Everyone has to sleep eventually—everyone, which means that at some point Sunset's new roommate is going to have to stop messing around with her computer and go to bed. But somehow the one-and-only Twilight Sparkle doesn't need to obey the laws of the universe, and therefore she might just be the one-and-only person who never sleeps.

Written as a study on narrative and preconception. Recommended by TCC56. Reviewed by PaulAsaran. Cover art by localsya. Interior art by me!

So what does one do upon finding out that their best friend (and lately a bit more than that) has been hiding something from them? Namely, the fact that, once a month, they transform into the body of a destructive dark angel and spend the night hiding in their room?

Well, if you're Sunset Shimmer, you ask Twilight a magiphysiological question.

An entry into the Dialogue-Only Contest and the Sunset X Villain "Monster-shipping" Contest (2nd place winner!). Pre-read by Dewdrops on the Grass and The Sleepless Beholder.

Featured on 1-4 June 2024! Also featured on Equestria Daily!

This story is a sequel to The Return of Midnight Sparkle

Sunset Shimmer's life has always been full of mistakes; But she rose to the occasion and kept fighting, willing to improve herself, always.

And now she is celebrating five years of being an Alicorn Princess-- Happily married to Twilight Sparkle. It can't get better than this, she is the happiest she's ever been.

Of course, in Equestria, there is always trouble, right around the corner. And now, a happy, fulfilled and incredibly powerful Sunset Shimmer is cursed to travel the multiverse, forced to meet other versions of herself-- Disgusted by their failures.

All she can do is keep fighting, stay strong, and hope that she can find a way back home to her love.

And maybe, just maybe, help a few Sunsets along the way.

As a thank you, and upon seeing the potential in her, Twilight Sparkle has invited Sunset Shimmer to be a part of her team. Sunset has absolutely no idea what she's doing and she does not feel like she belongs; Whether if its from her regrets of trying to pursue power desperately and being corrupted by it, or her immense failure as Celestia's first pupil, or even her general inexperience with friendship, Sunset Shimmer has been humbled into nothingness, and has to rebuild her life from scratch.
And most complicated of all, Sunset Shimmer is now in love with Twilight Sparkle, the girl that changed her life for the better, and saved her from herself. She will keep these feelings extremely close to the chest; but her heart is on her sleeve now.

Can Sunset Shimmer improve? Can she be worthy and deserving of the friends that were imposed upon her? Could she possibly ever deserve to be side by side with a princess? Can she earn Twilight Sparkle's love?

Can she belong? Or is all of this temporary... And eventually she will have to move on, to anywhere more fitting of her insignificance? Are things destined to go wrong around her?

Will Midnight Sparkle return?

This story is a prequel of Across the Shimmerverse!

Sunset Shimmer asks her girlfriend a simple question: “Would you still love me if I were a worm?”

Unfortunately, Twilight Sparkle has never given a simple answer in her life.

Written for Perfectly Insane’s Dialogue Only Contest.

Pre-read by Posh.

"Maybe we could have continued to be friends. But not in this story. I've decided to make a brave decision like you taught me to, and say goodbye.

— Fluttershy"

Fluttershy wrote letters that formed a journal to give one day to Rainbow Dash. She has written it throughout the majority of their friendship, relationship and heart break. Now was the time she was going to give it to her. Not because she wants Rainbow to know she still loves her, but because she wants Rainbow to know how much she has hurt her. Besides, she doesn't have to stick around much longer anyways as she's planning to move away.

Despite losing her voice due to a sore throat, Trixie has to go to school today. It shouldn’t affect her daily life much.

Huge thanks to PseudoBob Delightus for proofreading this fic!

Sunset Shimmer answers a knock on her door one day to find Adagio Dazzle standing on the other side of it. When she inquires as to the reason for the Dazzling's unexpected visit, Adagio answers by saying she's in need of her socks.

But why?

This story brought to you thanks to: Insomnia

The Dazzlings have been defeated, their powers stripped away and their status as Equestrian beings revoked. After they stumble off the stage to escape the wrath of a booing crowd, the full weight of their failure crashes down on them.

Luckily, they still have each other.

(Cover art taken from a comic done by artist RileyAV. Pop a visit over to her page and show your support in any way you can, eh?)

Applejack asks Sunset if she ever misses an aspect of her home. Specifically, one aspect that can possibly be filled in a big way this side of the portal.

The following contains young adults talking in a frank manner. Reader discretion is advised, not recommended for those with a maturity level above twelve years of age. Parental guidance is not advised, they would not understand.

Thanks to Tired Old Man, Nova Quill/Firimil,
Steel Resolve, and Somber Star for their edits and suggestions.