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               Happy Hearths warming, Sunset               
                   -by Frozen Feathers-                    
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                   1: Through the portal                   
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1: Through the portal
   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.

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                  2: Talking to Twilight                   
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2: Talking to Twilight
   When Sunset woke up, her mind instantly locked onto one sense. Smell. The delicious smell of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the house. Sunset stood and followed the scent of coffee to the kitchen. Rarity was sitting at the table sipping coffee and sketching out new designs on her notepad. She saw Sunset enter and looked up.
"Good morning, dear. How'd you sleep?" She asked lightly.
"Fine" yawned Sunset. "Can I get some coffee?"
"Sure, help yourself. The mugs are in the top cupboard, go ahead and pick one" said Rarity, gesturing to the coffee pot. Sunset used her magic to grab a large purple mug and poured in the nectar of the gods. She then added cream and sugar and stirred it.
"So, about the gems you wanted, I would be willing to give them to you for free" said Rarity.
"Free!?" Gasped Sunset. "Really Rarity, I couldn't. I think I can afford 20 bits for 10 of the smaller gems" she said while digging in her saddle bag.
"I wouldn't dream of charging a friend 2 bits per tiny gem. If you insist on paying me, give me five bits for ten small gems" sighed Rarity.
"Deal" said Sunset, knowing it's as high as she'd get Rarity to go. She levitated out seven bits and gave them to Rarity.
"Darling, I said five" stressed Rarity, trying to give two back.
"Consider it a tip"
"Ugh, fine"
Sunset smiled triumphantly and sipped her coffee.
"What time is it?" She asked Rarity.
"About eight thirty"
"Okay. I think I'm going to go see Twilight later"
"Oh. Do you want me to go with you?"
"No, it's fine. I can go alone. But, I did say I'm going later. What is there to do around here?"
"Well, I was going to go to the spa with Fluttershy soon, would you care to come with?"
"Sure, when are you going?"
"Eleven o' clock"
"Sounds good. I'm going to go shower"
                                                                                                   ***
         Sunset stood behind Rarity as they entered the large spa. Rarity told the mare standing behind the counter that they had an eleven o' clock appointment for three ponies. The blue mare with with a pink mane led them back into the spa where they met Fluttershy.
"Oh, hello dear" said Rarity, giving Fluttershy a hug.
"Hello Rarit-" began Fluttershy, but stopped speaking abruptly when her eyes fell on Sunset.
"Hi!" Said Sunset brightly. "I think we met at the train station. You're Fluttershy, right?" In response, the yellow Pegasus lowered her head and hid behind her bright pink mane.
"Fluttershy, this is Sunset shimmer. She's from... erm... wherever the portal at the crystal castle leads to" Rarity explained.
"Oh, um, he-hello" said Fluttershy, which for any other pony was a whisper. She still hid behind her mane, but poked her muzzle out a little.
"Ladies?" Called the blue mare from the door. "We're ready for you"
"Well girls, shall we?" Said Rarity and led them through out of the waiting area.
                                                                  ***
      "Wow, that felt amazing. I guess I haven't realized how sore I've been. Thank you so much, Rarity" said Fluttershy quietly. In the time that they had been in the spa, Fluttershy had begun to come out of her shell and Sunset began to see more and more of her friend.
"Yeah, thank you so much Rarity, but I can't believe you wouldn't let me pay at least part of the bill" grumbled Sunset.
"Oh, you should never try to pay for anything like that with Rarity around" giggled Fluttershy.
    "Well," huffed Rarity. "Excuuuuse me for being so generous. I mean, this IS a time of the year to be generous and kind to every pony, isn't it?" Said Rarity, extending the word ‘excuse’. Sunset and Fluttershy started giggling, and soon, even Rarity couldn't keep a straight face and laughed along with them. When Rarity and Sunset got back to carousel boutique, Sunset quickly picked up her saddle bags and excused herself. She made her way to the crystal castle once more and knocked. This time she only had to wait a few seconds before the door was swiftly opened by Spike.
"Sunset!" He cried. "Where did you go? We were so worried about you!"
"Sorry, Spike. I...I just had to go. Is Twilight in?" Asked Sunset.
      "Yeah, Trixie actually just left. Um, Trixie is the mare who was in here when you were here the other day. Go ahead and come in. I'll go and find her" said Spike, moving out of the doorway and gesturing inside. Sunset walked in and sat at the same couch she had last time. The book she had read wasn't there, so she walked over to the shelf where she had found it before. After a moment of searching, she found it again and opened it again. She only made it about a paragraph farther than she had yesterday when she was again interrupted. When she looked up, Twilight was walking into the room.
"Hi Sunset, are you feeling okay?" She asked.
"Yeah, sorry about yesterday. I just felt, oh I don't know, embarrassed when I found out that you had a mare friend. So, I sort of panicked. Sorry." Finished Sunset.
"Uh, I don't have a mare friend" said Twilight.
"What about the mare who was here yesterday? Um, I think Spike said her name was Trixie"
"Trixie!?" Gasped Twilight. "No! No no no no no"
"B-but... you had lipstick on your face..."
    "Oh Celestia." Murmured Twilight, putting a hoof to her face. "Trixie, she... she came back into town for a quick visit. She stopped by, so I asked her if she wanted to stay for lunch. We had a nice, simple meal. When she was leaving, she just leaned in and kissed my cheek. Then she turned around and left. And I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. I hadn't seen you in so long, and I was just so flustered. But I never got to give you this yesterday."
         And with that, Twilight leaned in and gave Sunset a quick kiss on the cheek. The two mares made eye contact and blushed. Sunset grinned widely and planted a large kiss on Twilights lips. The two were interrupted a few seconds in when Spike came running in.
"Twilight, th- oh, uh, sorry to interrupt. But, uh, there are some stallions outside. They said they NEED to talk to you soon. Like, right now soon."
"Ugh" sighed Twilight. "Anything that urgent won't be resolved quickly. Spike, can you show Sunset to the kitchen and fix her up something to eat? I'll go deal with this."
"Sure thing, Twi. Follow me, Sunset." Said Spike cheerfully. Sunset got up to follow spike, but was stopped when Twilight held out a hoof.
"To be continued?" She asked with a small peck to Sunsets muzzle.
"Of course" whispered Sunset back. And just like that, Twilight was gone. Trotting quickly over to the front door and walking out. Spike cleared his throat.
"Sunset?"
"Oh, um, yeah. Sorry. Lead on." But he didn’t. He just stood there with a big goofy grin on his face.
“What’s got you so happy?” asked Sunset.
“Sunset and Twilight, sitting in a tree (literally, well, a crystal tree) K-I-S-S-I-N-oomph!” Twilight had poked her head back into the room and had thrown a light book at him.
“Oh, alright” he said and led Sunset to the kitchen.
                                                               ***
           Sunset had been sitting on the couch in the library of Twilights castle for the past forty-five minutes after a thirty minute lunch of daffodil sandwiches with spike. Sure, her legs were getting numb from sitting in the same position for so long, but she was still happy. She had been reading a great book that she found on the history of Equestria. It was a good, solid book that she knew would last her awhile. She was just at the part about Nightmare moon's banishment when the front door opened and closed again. Sunset quickly set her book down as Twilight came stomping into the room, covered in mud and dirt.
"Twilight!" Exclaimed Sunset. "What happened!?"
"Of course. They had to work on a farm, of all places. A farm. There was a mud-python. A full grown, bucking mud python. It was ruining their farm and eating their crops. And who did they have to call in to deal with it? Princess Twilight. I have the feeling none of the other princess' have to deal with this kind of thing. Ugh, I need to go take a bath. Would you mind?"
"No. In fact, I need to go grab all of my stuff from Rarity's" replied Sunset.
"Okay, well, I'll see you in a bit." With that, Twilight turned around and walked through another door. Sunset also turned and trotted towards the front door, opening it and walking to carousel boutique. When she got there, Rarity was pacing in a large circle.
"Sunset! Where were you!? I got so worried!"
"I'm sorry, Rarity. I've been at Twilight's. I actually just stopped by to grab my stuff." Explained Sunset.
"Oh, so I take it things went well?" Asked Rarity.
"Yeah. I'm going to stay there for the rest of my stay, but we should go out more!"
"Oh, of course! Oh, I know just the place! Well, I presume that you're coming with us to Canterlot?"
"We're going to Canterlot? When?"
"Well, I think we're leaving in... Two days?"
"Why?"
"Well, for the Hearths warming pageant, of course!"
"Oh, are we going to watch it?"
"Oh no, we're in it. I am playing the daughter if the unicorn king, Princess Platinum"
"Oh, well, I think I'm going with you. I love seeing plays. Any type of play. Wait, will the Princess' be there?"
"Yes. The princess' love going to the pageant. You should get a seat right next to them."
"O-oh. Well, that's... good... well, I think I'll just go grab my stuff and get out if your hair." said Sunset, walking over to Rarity’s room and reaching under the temporary bed for her bags. She folded up the bed and tucked it in the corner and walked back out into the main room.
"Thanks so much, Rarity. You're really too generous."
"Really dear, I AM the element of generosity, so I can't be too generous" replied Rarity with a smirk.
"Oh, hahaha" grumbled Sunset. "Well, thanks"
Sunset turned and walked out of carousel boutique. When she got back to the castle, Twilight was sitting in the kitchen, eating a bowl of grapes. When Sunset walked in, Twilight looked up from her book and smiled.
"I see you grabbed your stuff. Are you hungry?" She asked.
"No, I'm fine. Spike and I ate a little under two hours ago. Thank you though. So, I heard from Rarity that you're going to Canterlot in a couple of days. Am I going with you?" Asked Sunset.
"Yeah! I'm sorry, I thought I told you. Are you okay with that?"
"Oh, um, yeah"
"What's wrong?"
"I-I'm just nervous about Celestia"
"What? Don't be. I promise, you have nothing to worry about" said Twilight as she got up and hugged Sunset tightly.
"It's late. Where am I sleeping?" Asked Sunset, changing the subject.
"Oh, well, we have plenty of guest rooms. There’s actually one right next to my room that I think you'll like. Shall we?"
"Yes, I'm exhausted" said Sunset with a small smile. Twilight led Sunset down a large hallway and stopped at large crystal door. Twilight opened it with her magic and the two mares walked in. Sunset gasped as she saw the room. It was completely different from how she imagined it. In fact, it seemed to be personalized just for her.
“Princess Luna has been teaching me how to open the portal. I figured that you could come and visit more often that way, or I could go and visit you. We’ve been working on adding carpets and such in here just to make it a little cozier. Do you like-“
Twilight got cut off by a large hug from Sunset.
“I love it. Thank you, Twilight. And I would love to come and visit more often.”
Their lips met and Sunset felt sparks once more. And, once more, they were interrupted by spike.
“Uh, Twilight? Can I eat this gem that was lying in the corridor from the re-modeling?”
“Sure Spike, go ahead.”
“Okay, thanks. Hey, are you going to bed soon, because if you aren’t, don’t turn on the lights when you walk in” said Spike, walking away.
“And that’s my cue” said Twilight, causing Sunset to giggle.
“Goodnight, Twilight” said Sunset with a quick kiss.
“Goodnight, Sunset”
Twilight left the room and Sunset jumped onto the huge, fluffy bed, trying not to giggle too loudly. She was so happy.
‘Oh gosh, is this how pinkie feels all the time?’ She thought to herself. ‘What an amazing way to live’ were the last thoughts sunset had before the warm blankets called to her and she fell asleep. A minute later, Twilight quietly poked her head in and extinguished the lights before leaving again.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                         3: Bully                          
//-------------------------------------------------------//
3: Bully
  Sunset woke up grinning ear to ear. She stretched, gasping in pleasure as her back gave a particularly loud pop. She stood and walked into the large bathroom attached to the room and brushed her teeth, trying to get rid of her morning breath. She exited her bedroom and walked into the kitchen. She gasped and jumped when she was greeted by a large explosion of confetti and balloons. When everything cleared, Sunset gasped and jumped back again when she saw a bubblegum pink pony standing in front of her giving her a giant grin.
"Hi! I'm Pinkie Pie! Though, we met at the train station. But, let me guess. OOOOOH! I LOVE GUESSING GAMES!! Tell me if I guess right. We're friends in another dimension of two legged tall creatures called humans and we all go to school together at Canterlot high and there's principal Celestia and vice principal Luna, and we became friends the first time Twilight went over there because there was a rainbow that went 'WHOOOOSH!' And then Twilight held out her hand then you all danced and then she left and now we're all friends! And what is it like over there? What do you eat! Do you have oats and apples for breakfast? Do you even have oats and apples? Wait, no, do you have cake!? You have to have cake! Or cookies, or cupcakes, or muffins! Ooh! I'm going to go get something from Sugar cube corner! Bye!" Said Pinkie all in one breath before hopping out of the kitchen and to the front door.
