Dear Sunset Shimmer...

Dear Sunset Shimmer…

This might seem strange, I know. You’re wondering where this letter came from, probably– Why it appeared out of thin air. Stick with me, alright? I’ll try not to make this too confusing.

By now you might recognize the writing style– If you don’t, I’ll make this easier on you. I’m Sunset Shimmer– Another one, from another universe.

I’m you from a universe where I earned my wings.

Don’t tear this letter apart just yet– I’m writing this to help you.

And maybe, just maybe, you’ll earn your wings too.

The halls of Canterlot were still recovering– Two months had barely been enough for most repairs. Nearly a decade of water erosion and general poor care had weakened the foundation of a lot of the city, and moving the people back in on itself was already difficult– Few were not settled elsewhere, and many had lost their lives.

Of course, the explosion of the armory and the fires that ensued didn’t help– But that was easily forgiven, considering the end result.

Repairs, however, were slow going…

Morning was coming, Celestia was rising the sun once more– And work would resume. There was a long way to go until their home was back up and running– All of Equestria would need to recover, slow and steady.

But that didn’t matter to Tempest Shadow at this moment. Nothing mattered except the mare currently sharing her embrace.

She hadn’t felt the kind of cold the Storm King brought with him since they had found each other, after so long. News of the hero Tempest Shadow, slayer of the Storm King, had spread far and wide– And not all of the ones coming to Canterlot with intent on aiding in rebuilding Equestria were simple survivors.

The particular mare in her embrace had simply come to find her childhood friend again.

“...Dropsy?” Quietly, hesitantly, fearfully, Tempest whispered, as delicate as one would handle the wings of a butterfly.

The response held no fear, only affection, as the unicorn tightened her embrace slightly. “...Yes, Fizzy?”

She hesitated, and danced on all her words carefully. “...So… Remember that mare I told you about…? Sunset Shimmer…?”

“I do, yes.” She stifled a quiet giggle on the crook of Tempest’s neck. “...Are you worried about what might have happened to her…?”

“...No, that’s not what– Well, yes, I am worried, but…” She inhaled deeply, having considered sharing this for weeks, and hesitating every time. “I think… I think I might know why she ran away…!”

Letting out a cute, quiet yawn, Glitter Drops shuffled a little closer to her. “...That’s good, Fizzy. You should tell Celestia during breakfast…!”

“Yeah, that’s the thing, I…” Her eyes were wide open, she was wide awake already. “...I can’t tell anyone else why. Because, well… We didn’t kill the Storm King.”

The unicorn froze in her embrace.

Silence passed.

She then shuffled slightly, just to meet Tempest eye to eye. “...Yes you did.”

“...No, we didn’t.”

“B-but he’s dead. He’s dead, isn’t he?” Her voice panicked quietly. “F-Fizzy– He’s dead, right?!”

“H-he is! He is, sorry!” She assured, kissing her on the forehead for good measure. “He’s dead. He’s definitely, absolutely dead. But it’s just… We didn’t kill him.”

More silence. Glitter’s eyes journeyed in the dark, as she grimaced in confusion. “...Okay, what? What are you trying to tell me…?”

“This is going to sound crazy. But…” She inhaled deeply, knowing what she was about to say was entirely nonsensical. “...An alicorn Sunset Shimmer from a parallel universe manifested in our world and killed the Storm King for us, then told us to take the credit before leaving.”

The silence was more awkward than anything now.

“...Fizzy, what the hell?” She stopped and chuckled lightly, shaking her head. “...Wow, you really are bad at jokes. A+ for absurdity, though. I’ll give you that…”

“Oh, I wish I was joking.” She let out a defeated sigh. “I wish. But… I think Sunset might have ran away because she felt ashamed that we didn't really do it…! Or maybe she didn’t want the truth to come out somehow…?”

“...The truth here being that a parallel version of hers got the kill instead of her.” Glitter frowned as she slowly tried accepting the facts. “...Instead of you?”

“Instead of us, yes.” She forced herself out of the embrace, looking at the ceiling and groaning. “It’s so idiotic. Me and Sunset, we were ready to die fighting him– And here comes this complete stranger from another dimension, with Sunset's face, and with wings– And she slays him in two hits.”

“...And you took the credit?”

“Yes! She left our dimension right after– I-it’s wrong, isn’t it? I Knew that I'd be forgiven for all my actions if we took the credit, that we could try leaving normal lives after all we’ve done– Ugh– maybe I should run away as well, I feel so dishonored, so pitiful–”

She was silenced with a kiss and an encouraging smile.

“...Of course you’re worried about honor, of all things. Fizzy, honestly! I see this as an absolute win. The world was saved, and now everypony loves you like a hero– And with the bonus of you not risking your life fighting the Storm King.”

“...But I didn’t kill him.”

“And yet he’s still dead! He’s dead, like you and everypony else wanted!” She shrugged with a toothy grin. “...Is this what you’ve been worried about for the past weeks…?”

She closed her eyes shamefully. “...Yes.”

“...Aw, Fizzy….!”

“D-don’t get me wrong. When he was dead, I fucking cheered! I was happy! I’m still happy! I’m happy!” And yet, she groaned. “But I really hoped I’d be the one to do it– If not, at least die trying– And Sunset felt the same way...”

“Fizzy. You’re alive. You’re here. He’s not. Now, if you want to confess this to Celestia, I’ll be right there with you, and if you want to take this to your grave, then I’ll be there with you too…!” She assured with a warm smile. “...But don’t lose sleep over this, c’mon…! Don’t lose sleep over him.”

“Hah… Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

“I’m always right.” She grinned.

“You’re always right.” She grinned right back.

“So, what do you think you’ll do…? I want to be on the same page– This is a pretty big and weird secret, after all.”

“W-well… I want to hold onto the secret for now, but… Not forever. Maybe we’ll find Sunset and I can clarify some things with her, but…! I want to try just managing the now…!”

“Well, how about in ‘the now’, we go to have breakfast, hm?” She delivered a sweet kiss upon Tempest and shuffled out of bed with a yawn.

Following along, Tempest stretched a few times before getting ready for the day– Poker face on.

Her normal demeanor was cold, calculating and professional– She broke out of said attitude only when Glitter Drops would force her out of it through some random loving act– Otherwise, she was on point at all times, the secret only affected her on the inside.

She hoped today would just be a normal day.

She hoped that tomorrow she would have less worries.

Well, she was right about the second hope.

Arriving at the dining room, she was greeted with Celestia nearly done with her breakfast, and Twilight lagging behind, with a bit of exhaustion in her eyes– Both seemingly devoid of much energy.

“...We simply cannot risk our already thin resources looking for her at this time, Twilight.”

“...But what if she’s just getting further away? W-we could probably find her, if we just– I don’t know, maybe put up a bounty…! I-I don’t want her hunted down, I just wish– I just wish she had said something before, well…”

“How do you think I feel?”

They both stopped, eyes drawn to the newcomers in the room.

“...Ah! Captain Tempest, and Glitter Drops– Good morning! I am afraid you’ve just missed Luna– Her nightly duties have taken a toll, and she's turned in early…!” The Princess of the Sun greeted with a smile. “Will you join us for breakfast this time, Miss Drops?”

“Only if you’ll have me, Princess Celestia!” She bowed politely, smiling.

“Wonderful. And you, Tempest, how are you feeling?” The Princess egged on.

The broken unicorn shot a quickly analytic glance towards Princess Twilight, who seemed to be unmotivated, barely fiddling with her plate.

“I’ve been… Fine. Just worried about the insurmountable task ahead of us, Princess.” She didn’t spare a glance towards the many windows that were still shattered, to the many banners that were still in tatters. The castle had not been the priority. “It will be… A lot of work to save Equestria.”

“Why, Equestria is already saved, thanks to you and Sunset’s efforts, Captain.” The alicorn noted with a nod. “All we must do is ensure it thrives… Even if we are not all still here to enjoy it.”

“...Of course.” She did not know if that was a jab at her own past crimes, or if it was a comment on the absence of Sunset Shimmer. “...We will do our best.”

“That, we will.” She sighed, trying to ignore the chair that was unoccupied. “It is a long road ahead of us, in that, you are absolutely correct. But we–”

They stopped– Their ears twitched, eyes drawn to a corner of the room.

Sparks flew in thin air, a circle of light was formed, then expanded.

The multiversal gateway was shaped, and it felt effortless.

Their Sunset Shimmer stepped out, adorning her medals in a jacket, happier than she had ever had, and glanced around with a smile. “Oh hell yeah! We got it right!! YES! I’M HOME! YES!!”

Her gaze was incredibly cheerful, as she scanned the room, seeing each individual on it– Only to smile even wider when she saw Celestia, running towards her and hugging her with extreme prejudice.

Princess of the Sun was almost startled at how fast and comfortably Sunset ran to hug her– She couldn’t help but chuckle at the suddenness of it, as soon as she regained her bearings. “...L-little one? Welcome back..? Um, where have you been? A-and what is that portal…?”

“I missed you so much…!”She murmured, suppressing the desire to cry of joy in front of the only living mother left in this universe. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry everypony!” She declared, walking back towards the portal, still smiling. “I didn’t leave on purpose, I promise– I’m so sorry I was gone!”

“S-Sunset…!” Twilight smiled truly. “I’m so relieved you’re okay!!”

“Sunset…” Tempest was considerably more hesitant. “...What is that portal there?”

“Yeah, so here’s the thing…!” She smiled awkwardly, turning to Celestia. “Me and Tempest didn’t kill the Storm King… She did.”

The entire room went silent, as the Princess of Hope and the Princess of Harmony stepped through the portal, waving their wings, smiling, even if apologetically.

“...Hi! Um, yeah, this might be a little strange…!” The Valkyrie grinned, tilting her head. “We’re from another universe– Just here to drop off your Sunset, don’t mind us…! Hey Tempest, good to see you again!”

“Um. Yes.” The broken Unicorn was flabbergasted. “What?”

“Me but taller?!?!” Twilight was utterly confused as well.

“I’m so, so sorry for whatever inconvenience you might have endured with your Sunset’s absence!” The Princess of Harmony assured, side by side with her wife, smiling warmly. “Hopefully we can explain any of your questions…!”

“T-THE MULTIVERSE IS REAL?!” This universe’s Twilight nearly leapt out of the table, a few silverware clinked to the floor. “A-are you from a universe where ponies are taller, other me?!” She gasped.

“...No, I’m just taller.” She shrugged apologetically.

“You’ll get there.” The Valkyrie winked with a smile.

This world’s Sunset took a seat at the table and let out an enormous sigh of relief. “Ahhh… You have no idea how good it is to be back home. You haven’t fixed up the plaza fully, right? I have some suggestions for what we could do with Ponyville’s redesign, too– There’s this Community Center I saw back in their universe–”

“--Breathe, Sunset. Breathe.” Celestia smiled incredibly warmly, so happy to see her again. “...Please, explain to us– Who are these… Visitors?”

“Hello! Sorry, sorry– I’m Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Harmony, and this is my wife–”

Sunset kissed her sweetly. “Sunset Shimmer. Princess of Hope. We’re from another universe– Your Sunset got kind of mixed up with our problems, sorry about that.”

While this world’s Sunset avoided the public display of affection with a blushing groan, this world’s Twilight Sparkle was transfixed by it, and just as flustered.

Especially because the Princess of Harmony was looking directly at her counterpart and winking as she kissed the Princess of Hope passionately.

“It’s good to see you found your Glitter Drops, Tempest.” The Valkyrie grinned. “You two work fast, don’t you?”

“You better believe it!” The unicorn beside her snickered, nudging her girlfriend. “You weren’t joking after all, Fizzy!”

“U-um– Sunset–” Tempest worriedly shot a glance towards her world’s Sunset. “...Are we coming clean?”

“Yep! Better to do it now that we have proof and testimony, too.” She shrugged and smiled. “Celestia, you probably have noticed, but that’s me from a universe where I earned my wings.” She pointed to the Valkyrie, who waved. “She killed the Storm King, not me.”

Tempest sighed, nodding. “We were going to try and fight him, and she appeared out of nowhere, and took him out for us… We shamelessly decided to take the credit after she left.”

“Sorry for stealing your thunder, by the way.” The Princess of Hope shrugged suppressing a chuckle. “Wrong place, right time…! If it makes you feel better, It was my suggestion that you take the credit– And what's more, you would probably have beaten him by yourselves! The Storm King is a real pushover.”

Celestia did not respond, all she could do was smile as she beheld her Sunset– A smile that was proud and incredibly warm.

“...Um…! You’re not… Mad, or weirding any of this out…?”Her Sunset fidgeted.

She raised a smug eyebrow, pointing at her pupil’s counterpart with wings– All while beholding her first pupil with affection. “See, little one? I knew you could do it! Even if in another world– I am still certain you can!”

“Oh my god.”Sunset covered her face with her hooves in embarrassment.

“Now, now. Please, don’t just stand there– You are both welcome at our table! We don’t have much, but we can afford to share…!” The Princess of the Sun beckoned the two other Princesses. “By all means– Have a seat. You have much to share, I’m certain! And I would love to understand the finer details of where my first pupil has wound up!”

The two alicorns exchanged knowing glances.

“We are a bit on the clock, but…!” Twilight sighed with delight, making herself comfortable.

“We can afford to stay for a little bit.” Sunset gladly selected a breakfast fruit, and joined in.

I’ve been told this experiment of ours might not work– But I thought it’d be something fun to do, to close out the chapter on this adventure of ours.

And I’m so happy I can call this just another adventure. It’s been rough– the toughest odds we’ve ever faced– But we did it. Ever far apart, even against enemies we never thought we’d ever even have to face… We did it.

We’re stronger for it. I feel like I could take on the world– But for once, I feel like the world loves me as much as I love it.

I want to help you feel the same way.

“No word? No word at all?” Princess Luna frowned, glared even, out of exhaustion, at Rainbow Dash, who was taken aback.

“Don’t shoot the messenger! I’m just trying to help, sheesh!” Rainbow sat down in the window frame, taking a brief glance outside, to what remained of the east wing of Canterlot castle, and shrugged. “Look, if they don’t want to be found–”

“A demon monster and the Princess of Friendship are hard to find?!! They ruled the world for nearly ten years, there is absolutely NO WAY they are somehow inconspicuous out there!!” The Princess of the Night snarled out in frustration.

“Well, they are. No one has seen a trace of them whatsoever, and we’ve been looking.” She let out a weary sigh. “It’s not like most of us don’t want to find them, either. Heck, if any Yak or Dragon or Griffon sees them hiding out in some cave or whatever, they'll attack to kill on sight.”

“I could hardly blame them.” Luna groaned, shaking her head, looking away. “Sister, would you mind pitching in here?!”

Celestia, who was utterly silent, simply watched the horizon, a world that had changed because of her pupils– Changed so forcefully.

“Sister.” Luna called out.

“...If any creature tries bringing them in by force, they will merely be putting themselves at risk.” Celestia sighed, and didn’t turn around. “Twilight and Sunset are incredibly strong, they won’t come quietly… And what’s more, they are deeply intelligent. They won’t be found easily.”

