Sunset Shimmer Is An Omnivore

By AwesomeEric25

The portal to Equestria shimmered with magic as the Princess of Friendship walked awkwardly into the human world, as she liked to call it. It has been a while since she visited this world to help her friends defeat the Dazzlings, and she still wasn’t used to walking on two legs and using hands. Heck, the idea of turning into an entirely different species was still unorthodox to her. “One of these days, I really need to look into the properties of that mirror.” Twilight said as she dusted off her skirt. She also mentally added ‘how I randomly acquire clothes’ to that list.

“Hey there Twi!”

Twilight looked up to see her reformed friend smiling at her. “Sunset Shimmer.” She exclaimed as she hugged her tightly. “It’s so good to see you again.”

“Great to see you too.” Sunset said as she broke the embrace. “I got your letter from earlier, and I gotta say, I'm still a bit surprised that you said you wanted to stay here for a week.”

“Well with all the crazy stuff that’s been happening back in Equestria, I just needed a break from it all, so I came here for a vacation. I Hope it won’t be too much of a problem.”

“No it’s not. Now that its spring break, school’s out and I’m free for the entire week. You can even stay at my apartment if you want. And we can also get you some extra clothes for you stay.”

“Thanks Sunset.” She said as the two started to walk away from the statue. “So out of curiosity, where are the others?”

Sunset rolled her eyes. “Either visiting relatives for a few days, or doing other stuff that doesn't involve us. So it looks like you’re stuck with me for a few days.”

“You make that sound like a bad thing.”

“It can be if you want it to be.”

The two shared a small laugh as they continued to walk down the street. It still amazed Sunset how she could become such great friend with the pony she used to call an enemy. Funny how life can work like this. “So Twi, I was thinking we could probably get something to eat before we head home. I know an amazing place we could go to.”

“That sounds great.” She happily responded. I’ve been wanting to try some of the food you guys have in this world that we don’t have home.”

“Well I have a feeling you’re going to enjoy where we’re going. Hey, you could tell me about all that crazy stuff you were talking about.”

Twilight sighed. “Oh boy, where do I even begin?”

---

“Geez, this Starlight Glimmer sounded like a real class act.”

Twilight giggled. “You could say that, but with the help of Party Favor, Sugar Belle, Double Diamond, and Night Glider, we were all able to get our cutie marks back and save that village. As for Starlight, she ran off into the mountains and we never saw her afterwards.”

Sunset placed a hand on her chin in deep thought. “It’s just so hard to imagine a spell like that exists. It’s even harder to imagine somepony would want to use it at all.”

“Starlight was a very powerful Unicorn with a very dangerous way of thinking. Saying that the only way to make friends is by taking away what makes them special is just crazy. I’m glad we were able to stop her, but the fact that she’s still out there with this crazy belief is kinda scary.”

“Well I wouldn’t worry about her too much if I were you. I know for a fact that you and your friends are more than capable of dealing with her if she shows up again.”

Twilight’s mood started to brighten up. “You’re right Sunset. Wouldn't be the first time me and the girls had to deal with some mad, revenge seeking unicorn bent on taking over Equestria.” She blushed as she realized the slip of the tongue. “Uhh...no offense.”

Sunset shook her head and chuckled. “None taken. Though it would be kinda funny if you guys blast her with rainbows and become friends with her,”

“Maybe we’ll go to another world and defeat three evil gargoyles.”

The two laughed heartily at their own joke, then Sunset started to notice a building that made her smile. “In all honesty, I do hope that one day Starlight will realize her mistake and…”

“Hey Twilight look.”

Twilight stopped to see that her friend was pointing at what looks like large diner. It reminded her of the one in Ponyville with those delicious hayburgurs. Her eyes started to brightened and her mouth started to water as she remembered how great they were. “This place is called ‘Phil's Grills.’” Sunset said getting the princess’ attention. “I used to work here back when I first came to this world, and for good a reason. The food is so good here that I know you’ll love it.”

“If they’re anything like the hayburger back home, I have a feeling I’m going to love them.” Twilight said as she walked towards the door.

“They’re a little...different from what you’re used to, but I’ll let you see for yourself.”

