Chapter 12
All for One
Starlight shook her head to clear it. The unleashed energy from Sombra's defeat had thrown them all back, and in some cases into the cavern walls. Pushing herself up to her knees, she picked up her staff and got back to her feet. There was no sign of Sombra or any of his minions at all. She had also heard what Sombra had called them all.
The Prophecy had come true.
She was surrounded by descendants of the Kights of the Round Table, and they had vanquished the Dark King once and for all.
Taking a deep breath and leaning against her staff, Starlight smiled and looked up through the ceiling at the full moon. After a moment she looked around and found Twilight pushing herself up onto her feet. Moving over to help her, Starlight also picked up the science girl's glasses. Twilight thanked her, put them on, and frowned. Both lenses were cracked and spider webbed. With a sigh she took them off again and stuck them in a pocket.
"I don't think we could have won without you mainlanders," Starlight said with a smile, resting a hand on Twilight's shoulder.
"Well…" Twilight replied. "Now you know that you don't have to fight alone."
For a moment Starlight thought about what to do now before offering Twilight her staff.
"You should take this," she said. "I… I think you're more worthy of Merlin's Staff than I am. And since I guess we're distant cousins..."
Twilight just looked at the offered staff for a minute before running a hand over the shaft, settling over Starlight's open hand… and closed her fingers around it and gently pushed it back towards Starlight.
"I can't take this," she said. "It was given to you. I still have a lot to learn about magic. That staff is already in good hands now. If anyone is worthy of it… its you."
With a smile, Starlight pulled Twilight into a hug and thanked her.
Fluttershy, after recovering, ran over to check on Sunset. The redhead's counterpart was already there with her bow slung over her shoulder and helping the Ghostbuster up to a sitting position. Sunset herself was still wincing in pain, but was very much alive. Fluttershy took a moment to look between the two Sunsets, noting the minor differences. The Sunset she knew had more confidence, and let her hair flow freely over her shoulders. The other Sunset was still relatively unsure and defensive, and seemed to favor a ponytail, but it looked like she was now willing to open up to others.
With a smile, Fluttershy put a hand on Human Sunset's shoulder as a show of support.
"I feel like I just got bucked in the side," Sunset said as she tried to get up, only for Fluttershy to hold her down for a moment.
"Well… ya did kinda get blasted by Sombra when you dove for my bow," Human Sunset replied.
"I kinda like your accent," Fluttershy said meekly to Human Sunset.
"My parents were from Ireland."
"Oh..." Fluttershy said, closing her eyes for a moment. "I'm sure they'd be proud of you."
"Aye… I… I hope they would."
Sunset smiled and put a hand on her counterpart's shoulder, and her eyes lit up, catching both redheads off guard. She got a flash of her counterparts memories of her parents before her magic let go. Closing her eyes, Sunset nodded.
"They would be," she finally said, opening her eyes. "And they wouldn't want you to beat yourself up or isolate yourself either."
After everyone recovered, and Sunset was checked out by her friends, the Ghostbusters made their way out of the cave and back towards civilization.
Sonia was starting to grit her teeth from having to channel the shield spell for this long, and she figured her brothers were in the same boat as well. Principal Aleena stood next to her and looked out over the mountain that stood in the center of Westside Island. She had seen the energy that had poured out of it and figured something had happened involving the Ghostbusters. Whatever they had done…
Figures emerged from the treeline, causing her to tense up. Even behind a magic shield, Aleena was on edge. At least until she saw that seven of the figures were wearing gray jumpsuits. Pulling the radio off her daughter's belt, Aleena called for Sonic and Manic to let go of the shield and return to the front of the school. As soon as the barrier collapsed, Aleena, Sonia, and Spike were running towards the Ghostbusters. As soon as she was close enough, she noticed that Sunset Shimmer was being supported by… Sunset Shimmer.
