Restoring a wasteland.by AiwhisperChaptersPrologCh2. Relics.Ch3. First small step.Ch4. On earth.Ch5. First giant leap.Ch6. For Equis.Ch7. Goodbyes and unexpected travelers.Ch8. Day one.Ch8.5 those left behind.Ch9. Day two.Ch10. Day three.CH12. There be Dragons.Ch1. First plan.Ch11. End of the first week.PrologSunset Shimmer shivered as she once again checked the time on her phone. "Almost time." She tentatively put a hand on the base of the statue she had tumbled out years ago after putting her phone back in her pocket. The stone remained solid yet she could feel the magic building. "Soon I will return home. I Can't believe I have been in this world for so long." She looked at her hands and flexed her fingers. The appendage had grown on her, hands were not quite as pliable as horn or hoof magic yet she could see the benefit of having a physical grip on something for the tactical feedback alone. "I hope Princess Celestia can forgive me when I return." She thought back about Principle Celestia who had finally 'put her foot down' on a day she had been more upset then usual and gotten Sunset to turn her act around. The woman had know about Sunset being an orphan, as her story went, yet finally had enough with her attitude and provided the real help she needed, starting with making amends to those she had wronged. "I still can't believe Fluttershy forgave me so quickly." She sighed and thought of her budding friendships. She was not looking forward to leaving everyone behind yet, her urge to return home had only grown after turning over her new leaf. She still hadn't told anyone about where she was really from and it was getting harder to keep it from them. Shivering again in the night air she wrapped her jacket tighter. "Really glad I brought all those gems and bits with me to pawn off." She laughed to herself at the memory of her first attempt at buying food and causing the guy behind the register to faint at the sight of gold. “Don’t know what I would have done without money.” Finding shelter, clothing, food, even an identity had been easy with money, even if her supply was running low. As she reminisced about her time here on earth her alarm finally went off and the portal before her became active. "Well time to go home." She took her first step and fell through the rainbow gateway. "Hello there." I snorted and ignored the voice. I was in bed, who would be talking to me. "Wake up human." I rolled over and felt myself falling off my bed. "Wha?" I opened my eyes and couldn't see anything as I grabbed my bed and tried to stand up. No, I could see a dimly floating magenta crystal in the shape of a star at the foot of my bed. It provided the only light in this dark void. "Um, Hello?" "Hello human. I take it you have many questions but we do not have time so I will be blunt. You have died and lost your name." A feminine voice emanated from the crystal explained. She continued to speak as I just stared. "I have chosen your soul to help my last follower with a nearly impossible task and kept your skills as a gift to aid in your endeavors." "Last follower?" I finally found my voice. "Who are you?" "Yes my last. I had no Idea any were left alive after Celestia went mad from grief yet she, Sunset Shimmer, returned to me." The crystal looked to be slowly dimming. "As for who I am. I am Magic, a part of Harmony." "Why me though? Why Am I dead." I shouted now. I felt like I knew those names but the memory didn't come to me right away. "I am sorry but there is no time left. I need to send you to her before the opertunity closes. We will have plenty more time to speak once you have started your task. Find me once you both have settled in." She finished with a blinding flash and I disappeared just after remembering. Those names were from a TV show I loved. As Sunset looked around the dark room she arrived in, a headache began to form. She rubbed her forehead with her hoof and bumped into her horn. She began rubbing the area right below it, where the pressure was building. "Hello?" She groaned. Igniting her horn lessened the pain slightly and allowed her to take in her surroundings. "Well Judging by the stonework I'm back in Canterlot Castle, probably in a storage room." She easily found the door and stepped out into the hall only to be met with a wave of heat. "Ug, why is it so hot in here this place has the best temperature crystals." Stepping into the hall she made her way over to the window as sweat began to accumulate on her fur exacerbating her headache. "What in the world?!?" Her jaw dropped. There was nothing but a wasteland outside of the window. The palace gardens were a dried husk of their former splendor and it looked to be even hotter outside. Covering her face a bit she looked towards the skyline and spotted the sun was stopped just before sunset. "What happened here?" She sat down as the realization her home was a wasteland washed over her yet she couldn't even grieve as the pain in her head became unbearable and she screamed before passing out. When I woke up I was looking at an alicorn version of Sunset Shimmer. I never thought she became one. Reaching out, I stopped myself when I noticed my lavender hoof. Finding a mirror on the nearby wall I slowly walked over to it and looked myself over. I looked like a male version of Twilight Sparkle after her ascent into an alicorn. Checking my Cutie mark I found it was almost exactly the same except there was a crescent moon hugging the starburst. Reaching up I tapped my horn with a hoof and felt an uncomfortable tingle then fluffed my wings. So not a dream. I am somehow Dusk Shine, Twilight's male alter ego. Turning around I looked towards Sunset who sounded like she was waking up. "Hey you alright?" I made my way over and gave her a hoof. Luckily 'Magic' gave this body some instincts so I'm not tripping over myself. "No. No. No!" She ignored me and scrambled up to the window. When I looked out I could see what had her so panicked. Equestria looked like a wasteland, it was almost like. The timeline is wrong. I sat on my rump. Sunset is the last one alive? "Who are you?" Sunset turned to me growling with wings flared and a lit horn. "Did you do this?" I held my hooves up. "Of course not. I just got here." Sunset looked confused and backed down just a bit. "Explain." "First, why not take a look at your sides." I pointed with a hoof. She was slow but eventually looked and did a great impression of a fish. "Wings? Why do I have wings now?" She yelled as they flared from her reaction. She jumped and did a few circles trying to get a closer look. In the process of her jumping she ran into me and we both fell down. "Please, tell me what's going on." Sunset begged, tears forming in her eyes. "I don't really know, I do have a theory. My name is... Dusk Shine by the way." I held out a hoof. She gave it a cautious bump, "Sunset Shimmer." I gave her a smile then we both looked out the window and frowned. "Let's find somewhere to talk." Ch2. Relics.Journal of the nameless maid. “If you are reading this it means I have finally given up and left this behind. After years of heat and starvation I have chosen to die but I feel I should explain why.” “Not even a few years ago Equestria was perfect. We had our eternal princess, ponies got along, and there was plenty of food. Now, ponies abandoned each other while dealing with this crisis. We are hunted by griffins, the other nations have abandoned us, and there’s nothing to eat.” “It all started when Celestia refused to lower the sun one day. No pony knows why she really did it but I have my thoughts.” “Things had not been going well for our princess. First her prized student Moon Dancer was crippled trying to stop Nightmare moon who Celestia was then forced to kill. Not many ponies know this but Nightmare Moon was actually Celestia’s fallen sister Luna. Our Princess was forced to kill her sister to save her student and Equestria.” The writer had paused leaving a few ink stains. “After that she lost her niece Cadence to a changeling raid on her and her fiancées wedding in Los Pegasus. In fact the whole city was lost and the nobles had the gal to blame our princess for not being there when they were the ones demanding she stay in the capital.” Another pause. “After all that our princess just gave up. At first she continued to preform her duties with the moon and sun but refused to hold court. No one noticed her decline, thinking it was just general mourning and then, the sun stopped moving and our princess was gone, no pony found out what happened to her.” “The mages tried to move the sun yet, it refused to budge. The mages no longer had the knowledge to move it after a thousand years. After a few days of constant light, it started getting hot. Clouds were brought in over every town for shade yet it was never enough. Days turned to weeks and ponies began migrating in mass to cooler areas starting with the greedy nobles. Then plants started dying from the heat. In the end, I remained to watch the castle along with a few others as the city was abandoned.” “After a few months news stopped arriving and more ponies left. Everything green had either died or been eaten for food. I remained to guard the castle and a small greenhouse in the hope our princess would return but my hope has run out.” The journal continued with more of the authors thoughts but never gave a name only her position in the castle and that she was an Earth pony. “So mom finally gave up.” Sunset sighed. I guess some fans were right about their relationship. I had just finished reading the passage to her after we awoke in the morning to move the sun and moon. The moon was reluctant to move until I promised I wasn’t going to abandon it and kept a constant connection in the back of my mind. I wonder if Sunset’s going through the same thing with the sun. “At least we know what happened now. Well the gist at least. I was wondering why so much looks intact, now we know it was because everyone was escaping the heat without looting.” Ironically as I mentioned this it was storming outside, the rain soaking the parched earth. “Perhaps not everything is lost if the greenhouse survived.” Sunset actually smiled. I was lucky that Sunset knew the layout of the castle else I would have been hopelessly lost, even with the maps on the wall. When we arrived at the greenhouse what we saw shocked us. Cooling crystals had been piled in the corners along with other supplies to keep as many plants alive as possible. We also found the nameless maid dead, rotting, and half buried in dirt with a note. ‘At least I could feed the plants.’ Sunset teared up again at the sight so I buried the body the rest of the way using my magic. I was impressed she hadn’t collapsed from the constant flux of emotions, my own detachment had kept me steady, for now. Sunset said a few words of thanks then used a spell to make a small tombstone for the maid. ‘Here lies the Nameless maid who saved so many plants for future generations.’ Once we finished the impromptu funeral we began looking around and Sunset spoke first. “I can’t believe this all survived. She must have worked every day and pulled every crystal and drop of water she could spare from the castle.” We knew it was a sacrifice since the plumbing had only resumed working after the rain began. “It’s sad to think she almost made it.” Sunset gave me a questioning look and I sighed. “Her body wasn’t that far gone and some of these plants are edible. A few weeks and we would have been here for her.” I closed my eyes and shook my head. “Could there be others alive?” She asked hopefully. “Maybe, Harmony didn’t seem to think so but do I wonder now.” The maids journal made no mention of the crystal empire returning. If Cadenza died it’s curse might not have been broken. I shifted from the thought. “Anyway we found our foothold here so should we check the vault?” Sunset took a bit more time to look around as the rain hammered the glass ceiling before nodding. “You might want to stand back. I’m not sure what wards mom had on this thing.” Sunset warned and I stepped back from her side. We were deep in the castle in front of the primary vault. Sunset was confident she could open it but was scanning it intensely first. “Okay, looks like mom used bloodline wards so any of her family can open it.” She took a deep breath and touched the door with her horn. We both heard the sounds of locks releasing then the door swung open. “Wow.” The scene reminded me of Gringots, piles of bits were neatly stacked around the room along with artifacts on pedestals. In the center isles I noticed one artifact that finally made me smile like mad. “What’s this?” Sunset circled the pedestal containing five stones all of which began to faintly glow. Sunset stepped back while I moved forward. “The elements of Harmony. I was worried we wouldn’t have time to collect them from the old castle yet, here they are. There’s Kindness, Loyalty, Honesty, Generosity, Laughter, and lastly Magic.” When I finished speaking the five stones lit up and flew towards both of us. Sunset tried to shield herself with a magic shield but the stones passed right through. In a flash of blinding light the stones broke apart and were gone. “What just happened?” She sounded shocked. “Where did they go?” “Looks like Harmony is giving us a gift.” I looked at her neckline. Sitting upon it rested a Peytrel containing Loyalty, Generosity and Laughter while I had Kindness and Honesty on mine. Magic had become a silver ringlet crown to match Sunsets and sat upon my head. “Why did I get Laughter?” Sunset asked while poking the new regalia piece after she recovered. “Maybe it thought you needed it more?” As if to answer my question the pink gem glowed for a moment. I noticed the the elements, aside from magic, looked like normal gems instead of their iconic cutie mark shape. “And the other two?” She sounded unsure. “Well I assume Loyalty when you decide to return and restore Equis, Generosity for a similar reason.” I shrugged with my wings. “What about yours?” She pointed a hoof. “Easy, Honestly because I tell it to you straight, Kindness for sticking with you to help and being a shoulder to cry on or bounce ideas off of, and Magic is what brought me here.” I smiled for a moment as I poked the crown with a hoof. “Granted we probably aren’t the perfect bearers but it’s only us available.” In response all six gems gave a soothing glow that I was right about the first but wrong on the second. My smile retuned at that. Sunset hesitated but also looked better, “Well I do feel better having them. Your crown looks nice too.” She said before walking off to start collecting bits and a few common gems. I hope we don’t crash the market. After pausing for a quick water and snack break the two of us returned to the room where the portal mirror was located. “It feels strange to be returning so soon. I had planned on possibly returning next cycle or maybe even never.” We set down our supplies and began organizing our bags. Sunset was leaving her mother’s journal behind along with us leaving anything else we wouldn’t need on earth. The elements were coming along with us as they would allow us to preform magic. At least if that theory holds. Hopefully they will transform into something less conspicuous. “If you don’t mind my asking what made you come back.” I paused in my preparations. “From the timeline I remember seeing, things turned out differently on the other side for you. You were still good, but different, for example you lived there instead of returning.” “Heh, I’ll tell you later. For now we have things to trade, supplies to acquire, and I have a few friends to talk with while we still have time.” Sunset finished by hardening her resolve and stepped through the mirror before I could ask anything else. I took one last look around the room before following, a strong itch on my flank caused me to pause. We will be back. Will be nice to have hands though. The itch disappeared and I stepped one hoof into the portal before being sucked in. Ch3. First small step.“Dusk, is that you, are you ok?” I heard Sunset’s voice ring out. I was currently laying on my side on the hard concrete sidewalk near the base of a familiar statue. “Yep it’s me and all good.” I slowly stood up and grabbed the hand she held out. “Glad to have these back.” As I checked myself over I noticed the elements had converted themselves into something similar to a watch but with no actual timepiece for the both of us. “You’re balancing much better than I first did on two legs.” She noted. Sunset was shorter than I was and proportional to our alicorn bodies. Looking around I spotted the nearby Canterlot High which looked to be in session. “Well I was originally human. I feel like the colors are new though.” I wiggled my lavender fingers. “Yours feel much more natural than mine on a human, look better at least.” She smiled at that. “By the way is it the weekend?” I was a bit worried about students spotting us. “Well that saves us time at least and no it’s Monday so classes are in. What about magic? I can feel mine this time around which is amazing.” A light glow emitted from her hand and a nearby rock began to glow. Her pony features also began to make their appearance. Before I could answer a voice rang out. “Sunset Shimmer what are you doing outside?” The rock fell and her features reverted, hopefully going unnoticed by the newcomer. “Oh hey principal Celestia. I was just showing my friend here around town.” She awkwardly answered. It must be so strange to know another version of your own mother, like a twin I guess. “Hi there, I’m Dusk Shine.” I took my cue and held out my hand to the women. I looked to be about eighteen so could pass for a senior or graduate. “Hello Dusk.” She gave me a friendly hand shake. “It’s nice of Sunset to show you around but shouldn’t you also be in school?” Her eyebrows rose. Oh good she didn’t notice or ignored the magic show. “Actually, I just moved to town.” My element made it impossible to lie so I had to go with half truths. “We met over the weekend and really hit it off.” “Yep. Hence me showing him around and ending our tour at the school.” Sunset gave a winning smile. “I see, well Sunset you go ahead and get to class and you can meet up with your friend later. One I can assume I will be seeing after I get the paperwork?” Principal Celestia’s eyes narrowed like she wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Sunset nodded giving me her phone, so I could find the locations I would need, along with a key to enter her apartment and a quick word before following along. “I’ll meet you at my place after school buy yourself a phone while out.” Well looks like we’ll have to split up for a bit. Pocketing the items I began my journey towards a local pawn shop after looking them up on the map. Time to get some cash. As Sunset walked the halls grumbling to herself she bumped straight into someone. “Sunset you alright?” The human Applejack’s souther draw rang out. “I haven’t seen ya all day.” “Oh, hey AJ. Yeah just had errands to run and stuff.” She adjusted her backpack. It was heavy with all the extra items. Her mind was also heavy with all the plans her and Dusk would need to carry out before the portal closed, unless they found a way to maintain it. The thought caused her to grumble. “Well if you’re finished want to meet up with the girls after school? Pinkie wanted us to try out some new cupcake recipes.” AJ smiled but could tell her friend was upset. Applejack still found it surprising how close they became after that first year of fighting. “Sorry, not today I.” She cut herself off when she realized just how much help she and Dusk needed. “Actually Aj you know what, why don’t you all meet up at my place. I have someone I need to introduce to you girls.” “Uh, sure. I bet Pinkie wouldn’t mind and it would be nice to finally see your place. Want to text them?” AJ asked “Would you mind doing it, I let a friend borrow mine.” Sunset asked but AJ happily pulled out her phone and began texting the others. “Great I’ll see you all after classes and we can go together.” Sunset finished and ran off to class. She had no plans on paying attention but getting caught now would be a disaster. She instead worked on brainstorming a way to move the portal before working on keeping it open. “One, two, three thousand.” The pawn shop owner counted out the cash. I could tell he had never seen such pure gold in the form of a few coins by the look he was giving me. Luckily he didn’t ask questions and I knew their worth so only parted with a dozen at one shop. Ug wish I could just do this all in one place, it’s already the fourth shop I’ve had to walk to. “Thanks, have a great day.” I quickly put the cash in my bag and left the shop. I was impressed by the stamina my alicorn strength granted even as a human. Okay first step of acquiring cash finished. Sunset still has the rest she’s going to use for buying a warehouse and my papers from her contact, meaning time for supplies. Back in Equestria I was wondering how we would transport everything but Sunset found a couple sets of enchanted saddle bags in the vault that were converted to backpacks by the portal. Man magic is great. The purple gem on my wrist glowed happily. As I continued to walk the street I eventually made it to a shop similar to Wallmart. Stepping inside I could tell it would have everything we would need to get started. Glad we won’t need camping supplies. I grabbed a cart and began filling it with canned goods and other long lasting vegetarian items. There was no point getting anything fresh or frozen as time still passed inside the bags. We are going to get so sick of pasta. Along with the food I picked up a couple prepaid smart phones and other technology we could use on the other side like walkies, laptops and solar chargers. Bet I could rig them to work with magic too. When I reached the checkout line the woman behind the counter gave me a look. “Can you afford all this?” I discreetly showed her some of the cash. “It’s… for a community project.” Wow, not being able to ever lie is hard. She didn’t care about the explanation so long as I had the cash. Once finished and I had paid I took my cart to the side parking lot to transfer the items into my backpack after making sure I was alone. Wow this is weird. “So Sunset who are we going to meet? Also nice new bling.” Pinkie was skipping along with the rest of the girls. Sunset was getting nervous about having them over for the first time and the news she needed to share. “Yes, why all the secrecy Darling? Also I must agree with pinkie that accessory is simply divine.” Rarity asked after checking her phone. The Elements glowed a bit, pleased with the compliment, forcing Sunset to cover her wrist. “Well, he’s a new friend from out of town. I’ll let him introduce himself.” She replied once they had all reached her building. It wasn’t far enough to drive so the girls had left their cars at school. “He?~” Rarity gushed at the gossip and rubbed shoulders with Sunset. “Grr.” Sunset playfully pushed her away. “Well it’s still cool we finally get to see your place.” Rainbow checked out the building. “Yeah we normally hang out at Pinkie’s or my farm. Dash we really haven’t seen your place neither come to think about it.” AJ rubbed her chin. Rainbow got a nervous look. “Oh hey, we’re here.” Once inside the group easily spotted the young man asleep and spread out on the couch. All but Sunset gave him an appraiser’s look. “Is this who you wanted us to meet?” Rainbow walked over and poked the newcomers chest. “Huh, surprisingly firm.” “Rainbow don’t do that.” Fluttershy spoke while Sunset lightly hit her friends shoulder. “He’s asleep.” “Well I was.” I laughed when the girls, mostly Fluttershy, got spooked. “So Sunset, what are your friends doing here?” I wasn’t upset just more confused. “I figured they could help.” Sunset must have assumed I was. “You sure? I thought you wanted it just us to start. Do they even know about…” I motioned towards my bracelet. “No, I was going to tell them now.” She huffed. “If you’re sure.” We shared a look. “Could someone please tell us what the hay is going on.” AJ practically yelled while the other girls nodded. “All right why don’t you girls sit down.” Sunset motioned towards the couch as I stood up next to her. “This is going to sound a bit crazy.” “Pinkie Sush.” I put a finger to her lips before she could interrupt. Sunset ignored me and took a deep breath. “I’m not human, I’m actually a pony.” The girls all looked confused but let her continue. “A few years ago I ran away from home using a magic portal and ended up here. The portal also made me younger so I was forced to relive my school years from middle school up.” The girls all shared looks of concern that their friend was loosing it. “Yesterday I finally returned home when the portal opened again but my home has basically been destroyed.” Sunset began to tear up so I wrapped an arm around her. “Dusk and I are the only ponies left and we need help rebuilding. I know it’s a lot but would any of you girls like to help?” The five sat there stunned until Rainbow spoke first. “Is this a prank? I feel like your messing with us.” “Rainbow Dash can’t you see our friend is hurting!” Fluttershy wrapped Sunset in a hug and I backed off. “There there.” “It’s no joke girls.” I pulled on the string of magic and revealed my glowing pony features. Sunset did the same in Fluttershy’s arms who ran her fingers over Sunset’s wing. “It’s so soft.” She cooed. “My word you both look magnificent.” Rarity jumped up to check me out. “Wings and a horn?” “We’re both alicorns. Rulers of pony kind who are normally broken up into a few other tribes, when they were alive.” Sunset trailed off And I picked up. “Sunset here handles the day and the sun while I manage the night and the moon. We weren’t born alicorns we became them as the last two ponies. Oh we’re also immortal now so there’s that.” I shrugged. “So not a prank.” Rainbows brain rebooted as did the others who surrounded us to check oh the additions. “Still doesn’t answer why you told us.” Sunset quickly gave an overview of our plan to rebuild by importing the basics and rebuilding from scratch with a more modern twist. She left out details like the location of the portal or my arrival but answered their other questions. “Hold up sugar, you want us to go with you, and do what? We ain’t exactly Ponies.” Applejack said. “Which is really unfortunate.” Fluttershy said quietly but everyone still heard. Is human Fluttershy a furry? Makes sense. “Actually the portal changes you into the native species which is why we look human.” Sunset explained. “That still doesn’t explain.” Rainbow looked at the group, noticed the gender ratio and quickly backed up. “Oh hell no, I’m not ready for kids.” Pinkie and I couldn’t help but laugh when I realized what she thought while the others looked confused again. “Dashie I don’t think that’s why they asked.” “Though I wouldn’t say no.” I winked at her causing Pinkie and I to bust up laughing again. The others realized what was happening and joined in. “I can’t do it.” AJ spoke first and shook her head. “My parents would never let me leave, not to mention the rest of my family. Guess her parents survived here. The other girls all replied the same until it came to Fluttershy. “I want to go.” Everyone looked at her but she didn’t back down. “A whole world for critters to live in and me there to help bring them back sounds wonderful, and I get to be a pony?” “Fluttershy are you…” I cut Sunset off. “Yep you could even talk to animals and Technically you would be a Pegasus.” I finished. “With wings?” Her eyes sparkled and I nodded. “Hold up, how do you know that?” Rainbow got in my face. “How do you even know Sunset?” “I know because I have seen it in your magical signature and I am her co-ruling alicorn.” I puffed up a bit. “For example you would also be a pegasus, Rarity a Unicorn while Pinkie and Applejack would be Earth Ponies.” I smiled back at her. “Earth pony. Sounds kind of, lame.” Applejack looked disappointed. “Not at all. Earth Ponies are stronger, tougher, live longer, and can help plants grow. An experienced earth pony can harvest crops almost three or four times a year instead of once. As well as many other natural skills.” I explained. “Pegasus have the ability of flight and weather manipulation and unicorns have general magic like levitation or spells. Alicorns have the power of all three tribes and the subsets such as thestrals also known as Luna Pegasi.” The girls all looked thoughtful and under Applejack’s breath she said. “Hot dog, three ta four harvests a year?” “Look you girls don’t need to decide right now, we still have plans to work on and a portal to move. Why don’t you all head home and think it over.” With Sunset’s declaration the girls all slowly left together, returning to their cars. “Well, that went surprisingly smoothly.” Sunset collapsed onto her couch and let her magic fade after lowering her sun back on Equis. I didn’t say anything as I raised my moon. Glad our links work through the portal but that was way harder. “They are your friends.” I joined her on the couch before passing back her phone to focus on setting mine up. Maybe I should find Twilight eventually, her genius would be helpful. Eventually Sunset fell asleep, drooling on my side, while replying to more of her friends questions via text. I joined her not long after and found myself in the dream realm. “Spike look at this.” Twilight Sparkle picked up her dog. “My equipment has been picking up strange energy readings all weekend and tonight they massively surged. Oh I just have to investigate.” Sci Twi began breaking down her equipment into a more portable form. “I just have to figure this out.” Ch4. On earth.Most of Sunset’s five best friends sat awake in their beds that night. They had all learned a massive secret along with being given the choice of a lifetime. To see another world and help rebuild it. Fluttershy was the only one who actually managed to sleep and dreamt about speaking with all of her critters as a cute pony. Applejack was pondering becoming the first farmer in another land and regrowing everything she could. “I could grow so much food.” Rarity was excited about the idea of working for royalty. “I could make such wonderful outfits.” Pinkie was already planning parties for their failures or successes. “It’s going to be a blast.” Rainbow thought about what it would be like to fly. “I could fly.” She looked at all of the blue angels posters on her walls. Sunset and I were currently standing outside of an old warehouse in the mid morning sun. “What are we doing here again?” “I texted my contact last night and she’s going to hook us up with this building.” She pointed a thumb at the warehouse. “It cost quite a bit for the speed.” Before I could ask anything else a car pulled up and the driver stepped out. The driver then opened the back door revealing, who I could only assume by the accessories, Silver Spoon. “Sunset Shimmer. Good to see you outside of school again.” The young girl smiled and they shared a hug. “And nice to meet you Dusk Shine.” She politely held out a hand that I shook. “Hey Silver thanks again for getting this done so quickly.” Sunset smiled at the young heiress. “Nonsense what are friends for. Also where else would I get such high quality unique gems and pure gold.” Silver snapped her fingers and the driver stepped over with a briefcase. “Here’s the title for this place and the other paperwork your boyfriend needs along with mildly filled bank accounts for you both. No questions asked like normal.” Sunset handed over a bag full of gold and Equestrian gemstones from her expanded backpack to the driver. After checking inside the driver nodded and passed over the briefcase and a ring of keys from his pocket. “Thanks again silver.” Sunset passed over the identification paperwork for one ‘Dusk Shine’ to me keeping the rest. She and Silver Spoon exchanged one last hug before Silver and her driver left. “So how do you two know each other?” I asked as Sunse. “Also boyfriend?” “She wouldn’t accept I was doing it for a stranger.” She winked and looked through the keys. “As for how we met it’s a funny story actually, I saved her life. It was probably my second month here and I was really struggling. Even with all the gold and stuff I bought it wasn’t much help since I had no legal identification to get an apartment.