INTERMISSION: Sunset Shimmer and the Art of Letting Go.

Aloe and Lotus usually managed the Ponyville Day Spa quite skillfully; Perks of being a small business in a small town, there was a high chance that you would always know all of your customers, and generally never deal with any strange ones.

Through constant efficiency and knowing when to take breaks, and of course, through no small part by the help of the citizens of Ponyville, their business was generally smooth sailing.

Today, however, would be the strangest day in their career.

It did start pretty innocently– With one of their most prolific customers paying a surprise visit.

As usual, her arrival was announced by the sound of a rainboom.

“Wooo! I don’t know about you ladies, but my dogs are barking!” Rainbow dash entered the spa, with the few heads in the receptionist area turning to her. “After a few round trips to Canterlot, I could use a damn break! How are you girls doing?”

“Better now, with our favorite customer here! Greetings, Rainbow Dash!” Aloe cheered quietly, stepping towards the counter.

“Heh, I bet you say that to all the awesome fliers that stop by!” Rainbow joked, stepping forward. “Or maybe just Rarity. She does come here a lot.”

“The usual, then, Rainbow Dash?” Lotus tapped into a little form, with all the treatments the Pegasus liked most already selected. “Your favorite?”

“Aaaactually, put me down for a hooficure too. But let’s definitely start with the wing massages!” her tone immediately softened, but remained excited, as she placed the payment on the counter, the few bits already calculated. “The old girls need some pampering after a day of hard work…!”

“Of course, come right this way! We have facilities vacant for you!” Aloe gestured gleefully, leading the way.

“Awesome! Thanks girls. I’m telling you, I'm not getting up for anything after the day I had!” She followed with excitement, her voice disappearing into the spa.

Lotus let out a sigh of delight, taking over the counter duty, gleefully placing the payment on her register, already considering the little intricacies of expenditure.

Only a few minutes passed before another customer arrived. This time she was surprised– And then startled.

Because she heard another rainboom.

Looking behind her, there was no indication Rainbow Dash had left– And through that confusion, she looked forward, then back again– wondering if she knew any other pony capable of performing a rainboom in Equestria– None that she knew, at least.

The building shook, as if something enormous had landed forcefully outside, and she had to grab hold of a potted plant so it wouldn't fall off the counter.

The spa doors opened, and she was met with a grizzly sight.

A tall, muscular mare, covered in blood and viscera stepped inside the spa, each step heavy, but unwavering.

It was only when the mare was directly in front of her that she could notice… She was an alicorn. One unlike any Lotus knew. A fiery mane covered in blood. Tattered scars covered by viscera.

“...I’d like the five star spa treatment, and in a hurry, please. I’ll book this entire fucking spa if I have to.” her voice was almost raspy– it held exhaustion. Her gaze was incredibly hardened, turquoise eyes pierced the spa owner, who shook silently in fear.

The mare in front of her spread her wings slightly, looking at them, dripping with blood and gunk, after noticing how the employee before her cowered. “...Sorry about the viscera. I had to crawl through a mountain eel to get here. I’d like your help getting this shit out of my mane, please, and especially from in-between my feathers.”

“U-um, um, miss, are you, um…” Lotus pointed up at her forehead with a shaky hoof. “A-are you an alicorn…?!

With a single magical movement, the bloody mare manifested a large purse, and from it, she dumped a pile of golden coins, and a handful of pristine gems all over the spa counter. She placed her hoof on the same counter, staring the owner down.

“I will literally pay you this much to not give a shit.” The viscera-covered alicorn muttered through gritted teeth. “But I need your full attention, if you need to kick other customers out, do it. I want the full five star treatment, now, without asking questions. I have less than an hour before I have to go. Take it or leave it, you’ll keep the change anyway.”

Aloe glanced back briefly, then back to the pile of gold.

Worrying about these kinds of things was for heroes and adventurers. If this bloody alicorn had arrived at the foot of the door of Princess Twilight Sparkle, she was sure that it would ensue some form of bizarre, globe-trotting, world-ending adventure, and maybe calamity would strike into Ponyville, as it often did.

But instead, this alicorn was stepping into her business establishment.

She was being dramatically overpaid to do a service– Her speciality, and that, she could very much do.

With peppy movements, she walked over to the door of the spa, and flipped a sign that said ‘closed for the day’.

Turning to the alicorn, she put a big, rehearsed, but surprisingly truthful grin on her face. “...Well then! Five star treatment, is it? You are aware that this treatment is usually a multiple-hour-long endeavor, correct?”

“I am aware. I’m paying you to book it. Get more employees on me if you need me, clear out the spa if you need to, I don’t care, just hurry up. I have less than an hour.” She responded curtly.

“Then we better get going, your majesty!” The spa pony ran behind the counter, taking annotations “Are there any specifics you’d like your treatment to focus on?”

“Full body cleaning, wing preening and massages– I need a back and neck massage so fucking bad too– Put on a special mane care, a horn massage and a hot spring in there while you’re at it– If we could do some of these at the same time for the sake of efficiency, I’d appreciate it. Remember, I’ve only got one hour for this. Oh, and I need to clean my goddamn hooves.”

“Excellent!” Clumsily, but undeniably peppily, she attempted to stuff that pile of gold into her cash register somehow. “Come right this way, miss…?”

“Shimmer.”

Permanent scars

In some cozy corner, beneath the shade of a tall, comfortable tree, near the apple orchard of Ponyville, but far from prying ears, Sunset Shimmer was butchering the art of guitar.

“Damn, kiddo. You’re rusty!” Flare Shimmer snickered, giving her not-daughter an assured smile, then gently taking the guitar she held, and making the correct hoof movements for her to mimic. “Here, try it this way…”

“Pff… Can you blame me?” Sunset blew raspberries, letting go of the guitar clumsily. “Almost a decade of training to kill the Storm King didn’t really leave me time for hobbies.”

“--But you have time now.” She assured, giving an almost stern look. “Don’t forget this, okay? It’s important to have fun even when you’re off doing big deal Princess duties.”

“Hey, I’m not a Princess–”

“Yet.” She grinned.

“There’s not even any guarantee that I can get back to my universe.” She pouted, shrugging. “And even if I did, my job is to help rebuild Equestria. That doesn’t mean I’ll get wings or even–”

“Mustard. Look at me.” Flare gave her a stern, but kind look. “If you are anything like my daughter, which I know you are, you’re gonna get those wings. Not to mention, if my daughter in law in your universe is anything like the one in this one, she’s already having all sorts of dreams and mushy feelings about you. You were literally that mare’s awakening! So go ahead and gold dig if you want! No shame in it, kiddo, heh.”

Sunset hung her head low in flustered annoyance. “...I forgot how easily you could always embarrass me.”

“Well, when you get back to your universe, you won’t have to worry about that anymore.” She stated a bit mournfully, a bit jokingly.

“...Getting payback, saving the world, it was worth it, y’know…?” Almost with a whisper, Sunset looked down. “...But it didn’t bring you and dad back. Nothing will.”

“What, do you want a zombie mama?” Flare joked, exhaling. “Take a page out of that zombie alicorn version of you my daughter in law’s got locked up?”

“Let’s not go there.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “It’s just… Messy. I wish I could have saved you.”

“You still have your Celestia back home.” Her expression softened. “She’ll take better care of you than I ever could.”

“M-mom, you… What?” Sunset grimaced in disbelief.

“You heard me.” She sighed, closing her eyes. “Look, me and her have a truce, and I discovered something pretty… Stupid, throughout this… Alternate universe nonsense.”

The daughter tilted her head in confusion. “...What?”

“That me and Celestia both suck at being moms.” She snickered, shrugging. “But she sucks just a bit less.”

“...Well that’s dumb.” Sunset huffed.

“This whole thing is dumb, Ketchup.” She shrugged again, letting out a sigh. “I hope my daughter comes back soon. Twilight will get her back, I’m sure, but… Almost three weeks now, that’s… Ugh.”

“Your Sunset, she ran away… Like me, once. Right…?”

“She did.” Flare sighed, looking away. “Well, she was living here in Ponyville in secret, working with Twilight to ‘get better’. And she did– She very much did. …But me and Gold didn’t know, of course. I don’t blame her. I never did. I blamed Celestia, before, but… Like I said. Two crappy moms.”

“It’s so weird… it’s easy to be jealous of her for making the right choices when I didn’t.” Sunset murmured, shaking her head. “But… It doesn’t make a difference in the end. She’s out there, and I’m here... I just wish I was home. Celestia must be worried sick… Not to mention Tempest, she must be freaking out.”

“Psh, it’s so funny that my daughter killed your ‘Storm Prince’ or whatever for you.” She snickered. “She does that. Girl’s got an eye for the spotlight.”

“King.” Sunset pouted. “Now that’s a lie I gotta go back to living… I hope Tempest isn’t struggling to keep it.”

“Eh, Celestia will forgive you. In the end, the world was saved, and you were standing on top of the Storm King’s body. What else matters?” Flare tuned the guitar absentmindedly. “She does that a lot. …Forgiveness.”

“It was never our strong suit.” Bitterly, Sunset looked away.

“Mine.” Her mother called out quietly. “But you can be better, Mustard. You can and you have been.” She let out an exhausted sigh. “...I think one of the worst things to come out of this mess… Is knowing that in more than one world, I left you.”

“Not in mine…!” She assured gently.

“Doesn’t matter. I didn’t on this one either. I stayed and raised you– Her.” She pouted, looking away. But in others… I just left you at the doorstep of some orphanage and went on to live my shitty life. Don’t get me wrong, I know I’m not the best mom. I’ve known that since day one.” She inhaled, shaking her head. “...At least, well… At least Celestia is always there when I can’t be…!”

“Take it as a good thing. I have.” Sunset assured quietly. “...That you’re not the worst Flare Shimmer in the multiverse... And that I’m not the worst Sunset Shimmer in the multiverse.”

“Yeah, heh… Look on the bright side, I guess…!” She let out a weary chuckle. “You got to see your mama one more time… That’s worth something, isn’t it?”

“It is.” Sunset leaned forward and hugged her. “It really is.”

“Now c’mon, Mustard. No more mushy stuff. We’re not stopping until you get these chords right.”

“U-um, Lotus, what exactly is happening here-” Aloe couldn’t even finish the rest of her sentence, she was utterly speechless at the grizzly sight of the naked viscera-covered alicorn standing in their showers.

“Shush, sister! This is a premium customer!” She silenced her, side eyeing the Valkyrie. “She has paid us Canterlot-royalty-level money for this!! A pile’s worth!”

“...Oh my goodness! She is an alicorn!” her eyes widened. “Here? In our spa?”

“Yes!” She affirmed. “She paid enough to get us and all our employees a lovely covered hearth's warming vacation– AFTER we have replaced our entire piping system!”

“Oh my goodness– Oh my goodness!!” She began tip toeing in excitement. “Perhaps we could finally go on that cruise we always wanted!” Her smile went wide.

“And more, sister! The sky's the limit!” She giggled giddily, and turned to the alicorn. “…Is there anything else you’d like at the moment, your majesty?”

From the hot showers, the Valkyrie shook herself furiously, getting the gunk out of her fur. “...Higher pressure would be nice! This shit isn’t coming off easy. Get some more employees here to help me scrub, will you? And hurry up, my time is limited!”

“Sister.”

“Yes?”

“Get the hose.”

Potential, expectations

Sunset eyed her counterpart quietly. The upper halls of the Community Center were quiet– Noises of experiments and technomagical science being done on the multiversal lab could be heard, but she paid them no mind.

She beheld Captain Shimmer, who stood alone in a Balcony, watching the sun lowering in the horizon, beyond the Everfree forest, Canterlot.

Her armor was obsidian, with golden accents. Her body was defined, strong, and peppered in scars. Her gaze was unflinching.

All the while this Sunset was merely a Canterlot Royal Guard.

Curiosity got the better of her. She approached the captain slowly…

“--I’m not in the mood for conversation.” The stalwart mare muttered immediately, making the guard freeze. “Especially with a lesser me.”

“...Well that’s rude.” The guard pouted, and ignored the Captain’s wishes to be alone, joining her on the balcony. “Petty insults towards yourself, huh? That shows you tooootally don’t have confidence problems.”

“Making jokes at another self’s expense.” The other self glared at her. “That shows your lack of any backbone, and guard your feelings with sarcasm and meek wit.”

“Okay I surrender.” She threw her hooves in the air jokingly. “Seriously man, I’m just here to talk– You have to admit. In one world, I’m a royal guard, and in the other, I’m Captain of the royal guard. That says something interesting, right?”

