INTERMISSION: Better to have Loved and Lost
- PART 1

It was a pleasant evening, to those that were unfazed by titanic clashes happening in the distance.

Lucky for the Princesses of the sun and moon, they were more than comfortable with such occurrences, as they lounged together by the shores of a large lake.

“You were right, sister– And on that note, so was that crazy pony, Pinkie Pie.” Luna affirmed, as she took another bundle of popcorn to go with her drink. “These sorts of snacks do seem to fit the joys of watching a show.”

“And what a show it is!” Celestia giggled, joining on the popcorn, lounging on the ground with her sister. “I would say they’ll be done in… two minutes?”

“I would say one.” Luna raised an eyebrow, with a smirk. Turning to the show, she winced. “Ouch– That is quite a blow, do you think Sunset can take it…?”

Celestia nodded proudly, not giving it a second thought. “It will take a lot more to knock Sunset down– Observe, she will counter in 3… 2…”

A light blast illuminated the surroundings of the lake, and Luna nodded gleefully, with an “Ooohh!” While Celestia snickered.

“Still; I am proud of Twilight for her skills in evasion. You have taught her the art of teleportation well, sister!” Luna affirmed, taking another mouthful of popcorn, gleefully watching the show.

“Oh, I couldn’t stop her from teleporting ever since I first took her in! The little filly was practically addicted to it!” She giggled once more, delighting herself. “It is an interesting distinction between our pupils– Sunset can take a hit, while Twilight would rather avoid them altogether!” She then pondered for a moment, observing the clash. “Though I will commend you as well– I can see that Twilight has been mimicking your elegant and eccentric style of flight, sister.”

“It is the night style.” Luna said proudly, with a grin, as if rehearsed. “That mare catches on quick. I am proud to see her progress, even if she is not the most physical fighter…”

A set of carpeted explosions lit the lake, and the mighty clash that occurred above it.

“It is no issue, after all, Sunset is there to make up for what she lacks– And vice versa!” Celestia’s eyes widened, as the explosions receded, imploding. “Did you see that? You taught her that, didn’t you?”

“The explosion/implosion moonblast combo.” Luna snickered deviously. “That was indeed me.” She then tilted her head, squinting. “Wait, look there– At Sunset’s wing movements, I am not just imagining it, am I?”

“Imagining what…?” Celestia pondered as well.

“Those are Valkyrie wing movements– Amateurish as they may be, as aggressive as they may seem, they are unmistakable.” She turned to her sister, narrowing her eyes, both inquisitively, and with pity. “You forget– For me, it's only been a few years, remember? …Have you been teaching her that?”

“I… Have not.” Celestia was not lying, but the sight was indeed affecting her. “I showed her and Twilight some of our ancient tomes regarding our old… Friends, but I did not tell them much more. She must have been studying them for combat, as well…”

“Perhaps this could honor them…?” Luna tried comforting her, unsure of how it felt to miss them for a thousand years. “In a way, honor their memory.”

“I… Do not wish to disturb the fallen… It would be too painful.” Celestia shook her head. “But if Sunset wishes to learn from them, she is more than welcome.”

“I have seen her fight up close…” Luna grinned, watching the elegant, yet aggressive moments of their pupil. “...She is worthy.”

“I agree completely.” Smiling proudly, watching Sunset, in all her glory, demonstrate how much she had grown. “Oh dear!! Will Twilight be alright from that one?!” She flinched.

“Have faith, sister.” Nodding sagely, Luna eagerly counted. “She will remember mastery over tides in 3… 2…”

With the power of the moon, Twilight channeled the water of the lake, moving it, reshaping it to form a mighty barrier that engulfed her opponent.

“Oh and here comes the Sunset with the blade of light!!” Giddily, Celestia began tapping her hooves on the floor with excitement. “Watch! Watch!! I taught her that!!”

Another blast of light pierced the air, and a massive explosion was heard.

“A solid hit!” Luna praised, with a grin. “But can they finish the enemy off?”

“Here comes the Lightwing.” Celestia smiled confidently.

“And then, the Nightwing.” Luna did the same.

Twilight and Sunset flew side by side– Interlocking their right and left wings, flank to flank– And their other wings, spread out, were infused with the powers of the day and night. Uniting their horns, spinning in a corkscrew motion, their colors meshing and blending in a beautiful blend of lights, they descended upon the enemy, unleashing an incredibly powerful finishing move that lit the air beautifully with a fusion of sun and moon magic.

The shockwave blasted water all over the shores of the lake, including towards the two onlookers, who shielded themselves from it with magic and glee.

The gigantic ancient rock automaton fell upon the lake, in tatters, incapable of fighting, after having been so fiercely demolished in that epic clash.

“Impeccable finisher!!” Celestia had to contain herself not to prance.

“Masterfully done!” Luna nodded emphatically in agreement.

The waters of the lake began to quiet a bit, and their students remained flying above it, ensuring their enemy was indeed taken down.

“You know. I am about to admit something; Something I will not say in the presence of my niece, for her head is big enough as it is…” Celestia got a mischievous grin, turning to Luna, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh?” Luna tilted her head, sharing a sly smile.

Celestia remained quiet, only for a moment, observing the two pupils that flew above the lake. “Love… Makes you stronger. Without a shadow of a doubt.” She had a glint of joy in her eyes, even as she turned to her sister. “The way those two fight together– I have no doubt in my mind, they will be unbeatable, someday. Someday sooner than we both think…”

“I definitely see what you mean.” Luna nodded sagely. “You and I were never that in sync, in all our years of fighting together. Our… Our teamwork has always lacked, at times.” She then snickered, making light of a dastardly memory. “Besides. I am fairly certain neither of them will ever banish the other to the moon.”

“U-um, yes, I certainly agree…! They are more united than we are– Than we were.” She shook her head with a shameful grimace. “I will do us both a favor and chock it up to sibling conflict– And not some form of weakness on either of our ends.”

“I can live with that.” Luna closed her eyes, smiling fully. “After all, is it not our duty to ensure that the next generation is stronger…?”

“And they will be.” Celestia smiled just as fully, observing the two pupils land on the shore, breathing quickly from the battle– but smiling at each other with glee.

Twilight and Sunset landed, and immediately embraced each other with smiles, checking on each other for wounds, and giving each other loving affirmations.

And of course, Twilight was the first to speak. “D-did we do it?! Did we pass the test?!” And Sunset was quick to snicker, having a comforting wing over her. “C’mon Sparkles, with flying colors!”

“With flying colors indeed!” Celestia gleefully clapped her hooves and flapped her wings. “Only minor injuries on both parts, and you both utilized much of what you’ve learned for the battle–”

And Luna continued for her. “--That ancient automaton is officially decommissioned, and you two made it look easy. Once more, you both vanquish foes with precision and teamwork. My sister and I are proud. What is it they say…? Gold star!”

Twilight let out an instant yelp of joy and embraced Sunset, who spun her around as they both giggled, a short, but glorious celebration. “Told you, Sparkles!”

“With that aside, there is a bit more ground to cover before we are done for the day!” Celestia contained her own excitement, despite the joy she felt.

“Indeed.” Luna and her both remained seated. “It is time you two know of the parameters of your final exam.”

Both of the young Alicorns’s eyes widened and they froze immediately, taking diligent seats, listening attentively.

“First of, as a disclaimer, we are merely announcing it.” Celestia spoke sagely, yet proudly. “Be aware this will not happen now, nor soon. In fact–”

“--We are more than comfortable with awaiting you both to be as ready as you believe you will be.” Luna nodded, in full agreement.

“That being said, before you both are truly ready to take the throne of Equestria and be crowned, there will be one final test we will impose upon you both.”

They both leaned forward slightly, in enormous expectations.

“You both, together, will have to fight and defeat us– Me and my sister– In a two-on-two all out battle.” Luna smiled confidently, knowing the effect the news would have. “Neither side will hold anything back, it will be a test of all you’ve learned, and especially your team work– Do not worry, it will not be a battle to the death– And of course, you may take this test as many times as it is needed for you to win.”

Celestia continued, just as proud. “This is merely an announcement– Know that there are many tests for you before your final exam– Me and my sister simply believed you were both ready to know. That is all.”

Silence– One in which both of their eyes were widened– Twilight’s in slight panic, Sunset in excitement.

“Now that’s a test I can study for…!” Sunset muttered with a grin, letting out a nervous chuckle. “N-not that I’m even close to ready haha! Give us a decade or two– Right Sparkles?”

Stammering, fidgeting, The Princess of Friendship was understandably nervous. “B-b-but um, uh, we don’t want to hurt you– And we don’t want to be hurt by you– OH GOSH WHAT IF WE ACCIDENTALLY KILL EACH OTHER–”

“Eeeeasy girl!” Sunset nuzzled her affectionately, helping her steady her breathing. “You heard the both of them. When the time comes, we’ll be ready.”

“B-but I mean! Um! Maybe we can just take a written test?! Haha you know, instead of–” She was silenced by a swift yet loving kiss on the cheek, one which she flustered from, but accepted wholeheartedly.

“Easy, Twi… We’ll do it together, like always, okay? Always.” Sunset spoke with immense comfort and warmth, and Twilight slowed down, breathing steadier, nuzzling her back. “Besides. I prefer this over tests about cutlery placement.” She giggled to herself, endlessly amused.

Luna suppressed a chuckle, nodding. “Do not worry, either of you– It will not be a surprise test. We will do it only when you are both prepared and willing.”

And Celestia added, with the same comfortable smile. “And once more, we have the utmost faith that you will be ready when the time comes. Let us not worry about this any more tonight!”

“Tonight?” They both asked in unison, taking a glance behind them, at the setting sun; After all, it was still day.

“To conclude tonight’s test!” Celestia gleefully spread her wings. “Sunset, you will lower the sun once again…”

“...And Twilight, you shall raise the moon once more!” Luna completed with joy.

On any other day, those two might have hesitated, might have wondered if they were capable.

…But they were together. And so, had no more doubts.

Sunset turned to her namesake, spreading her wings, with her horn alight.

Straining, through effort, she began the process– One she struggled with.

Celestia came closer to her, in order to whisper encouragement. “Remember, Sunset– our sun wants to move. All you have to do is give it a nudge, a suggestion…!”

And so, the nudge was given, and through effort, she managed to lower it– Something that caused her to nearly collapse, while chuckling involuntarily, out of the sheer joy of having accomplished it.

Twilight helped her stand– And Sunset simply nuzzled her, letting out a sigh that contained so many joys that would be impossible to describe.

“Your turn, Twilight.” Luna stepped forward. “Go on… Show the night that it is yours.”

Spreading her wings wide, with the same effort, Twilight began raising the moon.

Luna quickly gave her notes and corrections. “Mind the constellations, Twilight– it is a surgical effort to not disturb the night sky…!”

“Oops– Sorry, sorry!” Twilight muttered, as she clumsily rearranged the night skies. She was indeed, accidentally moving the stars themselves, until she set the moon in place, with a sigh of relief.

“Do not apologize for your competence, pupil.” Luna gave her a proud smile and a nod. “After all… Moving stars and constellations is incredibly advanced, and quite surprising... We should certainly discover–”

“--Ah, Twilight, always the overachiever!! Let us leave that for another time, you two!” Celestia spread her wings proudly. “Test over, everypony! And what a test it was!” She pointed in a northern direction. “Now, I am certain you are both weary– How about celebratory treats? Snow cones, perhaps?”

“Oh, I could unleash destruction upon some snow cones at the moment.” Luna agreed immediately.

Twilight was about to join, but Sunset pulled her aside. “Last thing–” She kissed the Princess of Friendship slowly, sweetly, lovingly. “--Told you we’d pass, Sparkles.”

Snow cones could wait.

After all, another kiss was in order.

“Do you have any news on what her progress is, or are we flying blind?” There was a hesitation in the words of Luna, as she presumed, as she did many times, that things were wrong; Or getting worse by the minute.

“All I know is that she has used the machine again.” Celestia shared on the concern, even if she held hopes. “Let us simply follow along and make sure all is okay… Maybe she has gotten Sunset back…?”

“Hardly. If Sunset had returned, I am certain she would have notified us immediately.” They were entering Ponyville airspace, and both seemed a bit uneasy. Luna seemed to hold bigger concerns than her sister– Or simply wore them on her sleeve. “Are we by any chance intervening, or at least telling her to slow down today…?”

“No, sister.” Celestia huffed, shaking her head. “Let us simply show our support and… ascertain the progress.”

“It’s been a week, sister. How long until we–”

“--Let us not discuss this now.” Celestia shot her down with a glance, one Luna simply rolled her eyes from. The sun was lower in the sky, but they both had a few hours to reconvene with their remaining pupil before they had other duties to attend to.

Together, they landed on the balcony of the community center– And noticed right away that there was an issue.

“What in the– There are more Sunsets here– A lot more.” Luna’s brows furrowed as she looked around the room seeing the newcomers– she attempted to count them, but they were moving about, making it difficult.

Celestia’s eye twitched as the Sunsets noticed her and waved, some estranged, some casually. and she awkwardly waved back. “Oh dear– That is– Maybe eight?? Maybe more…?”

“Twilight is messing with the fabric of interdimensional space.” Luna began feeling even more uneasy, as she was surrounded by other versions of their pupil. “I think we should–”

“--AHEM. Let us move forward, sister.” Celestia ignored her.

It certainly seemed hectic. There were two, maybe three Sunsets playing guitar with Flare Shimmer on the balcony, while the rest of the Sunsets either moved about in the room conversing with each other, or followed the two Twilights– Who were accompanied by the Demon Sunset wherever they went, as did Spike.

Fluttershy diligently moved about the room making sure needs were met, Hermes sat on his cage making annotations, Gold Shimmer had a wonderful time conversing with different versions of his daughter, and occasionally other of Twilight’s friends passed by the room.

“Is that a… A vampire?” Luna narrowed her eyes, beholding one of the corners of the room.

“I am more confused by the one seemingly dressed as a superhero...” Celestia’s eyes widened.

“This is becoming too reckless, sister. If word of this got out to–”

“We won’t let it.” Celestia quickly shushed her. “Twilight! Hello, um, I see you have… Made some progress…? I hope!”

Both Twilight’s ears twitched as they heard their names be called, but the one from this world was the one to address them, while the other hanged back with her demon wife.

“Hi! Hello! Hi Queen Celestia, Queen Luna, Haha–” She looked tired, she looked overworked, and she looked anxious. “You’ve come to visit at a wonderful time! The other me has been helping with the research and development–”

“--Hi…!” She gave a shy wave, as her demon wife remained close, almost shielding her. “Um, hello again…!” There were noticeable differences between the two, the smaller one had a darker fur color, it was messier, as was her mane. She was still tall, but the smallest Alicorn in the room, and her wings were nearly pitch black.

“As you can see, we have, um, fired the machine up a couple of times…!” Twilight spread a wing to demonstrate the room very clearly full of Sunsets, many of which waved at them.

“Twilight.” Luna called her attention with a hoof tap on the floor. “Have you begun doing anything more than simply pulling random Sunsets away from their lives?! Do you have a way to send them back?! Do you have a plan here, or are you shooting in the dark?”

Spike, blowing raspberries, spoke absentmindedly. “Ask her how many times she pulled a dead Sunset.”

Twilight froze, feeling a mixture of shame and shock, and Celestia was the first to address the pit in their collective stomachs. “Twilight… How many?”

Spike crossed his arms. “More than once, and that's enough–”

“Two! It was only two, okay?!” Twilight bit back, stressed, clearly affected most of all.

“Twilight…” Celestia rubbed her temples, not out of exhaustion, but grief. “What did you… What did you do with them…?”

“...I buried them in a groove in the cemetery…” She spoke shamefully, weary. “L-look, I sorted it out, okay? I found a nice spot, and I made sure to honor them– Can we please get back on track here?”

The other Twilight chimed in, even if quietly. “Despite my… Condition, I have been helping her with the research, and the implementation of the new version of the interdimensional lasso. It is better than the last, certainly…”

“Two Twilights are better than one.” The demon spoke with a small grin, but remained between the Queens and her wife.

“Ahem, um…” Luna blinked, still not used to being face to face with a demon. “What do you mean, ‘condition’, other Twilight?”

She averted eye contact, but tried being as helpful as possible. “Well… Since your Sunset freed me from Midnight’s control, I’m still… ‘Getting used to’ using magic again. It’s weaker, a bit more unstable, sadly– But I’m getting there.”

“I’ve been picking up the slack, magic wise– You should have seen her trying to mend my wounds, it took so much longer than it usually would, for her. But with two Twilights, brain wise, this whole thing has been going pretty smooth.” The demon nuzzled the smaller Princess of Friendship affectionately, while keeping her protected. “You’ll get it all back. Don’t worry.”

And of course, for Twilight, this was a strange sight to witness. “Um, yes, well…” She, for a moment, missed terribly having physical affection with her own Sunset. “They have been invaluable help– The same can’t be said for all the others but, well– The project is moving along…”

“Hi, hi, Queens…!” Fluttershy landed between them, seemingly tired as well. “Could I get you anything? Maybe some water…?”

