Seasons Change, And Leaves May Fall, But I'll Be With You Through Them All
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Seasons Change, And Leaves May Fall, But I'll Be With You Through Them All
Like all living things, I change as I grow.
Today, I wish that I am eternally unchanging, as ponies once believed me to be.
Sunset Shimmer speaks to a small group of ponies. Her voice is confident and inspiring, and I am captivated by it. "Okay, so the delegates should be arriving tomorrow morning, which gives us a few hours for last-minute adjustments. We've done whatever we can today. Go home and get some rest — tomorrow's gonna be a big day for all of us."
No one else notices that her smile is not genuine. I dislike the corruption of Laughter with deception, but it is her choice to behave as such.
The ponies working with her say their goodbyes and leave, each radiating such Harmony and Friendship that I feel strengthened here. In the end, only Princess Twilight Sparkle remains. She speaks to Sunset Shimmer, and the optimism she holds is enough to rival that of the Element of Laughter. "It's really happening, isn't it?" she asks, her excitement vibrating through the air.
"Yeah." The dread produced by Sunset Shimmer is sickening, and I direct my power towards her, manifesting a sliver of my presence around her entire self so that she knows she is not alone. My tactic works and her smile becomes more genuine. "We're going to do something amazing tomorrow."
"And it's all thanks to you," Princess Twilight Sparkle responds warmly. "You and your team have been working so hard on Project Ansible, and it's because of you that we're going to start our first large-scale interdimensional friendship mission. This is going to change the world. Two worlds, actually."
Sunset Shimmer's laugh is hollow, and the dread intensifies, along with my efforts to smother it. It is difficult, however, when I feel that some dread within me. "Definitely. We're gonna propel Equestria and Earth into a new age."
Princess Twilight Sparkle extends a friendly gesture towards Sunset Shimmer. "I'm so proud of how much you've done. I know Celestia is too."
"Thanks." This time, Sunset Shimmer's smile is genuine despite the pain in her heart. "That means a lot to me."
"Anytime," Princess Twilight Sparkle says as she returns the smile. "Well, I'm going to go do some light reading. Might as well get a little bit of relaxation in before tomorrow."
"That's cool." Sunset Shimmer pauses. "I think I'll stay back a bit and double-check the calibrations on the Veil Tunneler."
"Just make sure you don't spend all day here," Princess Twilight Sparkle replies. "It's not healthy to spend all your time working."
"I'll be fine. Don't worry."
Princess Twilight Sparkle leaves, and we are alone. A moment later, Sunset Shimmer speaks again. "Thanks for the support. I really needed that."
Harmony surrounds the spot in front of her as I channel my power to grant myself form. As my body manifests itself before her, the world begins to sharpen into sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. I can see the crystal walls of the laboratory under the Friendship Castle, glittering in reflection of the artificial magelights in the room. On one bench beside me sits a complex thaumo-electrical device — the Veil Tunneler — and in front of me is Sunset Shimmer.
Each time I manifest myself, I am once again overwhelmed by this very special mare. Her beauty fills my vision, and in this moment, Equestria is a triviality compared to my desire to feel her soft fur with my hooves and smell her unique scent and taste her on my tongue.
Still, I manage to overcome my body's base desires and speak my response. "You are welcome, Sunset Shimmer."
With these eyes, I can see that Sunset Shimmer is tense. She looks at me with a sad smile. "So, one more day, huh?"
"Yes," I reply. "Tomorrow, you will bring about a new Era of Harmony in Equestria." This is a joyous statement, but I feel sadness as I say it, for I know what will follow.
"And as Harmony grows in Equestria, so do you," Sunset Shimmer says. She walks forward and embraces me, and my mind is lost in a sea of love as I wrap my lavender wings around her. "It feels like it was just yesterday when you told me that. I guess there's no way to make sure you stay like this?"
I shake my head, clearing it. "I am the embodiment of the Harmony of Equestria. One cannot change while the other remains the same, and when you unite this world and the other in diplomacy and friendship, Harmony will be changed forevermore." And so shall I, in ways neither of us can predict.
Sunset Shimmer pulls away from me and laughs harshly. "Great. Just great. You'd think I'd have learned my lesson by now. It's always my own damn ambition that costs me everything, every single time. First I leave Equestria and everypony who cares for me because I think I'm destined for greater things. Then I turn into a monster trying to gain the power I think I deserve. And even after everything I've gone through, I still try to bridge two worlds together, and now I'm gonna lose my marefriend because of it."
