//------------------------------//
// Day 3: Canterlot Reunion 
// Story: Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider Unicorn & Decade: Shocker Resurgence 
// by Michael_Ravencroft 
//------------------------------//

Around six in the morning the duo were out the door and on the first train to Canterlot. Sunset yawned as she tried to fight the urge to doze off on the train ride, which apparently they were the only ones on it, but since most ponies were still in bed it was not surprising. During the ride, Sunset did nod off a couple of times, both ending up with her head resting against Twilight’s shoulder.

The first time kind of shocked Twilight, as she was not prepared for a sleepy Sunset using her as a pillow. But the second time it was less of a surprise, Sunset actually stayed asleep a little longer on her second nap. Twilight smiled at the unicorn mare next to her and unfurled her right wing to wrap around Sunset’s body, acting as a makeshift blanket. A blanket that made Sunset hum in appreciation.

Twilight’s heart fluttered a bit more when Sunset unconsciously snuggled closer to the alicorn mare, and said alicorn couldn’t help but stare. A thought crossed her mind to kiss Sunset’s forehead, just a little one, but she thought against it. It felt weird and yet right to think about doing it, but at the same time it filled Twilight’s heart with a little worry as to why she was thinking about doing something like that. Twilight looked out the window and smiled, as she nudged her friend awake.

“Huh…wha-what’s up?” Sunset asked in a groggy state.

“Look out the window.”

Sunset turned her head and watched as the moon set, and soon after the sun crested over the horizon. The fiery maned mare turned her whole body, watching as the celestial sphere of fire graced the land with warmth and light. Without realizing it, Sunset began to cry, Twilight noticed this and immediately panicked.

“S-Sunset, are you alright?!” Twilight asked.

Sunset wiped her tears away and smiled at Twilight. “I’m alright Twilight, it’s just been a long time since I’ve seen the sunrise from this high up on the mountain. It’s nostalgic.”

Once the train pulled into the station, Twilight and Sunset disembarked. The city was now coming to life as businesses were opening up and the Canterlot citizens began their day. Twilight watched as Sunset’s eyes widened, she could tell that Sunset recognized everything, although there were times when she gave a confused look, most likely due to something that had changed.

Twilight led Sunset down the street, of course several ponies either bowed or fangirled when she was around, making Twilight blush and giving Sunset much teasing fuel for later. “Hey, Twilight, you mind if we head somewhere? It’s probably not there anymore but I’d like to see if it is.”

“Sure, where to?”

“C’mon.”

Sunset led Twilight down a few blocks, going by memory, and for the most part it was the same. When they turned the corner of the street, Sunset stopped. A couple of yards away was an orphanage called “Little Trotters Orphanage”. A sad smile appeared on Sunset’s muzzle. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that it’s still here.”

“Sunset you know that place?” Twilight asked.

“It’s the place where I was left as a foal, where I grew up until Princess Celestia saw my magic potential and took me under her wing.”

“Do you want to…?”

“No, it’s alright, maybe some other day, I just wanted to see if it was here. Let’s go have some fun,” said Sunset.




***________<U> X [D] ________***




The rest of the time was spent on more fun activities, Twilight took Sunset through the Royal Rose Gardens, and through the Hedge Maze. Twilight regaled Sunset with the tale of when Discord first resurrected and had tricked them into going into the maze. Sunset recounted the times when she and Princess Celestia would sneak away and play hide and seek in the maze, and how Sunset would subsequently cry when she couldn’t find her. Sunset blushed in embarrassment at how she was a crybaby back then.

From there they moved onto the Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, a place that held both happy and bad memories for Sunset. Twilight knew this, but Sunset insisted on going back, along the way they passed by several unicorn students who paused in their studies and conversations to watch the Princess of Friendship as she strode side-by-side with Sunset Shimmer.

“Seems you’re quite the popular Princess,” said Sunset.

“Ugh, you don’t even know…I found a shop selling body pillows of me.” Twilight had a chill run up her spine. “I can’t and don’t want to imagine what ponies are doing with them.”

“Oh I’m sure they're doing something,” said Sunset with her trademark smirk.

Twilight blushed and bumped Sunset with her shoulder. “Sunset!”

After that embarrassing little jab, both mares began to feel a bout of hunger hit their stomachs, so they decided to head to the most popular restaurant in Canterlot, The Tasty Treat. Twilight also gave Sunset the rundown of the friendship emergency that went on that required the expertise of both Rarity and Pinkie Pie. Sunset couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at that, if their Canterlot City counterparts were anything like them, then Sunset felt like that could either end in a complete success or disaster. Thankfully it was the former.

Once they arrived, they were greeted by a unicorn stallion. He had a dark raspberry colored mane and mustache, magenta colored eyes, and an amber coat. “Welcome to the Tasty Treat – Oh my goodness, Princess Twilight!”