“Don’t sound so cheerful.” Her sister sputtered. “They need to be brought to justice, Celestia.”

A hum of affirmation was all she got as a response.

“...So, not to be nosy or anything…!” The pegasus tilted her head. “...But what are you planning to do to them if we ever find them…? I mean, we kind of… We’re kind of hoping our friends are still in there…”

“We’re not going to give them ice cream and probation if that’s what you’re wondering, Rainbow Dash.” The Princess of the Night shot her a judgemental look. “...If you have no news, your services are dismissed.”

“...Well I’m just saying. I know they did some bad things, but…!”

“Your services are dismissed.” She reinforced.

“...Alright, alright.” With a disappointed exhale, the pegasus took flight, and left.

Silence, as Luna glared at her sister, who was looking elsewhere.

“...If you have something to say, then say it, sister.” Celestia murmured.

“If they are coming back, or if we find them, whether they want to or not–” Her eyes were narrowed, she was angry. “We will not simply forgive them, sister. Biases must be placed aside. What they did cannot be brushed over.”

More silence. Celestia looked down.

Luna was the one that kept talking. “Do you honestly think they will simply walk through those doors?! Approach you with tears in their eyes, begging forgiveness, pleading to repair the damage they’ve done?! Don’t be naive, sister–”

She stopped– Their ears twitched, eyes drawn to a corner of the room.

Sparks flew in thin air, a circle of light was formed, then expanded.

The multiversal gateway was shaped, and it felt effortless.

Celestia and Luna both entered wary stances, stepping closer to each other, horns alight, ready for a fight.

But a fight did not come for them. Instead, their very own Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle arrived– Wearing chains between their horns and necks that bound them, walking close together, purposefully bowing low.

“S-Sunset…!”

“Twilight?! Not Midnight?!”

The alicorn sisters stances relaxed, but only slightly. “Where did you two come from–”

“We figured you were looking for these two– They’re ready to come back and make amends.” From behind them, the Princess of Hope entered, smiling confidently. “Don’t worry– They’re not a threat, and neither are we.”

“Forgive us for the sudden intrusion!” The Princess of Harmony joined her wife. “But we’d like to make their case, if possible…!”

“...Sunset…! Your wings…!” Celestia murmured, exasperated, looking at the Valkyrie. “Y-your scars…!” Her expression softened even more, as she grimaced with pity, seeing the bad looking scars on the alicorn's back and legs, many which were bandaged.

“You should see the other guys, heh.” She shrugged with a weary smile. “But no– I’m not your Sunset. She is.”

“And I’m not your Twilight– Though I suppose you could have guessed that as well…”

“Explain yourselves at ONCE! What is that portal, and what are you two!? Are you changelings?!” Luna demanded.

“They’re from another universe. When we tried running away, we were accidentally taken to their world.” The Demon, refusing eye contact, wings folded close to her side, near her wife, muttered. “...They’re not your enemy, believe that. They’re the best version of us.”

“Sunny Bunny, we talked about this–” Her wife began speaking, but swiftly stopped herself, when Luna approached her and glared.

“You are hiding, Midnight Sparkle. I can sense your foul darkness, even now.” She snarled. “We won’t be deceived by this ploy.”

“M-Midnight is beaten!! Weakened substantially! I’m Twilight Sparkle, I promise she’s not in control– I won’t ever lose control to her again!” She said frantically– But the uncertainty in her voice was palpable.

“You are surrendering, then.” Celestia’s expression hardened, as she beheld her own pupils. “You’ve been defeated, and your other selves are bringing you to us to imprison?”

“...Not exactly!” The Princess of Hope sighed, scratching herself awkwardly. “...Look, you’re both going to want to sit down– Because your two pupils helped save a few universes, including our own– And they want to make amends here too.”

“‘Make amends’?! Hah.” Luna mocked, shaking her head. “Neither of you are escaping what you’ve done this easily– Do you even understand how you’ve set international relationships back over CENTURIES?!”

“They understand! They do!” The Princess of Harmony stepped forward. “...But also, they want to change. They made mistakes, and want the chance to fix them. In alicorn years, a decade is hardly enough time to be considered irredeemable, I hope…?”

“They’ll have to work for it. Do the time.” The Valkyrie nodded confidently. “But we can get into thorough detail why your world needs a Sunset and a Twilight together helping it heal– Personal biases non withstanding, of course.”

“We… We made mistakes. We made serious, deplorable mistakes. We were scared– We thought we could only be together like this, and we paid the price for it– The world paid the price for it…!” The demon confessed, beholding Celestia pleadingly. “...But we want to do better. Please, please don’t give up on us. I…” She extended her wings, glaring at them with shame. “I know what I did to myself might be irreversible, that I might look like this for good, but… I’m still Sunset Shimmer. I promise.”

“And I’m still Twilight Sparkle! Princess of Friendship– Although the last years were a haze of me being taken over by an evil alter ego, I think it’s about time I do what I’m best at; Getting back to work and mending relations! Midnight Sparkle is gone– I promise you she is contained– And that she agrees with us! We’ve come to the pretty obvious resolution that if you want a better world, you have to make it, not take it…!”

Judgemental silence.

The two lovers looked at each other briefly, fearfully.

Luna scowled. “...Simple apologies won’t be enough. Your failings nearly doomed the world. And the world wants payback– It wants justice.”

“...Then you can imprison me.”The Demon took a step forward, grimacing. “Blame me. Punish me. But let Twilight get back to work without being at fault, please, the world needs her–”

Her wife immediately stepped forward, holding her in annoyance. “I’m not doing this without you, Sunny Bunny. We’re a package deal. Punish both of us, or trust both of us– I’m not doing this without her, win or lose, punishment or not. The throne of Equestria can remain cold if you’re not sitting on it by my side, for all I care!!”

“Twi, look at what’s left of me, listen–”

“No, you listen– We talked about this!” She was stern, and yet couldn’t hide her love. “Equestria needs both of us, Sunset. All that matters is we’ll be together– I don’t care if it's in some jail cell or mending the world! Let them hate us together, let us have to mend every fence we broke, but at least we’ll do it together! Nothing else matters!!”

The Demon fell silent, ashamed.

The Inheritors of Night and Day exchanged glances– Silently discussing if they should step in.

More judgemental silence.

Celestia sighed, and Luna turned to glare at her. “...Sister, do not–”

“--Okay. Okay.” The Princess of the Sun nodded, before tapping a hoof on the floor lightly. “Let us hear what they have to say.”

“Sister! They became the sort of enemy we banish to the moon! Are you seriously entertaining–”

“We brought you back from the brink once, Luna.” Celestia affirmed with affection. “And I never once believed you were beyond saving.”

“Look at Sunset Shimmer– Do you honestly think that a creature that looks like THAT will ever be seen as worthy of the throne by the public, by the other races of Equestria–”

“--Would you rather us look for new pupils, sister? Start from scratch?! I am certain volunteers will line up outside of our crumbling palace!”

Shoulders slumped, the Princess of the Night nodded after a long sigh. “...Alright. We will hear what you have to say..” She tapped a hoof on the floor as well. “You four– Tell us exactly what transpired in your absence from our world– And it better be a satisfying story.”

“Oh. Trust us.” The Princess of Hope smiled confidently. “It will be.”

By our estimate, this letter is only going to reach a thousand or so of me– Maybe, if we’re lucky.

I suppose that’s not so bad– It’s not like I want the entire multiverse to know I’ve been here– But I’ve seen a whole lot more than a thousand worlds, all those weeks ago.

I’ve seen so many worlds. Met so many other versions of myself… It’s daunting, at times. There are constants on the choices I make, and they’re rarely kind to myself.

Hell– You right now, holding this letter– You and I might have met already. And I might have already tried helping you.

I might have already tried convincing you that being Sunset Shimmer is worth it.

Trixie shuddered, as her eyes frantically scanned the environment. She hadn’t been to this kind of shady market in almost a decade– Consequences of the friends she made, the relationships she had formed… And now here they were. “...S-Starlight, T-Twilight– Are you sure this is the kind of place Sunset would pass by? I know she was a scoundrel, but…!”

“We have to exhaust every option. We have to.” Twilight affirmed strongly, but her voice was weak, her eyes still puffy from crying recently, her glasses slightly fogged up. “S-she might have bought something from here…!”

“Let’s hope she didn’t.” Starlight walked closer, warily looking around, but not feeling fear, her wings folded close to her side. “This isn’t the kind of place that law-abiding ponies visit, Twilight. You told us that you and Sunset had turned herself around–”

“--I know! I-I know! W-we just have to make sure, please!” She pleaded, trying her best to keep composure. “I-it’s just– We once bought magical artifacts from here, she could have passed by when s-she was taken…!”

“Or when she ran away from you.” Trixie raised a judgemental eyebrow. “There is no honor among thieves, Twilight Sparkle.”

“S-she didn’t run away!! She wouldn’t!!” Her words were desperate pleas to herself more than anything.

Starlight was incredibly weary, as she entered the shady shop, with a bell clink.

The pony behind the counter became endlessly nervous as he spotted her, demeanor shifting instantly. “P-Princess Starlight!! What brings you to my wonderful abode– Which is by the books and law abiding, if you must know–”

“Relax. We’re just browsing.” She said as she narrowed her gaze suspiciously. “I take it you recognize this unicorn?” With her magic, she brought Twilight forward, who closed her eyes shamefully.

“Nope!” He lied, grinning nervously. “And even if I did, my clientele is usually confidential…!”

Twilight, huffing in frustration, walked towards the counter. “Yes, you have sold me artifacts before. In fact, I wasn’t alone. I was accompanied by a fiery-maned unicorn, she was pretty handsome, wore a leather jacket–”

“--She’s usually quite rude, has anger issues–” Trixie added unhelpfully.

“We’re just here looking for her.” Twilight pleaded. “Please. Did she pass by here, by any chance, in the last weeks…?”

“...Client confidentiality, Miss Sparkle.” He noted– But winced, when he saw the Princess raise a stern eyebrow. “I-if it will get you out of my shop faster, no, I did not sell anything to her in the past few weeks or even months– The last time I saw her was when she was accompanied by you, Miss Sparkle. Now please, get out of my shop.”

With a resigned, frail inhale, the unicorn nodded, and made her way out.

“...Thank you for your cooperation.” Starlight eyed him judgmentally. “I hope, for your sake, we don’t have a reason to visit you again.”

“Yeah! Also your goods look shoddy and lame– You call these magical fireworks?!” Trixie teased, raising an eyebrow smugly. “I bet you could barely lit the sky with–”

“--C’mon, Trix.” Grinning, Starlight brought her closer with a wing. “We’ve got other places to search.”

As they stepped into the shady alleyway once more, Twilight was sitting facing a wall, seemingly suppressing tears.

Coming closer, Starlight nudged her gently, trying to distract her. “...What kind of artifacts did you buy here…?”

Sniffling, inhaling, the unicorn tried her best to keep her composure. “W-we bought something called an ‘alicorn amulet’, once…! B-but I did research before we tried using it– And realised it was unsafe, even if it could give us an edge on you…! S-Sunset trusted me and let me bury it without her knowing where…”

“Huh. maybe there is some honor among thieves.” Trixie pouted. “Considering how much you two tried sabotaging me and Glimms, I figured you would try every possible dirty trick in the book, magical amulet or not.”

“S-she was just misguided!! A-and I suppose I was, too… I… I just liked being with her, you know…? I felt like less of a failure when I was with her…!”

“You’re not a failure, Twilight.” Starlight smiled warmly. “A pain in our flanks, maybe. But you’re a pretty competent unicorn– Hell, not everypony gets high marks at Celestia’s school, you know…?”

“Speak for yourselves, heh.” Trixie shrugged. “Still, I’d like to spend less time on the shady messed up alleyway for evil goods, thank you. Isn’t there a nice and sweet treats boulevard around here or something?”

“I-I…!” Twilight hesitated, fidgeting. “W-we’re running out of leads…!”

Blowing raspberries, Trixie shrugged. “Look, if we’re narrowing down where Sunset ran off to ‘literally anywhere in Equestria’, I think we should just put up a bounty and leave it at that. What do you say, Starlight?”

“...I’m not sure I want to abuse my Princess status for that of all things.” She exhaled, fidgeting with her mane. “What do you think, Twilight?”

“Last resort.” She mumbled quietly. “We’ll do that as a last resort.”

“I’m just saying, you know? We have to look at the obvious facts.” Trixie grunted with annoyance quietly. “If even Starlight’s tracking spells didn’t work, then maybe Sunset doesn’t want to be found–”

They stopped– Their ears twitched, eyes drawn to a corner of the alley.

Sparks flew in thin air, a circle of light was formed, then expanded.

The multiversal gateway was shaped, and it felt effortless.

And this world’s Sunset Shimmer sprinted through it, looking around frantically.

“Twilight!” She called out, running towards her with immense relief, smiling deeply as soon as their eyes met.

“S-Sunset?!” The unicorn blinked incomplete disbelief.

“Big magical portal?!?” Trixie nearly fell over.

“Twi, I’m so fucking sorry!” Sunset stopped right in front of her, not daring to touch her, grimacing with shame. “I’m so, so sorry! I-I didn’t want to leave– Remember that alicorn counterpart of me that visited us? Well there’s a whole lot more where that came from, and her Twilight Sparkle started pulling several Sunsets from across the multiverse, and I got caught up in the middle of–”

She was silenced with a tearful hug, one she revelled in, and hugged right back.

“I-I knew you hadn’t left me! I knew it!! I knew it!”

“I’m so fucking sorry, Twi– You wouldn’t believe how hard it was to come back to you…!”

Starlight was immensely wary, horn crackling as the two alicorns stepped through the portal– Realising pretty quickly that she was outclassed. “Wh– What the hell are you two?!”

“We’re here to help explain that– Everything, really.” The Princess of Hope stopped before her confidently, eyeing her counterpart. “Hello again, Twilight. I’m so sorry your Sunset got mixed up in our mess– But you don’t have to worry about that anymore– Neither of you have to worry.”

“I’m so sorry, other me…!” The Princess of Harmony stepped into the dimension, sticking close to her wife. “I only wanted to find my Sunset– I made the mistake of taking yours instead– Your Sunset did not leave you, it’s my fault, my judgement was fairly impaired, to say the least…!”

“That seems to be in style for Twilights, heh.” This world’s Sunset grinned, still in her partner's embrace. “You were looking for me on this shady alley?”

“H-holy cow I’m really tall as an alicorn…!” Twilight murmured in complete shock, her glasses uneven.

“Much taller than Starlight, eh?” Her Sunset winked.

Starlight wanted to be wary, to be in a battle stance– But she was completely at a loss of words. “Y-you– You two– What the–”

“Heh…! I knew Starlight was capable, but her being an alicorn in an alternate universe?” The Princess of Harmony giggled to herself. “I’m proud of you, Starlight.”

“U-um, you’re proud of me?!” She grimaced in complete confusion.

Trixie, however, had words to spare. “A Twilight Sparkle and a Sunset Shimmer with wings? Now I’ve seen everything.”

“We’re not a threat, don’t worry.” The Valkyrie shrugged, with a warm smile. “And our counterparts won’t be threats either, will you?”