It is not acceptable for Sunset Shimmer to believe she is as she once was. "Your actions and intent for this project have been that of a good mare. I regret that fate once again requires your sacrifice, but this is not punishment for hubris, because you are no longer guilty of that vice."
"I know, I know." Sunset Shimmer sighs. "But sometimes I think there's still some higher power that's got it out for me. I used to think that power might be Harmony itself, but, well..." she gestures towards me with a wry smile.
"I assure you, I only desire your happiness." I leave unsaid that I am unable to grant this happiness to her. Sometimes, Honesty does not require speaking the truth when both parties already know it, and silence is Kinder.
"I know." The smile Sunset Shimmer gives me is tired, but true. "And I want your last day as you to be happy too. Why don't we get out of here and have some fun before I have to celebrate what's probably gonna be our breakup?"
"I would like that very much." I follow Sunset Shimmer out of the laboratory. I will follow her for as long as I can, and hold on to this warmth in my heart that tells me I love her even as dread creeps into my heart.
"There ya go. One Triple Fudge Supreme Sunrise Special for the lady, and another one for the physical embodiment of Harmony!"
Sunset Shimmer and I grab our respective cones of ice cream from Cream Sickle. "Thanks, Cream," Sunset Shimmer says.
My intention to add my own thanks is stymied when I breathe in the scent of the rich chocolate that coats the ice cream. For a few seconds, there is nothing else in the world but the sweetness on my tongue and the interplay between hot and cold within my mouth as I consume the treat in three bites, allowing the blend of textures and flavours to delight all my senses.
"May I have another?" I ask, and I see that Cream Sickle has already begun preparing a second cone for me.
"Of course, sweetheart," he replies. He hands the treat over to me as I ignite my horn and manifest the bits needed to pay him on his table.
"Thank you," I say, this time choosing to slowly enjoy the ice cream as I give it a small lick.
"Anytime." Cream Sickle pauses, and I can tell he is building up the courage to speak once again. "So, I don't wanna bother you about small stuff, but Wind Swept.... she, umm..."
I smile. "Tell your daughter to join the cheer squad when they hold tryouts next week. All will be well after this."
"O-oh, thanks." Cream Sickle is visibly relieved at my advice, and I feel the satisfaction of another thread of Harmony falling into place. "You two have a nice day now, okay?"
"Sure thing, Cream," Sunset Shimmer says before we walk away towards a nearby bench. The afternoon sun glints off our twin cones as we sit down, and I take a moment to appreciate the mixture of colours swirling together in what I am about to eat.
Sunset Shimmer turns to me as she begins licking at her own cone. "So that's why you wanted to go grab ice cream?" she asks me. "You wanted to help Cream's kid make friends?"
"I also wanted to enjoy some ice cream with you," I reply. "This allows me to fulfill my purpose while also spending time with the one I love with all my heart."
"You're talking about the ice cream, aren't you?"
"I serve both Honesty and Kindness, and so I will not answer your question." The feeling of satisfaction I receive from making Sunset Shimmer Laugh is unlike anything I could have imagined before I became as I am now.
"Maybe I should get a chance to be your favourite again, then." She leans over and presses a kiss against my lips. All thoughts of Harmony and Equestria are washed away by a desire to wrap this body around hers and press every inch of ourselves together.
"It seems I am capable of much change," I say as I catch my breath after the kiss. With my mind clouded by thoughts of Sunset Shimmer, it takes me a moment to realize my folly.
Sunset Shimmer frowns. "Yeah, I guess you are."
"I am sorry." My ice cream tastes like ash now, from the effects of my emotions on my senses.
"It's not your fault," Sunset Shimmer replies before giving me a sad smile. "If anything, it's mine. I guess I'm just too awesome at changing Equestria forever." She shakes her head. "Anyways, I don't want to think about tomorrow. Let's just enjoy the time we have now."
"Of course, Sunset Shimmer." For the next few hours, we walk about Ponyville, making idle chatter with each other and the other residents of Ponyville. We work together to help Apple Bloom reconcile with her dance partner, and then stop by Roseluck, Lily Valley, and Daisy's store to talk about botany. Sunset Shimmer and I debate if the Power Ponies comics will be rebooted at the end of this year or if they will continue on in their current iteration for another run.
It is very much like a normal day, and as we head towards Sugarcube Corner while holding hooves, I try to hold on to this warmth and contentment flourishing within my heart at all the friends I have made in these past few years, and at the love I have kindled with the mare who walks beside me. I know even without using my other senses that Sunset Shimmer is doing the same.