Twilight waved to stallion. “Hi, Coriander.”

“Oh my, I did not know you were coming, I would’ve set up a nice private booth for you, Princess!”

“No, no, please don’t, but if you have a table or booth available we’d like to have lunch here,” said Twilight.

“Of course!” Coriander quickly bused a booth, using his magic to clean it until it practically sparkled. The stallion rushed back to the front and bowed to Twilight and Sunset. “Your booth awaits!”

Once Twilight and Sunset were seated, they were given some time to look over the menu and told their orders to Coriander who promptly took them back to the kitchen. While they were seated, Sunset decided to let Twilight onto what had been happening back at CHS, especially with all the Dopant activity.

“I’m glad you seem to have everything handled, Sunset, but don’t hesitate to ask us for help on this side,” said Twilight as she reached out and placed her hoof on Sunset’s.

“Thanks, but now that Rainbow’s a Rider too, it kind of puts me more at ease. Actually it’s one of the things I’d like to talk to you about.” Sunset stated.

“Like what?”

Sunset sighed. “Since I’m the only one who knows anything about Equestrian magic, I feel as if I need to be the one to take charge, and for the most part, the girls seem to have pinned me as the leader of the group. Even your human self seems that way. But because of my knowledge – and the fact that I’m practically older than all of them – I constantly keep thinking of all the bad things that could happen. Be it Dopant attacks or random acts of magic! I’d just…I just wonder how you do it?”

Twilight thought about that, she thought hard until finally she spoke the truth. “Honestly, Sunset, I worry just as much as you do.” Sunset’s turquoise eyes widened. “As a Princess and Element of Harmony, I know my friends and I will be called upon to help Equestria, and each time I keep wondering if the next challenge will be too much. Will I be able lead them? Will we make it through? Will this be our land stand? I plan, I plot, and I try to execute, but not everything goes according to plan, not everything will be executed to perfection. In those moments, it’s my friends that keep me stable.”

“Pinkie Pie has taught me to accept things that are just sometimes not logical, and work with them. Fluttershy has showed time and again that kind words and a kind heart can sometimes bring about great change. Rainbow’s daring and courageous attitude has shown me that we can’t let fear bring us down. Applejack is like a rock, always keeping us level headed. And Rarity’s keen eye for details and creativity have helped me to think in different ways for whatever comes our way. I guess what I’m trying to say is, you can’t always be prepared for whatever comes your way, you just have to react appropriately, trust in yourself, and most of all, trust in your friends.”

Sunset digested the words Twilight spoke. Twilight reached over and took Sunset’s hoof into her own, making the sun-yellow mare look back up at her.

“And don’t forget, you have ponies here that will always help you.”

“Twilight…”

For a moment, the world stopped, and there was only the two of them. Their eyes locked onto each other as a blush befell both their faces. Sunset was becoming hyper aware of Twilight’s hoof gripping her own, as well as the lavender scent. Their hearts beat a little faster as lumps formed in their throats, Twilight knew what this feeling was, but was not sure how to act upon it in this moment. Was it okay to say how she felt, here, in front of so many? Surely kissing Sunset right now would be too much, and besides, it should be done privately, and in a more romantic setting than this. But…Sunset’s lips did look oh so inviting to the alicorn mare.

Without really realizing it, both mares were moving closer to each other, inch by inch the gap was closing between them. Was this really happening? Right here, right now?

“Princess Twilight!” Sunset and Twilight were snapped out of their trance and sat at attention in their seats. Both mares watched as a young mare walked towards them. She had curly fuchsia colored hair, an orange coat, and violet colored eyes. Twilight knew this mare as Saffron Marsala, the chef and daughter of Coriander. “It has been quite a while since you were here last, I’m glad see you again!”

Twilight blushed and smiled at the unicorn mare. “Of course Saffron, I just wanted my friend to sample your food since she’s in town.”

Saffron glanced to the mare sitting beside Twilight. “I don’t believe I’ve seen you here before?”

“Sunset Shimmer, I’ve been away studying abroad and wanted to come and visit,” said Sunset Shimmer.

“Oh, well any friend of Princess Twilight’s is welcome here, so please, enjoy your meals,” said Saffron as she placed their orders before them.

There was a bit of an awkward silence between the mares, but upon Sunset sampling her food, the silence was broken as her taste buds were granted a taste of nirvana from the deliciousness of Saffron’s food. The unicorn mare dove into her meal with gusto, making Twilight and Saffron giggle from the enthusiasm.

“This is great! I’ve never tasted anything like this!” Sunset declared.

“Please enjoy, if you want more, I’d be happy to make it again.” Saffron then turned sharply towards Twilight. “No charge, and I insist. It’s not wise to argue with a chef in their restaurant.”

Twilight could see there was no use in even arguing the matter and conceded to the chef. She then turned her attention back to Sunset once Saffron went back to the kitchen and giggled again. “I see you really did miss Equestrian food.”

