While Twilight had not been happy about being temporarily left behind, she had understood that Sunset had some, ‘personal business’ to attend to. Tempest backed Sunset up, which helped placate Twilight’s suspicion and more importantly, her curiosity. It was mostly true too, Sunset said to herself as she strolled down the street with a coffee in one hand while reading what Raven was displaying on her new holo projector in the other. Fog Gauge followed a step behind and to her right like he often did, scanning the surroundings and people in general. None seemed interested in the two of them, as Sunset had said. It was an interesting change of pace to be unknown in plain sight.

The new projection feature was extremely helpful since it allowed Sunset to read and work through two years of emails, and account information without having to worry about tripping over an unseen object, like say a dog leash, like she had done before, because she could still see through the screen to the other side and what was before her just like a heads up display. How it was able to do so without a backing or reflection was gnawing at her curious, engineer's brain. Have to remember to read more of the owner's manual later along with finding an article on this tech because that is just too cool.

Sunset Shimmer glanced back at her captain who was simply taking in all that was around him while also keeping an eye on his princess. Sunset had to admit, he looked attractive as ever even in just a nice pair of khaki cargo pants and a black t-shirt that had been too good not to get for him. A familiar triangular prism in the center with a beam of light that shattered to a rainbow on the other side. Just like Rarity had once said: "Everything that is old is new again," the never changing circular world of fashion. Sunset wondered if kids today even knew about Pink Floyd or just thought the design was cool. The thought quickly died when Raven chimed to tell Sunset she had arrived at her destination.

From personal experience, most retail establishments would not open before their listed times on the front glass window no matter how hard you tapped on it and waved. In fact, most retail associates found that behavior annoying at best. A jewelry store especially so considering the higher security risk. However, Sunset had instructed Raven to find and contact a custom crafter not far from the hotel who would be willing to take a rush commission for a large sum of money. It had been a long shot, but surprisingly, one did reply on the condition that a sum was paid up front. Sunset gladly agreed.

Sunset glanced up at the sign above that read, “Shades Customs and Antiques.” The shutters were down, but that was not surprising considering it was still two hours before regular business hours. Could she have waited? Sure. Would he have understood she was serious about the rush job part? Possibly. Did money make the world go around and get people moving? You betcha.

Sunset knocked on the shudder. The unexpected voice from the car in the street behind her caused both her and Gauge to spin around quickly. “Are you Sunset Shimmer? Your PAAL sent mine a few messages last night and this morning. I wasn’t sure if I was being pranked until I saw the funds clear.”

“I am, and like I said, that was just a down payment and for your time.”

He nodded and exited the car. The pale green, slightly portly man had to of been in his late fifties early sixties from what Sunset could guess. He was balding, but still had that patch that was mostly gray along the back of his head. His dress clothes were plain, but also appeared comfortable and he chose suspenders over a waist belt.

The man held up his PAAL to a security panel and the shutters beeped before rolling themselves up. “Mahogany Shades. Please, step into my office and tell me what I can do for you.”

Once the three had closed the door behind them the shutters automatically began to descend and lock in place. Gauge scowled at that, but Sunset calmed him with a hand on his forearm. With a nod, he relaxed and began to browse while his princess conducted her business.

“I must say, whatever it is you are looking for it must be pretty important to throw so much coin at the problem.”

“I’m planning on proposing to the most amazing woman in the entire world and beyond. So yeah, pretty important.” Shades’ eyes glanced over to Gauge and Sunset saw right through him. “A friend. Couldn’t ditch him and he worries about me. It's adorable in its own way.”

“Right. Anyhow. What is it I can do for you?”

Sunset pulled out a sketch she had had folded up in her jacket pocket. “I need two matching earrings, both for the left ear. One is to have a red ruby with a sun emblem under the primary setting with a connecting chain to a small stud that will go into the top lobe here. That will have a smaller amethyst stone. The second one is to be identical, but the stones are to be the opposite with a large amethyst over a starburst and a smaller ruby.”

“Metal preference?”

“Platinum casing with a white gold connecting chain.”

Mahogany Shades nodded. “I have the stones, metals, and chain, would only need to assemble everything to this design, maybe a fitting if you feel there is time.”