“We won't.” Sunset stated with absolute certainty and confidence. “C’mon, Twi– Next stop, Canterlot. I want to apologize to Princess Celestia for all we did– And after that? We go anywhere you want.”

“O-okay! Okay!!” Twilight smiled truly, flustering with joy adjusting her glasses. “U-um, how about these two…?”

“I’ve had my fill of them– If you want to ask something to your other self, feel free. That’s what they’re here for, after all!” She shrugged with a grin. “Hey! Other me! Don’t get lost again, will you?”

“I don’t plan to!” The Valkyrie grinned back, with a wing interlocked with her wife. “Good luck out there! Remember to make do with what you have!”

“You too!”

Trixie tried cracking a joke or making a comment regarding how Starlight seemed so much shorter than the two alicorns before them, but her girlfriend silenced her– Starlight had a few dozen questions she planned on asking about the multiverse, but only when their Sunset and Twilight were gone.

Twilight Sparkle slowly and hesitantly approached her Princess self– Only to ask a single question. “...Sunset Shimmer… She’s the right path, isn’t she?”

The Princess of Harmony smiled incredibly fully.

“You have no idea.”

You’re worth it. You’re the key, don’t you see?

Yeah, maybe the universe never needed us.

Maybe there is no destiny we’re bound to. No prophecy we’re fated to uphold– No guarantee that we’re meant for greatness.

But when we get up, when we get up after falling, when we try again, again and again to improve…

We can do so, so much good.

Lights, camera, action– This interview was incredibly important to many.

Lead drummer, Pinkie Pie, from the most raging band of the hour, ‘The Phoenixes’ had gone public with her case weeks ago– But now she was finally taking interviews.

She was getting that desperate.

“One of the most successful rockstars in the world– A band lead no less– Is kidnapped right off her bed, and all of Equestria wonders, why there is no ransom, no demands.” The interviewer shook his head in disappointment, solemnly– several other journalists around them frantically taking notes. “Miss Pie, given your closeness to the situation, I must ask– Just what do you think happened to the beloved Sunset Shimmer?”

There had been a time to cry, there had been a time for anger.

But now Pinkie just wanted her Sunset back.

“...I honestly have no idea. Sunset Shimmer loved me– She loved all of us, she loved the band! And one night, I wake up, roll over to get my dose of nightly cuddles and she’s just– Not there anymore!!!” She pouted, her gaze far. “Sunset would never run away from us, least of all me– She never got stage fright, either, she was completely fearless!! I-I just…! I just can’t even begin to guess why anypony would have taken her and not asked for a ransom, at this point– But I’m freaking out just thinking about it!!”

“It is truly twisted! The most beloved guitarist in all of Equestria, sequestered in the dead of night…!” He nudged the others to take notes. “And the other members of your band, did they not have any ideas of what might have happened, did they perhaps not have… Anything to do with it?”

“Don’t insult the integrity of our band, we’re all lovers, as intimate as anypony can be!!” She huffed in frustration, puffing the collar of the jacket she was wearing that once belonged to Sunset, tired of tabloids. “Flash sleeps like a rock, Lightning Dust is also impossible to wake up if she gets tuckered out– And she absolutely was– And both of them loved Sunset just as much as me! Well, maybe not as much, but STILL!”

Taking notes, the reporter nodded. “And the authorities have had no luck finding her whatsoever?”

“Bah.” She rolled her eyes. “As if. I usually am pretty good at finding Sunset, you know? In the rare moments where we get separated in a crowd, I can sniff her out a mile away– But s-she‘s just gone! There's no trace of her! Like she’s vanished off the face of Equestria!!”

“Truly disconcerting!” He nodded along, smiling at the thought of publishing this. “Backing up a few weeks– May I just say, that show you all threw on northern Equestria, with the Sunset alicorn doppelganger– That was simply fantastic, Pinkie.”

“Heh, yeah, you’ll never believe where we found that lookalike.” She smiled smugly, but her expression dropped soon after. “...That was a one time show, though. It was special, we don’t plan on doing anything like that again– Especially with my Sunset missing…!”

“I believe all of Equestria is hoping you are still capable of returning to your tour– There was an arena in Griffonstone all sold out, wasn’t there?”

“Without Sunset, there’s no band– There’s no ‘Phoenixes’– She brought us together, she was our leader! Without her, there’s no point…!”

“Do you have a statement you would like to give to all your fans, with the dawning chance of your band's impending doom?” The reporter readied his pen.

Pouting, she pondered.

She wasn’t ready for this to end. Her life as a star had been her normal. What would she do after this– Go back to the rock farm? Go back to work in Ponyville?

No, there was no normal after Sunset Shimmer. There was no going back.

And yet, she was not here.

And then she stopped– Their ears twitched, eyes drawn to a corner of the room.

Sparks flew in thin air, a circle of light was formed, then expanded.

The multiversal gateway was shaped, and it felt effortless.

Sunset Shimmer walked through it, guitar casually strapped over her shoulder, grinning casually. “Hey, Pink. Did you miss me?”

Pinkie tackled her to the floor and showered her face with kisses, towering over her. “DON’T YOU EVER DISAPPEAR INTO STRANGE PORTALS AGAIN, SUNSUN!! WHAT EVEN IS THAT WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING I BEEN WORRIED SICK DON’T VANISH LIKE THAT AGAIN!!”

“I don’t plan to, Pink!” She grinned widely, kissing back, nibbling her. “Ah, I never get tired of this taste–”

“--DOWN, GIRL. EXPLAIN YOURSELF, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!!!” She yelled through joyful, angry tears.

Every reporter recoiled in surprise as the princesses of Hope and Harmony stepped into the room with apologetic smiles.

“...Hey, Pink. Remember me? Sorry that your Sunset was missing for weeks, I hope we didn’t ruin your tour, it was kind of our fault.”

“‘Kind of’?” The rockstar raised a smug eyebrow.

“My fault!” Twilight chuckled, shaking her head. “Absolutely my fault. Upon trying to pull my Sunset back to my universe, I accidentally grabbed yours, and well–”

“Hang on.” Pinkie raised a hoof, silencing her, as she beheld her girlfriend’s counterpart– Taller, stronger, with wings to boot. “Babe, is that the somehow even hotter version of you visiting us again? There’s also a hotter version of the Princess of Friendship here– How is this happening?”

“Multiverse shenanigans, Pink. There’s always a hotter Sunset.” The rockstar shrugged, standing up and kissing her again for good measure. “That’s the same one as last time, though.”

“Threesome likelihood rising…!” She rubbed her chin pensively, looking top to bottom at the Valkyrie, liking what she saw. “Are you here for another show, hottie? We’ll have to get the tour back on track, buuuuuut we could squeeze you in, if you get what I’m sayin–”

“No one is squeezing my wife anywhere, thank you.” Twilight affirmed sternly, pouting. “She’s in no shape to do very intensive physical actions at the moment, and when she is, I’m first in line– I mean, well–” She flustered with embarrassment as her wife raised a knowing eyebrow. “I-I’m partial to a dalliance with the Pinkie of our world! But we haven’t decided on anything yet, we have a lot on our plates at the moment, come back later–”

“Hey, if you ever wanna double date, hit us up– You’ve got that portal, don’t you?” Sunset grinned, winking. “Me and Pink gotta get our band back on track, but if you ever wanna visit, you know, heh–”

“I’m still wrapping my head around that you actually bagged the Princess of Friendship in another universe!” Pinkie giggled to herself. “The multiverse is bonkers!”

“Hey speaking of unlikely pairings…!” The Valkyrie stepped closer with curiosity. “By any chance, does your sister Maud have a crush on me in this world too? I kind of saw that happened more than once in the multiverse, and it kind of got me wondering if it was a pattern–”

“--Oh, that? Hah, nah, she totally doesn’t have a crush on you, silly!”

“Oh! Okay, that’s–”

“--It’s entirely sexual.”

“What?”

“Okay, okay–” Twilight put a wing over her wife. “We’re multiversal travelers over here, we don’t plan on coming back to this world– Neither of you want to ask us or suggest anything more constructive?”

Silence.

This world’s Pinkie and Sunset had absolutely nothing constructive to say. They just kissed some more.

“Well, that’s another universe where me and Pinkie hit it off…!” Sunset grimaced, suppressing a chuckle. “...That’s more common than I expected.”

“One more after what I did, I’m sure.” The Rockstar grinned, putting a leg over her girlfriend. “Oh yeah, Pink– There was a Pinkie in her universe, too– We got frisky, I was bored, sorry.”

“Well I’m glad ONE Pinkie got to have a good time these past weeks!” She pouted angrily. “Starting now, no more sharing!!!! Claim staken!! Mine!! I need my Sunsun time!!” She demanded, bringing her closer.

“What about Flash and Lightni–”

“GIMME A DAY!” She kissed her furiously, and most occupants in the room were not sure what to say.

Twilight smiled awkwardly. “Well, um, if you have any questions–”

They knocked the interview table over while making out..

“Any questions about the multiverse and what happened–”

They fell to the floor, kissing furiously.

“Once we go through that portal you’re never seeing us again, so–”

The rockstar waved her hoof dismissively while kissing Pinkie furiously.

Sunset and Twilight exchanged resigned glances, shrugging and chuckling.

The interviewer raised a hoof. “I’d like to ask some questions, actually–”

“--No thanks, goodbye.”

”We’re on a comeback tour, baby!!”

There’s no such thing as destiny. That much I’ve realised pretty obviously.

But this is good news. Our failures aren’t set in stone– And neither are our victories.

This might be the best thing I can do for any of you. I can say it clear as day: You’re not fated to lose. Yes, maybe having lost is a part of being Sunset Shimmer– But getting back up and trying again is, too.

I’ve been where you might be, I’ve felt how it is to prefer not to try. To think it’s not worth it, to think it’s too much. To think I don’t deserve the good things I might get, if I only try.

Don’t hold yourself back.

Get back up.

“I mean, I’m not saying I’m angry, I’m not saying I’m mad–” The Princess of Friendship, Moondancer, pouted. “But she could have at least left a note. She could have given us her two weeks notice!!!”

Starswirl had found this kind of occurrence amusing before– But now he was simply disappointed. “...There is only so much we can do, Princess. Sunset Shimmer has not committed any crime. She has simply… Absconded.”

“After promising me she was going to give this a shot.” She pouted even harder. “After promising me she was going to give… Us a shot.”

“Sunset has always been… Troubled.” Celestia murmured, shaking her head. “She was incredibly capable, much more than she could ever admit to herself– But her insecurities convinced her to give up on a role she coveted. I… I suppose it is my fault.” Her shoulders slumped in disappointment. “If I had told her just how capable she was, given her more courage when she was younger, convinced her, maybe… Maybe she would not have run away from her potential… Again.”

“Bwuh…” Looking away towards one of the many stained glass windows that decorated the Canterlot Palace, Moondancer pouted. “I was just kind of looking forward to not being the only one…!”

“It was always your destiny to endure the tide alone, Moondancer.” Starswirl stated, with a comforting tone that had questionable success. “Your friends will always be with you– But your duty to rule Equestria must rise above the discomfort of solitude.”

“No, my friends won’t always be with me.” She grunted, frowning. “That’s the whole point of alicornhood, isn’t it? I’m not growing older– But my friends are. I just–”

“Ease, my student…!” Celestia gave her an encouraging smile. “Time will always move at the same pace– You will gain nothing by worrying about the distant future… The now is a gift.”

“That is why it’s called present.” Starswirl amused himself with a chuckle.

“I’m just saying, I… Meeting that big, strong alicorn Sunset– It gave me perspective, you know?” She pouted again, looking away. “...I want that.”

“You cannot make someone be who you wish they were, my student.” Celestia noted with warmth. “I know for a fact, Sunset won’t benefit from any attempts to change who she is– Nudges, perhaps– But in the end… She has to stay true to herself.”

Starswirl coughed.“I suppose staying true to herself in this case means running away...”

“Bwuh…” She sulked again, wings slumped, without energy. “...Is it too early to put a bounty on her?”

Celestia couldn’t help but let out a light chuckle, one even Starswirl joined on. “Moondancer, do you honestly believe being dragged back here would incentivize her to work with us? I imagine it would have the opposite effect…!”

“I’m just saying, put her in a room with me, and with one lecture, maybe two, and I can convince her to join me in–”

She stopped– Their ears twitched, eyes drawn to a corner of the room.

Sparks flew in thin air, a circle of light was formed, then expanded.

The multiversal gateway was shaped, and it felt effortless.

And from it, a royal guard helmet rolled out.

“Shoot! Crap.” Sunset stepped out of the portal, picking it up, wearing it once more alongside her armor. “Ruined my whole entrance, damnit–” She inhaled, shrugged, then beheld the group, smiling awkwardly. “...Hey everypony, I’m baaaaack…!”

“S-Sunset!!” Moondancer gasped with gleeful surprise.

“Youngster.” Starswirl’s eyes went wide, looking beyond her. “Is that an interdimensional portal?” His voice grave, understanding precisely the weight of the situation.

“Welcome back, little one!” Celestia stepped forward, but was wary of the portal. “...Where have you been, exactly…?”

“...I’ll let these two explain that.” Sunset grinned, pointing behind her.

The Princess of Hope and the Princess of Harmony stepped through the portal, waving their wings with apologetic smiles.

“Hello again…! Remember me?”

“You must have a lot of questio– OH MY GOSH IT’S FUCKING STARSWIRL!!!!!!!”

“It sure is, Sparkles.” The Valkyrie grinned incredibly warmly, knowing this was coming, nudging her with a wing.

Amused, chuckling, the old unicorn nodded. “It is I indeed, youngster– I take it you are the wife?”

“Y-YOU KNOW ME– OF ME– YOU KNOW ME BWUH?!”

“Why yes, your wife talked extensively of you when she visited us– I predicted that it may not be the last we saw of her, and I am quite pleased that I was right.” He nodded wisely. “I imagine you–”

“--P-please sign a copy of your biography of s-mells– I MEAN SPELLS– I sleep with this, I learned so much from it– I’m a huge fan– But not in a creepy way– I want to be just like you when I grow up– I mean I’m already grown but–”

“--Ease, youngster! Hah! Here I thought your wife would have gifted you her signed copy already?” he chuckled heartily, endlessly pleased.

“Oh she did but I want more.”

“There will be time for autographs, for now, would you mind explaining to me a bit of the science behind that portal there? I gave up on interdimensional travel long ago, but I can’t help but curious–”

Twilight let out a squeal of joy as she pranced towards the portal, intent on overexplaining every aspect of it, all while her wife giggled with glee, watching her so excited and happy.

Moondancer, however, was still flabbergasted. “...Why is Twilight so much taller than me?!”

“You’ll get there someday, I’m sure.” Her Sunset shrugged, coming closer with an earnest smile. “...Are you okay? I’m really sorry for leaving– Well, it wasn’t my fault, but still. I hope it didn’t cause much trouble here…!”

Her surprise and shock turned to joy, as her eyes gleamed. “O-oh we’re fine!! I-I definitely wasn’t counting the days, wracking my brain over where you might have gone, well–” She inhaled, centering herself. “...You’re staying, right?”