“Oh yeah, that mare knows how to cook! I am definitely looking for this place when I get back, if her human version is even half as good as her pony self, I’m eating there every day!” Sunset gulped down another helping and continued. “When you come over, I’ll treat you.”

“I’d like that.”




***________<U> X [D] ________***




After filling up on the delicious meal, Sunset and Twilight made their way towards the shopping distract of Canterlot. Twilight enjoyed seeing Sunset smile, she could see the nostalgia in her eyes whenever she looked upon the city, but it did sadden her when she would peer towards the castle, no doubt thinking about Princess Celestia. Time and again Twilight debated whether or not to have them meet each other again, but she didn’t want to rush it. Sunset didn’t feel that she was ready to see their mentor, and Twilight didn’t want to have to force her to. Still, Princess Celestia was like a second mother to Twilight, to Sunset, she was a mother to her, the only one she knew.

“Hey, why don’t we go to Canterlot Carousel? You can check out how Rarity has done here in the capital, and maybe take back a few custom outfits?” Twilight suggested.

“Well…I mean, she doesn’t have to, but I’d like to see what she has,” said Sunset.

Twilight scoffed. “You know Rarity, she’ll insist all the way till she’s measuring you.”

Sunset chuckled, knowing exactly what she meant.

“AAAAAHHH!!!”

Twilight and Sunset’s heads snapped to attention, they ran down the street and turned the corner, skidding to a halt as they beheld Canterlot Carousel, the front of the store was demolished, and two bipedal beings were standing in the shop. One of them resembled a unicorn, while the other, well, they didn’t really know. The red one had something in the crook of his arm, a small, marshmallow white something. The creature turned slightly and revealed that it was a unicorn filly, but not just any filly.

“Let go of me!”

“SWEETIE BELLE!” Sunset and Twilight shouted.

Sunset glanced to Twilight, Twilight nodded and spread her wings. Her horn gathered light and then released a flash of light that concealed both of them. Sunset ducked into an alleyway and summoned her Uni-Driver and Unicorn Memory.

< UNICORN! >

“Henshin!”

> UNICORN! <

A flash of turquoise light enveloped Sunset Shimmer, transforming her into Kamen Rider Unicorn. The masked hero, focused her magical energy into her hooves and jumped straight up. Her crystal horn shined and in the blink of an eye, she teleported to the top of the building. Narrowing her eyes, Unicorn belted out for all to hear, “HEY! LET THE FILLY GO!”

The red monster and the unicorn monster looked up and saw the Kamen Rider staring down at them. The red monster stepped forward and lifted Sweetie Belle up. “You want her? Come and get her!”

Unicorn leaped off the roof and dove down for the red monster, but at the last second, Unicorn vanished in a flash of light. The red monster glanced about, trying to spot her, but Unicorn reappeared right in front of him, and delivered a spinning kick right to his face. The impact sent the monster flying, but not without Unicorn teleporting Sweetie Belle and herself away from both monsters.

Sweetie Belle and Unicorn reappeared some ways down the street where she once stood. Twilight was gone, but a flash of rosy light showed the alicorn mare had been busy as well, reappearing with both Rarity, and her store manager, Sassy Saddles.

“SWEETIE BELLE!” Rarity cried.

“SIS!” Sweetie shouted back.

Both sisters embraced each other, happy that the other was safe. Twilight erected a shield around them, as Sunset walked out and faced the two creatures. The unicorn monster looked at the red monster and shook his head. “Really, Phoenix, that was quite sad.”

Phoenix got up and growled as he walked towards his compatriot. “Unicorn, shut up. I was gauging her strength, and I like what I see. That was a good kick, Kamen Rider.”

“What do you want with this filly?!” Unicorn demanded.

“It’s a bit complicated, but you won’t be around too long to care.” The Zoidart threatened.

The Unicorn Zoidart removed his helm and transformed it into a rapier sword, revealing a black face and his eyes a long red visor. Phoenix slammed his hands together and summoned his broadsword, which he lovingly named Catastrophe. Sunset knew this was going to be a tough fight, so she decided to get tougher. With her magic, Sunset summoned a Gaia Memory to give her the edge.

< METAL! >

{< METAL! MIMETIC DRIVE! >}

The Metal Memory symbol appeared behind Sunset and wrapped around her body, shifting her into Unicorn Iron Heart. Sunset stood on her hind legs and quickly hit the button on her left hip port.

\ METAL RING! /

Sunset held out her right foreleg and a metal ring appeared around it, she began spinning the ring around and in no time dashed towards both the Phantom and Zoidart. Both monsters came in swinging, both blades striking against Sunset’s metal ring as sparks flew from each contact. Thanks, to her smaller size, Sunset was able to nimbly move between both Kaijin, she kept them at bay by spinning the ring around, switching it from one hoof to the other, creating a three-hundred and sixty degree combat counter zone. Sunset teleported, and reappeared behind the Unicorn Zoidart, about to strike a blow.