“I need them no later than Friday by noon.” That made the elderly man’s eyes widen. “Like I said, rush job and I will make it worth your time if you can do the job quickly and still with the utmost quality. Not to be too much of a bitch, but I don’t want to pay for fast and sloppy.”

“Well then, it’s a good thing you came to me and not some chain jewelry store.”

Sunset laughed politely. “I take it that mean we have a deal?”

“I’ll send you a picture of the initial design before I finalize the settings and it will include the final price. If it looks good to you just have your PAAL send me the go ahead. The bill will be due upon pick up and final inspection.”

Sunset nodded and held out her hand, which the man gladly took. “See you Friday.”

Twilight Sparkle was conflicted. She could feel the battling emotions in her chest that made her heart ache (hence the term) and it in turn caused her anxiety to spike. Smartypants had already informed Twilight twice that her blood pressure and heartrate became accelerated when she would scowl in contemplation. That was helpful, but slightly disturbing how observant the small device was. Was it like that for Raven and Sunset? Her heartrate began to spike again as she thought about the goldenrod alicorn... and her perfect smile framed by a fiery mane waving about. Twilight could see her lover in her mind's eye, trotting just ahead of her, one wing up, inviting Twilight to stand beside her. Long, tawny legs that went all the way up, curving over a perfectly round rump.

“You should contact your regular physician if these anxiety spikes continue. Hypertension has been known to lead to additional serious health risks,” Smartypants chimed again in a flat, emotionless tone. Twilight made a mental note that she needed to play with the voice settings when they got home to find something less... severe.

“Hey, Twilight,” said Tempest Fury crawling across the bed to come sit next to her princess. It took a few more seconds to get her blushing under control before she finally glanced up to meet Tempest’s eyes. “Talk to me, brainiac. What has got that thing squawking about blood pressure?”

“I don’t know… no, that’s a lie. I DO know I just… I…”

“Breathe, Twilight,” Tempest said gently, scooting up next to her friend and wrapping an arm around her shoulder to bring them together. Even without soft fur the contact was warm and welcoming. “Gather your thoughts and voice them to me one at a time just like we've practiced. There are no reporters here, no nobles, not even Isabella telling you what horror awaits you at your next meeting. Just two simple mares… or whatever we are now, kicking back on vacation. Like you told me before. No crown, no armor.”

Twilight took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Her free arm came to her chest, then she motioned it outward as she exhaled. Amethyst eyes opened to meet jade. “Do you think Sunset and I work as a couple?”

Tempest nodded, assuming that was the issue. “Ah, the big question.”

“I mean, don't get me wrong, work well as a team. I really did need help with my royal duties and she has filled the role better than I would have expected in a shorter amount of time. Nearly all of Equestria has come to accept her as diarch and that has helped me tremendously. And we are friends, best friends.”

“But?”

“No, no buts. I just wonder if my desire for more… if perhaps I want too much from her. That perhaps she can never see me as more than a marefriend.”

Tempest nodded, keeping her facial expressions completely neutral. She knew a secret, but had promised Fog who had made her swear not to tell Twilight. Perhaps she could at least ease her friend’s mind without breaking her oath. This would be tricky, but Tempest was up to the challenge.

Tempest slide over so that she was sitting behind Twilight on the bed and did her best to massage Twilight’s shoulders and back much like she had done with hooves in the past. She tried using the odd appendages that Sunset had called fingers much like her husband had done last night for her. Maybe Sunset had given him tips because he figured out how to touch her just right rather quickly.

“Remember that conversation we all had last year with Isabella? Is she worth it? You can always ask that question again.”

Twilight took another deep breath, happily letting out a sigh as Tempest found a muscle knot and began to grind her knuckles into it. “I love her, Tempest. I really do. She makes me feel so special and my life is a better, brighter place with her in it. She understands me and what I have been through. She understands the importance of friendship and how powerful those connections to others can be.”

“How’s the sex?”

