Keep Moving Forward

Canterlot City Canterlot High School: December 31st.

"It's been awhile since we've all stood at this place; so many memories just in this single courtyard" Sunset said feeling a wash of nostalgia come over her as she walked up to the statue that still housed the portal to Princess Twilight's castle of friendship.

"Indeed; why it was here where the genesis of our friendship with you truly began darling." Rarity said with a smile as she ran her white fingers across the marble surface of the statue.

"Heh yeah even though they sealed up that big hole we put you in? I can still remember pullin' you outta there knowing we helped change you for the better" Rainbow Dash said with a cheeky smirk as she punched Sunset in the arm playfully.

"Yeah! And this is where you turned into Daydream for the first time and saved an entire dimension from falling apart because your now not so magic crazy girlfriend tried to destroy the world!" Pinkie exclaimed popping out of nowhere with a broad smile on her face as usual.

"Lotsa crazy stuff has happen in this here place but I reckon I wouldn't have it any other way." Applejack said standing on the side of the statue chomping on an apple.

"I still can't believe this all started when that crown came crashing out of the mirror when I was handing out shelter fliers." Fluttershy said with a giggle as she sat on the edge of the statue petting Angel bunny who sat in her lap.

"Whoever thought that such magic and wonder could ever come from such a small place? And it's been here under everyone's nose for over a hundred years. My research and talks with Ms. Celestia-"

"Mrs." Everyone corrected Twilight which made the geek blush as she'd forgotten again that the principal had gotten engaged not long ago and they were invited to her wedding after the new year. She had heard many stories about the man she'd married and while she had never met him personally she was told by Cadence and Shining Armor that while...intimidating; he was quite nice.

"Right my bad; Mrs.Celestia had told me this statue had been around since the founders of the High School were around. She's still yet to uncover any real details on how they managed to contain the magic in this statue but the fact they knew about magic is astonishing in of itself!" Sci-Twi stated with a excited geeky smile.

Everyone shared a chuckle at how incredibly adorkable Twilight Sparkle was and were happy this was a trait shared between both versions of the purple nerd. Sunset hugged Twilight close to her by the hip and looked upon the portal and could see its mirror surface shine and glisten with magic and that was the sign that it was ready for use. From the other side of the portal stepped Starlight Glimmer, dressed in the same attire she'd appeared in when she'd first finished this world. Sunset and Twilight would give her a hug and then Starlight would speak up once they broke.

"Alright so are you ready? Everyone is real eager to finally really meet you." Starlight said throwing an arm around Sunset smiling.

"As I'll ever be" Sunset said giving a coy and playful smile to hide that she was a nervous wreck on the inside that wanted to run home and hide under her bed rather than face her adoptive mothers judgmental and disappointed gaze that made Fluttershy's stare look weak and feeble.

"Trust me; it'll be fine. Just when you see her? Lay it all on the table and just...let the moment happen" Starlight said with a small sigh.

"Sounds like you speak from experience huh?" Sunset asked curiously. While she and Starlight were good friends she didn't really know much about her as they didn't really get to communicate like she and Princess Twilight did.

"In a manner of speaking." Starlight sounded like she didn't really wish to talk about it in detail and Sunset could feel with her empathy magic exactly why and she knew something like that was incredibly person. Nodding in understanding she took a deep breath herself.

"Alright; I'm ready to go. I'll be back at 11 pm girls." Sunset said as she squared her shoulders and looked to the ground and prepared herself to give a few final words of thanks before heading off. "It's been a year since we graduated from Canterlot and yet? It feels like in all this time we've all gotten to do so much even though we don't get to hang out as much as we used to. Those high school days are the best times of my life that I'll never forget and I have all of you to thank for that...You all gave me my second chance, my redemption, everything I am now is because of every single one of you. And I promise you all that in the coming years that I make this world more my home than ever before? That it'll be a magical adventure no matter where we are in the world."

Sunset said with a tearful smile as she walked past each of her friends as they stood near the portals entrance. She knew that even though she would be a world apart from them when she'd face Celestia? That they'd be right behind her to help her face it in spirit and that was a feeling Sunset held near and dear to her heart.

All six of the other rainbooms smiled in tandem with their friend and joined into a group hug with the pony girl just like when they were in high school. Each of their lives had changed over the course of a mere year. Each having begun to aspire towards their dreams and goals only thought attainable in their dreams at one point.

Twilight had been offered a job as a tutor and intern teacher at Crystal prep in their science and tech division where she was heading up a new division to study magical phenomenon since the world clearly couldn't deny its existence any longer. She'd begun to make many more friends who shared in her enthusiasm to prove the existence of magic and how it could be used to better the world.