“...All it says is you lack conviction.” The Captain sneered, looking at that horizon. “You could have dedicated yourself to a greater cause, to the protection of Twilight Sparkle, instead, you choose to remain in mediocrity.”

“I’ve never met Twilight Sparkle.” The guard shrugged. “In my world, the Princess of Friendship is a mare named Moondancer.”

“...Oh.” That got a reaction out of the Captain, who’s expression softened. “Moondancer… I see....I fell in love with Twilight Sparkle. That’s why I dedicated myself to… To protecting her.”

“I hardly ever met Moondancer. She’s cute, though…” The guard shrugged, looking down bitterly. “...Maybe if I had stayed in better touch with Celestia, I could have. …But I knew my destiny wasn’t ever meant to be greatness.”

“Destiny… Is bullshit.” The captain exhaled, and turned to her other self. “I gave up on being a pupil of the alicorn of the sun herself– But I did not let that stop me from grabbing life by the horn and forcing myself into a good life… Unlike you.”

“Congrats. You’re better than me. Get in line.” She snickered sarcastically, shrugging. “Hey, it could be worse, though. I could be the zombie.”

“...At least she has wings.” The Captain muttered in a breath.

“Meh, wings, but with the hunger for eating the flesh of the living? No thanks.” She leaned on the railing lazily. “Like I said, I know my place.”

“...But you want more, don’t you.”

Silence.

“...Wouldn’t be Sunset Shimmer if I didn’t.”

More silence, as they felt the wind pass them by, and heard the chatter of ponies going about their day-to-day life in this alien world in the streets below.

Both their ears flickered as they heard a strange electronic noise coming from inside the Community Center, followed by the noise of Spike handling the extinguisher.

“Do you think she can get us home…?”

“Who?”

“Twilight Sparkle. This Twilight Sparkle.” The guard affirmed carefully, looking behind them. “...The big beautiful one.”

The Captain, however, refused to look back. “Part of me wants to believe there’s always a way. That there’s always hope, and that if anypony could do it, it's her.” She murmured, closing her eyes, suppressing an exhale. “...But another part of me is well aware that… Sunset Shimmer’s brand of happiness doesn’t last.”

“Sheesh…” She leaned her chin on the railing, letting out a sigh of defeat. “...I should have asked one of the more cheerful mes what they think. Maybe the vampire.”

The Captain almost grinned. “Go ask the rockstar. I’m sure her answer will be illuminating.”

“As soon as she’s done banging that pink pony, heh.” With an exhale, she stood, and turned around. “I’ll get out of your mane. This place is depressing, anyways.”

“Oh really? What gave you that vibe?” Sarcastically, the captain raised an eyebrow. “Is it the zombie strapped to the wall of a lab practicing meaningless magic?”

“Heh. Look at that. Even the captain me can be sarcastic. You’re a Sunset Shimmer after all.” She winked, and began walking away.

Then she stopped.

And looked back.

“By the way… What do you think of that ‘Flare Shimmer’? The one that’s claiming to be… Well…” She looked down reluctantly. “...You’re an orphan like me, right…?”

“I don’t care if a stranger chose to love us more in one universe than another.” The captain shrugged, beholding the evening sun. “I already have a mother.”

“Can we get another scrubber in here?!” Sunset commanded, with already six spa workers working tirelessly around her with large, long brushes, as hot water poured above her, and she towered over them. “Under the chin, please! Get my back hooves too…!”

Aloe and Lotus swiftly obeyed her orders, and another set of hooves was added to the efforts of scrubbing the alicorn.

Hot water, blood, and soap was running in spades into their drains. This room, that was usually dedicated to several showers, was now only one big operation.

“That’s the goddamn stuff, right there!! Don’t forget under the wings!” The alicorn shouted out, closing her eyes, feeling the many brushes removing weeks of ruin from her body. “Get the hose again! Let’s wrap this up, I want massages asap!!”

Aloe and Lotus saluted, and gestured for another worker to follow them, who did so reluctantly.

“U-um, Miss Aloe, Miss Lotus, um, well…!” Their employee looked back to the strange alicorn then to her bosses. “...What exactly is that customer?”

“That customer is paying for all our early vacations!” Aloe stated confidently. “So don’t question it!”

Our Music

Pinkie was usually hyperactive– An overachiever in her own right, determined to seize the day, to do as many things as physically possible, determined to get out there and be productive.

The current circumstances were a cosmic calling for her to have a lazy day– Or several– And she answered the call to laziness with gusto, to a degree, of course. There was still plenty of workout she could have with her very own Sunset Shimmer.

“...What’cha thinkin’ about, Pink?” Sunset asked gently, holding her, functioning as a blanket, pillow, and warmer all at once.

“Oh, you know…!” The party pony nuzzled her, letting out a gentle, cute yawn. “I’m thinking about luck, I think…”

“...Oh?”

“How lucky am I to have my very own Sunset Shimmer for an indeterminate amount of time, hihi…!” She let out a pleased sigh, closing her eyes. “I just wish the other me knew you’re in good hooves...”

“Her hooves I guess. This multiverse crap is so confusing…” Stretching lightly, she observed Pinkie’s room– Dozens of party accessories, dozens of colorful streamers, pictures of her and her friends, plushies, and the unmistakable scent of sweets. The room had gotten considerably messier since she had gotten here. “...You’re pretty lucky here too, right? It seems you’re doing well in this world, at least.”

“Eh, part of a group of heroes that occasionally saves the world. Can’t complain! …Though Twi and Sunsun take care of most of the threats nowadays…” She trailed off, then pouted. “...And I guess I don’t have a you here.”

“What? Don’t tell me you’re completely single in this world– This really is the darkest timeline–”

“--No no! I didn’t mean that.” She snickered, shaking her head lightly, leaning on her. “I mean… I’ve mostly had flings, group dating, stuff like that. I’ve dated pleeeenty of mares and stallions in my day! But the Pinkie in your world… She settled down.”

“Not much ‘settled’ about being lead drummer.” The rockstar grinned with a winning smile. “We were touring in Griffonstone… I guess the tour’s cancelled without me, though…”

“Was she happy?”

“Who?”

“The other me!”

“She’s Pinkie Pie, of course she’s happy.”

Silence.

The noises of the hustle and bustle of Ponyville could be heard through the windows, the noises of a client entering the sugarcube corner could be heard below them.

But here, it was mostly quiet. The Pink Pony had cashed in all of her vacation days for these moments.

Pinkie stared at the ceiling for a while with a blank expression, just thinking.

Then she covered her face with her hooves and groaned. “...This is so dumb.”

“...What’s up?”

“I think I’d rather be your Pinkie.” She murmured, pouting. “I think… I think I’d rather be in a super cool famous band and get to kiss you all day… Than this.”

“Jeez, I’m sorry…” Sunset’s expression softened, as she brought her closer. “...Your job as a caterer seems pretty good, right? …Are you unhappy here?”

“N-no, not at all! I love what I do! I love my friends! I love my town, I love my family…!”

“Uh oh. There’s a ‘but’ in there, isn’t it.”

“...But, y’know…!” She pouted. “I don’t have a cool band. And I don’t get to kiss you all day.”

“Eh, whenever your Sunset comes back, sounds like you’re in for a talk, then.” Kissing her cheek, she gave her an assuring smile. “Why can’t this Pinkie start a band too?”

“She’s an alicorn Princess and practically married to Twilight Sparkle already– Me and her are just friends, we’ve always been!” She groaned, leaping from out of the bed, pacing around nervously. “I-I’ve never had… Feelings for Sunset, I don’t think so, at least! We’re best friends! We’ve always been best friends, I was the first to forgive her after she was a big scary demon, you know? I was first in line to encourage her to be better, but we’ve only ever been best friends!”

Sitting up in bed, the rockstar scratched her chin pensively. “...So all the sex you and I had since I’ve got here is just, what, platonic?”

“Nononono! I didn’t say that!” Pinkie leapt into the air and shook her head vigorously.

“Relax, Pink. I'm just messing with you.” She grinned, shrugged, and grabbed her guitar, which laid at the foot of their bed, and began fiddling with it. “I’m surprised you’re overthinking this. You’re not usually an overthinker. You’re usually an underthinker.”

“I USUALLY AM!!” She huffed, her tail whipping about as she paced about. “Don’t get me wrong, I always found Sunset attractive, I always found you attractive! I find all my friends attractive, they are! And I’m not shy to say it! Pinkie Pie is loud and proud about who she finds all her friends hot, especially Sunset Shimmer!!”

“Yep.” She agreed, snickering to herself, leaning back on the bed frame, fiddling with her guitar.

“A-and I’m happy, you know? I’m happy! I’m a small part of something bigger! Heck, I helped wingman Sunset with Twilight! I was there to help her build up confidence, heck, I helped her write love ballads for the Princess!! Those two are alicorns, they’re going to shape Equestria into a golden age, and I helped make that happen!! I-I’m like, a hero!”

“You sure are awesome, Pink.” Sunset grinned and nodded.

“Applejack and Rarity got together. And I was happy for them. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash got together. And I was happy for them. Twilight and Sunset got together, and…” She paused.

“...And then there was one.” The rockstar beheld her with pity. “...Have you been alone all this time? Gosh, Pink…!”

“N-no, no, I had several flings before, during, and after all this.” She murmured, shaking her head. “...But I never settled down…! Why would I…?”

“Why would you?” A rhetorical question.

Silence, as once again, the party pony glared at nothing, the gears in her head turning furiously, her tail whipping about.

“...Am I not living life to the fullest???” She asked the heavens themselves. “...Do I need something more…?”

“...That’s up to you, Pink…” Sunset suggested gently, kindly. “...What do you think you’re missing?”

Only mere seconds were needed for the Pink Pony to decipher the answer in her head.

She strolled over to Sunset and kissed her furiously, yet mournfully. The rockstar embraced her, let it happen, tossing her guitar aside.

Then, letting out a sigh, Pinkie escaped the embrace, and hid her face under pillows. “Maybe I just need what your Pinkie has. Something stable…? Maybe…?”

“Nothing about rockstar life is stable.” Sunset snickered, patting her gently. “...But I get what you mean. You want something stable… With somepony like me, I guess. Hard itch to scratch…”

Pinkie, still laying down fully, removed the pillows that covered her, and beheld Sunset with the biggest, wettest eyes. “I think I’m jealous...”

“Of who?”

“Twilight Sparkle and the other me.”

“Why?”

“For having you.”

With a weary, sorry smile, Sunset leaned down and kissed her on the forehead. “Well, if it makes you feel better… They don’t, though. Neither of them do. …Not until this whole mess is fixed.”

Still laying down, she looked away briefly in shame. “I don’t know what to do about this– I don’t know if I even can do anything.”

“Just do what you do best, Pink.” Sunset brought her closer. “...Have some fun!”

“...Is it selfish that I don’t want you to go?” It was the pout to end all pouts. “...Is it selfish that I just want to… Keep having fun with you…?”

Snickering, Sunset got on top, kissing Pinkie on the neck, then on the face for good measure, resulting in her giggling. “I can’t believe this– It’s my job to make Pinkie Pie smile, not the other way around?” She nuzzled her affectionately, sharing those giggles. “Let’s make the most of this mess.”

Sunset shook herself furiously, flapping her wings for good measure, warm water going everywhere, the spa workers having to take cover to protect themselves from the drenched onslaught.

“Would you like a blow dryer, your majesty?” Aloe noted, emerging from cover. “Or several?”

“No need.” Inhaling, raising her wings, entering a battle stance, her mane was suddenly ignited like flames, and the spa attendees took cover again.

Just like that, as if her body was engulfed in flames, she dried herself in a matter of seconds.

Exhaling steam, she folded her wings. “What are we waiting for? I need rest and relaxation, NOW!”

“Right this way, your majesty!”

Irreversibly contaminated

Leaves fell gently in a meadow in Everfree.

One of the tallest trees on this side of the forest, one with red leaves no matter the season, housed a special, incredibly comfortable bed of flowers at its foot.

It was a quiet hidden meadow– One discovered by two lovers once, one they kept just to themselves.

In the tree’s trunk, there was a simple engraving, one made as a promise, long ago.

Surrounded by an etched heart, it was a promise made on a tree that had stood for centuries, and would stand for many more.

T ♥️ S

Any noises of the forest, the rustling of leaves, the singing of birds, was all easy to ignore.

The rays of sunlight above them were a suggestion– One that could easily be ignored, as they laid intertwined in each other’s embrace.

“...Do you think she’s going to call us back soon?” The demon asked gently, looking onto the sprawling branches and the rays of light that shyly prodded through above them.

“I sure hope not.” Twilight nuzzled her, letting out a sigh of relief. “But if she does… We’ll answer. We owe this world that much…”

“This world…” The demon sighed, observing the tiniest mushroom growing in the root of the tree they laid next to, as a bug crawled under it. “...It’s so much more beautiful than ours.”

