The Witchblade EqG: The 13 Artifacts

10 YEARS LATER…

“LIGHTNING!”

“I GOT IT DASH!”

Lightning Dust and Rainbow Dash were racing down the field, the clock was running out as two best players of the Canterlot City Storm Hawks soccer team passed the ball between them, they were surrounded by the opposing team, leaving little to no openings for them to get a pass to the others, but that wasn’t a problem. One of the opposing players came in to tackle Rainbow, but she quickly kicked the ball up and jumped at the same time, avoiding the sliding tackle. Before the ball could hit the ground, she headbutted it towards Lightning, who caught it with her chest and let it drop to the ground, never missing a beat as she kept running.

Lightning and Rainbow were close to the goal, but they were surrounded, and the goal protected. However, there was always a way.

“Thunderclap?!” Lightning asked.

“Thunderclap!” Rainbow responded. “Ready, GO!”

Lightning Dust kicked the ball straight up into the air. All eyes followed the ball as the other players waited to see where it was going to land, but even if it did, there was only seconds before the game was over, it was one to one, and this game would be decided with one point. Lightning Dust skidded to a stop and got into position, placing both of her hands low. Rainbow Dash ran right towards Lightning and high stepped just as she got close to her. Lightning caught Rainbow’s right foot in her hands and vaulted her straight into the air.

Rainbow Dash had to time this just right, watching as she, the ball, and the goal came into alignment. Once all three were in sync, Rainbow Dash roundhouse kicked the ball with everything she had. The ball flew over the heads of all the opposing players, not a one of them able to stop it. They had heard of this move of theirs, but they used it so infrequently that other teams weren’t able to effectively come up with a strategy to counter it, not to mention, the momentum of Rainbow’s spin transferred enough kinetic energy into the ball to move twice as fast as it normally would.

The goalie panicked, she didn’t know where to move and it was approaching at a high speed. The goalie made the best guess she could at the last second and ducked to the right to block, but her moment of hesitation was all the time the ball needed to sail past her, just grazing her fingertips as it smacked into the net behind her. The timer ran down to zero, and the score was two-one.

“GOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!”

Rainbow stuck the landing as she hit the ground, sending a shiver up her body from the impact. Nonetheless, this didn’t stop her from pumping her fist into the air and yelling in triumph, Lightning Dust rushed her and gave a kiss on the lips before the rest of their team joined in celebrated alongside them. The other team was, to say the least, shocked at that move, they didn’t know what was more humiliating, losing, or knowing that they were the team that was going be seen losing over and over again on ViewTube as “Most Epic Soccer Kicks”.

After winning the semi-final round, they were on their way to the championship game. Lightning and Rainbow walked out of the stadium, with Rainbow draping her arm over Lightning’s shoulders, and Lightning wrapping her left arm around Rainbow’s waist. Rainbow and Lightning had gotten older, both twenty-eight, and a bit taller since their high school days, Rainbow as about five-nine, while Lightning was five-ten, just a bit taller. Lightning had grown her hair out, still rocking the spikey look, while Rainbow went with a pixie cut. Their bodies had gained lean muscle over their years of training to join the same sports team, becoming the best duo pro sports players, and couple.

“That was badass, as usual,” said Rainbow.

“It helps that you’re light, but I think you gained just a bit of weight since the last time we tried that, you were a bit heavier,” Lightning commented.

“All muscle, Babe.”

“Uh-huh, sure you’re not letting Shy spoil you when you with those homemade snacks?” Lightning worked her hand under Rainbow’s shirt and grabbed onto her side. “Because I think you got just a little pudge goin’ on here.”

“Ouch! You bitch, that’s rude!” Rainbow glared. “And I feel bad if I don’t eat, besides, you know how good her cooking is!”

“Fuck, don’t I know it,” said Lightning dreamy tone. “Fine, guess we’ll just have to work that out in our usual way tonight.”

“Oh, dirty girl~”

Of course, they had to cut their couple talk short when they saw a mob of sports reporters waiting for them when they exited. All of them were shouting out questions one after the other. “Did you plan that ahead of time?” or “What’s it like to be a gay couple on a team and if it hurt their teamwork with the other players?” questions like that one kind of irked both of them. The answer was obvious enough when they were on the field, but yeah, it did cause a small issue on the team when they first joined. It wasn’t that they were opposed to gay and bisexual people joining the team, they just never had two teammates in an actual relationship coming onto the team, and sometimes such relationships could damage the teamwork, with one favoring their partner over the rest of the team.

