It took several seconds to identify that something was wrong with the smile Sunset was irradiating, it was only when she made it half way to her and the unconscious Applejack that the alarms in her head went full force.

" What do we have here? ". Asked the corrupted Rainboom, evil grin still in her face, Aria saw some resemblance to Adagio which give her worst feelings. Fearing for what she could do she let Applejack drop back to the ground while keeping her eyes set on Sunset. There was little light except for the one coming from the vehicles and the one from Gloriosa's body but she could still distinguish the red skin and the glowing eyes. Now remembering the other threat to the north Aria's head whipped in that direction and found the transformed woman staring back to where she threw the other siren which was in itself very impressive and terrifying.

" What's up with the red skin Shimmer? Got a rash from not having sweet love in so long? ". Aria asked with the intention of provoking Sunset and see her reaction, when all she did was keep smiling she knew for sure now that she wasn't going to help her, reason to why she didn't felt for her next trick.

" Sure I'll help you ". Sunset stepped closer but Aria shot first before the redhead could make her move, Sunset was surprised but after her encounter with the other three Sunset was more prepared. A shield blocked the blast from Aria but the blue siren didn't let that distract her for long so she kept blasting her away.

" Whoa there! That's how you greet a friend? ". Asked Sunset after jumping for cover, while her shield didn't have trouble blocking the weak blast from Aria she still didn't know how many enemies she was fighting in total.

" I don't have friends with red skin or bipolar disorder! ". Aria yelled as she blasted at her hiding spot. When Sunset was out of view she dragged Applejack away from the line of fire hoping to get real reinforcements soon.

At the other side, the recently awaken Gaea watched the river bellow. She could feel something familiar lurking under the water, two things actually, she could feel the flow of magic going and coming, which she deducted was the reason of her reawakening, that and the strong magic imprint left on her human host, while the identity of the being know as Gaea Everfree was invented, the alter ego created from the stress and desperation was as real as the woman herself.

The other creature moved, stronger, more dangerous. From the river a green snake like monster rose, shinny scales protected her hide and a blood red mane and eyes adorned her face, fins could be easily distinguished in her back and arms, the horse siren was even bigger and more imposing that when Adagio transformed.

Gaea let out a small hiss of annoyance and Emerald spoke to her. " Petulant little sheep, you have forced me to go all out! Now, you better let me enjoy myself! ". The siren roared and a powerful sonic wave hit Gaea like a truck sending her flying, several vines and roots sprout out to defend her forming a barrier between her and the attacker while others created a net to catch her and avoid further damage.

Emerald submerged her body once more and went to the other side bypassing the plant barrier, on the other side she emerged once more to resume her attack but Gaea had been ready and send her vines to lash and whip at the siren as soon as her body emerged. Several green ropes found their mark but the siren shrugged off the attack and moved like a true snake in land and almost reached her enemy but the roots of trees acted against her to size her, still, the siren drew air and blew another sonic attack but now it was Gaea who withstood the attack and countered with shot at her mouth with a powerful blast of magic.

Emerald managed to shot her mouth close but the blast still hurt her, she trashed to get free but the vines coiled even more trying to squeeze her insides, her entire body felt exquisite pain everywhere the vines constricted her but this only fueled her sadistic nature and thirst for retribution. Focusing in her body her scales shifted becoming sharp like hot knives, her muscles flexed and relaxed at great speed creating a vibration similar to a chainsaw, in seconds the vines were cut to ribbons and the siren was free once more. Her eyes quickly found a small dome formed by the plants where she suspected Gaea was hiding. " Come out little sheep, there's no place where you can hide from me! ".

The siren moved with haste and coiled her body around the little dome and used the same move to cut through the vines protecting her foe. " Got you now! ". She was almost done when sharp pain cursed every part of her body that was touching the dome, she quickly removed her body to find her scales jagged and broken, she didn't understood what got them like that until she saw that the vine dome was gone but under it was now one made with sharp rocks.

From inside the rock dome came Gaea's voice. " You though that only plants are at my command? Nature is everything and everywhere, even the earth itself! ".

" Not bad, not bad at all for a human, but let's see how well your little plants and stones deal with this ". Sucking more air Emerald let out another powerful sound wave directed at the Rock bunker, the blast didn't do much first but little by little the dome begun to crack.

Back with the others, Aria and Sunset were still exchanging blast after blast, Aria tried to keep her distance but Sunset wasn't been held back by an unconscious girl. " Seriously Apple, you have to lose some muscle after this! ". Another blast came close to hit her but now Aria didn't have any cover left, she was now in the tail of the truck while Sunset was in the front part, the situation was getting more desperate and under such pressure Aria normally cracked but like last time while fighting Adagio, the possibility of been separated from Cheerilee made her shake her fear off.

" Alright Shimmer, you want a fight? Then a fight I'll give you, just don't go crying with Mama Celestia after I kick your ass! ".

" My what? ". Sunset actually asked shocked. From behind her cover Aria rushed to meet Sunset, Sunset blasted at her scoring a good hit but in return the redhead was spearheaded across the middle, the sudden tackle let her gulping for air but Aria wasn't done, with the advantage of been on top she pushed her opponent down using her own body.

" Ugh! Get off of me bitch! ". Sunset hissed.

" In your dreams hussy, I'm ending this catfight right now ".

" How, you can't use your hands idiot! ". Aria didn't answer back, instead she just smiled and took a deep breath, then she let out a mighty cry at point blank.

INSIDE SUNSET'S MIND...

Sunset felt for a few seconds a weird vibration, watching her surrounding she saw that only she felt it as nothing else moved or reacted to it, she waited until it stopped, then her eyes went back to the conversation in front of her.

" I-I don't think this is a good idea, is too soon! The school is in the middle of celebrating a huge event and I'm participating, besides, you don't even know the names of my classmates or the teachers very well yet, if enough people find your actions out of character it may trigger something bad! ". Young Sunset protested.

" Relax horse girl, is just for one day, besides, I have to do it sooner or later, is better if I make a mistake since you can fix it the next day and I have to put names on the faces you know? ". Abigail responded as she tried a third pair of clothes for the upcoming day of school, she wanted to attend the next day despite still not knowing squat about Canterlot High. She also acted like she didn't care what she may cause if she did mistakes, in overall, she was underestimating the whole situation.

" Fine! But you better not mess around too much or it's gonna be harder to fix later! ".
Abigail fixed her with a cold stare but in order to not have a larger debacle before her debut she dropped the subject. Instead, she stomped her way to the kitchen, near the small sink she found a nice looking gift basket full with red and golden delicious looking apples as well as other fruits of th same quality, her mouth watered watching such delicious looking products.

She took a red apple and tried to guess the type of Apple but she couldn't. " Is a macintosh, the family I told you before gave it to me for the new apartment ". Sunset said as she walked over and took the same kind of apple, she then enacted a little ritual, she took the apple gently and took a soft bite off, she then smiled and held the small Apple as if it was sacred, Abigail noted everything with curiosity, she even saw as the cheeks of her copy became pink with an heated emotion which Abigail took as a clue as to how special the gift was.

Sunset felt bit of silly jealousy watching as her younger self crushing with the man that would become her boyfriend and lover, while she knew perfectly well she did had her own period of being the new girlfriend but hers was in some way tainted by her previous failure with Flash Sentry.

Her mind did got the chance to think about this further as the world dissolved once more to show her the next day, the day when Abigail first entered the school impersonating herself or more precisely, impersonating pony Sunset.

Sunset followed her as she made her to the entrance. Abigail walked like normal, she threw some salutations here and there, nothing over the top or that implied closeness,
the girl acted with confidence making her way in the exact direction where her locker was, and here was the first test for her relocation, her locker was next to Rarity's.

