Sunset Shimmer was jolted awake by the sound of Raven’s notification alarm. Her sudden jerky movement disturbed Twilight, who she had been spooning and nuzzled up behind. Sunset blinked a few times and had to gently pull the indigo hair from her face and mouth. Twilight mumbled a few times and rolled over to her back but was not fully awake yet.

“Mhmmrump blurp?” Sunset shook her head and tried again. “Raven what time is it?”

“It is currently nine in the morning. Checkout is in one hour if any would like to clean up from last night’s 'activities' I would suggest doing so quickly… or in groups to save time and water.”

Sunset smiled serenely, recalling all the enjoyment from last night. Her mouth tasted a bit dry, but not the disgusting cotton ball of acid with accompanying hangover she had experienced in the past by going overboard with drinking. I’ll score that as a win.

“Also, I received a notification from Mahogany Shades’ PAAL. Your commission will be ready for pickup by noon.”

“Awesome. What about the robot body for you? Heard anything from the store or the supplier?”

“Sadly, not yet. I will ping their network at ten, after the store is scheduled to open.”

Sunset felt a hand reach up glide along her cheek, turning her attention downward. Teal eyes locked with amethyst and they both smiled. They both said, “Good morning,” simultaneously which made them smile brighter.

“Everything okay?”

Sunset yawned and stretched a bit. “Yeah, just gotta get up and moving. Breakfast, a few errands, and then make our way to the portal with the loot.”

Twilight yawned in turn and sat up and stretched as well. “How much time do we have before the portal closes?”

“Approximately six hours,” Raven said matter-of-factly.

Sunset nodded and threw the covers back. She stood and stretched out the rest of her muscles as she made her way over to her set of clothes. “C’mon Princess Sexy Starbutt, let’s grab a quick shower and get some breakfast.”

Twilight yawned again and gathered her own clothes that she had set aside the day before. “Shouldn’t we wake Tempest and Gauge?”

“I’m sure they will hear the water running and if not, I’ll sneak in and wake them up with some oral sex.”

Twilight sputtered for a moment before shaking her head. “You are so bad.”

The four Equestrians sat at a booth in the corner of the dining room. Sunset had a large cup of coffee and a plate of waffles. Twilight also had waffles with a side of fruit and cup of juice. Gauge had chosen eggs, then horrified the others by trying some of the crispy bacon out of curiosity, and a small cup of coffee. Tempest went with cereal, and coffee as well, glaring at Sunset every chance she could.

Sunset Shimmer had finally had enough, rolled her eyes and whispered, “Are you still mad?”

“You knew we were… busy. You didn’t have to stand there and watch us like… like a pervert.”

“That was a bit of a breach of privacy, Sunny.” Twilight said between bites.

“Pfffft. Gauge saw me and just kept going. He didn’t seem to mind.”

Tempest turned to her husband and glared daggers at him. “Did you know she was there?”

The only stallion of the group finished chewing and glanced between the three sets of eyes at the table. Finally, he just shrugged. “I did, but I was enjoying our morning love making too much to stop.”

Sunset grinned, Twilight smiled, Tempest blushed and tried to hide her face behind her coffee cup. Sunset finally gave a quiet set of claps and said, “Good answer.”

“In all seriousness,” Tempest said after regaining her composure, “what else needs to be done? Yes, fine, I’ll admit I had a great time here and yes, hands can be fun, but we need to get home.”

“Well, like I told Twilight earlier, we need to stop by the electronics store again and see if they have Raven’s body ready. They told me it would be here by noonish Friday. I want to check on that first. If it’s still not ready then you three can camp out while I pick up the last of my gifts and then it SHOULD be there by the time I get back.”

“Should? I don’t like the sound of this.”

“I… have to agree with her on this one, Sunny. We really do NOT want to cut it too close.”

Sunset grimaced and swirled her coffee for a moment before swallowing the rest. “I know, but this is important to me. I need to give them as much time as I can. Even in a worst case scenario the store is less than an hour car ride to CHS. It’ll be fine, I promise.”