"Daring Do is where right now?" she asks as we enter the bakery.
"Lemooria," I repeat as we head towards the counter.
"The mythical Bovine continent?" The look of incredulity on Sunset's face is delightful to behold. "It exists?"
"It does, and her next book will have a detailed account of how it sank beneath the waves," I reply.
"Wow." Sunset Shimmer shakes her head. "I'll have to see if Twilight can get me an advanced copy."
"Hey Sunset! Hey Harmony! How's it going?"
Pinkie Pie, the Element of Laughter, grins down at us from where she is perched on top of the counter.
"Hello, Pinkie Pie," I say. "Sunset Shimmer and I have been enjoying her day off together. Could we please have a dozen assorted cupcakes to go?"
"Sure thing!" There is a flurry of activity as Pinkie dives behind the counter with an empty box. "So, didya get to talk to Cream yet? Wind Swept's having some trouble at school and he thought you could do your whole Mysterious-Wisdom-Of-The-Ancients thing for her!"
"All will be well for Wind Swept." I smile serenely. "I have said what needs to be said."
Sunset Shimmer's eyes narrow at me. "She isn't actually going to get into the squad, is she? This is part of some bigger ploy where she gets rejected and then befriends the nerd hiding in the corner, right?"
My smile never changes. "As I have learned much of you, so have you learned to see what is said, and what is left unsaid."
"Uh-huh." Sunset Shimmer rolls her eyes. "With you, that's more of a survival skill than anything."
"Aww!" Pinkie Pie re-emerges from behind the counter, box in hoof. "You two make such a cute couple!" She places the box on the counter. "Here you go! One dozen assorted cupcakes!"
"Thanks, Pinkie." Sunset Shimmer picks up the box with her magic. "How much do I owe you?"
"It's on the house," Pinkie replies. Her expression grows serious. "Just a little something to cheer you two up. I can tell when ponies are laughing to ignore something big they don't want to think about, you know. Just remember that you have your friends if you need them."
"I—Thanks, Pinkie," Sunset Shimmer says, at a loss for other words. I, too, am humbled and impressed by Pinkie Pie's perspicacity. "I'll see you at the afterparty tomorrow."
"Make sure to bring your party spirit!" Pinkie Pie points at me. "Figuratively, of course. But you should bring your marefriend too."
Sunset Shimmer chuckles. "I'll be sure to do that. Bye, Pinkie."
"Goodbye, Pinkie Pie," I add. "You are truly a worthy Bearer of your Element."
"Aww, thanks." Pinkie Pie bounds over the counter to give me a hug. It is warm and pleasant and smells of refined sugar, that most wonderful of pony inventions. "I'll see you around, okay?" There is a finality in her words that makes me wonder if she already knows our secret.
I can only smile before leaving Sugarcube Corner with Sunset Shimmer.
"Let's get home," Sunset Shimmer says. "It's starting to get late."
"Very well." As we begin our journey, I find my mind drifting back to all the ponies I have met since I first gained this form. "Do you think the others will miss me when I change?"
There is a pause as Sunset Shimmer considers her response. "I dunno," she finally says. "I guess it depends on what you change into? If you're basically the same but end up sprouting another set of wings and talking like you're from Appleloosa, then they'll probably just get used to it. But if you end up turning into a giant crystal in the sky that communicates by making it rain liquid rainbows on ponies, then they might wish you hadn't changed."
"I doubt she'll turn into anything as fun as that."
Reality itself distorts beside me as the antithesis of Harmony manifests itself into being. In this form, the Chaos that roils around him induces disgust in my body, and I have to exert effort to avoid vomiting.
"Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony." I greet him with a polite tone. "How are you today?"
"Oh come on, Harmy," Discord says with a pout. "You can call me by my name. We're friends now, right?"
"Yes we are, Spirit of Chaos and Disharmony," I reply. "What business have you with us?" A flare of irritation sparks within at this creature who is keeping me from spending time alone with Sunset Shimmer.
"Just wanted to say goodbye," Discord says, holding a giant postcard of Ponyville with the words "Wish You Were Still Here In Your Current Incarnation!" in his claw. "It's been a real hoot having you around here. Don't tell Twilight, but even though you have the same body, you're way more fun than she is when you get going. I'm going to be really sad if you turn into some stuffy no-fun tree again."