“I’m staying.” She smiled warmly. “...If you’ll have me, of course. I know I’m not really good at handling this kind of life, but… I’m willing to give it another shot, if you–”

Moondancer silenced her with a warm hug.

Celestia inched closer, with a smug, joyfull smirk, pointing at the Princess of Hope. “See, little one? I knew you could do it! Even if in another world– I am still certain you can!”

“Oh my god.”Sunset covered her face with her hooves in embarrassment. Regaining her composure, she nudged Moondancer. “Okay, the two wonder alicorns are going to be chatting it up with the old man for a while– Wanna get out of here?”

This was her chance to meet an alternate version of a friend she knew well.

But it was also the chance to get closer to Sunset Shimmer.

“...Let’s go!” She announced with a smile, walking side by side with her new partner in training.

I know that sometimes it’s tempting to give up– To not try anymore. A lot of us have been burned and hurt, abandoned or forgotten.

But there is hope. There is always hope.

I know it seems faint, at times. That it feels fickle, futile, pointless.

But I promise you– I promise you it’s worth it to give your life a chance.

The people you’ve hurt will forgive you.

The people you miss will forgive you.

All you have to do is try.

Once again, the city is saved by the mighty Power Ponies!

And once again, the city is endangered– And the mighty Power Ponies are there to save it!

And once again, the city is saved by the mighty Power Ponies!

And once again, Twilight Sparkle is alone at work.

She saved the city, the entire world, from an alien threat. She should be happy– Motivated, ecstatic, even– But all she could think of was this…

…Why was her coworker’s desk still empty?!

She pouted. A lot of her other coworkers had gone home. Many parts of the city were still under repairs, so many were spending their time off work with their loved ones, the economy was generally still recovering, and our beloved hero just wanted to make herself useful.

This was city hall, of course, so their jobs were quite important in helping Maretropolis heal.

So she got busy, and made herself useful.

It was better than to try and conceptualize what had happened to Sunset Shimmer– After all, several buildings and streets had been destroyed during the Argent attack.

Sunset could have gotten unlucky. The thought made Twilight’s stomach twist– They had gone on one date, and promised a second.

And now it was like Sunset had vanished off the face of Maretropolis.

The Masked Matter-Horn was not an investigator– But even her employer, Mayor Celestia, had been curious.

Twilight had been handed a personnel file of Sunset Shimmer– And with it, the information of where she lived.

Twilight Sparkle wasn’t very agile. But the Masked Matter-Horn was.

And when she found Sunset’s apartment… It was entirely empty– No sign of life– with an eviction notice at the door to boot.

And now, all she could do was mull over on why the mare that she was so curious about had simply vanished. Hoping for the best, expecting the worst.

It had caused her to slip. Her mind was elsewhere often. She had never been like this before, even her friends could tell something was wrong.

Having a crush on someone and being worried about them wasn't exactly part of the hero gig.

“Twilight?”

She blinked several times, snapping herself out of her trance. “Y-yess, Miss Mayor?! S-sorry, I was a bit spaced out there…!”

“...Is that a pun regarding the recent alien attack?” The mayor raised an amused eyebrow.

“O-oh!! Hahaha, no, no, not at all!” She nervously shook her head. “It’s just– Well, I’m worried about Sunset, you know…!”

For a moment, Celestia cast a worried glance towards the empty desk of one of her favorite employees.

“...Well, we can only hope she’s just missing, not a casualty. Sunset Shimmer is pretty strong– I trust that wherever she is, it’s for a reason… That being said, one more week, and I’ll have to consider replacing her.”

“I-I’ll take on her workload! There’s no reason to fire her, haha!!”

“Twilight, you already work incredibly hard as it is. And your track record with missing work is dubious at times…” The mayor beheld her with amusement. “...Please, don’t force yourself like this. It won’t help anypony, least of all Sunset.”

“I’m just saying, if Sunset comes back, she’ll probably still want her job…!”

“Maybe she will, or maybe she ran away… You can't control how others act, Twilight.” She shrugged, smiling with pity. “Speaking of which, I’ll close the office soon. I have some work I still need to do, but you should–”

They stopped– Their ears twitched, eyes drawn to a corner of the room.

Sparks flew in thin air, a circle of light was formed, then expanded.

The multiversal gateway was shaped, and it felt effortless.

Sunset stepped out of it, carrying a backpack with her, and expression dropped with disappointment immediately. “Oh. Of course this portal would lead me back to my goddamn day job… Hey boss! Hey Twi…!”

“S-Sunset!!” Twilight gasped in shock, wary at the portal behind her.

“Oh, we’re closing soon, you don’t have to clock in, Sunset.” Celestia noted with a cheerful tone.

Behind the unicorn came the two Princesses– One significantly more confused than the other. “Wow. So this is an ‘office space?’” Twilight looked around in confusion. “Huh. I'm underwhelmed.”

“Yeah, some universes just have a really different architecture and structure, generally, some just have different rules… This universe also has lesser magic. It’s weird.” Her wife noted with a smile. “Oh. And ‘superheroes.’”

“Me but taller?!?!” Twilight recoiled, entering a wary stance. “S-Sunset, other Sunset, are you the Sunset that–” She immediately shut her mouth.

“Yes I am. The Valkyrie. I helped you beat that Argent scout, remember?” She bowed with a grin, unaware of the risk this posed to Twilight's secret identity, and unaware that everyone in the room knew who she really was. “We’ve met! We just wanted to give you your Sunset back– We accidentally took her into our universe- it was a whole thing.”

“Gosh this is getting repetitive.” The Princess of Harmony chuckled, shaking her head.

“Try doing this a thousand times!” Her wife laughed with her. “It gets old!”

“So, as you can see…!” Sunset grinned awkwardly, pointing at the two alicorns. “...I got kidnapped into another dimension for over two months. I’m not fired for this, am I?” She pouted.

“Of course you’re not, Sunset.” The Mayor assured with a smile. “It’s wonderful to see you’re okay…!”

“Thanks. I’m glad to be back here, you’ve got no idea.” She grinned, letting out a sigh of relief, but then approaching Twilight. “...Hey.”

“H-hi! Sorry! Um! This is a lot to wrap my head around…!” She kept glancing between the two Sunsets. “I-I mean, as an ordinary citizen of Maretropolis, we see strange things every day, but that is quite strange, isn’t it–”

“Yep. Totally ordinary citizen. That’s what you are.” She let out a knowing grin. “Are you clocking out?”

“I-I am! Yes!”

“Sweet. I owed you a second date, didn’t I?” She winked.

I suppose I’m biased as well…

I’m biased to wanting to see other versions of myself do well– Because I did well too.

I know it can be hard to believe that there’s still a chance. And I know that this letter can only do so much to convince you.

But you have to know, deep down in your heart, you have to understand…

…That you still want to be loved.

And you still can, Sunset.

You still can.

Maud was known for being level headed, for being calm– She was known purely for her exterior.

Many couldn’t tell when she was angry, when she was grieving, or when she was in anguish. In a sense, she didn’t mind that– It never bothered her that her feelings were private. Not even her sister could easily tell when she was hanging on by a thread.

Much like a volcano resembles a mountain from a distance, she resembled a calm and collected pony on the outside.

But these weeks had been rough.

Once again, she was at Twilight's castle– Once again, the volcano looked like a mountain.

But there was fire within.

“You’re a princess. You can put up a bounty.” She affirmed simply, sitting close to Twilight, in the privacy of her kitchen.

“And who would that bounty be for?” The alicorn let out an ironic smile. “The Mysterious Mare Do Well… Or Sunset Shimmer?”

“I know risking her secret identity being revealed is a problem. I know that. But if she was taken or she’s dead or even if she ran away– We need to know.” Her voice barely cracked. “We need to.”

“Maud… She kept her identity hidden from me perfectly for years. I think it’s safe to say she knows how to hide…!” Twilight was incredibly empathetic of the Earth Pony’s situation– Even if she was much more logical about it. “...We’re not going to find her by getting lucky.”

“She made a lot of enemies that didn’t know her face. For all we know, one of them got to her.” She inched even closer to the table. “We can’t take another day to risk that.”

“...What you’re hypothesizing implies that she’s dead already, Maud…!” Twilight shuddered. “...But I don’t believe that. Any of her enemies would have already taken the chance to gloat if they had beaten her– And unmask her, especially.”

Silence.

Maud blinked. Suppressing so much. “...She wouldn’t run away from us.”

“...I hope you’re right about that.”

“She wouldn’t run away from me.”

“...What do you want me to say, Maud…?” Twilight let out a resigned sigh. “No matter how many times we talk about this, it isn’t going to change the fact that she’s just not here. Ugh, and I was so looking forward to telling Celestia Sunset was alive and well, too…!”

“Why are you letting this happen.” Maud came closer, lips quivering.

“I-I’m not letting anything happen!! T-there’s just nothing I can do!”

“You’re a princess. Do something. You have resources. Please do something.” Maud implored as calmly as she could.

“Look, we just have to face the facts– I know it hurts, but if people keep seeing us chat about her, they might suspect–”

“--I don’t care about the Mysterious Mare Do Well. I just want Sunset back.” She sat down, suppressing so much. “I just want her back. I just want her back.”

Twilight let out a defeated sigh. “I want her back too, there’s just–”

“--Don’t say it.” Maud snapped. “Don’t say there’s nothing you can do. I’m sick of hearing it. Everything was fine before you found out her identity. I was willing to extend an olive branch because I knew how much you meant to her– But days later, she was just gone. The Mysterious Mare Do Well vanished only a few days after a Princess of Friendship discovered who she really was.”

“I can’t believe you might be blaming me. Honestly, Maud!” Twilight pouted, frowning, trying not to be too mad. “I cared about Sunset too– Maybe I didn’t get to know her as well as you did, but–”

“--And now you might never get to. You don’t even know what you’re missing out on.” Maud’s expression hardened slightly, as she suppressed tears. “Though maybe I should be happy about that– At least in this universe, I was the only one that got to know Sunset Shimmer inside and out. It was a privilege, and now it’s a curse.”

“I cared about her! I was looking forward to spending more time with her, understanding her, having her help us in the light, not in the dark– You can’t pin the blame on me just because you’re getting Sunset withdrawal!! The alicorn version of her was pretty clear about what the right thing to do was, and it was to make an effort to be with us!! If Sunset choose to leave, it wasn’t my fault!!–”

They stopped– Their ears twitched, eyes drawn to a corner of the room.

Sparks flew in thin air, a circle of light was formed, then expanded.

The multiversal gateway was shaped, and it felt effortless.

Incredibly skillfully, the Mysterious Mare Do Well ran through it, slowing her pace as she glanced around. “...I’m back! YES! I’M HOME, YES!!!” Removing her mask and hat, she smiled warmly. “Oh good, you’re both here–”

Maud tackled her to the floor and towered over her– Eyes watery, trying her best to keep her expression from breaking. “Where were you. I was worried sick. Why didn’t you leave a note. Where were you. I missed you.”

“I missed you too, Maud.” She pulled the Earth Pony into a hug, letting out a relieved chuckle.

“S-Sunset! Oh my gosh, I’m so glad you’re back…!” Twilight came closer, but did not interrupt the show of affection. “...We were starting to kind of lose it with worry, haha…! I’m pretty sure Maud was about to attack me.”

“Pff, c’mon, she wouldn’t do that!” The Hero of Ponyville joked.

“I was considering it.”

“It’s such a relief to know you’re okay…!” Twilight smiled warmly, sitting next to them. “...Um, and what is that portal?!”

“They’ll explain it.” Sunset kissed Maud, then stood up, helping her up as well. “Remember that other me?”

With amused waves of their wings, the Princesses of Hope and Harmony stepped into the room.

“Hey Maud, hey Twi. Your Sunset absolutely did not leave you– Sorry…!” The Valkyrie smiled awkwardly.

“I’m so sorry for the inconvenience– I was trying to get my Sunset back home, and I accidentally pulled yours into my universe instead…!” Twilight assured with a kind smile. “...Um, and I see Maud has this Sunset already…”

“Me but taller?!?!” The other Twilight recoiled in confusion– “H-hah! Wow! You weren't kidding, Sunset! Your wife really is, um–”

“Tall, yes.” The Valkyrie gloated, winking. “You’ll get there, I’m sure.”

Pouting, the Princess of Harmony came closer to her counterpart, whispering in annoyance. “Hey. Please don’t tell me you have a love triangle going on here.”

Flustering in embarrassment, Twilight fidgeted. “I-It’s undecided– We haven’t really had much time to figure out what we’re going to–”

“Nip this in the bud, now. You can’t afford the risk of losing Sunset just because of some petty grudge– You don’t have to make an enemy out of Maud either– Just learn to share and be nice, there’s plenty of Sunset to go around!”

“I mean, I don’t know if I’m in love per se–”

“Are you kidding me? You even lucked out and got one of the hunkier Sunsets– And the average Sunset is pretty hunky already!” The Princess of Harmony amused herself. “Now, you two are going to make up and accept you both care about her, and for the future of your Equestria, you will learn to share.”

The Hero of Ponyville looked around with a nervous fluster. “Wait, share what–”

Maud was still clinging to her fiercely. “I can be obliged to share once I have my fill.”

“Girls, were you fighting over me–”

“Okay, we share.” Twilight clapped a hoof with a smirk. “I can make a rotation system, maybe make a few charts about this, actually–”

“--Oh my god.” The Mysterious Mare Do Well realized incredibly fast that her two favorite mares wanted her badly. “I can’t believe how much this is working for me.”

“I love diplomacy.” Maud grinned. “It’s good to see you again, Sunset. Your wife is pretty cool.”

“If either of you have any questions about what happened, me and Sunset can clarify easily…! And again, I'm so sorry for taking your Sunset away from you.”

“Alright, ask them anything you want, you two.” The Hero of Ponyville put her mask and hat back on, and turned around.

“W-wait, where are you going??” Her Twilight’s gaze moved between the two Sunsets frantically.

“Home. Ponyville.” The Hero grinned confidently. “I’m ready to do things differently. It’s time for the Mysterious Mare Do Well to show her face to the people she protects, don’t you think?”

I’ll admit– It was hard to let go of this.

Sending this letter is my way of closing this final chapter on my own terms.

My wife called it ‘multiverse fever’-- In the first months I was back, I kept mentioning and thinking endlessly about all my alternate selves, all these other choices– Especially the ones that went wrong. It was really hard to let go of how much I had been forced to see.

So much hurt. But so much joy, too. So many possibilities and choices– I did my best to help as many counterparts as I could…

And I kept thinking about helping more.

This letter is my way to clear my consciousness– It’ll have to be enough.

I’ll admit. It’s hard to stay in the present.

At night, at times– I wake up, worried that in any second, I’ll be thrusted into another universe. That in less than an hour, my time is up. And I won’t be allowed to rest anymore…

…But then I look to my side, and she’s right there. Embracing me.

It’s getting easier every day. Her love keeps me strong. It keeps me steady.

This was just another challenge. One we both overcame, better than ever, better together.

I’m getting stronger.