Twilight nodded, but her worried expression that was briefly shared by the two captains did not go unnoticed by Sunset. She glanced down at Raven on the screen who simply blinked and stared back as if contemplating the entire situation. The rest of breakfast was finished in silence.

It took some finesse, but with Sunset’s help and guidance, both Tempest and Gauge were once again dressed in their mirror provided military uniforms. Twilight had also switched back to the business dress attire the mirror had bestowed upon her. Sunset stuck with her newer t-shirt and jeans along with her black motorcycle jacket, claiming that she had already worn the other set enough.

Checkout had been without incident or hassle. Like a good gentlecolt, Gauge had volunteered to carry the bags of electronics over his shoulders. The gently used clothes had been placed in garbage bags they had obtained from the desk attendant and were being carried by the other three. Raven was of course attached to Sunset’s hand while Smartypants was on the back of Twilight’s.

The first order of business after the cab had arrived to pick them up had been to drop the clothes into a donation bin along the way back to the electronics store. It was an odd request, but the cab driver was getting paid by the minute so he didn’t question when Sunset had directed him to a parking lot with a big blue donation box in it.

Several minutes later they arrived at the store. Sunset scanned the sales floor, looking for a familiar face and was pleased when she spotted Daisy Jo again. The young woman finished whatever she had been working on and strolled her way over to Sunset Shimmer once more.

“Hi ya! Welcome back,” Daisy Jo greeted.

“Good morning. Is it too much to hope that my order has arrived yet?”

“I would have to check, but truthfully, most warehouse orders don’t come before lunch. I know you talked with the manager about a special shipment so I can go check with him if you like.”

“Please do. We’re heading out of town this afternoon and I really want to take the mech body with us.” Daisy smiled and nodded before heading to the back room.

“That’s not a good sign.”

Twilight did not want to agree with Tempest and upset Sunset, but she nodded anyhow. The entire situation was not ideal. Thankfully, Sunset took it in stride.

“It’s okay, its only about eleven. We still have plenty of time and probably need lunch ourselves in an hour or two, plus I have another order to pick up. I’m not worried.” The haste in which Sunset spoke betrayed some of the confidence in her words. Politely, none of the others pointed that out directly. Raven sent a stat message to Smartypants that Sunset’s blood pressure had elevated. The new PAAL acknowledged the information and saved it for Twilight to review later.

Sunset was about to speak when Daisy Jo returned with an older gentleman with a long, but well kept beard that was red and blonde, eyes the color of bioluminescent teal. Though it had been many years, Sunset balked at seeing the man before her. Her mind immediately flashed to images she had seen of him as a baby and a toddler, but she also recalled having seen the young man at more than one funeral. Upon closer inspection she could see some of Aurora in his face. Sunset looked down at the name tag that read: Senior Manager Sunrise. Sunset’s tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth as her breath hitched. Sunrise Flash… one of her great grandsons.

“Ma’am?”

“Hmm?”

“You asked about a special order MAU model, yes? It says here you spoke with both my boss and… the distribution manager?”

“YES!” Sunset coughed and then took a breath to settle her racing heart and frayed nerves. “I mean, yes.” Considering how many great grandchildren she had it was inevitable she would run into some of them in the city. He doesn’t recognize you, it’s okay, Shimmer. Just stay on task.

“I, I apologize, but I could swear I have seen you somewhere else before.”

Sunset smiled a bit too wide and shuffled a bit. Ah, shit. “I get around the city a lot, I’m sure we’ve crossed paths or chatted in a line at the grocery store or something. Annnnyhow. About my order?”

The man’s eyes widened and he snapped his fingers. “Now I remember! You were at my Aunty Dusk Sparkler’s funeral. You were… your mom knew my mom or something.”

Sunset winced, but managed to work it into pretending she had an itch on her neck. “Right, yes. You are Twilight Breeze’s son. A-Aurora Shimmer’s grandson.”