“ she found they key she needed and unlocked the door to step inside the warehouse. “I found Silver getting attacked one night and in my frustration at life I beat up all the guys using the last of my lingering magic.” She shook her head and laughed at the memory before turning on the lights. “Silver’s family was so grateful they used their connections to help me out with documentation and they bought the gems I brought with me. In exchange I’ve been receiving their help and enough money to last through High school ever since.” She finished her story and began looking around. “Wow I always wondered how you lasted so long here alone but I guess you weren’t alone.” I looked around the new warehouse. It was much nicer on the inside than outside and filled with more supplies we might need. “Why didn’t you just have them buy everything this time?” “Speed mostly, we needed some quick cash. Also, we keep our distance in school so no one knows our connection. We still help each other out often enough.” She led me into a small office and laid the paperwork out on the desk. I took the driver’s license and copied what I needed identity wise onto my phone before we stored it away in the desk. “Silver did great work with this.” I held up the license. “We should get a safe or something for the rest at some point or better yet keep it in Equestria.” “Yeah the castle vault is our best bet. And you do know how to drive right?” She looked nervously at the license which I waved off. “Course I do. Just need a vehicle now.” I tilted my head back and fourth. “No.” Sunset looked flabbergasted. “Yep.” I was grinning like a kid on Christmas. The two of us were at a new car dealership and I was standing next to the newest electric truck. She had already picked out a more modest car that the salesman was completing paperwork on. “Why would you get something that expensive. I know we can afford it thanks to Silver but why.” She held her head in her hands. “Two reasons. First, we need a truck to move bulky items around. Second, Equestria has no gasoline once I find a way to get it through the portal. Third, I always wanted one.” I smiled as I circled my future purchase. She just grumbled that I listed three then sighed as the grinning salesman came back. Thanks to us playing in cash we were able to drive off the lot that same day. Sunset made her way back to her apartment to finish her research and prepare for tonight while I went to purchase a big mirror from a thrift store. She had found a workable spell in one of the advanced magic books in Celestia’s bedroom. I would have called it luck if Harmony herself wasn’t helping us out. “Tell me again why you specifically needed an old heavy mirror?” I asked as I carefully unloaded the bulky purchase next to the pony statue of Canterlot High. It was well past school hours so no one was around. “Because the cheep modern ones won’t work. Even though earth has very little magic an old one that was well cared for can be used to contain the portal.” She embedded a few of the magical gems she didn’t trade into the wooden frame then began to enchant them will spells. “So what are you two up to?” I jumped and spun around to see Rainbow Dash. She laughed at getting the drop on me. “Not funny.” I got back to work and aligned the mirror across from the portal as Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Hey Rainbow what are you doing here?” Sunset paused her spell work. “I asked first.” She stuck her tongue out. “Well dusk and I are transferring the portal into this mirror so we can move it to a safer location. I found the spell work in a book I had brought from home.” Sunset got back to work. “Got ya, I was just out walking to clear my head.” Rainbow shrugged. The three of us were silent until Sunset indicated she was ready for the transfer. “So about going to Equestria…” Rainbow stared awkwardly. “Would I have to stay? I would at least like to graduate.” “Not at all. The portal opens naturally only every couple of years but we hope to fix that after moving it. Right now we only have about two days left until it closes for this cycle.” “So could I visit now for a bit?” Rainbow asked but Sunset couldn’t answer. “How about this.” I spoke up. “I plan on going through to test it and bring a few loads of supplies tonight while Sunset rests up after her spell work. If you want to go then you can.” Rainbow nodded. Sunset looked between the two of us then began her primary spell. The elements on both our wrists lit up and a beam shot from the statues base into the mirror. After a few blinding moments it was over, the mirror was now the portal and the statue was normal. “It worked!” Sunset and I shared a hug before she got weak in the knees. “That was tough.” I helped her back up and Rainbow spoke up. “That was awesome looking.” “Just wait until you see Equestria.” I began carefully loading the mirror back into the truck and strapping it down. Once I finished I hopped into the driver’s seat and spoke out the window. “I’ll meet you, Rainbow and whoever else wants to visit at the warehouse.” With that I drove off with our precious cargo. Once back at the warehouse I once again unloaded the mirror and brought it inside. We had decided to set it up in a small side storage area that had strong brick walls and fresh locks on the door. This place will basically be a secure transit hub if and when we invite others. Setting down the mirror I then bolted it into the concrete floor. Sunset will be warding the entire building, once she gets back, now that we successfully moved the portal. Hopefully I can set up a security system with the time we have left or maybe if Sunsets friends stay here they can guard this end. I rubbed my chin and sat down to snack in the break room we had found during our initial search. Now to wait till everyone shows up. Ch5. First giant leap.Author's Note I am calling Cutie Marks ‘Emblems’ for humans since it’s normally some kind of item they have. Ch5. First giant leap. “Ug, this just can’t be right.” Twilight groaned as spike walked along her side. She had decided to take him on a walk while tracking the strange energy readings in town. “First there’s three signals spread out, then there’s one massive signal near this high school, and now there’s two signals, one stronger and one still moving around.” Spike rubbed against Twilight’s leg and she let out a sigh. She was currently standing outside of Canterlot High the rival school of her own Crystal prep “You’re right spike now isn’t the time to give up on science!” Twilight began following the stronger signal since the other looked to be converging on it anyway. Spike was just happy for the long walk. “Dusk, we’re here.” Sunsets voice rang out through the warehouse. I got up from where I was resting in the break room and entered the main warehouse. “Welcome back and hey there girls.” I said the the three arrivals. Only Rainbow and Fluttershy had decided to come along for a visit. “So just you two tonight? That’s probably for the best since I won’t be able to really show you around the castle.” “You live in a castle?” Fluttershy got even more excited than she already was. “Yep. It was my mom’s but…” Sunset spoke up. “Anyway the plan is for Dusk to show you both around a bit as he brings back supplies as I set up the wards on this end to protect this place.” Sunset cracked her fingers. Rainbow and Fluttershy shared a look but didn’t ask further questions as they both became excited and nervous about the trip. As Sunset stepped away to find a good place to start her warding I turned back to the girls after watching her walk off. “Alright you two follow me.” I led them into the portal room, as I was now calling it. “Rainbow you already saw it but Fluttershy this is the mirror portal.” I gave it a quick flourish with my hand. “All you have to do is step through and it will turn you into pony in Equestria. Just a warning you will be naked.” “Naked?!?” Rainbow blushed. “Um, we will have fur right?” Fluttershy meekly asked. “Of course. Your fur and tail will cover everything important and it’s not like I’ll be staring.” I nodded. Fluttershy nodded as well while Rainbow looked nervous still. “I’ll go through first. Wait ten seconds then one of you follow behind so we don’t stumble into each other, okay?” I waited for them to agree then stepped through. Twilight sparkle was walking through the warehouse district when the signals she was tracking spiked again. Typically no young woman should be walking alone in this part of town at night but Twilight’s scientific curiosity had a tighter hold than her common sense. “Look spike we’re almost there.” Spike began to whine. After I got to my hooves I then stretched out my wings and pinged the moon with my magic. It feels so relieved that I’m back. I didn’t have to wait long for a butter yellow Pegasus to show up next looking dizzy. “That was so colorful.” “Hello Fluttershy welcome to Equestria.” As soon as I spoke her eyes went wide and she tripped trying to rush over and look me over. “You’re so tall for a pony or am I short? You have wings just like the glowing ones and your flank mark looks like your emblem back on earth.” She continued to speak as she walked around me. “Well It looks like you have no trouble with your hooves also it’s rude to stare at somepony’s emblem especially a prince’s since it is on our flank.” I winked. She immediately “epped” then looked at her own body. Sunset had a good idea about dropping the ‘Cutie’ part and using the human term. “Oh my.” she stretched out her wings and was entranced by her own new body. I watched her check herself out before Rainbow came flying out of the portal. “Ouch.” She was sprawled out along the opposite wall. “I guess I didn’t need to run into it did I?” I laughed as she tried to stand. She was no where near as graceful as Fluttershy. “Stupid hooves, stay in sync.” I eventually lifted her onto her hooves with magic, causing her to squeak, and she managed to stay standing. “Well then you two. Welcome to Equestria let’s head to the kitchen first to unload the supplies then Ill answer your questions after you acclimate a bit.” I took the lead while Fluttershy helped Rainbow out into the hall by sticking to her side. “Huff.” Twilight and spike were currently running for their lives. A group of shady people had spotted her walking alone and would have managed to jump her if not for spike barking. “Oh spike I should have waited until morning.” Twilight lamented as she tried not to trip. “Get back here pretty.” One yelled out. Instinctively she had continued to follow the tracker she was holding in her hand and eventually made it to the very warehouse containing the portal. She had no time to realize this as she successfully managed to open the door to the building and close it behind her. “Where did she go?” One of the women in the group asked. “She probably kept running.” The voices became more distant. “Um hello?” Twilight’s eyes went wide as someone’s voice rang out. Sunset had been working on the wards when she heard the side door open. “No one except Dusk, The Girls or I should be able to open the doors let alone notice this place.” She said to herself. “Um hello?” She asked when she spotted a girl with similar coloration to Dusk and even a similar emblem on her dress. “Oh thank goodness. Can you help me I was being chased by kidnappers.” Twilight’s legs gave out. “Woah. Um yeah you can hide out here. I’m Sunset Shimmer by the way and you are?” She held a hand out to help the girl up. Twilight took it, “Twilight Sparkle.” Spike barked, “and this is my dog spike.” Sunset’s eyes went wide as she recognized the name from when Dusk told it to her. “So Twilight what are you doing out here so late? It doesn’t look like you live or work in the area.” Twilight pushed up her glasses. “Oh right, I was following this strange signal and wasn’t paying attention to where it was leading me. In fact.” It was Twilight’s turn for wide eyes. Her device was pointed right at Sunset for being the source of one signal. “This says you’re the source!” Sunset panicked and knocked Twilight and Spike out with a sleep spell. “Fuck!” “Wow this place is huge.” Rainbow whistled. “Can you show us outside later?” “Sorry but no. Remember how Sunset told you girls what happened here. Basically the outside world isn’t safe yet until the weather stabilizes.” As if to prove his point a lightning bolt stuck outside the window. “Right now there’s a massive storm from the air currents finally starting back up after remaining stagnant for so long.” “That’s just awful.” Fluttershy sadly replied. “Yeah it’s going to take years to get Equestria back to its former glory.” I lamented. We were just about to the kitchens as I led them into the staff dining hall. “So what I still don’t get is where were you at? Sunset was with us on earth but not you.” Rainbow inquired. “Dash.” Fluttershy tried to stop her friend. “No. If we’re going to be helping full time I want to know!” She stomped a hoof. “It’s alright Fluttershy.” I stopped and sat down to face them after levitating over a few cushions from the nearby table. They awkwardly sat down but eventually got comfortable. I took a deep breath. “I was dead.” Silence hung for a moment as I let it sink in, Rainbow was about to speak but I was faster. “Yes Dash Dead, or well as close as you can get. It wasn’t until Sunset returned to Equestria was I brought back for the sole purpose of becoming a prince to rule by her side and manage the night. We aren’t romantically involved just a mirrored pair.” “You see it takes two living alicorns at minimum to keep Equis alive. So when Sunset returned to this dead world and she became the Alicorn of the day and sun, one was still needed for the night, moon, and stars so I was brought here from death’s door.” “That’s. Wow that’s heavy man.” Rainbow was flabbergasted and Fluttershy shot up to give me a hug. “You poor creature. You and Sunset have such a burden.” She nuzzled my neck. The elements actually morphed into a necklace giving her access to my chest. Traitors. They happily glowed. “Thanks but it’s not all bad. I can’t remember everything about my last life but Harmony gave me a second chance to do a lot of good, heck I’m now an immortal alicorn with moon powers.” I hugged her back. Fluttershy quickly let me go when she remembered she was hugging a naked male and blushed. I spotted Rainbow wipe a tear from her eye on the sly before she spoke up. “Well, what are we wasting time for? You have supplies to unload and I want to see more of this castle.” I smiled and got back to our task at hoof. “Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck.” Sunset had gently carried Twilight and Spike into the break room and laid them on the old couch it contained. “Why did I nock her out?” Sunset jumped when Twilight’s phone rang. Checking it Sunset saw that it was the girls mother calling. “Great…” thinking fast she opened the message app and replied to the call. ‘Sorry mom spending the night with a new friend and couldn’t answer.’ She had no hope of that working but was surprised by the result. ‘Oh sweetheart that’s wonderful you have fun with your new friend.’ “That should not have worked.” Sunset set the phone down on the girls chest and ran towards the portal to find her partner. She didn’t even notice that’s what she was already thinking about her fellow alicorn or that the elements were playfully glowing. Ch6. For Equis.“DUSK!” I heard Sunset’s voice ring out as she ran through the castle’s hall towards me. When she finally found me, relaxing in the castle greenhouse tending to the plants and watching the rain, she was panting like a dog. “There. You. Are. Where are Rainbow and Fluttershy?” She looked around panicking. “Deep breath Sunset. They are in the guest suite across from the one we set up in. Seeping or talking.” I shrugged then set down the watering can and clippers that were hovering in my magic. I’m already finding it easier to stay up at night. “Well we have a problem.” She walked closer to me and sat down. “Twilight Sparkle found the warehouse.” My eyes went wide. “What! How?” My wings flared for a moment. “I don’t know! She had some kind of device that could track magic and I forgot that she might be able to get through the wards and so I knocked her out!” She flared her own wings. “You did what?” I hoped I had misheard her. How did Twilight already have her tracker. Oh Harmony I hope it can’t steal magic like in the original timeline. She held up her fore hooves. “Sweet Mom, not like that. I used a sleep spell and put her in the break room. I didn’t know what else to do~o.” She hung her head and rubbed her hooves together like she was trying to wring her hands. I sighed and put a hoof on her withers. “Well what should we do?” I asked as calmly as I could. She looked up at me. “Wipe her mind and drop her at her house?” She asked jokingly. I gave her a deadpan look. “I know. But I honestly have no other ideas. We already have so much to do before the portal closes and we can’t stay on earth since I couldn’t find anything to keep the sun and moon moving, unless only one of us stays and that’s not happening.” She whined. I hadn’t even thought of just one of us staying but yeah possibly two years of isolation isn’t a plan. “Then we play it by ear? We see how she is after waking up and only answer questions if she asks.” I fluffed my feathers. “Fine but you do it. I still have wards to set up.” She pointed a hoof at me. “And~ I really don’t want to talk to her.” “Seriously?” I asked and she nodded. “Fine but you owe me one.” I was stunned when she threw her hooves and wings around me for a hug. “Thanks Dusk. I’ll get back to work now.” She trotted off before I could stop her. Harmony help me. My crown glowed a bit as if laughing. “Flutters?” “Yeah Dash?” “Do you really want to move here?” Both human girls that had been transformed into ponies were currently trying to sleep in a pony’s castle guest suite. “I do. I never really fit in with people, only animals.” “You know ponies are just people here right. I mean we are currently ponies that can talk and everything.” Fluttershy paused. “Maybe, but there’s only Dusk and Sunset left. I just can’t leave them alone and it is a big opportunity.” She sounded guilty that she would get something out of it. “They really do need us don’t they.” Rainbow chuckled, “and it would be awesome to learn how to fly.” “Mhm.” They fell into a comfortable silence before sleep took over. Twilight’s eyes fluttered open slowly as the harsh lights woke her up. “Ug where am I.” “Specifically? The break room of our warehouse.” I answered sitting in a simple chair I had brought closer. Twilight immediately shot to her feet at the sound of a male voice. She then checked herself and her clothes over, she was still fully dressed but her equipment and phone were missing. “Nothing untoward happened if that’s what you’re worried about.” I consoled. Spike had woken up and began sniffing my leg before letting me pet him. This act alone calmed Twilight better than my words. Narrowing her eyes behind her glasses she asked. “So who are you?” “Dusk Shine. Nice to meet you.” I held out my hand but she didn’t shake it. I returned to petting spike. “And why was I asleep here?” She sat back town and patted the couch. “My partner Sunset laid you down here in our break room after you lost consciousness. She said you broke into our building after escaping an attack.” I honestly answered. “Right.” Twilight’s eyes went wide. “I was tracking a signal when some people tried to jump me.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “Where is, Sunset Right?” I nodded. “Why isn’t she here?” “Well she had to get back to work, we… we’re on kind of a tight schedule that you interrupted but I have some free time.” I smiled. “Anyway it’s a little before sunrise so I was planning to drive you home.” “Thanks and oh my gosh my family must be so worried I need my phone where is it.” She panicked a bit. “Here, Sunset used it to text your mom that you were fine and staying with her.” It was smart she added some more details. “She didn’t tell them about the attack in case you wanted to keep it secret.” I passed her phone to her. “Thanks.” She took her phone back and began texting someone. “What about my equipment?” “It was damaged but.” I pointed to the table behind me. “No!~ I don’t have the parts to fix it.” She cradled the broken device. “Hey, better than your life right?” I rubbed the back of my neck. “Well here we are.” I said as I pulled up to Twilight’s house. “Thanks again for driving me home.” Twilight hugged spike then stepped out of my truck. “No problem Twilight.” I watched until she made it inside then drove off back to the warehouse. Once inside and back in her room Twilight set Spike down and pulled out her broken tracker. “At least the memory chip survived.” Plugging it into her computer her eyes went wide at the data. It showed strong signals coming from the very warehouse she had been in before her device broke. “What are you two hiding.” “So, how did it go?” Sunset asked after I got back. It was time to move our celestial bodies so we quickly preformed the ritual. At least it was easier with the portal in the next room. “Hard to tell. She was mostly focused on the attack and getting home but she may get suspicious.” I replied once we finished. “Better than nothing. Well I finished the wards and was going to pick up the girls from the castle and drive us all to school. I also have my exit paperwork to finish.” “You’re dropping out?” I was surprised. “Transferring, on paper technically, Who needs human school when you’re a magical pony princess?” She laughed and I couldn’t fault her logic. “Fair enough. I’ll start on downloading everything I can from the internet onto the computers I bought then get some sleep after dropping off the rest of the supplies we bought. I figured some movies and games will help during the slow times.” I stepped away to getting working. “How did you two like Equestria?” Sunset asked after they got back to Earth. “It was a lovely castle.” Fluttershy said dreamily. “Yeah, needs work outside though.” Dash put her hands behind her head as they got into Sunset’s car. The three continued to talk until they reached Earth's Sugarcube Corner where they were meeting the rest of their friends. “Over here girls.” Rarity, who was already at a table, waved them over. “So did you two really go to another world?” Rarity asked after they all sat down. “Oh yes. It was wonderful. I had the softest fur, silky wings and cute little hooves.” Fluttershy gushed. Rarities eyes went wide, she was still debating if the whole thing wasn’t just a dream. “You two honestly went through a portal to a magical land?” Applejack sat back on her chair. “Huh.” “It’s real AJ.” Sunset spoke up. “Now, I know I asked you girls if you wanted to come with but it looks like that can’t happen for now.” “Why not?” Pinkie and Fluttershy asked sadly. Sunset put her chin on the table. “There’s only about one full day left the portal is open naturally and I don’t know how long it will take to open it on demand. If you come with… you might not come back for years.” All the girls went quiet. “Yeah. Sorry sugar, I can’t be gone that long.” AJ took off her hat. “It’s fine.” Sunset sat back up and waved her off. “Just come say goodbye tomorrow and check in on our building now and then.” Sunset’s last day of school dragged on slowly after breakfast. Once it was over she visited Principal Celestia to say goodbye and hand over her papers. The woman actually gave her a hug and promised her to stop by again if she could which brought tears to Sunset’s eyes. Which her school life behind her she spent the evening packing up her apartment with things she couldn’t do without and planned to bring with to Equestria or store in the warehouse. “Clothes won’t do much good in Equestria but best keep some on this side.” “I really need to thank Silver again for finding us such a great building.” She texted the girl her thanks and about being unavailable for the foreseeable future. Silver replied that she would watch over her accounts and for Sunset to text whenever she could. “I really made some great friends here.” Ch7. Goodbyes and unexpected travelers.‘Dear Family, If you’re reading this it means I left. It’s not because I don’t love you all but because I finally found a place where I can be who I really want to be. I will be living with wonderful friends in a wonderful home so no need to worry about me. Sadly where I am going cellphones don’t work and I may be unable to communicate for a few years. With all my love, Fluttershy.’ ‘Mom, Dad, Peace out and good luck with your jobs. You’re always spending more time on your careers than me so I’m out. Rainbow Dash’ Fluttershy and Rainbow looked at each other and double checked their packed bags. “Are we really doing this?” Rainbow spoke first. “Yes. My family will understand and yours…” Fluttershy trailed off. “Won’t care, I know.” Rainbow sighed. “But will Sunset and Dusk let us stay?” “They have to. Not like we could go through a closed portal.” Fluttershy was showing her friend more convection than ever before. “And she already offered us to go.” “Wasn’t that when she thought we could go back and fourth any time?” Rainbow’s eyebrow rose. “I’m going.” Fluttershy affirmed as Rainbow sighed. “I’m with you Flutters.” “Pinkie how did you do all this?” Sunset was spinning around and checking out the decked out warehouse. Pinkie Pie had decorated it for a going away party after she had finished her classes. There was now only about two hours left now before the portal closed. “Well I couldn’t let you two just leave without a proper goodbye.” She giggled. “It’s lovely Pinkie thank you.” I gave the girl a hug and she swatted at my chest. “Oh stop it you.” She blushed and skipped off to finish her preparations. I just shook my head and began packing up the last of the supplies we were bringing. “So this is it huh?” Sunset looked towards the door of the portal room. “Yep, we got quiet a lot done in just a few days thanks to Silver’s help. Supplies for a few months, seeds to farm, electronics… heck she got us this awesome place to hide the portal.” “Yeah. Looks like the others are here now too.” The other four showed up and greeted us then we all began partying. It wasn’t anything too wild, mostly just snacking, sharing stories, and planning for the future to get back in touch or watch over the place. “Not enjoying the party?” Pinkie asked. I was currently standing off to the side watching as the others talked and planned. “It’s great Pinkie.” I gave her a pat on the head for some reason. “I just don’t know the girls well enough to really join in.” “But you’re Sunset’s prince right?” She wiggled her eyebrows. That got me to laugh. “We aren’t exactly like that, yet.” “Ohh~ so you want to be.” She practically sang teasingly. “Who wouldn’t.” I shrugged. I wasn’t embarrassed about finding her attractive as a human and an alicorn. “No fun. Dashie always gets embarrassed by love talk.” She crossed her arms. “You two are going to be okay right?” She turned more serious. “I cant help make her smile from a world away.” “It’s going to be a lot of work but yeah, I think we’ll be fine.” I took a swig of the punch Pinkie brought me. “Twilight what are we doing out here again?” Shining Armor asked his younger sister. They were walking through the warehouse district and his sister was on a mission. “I told you. I tracked a strange energy signal to a warehouse around here and I want to investigate. This energy could lead to all kinds of scientific breakthroughs.” Twilight checked the gps on her phone. “We’re here.” “Where I don’t see anything but an old parking lot.” Shining crossed his arms before his sister suddenly disappeared. “Come on.” Twilight grabbed his arm and pulled him towards a building he hadn’t seen a moment ago with cars parked out front. “Is this really goodbye?” Pinkie was hugging Sunset and crying. Dusk had already gone through the portal to give her the last few minutes alone with her friends. “Not forever Pinkie. We will be back remember.”Sunset hugged her back, she and her friends were standing around in the portal room. “What’s going on here?” Twilight and Shining were hiding behind the cracked door. “Alright girls time for me to go.” Sunset gave them each one last hug then stepped through the mirror. “So that’s it then huh. We won’t see her for the next few years.” Applejack held her hat over her heart. “Come on girls let’s get this place cleaned up then locked up.” Applejack led everyone except Rainbow and Fluttershy out. Twilight and her brother quickly hid, shocked at what they just witnessed. After the others had left they began watching the last two unknown girls standing in front of the mirror. “Together?” Rainbow asked after grabbing her bag she had hidden in the room during the party. “Yep.” Fluttershy nodded, grabbing her own. The two then stepped through the mirror leaving Earth behind. “What’s going on here.” Twilight rushed into the now empty portal room and circled the mirror. “Where did they go?” “Twilight I don’t think you should stand so close to that thing.” Shining warned. He wished he had brought his security guard gear. “But I must know how this works. Maybe I can ask the other girls that were here.” As Twilight spoke she looked closely at the ordinary looking mirror. Unfortunately for her, she looked too closely and tumbled right into it. “Twilight!” Shining rushed over but ran into a solid barrier just before the mirror. Banging on the invisible shield he continued to yell her name until the door behind him opened. “What in tarnation?” A country accent rang out. “Oh my, I don’t think he is supposed to be here.” Shining heard a posh accent. He finally turned around looking at the other three girls. “What did you do to my sister Twilight?!?” Shining yelled. He ran over to Applejack intent on grabbing her but found himself on his back. “Where does that mirror lead?” “Calm down darling I’ll go retrieve your sister.” Rarity spoke up. She walked over to the mirror, easily passing through the barrier but ran into the mirror’s solid surface. “Oh my, oh dear.” Rarity rubbed her nose. “The portal already closed…” “Where’s my sister?” Shining growled and the three girls shared a look. “What were you two thinking?” Twilight heard Dusk yelling. She was currently in a dark room unable to see anything. “You’re both now trapped here with us for who knows how long.” “We know okay, but it’s what we wanted.” A girls voice rang out. “I still can’t believe you two secretly followed behind us.” I huffed then calmed down. “It was a smart plan. Waiting a bit after Sunset came through or she would have sent you back. But now we can’t, so welcome new citizens of Equestria. You two are the first.” I finished my ranting at Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. “So when do we learn to fly?” Rainbow flared her wings. “My prince.” She stuck out her tongue. I chuckled, “As soon as the weather…” We suddenly heard another voice. “Hello? It’s quite dark and I’m having trouble standing up. Can someone help me?” Twilight Sparkle’s voice rang out from the castle’s portal room. “I thought you two came alone?!” I panicked. “We did.” Fluttershy and Rainbow said at the same time looking at the door. I slowly opened it with my magic and found just what I feared. A lavender unicorn with similar coloration as my own. One that panicked as soon as she saw three ponies looking at her. “Ahh.” She tried to run back but crashed into the, now solid, mirror knocking herself out. Thank Harmony Sunset reinforced both ends or it would have shattered. Rainbow covered her muzzle with a hoof trying not to laugh while Fluttershy ran over to help her. “Oh, Sunset is going to have a panic attack. First you two and now this.” I shook my head. “Let’s get her to the hospital wing for now.” “What the buck!” All of our ears splayed back as Sunset yelled. I had tracked her down and brought her to the medical wing. “I know.” I replied as Fluttershy tended to our first, and hopefully last, patient. “Why didn’t you send them back?” She threw up her forelegs and a few sparks flew off her horn. “Portal was already closed when I found them. They’re here now for the foreseeable future.” I calmly gave her the facts. “Please don’t be mad with Dusk. It was our choice to come along.” Fluttershy trotted over and gave Sunset a hug, causing her to relax. “Yeah… you know what my home life was like Shimmer so giving that up to fly was a no brainer.” Rainbow gave her a cocky grin. “Fine, you two I can accept but what about her.” She pointed a wing at the sleeping unicorn. “How did she get here?” I shrugged along with the other two. “I honestly have no idea. You fixed the wards right?” “Honestly, I didn’t have time to start over on them just to keep her out. I didn’t think it would be an issue, with us gone and the portal closed so it wouldn’t be giving off a magic signature.” She sheepishly answered. “Well looks like we have one more thing to worry about.” I put a hoof on my nose. “Not it.” Sunset gave me glare. “What, I have to get these two settled in. Come on girls.” I walked out with Fluttershy and Rainbow following behind me. For the second time recently Twilight found herself waking up in a strange place this one looked like a hospital though which was relieving. “Oh thank goodness, it was all just a dream.” “I wouldn’t count on it.” Sunset joked. “Ah, talking horse.” Twilight panicked and got tangled in her bedding before suddenly being enveloped in an orange glow unable to move. “Hey! I am a pony alicorn princess, not a horse!” Sunset untangle the girl freshly turned unicorn. “Sorry.” Twilight squeaked. “Well then Twilight it looks like you really got yourself into trouble again.” Sunset chided. “How do you know my name? And why did you turn me into a pony too?” She held out her fore hooves. “First off, You turned yourself into a pony when you sneaked into our warehouse and passed through our mirror portal. Second, it’s because we have met before.” Sunset flipped her mane with a hoof. “Sunset? But. What?” Twilight might be a genius but even her mind was unable to process all this new stimuli. “Yeah we have a lot to talk about considering you’re now stuck here as our third citizen.” Sunset chuckled. “Alright so you want me to believe that my sister traveled through a magical portal into a world ruled by two magical ponies. Ponies that are currently rebuilding their world with help from our world and your friendship?” Shining summed up. “You girls are insane.” “Look darling you don’t have to believe us but you saw your sister fall through the portal first hand.” Rarity huffed. She was getting tired of trying to explain things even she didn’t fully understand. “Then get her back!” Shining threw up his arms. “We can’t partner. The dang portal only opens every few years according to Princess Sunset and she hasn’t yet found a way to do it when she wants.” Applejack shared in Rarity’s frustration. Pinkie had been no help so they had sent her off to finish cleaning up the place. It didn’t help that they just found out Rainbow and Fluttershy had also gone through the portal via a delayed email sent to all of them. “Fine, then I’m going to the police.” Shining started walking away towards the exit. “And tell them what sugar? ‘Hey my sister fell through a magical mirror and these girls won’t bring her back.’ Real believable story.” Applejack smugly yelled after him. Shining froze. “Then what am I supposed to do?” “Well dear. We plan to keep this place safe until the portal can be opened again… you could start there.” Rarity put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Shining nodded then left without looking back. “Think he’ll keep quiet about all this?” Applejack asked. “Darling he would have to be crazy not to.” Rarity flashed a grin and went to go help Pinkie. Twilight was starting out the window of her new room. She had been given her own guest bedroom near the ones the others were already using. “It looks so bleak outside.” Apparently the entire castle was not in use and only a few areas had been properly reclaimed while the outside was a disaster zone. She was watching the storm that she was told started days ago when Sunset and Dusk ascended. “I’m in a world of magic as a unicorn with magic of my own.” She lightly tapped her horn. “Ruled by a Prince and Princess in charge of the celestial bodies.” She walked to the bed and flopped down on it. “And I am stuck for years as their citizen.” Twilight sighed and cried into her pillow. “Why couldn’t I leave well enough alone.” “You doing alright Sunset?” I got into bed next to her. I had offered to take another room yet she didn’t want to be alone saying ‘ponies often snuggled with their friends’. Heck we could both use the company. “No, our plans are already being messed up.” She sighed and hid her head under my wing. “True.” I laid my head on her back. “We’re going to have to focus on farming more than I expected versus getting the portal in working order or other activities as we have more mouths to feed. Granted we now have three helpers even if they know even less about being a pony than I do.” I chuckled. “You at least got the basics of everything from Harmony.” Her voice was muffled. “And while I haven’t flown before I was born a unicorn who remembers all her magic lessons.” “True. At least I honestly never expected our plans to work out perfectly in the first place. This is just our first challenge but it also gave a fairly big opportunity.” I raised my wing and gave her a nuzzle causing her to blush. “Yeah…” we didn’t speak any longer. Instead we lit our horns and transitioned Equestria from Day into night. Hopefully this storm breaks soon and we’ll be able to actually watch a sunset together. Ch8. Day one.