Phoenix created flaming wings and took the air, in his left hand he generated flames which he shot straight for Sunset. The flames struck the Kamen Rider, pushing her back and forcing her to defend. These guys aren’t like the Combatmen, nor are they like Dopants. They’re strong, especially that Phoenix guy, his flames are laced with magic, I can feel it!

The Unicorn Zoidart turned around and charged his sword blade, once the blade glowed a bright green, the Kaijin thrust the sword forward, striking Sunset in the chest and causing sparks to fly off her body. Phoenix dove down, igniting his sword and slashing Sunset across the chest, adding to the damage of she had taken from the Unicorn Zodiart.

Sunset was sent flying into the side of a building, leaving an impression in the stone. Both Kaijin closed in, but then several bolts of magical energy came raining down from the sky. The Phantom and Zodiart merely stood there and allowed the barrage to rain down on them. Sunset looked to Twilight, figuring she had intervened, but Twilight shook her head.

The origin of the attacks was made clear as several Royal Guards surrounded the area, covering the skies and the streets. Along with them, strode the immortal co-ruler of Equestria, Princess Celestia. The alabaster alicorn mare glared at the two Kaijin, her magical aura flaring in indignation. “What is your business here monsters?!”

“Princess Celestia?!” Twilight cried.

Celestia, thought Sunset.

“They tried to foalnap my sister, Princess!” Rarity stated.

Princess Celestia narrowed her gaze at the creatures. “This will be your only warning. Surrender now or I shall be forced to subdue you!”

The Phantom and Zodiart looked to each other and chuckled at the tall mare’s declaration. Phoenix stepped forward and said, “Do what you gotta do, Sun Butt.”

Celestia’s horn glowed with brilliant golden light, and from it she fired a beam of pure magical energy that roared towards Phoenix. The Phantom brought up Catastrophe to use a shield, the beam struck the sword, making Phoenix dig his heels into the cobblestone road. Celestia took a step forward, and pushed Phoenix back so more. For a moment, it looked as if Princess Celestia’s magical power would overwhelm Phoenix. However, this was proven wrong when the Phantom took one step forward. Phoenix gripped Catastrophe with both hands and swung upwards, throwing the beam into the air and soaring high into the sky.

With another swing of his sword, Phoenix released a wave of negative energy that cancelled out the alicorn mare’s attack. Phoenix channeled his fiery energy into Catastrophe and fired a beam of magical fire at Celestia. The alicorn Princess threw up a barrier to defend, with several other unicorn Royal Guards adding their own magic. Phoenix scoffed at this and thrust forward, doubling the size of his fire beam and shattering the barrier, causing an explosion that threw everypony in the vicinity on their rears.

The pegasus Royal Guards prepared to dive bomb, but the Unicorn Zodiart leaped up into the air. His sword shined with pent up energy as he slashed the air around him, creating a three-hundred and sixty-degree power wave that slammed against the Royal Guards, sending them into tail spins as they landed on the rooftops or in the streets, some were spared a harsh landing from their fellow Guards, some of the citizens even pitched in, using their own telekinetic auras to keep the pegasi from suffering severe injuries.

Once the Unicorn Zodiart landed, he swiped his blade and prepared for another attack. Sunset peeled herself out of the wall, and stood before the two Kaijin, panting and hurt. Her Iron Heart form disengaged, leaving her back in default form. Still, she widened her stance, horn flaring in preparation for battle.

[Kamen Ride: Decade!]

Sunset recognized that sound and quickly found herself standing side by side with Tsukasa, or rather, stepped out from the Silver Veil dimensional gateway. “Well, you’re looking a little beat up there Unicorn.”

“Spare me Decade, these guys are not like those Combatmen from yesterday,” said Sunset.

“I know, the one with your namesake over there is a Zodiart, and the other is a Phantom, a pretty strong one too. Both are a part of Shocker. ”

Sunset glanced to Decade. “So what do you propose? ”

Decade’s horn glowed and from his Ride Booker a card flew out. It was blank, but after a brief moment the card shined and took the form of a new Gaia Memory. Decade tossed this to Sunset and quickly took it into her magical grasp. Upon the Memory was the letter W, stylized like a dragon. “That’s only going to last for this fight, so take out the red Phantom, I’ll take on the one stealing your name.”

Both the Zodiart and Phantom assumed defensive stances, past experience telling them that something was coming.

Sunset concentrated and pressed the button on the Memory.

