A loud meow of excitement greeted Sunset Shimmer when she opened her front door. She placed her backpack down and reached her feline friend's level and scratched his belly.

“Who’s a good Kitty! I missed you too!” Sunset coed as her cat replied in his language of meows. After playtime Sunset collapsed on her couch, she had a lot to think about. Getting the crown from Twilight, giving the magical artifact back to its rightful owner, and convincing a wonderfully scientific and curious girl on why it was all a good idea. That the magic of friendship just might actually be better than the magic they were creating.

Suddenly her sound-sensitive ears caught something, a drilling in the story above her loft townhome. Someone was in the attic.

Sunset quietly made her way up the long staircase, when she heard the sound of paper printing out and a scanner going off. She knew exactly who was in her home. She opened the door and was met with machines and graphs. There was a large pin board on wheels, it had pictures of the crown, magic and the container device Twilight always carried around with different colored strings connecting different written on notecards between the three main subjects. A larger piece of paper had ‘portals’ written and strings attached to which made Sunset raise her brows in question and a twinge of concern. The printer machine was connected to a scanner and had a long piece of paper that hit the floor with different types of gamma rays and wavelengths. On the scanner sat the very crown she was looking for and in front of the cheap table with scientific equipment on it was the researcher and her best friend. Twilight Sparkle was handling her energy container as she apparently hadn’t noticed Sunset at the door entrance.

“Sparkes?” Sunset asked, catching the girl's attention. Twilight turned and offered a smile as she adjusted her glasses before turning back to her experiment.

“Perfect timing, I was waiting for you so I could get some of your expertise and thoughts,” Twilight informed while grabbing the paper out of the printer and studying it.

Sunset walked further into the attic room, not yet engaging with the magical study, “Okay, but I'm surprised to see you here so early. Your school lets out a bit later than mine. How did you get this all up here?”

“It was a bit of a struggle but I managed,” she pushed her glasses up, “As for school, yes usually I'm not released until later but my last period is free study, thus upper-class men have the advantage to leave early. This advantage is also offered to high-graded junior's.”

Sunset nodded as she started to read the note cards on the pin board. The one in between the magic reader and the crown had written, ‘Magic from the crown is required.’

The note on the string leading the reader to the portal paper said, ‘This filled with the crown’s magic is the only way for it to work.’

For what to work? And why does she require the crown's magic? What is she trying to do? Sunset wondered.

“So, Sparks,” Sunset said as she turned to the dark-haired girl and pointed at the board, “Plan on filling me in.”

The other girl's glasses gleamed bright with her excited smile, “Yes, in fact, watch this.”

Twilight pulled out the crown from the scanner’s clear container, and immediately the magic energy container glowed and opened by itself. It drained purple magic from the crown and the scientist pointed the glowing ball of blue, purple, and black magic into an empty space in the room. The ball swirled and let out a wave. When it struck through Sunset it stung and burned her skin and insides that were in the way. She yelped and placed a hand on her stomach which was now consumed in pain. The redhead looked at her friend who had a bright smile as she looked at what was happening with the forming magic. The other girl appeared to not be affected by the wave of magic at all.

Next, a portal appeared in the empty space. The room settled and the hum of radiating magic was the only sound in the room for a moment. Astonishment had replaced the pain and soon an amazed laugh escaped Sunset.

“Holy Celestia’s Sun!” The former unicorn exclaimed. She rounded the portal. The view of the Canterlot archives never faltered, letting Sunset know that they were really looking into a portal to Equestria, that was right in her attic.

She hopped with excitement uncharacteristically and grabbed Twilight by her small shoulders, “You are so amazing, you know that?! You managed to find a way to open portals from anywhere and anytime we want, you amazing genius, you!”

Twilight's heart swelled in pride and happiness at Sunset’s impressed reaction. The light teal eyes of her friend were bright and wide as they stared into Twilight’s violet ones. The scientist had never felt so much pride radiating from someone and it was meant for her and what she had done. A blush swept across her face as the beautiful redhead looked at her the way she was.

“You’re amazing Sparks, this is amazing,” Sunset said and Twilight felt her heart skip a beat as her glasses fogged.

“T-thank you,” Twilight stuttered as emotions overwhelmed her. She removed her glasses and wiped off the fog when Sunset stepped back with a blush reddening her own face and started to look more at the portal.

“So, how did you figure this out?” Sunset asked, inspecting the board of notes and strings.

“Well, it was a bit of an accident. I was inspecting the crown when the EMER reacted to the magic and acted accordingly as you witnessed before. The reaction ended up opening many portals at that time but as I’ve tracked and tweaked the strength of the containing and removing magic from objects that it reads contain thematic energies I've found it affects the way the portals are summoned and where,” Twilight explained. She shut the EMER and the portal closed out. The two girls watched as the crown’s large gem glowed and brought back the only magenta magic into itself.

Twilight placed the crown in the scanner box but didn’t turn it on, she seemed to be using it as a way to store the magical artifact, “As you can see my device can always take the magic from the crown but the crown continues to take it’s magic back; thus we are always going to need it to continue our research.”

The researcher watched as her friend's smile dropped, “Oh,” She replied solemnly before Sunset hissed and gripped the middle of her torso.

“What?” Twilight asked, a sinking feeling in her stomach.

“Nothing, just a little pain, magic does that sometimes,” Sunset replied, not wanting to continue that attention to her pain.

“Wha-” Twilight tried but Sunset cut her off, “As for the crown, we can’t keep it.”

“Why not?” The scientist asked a bit of offense in her tone.

Sunset turned, her brows knotted like it was obvious, “Sparkes, the crown is a powerful weapon to a country. We have to find a different way.”

Twilight pointed her nose up and crossed her arms over her chest, “I’ll try but I can't promise. If there is no other way then there’s nothing we can do. If they can make this weapon I'm sure they can make another.”

Sunset didn't look happy with that answer, as her brow dug down deeper and her lips pierced. She looked to be in contemplative thought. Clearly, she didn’t agree and wanted something different, so now she was weighing out something within herself. Twilight waited for her to say what was on her mind. Instead, her friend sighed, “I’m gonna go make us some food.”

The bespectacled girl watched her fiery-haired friend leave. Maybe she got through to her and that’s why Sunset chose to keep her mind to herself.