The two finally went inside and they were immediately greeted with the sounds and bustle of a busy restaurant. But despite the rambunctious activity, Sunset was still able to take in the fresh and delicious smell of food she couldn't wait to get her hands on. Twilight however, didn’t get that same sensation, as she smelt something burning, and spicy? Despite it, she was more than happy to try something new with her friend.

They were both seated at the counter by the waitress and were handed their menus. “So can I get you two anything to drink?” She asked in a jovial tone.

“I’ll have a Sprite please.” Sunset said as she opened her menu.

“Alrighty then, and for you ma’am?”

Twilight didn’t answer immediately as she was wondering what the heck was a sprite? ‘Must be some sort of drink exclusive to this world.’ She thought. “I’ll have the same.”

“In that case, two Sprites coming right up.”

As the waitress left, Twilight focused her attention at Sunset, who was now browsing through the menu. She noticed some of the different meals she could order, especially the one that read…

“Bacon cheeseburger?”

“You said something Twi?”

Twilight noticed Sunset giving her a confused look. “Sorry, I was just wondering what all these foods were. I never heard of a...hamburger before.”

“That’s right, I hadn’t told you what they serve here had I?” Twilight shook her head. “I thought so, well it’s a bit complicated but…”

“Well well, if it ain’t Ol’ bacon hair!”

The two turned to see a rather stout-looking man. He was wearing an outfit much like the chefs in the kitchen, wearing a dirty apron with the diner’s logo. He also had a gruff beard and thoroughly brushed hair.

“Seriously, that old nickname again?” Sunset said flipping her hair. “That got old way before I left.”

“Well ya know me Sunset, I’m an old coot.”

Twilight looked puzzled at the sight of Sunset Chuckling with the stranger. Sunset then turned towards her and gestured at him. “This is the owner of the restaurant and my former employer.”

“Nice meetin’ ya kid. The name’s Philly Cheesesteak. But ya can call me Phil if ya want.” He extended his hand in which Twilight shook without a second thought.

“My name is Twilight Sparkle. So you're the owner of this place?”

“Yep, this here joint been in the family business for over fifty years, and I’ve been running it for a solid six. Though I never seen your pretty face ‘round here before.”

Twilight blushed at the subtle compliment. “Well I’m from...out of town. I’ve never eaten food like this before.”

Before Phil could reply, the waitress returned with their drinks. “Two ice cold sprites for the ladies. Oh hey Mr. Cheesesteak, you need something?”

“Hold up Jess, what do ya mean ya never ate anything like this before?”

Twilight took the cold drink and placed it near her. “All this food like hamburgers and steaks, I’ve never heard of any of this, let alone eaten it before.”

Phil scratched his head in confusion as the waitress twirled her hair with a finger. Sunset was starting to think that things were starting to go downhill, until Phil started to laugh. “Well I ain’t one to judge what people eats but hey, it’s always good to try somethin’ new. Guess when you said outta town ya really meant outta town.”

Sunset breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that Twilight’s curiosity wasn’t going to get the best of her. “In any case, I think I’ll have the…”

“AAH!”

Nearly everyone in the room jumped as they heard a small scream coming from Twilight. She placed a hand over her mouth as she held the cup in her other hand. She looked to see that Sunset, Phil, and Jess were looked startled at her. “Um...sorry.”

“Are you alright ma’am?” Jess said as she placed her palm on Twilight’s shoulder.

“Yeah...it’s just this drink. Why does it taste so...tingly and sweet?”

“Uh...that’s normally what Sprite taste like ma’am.”

“Sprite huh?” Twilight said as she took a large sip from the straw. She shuddered a bit as she finished. “It’s amazing, tangy but delicious nonetheless.”

As she kept on drinking, Phil rubbed his back and turned towards Sunset. “I’m gettin’ a sense of Deja vu. Bright Eyes here is startin’ to remind me of you when I first saw ya. She a long lost sister or somethin’?”

Sunset sighed. “No, but she wasn’t kidding when she said that she never ate food like this before. But Twilight really wants to try something here. Maybe you can give her your world famous Grill-Burgers to start off with.”

Phil chuckled. “I like the way ya think Sunset, start off with the big guns, give em a good first impression and all that.” He turned back to

Twilight who was finishing her drink. “Hey, Bright Eyes.”

Twilight almost didn’t notice Phil calling her, until she noticed that her drink was empty. “Uh...you said something?”

