INTERMISSION: Twilight Sparkle, and the art of Holding On.

“Dang, Twi… Ya seem chipper! I’m glad, y’know?” Applejack couldn’t help but smile too, seeing her friend so much as grin, after the last few days, few weeks…

“...This month was rough.” The Princess affirmed, focussing on her teacup, focusing on the moment. “It’s rough. It is. It still is. But… I’m trying to focus on the now.”

“That’s wonderful, darling. It is lovely to see you smiling again!” Rarity served herself some more tea, and drank all the same. “And… Forgive us, again, for not being much help in this situation.”

“You’re already helping.” She affirmed with a weary smile, beholding all her friends around her, all regarding her with love and joy, just another tea party, where they could be okay for a moment. “...This? Even just this…? It’s good. I need a break. I need to… I need to ease up, I see that now.”

“That’s awesome, dude. You’re absolutely right!” Rainbow Dash proudly nodded, leaning back. “If you need any lessons on chillaxing, or even a buddy for spa time, I’m absolutely your girl for it.”

“...I’ll consider it.” She let out a quick, short chuckle, closing her eyes for a moment. “It’s… I see it now, how… me, and other Twilights, we… We need this.”

“...What do you mean?”

“We need to ground ourselves from time to time.” She noted, taking another sip of her tea. “Not worry about anything… Think of something small. Something precious.”

“Twilight…” Fluttershy approached her with the kindest smiles. “I’m really proud of you for taking a break. This is good for you. It is!”

“Pff… Don’t get used to it.” She shrugged with a short chuckle. “I’m not giving up… There’s still a lot to do.”

“Dang, that sure is true– Don’t ya got a hearin’ or somethin ya gotta go to still today?” Applejack scratched her chin pensively. “...That guard Shimmer told me, but went short on details.”

“Oh, that…” She stayed quiet for a moment, making complete light of the responsibility. “...I have to go to the Canterlot elite, some politicians, some chancellors and make a statement about where I’ve been for the past month. Where… Sunset has been for the past month.”

“Oof. Awkward.” Rainbow grimaced. “Are you gonna like… Lie? None of us would blame you for that.”

“Why would I?” There was complete, unwavering confidence in her smile, no matter how tired she seemed. “I already know what I’m going to say.”

“That’s our Twi! Preparin’ for every eventuality!” Applejack nodded happily. “We’re proud of ya for hangin’ in there. I know it must be tough without Sunset, but… You’ll always have us! And ya can count on us, that much I’m damn sure as much as I can buck.”

“Yeah!” Rainbow added. “And hey, there’s a bunch of the others that can keep working while you’re taking a break. Spike, the other Sunsets, that other Twi, even that Hermes dork! You don’t have to be spearheading it all the time!”

With a giggle, Fluttershy nudged her. “...I’m sure Twilight just likes to keep herself informed. But you’re right– You can count on all of us to help, always…!”

“...Thank you.” She was thankful, that was not a lie.

But it wasn’t the same.

Not without Sunset.

“Pinkie, darling, are you alright?”

The Earth Pony blinked a few times in confusion, her face neutral, as she stopped staring at her tea cup.

“...Hm?”

“You’ve been uncharacteristically quiet this whole time, darling.” Rarity nudged her with a head tilt. “Are you alright?”

“O-oh! Yeah, sure.” Her smile betrayed her. “It’s just…” Finally, she turned to Twilight. “...When are you sending the other Sunsets back to their homes…?”

“...I don’t know.” She looked down. “I suppose I’ll figure that out soon too, I hope.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s not important. What matters is they’re fed, well cared for, and are behaving.” The Princess noted with a nod. “...And they’re helping, too.”

“Heh. Just like our Sunset.” Rainbow snickered, but her expression softened soon after. “...I miss her.”

“Yeah…” Applejack looked away, reminiscing. “One of the Sunsets has been helpin’ me around the farm… I got all nostalgic! I remember when our Sunset first started tryin’ to help out… Ah, good ol’ days.”

“I’ve been flying around with the vampire Sunset, and been feeling the same way! It’s weird. They’re alike, but super different!” The pegasus pondered.

“It’s certainly been a bit odd, hasn’t it! Seeing her as an unicorn, in so many forms…” Rarity giggled, shaking her head. “Our Sunset was much taller than all of them!”

“Is.” Twilight corrected incredibly quickly.

“Yes, darling– Excuse me.” Rarity cringed apologetically for a moment. “Our Sunset is taller than all of them… It is impressive!”

Pinkie wasn’t smiling as she spoke. Her eyes weren’t focussed on anything. “...Which Sunset would you girls keep…? If you could, or I mean, if you had to, keep one, I mean…?”

The table went silent, and Applejack was the first to speak. “...I don’t think that’s very funny, Pinkie. This ain’t their home, you know…? Besides– We got our own Sunset.”

The awkward glances shot at the Princess finally made her speak up. “...This isn’t their home. I’m sending them all back, as soon as I can.” But then she sighed with a shrug. “...But we can joke about this a bit, if you want. …I’m not made of glass.”

“Well, if we’re just joking around…!” Rainbow shrugged and grinned. “I’d keep the vampire one. It’s nice to have a Sunset that can fly, and she doesn’t take any crap! …She definitely isn’t very loyal, though. Not grounded at all. She didn’t even have an actual home, back in her world or universe or whatever. I could teach her a thing or two about camaraderie!”

“Well, I’d keep the one that’s helpin’ me at the farm!” Applejack shrugged, but smiled anyway. “She’s been a real helper! I’m givin’ her quite the workout. Apparently she’s a real city girl, where she’s from. This is her one and only chance to try the country lifestyle, and she seems to be enjoyin’ it!”

Rarity grinned, and stirred her cup. “Well I’d keep that one galavanting about our rooftops, the superhero one– And not just because I designed her outfit. She’s quite the helper! And not just, but a real darling. Ponyville could use the protection of a local hero when we are out and about!”