One such friend happened to be the human world version of Moondancer whom was once of Vice Principal Luna's nieces who'd transferred to Crystal Prep from a school in Manehatten and she and Sci-Twi hit it off as friends almost right away but for some reason she didn't seem to like Sunset all that much and she simply refused to reveal why but given what Sunset now knew about Celestia of this world? She had a pretty good feeling why.

Rarity after High School had been given a very generous loan from her parents to help kick start her fashion career and Rarity used it wisely to open her first self owned store in the city; Forever Rarity. With the aid of friends from high school to aid her in running the store while she attended business classes and traveled for fashion shows and such? Rarity had begun to blossom in a true business woman who was destined to take the fashion world by storm.

Applejack had of course fully taken over her families farm alongside her big brother who was also due to get married soon in the summer time to his sweetheart Sugar Belle. Apple Bloom was still in school and had dreams to go to college to help further aid the family business and possibly expand to new locations to keep the brand alive and well what with the tragic loss of Granny Smith to old age and bad bones that just couldn't support her body anymore for the work they needed to do. The loss was really hard on Applejack but her friends and what family she had left helped her power through it...especially Rarity who promised to use any resource she had to ensure the Apple legacy lived to see new generations.

Rainbow Dash had gotten a full college sports scholarship for soccer and if she kept playing her cards right? She had a chance at perhaps going pro and join the great Wonderbolt Strikers team from Manehatten. She was also trying to set the record for being the faster human being on record but without the use of her magic as she wanted to earn that title fairly since she knew for a FACT she'd get it with her magic.

Fluttershy had taken over the local animal shelter and was also studying to become a full licences vet and she'd even gotten a part-time job as a guidance consular at CHS alongside the human world version of Starlight Glimmer of all things; who'd gotten the job as an intern position some time after they'd all graduated from school.

As it turned out human Starlight was actually related to Vice Principal Luna being her niece from across the country in Fillydelphia and she'd been away after having had a falling out with Luna but came back to resolve things and that lead to her getting the job she currently has with Fluttershy as her assistant and paid intern.

Pinkie Pie had started her own party planning and catering business having started capitalizing on her many sugary recipes and selling them in the Cakes shop Sugarcube corner. Pinkie's life long dream was to bring smiles and happiness to everyone in the world and so she'd long since prepared herself to be able to do that once she graduated high school and one of her biggest dreams was to own a sort of amusement part that everyone could come to and enjoy. She was currently getting aid from Vinyl Scratch and various other entertainment talented people on this idea and Sunset was also more than happy to help her with the project simply because it sounded like a challenge and Sunset couldn't resist a challenge.

That just left Sunset Shimmer herself. She had an infinite well of potential and she could do anything she truly set her mind to do in the world but at the end of the day? All she truly wanted to do? Was help others. Make the world a better place and have magic be apart of it all. So she'd really be spending her time helping others achieve their dreams while just doing what made her happy.

She was in love with Sci-Twi, had a great group of friends and now? She was finally going to truly reconcile with her family; she knew that after this? Everything would be complete or if not complete? New paths would be opened up for Sunset to explore and just the thought of that was enough to help push her forward.

As she broke from the group hug from her friends she smiled at each of them and wiped her tears. "I love each of you with all my heart and can't thank you enough for all you've done for me. When I come back? We'll have even more adventures to keep us busy for a good while. I promise." Sunset said smiling.

"Do try and just make sure they aren't TOO life threatening darling; super climatic battles against evil do horrors on my nails!" Rarity playfully exclaimed dramatically.

"Pft screw that; bring on the biggest and baddest bosses you can in those wild times to come Sunset; we can take 'em together like we always do" Rainbow said with her usual high bravado.

"We'll have a big party waiting for you when you come home!!" Pinkie said beaming as usual.

"I hope you and your Celestia will make up okay. I'm sure she misses you." Fluttershy said.

"I reckon Shy is right sugar; she's basically like yer mama. Now I know ya don't know much bout yer actual ma' but I do know that worlds Celestia sees you as her daughter and ya owe it to her to say least buck up and say sorry for bein' a brat." Applejack stated honest and bluntly to Sunset what she needed to do.

"I know; I rehearsed it with Mrs. Celestia at least 3 times so I think I know what do to." Sunset chuckled and got ready to follow Starlight who was about to step into the portal but she was grabbed by the wrist by Sci-Twi. Turning to look at her girlfriend she took both her hands and smiled at her at the base of the portal. "I'll be back soon; when the clock strikes midnight? It'll be just you, me and the moon" Sunset said in a playful tone attempting to fluster Twilight right before she left.

Twilight smirked in response and leaned up and without a word kissed Sunset Shimmer passionately on the lips french kissing her in full view of all of their friends and in a manner that was far more....sensual than usual. Her left foot popping into the air as she did so and she whispered in Sunset's ear seductively. "And we're gonna give the moon a show"

Sunset blushed and was caught off guard by what she heard Twilight say. "Wha-?"

