Next chapter. Yay! No big note for you, nothing I can say here that can't be said in the comment section, I suppose.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, nor do I own MLP: FIM

As the morning sun streamed through the window, the eyes of the girl within began to flutter open. Sunset yawned as she attempted to maneuver out of the blinding sun-beams. “Ugh,” she groaned, shoving her head underneath the pillow. “I blame Celestia for this...I don't care if she's in another world...I don't care if she has no power here. This damn sun in my face is somehow her fault, and it's one more things I'm going to get her for,” she thought with disdain. As her eyes began to adjust to the light, she removed her head and turned to her still-sleeping roommate. Only a few inches from her face, she took note for what must have been the hundredth time since arriving in Konoha, his strange whisker-like cheek markings. Ordinarily, these wouldn't have bothered Sunset so. The boy who she slept next to for the last week was only useful insofar as providing her with food and shelter here. But he was the only human she had seen so far that had the markings. It set him apart, and her curiosity would not be sated until she knew why.

As he rolled over a bit, coming into contact with her, she blushed profusely and removed herself from the bed as something poked into her thigh. The past few days she had woken to find Naruto with more than just morning breath. And while her hormones were beginning to balance, something about that always brought to the forefront of her mind, the idea of perhaps actually mating with the blonde. An idea the rational part of her mind found greatly disturbing. Damn that portal, placing her adult mind in the body of a pubescent child. Rubbing her eyes and shaking those thoughts from her, she decided to start her morning as she had the last few, with a shower. A nice, icy-cold shower. Seeing as Naruto was still sleeping...and judging by the blanket tent was having a very nice dream...she simply stripped the pajama's off before picking up her clothes. She sighed, as she looked at them, and the discarded sleep-wear.

She had been wearing the same thing for a week, and while normally, she didn't wear clothing of any kind, it was beginning to bug her. They would need to be washed, and soon, but she had no other clothes. Naruto had promised to take her shopping that week though. Perhaps she could convince him to take a break from his training and make that shopping day today, she thought. Stepping into the tub, she started the water, her toes curling as the cold liquid splashed and waved around them. Bracing herself, she switched to the shower head, and gasped as the cold water began to pelt her body. She felt her skin begin to tighten, bunching into hundreds of tiny goosebumps. She sighed in relief as the strange tensions she had felt moments ago seemed to wash away. Though her nipples did both become erect, it was only from the cold, and not from her body's new instincts.

As the water streamed over her bed-head, matting it down as it became drenched, she absently began trying to mimic the strange hand-signs she had seen Naruto and Kakashi use. Whatever they were, they had to be the key to using human-magic. Sunset believed that perhaps the various combinations served to act as a way to regulate the flow of their magic, in a way not unlike how Unicorns used their horns. If she could figure out how exactly it worked, she'd be much closer to achieving her goals. Something was missing, though. She wasn't sure what. But the human-magic just...felt different than Equestrian equivalent. She'd need someone to teach her, and Naruto might be her only option. Kakashi just gave her an uneasy feeling. The Hokage still didn't truly trust her, and even if he did, he was probably busy with his upcoming event, these 'Chuunin Exams.' But she was sure Naruto could be manipulated into either teaching her, or at the very least provide the proper materials to allow her to learn on her own.

Reaching down, she grabbed the bottle of shampoo given to her by Naruto's teammate, Sakura. While she didn't get to actually meet the girl, it came with a note offering apologies for her having to live with the blonde, as well as the advice that if he tried anything, or got too annoying, to simply whack him in the head. Apparently it must work for her, because when she had read it, Naruto just grumbled and rubbed a spot on the back of his head as though the mere thought of such things induced phantom pains.

Sunset took in the fruity aroma of the hair-care product and sighed in contentment. Whoever Sakura was, she certainly had good taste. She had been provided an assortment of hygiene products from Naruto's female teammate, wrapped in a decorative gift basket. She was a bit disappointed that her human form couldn't stomach the foods she normally ate. She found that out the hard way when she tried to sneak a bite of one of the flowers the girl had also added into the basket. Luckily Naruto had been out training at the time, so he hadn't seen her gag and spit out what would have been a tasty treat to her pony-self. She hated this body. It was awkward and weak, and she didn't know how to use magic. Not usually one for nostalgia, Sunset Shimmer was beginning to feel homesick, if only for the fact that she missed being her talented, Unicorn self, as opposed to her pathetic, human self. But she couldn't go back even if she wanted to. The Portal had sealed the previous night, and wouldn't open again for thirty moons.