“That is quite alright Fluttershy. Please take a break for us.” Celestia commanded, with a worried smile, one which the Pegasus respected, flying towards another direction, likely ignoring the command, rather just going off to help others, or simply going to collapse out of exhaustion somewhere.

“She’s rarely been taking breaks while we work...” Twilight let out a weary chuckle. “Symptoms of being Fluttershy…”

“Twilight. What exactly are you accomplishing, by bringing this many Sunsets here?” Celestia raised a stern eyebrow of confusion. “I imagine they are eager to return to their lives, and here you are…”

“--G-glad you asked!” She piped in, leading them to her work station. “We have been gathering data, making charts, and analyzing our progress.” The machine was larger, the console much more intricate, with more detailed notes and intricate methods of interactivity. There was a sort of radar, a couple of glowing bits that seemed to indicate energy readings and even a paper dispenser, all which seemed alien to the Queens.

She waved her wings a bit distractedly, loosely explaining complicated science. “We have telemetry processors, and power scanners. We have been trying to map a pattern of travel that our Sunset might have been coursing through the multiverse, so we can track her specifically–”

“--Which hasn’t worked.” Spike spoke with a frown, overlooking some notes. “Because it’s random!”

“It has worked– Just not as directly as we expected!” She fussed, crossing her arms, then turning to some of the screens.

“We have, for example, only brought in Sunsets from worlds our Sunset has visited– That in itself has showcased a pattern in our data that is promising! They all know her, to what extent, we haven't fully discovered; Because–”

“--Because Twilight has been waaayyy too in her own head to do my interview idea!” Spike crossed his arms. “It would be helpful, you know?”

“What does he mean, interview…?” Luna stepped forward in curiosity.

Blowing raspberries, letting out a stretch of exhaustion, Twilight waved at all the Sunsets in the room. “Spike wants us to interview all the Sunsets we’ve brought through– Something I’m not against, but certainly don’t think should be our focus, at times like these.”

The little dragon huffed. “If we could discover what our Sunset has been up to out there, maybe that would help with the pattern we’re forming?”

The other Twilight cleared her throat. “I’m sorry to say, it wouldn’t give us any raw data, just… Stories, really.”

“I think it would at least be fun…!” He folded his wings closed, annoyed.

“Oh, and here’s something important.” The other Twilight stepped forward, pointing at some of the radars in the consoles. “Through new instruments we’ve built, we can ascertain energy readings from the universes we are locking onto– We are attempting to purposefully lock onto universes with high readings…”

“...After all, my wife is an Alicorn– The power readings of the ‘Sunset’ we are locking into would indeed be quite high– It has yielded some results, we have progressively brought stronger Sunsets, but not ours… Yet.” She reminisced, hoping for the best, expecting the worst.

The Demon expressed concern, scratching the floor absentmindedly. “It is a bit dangerous, though. We might pull another me from the multiverse. And other demon Sunsets might not be as…”

“--’Tamable’, Sunny Bunny?” Her wife came closer, with a flirtatious grin, one she reciprocated with a nuzzle and a kiss.

Awkward silence filled the group as the demon makeout session escalated. Twilight observed it both with listlessness and envy.

“Ahem.” Celestia stomped a hoof on the floor lightly making them both flinch and stop. “Twilight, what is the next part of your plan?”

“You’re about to see it! We’re going to pull the ninth Sunset from the multiverse now!! And I believe we’re getting closer!” She walked over to the console in a rehearsed motion. “Would you like to do the honors of helping me charge this one, Queen Celestia…?”

“Oh, I don’t mind sitting this one out. By all means.” The demon recoiled, taking her Twilight with her.

“Alright then. Here’s to hoping…!” Celestia walked forward with a bit of hesitation, and Luna stayed behind with doubts about the whole thing.

“OKAY EVERYPONY YOU KNOW THE DRILL!” Twilight yelled out to the whole room, as visitors dispersed, and Sunsets gathered semi–diligently. “We’ll be firing up the machine again, on my mark!!”

All of the ponies moved about, and stood ready.

Together, the Queen of the sun and the Princess of Friendship charged the conduit crystal.

Luna, at the very least, this time, was relieved to see that the machine seemed to be much more stable.

The lights were no longer blinding, and there was no more smoke– The coils lit up organized and without faltering, the energy conduit no longer seemed to spark recklessly.

And when the machine lit to life, it was clear as day, rather than chaotic. In a span of merely a few seconds, energy was gathered, from it, a new Sunset was materialized, and then the energy slowly dispersed without a fuss.

From the side of the machine, a paper was printed out, filled with data gathered from the universe they had just tapped into. Coordinates, power readings, all that would be necessary to send the Sunset home in the future, if need be.

From the archway, a Sunset leapt out, her horn alight, in a battle stance. She was wearing full obsidian captain armor, and naturally, stopped in her tracks the moment she saw the conglomeration of seemingly clones of her.

Twilight’s and her eyes met. Although the other queens were disappointed to not see their Sunset, the Captain couldn’t help but let out an exhaled chuckle.

“You have got to be kidding me– Let me guess; You’re the wife, aren’t you?” She came closer, with a wary, but relaxed grin.

“Y-yes! I am! See?” She turned to the Queens. “She knows the situation, she has met my Sunset! And naturally, she is likely very strong magic-wise, since she’s a captain! The power readings of the machine are working!”

The two Queens regarded each other with mixed feelings, but the Captain simply cleared her throat. “Ahem. It is wonderful to meet you, Princess– Other Princess; Your Sunset bragged an annoying amount about you, but my job is to look after my Princess– And I can’t do that If I’m here. Please send me back.”

Awkward silence.

All the Sunsets in the room got fidgety, after all, the realization that they weren’t going home anytime soon had happened to each of them already.

“My Twilight needs me. Please send me back– I have never kept her waiting.” It was hard for Twilight to formulate a proper emotional response to a Sunset Shimmer, a strong, stern Sunset Shimmer, to be demanding something of her, something that involved leaving her for another Twilight.

“Well, you see, um… We haven’t figured out how to send Sunsets back yet…!” She spoke as if walking on eggshells. “So, um, if you could be a bit patient…!”

The Captain's eyes widened in surprise and immense concern. Before she could respond, the other Twilight approached, accompanied by her demon wife, one the Captain took a wary stance upon seeing, letting out a muttered curse word of surprise. “Excuse me, we are so sorry but– We are still getting a handle on this whole thing. Please wait patiently until we have the tools to bring you back to your home…!”

“Wh– Two of you, okay…!” She scratched her chin nervously, blushing a little. “And you’re both taller than my Princess– How the– Nevermind.” Shaking her head, she addressed the tallest one. “Is there anything you can do?! My Princess will have thought I just vanished on her– That would be not only horrible for my track record but– It would hurt her feelings. That is unacceptable.”

Flustering a bit on her own, seeing such a valiant Sunset, Twilight shook her head. “I’m sorry, but we’re working on it. If you want to help, we’ll find you work to do– But regardless, please go to the group with the other Sunsets, and we will be with you in a moment. Talk to Fluttershy if you need anything…!”

“Unbelievable.” She gritted her teeth, blowing air from her nostrils. “I get stranded in another universe and it might as well be a line in a store…!” But regaining her composure, she bowed. “If there is anything I can help with to move this along, I'm at your service, Princess. Even if just as a… thanks to your wife, for what she did for me and my Princess.”

That did make her heart flutter with joy– Knowing the positive impact her wife was having in other worlds. “We will absolutely notify you if we need you.” She assured. “T-thank you, Captain.”

“All part of the job, Princess.” She nodded with a grin– One that was almost automatic, being in the presence of a Twilight; And right after, she moved closer to the other Sunsets, inspecting them thoroughly. “Is this some kind of joke?” She pointed at the Canterlot guard Sunset, who was only minorly offended.

“Okay, I’m going to say what we’re all thinking.” The other Twilight perked up. “Or rather, what Midnight is thinking. That Sunset is hot as hell.”

“I would take offense to that, if I didn’t agree with it.” The demon snickered.

Blushing, shaking her head, the main Twilight reprimanded. “Focus, both of you, or– The three of you…? let’s not– Bah.” She agreed completely, but did not want to be bogged down by it. “Let’s bring in the next one.”

“Next one?” Luna blinked in surprise and alertness. “Twilight– There’s nine Sunsets here already. Should you not worry about engineering a way for them to go back?”

“My sister does raise a good point, Twilight…” Celestia stepped forward. “What is this accomplishing exactly? That Sunset clearly has an important job she must return to…”

“It's accomplishing a lot!” She responded nervously, walking back to the console. “Look here, the telemetry data is compiled– We will keep this for when we need to send her back, and not just that, but for us to gather proper readings for the next lasso–”

Her eyes widened, as she looked at the readings, which flashed with a bright yellow, almost red. “O-oh my goodness– Other me, look at this…!”

The other Twilight rushed to the console, and gasped. “T-those are the strongest reading’s we’ve had yet– Do you think it could be her…?!”

“I-it just might!!” Twilight couldn’t help but grin wildly. “Okay Celestia, how about it, one more lasso for the day?”

The two sisters regarded each other for a moment. Luna clearly demonstrated reservations, while Celestia couldn’t help but hold hope that this might be it.

And so she stepped forward, despite her sister's wishes.

Once again, they fired up the machine– This time, the power readings almost seemed to struggle, bringing a more powerful Sunset through; the strongest they had brought in yet.

Everyone in the room was weary, as the lights engulfed them, and the sparks were contained within the coils, with the room shaking slightly.

The light of the machine dispersed. And this time, every single pony in the room gasped at the sight.

Laying on the floor, seemingly passed out, was an Alicorn Sunset Shimmer.

“W-wings!!! Twilight, we did it!!” Spike got overjoyed, dropping his notepad.

“O-oh gosh, is she wounded…!?” The other Twilight pointed out, seeing the rough state the Sunset seemed to be in.

“W-we must prepare medical attention!!” Celestia began moving.

Twilight’s heart skipped a beat. Her eyes watered merely at the idea that this nightmare could be over.

Everything froze, as she and Spike approached the Sunset– By all intents and purposes, this had to be their Sunset. It had to be.

Even just a week had nearly destroyed her– She couldn’t handle much more.

But at the very least, these matters could finally be put to rest.

With a weary, truly happy smile, she walked forward...

…But Spike reached her first.

“AAH!!! ZOMBIE!!!” He yelled out, and not soon enough.

The Alicorn Sunset stood up, raising her wings with a blood curdling roar, and her eyes were in fact, dead. Blood covered her muzzle, and scars peppered her body and face recklessly.

The entire room entered a panic as she stomped her hooves, looking around with distraught grunts and growls, drooling blood, frantically taking in her surroundings with a glare, her horn alight.

The Demon immediately covered her wife with a wing, lighting her horn protectively.

Spike ran as fast as he could behind the Queens, who took action, leaping forward.

“DO NOT LET HER BITE!” Celestia bellowed, raising her wings, teleporting to one side of the undead Alicorn.

“STEADFAST!” Luna let out a battle cry, raising her wings, horn alight, leaping forward.

The undead monster roared out, her horn crackled with energy, and with a flash, she adorned full Valkyrie armor, and sparks began lighting around her as she observed the two Princesses with rage, her armor heating up, as did the temperature of the room, sparks gathered– Arcane blades began surrounding her as she frantically eyed her opponents, with fighting intent.

“WAIT!!” Twilight yelled out, silencing the room, stepping forward in panic.

The demeanor of the zombie changed instantly. She halted– Ears flickering, eyes widened, mouth agape, baring her fangs as she observed Twilight.

She walked forward slowly, sniffing the air, eyeing the Princess with a strange contorted grimace of the undead.

Her eyes were pale, and her pupils were white. And yet, by size and build, it seemed to resemble her wife entirely; Not to mention the Valkyrie armor, which seemed fit perfectly for her, with battle dents all over it.

“S..Sunset…?” She whispered at the undead Alicorn, fearfully, mournfully.

The undead Sunset halted, as if fully recognizing the voice, eyes widening, scoffing, groaning, her gaze frantically looking at the visage of the Princess.

She let out another raspy growl– And that was enough. Luna swiftly removed her helmet, and bound her horn with magic, and Celestia leapt forward aiding in the containment of the Zombie as it began thrashing against their arcane chains, being pinned down.

“Steady, sister! Muzzle her!” Celestia yelled out, sweating, in immense weariness of their opponent.

“Against the wall!!” Luna helped her move, shooing the Sunsets that were on the way, all observing this sight with a mixture of disgust, curiosity, and sorrow.

Even the demon stepped forward, helping with her own magic to bind the monster, and together, they restrained her. Multicolored arcane chains that matched their users.

The Undead Sunset was bound, wings, head, muzzle, horn, and even legs by their Alicorn arcane chains, who were stuck to a wall on the far side of the room, where she trashed and growled, hooves barely loose on the ground, she couldn’t move more than a meter as she shook the chains.

“I know this is a pot-to-kettle situation, but…” The demon stood in front of the undead Alicorn, scanning her with her gaze, and the zombie did not seem to like that, struggling against the chains and roaring. The undead Valkyrie still wore her armor, but her helmet was now missing, absentmindedly tossed on the floor. “...What the hell is this monster…?”

“Oh… Oh no…!” The other Twilight felt a pit in her stomach, as she huddled closer to her wife. “Is that…?”

“Can’t be, right?” Spike fearfully hid behind them. “It can’t be our Sunset…?!”

Twilight had frail, panicked breaths, her wings were locked close as she kept her eyes on the one and only Alicorn Sunset they had seen from the multiverse so far… Who was looking right at her.

On the floor, laid her Valkyrie helmet.

Twilight picked it up, observing every nook of it. “It can’t be. It can’t be her– This armor, it's different– I see a few differences, see…? It can’t be her. It can’t be…!”

She approached the zombie slowly, wearily, who scanned her every move with her gaze quietly.

“...Sunset?” She spoke quickly, quietly, pleadingly.

The undead monster tilted her head.

“Can you… Hear me? Can you understand me?” Once again, it was a plea.

Slowly but surely, despite the muzzle and the chains, the Undead Valkyrie nodded, with a quiet grunt.

“Do you… Know who I am…?”

Another unmistakable, this time emphatic nod from the monster, another growl.

The Little dragon looked at the helmet fearfully, and back at the undead monster that was struggling against her chains.

“...Spike.” Twilight muttered, averting her gaze to the floor, and with an inhale, she grabbed a notepad, coming to terms with how deep the hole she was digging reached. “...It’s time we do those interviews.”

Scars

“Can we do the zombie last? She’s creeping me out SO much–” Spike shuddered, shooting a glance across the room to the chained undead. “And it feels like she’s looking right at me…!!”

“It’s because she’s looking at me, Spike.” Twilight spoke with a weary sigh– trying to compartmentalize and suppress a couple dozen emotions that stirred from this day with a single breath. “Also, we may as well do this in order of arrival, so she will be the last one, yes.” She shot a glance to the undead Sunset, who remained still, looking at her.

“Queens, would you like to stay and help…?” She was unsure if she wanted their presence or not at this point– But hoped that it would put their minds at ease.

“I cannot help but be curious about all we will learn…!” Celestia muttered, nodding. “I’m in. Me and my sister will simply observe.”

Luna suppressed a scoff. “It is indeed important for us to learn how we are inconveniencing these Sunsets before we must leave.” She side eyed her older sister. “After all, we have responsibilities to attend to when the sun must set.”

No response from Celestia, who simply huffed.

“Ahem!” Twilight tried getting the Sunsets attention, who were mostly just chatting around the room absentmindedly. “Excuse me, Sunsets…?”

Only a few looked at her, and that’s when Spike perked up. “Oh! You should do the thingy! Pleaaaase! I’ve been dying to know if it works!”

“It doesn’t exactly feel ethical, Spike...” Twilight blew raspberries.

“C’moooon what's unethical about it! It's just one little spell! It’s going to be so funny if it works!” He flapped his wings in excitement.

“Fine.” Her face grew a bit red, given what she was about to do; After all, she wanted to know if it would work too. “But only once, okay?”

She waved her horn, and with a gleam, she used the calling spell– The same one she had used dozens of times to summon her wife to her side.

Every single Sunset in the room perked up.

They all immediately walked over to her, tails wagging, some even teleported forward as they flustered– Even the zombie rattled her chains in Surprise.

Every single one of the Sunsets let out a variation of “did you call me?” In flustered confusion, wagging their tails, and meanwhile, Spike couldn’t stop snickering at the sight.

The Demon, ears twitching in confusion, nudged her wife. “I think she has some sort of… Sunset calling spell?! I definitely felt it!”

Who of course, gasped with excitement. “Oh! You’ve got to teach me that spell, it would definitely come in handy!!”

“Later!” Even Twilight couldn’t help but snicker a little at the sight of every Sunset huddling around her. “Okay, every Sunset! I want to interview each of you, appraise your stories and experiences with my wife, and maybe with it, ascertain if you’re free to roam around on Ponyville on your own!” She fidgeted a bit in embarrassment. “You know, well, considering that we may not be able to send you back anytime soon…!”