But that wasn’t the case here, Lightning and Rainbow made sure to include the team on any and all of their tactics and strategies, even taking suggestions from the senior players. It was a bit of an adjustment to go from captain to just another player, but soon they became star athletes. Their goal was to represent USA in the Olympics games, and with their teamwork and skills, they were well on their way to doing just that.

All the while, their love for each other only grew hotter and stronger, Rainbow would keep Lightning’s competitiveness in check, and Lightning would keep Rainbow from getting a swelled head, and occasionally the two of them would keep the other from being assholes to others when they stepped over the line. Some thought that their relationship wouldn’t go past high school, two hotblooded gals like them, but they just took it as a challenge, and Rainbow Dash and Lightning Dust were always up for a challenge.

Rarity was putting on the final touches to her latest creation, the models were all set, and the fashion show would soon begin. And as always, she was a bundle of nerves, fretting over this and that, second guessing her decisions, and sometimes going overboard. Thankfully, she always had someone there to keep her feet planted and focused.

“Breathe, Sugar Cube, just breathe,” said Applejack as she placed her hands on Rarity’s shoulders.

Rarity was dressed in a fabulous purple dress, her hair was long and flowing, framing her beautiful face, and svelte figure. Applejack was wearing a tux, she was six-foot-one now, towering over Rarity, and still wearing her Stetson hat. The two were an odd couple to almost anyone who looked at them, a farm girl with a southern accent, and a prim and proper fashion designer, they were like night and day sometimes, and yes, they did butt heads from time to time. However, it never dulled their love for each other, if anything, it served as fuel for Rarity whenever she was in one of her creative moods.

“Okay…Okay, I’m breathing, I’m not stressing,” said Rarity.

“There ya go, Sug. Now look at me.” Rarity did as she asked and looked into Applejack’s beautiful emerald eyes, as green as any orchard, one could get lost in the vast greenery. “Ya got this, you worked yer tail off for this, and now is yer moment to shine.”

Rarity smiled and nodded her head. “You’re right, you’re right my love! I am Rarity Belle, and this is my stage! I’ve overcome much with my friends and you by my side, and now it’s time to take all of that and put it on display for the world to admire!”

Applejack smirked. “There’s the diva I fell in love with back in high school.”

Rarity rolled her eyes. “I am not a diva.”

“Rares, please, you have a faintin’ couch on call whenever you faint.”

Rarity gasped and shot an incredulous glare at Applejack. “I! Do! Not!”

Applejack gave Rarity a deadpan look as she removed her hands and pointed to something behind Rarity. The fashionista looked and saw an ornate couch with violet velvet upholstery, placed just behind her as if ready to catch her. Rarity cleared her throat and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Well, maybe a ‘fainting couch’ is a bit much in retrospect…”

“Eeyep, and ‘sides.” Applejack swiftly scooped up Rarity into her arms, now carrying her princess style and making the fashion designer let out a surprised yelp. “Why faint onto a couch when ya got two strong arms to fall into?”

“Oooh, Jackie, so gallant,” Rarity swooned.

“Ugh, how cliché is that?” someone spoke.

“I know, right, who brought that hick to this show? Probably just her side piece charity case,” said another.

Rarity glared at the two women who just insulted her girlfriend right in front of her. “Jackie, please put me down.”

Applejack knew that look in her girlfriend’s eyes, that was the look of someone was about to tear those girls a new one. “Sug, don’t. It’s alright.”

“Jackie, I do not appreciate anyone badmouthing my beloved right in front of me, now put me down so that I may set those harlots straight,” Rarity ordered.

Applejack was thick skinned when it came to people who look at them funny, or calling her a country hick, or saying that she was just Rarity’s plaything that she was taking pity on. The joke was on them because she was freaking loaded. Granny Smith had a survey team come to their property and sure enough they found the gold that was under their property, and thanks to that, Sweet Apple Acres got a huge boost in revenue, allowing them to hire more hands to work on the field and freeing up the kids to pursue their own dreams and careers. She remembered how happy Granny was to finally be able to give her grandchildren a chance to do what is they wanted instead of just working on the family farm for the rest of their lives.

Applejack decided to work for the farm instead of on it, she always had a good head for business and decided to look into expanding their operation, while keeping the values of the Apple Family through their work. Which of course meant she needed to go and learn as much as she could about business in college. For a while, Rarity and Applejack’s relationship was long distance, with Rarity going to a fashion college and Applejack a business college to learn even more. Little did Applejack know that what she learned was also able to help Rarity’s label grow in popularity and bring in money for her. Applejack had helped Rarity get this far, her skills as a designer were half of the equation, Applejack was the other half.

