Sunset Shimmer, in Equestria, Has to deal with being a part of Twilight Sparkle's team, per her request, despite her own feelings of inadequacy, regrets, fears, and worse of all, her newfound love for Twilight Sparkle. Can she ever earn it?
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?
Princess Luna asked, emerging from a portal of shadows that engulfed the nightmare’s sky, much like an angel. She arrived calmly, but concerned, and with good reason.
Sunset Shimmer laid on a barren soil, impaled by several familiar broken Alicorn horns. She couldn’t speak, she just breathed weakly and glanced at The Princess of the night with a hint of desperation.
“Let your troubles be now over, Sunset Shimmer.” Princess Luna waved her own horn with a glimmer of her nightly magic, and all the horns that impaled Sunset vanished. The framework of the dream changed itself to be a comfortable gothic room, complete with a kindled fireplace, comfortable chairs, empty picture frames, simple moon-themed carpentry, and a table in the middle. It was a cozy and inviting room for sore dreamers, with a wall and ceiling missing, leading into an inky nothingness.
Sunset got up without pain, just exhaustion. She immediately bowed down. “Thank you again, Princess Luna. I owe you–”
“Now, now.” Princess Luna smiled slightly. “There is no need for such pleasantries. This is your dream, I'm just a concerned visitor. Shall we take our seats once more?”
Smiled tiredly, Sunset nodded. She could barely muster a proper thank you for the kindness she was being given; Certainly no thank you could truly demonstrate how relieved she was to no longer be in a nightmare. It had been a rough night. She took a seat at one end, and the Princess took one at the other. There was a moment in which they shared a silence. Not awkward, not estranged. Sunset just simply didn’t know how to explain her feelings. She wasn’t going to be the first one to speak up.
“You are still having trouble adjusting.” Luna stated. It was a fact.
“Y-yes. I am. I haven't told the others, but it's been hard. I've kind of... I've kind of been just feeling like a zombie, these past weeks. Or has it been months...?” She looked down.
“You know I know how it feels. I will spare you the empathy and say it plainly. To have succumbed to evil and returned to good is not a sign of weakness. Very much the opposite. We have made it back, Sunset. I understand the trouble adjusting, but the dark days are over. We and our friends will see to that.”
Sunset closed her eyes. “You don't know that... I don't know that.”
Luna continued without hesitation. “Twilight saved us both from corruption, Sunset. It is her greatest gift, I believe. Compassion on those that may be undeserving. And I say this with the highest honor I may bestow; you deserve that compassion.”
Sunset barely twitched. “Do I?”
Sighing in concern, The Princess of the Night did not stop. She was not done. “Perhaps if we review your recent dreams you will be able to express yourself better, and I will be able to understand how you feel?”
Sunset did not protest.
A projector appeared on one side of the table, and on the other, a screen for which to view it. Luna simply waved her horn slightly. This was effortless to her.
The projector lit to life, and the Unicorn watched intently. In it, an image. Sunset, in large cell devoid bars, only a small window that couldn't be reached. Concrete walls surrounded all sides, a chain was bound to her horn and neck. She did not attempt to move.
Luna chimed in. “You have already escaped this fate. They have forgiven you.”
Sunset looked away for only a moment; Doubting the verity of having escaped this nightmare forever. “I know.”
Next slide.
Sunset is alone again. This time, on a small shack in the far side of the Everfree forest. There is no soul around for many miles. She is staring at her own fireplace, despondent. There is nothing else to be done, this is all she is now.
“Is this something you wish, deep down? Solitude?”
Sunset shuddered a bit. “It's something I fear to wish. And it is not solitude…”
Next slide.
Violent imagery. Princess Celestia herself is levitating Sunset over a chasm, with hatred and disappointment in her eyes, about to put an end to her failed pupil. Sunset is not begging or screaming. There is nothing but acceptance and sorrow in her eyes. This is the fate she has earned.
“My sister would never be this callous or cruel, even to her enemies, of which you are not. You have nothing to fear from her. But, let the record know, I understand how you feel.”
Sunset looked down in shame. “I know, I know. It’s just… There aren't enough apologies I could say to deserve her forgiveness. How could I possibly make things right…? It’s disrespectful of me to even dream of this. I'm sorry…”
Luna wished she could say more. “Do not apologize for your feelings, Sunset.”
Next slide.
An fiery image. A demonic form of Sunset, with the stolen crown of Twilight Sparkle, bat wings and fiery hair cackles maniacally surrounded by fire. The Princess of Friendship herself is there to face her off, spreading her wings menacingly. It’s undetermined who will win.
Luna regarded Sunset sadly. “I sense regret.”
Sunset averted looking at the picture. “ …my biggest regret.”
“You will never become this again, Sunset.”
“All I can do is hope I don't. …It was painful, but…”
Luna tilted her head. “But It was freeing?”
Sunset was being read like a book. Luna did really know how it felt.
“...Yes. All my greatest desires were handed to me on a silver platter, no inhibitions, nothing holding me back. All I needed to do was take it. All I wanted was a shortcut to power. I guess I got it...”
“And when you did, you were alone. Payback and power at the cost of everything else.”
“I don’t want to ever be that again.”
“Neither do i.”
Next slide.
Midnight Sparkle. Twilight without any inhibitions, fears or even restraints, with the sole intent to cause harm and dominate with her power and magic. The strongest Alicorn in Equestria stood spreading her pitch black wings above Sunset, who had no hope in possibly beating her.
Sunset looked, afraid. “I barely managed to beat her before; She promised me that she would return someday to finish what she started… I don't know if I could beat her like last time if she did. I was lucky Twilight was still in there…”
The Princess squinted. “Hmm… it is no wonder you are troubled over this. But do not worry, together we will all work to prevent this from happening again.”
The Unicorn exhaled. “I don’t know if we can… it feels… inevitable.”
Sometimes to Sunset it felt like a countdown was on her life, and sooner or later, things were going back to her “normal”, that being, terrible. Whether it was Midnight’s return, or simply losing her position and her friends, it was inevitable.
Next slide.
A mournful image. Sunset is abandoned by all 6 of her friends left alone on an empty battlefield. They don't look back. She doesn't look at them. There is nothing she could say or do that would make them turn to look at her one more time. It’s over.
Luna looked directly at Sunset. “Do you fear your friends leaving you?
Sunset looked directly back. “I… I fear giving them reason to. “
“But you do realize you have not? They trust and know you. “
“Yes, I get it.”
“Do you not trust and love them?”
Sunset got a little frustrated. “Yes! But– that’s not the point.”
“Do you not believe them?”
“I do!”
“Do you not believe their opinion of you?”
“I believe they have it!”
Luna eased up a bit. “Hm. you don't think you belong with them.”
“I don’t think so. I know I don't.”
The Princess got stern again, after that remark.
“And have you asked what they think about the matter?”
“I haven't.“
“Why?”
“Because I know what they would answer!”
“And do you not trust them with their answers?”
Sunset raised her voice, maybe a bit too much.
“Just because I trust and believe them, it doesn't mean they're right!! …about me.”
Luna paused for a moment, regarding her with pity.
“...And you have decided that for them?”
Looking away, staving off her frustration towards herself, Sunset grimaced. “Look, I don’t want to– They're not going to-- This just isn’t– ugh… I appreciate everything you’re doing, but... can we just go to the next slide?”
“...yes. But my concern for you has not diminished.”
Sunset frowned and looked away, then back at the screen.
Next slide.
This one was different. It was imagery of Sunset and Twilight dancing together. They both had beautiful clothes; Sunset had a fiery red suit, Twilight had a purple and blue dress adorned with stars. They seemed to be alone at some sort of ballroom in Canterlot. They danced and regarded each other with joy. One of Twilight's wings embraced her. Sunset was leading.
“HEY CAN WE SKIP THIS ONE PLEASE” Sunset became flustered immediately.
“Oh dear” Luna suppressed a chuckle.
“PLEASE”
Next slide.
The empty room in which all of the Mane '7' gathered for their meetings, 7 chairs and one big round table… except Twilight and Sunset were making out on top of the table, knocking important papers around. Sunset was on top, kissing Twilight's neck, both of them giggling, delighting themselves on the subterfuge and taboo nature of what they were doing, where they were doing it.
Luna was amused. “My, that seems unprofessional.” she joked.
Sunset slapped her hooves on the table nervously while flustered. “It's not my fault I swear!! Rarity bragged about how she made out with Applejack on the table when no one was looking and it just. It stuck the idea in my head!! Blame Rarity!!”
Next slide.
Twilight was holding Sunset lovingly while flying in the night sky; Her wings embraced both of them, and they regarded each other with adoration, with the moon on the backdrop. Not a care in the world, complete and utter trust between them.
Sunset slammed her head on the table with an “Oof”
“This may be stating the obvious but… I hope you realize how this complicates things for you.” Luna regarded her with half pity and suppressed amusement.
“Yep yep yep yep yep yep” Sunset laid her face on the table and covered her eyes, blushing immensely.
Luna looked back at the passionate image. “I presume these feelings are recent?”
Sunset's voice sounded muffled from her own face being pointed at the table.“Not recent enough that I know they’re not going away!! I used to be able to act normal around her but now that is just GONE. I'm hanging on by a THREAD in every conversation. She just-- She saved me. She saved me from myself; She is everything I wished I was, and somehow, so much more. I thought I would hate having to be near her considering what she represents to me but-- The opposite! I'm just... I'm captivated every moment she speaks! I'm completely lost-- What in the world am I supposed to do about this?!”
With a comprehensive and amused nod, The Princess gave her wisdom. “My, my… the life of an Alicorn is difficult. But know that the life of one who lives next to one is harder. Not many are up to the challenge. Many desperately try in some vain hubris to prove themselves worthy. It is hard to accept but those like me and my sister are simply on another level. I do not say this as disrespect or to feign superiority, I say this with disappointment.“
Luna sounded disappointed in herself, and she was. Deeply. It was lonely at the top– and she regarded the image not as taboo, but as a wish a desperate smitten lover would make, appreciating its beauty.
“I know… I know. I know I'm not It.” Said Sunset, suppressing profound disappointment in herself also, simply for being. These feelings were torturous.
Luna smiled, not out of joy. “Why do you think me and my sister are single?
Sunset chuckled with an almost cheerfulness of being able to shift the subject. “Hah… don’t tell me you don’t have anypony pining for you. The Princess of the night herself? There’s gotta be a lucky devil out there–”
The slightest hint of a fluster appeared in the Princess’s face. “You are the subject tonight, Sunset. Not me.”
Sunset did not get back on topic. “‘Cause maybe me or some of my friends could hook you up just saying–”
Luna got stern. “You are deeply infatuated with a princess. And yet you don't even believe yourself to be worthy of her friendship. Am I correct?“
“Yes.” Sunset paused. Neither of them said anything for a couple of empty mournful seconds. Then Sunset continued, a bit agitated.
“I… I can't imagine me ever even being by her side. How could I possibly? Me, who was her enemy! Me, the dejected, failed pupil of her master. Me, who has been humbled into nothingness! The mere fact she chooses to have me on her group feels like some twisted, grotesque version of pity; And of COURSE I accepted it, simply for the chance of being closer to her. And yet, how could I possibly ever deserve to…!?”
The Princess let out a warm sigh. “Well... what are you going to do about it?”
“Huh?”
She smiled. “Forgiveness… making amends… and even her love… If those things have to be earned, will you fight to earn them?”
Sunset looked at nothing for a second, realizing the gravity of Luna's words to her. “I... I don't deserve it. Any of it. I don't know how to fix this. I don’t know what to do.”
Princess Luna got up to her chair and walked around the table to be able to look into Sunset’s eyes, smiling warmly.
“You are at a crossroads, Sunset. And I know how it feels. It's now up to you to decide on what to do next. And for what it's worth… I believe in you.“
The Unicorn had a genuine smile on her face; Despite her weariness. “Thank you Princess Luna. I won’t forget this. And, if it’s okay for me to say… I like you more than your sister.” Words from a dejected failed pupil, but still held a certain amusement to the Princess of the night.
She covered her mouth while chuckling delightedly. “Oh, please; You don't mean that. I think it's about time you wake up, don’t you? A new day, a new you. May the stars aid in your return.” She started walking away, a staircase of shadows leading her into nothing, continuing to snicker in amusement.
“Y’know if you ever wanna be hooked up with somepony, Rarity’s a pretty good match maker just sayi—”
And then she woke up.
Sweaty, messy, tired… A few beams of light peeked through the curtains of her room in Twilight's castle.
A broken mirror, a pinboard with no schedules and only a few pictures, her spiked jacket on the floor, an beat up old sandbag hanging from the ceiling, a guitar hidden in an open closet, pictures of her friends and one of her parents on an otherwise messy nightstand. She looked at her alarm clock. Not even 8 am…
For a second, she considered rolling over and going back to sleep.
Then, fiery determination jolted her off the bed. With her Unicorn magic, she grabbed pen and paper, and wrote on big letters:
“BE A GOOD FRIEND. EARN THEIR FRIENDSHIP” “BE A SKILLED WARRIOR. EARN YOUR PLACE AMONG THEM.” "BE MORE THAN CELESTIA'S BIGGEST MISTAKE." “EARN BEING BY TWILIGHT'S SIDE.”
She pinned the paper on her board, and regarded it like it was everything.
And it was.
“Okay Sunset. Let’s earn it.”
She walked off the room, tired, but determined to begin a new routine.
…Then she walked back in, covering her board with a cloth nervously, afraid of any conversation that could spark from the words written on that piece of paper.
Another one of the "Friendship" meetings in Twilight’s castle. Sunset suppressed a yawn and shook her head awake, not too much to draw attention, and adjusted her leather jacket. The round table, the papers and books, the paintings poorly hung on the walls, Twilight’s touch was all over this place, and it was quite amusing. Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, all sat on their respective seats listening to Twilight Sparkle’s debrief.
Rarity seemed to be doing her makeup, looking at herself with a small mirror, and yet, still chimed in paying attention. Whenever Rainbow Dash got excited, she would jump out of her seat and fly around the room, gushing or just listening; and Pinkie Pie seemed to be playing with some sort of colorful clay, making strange pony figurines during the meeting; Who knows whether she paid attention or not.
Fluttershy, Applejack, and Sunset were the ones that seemed to sit still while paying attention; though Sunset sometimes would be lost in her own thoughts, looking at Twilight. The Princess was a captivating person to listen to, she was passionate about everything; and often broke out into giggles during her talks, if whatever she was saying was funny, even if only to her. All of it came off to Sunset as her defining mannerisms, an “organized mess”; Even taking a glimpse into Twilight's room on occasion showed more of this, stacks upon stacks of papers and correspondence that went up to the ceilings, dozens upon dozens of books, read, unread, or mid-read, all cluttering about, and yet, the Princess of Friendship managed to carry herself out perfectly in these spaces, even managing to organize them every once in a while; And Sunset couldn't take her eyes off her.
Sunset rarely spoke up during these meetings unless addressed; she didn’t see her own opinion as valuable, or even trusted herself outright to be of value. If they asked her she would, without hesitation, share her thoughts. But she did not have the courage to impose them.
More than anything, she just appreciated being included. She had a chair, a chair with her cutie mark… taped on it. They taped a piece of paper with a drawing of her cutie mark on it. It didn’t even feel real at times, like she was an intruder… or a parasite.
Like she was merely there as a favor, or as if she was some sort of leech; And this parasite sure as hell questioned her place in this body.
Like she didn’t belong here.
“So what do you think, Sunset?” Snapping out of her trance, Sunset blinked twice, realizing Twilight was talking to her directly.
“Huh?” she tried not sounding too lost.
Not that the Princess picked up on it, she was just glad, as usual. “You’ve been quiet for a while, I want you to get a chance to speak up! What do you think of all we've discussed today?”
Sunset WAS paying attention in her own way. She did not have a prepared answer though… She summoned all the mental energy she could muster to sound coherent after dissociating for all that time.
“Well I… I think that separating us into groups to handle smaller threats or even doing solo adventures wouldn't be so bad. We all know who we tend to best work with, Rainbow and Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity, pairs like that! It would only make natural sense to pair up if needed! Unless it’s a world ending threat of course, we don't really need to assemble everypony, right? And we’ll usually know if it is one, given the y’know– The sky tearing asunder and stuff. Generally I think that any of you can handle whatever comes along. You’ve survived and thrived this long, united and separated! You’re all strong and capable, you can beat any foe! Oh– maybe except Fluttershy. N-no offense, Fluttershy! You still are super nice and have great judgment!”
Fluttershy giggled, not offended at all. “Oh none taken! I don’t even like fighting. I understand your sentiment, Sunset! And thank you.”
Flapping her wings, Rainbow Dash perked up with excitement as usual. “Don't worry, babe!! I can do the fighting for both of us!!” She spoke doing boxing motions, making sure to comfort her, even if she was okay; which made Fluttershy giggle and blush a bit.
Twilight was impressed. “Wow Sunset! That was pretty wise!…Look at you!”
Sunset buried deep how good it felt to be spoken with adoration by Twilight of all people. As Twilight smiled warmly at her, she tilted her head, smiling too. “...look at me!” suppressing a flustered chuckle.
Applejack piped in joyfully. "Well said, Sunset! Sure, we all work well as a team, but even just in pairs I know we can take on anything, Yes siree! I sure know I could, with Rarity…" She smiled warmly; as Applejack always did, looking at her love.
Rarity giggled and nuzzled her without hesitation. “Aww that's my line, dear. You’re the hunk here!” which made AJ fluster a bit while nuzzling back.
Quick to protest, Rainbow Dash hopped on top of her chair, pointing accusingly at the two lovers. “Hey! Hey! if you guys start doing PDA I'm gonna start macking on my girl too!! follow the rules guys! All or nothing!!”
Fluttershy snickered, covering her mouth with her hoof.. Rarity and Applejack took a bit of distance, just a bit, barely embarrassed, but certainly not regretting it. Sunset couldn't help but chuckle… They always worked so well together. The pairs of this group were very exentric, but they undoubtedly held each other in high regard, and were incredibly faithful. She tried not thinking of the feelings she held for the Princess, when regarding all her friends being happily in love.
Twilight spread her wings happily. “Alright everypony, make outs and cuddles aside, time’s up, meeting over! See you guys again this friday!”
Jolting out of her seat, Pinkie waved her hooves in the air, getting all their attention. “WAIT NOT YET!! EVERYPONY, LOOK!” She got on top of the table, and showed her brand new creations that she had worked on through the whole meeting. They were small colorful clay statues of each of them.
She happily hopped to each of them, handing their respective effigies. “Here you go guys!!! To celebrate another successful meeting, here is a gift for all of you!'' She handed clay candy replicas of all of them to each of them. They were very amused and thankful, Pinkie always knew how to make small presents seem huge.
Sunset looked at her own clay form intently, silently.
Pinkie chimed up after handing them all their replicas. “Oh and by the way they’re edible!! See how long it takes before you chow down nyeheheh!” she giggled Pinkiely.
Twilight was pleased, but showed modesty. “Aww Pinkie you don’t have to give us gifts every meeting! Just having us all here is enough, don't you think?”
“I'mth noth complaininth” Said Rainbow Dash, with her mouth full of her replica of herself already. She was the first one to succumb to eating them, despite how enamored they all were with the flattering designs.
Pinkie vibrated with excitement. “Aww Twiiii you know I can’t help it!! I just love you girls SO MUCH!!! See you this friday!!” she hopped and skipped out of the room Pinkiely.
“Hihihi. Bye, Pinkie! Meeting adjourned everypony!" The Princess spread her wings joyfully once more, as if waving goodbye with a royal touch; Which just came off as her own cute demeanor.
All of them started to shuffle out. Rarity made a remark that now that the meeting is over she can do whatever; and started smooching Applejack intently, making her giggle with every kiss. Rainbow Dash took it as a challenge, and grabbed Fluttershy to do the same on their way out; a strange competition where all of them were winners, clearly.
Sitting quietly on her chair, Sunset regarded her own figurine, which smiled back at her... At first, happily. She received a gift, an effigy of herself, just like the others. She was included and was part of the team! It was such a strange and unfamiliar feeling, Pinkie even got her cutie mark right. She didn't even get out of her chair, she just stared at the gift and reflected on what it meant.
…then she started reflecting on what she meant to herself. This gift, by proxy. The figurine smiled kindly like she was happy and fulfilled, much unlike the real Sunset holding her; in fact, it certainly manifested itself as Sunset's insecurities, a feeling that creeped up alarmingly fast on her. The real Sunset did not smile like this. The real Sunset never smiled like this. Those negative thoughts started boiling within her and she decided to take them out on the effigy by eating its head; Instead of burning something; Literally swallowing those feelings; hoping that it might make up for her own failings as a being of flesh and blood, and not happy smiling fulfilled clay.
“Sunset! Are you okay? Can you talk?” Twilight broke her out of her funk. Sunset instantly came to realize she had not moved from her chair since the meeting ended, and it was only her and Twilight in the vast room now.
“Prinmchess!! Umm yeagh. Shooth.” Sunset panicked and spit out her sweet clay head back onto the effigy while facing the side in the hopes that Twilight wouldn’t see, then turned and gave her an awkward smile, hoping she didn’t see, which thank Celestia she did not.
“Spike told me he saw you checking out a whole bunch of magical arts books out of the library! Are you interested in studying again after all?” She got closer; Any subject regarding books and study always perked her ears immediately.
Getting out of her chair to be on proper eye level, Sunset also wanted to have room to back off if need be, respectfully. Proximity to the Princess was dangerous to her.
“Oh! Uh, yes! I’ve picked a couple, I've decided to go back to study. I may not be Celestia’s pupil anymore, but… I want to do better. I want to make up for the time I wasted trying to get revenge; I’ve been in a real rut for the last month or so but I'm getting back to work now. Assorted elemental projectiles, barrier casting, levitation, horn blades/fencing, oh, and my goal is to master to teleportation reliably by the end of the month!”
Twilight squealed cutely, a trademark of her excitement, much to Sunset's quiet blushing. “IIIIIIII!!!! I love teleportation!! Could you let me help you learn it?? Please? Maybe we could take the month deadline and make it a week! It’s not that hard with a Unicorn of your caliber hehe. I’ve been told by Starlight that I make a pretty good teacher, maybe you can give me a second opinion? I promise I'll try not to talk you ear off hihihi!” she giggled to herself, overjoyed with the mere idea of teaching once more.
Sunset suppressed the instinct of requesting her to keep talking forever.
“I-i don’t mind that at all! But I do have meditation with Fluttershy this afternoon, are you free tonight? I could meet you at the library and we put some stuff to test!”
Twilight’s eyes lit up with joy. “Oh my goodness, an all nighter?? You really are working hard! I'm in!! This is so exciting!!” She sure jumped to assumptions, as she literally jumped in place with joy.
With a grimace, Sunset had to stop this, hating to disappoint her. “Oh no no I'm not ready for that with you I'm sorry. Just studying together and then sleeping normally please!” She spoke, trying her best not to stutter.
Twilight pouted a bit, hiding her disappointment. “Aww okay… all nighter some other time, then... So, meditation with Fluttershy, huh? What’s that about?” she tilted her head curiously.
Sunset was glad for the subject change. “Oh, I've been asking everypony to teach me stuff. I want to fill my calendar properly, y’know? No more waiting around in my room for the day to end. Rainbow Dash is taking me running tomorrow, I'm lifting weights and helping on the farm with Applejack later, then Rarity’s going to teach me horn fencing, and Pinkie Pie even offered to teach me some of her acrobatics! Oh, and of course, meditation with Fluttershy. Gotta clear my head, y’know?”
Twilight was pleasantly shocked, feathers fluttering with anticipation. “O-Oh wow, you are fully booking yourself, aren't you? Does this mean that maybe... maybe you'd like to write a letter to Celestia? Report what you've learned and done...? I'm sure she'd love to hear from you again!" She really, really wanted to heal the rift between former student and master.
But this former student did not believe in rebuilding bridges that had been burnt.
"No thanks, princess." Internally, Sunset congratulated herself from not faltering on the quickness of her response; and without even a stutter, too.
Tilting her head with concern, Twilight tried getting a bit closer. "C'mon, you'll have to eventually...?"
No response from the Unicorn, who just looked at the away.
No, she really didn't need to talk to Celestia again.
Ever.
With a sigh, the Princess of Friendship recoiled, knowing this was a minefield for the former student of her master. She believed wholeheartedly in reunions, but this wouldn't work if one of the parties was disinterested...
She regained her gleeful composure, and changed the subject; much to the Unicorn's relief. "Well, I'm still happy to hear that you're getting back into studies and learning, Sunset. I'm happy to see you’re trying to fit in better with all of us.” Twilight got a little closer, and dragged her hoofs on the floor a bit, smiling shyly. “It’s really good to see how far you’ve come, you know..? And I'm glad to see you getting involved.”
Sunset smiled warmly “Yeah, heh... But I'd change my schedule for you anytime.”
Twilight's eyes widened trying to make sure she heard what she just heard.
“But I CAN change my schedule for you anytime!! Haha” Sunset interjected, “correcting” herself, noticing the truth of feeling that had just come out of her mouth.
The paper with a drawing of Sunset’s cutie mark fell, floating and landing on the floor between them. For an agonizing second, the Unicorn stared at her mark, who dejectedly layed on the ground. The Princess, however, did not hesitate. Twilight immediately picked it up with magic and put it back on the chair where it belonged. “Note to self. More duct tape” She mumbled.
She then turned her attention back to Sunset, and dragged her hooves on the floor a bit more, stimming nervously, trying to play it cool and normal, pouting a bit. “H-hey you think you could postpone meditation, and come study with me now? I… I really would love to begin spending time with you– studying with you, as soon as we can.”