< WIZARD! >

{< WIZARD! MIMETIC DRIVE! >}

A dragon appeared behind Sunset and formed a W. The dragon of fire wrapped around Sunset Shimmer and imbued her with the Memory’s magical might. When the flames died away, Sunset was standing on her hind legs, in a new Mimetic Form. She wore a black coat, with three large ruby jewels on both sides of the front, her armor around the forelegs changed to black, silver, and red, while the chest armor remained turquoise colored. The coat draped and hovered behind her, revealing the red cloth on the inside. Her helmet changed as well. The eyes now ruby red, and from her turquoise horn sprouted two smaller, silver horns that pointed up.

Sunset gave a twirl, allowing the coat to flutter in response. She struck a pose and chuckled with renewed vigor and power. “Unicorn and Wizard, together as one! Scarlet Mage!”

Phoenix recognized this form, and he was not happy. “Oh you’re mine.”

Sunset smirked under her helmet. “It’s show time!”

Phoenix dashed for Sunset Shimmer, and at the same time, the Kamen Rider took off as well. In the span of a second, both the Phantom and Rider met each other halfway. A bright flash of light went off as Sunset threw a punch with her right hoof, and Phoenix blocked it with the flat of his sword. Sunset smirked as orange-red and turquoise flames danced around her right foreleg and concentrated at her hoof. The flames built up more and more until they exploded, forcing both herself and Phoenix back.

Sunset hit the mimetic slot once.

\ FIRE DRAGON, PLEASE! /

Flames wrapped around Sunset for a moment, when they were gone, her coat changed to a bright red, and the small silver horns grew out to a long V shape. Sunset crossed her forelegs over her chest, and then parted them to reveal a dragon head coming out.

“DRAGON BREATH!”

A stream of fire shot out and struck Phoenix, he tried to counter with his own flames, but they were being smothered by Sunset’s magical fire. In the end, the area round Phoenix exploded and forced Phoenix to take to the sky, and Sunset jumped up after him.

Meanwhile, Decade and the Unicorn Zodiart were dueling. Decade parried Zodiart’s first blow, but missed his riposte and struck at Decade’s chest, causing sparks to fly off his armor. The Unicorn Zodiart pushed on, thrusting his saber in rapid succession and creating streaks of light that attacked from – seemingly – every direction. Decade was sent flying to the ground, but quickly recovered as he panted from the multiple blows.

“Guess I need something more specialized,” said Decade.

The Kamen Rider stood on his hind legs and levitated a new card from his Ride Booker. With his hooves he opened the buckle to his belt.

[Kamen Ride.]

“Henshin.”

[Kamen Ride: Blade!]

A square shaped field of energy appeared before Decade, with a golden beetle on the center. Decade passed through the energy field and transformed into a new form. His armor changed to silver, with black mesh underneath, and upon the chest plate was a spade card suit. The helmet changed as well, having a silver armor piece running down the face and cresting over the head, and an emerald jewel at the center of the forehead. The helmet was changed a bit to accommodate Tsukasa’s horn, giving him a bit of a Mohawk look.

The Unicorn Zodiart was not deterred though, taking up its sword and charging towards Decade. Now empowered by Blade, Decade took up his sword and clashed blades once more, but to the Zodiart’s surprise, Decade was not fazed by the power of his blow. With a chuckle, Decade slapped the blade aside, and slashed across the Unicorn Zodiart’s chest, sparks flying from the power of the impact.

Meanwhile, the Royal Guards were regrouping, getting their wounded out of the fray. Twilight and Rarity quickly went to aid Princess Celestia as she got back to her hooves. “Thank you, Twilight, Rarity.”

“No problem at all, Princess Celestia,” said Rarity with a bow.

“Now please, can you explain what is happening here? Who are those monsters, and the ponies fighting them?” Celestia asked.

Twilight wanted to say that it was Sunset Shimmer, no doubt news of her surrogate daughter fighting to protect them would surely put a smile on her face. But Sunset had made it clear that she was not ready to face Celestia, so, she had to lie. “Princess, I know who the one in green is, and I can vouch for her when I say she is here to protect us with everything she has!”

“And other one, the stallion who changed his armor?”

Twilight was hesitant on that one. “She trusts him, and all I can say is that I trust in her judgement. He helped save Applejack’s little sister, alongside the other!”

Princess Celestia looked towards Decade, she could sense a strange power about him. It was as if he wasn’t here, but also everywhere, tied to other places, yet not bound to them. However, the case was different for the mare fighting the other monster. Her magical aura, while augmented by her strange armor, felt oddly familiar. It had Equestrian magic in it, a lot of it, whoever this mare was she was strong, as strong as Twilight was when she was a unicorn, no, it was just barely alicorn level magical power.

Sunset struck the side of her mimetic slot twice.

\\ WATER DRAGON, PLEASE! //

Sunset was surrounded in water, and in a second burst forth from the bubble, revealing a change in color to the armor from red to blue. Phoenix slashed at Sunset, but the moment he made contact, her body split apart. Some were about to lose their lunches from the sight, but it was soon revealed that her body was now water. When Sunset reformed she dove right in and delivered a series of punches to Phoenix’s abdomen. She backed up for a moment, and in that moment a dragon tail formed.