Twilight wasn’t going to let anything take away her opportunity, but for Sunset’s sake she would find another way, or at least try. She at least knew one thing. Twilight needed magic and she needed a lot of it.

The motorcycle settled to a hum as the driver brought the bike to a stop. The passenger behind her removed her helmet and readjusted the backpack on her shoulders, “Thanks for the ride Sunshine,” Twilight said to the bike's rider.

Sunset rolled her eyes at the nickname, “Of course, I’m not gonna let you walk by yourself, Sparkes.”

“I know, but I still appreciate it,” Her dark-haired friend said. Sunset opened her mouth to reply but the sound of the front door opening to the Sparkle home stopped her.

Twilight Velvet smiled warmly at the redhead in the doorway, with a plastic container in her hands. The mother started her way down the porch steps; when Sunset looked back at her friend, she had a tired and guilty look on her face.

“Hi Sunset, Thanks for bringing Twilight home,” the dark-haired teenager cringed at the use of her full name. The older woman held out the container, that Sunset could now tell was full of cookies.

“No problem Miss Velvet,” Sunset said, rubbing the back of her neck and awkwardly taking the tin of sweets, “I wouldn’t let her walk home alone.”

The mother of her friend smiled, “That’s good to know,” she then turned to her daughter, “I’ll see you inside,” she said in a light authoritative voice.

Twilight sighed before her eyes returned to Sunset’s, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah,” the former unicorn replied as she watched Twilight follow her mother inside. Internally she was screaming. She had somehow become a middleman and now had to find a way to make everyone okay and happy. Sunset only hoped she could succeed.

The next morning when Sunset arrived at school, in the normal hours and not the crack of dawn, the halls were buzzing with excited energy. Her peers were chatting and planning for the Fall Formal dance later that evening. As for her, she planned on avoiding it, the only reason she would show up was to give the princess her crown. The former unicorn knew that would have to be done as soon as she could after what she saw the night before after her Twilight had left.

~~~~~~~~

She thought she had gotten lucky when the redhead spotted the Element of Magic still in the clear container. That luck came crashing down when she couldn't get the cover box to move- then she spotted the lock on the bottom.

‘Discord's feathered wing, why does she have to be so stupidly prepared,’ Sunset thought as she chewed on her thumbnail. She considered finding a way to pick the lock for a moment. Her idea died when Magma jumped up on the makeshift table they were using as a desk and growled at the magical artifact. The former unicorn raised her brow at his hostile reaction and stepped closer to the crown. What about it could make her feline friend become so aggressive? When the redhead looked further into the large magenta gemstone shaped into a starburst she could see a mist of black floating around and swirling inside the stone.

“Sweet Sunfire,” the former unicorn cursed. Dark magic was swirling around the crown. The only way she could think of how it happened was the mixture of the different types of magic Twilight was experimenting with, but that didn’t necessarily turn magic into darkness. Unless the person using it was experiencing dark thoughts or feelings within themselves- that’s what Sunset had read about making new types of magic in the restricted section of the Canterlot library. Was this Sunset’s fault? Did the evil intentions of her past cause the raw magic they captured to become infected? That had to be it.

As far as Sunset knew Twilight had no malicious intent with the magic, just excitement to learn all that she could about it.

~~~~~~~~~~

As much as she hated to admit it, Sunset did not trust herself to be able to purify the crown. The Princesses of Equestria were going to have to do it.

The unicorn-turned-human girl huffed as she thought about the crown she had unknowingly corrupted, it was just another reason to give Princess Celestia to be disappointed in her- whether or not her dreams said something else.

Sunset opened her locker and haphazardly threw her backpack in.

“Good morning Sunset Shimmer,” a sweet nerdy voice said behind her. The redhead internally cried as the thing she was going to try to avoid found her.

“Princess Twilight Sparkle,” she half turned to the royal, “can I help you?”

The princess smiled but had a knowing look in her eyes that told Sunset what the princess was bothering her for. Before Princess Twilight could provide an answer Sunset turned back to her locker, “For being a friendly, perfect princess, you sure are impatient.”

The comment appeared to cause an upset with the princess as she spoke with a restricted tone, “Sunset Shimmer, my crown is an incredibly powerful weapon to our home. Of course, I am impatient to return it to Equestria. Not to mention the fact that I have been stuck in this strange world for a week now,” she heard the alicorn-turned-human sigh, “As fun as some of this has been, I would like to go home; in which I’m going to have to find a way to open a portal.”

‘Luckily for you that might not be so hard.’

The bag on Princess Twilight’s back unzipped and Sunset heard a new voice, “Yeah, dog food might be good here but I’m really missing my sapphire sandwiches.”

“Spike…” Princess Twilight sighed exhaustedly.

The redhead closed her locker with a soft click and turned to address the Princess of Friendship, “I- I’m going to get the crown for you tonight; it’s just not that easy, I have to-“

Princess Twilight cut her off, “It’s decided then, I’m going to help you.”

Sunset did a double take, “Hey, when was that decided because I know I didn’t!”

“I no longer feel it’s right to lean the responsibility of getting my crown on you. I chased the thief to this world to get my crown so that’s what I’m going to do,” the princess smiled with determination, her dog behind her nodded in affirmation, “No need to do it by ourselves. We’ll be a team.”

“I already have a team. I do not want or need your help, Princess,” the first student to the equine sun goddess said with a growl.

Sunset already was partially feeling as if she’s betraying her best friend. It was starting to eat at her conscience, taking the strongest source of her Twilight’s research.

It would be fine though. Sunset could easily help find a new way to progress their research of bringing magic into this world without the crown… at least she hoped.

The Princess of Friendship furrowed her brows and opened her mouth to speak her retort but an amber hand stopped her.

The class bell finally rang.

“I’ve made up my mind. I’ll have it by the Fall Formal tonight, just meet me at the front doors,” Sunset finished her instruction before turning on her heel and speeding off to her class.

Princess Twilight heard her baby dragon whine dogishly from her saddlebag-turned-backpack, “Are we really going to trust her, Twilight?”

The alicorn sighed, “Based on what the girls have told me, I think I can trust her, but she’s still hiding something.”

“It makes you curious, huh?” Spike asked with a knowing lightness to his voice.