“And when our Sunset isn’t around kicking ass, heh.” Rainbow Dash snickered. “One thing’s for sure, none of us are keeping the zombie. Yuck. How about you, babe?”

“I… I…” Fluttershy hesitated, then shook her head. “I don’t think I want to pick. They have their homes. I wouldn’t ever want to… They deserve to be with their loved ones.”

The entire table nodded in agreement, somberly.

Until Rainbow Dash elbowed Pinkie with a grin. “...I think we all know which one you’d pick, Pink.”

All the Earth Pony could do was blush. “...Can you blame me? She’s a rockstar and she loves me. I don’t need anything else.” And she shot an apologetic look to Twilight. “...Not that the other Sunsets aren’t fun too! They are! A-and not that I don’t want to get my best friend back–”

The Princess did not react, simply drank a bit more tea. “...Don’t get too attached, Pinkie. I know how it feels–”

“You’re the only one that could possibly know how this feels.” Pinkie pouted. “...But you’re right. They have to go home… Eventually.”

“They do. This… This is all temporary.” Twilight affirmed, desperately hoping it was true.

“...Which one would you pick…?” Pinkie regarded her cautiously. “...Which Sunset, I mean…?”

An almost ironic chuckle erupted from the Princess, as she side eyed her. “...Guess.”

She didn’t need more than a few seconds. “...The Captain.”

All the princess did was nod shortly.

Rainbow Dash let out a little snicker. “Well, she does resemble our Sunset the most. She’s got armor and Everything! And even some scars, she’s pretty buff…”

Fluttershy nodded, watching Twilight carefully, watching so she wouldn’t hurt a friend. “...Canterlot has been without a captain of the Royal Guard for a while, too…”

“She certainly has a familiar toughness to her, doesn’t she?” Rarity giggled. “Why, wings would fit her nicely.”

Finally, Twilight had to step in. “She has her own Twilight.” She shook her head, her voice rising a little more than she wanted to. “And I could never, ever take that away from her– From either of them. The mere thought that I might have done to another Twilight what’s been done to me, I…” She closed her eyes, wincing bitterly. “The Captain belongs in her home, with her own Twilight. She belongs there.”

“Of course, darling! It is only a little thought-project, all theoretical– They all must go back home!” Rarity shot a slightly stern glance towards her friends, especially Pinkie. “Isn’t that right, everypony?”

They all agreed, and supported the Princess’s words.

“...Thank you, all of you.” Twilight nodded, and stood properly, taking a glance out of a nearby window, watchin the sun descend slowly. “...Thank you. I should get going, my hearing is in two hours.”

Her friends immediately hugged her and assured her, bridging her a warmth and comfort she desperately needed before she made her way out.

“Say hi to Spike for us!”

Spike double and triple checked annotations and readings. They had too many fuses blown, too many instances of overheating, and he was determined not to have it happen again.

“...Ooookay! Multiversal spyglass version… 5.0? 6.0?” He murmured pensively, waddling over to the switches and buttons they had.

“Um, It’s a multiversal window, actually…!” Hermes corrected carefully from his cage, unable to contain his excitement.

“I thought we were naming it the Multiversal pane?” Sunset Six shrugged, as she readied herself.

“I’m not naming them anymore, I don’t want to get attached–” This Twilight grimaced, shaking her head, witnessing the light burn marks and wreckage of their previous tests. “Ready, Sunny Bunny?”

“Ready.” The demon noted carefully, as she approached the conduit crystal. “This is getting a bit tiring– I wish she could help us.” Quietly, she gestured with a horn towards the corner of the room.

Inside her cage, sitting comfortably, watching them like a monstrous hawk, the undead alicorn Valkyrie observed the entire experiment quietly, every second of it.

“...I’m not getting closer to her any more than I have to.” Spike affirmed with a shameful grimace. “N-no offense!”

The Zombie growled lightly and shrugged with her wings.

“We shouldn’t move the conduit any further away from the mirror, sorry… While the other me is out, it has to be you powering it up.” Twilight assured, shaking her head. “Oh! And remember to absolutely not overcharge it.”

“Never overcharge it!” Hermes affirmed, nodding wisely. “Well, go on then, let’s try it out! It must be more stable than last times– I bet good money that the images are going to be crisp and clear!”

“I’m not holding my breath.” Sunset Six shook her head. “C’mon, Twi will be back soon, let’s get her some good news.”

“Alright, starting the countdown, let’s fire it up!” Spike announced, coordinating the demon and the others for each input they needed.

The demon charged the conduit crystal just enough, the machine whirred and buzzed with an electric groan, no fuses exploded, and the mirror lit to life, with all of them coming a bit closer to view it.

“...Is that Starlight?” Spike squinted, trying to get an angle. “...Aaaand they’re in jail.”

“Can’t say I’m surprised that I’m there.” Sunset Six spoke in a frustrated breath. “But Starlight?”

The imagery was much more distinct, much more easy to decipher. Sunset and Starlight, sharing the same jail cell– The former was laying in bed, eyes closed, unresponsive, likely sleeping, while the latter was pacing in nervous circles. Both of their horns were bound.

“Well… It’s not an alicorn Sunset, pretty clearly. Not the one we’re looking for.” Twilight shrugged, fiddling with the device. “Let’s go to the next one…”

The mirror went dark with a clicking sound due to their input, before its surface rippled and lit to life again.

“Hoooh boy. Another jail.” Spike blew raspberries.

“W-wait… It’s me!” The Demon’s eyes widened. “Well… A me.”

The image was clear, only slightly fuzzy– A demon Sunset Shimmer was chained and caged in Tartarus, and she seemed to be having a heated conversation with a Celestia outside her cage– Seemingly a lecture, or some form of confrontation– It was getting heated, and from two other cages, Tirek and a pegasus foal seemed to be watching.

“...I wonder what they’re talking about.” Sunset Six narrowed her eyes, beholding her counterpart with pity. “Y’know, I considered myself one of the evil Sunsets– But I never knew I could look like that.”