Which was why Rarity took issue with anyone who would dare to bad mouth her paramour. “Jackie, down, now.”

Applejack sighed and did as she was asked, letting her princess gently step onto the ground.

Rarity walked up to the two women and put her happy “I’m better than you so don’t mess with me” smile on. “Darlings, I’m so glad you feel so comfortable speaking about my beloved in such a manner and given how stressful this fashion show is for all of us, I’m willing to chalk it up to nerves. But the next time you insult my dear Jackie…” Rarity’s eyes took on the form of dangerous slits as she held her smile. “I will make sure you deeply regret your life choices.”

The two women who insulted Applejack felt their blood run cold, as if someone had just walked over their graves. The two designers apologized profusely to her and Applejack before rushing out with their tails between their legs.

Applejack sighed as she stood beside Rarity. “Ya think ya may’ve overdone it a little?”

“I think I got my point across, now then, let’s be off, my debut is upon us!” Rarity declared.

Applejack watched as Rarity walked on, strutting her stuff triumphantly, and all she could say was, “Heh, I love that gal.”

Fluttershy had just exited the surgery room at the veterinarian clinic she was at, she was taking a residency at the local clinic next to the animal shelter where she still volunteered at. Fluttershy had decided to pursue a career in animal medicine, wanting to heal and care for as many of God’s creations as she could. The formerly shy teen had cut her long hair to make it shoulder length, before she would use it to hide her face so that she wouldn’t have to look directly at people, but after all the events at Canterlot High, and her experiences in college, Fluttershy felt it was time for change. She would no longer be afraid of the world, but instead take it head on.

The vet-in-training walked over to the family that was awaiting news of their injured dog, Fluttershy stopped in front of them and smiled. “You don’t have to worry; he’s going to be alright.”

“Really,” asked the small boy.

Fluttershy leaned down and said, “Really, really. We’re going to keep him overnight for observation just to be safe, but if he looks good, we can send him home with you all tomorrow.”

The little boy rushed to Fluttershy and hugged her as best he could. The little boy’s mother shook Fluttershy’s hand as she said, “Thank you, you have no idea how important he is to us, he’s a part of our family, and he’s looks after Rocky like his own.”

“You’re very welcome, now, the doctor will come by and give you more details on what kind of home care he might need, but I don’t anticipate anything extensive, he’s a strong one,” Fluttershy assured as she left the family.

Fluttershy had filled out more since her high school days, wider hips, an hourglass figure, and an increase in bust size. Yes, she was aware that she was a “bombshell”, and that she was very attractive. The boys at college seemed to make it a point to remind her of that, and the jealous stares of the other girls also reminded her that there were those who envied her natural beauty. However, she paid them no heed. Besides, there was only one man who she allowed to ogle her body, or even touch her.

“HEY!”

And there he is, thought Fluttershy as she walked down the hallway and waved to her boyfriend.

“Bulky, what did I say about using your inside voice?”

Bulk blushed. “Oops, sorry, Baby.”

Bulk Biceps was a large and muscular boy, but now he was a large and muscular man. Most people who looked at him just as much assumed he was a muscle-bound jerk, the kind of guy who jacked up on protein shakes, weight lifted like it was an addiction, and was a jerk to everyone around him, especially his girlfriend. Where in fact it was the complete opposite. Bulk was a kind and gentle man, despite his large size and intimidating physique, he was as gentle as a lamb. He took care of his mother whenever she needed help with something and held a steady job as a bouncer at a local night club. He didn’t need to do anything, all Bulk had to do was just stand there and look angry and any altercation that was about to occur immediately stopped. That is not to say that he couldn’t do something if he needed to, but most of the time he preferred not to.

He and Fluttershy had been going out for the last five years, and both were very happy. Bulk treated Fluttershy right, and while knowing she didn’t need protection, would often step in and do so. Fluttershy walked up and motioned for him to lean down, when he did, Fluttershy gave him a little kiss on the cheek. “That’s okay, just try to remember next time. We have some sick animals in here that need rest.”

Bulk smiled nodded in understanding. “Are you ready to go? I wanted to cook dinner tonight, I found this neat recipe for lasagna that looks really good.”

“Oh, that’s sounds great! Can I help?” Fluttershy asked.

“Of course!”