With a giggle Twilight used her magic to thrust Sunset forward through the portal along with Starlight and winked at her. "See you soon my little pony!!"

With that Sunset was sent thrusting through the magical cosmos from one world to the next and shortly after? She'd plop out on the other side of the mirror on four hooves instead of two legs. Blushing and still flustered from what her girlfriend just did she turned to see she was getting a cheeky smirk from Starlight Glimmer who playfully bounced her eyebrows at her.

"Ohhhh so she calls YOU that too huh?" Starlight playfully nudged Sunset.

"I uh...ehehe...w-wait a second you and princess twilight are-?!" Sunset asked in total surprise but then saw Starlight begin laughing and she pouted and her blush deepened. "Oh ha ha very funny Star" Sunset rolled her eyes pouting her lips.

One of the reasons she got along with Sunset so well was because she was a huge tease and knew just what buttons to push to fluster someone. "Hehehhe sorry, sorry; it was just too good to pass up! It's adorable that she calls you that; Princess Twilight only really calls her students that." Starlight said with a giggle and wistful sigh as she thought of the princess that her friend had truly begun blossoming into and how proud she was of her. Starlight had come a long way since her time as a villain and while that past was long behind her she would never forget where she came from and that was another reason why she got along with Sunset so well.

Having calmed her nerves a bit more Sunset smiled back at Starlight and got her barrings around the room where the mirror was being kept. "Heh yeah its weird though; she's only ever calls me that when we are intimate and she's never french kissed me quite like that before" Sunset said still a bit flustered from it. She knew her girlfriend was trying to be more outgoing and things of that nature but she never quite expected a public show of affection like THAT from Sci-Twi who was usually very shy but accepting of Sunset being affectionate in public with her.

"Hehe well maybe she's trying to be more bold for you? You're strong and independent Sunset; perhaps Twilight is just trying to emulate a little of that, she certainly has the potential for it she just needed help breaking that shell of hers and lucky for her? She had a unicorn hot as the setting sun to do it." Starlight said in a rather nonchalant and matter of fact sort of way, she had no reason to sugarcoat it for Sunset and she was being completely honest; Sunset was as pretty as unicorns came and that was just a fact any race just had to accept.

Being the natural tease that she was Sunset arched a brow at her friend. "Why Starlight Glimmer are you coming onto me? I will have you know I have a girlfriend!" Sunset exclaimed pretending to sound offended and high class as if she were one of those snobby Canterlot pony's she used to see around school or even the Elitist jerks that still attended Crystal Prep.

"Oh well you do know that herds and polygamy is legal by Equestrian law; who says you can't share? Trixie and I could always use company!" Starlight teased bumping her flank against Sunset's teasingly. "All jokes aside though; you're a pretty pony and girl Sunset and its clear as day. Twilight is cute and adorkable in all the best ways and its very clear she looks up to you in ways she never has for anyone; you inspire her to want to be more outgoing and if that shows through saucier kissing? Then so be it I say. C'mon everypony is waiting for us in the throne room." Starlight said trotting along.

"Right; right coming" Sunset said trotting behind her and gazing in awe at the castle. This was the first real time she'd gotten to ever really see different parts of Princess Twilight's castle and the small itty bitty part of her that still wanted to be a princess was jealous at how big and grand it was.

She remembered back to her filly days when she used to trot about Canterlot Castle in awe at the grand stature of the castle Celestia called her home and was reminded of that feeling but twice fold because this castle was entirely made out of crystals!

'Oh this is so unfair! We should have a castle like this!' Sunburn whined inside Sunset's head.

'Let it go; we don't need a giant crystal lined castle to be happy.' Sunset rolled her eyes trotting behind Starlight. She was pretty sure the unicorn was talking to her but she was no busy listening to her inner demon whine like a child.

'Oh please you know damn well you'd love to have something like this in the human world if you could! Imagine an entire town or settlement lined with crystals and gems! It would look amazing and show our position!'
Sunburn argued still

'Ugh I swear you are such a brat its a wonder how I put up with you' Sunset rolled her eyes but then was stopped short when Starlight stopped trotting and she bumped into her flank. "Ooof; oh uh sorry Star"

"Heheh it's alright; I have arguments with my inner voices sometimes too." Starlight commented winking at Sunset. "Don't act too surprised; we former villains have similar coping mechanisms; for me its my old self with the equal sign cutie mark and the new me but with my friendship power active."

"Yeah for me its that raging she demon I turned into at the fall formal and the shining angel I turned into at the friendship games. I call the devil Sunburn and the angel Daydream." Sunset blushed explaining her mental copping system to somepony who seemed to understand it surprisingly well.