"Do you know what's going to happen to her?" Sunset Shimmer asks, hope flaring in her eyes.
"Absolutely not," Discord replies, and Sunset Shimmer deflates. "Predicting the future isn't really my thing as a Chaos Spirit, and expecting me to know what the future of Harmony holds?" He laughs and conjures up a barometer. "Might as well stick one of these up your rump to measure the temperature."
He snaps, and his props disappear. "But seriously, you went from purely-incorporeal spirit to crystal tree to alicorn. I have absolutely no idea what you could possibly turn into next." A gleeful smile graces his abominable face. "Isn't that exciting? You're becoming a little bundle of uncertainty, just like me!"
Annoyance is another emotion that I was not able to experience before taking on this form. I glare at Discord. "Change has always been one of my fundamental aspects," I say. "Just as you hold within yourself the ability to be Harmonious, in your own way."
"I suppose you have a point." His smile fades, and for the first time in years, I see him looking grave. "I really am going to miss you, you know?" he says. "And I'm not looking forward to seeing ol' Sun-Lite here moping around if you change into something that she can't smooch every five minutes. It's too bad you're both too goody-two-shoes to do anything about it."
"I am but a reflection of Harmony," I say. "I cannot control what I will become."
"Ugh, you can be so boring sometimes." Discord rolls his eyes. "Don't you ponies always say that love finds a way?" He taps a claw to his chin. "Or was that life? Whatever, you're not gonna do what you have to do to save your torrid romance, anyways. Enjoy your last day together, lovebirds. I have to start preparing for this new Era of Harmony we're all going to be drowning in. Ta-ta!"
With another snap, he vanishes, leaving me with a great sense of relief as reality reasserts its will on our surroundings.
"Well, that happened." Sunset Shimmer glances at me. "I think I'm officially one-hundred-percent done with hanging out in Ponyville today. Wanna just teleport back?"
"That would be acceptable," I reply. Sunset Shimmer winks at me before channelling her magic through her horn and disappearing.
As I prepare to dematerialize, I glance at Cream Sickle packing up his cart for the day. I wonder if my next form will be able to experience the pleasure of enjoying one of his Triple Fudge Supreme Sunrise Specials.
I wonder what I will never be able to enjoy with Sunset Shimmer again.
"Hah, three sixes! East Trottingham is mine!"
Competition is a complex tool of Harmony. Similar to ambition, it is very easy for it to be twisted into a source of Disharmony and Evil, but a healthy level of both can encourage ponies to strive for achievement and develop a sense of camaraderie with one another.
"An acceptable loss in order to hold the South. I reinforce my Northern front and end my turn."
Sunset Shimmer eyes the board in response to the sudden influx of troops against her weak point. Her passion is truly a marvel to behold as she channels the competitive fire within her into a will to win that is tempered by her desire to see others happy.
She grasps her toy soldiers with her magic and shifts them forward. "Fine, if you wanna play it like that, then let's stop playing around. I attack Canterlot with all my troops!"
Her boldness enhances her beauty, and I lose myself in her fiery eyes as I move my own army to match hers. "Very well. The die is cast." The thread of Fate spins outwards, but I do not look at it. As a pony, I have learned to live in the moment, and enjoy the anticipation of not knowing what happens next — though only when it does not spell the end of all I hold dear.
The battle is long, and many dice are thrown as we whittle down each other's troops, but eventually I emerge triumphant, my forces overwhelming Sunset Shimmer's and leaving her without any defences in the rest of her territory.
"Dammit!" Sunset Shimmer curses as she gazes upon the remnants of her empire. "Stupid dice. I should've just pincered you in the East."
"Would you like to surrender now?" I ask as the turn order passes over to me.
Sunset's eyes narrow. "Never."
It takes several more minutes to completely defeat her, and despite the clear impossibility of her victory, Sunset Shimmer never gives me any quarter, fighting to the last pony as she always does. I respect her tenacity even as I destroy her final soldier on the board. "Another round?"
"Yeah." Sunset Shimmer's eyes burn with determination as she collects her pieces. "Next time, you're going down."
"We shall see." As we begin setting up the board again, Sunset Shimmer grows unusually quiet. Normally, she enjoys exchanging banter before a match of any kind.
Before I can use my powers to probe into the cause of her silence, she speaks. "You know, it'd be really easy to tweak the configuration of the phase amplifier to make the Veil Tunneler stop working." Her eyes glance over to the schematics in her room. "Nopony would be able to tell the difference between me messing with the device and the natural harmonics between our worlds not scaling properly when we bring in a group of people from the other world."