“Yes. I’m going to help her, whether she’s tried to reject me or not. It’s my crown. I’m getting it back, it no longer matters if Sunset Shimmer is willing to take my help or not.” The princess declared.

The warning bell had rung and the multidimensional student moved her feet. Unsurprisingly, she was enjoying the human classes and learning more about them. This would definitely be a research paper when she got home.

“Thank Celestia, you're finally calling it your crown.” The dog-turned-dragon said amused.

Princess Twilight smiled, “Yeah... I guess I am.”

A leg wrapped in denim shook anxiously as Sunset waited for the time to pass. She couldn’t tell if she wanted the clock to move slowly or quickly. The former unicorn was really starting to hate the middle mare predicament she had become entangled in.

If only the royal counterpart of her genius friend hadn’t followed her Twilight into this world, they could have the crown with no problem and do as they needed to. Sunset would’ve let Sparkes do what she wanted with it for their magical research. Sure, Sunset would instill some regulations knowing her Sparkes, the inquisitive scientist would need them, but nothing that would hold her back. Not like last time.

But no. The princess just had to be as persistent and incisive as her human counterpart. Leaving Sunset Shimmer feeling at war with herself. One half felt as though she was betraying her best friend and the other half was betraying her homeland.

It was a horrible feeling that made her stomach twist in pain so much that it killed her appetite. Unfortunately, Sunset knew had to give the crown back. It was the most powerful object in her realm. The ponies of her home needed it in order to ensure their protection and survival. Ponies aren’t exactly a threat with physical force.

The redhead only hoped that after the crown was returned and gone that Sparkes would understand her side and accept finding a new way to progress their research.

Within that final thought, the dismissal bell sang freedom and Sunset's peers began to chatter in excitement for the fall dance later that evening. Sunset also hurried out of the school but not to get ready for a formal dance event.

She burst through the front doors and skipped a few steps as she descended them and into the courtyard. A flickering stream of blue sparkles emitting from the former spot of the multidimensional portal caught Sunset’s eye. It confirmed a suspicion for her. The suppression spell Princess Twilight and her had cast really was only temporary, and apparently didn’t last that long for it had only been a week.

The unicorn-turned-human picked up her steps toward the student parking.

“Sunset Shimmer!” A voice she knew well called after her. She turned and confirmed the source was the Princess.

‘Dear Celestia, why does she have to be as persistent as her counterpart?’

The redhead sighed, “What is it now?”

“I’m coming with you,” Princess Twilight said as if it was obvious.

“Uh, no you're not. I can and will do it on my own,” Sunset said as she whipped around and took off toward her motorcycle.

The princess stomped her foot before she started to follow Sunset.

“We had this conversation earlier, Princess. I thought we agreed to meet here,” Sunset told the girl following after her.

“You never gave me a chance to reply or even agree, so I never agreed to that,” the princess countered as she tried to keep up with the taller Equestrian.

The first student of the sun goddess rolled her eyes and huffed as she placed her school bag in the top box behind her seat on the two-tired vehicle, “I’m not going to argue with you.”

The defeated twinge in the fiery-haired girl's voice made Princess Twilight pause. Maybe… she should trust Sunset to get her element of harmony back safely. Only the princess hated leaving other ponies to do possibly dangerous things on their own, especially now that involved her personal item.

The Princess of Friendship couldn’t find in herself to leave Sunset Shimmer alone to do this. She knew the former unicorn was used to doing things alone but it was never too late to change that.

“Sunset Shimmer, I don’t wish to argue with you either. After we take back my crown I’ll need some way to open the portal. I trust that you have the means to do that?” Princess Twilight speculated.

The other girl sighed and placed her forehead in her hand, “You're not going to give up on coming with me are you?”

“I’m afraid not,” the princess chuckled.

Unfortunately, the redhead didn’t share the same amusement. Instead, she felt guilt as the feeling that she was betraying her best friend punched her in the gut and called her a traitor.

“Just get on and hold tight,” Sunset mumbled as she threw a leg over the bike. The princess followed her instructions.

As the former unicorn drove she had long passed over the speed limit, weaving through traffic and splitting lanes. She couldn’t stop herself, her pounding heart caused her to keep on the gas.

A plus was that Sunset got to see the Princess’s eyes wide with fear at her daredevil driving.

When they arrived at her townhouse, miraculously without a ticket, Sunset swiftly swung herself off of the bike. She turned to the princess and covered her mouth as a chuckle escaped. Princess Twilight could barely keep her balance as she sat in the seat while her head spun. Sunset could practically see little pegasi flying around her bobbing head.

The princess lurched slightly as her lunch threatened to come up, “I-is it normal for humans to t-travel like this?”

The redhead chuckled more, “No not really, in fact, it's sorta, kinda, a little unlawful,” the alicorn in human form gave her a horrified look.

“Come on, let's go,” Sunset instructed as she helped steady Princess Twilight and guide her off the bike, ignoring the other girl’s panic.

“So, how are we sneaking in? How dangerous is this place?” The princess questioned as she hid behind a corner on the side of the building that looked at the front door.

“She’s not home so we don't,” Sunset stated nonchalantly as she walked up the porch steps with keys jingling in her hands.

“Sunset!” the counterpart of her best friend brought herself out from behind the corner with her hands on her hips, “I require answers! Where are we and whose home are we about to break into? How dangerous is it? We don't exactly have magic to defend ourselves.”

Sunset should have known she would have never been able to avoid airing out that the crown was in her residency. Princess Twilight somehow already knew the crown was in the possession of someone she knew relevantly closely. But, now it was going to look like she helped steal the crown. What if the princess jumped to the conclusion because Sunset had been such a terrible pony that she still was and decided to banish Sunset from her home, leaving Princess Celestia knowing that she really was a failure that could never be fixed-

A sudden hand on her shoulder made her jump.

“Sunset Shimmer?” Princess Twilight asked with pure concern, “Are you alright?” She asked softly. The voice reminded her of the person she was betraying.

“Don’t worry about any of that stuff,” Sunset said sharply, “It’s not like you’ll be staying in this world, so let's go.”