Sunset's heart started beating faster almost immediately. She was NOT prepared for an entire evening of close study with Twilight Sparkle. This kind of close contact needed to be prepared for psychologically at LEAST 2 hours before, and even then! Blood rushed to her head as her thoughts spiraled. Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!!!! but also no, no, no, no, no, no!!!! She couldn't. She couldn't. She couldn't. She should. She REALLY should. But she couldn't.
Nervously, letting her brain take the wheel, yanking the wheel from her heart before it said “ABSOLUTELY!!!” she tried covering as simply as she could.
“I– I promised Fluttershy, I– I really wouldn’t want to disappoint her… I'm really sorry, Princess Twilight.” Unable to look her in the eye.
Twilight did a nervous chuckle and an 180°, also not being capable of looking her in the eye. “hahahaa of course! No worries at all!! Go go go! haha. I mean i, uh, After all, i’ll see you tonight, right? No need to rush anything!”
Sunset needed to end the conversation and leave IMMEDIATELY before she did something stupid. ANOTHER something stupid. “Of course haha! Absolutely! I won't miss it for anything, I promise!! A-anyways, I gotta get going, see you soon! An amazing meeting as usual, love your speeches! Inspiring! Bye, Princess!”
Sunset walked away, maybe a bit too fast, afraid to look back. Twilight sighed, pouting in disappointment, and mumbled to herself.
“Why can’t she just call me Twilight…?”
Sunset was walking away while munching on her replica frustratingly. Idiot idiot idiot. Stupid!! But also, what a save. Surely it was impossible to survive a whole evening alone with Twilight Sparkle, right? Maybe if she buried her own feelings deep down and acted clinically about it, professionally, she wouldn’t lose herself hearing her passionate rants about magic and history and learning and the beauty in everything—-- Sunset was doomed.
It dawned on her that spending a night alone with Twilight could be a death sentence to her, after this embarrassment… She would embarrass herself again, no doubt. They would get too close!! No way. She couldn't risk having her feelings slip up,sShe needed to get someone that is happy enough to participate, but gullible enough that they would not understand that they are a third wheel. Someone that could be an ice breaker if things got too close, if they got distracted.
Spike? No, he slept a lot more, a lot earlier than ponies, and was smarter than he looked, likely seeing through it…
Who else would be friendly enough, would be willing enough, who would be dumb enough to– Pinkie Pie.
Sunset grabbed her phone and looked at Pinkie’s number.
Just this night. Just this first time, she would get Pinkie there as a potential distraction and ice breaker. Surely she’d be able to handle future study sessions by herself. Surely, right?
Running, at top speed, pushing herself. The wind on her face, her hair in a ponytail, her backpack tightly wrapped, all to facilitate the galloping. Grass and dirt beneath her hooves and the sun shining brightly, there wasn’t a better day to push yourself to your limits. Sunset focused only on what was absolutely necessary in the moment, momentum.
Rainbow Dash flew overhead, seemingly effortlessly guiding them, and Fluttershy flew behind, at a more leisurely pace. All of them were wearing backpacks suited for this run.
“You know, next time *pant* we should try a harder route.” Sunset took quick breaths in rhythm with her running.
Rainbow Dash was a bit weirded out. “Harder?? Dude, we've done this route for what, a couple days? You should start small!”
Sunset kept moving forward. “No, I’ve run here in the mornings *pant* a couple times alone. I'm getting too used to it, *pant* I think.”
Fluttershy chimed in, a bit concerned. “Um, by the way, Pinkie told me she saw you running here while… reading?”
“Yeah! *pant* I was catching up on some magic study. *pant* Why not do both? *pant* I want to use my time well. *pant*“ Sunset deflected concern. She needed to push herself.
Rainbow Dash flashed her wings pointing ahead. “Hey, here comes a jump, ready?”
“Ready.”
Sunset jumped over a small river gap, a quiet brook, but the gap was at least 4 meters, and failed to stick the landing, falling instead on the edge, immediately holding herself by the front hooves, trying not to fall on the river.
“Shit SHIT!” she felt the pain on her lower body from hitting the dirt so hard. Rainbow and Fluttershy immediately flew back to help her.
with a shout, Sunset immediately stopped them. “Wait, STOP! I need to get up on my own, hang on!”
The two Pegasi just looked at each other, confused and concerned. Sunset struggled for a little bit, the dirt constantly giving in when she tried climbing.
“Dude, don’t be silly, I can easily help–” Rainbow approached her.
Bucking the dirt with her lower legs, Sunset propelled herself forward, shoving herself upward and doing a clumsy roll off of the ledge onto the road. She spit a bit of dirt out. “Blergh. See? I got this!” Then she immediately continued running, ignoring the protests her body made. “C’mon we’re almost there!”
Rainbow Dash couldn’t help but smile, seeing someone working hard. “Damn, you’re chipper today!” Fluttershy tried expressing concern, but neither of them heard. Sunset continued. “Yeah! *pant* I can't believe I choked that jump though.” She tried to ignore the feeling of inadequacy she felt near them.
“Don’t worry, man! There’s always next time!” The Pegasus comforted her.
Fluttershy cleared her throat. “Sooooo Sunset. What made you want to practice running, with two Pegasi no less? Isn’t this a bit unfair on you…?”
Sunset laughed a bit “Hah, when you’re lifting weights you need a spotter, right? *pant* Someone stronger than you. If I want to be fast, *pant* I need to train with the fastest!”
With one of her trademark overconfident laughs, Rainbow snorted in delight. “That’s rich! A lotta Unicorn folk don't bother training their body, they just rely on magic for everything! No offense, of course. It’s radthat you’re trying, Sunset!”
Despite the immense effort, Sunset was in high spirits! “Thanks! And none taken. *pant* A lot of Unicorns are kind of stuck up. *pant* It’s rare you’ll see some of us being generous and giving like Rarity *pant* or kind and sweet and cute and caring like Twilight!”
Was the adrenaline removing the filter on her brain?
Rainbow Dash did not process that last part. “Haha, yeah! Have you guys noticed that a lot of the pony bad guys we fought are Unicorns?” Fluttershy only scratched her chin in response.
With a shrug, Sunset responded, trying to save her breath. “Wouldn’t know! *pant* I just joined you guys like two months ago, *pant* I haven't seen any bad guys yet!”
Rainbow Dash got jokey. “Oh dooon’t worry. They’re always around every couple weeks. None ever stood a chance though, Twilight usually wrecks ‘em, if we don’t all do ‘em in together!”
Sunset got a little distracted. “Hah… *pant* Yeah. *pant* She’s pretty strong, huh?”
Fluttershy chimed in with concern once more. “Sunset, are you sure we shouldn’t take a break? This might be a bit much!”
And once again, Sunset deflected that concern, not wanting to stop for anything. “Relax, Fluttershy! *pant* We’re almost there! *pant* Besides, what better way to practice than to keep up with the fastest flier in Equestria?”
Rainbow Dash chuckled. “Hah, Flattery isn’t going to make me slow down, you know?”
Sunset smirked. “Oh, this is supposed to be fast? I'm barely galloping!”
Lighting up in excitement, Rainbow Dash IMMEDIATELY got hiper. “HAH! Okay then!! you asked for it!!” and sped up even more.
Sunset, confidently pushed herself to go even faster. Everything hurt.
A little while later, they made it to a small clearing near the top of the mountain, with a really good view of Ponyville, the perfect place for a small picnic. Sunset laid on her back, taking deep long breaths, trying to get her heart to stop pounding. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash both sat next to her, unpacking her things and trying to tend to her adrenaline rush.
With a tad of nerves and embarrassment, Rainbow freaked out a bit. “Oh no, I didn’t kill her, did i?? She’s not dying is she?? Augh Twilight would kill me if I killed the newest member of the crew…”
Fluttershy patted her gently with her wing while grabbing a bottle of water. “I told you we needed to slow down...! Sunset just started doing this! Here you go, drink some of this!” She offered some water to the fatigued Unicorn. “Splatter it on your face too! It helps!” Rainbow chimed in.
“It’s *pant* okay *pant* thank *pant* you *pant*“ Sunset said slowly, before taking a loooong drink of the water bottle, almost choking. She then splattered it all over her face to cool off. “Yeah that helps. *pant* thanks, you two...” she said, incredibly relieved that her adrenaline was stabilizing.
Rainbow helped her sit up. “Yeaaahh we’re definitely not taking the harder route next time. You haven’t done this often, have you?”
Grunting, forcing herself up, Sunset responded with an exhale. “I do this as much as any Unicorn would. Not much.” Still very tired.
“Hah, tell me about it. I did something like this with Twilight once; she had to stop muuuch earlier than you. Nowadays I just give her flying assistance! She would always rather levitate or teleport, though... Laaaame.”
Sunset didn’t answer, she was distracted by the imagery of Twilight being tired and needing help keeping up. She imagined herself helping Twilight push on, or taking care of her when needing a break. Those thoughts spiraled as her face got redder.
Fluttershy handed out snacks and sandwiches to both the girls, then took bits of hers and started handing bits and pieces of her food to nearby animals like birds and squirrels. She did continue to express concern, though. “Will you promise to take it easier next time, Sunset? You did push yourself pretty hard back there… ”
Sunset hesitated a bit. No, she didn’t want to slow down. Pushing herself was all that matters.
“Well… I don't know what to tell you, Fluttershy. I need to practice and get better at this, and I'm trying my best, with the best. As long as you guys are here, I'm not very worried about me!”
Rainbow interjected. “What my girl means to say is that despite it being really awesome that you’re trying cool new things like trying to be super fast and we support you, You have to take care of yourself too! No athlete or hero gets anywhere without taking a deserved break from time to time! Trust me, I know.” She said, confidently taking a bite of her sandwich.
Sunset knew what they were doing. They were doing this because they cared… But she couldn't afford to care like them right now. Even if it was wrong, she had to use them to get better, and that meant ignoring her own needs. “I’ll take that under advisement.”
“You’re also helping Applejack around her farm, right?” Said Fluttershy, while quietly giving a bit of food to a bird that landed near her.
“Yep. And fencing with Rarity, acrobatics with Pinkie, study with Twilight, meditation with you, etc. etc.”
Tilting her head curiously, Rainbow chimed in. “Wow, you’re really trying lots these days! What made you want to anyway?”
She only responded after taking another drink of water. “You guys all got your things, and I figured I needed mine; If Twilight's keeping me around for the long haul. Besides, spending time with all of you is always… nice.”
“Our things?”
“Y’know, you’re super fast, Applejack is strong, Twilight is… super powerful, that kind of thing! I don’t have a thing, so I'm… trying everything.” Sunset hid the fact that she really did want to be able to do everything. She wanted to, above all, be capable. Reliable. If she was going to stay in this group she needed to be better no matter what.
Fluttershy tried comforting her. “It’s okay, Sunset, I don't have a thing either!”
“Babe you can literally talk to animals.” Rainbow said, pointing at the squirrel nuzzling her with adoration.
They all chuckled a bit. Sunset once again ignored the feeling of inadequacy she felt near them.
“Besides. This is a pretty good way to start the day, don’t you think?” Neither of the Pegasus disagreed, in fact, they joyfully giggled.
Rainbow especially, chuckled. “You had me going though, with all this training, I thought you’d wanna enter the regional pony race that’s happening in Canterlot in a couple months! That woulda been craaazy!”
With her ears twitching in curiosity, Sunset paused for a bit. “Race?”
Now this was exactly up her alley, Rainbow fluttered her wings as she passionately explained. “Yeah dude! Ponies from all over are gathering to compete, and it's not even Pegasus exclusive anymore! They’re making the races specially catered to challenge every kind of pony! Makes it three times as hardcore and three times as fun!! You KNOW I'm signing up! Flying races are one thing, but I really wanna test myself in all terrain too, y’know?
“Huh… Isn’t that something…”
Staring at nothing, Sunset was lost in thought. A big event, every kind of pony was invited. A huge challenge, for sure. Very intense. She had never been interested in events like those, there was never even a reason to consider competing.
“Yep! It’s gonna be that big stadium near the castle. Whole kingdom’s gonna be there! No better chance for glory. I loooove that stuff. You’ll watch me right, babe?” Rainbow nuzzled Fluttershy, while she giggled and answered “of course!” in which Rainbow would ask “riiiiight?” nuzzling and blowing raspberries on her, making her answer again, and then asking again, and again. It was a giggle fit!
Sunset stared at the distance. A stadium right next to the castle in Canterlot. No doubt all kinds of important people would be watching. Even people like the Princesses would no doubt observe the event. Celestia, Luna and…
“Rainbow, I want to sign up too.”
“Huh??”
“To the race! I want to sign up with you. What better way to put my training to the test, right?”
Rainbow vibrated with excitement. “Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, that is AWESOME!! I always wanted a buddy to do events like these!! I'm all in!”
Sunset got a bit embarrassed. “Umm, one thing, though, a favor, if you don’t mind? This might be a big ask, I'm not sure…”
“Sure, ask away, man! We’re in this together!” She smiled.
“Could you help me make it to the top ten? I-I don’t care about winning, not really. I just want to make a good impression. I even want to try using magic as little as possible, you know? It’s going to be a big event, and I would appreciate it if I had somepony to watch my back… y-y'know, my old mentor is going to be watching, yeah?”
Sunset tried not thinking about Twilight watching her from the stands. She couldn’t care less about Celestia or even Luna watching her fail; In fact, she would avoid The Princess of the Sun like the plague. But if she could pull off a big win in front of Twilight…
That would be everything.
Rainbow tilted her head. “You’re asking me to not give it my all so that we can focus on helping each other through the competition?”
“Um, yeah you’re right. It’s a stupid Idea–” She started giving up on it; but the Pegasus interrupted her. “Dude of COURSE I CAN HELP! You think I care about golden medals? I got plenty of those already. I'm in it for the fun! And this time, I get to help a friend through it too! Don’t worry. I’ll get you in FIRST place, and that's a Dash promise!!”
With a look of surprise, the Unicorn exhaled in relief; Not expecting to get that far. “Thanks. I mean it. And d-don’t worry, I won't hold you to that. This is just me trying! I want to see how it feels to be in a big competition like that!” Truth was, she had no faith that she could win, but she also would not let that stop herself from trying.
Rainbow Held her by one shoulder and gestured at the sky as if to visualize it. “Picture this. You and me. You got a golden medal and I got a silver medal; Fluttershy in my arms and you with as many babes as you want– lotsa confetti and the Princesses personally bowing to us for being so AWESOME! That's your future, dude!!”
Sunset pictured a very different future. Crossing the finish line. Twilight gives her a golden medal, then kisses her on the cheek. No crowd, no competitors or other Princesses. Just them.
Fluttershy giggled, but chimed in anyways. “Sweetie, I think you should ease up, this is gonna be her first competition after all!”
Shaking the fluster that appeared in her own cheeks, Sunset tried diminishing the stakes. “Y-yeah! This is just threading waters, I don't need or even want to win, it’s fine!” She lied.
“Whatevs, my dude. Just know I'm with you all the way! This is gonna be so awesome!!” Rainbow fluttered her wings in joy.
Sunset smiled, and then started stretching, while putting her stuff away back in the backpack. “Well girls, I'm just about done! Want to get back to Ponyville?”
“Of course! But remember, we can take it slow if you need.” Fluttershy made sure to assert, hoping for her friend to slow down.
“Haha, yes, but consider this!” Then Sunset took off at high speed down the mountain.
“Heheh, she’s not messing around! C’mon babe!!” Rainbow Dash took off excitedly.
Sunset could get used to mornings like these. Despite the effort, and the tiredness… It was good. Pushing herself. It hurt, but it felt worth it.
The mornings got easier.
Days until Midnight Sparkle returns: 143.
Sunset lost her balance then fell on her face, right in the middle of the Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie’s place of work, a cupcake store. The ball that the Unicorn balanced herself on flew back and almost hit a customer. Pinkie Pie stopped her act immediately and rushed to her aid. “OH MY GOSH ARE YOU OKAY??”
Sunset quickly got back up, shook the dizziness off and got back on top of the yoga ball, ignoring the pain. “I'm fine! Don’t worry, I'll get this right.”
Customers around them applauded, not sure if the fall was part of the show, finding it amusing.
Pinkie got on top of her own ball, balancing herself to be in Sunset's eye view. “Girllll it’s okay, we can stop if you want! It’s no worries if this is too hard for you, we can try something a bit easier! How about juggling?”
Sunset gave a forced smile, suppressing any rage she might feel from the pain and humiliation, while balancing herself a bit clumsily. She was getting the hang of it, but she sure got why barely anypony even tried stuff like this. “It’s fine! I'm fine! C’mon, let’s give them a show!”
Pinkie waved her hooves around, concerned. “Sunsun, there's no shame in doing this with magic to help you out, you know?? It’s okay if you use it to balance yourself!!”
Sunset swiveled in the ball, attempting to be confident. “There’s no point in doing this if I have to rely on magic for everything; it’s about training the body, too! C’mon lemme try that pirouette you showed me!”
“WAIT SUNSET MAYBE–”
Sunset did a flip, ignoring the fear of pain. She was going to try this, as many times as it took.
Then she slipped and fell right on her face again.
Days until Midnight Sparkle returns: 126.
”It’s the sport of kings and queens, darlings. Kings and queens! Not even just Princesses!”
Rarity joyfully proclaimed, while slashing with her horn swiftly and elegantly. She was wearing protective gear on her face and horn, a cover of wood that would prevent sharp contact with the tip of the horns on other ponies faces, and a foam helmet to prevent pain when hitting from the sides. The outfits would prevent pain, but not that much, if you’re losing.
Sunset was losing.
She was sweating on her attempts to deflect and block Rarity’s strikes, and she sure couldn’t even parry her. Rarity was agile and elegant; even if not very aggressive with her swings. She clearly knew what she was doing, which altogether surprised Sunset, who never expected a dainty Unicorn like her to be anywhere near combat, and yet...
Applejack amusedly kept them company sitting on the sidelines reading a magazine. Rarity’s home had ample space on the upper floor for practice, and she had all the gear she needed! This was a sport for her, if not just another artform for her to express herself, and she absolutely did so, all over Sunset, much to her dismay.
The Punk Unicorn imagined how much she could accomplish in a fight as a Unicorn if you concentrated your magic on your horn to make it into a blade to skewer and slash enemies; Definitely not an innovative technique, but applying all she learned and more, she could make it into an incredibly effective way of fighting; Another one to her collection, that would be another fighting style worth learning! She was holding her own, after having enough time to practice. She even managed to push Rarity back with her superior upper body strength, using her strong suits.
But that fancy Unicorn was not one to accept defeat lightly. Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Oof! By the way darling, how has been studying with Twilight? You’ll study more this afternoon, correct? It is so lovely to see you two getting closer!” She skillfully defended herself, saving ample energy for snarky commentary.
“Uh, y-yeah. I’ve been learning a lot from her! And it’s always fun to come to her with other new things I've learned…!” Sunset’s steps got a bit more uneasy, and Rarity did not let up, smirking. “It is very interesting to see how you’ve been trying to learn so much! Anything for Twilight, right?”
That commentary was enough to make her choke. “What?? What do you mean, no? I'm uhh–”
Ceasing the moment of unease, Rarity took advantage and swiftly whacked Sunset a couple times. “Your defense is waning, darling! Pay attention~”
“Sugarcube, you’re adorable when you’re posing and bragging, but do try and teach Sunset, will ya?” Applejack smiled while reading a magazine, half-watching them; Fully aware that her love would often lose herself on the prospect of showing off, specially when she was present.
Snickering mischievously, Rarity winked at Applejack. “Of course dear. Pay attention darling, I'm about to make it look easy!” Sunset was like a deer in the headlights. “Wait what--”
Rarity locked their horns together, then spun her head on a circle twice; forcing Sunset to look to the side, knocking her off, and then spun herself around and Butt-bumped Sunset’s side, knocking her to the ground. Although Sunset could have tried rolling or standing her ground, but she wanted to see the full extent of the move; which kicked her ass. (almost literally.)
Applejack clapped her hooves. “Nice one, babe!”
“Ough. Okay my ass is kicked, you made it look easy.” Sunset removed her mask, with an exhale. Rarity giggled, removing her own mask so all of them could see her beautiful face. “It’s quite alright, darling. You spin your enemy, force them to not face you, and then take advantage! Now, I did hit you with my rump, but know you can go fiercer! Use the chance to BUCK them, Applejack style!”
And the Farmer tipped her hat, smiling. “Yeehaw. Personally I don’t really see the need any of that fancy dance for fightin’, I'd rather just use fisticuffs.”
Rarity scoffed and smiled. “Well dear, not all of us can be 900 pounds of hunkness.” She said, flirtingly. “But if you’d like to take me on, I'll gladly give you a dance.”
“I'm still here by the way” Sunset ached on the floor.
Smiling hard, Applejack blushed a bit. “Why I oughta…” before picking her magazine back up to cover her flustered face.
Sunset chuckled on the floor, trying to interrupt the flirting match. “Whew, you really showed me. This is pretty fun! But, ouch. Hard. How are you not even sweaty right now?” she said, sweating buckets.
Doing a seductive and prideful hair flip, Rarity maintained her unwavering composure. “Why, darling, it would be unlady-like of me to sweat and fluster, don’t you think? It would be uncouth! I am above such things.”
AJ didn’t even lift her eyes from the magazine. “Ya weren’t above such things last night”
“APPLEJACK” Rarity said, sweating and flustering.
Sunset seized the moment, bucked one of Rarity’s legs, knocking her on the ground, quickly got up and poked her with her horn. “Boop! I win. Victory by Applejack distraction. Thanks Applejack!!”
Tipping her hat, the Farmer smirked. “No problem, partner.” getting up to go help her girlfriend.
“Okay darlings I think I'm done fencing for today” Rarity said, dried up like a raisin after the devastating defeat. Applejack got her up, gave her a smooch, and her pony-manity was restored, doing another beautiful hair flip.
Sunset removed the rest of her gear. “Well girls, I'll leave you to it. Thanks for the lessons, Rarity! And less thanks for the utter beatdown. Same time thursday?”
“Of course darling! Let me show you to the door! Wait for me, AJ dear~” She said, looking back at Applejack, who tipped her hat with a knowing smile.
They arrived at the door, but Rarity stopped her before it was opened.
“By the way darling, don’t think I don't know about you and Twilight.” And suddenly all felt quiet in the Carousel Boutique; The air froze, and Sunset felt like she just got smacked.
“W-what? There's nothing to know…!?” Quick Denial, but her tone did not hide her true feelings.
Seemingly through the blink of an eye Rarity was wearing a noir outfit, like a lady detective; and she carried herself like one, walking slowly around her subject. “Hahaha, I'm good at reading these things, darling. Just because it’s only in your heart, doesn’t mean it isn’t visible.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about” Sunset tried covering; This time with more composure. Rarity had no evidence, there was no need to panic, as long as she denied everything, she would be fine.
“EXHIBIT A. You have signed up to a Regional Race in Canterlot; and asked Rainbow Dash for help on getting far on it. Now surely you could chock that up to just wanting to win; but you’ve never participated in races like these before; And I recall you demonstrating very little interest in competition many times upon us mentioning these kind of events! But let’s not forget, who has a VIP front row seat to view your darling self crossing the finish line– our sweetheart Princess Twilight.” Rarity said, with perfect confidence and conviction.
“That means nothing a-and how’d you learn all that…!?” If that's all she had, she had no case. Keep denying everything!
“Nothing a bit of investigating doesn’t easily uncover, darling. You’re an open book! And Rainbow Dash doesn’t keep secrets very well. EXHIBIT B! You’re studying magic a lot on your own time, not just with Twilight! If all you wanted to was to learn, you could rely on her as a wonderful teacher; but no, you want to impress[/i] her! I’ve seen you showing off your teleportation, your casting, and even the other things we’ve been teaching you! Pinkie Pie’s pirouettes, Rainbow's speed, and even my fencing! You arrive on those study sessions prepared, and eager too; eager to showcase what you’ve learned! Eager for her to be proud of you!” She said, accusatory, smiling once more with unmatched confidence.
“I just like studying on my o-own time; that means nothing!” Okay. Rarity was onto something. Crap.
“Oh really? Well how about THIS; EXHIBIT C. You invite Pinkie Pie to your study sessions with Twilight half the times you have them! What’s wrong, Sunset… don’t want to be alone with your Princess?”
“P-Pinkie’s fun to be around–” Certainly a true fact, but Rarity was breaking her down.
“Oh please, of course. But inviting Pinkie to a STUDY session? The bouncy girl that never sits still and can’t even do magic? The girl that would easily go on tangents and be a good distraction, eh? She’s the perfect third wheel to put between you and someone you’re in love with; It will be much easier to not slip up and let your feelings be seen with a walking distraction nearby! Not to mention slow down your study progress, so you have to take even more lessons; No one in their right mind would invite Pinkie to study magic of all things; you’ve given yourself away merely by attempting to cover your feelings–”
Sunset put a hoof in Rarity’s mouth to stop her from talking. Her face was red over being laid out so easily. “OKAY. Stop. you got me okay? I'm in love with Twilight Sparkle! Okay!!”
“Well, that was easy. I had exhibits all the way to the letter K. Like how I easily beat you in fencing the moment I mentioned you and Twilight together, or how you only wear the dresses I made you if it’s in an event that Twilight is on...” Rarity smugly chuckled.
That embarrassment turned into frustration quickly for Sunset, while she tried controlling herself. “Look, she can’t know about this, okay? No one can. Can you keep a secret? Please.”