"Oh cool; maybe you me and Princess Luna can compare notes sometimes. She still tends to go back and forth with the remnants of nightmare moon that linger in her mind but like both you and I its totally harmless" Starlight said as she came up to the door of the throne room of friendship where the others were eagerly awaiting her arrival. "Here we are; ready to meet some new and old friends?"

"As I'll ever be" Sunset answered using her magic to push the large doors open and immediately and as expected was greeted by a hail of confetti and streamers from Pinkie's party cannon and a loud and happy.

"WELCOME BACK TO EQUESTRIAN SUNSET SHIMMER!" Everypony shouted and smiled happily to see her. She saw so many new but old faces ranging from the faces of her friends but in their pony world forms as well as the pillars of Equestria who all stood in attendance. Sunset smiled happily to see she was so openly welcomed by everypony and trotted into the room only to be instantly surrounded by everypony who was ready to finally meet her.

"Heheh hey everypony; good to be back and finally meet you all...well...again anyway. Guess my introduction isn't needed but buck it I'll make it anyway! My names Sunset Shimmer; former student of Princess Celestia and former wannabe tyrant ruler of Canterlot High School! Pleased to meet you everypony and uh sorry about the whole uh crown stealing and attempted coup thing."

Sunset joked deciding to use her villainous past as a springboard to break the ice which worked because it got a laugh out of everypony. She had long since gotten comfortable with making jokes about her past; after all her plan WAS pretty stupid and she had learned to laugh at it now more than ever.

"Hehe yeah we heard Twilight rainbowed you into a crater; how'd that feel?" Rainbow Dash joked floating above her with a smug grin that Sunset knew all too well from her version of Rainbow.

'IT BURRRRRRRRNNED!' Sunburn shouted from inside her head.

"Hot...really really hot." Sunset said nonchalantly.

"Oh don't mind her darling she always likes to poke fun at the new ones of the group; I have to say darling your mane is absolutely ravishing! You simply must model for me a wee bit before you go back to the human world!" Rarity asked admiring the pattern of Sunset Shimmer's mane and tail.

"I'd love to Rarity." Sunset said with a smile to the pony version of the fashionista. "Oh and human Rarity wanted me to ask you for some advice on running her business; she's just getting into managing her first store in our world and she figures the best person or pony in this case to ask for advice would be a version of herself who according to what Twilight tells me? Has THREE stores across Equestria right now am I right?"

"Ohoho well I don't like to brag but yes I do have three stores with a possible 4th opening in Fillydelphia soon if all the contracts work out in the new year to come! Oh I would be delighted to give her any assistance I can darling!" Rarity proclaimed happily clapping her hooves together.

"Now now everypony lets give her a little space." Princess Twilight proclaimed emerging from the crowd and smiled as approached dressed in her new friendship regalia. It was a similar to a regalia that Celestia and Luna would wear; the party they were going to be throwing would be one attended by many in Ponyville and so she needed to dress for the occasion since she was ruler of her own kingdom now and even had her own royal guard.

She also seemed to have gotten just a bit taller as well, she had explained in one of her previous letters that she was going through growth spurts over the past year and she could see what she meant. While not as tall as Celestia? She was just about Luna or Cadence's height now and her mane maintained a sparkling pattern as did her tail. The regalia she wore bore her cutie mark star on the chest piece, the hoof guards and she even sported her crown which also doubled as her element of harmony in physical form.

"Well aren't you looking regal. It suites you well Twi" Sunset said with a cheeky smile eyeing Twilight's regalia.

"Thank you; ever since I've been coming more into my own as a princess I've been trying to do my best to look more the part now that I'm a full time teacher and headmare of my own school just like Celestia. It's a lot of work but I enjoy it nonetheless and the girls are a big help in that." Twilight said smiling as she came to place a gentle wing over her friend leading her over to the next few set of guests. "Now I do believe we have more new faces to introduce you to; Sunset Shimmer? Meet the six pillars of Equestria....Everypony? This is Sunset Shimmer." Twilight introduced the yellow mare to the six legendary pony's she'd only heard of in storybooks as a child.

Sunset Shimmer was completely beside herself. Here in front of her were six of some of the most legendary and powerful pony's known to pony kind; it was through their actions that countless disasters were averted in Equestria. It was even them who'd sent the Dazzlings to the human realm in the first place! Starswirl himself was the teacher to Celestia and Luna who for all intents and purposes? Were Goddesses of Equestria and the planet itself considering they alone controlled two of the Celestial bodies that allowed life to go on.

Sunset couldn't help but feel honored, privileged and excited to meet them all. From Right to left they all stood in attendance: Flash Magnus, Rock Hoof, Mist Mane, Somnambula, Mage Meadowbrook & Starswirl The Breaded. The little filly in her was doing triple back flips but she tried to remain cool and simply said.