It really was weird to see the two together at the same time, but something in her own student's posture told Aleena that the redhead had found some confidence. Something that Aleena had been worried about. Starlight Glimmer's posture was also different as well. Less defensive than expected around the mainlanders. As soon as she was close enough, Aleena offered to help the Canterlot redhead.
Soon after, the Ghostbusters were being welcomed as heroes at Westside High. A couple of the local restaurant owners took over the school cafeteria and kitchen and started working on a thank you feast, while the School Nurse and local town Doctor looked over Sunset Shimmer. As soon as she was cleared, she directed them to go check on Father Michael up in the Church. Applejack had gotten together with one of the local mechanics and was in the process of negotiating repairs to the Ecto-Van, also volunteering to go with them to where the van was. Rainbow Dash…
Rainbow Dash was talking with Sonic Hedge, her blue cheeks flushed almost as red as the red stripe in her chromatic hair.
With a smile, Sunset Shimmer just leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. Everything had worked out after all. The biggest surprise though, was Sunset's human counterpart. The young Irish woman was actually interacting with everyone, with Sonia close by, and actually looking relieved as if she was afraid she wouldn't be accepted. After having apologized profusely to Sonia, human Sunset had opened up big time to just about everyone around her, and was welcomed by everyone as well. Sunset smiled as she remembered a similar feeling herself back at Canterlot after she took a stand with the Rainbooms against the Dazzlings, proving that she had indeed changed.
Sunset's eyes snapped open as she thought of something. One of the memories she saw from the ghost they had captured was of Sombra talking about something that seemed out of place. What did he mean by a "creature masquerading as a human"? It was then that she thought of something. SHE was basically masquerading as a human right now. But the individual in question couldn't be her, or even the Sirens. Who could…
"No… way..." she said out loud.
"What?" Twilight said from next to her, causing Sunset to jump in surprise.
"I just thought about what I saw from that ghost we captured," Sunset replied after recovering. "Sombra said something about a 'blasted creature masquerading as a human'. You know what that kinda sounds like?"
"Like you," Twilight said, pointing at the redhead. "You were born Equestrian, yet here you are as a human in our world."
"Exactly. I'm an Equestrian Unicorn, posing as a human. Yet Sombra wouldn't have known about me. But he's encountered an Equestrian in the past. And… I think I know who."
Twilight pulled a chair over and sat in it backwards, leaning against the back and motioning for Sunset to proceed.
"There's only one Equestrian I can think of who would not only fit the time period, but perhaps even a particular role. But its pretty far fetched and… well… shocking."
"Who?"
"Starswirl the Bearded himself. He was one of the greatest Unicorn Mages in Equestria. A Legend. And the only role he could fit here… would be Merlin."
Twilight blinked in surprise.
"Wait a minute… are you saying that… Starlight Glimmer and I are… part Equestrian?!"
"Its… entirely possible," Sunset replied. "Could explain why you're so powerful without as much experience as the rest of us."
"It also means that you're fully capable of having children here if that is true."
Now it was Sunset's turn to recoil in shock. She never actually considered that. And right now she kinda didn't want to. Besides… if she ever did start a family, trying to explain her origins and introducing them to her parents would be VERY awkward. Shaking her head, Sunset tried to clear her mind of that particular train of thought. Relief came when Sonia approached the pair.
"Well… looks to me like you Ghostbusters have been accepted as honorary Islanders," she said with a smile. "My brothers and I are actually thinking of throwing a charity concert to help raise some funds to help with repairing your van. Rotor's generosity only goes so far, seeing as his shop kinda got wrecked a bit in the siege."
"Concert?" Sunset asked.
"Well… yea. My brothers and I are a band."
"Funny thing is… so are me and my friends. Canterlot High Rainbooms."
"I heard about you guys! Something about some kind of event during a Battle of the Bands thing?"
"Yea… that was us."
"Well… you've probably heard about..."
"WHAT?!"