An estranged nod from the seamstress, being taken back by Sunset's utter disdain for her feelings for Twilight. “Well sure darling, but love shouldn’t be secretive! Much like our darling Applejack would say, honesty is worth it! You should talk to her.”
She shook her head definitively, not even considering it. “It doesn’t matter, she’s an Alicorn, I'm just me, I don't want to think about it much, alright? It's involuntary, and It's not going anywhere. I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of her. That’s all. Please don’t tell her.”
With a narrow of the eyes, Rarity looked as if she was trying to read her mind. "A what exactly is your endgame here, darling?"
The question seemed almost alien to her. "Endgame? No endgame. Twilight asked me to be on the team so I'm here. When she asks me to leave, I'll leave." And she wasn't lying; This was indeed her 'plan.'
"And where would you go?"
"Anywhere but here." She looked away listlessly, but with conviction.
Saying nothing, The fancy Unicorn looked at the other with an analytical gaze.
Sunset spoke akin to a whisper, almost. but there was no hesitation in her words. "You don't have to worry about me, Rarity. This is all temporary." She said that with conviction, utter belief.
Rarity was intelligent enough to understand that Sunset Shimmer had zero plans regarding her future. She was simply going with the flow, living in the now, and staying near someone she loves. And that she was only working hard to improve herself so as to come close to a chance of redemption; Which she evidently didn't seem to believe was even possible.
All of this, for just a chance, and yet, she herself didn't believe it was possible. As if her life was over.
She carried on, like a wraith, or an automaton, disregarding her own needs, as if she was undead.
“I… See. so this is why you were training so hard. It’s not just to impress her… it’s just to make yourself worthy of... This? All of us? ...Her?” Rarity regarded her with pity, which did not help.
Blowing air from her nostrils, Sunset suppressed anger. “I'm not going to BE worthy, okay? She’s Princess Twilight Sparkle. And I'm just– I'm just me. And that’s not about to change. Let it go.”
Rarity frowned a bit. “Well darling, have you asked her what she thinks about how worthy you are? My gut says she would likely have a very different opinion to yours…”
There was no hesitation, and yet, suppressed anger once more. “I shouldn’t and I won't. I'm sorry Rarity, but please just keep it a secret.”
The seamstress squinted, looking directly at her eyes. “And you’re just going to be friends with her? Permanently? No matter how much it hurts you? That’s enough for you?”
Sunset looked away again. “It has to be.”
"Well I don't think---"
"Let it go."
The fancy Unicorn couldn't help but be taken back by Sunset's unwavering nature, specially when it came to self flagellation. it was almost art in itself, really. But they had spent time enough as is doing this song and dance, and she would have to try again some other day. Rarity sighed. “Alright darling, if you must. I’ll respect your feelings; But let the record be known I don't agree with them in the slightest."
No response, Sunset just remained with her gaze elsewhere.
"Now get out of here, my sister’s outta the house and mama’s got a date with her Knight in Shining armor.” she said, while putting a rose in her mouth, and a tennis ball on her horn (for counter poking safety) and walking towards the stairs; intent on having an absolutely insatiable evening with Applejack.
“Yeah yeah please don’t say those words.” Sunset cringed, walking away.
She shook her head, trying to forget the last ten or so minutes, trying to erase how easily she was found out.
Then regret on lashing out, even if just a little set in, which led to more self deprecating thoughts.
With a shudder and a sigh, she knew It was going to be a bit harder to study with Twilight today after this.
Days until Midnight Sparkle returns: 99.
Sunset closed her book and put it away, and then reduced the speed of her run into a slight sprint so the little ponies could keep up. Applebloom, SweetieBelle, and Scootaloo all followed after her with great intrigue and natural nosey instinct.
Sunset couldn't help but be amused, though. She didn’t have much experience with kids, but wasn't repelled by them at all; Comically, the fillies of Ponyville seemed to be the least interested in holding grudges, even if it was for something like "Turning into a fiery demon Alicorn and almost razing Canterlot" She had met each of the Fillies already at some point, she figured it was only a matter of time that they’d hound her about this.
They were the cutie mark crusaders, after all...
“No girls, I'm sorry to say, but I don't really know the deal with my cutie mark for sure. I know I've had an affinity for fire magic since I was a filly, but otherwise… it’s just a sun.” She hoped that lie would be enough to avoid the subject. It was not.
“Aww c’mon, don’t be like that! I'm sure you got some deeper meaning! You’re a part of the cool crew, after all!” Applebloom cheered.
She smiled, not out of joy. “Pff I'm barely an actual part of the crew, girls. Not exactly a veteran member, and I'm sure it'll be temporary.”
SweetieBelle pondered. “Hmm it is a half-sun, maybe it has something to do with Celestia? You were her pupil before, right?”
Sunset stopped running and started just walking. Partially to let the girls accompany her well, but also… Because SweetieBelle was right on the money. Sunset did not want to think about her, but here it was.
“Well… yeah. Before… Everything, I was obsessed with being Celestia’s pupil. I wanted to be just like her. Her equal.”
She hadn’t reminisced about those days in a long time. She actively avoided thinking about Celestia altogether– it was a one-hop-skip-to thinking about her own failings. How often can you say you’ve betrayed and disappointed a god?
Scootaloo chimed in. “So when'd you get your cutie mark? Maybe if we know, we can better understand what’s up with it!”
Sunset decided to stop and sit in the shade to rest. The girls gathered in front of her, excited for a story; They were certainly a lot more excited than Sunset was
She let out a long sigh. “Okay, first of all, please promise you won’t just be sharing this story around, girls. It’s personal, and I don't need the… embarrassment.” It was about a lot more than just embarrassment.
The girls all nodded among each other. Sunset wasn’t sure if they could really keep a secret, but decided they were worth her trust anyway.
“Okay. It was near my hometown, me and my parents were having a picnic, and we saw a… castle sized monster? Eh maybe I was just small, but it was pretty damn– darn big. A giant, ferocious monster heading for our hometown. Oh, and I was a filly, like you.”
The girl's eyes lit up. Awesome huge monsters!
“My parents started gathering our stuff to run away, but since I was, well, still very young, I ran towards danger. I wanted to see what was going on, ‘cause it seemed epic, and I was certainly right about that. And that was the first time I met Princess Celestia.”
The girls were excited, asking what happened next.
“Well, the monster didn’t stand a chance. Celestia tore through it with incredible displays of magic and elegant wing strikes; managing to completely overwhelm it. The giant monster ran away like a little filly, licking its wounds, and the Princess wasn’t even touched in the whole fight. It was very clear that she was holding back, even, despite the amazing one-sided victory. It was incredible... A lot of people in town cheered for her, and I was among them. Little me was absolutely beaming, hehe. She was incredibly powerful, and incredibly loved. I remember thinking ‘I want to be that’ as I ran to meet her… and then boom, cutie mark.”
Sweetie Belle wowed. “Omg!! Did you get to meet her??”
The Unicorn smiled. “I did! Me and a crowd of other ponies. I tried talking to her, but she couldn’t hear me. Lot’s of ponies were around congratulating her and thanking her, so a small filly like me couldn’t really stand out. My parents picked me up before I could actually talk to her.” Sunset couldn’t help but be reminded of how bad it felt.
Scootaloo pouted. “Aww man!! Bummer… I remember the same happened to me the first time I tried talking to Rainbow Dash… Darn our small statues!” “Stature” “Stchature?” “Staturee” “Statue!” The fillies argued and joked among themselves.
Sunset looked away, lost in thought, in a quiet mumble. “I remember… crying a bit that day as we were leaving… My parents cheered me on for getting my cutie mark, but all I could think of was that I wanted to see Celestia again. I wanted to talk to her. Properly. Be like her.”
The girls quieted down, waiting for Sunset to continue.
“After that, I put my love for music on the back burner. I dedicated myself to magic only, and my parents were very happy to see me getting ambitious. I studied so, so hard for a year, so I could sign up for Celestia's school in Canterlot. I worked really hard. It was... Stressful.”
The kids pried more. They already knew what happened after, after all, it was hard to miss the news of a fight between Twilight and a raging demon pony. But they still wanted to hear Sunset's side of the story. “But you were Celestia's pupil at some point, right?”
Sunset exhaled shakingly, still looking away. “Emphasis on were.”
The three fillies tilted their heads, waiting for more.
With another listfull sigh, she continued. “After working so hard to reach that point, I felt entitled to the position. And I also was really frustrated. I couldn't be… more. Celestia was right there, and I couldn't be like her. I was still just a tryhard, hard headed unicorn. I started arguing with her, and looking for shortcuts to power like hers… I broke myself. And then, well... Celestia booted me as her pupil. And thank goodness she did. I didn’t deserve that position, I never did. If Twilight wasn’t there to save me from myself after, when I tried to get ‘payback’ by stealing her crown…“ She shuddered. Her hubris knew no bounds, neither did her arrogance, and neither did her regrets.
Scootaloo chuckled nervously. “Wow, that sucks!! I couldn’t live with myself if I disappointed Celestia, I'd be floored!! Absolutely crushed! I could never show my face again!!”
Sunset frowned. Yeah, that kid was a fan of Rainbow Dash, alright. “Well, regardless, I don't really know what my cutie mark means anymore, okay? It’s just a sun because my name is Sunset I guess. Let's just go with that.” She knew what it meant. It meant for her desire to be something more than she was; Her desperate, foolish desire. But it was over now. Permanently.
Applebloom pried a bit. “How come you don’t wanna be like Celestia anymore?”
The Unicorn let out a chuckle, but it wasn't exactly a happy one. “Applebloom, it’s not a matter of want, I hope you understand… It was stupid of me to even try to reach that high. I'm just me, and I've come to terms with that. How could any of us match a princess…? I was super entitled and cocky and I thought it was like. My destiny or whatever. It was stupid of me. Almost no pony is built for that, and that’s okay! I’ve come to terms with my place. It’s what I deserve.”
She said, truthfully, with a lump in her throat. It was easier to say that than to simply say that she wasn't worthy. That she was a spectacular failure. That no matter how much she had tried, it was all for nothing.
She did not think Celestia would ever want to see her again. Or alternatively, she thought that she did not deserve to see or even talk to her old mentor.
Truthfully, she didn't care if Celestia wanted it or not; The shame that Sunset felt was enough to discourage her from even considering seeing her old master again.
Applebloom could tell the Unicorn was hurting. “Well I don't think you’re so bad… even having become her pupil at all is pretty awesome, ain’t it?”
Sunset didn’t believe so. “Sure, kid.”
Sweetie Belle scratched the floor with her hooves. “Do you still write to Celestia? My sister does that sometimes when she learns a lesson and stuff! I’ve seen Princess Twilight do it a lot, too…”
Sunset sighed, not at frustration towards them, but herself. “No, I don't.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because I have nothing to say to her, I guess.” She lied.
“Do you think she’s still mad at you for the whole evil thing?”
Sunset shook her head. “No, I don't think so. She’s forgiven me, but I haven't– I'm still not very comfortable about it. I don’t talk to her.”
“Do you miss her?”
“Not really.” She lied again.
For a split second Sunset could perfectly remember what it was like to walk side by side with the queen of the sun. A fleeting feeling.
Sweetie Belle was gonna ask another question, but Applebloom stopped her. She could tell that Sunset seemed a bit uncomfortable with the conversation.
Sunset thanked the girls, profoundly relieved of the end of that particular subject. “Well, is there anything else? I have to get back to my run, but I'll see you girls at the next party Pinkie throws; I'm gonna be her magician again!” She said, trying her best to shake off the shivers that came with thinking of her old mentor.
Applebloom was peppy. “Oh sweet! Last party was so fun! And I loved it when that weirdo Trixie broke into the party and tried fightin’ you for some reason!”
Scootaloo was hyped. “Oh my gosh it was so sick to see that flip you did! And the way you kicked her outta window?? So cool.”
Sunset chuckled nervously. “Haha yeah that was totally a part of the show” She lied, remembering holding that weird blue Unicorn on a headlock and kicking her out.
Scootaloo couldn’t contain herself any longer, right as Sunset was about to leave: “Is it true you’re participating in the regional race with Rainbow Dash??”
Sunset paused. “Um. It is true, but it’s a secret…”
“I KNEW IT! Rainbow Dash bragged about having a friend to go with this time and I knew it was you!! You’ve been training like crazy!! C’mon girls let’s let her train some more!” The little Pegasus took off on her scooter gleefully.
Applebloom pushed Sweetie Belle to move away. “Bye Miss Sunset! Can’t wait to see you around the farm again sometime!!” Sunset waved back cheerfully, genuinely looking forward to a return.
“Wait, why is it a secret?? Who’s it a secret TO??” Sweetie Belle questioned. Sunset just walked away, amused.
The amusement turned a bit bitter shortly after, as Sunset's thoughts led her to Celestia again.
Would she ever be able to face her again…?
No.
Never.
Days until Midnight Sparkle returns: 81.
Butterflies were landing all over her while she tried to meditate. Concentrating was very difficult… She was managing, barely, until she broke and had to sneeze. The insects took flight, scattering all over Fluttershy’s garden.
“*oof.* Sorry Fluttershy, sorry! And sorry, Fluttershy's friends.” Sunset apologized profusely to all the little critters that scattered around her.
Fluttershy, sitting next to her, snickered. “It’s okay, Sunset, if they land on you It just means they’re comfortable.”
If it wasn't butterflies, it’d be squirrels or bunnies or birds, and for some inexplicable reason, that one bear. Fluttershy’s garden sure was something. Meditation was an interesting thing; Sunset definitely couldn’t say she enjoyed it, but she saw it more as a necessary annoyance in her routine, forcing herself to clear her own mind, if not just confront her own thoughts, and if possible, get some relaxation. But the company was the highlight, really. Fluttershy was a good friend to have if you didn’t ever want conflict or discussion. She was always kind and calm. It was nice to just unwind here.
She couldn't help but laugh a bit, with a butterfly still on her ear. “Sorry, heh. Can we take a quick five?”
Fluttershy nodded. “Of course...! You know, not many people can take meditation, my Dashie can never sit still, hihi. She’s always all over the place. She’s good at ‘chillaxing’ but meditating is a bit harder.” She said, with an affectionate smile, looking at the sky. It wouldn't surprise either of them if they saw that rainbow streak cross the sky.
Sunset decided to leave the remaining butterflies undisturbed. “Pff yeah. She sure is hyperactive. Come to think of it, don’t take this the wrong way, but how did two girls so different like you two get together?”
“That’s a funny story, not sure if you want to hear it though; it’s kind of cheesy.”
The Unicorn smirked. “Pff please. I'm friends with you guys. I'm getting used to ‘cheesy.’”
Fluttershy laid on her back in the grass and watched the clouds, and Sunset decided to follow suit.
“Well, this might be kind of surprising to hear, but I used to be pretty shy, and disinterested in romance; and meanwhile, Rainbow Dash was a heartbreaker! She was always going around dating mares and cutting ties in a month, or even just a week. She never wanted to get bogged down; always jumping from girl to girl, settling with no one.”
“Yeaaah, that sounds like her.”
“Here’s the thing too; me and her? We knew each other as kids. So I knew her. By the time that we came together on Twilight's team, it was very weird, seeing an estranged friend like that just be heroic and all. I guess she must have seen an opportunity for another heart to break, cause she did try some advances on me.”
“Hah no way, she was treating you like the other girls?”
The Pegasus took a stern look; Which looked comical in someone so soft and cute. “Yep! And I wasn't gonna have it. I declined all her advances. I wasn’t interested in a heartbreaker or in her idea of what ‘romance’ was.”
“What happened next? ‘Cause you two are together now, after all.”
“What happened next is we became actual friends again. We helped each other and met each other and saw each other as friends! Every time we met with Twilight and the gang, we were a part of something bigger, she was a part of something bigger. And she could notice that. She started mellowing out so to speak.”
“She definitely seems so!”
“So by the time I kissed her on my terms, it was less of a fixer upper. She's cute. I kind of know a lot of what goes beneath the Rainbow Dash hood now; her thoughts are simple but they are very much under the surface. By the time we were dating I could tell she was uncomfortable with spending that much time with only one mare and not flying off to another thing. But that was just her own insecurity with holding a relationship bubbling up. So I told her that even if we broke up, I wouldn't mind, as long as we were still friends.”
She giggled a bit. “The coldest! But guess what. It was just the push she needed to realize that she not only wanted to be more than friends, she wanted to stay being more than friends! And we’ve been together ever since. And although I never really cared for the romance thing, I have to say, I'm pretty happy. Not everypony can say they are dating a superhero, basically. The fastest flier in Equestria!”
Sunset chuckled. “Hah that is a pretty big bragging right, yeah. And she does seem to be head over heels with you, which is a great plus. I'm happy for you two!” Sunset couldn't help but think of her own losses in the love department, though. And swiftly tried ending any thoughts regarding that, mentally beating them away with a stick.
Fluttershy turned to her, still laying down. “Well? How about you, are you interested in love? Any fun dating stories?”
Sunset looked away nervously. “Umm how about we go back to meditating haha”
Fluttershy frowned and pouted, poking her with her hoof. “Aww c’mon, don’t be like that. I shared, you can share too, I'm sure it's not that bad…!”
With a frown and a sigh, Sunset considered it for a moment, then yielded. “Well... yes. I am interested in lovey dovey crap. I have dated before, and no I have not had much luck with it.”
“Go on…” Fluttershy nudged her.
She couldnt help but go on a bit of a tangent. “Okay so last time I dated was this guy named Flash. And boy, was it dumb. It was more than a year ago, when I was still studying under Celestia, and I literally only dated the guy to get a quick outlet; and maybe popularity, ‘cause he was a royal guard. I was really stressed at the time and y’know, was becoming straightup evil. I was a pretty bad girlfriend, as you can expect. And he was just. Kind of a simple guy? I guess I just found him hot enough, I don't know. It was dumb. I shouldn’t have used him. I shouldn’t have even been there in the first place. That position was not for me.” She paused. “Oh, and for the record, I broke up with him.” She lied.
Fluttershy listened attentively. “Uh huh, go on…”
“Honestly it was a pretty stupid mistake. I can’t believe I almost considered joining the royal guards with him in Canterlot, too. Though that would have been a better fate than being banished and then becoming an evil demon and having Princess Twilight Sparkle beat my ass. I guess I have had zero experiences with romance since, because why would I? I'm literally rebuilding my life from the ground up! All of this is new to me and I'm making it up as I go. And moving on from just a boring-ass guy to someone so incredible and just– untouchable is REALLY hard because how could I possibly deserve her after all I did??”
She nearly bit her tongue, realizing she might have overshared and overstepped.
“Wow… who are you talking about?”
Twilight Sparkle.
“I can’t tell you.” She looked away.
Fluttershy wanted to know, but decided to keep to herself. “Well… okay. I can respect your secrecy. I just hope that you can also see what’s good about you, Sunset. Whoever you’re talking about must see it too.”
The Unicorn scoffed. “Pssh, sure, whatever.”
But the Pegasus would not allow her to dismiss that, as she started counting. “You’re reliable. You’re dependable. You’re strong. You’re determined. You’re pretty. You’re cool. You’re kind. You dress really nicely. You’re always showing interest in what we–” Sunset stopped her. “Okay, okay, heh, I get it. Thanks Flutters. I guess I don't really… think about myself that way.”
Raising her muzzle with a pout, Fluttershy got high and mighty, which was cute for someone so wimpy. “Well you should. If any of the others heard you talking about yourself that way, why, they’d be livid, especially Twilight. It's not nice.”
Her ears twitched involuntarily. “Uhm why Twilight especially?”
“Well isn’t it obvious? She literally saved you from being evil, you're the only one that could understand her position; The tension and anxiety that comes with trying to live up to Princess Celestia! She helped you be friends with all of us, you’re the only member of our team that didn’t join on day 1, and that is not a coincidence! You’re one of her greatest accomplishments due to just how good you’re doing now! She's super proud of you, Sunset! You mean a lot to her. Doesn’t she tell you that too?”
“S-she does, I guess it just feels… It’s… Different when I hear it from someone else.” Sunset felt a bit flustered. It really was a gut punch whenever she was reminded of how kind Twilight is. Though it didn't mean more that a friendly bias from the Princess of Friendship.
“Hmpf. Well you better accept it. You’re nice.” She acted ‘tough’ but it just made them both laugh together a bit.
For a moment, they just enjoyed laying in the grass as friends, no other concerns.
“Ready to go back to meditation?”
“Absolutely.”
Days until Midnight Sparkle returns: 73.
“This castle is so beautiful, right?? Have you ever seen anything like it??” Twilight cheerfully spread her wings wide, looking around. The castle of the Crystal Empire was indeed really gorgeous. The walls, the floor and the ceiling, all were different kinds of crystal, it really felt like an entirely different world. Sunset walked alongside her, distracted by how peppy she was, despite the gorgeous surroundings. “W-wow, yeah, I'm speechless. Thanks for taking me here, princess.”
Twilight ignored the formalities and did another of her adorable squeals, much to Sunset’s delight. “IIIIIIIII!! I'm so excited for you to meet Cadance!! She is the coolest. You’re gonna love her!!! Did I tell you my brother used to date her?”
“You did! And I've been meaning to ask. Getting dumped by an Alicorn, is he like... Okay? Is he alive?” Sunset apprehensively asked, trying not to imagine Celestia ‘dumping’ someone by literally dropping them in the sun.
Twilight didn’t seem very fazed, she clearly cared for her brother; and trusted and respected his willpower. “Oh, Shining Armor is fine. It was a mutual agreement thing! B-but yeah, he did spend a few… weeks recovering. It’s pretty rough, ending a relationship with a princess of love, no less.”
Sunset tried not to think of herself in that position. Heartbreak. Or more like heartshatter.
She shook her head, swiftly removing those thoughts, snapping out of that funk. “He must be pretty tough, having survived that. I guess it runs in the family…”
“Hihihi, thank you! And you know it!” The princess of Friendship was as giddy as ever, making for wonderful company.
Sunset wasn’t minding this little weekend getaway. It was her first time in the Crystal Empire, the furthest she had ever been from home. It was either this or Manehattan, and she did have a particular interest in meeting another princess, especially the Princess of Love, so why waste time with skyscrapers and busy streets? Maybe she’d visit with Rarity, when helping her with her franchise sometime.
Besides, Twilight needed as much break from princess duties as she could get. If Sunset could help ease her burdens, she would, without hesitation.
They crossed more and more regal and beautifully decorated rooms, and passed by various crystal pony guards. As they walked by a beautiful balcony, a crystal heart floated above a podium. Twilight cheerfully gave trivia. “Did you know that if you stare into the crystal heart for too long, you might see your future?”
Sunset didn’t even give it a glance. “Soooo, the Princess of love… What am I supposed to expect here? Cause i’ve had 3 experiences with Alicorns and like, two out of three were ‘fine’ so far, you being the best one…”
Twilight knew who the one unpleasant princess experience was, and didn’t want to pry. She knew enough from her own mentor’s account and Sunset. Part of Twilight really really wanted to take Sunset to her mentor so that they could see each other once more. But it’s not what the Unicorn wanted… Celestia and Sunset hadn’t talked in ages, despite having no quarrel. Well… maybe some quarrel.
Twilight cared a lot about both of them. But she didn't know how to fix their broken relationship; She hoped time would heal those wounds. She shook it off and went back on subject.
“You’re gonna be fiiiiiine. Cadance is really fun!!! She can be a bit… distracted, focusing on Love stuff a bit much, but still, it shouldn't be a problem to us!” The Alicorn cheerfully approached a big set of doors, where guards bowed to her, and she bowed back. They opened the large throne room doors, and the two friends entered.
Sunset couldn’t help but be a bit nervous. “So you’re positive there’s nothing to worry about here?” Which Twilight just shook her head, gleefully. ”Nope! We should invite her to get snow cones with us!” “Alright, princess, I'll follow your lead.”
It was a large room with beautiful tapestries and crystals hanging from the ceiling. Guards were ordered to wait outside and give them privacy. Sunset did not feel as intimidated as in Canterlot. Not that this was much more inviting to someone like her, but there was less pressure. Princess Cadance got up from her throne and walked to them. Sunset noticed that she was much like Twilight, someone who became an Alicorn. She was about to bow to her…
And then Twilight and Cadance started doing a little dance together.
“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake!”
Sunset watched the two Alicorns do a little dance they were clearly accustomed to. She tried keeping a poker face when seeing Twilight once again one up herself in the area of doing one of the cutest and strangest things she had ever seen. Don’t freak out.
Both of the Princesses giggled while Sunset attempted to be normal about this. Maybe failing at it a bit. “Um. is this a custom Alicorn greeting or…?”
As peppy as ever, Twilight giggled. “Hihihi, no, silly! Remember? I told you she used to babysit me. We go way back!” She fluttered her wings joyfully.
Cadance approached the Unicorn with a professional smile. “So you must be Sunset Shimmer! I was looking forward to meeting the one friend of Twilight’s I didn't know yet… She has told me a lot about you.”
Sunset was playing it cool, trying to keep professional as well. Unfortunately for her, Twilight put a friendly wing over her, which increased her nerves tenfold, and her heartbeat. “Yep! This is Sunset! One of my closest friends. It’s her first time in the Crystal Empire, I'm so happy you finally get to meet her!!”
Twilight's wing over her was nearly all she could think of, but she conjured all of her composure and decorum to maintain the formalities. She bowed. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Princess Cadance. Your kingdom is beautiful. I am pleased that you’ve allowed us to stay for the weekend–” As she finished her bow, she looked up and saw the Princess of Love staring directly into her, wide eyed and blank faced. The Princess's eyes glowed; and Sunset could tell this meant some form of magic was at work, intimidating and confusing her.
