Happy Hearths warming, Sunset

   Sunset Shimmer rolled off of her bed after having slapped her alarm clock at least three times. She stretched and yawned, then opened her Bedroom door and walked down her hallway. An hour later, she was at Canterlot high, walking towards her locker. She was still getting some strange looks in the halls, but not many. Maybe three a week. She arrived at her locker and dropped off her books. She was just replacing the last book when something made her gasp and drop it. A boy walking past her stopped and stared.

"Sorry," she said sheepishly. “I saw a, um, spider" The boy smiled and kept walking. Sunset made sure nobody was watching her before she quickly stooped down and picked up her book. She wrapped it up in her sweater and swiftly made her way to the bathrooms, where she locked herself in a stall. She opened the glowing and vibrating book emblazoned with her cutie mark to the most recent entry.

  It was in Twilight's horn-writing, saying:

"Hey Sunset. Sorry, I know you're probably in school, but I couldn't help it. I'm not sure about what's going on in your world, but over here it's getting close to... um... I think you called it 'Chris mass'. I have no idea why it's celebrating this Chris, or his mass, but... yeah. Anyways, over here it's getting close to hearths warming eve and I was talking to Princess Luna, do you know Princess Luna? Well, if not, she's the princess of the night. She said that she could arrange the moon so that you can come to Equestria! You'll be able to stay for about a week and a half, which is ages longer than I had over there. Please respond soon. I miss you"

   Sunset finished reading this and got up and ran to her homeroom. She got there and took her place at the back of class. She was so excited that she didn't even notice when Applejack came up and sat next to her. She was so lost in thought that she almost jumped out of her seat when Applejack placed a hand on her back.

"Whoa! You alright, sugar cube?"

"Yeah, fine. Just thinking."

"About what? You seemed pretty lost there for a second"

"Well..." said Sunset, debating whether or not to tell Applejack. She decided that she probably should. "Let me show you." She finished, digging in her bag. She picked up her magic book and opened it up.

"Here, read"

And so Applejack read. When she finished she turned to Sunset, a huge grin on her face.

"So, are ya going?"

"I... don't know... I want to, but I'm not sure about being a pony again."

"Go" Applejack said "If I could go, I would"

"But it's different for you. What if I go back and I can't walk, or I can't do magic, or what if princess Celestia hates me?" Said Sunset breathlessly. Applejack put a reassuring hand on her back and said gently

"She won't hate you. And if Twilight could learn to walk so soon on two legs, I'm sure you'll be able to walk on four pretty easily. And even if you can't do magic, it's not a huge deal. Go." During this sunset had been staring out a window.

"Yeah. I, I think I will. You and everyone else won't mind, will they?" Sunset asked

"No. We won't. We'd never get in the way of you and your crush"

"Oh, good the- hey!" Scream-whispered Sunset, blushing a deeper red than her hair.

"Wha- why- ghh-" stammered Sunset while applejack laughed, moved her hat down and leaned back. When she tilted her hat back up, Sunset was still glaring at her.

"What are you glaring at me for? You should be responding to Twi!"

Sunset smiled and picked up a pen. She placed it down and began to write, Applejack reading over her shoulder as she wrote.

"Twilight,

I would LOVE to come to Equestria! It's actually called Christmas, but it's also holiday season over here, so I have two weeks off for winter break. I'll start packing when I get home in a few hours. Just send me the date for when I have to go through the portal. Just a few questions though, 1. Where am I going to stay? 2. How many ponies will know about my visit? 3. What would you like for a present?

Love, Sunset Shimmer". She turned quickly to make sure Applejack wasn't looking, and quickly added "p.s, I miss you WAY more! <3" and then quickly closed the book and placed her hand over her cutie mark. In response, the book quickly vibrated to show that the message had sent.

                                                                                                                ***

   Sunset sat in science, staring at the clock. Just five minutes, and school would be out. She could feel that Twilight had responded, but she hadn't had any time to check it. She was just starting to daydream again when the bell finally rang. Sunset instantly jumped up and grabbed her stuff. She then rushed outside to meet Rarity and they would drive to Rarity's house. After that they were going to go shopping, then Rarity would drop off Sunset at her apartment.

