feel like she was in a family even if it was only as a family friend.

Twilight had quickly become a friend in their group that Sunset was beginning to cling to a little more than the others, due to their similar circumstance. While there was much that Twilight would never understand about Sunset due to being from two different worlds, the two of them knew what it was like to be alone and to be overtaken by darker desires and wish for forgiveness. Sunset wanted to be there to help Twilight along her path so that she wouldn’t have to stumble as much as she did. Because of this, Twilight always looked to Sunset for advice or comfort.

Sitting there in their orange and purple pajamas, Sunset picked up and examined a game controller awkwardly that Twilight had given to her, trying to make heads or tails of it. She wasn’t exactly that familiar with video games, as in her homeworld they were a relatively new invention and one she didn’t experience personally when she was a filly either. This controller was black and had a series of shapes on one of the button sets on the right side.

Twilight reached over and adjusted it in her hands and showed her how to hold it. With a smile, Twilight gave instruction. “Just like this, see?”

Sunset did likewise and tried to mimic Twilight's actions, placing her thumbs upon the two thumbsticks protruding from the device. Once Twilight was certain she had it right, she reached over and pressed a button on Sunset’s controller to turn it on. Sunset just stared in awe at this technology, not quite understanding how it even worked.

Looking down at the white controller she looked over to Twilight’s black controller, wondering if the colors made any difference. “So this is one of those Xbox things I’ve been hearing about?” Sunset asked with a raised brow.

Twilight twinged slightly. She took a breath and shook her head. “Not quite. This one is a PlayStation.” Twilight pointed to the box under the television in the bedroom.

“PlayStation? What’s the difference?” Sunset inquired.

Twilight let out a sigh and shook her head, she had a face of wanting to explain in great detail that she got sometimes, but clearly ended up holding herself back. “It’s really technical stuff that I can’t really explain without a lot of prior knowledge, but the short version is this one is made by a different company and plays different games, and in my opinion better games."

“How many of these things are there?” Sunset asked, a bit surprised to hear this information. Video games must have been a pretty popular thing in this world for so many to exist after all.

“A good deal, but only a few that actually matter. I guess it is true… You really are oblivious when it comes to technology huh?” Twilight frowned, feeling bad for how clueless her friend was about these things.

Sunset sunk down and nodded as she sat there on the floor with her friend in front of Twilight’s bed. “I understand the basics, but I don’t really have a lot of exposure to many of these things, I can’t afford them anyway. Turns out technology is really expensive here…”

With a nod, Twilight scooted closer to her friend to comfort her. “Yeah, but you’ll get it. I’m sure Shimmer is pretty tech-savvy.”

“Her computer definitely looked complicated, that’s for sure…” Sunset admitted.

Twilight leaned in, while they were on the subject, she figured she would ask Sunset about Shimmer, as she was very curious regarding the secluded millionaire teen. “So… You met her again the other day? What happened?”

Sunset was a bit surprised it took the curious Twilight this long to ask. She hadn’t the entire day trip they were together for, which was unlike the curious scientist she was. “Well… we talked for a bit. I told her a tiny bit about myself…”

“Like what? You remember what I said right?” Twilight frowned, clearly concerned that Sunset may have said too much to the poor girl.

“Yeah, yeah. I didn’t overwhelm her. I started small, I told her I was from a pony world and I explained when I arrived here,” Sunset attempted to calm her friend.

Twilight’s face remained concerned however, waiting for Sunset to finish her story.

“I didn’t tell her about magic or anything if that’s what you’re worried about. The last thing I need is to open up that can of worms to yet another scientist. I think we’ve all learned our lesson after you.” Sunset nudged Twilight’s shoulder playfully, causing Twilight to blush and look away adjusting her glasses at the mention of her previous antics when the two met.

“Yes… Probably for the best… Do you plan on telling her about magic though?” Twilight asked.

Sunset leaned back against the end of the bed they were sitting up against and shrugged. “Eventually, but I have to figure out a good time to do that. It’s not exactly something that is easy to drop onto someone, especially when they are unstable like her.”