Bulk offered his large arm to Fluttershy, the vet-in-training looped her right arm through his left and the two exited the clinic. From time to time, Fluttershy would see someone from the Vatican keeping an eye on her when they thought she wasn’t looking. Unfortunately, it was one of things she couldn’t get away from, she continued to be the Magdalena, but she operated at her own discretion, which meant if it wasn’t something that threatened the lives of the innocent, then she wanted no part in whatever operations the Vatican wanted. Plus, she could call upon the Spear of Destiny any time she wished; they weren’t about to argue with a trained assassin with a powerful relic.

Sometimes she joined Sunset on some of her cases in the city, or ones outside of the city thanks to her other credentials with another organization. But Sunset tried to keep her involvement in such things low, mostly out of respect for Fluttershy’s wishes to live her life the way she wanted. The Vatican and others may believe that she’s wasting her, literally, God given powers, and training, but that was for Fluttershy to decide, this life was hers, and she would live it the way she wanted. And if needed to answer the call then so be it.

“Bulky, I love you,” said Fluttershy as she nuzzled her cheek against his muscular arm.

Bulk blushed and stammered, “I-I love you too, Shy.”

Sunset “Sun” Shimmer was on the beach of one of her family’s private villas, enjoying the warm rays of the sun. Sunset had a two-piece bikini on that was quite revealing, but since this was her own private beach area there was no one around to see her anyway. Hell, if she wanted to, she could sunbathe naked, but she didn’t want to overstimulate her fiancée, speaking of which…

*BOOM!*

“I’M OKAY, EVERYTHING’S FINE!”

Sunset sighed as she took off her sunglasses and looked over her shoulder, “Sparky, I know I gave you that nickname, but that doesn’t mean you can sit things on fire.”

Her fiancée was currently working on an improved and more efficient solar power generator that would not only gather solar energy three times better than current solar panels and generators, but also take in moonlight, which is basically reflected sunlight, and triple the amount of energy converted. They had come out here to the beach where they could work in private, having converted part of the villa into their own research lab.

Twilight, in keeping with the beach theme, wore a white lab coat over a one-piece bikini. She wasn’t the mousy looking thing she was before, turns out Twilight was a late bloomer, giving her a figure to rival Rarity’s, a bust that matched her girlfriend, and legs for days. Twilight kept her long hair, which she currently had tied up into a ponytail. She was currently using a fire extinguisher to put out the electrical fire of her machine.

Sunset casually walked up to the still burning contraption and swiped her hand out in front of her. The Ember Stone, which hung around her neck, shined and immediately the fires disappeared as if they were never there. “Babe, I told you to be careful, using that new alloy we developed. It’s super conductive, remember?”

“I know, I know, but I was onto something until…well,” Twilight gestured to the machine, “that happened.”

Sunset smiled as she walked up to Twilight and kissed her on the cheek. “Look, why don’t we relax a bit, you know you get stuck in a rut if you hyper focus too much.”

Twilight sighed, she wasn’t one for just “chilling”, but she decided to go with her fiancée with this one. She dropped the extinguisher and let Sunset lead her back to the chair. Once there, Twilight stopped and said, “Um, Sunset, there’s only one chair.”

“Oh, would you look at that,” said Sunset feigning surprise. “Guess we’ll have to improvise.” Sunset sat down on the chair and then opened her legs to pat the chair. “Best seat around, Sparky.”

There was a time that Twilight would have blushed and found such a thing embarrassing to even try, but that time has passed. Twilight threw off her lab coat and took her seat between Sunset’s legs, leaning back to rest her head against her fiancée’s fluffy pillows. “You’re right, love, this is the best seat around.”

“Told ya.”

Sunset and Twilight have been busy at Canterlot University, earning awards left and right for their joint scientific projects and thesis, excelling in all the scientific fields that the University could offer and then some. During that whole time, they kept in touch with Sun’s big sister, and her Crystal Prep friends. They were awarded several grants to pursue their research in alternative energy and paranormal science.

The fiery haired woman glanced down at her Ember Stone; she was given the Artifact by her big sister during an event about five years back. The Wendigos had arisen in Canterlot, and her sister needed an extra pair of hands to defeat them, and with the combined powers of the Witchblade, Ember Stone, and Spear of Destiny, the three of them were able to effectively send the creatures to oblivion, forever gone. From then on, Sunset kept the Ember Stone, not just because she thought her sister might call on her again, but because she wanted to protect Twilight.

Whenever Sunset looked upon the Ember Stone, memories of the old world would flash before her eyes. A burden that she was to carry, to remember the pain and heartache she caused the people she loved back in that past world. Some would see what her big sister did as a way of getting back at her for what she did in the past world, that these memories were a curse to remind her of what a horrible person she was. But Sunset didn’t see it like that, her sister was burdened by the memories of the things she had done, and she was stronger for it. Now that she’s had time to come to terms with those memories, Sunset understood fully why her sister let her remember.