The Sunsets looked among each other in confusion, still trying to understand why and how they were just called, but they nodded in understanding.

Luna blinked in surprise. “Twilight, does letting these Sunsets roam freely among Ponyville not pose a risk? The public would certainly be confused, and of course, if news of this… Insanity was to get out–”

“--Sister, you heard her, this is about appraisal. Only the Sunsets we deem trustworthy will be free to go!” Celestia corrected her near instantly, which she rolled her eyes from.

“Okay, okay, let’s do this in order…” Twilight ruminated, looking around the Sunsets. “You there! With the medals! Let’s start with you!”

Sunset Shimmer #01: Burn marks all over the body, lots of scars, fancy suit with medals on it. Seems pretty buff, and kind of tough looking. But surprisingly chill?

Spike began taking note, as they moved the Sunset aside for the interview to a more private, comfortable corner of the room, and the other Sunsets simply lounged around, as they were before, conversing with each other as they waited.

Taking on a jokey tone, Spike crossed his arms, and tried sounding menacing. “State your nameeee.” He leaned forward as if she was being interrogated.

“It’s… Sunset Shimmer.” She blinked in confusion. “Don’t you all know this by now?”

“He was just joking, don’t mind him, hihi.” Twilight couldn’t help but laugh, and even noticed that her laughter had a positive effect on the subject. “Okay, let’s start simple–”

“--Actually, funny story regarding my name!” Sunset perked up, scratching the side of her face. “I actually, for nearly a decade, went by ‘Firestorm’. I changed it– Because I had left my old life behind, when the world went to hell. I spent those years training, pushing myself…” A small smile appeared on her face. “...But when your wife saved my world, she convinced me that… Sunset Shimmer deserved another shot.”

“G-gosh…!” She let out a weary smile. “It sounds like she really helped you…!”

“Excuse me…” Celestia took a worried tone. “But what exactly caused all of those burn marks…?”

Being in her presence definitely seemed to cause a certain stir of emotion within this Sunset, and not a negative one. “Well… In one word, training. I spent years honing physical combat, and especially fire magic– To the point where I could evaporate rain before it reached me. It came in really handy when facing the lackeys of the storm king, but of course, it, well…” She touched one of the burn marks on her face. “...I was reckless often.”

“Goodness…” Celestia showed concern, and pity. “Perhaps I could attempt to heal some of them…?”

“Don’t bother.” She smiled, with a shrug. “My– The Celestia from my world suggested that too, and I said no. They’re… A part of me, you know? There’s no point in walking away from what I was. Despite all of it, I’m still me.”

“Very wise.” Luna affirmed with a nod.

“Very cool.” Spike imitated her.

Twilight couldn’t help but smile, seeing certain similarities, certain echoes of her wife– it was certainly easy, when it was her voice. At times, when she would close her eyes to blink, she would linger, just to hear that voice without a face– And imagine it was her beloved.

She blinked a couple more times, inhaling. “So– Back on schedule… What is the state of your world…?”

“Ruin. Well, mostly…” She looked towards the floor, reminiscing in some twisted sights. “The Storm King’s forces had taken most of Equestria, and the rest of the races of the world didn’t unite against him– After all, his storms were constantly bombarding their homes, too. It was… There were no more wars after a while.” Her eyes went back to Twilight. “Your friends… They tried forming a resistance, to save you. But I believe they didn’t last that long– The ones that lived were scattered all over Equestria. …I only got to meet some before I was thrown here.”

“Oh no…!” Twilight brought a hoof to her lips. “The Storm King was defeated in our world, I couldn’t ever imagine the devastation he could have caused…!”

Spike put his arms on his hips, bragging. “Yeah, with you and Sunset, it was so friggin easy!! You whooped Tempest and then the King like it was nothing– He was barely a villain of the week! This is nuts!”

“Hah, well, I wasn’t with the Twilight of my universe…!” Sunset scratched her mane wearily. The air got heavy, as the images she spoke of were vivid. “Well… I didn’t join any group of fighters on either side. I was alone by choice, most of those years... Because I had only one mission in mind.” Her eyes got fiery, for a moment, as she reminisced in fierce determination. “I was going to train, for as long as it took, to be strong enough to single-handedly storm Canterlot, kill the Storm King, and save Celestia.”

Quiet.

She looked down, continuing. “...Because I knew that if I had been a better pupil, none of that would have happened… If I had been a better pupil, I would have been there to stop it.” Her gaze led her to the room itself– And all of the joys in the town beyond. “...And I guess I got proof of that, right here.”

“You are still standing here.” Luna tilted her head. “You were successful, were you not?”

“Well, kind of…!” She smiled awkwardly. “I murdered my way through his armies– Must have killed a hundred grunts that night– And I even made it to Tempest Shadow. Strangest thing, I thought I’d have to kill her or die trying, but…”

“Oh! Oh! Lemme guess!” Spike got smug. “She switched sides?”

“Actually, yeah, how did you guess?!”

Snickering, Twilight shared on that presumption. “We know Tempest well, in our world– The Storm King was always manipulating her, she had always been stronger than him– Once we beat her, proving how our strength and our companionship was real, she switched sides nearly immediately. It was fairly easy to prove that she was merely being manipulated.”

“Did she say she respected your conviction? Heh.” Sunset scoffed with affection, shaking her head. “And in this world, is she happy…?”

“Very!” Twilight stated with glee. “She lives with a childhood friend on the borderlands of the crystal empire– They’re incredibly happy together.”

“How about that, heh.” Sunset grinned, shrugging. “Your wife mentioned something about that to us– And in the past few days, Tempest tried getting information on how the Crystal Empire has been doing. I guess now I know why.”

“I hope they find each other.” With a happy sigh, the Princess of Friendship nodded. “Ponies like Tempest and you, they… They struggle to believe they deserve happiness. It always bothered me.”

Silence from Sunset, as she looked down. “...Yeah. We’re made of ‘sterner stuff’.” She looked up again, changing the subject. “She told me that she never thought the Storm King would have ever been vulnerable, until the day she met me. When I expressed that I was ready to die fighting him, she realized that living didn’t matter– Not on the wrong side. And that this was her chance to make her death mean something… So we took him on together.”

“This is so awesome…!!” The little dragon wrote notes down, emphatically. “What happened next…?!”

“Oh. Your Sunset showed up and killed him for us– Really easy, mind you.” She snickered, trying to mimic the movements the Valkyrie had made with her hooves “It was kind of ironic– Both me and Tempest were ready to die fighting him; but She killed him in two movements. He never even saw what hit him.”

Spike couldn’t help but snicker, nodding. “Yep. That's our Sunset.”

Behind him, Celestia breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, at least the battles she has undertaken haven’t been too weary on her.”

“That we know, sister.” Luna gave her a side eye.

“Still…!” Twilight’s heart was light, hearing of the good deeds of her wife. “What happened next…?”

“She convinced me to give Sunset Shimmer another shot– Even convinced Tempest to give herself a chance, too. So we saved the Princesses, took the credit for saving Equestria, and were hailed as heroes– But the last few days were all spent rebuilding and repairing, trying to reestablish contact with the other kingdoms...” She then flustered a little bit, averting her eyes from the Princess of Friendship. “...And, um, getting to know Twilight.”

“Oh?” Twilight almost had a smug grin on her face, as she tilted her head.

“It's nothing. Your wife said stupid stuff about Twilight being my future wife– It was stupid. I don’t care.” She lied– A mere glance upwards showed exactly what the Princess of Friendship was, at her peak, and showed exactly how much Twilight could grow to love her.

And that was hard to ignore. Hence, her face reddened.

“Sounds like somepony may have a crush…!” Celestia teased, snickering.

“Do not.” Sunset huffed. “My job now is to help rebuild my world– I plan to do it side by side with my old mentor, not with the Princess of Friendship.” Her fluster betrayed her. “It will be incredibly hard work, and it will take a long time, but it will be worth it. I didn’t want anypony to think I would slack on it, and then… You brought me here.” Her face flashed with frustration.

Shameful silence.

“Seriously– me and Tempest were receiving medals in front of a huge crowd when I disappeared– medals for saving Equestria and everything! Both Celestia and Twilight were standing RIGHT next to me– Tempest even had time to ask me what the hell was happening before I disappeared!” She got a bit emphatic– Trying to suppress anger and frustration. “Look– When you send me back– You better help me come up with an excuse, too. Like, seriously.”

“I-I owe you that much. I’m sorry. Really, I am…!” Twilight sighed in resignation, and Sunset did the same. “I… I don’t blame you, Princess. If being inconvenienced for a few days is the small price to be paid so that your wife gets to go back home then… That’s okay. …I owe her that much.”

Twilight lunged forward and hugged her instinctively.

She blushed for a moment, hesitating, and then hugged back. After all, it wasn't her only experience with having Twilight Sparkle hug her out of the blue– But certainly her first with a Twilight this tall.

It was only awkward for the others in the interview.

“...So!” Sunset cleared her throat, as she left the embrace of the hug. “...Does this mean I passed the interview? I’ve never been to Ponyville– I heard it was destroyed in my universe so… I’d like to see how it was–” She shook her head. “How it will be, when we rebuild it.”

The Princess, the Queens, and even the little dragon looked amongst each other, and then nodded affirmingly.

“Great. Now if you don’t mind… I also want to go see my parents again– I won’t get to, when I return to my world.” She walked away, without hesitation.

Sunset Shimmer #01: Free to go!

Potential

“My turn, then?” The Canterlot guard stretched– Still wearing most of her armor, but allowing her helmet to rest aside. “Sweet. I’ve been looking forward to blowing this joint. Don’t get me wrong, Princess– Your Community Center is really lovely– But the Zombie me is kind of bringing things down.” Sunset chuckled, pointing at the corner.

The Undead Sunset, from the opposite end of the room, entirely in chains, continued to stare directly at the Princess of Friendship in silence.

“Ahem, yes.” Twilight nodded, trying to avert her eyes from the undead alicorn in the corner. “It’s your turn… Canterlot guard Sunset?”

“Just Sunset is fine.” She shrugged with a smile.

Sunset Shimmer #02: Canterlot guard. Seems kinda unmotivated, or maybe just bored? Underachieving. Kinda snarky.

“Okay, let’s start with the obvious.” Twilight had her own set of notes she had made and annotated. “I’m not the princess of friendship in your dimension, right…? You said it was–”

“--Moondancer. Yes. I’ve never even heard of a Twilight Sparkle until your wife showed up.” Her demeanor was a little taken back. “It’s funny, you and her are alike, and yet… different? I’ve only known the Princess formally for a little bit, and she, well… She’s pretty amazing.”

“That she is.” Twilight snickered. “Moondancer was always an overachiever, like me– In retrospect, it seems pretty obvious that our roles would be switched, in another world…!”

“Yeah she’s kinda great, once you get to know her…” Sunset scratched her mane with a slight fluster. “She’s also, uh, way shorter than you.”

“So I've been told!” Twilight suppressed a giggle. “In fact, most Sunsets here said as much, didn’t they…?”

Spike scratched his chin absentmindedly. “Well it’s definitely weird– A lot of the Sunsets pointed out that the Twilight’s they know are way shorter than you.”

“I wonder what that means…!” She pondered.

“If I may.” Luna cleared her throat. “It likely implies that you are way more advanced on your Alicorn training than they are. Hence the growth in your powers, and your body.”

Nodding, Celestia stepped forward. “You and Sunset both pushed each other to grow and learn together… It would indeed make sense, then, that in a world where the Princess of Friendship lacks companionship, she would be…Not as powerful as you.”

“And I wonder why that is, heheh.” Spike spoke sarcastically. “You and Sunset have always been super cool together– I just never expected that to be the case with multiversal superiority, hahah!!”

“With all due respect.” Sunset cleared her throat, suppressing irritation. “If you were that much better, your Sunset would be here, wouldn't you agree?”

The three Alicorns felt both guilt and anger– But the little dragon was the first to speak, noticeably upset. “Well excuuuuuse me, you don’t have a floor to stand on, you know?? How does it feel to see that there’s a Captain Sunset right there?!” He pointed to the corner of the room where the Captain diligently polished her armor quietly. “And you’re just a guard. Bleh.” He sticked his tongue out teasingly.

“Listen here, you little runt–”

“--That’s enough, both of you.” Twilight shook her head disapprovingly, and they both stopped immediately. “We’re not turning these interviews to fight, alright? Now say you’re sorry.”

Swallowing their individual frustrations, they spoke in unison. “I’m sorry.”

“Now, on that same note, if you don’t mind me asking…” She composed herself, getting back on track. “Why are you a Canterlot guard…?”

Blowing raspberries, huffing, she hesitated to speak. But then, after raising her glance to Celestia, and thinking for a moment, she spoke. “...Because I wasn’t good enough for her.” A small pause, one that led to shock among them. “...So I quit. I couldn’t match Celestia, no matter how much I wanted to. And well… I don’t know. Flash convinced me that being a guard would be good for me, so I thought, why not? It’s a fitting shitty lowly role for the quitter pupil of Celestia… Whatever.”

“F-Flash Sentry?! Sunset’s old Ex?” Twilight blinked in surprise.

“My old ex too.” She snickered, shrugging. “Look, there’s not much to it. Your wife showed up, told me I was lame and a quitter, and well… Moondancer decided she wanted to take some special look at me because of my ‘potential in another universe.’ …What a joke.” She looked down, blowing raspberries. “As if I could ever be her…”

A quiet, mournful silence passed, before Twilight spoke. “So, are you and Moondancer…?” She made gestures that implied closeness.

“Sort of? I don’t know. Celestia, Starswirl and especially her want me to resume being a pupil– And I'm not sure I’m right for the job. But Moodancer did see how jacked I am as an Alicorn, so maybe that’s clouding her judgment…” She groaned, leaning back, exhaling. “I’m the fixer upper of the century.”

“I think you should do it…!” Twilight smiled warmly, even if wearily. “I think the world is better if Sunset Shimmer is a princess… Although I do have a bias.”

“Biggest bias ever.” Spike mumbled and snickered, even if he agreed completely.

The Queen of the Sun nodded sagely, and smiled warmly. “I agree. Though that may be obvious– If the Celestia of your world believes in you trying again, take this as you will… but the Celestia of this world believes in it too.”

This involuntarily made Sunset smile– She couldn’t help it.

“And hey, just saying…!” Twilight snickered, making a mischievous smile. “If you don’t think you could do it, you could always try shooting your shot with me from your world, wherever she may be…!”

“Also biased.” Spike muttered, snickering even more.

“Ah, yes. Twilight Sparkle– Renowned teacher of magic in Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns.” Sunset chuckled, shrugging. “Haven’t met her yet, but Moondancer mentioned you. I’ll… Keep it in mind.”

“Whatever you choose…” Celestia smiled kindly, nodding. “I have high hopes it will be extraordinary, Sunset Shimmer.”

“T-thanks… Thank you.” She muttered, nodding. “So, am I free to go…?”

“Yes– But before that, one more thing for this interview…” Twilight contained her excitement, clearing her throat. “How is Starswirl in the flesh?!?! He’s alive in your universe, right?!!”

Sunset Shimmer #02: Free to go!

Music

“So, hot stuff, it’s my turn, then?” Sunset stopped strumming on her guitar, giving the Princess of Friendship a grin. “Kept me waiting, huh.”

“Yes it is, Sunset.” She spoke calmly, containing any instincts that might surge from hearing that voice speaking on that tone could instill. “Shall we?”

“First of all.” Spike spoke calmly. “That jacket is wicked awesome.”

“Thanks, lil’ buddy.” She replied with that same grin, without hesitation.

Sunset Shimmer #03: Rockstar!! Awesome jacket, full of awesome spikes all over, plenty of cool patches, insanely cool guitar– She’s no longer hungover, but has a swag to her that is just the BEST.

“Ahem. let’s get to the subject, and no funny business, okay?” Twilight pressed on, trying to be stern.

“I won’t bite unless you ask me to, hot stuff.” She winked, with that same grin, and of course, Twilight couldn’t help but blush, even a little.

“AHEM. Okay– First of– how did you come to be…”

“--Super cool?” Spike completed.

“--A rockstar.” Twilight corrected.

“Hoho, you want to know my legend, alright.” She perked up, leaning forward. “First off– it’s been ages since I’ve properly been in your presence, Celestia– So I just want to say, you picked my replacement really damn well.” She pointed at Twilight, nodding flirtingly. “I mean with looks alone, heh…!”

“--Please, can we focus–” Twilight tried correcting, unable to contain the reddening of her own face.

“Fine, fine, I'm sorry, heh.” She leaned back. “You know, I never resented you, you know? I choose to quit being a Pupil of Celestia– Just wasn’t for me, too stressful.” She chuckled ironically, strumming on her guitar. “I found something that made me happier– And it put me in the spotlight. I followed my mom’s dream… And made it work.”