    Twilight giggled at Sunsets startled expression. She stood and helped Sunset up.
"That's Pinkie for you. I'm sorry I didn't stop her. Sometimes she goes on these rants and I can't help but stop and listen. But, like you saw, she usually just gets distracted and cuts herself off. It's pretty funny, actually. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. So, were leaving for Canterlot tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah. Tomorrow morning. I was planning on packing later. Are you excited?"
"Yeah. I haven't been to Canterlot in so long. Where will we be staying?"
"Well, I'm staying with my parents, but our house isn't big enough for every pony, so the girls are staying as guests at the castle. Where do you want to stay?"
"Hmm. I don't know. I don't really want to stay at the castle, because, well, Celestia."
Twilight opened her mouth like she was about to say something, but got cut off.
"And I really don't want to just show up UN announced at your house. I brought plenty of money, so I'll probably stay at a hotel or something"
"The princess of friendship's mare-friend will not stay at some random hotel, even if it's in Canterlot. Even more, she will not spend Hearths warming eve alone in a hotel"
Sunset blushed at being addressed as Twilights mare-friend. "And you won't be intruding. Or UN announced. I told them that I might have one friend stay with us. They really want to meet you."
"Are you sure, Twilight? Really, getting a hotel room might be a little harder this late, but I'm sure I'll be able to find-"
"Sunset, why do you insist on not staying with me? I can understand why you might not want to stay at the castle, but did I do something? If I did, I'm really sorry"
"No! You didn't do anything. I'm just worried that if I stay with you and your family, I'll say or do something to make your parents dislike me"
"Oh Sunset, they won't dislike you. Trust me, they'll love you"
"Well then, I guess we'd better go and pack.
"Yes, yes we should"
"So, how are we getting to Canterlot? Airplane? Boat? Ooh, are we flying there?"
"No, Sunset, we're going by train."
"Oooh. Well, that's cool too. So, what time are we leaving tomorrow?"
"Around ten o' clock. And Sunset?"
"Yes Twilight?"
"What's an airplane?"
                                                                            ***
    "Wow" breathed Sunset that evening, looking down at her suitcase. It was empty except for a few pillows, books, and her own things. "I really didn't have many things. My life here is so small". Twilight came up beside Sunset and draped a fluffy wing over her.
"Your wings are like extremely fluffy heated blankets" gasped Sunset at the sudden feeling of heat on her back.
Twilight giggled, pulling Sunset in tighter.
"Actually, my wings aren't that warm. They're more like blankets that just reflect back your own body heat."
"Egghead" said Sunset, leaning her head into Twilights shoulder. The room went quiet, and the two mares stood there, simply listening to each other’s breathing, enjoying each other’s warmth. They were both about to fall asleep right there, but then Sunset's stomach gave out a small growl. This made Twilight look up quickly and glance at the clock.
"Good timing. Spike should be yelling at us to come down for dinner in three, two, on-"
"Twilight! Sunset! Dinner's ready!" Came Spikes voice from the kitchen, causing the mares to giggle.
"We'll be right down!" Called Twilight back. "We should probably head down" she whispered to Sunset. "He gets worried easily"
"Okay" pouted Sunset as she broke the warm embrace. She felt better after Twilight gave her a quick kiss. They headed to the kitchen together, only to be stopped when they got to the Library. Five mares were standing there, all waiting for Twilight.
"Hiya Sunset! I didn't expect to see you here!" Said Pinkie, hanging from the high ceiling. Somehow.
"Yeah Twi, who is this?" Asked Applejack. "Oh, ah recognize ya! You're that pony from the train station. Uh, Sunset Shimmer, right?" Sunset nodded and was about to speak but got cut off by a cyan Pegasus flapping in her face.
"Sunset Shimmer?" She said loudly. "As in the horrible pony who attacked Twilight, sabotaged her, and turned into a raging demon? What is she doing here?" Asked Rainbow dash rudely. She had backed Sunset against a wall and was still moving closer, so Sunset rose on her hind legs, still pressing against the wall.
"Rainbow!" Scolded Twilight. "Stop!" But she didn't stop. Rainbow recoiled and lashed forward.
'Crack'
The other four mares ran forward, but Sunset wasn't there. Twilight looked up to see Sunset across the room, still looking scared. She had teleported right when she noticed Rainbow was about to attack her. Rainbow had run face first into the crystal wall.
"Why you!" She said, holding her nose tightly. She tried to fly up again and towards sunset, but Applejack grabbed her rainbow tail in her mouth and held firm.
"Aigh, aigh, cal dun erryfony" said Applejack, still holding onto Rainbow's tail, so her words came out muffled. Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity were all still in a corner, just trying to stay out of the way. Twilight took Rainbow in her magic and levitated her forward so they were staring at each other. Twilight opened her own wings wide and glared down at her.
"What the buck were you thinking?" She said calmly, but with an angry voice.
"Twilight, come on! She's evil! You know this better than any of us! She was going to destroy the portal!"
"If you had listened to me better, you would know that if it weren't for Sunset, we wouldn't have defeated the sirens. All of Canterlot high and perhaps their entire world, would have been destroyed. Sunset saved all of us" she said firmly. "I say us, because the sirens would've gotten enough power to come through the portal and they would wreak havoc on Equestria. You should thank her."
"But Twiiiiliiiight" whined Rainbow. "She's evil! Oh, wait, I get it! You're keeping her here to keep an eye on her. I get it! Ah ha. Clever mare!"
Twilight said nothing to her. She didn't confirm it, but more importantly, she didn't deny it. Sunset's breath caught in her chest and her throat constricted. Twilight bit her lower lip, just like Sunset always does when she's thinking. Why did she have to think about it?
"Come on, Twilight. She's clearly just lulling you into a false sense of security!" Said Rainbow again. Twilight looked up at Sunset and saw how shocked and hurt she looked. Twilight walked slowly to Sunset and wrapped her front legs and her wings around her.
"I would never doubt you" she whispered into Sunset's ear. Twilight felt something wet on her cheek.
"What if she's right? What if one day something will make me betray you?" Asked Sunset with a shuttering breath.
"The fact that you worry about that shows how you've changed." Twilight stood suddenly and turned to Rainbow dash.
"Rainbow, I can see your concerns. But I assure you, there's nothing for you to worry about. Now, would you please apologize to my mare friend?" She asked calmly.
"Mare friend?" Gasped Rainbow. She opened her mouth to say something, but was cut off by a stern glare from Twilight.
"Sorry." Huffed Rainbow dash.
"Thank you. Now, I'm not going to continue this. Not because you don't deserve it, but because I don't want to"
"Well, I have no problem in punishing her!" Said Rarity. "Twilight dear, may I piggyback on a bit of your magic?"
"Oh, um, sure"
   With that, Rarity's horn glowed the same color as Twilights and she simultaneously levitated Rainbow dash, created a stool, and also made a pointy hat out of a spare roll of parchment. By the time she was done, Rainbow was sitting on the stool in a corner wearing a 'dunce' cap. The other mares in the room laughed. Even Sunset gave a small giggle.
"Ah ha-ha." Grumbled Rainbow dash, flying up off of the seat. "Yak it up."
"But Dashi, we aren't yaks, were ponies!" Said Pinkie.
"Well, that's enough of that. Let's go eat" said Twilight
                                                                   ***
    The next morning, Sunset woke up around eight thirty. When she got up, she walked downstairs to find only Spike, sitting at the kitchen table and eating cereal.
"Oh, hey Sunset. Do you want something to eat?" He asked after swallowing.
"No, I'm fine for now. I might grab something later. I'm going to go shower first. Thanks though" she said before turning and walking back to her room. She opened the door only to find Twilight standing in the middle of the room. When the door opened, she trotted over and gave Sunset a kiss on her cheek as she walked into the room.
"Happy Hearths warming eve, Sunset!" She said happily.
"Are you excited to go to Canterlot?"
"With you, I'd be excited to go to the ever free forest" said Sunset back, nuzzling Twilights neck.
"But, I was going to go shower before we leave. You don't mind, do you?"
"No, of course not! See you in the kitchen when you get out?"
"Of course."
                                                                       ***
    Sunset walked out of the bathroom, using a towel to lightly dry her hair. She moved the towel away, hanging it on a hook to dry when she saw another pony. Reflexively, she jumped back, covering her body with the door before she remembered. She was a pony. Blushing, she came back out, startled to find Rainbow dash, shuffling through her drawers. Was she snooping?
"Come on" whispered Rainbow dash. "There has to be some dirt on-"
"Rainbow dash?" Said Sunset from behind her. Rainbow jumped and turned around quickly.
"What?" She snapped loudly, slamming the drawer shut. "What are you doing, snooping around?"
"Excuse me?" Said Sunset, confused.
"What an idiot. I said what are you doing here, snooping around?" She asked extremely slowly.
"Uhm, I was showering. In MY room. And I'm not an idiot. I have a 4.0 gpa" defended Sunset quietly.
"Oh, so you're a nerd"
"Why are you doing this?" Asked Sunset loudly and confidently, shocking Rainbow dash and causing her to take a step back.
"What did I ever do to you? Why are you being so mean for no reason? Can you please just stop being such a bully?" Yelled Sunset, getting louder over time.
"A-a bully? Me? No, I'm not a bully. I'm just awesome. A defender of ponies everywhere. An element of harmony. Who are you?"
"You know what? I don't need to stand here and take this. You're going to back away, and I'm going to go downstairs and enjoy a lovely breakfast prepared by spike"
Rainbowdash had started hovering, so her back hooves were at head level with Sunset. Sunset strolled forward, and Rainbow dash got so angry that, just as Sunset was walking below her, her hind legs lashed out, kicking Sunset hard on her head.
"Aah!" Shrieked Sunset, falling even harder on her nose. She tried to get up, but Rainbow dash pushed her back down.
"Don’t you EVER talk back to me" she hissed in Sunsets ear. "I don't trust you. You seem like bad news, and I will protect Twilight and my friends from you. Now you had better go and prance on back to where ever you came from. And if you ever come back here, trying to hurt Twilight, well just know" she said, walking towards the door. "I'll be here. And trust me, I'm plenty lethal without my element".
And with that, Rainbow walked out the door, shutting it behind her.
                                                                  ***
   "Did you find the bathroom okay, Rainbow?" Asked Twilight as her friend trotted into the kitchen.
"Yeah, fine."
"Good. Did you see Sunset? She said she'd come down after her shower, but I haven't seen her yet."
"Oh, no. I didn't. Sorry"
"Okay..." said Twilight skeptically. “Well, I'm going to go grab a book. I'll be right back"
"Alright. Do ya need any help?" Asked Applejack, equally skeptical.
"Sure, you can help me look. Let's go." The two mares stood and walked out the door into the library.
"Rainbow was actin all funny" said AJ.
"Yeah, she was. I think we should check in Sunsets room"
"Eeyep."
    The two trotted over to the large doors and knocked. The door opened shakily after a second. Twilight and AJ gasped in unison. Sunset's eyes were red and puffy and her nose was bleeding heavily.
"Sunse-" but before Twilight could finish, Sunset held up a hoof.
"I'm leaving" she said after a gulp.
"What!?" Gasped Twilight, wings pooling out in alarm. "No! Why are you leaving!?"
"Ask Rainbow dash. I'm sure she'll be all too happy to tell you. I'd rather leave and be lonely rather than stay and be killed."
"Killed!?" Shrieked Twilight.
"Ah'll go talk to Rainbow" said AJ before galloping down the hall.
"Sunset, what happened?" Pleaded Twilight again.
"I got out of the shower and Rainbow was digging through my stuff. I asked her what she was doing and she just started going off on me, all of the same stuff as last night. I said that I didn't need to stand there and be harassed like that. I tried to walk past her, but she bucked me in the back of my head. I tried to get up, she pushed me back down and she told me to leave. And so, I'm leaving."
"N-no! Rainbow wouldn't do that!"
"She did." Said AJ from behind Twilight. "She just confirmed it. I couldn't believe it either."
"Oh, Sunset! I'm sorry!" Cried Twilight.
"Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything. Now, can you please move, I need to get home in time to spend Christmas with my friends" said Sunset, trying to push past Twilight. Twilight lowered her mouth to Sunsets ear.