And just like she had said, the memories helped in her decision making, keeping herself and Twilight from slipping down the wrong paths, allowing them to enjoy the lives they have now. Six months ago, Sunset decided to make their relationship last forever, and she proposed to Twilight during one of their little science seminars in front of their colleagues, and of course Twilight said yes, she got all teary eyed and it made her cry as well.

“You really need to take it easy, Sparky,” said Sunset as she rubbed her fiancée’s stomach. “We have to take care of her, too.”

Twilight smiled as she placed her right hand over her stomach, their engagement rings gleaming in the light of the sun. One of the many different scientific breakthroughs that the two girls pioneered was creating a way for two women to have a child. It was a matter of converting the DNA of another female’s egg from their ovary and implanting it into the recipient’s egg. Of course, their successful implementation of this new technology earned them the ire of both the conservative and religious groups alike, calling them immoral blasphemers against the natural order. And to that they gave a resounding, “Fuck you!” to all of them. But for all the flack, they also got praise from the LGBTQ community around the world for this, because now lesbian couples, like themselves, didn’t have to use a donor to create a new life, they could have children that shared both their DNA.

So far there were five couples who were participating in the study, and all of them had given birth to healthy boys and girls, and now Sunset and Twilight were the next couple, both because they wanted a child of their own, they were super successful, and super rich, so it wasn’t like they lack the means to take care of a child, and with their wealth they could spend all the time they wanted to raise their daughter or son. The other reason they did this was to show everyone that it was perfectly safe, and that there was nothing wrong with the children who were born from this method, of course that was still pending years of testing for the rest of those children’s lives, but in the end, it would bring happiness to a lot of people.

“Do you think your sister will want one, too?” Twilight asked.

“Heh, depends.”

“On what?”

“On which of her four partners wants to bear her child first.”

Twilight was still trying to adjust to that, Sunset’s sister was in a relationship with four other women, and somehow, they managed to maintain this polyamorous relationship for over ten years now. “I still can’t believe you organized that orgy behind my back, I nearly had a heart attack when I saw all of you naked in our bedroom!”

“You still loved every single moment of it, admit it,” said Sunset.

Twilight blushed and puffed up her cheeks. “T-T-That’s beside the point! I just…Would like to be included in the planning.”

“Is that a yes for another orgy?” Sunset asked.

“I thought you said I need to be careful, since I have a child inside me?” Twilight asked.

“It’s still early, plus, I’m sure the girls would be very gentle with you.” Sunset kissed her lover’s forehead. “Pepper your soon to be swollen, pregnant belly with kisses, caress your down there, and make every part of it loving and sensual for you.”

Twilight rubbed her legs together as she looked up at Sunset. “Honey, please, don’t get me hot and bothered out here.”

“Sorry, but you’re just too cute when you’re flustered.” Sunset gave her lover another kiss, this time on the cheek. “I love you, Sparky, I always will, and I’ll never hurt you.”

“You don’t always have to say that part, I know you would never hurt me,” Twilight replied as she leaned into her girlfriend.

Sunset gently wrapped her arms around Twilight’s body and hugged her. I have once…but I won’t ever make that mistake again, never.

Manehattan…

Sunset woke up in the center of a pile, she groaned a little as she struggled to move her hands, and after getting one free, she wiped the sleep from her eyes and took in what she saw. Adagio was lying on her right, Pinkie Pie on her left, Sonata and Aria had crawled up onto her, both resting their heads on either side of her stomach. All five of them were bare in the large bed that they shared, and Sunset smiled when she recalled their fun time last night.

Ten years have passed since she remade the world, ten years since she took in the Sirens, and seven years since she became a police detective in the Canterlot City Police Department, and two years since she became a member of the Organization of Supernatural and Otherworldly Disasters. Tempest Shadow came to Canterlot City a while back to investigate Canterlot City, and the Witchblade. Sunset had taken this into consideration and intercepted Tempest first, seeking to work with the OSOD. Tempest, like the others, felt a strange tug in her mind when she met Sunset, telling her it was okay to trust this girl. Thanks to that, Tempest was able to convince the top brass of OSOD to allow Sunset in their ranks an agent under Tempest Shadow.

