//------------------------------//
// Sisters Together Forever? 
// Story: Sunset's 3rd Visit 
// by ThomasZoey3000 
//------------------------------//

"Are you sure we should ask her of this?" Sunrise asked Moon Crest. "I mean, she lives a very busy life as it is, and she has all her friends. I'm not sure this is a good idea."

"Hon, we don't have much of a choice. Besides," Moon Crest added, "we asked Sunset to meet up with us at the café. If we don't show up or say anything, it'll give her the wrong impression of us. Again."

Sunrise sighed, "yes, you are right. Okay, let's go."


Sunset was out and about exploring Ponyville. She had gone back to Canterlot at least a couple of times, but rarely had the chance to explore around Ponyville itself.

"It is such a lovely place," she thought to herself. "I wish the girls could see this with their own eyes. Oh well, at least I have my camera with me."

Using her magic, she lifted it up and took a picture of Sugarcube Corner. She smiled as she looked at the picture taken. It showed Mr Cake dusting the steps with Mrs Cake walking by with one of the twins on her back. The picture also showed Pinkie Pie pointing in a certain direction from her window. Sunset was confused by that, until she remembered, "oh that's right, I was suppose to meet up with my parents!"

"Now you got it!" she heard Pinkie Pie shout out.

Sunset shouted her thanks and took off.


Sunrise and Moon Crest had only just put in their orders when Sunset came up, "sorry I'm late," she panted. "I got distracted with this beautiful town."

"No worries Sunset, it is easy to lose track of time," smiled Sunrise.

Sunset walked over, looked through the menu quickly and placed her order. Once the waiter had gone, she turned her attention back to her parents, "so, what did you want to tell me?"

Both parents looked to each other, nodded and turned back to Sunset.

"Well sweetheart," said Moon Crest, "do you remember when you found out you are an older sister?"

"Oh yes, I remember that well. The shock of learning about Sunny Rays almost made my jaw drop to the ground. But what does have to do with this conversation?"

"Well there's a good reason," said Sunrise as she pointed down to her belly.

It didn't take long for Sunset to realize what her parents were trying to tell her, "you're going to have another baby?"

Both of them nodded.

"Yep, baby number three," smiled Sunrise as she rubbed her belly. "Your father and I were surprised to learn this ourselves. It's a true miracle."

"It is indeed hon," nodded Moon Crest as he pulled his wife in for a hug.

Sunset was stunned at first, but then, a big smile appeared on her face, "congratulations guys. I'm so happy for you."

"Ahh, thank you sweetie, it means alot hearing you say that. We were going to tell you with the journal, but then thought, it might be better to tell you face to face." Sunrise gave a warm smile, "and clearly, we made the right choice."

Sunset laughed, "yes you did."

"However," added Moon Crest, "we're not done yet. You see, both Sunrise and I have come to the realization that with our age, we're not able to look after two young ponies."

"Oh please, you're not that old," Sunset joked.

Moon Crest rolled his eyes, "well either way, we won't be able to look after the baby and Sunny Rays."

"Sadly that's true," sighed Sunrise. "Babies need a lot of attention, and that would mean Sunny Rays wouldn't get the attention she needs. We don't want that to happen, which brings us to the reason we wanted to talk to you."

"Would you look after Sunny Rays?" Moon Crest asked.

Sunset looked uneasy at the question, "guys, it's a really nice offer and all, but I can't just give up everything and everyone I know just to stay here in Equestria."

"We know that, and that's not what we meant."

"Okay, so what did-" she stopped, realizing what they meant, "you want me to take Sunny Rays back to the human world?"

Both parents nodded, "it'd make more sense that way. You wouldn't have to give up your time in your world, and you'd get more time with your baby sister. It's a win-win situation if you ask me," said Moon Crest.

"So, what do you say to that?" Sunrise asked hopefully.

"I...uh, well..." Sunset didn't know what to say. "Can I have some time to think about this?"

Moon Crest and Sunrise nodded, but they also added, "if you decide not to accept, then that's okay. We'll just have to find other ways to look after her."

They finished their meals in silence, then Sunset left, thinking hard.

"On one hand, or hoof in this case, I'd be nice having Sunny Rays around. On the other hoof, magic is always causing trouble in my world, and I certainly don't want her to get involved with all that."