A small moment of awkward silence as the Princess of love stared directly at her. Twilight was about to break the ice, but that’s when Cadance spoke up. “Well, Twilight... You sure have brought me an interesting case here…” She said, still staring directly at the confused Unicorn with an analytical glare.
Both of the ponies expressed confusion, And Cadance simply smiled and approached The Unicorn, which in turn made her recoil slightly.
“Sunset Shimmer… Your heart is full, but it’s aching. The fullest it has ever been, As if you’re about to burst. You don’t know what to do, do you?” She smiled, but that smile held concern and pity.
“What…?!” Sunset could tell that Cadance was reading her. Could she literally tell that Sunset was in love? Was that her weird Alicorn speciality?? She started panicking. Twilight was literally standing right next to her. This could be bad.
Twilight chimed in, a bit puzzled. “Umm, excuse me? Cadance what are you talking about…?”
The Princess of Love looked at Twilight. Then back at Sunset. Then back at Twilight. Then back at Sunset. “Oooooooooohhh ~” She knowingly smiled, much to the Unicorn’s dismay.
She addressed the Unicorn, with full confidence. “I see… It makes sense then. I understand your plight, after all, being in love with–”
Sunset was quick on the draw. She zapped Twilight, teleporting her out of the room, the fastest horn in the west. Right before Cadance finished saying “...Twilight. Oh. You’re no fun ~”
Sunset let out a massive exhale, happy to know Twilight didn’t hear that. She tried not being angry at Cadance, but it was very hard under the circumstances. Even harder to formulate a thought. “H-hey!!! What the hell are you doing?? Are you just reading me and saying what I'm thinking?? Well STOP IT!” It was not a threat, but a desperate request.
Cadance, amused, sat down. “Not what you’re thinking, dear. What you’re feeling. And forgive me, but your love was loud. So you’re hiding it from her, aren’t you? How dreadful… Do not worry, Sunset. I will cover for you… for now.”
“What are you even talking about–” Then, Twilight entered the room, even more confused. “Hey girls, what happened? Did one of you just zap me outta here?”
Sunset had no excuse. Cadance, however, made quick on her deal. “Don’t worry, Twilight. Your friend was just showing me her magical prowess! I'm impressed!” Sunset mustered an awkward smile and a nod, as the Alicorn continued. “Could you give us some time to talk in private? We’ll see you outside in a bit! Your friend is delightful ~”
Twilight pouted. “Aww but I wanted to– Well, okay… Have fun you two!” She said walking out of the room again, looking back.
Sunset exhaled the moment her princess was out of sight. “Ugh… Nice save.”
Cadance snickered. “Twilight can be quite gullible at times. And oblivious, too…” She said, still staring at Sunset. “So… You don’t want to talk about it, do you?”
Sunset frowned, Trying to remain cordial towards the Alicorn, and unmistakably failing. “Do I want to talk about how the Princess of Love nearly spilled my guts in front of the Princess I love, a Princess who will never love me back? Not particularly, no.”
Paying her no mind, Cadance delightedly rolled her eyes, used to all kinds of reactions when talking about love, this included. “Never say never, dear Sunset. No, Twilight might not love you, but it’s because she doesn’t know what loving like that is; And she's desperately in need of it, if I may add. She has always been so oblivious…”
Sunset sighed. “Great.”
Cadance looked at her intently. “But it doesn’t mean you couldn’t teach her.”
Sunset’s heart beat faster, but she kept her cool. “Alright, hold your horses. I'm just a Unicorn, okay? I'm not worthy of a princess. My feelings are involuntary and inconsequential. I love being her friend, and I'm not about to ruin that, or me, for that matter…”
Cadance sighed lovingly. “Ah, but even love that is fragile is still important… Even if it were to end, it would still be worth it to be honest with her, don’t you think? Flings, summer romances, even just a week, it’s all beautiful.”
Sunset tried turning the tables. “Is that what happened with you and Shining Armor?”
Turning to lounge on her throne, Cadance was quite amused, ignoring the Unicorn’s tone, delighted with the conversation.
“Ah, my dear Shining Armor... What happened between us was beautiful, even if it was temporary, I have no regrets. We will both always cherish the time we spent together, even if it had to end. Don’t you think that’s important too?”
Sunset looked away. “I'm not interested in heartbreak. I’ve had enough.”
Cadance stared directly into her, once again reading her like a book. “Your feelings betray you, Sunset Shimmer. You would fight your worst fears, You would gladly lay down your life, You would change your entire being, all for Twilight Sparkle.”
That much was obviously true, even Sunset was internally aware. but it did not change her tune, as she scoffed. “So what? It will never be enough. I will never be enough.”
Cadance sat up, and the room started… changing. Crystals on walls, ceiling, and even the floor started taking a red hue. She stared at Sunset with a blank, yet stern expression.
A gust of wind started surrounding them as her horn glowed.
“Hm. If your feelings don’t matter, why not have me take them away?”
Sunset's body tensed up, looking around, but focusing on the Princess. “What?!”
Cadance spread her wings wide, menacingly. “Like I said. Your heart is full, but it's aching. I can take that ache from you, Sunset Shimmer. No more painful love. You’ll be just friends. Isn’t that what you want? No more heartbreak?” Her magic was enveloping the Unicorn fast.
Anger exploded within Sunset instantly. She put her hoof down, and shook her mane and horn, blowing any magic around her away, as she glared back at Cadance, fully ready to fight if needed, blowing steam from her nostrils as flame magic built up on her horn, ready to incinerate the entire room if necessary; ready to go berzerk. This time it *was* a threat.
“YOU BETTER STOP RIGHT NOW, OR I’ll–”
Cadance immediately lounged back on her chair again, giggling a bit. The room returned to its normal hue, and the magic faded. “See? That, right there. That conviction. How quickly you fought to maintain your love, even with its possibility of heartbreak. Perhaps it’s not so bad, is it?”
Sunset’s adrenaline was still a bit high.
“I… What?”
Cadance giggled some more. “Dear Sunset, you were just about to attack an Alicorn Princess, just for the chance to keep loving Twilight Sparkle. Need I say more?”
Sunset covered her face with her hooves, flustering with profound embarassment. She really was about to pick a fight with an Alicorn, just for her love of Twilight. Without hesitation.
Love made her really, really stupid.
“Oh, for the love of Celestia…”
Cadance snorted. “More like for the love of Twilight, am I right?”
“Gah!!” Sunset flustered even more.
Cadance got up from her throne, approaching her kindly. “It’s okay. I know you are not ready yet. But considering how much you are willing to fight for her, I'd say you’re on the right track. These feelings are not going away… They’re only getting stronger. This is real, Sunset. It’s real and it’s good.” She smiled warmly.
Sunset looked down, unable to accept it. “Look, she… I… how can it be worth it? My love wouldn’t mean a thing, if…”
Cadance looked at her, warmly, and calmly. “Even if it’s temporary. Even if it’s fleeting. Even if it ends in heartbreak. Even if there is a countdown until it all ends. You were still ready to fight for it, moments ago. Can’t you see how beautiful that is?”
Sunset frowned, giving in with an exhale, not wanting to fight her on the subject anymore. “How are you so good at this? Oh, right, princess of love. Duh.”
The Alicorn snickered in amusement. “Oh please, I can't have been the first one that could see it, plain as day.”
Sunset sighed, reminiscing on her comical humiliation. “Yeah, you weren’t, Rarity found out first.”
The Princess giggled further. “Oh, that Unicorn is wonderful. She could very much be in my position… but it would likely keep her from her job, and a certain farm girl she loves dearly, so I think that it is for the best… They are wonderful together.” Cadance reminisced, likely on a time that she read Rarity and Applejack just like she had just read Sunset. Those two were entertaining.
“And horny.”
“Oh, very horny.”
They both laughed together a bit.
Twilight peeked in the room again. “Hey Sunset!! Ask her if she wants to go out for snow cones!! I forgot to ask before!! Sorry to interrupt, have fun!!” She closed the doors again. Sunset let out a sigh of relief. “Well, you heard her. Snow cones?”
Cadance smiled, turning around and walking towards her private quarters. “Surely! Go be with your beloved, Sunset. Tell her I'm going to get ready and then we can go out together.” And then she paused. “Oh, and Sunset?”
“yeah?”
The room flashed red, as her eyes glowed. “Do not break her heart. Or I will break yours.”
Sunset smiled. “Not a problem.”
The Princess continued her walk, smiling too. “I know.”
It was a pretty wonderful weekend, there were a lot of beautiful sights to see in Cadance's empire. Sunset kept her words in mind, while trying just to enjoy her time together with Twilight, even if it might be fleeting.
“Your friend Cadance is nuts, princess.”
“Hihi, yeah, she’s pretty out there. Better or worse than Celestia?”
“Better.”
Days until Midnight Sparkle returns: 61.
Farming was rough sometimes. Applejack’s routine was quite intense! They were almost done, though. Applejack promised to help Sunset build up a strength routine, and that also involved farmwork, which was fine by Sunset, considering it a favor for a favor; Chores were a small price to pay for building up strength, besides, it was good company regardless.
It was especially interesting seeing the dynamic on her farm. A grandma, two big siblings and a little one. And all of them apple fanatics, they were quite amusing. Not to mention Rarity would often stop by just to watch her work, like how she was now; with a big gorgeous sunhat and lovely glasses she sat on a spread chair. She had helped with the chores a bit, but in general Sunset didn’t mind her slacking, she needed more workouts for herself after all. Sometimes, if they were on a muddy field, Rarity would climb on Applejack's back and lounge there, and the Farmer would continue her chores effortlessly, helping her girlfriend avoid getting mud on her hooves.
It felt good to work on chores with friends like these; and watching the gun show that was Applejack working was always entertaining, with the added bonus of the Apple household in general was kind and inviting.
Sunset hadn’t been surrounded by family for a really long time.
“C’mon Sunset! We nearly got it! Keep pullin' partner, yer doing great!” Applejack was as eager as ever. This work was effortless to her, she was pulling a loaded cart really damn easily.
“T-thanks.” Sunset couldn't muster that much more coherency; this was taking a lot out of her. It definitely had gotten easier compared to the first times, she had built up a lot more strength, but still wasn’t all there yet. She certainly wasn’t expecting to match Applejack, but she was already pretty happy to have reached this far.
Sunset got lost in thought, looking at the Apple household… she realized then that she had never really seen Applejack’s parents.
“Hey AJ! If you don’t mind me asking, where are your parents? Haven’t seen 'em around, and family’s a big thing around here…”
Applejack didn’t seem to be very fazed. “Not much to say, Sunset, they died when I was really young.” the Unicorn felt a sting on herself, Way more than Applejack did.“O-oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I didn’t mean to pry...”
The Farmer chuckled a bit, not because it was funny, but because this was a wound that had healed a long time ago, it didn’t hurt anymore.
“Nah, it’s okay, partner. It is, really! And yer right, family is a big thing around here. Don’t you worry, we don't spend our time mournin'. My parents were really kind folk and well, with this farm, my sister, my brother, and my granny, I got nothing to complain about. Besides, I remember their voices and I remember their faces; their love stays with me! That'll do.”
Rarity teared up a bit. “Oh, Applejack, dear… you are so strong…!” making both of them laugh and the loving emotional outburst.
“Well, ya asked me, now I ask you. Where’s yer parents, Sunset?” Applejack put her on the spot; but Sunset owed her an answer well enough.
Her own wound hadn't healed as well. “Oh, well… I haven't talked to them much since… everything. When I signed up to Celestia's school, they were proud. But when Celestia took me as a pupil, the pressure got to me, and I started doing badly. I wanted to be just like her, and I was fully aware that there was no way in hell I ever could be. That’s when I started looking for shortcuts, until, well… she justifiably booted me. And then the rest is history, Twilight kicked my ass after I became a demon, then kept me around for no reason, bla bla bla…”
AJ was confused. “That’s fine n' all, but what about your parents? Did ya just– did ya just not talk to them after??”
Sunset looked at the ground while pulling the cart. The weight felt less heavy than the subject. “It’s complicated, I guess. I sent them a letter, they don’t live in Ponyville or Canterlot. They’re out of the way, and well… I don't know. I’ve broken their trust– and Celestia’s trust no less. I can’t walk back from that. Last time we saw each other it wasn’t on good terms.”
Rarity was feeling sadness for both of them now. “Darling this isn’t about Celestia, it’s about you and your parents. Did they really cut ties with you??”
“Well, not exactly… I still know where they live. I wasn’t disowned. They did say that I should come visit when I feel like I can. Sometimes I miss them, I guess? My Dad used to do a mean garden party, some lovely barbecues… They used to call me “mustard” or “ketchup” depending on the mood, because of my hair, heheh. I used to dislike that, but… I miss it now, i guess. Mom’s the one that introduced me to playing guitar, too. The electric guitar, I mean. She used to play small time shows in my hometown. Come to think of it, I haven't played guitar myself, in a while…” Sunset couldn't help but smile a bit, even if remembering was sad.
Applejack detached her carriage and went to Sunset and hugged her. Sunset tried objecting, but… “Honey, ya need this, just take it.” Rarity galloped over and joined the hug. “Bwahh… I couldn’t ever take being that far from my parents even with our differences!!” Sunset just accepted their kindness. It did feel nice.
They finished moving the carriages to the barn and closed it up, then moved outside to stretch.
“Welp, we’re done, then! Carriages in their barns, all animals on their coups, day’s finished with flyin’ colors!” Applejack cheerfully celebrated.
“Allright. What’s next, AJ? I still have energy!” Sunset affirmed, while walking in place a bit, still fired up.
“Well what’s next is we were just gonna get some juice and rest in my living room; aren’t ya done for the day?” Applejack was a little surprised, and reasonably concerned.
Sunset started stretching. “Nope! How about push ups? I could do push ups.”
“Alright darling, if you say so!” Rarity sat on her leaning chair to watch, amused. AJ looked around. “Well I might as well get you some weights then. Where did Applebloom run off to?”
Sunset walked up to a tree and bucked it. Applebloom fell from the branches above and The Unicorn caught her. “Hey kiddo! You okay?” Applebloom was a little embarrassed.
Applejack walked over. “Lil’ sis there you are!! What were ya doing up there??” Sunset chuckled. “I saw her eavesdropping on us when we were talking about parents before.”
Applebloom teared up a bit and hugged Sunset tightly. “SUNSET I'M SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR PARENTS YOU MUST MISS THEM SO MUCH!!!!”
Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle a bit. She had contained her feelings very fiercely, and the little filly was feeling it all for her. “Applebloom, it’s okay, really! I promise you I'm okay.”
The little pony sniffled. “R-really?”
“Yes. I promise. I’ll talk to my parents when I'm ready, you know? Yes, I miss them, and maybe they miss me too. But there’s no need to rush these kinds of things. Whenever I'm ready, I'll go visit them!” She smiled warmly.
“W-well, if ya say so…” Applebloom said, still hugging her. Rarity and Applejack both looked fondly, Sunset was surprisingly good with kids. She could really emphasize!
“It’s okay, really! Now giddyup, partner!” Sunset put the little pony on her back, and then started doing push ups. This wasn’t the first time, they tried various weights, and one that could not as easily slip off was more ideal. After a long day’s work, Sunset was feeling pretty sore, but she was getting much better at this. It wasn’t that hard. Applebloom started giggling.
She reliably passed 50 push ups, despite getting more tired and tired by the second. AJ nodded. “Hmm, hmm. This is gettin' easy for you, aint it?”
“Never better!” Sunset said, hiding the soreness, performing the pushups as best as possible.
Applejack thought a bit, then walked over to Rarity. “What’s going on, dear?” the posh Unicorn asked.
“Alley-oop!” Applejack effortlessly picked up her girlfriend, and carried her over to Sunset, making her blush immediately. “Applejack! Dear!! you know I like it when you handle me but umm”
AJ chuckled. “If it weren’t for her backside, Rarity would weigh as much as a pack of grapes. But she should still be pretty light. Besides, I sure ain't puttin’ Big Mac on your back! Ready, Sunset?”
“Huh??! Oh no” Sunset’s eyes widened. Applejack easily placed her girlfriend on top of Sunset, alongside Applebloom.
“There ya go, ya wanted a challenge, ya got it! Ya got this, Sunset!” Applejack amused herself a bit. Rarity remained flustered and scoffed about being used as a paperweight. Applebloom just went “Yeehaw!!”
After 15 more push ups, Sunset was starting to lose it, she sure as hell couldn’t feel her legs. This was heavy.
Applejack started telling her to stop, but she barely grunted a “no” trying to push herself once again. Things were starting to really hurt.
The Earth Pony didn’t let this go on any longer, taking Applebloom and Rarity off of her, which made Sunset collapse and get really dizzy, almost losing consciousness.
“*Huff*… *huff*… again” she tried getting up.
“Ohh no no no, partner. Yer done for today. We’re getting some apple juice and laying ya on the couch now.” Both asserted: “You’re resting now and that’s final, darling!”
Even Applebloom was concerned. “Please take a break, Sunset!!”
Despite the trembling, she still got up. “Hah… You can’t stop me… I'm doing more…”
Applejack placed a single hoof on top of her and easily pinned her down, raising an eyebrow.
The exhausted Unicorn conceded. “Okay… okay… you guys win. Take me to the juice pleaseee….”
She was gonna feel this one tomorrow.
Days until Midnight Sparkle returns: 53.
Pinkie egged her on to try again. “C’mon! C’mon!! It didn't sound so bad last time, you still got it!” She was bouncing a bit, in her usual Pinkie way, on the floor of Sunset’s room. The room was more tidy this time, though not by much. There was a new beat up sandbag hanging from the ceiling, and her calendar was packed with different schedules and appointments and friend gatherings.
The Unicorn sat on her own bed, strumming on her guitar. It felt frustrating to pick up this instrument again. Sure; wearing the jackets she always wore was easier; it didn't feel like trying to crawl back on old skin. But even trying to play this felt like lying. It felt like… it felt like trying to return to a version of her she could never be again.
“I don’t know Pinkie, I'm not sure it's–” Pinkie interrupted. “Nonono. Close your eyes. There is no crowd. There is no room. There is no Pinkie Pie watching you. Remember that time we put on our first magic show for Sweetie Belle’s birthday? You were nervous back then too! Same rule applies! It’s only you and your tools of art, girl! It's you and your music! Try that and go go go!”
Sunset sighed, with a smile that always propped up whenever Pinkie did her shenanigans. One thing was for sure, Pinkie was a mood lifter no matter what. It was certainly a surprise; The Pink pony would be the kind of girl that Sunset would have hated to be even near in the past; But she found herself getting along with Pinkie easier than any of the others. After all, this party girl was the most forgiving of all the crew, and in her own way, surprisingly dependable; Kind of ride and die. Sunset didn't fear slipping a bit into her old ways around Pinkie, knowing that they could comfortably get over any snarky commentary or quick burst of rage by laughing it off.
And even now, here Pinkie was, completely shrugging off Sunset's insecurities, egging her on to try things that would definitely make her feel better; She wasn't the element of laughter for no reason! Or was it joy?
With an approving and excited nod from the Pink pony, she tried playing once more.
In the past, Sunset would write violent or angry songs, a quick outlet for anger she suppressed often; or rather failed to suppress. This time it was different. She strummed on her guitar, connected to an amp, trying to play a new song she had been writing. With eyes closed, she tried feeling only the melody echoing. It was a slow and dragged guitar riff that played on sorrow and listlessness, while also being energetic at times. She felt the song and the song alone, singing alongside it, and it was like there was no bed, no floor, no walls, no ceiling, no castle, nothing. A familiar feeling.
She played guitar in the living room of her house when she was younger, before everything. She played a pretty bad solo, but her parents found it amusing and applauded it anyway. She knew she did wrong, but they accepted it regardless. It was nice.
Our little Mustard is going to rock the world…
It was her and the music. And then it was done.
Pinkie cheered and clapped her hooves. “YAY!! And you said you were rusty!! You’re out here rocking this castle, girl! And the song is coming along great!” Making her chuckle again.
“Thanks, pink. If you’re sure, I'm sure. It's a bit of a graduation, going from just magic shows at parties to playing together, but hey, I owe ya.”
Pinkie pouted. “You don’t owe me anything! We’re friends right?? Who’s keeping score!! We do this for fun!!! Besides, we’re only gonna play in small places like restaurants and parties and to our friends. No need to worry, girl!”
Despite minor worries, Sunset was chipper again; Pinkie had a way of doing that. “Hah, you’re damn right. Hey remember that time I choked Trixie out and kicked her out of a window in front of 14 kids hehehehe”
Pinkie Pie wheezed and they both did the motions of the badass scene, retelling its greatness, until they heard a knock on the door.
“Come in!”
Princess Twilight Sparkle came in with an air of curiosity. “Sunset, is everything okay? I heard– oh Pinkie you’re here too…” She struggled to hide a hint of disappointment. She liked Pinkie Pie, sure, but there were too many study sessions where Pinkie was present for what felt like a smoke bomb between her and Sunset. Couldn't fault the Pink Pony, but she felt a bit upset she couldn't get closer to the newest member of her team. Any of the nights where it was only her two together were really productive study sessions! –even if Sunset would often call it quits early.
The Princess scanned the room with her eyes briefly, being pleased that it was a bit more tidy than last times, at least.
Her eyes rested on the broken mirror, one Sunset had refused to replace, and had refused to explain how or why she even broke it in the first place.
Snapping her out of her trance, Pinkie waved. “Hiiiii Twi!” Sunset smiled, ready to stop everything for her. “Princess Twilight! Hi! We’re not disturbing, are we? We can stop if you want.”
Twilight was a bit surprised to see her Unicorn friend holding a guitar; especially after hearing the melody echo on the halls of her castle; it was the first time she’d heard that. She was also a bit taken back by seeing Sunset wearing another one of her cool jackets. “S-sorry it’s just. I've never heard Sunset play before. It sounded pretty good even on echo!”
Sunset branded her guitar with pride. “Thanks, princess! Me and Pinkie were practicing to maybe play together at a small restaurant here in Ponyville! Did you know she plays drums?”
Pinke made a “badum tss” noise.
“Of course! It’s wonderful to see you girls working together! What are you playing, anyways?”
Pinkie giggled. “Sunsun is writing a looooove soooong!” The Unicorn froze for a second; As if the blood had drained from her body, she forgot that Pinkie was clueless about everything ever.
“Oh my!! That’s lovely! What's the inspiration?” Twilight covered her mouth with her hoof, blushing a bit. Writing a love song was just about one of the most romantic things anyone could do for her! Not that she had much experience on that matter.
On the opposite end, Sunset was having a minor panic, trying to find an out. “Well, I, uh,” Pinkie stepped in again: “Some girl she’s pining for!” she said, cluelessly.
That certainly got a reaction from the Princess, who's eyes widened, getting excited, spreading her wings. “Oh my!! That's so romantic!! Who's the lucky devil?”
Sunset was looking right at her. “Um, I'd rather not say.”
“Ya know our girl likes her privacy!” Pinkie shrugged.
“Aww, alright, keep your secrecy. But I bet if I asked Rarity she’d know though! That girl susses out aaaaany crush or romance around. She's like a regular detective when it comes to lovey drama! It’s pretty impressive.” Twilight said, giggling.
“Don’t Ask Rarity” Sunset said with the voice akin to an undead wraith begging for mercy.
With a nod, The Princess let it be. “Alright, alright. But I do want you to do me a favor if you don’t mind, Sunset!”
“Sure, anything!”
“Play the song for me.” The Princess of Friendship sat down.
“O-oh.”
“I want to hear it properly! Is that okay? I couldn't hear it when I was passing by, and I'm curious about how good you are.” Twilight was genuinely invested.
With a long exhale, Sunset knew there was no out, despite considering jumping out of the window. “Okay, okay. This is a work in progress though, and I haven't worked out the lyrics that much. It’s small. Don’t judge too harshly, alright?” She said, smiling, knowing Twilight wouldn’t.
“Of course!”
Sunset inhaled, as she was about to start, but… Twilight was looking right at her. Her eyes were beautiful and reflected the afternoon light so well… The Princess was completely focused on her.. Sunset couldn’t start.
“Close your eyes. Trust me.” Sunset smiled warmly at the mare she loved.
Princess Twilight Sparkle closed her eyes.
What more can be said? I couldn’t even make this rhyme.
I wanted to be honest with you,
But now we’re out of time.
My heart is full, but it’s aching,
I'm in for a rude awakening,
We move through the threshold together,
hand in hand we cross the line,
as we vanish, all I can think of
‘I want to kiss you one more time.’
She finished strumming on her guitar, exhaling. She heard Pinkie applauding excitedly again, and opened her eyes. Twilight’s jaw was wide open. “Holy Celestia Moly Sunset!!”
Sunset gave a modest smile. “What, did I do good? I rhymed ‘time’ twice, pretty amateur–”
Twilight stepped forward and put two hooves on Sunset's shoulders; Getting very very close. “THAT WAS VERY GOOD! It was super romantic and melancholic!! You’re so good at this!! Aaaah!!” she gushed. Sunset was flustering a bit, looking away.
Pinkie scratched her chin. “What did you call the song again?? I forgor”
Sunset looked directly at Twilight, still gushing in front of her. “It’s called ‘You and Me Eternal’.”
The Princess got down. “Awww… that's such a romantic title! Whoever you wrote this for is one lucky pony!!” Twilight fluttered her wings in joy, cluelessly.
“Haha you have no idea” Flustering even more, she let out an sigh of relief.
“Oh yeah!! Speaking of Sunsun doing cool things, show her the flip!!”