All three girls turned, and saw Rainbow Dash gasping in shock. Sonic was rubbing the back of his neck and trying to calm her down.
"Eh hehe… its not that big a deal is it?" he asked.
"Are… you… KIDDING ME?! I was wondering why your names sounded familiar! You guys are Sonic Underground! THE BEST High School band IN THE COUNTRY!"
"Well… I don't know about the best but…"
Sonia rolled her eyes and just hiked a thumb at her brother.
"Yea… that."
Sunset couldn't help but laugh.
Several days later, the Ghostbusters were back in Canterlot. The Ecto-Van was fully repaired, and even got a couple upgrades as well. The Charity Concert that the Hedge Triplets set up was a BIG success. They even pulled out enough instruments for the Rainbooms to join them, which made Rainbow Dash dang near faint from blood loss. The fact that the Rainbooms got to play with the legendary Sonic Underground was like a dream come true for Rainbow Dash.
Speaking of the Chromatic Haired One, Rainbow Dash actually got Sonic's phone number, and vice versa. Seemed like the pair of fast, athletic teens found a match, and wanted to stay in contact with each other. Sunset could tell that Rainbow Dash was a little in love. She just seemed to be a LOT happier all of a sudden. Probably a combination of things which included the fact she didn't have to hide her Equestrian Magic from him. Hell… before they left Westside Island, the two raced around town.
It ended in a tie.
Leaning back in her seat down in Ghostbusters HQ, AKA Canterlot High's old Bomb Shelter, Sunset smiled and thought about everything that happened, and the friends they made. While it was true this job was harder than the Nightmare Moon Incident, this time they actually had allies that helped them. Starlight Glimmer, The Hedge Triplets, and Sunset's counterpart. She felt pretty good, especially having helped her human counterpart through a rough point in her life. But at the same time, it made Sunset realize that she had a lot of unfinished business herself, specifically back in Equestria. She had to go face her own parents at some point. Knowing that human Sunset lost her parents really slammed that point home for her. Having already reconciled with Princess Celestia, Sunset felt that she had to take that next step sooner or later. Before it was too late.
While the rest of her friends were milling about, Sunset opened her journal and clicked a pen before she started to write.
Dear Twilight,
Things had been pretty quiet around Canterlot High, but we recently got a call from Westside Island. An old friend of Principal Celestia asked for our help, and it really was a good thing she called us in.
I don't know if you ever had to deal with anyone named Sombra back in Equestria, but we did here. An ancient, evil King who was trying to resurrect himself. We also ran into my counterpart native to this world. I know this probably won't mean much to you since you're not familiar with Earth's geography or anything, but it turns out she's Irish, and even has the accent. We also made a few other friends during that job, in the form of Starlight Glimmer and three triplets named Sonic, Manic, and Sonia Hedge.
By the way… Rainbow Dash is kinda… crushing on Sonic Hedge big time.
As for my counterpart, she's opening up to friendship now that she doesn't feel so isolated and defensive. I guess you could say she had a similar experience I did against the Dazzlings. But after meeting her and hearing about what happened to her parents, its… I need to come home sometime and talk to mine while I still can.
Anyways, Sonia and Starlight are certainly helping her out. And she really did need friends.
"Sunset! Lets go! We're gonna miss that pod of Orcas going by the island!"
Sunset Shimmer smiled as she pulled her favorite brown leather coat on. Ever since the Ghostbusters came to Westside, things have gotten a lot better for her. Not only was Sonia now officially her best friend, but Starlight Glimmer was a friend too.
"Aye… give me a minute," Sunset called back to Sonia. "Just gonna start the sprinkler!"