The mention of the name ‘Twilight’ caused Princess Twilight to perk up and study the senior manager all the more closely. He definitely had a resemblance to Sunset by the red and yellow blended hair alone. It was not unusual for genetic traits to skip a generation before remanifesting. At a glance he could have just as easily passed for a brother to Sunset Shimmer.

“Small world, huh?”

Sunset bit her lip and nodded. “Yup.” The silence lingered just long enough to become awkward before Sunset coughed into her hand. “You were talking about my order?”

Sunrise shrugged and brought up the holo screen of his PAAL. He flicked his finger and the information popped up on Raven’s own holo screen.

“Oh! That’s a neat tool,” said Sunset, grateful to be back on topic.

“Can we do that between our PAAL’s as well?” asked Twilight equally as intrigued.

Sunrise smiled. “I know, right? New to the model five. Super useful and yes, as long as you are in range you can send information back and forth easily. You can set your PAAL to screen for unwanted information so strangers don’t just send… you know, gross stuff. Toy around with the settings when you get a chance. Anyhow, it shows that the unit did leave the distribution warehouse, but I don’t have a live update on its location. The truck could be an older model or is in stealth mode to keep it from being tracked. Shipments carrying high value merchandise sometimes travel that way to avoid potential theft.”

“Okay, good, so it’s on its way. Can you give me an estimate? I have a few other things to do, plus lunch.”

Sunrise grimaced and waved his hand back and forth. “Sadly no, but after one does sound about right. Can you come back then?”

“Sure thing.” Sunset nodded satisfied. However, when she turned the other three all wore expressions of varying degrees of concern. Sunset sighed and signaled for them to follow her out of the store. Once outside and half a block away she turned and stopped. “What’s the matter?”

“Nothing is the matter, I know, I just…”

“To Tartarus with that,” said Tempest, her scowl once again permanently etched to her face. “You know damn well what the matter is. We need to go home and can’t risk missing the portal window. Waiting for this bot thing is cutting it too close and you know it.”

“Tempest,” Twilight hissed. With great personal effort and a reassuring hand from Gauge on her shoulder, the solar captain reigned in her venom, but not enough to apologize even to a princess. Twilight took a breath, raising her arm and releasing it. “We, and I do me WE, as in all of us, are just concerned that you might not be seeing the big picture on this.”

Sunset crossed her arms her body language shifting to something that, even in human form, Twilight recognized as far more aggressive and defensive. “There's nothing to be concerned about. We have time.” Sunset held up Raven to show the countdown. “I don't want to fight about this. How about we just get a light lunch, maybe some smoothies, and cool our engines. Sound good?”

Gauge stepped forward and intentionally between all the others. “An excellent suggestion. Please, lead the way, my princess.” Tempest grumbled something under her breath. Gauge cocked his head to the side and grimaced, but Tempest refused to concede completely. She rolled her eyes and fell to the back of the group, happy to be as far from Sunset as she could while still watching out for all of them.

The Smoothie Shack was busy on a Friday lunch afternoon, but for all the right reasons. Not only did it offer great, freshly made drinks right in the heart of downtown Canterlot City, but it also had a wide array of fresh grilled items as well. The vegetarian kabobs were calling to Sunset Shimmer in a way she had not realized she needed. The others all gladly ordered their own, the previous tension and mild hostility at least temporarily forgotten while they sat together around a small round table. Sunset was lost in her own thoughts of family and all she had to once again leave behind soon. Or that had left her behind, in a manner of speaking. The thoughts passed as quickly as they had manifested.

Sunset had jumped on the Strawberry banana smoothie, savoring at how perfectly blended it was. Twilight had chosen a blueberry-cherry mixer that sounded as good as it looked. Sunset had gladly taken a few sips when she offered the straw and a reassuring smile that wordlessly said she was worried, but still on her marefriend's side. Tempest had liked the sound of a high protein pineapple shake and had not been disappointed. Gauge had surprised them all by electing for a mix berry protein with chocolate swirl on top.

Sunset poked him gently in the ribs. “Never pictured you as a sweet tooth type.”

Gauge shrugged while continuing to suck down the drink, pausing to take a bite of some grilled bell pepper. “Jest all you wish, but I like chocolate.”