   She pushed out the doors and Rarity waved from her car. She had been talking to... Applejack. Sunset quietly hoped that they hadn't been talking about her. She opened the car door and slid in. Applejack turned to leave and winked at her, causing Sunset to blush slightly. Rarity started the car and they drove off. Once they were away from the school she hurriedly dug in her bag and pulled out the book. She opened it and was about to read when she was interrupted by Rarity.

"Oh, have you been talking to Twilight lately?"

"Yes" responded Sunset quickly.

"How's the dear been?" Asked Rarity

"Fine, she's fine." Said an agitated Sunset. Sensing this, Rarity said:

"Are you okay darling? You seem tense. Shall we get massages while we're out?"

"Umm, sure. I'll pay. Sorry, I've been waiting all day to read what Twilight said"

"Say no more" said Rarity. "And I'll pay" she whispered. Sunset smiled and rolled her eyes and began to read.

  "Oh my Celestia! I can't wait! And I also can't believe that you guys only get two weeks off! We got three. You'll have to go to the portal in four days. I hope that works for you. You know how to get through, right? You just walk through. You'll be staying with me, in my castle in Ponyville. I was planning on my friends; Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie pie, and Rainbow dash knowing. As well as princess' Luna, Cadence, and Celestia. That's it. And all I want for a present is to see you. And there's no way you could miss me more. Oh yeah, my assistant, Spike will also know. Love, Twilight"

    Oh no. That's what she'd been worried about. Celestia. Sunset wrote back with a quick "OK, can't wait! Rarity and I are going shopping today, so I'll get you something while we're out. I'm so excited". They pulled into Rarity's and went inside. Her younger sister wasn't home yet, so Sunset said that she'd go and change in her room. Sunset still wasn't comfortable changing around people. Even at school, she changed in a stall. She took off her itchy sweater and leggings and was in the process of putting on an un-itchy black sweater and had placed her things on the dresser when Sweetiebelle walked in. Sunset whipped around, peeking out through the neck hole. Sweetie started screaming.

   "AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! STRANGER DANGER! AHHHHH RARITY!!!!!" she shouted as she ran down the hallway. Rarity came screeching out of her room where she had been changing, a predatory look on her face. She stopped as Sweetiebelle explained that she had seen a strange person wearing a black mask looking through her drawers and started to laugh. She told Sweetiebelle that it was just Sunset Shimmer, and she had been changing in there. Sunset finished pulling on the black sweater and poked her head out and waved sheepishly. Sweetibelle had started crying, so Rarity took her into the kitchen and got a towel wet with warm water and began to gently rub her face with it. Seeing that warmed Sunsets heart, and she was in a good mood for the rest of the day.

     About forty-five minutes later, Sunset, Rarity, and the add-on of Sweetiebelle piled in the car. Rarity had changed into a stylish purple shirt with gemstones and leggings, and Sunset had put on the warm black sweater and jeans. Sweetiebelle didn't even change out of her jeans and pink jacket. When they finally pulled into the mall and got out of the car, Sunsets breath was pluming out in front of her, with at least 5-inches of snow crunching under foot. They walked through the doors and all instantly ran into the nearest store. It was one of those weird malls, were it wasn't all one building. It was more like a bunch of stores all under one name. The store they were in sold clothes, and was toasty warm inside. Rarity and Sweetibelle went to look at the sweaters while Sunset looked at a rack that had every clothing accessory you could need. She was just examining a pin with a soccer ball for Rainbow dash when Rarity came up behind her. Sunset held up the pin and asked Rarity if she thought Rainbow dash would like it.

"Oh, I don't know, but let's address the elephant in the room. You aren't going to be here for Christmas?" Sunset looked up at her quickly.

"Who told you that!?" She asked in bewilderment.

"Why, Applejack of course!" Said rarity. "We were talking just before you got in the car after school. Where are you going?"

"Well... I sort of was invited to spend Christmas with Twilight..." Sunset said slowly.