“We did some damage…!” Twilight mourned. “...But we’ll fix it. We’ll make things right.”

“...What if we can’t…?” She suggested, almost with a whisper. “...What if we can’t ever go back…? O-or what if we do, and our world… Our world ends us.”

Reluctantly, she came closer. Leaning foreheads with her love, assuring her in the softest way possible. “...If that, or anything else happens… We’ll still be together, Sunny Bunny. No matter what.”

“I’m… I’m not an alicorn.” The demon raised a single tattered wing demonstrably. “I’m a… Gross imitation. What if you outlive me? What if… What if whatever disgusting thing I am now, it’s… It’s the end of me?”

“You can still raise the sun– You took it, you own it. You made it yours. And I also think; As demonstrated by the zombie strapped to the walls of that community center…” Twilight almost snickered, letting out a sigh. “...I think that we have enough proof of how inventive I can be when I don’t want to lose you. What is that thing you always say…? We’ll burn that bridge–”

“--When we get to it.” She grinned slightly, kissing her slowly, then backing away. “...Thanks, Sparkles. It’s hard not to worry about everything, when, you know…”

“Everything is ending everywhere?” She understated, with a blow of raspberries. “It sure feels like it, doesn’t it…? Ugh…” She shook her head quickly, smiling truly. “But we’re together, Sunset. Nothing is going to change that.”

“I sure hope not. I love you so much, you know that…?” Leaning lower, she kissed her on the cheek, then neck. “Nothing is going to change that either.”

“Ditto, hihi…!” She giggled out, cherishing the kisses and nibbles.

Only a brief moment of quiet passed, before the demon, through great hesitation, asked a question she wanted to ask for well over a few days now.

“...Can I talk to Midnight? I just want to check on her…”

Twilight blinked a few times in confusion, as if there was an internal dialogue she was combating, but then simply sighed. “...I think so. She’s really weak now, though. You won’t be able to talk for long…”

“It’s okay. I just want to… I just want to make sure she’s doing okay.” She lied.

“She is. And she loves you as much as I do.” Twilight affirmed, punctuating the thought with a kiss. “...But I understand why you’d want to… Well, it was with her you spent the last years with... Give me a moment…!”

The demon watched carefully, as Twilight closed her eyes strained, allowing her own inner demon to take over.

And she could see it, clear as day. The way in which her expression hardened, the toothy grin, no matter how tired, and even the way she spoke.

Midnight Sparkle had returned– But not as she once was. Twilight’s wings did not become pitch black, and her horn was not encased in crystal– There was only the faintest blue glow behind her eyes that she could notice.

“...Did you miss me, Sunny Bunny?” She grinned, coming closer. “Can’t handle a few days without me, can you?”

“It’s been hard to manage, Sparkles. I’m hungry.” She grinned right back, baring her teeth. “Can you blame me?”

“I have to admit, it’s a bit strange, being in the backseat for once.” Her gaze took her elsewhere, to the forest above and around them. “Just being a little voice in her head, for once. An annoyance, at worst… She really turned the tables on me. Can’t blame her.”

“You’ll have to go back inside soon, won’t you…? And she can listen to us?” The demon asked carefully.

“Yes, and yes. She’s in the backseat– Only briefly.” She grinned once more, raising an eyebrow. “...Don’t tell me you wanted to talk in private, far from the little nerd’s ears…?”

“I don’t care if she listens to what I’ll say next.” She shook her head. “And I did want to give her a brain break– I imagine she’s exhausted, and could use the rest–”

“--Oh, Sunny Bunny–”She bit her lips, coming even closer. “As if you haven’t given us both a brain break for the last hours…!”

“And I’ll give you more, Sparkles. Anything, everything.” She affirmed with a breath. “Have you noticed? The Twilight of this world is grief stricken. She’s distracted– And exposed. Are you thinking what I’m thinking…?”

After blinking a few times in confusion, and coming to a realization, she couldn’t help but snicker. “...Oh, Sunny Bunny, you are incorrigible.”Eye to eye, she grinned maliciously. “Are you asking me for permission to take over this world?”

“I’m just asking what you’re thinking. And entertaining any idea.” She spoke sternly, seriously. “There’s probably no home for us to go back to. The Queens in our world will punish us for what we did. And this world is beautiful…”

“You’re adorable, you know that? It’s so cute that you’re offering this to me, even after we’ve lost our world already…” She tilted her head, leaning back, then closed her eyes, whispering to herself. “...Relax, nerd, I’m getting to it.”

“I take it Twilight doesn’t like the idea.” The demon looked away. “Look, we’re on our own. And we need to do whatever we want to secure our lives–”

Midnight placed a single hoof atop her wife’s muzzle. “...Okay, riddle me this, hot stuff. Why do you think this world is so beautiful, and ours isn’t?”

Sunset had no response, she simply looked away bitterly, pensively.

Midnight Sparkle spoke almost softly. “...Yes, I have considered a hostile takeover. And I am envious of this world and its state. But I’m tired, and in no condition to fight or conquer anything– Neither is the little nerd. And what’s more, I get it now. If you want a beautiful world, you can’t just take it. You have to make it.”

All Sunset could do was let out a sigh of defeat, resting her head on the fallen leaves and grass.

“So you get it, right? If we want to be as happy as the Sunset and Twilight that beat us…”

“...We have to go back and make our world better. Yeah, I get it.” She exhaled once more, covering her face in shame. “...But we wrecked everything.”

“And now we’ll have to un-wreck it.” Midnight stated simply. “And whatever happens, we’ll be together. Not every Twilight and Sunset can say that.”

Letting out weary, ironic chuckles, she turned to her wife once more. “How is it that you and I are the luckiest Twilight and Sunset in this universe?”

Pulling her closer, and kissing her as furiously as she could, Midnight grinned. “Divine, cosmic irony, Sunny Bunny. We, the despicable, are together– While them, the prime, the paragons of virtue… Are separated. Amusing, isn’t it?”

“Heh.” Sunset got on top of her, grinning, her demonic form enveloping the alicorn’s smaller frame. “And we have everything we need, right here–”

“--Hold your horses, hot stuff.” Midnight grinned, placing a hoof between their lips. “The nerd wants to express her disappointment to you. Get ready for a lecture.”

“O-oh shit.” All her confidence melted into nerves. “Um–”

The malicious grin in Midnight’s muzzle faded, as her expression changed into a stern frown, no longer with the blue glow behind those eyes.

“...Seriously?” Twilight Sparkle pouted.

“I can explain.”

“Really? Cause it sounds like you just offered Midnight to take over this world on a whim.”

“That’s an oversimplification–”

Twilight got on top of her, flipping her over, tapping her muzzle with a hoof judgmentally. “Sunset, don’t you get it? There’s no shortcut to this! There’s no easy way out! We have to accept what we did; We did the crime, we have to do the time!”

“I just want what’s best for us, okay? I’m scared–”

“--I’m scared too! But we’re together, Sunset. We’re together!” Twilight affirmed gently, bringing her closer into an embrace. “Don’t worry about anything else. We’re together. That’s all that matters.”

Sunset sprawled herself out into a soft table that was a bit too small for her, her wings spread to her sides, her legs extended as furthest as she could, her face, resting gently in a padded hole, faced the floor.

It was a strange sight to the spa goers, the few that remained, of course. This strange, tall and muscular mare, getting the attention of six workers, including the two owners.

Four hooves, each getting cleaned by one single worker, efficiently, yet carefully.

Two wings, being preened and massaged at a hurried, yet gentle.

And of course, a back and neck massage. Sunset closed her eyes and allowed herself to let out an enormous sigh.

“Dude, nice wings! They’re super long!” Rainbow Dash noted with a smile, laying on the bed next to her, with only a single worker tending to her wings. “I see you’ve got the five star treatment, heh. Nice.”

“Hmmhbwuh.” The Alicorn mumbled, barely acknowledging the pegasus’s presence.

“I really gotta save up for that someday… Treat myself, y’know?” The Pegasus snickered, “Funny, though. I figured that if you have the money for that kind of treatment, you’d spend it in a spa in Canterlot!”

“Bwurghmuh.” The Alicorn snarled weakly, trying to ignore her.

“...Hey, your cutie mark looks familiar...” Rainbow Suggested, raising an eyebrow. “Have we met somewhere before?”

“No.” Sunset Shimmer murmured in annoyance; Unsure if this was even a lie for this universe.

She didn’t know or cared if the Sunset of this world had met this Rainbow Dash– Or her wife, or any of her friends. She didn’t give a shit over how her counterpart would deal with the enormous corpse of the giant mountain eel she had killed not even an hour earlier.

All that mattered was that she was getting some goddamn R&R.

My self

“Ack, damnit!” Sunset cursed, as her magic flung her notepad into the street.

“Here ya go, Princess!” A kindly foal offered to her, and she accepted with a small, tired, awkward smile.

“I’m not the Princess, Sorry! But thanks.” Again, with her magic, she brought it closer, dusting it off.

“...Sunset, where did yer wings go?” The foal tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. “And why are you… Shorter?”

“I’m another Sunset, sorry. Long story. Ask Twilight!” She replied absentmindedly.

“Applebloom, c’mon, we gotta get back home, time’s a wastin!” Applejack strutted over to her sister.

Sunset’s eyes widened. “...You’re Applejack? Hey, maybe you can help me with something–”

“Sorry, multishmersal clone.” The Farmer shook her head. “We got chores to do. You could always help, if ya’d like!”

“M-maybe later. Just answer me this; Are you physically strong?”

“Hah!” Applebloom boasted. “My big sis here is the strongest Earth Pony you’ll ever meet!”

“Sis, don’t go tootin’ my horn!” Blushing, Applejack huffed. “Look, I’m plenty strong, yeah. Why do you ask?”

“Oh, you know, haha–” Sunset grinned awkwardly. “Just trying to figure out the secret identities of a superhero group of mares that happens to match Twilight’s friends in this universe– As you do! –Ack!!” Again, her pen escaped her magical grasp and went tumbling into the street. “What is wrong with magic in this world?”

Politely, Applebloom offered her pen back. “What do you mean, Sunset? And did ya say superhero??”

“I-I don’t know, it’s just… So strong! And apparently unicorns here can cast spells?!” she fidgeted with her mane awkwardly. “In my world, unicorns can levitate stuff, and that's it!”

“That’s mighty interestin’ and all, but we gotta get goin–” Applejack came closer, placing Applebloom on her back. “Look, Twi let y'all Sunsets run along free, but that ain’t no excuse to just loiter– She’s going through a mighty trouble time ever since our Sunset disappeared. So make yerself useful, wouldya? All this poking around ain’t achievin’ nothin’. Try to help her somehow? I dunno, partner.”

“--I don’t know anything about magic. This whole nonsense is new to me! I couldn’t help even if I wanted to…!” She sighed, flipping the pages to her notebook. “Weird-ass magical world with fantasy monsters and magic spells… Sheesh.”

“Yeah, but what about the superheroes??” Applebloom attempted to escape her sister's grasp, and failed.

“No more botherin’ the other Sunsets, lil sis.” Applejack ordered with a frown. “And you, other Sunset, well… I dunno. Please just… Try to help somehow! …We sure wish we could…!” She shook her head, disappointed. “This dagnabbit Science Technomagic thingamajig flies over a lotta our heads.”

“How do you think I feel?” She murmured, shrugging. “I’m still trying to wrap my mind around that castle in the distance there.”

“You don’t have castles where you live? Lame!” Applebloom pouted.

“Either way. If ya wanna help around, ya can get started in Sweet Apple Acres. At the very least we could use some more physical labor– Since yer strugglin’ with magic. After that we’re makin’ a big dinner and bringin’ it over to Twilight and the other Sunsets.”

“...I’ll think about it.” The idea of swapping office work for farm work didn’t bring her much enthusiasm.

“See ya around, Sunset two.” Applejack tilted her hat, and carried her sister into the streets of Ponyville.

“I'm like… Sunset five or six...”

She only briefly watched the two make their way, as she herself went to rest in the shade at the foot of the Community Center, and revised her notes.

Tuning out her surroundings, she opened her notepad.

Okay. Strange world. But Twilight Sparkle is the Masked Matter-Horn. So are her friends in this world the other Power Ponies?

She has wings here– And she’s so much taller! And beautiful

I wonder if it's just magic. She just drank a bunch of magic juice and got really tall and pretty and hot

That other me, the one that destroyed my damn desk– She was super tall, just like this Twilight And had wings! But I don’t have any relation to superhero nonsense– What are the constants and the variables of these?