"Don't go" she whispered. "I love you"

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                4: Adventures in Canterlot                 
//-------------------------------------------------------//
4: Adventures in Canterlot
    Sunset lowered her ears. Her chest tightened and her breath caught. How could she leave now? Her lip quivered, so she bit down on it, a bit too hard. She barely noticed as a drop of blood formed where the skin had broken.
"I love you too" choked out Sunset.
"Then please don't leave. I'll convince Rainbow somehow. Just please don't leave" whispered Twilight back. "I don't think I'll survive if you leave. You can stay here. We can be happy. I'm afraid that if you leave, you'll never come back" A tear slid from Twilights cheek, landing coldly on Sunsets hoof. She sighed deeply, trying to let out all of her emotions with the one breath. It helped, but not very much. She nuzzled her head into Twilights mane.
"Okay" she whispered. She felt the grin spread across Twilights face. The next thing she felt was Twilights lips, cool and soft against her ear.
"Aw, shucks" she heard Applejack say behind them, moving her hat to cover her face, blushing slightly. Sunset smiled and returned Twilights kiss. The two eventually broke apart and Twilight turned to walk down the hall. She turned back around when she noticed Sunset wasn't following her.
"I-I'll be right down. Would you-"
"I will dutifully stand guard over thou until thou says I mustn't, m'lady" said Twilight, bowing and ruffling her wings dramatically. Sunset just watched, confused.
"I'll stay in your room and make sure no pony comes in"
"Thanks" said Sunset, smiling and turning, walking back into the bathroom to brush her hair. When she emerged, Twilight was standing in front of the mirror, ruffling and puffing her wings, pulling out broken or discolored feathers. She saw Sunset in the reflection, and struck a pose.
"How do I...Look?" She asked, tossing her head back at the last word. Sunset and Twilight both laughed loudly at the strange...thing.
"Amazingly fab" responded Sunset, using the same deep voice Twilight had.
"Let's go. Otherwise we'll be late to Canterlot" said Twilight, turning and, once again, dramatically strutting out. Sunset giggled again and followed her, exiting slightly more traditionally than Twilight had. They went into the kitchen, grabbed a couple of snacks, and quickly made their way to the library where the others waited along with their bags. Sunset flinched slightly when she walked past Rainbow, but the eight of them made their way down to the train station without any problems. They boarded the train and made their way to the back. You see, this was no normal train. It had been modified so a royal suite was added to the back. It was very large, and took up pretty much the entire back train car. It was made specifically for Twilight. The kitchen was stocked with her favorite food, the bathroom had her favorite soaps, and replicas of Twilights cutie mark decorating the entire cart. Twilight was still getting used to this, but her friends loved it. Rainbow dash and Applejack made their way to the large velvet couch and plopped themselves down. They almost instantly started loudly fighting over the remote, making Rarity squint in their direction while she, Flutter shy, and Pinkie sat in front of the fire place playing cards, Pinkie somehow making the images in the cards move and warp, giving her the winning hoof. Sunset, Spike, and Twilight went into the bedroom, lying down on the bed and watching TV. Sunset was just gnawing on an apple when Twilight started talking.
"So" she said. "You're staying with me in Canterlot, right?"
But before Sunset could reply, Spike cut in.
"Sunset is staying with us! That's so cool! She can meet your parents and Shining armor and Cadence! We can all stay up late at night and tell ghost stories!"
"Oh, well, I'm not a huge fan of ghost stories. Sorry. But, who's Shining armor?"
"He-"
"He's her brother" said Spike. "Sorry" he added as Twilight glared at him.
"Oh! I didn't know you had a brother. Another question, why will Princess Cadence be there?"
"She and Shining Armor are married" answered Twilight before Spike got the chance.
"Oh. Didn't know that either"
"Sorry. I'll have to tell you that story some sometime."
"What about now?"
"Are you sure? It's pretty long"
"I like stories" said Sunset, placing her head on Twilights shoulder.
"Alright. Well, we were all having a picnic when spike came running up holding a letter. It said:
    'Twilight Sparkle, you are hereby invited to the wedding of Princess MI Amore Cadenza and Captain Shining armor..."
                                                                     ***
    "Then we had a big musical number" finished Twilight. Sunset laughed a little before yawning.
"That was quite a story" she said sleepily.
"Are you tired?" Asked Twilight.
"A little" responded Sunset. "I think I'm going to take a nap. Will you wake me up at least half an hour before we get there?"
"Sure. I'll go out there and watch TV or read" whispered Twilight. Sunset only half heard. She was out like a light in a few seconds. Twilight carefully kissed her cheek before getting up. She turned to tell Spike come out of the room with her, but he was also fast asleep, curled up into a little ball right next to Sunset. Twilight smiled to herself and left, quietly closing the door behind her. She walked out into the main living area and went straight to the kitchen space. She went rummaging through the prepackaged snacks, trying to decide between cherries or carrots. She eventually grabbed a bowl of cherries and sat at the kitchen table, magically grabbing one of her favorite books from a shelf and opening it. She only got a few pages in before Rainbow dash sat at the table, grabbing a cherry.
"So..." said Rainbow awkwardly. Twilight raised her gaze slightly, only for it to lower again, reading.
"About Sunset..." added Rainbow. This time Twilight snapped her book shut, placing it on the table and looked at Rainbow, eyes slightly squinted.
"I wanted to say I'm sorry. I talked it over with Applejack and Flutter shy, and they brought up some really good points, like how she helped you all those times, and how she saved Equestria"
"So, pretty much the same things I said,"
"Yeah, but it's different when you hear multiple ponies saying it. Anyways, I've changed my mind about her. She seems really nice and she makes you happy. If you're happy, I'm happy"
"Thanks Rainbow. That was very mature of you. I'm so glad that you talked with them and I really hope you two can become friends, but before you can do that, you have make amends"
"Okay, I will when we get there"
    The two got up and hugged quickly before splitting up. Rainbow went to sit on the couch with Apple jack again while Twilight, Rarity, and Flutter shy drank tea and talked about their schedule in Canterlot. Pinkie was in the kitchen, where she had somehow made an entire tray of chocolate cupcakes in ten minutes. She and Gummy ate them in five. Twilight glanced up at the clock, taking note of what time it was before getting up and quickly walking into the bedroom to wake up Sunset.
"Sunset, Spike, we'll be there in about thirty minutes" she said quietly, gently shaking them as she did so. Sunset cracked an eye open before sitting up and stretching. Spike groaned and just turned around, continuing his nap. Twilight giggled as Sunset started to wake up.
"What?" Asked Sunset quietly.
"I've never seen you when you're just waking up" replied Twilight with a broad smile. Sunset blushed and turned away, trying to finger comb her hair, but it didn't work. Because, you know...hooves. All she really accomplished was patting it down.
"Stop" said Twilight, pulling on Sunsets leg. "You're cute like this" added Twilight. This only made Sunset blush more, so Twilight leaned in for a quick kiss. The two mares sat on the bed, talking about how excited they were until a knock came from the door.
"Come in" they called in unison. Sunset tensed as Rainbow walked in.
"We're only about five minutes away" she said quickly before turning.
"Rainbow" said Twilight sternly. Rainbow sighed and turned back, walking towards the bed.
"I'm sorry, Sunset. I was extremely out of line. I can see that you make Twilight happy, and that she trusts you. That's good enough for me. And of you feel the need to punch me in the face to get even, go ahead"
Sunset just stared, kind of confused.
"Uh, thanks, Rainbow. I'll keep that in mind. We should probably go and wait out there until we get there" said Sunset stiffly.
"Yeah, let's go" said Twilight, prodding Spike with her magic, trying to wake him up. She eventually got him up, and the three mares and dragon exited into the main room, where Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and Flutter shy were already waiting. The train screeched to a halt and the sound of hoof steps outside signaled many ponies walking off the train. Every pony but Twilight and Sunset walked out the door.
"Are you okay?" Asked Sunset.
"Yeah, I'm just going to wait here for a minute for most of the ponies to leave. I don't want to make a big deal"
"Oh." The two were silent for a minute before making their way outside. Twilight poked her head out before completely stepping onto the platform. She stepped towards her friends but was stopped by the sound of tiny hooves running. Twilight and Sunset turned to see a unicorn filly running towards her. She put on an awkward smile as the filly came to a stop.
"Umm, Princess Twilight?" Asked the filly with a high pitched voice. "C-could you sign this paper?"
"Sure. What's your name?"
"Platinum Plate" she said proudly, showing off her cutie mark. Twilight wasn't sure, but she thought it was gems and metal being hammered together.
"I'm going to be a jewelry maker!" She said loudly again. Twilight finished signing and looked at the filly.
"Do you like to sketch out your designs first?"
"Yeah"
"Here," said Twilight, grabbing something out of her saddle bag and handing it to the filly.
"It's a magical quill that I enchanted myself. You'll never need ink for it. Happy hearths warming eve, Platinum Plate." She said and turned. The filly squealed out a 'thank you Princess!' Before running back to her parents.
"That was nice of you" said Sunset.
"What? I gave her a quill. Not a huge deal"
"You don't know how much influence you have. You probably just changed that filly's life"
"Yeah, well, let's just head to my parents’ house. They'll be wondering where we are."
                                                                    ***
    Sunset, Twilight, and Spike walked through the front door of Twilights parents’ house. Well, Spike rode through the door of Twilights parents’ front door.
"Mom? Dad?" Yelled Twilight, setting her things down on their kitchen counter.
"Twilight?" Came a voice from upstairs. Sunset wasn't sure, but she thought she recognized the voice.
"Cadence?"
So, she did recognize the voice. The pink alicorn poked her head around the corner that lead to the stair case.
"Cadence!" Said Twilight happily. The two princess's ran to each other and began to do a dance and song.
                                                      'Sunshine, sunshine!
                                                      Lady bugs awake!
                                                      Clap your hooves and
                                                      do a little shake!"
Sang the mares before giggling and hugging tightly.
"Oh! Sunset, this is-"
"Princess Cadence" said Sunset before bowing slightly.
"How are you, Sunset?" Asked Cadence.
"Fine. I forgot how much I missed this place. How about you?"
"I'm doing well, thanks"
"Wait, you two already know each other?" Asked Twilight, confused.
"Yeah, we met when I first came through the portal" explained Sunset.
"Oh. Sorry I couldn't be there, I got an emergency call from Applejack. Some bats were eating the crops, and they needed help. Took hours to get rid of those things"
"Oh, it's fine" said Sunset. Twilight lowered her gaze for a moment.
"So, Cadence, where are my parents?" Asked Twilight.
"Oh, they had to run out to the store. Shining went with them." Replied Cadence.
"Why didn't you go with them?"
"Well, let me show you." Said Cadence before turning and walking quietly up the stairs. They stopped outside of one of the guest rooms.
"Okay, wait here" said Cadence before opening the door and sliding inside.
"Okay, come in" she called after a moment. Twilight was the first to enter, and stopped in her tracks. Sunset tried to peer over the shoulder of the taller mare, and her mouth fell open. Cadence was sitting across the room in a rocking chair, a small foal nestled in her hooves.
"Cadence!" Gasped Twilight. "W-why didn't you tell me?"
"It's a Hearths Warming surprise!" Whispered Cadence back.
"So, she's a unicorn?" Asked Sunset. "That makes se-"
Sunset stopped abruptly as the foal twisted in her sleep, revealing a tiny pair of wings.
"Oh..." finished Sunset.
"H-how is that even possible?" Asked Twilight, shocked.
"Well, when we presented her to the Crystal ponies, they were so happy. We were just next to the Crystal heart, and it started to spin very quickly. It started to glow, and then stopped suddenly. A large orb of light came out of it and into my little princess here. Then, she had wings! After talking with Celestia and Luna, we figured out that the Crystal Heart needed somewhere to store its excess magic. She was the closest, and all of the happiness and love that had been put into it went into her, making her an alicorn."
"Wow. So she's now princess... umm..." tried Twilight, but realized she didn't know the foals name.
"Venus. Venus MI Amore Armor" said Cadence, slowly rocking the foal as she started to wake up. Venus opened her large eyes and giggled. Her eyes were a deep blue and glimmered like a gem.
"Oh, Cadence, she's beautiful! Congratulations." Said Twilight, stepping forward and hugging Cadence. She then craned her neck down and kissed Venus on the nose, making her giggle again.
"Would you like to hold her?" Cadence asked, looking at Twilight.
"A-are you sure?" Asked Twilight hesitantly.
"Yes Twilight. I trust you" giggled Cadence, handing her Venus. Twilight took her carefully in her hooves, holding her tightly.
