No good deed goes unpunished.

Sunset let out an exhale.

Foraging had been particularly difficult today– Everfree wasn’t always kind and helpful, much less safe.

Be it for the increase of dangerous beasts lurking these grounds, be it for the moments where the flora became hostile– She didn’t know.

Maybe Harmony itself was out of balance somewhere– She didn’t know.

And she didn’t care.

The unicorn placed the basket outside of her shack, which was less than filled with a few berries, fruits and edible plants she had gathered, and took a moment to stretch.

Taking a glance towards the sky, the sun looked low. No time like the present to begin working on dinner.

She stepped inside her home– A small, compact shack in the woods, with barely much of anything inside. Rudimentary chairs, a few kitchen appliances, a single, old worn couch she had found in the woods long ago, a fireplace that awaited her magical input, an unkempt bed, and a small bookcase.

Letting out a yawn, she placed the berries and fruits she had found on her kitchen counter, as a certain despondent laziness kicked in.

Walking over to the fireplace, a mere suggestion from her horn set it alight.

She sat before it, lazily, wearily leaning back on the couch, and watched the flames dance, thinking of nothing at all.

Her mind drifted, as it often did, to an emptiness in the back of her head.

The absence of something, the absence of nothing, she breathed in, and breathed out, feeling the same emptiness she always felt.

It brought her an emotion close to content. That was good enough.

Breathing in, breathing out.

She was fiercely knocked out of her trance by the Princess of Hope crashing onto her living room in between her and the fire.

“Urgh. Softer landing, at least!” She muttered, standing from the rug she was on, taking a wary look around her surroundings.

Inspecting the room, she was surprised by how little surprised this other self was.

“Hey. You’re staining my rug with… What even is that?” This Sunset narrowed her eyes with disinterest.

“Sugar from a candy storm– From a world torn apart by Discord a few hours ago– it’s a long story. There was a storm of candy.” She groaned, shrugging. “Are you not– Surprised…?”

With a sigh, Sunset looked down at the rug. “...Ugh, I’ll have an ant problem now. Please leave, I don’t like visitors.”

“But… I’m you. I’m you!”

“Um… No you’re not, I’m me.”

“I’m you from another universe, I mean!”

“...So what? Again, rug, get off it.”

“You’re not surprised at all on seeing another version of you?”

“Hah. Funny. You’re not me, stranger. I don’t have wings.”

The Valkyrie stood there, entirely confused, as she watched her other self stand from the couch, gather a few cleaning appliances, and head back to the rug she stood on.

“...What the hell happened to you…?” She narrowed her eyes, inspecting this strange, despondent self.

“Get off my rug, please.” The unicorn stated simply, waving a broom and a small trash can with her magic.

She recoiled, moving towards the entrance of the small shack, glancing towards the windows. “...Everfree… you’re another hermit. But close to home, it seems. What is wrong with the forest…?” Squinting, she could see a looming darkness, and sense a danger that wasn't meant to be there.

“The forest has always been like that.” Her other self responded with a shrug.

“Are you friends with Zecora too? I’ve met a few other Sunsets that–”

“Zecowhat?” She mumbled, cleaning absentmindedly.

“...Nevermind.”

The Valkyrie watched every little movement this other self made.

She looked tired. She looked weary, and there was something clearly wrong with her.

“...You’re still here? I don’t care for visitors. Please leave.” She stated, a bit stronger, coming closer.

“...Do you ever leave here?” The Princess of hope asked carefully.

“Of course I do. Where else am I going to find food?” She scoffed, rolling her eyes.

“Do you ever go to towns, I mean. Visit Ponyville?” She narrowed her eyes. “Visit… Canterlot?”

“I’m not supposed to go there.” Sunset stated robotically, automatically, with her voice failing her for a moment. “I’m not supposed to go there. I don’t care about you or your questions– Leave my home.”

“...Are you a prisoner here?”

“I’m not a prisoner, this is my home, and you’re trespassing.” Sternly, Sunset came closer, and she didn’t seem fazed at the alicorn towering over her. “I’m not interested in whatever you’re selling, how you got here, or why you look like me. Leave–”

The Princess of Hope touched her.

I am Sunset —---

And I destroyed —--- —--- - - - —---

I was not —-- – – —--- – —

So I —- – — —-

With the help of —- — – – –

—- – - - —- —-- - - - Forever home.

This is what I deserve.