Twilight’s eyes went wide and she turned and blinked a few times at the vermilion woman sitting behind her, jaw hanging open. Tempest however looked completely serious, one eyebrow slightly arched higher than the other. “Never expected that question from you. I mean, do you want details or just in general? Didn’t you tell me you have absolutely no interest in mares? Why would you ask that? Are you drunk? This room has alcohol, I checked.”

Tempest chuckled a bit. “Not interested in details, brainiac, definitely not interested in mares, and not drunk... yet. Maybe later. Anyhow, you two have been together as long as Fog and I have. I’m just asking if things are still good. You know, are things still enjoyable? I know for a fact Sunset likes stallions too.”

“Well, so do I, at least sexually speaking. However, what they have between their legs is not as important to me as what is between their ears,” said Twilight with a shrug. “But since you asked, yes, the sex is great. Sunset’s fiery passion for, well, pretty much everything she does translates to the bed as well.”

“Oh, goodie, and for some crazy reason we are now sitting on her side of the bed.” Both Twilight and Tempest looked down at the sheets before bursting out in laughter. After they recovered Twilight laid her head on Tempest’s shoulder and they enjoyed the peaceful quiet. “Twilight, I say this as your friend and because I have been watching you and her together the entire time. Trust Sunset Shimmer to keep you happy and keep you guessing what wild and amazing thing she will come up with next. Trust that she is as much in love with you as you are in her.”

“Thank you, Tempest. I think I really did need to hear that.”

“Besides, I need you to keep that crazy, lust driven mare happy and satisfied or else she may try to jump my husband out of curiosity or boredom.”

Twilight arched an eyebrow, “Seriously? Fog would never cheat on you.”

Tempest made a face that was cross between a grimace and a sideways smirk before rolling her eyes. “Cheat is the wrong word. His heart belongs to me, I will never doubt that. But you should talk to Luna sometime about the order of thestral loyalty. It’s just how they are. I knew that before I even had eyes for him.”

Before Twilight could inquire further the door opened and Sunset and Gauge strolled in. Sunset’s smirk turned to a familiar kind of perverse mischief while Gauge cocked his head a bit and arched an eyebrow at the sight of his wife and other princess snuggled up next to one another in bed.

“Dammit, I think we missed out on cuddle time.”

Gauge pouted his lip playfully. “I like cuddle time.”

Tempest, in a shocking display of playful immaturity, stuck out her tongue and giggled a bit. Twilight could still hardly believe how much her captain had loosened up since becoming married. “You two had your heart-to-heart and we had ours. Deal with it.” To that, neither Sunset nor Gauge could argue.

“Come on and get changed,” Sunset said, slapping her hands together. “I know a great brunch place. Plus, after that I want to play tour guide. Maybe we’ll get lucky and cross paths with one of your dimensional twins and make things really interesting.”

Twilight grinned sheepishly. “That is such an odd feeling the first time, trust me.”

Brunch turned out to be a small, soup, sandwich, and salad shop on the corner not far from the hotel. Everyone had placed their orders then sat down at the outside patio tables and just relaxed, watching as the cars and people passed by on their merry ways. Where ever life took them on such a lovely middle of the day.

Twilight had to admit, it was nostalgic and relaxing to be able to sit back and let life continue on without her needing to govern the celestial bodies or deal with political drama great and small. It was, for a fleeting moment, just like it was before when she was just that unicorn or unknown princess in her library in the middle of Ponyville. Able to go days without a problem or care in the world other than the occasional book on the wrong shelf. She loved her life and though there had been ups and down, she would have done it all the same if offered a chance to go back... maybe stopped Tirek from blowing up the Golden Oaks Library. All those books burning and or lying about damaged... that still hurt her soul to the core.

“Have you heard any updates on Raven’s gift yet?” asked Twilight after she shook the thoughts from her mind and finished her veggie spread sandwich.

“Not yet, but I’m still confident I’ll hear back soon.” Twilight nodded, but kept her concerns to herself for the moment.
Sunset stood as soon as she finished her meal and the others followed suit. “Come on.”