Sunset remembered how Tempest’s organization wanted to take the Artifacts and her Witchblade, and that there may come a day when that very well might happen, but it’s as the old saying goes, keeps your friends close and your enemies closer. She knew that, if something happened, Tempest would most likely side with her if the organization decided to turn on Sunset. Tempest wielded her Wheel of Shadows like in the other world, and together the two of them proved to be a strong duo in the supernatural and monster busting game. Sunset was officially listed as being part of a special international task force that worked cases that had undertones of the supernatural, of course, it was Captain Shining Armor that approved her assignment to this “task force”, which also gave her great flexibility whenever she needed to leave the city for certain cases. Like the one she was on now.

Sunset took a moment to look upon her lovers, it was an odd thing to be sure, and they got their share of looks from people. But she didn’t care, none of them did really, all of them were successful in their own way. Adagio decided to hone her singing skills, and became an indie internet pop star overnight, writing original songs with her sisters as back up and occasionally bringing in Sunset on guitar and vocals. While Sonata and Aria had the ability to do the same, they wanted to do something else. Sonata improved her cooking skills by learning from the various chefs in Canterlot City, improving her craft until she landed a job at famous chef, Gustave le Grand’s, restaurant.

The master chef took her under his wing, finding her endearing and noticing her hidden talent for the cooking arts. Eventually she made it to the rank of Sou Chef and was Gustave’s right-hand woman in the kitchen, with the promise of becoming his successor. Aria decided to use her aggression to make some money for them, training at MMA gyms and entering local tournaments, and as it turns out, being immortal for the last thousand years allowed her to pick up on a lot of the different fighting styles in the world, and mixed martial arts allowed her to put the different pieces together to form her style of fighting that many of her opponents couldn’t defend against. Aria won multiple titles and was currently the reigning MMA champion.

Pinkie Pie decided to go into the field of psychology, she liked making people smile, and wanted to help people find out what was making them sad and find solutions to bring them to a happier place. It took a lot of hard work, but thanks to Sunset and the Siren sisters’ motivation, she got her doctorate and was officially Dr. Pinkamina Diane Pie, or Dr. Pie as she liked.

As for Sunset, as was said, she achieved her goal of becoming a detective in the CCPD, thanks to the backing of one Captain Shining Armor, it kind of annoyed her that he did make captain before she became a detective, but he acted like a big brother for her and helped her out so much during the training, exams, and of course her days a trainee. Thankfully, for most of that training, she had Spearhead as her training officer, someone whom Shining Armor informed of Sunset’s identity as Witchblade, the three of them had to create a special training and protocol when it came to her, since there were supernatural occurrences happening around Canterlot, Sunset was the only one capable of dealing with them. And so, if there was something otherworldly happening, Shining Armor made sure that Sunset would be taking lead on those cases.

The relationship with these amazing women was hard work, scheduling time for each other, making sure others were given attention, but they managed it, and Pinkie Pie was great at making sure no one was left out of any activities they did, but they also knew how important one on one time was. Sunset planned on purposing to Pinkie Pie after this case was done, getting married to her in this world. But since this world wouldn’t really allow her to marry Adagio, Sonata, and Aria, Sunset decided that they would have a second wedding, but not here. She spoke to Princess Twilight, who was now the ruler of all Equestria, and she said that she would marry them all in Equestria to make it official for them. Of course, human laws wouldn’t recognize the three sisters as Sunset’s wives, but that didn’t matter, she was sure as long they knew they were married that would be good enough for her.

I really owe Sun and Twi for setting all of this up, thought Sunset.

It was only thanks to Sun and Twi that they were able to do any of this. Twilight’s computer skills, along with Sun’s skills, money, and resources, allowed them to create false identities, making it appear as if Sunset, Adagio, Sonata, and Aria have always been in Canterlot City’s records, and with a little help from a certain mayor of Canterlot, no one was the wiser, and their records were good enough that not even the most senior agent in any law enforcement branch would be able to tell they were fake.

“Girls, it’s time to get up,” said Sunset.

“Hmm, ten more minutes, Hun,” Adagio moaned.

“Yeah…just a little longer, Sunny,” Pinkie added.

Sunset chuckled as she managed to stroke both of their curly hairs. “I’d love to, but we got a lot of stuff to do before I have to head out tonight.”

“Ugh…the hell with that…let’s just stay in bed until you have to go,” said Aria.

“I’m with Ari…I’ll even cook us breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner,” said Sonata.

“C’mon, we’re in Manehattan, do you know how much I had to beg to get them to approve bringing you guys with me?”

Adagio stirred and bit more and propped herself up on her forearm. “Yes, and they let you, but on our dime. Cheap bastards.”