“W-what is wrong with you?!” The Valkyrie backed away, inspecting this strange counterpart. “Y-your memories, it’s like– It’s like they’ve been erased! Paved over!”

Tilting her head, narrowing her eyes, her other self raised an eyebrow. “...I don’t know what you’re talking about, and I don’t care for it. Leave.”

The Princess of Hope touched her again.

I will never —--- — —-

For as long as I —- —

This is what I —---

I have no —- – -

I killed my ---- - - --

I didn't mean to ----- - --

--- -- ---- --- - - What I deserve.

And no —- — - -

This is all that I am.

“S-stop that!” Sunset backed away from the alicorn in confusion. “I don’t know what you’re doing but STOP IT.”

“Your memories have been erased. I think somepony is forcing you to live like this.” The Valkyrie noted, approaching her. “Something awful must have happened–”

“--Nothing happened! This is my home, I live here, YOU’RE the one trespassing!” Gritting her teeth, she backed away more. “So stop doing whatever you’re doing, turn around, and get out of my home, or I’ll TAKE you out.”

Her horn sparked and flared.

The Valkyrie stood there, for a moment.

“...Wallflower Blush.”

“What?”

“Does that name mean anything to you?”

“No– Why would it– Just get out of my house!!”

Stepping forward, the alicorn grabbed hold of her again. She now knew what to look for.

“...Again, I have to ask if you’re absolutely sure.” Wallflower noted, sitting on the clear floor of Sunset’s shack, having already prepared the runes on the floor. “There’s not exactly a refund policy on this.”

“Yeah, because I won’t remember to ask for one.” Sunset groaned, setting her affairs in order, ensuring everything was organized for after this. “I know. I don’t care, I’m ready.”

Wallflower… I knew it.

“Did you remember to leave yourself a note?” The Earth pony tilted her head with concern. “It’ll be the only lifeline you have if you’re confused. It needs to be thorough.”

“Yeah, I remember. It’s in the back of the front door.” Sunset sat down, staring straight ahead to the only resident of her home. “And you’re ready too, right?”

Why is everything so… Blurred? Why is this so deep down? Why did I have to dig so deep to find this?

“I am.” She placed the memory stone on the floor before them.

Ugh. Damnit. I can see where this is going.

“...Repeat everything you’re about to do.”

She breathed in. “I will erase nearly everything. I’ll keep all of your cognitive functions, and I'll make you be drawn to this house. You won’t remember your past, whatever family or bonds you had, anything at all– You’ll remember your name, and most of your motor skills. Those are… much harder to erase.”

“I still want to walk, so yeah.” She almost laughed, despite the circumstances. “Will I still know magic? Will I still know how to use it well, I mean.”

“Muscle memory– You won’t forget your physical capabilities. It might seem like you did at first, but they’ll come back to you naturally.” She noted somberly. “These kinds of things are… Incredibly hard to forget. Like the melody of a song that means a lot to you– You might be reminded of it at any time, anyday, however long it’s been…”

You’re not just a hermit. You’re a runaway. But– To have come this far…!

“Right. And you’re going to ensure I don’t leave these woods, right?” She reinforced.

“I’ll make you as averse as I can to public spaces. Self-suficient.” The Earth Pony tapped the Memory Stone. “But truly staying is up to you. If you really want to stay, you’ll stay, no matter what I tamper with.”

“Good.” Sunset exhaled, nodding. “...What are we waiting for?”

How could I do this to myself? What did I do?

Wallflower paused, regarding her with pity. “...You know, this is usually where my clients have second thoughts.” She muttered. “...What you’re asking me to do is… More than I’ve ever erased for anypony. Way more. Are you absolutely sure that this is what you want?”

“Its either this or I kill myself.” She stated simply.

Always, every fucking time, always, why can’t you just fucking… Face it? Face the mess you made, the life you ruined? It’s still there. They’ll forgive you. It’s never, ever too late to try again!

Silence. Wallflower was taken back with a grimace. “...Oh… It’s like that, then…!” After a small pause to breathe, she gave her eye contact. “I usually don’t like to lose a payday, but if you’re feeling like this, I can redirect you to other services, other ponies that could help you with your emotional state. They can help you with your living circumstances–”

“Wallflower.” Sunset’s expression hardened. “I’m not going to get into detail of what I did– But I can’t show my face anywhere in Equestria. I thought of fleeing the country, but it would be too dangerous for me.” She stood, coming closer, staring down on the Earth Pony. “I am paying you for a service. What you’re about to do is make me be capable of living with myself. So just. Fucking. Do it.”