“I am happy to hear that.” Celestia nodded, even with a hint of pity. “It's a shame things did not work out for you as my pupil…”

“Eh, I don’t have many regrets– it made great emotional fuel for some of the songs I wrote– Even when I met that wife of yours, hot stuff.” She pointed at Twilight. “Like sure, you can say whatever you want about having wings– But at least I wasn’t cursed to travel the multiverse, y’know? I’m in one of the most known and successful rock bands in Equestria– My entire band is hot chick heaven, we love each other through thick and thin, and we have fantastic synergy, we had just had a venue in Canterlot, too– And come to think of it, I think Celestia always watched my shows there!-- I was pretty damn happy in my world. Well, until you hooked me out of it, that is.” It wasn’t spoken in anger, more of a nudge.

“Again, I am sorry for the inconvenience…” She exhaled.

“It’s okay, hot stuff… I’ve seen how my girls get when they miss me– I can’t even imagine how you must feel, missing her…” She had a genuine smile of empathetic pity.

“...Yeah.”

“...But hey, if it makes you feel better, I'm sure you’ll get her back. You’re my replacement, after all. I’ve only heard tales of Twilight Sparkle’s huge brains, heh.”

“Biggest brain in Equestria, heheh.” Spike snickered. “So what did you and our Sunset do together when she, well, ‘visited’ you?”

“She helped with the pyrotechnics of our show– Even played some wicked guitar with us, too– She was a real rockstar. That show was legendary.” She leaned back, snickering, reminiscing. “Not many rock shows can have an Alicorn participate, heheh. And the after party, too…”

“Well, at least Sunset is having a good time, out there, heh.” Spike scratched himself, hoping for the best. “Open and shut then? She seems trustworthy.”

“Alright, hell yeah.” Sunset grinned, packing her guitar on her back. “So–”

“--Before you go.” Twilight halted her. “...I can’t believe I’m doing this.” She rubbed her own temples.

“What’s up, hot stuff?” She tilted her head, confused.

With an exhale, she rolled her eyes, and just said it. “...Pinkie Pie works and lives in the sugarcube corner, main street, you can’t miss it, in case you want to say hi–”

“--You read my mind.” She grinned madly, tail wagging. “Okay bye! I’ll be back soon-ish!”

She then ran out of the room at breakneck speeds.

“I don’t think she’ll be back soon-ish.” Shaking his head, Spike chuckled.

“What was that all about, Twilight?” Celestia asked, tilting her head in confusion.

“You do not want to know, sister.” Luna shuddered. “Please let us just move on.”

Sunset Shimmer #03: Free to go!

Contaminated

“Well… I guess we had to come clean eventually.” The demon groaned, as she whispered to her wife. “How do you want to play this…?”

“We come clean. No lies, no omissions.” Twilight spoke without hesitation, as she nuzzled her wife affectionately.

“We’re gonna be here a while, then…!” Shuddering, the demon kept her gaze on the queens.

“That’s not what I mean, just…” She shook her head, beholding her other self. “She wouldn’t hurt us. She might judge us, and I won’t blame her if she does– But she’s me. And I know I wouldn’t hurt me.”

“...Are you sure…?” Their eyes met, and the demon couldn’t help but express genuine fear. “...We could still run.”

“No. We won’t. We don’t need to.” She shook her head firmly, absolutely certain. “Besides– her wife fought you, and she didn’t kill you by choice. I think it's safe to say we’ll get similar treatment here…”

“That much is definitely true… If they’re the perfect versions of us, I guess they wouldn't…” She exhaled, nuzzling back. “Well, either way… I’ll do whatever you ask of me.”

“I know, Sunny Bunny…” She leaned forward and kissed her gently. “And besides– Maybe we could ask her to, well… I don't know, but…” She had both hesitation and shame, all over her face. “Maybe she can help us make things right back home…”

“I’m not sure that’s possible. Look at me– Look at what’s left of me.”She spread her wings a bit, gesturing to her own contorted, muscular, thorny demonic form. “I can’t come back from this.”

“There is nothing wrong with you Sunset. I love you. Look at me. I love you.” She spoke sternly, and yet, warmly, forcing that eye contact, before sealing it with a kiss.

“Other me…!” The other Twilight called from across the room.

“It’s time! I know!” She stepped forward, bringing her wife with her. “In the interest of practicality, I figured me and my wife should take this interview together, if that’s okay…?”

“More than okay. Practical!” She nodded with a smile. “And since we already know a bit of each other, this won’t be long. I’ll just run over some questions, and we’ll be all done!”

“And we’ll comply!” She nodded, and her wife followed along, doing the same.

The demon kept shooting nervous glances towards Celestia and Luna the entire time.

Sunset Shimmer #04: A friggin DEMON!! I don’t know what the hell she is but I’m scared and confused and weirded out. She has a bunch of battle scars and scary teeth and her eyes are dark. Also other Twilight– Scruffy, darker hide, messy mane, black wings, but otherwise it seems to be kind of like our Twilight…? She’s shorter, though.

Clearing her throat, Twilight had just enough questions and suspicions. “Okay, first off, and this is important– What was the meeting between my Sunset and you two like?”

“Violent.” She almost snickered, but was a little more resigned, low on energy. “Me and her, we fought and… She… kind of demolished our empire in one fell swoop.”

“Empire…?” She had to ask, even if she had more than just presumptions over what that meant.

“I’ll explain– So, um… Five years ago, Sunset and I were working closely– I had saved her from being a demon, and offered her a place among my friends, and she took it. We got… Very close.” Twilight’s eyes widened, knowing exactly what those memories meant.

“I fell in love with her. But she never got to know it, until…”

There was shame, and weariness on the other Twilight’s tone as she spoke. “...Midnight Sparkle took over. I let my insecurities and fears get the best of me, so my evil alter ego returned, and well, she wanted to conquer all of Equestria. And she… Also wanted everything else I wanted. And as it so happens, she was also a version of me without any inhibitions, so…”

“...She asked Sunset to rule with her, didn’t she…?” Twilight sat back, with an exhale. “...The same happened with me, and my Sunset.”

“...Yeah. She did.”

“...And I said yes.” The demon lowered her head in shame. “I… I never thought I could beat her… And I love Twilight. Whatever form she takes… So it was an easy choice for me.”

“And, I, well…” The other Twilight fidgeted, a bit nervously, a bit shamefully. “I love Sunset the same way, so… Even when me and Midnight were perfectly synced, I didn’t even try fighting her either. I didn’t see a reason to. After all, I had everything I wanted...”

“We both did.”

With a prolonged exhale, Twilight considered how much she should blame her other self, and how much she envied her. After all, only one of them still had their wife– And clearly, no matter what, they were happy together... But there was one important question to be asked. “...What did you do to your Equestria?”

Silence, where the two in question quickly glanced at each other.

“What did you do.”

The demon was the first to speak, sparing her wife of the indignity of all she had to admit. “We ruled together... It wasn’t a nice rule, let’s put it that way. We uplifted Equestria and expanded our borders… To the whole world. We established a supremacy of our own, and… Extracted our resources from the other creatures of Equestria.”

“The words… ‘Harsh but Fair’ Could describe our rule…?” The other Twilight spoke with an almost awkward smile.

“That seems like an understatement.” Celestia shook her head, with a stern and disappointed gaze. “So you two established supremacy of the Equestrian people, and ruined your world just so you could be together?”

“W-well that’s not exactly how I’d describe it–” The other Twilight fidgeted nervously.

“Ugh.” Celestia began rubbing her temples, exhaling. “Repairing the infrastructure, re-establishing connection with the other races of Equestria, unburning those bridges– Your world has its work cut out for it.”

“This explains why you were both so nervous around us.” Luna narrowed her gaze, judging them. “You were two dictators, after all. I take it you dispatched the Celestia and Luna of your world?”

“N-no, we… Imprisoned them on the Sun and Moon.” It wasn’t a lie, but it was loaded with regret.

“That certainly does not ease my mind. So you two ruined your world, then our Sunset demolished your empire, and our Twilight saved you from having to pay for your actions by pulling you here…?”

“L-look, not exactly–”

“Back off.” The Demon stepped a hoof down, baring her teeth. “If you want to blame us, blame me. It’s my fault, not hers. Your Sunset–” She took a deep breath, suppressing her rage. “Your Sunset showed me that she beat Midnight; Something I didn’t even try to do. I was the weak one, and didn’t even try to fight her. It’s my fault. All of it.” She spread her wings, not menacingly, but demonstratively, snarling. “And as you can see, I got what I deserved. But Twilight is not at fault here.”

“So um, the wings, the teeth…” Spike shuddered, keeping his distance, being quietly behind the queens for the entire interview. “Is that, uh… Permanent?”

All he got in response was a glare, but it seemed to give a pretty decisive answer.

With a long exhale, Celestia spoke less sternly. “I see. And Midnight. Is she still…”

“She’s still inside, yes…” Fidgeting, the other Twilight looked to the floor, as if there was an unseen member of the conversation feeding her unwarranted opinions. “...But she won’t resurface. She’s weakened, and…” She looked to her wife, coming closer. “...We have what we most wanted… There’s no reason for her to return anymore.”

“Let’s rewind.” Twilight spoke commandingly, trying to shake off the feelings that the conversation was stirring. “My wife. How did she confront you, what did you do, and what did she tell you?”

“She beat me. Our battle nearly destroyed Canterlot castle completely, and… She showed me things.”

“Showed you…?”

She exhaled, shuddering, looking down. “Memories… Her memories of spending time with you, before her ascension– Memories we shared. It feels so… Meaningless, pointless, now. Our lives diverged so much, all by one simple choice– I’m the weak one.”

“No, you’re not–” Her wife came closer, affectionately, and commandingly. “You are not weak, and I still want you by my side. Forever, okay? Eternal.” She turned to her other self, resigned, with a sigh. “Your wife, she… She told us that our world might never forgive us… But that we should cherish that we are together.”

And just like that, it felt like Sunset was reaching out to her.

Twilight took a step back, closing her eyes.

Indeed. Despite everything, those two were together. And they were happy.

Could she say she was doing much better?

“Why do you think I’ve been helping you with this technology…? We are going back, when you can send us back, I mean…” Her other self nuzzled the demon, affectionately, wearily. “It’s our mess. Even if all that is awaiting us is a prison, we have to elect to help undo the damage we did to our world. We have to help… And maybe someday, we’ll have our own community center…!”

Silence. Twilight exhaled, looking into the distance. “...Okay. You two can go.”

“T-Twilight!!” Luna stepped forward. “Are you sure they can be trusted to roam free?!”

“Yes. Because of her.” She pointed at her other self. “She’s me– Not a monster. We want the same thing– To rule alongside our love. None of that is a conflict to us. They’ve both already been helping immensely!” Then, she addressed the demon. “And you won’t try anything, as long as she’s here, will you?”

“...I’ll do whatever she tells me to…!” The demon spoke obediently, almost flustered, and her wife stepped forward. “That means ‘I will behave and be helpful.’ Doesn’t it, Sunny Bunny?”

A short obedient nod was her response.

Celestia sighed, with a nod. “As long as you two return to be accountable for your actions…”

“We will.” The other Twilight almost bowed. “Besides– I want to help bring her wife back… We owe her that much. She saved our world– You need her. This world needs her. ” She spoke, with a genuine smile. “Way more than our world needs us…”

Truer words were never spoken, but she could expect nothing less, from another version of herself. “Thank you…” Twilight stepped forward, and spoke quieter, almost with a whisper. This time, she did not hesitate with the subterfuge. “There’s a groove in the Everfree forest, to the northeast of here– A tall tree with red leaves, no matter what season. It is comfortable and private. My wife and I went there all the time, so…” She winked.

Both of the wives’s eyes widened. The other Twilight was first to speak. “Yes. Yes. We need some R&R, don’t we Sunny Bunny?” Another quick emphatic nod, with a grin. “Is there anything else, or are we free to go…?”

“One more.” Luna stated plainly, with a wave of her horn. From her magic, two nearly invisible bracelets manifested on the wrists of both of the wives. “For tracking. We can see where you go, so do not go far.” She then passed the spell to Twilight who nodded, seeing it. “We will know if you gain too much distance. And that means: Don’t try anything.”

“We won’t. We promise. We’ll be back in an hour!” She spoke with a nervous smile, already mounting the demon, so she could fly out from the balcony, carrying her. “Maybe two hours.” “Maybe three!”

And just like that, all smiles, they were gone.

“This is getting exceedingly reckless, Twilight.” Luna gave a disapproving shake of the head. “Are you simply–”

Celestia shot her down instantly. “--Let us trust her judgment, sister.”

“They both needed some time alone– I wasn’t going to deprive them of that. It’d be pretty hypocritical to stop another me from having what I'm missing.” Twilight spoke plainly, with a sigh that hid her envy. “Besides, would you rather they did what they’re about to do here in the Community Center?”

Sunset Shimmer (Weird demon) & Twilight Sparkle #04: Free, but tracked.

Self

“Well this next one looks fairly ordinary…?” Celestia pondered, tilting her head. She was looking at a Sunset who simply dressed herself with a normal punk jacket, and by all means seemed like a completely normal unicorn; The only thing strange about her was the shirt that she wore had a band name on it none of them knew.

“SUPER ordinary.” Spike scratched his chin, raising an eyebrow. “You think we’ll have a normal one that isn’t messed up finally?”

As she walked over, her gaze was of complete curiosity and shock. “Is it um… Is it my turn?”

“Yes, it is!” Twilight spoke invitingly, even if wearily. “Please, take a seat.”

She obeyed, keeping her curious eyes on the Princess of Friendship.

Sunset Shimmer #05: Super normal looking Sunset. Shorter mane than most, a couple of piercings, Her outfit seems normal, too– She looks like she doesn’t sleep much. I remember her asking Fluttershy for coffee before, and I can see why.

“So, first question–” But she was interrupted by Sunset, who spoke emphatically. “Actually, um, can I ask you a few questions first…?”

“...Sure?” She tilted her head with surprise, but accepted it.

“Okay, well…” She inhaled deeply. “--How are you so tall?! How do you have wings– You and Mayor Celestia and even Luna!!? And my, um, the Twilight I know, she’s super short and has glasses?! And are we in some sort of magical medieval village or something?! I’ve never even heard of Ponyville!!”

The others blinked in surprise, and confusion.

…And the Sunset continued, emphatically, flustering. “Twilight is… My coworker. She works with me at city hall in Maretropolis– I don’t know what sort of crazy world this is, but magic sure is different in mine!! And…” She stopped, for a moment, eyes widening. “...The only unicorn with wings that I know is… That ‘Masked Matter-Horn’…?”

“F-from the POWER PONIES?!” Spike perked up, jaw dropped in shock. “W-wait, are the Power Ponies real in your world?!?!”

“Of course they are! Aren’t they here too?!” She looked through the window, puzzled by the sight of Ponyville.

“They’re just a comic book…?” Twilight tilted her head, puzzled. “Like– They’re not real.”

“T-they’re real in my world?! What the hell…!?” She grimaced in confusion. “A-and I’ve just been magically transported into a magical medieval dimension or something?! Like in those animated shows?”

“Okay, now I am confused too– Who are the Princesses in your world?!” Twilight took a step back, dumbfounded.

“There aren’t any Princesses in my world?! Why would there be?!” Sunset felt the very same. “And also– Your wife, the other me– She just showed up while we were being attacked by aliens!! It was NUTS!”

“Aliens?!” Her eyes widened with surprise, with her hide shivering. “The Argent?!”

“I think that’s what the news called them, yeah!” She rubbed her own temples in exhaustion. “And what’s more–”

And just then, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash entered through the balcony window. “Heya! Flutters is done with her break and I thought I’d check on how you Sunsets are doing!”

They landed together, and Fluttershy was as dutifull as ever. “Hello…! I am rested and ready to help! Does anypony– EEK!!!” She leapt into Rainbow's arms as soon as she saw the chained undead, who was strapped to the wall.

“Woah, WOAH, What the HELL is this thing, Twilight?!” Rainbow recoiled from the monster, as the undead Alicorn stared directly at her. “I-is this supposed to be Sunset?! What’s going on here?!”

“Hi Dash, hi Fluttershy, that’s Zombie Sunset. Don’t get close to her.” Twilight shrugged, unable to divide her attention proper. “Is there anything you need? We’re a bit busy…!”

“Uh, yeah.” Dash carried her girlfriend further away from the undead monster, placing a trembling Fluttershy on the floor carefully, but keeping her close. “I spotted several Sunsets walking about town– Including that Demon thing carrying the, uh, other Twilight flying towards Everfree forest. They’re not uh…”

“--No, they won’t be a problem, Rainbow.” Twilight shook her head. “We’re clearing them to look around town, but I appreciate you looking after the Ponyville– I’m hopeful they won’t cause trouble.”

“A-and-u-um…!” Fluttershy shivered, beholding the Zombie, that tilted her head, observing the newcomers with dead eyes. “Is she, um, she has wings…?”

“That’s not our Sunset.” Twilight spoke plainly, no matter how little she knew of the true answer. “It’s not. It just couldn’t be. But we’ll find out soon enough. Now, if there’s anything else…?”