The future fashionista was applying makeup before heading to her class, at sight of her Abigail actually stopped for a bit, she seemed to consider her self introduction which would not include an actual introduction, the flow of students started to force her forward but she regained her confidence before been pushed or called out, she did it next to Rarity.

" Morning ". Abigail said as she took off her backpack and placed it inside. She then observed her schedule taped to the back of the door to see her next class.

" Pristine morning to you too Sunset, I heard that you have your own place now, is it far? ". Rarity asked as she checked and double checked her face for imperfections in her makeup.

Abigail tensed a little but her words carried no turmoil. " Yeah, I needed some independence, and no, it's not far, why? You wanna come? ". Abigail turned to the girl who finished in time as the bell ringed. Her expression turned curious, as if something didn't seemed right. " No darling, maybe some other time, I imagine that you still have some unpacking and remodeling to do but once your finished I'll love to go and give you some pointers, why, I have some ideas to turn your new apartment into your own personal heaven! ". Rarity smiled as she thought of the intricate ways to turn her new home more chik as she called it instead of cool.

" So, you want to go only when the heavy lifting is over? ". Abigail asked with both surprise and accusation mixed, not knowing how Rarity was she jumped to the conclusion that Rarity was probably just a selfish girl that wouldn't offer help when asked.

" Of course not darling, while I may not look like I have my fair share of heavy task that I go through the day, but creativity is where I shine the most, just let me know when you want my hands and eyes and I'll be there ". Rarity offered, not taking the accusation as an insult.

Abigail watched her with curiosity but decided to cut the politely before getting late to her class. " Hm, fine, I'll let you know, see ya! ".

" Until later darling! ". Both girls went their ways as they didn't have the same class but Rarity turned around with a curious look, Abigail didn't noticed but Sunset did was it.

" Not so good in impersonating me, are you? ".

Sunset went after Abigail expecting another encounter that would throw her off balance but the next two classes weren't much of a challenge for the redhead human.
That said, the third one threw her at the clutches of honest Applejack.

Abigail sat in front of her without much of a word, the blonde lifted an eyebrow in curiosity but didn't called her on to that, the class went on until the teacher was called somewhere else for a moment, it was when Applejack decided to have a go with Abigail. " Heya there Sunset, haven't seen ya 'round the farm in a while now, everythin' ok? ".

Abigail tensed again, this time been a little less controlled. " He-hey there, I'm, I have a few things that I'm taking care of, nothing to fuzz about Jac-queline? ".

Again Abigail committed another mistake just like young Sunset warned her, Applejack's reaction was small, a simple wide eye and maybe a bit of annoyance but that lasted too little and the teacher returned saving Abigail from further questions, however that was the second strike in a short time frame, and it was having an effect on Abigail. As the period was coming to an end Abigail tried to take her things and leave without more questions but Applejack didn't let her go so easily. " So anyway, got anythin' prepared yet for that dang show Rainbow got us into? ".

The next classes got easy for Abigail giving her some respite, but soon the test of fire would come, the ultimate challenge, Lunch break. First it was Granny Smith, as Abigail passed in front of her to gather her lunch the old woman started rambling. " Heya dearie, hear from mah girl that ya left the nest kinda in a hurry there, everythin' alright with ya? ".

Abigail was caught off guard, she probably suspected Sunset to have a done just a few connections and mostly with people her age, plus young Sunset never mentioned Granny in specific as working in the school cafeteria. " I, I just felt like it, ok? God! ". Abigail hurried to grab the food she wanted and get away from the woman, her guard was falling faster that Pinkie's confetti and every time her reason to leave Celestia came into question she was getting more and more annoyed.

With her appetite almost gone Abigail munched in the hotdog she grabbed with fury, she gulped down all of it and advanced to a turkey sandwich which suffered the same fate. She just started to relax slightly when steps were heard approaching her spot. Already expecting another interruption she growled. " What now? Can't you see I'm in middle of lunch?! ".

She turned to find not one but two of Sunset's future friends, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. " Wow, so it was true, you're almost spitting fire there ".

" I-if your busy we-we can come ba-! ". The pink haired girl didn't got to finish as her friend sat and then pulled her along to seat down as well.

" No can do Shimmer, Granny send us to deliver this tray to you ". Dash placed a second tray in front of her. Abigail observed the new food with confusion. " She told me that you picked food that you normally don't do, she thinks that you probably didn't felt well and took it by mistake ". Rainbow explained.

Sunset broke off in laughs as Abigail's facade kept falling apart, it seemed impossible that every single detail that could go wrong would go wrong but it was what this hidden memory was showing her, her younger self warned her about how hard could be to try and force her new appearance and it turned out to be the true, not only because of Abigail's overconfidence but also because the people surrounding her did care for her, Granny Smith sending her the food she had seen her pick was a clear example.

" Just... just leave me alone! ". Sunset was shocked along the rest of the cafeteria as she exploded verbally and left the area in rage. Sunset shook her head and followed quickly, it didn't took long to find her but then Abigail broke in to a run toward the main entrance.

" Is she gonna run away? ".

Abigail passed through the door only to crash into someone, Sunset heard her land hard and then curse the poor chum that collided with her. " Sorry there Sugarcube, lemme help ya up ".

" Oh no! No no no! Why Mac, why you of all people! ".

Sunset ran to catch up and when she did she found what she feared. Big Mac helped Abigail up but as soon as she was up she removed her hand harshly. " Watch it you idiot! Why the hell do you walk without watching where are you going? Didn't your parents teach you? ". Sunset's hearth wrinkled as Abigail insulted her boyfriend and even using her parents to do so, to watch as Mac's face contorted in a painful scowl by the words of someone with her face was almost as horrible as if she had done it herself.

" What? Don't tell me they didn't even teach you to speak! ". Abigail continued with her rant. Mac truly seemed taken aback by the insults, most likely because of who was throwing them at him, but true as well to his chivalrous nature he regained his composure.

" Pardon Miss, mah parents did teach me those things, but they also thought me not mistreat a lady, even if she's askin' for it, so ya better be on yer way and ah'll be on mine ". Big Mac looked at her one final time, his face set in granite, then he made it inside the school while Abigail walked away from school.

Sunset felt the urgent need to go and hug Mac and ask for forgiveness, even if she wasn't responsible for what happened, but she couldn't she had to figure out the true of this memory, so she opted for following after Abigail.

It wasn't a surprise to see her making her way back to the apartment, there she found young Sunset carefully putting her most precious possessions from this world inside a bag. When she saw the human girl enter in a hurry and slam the door shot she knew bad things were happening. " Idiots! All of them! Can't they just do their fucking things without asking and nagging and asking again? Fuck! ".

" Wha-what happened? ". Sunset asked preoccupied.

" Don't you start too! ". Abigail digged into her small pile of clothes and took a few of them. " I'll take a shower! And if you ask again, I'll fucking punch you! ".

Sunset didn't understood what happened, but she knew it was bad, bad enough for her to come back and drop school. Fearing for the worst Sunset waited until Abigail came out and see if she would explain what happened, it took a while but she eventually did and after yelling the whole ordeal Sunset had a slight hope that she would accept this as a sign for retreat and look for another solution, one that may let Sunset stay even if a bit longer, but it turned for the worst.

" Did you prepared this? Tell me, have you told anyone about me? About us? Have you been back stabbing me? ". Abigail accused her. " If you are you better stop, what do you think is going to happen when they discover there's two Sunsets, hm? Do you think they're gonna by the old ' she's my twin' bullshit?! Hm? Do you? ".

" I haven't done anything of what you accuse me! Even if I wanted to what would I win doing it? I would just end up exposing myself! ". Sunset yelled back, her repressed fear for her identity finally boiling over the point she couldn't contained anymore.