Twilight nodded, unsure of how to respond to that statement before pressing a button on her controller and focusing back at the screen of the television, with Sunset doing the same. Trying to focus on the game, Sunset tried to continue her story. “Anyways, she asked me to meet you all.”

Those words made Twilight pause the game and turn to Sunset, eyes filled with seriousness. “Are you sure that’s a good idea so soon?”

“She asked, I didn’t feel right telling her no. I’ll have to brief everyone before the meeting actually happens, but I think everyone will be nice enough to where it shouldn’t be a problem.” Sunset explained.

Twilight frowned. “Yes but… Our friends are great and all, but aren’t you worried that one of them will say something to upset her? They mean well but you have to admit that they are clearly curious about this girl and may have a slip of the tongue that could offend her.”

“Like I said, we’ll brief them before the meeting happens. I’m sure it’ll go fine, part of friendship is having confidence in your friends,” Sunset replied as she reached over and gave Twilight a gentle noogie, messing up her hair a bit. Twilight grunted but laughed and shrugged.

“I guess I still have a lot to learn…” Twilight smiled.

“That you do.” Sunset winked.

“I guess it’s a good thing I have such a good teacher,” Twilight praised.

Sunset didn’t speak, but Twilight could see a light blush of embarrassment upon her face, lighting up her otherwise very pale complexion.

Sunset sat next to her now apparent boyfriend as the two watched the ending of a rather strange film that Flash had taken them to. A lot of it was filled with human culture that Sunset didn’t quite understand so a good chunk of the plot didn’t make much sense to her, but she feigned understanding regardless and tried to follow along the little that she did understand. As the final scene played out and the credit began to roll, the entire theater started to light back up and people around the two were standing up.

Taking a stand himself, Flash offered his hand to the young girl. She accepted of course and he assisted her to a stand. A genuine smile appeared on his face as he spoke, “what’d you think?”

Sunset shrugged. “I didn’t really understand much, but I guess I really liked the part where the girl in the movie is taking care of her kids near the end instead of chasing after some stupid dream of hers.”

Flash raised a brow in confusion. “Why’s that? You don’t strike me as the motherly type.”

She shook her head not wanting to talk about it further. “Forget it, it’s nothing.”

He frowned and squeezed her hand. “You know you can tell me stuff, that’s sort of how this dating thing works. You trust in me, confide in me and I’m like a shoulder to cry on or something?”

She wrenched her hand away annoyed at the suggestion. “I don’t cry. Not today, not ever.”

Flash seemed confused at why she was getting so defensive. “I didn’t mean to upset you, but everyone cries. It’s a part of life…”

“Crying is for weaklings who can’t handle what’s thrown at them…” Sunset scoffed.

He approached cautiously and placed a hand upon her shoulder. “Is that what you think?”

“It’s what I know,” she insisted.

Flash frowned and shook his head before sighing and placing his other hand on Sunset’s other shoulder. He looked her deep in the eyes and smiled. “It’s okay to cry sometimes, Sunset. Holding everything in isn’t good for you. It’s not healthy and it leads to bad results.”

She grimaced and shrugged, just wanting this topic to be over. “I’ll take my chances.” She scoffed.

Deciding it was best to leave the subject alone, for now, he released her and placed his hands into his pockets and shrugged as well. “Still, I’m glad you enjoyed the movie.”

Sunset nodded. “Thank you for taking me…”

Preparations had been made as quickly as Sunset could manage. With her friends all gathered at the ice cream parlor, she felt this contained environment would be perfect for their first meeting with Shimmer. She had run everyone down what to expect and how to behave around her but decided it wasn’t a bad idea to squeeze in another refresher for some of the less attentive of her friends (specifically Rainbow Dash who never seemed to pay attention when instructions were given).

Rarity sat cross-legged as she sipped an iced coffee she had brought with her and smiled at Sunset who was a bit on the fidgety side at this point. “Darling, you can calm down. We've got this under control after all.” She attempted to calm Sunset.

Sunset frowned and shook her head. “I’m just nervous is all; now remember I need everyone on their best behavior. No magic, no talking about the Fall Formal, Camp Everfree, the Friendship Games, or… Any other weird in-explainable magic occurrence that seems to happen around us.”