“Twilight, darling, honestly– It’s okay to take a break, you know?” Rarity wasn’t taking this seriously nearly enough as she should be.

“You’re not taking this seriously nearly enough as you should be.” The Princess of Friendship was exhausted from frowning and worrying. There was a lot of paperwork and correspondence she still needed to review, and her friend was not the most qualified to assist. “Do you realize how we’ve set back international public relations a few centuries?!”

Brushing her mane with one of her bat wing’s claws, Rarity shrugged with a pompous smile. “Please, darling– Can’t we blame all of what happened on mass hysteria? We were all technically affected by a… What was it you said?”

“--Magical pathogen.” She pouted in annoyance.

Chuckling lightly, Applejack, who sat next to Rarity, nuzzled her. “I don’t think it’s that easy, sugarcube. Your lil blood empire was kinda rampant for a while there– I should know, I was tryin’ to end it.”

“W-well still– I hadn’t even declared war on any neighbouring country– Yet– And what's more, Celestia and Luna are back, nopony needs to drink blood anymore, can’t we all just, you know, sweep all this under the proverbial rug?”

Twilight let out an exasperated groan. “Ugh, small favors– At least Celestia and Luna are taking the brunt of the work– Most of the other world leaders don’t even trust me because of these–” She pointed at her pointy teeth, and clawed feathery wings. “I can’t believe I ever let this happen…!”

“C’mon Twi, it ain’t all yer fault…!”

“I appreciate the sentiment, Applejack, but it literally is.” She closed her eyes in frustration. “I’m the one that messed up the bat-pony cure spell all those years back– I caused this stupid epidemic in the first place, and now I’m having to basically pull a country back from the brink of insanity nearly entirely alone, holding it all together, and I’ve had headaches for weeks and–”

She stopped– Their ears twitched, eyes drawn to a corner of the room.

Sparks flew in thin air, a circle of light was formed, then expanded.

The multiversal gateway was shaped, and it felt effortless.

“Are we, uh– Scheduled for a big weird portal openin’?” Applejack raised an eyebrow.

From the magical gate, stepped out Sunset Shimmer– Who took wary, shy steps, her bat wings held close to her side.

“...S-Sunset?!” Twilight’s eyes widened. “I-is that you?!”

She did not respond. Instead, she eyed one of the open windows, galloped towards it, and leapt through.

“...What in the world was that?” Rarity squinted.

The Princess of Hope ran through the portal, grunting in annoyance. “Hey! She just jumped out of those windows, didn’t she?!”

“Um–” Was all Twilight could reply.

With fierce magical movements and groans of frustration, she ran towards one of the windows, and pulled her counterpart back violently, placing her on a tight headlock.

“Oh hey, I remember her!”

“Oh dear, she was with you on the final bloodmoon, wasn’t she?”

The Vampire Sunset complained. “U-ugh– Why do you even care, man!? This isn’t your world! Let me just–” But she was silenced as the grip tightened.

“This is your world, and you should care.” The Valkyrie brought her closer to the Princess of Friendship, frowning. “Hey, Twi. This is for you.” She pinned her counterpart down on the floor with a grin.

“W-what?!” Was all the alicorn could ask, dumbfounded.

“...Why are there two of em’?”

“Shush darling, I want to hear the drama.”

“...She tried to run away, didn’t she?” The Princess of Harmony stepped into the room, letting out an annoyed sigh, beholding Sunset’s other self with disappointment.

“Me but taller?!?!” The Princess of Friendship stuttered in confusion.

“Yep! Allow us to explain.” With a calm smile, the Valkyrie continued to pin her counterpart down. “A few weeks ago, I helped you save your world from vampirism– But I couldn’t stay for long due to my curse.”

Her wife was quick to add. “Meanwhile, in my universe, I was trying to get my wife back– And wound up bringing Sunsets from other universes in her stead… Your Sunset was one of them.”

“We haven’t met.” The Sunset in question sputtered out in annoyance.

“Take it from a Twilight Sparkle who is happily married, other me– Having a special somepony in your corner helping you out, lessening the workload, one that is qualified for the same role you have will help you immensely. And well, if your friendship has some benefits…!”

“This other me is completely devoid of purpose, she has no home or anything else to run from anymore– Can we count on you to give her direction? Oh– And don’t let her avoid Celestia.”

“S-stop talking about me like I’m not here, assholes!” The vampire complained in her grasp. “I’m not you! I’m not going to be a perfect helper, a perfect assistant, a perfect wife– Stop projecting–”

The Valkyrie shut her up by squeezing harder.

Cautiously, the Princess of Friendship approached her world’s Sunset– Alternating her gaze between the two, letting out a sigh. “...Sunset… Thank you for helping me cure the world, but… I’m hanging on by a thread as is– I can’t afford to reform anypony right now, sorry…!”

“Indeed. It will be a lot easier if she makes the effort, won’t it? And hell– It would be a lot easier to rebuild Equestria with someone on your corner that once was trained under the same skillset.” The Valkyrie leaned low. “You’ll make the effort, won’t you?”

Despite being pinned down, she still had the energy to act annoyed. “...I’m not the Sunset you think I am– I’m not as strong as you. Stop trying to set us up, it’ll never work, just let me go already–”

“You’re at a crossroads, Sunset.” The Princess of Harmony affirmed sternly, yet kindly. “...This is your chance to make a positive difference in the world… And maybe find happiness along the way as well. Celestia will forgive you for running away, and Twilight will need you in these trying times…!”

“This isn’t just about saving the world, other me. We just want you to be happy– But we won’t be here to babysit you. You have to make the effort.”

Flustering quietly, the Princess of Friendship hesitated. “...W-wow, you two work so well together…!”

“You’ve got no idea.” The Valkyrie grinned, before letting go of her grip on her counterpart slowly. “Are you going to behave?”

She did not respond, she simply sat there, looking through her world’s Princess, and briefly glancing at the open windows.

Running away was easy.

Finding happiness and fulfillment, on the other hand, was incredibly hard.

But maybe, just maybe, it was worth it to try.

“...You’re working on international correspondence between our kingdoms and our… Well, ex-allies, right?”

Twilight blinked in surprise. “Y-yes! Yes. It’s been a lot– We’re getting dozens of letters every day– Provinces, kingdoms, direct correspondence from rulers– Some are pointing out there are still rogue vampires in certain underground areas waiting to prey on them at night, others are trying to assert that they don’t trust us and that we’re on thin ice… Celestia and Luna are out there meeting the leaders in person to give out apologies and explanations, but–”

“Alright.” With an assured nod, Sunset walked over to the table and sat by it. “...How can I help?”

“Oh wonderful! We’ve got our own Sunset now– A considerably less hunky one, but still!”

“Play nice, sugarcube. This will be good for Twi.”

I know I’m biased– I know I could make this very simple and tell you to seek out your Twilight Sparkle and make it work, for the good of Equestria.

But this is about you. Not all of Equestria.

For all I know, you’re not even in Equestria– But wherever you are, look around you.

What would make you happy? What would make you feel loved?

What would make your life worth living?

I can’t save every world. I know I can’t. I’ll have to accept that– I’ll just have to take it.

But I can save you.

And after that… Who’s to say you won’t save someone else?

“W-WE NEED MORE WEIGHT ON THE BARRICADE– WE NEED MORE–” The Griffon Guard bellowed in a panic, but it was too late.

The front gate of their palace became splinters, and any form of additional defense they had placed upon it fell just as easily.

“FOR GRIFFONKIND– FOR ALL EQUESTRIA!!”

Some guards gave up immediately– Not many, but some ran away, deeper into the castle, hoping to be able to fly away through some window, maybe outrun them.

They were outnumbered and outmuscled.

“T-THERE’S TOO MANY OF THEM–”

And those that stayed to fight all fell. They were only flesh to their enemies.

“M-MERCY, PLEASE!!”

Twilight Sparkle led the charge. Her eyes dead, her mouth drooling with fresh blood. Behind her were dozens upon dozens of Canterlot guards, very much the same.

And in the sky, the moon glowed coldly with a golden hue.

“I-IT’S THE END TIMES!!”

The Griffons let out battle cries, panicked screams, as they attacked. Spears, crossbows, it didn’t matter.

With her magic, she blocked any projectiles, it was all fruitless. She would toss any combatant aside, force them down with intensified gravity, and her armada would feast on the exposed enemies without hesitation.

“P-PLEASE, WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS–”

Her force was vicious. With her magic, she shattered doors, broke walls, tore down statues and banners, all while she searched fruitlessly.

“R-RETREAT– O-OH NO–”

They made quick work of any survivor. More flesh for the pile.

Their sickness only worked on ponies– The other races of Equestria were meals.

Her guards cornered one of the survivors who surrendered. With a raspy scream, she commanded them to stand down.

He was completely surrounded by bloodthirsty undead, their muzzles still damp with the flesh of their enemies.

“P-please, please, in the name of all cardinal winds, please don’t kill me, please– Please just leave us be, you’ve butchered every–”

A raspy bark silenced him immediately. Twilight stomped a hoof on the floor.

With her horn shining, she made a holographic image.

A half-toned sun, orange and golden.

She pointed at it with a wing, and let out emphatic, frustrated, vicious growls.

“W-what? What? I-I don’t understand, what–”

Stomping another hoof on the floor, she cried out again, angrier, madder.

“P-please, mercy, please– I don’t understand–”

The guards were quiet. They all pointed at the half tone sun.

And Twilight pointed at it with a wing once more, infuriated, coming closer to the survivor.

“I-is that symbol of s-something you want?! I-I don’t understand– Is it– is it, oh god–”

Her gaze was lifeless, and yet it held unending rage, it made him wince and whimper.

With an almost relieved smile, he thought he understood what she meant, if only for a moment. “T-that– That’s… That’s Celestia’s cutie mark, isn’t it?! Are you looking for something related to–”

Twilight sunk her jaws into his neck and shook viciously. He was dead within seconds, and she kept going, and her guards joined her.

Minutes after they had gorged themselves, she barked orders again. The guards dispersed, looking for more survivors.

Her eyes studied the room. She hadn’t even taken into account that it was the griffonstone palace throne room– Nor did she care. It had been restructured as some sort of war room, no doubt strategizing on how to stop her, not that it did them any good.

Only a few more guards inspected the surroundings, while she rummaged through correspondence found in some of the desks.

Several maps of Equestria were drawn and written on. The centers were mostly scribbled out as ‘infected’ and ‘dangerous’, she could see where more outposts were located, where supply lines were still being used. Rummaging through them accidentally stained many of them in blood. She didn’t care.

Before she could decide where her next stop would be, she stopped.

Her ears twitched, eyes drawn to a corner of the room.

Sparks flew in thin air, a circle of light was formed, then expanded.

The multiversal gateway was shaped, and it felt effortless.

She was wary, so incredibly wary.

But all her defenses were lowered as soon as her wife stepped through the portal– And ran towards her with loving, exhausted growls.

She yelled out in relief and surprise, and they immediately embraced each other, nuzzled each other, shared loving affirmations, apologies, assurances.

Twilight felt her wife with her wings, with her hooves– Making entirely certain that this was real, and was rewarded with kisses and more nuzzles– She almost giggled, almost cried with relief.

Neither of them were capable of crying anymore.

Her anger had not subsided, but her love was there to hold her. She grunted and growled on the crook of Sunset’s neck, still trying to understand what had happened– But ultimately relieved to have found her again.

“I’m… Sorry.”

Her own living voice resounded from the corner of the room. Her undead heart pounded furiously as she turned to the source.

“...I’m so sorry.” The Princess of Harmony muttered quietly, carefully, side by side with her wife. “...I didn’t mean to take your wife. I didn’t mean to…” Her eyes briefly glanced at the mangled corpses stacked in the corner of the room.

Twilight growled and yelled, stomped a hoof on the floor and intended on charging– But her wife held her back, forced to stop, growling in quite the same way, trying to get her attention, getting her to back down.

Undead guards that were in other rooms entered this one, all drawn to their Princess’s screams of anger, eyeing the portal with dangerous curiosity.

The Undead Valkyrie’s screams halted any approaching guards, but only slightly– their attention held firm.

“...Your wife helped us. We’re sorry we took her– But she understands the value of preserving, well–” It was difficult to try to converse with someone that could only scream and make noises, but the Princess of Hope still tried. “...We’re on the same page.”

The Undead Valkyrie continued to hold her wife back, to grunt and growl at her, trying to calm her down– All while Twilight glared at her counterpart and let out raspy profanities.

More guards gathered at the opposite end of the room. All glaring at them. They would stop whenever their Sunset would bark orders, but slowly continue approaching soon after.

“...I didn’t mean to take her from you. We won’t be returning here, you don’t have to worry.” The Princess of Harmony assured. “I just hope, well…! I just hope you two can…”

More and more guards approached. Some were pegasi, mid flight. Others were crawling on the walls. All were glaring at the two of them.

“I just hope you two can find your peace…!” She wished desperately.

The undead Princess finally calmed down. She calmed down and embraced her wife, who embraced her back– And both beheld their counterparts with indecipherable, cold glares.

Like looking at a twisted, blood mirror.

There were a lot of guards behind them.

“...I think we should leave.” Sunset muttered gravely, carefully.

“Y-yes, yes, I think we should.” her wife stood closer to her. “...G-goodbye…! And I’m sorry…”

They were watched the entire way.

Dozens of dead, unfeeling eyes, quietly observing the last living alicorns leave Equestria– and this universe.

This is getting a bit jumbled, isn’t it? Heh.

Sorry– There are so many worlds, so many mes– I hope that what I’m writing makes some sense. I’m trying to be inspiring, I hope I’m not being confusing.

You know what– I know what to do. Let me get my wife to write a bit on this too! (That’s right, I’m married, heh.)

Hello, any and all Sunsets. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m shutting this down as soon as possible, we need to put all this equipment away, my beloved needs bed rest, and she’s stubborn.

C’mon, Sparkles, don’t be a buzzkill, this is life saving, sage-like multiversal advice I’m giving out here! This is your chance to help out hundreds of other selves!

Oh please, there’s only so much wisdom we can give– Your other selves still have free will, you know? And I trust that they’ll make the right choices! You don’t have to hold their hooves and convince them to do it…

…But it’s adorable to see how much you care about them. How much you care about saving as many worlds as possible.

And kind of hot.

I see what you’re doing, but it’s not going to get me to stop writing this letter.

Dangit.

…Yet.

Yay!

Now, come on, my Star… Won’t you hear my plea, and write some encouraging words for my other selves?

Fine, but you’re not getting out of that bed for anything after we’re done, My Sun. I mean it. You’re mine.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Queen of the Night had no energy left to spare to be angry– But she would make do.

“So. Repeat this for me, one more time. She approached you, in the dead of night, asked to see your multiversal research, and your first instinct was to obey her every command and create dangerous untested magic together?!”

Hermes, who was only now coming to terms with how screwed he was, nodded incredibly nervously. “U-um– Yes, that’s about the sum of it. I-I figured whatever what she was doing was above board, and not just that, but, U-um, who am I to say no to the Princess of Friendship?!”

There were guards inspecting his research, confiscating everything he had, handling it poorly.