“Morning everypony.” Sunset grumbled. She was the last one to show up to breakfast having fallen back asleep for a bit, after she did her part for the exchanging of Moon and Sun. “Morning Sunshine.” I cheeky replied. She growled playfully a bit at that remark. “Morning Sunset.” Rainbow spoke with a mouthful of pancakes causing her smile to return. “Morning.” Twilight and Fluttershy replied. “Morning girls and Dusk. So, today you three.” Sunset used her wings to motion at the newly minted mares. “Will be learning the basics of how to be a pony. It is a lot different that being human with some perks, like no periods, and some detriments, like yearly heat seasons. Once all that’s out of the way we can move onto magic for you Twilight.” She began digging into the pancakes I passed her. “I really get to learn magic?” She looked up at her horn while Sunset replied with a nod. “What about us learning to fly?” Rainbow fluffed her wings. She had already finished her breakfast and was excited to get moving. “I’ll be taking care of that.” I answered. I’m glad Harmony didn’t skimp on flight knowledge compared to magic, probably figured I would have to teach Sunset. “I’ll also be teaching you girls to preen your wings though it looks like you’re doing decent Fluttershy.” “My birds need help sometimes, luckily pony wings aren’t much different.” Fluttershy held one out showing some impressive control of her nicely groomed wing. “Anyway Sunset, what do you want me doing while you handle ‘girl talk’?” I tried doing air quotes with my hooves. “Well the storm is still going.” She tapped her chin. “Maybe finish organizing our supplies? I wouldn’t explore the rest of the castle alone until I take care of the wards.” “Sounds good.” I went back to my breakfast. “Alright you three.” Sunset started. She had lead the girls back to the suite Rainbow and Fluttershy were using. “First things first, a basic intro to being a pony and using your hooves. I noticed you all having trouble with eating at breakfast.” She picked up pen from the desk with her hoof While Fluttershy blushed. “Fascinating, how do you get it to stick like that.” Twilight looked closely at Sunset’s hoof. “Magic, specifically my TK field. Everypony has two types of magic, the basic TK field and the race specific magic. The TK field is used for lifting items with our hooves and provides just as much control as hands once you get good enough. You can also use it to balance items on your back or even stick things to your sides.” She lifted a book then stuck it to her side and used her field to slide it onto her back. “Most ponies don’t bother with that much control, especially unicorns since they have levitation, but it comes in handy and you can still use it while casting spells.” “So what’s the other types?” Rainbow looked impressed by the display while Fluttershy just watched normally. “Well for you and Fluttershy you have Pegasus magic which includes weather manipulation, cloud walking, flying, and enhanced vision. As for Twilight she has general magic like levitating objects and learning spells. We don’t have any Earth ponies but they have enhanced strength, stamina, and endurance along plant or nature magic. There’s a few other types of ponies but they were rare even before the disaster.” Sunset finished her basic explanation. Fluttershy raised her hoof. “So what about alicorns like you and Dusk?” “We are a mix of every type of pony so we get every type along with a much larger wellspring of power.” Sunset smiled. “Awesome! How can I become an Alicorn?” Rainbow excitedly got into her face. “Sorry Dash.” Sunset pushed her away with a hoof. “Not even I know that. Normal ponies can ‘Ascend’ into alicorns but the method isn’t known. I only became one when Harmony Ascended me into one as the last Equestrian mare left.” She became extremely downcast for a moment then shook her head. The girls all exchanged glances at the scene. “Hey, it’s alright girls. At least I’m not alone.” She gave a sad smile and the three gave her a hug. Even Twilight awkwardly joined in. “Alright let’s get you girls training those hooves.” Sunset broke the hug and passed them each a few pens to manipulate. The girls immediately got to work trying to old them along with other objects in the room. “Let’s see here.” I was hovering a clipboard in my magic and checking items off my list. “Food will be a bit tight with the extra mouths to feed but the extra hooves will be worth it.” I tapped the pen on my chin. “Luckily everything transitioned safely, I was worried magic would damage the electronics. I do hope the library survived since the movies we brought won’t last forever and there were only a few advanced spell books in Celestia’s room.” We had yet to find much other useful literature around the castle, aside from the journal, in our brief searches. Continuing to check the supplies we had brought, “Hmm, we will need to plant these seeds soon else we will have to ration. Should be able to just turn the old garden outside into a small farm as the greenhouse is already full.” I set down my list after getting everything organized and began unpacking the leisure items. “Hmm the solar panels won’t work until this storm finally passes but the batteries should last long enough.” I took the electronics back to our suite in order to set them up and overheard the girls practicing. Once I finished unpacking everything that needed to be unpacked I decided to explore a bit even after Sunsets warning. Most of the castle was actually quite ordinary until I reached the throne room. “Wow the show didn’t do it justice.” As I looked around I got a bit worried when I spotted the throne. “Celestia must have really been upset.” The backrest of her golden throne was half melted into slag and there were four melted hoof prints on the floor where she must have stood. It was a testament to the castle’s construction that the rest of the room was untouched aside from a few singed banners. “I guess I should be glad she didn’t burn it all down and make it harder on Sunset and I to repair.” I stopped to look at the last stain glass window in the procession of history that should have included Twilight saving Luna. The spot now contained a window of Celestia mourning in a graveyard with the sun high in the sky and the moon under her hooves. The design was clearly different from the rest. “The survivors must have made it as a final reminder.” I found myself tearing up even though this wasn’t originally my home after reading it’s placard ‘Celestia’s lament’. “Dusk you in here?” Sunset came through the doors. “There you are we’re fin…” she strode over withe the others and they all started up at the same window I was looking at with somber expressions. “Mom really gave up didn’t she.” Sunset sniffed. “Just let the world burn after her family was gone.” I pulled her close with a wing and the others joined in with a nuzzle. None of us really noticed how long we sat there until Rainbow’s stomach growled. “Hehe, sorry guess it’s lunch time.” “Yes lunch.” Fluttershy clapped her hooves together and began hovering. “How about I cook since Dusk kindly did it this morning.” With impressive control the peagsus floated out the door towards the kitchen. “Did she just fly?” Rainbow eventually asked and we all gave a nod before following along to the dining room. “So how did the training go?” I asked as we all sat down. Sunset was about to answer before Twilight beat her too it. “Oh it was wonderful, Sunset is a great teacher and I can already use utensils again.” Twilight demonstrated with a fork as Sunset blushed. “Yeah, being a Pony ain’t so bad.” Rainbow puffed up. “Still kind of strange to not wear clothes.” “Not wear…” It was Twilight’s turn to blush as she glanced my way as the other two laughed. She was saved further embarrassment by Fluttershy bringing in bowls of soup with crackers balanced impressively upon a tray on her back. “Eat up everyone.” Fluttershy smiled as Sunset helped out, using her magic to distribute the meals. “So, how were the supplies?” Sunset asked while eating. “They all made it through safely however…” I didn’t know how to proceed. “What?” She stopped eating and focused more on me. “Well, with three extra ponies food will run out faster.” “Oh my. Should I eat less?” Fluttershy asked. “Are we going to starve?” Rainbow looked worried. “No, no. We should be fine so long as we focus more on growing food before any other plans, like exploring, first.” I placated and the others sighed in relief. “I can make us a meal plan!” Twilight shot up from the table and ran into the kitchen. “Guess that’s one plan.” Sunset laughed. “Why don’t the rest of us go practice flying?” She asked wile levitating our dishes into the kitchen a yelling towards Twilight. “Twilight practice your levitation while doing the dishes please!” “Okay.” Was the only response before we heard a crash of a dish followed by ‘oops’. “So what’s first? Hovering or maybe laps?” Rainbow excitedly asked after we made it into the large ballroom we planned to practice in. “Rainbow let him talk.” Fluttershy quietly admonished while Sunset tittered. I coughed into my hoof. “To be honest I’m not exactly sure where to start. Fluttershy already has preening down so she should probably teach you girls as it can be quite… intimate.” This got a blush from all three. “So how about gliding.” I walked up the stairs to the balcony and jumped off with flared wings for a nice landing. “Nice and simple see. And I can catch you with magic if you’re worried about falling.” We spent the next few hours practicing gliding and other flight techniques. The girls all learned quite quick, probably because of the portals magic, and we eventually stopped once Twilight showed up. “Well I have good news and bad news.” Twilight started as we gathered around her. “I finished my list and we have only three months worth of food, on a set schedule, and without snacks.” “Um Twilight, what’s the good news?” Fluttered meekly asked. “I just told you. I finished my list.” Twilight gave a proud smile. Rainbow groaned. “Great, so we will starve, there’s no way we can grow food that fast.” The three former human girls looked worried. “Um girls, you’re forgetting we’re ponies. We can eat hay or grass, which grows quickly, for part of our diet and with Dusk’s and my Earth pony magic we can help plants grow for the other food items. We also brought a few saplings so they are a bit ahead.” Sunset smiled. Twilight tried to do a face palm. “Right, I forgot to take our new diet into account.” Twilight did a few mental calculations before nodding. “Grass? Sounds gross.” Rainbow huffed. “It’s good. Depending on how you season it you won’t even notice.” Sunset poked her with a hoof. “Unless you prefer starving?” Sunset raised an eyebrow. Rainbow grumbled. “Fine.” After a quick dinner we all got together in Sunset’s and my suite to play a board game and relax. This also allowed the girls to practice their hoof control. While the first day hadn’t been very stressful we all knew the work was just starting. Ch8.5 those left behind.“Shining have you seen your sister today?” Shining Armor and his girlfriend Cadence were eating dinner with his parents after a frustrating day at Crystal Prep when he flinched at his mother’s question. “Twilight?” He nervously put his fork to his mouth with nothing on it. “Yes!~ who else would I be referring too? I know something is up with that girl. She hasn’t texted me all day after spending time with you.” Twilight Velvet huffed. “And it’s not like her to forget to feed Spike.” Shining set down his utensils and took a calming breath as his parents shared a worried look. “She’s been trapped in another world after being sucked through a magical mirror.” He said with complete seriousness. His parents both laughed as Cadence just guffawed. “Okay son. That was a good one but where is she?” Night Light asked after catching his breath. When Shining just kept a straight face he began to get worried again. “Son?” “It wasn’t a joke dad. I can take you guys after dinner.” He took another bite while the three stared at him silently. Fluttershy’s mother, read her daughter’s note for the third time. They had already called the police which had proved fruitless when they said there was nothing they could do as she was legally an adult and left behind a note. Mr. Shy held his wife closely as their son Zepher remained quiet for the first time in weeks. Ms. Shy eventually pulled herself together and grabbed her phone to try calling the one person she knew would know where her daughter might be. Her daughter’s friend Pinkie. “Oh hello Fluttershy’s mom what can I help you with?” She asked bubbly. “Pinkie we need to talk.” Pinkie had never been more scared of the shy friendly woman. Rainbow Dash’s note sat untouched upon the kitchen Island of her family’s luxury apartment. “So what exactly do you thinks we should be doing?” Applejack threw a ball up then caught it. She and Rarity were currently sitting in the warehouse after deciding it would also make a good place to hang out before school. Rarity looked up from her sketchbook. “Whatever do you mean darling?” “I mean.” AJ set the ball down and looked at her. “How can we help our friends instead of just sitting on our backsides?” “At this point I don’t think there’s anything we can do, or at least not until Sunset gets the portal back open.” Rarity sighed then Jumped in her chair when there was a banging on the outside door. “Rares’, Sunset said only we could find this place right and only we could open the doors thanks to that magic of hers?” Applejack asked, spooked. “Yes that should be the case.” She answered before another round of banging. “Girls open up.” Shining yelled through the door as another, female voice asked what they were doing. Rarity and Applejack shared a look then tentatively opened the door before Shining Armor burst inside followed by another young woman and two adults. “Shining Armor what are you doing and what is this place?” Velvet asked her son. “This is where the portal is mom.” He looked around a bit frantically. “I’m so sorry girls my son is a bit…” Velvet stared to apologize before really noticing the two teenagers who looked like deer in headlights. “Shining you get back here.” He was already at the portal room door followed by a nervous looking Cadence. She had never seen her fiancée like this. “You. Applejack I need you to explain I’m not crazy to my parents about where Twilight is.” He had rushed back over and stood in front of her. “Please.” “Shining! Enough, just be honest about where your sister is already.” Night Light was growing impatient. “No more fantasies about magic mirrors.” “Um actually sir.” Rarity raised her hand. “That’s exactly where Twilight went along with some of our other friends.” The whole room went quiet enough to hear a pin drop. “Ha told you.” Shining donned a smug look. Applejack sighed. “If you’re all her kin I guess it’s only right we tell ya but just know ya can’t go blabbering to anyone else or she might not be able to come back.” Applejack walked over to the Portal room and unlocked the door using the newer keypad. Once the door was open she and Rarity waved them over and showed the group the mirror. “This here mirror leads to a whole other world of magic. We don’t fully understand it as it’s owners had to leave back through it but they left it in our care.” Applejack spoke but without giving Sunset’s or Dusk’s names. “You must be joking it’s just a…” Velvet tried to touch it but the barrier around it stopped her. “What is this?” She banged on it a few more times. “Ah yes, that would be it’s protection.” Rarity easily touched the mirror with her hand then withdrew it. “Only friends of the owners may touch it or pass through the barrier similar to how only we or people who have been here before can see the warehouse.” She shot Shining a look and realized that’s how they all found the place. Sunset had figured they might need further assistance in the future but couldn’t add a way to remove people without redoing the entire enchantment. “So our baby is really gone?” Velvet tearfully asked while pushing on the shimmering shield. “Afraid so, Our friend said the portal only opens naturally about every two and a half years and it just closed. They’re working on a way to manually open it and we do have a means of communicating with um.” Applejack pointed at a journal that was sitting on a shelf attached to a book chain. Velvet tried reaching for it but it had a similar enchantment but this one shocked. “Ouch.” Rarity hissed. “Sorry Madam it’s also enchanted. We could send a message for you though.” Rarity grabbed the book and pen and began writing out a message to Sunset and Twilight. “We have a lot to talk about you two.” Cadence finally joined the conversation and caused the two to gulp. Ch9. Day two.The storm had finally ended and the five us were sitting outside on one of the castle’s many balconies overlooking the city proper. The weather was finally getting closer to what Spring should have been in Equestria after the rain cooled everything off so we had decided to eat breakfast outside. “What a dump.” Rainbow broke the silence while we looked over the city from the railing after eating. “Rainbow!” Fluttershy and I shot her a look. “What?” She shrugged. “Look at it out there.” She motioned with her forehooves. “No, it is a bit…” Sunset didn’t want to finish as she looked over Canterlot. “Decrepit, destroyed, destitute, dilapidated?” Twilight listened, apparently stuck on the letter ‘D’. “I was going to say rundown but thank you Twilight.” Sunset sarcastically replied with an agitated flick of her tail. “You’re welcome.” She smiled, missing the sarcasm Causing the rest of us to groan quietly. “Honestly it’s not as bad as I feared.” The girls all looked my way when I spoke up. “Sure almost all the buildings have heat or fire damage but at least the important structures like the Library and utility building look intact.” I pointed out. Both buildings were in similar shape to the castle, probably due to their higher level enchantments. Plenty of mansions looked to still be intact for similar reasons, even if they most likely had been cleared out in the exodus making them basically useless. “Oh and the train station looks in relatively good shape too.” “Library?” Was all Twilight heard. ”And look, there’s some green out there.” Rainbow pointed off in the distance towards the Everfree forest. It was hardly a forest at this point but a swath of trees were still alive at it’s core with more sporting fresh buds. “I should have know that forest would survive.” Sunset begrudgingly smiled. “Why’s that?” Twilight asked With a tilt of her head. “The Everfree has been filled with wild magic for centuries causing all kinds of strange phenomena and is home to all kinds of wild animals and beasts, or it was. To bad we can’t really use it for anything except maybe wood.” She sighed. “Looking at it all really makes you realize how much work there is.” Fluttershy gulped. They all too another look over the now muddy landscape, crumbling buildings, and other issues around the city and beyond. “Well we do have a plan in place At least.” Sunset proudly stated. “We do?” Twilight’s eyes sparkled at the thought of proper plans. “Yep.” Sunset nodded. “Step one is securing the castle and getting our food growing. Step two getting the portal unlocked so we can travel whenever we want. Step three is somehow finding volunteers to move here.” Rainbow held up her hooves. “Hold up, aren’t those some fairly big steps?” “Yes~?” Sunset winced as she held the ‘s’. “Just checking.” Rainbow nodded at the accepted answer while Twilight’s jaw hung open. “There will of course be more to it than that however we don’t exactly have the best details for the plan.” I spoke up trying to calm Twilight down as her eye twitched. “Plan? That’s hardly an outline.” She finally had enough and yelled while throwing her hooves up so fast she rolled onto her back, mumbling about getting stuck in pony land with no plans. “Just remember you followed us.” Sunset booped her nose causing Twilight’s eyes to cross. “Lets just focus on today shall we?” I smiled at their antics as Rainbow and Fluttershy were having a side conversation. “Please tell me you have a proper plan then?” Twilight begged as she sat back up. “The start of one yes. I figured you and Sunset could get working on fixing the wards to recognize only our magical signatures while myself and these two.” I motioned to Rainbow and Fluttershy who began paying attention again. “We will scout out a good place on the grounds to start farming and maybe practice some more flying.” “Sounds great.” Rainbow smiled at the idea of more flight practice. “That is a good idea, what about keeping in contact though?” Sunset rubbed her chin. “I brought walkies.” I smiled before reminding her of all the other tech I brought. The other girls looked surprised. “Wait you brought computers and movies to a magical land?” Rainbow laughed. “Hey you’re going to thank me after a few months.” I smirked as she stopped laughing while Fluttershy just nodded. Twilight had gained a contemplative look and said she could work with that under her breath. “Well now that we have a plan let’s get moving.” Sunset grabbed the remnants of breakfast in her magic and we followed her inside. “So what exactly are we looking for here?” Rainbow had gotten the hang of hovering and was following along with Fluttershy and I as we traversed the castle grounds. “Mainly just an open area we can start a large food garden.” I looked around. There were statues, dead plants, and other remains that was making the search difficult. “What if we just cleared out a spot?” Fluttershy asked while looking at the dead remains of the hedge maze. Rainbow added in her agreement with Fluttershy. I shook my head, “we could. I was just hoping to find an easier place to start without having to clear an area. Especially considering…” I pulled the walkie from my saddle bag and pressed the talk button. “Hey Sunset? Over.” I released the button. “Yeah? Over.” She eventually responded and I could hear her chuckling. “Do you care if we move any of the statues around or anything. There’s not as much open space as I was hoping for. Over.” The other girls chuckled at us using walkies in the age of cellphones. “Sure. I would rather have plenty to eat than worry about how the castle grounds look out there. Now I need to get back to focusing so over and out.” I put the device back in my bag and focused back on Rainbow and Fluttershy. “Guess that answers that.” We continued the search and eventually found a good spot to clear out near one of the fountains after considering it would be useful as a water source. The first thing to go was all the dead bushes and plants. I ripped them up using magic while the other two piled them onto a freshly made bonfire and all of us chatting idly. After Sunset put the radio away she turned back towards Twilight who had been taking notes. “Now where we’re we?” Sunset tapped her chin. “You were just explaining the various wards on the castle and how you’re changing them.” Twilight answered. “Right.” Sunset clapped her hooves. “So the castle wards are very unique. They allow for the Princess, her staff, or any other people to enter most areas without issue and can be modified, relatively easily, to add and remove ponie’s access to various rooms.” “Kind of like a bunch of accounts of various permissions for the same computer.” Twilight didn’t look up from her notes. “Um, right. Anyway what we are doing is removing everyone except the five of us from the wards so we can enter and exit the private areas of the castle without issues and our magic won’t be limited anywhere. Not that mine currently is but the rest of you do have limits.” Sunset lit her horn and began modifying some of the magic, the gems around her neck glowed faintly as she worked. “Limited?” Twilight looked up from her notes. “Yeah, unknown to the public, the wards around the castle weaken the magic of anyone not on the ‘list’, for lack of a better term, while the guards and such are unencumbered. I myself currently have the highest authority over all the wards as Celestia’s daughter which is why I can modify them without much trouble. Even if it’s time consuming to do every area.” “What would happen if I had tried?” Twilight’s academic curiosity getting the best of her. “It depends. In most of the lower security areas it would trigger an alarm if you couldn’t overcome the ward. In other areas, like the vault, it would knock you out and give you quite the shock of pain.” She slowly replied as she finished the section she had been working on. “Why even have wards if they just sound an alarm?” Twilight asked. “Well that’s not all they do. Like I mentioned, Anyone not on the list has their magic restricted so things like teleportation and other large spells won’t work on the castle grounds. It gets fairly complicated on a place like this which has wards built up over hundreds of years. Simpler wards normally can’t be modified after the fact, so you have to dispel them and replace them with new ones that have your changes.” “Wait.” Twilight scratched her head as they stopped walking to the next ward point. “So why would anyone bother with wards that you can’t modify later?” “Oh many reasons, mostly it’s cost. The magic cost and the cost of proper materials you can embed the wards into. Have you noticed how all the hallways have gold trim?” Sunset posted it out. “That’s not just a design choice, gold is a great magical conductor with silver then copper being next in line. The gold allows for magic to flow into the wards easier through the castle walls from us Alicorns.” “So you’re powering all the wards right now?” Twilight looked shocked as Sunset shook her head. “Not exactly. The wards collect the excess ambient magic and store it so they can last a really long time without maintenance but, they are significantly better off if an alicorn like Mom or myself is around to help power them directly especially if they come under attack.” Sunset motioned for them to continue walking. “This is all making a good amount of sense.” Twilight followed along while writing more notes. “By the way I meant to ask earlier but what are those gems around your neck? I noticed Dawn has a set as well he doesn’t always wear and they don’t look like just decoration.” “These are the elements of Harmony.” She lifted up the necklace with her hoof. “Each gem is a powerful artifact that have been around as long as anyone can remember. The represent core values of pony kind.” Sunset continued her explanation as Twilight listened intently. “So, what now?” Rainbow asked. They now had a significant part of the area cleared out of plants and artwork. “Now, we take a break.” I huffed. I had used quit a bit of magic ripping up dead plants then moving statues and benches around. “I’ll go get us some lunch.” Fluttershy then flew off towards the castle. “So do you really think we can restore this place?” Rainbow sat down next to me and looked over our work. The fire was still burning strong as we would need the ashes for fertilizer. “Honestly. I don’t know. Sure we can restore the buildings and the land but it’s the ponies we can’t easily bring back. A city is only as good as those that live in it after all.” Rainbow nudged my side just as Fluttershy came back with some pasta. “Here you go.” She said sweetly and laid out the food. “Thanks Fluttershy.” Rainbow and I both said while digging in. When we finally finished and the fire had burned out we began spreading the ashes on the freshly cleared area and I used my magic to till the soil. Rainbow and Fluttershy followed behind planting seeds though not without complaints. “I can’t believe I’m doing farm work. We really should have brought AJ along.” Rainbow had just finished a row. “You know she couldn’t leave like we could Dash.” Fluttershy tapped another stake into the ground for the row of tomatoe plants. “Yeah I know. I would just rather be doing weather work.” She sighed. “Well you’re about to get your chance.” I said, having just finished planting my own row of seeds. “It’s time to water everything.” “Um, didn’t it just stop raining?” Fluttershy meekly asked. “Yes but we are doing it mostly to add our magic into the water and soil.” I lead them over to the fountain that was running after the rain had refilled everything. “First things first you two, making a cloud. I read up on the process myself so we’ll all be learning.” “Wait you haven’t done this either?” Rainbow looked surprised. “Nope. Now we need to slowly swirl the air above the water and pull the moisture into a small ‘seed cloud’ first.” We all began trying to form a cloud when. “I got one.” Rainbow held a small cloud in her hooves just before I got mine. Fluttershy was having a harder time but eventually made one. “Great job Rainbow. Okay now that we all have a seed we slowly add some water to them for making rain clouds.” The clouds quickly expanded as we added the water. Eventually we stopped once they were a reasonable size and moved on. “Next we just tap them with our hooves and think ‘rain’ while hitting them and let them rain over the seeds.” Fluttershy was a bit nervous to hit her cloud at first but once they were all raining and shrinking we got the fields watered. Rainbow hoped up on here’s before it was completely gone and had it stop raining then yelled out. “This is awesome! I’m riding on a cloud. Oh man is this thing soft.” She nuzzled it then began snoring moments later. Fluttershy and I laughed at that before we laid on our own clouds and cooed at the softness. “It’s like laying on a…” Fluttershy stared saying before her eyes went wide. “It is a cloud!” Her unexpected shout caused Rainbow to snort. “I’m up, I’m up.” I laughed at there antics then released my cloud into the sky. “Why let it go like that?” Rainbow tilted her head, still atop her own cloud. “Well I just remembered something, since clouds we make are filled with Pegasus magic, by releasing it above the castle it will help keep the weather in check. One won’t really do much but if we make some more.~” I smiled and Rainbow got the hint and released hers. The three of us the proceeded to make clouds until dinner. “Why are there so many wards? I hope the others work is going smoothly.” Sunset huffed. “Is it really that difficult?” Twilight had finished her notes and was instead practicing her magic by floating two small objects in an orbit around her. “Not really, it’s just the amount of points you have to modify. I can’t just change the castle wards all in one go since they were designed against that kind of tampering.” She sighed. “I’m surprised the princess didn’t have a way to change them all at once.” Twilight tapped her chin. “Like a master key or something.” “If she did mom never told me about it. We at least made some good progress today.” Sunset checked off a box of her own list. She had managed to reconfigure about a fourth of the castle’s primary wards already. “Sorry I couldn’t be more help. Maybe I should have helped the others with the garden.” Twilight’s ears fell. “Nah you were great company and kept me on task.” Sunset bumped her. “I would have gone crazy doing this alone. Besides you’re practicing your magic in order to be more helpful in the future for this kind of work and that’s a great use of time.” Twilight perked up at that. “Yeah. Thanks Sunset.” “No problem Twi. Now why don’t we go meet up with the others for dinner. It’s about that time.” Sunset’s stomach grumbled. Ch10. Day three.