Pinkie Pie blinked and looked up in thought with a hand on her chin before interjecting. “Wow… Magic stuff does happen to us a lot now that you mention it. We’re like magnets to magic or something… I guess you could say we’re Mage-Nets.”

Rainbow instantly facepalmed at Pinkie’s horrendous pun, the others just shook their head and tried to ignore it, knowing that acknowledging it would only be encouraging her. Sunset followed suit and tried not to snicker at how ridiculous it was.

Applejack was the only one to cave and comment, “really Pinkie? Really?”

Pinkie smirked and shrugged as she feigned innocence. “What?”

Instead of giving an answer to that, Applejack just shook her head in disappointment, trying to let the pain of the terrible pun pass through her.

“Either way, we should be fine,” Rainbow assured as she leaned back in her seat. The front legs of her chair lifted off the ground.

“I know, and it’s not that I don’t trust you guys it’s just… This girl has been through a lot, and I don’t want to add to that. She’s a really sweet person, and she spends her life held up in that house by herself… I feel like this is… Calling to me, you know?” Sunset tried to explain to the best of her ability, but felt she still wasn’t making sense.

“Ah' don’t follow…” Applejack tilted her head in confusion.

Sunset placed her hand on the table and leaned in to speak with her friends. “Ever since Princess Twilight left, she trusted me to learn about friendship, I feel like… This is somehow my next lesson; to teach friendship to someone else besides our Twilight. Granted, I was hoping the first time I had to do something like this it would be on a relatively easier target, but maybe that’s a sign that I’m more ready to do this than I think I am!”

Her friends all seemed to smile in unison at her newfound confidence. Fluttershy even clapped a bit. “If it means that much to you, we’ll be on our best behavior,” Fluttershy said.

Sunset nodded and smiled at her friends, for that moment she realized how lucky she was to have people like this in her life, all the more reason why she felt so inclined to share them with Shimmer.

Rarity poked her head up and peaked out a nearby window. “I assume that is her?” Rarity gestured to the window.

The entire group sat up and tried to get a view outside. In the parking lot, a very expensive Audi pulled up. The car shined with the sparkle of being freshly waxed. The car looked like it was kept in great shape, and Rarity could spot what appeared to be an obviously custom onboard computer through the windshield. Stepping outside was a slender girl in a cute black Summer dress speckled with white stars all over it. Taking off a pair of sunglasses, she tossed them into her car before shutting the door and pressing a button on her keys. The car beeped and locked as she adjusted herself and her purse.

Reaching into her purse, she retrieved a container of lip gloss and reapplied some as she gazed into a hand mirror. From far away it was hard to get a good look at her, but she was sporting a spaghetti strap dress and had her long thick hair tied in a rather large ponytail.

Closing the hand mirror she composed herself and approached the other side of the building to enter. The girls all quickly put themselves back in their seats and tried to act natural and not like they were just spying on her through the window.

As the door to the parlor opened and the bell rang, a few heads turned to the gorgeous creature standing at the entrance. A few whispers could be heard from some of the other patrons as Sunset raised a hand to wave her friend over to the group. Gently, Shimmer took a few steps forward in her open-toe heels. They weren’t the tallest of heels, but definitely enough to complete her look as an expensive and lavish one despite its simplicity.

On her neck was a familiar key that Sunset recognized from before. She surmised that Shimmer always wore it.

On her right wrist, a set of gold bangles clattered as she stepped, and a rose gold Apple Watch sat above them.

Up close it was clear she was almost an expert with makeup, as her eyeliner and mascara were done almost flawlessly. Her face didn’t seem to have a single imperfection, she was almost pretty enough to be a model. Resting on her nose was a very stylish pair of glasses. The girls were in awe at how just the subtle differences could make the girl they knew as Sunset look like a completely different person. As the two were close enough to speak, they could see their Sunset was only a hair taller and a little skinnier, but it was almost night and day.

Shimmer offered her hand to Sunset, who took it and pulled the girl in for a hug. A look of shock and confusion appeared on Shimmer’s face as she clearly wasn’t prepared for an embrace, but she slowly accepted it and patted Sunset’s back before being let go.