Raven pinged, displaying the time of twelve thirty-seven and a small message that simple said, ‘done and awaiting for you to come pick it up.’ With that notification Sunset stood.

“Do you think you guys can get back to the electronics store from here on your own? You can always ask Smartypants to navigate if need be.”

“I am ready to assist,” the device replied in the deadpan, default voice setting.

Gauge stood as well, but Sunset held up a hand. “I got this. Just picking up an order that IS ready. Finish your smoothie. I’ll be back at the store just after one, one thirty at the latest.”

“Sunset,” said Tempest, her voice carrying an undertone of warning threat.

“I got this.”

“Sunny?” Sunset turned her eyes to Twilight, her quip dying in her throat as she locked onto Twilight’s pleading eyes. “Just be careful, okay?”

Sunset smiled and leaned down, kissing her marefriend, stroking the side of her face. “Call me if you have a problem or if the body comes in before I get there or in case someone tries to buy it out from under me. I don't see that happening, but I have the receipt saved.”

Twilight nodded. “I love you.”

“Love you too. See ya soon.”

“I don’t like any of this… This… is all just so wrong, I can feel it,” commented Tempest after Sunset had left, picking at the buttons on her uniform coat.

“What do you mean?” asked Twilight, standing to dispose of the remains of her lunch.

Tempest grimaced, debating if she should continue her line of thought. Ultimately, she decided that honesty was the best policy with her princess and friend. “Twilight, I know you do not want to hear this, but remember, Sunset Shimmer has lived longer as a human than she has as a pony. She has said so herself, more than once. What if… what if she does not want to go back to Equestria now that she has you here in this world?”

“But there is nothing else here for her. Did you not see how she reacted running into her own descendant?”

“You’re part right,” Tempest continued as they strolled away from any curious ears, “nothing is keeping her here. But look at it from another angle. She has plenty of wealth, access to pretty much anything she wants, and zero responsibilities. No princess duties, no celestial duties, just all the carefree time in the world. And now, she has you. Is it really so far fetched that she would delay us returning and be like, ‘awe, shucks, my bad. I guess we’ll just have to stay here for thirty moon cycles and drink and party.’ Tell me I’m wrong.”

“She would not do that to Mistress Luna or the citizens. Such dereliction of duty would be criminal at best,” commented Gauge with an edge to his voice.

“She hates the nobility, she hates bureaucracy, she’s not really a big fan of paperwork or anything that stifles her creativity, and while she can be responsible and a good leader, we all know she rejected her birthright for YEARS in favor of… all of this. Think about it.” Tempest sighed and threw her hands into the air. “Look, I like Sunset Shimmer, somewhat. I like how she makes you feel and, occasionally, I even like her unpredictable antics. She’s a heck of a fighter and would die before letting anything happen to you or an innocent creature, but I am sworn to protect you, Twilight, so that you can carry out your duty to the citizens of Equestria. That translates in my mind that if I feel somepony, or person, or whatever is jeopardizing you from doing your duty, whether intentional or not, then they are keeping me from doing MY duty. And that, is something I will not tolerate, so when it’s time to go, I am dragging you to that portal. With or WITHOUT Sunset Shimmer. You can hate me or fire me afterwards, but this is happening.”

Twilight could not take her eyes off the sidewalk as they strolled, too many thoughts, possibilities, variables to consider. Did Sunset love her? Absolutely, she was certain of that without hesitation. Would Sunset abandon her crown, throne, and responsibilities if an opportunity arose where she could have Twilight by her side AND make it look like it had been an accident they missed their return window? It… was a possibility.

“Princess Sunset is not abandoning her duty,” Gauge growled, “she is not stalling for time, and she would not intentionally put the lives of all of Equestria at risk by waylaying us just for some carefree, fun time. You do not know her like I do.” Gauge’s posture became stiff and if he had wings they would have been flapping in agitation.