“Mmm, Shy not there.” I heard Rainbow dash moan causing Sunset and I to pause before knocking on their door. We were about to collect them for breakfast. “Oh but Dashie I just can’t stop, you’re so cute.” Fluttershy giggled. “Should, should we knock?” Sunset blushed a bit while looking my way. I shrugged with a smirk. “I’d rather not intrude on their fun but we also don’t want them missing breakfast and messing up the rationing schedule.” “Have you gotten Rainbow and Fluttershy yet?” Twilight walked up behind us and we shook our heads. “Fine I’ll get them.” Twilight used her limited magic to open the door just as Rainbow moaned again. Out of curiosity we all peaked inside while Twilight blushed furiously. Fluttershy had Rainbow Dash pinned the the floor and was massaging her back and wing muscles. “Oh Hello everyone. Rainbow had some really sore flight muscles so I’m giving her a massage.” Fluttershy smiled and said after spotting us. “Um, would either of you like one next?” Rainbow, with her slowly wagging tail and dopey look, was so invested in Fluttershy’s ministrations she hadn’t noticed us yet. We all went “oh,” after realizing what was going on and Sunset replied. “Maybe later Shy, we were just coming to get you both for breakfast.” “Breakfast?” Rainbow finally cracked an eye at that point and jumped up looking embarrassed. “This isn’t what it looks like.” We all just laughed and left Dash and Shy to get ready. “Bah, I’m telling you guys I don’t think of Flutters that way.” She tried defending herself at breakfast again. “Mhm.” Sunset nodded. “Sure~.” “wait, you don’t like me?” Fluttershy fake sniffled getting in on the teasing. Human Fluttershy was more bold than her pony counterpart. “Wha? No, of course I like you Shy!” Rainbow held up her hooves. “Oh, that’s good.” Fluttershy gave her a friendly nuzzle. “I like you too.” We all giggled again as Rainbow blushed and grumbled. “So wait are you two dating?” Twilight asked seriously with a tilt of her head causing Fluttershy to blush while Sunset and I laughed harder. “What?” “No Twilight we’re not dating.” Rainbow eventually answered then she and Shy slowly started eating as did Sunset and I after our laughing fit. “Oh, okay.” Twilight nodded then finished eating her portion. “So, what’s on the agenda today.” I asked, trying to get us on task. “Well, Twilight and I planned to head into the city and scavenge the library.” Sunset levitated away all our dishes and followed them into the kitchen. “Oh I want to go.” Rainbow spoke loud enough for Sunset to hear. “Sounds like our first actual adventure.” “You mean aside from jumping into a magical portal?” Fluttershy mumbled. “Actually that’s not a bad idea. We should all go for safety reasons.” I chipped in. “Who knows how the rest of the city is really holding up.” All of us sat at the castle’s front gate wearing saddle bags containing a packed lunch and other supplies we might need for the day trip out. We looked around the deserted city, none of us really wanting to step out first, granted only Sunset really knew the way. “Alright let’s get moving I guess.” Sunset sighed. I could tell from how she looked the whole scene was really rough on her. Following behind her we all kept our ears on a swivel. “It’s like a zombie movie.” Dash commented as we moved through Canterlot. “A whole abandoned city with only a few survivors.” “Zombies?” Fluttershy pushed up close against my side to hide under my wing. I gave her a comforting side hug before she walked on her own again. “While I doubt there are zombies it is a bit eerie to think we’re the only ones alive in such a massive city.” Twilight adjusted her bag. “Just a few years ago this place would have been filled with ponies going about their day.” Sunset sighed. “Now it’s practically a relic.” “Did you live here as well Dusk?” Twilight asked. “No. I was brought here when Sunset returned, remember? Oh wait I only explained that to the others… anyway, I used to be human as well but from yet another version of earth.” I explained the rest to her as we walked. When we finally arrived at the library Twilight was all caught up and begged to study the elements later on, a request I denied adamantly. The library itself was in much better condition than the surrounding area thanks to its wards. Sunset took it upon herself to renew said wards while the rest of us looked around. “I’m glad this place survived.” I almost jumped out of my fur when Sunset spoke from behind me. When I caught my breath. “Yeah, did you find the books you need to keep working on the portal?” “A few.” She patted her saddle bag. “The rest are probably in the restricted section which won’t be easy to get in too. Can you lend a horn?” “Sure.” I tapped my horn on hers as if actually helping that way. She had been right it wasn’t easy getting what we needed. While the girls had been gathering useful or interesting books to bring back to the castle Sunset and I spent all day undoing security wards or just breaking them with raw power that would need to be replaced later. It was draining work and by the time we finished we were both sweating. “Oh my, you both look awful.” Fluttershy grabbed some rags to help wipe off our sweat. “Thanks Flutters. That was a pain.” I slumped down on the cool floor. “At least we got in finally.” Sunset slumped down as well. “Was it really that difficult?” Twilight closely examined the now open gate. “It looks like an ordinary old gate.” “Yeah now it is. That thing had enough security wards to kill an average unicorn if they tried what we did. Considering it could weaken two alicorns, even if we are young ones, it was no joke.” Sunset stretched out as Twilight stepped back from the gate. “Ug, lowering the sun will be a pain tonight.” “It’s safe now Twilight.” I soothingly pat her withers after standing back up. “As long as Sunset or are are close enough for the remaining wards to recognize our presence at least.” She relaxed a bit as Sunset stepped forward. “Well let’s get what we came for. To bad this was the easy part.” “Wait, why was breaking into a super secure restricted section of the library the easy part?” I hadn’t noticed Rainbow had joined us until she asked her question. “It will probably take weeks of research before I can open the portal at will instead of relying on its natural cycle.” She replied while hunting for the needed research material. “Weeks I won’t be able to assist with other tasks if that’s what we focus on.” She pulled out a few books. We returned to the castle heavily laden with books in the late evening. Luckily, well not luck as Sunset and I had decided to put off exchanging the celestial bodies, the sun had remained up our entire trip. We had decided to put off moving them until we returned once we realized there was no one around to complain about a half hour extra of daylight. Oh how wrong we were. “Ug, is the moon complaining to you as well Dusk? The sun won’t shut up about him not being moved on time.” Sunset rubbed her temples after we finally unpacked our bags. “She’s being patient but worried. Let’s move them and apologize for not keeping on schedule before it gets worse.” I lit my horn at the same time she did and night descend over the city. “Never missing the scheduled again.” Sunset huffed and plopped down on the bed. “Agreed.” I plopped down next to her. It had become comfortable without either of us noticing or wanting to acknowledge our cuddling out loud. Twilight watched from her room as the sun went down and the moon rose. She still couldn’t believe she was in a magical land of ponies helping restore a land that was on the verge of becoming extinct. “I miss you Mom and Dad. Shiny not as much.” She laughed to herself as she got into bed. Fluttershy and Rainbow both got into bed and began cuddling. Contrary to Fluttershy’s teasing she knew Rainbow could never be romantically involved. Yes they loved each other but it was more as close sisters who had been there for each other over the years. Dash as the protector and Shy as a shoulder to lean on. “Night dash.” Fluttershy gave her sister a nuzzle. “Night Shy.” Rainbow blushed, not quite sure of those facts herself anymore. CH12. There be Dragons.We all pinned back our ears at the noise. “Get inside!” Sunset yelled as she raised the castle’s shield as the three ran inside. “Think it’s hostile?.” I had stayed behind with Sunset and was helping power up the shield, crystals would power it once fully raised. “Ponies and dragons had a tenuous relationship at best when I left and considering what happened because of mom abandoning her duty, I wouldn’t doubt it.” She kept her eyes on the sky. “It looks small though.” I noticed as it started circling the castle. “Shouldn’t be an issue.” “Ponies! Meet at your front gate or we will attack.” A female voice rang out. “We?” Sunset whispered but then we noticed more shadows. “Should I reply?” I nodded. “I’ll follow your lead princess.” Considering the situation, acting formal felt right. “We will meet you there!” Sunset yelled back to the dragon. “Sunset is everything alright?” Fluttershy looked worried as we walked back inside. “The dragons are here and apparently want to talk.” Sunset didn’t stop and I followed close behind. “Dragons?” Rainbow sounded excited and nervous. “Awesome.” “Not awesome, if they blame ponies for the state of the planet it means trouble.” Twilight pointed out. “Right, not awesome what can we do?” Rainbow and the others followed along. “You girls should hide while Dusk and I handle this.” Sunset adjusted her regalia as I put mine on as well. “Not a chance.” Rainbow flew into her face. “Dash I don’t think...” I cut Sunset off. “Let them come, but you three need to stay quiet and behind me, got it?” I gave them a look and they all nodded. “Good. Well Rainbow here’s your adventure.” Sunset looked unsure but didn’t argue as we made our ways outside. “Took you ponies long enough.” The female dragon huffed, a lick of fire danced upon our castles’ shield as she stood outside the front gate. The other dragon’s stood behind her or if they were too large, remained circling. “Hello, I am Sunset Shimmer the new princess of the sun.” She nodded politely as she went through introductions. “This is prince Dusk Shine of the moon.” I nodded. “ And finally our three citizens. What can we help you with and may I have your name?” Sunset kept a surprisingly polite tone for the situation. All the dragons behind the leader laughed until the female leader held up her claws to silence them. “Ember. Dragon lord.” She huffed without any concern for politeness and pointed a claw behind herself. “My dragons.” “I see, and what can we help you with Dragon lord Ember?” Sunset continued to smile but from her side I could tell she was getting nervous. “You can start by giving us her.” One of the male dragons pointed a claw at Fluttershy as he licked his lips. This started another round of laughter from the males and eye rolls from the females of the group before Ember gave him a glare. “You ponies broke the treaty of keeping the sun and moon moving. So, I’m here to collect on your debt. Because of you ponies there’s nothing to eat except gems or rodents.” Ember tapped on the shield. Sunset looked at a loss of what to say so I stepped forward. “No.” “No?” Ember raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean, no?” “I mean that no, we are not responsible.” I couldn’t lie but also didn’t have to tell the whole truth of Celestia’s decline or Sunset’s relationship to her. “All of the original ponies of Equis died, so harmony brought us here to get things going again. Have you even heard of a male alicorn before today?” I raised my own eyebrow in return. “Those original ponies are the ones who failed, not us.” This earned a few murmurs from the group. “Then why are you in the pony capital, in their castle?” Ember looked like she might be buying my explanation but not fully. I shrugged. “Why waste a good castle?” I got a few laughs. “In all seriousness though harmony led me here. The castle had a surviving greenhouse which we have been able to use for our food.” I still told no lies. “And what about our food?” Another dragon, this time female, asked. “Sorry, but we can’t magically revive the animals back. Perhaps enough survived elsewhere to repopulate once the plants start returning.” I knew we could use the mirror to import some, hence me saying ‘revive’. “Maybe we just eat you.” The same male dragon half said half roared. “And then who would move the sun and moon?” Sunset was reaching her breaking point as the other three just watched, too afraid of the dragons that were easily double their size to do anything but watch. “Just give us the smaller ones.” Another dragon grinned. “You two ‘alicorns’ can handle it alone.” I could almost feel the air quotes. “And how do you expect us ponies to repopulate?” I deadpanned and both sides went silent. “Sunset and I can’t survive alone. I would need a herd to make enough offspring else ponies die out, again.” I stomped my hoof. I was getting angry that these dragons would even suggest eating my friends. “I doubt harmony will bring us back another time.” Some of the dragons began arguing or laughing at me. “Enough!” Ember roared at her grumbling dragons. “I concede that you particular ponies are not responsible. You may keep this city but all other former pony lands are forfeit, since you hold no relation to the original owners that is. Do you accept?” Sunset gave me a nervous look. “Here and the Everfree.” I spoke up. “You want more?” Ember narrowed her eyes. “We need it for food and collecting plants to spread around, without access to it nothing will be green again.” I left out that Harmony’s tree was there. Ember huffed more fire. “Fine, this mountain until that forest. If we catch a pony outside those lands they are fair game.” Her group grumbled. “Is that clear?” The last part was mostly towards her own group that agreed and flew off. “We find this acceptable Drgon Lord.” Sunset nodded. “Good enough princess Sunset.” Ember flew off along with the rest of the dragons and we all breathed a sigh of relief. “The fuck was that?” Rainbow punched my shoulder. “Your mares? Repopulation?” She looked angry. “Rainbow.” Fluttershy tried to hold her back. “No, I want him to answer.” She got up in my face. “Rainbow.” I was as calm as could be. “They’re dragons. If I didn’t make them think you were with me they would have Eaten you and the others.” She immediately deflated. “Right.” She scuffled at the ground. “Thanks.” “Well that wasn’t the worst encounter but it could have gone better. We basically lost all of Equestria today.” Sunset whinnied. “I know dragons are resistant to heat and magic but we could always use firearms.” Twilight said with complete seriousness. This earned her a confused look from the girls and an impressed look from me. “What, my grandfather and father were in the army and my brothers a cop. I have been to a shooting range before. And I won’t be letting any dragons eat my first real friends.” Rainbow laughed first then we all joined in to ease the tension. “That sounds a bit extreme. Would they really eat us?” Fluttershy nervously asked. “Sadly, yes. Dragons and ponies only ever got along because my mom kept them in check. It was smart of Dusk to show strength or else they might not have backed off. Even if it did mean the sun never moved again.” Sunset sighed. “In any case let’s get back inside. I’ll leave the shield up for now, luckily it has plenty of magic stored up.” “How could you just let those ponies go Ember? I’m starving.” Complained the male dragon that had been the one to ask for Fluttershy. Ember couldn’t even remember his name. “Because you idiot, I wasn’t about to piss off two Alicorns, especially a male protecting his herd. I’ve never even heard of a male alicorn before and as long as they keep moving the moon and sun and stay inside their lands we won’t touch them.” Ember took a swipe at him with her scepter. “But they are fair game if they leave or stop preforming their duties.” She smiled. “Plus if they start repopulating they will eventually need more land.” There was one thing that did concern Ember, something she didn’t share with her group. The look she received by the pony prince when her underlining mentioned eating the yellow one had sent a shiver down her spine and she could have sworn his eyes looked draconian for a few moments. “Today was going so well too.” Sunset set her crown on her night stand and hoped into our bed. Neither of us were denying we had something going on between us so was treating it like an arranged political match curiosity of Harmony herself. “Yeah. Did Dash tell you about the magazine she found.” I laughed and told the story since she hadn’t heard it while removing my regalia. “Of course the nobles would keep stuff like that.” She gave a content sigh when I nuzzled up close to her. “What do we do about Ember?” “Well, in the original timeline she was friendly with ponies but obviously she isn’t this timeline. In fact without Spike she should have lost the race to become Dragon Lord.” I tilted my head back and forth in thought. “She probably doesn’t realize but we could probably take her and every dragon of the group that showed up today.” “You can’t be serious, we couldn’t fight that many dragons even with magic.” Sunset booped me. “Maybe like a quarter of them.” “True but like Twilight said, science could do some damage. Instead of using magic directly, we could just hurl some projectiles, like swords, really fast.” I gave her a serious look. “I thought about teleporting the armory out when that idiot asked for Flutters.” “You would have done it wouldn’t you? Killed them I mean?” Sunset looked a bit surprised as she grabbed my hoof. I nodded. “To keep you and the girls safe? Absolutely.” She gave me a kiss on the cheek. The first one ever. “Dusk I won’t say you shouldn’t but we should try other methods first.” I gave her a peck back. “Already did that today remember.” She smiled and we cuddled up close. After the day they all had none of the girls wanted to sleep alone. Thanks to their pony anatomy cuddling and nuzzling already felt more natural so sharing one bed curled up together for safety just felt normal tonight. Ch1. First plan.“So…” I said awkwardly. Sunset and I had found a guest suite that was still in decent condition with fully functional cooling crystals keeping out the heat. Sunset took a deep breath. “Let’s start with who you are.” “Well that’s a bit of a story so just hear me out ok.” She nodded before I explained. “I’m a human. Not like the ones you know of but a third world.” It was strange what I could and couldn’t remember but now wasn’t the time to dwell. “I was brought here by Harmony to help you after my death.” I rubbed the back of my neck after explaining the meeting. “So let me get this straight you died and were sent to help me but don’t know anything else?” I could tell she was struggling not to yell as I nodded. “Fucking great. I finally return home and the first pony I find isn’t even a pony let alone an actual alicorn, just a human who knows nothing about Equis.” She covered her face with her hooves. “Hey! I’m just as shocked as you are but I do have some idea as to what might have happened!” I was a bit upset she thought so little of me. It was bad enough I had apparently died I wasn’t about to be belittled. Sunset sighed. “Sorry, just… explain.” “So I think Starlight Glimmer happened.” I explained what I knew about the timelines and how things should have gone. When she asked how I knew what I did, I blamed Harmony. “So Starlight prevented a few friendships, big deal. How could it lead to this?” She pointed towards a window. When I looked outside at the blazing afternoon I felt a strange sensation telling me that it should be night time. “It wasn’t just any friendships, it was Twilight Sparkle’s friendships, my counterpart on this world. Without her friends she never found the elements, never saved Luna, and who knows what happened after that.” I exclaimed with spread wings. “Makes as much sense as Harmony dragging you here I guess.” Sunset rubbed her temples the stood up to think. She paced the room a few times then stepped over towards the window. Without a word she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and lit her horn. The sun slowly descended in the sky making way for the night. Watching her, I felt a compulsion to stand by her side and do the same with the moon. Lighting my horn I reached out towards the heavens and coaxed the moon to rise. It almost feels relived at my touch. “Well that just happened.” Sunset looked outside into the darkness. The room slowly felt cooler as we just watched the stars. She eventually asked, “What do we do now?” I looked up towards the moon, my moon. “Well, how long is the portal still open?” I knew it could be kept open but that required the journals. Sunset pulled out her phone, no signal but the clock worked. “Well looks like I’ve been here just a few hours so another few days, why?” Sunset didn’t ask how I knew about it, she probably assumed it was because of the ‘Harmony’ creature. “Well we have a few options then from what I can see. First we could just leave Equis through the portal and never return, go our separate ways and live with humanity.” Saying this caused some pain in my flank as my mark began to itch so I quickly continued, “Or, we do what Harmony wants. We take over as the new rulers while rebuilding this world.” Sunset gawked at me then laughed like a mad mare. “You want to…” she took a breath. “How the fuck are we supposed to do that?!? You and I may be the alicorns of the sun and moon now, but what about the land? It’s been baked for Celestia knows how long!” She listed off other reasons staying would never work then finished with. “And even if, big if, we could restore the land there’s no ponies and while you’re handsome I will NOT give birth to that many children.” She took a deep breath to finish her rant. She had no idea where that last line came from and blushed heavily. “Well I was more thinking we bring stuff through the portal. I may not remember everything about my last life but I knew quite a bit. If you really want to stay, we could start by trading gold for money to buy enough supplies to last until you get the portal to open when we want. Then we bring seeds and maybe even volunteers to move here.” It was an insane plan. I knew it, Sunset knew it, Harmony probably knew it, and yet she didn’t say no. “How would we keep it open?” She narrowed her eyes a bit. “Your journal, if we can find the matching set you could force it to stay open. We could also move the gate on the other side to someplace a bit more secure. It would be a start.” I finished with a shrug of my wings. “You could do that?” She looked impressed then crestfallen when I replied. “Oh not a chance.” I shook my head. “I know it can be done but my magic knowledge is limited to basic skills. And moving the moon apparently. But!” I placatingly held my hooves up. “But, I could do most of the other tasks like fixing the garden up for food, cleaning up the castle, and investigating what happened around here.” Sunset resumed her pacing of the guest room mumbling to herself. She would flutter her wings now and then or pull out her phone to look at a picture. As she paced I checked the room for anything useful. Surprisingly I found a small fridge which still contained a few cold drinks. The convenience of magic. “Alright.” Sunset declared just after my first sip of Pony Cola. “I have a plan. We are returning back to Earth and will live there as we prepare until I can find a way to move the portal and force it open whenever we want.” I felt the itch again and had to speak up. “What about the sun and moon? We just got them moving again.” Sunset clicked her tong and under her breath cursed the celestial bodies that couldn’t move on their own. “We. We cross that bridge last. For now we collect some stuff to trade, hunt for my journal’s pair and do some light investigating. You with me?” She held out a hoof. I gave it a bump. “Harmony literally brought me for the job.” After separating I went one way and Sunset another. The first goal was to collect some supplies for Survival. Sunset said bits would be easiest to get from the castle vault but wasn’t sure she could open it so we would check there tomorrow. I had already found some saddle bags in another guest room along with, what looked like, a maid’s diary. Read that later. When I found another door I was unable to open I thought back to Sunset’s warning.“Now remember, do not force any doors, the wards are probably still active.” Trying another yet another door I sighed when it wouldn’t open. It’s going to take us forever to re-key the castle to our magic. Walking along I tested my magic by levitating a few random items I had found. At least Harmony was nice enough to give me the basic skills. Man I miss hands though. Continuing my search I eventually located the kitchens and was unable to find anything left. Looks like the place was ransacked for food, not even dry goods are left. Wonder how Sunset is doing? Sunset walked the abandoned halls of the castle and couldn’t help but feel nostalgic every time she recognized a painting or other work of art. “I still can’t believe so much is intact, glad I told Dusk not to ransack the place, especially if it’s going to be our new home.” Sunset still wasn’t quite sure about the male Alicorn Harmony had basically dropped into her lap but he had been helpful so far. “Best keep moving.” She shook out the stray thoughts. When Sunset reached Celestia’s chambers, she gasped then began to tear up when the door let her open it without resistance. “She never took my signature off the ward.” Looking around her mother’s old room she found it undamaged. No one knew she had been Celestia’s daughter and it had been the primary reason she left, the fact her mother never told anyone including Sunset herself. ”Mom, what happened to you if everything here looks fine? Why couldn’t you just talk to me before I found out on my own and felt the need to run.” Sunset walked the room and ended up at the bookshelf. Scanning the books she found her mother’s copy of their journal. Pulling out her copy from her saddle bags she touched the two together, strengthening the fading bond. “With how week magic on Earth is I’m surprised it had lasted so long.” Putting both journals as well as a few other books into her saddle bags she took one last look around the room to return to the meeting spot. “Heh, well mom your room is finally mine.” Before she left she spotted her mothers golden crown upon the bed’s pillow. Stealing her face she magically lifted the crown toward herself and set it upon her head. “I will fix this.” Making my way back I found Sunset had already returned and was loafing on the bed, crown upon her head. “Any luck?” “A bit, Whatever happened looks to have caused a massive famine. The kitchen was barren but I found a few oatmeal bars in a guest room. You?” I asked hopefully and passed her one. Sunset held up one out the twin journals. “Yep, looks like mom kept hers all these years so I should be able to work on the portal. She didn’t write anything about what happened. She just begged me to come home.” Sunset sniffled. “I never even bothered reading it out of fear, until tonight. I figured I wouldn’t need to when I saw her in person or pony in her case. Heh, that will take some time.” I hopped up onto the bed and draped a wing over her. “We could just change the language.” I thought aloud then, “I see you found her crown.” Sunset nodded then nuzzled into my neck and began to cry openly until she fell asleep. Without moving I used my magic to cover us in a blanket as the castle was becoming chilly, apparently the weather had become active. Strong cold winds had begun to blow due too the sun finally moving again. Just another thing to deal with, rouge weather. As the wind howled I pulled out the journal I had found. Hopefully it has some answers. Ch11. End of the first week.Things were going well around the castle. Sunset had managed to rework all the necessary wards for the five of us so the castle posed no danger, I had increased the size of our garden so there was very little chance of us starving and the other three were settling in as ponies, often forgetting they didn’t have hands still but otherwise had made tremendous progress. Really the only issue was, “Bored. When are we going to finally leave the castle again?” Rainbow huffed and rolled away from the table. “Rainbow you know it’s a wasteland out there.” Fluttershy replied as the rest of us ate breakfast, Rinbow had rushed through her own meal. “Dash you know this isn’t exactly a vacation, right?” Sunset huffed. This was now the second time we were having this conversation and I really didn’t want it festering. “I know, I was just hoping for more I guess.” Dash sat back up and nudged her few unfinished bites with a fork before eating them. “Rainbow Dash, haven’t you learned to fly and been learning how to be a pony?” Twilight asked while using her magic to raise her glass. “I mean look at this, we’re the first humans alive to experience this.” She gave an excited smile at her own magic. “I know it’s just…” I cut her off. “Rainbow, if you want you and I can go exploring today. It’s probably a good idea to fully take stock of the city.” She gave an excited look while the others looked a bit worried. “Dusk are you sure?” Sunset gave me a nuzzle. “Canterlot isn’t exactly how I remember it.” “Yeah while RDs reason for wanting to go out is a bit selfish.” I started. “Hey!” Dash yelled as the others chuckled. “She has a good point, we can’t stay cooped up. You still have the mirror to work on but my tasks are done for now so getting a better picture of what’s left would be a good idea.”I finished my breakfast and cleared my spot. “Alright we’ll just be careful out there.” Sunset yelled after me. “So where do we start?” Rainbow hovered next to me and rubbed her forehooves together as we pass through the castle gates. I shrugged while walking. “Honestly I’m not sure. I wasn’t born here either.” Tapping her chin, “well the mansions look interesting. Maybe we will find some treasure.” I laughed. “You know we’re already rich right, not that money has much value when there’s nothing to buy.” “Are you sure we should let those two go exploring?” Twilight asked Sunset though it was Fluttershy who spoke. “It’s probably for the best. Rainbow was getting antsy and if she sits around too long she becomes depressed.” Fluttershy smiled. “What is she, a dog?” The others laughed at Sunsets joke. “Fluttershy is right though, they should be fine. Dusk is an alicorn so can probably handle anything they run into. Not that there’s probably anything left alive.” She sighed after the last part. Fluttershy gave her a hug with her wing. “It’s a lot isn’t it?” Sunset nodded. “The worst part is that it wouldn’t have happened if I stayed.” She stomped her hoof causing the other two to flinch. “Celestia, no, Mom would have kept moving the sun and the world wouldn’t have become a desert if she just had me around.” Sunset let her tears flow freely as the other two hugged her sides. It took her a while to calm down but she eventually mumbled a ‘thanks’ and led them to get started on their work for the day. “This place is creepy.” Rainbow said in a mock spooky voice as we explored one of the nearby mansions. “Meh, all empty houses are like that.” I was looking at an old portrait that was hung over a fireplace when. “Yeah, it’s a bit stranger with it being a pony house.” She was rummaging through a desk in the corner. “Actually I think this one belonged to an ambassador.” I pointed at the portrait of a griffin family with my wing. “Woah. I forgot this world had other magical creatures. Sucks they’re all gone.” Rainbow sat down next to me holding a few random items in her wings. “Well the dragons might still be around, we haven’t checked to see if the Crystal empire made it through, and the sea ponies/hippogriffs might have made it. So not everyone should be gone.” I smiled. “What do you have by the way?” “Hmm? Oh I found this cool quill I thought Twilight might like and this little squirrel carving for Flutters.” She presented the items as if they were lost treasure. “Nice. Well shall we keep exploring?” She nodded along at my suggestion. “Um, is it supposed to do that?” Fluttershy backed away from the mirror a bit that Sunset and Twilight were working on. “No.” Sunset released her magic as did Twilight who was now breathing hard. “Sorry Twilight it looks like you’re magic isn’t strong enough yet to really keep up.” “That’s, huff, okay, huff.” She sat down and took a few calming breaths. “Thanks for letting me try. Magic is way more complicated than science.” Fluttershy brought her over a glass of water that she gulped down greedily. “Heh, you know. I said just the opposite when I arrived in the human world and was blown away by things like cell phones.” Sunset looked back at the mirror. “Looks like you three will be stuck here with us for a while longer still. Not that a week is that bad.” “It’s okay sunset. Rainbow and I plan on staying with you either way.” Shy gave Sunset a friendly nuzzle. “Thanks Shy but Twilight here was kind of dragged along.” Sunset returned the nuzzle. Twilight looked downcast. “It was my own fault though. I didn’t have to touch the strange glowing mirror.” She gave a self deprecating laugh. Sunset and Fluttershy shared a loon before pulling Twilight into a hug. “Ponies are weird.” Rainbow held up a magazine they had found in one of the other houses they were exploring. “Is this even sexy?” The magazine showed mare models in socks and only socks in various positions. “Well, farmers sometimes put socks on horses back home during breeding season so their hooves didn’t hurt each other and human girls look sexy in long stockings so I could see it’s appeal on a pony.” I looked at another picture she had flipped to from over her shoulder. “Hmm.” Rainbow tilted her head and flipped the page. “Yeah I could get behind that. Think I would look good in socks big guy?” She playfully nudged my side and I rolled my eyes. “I’m more of a flank stallion.” I looked over at her with a smirk and we both started laughing. “So I guess socks make sense but what’s with the positioning of some of the unicorns showing off their foreheads?” She made a funny face. “It’s probably the horn.” I had gone back to exploring the room of what had clearly been a stallion noble. “Unicorns find the horns attractive and they are somewhat sensitive.” The room had been packed up in a rush so there were plenty of random things left behind. “Huh.” Rainbow tossed the magazine over her shoulder onto the floor. “Ya know I expected this to be a bit more exciting.” “Really? I’m having fun. Sure most of it is junk but that magazine gave us a laugh.” I followed her out into the hallway. Rainbow clearly wanted to move on. “Yeah but where’s the actual adventure.” She flared her wings and huffed in disappointment. “You know Rainbow. Adventure only happens when things are going wrong.” I laughed then my stomach rumbled. “Why don’t we stop for lunch by that fountain we passed.” “Fine.” Her own stomach rumbled and we shared another laugh. “So Sunset why did you leave?” Twilight asked as they ate lunch. Dusk and Rainbow were still out but they had brought food with them. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want anyone knowing.” Twilight waved her hooves when she noticed the change in Sunset’s expression. Fluttershy had stopped eating as she was also curious. “It’s fine, Dusk knows and so should you girls. Basically my mom, the former princess, never told me she was my mom so I was only treated as her student. One day another Alicorn came along though, Cadence, and I got super jealous because she was treated like Celestia’s niece.” Sunset frowned at the memories. “Wait my brother is dating a Cadence or Cadenza.” Twilight tapped her chin. “Yeah same in this world, I’m talking about their pony versions.” Sunset half laughed as Twilight’s eyes went wide. “Anyway that’s why I ran off. It wasn’t until Fluttershy, Principal Celestia, and the other girls gave me a chance did I make some real friends and I decided to come back for a visit, only to find everything in ruins. Oh, and of course Dusk and my ascension were gifted to me by Harmony.” Her elements glowed for a moment as if to agree. “Wow that’s just, wow.” Twilight readjusted herself. “At least you’re not alone.” Fluttershy smiled, trying to lighten the mood. “That’s true Flutters.” Sunset gave a weak smile. “Well at least the day wasn’t a total bust.” Rainbow joked as she hovered towards the castle holding a small bust of a unicorn. We were heading back in time for dinner with the group. “How many times are you going to make that joke. It’s been non stop since you found that thing in the last house.” I groaned but was still in a good mood. “Oh come on it’s funny.” She held up the bust as if it was the one talking. The only reason she had grabbed it was because it was made of gold. “Maybe the first time.” I pushed it out of my face with magic. “Party pooper. You know, Pinkie would get mad at you for that.” She landed and put the bust back in her saddle bag. “I kinda wish she could be here.” “Missing them already? It’s just been a week.” “No!” She lied. “Okay yes. We all only just became friends again not long ago and now I feel bad Flutters and I left.” “Why did you come along Dash?” I knew Twilight was an accident and Fluttershy honestly wanted to help Sunset but Dash was a bit more complicated than she let on. She stopped in her tracks. “I was sick of waiting.” “Waiting?” I looked her way. “Yeah, waiting on things to change.” She started walking again but kept talking. “Don’t tell the girls but my parents were never home and always working. I maybe saw them twice a year if I was lucky and spent lots of time waiting for them. My dream was always to learn how to fly, maybe in the air force, so I could get out one day and stop waiting. So when you and Sunset said I could come here and fly with my own wings.” She began hovering to emphasize her point. “I knew it was time to move.” She looked back at me with a warm smile then rushed ahead towards the castle. “So ya better keep up.” I took off with my own wings and easily matched her speed as she laughed while we flew through the air. “Welcome back you two.” Fluttershy smiled as we entered the dining room that also became our informal gathering place. It was slowly filling with books and other items to make the castle’s room feel more homely. “Thanks Fluttershy.” I gave her a friendly nuzzle then Rainbow did the same. “Oh my, Rainbow you’re all out of breath.” Fluttershy looked worriedly at her friend. “Yeah we had a race but she forgot I’m a bit stronger than her right now. She hasn’t had time to train and reach her full potential.” I laughed, knowing what the pony version could do. “Next. Time.” Dash huffed and flopped down onto her favorite cushion. “Sure Dash. So where’s Sunset and Twilight?” I focused back on Fluttershy. “They’re doing some magic practice I think. Sunset needed a break from the portal and I didn’t have much to do.” She raised a book she held in her wings. “I feel a bit useless right now.” “Don’t be. You’re helping keep us all sane just by having one more person, well pony, to talk to.” I smiled. “He’s right shy. Not to mention the massages you give are awesome.” Rainbow rolled over onto her back. “So I’m glad you came along.” Fluttershy giggled at how cute Rainbow looked rolling around. “Thanks Dashie.” Sunset and I stood upon the balcony and lit our horns while the others watched us exchange the celestial bodies after a late dinner. They had watched us for the first time yesterday and were now hooked. It was going to become our new regular thing to do together. “That’s awesome every time I see it.” Rainbow gushed. “It’s so magical.” Fluttershy smiled the moonlight reflecting off her mane. “Well technically it is magic but I still have a hard time believing that you two actually move the Moon and Sun.” Twilight put down her new quill she used to take notes and looked up at the night sky. “Well keep in mind Twilight most of the magic to move it comes from the sun itself and I’m just a conduit. They used to move on their own before something messed up the orbits and if mom had kept them going they would have eventually corrected themselves, now that timer basically restarted.” Sunset explained. “True but I’m with Twilight.” I loafed on a pillow we had brought outside. “I move the moon and even I have a hard time believing it.” Sunset rolled her eyes and laid down next to me. “Speaking of the moon does anyone else see that?” Rainbow pointed a wing at an incoming shadow in the sky before we all heard a roar. “That can’t be good.” Sunset looked up worried.