She and Abigail engaged in a staring contest for what felt like an hour until Abigail finally gave up with a huff and turned away. " Whatever, just don't do stuff at my back".
Abigail went to the bed and dropped on it like a spoiled child, she then extended her body to take the whole area, an indication that she was going to used all to herself, not like Sunset wanted to share it right now,

Young Sunset didn't want to stay near her so she took her wallet and keys and walked to the door. " Where are you going? You're not planning to go back are you? ".

" Well? I wasn't planning to go there, but what if things stay like this? Won't it be harder to try and fix things tomorrow? I can go and-! ".

" No, there's nothing to be fixed, if those idiots back there can't shot their mouths about how I'm acting then they better get use to it, you're not going back there anymore, ever ".

" What? But what about the plan? We agreed that I would stay until you got the hang of it and that I could help Applejack with the contest! ". Young Sunset protested.

" Well obviously we have to change that, it was you who got into that mess, not me, and I don't want to help anyone, I can hardly focus on my own stuff as it is, so forget about this nonsense, instead you better hurry and prepare your stuff to leave as soon as possible ".

" Yeah? And how exactly are you expect me to go back to Equestria, the portal I used is still closed and you won't tell me where the other one is! ".

" I told you that I will take you there when we get everything ready here, until then we have to make do with each other! ". The room felt into silence with both girls holding their tongues back from lashing in insults. After the silence could extend further Sunset opened the door. " Hey! ". Yelled Abigail, jumping from the bed.

" I'm not going back to school, I'm just gonna go for a walk, if you don't trust me you can come, I don't care ". Sunset heard Abigail just huffing and going back to bed, just as she expected. Not waiting anymore she left the apartment with her emotions Juan about to blow, if someone were to bump into her in the way she would end up exploding in a weird mix of cries and yells, luckily, it didn't happened, she made it to the park in the center of the city where she looked for a hidden spot where she could be alone and out of view, she. She found one she sat there in the ground, her back pressed against a small concrete wall that served as a division between that area and some public restrooms.

Finally, away from everything and everyone she let her tears escape, she couldn't believe that it was going to be over, even if she didn't wanted at the beginning she had found a place where she felt welcomed, been Celestia's apprentice even with all its commodities and the things she learned couldn't compare, Princess Celestia was an incredible mentor and a caring guardian but there was just a few interactions between them that felt more than just teacher and appreciate, the main proof was when she reduced her time with Sunset to start with her new protege. With Principal Celestia every action and question she did for and to her carried warm and affection, first for her supposed condition of becoming orphaned and then for wanting to take her as her own, and she didn't only wanted to be loved but to love back, young Sunset didn't know her mother, but she wished for Celestia to become it.

Then there was the others, the few friends she had made, while she didn't click with them completely and sometimes they even seemed annoying she felt that they were genuinely trying to become friends with her, Applejack was straight honest, Rainbow seemed like someone who would stick her neck for you, Pinkie was a bit too energetic but she carried good vibes with her just as much, Fluttershy was always considered of other's feelings even if she had to sit back and be quiet, and Rarity was snoobish but she also wanted to spread her hand to those that would look for help, they were great humans that Sunset knew she could find true friendship if she got to know them better.

Then there was Big Mac, his presence alone made Sunset felt elated a d nervous at the same time, like a goosebump of anticipation, his maturity and the way he treated her like a mature girl made her wanting to converse more and more, he made her smile so easily and without been too silly, he was a good listener and always had one or more tips that really helped, but more importantly, Sunset realize that she wanted something more personal, he was dedicated to her whenever they talked but Sunset wanted to feel closer, wanted a spot special for her in him. Unfortunately that spot was been reserved for Luna and just remembering renew Sunset against the pool of sadness that grew bigger with every second.

Old Sunset felt the need to hug her younger version, while she knew that this moment passed already it was still shocking to relive it, it made her realize just how much of her life was blank thank to those damned stones, she hated them and whoever came with the idea of creating such despicable artifact, and apparently Fate was enjoying itself watching her rage as the image changed once more.

She witnessed as Last Sunset entered the apartment, ready to ignore or confront Abigail if she was looking for a fight. " I kept my promise, if you were wondering ". She said as she saw Abigail seating in bed waiting for her apparently.

" It ok, don't worry about it anymore ". Her words were said with such honest disregard, so much so that both Sunsets stuttered, her voice carried no vile or anger, matter of fact it sounded so friendly she couldn't believe it and thought she heard wrong. " Excuse me? ".

Abigail rolled her eyes and got up from the bed. " I'm saying that I don't mind anymore, keep going going to school, I'll be going out of going away for a bit so you can have my place back for a while, any objections? ".

" No objections but questions, where is she going? Is she going back to Equestria? ".
" Bu-but- why? ". Young Sunset asked still not believing her change of heart.

" Nothing big really, I just wanted to think things better, today was kind of like a waking call about how I'm taking things too fast, you warned me and I didn't listen and look how I end up ".

" Are you, are you giving up on getting your life back? ". Sunset asked somehow still hoping for a miracle.

" No, not completely, but I want time to clear up my head and tackle this problem with a clear head, isn't that enough of a reason? ". Abigail asked a bit defensive. " Unless you think I ha e to keep going like right now ". She asked faking doubt.

" No! I mean, you, you're right, you should take your time, but, when do you think of coming back, I mean, to be ready you know ". Sunset asked.
" Don't know for sure but maybe I'll be gone for a month or something, enough time so that you can have your little school event, right? ".

" Ye-yes, it is ".

" Good, see, I'm not bad girl, and sorry to for getting crazy ok? No hard feeling ".

" No hard feelings my ass! You're manipulating her, me... us! ".

" Good then, I'll leave tomorrow morning, I'm gonna need a goodnight sleep so hope you don't mind me using the whole bed, no? Good, see ya ". Not waiting for an answer or more questions Abigail hopped in bed and just like she said, she took the whole bed.

Young Sunset waited a bit before moving to where the table was, she sat there and her brain soon started making up the new situation, she was happy, even if it was just a temporary happiness, but it was happiness nevertheless. She would have more time to spend with the humans but she first needed to fix what Abigail damaged today. She spend a good few hours thinking in how to say sorry to each person Abigail crossed paths with, it was going to be awkward and down right embarrassing but she didn't care how much, she was just happy she was getting the chance to do it. Her biggest challenge would be Big Mac, just thinking in how Abigail insulted him made her grind her teeth at the sleeping form under the sheets, she wasn't looking forward to see him but she was at the same time.

The world dissolved once more showing the next day in school for Sunset. As she expected the day started off with people throwing her younger version the looks one would a mad woman, still she pressed on, as she made it to the first classes she started approaching the younger Rainbooms, apologizing as she met them, it was probably the fact that they weren't so close yet that they took her excuses as something odd but forgivable.

" That's ok dear, we all have a few days like that, you should see Applejack when she gets one of those, completely barbarian! ".

" What? That was just one time Rarity and ah already apologized enough, and what 'bout ya? Ya forgot that time ya were cryin' cuz ya got ya ' ya know what in ya know what month' and for red stai-mmmh! ". The intimate tale was cut short as Rarity stamped her hand over friend's mouth.

" Darling? Finish that and I'll finish you, got it? ". Rarity said with a smile that would freeze even Discord.

" Not cool Applejack ". Said Rainbow.

" Again, sorry girls, I really mean it ". Sunset said sincerely.

" Well, ah really don't mind those things that much, but ya better apologize to Granny, she said she was ok but ah know she must have felt a tip bad there ".

" I will Applejack, and with Big Mac too ".

" Mah brother? Did ya run into him too? ".

" Kind of, bu-but- I'll talk to him too, I promise ".