Sunset smiled as she took Shimmer’s hands in her own. “It’s nice to see you again, Shimmer.”

“Likewise…” Shimmer responded before adjusting her glasses.

“Well, let’s introduce you!” Sunset spoke excitedly.

“Yes… I suppose that’s in order…” Shimmer smiled sheepishly, clearly a bit nervous.

Turning Shimmer to face the table, she pointed to the girl with the vibrant multi-colored hair and introduced her. “This is Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow held up a hand as she leaned back in her seat, trying to look cool. “Sup?”

“A pleasure.” Shimmer bowed.

Rainbow blinked and chuckled at the gesture, but decided to leave it be.

Sunset moved on to the girl in the stetson in the group and pointed. “This is Applejack.”

“Howdy. Y’all can call me AJ if ya’ like.” Applejack winked.

Repeating her bow, she addressed AJ. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Applejack frowned and gave a dismissive hand gesture. “Whoa, whoa. No need for all that formal stuff.”

Shimmer shuffled awkwardly and nodded as she blushed a bit embarrassed at her poor social etiquette. “Yes… Of course… Sorry…”

“She’s not a very formal person,” Sunset explained as she placed a hand on Shimmer’s shoulder.

Pointing to the girl in the middle who had just finished perhaps her third chocolate shake, Sunset rolled her eyes. “The crazy one is Pinkie Pie.”

“Hey, Shimmer know why they call me Pinkie Pie?” The pink-haired girl grinned mischievously.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash quickly gave gestures trying to tell Shimmer not to answer that, already predicting where it would go. Shimmer ignored these gestures and raised a brow before asking, “why?”

As if she had been waiting all day to make this joke (which was very possible) she leaned back in her seat with a giant smirk as she answered. “Because there ain’t a Pie-ty like a Pinkie Pie-ty.”

The group collectively face-palmed, followed by Rainbow Dash letting out an audible groan.

Shimmer took a moment to think it over, not quite understanding. “I don’t get it…”

Pinkie Pie frowned and pouted. “I spent all morning planning that one out…” she grumbled.

“You’ll get used to it,” Sunset assured her friend before moving on.

“This girl here is Rarity, she also sort of doubles as our personal wardrobe manager.” Sunset teased.

Rarity rolled her eyes before leaning in with a smile. “Though I must admit, Miss Shimmer you certainly change the game for me. You’re absolutely gorgeous, and you have quite the fashion sense. Would you mind if I modeled some outfits on you at some point?”

Rarity was clearly already lost in a sea of ideas of what would look cute on Shimmer before Sunset snapped her fingers to bring her back to reality. “Earth to Rarity, let’s not overwhelm her.”

The fashionista pouted and attempted to act innocent. Shimmer smiled and nodded her head to answer Rarity before speaking, “I suppose I could do that. I have a personal tailor at my estate that takes care of my sizing and such. I can get my measurements from them for you.”

Those words put Rarity in awe. “A personal tailor! Oh darling, you certainly know how to live!”

Sunset nudged Shimmer in the direction of the remaining two girls, knowing the conversation with Rarity would never end if she didn’t intervene. “This one here is Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy waved meekly as she hid behind her long lavish hair. “Hello, Miss Shimmer. Do you like animals by chance?”

Shimmer smiled warmly and nodded. “I actually love animals. I donate to the animal shelter every year, though I do it anonymously.”

Fluttershy blinked and leaned in. “Wait… Every year we get a huge donation at the end of the year… That’s you?”

Shimmer blushed and played with a strand of her hair. “Yeah, don’t tell anyone okay?”

“I won’t say a word, but it’s so nice to meet another animal lover.” Fluttershy smiled.

“I’ve loved them since I got Moon. He’s my best friend.” Shimmer retrieved her iPhone from her purse and showed off a photo of her with her beloved German Sheppard. Fluttershy leaned in to get a good look almost squealing like a fangirl at the photo.

“He’s a cutie!” Fluttershy squealed.

With a roll of her eyes, Sunset gestured to the final girl at the table, the only one of her friends who wore glasses. “And this is Twilight.”

Unlike the others, Twilight stood and offered to shake Shimmer’s hand. Shimmer looked down at it awkwardly before taking it and giving a gentle shake with a sheepish smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Shimmer,” Twilight said with a bright grin.