After setting up the sprinkler, Sunset turned the water on full blast. That should cover the entirety of her little front yard. This small house no longer felt like a hideaway. It felt like a home. With a smile, Sunset started to run out to where Sonia and Starlight were waiting at the end of the driveway when the sprinkler turned towards her. She felt the water hit her, and instantly something felt off. Sunset felt what could only be described as a rush of energy inside her before she suddenly couldn't feel her legs and she fell over. Sonia and Starlight ran over, concern clearly showing on their faces. Concern that was soon replaced with shock and confusion. Sunset pushed herself up to a sitting position… and her eyes went wide when she looked at her legs.
Or… what HAD been her legs.
In place of her legs… was a fish tail with iridescent red scales. In a panic, Sunset felt along her side. The scales stopped around her hips.
"Wha… what the bloody hell happened to me?!" Sunset exclaimed, freaking out.
"Well..." Starlight trailed off before motioning for Sonia to turn off the water. "There are legends about the Moon Pool and how its connected with Mermaids. I… I think when you fell in… the magic of the Moon Pool… changed you."
"Into what?!"
"A mermaid. Look… I don't really know much, but I'll see what I can find, and I'm sure Father Michael can help."
"In the meantime," Sonia spoke up as she started to pull Sunset up off the ground. Starlight soon helped too, having to carry Sunset due to her lack of legs. "Lets see if you'll get your legs back if we dry you off. Until we know more… no getting wet alright?"
"At least you two are taking this well…" Sunset muttered.
"We grew up knowing about magic," Starlight said. "If anyone can help you… we can. Besides… what are friends for?"
"Just for the record," Sunset said. "If I start goin' fish crazy… slap me."
The two humans smiled as they helped their now half fish friend back into her house to dry off.
Hopefully things will stay quiet for a while. But knowing our luck… it won't. Sci-Twi's noticed an exponential increase in the range of Equestrian Magic readings radiating out from Canterlot High. She's concerned about what that could mean. And frankly… so am I. If this world had its native magic sealed in the past, and almost all knowledge of real magic lost to history as mere legend, what could this mean?
We'll keep an eye on it from our end. If you want, you can see what you can find on your end back in Equestria.
Sunset looked up as she was about to finish her letter to Princess Twilight, which would have included some details about her theory that Starswirl had come over in the past and had living descendants here. It sounded like someone was coming down the stairs. Her eyes narrowed as she saw a rather distinctive and massive amount of orange and yellow hair. Setting her pen down, Sunset crossed her arms across her chest.
"Adagio Dazzle..." she deadpanned.
Standing in what amounted to the entrance to the Ghostbusters Office was one of the Sirens that had caused trouble for Canterlot High. Behind her were the other two members of the Dazzlings, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk. Ever since the Battle of the Bands, Adagio had kept her distance from the Rainbooms. Aria and Sonata, on the other hand, had at least made an attempt to mend some fences between them. Pinkie and Sonata especially hit it off, having similar, fun loving personalities. As a peace offering, Pinkie had introduced Sonata to her favorite Mexican restaurant, which was famous in town for making the best tacos. Aria, on the other hand, had started volunteering at Sweet Apple Acres to help Applejack, taking a different, more literal approach to "mending fences". Turns out Aria was pretty handy with tools as she was with music. And for the most part the girls have helped them to at least restore their singing voices in return, as when they weren't trying to feed off negative emotions spawned from their magic infused songs Aria and Sonata actually had beautiful singing voices. Voices that took a hit after their magic amulets were shattered.
"Sunset Shimmer," Adagio replied in kind before shaking her head and waving a hand in front of her. "Look… I don't like you, and you don't like me. I know that. But I wouldn't be here if not for Aria and Sonata."
The rest of the Ghostbusters gathered around. Even Slimer floated down from where he had been relaxing. Sunset finally sat up in her seat and took note of the appearance of the Dazzlings. It was then she saw something was wrong. Aria was holding Sonata almost defensively, while Sonata seemed on the brink of tears. The poor former Siren looked scared out of her mind. Instantly Sunset's posture changed from defensive to concerned.
"What happened?" Sunset asked.
"We were attacked by something," Aria spoke up. "Hooded figure. Zeroed in on Sonata like a moth to a flame."