“DRAGON TAIL!”

Sunset followed up with a backflip, infusing the tail with water elemental energy, and striking Phoenix with enough force to send the Phantom into the air. Sunset landed gracefully back on the ground and hit the button three times.

\\\ HURRICANE DRAGON, PLEASE! ///

A gust of emerald wind appeared around Sunset, changing her armor to a bright green. Upon her back sprouted two dragon wings, with which she used to take flight after Phoenix. Sunset began to fly in a spiral as she caught up to Phoenix, creating a vortex of wind. The Kamen Rider called upon her own magical power, summoning electricity from the air around her.

“DRAGON SONIC!”

Green lightning shot off from every direction, hitting Phoenix from all directions, leaving him no option for defense. Sunset appeared over the vortex and released a powerful bolt of lightning from her wings that hit Phoenix, sending him careening to the ground below. Sunset folded her wings and began her controlled dive straight to the ground. While in midair, she hit the mimetic slot four times.

\\\\ LAND DRAGON, PLEASE! ////

Rock and dirt appeared around Sunset, ushering another elemental change. From the Earthen cocoon Sunset appeared again, now colored yellow and sporting two dragon claws on either hoof. Sunset thrusted both claws forward and began to spin like a drill, further increasing her descent speed.

“DRAGON CLAW!”

The moment Phoenix landed on the ground, Sunset struck, smashing them through the ground and drilling downward. Everypony, including the Zodiart, waited, hearing only the sounds coming from the hole that Sunset had created. After about twenty seconds, both Sunset and Phoenix burst forth from the ground like an erupting volcano, and Phoenix was once again sent into the air.

“Time for the finale,” said Sunset.

Sunset took out the Wizard Memory and placed it into the right hip port.

>} WIZARD! MAXIMUM DRIVE! {<

Her coat changed into the bright red from before, but four dragons appeared, each one made of wind, fire, earth, and water. All four flew into Sunset, and imbued her with their combined elemental power, granting her the Dragon Wings, Tail, Claws, and Skull, this was the power of All Dragon form.

“Celestia, move the sun one-hundred degrees to the left, quickly!” Sunset ordered.

Celestia didn’t know what for, but she did as the warrior asked. Her horn lit up and the sun began to visibly move to where it was now positioned right behind Phoenix. Sunset flew at Phoenix as four arcane circles appeared around her, each colored red, blue, yellow, and green. From them the four dragons appeared again and flew after Phoenix. Each dragon struck Phoenix once before disappearing into a magic circle behind him. Sunset flipped around and thrusted her right hind hoof forward as a fifth magic circle appeared in front of her.

“DRAGON STRIKE!”

The magical energy wrapped around her hoof, and in the next moment, her kick connected with Phoenix. The power and force of the attack sent the Phantom flying, further, and further, and further, and even further still. Phoenix continued to fly, escaping the atmosphere and continued sailing. The Phantom eventually struck the sun, where his power of rebirth kicked in, again and again in an endless cycle until his energy reserves depleted.

“Well done……KAMEN RIDER!!!!!! ”

Back on Equestria, the Unicorn Dopant’s jaw was practically hanging open, if he had one that is. His partner just got kicked straight to the sun, and he wasn’t alone in the shock, Twilight, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Sassy Saddles, Celesita, the Royal Guard, and the entirety of Canterlot’s citizens had the same stunned expression. Decade merely chuckled at the display and nodded in satisfaction.

“Looks like the rookie has some moves, but that just means her senpai can’t fall behind,” said Decade. “It won’t be as flashy, but it will be quick.”

 [Attack Ride: Mach!]

Before the Unicorn Zodiart realized what was happening, Decade had slashed the creature several times. When Decade reappeared, sparks flew from the Zodiart’s body as the damage took hold. The Unicorn Zodiart raised its sword in preparation to attack, but Decade waved his sword back and forth as if saying “no, no, no”. In that moment, the sword was shattered into pieces, leaving the Zodiart unarmed. Decade took out another card and placed it into his belt buckle.

[Form Ride: Fusion Jack!]

Decade’s Blade Kamen Ride shifted, the chest and helmet armor changed to gold, the spade insignia changing to that of a falcon. On his back, six, blade-like wings formed, allowing Decade to take flight. Decade placed another card into the belt.

[Final Attack Ride: B-B-Blade!]

Decade’s sword became infused with lightning energy, and came down with an overhead slash that left a trail of sparkling electricity in its wake. The blade sliced through the Zodiart and in the next split second, the monster exploded magnificently, with Decade’s form silhouetted in the fire of the detonation. Unicorn flew down from the sky and stood next to her senior Kamen Rider. Her Mimetic Drive form ended and the Wizard Memory ejected from her belt. The device changed back into a card and flew back to Tsukasa.