"Hey" Sunset squeaked trying so hard not to squee.

"A great honor to meet you Ms.Shimmer; Princess Twilight has told us you are quite the fierce warrior and we can't thank you enough for representing harmony so well outside your homeland." Flash Magnus said giving a honorable salute to Sunset.

"Indeed; it takes great strength to do what you did young mare and even greater strength to face what lies ahead of you" Rock Hoof said with his shovel in hoof.

"I can sense in your magic and can tell just by looking at you dear that you wish for nothing more than peace with those who love you. It is comforting that we've helped to pave the way for such a good generation." Mist Mane replied with a nod

"I agree with Mist; Princess Twilight also says you've worked very hard to change your ways after having lost it for some time and that in of itself is commendable." Sonambula said floating next to Flash.

"The first step to healing is accepting there is healing to be done. I am sure once you see Celestia things will work out just fine dear." Mage Meadowbrook said lifting her iconic mask so she could be heard properly.

"She speaks very highly of you and if I am being honest and a bit sneaky as her former teacher Ms.Shimmer? She's as nervous to see you as you are to see her." Starswirl said with a chuckle and cheeky grin on his grizzled old features.

"R-Really?" Sunset was taken aback as she'd never seen princess Celestia nervous or worried about anything. She was always so...calm and seemed to handle everything with grace. More to the point she was trying SO hard not to fangirl in front of her childhood hero and idol who was only surprised by Celestia herself.

"Ooooh yes; Celestia may act all regal and calm and aloof but trust me when I say she is probably feeling exactly how you are right now but I suppose that can all wait for when you actually see her later on." Starswirl replied and shook his head. "Silly Celestia; always just to put on a brave and strong face but I've always told her since I've known her that she needed to let pony's see past that and see that she can be just as much a nervous wreck as anypony."

"I agree; Celestia always wants pony's to know everything will be okay and so she always puts on a smile to show that if she is okay? Everything is okay; but I know more than anything she misses you Sunset and she won't ever truly be whole without you." Twilight said hammering it in that Sunset truly needed to do this not just for her own sake but literally for Celestia's sake.

Sunset would nod in understanding."When will she be here?" Sunset asked.

"She and Luna are hosting a holiday party in Canterlot; they said they'd be here by 9 tonight though. Plenty of time for you to have your reunion and then get back home to enjoy the new year with the ones you love" Twilight said with a cheeky smile which made Sunset blush.

"Oh you will never let me live that down will you?" Sunset pouted and blushed remembering that one night when Princess Twilight had come over to visit Sunset she'd come to find Sunset drunk in her apartment rambling on about how she had harbored intimate feelings for the purple princess of friendship that had then transfer over to the geeky Sci-Twi. Princess Twilight spent the better part of that night trying to help Sunset sober up and also fully come to terms with her feelings and what she wanted to do with them.

If she was being honest? For a little while she had feelings for Sunset but they didn't amount to much because they spent so much time apart but she still loved Sunset like a sister and best friend and that was enough for the two of them...well partly for Sunset anyway.

Sunset Shimmer truly did love Twilight Sparkle of both worlds it just happened to be that she loved one like a sister and the other? She loved the other more than had ever loved anything and it was that love that allowed her to break the seal she'd placed on her repressed sexual tension so she knew it was meant to be.

"Not a chance; but hey you know I still love you like a friend and a sister in this world so you get the best of both world." Princess Twilight said giggled behind her regalia covered hoof.

"Good point; anyway we've got all day! Let's make the most of it shall we? I believe you promised me a FULL Kingdom tour am I right?" Sunset Shimmer said head off to do various activities with the pony versions of her friends and Princess Twilight along with the pillars whom all eagerly had questions for her about the other world.

Much to her pleasure; Starswirl had the most questions about the other world and Sunset could do nothing but gush to him about everything she knew and learned about the human world and had even told him about her's and Sci-Twi's talks to study human world magic and how it was similar and different than Equestrian magic which really had gotten the old wizards attention.

She gushed and spoke to Starswirl along with Starlight and Twilight for what seemed like hours and it was though they still managed to keep up with all their friends and the various activities they partook in like a full tour of the castle of friendship and the friendship school Twilight had started which was closed for the holidays.

Sunset was amazed at Twilight's Kingdom and yes it was in fact a Kingdom even if it was small and confined mostly to Ponyville. The town was clearly expanding with more and more land having opened up and it was a location where all walks of life seemed comfortable with living. Sunset saw Yaks, Changelings, Gryphons & Hippogripyhs, Kirin, Pegasi, Earth pony and unicorns living in harmony as she trotted through town and needless to say she was nothing short of proud of Twilight for having come this far.