The thestral stopped walking and growled again, having to flex his impressive brawn that was barely contained by the dress uniform to redirect his frustration. When he spoke again his voice was adamant with obvious tones of anger under his breath. He loved his wife, but he had heard enough. “She is picking up… one thing and will return to us promptly as she promised.”

Twilight lifted her head and blinked, her eyes glassy.

Tempest turned to meet her husband’s hard, unflinching gaze. “You know what she’s getting.” It was not a question.

“I do.”

“Well?”

Gauge turned is eyes to Twilight then back to Tempest. “I was ordered not to divulge that information in the presence of Princess Twilight.”

Tempest rolled her eyes. Dealing with thestrals was sometimes worse than dealing with dragons. Twilight, however, her purple eyes went wide, a grin slowly spreading across her face. The maniacally wide smile caused Tempest to do a double take.

“OH. MY. GOSH.”

“Uhhh….”

“She’s… she’s going to do it, isn’t she?” Gauge just shrugged in his noncommittal way. Twilight smile became quirky as she tapped her chin with a finger. She knew how to play this game. “Sunset Shimmer ordered you not to say anything so you have to obey, but I’m a princess too, so you have to obey if I ask about... let's saaaaay something else, correct?”

“I… can see the logic in that… sort of?” Gauge squirmed a bit. This was unfamiliar, grey territory for him. Orders had been given and they would be obeyed, but he had never been placed between two princesses who might give conflicting orders. The idea of what was about to happen was causing him to perspire a bit and his insides twist. Still, he was a guard and a captain. He would stand vigilant. “Ask, and I will try to answer as best I can without betraying my princess.”

“Okay!” Twilight clapped her hands as she spun and continued to walk, gesturing for the two to follow. “You two went somewhere the other morning, yes?”

“Yes.”

“Is this related to what you are not supposed to talk about?”

“I cannot say.”

“Well, that’s a yes,” said Tempest, rolling her eyes. Gauge kept his best poker face.

“Good, good. Okay, during this trip, did Sunset Shimmer order something… small?”

“Yes.”

“Is it shiny?”

Gauge hesitated. “Y-Yes.”

“Will it make me ecstatic, beyond happy because it is something I have been wanting for a long, long time and will symbolize our love and dedication to one another for all to see?”

Gauge glanced to Tempest who was arching an eyebrow, a tiny smirk in the corner of her mouth. “Highly… possible.”

“YESYESYESYESYESYES!!!” Twilight spun and squealed delightfully. “She’s going to do it. I don’t know what she’s going to do it with, but she is going to FINALLY do it! Oh, there is NO WAY we are missing our return time because I will need to tell Cadence immediately after she finally does it! Eeeeeee!!!!! This is going to be so great!”

Tempest sighed and chuckled a bit. “For your sake, and the sake of how much I enjoy seeing you happy, I hope you are right.”

Sunset gazed lovingly at the two items in the velvet lined jewelry box that was, by interesting choice or convenient coincidence, a bright teal nearly the same as her eyes. Inside were two sets of large stud earrings with the stones she requested and the connecting chains to the smaller studs. Exactly as she had pictured them in her mind.

“You are a true artist, sir.”

Mahogany Shades smiled and shrugged. “While different than what I usually do they were not too hard to put together and I had the materials on hand for a rush job. Thank you all the same.”

Sunset gladly paid the jewelry smith the agreed upon amount. “You have no idea how important this is to me.”

He chuckled. “I deal with wedding bands and engagement gifts all the time, child. I have a good idea. Go, be happy, and enjoy what comes next to the fullest because life is far too fleeting.”

Sunset closed the box with a stiff snap. She placed it in her shoulder bag and nodded. “I will. Thank you again.” With nothing else to say, she walked out and had Raven signal for a cab. The time was now just after one in the afternoon. They had approximately two hours left, but no new updates on Raven’s order.

“Sunset?”

“Yeah?”

“What will you do if we cannot obtain the mobile unit before the mirror closes?”

“I’m trying not to panic about it. I just need this to work out on all fronts.”

“That is not much of a plan.”