“Oh? Flip?” the Princess backed up to look better.
“Umm I don’t know if I should” Sunset scratched her own head.
Pinkie hyped her up. “Nonseeense pish posh and buggar!! You’re ready! Go go go!”
Sunset put her guitar away safely, made the two girls stay back, and did a flip in the middle of her room. She jumped with her back legs and landed with her front legs on a backward motion, and managed to stick the landing perfectly. She was worried she wouldn't make it, but she did it. “Ta-da!”
Both the ponies clapped and cheered. “Oh my!! I've never seen a Unicorn do that without magic!! That’s incredible, Sunset!!”
“Thank you, thank you. I’ll be here all week. You should thank Pinkie too, she’s been a great coach!” The Unicorn said, bowing.
“Awww stahp. You were a good student because you were okay with falling over and hurting yourself a lot! We got that in common :3” she said, shrugging smugly.
“Hah, yeah, no pain no gain.” Twilight, however, looked a bit worried at her; She could actually notice a few small scars and bruises on the Unicorn's body she hadn't noticed before; And more than one bandage. Sunset picked her guitar back up, to strum on it a bit. “Thanks for the visit, princess. I gotta get back to practicing now, if that’s okay! I work better with less people around...”
She would also work better with Twilight Sparkle’s beautiful eyes and beautiful everything not around.
“Oh! Of course, don’t worry, I'll get out of your mane. Thank you for the solo, Sunset! See you later Pinkie!” Twilight made her way out.
Pinkie waved joyfully. “Don’t worry, we won't bother you very long, I got a date with one of my girlfriends in an hour anyways! Byeeee Twilight!!”
“See you later, princess!”
Twilight huffed and pouted in disappointment walking on the halls of her castle.
“Twilight. Just call me Twilight…”
Days until Midnight Sparkle returns: 30.
The small dragon Spike arrived in The Princess’s chambers, pulling a cart with scrolls of all sorts. News, papers to sign, and letters.
“Twilight!! Hey Twilight! Got a buncha’ correspondence for you!” The little dragon excitedly waved.
The Princess barely averted her attention from her already busy work; lots of paperwork to review, and books to get distracted by. “huh yeah yeah”
He was used to it, so continued smugly. “Heh I know you’re busy, but I got one you’re deeeeefinitely gonna like! The bracket for the Regional race happening in Canterlot this week! Four days no less! Loooooot’s of interesting names in here.” he slid her the paper on the table.
She smiled a bit dismissively, eager to get back to work as usual, but indulging him with no issues. “Hah, sure Spike, I'll give it a read. I bet Rainbow Dash has already signed in!”
This kind of event was typical, just watching some good old fashioned competition was entertaining enough, and although it wouldn’t be the kind of thing that she did before being a princess, now it was a prime responsibility. A bit annoying to drag yourself out of wonderful books and studies, but necessary, on her position.
She calmly looked over the names, not many familiar ones, some she knew from Ponyville, some she thought she might know from Canterlot. “Aha! There’s Rainbow Dash. I knew she’d– HUH???!?!?!!!?”
Twilight glued her face to the paper. She was NOT imagining it. “Sunset Shimmer” was written there. She knew that Sunset had been training, but this?? The Alicorn got a liiiittle concerned for her friend’s safety. And surprised. And also impressed, all of the above and more.
Spike giggled. “This one is gonna be a doozy huh? Not often we see two of our crew competing in something like this! I'm very excited!! Plus, it's nice to see Sunset trying something crazy. In front of Celestia, no less!” In front of Twilight, no less.
And the Princess was flabbergasted, staring at nothing. Sunset was participating in a regional competition, and she had VIP seats to it…
“Sunset, what are you doing…!?”
Days until Midnight Sparkle returns: 26.
The day of the competition. Sunset did not find herself nervous that day. In fact, she realized how little she had to lose, and how much she had to gain. All her training and practice led her into a situation where fun was the outcome no matter what. Even if they lost spectacularly, Rainbow and her could always have a laugh about it. The whole crew knew about them both competing together at that point, so they were all watching and supporting.
All the girls hugged her and wished her good luck; Twilight especially stated a lot just how surprised she was, but proud of Sunset for even trying. Sunset managed to exude confidence and declare that she was just in there for a good time.
Sunset found herself smiling through the whole thing, even with missteps. Every time she had a chance she would glance at the VIP area just to see if Twilight was watching her; which she was, avidly. And at the same time, she avoided looking at Celestia through it all.
Rainbow Dash and her worked together the whole way; when there were obstacles for Pegasus, she cleared them, when there were obstacles for Unicorns, Rainbow gladly gave her support.
And not just that; Sunset found herself barely relying on magic. Galloping at high speeds, managing to jump on and over obstacles and dexterously circumvent threats, even pushing through with her new strength, she was feeling pretty unstoppable. And when she matched that agility with teleportation or levitation magic? She soared. They cheered each other on and joyfully faced obstacles at their own pace. Their friends cheered like crazy on the stands, and Twilight was mesmerized by how much Sunset had changed.
At times, when she got really exited, Sunset's magic would involuntarily cast flames and sparks around her; And despite that involuntary nature of the outbursts of joy, she still managed to control them perfectly, just being one more thing that drew eyes to her.
Sunset even managed to swing on a trapeze and propel herself forward during the competition; shouting “thank you Pinkie Pie!!” doing a couple flips before sticking the landing. Of all ponies, an unicorn to be capable of these physical feats was definitely a surprise. Pink, from the stands, went ballistic seeing her friend use what she taught her.
Rainbow Dash was absolutely joyful with having an athlete partner that enjoyed the thrill as much as she did.
There was a moment in which she choked, and almost hurt herself. Rainbow was there to cover for her, but unfortunately they both fell together, very near the finish line. The Pegasus got one of her wings and legs harmed, so she couldn't keep up at the same speed.
She begged Sunset to keep going; but she wouldn't have it. Sunset allowed other competitors to pass her as she grabbed and carried Rainbow on her back to the finish line, intent on them winning together, and even with the additional weight, Sunset pushed herself and maintained a very high speed, using all of her newfound strenght! (Much to Applejack’s delight.)
Rainbow kept suggesting that Sunset should drop her to get a bigger chance at first place, but she didn’t care; she wasn’t going to leave a friend hanging. A lot of people on the stands were surprised at this development, especially when Sunset put Rainbow down so she could cross the finish line first; and the Pegasus just smirked and shoved her through the finish line first instead.
In the end, they were in 5th and 6th place; not ranking high enough to get medals. But their friends congratulated them like they had just moved a mountain. This was Twilight’s biggest insight yet on how much Sunset had trained her dexterity and strength; she was beaming with pride over her friend, squealing. Sunset was over the moon.
Rainbow Dash bragged about this win as if she had gotten a medal encrusted with diamonds; even without a medal to remember the occasion, this was one she would keep in her heart forever.
And one of the best things about that day, Sunset managed to avoid meeting Celestia through it all, unaware of how proud of her progress her old mentor was, and unaware of how cathartic of a reunion that would be, having managed to avoid it completely.
Sunset and her close friends went to get dinner together in Canterlot after; it was the best damn pizza Sunset had ever had, surrounded by friends she never expected to have.
Another evening to spend studying with Twilight, and Sunset was getting better at this. She had more to show for her, and the Princess always seemed impressed so easily, one of her best audiences, for sure; But it was still hard to go sometimes. Sunset spiraled a bit and had to rely on Pinkie Pie again. But she promised herself that this would be the last time. From now on, studying would be just her and Twilight. She had to be able to do this.
Twilight deserved better. Sunset had to be better.
Even if she would never confess her feelings to Twilight, Sunset was still happy; she had improved herself majorly and she really felt deserving of the love of her friends. After the better part of almost a year spent on this group, on this crew of incredible ponies; she felt like she belonged a bit better. In a sense, she still believed that things could go wrong, but she believed in her own capacity of dealing with it as well.
If she had to leave, she would leave. But at least she had made some good memories.
Even if she was still the odd one out. She couldn’t help but feel much much happier than before. Her friend's love for her was real, even if she didn’t love herself. This time it was different.
The doors to the library never seemed this easy to go in; there was no anticipation. She was just happy to spend time with a friend, maybe two.
She opened the doors, Twilight and Pinkie were waiting at a table. The Princess waved her wings gleefully. “Good evening, Sunset!! It’s nice to see you!!”
“Heya Princess! Ready to study?” she said, plopping some books on the table.
Pinkie gave her usual friendly wave. “Hi Sunset!”
Twilight gave Pinkie a ‘look’ that Sunset did not notice. The Pink pony made a phone ringtone noise with her mouth; then took her phone out of her mane, looking at it. “Oh golly gee! Maud has a rock emergency!! I gotta go, girls!”
“Oh damn, I just got here!” Sunset said, tilting her head.
Giving out a nervous laughter of someone who's bad at lying, the Princess smiled awkwardly and commented on this totally unrehearsed turn of events. “Oh wow! Well you better not keep Maud waiting! Good luck Pinkie BYE!”
Pinkie Pie did a flip. “Alrightgottagogoodluckwithstudiesbye!” She said, hurrying out the door skedaddling Pinkiely.
Watching her leave, the Unicorn couldn't help but laugh. “Wow, what was that about!” The Princess smiled and shrugged. “I guess it’s just us tonight, Sunset!”
She wasn’t that concerned. This time, it was going to be different. “Fine by me!” She smiled warmly.
The evening proceeded as you one hope. Sunset showed off how she was mastering teleportation and telekinesis, managing to combine both with acrobatics, being capable of placing books in high shelves without even relying on levitation, which Twilight would accompany by flying or levitating herself to see the work from up close!
She managed to skillfully float many books and make them do complex movements and orderly place them in shelves; organized, too!
Then Twilight started asking about her new physical capabilities, out of curiosity; considering all the training she had been doing.
Sunset had a flash of inspiration on Applejack’s side, one of those intrusive thoughts, and offered to carry the Princess; relatively easily lifting her with one arm and even managing to have her upside down comfortably.
“Alley-oop” She mimicked, banishing any thoughts of how good it felt to show off, or even be this close. Twilight was being held akin to a barrel over Sunset's shoulder, and she was majorly impressed, to say the least. An unfamiliar feeling washed over her as her face grew redder. She loafed, as she tried processing what the heck she was feeling, being in Sunset’s arms, incapable of making sense of it.
Her wings fluttered slightly. “W-wow! I’ve never seen a Unicorn that’s this strong!! With ONE arm too…!”
Sunset couldn't help but chuckle. “Well it’s more because most of us are lazy as hell and rely on magic for everything. I'm not really that impressive, heh, I just tried.” She said as much, genuinely believing it.
But Twilight was not having it. Her face was very close to Sunsets, which made both of them feel a certain way. “Nuh uh!! Don’t devalidate yourself, Sunset!! You’re super strong and you achieved that through hard work and I am RIGHT to be impressed!” She said, poking The Unicorn’s snoot with her hoof.
With that demand, and that cute little boop, Sunset gave in. “Haha okay I'm going to put you down now, princess.” she carefully flipped Twilight back down, while chastising herself internally for enjoying the way the Princess smelled.
They sat back down to study properly, overlooking some more magic theory and practice; then both yawned at the same time; which led them both sharing laughs about it.
“Sheesh, both of us, huh? Have you been having trouble sleeping?” Sunset prodded, having indeed noticed that Twilight had seemed more tired for the last few weeks, hoping to finally get a proper answer as to why.
The Princess used her hoof as a head rest. “Pff something like that. Let’s just say that I've been visited by Luna a couple more times than I'd like these past weeks...” She couldn't suppress another adorable yawn after saying that, which nearly stopped Sunset on her tracks, given its incredibly cute nature.
With a sigh, Sunset nodded in agreement. “Hm, tell me about it. Me and her are practically making friendship bracelets at this point. I can say that she’s good company, though. I owe her a lot.” Twilight looked at her with concern.
Sunset hadn't shared all the times in which Luna had visited her with anyone; And she wasn't planning to, either. But she was thankful to have her assistance.
“What are your nightmares about?” The Princess tilted her head.
With a chuckle, The Unicorn raised an eyebrow defiantly. “I’ll tell you mine, if you tell me yours.”
Twilight pouted and poked her with her hoof. “I asked you first.”
Rolling her eyes, she groaned in fake annoyance, purposefully lingering on it to both of their amusements. “Fiiiiine. Well, um, how do I say this?” She paused, looking at Twilight. Her eyes were fixated; And she tried like hell not to be lost on them. “Well… You know, I didn't have this little over a year ago? I… I was a different person a year ago. Underachieving, exhausted, bitter, angry, entitled, and damn lonely. No friends, no good motivation. I wouldn’t have… done what I did if I wasn't hurting back then. And well, if you hadn't... if you hadn’t saved me from my own stupidity…”
No hesitation from the Princess. “I'm glad I did; And you’re not stupid. I don’t regret a single moment I spend with you, Sunset. Heck, I'm usually a stickler for rules, but I am SO happy I added you onto the team! You really helped everypony; and you changed for the better lovingly! Everypony in Ponyville can see that, really...!” The Alicorn gushed.
That barrage of kindness did result on Sunset flustering, but it didn’t stop her. “Well, that’s the sitch. My nightmares usually involve... None of this. They're usually just about me if I never got this, or worse, if I lost all of it. I'm more fulfilled now than I've ever been. And I'm more scared than I've ever been of losing all of it. It’s… dumb, but it’s justified. After all, stability has never been my strong suit in life…”
Twilight leaned closer. “This is a certified Princess promise: I promise you, you won't lose this. You won't lose us. You won’t lose me.” She said, getting even closer, with kindness. Everytime that Twilight got too close, Sunset would recoil. This had happened enough times that she had noticed by now.
But Sunset still mustered a smile. “Thank you, Princess. I mean it.”
Twilight recoiled too, hurt by not being referred to by name. They both sat in silence for a little bit, until she spoke up. “My nightmares are about Midnight Sparkle.”
“Oh…”
Twilight dragged her hoof on the table, sadly. “I keep telling myself that they’re just nightmares, but the things she says concern me. The promises she makes to return. To win. I feel like… She’s still in me somewhere. Clawing her way to the surface. Getting stronger. Just looking for the right moment to burst out of me. Sometimes I wake up terrified that my friends are in danger around me, or that I'm just. A ticking time bomb. And who knows when the clock will reach zero…”
Sunset touched her shoulder earnestly. “Time for a Sunset promise, then. I promise you. I won’t let that happen. I stopped Midnight once. I’ll gladly stop her a thousand times for you.” Twilight regarded her with adoration. Her friend had become so strong… Seeing her in this new light was almost blinding.
She looked away, with a cute little smile. “T-thank you. If anypony can do it, it’s you.” She wondered, even for a moment, how Celestia would react, seeing her old pupil thriving.
And then the thought of reinstating Sunset as a student of Celestia, and working with her side by side crossed her mind, making her tail wag involuntarily as she looked at nothing.
They stayed silent for a little bit, not looking at each other. But it wasn't an comfortable silence, nor an estranged one.
Sunset got on top of the table. “Alright. No more slacking, it’s time for some extreme magic. Ready?”
Twilight beamed, getting on top of the table as well. “Oh yes! Show me what you got!”
The Unicorn lit up her horn. “Actually, care to join me this time?”
The Alicorn grinned ear to ear. “Heck yes.”
They both lit their horns, and started levitating while facing each other. Magic started surrounding the very air around them, and spreading around the room, swirling like wind. The red and the purple hue fused together, akin to a silent and gentle tornado. Papers started flying, and then books, and then even chairs. Together, they floated in the middle of the room, going higher and higher, with all manners of objects spinning around them, none touching each other, with no damage being done to the library. This was the ultimate display of magic for those that could; the control of a very room itself, not chaotic, but true. Sunset had fought hard to be capable of doing this, but doing it alongside Twilight was effortless. They floated almost reaching the ceiling, regarding each other with adoration.
“...Look at you!” Twilight Sparkle was entranced, looking at the Unicorn she adored.
“...Look at me!” Sunset shimmer regarded the Alicorn she loved.
Once again, gazing into her beautiful eyes… She couldn’t stop looking at them. For almost a full minute, they simply regarded each other… Until Sunset realized she was being lost in her eyes again, feeling that blush once more, and lost control, falling back down. Twilight stopped her fall with her own magic, and they both descended. The Princess still managed to use her levitation to put things back down on the ground gently, even if utterly untidy.
“Sorry, Sorry, I messed up!” Apologetically, with that reminder of her own inferiority, Sunset was a annoyed at her own failings.
“It’s okay, this kind of magic is incredibly hard to execute! Most Unicorns live their entire lives without even doing 5 seconds of it. You did wonderful!!” Twilight meant every word as she smiled. comforting her.
“Thanks, princess… Now what do you say we tidy up this mess together?”
“Of course!” They both waved their horns, effortlessly putting books and chairs where they belonged, rearranged correctly and efficiently, without a fuss. The whole time, Twilight was looking at her, seeing how well she was doing.
And then, they were done. The library was perfectly organized, and they were happily taking in the success of their hard work.
“Wow. Another awesome display, princess!” Sunset beamed, overjoyed with working so well with her.
There was a brief moment of quiet, before Twilight considered her words, and what she wanted to ask. After fidgeting a bit, she spoke. "Sunset... Why did you accept joining my team? I'm just-- I'm just curious." She considered how the Unicorn carried herself, before and after, specially now.
It was a loaded question. Sunset scratched the side of her own face, thinking of a proper answer.
"Well... You see... When Celestia banished me, it was the last straw of a series of blunders I made. Well, my attitude, my choices, and my desires, all were enough for me to lose... Well, the most coveted position in the world."
The Princess tilted her head, calmly waiting for her to continue. Which, with an exhale, she did.
"And then... That wasn't the bottom of the well for me. It was when I stole your crown and turned into a monster that I was at my lowest, my absolute worst. I was a literal demon..."
She stalled a bit, knowing her next words were everything; And Twilight continued looking at her attentively.
"...And you still forgave me. You still believed in me. In what I could be, what I could do. And yeah, I thought of just running away, leaving it all behind and starting new somewhere else... But hey, why do that, when I could be instead near somepony that had more faith in me than the Queen of the Sun herself?"
She finished saying that with a earnest, warmest, genuine smile, and Twilight mimicked it, utterly captivated.
"What I'm trying to say is... I stayed because you believed I should. And since you believed in me, since you saved me, since you saved... All of us... I trust you, Princess... With anything. With everything."
Her eyes shined as she regarded Sunset with adoration.
"So what I'm saying is... Thank you, Princess... For everything."
But those formalities frustrated the Princess. She pouted, her ears drooped low, and she tried getting a bit closer. “Y'know, you could just call me Twilight…”
“H-Huh?” That comment stopped Sunset in her tracks entirely, like a fist to the gut.
The Princess stood firm, getting assertive. “You can just call me Twilight. Not ‘princess’, just Twilight! It’s fine, we’re friends, right?”
Looking away nervously, Sunset looked for a way out of this. “W-well, you are a princess!”
Her demeanor changed, as she looked the Unicorn in the eyes. She looked sad, almost. “Are we friends, Sunset? You consider me a friend, right?”
“Of course!!”
“Then there's no reason to use formalities with me! Please, Just call me Twilight. I promise you it’s what I want.” She said, folding her wings close.
Sunset froze for a moment, eyes widened.
Of course she called her a princess all this time. Why would she address her any other way? Twilight was, much like Luna and Celestia, on another level. It was a crutch; a barrier between her and Twilight. She wasn’t worthy of a princess, so that’s what she was to her, utterly out of her league.
Sunset struggled to break that barrier. She didn’t want to admit that there was a chance for her and Twilight to be closer. Especially considering how much she had sabotaged herself up until this point, all due to being unworthy.
No… It wasn’t Twilight. It was Sunset. This was her problem. She was the one that couldn’t match. Sunset couldn’t match up to half of what Twilight was. Not even a quarter.
Like it or not, that barrier was there for a reason. And Princess Twilight Sparkle was unreachable. Sunset, fool she was, wasn’t ready to let go of the crutch, no matter how much it might hurt.
The Princess tilted her head, and approached her. “Sunset. Please.”
Sunset recoiled and exhaled. “I'm sorry, but… I don't think I can. I'm sorry, princess. I… I should go.” Sunset backed up even further.
Twilight sat down and sighed. “Y-yes, I suppose it’s late. Goodnight, Sunset. See you tomorrow?”
“Of course. Good night.” and so, the Unicorn left the room, in low spirits.
Twilight sat there, alone, annoyed. She huffed and pouted. She dragged her hoof on the floor. She walked around in a circle a couple times, then sat again. Another huff. She rubbed her temples as if she had a headache, which was certainly something she felt at that utterly frustrating display.
“Okay, Pinkie, you can come out now.” She said, which made the Earth Pony emerge from a secret compartment in a couch; Celestia only knows how she got there.
“Gosh, that was a bummer!! You guys were doing so well, too!! Why did she just go like that??”
“It was so weird, right? You saw that, right?? Again, she finds a reason to leave, even if things are going well. And she won’t even call me Twilight! It's ‘princess’ this, ‘princess’ that!!” She huffed and puffed. “What is up with her…” She said, unfolding her wings, and looking at them. “Could my hypothesis be right? Is she… intimidated by me…?”
Pinkie tried comforting her. “Aww don’t be silly. If she was intimidated, why would she have joined the crew? She should be comfortable with you!”
Flapped her wings angrily, Twilight paced around the room. “And yet, she isn’t! She’s gotten close to all of you, but not me! How can I be doing bad at this– I'm the Princess of Friendship for Celestia’s sake!!!”
Pouting, the Pink pony tilted her head, unsure of what was indeed wrong. “Gosh… I dunno, Twilight! Our girl’s got layers… She did seem to recoil a lot, like you mentioned…”
“It’s been almost a year, and I get the feeling that I've been going about this all wrong… Maybe it’s not me. Maybe it’s...” She looked at her own wings, wondering.
“Celestia, Luna, Cadance... they all told me about this. Just our presence can intimidate ponies sometimes… I am never going to get closer to Sunset if she keeps seeing me this way. Augh, no wonder!! I was already an Alicorn back when I beat her and made her not evil!! The first time she met me I was already a princess…! She IS intimidated by me! Arghhhh I gotta do something…”
She flapped her wings annoyedly once more. “What's the point of these things if they openly sabotage me!!” She walked around in circles, flapping them more, a year’s worth of frustrations regarding Sunset boiling up.
Pinkie could see her friend hurting, and tried comforting her. “Don’t worry, Twilight!! I'm sure if we talk to her we can sort it out?”
Twilight pouted, her thoughts spiraling in an unnerving manner. “I've tried that, Pinkie. She always, always recoils… I'm not sure what I could do-- Hm. Could you go check up on her?”
The Pink pony was a bit sad still. “Are you sure? We could do it together…?”
Twilight looked away. “No, no… I think I need some time alone. Please go make sure she’s okay. Goodnight Pinkie.”
“O-okay. I won’t let you down!! Pinkie’s on the case!!” Then she hurried out of the room, Pinkiely.
Twilight waited for her to be out of sight, then turned back. She went to an older and restricted section of the library, opening a door only meant for Alicorns, and swiftly found the tome she was looking for. 'Ancient Alicorn Transmogrification and Assorted Rituals.' She walked back to her room with it, still frustrated, but determined, as her thoughts fogged up.
Meanwhile, Sunset was walking low, back to her room. She had struck out immensely tonight. What the hell had she even said about this time being different? Oh, she sure made it different alright, she made it WORSE. Stupid, dumb, waste. It's all her own fault!
She walked back to her room, lights dim outside, stars and moon raised in the sky. She threw her jacket on the floor and exhaled angrily. What the hell was her problem? She walked up to her sandbag, and saw a message taped to it she had left herself ages ago.
Do better, try harder.
She crumpled that piece of paper and aggressively threw it out of the window, then turned to the sandbag and started punching it savagely. The poor sandbag did not deserve it. Heat rose around her as she crushed hit after hit on her target. She heard a knock on the door and bucked the sandbag with rage, making it hit the ceiling, adding to a crack on it. “WHAT.”
Pinkie burst through the door and pointed at her. “J’ACCUSE.” Then she saw the crack on the ceiling and how mad Sunset seemed, with a swinging sandbag implying violence.
“O-oh. um.” She recoiled, reconsidering having burst in, As literal flaming sparks illuminated the room, emanating from the Unicorn.
Exhaling steam, Sunset swallowed her rage, causing the flames to fizzle out. “I'm not in a very good mood, Pinkie. Can this wait until tomorrow? And why are you even here? What happened with Maud?” she said, sitting down, clearly with some anger still.
“You made Twilight upset!!” Pinkie said, pouting accusingly. “Why would you even do that!”
Immediately, her rage turned to shame. Sunset covered her face with her hooves, feeling extreme regret. “Shit. Urgh. I didn’t mean to… fuck.”
Pinkie felt a little bad, dialing back the accusatory energy. “And you’re also upset?? What’s going on?” She got a bit closer, scanning her friend with her gaze.
“I didn’t mean to, okay? I'm sorry.”
“Why do you keep backing up from Twilight!! She thinks you’re intimidated by her because she’s an Alicorn, is that true??”
With a sigh, she looked down. “It’s not… entirely untrue. It’s complicated, okay? It’s complicated.”
“But it iiiiiiis a little true isn’t it! Gosh, if you had met her before, you’d know she’s just a totally down to earth regular nerd! There's nothing intimidating about her, you got nothing to be afraid of!!” she waved her hooves around.
The Unicorn shook her head, considering if what she felt was fear. “No, I'm not afraid of her, it’s not like that.”