She shoved off the hand on her shoulder and unlocked the front door. Instead of her usual greeting of a happily meowing cat, Sunset was met with a familiar dark and quiet entryway. What she had been used to before Magma, was dark and dreary loneliness. Her teal eyes searched for her feline friend. The former unicorn took a slight step back when she caught the sight of two glowing teal eyes staring back at her from the small cat tree.

The princess caught the sound of Sunset’s breath being sucked in and watched the girl in front of her take a step back, “Sunset, what is wrong?”

The taller girl didn’t reply immediately, “Nothing. Follow me,” she said, taking steps inside.

Despite her ponian instincts telling her to tuck her tail and gallop away, Princess Twilight followed the flame-haired girl into the open space and up the stairs behind a door. They reached another door and she watched Sunset turn the knob with no thought. She then followed the other pony transformed to human walk inside the large wooden space. The Princess was met with makeshift tables with makeshift scientific equipment, along with an investigation board and a mirror.

As Princess Twilight took it all in she couldn’t help but be impressed. Whoever this human was, they took their research and study seriously. She then spotted the object of the entire reason why she was in this strange world.

Princess Twilight could have competed with Rainbow Dash for how fast she found herself inspecting the case encapsulating her harmony element.

“Careful, Princess,” Sunset worried, “She has it locked tight somehow under there. I've tried to figure it out but I wasn’t successful… obviously. Knowing her, it's not going to be easy.”

The Princess of Friendship hummed as she inspected the case; she didn’t notice the gem beginning to glimmer. What she did notice was the smallest gap in the box between the table surface. The wires ejecting from the front and back sides of the box hid the gap well, but based on the princess’s own experience with scientific gadgets, she knew this was a magic containment case. A strong one-two, specifically used for strong magic.

Princess Twilight wondered if Sunset Shimmer knew anything about it as well. She turned and noticed the intriguing unicorn- or human looking at the long mirror. The expression on her face was almost unreadable. There was a lot of confliction; longing, pain, and something else the princess couldn't place her hoof on.

“Sunset?”

The redhead turned, “hmm?”

“Mind helping me with this?” Princess Twilight requested as she crouched down.

Heavy footsteps from the heavy boots she was wearing got closer until they stopped on the other side of her, “What do we do?”

“Well, do you know what it is?” The alicorn asked.

Sunset nodded her head, “It’s a magic constricting container. I hadn't realized that until now.”

The academic princess shook her head, “And you know how to open them?”

“I'm afraid not. I never ended up using one while a student at CSGU. Tartarus, they’d put me in one if they could,” Sunset answered, “But, I’m guessing you know how to open it.”

“Yes, the ones used in Equestria. Unfortunately, this one is different for us back home,” Princess Twilight informed as she continued to look the box up and down, “I’m sure we can figure it out though.”

“How are they opened in Equestria? I’m sure they have a somewhat similar aspect,” Sunset theorized.

Princess Twilight placed her finger on her chin, “Back home there is usually a lock at the bottom, as a sort of safety feature. I suspect this is the same, see the gap,” her grape purple finger pointed to the bottom of the case.

Sunset did indeed see the gap. She stepped over to the electric outlet and pulled out the plugs. The former mage then pulled out the energy detection and draining wires before lifting the container above their heads.

“Ah! There it is!” The princess smiled with satisfaction, pointing out a small six-number combination lock on the bottom, “Huh, that’s going to be hard to figure out.”

Sunset huffed, “Damn, I knew this was going to be difficult somehow.”

“It’ll be alright. We just need to figure out what combination is important enough to remember for this person,” Princess Twilight explained like it was easy.

Sunset racked her brain for a moment for any idea, but her Twilight has never mentioned any important dates or number combos. “I have no idea,” she huffed.

“You know her in some capacity, right? She’s never mentioned anything important involving numbers?”

Sunset shook her head.

Princess Twilight searched her brain for ideas, “No birthdays?”

Sunset shrugged, “Maybe hers, it's August eighth, year ninety-seven.”

The darker purple-skinned girl began moving the dials, “That’s funny, that’s my birthday too.”

“Doesn’t surprise me,” Sunset said absentmindedly.

“Why do you say that?” The other questioned.

Sunset shook her head and waved a dismissive hand, “Never mind, did it work?”

She watched the princess pull at the small switch lock and then shake her head, “no,” she said with a twinge of annoyance, “can you think of anything else?”

Sunset huffed for the uncountable time that day as she tapped her fingers against her hip and she searched through the Twilight file in her brain.

The princess sensed her struggle, “Maybe an anniversary? Possibly the day she could have met someone?”

Of course, Princess Twilight didn’t know the extent of how much Sunset Shimmer knew this person but she had a suspicion the suggestion would work.

She knew she was correct when realization dawned on Sunset’s face, “Try August twenty-third, year thirteen.”

The princess compiled and made a high-pitched sound of glee as the bottom loosened. The case was brought back to the table and the two girls lifted the top.

The owner of the crown reached out, the crown's gems sparkled brightly in response to their beholder. Excitement coursed through her; she would finally get to go home. They would open the portal and she would be back in her normal body and have magic back, see her friends and teacher. Her time in this world hadn't been awful, meeting and connecting with the counterpart of her equine friends had made her time here great, and Sunset was an intriguing character that she found herself wanting to get to know. Unfortunately, her homesickness had been growing stronger with each passing day.

Immediately, the sparkling stopped as a different pair of hands grabbed the crown, “Perfect!” Sunset said as she brought the crown closer.

Princess Twilight’s smile dropped. They got the crown back, so what was Sunset Shimmer doing taking it before the rightful bearer of the Element of Magic could?

The redhead moved toward the door with the crown in the hand farthest out of reach from the princess.

“Sunset Shimmer? What are you doing?” The equestrian royal asked. Admittedly, with the tension in the air, the princess prepared herself to buck, grab and go.

“I’m keeping the crown safe until I get you back to the school. Only one of us brought a backpack,” The redhead said like it was obvious. She then caught onto the other girl's tense guard, “What are you doing?”

The princess relaxed, “Oh, uh, just making sure,” she nervously laughed.

“Right.., we should get going. Before she gets here,” Sunset pulled out her phone, “and before the formal starts, we have about an hour.”

Princess Twilight nodded, “Alright, lead the way.”

She nodded back and did as told.