Scrubbing the sweet-smelling shampoo intimately into her red-and-blonde locks, she sighed again, though this time, it was not from contentment. Comfort, was what she was missing. She wasn't used to feeling vulnerable and awkward, and it made her severely uncomfortable. She wanted comfort, and she wanted it then and there. Those thoughts began to stew within her, her grin fading into a scowl. She tried desperately to bite her tongue, but she couldn't hold it in. “Naruto!” she shouted, her smile returning for a moment when she heard the satisfying thud that meant her roommate had fallen from the bed to the floor. She wished she could hear his grumbling over the water and through the door. Oh well. She was sure she'd hear plenty of that later.

“What?!” He yelled from behind the bathroom door, rubbing the lump on his head as he heard the water shut off. He began to think maybe saving this girl was going to be the death of him.

“Could we go clothes shopping later?” Sunset asked, trying to sound as sweet and innocent as she could as she began to wrap her mane in a towel, doing the same with the rest of her body. She didn't want a repeat of her first night in the bath. It took her a few tries to learn how to wrap the towel and keep it up, but eventually managed to get it. “Mine are starting to get a bit...rank,” she continued. It took a moment for it to click in Naruto's head, as he was still tired.

“Oh, uh, yeah, I guess so...we can go after breakfast,” the blonde replied. The bathroom door opened and before he even realized what happened, he felt Sunset's lips brush his cheek. Naruto froze as a girl, the girl who was living with him and slept next to him at night, gave him a peck on the cheek.

Sunset thought she might have gone too far, too soon. Naruto had gone totally rigid and she peaked over her shoulder as she walked past him. She finally turned away and smirked darkly when she saw him rub his cheek gently, a dopey smile and blush creeping across his face. Just like she learned in all those psychology classes back at school. Classical Conditioning. If he gave into her, he'd get a small 'treat.' If he did not, he would get nothing. Once he was more comfortable, she could begin instigating punishment for failure as well. By the time she was done, the boy would be her obedient little lap-dog.

As Naruto slunk into the bathroom to perform his own morning ritual, Sunset quickly got dressed, her nose crinkling a bit at the smell beginning to permeate her clothing. She scowled. It wasn't easy to keep up the charade, and what made it even worse is that she had not had a single cup of coffee the entire week she had been in the human world. It was starting to make her irritable. Hopefully when they went out shopping, she could find a store or stand that sold the glorious brew, or at least a decent equivalent. It probably wasn't the healthiest drink of choice, but it helped keep her up for cram sessions during her studies. Unlike her mentor, who drank hers rarely, and with heavy cream and sugar, Sunset drank hers black as the night. The pony who ran her regular coffee shop would usually make some crack about how, for Sunset, she made it extra strong for her, so as to 'blacken her teeth and rot her stomach.' That coffee pony was the only mare in Canterlot Sunset didn't hold any real disdain for. But then, the only thing the Coffee Mare did to annoy her was speak at a rate she had never heard before. How anypony could speak that fast was a mystery, but considering she drank almost as much coffee as she sold, it was likely the constant caffeine rush. She made a killer cup of Coffee though...

A hand on her shoulder made her jump, and she turned to see Naruto, properly dressed and prepared for the day, if not a bit tired. It's not that she couldn't understand why. Every moment not spent with her, and even some spent together, had been spent training for these 'Chuunin Exams.' And as they were beginning tomorrow, he was probably worked into a frenzy beneath those tired eyes. Oh to be young and insecure, Sunset thought, remembering when she used to become a wreck before tests and exams. She hadn't done so since she was filly.

After an uneventful breakfast of some instant-ramen for Naruto and a bit of fruit for Sunset --- brought to her by Kakashi, who knew she'd never survive on Naruto's Ramen-only diet --- the two set out on their quest to buy some new clothes for Sunset Shimmer.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Naruto grumbled as he handed over the very last of the money from his frog wallet to pay for his and Sunset's lunch. Said girl smiled brightly as she put down her numerous bags of clothing and took a seat at the ramen stand. “I really appreciate this, Naruto,” Sunset announced, leaning her head onto Naruto's shoulder, causing Naruto to blush, while the girl taking their orders gave the two a sly look. She chose not to say anything though, instead relaying their orders to her father, the ramen chef. She'd already grilled Naruto for info on his new girlfriend, who he insisted was not his girlfriend.

“Well, I did promise, after all. And I guess I could understand not wanting to wear sweaty, dirty clothes all the time...” he replied, and Sunset noticed for a fraction of a second that he sneaked a look at his own garments, themselves sweaty and dirty.