PrologSunset Shimmer shivered as she once again checked the time on her phone. "Almost time." She tentatively put a hand on the base of the statue she had tumbled out years ago after putting her phone back in her pocket. The stone remained solid yet she could feel the magic building. "Soon I will return home. I Can't believe I have been in this world for so long." She looked at her hands and flexed her fingers. The appendage had grown on her, hands were not quite as pliable as horn or hoof magic yet she could see the benefit of having a physical grip on something for the tactical feedback alone. "I hope Princess Celestia can forgive me when I return." She thought back about Principle Celestia who had finally 'put her foot down' on a day she had been more upset then usual and gotten Sunset to turn her act around. The woman had know about Sunset being an orphan, as her story went, yet finally had enough with her attitude and provided the real help she needed, starting with making amends to those she had wronged. "I still can't believe Fluttershy forgave me so quickly." She sighed and thought of her budding friendships. She was not looking forward to leaving everyone behind yet, her urge to return home had only grown after turning over her new leaf. She still hadn't told anyone about where she was really from and it was getting harder to keep it from them. Shivering again in the night air she wrapped her jacket tighter. "Really glad I brought all those gems and bits with me to pawn off." She laughed to herself at the memory of her first attempt at buying food and causing the guy behind the register to faint at the sight of gold. “Don’t know what I would have done without money.” Finding shelter, clothing, food, even an identity had been easy with money, even if her supply was running low. As she reminisced about her time here on earth her alarm finally went off and the portal before her became active. "Well time to go home." She took her first step and fell through the rainbow gateway. "Hello there." I snorted and ignored the voice. I was in bed, who would be talking to me. "Wake up human." I rolled over and felt myself falling off my bed. "Wha?" I opened my eyes and couldn't see anything as I grabbed my bed and tried to stand up. No, I could see a dimly floating magenta crystal in the shape of a star at the foot of my bed. It provided the only light in this dark void. "Um, Hello?" "Hello human. I take it you have many questions but we do not have time so I will be blunt. You have died and lost your name." A feminine voice emanated from the crystal explained. She continued to speak as I just stared. "I have chosen your soul to help my last follower with a nearly impossible task and kept your skills as a gift to aid in your endeavors." "Last follower?" I finally found my voice. "Who are you?" "Yes my last. I had no Idea any were left alive after Celestia went mad from grief yet she, Sunset Shimmer, returned to me." The crystal looked to be slowly dimming. "As for who I am. I am Magic, a part of Harmony." "Why me though? Why Am I dead." I shouted now. I felt like I knew those names but the memory didn't come to me right away. "I am sorry but there is no time left. I need to send you to her before the opertunity closes. We will have plenty more time to speak once you have started your task. Find me once you both have settled in." She finished with a blinding flash and I disappeared just after remembering. Those names were from a TV show I loved. As Sunset looked around the dark room she arrived in, a headache began to form. She rubbed her forehead with her hoof and bumped into her horn. She began rubbing the area right below it, where the pressure was building. "Hello?" She groaned. Igniting her horn lessened the pain slightly and allowed her to take in her surroundings. "Well Judging by the stonework I'm back in Canterlot Castle, probably in a storage room." She easily found the door and stepped out into the hall only to be met with a wave of heat. "Ug, why is it so hot in here this place has the best temperature crystals." Stepping into the hall she made her way over to the window as sweat began to accumulate on her fur exacerbating her headache. "What in the world?!?" Her jaw dropped. There was nothing but a wasteland outside of the window. The palace gardens were a dried husk of their former splendor and it looked to be even hotter outside. Covering her face a bit she looked towards the skyline and spotted the sun was stopped just before sunset. "What happened here?" She sat down as the realization her home was a wasteland washed over her yet she couldn't even grieve as the pain in her head became unbearable and she screamed before passing out. When I woke up I was looking at an alicorn version of Sunset Shimmer. I never thought she became one. Reaching out, I stopped myself when I noticed my lavender hoof. Finding a mirror on the nearby wall I slowly walked over to it and looked myself over. I looked like a male version of Twilight Sparkle after her ascent into an alicorn. Checking my Cutie mark I found it was almost exactly the same except there was a crescent moon hugging the starburst. Reaching up I tapped my horn with a hoof and felt an uncomfortable tingle then fluffed my wings. So not a dream. I am somehow Dusk Shine, Twilight's male alter ego. Turning around I looked towards Sunset who sounded like she was waking up. "Hey you alright?" I made my way over and gave her a hoof. Luckily 'Magic' gave this body some instincts so I'm not tripping over myself. "No. No. No!" She ignored me and scrambled up to the window. When I looked out I could see what had her so panicked. Equestria looked like a wasteland, it was almost like. The timeline is wrong. I sat on my rump. Sunset is the last one alive? "Who are you?" Sunset turned to me growling with wings flared and a lit horn. "Did you do this?" I held my hooves up. "Of course not. I just got here." Sunset looked confused and backed down just a bit. "Explain." "First, why not take a look at your sides." I pointed with a hoof. She was slow but eventually looked and did a great impression of a fish. "Wings? Why do I have wings now?" She yelled as they flared from her reaction. She jumped and did a few circles trying to get a closer look. In the process of her jumping she ran into me and we both fell down. "Please, tell me what's going on." Sunset begged, tears forming in her eyes. "I don't really know, I do have a theory. My name is... Dusk Shine by the way." I held out a hoof. She gave it a cautious bump, "Sunset Shimmer." I gave her a smile then we both looked out the window and frowned. "Let's find somewhere to talk."
Ch2. Relics.Journal of the nameless maid. “If you are reading this it means I have finally given up and left this behind. After years of heat and starvation I have chosen to die but I feel I should explain why.” “Not even a few years ago Equestria was perfect. We had our eternal princess, ponies got along, and there was plenty of food. Now, ponies abandoned each other while dealing with this crisis. We are hunted by griffins, the other nations have abandoned us, and there’s nothing to eat.” “It all started when Celestia refused to lower the sun one day. No pony knows why she really did it but I have my thoughts.” “Things had not been going well for our princess. First her prized student Moon Dancer was crippled trying to stop Nightmare moon who Celestia was then forced to kill. Not many ponies know this but Nightmare Moon was actually Celestia’s fallen sister Luna. Our Princess was forced to kill her sister to save her student and Equestria.” The writer had paused leaving a few ink stains. “After that she lost her niece Cadence to a changeling raid on her and her fiancées wedding in Los Pegasus. In fact the whole city was lost and the nobles had the gal to blame our princess for not being there when they were the ones demanding she stay in the capital.” Another pause. “After all that our princess just gave up. At first she continued to preform her duties with the moon and sun but refused to hold court. No one noticed her decline, thinking it was just general mourning and then, the sun stopped moving and our princess was gone, no pony found out what happened to her.” “The mages tried to move the sun yet, it refused to budge. The mages no longer had the knowledge to move it after a thousand years. After a few days of constant light, it started getting hot. Clouds were brought in over every town for shade yet it was never enough. Days turned to weeks and ponies began migrating in mass to cooler areas starting with the greedy nobles. Then plants started dying from the heat. In the end, I remained to watch the castle along with a few others as the city was abandoned.” “After a few months news stopped arriving and more ponies left. Everything green had either died or been eaten for food. I remained to guard the castle and a small greenhouse in the hope our princess would return but my hope has run out.” The journal continued with more of the authors thoughts but never gave a name only her position in the castle and that she was an Earth pony. “So mom finally gave up.” Sunset sighed. I guess some fans were right about their relationship. I had just finished reading the passage to her after we awoke in the morning to move the sun and moon. The moon was reluctant to move until I promised I wasn’t going to abandon it and kept a constant connection in the back of my mind. I wonder if Sunset’s going through the same thing with the sun. “At least we know what happened now. Well the gist at least. I was wondering why so much looks intact, now we know it was because everyone was escaping the heat without looting.” Ironically as I mentioned this it was storming outside, the rain soaking the parched earth. “Perhaps not everything is lost if the greenhouse survived.” Sunset actually smiled. I was lucky that Sunset knew the layout of the castle else I would have been hopelessly lost, even with the maps on the wall. When we arrived at the greenhouse what we saw shocked us. Cooling crystals had been piled in the corners along with other supplies to keep as many plants alive as possible. We also found the nameless maid dead, rotting, and half buried in dirt with a note. ‘At least I could feed the plants.’ Sunset teared up again at the sight so I buried the body the rest of the way using my magic. I was impressed she hadn’t collapsed from the constant flux of emotions, my own detachment had kept me steady, for now. Sunset said a few words of thanks then used a spell to make a small tombstone for the maid. ‘Here lies the Nameless maid who saved so many plants for future generations.’ Once we finished the impromptu funeral we began looking around and Sunset spoke first. “I can’t believe this all survived. She must have worked every day and pulled every crystal and drop of water she could spare from the castle.” We knew it was a sacrifice since the plumbing had only resumed working after the rain began. “It’s sad to think she almost made it.” Sunset gave me a questioning look and I sighed. “Her body wasn’t that far gone and some of these plants are edible. A few weeks and we would have been here for her.” I closed my eyes and shook my head. “Could there be others alive?” She asked hopefully. “Maybe, Harmony didn’t seem to think so but do I wonder now.” The maids journal made no mention of the crystal empire returning. If Cadenza died it’s curse might not have been broken. I shifted from the thought. “Anyway we found our foothold here so should we check the vault?” Sunset took a bit more time to look around as the rain hammered the glass ceiling before nodding. “You might want to stand back. I’m not sure what wards mom had on this thing.” Sunset warned and I stepped back from her side. We were deep in the castle in front of the primary vault. Sunset was confident she could open it but was scanning it intensely first. “Okay, looks like mom used bloodline wards so any of her family can open it.” She took a deep breath and touched the door with her horn. We both heard the sounds of locks releasing then the door swung open. “Wow.” The scene reminded me of Gringots, piles of bits were neatly stacked around the room along with artifacts on pedestals. In the center isles I noticed one artifact that finally made me smile like mad. “What’s this?” Sunset circled the pedestal containing five stones all of which began to faintly glow. Sunset stepped back while I moved forward. “The elements of Harmony. I was worried we wouldn’t have time to collect them from the old castle yet, here they are. There’s Kindness, Loyalty, Honesty, Generosity, Laughter, and lastly Magic.” When I finished speaking the five stones lit up and flew towards both of us. Sunset tried to shield herself with a magic shield but the stones passed right through. In a flash of blinding light the stones broke apart and were gone. “What just happened?” She sounded shocked. “Where did they go?” “Looks like Harmony is giving us a gift.” I looked at her neckline. Sitting upon it rested a Peytrel containing Loyalty, Generosity and Laughter while I had Kindness and Honesty on mine. Magic had become a silver ringlet crown to match Sunsets and sat upon my head. “Why did I get Laughter?” Sunset asked while poking the new regalia piece after she recovered. “Maybe it thought you needed it more?” As if to answer my question the pink gem glowed for a moment. I noticed the the elements, aside from magic, looked like normal gems instead of their iconic cutie mark shape. “And the other two?” She sounded unsure. “Well I assume Loyalty when you decide to return and restore Equis, Generosity for a similar reason.” I shrugged with my wings. “What about yours?” She pointed a hoof. “Easy, Honestly because I tell it to you straight, Kindness for sticking with you to help and being a shoulder to cry on or bounce ideas off of, and Magic is what brought me here.” I smiled for a moment as I poked the crown with a hoof. “Granted we probably aren’t the perfect bearers but it’s only us available.” In response all six gems gave a soothing glow that I was right about the first but wrong on the second. My smile retuned at that. Sunset hesitated but also looked better, “Well I do feel better having them. Your crown looks nice too.” She said before walking off to start collecting bits and a few common gems. I hope we don’t crash the market. After pausing for a quick water and snack break the two of us returned to the room where the portal mirror was located. “It feels strange to be returning so soon. I had planned on possibly returning next cycle or maybe even never.” We set down our supplies and began organizing our bags. Sunset was leaving her mother’s journal behind along with us leaving anything else we wouldn’t need on earth. The elements were coming along with us as they would allow us to preform magic. At least if that theory holds. Hopefully they will transform into something less conspicuous. “If you don’t mind my asking what made you come back.” I paused in my preparations. “From the timeline I remember seeing, things turned out differently on the other side for you. You were still good, but different, for example you lived there instead of returning.” “Heh, I’ll tell you later. For now we have things to trade, supplies to acquire, and I have a few friends to talk with while we still have time.” Sunset finished by hardening her resolve and stepped through the mirror before I could ask anything else. I took one last look around the room before following, a strong itch on my flank caused me to pause. We will be back. Will be nice to have hands though. The itch disappeared and I stepped one hoof into the portal before being sucked in.
Ch3. First small step.“Dusk, is that you, are you ok?” I heard Sunset’s voice ring out. I was currently laying on my side on the hard concrete sidewalk near the base of a familiar statue. “Yep it’s me and all good.” I slowly stood up and grabbed the hand she held out. “Glad to have these back.” As I checked myself over I noticed the elements had converted themselves into something similar to a watch but with no actual timepiece for the both of us. “You’re balancing much better than I first did on two legs.” She noted. Sunset was shorter than I was and proportional to our alicorn bodies. Looking around I spotted the nearby Canterlot High which looked to be in session. “Well I was originally human. I feel like the colors are new though.” I wiggled my lavender fingers. “Yours feel much more natural than mine on a human, look better at least.” She smiled at that. “By the way is it the weekend?” I was a bit worried about students spotting us. “Well that saves us time at least and no it’s Monday so classes are in. What about magic? I can feel mine this time around which is amazing.” A light glow emitted from her hand and a nearby rock began to glow. Her pony features also began to make their appearance. Before I could answer a voice rang out. “Sunset Shimmer what are you doing outside?” The rock fell and her features reverted, hopefully going unnoticed by the newcomer. “Oh hey principal Celestia. I was just showing my friend here around town.” She awkwardly answered. It must be so strange to know another version of your own mother, like a twin I guess. “Hi there, I’m Dusk Shine.” I took my cue and held out my hand to the women. I looked to be about eighteen so could pass for a senior or graduate. “Hello Dusk.” She gave me a friendly hand shake. “It’s nice of Sunset to show you around but shouldn’t you also be in school?” Her eyebrows rose. Oh good she didn’t notice or ignored the magic show. “Actually, I just moved to town.” My element made it impossible to lie so I had to go with half truths. “We met over the weekend and really hit it off.” “Yep. Hence me showing him around and ending our tour at the school.” Sunset gave a winning smile. “I see, well Sunset you go ahead and get to class and you can meet up with your friend later. One I can assume I will be seeing after I get the paperwork?” Principal Celestia’s eyes narrowed like she wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Sunset nodded giving me her phone, so I could find the locations I would need, along with a key to enter her apartment and a quick word before following along. “I’ll meet you at my place after school buy yourself a phone while out.” Well looks like we’ll have to split up for a bit. Pocketing the items I began my journey towards a local pawn shop after looking them up on the map. Time to get some cash. As Sunset walked the halls grumbling to herself she bumped straight into someone. “Sunset you alright?” The human Applejack’s souther draw rang out. “I haven’t seen ya all day.” “Oh, hey AJ. Yeah just had errands to run and stuff.” She adjusted her backpack. It was heavy with all the extra items. Her mind was also heavy with all the plans her and Dusk would need to carry out before the portal closed, unless they found a way to maintain it. The thought caused her to grumble. “Well if you’re finished want to meet up with the girls after school? Pinkie wanted us to try out some new cupcake recipes.” AJ smiled but could tell her friend was upset. Applejack still found it surprising how close they became after that first year of fighting. “Sorry, not today I.” She cut herself off when she realized just how much help she and Dusk needed. “Actually Aj you know what, why don’t you all meet up at my place. I have someone I need to introduce to you girls.” “Uh, sure. I bet Pinkie wouldn’t mind and it would be nice to finally see your place. Want to text them?” AJ asked “Would you mind doing it, I let a friend borrow mine.” Sunset asked but AJ happily pulled out her phone and began texting the others. “Great I’ll see you all after classes and we can go together.” Sunset finished and ran off to class. She had no plans on paying attention but getting caught now would be a disaster. She instead worked on brainstorming a way to move the portal before working on keeping it open. “One, two, three thousand.” The pawn shop owner counted out the cash. I could tell he had never seen such pure gold in the form of a few coins by the look he was giving me. Luckily he didn’t ask questions and I knew their worth so only parted with a dozen at one shop. Ug wish I could just do this all in one place, it’s already the fourth shop I’ve had to walk to. “Thanks, have a great day.” I quickly put the cash in my bag and left the shop. I was impressed by the stamina my alicorn strength granted even as a human. Okay first step of acquiring cash finished. Sunset still has the rest she’s going to use for buying a warehouse and my papers from her contact, meaning time for supplies. Back in Equestria I was wondering how we would transport everything but Sunset found a couple sets of enchanted saddle bags in the vault that were converted to backpacks by the portal. Man magic is great. The purple gem on my wrist glowed happily. As I continued to walk the street I eventually made it to a shop similar to Wallmart. Stepping inside I could tell it would have everything we would need to get started. Glad we won’t need camping supplies. I grabbed a cart and began filling it with canned goods and other long lasting vegetarian items. There was no point getting anything fresh or frozen as time still passed inside the bags. We are going to get so sick of pasta. Along with the food I picked up a couple prepaid smart phones and other technology we could use on the other side like walkies, laptops and solar chargers. Bet I could rig them to work with magic too. When I reached the checkout line the woman behind the counter gave me a look. “Can you afford all this?” I discreetly showed her some of the cash. “It’s… for a community project.” Wow, not being able to ever lie is hard. She didn’t care about the explanation so long as I had the cash. Once finished and I had paid I took my cart to the side parking lot to transfer the items into my backpack after making sure I was alone. Wow this is weird. “So Sunset who are we going to meet? Also nice new bling.” Pinkie was skipping along with the rest of the girls. Sunset was getting nervous about having them over for the first time and the news she needed to share. “Yes, why all the secrecy Darling? Also I must agree with pinkie that accessory is simply divine.” Rarity asked after checking her phone. The Elements glowed a bit, pleased with the compliment, forcing Sunset to cover her wrist. “Well, he’s a new friend from out of town. I’ll let him introduce himself.” She replied once they had all reached her building. It wasn’t far enough to drive so the girls had left their cars at school. “He?~” Rarity gushed at the gossip and rubbed shoulders with Sunset. “Grr.” Sunset playfully pushed her away. “Well it’s still cool we finally get to see your place.” Rainbow checked out the building. “Yeah we normally hang out at Pinkie’s or my farm. Dash we really haven’t seen your place neither come to think about it.” AJ rubbed her chin. Rainbow got a nervous look. “Oh hey, we’re here.” Once inside the group easily spotted the young man asleep and spread out on the couch. All but Sunset gave him an appraiser’s look. “Is this who you wanted us to meet?” Rainbow walked over and poked the newcomers chest. “Huh, surprisingly firm.” “Rainbow don’t do that.” Fluttershy spoke while Sunset lightly hit her friends shoulder. “He’s asleep.” “Well I was.” I laughed when the girls, mostly Fluttershy, got spooked. “So Sunset, what are your friends doing here?” I wasn’t upset just more confused. “I figured they could help.” Sunset must have assumed I was. “You sure? I thought you wanted it just us to start. Do they even know about…” I motioned towards my bracelet. “No, I was going to tell them now.” She huffed. “If you’re sure.” We shared a look. “Could someone please tell us what the hay is going on.” AJ practically yelled while the other girls nodded. “All right why don’t you girls sit down.” Sunset motioned towards the couch as I stood up next to her. “This is going to sound a bit crazy.” “Pinkie Sush.” I put a finger to her lips before she could interrupt. Sunset ignored me and took a deep breath. “I’m not human, I’m actually a pony.” The girls all looked confused but let her continue. “A few years ago I ran away from home using a magic portal and ended up here. The portal also made me younger so I was forced to relive my school years from middle school up.” The girls all shared looks of concern that their friend was loosing it. “Yesterday I finally returned home when the portal opened again but my home has basically been destroyed.” Sunset began to tear up so I wrapped an arm around her. “Dusk and I are the only ponies left and we need help rebuilding. I know it’s a lot but would any of you girls like to help?” The five sat there stunned until Rainbow spoke first. “Is this a prank? I feel like your messing with us.” “Rainbow Dash can’t you see our friend is hurting!” Fluttershy wrapped Sunset in a hug and I backed off. “There there.” “It’s no joke girls.” I pulled on the string of magic and revealed my glowing pony features. Sunset did the same in Fluttershy’s arms who ran her fingers over Sunset’s wing. “It’s so soft.” She cooed. “My word you both look magnificent.” Rarity jumped up to check me out. “Wings and a horn?” “We’re both alicorns. Rulers of pony kind who are normally broken up into a few other tribes, when they were alive.” Sunset trailed off And I picked up. “Sunset here handles the day and the sun while I manage the night and the moon. We weren’t born alicorns we became them as the last two ponies. Oh we’re also immortal now so there’s that.” I shrugged. “So not a prank.” Rainbows brain rebooted as did the others who surrounded us to check oh the additions. “Still doesn’t answer why you told us.” Sunset quickly gave an overview of our plan to rebuild by importing the basics and rebuilding from scratch with a more modern twist. She left out details like the location of the portal or my arrival but answered their other questions. “Hold up sugar, you want us to go with you, and do what? We ain’t exactly Ponies.” Applejack said. “Which is really unfortunate.” Fluttershy said quietly but everyone still heard. Is human Fluttershy a furry? Makes sense. “Actually the portal changes you into the native species which is why we look human.” Sunset explained. “That still doesn’t explain.” Rainbow looked at the group, noticed the gender ratio and quickly backed up. “Oh hell no, I’m not ready for kids.” Pinkie and I couldn’t help but laugh when I realized what she thought while the others looked confused again. “Dashie I don’t think that’s why they asked.” “Though I wouldn’t say no.” I winked at her causing Pinkie and I to bust up laughing again. The others realized what was happening and joined in. “I can’t do it.” AJ spoke first and shook her head. “My parents would never let me leave, not to mention the rest of my family. Guess her parents survived here. The other girls all replied the same until it came to Fluttershy. “I want to go.” Everyone looked at her but she didn’t back down. “A whole world for critters to live in and me there to help bring them back sounds wonderful, and I get to be a pony?” “Fluttershy are you…” I cut Sunset off. “Yep you could even talk to animals and Technically you would be a Pegasus.” I finished. “With wings?” Her eyes sparkled and I nodded. “Hold up, how do you know that?” Rainbow got in my face. “How do you even know Sunset?” “I know because I have seen it in your magical signature and I am her co-ruling alicorn.” I puffed up a bit. “For example you would also be a pegasus, Rarity a Unicorn while Pinkie and Applejack would be Earth Ponies.” I smiled back at her. “Earth pony. Sounds kind of, lame.” Applejack looked disappointed. “Not at all. Earth Ponies are stronger, tougher, live longer, and can help plants grow. An experienced earth pony can harvest crops almost three or four times a year instead of once. As well as many other natural skills.” I explained. “Pegasus have the ability of flight and weather manipulation and unicorns have general magic like levitation or spells. Alicorns have the power of all three tribes and the subsets such as thestrals also known as Luna Pegasi.” The girls all looked thoughtful and under Applejack’s breath she said. “Hot dog, three ta four harvests a year?” “Look you girls don’t need to decide right now, we still have plans to work on and a portal to move. Why don’t you all head home and think it over.” With Sunset’s declaration the girls all slowly left together, returning to their cars. “Well, that went surprisingly smoothly.” Sunset collapsed onto her couch and let her magic fade after lowering her sun back on Equis. I didn’t say anything as I raised my moon. Glad our links work through the portal but that was way harder. “They are your friends.” I joined her on the couch before passing back her phone to focus on setting mine up. Maybe I should find Twilight eventually, her genius would be helpful. Eventually Sunset fell asleep, drooling on my side, while replying to more of her friends questions via text. I joined her not long after and found myself in the dream realm. “Spike look at this.” Twilight Sparkle picked up her dog. “My equipment has been picking up strange energy readings all weekend and tonight they massively surged. Oh I just have to investigate.” Sci Twi began breaking down her equipment into a more portable form. “I just have to figure this out.”
Ch4. On earth.Most of Sunset’s five best friends sat awake in their beds that night. They had all learned a massive secret along with being given the choice of a lifetime. To see another world and help rebuild it. Fluttershy was the only one who actually managed to sleep and dreamt about speaking with all of her critters as a cute pony. Applejack was pondering becoming the first farmer in another land and regrowing everything she could. “I could grow so much food.” Rarity was excited about the idea of working for royalty. “I could make such wonderful outfits.” Pinkie was already planning parties for their failures or successes. “It’s going to be a blast.” Rainbow thought about what it would be like to fly. “I could fly.” She looked at all of the blue angels posters on her walls. Sunset and I were currently standing outside of an old warehouse in the mid morning sun. “What are we doing here again?” “I texted my contact last night and she’s going to hook us up with this building.” She pointed a thumb at the warehouse. “It cost quite a bit for the speed.” Before I could ask anything else a car pulled up and the driver stepped out. The driver then opened the back door revealing, who I could only assume by the accessories, Silver Spoon. “Sunset Shimmer. Good to see you outside of school again.” The young girl smiled and they shared a hug. “And nice to meet you Dusk Shine.” She politely held out a hand that I shook. “Hey Silver thanks again for getting this done so quickly.” Sunset smiled at the young heiress. “Nonsense what are friends for. Also where else would I get such high quality unique gems and pure gold.” Silver snapped her fingers and the driver stepped over with a briefcase. “Here’s the title for this place and the other paperwork your boyfriend needs along with mildly filled bank accounts for you both. No questions asked like normal.” Sunset handed over a bag full of gold and Equestrian gemstones from her expanded backpack to the driver. After checking inside the driver nodded and passed over the briefcase and a ring of keys from his pocket. “Thanks again silver.” Sunset passed over the identification paperwork for one ‘Dusk Shine’ to me keeping the rest. She and Silver Spoon exchanged one last hug before Silver and her driver left. “So how do you two know each other?” I asked as Sunse. “Also boyfriend?” “She wouldn’t accept I was doing it for a stranger.” She winked and looked through the keys. “As for how we met it’s a funny story actually, I saved her life. It was probably my second month here and I was really struggling. Even with all the gold and stuff I bought it wasn’t much help since I had no legal identification to get an apartment.“ she found they key she needed and unlocked the door to step inside the warehouse. “I found Silver getting attacked one night and in my frustration at life I beat up all the guys using the last of my lingering magic.” She shook her head and laughed at the memory before turning on the lights. “Silver’s family was so grateful they used their connections to help me out with documentation and they bought the gems I brought with me. In exchange I’ve been receiving their help and enough money to last through High school ever since.” She finished her story and began looking around. “Wow I always wondered how you lasted so long here alone but I guess you weren’t alone.” I looked around the new warehouse. It was much nicer on the inside than outside and filled with more supplies we might need. “Why didn’t you just have them buy everything this time?” “Speed mostly, we needed some quick cash. Also, we keep our distance in school so no one knows our connection. We still help each other out often enough.” She led me into a small office and laid the paperwork out on the desk. I took the driver’s license and copied what I needed identity wise onto my phone before we stored it away in the desk. “Silver did great work with this.” I held up the license. “We should get a safe or something for the rest at some point or better yet keep it in Equestria.” “Yeah the castle vault is our best bet. And you do know how to drive right?” She looked nervously at the license which I waved off. “Course I do. Just need a vehicle now.” I tilted my head back and fourth. “No.” Sunset looked flabbergasted. “Yep.” I was grinning like a kid on Christmas. The two of us were at a new car dealership and I was standing next to the newest electric truck. She had already picked out a more modest car that the salesman was completing paperwork on. “Why would you get something that expensive. I know we can afford it thanks to Silver but why.” She held her head in her hands. “Two reasons. First, we need a truck to move bulky items around. Second, Equestria has no gasoline once I find a way to get it through the portal. Third, I always wanted one.” I smiled as I circled my future purchase. She just grumbled that I listed three then sighed as the grinning salesman came back. Thanks to us playing in cash we were able to drive off the lot that same day. Sunset made her way back to her apartment to finish her research and prepare for tonight while I went to purchase a big mirror from a thrift store. She had found a workable spell in one of the advanced magic books in Celestia’s bedroom. I would have called it luck if Harmony herself wasn’t helping us out. “Tell me again why you specifically needed an old heavy mirror?” I asked as I carefully unloaded the bulky purchase next to the pony statue of Canterlot High. It was well past school hours so no one was around. “Because the cheep modern ones won’t work. Even though earth has very little magic an old one that was well cared for can be used to contain the portal.” She embedded a few of the magical gems she didn’t trade into the wooden frame then began to enchant them will spells. “So what are you two up to?” I jumped and spun around to see Rainbow Dash. She laughed at getting the drop on me. “Not funny.” I got back to work and aligned the mirror across from the portal as Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Hey Rainbow what are you doing here?” Sunset paused her spell work. “I asked first.” She stuck her tongue out. “Well dusk and I are transferring the portal into this mirror so we can move it to a safer location. I found the spell work in a book I had brought from home.” Sunset got back to work. “Got ya, I was just out walking to clear my head.” Rainbow shrugged. The three of us were silent until Sunset indicated she was ready for the transfer. “So about going to Equestria…” Rainbow stared awkwardly. “Would I have to stay? I would at least like to graduate.” “Not at all. The portal opens naturally only every couple of years but we hope to fix that after moving it. Right now we only have about two days left until it closes for this cycle.” “So could I visit now for a bit?” Rainbow asked but Sunset couldn’t answer. “How about this.” I spoke up. “I plan on going through to test it and bring a few loads of supplies tonight while Sunset rests up after her spell work. If you want to go then you can.” Rainbow nodded. Sunset looked between the two of us then began her primary spell. The elements on both our wrists lit up and a beam shot from the statues base into the mirror. After a few blinding moments it was over, the mirror was now the portal and the statue was normal. “It worked!” Sunset and I shared a hug before she got weak in the knees. “That was tough.” I helped her back up and Rainbow spoke up. “That was awesome looking.” “Just wait until you see Equestria.” I began carefully loading the mirror back into the truck and strapping it down. Once I finished I hopped into the driver’s seat and spoke out the window. “I’ll meet you, Rainbow and whoever else wants to visit at the warehouse.” With that I drove off with our precious cargo. Once back at the warehouse I once again unloaded the mirror and brought it inside. We had decided to set it up in a small side storage area that had strong brick walls and fresh locks on the door. This place will basically be a secure transit hub if and when we invite others. Setting down the mirror I then bolted it into the concrete floor. Sunset will be warding the entire building, once she gets back, now that we successfully moved the portal. Hopefully I can set up a security system with the time we have left or maybe if Sunsets friends stay here they can guard this end. I rubbed my chin and sat down to snack in the break room we had found during our initial search. Now to wait till everyone shows up.