The bus couldn't come to a stop any slower as Twilight Sparkle sat on the edge of her seat. Ready to pounce up to get out of the public vehicle. The doors barely had time to open before the girl exited and immediately began her hasty walk to her best friend's house. As today was Friday, she had no time limit. She could to do as much research and experiments as she wanted. She really wanted to make a breakthrough this weekend, and a way to finally transfer magic from object to object. A plus was getting to be with Sunset.

As the townhouse she came to know well appeared in her vision, her footsteps picked up into a light jog. The researcher knocked on the door expecting her friend to already be at home. Yet, there was no answer. Twilight instead reached for the hidden key that was only intended for her.

As she pushed the door open, ominous darkness and silence met her. Not even had Magma got up to meet her. Twilight passed through the loft and made her way to the attic. As she opened the door her eyes scanned the room.

Her string board was untouched. Her portal was untampered with. Yet something was still wrong. Twilight turned to the table holding her machinery and equipment. Her stomach dropped.

The crown was gone.

Why? How? Who?

Sunset wouldn’t. She knew how important that crown was to Twilight’s research. Her best friend would never take that away from her.

Twilight picked up the case that had been encapsulating the crown. The number combo was still on the exact date she had chosen for the lock. A date that only Sunset would know.

The bespeckled girl pulled out her phone and chose the only number in her phone that wasn't a family member.

The phone rang with no answer.

Twilight gritted her teeth as anger rushed through her. Oh, no, she wasn't going to let this go. Her largest research device being taken simply was not acceptable and she refused to let her opportunities be taken away from her.

She needed that crown. It was her way to progress, powerful knowledge, and understanding, to large heights and to prove that she was not beneath anyone. She stormed down the steps and out of the townhouse.

Blue frames of flames flashed around her eyes. Twilight Sparkle was going to find Sunset Shimmer and get that crown of powerful magic back. She didn't care what it took.

Sunset Shimmer wasn’t sure how she ended up in the new predicament she was in. Her new friends were giggling and enjoying each other in the Carousel Boutique.

The Princess from Equestria and her were flagged down by the five girls as they passed Sugar Cube Corner while riding back to Canterlot High School. The teenage girls (mostly Rarity) insisted the two girls joined with them because, ‘A lady must always look their best at a ball!’

The fashionista also refused Sunset’s refusal as the redhead proclaimed she was definitely not going to attend the dance. Her five friends accepted her decision but were still adamant about their new friend hanging out with them.

Sunset kept to herself in the background of teenage girls running around the dress shop, changing into the gowns Rarity had made for them at their fashion show and applying makeup. She felt her phone buzz as a call went through. She knew who it was but she couldn’t handle her guilt at the moment. Her eyes stung and became glossy.

Her hands controlled themselves as she touched the bejeweled powerful crown inside her backpack. The crown shined at her inside the darkness. Sunset almost wished that it was hers. Those feelings of what could have been and what she had desperately wanted made a certain negativity swirl inside her. The redhead couldn’t quite place the emotion but it was hot, sad, and like rejection all at the same time. Her heart sank as she watched black fog form inside- she was infecting it, like the evil spirit she felt she was. She supposed that's what happens when a tyrannical bully who betrays their best friend handles a purely good magical object. Sunset hoped the crown would be okay and purified when the princess took it back.

By the time the seven girls had arrived at the school, other students were forming at the front doors. All of the teenagers buzzed with excitement, while Sunset Shimmer simply kept the crown tucked into her bag as she wanted a less crowded opportunity to hand the crown over.

The girls chatted by the new statue that still had yet to be revealed before making their way to the front door after waiting for a clearing of students.

“Alright girls,” Princess Twilight started after dying down from her laughter, “Sunset and I need to talk for a moment, so you girls go on ahead.”

Rainbow Dash snickered, “Oookay, see ya in there! See ya later, Shimmer!”

Sunset offered her a smile before a sudden tight hug took the air out of her. Pinkie's fluffiness almost suffocated her, “Bye Sunshim! We’ll miss you!”

“T-thanks Pinkie..” Sunset wheezed out.

The other girls joined the hug and laughed together before finally letting her go. All offered their farewells to her and headed inside.

Princess Twilight turned to her with her hands out, “Thank you for helping me retrieve my crown. I could not have done it without you.”

Sunset nodded, “Yeah.., just get home safe and.. Tell Princess Celestia I’m sorry.”

The princess placed a hand on her shoulder and gave an encouraging, “Trust me, I know she’ll welcome you back to Equestria. You will be able to tell her that yourself one day; one day soon I hope.”

The thought and sentiment made the former unicorn's heart flutter, “Thanks, and I-I hope so too.”

Sunset pulled the crown out from her bag as she started to place the crown in the Princess of Friendship hand’s, when a shout made her pause.

“Sunset Shimmer!”

Her heart skipped a beat. Sunset knew exactly whose voice that shout belonged to. Her teal eyes were wide as they moved to witness her Twilight Sparkle storming across the courtyard at her and the princess.

“T-twilight? Wh-what? How?” Sunset stuttered as her heart raced. The fierce glare behind those framed glasses was dark and it scared her. She met the angry girl halfway at the bottom of the steps, with the crown still in hand.

“What do you think you're doing?!” The scientist shouted.

“Sparkes, please understand-”

“Understand what? That you're choosing,” Twilight gestured to the princess, “her, whoever she is?”

Sunset took a double take at the accusation, “What?! No! I-I would never choose someone else over you! I’m choosing you and my home,” The unicorn-turned-human pleaded. “My home needs this crown, Twilight,” she grabbed the other girl's lavender hand with her free one, “We’ll find another way to accomplish our goals, I promise.”

Teal eyes shined, begging her friend to understand her. Her heart crushed as disdain never left Twilight's eyes.

“We can’t. This world has no natural magic, this is our best choice! I won’t allow anyone to take my strongest chance of success! GIVE. ME. MY. CROWN.” The younger girl demanded with a stomp forward.

A light gasp escaped Sunset. She had sworn she saw a flash of blue flames surrounding her best friend's eyes. This side of the scientist was beginning to terrify- horrify her.

The Princess suddenly stood between them, a stern, authoritative tone in her voice, “I must say I am surprised to see my counterpart of this world here, even more surprised that you are the one that stole MY crown. No matter who you are, don't talk to friends like that.”