Sunset’s tour began at a place Twilight was surprisingly familiar with. Much to her amazement, though the buildings and background had changed, the sound stage and large hill overlooking the amphitheater were just like they had been when they had battled the Sirens there more than a hundred years ago. The school had rented the venue near downtown for the winners of the Battle of the Bands although it had originally been for a musical showcase. A fact no one ever pointed out again after the fact and the dust had settled. Twilight sat down on the grass and just took in the view, prompting the others to do the same.

Sunset had, with some reluctance, explained the situation that led up to the Battle of the Bands, only briefly touching on the fact that she had stolen Twilight’s crown, transformed, and received a much deserved beatdown via rainbow laser to the face. Gauge had grunted a few times. Tempest growled and ground her teeth after hearing the words, 'stole Twilight's crown' even though Twilight had just let the story play out, adding in her own account and perspective when needed.

Eventually, thankfully, in Sunset's opinion she brought the story back to the location before them and of course, talked about The Dazzlings, Adagio, Sonata, and Aria. The Sirens, another left over trash present courtesy of one Star Swirl the Bearded, had tried to enslave the school and steal the magic and energy that had awakened after the Formal.

“After Twilight convinced me to join in, we were able to unlock our harmonious power as one, which manifested into a giant ethereal alicorn that rainbow blasted the Sirens, destroying the sources of their power. Let me tell you, THAT was a sight to see.”

“It reminded me of Celestia." Twilight added. "As if it felt like her power was right there alongside us in our moment of need.” Sunset bowed her head and closed her eyes, nodding in agreement. “Oh, Sunset, I’m so sorry! I shouldn’t have said that.”

Sunset smirked and brought Twilight's hand to her lips, nuzzling the knuckles. “Nah, its fine. Like you said. It was like she was there the whole time. Looking after both of us. That's how I always want to remember Mom. Being a guardian to all her little ponies no matter where we are.”

“What ever happened to the Sirens?” asked Tempest.

Sunset shrugged. “Honestly, no idea. Only ran into them one other time on accident and they were scraping to get by as just powerless creatures trapped in human bodies. As long as they couldn’t hypnotize anyone to steal power or souls or whatever they were no longer my concern. Part of me does hope they found solace and just humbly lived their lives. Another part of me hopes they ended up working in a hooker hotel taking turns cleaning the stalls next to the glory holes.”

“Do I want to know what that is?”

Sunset shrugged and stood, pulling Twilight up with her. “Probably not.”

Sunset took the group next to the Gilmore Tower observation deck. While not the tallest building in the country or even close to the tallest in the world it was still noteworthy and offered an impressive view of the city as a whole with glass all along the perimeter, an observation level gift shop, and a restaurant and bar. Twilight and Tempest took a few minutes to pick out some souvenirs for Spike and Saber while Sunset got lost in thoughts gazing upon the city she had once called home. The view from a distance felt like the perfect metaphor with how she was beginning to feel about the human world. As if she was only an observer now and not actually living in it.

Gauge came to stand next to her, waiting for Sunset to comment if she needed to. Or just be there for his princess even if all she needed was to stare silently. “Impressive, view. Not quite as high as Cloudsdale, but still taller than any building in Equestria.”

Sunset nodded and pointed. “I can see my house from here.” It sounded just as terrible out loud as it had in her head, but she felt like she had to say something and bad jokes were a safe 'go to.'

“What are we looking at?” asked Tempest.

“Sunset’s house.”

“Was my house. Belongs to my grandson, or maybe great grandson now. Timber Hill was advanced in age last time I was here. He may have passed on by now.”

Twilight stepped up behind Sunset and wrapped her arms around her waist, burring her head into the fiery mane until Sunset could feel warm lips and breath on her neck that tickled and soothed. The four just stood together in silence for another minute, lost in their own thoughts. It was always slightly strange mixed with a pang of longing in Twilight’s heart to hear Sunset talk so casually about being a mother or grandmother. To think that the love of her life had already lived another life and raised children who went on to start their own families.

Twilight could only imagine what that must have felt like. To have had a life growing insider her womb, the squirming and kicking. Hearing that tiny heartbeat rapidly thumping away for the first time through a stethoscope. To hold her own newborn and see those brand new eyes open for the first time. The one, deep down, most secret desire Twilight held onto that she was too scared to share even with the mare she loved above all others. The occasional dark pangs of jealousy that her human counterpart got to enjoy such a desire. Being a mother alongside Sunset Shimmer.