Twilight asked me on a date, right after the day I saw that weird ass other me, when that alien machine was attacking downtown. Was that correlated to this interdimensional shit?

Twilight doesn’t have wings– But the Masked Matter-Horn does. Is it something to do with her superpowers? She sure as hell doesn't hide her wings in those tight cute suits she’s always wearing

Focus. Focus.

Asking around, it seems a bit easier to connect to who’s who here– Seeing them without their masks, it's not that hard to compare.

That pink one that’s banging another version of me– She’s Filly-Second. She’s gotta be. Hyperactive, peppy, and pink all over.

The pretty one that kept asking me about my outfit has got to be Radiance. She had the same elegant mannerisms, the same incredibly well cared-for purple mane…

The flier one that keeps swooping around with the vampire me– She’s got to be Zapp, right? Blue Pegasus, Rainbow mane, hard to mistake it!

Now, that Fluttershy, the sweet one with the animals… I still can’t imagine her as Saddle Rager. She’s so quiet and sweet, she said her favorite pastime is taking care of animals, there's no way it's the same pony that turns into a hulking grotesque monster, right?

Nodding along, she made a quick new annotation.

Applejack: For sure Mistress Mare-velous. She even talks with the same goddamn accent– AND is super strong? Just met her now, and she was pretty nice. Asked for my help on a farm. Can you imagine?

Okay. This is crazy. I don’t know what to do with all this.

My office co-worker is secretly leading a band of superheroes. And now, I'm pretty sure I know all their secret identities. All while I’m stuck in an alternate friggin reality!

It’s like those stupid animated shows but I’m no superhero or protagonist or anything! I just want to go back home and make sure I wasn’t fired! Mayor Celestia is going to be so pissed–

And she’s apparently a GOD in this world!!!

She put the notepad down carefully, and simply looked at it, eyes narrowed.

What did this all mean?

And what was her place in it, if any…?

She looked up into the gorgeous sky of this strange, magical world. Colors meshed with clouds as they bathed in the light of the sun, lower in the sky. And was that a rainbow in the sky?

What was she going to do?

Could she ever get back home?

Was Twilight missing her?

They had a date! And she was kidnapped into another world!

Was she going to lose her job?

…Because she was stranded in this weird, beautiful magical world?

She paused.

And picked her notepad back up.

It’s been almost a week since I’ve been stranded in this weird magical world with other versions of me.

I have a place to sleep in, they give me food, and are surprisingly welcoming.

So you know what? Fuck it.

…Time to make the most of it.

She pocketed her notepad.

And began making her way to Sweet Apple Acres.

“I hope everything is to your liking, Miss Shimmer!” Lotus affirmed while gently handling her wings, preening and massaging it thoroughly.

“You’re doing great, ugh–” Every word she spoke was sputtered with the weight of weeks and tension weighing on her back– With several spa workers working as fast as they could on her back, legs and wings, intent on relieving her of said tension. “...How long have I been here?”

“I do not know… Perhaps half an hour?” The spa worker shrugged, as she continued to work diligently. “Maybe more, maybe less?”

“...S-shit.” She exhaled, not ready for this to end. “...Work faster, please…!”

No payback

Watching Twilight Sparkle work had always been entertaining.

But watching this particular Twilight work was something else entirely.

Where one Twilight she knew was peppy, frequently went on tangents, adjusted her glasses often and even had bouts of giggles in between planning…

This one, this tall, regal, powerful, unfathomably determined one, was unflinching.

Sunset was there to help, but she could see just how much above her level this Twilight was– This alicorn, with her tallness, long limbs, and complete mastery over magic.

She was intelligent, just like her twilight back home– But there was a fire in her eyes Sunset did not recognize.

…But in the end, it didn’t matter.

The Princess– So strange, to address Twilight Sparkle as one– Called for a break.

As soon as the mirror they had been tirelessly working on nearly exploded with a burst of magic, plugs were pulled, and extinguishers were brandished. The Princess, sighing, groaning at the setback, simply needed a break to clear her head.

In said break, she did not eat, nor did she rest.

She walked over to the makeshift, surprisingly large and comfortable cage they had set up for the zombie version of Sunset Shimmer– The one with wings this other Sunset would never have, and simply talked to her, quietly and gently.

This Sunset, however, was hungry. “...Hey, Spike. Got a snack?”

“I thought you’d never ask!” He smiled confidently, as he opened a little box of cookies and shared with her. “Don’t worry, there’s no gems in these, heh.”

“Thanks, man.” Quietly, she watched this powerful Twilight Sparkle. She seemed so stalwart, so determined– And now, she was simply quietly leaning foreheads with the zombie. “...What do you think they’re doing?”

“Our Sunset has got these cool memory powers–” The dragon spoke, in between munching on cookies. “She got them after she became an alicorn– She can read memories, but she can also show her own memories to others. It’s pretty cool!”

“Oh! She did that to me and my Twi!” Her eyes widened, as she stared at her undead, winged self. “...Oh. The zombie is… Oh.”

“Yeah. My guess is Twi is getting to find out more about the monster. Honestly? I’m not sure I even want to know.” He shuddered, shaking his head. “I think seeing her butcher a few fishes is all I need to see.”

“Hear hear.” She agreed with a nod, and ate her own cookies, briefly looking around her.

So much machinery. So much to work on, so much… Everything. All so she could go back to her own Twilight. A Twilight she didn’t deserve– but likely was indeed waiting for her.

She sighed, shafting aside her doubts. “Y’know, I never met you in my world– But you’re surprisingly chill, Spike.”

“So are you, for a bad guy!” He snickered.

“...Technically ex-bad guy. Still new to this.” She sighed, shaking her head. “...And I brought my Twilight down with me, all these years... Goddamnit.”

“C’mon man, you couldn’t have known. When you’re at the bottom, the only way to go is up, right?” Spike suggested with confidence. “There was no way you could have guessed–”

“That Twilight is capable of being this?” She gestured vaguely at the tall, beautiful, powerful Princess Twilight Sparkle that had revolutionized multiversal technology thrice over in less than a month. “You know what? I could have guessed that, yeah.”

“Heh, she’s a brainiac in your world too?”

“Something like that.” Sunset chewed pensively, looking down. “She was always so… Capable. So smart. Her own insecurities were the only things that ever held her back, honestly… Other than me.” She let out an enormous sigh. “...And now I’ve gone missing and she might never know why.”

“Don’t worry, man. We’re making… Some progress!” Spike assured, without much confidence. “Reprogram the weird hairless ape mirror, make it into a window, tune it to Sunset's genetic code…”

“--Then cycle it endlessly until we find the right Sunset in a sea of infinite universes.” She grumbled, shaking her head. “The odds of this working are miniscule–”

Hermes, who was still sitting in his cage, finally piped in. “--We can adjust the odds! As we already have!”

“Speaking of bad guys…” Sunset grumbled rolling her eyes, coming closer. “I hope you’re happy, asshole.”

“The zombie got the more comfortable cage, I am very much not very happy!” He adjusted his glasses and huffed. “But the progress we’ve made is quite extraordinary!”

Sunset slammed the cage with a hoof, glaring at him. “Has it not dawned on you the fucking damage you’re doing yet?!”

“L-look, I get that this has had unforeseen consequences…!” He backed away to the end of the cage, stuttering. “But this is still an unprecedented discovery…! There’s always little jitters here and there, when braving new frontiers!”

“Unforeseen consequences.” Sunset mocked. “You didn’t even consider how comfortable your own world was before doing this shit, did you?!”

“I’m not quite sure what you–”

She hit the cage again, making him flinch. “You had a Twilight Sparkle and a Sunset Shimmer as alicorn Princesses in this world, idiot– They were going to rule together– and you actively got in the way of that for an experiment!” Her voice turned to a hush, since she didn’t want Twilight to hear. “You might have fucking DOOMED YOUR ENTIRE WORLD’S FUTURE by leaving its future ruler alone and grief stricken!!”

Hermes, for once, was speechless, eyes darting between Sunset and Twilight worryingly.

And she continued, glaring at him. “In my world, there’s only one Princess, and she’s barely managing with all of the shit she has to deal with constantly. Sure, yeah, She’s lucky to have Trixie nearby, but that has an expiration date. Every friend and lover of an alicorn has an expiration date.”

Again, Hermes had nothing to say, staring at the floor, thinking about everything.

“I’ve met the Sunset of this world. And she was fucking great.” Sunset snarled. “Like the captain me so eloquently put it, Twilight had a taste of something good now. And you took it from her. Without it, well, you’ve seen how she is. And remember– She’s expected to rule the world. The world you live in, asshole. And you might have done permanent damage.”

He looked down, pursing his lips. “...Okay, um. Oh dear.” He muttered.

“I think he’s finally starting to get it.” Spike almost chuckled. “Look, I’m first in line to believe Twilight is capable of doing anything. But Sunset was like… A safety net! Anytime Twilight fell or faltered, she was there to catch her. And now, well, without her…” He briefly glanced at how the Princess was still holding her zombie not-wife tenderly.

“W-we can still bring her back!” Hermes affirmed with stuttered, feigned confidence. “W-we can! I’m sure of it! We will bring her back, the more we refine this technology! Our world will still have it’s two rulers, and my technology will be revolutionized! Everypony wins!”

“Ugh.” Sunset sat down, and rolled her eyes. “This entire fucking mess… Is so pointless. It’s like I’m watching the death of a world and it’s not even mine.”

Uncomfortable silence.

Shyly, Hermes raised a hoof. “...Well, um, well… Could I have a cookie too…?”

“Fine.”

“...I’m kind of focussed here. Not particularly into conversation, Rainbow Dash.” Sunset grunted, feeling the dozen hooves fiddling and massaging her body at once, eyes closed.

“It’s fine, dude. I’m just curious about your whole deal, heh!” She shrugged as much as her own massage table allowed. “So, is that horn real…?”

“...No.” She lied.

“Okidoke! Man, you look like you’ve been through a rough patch, though. I know cool battle scars when I see them. …Unless they’re also fake?”

“...Sure.” She lied again.

“Hah! Are you a cosplayer or something? Playing dress up at a spa?” She snickered. “Just saying, Celestia doesn’t have that many scars. She’s the one you’re trying to imitate, right?”

“...Yeah.” She sighed.

Worth living

Somewhere in Ponyville, there was someone playing the cello on a rooftop, practicing.

Somewhere in Ponyville, a market was closing, and ponies were saying goodbye for the day.

Somewhere in Ponyville, a foal found her lost plushie.

Somewhere in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash was enjoying herself with a Sunset Shimmer– One that could fly, and they were discovering something interesting.

Somewhere in Ponyville, Fluttershy was taking a well needed break from helping Twilight Sparkle through her grieving process, and was now resting in the Apple Acres living room.

Somewhere in Ponyville, Rarity had closed down the carousel boutique for the day, and made her way to Sweet Apple Acres– Intent on helping her future wife in any way she could.

Somewhere in Ponyville, Applejack readied herself with a new friend to prepare enough meals to feed more than ten Sunset Shimmers.

Somewhere in Ponyville, Pinkie Pie didn’t want to let go.

Somewhere in Ponyville, dubiously ethical multiversal experiments were being made.

Somewhere in Ponyville, no monster attacked the town. Not today.

Because somewhere, in Ponyville, the Mysterious Mare Do Well was watching carefully– Keeping this town she loved, even if only a version of it, safe.

And she was completely unaware that somewhere, in another Ponyville entirely, Maud Pie missed her.

Somewhere, in another Ponyville, Maud Pie was crying.

“...And then when I got there, she was a wreck! Like. I don’t think she was crying, but she must have been, before. She was surrounded by papers, a bunch of dignitaries were waiting in line to see her, and I was like ‘dude, you’re the future ruler of this world. We all believe in you and love you! You GOT this!’ Heh.” Rainbow Dash, still getting her wing massaged, rambled with a grin. “Not to brag, but I toooootally helped her out.”

“You don’t say.” Sunset’s rising anger was making it really difficult for her to relax.

“Besides. These are her training wheels! The other Princesses can come take over again anytime if she needs to! But she’s got this.” The Pegasus snickered. “We’ve handled every threat to Equestria so far! Even if sometimes it came close to defeat, we always pull through together!”

“Really. Are you together now?” Sunset asked curtly.

“Nah, dude. Why would we? She’s in Canterlot, and we’re in Ponyville, it’s where we live, duh!” Rainbow snickered, shrugging. “But yeah. I get it, y’know? First time jitters! She’s having to handle all the stress of running Equestria, but I know she’s got this.”

Sunset’s breathing was getting more and more intense, as her eyes widened in anger.

“That’s our Princess Twilight! She can totally handle the pressure alllll by herself.”