“Counterpart of this world?” Twilight muttered to herself before realization widened her eyes, “You were the one chasing me that night.”

The eyes switched to the redhead, “How did she get here? Did you bring her here?! I can’t believe you right now Sunset!”

“She followed you here. I had nothing to do with that.” Her voice broke as tears stung her eyes.

Sunset knew this would hurt but not this much. Twilight was so willing to blame her, accuse her of things she hadn't even done. No wonder Twilight always did the research without her. Not even her own best friend trusted her.

Twilight appeared to ignore her words and her counterpart as she sidestepped her and flung a hand out at Sunset, “Give me the crown! I deserve it! I need it!”

The sound of growling started between the girls, “Hey back off- Twilight?”

Twilight only stepped one foot back, “Spike?”

“Spike, the crown!” Princess Twilight pointed the dog to the Element of Harmony.

He whipped around, Sunset’s teary eyes and dread-stricken face made him pause.

Students must have started to hear the commotion as they began to step out the front doors. Spike wouldn't be able to use his words anymore, not if they wanted to continue as unexposed. He whined at her. Sunset shut her eyes harshly, seemingly trying to choose between what to do. The choice was removed from her when the crown was ripped from her hands.

“HA!” Twilight mocked with mania in her eyes, “The crown is mine again!”

The princess stepped forward to the girl, “That crown might be in your hands but it will not give you what you want!”

“Sunset! Twilight! What's going on?” Rainbow Dash's voice intercepted as she skipped down the steps to get to their sides. The other four girls followed. Flash Sentry was also with them.

Sunset noticed him join Princess Twilight’s side and she heard his gasp. Probably due to seeing the other Twilight. She didn't care. Her limbs were growing numb, her torso were she had been struck by the magic stung like a thousand tiny bear bees and her chest hurt as she fought to catch a breath.

Twilight ignored all of them, “This crown is mine. Whatever weird counterpart you are, you don't know what I've been through!” She clutched the crown to her chest.

“Sunset, you need to breathe,” Fluttershy’s soft voice sounded muffled. The only thing she could hear was Twilight’s harsh voice.

Princess Twilight stepped closer with a hand out, “I understand how you must feel right now, but this is not the way,’’ she attempted to reason.

The attempt was futile, “You may look and sound like me, but you understand nothing!” Twilight brought the crown to her eyes, “Power. Knowledge and being the best. It will all be mine.”

It all happened in slow motion. The sclera of Twilight's eyes glowing to a light blue, her violet eyes shrinking to tiny dots and her hands raising the crown to her head.

As soon as the Element of Magic made contact with her head an explosive wave of blue and magenta magic blasted through the courtyard. Its power knocked many students over, along with Sunset and the Princess. A beam of blue and black streaks reached for the sky and levitated the young teenager with it.

“NO!” Sunset yelled in panic. She got up fast and ran head-on to the corrupted magic beacon.

“Sunset! You can't! Ah don't know what in tarnation is goin’ on, but ah know that’s dangerous!” Applejack pulled her back.

“Let me go!” Sunset commanded in a yell, “She's my friend! I won't let her become corrupted!” She ripped herself from the farm girl's grip. She still had time to save her! Twilight was still reachable from the ground. She could push her best friend out of the magic!

Sunset ran faster than she ever thought she could. There was not an ounce of hesitation as she pushed Twilight out of the laser beam of magic.

Twilight hit the ground. Her head pounded as nothing but disorientation consumed her brain, “W-what’s going on?”

Her brain was fuzzy. She couldn’t remember anything, only the residue of desperation, anger, and obsession was all that was left in her memory. She started to feel an intense wind around her as she heard screaming. Twilight looked up and looked at herself. She jumped, “Who are you? What happened?”

The girl that looked like her older twin gave her a perplexed look, “You don't remember?”

“N-no…I remember stealing a crown from Sunset’s home dimension but then it gets fuzzy.” Twilight admitted to the other her.

A sudden scream of pain from behind her caught her attention. She whipped around and her face dropped in horror.

Sunset Shimmer, her best friend that she had started to love, was fighting against a current of magic. Pain and terror were straining her face. Her teal eyes opened and that terror in her eyes struck Twilight, breaking her heart.

“S-sparkes! I’m so sor-” Sunset tried to say before she lost the fight against the magic.

“What did I do?” Twilight whispered, horrified by herself as memories that didn't feel like her own flooded her brain.

Sunset’s horrifying scream of pain silenced the school as the magic balled around her figure and exploded.

The dust settled. Princess Twilight opened her eyes, her counterpart was looking up to the sky, mortified and with large tears rolling down her face. The principals of the high school were also looking up in fear as they tended to similarly scared students.

A manic evil cackle erupted in the air. The princess joined what everyone was looking at.

A monster of dark, red skin with hair of pure flames was floating high in the air with large black bat-like wings. The wings had holes of singes from the similar fiery tail below them. The demon’s heavy knee-high boots shook the earth as she landed on the ground. Black leather pants and a top of fire that reached her neck adorned the sharp-toothed grinning creature.

“Is that Sunset?” Spike asked, shaking behind her back.

“It is.” Princess Twilight muttered.

“Aw what's wrong, my friends? Is this not what you humans think of me?” The demon mocked the cowering students.

“You're not the real Sunset!” Rainbow yelled at the creature, “Give her her body back!”

“Oh, I can assure you I am the real Sunset Shimmer,” it claimed, flying high into the air, “I am the deepest darkest thing within her. I am proof she is nothing but a terrible monster, no living creature will ever love her. Her best friend doesn't even want her! THAT is what little pitiful Sunset Shimmer is!” The demon formed a black ball with multicolored streaks in her hand.

The way the demon was talking stuck something in the princess. It sounded like insecurities.

“When I’m done, nobody will ever be able to leave her again! No rejection! I will get everything I deserve and more! No one can ever tell me NO! You can never leave me behind!” The demon controlling Sunset declared as she threw the ball of magic to the ground. It erupted causing the multi-haired girl to jump back.

The more statements the demon made, the more it was clear to the princess that it was acting on Sunset’s darkest thoughts about herself. She looked at the other Twilight. Tears were still rolling down her cheeks as she muttered to herself.