“We,” Twilight began, just loud enough for the others to hear, “we could go have a closer look if you like.” Sunset let out a sigh and patted Twilight’s interlocked fingers.

“No. This is supposed to be a fun tour. Watching me cry while I relive old memories will not be fun for anyone, not even Tempest. Besides,” Sunset turned and smiled brightly at her lover and fellow princess, “Raven told me that the Modern Art and History Museum has a new gallery on more than a hundred years of space photography.”

“OOOOOHHHH!” Twilight cooed. “That sounds amazing!”

Considering the time of day and on a Thursday the museum foot traffic was light and just the way Sunset preferred it. Sunset was able to gladly play tour guide, mostly to Tempest and Gauge who knew scarcely little about space terminology, while Twilight bounce from photo set to photo set marveling at the high resolution images.

“And you said many of these were taken from cameras and telescopes actually IN SPACE?!”

Sunset nodded. “If you look at the tag information it will tell you the apparatus used and the date it was taken.”

“This probably comes as no shocker to you, but the stars have always fascinated me. Worlds beyond our own. Seeking out new life and new civilizations.”

Sunset snorted causing Twilight to frown slightly. “Sorry, you were quoting and didn’t even realize it. However, I’m surprised such things as new life would still be so fascinating to you since you HAVE visited other worlds.”

Twilight waggled a finger. “Not new worlds, just other dimensions. Totally different.”

“Oh really? Last time I checked they don’t call this planet Equuis or Earthquus.”

“Only because the name givers had feet instead of hooves. We do have EARTH ponies, after all. Earth, in the old dialect to tend the land.”

Sunset considered the words and ultimately relented because she had no good counter argument. “Too bad about the feet instead of hooves though. Except if I had my choice, evolution-wise, I would still keep my hands.”

Twilight smile and nodded, wiggling her fingers. “I have to admit, I had forgotten how useful fingers are.”

Sunset’s smile turned mischievous. She slipped her arm around Twilight’s waist and pulled her close so as to whisper directly in her ear, “Just wait until later. I’ll show you what I can really do with a set of fingers.” Twilight shuddered at the breath in her ear, her face darkening to a shade of red plum.

Tempest and Gauge caught up a moment later, also enjoying one of the greatest benefits of fingers, holding hands. “I have to begrudgingly admit, some of the technology they have here is frightening with how much more advanced it is than what we have.”

Sunset nodded. “For now. With Twilight and I on the case we should be able to make leaps and bounds in advancement now that we have access to some new pieces and technical books. Think about how much easier it will be to stay in contact with all your guard units once they are networked with phones or some equivalent.”

Tempest shrugged. “We already sort of have that with the SunLight crystals, but I see where you are going with it. Lighter, faster, maybe even having those screens where we can see each other like a portable, less messy scrying pool. That could be very useful.”

“Would make it easier for my mother to see Saber growing up instead of having to travel such a long way.”

Tempest nodded to Gauge before poking him in the chest. “True, but we are still traveling to see your parents some time.” Gauge simply grunted.

Sunset saved her captain from further prodding by waving her hand. “C’mon. Let’s grab a snack and browse the gift shop. Then I want to change clothes before heading out for dinner.”

“Oh, right!” Twilight perked up. “I want to change to my dress. Also, where are we going to eat if you are still adamant about dancing?”

Sunset smiled brightly. “That’s the best part, it will have it all. I had Raven double check to make sure the place I’m thinking of is still open and it is. Get ready to enjoy one of the best nightlife experiences in the city. Mount Havok.”

The name alone made Twilight curious while it made Tempest’s eye twitch at what sort of deviant, perverse, alcohol powered debauchery could be in stored for the four of them. For the sake of not being the 'party pooper' Tempest kept her opinions to herself until she had seen it first.