“Don’t push it.” The Demon huffed, rolling her eyes, but her expression softened soon after. “...Celestia is probably trying to convince her to do better. …And stubborn asshole that I am, I’m probably saying no.”

“That is not you, Sunny Bunny.” Her wife immediately nuzzled her assuringly. “You won’t make the same mistakes.”

“...I kind of already did.” She grimaced, looking away. “...But I get what you mean. Thanks, Sparkles.”

“Okay, okay, let’s go to the next one before they start making out again.”

Again, the machine died down, only to reignite, with a trembling image.

“...Heh, someone’s enjoying their bathtime.” Spike grinned and giggled.

“Wow. Look at that mane. Sheesh.” Sunset Six grimaced.

“...And there’s Celestia again…”

The image shook ever so slightly– In it, A Sunset Shimmer, seemingly filthy, with an enormous, messy tangled mane, being scrubbed by several sponges and brushes on a bathtub by Celestia, who seemed to be giving her a stern lecture– Raven Inkwell seemingly watching from the sidelines accompanied by several other servants with cleaning supplies– It was an entire operation all dedicated to cleaning a grumpy Sunset Shimmer.

“Sheesh. She’s got straight up leaves and branches in her hair.” Spike watched the images with confusion. “I guess we’re looking at the no-shower rebelion universe, and this Celestia is a shower enforcing despot, heheh.”

“Well, still not the alicorn we’re looking for.” Twilight shook her head. “I’m going to the next one.”

Again, the machine died down, only to reignite, with a strange image.

“Woop. That’s a coffin.” Spike sighed. “Not even four Sunsets in and there’s already a dead one...”

“H-hey, wait– That’s me…!” Twilight’s eyes widened, as she tilted her head. “But taller…?”

“H-hey! Woah! That’s me!!!” Hermes glued his face to the end of his cage, flabbergasted.

“What the hell are they doing…?” Sunset six narrowed her eyes, scanning the image.

The image was bizarre. There was an exhausted Princess Twilight and a Hermes working together, surrounded by machinery similar to the one they had now, strange satellite rods, glowing runes, consoles full of switches, all entangled by wires.

And strangely, a lot of it was near a now undug Sunset Shimmer coffin, in this strange, dark, hidden room.

“Huh… I know what they’re building! So strange!” Hermes adjusted his glasses, observing the image carefully. “It’s a multiversal beacon.”

“Who cares?” Spike shrugged, looking away masquerading his lack of comfort. “I don’t want to look at Sunset’s coffin any longer than I have to, it’s just depressing…!”

“Ugh. Not exactly comforting to know that there are other versions of us doing the nonsense we’re doing.” Sunset Six groaned, shaking her head. “Maybe I was just being an optimist in thinking that there weren’t any other Hermes out there tinkering with the same bullshit.”

“W-well, statistically speaking, you know…!” He chuckled nervously, apologetically. “It makes sense that somewhere out there, another me cracked it, haha!”

“Whatever.” The demon snarled in annoyance. “...Sparkles, are you okay? We should go to the next one…!”

“...She’s grieving.” Midnight noted quietly, through a raspy mournful growl. “That Twilight. I know that look. She’s grieving. She’s grieving you, Sunny Bunny.”

“...Oh.”

The undead Valkyrie growled and shook her jail cell with her hooves, but the group ignored her– And she stopped soon after, observing the image carefully, mournfully.

“...That’s just depressing, let’s go to the next one, please.” Spike politely pleaded.

Again, the machine died down, only to reignite, with an energetic image.

“Oh ew– It’s a hairless ape again.” The little dragon grimaced.

“At least she’s having fun, heh.” Sunset Six nodded.

The image was erratic, seven familiar girls were playing together, and this human Sunset Shimmer held a guitar and sang into a microphone– It was unclear if they were on a large stage with a larger audience, or just practicing, but they all seemed to be enjoying themselves fully.

“Well, definitely not what we’re looking for.” The demon shrugged. “Next one.”

Again, the machine died down, only to reignite, with a warm image.

“That Twilight looks like mine– Glasses and everything! ...Hey, that’s the castle of the two sisters, right…?” Sunset Six’s eyes widened. “...Wow, it’s wrecked.”

“But they’re fixing it…!” Twilight couldn’t help but smile. “...Together, too…!”

Two unicorns, Twilight and Sunset, seemingly using their magic to slowly repair broken walls and shattered windows– With the assistance of friends and many workers, evidently helping in this enormous project.

Celestia and Luna were near, helping– But Sunset and Twilight seemed focussed on each other. Both a bit tired, both with a few scars… But smiling all the same.

“Adorable. Heh. Finally a halfway decent world.” Spike giggled. “Buuuut not the Sunset we’re looking for. Let’s go to the next one.”

Again, the machine died down, only to reignite, with a colorless image.

“...Are they in black and white? Is that world in black and white??” The demon grimaced in confusion.

“Moody! And nice hat, too. I wonder who’s that next to her?” Spike pondered, tilting his head.

The image was dark, colorless, and rainy. Two mares sat together stealthily at a rooftop, surrounded by brutalist buildings– Sunset Shimmer had binoculars and a camera, dressed in a trenchcoat and a hat, while the mare next to her seemingly covered her entire body on black fabric, hiding her identity.

They seemed to be having a quiet conversation. Sunset was being snarky, as she looked to the binoculars, then back at the mare next to her, who seemed focussed.

“...Nice hat, I guess.” Sunset Six shrugged. “We should just go to the next one, that definitely isn’t our Sunset.”

Again, the machine died down, only to reignite, with a frantic image.

“...What the hell are those hairless apes up to now?” Sunset Six grimaced, observing the image carefully. “What are those things that they’re holding? Why are they… Shooting fire? I think?”

Seven familiar girls, all riding on the same van, several of them holding firearms, with the van littered with sacks of money; Many of them nearly falling out of the open doors in the back.