Don’t do this. Don’t do this, don’t throw it all away, no, no no…!

With an exhale, she nodded. “Okay. Sit down.”

A green glow began emanating from the Memory Stone. “When you wake up tomorrow, the old you will be done. She will be dead– Buried so deep it’s unlikely even I could dig her memories back out. Goodnight, Sunset Shimmer.”

DAMNIT, NO!!

“Y-you erased it– You did it to yourself!” The Valkyrie backed away, grimacing with shame. “You buried it so fucking deep even I could barely find it! You got the Witch of Memory to permanently snuff out a part of yourself– For what, so you could feel a bit better?! Because you couldn’t face it?!”

“Shut up. Shut the fuck up!” Sunset backed away in confusion and anger. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, shut up!!”

“What does Twilight Sparkle mean to you? What did you do?!”

“GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!!!” She yelled out angrily.

“No.” The Valkyrie grabbed her, and pinned her against a wall. “I’m not letting you run away anymore. I can’t bring back your memories. But I can show you mine.”

I am Sunset Shimmer.

I trained under Celestia.

I was her first pupil.

And I failed.

My hubris, my ego, and much more, led to me being exiled– But I returned. I returned, intent on vengeance. Intent on payback.

Intent on payback on the one that replaced me.

Twilight Sparkle.

I stole her crown.

And after I fell–

She was violently shoved away.

The Alicorn stood in the middle of the room, inspecting her other self.

Heavy, shallow breaths, sweating, panicked, gritting her teeth.

And eyes full of rage.

“I-I erased that… For a reason.” She snarled, looking down, her breathing quickened. “And you, you fucking– Mockery. You bring it back…?! For what…?!

“Breathe.” Sunset suggested carefully, as if she was in the presence of a wild animal she did not fear. “We can still fix this–”

Sunset punched the Valkyrie, full force, a right hook.

The alicorn stood there, frowning, feeling blood run down her muzzle.

“Are you seriou–”

And she continued. Several violent flails of her hooves, several swings, and the Valkyrie began blocking and dodging.

Grabbing hold of her hooves, pulling her close, she whispered to the unicorn. “You don’t want this fight–”

She was silenced by a headbutt, which was retaliated by the unicorn being thrown away over her couch and toppling it.

“Picking a fight with an alicorn?! Seriously?!” The Valkyrie grumbled in annoyance. “I don’t want to hurt you–”

Sunset, with her magic, grabbed a night stand and tossed it at the Valkyrie, striking her full force, breaking it into splinters.

The fight became closer. The unicorn violently and savagely tried striking her opponent with hooves and horns, who blocked or dodged her every strike.

“I see you remember how to fight, at least!!” She snarled, before tossing the unicorn towards the kitchen, sending her tumbling, knocking a chair away.

She didn’t wait or stayed down– Immediately standing she began gathering cutlery with her magic and violently tossing it at her opponent.

Forks, knives, anything she could muster, all tossed with violent intent.

With a determined magical motion, the alicorn hoisted the couch and used it as a shield.

Galloping, full force, the unicorn tackled her, pinning her down with a scream of fury.

“Are you done yet?” The Princess of hope scowled, effortlessly blocking her opponents strikes. “Because when you’re done–”

“I’ll FUCKING KILL YOU!!” She bellowed, before lighting her horn and attempting to descend it upon her opponent with murderous intent.

With a swift and easy movement, the Valkyrie flipped her over, and pinned her down, restraining her horn and forcing her face onto the floor. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

With her magic, the unicorn toppled the nearby bookcase, crashing it on top of the alicorn, not before teleporting away.

The books were a nuisance but the weight was nothing. She grunted with annoyance, and quickly tipped the bookcase, using it to block a strike from the unicorn. “This fight is pointless!” She snarled, before kicking the bookcase forward, over her counterpart.

She dodged out of the way, but the bookcase itself broke, and crashed upon the fireplace, the fire gaining more fuel, and slowly spreading through the books.

“Is this really worth ruining your home over–” She was interrupted by the unicorn throwing every object she could at her.

Chairs, a table, plates, a fruit basket, books, on fire or otherwise.

The Valkyrie blocked them all with her magic– when another chair was thrown, she threw it right back, smashing it against the unicorn.