"Oh that's great darling! When will she be here?"

"Umm, she's not coming here. I'm going back to Equestria for about a week and a half". At this, Rarity's jaw dropped open, then turned into a huge grin.

"Oh! Is it a daaaate?" Said Rarity, drawing out that last word.

"No!" Said sunset loudly. "We're just hanging out over Christmas. That's it. And why is everyone so worried if it's a date? Does it not matter that I'm going to another dimension of ponies!?"

"Well. I'm sorry for being interested in your love life. When are you leaving?"

"Four days"

   "Well then, let's not waste time. You need time to pack. Also, my parents are going to be in town tonight and Sweetiebelle is staying with them tonight. I sort of find my house creepy when I'm alone, so I can help you pack today and then maybe stay the night with you, if that's okay with you?" Rarity asked.

"Rarity, you know you don't have to ask. You're always welcome at my place" responded Sunset.

"Oh thank you darling! Soo, massages?"

                                                                                                             ***

    Sunset and Rarity were sitting in Sunsets living room wrapping presents and sipping hot cocoa while watching Christmas re-runs of their favorite childhood shows. Sunset had gotten a watch for Rainbow dash, a scarf for Fluttershy, some baking stuff for Pinkie, and a large, beige hat for Applejack. For Rarity, Sunset decided to do something special. When she went to Equestria, Twilight had said that the portal would put her in the Crystal Empire. Sunset, who was confident about her being able to use magic, was going to buy some crystals and form them into a tiara for Rarity. This was all because Rarity was always so kind and generous. Sunset wanted to give back.

   Together they worked through the pile of gifts, signing and addressing each card, until they each had one thing left. Sunset reached into her bag and pulled out the last thing. A large book. She was pretty sure that she was the only person who had ever bought a copy. It was over a thousand pages, but she knew it would be perfect for Twilight. It was a text book on the human body. Knowing Twilight, she would love it. She had also gotten a few other little nick-knacks for Twilight, including a few magazines about, well, everything. She also threw in a few relaxing time things, such as soap and candles and big, fluffy towels. She put them all together in a huge basket, only wrapping some of the larger items. The book and the magazines mainly. Finally they both finished wrapping and Sunset got up and grabbed her phone book.

"What do you want for dinner?" She asked Rarity.

"Hmm... something easy and cheap." Rarity responded.

"How does pizza sound?"

"Ha. You read my mind."

                                                                                                    ***

   The next morning was the last day before winter break. Sunset was nervous. She had to tell everybody that she wouldn't be here over Christmas. Luckily for her, they were all perfectly fine with it. Sunset had given them all their presents that day, telling them not to open them till Christmas. The next two days went by like a gust of wind that had simply picked up Sunset for the ride. The next thing she knew, she was standing in front of the portal. Sunset looked back and saw all of her friends. Fluttershy came forward and gave her a big hug.

"I-I'll miss you." She whimpered. Sunset could hear the quiver in her voice. She put a hand on the back of Fluttershy's head and pulled her in close.

"Come on Fluttershy, you know that if you cry, I cry! It'll be fine. I'll only be gone for a little over a week." She moved her head up and looked at the other four people standing around. "I'll miss all of you". Fluttershy let go and moved back.

"Umm, bye guys" said Sunset and quickly turned around before they could see her cry. She stooped down and picked up her purse and the basket for Twilight and stepped through the portal. Her vision span and she was trying not to puke when it finally ended. She was deposited at the hooves of a pony. She looked up into the soft eyes of her old mentor.

"Sunset." Breathed Celestia happily. In response, Sunset craned her neck down and threw up all over Celestia's shoes and hooves.

                                                                                                                 ***

    When Sunset awoke, she heard what sounded like someone wearing high heels pacing. Then she remembered. Those weren't shoes, they were hooves. Sunset whipped her head off of the pillow and instantly regretted it. She got a terrible wave of dizziness and nausea. She saw a blue shape sit down in the middle of the room and face the door. Sunset shakily got up and stood, but fell down on all fours. At the sound of this, the blue pony got up and turned around. Now that sunset's vision had cleared, she could see that this before believed unicorn was actually a deep blue alicorn, with a flowing starry mane.