Sunset Shimmer was unloading a pump action shotgun upon an unseen enemy behind their fast-driving van, Rainbow Dash was doing the same with an Uzi weapon and questionable aim, and Applejack was using a large light machine gun that dwarfed most of the contents of their vehicle.

Fluttershy was driving– She had a few rats on her shoulders and one atop her head, she seemed in distress, but focussing– Twilight sat next to her, nervously typing on a laptop, and Rarity seemed to be using some sort of barrier magic to protect the van from enemy fire, taking cover behind Applejack.

Pinkie Pie threw a stick of dynamite covered in glitter overhead and into the streets, and all in the van ducked, with the vehicle almost tipping forward with the impact– Applejack held her friends so none would fall out of the car.

The explosion that ensued destabilized the image of the mirror, and made all in the room flinch in confusion.

“...Okay I have absolutely no idea what these humans are up to, but that’s definitely not our Sunset, and frankly, I don’t want to know.” Spike shook his head in resignation. “Let’s just go to the next one.”

Again, the machine died down, only to reignite, with a quiet image.

“...Me, Trixie and Starlight? No way.” Sunset Six blew raspberries. “...Now I’ve seen it all.”

“Well. they seem to be having a good time, at least.”

The image was quiet. They were resting by a fire, beside a newly afforded carriage, Trixie seemed malnourished, but recovering– And she was smiling warmly. Sunset was drinking water, she seemed to be happy as well– And Starlight was looking at a map pensively while eating some sort of snack.

“Well, not our Sunset, let’s just go to the next one—”

“Hello, all of you. Any updates?” Princess Twilight entered the room, all the while she equipped her own regalia, silver crown, silver horseshoes and a simple enough dress formerly approved by Rarity.

“Twilight! Hi!” Spike greeted her with a hug. “Sorry, no big updates– But the machine is running super well! We haven’t had any crashes or stalls or even image failures–”

“Shut it down, please– I have something else we need to deal with.” She commanded while smiling calmly.

“Of course!” Together, they flipped a few switches, and the machine died down with a whirr.

Twilight inhaled, then exhaled.

And with a tilt of her head, she cast the Sunset calling spell.

Immediately, the Sunsets in the room flinched.

“...W-wow, that spell is effective, hah…!” Sunset six blushed, her tail wagging.

“Too damn effective.” The demon flustered as her own tail wagged and she perked up.

“Hihi, I’ll be making liberal use of it back home, Sunny Bunny.” Her wife nuzzled her.

The undead Valkyrie growled and spread her wings, her own tail wagging. But she did not touch the cage.

“Let’s wait for the others to get here– I have something I need to share with all of you.” The Princess affirmed with a tired smile. “...Spike, can you prepare a vote, please?”

“Sure! Don’t you have a hearing to go to, though?”

“Soon. For now–”

Captain Shimmer walked into the room with unflinching movements and sat down obediently before the Princess. “You called?”

The Mysterious Mare do Well Leaped through the balcony and rolled into the room skillfully. “I’m here! You called?”

Soon enough, the other Sunsets arrived, the last ones being the vampire, the guard, and the Rockstar, who evidently arrived full of hickeys.

“Settle down, and gather around, please.” The Princess commanded, and the crowd followed. “I have to go in a few minutes, so I want to get this done before that.”

All the Sunsets beheld her expectantly, carefully.

“I’ve been… Short changing all of you. And I’m sorry.” The Princess closed her eyes, shaking her head. “I pulled you all here for no reasons other than my own, and didn’t even try to find a way to get you home– All because I’ve been selfishly and mindlessly trying to find my wife, and ignoring your needs.”

“...C’mon, it’s not your–” Several Sunsets tried apologizing for her, and she raised a wing and shook her head again.

“Please, let me finish.” She affirmed. “The thing is… It’s not fair. None of this is. It shouldn’t be my choice. So, while I’m out in my hearing, I want all of you– All of you Sunsets to vote.”

“...Vote on what?”

“Whether my focus should be on getting you home, or getting my wife back.” Twilight stated in a breath. “The needs of the many… I don’t want to– I don’t want to be selfish about this. A-anymore, I mean. Circumstances have changed, and I know what I have to do. I know what Equestria needs– What all of your Equestrias need, and what I need.”

She took another breath, finally smiling. “...So it’s your choice. It’s been wonderful meeting all of you– But if you think it’s right for us to pause the search for my wife to get you all home, then… I agree completely. And if you think I should continue my search for her, then well… Thank you.”

The Sunsets all looked amongst themselves, sharing a few strange glances.

“And I’m sorry that I… That I took you from your lives. I really am.” The Princess shuddered, sighing.

A carriage flown by pegasi guards of Canterlot landed on the balcony.

“...I have to go.” Twilight muttered, and moved forward, every Sunset moving aside for her to pass. “Keep the Community Center safe while I’m gone– Spike, please organize the vote while I’m out– And yes, the Zombie should vote too.”

“Aww, man…!” The dragon pouted, shooting a nervous glance towards the undead alicorn, who was just looking at Twilight as she moved.

The room went quiet when she left. Each Sunset beheld the other with hesitant glances, as if they were trying to predict the outcome, predict what the Sunset next to them would vote on.

Spike, with a sigh, began gathering his things. “Okay, every Sunset, form an orderly line…”

She was used to this– She used to be nervous, but Sunset always made her comfortable in situations like these.

Of course, Sunset wasn’t here. But she felt comfortable all the same. She had prepared all her thoughts, organized everything she wanted to say.

Twilight sat on a podium in a stage, surrounded by high chairs in a council room in Canterlot, many chancellors and dignitaries observed her from a position of superiority, and even Celestia and Luna were present, sitting in some of the seats above her.

And Twilight was in the middle of it, as if a spotlight was on her.

“...This is certainly unusual circumstances, since we have no body to bury…” One of the Chancellors shook his head slowly, clearly unamused. “But a missing’s person case is still one– And considering the circumstances…”

Twilight was not aggravated or nervous. She spoke every word calculated. “My wife is not dead. I am making steps to locate her, and progress, at that.”