"This was two days ago," Adagio spoke up, some of that tough girl attitude dissolving as she relived the event. "We were just walking down the street when this creeper started following us. We may not have our Siren Magic anymore, but we have enough to be able to sense magic."
"It was scary," Sonata squeaked, finally speaking up herself. "He grabbed me and I suddenly started to feel weak, like all my energy was draining away."
"I tried throwing my bottle of Pepsi at the guy to get him off Sonata," Aria said. "But it just... went right through him like he wasn't even there. Like… he was a ghost. Adagio and I managed to pull Sonata free and back off. But I heard him mutter something about freeing himself from Tartarus and getting enough magic."
Instantly Sunset stood up. This sounded like some kind of entity from Equestria. And a powerful one at that. As Twilight got a description from Aria, and Fluttershy and Pinkie comforted Sonata, Sunset pulled Adagio off to the side.
"You're right," she said. "I don't like you. And by all rights I should refuse to help you. But because Aria and Sonata at least tried to make up for what you guys did… I'll do it for them. Not you. And… if this thing is from Equestria… then we kinda have to deal with it anyways."
Adagio seemed to deflate a bit, looking as if she made a mistake somewhere. But at the same time it seemed her pride was getting in the way. Shaking her head, Adagio threw her pride away and nodded.
"I… I don't blame you Sunset. You should hate me after everything we did. And… I was just too prideful to even consider trying to make up for what we… what I did."
Adagio looked over at Aria and Sonata.
"They're the closest thing I have to family in this world Sunset. I would do anything to protect them. Even… even swallow my pride and reach out to those that we fought against."
She finally looked back at Sunset. Gone was the prideful lead singer of the Dazzlings. What stood before the redhead now… was a concerned, scared sister.
"Being as old as I am… I'm familiar with many powerful beings from our world. What we ran into that day… terrified me more than anything I have encountered in all my years. When we pulled Sonata away from that thing… its hood came off and I saw its face. While it was more human… I… I recognized him. The red skin, the dead, hungry eyes… he even had what looked like horns poking out of his hair.
I didn't show my fear to Aria and Sonata, knowing that it would make them even more afraid, but… I know what we ran into. I don't know how… but… he's somehow here in the Human World. Or… maybe its a part of him. I don't know. But… its him."
"Who?" Sunset asked.
Princess Twilight Sparkle smiled as she opened the journal that acted as a connection to the Human World. Sunset had written another letter. And she smiled as she read how she and her Canterlot High friends were doing. She was shocked to learn that they had their own version of Sombra. But seeing that Sunset and her friends were able to defeat him made her heart swell with pride and hope.
The Human World was in good hands as long as they were there. The theory that Starswirl the Bearded actually traveled into the Human World, and even had a family over there was very interesting...
All the blood drained from Twilight's face as she read the last line of the letter. There… there was no way! He… he was trapped in Tartarus! Not only that… there was no way he could even get to the Human World! There was only one way, and that was through Twilight's castle, because that was where the mirror that acted as a portal to that world was. It was literally impossible without anyone knowing!
She read over the letter several times to make sure she wasn't seeing things. The words didn't change. She wrote a quick reply, asking for clarification. Praying to Celestia that it was a mistake.
Sunset's curt, blunt reply hammered it home. She was serious.
I need everything you can get me on an Equestrian entity called Tirek.
Author's Note: And that's it. Ghostbuster Girls Legacy is complete! Decided to just post the last 3 chapters today because its Halloween and... well... why not give everyone a gift by finishing a Ghostbusters story?
I do plan on writing another story from this universe at some point as I have had a lot of fun in it. I also have plans to write a sequel to my Stargate crossover, maybe having EG-1 head over to Atlantis, and I have been playing around with an idea with a Fire Emblem crossover.
Anyways... Happy Halloween everyone! And stay safe out there while getting candy.