"Hello" Said the mare. "I am Luna, princess of the night and sister of the sun. You must be Sunset Shimmer." The mare, no, Luna, held out a hoof for Sunset to shake. She tried to take it, but all she could accomplish was an awkward hoof-bump.

"Ha, sorry. I guess I'm not very good with hooves yet." Said an embarrassed Sunset. Luna smiled warmly. There was something about her that made Sunset feel... safe.

"I'm sorry Twilight couldn't be here. I will stay with you for now"

   "Thanks" Sunset replied. She walked over to a night stand which had a glass of water on it. 'Crap' she thought. 'How am I supposed to pick it up?' She considered just lapping it up like a dog, but decided against it. Then she remembered that she was a unicorn. She bit her lower lip and narrowed her eyes. She was trying so hard to use her magic, and yet it wouldn't work. She closed her eyes and was starting to sweat from exertion when a door slammed behind her, making her jump. With that, her magic kicked in and all of the magic that she had been trying to use activated and the glass shattered. Sunset turned around to see another princess walking in. This one, pink. Sunset didn't recognize her, but from what she had learned from Twilight, this must be Cadence. Sunset didn't know what to do, so she just akwardly bowed.

"Oh," said a blushing Cadence. "No need for the formalities. I'm princess Cadence, ruler of the Crystal Empire. Sorry if I startled you, I didn't realize how heavy that door was."

  "Oh no, it's fine. Umm, do you know where I can get some more water?" Asked Sunset with a dry voice. "Or anyplace where I can get a snack?" She just remembered that she had thrown up...all over Celestia's hooves. And yet, her breath was surprisingly minty. She silently thanked whoever had cast a fresh breath spell now that she was in the company of two of the most powerful ponies in Equestria and beyond.

"Yes, what would you like to eat?" Asked Luna.

"Umm, maybe just some apples. Thank you so much, princess!"

"Please, just Luna". Luna went out the doors, leaving sunset alone with Cadence.

"Do you happen to know if any items came through the portal with me?" Asked Sunset nervously.

"Yes! A basket and an oddly shaped saddle bag, seemingly filled with bits. They're over in that closet" said Cadence, gesturing to a door behind sunset.

  "Ah, thank you" replied Sunset, turning to the door. She bit her lower lip again, a habit she'd been trying to break for years. Sunset once again concentrated on using her magic, and this time it came much easier. Her teal magic encased the door handle and it turned, opening to reveal her stuff.

"So" she said, turning back to Cadence. "Are we in the crystal empire?"

"Yes, we are. If you would like to go and explore after your meal, you're welcome to. Just make sure and be back by sundown. That is when your train will be departing for Ponyville" replied Cadence.

"Oh, um, will twilight be on the train?" Asked a hopeful Sunset.

"Oh, no. Twilight is currently in Ponyville. You will be meeting her at her castle"

"Oh." Said a sad Sunset, lowering her ears slightly. "Do you know why she couldn't come today?"

"Well, she didn't have any royal business, so I'm not sure. To be honest, I didn't even know about your visit until the other day, when I heard from Luna. And we're sisters!" Said Cadence.

"Oh" said a sad Sunset, again. "I, I see". There was an awkward pause that both ponies felt. Luckily, it only lasted a few moments, due to Luna's arrival. In her dark blue magic she carried a tray with lots of delicious looking apple. Sunset’s stomach growled.

                                                                                                                        ***

    Sunset strolled out of the castle. It was only midday, so she had time to kill. Luckily, all of her money had translated into bits on her journey through the portal. It appeared that two dollars was equal to one bit. She walked through the town, admiring everything in sight. She finally stopped long enough to ask a lovely pink mare where she could buy crystals. The mare turned and pointed at a small stand. Sunset thanked her and started walking towards the stand, but tripped on a rock and fell right on her face. She grumbled and tried to stand, but tripped over her hooves.