“Miss Sparkle, you are tampering with magic beyond all our understanding.” A pompous mare affirmed, rolling her eyes. “How long until your little experiment causes yet another crisis– The multiple Sunset Shimmers gallivanting around Ponyville notwithstanding.”

“I’m doing all I can, and working diligently and safely. I refuse to endanger my world with my search, but I will also not stop my search.” Twilight affirmed without hesitation, without flinching. “Equestria needs Sunset Shimmer, I need Sunset Shimmer.”

“With all due respect, Princess–” One of the dignitaries beheld her with disdain. “You are letting your emotions get in the way, and they’re clouding your judgement. You are a Princess– You cannot afford to lock yourself in your home performing experiments for months at a time!”

Celestia finally piped in respectfully. “Twilight Sparkle has my full trust– And she is making progress on her search. I think we can afford to let her do her work for another month, for the sake of locating a missing Princess.”

A dignitary glared at the princess with concerned frustration, ignoring the queen. “If Sunset Shimmer was on the moon, that would be one thing. If she was lost on Tartarus that would be another. But we are talking about other planes of reality– Something we have little to no understanding of!”

Another politician agreed completely. “It is bad enough to tinker with magic you do not understand, but to leave your work unattended– You are meant to take the throne someday, Twilight Sparkle!”

The group of pompous unicorns above her all nodded in agreement, reciting an idea together. “With or without Princess Sunset.”

Twilight rolled her eyes.

“You have to think of your country! Not of just one individual.” Another chancellor piped in. “Yes, Sunset Shimmer did great work for us– But if she is gone, we cannot stop the wheels of progress, and you certainly cannot allow it to stop you from–”

“--I’m sorry, are you even aware of what you’re implying?” For only the briefest of seconds, Twilight scowled. “What, you think that my wife being missing isn’t an excuse for me not to show up to work? You think that if she was gone, I would simply have to ‘get over it’?”

“For the good of Equestria–”

“I am thinking of the good of Equestria.” She affirmed fiercely, silencing the room. “None of you understand– She kept me upright. She kept me sane– If you are in any way happy about how I’ve performed in the past few years, you should know all credit goes to my wife, who loved me and accompanied me through all of it.”

“Yes, your work has spoken for itself–”

“--And if you think for even a second that I’ll be capable of the same performance without her, you’re just wrong.” She shook her head. “I have considered a lot of my options– What I’m doing right now is what’s right for our world, I know that with absolute certainty.”

“...Princess, you are more than capable of working on your own. Sunset was not there to hold your hoof when you first became an alicorn, and she does not need to be here now–”

“If your issue is a lack of Sunset with you, pick one, and rule. Evidently, you have plenty.” One of the Chancellors noted with disinterest. “After all, you did bring some here, did you not?”

The Princess had to inhale, then exhale– Taking a moment to suppress the anger she felt at the mere suggestion of replacing her wife.

“Okay. Let me tell you a little story.” Twilight’s smile was not polite, as she glared at them. “Among the few Sunsets that I’ve misguidedly brought upon our world, there is an alicorn. A single alicorn– The only one we’ve seen other than my wife.”

The room went silent, as they watched her quietly and attentively.

“She was married to a Twilight, too. She is.” Twilight spoke almost casually. “And she has the same powers as my wife. She’s strong, tall– She’s a spitting image– But there’s only one problem… She’s dead.”

The strange quiet in the room was palpable.

“Undead, to be precise. I have, in my home, an undead Alicorn, one that is fully sentient and capable of using all the powers that my wife had. And yes, in case you’re wondering, I’ve had to keep her fed the past weeks– With fish, but still.”

There were several grimaces of disgust among them. “...Miss Sparkle, is there a point–”

“The point is– Sunset Shimmer died, in another world. In another world, a Twilight Sparkle much like me, lost her wife.” She raised an eyebrow, glaring at them. “...How do you think Sunset came back the way she did, as a monster?”

Confused and worried glances were exchanged among the crowd. Two Queens shared exhausted, justifiably concerned looks.

“...In less than a year of losing her Sunset Shimmer, that Twilight Sparkle doomed her world.” The Princess affirmed without hesitation. “Can you imagine? Hordes of the undead, feasting on the flesh of your loved ones, an infection that spreads and takes over, and makes you crave for meat, not quite dead, not quite alive. All of that… All of that, because a Twilight Sparkle was grieving.”

The silence was now fearful.

“...They’re ruling the world now. Together as monsters. Good for them, honestly.” Twilight smiled ironically. “But I hope you understand the lesson here– When a Twilight loses her lifeline, her judgement is impaired… And that’s an understatement.”

“...Miss Sparkle, are you perhaps threatening us?” One of the Chancellors raised a fearful hoof.

“I don’t need to. This threat is over all of us, especially me. But all of Equestria, really.” She shrugged. “I’m trying to illustrate a simple point: If I take the throne in my state, whether now, or a year from now, or even longer… Something will happen. Either because of a lapse in my judgement, or due to my lack of willpower, enduring this alone– No matter what, It’s so clear to me now. It’s so clear that… I can’t do this. And that’s good. It’s good that I understand this. I’m ahead of the curve!”

“Twilight…” Celestia beheld her with pity. “We all believe in you, you can–”

“I don’t need faith, Queen Celestia. I’m sorry…” She let out a weary smile. “Frankly, faith won’t do anything to help. I have it in droves– Friends, family, even strangers– But it’s not enough. What I need is my lifeline.”

The room went silent again.

“...Sunset was my line. I was her kite.” Twilight looked down, with a little sad grin. “She kept me steady, she gave me courage– Can any of you understand what it’s like, after a long, exhausting day of bureaucracy, knowing you have a special somepony that is right there with you, through all of it, who will hold you until you fall asleep? Who will lend her ear, give you support– Who will love you, no matter how hard it gets? Who would love you for the centuries you’ll be forced to live?! And after experiencing this with her… I don’t want to do it without her.”