" Miss Sunset Shimmer, Miss Sunset Shimmer, please present yourself at the Principal's office as soon as possible! ".

" Yikes! Looks like you're gonna get an earful from Miss Regal ". Said Rainbow as she winced ".

" Or from Miss Luna ". Said Rarity.

" Double yikes! ". Rainbow said again.

" I deserve it, ok girls, I'll meet with you for lunch ". The girls went back to their classes while Sunset marched toward the Celestia's office. As she got closer the door she worked the words she would use in her head the door bursted open, Luna walked out, a scowl in her face. " I'm here for-! ".

" Inside girl, you're in hot water right now ". Sunset nodded and walked pass her. Sunset did enter and inside Celestia was with her back to her, she had some papers in hand that she was checking again and again while Sunset was there, she didn't even turned when she entered.

" Seat ". Was all she said to Sunset, both girls could feel the edge in her tone.

" Yes, thank you Principal ". Sunset waited for Celestia to do something else or ask for her actions from yesterday, after all, she was her guardian so she would be upset that Sunset didn't only caused troubles but also that she left school grounds without a proper explanation.

After a good while with no dialogue whatsoever Sunset started. " I'm sorry for my behavior yesterday, I was under stress and didn't took it well, but I'll have the homework I missed ready before leaving and I will apologize to everyone I troubled ".
Celestia continued doing nothing but to check those papers of her. " I-in fact, I have already said sorry to the girls for my misshapen and I will keep until I cover everyone!".

Sunset didn't expected Celestia to praise her for fixing her bad behavior of course, she expected her to scold her, to give her an earful for the bad things she have done recently, to be mad and ask why was she acting the way she was acting, something, anything, a reaction, but she offer none, in fact she didn't turn during the whole thing, she just kept shuffling the paper in her hands and talked with little emotions behind.

" Hm, I see, normally those actions would be punished with removal from the contest but since this is your first mayor infraction I'll let you go as long as you finish your endeavor of apologizing, remember also that you agreed to cooperate with the arrangements for the Fall Formal, you still have that to take care of, apart from that you'll have a one hour lecture after class with the Vice-Principal Luna. Understood? ".
Sunset only nodded still feeling like something was wrong with her guardian. " Then that should be all, go back to your class ".

" Ok ". Sunset gave her a small confirmation, and got up, as she turned around to open the door Celestia spoke again.

" Sunset... I... hm, never mind, proceed ". Sunset heart broke another bit more, crestfallen, she left, but older Sunset remained feeling almost as her younger version, she saw as Celestia turned around and let the paper she was so carefully and methodically inspecting on top of her desk, adoption papers.

Sunset felt another dosis of pain passing through her, her journey to the true was becoming more and more depressing with every new bit she learned, first learning the horrible true Celestia had kept hidden, now it was the agonizing last days of her life in the human world before turning evil, every new piece of the puzzle carved a new scar on her self awareness and confidence, from a very young age she was been manipulated by others into becoming or doing what they wanted, she didn't know how long could she kept from braking down again.

She wanted time to regain her will but she wasn't in control of that here as the scenario changed yet again, this time both Sunsets we're back at Sweet Apple Acres, young Sunset was near the entrance to the farm nervously making a hole in the ground with the tip of her shoe, all the while she practiced her apologies to the last person in her list, Big Mac. Surprisingly, all the others weren't that bad, whatever because Abigail wasn't as harsh as she told her or because they weren't so easily offended Sunset found her task almost done within 2 days, even Granny Smith who Sunset suspected would be one of the more difficults took her apologies with nothing but a chuckle and a promise to help in the farm next time she could visit, that day was today and she wanted to fix things with the young man.

Older Sunset was getting impatient watching her past self keep stalling and was about to yell for her to move on when someone saw her and approached.

" Heya, Sunset! Are ya here to play? ". Asked an 8 year old Apple Bloom.

" He-hey Bloom, uh, no, I came to see if I could help with something, I told Granny that I would help her and here I am ". At the mention of the visit been about work and not fun the young Apple turned sad, seeing this Sunset rectified her statement. " But we can play a little after we finish, would you like that? ".

" Ah sure would! ".

" Good, but first, is your brother around? ".

" Big Mac? Yeah sure, he's on his room packing up and gettin' ready, he's goin' away for a while ".

" He, he what?! ".

" He's goin' to help one of our uncles in his ranch, he'll be back around in a week, maybe ".

" May-be? ".

" Yeah, sometimes it takes less, sometimes longer, one time he went out to help and didn't came back after a month ah think! ".

" A month?! But I'll be gone by then! ". Sunset screamed loudly, almost causing Bloom to jump back.

" Gone? Gone where? ".

" I, never mind, I need to talk to him! ". Sunset marched pass the girl and into the property, she approached the porch and was received with barks from the young Willomina who demanded to be played with. " Sorry girl, not now ". The female dog whined after been denied her fun.

" Probably should have warned her that Mac was about to take a shower, oh well, no biggie". Bloom continued with her chores.

Upstairs Sunset made it to the room of the only male occupant of the house, she quickly knocked on the door. " Big Mac, Bic Mac, it's me! ". She heard faint sounds on the other side but not Mac's voice. " Big Mac, please! I'm sorry for what happened ". She yelled louder but again all she heard from inside where soft sounds but not a voice. " He most be really mad for what the other Sunset said, I have to talk to him before he leaves ".

Discarding the braking of privacy, Sunset opened the door without problem and stepped in, her eyes looked for the owner of the room but found it empty, her eye moved left and right, from corner to corner but still didn't found him, the room seemed larger inside and her mind started to get distracted with the notion that she was inside a man's private room. A large bed and a simple desk with chair were the only furniture visible, there was two door as well, a double door that seemed to belong to a closet and a single door that looked to lead to another section of the room. At top of the bed Sunset saw a traveling bag already packed.

While the room was an uncharted territory for going Sunset, Older Sunset knew the place like palm of her hand since it was like a second love nest for her and Mac, meaning that she knew where the single door lead to, reason why her heart didn't completely jumped out of her chest when the door was opened from the inside, her younger self however wasn't as lucky. " Apple Bloom, ah told ya already to not enter mah room just like tha-?! ".

Mac's words died in mid air as he found not his youngest sister in front of him but his young friend, that in itself wouldn't have been much of a problem if it wasn't by the fact that the only thing currently covering his lower half was a small towel. Older Sunset who not only knew what was under the towel but also had first type encounters of the intimate kind wasn't as affected by this image as her younger version. The poor redhead girl first felt her brain short circuit, then she felt a tickle inside her nose which turned into a small nosebleed, not as comical as cartoons or anime mind you, but a nosebleed nevertheless, a single line of red travelling down her nose. " Su-Sunset? ".

Been called by her name interrupted her from staring to where the towel was covering, with a red face and a yelp she turned away from the tenting view while Mac jumped back inside his bathroom. " I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! ".

" That's, that's ok, just, can ya? Can ya pass me mah clothes? They should be over mah bed ".

" Ye-yed, judt let me control thid nodebleed firdt ". Sunset said as she pinched her nose to contain the red spilling from staining the floor.

" There's tissues over mah desk, use as many as ya need ". Mac said to her.

" The dedk? Oh! I dee it, thankd ". Sunset found the box with tissues easily enough and soon she managed to stop the bleeding by stuffing paper in her nose, she then took Mac's clothes and passed them to him. " Here ". She placed them in his hand, the only part sticking out of through the door.

" Thanks, just gimme a minute ". Mac closed the door and started dressing up, meanwhile Sunset went to the desk again and took the chair to seat down and wait.
Older Sunset observed everything with a sad smile.