“That’s it.” She leapt over to her, and with skill and fierce strength, delivered several fierce jabs, and broke a window with her unicorn counterpart’s face.

Glass spread across the floor and into the dirt outside, drapes fell, adding fuel to the small but growing fire.

The unicorn spat out blood, but did not relent. With her magic, she grabbed the nearest shards of glass and sliced at her counterpart with them.

“Agh, fucker!” The alicorn snarled, before smashing Sunset against a wall, then tossing her towards the kitchen. She clutched her side– Surface level cuts, but she was unmistakably bleeding again.

Violently, in a burst, Sunset threw a burst of fireballs at the Valkyrie-- A burst that she didn't even blink over, the fire having no effect on her; All she did was tilt her head and raise an eyebrow.

With gritted teeth, the unicorn ripped an entire cupboard from out of the wall, and threw it and its contents towards the Valkyrie, who threw it back. Narrowly dodging it did not stop the other cupboards from falling behind her, its contents spreading across the floor and on top of her.

No more games.

The alicorn teleported forward and delivered a swift hit to her muzzle, then grabbed her and put her in a fierce headlock.

There they stood, the fire spreading, the unicorn coughing sputtering, in her strong embrace, flailing poorly.

“I… Hate… You…!” Grunting, struggling, biting, she viciously attempted to escape the Valkyrie’s grasp.

“You hate yourself.” She muttered back coldly. “I’m not the problem.”

With a primal scream and a flash, the unicorn teleported them into the air, high above the shack.

The Valkyrie grabbed hold of her, shielding her from the fall, crashing through the rooftop, sending even more debris into the coming fire, with them both rolling away, panting, bleeding, grunting.

“Stay down.” The Valkyrie ordered, before delivering a swift hit that knocked her counterpart into the floor.

“Stay down!” She commanded once more, delivering a fierce hit that sent the unicorn rolling over.

“STAY DOWN!” She yelled out, infuriated that her counterpart was still trying.

“STAY DOWN!!!” She Delivered a decisive haymaker.

Sunset didn’t move anymore.

And the house still burned.

The Valkyrie’s eyes widened, as her expression softened.

“S-shit, shit, shit…!”

Paperwork, files, any sort of red tape and bureaucracy that DIDN’T involve interacting with royals felt like a wonderful break at the moment.

Twilight rubbed her temples, and stretched– Lots to go still before she could turn in— More than a few duties, more than a few responsibilities.

But she wasn’t going to falter. All of Equestria counted on it. Queen Luna was counting on her.

Her bed was inviting. It beckoned her, almost mockingly. It did so strongly, but she would endure.

Suddenly, a distraction.

She felt it in her entire body– Her tail whipped, her face flustered.

A calling.

A profound, intimate, deep calling, beckoning her to Everfree.

Any pretense of being rational or wanting to get some work done before sundown was left behind. This calling was unlike anything she had ever felt. She immediately made her way to the balcony, past the Canterlot skyline, past the valley, onto the forest…

There was a quiet, a strange anticipation, as she scanned that horizon.

…And then she felt it again. She felt the same calling, almost as if a strange voice, one she was uncertain she was familiar with, was beckoning her.

Her face flustered again, her wings fluttered.

Paperwork could wait. Whatever this was, she needed to see it. And if there was even a chance that she could restore what was lost, she needed to take it.

The direction felt so clear to her, she was drawn to it like a moth to a beautiful flame.

She took flight, abandoning any rational thought. Not even for a second, did she wonder if this was a trap or not.

And mid flight, as she soared above the fields of Canterlot, she felt the same calling again.

The closer she was, the easier it was to feel its direction– And she could see, even now, a thin line of smoke erupting from a random spot in the Everfree forest, and she knew that was her goal.

She landed, crossing the treeline, and was face to face with a burnt down shack, its ashes still peppered with ambers. Her heart palpitated with anticipation as she wondered just what this might mean.

“Oh good. You’re here.” A tired voice sounded from behind her– One she barely remembered, and was no less startled by seeing.

“S-Sunset Shimmer!” Her pose became wary, her wings unfurled themselves– But soon enough, she was frozen. “W-what happened, you’re an alicorn?! There is no way–”

“I’m not your Sunset.” She responded curtly, as she carefully moved her other self and placed her in the dirt before them. Bleeding, beaten up, unconscious. “She is.”