Pinkie got a tad overbearing, dialing it up again. “Then what is it!! As your fellow musician and trapeze pal, you gotta tell me what's going on!! This is a friendship crisis!!”
Sunset looked directly at her, tired, and this time barely hesitated. She trusted Pinkie Implicitly.
It wasn’t a friendship crisis.
“Pinkie, I'm in love with Twilight Sparkle.”
For a second, the air in the room froze, and Pinkie stood completely still, staring forward, processing, gears turning. Then her eyes widened and widened… Then her jaw dropped. Then she gasped.
Sunset immediately got worried about the noise. “C'mon Pink, please don’t make a fuss–” Pinkie flipped over and laid on the floor on her back as if she was dying. “Ok ok ok ok oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh BOMBSHELL???! One of my best friends is in love with my other best friend and??? Whadahahaaaaaaahahaaaaa'' she wringled and squirmed.
“It’s okay. take your time.”
“B-but this, B-but that– Twilight IS AN ALICORN SHE THINKS YOU’RE SCARED OF HER aaaaaaaa is this recent?? Has it been for a long time? Whhhhhhh” she spun around on the floor.
Sunset closed her eyes. “Yeah… Yeah that’s the mood.”
Pinkie got up and grabbed Sunset’s face. “This is why you were training!?!! This is why you were working so hard!!? This is why you were getting yourself all hottie-d up!!!?? You wanted to woo Twilight Sparkle?? THAT LOVE SONG YOU WROTE. YOU LITERALLY PLAYED IT TO HER FACE. IT WAS FOR HER. AND I JUST SAT THERE. Oh my gosh it makes so much sense now, girl you can now bench press most of us now, YOU’VE BEATEN RAINBOW DASH ON ARM WRESTLING, all that for her??”
Sunset sighed, fully aware of how messed up her circumstances were. “yep.”
Pinkie gasped even louder. “OH MY CELESTIA, HAVE I BEEN YOUR THIRD WHEEL THIS WHOLE TIME WHENEVER YOU INVITED ME TO BE THERE WHEN YOU STUDY WITH HER??!?!?!!”
Sunset sweat a bit, looking away. “Um. You make great company.”
Pinkie facepalmed. “I'm so stupid dumb augh you were using me like a smokescreen against the babe you wanna romance and I was just there cluelessly helping you not get closer to her!!! I THREW CONFETTI BETWEEN YOU LIKE A DUMBASS WHAT HAVE I DONE!!!” She got on her knees realizing the severity of her lapse of judgment.
“Dude it's okay, I was kinda crappy, I... used you. Sorry about that... If it makes you feel better, you were the perfect distraction!” That made the Pink pony chuckle, doing an 180° on her demeanor. “yeah I get that a lot.”
Then she grabbed Sunset’s face again. “But this is perfect! She thinks you're scared of her and it's making her sad, but you can clear it up!! It's just because you love her, and that's okay! Two more besties together, aww that would be so damn sweet!!!”
Sunset put her hooves down and STARED her down. “NO, Pinkie. This cannot be a thing. I will apologize to her tomorrow, but me and her just aren't compatible, okay? I CAN'T tell her how I feel. She’s a princess, and I'm just me. I’ve already fought enough to be worthy of being her friend. I'm happy with that. It's enough.”
Sunset turned around and started punching her sandbag again. While Pinkie tilted her head sadly. “But you ARE worthy! You're the worthiest! She likes you a lot, silly!”
“She likes everypony.” The Unicorn didn’t even look back.
Pinkie pouted. “...okay point taken but you're being a sourpuss.”
Sunset turned around and sighed. “Okay pink, let’s do a mental exercise. Can you imagine yourself being able to actually date or marry or have a bare minimum romantic relationship with a princess? Think it over.”
Pinkie sat down pondering. Then she dug on her mane, and took a plushie of her, and a plushie of a dark Pegasus, whom she dubbed plush luna for the purposes of this exercise.
“Princess Luna, I love you! Let’s have dinner together!” Plush Pinkie said, adoringly.
“No. I must leave you, I have an appointment on the moon. I must handle the tides or something. Goodbye.” The Princess plushie said dismissively, turning around and walking away.
Plush Pinkie got on her knees, in tears. “NOOoooo…. I will never forget you, my love… please don't leave me…”
Pinkie put away both plushies back on her mane. “Hm. Okay. my heart is broken.”
Sunset raised an eyebrow. “See? Stellar impression of Luna, by the way.”
“It’s all in the timbre.” Pinkie pouted still. “But you shouldn’t give up on you and Twilight! You’re not being fair with her. She deserves to know!! And you deserve to get it off your chest!! Even if she rejected you, wouldn’t it feel good to get the weight off your shoulders??”
Sunset sighed, hardly believing it. “Maybe. But I can't lose her friendship. I just can’t. I can’t risk that.”
Pinkie regarded her with pity. It sure was a crappy situation. She couldn’t relate to it, but seeing a friend hurt like this was the worst…
“Look just… promise me you can keep this secret. I’ll think about telling Twilight. You’re right, she deserves to at least know that I'm not just intimidated by her or whatever. But you have to keep it a secret. Make me a fellow musician and trapeze pal promise.”
"...What are you going to tell her tomorrow, then?"
"I'll burn that bridge when I get to it."
Pinkie hugged her, and she hugged back. It felt good to share, and it felt good to be comforted… After everything, she at least had her friends. Whether she deserved them or not.
“Okay, okay, As a musician and a fellow trapeze pal, I will hold your secret tightly, and try not to explode and melt or explelt, or meltxplode. But you gotta to apologize to her tomorrow, okay?? You really hurt her feelings.” she said. J’acusingly and Pinkiely.
Sunset cringed. The last thing in the WORLD she wanted to do is hurt the mare she loved. She fucked up big time.
“...okay, first thing tomorrow, I'll apologize. I owe her everything…”
That got the Pink pony smiling again. “Good. Well, I'm at least glad I was the first one in the group that knows you love Twilight! ‘Cause we’re bestieeeeees <3”
“No, Rarity knows already. She might have told Applejack, but I dunno.”
The Pink pony gasped and scoffed, offended. “You told Rarity before MOI??”
With an exasperated groan, Sunset sweat once more. “I didn’t tell her squat, okay?? She guessed it like. Immediately. That mare is a mind reader about these things!! She could literally smell it on me.”
Pinkie pouted and grabbed her phone from her mane. “Well I'm gonna call her and talk to her about this because I cannot sit alone on this bombshell”
“Call her??– Pinkie do you know what time it is?? it’s almost Midnight!”
“Don’t care + Ratio + I'm going to meltxplode + Goodnight + Apologize to your beloved + Sleep tight + L + Ratio” Pinkie said, walking out of the room.
Sunset sighed. She could hear Pinkie’s call as she walked away. “Hiiii Applejack! Can you put Rarity on the phone? Yes, I know what time it is. Nuh uh if you’re awake at this hour I KNOW she’s awake!! You answered HER phone, dummy! Stop making out and put her on the phone, it's important!!”
She closed the door, with a light chuckle, which immediately turned into another regretful sigh. She laid on her bed, regretting a lot of her choices… But tomorrow was going to be a better day. She was going to make it up to Twilight. Everything was going to be okay.
Days until Midnight Sparkle returns: 0.
Twilight arrived at her room, in the dead of night. She placed the book on the floor and riffled through its pages, the only light being from her horn. She was utterly determined to find a solution. Anything, even temporary, that could change her. If she could just meet Sunset on an even playing field, maybe they could have a do over…
Twilight…
This was her last resort.
Twilight… it’s time…
If she could only execute on a spell that would temporarily turn her back into an Unicorn; or even one that just. Made her seem more… normal? Anything at all… Just to have a chance to do it right. To earn her friendship.
Release me, Twilight…
The Princess was unstable. She was tired, stressed, and she felt a little sick, like something was crawling within her head. But she had to do this. For Sunset.
Finish the spell, Twilight. Release me.
Something felt wrong, but she couldn’t stop now. Runes on the floor, runes in the air, the spell was underway. She barely understood what she was doing. Something went wrong.
Sunset woke up with her alarm at the earliest, and thought of Twilight instantly. It was a bit early, but she didn’t care. She got up and immediately went to visit Twilight's quarters. It was still dark outside, and kind of stormy. Sunset found it strange, the sun should have risen by now…
She knocked on the Princess’s door, and noticed it just opened by itself. The room was dark, and seemed empty.
Sunset entered it, a little concerned. “Twilight…?”
The door closed behind her. In the darkness, a glow surged. A blue, long, crystalized crooked horn, and two circles of fire in front of her eyes… Then came the magenta streaks of hair.
“Hello, Sunset Shimmer. It has been a while.” Her grin went from ear to ear.
Sunless day. Moonless night. Eternal Darkness accentuated with stars.
Two weeks later, this was Midnight’s kingdom now. Those that hadn’t fled Ponyville had been taken into her castle; formerly Twilight's, now reformed and rebuilt with their labor into something grotesque, an obsidian like-tree with towers and bridges.
Midnight’s sentinels, enchanted Automaton armors, did all her bidding, enforced her orders and commanded all ponies imprisoned by her. She had seized command of most of that side of Equestria ruthlessly and efficiently; but for now, her sights were on her castle alone. It was easy to capture her friends; and defeat her mentor. All of them trusted Twilight completely, it was only a matter of using their friendship as a lure, catching them off guard and easily containing them. She had planned for everything, and prepared for all eventualities. And now her new castle was almost complete, she was closer and closer to her debut as Equestria’s new ruler. She would expand, of course; her rule would reach the whole world; but for now, she had her fun in her home of Ponyville.
Everything was almost perfect, almost ready for her conquest. Almost. But soon, everything. Just one last thing to take care of…
Her six friends had spent a week in captivity, each in respective cells, in separate locations. As she had reformed the castle, they were moved to more adequate cells suited for their containment. But she had no concern, after all, she knew all their weaknesses.
And now for the grand finale, their last places of captivity were all side by side. She would want them to be able to be together and see the end as an unity. Like old friends.
It was almost time.
Pinkie Pie hung in her cell, chains entangled her and suspended her in the air, rendering her unable to move and do any shenanigans. She wiggled a bit from time to time, with no avail. “This is the worst time ever to be hanging around!!! No, that doesn't work... I'm sorry I can't hang out—- nah. This is the worst hang out I've ever had. Maybe that works?” She attempted to joke, to raise the others' spirits, with poor results.
Rainbow Dash had a full harness that only frees her lower legs, forcing her face to be on the ground. Chains and leather forced her wings and arms to be stuck in place, she could only crawl, unable to make a lot of fierce movements. And yet, she struggled a lot. She tried comforting her girlfriend in the cell next to hers.
“Don’t worry, Flutters! We will get out of this! C'mon everypony, we have to think of something!!! There’s GOTTA be something we can do!! Hng!!” She said, helplessly pulling the chains.
Fluttershy only had a chain on her neck, nothing else was needed to restrain her, but her cell had no windows, to prevent animal interference. She was very concerned that Rainbow Dash was struggling so much.
“Please save your strength, Sweetie… Don’t hurt yourself…!”
Rarity’s cell was devoid of any furniture, with a chain that bound her neck and horn connected to a wall, preventing her from using magic; clearly the steel that bound her had a nullifying effect on her horn. She could move freely, but there was nothing she could do.
“It’s no use, darling… Twilight knew exactly how to keep us in place. Applejack dear, please don’t overexert yourself!!” She tried comforting her girlfriend.
Applejack was covered with massive chains that bound her every limb, neck, arms, forearms, legs and forelegs, even her chest and back had multiple chains, connected to each side of the room, even the ceiling. The chains were especially enforced, and they were overkill. Her hat laid on the floor, out of her reach. And yet, despite the contingencies, she was pushing, pulling, and struggling, trying every ounce of strength to pull, bend and break those chains. The stone cracked.
“I have to… Break free... Don’t worry, Sugarcube… I got… this…” She had never tried so hard to use her immense strength, but it was no use… Midnight was prepared for her.
Sunset sat alone in her cell, staring at the floor, not commenting on anything, with a chain bound to her neck and horn, at least her cell was comfortable.
These weeks had been her own personal hell. Watching from the sidelines as the mare she loved became a twisted monster again and destroyed all that they both loved. All her training meant nothing in the end, She was caught by surprise, and couldn’t do a thing. The countdown had reached zero.
All this, right after Sunset hurt her feelings. It couldn’t be a coincidence.
Regrets were all she had now. “Ugh… This is all my fault…”
Applejack stopped struggling to talk to her. “Ain't no way I just heard you say that, did I partner?” And Rarity added immediately. “No way darling! We don’t know how this happened, but it sure as Celestia isn't your fault!!”
Sunset closed her eyes, facing away. “The night before Midnight returned, I hurt Twilight’s feelings pretty damn badly… I think that's somehow connected to this...”
Rainbow Dash struggled. “That’s a load of baloney. Nothing you could say to Twilight could ever have caused this to happen, man!!”
Sunset faced the jail bars. “Pinkie knows. She was the last pony to be with her; and she told me that I hurt Twilight’s feelings awfully.”
Pinkie shook a bit. “It wasn’t as bad as you think! She was just worried that she couldn’t get closer to Sunset because she might intimidate her, with being an Alicorn! She expressed frustrations over that n stuff, but it's not like I saw her become evil then and there!!”
Pinkie and Rarity were the only ones that knew just the extent of why Sunset would be 'intimidated' by Twilight.
“Oh darling, you didn’t…”
Sunset leaned her head in the bars and closed her eyes. “I promised her I'd stop Midnight. All the training I did is worthless if I can't even– if I can't even help her…”
Fluttershy got closer to the bars as well, speaking on the highest volume she could muster to ensure she was heard; which still wasn't very loud at all. “You can’t take full responsibility for this, Sunset. We’re all in this together. It’s up to us to beat her… Somehow…“
Rainbow Dash crawled closer to the bars. “Besides, Twilight was stressed and tired and overworked from princess stuff already! Clearly the girl was unstable beforehand too. I sure wish she woulda taken a break or something…”
Applejack sighed. “That girl was allergic to resting, I reckon. We shoulda tied her down and forced her to go on a cruise or somethin…”
Rainbow snickered. “Hah! Remember that time Rarity tried giving her a weekend spa day but she kept calling us to check on Ponyville?”
Applejack sighed. “Remember that time we had that ball in Apple Acres and she refused to go because she needed to do princess errands? Darn it, we should have pushed a bit maybe...”
Sunset felt the bitter sting of regret for not being brave to invite Twilight to that dance.
Rarity sat closer to the bars, reminiscing. “Oh it wasn’t errands, darling. She had no partner to take to the dance! That poor girl only made time for us, outside of princess duties. Did you know she hasn’t even had any romantic partners? She hasn’t ever even kissed!!”
Rainbow blew raspberries. “That’s just sad, man. No other way to put it”
Applejack snickered sadly. “Woowe. when we get outta this, we gotta make that girl get out more!”
Sunset opened her eyes. “She’s never even kissed… at all?”
Rarity scoffed, knowingly. “Darling, she didn't even have friends before she met us. Do you honestly think she had the mental necessity, or even capacity for that? And now that she’s a princess, her prospects surely lowered! She’d be lucky to have anypony now!” She said, in a knowing and accusatory tone, egging Sunset on to want to talk about her own feelings.
Pinkie joined in on the ‘knowing’ party. “Yeah!! If only there was a hottie with ketchup hair that could sweep her off her feet and show her a whole new world or something!! Huh!!”
Sunset just sighed.
Fluttershy pouted. “It’s kind of sad! She spends so much time working, she doesn't even think about that kind of stuff… I wonder if she needs it…”
Rainbow scoffed. “I'm glad I'm not her! I guess a princess’s life is busy busy busy.”
Sunset leaned her face against the bars. This was unsustainable. This conversation was getting nowhere, and well, since they might be about to die…
She wasn’t going to hide anymore. There was no point.
“All of you, listen up… I'm in love with Twilight. I have been for almost a year now. I’ve been motivated to improve and get better for her, despite knowing that I shouldn't even try to get closer to a princess. Since we’re about to die, well, I thought I might as well share the news… and well, there it is. I'm in love with our leader, and now she’s evil magic incarnate, and might kill all of us. Don’t I have good taste? hah…”
Collective 'gasps' and 'whats' and 'woahs!' filled the room. Pinkie expressed how happy she was that she didn't have to hide this bombshell anymore, and Rarity was pleased Sunset was being honest with herself and them, finally.
Rainbow Dash wowed. “Wow dude… You sure got a taste in girls. My girl would never turn evil and stuff!!”
Fluttershy pointed out “Umm Sweetie remember when I turned into a vampire and almost killed you?” Dash instantly sighed. “Crap.”
Applejack piped in.“Aww partner, This would be wonderful news, but… now it must hurt you even more than it hurts us! I'm so sorry… Hopefully she’s still in there somewhere…”
With her eyes widened and a look of shock, Rainbow Dash perked up. “Oh my god, is that why you signed up to a regional race and asked for my help to at least reach top 10?? OH WOW IS THAT WHY YOU ASKED ME TO HELP YOU WITH SPEED TOO. IS THAT WHY YOU WORKED OUT SO MUCH THAT YOU CAN EASILY BEAT ME IN ARM WRESTLING WHAT THE HECK SUNSET!!”
Letting out a hearty laughter, Applejack reveled in amusement. “Oh, of course, that's why ya wanted my help with strength. That's why ya were always up early to join in on our routine and get trainin', and even help us to set up and throw parties; ya wanted to impress her, well hot diggity, I reckon you were onto something!”
Fluttershy giggled. “Well, it’s no wonder you even wanted my help with meditation. You have to be centered and focused if you want to work hard! I'm proud of you, Sunset.”
Rarity was amused, even if still sad. “I found out a long time ago, and accused her after one of our fencing practices. You should have seen her face! She really has pushed herself so hard for the sake of our princess...”
Pinkie vibrated with excitement. “Of course guys!! Sunset asked each of us for help with something, 'cause she wanted to get better and cooler for Twilight!! And it WORKED!!”
Sunset couldn't help but smile. Even on the worst moments, at least they all remained incredibly faithful and strong friends. She exhaled.
“Girls… Thank you. But I still messed up. I couldn’t be honest with her, and now we all might have paid the price. And even then, what's the point? We have no plan to get out of here, and we’re not strong enough to fight her. It might be over for us. Thank you all for being there to help me in my weird, awkward, messy quest of love, anyways… This was the best year of my life. You’re the best. We had a good run.”
“Our run ain’t over, partner! You still have a chance.”
“You bet your bottom darling, we are still in the game! You have to fight for her!”
“We all do. Twilight is our friend, and so are you.”
“Hell yeah!! Even if it was all for mushy reasons, you got YOLKED!!”
“And with all of us together we will find a way!! We always do!!”
Sunset smiled, even if still feeling defeated. “If only Twilight was here with us… She’d know how to lead, what to do…”
Rarity waved her hair around fabulously, despite the chains. “Well darling, then I think you should know something that Twilight told us, many months ago… If anything happened to her, we should trust in you as our leader!””
Sunset’s eyes widened. “B-but… I don’t know how to fix this… I don’t know what to do…”
Pinkie Pie shook her chains with joy: “We all believe in you Sunset! Even if you don’t! You’ll come up with an awesome plan to get us out of this!! You’re the best!!!”
Rainbow Dash, still on the floor, gave out a wide confident smile.“Hah! I'm okay with that. Lead the way and point me at the target, boss!”
Fluttershy fluttered her wings. “After everything you’ve gone through, you’re more than suited for this! Twilight trusted you, and so do we!”
Rarity got very excited. “This is your chance, darling! You’ll rise to the challenge and save her like a knight in shining armor!!”
Applejack was earnest, as usual: “Sunset, ya worked harder than ever these past few months. No pony here can say they've worked harder; if anypony can do this it's you!”
Sunset closed her eyes, with a frail exhale of joy. “Everypony… Thank you so much. I promise I'll do my best. Right now, what we need to do is wait for an opportunity… Be ready to grab it if it comes. Maybe we can even discover a secret weakness or… something.”
Rainbow tried getting up again. “Dude, don't worry! Once we break out of here we totally can whoop her butt together! We’ll get Twilight back lickedy-split. All we gotta do is spot her weakness like you said!!”
A cold chill filled the room, with the sound of mechanical footsteps getting closer. The very lights of the torches seemed to dim, as the dark winged Alicorn arrived, surrounded by a legion of mechanical knights.
She laughed with callousness and ill intent, a familiar voice, speaking in an unfamiliar way. “How sweet. Unfortunately for you all, I have no weaknesses.”
Midnight Sparkle had arrived.
With glowing horn and fiery halos over her eyes, she spread her dark wings, approaching their cells. “Are you enjoying your accommodations?? Are you festering on how easy it was for me to beat all of you??”
As she passed by Pinkie’s cell, the Earth Pony shook her chains, frustratedly: “GIVE US BACK OUR FRIEND YOU EVIL DEMONESS!!!” Midnight Didn’t even look at her. “Nice to see you too Pink. Enjoying hanging around?” which only made the Pink Pony madder.
Her laughter continued as she passed by Rainbow’s cell. “How's your flight, Rainbow Crash?” The Pegasus's anger was not restrained by her chains. “Untie me and I'll SHOW you!!”
She passed by Fluttershy’s cell, and laughed at her. “Hey Fluttershy. How do you feel about being the easiest one to trap of all of you? My, you were pathetic.” Fluttershy crossed her arms and pouted, looking away: “I'm not talking to you. You’re a meanie.”
Passing by Rarity, she scoffed joyfully. waving at The Unicorn’s empty cell. “Enjoying your imprisonment Rarity? I took the liberty of decorating it for you myself.” Rarity didn’t even face her, she simply coldly stated: “this is a bad look on you, darling.”
Applejack Pushed the chains binding her to the maximum once more, enraged. “If you hurt her, I swear on Celestia I will BREAK–” “Keep reaching, Applejack. Maybe you’ll get your hat back.” She stated, completely unfazed by the Earth Pony’s threats.
And then, at last, Midnight arrived at the final cell, Sunset’s cell. She could barely contain her manic excitement. “oh and now, for the creme de la creme, the main event! Our favorite pony that returned from the GUTTER. Hello again, Sunset Shimmer. Are you happy to see me?”
Sunset didn’t even fully turn to face her. “What do you think?”
Midnight fluttered her wings in frustration. “Aww c’mon don't be like that. Let me see your pretty face, Sunset. I want to look at the mare that beat me once.”
Sunset didn’t give her the satisfaction, facing away from her. “I have nothing to say to you.”
All the girls imprisoned on the cells around them cheered for the Unicorn's gusto.
Midnight immediately cast her powerful magic, turning Sunset around, bringing her closer, even tearing the bars of the cell she resided in, slamming them violently in the walls around them, staring directly at her with a smile. “That's not a nice way to talk to your princess, is it?” The question seemed almost genuine.
Sunset had nothing left to lose, staring her down. “You’re not my princess.”
That brave statement resulted in Midnight grunting frustratingly, making an all-too-familiar pout. But her expression quickly turned back into a deranged smile. “Be that as it may, my new grandiose castle demands a tour. And since you and I have history, why don’t I show you around? When we’re back, the others are in for a surprise.” She tore the chains that connected Sunset to the wall, easily, allowing her to roam free, but still with a set of chains blocking her magic, on her horn. Sunset kept an eye on her.
“Come, Sunset. You’re going to want to see this.” she walked gleefully away. Midnight’s sentinels surrounded the Unicorn, forcing her to move forward. She looked back at her friends, giving them a knowing look. Stay ready. If I see a chance, I'll take it. They looked back at her with concern, but belief.
She was escorted through the hallways slowly. Sunset could barely recognize rooms she had moved through before. They were either torn or messy, or paved over with dark crystals and cold stone. Sunset tried memorizing the pathway back to the cells, just in case.
Any banner that had the symbols of Celestia or Luna had been torn down; only Twilight’s mark was hung up now. Though it wasn’t hers anymore…
Midnight would frequently just make doors; easily moving bricks and reshaping rooms as she saw fit, making a pathway for them. This really was Twilight at the height of her power, completely let loose. Her magic seemed boundless.
The Alicorn talked almost casually. “Ah, it was always so fun to see them. I think I will make permanent quarters for them at some point; separated, of course. Can’t have them getting any ideas, heheheh.”
Sunset kept an eye on her surroundings. “How benevolent of you.” She said, sarcastically.
Midnight looked back at her. “Oh, would you rather I execute them? I could. I wanted to keep them around for laughs, but I suppose you’re right, they could face an imposing threat to my reign if they get out…” she said amusingly, reveling in the panic that might bring to Sunset.
Sunset tried to not sound desperate; it was sickening to see Twilight’s face on a monster so callous. “Don’t hurt them. They’ve done nothing to you… I'm the one that beat you, remember? If any of us should pay, it should be me. Just please leave them be. I'm the one you want. ”
Midnight suppressed something within her. “Indeed you are.”
She violently moved furniture aside, sometimes burning it entirely and spreading the ashes across the room. It was strange to see her destructive nature, purely for amusement. So unlike Twilight…
After climbing through the castle through many dark rooms, they finally reached a large chamber; a room that had been moved and changed, but Sunset still recognized. It was their old meeting room, now devoid of tables and chairs, except for two that sat on the farthest wall.
There were enormous banners, and cold purple torches hanging on the walls. Midnight followed the red carpet that went up to the two chairs, and then turned around. “Leave us.” She commanded. The sentinels surrounding her left the room and closed the door behind them. Sunset side eyed them, the room and everything in between. This very much could be her last moments. Was there a way out? If it were to be her end, maybe dying by the hands of her beloved wouldn’t be so bad.