"Oh, are you okay darling?" Said a familiar voice.

"Rarity?" Said a bewildered Sunset, looking up. Sure enough, there was Rarity. But, she looked... different. She was a pony. Sunset made mental notes that she was a unicorn with three blue gems as her cutie mark. Rarity looked slightly confused and cocked her head.

"Umm, not to be rude dear, but how do you know my name?" She asked.

"Oh, I'm Sunset Shimmer, Twilight's... friend" responded sunset, like it would answer all of her questions.

"Mmm hmm... I'm sorry, not ringing any bells."

"I'm from the, erm, other dimension"

"Oh! Of course! I remember you now. You helped Twilight with the band thing they did last time. I didn't know you were visiting"

"Really? Twilight never mentioned anything?" Asked a disgruntled sunset.

"No, I'm sorry dear. Anyways, where were you off too?" Asked Rarity, clearly trying to change the subject.

"The crystal stall over there. I hope they aren't too expensive" said Sunset.

"Oh, if you need crystals for cheap, I can help you with that. Are you by any chance leaving for Ponyville soon?"

"Yes, tonight, actually"

"Ah! Perfect! You see, I came here on business and I'm leaving for Ponyville as well"

"Oh, that is perfect. Well, I'll see you at the train station?" Asked Sunset.

"Yes. I’ll save you a seat"

                                                                                                               ***

    The large crystal train rolled to a stop at the Ponyville train station. Sunset and Rarity both grabbed their bags and walked off onto the platform. Sunset braced herself to see Twilight, but was instead greeted by and explosion of confetti. Four ponies gathered around Rarity, and sunset was pushed to the side. She did a quick scan of the station, only to have her heart sink when she didn't see Twilight. She introduced herself to the ponies who so eerily resembled her five friends from Canterlot high and they all left together.

Sunset broke off from the group when she saw a giant castle looming off to her right. She galloped over to the castle and took a moment to pull out a small bag from her purse. She pulled out a mirror and mascara and began to apply it. Then she pulled out a hair brush and brushed through her hair until it was shiny and silky. And last but not least, she produced a dark purple clip and used it to fasten her hair into a nice bun. She took one last look at herself in the mirror and had to admit. She looked good. Finally, she gathered up enough courage and knocked. A few seconds later, the door opened to reveal a purple dragon.

"Umm, can I help you?" He asked.

"Yes, um, I actually came to visit Twi- err, princess Twilight" replied Sunset.

"Mm, and your name is...?"

"Sunset shimmer"

"Sunset shimmer?"

"Yes. I'm sorry I could come back at another time" said Sunset turning.

"No!" Said Spike loudly. "I just didn't recognize you. It's me, Spike!"

"Oh!" Said Sunset, recognition dawning on her face.

"Please, come in and make yourself at home! I'll go get Twilight. I think she was just finishing up with a guest"

"Okay, thank you". Sunset walked into the library, slowly turning in a circle, basking in the great feeling of being surrounded by books. She walked over to the science section and began scanning. She found a large book on the elements of harmony and picked it up in her magic. She walked over to a couch and sat down. She opened it up to the front page and began reading.

     'Many gems in Equestria are used for magical purposes or are infused with magical powers. The most well known and most powerful of these gems are the elements of harmony. The latest bearers of the elements are six mares. Fluttershy represents the element of kindness, Rainbow dash represents loyalty, Applejack represents honesty, Pinkamena, also known as Pinkie pie represents laughter, Rarity represents generosity, and Twilight sparkle represents the strongest element, magic. The bearer of the element of magic, Twilight sparkle, was born as a unicorn, but has done amazing things. Through this, she has become an alicorn and princess of Equestria. Together, these six ponies, powered by their friendship, have defeated nightmare moon and returned Princess Luna. They have also defeated Discord, god of chaos. After her assent into an alicorn, Twilight sparkle defeated lord Tirek, returning him to Tartarus.' Sunset only got that far before Spike walked in carrying a covered tray.

"Sorry for the wait," he said. "Twilight said she'd be here soon." He lifted the tray lid to reveal two large teapots, along with many smaller platters laden with food.