Sunset stood, nearly toppling over several spa workers. “I NEED A HORN MASSAGE, NOW!”

Flesh, blood

“C’mon, can you go any faster? Show me!” Rainbow Dash grinned wildly, slowing down, watching Sunset’s bat-like-wings work. “This is so awesome!!”

“Watch this!” She grinned, her vampire-teeth in full display– And with agile, determined movements, she folded her wings, spun and dive bombed, Spreading her wings in agile manners.

“HAH! AWESOME!” The pegasus followed her movements.

“This is how you fly like a bat!” Sunset kept doing drastic spins and savage movements.

Rainbow Dash, with the widest of grins, attempted to mimic her movement and reveled on how their two wings differed.

Sunset, in her joyful exploration of the heavens with her new pegasus friend, came to a pretty stark conclusion…

…That the skies above Ponyville looked better without the light of an eternal blood moon.

“By the way, when the sun sets, we’re meeting up at Apple Acres! We’re looking to cook up a big dinner for all you Sunsets!” Rainbow suggested. “Wanna help?”

“I’ll think about it!” Even when deflecting, Sunset couldn’t help but smile. “Wanna do another flyby?”

“Well, duh!” She chuckled, and locked her wings, beginning her descent rapidly, and Sunset followed through.

Flying was somehow even more euphoric now that the world wasn’t blanketed in darkness– Their descent to the town was swift, easy, without a fuss.

So many ponies, living normal lives, and here she was, a pony bat hybrid. Wings and horns, not a care in the world.

Her eyes landed on the community center, and then she squinted. “Hey. what’s that above the Community Center…?”

“Huh. Weird. Wanna check it out?”

“Stealthily.”

Together, they swooped and landed in one of the trees, beholding the roof of the Community Center with curiosity.

There were two suspicious looking royal guard pegasi landed atop of it– Apparently, trying to get a glimpse of some of the interior of the building, by either leaning on its sides and looking through windows, or spying through the balcony.

“I’m new to this universe, but… Royal guards aren’t usually on top of this building, right?” The vampire narrowed her eyes with suspicion.

“No, no they’re not. This could be trouble.” The pegasus inspected them carefully, and readied her wings. “Let’s go question them! Subtly.”

“Yeah.”

“Hey dudes, what are you doing here?” Rainbow Dash landed between them with absolutely zero tact.

“We don’t appreciate ponies getting in our business here in our Community Center.” The vampire stated smugly.

“R-rainbow Dash! P-Princess!” O ne of the guards nearly leapt out of surprise and nerves. “We weren’t doing anything!”

“Yes, we were.” The other guard corrected, elbowing his partner. “We were sent here to verify Your safety, Princess. As well as Twilight Sparkle’s.”

“We’re both fine.” The vampire shrugged, narrowing her eyes. “Who sent you?”

Quietly, the two guards shared nervous glances.

Rainbow Dash grinned. “Are you seriously refusing to answer a question to your Princess?”

“U-um, well, you see…” He seemed to be picking and choosing his words incredibly carefully. “There’s been a few rumors. And we haven’t seen you or Twilight in public for a few weeks, you were expected to make appearances in Canterlot…”

The other guard continued, walking on eggshells. “...And a few chancellors, who shall remain unnamed, were wondering if the rumors of Twilight tampering with certain magic were true… As well as, you know…”

“I don’t appreciate all the hearsay.” Sunset stated with a dominating tone. “All this whispering behind our backs is cowardish. If any chancellor has any issues with Twilight Sparkle, or me, they should come here directly. Otherwise, she is not to be disturbed. Am I clear?”

“Y-yes, Princess, of course!” One guard nodded emphatically, fearfully.

“Two things, however–” The other raised a hoof. “What are we meant to tell the Chancellor about the, um… Multiple Sunset Shimmers walking about? And what are we meant to tell him about the fact that you… Shrank, and have bat wings…?”

Sunset’s eye twitched, as she huffed. “I don’t care what you tell them. But you’re not welcome here. My wife does NOT want to be disturbed.”

Rainbow Dash feigned insult. “Dude! You did not just insult the Princess of the Sun’s wings! You can’t do that to an alicorn!”

“Y-yes, Princess, it’s just, this entire situation– it’s just a bit strange–”

“I don’t want to hear it.” Sunset snarled, baring her sharp fangs, raising her wings menacingly. “Get out of here, and don’t come back, you wannabe SPIES.”

Silence, as the two guards looked among each other nervously.

“NOW!” The vampire yelled.

Together, with yelps, they flew away towards Canterlot fearfully.

Rainbow Dash burst out laughing, and Sunset followed her. “What a couple of doofuses!”

“Tweedledumb and tweedledumber.” Sunset snickered. “Gosh, I could get used to pretending I’m a Princess! C’mon, let’s go back to flying.”

“Nah, dude. We gotta warn Twi about this. I’m not a politics gal, but whatever this is, it’s not a good sign.” The Pegasus made her way to a ledge, ready to leap into a balcony below.

“Leave her be.” The vampire shrugged. “She’s busy enough trying to get me and the others back home. It’s best not to interrupt her– We could always tell her what we saw later.”

As usual, Rainbow spent very little time thinking. “...Eh, what the hell. We can tell her this over dinner!”

“I mean, how hard could ruling a nation be? Celestia did it for a thousand years, and she’s totally fine! I think. Haven’t really gotten the chance to know her better.” Rainbow pouted pensively. “Maybe I should ask her what she does for fun sometime! When she’s back from her vacation and everything. What do you think?”

The Princess of Hope was completely and entirely unresponsive.

After all, she was getting not only all of her hooves done proper, but also, most importantly, getting a horn massage.

Laid on her back, one of the spa workers used a fluffy, padded vibrating device on her forehead and the base of her horn, sometimes up its length.

And as she allowed her mind to be melded by it entirely, she wondered why the hell didn’t she get this every single fucking day back home.

“Come to think of it, I’m not sure Luna goes out to have fun either. Sheesh, being a princess must be tough, huh?”

“I wouldn’t know.” Was all Sunset dared to mutter.

“For how much longer would you like a horn massage, your majesty?”

“Five more minutes…” She mumbled. “Then… hot spring…”

Our Purpose.

Dear Princess Celestia.

I’m not sure if I’ll ever manage to get this letter to you. Frankly, I don’t think I can. I’m mostly writing this for me.

If you’re reading this, I’m missing. I’m still alive, I didn’t run away, I was taken– Taken to another universe entirely.

Hopefully, it won’t come to any of you back home having to come find me somehow. I don’t think it’s wise to try– Or even possible.

But I recently ran into something… Strange. Something I wanted to speak to only you about.

I have a biological mother. And in some universes, she didn’t simply leave me on the doorstep of an orphanage.

In some universes, I didn’t just have you.

I see how you treat me, I know all the… Soft spots and biases you have for me. You’ve always been so kind– Even when I chose to no longer be your pupil.

Maybe allowing me to be the captain of the royal guard was going a little too far– But I understand now, more than ever, my qualifications. I always had Twilight’s safety as my primary interest, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I just want to say: Thank you for always being there for me. This strange experience has been incredibly revealing to me, no matter how inconvenient.

Me and Twilight Sparkle are in love, and we were going to tell you before this happened. I’m sorry I might have not been there to break the news.

I kept a professional distance from you before, but I think in light of what I’m going through right now, I don’t want to anymore. Is it okay if I call you my mother?

Captain Shimmer crumpled the piece of paper she was writing on with a groan, and incinerated it with her horn.

Shaking her head, she took up her pen and notepad, and tried again.

Dear Princess Celestia.

Do you remember when we used to go out for ice cream together on mothers day?

How we’d lie, telling them that we were mother and daughter, all so we could get ice cream for free? And then we’d eat it together, and laugh together like we had just performed some grand heist…

I think about those days a lot. I was young, and fresh out of an orphanage, I didn’t really understand that you could afford the entire parlor with pocket money. I only saw the chance to bond with you, to have fun, and to enjoy free ice cream– And I took it.

I think about those days a lot.

Why didn’t you just buy me ice cream? Not that I didn’t like what we were doing it was wonderful

I really liked doing that with you. I wonder why you always played along. Was it because you were simply entertaining a filly, or because you saw me as a daughter?

You did the best you could raising me. I wasn’t always the best kid– But you were patient, and you were always kind. I’m sorry if I never thanked you enough for giving me a chance to have a better life.

After what I’ve been through recently, I don’t want to let good things pass me by anymore. I’ve seen other versions of me doing that by now– And I don't want to be like them. I’ve always been better– But I want to be even better.

Twilight and I are in love. She even asked me to resume my training with you– To try again, to see if I can earn my wings once more.

But honestly

All I want to do is to hug you and to eat ice cream together again

She grimaced, tearing the page away, and burning it too.

Inhaling, she centered herself.

And tried again.

Dear Princess Celestia.

I’ve always seen you as my mother. And I hope you’ve thought of me as your daughter.

I don’t mean this for some plight at attaining higher power or status. I already have had everything I wanted.

I just wish I didn’t waste my recent years being professional with you. I want to laugh with you, to cry, to joke, to call you mom. I’m done letting good things pass me by just due to some vain form of professionalism or self loathing.

I’ve met a mare that might be my biological mother recently.

And I realized I didn’t care.

I realized that I only ever needed you for that. And now… Now I’m gone.

And I don’t know if I’m ever coming back, or if I’ll ever see you or Twilight or anyone from back home again.

And I just want you to know that I love you, mom.

And I’m sorry that I couldn’t be a better daughter.

She beheld that letter bitterly, tragically, as she stewed on those thoughts.

And with a single magical movement, she crumpled it, and incinerated it.

Dear Princess Celestia.

For my position as captain, I’m not entirely sure who I’ll recommend as my replacement in my absence. Some of my better, most diligent Lieutenants are Indigo Zap, Lightning Dust, and Bon Bon. Here you have three options, one from each pony kind.

Don’t put Flash Sentry in my position. He’s incredibly loyal, but he wasn’t meant to lead– He’d burn down Canterlot Palace in a week as Captain. Flash, if you’re reading this, you know I’m right. Show the other candidates the ropes.

It might be wise to triple security around Twilight in my absence. I know that it’s likely she isn’t going anywhere dangerous, but I realize my position with her was essentially that of a scarecrow. I hope that me being gone doesn’t mean some wretch tries taking their shot.

The years I spent serving all of you were the best of my life. I hope I come back someday, but I’m not sure. It doesn’t feel likely.

Thank you for raising me, and thank you for doing the best you could.

-Sunset Shimmer.

She beheld the words she had just written carefully.

And with a sigh, she carefully folded the letter and pocketed it.

But now came the hardest part.

She brandished the pen once more.

Dear Princess Twilight.

This isn’t how I wished things would go. I know it’s not how you wished this happened, either.

I wish we had more time. I knew that eventually, the nature of this job would catch up to me.

I don’t regret a day of it. You were my purpose. Being with you… It made me better. It made me better in ways I only now realize– Through the strangest forms of introspection.

…Or is it outrospection? Seeing other, failed versions of me, being face to face with worse lives, seeing how they wasted it, I notice that I already lived my life well. But now I just wish that I had lived it even more fully– That I had loved you sooner, stronger.

I just wish I had gotten the chance to say goodbye.

Please be okay with losing me. And know that I loved you with all I had, and that I would have loved you even more if I could

She grumbled, crumpled her letter, and incinerated it.

She inhaled, shook her head, and took out another piece of paper from the notebook she was gifted.

Dear Princess Twilight.

Let me preface this by saying that I love you, so, so much.

I’m not dead, but I suppose I might as well be, away from you

I’m not dead. I’ve been taken by mistake into some other universe– The same one from that alternate me that helped me rescue you from those Tirek cultists from weeks ago.

She’s not here. Still lost, out there, somewhere. And now I’m here.

I’m housed and fed, but I miss my royal guard. I miss the palace. I miss Celestia. I miss you.

The Twilight Sparkle here– She’s incredible, quite like you. I like to imagine that you’ll look just like her someday soon, minus the exhausted look of longing

I see your destiny, I see what you could be. I see what you could bring to Equestria.

Please don’t let missing me stop you from doing it.

Please don’t let grief hold you back.

Please know that I love you, and I will continue to love you until every star dims from the sky

She groaned in frustration, crumpling the paper, and incinerating it with her magic.

Immediately, with that same anger, she picked up another piece of paper.

Dear Princess Twilight: Help! I’ve been kidnapped by a bigger, somehow prettier version of you!

She took me because she was looking for her own Sunset Shimmer. Honestly, at this point, it looks like she’s collecting Sunset Shimmers! There’s like TEN of me here!