" How I wish I could remember this moments, not only the good ones but the bad ones as well, but, maybe, if it was it so then I would be a different person today, maybe I wouldn't have ended up crossing the mirror and stealing the crown, maybe me and Mac would have need a couple even longer, or maybe not, this is so depressing ".

" Sorry for makin' ya wait ". Mac said as he walked out, dressed and proper, both Sunsets watched him now as he was, despite the clothes, the image of a towel only dressed Big Mac was still popping up in their minds.

" Ya ok there? ". Asked Mac getting both girls out of their stupor.

" Yeah, dorry, you know for, bargain in like thid and... for what happened in dchool, I know what I did wad dtupid and immature, I wad mad and took daid wordd that I didn't meant to, it wad-! ". Sunset was interrupted as Mac started laughing softly.

" Ah'm sorry, ya just sound too funny, wait there ". Mac went back to his bathroom and came back with a small bottle in hand, he took a few more tissues and kneeled next to Sunset, he opened the bottle and poured some of the clear liquid on one of the tissues . " Can ah? ". Mac asked for her permission to clean her nose, she knew this by the strong smell of alcohol coming from the tissue.

" Yes ". She allowed after removing the paper from her nose. She felt embarrassed for showing such thing but it quickly switched to another kind of feeling as Mac took her face with a gentle but firm grip around her chin. " This is gonna smell a little strong and may sting but just for a few seconds ". He folded the tissue into a slim stick shape and gently scrubbed the surface and inside of Sunset's nose, the alcohol helped remove the blood and disinfected the area, while Mac did this Sunset had a perfect view of his face, he didn't looked angry or disgusted, he was focused in his task and that combined with th fact that he was touching her face made her own face heat up.

Luckily, before he could noticed her condition he finished the clean up. " Thank you, and sorry again ". Sunset rubbed the tip of her nose and indeed it was clean.

" 'S no problem, ah use to do it a lot when Applejack was younger, she used to ran like crazy everywhere without watchin', she got smacked on the face more that once, that and knees scratches was mah course of every day with her, thank the Lord Bloom is more level headed ". Mac smiled as he disposed of the stained tissues.

Sunset was now only left with the original guilt from Abigail's insults. " I'm sorry, I came to apolo-! ". Mac raised his hand to stop her.

" That's alright, ya don't need to keep that, the sayin' sorry, to be honest ah felt more weird that offended ". That took Sunset by surprise, young and older. Mac saw her expression and explained. " Ah don't know how to say it without soundin' a bit coo coo, but that day when ya spoke to me ya sounded off and ah don't mean it in the sense of ' this girl is sick or got somethin' on her stock in her throat' kind of wrong, it was more like the person in front of me wasn't ya at all, ah won't brag about knowin' ya head to toe Sunset, but ah think ah can distinguish certain things, like the way ya walk and the way ya stand as if yer body was new to ya, how ya look around ya like if this was a new world to ya, ya get what ah'm tryin' to say? It was almost as if the you from that day and the one here were two different Sunset! ".

Sunset listened with wide eyes as Big Mac with his quiet observation almost figured out the true of her situation, her heart was now racing while her mind worked with the possibility of telling Big Mac about Abigail but that would mean explain where she came from and more importantly, what she was.

The thought of Mac not believing her was less scary compared to if he believed her and found her repulsive, after all, her kind here where animals used for transportation and entertainment and if the rumors were to believe, they were even killed to make glue, GLUE!

" Tha-that's just you overthinking, I know it was very bad of me and I will apologize as many times as-! ". Mac interrupted her with an unusual grount.

" That's enough Sunset, ah rather ya keep quiet or tell me straight that is not mah business, ah prefer that at ya lyin' ta me, just talk went ya feel like, now ah'm sorry but ah have to finish packin' ! ". Sunset was shocked once more and this time in a bad way, this was just the second time she heard him get angry, the first one been back when those guys tried to take her bag back when she first arrived, but this time his anger was directed at her.

" Big Mac I... ".

" Tell him! This is your chance, he already suspect something is going on. Just do it!". Older Sunset implored. Alas, younger Sunset was bested by her own fear at rejection. " Sorry! ". She said angry at herself, she couldn't do nothing but to remain there, in silence and unmoving like a statue. She sniffed but otherwise didn't dare move believing Mac would yell back until she heard a long sigh.

" Ah'm sorry too, ah shouldn't had pushed ya that bad. Mah head is still a mess after Luna... nevermind. Ah'll be gone for a few days, hafta answer a family trouble but should be back soon, ah know yer helpin' Applejack with the contest and ah appreciate that, when ah come back ah'll helps ya too with whatever ya need, and, if ya feel more open by then ah can hear what's hurtin' ya so bad, 'kay? ".

" I, I would like that ". Sunset said feeling a little better, that feeling just grew hundredfold when Big Mac stepped closer and hugged her.

" It's a promise then, see ya later Sunny ". Mac said as he let go of her, he took his bag and left her in his room.

The scenario froze with young Sunset there with a glimmer of hope in her face." I'm sorry, all of this happened because I wasn't there to help you, but I promise, as soon as I'm in control of my body once more I won't stop looking until I find you, I just need to o figure out what this dream is leading me to ".

As if responding to her inner thought and it probably was, the dream shifted. Sunset found herself back in CHS, the current time was unknown but the place seemed empty at the moment so this would make it either some hours after School or a Saturday or Sunday. Sunset traveled along the halls trying to find young Sunset, as she went through walls and door she found it was a Saturday if the dates written around were to be believed. She saw along the way many halls already adorned for the Formal.

Still she couldn't find where the other Sunset was, however, a feeling of wrong and even deja vu started to fell over her, she moved faster from place to place making sure to catch any sound she could, indeed she heard something like shouting and hushing noises coming from the hallway that she knew lead to the main storage room.

She ran toward it, her heart kept pounding faster as she approached, now she could distinguish her one voice, no, not only her voice but another one, an angry one.

" Abigail! ".

If she was back on school even when young Sunset was present it meant that she wasn't worry about been seen which even with a small number of persons around was still a high risk. Finally, she crossed the door and walked into a dangerous situation.

Standing face to face was her past self and young Abigail already engaged in a heated discussion. " That's... I didn't know that was happening! ".

" Well, k ow you know, more that enough reason as to why you have to go back and take your place back, you have overstayed your welcome ". Abigail told Sunset, informing her of alarming news about Celestia and the reawakening of the evil Nightmare Moon and how Celestia was trapped now.

" Bu-but I'm still investigating this world in her name! ".

" I don't care, if it information you want you can take a book or whatever with you but you can't stay here! ". Abigail said waving her hands in dismissal. Her expression completely lacked interest in whatever excuse Sunset give her.

" But, but, I... my friends and Big Mac and Cele-! ".

" No more buts! Or, do you want me to tell everyone about where you're coming from horse girl? ". Abigail said aggressively.

Sunset was against the wall now, her mind trying and failing to find a solution or anything that would make Abigail change her mind. " No please! ".

" Then let go and return where you belong, if you continue to live here it will be more difficult to take back my life as a human, or is it that you don't want to go back to Equestria anymore?! ".

" I...?! ".

" This is... Mac told me about this moment! He told me he saw relived this when I was trapped by Adagio! That means...! ".

The three Sunsets were interrupted when Big Mac abruptly opened the opposing door.
" Bi-Big Mac?! ".

Mac was stunned when his eyes saw not one but two Sunsets in the room. The moment for quickly interrupted when Abigail cursed aloud and took something from her pocket, younger Sunset didn't know until that moment but Older Sunset knew what she was going to do. " What are you going to-?! ".

A flash appeared suddenly directed at But Mac, he was left temporarily blinded by the flash. " There! All solved! ".