“Look, since it’s ya first time eatin’ my food, how about I start you off with our specialty Grill-Burgers. It’s a family recipe that made this joint the talk of the town. And it’s guaranteed to make folks come crawlin’ back for more.”

Twilight couldn’t help but imagine eating what this world considers a delicacy so good, that it made this place world-famous. “That sounds great, I guess I’ll take that one. Oh...and some more sprite please.” She said holding up the ice filled cup sheepishly.

“I already got that covered Mr. Cheesesteak.” Jess said while writing the order down. “And for you ma’am?”

“I might as well have the same thing.” Sunset said while handing her menu to the waitress. “Just no pickles please.”

“In that case, two Grill-Burgers, one without pickles coming right up.” She said as she took their menus and orders. “You coming back to the kitchen boss?”

“Well ya can’t cook the Grill-Burgers without me can ya? I’ll be right back ladies. As for you Bright Eyes, I suggest ya get your taste buds ready for the best thing in your life.” He said as he left for the kitchen with Jess.

Sunset rubbed her hands eagerly as she awaited her meal. It wasn’t the first time she had the Grill-Burger, this being her seventh one, but each one felt like heaven on a plate. Even the other meals she had were just as good, and may or may not be the main reason why she decided to work here, but more importantly, she was happy that she can have this meal for the first time with one of her best friends.

“So, you don’t like pickles?” Twilight asked, still a little curious about her food.

“Sorry Twi, even back in Equestria I hated those things.” She replied. “Which made it a little off putting when I first had my Grill-Burger.”

“Really, how did it taste Sunset?”

“Well let’s just say that even pickles wouldn't spoil something so amazing for me. But my question for you is why you’re suddenly so interested in this world.”

Twilight scratched her head as Jess bring her refill. “What do you mean by that?”

“Well let’s see, you decided to take a vacation in separate world even though there are many other places in Equestria to go to. You absentmindedly told Phil that you never ate what is very common food here, almost hinting that you weren't from this world. And I’ve been watching you kinda glance around trying to see what’s going on.”

Twilight almost choked on her drink. “Hey, I’m not that bad.” She said defensively, her cheeks flaring with an obvious red tint.

Sunset crossed her arms. “Says the girl who already drank half of her Sprite in the ten seconds of this conversation. Quite the accomplishment by the way.”

Twilight’s eyes widened as she looked at her drink and saw that she was speaking the truth. She placed it back on the counter and sighed.

“Okay so since my last visit, I might have been trying to come up with an excuse to come back here. Everything about this world just makes me want to learn more about it.”

“Honestly Twilight, you’re not missing much. Besides the ever present portal and the recent Siren attack, this place isn’t that exciting compared to Equestria.”

“Says you.” Twilight said inching closer towards Sunset. “So many different things I’ve seen since I came to this world. There’s these large metal objects with wheels that are everywhere in the city and that white box with the flashing colors that I saw in Pinkie’s room.”

“You mean cars and televisions right?”

“If that’s what they’re called then yes! This place is a treasure trove of discoveries, and learning about it all just fascinates me. Besides, I might as well since I’m going to be here for a while.”

“Can’t argue with that logic, I was always reading up the history of this world when I wasn’t being mean to everybody. But I’m telling you right now, you got a lot to learn.”

“And I can’t wait to learn all of it. That is...if you don’t mind helping me.”

Sunset couldn’t help but laugh. “You want me, Sunset Shimmer, to teach the Princess of Friendship all I know about this world? I must say your majesty it’s quite the honor.”

“So I’ll just take your sarcastic remark as a yes.” She said prompting a laugh from the both of them.

“Well how about this, while you’re here I could teach you about everything you want to know about this world. I know you’ll have a lot of questions, and I’ll try to answer them as much as I can.”

Before Twilight could thank her, she saw Phil waving at her as he carried a large plate on his other palm. “Hope ya girls are hungry, ‘cause I got two pipin’ hot Grill-Burgers just you.” He placed two baskets full of food in front of them, giving Twilight a full view of her meal.

It seemed like a hayburger with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and some weird brown object covered in sauce in the middle. There were also these golden colored rectangles which only reminded her of hay fries. She looked at her meal with a confused glare, while Sunset looked at hers with sheer eagerness. “Wow Phil, these look...good?”