“Why didn't you get anything for yourself while we were out?” Sunset questioned. When Naruto raised an eyebrow, she cleared her throat, before clarifying her question. “I mean, don't get me wrong, I love the orange since...um, but you've probably been wearing that jumpsuit since before you pulled me from the water. Don't you get uncomfortable after a while without washing it?” Truth be told, she didn't really mind his clothing. Back in Equestria, the colors were so vibrant and bright, while everything in the human realm was rather dull and drab. Naruto's clothes, while probably not really suited for the line of work that Ninja's were in, offered at least a touch of familiarity to Sunset. And she did, in fact, appreciate his love of orange...after all, while a different shade, her natural coat color was orange, and it was also the combined result of her twin mane colors...

Naruto blushed, suddenly noticing an itch growing across his back. “I guess I just never really noticed,” he replied. “When you're a ninja, you spend most of your time training or on missions. No time to be worried about how your clothes smell or feel, unless it interferes with your missions...and thanks, by the way. Everyone usually gets on my case about the orange.” Sunset smiled slightly. Good, she thought. She'd just need to keep it up and soon he'd be eating out of her hoof...or hand, she supposed. She couldn't really get used to thinking of herself as human, despite rapidly training herself to refer to things in human terms.

As their ramen arrived, Sunset's eye twitched ever so slightly. That was another thing she'd been having trouble getting used to...chopsticks. To be fair, she had gotten a basic grasp of using them, But while the dexterity in her fingers was improving, she couldn't understand the usage of the eating utensils in any practical sense, and it caused no shortage of irritation. It was as if the species had specifically crafted them to spite any creature without hands. She quietly ate her noodles, savoring the flavor, while next to her, Naruto quickly scarfed his food. Despite herself, she couldn't fight a genuine smile watching the boy next to her devour his food. She didn't know why she found it amusing. Naruto had finished his two bowls by the time she had begun to drain her broth. While she couldn't understand how he could eat it for every meal of the day, she had to admit, she was developing a fondness for dish. She'd have to get the recipe. When she finally returned to Equestria, triumphant as an ascended Alicorn Princess, she'd have her personal cook add it to his own recipes.

“Well, personally, I like your clothes,” Sunset finished as she likewise finished her broth. But maybe next time we go shopping, we can find something else you can wear for training, and something to wear when we're just hanging around your apartment?” Naruto looked uncertain for a moment, before Sunset unleashed her secret weapon. A peck on the cheek. Just like that morning, a small smile graced Naruto's lips and he nodded his consent.

“Sunset Shimmer, you certainly know how to work that boy,” Ayame laughed, and even her father chuckled, neither noticing one of their other customers perking up at the declaration. As the transformed unicorn and the blonde ninja left the stand, said customer stood and ran out, watching the two as they walked, but not following. As she re-entered and took her seat, she took note of the curious gazes she was met with.

“What was that all about,” Aria asked, but was cut off by a signal from Adagio that clearly called for her to be silent, before she requested a container to take the rest of her meal to-go. Sonata and Aria shared a confused look before quickly following suit, packing up their remaining ramen to eat later. Adagio was half-way down the street when her fellow sirens caught up to her.

“So what's up, Adagio,” Sonata asked. “What's the big rush?”

“We need to find that girl,” their self-proclaimed leader announced. “The one who left right before us.”

“The one who was getting all touchy-feely with her boyfriend?” Aria scoffed. “What exactly is so important about her that we had to leave before finishing?” Adagio's eye twitched slightly as she glared at Aria.

“Who cares about the stinking ramen?!” she demanded, ignoring the massive sneeze someone down the way had let loose. “The only reason we're bothering to eat real food is because we can't afford to draw Konoha's attention to our...other method of sustenance. But that's not the point! Did you not hear what the waitress called her?” Aria was about to retort, but realized that no, she hadn't actually heard it. Sonata, likewise, hadn't been paying attention at the time and just shrugged.

Adagio just palmed her face. She would tell them both later. Right now, she needed to focus on finding the girl. The humans might not have realized the name's significance, but Adagio knew better. It was definitely an Equestrian name, meaning the red-and-blonde-haired girl either had some ties to Equestria, or more likely, was from Equestria herself. Standing on her tip-toes, she managed to see the two rounding a corner, and took off at a sprint, darting through the crowded street, her fellow sirens barely keeping pace. Turning, she just stared at the two in annoyance. “Are you both coming?”

“Yeah, yeah, don't get your panties in a twist...” Aria demanded, growing more and more frustrated with Adagio's lack of answers. “But it would be really nice to know why we're following those two. You know, the last time we did anything 'spur of the moment' like this, we ended up banished.”