I pause in my setup to evaluate her statement, watching as another thread spins off from this thought. "If you wished to maintain such a deception, it is likely that you could convince Princess Twilight Sparkle to cancel this project. While another would one day step up to fulfill the course of destiny, we would have years if not decades to spend together while I keep this form and all its capacities."
As I speak, I can see the outcome unfold in possibility space. Equestria will eventually establish long-term relations with Earth, but with Project Ansible cancelled, it would take much more time for societal momentum to allow for such a connection to be made. Sunset Shimmer and I could possibly live out the rest of her days together in a romantic union.
It would delay the progress of Harmony, and be unacceptable to my core purpose, but in the years I have spent with Sunset I have moved beyond that core, and I cannot help but desire to spend more time with her, no matter the cost.
Sunset Shimmer raises an eyebrow at my words. "You aren't going to tell me not to do it?"
"No," I reply. "My love for you began when I saw that you were a being unfettered by Equestria's Harmony, free to do as you wished yet choosing to walk the path of Friendship. I would not take away that which makes you unique in this world. If you desire to extend my existence as I am by perpetrating a deception against your peers, then I shall not interfere, nor shall my love for you lessen, for I have given it without condition." Though it is the truth, I know it is a coward's answer, but I cannot bear to tell her what decision to make when I desire both outcomes.
"And here I thought your love began when I showed you what I could do with my tongue on that new body of yours," Sunset Shimmer says with a nervous smirk.
I appreciate the attempt at levity, and respond to Sunset Shimmer's sultry look with one of false innocence — a technique I learned from her for use in humorous banter. "It is true that I have learned far more about what it means to be a pony from you than I expected, such as the path to making you cry out in pleasure."
Sunset Shimmer's cheeks tinge red, a lovely colour that I stare at as I attempt to keep within me as many memories to take into my next life. "I knew teaching you how to do banter was gonna come back to bite me in the ass," she mutters.
"I believe you enjoyed it when I did that last night," I reply. Sunset Shimmer's eyes widen, and she laughs. I laugh along with her, and for a few moments, we revel in the most energetic and mysterious of Elements.
All too soon, however, the moment passes, and Sunset Shimmer gazes at me with somber eyes once again. "I—I can't," she says. "I guess Discord was right when he said we were a pair of goody-two-shoes. But I'm not more important than two worlds. I never was, and I have to accept that."
"We still have tonight," I say, reaching over to caress her cheek with my hoof. In this moment, I know we both need physical contact to comfort one another. "I propose that we put away this game and go to bed." Being smouldering does not come naturally to me, but I attempt to give her a half-lidded gaze that burns with lust. "I can demonstrate all that I have learned from you in the ways of making lo—"
We are both teleported into her bedroom before I can finish my sentence.
That night, we lie in bed together.
Sunset Shimmer is fast asleep. Even in this form, I do not need to slumber, but tonight, I choose to lay next to her, to allow myself to feel the warm glow of romantic love for what may be the last time.
In the dark quiet of this room, I can finally shed my strength and allow myself to be scared. I do not wish to burden Sunset Shimmer with my fears when she stands to lose so much more than me, but I too do not wish to lose the ability to love her as I do now.
I have learned so much, experienced so much in the form of a pony. I have known love and pleasure and pain and sadness unlike anything I could imagine when I was but crystal and bark. To return to that existence would be tragic.
Sunset Shimmer shifts in her sleep. Her rest is not peaceful, and I hope that Princess Luna will be able to help her face her own fears. My marefriend is strong, but even the strongest ponies need help, and it is not weakness to ask for aid.
I can feel the winds of change blowing. An Era is coming to an end, and another shall take its place.
In my mind's eye, I see Sunset Shimmer's passionate fire as we race down the streets of Ponyville. Her warm, satisfied smile when she teaches me a new lesson in living a life of Harmony as a pony. Her bright, infectious laughter when we share jokes with one another. I come to a realization as I watch the rise and fall of her chest, where her heart beats with more love than even I could comprehend.
I am not ready to change.
"What do you mean it's not working? The delegation is already here! We're supposed to have the demonstration in an hour!"
Moondancer glances down at her clipboard before replying to Sunset Shimmer. "When I came into the lab this morning, I turned on the Veil Tunneler and tried to do a dry run of the demo. We couldn't establish the aetheric interface at all. The signal just kept dying every time it achieved transmutation."