The cab ride back to the hotel had been swift and without incident. The change in attire had been ‘mostly’ without incident. Tempest wanted to change her bra after walking around all day and needed help securing the hooks. Sunset had then proceeded to grope the solar captain while explaining that if she had not adjusted her boobs the underwire would have pinched them. Tempest simply fumed, blushing beet red while goldenrod hands reached into her cups and pulled each breast up into place. Gauge managed to keep his reaction to a knowing smirk.

Tempest and Gauge stuck with the casual clothes they had already selected, which suited them both well. Twilight had happily switched to her blue dress and spun a few times to enjoy the feeling of the skirt swish. Sunset grinned at Twilight’s infectious giddy mood. She slid her hands up Twilight’s sleeve covered arms, fingers dancing on top of exposed shoulders. Twilight shivered in delight at the touch.

“Do you like it?”

Sunset nodded. “Mmmhmm! Mama like.”

Sunset had picked out for herself a black satin camisole top with spaghetti shoulder straps and a bit of lace over the v neck plunge. She paired them with a tight pair of jeans that drew all the eyes in the room to her toned backside and the heart patch that was over her left butt cheek pocket. Sunset laughed at their expressions and winked, sliding her black jacket back on and put Raven back on her hand. Finally, boots and shoes were tightened and secured. They were ready to go.

A little less than an hour later the four exited the cab at the entrance to a large brick and steel building that gave no hints to what lay within beyond the brightly lit sign in flashing colors declaring the establishment as ‘Mount Havok’. Twilight however took note of the individuals who were also exiting cars, heading the same direction they were. Their attire was not much different than her own and their ages seemed to be that of late teens to young adults.

Sunset followed Twilight’s investigative stares, surmising what was likely on her fellow princess’s mind. “Twenty-one and older only, since there are multiple bars and they don’t want to bother kicking the kids out who might try to steal a drink when no one was looking.”

“Okay, but that still does not explain what kind of place it is. Judging by the structure alone in must be huge inside.”

Sunset nodded. “It is. Two stories with high ceilings on both levels and a basement too if I remember correctly.”

“And?”

“And you’ll see.” Sunset looked down at Raven. “Were you able to get VIP access?”

“Of course. Four VIP bracelets are waiting for you at the kiosk. That should keep security from inquiring about the lack of identification from Tempest and Fog. I have to admit. If I had known I had such root system access in the past I may have gone mad with power.”

“Been there, done that, left a huge hole in the school front lawn. You have to use that code sparingly. Some systems may have counter programs and try to sniff me out if you're not careful and that would be bad for all of us.”

Raven made a sighing sound. “It’s always all about you.”

Sunset scanned Raven at the kiosk and retrieved the bracelets she had ordered. Rather than deal with their fumbling finger work Sunset just secured all four of them herself. A quick scan of said passes at the guard entrance and the four equestrians entered the mountain without impediment.

Twilight gasped in awe at the overwhelming level of sights, sounds, colors, and variety that assaulted her senses even from the entrance. Tempest wanted to jam cotton in her ears and Gauge had to squint his more light sensitive eyes after accidentally staring too long at a strobe light. Sunset took note of those reactions and would look into making them more comfortable if they did not adjust quickly.

“It’s… it’s like an arcade?!”

Sunset grinned. “Arcade, dancing, karaoke, bowling, laser tag, bar and grill, this place has it all!”

“Are you sure there is no Discord in this world?” asked Tempest, wide eyes twitching a bit. “Because I’m sure we just found his house.”

“Trust me, once you try a few things you are going to love it! C'mon, it's time to party!”

Author's Note

Day Two for our visitors from Equestria. I wanted this chapter to be a slow build up with some important concerns brought to light and of course Sunset hatching her plan to 'pop the question' as it were.

Back in September I got a chance to visit One World Observatory in NYC. That is the observation deck of the Freedom Tower and let me tell you, that was one HELL of a view. The entire experience is pretty amazing from the travel through the bedrock to the elevators to the observatory itself. You are actually higher up than the helicopter tours. Now this building in Canterlot City is not that tall, but I was trying to give a similar experience.

What is Mount Havok like? Well. obviously there will be more on this next chapter, but try to imagine a Main Event on top of a Dave and Busters and no kids allowed. Yeah. I want to go there.

Questions? Comments?