I don’t know if she can get me home. I don’t know if she should even be trying, meddling with what she’s meddling has so many potential dangers, I can’t even list them all. I’m just waiting for it to blow up in all our faces.

Her home is beautiful. She built a Community Center, right in the middle of Ponyville, all with her own Sunset Shimmer. It’s a beloved building– Trees grow through it, there's a hothouse, a few gardens, even a kitchen– And of course, a library.

I wish you were here with me. This world isn’t so different from ours, but there’s a lot I could show you already.

Anyways please come rescue me I miss you I love you

Unamused, she crumpled the page and incinerated it with her magic.

Letting out an enormous, weary sigh, she removed her helmet, and let it sit on the floor of the balcony of the Community Center she now had to call home, feeling the wind in her mane.

Ponyville. Not her Ponyville. Equestria. Not her Equestria.

Purpose. Not her purpose.

Twilight. Not her Twilight.

So many ponies, living normal, happy lives. Devoid of great conflict, great strife or struggle. And for a moment, she envied them like she could envy the simple life of a bug, crawling on a leaf.

Her expression hardened once more. She picked up that pen and that notepad again.

Dear Princess Twilight. I love you so, so fucking much.

I want to live forever with you. I want to earn my wings. I want to rule Equestria with you. I want to change and grow again, I want to hug my mom again, I want to try again, I want to kiss you again, I want to live, I don’t want to die.

I want to live with you. I want to live with you for a thousand years, and love you through all of them.

And I’m so sorry I can’t.

I love you.

-Sunset Shimmer.

“Is there anything else you’d like, your majesty?” Aloe noted with a smile, outside of the hotspring she now bathed in.

“I think… privacy.” She murmured, eyes closed. “I think this is where we part ways. Thanks for all your help. I just want to soak in the spring for a little longer.”

“Thank you for your overpayment, Miss Shimmer.” She noted with a bow, while moving away politely.

“Thank you for the relief. Thank the rest of the staff, too…” She sighed, and didn’t dare stretch, remaining as still and relaxed as she could.

And there the Princess of Hope remained.

She sank as low as her height and the water allowed– Relishing on the delightful scent and the bubbles that formed around her– on the warmth that encased her.

On the towel that was draped around her mane, keeping it dry, on the strange slices of fruit– Or vegetables? She didn’t bother checking– That covered her eyes.

Somewhere, incense burned, the water had a beautiful aroma, petals were scattered over its surface, and candles were her only source of light.

And she knew that her time was almost over. She knew that any moment now, that same light would envelop her, and she would be gone.

Thoughts did cross her mind. Rob some bank in a universe. Visit another spa in another.

But nothing else concrete formed– After all, what she wanted now, above anything else, was to simply rest.

And so she did. Ignoring the ticking clock. Ignoring that she might need to fight once more. Ignoring everything.

She simply exhaled, and let go.

Love, eternal

I love you. I loved you. I love you.

It’s our wedding day, isn’t it?

Wasn’t it?

The happiest day of my life.

The day I died.

Twilight Sparkle felt like she was underwater. This felt so different from when her wife showed her memories– it was fragmented, twitchy, blurry.

But she could distinguish familiar sights, familiar feelings.

I don’t remember very well.

It’s all noise.

But not with you. Never with you.

She could see the Argent fleet.

War raged in the skies above Equestria. Alien spaceships, drones, machines, all devoid of life, raining lightning and lasers down on Equestrian forces, who matched them with airships, artillery and flight.

The storm raged around them.

We were together. Through all of this. Up until here…

Yacks and Earth ponies fired their siege weapons and mortars from below, hitting the alien airships.

In the air, Griffons, dragons, blimps, airships, pegasi, crystal ponies, changelings, everyone…

…All of Equestria, united as one to fight an extraterrestrial threat.

All together. It wasn’t enough.

The Argent mother ship was like a brain.

An enormous, ominous sphere, with branches and nerves, extending out, building itself, crumbling, and yet, they couldn’t dent it, not without casualties.

All they knew to do was eat. They wanted to eat our world. The irony is not lost on me. I’m hungry.

“We must retreat!” Celestia called out beside her– Sunset, Celestia, Luna and Twilight stood above an airship together, beholding the sight.

“Retreat?! We’re pushing them back!” Luna barked, clutching a wounded wing. “Nearly all their ships have been destroyed, the mothership is exposed, we can do this!”

We couldn't. I couldn’t. We couldn’t.

“They’re just making more– The hivemind is self-sustaining, they keep making more…!” Twilight noted, narrowing her eyes in disbelief, seeing new warships sprouting from out of the hive like leaves falling off branches.

“They have to run out of resources sometime!” Sunset noted, scanning the air. “We can exhaust them, then we break them!”

I was hopeful.

“It won’t work, listen to me, all of you!” Celestia gathered them, and her expression betrayed her– She was hopeless, and somehow grief stricken. “We cannot ask our allies to throw themselves at our enemy like this. We cannot risk any more lives– We must finish this today!”

“Then let’s finish it, c’mon, we got this!” Sunset smiled confidently, brandishing her wings. “We’ll think of something!”

“I already have.” Celestia muttered mournfully. “This is goodbye. Take care of Equestria, the three of you. I know you can do it.”

“Sister! What are you–”

What happened next

What happened next

What happened next

I still don’t understand

A golden hue enveloped Celestia as she bowed– Almost as if a fog emanated from her.

Looking at her was strange, like beholding the sun itself, her form shifted.

She took to the air.

Her eyes glowed like stars.

And she sprouted four more wings on her back.

This enormous, godly apparition floated above them, Six enormous wings, a solar crown around her horn, letting out a deafening whisper.

I love you all.

The entire world watched, as the incarnation of the sun flew towards the Argent mothership with unyielding intent, nothing slowing them down.

Don’t go

“SISTER, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Luna bellowed into the air in desperation, unable to give chase due to her wounds.

“Shit, shit!” Sunset muttered, turning to the two of them. “I’ll tell her to come back– We can still think of something!” She began readying to take flight, gathering energy. “Get our forces to retreat!! We can reorganize our assault together– I think she’s about to make a big boom…!”

Come back

“O-okay! Be careful!” Twilight warned, giving her wife a quick kiss. “We’ll handle things here!”

“Yeah!” Was all she said in response. “Be right back!”

Please don’t go

Those were the last words they exchanged.

What followed next was barely comprehensible.

Sunset flew, as fast as she could, on the trail of Celestia.

Through several ships, the ascended alicorn had melted through, through the hull of the hivemind’s brain, she had punctured swiftly.

Please come back

She followed, feeling an enormous heat, one only she could survive. Unbearable shades of orange, white and yellow.

“CELESTIA! COME BACK!” Sunset called out, ignoring the alien machine entrails flailing, screaming, excruciating around her. “WE CAN STILL WIN THIS, WE CAN–”

Please come back to me

Her mentor’s voice echoed deafeningly through the hull of the monstrous machine.

She couldn't discern any features of Celestia anymore– It was as if the sun itself was before her.

YOU WOULD HURT MY WORLD

YOU WOULD HURT MY FAMILY

I

WON’T

LET

YOU

The alien hive mind shuddered, knowing this was its end.

Sunset recoiled, unsure of what to do.

The deafening light engulfed her.

And then I died.

I died.

I didn’t even know at the time.

I died.

Months passed.

And then I woke up.

She inhaled a haggard, raspy breath, and flailed. Her body moved without her telling it to, her instincts shouted without her being able to quell them. She growled, roared, pleaded.

Magic lighted her veins, her eyes opened, she felt several jolts.

She was hungry, but not thirsty. She could feel something was wrong, but not pain.

Where is my wife?

“S-Sunset, can you hear me?” Twilight asked carefully, fearfully, beholding the undead monstrosity she had just brought back.

The lights of the runes that had surrounded her wife’s corpse faded. The spell, one she had prepared for months, was complete.

it’s dark, and I can’t see you.

But I can feel you.

I’m scared, my star.

“I-I’m here. I’m here. Can you hear me…?” She called out carefully, gently, at the impression of her wife cowering in the corner of the room.

I speak, and you can’t hear me.

I yell, and they’re scared of me.

But not you.

“S-Sunset, I… I brought you back.” She assured carefully. “I brought you back. Please tell me you can hear me…!"

Celestia was dead.

I didn’t get that luxury.

She was gone. But I was still here.

Slowly, hesitantly, Sunset nodded, and growled, and it was all she could do.

“...Is your name Sunset Shimmer?” Twilight asked hesitantly.

The monster looked down at her own torn, scarred hooves, and brandished her damaged wings weakly.

And somehow, nodded, growling.

“O-okay. Okay. …Are you in Canterlot palace right now…?” Twilight asked almost fearfully.

The monster glanced briefly around the room.

I don’t know if I need to blink anymore.

I don’t know if I need to breathe anymore.

But I know that I’m home.

The creature shook her head hesitantly.

“T-that’s right. We’re in our Community Center. I wanted to… To ease you into this.” Twilight let out a relieved sigh. “O-okay. Okay. Last question for now… Do you love me?”

Always.

With weary, tearful laughter, Twilight embraced her love, and her love embraced her back. “I-I knew it! I knew I could bring you back, I knew it!!”

There they remained, hugging each other with hooves and wings. Relief emanating from both of them, weary exhaustion, comfort.

And Sunset came to a strange, and horrifying realization.

…The realization that her wife smelled delicious.

“...Sunset, what’s wrong?”

The monster recoiled all the way to the corner of the room fearfully, shaking her head vigorously, growling and screaming.

“Sunset, it’s me…!”

I couldn’t. Not her. Never her.

Memories became foggier.

Sunset stood eerily, and walked wrong.

Her wings didn’t carry her the same way as before.

Her magic failed her. She had to learn to walk again, to move again, to live again.

The first days were the hardest.

Always hungry.

They shared a bed together once more. Old instincts kicked in.

Twilight sighed, smiled, feeling her wife kissing her, and it was so easy to pretend all was normal. The same affections they had exchanged many times before, the same passions...

All while Sunset restrained her every instinct.

Can’t hurt her. Never her.

I love her.

Twilight fed her delicious, hearty salads.

And Sunset vomited them all out.

I’m a beast now. The kind of monster I would have locked in tartarus.

I know what I need but I can’t tell her. I won’t tell her.

In the dead of night, Twilight took her wife carefully to the Everfree border.

“It’s okay. It’s okay. It’s okay.” She assured as confidently as she could, unwavering. “Sunset, you need this.”

She could smell the lonely racoon long before she found it.

Sunset’s limbs moved on their own.

Never her. I couldn't hurt her.

But I was hungry. I was so, so hungry.

Twilight Sparkle watched the entire time as what remained of her wife tore the carcass of the animal apart with her teeth and magic.

“I-it’s okay. We can make this work.”

I’d do anything for her. Anything she tells me.

I’m disgusting. I’m a monster. I don’t know what I am. But she still loves me.

And I still love her.

“Twilight, I know you do not expect me to miss– But I have never seen anything like this!” Zecora beheld the monster fearfully, carefully.

“S-she’s not dangerous. But she needs meat…!” The Princess almost whispered, leaning on her love. “We just need to bring her voice back, and maybe, maybe we can figure out how to go back to her old diet–”

“I have never seen a more polite undead– But she is still dangerous, and fills me with dread!” The Zebra studied the zombie alicorn carefully, keeping a safe distance “Forgive me for pinching my nose… But no pony should dare even get close!”

Tell her I’m a murderer.

Tell her I can only feed on flesh now.

Tell her I’m a monster.

“She can understand everything we say! And she has even managed to fly and use magic!” The princess spoke almost proudly, ignoring her own exhaustion. “I-I think she’s slowly coming back to normal, but I just wanted to know if there’s something we can do to help…?”

“Undead monsters aren’t meant to be sapient, Twilight. I do not know what you have done, but it isn’t right.” Again, the zebra studied the zombie carefully, beholding her dead eyes.

“I-it’s okay, it’s still Sunset!” The Princess assured with Confidence. “She’s still here, and she loves me, isn’t that right, my Sun?”

The monster nodded emphatically and nuzzled her love.

I don’t know what’s happening to me.

“I will look into this, that, I promise you– But I am not sure there is anything I can do.”

I shouldn’t be back.

This leash can only do so much.

But I still love her.

Her five friends beheld her with horror.

“It’s still her! There’s nothing to be scared of!” Twilight assured, almost angry. “Look: Sunset, do you want to eat us right now?”

The monster shook her head calmly.

“Twi, just– Ya have to be able to know this ain’t right.” Applejack beheld the zombie with tremendous hesitation. “This can’t be worth it. This ain’t Sunset!”