"Can you fix it?" Sunset Shimmer asks. Her whole body, already tense, tightens up even more as she glances up at the clock in her office. Despite not having taken on my pony form, I can feel a sympathetic pang in my heart, and I must force myself to pull back and observe only.
"I—I don't know," Moondancer admits. "We tried adjusting the calibration and running every diagnostic we could think of, but there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with the device itself. It's almost like the Aether became unstable all of a sudden."
When Sunset Shimmer's eyes widen, I know that my reckoning is near. "Increase power by ten-percent," she commands. "Make sure you double-check that all the conduits are working fine first so that we don't blow any fuses. Hopefully, we can power through that."
"Alright, Sunset." Moondancer runs off for the emergency adjustments, and once again we are alone.
Sunset Shimmer closes and locks the door, then speaks to me in a low and dangerous voice. "What are you doing?" she hisses, gritting her teeth and shooting glares around the room.
I cannot bear to face her.
"We both know there's nothing wrong with the aetheric interface," Sunset Shimmer says when I do not reply to her. "The Tunneler can't make the connection because some fundamental force of reality isn't letting it. And since I don't think Discord's messing around with us, that just leaves you."
It is an eminently pony trait, the desire to act as if nothing is wrong in the hopes that a problem will disappear. I do not know when I developed it, but I am certainly expressing it at the moment.
"I know you can hear me!" Sunset Shimmer is shouting now. "Come out and explain yourself!"
I have no choice but to obey. Though many may call upon me to aid them, she alone can command my presence as she wills. Not with brute strength or dark spells, but with the power of love.
When I take form, my vision is filled with the sight of Sunset Shimmer's fiery anger bearing down on me. "What. The. Hell." Each word is punctuated by a heavy step forwards as she looms over me despite us being the same height.
"I am sorry." I bow my head in shame. "I did not mean to cause you distress."
"I made peace with losing you." Another step forward, and I can see tears forming in her eyes. "We had our last day together, and I was ready to say goodbye to you today. And now you go and do... whatever you did. What's your plan? Are you just going to keep the Tunneler from working forever?"
"I—I do not know." I have never stammered before, but Sunset Shimmer has made me realize that I have not thought beyond this point.
"What do you mean you don't know?" Sunset Shimmer shouts. "You're the Spirit of Harmony! Everything you do is part of some greater plan, even if you won't tell me what it is! So what's your angle this time? What lesson am I supposed to learn from you not letting me let go?"
"There is no lesson this time," I say, and I can hear the desperation in my own voice. "No secondary objective."
"Then why are you doing this?" Her tears are flowing freely now, and I can hold back no longer.
"Because I am scared." I finally admit, and though I do not wish to burden Sunset Shimmer with my fear, I feel lighter for having shared it. "There is no plan. No grander purpose. I—I have learned so much in my time with you, and my love for you is unlike anything I have ever experienced in my millennia of existence. This warmth within me that burns for you, that desires you and only you above all other ponies, it has given me satisfaction that transcends all others."
For the first time since the birth of ponykind, tears begin to form in my eyes as I begin to cry from the grief that overwhelms me. "I—I am not ready to lose this feeling, to return to a state where I cannot drown in this affection for you. There is still yet a strand of Fate that we can follow. If I explain to Princess Twilight Sparkle that Project Ansible was doomed to failure from its inception, and that its purpose was to teach a lesson in teamwork and cooperation, then we can still yet delay the winds of change for many more years."
Sunset Shimmer takes a deep breath. "You didn't tell me that you were scared too," she says. Her anger has begun to fade, but her hurt remains, and she lets out a choked laugh that turns into a sob. "A-And here I thought you were totally zen about ascending into your next form."
"Your pain was so great," I say, tears still freely flowing from my eyes. "It would have been selfish for me to burden you with mine when it is less than yours. I had to be strong for you."
To my surprise, Sunset Shimmer smiles through her tears. "Oh, Harmony," she says, wiping her eyes with a hoof. "I guess there's still one more lesson about love for you to learn."
She walks forward and envelops me in a hug. "You know how love isn't a contest and arguments aren't a competition to see who's the most wrong?" She waits for me to nod before continuing. "Well, just because my heart's breaking over this doesn't mean that yours can't be either. I know you aren't used to being scared, but the thing about fear is that even if we're both weak to it individually, together we're strong enough to beat it."