"Loosen up a bit. See? You don't want to hurt her. And you have to cradle her head. Oh! Don't hold her that loosely! She might wriggle and fall. And- perfect" said Cadence. "Ooh, and she loves this" she added, stretching one wing and gently tickling Venus's belly with the feathers. Venus shrieked and laughed, wiggling before taking her mother’s wing in her tiny hooves and stuffing it in her mouth. Cadence gasped and quickly pulled it out before laughing along with Twilight and Sunset.
"What about you, Sunset? Would you like to hold her?" Asked Cadence, brushing away a stray tear.
"Oh, no. I really don't think that's a great idea. I'm not good with kids." Sunset said quickly.
"Kids?" Asked Twilight and Cadence at the same time. "What does being good with baby goat have to do with this?" Asked Cadence.
"Foals, I meant foals"
"Oh. Well, I haven't been able to find a pony Venus doesn't like. See, she wants you to hold her!" Said Cadence, gesturing to Venus, who was holding out her hooves, straining to get to Sunset.
"O-okay, I guess" she said, reaching and grabbing Venus, who giggled again and started pulling on Sunsets ears.
"I told you she'd like you" said Cadence as Venus yawned. She then latched onto Sunset's chest.
"Aah! What's she doing?" She half-shouted.
"Oh dear, looks like she's hungry" giggled Cadence, gingerly grabbing Venus and carrying her over to what sunset vaguely recognized as a nursing mat.
'Right, ponies' she thought.
"We should go" said Twilight, turning and gently nudging Sunset towards the door.
"Thanks, we'll be right down" said Cadence as Twilight closed the door. The pair walked down the stairs.
"Wow" said Sunset. "Another Princess. That's...amazing. I actually had a question for you, Twilight"
"Yes?"
"Well, what would've happened if some pony else had been closer to the crystal heart when it let go of its magic. Like, what if your brother had been closer? Would he have become an alicorn too?"
"Well, that's a good question. I don't think Shining would've become an alicorn. Venus, already having the genetics of an alicorn, didn't need as much of a boost to transcend" explained Twilight. She continued after seeing Sunsets confused expression. "So, think of it like this. Take Shining and Venus. If we were to make them into a bar graph showing how much magic they needed to become an alicorn, Shining would need alot more magic than Venus to transcend. It's hard to explain, but I hope that helped."
"Yeah, a little. It's just really confusing"
"Yeah, tell me about it. Are you hungry? We have plenty of food"
"Oh, sure. Can I just have some apples?"
"Sure. Are you sure you don’t want anything else? I have to make a sandwich for Cadence anyways."
"No, I'm fine. Thanks though."
"Yeah."
The two sat in silence for a few minutes before the door slammed open.
"Hurry up, Mom! We have to get home before Twilight gets- here." Said Shining Armor, galloping through the door, stopping suddenly when he saw Twilight.
"Oh, hi honey!" Said Twilights mom, walking through the door a second later. "Sorry we're late. You didn't wait long, did you?"
"No, we just got here a little while ago" responded Twilight.
"Have you seen Cadence?" Asked Shining, glancing towards the stairs. Twilight squinted at her brother.
"Yes, we did" she said slowly. "She's upstairs now."
"So, you know?" He asked. Twilight nodded.
"Know what?" Asked Twilights mom curiously.
"No-" started Shining, but got cut off by their father. He was magically levitating many heavy bags.
"Thanks for the help, Shining" he panted, setting all but one bag down on their kitchen counter. The other one he carried into the living room. From there, he pulled out a couple of large bundles of logs, untying one and set to work arranging them in the fire place. Twilight and her mom started organizing and putting away all of their groceries. Twilights mom was walking back across the living room from putting things in their pantry when she shreiked.
"Who is on our couch!?" She yelled as Sunset sat up.
"Oh! Mom, this is Sunset Shimmer, the one I told you about" said Twilight.
"Oh, oh dear, I almost had a heart attack" she said, clutching her chest.
"I'm so sorry, ma'am! I just fell asleep. Are you okay?" Asked Sunset, walking over to Twilights mother, helping her to sit down.
"Oh no, dear. You just startled me. And I've placed a ban on the word 'ma'am' in this house. Now please, call me Twilight Velvet" said Velvet.
"Okay. I'm sorry ma- Twilight velvet" said Sunset sheepishly. Twilight’s father trotted up behind her and spoke, causing Sunset to jump.
"And I'm Nightlight. Or, from what I've heard from Shining and Cadence, soon enough you'll be calling me 'dad'" he said with a chuckle.
"Dad!" Yelled Twilight from the kitchen.
"Sorry, sorry" he called back, turning and walking to the fireplace again. Sunset blushed deeply.
"So, what were you two talking about?" Asked Velvet, turning back to Shining and Twilight.
"It's a surprise, mom" said Shining, rolling his eyes.
"What's this? You're keeping secrets from your own mother? I-I guess we just aren't as close as we used to be. I'm so sorry! I just miss my little baby boy!" Cried Velvet, bursting into tears.
"O-okay!" Said Shining, wincing. "I'll go talk to Cadence!" He said, running up the stairs.
"Gets him every time" said Velvet, a sneaky grin on her face. Sunset and Twilight both giggled. "He can't stand to see me-" started Velvet, but stopped suddenly and placed her face in her hooves, shuddering, when they heard hoof steps coming down the stairs.
"Okay!" Said Shining loudly from the foot of the stairs. "Mom! Dad! Get over here!"
Velvet and Nightlight trotted to the stairs. They could see Cadence behind him and that she was carrying something in her magic, but they couldn't see what.
"Okay" said Shining again. "3, 2, 1-" On one, Shining stepped away to reveal what Cadence was carrying. It was, of course, Venus. Velvet opened her mouth only for a strange guttural noise to come out. She stepped cautiously towards Cadence and held out her hooves.
"M-may I?" She asked, voice quivering. In response, Cadence smiled and placed Venus in her hooves. Velvet held still for a moment before hugging Venus tightly to her chest.
"Oh! We are going to have so much fun! And I'm going to spoil you rotten!" She said, twisting her back back and forth.
"Mom! Make sure she can breathe!" Said Shining, coughing lightly when his father clapped him hard on the back.
"Thank you so much, Cadence! We weren't sure if we were going to get any grandkids out of this one" said Nightlight. "Now we need to get Sunset and Twilight to, ‘tie the knot’”
"Hey!" Yelled Twilight from the kitchen.
"Sorry honey!" Called Nightlight back. "I was just joking!"
"So, what's her name?" Asked Velvet, still hugging Venus tightly.
"Venus MI Amore Armor" said Cadence.
"Venus. Little baby Venus" said Velvet, rubbing Venus's belly. Venus screeched and giggled, wings spreading. Velvet and Nightlight gasped loudly.
"Sh-she's an alicorn?" Whispered Velvet.
"Yes" said Cadence quietly. "Princess Venus"
"Oh Celestia! Three princess's in the family!" Said Nightlight loudly.
"And a captain of the royal guard!" Reminded their mother, glaring sideways at Nightlight.
"Well, congratulations you two! Sorry to cut this short, but we have a tight schedule. Let's go eat lunch, then we have to get to the castle early for the Hearths warming eve pageant" she said, leading the group back to the kitchen.
                                                                 ***
    "Hi girls!" Said Twilight, running forward to greet her friends. They were back stage, putting on their costumes and doing last-minute run throughs.
"Why aren't you in costume?" Said Rarity, practically shrieking.
"Rarity, I just got here" said Twilight. "I'll go get dressed now. And besides, all I wear is a cloak."
"Yes, yes, but we have to conceal your wings!"
"Done" said Twilight, stepping out from behind a curtain and angling her cloak so that every pony could see her back was un-winged.
"Wow, Twi! Very convincing'" said Applejack.
"Thanks! I just cast an invisibility spell on them" said Twilight back.
"Five minutes!" Called a stallion from the side.
"Where is my crown!?" Screamed Rarity, running around from box to box, searching inside each one quickly before sprinting to the next.
"Umm, Rarity, is this it?" Asked Flutter shy timidly.
"Yes!" Gasped Rarity, grabbing it and placing it gently on her head. "Thank you so much, dear!"
"Flutter shy!" Yelled Rainbow dash. "Where's your helmet?"
"Oh, um, it's right here" she said, holding it up.
"Well, put it on! Three minutes!"
"Oh, okay! I'm sorry"
"Oh my gosh I'm so excited! Like, I'm nervous too, but still excited! I'm so nervousited!" Said Pinkie, hopping across the stage.
"Err, Pinkie, ya know that's not a real word, right?" asked Applejack.
"Of course I do Applejack!" Said Pinkie, somehow appearing under her hat, causing AJ to fall over.
"Gosh darn it Pinkie! You get back here!" Said Applejack, watching as Pinkie walked up an imaginary staircase.
"Places, places!" Called the same stallion as before. All of the extras ran off stage as the different pieces of the background were rolled into place. The entire auditorium went quiet as they heard Spike take his place in front of the curtain.
                                                                ***
    'Oh no' thought Sunset. She had followed her ticket to her seat, only to look up and see a flowing, multicolored mane. She closed her eyes and winced, hoping that Celestia wouldn't turn around. Sunset picked up her program, trying to make as little noise as possible. A purple pony walked across the stage. Twilight looked out across the crowd and located Sunset. She lifted a hoof and blew a kiss in her direction. Sunset blushed and gave a small smile, only for it to fall suddenly when Celestia began to turn. Sunset panicked and quickly stood, turning to trot down the aisle.
"Sunset?" She heard a voice say behind her. Sunset turned reluctantly. Celestia stood staring at Sunset. Sunset paled and clenched her jaw.
"Sunset" repeated Celestia, this time moving closer.
"Please, not now" whispered Sunset. Celestia stopped before smiling gently and turning back to her seat. Sunset breathed out deeply before walking back to her own seat. A few minutes passed before the lights dimmed and the crowd grew quiet. Sunset had gotten a seat in the second row, so she could easily see when Spike walked to the center of the stage and began to speak.
                                                               ***
    The play had just finished, and Sunset was standing in the bathroom. 'Oh no' she thought. 'No no no no no!' She had lost a contact down the drain of the sink, and couldn't see out of one of her eyes. She heard an impatient knocking on the doors and sighed. She trotted to the door and opened it, sliding out around another mare, who practically ran through the doors. Sunset stood in the large room full of ponies, pressing up against the walls. She saw Twilight across the room and slowly made her way over to her.
"Sunset!" Said Twilight loudly, wings flaring out. She leaped forward and wrapped her hooves around Sunsets neck, planting a large kiss on her cheek. Many ponies around the room ran towards them, finally being able to locate Twilight after seeing her wings.
"Let's go" said Twilights quietly, trotting quickly to a couple of large glass doors and stepping outside. "In here" she said quickly, jumping into a large bush. Just as their bush stopped rattling, a mob of ponies came spilling out of the door, most of them holding cameras and voice recorders. A symphony of "where'd she go?", "she probably flew away", "who was that pony she was was with?" And "this would've made such a great story!" Droned on around them.
    Twilight and Sunset huddled in the bush, their breath pluming out around them. They stayed that way for a few minutes before the mob dissipated and left. Sunset gestured for Twilight to stay before carefully getting out of the bush and wandering around, searching for any ponies who might've hidden. She wandered back over to the bush and peered inside. Her mouth dropped open when she saw that Twilight wasn't inside. She leaned forward to look deeper into the bush and saw a slip of paper. She picked it up and opened it, reading:
                                         'Sunsets are orange,
                                         Nights are blue,
                                         I'm really bad at this,
                                         and I love you!'
Sunset had just finished reading and looked up to see Twilight. The two held eye contact for a painfully long and awkward moment before Sunset finally spoke.
"You really are bad at that" she said, causing Twilight to giggle.
"I wanted to show you this" said Twilight, turning and walking away. Sunset followed behind her and gasped. The two had turned a corner and walked into a garden. In the middle was a small pond with doves floating around lazily. The pond was surrounded by tall hedges. Bright, twinkling lights were strung around them. Twilight led Sunset onto a small white gazebo and the two sat.
"It's c-cold" stuttered Sunset, shivering lightly. Twilight lit her horn and a pink bubble appeared around them before dissipating.
"Heat bubble" commented Sunset, gazing up.
"Feeling better?" Asked Twilight with concern.
"Much" replied Sunset, leaning into Twilight, who stretched her wing out and around Sunsets shoulders. The pair sat quietly for a few minutes.
"What're you thinking about?" Asked Twilight quietly.