“Well, technically, we nearly took over Canterlot, and then we got banished,” Sonata reminisced, before having Aria slap her hand over the blue-haired girls' lips, preventing her from speaking further.

“Don't talk about that in the open, in an enemy village, you airhead!” she hissed. She took her hand off of the girl's face only when Sonata released a muffled apology. Adagio grabbed both of them by the wrists, sick of waiting for them to keep up, and instead, pulled them along with her. If this girl was indeed Equestrian, it would definitely be worth the trouble of chasing after the two. She still just barely had a line-of-sight with them, but luckily as they moved clear of the shopping district, the crowds began to thin, allowing them to more easily keep pace. They continued following, trying their best to make it look casual in their gait, and eventually managed to trail the two all the way back to the apartment that they were apparently sharing.

Adagio committed the location to memory, making a mental note to return, hopefully when this 'Sunset Shimmer' was alone, so she could have a little 'chat' with her. Nodding, she turned and walked past Sonata and Aria, both of who looked a bit irritated at having just arrived, only to turn back to the Inn the Sound teams were staying in. Aria's fists began to clench and un-clench dangerously as her eye began to twitch. Sonata, while still miffed to some degree, just wanted to know what exactly they were doing running around the village, instead of just finishing their ramen...their delicious...delicious ramen.

“Well, great. What, does she chase us now?” Aria asked, her voice laced with snark. “What was that all about anyway? What's so special about that girl?”

“I'll explain once we get back to our room, away from prying eyes and ears,” she replied.

“Oh, good, cause between the food and the running around, I could use a nap,” Sonata announced, wiping her brow. Aria scoffed.

“It's a good thing we're not actually competing in the exams. You wouldn't last half-an-hour,” she said, causing Sonata to blush and puff out her cheeks in a pout.

“Yeah, like you'd do any better,” replied the blue-haired siren.

“Would you two just keep from speaking until we get back to the Inn?” Adagio stated rather calmly, despite her mood. The two other sirens opened their mouths and made to talk back, before Adagio whipped around, hitting them both with a searing glare that even forced Aria to swallow her next words. Reigning in her expressed fury for the moment, Adagio sighed in temporary contentment at finally having her companions be silent for a moment.

Of course, now the two scared-silent sirens were even more intrigued by just what it was Adagio was waiting to share with them.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

Sunset lay sprawled across Naruto's couch, digging through his scroll collection for anything that could give her some edge in this world. There were many references to chakra, and she could see that while similar in many respects to magic, the two had separate, volatile properties that were mutually exclusive. Chakra was an internalized energy that while ambient in nature, was a by-product of it, not its creator. Magic was different. It shaped and guided reality, with the various ponies simply utilizing the magic either passively, or actively in the cases of unicorns and alicorns. Magic was a creator. Chakra was the created. There was no telling what could happen if magic and chakra were allowed to truly co-exist in one world, which was probably why the mirror had a fail-safe, closing after three days.

Of course, it was all speculation on Sunset's part. She wasn't really likely to find out what happened when magic was introduced to a magic-less plane. The good news was, if the portal had made her human, it had likely given her a human's chakra network, and thus, learning to use the power of these shinobi. She looked up suddenly at a sudden knock on the door. Looking down at herself, she scowled. “Great,” she growled under her breath. “Just when you get comfortable, someone shows up and makes you put on clothes.” The naked girl stood, tucking the scrolls beneath the couch cushions as she slipped on a simple, burnt-orange tee-shirt, with some brown sweat-pants. Not the cutest choice, but she hadn't expected to see anyone but Naruto for the rest of the day.

Stepping up to the door, she cracked it open, revealing three smiling girls, each wearing a headband like Naruto, though theirs had musical notes on them rather than the stylized leaf on the blonde's. “Um, hi?” she said, trying not to sound too rude. She didn't know these people, so better not to upset them. “Are you here to see Naruto? Cause he's gone out to train.” One of the girls, with an almost orange hair-color, gripped the doorframe, leaning into Sunset.

“Actually, Sunset Shimmer, we're here to see you,” she replied, and Sunset's eyes narrowed.

“How did you- How do you know my name?” she asked, defensively. The three girls just shared a look, before returning those intense gazes and Cheshire grins to Sunset.

“Now, now, let's not get off to a bad start,” the apparent leader of the little band continued. “After all, we Equestrians have to stick together, right?” To her credit, Sunset didn't bat an eye, but her mind was still going a mile-a-minute. As the girls got in closer, Sunset's expression never changed from the cold indifference.

Chapter End

Author's Note

Ok, finally figured out how to get things moving. Yay me. Hope you liked.

Peace to all my Fans

Fan of Fanfics