“With all due respect, Princess… Your duty requires more than being at the whim of your wants. It is your duty to rule Equestria, and you have to do it, whether it is comfortable or not.”

“With all due respect, Chancellor Neighsay…” She glared, but smiled all the same. “Make me.”

The silence was outraged– But silent nonetheless.

“You know what– Clearly I haven’t illustrated my point properly.” With a huff, Twilight took her crown, and dropped it on the floor absentmindedly.

The entire room watched in complete shock as the Princess removed her regalia without any hesitation, as her crown clinked coldly on the marble floor.

“P-Princess, what is the meaning of–”

“No. Not Princess. Not anymore, aren’t you listening?” She glared back, raising an eyebrow, throwing her last silver horseshoe away. “From now on, I’m a citizen of Ponyville, of Equestria– You will not approach me with conflict resolution, bureaucracy, or any sort of demands over public infrastructure.”

With an incredibly concerned look, Queen Celestia stood, while her sister simply rubbed her temples in frustration. “Twilight, I implore you to reconsider–”

“There’s nothing to reconsider, don’t you see?” She couldn’t help but smile, as she shrugged. “Celestia! You, Luna, and even Cadance, all rule because you thought, you hoped you could do the right thing– And all of you, chancellors, royals, politicians, hell– even the regular citizens of Equestria, all put their faith in you because they believed in something greater!” She couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking her head. “But guess what? I get it now– I’m not something greater. And I’m not ready. If I take the throne in this state, or even down the line, I’ll make mistakes, I’ll make drastic, awful mistakes, and the world will pay the price. And frankly… if I’m going to live for a thousand years, I’d rather spend that time with my friends, while I can.”

“Princess Twilight Sparkle, cease this childish behaviour at once–”

“Oh I’m sorry, do you want a childish Princess ruling?” She had a smug, sarcastic grin. “Anyway. This has been fun, but I want to go find my wife now, and frankly, politics would just be an annoying distraction. Don’t send any more guards to spy on my home or I’ll send them back to you gift-wrapped.”

And just like that she left the room, uncaring.

“Oh my fucking god.” Queen Luna gritted her teeth, covering her face with her hooves. “This is not what I meant when I told her she should reconsider her priorities.”

Celestia, with an apologetic, awkward smile, flew down to the center of the room, spreading her wings and addressing everyone. “--Forgive us for the technical difficulties, everypony– Me and my sister must go talk to the Princess now– All is well, do not worry!”

Twilight couldn’t help but giggle, as she saw her two mentors chase after her on the Canterlot halls, and she sat and stopped, waiting for them.

“The answer is no.” She smiled and shrugged. “Sorry, you two. But there’s nothing you can say that will convince me.”

“Twilight– For the sake of night itself–” Luna suppressed her anger. “Do not turn your back on Equestria!”

“I told you already. This is for Equestria! I’m covering all my angles here.” She felt completely lighthearted, devoid of any weight. “If I find Sunset, I’ll gladly go back for the throne– If these jerks want me back, of course. But frankly, I don’t care what they think.”

“Twilight. My dear student– Is this not a bit rash…?” Celestia asked carefully, gently. “We could have organized some form of schedule–”

“Celestia… If I don’t find Sunset, I don’t want to do this without her. I meant that. This is just… It’s just noise. I’ve got friends, I’ve got to take the other Sunsets back to their homes, and I’m… I’m going to outlive most of my loved ones. I don’t want to be distracted by the throne while all that happens.” She affirmed with complete honesty. “Frankly, I feel much better now. Rejuvenated, even!”

“Ugh this can’t be happening. I am simply livid.” Luna gritted her teeth, huffing, looking away. “So you are abandoning your alicorn training, then?!?! Everything we’ve worked for, all you’ve strived for?!”

“A citizen of Equestria doesn’t need all that.” She shrugged with a chuckle, but then her expression softened. “...For what it’s worth, I am really sorry. I love both of you, and you’ve been incredibly good mentors to me and Sunset, I’ll never forget all you’ve taught me… But I have to look after the mess I made now.”

Celestia let out an unending, exhausted sigh. “...And there is nothing we could do to convince you to undo this?”

“Pull my wife out of a hat, and I’ll gladly come back.” Twilight joked, but then shook her head. “...Look, I think we might be close. I think so. I’m going to pace myself, I’m going to stay hopeful, and I’m going to do all I can. But that means I don’t want to be distracted with all this.” She gestured vaguely to Canterlot.

“And what are we supposed to do?! Find new pupils to take your place?!” Luna huffed in frustration. “We cannot start from scratch, undoing all our hard work–”

“Honestly, and I’m sorry to say this– It’s not my problem anymore. I can’t get involved with Equestrian politics– Not in my state.” Finally, Twilight turned around, and made her way to a balcony, determined to take flight. “...Maybe you two could keep ruling like you were. It seemed to be doing well.”

“You are not being fair with us, Twilight.” Luna glared at her in unending annoyance.

“No part of this is fair. On any of us.” She didn’t even turn around, as she readied herself to take flight. “Get the memo, Luna. Goodbye.”

The two alicorn sisters sat there and watched their last pupil fly away.

Queen Luna yelled out into the setting sun, stomping the floor with her hooves.

Celestia shuddered and closed her eyes, deeply missing Sunset Shimmer.

“What the fuck are we going to do…!” Luna gritted her teeth, feeling emotions she rarely let on the surface, as tears welled up. “She was a wonderful goddamn student– And now she’s gone!”

“They both were…” Celestia watched as her pupil became a dot in the horizon. “...Perhaps we need a break as well.”

“I can’t believe I had to be the responsible one for a fucking second.” The Queen of the Night suppressed tears, flapping her wings in annoyance. “The world doesn’t stop spinning, sister!!!”

“It seems it did… When Sunset was taken.” The Queen of the Sun muttered, looking into the distance.

And there they remained, quietly contemplating on what they could possibly do next.

The room was considerably darker when Twilight made it back, as was the sky itself, the night having risen already.