Snarling in annoyance, Luna rubbed her temples. “So now if we’d like to get her back, we’ll have to try and develop this idiotic technology even further?!”

“I-I suppose so! Um, if you want, I, uh, do have blueprints of a multiversal lasso– It is difficult to explain, but essentially, if we have Princess Twilight’s genetic code, we can pull her from wherever universe she is to this one, and maybe–”

“--Silence.” Luna commanded fiercely. “I will consider our options while you spend time in detainment– I have a lot of work to do as a solo ruler, and if Twilight choose to run away, maybe it is what I–”

They stopped– Their ears twitched, eyes drawn to a corner of the room.

Sparks flew in thin air, a circle of light was formed, then expanded.

The multiversal gateway was shaped, and it felt effortless.

“I-I’m not doing that!!” Hermes apologized with an awkward grimace.

“LOOK ALIVE!” Luna bellowed towards the guards around them, who immediately became wary of the portal, readying for a fight.

But there was no fight. Instead, the Princess of Friendship stepped through– Resigned, with a chain in her neck that bound her horn.

She said no words– Just glanced quietly around the room, letting out a sigh.

“...Twilight?! What in Equestria happened to you–” Luna came closer with worry– But that worry soon turned to anger. “You left us– Merely to pursue some unethical, strange, untested form of magic– Why?!”

“You know why.” Her voice was raspy, tired, defeated.

Luna sat down, exhaling in anger. “...Well…? Did you do it?”

“What do you think…?” She replied in quiet frustration, tugging at her own chains.

From the portal, two more alicorns emerged. The Princess of Hope was the first to speak. “Don’t remove those chains just yet. Wait until we’re gone.”

“S-Sunset?! Y-you’re back?!” But Luna quickly understood. “...No, you are not our Sunset, are you– And you–”

“I’m not your Twilight either. She is.” The Princess of Harmony shook her head sternly. “She tried coming to my universe to replace me and steal my Sunset– I didn’t let her.”

With an annoyed groan, Luna looked down. “...Of course she did. She will be swiftly reprimanded. On behalf of my world, I apologize.”

“It all ended well– She understands what she did wrong.” Sunset noted with a pity-filled look. “We’re not planning on using this technology after we’re done, and we recommend you bury yours too.” She cast a brief, stern look at Hermes. “...And stop him from ever trying to use it again.”

“H-hey! I was following her orders, alright?!” He pouted at the Princess of Friendship. “I have my own job to go back to– I’m more than done with this, and would like not to spend time in prison, thank you very much!”

“Please…” Quietly, yet strongly, the Princess of Harmony stepped forward. “...Don’t punish her. Living without Sunset Shimmer is punishment enough…!”

“Ugh.” Luna understood plainly what it was like to live without a loved one. “I will consider it. Will that be all? I’d like to go back to work, and you all have your world to take care of, don’t you?”

“Yes, we do. We’re almost done undoing this mess, too.” Twilight let out a relieved smile. “We should get going– There’s no need to dangle you in front of her for any longer than we have to, My Sun.”

“Wait…!” Quietly, fearfully, The Princess pleaded, tugging at the chain bound to her neck. “...Sunset…! C-can I kiss you one last time… Um, please…?”

The Valkyrie grimaced awkwardly, shooting a careful glance towards her wife. “Um… It’s not me you should be asking permission for that. Sorry.”

The Two Twilight’s eyes met. The taller one was frowning– Completely aware of what was happening, annoyed. The other was understandably awkward, if not frustrated.

“...You’re gonna have her for a millenia. Please just let me have this one last time. Don’t be selfish…!”

“Me, selfish?! Me?!?! Selfish–” But she stopped herself before snapping, taking a deep inhale, then an exhale, smiling. “Okay. You know what? Yes, you can kiss my wife one last time.”

“R-really?” Her eyes lit up.

Sunset was going to step forward, but her wife stopped her with a wing, smiling the whole way.

“Yes. But first:”

Passionately, fiercely, the Princess of Harmony held onto the Princess of Hope and kissed her breathlessly, furiously– for over half a minute they embraced and kissed.

And when she let go, she was smiling all the same.

“U-um–” The Valkyrie couldn’t help but giggle to herself. “What was uh– What was that for?”

“Just reminding my other self who you belong to.” The Princess of Harmony grinned mischievously, flirtatiously, raising an eyebrow. “You’re mine.”

“Y-yes! Correct!” Sunset smiled dumbly, flustered. “Uh, yes!”

“Can I have my turn now.” Twilight pouted in annoyance.

“Alright, you can go.” The Princess of Harmony slapped her wife’s ass with a wing.

The Valkyrie’s snickers subsided quickly, as she approached her wife’s counterpart.

“I’m… Sorry.” She murmured quietly, beholding her with pity.

“...I’m sorry too.” Twilight whispered mournfully. “I’m so sorry.”

Silently, carefully, gently, they kissed.

It wasn’t a long kiss, but it wasn’t short either. There was no fanfare or sparks. It was a kiss out of necessity. Out of survival. A last one before a long, dark road.

And it was over too soon. For both of them.

They beheld each other, muzzles incredibly close.

Sunset whispered, quietly enough so as only the mare before her could hear. “...The time travel spells are in Starswirl’s archives. You’ll have to modify them, and abandon your time forever. You know how to beat the Argent now, so you could make this work. Changing the future might… Well, I’m not sure if it’s guaranteed, but it might–”

“--Erase me. I know.” For one last time, she rested her muzzle on the crook of Sunset’s neck. “I’m ready. Maybe… Maybe I won’t try it.Maybe Luna would stop me…”

“I’m so sorry…!” Sunset whispered one last time, embracing her. “I’m so, so sorry…”

They spent more time than they counted on that embrace. Twilight felt warmer than she had been in years.

But it had to end eventually.

“...It’s time for you to go.” She murmured, suppressing tears. “...Don’t keep your Twilight waiting any longer…”

“I’m sorry.” Sunset left her embrace, turning around. “...Take care of yourself. Take care of your Equestria. Please.”

“I’ll try...” She murmured weakly, watching her other self interlock wings with Sunset, and walk away for good.

And there, she had a choice.

Continue inhabiting a world she had broken…

…Or reshape it entirely.

…What can be said about Sunset Shimmer?

When I first met you, you astounded me. I was no stranger to having to reform an opponent, but never had I seen another mare that was trained to endure the same hardships I was enduring.

A pupil of Celestia, no less. One I had never known existed.

You wanted to be a Princess– You thought I stole that dream from you. You blamed me, you blamed Celestia, and I didn’t blame you.

I thought, at first, that you were just another opponent to reform.

But you’re so much more than that, Sunset.

When we’re together, what we’re capable of…

When I’m with you, what I'm capable of…

You have a lot of potential on your own– Much more than you could ever know. And I know it might seem reductive to say this but… when we’re together, we can accomplish anything.

Allow me to speak on behalf of every Twilight Sparkle, if possible: Having a Sunset Shimmer by my side has made every single task I perform easier, every single action I take effortless.

I can’t remember a day I didn’t want to get out of bed, and that’s because of Sunset Shimmer.

…Well I remember some days we didn’t want to get out of bed, but that’s for nothing if not positive reasons, heheheh.

Okay, focus, focus;

What I’m trying to say is… You’re incredible. And if you think you’re not, I promise you you’re only a courageous step away from reaching your true potential.

Try again, Sunset. Take a chance. You are so much more than your failures, than your anxieties– When you let go of your insecurities, you become unlike any other.

Cough cough biased

Oh, you want to see biased, do you? Here goes:

Dear Sunset Shimmer: Find your local Twilight Sparkle and kiss her. She will forgive you for every transgression you might have done. Teach her what love is, teach her what loving you is– Twilights adore learning, and this is above and beyond anything they can study on their own.

Sure, you two might bring about a golden age to Equestria together.

Or maybe in some world, you’ll simply enjoy a quiet life pursuing your aspirations together.

But what’s even more important than that is; Another Twilight out there will find love. That’s… Painfully rare, out there. From what my wife has said, Sunset Shimmers finding happiness and love seems a bit rare, too. So go ahead and find your Twilight and kiss her.

I love you so much, you know that.

I love you too. Can we head to bed now?

No can do, we’re not done.

Aaaaaauuuuuuauuuauauauugh

Hold on tight, my love. We’re almost finished.

“Other world leaders have been notified– They all know her face and role. She has a statue in the Hall of Unity, for heaven’s sake– There is no way she will not be found.” Celestia murmured simply, determined, trying to stave off worry. “We must simply hold our own until she returns. We know for a fact that if she has been taken, she will find her way back to us. There is no reason to worry, I am certain…!” She was not certain.

Luna nodded wisely, in complete agreement. “Sunset is strong. The pride of our Royal Guard. I have no doubt that wherever she is, she is making her way back home– Her loyalty cannot be questioned.” She then let out a half hearted chuckle. “I am a bit mixed on the choice for her replacement, however...”

“Flash Sentry was her first Lieutenant, I am sure he will handle the task just fine! She was quite fond of him back in the day, they even used to date, you know?” Celestia giggled to herself in amusement, but then her expression softened. “...Twilight, are you alright?”

The Princess of Friendship had ample reason to worry, she was not as composed as the two alicorns. She fidgeted with her wings, her gaze fixed on the Canterlot gardens below, leaning over the balcony.

After all, Captain Sunset had vanished only days after they had gotten together. In her embrace, Twilight had found herself more at peace than she had ever been in her entire time as a Princess– And as safe as she could have possibly been.

“...Twilight?”

“S-sorry, sorry… What was it you said, Queen Celestia?” She shook herself, still grimacing with concern. “I was, um… Distracted, hahah…!”

“Twilight…!” Celestia spoke warmly, regarding her with pity. “...Sunset will return to us. I– We have to put faith in her. She is strong. She would never allow herself to be defeated by, well…”

“--Whoever it is that took her?” Luna raised an eyebrow, exhaling in annoyance. “...We do not have a single clue of her whereabouts, that is what concerns me. One of our enemies would have been sure to taunt us already, had they gotten her– Sent us her severed head, at the very least.”

Twilight visibly winced and irked.

Celestia glared and pouted at her sister.

Luna let out an awkward, apologetic smile. “H-her neck is much too strong to be cleaved, I am certain. Do not worry, Twilight Sparkle, haha…!”

“I have utmost faith in Sunset Shimmer. I know she will return– She would not want us to lose Hope, you two.” Celestia affirmed without hesitation. “...That being said, I will speak to Raven tonight about any correspondence we may have gotten. If any of our feelers have information, we must know immediately. …Luna, please continue to search the dream realm for any sight sign of her.”

“I will, sister. Though I am afraid I have not sensed a trace of her since her departure...” Her expression softened, glancing at their pupil. “...Certain dreams notwithstanding…” She then breathed deeply and nodded confidently, waving a wing. “Good luck proceeding your studies, Twilight Sparkle.”

Before she could leave, the Princess of Friendship garnered their attention.

“W-what if Tirek’s cult got to her…!” Twilight murmured fearfully. “I-it makes sense, doesn't it…? They would be retaliating for the last attack that she defeated…!”

“Those incompetent buffoons were lucky they had enough bodies to throw at the palace on their last attack.” Luna scoffed, rolling her eyes. “They could never get the drop on her. Only an enemy with more adequate might could possibly reach her–”

“--Twilight, nothing good will come from attempting to guess what happened.” Celestia gave her an assuring smile. “...All that matters is to have faith she will return…!”

“I-it’s been weeks…!” She murmured incredibly quietly.

“...The alternative of hoping for the best is expecting the worst, Twilight Sparkle.” Her mentor’s expression softened. “...I know which would be my preference…!”

Luna agreed. “Ease. We are bound to receive news soon– It is not as if she will simply appear out of thin air–”

They stopped– Their ears twitched, eyes drawn to a corner of the room.

Sparks flew in thin air, a circle of light was formed, then expanded.

The multiversal gateway was shaped, and it felt effortless.

And from it, calmly, perfectly hiding her anxiety, Captain Sunset Shimmer stepped out– As professional as she ever was, covered in her obsidian armor.

“...I’m back. Good, you’re all here.” She affirmed with a nod, her expression softening with relief immediately. “Twilight, I’m sorry–”

The Princess of Friendship leapt forward and embraced her, restraining herself not to shower her captain with kisses immediately, letting out relieved chuckles. “S-Sunset, w-what happened, w-where did you go, I-I’m so relieved you’re okay…!”

“Captain…! You are safe…! …Welcome back.” Celestia smiled incredibly warmly, suppressing her joy. “Things have been a bit… Bleak, with your sudden disappearance.”

“I knew you would still be drawing breath.” Luna nodded confidently. “Please explain what in the world happened, what is that portal there, and where you have been– To which enemy do we owe a reckoning for taking you?”

“Not an enemy. A friend.” She smiled, still holding Twilight. “I was taken against my will, yes, but it was not by ill-intent. Hold on, they are the proof…”

From the portal, the princess of Hope and the Princess of Harmony emerged, smiling warmly, if not apologetically. “...Hello again, Twi– Remember me…?”

The Princess blinked in surprise and with a fluster. “O-oh my gosh– You helped Sunset rescue me!! W-what happened to you, and–” Her expression became of even more confusion. “M-me but taller!?”

“I am Sunset Shimmer’s wife.” The Princess of Harmony winked, emphasizing the word. “Sorry for accidentally taking your Sunset– It was an accident we’re still fixing…”

The word ‘wife’ was barely processed by all in the room before the Captain cleared her throat.

“--She took me to her universe accidentally, while trying to get her wife back. She even took some other Sunsets, too… But it’s all settled now. They are together, they'll be okay, and I'm back.” She affirmed with a warm smile. “I’m back, and I’m here to stay, Princess.”

Twilight had to contain herself fiercely to not kiss her once again.

“So there are alternate universes, and Sunset is a Princess in yours. Amusing, and expected! She has always been highly capable and an overachiever!” Luna affirmed with pride. “I am surprised your Twilight is taller than ours, however…”

“She’ll get there!” The Valkyrie shrugged with a grin.

“We’ve been putting every Sunset back where they belong– And giving our counterparts advice, where we can. I’m happy to see you don’t seem to require our help at all…!” The Princess of Harmony was immensely pleased, smiling widely.

Celestia inched closer to the Captain, with a smug, joyfull smirk, pointing at the Princess of Hope and her wings. “See, little one? I knew you could do it! Even if–”

“--I know.” Sunset replied immediately, smiling confidently. “It’s a matter of time, effort and patience. I’m okay with waiting a bit longer– After all, I have everything I need already.” She brought Twilight closer, nuzzling her. “...But your faith and pride means so much to me, Princess Celestia…”

“Of course, Captain. Ever since I first began training you, I always believed you could–”

“--Is it okay if I call you my mother?”

Celestia was stupefied, blinking in surprise several times, stopping dead in her tracks to stammer. “...W-what?”

“You raised me. You were there to teach me right from wrong– And I took it to heart. I don’t just look up to you, I… I regret not being closer to you.” She let out a bashful chuckle. “With all that’s happened, and how much I’ve survived and seen, I think I can afford to be a bit unprofessional for once, and just… Say how I feel. Is it okay if I call you my mother…?”