She thought back to what happened to Juniper Montage not that long ago, Gloriosa Daisy at Camp Everfree and even her world's Twilight before that. But then she thought of how she often wished to be more involved in her sister's life.

"Oh what's a girl to do?"

As she walked along, a thought came to her, "maybe I should talk to some ponies who know about siblings. Like Applejack, or Rarity, even though they're not the ones I know, surely they'll be just as helpful as the ones I know."

She picked up the pace and dashed off in the direction of Sweet Apple Acres.


"So you're being given the chance to have your sister around, and you don't know how to answer the question?" Applejack asked before bucking another tree.

"Yeah, you got it right, so what should I say?"

"Well Sugarcube, having your sister around can be a blessing, but sometimes it can be a curse. Like one time, Apple Bloom was asked to look after Babs Seed, but due to some misunderstandings, she and her friends made a cart with shoddy brakes that would go flying into the mud. Honestly, the ideas she gets, it worries me."

Apple Bloom, who was helping collect the apples with Applejack, frowned as she looked to her, "for the record, once we learned everything about Babs, we threw her out and we took the fall."

"True, but you still did it anyways."

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes.

"On the other hoof," continued Applejack to Sunset, "having your sister around can be helpful, like doing farm chores, or even if you're shopping in town and you need to get alot."

"Also, having a sister means you won't be alone, right Applejack?"

"Right you are Apple Bloom."

Apple Bloom looked back to Sunset, "just don't go hovering over your sibling like a certain other pony did."

Applejack groaned, "look, that was in my 'need to protect you' phase, and you know it!"

"Oh please, you were giving me helmets right, left and center. As Granny puts it, 'you worry too much'."

As the Apple siblings started having a bit of a heated debate, Sunset took this as her cue to leave. Maybe Rarity and Sweetie Belle could help.


"Oh yes, having a sister around is a wonderful thing," smiled Rarity. "They can really brighten up your day when you're feeling down, and they can help you whenever you need it."

"You know, Applejack said the same thing."

"Did she now? Well I shouldn't be surprised, after all, she had to teach me on how to be a big sister." She sighed happily and looked over to her sister cooking in the kitchen, "I love having Sweetie Belle around. You can even learn things from them that you never knew before."

"I guess, but I'm still not sure. I mean, I love being around my sister, but what if I turn out to be a bad care taker, and I make Sunny Rays hate me?" She shuddered, "I was on the receiving end of hate for some time, and while I deserved it, I don't ever want to go back to that again. And I especially don't want to lose my bond with my only little sister."

"You won't," said Sweetie Belle as she came out of the kitchen. "Sisters argue, that's just the way siblings are, but at the end of the day, we learn from those mistakes and become better ponies because of it. Or even better people, remember what happened with Rarity's and my counterparts?"

Sunset did remember that, but despite hearing that from Sweetie Belle, she still wasn't sure. After all, not getting along wasn't the only thing bothering her.


"What about the magic that pops into my world without any warning?" she asked Starlight Glimmer later on. "I've seen it turn our Twilight and Juniper Montage into darker versions of themselves."

"True, but if you're worried that your sister will turn into one, then you need to stop." Starlight smirked and added; "after all, her heart is too pure to ever allow her to be turned like that."

"True, but magic can also trap others in magical objects, or worse, make them disappear into other worlds or who knows where." She shook her head, "the risk is too great to ignore, I can't allow that. I know my answer."

"Do you though?" Starlight asked with a raised eyebrow. "Cause if you choose not to have your sister with you, you just might miss out on bonding with her, more than you already have."

Now that one hurt. Due to her own actions, and living in the other world, Sunset did miss the first few years of Sunny Rays' life, and given recent events, they don't get to see each other very often.

"Of course it's your choice Sunset, but remember this. You've been away from Equestria for years, and you don't come around often. So if you decide not to accept, how long will it be till the next time you see your sister?"

"I...well I..."

"Sunset?!" called out the voice of Sunny Rays.

The two mares looked to the door and saw Sunny Rays poke her head through it.

"Oh sorry, am I interrupting something?"

Starlight shook her head, "nope, we're done here. I was just leaving." She looked back to Sunset, "maybe you should ask her of what she'd want." She turned and left the room.

"Ask me what?" Sunny Rays asked curiously.

Judging from the question she just asked, Sunset could only guess her parents hadn't told Sunny Rays yet.