“Good?!” Phil said a little annoyed. “I think the words you were lookin’ for was amazing! This is the prize jewel of this here joint. It is meal fit for kings y’know.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean that offensively. But if you don’t mind me asking, what’s in here?”

“Well I’m glad ya asked Bright Eyes, ‘cause the Grill-Burger is made with only the freshest ingredients. There’s the fresh cut lettuce, pickles and tomatoes, and then you got the family’s special sauce that’s been passed down for generations. And of course no Grill-Burger is complete with the Angus beef in there.”

Twilight did double take when she heard that last part. “Did you just say...beef?”

“Yep, only the best meat ‘round here for my customers. Why, there hasn’t been a single day when someone called us out for any uncooked burgers or anything like that.”

“M-meat?” Twilight said now feeling sick in her stomach. “This is...meat?”

“Uh...hold that thought Twilight. There’s something going on in the kitchen.” Before she could get another word in, he had left leaving her to stare at her food. Could she even call it her food after learning what it’s really is? That brown circle is meat! It used to be some poor, innocent cow, and now it’s been cooked over an oven and turned into a lavish meal. And these humans eat them, like she would eat a salad. They’re all carnivores!

Twilight felt a cold chill as more thoughts came to her mind. What if other animals in this world are eaten by them? What if ponies were also served under a bun? What if Sunset…? She stopped herself as she slowly turned her head to see that Sunset already took a bite out of her burger. Her burger made of meat.

“Man, this thing still tastes great.” Sunset said taking another bite. “How’s your Twilight? Twilight only looked at her in utter shock, looking at both her, and the sandwich at the same time. “Uh...Twilight...you alright?”

“NO I’M NOT!” Twilight nearly screamed attracting some onlookers. “I can’t believe you would eat that. You’re a pony, and you just ate a cow!”

Twilight was now up in her face, making Sunset uncomfortable. “Keep it down Twi. I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“You’ve been eating bovine Sunset! How could you eat cooked meat of our brethren like that? You know we can’t do that back in Equestria, it’s an extreme felony where the punishment is banishment!”

Sunset took a moment to register what Twilight was talking about, until she finally realized what she meant. She gave out a deep sigh as she shook her head. “Twilight, I think it’s time for your first lesson about this world.”

“But…”

“Twilight please.” Sunset said silencing Twilight’s mouth with her hand. “Just let me explain okay?”

Twilight nearly lifted a finger to respond, but silently nodded to her friend.

Sunset thought about how she could explain all of this to her friend, until she decided that a more direct way would be the best approach.

“Watch this.” She then lifted her the side of her lip, which started to startle the curious girl. She then pointed her finger towards a sharp tooth on her upper jaw. “You see this Twilight?”

Twilight only stared at her tooth in amazement. She never knew humans had something like that before. “What is that?”

“It’s called a canine tooth.” She said putting her lip down. “They’re these sharp teeth that makes eat easier for animals, or in my case humans to eat meat.”

Twilight blinked as the gears in her head started to turn. “So does that mean humans are all omnivores?”

“Yep, we all eat meat as well as fruits and veggies.”

“So what about all the meat-eating, it doesn't gross you out that you’re technically a pony eating other animals?”

“At first it did, I was actually pretty terrified when I learned that they ate meat. But after a while, I guess me turning human must have took out my pony instincts and I started to crave meat like humans. At least, that’s what I think is why it doesn't bother me as much.”

“Really now.” Twilight said, her curiosity starting to come back. “And what kind of meat is usually served.”

“Mostly cattle, chicken or anything else you can find on a farm from what Applejack has told me.”

“That doesn't mean that you…”

“No! We don’t eat horses or ponies. That’s illegal, and even if it wasn’t, not in a million years Twilight.”

Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh thank Celestia. I wouldn't know what I would do if you people actually did.”

“So do you have any more questions or are you finally going to eat your meal.”

Twilight almost forgot that her meal was still right in front of her. She was still hungry, and this could be a good time to have a hands-on experiment rather than playing twenty questions. “You don’t think I’ll start craving for meat when I’m back in Equestria?”

“Doubt it. Since you turn back into a pony, you should start going back to craving just fruits and vegetables. Trust me Twi, you’ll be just fine.”