"How much I missed you back at Canterlot high" replied Sunset, equally as quiet. Twilight gave sunset a quick kiss on her ear. "I-I don't want to leave in six days" she added.
"You don't have to" whispered Twilight. "You could stay here, with me. And I could open the portal if you ever want to go and visit your friends. We could live together in the castle"
Sunset didn't say anything, but Twilight could tell she was suppressing a smile.
"I-I don't know what to say" she said after a moment.
"I don't want to force you to leave Canterlot high, so I want you to really think about this. If you don't want to stay here, you don't have to" answered Twilight.
"Thank you, Twilight. I'll let you know soon. I love you" said Sunset dreamily, nuzzling into Twilights chest.
"Are you tired?" Asked Twilight.
"A little. Sorry, I'm just so warm and comfortable and happy" she whispered back.
"Well, let's get you home" said Twilight, standing and picking up Sunset in her hooves. Sunset jumped and blushed.
"What are you-" she gasped, but was cut off by a sudden gust of wind as Twilight took flight, the cold making Sunset nuzzle into Twilights embrace. All the reporters out looking for Princess Twilight that night would've seen was a silhouette against the moon.
                                                           ***
    "Where'd you all go?" Asked Shining Armor, walking down stairs the next morning.
"We left early" responded Twilight, spreading butter on her pancakes.
"Why?" He pressed.
"We were being annoyed by reporters, so we left early" snapped Twilight back, successfully shutting up Shining.
"Happy Hearths Warming!" Said their parents as they walked down the stairs.
"Happy Hearths Warming. I made pancakes" said Twilight. The next two to emerge were Cadence and Venus. They walked down the stairs, Venus wearing a large hat that had a model of the fire of friendship flickering inside. They repeated the cycle of "Hearths Warming" and "pancakes" before Sunset stumbled down the stairs.
"Are you feeling okay, dear?" Asked Velvet, looking up in equal concern to Twilight.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Who made pancakes?" She asked, sneezing.
"Did you get sick last night?" Asked Twilight. "I'm sorry, we shouldn't have stayed in that bush for so long"
The rest of the family shared a few confused glances.
"We were trying to avoid reporters" explained Sunset. "And no, I'm not sick. I think it's just my allergies acting up" she added after remembering Twilights question. She took a seat near Twilight, but as soon as she sat down, Venus broke out of her mother’s grip and ran across the table to Sunset. Venus reached up and started playing with Sunset's vibrant hair, giggling.
"So she must like you’re...hair" said Shining, pulling out the last word. Sunset noticed that they were all staring at her... no, not her, her hair.
"WH-what is it!?" Gasped Sunset, trying to see what happened.
"Calm down" said Twilight, creating a mirror with her magic and giving it to Sunset. She angled the mirror so that she could see her hair. She gasped and almost dropped the mirror. The roots of her hair were glowing. The subtle light was slowly spreading out across more of her hair. She looked around in a panic, and her gaze fell upon the filly in her lap. Venus was holding her hair, sparks flying from her horn. Sunset carefully picked up Venus and pried her hair away. Instantly, the glowing stopped.
"What did she just do?" Asked Sunset, looking around the table.
"I'm not sure, but it looked like something Luna showed me once. I-I think she was doing a
Magic transfer" said Twilight in disbelief.
"What?" Gasped Cadence. "No, she's just a month old!"
"Well, at this age she doesn't have any control over her magic. But that still doesn't explain how she could've done that much magic" explained Twilight. The room went quiet.
"Or maybe she just wanted something shiny to play with" said Nightlight around a mouthful of pancakes.
"Yeah, probably"
                                                               ***
    "Okay, Sunset. This one is for you" said Twilight, holding out a box.
"Twilight, I told you not to get me anything!" Scolded Sunset, but still grabbing the large box in her magic. She squinted at Twilight as she opened it. The large box was entirely empty, aside from a smaller black box. She picked up the small box and opened it. Inside was an elegant arrangement of curved metal attached to a ring with a small ruby in the middle. It was all attached to a long, silver chain.
"Oh, it's beautiful Twilight! Thank you so much" said Sunset, hugging Twilight. "Here, I got you this" she added, levitating over a large basket. Twilight started pulling things out, one by one. She hugged the fluffy towels and sniffed at the candles. She practically jumped with joy when she unwrapped the magazines and flicked through all of the titles. The last thing was the book. She picked it up and unwrapped it, simply staring dumbfounded at it. Then, very slowly, a huge grin spread across her face.
"Thank you, thank you, and thank you!" She said loudly, launching herself at Sunset.
"Well, you really know our Twilight" said Nightlight, looking in confusion at the title of the book.
"Trust me dad, its perfect" assured Twilight.
"Oh, I also brought this" said Sunset, reaching behind her and pulling out a box. She floated it over to Velvet and Nightlight, who opened it together. They pulled out a large stained glass bowl. It was a light blue with a silver flower pattern all around it.
"It was just a little thank you gift for letting me stay here"
"Oh Sunset, you didn't have to get us anything! You're always welcome in the Sparke household. Thank you so much" said Velvet, reaching forward to give Sunset a light hug. The family finished exchanging presents before getting ready to leave for the castle once again. They arrived at the public dinner, but didn't eat much. A few hours later, the Sparkle family was escorted into the private dining chambers. They ate a real dinner with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. All went well until the end of the dinner. The family was getting ready to leave when Celestia whispered something to Twilight, who nodded.
"Hey mom, Sunset and I have to stay a bit later, but we'll be home soon" explained Twilight.
"Okay dear. We'll see you then. Love you!" Replied Velvet before slipping out the door. Sunset came back from the bathroom only to see Princess Celestia waiting for her.
"Sunset" she said gently.
"Princess" replied Sunset shakily, staring at her hooves.
"I've missed you" said Celestia. "And I'm sorry"
Sunset looked up, confused.
"I made you believe that you had to become extremely powerful to make me proud. I can see why you wanted to gain that power quickly. You wanted me to see you as more than just my student. You wanted me to see you as my daugh-"
"Stop!" Said Sunset loudly. "J-just stop" she said, tears beginning to fall. Twilight put a wing around her and pulled her in tightly. Sunset took a deep breath before speaking again. "I looked up to you. I saw you as my mother. Do you remember that fight we got in? Just before I left?" She said accusingly. Celestia looked down in shame.
"I'm sorry" she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I shouldn't have said those things"
"Well, however you feel about it, it felt worse for me. Imagine your teacher, your mentor, your mother, telling you that you'd never amount to anything. That you bring her shame. That's why I left" said Sunset, crying. Twilight looked at Celestia in disbelief.
"Did you really say those things?" She whispered.
"Yes. And I don't have any explanation. I lost control. You don't ever have to forgive me, but at least know I'm sorry, and that I've never stopped thinking about it"
"Let's go" said Sunset, pushing Twilight towards the door. Twilight opened her mouth to say something, but stopped when she looked into Sunset's eyes. She gulped and nodded, turning to Celestia.
"Thank you for dinner" she said formally before opening the door and slipping out behind Sunset. Celestia sat, not moving. Her hooves were cold. She heard and sensed Luna walking out from behind a pillar.
"That could've gone better" she said quietly. When Celestia didn't say anything, she continued talking.
"Tia, she just needs more time" she said, trying to comfort Celestia.
"It's been four years, Luna. I can't stand her being angry with me."
"Well, I could do some investigations. If you want, I can look into her dreams"
"Would you?"
"Of course, Tia. Now, you must go sleep"
                                                             ***
    "Sunset, what happened between you two?" Asked Twilight, concern in her voice.
"I was just like you were. I was Celestias student, and showing a lot of promise. Then the fight came....
                                                                     ***
    Celestia was pacing around Sunsets room. Sunset sat on the edge of her bed, eyebrows furrowed.
"Sunset, for the last time! I'm not going to let you take the test! It's too dangerous and many ponies have been seriously injured. Even if you pass, you'll still be in danger!"
"But Celestia, I want to serve you! Why won't you let me join the royal guard?"
"Because it's dangerous!"
"But I'm strong! And I want to make you proud"
"Like this!?" Roared Celestia. "By getting yourself KILLED!? Well, you can't make me proud! And you aren't powerful! You never were and you never will be! You'll never amount to anything more than a joke! I don't want you" she finished. Sunset sat, petrified, ears completely down, eyes wide with tears falling out. Her face crumpled and she started sobbing. Celestia realized what she had said, and started to move forward to apologize. When she touched Sunset, Sunset jumped and flinched away.
"Don't touch me!" She screamed. She jumped off of the bed and ran out the door. Celestia followed, and started to panic as she started to recognize the route. Sunset crashed into the mirror chamber and tore past the guards. The last thing Celestia saw before she jumped through the portal was a mixture of betrayal and a deep sadness in Sunsets eyes. Then she was gone.
                                                                     ***
"Oh, Sunset, I'm so sorry!" Said Twilight, holding her close.
"It's fine. I'm tired." She said in a strained voice.
"Okay" whispered Twilight, leading her to the bed. The two climbed in, and Sunset finally let go. She cried herself out into Twilights chest before the two fell asleep. The next morning, they boarded a train back to pony Ville. When they got there, Sunset went to go shower. When she got out, Twilight was talking to a light blue mare.
"Trixie, please. I'm not interested! I'm in a relationship" said Twilight in an annoyed voice.
"Who is this pony? The Great and Powerful Trixie demands you tell her!" Said the blue mare, Trixie.
"Excuse me?" Asked Sunset quietly. Trixie glared at her.
"So, this is the mare? Come on, Twilight. I'm so much better than her! Look at what I've done! Compared to me, she'll never amount to anything more than a jo-" sneered Trixie but got cut off when she was surrounded by a magic bubble. Sunset picked her up and carried her to the door. She set her down outside the door, turned, and bucked the bubble as hard as she could. Sunset turned quickly and saw the beautiful sight of Trixie flying away. Sunset walked inside.
"Well," began Twilight. "She did always want to be a star"

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                     5: The nightmare                      
//-------------------------------------------------------//
5: The nightmare
    Sunset sat, chewing lazily. She, Twilight, and Spike were all eating a dinner of pumpkin soup. The tension in the room was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. Trixie had returned eight times that day. It got to the point where Twilight just cast a magic bubble around the castle making it impossible for Trixie to enter. By dinner time, all three of them were tired and stressed.
"Thank you, Spike. This was delicious" said Sunset, standing up. "I'm going to go take a bath. Can I take any ones plate?"
"No, thanks" said Twilight, smiling up at her stiffly. Spike just grunted and continued to pick at his soup.
"Okay" said Sunset before placing her own plate in the sink and trotting out of the room.
                                                                             ***
    Sunset jolted awake and glanced over to her clock. She had only been asleep for a few minutes before being awoken by knocking at her door.
"Hold on a second!" She called out groggily, flicking on her lights. She walked to her door and opened it.
"Twilight? It's 10:30. What do you want?" Grumbled Sunset, still half asleep.
"Sorry" whispered Twilight. "I just wanted to come in and talk to you. May I?"
"Sure" said Sunset, stepping away from the door to let Twilight in. Twilight walked in and turned, watching Sunset as she closed the door.
"So, what's wrong?" Asked Sunset. She had the brief moment of fear that Twilight was going to break up with her. Tell her to leave and never come back, but she quickly dismissed it. Why would Twilight do that only a couple of days after she had offered Sunset to stay in Equestria?
"I-I'm sorry, Sunset" gasped Twilight. "It's not you, it's me. And I think we should see other ponies"
Sunset stepped back and breathed quickly. So, she was right.
"W-what?" Half sobbed Sunset. "What do you mean? D-did I do something?" She asked quietly.
"Sunset, I already told you. It's me. Actually, no. It was definitely more of you." Said Twilight, an undertone of coldness creeping into her voice. Sunset just stood there, staring. "In fact," continued Twilight, smirking.
"I don't think you should even stay here any longer. Here, I already packed your bags" she said, levitating Sunset's bags in front of her, taunting her as someone might a dog.
"D-do you really mean it?" Stuttered Sunset, looking down at her hooves. She jumped and whirled when she heard another voice, this time coming from behind her.
"Of course." Boomed Celestia. "You'll never be more than a joke."
"N-no!" Squeaked Sunset. And suddenly she was a filly again, Celestia towering over her. Sunset whimpered as a feeling of powerlessness washed over her. She shivered lightly and her knees gave out. She fell to the floor and covered her face with her hooves as the sounds of aggressive laughter filled the air. Her shoulders shook as she sobbed. This wasn't right. This couldn't be happening, it had to be a dream. That's it, it must be a dream! But, how can you escape a dream? Twilight and Celestia started circling Sunset, pulling their lips back to reveal rows of sharp teeth and started snarling. The two pounced simultaneously.