"I'll ask you later. In the meantime, would you like to explore more of Ponyville?"

"I'd love to!" Sunny Rays cheered as she jumped into the air.


And that's what they did. They started off by paying a visit to Sugarcube Corner, then they went to Sweet Apple Acres where they hung out with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The next stop was Fluttershy's animal sanctuary. Sunny Rays really loved that one.

Before long, the two sisters were sitting on a bench and enjoying some ice cream. Sunny Rays was sitting like a pony would. Sunset at first tried sitting like a human, but managed to slip off a few times. Finally, she gave it up and sat down like any pony would.

"I really had fun being with you Sunset," Sunny Rays smiled. She sighed and looked down to the ground, "I only wish you didn't live so far away, then maybe we can play together again."

"So would I, but I do live a busy life Sis. Don't worry though, we still have the journal to help us talk."

"It's not the same though."

Sunny Rays was right, it wasn't the same. It was good to talk to each other, but seeing someone face to face just felt better than just reading their messages through letters, or through a magical journal.

"So Sunny Rays, have Mom and Dad told you about what's coming to the family soon?"

"No, why? What's coming?"

"Oh uh, it's better to hear from them instead of me."

"Oh, okay."


The rest of the day went by as normal, though to Sunset, it seemed that Sunny Rays wasn't talking as much as she did before.

That night, as she was getting ready to go to sleep, she heard voices from the other guest room. It was coming from Sunny Rays and their parents.

"I'm going to be an older sister?!" she exclaimed.

"Yes," answered Sunrise. "Yes you are. I'm surprised Sunset didn't tell you that."

There was silence before Sunny Rays continued, "there's alot she's not telling me. I could sense she was holding something from me, but why wouldn't she tell me? Am I not suppose to know?"

"Sweetie, it's not that she doesn't want to tell you, it's just that she's trying to figure out what she wants to do."

"About what?"

The parents sighed and continued, "about possibly letting you go to the human world with her when your new sibling arrives," said Moon Crest.

"Go with her? But why can't I stay with you?"

"Well sweetie, both your father and I are old ponies, and we can't really look after two young ponies. That's why we want Sunset to look after you until we feel we can handle two again."

"But why can't she stay with us at home?"

"Because she has a busy life," answered Moon Crest. "Plus, you did say you wanted to see her world, so this might be your chance."

"But then, why didn't she tell me?"

"Like we said," said Sunrise, "she's still trying to figure it out herself. It's a big task looking after a young sibling, and I'm sure she's got a lot of things to worry about with magic all over her world. But I'm sure she'll make the choice that makes everypony happy."

"I hope so."

Sunset turned away, pondering everything. Her worries, the advice given to her and hearing how much her sister wanted to be with her. 

She stayed awake for almost the entire night, before sleep overtook her and she was out like a light.


When she awoke, she found herself standing in front of the mirror with everypony looking to her.

"So what's your choice Sunset?" her father asked.

"I...I just...I don't know what to do. I need more time to figure this out."

"You've had a whole day to figure this out," her mother said firmly. "Now give us your proper answer, and no beating around the bush this time."

Sunset took in a deep breath and said, "there's too much danger over there, I can't-"

"I knew she couldn't be trusted," Moon Crest said angerly.

"What?! Of course you can trust me, it's just-"

"A real sibling would agree to take their younger sibling with them," Sunrise added with her voice getting angrier as she spoke, "yet you turn your back on us."

"No, that's not it." Sunset looked to Sunny Rays, "you're always welcome to visit, but I-"

"I don't want to see you anymore!" cried Sunny Rays with tears in her eyes.

Sunset couldn't believe it. Because of her choice, her family was turning on her. They started to walk away.

"Wait! I didn't mean that I don't want to see you again! I love you all!"

"Well we don't love you, and nopony ever will!" Sunny Rays shouted, her words filled with anger.

It hurt Sunset to hear her sister say those words. She tried screaming for her family, but her words seemed to vanish and she was left in the void of darkness as her family walked away. But then, a bright beam of light shone through the darkness.

"Having trouble Miss Shimmer?" asked a familiar voice.

She turned around and found herself face to face with the princess of the night; Luna.

Sunset quickly wiped her tears away before speaking, "just having a bit of a nightmare."