She sighed and stretched, beholding the only two inhabitants. Hermes and the zombie, still caged– But the interior of the Community Center was lively, many familiar voices were inside, yet distant.

“...How did it go?” Hermes asked carefully.

“Well. Really well, honestly.” Twilight couldn’t help but chuckle, and then she turned to the zombie, who always watched her. “...Are you okay?”

“I’m good!” Hermes replied, unhelpfully.

“I wasn’t asking you.” Twilight scowled.

The zombie bowed slightly, nodding, beholding Twilight with adoration.

“Good.” She leaned her forehead against the bar. “...And how did the vote go…?”

Hermes hesitated. “...Are you asking me now, or the zombie?”

The undead Valkyrie touched her gently with a hoof, nodding shortly.

Find her.

Twilight smiled, as a tear involuntarily sprung forth, and ran down her cheek, and she couldn’t help but smile. “O-oh…!”

“...So, yeah, um, the Sunsets voted for you to find your wife after all.” Hermes chuckled nervously. “It wasn’t unanimous, it was pretty close. There were a few arguments, too– But in the end they didn’t fight about it! I think they’re having a party downstairs, actually.”

She was thankful, profoundly so.

She felt at ease, more than she had the entire month.

With unwavering movements, she walked over to Hermes, and opened the door to his cage, forcing him out with her magic.

“...I won’t hold you here anymore. You can go.” She said quietly, almost thankfully. “...Honestly, the cage was overboard, and I’m sorry– I just got really, really angry.”

“I-it’s no problem! I got kind of used to it…!” He muttered a bit fearfully, smiling awkwardly. “A-am I really allowed to go? No prison, no nothing?”

“You’ve already done all you could to help find Sunset.” Twilight turned to the machine, and began fidgeting with the device. “Honestly, with all your research here, and all we’ve built already, we don’t need you anymore. …Thank you for all you’ve done to help.”

Silence.

He hesitated, looking at the door, then the machine, then back at the Ex-Princess.

“...I want to keep helping. I-if you’ll let me, that is!” He affirmed with determination.

She turned to him, and did not react.

“I-it’s not that this is my life’s work, it’s just– Well…” He sighed, defeated. “Equestria needs Sunset Shimmer, and… If I can help in any way…!”

“Good.” Twilight smiled warmly, no matter how tired she was.

“A-and, uh, your pets won’t attack me if I walk around freely, right?” He looked around nervously.

Chuckling, she shook her head. “...No, Owlicious and Ray won’t attack you, I'll make sure of it.” She then turned to the conduit crystal. “I want to try a few more times before I go downstairs. Want to help?”

“O-of course!”

Together, quietly, they fired the machine up again. This time, silently, diligently.

Images sprung forth.

First, it was a Sunset who was a teacher in a classroom. The classroom was empty, she was erasing the blackboard, and preparing herself to leave– With Starlight Glimmer making conversation with her outside the room.

Then, it was a human Sunset. Sitting on a couch, eating popcorn, surrounded by friends, side by side with another Twilight, watching a movie.

Then, it was a snowbound wasteland. With a padded winter jacket and goggles, Sunset Shimmer made her way through a blizzard.

Then…

Twilight gasped.

“I-It’s her!!”

A barren wasteland, a dead, cracked world, with little to no gravity, no sun nor moon in the sky, a world shredded down to its core.

And The Princess of Hope, covering herself with a wing, was sleeping among the ruins.

Twilight looked at the image frantically. The scars, the wings, the same size, height, strength, build– it was unmistakable.

She was looking at her wife.

“IT'S HER! IT’S HER!!” She smiled widely, and immediately ran to the machine. “Q-quick!! Let’s ready the multiversal lasso– We have to extract her, quickly!!”

“Of course, of course!” Hermes helped her as best he could, connecting the machines, fidgeting with the switches. “O-oh dear.”

The machine whirred to life, sparks flew– it was unstable.

“Let’s go, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon…!” Twilight powered up the machine desperately, glancing at the mirror nervously.

Painfully, agonizingly, the image in the mirror began to change.

The Princess of Hope was taken by a light, lifted into the air…

…And after precious seconds, she was gone.

The Mirror lost connection, and shut down. The Lasso sputtered sparks and lost power.

“N-no! No no no no no, what happened!!?” Desperately, Twilight, ran to the mirror, then back to the machine, the console, frantically.

“I-I’m sorry! I think an hour must have passed for her, and my curse took her to another universe…!” Hermes cringed with regret. “I’m so, so sorry…!”

The room fell silent.

Twilight closed her eyes.

Inhaled…

…Then exhaled.

“...You know what?” A faint little smile manifested into her lips, with hope truly in her heart. “...We made good progress today. We found her once… We’ll find her again. And right now… I want to go join the others downstairs.”

“P-princess, are you sure?” Hermes hesitated, incredibly sorry. “S-she was right there, and I–”

“Hermes, it’s okay. We’ll find her.” She spoke without hesitation, making her way out of the room. “...But right now…? I need a break.”

Hermes was alone.

He let out an apologetic sigh, and stretched in ways he absolutely couldn’t inside that cage.

He felt a bit nervous, with the undead Valkyrie watching him, unblinkingly.

“...I really am sorry, you know!” He affirmed truthfully, shamefully. “I am! This whole mess, why– It feels like a monumental waste of all our times, and it’s all my fault…! I’m such a fool.”

The zombie did not respond.

“...Well… She’s right. We’re making progress! More than I ever dreamed of– And we’ll find her.” He nodded without much confidence. “...I know they probably don’t want me there, but… I think I will join them.”

He began making his way out of the room, but then stopped.

Because the mirror lit to life.

What he saw shocked him, nearly making him tumble to the ground.

The image was so much clearer than any time they had used the mirror themselves.

He could instantly tell that it wasn’t their doing. This was a direct message from elsewhere— Targeted at them, without hesitation.