"Stop!" Boomed another loud voice from above, one loud enough to block out the snarls and growls. Sunset wanted to look up, but couldn't. Her head seemed to be twenty times heavier. She rolled her eyes slightly so she could see four blue hooves land on Celestia, turning her to dust. She heard a shriek from her left and the sound of Twilight turning to dust. The other pony panted slightly before walking towards Sunset.
"Come now, Sunset" said Luna, holding out a hoof. Sunset took it and stood, glad to find that she could think clearly again. At Lunas touch it was as if a cold breeze swept through her, clearing her head.
"A-are you real?" Asked Sunset, wiping her eyes quickly.
"Yes. I control the domain of night and all in it. Including dreams" panted Luna. Sunset noticed that she was sweating and was tired looking.
"Prin- Luna, are you okay?" Asked Sunset, calling her by her name after Luna gave her a quick, stern glance.
"Yes, I am fine. Your nightmares are very strong, much stronger than those of a normal pony. It took much more power than I had expected to defeat those things" said Luna, watching her suspiciously.
"So, this is a nightmare?" Asked Sunset, looking around.
"Yes. I was spy- err, doing my normal rounds, when I felt a strong presence. I went to investigate and found this. Are you okay, miss. Shimmer?" Asked Luna, examining a small bruise on Sunsets neck.
"Oh, yeah. I'm fine, thanks" said Sunset, twitching lightly as Lunas armored hoof made contact with her skin.
"Okay. Well, let's get out of he-" started Luna, but got cut off by a loud screech behind her. The two ponies whirled and gasped. The dust that had made up Celestia and Twilight had morphed together and began to reform. Sunset gasped and felt as though she might be sick. The creature was a deformed version of Twilight and Celestia, but...not. Its eyes were black and had crude, yellow fangs sticking out from its muzzle. Perhaps the worst part was that its skin kept sliding off of its body, landing with a sickening *splat* at the floor. The stench was unbearable. Rotting meat along with another sharp odor that Sunset couldn't place. She turned and threw up. She heard Luna gasp behind her.
"This isn't possible!" She shouted over the beasts cries. "I destroyed you! This isn't possible!" She repeated. Her eyes were narrowed, but looked nervous. "Sunset! End this dream!"
"W-what!? How!?" Cried Sunset back, still clutching at her stomach.
"Wake up-" said Luna, but was cut off when the beast flung her across the room. She landed with a hard thud and Sunset flinched when she heard a crunch.
"L-Luna?" Squeaked Sunset. She looked up in fear as the creature reared its ugly head in her direction. She backed up against the wall, but the creature kept advancing. Just as it got close enough for her to smell its hot breath, she felt the floor disappearing under her hooves. The creature lifted her up, hooves forcefully pressed against Sunsets throat so she couldn't breathe. Sunset struggled, but its grip would tighten whenever she moved. She started to see walls of black pressing in around her vision when the creature shrieked again and dropped her. Sunset crumpled to the floor, gasping for breath. She looked up and saw that a giant hole had been blown through the creature’s midsection. Through the hole, she saw Luna. The creature once again dissolved into dust. Luna had been standing with her legs far apart, head down and horn angled at the beast. She had her wings completely flared out to their full size, which was bigger than Celestias. Her mane had been flowing straight up and her eyes were white. Dark blue flames were licking around her legs. Sunset would've run away had she seen Luna angry at her like that. Very quickly, Luna changed back to her original form. She took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry you had to see me like that" she said in a monotone.
"N-no, thank you so much" said Sunset, resisting the urge to bow.
"Were you aware that, had you died in this dream, you would have died out of this dream as well?" Asked Luna.
"What? No, I wasn't. But, really?" Stuttered out Sunset, confused.
"Yes. When more than one pony is in the same dream, it makes the dream more like reality, because there are too many real ponies. This is the downfall to my dream walking ability" explained Luna. "But most nightmares I assist in are not so... deadly. I usually get things like the headless horse or ghosts. But this, this is something new. I've never seen such a powerful dream. Even from before my banishment." Said Luna. "I am going to end this dream. Tomorrow, I would like you to come to Canterlot and request an audience with me. We will discuss this more tomorrow. Good night, Sunset Shimmer" and with that, Luna ended the dream and Sunset sat bolt upright in bed. There was a frantic knocking at the door.
"Sunset!?" Came Twilights muffled voice. "Sunset let me in! Are you okay? Unlock the door!"
Sunset was even more tired than she had been before she fell asleep, so she used her magic to turn the lock. Twilight burst through the door, looking around frantically as she turned on the lights. She let out a sigh when she didn't see some terrible monster, but still quickly trotted over to the bed. "Sunset, what's wrong!?" She asked loudly, checking over Sunset for wounds. "What're these!?" She cried hysterically when she saw the bright bruises around her neck.
"It was a nightmare. Luna helped me, but, something was choking me" she said, deliberately leaving out the fact that the thing that tried to kill her was half Twilight. "Luna wants me to go to Canterlot tomorrow"
"How did your nightmare cause these?" Asked Twilight, gently nuzzling Sunsets wounds.
"Luna said that the power of my nightmare was really strong. That and the fact that she was there. It made my dream closer to reality" explained Sunset. She looked at Twilight, but quickly closed her eyes. When she looked at Twilight, all she could see was the creature, yellow fangs and rotting skin. Sunset got a huge wave of nausea and knew she was going to be sick. She took deep breaths through her nose, but the awful rotting scent returned. Sunset jumped and ran into her bathroom just in time. Twilight sat next to her, gently rubbing her back. Sunset finally finished, leaving her with a gnawing hunger in her stomach. She rinsed out her mouth with water before allowing Twilight to lead her back to bed. Sunset sat down as Twilight called Spike.
"Can you do me a favor and run down the street to that convenience store?" She asked.
"Sure. What do you need?" He asked.
"I need you to go and get some lemon lime soda and ice cream. Lots of soda and ice cream" said Twilight, giving Spike a small bundle of bits. Spike accepted them and walked out in the direction of the front door. Twilight turned back and trotted into the room. She climbed into the bed next to Sunset.
"Sunset, what's wrong? I can tell that you didn't puke because you're sick." She said, wrapping her hooves around Sunset.
"It was the nightmare, but I don't want to talk about it" Sunset whispered back.
"Okay. Do you want to put in a movie?" Asked Twilight, massaging small circles into Sunsets shoulder.
"Sure. Nothing scary"
                                                                           ***
    The next morning, Twilight and Sunset left for Canterlot. They took an express train, so arrived in just over an hour. Twilight kept trying to make simple small chat, but Sunset just stared out the window. Soon enough, the train pulled into Canterlot and the pair walked off. Twilight and Sunset trotted away quickly and made their way to the castle. Twilight walked straight through the guards, but Sunset was a little behind her, so the guards clashed their spears back together, blocking her path. One of the spears scratched her face and gave her a cut below her eye.
"Hey!" Said Twilight loudly, forcing her way past the guards and crouching in front of Sunset. "Oh jeez it's really bleeding" she added as a small puddle started to form on the floor.
"Here, I have some tissues in my bag" said Sunset, floating them out. Twilight took them and pressed a few to Sunsets cheek. Twilight turned slightly and glared at the guards.
"What were you thinking? You should know you can't harm a pony unless it's in self-defense or in defense of the Princess'" scolded Twilight. The guards shifted lightly under Twilights piercing glare.
"I-I'm sorry, your highness. It's a- um, force of habit" said the guard hastily. Twilight snorted and turned back to Sunset. She quickly conjured up some medical supplies and made a small patch on the cut. The two mares turned back and walked through the large arch. They wandered up the spiral staircase and came to a large blue door emblazoned with a silver moon. Twilight knocked three times before the door was opened quickly. Two guards had opened them, and bowed when they saw Twilight. Twilight lowered her head slightly and walked through the doors, Sunset following close behind. Luna sat tall in a large black throne. Sunset looked around in wonder. She had never been in this part of the castle. It was a throne room to rival Celestias. The walls were made of a dark blue glass, allowing little light to filter in. When Sunset looked up, she gasped. The roof was completely black with glowing rocks embedded in it, replicating stars. A large one of these rocks had been carved into the shape of a crescent moon and placed in the ceiling. The combination of the rocks illuminated the room warmly and evenly. It was slightly cold in the room, but a comfortable cold. The two mares walked down the long blue carpet to the throne. Luna was wearing a black, glittering neck plate with a white moon in the center. Her crown was tall and majestic. Her crown, in contrast to the rest of the room, was a pure white. Sunset and Twilight both bowed and Luna did the same. She turned and nodded briefly to the guards, who lowered their heads and walked out the doors, closing them behind. Luna sighed deeply and quickly took flight. She continued to sigh in pleasure as she flapped around the large room. She started giggling a little bit before landing in front of the pair.
"Sorry," she said sheepishly. "I usually have to wait all day before being allowed to escape into the night and stretch my wings. Especially after having to sit, 'like a real mare and Princess; straight, proper, and powerfully' for hours"
"Luna, when do you sleep?" Asked Sunset, head tilted slightly to the side.
"Oh, I don't. Well, I don't need too, but I do enjoy the occasional nap. For some reason, I never feel the need to sleep" she explained. "And I love taking flights around Equestria at night. In fact, I'm taking one tonight. Care to join me?" She asked, glancing from one mare to the next.
"You fly around all of Equestria?" Asked Sunset, eyes wide.
"What," said Luna with a slight smirk? "You thought Rainbow Dash was really the fastest pony in all of Equestria?"
"But Luna, no pony can fly all around Equestria in one night!" Exclaimed Twilight.
"Twilight, did you not experience super speed when you were given our magic during the battle with Lord Tirek?" Asked Luna, taking back to the air and doing tight loops.
"Well, yes" said Twilight, still not completely sure.
"Who do you think you got that from?" Said Luna from above. It was hard for Sunset to keep watch of her. Luna would flap lazily, then suddenly be on the other side of the room. Sunset thought at first that she was teleporting, but if she watched very closely, she could see that Lunas horn never glowed.
'Hmm,' thought Sunset. 'So she does have super speed'.
"B-but how?" Asked Twilight, still confused.
"The moon has many secrets, Twilight Sparkle. Secrets that must remain so" said Luna airily. Twilight rolled her eyes and smiled at Sunset. Sunset smiled back as Luna landed lightly in front of her. "Sunset Shimmer" she said with authority. Sunset jumped lightly when Luna landed and looked up.
"Y-yes?" She asked quietly.
"Come with me. And you can stay here, Twilight Sparkle" said Luna, holding up a hoof to stop Twilight from following. Twilight looked at Sunset, who gave her a brief nod and smile. Twilight smiled back gently before turning and wandering about the room. Sunset followed Luna out of the large chambers and down a hallway to a smaller door, also emblazoned with a large crescent moon. Luna opened it and walked in, trailed by Sunset. "Please, sit" said Luna, gesturing around the room. Sunset looked around in awe. The room was cavernous, the ceiling at least 60-ft high. The walls of the huge dome were black, silver vines and flowers twisting elegantly all across them. There was also a large circular bed in the corner. Sunset sat on the bed as Luna sat on a pillow on the ground, facing Sunset. "Sunset, I worry for you." Said Luna, in a blunt voice. "You should not have such strong nightmares. Are you familiar with old magic?" She asked.
"A little. I studied them when I was younger, but Celestia didn't want me reading about them, so she banned them" explained Sunset, still looking around. The silver vines on the walls intertwined at the top to form a grate, letting natural light filter in.
"Have you ever heard of something called the Tantibus?" Said Luna, levitating down a dark blue book from a tall bookshelf. Sunset shook her head slowly and examined the book that was now floating in front of her. It was very old, faded letters scrambled all across the front. Luna opened the book and began to read. "'The Tantibus is a smoke like parasite that inhabits ponies’ dreams. It creates very powerful nightmares and feeds off of the fear generated. It can hold extreme power over a pony if they do not know about it. The Tantibus has been known to only infect one pony in history, Obscura Luna Umbra'. You see Sunset, when I was born names were very direct and specific. Obscura Luna Umbra is my full name. It is Latin, the dead language, and translates into Dark Moon Shadow. Very direct, and not very creative. Being the princess of the night, I was more vulnerable to the Tantibus. This book is incorrect. There was one more pony it has infected, but it was before my sister or I were born. Our father, named a simple 'Stellarum', was the ruler of the night before I. He was also infected. He was also an alicorn. The Tantibus is a night dweller and attacks those who hold power over it. But you... you are the loose end. Why did it attack you? You hold no power over the night. Unless... unless..." rambled Luna, brows furrowed. She gasped and instantly took flight, soaring up to the ceiling. The silver vines sprung to life and unwinded. Luna shot through the opening like a cannon ball and soared to the other side of the castle and landing on a golden balcony, galloping inside. Meanwhile, Sunset sat stalk still on the bed, eyes wide. Her hair was completely blown back. When Luna had taken off, a loud bang and wall of shadows and stars had swept past Sunset. She slowly stood and patted down her hair before walking out the door and back to the throne room. Twilight half tackled her and started fixing her hair while Sunset told her all that had happened.