Celestia, once again, was completely unresponsive, processing the information as efficiently as she could, with questionable results– Memories of Sunset’s childhood and the part she had in it interrupting any functional train of thought.

The two Princesses just shot amused glances at each other– Twilight, in Sunset’s arms, couldn’t help but giggle, no matter how surprised she was.

“For the record, I don’t have any issues with you calling me your aunt.” Luna grinned, shrugging. “I quite like that. All the familial benefits, none of the baggage. Sister, would you respond to the Captain’s inquiry already?”

Sunset spoke a little softer, letting go of Twilight, coming closer. “...it’s okay if you don’t feel how I feel. I’ll still gladly be the Captain of the Royal Guard, I’ll gladly maintain my role here– I just needed to express how ever since I was young, you were the closest thing I ever had to a–”

“MY BABY!!!!” Celestia burst out into tears, embracing Sunset fully, wings, hooves and all. “I-I’m so glad to have you back, my little sun– Forgive me for my professionalism, I was always using it as a defense mechanism, I was afraid to get closer, I was afraid you didn’t want me closer, I-I still keep foal pictures of yours in my room, I-I was so afraid you were lost forever, I had to hold onto the hope that you would find your way h-home, I was hanging on by a thread– I-I I am so proud of you, every single day I see you thriving is a day I cannot stop smiling, your happiness means so much to me, and I am so glad I do not need to hold these feelings back any longer–” her words became gleeful incoherent sobbing gibberish that none around them could understand after that.

Luna couldn’t help but snicker, and Twilight squealed with joy.

But the Princess of Friendship had even more to add, as she smiled truly. “W-well, since we’re sharing good news and coming out in the open, um…!” She beheld the captain with immense affection. “...Me and Sunset are in love, and I want her to become your pupil again so she can maybe earn her wings and rule by my side…? If that’s okay…?”

Celestia took only two seconds to process what was said, and began sobbing even louder, embracing Sunset even tighter.

“T-thanks for believing in me, mom…!” Was all the captain could say, in an embrace so tight her armor was close to coming undone. And of course, Celestia sobbed even louder as she heard those words.

“Well, today has been a productive day.” Luna snickered, approaching the two remaining Princesses. “Is there anything else you’d like to tell us? Perhaps you would like to stay for dinner?”

“No thanks. We’ve still got stuff to take care of back home before we’re done, and I’m in for the power nap of my millennial lifetime, you’ve got no idea.” The Valkyrie grinned happily, coming closer to her wife. “...We’re done, aren’t we? That’s all of them?”

“That’s all of them.” She nuzzled her closely, letting out a little sigh of relief. “...Let’s go home, my Sun…!”

“Hey, other me.”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t be a stranger.”

I know that through a lot of this journey, I was constantly dreading what could happen if it all went wrong.

But honestly… Even if I had lost myself, if I had been claimed by any of the dozens of enemies I faced…

I would have still helped other versions of myself.

All the good I did… It wouldn’t be undone.

The good you did to me, my love, my Sun…

Loving you made me stronger. It made me wiser, and it made me braver. I wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world– I wouldn’t trade our lives for anything at all.

And all the good you did… I won’t let it be undone. I won’t ever let missing you break me.

That’s good, my Star. Because I’m not going anywhere.

Each wire unplugged, each switch flipped over, each component dismantled made them smile more and more.

Their friends all helped, the other alicorns joined them– The Community Center wasn’t as full, with the absence of all the Sunsets, but that was seen as a victory.

They would organize everything they had built, and keep the appropriate notes of how it all functioned– Just in case. This incident would never repeat itself– And even if it did, they would be ready to deal with it, with every tool required at hand.

Managing to finally put it all aside felt like a thankful exhale– Sunset and Twilight smiled at each other the whole way through.

Now, more than ever, they could call this adventure over.

Several chariots were awaiting outside, a few dozen guards assisted on the move. Every component related to multiversal travel would be taken into a hidden Starswirl wing in the Canterlot palace known to very few and safeguarded accordingly, while every scroll, tome and file on how the technology worked would be safekept by the Princesses of Hope and Harmony.

Stretching, letting out a yawn, Hermes was delighted and listless to finally see the final box be taken by the final chariot, being above all, thankful.

“...What’s wrong?” Quietly, the Princess of Hope approached him, sitting by his side, by the balcony.

“I-it’s just, well… It’s not just that this is my life’s work, but…” He murmured without much energy, adjusting his glasses. “I just… I can’t believe how close I came to wrecking everything…! Everything I did, i-it could have been an utter disaster, I was so shortsighted…!”

“Hey.” She gave him an assuring, confident grin. “Try not to be bogged down by ‘what ifs’. We have our world, and we have our choices. What else do we need, right?”

“R-right…!” He smiled too, almost snickering. “T-this world, it’s… It’s all we need. I feel so stupid for not having seen it sooner, for almost ruining it…!”

“It keeps spinning, no matter what.” She closed her eyes, feeling the wind passing by her mane. “...With or without us. I see that now. But what we do with the time we have… That’s everything.”

He nodded, letting out his own exhausted exhale. “I just… I still can’t believe that another version of me could commit all those… Atrocities…!” He shuddered fearfully, looking down. “It feels so disgusting to know that I could have ended up being so… Wretched, so devoid of anything more than just greed and callousness, a horrible lifeless machine–”

“Hey, c’mon.” Sunset grinned once more, devoid of any doubts. “In some worlds, we make good choices, in most of them, we’re a mixed bag… And in some worlds we make mistakes– Many callous, thoughtless, stupid mistakes… I could write a book about that.”

“S-still– To have hurt so many, even another version of myself…” He pouted, looking down.

“In one world, you’re good, in the other, you’re bad. You know what that makes you?” She raised an eyebrow.

“...No?”

“Just like the rest of us, Hermes. Just like the rest of us.” She smiled, nodding.

He almost chuckled at the wisdom being imparted upon him– How easy it came.

“Alright, you two… We’re done here.” The Princess of harmony approached, letting out a relieved sigh. “Hermes… It’s time.”

“Y-yes! Yes. I’m ready.” he affirmed, fidgeting slightly. “...What will be my sentence?”

The two alicorns shot each other brief knowing, communicative glances, where they had already deliberated their response.

Twilight, with confidence, pointed at the horizon with a wing, at the distant city. “...One of those chariots was instructed to return, the guards riding it will return here, and then escort you to Canterlot prison.”

“And in there, you’ll spend a year.” Sunset completed, observing his reaction. “A year, and a year only.”

“O-only a year…!?” He glanced between them in surprise.”That’s… Surprisingly forgiving…!”

“After the year has passed, you will be able to work for any high brow institution of Canterlot, such as teaching, scientist and magical research– Provided you are monitored from a distance, of course.” Twilight noted simply. “We can recommend you to a few places where your skill sets will be useful.”

“All this, in one incredibly important condition.” Sunset raised an eyebrow.

“W-what’s the condition…?”

“You’ll never, ever study, tamper, or even consider multiversal magic ever again.”

It was the easiest choice of his life. “Deal!”

I hope this letter finds you, I hope it inspires you.

I hope it motivates you– fills you with determination to change, to improve, to try again.

I hope you get back up, and keep fighting– That you know that this is only the beginning for Sunset Shimmer.

I hope you find love, and you find happiness– I hope your world is thankful for what you can provide it.

I hope you are valued where you are, and if not, that you find a place where you are valued.

I hope you one day understand just how much I love you– That you find this love, and it empowers you, just like it did me, Sunset Shimmer.

I hope you try again. And I hope that this helped.

Good luck, Sunset Shimmer.

“I’m going to sleep for a year.” Sunset let out a weary, but incredibly gleeful exhale, as she walked side by side with her wife through the halls of their Community Center. “I missed our bed so much, you have no idea…!”

Giggling, Twilight came closer, nuzzling her with incredible affection. “If sleeping for a year is what you want to do, then we can do that– But you’ll miss out on my vacation ideas…!”

Sunset’s demeanor changed instantly, as she felt much more energized, grinning nonstop. “...You made a list, didn’t you.”

Grinning mischievously, she wiggled her eyebrows. “...maaaaybe.”

“Oh, for the love of everything, I love you so much. Please share it.”

Manifesting a clipboard with a giggle, Twilight cleared her throat and began announcing every step. “Well firstly, As soon as you are more capable of distant travel, I think we would benefit on visiting the exclusive and quite remote and secret Kirin healing springs– Their magical treatments of wounds and scars would be impeccably necessary to make sure that none of your scars heal wrong, and that your feathers grow back faster. Speaking of your feathers, there are some five star wing treatments in cloudsdale that I’ve already reserved for us– We won’t leave there until your feathers have all grown back, and your wings are stable. After that, We could go to a few five star spas in Canterlot, where we can also get you fitted for new armor and make sure the Queens are okay, from there, we can visit Shining and Cadance on the Crystal empire, she promised me she would have the best masseurs in all of Equestria rounded up just for us– Right after, we can take a blimp cruise over Rainbow Falls that is tailor made for the best most beautiful vistas, and from our landing on Griffonstone, we can take an actual relaxing cruise that’s scheduled to take us to the Dragonlands, where we can visit Spike, and get on the greatest hot springs that all of Equestria has ever seen–”

“Twilight, Sunset. What a surprise seeing you two here.” Celestia, endlessly amused and joyful, tilted her head. “Ready to turn in, are you?”

“Celestia, Luna! Y-you two haven’t left for Canterlot yet, huh?” Sunset chuckled, knowing what this was about. “You two interested in sleeping in one of our guest rooms?”

“You know why we’re here.” Luna, with a knowing smirk, held the Princess of Harmony’s crown. “...Twilight Sparkle, it seems you dropped this.”

“O-oh! Wow, yes, it seems I did.” She accepted it back easily, letting out a relieved sigh as she placed it on her head. “...You don’t think the elite will complain, do you…?”

“As if they have a choice.” With a grin, Luna walked past them. “Good luck on your vacation, you two. We will be eagerly awaiting you when you are ready to return to your duties… And take your next exam.”

“E-exam?” Twilight’s eyes widened. “U-um, should we be studying–”

“--No, no studying, I refuse to study, no thank you–” Sunset had to suppress her own laughter by kissing her wife. “Vacation first, then maybe we worry about anything else.”

“Of course, you two– No need to hurry. But I do believe you are ready for the more advanced challenges we can bestow you…” Celestia raised a smug eyebrow. “...After all, you two have ascended twice over. Surely two seraphs would not be afraid of another test?”

“I’m not afraid of anything.” Sunset affirmed truthfully.

“Neither am I. Bring it on.” Twilight agreed wholeheartedly. “After our vacation, of course.”

“Of course.” Celestia’s expression held pride and joy. “We will see you two again… As soon as you are ready.”

“...Goodnight, mom…!”

“...Goodnight, daughter!”

They embraced for a while– No more words needed to be exchanged between them. This was no goodbye– They would see each other soon.

…This seems to be a good note to end on, doesn’t it?

I don’t think there’s any more wisdom we could possibly share at this point. It’s all up to your other selves, really.

They’ll figure it out. I know they will.

Maybe. Hm, I’ll think of something.

My Sun…

Don’t worry, go head to bed– I’ll join you in a second. I think I just need to finish this with my final, private thoughts, if that’s okay.

It’s more than okay. I love you.

I love you too.

Twilight and Sunset walked side by side, wings interlocked, back to their room.

It was as if only yesterday they had awakened in each other’s embrace, ready to celebrate the Valkyrie’s alicornaversary.

And now they would rest once more– And once again, thankfully, in each other’s embrace.

One day, they would be called onto great battles once more.

Adventures were not done with them– They would have no shortage of challenges in the centuries to come.

But as they held each other once more, and drifted into sleep together, as Twilight intended on uniting their dreams so they could continue to love each other even as they slept…

…They knew, without a doubt, that there would never be enough adversity to challenge them.

Not anymore, not ever.

Together, they would bring about a golden age to their home.

Together, they would love each other for centuries and beyond.

Together, they would never be afraid of the dark.

But for now…

They simply drifted off, embracing each other with love.

So… Yeah.

I am Sunset Shimmer. The Valkyrie Phoenix, Inheritor of the sun, the Princess of Hope…

…And I am an alicorn.

I am Sunset Shimmer, and I am an alicorn.

And I’m not the only one.

Author's Note

SUNSET SHIMMER VS THE MULTIVERSE.

INFO: A few centuries from now, this will only be an amusing tale she shares with those she trusts and loves– Many will struggle to believe it– They will think she is joking, or perhaps embellishing.

But Sunset Shimmer has bested the multiverse. She has mastered herself, and all she encompasses. And with all this power, all this might, this valor–

–She is still Sunset Shimmer.

VERDICT: Hope shines eternal.

And so, this long journey has come to an end.

With an above and beyond happy ending– With the truest kind of conclusion there could possibly be. An oath to continue for a thousand years.

And how indulgent of an epilogue this was, eh?

The curse was broken swiftly, easily off screen– it was just another challenge.

Fun fact, this fic has now officially passed a total of a thousand google doc pages.

A thousand.

As I wrote this entire fic, I came to realise that it, in itself, kind of functions as an anthology. Short stories, different universes, but all with the same hook.

…Then I realised that if I wanted to tell stories in this universe, and actually keep going with the trend of all these strange interpretations of these characters, I could actually make an anthology.

And not just regarding the alternate universes, either. I could actively tell short stories regarding the Prime universe, be it in the past, present or future. The limit would be only whatever I preferred at the moment, tbh!

That being said… These might be my favorite versions of Sunset and Twilight I’ve ever written– Though obviously I’m a bit biased– I kind of ascended them into godhood, and made them madly in love to boot.

I do know how strange it is to interpret a character that canonically is a scrawny high schooler as a valkyrie goddess, but hey, you read this far, clearly you’re as into it as I am, heh.

I suppose these fics have always been my equivalent of dog medicine. The pill I’m making you swallow has a lot of original and out-of-character interpretations of these characters, and I’m surrounding it with tasty known and canon characters with lots of juiciness to boot lmao. Though this is much, much more egregious in my ‘Forgotten Sunset’ series.

If there’s two regrets I’ve had on this entire fic, I would say it's purely that like…

1 - I could have mentioned Equestria girls a WHOLE lot more. Generally, I could have done a lot more humanuniverses for Sunset Prime to traverse, and honor the canon where this character comes from.

For example, in the ten Sunsets that were brought to the prime universe, I should have taken the chance to make one or two be human ones, it was honestly a miss on my part– But I was interested in leaving EQG to more emotional and later parts of the fic, so I didn’t.

A previous draft of this fic had EQG only appearing in the previous chapter– That interaction would have been the ONLY EQG mention in this whole thing. It would have been very emotional and effective, but I'm glad I decided to put more EQG. We need moooooreeee

Hell, I even conceptualized a situation where she and another human Sunset argue about the merits of the pony twilight vs the human twilight, and what Sunset should be prioritizing.