" U-uhg! ". Slowly but surely, the tall young man doubled and then fell completely racked by an intense headache, the episode turned Sunset hysterical and she jumped to him to help him. " Sun...set? ".

" What did you do to him?! ". She asked worried.

" Relax, I just scrambled his memory, is not going to hurt him, just put him on a trance". Sunset cried as Mac's eyes lost focus and he remained only making low pained sounds, her eyes immediately turned to his attacker.

" Leave him alone! He got nothing to do with this! Turn him back to normal, NOW! ".
Sunset yelled with emotions all time high, she no longer cared if more humans would come, she was enraged and despite been crying Abigail felt chills.

" Calm down will you?, I told you the true, he's fine he's just waiting for a command, the stone I used alters people's memories, you flash them with it and next tell them to forget a certain amount of time, simple ".

" Simple? SIMPLE?! You can't just flash Whoever you come come across like nothing! And just where the hell did you got... That's from Equestria, isn't?! ". Sunset accused.

" Well duh! Where else! ".

" Are you insane? Why would you risk bringing an equestrian magical item to this world without knowing fully well what would happen? That's stupid! ". Sunset continued yelling without letting go of Big Mac who was still dizzy on the floor.

" So what? Would you have preferred he finding out this way the true?, You know, I'm ashamed to admit that it took me a while to figure out that you were crushing on this guy here, but when I did I laughed my ass off, it was so funny, a magical ass mini horse in love with a human, a human! Hahaha! I don't know what you were thinking but I can assure you, the moment he discover the sad true he'll look at you with disgust ".

" He, he wouldn't, he, he? ".

" Poor girl, such hopes destined to crash against the nearest wall of reality,but I'm a merciful person, and you managed my life more or less fine so far, so, I'll erase his memory of just a few minutes back, it will be up to you to come up with a lie and convince him, it won't be difficult, this Memory Stone is very effective ".

" You! Why are you doing this? What's your real motive! ".

" Didn't I told you already? I want my-! ".

" No, that's what you keep saying, but it doesn't match with your actions, you are planning something else aren't you? ". Sunset locked eyes with Abigail who kept her face calm but she could see small cracks on her posture. Sunset had the feeling she was close to make her reveal her plan if she pushed enough.

" Sun-ugh! ".

" Big Mac! ". Sunset was distracted as Mac started to struggle, giving Abigail the chance to make her escape but not before warning her double.

" Until next time, Sunset Shimmer ". With those words Abigail left, leaving Sunset with just enough time to tell Big Mac about a box that hit him on the head for explanation as to why he was on the floor with massive headache and using her lap as a pillow, but most important, so that he forget what he saw.

In the end it worked, Big Mac believed her, but the looming menace that was Abigail remained and with just a few days left before the Call Formal the end of the period that belonged to young Sunset came closer.

" I need to know what happened that day, the day I lost my memory again thanks to that stupid stone ". The world surrounding her shifted once more, by now Sunset knew, or thought she knew how this process worked, she would be shown a part of a lost memory that would grant her another piece of information she needed, then the process would repeat itself. But this time this wasn't the case.

When the world reappeared it wasn't back on CHS, in fact the place completely alien to Sunset, she was now in the center of a circular platform, Sunset looked down and saw her cutie mark in the center of the floor, instead of a ceiling the place was completely open with the clouded sky Sunset had seen already on top and nothing more. Carefully, Sunset walked to the edge of the platform, from her point of view she could see nothing but the same calm shallow body of water many meters bellow.

" Am I? Am I in top of the tower? ". Sunset asked to herself.

" Yes, we're at the top ". Sunset almost lost her footing when her voice came from behind, her voice, her own voice, she turned and before asking she moved away from the edge, she wasn't sure if she would die for real if she were to fall from this high but she wasn't going to risk it. Only when she was at a safe distance did she addressed the only other person here that she apparently missed the first time checking the place.

She opened her mouth but the other Sunset beat her to it. " Yes, you're not imagining things, as weird as it sound with us been inside a dream ". Said the other Sunset. With the same clothes, the same high, and same hair length from the previous dreams Sunset had no doubt that she was in presence of her younger self, but unlike the one she had seen reliving those first months in the human world this one was not a simple memory but an internal manifestation as real as she herself.

OUTSIDE CANTERLOT CITY...

Huffing, Aria finally managed to drag Applejack and Twilight away from the danger, she turned to see at the distance the old siren and the new weird friend of the Rainbooms still fighting, she was impressed that the human girl was keeping Emerald Breeze occupied enough for her to lose interest in them but that could change in any minute.

" Never a full moment with you girls, right? ". Aria stood up and looked to where she left the unconscious body of Sunset Shimmer after hitting her with a point blank scream attack, she considered herself lucky that the demonic Sunset didn't know about her been a siren and was completely taken by surprise when she used her voice to knock her out but that too could end in any minute.

Thinking quickly Aria searched the back of the truck looking for something that she could use to restraint Sunset until Starlight or someone else could get the girl back to her right mind. " Knowing Applechick she probably has a lasso or a shotgun on the back ". Her hunch proved right when a few seconds later her hand found a long piece of rope. " Why am I not surprised ".

With lasso in hand Aria walked back to Sunset while still keeping an eye on the other two, even though they moved further away she could still hear the magic screams from Emerald. She didn't know how long could they keep a low profile, it was just a matter of time before the police or someone else could drive around and find two monsters fighting and four girls with suspicious wounds and scratches.

" We need to get the fuck out of here damn it! ". Aria cursed as she approached the redhead with caution, she didn't wanted Sunset to return the favor by catching her off guard, when she was a foot away she kicked her leg with the tip of her boot to no reaction, not from a second or a third kick did Sunset woke up. " Good, keep dreaming while I tie you up ". With a bit more confidence Aria turned Sunset on her chest and took her hands together on her back and proceeded to made a few passes with the rope making sure to not let the knocks too loose or too tight, after a few more tries and errors she was happy with her result, so much so that she slapped Sunset in the butt in complement. " And that's how you tie down a bipolar crazy chick! ".

No sooner did she finish her declaration that Sunset started shaking, her movements didn't look like a normal person coming out of slumber but more like convulsions.
" Did I slap her ass too hard? Hey! ". Her movements became more violent and growling was added to the mix, Aria took several steps away with her hand pointing at the trashing girl in case she was looking for revenge. Sunset meanwhile stopped suddenly and then adopted a fetal position before screaming in rage, from her back something bulged against her clothes stretching them until they couldn't hold no more, a second later the sound of tearing fabric accompanied the appearance of a pair of leathery wings with a red color similar to Sunset's current skin tone.

" Oh shit! ". Aria said feeling that her troubles were just beginning to grow.

At the distance, Emerald finally managed to breaks through the solid dome, the cracks give way to a hole where Emerald sunk her mouth looking to grab the magic human with her jaws but instead of flesh and blood her head came out with a mouthful of herbs and flowers. " Uargh! What disgusting trick! ". She spat the green off her mouth before realizing her true target wasn't anywhere to be seen.

" Rrrrgh! Stop playing games bitch! ". Emerald then remembered that she had a way to drive her out of hiding, her brother. She slithered her way to where the girl placed her brother but once more roots, vines and the land itself got in her way by coiling around her body and trying to make her job ever more difficult.

" You do not get one step closer to my brother! ". Gloriosa/Gaea said, her voice coming from the earth itself, she summoned more plants to subdue her opponent but the siren proved more agile than the plants this time by moving her body as if she was swimming in the air.

" Let's see how long can you keep up girl, your magic may be very strong but you're still just a human borrowing power you don't understand! ". Emerald alerted her senses and used her song now like a sonar detecting the girl hidden among some foliage, she then soared toward her with great speed giving her zero chance to hide further, while she knew the girl would soon wouldn't be able to sustain her magic without a catalyst the siren herself was running low on magic despite been so close to the portal, what she needed was to absorb more negativity.