“W-what have I done? This is all my fault. How d-do I get her back?”

“Twilight,” the princess called, “She needs you.”

“What? I-I don't have magic. There's nothing I can do.” She cried.

“That’s not true,” She looked at the demon throwing a fireball at Applejack and Rarity, who had tried to help talk her down, “You are her best friend, aren't you?”

The human Twilight nodded, “Yes, and she’s mine. She means everything to me. I only wanted to make her happy, and show her I was worthy. I should have been paying more attention to her, and being a better friend to her. Instead of getting fixated on magic.”

“Sunset Shimmer! I know things are hard for you right now,” Principal Celestia cried out, “Forcing others to accept you won't help. Please calm down and we can fix things and do what we need to help.”

“YOU CANNOT HELP ME!” The demon screamed as she chucked a fireball at the principal, barely missing her, “YOU are nothing but a reminder of some pony else that should have loved me but never could! You’re just like everypony else!”

“We don't have time to worry about that right now. You need to tell her. How much you care and love her. That is what she needs.” The princess encouraged.

Twilight sniffled and dried her tears, “O-okay.”

She jumped as the unexpected feeling of fur brushed against her thigh. When Twilight looked down Magma was looking up at her with bright eyes. A storm of confidence surged through her. Last time Sunset came to find her. Sunset always appeared and then pulled Twilight out of her dark thoughts, now it was her turn. She was going to stop at nothing to help the multidimensional, magical girl that she, now admittedly, loved.

“Sunny,” her voice came out quiet but she knew it was heard as the demon paused her movements, “Sunny, I’m so sorry I did this to you.”

The demon of fire half turned to her, “This is just what I am, Sparkes.”

Twilight took steps closer as fear no longer held her back, “No. No, it isn't. You are not a monster or demon. You’re my best friend, you mean so much to me, and I-I-”

“She’s right, Sunset,” Fluttershy’s voice joined, “You’re not evil. This form doesn’t mean that.”

The demon's height in the sky lowered, slightly.

“Yeah! You’re not meanie! You’re actually really nice, and super fun to be with!” Pinkie Pie hopped up with confetti following her. The curly-haired girl’s bright smile turned the creature's face from a snarl to a deep frown.

“Darling, you truly have become a wonderful friend, with your wit and we can always rely on you. We are grateful and happy to call you our friend!”

“She’s tellin’ the truth. Ya know I don't lie,” Applejack reaffirmed Rarity with a warm smile at corrupted Sunset, watching her lower to the ground more and more. The mean and angry features turning into sadness and defeat.

“Get down here and accept our hug, Shimmer! If I had wings I’d come up there and make you.” Rainbow Dash practically threatened.

Princess Twilight could see the empowered Sunset considering their words, yet it still wasn't enough.

“Sunset Shimmer. I haven't known for long, but I know Princess Celestia misses you. She always wanted you to be happy, she has always known your powerful potential. Trust me, I’ve learned friends are the best way to get that potential to shine,” the princess promised.

A flash of Sunset’s true eyes had hopelessness in them.

Principal Celestia brushed off an ember from her suit coat, “You're a wonderful student, who has been through rough times. Whoever wasn’t there for you, we will be. Whoever hurt you, we won't, and if anyone tries to, then as an adult who cares about your welfare, I will protect you.”

Her sister nodded in agreement, offering a smile that Sunset had never seen on the mysterious, stricter woman.

Her feet are almost on the ground, her wings giving a gentle flip, “How do I know you won't leave me? That I won’t hurt you? Look at what I’ve done, I’ve almost killed you.”

Her sweet animal friend who chose to have her as his parent taped her boot and gave a pleading meow. Her black sclera turned back to white as she returned fully to earth.

A hand grabbed her clawed one, “Sunny, I’m supposed to be your best friend and yet I’ve hurt and betrayed you. More than you have ever done, if anyone here is a monster it's me.”

“No.”

A lavender hand cradled her reddened cheek, “We trust you, so you can trust us. I-” she swallowed the lump in her throat as she choked up with stinging eyes, “I adore you and the person you are. You are beautiful. You are so smart, all my life I've dreamt of someone like you. I was so afraid of losing you that I became a part of the problem. I hope you can forgive me, somehow, someday.”

Steam started to release into the air. Fire returned to its normal state of curled hair, her red skin returning to its gentle amber glow. A large clawed hand placed itself gently over the lavender one, “I already have. I don't want- I can't lose you either. I think I-”

“I love you,” Twilight Sparkle said first. Sunset deserved to hear it first, instead of waiting for it.

Her form mostly returned to human, the only thing left was her sharp teal eyes and sharp fangs for canine teeth, “I- yeah, I love you.”

“Jeez,” a raspy voice interrupted, “just kiss and make up already.”

Sunset grinned at the other grinning girl in her arms, “With pleasure.”

Barely a second and their lips met.

The earlier explosion of magic had no comparison to what they felt as they connected. They pulled apart after only a few seconds and Twilight found herself loving the teal narrow pupils looking back at her. This girl had saved her from being corrupted by magic, and from also turning into a monster. She was sure she would have been a lot harder to bring down. She was forever indebted and grateful.

“Ah, ah,” Sunset waved a finger in her face, the tip still the dark rose red, “I know what you're thinking. Not trying to be indebted to each other. We’re… equals in friendship, and relationship. No more ‘I need to prove myself,’” she scratched the back of her neck with a blush, “Which goes for me too.”

Twilight wrapped her arms around Sunset’s neck, “Yeah, I think I can do that.”

They closed the distance between each other again.

“Woah, nelly,” Applejack said as she fanned herself off with her stetson, “maybe encouragin’ a kiss right now wasn't the best idea.”

“At least magic is real, that’s pretty flippin’ cool! I want wings like her!” Rainbow exclaimed excitedly, almost trying to lift herself off the ground.

The girls laughed and Spike found himself distracted by Magma, “Ha, look at you Mr. Manticore-big-shot at home, but here, you're smaller than I am!”

The feline simply ignored the baby dragon as he groomed his paw.

“Well, the courtyard is a mess, but since everyone is out here, we might as well reveal our new statue,” Princess Luna announced, mostly as a means to break the two new lovers apart. Their kiss was starting to go beyond ten seconds.