“Thanks for the help, but what kind of Memory was that?” Sunset asked.

“My powers allow me to use the powers of other Kamen Riders, and in this case I infused that power into a card, and had it change to something you could use. It was the power of Kamen Rider Wizard. A powerful mage who fights to keep hope alive, although the fact that that one appeared to you is surprising, perhaps Haruto felt a connection to you to allow you to use his powers.”

Sunset chuckled nervously. “Well…I’m glad I put them to good use. Tell him thank you if you see him.”

Decade nodded as the Silver Veil appeared behind him, the stallion changed back into his default form and began walking towards the veil before turning his head and saying, “Maybe you’ll get the chance to tell him yourself.”

On that cryptic note, Decade disappeared, leaving only Kamen Rider Unicorn, and a very confused Princess Celestia. The Diarch of the Sun looked to her former pupil and raised an eyebrow. “I would really like to see you, Twilight.” She then turned her gaze to Sunset. “And you as well, in my throne room.”

Twilight and Sunset gulped.




***________<U> X [D] ________***




Twilight, Kamen Rider Unicorn, and Princess Celestia walked back to Canterlot Castle, followed closely by the Royal Guard. Once they reached the castle, Princess Luna appeared and inquired on what occurred in the city. After a quick briefing, Luna decided to go into the city and help with cleanup while she spoke to Twilight, and the masked hero. The whole time they were walking, Sunset was struggling to maintain her Rider form, the battle had taken a lot of her energy, and this walk to the throne room was not helping. Unicorn leaned to her left and whispered, “Twilight, at this rate I’m going to change back! I need to go, now!”

“I, know, but there’s no way, not with all the Guards, and Princess Celestia in front of us. Teleporting now would not look good after you just saved everypony,” whispered Twilight.

“I know, but I…I’m not ready for her to see me like this! Even less to actually face her!”

Before both mares realized it, they had arrived at the throne room. Princess Celestia turned to face them and said, “Thank you, please wait outside for the time being.” The Royal Guards all glanced to each other with worry, after seeing what Kamen Rider Unicorn could do, they were not exactly comfortable with leaving their Princess alone in the same room with that pony. Twilight Sparkle they trusted to keep her safe, but the masked mare was another story. “I will be fine my loyal Guards, you are dismissed.”

With great reluctance, the squad left the room, leaving all three mares alone in a big empty throne room. Twilight glanced to Sunset’s armor, seeing a brief shimmer and evidence of rising particles of light. Her power was waning and the transformation would end soon, but there was no way for her to hide Sunset’s identity without it looking suspicious or raising more questions than Twilight could answer.

“I think it’s about time to power down now, Unicorn. Don’t you think?” Celestia suggested.

“With all due respect…I think it best that my identity remain a secret, safety and all that,” said Unicorn.

“Hmm, and yet my former student seems to know who you are, enough to trust you completely.”

“Y-Yeah, well…It’s better to keep that circle as small as possible. That way I know exactly who to keep close, y’know?”

Princess Celestia hummed in contemplation and nodded her head. “That is true, but then again, it’s a bit of a wasted effort when the identity is known. Wouldn’t you say so, Sunset Shimmer?”

Twilight and Sunset gasped at the same time, the shock of this revelation was enough to make Sunset lose her concentration and made her transform back into her normal form, revealing the fiery maned, sun-yellow mare beneath the armor. And there they were, former student, and former mentor, years of separation, without a word spoken to each other, now facing one another.

After getting over the initial shock, Sunset managed to find her voice again. “H-How did you know?!”

Princess Celestia sat on her haunches and sighed. “At first I knew it had to be somepony Twilight trusted impeccably. I knew it couldn’t be Miss Rarity, since she was right there beside me. It couldn’t have been your student, Starlight Glimmer, I’d imagine her fighting style would’ve been more…ahem…broader. There was the possibility of it being Miss Trixie Lulamoon, but again compared to your style, hers would be…bombastic.”

“But…Princess, it could have also been one of my other friends, the armor made the wearer look like a unicorn so it would be hard to tell,” said Twilight.

“I would’ve believed so myself, however, there was one thing that cemented my decision.” Princess Celestia stood up and walked until she was but a foot away from both mares, her gaze now turning to Sunset directly. “I could never forget how your magical aura felt, Sunset Shimmer. It burns brightly, like a wildfire, but that was back then. Now, it is as if you have harnessed that wildfire and turned into something even stronger, but controlled.”

Sunset looked down at her hooves, both to hide her blushing face and avoid direct eye contact.

“Sunset, why did you not tell me you had returned?” Celestia asked, a hint of sadness in voice.

“I…I…”

“Sunset….Sunset wanted me to keep it a secret it wasn’t –!”

“It wasn’t out of spite.” Sunset interrupted. “I’m…I’m only staying for seven days, a kind of mini-vacation. And I didn’t want you to have to interrupt your duties as a Princess.”