Unfortunately, in heat of the conflict she knocked the blonde cowgirl first which could have provided her with more that enough for this battle, the only other negative waves she could absorb right now were the young siren and... " What's this? ".

Emerald smiled as she found a delicious negative spot coming from where the vehicles were left, someone there was full of precious negative energy ready to be devoured, energy that could help her finish this battle and take her price. " Let's meet this little human ". Emerald let go of her opponent and changed targets dashing through the air in the direction of the bridge but had was blocked once more by a barrier of rocks erupting from the ground.

Emerald hissed and turned to the interloper who was now coming for her. " Had enough of acting like a coward human? ". Emerald asked.

" Not really, I was just preparing my next move, here, the flowers are in full bloom ". Emerald didn't understood what she meant but a low grumbling sound gave her a clue. More roots erupted from the ground almost skewing, Emerald moved with caution as more roots continued to rise toward her, Emerald barely noticed that those roots had several flowers blossoming from them, as soon as the roots would stay still the flowers opened releasing more pollen into the air.

More and more roots with flowers kept trying and failed to harm the siren. " Your oversized toothpicks are too slow to get me, you're just wasting magic, girl ".

" Hm, you talk too much ". Gloriosa/Gaea tome her while she kept summoning more plants to her aid, with her left hand she started making swirling moves causing the air to imitate the motion, soon the wind formed a circle around the siren completely trapping her in the middle of a small hurricane. Gaea grinded her teeth as she summoned more roots upwards to impale the green siren, her magic was indeed causing internal pain and she was getting close to complete fatigue but her last plan could turn that around.

Emerald was running out of space to dodge and while the wind barrier may not harm her much it would force her away from her power up, she needed to deal with this new situation fast, and she had just the right tool. Inhaling as much air as she could, shen then released a powerful scream, the Banshee's end.

The dreaded sonic wave hit everything around it, roots, flowers and wind alike, the plants dried up in seconds turning into dust, the wind while not alive was still affected, the powerful wave disrupted the flow of the wind breaking the current and turning it into a mere breeze. Without every obstacle out of the way it didn't took long for Emerald to locate back a slow moving Gaea as she moved in the shadows toward her brother, Emerald could feel her exhaustion and couldn't help but smile at the girl.
" You'he run out of luck! " She thought that she didn't even needed to absorb negativity from the human anymore, that her current power alone was enough, so she changed direction and chased after Gloriosa who was her original target after all.

Near the bridge, Aria saw as Sunset grew claw like nails and when she opened her mouth to scream two long fangs became visible. As her form became more demonic in appearance Aria decided to knock her out again however as she approached she was blasted by Emerald's Banshee screech, she covered her ears trying to block the sound from melting her brain and turn her into the newest fatality in this cursed bridge.

As agonizing as it was, the dead song ended quickly leaving Aria panting on the ground feeling sick and ready to throw up it otherwise fine, her luck however was still getting worse as the deadly soundwave helped Sunset to fully awake. As she regained consciousness her struggle augmented and became more focused. With a final roar and push Sunset broke the rope binding her. Her hellish scream didn't last long and soon she was back on her senses.

" Rrrrrrhaaa! Fuck! My head is about to blow! Where... Where are you, you bitch? Come out and let me yell into your eardrums and see how it feels! ". The demonic girl twirled left and right looking for the young siren but Aria was hidden just a few meters behind the Apple's truck.

" Shit, shit, shit! What now? ". Aria new it would be just a matter of time before the succubus could find her or one of the unconscious Rainbooms. " She's piss and getting pissed by the minute, think Aria, think bitch! ". She didn't felt confident to take one on one either letting her with no options to escape, at least not sane options, but Aria wasn't knew to crazy ideas, those were the mark of a true survivor and Aria believed herself one.

" Ok, crazy plan number 2 ". Aria breathe deep and after remembering that Cheerilee was waiting for her, she jumped out of hiding. " Haaaa! You're going down Shimmer! ".
Aria ran directly toward her room, the charge been so unexpected that Sunset took a while to react and when she did she simply used one of her new wings to lash at the siren effectively knocking her down. " Ugh! ".

" You! I'll enjoy piercing your head with this! ". Sunset showed one of her long nail for Aria to see as she tried to get up, Sunset simply placed one foot over her chest completely pinning her in place. " After I'm done with you and your pathetic friends I'll find Princess Sparkle and finally have my revenge! ".

" Prin-cess? The heck you're talking about? ". Aria asked as she tried to remove her breast from under the boot.

" Don't try to lie to me, I know that Sparkle was with you, now tell me where she is before I squash you like a bug! ". To prove her point Sunset increased her force over Aria.

" Arrrgha! Ugh! Agh! You, you're talking about the princess? Then you're mistaken, she's not here, she's back on Equestria! The one here is just her human counterpart! ".

" Her what? Human? Not the ... ! No! You're lying! She's the princess! I'm sure of it! ". Sunset said with fury but Aria been a siren could feel the conflict within her, she had doubts and Aria could use it.

" Ugh! You think, you think you're the only one with a grudge against purple rump? Bitch get in line, after she kicked your ass she when back to our world only to come back a few days later to kick mine and my band, believe me I too want nothing more that to see her get some well deserved payback in her princess ass, but, problem is, she's not here, that dork with glasses is her human double and while it may sound cool to take out frustration on her she AIN'T the right one! The one that made a cool out of us, she's all comfy back in her throne safe and sound! ". Aria finished her lashing and hoped to achieve her goal of turning Sunset away or to at least distract her long enough to get help.

Time seemed to pass slowly as Sunset did nothing but to stay there with fire in her eyes, finally after what felt like a decade, Sunset spoke again. " How can I go back to Equestria? Is the portal still active? Tell me, NOW! ".

Aria almost smiled when Sunset asked that. " The portal has been temporarily sealed from Equestria as far as I know, but , well, no, forget it-argh! ". Aria's chest exploded in pain when Sunset placed more pressure on it.

" What are you hiding, you know something, right? Tell me now! ". Aria played her act perfectly leaving Sunset expecting for an answer. " Tell me or I'll-! ".

" Alright! Alright! I get the point, damn! Ok, listen, over there in that direction ". Aria pointed with a shaky hand. " There's an Equestrian that came to take over the city, she used another portal to get here, that's why we're after her, she knows where one of those is and she's about to escape! ".

Sunset turned in the direction pointed and used her magic to sense for presences, she felt three, a weak human, a human with huge magic and a familiar equestrian individual.

" Is one of your friends fighting the equestrian? ".

" Y-yeah, we tried to ambush her but she got us first, still, I think she's running low on magic or time, or both, and is now trying to run back, the portal shouldn't be far, that's what we think anyway ".

Sunset considered the information and weighted the possibility of lies and trues, at the end she chose to believe it. " Hm, fine then, I'll have a ' talk ' with this other equestrian, see what she knows, uh but don't think for a minute that I am done with you fools ".

In a fluid motion Sunset pressed her boot down hard driving the air out of Aria's lungs and almost breaking her ribs she then stepped back and kicked her hard enough to send her rolling against the tire of the truck. With that done she extended her wings and took off toward her next target.

Suddenly, the now unconscious Aria was carefully lifted off the ground by a now awake Applejack, she placed Aria over where she herself and Twilight were placed not long ago by the siren.

" Sorry partner, watch out for each other, have to, to deal with that no good son of a bitch, for, for ugh, for hurtin' mah brother ". Applejack wobbled her way in the same direction with only one good eye.

INSIDE SUNSET'S MIND...