He watched fearfully, in complete confusion, as a Sunset Shimmer, one they had seen through the mirror before, who had seen them, spoke inaudibly into the mirror, directly at him, tapping the sign emphatically.

It wasn’t a threat.

It was a warning.

The mirror shut down, the power cut off from the other side– Whatever the world he was looking into was, it was no longer contacting this mirror.

He stood up.

Then realized that no one would even believe him.

And with a shrug, left downstairs.

“...So you don’t want to build a lasso? It’s the easiest, most accessible apparatus for us to build, if you want to find somepony in the multiverse…!” Hermes tilted his head in confusion, beholding a surprisingly helpful Twilight Sparkle. “I have the blueprints–”

“--No. I don’t want to build the lasso.” Twilight replied coldly, moving unflinchingly past her wife’s coffin, fidgeting with different technomagical devices. “Because it’s exactly what I would do.”

He scratched his chin, trying to make eye contact that she ignored. “...You lost me?”

“We’re building the beacon.” She commanded sternly, not dignifying him with a glance. “Because somewhere out there, another me already built a lasso. If we're going to find Sunset, we’ll need her research, too.”

“...Um, how do you know another you built a multiversal lasso…?”

“Because it’s what I would do.” She reaffirmed coldly.

“I-I see! So we’re going to communicate, maybe travel there, and help this other version of you find Sunset?”

“Yes.” She lied.

Author's Note

And with that... We enter the climax. Few chapters to go.

I'm going to do a small hiatus here-- Not just due to the holidays, but because I want to draw pretty intricate arts for each of the following chapters, and honestly, I want the chapters to not be delayed by the arts, so I'll do them in advance!

Hell, today I wrote 80% of this chapter AND drew that art for the middle, that's a bit of a rush for a new years deadline, and I don't wanna rush myself again. I'll focus on other smaller fics for a little bit!

Also, I deleted a scene where Flare Shimmer is already on Celestia's room there to comfort her, or calls Celestia and Luna out for drinks-- Although I thought it'd be good to establish that they made up and to make jokes that Flare and Celestia are banging, it was a tonal dissonance that did not complement the story well, tragically.

I also post poned a scene where Cadance comes check on Twilight for her choice to leave the crown behind-- I realised that although it'd be funny that news travel so fast, I'd rather have a focus on that Hermes sequence in the end.

Speaking of which, Twilight's choice to abandon the crown, this entire intermission-- When I originally planned my fic, I did not actually plan for this. But I realized that after exploring different Twilight's and their mistakes, she would take some valuable lessons from them, and not make the same mistakes!

Eh, and maybe I'll have time for Flare and Cadance later, hopefully. The climax is gonna get hectic.

I am now reminded of that audio of Celestia saying "It's fine, I'll just go rule for the next three thousand fucking years-- it's fucking fine."

Also for the Sunset votes, I debated which Sunset would vote for what, but I made a bit of a comprehensive list.

1 - FIRESTORM - Votes to leave, she wants to go back home, and help Tempest keep up their lie, as well as help Equestria.

2 - GUARD - Votes to stay, because she's a bit antsy, and not much in a rush to go back home and try to flirt with Moondancer just yet.

3 - ROCKSTAR - Votes to stay, because she feels bad for this Pinkie, and doesn't want her to miss her just yet-- And she knows that her own Pinkie will be okay, as long as she eventually comes back.

4 - DEMON AND TWI WIFE - Both vote to stay. They are in NO rush to go back home.

5 - Power Ponies Sunset - Votes to stay, she wants to enjoy the country life a little while longer.

6 - Sunset Six - Votes to leave. She doesn't want her Twilight alone any longer than she has to be.

7 - MARE DO WELL - Votes to stay. As much as she really wants to go back home, she feels bad for this Twilight, and feels indebted to Sunset Prime for getting her to mask-off.

8 - VAMPIRE - Voted to stay because she doesn't care about her home much.

9 - CAPTAIN - Votes to leave. She needs to go back to her Twilight and her mother. This world is a footnote, she hopes.

10 - ZOMBIE - Votes to leave. Her world needs her, her Twilight needs her-- One can only imagine what the Queen of the Undead is doing in her absence and grieving her.

It was touch and go, but looking for Sunset Prime is something that they all want, one way or another-- They have a debt to her.

Also, in the sequence where they're looking through the mirrors, there's an Equestria girls thing with guns, allow me to explain myself:

For a while now, I've greatly considered what I'd do if I would write a long form EQG fic like some of the big awesome writers do around here. Stuff like Rubicon or Analemma or even Principal Celestia hunts the undead, some of the greats. I absolutely prefer to write a story with action, but I wanted to also get to have a slice of life feel to it on occasion, and allow myself not to plan an entire story in advance, but rather

It's not usually my style, my storywriting is really preplanned, and I avert writing stories with enormous lengths. If you look at my Forgotten Sun fic, I basically wrote a characters entire life and even their downfall in only 12 chapters.

...But I was thinking, what would I do if I wanted to write an enormous EQG fic. With action and slice of life to boot?

I figured it out.

"The Equestria Girls Rob a Bank"

Yeah. That's the base premise, lol. But I'd add things like a government agency pursuing them for their magic, Equestria's downfall happening in the bg, and even things like magic leaking into the human world even more, causing Mythological creatures to show up.

...I'm in love with the idea, but I won't jump on it just yet, lmao. But seeing the Equestria girls with guns killing cops is an idea I'm in love with. It'd be an ensemble fic and I'd just have a lot of fun with it lmao. And yes, their parents would get involved.

But I'm not in a rush. Considering how many damn ideas for writing I still have, it's safe to say that 2025 will be BUSY.

Also yes, the characters in the background of the mirror Hermes saw are Maud and Raven. Certainly a strange combo, but you'll see why.

...Some other time. Bc right now, I'm taking a welcome little hiatus from this fic-- I plan on finishing it soon though, heheh. I've been planning this since january of last year... It'll be good to be done with it.

See you next time, in "THE END OF THE MULTIVERSE - PART 1"

Happy new years -v-