Ch5. First giant leap.Author's Note I am calling Cutie Marks ‘Emblems’ for humans since it’s normally some kind of item they have. Ch5. First giant leap. “Ug, this just can’t be right.” Twilight groaned as spike walked along her side. She had decided to take him on a walk while tracking the strange energy readings in town. “First there’s three signals spread out, then there’s one massive signal near this high school, and now there’s two signals, one stronger and one still moving around.” Spike rubbed against Twilight’s leg and she let out a sigh. She was currently standing outside of Canterlot High the rival school of her own Crystal prep “You’re right spike now isn’t the time to give up on science!” Twilight began following the stronger signal since the other looked to be converging on it anyway. Spike was just happy for the long walk. “Dusk, we’re here.” Sunsets voice rang out through the warehouse. I got up from where I was resting in the break room and entered the main warehouse. “Welcome back and hey there girls.” I said the the three arrivals. Only Rainbow and Fluttershy had decided to come along for a visit. “So just you two tonight? That’s probably for the best since I won’t be able to really show you around the castle.” “You live in a castle?” Fluttershy got even more excited than she already was. “Yep. It was my mom’s but…” Sunset spoke up. “Anyway the plan is for Dusk to show you both around a bit as he brings back supplies as I set up the wards on this end to protect this place.” Sunset cracked her fingers. Rainbow and Fluttershy shared a look but didn’t ask further questions as they both became excited and nervous about the trip. As Sunset stepped away to find a good place to start her warding I turned back to the girls after watching her walk off. “Alright you two follow me.” I led them into the portal room, as I was now calling it. “Rainbow you already saw it but Fluttershy this is the mirror portal.” I gave it a quick flourish with my hand. “All you have to do is step through and it will turn you into pony in Equestria. Just a warning you will be naked.” “Naked?!?” Rainbow blushed. “Um, we will have fur right?” Fluttershy meekly asked. “Of course. Your fur and tail will cover everything important and it’s not like I’ll be staring.” I nodded. Fluttershy nodded as well while Rainbow looked nervous still. “I’ll go through first. Wait ten seconds then one of you follow behind so we don’t stumble into each other, okay?” I waited for them to agree then stepped through. Twilight sparkle was walking through the warehouse district when the signals she was tracking spiked again. Typically no young woman should be walking alone in this part of town at night but Twilight’s scientific curiosity had a tighter hold than her common sense. “Look spike we’re almost there.” Spike began to whine. After I got to my hooves I then stretched out my wings and pinged the moon with my magic. It feels so relieved that I’m back. I didn’t have to wait long for a butter yellow Pegasus to show up next looking dizzy. “That was so colorful.” “Hello Fluttershy welcome to Equestria.” As soon as I spoke her eyes went wide and she tripped trying to rush over and look me over. “You’re so tall for a pony or am I short? You have wings just like the glowing ones and your flank mark looks like your emblem back on earth.” She continued to speak as she walked around me. “Well It looks like you have no trouble with your hooves also it’s rude to stare at somepony’s emblem especially a prince’s since it is on our flank.” I winked. She immediately “epped” then looked at her own body. Sunset had a good idea about dropping the ‘Cutie’ part and using the human term. “Oh my.” she stretched out her wings and was entranced by her own new body. I watched her check herself out before Rainbow came flying out of the portal. “Ouch.” She was sprawled out along the opposite wall. “I guess I didn’t need to run into it did I?” I laughed as she tried to stand. She was no where near as graceful as Fluttershy. “Stupid hooves, stay in sync.” I eventually lifted her onto her hooves with magic, causing her to squeak, and she managed to stay standing. “Well then you two. Welcome to Equestria let’s head to the kitchen first to unload the supplies then Ill answer your questions after you acclimate a bit.” I took the lead while Fluttershy helped Rainbow out into the hall by sticking to her side. “Huff.” Twilight and spike were currently running for their lives. A group of shady people had spotted her walking alone and would have managed to jump her if not for spike barking. “Oh spike I should have waited until morning.” Twilight lamented as she tried not to trip. “Get back here pretty.” One yelled out. Instinctively she had continued to follow the tracker she was holding in her hand and eventually made it to the very warehouse containing the portal. She had no time to realize this as she successfully managed to open the door to the building and close it behind her. “Where did she go?” One of the women in the group asked. “She probably kept running.” The voices became more distant. “Um hello?” Twilight’s eyes went wide as someone’s voice rang out. Sunset had been working on the wards when she heard the side door open. “No one except Dusk, The Girls or I should be able to open the doors let alone notice this place.” She said to herself. “Um hello?” She asked when she spotted a girl with similar coloration to Dusk and even a similar emblem on her dress. “Oh thank goodness. Can you help me I was being chased by kidnappers.” Twilight’s legs gave out. “Woah. Um yeah you can hide out here. I’m Sunset Shimmer by the way and you are?” She held a hand out to help the girl up. Twilight took it, “Twilight Sparkle.” Spike barked, “and this is my dog spike.” Sunset’s eyes went wide as she recognized the name from when Dusk told it to her. “So Twilight what are you doing out here so late? It doesn’t look like you live or work in the area.” Twilight pushed up her glasses. “Oh right, I was following this strange signal and wasn’t paying attention to where it was leading me. In fact.” It was Twilight’s turn for wide eyes. Her device was pointed right at Sunset for being the source of one signal. “This says you’re the source!” Sunset panicked and knocked Twilight and Spike out with a sleep spell. “Fuck!” “Wow this place is huge.” Rainbow whistled. “Can you show us outside later?” “Sorry but no. Remember how Sunset told you girls what happened here. Basically the outside world isn’t safe yet until the weather stabilizes.” As if to prove his point a lightning bolt stuck outside the window. “Right now there’s a massive storm from the air currents finally starting back up after remaining stagnant for so long.” “That’s just awful.” Fluttershy sadly replied. “Yeah it’s going to take years to get Equestria back to its former glory.” I lamented. We were just about to the kitchens as I led them into the staff dining hall. “So what I still don’t get is where were you at? Sunset was with us on earth but not you.” Rainbow inquired. “Dash.” Fluttershy tried to stop her friend. “No. If we’re going to be helping full time I want to know!” She stomped a hoof. “It’s alright Fluttershy.” I stopped and sat down to face them after levitating over a few cushions from the nearby table. They awkwardly sat down but eventually got comfortable. I took a deep breath. “I was dead.” Silence hung for a moment as I let it sink in, Rainbow was about to speak but I was faster. “Yes Dash Dead, or well as close as you can get. It wasn’t until Sunset returned to Equestria was I brought back for the sole purpose of becoming a prince to rule by her side and manage the night. We aren’t romantically involved just a mirrored pair.” “You see it takes two living alicorns at minimum to keep Equis alive. So when Sunset returned to this dead world and she became the Alicorn of the day and sun, one was still needed for the night, moon, and stars so I was brought here from death’s door.” “That’s. Wow that’s heavy man.” Rainbow was flabbergasted and Fluttershy shot up to give me a hug. “You poor creature. You and Sunset have such a burden.” She nuzzled my neck. The elements actually morphed into a necklace giving her access to my chest. Traitors. They happily glowed. “Thanks but it’s not all bad. I can’t remember everything about my last life but Harmony gave me a second chance to do a lot of good, heck I’m now an immortal alicorn with moon powers.” I hugged her back. Fluttershy quickly let me go when she remembered she was hugging a naked male and blushed. I spotted Rainbow wipe a tear from her eye on the sly before she spoke up. “Well, what are we wasting time for? You have supplies to unload and I want to see more of this castle.” I smiled and got back to our task at hoof. “Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck.” Sunset had gently carried Twilight and Spike into the break room and laid them on the old couch it contained. “Why did I nock her out?” Sunset jumped when Twilight’s phone rang. Checking it Sunset saw that it was the girls mother calling. “Great…” thinking fast she opened the message app and replied to the call. ‘Sorry mom spending the night with a new friend and couldn’t answer.’ She had no hope of that working but was surprised by the result. ‘Oh sweetheart that’s wonderful you have fun with your new friend.’ “That should not have worked.” Sunset set the phone down on the girls chest and ran towards the portal to find her partner. She didn’t even notice that’s what she was already thinking about her fellow alicorn or that the elements were playfully glowing.
Ch6. For Equis.“DUSK!” I heard Sunset’s voice ring out as she ran through the castle’s hall towards me. When she finally found me, relaxing in the castle greenhouse tending to the plants and watching the rain, she was panting like a dog. “There. You. Are. Where are Rainbow and Fluttershy?” She looked around panicking. “Deep breath Sunset. They are in the guest suite across from the one we set up in. Seeping or talking.” I shrugged then set down the watering can and clippers that were hovering in my magic. I’m already finding it easier to stay up at night. “Well we have a problem.” She walked closer to me and sat down. “Twilight Sparkle found the warehouse.” My eyes went wide. “What! How?” My wings flared for a moment. “I don’t know! She had some kind of device that could track magic and I forgot that she might be able to get through the wards and so I knocked her out!” She flared her own wings. “You did what?” I hoped I had misheard her. How did Twilight already have her tracker. Oh Harmony I hope it can’t steal magic like in the original timeline. She held up her fore hooves. “Sweet Mom, not like that. I used a sleep spell and put her in the break room. I didn’t know what else to do~o.” She hung her head and rubbed her hooves together like she was trying to wring her hands. I sighed and put a hoof on her withers. “Well what should we do?” I asked as calmly as I could. She looked up at me. “Wipe her mind and drop her at her house?” She asked jokingly. I gave her a deadpan look. “I know. But I honestly have no other ideas. We already have so much to do before the portal closes and we can’t stay on earth since I couldn’t find anything to keep the sun and moon moving, unless only one of us stays and that’s not happening.” She whined. I hadn’t even thought of just one of us staying but yeah possibly two years of isolation isn’t a plan. “Then we play it by ear? We see how she is after waking up and only answer questions if she asks.” I fluffed my feathers. “Fine but you do it. I still have wards to set up.” She pointed a hoof at me. “And~ I really don’t want to talk to her.” “Seriously?” I asked and she nodded. “Fine but you owe me one.” I was stunned when she threw her hooves and wings around me for a hug. “Thanks Dusk. I’ll get back to work now.” She trotted off before I could stop her. Harmony help me. My crown glowed a bit as if laughing. “Flutters?” “Yeah Dash?” “Do you really want to move here?” Both human girls that had been transformed into ponies were currently trying to sleep in a pony’s castle guest suite. “I do. I never really fit in with people, only animals.” “You know ponies are just people here right. I mean we are currently ponies that can talk and everything.” Fluttershy paused. “Maybe, but there’s only Dusk and Sunset left. I just can’t leave them alone and it is a big opportunity.” She sounded guilty that she would get something out of it. “They really do need us don’t they.” Rainbow chuckled, “and it would be awesome to learn how to fly.” “Mhm.” They fell into a comfortable silence before sleep took over. Twilight’s eyes fluttered open slowly as the harsh lights woke her up. “Ug where am I.” “Specifically? The break room of our warehouse.” I answered sitting in a simple chair I had brought closer. Twilight immediately shot to her feet at the sound of a male voice. She then checked herself and her clothes over, she was still fully dressed but her equipment and phone were missing. “Nothing untoward happened if that’s what you’re worried about.” I consoled. Spike had woken up and began sniffing my leg before letting me pet him. This act alone calmed Twilight better than my words. Narrowing her eyes behind her glasses she asked. “So who are you?” “Dusk Shine. Nice to meet you.” I held out my hand but she didn’t shake it. I returned to petting spike. “And why was I asleep here?” She sat back town and patted the couch. “My partner Sunset laid you down here in our break room after you lost consciousness. She said you broke into our building after escaping an attack.” I honestly answered. “Right.” Twilight’s eyes went wide. “I was tracking a signal when some people tried to jump me.” She wrapped her arms around herself. “Where is, Sunset Right?” I nodded. “Why isn’t she here?” “Well she had to get back to work, we… we’re on kind of a tight schedule that you interrupted but I have some free time.” I smiled. “Anyway it’s a little before sunrise so I was planning to drive you home.” “Thanks and oh my gosh my family must be so worried I need my phone where is it.” She panicked a bit. “Here, Sunset used it to text your mom that you were fine and staying with her.” It was smart she added some more details. “She didn’t tell them about the attack in case you wanted to keep it secret.” I passed her phone to her. “Thanks.” She took her phone back and began texting someone. “What about my equipment?” “It was damaged but.” I pointed to the table behind me. “No!~ I don’t have the parts to fix it.” She cradled the broken device. “Hey, better than your life right?” I rubbed the back of my neck. “Well here we are.” I said as I pulled up to Twilight’s house. “Thanks again for driving me home.” Twilight hugged spike then stepped out of my truck. “No problem Twilight.” I watched until she made it inside then drove off back to the warehouse. Once inside and back in her room Twilight set Spike down and pulled out her broken tracker. “At least the memory chip survived.” Plugging it into her computer her eyes went wide at the data. It showed strong signals coming from the very warehouse she had been in before her device broke. “What are you two hiding.” “So, how did it go?” Sunset asked after I got back. It was time to move our celestial bodies so we quickly preformed the ritual. At least it was easier with the portal in the next room. “Hard to tell. She was mostly focused on the attack and getting home but she may get suspicious.” I replied once we finished. “Better than nothing. Well I finished the wards and was going to pick up the girls from the castle and drive us all to school. I also have my exit paperwork to finish.” “You’re dropping out?” I was surprised. “Transferring, on paper technically, Who needs human school when you’re a magical pony princess?” She laughed and I couldn’t fault her logic. “Fair enough. I’ll start on downloading everything I can from the internet onto the computers I bought then get some sleep after dropping off the rest of the supplies we bought. I figured some movies and games will help during the slow times.” I stepped away to getting working. “How did you two like Equestria?” Sunset asked after they got back to Earth. “It was a lovely castle.” Fluttershy said dreamily. “Yeah, needs work outside though.” Dash put her hands behind her head as they got into Sunset’s car. The three continued to talk until they reached Earth's Sugarcube Corner where they were meeting the rest of their friends. “Over here girls.” Rarity, who was already at a table, waved them over. “So did you two really go to another world?” Rarity asked after they all sat down. “Oh yes. It was wonderful. I had the softest fur, silky wings and cute little hooves.” Fluttershy gushed. Rarities eyes went wide, she was still debating if the whole thing wasn’t just a dream. “You two honestly went through a portal to a magical land?” Applejack sat back on her chair. “Huh.” “It’s real AJ.” Sunset spoke up. “Now, I know I asked you girls if you wanted to come with but it looks like that can’t happen for now.” “Why not?” Pinkie and Fluttershy asked sadly. Sunset put her chin on the table. “There’s only about one full day left the portal is open naturally and I don’t know how long it will take to open it on demand. If you come with… you might not come back for years.” All the girls went quiet. “Yeah. Sorry sugar, I can’t be gone that long.” AJ took off her hat. “It’s fine.” Sunset sat back up and waved her off. “Just come say goodbye tomorrow and check in on our building now and then.” Sunset’s last day of school dragged on slowly after breakfast. Once it was over she visited Principal Celestia to say goodbye and hand over her papers. The woman actually gave her a hug and promised her to stop by again if she could which brought tears to Sunset’s eyes. Which her school life behind her she spent the evening packing up her apartment with things she couldn’t do without and planned to bring with to Equestria or store in the warehouse. “Clothes won’t do much good in Equestria but best keep some on this side.” “I really need to thank Silver again for finding us such a great building.” She texted the girl her thanks and about being unavailable for the foreseeable future. Silver replied that she would watch over her accounts and for Sunset to text whenever she could. “I really made some great friends here.”
Ch7. Goodbyes and unexpected travelers.‘Dear Family, If you’re reading this it means I left. It’s not because I don’t love you all but because I finally found a place where I can be who I really want to be. I will be living with wonderful friends in a wonderful home so no need to worry about me. Sadly where I am going cellphones don’t work and I may be unable to communicate for a few years. With all my love, Fluttershy.’ ‘Mom, Dad, Peace out and good luck with your jobs. You’re always spending more time on your careers than me so I’m out. Rainbow Dash’ Fluttershy and Rainbow looked at each other and double checked their packed bags. “Are we really doing this?” Rainbow spoke first. “Yes. My family will understand and yours…” Fluttershy trailed off. “Won’t care, I know.” Rainbow sighed. “But will Sunset and Dusk let us stay?” “They have to. Not like we could go through a closed portal.” Fluttershy was showing her friend more convection than ever before. “And she already offered us to go.” “Wasn’t that when she thought we could go back and fourth any time?” Rainbow’s eyebrow rose. “I’m going.” Fluttershy affirmed as Rainbow sighed. “I’m with you Flutters.” “Pinkie how did you do all this?” Sunset was spinning around and checking out the decked out warehouse. Pinkie Pie had decorated it for a going away party after she had finished her classes. There was now only about two hours left now before the portal closed. “Well I couldn’t let you two just leave without a proper goodbye.” She giggled. “It’s lovely Pinkie thank you.” I gave the girl a hug and she swatted at my chest. “Oh stop it you.” She blushed and skipped off to finish her preparations. I just shook my head and began packing up the last of the supplies we were bringing. “So this is it huh?” Sunset looked towards the door of the portal room. “Yep, we got quiet a lot done in just a few days thanks to Silver’s help. Supplies for a few months, seeds to farm, electronics… heck she got us this awesome place to hide the portal.” “Yeah. Looks like the others are here now too.” The other four showed up and greeted us then we all began partying. It wasn’t anything too wild, mostly just snacking, sharing stories, and planning for the future to get back in touch or watch over the place. “Not enjoying the party?” Pinkie asked. I was currently standing off to the side watching as the others talked and planned. “It’s great Pinkie.” I gave her a pat on the head for some reason. “I just don’t know the girls well enough to really join in.” “But you’re Sunset’s prince right?” She wiggled her eyebrows. That got me to laugh. “We aren’t exactly like that, yet.” “Ohh~ so you want to be.” She practically sang teasingly. “Who wouldn’t.” I shrugged. I wasn’t embarrassed about finding her attractive as a human and an alicorn. “No fun. Dashie always gets embarrassed by love talk.” She crossed her arms. “You two are going to be okay right?” She turned more serious. “I cant help make her smile from a world away.” “It’s going to be a lot of work but yeah, I think we’ll be fine.” I took a swig of the punch Pinkie brought me. “Twilight what are we doing out here again?” Shining Armor asked his younger sister. They were walking through the warehouse district and his sister was on a mission. “I told you. I tracked a strange energy signal to a warehouse around here and I want to investigate. This energy could lead to all kinds of scientific breakthroughs.” Twilight checked the gps on her phone. “We’re here.” “Where I don’t see anything but an old parking lot.” Shining crossed his arms before his sister suddenly disappeared. “Come on.” Twilight grabbed his arm and pulled him towards a building he hadn’t seen a moment ago with cars parked out front. “Is this really goodbye?” Pinkie was hugging Sunset and crying. Dusk had already gone through the portal to give her the last few minutes alone with her friends. “Not forever Pinkie. We will be back remember.”Sunset hugged her back, she and her friends were standing around in the portal room. “What’s going on here?” Twilight and Shining were hiding behind the cracked door. “Alright girls time for me to go.” Sunset gave them each one last hug then stepped through the mirror. “So that’s it then huh. We won’t see her for the next few years.” Applejack held her hat over her heart. “Come on girls let’s get this place cleaned up then locked up.” Applejack led everyone except Rainbow and Fluttershy out. Twilight and her brother quickly hid, shocked at what they just witnessed. After the others had left they began watching the last two unknown girls standing in front of the mirror. “Together?” Rainbow asked after grabbing her bag she had hidden in the room during the party. “Yep.” Fluttershy nodded, grabbing her own. The two then stepped through the mirror leaving Earth behind. “What’s going on here.” Twilight rushed into the now empty portal room and circled the mirror. “Where did they go?” “Twilight I don’t think you should stand so close to that thing.” Shining warned. He wished he had brought his security guard gear. “But I must know how this works. Maybe I can ask the other girls that were here.” As Twilight spoke she looked closely at the ordinary looking mirror. Unfortunately for her, she looked too closely and tumbled right into it. “Twilight!” Shining rushed over but ran into a solid barrier just before the mirror. Banging on the invisible shield he continued to yell her name until the door behind him opened. “What in tarnation?” A country accent rang out. “Oh my, I don’t think he is supposed to be here.” Shining heard a posh accent. He finally turned around looking at the other three girls. “What did you do to my sister Twilight?!?” Shining yelled. He ran over to Applejack intent on grabbing her but found himself on his back. “Where does that mirror lead?” “Calm down darling I’ll go retrieve your sister.” Rarity spoke up. She walked over to the mirror, easily passing through the barrier but ran into the mirror’s solid surface. “Oh my, oh dear.” Rarity rubbed her nose. “The portal already closed…” “Where’s my sister?” Shining growled and the three girls shared a look. “What were you two thinking?” Twilight heard Dusk yelling. She was currently in a dark room unable to see anything. “You’re both now trapped here with us for who knows how long.” “We know okay, but it’s what we wanted.” A girls voice rang out. “I still can’t believe you two secretly followed behind us.” I huffed then calmed down. “It was a smart plan. Waiting a bit after Sunset came through or she would have sent you back. But now we can’t, so welcome new citizens of Equestria. You two are the first.” I finished my ranting at Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. “So when do we learn to fly?” Rainbow flared her wings. “My prince.” She stuck out her tongue. I chuckled, “As soon as the weather…” We suddenly heard another voice. “Hello? It’s quite dark and I’m having trouble standing up. Can someone help me?” Twilight Sparkle’s voice rang out from the castle’s portal room. “I thought you two came alone?!” I panicked. “We did.” Fluttershy and Rainbow said at the same time looking at the door. I slowly opened it with my magic and found just what I feared. A lavender unicorn with similar coloration as my own. One that panicked as soon as she saw three ponies looking at her. “Ahh.” She tried to run back but crashed into the, now solid, mirror knocking herself out. Thank Harmony Sunset reinforced both ends or it would have shattered. Rainbow covered her muzzle with a hoof trying not to laugh while Fluttershy ran over to help her. “Oh, Sunset is going to have a panic attack. First you two and now this.” I shook my head. “Let’s get her to the hospital wing for now.” “What the buck!” All of our ears splayed back as Sunset yelled. I had tracked her down and brought her to the medical wing. “I know.” I replied as Fluttershy tended to our first, and hopefully last, patient. “Why didn’t you send them back?” She threw up her forelegs and a few sparks flew off her horn. “Portal was already closed when I found them. They’re here now for the foreseeable future.” I calmly gave her the facts. “Please don’t be mad with Dusk. It was our choice to come along.” Fluttershy trotted over and gave Sunset a hug, causing her to relax. “Yeah… you know what my home life was like Shimmer so giving that up to fly was a no brainer.” Rainbow gave her a cocky grin. “Fine, you two I can accept but what about her.” She pointed a wing at the sleeping unicorn. “How did she get here?” I shrugged along with the other two. “I honestly have no idea. You fixed the wards right?” “Honestly, I didn’t have time to start over on them just to keep her out. I didn’t think it would be an issue, with us gone and the portal closed so it wouldn’t be giving off a magic signature.” She sheepishly answered. “Well looks like we have one more thing to worry about.” I put a hoof on my nose. “Not it.” Sunset gave me glare. “What, I have to get these two settled in. Come on girls.” I walked out with Fluttershy and Rainbow following behind me. For the second time recently Twilight found herself waking up in a strange place this one looked like a hospital though which was relieving. “Oh thank goodness, it was all just a dream.” “I wouldn’t count on it.” Sunset joked. “Ah, talking horse.” Twilight panicked and got tangled in her bedding before suddenly being enveloped in an orange glow unable to move. “Hey! I am a pony alicorn princess, not a horse!” Sunset untangle the girl freshly turned unicorn. “Sorry.” Twilight squeaked. “Well then Twilight it looks like you really got yourself into trouble again.” Sunset chided. “How do you know my name? And why did you turn me into a pony too?” She held out her fore hooves. “First off, You turned yourself into a pony when you sneaked into our warehouse and passed through our mirror portal. Second, it’s because we have met before.” Sunset flipped her mane with a hoof. “Sunset? But. What?” Twilight might be a genius but even her mind was unable to process all this new stimuli. “Yeah we have a lot to talk about considering you’re now stuck here as our third citizen.” Sunset chuckled. “Alright so you want me to believe that my sister traveled through a magical portal into a world ruled by two magical ponies. Ponies that are currently rebuilding their world with help from our world and your friendship?” Shining summed up. “You girls are insane.” “Look darling you don’t have to believe us but you saw your sister fall through the portal first hand.” Rarity huffed. She was getting tired of trying to explain things even she didn’t fully understand. “Then get her back!” Shining threw up his arms. “We can’t partner. The dang portal only opens every few years according to Princess Sunset and she hasn’t yet found a way to do it when she wants.” Applejack shared in Rarity’s frustration. Pinkie had been no help so they had sent her off to finish cleaning up the place. It didn’t help that they just found out Rainbow and Fluttershy had also gone through the portal via a delayed email sent to all of them. “Fine, then I’m going to the police.” Shining started walking away towards the exit. “And tell them what sugar? ‘Hey my sister fell through a magical mirror and these girls won’t bring her back.’ Real believable story.” Applejack smugly yelled after him. Shining froze. “Then what am I supposed to do?” “Well dear. We plan to keep this place safe until the portal can be opened again… you could start there.” Rarity put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Shining nodded then left without looking back. “Think he’ll keep quiet about all this?” Applejack asked. “Darling he would have to be crazy not to.” Rarity flashed a grin and went to go help Pinkie. Twilight was starting out the window of her new room. She had been given her own guest bedroom near the ones the others were already using. “It looks so bleak outside.” Apparently the entire castle was not in use and only a few areas had been properly reclaimed while the outside was a disaster zone. She was watching the storm that she was told started days ago when Sunset and Dusk ascended. “I’m in a world of magic as a unicorn with magic of my own.” She lightly tapped her horn. “Ruled by a Prince and Princess in charge of the celestial bodies.” She walked to the bed and flopped down on it. “And I am stuck for years as their citizen.” Twilight sighed and cried into her pillow. “Why couldn’t I leave well enough alone.” “You doing alright Sunset?” I got into bed next to her. I had offered to take another room yet she didn’t want to be alone saying ‘ponies often snuggled with their friends’. Heck we could both use the company. “No, our plans are already being messed up.” She sighed and hid her head under my wing. “True.” I laid my head on her back. “We’re going to have to focus on farming more than I expected versus getting the portal in working order or other activities as we have more mouths to feed. Granted we now have three helpers even if they know even less about being a pony than I do.” I chuckled. “You at least got the basics of everything from Harmony.” Her voice was muffled. “And while I haven’t flown before I was born a unicorn who remembers all her magic lessons.” “True. At least I honestly never expected our plans to work out perfectly in the first place. This is just our first challenge but it also gave a fairly big opportunity.” I raised my wing and gave her a nuzzle causing her to blush. “Yeah…” we didn’t speak any longer. Instead we lit our horns and transitioned Equestria from Day into night. Hopefully this storm breaks soon and we’ll be able to actually watch a sunset together.