"I—" A sob interrupts my statement, and I am unable to speak for a moment as I compose myself. "I know this. The strength of many is a fundamental aspect of Harmony. And yet, it feels as though my fear is so much greater than what we can overcome."
"That's how fear works. It gets into your soul and twists it and makes you feel powerless." As she speaks, I feel Sunset Shimmer's strength grow and the fire of determination ignite in her heart once again. "But I have faith in my love, and I know you do too."
"A love that may not survive beyond my rebirth," I say, holding her tighter and never wanting to let go.
"I don't believe that," Sunset Shimmer replies with a shake of her head. There is a calmness that she radiates, a serenity that helps still my pounding heart. "I might lose what you are now, but your love is so great, such a fundamental part of who you are, that not even Equestria changing could destroy it.
"Maybe we won't be able to make out while you fly me over Mount Canter, or debate the merits of the romantic poets over coffee, but whatever happens to you, I don't doubt for a second that you'll still love me in your own way that's just as powerful as what it is now." When Sunset Shimmer releases me, her tears have dried, and there is such hope and promise for the future in her that I am humbled in its presence.
"I may be the Spirit of Harmony," I say, my own tears beginning to clear as her words sink in, "but you are far more deserving of being Equestria's guardian. You have taught me so much, and shown wisdom when I faltered. I should have understood that love cannot be destroyed while it remains true, and that our love is true enough to survive any change.
"I can feel the change that is coming in my very being." It tugs at me even as I speak, a call to accept my new purpose in this new world. "I fear it, but I cannot say that it is evil. Your future — and mine, and all of Equestria's — is bright, and I know that so long as I have you, I shall not allow my fear to stop me from embracing it."
"So... does that mean you'll stop jamming the Veil Tunneler?" Sunset Shimmer asks, her smile turning wry.
My cheeks redden in embarrassment. "Of course." Reality shifts as I exert my will on it to revert my previous alterations. "It is done. Moondancer will find all systems operational in a few minutes, and return here to report her success."
"Thank you," Sunset Shimmer says. She takes a deep breath. "So, this is goodbye, then?" Her voice trembles despite her attempts to sound calm, and I feel my own fear returning.
Taking strength in Sunset Shimmer's faith, I speak with my usual serenity. "Yes, until tonight. When I embrace the changing of the world, I will visit you."
"I'll see you tonight, then." Sunset Shimmer walks up to me, and we share one last kiss. It is long and sweet and solemn, and we allow ourselves to bask in each other's love. A love that I now know will never diminish, even if it changes. "Goodbye, Harmony," Sunset Shimmer says as we break away reluctantly.
"Goodbye, Sunset Shimmer." With that, I discorporate my physical body and return to the Aether.
There, I await my fate. And while it is uncertain, I know that what is important will remain.
That is acceptable.
The demonstration goes off without further complications. The ambassadors from the world of humans are able to communicate with the leaders of their world using the Veil Tunneler, the first device able to bridge the space between worlds since Star Swirl created his mirror.
Speeches are made, with promises to establish further relations between the two worlds. It is a momentous occasion, one that will alter the course of history forever, and Sunset Shimmer stands in the center of it, the liaison who has walked two paths in life and gained a greater understanding of Harmony from doing so.
There is a party thrown by Pinkie Pie. Sunset Shimmer dances to the music with ponies and humans, encouraging them to interact and form new friendships. My presence is observing throughout the festivities, though only Sunset Shimmer notices. Several times, she turns to wink into the empty air, knowing that I will understand that she addresses me with the gesture, and in return I fill her with a portion of the love I feel for her.
As night falls, the ambassadors return to their quarters to rest and plan the next step of this meeting of the worlds. Sunset Shimmer basks in the praise and congratulations from all who are involved before excusing herself and returning to her home.
I am waiting there for her in my current physical form. "You have done well," I say as she enters our bedroom. "Equestria is on the cusp of a golden age of Harmony, thanks to your efforts."
"Thanks," Sunset Shimmer replies. "I'm just happy that everything else went perfectly. It's almost like I had some kind of guardian angel watching over me." Her smile is weary, and despite her strength, I can see that the dread of uncertainty has taken its toll on her.
"I am no angel," I reply.
"Agree to disagree." Sunset Shimmer sighs. "So, is it time?"
"It is," I say. The Change has been pulling at me since the day began, and it is almost too strong to resist now. I still do not know where it will take me, but I now understand that the path I walk is a bright one. "Thank you, Sunset Shimmer, for loving me, and for teaching me to love as you have."