“It’s only fair, they’re willing to pay for me being here, not my girlfriends.”

“Still,” Pinkie chimed, “with all their shadow funding, you think something like this would be a drop in the bucket.”

Aria smirked and said, “Face it, they’re just jealous because Sunset’s got four hot girlfriends, and if they do have girls, they ain’t got jack shit on us.”

“I second that!” Sonata added with a raised hand.

Sunset leaned forward and bopped her tsundere girlfriend on the head. “Be nice, Aria. Now, are we going to go see the city, or are you guys just planning on screwing me all day?”

All four of the girls glanced between each other and then looked back at Sunset.

“Is that an option?” they asked in unison.

Sunset sighed in regret, “As much as I’d like to say ‘yes’, I don’t want to be too worn out before the operation tonight.” Each of the girls had a worried expression on their faces, making Sunset ask, “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“We’re just a little…concerned,” said Adagio.

“Ugh, the hell with pussy footing around it. We’re afraid for you, alright?!” Aria blurted out.

Sunset raised an eyebrow. “Afraid for me? Why? This will hardly be the first or last supernatural bad guy I’ve fought.”

“We know, but you said this one’s different, and that he’s more dangerous than the ones you fought before,” said Sonata.

“We just…We just want to have as much time with you as we can, just…just in case,” Pinkie confessed.

Sunset smiled at her girlfriends and brought them in as close as she could. “Listen, I’m coming back, no matter what happens.” Sunset kissed each of them passionately on the lips one after the other, sealing her promise to her lovers. “This is just something I have to do. Do you understand?”

All four of looked at each other, and then back at Sunset, and together they nodded a collective “yes”. This was her family now, and Sunset wasn’t going to make them cry, but she made a promise to that person back in the old world, and she wasn’t about to go back on it now.

Night fell over Manehattan, the twinkling lights of the city gave it a dazzling appearance against the moonless sky, but this beauty only belied the evil that was lurking in its shadows. Sunset was currently getting geared up, which was mostly for show, she wore a Kevlar vest, carried a couple of sidearms, some zip tie handcuffs, and an assault rifle. Around her were at least fifty other people, ten of those fifty were OSOD imbedded Agents in the MPD, they would be her squad for when they made entry. Their squad had one objective, to get Sunset to the target so that she could neutralize it, the others were going to keep the rest of the police force from getting involved in the fight.

The “FBI” liaison, Tempest Shadow, walked across the warehouse, her footsteps echoing as she approached. Everyone glanced her way, it was hard not to, she was a tall woman, with an imposing aura. “Listen up, I don’t need to remind you, but I’m going to anyway in case some of you decide to be a hero out there. Tonight, we’re going after a dangerous gang that’s been operating here in Manehattan. The Kings have been allowed to move about for too long and now we’re about to hit one of their major drug distribution hubs. This is a full-on raid, we bust in, we make arrests, and shoot anyone who shoots back at you. You’ll all be divided into teams, Echo, Delta, Charlie, you’ll be our battering rams and start pushing the suspects into a corner. Meanwhile, Bravo, and Alpha teams will begin their assignments.”

Tempest glanced briefly at Sunset, a silent understanding passing between them.

“I don’t need to tell you that this will be dangerous, but whatever happens, don’t stray from your objective, we take these guys down tonight. Now let’s move out!” Tempest ordered.

“YES, MA’AM!” the officers shouted in unison.

The raid teams all filed into their armored vehicles and started on their way to the target. A couple of miles down the road and the teams were at the Manehattan Harbor. They turned right towards the private docks and aimed for one warehouse, three of the vehicles were armed with battering rams, and all three in perfect sync smashed through the side of the wall, throwing debris everywhere and causing the occupants inside to shout and scream in shock of the sudden attack. Once inside, all three armored vehicles opened their back hatches and allowed officers to hurriedly march out and take positions.

“MANEHATTAN PD, WE HAVE A SEARCH WARRANT!”

“FUCK YOUR WARRANT PIGS!!!”

Gun shots rang throughout the warehouse as the members of the Kings gang opened fire on the vehicles and the officers. The officers returned fire as a hailstorm of bullets was passed back and forth between the two factions. The other two armored vehicles flanked the warehouse, smashing through one side and the second another. Alpha team, Sunset’s squad, exited the vehicle and took up positions around the vehicle.

“Clear!”

“Clear!”

Sunset raised her left hand and spoke into the mic, “This is Team Alpha, we’ve successfully made entry into the warehouse.”

{Roger Alpha Team, proceed as ordered.}

Sunset nodded, she looked around and made sure that there weren’t any surprises in the room.