Sunset rolled her eyes yet again and patted Twilight’s shoulder. “She’s sort of new to the whole friendship thing too. Also Twilight is a scientist like you, I’m sure you two will have plenty to talk about.”

“You’re a scientist?” Shimmer asked.

Twilight nodded. “Yup, what’s your field of interest?”

Shimmer adjusted her glasses. “I’m performing a series of very complex experimental ideals that are all relatively hush-hush stuff. If successful though, I hope to drastically change our understanding of the universe as we know it.”

Twilight leaned in, clearly a bit awestruck. “Fascinating… I can’t wait to read your publications!”

Shimmer grew a genuine smile and was glad that there was at least someone in this group she could talk about science with.

“So now that you’ve met the gang, I know this is a lot to take in at once, so feel free to ask any questions you may have.” Sunset sat in the booth with her friends, Shimmer pulling up a chair to sit at the end of the table with them.

She nodded with a smile. “And your friends are welcome to ask any questions they may have, likewise.”

Rainbow placed her hand upon the table and sat up. “I have a question actually,” she said.

“Yes?” Shimmer responded.

“How much was that sweet ride outside?” Rainbow asked.

Sunset quickly punched her friend’s shoulder at the rude question. “Rainbow!”

Shimmer giggled happily and dismissed Sunset’s alarm. “It’s alright. And to answer your question, I don’t really fully know. My father bought it for me as a present when I was young, I didn’t get to drive it right away, he got excited for my sixteenth birthday a few years too early, but I know it was custom made.”

“So exactly how rich are you?” Rainbow followed up, which landed her another punch in the shoulder, this time from Applejack on her other side.

“Rainbow, seriously that’s not a polite question to ask!” Applejack scolded.

“It’s alright. While I can’t give exact numbers, because the answer is more complex than that, all I can accurately state is that I have never and probably will never concern myself over finances ever. Truthfully, my financial advisor handles my stocks, taxes, and such. So I don’t really pay attention to exact numbers, somewhere in the millions I know though, I'd have to look it up,” Shimmer explained.

“I’ve always dreamed of the high-class lifestyle…” Rarity admitted, trying to turn the awkward subject into perhaps and approachable one.

Shimmer frowned. “It’s not all it’s cranked up to be really… Truthfully I don’t really have much class so to speak. I don’t really attempt to go to any country clubs or anything like that, and I spend most of my time at home…”

Rarity frowned. “Well, we simply must take you out then!”

Shimmer felt a smile grow upon her face and nodded.

Twilight reached forward and placed a hand upon Shimmer’s clearly trying to be comforting. Shimmer looked down at the touch and then met Twilight’s guilty eyes. Twilight grew an expression of concern and spoke softly, “if we do anything that upsets you, please let us know. We don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

Shimmer made an awkward face and sighed as she looked at the group. She ultimately decided it was best to get this topic out of the way as she knew the group would be walking on eggshells around her if it didn’t get discussed early in. “Alright… Let’s just get this topic out of the way as I’m sure everyone here knows about it…” She began.

“Whatever do you mean?” Rarity asked, clearly trying to feign innocence.

“I think you all know what I mean. While I appreciate trying to be sensitive about it, let’s just get it out in the open so we don’t have to talk about it after this, yes… My parents were murdered. It’s out there, I know it’s on the internet and it’s something a lot of people know about. We can’t just pretend it isn’t there, so let’s just get it out in the open. I am not going to expect anything out of anyone about it. Let’s just not talk about it after this and we’ll all get along just fine.” She smiled, hoping this would silence the subject.

Twilight leaned back and removed her hand, clearly a little embarrassed that she had indirectly brought it up as she nodded. “Sorry… I didn’t mean to…”

“It’s fine. I’m not mad, trust me.” Shimmer winked at Twilight.

Twilight nodded and tried to force a smile back upon her face.

“So tell me about yourselves, I think we’ve heard enough about me,” Shimmer stated, trying to calm the atmosphere.