Twilight smiled at her friend’s encouragement. Taking a deep breath, she turned towards her meal, and grabbed the surprisingly still warm Grill-Burger. She decided not to waste any more time, closed her eyes, and took a big bite out of it. In a split second, her taste buds got flourished with many different spices and flavors she’d never experienced before. After she swallowed her bite, she dropped her burger back into the basket and simply stared at her meal.

Sunset watched Twilight look blankly at her meal. “Twilight, you alright?” She asked placing a hand on her shoulder.

Before she could ask again, Phil came back from the kitchen and came towards her. “So guys, ya enjoin’ the Grill-Burgers?” She then saw that Twilight was still looking at her food like it was a winning lottery ticket. “Yo Sunset, what’s up with Bright Eyes?”

“I’m not sure. I guessing she’s just taking it all in I suppose.”

“You kidding me right? I mean, I know my burgers are the best ‘round these parts, but they ain’t heaven on a plate.”

Suddenly, Twilight picked the burger back up and took another vicious bite out of it, catching the other two off guard. Twilight looked as if she was in utter bliss, her fingers were shaking, her knees trembled, and she had the widest smile she could muster. Before she could take

another bite, she heard the sounds of laughter coming from Sunset and Phil, then realized how humiliating she was must’ve looked.

“Um...that never happened before.”

“You can say that again. I ain’t never seen anyone just tear my Grill-Burger apart. I take it that you enjoyed it huh?”

“Enjoyed it?” Twilight exclaimed. “That was the greatest meal I’ve ever tasted. This is even better than hay burgers back home.”

“Well I’m glad you’ve enjoyed Twilight.” Sunset said patting her back. “Especially since you managed to get out of that comfort zone of yours.”

“Well what can I say Bacon Hair,” Phil chirped lightly slapping her back. “the family’s recipe didn’t make this place a legend for a reason. It’s the pinnacle of high quality cuisine, and I’m looking at the perfect example of that fact right here.”

Twilight slightly blushed. “Thanks Phil, you really mean that?”

“Of course I do. It always ain’t easy to try somethin’ new, so I’m glad that ya came here kid.”

“Thanks guys. Glad I came too.”

“Well, with all that outta the way, what you two say about dessert?”

The two friends looked at each other and laughed. “What do you got?”

---

“Wow, that was some delicious chocolate cake.” Twilight said eagerly.

The two left the restaurant with satisfied appetites. Phil even decided to let to let them had their meals for free for today. Saying that he was

“Feelin’ generous.” Sunset stretched her arms as they walked down the sidewalk. “Well it’s good to hear that from you. Though I do want to know, are you sure you didn’t mind eating meat like that?”

“Well I’m still not comfortable about eating other animals, but I wouldn't mind eating another meal again. Although I would've appreciated a warning next time.”

“Sorry, but let’s be honest, would you even attempt to try it if I told you what it really was?”

“I guess not.” She said scratching her head.

“So, you're going to continue that research of yours?”

“Well of course I am. There are still so many discoveries I can make in this world. All the knowledge I can gain from this world could easily be put to good use in the future.”

“Well like I said before, I’d be willing to help you out with your research. But one thing I don’t get, is why you want to spend your vacation here researching. Kinda defeats the purpose if you ask me.”

“Well let's just say that curiosity gotten the better of me lately. With all the things I could learn here, I couldn’t help myself but coming here in hopes to understand this world. Besides, this just means that I’ll get to spend more time with you.”

As she said this, Sunset immediately started to tear up as she tightly embraced her best friend. “Thank you for coming back Twilight.”

“Anytime Sunset.” Twilight said with a yawn. “Well, I don’t know about you but I’m about ready to turn in for the night.”

“It is getting rather late, I guess we can just head to my apartment. Maybe tomorrow we can look for some extra clothes for you while we’re working on that research. Which reminds me, what were you planning on looking up first?”

“Actually I was rather interested in this thing called the internet. What do you know about it?”

Sunset immediately paused as her cheeks flared red and her pupils began to shrink. “Uh...c-can we please try doing something else?”

“Why, what’s wrong with the internet?”

“N-nothing, nothing at all.” She said as she composed herself. “But how about we start with something smaller like a trip to the mall?”

“If you say so.” Twilight said heading towards the apartment. “But either way, I think I’m going to enjoy this time off.”

Sunset Shimmer smiled as she followed her friend home, Ready to enjoy her week with her best friend. “Me too Twilight. Me too.”