Ch8. Day one.“Morning everypony.” Sunset grumbled. She was the last one to show up to breakfast having fallen back asleep for a bit, after she did her part for the exchanging of Moon and Sun. “Morning Sunshine.” I cheeky replied. She growled playfully a bit at that remark. “Morning Sunset.” Rainbow spoke with a mouthful of pancakes causing her smile to return. “Morning.” Twilight and Fluttershy replied. “Morning girls and Dusk. So, today you three.” Sunset used her wings to motion at the newly minted mares. “Will be learning the basics of how to be a pony. It is a lot different that being human with some perks, like no periods, and some detriments, like yearly heat seasons. Once all that’s out of the way we can move onto magic for you Twilight.” She began digging into the pancakes I passed her. “I really get to learn magic?” She looked up at her horn while Sunset replied with a nod. “What about us learning to fly?” Rainbow fluffed her wings. She had already finished her breakfast and was excited to get moving. “I’ll be taking care of that.” I answered. I’m glad Harmony didn’t skimp on flight knowledge compared to magic, probably figured I would have to teach Sunset. “I’ll also be teaching you girls to preen your wings though it looks like you’re doing decent Fluttershy.” “My birds need help sometimes, luckily pony wings aren’t much different.” Fluttershy held one out showing some impressive control of her nicely groomed wing. “Anyway Sunset, what do you want me doing while you handle ‘girl talk’?” I tried doing air quotes with my hooves. “Well the storm is still going.” She tapped her chin. “Maybe finish organizing our supplies? I wouldn’t explore the rest of the castle alone until I take care of the wards.” “Sounds good.” I went back to my breakfast. “Alright you three.” Sunset started. She had lead the girls back to the suite Rainbow and Fluttershy were using. “First things first, a basic intro to being a pony and using your hooves. I noticed you all having trouble with eating at breakfast.” She picked up pen from the desk with her hoof While Fluttershy blushed. “Fascinating, how do you get it to stick like that.” Twilight looked closely at Sunset’s hoof. “Magic, specifically my TK field. Everypony has two types of magic, the basic TK field and the race specific magic. The TK field is used for lifting items with our hooves and provides just as much control as hands once you get good enough. You can also use it to balance items on your back or even stick things to your sides.” She lifted a book then stuck it to her side and used her field to slide it onto her back. “Most ponies don’t bother with that much control, especially unicorns since they have levitation, but it comes in handy and you can still use it while casting spells.” “So what’s the other types?” Rainbow looked impressed by the display while Fluttershy just watched normally. “Well for you and Fluttershy you have Pegasus magic which includes weather manipulation, cloud walking, flying, and enhanced vision. As for Twilight she has general magic like levitating objects and learning spells. We don’t have any Earth ponies but they have enhanced strength, stamina, and endurance along plant or nature magic. There’s a few other types of ponies but they were rare even before the disaster.” Sunset finished her basic explanation. Fluttershy raised her hoof. “So what about alicorns like you and Dusk?” “We are a mix of every type of pony so we get every type along with a much larger wellspring of power.” Sunset smiled. “Awesome! How can I become an Alicorn?” Rainbow excitedly got into her face. “Sorry Dash.” Sunset pushed her away with a hoof. “Not even I know that. Normal ponies can ‘Ascend’ into alicorns but the method isn’t known. I only became one when Harmony Ascended me into one as the last Equestrian mare left.” She became extremely downcast for a moment then shook her head. The girls all exchanged glances at the scene. “Hey, it’s alright girls. At least I’m not alone.” She gave a sad smile and the three gave her a hug. Even Twilight awkwardly joined in. “Alright let’s get you girls training those hooves.” Sunset broke the hug and passed them each a few pens to manipulate. The girls immediately got to work trying to old them along with other objects in the room. “Let’s see here.” I was hovering a clipboard in my magic and checking items off my list. “Food will be a bit tight with the extra mouths to feed but the extra hooves will be worth it.” I tapped the pen on my chin. “Luckily everything transitioned safely, I was worried magic would damage the electronics. I do hope the library survived since the movies we brought won’t last forever and there were only a few advanced spell books in Celestia’s room.” We had yet to find much other useful literature around the castle, aside from the journal, in our brief searches. Continuing to check the supplies we had brought, “Hmm, we will need to plant these seeds soon else we will have to ration. Should be able to just turn the old garden outside into a small farm as the greenhouse is already full.” I set down my list after getting everything organized and began unpacking the leisure items. “Hmm the solar panels won’t work until this storm finally passes but the batteries should last long enough.” I took the electronics back to our suite in order to set them up and overheard the girls practicing. Once I finished unpacking everything that needed to be unpacked I decided to explore a bit even after Sunsets warning. Most of the castle was actually quite ordinary until I reached the throne room. “Wow the show didn’t do it justice.” As I looked around I got a bit worried when I spotted the throne. “Celestia must have really been upset.” The backrest of her golden throne was half melted into slag and there were four melted hoof prints on the floor where she must have stood. It was a testament to the castle’s construction that the rest of the room was untouched aside from a few singed banners. “I guess I should be glad she didn’t burn it all down and make it harder on Sunset and I to repair.” I stopped to look at the last stain glass window in the procession of history that should have included Twilight saving Luna. The spot now contained a window of Celestia mourning in a graveyard with the sun high in the sky and the moon under her hooves. The design was clearly different from the rest. “The survivors must have made it as a final reminder.” I found myself tearing up even though this wasn’t originally my home after reading it’s placard ‘Celestia’s lament’. “Dusk you in here?” Sunset came through the doors. “There you are we’re fin…” she strode over withe the others and they all started up at the same window I was looking at with somber expressions. “Mom really gave up didn’t she.” Sunset sniffed. “Just let the world burn after her family was gone.” I pulled her close with a wing and the others joined in with a nuzzle. None of us really noticed how long we sat there until Rainbow’s stomach growled. “Hehe, sorry guess it’s lunch time.” “Yes lunch.” Fluttershy clapped her hooves together and began hovering. “How about I cook since Dusk kindly did it this morning.” With impressive control the peagsus floated out the door towards the kitchen. “Did she just fly?” Rainbow eventually asked and we all gave a nod before following along to the dining room. “So how did the training go?” I asked as we all sat down. Sunset was about to answer before Twilight beat her too it. “Oh it was wonderful, Sunset is a great teacher and I can already use utensils again.” Twilight demonstrated with a fork as Sunset blushed. “Yeah, being a Pony ain’t so bad.” Rainbow puffed up. “Still kind of strange to not wear clothes.” “Not wear…” It was Twilight’s turn to blush as she glanced my way as the other two laughed. She was saved further embarrassment by Fluttershy bringing in bowls of soup with crackers balanced impressively upon a tray on her back. “Eat up everyone.” Fluttershy smiled as Sunset helped out, using her magic to distribute the meals. “So, how were the supplies?” Sunset asked while eating. “They all made it through safely however…” I didn’t know how to proceed. “What?” She stopped eating and focused more on me. “Well, with three extra ponies food will run out faster.” “Oh my. Should I eat less?” Fluttershy asked. “Are we going to starve?” Rainbow looked worried. “No, no. We should be fine so long as we focus more on growing food before any other plans, like exploring, first.” I placated and the others sighed in relief. “I can make us a meal plan!” Twilight shot up from the table and ran into the kitchen. “Guess that’s one plan.” Sunset laughed. “Why don’t the rest of us go practice flying?” She asked wile levitating our dishes into the kitchen a yelling towards Twilight. “Twilight practice your levitation while doing the dishes please!” “Okay.” Was the only response before we heard a crash of a dish followed by ‘oops’. “So what’s first? Hovering or maybe laps?” Rainbow excitedly asked after we made it into the large ballroom we planned to practice in. “Rainbow let him talk.” Fluttershy quietly admonished while Sunset tittered. I coughed into my hoof. “To be honest I’m not exactly sure where to start. Fluttershy already has preening down so she should probably teach you girls as it can be quite… intimate.” This got a blush from all three. “So how about gliding.” I walked up the stairs to the balcony and jumped off with flared wings for a nice landing. “Nice and simple see. And I can catch you with magic if you’re worried about falling.” We spent the next few hours practicing gliding and other flight techniques. The girls all learned quite quick, probably because of the portals magic, and we eventually stopped once Twilight showed up. “Well I have good news and bad news.” Twilight started as we gathered around her. “I finished my list and we have only three months worth of food, on a set schedule, and without snacks.” “Um Twilight, what’s the good news?” Fluttered meekly asked. “I just told you. I finished my list.” Twilight gave a proud smile. Rainbow groaned. “Great, so we will starve, there’s no way we can grow food that fast.” The three former human girls looked worried. “Um girls, you’re forgetting we’re ponies. We can eat hay or grass, which grows quickly, for part of our diet and with Dusk’s and my Earth pony magic we can help plants grow for the other food items. We also brought a few saplings so they are a bit ahead.” Sunset smiled. Twilight tried to do a face palm. “Right, I forgot to take our new diet into account.” Twilight did a few mental calculations before nodding. “Grass? Sounds gross.” Rainbow huffed. “It’s good. Depending on how you season it you won’t even notice.” Sunset poked her with a hoof. “Unless you prefer starving?” Sunset raised an eyebrow. Rainbow grumbled. “Fine.” After a quick dinner we all got together in Sunset’s and my suite to play a board game and relax. This also allowed the girls to practice their hoof control. While the first day hadn’t been very stressful we all knew the work was just starting.
Ch8.5 those left behind.“Shining have you seen your sister today?” Shining Armor and his girlfriend Cadence were eating dinner with his parents after a frustrating day at Crystal Prep when he flinched at his mother’s question. “Twilight?” He nervously put his fork to his mouth with nothing on it. “Yes!~ who else would I be referring too? I know something is up with that girl. She hasn’t texted me all day after spending time with you.” Twilight Velvet huffed. “And it’s not like her to forget to feed Spike.” Shining set down his utensils and took a calming breath as his parents shared a worried look. “She’s been trapped in another world after being sucked through a magical mirror.” He said with complete seriousness. His parents both laughed as Cadence just guffawed. “Okay son. That was a good one but where is she?” Night Light asked after catching his breath. When Shining just kept a straight face he began to get worried again. “Son?” “It wasn’t a joke dad. I can take you guys after dinner.” He took another bite while the three stared at him silently. Fluttershy’s mother, read her daughter’s note for the third time. They had already called the police which had proved fruitless when they said there was nothing they could do as she was legally an adult and left behind a note. Mr. Shy held his wife closely as their son Zepher remained quiet for the first time in weeks. Ms. Shy eventually pulled herself together and grabbed her phone to try calling the one person she knew would know where her daughter might be. Her daughter’s friend Pinkie. “Oh hello Fluttershy’s mom what can I help you with?” She asked bubbly. “Pinkie we need to talk.” Pinkie had never been more scared of the shy friendly woman. Rainbow Dash’s note sat untouched upon the kitchen Island of her family’s luxury apartment. “So what exactly do you thinks we should be doing?” Applejack threw a ball up then caught it. She and Rarity were currently sitting in the warehouse after deciding it would also make a good place to hang out before school. Rarity looked up from her sketchbook. “Whatever do you mean darling?” “I mean.” AJ set the ball down and looked at her. “How can we help our friends instead of just sitting on our backsides?” “At this point I don’t think there’s anything we can do, or at least not until Sunset gets the portal back open.” Rarity sighed then Jumped in her chair when there was a banging on the outside door. “Rares’, Sunset said only we could find this place right and only we could open the doors thanks to that magic of hers?” Applejack asked, spooked. “Yes that should be the case.” She answered before another round of banging. “Girls open up.” Shining yelled through the door as another, female voice asked what they were doing. Rarity and Applejack shared a look then tentatively opened the door before Shining Armor burst inside followed by another young woman and two adults. “Shining Armor what are you doing and what is this place?” Velvet asked her son. “This is where the portal is mom.” He looked around a bit frantically. “I’m so sorry girls my son is a bit…” Velvet stared to apologize before really noticing the two teenagers who looked like deer in headlights. “Shining you get back here.” He was already at the portal room door followed by a nervous looking Cadence. She had never seen her fiancée like this. “You. Applejack I need you to explain I’m not crazy to my parents about where Twilight is.” He had rushed back over and stood in front of her. “Please.” “Shining! Enough, just be honest about where your sister is already.” Night Light was growing impatient. “No more fantasies about magic mirrors.” “Um actually sir.” Rarity raised her hand. “That’s exactly where Twilight went along with some of our other friends.” The whole room went quiet enough to hear a pin drop. “Ha told you.” Shining donned a smug look. Applejack sighed. “If you’re all her kin I guess it’s only right we tell ya but just know ya can’t go blabbering to anyone else or she might not be able to come back.” Applejack walked over to the Portal room and unlocked the door using the newer keypad. Once the door was open she and Rarity waved them over and showed the group the mirror. “This here mirror leads to a whole other world of magic. We don’t fully understand it as it’s owners had to leave back through it but they left it in our care.” Applejack spoke but without giving Sunset’s or Dusk’s names. “You must be joking it’s just a…” Velvet tried to touch it but the barrier around it stopped her. “What is this?” She banged on it a few more times. “Ah yes, that would be it’s protection.” Rarity easily touched the mirror with her hand then withdrew it. “Only friends of the owners may touch it or pass through the barrier similar to how only we or people who have been here before can see the warehouse.” She shot Shining a look and realized that’s how they all found the place. Sunset had figured they might need further assistance in the future but couldn’t add a way to remove people without redoing the entire enchantment. “So our baby is really gone?” Velvet tearfully asked while pushing on the shimmering shield. “Afraid so, Our friend said the portal only opens naturally about every two and a half years and it just closed. They’re working on a way to manually open it and we do have a means of communicating with um.” Applejack pointed at a journal that was sitting on a shelf attached to a book chain. Velvet tried reaching for it but it had a similar enchantment but this one shocked. “Ouch.” Rarity hissed. “Sorry Madam it’s also enchanted. We could send a message for you though.” Rarity grabbed the book and pen and began writing out a message to Sunset and Twilight. “We have a lot to talk about you two.” Cadence finally joined the conversation and caused the two to gulp.
Ch9. Day two.The storm had finally ended and the five us were sitting outside on one of the castle’s many balconies overlooking the city proper. The weather was finally getting closer to what Spring should have been in Equestria after the rain cooled everything off so we had decided to eat breakfast outside. “What a dump.” Rainbow broke the silence while we looked over the city from the railing after eating. “Rainbow!” Fluttershy and I shot her a look. “What?” She shrugged. “Look at it out there.” She motioned with her forehooves. “No, it is a bit…” Sunset didn’t want to finish as she looked over Canterlot. “Decrepit, destroyed, destitute, dilapidated?” Twilight listened, apparently stuck on the letter ‘D’. “I was going to say rundown but thank you Twilight.” Sunset sarcastically replied with an agitated flick of her tail. “You’re welcome.” She smiled, missing the sarcasm Causing the rest of us to groan quietly. “Honestly it’s not as bad as I feared.” The girls all looked my way when I spoke up. “Sure almost all the buildings have heat or fire damage but at least the important structures like the Library and utility building look intact.” I pointed out. Both buildings were in similar shape to the castle, probably due to their higher level enchantments. Plenty of mansions looked to still be intact for similar reasons, even if they most likely had been cleared out in the exodus making them basically useless. “Oh and the train station looks in relatively good shape too.” “Library?” Was all Twilight heard. ”And look, there’s some green out there.” Rainbow pointed off in the distance towards the Everfree forest. It was hardly a forest at this point but a swath of trees were still alive at it’s core with more sporting fresh buds. “I should have know that forest would survive.” Sunset begrudgingly smiled. “Why’s that?” Twilight asked With a tilt of her head. “The Everfree has been filled with wild magic for centuries causing all kinds of strange phenomena and is home to all kinds of wild animals and beasts, or it was. To bad we can’t really use it for anything except maybe wood.” She sighed. “Looking at it all really makes you realize how much work there is.” Fluttershy gulped. They all too another look over the now muddy landscape, crumbling buildings, and other issues around the city and beyond. “Well we do have a plan in place At least.” Sunset proudly stated. “We do?” Twilight’s eyes sparkled at the thought of proper plans. “Yep.” Sunset nodded. “Step one is securing the castle and getting our food growing. Step two getting the portal unlocked so we can travel whenever we want. Step three is somehow finding volunteers to move here.” Rainbow held up her hooves. “Hold up, aren’t those some fairly big steps?” “Yes~?” Sunset winced as she held the ‘s’. “Just checking.” Rainbow nodded at the accepted answer while Twilight’s jaw hung open. “There will of course be more to it than that however we don’t exactly have the best details for the plan.” I spoke up trying to calm Twilight down as her eye twitched. “Plan? That’s hardly an outline.” She finally had enough and yelled while throwing her hooves up so fast she rolled onto her back, mumbling about getting stuck in pony land with no plans. “Just remember you followed us.” Sunset booped her nose causing Twilight’s eyes to cross. “Lets just focus on today shall we?” I smiled at their antics as Rainbow and Fluttershy were having a side conversation. “Please tell me you have a proper plan then?” Twilight begged as she sat back up. “The start of one yes. I figured you and Sunset could get working on fixing the wards to recognize only our magical signatures while myself and these two.” I motioned to Rainbow and Fluttershy who began paying attention again. “We will scout out a good place on the grounds to start farming and maybe practice some more flying.” “Sounds great.” Rainbow smiled at the idea of more flight practice. “That is a good idea, what about keeping in contact though?” Sunset rubbed her chin. “I brought walkies.” I smiled before reminding her of all the other tech I brought. The other girls looked surprised. “Wait you brought computers and movies to a magical land?” Rainbow laughed. “Hey you’re going to thank me after a few months.” I smirked as she stopped laughing while Fluttershy just nodded. Twilight had gained a contemplative look and said she could work with that under her breath. “Well now that we have a plan let’s get moving.” Sunset grabbed the remnants of breakfast in her magic and we followed her inside. “So what exactly are we looking for here?” Rainbow had gotten the hang of hovering and was following along with Fluttershy and I as we traversed the castle grounds. “Mainly just an open area we can start a large food garden.” I looked around. There were statues, dead plants, and other remains that was making the search difficult. “What if we just cleared out a spot?” Fluttershy asked while looking at the dead remains of the hedge maze. Rainbow added in her agreement with Fluttershy. I shook my head, “we could. I was just hoping to find an easier place to start without having to clear an area. Especially considering…” I pulled the walkie from my saddle bag and pressed the talk button. “Hey Sunset? Over.” I released the button. “Yeah? Over.” She eventually responded and I could hear her chuckling. “Do you care if we move any of the statues around or anything. There’s not as much open space as I was hoping for. Over.” The other girls chuckled at us using walkies in the age of cellphones. “Sure. I would rather have plenty to eat than worry about how the castle grounds look out there. Now I need to get back to focusing so over and out.” I put the device back in my bag and focused back on Rainbow and Fluttershy. “Guess that answers that.” We continued the search and eventually found a good spot to clear out near one of the fountains after considering it would be useful as a water source. The first thing to go was all the dead bushes and plants. I ripped them up using magic while the other two piled them onto a freshly made bonfire and all of us chatting idly. After Sunset put the radio away she turned back towards Twilight who had been taking notes. “Now where we’re we?” Sunset tapped her chin. “You were just explaining the various wards on the castle and how you’re changing them.” Twilight answered. “Right.” Sunset clapped her hooves. “So the castle wards are very unique. They allow for the Princess, her staff, or any other people to enter most areas without issue and can be modified, relatively easily, to add and remove ponie’s access to various rooms.” “Kind of like a bunch of accounts of various permissions for the same computer.” Twilight didn’t look up from her notes. “Um, right. Anyway what we are doing is removing everyone except the five of us from the wards so we can enter and exit the private areas of the castle without issues and our magic won’t be limited anywhere. Not that mine currently is but the rest of you do have limits.” Sunset lit her horn and began modifying some of the magic, the gems around her neck glowed faintly as she worked. “Limited?” Twilight looked up from her notes. “Yeah, unknown to the public, the wards around the castle weaken the magic of anyone not on the ‘list’, for lack of a better term, while the guards and such are unencumbered. I myself currently have the highest authority over all the wards as Celestia’s daughter which is why I can modify them without much trouble. Even if it’s time consuming to do every area.” “What would happen if I had tried?” Twilight’s academic curiosity getting the best of her. “It depends. In most of the lower security areas it would trigger an alarm if you couldn’t overcome the ward. In other areas, like the vault, it would knock you out and give you quite the shock of pain.” She slowly replied as she finished the section she had been working on. “Why even have wards if they just sound an alarm?” Twilight asked. “Well that’s not all they do. Like I mentioned, Anyone not on the list has their magic restricted so things like teleportation and other large spells won’t work on the castle grounds. It gets fairly complicated on a place like this which has wards built up over hundreds of years. Simpler wards normally can’t be modified after the fact, so you have to dispel them and replace them with new ones that have your changes.” “Wait.” Twilight scratched her head as they stopped walking to the next ward point. “So why would anyone bother with wards that you can’t modify later?” “Oh many reasons, mostly it’s cost. The magic cost and the cost of proper materials you can embed the wards into. Have you noticed how all the hallways have gold trim?” Sunset posted it out. “That’s not just a design choice, gold is a great magical conductor with silver then copper being next in line. The gold allows for magic to flow into the wards easier through the castle walls from us Alicorns.” “So you’re powering all the wards right now?” Twilight looked shocked as Sunset shook her head. “Not exactly. The wards collect the excess ambient magic and store it so they can last a really long time without maintenance but, they are significantly better off if an alicorn like Mom or myself is around to help power them directly especially if they come under attack.” Sunset motioned for them to continue walking. “This is all making a good amount of sense.” Twilight followed along while writing more notes. “By the way I meant to ask earlier but what are those gems around your neck? I noticed Dawn has a set as well he doesn’t always wear and they don’t look like just decoration.” “These are the elements of Harmony.” She lifted up the necklace with her hoof. “Each gem is a powerful artifact that have been around as long as anyone can remember. The represent core values of pony kind.” Sunset continued her explanation as Twilight listened intently. “So, what now?” Rainbow asked. They now had a significant part of the area cleared out of plants and artwork. “Now, we take a break.” I huffed. I had used quit a bit of magic ripping up dead plants then moving statues and benches around. “I’ll go get us some lunch.” Fluttershy then flew off towards the castle. “So do you really think we can restore this place?” Rainbow sat down next to me and looked over our work. The fire was still burning strong as we would need the ashes for fertilizer. “Honestly. I don’t know. Sure we can restore the buildings and the land but it’s the ponies we can’t easily bring back. A city is only as good as those that live in it after all.” Rainbow nudged my side just as Fluttershy came back with some pasta. “Here you go.” She said sweetly and laid out the food. “Thanks Fluttershy.” Rainbow and I both said while digging in. When we finally finished and the fire had burned out we began spreading the ashes on the freshly cleared area and I used my magic to till the soil. Rainbow and Fluttershy followed behind planting seeds though not without complaints. “I can’t believe I’m doing farm work. We really should have brought AJ along.” Rainbow had just finished a row. “You know she couldn’t leave like we could Dash.” Fluttershy tapped another stake into the ground for the row of tomatoe plants. “Yeah I know. I would just rather be doing weather work.” She sighed. “Well you’re about to get your chance.” I said, having just finished planting my own row of seeds. “It’s time to water everything.” “Um, didn’t it just stop raining?” Fluttershy meekly asked. “Yes but we are doing it mostly to add our magic into the water and soil.” I lead them over to the fountain that was running after the rain had refilled everything. “First things first you two, making a cloud. I read up on the process myself so we’ll all be learning.” “Wait you haven’t done this either?” Rainbow looked surprised. “Nope. Now we need to slowly swirl the air above the water and pull the moisture into a small ‘seed cloud’ first.” We all began trying to form a cloud when. “I got one.” Rainbow held a small cloud in her hooves just before I got mine. Fluttershy was having a harder time but eventually made one. “Great job Rainbow. Okay now that we all have a seed we slowly add some water to them for making rain clouds.” The clouds quickly expanded as we added the water. Eventually we stopped once they were a reasonable size and moved on. “Next we just tap them with our hooves and think ‘rain’ while hitting them and let them rain over the seeds.” Fluttershy was a bit nervous to hit her cloud at first but once they were all raining and shrinking we got the fields watered. Rainbow hoped up on here’s before it was completely gone and had it stop raining then yelled out. “This is awesome! I’m riding on a cloud. Oh man is this thing soft.” She nuzzled it then began snoring moments later. Fluttershy and I laughed at that before we laid on our own clouds and cooed at the softness. “It’s like laying on a…” Fluttershy stared saying before her eyes went wide. “It is a cloud!” Her unexpected shout caused Rainbow to snort. “I’m up, I’m up.” I laughed at there antics then released my cloud into the sky. “Why let it go like that?” Rainbow tilted her head, still atop her own cloud. “Well I just remembered something, since clouds we make are filled with Pegasus magic, by releasing it above the castle it will help keep the weather in check. One won’t really do much but if we make some more.~” I smiled and Rainbow got the hint and released hers. The three of us the proceeded to make clouds until dinner. “Why are there so many wards? I hope the others work is going smoothly.” Sunset huffed. “Is it really that difficult?” Twilight had finished her notes and was instead practicing her magic by floating two small objects in an orbit around her. “Not really, it’s just the amount of points you have to modify. I can’t just change the castle wards all in one go since they were designed against that kind of tampering.” She sighed. “I’m surprised the princess didn’t have a way to change them all at once.” Twilight tapped her chin. “Like a master key or something.” “If she did mom never told me about it. We at least made some good progress today.” Sunset checked off a box of her own list. She had managed to reconfigure about a fourth of the castle’s primary wards already. “Sorry I couldn’t be more help. Maybe I should have helped the others with the garden.” Twilight’s ears fell. “Nah you were great company and kept me on task.” Sunset bumped her. “I would have gone crazy doing this alone. Besides you’re practicing your magic in order to be more helpful in the future for this kind of work and that’s a great use of time.” Twilight perked up at that. “Yeah. Thanks Sunset.” “No problem Twi. Now why don’t we go meet up with the others for dinner. It’s about that time.” Sunset’s stomach grumbled.
Ch10. Day three.“Mmm, Shy not there.” I heard Rainbow dash moan causing Sunset and I to pause before knocking on their door. We were about to collect them for breakfast. “Oh but Dashie I just can’t stop, you’re so cute.” Fluttershy giggled. “Should, should we knock?” Sunset blushed a bit while looking my way. I shrugged with a smirk. “I’d rather not intrude on their fun but we also don’t want them missing breakfast and messing up the rationing schedule.” “Have you gotten Rainbow and Fluttershy yet?” Twilight walked up behind us and we shook our heads. “Fine I’ll get them.” Twilight used her limited magic to open the door just as Rainbow moaned again. Out of curiosity we all peaked inside while Twilight blushed furiously. Fluttershy had Rainbow Dash pinned the the floor and was massaging her back and wing muscles. “Oh Hello everyone. Rainbow had some really sore flight muscles so I’m giving her a massage.” Fluttershy smiled and said after spotting us. “Um, would either of you like one next?” Rainbow, with her slowly wagging tail and dopey look, was so invested in Fluttershy’s ministrations she hadn’t noticed us yet. We all went “oh,” after realizing what was going on and Sunset replied. “Maybe later Shy, we were just coming to get you both for breakfast.” “Breakfast?” Rainbow finally cracked an eye at that point and jumped up looking embarrassed. “This isn’t what it looks like.” We all just laughed and left Dash and Shy to get ready. “Bah, I’m telling you guys I don’t think of Flutters that way.” She tried defending herself at breakfast again. “Mhm.” Sunset nodded. “Sure~.” “wait, you don’t like me?” Fluttershy fake sniffled getting in on the teasing. Human Fluttershy was more bold than her pony counterpart. “Wha? No, of course I like you Shy!” Rainbow held up her hooves. “Oh, that’s good.” Fluttershy gave her a friendly nuzzle. “I like you too.” We all giggled again as Rainbow blushed and grumbled. “So wait are you two dating?” Twilight asked seriously with a tilt of her head causing Fluttershy to blush while Sunset and I laughed harder. “What?” “No Twilight we’re not dating.” Rainbow eventually answered then she and Shy slowly started eating as did Sunset and I after our laughing fit. “Oh, okay.” Twilight nodded then finished eating her portion. “So, what’s on the agenda today.” I asked, trying to get us on task. “Well, Twilight and I planned to head into the city and scavenge the library.” Sunset levitated away all our dishes and followed them into the kitchen. “Oh I want to go.” Rainbow spoke loud enough for Sunset to hear. “Sounds like our first actual adventure.” “You mean aside from jumping into a magical portal?” Fluttershy mumbled. “Actually that’s not a bad idea. We should all go for safety reasons.” I chipped in. “Who knows how the rest of the city is really holding up.” All of us sat at the castle’s front gate wearing saddle bags containing a packed lunch and other supplies we might need for the day trip out. We looked around the deserted city, none of us really wanting to step out first, granted only Sunset really knew the way. “Alright let’s get moving I guess.” Sunset sighed. I could tell from how she looked the whole scene was really rough on her. Following behind her we all kept our ears on a swivel. “It’s like a zombie movie.” Dash commented as we moved through Canterlot. “A whole abandoned city with only a few survivors.” “Zombies?” Fluttershy pushed up close against my side to hide under my wing. I gave her a comforting side hug before she walked on her own again. “While I doubt there are zombies it is a bit eerie to think we’re the only ones alive in such a massive city.” Twilight adjusted her bag. “Just a few years ago this place would have been filled with ponies going about their day.” Sunset sighed. “Now it’s practically a relic.” “Did you live here as well Dusk?” Twilight asked. “No. I was brought here when Sunset returned, remember? Oh wait I only explained that to the others… anyway, I used to be human as well but from yet another version of earth.” I explained the rest to her as we walked. When we finally arrived at the library Twilight was all caught up and begged to study the elements later on, a request I denied adamantly. The library itself was in much better condition than the surrounding area thanks to its wards. Sunset took it upon herself to renew said wards while the rest of us looked around. “I’m glad this place survived.” I almost jumped out of my fur when Sunset spoke from behind me. When I caught my breath. “Yeah, did you find the books you need to keep working on the portal?” “A few.” She patted her saddle bag. “The rest are probably in the restricted section which won’t be easy to get in too. Can you lend a horn?” “Sure.” I tapped my horn on hers as if actually helping that way. She had been right it wasn’t easy getting what we needed. While the girls had been gathering useful or interesting books to bring back to the castle Sunset and I spent all day undoing security wards or just breaking them with raw power that would need to be replaced later. It was draining work and by the time we finished we were both sweating. “Oh my, you both look awful.” Fluttershy grabbed some rags to help wipe off our sweat. “Thanks Flutters. That was a pain.” I slumped down on the cool floor. “At least we got in finally.” Sunset slumped down as well. “Was it really that difficult?” Twilight closely examined the now open gate. “It looks like an ordinary old gate.” “Yeah now it is. That thing had enough security wards to kill an average unicorn if they tried what we did. Considering it could weaken two alicorns, even if we are young ones, it was no joke.” Sunset stretched out as Twilight stepped back from the gate. “Ug, lowering the sun will be a pain tonight.” “It’s safe now Twilight.” I soothingly pat her withers after standing back up. “As long as Sunset or are are close enough for the remaining wards to recognize our presence at least.” She relaxed a bit as Sunset stepped forward. “Well let’s get what we came for. To bad this was the easy part.” “Wait, why was breaking into a super secure restricted section of the library the easy part?” I hadn’t noticed Rainbow had joined us until she asked her question. “It will probably take weeks of research before I can open the portal at will instead of relying on its natural cycle.” She replied while hunting for the needed research material. “Weeks I won’t be able to assist with other tasks if that’s what we focus on.” She pulled out a few books. We returned to the castle heavily laden with books in the late evening. Luckily, well not luck as Sunset and I had decided to put off exchanging the celestial bodies, the sun had remained up our entire trip. We had decided to put off moving them until we returned once we realized there was no one around to complain about a half hour extra of daylight. Oh how wrong we were. “Ug, is the moon complaining to you as well Dusk? The sun won’t shut up about him not being moved on time.” Sunset rubbed her temples after we finally unpacked our bags. “She’s being patient but worried. Let’s move them and apologize for not keeping on schedule before it gets worse.” I lit my horn at the same time she did and night descend over the city. “Never missing the scheduled again.” Sunset huffed and plopped down on the bed. “Agreed.” I plopped down next to her. It had become comfortable without either of us noticing or wanting to acknowledge our cuddling out loud. Twilight watched from her room as the sun went down and the moon rose. She still couldn’t believe she was in a magical land of ponies helping restore a land that was on the verge of becoming extinct. “I miss you Mom and Dad. Shiny not as much.” She laughed to herself as she got into bed. Fluttershy and Rainbow both got into bed and began cuddling. Contrary to Fluttershy’s teasing she knew Rainbow could never be romantically involved. Yes they loved each other but it was more as close sisters who had been there for each other over the years. Dash as the protector and Shy as a shoulder to lean on. “Night dash.” Fluttershy gave her sister a nuzzle. “Night Shy.” Rainbow blushed, not quite sure of those facts herself anymore.