“But it is.” The Princess assured. “She’s still here. We lost Celestia, but she’s still here! This is wonderful news, we should be celebrating!”

“B-but… She can’t even speak, can she?” Pinkie hesitated to come even closer. “She can’t speak, just… Growl?”

“We’re working on it. I’m sure she’s going to be able to talk again in no time!” Twilight assured, genuinely believing it.

“Twilight darling, I understand your pain, I do.” Rarity spoke impeccably carefully. “...But this is… Grotesque. You cannot expect her to be able to help us– Or even you, in this state!”

She didn’t see a monster.

But they all did.

They weren’t wrong.

But she wasn’t, either.

“Ugh, I knew I should have waited a bit more before telling you…” Twilight rolled her eyes, shaking her head. “Sunset! Do you love me?”

The monster nodded her head emphatically, and proceeded to nuzzle her, much to her friends dismay.

“Twi, dude– This is fucking horrible.” Rainbow shook her head sternly. “Who’s flesh are you feeding her? And what if she only gets hungrier?”

“Relax, will you?!” She huffed out angrily. “Look, look at this–” She extended one of her forelegs before the monster, right before her muzzle. “Go ahead, Sunset. Bite me! Go ahead and have a taste!”

Never her.

The monster moved her muzzle away from her wife’s leg.

“C’mon, aren’t you hungry, don’t you want to eat the flesh of the living?” Twilight gave her friends a mocking look. “Go ahead, chew on me!”

Never her.

Again, the monster moved her muzzle away from her wife with a growl.

“T-Twilight… Please…!” Fluttershy fearfully stuttered, cowering behind Rainbow Dash. “...W-who are you feeding her…?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

It did. It did. It did.

Celestia’s grave was in the Canterlot gardens– They hadn’t found any of her remains.

But they honored her the best she could. All of Equestria did.

Luna couldn’t spend the time she wished before her sister's grave. Her worries as the new, solo ruler of Equestria were only now beginning.

Sunset sometimes looked at the memorial, and wondered if she would have had something like this.

The way they all looked at me

The way they all feared me

I got used to it.

“Twily, please…” Silently, Cadance addressed her, trying to ignore the monster in the room. “I understand why you did this, why, if I lost Shining…!”

“Don’t say ‘but’! I don’t want to hear it! I’m sick of it!” The Princess of Friendship dismissed her, turning to her love. “Sunset is right here, she’s still here! Stop talking about her like she’s not! Can’t you see how much better she’s getting?? SHE CAN RAISE THE SUN, DAMNIT! WHO DO YOU THINK THAT HAS BEEN DOING IT ALL THESE MONTHS?!”

“She still loves you. She does” The princess of Love suggested carefully. “But it can’t be worth what you did to her.”

“It is.” Twilight sputtered out, embracing Sunset, and being embraced with a wing. “Don’t you get it? There’s no point in doing this if it’s not with her!”

There’s no point in doing this if it’s not with you.

“A-and what!? Be reasonable, Twilight!” Huffing, Cadance spread her wings in indignation. “Do you expect Equestria to accept an undead ruler for a thousand years?!”

“If they don’t–” Twilight spoke coldly, dismissively. “--They’re welcome to look for other Princesses to do their ruling.”

I didn’t mean to.

Bandits were nearing Ponyville. It was supposed to be a simple bank robbery.

I didn’t mean to.

Like she had, many times before, Sunset dawned her Valkyrie armor.

I didn’t mean to.

She beat them all thoroughly– And spared their lives, of course. Her skills were a bit more brutal, a bit more clumsy, but it was still her.

I didn’t mean to.

The citizens of Ponyville watched in horror as she bit down on her opponents, drawing blood, tearing limb, and the bandits ran away in fear.

Twilight found Sunset over the body of one of her victims, one that hadn’t made it, biting into his throat.

And they watched in disbelief as the infection that Sunset started began to spread, as the dead bandit rose again.

The beginning of the end.

“And the dead, the ones that thirst for murder– They all act and think, just like her?” The Zebra pondered, hesitantly coming closer to the undead alicorn.

“I-I think so.” Twilight let out a weary sigh. “They seem to still have some of their reason– They can use magic and fly, depending on who they were before… But they can’t suppress their hunger.”

“Twilight. I must assure you that undead are not meant to be sapient.” Zecora shuddered, fearing the way Sunset’s eyes followed her. “And they are not meant to spread, to not relent!”

“O-okay I get it, she’s not meant to be infectious, to be contagious, by bite or otherwise.” She sighed, dismissing the thought. “Well, can we work on a cure?”

“Twilight, there is no rewinding the clock, no cheating death!” The zebra shook her head vigorously, pointing at the undead monster before them. “Those that pass should never again draw breath!”

I shouldn’t be here.

“We’re going to find a solution, Zecora.” The Princess huffed, shaking her head. “Please help us do it!”

“A solution already exists, here and now.” She gave the alicorn a stern look. “You have to put them all down.”

She pointed at what remained of Sunset Shimmer. “And if you still wish for a future on Equestria, one that is true and right, You will have to truly, unequivocally, bury your wife.”

Twilight Sparkle stomped a hoof on the floor. “Not an option.”

You have to let me go.

You had to let me go.

But you didn’t.

They had to wrangle the undead roaming the countryside. It was getting increasingly difficult.

Twilight and Sunset moved together, carrying a large container with their magic– If they found any of the infected, and would lock them inside.

Everyday there’s more.

I didn’t mean to.

One of them, a pegasus, began approaching the Princess of Friendship. It growled and groaned, baring its fangs, dripping blood.

NO

NOT HER

The undead Valkyrie immediately tackled it, and threw it down to the ground, roaring.

NEVER HER

Every infected in the meadow recoiled fearfully at her roars, her growls, her commands.

She told them to get inside the container.

And they obeyed.

BOW TO ME.

OBEY ME.

AND NEVER HURT HER.

“T-they can understand you!” Twilight noted with a smile. “Can you understand them?”

They all spoke. We all spoke.

And finally, we could hear.

The undead Valkyrie nodded shortly, breathing quickly and angrily.

“O-okay! Good! This will make this a lot easier.” The alicorn smiled confidently.

It wasn’t easier.

We scratched the surface.

Things got worse.

Our home became a safe haven

One I wasn’t welcome in.

“Zecora! Hello! Are you there?!” Twilight knocked at her hut impatiently. “We have a few emergencies in Ponyville, we could use your help!”

Sunset wasn’t as patient. She teleported inside, and growled and roared at the sight.

Twilight followed her, and didn’t like what she saw.

Gone.

The shack was empty. Left in a hurry.

A single note hung on the wall.

Twilight picked it up.

I couldn’t look away

Most homes would look like this

Because of me.

Letting out a sigh, Twilight shook her head, and then crumpled the letter, tossing it away. “...She’s just scared. I don’t blame her.” She turned to her wife, and spoke assuringly. “We can still fix this, my Sun. We can.”

But we can’t.

We can’t

We can’t.

There’s only one way to fix this.

And you would never do it.

Raven Inkwell’s hair was messy, unkempt. She didn’t take as good of care of herself anymore. “...The situation is getting worse, Princess. Vanhoover has been evacuated. Manehattan is burning, Ponyville is, well, what remains of Ponyville…”

“And Canterlot?” The Princess asked curtly.

“The walls remain firm… As do the barriers. No infected have breached the city… There are those speculating that it’s only a matter of time, since they can yield magic. But so far, none of them have infiltrated our defences.” Her eyes fearfully moved to the monster Twilight called wife. “...Well, except for one.”

“Thank you for your input, Raven.” She waved a wing. “You’re dismissed. Go share the same report with Luna.”

“Princess– I have to inform you, most royals, they’re a bit concerned, and, well… Afraid. Of Sunset.”

“Sunset is not their concern.” Twilight turned around. ”She’s helping me fix this.”

What else could I do?

I loved her.

I would never leave her.

I didn’t mean to.

“You’ve got her fooled. You’ve got most of them scared.” Shining Armor snarled, approaching her in the dark, gritting his teeth, lighting his horn. “But you didn’t fool me. I know you’re not Sunset. You’re just a freak accident.”

I didn’t mean to.

“Twilight will understand. She’ll thank me. Equestria will thank me.” He affirmed, taking a battle stance. “But this started with you, and it has to end with you.”

I’m not letting you take me from her.

The Valkyrie fought him. And she did so holding back.

I’m not letting you take her from me.

The Valkyrie fought him. And she did so viciously.

The halls of Canterlot were lit and cracked with their struggle.

You’re wrong about me.

I am a monster.

But I’m also Sunset Shimmer.

She tasted his flesh. Pinned him down, forced him down, and forced him to yield.

She roared into the night.

I didn’t mean to.

But I wasn’t going to let go.

Sunset watched from above a high balcony.

She watched as Canterlot fell.

Buildings burned, the infected spread her disease.

She watched Equestria’s new dawn.

“...Cadance put Shining down after all.” Twilight muttered behind her, joining her. “I told her she didn’t lose her husband when you bit him, I told her, but… She didn’t listen. And now she’s evacuating the Crystal Empire…”

I’m so, so sorry

I didn’t mean to I didn’t mean to I didn’t mean to I didn’t mean to

“It’s okay, Sunset. It’s okay.” The Princess muttered, accepting her wife’s nuzzles. “He shouldn’t have attacked you. I don’t blame you… you were defending yourself.”

The monster nuzzled her in grief and shame.

I’m so sorry.

“The royal guard have begun killing the infected. The chancellors have decreed that I don’t have any governing power.” Looking down, Twilight shook her head. “They think they should have done this, long ago. That it was my fault for letting the infection get this bad… For trying to save them.”

She breathed in, looking up. “No one knows where Luna went… I think she ran away. And I don’t blame her.” Mournfully, she gazed above towards the moon. “I have a theory of where she went… But honestly, it doesn’t matter.”

I never meant for any of this to happen.

“Pinkie ran away too. I think she might have fled with Zecora, actually.” She sighed, looking at the Canterlot skyline burning. “...Applejack and Rarity took Sweetiebelle, Applebloom and Scootaloo. I don’t know where they went. My guess, the coast. A lot of ponies are trying to flee that way… Rarity had to amputate one of her legs...” She leaned on the railing, closing her eyes. “Last time I saw, Rainbow Dash was bit. She was keeping Fluttershy safe, but I don’t know how much time they have.”

You know what you have to do.

You’ve known it for a while now.

You have to.

“So… There is no cure. Only death.” She murmured, beholding the fires. “The only way to stop your infection is to kill all of them.”

“The chancellors, the royals… Every survivor, really…” She turned to Sunset slowly, mournfully. “...They want me to kill you.”

I love you.

Slowly, Sunset extended a hoof.

Gently, she placed it on Twilight's horn.

And brought the horn to her own forehead.

And with it, closed her eyes.

Ready to let go.

I love you.

Twilight hesitated.

I love you.

She grimaced and closed her eyes.

I love you.

Her horn began glowing.

I love you.

And then she pulled away. “N-NO! No, I can’t, I can’t, Sunset!” She pleaded, breathing haggardly, tears in her eyes. “I can’t lose you again!”

The monster growled in frustration, pointing at her own head, motioning for the Princess to finish it, coming closer.

“I can’t– I can’t. What do you expect me to do?!” She murmured, shaking her head vigorously. “Kill them all? Pick up the pieces with a ruined Equestria?! T-try to rebuild this without you? I can’t. I can’t. It’s not worth it.”

Once again, Sunset came closer, attempting to bring Twilight’s horn to her own forehead.

And once again, her wife refused. “I can’t. Without you, what’s the point? Without you…!”

All Sunset could do was growl quietly, leaning foreheads with her love. “I can’t do this without you. I’m sorry. I just can’t. I’m not running away anymore.”

If the monster could cry, she would. But she couldn’t.

“Sunset…” Twilight cradled her, with a whisper. “...I want you to bite me.”

The Monster backed away, eyes widened.

“This is how the world is now. There’s no going back. All the infected… They’re all sapient. Just hungry. This is how the world is now.” Twilight pointed down, to their home on fire. “But we’ll make it ours. It’s ours, Sunset. It’s time for a new age. I can’t pick up the pieces without you. It’s not worth it.” She came closer, and embraced her love. “But we’ll be together. Nothing else matters.”

She extended a leg, and kissed her wife. “Together.” She muttered. “Together.”

I love you. I loved you. I love you.

And I’d do anything for you.

I’d do anything for our home.

I’m coming back to you. I promise.

I need to. I need you. You need me.

Our new home needs us. Together, forever.

I love you. And I wanted to see you smile. With or without me.

I love Equestria. And I wanted to see it thrive. With or without me.

I love Equestria.