"Anytime," Sunset Shimmer replied. "And thanks for giving me the best years of my life."
"It was my pleasure." I open myself up to the Aether, and allow myself to Change.
I can see the thread of Fate that we have chosen to follow. It is a thread that will lead to much strife, but also to much happiness, and in the end, two worlds will be better for the steps that Sunset Shimmer has taken today.
The future is bright and chaotic and there is still much I cannot see, and even more that I cannot understand. As the Change continues, I realize that I still have much to learn. Though my years in this form have been educational, it is not enough. If I am to serve Equestria as its Harmony, then I must understand more of what it means to live as a pony.
And to love as a pony.
Learning. Love. Sunset Shimmer. These are three constants that remain as I cease to be and yet continue to exist, my self becoming undone and remade and Changing to fit this new world that is coming.
There is still so much to do, so much to explore, and it is so exciting. How could I shed my pony form and give it all up? No, that is not the path I shall take.
The Change completes, and I understand my new purpose.
Everything is so big!
The ceiling is so much taller and the walls are so colourful and far away and Sunset...
"Sunset!" When my body finishes materializing I rush forward and give the big mare that I love a big hug. She's taller too, because I'm so short now. It's so cool how that works, and I'm already learning something new from being like this!
"H-Harmony?" Sunset's eyes widen, and she starts laughing. It's so pretty, her laugh, and I end up giggling too.
"It's me!" I say while I continue to hug her. She's so warm and soft and comfortable, and I just wanna stay like this all day. "I'm not going to have to go away!"
"No, you don't." Sunset keeps laughing. "Of course this is what happens. I should've seen it coming." She pulls back and reaches out a hoof to ruffle my mane, which now has streaks of both my old purple and pink and also the red and yellow tones of her mane. It tickles when she does it, and I giggle again. "You know what you look like, right?"
"Sure I do!" I reply. I know I'm smaller now, and I look like a filly. My coat is still lavender, but now I've got Sunset's cyan eyes. "I'm a product of the love we had before, so of course I get a little bit of you and a little bit of what I used to be! Isn't it cool?"
"Uh-huh." Sunset shakes her head. "So, what do you remember from before?"
I don't need to think about my answer. "I remember that I loved you very much," I say with a nod. "And you loved me too. I still love you, Sunset. Do you still love me?" My heart starts to beat faster when I ask that. Oh no, what if she doesn't like me now that I'm like this? My heart hurts just thinking about it.
"Of course I do, Harmony." To my relief, she doesn't need to think about her answer too, so I know she means it. "So, what does this mean about the current state of Equestria's Harmony?"
"It's still changing a lot, and it's looking to the ponies of Equestria to guide it forward," I reply. "There's still a lot to learn, and I'm not ready to give up loving you and being loved by you."
"Oh, Harmony." Reddish magic surrounds me, and I smile as Sunset pulls me over to her for another hug. I like her hugs. They make me feel safe and loved. "I'm never going to be ready to give up loving you, even if I have to love you differently now."
I nestle my head into her shoulder and let her love surround me. The way I love Sunset is different now too, and I can't wait to figure out how it's different. "This is so exciting," I say after a few moments. "There's still so much for me to do and so many things to see." There's a weird pressure in my chest, and then my mouth ends up opening really, really wide. I'm yawning! Oh, that means I'm sleepy. I guess that's why I feel like my brain is slowing down.
"It's been a long day," Sunset says as she starts rocking me back and forth. It makes me feel so peaceful, and all my fears and thoughts and concerns start to go away. "I think we should both go to bed."
"Okay," I say. Being a filly is so exciting, but also exhausting, and I'm ready to sleep for the first time. And I wanna do it while Sunset is hugging me, just like this. I know she's gonna take care of me and watch over me, because she's great like that.
While she carries me over to the bed, I remember something else about our time together before I Changed, and I ask, "Can we go get ice cream tomorrow, please?"
Sunset pauses, and then she smiles. It such a beautiful smile. When I look at that smile, I know that Sunset is gonna take care of me, that she's so filled with love that she wants only the best for me. "Of course we can." She places me on the bed and snuggles next to me. "Goodnight, Harmony."
"Goodnight, Sunset."
And so, surrounded by love and ready to take my new place in this world, I fall asleep next to the mare whose love shaped me and all of Equestria.
Like all living things, I change as I grow.
And as long as I love Sunset and she loves me, I can take on any change.