“We got ya back, Shimmer, do your thing,” said one her teammates.

Sunset nodded, dumping the helmet, vest, and guns, leaving only an issued tactical jumpsuit and her boots. The Witchblade started to glow and immediately sprang to life, slashing through her weak clothing and donning her in the indestructible, supernatural armor. Sunset closed her eyes for a moment, only to open them and reveal her glowing irises.

“You don’t think this guy’s going to use his powers, do you?”

“Not unless he thinks he’s been driven into a corner, he’s not on friendly terms with it, but that doesn’t mean it won’t cooperate with him when he needs it to. I already told you guys this, but when you see him, fall back, and let me take care of it. Trust me, you don’t want to be anywhere near this,” said Sunset.

“Duly noted.”

With her enhanced senses, Sunset led the team further into the warehouse. They happened upon a few of the gang members, but thanks to Sunset’s Witchblade, she was able to easily subdue them without killing them. Ten years of fighting side-by-side with the Witchblade has allowed her to gain near perfect control over her body’s speed, strength, agility, and reaction speed, making fights like this simple. For the others, her team helped, laying down suppressive fire to keep the gang members pinned while she zipped around and took out their weapons before knocking them out.

Their team made it further into the warehouse before the Witchblade armor bristled. }}} He is close. {{{

Sunset stopped in her tracks, throwing her fist into the air to signal a halt. You sure?

}}} Just beyond the next room, he is waiting. I am sure he sensed my presence the moment we entered. {{{

“Okay guys, this is as far as you go. Keep the other teams away from here, arrest the stranglers,” Sunset ordered. Her teammates nodded to her and took their positions to guard the entrance. “And whatever you hear, don’t come in.”

Sunset walked forward, kicking open the large double doors and making them slam on the walls behind them. The Keeper of the Balance cautiously strode in, her eyes piercing the shadows and locking onto a lone figure in the room, standing amidst a plethora of their product. It was a man, with long, shaggy black hair, and a black overcoat. The man turned around and revealed his ashen gray skin, and piercing red eyes, just like she remembered him.

“Sombra King,” said Sunset.

Sombra rubbed the back of his head as he chuckled, “Huh, so you’re the one that that demon keeps wailing on and on about. Witchblade, right?”

“Yep, more accurately, that’s his name.” Sunset raised her right arm up.

}}} Been a long time, Father. {{{

<^> Wretched cur! I curse the day you were born! <^>

“Whoa, issues?” Sombra asked.

“Long story, but essentially, they’re father and son,” Sunset explained.

“Oh, wow, so you can hear all that too. Damn, this is going to get awkward.”

“Tell me about it.” Sombra eyed Sunset up and down, his brow knitting as he rubbed his stubbly chin. “Yeah, I know, I’m half naked. Get your eyeful now before we get to it, I don’t want to hear any complaints about you losing because you were staring at my chest, or other places.”

Sombra chuckled. “Nah, it ain’t that, I got a girl so I ain’t going to do her wrong like that. But it’s the damndest thing, I’ve never seen ya before, and yet, I like you. Not romantically, but like a…” Sombra snapped his fingers as he tried to think of the correct word. “Niece? A friend? Although I think I’d remember if I was friends with you.”

Sunset shrugged. “Not as weird as you might think. I’ve been tracking you down for a long time, and I’m happy you’ve evaded police capture for this long. Because I made a promise.” I’ve done what you said, I’ve grown up, I have a family, and now… “I intend to keep that promise.” Sunset took a fighting stance as she created two five-foot-long blades from both of her gauntlets.

Sombra chuckled some more as the Darkness emerged from his body, the Entity of Evil wrapped around his body, and then burst apart, revealing Sombra now clad in the Darkness Armor. Inky black shadows formed a tattered cape that fluttered behind him, and in his hands, he held two esoteric looking pistols. “Shit, why am I getting this proud feeling right now?”

“Don’t think about it too much! Just know that you’re going to jail, one way or another!”

“Heh, bring it!”

Sunset and Sombra dashed for each other, meeting in the middle and clashing as their powers erupted within the warehouse. This was the future that Sunset fought for, the future that she gave herself and her friends. Her friends would never know the sorrows and the loss of the last world, the fates that they all suffered, the people they lost, only she and Sun would know, and that was enough. Because this was their new future, one that Sunset was going to protect. The tragedies of the last world were done with, this was Sunset’s world now, both the good and bad, she’d embrace it all, for that is the power of balance, the power of the Witchblade.