"Seems to me that was more than just a bit of a nightmare, as you put it. Something is on your mind. What is it?"

Sunset sighed and explained everything to Princess Luna, including her worries of what her family would say if she said 'no'.

Luna nodded after Sunset finished, "I know what you're going through, as do many siblings in Equestria or on Earth. But you have nothing to worry about Miss Shimmer, for your family would never turn their backs on you. Again."

"But you didn't hear Sunny Rays when she was told by my...our parents. It sounded like she really wants to come to my world to see me, but I don't know what to do. Do you have any advice?"

"Sunset Shimmer, I could tell you to do this, or not to do this, but that wouldn't help your situation, now would it?" Sunset shook her head. "It's like they always say, go with what your heart wants."

"Doesn't that only apply to falling in love?"

Luna laughed, "it can, but it can also relate to this situation when it comes to family. Only you can decide what it is you truly want, just remember one thing from this."

"And what's that?"

"All siblings care for each other."


The dream ended and Sunset awoke to Celestia's sun rising for the day. She closed her eyes and muttered, "thank you Luna."

She took the time to think it over, and by the time she was ready to leave for home, she had made up her mind.

Her parents and little sister were waiting by the portal. Sunset first addressed Starlight Glimmer, "I never thought I would ever bring you back to my world, let alone be asked by you to visit Ponyville, but I'm certainly glad I met you Starlight."

"I'm glad to have to met you too Sunset, and I hope we can hang out again someday."

"Oh for sure."

They hoof-bumped each other, just as Spike came into the room, "Starlight, you're needed outside. Somehow, Trixie got herself stuck up in a tree by chains."

Starlight groaned and followed Spike out to help Trixie. Sunset chuckled before looking back to Twilight, "thank you for being a great host once again, and tell Spike I said thank you for everything."

"I will," Twilight smiled.

Now Sunset was ready to focus on her family, "there's no point in beating around the bush, I know you two told Sunny Rays of what's coming up."

"Well, you know your sister," said Sunrise, "she has her ways of getting the answers."

"Do I ever. And I know she knows about the choice of being with me or not."

Sunny Rays stepped forward, "no matter what you choose, I'll accept it, even if one will hurt." She quickly wiped a tear away before speaking again, "I'll always love you Sunset, no matter what."

"I'm glad to hear that Sis, and after much thought, I have made up my mind."

She paused for dramatic effect, making her parents and sister wait with anticipation. Finally, with a smile on her face, she said; "I'd be happy to have Sunny Rays stay with me."

Sunny Rays' face lit up, "HOORAY! I get to visit Sunset's world! I get to visit Sunset's world!"

"But," continued Sunset, making Sunny Rays stop in her cheering. "There is still unknown danger over there, so I want you to promise me that if I tell you to run, you run. I don't want to see you get hurt, okay?"

Sunny Rays nodded, "I promise to listen to you."

"Then it's settled, you'll be my new room-mate."

Sunny Rays couldn't hold it back anymore and started bouncing on the spot. Her bouncing around would put Pinkie Pie's bouncing to shame. The parents turned to Sunset, "it won't happen till the baby arrives," said Moon Crest. "So I hope you'll be ready on that day."

"Oh don't worry, I will be."

Sunrise smiled and hugged her daughter, "this is going to be a huge relief to us Sunset, thank you. And I'm sure you and Sunny Rays will get along in your world. It's about time you two got to spend some time together, outside of Canterlot that is."

"Yeah, that'll be nice."

Once Sunny Rays had calmed down, Sunset gave her a big hug and promised to continue writing to her till the big day arrived. She then hugged her parents once more before saying 'congratulations' again.

Now came the part she disliked, walking away from her family. She got up on the portal stand and looked to them all, "I'll miss you till we next meet."

"We'll miss you too Sweetheart," smiled Moon Crest. "You take care over there."

"I will, as long as the magic behaves itself," she chuckled.

She gave one last wave before going through the portal.


She appeared on the other side to find all her friends waiting for her, but something seemed different about them.

"Hey Girls, what's with the new outfits?" she asked.

"Well, Rarity thought it was time for a bit of a change," smiled Twilight as she helped Sunset to her feet. "And we're not the only ones, wait till you see what Rarity has made for you."

Sunset smiled, "well then, let's go see it. After that though, I got something to tell all of you."



The End