"Do you know why she just left?" Asked Twilight.
"No, but I think we can leave. Let's go home" replied Sunset, nuzzling Twilight. The two mares stood and walked out of the throne room.
                                                                          ***
    Twilight, Sunset, Spike, and Pinkie sat at Sugar Cube Corner, each enjoying a cupcake. Spike opened his mouth and let out a large belch.
"Spike, you know that's rude" said Twilight, chewing lazily while staring out a window. She was jolted out of her stupor when she heard a magical tinkling behind her. She grabbed the floating letter in her magic. Twilight opened it and read the first line, standing abruptly.
"It says we need to get home now" she said seriously. Sunset and Spike both stood and started trotting towards the large looming castle.
"Hey, do you guys need help?" Asked Pinkie, using her tail as a stool.
"No Pinkie, we're fine. Thanks though!" Said Twilight, giving Pinkie a quick hug.
"Okie dokie loki!" Said Pinkie perkily, eating two cupcakes in one bite. Twilight stretched and groaned, wings puffing out. She trotted out the door and saw Spike and Sunset far down the road. Twilight started walking down the road, but stopped suddenly with wide eyes when she saw the orange speck that was Sunset sway and fall over. Twilight watched but Sunset didn't rise. She stretched her wings and soared over to them.
"What happened?" She shouted, poking Sunset with her hooves and nose desperately.
"I don't know! We were just walking when she fell!" Exclaimed Spike, eyes wide and afraid. Twilight rolled Sunset over and gasped. Protruding from her back was a sleek black dart.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                       6: Ascension                        
//-------------------------------------------------------//
6: Ascension
   There comes a time for everybody when they feel they won't survive what's going on around them. For Twilight Sparkle, it was now. She paced nervously around the clean infirmary. She kept glancing around and nervously ruffling her wings. A few ponies would walk up to her, but she would quickly ask them to leave her. Leave her... no, her Sunset wouldn't ever leave her. She couldn't. And that dart. It looked so familiar, but she just couldn't place it. She was sure that she had read about it in an old book, oh what was it!?
  "Princess Twilight?" Came a timid voice behind her, jolting her out of her thoughts. Twilight span quickly to see a mint green unicorn in a nurses outfit standing behind her. "You can go in now" she said, pointing to the door. Twilight lowered her head in acknowledgement and walked quickly through the doors. Spike boosted himself off of his chair and followed her. Twilight stopped and lowered one wing, allowing Spike to ride on her back. The familiar warmth calmed her. Twilight knocked lightly at the door designated and waited until it was opened by a doctor. The doctor bowed deeply upon seeing her and Twilight lowered her head. Ugh, she was getting a cramp in neck from bowing it so much.
"Is she okay?" Asked Twilight anxiously.
"Yes, she will be fine. Luckily, not very much poison seeped into her bloodstream. Thank Celestia you pulled the dart out. What we found out was that the poison came from the insect kingdom to the east" he explained. Twilight took a deep breath to compose herself. The insect kingdom. Of course.
'The insect kingdom; the ponies who live there will often transform their magic that would otherwise give them cutie marks into the magic allowing them to become a changeling. They trade mainly in different flower nectars and poison. This poison is found in the pinchers of the honey beetle, unique to the insect kingdom. This poison is fast acting and deadly, draining pony of their love and storing it in the body of the dart for future retrieval'. It all came flooding back to Twilight.
"Changelings" she growled under her breath.
"Excuse me?" Asked the doctor.
"Nothing. Can I see her?" asked Twilight, changing the subject.
"Yes, go ahead. Just do try and be gentle, she's still weak"
"Thank you". Twilight walked into the room. Sunset was lying down in the bed. She looked pale and weak. Seeing her like that was terrible. Twilight’s heart felt ready to burst. She should've been sitting up, smiling and laughing at her. Not pale and still, a grimace fixed in place. Twilight walked over to the bed and held Sunsets hoof. She leaned forward and gently kissed Sunsets forehead. Sunsets color started to return and her eyes half opened. She smiled when she saw Twilight and tried to sit up, but winced and fell back down onto the pillow.
"Ow, my head hurts" she said quietly. Twilight giggled and nuzzled her. She took note that whenever they touched, a little bit of Sunsets color would return. She gently wrapped her hooves around Sunset and hugged her tightly. Sunset gasped and her eyes flew open. "Oh sweet Celestia do I feel better!"
"It's because I love you" said Twilight quietly.
"Not as much as I love you" said Sunset, and she cut off Twilight as she began to object. "What happened?" She asked.
"Shh, don't worry about that" soothed Twilight, stroking Sunsets mane.
"Twilight, stop treating me like a foal. What happened?"
Twilight sighed. "A changeling dart. They extract love from a pony and store it in the body of the dart. But why did they target you?" Mused Twilight, stroking her chin.
"Maybe they sensed that I love you so much" gasped Sunset, flinging her hooves around Twilight. Twilight was shocked when she felt tears starting to fall on her shoulder.
"Sunset, what's wrong?" She asked, trying to sound like Fluttershy.
"I-I have to leave tomorrow" sobbed Sunset. Twilight blinked, having only just remembered that their time was limited. She bit her lip. What should she do!? She didn't want to pressure Sunset into staying, but she also didn't want to make her feel like she wasn't wanted there. What kind of a terrible mare friend couldn't help her mare friend when it was needed? Wasn't there some kind of alicorn wisdom that would guide her? Wait, wisdom... yes! There was a spell for that! The wisdom of the sages. Twilight quickly cast the spell before speaking again.
"I love you. Do what your heart tells you" she said proudly. Sunset started giggling through her tears.
"Really Twilight? You needed a spell to help you with that?" She asked, still giggling.
"H-how did you know I cast a spell?" Gasped Twilight, eyes wide.
"Duh. I sensed it. Well, now that I think about it, I couldn't do that before..." mumbled Sunset before being grabbed forcefully by Twilight at the shoulders.
"You sensed my magic?" She asked urgently.
"Y-yes!" Said Sunset quickly.
"Sunset, only alicorns can do that!" Explained Twilight.
"But I'm not an alicorn!"
"Yes, you are" came a deep voice from the door. Both whipped around and saw Princess Luna standing in the doorway.
"W-what?" Said Sunset, breaking the deafening silence.
"You are an alicorn" said Luna again.
"But I don't have wings" said Sunset quickly.
"Physical ascension into an alicorn can only be done by another alicorn. But mentally, you are an alicorn" explained Luna.
"Wow, lots of 'alicorns' in that sentence" said Sunset with a small laugh. "Why?" She asked, as though asking the most normal question she could.
"I do not know, but it does not bode well. It makes me worry that a new threat is on the horizon"
"The changelings" whispered Twilight to herself.
"What?" Gasped Luna, brows furrowed.
"Sunset was shot by a changeling dart to extract her love. What if they were doing this to gain strength!?" Said Twilight, getting concerned and frantic. Luna took a deep breath to compose herself.
"If that is so, we really do need another alicorn. Are you feeling okay?"
"Fine" said Sunset.
"Good, then both of you, follow me" she said before turning and walking quickly out of the room. Sunset looked at Twilight, who nodded. The two turned and followed Luna.
                                                                             ***
    Twilight, Luna, and Sunset all walked into an unfamiliar room. It was a pure white with black and blue ribbons decorating the walls. In the middle was a pink alter with a pale blue dot in the center, along with a golden ring around it. On the ceiling hung a large purple chandelier with pink stripes.
"Sunset, please step up here" said Luna, gesturing to the alter. Sunset took a short, ragged breath before stepping up. Luna turned and grinned softly at Twilight.
"Twilight, would you do the honors?" She asked, bowing her head in the direction of Sunset. Twilights eyes went wide, but she nodded eagerly. Twilight took her place in front of Sunset and spread her wings wide. Her horn glowed as the two were lifted into the air. A white magic swirled around Sunset, then there was a blinding flash of light. When Luna looked up, Twilight and Sunset were collapsed on the ground, each panting heavily. Sunset shakily got to her hooves and gasped when she looked back. These weren't normal wings. They were a blaze of colors, each fiery. Speaking of fiery, little wisps of flames were floating off from them. They were the wings of a phoenix. She was caught off guard by Twilight tackling her, hugging as hard as she could. All three alicorns looked up when the doors to the room swung open. Princess Celestia was standing there, eyes wide and mouth open.
"Sunset, I" she started, but her voice soon failed her. Instead, she just bowed deeply. "Sunset Shimmer, do you swear on your life to care for and protect the inhabitants of Equestria, along with its morals and purity?"
"I do."
"Do you swear on your life to never do harm to this nation or its inhabitants?"
"I do"
"Do you swear to come back, and let me try my hoof at this whole parenting thing once more?"
"I-I...I do" said Sunset, tears forming.
"I am proud to announce Sunset Shimmer. The latest alicorn and Princess of Equestria."
                                                                        ***
  "O-oh" stuttered Rarity. She was the first to speak since Sunset had unfolded her new wings. Other than that, the other bearers of the elements were all completely silent.
"Soooo, congrats" said Rainbow. The group was silent once more.
"ALICOOOOORN PARTAY!" Screamed high pitched voice from above. They all looked up to see Pinkie Pie, belly flopping onto the ground. Just before she hit the ground, her belly inflated, causing her to bounce once before landing on her hooves. She had cardboard wings and a horn, and was somehow floating a large cake on the fake horn. "Come on, party poopers! You're all being grumpies!"
"Pinkies right. This is a time to celebrate!" Said Twilight, throwing a hoof over Sunsets neck and kissing her cheek.
"Thanks Twilight" she whispered, leaning in slightly as everybody moved around at all of the sweets that Pinkie had laid out.
"So, are you still leaving tomorrow?" Asked Twilight, low and serious. "You don't have to stay"
"How can I leave? I'm a princess now. And if Luna was right, and there is a threat as bad as the changelings looming, I'm better off here" explained Sunset
"But do you want to stay?" Asked Twilight, stroking Sunsets cheek with a soft hoof. There was a moment of silence, then another.
"Yes" said Sunset resolutely.
"Are you absolutely certain?"
"Yes. I want to stay here with them," she said, gesturing to the small party. "And I need to learn to be a good princess, and I need to help and do my part to protect them. A-and," stuttered Sunset.
"What?"
"I want to stay here with you. I love you so much it hurts, and I know I wouldn't be able to survive if I left. I want to marry you" said Sunset quickly, as if forcing the words out. Twilight looked down as her lip quivered.
"I-I love you too, but marriage? I don't know" she said uncertainly. Sunset looked away as a tight feeling in her chest began to form. It seemed like it was forcing out tears, but she held them back. How could she have been so stupid? Why did she bring it up? It just felt like the right moment.
"Okay, I-I'm sorry" said Sunset, looking away.
"Hey" said Twilight, gently pulling Sunsets head towards her. "It's okay. I love you"
"I love you too. Now let's go party, while everything is okay"
                                                                      ***
    "Everything is not okay, sister!" Boomed Luna, pacing in the throne room in the solar half of the palace.
"There could be a changeling invasion about to happen, and you don't want to do a thing!?" She yelled, rearing before pushing back down, her front hooves cracking the tiles. Celestia sat back and watched this all happen with a calm, expressionless eye.
"Yes" she replied in an even tone. "We are not going to do anything. As I said, everything is okay. Trust-"
"NO!" Screamed Luna, cutting off Celestia. "I don't trust you, because you don't trust me! I know you don't! And I know you're the one who spread the rumors. How everybody has to keep me happy or I'll turn into Nightmare Moon? Or how about how I forced you to use the elements as a publicity stunt? Ooh, or my personal favorite, how I still am Nightmare moon and I'm just tricking them all so I can take over Equestria!?" She shouted, wings flared and eyes glowing lightly. Celestia still sat still, but now her mouth hung open.