Sunset didn't know what to do or say, it was one thing to observe her younger self living a life she was forced to forget but it was a whole new experience to have said past self talking directly to her.

Younger Sunset was just as when she saw her in her flashback/memories, a few inches shorter in high and body less developed, her eyes scanned her former self and saw her wearing an old and familiar jacket. " I... I don't know what to say, or what to ask ". Older Sunset said.

" Neither do I, what I can tell you is that I have seen your life, just as you had seen mine". Her tone sounded defensive as the f she was offended by that.

" You have? Then, do you know what's going on? Outside I mean ".

" Not completely, I can feel things, must be the same with you, right? ". Her tone again sounded off, her body gestures too seemed on edge, ready to spring in action at the first sign of trouble.

" Then it is true? Is, is the other ' Sunset ' out there? In control of my body? ".

" Yes, OUR body ". Now there was no denying her animosity, her posture too for more aggressive, arms at her side, fist clenched, face set in a scowl.

" Are you... Angry? With me? ".

" Maybe, wouldn't you if you were in my shoes? ".

" What do you mean ' in my shoes ' ? You ARE part of me, you ARE me! I need to understand this part of my memories to take back my body and you most be the answer! ".

" Am I? You just said that I'm JUST a part of you, doesn't that mean that you have your answer then now that you saw the fraction that represents MY life? Haven't you figured out what you need yet? What I you're wrong, hm? ".

" Wha... Wrong? What do you mean by that? ". Sunset asked in confusion but deep down she knew what she meant.

" What make you so sure that after all this is done and finished you'll be the one in control, what make you think that you'll be the one left standing while we become part of you! Maybe I'll be the one in control now and you'll become a memory in MY head! ".

Her words chilled older Sunset for she was indeed afraid to find out that she wasn't the real Sunset but a construction of memories like she thought this Sunset was. " That's... no, it can't be! I'm sure I'm the real Su-! ".

" What make you so sure, hm? What proof do you have! I too saw my younger self and what I became after the first Fall Formal, if you're gonna use the fact that you're jumping from memory to memory as a proof then you can forget it, I have done the same! I know what Celestia did to us! And I know what that bastard look-a-like did to ME! ". Ver words carried as much anger as Sunset felt inside but right now her fear was more prominent.

" I-I am sure I'm the real Sunset, I have lived through everything! ".

" And what! So did I! And so did her ". The younger Sunset pointed to the sky which now was turning black unlike before when it was gray and cloudy. Seen this, the older girl thought about asking what did she meant by ' her ' but deep down she knew the answer.

" No, not her, I can't be her again! Never again! ". Sunset felt as if her very own skin was turning into ice, the darkness in the sky or her mindscape kept growing as more control felt under the evil Sunset. " We can't let her overpower us, we can't let her hurt our friends! You have to cooperate with me! ".

The young girl actually started to agree but then she changed her mind. " You're trying to force me to do as you said, no, I too don't want that Sunset to take our body but I'm not risking disappearing again, I just came back from the good I was in, I won't go back there! ". As the two Sunsets kept arguing the maelstrom kept advancing over them.

OUTSIDE CANTERLOT CITY...

Gaea only had a second to react and drop to the ground as Emerald almost ram her with her full body, the siren then took altitude once more and turned to try again. The nature controlling girl returned fire sending head size rocks against the charging siren but she bulldozed through them and with another sonic blast that even though it missed it was strong and close enough to send Gaea flying from the impact with the ground.

Emerald flew away laughing and watching the human struggling to get up, thinking that the battle was almost over she allowed herself a bit of fun by turning the girl into her play thing for the moment. Gaea on her side also believed the battle to be close to finished but in her favor, accumulating the last of her energy she prepared one last move. She waited for Emerald to get closer until she was sure she wouldn't turn or dodge. " NOW! ".

Gaea did a loud clapping motion with the last of her magic used so that the ground would mimic her gesture. At once two huge pillars of dirt, rock, roots and even flowers rose to meet the siren almost in front of the human girl. Emerald only had fractions of a second to react but with little chance to avoid coalition she instead rammed the barrier with as much force as she could muster in that moment, the obstacle was completely destroyed and a cloud of dust and pollen covered the area of the impact.
Every single wild animal miles away that wasn't scared yet by the battle was now for sure.

From the rubble Gloriosa crawled away, her hair was back to its normal color and her eyes lost the shine indicating that her magic was all but gone, her body had bruises and cuts all over, her clothes were dirty and damaged.

" Ugh, huff!, Huff! Almost, got done, huff, Timber, I have to goagh! ". As she tried to get away her leg shot in pain as something clamped down on it, she then was lifted off the ground by the same leg, her eyes widened in terror at the image of the siren holding her by the ankle with her muzzle. Emerald shook her head and Gloriosa felt her ankle snap before been dropped ot the ground hard.

The aquatic horse licked her lips tasting the few drops of blood she got from the girl as well as the one coming from her wound on her forehead. " The game is over girl, you're helpless now, keep struggling and I'll have to brake your arms and legs too... actually, I may do that anyway, you caused me so much trouble after all, plus I don't think Abby is gonna reject mangled merchandise if she really needs it ".

" N-no! Stay away! ". Gloriosa said in panic which only made the siren smile more.

" Come now, I don't have much ti-! ".

" Hey you! ". Emerald twisted her neck just enough to see who was calling her without letting her pray out of sight. " You're from Equestria aren't you? If so then you better tell me where is it is or I'll get rough on you! ".

For a moment there Emerald froze, the figure with the red and blonde hair as well as those cold azure eyes immediately made her believe that Abigail has lost patience and come for her to finish the job, but then her mind remind her of another explanation for the girl in in her presence. " Pfffwuahahahaha! You actually scared me there, I thought you were somepony else, Sunset Shimmer am I right? ".

" And what if I am, and did you just say that you know somepony like me? The human Sunset? ". Asked Sunset as she hovered near Emerald.

" Abigail, yes, I know the bitch, she told me about you and your friends, speaking of that, weren't you supposed to be a princess now? You look more evil that I do ".

" I don't care about that, but now that you told me you know the human Sunset I'm more interested in knowing where the portal is, so you better spit it out, last warning ".

The siren broke into a maniac laugh, her tail swinging left and right as she did so.
" My my, you're just as bossy as Abby herself, but, I don't think you're as powerful as she is even with that look, fine then, if you want to know where the portal is, come, come and drag the words from me bitch! ". Emerald passed her entire focus into Sunset letting Gloriosa escape thinking that her desire to see Abigail dead at her hooves could be satisfied with her double. " I'm gonna enjoy this! ".

" Raaaagh! ". With a ferocious roar, Sunset plunged down to meet the green siren.

INSIDE SUNSET'S MIND...

" We can't keep this up! If we don't do something my friends are gonna get hurt, I know you don't like them like I do but you at least know that letting it happen is wrong! ". The younger redhead remained quiet, her back to the other girl. By now the whole sky and the land bellow the tower was now engulfed in darkness and said darkness was now about to absorb the tower itself.

The older Sunset didn't wanted to imagine what would happen when the darkness reached them. The danger inside and outside was growing ever closer, to her loved ones and to herself. Her fear from stay trapped here also weighed heavy on her but she couldn't place that fear in the same level as her own survival, and just like when she jumped in the way of the memory stone when Wallflower Blush tried to use it in her friends, Sunset make her mind.

" We're running out of time, listen, I propose you this... ". The young girl listened with attention.

END OF CHAPTER 40.

Author's Notes:

Thanks for sticking with this story for this long, due to the outbreak my savings received quite a nasty blow so now I'm working 16 hrs to recover and that means less time to write, still I'll keep writing as much as I can, as always thanks for reading this story and hope you stick 'till the end. Untill next time.