“What did she do– What did you do?! What’s going on!?” Twilight took a step back in confusion.

“She erased her own memories, with the help of a witch called Wallflower Blush.” The Valkyrie spoke with exhaustion. “...She’s been living here in hiding for years. But that can’t be what she does. You need to bring her back. You need to take her to Celestia, so she–”

“Celestia is dead.”

With eyes widened, genuinely taken back, the Princess of hope let out an exhale. “...Did s-she…?”

“Celestia died years ago. Protecting her.” Twilight pointed down, to the unconscious unicorn. “Protecting her from the explosion that occurred… When Sunset Shimmer destroyed the Elements of Harmony.”

“Oh… Shit.” Everything aligned in her head, everything made sense now. “...So… What will you do with her?”

“Frankly, I’m still thinking of what I’m going to do with you.” The Princess frowned with a pout, sitting down. “What exactly are you?”

“Long story. A pointless one– Considering I might be gone soon.” She shook her head. “I’m from another universe, and I’m not here by choice. Look, just…” She leaned closer, observing her other self. “...Can you give her a chance? I know it doesn’t seem worth it– But if, with the help of the witch, you get her memories back– If you force her to try again… She could do a lot of good here.” Quietly, she unfurled her wings. “...Trust me.”

“I can’t promise anything.” Twilight looked down, closing her eyes. “A lot of people have been hurt because of what she did– A lot of people are still going to be hurt by what she did. It doesn’t matter if she didn’t mean to do it, or if she tries to make up for it…”

“Second chances, Twilight.” Sunset spoke gently, carefully. “...Sometimes even thirds and fourths. That’s what the Princess of Friendship does, isn’t it…?”

With an annoyed, frustrated, but undoubtedly shameful grimace, she pouted. “...Don’t tell me what my thing is…!”

“Here… let me show you something.” She came closer, offering a hoof. “Let me show you what could have been, a better ending, a better possibility…!”

Twilight accepted the touch, and she accepted the memories that came with them.

And she was shown, in all of its unfathomable extent, how much Sunset Shimmer loved Twilight Sparkle, and how much they could accomplish together.

It was everything– Every friend, every loved one, every affection, every joy.

Leaving that embrace felt like waking up from a dream. It felt like falling. She had to be helped to stand.

“...Do you see?” Sunset whispered carefully. “Do you see what could be…?”

“I see.” She nodded quietly, bitterly. “I see a world that will never come to pass.” And just like that, she left that embrace.

With an enormous sigh, the Valkyrie shook her head. “Well… I did what I could with healing magic, but I’m pretty sure I broke her jaw. She needs medical attention.” Spreading her wings, she looked away. “I’m going to find somewhere to rest– What you do with her is up to you. Goodbye, Princess. You won’t see me again.”

“G-goodbye…!” She stuttered out, holding back tears, looking away.

And now she was alone.

She was alone with the ashes of a lie, of a lie a coward told herself and the world to run away from her mistakes.

These mistakes, these enormous, unfathomable mistakes, that were somehow, through all these years, Twilight’s responsibility to fix.

She gritted her teeth through the tears, looking at this unconscious unicorn, thinking of all she had done, and all of the loved ones she had lost because of her– A force of nature destroyed, a world left without ever reaching its true balance, and the death of her mentor.

Her horn flared, igniting into a blade, and she leaned down.

And there she stood, crying, grimacing, trying to get herself to do it and finish it.

And there she stood, crying, grimacing, wondering, with all her heart, if a better world was possible.

Wondering if all it took was hope.

Author's Note

Wow, I'm so glad I'm writing a shorter chapter of the Shimmerverse for once :) This is so chill!

Here's live footage of a proofreader enduring this chapter lmao

But yeah. Another uphill battle. Honestly, considering everything, its possible Twilight wouldn't even spare her.

The idea here is simple: When she stole the crown, her misuse and bitterness wearing it resulted in the destruction of the elements, even if unintentionally.

And of course, Celestia, who loved her and believed she could do better, shielded her from her mistake.

She ran away, and the rest is history.

Funny, coming back from a hiatus and writing this. I look at my notes and I wonder what mindset I was on when I planned these chapters-- And I can only speculate, tbh. But it doesn't matter, I'm a vessel to my ideas.

Next chapter has momlestia content, hell yeah-- But I might work on a one-shot that is ALSO related to momlestia before that.