“What happens when she gets hungry and needs to eat the flesh of the living?!?!?!” The pegasus spoke in a panicked whisper.

Twilight’s eyes widened, and she immediately shafted the thought aside. “We… Burn that bridge when we get to it.”

“Hey y'all!!” “Good evening, darlings!” Rarity walked into the room, accompanied by Applejack, who carried a basket of apples. “Just making a pit stop, don’t mind us– Now, where’s that super hero Sunset…?” She looked around.

“Just hero is fine.” The Sunset stepped forward, still on her outfit, but maskless and hatless. “Heya, Rarity. What’s up?”

“Just came visiting to let you know my schedule is free, and I will patch your mask up as soon as I can!” She spoke with her chin up, with wonderful gusto.

“Thanks. No rush about it, I’m not going anywhere.” That Sunset responded wearily. “And, …Thanks again.”

“It is nothing, darling. A favor to a friend– EEK!!” She yelled out, immediately hopping atop Applejack’s back by instinct, knocking over the basket of apples she carried, seeing the undead monster who looked around the room observing the newcomers. “Twilight what in the world have you DONE?! What is that thing?!”

“What in the HAY?!” Applejack shouted, recoiling from the Zombie. “Twilight explain yerself right darn now!” Apples rolled on the floor, making a mess.

“That’s just a Zombie Sunset, okay?! Can you all not worry about it? It's my problem…!!!” She exhaled in exhaustion, rubbing her temples. “Look, I appreciate all of you coming to visit, but I’m in the middle of something–”

“--First there was the demon, and now this thing…!” Rarity shuddered, still mounting her girlfriend, clinging to her fearfully. “What in the world are you doing?!”

“Girls, please, just leave the zombie alone, and go about your days! I’M DEALING WITH ENOUGH ALREADY!!”She yelled out, silencing the room.

Quiet.

The quiet remained for a little while longer. The moment Fluttershy was opening her mouth, Twilight spoke again. “--I’ll take a break when I'm done with these interviews, okay?!! Please, just look around the room and realize I’m already dealing with a bit too much to have my friends telling me off on things I already KNOW are insane! YES, There’s a demon version of my wife running around with another me– YES, there’s a vampire version of my wife over there!! Hi!!! YES, there’s a superhero version of my wife right over there!! Howdy!! YES, THERE'S A ZOMBIE VERSION OF MY WIFE CHAINED TO MY WALL!! I’M WORKING ON IT!!”

Silence.

In that same silence, Twilight reached down to the floor, picked up a fallen apple, and started chewing on it. “And THANK YOU for the apples!!” She finished.

More silence.

“--Holy shit.” The Sunset who was being interviewed’s eyes widened as she observed everything around her. The ponies that were visiting, their particular complexions, and the fact that Twilight had wings. “I went on a date with the leader of the Power Ponies. What the fuck.”

Sunset Shimmer #05: Free to go!

Payback

“I can’t believe you didn’t let me ask her a million questions about the Power Ponies, Twilight…!!” Spike crossed his arms, with a pout. “You got to ask the guard about Starswirl…!”

Exhaling, she wasn’t sure she could maintain her composure for much longer– After all, she had just lost it. “Spike, we have to move this along. You can go ask her whatever you want when she’s back…”

“Twilight. That outburst–” Luna demanded her attention. “I understand where it came from, but you shouldn’t let your circumstances–”

“--Luna, please don’t give me a friendship lesson…” She sighed, closing her eyes. “Look, whatever it is you are all going to say, I know, okay? I know. Can we please just wrap this up and move on…? I’ll take a break when I’m done with these interviews.”

“You better.” Celestia stated plainly. “You need it direly, Twilight. Now, what’s next?”

“Uhh…” Spike looked at the list. “Another ordinary looking Sunset?”

Sunset Shimmer #06: Normal looking, but she has a few scars. Her mane is long, and she’s wearing Punk accessories, and doesn’t seem as sleep deprived?

“Hey. It’s my turn isnt it?” She stepped forward, sitting diligently. “It’s… Heh, wow, it’s so weird to see you without glasses, and so… Tall…!” She snickered to herself, a bit flustered.

“Gosh, another dimension where I apparently wore glasses…?” Twilight tilted her head. “And I’m not the princess in yours, am I?”

“Not at all, heh.” She grinned, reminiscing. “My Twilight is, well… We’re partners. Were partners. Now we’re, well… Dating, I guess? We didn’t get to make anything really official before you brought me here…” Then, looking down, face red, she chuckled to herself. “Well, we made some things very official, heh.”

“O-oh no…!!” The Princess of Friendship gulped, on the realization that she might have botched the happiness of another self.

“I-it’s fine, really, I kinda deserved it– But she really didn’t.” Her smile got awkward, and she looked at the floor, averting her eyes from all Princesses, especially Celestia. “I, well… Here’s the thing. I was exiled, as a failed student of Celestia, and I wanted payback… And then I heard of this mare Twilight, who had also failed as Celestia’s student…”

The group was surprised, and very confused.

“...And, well, in my quest for revenge, I sort of recruited Twilight so we could both get payback on our replacement and Celestia together…!” She said with embarrassment; Her only respite is that she knew she was probably not worse than the demon or the zombie.

“I am not mad, I am just disappointed.” Celestia shook her head sternly, crossing her arms– Which made Sunset feel like she had been shot by an arrow.

“That’s nuts! Who was my– our replacement?”

“Oh, you might not know her? Or maybe not, I guess.” She blew raspberries, frowning. “An overachieving stuck up mare named Starlight Glimmer. She got the wings and everything…”

Twilight managed to contain her laughter, which came out as a series of noises from her nose, while Spike did not manage to contain his snickers. The Queens were both amused and surprised.

“...What’s so funny?”

“Oh, it’s just– I officiated Starlight’s wedding, that's all!” The Princess of Friendship couldn’t contain herself anymore, letting out a bout of laughter that even had her flap her wings gleefully. “She was my first pupil– And even a bad guy, before!”

“Bad guy’s an understatement!” Spike laughed out, flapping his dragon wings as well. “She had a whole cult and everything!”

“What the–” This brought a smile to Sunset’s face. “...Little miss perfect was a bad guy in this universe, huh? That makes me feel so much better.” She snickered to herself. “And what's more, this goes without saying, but having me and Twi be the ones with wings in this world? Oh, sweet payback, heheh. Wait till’ Twi hears about this!”

“Yeah, her and Trixie never even showed any interest in excelling at magic on a royal degree–” She couldn’t help but keep laughing, at the mere idea of her friend being in her place. “--So this is just amusing.”

“W-wait, Trixie’s here too?! She’s her partner here too?!” Sunset took a moment to be surprised by the resemblances. “Ugh, damn, the constants are weird.”

“Okay, jokes aside!” Twilight composed herself, gaining a professional demeanor. “Time for a lecture; You must know this path of revenge is fruitless, right? You and your Twilight are together, you can just live–”

“--Don’t worry, don’t worry, your wife already gave us the lecture!” She snickered, leaning back. “And it worked, too. We never managed to beat Starlight anyways, so we realized that letting go of revenge was just a matter of… I don’t know. Finding new reasons to go on. …And we already have one, each other, so…!”

Twilight’s grin was madly wide, as she felt the touch of her wife once more, the effect she had on the multiverse, and it filled her with warmth.

“Well, we were. And now I’m here.” Sunset frowned, exhaling. “I… I really, really hope Twi doesn’t think I left her… Ugh, she’s alone…!”

That warmth disappeared quickly, as a knot in her stomach twisted itself further. “I’m so, so sorry– Oh, what have I done…!” She covered her face with her hooves in shame, feeling a cold breeze pass through.

“Hey. As long as we bring your Sunset back, and you bring me to my Twilight, no harm done– But you better help me come up with a good excuse.” Crossing her arms, it seemed as if she was suppressing a lot of frustration, but managing to remain polite, just barely.

Luna cleared her throat, with a nod. “I am glad to know our Sunset has been doing good work out there in the multiverse– But it saddens me to know that you are undoing it, Twilight.”

And the realization of the damage she was doing was beginning to strike her, as her wings locked to the side, and her vision blurred.

“Yeah! Besides–” Sunset pointed at the machine that brought her here. “You know this magic, technology, whatever it is– It’s incredibly dangerous in the wrong hooves, right? Take it from somepony that was a bad guy last week– You could abuse it easily, and cause insane damage to more than one world!”

“Finally, a voice of reason.” Luna nodded, grinning, and Celestia huffed in response.

Hermes, who had stayed in his corner quietly, simply making annotations and studying blueprints, perked up, with ears twitching, the moment he heard this. “N-now just wait a minute! This technology is perfectly safe!! How in the world could you even abuse it?!”

“Oh, I don’t know, dumbass–” Sunset mocked him sarcastically. “The second you can turn this into a gateway, you could use it to go into different universes and just steal things! And I’m not just talking about treasure or items of value– In your own universe, there’s a cheat sheet for where items of interest could be– And the more of the multiverse you explore, the more of that sheet you’d have! What if you made this into a gateway to take whatever magical item of power from the multiverse, with impunity?! You could have dozens upon dozens of perfect copies of the same artifact of power, Nopony could chase you, nopony could stop you, it’d be as simple as stepping through, taking what you want, and stepping out!!”

“O-oh, please–” Hermes almost became flustered, at how easily his point was being rebutled. “T-that’s all hypothetical! The technology would have to be much more advanced for any of what you’re speculating to be possible– And even then–”

“--All it takes is for somepony that would want to abuse it to have it.” Sunset stated sternly, angrily. “If I was at my worst, I'd absolutely consider abusing this– All this work, all this effort, into making something that could ruin more than one world– All because of this nerd?!” She pointed accusatoringly at the scientist in the cage.

“Unfortunately.” Celestia exhaled, exhausted. “We never would have built any of this, if our Sunset hadn’t been cursed to travel the multiverse by him…”

“Great plan, supervillain!” Sunset scoffed at him. “You did all this on purpose so your ‘super duper inconvenience machine 2000’ was built– Slow clap, asshole!!”

“B-but I’m not a villain!” Hermes whimpered, genuinely taken back. “I-I’m just a scientist! This is my passion!”

“Open your eyes to the damage you did, you idiot!!” Sunset barked, stomping a hoof on the floor. “To the damage you’re STILL doing!! We don’t know how much of this is going to get worse!! SHE BROUGHT A ZOMBIE ALICORN HERE BECAUSE OF YOU!! And because of you, my girlfriend might be all alone thinking I LEFT HER!! GAH!!” She lunged at the cage with tremendous rage, but Celestia held her aloft with magic.

“Easy, Sunset.” She spoke calmly, even if the words affected her as well. “Believe me, your anger is not misplaced, and we share it. But only together will we be able to fix this.”

Exhaling, grunting, deeply affected by who was saying those words, she breathed deeply. “Fine. But all this– You better fix it. If this shit fell into the wrong hooves…”

Twilight finally lifted her head aloft, muttering quietly, but certainly. “Yes… Yes. I plan on destroying it and burying it, as soon as we get my wife back. I promise.”

“Good. Now I know you said this interview is about clearing me to go around Ponyville, but…” She shook her head, standing her ground. “I don’t want to. I want to help. You need all the help you can get, and I want to go home as soon as possible. My Twilight is all alone, and she needs me. She’s… Sensitive, you know?”

Snickering, Spike nodded. “Heh. You know, for somepony that was evil like a week ago, you’re surprisingly cool.”

“It was always pretty hard to be evil when I had a cute little nerd as my partner…” Her gaze landed on the Princess of Friendship. “...Twilight brought out the best in me.”

Sunset Shimmer #06: Staying!

Living

“Hoho, I’ve been looking forward to this one!” Spike rubbed his hands together. “The superhero one!!”

“Just hero is fine.” Sunset approached the group, sitting diligently. She was still wearing her outfit, but her mask and hat were absent.

Sunset Shimmer #07: Superhero!! She looks like that old prank that Twilight and her friends pulled on Rainbow Dash– The Mysterious Mare Do Well!! And wow, she is FULL of scars, and pretty buff! She looks like she took a heavy beating recently, and has a pretty short mane. SO badass!!

“I don’t know why everypony keeps saying ‘super’ hero. Is it the cape? I always thought it was too much, even if it does help in a fight… I’m just a Unicorn, you know?” She huffed, stretching.

“Sunset…” Twilight leaned forward, looking at her face closely, with plenty of fresh scars. “...What did your world do to you…?”

“Oh this? You should see the other guys.” She shrugged. “I’m fine, I’ve had worse, trust me.”

She couldn’t help but chuckle quietly, looking at her closely. “You look like your mother…!”

“Yeah, I know, heh…” She snickered, feeling one of her eyes that couldn’t quite open fully yet. “You should have seen her face when she saw me– Well, she’s not my mom, she’s your Sunset's mom, but still…”

Twilight exhaled, shaking her head, having the familiar feeling of a Sunset ignoring pain and wounds wash over her. “That costume… It's nostalgic. The ‘Mysterious Mare Do Well’ was an invention of me and my friends… Almost a decade ago, by now… Why are you wearing it…?”

“It’s my job.” Sunset grinned, even if it was a weary, tired grin. “For almost five years now, I’ve secretly been Ponyville's protector. I never showed my face, and I ended up stealing this costume from the Carousel Boutique… It became my identity.”

“Y-you’re a vigilante?! I knew it!!” Spike perked up, smiling widely. “That’s so cool!!! How did you end up being one?!”

“Long story. Too long.” She let out a weary exhale. “But to sum it up… I owed you, Twilight. You saved me from becoming that thing, the Demon… I had a debt I needed to repay… So I did it by keeping Ponyville safe, from the shadows, every day. All for you to… Get a chance to rest.”

“Oh my goodness…!” She muttered, covering her lips, almost flustered. “Does… Your Twilight know you’re… You?”

“She does now.” Blowing raspberries, closing her eyes, Sunset huffed. “Thanks to that wife of yours. She kind of unmasked me the moment she stumbled into my universe. Don’t worry, everything turned out okay, we sorted it out. It was actually… Pretty good, to have her know it's me.”

“I can imagine!” A small smile appeared on the lips of the Princess of Friendship. “After all, I’ve always been the enthusiastically forgiving sort…!”

“Too much, if you ask me– But I guess it worked for my benefit.” She sighed, stretching. “...I just hope she and Maud aren’t freaking out too much that I've gone missing… I hope they don’t think I ran away…”

“Maud?” Twilight blinked.

“As in… Pinkie’s sister, Maud?” Spike narrowed his eyes.

“Yeah. I’ve lived with her for a few years now. She was the only pony that knew my face before Twilight found out a couple days ago– Probably the best secret keeper in Ponyville, I’ll be honest. She was… Incredibly helpful, in more ways than one.” That little grin she made was one Twilight knew well.

With a groan, and a slight fluster, Twilight covered her eyes with a hoof. “My goodness what is WITH these Sunsets and the Pie sisters…!” She scoffed, shaking her head. “If I find out that one of these other Sunsets is with Marble and/or Limestone I’m honestly going to lose it.”

“If it makes you feel better, we’re not exactly dating.” Sunset snickered to herself, shrugging. “You can’t exactly call somepony a girlfriend if you can’t be seen in public with her or even introduce her to your family and friends. What you can do, however, is have somepony to sleep with when you’re–”

“--Let’s talk about more important things.” Twilight narrowed her eyes, staving off frustration. “The Twilight of your world, is she…?”

“She’s a Princess, yes. And she has a castle, too! Now here’s something I found weird when I first got here– You’re taller, and… Clearly more powerful, but you don’t have a castle? What’s with that?”

“Sunset blew it up.” Twilight snickered, reliving the memories. “It was a whole thing, she saved my life, saved the world, by blowing it up– That’s when she earned her wings.”

“Huh. Not bad?” She couldn’t help but chuckle as well. “That castle has always been an eyesore if you ask me– It’s really good for scouting, I often rest atop it, it's a great point of advantage– But sheesh, it doesn’t really fit you. Well, her. it’s… Too empty.”

“Oh I totally agree!” Spike snickered. “Those hallways were WAY too long for my little legs. I’m glad Sunset blew it up.”

“Eh, it wasn’t all that bad!” Twilight shrugged. “But building this Community Center with my wife was… Really special. It’s something that’s ours, you know? Not a gift, not a blessing, but something we made together. It’s precious to us…!”

“I bet it is…!” Sunset blushed a little, imagining how it would feel like to have the same for her.

“I’m back, darlings!” Rarity entered the room, significantly quieter than before, significantly more reserved than before, and unaccompanied. “Do not worry Twilight, I just have business with this Sunset, and then I’ll be gone.”

“I-It’s okay. Sorry for shouting before…!” She scratched her own chin, muttering quietly, but genuinely.

“It is quite alright, darling.” Rarity gave her a warm smile. “Celestia only knooooows how you’ve been feeling!”

“I do, and I’m right here.” The Queen of the Sun nodded, confused by the saying.

“Ahem, yes, either way, Sunset darling, here you go!” She handed out the hero her mask, now fully repaired, stitched to mint condition.