Sunset laughed a hollow, slightly hitched sound before finally clamping down on her panic and dismay, deflecting with humor. “Well, as you know my plans suck. So, let’s just improvise for now.” Raven’s pony avatar arched a brow, but did not comment.

When Sunset strolled back through the doors of the Electronic Buys she already knew she was about to be both disappointed and dropped square in the middle of a fight. She had arrived at the store location ten minutes ago, but had lingered outside, hoping, praying a delivery truck would pull up and save her from what she was about to walk into. No such luck had manifested.

The time was now one thirty-eight in the afternoon. They were running out of time. Sunset was running out of time and she knew it. The other three Equestrians knew it too.

Tick.

Tock.

Tick.

Tock.

Come on, Shimmer, just like Mom used to tell you. Don’t let them see you sweat. Calm, poised, keep it under control. It’s not too late. Not yet.

Sunset sighed and stepped through the door, not bothering to hide her disappointment. Twilight, Tempest, and Gauge were near the customer service counter all with varying degrees of concern. Twilight nodded and stepped up to her marefriend, quickly holding out her hands for Sunset to grasp, which she did after only a moment of hesitation.

“Did you get what you needed?” Sunset was thankful that Twilight at least started her opening move with something safe.

“I did.” Sunset smirked, but it was more forced than her usual confident grins. A fact that did not go unnoticed by Twilight who was studying her, hopefully soon-to-be fiancé, closely. “We can talk about that later. Right now, I need to find out the status of what is going on here.”

Twilight smiled, it was genuine, concerned, full of love and it filled Sunset with a churning guilt and discomfort deep in her guts. Sunset did not want to test how deep that devotion went, to find its breaking point. She did not want to test that in herself either.

Sunset planted a small kiss on Twilight’s cheek and smiled again before stepping around her to find where Sunrise Flash had wandered off to. As she stepped around Twilight, Tempest held up her arm and pointed to the back of her hand. Sunset understood that the solar captain was bringing attention to the time.

“I know. I just need to check on the status of the order.”

Tempest looked to Twilight for help then to Gauge, neither added to the conversation for the moment. The captain sighed and threw her arms into the air before running a hand down her face, muttering under her breath.

Sunset found a free salesperson and asked them to find Sunrise for her. Sunset then leaned on the counter with both hands so she would not have to look at her friends. Raven’s holo display flashed to life and the pony head avatar eyed her with concern. She glanced to the others then back to Sunset.

“Your heart rate has spiked significantly in the last several minutes and blood pressure is above normal. You need to calm yourself.”

“I’m not going to burst into flames here.”

“You magically grew wings, furry ears, and a glowing horn last night. Is spontaneous combustion truly so far fetched?”

Sunset grimaced and coughed a bitter laugh that was completely devoid of humor. “I guess not.”

“Miss Shimmer?” Sunrise stopped mid-thought and stroked his beard a moment. “Huh, I just realized you have a similar name as my grandmother. I guess I should have connected the dots earlier with the family funeral and all. Are we distant cousins?”

“Something like that. Listen, I don’t want to be rude, but I don’t have time to get into the family tree right now. I need to get going soon and REALLY want my order. Is there any update?”

“Yes…” Sunset winced at his hesitation. Her heart and stomach sinking as her anger began to bubble up. “I got word that the truck is still on its way, but is currently caught in traffic. It may not get here before three.” Sunset clenched and released her fists a few times, desperately trying to calm her breathing. “Friday traffic in the city. Well, you know. You live here too.”

“Is… is there anything else I can do?”

“I’m afraid that waiting is all I can recommend. If it had a signal tracker at least I could give you a more accurate estimate. I’m sorry. I wish I had more to offer.” Sunset closed her eyes and fought down tears. Her shoulders and back muscles were tight enough they probably could have deflected bullets. She could practically feel the burn of her wings right under the skin. “Let me… let me make a call and I’ll get back to you soon, okay?”