The next few hours were spent in conversations between the friends. Shimmer learned of their hobbies, the school they went to, how they met and much more. She shared a few anecdotes about her own life, and the room was filled with laughter, smiles and the occasional joke. For those hours, Shimmer felt a genuine sense of happiness overtake her, a feeling of belonging, a feeling she had forgotten for so long. It felt good to feel accepted for a change.

With a yawn, the young Shimmer stumbled her way down the stairs, followed by her faithful puppy companion, who had just finished snuggling up with his master the entire night. Clinging close to her, her dog barked affectionately as the two reached the bottom of the stairs and made their way into the kitchen.

Shimmer rubbed her eyes and yawned as her father’s face lit up with glee as he looked to his daughter. Tilting her head in confusion, Shimmer peered over at her mother who did the same. The two approached and her father lifted her off the ground and brought her into a sudden hug without warning.

She grunted as she was squeezed, still quite confused. “Good morning?”

Her father set her down and smiled yet again. “We just got the mail, and your school sent us an interesting letter…”

Shimmer blinked. She had been being homeschooled for some time now, so it was odd that the school would have anything to say about her.

“You made the honor roll,” her mother chimed in with a grin, clearly too excited to contain herself.

“Oh cool!” Shimmer smiled, not quite expecting such a letter this morning. She knew she was doing well in school, but no idea this well.

Her father smiled and winked. “We’re very proud of you, Sunset. You’re taking your studies seriously, and that’s why me and your mother decided you could use a break and thus why we are going on vacation. You said you wanted to visit Europe again…”

This time Shimmer leaped into her father’s embrace happily. “THANK YOU, DADDY!”

He chuckled and ruffled her messy hair before kissing her forehead. “How did we get so blessed as to have such a wonderful child?”

“She takes after me, clearly,” her mother joked as she puffed out her chest with a little of false pride.

Shimmer found herself giggling at that comment, which caused her father to roll his eyes and set her down on the ground. “Either way, we are leaving tonight. I already got our flight set up, so go pack your things.”

Her mother rolled her eyes this time and placed a hand upon her husband’s shoulder. “Darling, we should probably let the girl have some breakfast first.”

Her father laughed and nodded. “Yes, sorry. I guess I’m a little excited myself. Let’s eat together and then we’ll pack things up and head out!”

Moon barked and wagged his tail, causing Shimmer to pick him up off the ground and hold him facing her father. Shimmer plead with puppy eyes along with Moon who did the same as she held him. “Can Moon come with us?”

Looking to the dog for a moment and then to Shimmer, her father approached and petted Moon atop the head, which enticed another playful bark from him. “Yes of course. After all, he is a part of the family isn’t he?”

Shimmer hugged her dog and nodded. “Thanks, daddy. I love you guys.” Shimmer smiled brightly.

Her mother returned the smile. “Likewise, darling. We truly are a very blessed family, to have this much happiness. I don’t know what we did to deserve it, but I am thankful for sure.”

“Me as well,” her father chimed in.

Shimmer smiled and moved in for a group hug with her family. During the embrace, she couldn’t help but feel that this moment was perfect.

Parking her car, Shimmer stepped outside and up to her home. It was rather late, as she had stayed out later than she had planned with Sunset’s friends. She was having such a good time, that time escaped her and before she knew it, it was closing time for the parlor they were meeting in. She said her goodbyes and took her leave around 9 PM. Making a quick stop to put gas in her car and grab herself a drink, she managed to get home by 9:30, far later than she had originally planned.

Still, she had such a good time, she couldn’t remember the last time she had such fun with other people.

She looked up at the house and remembered when she was young thinking about how huge their place was. Nowadays she always thought little of it, but back then this place seemed like it was almost endless. There were tons of rooms that she would forget what they looked like as she would not even step foot in them for months. She recalled not being allowed in her father’s wine cellar but one day sneaking in when he wasn’t looking, only to be frightened by a large spider and running out before she ever really got a good look.

Stepping inside, she gave a whistle that echoed throughout the empty mansion, it could be heard in perhaps the farthest reaches of the house, even in the rooms that Shimmer herself had not stepped into in months. “Moon? Here boy!”