"Lulu, I-"
"Shut up!" Said Luna, once again cutting off her sister. "The guards told me"
"You know what? Why do I care? I swear, when we were little, I wanted to leave you in the mountains. And when you were Nightmare Moon, I wanted to just end you. Even now, I wish you hadn't come back. Why did you? We were all happier without you!" Yelled Celestia, lashing out with her magic. Luna was sent flying across the room, slamming into the far wall before sliding down. “Luna!" Cried Celestia, standing quickly. Luna stood and looked at her sister in a way she only had once before. In complete terror. She stood and limped to the doors, quickly helped by the lunar guards that had run in when they heard the crash. She stopped though, and turned her head lightly, so Celestia could only see the outline of her head.
"You know, Sunset was right. You are a monster" she said quietly before leaving the throne room.

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                    7: The black letter                    
//-------------------------------------------------------//
7: The black letter
    The coronation was so terrible. Sunset had to sit for hours in an uncomfortable seat, listening to pony’s faun over her and having to see all of the beautiful pastries that had been set out from afar. At one point, she tried to get up, but was quickly mobbed. Finally, Twilight showed, and the two embraced tightly.
"Where have you bee-" asked Sunset, but got cut off when her stomach gave a loud growl.
"I can see you're hungry" said Twilight with a giggle.
"Yeah, I haven't been able to get up and get some food" she said, rubbing her belly.
"You want to know what you should do? Fly right on over there! Give the ponies what they want. A fly-by and they'll go wild"
"Hmm that sounds like a good idea, but you need to come with. I need two plates, but I don't want to look like I took two plates. And also, I don't want to go alone" she said with a blush. Twilight laughed and pulled Sunset up with a hoof. The two spread their wings and took off. They soared high above the others, most of whom looked up and pointed. Sunset laughed and did a twirl, wisps of multi-colored fire flying off of her as she did so. Many ponies gasped in surprise.
  Sunset smirked at Twilight, who giggled. The two finally reached the food table, where they each loaded a plate before taking to the skies again. They both sat in their thrones that had been placed next to each other. While eating, many ponies followed their examples. The entire party took a lunch break, and Sunset noticed that they were watching what she was eating and her reaction to them very closely. More often than not, they would replicate her choices and reactions. Twilight also noticed, and leaned in with a giggle and whispered
"The nobles will copy you all the time" she whispered, making Sunset give a very un-princess like snort. A symphony of loud snorts rose from the crowd.
"Oh dear Celestia, this is creepy" whispered Sunset.
"I know, right? I hate it" replied Twilight. The coronation went on for another few hours before Luna and Celestia finally showed up. Twilight and Sunset strolled back into the castle, (the coronation was held outside; it was a nice, clear day, though still cold) and both went straight to the kitchens. The chefs had already prepared a platter of tomato and dandelion sandwiches. Odd combination, I know, but the bitterness of the dandelion goes well with the sweet tomatoes. The two devoured the sandwiches and thanked the chefs before heading back to Ponyville. When they arrived back home, they were shocked to find a new castle. Well, not another castle, but the old castle had been... redone. It now featured warm colors in the crystal, like red and orange. A replica of Twilights Cutie mark was on the right side, one of Sunsets on the left. Cadence was flying around, adding glimmering lights all around the outside. It was beautiful.
"Surprise!" Yelled the five ponies and dragon in unison, startling Cadence.
"S-surprise!" Said Cadence, flapping slowly down to them.
"It's... amazing!" Gasped Sunset, still gawking at the beautiful building. She finally tore her eyes off of it to look at her small group of friends, tears in her eyes. Without a word, they all grouped together and hugged tightly.
    A few minutes later, Pinkie, wearing a purple suit and top hat with chocolate bars poking out of her pockets, was leading them through the castle. It was mostly the same, save a few rooms. Her bedroom had been re-decorated, and now was built 'for a princess', as Pinkie put it. They also now had a staff. Five chefs, ten maids, and twelve guards, had all been sent by Celestia and Luna from Canterlot castle.
  The kitchen was also re-done. It was bigger now, and had better equipment. They also had a pool! And a hot tub! The balcony also had new thrones, one for Sunset, and the other for Twilight. That night, they had another party. Everyone was exhausted by the time it was over. Twilight and Sunset fell asleep easily that night, both wrapped up in each other’s hooves.
***
    Sunset woke up and went to the kitchen, where she found Twilight angrily ripping up a letter. She looked up startled when Sunset trotted in and quickly hid the pieces of paper behind her back. Sunset furrowed her brow and walked to the coffee pot, picking up a mug and pouring the coffee. She walked out of the room, giving Twilight a kiss on her cheek as she passed. Sunset walked to the library, where she picked up her book on the history of Equestria and found her place in it once more. The banishment of Discord. She sank into her usual spot and read until lunch time.
"Sunset!" Said spike as he walked into the room. Sunset looked up and smiled warmly.
"Hi Spike. What's up?"
"You got mail" he said, handing her a black envelope. "I had to argue with the butler for a few minutes until he finally let me bring it to you. Also" he said, leaning in and lowering his voice. "There are guards standing, well, guard outside"
"Yeah, I know. They wait outside and 'protect us'" she said, gesturing out the window.
"No, I meant outside this room" he stressed, pointing to the door.
"Oh! Really?" Asked a shocked Sunset.
"Yeah, they barely let me in. I fell down and they laughed. Like, in a mean way" he explained, glaring harder at the door. Sunset stood abruptly and walked to the door. As she poked her head out, the guards stiffened.
"Did you laugh at my friend?" She hissed. The guards didn't answer, so she lit her horn. "To the moon!" She bellowed as one of the guard’s disappeared. The other guard screamed and hid behind a plant, shaking violently. Sunset glared towards him, and he wet himself. Sunset turned tail and trotted back into the library, where Spike was staring in shock. "That guard that disappeared is probably on his way back up here. I only sent him to the kitchen" she explained, taking her place on the couch and picking up the thick, black envelope and opened it. Inside was a rough, light green piece of paper. It read:
    Dear Princess Sunset Shimmer,
I am contacting you today on behalf of the changeling queen, Queen Chrysalis. Her daughter, Princess Locusta, has been missing from our kingdom for many weeks. We have been able to track her, and she seems to be following you and Princess Twilight. We have tried contacting her many times, but have gotten no reply. We would like to meet and retrieve the Princess. Yours truly,
Volant
Sunset stared at the letter a few seconds more before carefully folding it and replacing it in the envelope. She turned slowly to look at Spike.
"W-what is it?" He asked nervously, wringing his tail.
"The-the changeling queen... she wants to meet with Twilight and I" she said slowly, as if rendering it for the first time. "Her daughter... has been following Twilight and I"
"What?" Said Spike loudly. "Chrysalis!? Here!? In Equestria!?"
"Shhh!" Shushed sunset, looking at the door. "Can you grab me some parchment and ink from over there?" She asked, gesturing to a nearby desk. Spike retrieved the items and Sunset quickly wrote a letter.
  Dear Volant,
I would first like to thank you for your previous letter. Princess Twilight and I would be honored to meet with your queen. Please let us know as soon as possible when and where we are to meet. Sincerely,
Princess Sunset Shimmer
Wrote Sunset hastily before stuffing it into an envelope and sealing it with wax. She levitated it to Spike, who gave her a questioning look before blowing fire onto it.
"Well," said Sunset, standing quickly. "I had better go explain this to Twilight"

//-------------------------------------------------------//
                        8: Prisoner                        
//-------------------------------------------------------//
8: Prisoner
"WH-what!? No! We can't meet with the changelings!" Cried Twilight frantically. "They tried to take over Equestria!"
"Well, all we know is that they tried to invade Canterlot, not all of Equestria" explained Sunset quickly. Twilight glared at her sternly. "Well, I already told them that we'd meet. In two days" she added. Twilight snapped back to glare.
"You what?" She hissed.
"We can't just have the changeling princess following us around. What if we get so weak, that we can't do our part in defending Equestria!?" Rushed Sunset. Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but closed it and clenched her jaw.
"Fine" she whispered. "Fine. J-just, I need a shower" she turned and trotted into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.
"Ugh" sighed Sunset, sitting hard on the tiled kitchen floor. "I should go apologize" sunset walked down the hall to the bathroom, but stopped short. She saw a large pile of purple feathers. Twilight’s feathers. A little ways down the hall was Twilights crown. Finally, just outside the bathroom was a large pile of her hair. Sunset opened the door carefully, expecting to find a perfectly reasonable explanation. Instead, she found a changeling. The two stared at each other for a long time, and then Sunset screamed.
                                                                    ***
"Who are you?" Hissed Sunset to the tied up changeling. She didn't say anything. "Who are you!?" She roared, causing the changeling to flinch.
"M-my name is Locusta" she squeaked, flapping her transparent wings lazily.
"Where is Princess Twilight?" Pushed Sunset, eyes narrowed.
"Sh-she's in the... the" started Locusta, but started crying.
"Where!?" Boomed Sunset again.
"The Ever free!" She cried. Before she could go on, Sunset was out the window, soaring to the Ever free. She went as quickly as she could, skimming trees. She kept going until she felt a tug in her horn. Alicorn magic. She instantly dived, running to the source until she came across a large, silver cage. Sitting inside was none other than Twilight, a magic blocker on her horn. She was growling furiously and bucking the bars as hard as she could.
"Twilight!" Cried Sunset, reaching through the bars. Twilight turned quickly and gasped.
"Sunset!" She cried, running forward. The two kissed through the bars before Sunset kicked the large lock, shattering it. The two embraced tightly. Let's leave these two for now and travel north. A large black chariot was soaring through the skies, containing a dozen changeling guards, along with their queen. The destination, Ponyville.
                                                                  ***
    Twilight and Sunset flew back to the castle together.
"How long were you in there?" Asked Sunset with concern in her voice.
"About four days" replied Twilight, eyes down.
"Well, I missed you without realizing it. I love you, and I'm so sorry I didn't notice sooner" said Sunset.
"It's fine. I just spent so many nights missing you"
"And I you. Oh, we're here" said Sunset, dipping down and landing on the clean, green lawn. Outside was a large black chariot. The changeling queen was stepping out of it with a half dozen guards.
"Q-queen Chrysalis!" Stuttered Sunset, bowing. Chrysalis did the same.
"My apologies. Your young drake informed me that you found my daughter. Please, where is she!?" She asked frantically. Sunset nodded and opened the front doors, running inside. She returned a few minutes later, the changeling princess following in her stead.
"Oh Locusta, my little Princess!" Cried Chrysalis, lunging for her daughter and wrapping her in a tight hug. They both began to glow slightly. "What were you thinking!? Running off and taking a princess' place!? Do you realize how dangerous that was!?" She soon cried.
"I'm sorry mom" whispered Locusta. A few minutes later, the two broke apart. Chrysalis nodded to a guard to take Locusta into the carriage.
"Thank you ever so much" said Chrysalis, bowing and turning back to the chariot.
"Wait!" Cried Twilight, surprising both Sunset and herself. "Please wait. You were banished to the badlands, you and your kingdom. You're starving to death out there. Please, come in and feed the ones you've brought with you" she pleaded. Chrysalis remained silent, but nodded. She gave a short, shrill whistle and summoned her guards. They feasted and laughed as friends. Changeling and pony, sitting around and having fun with each other. They left with enough food to feed all of them for months. So much that they had to magically compact them.
"Thank you" the queen had said. "I would like for our ponies to become one. We would be able to provide great protection for Equestria. More than that, I'd like for us to be friends. Thank you so much for not hurting my little daughter. Thank you for saving us. Thank you for showing us a little friendship. I'm ever in your debt"
A month later, the two kingdoms became one. A year after that, Princess Twilight and Princess Sunset were wed.
Never before had a pair of ponies danced as beautifully as these two on their wedding night. The union of Twilight Sparke and Sunset Shimmer was so beautiful, many strangers cried. The love between them was so true and pure, that changelings for miles around could feel it. They felt stronger. They felt happier. They felt love. Almost a year later, the two were blessed with a foal. It had to be done magically, of course, but it was still their child. A bouncing bubbly daughter. Her coat was black and her hair was dark blue. Shadow Charmer. A young alicorn filly with amazing magic powers. She would, well, as her name tells, she could charm shadows. As a filly, she could only do small things, like warping shadows to make balls to play with. And what happened to the people at Canterlot high, you may ask. Sunset and Twilight both went through just after the wedding. Her friends were so nervous, but so happy to see that she was alive and well. They were certainly surprised to find that she was a princess, had united two species, and was married. The trip ended all too soon, and Twilight and Sunset were back in Equestria. They spent the rest of their lives together, and had many, many adventures. But that is for another story.