Sunset simply nodded. It was the only motion she could make. All the background noise, the useless chatter from other customers and associates, the electronics and their digital sounds, even the crappy, generic store music all faded as Sunset mentally tumbled in on herself. All she wanted to do was get something nice for Twilight and for Raven. The two most important individuals left in her life. Sure, Luna was up there too, a really close third, but Luna was content in her life and needed nothing but the company and happiness of those around her. Half the mission was a success. That should make her at least half happy, right? Then why does this hurt so much?

She knew the answer. The others might not understand. Twilight MIGHT, but…

“Sunny?”

Sunset sighed internally. Annnnnnd here we go.

Sunset turned to meet Twilight’s eyes. It was going to hurt, but Twilight deserved to see her face to face…. To look her in the eye for when she broke her heart.

“The truck is delayed. My order won’t likely arrive in time.”

Twilight bit her lip and wrapped her arms around Sunset. “I’m so sorry, Sunny. I know this was important and you wanted this thing.” When Sunset did not reciprocate the gesture Twilight felt her blood chill. She stepped back to look her marefriend in the eye again. “Sunset, what’s wrong?”

“I…” Sunset broke eye contact and looked down at her hand. Down at Raven. Coward. “I need to wait. There is… still a chance.”

“Sunset, no… I… no, WE, can’t risk it. We can’t stay here. Especially not for thirty moons. I know Luna joked about it, but we really can’t.”

“I’m not asking you to stay… or to wait for me.” Twilight stepped back, her arms, which had been resting on Sunset’s shoulders fell away as she stepped back again. No, stumbled back, as if smacked right across the face. “Tempest and Gauge have a son to get back to. You have a throne and, and the citizens need you.”

“You have a throne too. You have a place, by my side,” Twilight’s voice lost its sweet innocence that she often sounded like when talking to Sunset and other loved ones. Her vulnerable, simple pony voice that was just Twilight and distinctively not Princess Twilight. Only those that truly knew her would know the difference. The change in tenor was like a knife pluged straight into Sunset's heart. “You have a responsibility to the citizens, Sunset Shimmer. You swore an oath to me and to Equestria upon your coronation to serve them in your royal capacity. I know you have not forgotten.”

“I haven’t.”

“What’s going on?” Sunset glanced up to find that Tempest and Gauge had taken position on either side of their princesses, opposite of one another forming a tight square of semi-privacy. “People are starting to stare and not in a good way.”

Twilight ignored Tempest and kept her attention on Sunset only. “You need to explain what is going on in your head, Sunset Shimmer, because this, this is beyond logical to me.”

“I made a promise to Raven. I told her I would get this for her and she deserves something nice from me, everything I can do for her. Especially after all the crap I have put her through over the years.”

Twilight grimaced. That was not the face Sunset was hoping to see. The appeal had completely failed. “That’s not good enough. Sure, a broken promise hurts, but I need more than that. I deserve more than that. There has to be more to it than… something so small.”

Small? SMALL?! Sunset felt her anger spike, her eyes hardened and teal fire locked with unbreakable amethyst. Raven flashed a warning, but Sunset ignored it. “Raven saw me at my worst. She saw me through my worst. You think pulling me from a smoking crater was bad? That barely scratched the surface of the hell I put myself through for more than two years.

“She was there for me when the only way I could get to sleep at night was after polishing off half a bottle of whiskey just to make the nightmares stay away. She talked to me and joked with me and listened to every horrible thing that spewed from my pathetic, heartbroken mouth. She cared when I cried, told me it would be okay when I stared at a long drop a little too long. She got me up in the morning, she reminded me to eat, and clean myself and give a damn about something. No one else I met along the way be it a bartender or a passerby really cared. Not even all the guys I fucked when I was really hurting had the courtesy to do that for me. She saved my life, Twilight Sparkle.”

Twilight broke eye contact this time, a tear falling down her cheek as she fought down the sniffle. “I saved your life too,” she said, barely above a whisper, “more than once.”

Sunset bit her lip hard enough to draw blood. “I... I know and that’s what makes this whole situation so fucking hard. But she’s my friend, my family. I would have thought the former Princess of Friendship would understand that.” It was a low blow. Sunset knew it was the moment it left her lips and greatly regretted the sharp, cutting sentiment that had spilled forth, but was too angry to apologize.