“Thanks, Rarity…!” She spoke with a pleased smile, looking at it closely. “I didn’t get the chance to ask my Rarity to repair it before I was taken here– You always worked really fast– And skillfully, too, heh…!”

“It is an honor to add to the work of a Rarity from another universe, darling!” She spoke proudly, overjoyed. “Tell her I send my love!”

“If I ever live to go back, sure.” Sunset let out an ironic laugh. “It’s funny. I’ve never actually spoken to you– We worked together, but you never knew my face.”

“Then take this as a warm up, darling!” Rarity giggled, sitting back. “I hope you manage to be a good friend to your Rarity someday. I know I am with our Sunset!”

“Maybe…!” She exhaled, scratching her own mane. “Despite everything, I'm at least glad I got to see my parents and Celestia in a situation where I don’t have to worry about my mask– Where I don’t need to address the fact I've been missing for over half a decade– Much less what I've been doing for half a decade…!” Her gaze shyly landed on the Queen of the Sun.

“For the other me’s sake, I hope you come clean.” Celestia spoke sternly, fussing. “After all, I speak from experience that she must miss you dearly– And that no matter what, she will forgive you.”

A short, quiet, nearly shameful nod was the only response Sunset gave.

“Speaking of missing…” Rarity nudged Twilight, coming closer, with a bit of pity, a bit of comfort. “How are you feeling, being surrounded by… You know, versions of her?” She gestured vaguely.

“I think my emotions are best summarized by me saying ‘I feel bad’, Rarity.” She let out an exhale that held too much. “If I attempted to be any more nuanced, we would be here all day.”

“--I mean, that Captain alone, have you seen her musculature?” Rarity whistled, fanning herself jokingly while pointing to Captain Shimmer, who continued to polish her armor diligently on the corner of the room while observing the Zombie. “Water water and not a drop to drink, eh Twilight?”

Letting out an exhausted groan was not enough to contain her flustering or her frustration, which Rarity giggled over, after all, she was being read like a book.

“And you're not so bad yourself, darling!” Rarity nudged the Masked Mare with a grin. “The hero's look always fitted Sunset quite well!”

“Thanks! So I’ve been told, recently.” She shrugged, but smiled.

“Rarity please leave.” Twilight closed her eyes, blowing raspberries.

“On it darling. Forgive me for the intrusion.” She nodded and diligently moved away.

“Oh, and Rarity…!” Twilight paused, breathing in. “Please see if the girls are free for tea in an hour or two at the Carousel boutique– I need to apologize formally, and… I want to take a break.”

A proud smile manifested on her lips, and she nodded with glee. “Right away, darling!”

“I am happy you have decided to rest, Twilight.” Luna nudged her with pity. “You need it. Desperately.”

“Speaking of rest…!” Sunset cleared her throat, speaking earnestly. “Look, I don’t know much of this multiverse magic or whatever… but I do know of protecting Ponyville. I have years of experience on that matter– So if you clear me up to go free, I could watch over the town while you figure out how to get us home…?”

With a swift motion, she put the mask and the hat on, and her look was complete. “‘Cause if you need help from a Mysterious Mare Do well, I’ll happily provide!” She tipped her hat.

Twilight couldn’t resist, pulling her in for a hug too.

Sunset Shimmer #07: Free to go!

Flesh

“Finally.” The vampire scoffed, taking another bite of an apple she had picked from the ground. “This is like the most twisted and deranged conga line ever.” She sat relaxed in front of the Princess of Friendship, with a bored look. “Are you planning on setting the zombie free too?” She joked.

“Unlikely.” Twilight shook her head, shooting a glance to the undead who was looking directly at her. “This is an assessment of danger levels as well as trust levels. And she’s an alicorn– We can’t underestimate her.”

“And she’s Sunset.” Spike kept his gaze away from the monster chained to their wall, fearing even looking away at her. “Who KNOWS what a zombie valkyrie could be capable of…!” They were immensely lucky that they had two Princesses and even a demon on the scene to restrain her.

“Ironic, isn’t it?” The vampire chuckled to herself, running her tongue through her sharp teeth. “When you pulled me here, I was sure I’d be the biggest freak Sunset around this whole circus– Lo and behold, a demon, and now, a Zombie Alicorn. I feel great.”

Sunset Shimmer #08: Vampire?! But doesn’t need blood or is animalistic or anything, I guess? Still has sharp teeth, and bat wings, and her ears are longer. Also, she doesn’t burn up in the sun.

“...Let’s get started, then…?” Twilight sat professionally. “We already established you don’t need to drink blood– And unlike the vampire fruit bats we knew, you’re not animalistic, either. Why’s that?”

“Because of you, bloodbag.” She blinked, and chuckled. “Sorry. Force of habit.”

“What do you mean, because of me?”

“The you from my world. We had a whole vampire apocalypse going on, and then you just started ‘healing’ everypony left and right… The last few days were incredibly chaotic. Honestly, I’m kind of glad you pulled me here– It’d be incredibly boring to watch the slow and agonizing work of changing the entire infrastructure of our world, the conflict of the vampires that still want to drink blood pushing back, and then all the politics, blah blah–” She waved her hooves dismissively, unamused. “Lucky me, I wasn’t a high ranking clan member. I’ll take this as a well needed vacation– Hell, maybe I should just stay in this world.”

Blinking a few times in shock, Celestia leaned forward. “W-wait. Have you not anypony to go back to? Are you not… Missed?”

Talking to her old mentor didn’t affect her as much as she expected. “Are you surprised? I was part of a vampire clan, we were a pack, not friends. And I really don’t care–” She extended her bat-like wings, showcasing them. “I’ve got wings, I’ve got magic, and I’m still me. I’m in no rush to find a place in the new world.”

Fidgeting pensively, Luna pitched in. “How is it that your universe’s Twilight came to begin healing your world mere days ago?”

“Hell if I know. But I do have a theory– That wife of yours, she kicked my ass on the same night that Twilight started healing everypony. I think she was heading to Canterlot, heart of the vampire empire, too– Maybe she really was all that.” She shrugged, taking another bite of the apple.

A small smile appeared on Twilight’s lips. That world was being saved due to the efforts of her wife. On that much, she was certain.

But soon enough the smile vanished. Leading to her thinking of the Sunset in front of her, and what awaited her back home. “...Did you meet your Twilight properly? What did she think of you?”

“Sort of? She was kind of healing us clan by clan. She passed by me and did a double take; She even said my name, which I thought was weird, but one of her friends called her to continue the healing work. I didn’t make anything of it at the time, but– I guess it would support the theory that she met that jacked Alicorn version of me.” She shrugged, taking another bite.

“You need to go to her.” Twilight stepped forward, commandingly, frowning.

“What?!” The vampire recoiled, confused.

“You need to go to your Twilight, and help her. The weight of the world is on her shoulders, and she might be alone, and struggling, she needs help. You need to help her.”

“I don’t need to do anything– Look here, Bloodbag–”

“No, YOU look here!” She stomped a hoof on the ground, silencing the room. “You have NO idea how stressful this job is without somepony close to you to look after you, to care for you, to love you– And it’s the job YOU wanted originally, isn’t it?! Princess of Equestria?!”

“I-I guess– But I’m not fit for it, obviously!” She bit back, baring her fangs. “I’m not your perfect wife, you know?! Look at me! You’re projecting!!”

“Twilight Sparkle needs companionship!! And you need purpose!!” She yelled out, looming over the vampire, raising her wings. “So you better shape up and step up!!”

“Twilight. Ease.” Luna assured her, coaching her to breathe, and Twilight followed, stepping back and inhaling. “You don’t even have a way to send her back yet.”

“Look, I make no promises.” The vampire snarled, flustering a little bit. “But… I guess I could try to get to know her, maybe. Maybe.”

“She is not wrong about your need for purpose, Sunset.” Celestia shook her head wearily. “You could find a place alongside the savior of your world, if you would only try…!”

“Whatever.” She scoffed, averting her gaze, the words clearly affecting her.

Exhaling, Twilight stepped forward. “Look. What I’m saying is– Sunset and I have made each other happier than we ever would have been alone. I don’t want you to… Miss that chance.”

“...Whatever...” She was resigned, looking down, away, trying not to compartmentalize those words. But… “...No. You’re right. I’ll… Try, maybe, I guess.”

“Good. Now–”

“Sorry to interrupt, Princess.” Captain Shimmer stepped forward diligently. “But the undead me is acting strange. You may want to address that.”

The Alicorns’s ears twitched as they gazed with worry at the undead Sunset who was starting to rattle and pull her chains fiercely, growling and roaring as she did it.

“O-o-oh gosh, oh gosh!!” Spike stayed behind as the Alicorns walked forward.

“S-Sunset, what’s wrong…?!” She asked, and it fell on deaf ears, as the undead monster continued to fiercely pull and rattle the chains.

“Twilight.” Luna stated plainly, as she looked at the ravenous monster before her. “We cannot risk her getting loose. It may be safer for us to simply put her down, while she’s restrained–”

“NO!” She shouted back, both in fear, and in desperation. “Just NO. Sunset. Sunset, can you hear me?”

The undead Alicorn stopped moving, lifted her head, breathing haggardly and quickly, eyes on the Princess.

Twilight wondered, for a moment, how foolish it was to even attempt what she was attempting. “What’s wrong…? Please, let me help you…!” She whispered to the Valkyrie, who could not respond coherently.

The undead monster did one single motion, emphatically pointing at her own mouth, and even if muzzled, she made quick, short biting motions, grunting angrily.

And just like that, she began pulling on the chains again, ever stronger.

“W-what?!” Twilight asked, in disbelief.

“Twilight, I think she’s…!” Celestia exhaled, mourning the sight. “I think she’s hungry.”

Nodding emphatically, angrily, was all that Sunset did before she continued pulling on those chains.

The trio watched as the face they knew, muzzled and chained, ravenously and savagely pulled against her bonds.

The wall started cracking. So did the chains. She still had Alicorn strength. She was still Sunset Shimmer.

Twilight couldn’t take the sight anymore. “I-I’ll feed you! Stop. Please. Please don’t break out. I’ll feed you. I promise.”

Sunset, like she had heard magic words spoken by a lover, stopped immediately, sitting down obediently, looking at the Princess with her dead eyes.

“Twilight, I do not think she will go for apples.” Celestia shook her head worryingly. “Undead monsters are rare, but none are reported to share our… Diet.”

“Feeding her anypony is out of the question–” Luna stated sternly. “Don’t even THINK it, Twilight.”

“I wasn’t, okay?!” She huffed, rubbing her temples. “Um, maybe I could fly to everfree, find some woodland animals…?”

“Fluttershy would not be happy. Not even a little, Twilight.” Celestia eyed her judgmentally. “And knowing how her social circle expands to nearly every critter there…”

Crossing her arms, Luna frowned, cutting deep. “And how would you decide which creature is most deserving to be slaughtered?”

“Please don’t say it like that.” Twilight shuddered, with an exhale. “Look, I'm not putting her down, I’m not hurting her, okay? I’m not hurting any Sunset, no matter what. Especially since…!” She regarded the undead monster’s alicorn wings, chained like the rest of her.

“What happens if she hurts you, Twilight?” Luna spoke plainly, sternly.

“Sunset.” Twilight addressed the monster, whose ears twitched upon hearing her name. “...Would you ever hurt me?”

The response was immediate, a grunt and distinct shake of the head.

“See?” She looked at the two queens, who had their own confused groans.

With an exhale, Luna rolled her eyes. “Sure. Let’s take the undead monster’s word for it– What are you going to feed her, Twilight?” Luna looked at her defiantly, eye to eye, judging. “I do not wish to see her as she gets hungrier, and me and Celestia won’t be able to be here long to help you– The sun is near setting.”

Silence.

Twilight pondered fearfully, looking at those dead, familiar eyes.

“Um… Do you accept fish…?”

The undead Sunset groaned, rolling her eyes, but nodded in resignation.

Sunset Shimmer #08: Free to go! (And going to get some fish for us.)

Purpose

“Thank you for getting some fish for us, Vampire Sunset…!” Twilight spoke with a weary exhale, as the winged Sunset dropped a couple of wet twitching salmons on the wooden floor.

“Just Sunset is fine– And no problem, it was good to stretch my wings. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’d rather not see what comes next– I’ve drank blood, but this might be a bit too much, even for me.” With a casual strut, she turned around, stretching her wings, and felt the sun on her face once more, as it was near her namesake, before taking off.

“I-I-I can’t look!!!” Spike covered his eyes facing away. The queens did not do the same. “J-just tell me when it’s over…!” He ran out of the room, sitting outside the door.

Slowly, quietly, Twilight placed the fish in the ground in front of the undead alicorn, who remained muzzled, still, eyes on her.

She came closer, carefully, gently. “I’m… Going to take off your muzzle, okay…?” No response. The dead eyes remained on her.

“Watch for her bite…!!” Luna muttered, feeling immensely tense.

Slowly, gently, Twilight reached for the arcane muzzle, and with magic and her hooves, removed it.

It faded away in sparks, and the zombie’s head was free.

They were face to face.

And the undead Alicorn did nothing, simply looked at her.

They stood that way, simply looking at each other closely. Twilight attempted to examine every distinctive facial feature, and desperately tried deciphering what she was thinking, but had no luck.

“O-okay.” She nodded, and took a few steps back.

Only when she was far enough did the monster begin feasting, leaning down and savagely biting into the dying fish, tearing them with her teeth, crushing them with her hooves, wildly, viciously.

Even those that weren’t looking couldn’t escape the sounds.

“So…” Captain Shimmer cleared her throat, keeping her eyes in the macabre show. “Is it my turn, then? Me and her are the only two left.”

“Y-yes! Yes. Sorry.” Twilight finally forced herself to look away. “Let’s go… Over here.”

Sunset Shimmer #09: Captain of a royal guard! She’s shredded, got plenty of scars, and a sick ass-obsidian armor. Very serious demeanor, though. Seems awesome.

“You know, I don’t mean to ‘beat a dead horse’, as it were…” The Captain pointed at the zombie, with a small grin at her own joke. “But you realize how she represents a security risk, right?”

“Yeah. Not much I can do, though…” She side eyed the vicious display that continued in the corner of the room. “I’m not hurting her. I just hope that… Ugh.” She couldn’t finish the sentence, shaking her head. “Let’s talk about you.”

“How many days has your Sunset been missing?” The Captain asked nonchalantly, as if she was the one interviewing, examining her reaction carefully.

“Over seven days now– A whole week… But it feels like a month. Every hour she is transported into another universe– Which means she has passed through more than one hundred and sixty eight universes… But who’s counting?” her eyes were narrowed, exhausted. And the Captain could notice.

“How did it happen? How did she get cursed, I mean.” The Captain’s eyes often trailed to the undead monster feasting in the corner, when she wasn’t examining every twitch on the Princess's face.

“It… It was during a celebration. Her fifth alicornaversary. We were both distracted, and… that scientist over there, he fired a magical shot at me, a multiversal curse.” She shuddered, closing her eyes, reminiscing. “The shot was meant for me, but… She stepped in the way.”

“...I see.” The Captain did not wear emotions on her sleeve, she was hard to decipher, but there was some form of pity in her voice. “Well. At least I know me and her are on the same wavelength, then. Not that there was much doubt, in the short time we spent together.”

“...What do you mean…?”

“For my Princess, I would burn with a smile.” She spoke plainly, simply, without hesitation. “In all of my time serving her, my mission was simple. But it was everything. My job was to ensure that Twilight Sparkle lives, and safely– Because she alone will bring about a golden age to Equestria, when she ascends to the throne. That much I could tell, from the first day I met her.”

Remaining silent, Twilight observed this single minded devotion, and it felt incredibly familiar.

“I’ve fought dozens upon dozens of enemies, and slain them all the same. Fearlessly, with that one single objective in mind. And I knew that one day I wouldn’t be able to win– And I didn’t mind, because in my death, I knew I would have done my part for the future of Equestria.” Her eyes trailed back to the Princess, making eye contact. “...And I imagine your Sunset feels the same way.”

Twilight’s eyes twitched. “I’m… Not sure I get what you mean.”

“It means, Princess–” She sighed, looking away. “That Sunsets like us know that our lives are in a timer. A countdown– That any good thing is a stroke of luck– And any end is fitting.”

“I… What are you saying…?!”

“...I was pretty happy where I was. The happiest I’ve ever been. And then you pulled me here.” She made eye contact, not of hatred or frustration, but of resignation. “I knew my time with her would run out eventually– I just didn’t expect it so soon.”

“B-but you’re still alive!” She gasped in frustration. “I’m going to take you back!! S-sometime!”

“Hm.” She hummed affirmingly, with a shrug. “I bet your Sunset is still alive, too. But the clock is ticking. And if she’s anything like me… I know that she’s counting on you being able to live without her. She’s hoping for it. When she dies, she’ll do so with a smile, knowing you’ll be here to pick up the pieces.”

“I don’t like what you’re implying.” She muttered, almost snarling.