Celestia snorted. “Sunset, you know that would not be an issue. For you, or Twilight, I would always make time to speak to you! Especially considering I haven’t seen you in years!”

Sunset winced. “I know…”

“Twilight has kept me abreast of how you are doing, but after witnessing all that, perhaps not as much as I would like.” At this Twilight began to nervously fidget in place. “Tell me, Sunset, why would you not want to see me? Do you…Are you still angry with me?”

Sunset couldn’t take it anymore, gritting her teeth she looked up at Celestia, her eyes watering and voice breaking as she spoke. “No I’m not! I’m angry at myself! I just…I can’t…I…” Sunset leaned into Twilight’s shoulder as her eyes continued to water. “Please…Twilight…can we go.”

Twilight tentatively wrapped her right wing around Sunset, and looked up to Celestia. The alabaster mare nodded, her own expression one of sadness as well. Twilight’s horn lit up and in a blink they were both gone.




***________<U> X [D] ________***




The train ride back was a somber one, Sunset would just stare out the window, only responding when asked a direct question. When they reached Ponyville, nothing had changed. Once they had returned to the castle, and had given Starlight a brief of what had happened in Canterlot, Sunset returned to her room. For a couple of hours Twilight gave Sunset some space, but now she needed to know. The purple alicorn knocked at the door to Sunset’s room and called out, “Sunset, it’s me. Can I come in?”

There was no immediate response, but a shimmering turquoise aura appeared over the doorknob. The door opened and Twilight found her friend, and possible crush, looking out the window into the distance, watching both their namesake’s come to life before them.

“Sunset, I’m sorry, but I need to ask you. Why did you say you were mad at yourself?” Twilight asked.

A heavy sigh escaped Sunset. “You remember how bad I was on Earth, but you didn’t see me back when I was here in Equestria. With magic, and the prestige of being Princess Celestia’s personal student, and my raw talent, I was even worse. I saw everypony as if they were beneath me, things like friendship didn’t matter to me, only power and knowledge.”

Twilight winced, remembering way back to her days in Canterlot, while power wasn’t what she sought, knowledge certainly was, and in her pursuit of it she became blinded to the world around her and almost missed out on having the wonderful friends she has now.

“I was selfish, brazen, stubborn, and…just a plain bad pony all around. I wanted to become an alicorn, I was strong, powerful, and knowledgeable, and I believed with every fiber of my being that I deserved it more than anypony. But no matter what feats of magic I performed, no matter how much I excelled, it was never enough to show that I was worthy of Ascension.”

Sunset turned around and faced Twilight as she sat on her haunches. “Looking back on myself now, I understand why. Had I become an alicorn, with all that power, I don’t doubt Princess Celestia would’ve needed to banish me to some other dimension. The hard part about reforming yourself is looking back at how much of a jerk you were, I spat on all she tried to endow me with, her, the mare who saw in me potential and brought out from an orphanage into a castle and treated like a daughter. She was practically my mother and I told her she was only jealous and scared of how much more powerful I would be than her!” The sun-yellow mare began to cry again. “I hate myself because I hate what I said and did!”

Twilight got closer to Sunset and brought her into a gentle embrace. “Sunset, you saw her, she doesn’t hate you and has been worried about you. It’s time you forgave yourself, Princess Celestia has. And I have as well.” The purple alicorn titled Sunset’s head up just a bit so that their eyes met. “Sunset, you’ve come a long way from the mare you were when you left Equestria, from the girl I met in Canterlot High School, and certainly now. You hit rock bottom and crawled your way back up the right way, earning the respect and admiration of those around you. You helped defeated the Sirens, and you saved my counterpart from her magic induced madness. Even now you’re still doing great things by protecting others as a Kamen Rider. You’re amazing Sunset, both inside and out, so please, start seeing that which your friends…and me, see in you.”

Sunset’s eyes still shed tears, but her lips curled into a smile. But something was occurring, Sunset didn’t know if it was the hug, her emotions running wild, or what, but Twilight looked very beautiful to her right now, more so than normal. Twilight was also feeling something, her heart was pounding as she held Sunset close, and her face began to heat up as she found herself locked in her gaze.

Neither one of them knew who moved first, but their heads were moving, inch by inch, the distance between their muzzles closing with each passing second.

This…can’t be happening right now, thought Sunset.

I…I can’t, Sunset’s vulnerable I shouldn’t, thought Twilight.

I need to stop, but why won’t my body listen?

I didn’t want my first kiss to start like this!

In the distance, a something clanked against floor, snapping the two mares out of the moment and making them realize what they were about to do. Twilight and Sunset chuckled nervous as they parted from their hug.

“I’ll…um…I better…you know,” said Twilight.

“Y-Yeah,” said.

Twilight awkwardly left the room, both mares trying to comprehend just what they almost did.