Twilight winced.

Tempest growled. “You have got to be bucking kidding me.”

“Tempest,” Twilight hissed through her tears.

“It. Is. A BUCKING machine,” Tempest hissed back through clenched teeth. “IT. IS. A. TOOL. And it is NOT more important than doing your duty and seeing to the rest of our ENTIRE COUNTRY. PRINCESS.”

Sunset fumed, clenching her fists tightly, but kept her voice as calm as she could. Dangerously calm, one might say. “SHE is my FRIEND. I feel as close to her as I did my own children, so watch your mouth.”

“And what about the love of your life, huh? Or so you claim. Is that thing more important that Twilight? Answer that.”

Sunset flashed a snarl but managed to suppress the sound. She was visibly shaking. All of them were except for Gauge, who had stood ready to jump in instantly if things turned physical, for all the good it would do. The alicorns were as strong as him if not stronger. No one spoke for a good minute while tempers simmered and tongues were bitten to hold back knee jerk retorts.

“I’m not going to make you choose,” Twilight finally said. Her eyes on her shoes. “I love you too much to do that to you. But you made a Pinkie Promise to me. You have to keep a Pinkie Promise.”

Sunset let out a shuddering breath and nodded. “I know. I… shit.” Sunset took a deep, calming breath. Closing her eyes, she could see the glare of laser focused blue eyes from across the astral horizon of existence, fluffy pink, poofy hair on the brink of deflating like a popped balloon, and a face twisted accusingly in a manner that would give horror movie directors chills. One did not break a Pinkie Promise.

“You’re right,” Sunset finally said, “and I will fulfill that promise. Somehow, some way.”

Twilight nodded. Her expression was not a happy or satisfied or even a particularly pleased one, but at least she was no longer crying. Sunset fought down her own tears with all her might. Sweet mother of mine, I suck so hard.

Twilight took a step back, breaking the circle. “I’ll wait at the portal to the last possible minute. I hope to see you again soon.” Sunset could tell she wanted to add more, wanted to say ‘I love you’ or ‘goodbye’ but all of it likely tasted as bitter in Twilight’s mouth at the moment as it did for her. All Sunset could do was nod. Another tear sliding down her face.

Twilight turned to leave as did Tempest. Gauge however, did not move.

Sunset flushed with fresh panic at what was about to happen. “Gauge, no.”

“Foggy?” Tempest’s eyes widened with astonishment and hints of betrayal.

“It is my duty to stand at my princess’s side.”

“Fog, no,” Sunset gestured to the door, “You can’t do this. I’ll be fine. What about your son?”

Gauge stiffened a moment, but exhaled and held firm. He closed his eyes and saluted to his wife and bowed his head. “I can only hope he will understand and forgive me with time. Death before dishonor. The princess always comes first.”

Tempest snarled. “Bucking, licker of minotaur anus... you... stubborn mule of a thestral.” She stormed away and nearly ran into the front door as they slid open.

Twilight balked. Her attention torn between Sunset and Tempest, swiveling her head back and forth. Sunset nodded and pointed. “Go, she needs her friend and her princess.” Twilight bit her lip again, a hand clasping her dress jacket over her heart and squeezing it into a fist, eyes begging for none of this to be happening. Finally, Twilight turned and followed after Tempest Fury.

Sunset Shimmer stood and watched the love of her life walk out and hated herself for what just happened. Fog Gauge gently placed a hand on Sunset’s shoulder, but she did not turn her eyes from the door. She did not react at all. All she could do was stare and silently scream inside her own head.

Author's Note

"The best laid plans of Mice and Men."

Who is right? Who is wrong? Does it even matter?

Probably not, but it hurts either way when you want to do something nice for someone and all the pieces just WILL NOT come together. Soooo frustrating.

Still, it's not over yet. Will Sunset get what she wants? Will she and Gauge get trapped for 30 moons? Would Twilight forgive her if they were to stay behind?

Two chapters left and an epilogue. Buckle up.

Questions? Comments?