But I love you more.

Sunset bit Twilight.

“Until death do us apart… hah…!” Twilight breathed weakly, with a smile. In her embrace. “...What a joke. Nothing will ever tear us apart.”

And a new age dawned in Equestria.

The age of the undead.

Breathing weakly, shallowly, Twilight Sparkle recoiled.

It wasn’t like when her wife showed her memories. She felt like she was waking up from a deep slumber.

She looked around frantically– She was still home, in her Community Center. Spike and Hermes sat together sharing a meal with one of the Sunsets.

And before her, behind a cage, the zombie version of her sitting almost politely, no longer extending a hoof, tilting her head.

“I understand.” Twilight whispered, nodding. “I understand. I’m sorry... I understand.”

She had to take a moment to breathe, to shake her head, to ground herself, to remember her world, her home, her friends, herself.

Her wife.

“I’ll get you back to your Twilight. I promise I’ll do the best I can.” She murmured weakly.

All the zombie did was turn around, sit on the floor, and nod.

Finally, The Princess of Friendship beheld the mirror they had tinkered on for days.

“Spike. Hermes. Sunset Six. Let's do one final test for the day.” She walked towards it with unyielding determination.

“I’m Sunset Six? Wasn’t I Sunset five?”

“Should we call the demon and her wife to help?”

“No need. Let them rest.”

The process was difficult, mechanical, and calculated.

Two machines, now interconnected. The mirror had several modifications on it already, several wires and runes attached to it in precarious manners.

Twilight approached the massive conduit crystal.

“Remember! If you overload it with magic, it’ll be catastrophic. Give it just enough charge!” Hermes noted carefully. “And if this works, we’ll have a window to other universes…!”

“A window, but not a door.” Sunset noted carefully, plugging the two machines together carefully. “...And the window will see other versions of me, right?”

“Hopefully!” Hermes watched every movement they made carefully, ensuring the machine was being well cared for. “And hopefully, you will find your Sunset– We can flick across dimensions as much as we need– And we can pull her here with the interdimensional lasso.”

“I’m not holding my breath. Test run number eight, shall we?” The Princess neared the conduit crystal. “Spike, the extinguisher.”

Organized, they got into their respective positions.

And together, they turned on this new strange machine.

Twilight channeled magic with all her might.

The entire machine lit to life.

Power came from the crystal, and entered the lasso– Only to be transferred to the mirror.

They all watched carefully, as the machine hummed and vibrated, the mirror’s image rippled and reformed, surprisingly clear.

“W-what?! It’s not meant to be this clear!” Hermes’s eyes widened, as he marveled at the sight. “What in Equestria…”

“Hey! It’s working, right?! What the hell– That’s a me, right?!” Sunset beheld the image with disbelief.

The mirror displayed a strange figure.

A Sunset Shimmer carried some form of mechanical broom, cleaning a floor made of metal, the walls behind her were the same. Machines of the kind they had never seen before surrounded her, glowing, moving.

The quartet watched in disbelief as some form of drone flew near her, lighting up, and she waved it off with a smile.

“What the hell, what’s with all the tech?!” Sunset’s jaw dropped. “Is she in some sort of–”

The image changed. The lights around the Sunset glowed harshly, and she flinched looked around.

She looked directly towards the mirror in disbelief…

And then image died completely.

“O-oh dear. The feed cut off!” Hermes noted. “Did any of you flick the switch? It should have been sustaining itself!”

“I don’t think we did. Wow, that image was so clear, too! She was like in some super futuristic castle or something! Everything was metal!” Spike noted, snickering to himself. “And she was just sweeping the floors?”

“It doesn’t matter. It wasn’t my Sunset.” Twilight dismissed instantly, shaking her head, pointing at the machine. “Sunset Six, pull the switch, let’s go see the next universe.”

“Roger!”

The switch was flicked. The mirror lit to life.

This time, the image was full of static, it was messy, rippled, attempting to form.

Finally, it manifested.

“Woah, wait… Is that Tempest Shadow? Is she dressed like a pirate?”

“Tempest who? Also huh, I’m also dressed like a pirate.”

The image struggled to maintain its stability. Tempest Shadow and Sunset Shimmer stood together at the helm of a ship sailing the seas. Sunset said something they couldn’t hear– And Tempest could be seen laughing loudly, but not heard.

“It doesn’t matter. Not my Sunset. Next.”

Sunset flicked the switch.

“O-oh. Oh no.”

“Yeah, um, safe to say that’s not your Sunset.”

The image was barely legible, and yet, unmistakable.

It was a gravestone.

“Just– Just next, please.” Twilight pleaded.

Sunset flicked the switch.

“W-woah, what the hell are those things?! Ew, hairless ape, wow, ew!”

“O-oh god. I think that’s me? It has to be, right? But why am I not a pony? And who’s that weird thing next to her?!”

“I… I think it’s me…!” Twilight muttered.

The image was fading, full of static. Humans, unmistakingly, Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle, sat together in a ferris wheel. Twilight seemed to be blushing, adjusting her glasses. Sunset came closer, moving a strand of hair away from her face, coming closer, until…

“Oh, oh god what are they doing!”

“Oh ew is the weird hairless ape version of me BITING HER FACE?!”

“Calm down, both of you. They’re kissing.” Twilight sighed, rolling her eyes, almost amused. “Whatever these two are, at least they’re together. It doesn’t matter, though– Next.”

Sunset flicked the switch.

“Is that… Pinkie?! With wings?! And a horn?!”

“Huh. I have a sidecut on this one. Are we at a party? Hey, isn’t that Twilight there too?”

The image was messy, full of color. It seems like there was a Sunset Shimmer, an unicorn, dressed in a punk outfit and multiple other party accessories, dancing with a Pinkie Pie, one that was an alicorn. They were surrounded by other cheering dancing ponies, confetti was raining from the sky, bright, warm, loving colors, and a Twilight Sparkle, a unicorn, could be seen dancing with them too.

“It doesn’t matter. Not my Sunset. Next.”

Sunset flicked the switch.

“Woah, who’s that green Earth Pony with her? Dang, she’s missing a leg…!”

“...She seems familiar…! …No, nevermind. I don’t know who that is. They seem close, though… And wow. That me is ripped.”

The image was blurry, cold. Sunset Shimmer, muscular and full of scars, sat by a fire, observing it listlessly, in a seemingly cold forest blanketed in darkness otherwise. Laying next to her, leaning on her, was a sleeping Earth Pony, with green fur, darker green hair, freckles, and most distinctively, missing a front leg.

“It doesn’t matter. Not my Sunset. Next.”

Sunset flicked the switch.

“Well, somepony’s enjoying their spa time, heh. Hey, that’s the Ponyville day spa hot spring, isn’t it? She seems comfortable!”

“At least some mes are out there having rest and relaxation.”

The image was bright, hard to distinguish. Sunset Shimmer was nearly fully sunk deep into the hot spring, surrounded by bubbles and petals, her mane was enveloped in a towel, and her eyes covered by slices of pickles. She seemed to be sleeping, or unresponsive, simply trying to enjoy the time she had left.

“It doesn’t matter. Not my Sunset. Next.”

Sunset flicked the switch.

“Woah… Another Twilight! This one also with glasses!”

“At least they’re ponies. Huh, they seem close…?”

The image was beginning to fade. Sunset and Twilight, both unicorns, sat together at a table, seemingly reading a book together. Twilight wore glasses, and she seemed a bit more nervous than Sunset, who seemed utterly relaxed, focussed in reading.

“I…” Twilight hesitated, shuddering, approaching the image… Then sighed. “Stop. Just stop. Let’s shut it down.”

Slowly, the machine powered down with a dying hum, the electricity of the conduit crystal faded, and Sunset pulled some plugs.

“What’s wrong? This was fascinating!” Hermes noted with a smile. “We were making real progress here, did you see how that first image was so stable?! This is unprecedented!”

“Stop.” Twilight commanded, shaking her head. “We’re not making progress by flickering through infinite universes. We’re not going to be lucky enough to find her this way…”

“Especially not with the machine this close to overheating.” Sunset noted, beholding the runes and wires and metal. “We’d be better off if we could flicker through the images consistently, and actually see what’s on the other side better.”

“Yeah! We’re not out of the game yet! We just need to do some– Lots of adjustments!” Spike assured. “We’ll find her, Twi. I’m sure of it!”

Silence.

Twilight Sparkle raised her gaze to the zombie in the cage, the one that had been watching them work this entire time.

She closed her eyes, thinking of how that Sunset, that Twilight, neither of them gave up. Neither of them let go, even when the entire world was at risk.

If they had given up, maybe their world wouldn’t have paid the price.

And she hesitated, for a moment, on what the right thing to do was.

Hold on…

…Or let go.

She inhaled.

And decided to decide another day.

“...I’m going to feed her. And then feed Hermes. Then we should all head to Apple Acres… I’m tired.”

The Princess of Hope felt it coming.

She felt the light enveloping her.

She felt the calling, the pull, the inevitability of it.

Her body was raised from the hot spring, and she didn’t move. She simply let it happen.

She simply let go.

Author's Note

Important poem that seems very relevant to this situation.

...You know that gif of the old guy playing the piano on fire?

That's how I felt the entire time writing this entire goddamn chapter. This shit its what I LIVE FOR. THIS IS ME SCRATCHING THE BIGGEST ITCHES OF MY INNER CREATIVE WHIMS

No one was asking Twilight. god.

So yeah, that Zombie Sunset backstory... Honestly, I don't even need to say anything. It could be its entire own fanfiction, to be honest. I just hope you enjoyed it.

Sunset and Twilight enjoyed months together of bringing a new age to Equestria, the age of the undead. Expanding their reach, safeguarding their borders, and safekeeping their citizens.

Until Twilight Prime brought Sunset here. Hoo boy. Zombie Twilight must be PISSED.

Anyways let's talk mommy issues

Can I just say, what a delight it is, to conceptualize an actual mom oc for Sunset Shimmer, and then rendering her not only flawed to the point of hateability, but pinning her against Celestia lol.

And as it turns out, Celestia sucks just a little bit less, and Captain Shimmer is an absolute CHAD for figuring out her mommy issues instantly upon being confronted with this.

God I loved writing those final ones... ilu Captain Shimmer... The letters...

Sorry if the Mysterious Mare Do Well's part wasn't long enough to your liking, I did want to write more, but I realized the chapter was long enough as is. Hell, I even deleted scens with Celestia and Luna Prime!

But damn, what is with Sunset Shimmers and causing emotions to occur to Pie sisters? I imagine Maud looking extensively for the hero of Ponyville and having only Twilight to confide in about how she's worries Sunset might be dead... oof...

Plus y'know. Pinkie Prime is out here realising that no matter how happy she is, she might want more. Fantastique.

So, that spa trip, huh? How relaxing!I'm not gonna lie, I mostly began writing it as a joke when I was conceptualizing the chapter, but then my eyes opened to the duality, the irony, the longing.

DON'T LISTEN TO RAINBOW DASH SUNSET PRIME SHE DOESN'T KNOW SHIT FROM FUCK DON'T LISTEN TO HER OR G5 WILL HAPPEN

Man, have you seen the g5 comics? They just ended with them canonizing that racism came back on the lifetimes of the mane 6, and that Twilight erased all magic while they were still alive.

Meaning characters like Rainbow Dash died unable to fly, torn from their original homes. Every member of the Mane 6 just... Died unfufilled and Twilight Sparkle failed. That's fucking insane to canonize.

Meanwhile, here in Shimmerverse, Opaline is like "Lalala time to conquer Equestria-- IS THAT A FUCKING ZOMBIE?!?!?!" -Sunset and Twilight tear her apart together and feast on her flesh yum!-

Also here's a funny thing I noticed about this story

I'm kind of doing the opposite of "It's a wonderful life" aren't I? Lmao?

Instead of showing someone a version of a world without them, where everyone is doing worse without their absence to make them value their life more... I'm showing someone who already values their life and loves their home several worlds without them, worlds that shrug their absence.

She doesn't have anything to learn from this experience, she is only losing. If anything, the other Sunsets could learn from this.

...Which would make Sunset prime the ghost of chrismas future lol. She's the one teaching others to value their lives, to do better.

Also I hoped you enjoyed the little fanservice at the end of the chapter, when they were looking through other universes! It felt good to show a bit of Forgotten Sun 2, heh. Just a bit. Plus, seeing the Princess of Chaos and Joy again!! <3

Sorry about the lack of Twilight Prime on this one. I promise you she'll be much more prevalent on the next intermission.

Anyways. There are only eight chapters left! Mein gott I can see the end of the tunnel. I can see it, smell it

I'm gonna take a break with a one shot LOL