CH12. There be Dragons.We all pinned back our ears at the noise. “Get inside!” Sunset yelled as she raised the castle’s shield as the three ran inside. “Think it’s hostile?.” I had stayed behind with Sunset and was helping power up the shield, crystals would power it once fully raised. “Ponies and dragons had a tenuous relationship at best when I left and considering what happened because of mom abandoning her duty, I wouldn’t doubt it.” She kept her eyes on the sky. “It looks small though.” I noticed as it started circling the castle. “Shouldn’t be an issue.” “Ponies! Meet at your front gate or we will attack.” A female voice rang out. “We?” Sunset whispered but then we noticed more shadows. “Should I reply?” I nodded. “I’ll follow your lead princess.” Considering the situation, acting formal felt right. “We will meet you there!” Sunset yelled back to the dragon. “Sunset is everything alright?” Fluttershy looked worried as we walked back inside. “The dragons are here and apparently want to talk.” Sunset didn’t stop and I followed close behind. “Dragons?” Rainbow sounded excited and nervous. “Awesome.” “Not awesome, if they blame ponies for the state of the planet it means trouble.” Twilight pointed out. “Right, not awesome what can we do?” Rainbow and the others followed along. “You girls should hide while Dusk and I handle this.” Sunset adjusted her regalia as I put mine on as well. “Not a chance.” Rainbow flew into her face. “Dash I don’t think...” I cut Sunset off. “Let them come, but you three need to stay quiet and behind me, got it?” I gave them a look and they all nodded. “Good. Well Rainbow here’s your adventure.” Sunset looked unsure but didn’t argue as we made our ways outside. “Took you ponies long enough.” The female dragon huffed, a lick of fire danced upon our castles’ shield as she stood outside the front gate. The other dragon’s stood behind her or if they were too large, remained circling. “Hello, I am Sunset Shimmer the new princess of the sun.” She nodded politely as she went through introductions. “This is prince Dusk Shine of the moon.” I nodded. “ And finally our three citizens. What can we help you with and may I have your name?” Sunset kept a surprisingly polite tone for the situation. All the dragons behind the leader laughed until the female leader held up her claws to silence them. “Ember. Dragon lord.” She huffed without any concern for politeness and pointed a claw behind herself. “My dragons.” “I see, and what can we help you with Dragon lord Ember?” Sunset continued to smile but from her side I could tell she was getting nervous. “You can start by giving us her.” One of the male dragons pointed a claw at Fluttershy as he licked his lips. This started another round of laughter from the males and eye rolls from the females of the group before Ember gave him a glare. “You ponies broke the treaty of keeping the sun and moon moving. So, I’m here to collect on your debt. Because of you ponies there’s nothing to eat except gems or rodents.” Ember tapped on the shield. Sunset looked at a loss of what to say so I stepped forward. “No.” “No?” Ember raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean, no?” “I mean that no, we are not responsible.” I couldn’t lie but also didn’t have to tell the whole truth of Celestia’s decline or Sunset’s relationship to her. “All of the original ponies of Equis died, so harmony brought us here to get things going again. Have you even heard of a male alicorn before today?” I raised my own eyebrow in return. “Those original ponies are the ones who failed, not us.” This earned a few murmurs from the group. “Then why are you in the pony capital, in their castle?” Ember looked like she might be buying my explanation but not fully. I shrugged. “Why waste a good castle?” I got a few laughs. “In all seriousness though harmony led me here. The castle had a surviving greenhouse which we have been able to use for our food.” I still told no lies. “And what about our food?” Another dragon, this time female, asked. “Sorry, but we can’t magically revive the animals back. Perhaps enough survived elsewhere to repopulate once the plants start returning.” I knew we could use the mirror to import some, hence me saying ‘revive’. “Maybe we just eat you.” The same male dragon half said half roared. “And then who would move the sun and moon?” Sunset was reaching her breaking point as the other three just watched, too afraid of the dragons that were easily double their size to do anything but watch. “Just give us the smaller ones.” Another dragon grinned. “You two ‘alicorns’ can handle it alone.” I could almost feel the air quotes. “And how do you expect us ponies to repopulate?” I deadpanned and both sides went silent. “Sunset and I can’t survive alone. I would need a herd to make enough offspring else ponies die out, again.” I stomped my hoof. I was getting angry that these dragons would even suggest eating my friends. “I doubt harmony will bring us back another time.” Some of the dragons began arguing or laughing at me. “Enough!” Ember roared at her grumbling dragons. “I concede that you particular ponies are not responsible. You may keep this city but all other former pony lands are forfeit, since you hold no relation to the original owners that is. Do you accept?” Sunset gave me a nervous look. “Here and the Everfree.” I spoke up. “You want more?” Ember narrowed her eyes. “We need it for food and collecting plants to spread around, without access to it nothing will be green again.” I left out that Harmony’s tree was there. Ember huffed more fire. “Fine, this mountain until that forest. If we catch a pony outside those lands they are fair game.” Her group grumbled. “Is that clear?” The last part was mostly towards her own group that agreed and flew off. “We find this acceptable Drgon Lord.” Sunset nodded. “Good enough princess Sunset.” Ember flew off along with the rest of the dragons and we all breathed a sigh of relief. “The fuck was that?” Rainbow punched my shoulder. “Your mares? Repopulation?” She looked angry. “Rainbow.” Fluttershy tried to hold her back. “No, I want him to answer.” She got up in my face. “Rainbow.” I was as calm as could be. “They’re dragons. If I didn’t make them think you were with me they would have Eaten you and the others.” She immediately deflated. “Right.” She scuffled at the ground. “Thanks.” “Well that wasn’t the worst encounter but it could have gone better. We basically lost all of Equestria today.” Sunset whinnied. “I know dragons are resistant to heat and magic but we could always use firearms.” Twilight said with complete seriousness. This earned her a confused look from the girls and an impressed look from me. “What, my grandfather and father were in the army and my brothers a cop. I have been to a shooting range before. And I won’t be letting any dragons eat my first real friends.” Rainbow laughed first then we all joined in to ease the tension. “That sounds a bit extreme. Would they really eat us?” Fluttershy nervously asked. “Sadly, yes. Dragons and ponies only ever got along because my mom kept them in check. It was smart of Dusk to show strength or else they might not have backed off. Even if it did mean the sun never moved again.” Sunset sighed. “In any case let’s get back inside. I’ll leave the shield up for now, luckily it has plenty of magic stored up.” “How could you just let those ponies go Ember? I’m starving.” Complained the male dragon that had been the one to ask for Fluttershy. Ember couldn’t even remember his name. “Because you idiot, I wasn’t about to piss off two Alicorns, especially a male protecting his herd. I’ve never even heard of a male alicorn before and as long as they keep moving the moon and sun and stay inside their lands we won’t touch them.” Ember took a swipe at him with her scepter. “But they are fair game if they leave or stop preforming their duties.” She smiled. “Plus if they start repopulating they will eventually need more land.” There was one thing that did concern Ember, something she didn’t share with her group. The look she received by the pony prince when her underlining mentioned eating the yellow one had sent a shiver down her spine and she could have sworn his eyes looked draconian for a few moments. “Today was going so well too.” Sunset set her crown on her night stand and hoped into our bed. Neither of us were denying we had something going on between us so was treating it like an arranged political match curiosity of Harmony herself. “Yeah. Did Dash tell you about the magazine she found.” I laughed and told the story since she hadn’t heard it while removing my regalia. “Of course the nobles would keep stuff like that.” She gave a content sigh when I nuzzled up close to her. “What do we do about Ember?” “Well, in the original timeline she was friendly with ponies but obviously she isn’t this timeline. In fact without Spike she should have lost the race to become Dragon Lord.” I tilted my head back and forth in thought. “She probably doesn’t realize but we could probably take her and every dragon of the group that showed up today.” “You can’t be serious, we couldn’t fight that many dragons even with magic.” Sunset booped me. “Maybe like a quarter of them.” “True but like Twilight said, science could do some damage. Instead of using magic directly, we could just hurl some projectiles, like swords, really fast.” I gave her a serious look. “I thought about teleporting the armory out when that idiot asked for Flutters.” “You would have done it wouldn’t you? Killed them I mean?” Sunset looked a bit surprised as she grabbed my hoof. I nodded. “To keep you and the girls safe? Absolutely.” She gave me a kiss on the cheek. The first one ever. “Dusk I won’t say you shouldn’t but we should try other methods first.” I gave her a peck back. “Already did that today remember.” She smiled and we cuddled up close. After the day they all had none of the girls wanted to sleep alone. Thanks to their pony anatomy cuddling and nuzzling already felt more natural so sharing one bed curled up together for safety just felt normal tonight.
Ch1. First plan.“So…” I said awkwardly. Sunset and I had found a guest suite that was still in decent condition with fully functional cooling crystals keeping out the heat. Sunset took a deep breath. “Let’s start with who you are.” “Well that’s a bit of a story so just hear me out ok.” She nodded before I explained. “I’m a human. Not like the ones you know of but a third world.” It was strange what I could and couldn’t remember but now wasn’t the time to dwell. “I was brought here by Harmony to help you after my death.” I rubbed the back of my neck after explaining the meeting. “So let me get this straight you died and were sent to help me but don’t know anything else?” I could tell she was struggling not to yell as I nodded. “Fucking great. I finally return home and the first pony I find isn’t even a pony let alone an actual alicorn, just a human who knows nothing about Equis.” She covered her face with her hooves. “Hey! I’m just as shocked as you are but I do have some idea as to what might have happened!” I was a bit upset she thought so little of me. It was bad enough I had apparently died I wasn’t about to be belittled. Sunset sighed. “Sorry, just… explain.” “So I think Starlight Glimmer happened.” I explained what I knew about the timelines and how things should have gone. When she asked how I knew what I did, I blamed Harmony. “So Starlight prevented a few friendships, big deal. How could it lead to this?” She pointed towards a window. When I looked outside at the blazing afternoon I felt a strange sensation telling me that it should be night time. “It wasn’t just any friendships, it was Twilight Sparkle’s friendships, my counterpart on this world. Without her friends she never found the elements, never saved Luna, and who knows what happened after that.” I exclaimed with spread wings. “Makes as much sense as Harmony dragging you here I guess.” Sunset rubbed her temples the stood up to think. She paced the room a few times then stepped over towards the window. Without a word she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and lit her horn. The sun slowly descended in the sky making way for the night. Watching her, I felt a compulsion to stand by her side and do the same with the moon. Lighting my horn I reached out towards the heavens and coaxed the moon to rise. It almost feels relived at my touch. “Well that just happened.” Sunset looked outside into the darkness. The room slowly felt cooler as we just watched the stars. She eventually asked, “What do we do now?” I looked up towards the moon, my moon. “Well, how long is the portal still open?” I knew it could be kept open but that required the journals. Sunset pulled out her phone, no signal but the clock worked. “Well looks like I’ve been here just a few hours so another few days, why?” Sunset didn’t ask how I knew about it, she probably assumed it was because of the ‘Harmony’ creature. “Well we have a few options then from what I can see. First we could just leave Equis through the portal and never return, go our separate ways and live with humanity.” Saying this caused some pain in my flank as my mark began to itch so I quickly continued, “Or, we do what Harmony wants. We take over as the new rulers while rebuilding this world.” Sunset gawked at me then laughed like a mad mare. “You want to…” she took a breath. “How the fuck are we supposed to do that?!? You and I may be the alicorns of the sun and moon now, but what about the land? It’s been baked for Celestia knows how long!” She listed off other reasons staying would never work then finished with. “And even if, big if, we could restore the land there’s no ponies and while you’re handsome I will NOT give birth to that many children.” She took a deep breath to finish her rant. She had no idea where that last line came from and blushed heavily. “Well I was more thinking we bring stuff through the portal. I may not remember everything about my last life but I knew quite a bit. If you really want to stay, we could start by trading gold for money to buy enough supplies to last until you get the portal to open when we want. Then we bring seeds and maybe even volunteers to move here.” It was an insane plan. I knew it, Sunset knew it, Harmony probably knew it, and yet she didn’t say no. “How would we keep it open?” She narrowed her eyes a bit. “Your journal, if we can find the matching set you could force it to stay open. We could also move the gate on the other side to someplace a bit more secure. It would be a start.” I finished with a shrug of my wings. “You could do that?” She looked impressed then crestfallen when I replied. “Oh not a chance.” I shook my head. “I know it can be done but my magic knowledge is limited to basic skills. And moving the moon apparently. But!” I placatingly held my hooves up. “But, I could do most of the other tasks like fixing the garden up for food, cleaning up the castle, and investigating what happened around here.” Sunset resumed her pacing of the guest room mumbling to herself. She would flutter her wings now and then or pull out her phone to look at a picture. As she paced I checked the room for anything useful. Surprisingly I found a small fridge which still contained a few cold drinks. The convenience of magic. “Alright.” Sunset declared just after my first sip of Pony Cola. “I have a plan. We are returning back to Earth and will live there as we prepare until I can find a way to move the portal and force it open whenever we want.” I felt the itch again and had to speak up. “What about the sun and moon? We just got them moving again.” Sunset clicked her tong and under her breath cursed the celestial bodies that couldn’t move on their own. “We. We cross that bridge last. For now we collect some stuff to trade, hunt for my journal’s pair and do some light investigating. You with me?” She held out a hoof. I gave it a bump. “Harmony literally brought me for the job.” After separating I went one way and Sunset another. The first goal was to collect some supplies for Survival. Sunset said bits would be easiest to get from the castle vault but wasn’t sure she could open it so we would check there tomorrow. I had already found some saddle bags in another guest room along with, what looked like, a maid’s diary. Read that later. When I found another door I was unable to open I thought back to Sunset’s warning.“Now remember, do not force any doors, the wards are probably still active.” Trying another yet another door I sighed when it wouldn’t open. It’s going to take us forever to re-key the castle to our magic. Walking along I tested my magic by levitating a few random items I had found. At least Harmony was nice enough to give me the basic skills. Man I miss hands though. Continuing my search I eventually located the kitchens and was unable to find anything left. Looks like the place was ransacked for food, not even dry goods are left. Wonder how Sunset is doing? Sunset walked the abandoned halls of the castle and couldn’t help but feel nostalgic every time she recognized a painting or other work of art. “I still can’t believe so much is intact, glad I told Dusk not to ransack the place, especially if it’s going to be our new home.” Sunset still wasn’t quite sure about the male Alicorn Harmony had basically dropped into her lap but he had been helpful so far. “Best keep moving.” She shook out the stray thoughts. When Sunset reached Celestia’s chambers, she gasped then began to tear up when the door let her open it without resistance. “She never took my signature off the ward.” Looking around her mother’s old room she found it undamaged. No one knew she had been Celestia’s daughter and it had been the primary reason she left, the fact her mother never told anyone including Sunset herself. ”Mom, what happened to you if everything here looks fine? Why couldn’t you just talk to me before I found out on my own and felt the need to run.” Sunset walked the room and ended up at the bookshelf. Scanning the books she found her mother’s copy of their journal. Pulling out her copy from her saddle bags she touched the two together, strengthening the fading bond. “With how week magic on Earth is I’m surprised it had lasted so long.” Putting both journals as well as a few other books into her saddle bags she took one last look around the room to return to the meeting spot. “Heh, well mom your room is finally mine.” Before she left she spotted her mothers golden crown upon the bed’s pillow. Stealing her face she magically lifted the crown toward herself and set it upon her head. “I will fix this.” Making my way back I found Sunset had already returned and was loafing on the bed, crown upon her head. “Any luck?” “A bit, Whatever happened looks to have caused a massive famine. The kitchen was barren but I found a few oatmeal bars in a guest room. You?” I asked hopefully and passed her one. Sunset held up one out the twin journals. “Yep, looks like mom kept hers all these years so I should be able to work on the portal. She didn’t write anything about what happened. She just begged me to come home.” Sunset sniffled. “I never even bothered reading it out of fear, until tonight. I figured I wouldn’t need to when I saw her in person or pony in her case. Heh, that will take some time.” I hopped up onto the bed and draped a wing over her. “We could just change the language.” I thought aloud then, “I see you found her crown.” Sunset nodded then nuzzled into my neck and began to cry openly until she fell asleep. Without moving I used my magic to cover us in a blanket as the castle was becoming chilly, apparently the weather had become active. Strong cold winds had begun to blow due too the sun finally moving again. Just another thing to deal with, rouge weather. As the wind howled I pulled out the journal I had found. Hopefully it has some answers.
Ch11. End of the first week.Things were going well around the castle. Sunset had managed to rework all the necessary wards for the five of us so the castle posed no danger, I had increased the size of our garden so there was very little chance of us starving and the other three were settling in as ponies, often forgetting they didn’t have hands still but otherwise had made tremendous progress. Really the only issue was, “Bored. When are we going to finally leave the castle again?” Rainbow huffed and rolled away from the table. “Rainbow you know it’s a wasteland out there.” Fluttershy replied as the rest of us ate breakfast, Rinbow had rushed through her own meal. “Dash you know this isn’t exactly a vacation, right?” Sunset huffed. This was now the second time we were having this conversation and I really didn’t want it festering. “I know, I was just hoping for more I guess.” Dash sat back up and nudged her few unfinished bites with a fork before eating them. “Rainbow Dash, haven’t you learned to fly and been learning how to be a pony?” Twilight asked while using her magic to raise her glass. “I mean look at this, we’re the first humans alive to experience this.” She gave an excited smile at her own magic. “I know it’s just…” I cut her off. “Rainbow, if you want you and I can go exploring today. It’s probably a good idea to fully take stock of the city.” She gave an excited look while the others looked a bit worried. “Dusk are you sure?” Sunset gave me a nuzzle. “Canterlot isn’t exactly how I remember it.” “Yeah while RDs reason for wanting to go out is a bit selfish.” I started. “Hey!” Dash yelled as the others chuckled. “She has a good point, we can’t stay cooped up. You still have the mirror to work on but my tasks are done for now so getting a better picture of what’s left would be a good idea.”I finished my breakfast and cleared my spot. “Alright we’ll just be careful out there.” Sunset yelled after me. “So where do we start?” Rainbow hovered next to me and rubbed her forehooves together as we pass through the castle gates. I shrugged while walking. “Honestly I’m not sure. I wasn’t born here either.” Tapping her chin, “well the mansions look interesting. Maybe we will find some treasure.” I laughed. “You know we’re already rich right, not that money has much value when there’s nothing to buy.” “Are you sure we should let those two go exploring?” Twilight asked Sunset though it was Fluttershy who spoke. “It’s probably for the best. Rainbow was getting antsy and if she sits around too long she becomes depressed.” Fluttershy smiled. “What is she, a dog?” The others laughed at Sunsets joke. “Fluttershy is right though, they should be fine. Dusk is an alicorn so can probably handle anything they run into. Not that there’s probably anything left alive.” She sighed after the last part. Fluttershy gave her a hug with her wing. “It’s a lot isn’t it?” Sunset nodded. “The worst part is that it wouldn’t have happened if I stayed.” She stomped her hoof causing the other two to flinch. “Celestia, no, Mom would have kept moving the sun and the world wouldn’t have become a desert if she just had me around.” Sunset let her tears flow freely as the other two hugged her sides. It took her a while to calm down but she eventually mumbled a ‘thanks’ and led them to get started on their work for the day. “This place is creepy.” Rainbow said in a mock spooky voice as we explored one of the nearby mansions. “Meh, all empty houses are like that.” I was looking at an old portrait that was hung over a fireplace when. “Yeah, it’s a bit stranger with it being a pony house.” She was rummaging through a desk in the corner. “Actually I think this one belonged to an ambassador.” I pointed at the portrait of a griffin family with my wing. “Woah. I forgot this world had other magical creatures. Sucks they’re all gone.” Rainbow sat down next to me holding a few random items in her wings. “Well the dragons might still be around, we haven’t checked to see if the Crystal empire made it through, and the sea ponies/hippogriffs might have made it. So not everyone should be gone.” I smiled. “What do you have by the way?” “Hmm? Oh I found this cool quill I thought Twilight might like and this little squirrel carving for Flutters.” She presented the items as if they were lost treasure. “Nice. Well shall we keep exploring?” She nodded along at my suggestion. “Um, is it supposed to do that?” Fluttershy backed away from the mirror a bit that Sunset and Twilight were working on. “No.” Sunset released her magic as did Twilight who was now breathing hard. “Sorry Twilight it looks like you’re magic isn’t strong enough yet to really keep up.” “That’s, huff, okay, huff.” She sat down and took a few calming breaths. “Thanks for letting me try. Magic is way more complicated than science.” Fluttershy brought her over a glass of water that she gulped down greedily. “Heh, you know. I said just the opposite when I arrived in the human world and was blown away by things like cell phones.” Sunset looked back at the mirror. “Looks like you three will be stuck here with us for a while longer still. Not that a week is that bad.” “It’s okay sunset. Rainbow and I plan on staying with you either way.” Shy gave Sunset a friendly nuzzle. “Thanks Shy but Twilight here was kind of dragged along.” Sunset returned the nuzzle. Twilight looked downcast. “It was my own fault though. I didn’t have to touch the strange glowing mirror.” She gave a self deprecating laugh. Sunset and Fluttershy shared a loon before pulling Twilight into a hug. “Ponies are weird.” Rainbow held up a magazine they had found in one of the other houses they were exploring. “Is this even sexy?” The magazine showed mare models in socks and only socks in various positions. “Well, farmers sometimes put socks on horses back home during breeding season so their hooves didn’t hurt each other and human girls look sexy in long stockings so I could see it’s appeal on a pony.” I looked at another picture she had flipped to from over her shoulder. “Hmm.” Rainbow tilted her head and flipped the page. “Yeah I could get behind that. Think I would look good in socks big guy?” She playfully nudged my side and I rolled my eyes. “I’m more of a flank stallion.” I looked over at her with a smirk and we both started laughing. “So I guess socks make sense but what’s with the positioning of some of the unicorns showing off their foreheads?” She made a funny face. “It’s probably the horn.” I had gone back to exploring the room of what had clearly been a stallion noble. “Unicorns find the horns attractive and they are somewhat sensitive.” The room had been packed up in a rush so there were plenty of random things left behind. “Huh.” Rainbow tossed the magazine over her shoulder onto the floor. “Ya know I expected this to be a bit more exciting.” “Really? I’m having fun. Sure most of it is junk but that magazine gave us a laugh.” I followed her out into the hallway. Rainbow clearly wanted to move on. “Yeah but where’s the actual adventure.” She flared her wings and huffed in disappointment. “You know Rainbow. Adventure only happens when things are going wrong.” I laughed then my stomach rumbled. “Why don’t we stop for lunch by that fountain we passed.” “Fine.” Her own stomach rumbled and we shared another laugh. “So Sunset why did you leave?” Twilight asked as they ate lunch. Dusk and Rainbow were still out but they had brought food with them. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want anyone knowing.” Twilight waved her hooves when she noticed the change in Sunset’s expression. Fluttershy had stopped eating as she was also curious. “It’s fine, Dusk knows and so should you girls. Basically my mom, the former princess, never told me she was my mom so I was only treated as her student. One day another Alicorn came along though, Cadence, and I got super jealous because she was treated like Celestia’s niece.” Sunset frowned at the memories. “Wait my brother is dating a Cadence or Cadenza.” Twilight tapped her chin. “Yeah same in this world, I’m talking about their pony versions.” Sunset half laughed as Twilight’s eyes went wide. “Anyway that’s why I ran off. It wasn’t until Fluttershy, Principal Celestia, and the other girls gave me a chance did I make some real friends and I decided to come back for a visit, only to find everything in ruins. Oh, and of course Dusk and my ascension were gifted to me by Harmony.” Her elements glowed for a moment as if to agree. “Wow that’s just, wow.” Twilight readjusted herself. “At least you’re not alone.” Fluttershy smiled, trying to lighten the mood. “That’s true Flutters.” Sunset gave a weak smile. “Well at least the day wasn’t a total bust.” Rainbow joked as she hovered towards the castle holding a small bust of a unicorn. We were heading back in time for dinner with the group. “How many times are you going to make that joke. It’s been non stop since you found that thing in the last house.” I groaned but was still in a good mood. “Oh come on it’s funny.” She held up the bust as if it was the one talking. The only reason she had grabbed it was because it was made of gold. “Maybe the first time.” I pushed it out of my face with magic. “Party pooper. You know, Pinkie would get mad at you for that.” She landed and put the bust back in her saddle bag. “I kinda wish she could be here.” “Missing them already? It’s just been a week.” “No!” She lied. “Okay yes. We all only just became friends again not long ago and now I feel bad Flutters and I left.” “Why did you come along Dash?” I knew Twilight was an accident and Fluttershy honestly wanted to help Sunset but Dash was a bit more complicated than she let on. She stopped in her tracks. “I was sick of waiting.” “Waiting?” I looked her way. “Yeah, waiting on things to change.” She started walking again but kept talking. “Don’t tell the girls but my parents were never home and always working. I maybe saw them twice a year if I was lucky and spent lots of time waiting for them. My dream was always to learn how to fly, maybe in the air force, so I could get out one day and stop waiting. So when you and Sunset said I could come here and fly with my own wings.” She began hovering to emphasize her point. “I knew it was time to move.” She looked back at me with a warm smile then rushed ahead towards the castle. “So ya better keep up.” I took off with my own wings and easily matched her speed as she laughed while we flew through the air. “Welcome back you two.” Fluttershy smiled as we entered the dining room that also became our informal gathering place. It was slowly filling with books and other items to make the castle’s room feel more homely. “Thanks Fluttershy.” I gave her a friendly nuzzle then Rainbow did the same. “Oh my, Rainbow you’re all out of breath.” Fluttershy looked worriedly at her friend. “Yeah we had a race but she forgot I’m a bit stronger than her right now. She hasn’t had time to train and reach her full potential.” I laughed, knowing what the pony version could do. “Next. Time.” Dash huffed and flopped down onto her favorite cushion. “Sure Dash. So where’s Sunset and Twilight?” I focused back on Fluttershy. “They’re doing some magic practice I think. Sunset needed a break from the portal and I didn’t have much to do.” She raised a book she held in her wings. “I feel a bit useless right now.” “Don’t be. You’re helping keep us all sane just by having one more person, well pony, to talk to.” I smiled. “He’s right shy. Not to mention the massages you give are awesome.” Rainbow rolled over onto her back. “So I’m glad you came along.” Fluttershy giggled at how cute Rainbow looked rolling around. “Thanks Dashie.” Sunset and I stood upon the balcony and lit our horns while the others watched us exchange the celestial bodies after a late dinner. They had watched us for the first time yesterday and were now hooked. It was going to become our new regular thing to do together. “That’s awesome every time I see it.” Rainbow gushed. “It’s so magical.” Fluttershy smiled the moonlight reflecting off her mane. “Well technically it is magic but I still have a hard time believing that you two actually move the Moon and Sun.” Twilight put down her new quill she used to take notes and looked up at the night sky. “Well keep in mind Twilight most of the magic to move it comes from the sun itself and I’m just a conduit. They used to move on their own before something messed up the orbits and if mom had kept them going they would have eventually corrected themselves, now that timer basically restarted.” Sunset explained. “True but I’m with Twilight.” I loafed on a pillow we had brought outside. “I move the moon and even I have a hard time believing it.” Sunset rolled her eyes and laid down next to me. “Speaking of the moon does anyone else see that?” Rainbow pointed a wing at an incoming shadow in the sky before we all heard a roar. “That can’t be good.” Sunset looked up worried.