“Yes, I imagine my Twilight might miss me too.” She looked down, resigned. “But I knew my time would come eventually. All I can hope for is that she can still rule, and be the leader she was destined to.” Slowly, she looked up, eye to eye. “How about you…? When your options dry up, will you rule Equestria alone, if necessary?”

“Let’s talk about something else.”

“You’re Twilight Sparkle. You can do anything.”

“Let’s talk about you, please.” She was both frustrated, and mournful.

“Please tell me that you could do your job without me.” Finally, the mask slipped, and Sunset showed her desperation.

Silence.

“Please tell me that grief won't break her– That missing me won’t stop her. Please.”She pleaded, she begged, gritting her teeth in frustration.

Twilight had no response, and that in itself was all the response she needed.

“...Fuck.” Sunset muttered to herself, face low, gritting her teeth. The reality of her situation had already dawned on her, but now, the weight. “No, no, no…!”

The Queens had watched everything, each with their own perceptions of the conversation. They purposefully said nothing, even as they eyed each other.

"I'm so, so sorry for taking you from your home. I'm so, so sorry...!" The Princess murmured, closing her eyes, realizing the depths of her mistake. "T-to think that I've done what was done to me to another Twilight, I'm-- Oh, oh god...!"

The captain let out a sigh, and they were quiet, for a moment.

“One of the last things she said to me– Before I was brought here…” Sunset let out an ironic chuckle. “Is that she wanted me to retake my pupilage with Celestia, and rule alongside her. She said I was uniquely qualified.” She shook her head, eyes watering, laughing at her own misfortune. “‘What a stupid notion’, I thought. As if Twilight Sparkle would need anypony else, much less me, to rule.”

If the Princess of Friendship spoke now, it would be through sobbing.

So she didn’t.

“But I guess when you get the taste of a good thing, it’s hard to live without it, isn’t it?” She was of course, referring to Sunset Shimmer, the Princess of Hope, and at the same time, herself.

Both of them looked at the ground, suppressing their own emotions, the sense of injustice and of divine punishment that felt crashing down on every single side of them.

“Yes.” Twilight spoke plainly, with a frail shudder.

An understanding silence passed, and nobody said anything in the room. The Zombie had finished her meal, and was listening attentively.

Twilight forced herself, despite the tears that were forming, to inhale, and begin speaking. “Let’s begin the interview.” She centered herself, and exhaled. “How did you get to become Captain?”

The Captain reinstated her professional demeanor instantly. “Flash Sentry. He suggested it, when he saw what being a pupil of Celestia was doing to me.” She briefly glanced at the Queen of the Sun. “He was right, of course. I wasn’t fit for it– It brought out the worst in me. So I tried something different, and I committed.” She shot a quick glance aside, scoffing. “And to think there’s a version of me that remained a guard. Ugh.”

“...And… Your Twilight?” She tilted her head slightly. “...You and her…?”

“The day I met my replacement I saw nearly everything that I lacked. I could see exactly why Celestia had chosen her. It was both informative, and Illuminating.” She spoke, almost rehearsed. “I was already high in the ranks– But that was the day I decided that no matter what, I needed to protect her, I needed to keep her safe. Nothing else mattered.”

“...When did you fall in love…?” She didn’t need to ask the Captain that she was in love. It was unmistakable. There was almost a smile on her face. Almost.

“As if I could remember…” She nearly grinned, shrugging, reminiscing. “It feels like it was day one– But that would be a lie by incompetence.” Inhaling, she closed her eyes, feeling all of it. “...My love and devotion to her could have simply been seen as diligence and loyalty, to the untrained eye– Even mine. I did what I thought was right, even when I didn’t know why I was doing it.”

“...And her? How did she feel?”

“I don’t presume to know how she felt. All I know is that she always valued my diligence, and even my company. And that Celestia not only approved, but was more than happy that the safety of her pupil was not a responsibility of only her.”

The Queen of the Sun let out a frail chuckle– Knowing exactly how that felt.

“That being said…” She rotated her neck, as if stretching, or as if looking for a reason to not make eye contact. “I never, ever intended to admit my feelings to her. After all, what I wanted and felt didn’t matter. I wasn’t worthy of her, that much was obvious.”

Twilight frowned. “This feels annoyingly familiar.”

Chuckling, shrugging, Sunset assured her. “Your wife saw to it that I changed my mindset. In fact, she taught me a lot, in the short time we had together… I suppose she taught the both of us. It was quite the revelation, to me.”

“How so?”

“...I came to realize something that, in retrospect, should have been obvious to me. That if my job was to protect the Princess of Friendship, that job would be much, much easier, if we shared the same bed.”

“Oh.” Twilight couldn’t help but snicker, feeling that familiarity once more– Knowing exactly how that other Twilight felt.

“And the rest is history. The last few days were certainly secretive, but… I’ve never seen her smile that way.” And just like that, she was smiling too. “And if the price for her to be that happy is my job as her protector has the addition of being her lover, well, I’d do that with a smile, too.”

Twilight sighed listlessly. “...And just like that, the idea of ruling Equestria alone feels like damnation.”

“For the sake of my world and yours, I hope not.”

Understanding Silence.

“I’m not leaving this building. And the sun is near setting. You still have work to do, Princess, one more interview. I won’t keep you.”

Sunset Shimmer #09: Staying.

Love

“Time to face the music.” She muttered to herself, eyeing the undead Sunset, who looked at her all the same.

“Twilight… It is an undead monster. How exactly are you planning on interviewing her?” Celestia followed in her steps carefully.

“I believe one question is most important of all.” Luna narrowed her eyes, approaching the creature. “...Is she our Sunset… Or not.”

“Yes or no questions.” Twilight affirmed to herself quietly, sitting in front of the Undead Alicorn.

And just like that, the room was quiet again.

The undead Sunset followed every moment Twilight made with her gaze.

“Sunset…!” She spoke, trying not to let the visage affect her. Her wife, dead, and yet, still here. Still looking at her the same way. “...Do you know who I am?”

A quick nod, with some quiet groans.

“...Do you know where you are?”

A quick glance to the balcony, a tilt of her head. She then turned back to Twilight, and nodded slowly.

“...My name is Twilight Sparkle, and you’re in Ponyville.” She muttered, observing her reactions. “My wife was lost to the multiverse, and I built a machine to bring her back… That’s why you ended up here.” She gestured to the device that brought her here, and the zombie followed the gesture. “This is really, really important.” She breathed in, then out. “Are you my Sunset Shimmer?”

Quiet. She tilted her head, observing Twilight, and sniffed the air, but gave no response.

“Are we sure she even understands what you are saying…? Fully, that is.” Luna grimaced.

“Perhaps we are asking the wrong question.” Celestia brought a hoof to her lips pensively.

Twilight thought, for a moment, observing her… Then her wings, then her face. Her dead eyes. The way she bared her fangs, at all times, the way her scars seemed to be a part of her hide, the way she was pale.

She had nigh memorized the positioning of scars in her wife’s body, and for a brief moment, her heart beat faster, noticing common scars, and yet, felt relief, seeing different ones.

“Your world. Are… More ponies like you, there…?”

A slow, hesitating nod, but a definitive one.

“Are… All ponies like you there…?”

No response. Sunset looked down at the floor, with a grumble.

“I suppose that is our answer…” Celestia spoke, with a relieved exhale. “We would know if there was an infection of this sort, in our world… This is not our Sunset Shimmer.”

“I suppose she would not know if her entire world is infected… There would always be survivors.” Luna grimaced, with a scoff. “Although it pains me to see that this… Disease reached Princesses, as well.”

“I wonder…” Twilight tilted her head, with a mournful gaze, inspecting her. “I wonder how it started. I wish we could simply ask, so we could know how to avert it, were it to ever come to us…!”

Sunset interrupted her, by quickly pointing a hoof at herself emphatically, groaning, tapping her chestplate.

“W-what?”

She did the same motion, grumbling, pointing at herself, shaking her chains.

Celestia’s eyes widened. “O-oh no. I think she is saying she is responsible for… This.”

The undead Sunset shook her head vigorously, then pointed at herself again.

“M-maybe… Maybe not exactly?” Twilight tried to no avail to understand. “Maybe she is just implying that she was… That it started with her?”

Sunset nodded emphatically, growling.

“S-so, you were the first?! Oh no…!”

Another nod, this time, quieter.

Twilight shuddered with anxiety. Imagining that somebody would do this to Sunset filled her not only with rage, but profound fear.

“Who did this to you.” She spoke plainly, desperately hoping for an answer. Anything that could help her avert this kind of disaster.

And she got it.

Sunset Shimmer pointed at Twilight Sparkle.

Her eyes widened. “W-what?! I killed you?!”

She shook her head vigorously, and continued to point at her.

“Perhaps you did not kill her, but curse her, in their world.” Celestia gritted her teeth, not wanting to even consider it.

With another savage shake of her head, she continued to point at Twilight.

“Maybe it was only a matter of circumstance–” Luna couldn’t even finish her sentence, with the zombie roaring.

She growled, made guttural noises, all while pointing aggressively at Twilight.

And just like that, everything clicked for her.

All she needed to do was place herself in her own shoes.

“...You died. You were killed.” She spoke quietly.

Sunset nodded slowly.

“...You died protecting Equestria.”

Sunset nodded once more.

“...You died protecting me.”

She nodded so emphatically that it rattled the chains.

“...And I brought you back.”

A slow, but certain nod.

“We… We were meant to rule Equestria, but you died…!” She shuddered, wincing.

A slow nod, where she looked down.

“And no matter what happened… I wouldn't let you go.”

A short, slow, mournful, decisive nod.

Twilight sat back, with a frail exhale.

Luna tilted her head, addressing the undead with anger. “Did you bite your Twilight Sparkle? Did you spread your infection through your world?”

The zombie simply looked down, averting eye contact, grunting.

“Luna, stop.” Twilight shuddered, with a sigh. Her eyes returned to her love. “She wouldn’t do that to me– I know she wouldn't, but…”

She breathed in, as if every single thought and perspective of another Twilight Sparkle lined up in her head perfectly. “Sunset… I asked you to bite me, didn’t I?”

A few seconds passed– One in which the expression of the Undead monster seemed to shift– To that almost of sorrow.

…And she nodded. Decisively.

“--And there you have it.” She nearly chuckled, at the irony of it all. “Of course I did. What else…?” Her proximity to this Sunset revealed so much about herself and her wife, and yet, none of it was new. “Doing this without you would be pointless. Picking up the pieces of– Everything– How could I ever leave you? How could I ever let you go?”

Short, mournful, agreeing nods from the Valkyrie.

Celestia let out a gasp– Not one of approval or rebuttal, but of acceptance. “And thus… Began a new age in Equestria. The age of the undead.”

Luna shuddered, pursing her lips. “The first Sunset we see that is an Alicorn… And it’s this.” She did not like the implications.

Fated loss, destined failure.

Silence.

Clearing her throat, Celestia had an important question to ask– One that had concerned her for a while. “You are not our Sunset. Of that, we are certain– But have you met her? Has she manifested in your world?”

Tilting her head, she let out questioning growls, and shrugged.

“So you have not met another alicorn self?” She came closer, with a concerned, frustrated tone.

The zombie shook her head, in confusion.

“Wonderful.” Luna rubbed her own temples. “So much for your theory of us getting closer to our Sunset, Twilight. This is the first one that hasn’t met her.”

The Princess of Friendship muttered curses and frustrations, eyes closed, suppressing anger.

With another scoff, Luna inspected her, her body, her armor, looking for a clue. “Now, I wonder what did kill her. How did she die…?”

The zombie gasped, growling, and pointed upwards at the ceiling.

“W-what?” The trio looked up, puzzled. Celestia was the first to speculate. “...Did a building collapse on top of you?”

Sunset shook her head aggressively, and continued to point upwards.

“Maybe she is referring to a flying creature, of sorts?” Luna wondered, looking up.

Grunting, growling, the zombie rolled her eyes, pointing even more emphatically upwards.

Twilight’s eyes widened. “It’s… Not the ceiling she’s pointing at.” She looked above her, thinking of what lied beyond the ceiling, beyond all of it. “Was it… The Argent?! That wretched alien automaton hivemind–”

The Zombie growled loudly, grunting, nodding, agreeing, rattling her chains.

Exhaling, Twilight hung her head low. “During that all out-war we had ...She must have died protecting me from them.”

“Oh, heavens…!” Celestia grimaced with grief. “Not on the day you two got married? Anything but…!”

With agreeing growls, baring her fangs, she nodded once more.

Twilight let out a frail, ironic, mournful chuckle. “She kind of looks like her, doesn’t she…?”

“...Twilight…”

She approached the undead, giving the warmest smile she could, under the circumstances. “I’ll get you back to your Equestria. To your Twilight. I promise.”

Sunset beheld her like she was everything– No matter the dead eyes, no matter that being all that remained of her, Twilight could tell one thing– She was thankful. And she loved her.

“After all… Your world still needs its sun.” Recoiling, she spoke as kindly as she could. “As soon as I can, we’ll switch these chains to something more comfortable– I can’t let you out, but I’ll make sure your stay is safe– And I won’t let you go hungry, okay?”

The zombie nodded obediently, almost kindly.

“...Okay. we’re done.” She let out a frail exhale, and finally forced herself to turn away, moving to the center of the room. “Spike, you can come out now. She won’t hurt any of us. Not for me, she won’t.”

Sunset Shimmer #10: Staying.

The little dragon waddled back into the room, still a bit anxious. “I… Heard most of that. T-this is crazy! A universe where Equestria suffers a zombie invasion, and it started because of you two?!”

“It’s going to be okay. She’s not dangerous.” Twilight affirmed with absolute certainty. “...Because she loves me. Just like my Sunset did.” Calmly, she placed the Valkyrie helmet right next to Sunset, besides her.

“Twilight… Are you certain–” The Queens began approaching her, but she waved at them dismissively.

“I’m sure. Completely.” She gave them the warmest smile she could under the circumstances. “Now… The sun should be setting, shouldn’t it…? I’m going to rest, and you two should too.” She yawned, stretching, feeling an unbearable weight on her shoulders. "Don't worry... I'm not pulling any more Sunsets out of that machine. It was a stupid, stupid idea, I see that now...!" She shuddered with regret.

"See that you don't." The Queen of the night affirmed. "Tread carefully, Twilight. Please."

Celestia was going to try to say something, but Luna pulled her aside, forcing her to leave the room.

And just like that, flying out of the balcony, they were gone.

With a loud exhale, Spike scratched himself. “Well, at least we know Sunset is doing good out there– That she’s alive and okay.” He looked up to Twilight, who watched the balcony listlessly. “So, we’re taking a break, right?” Spike begged her, leaning forward. “And by that I mean you’re taking a break. The girls are probably waiting for you in the Carousel Boutique already…!”

Yawning, she nodded. “Yes, yes, we’ll take a break. Let’s go–”

“--Princess Twilight…!” Hermes muttered quietly, hesitantly, from his cage. “Before you go… What is your next move…?”

Her gaze led to the floor, and then to a wall, to her next move. “We can’t use the lasso. Not anymore– Not in this state, not when we’re just casually ruining Sunset’s lives, and all of their loved ones with it.”

She walked over to the wall, and pulled a tarp that covered a certain object. “We need visibility. If not a gateway, we at least need visibility… So tomorrow…”

The interdimensional mirror that they had moved here– The portal to another world, sat idly, unused.

“...We’re going to reprogram the mirror.”

“...Yes, I was as surprised as you, but Flare Shimmer accepted my tea invitation. We’re meeting tomorrow– I suppose she was being honest, about wanting to bury the hatchet!” Celestia and Luna flew away from Ponyville dutifully as night fell due to their magic, and the Queen of the Sun had already attempted to shaft the subject to something more light.

“Stop.” But Luna wouldn’t let it. “We need to address everything we have just seen.”

“...Sister, do we have to do this now–”

“Yes.”

Quiet passed, where Celestia let out a resigned huff.

“You cannot be in denial about this– We need to be honest with ourselves about this situation– It is unsustainable.” Luna spoke plainly, angrily, frustrated.

“And what is the situation, sister?” Celestria tried her absolute best to not demonstrate the same anger.

She had been holding in these emotions for too long, and now nothing would stop her from articulating them. “Twilight Sparkle, the future ruler of our kingdom, has abandoned her training entirely, all of her public appearances, all of her usual princessly duties, all so she can meddle with deeply dangerous, deeply unstable magic, all in some vain attempt to reclaim something that may already be lost!!”

“--What will you have us tell Twilight, exactly?!” Her voice became shuddered, even if filled with rage. “What words of wisdom could we POSSIBLY impart upon her to get her to go back to her life without her love?!”

Luna bit her tongue, before she even said it, knowing it was a bad idea. “...Better to have loved and lost?”

“Bullshit.” Celestia stated plainly, gritting her teeth.

“You always had a soft spot for Sunset– Since the first time I met her, since the first time I saw her effect on you, since she got her wings!!–” Luna shook her head, dismissively. “You are letting your feelings cloud your judgment–”

“--Do not even dare to imply that we should stop looking for Sunset.” Snarling, Celestia flew closer to her, making sure her glare was fully visible. “I will not accept that, and I am profoundly insulted that you are implying you do.”