On cue, the clumsy dog raced down the stairs and leaped into Shimmer’s arms, clearly not realizing he was far too large to be doing so. Shimmer didn’t mind though, as she petted him and rubbed behind his ears. “How’s mommy’s little man? Have you been good?"

The dog barked repeatedly in response. “That’s a good boy. You wanna join mommy in the lab?” She asked.

Moon barked again and licked her face. “Okay okay, let’s go then. You’re the best lab assistant ever.” He truly was too, despite being a clumsy dog; Moon knew to be extra careful in the lab and had never once broken a piece of equipment. She had trained him well, though she had plenty of free time to do so for quite a while when she was younger. Moon almost never left her side, and she was determined to keep it that way, even when she was in the lab.

Letting the dog onto the floor, Sunset made her way to the living room first to grab her lab coat where she left it. She paused for a moment though as she stared at the room. Silence overtook her as she tried to block out memories of this place and shook her head, Moon whimpering clearly capable of telling something was bothering her. She dismissed those thoughts and petted his head. “Sorry, mommy was just spacing out.” She assured the dog.

Grabbing her coat, she threw it on and made her way upstairs. Retrieving her lab key from her pocket she unlocked the door. While she knew none of the cleaning staff that came every week would enter her lab without permission, she was still a little paranoid about her experiments, on top of the fact that she kept her video diary in this place.

The computer was still on as she sat down in front of it, bringing it out of sleep mode as she adjusted herself in front of the camera. With a quick adjustment of her glasses, she fiddled with the focus of the camera before being satisfied. She took a deep breath before speaking to the computer again for yet another video log.

She cleared her throat and spoke, “this isn’t my normal format for these video logs, I apologize. Emotion is getting the better of me, and sort making it hard to be logical right now. So bear with me.”

She sighed and found herself actually smiling for once in one of these videos as she continued, “as you may know by now, my name is Sunset Shimmer, or as of recently just Shimmer. I spoke before of meeting another me from another universe, well this meeting has proven to be a huge breakthrough in my research. New possibilities have opened up to me, and I am thinking about this all like I never have before. I’m considering possibilities I never thought possible, this could be the breakthrough I needed…”

Shimmer paused and coughed. “Ahem… Sorry, I was trailing off, I’m just really excited I guess, but that’s not the point of this log though. Today I met with her friends, we spoke of many different things, and while they’re an eccentric bunch, they are actually quite sweet. I feel like they might actually legitimately like me. Strange I know, if you’ve been following my life thus far you’ll find I’m not the most likable person out there.”

Realizing she was trailing off again, she adjusted herself in her seat and tried to focus back onto the relevant topic at hand. “Anyways, I feel somehow like I fit in with this bunch, I’m… Happy actually… I haven’t felt this way since mom and dad died really… Like, I missed this feeling. It’s all thanks to Sunset though, it’s strange… We are going under the ruse of her being my twin sister, but I kind of always wanted a sister. I don’t know about her though, truthfully I know very little about her upbringing except she went to boarding school… I know she is somehow a talking pony in her universe, weird when you say it out loud and I know as a scientist I should only listen to statements proven by facts but I… I believe her…”

A part of Shimmer felt a little embarrassed that as a scientist she could get herself to believe such a strange thing without any real proof. “I… I trust Sunset… While I am cautious about her friends, I want to believe they share her values. I want to trust them too… Maybe socializing will be good for me? My mother always worried that I spent too long up in my room, and they always seemed concerned about pulling me out of school and not socializing with other kids. However I never really cared about that growing up.”

Moon leaped into her lap with a thud, causing her to grunt, before hugging the dog and continuing. “Either way, I remain cautiously optimistic. I just wish mom and dad could see me now. I wonder if they’d be proud of me…”

With a sigh, she smiled, dismissing those thoughts. “Anyways, this is Sunset Shimmer, signing out.”

With that, she clicked the button to end the recording and kissed her dog’s forehead affectionately.

It's been a stressful week for me. Struggling to get by is hard sometimes and kills motivation, but I managed. Anyways, enough of me complaining. Thanks to those who have been here since the beginning. Stay tuned for more. We're officially about halfway through Act I.

Behind the scenes: One of the original ideas actually had Shimmer as a male version of Sunset.