'And to think all this could have been ours if you had just-'

'Don't...you...dare; finish that sentence.' Sunset did her best to shoot her devil an dark look of warning.

'I was gonna say not let your ego get so bloated to the point where you scorned all friendship and allowed me to even begin to exist. I was going to say had you seen the signs and made friends with little ms.purple here when she was a filly you'd probably have all this or at least be a step closer to it. But hey you're happy in the other world with dorky so I'm not complaining...just saying what could have been would have been nice'

Sunset sighed and shook her head to shake the demons thoughts off and she hadn't realized Twilight was watching.

"Something on your mind Sunset?" Twilight asked

"How did you manage to do it Twi? To truly become a princess I mean...when did you know you were ready?" Sunset asked.

Twilight thought about it for a moment and smiled and chuckled. "I didn't; Celestia is the one who made me an alicorn and truly? I don't know if making me one as early as she did was the best move but after everything I've been through? I know now that you won't know when your ready...it's a leap of faith to see if you can handle the journey. That's all it is; a leap of faith." Twilight said wisely.

Sunset looked out to the sky somberly "A leap of faith huh? Heh last time I took one of those I-"

Twilight cut her off and with a cheeky smile said "-Saved an entire dimension from a magic crazy version of me that was blasting hole in reality. You had no idea what all that power was going to do to you but you harnessed it all anyway to save your friends and everyone else on earth and across the various dimensions that make up the magic nexus.

If it were my choice? If I could make you a princess? I wouldn't hesitate too because you've shown far more qualities than I have but you are happy where you are and I can tell; but that doesn't exactly mean you have to give up your dream just...alter your perspective a little...think about that"

"Alter my perspective huh?" Sunset thought about that and it was a thought that remained on her mind for quite some time. Being a Princess was her one true dream, it had been ever since she was a little filly and she first heard the stories about how Celestia and Luna became Princess' of the land and used their magic to help the world of Equestria begin to be what it was now. A land of magic and wonder, sure not all of it was good or perfect but Celestia always said that 'Even among the brightest lights there is a shadow cast but not all things born of shadow are born to destroy.' She wanted to be a princess that could cast her light across whatever land she ruled and have everyone bask in that light and know that even when the shadows came? She would be there to protect them even if the shadows that came for the light were not always dangerous.

As the hours continued to wind down she was happy to have been given a full tour of the Kingdom of Ponyville and were now on their way back to the castle of friendship as the sun began to set over the horizon. They'd gone to every single major location they could reach within a close to 10 hours long adventure across the Kingdom but it was one well worth it experience that Sunset would gladly do again sometime. They visited Sweet Apple Acres where she got to share some Cider with the apple family and Applejack showed her to the grave of her parents as well as Granny Smith of this world who seemed to have passed away not long before human Granny Smith did and of similar causes too but they were glad to know in both instances? She went peacefully and even in her old age worked harder than anyone until her final days came.

Since more and more Pegasi were living in Ponyville now many more cloud homes existed in the skies above Ponyville and one such cloud home was Rainbow Dash's which had gotten a pretty big upgrade considering she was a top wonderbolt now and was set to be next in line to takeover after Spitfire retired in a couple more years. Rainbow said she needed to have a house awesome enough not just for her but for all of her friends to come visit when they wanted and she also claimed that she couldn't let Twilight be the only one with a big fancy house in Ponyville.

Sunset was always breath-taken by Pegasus cloud structures and had always wanted to live on a cloud home but she was perfectly fine living on the ground because according to Rainbow Dash and other Pegasi it's very dangerous living on a cloud sometimes which is why Fluttershy decided to live in a cottage.

While at the cloud home they all watched a race between Rainbow Dash and Flash Magnus and shortly after she decided to ask the ancient warrior if he was in anyway related to a pony named Flash Sentry and he did confirm that the two were in fact related and that he saw a great future ahead for his descendant. She had let it slip that she used to date the human world version of him and when the warrior asked what he was like Sunset simply said 'he's a nice guy' which was more than good enough for the Pegasus warrior

After that they'd gone to visit the animal sanctuary that was built and run by Fluttershy and now also a few other wildlife lovers from across all walks of life. The sanctuary was home to many different types of animals and Sunset was taken aback at just how many there were and how happy and peaceful they all seemed to be living; this must've been what Fluttershy was talking about having dreamed of when she was little.

She cringed a bit remembering she got that bit of information from Fluttershy's diary which she had stolen and read and posted pictures of on Mystable when she was still a bitch but it was nice to know that she still managed to have that dream come true in SOME version of the multiverse so that her old self could suck it!

'Oh c'mon! That wasn't THAT bad!' Sunburn protested with a scoff

'We literally outed her for being gay for Rainbow Dash since she was 6 you bitch!' Sunset snapped at her demon half from inside her head.