Students gathered as they chatted about the, ‘epic showdown for the Fall Formal.’

The principals always seemed to have an excuse or explanation to save her magic ass, Sunset thought as her hand linked with Twilight’s.

The sister principals gathered on each side and pulled the curtain down. The large, thick, and rectangular marble plinth with Greek column-like corners lead up to the relaxed unicorn on top. Her head turned to her back and looking up to the sky with one hoof raised.

To Sunset it was among the prettiest things she had ever seen. She loved Equestria and she loved being a unicorn. Yet, she also loved her friends, her cat and the girl she called her best friend that resided in this world. Sunset was content and happy to be with them.

Not long after the students were corralled into the dance and given the ball they were promised, Sunset waited by the portal as she watched Twilight ramble, most likely aimlessly, with Principal Celestia. Despite her parents not being here and needing the permission, Twilight proclaimed she wanted a head start on the transferring process.

The former unicorn looked at the new Wondercolts mascot statue, still in awe at how it touched her heart. She knew the princess had picked up the crown. Now, she had to wait for Princess Twilight to be done with her fun as Sunset held Starswirl's journal that he left his human granddaughters. They were positive they could open a portal at the magic key point.

Sunset smiled as her Twilight made her way back over to her, “Principal Celestia said they should have me transferred if not by the middle of next week, then the next. She gave me some forms to take to Mom and Dad, but she informed they must be with me for any other transfer meetings.”

“That’s great, Sparkes,” She hugged the smaller girl, “You're going to love it here.”

Twilight smiled in her arms, “I know, thanks to you being here.”

“Hey, that’s only part of the fun.”

They giggled. Twilight played with Sunset’s leather jacket, “I am still awful. Who knows what I could have done? And then you having be transformer into a- creature because I got too obsessed and accidently cast dark magic on myself. It’s so crazy. There's also the fact your fingers are still red and clawed, and have those fangs and your eyes. I hope they return to normal-”

Her ramble was cut off with a finger to her lips, “You don't like it? It’s not cute?” Sunset teased and caused Twilight's cheeks to blush so hard they reviled Sunset’s burnt fingertips.

“Uh, n-no I do like them. Very much actually,” she giggled nervously with her cheeks hot.

Sunset laughed, “ I don't mind it either. Just, as long as you like it.”

Twilight smiled with her cute round cheeks and blushing face. Several voices and laughs made them pull apart. The six girls that Sunset had grown fond of, along with Flash joined them at the plinth.

“Are you sure you have to goooooo?” Pinkie Pie dragged to Princess Twilight, holding onto her hips.

The Princess chuckled at her antics, “Yes, unfortunately, my home misses me,” she patted Pinkie on the head as she let go.

“We’re gonna miss you,” Flash Sentry said solemnly.

“Yeah we know you will, lover boy,” Rainbow teased with an eye roll before crushing Princess Twilight in a hug. The rest of the group ended up joining. Then they noticed Sunset and Twilight on the outside and pulled them in.

“Okay,” Sunset pulled herself out after only a few seconds, “That's enough for me.”

Amusement and more goodbyes to the princess passed through the group. The alicorn then turned to Sunset, “You have the spell?”

“Yeah, but it won't last long. Starswirl only has the every thirty moons method and we basically can only do it here because its a hotpot of magic. If we use the journals on this side to open the portals, we have to be careful. According to the book it messes up timelines, and the more you do it, the worse it gets.” Sunset explained. As she was going through the book she found it ironic that it had most answers to their goals, yet the magiclessness of the world still made things difficult.

Princess Twilight nodded, “Then let's go. You ready Spike?”

The dragon turned dog barked.

The element and the words of the chanted spell said by the two mages opened a small whirlpool of twirling rainbow magic. The princess turned to them, “This isn't a goodbye. I’ll make sure to visit.”

The large group cuddled into one more hug as the girls (and Flash) declared how much they would miss their multidimensional friend.

Twilight placed her head on Sunset's shoulder. They both waved as the princess turned to them, she waved back and gave them a wink before stepping into the portal with Spike right behind her.

“Weeelll, time for an after-party!” Rainbow announced.

The girls all whooped.

Flash chuckled, “You guys have fun with your girl’s night!”

“We will, darling,” Rarity said, she then turned to the new couple, her own hand in the tan farmers, “Are you girls going to join us?”

“Sorry, not this time. I have to admit I'm pretty damn whipped out,” Sunset explained, the exhaustion of a magic transformation was starting to hit her.

“I’m staying the night with her,” Twilight said as shyness quieted her voice.

The girls didn't push them on it. Instead, they gave hugs and good nights, sending the girls on their way home.

Sunset and Twilight walked side by side, hand in hand through the dark chilled air with Magma in the rear guard. They were content in silence, enjoying each other's presence. Then a pizza shop crossed their path and then an ice cream shop. Of course, their feline child got a bite as they somehow snuck him in. Stomachs now full and giggling with each other they pointed out constellations as they finished the walk to the townhome. Finally home, they crawled into bed with Twilight's head snuggled to Sunset's stomach. She lay playing with the reddened fingertips of her new girlfriend’ s hand. Eventually, the handling turned to soft and thankful kisses.

“Sunnybun?”

“Hmphh?”

“Magic might not be strong in this world, but I know we can still do something great.”

“I know, with your Sparkle of genius.”

Twilight giggled, “Thank you for being my shimmer of hope.”

Sunset sighed with happiness as she closed her eyes. This was what she always wanted. Someone who understood and cared about her. Others might have but they never had time to show it. Twilight had cared for her so much and Sunset could actually believe it. Sure, they got lost in trying to be the best for each other, but Sunset believes it was a lesson learned… for now.

“Thank you for being my sparkle.”

Author's Note

Hiiiiii!

OMG That took forever.
HUGE shoutout to @ScisetShimmerEvan for proofreading this chapter and helping me out! Bro is a life saver.

These were the moments I had been waiting for this whole time! I hope everyone enjoyed as much I did!

I'd like to share some art work I've done in inspiration for this story <3 I hope you enjoy that too.

Also this was the finale but not the final chapter. There is an Epilogue I have planned that wont take me a month to finish lol so I hope you stay tuned for that. See ya there! :)