“That is NOT what I said, Sister!” She cried out in anger. “I miss Sunset too! I miss our training, I miss our earnest conversations, I miss the happiness she brought to all of us, the sun does not shine as bright with her absence!!” Her tone trailed off, as she mourned. “...And I miss the happiness she brought you.”

All Celestia could do was clench her jaw, avert her gaze, suppressing her grief. Rage was better.

“Sunset is strong.” Luna continued, looking down. “She is incredibly strong. We saw to that. And you can see the good she is doing to her other selves– But you are kidding yourself in believing she is invincible. For all we know, she could be dead or dying, right at this moment.”

“D-don’t say that!!!”

“And you are kidding yourself if you want to pretend this is sustainable.” Luna glared back at her. “There are multiple versions of a pony that everypony knows and loves strolling around Ponyville! The news will get out. It won’t take long now.”

“And what exactly do you think will happen…?” She groaned, knowing whatever the answer was, it wouldn’t be good.

“I shudder to even presume. But we do not have the right to set ourselves above all others, and tamper with magic this dangerous– And soon enough, its danger will outweigh the possibilities of its success– And before then, I imagine that judgment will come swiftly towards us, and especially on Twilight. Whatever comes out of this meddling, this blind devotion to a dangerous set of unknown ideals…”

“I do not know what you mean.” She did, she simply didn’t want to accept it.

“Our legacy is dying before us, sister. It’s wilting like a flower. Stop averting your eyes.”

When Sunset was younger, she had a routine.

Studying, as soon as the sun rose.

She was a little foal– And already, she knew exactly what she wanted to be. She wanted to be Celestia. She wanted to be revered, known, loved, respected, known far and wide for her power.

But for now… She struggled to climb out of her window, with her little legs.

Studying began as soon as the sun rose.

But she always awoke before that.

As carefully as a little foal could be, she leapt out of her window, remaining as quietly as possible, so as to not run into even a chance of awakening her parents, who slept none the wiser inside their home.

Through a rehearsed motion, she climbed the outer walls of her house, a struggle with her little legs, a climb she had failed many times, but at this point, memorized the perfect loose bricks and vine placements to formulate the closest she could to a ladder, to climb on the rooftop.

And there she was– At these times, she always got excited, letting go of caution, and running to the edge of her rooftop, its highest point.

In Between the mountains, in the entrance of the valley, she could see the signs.

She closed her eyes, breathed in, and breathed out.

Straining, her small horn went alight. It sparkled, and it fizzled weakly, as she made little grunts.

She dared to open an eye, even a little, to see if she was making any progress.

Slowly, the sun was rising.

She knew it wasn’t her doing.

But she had to rehearse, everyday. She mimicked the motions she knew Celestia would make, straining, grunting, her horn fizzling.

Before the sun was even fully rising, she gasped, letting go of her magic, almost losing consciousness, having exhausted herself.

Her breathing was weak, and she felt the sting of disappointment– And maybe even a belly ache.

But the sun was rising– And that washed her worries away, even if for a moment.

Somewhere out there, Celestia was doing her duty– A duty she hoped someday would be hers.

“Sunset Shimmer.” A voice calmly called out from behind her.

“I’ll get it right. Someday, I’ll get it right.” She muttered faintly, looking at the rising sun, not even addressing the presence behind her.

It was not a promise to herself. It was a vain wish. A desperate one.

Only when she heard the hoofsteps on the tiles behind her, did she turn.

Princess Luna narrowed her eyes, looking through the foal. “It is time to wake up, Sunset Shimmer.” She spoke plainly.

“N-no! No, no!” A sudden desperation overtook the filly, as she began pleading. “P-please don’t wake me up! Please don’t– I’m so, so tired. I’m so tired of fighting, I can’t…!”

“I am afraid I must.” Luna shook her head dismissively.

Whimpering, the little foal recoiled. “No! Please! Why…?!”

“Because you have raised my sister’s sun in your sleep, Sunset.” Luna spoke direly, with a stern expression. “She is waiting for you in the waking world.”

“No, no, please–

“--Don’t–” She couldn’t finish speaking, her voice was rough, and she began coughing immediately, faint, dry coughs.

Much to her dismay, the sun had indeed risen during the night, all because of a dream, its rays of light peeking through the leaves of the forest above her.

She was met with an incredibly concerned Celestia, who regarded her with sorrow. And besides her, Luna. “S-Sunset…! You’ve ascended…? What happened to you–”

“I’m not your Sunset.” She spoke drily, wearily, with little to no energy.

Extending a single wing, she pointed at one definitive direction of the jungle. “Your Sunset is dead. Her remains are in that groove, over there. I think she must have been killed by some creature when she ran away, hiding in this forest– I don’t care.”

“W-what…!” Celestia’s eyes widened in a panic, as she ran towards that direction.

Luna stayed, watching the state of the Princess of hope, an exhausted, wounded, defeated alicorn.

“What are you, then…?” She tilted her head in curiosity.

Sunset extended her hoof, touching the princess of the night…

…And forced her to view even just a few hours of her most recent memories.

She recoiled fearfully, in complete surprise.

“Luna… I need you to put me to sleep.” She pleaded, with a weary, haggard voice.

“...What…?”

“I don’t care what happens. Put me to sleep… For twelve hours, minimum. Make it so nothing would wake me up– Even if I’m being killed. Even if I’m drowning.”

“Sunset– Given your circumstances, you could–”

“I don’t care. I can’t carry on like this. I need full, uninterrupted hours of sleep– Or the exhaustion will kill me before anything else will. I can’t do this anymore. Not like this. Please, I’m begging you.”

Breathing in, hesitating, Luna approached her. “...Given your circumstances, this could kill you. Anything in the next few hours, any universe–”

“I know. Do it.” She didn’t even blink.

Pausing, narrowing her eyes, she thought, only for a moment. “...And if you live?”

She hesitated, looking down. “I’ll… Burn that bridge when I get to it.”

Approaching her with a nod, Luna closed her eyes. They leaned their foreheads together. Sunset did not resist, she accepted everything, as the Princess of the Night’s horn glowed.

“Be at peace, Sunset Shimmer.” She whispered, channeling a spell, and just like that, the Princess of Hope slumped over, sleeping peacefully like she was a foal, for the first time in a week.

A moment of silence passed, where the Princess of the Night mourned this strange, incredible meeting.

“S-sister!! Sister!!” Celestia ran back, carrying an unicorn skull, with tears in her eyes. “S-she– What did you do to her?!”

“I have put her to sleep... She is at peace now.” Luna stated, only barely managed to hide the pain that had been just shared with her.

“B-but I need to ask her questions!! Why are there t-two of her?! How is she an alicorn?! And why–” She gazed down, holding the skull of the unicorn, a dusty, dirty old thing. “H-how did she come to be so lost…?!”

“Ease, sister.” Even now, the mask of pain wavered, and she couldn’t help but feel the same sorrow. “They are both at peace now.”

“I-I…!” Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she failed to gather her words properly.

“I thought I would never see her again. I hoped she would one day return…!” She sobbed, gazing down.

It was as if for a moment, nothing else mattered to the Princess of the Sun.

Sobbing, unable to control her tears, she pressed her forehead with the skull of her daughter. “P-perhaps you would have been better off if I had never found you…!

Author's Note

Here comes the final act of the Shimmerverse. It's been a wild ride, and things are deteriorating. One more intermission, ten more chapters, some things to go!

Behold. One of the happiest and strongest Sunset Shimmers in the multiverse.

I must apologize formally for the chapter length, but considering I'm going to take a hiatus off of writing this fic, I figured it would be a nice temporary sendoff for it. I hope the amount of THINGS that happened in this compensates for the waiting you'll have to do for the next chapter, heheh <3

There is a LOT to talk about in this, and I will say right now, this chapter was one of the primary reasons I even wanted to write this fic. Like-- How amazing is it to do several interviews with versions of your lover, all while missing them? the irony! The love! The yearning! UGH!

okay, but lets talk about things in order.

First of all, the final exam: This might be a symptom of me loving fight scenes or just combat, but I figured one of the most interesting things you could do to fulfill true godly monarch ascension is to prove that you are strong enough to beat them, even if it is an act of love. And having it be a two-on-two challenge naturally leads to an amazing distinction between a rule of family and a rule of love.

Let's talk about one of the most interesting characters, Demon Sunset. Originally, the she would have been brought to the prime universe alone, back when I was still writing the last intermission-- But I realized that would not only be a bit boring, but too easy on her. Knowing her wife was safe and likely would be forgiven because she looked normal back in her homeworld is too safe. And also, c'mon. Beauty and the demon beast over here-- SO fun to write. And HORNY >:)c

There was even a version of the demon sunset originally, when I was planning that intermission, that would have been cured and become a normal sunset, but I realized really really quickly when I was planning everything that it would be boring as fuck and LAME. Having her be irreversibly contaminated, be this mockery of what an alicorn should be, and yet have her strength be real AND have her be devoted to Twilight Sparkle? Hoooho yeah that's the good shit.

I think it's so ironic that the Demon and Ex-Midnight are like-- Failed versions of their Prime selves, and yet, they're SO happy to just be together. And banging nasty.

As if Sunset prime could catch a break, Twilight prime is also doing awfully.

Okay before I keep going, let's talk about the undead elephant in the room. The zombie Valkyrie-- Easily one of my coolest ideas of all time. When I originally started writing this, I wasn't planning on even referencing an infection au, because I personally just wasn't very into the trend, I thought it was kinda shallow and overtly gory, for no reason other than shock value.

But then I realised. hey I'm a writer, I can just write it to be interesting and cool LMAO.

So first of all, the Zombies are sentient, they're not mindless kiling machines, they hold the instincts and memories they had when they were alive-- But their hunger WILL take over.

Second of all, cannibalism is much, MUCH more interesting in a world with only vegetarians, wouldn't you agree? Twilight would spend an arduous amount of time trying to defend Sunset, implying that predator animals exist, and rely on flesh-- Trying to justify that Sunset is the same, simply a part of that cycle now, blatantly trying to ignore the cannibalism.

And of course-- These are PONIES! They're magical beings! Zombie unicorns would have magic, zombie pegasi could fly, and and zombie earth ponies would be strong as fuck. And of course, a zombie alicorn, a Valkyrie, no less... Would be one of the most horrifying opponents you could encounter.

All that, and I motivated the entire outbreak through love. It doesn't get much better than that. I honestly have already considered writing a full fic of it. But I make no guarantees I'll write it lololo I'm gonna REST

Also fun fact. 24k words is the short version of this chapter! Originally, after every interview, I would have written a quick scene on that respective Sunset's universe, specifically guided by the idea of her loved ones missing her, and other assorted interesting perspectives.

...Meaning I would have written TEN MORE SCENES. WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME

Anyways let me sum um my ideas over them lol.

Sunset 1: The scene would have either been Tempest Shadow is trying to comfort twilight over Sunset being missing, simply having vanished out of thin air, or the scene would have been Tempest cuddling a newly found Glitter Drops, and confessing that she didn't actually kill the storm king, and that her friend might be missing because of multiversal bullshit. Glitter drops would forgive her immediately because she is a big strong woman cuddling her in a cold winter night.

Sunset 2: Moondancer is venting with Starswirl over having seen a chance to rule alongside somepony that she absolutely saw the potential on (Also you know, saw big hot alicorn version of) and being fearful that Sunset ran away from the responsibility, and blaming herself over it.

Sunset 3: Pinkie Pie takes the lead of their rockstar band and desperately starts spreading the word that their lead guitarist is missing, and you get to see the other members of the band too; a big polycule of desperate lesbians looking for their hot-ass punk lead guitarist. (Oh and by the way rockstar Sunset absolutely went NUTS with Pinkie off screen-- The primary reason Pinkie didn't show up on this chapter is bc she was busy getting SO much dick, happily so.

Sunset 4 (And Twilight!): - Celestia and Luna send messages to the other kingdoms, calling for immediate recall of settling Equestrian forces, and desperately attempt to undo the social tensions between the peoples of the world, picking up the pieces of what Midnight and the Demon did to their Equestria, all while wondering where the hell are their Sunset and Twilight, looking for them, knowing they must be hiding very well, and trying to escape judgement.

(The wives!)

Sunset 5: - Sunset didn't show up to work today, and Twilight is confused. After all, their date went so well, and she was really hoping for seconds and thirds. "My girlfriend is missing. this looks like a job for the Masked Matter-horn!!"

Sunset 6: Poor Twilight runs over crying to Princess Starlight, begging her to help her find Sunset. She hoped she'd get to apologize for antagonizing the Princess WITH Sunset, but this is an emergency, and she's desperately hoping that Sunset didn't just leave her. (Also! Fun fact-- Any universe where Twilight wasn't a Princess, I write her to be like Scitwi-- Glasses, cute, klutzy, very knowledge-driven! Satiates the Scitwi drought I hope)

Sunset 7: Maud tricks Pinkie into using her 'hide and seek' skills so she can look for her girl, Sunset, the Mysterious Mare Do Well-- All without telling Pinkie who they're looking for, and Maud gets progressively more anxious. At the end of the day, she and Twilight meet up and express their fears that Sunset has really ran away, or far worse.

Sunset 8: Vampire world is being fixed slowly, Twilight is running around everywhere, accompanied by her friends, no longer vampires, who are all pretty distracted. I was maybe going to write this in journal format, having Twilight express regret for not talking to the sunset of this world properly, and obviously not having the first clue where to find her.

Sunset 9: Twilight, guilt stricken and grief stricken, confesses to Celestia just how close she and Sunset have gotten in the past few days (Deeply. Sunset giving that girl EVERYTHING in bed) And by confessing that, she and Celestia agree that Sunset would never, ever leave her post-- And for her to be missing now must mean that something truly horrible must have happened.
Twilight also confesses to Celestia that she want's Sunset to rule alongside her-- I wonder where she got that Idea from? :3

Sunset 10: I was actually going to do something different here. Rather than showing Zombie Twilight, queen of the dead night, agonizing as to where her lover might be, I would instead have had Zombie Sunset use her memory powers on Twilight Prime to show her her experiences as an undead Princess; But this time, the memories would be fractured, out of order, and the red speech would be unstable, full of mistakes and inconsistencies. The sequence would involve Twilight introducing undead Sunset back to the Mane 6 who all react... Strongly, it would include the reveal that Celestia also died to the Argent, helping Sunset defeat them, it would include Shining Armor trying to kill the Zombie Valkyrie, to 'save his sister', but Sunset would fight back, and outmatch him, even infecting him. She's still Sunset Shimmer, and the Undead Valkyrie, he couldn't win.

And last but CERTAINLY not least, it would include the scene where Twilight, after being pressured by world leaders to exterminate the infection STARTING with her wife, decided on something different. Sunset is more than ready and okay with Twilight putting her down, but instead, Twilight asks to be bitten-- She BEGS Sunset to infect her. And with it, they begin expanding their undead rule through all of Equestria; Including defeating Luna together. These are some of the happiest and strongest Sunsets and Twilights in all of the Multiverse; And zombie Twilight would be PISSED knowing her wife has been kidnapped.

Instead I decided to have the entire interaction be silent and interpretive-- The memory power would have been a bit of a cop out, even if the sequence would have been incredible!

This chapter in a nutshell lmao

Mane 6: "UGH WHAT IS THAT THING ITS HIDEOUS!!"
Twilight Prime: "Aw that's not fair, it's just spike :("

PHEW. AND THATS JUST-- DELETED SCENES. THEY'RE CANON BUT OH MY GOD, IMAGINE HOW LONG THIS CHAPTEER WOULD HAVE BEEN THEN?!?!?!?!?!

ANYways. I fairly enjoyed having Celestia and Luna be the silent POV on this chapter-- I figured that having their hopes of such a strong legacy being crushed before them needs to be addressed, and especially the divide between Celestia and Luna's opinions of the circumstances being critical.

Their legacy is dying, after all.

That tea time must have been fucking ridiculous LMAO.

So... I'm officially past 500 pages.

What was YOUR favorite interview?

And now I'm taking a hiatus from this fic! Why, you might ask?

Although the entire fic is planned, I realized that writing isn't coming as easy to me-- I've been having to push myself, and I've felt more like "Welp here comes effort" Rather than "Here comes FUN!!!" Which is what I felt through the entirety of Princess and the Peasant, and of course, most of this, heh.

Don't get me wrong, this has been a JOY to put down-- But I don't want to risk that my weariness will mess with the quality of the chapters, hell, most of these last chapters I've been worried that they're not as strong as the beginning, and all! But I will not let that bog me down.

Essentially, I want to focus on other projects. I want to animate, and I want to try making my first YTP! (it will be about roller coaster of friendship, heh.) And I even want to make a new cover for this fic, to appear better on the cropped version here!

I have no clue how long the hiatus will last-- Frankly, I might not be able to resist coming back to this fic.

After all, in the next chapter, it will finally be time for a little CHAOS.