'Closets are for brooms not people!' Sunburn defended.

As she kept walking she decided to ignore the voice in her head and just keep remembering the fun she had while exploring the crystal caves of the Everfree forest where Pinkie's sister Maud lived and to say the least it was amazing! The various caves and coves and secret locations was near endless and she'd gotten a couple gems to take back home with her to study in her saddlebag.

She even made rock candy with Maud and Pinkie which was something way more fun to do with magic than without. After they left the caverns they all went to Sugarcube corner for lunch and a small party planned by Pinkie to help welcome Sunset to the kingdom and introduce her to as many different creatures as she could. Pony, Hippogripyh, Changeling, Yak, Crystal Pony, Kirin; you name it and she met them and everyone was happy to meet her.

After that they headed over to Rarity's shop where Sunset kept her promise to model for Rarity and share with her stories about the Rarity of her world and how she'd come along in the fashion business; what choices she'd made both good and bad, how she'd improved and what she was doing now to get herself into the position she wanted. She had always told human Rarity how successful her pony self was and that was a big inspiration for human Rarity to be the best version of herself in her world that she could be because while her world did have magic to some small extent? It wasn't as plentiful as it was in Equestria and though this was something Sunset wanted to change? She knew human Rarity could be just as good as Pony Rarity with or without magic and Pony Rarity totally agreed.

As a show of good faith and good will she would send back a couple sketches with Sunset as well as a couple old dresses that human Rarity could tamper with and see if they gave her any added inspiration and she just knew once she showed these to Rarity? She was totally gonna need her fainting couch.

Finally after having gotten her mane done for free by Rarity, her hooves and horn filed at the spa and her sore muscles massaged? She felt relaxed and ready to face Celestia in the coming hours now that the sun was about to vanish. Still capable of reading the time via the sun's position she could tell it was getting to be around 6 pm and she was due to meet with Celestia around 9 so she could have time to both vent to the sun Princess and also spend at least a little personal quality time with her. As they arrived back at the castle she was pulled aside by Twilight whom was joined by Starswirl & Starlight.

"So how did you like your tour of the kingdom?" Twilight asked as they trotted along.

"It's amazing; you should be proud Twilight. You've come so far as the Princess of Friendship and you'll continue to do great things as long as you reign here; I just know it."

"I can tell this is what you would want your world to be now if had the choice." Twilight replied somberly to her friend able to tell there was just a bit of envy in her tone.

"More than anything this is what I wish the human world could be but the magic there is just so strange; studying it is gonna be difficult without possibly tearing two worlds apart by travelling between them too much."

"To which I believe we may have a solution though it is one that shall require the aid of not just the elements of harmony from this universe but the ones in your universe as well. With our powers combined we should be able to create and stabilize a more stable and public use portal between the dimensions though this will also require your worlds great science as well. Magic and Science are really one in the same and the greatest societies are the ones who thrive on the use of both."

"As long as you don't get cocky like the Atlantians did!" Said a cheery but also chaotic voice from the ether.

"Uhhh who said that?" Sunset looked around confused.

"Was wondering when you'd show up" Twilight rolled her eyes playfully.

"Oh great your finally here...fashionably late as usual old friend" Starswirl said with a chuckle.

"Who are you talking too?" Sunset asked confused

"Why me of course!" Discord said in a tiny form sitting on Sunset's head and he coiled his long neck down to where she could see him at eye level. "Hellllooooo new friend!"

"GYAH!" Sunset yelped and due to her fight or flight instincts she teleported away and behind Twilight of a second and then she saw the creature was in fact Discord; lord of chaos and disharmony! But she then remembered that in her letters Twilight said that she 'reformed' him and at best he was as mischievous prankster and overseer.

"Oh don't be such a Scootaloo-" Discord chuckled knowing somewhere a certain flightless Pegasus filly was fuming over that comment.

"What?" Sunset asked confused

"Nevermind; anyway! Pleased to finally meet the great Sunset Shimmer; I am Discord. Master of chaos and spirit of disharmony though nowadays I am pretty friendly with the common folk. Selfie!" Discord said quickly taking a picture with Sunset and making a bunch of clones of himself to photo-bomb it. "Ohoho that's going in the scrapbook!" He said pulling a large book out of Sunset's mane and slapping the photo in it.

"Wow...You're like Pinkie Pie on like...a lot of sugar. Not even drugs...just a lot of sugar." Sunset replied as she was pretty sure this was the kind of stuff Pinkie Pie would be capable of if she somehow managed to be anymore hyper than she usually was.

"Oh trust me there was ONE time when I decided to let Pinkie 'borrow' my powers-" Discord chuckled sheepishly.

"And how are we all not dead?" Sunset asked looking at Princess Twilight and Starswirl.