Sunset stood facing her, unsure of what would happen next. Then Midnight waved her crystalized horn slightly, and Sunset paid attention. It was only a theory, But Midnight’s horn was not Twilight’s horn; it was like a crystal tumor that grew on top of it. Maybe, just maybe, if she destroyed it, Twilight would be freed… or at least Midnight would be powerless… Or even just weakened. If there was any chance… she’d have to make a gambit.
And then the chains that bound Sunset unlatched.
Sunset was free to move and cast magic if she needed. Which confused her.
“I wanted to talk to you without any pesky distractions. Listen well, Sunset.” The Unicorn listened, while looking for any openings to take.
Midnight used her magic, and blue particles filled the room, forming distorted three-dimensional images, holograms, representing the words she said. Equestria, the Sun and Moon, Her…
“This kingdom is my greatest victory. It’s a testament to how I have outmatched the sun and the moon, and every other force in the world. I was a Unicorn that came from NOTHING. And look at me now. I'm stronger than all of them, smarter than all of them, Midnight Sparkle stands above all!” She spread her wings with a manic smile, looking around the grandiose room with all its banners with her mark on it. The holograms mimicked her wings.
Rolling her eyes, Sunset snarled. “Congratulations, you’re living your worst You. Twilight would be disgusted if she could see herself like this.”
This was personal to her. She stretched her wings even further and stomped the floor. The particles made imagery of Twilight Sparkle being broken into pieces, with Midnight emerging from it. “Twilight was WEAK. And I am FREE. I am HER but FREED. I am the strongest I've ever been, and I can do whatever I want!! The world is my clay and I can mold it as I see FIT. Nothing else matters!” Their planet appeared on the hologram, directly above her. She paused for a moment, losing her manic energy. The holograms lost form. She seemed almost despondent.
“Except… This victory is hollow without someone to share it with… It is lonely at the top. And here I stand. I don’t need my friends anymore. But this rule will be pointless if I do it alone.”
Sunset looked at her, and started to sweat. What?
Midnight took a step forward, dragging her hoof on the floor; A demeanor that was familiar. “You know… there was a time that you were free like me.”
Sunset’s eyes widened. She knew exactly what she meant. “Remember, Sunset? A time in which you succumbed to your desires, stole Twilight's crown and got corrupted by the magic you sought to use to take control and gain the power of an Alicorn. You became a powerful demon… you were free. Your wings were beautiful…”
The particles reformed, changing their colors to red, showing Sunset’s demonic form, Taking flight, casting holographic flames around the room and cackling silently.
The Unicorn’s heartbeat rose. “I was horrible. I was a monster, and Twilight saved me. I owe her everything.”
Midnight got frustrated. “No no no… she RUINED you! You were free! Free like I am now! If only I had been free at the time, too… together we would have been unstoppable.”
Sunset looked behind her dark wings. There were two thrones… not just one. This wasn’t a coincidence.
Midnight's mark was in one... And in the other...
Sunset Shimmer's mark.
The holographic demon Sunset continued her silent display of power that engulfed the room in lights. Sunset was trying not to be mesmerized; Trying not to be utterly lost in the power on display.
The Princess dragged her hoof on the carpet once more. “You know, I have looked through Twilight’s eyes. I have seen what she sees. Felt what she felt. I am her. I am simply freed… She was an oblivious fool. But I see you for what you are, Sunset. I know how you feel about us.” She looked directly into Sunset's eyes; And the Unicorn was sweating already Concidering what the Alicorn would say next.
She regarded Sunset with almost… pity. “I know how you kept backing away from her, and yet, constantly wanted to be around her. How you pushed yourself to be better, merely to impress her. To earn a place by her side. Do you honestly think a Princess like her could ever be with you?”
Sunset tried looking away, but couldn’t. “...no. I don't.”
The particles formed an image of sunset, getting torn apart and getting built back together endlessly.
She walked up to one throne, and Sunset walked to the other. “Your hard work shouldn’t go to waste. You were always strong, Sunset. You even beat me, once... All this power; and more! Just because you were strong and willing to TAKE IT. Just. Like. Me.” Midnight seemed to look at her with manic adoration, a look that Sunset was unfamiliar with, but cursed herself for enjoying. That look, from that pony...
Folding her wings close and looking away, Midnight scoffed. “The kingdom comes above anypony. Even you. She had responsibilities she was tied to, and she would have NEVER been yours. And you would NEVER have been worthy of her. The only reason I returned is because of her and her failings!”
Sunset’s eyes widened. “…what do you mean?”
The particles changed to imagery of twilight clipping her own wings.
Midnight Scoffed once more, ashamed of her other self. “She wanted to use a spell to temporarily no longer be an Alicorn. Such an infantile notion. A waste of our powers. All she wanted was to be seen as equals with you. She knew your insecurities and fears, and wanted to quell them; but instead, I influenced her to release me. And how foolish!! We were always equals. You and me. She thought she needed to stoop down. But no. You are worthy.”
Midnight’s return really was Sunset’s fault. “Oh…. No…”
The Dark Alicorn smiled at her. “But don’t worry. Unlike her, I can give you what you most desire… After all, isn’t what you wish more than anything to rule alongside Us?”
Sunset had a lump in her throat.
Yes. It was.
The imagery of the holograms changed To Midnight, and a demonic Sunset, together.
She approached the Unicorn. “You and me… side by side?”
More than anything.
The holograms embraced each other with their wings, blue and red meshing together with erratic glows, and nuzzled faces, connecting their crooked horns.
Her smile was of genuine joy. “That’s why I'm here, Sunset. Because she failed. But you don’t have to worry. I am yours. And you are mine! We can rule together. You can be free once more, just like me! The world will be our clay and we will be free to mold it as we see fit!! You will have everything you could possibly want!!! Including me. Nothing else will matter.”
The holograms stood together, embracing, below them, ponies of all kinds bowed down to their power... The whole world was theirs. Sunset could recognize friends in that crowd. Celestia was in that crowd.
Sunset shivered. She was right. In a dark and twisted way, this was what she always wanted, Twilight wanting her. And here she was, offering to stand together. The weight of the world hinged on this decision.
Midnight stood very close to her, facing her directly. “Isn’t this all you ever wanted?”
Sunset exhaled, unable to avert her eyes. “...It is. It is all I could have ever hoped for.” The dark irony of the situation dawned on her.
Midnight smiled, spreading her wings once more. “Then JOIN ME. You are at a crossroads; and it’s time to take the power path, as you’ve always had. We can rule this kingdom together– no, this WORLD. You will be mine, and I will be yours!! Nothing will stop us!! What do you say?”
Sunset had a brief moment of panicked thought. And yet… Clarity. In some twisted way, her innermost desires were being delivered to her on a silver platter. Everything she could have possibly ever wanted, right here, for her taking. All she needed to do was take it.
She looked at the face of the mare she loved. Everything was different now. Could she play pretend on this dark fantasy just to be happy forever? What would be the cost? Did a cost even matter anymore? Didn’t her love for Twilight matter above everything? Chasing the thrill of power with her beloved forever…
Finally, stronger than Celestia. Stronger than all.
After all, why did she always need to do the right thing? Why work so hard for self improvement if you will never be enough? If you will never, ever be enough?
For once. Couldn’t she just take what she wanted again? It was right there. It was hers. She deserved it. She EARNED it.
She loved Twilight with all her heart. It was time to show it.
Sunset gave her a weary smile. This was it. “...Okay. I accept. I am yours.”
Prancing in place, Midnight did an all-too-familiar cute little squeal. “IIIIIII!! Yesyesyes!! You will NOT regret this!”
Sunset reached for Midnight’s face, gently. “There's only one problem...”
The dark Alicorn smiled with smile at the proximity of her love. “What is it? You can have anything you want! Just say the word and I'll give it to you. I will make a constellation for you!” she said, joyfully.
“You’re not my Twilight.”
Sunset channeled all her magical energy onto her horn, and bucked the floor with her back legs, propelling herself forward with all her strength. Her target was clear, and she hit it dead to rights. Midnight's horn got heavily cracked and damaged from her hit, and she flew back, tumbling on the floor. As she struggled to get up, her voice cracked too.
The particles in the room exploded in an ocean of lights that slowly faded, shaken by the hit. The Alicorn struggled.
“Y-you!! Urgh… I… Sunset. What’s going on?? Ugh… Get out of my HEAD!!!”
Sunset couldn’t help but let out an exhale of relief. Twilight was still in there. “Twilight! I'm fighting for you! You have to fight too! LET’S GO!!!”
She said, charging at her, with intent of damaging her horn once more.
Midnight teleported and stumbled, dodging the move, Twitching her head. “Oof… Get out of my HEAD, MONSTER! Urgh. GET BACK IN YOUR CAGE, NERD. And YOU. We’re not DONE.” she looked angrily at her love.
Sunset smiled confidently as she teleported near the doors, opening them.
“MIDNIGHT! YOU WANT ME, I'M YOURS! But you’re going to have to catch me first.”
Sunset ran into the halls of the place she used to call home.
The Dark Alicorn let out a scream of anger as she battled herself internally. Spreading her wings, she took chase of her beloved.
Running, running, running. She had to find her friends.
The castle was like a maze; Sunset tried her best to remember the exact pathway that they took on the way there and reverse it to reach the others. Sentinels attempted to block her path and stop her, but she did not faulter.
Midnight shouted from afar, chasing after Sunset; with intent of capture. “I WANT HER UNHARMED!! Please don’t hurt her!!”
The Automatons were not intelligent enough to be capable of attempting harmless capture. They tried to stomp and crush and slice Sunset; but she wasn’t going to go that easy. She jumped and hopped and teleported around them with acrobatic agility; using her horn to deliver magic blasts and summon a horn blade with magic to slice them entwain, putting her fencing skills to the test, using everything she had ever learned.
She chopped one of their heads clean off and bucked it towards Midnight.
Easily deflecting it, she couldn't help but smile, and smiled. “Way to go Sunset!!” It was not Midnight speaking. Two Twilights were struggling for control of the same body, and the battle was fierce.
With powerful displays of ragefull magic, The dark Alicorn tried summoning arcane chains to bind Sunset; or launch blasts that would knock her off; but Sunset kept dodging, either by leaps and slides, or by teleporting, often getting Midnight to hit one of her own Automatons, smiling the entire way.
Sunset teleported right in front of Midnight, surprising her. “Pay attention Twilight, I'm about to make this look easy” She locked their horns together, then spun her head on a circle twice; forcing Midnight to look to the side, knocking her off, and then spun herself around and bucked Midnight’s side, knocking her to the ground at fierce strength. The Alicorn was shocked. “Boom.” Sunset teleported far and kept running away.
Keeping up a lightning pace, combining teleportation with her awesome speed when galloping; Flashing forward every two seconds, and with that pace she found the cells her friends were in.
She barrelled into the room, getting their attention. “GIRLS, I'm COMING IN HOT! IT’S ME THAT MIDNIGHT IS AFTER! WE HAVE TO DESTROY HER HORN; THAT’S WHAT’S BINDING TWILIGHT! HERE’S THE PLAN;”
She broke Pinkie’s cell’s door with a swift magic blast, and immediately sliced multiple of her chains, setting the Pinkpony free. “Pinkie!! We need to blow this castle sky high. Go to the store rooms, see if they still have our fireworks! And start from the top to bottom; you know what to do!” Now freed off her chains, she could demonstrate her excitement once more, ready to roll. “You know it! LET’S BLOW THIS MOTHERFUCKER UP!!”
She barged into Rainbow's cell, breaking her binds and freeing her wings. “Rainbow! We need an army. Fly Fluttershy to the everfree forest as FAST as you can, have her bring all the animals and monsters she can summon to fight! When you’re done, you need to fly back as fast as you can to assist Pinkie!”
“Roger that, boss! You can count on me!” She immediately got up and stretched, joyfully flapping her newly freed wings, glad to be able to take flight once more, then eagerly made her way to her girlfriend's cell.
Sunset used magic to rip the door off its hinges, then freed the other Pegasus off her chains. “Fluttershy! You know what to do! Come back with an army, any animal and monster that is up for a battle! And if any ponies can help us fight, I hope they rally to you!”
Fluttershy stuttered a bit. “O-okay; I’ll try my best…!” Rainbow immediately went to her side, smooching her face and embracing her with her wings.
Sunset sliced open the door on Rarity’s cell, then freed her too. “Rarity! I need you to go with Applejack to the lower floors; Check to see if there are any other prisoners in this castle, we have to free them all before we blow it to hell!”
Rarity waved her hair and skipped out of her cell with ease. “Rock and roll, darling.”
Last but Certainly not least, Sunset Didn’t even break Applejack's door. She just sliced and zapped some of the chains on her cell to break. With a few weak links, the Earth Pony could already yank the chains to break free, tearing them off their hinges or snapping them entirely.
“Applejack, you might have to wade through a lot of those sentinels. You think you’re up for it?”
Tearing the remaining chains with her incredible strength, she picked up her hat from the ground and put it on. “Ya know I got this, partner. Besides…” She bucked the door, immediately breaking it off its hinges, sending it flying across the room, then approached Rarity. “I got my love with me.” They nuzzled faces together. Rarity piped in with concern for Sunset. “How are you planning on beating Midnight, darling…?”
Sunset did not have a plan. “I’ll burn that bridge when I get to it, okay? I got this.” She lied.
Mechanical footsteps came from the hallways; sentinels were inbound. Rainbow landed near them. “Hate to break up your mushy moment but we’ve got company!”
Sunset smiled. “You all know the plan, girls! But before that; Let’s get ‘em.”
They all charged together, as one.
Pinkie bounced and hopped around, making obnoxious noises, a perfect distraction. The enemies would try hitting or grabbing her but they’d just miss; or wind up hurting each other. She was slippery and a perfect diversion. Her friends could also take advantage; Like Sunset striking an enemy from behind; slicing them in twain with her arcane horn blade.
Rainbow Dash was flying across the room incredibly fast, constantly tripping and kicking and bashing the sentinels. At some point, she would use her momentum to grab onto one of their heads and spin it on its axis fast and violently to unlatch it right off, shutting the Automaton down.
She got hit once, and Fluttershy flew and caught her before she fell; flying around the battlefield as a distraction and support; like she had stated, she didn’t even like fighting, but she didn't run away from friends in need.
Rarity constantly cast her diamond shields to parry attacks and protect her friends; countering with her elegant magical horn fencing, piercing holes on the Sentinels or slicing their limbs off. And the moment she got surrounded, Applejack fiercely came to protect her.
The Earth Pony grabbed one of the automatons by the neck on a headlock; and with one single motion, crumpled its windpipe like paper, popping their head off, much to Rarity’s fluster.
Applejack was on a roll; and she hit even harder than those mechanical beasts. A single buck from her would send 'em flying and bust into pieces. her focus was particularly on protecting Rarity and having a damn good time at that.
Sunset couldn’t help but smile as she chopped, blasted and bucked her way through these enemies. She was quite literally on fire; overloading with fire magic that tied to all her attacks, which didn't even harm her. In the past, enemies like these could have seemed formidable, but now, they were nothing. And it didn't feel like how fighting felt in the past; It wasn't just an outlet for anger, it was more. She was fighting to protect the things she loved. This was an outlet for happiness.
All her friends were fighting alongside her; the combat was glorious and she was loving every second of it. She found a new purpose at that moment; fighting for her friends. This was a feeling she never thought she needed. They could accomplish anything together.
“ENOUGH!! Stop fighting!!” Midnight entered the room, spreading her wings. Every sentinel still active shut down, becoming piles of rubble. She moved every piece of debris to the farther walls, violently, clearing the room for them. The torches dimmed with her approach. She only had eyes for Sunset. “She’smine.”
All 6 of the ponies stopped in their tracks, looking at their former friend with unease. Sunset spoke up. “It’s me she’s after. You guys know the plan; I have to fight her alone. Do NOT come after me!” With a couple of quiet uneasy steps back, she considered how she'd lure Midnight away, but...
Rainbow Dash spread her wings, ready to take flight. “No way we’re leaving you. We’re in this together.”
Staring her opponent down, Applejack gritted her teeth. “Like hell we lettin’ you fight her alone, Sunset.”
Midnight glared at each of them, with hurting intent. It was possible that Twilight was all that kept her from immediately attacking. There was an deep air of unease, like this was a western showdown, and they were waiting for the first shot to ring out… The room was profoundly tense, the air was electrified.
…Then Pinkie started hopping around doing a funny little dance, singing a song. Shaking her hooves and skipping about.
All of them were a bit puzzled.
“Umm Pinkie? What are you doing…?” Fluttershy was confused.
“Uhh yeah bro what is this? What's up” Rainbow Dash questioned.
Pinkie just snickered a bit while dancing. “I'm dancing! Duh!”
Midnight scoffed in annoyance. “Ugh do you always have to do your incessant little bits and gags. What is this now? ”
Pinkie slapped her own butt in a taunting gesture. “Oh you mean you don’t know? I thought you were super smart like Twilight! It’s a distraction, dummy! NOW!!!”
Rarity and Sunset both levitated Applejack and launched her like a missile towards Midnight. It was a huge tackle that pinned her down immediately; hurting a LOT. “Giddyup, bitch.” Applejack was about to get a solid stomp on her horn, but it was too late, Midnight countered.
“UGH, HOW DARE YOU.” Midnight used her telekinesis to stop Applejack in her tracks, freezing her in place, giving herself a chance to stand. AJ struggled fiercely against her restraint, actually making headway, which made Midnight increase gravity upon her tenfold. Applejack stood, despite the weight, floor cracking beneath her hooves, she was sweating, but was actually keeping up with the pressure. “Is… that all you got…! This is nothin’… Cm’here!!”
Midnight frowned despondently. “I’m done with you.” Using her telekinesis, she threw ApplejackVIOLENTLY into a wall, almost shattering it. AJ was almost entirely buried in rubble; then the Dark Alicorn immediately shot a blast on the ceiling above her, dropping more stones on top of her. Rarity yelled “Applejack!!” and ran to her aid.
Midnight got back up, bruised and wounded. “Get away!! GET AWAY FROM SUNSET. SHE’S MINE.”
Pinkie panicked a bit. “Umm maybe I should do another distraction dance…?” Which only made Midnight angrier. She teleported right besides pinkie suddenly, then immediately grabbed her with telekinesis, bringing her real close. “Shut. Up.” She splatted Pinkie on the floor and then tossed her at a far wall, enraged. The poor Pinkpony got her bell rung.
With swift determination, Rainbow ordered Fluttershy to go help the others; Which she obeyed, running to their side.
Sunset wasn’t sure what to do next. Midnight was walking towards her, wings raised; she was bruised and hurt, twitching a bit, but still a massive threat. There was no way to beat her in a 1 on 1 fight.
Rainbow Dash took flight and landed between them, she confidently spread her wings, with a cocky smile, facing Midnight down. “Hey nerd!! If you think you’re getting to Sunset without a fight, you've got another thing coming. She can do better than you!” That mere statement made the Dark Alicorn's eye twitch.
With eyes widened, Sunset protested; Rainbow was going to get hurt badly. “Dash, no–”
The Pegasus only turned half her head to look at Sunset. It was not a look of confidence or cockyness. She was sweating, concerned, and afraid. through gritted teeth, she barely mouthed the word “go.” To her friend.
Rainbow wasn’t picking a fight. She was buying time.
And Midnight was pissed. “No…. ugh… I’ll show you something, Rainbow Trash.”
not wanting to waste the chance. Sunset immediately dashed onto one of the exits, getting as much distance as she could from Midnight, to hopefully lure her away.
The Pegasus took flight; picking up speed and surrounding Midnight like a hurricane. The Alicorn put a shield around herself. Rainbow tried kicking and hitting her, but unfortunately doing no damage, barely even shoving her. Midnight frowned, and unleashed an electrical blast around her, zapping the Pegasus; she tried recovering her flight pattern despite the pain, but it was too late; Midnight grabbed her with telekinesis, slammed her against the ground violently, then tossed her with the others.
Midnight scoffed, ignoring them completely and ran after Sunset, using teleportation to pick up the pace.
Rainbow Dash did all she could, but it was barely enough. Fluttershy ran to her aid, after having picked up Pinkie. She checked her girlfriend for her wounds. “A-are you okay?? Sweetie please answer me…”
Rainbow groggily got up, dusting herself, coughing a little. She took a massive beating, and had to make sure nothing was broken, and although it looked fine, it did hurt.
“O-okay guys… I think we have to let Sunset do her thing.”
Fluttershy was afraid, but tried not showing it. She didn’t want any of them trying to fight Midnight anymore. “Y-yes, we have to continue Sunset’s plan…. It’s the best hope we have.” Rainbow tried getting up. “I trust that she will be able to pull off her end… whatever it is. Ugh… It sucks to leave her hanging, though...”
With Rarity’s help, Applejack managed to be pulled out of the wall. The Farmer seemed to be in decent condition, all things considered. “Are you alright, dear…?” She was very bruised, but her resilience towards physical damage showed.
“I'm fine, Sugarcube. I'm just pissed. We failed to stop her… Sunset might be in awful danger…” She was very concerned for her friend.
Rarity let out a chuckle. “Always concerned for others, aren’t you, handsome?” She picked AJ’s hat from the ground and put it back on her head. “Sunset is strong. We need to have faith that she will pull through.” Then gave her girlfriend a kiss.
Pinkie shook her head, trying to ignore the pain. It was going to take a lot more than that to decommission Pinkie Pie! “Sunset gave us *ow* our tasks! we can’t *ow* let her down *ow* Let's go!! I believe in her and you guys BETTER BELIEVE TOO!”
“Of course!”
“You betcha!!”
“Naturally, darling.”
“You know it. Now let’s hit it!”
All of them scattered into their own selected objectives. They had hope for their friend; even if they feared for her. This was still going to be a pretty long night.
Midnight Ran through the halls, reaching a room with a balcony she knew was a dead end. Sunset was hiding somewhere in here, that much she could sense. No matter what, there was no fighting her; The Unicorn couldn’t win. The Alicorn kept moving furniture violently across the room, smashing it on opposite walls fiercely.
Twitching, panting, Midnight was unstable, Twilight and her were battling, and yet, almost speaking as one.
“You didn’t have to make this so difficult. I don’t want to hurt you! We can stop this; Please just stop this. Just surrender. Please don’t make her hurt you more...She’s too powerful, Sunset...”
She walked around the torn up room, searching for her love.
Sunset’s voice echoed in the room, Midnight tried hearing for the precise direction… “Yeah! I could have just quit and joined you. I might have even been happier! But I made a promise to you, Twilight. And I'll fulfill it if it kills me.” The world needed Twilight Sparkle, it did not need Sunset Shimmer. If this is the way things had to go, she would gladly allowed it to end.
Midnight looked around, concerned.“We don’t WANT you dead!! We want you with us!!”
“Too bad.”
Sunset flipped from the rafters on the balcony, much like a trapeze swing, and delivered a direct kick on Midnight’s horn, cracking it even further; it was barely holding on… but still, it was.
Midnight had been taken completely off guard, and with it, she retaliated with a powerful kinetic blast in every direction; And Sunset did not manage to dodge it.
The Unicorn got blasted out of the balcony, many floors above the courtyard, in free fall.
Midnight panicked immediately. “NO! No no no no no no!!!” and tried taking flight after her.
Sunset nearly lost consciousness; she was in serious danger. She felt the wind savagely blasting on her face as she was in free fall; And the ground approached fast.
All she could do was try casting a shield on herself and slow her descent with levitation, but unfortunately, it still hurt like a bitch. She bounced off the dirt and skidded, creating a small crater.
She coughed, bleeding. She tried standing up, but one of her front legs was broken, making her tumble down immediately, bloody face in the dirt. As she struggled to get up, she pushed herself to her limits one more time.
Everything hurt. This was her last chance. Her friends were counting on her. The entire world was counting on her. Twilight was counting on her.
She needed to win. No matter the cost.
“C’mon Sunset. This is It. Twilight needs you. Get up. Get up. Get Up”
She managed to actually stand up, not leaning on her broken hoof. She breathed heavily, knowing what would have to come next. It was time for her final gambit, and she was going to stake it all. Her body was screaming in pain but she fiercely ignored it.
She saw the pitch black wings of Midnight Sparkle approaching her from above. The Dark Alicorn flew down to see her. Almost resigned; she knew that Sunset was defeated, and incapable of fighting any further.
Midnight landed in front of the crater Sunset stood in, facing her directly with a sorrowful expression. “Why are you still fighting me!! I don't want to hurt you.... I just want you by my side. Please let's just stop this…!” The Two sides of the Alicorn seemed to almost agree.
Sunset gave out a frail chuckle. “S-sorry, Twilight. But I did promise you… And don’t worry, I got this. After all, I know your weakness now, and it’s one we share...”
Midnight stood directly in front of her, unafraid, but confused. “What?? I don’t have a weakness–”
Sunset pulled her closer and kissed her, directly on the lips, a passionate kiss she had desired for ages, but this time, weaponized against Midnight. For a second, this was all that existed. Just the two of them, kissing, nothing else. No courtyard, no castle, no Ponyville, no Equestria, no pain.
Just them.
Eyes widened, The Alicorn took a stumbled step back, completely flabbergasted, Flustered, sweating, confused, shocked, all of the above and more. “Wh– what?? Huh?? What?? Eh?? Umm Huh?!” She looked completely distraught and unfocused, a flustering, blushing mess.
“See?”
Sunset let out a cocky smile. With all her remaining strength she charged her horn with huge amounts of light energy and bucked the floor propelling herself forward hitting Midnight’s horn DIRECTLY.