"What would you like?" He asked politely.

"Oh, umm, maybe some of that apple tart?"

"Sure thing. Do you want whipped cream? You can't have the apple tart without whipped cream"

"Sure. Thank you so much, Spike" she said as he loaded the apple tart with the fluffy cream.

"You're welcome" he said with a blush, setting the plate down in front of Sunset. She picked up her fork using her magic and ate a piece.

"Wow! Did you make this?"

"Sure did! Just this morning, in fact"

"It's delicious, Spike! Thank yo-". Sunset got cut off by the sound of two ponies coming down the stair case. She turned her head, ears pricked.

"I'm so glad you came. We should do this more often" said Twilights voice.

   "Oh yes, of course! Ta-ta!" With that, the front door opened and closed again. Then one pair of hoof steps began making their way into the main library room. Sunset hurriedly tucked some of her hair back and put on a large smile. Twilight came around the corner and walked straight past sunset into the kitchen. Sunset lowered her ears, wondering why Twilight had ignored her. Spike took notice and ran into the kitchen, followed out by Twilight.

"Oh! Hi, I didn't see you there. Are you here to get a book? I see you already have one picked out. Do you want me to check it out for you?" Sunset's ears lowered more, realizing that Twilight didn't recognize her.

"Twilight" said spike, "this is Sunset shimmer, remember?"

    "Uh... oh! Yes! Sunset!" Said Twilight with an awkward blush. She quickly pulled a tissue out of a box and rubbed her face vigorously. When the tissue came away, very little of what had been on Twilights face went with it. Sunset could clearly make out a smudged kiss, imprinted on Twilights cheek in red lipstick. Sunset blushed, felling embarrassed for dressing up as she had. Twilight was already in a relationship. Sunset had been silly, thinking they would ever be together. She had to get out of there. It was too hot, and she couldn't breathe. Twilight turned for a second, and Sunset quickly grabbed her stuff, pulled two bits out of her bag and handed them to Spike, and made her way to the door.

                                                                                                  ***

"Oh, I'm so sorry, darling" said Rarity. Sunset had made her way to carousel boutique.

"Oh Celestia, I just feel embarrassed for the way that I just left. It was so immature" she said, placing her head in her hooves.

"Hmm" said Rarity, tapping her chin with her hoof. "I've done worse. And it's okay, darling. If I've learned anything in the past years, nearly anything can be fixed. In the meantime, you can stay here if you need to"

"Ha, um, thanks. Sorry, you just reminded me of someone" said Sunset with a small chuckle.

"How about we go out for dinner? To take your mind off things" said Rarity.

"Sure. I don't know any place, so you choose."

                                                                                                                ***

  "You know, Rarity, we need to do this again before I leave" stated Sunset. She and Rarity had just finished dinner and were now sitting at their table, talking. They each had a glass of wine held in their magic.

"Oh, of course darling! Next time though, I'll pay" said Rarity. Sunset took deep breaths and gathered up the courage to ask her next question.

"So." Started Sunset. "Are you, by any chance, seeing any pony?"

"No, actually. I was dating a stallion from Canterlot a while back, but... things didn't work."

"Oh, I-I'm sorry for asking."

"Oh, no. I never really liked him. He was very, and I mean VERY stupid." Finished Rarity, swirling her wine.

   "Ha, I know that feeling. Back at home, I used to date this guy flash sentry. He once got into an argument with a lunch lady for ten minutes, insisting that she should give him free lunch for a month because he found a hair in his food, but then he realized, he's the only person with electric blue hair. He held up the entire line". The two mares just sat in silence for a second before they were both overcome by giggles.

    An hour or so later, Rarity and Sunset were in her bedroom. They were both sitting on Rarity's bed with Sweetiebelle. They were all playing

Ponyopoly and watching Beauty and the Timber wolves, 'a fantastic romance action'. After the game, Rarity went and tucked in Sweetibelle, and then they pulled out the extra bed for Sunset. The second her head hit the pillow, she was asleep.