The two powerful mages looked at each other and simply said. "Luck"

"Really?" Sunset asked quirking a brow and Twilight Starswirl nodded firmly.

"Indeed; I am still surprised to this day that we survived that debacle. Honestly I feel I'll need a memory wiping spell later just to make sure I don't get any headaches because that entire situation was just...no. I'd rather float in the nothingness of limbo for all eternity rather than face that kind of chaos and madness again." Starswirl shuddered.

"Wow...that bad huh?" Sunset chuckled sheepishly.

"You ever been inside Pinkie's head?" Twilight asked.

"Briefly and seeing what I've seen? Explains a lot and nothing at the same time." Sunset said remembering the time she had seen inside Pinkie's head using her powers for the first time and she was certain she'd never unsee it but it did give her insight on just how goofy and wacky Pinkie was and why...kind of.

"Yeah well we literally all had to dive into her mind in order to get Discord's powers to WANT to leave her because they felt more comfortable with her than they did with him. Not just because she was already crazy but because her element of harmony was attracting it somehow and so we had to pull them apart which was no easy task and we really did just got lucky!" Starswirl stated rubbing a hoof to his forehead.

"I for one was frankly insulted! My own power basically tried to dump me for a girl!" Discord said acting dramatic as Rarity.

Sunset giggled finding his craziness already endearing. "Well at least it stayed with you right? Anyway no offense but why ARE you here?"

"Well besides the fact that I you know...have friends and all; I've been called upon to also help aid you all in your little dimensional rift experiment. For you see I rip holes in the fabric of reality all the time for that is my nature and there only ONE of me across the entire multiverse-"

"Thank Faust" Twilight and Starswirl said at the same time.

"Anyway; long story short we can make this work however it would require equal parts harmonic and chaotic magic to be fully stable but not only that there would need to be checks and balances, someone to sort out who comes and goes between the various worlds." Discord explained showing everything in an organized chart that Twilight found impressive.

"So I assume that is where our worlds begin to collaborate then?" Sunset asked.

"Indeed for you see of the many multiverses there are always anchor points; some have more than others but in our case? There are two. This world of Equestria and the human world and it'll be between these two worlds where anyone will have to travel in order to have transit to the next; though given all the crazy monsters and stuff that have been tossed into the ether-" Discord glared at Starswirl and Twilight who chuckled sheepishly. "-We will need things to act as countermeasures. The human world is very good at making things that go BOOM! So those should do nicely." Discord explained.

"You do have a good point, humanity isn't entirely untied on the whole harmony front yet...but war? More so WEAPONS of war? They are second to none. It'll be a hard nut to crack, getting humans to think magic is anything more than a fairytale or a trick is very complicated...AND NO! You can't just show up and start doing magic, these people are well...sensative; to things they don't understand."

'In other words? PUSSY'S!!!' Sunburn shouted.

"Ouch that was harsh" Discord said with a chuckle

"But I didn't-"

"No not you, the 'other one' " Discord nudged Sunset.

'wait he can hear me?' Sunburn asked.

'Aaaaand seeee yooooou!' Discord said entering Sunset's mind.

GYAH! GET HIM OUT HIM OUT GET HIM OUT! Sunburn and Sunset shouted as she ran around with Discord and his crazy thoughts melding in her head thanks to her magic of empathy.

'Oh relax I am just here to share a little secret with you. It's about the Sr.Sunbutt'

'Are YOU the reason she hates that nickname?' Sunset asked in her head

'Guiltyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy! Anyway I've known Celestia for some time and I've never known her to be so...attached to any one pony; she tries not to considering the fact she immortal as ALL alicorns are but you? She's very attached to you and so I've always wondered why...well recent events have given me a little context and the answer well...quite interesting.'

'What're talking about?' Sunset asked.

'Ohoho that my dear isn't my place to tell; you'll have to ask ol Celly about that.' Discord said popping out of Sunset's mind

"Geez it's stuffy in there; ever think about cleaning it out a bit?" Discord said scrapping some of Sunset's thoughts off his foot.

"Okay Discord that's enough. We can properly discuss this topic in more details later. We just wanted to run some of it by you so you could go back home with the information. C'mon we've got a few more hours before you have to go and see Celestia. Cadence and Shining should actually be here by now that I am thinking about it; oh! You can meet baby Flurry finally! Ooooh she's been so eager to meet you!" Twilight exclaimed happily.

With all this new information in mind Sunset knew that even after all of this was over? She was going to have a lot to think about and do in her life but for Sunset Shimmer? That just meant more chances to do good and help the world like Celestia had intended and that was fine by her. Trotting along with Twilight she would head back into the castle to await the critical hour and the moment that she and Celestia had been awaiting for more than 4 years now and she knew now more than ever? She was ready to face the sun head on when the time came.