The light bathed all of the surroundings, even the sky, for a brief moment, as the Unicorn had delivered her final hit. It was as if it was day again, for just a second.
Midnight’s horn shattered.
Twilight got propelled backwards and fell on the dirt, unresponsive. There were no signs of Midnight on her anymore. But her wounds were dire, and she was completely unresponsive.
Sunset exhaled steam, breathing heavily, as she limped slowly towards the mare she loved.
“Twilight. Please. Please be okay… I need you… to be okay. Please… I love you… Please…”
Then, losing all her energy, she lost consciousness and passed out beside Twilight Sparkle.
Sunset could barely feel a thing. Maybe some dull pain. Maybe flashing lights. Maybe darkness, or maybe even whispers of voices, none of which she could distinguish or understand.
For a long while, it was as if she was faded. Barely remembering why she was the way she currently was; how she got there.
Slowly, without full recovery of her senses, it was as if stars unveiled around her. She was surrounded by the cosmos. She couldn’t speak, or even move. She couldn’t even tell if she had a body. It was as if her very essence was being broken down to its primordial components.
All around her, constellations, nebulae, stars, all sorts of lights gathered. A beautiful endless horizon of space expanded in every direction, she felt as if she was connected to all of it. Everything. As if she was made of stardust.
She wondered, for a moment, if she was dead. If this was it.
Nothing more worth dying for than love… She hoped, with all that was left of her, that Twilight was okay. Wherever she was.
Until she heard something familiar. Old, but familiar.
Her old mentor’s voice, maybe a bit difficult to make out, and yet, perfectly clear. Princess Celestia was talking directly to Sunset Shimmer. Was this a dream? Was it a hallucination? Was her mentor reading her mind, or was Sunset reading hers?
Her voice was coming from a distant light.
Sunset couldn’t move. She couldn’t see her. Celestia’s voice was like a small light directed at her. If Sunset was capable of it under the circumstances, she would scream, just for how it felt to be near Celestia once more.
She hadn’t heard her voice in a really long time.
“Figures, I’d have to be dead before meeting her again.” Sunset thought to herself.
Nonetheless, she listened intently.
What could I possibly say to you? How could I make this right? How many apologies would it take for me to earn your forgiveness?
I don’t know how to fix this.
I wanted to give you space. I feared you never wanted to see me again. Even now, I wonder if things would have turned out differently, if I had just reached out.
Better? Worse?
I regret so much about us. But not meeting you. Not training you. I owed you so much. But I couldn't deliver.
You failed me.
I failed you.
And yet, my pupil didn’t. She brought out in you what I couldn't. And now if we lose you… I fear I'll lose her too. I can raise the sun. But I can't keep my own apprentices safe.
My failings ripple out like domino's and strike me back. Always, always…
The world needs you. We need you. More than you can ever imagine.
I am so proud of the warrior you have become… In spite of my failings.
If…
When…
When you return to us. You and I will meet again. And when we do…
We will be equals.
I want to make this right. I know you want to, too. I’ve missed you.
Please come home. For her.
Raise the sun, Sunset Shimmer.
Sunset felt herself reforming. As if the stars were coming to her… To mend her. To complete her. She was not dead.
And then she awoke.
She felt like she had been vacuum sealed. She woke up, to the sound of humming, extremely exhausted, throat dry, with still feeling waves of pain on her body. She barely opened her eyes, to see what seemed like a hospital room, in which she was laying in a bed. On the right, she saw Fluttershy, crocheting and humming to herself, sitting on a chair, seemingly knitting a sweater with holes on it. She noticed how her own right arm was in a cast, broken after all, but recovering.
She was hazy. Was any of what she heard and felt real?
Sunset grunted, trying to shuffle a bit. She tried speaking up, which just came as a bunch of incoherent grumbles.
“Oh my goodness! Sunset! You’re awake!” Fluttershy stopped what she was doing and immediately went to give her friend some water, resulting in her friend almost choking. “You must be very confused, are you okay? How are you feeling?”
“Where’s Twilight? Is she okay? Please–”
“She’s okay! She’s okay. Don’t worry.” The Pegasus comforted her, almost giggling at Sunset’s priorities. Sunset just leaned back in bed with a huge exhale. “Okay. So that’s it, then. Phew. It’s over… Thank Celestia… ”
A feeling washed over her, one that she rarely, if ever felt. She felt the need to cry. Everything that had happened in the last week was coming back to her.
How long had it been since she had cried? Maybe only after Twilight beat her, when she was a demon, it all felt like an eternity ago...
For a fleeting moment, she considered that it was time to go. It was her fault that Midnight Sparkle had returned. She did a lot of damage. Maybe if she wasn’t here, none of this would have happened. Maybe she should leave. Let it all go, leave it all behind. Sunset wanted to vanish. Undo all the connections she made, all the impact she had made on other people’s lives. She was ashamed of herself to the core of her being. Almost losing Twilight made her feel incredibly uneasy about her presence among them. She felt like she needed to just… go.
Had she the energy to stand, maybe she would have tried.
Had she the energy at all, she would have done something, anything, anything at all that would remove her from her friend's lives.
Even now, Fluttershy talked to her like she mattered. As if.
She knew she had no chance of escaping this, they wouldn't let her. Twilight, wherever she was, wouldn't let her.
But that shame, that shame that dug to the cornerstone of her being, forced her to consider it.
With a couple of blinks, she shook her thoughts away. She needed to be in the present, now. Fluttershy was talking, and she paid attention.
“Twilight is spearheading the repairs of Ponyville, she kinda wrecked a lot of things when she was evil. It’s been a kinda chaotic week, she wanted to be here waiting for you to wake up, but you know how it is…”
“Princesses are always busy, busy, busy…” Letting out a huge exhale. she closed her eyes. At least the bed was comfortable. She felt like laying there forever. Alone.
Fluttershy chuckled a bit. “Yeah, and I guess it didn’t help that we blew up her castle… If it makes you feel better, she’s slept here every day of the week, hoping for you to wake up.”
Sunset couldn’t help but have a bittersweet smile, imagining Twilight by her side. Even now, that Princess somehow, inexplicably, still cared about her. The Pegasus pointed at her phone. “Do you mind if I call the others here? Tell them you’re awake?”
Sunset hesitated. “Umm… yes, okay, you can. D-don’t call Twilight, though. I'm not ready for that.”
Blowing air from her nostrils, The Pegasus pouted a bit. “Alright, alright. I respectfully disagree but it’s your choice.” she said, while typing out a message and sending it to their friends.
“So, walk me through it, is everypony okay?”
Lounging back on her chair, Fluttershy recalled the events of their chaotic week. “Everypony’s been better, but they’ve all recovered okay. Your plan was pretty smart, it ended up working out! The others evacuated the castle, while me and Rainbow got an army of critters and monsters to help fight the automatons. She must have been pretty nervous, because she asked me for a ‘kiss for good luck’ hehehe… She always does that when she’s nervous. It’s cute. There were still plenty of Sentinels remaining, but with our animal army, plus some evertree monsters, and even ponies that we rallied to fight, we actually won pretty easily! Oh! And apparently Starlight Glimmer had formed a resistance with some ponies that remained in Ponyville. They helped us fight too! And imagine our surprise when we found Midnight had been defeated by you already! And, well, ahem, other surprises. You really are something, Sunset!”
“Pff, okay, sure... What happened next?”
“Well Pinkie found fireworks after all, and she somehow managed to find the exact weak spots of the castle to make sure it would crumble. (I wonder if she had already considered a crazy thing like this before...?) After we evacuated, Rainbow had spotted where you two laid, so we came to get you. And then boom! Bye bye evil castle!”
With a frail chuckle, Sunset smiled. “In retrospect, it might have been overkill to blow it up.”
Fluttershy giggled with her. “Speak for yourself, it was pretty cathartic!” she said, making an explosion noise and fluttering her wings.
“Anyways, after Twilight woke up, she wanted to be with you, but duty called, and she had to assure the people that she wasn’t, you know, evil anymore. Luckily when you beat Midnight, Celestia and Luna were freed from whatever prison Midnight had put them in! They helped too. It’s been a pretty busy week, but things are slowly getting back to normal.”
Sunset let out a sigh of relief. Normal sounded pretty damn good right now.
Fluttershy gave her a warm smile. “Don’t worry, Sunset. Everything’s going to be okay.”
That statement felt so hard to believe, after everything Sunset had ever gone through. Things were rarely ever even fine to her. Much less okay.
And that's when they heard Pinkie sounds in the distance approaching the room. Tumbling, a cacophony of onomatopoeia's, until the Pink Pony barged in the room with a cheerful squeal.
She hopped and skipped pinkiely entering the room, incredibly happy. “AAAaa Sunset!! You’re awake!!! Hell yes!! I will refrain from hugging because of your injuries but be aware you have a free coupon for many hugs to be cashed in with yours truly as soon as you are physically able!”
Being incredibly happy to be in the presence of her best friend, Sunset smiled hard, trying to keep a relaxed demeanor, so as to not bring about more physical pain. “Hey Pink. I’ll keep that in mind for later.”
Fluttershy giggled. “Hi Pinkie! Sunset’s still recovering, she hasn’t been fully aware of her situation yet. She's still… noticing stuff.”
“Ohhhh I getcha, I getcha, I getcha! Here Sunset, have some stickers!” Pinkie started placing stickers in her cast. ‘Get well soon’ ‘thank hoofness’ ‘royal pain’ 'not a neigh-sayer’ and others. That's when Sunset realized that her cast was signed from top to bottom; not only did all her friends sign it, but many people from Ponyville, even Cadance… even Luna and Celestia?! “Um... How many people were here?”
Fluttershy pointed to her left. Sunset hadn't noticed yet; but there were tables in the room FILLED with flowers and ‘get well soon’ cards. She even saw a sunflower from Celestia on there… She had been visited by a whole bunch of people and hadn’t even realized it.
She was a bit flabbergasted. Pinkie chimed in. “You saved the world, Silly!! No DUH that people would want to thank you!!” Sunset tried wrapping her head around it, but struggled. It was dizzying.
People were grateful? To her?
She saved the world??
They heard a landing, and Rainbow Dash entered the room, hyped. She kissed Fluttershy then addressed Sunset cheerfully, with her usual cocky demeanor. “How's our favorite badass hanging!! Dude you were legendary.”
She tried smiling confidently, but it wound up genuine. “Hi, Dash. I’ve been better. Still adjusting… thanks for everything.” Rainbow fluttered her wings, joyfully. “Duuude it’s okay! You were awesome. I can’t believe you beat Midnight all on your own!!! Your ‘final move’ was especially inspired, nyeheheheh!”
The Pegasus gave a cocky smile. “Yer talkin’ to the eagle eyed of us, pal. I saw it in pristine HD 4K. I was flying back to the castle, and then wham-o, heheh. Gotta say, smart move.”
She nodded nervously, unsure if Rainbow knew about the kiss or not. “Uhh yeah, totally, smart move”
“Yooohooo!!! Hello, darlings!” Rarity and Applejack entered the room; AJ was holding a big basket full of fruits (mostly apples) and sweets of all sorts. “We came as fast as we could! Nice to see ya hangin’ in there, partner!” The Earth Pony gave her an joyful smile.
Sunset could see various lipstick marks on her face; the crime, and the culprit, Rarity, with purple lipstick as usual. Crime solved.
Rarity approached Sunset with a mixture of concern and pride on her friend. “Darling, you did amazing. It is wonderful to see you’re okay! We are so happy for you!” She put the basket on the table next to Sunset, another big set of gifts; she was full of them. Sunset didn’t even care, she was just happy to see everyone.
That same feeling creeped up on her throat, and behind her eyelids, as Sunset suppressed tears. “It’s good to see you two! I'm so glad all of you are okay!!”
Rainbow snickered, whispering at Pinkie. “Has she not noticed yet??” And Pinkie promptly shushed her. “Shhhhh give her time!!”
Fluttershy giggled. “Don’t worry everypony, I caught her up on everything that’s happened. Almost everything.”
Applejack tilted her hat. “Either way, Yer awesome, partner! Ponyville is itching to throw ya a party, and we ain’t takin’ no for an answer. As soon as ya can stand, of course!”
Pinkie vibrated with excitement. “YOU KNOW IT I WILL MAKE YOU PARTY GIRL”
Another frail chuckle from the injured Unicorn. “Yeah, yeah, fine by me.” It didn’t even seem clear to her, she couldn’t process it; but hundreds of people wanted to celebrate her. She couldn’t even imagine it.
Looking around the room, Rarity piped in. “Well we’re all here, but where’s Twilight? She would want to be here, no?”
A chill ran through Sunset's back. She needed to avoid this. “Well, she’s busy, I didn't want to bother her…!”
Without hesitation, Pinkie grabbed her phone from her mane, smiling. “Okidoki, I'm calling Twilight right now!” Sunset panicked slightly, attempting to get out of bed, “Um. Maybe you shouldn’t”-- But immediately being held down by Applejack easily. Occupants of the room giggled, seeing how flustered their incapacitated friend was.
“Seriously Pinkie. I'm not sure–” But Pinkie shushed her. “Shush! Who’s the resident joy expert here? Trust me, girl!”
Sunset couldn't bear to speak anymore, as he phone rang for a few agonizing seconds and the entire room was quiet. Her heartbeat was rising.
Then she picked up; And Pinkie was her usual self. "Hiiiiiii Twiiiiiii! I thought I should call ya to say that Sunset is awake! Yeyeyeye, she's okay! better than okay! --Of course she wants to see you, silly! --oop, she hung up." She said, putting her phone down and giggling. "Well that was fast!"
The entire room was briefly quiet, as they considered how efficient of a phone call that was.
Applejack cleared her throat. “Ahem, Anyways partner, lay back down, ya shouldn't be overexerting. How are ya feeling?”
The nerves were still clamoring to her, as she stumbled with her words. “Well, I'm–”
Then they all heard a noise outside that could only be described as a jet breaking the sound barrier nearby and crash landing on the roof of the hospital. Blinding light blasted beneath the curtains merely for a moment, and seconds later Twilight slammed the door open, breathing heavily, with a bit of rubble on her, sweating from what might have been a medal earning flight by speed...
...Princess Twilight Sparkle had just performed a sonic rainboom, simply by rushing here.
No one dared comment on it; They figured she hadn't even noticed it herself, either.
The room was quiet as they opened a pathway for her to come closer to Sunset's bed.
And as she approached Sunset, she seemed to be on the verge of tears, focused only on her. “You’re okay… Thank goodness you're okay...!! I was so worried about you…!” She got really close to Sunset.
Twilight laid her head on Sunset’s bed, sniffling; And the Unicorn didn’t know what to do. All she could do was apologize.
“I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything; for hurting your feelings. For fighting you. For even existing honestly– Maybe if I wasn’t here none of this would have happened– You deserve better.”
Twilight put a hoof over her mouth, stopping her from talking, still in tears. “nonononO. Shuddup. STOP. You’re incredible, Sunset. Why is it so hard for you to see yourself the way we see you? Why is it so hard for you to see yourself the way*I* see you? You’ve done so much for us!! And you did it just to fit in?? You did it so you could earn it?? And you didn’t even think to ask what we thought of that. What*I*thought of that!!”
No one else in the room was talking. Sunset averted looking at her, with that sense of unending shame bubbling inside her. “I'm really sorry– I was ashamed. I love you so much, but I couldn’t bear myself. And I ended up making it your problem…” All of them looked at her, completely disregarding the idea that her presence would ever be a problem.
Twilight was over energetic, still crying a bit, leaning even closer. “Well we have news for you Sunset; your problems are our problems too. We’re friends!! And don’t get me wrong– I'm So proud of you for everything you’ve accomplished; everything you’ve become! This is a– it’s a good look on you. But I wish you had been honest with me, from the beginning. And also asked about how we felt about you!! How I felt about you!!!”
Sunset closed her eyes. “I'm sorry… I was stupid. I knew I couldn't earn it. I wanted to earn it–”
“Ask me.”
“Huh?”
“Ask me how I feel about you.”
There was no longer any hesitation needed. The question needed to be asked. “...Do you love me?”
“YES!!!” Twilight put two hooves in her bed, flustering a LOT.
“I, um, when did–”
Twilight covered her head with her hooves, flustering a lot, crying and sniffling a bit still.
“I don’t know!! M-maybe a couple of months?? I've never been in love before! I didn’t know what the feelings were, okay? I'm dumb. You wrote a LOVE song for ME and played it TO MY FACE and I just. DIDN’T NOTICE! Gosh, you were holding me with only ONE arm and I was thinking how I wanted to stay like that forever, and like a dumbass I couldn't even tell that wasn’t exactly just a ‘friend’ thing to think. And there I was fantasizing about ways to get you and Celestia in good terms again so that maybe we could work together officially-- Not even realizing I wanted that for a lot more than just you being my FRIEND! 'Golly gee wouldn't it be nice if Sunset Shimmer ruled Equestria alongside me someday!' BESTIE! Ugh, I'm so, so dumb...! Gosh you've changed so much. So, so much...!” Her words were stuttering with love, stuttering with pride, and stuttering with hope.
And because of everything, Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle. “...Well, I guess I did get stronger…”
Tilting her head, Twilight regarded her with pity. “I just wish you had done all that self improvement for yourself, too, Sunset… You deserve to think about yourself, once in a while… You deserve everything...!”
Shaking her head with a frown, Sunset dismissed the thought. “C’mon, can you blame me? You’re a Princess, and I'm just me. I never thought I'd have a chance… And that least of all, I'd deserve it. I don't deserve it. This! I don’t deserve this! I never have! I shouldn't even be here. It isn't right. I don't belong here, and i don't deserve it.” She stated with frustration, pointing at all the incredible ponies in the room. Even now, she felt out of place.
With a loving exhale, Twilight smiled. “Here.” She offered Sunset her arm. Sunset held her, and Twilight helped her sit up.
“You do deserve it, Sunset. Or should I say… Princess Sunset Shimmer?”
“Eh?”
She pointed behind Sunset, making her turn to look.
On Sunset’s back, there was a new pair of wings; they were there even before she woke up, and she hadn’t noticed.
Sunset Shimmer was now an Alicorn.
“Wh– huh? Umm. What?” Her jaw was wide open, and so were her eyes. She sweat a bit, moving her wings, making them flutter and shake; confused.
Rainbow Dash broke out laughing, and the other ponies joined in cheering and congratulating her. It was hard to hold it in before, but it was worth it to see her face. Fluttershy lifted the sweater she was knitting, pointing at it. There were holes in it for wings, and it was meant for the new Alicorn, Sunset Shimmer.
Sunset chuckled nervously “Haha, this is a dream, right? Princess Luna, can you come wake me up? Or maybe don’t because it’s really nice hahaha...!”
Twilight held her hoof, looking right at her, still blushing, with an incredibly warm teary-eyed smile. “Sunset. This is real. You saved the entire world and even beat a corrupted princess in a fight– sounds like more than enough qualification, don’t you think? I sure do…”
Sunset was struggling a lot to hold in tears of joy; A struggle she at long last gave into. A single tear streamed down her cheek as she chuckled. “So you mean you and me…?”
“That’s right. We’re both princesses.” Twilight smiled warmly, while crying too.
Sunset and Twilight hugged, not too tightly so as not to hurt her, embracing each other with their wings.
Gleefully, Pinkie proclaimed what she had been waiting to say for a while; "That makes TWO Alicorns that were ascended in Ponyville! That oughta be some kind of legendary record, right???"
"Ponyville forever!!! We're the BEST!!!!!!!!" Hopping into flight, Rainbow Dash cheered for their hometown; And her friends followed suit, breaking out into giggles.
And they continued, until Twilight, who silently regarded Sunset, both with eyes only for each other, requested them to both have some time alone in the room.
Complying happily, Applejack shoved everyone out, despite their protests. They wanted to watch, after all; But they respected the Princess's wishes, though they remained eavesdropping, outside.
And for Sunset, the same feeling persisted, now with relief, tears streamed down her cheeks, as for the first time in a long while, she knew exactly who she was, without a shadow of a doubt.
She was Princess Sunset Shimmer.
And with that utterly joyful realization, she couldn't help but chuckle frailly, in between tears. "Well… it will be my pleasure to serve alongside you, my Princess Twilight.”
Although the statement made the other Alicorn's heart flutter, she got reasonably upset. “Nonono, it’s time for you to do things for you too, Sunset! Not me. You've been neglecting yourself all this time– you have to change that. What do you want to do? For you! Right now!”
Sunset thought, just for a little bit, processing her beloved’s request, looking at her beautiful teary eyes again.
And then, clarity.
“I want… I want to have a do over on our first kiss.”
With the shock of someone that likely had read books about kissing in an attempt to study such things, Twilight’s eyes widened as she got really flustered and stuttered a bit. “I-i suppose, it’s only right we do it right– and do it again. Properly. Yes. Correctly.”
They kissed each other gently, clumsily, embracing each other, even with their wings, missing their kissing targets by small margins, but nonetheless, cherishing the moment. This was everything Sunset could have possibly ever wanted. And the same went to her beloved.
They stopped kissing and started giggling. Sunset looked right at her while they pressed their heads together. “Heheh, as first kisses go, that wasn't so bad, Princess. Actually… I don't think that was right. Can we get another do over?” she joked, inducing giggles from her partner.
Both of them snickered before kissing again, with the same wonderful feeling, and less clumsiness.
“Ummmm actually I think I could do with another do over.”
And they kissed, laughed, kissed, cried, their friends outside couldn’t help but snicker and celebrate their two friends finally getting together.
Twilight Giggled. “You know, you blew up our castle. *mwah*”
I haven’t said these words in a while. It feels so weird to even think them; but here I am.
Dear Princess Celestia: Hello again! I am sorry for everything. I'm sorry I haven't written. I know you’ve forgiven me, but… If this last year has been about anything, it’s been about forgiving myself. I can’t state how afraid I was. And how ashamed… and filled with regret over every fiber of my being.
But I've come to a conclusion. No more regret. Everything I did, even my mistakes, led me to this point. I betrayed you, and that led me to Twilight. And she led me to… Everything. She is everything. I’ve gotten better because of your pupil… I'm the happiest I've ever been because of her. In some way, I suppose I'll give that credit to you, too, heh. You already know that we’re in love, but I still want to ask you for your blessing. (And if you don’t give it, I'll just ask Luna, heh.) After all, I love Twilight… just, so much!!! I want to spend the rest of my life with her; She's so friggin cute and I can't stop thinking of us in our princess outfits, give me some badass armor– Actually Spike can you scratch that last part? I'm getting distracted haha. Spike. Do it now please. Anyway, learning to fly has been exhilarating. I’ve been catching on quickly, according to Dash and Fluttershy. Though I still take quite a few falls, but honestly, nothing I'm not used to. Twilight said I'm better at flying than she is, so I took it as an opportunity; I've been taking her to my flying lessons to teach her to fly even better, too! The sensation of flying with a lover… there’s nothing quite like it, it's just so incredible– hey Spike can you scratch that too? I need to focus. Also, you’re getting a letter from the world’s first punk rock Alicorn, hehe! Me and Pinkie have been putting on some shows, and I think my new wings make for quite the advertisement. I even got Twilight to join as a singer! Her voice is so beautiful, i, ahem. Maybe some of the others will join too, I wouldn't mind that at all. Rarity made me some awesome outfits to fit my new wings, and naturally, gorgeous dresses that I might not wear much, heh. If you ever need a rock show in Canterlot, you know who to call!
Come to think of it, I'm not sure what I’m the Princess of. Twilight is the Princess of Friendship… We got one of love already, Maybe I'm the Princess of Ass-Whooping? I have really enjoyed fighting for my friends, I wonder if that would be it. And with all this power, all I can think of is holding what I love dearly. Protecting them… Protecting everyone. That’s why I'm here, maybe? …I don't know, but I'm excited to find out!
Well, either way… Meeting my parents again was. Odd. I decided to keep it a surprise who I was dating, and well, how I 'looked.' Never seen them more flabbergasted. It was very entertaining. I had forgotten what it's like to have a parental figure be proud of me. We had a really wonderful time, and we’ll see each other more from now on! Especially now that I can fly! My life is so different now. I find myself thinking and doing things I never would have dared before. I'm not sure if that's a case of being an Alicorn, or just… having the friends I have now. I feel lighter than air.
I'm getting off track, aren’t I? Dear Celestia. I’ve learned… I've learned…That I know how strong I am now. I'm strong because of my mistakes and my shortcomings, I'm strong because of my friends and loved ones. I'm strong because of every single challenge that was put ahead of me, and because of all the people that backed me up. I'm strong because of Me. And I'm strong because of Her… I’ve learned to live without regrets holding me back. I’ve learned to allow myself to be, good aspects and all, flaws and all. Especially the flaws. And I've learned that… Everything is going to be okay if we work side by side. Our love for each other makes us stronger. My love for her makes me… Stronger than I could have ever imagined. Like I could raise the sun! – Spike, maybe scratch that last part.
I wouldn’t trade my life for anything in the world.
You know what, this letter is a bit unnecessary, isn’t it? I got off track again. Here’s something more concise: Dear Princess Celestia, is it okay if we come over? If you’d like, these two princesses and her friends can visit Canterlot, and you and I will get to talk face to face once more, this time, as equals. We can share everything we should have before! I want to see you again, I want to show you all I've learned. I’d like that very much… I miss you. I hope you feel the same way. I owe you a lot more than either of us could even imagine. But I don't want to see you as an unreachable goal anymore. After all, you never were… It was a mistake to see you that way. And I won't let that hold me back anymore. With hope, we will see eachother again soon, and we will get to talk as old friends.