…But I realised very quickly that Sunset Prime wouldn’t rly care about the differences between these two. To her, it’s all Twilight Sparkle, and more importantly, it’s all related to Sunset Shimmer’s happiness. As demonstrated, even in worlds where Twilight isn’t a princess, she and Sunset falling in love is an impeccable positive influence on them– And what is Scitwi, if not a Twilight that is not a Princess? I don’t see as much of a difference >:3

What matters is they find happiness in each other.

Hell, Sunset Prime isn’t even opposed to Sunset finding happiness elsewhere, either. Stuff like Sunset being with Pinkie and Maud was not met with disgust by her.

Trixie though? Are you fucking serious? lol.

The second thing I only half regret is how I could have had a lot more moments and stories related to the mane 6… But I suppose this just isnt what the fic is about.

It’s about Sunset Shimmer, first and foremost, and the ties she has with others. The mane 6 are sometimes involved, sometimes not.

All this to say, honestly, I’m itching to write a proper, long Equestria girls fic. I don’t know when, and I’m not sure if writing a fic at all will be my next project, but I do have many, many ideas. (A big part of why this epilogue took so long is that I was so distracted with more ideas, such as forgotten sun 2 and the Equestria girls robbing a bank. Going nuts, heheh)

Anyways, as is customary fashion, why don’t I go over every single universe mentioned in this chapter, and how I feel about them, and how I could envision what happens after?

🔥 The Firestorm universe! ⛈️

Honestly, this world came back from the brink. The Storm King’s endless storms would likely have caused a LOT of damage to central Equestria, and affected the climate in the entire world, so they’ll have to be dealing with envoiramental issues for decades to come, and rebuilding their world together.

But peace has been achieved, and whats more, Sunset and Tempest are on deck.

Someone suggested that Tempest and Sunset would probably fall in love here, honestly, I’m not against it. The polycule of Glitter Drops x Tempest x Sunset x Twilight sounds pretty cute, and very lovely for the latter two’s first century as alicorns.

…Safe to say, this Sunset is fast tracked to being an alicorn. Maybe it would still take a year or two, but she would not falter.

And her relationship with Celestia would become openly mother and daughter even faster than that, too. This Sunset lost her Flare Shimmer, but Celestia is right there to pick up the pieces.

The idea I had was for Tempest to become Canterlot’s royal guard, while Sunset n Twi are spearheading the repair and reconstruction committee– They’re not architects, but there’s an enormous social aspect to it.

What’s more, some of the Mane 6 survived the Storm King’s rule, and would absolutely join them.

Twilight would fall for Sunset really damn fast, that's for sure. They’ll be seeing each other incredibly often.

It’s going to be an uphill battle, but Equestria will find newfound peace, and Sunset and Twilight will be at the helm of that, with strong support from their friends. There are plenty of universes like these, that’s for sure– This is only one more that Sunset prime affected positively.

…Hot take, I don’t even like the MLP movie, I think it’s mad as hell, but Tempest Shadow is rly cool.

👿 Demonic wives universe! ❤️‍🔥

This one is tricky, because it’s not like a villain ruined the world, they did. They didn’t destroy it and ravage it, but instead, uplifted ponykind and Equestria, and forced the rest of the world to kneel.

The reconstruction of the society they built will be much more social than it is practical, and the hardest hurdle to overcome is relations with the other species that inhabit the world, that we’re subjugated and defeated.

What’s more, a lot of people can simply say ‘Twilight's evil alter ego is defeated, she’s good now!’ …But they can’t say the same about Sunset.

Sunset is going to struggle a lot still– Because through this whole time, it’s always been her. She made herself into a monster, but there’s no alter ego to fall back on. It’s just her.

What’s more, she’s not an alicorn, she’s an aberration of what an alicorn should be. Her lifespan isn’t as long as an alicorns, and her powers aren’t the same, either. The adjustment period would be ROUGH.

But Twilight would never, ever give up on her, and neither would Midnight. They’re here to stay, and their love would keep her steady.

It would take a long time. They wouldn’t find a solution to fix her looks, either. I imagine it would take decades before Sunset ascends for reals, but she absolutely would.

And when she did– She would maintain several features of her demon form, but at last be a proper pony again. I imagine her wings would not be torn, and her proportions would be more adequate, but she would have one demon wing alongside a feathery one– Her powers would be aggressive, but she would be worthy.

Celestia always wanted Sunset back, no matter what. She would believe and be by her side through all of it.

And eventually, their world would heal, and they could bring about their peaceful golden age.

🪥 Princess Starlight universe! 👑

(There’s no toothpaste emoji so I used a toothbrush instead lol. Toothpaste honors Starlight’s hair, heheheh.)

This particular universe is in a pretty sweet spot, because Sunset and Twilight can now basically do whatever they want.

Hell, not just that, but upon apologizing to Celestia, they might even be offered jobs. I’m not sure if they would take it right off the bat, if nothing else, they might just try to find their way elsewhere, travel Equestria in search of a new purpose together.

I even considered that Celestia might want them both as pupils again to give starlight some backup, but that's not really necessary lol. (but knowing Celestia, she would offer anyways.)

Wherever they decide to live and whatever they decide to do, they’ll do it together. That’s all that matters.

On the subject of Princess Starlight, there iiiiiis a small issue regarding her girlfriend having an expiration date, lmao.

Trixie doesn’t strike me as the pony that could become an alicorn through normal means, but with an alicorn girlfriend, she has a home field advantage, heh.

I did consider that this Starlight might fuck up just like canon Twilight, which would mean that these Sunset n Twi get to watch Opaline fuck up Equestria from far away and say “Wow we dodged a bullet” lmao.

But I have faith. They’ll be fiiiiiiiiiiine.

🎸 Rockstar universe! 🥁

Honestly, not much to be said here– This is one of the most satisfied and happiest Sunsets in the multiverse. She has a dream job, is loved and adored and worshiped, and doesn’t have any of the stress that could come from being a Princess.

She has truly achieved a dream, and although does live through life with a lesser purpose, creating art and entertaining is still of immense value to her, and to Equestria.

(Also yeah, the fourth member of her polycule is Lightning Dust, heh)

Either way, I do imagine they’ll still be successful for a few decades, even if their art winds down. If Opaline’s assault against Twilight results in anything, they’ll at least still have each other.

This does remind me of Princess of Chaos and Joy Pinkie, hehe. I wanna write about her more…

🌙 Princess Moondancer universe! 👑

I will say, although I’ve done a lot of ‘expanding on the writing of a character with little personality in canon’, Moondancer is definitely a bit hard to add onto without her being just a carbon copy of Twi. One aspect I wouldn’t mind expanding on is her anger, but still, not much room there.

I prefer to do this with Cadance, tbh! She has a lot more room to be explored, considering her role in canon.

This one is another easy to parse by the books universe. Sunset finds happiness, and in doing so, uplifts everyone else around her.

I will say, as she gets closer, I do imagine she’ll eventually meet her world’s Twilight, who’s a teacher, no less. With all her preconceptions of what Twilight is, she would still no be disappointed.

In fact, I like to imagine they’d become a polycule eventually as a trio, but hey, no need to overthink or over plan anything.

All that matters is Moondancer would have an alicorn to rule alongside,and she would be happy– And Starswirl would be proud of them too.

also this is the only chapter and sequence where Twilight curses, lol. "IT'S FUCKING STARSWIRL"

💪 Power Ponies universe! ✊

Originally I was considering having the Prime Princesses arrive during the Argent attack, and despite the Power Ponies absolutely being winning, those two just finish the aliens off easily and show off, maybe make out.

But I realised that’d be a bit crowded when it comes to characters, and not just that, but it'd be really really funny to have this Sunset come back to her world and immediately being in her workplace, just going ‘damnit’

Also worth stating, Mayor Celestia has absolutely figured out that Twilight is a superhero already, I even considered having her joke about it, but I think Sunset pretending she herself doesn’t know for now would be fun.

Sunset, in general, would def wanna keep up a charade just to see how close she can get to a superhero as a normal mare. And Twilight would be all over her, Sunset’s basically the Mary Jane, after all.

…Who hopefully isn’t going to get evicted.

Oh! Plu Sunset took a few spellbooks with her back to her home, and despite the lesser magic of the world, she’s going to try and learn and use spells on their own forms. Equestrian magic, babey.

I like to imagine this could cause a magic burst in the world, but who knows, heh

Either way, the city is saved, thanks to the Power Ponies! And what's more, The masked matter-horn is finally getting laid

🎩 Mare Do Well Universe! 🕶️

Although this was one of the universes I enjoyed writing the most, I didn’t wanna overdo it. Not only bc I plan on doing a Sunset vigilante arc in a fic in the future, (Forgotten Sun 2, hellooo) but also bc if I started I couldn’t stop, lmao.

Sunset was essentially a hero with no secret identity, and it made her not only obsessive, but detached from the world she was protecting.

But now?

She’s ready to live as Sunset Shimmer again, but she won’t ever stop being a hero.

She will be accepted, loved, and she will continue her heroism, this time, bravely and openly.

Maud lucked out something fierce. The polycule here will be legendary, and Celestia is gonna get so emotional when she finds out her baby had been a vigilante hero this entire time, protecting the innocent in secret.

She won’t take many years to ascend, that’s for sure. This Sunset is increeeeedibly capable.

Pinkie is going to be so flabbergasted when she finds out her sister is banging a hero, heh.

She’s in for a smooth transition, and a wonderful life.

I imagine she’s going to act a lot like Puss in Boots in the beginning of the last wish, defeating the giant of del mar easily, but without the arrogance aspect, lmao. Doing it all with a smile and with unending confidence and joy.

…Also yes, Maud was considering attacking an alicorn because of her butch withdrawal. Many such cases.

🦇 Post Vampirism Universe! 🪽

This one is a bit simple– Sunset never even tried stealing a crown in this universe, and she even already has bat wings to work with. She doesn’t have as much ambition!

But she also has no purpose.

Helping Twilight reshape the kingdom and fix her mistakes, and even meet Celestia again would be easy. There’s nothing to forgive this time.

…But the road to patch the world up will be long.

🧠 UNDEAD UNIVERSE! 🍖

This is one of my favorites. I even wrote a separate fic about it, heheh.

There’s not much to be said about this, their blood moon will reign eternal.

I think I think of this infection as only affecting ponies, too. The other species are horrified and have to fight them off– But in the end, they’re food.

Yeah, ultimately, this world might come undone. I even was considering that like, regular zombie ponies can rot and deteriorate and die after a few years, but the alicorns remain. So eventually it would be Sunset and Twilight loving each other on a dead world, with uninfected ponies and other creatures living on the distant periphery, in a post-post apocalypse scenario.

I even imagined like– Applejack and Rarity made themselves a full happy life on a remote island with the cutie mark crusaders. The first years were difficult, for sure, but they managed.

I even imagined that they managed to save a few of the kids of the Ponyville school with them, but that’d mean AJ basically makes a sanctuary in a remote island, and she and Rarity get to be moms.

Cadence definitely survived as well– moving what was left of her kingdom to some faraway hidden glacier…

I had this super twisted and weird idea of like. Zombies are all sterile and doomed to rot.

But somehow, Sunset and Twilight, the two alicorn undead, have a child.

And this child is not undead, and in fact, is immune to the disease all together, and then Sunset and Twilight just have to raise her without being able to speak to her.

I even figured it’d be pretty twisted and ironic, if this child is the secret to a cure. A real, actual cure– But every other zombie pony has rotted and died.

So Sunset and Twilight return truly to their senses, truly back, and their world is dead and gone– The survivors might not even know.

But I digress. As it stands, this is my take on the infection au, and I’m fond of it as hell.

🌑 Antiprime Universe. 🌒

“I-I suppose so! Um, if you want, I, uh, do have blueprints of a multiversal lasso– It is difficult to explain, but essentially, if we have Princess Twilight’s genetic code, we can pull her from wherever universe she is to this one, and maybe–”

I laughed so much writing this bc this time it's the damn twilyverse, LMAO. They would bring like twenty twilights to their world, and with all their combined brains they’d solve this problem in a few weeks, maybe.

Thank god this didn't happen.

So… I wanted to make the ending of this particular Twilight ambiguous.

I wasn't even sure if it was right to have Sunset give out the tip to her about the time travel spell.

Honestly, I don’t know. The reality might be doomed regardless, so why not tear it down, and turn back time? Maybe a miracle will happen, or maybe she’ll be back-to-the-future’d and erase herself while making a change in her time, but a positive one at that.

Or maybe nothing bad would happen.

This is one of those rare instances where my own themes escape me. I’m not even sure what would be the thematically correct decision here, if there even is a correct one, in all this mess.

It’s… fucked. Tremendously fucked.

And just like Twilight, I think we just need to move on from this.

⚔️ Captain Shimmer Universe! 🛡️

Heeeeere’s my favorite, my utterly biased, my utter original deviation from everything canon had, my utter indulgence, hehehehehehehe.

Eagle eyed readers will realise the princesses placing Flash Sentry as her replacement was not smth she recommended, I just wrote that bc its funny heh.

God, you have no idea how satisfying it is to finally write a Sunset that’s chad enough to just walk up to Celestia and say “Hey. Can I call you mom.” And what unfolds is Celestia breaking down due to years of repressed mom instinct coming out like a broken dam. She will be showered with endless affection and love, she will be appreciated and cherished to oblivion. It’s only uphill from here.

Honestly, maybe I’m biased, but this Sunset is living her best self, right here. She might become an alicorn in under a year, who knows, all that matters is she will continue to kick ass. Hell, none of the Sunsets in this list are at a risk of losing to the Argent either, no matter how unlikely it is that they’ll ever attack them, because Sunset Prime gave them the cheat codes on how to win.

Ultimately, I had to end with her. If I ended with any other, it wouldn't be as much of a high note.

And lucky me, I have another story with a captain Sunset if I ever need to scratch this itch, heh.

...What else is there left to say?

Fun fact, originally, I did not plan to write this epilogue. The story ended on the previous chapter. But not only you readers were vocal about loving this so much, but I myself needed to scratch the itch of sending every Sunset home, heheheh.

Also I considered cracking a joke about the 'end'Sunset and Raven starting a multiverse defense squad with the primes, but, well, I'll let these sketches explain it:

What this new multiversal protection squad doesn't understand is that the primes are essentially in their honeymoon all over again, lmao. They'll be busy making love for a while. Give or take a few months.

It is a funny idea, that on the down low, a few of them, the Chaos and Joy Princess included, would just occasionally get together just to discuss if there's any threats to the multiverse-- It's a dun idea, but I don't ultimately need to consider it canon or not. After all, the dubious nature of the ending more than satisfied me with that universe, and on the other, Pinkie is alive and thriving.

It's been one hell of a ride. But I'm happy to consider that I don't plan on making any more big stories of the prime universe, (unless I do make that anthology lmao)

I'm glad I did this. Nine month's worth of work, all for a project that basically came to me in a dream, all for a character that doesn't get nearly as much love in her canon.

I'll take it slow with writing for a while, I want to finish smaller projects before considering tackling big fics again...

...But wow. I'm happy.

In the following months, the Princess of Hope and Princess of Harmony will simply enjoy their time together, and take a well needed vacation. They will indulge, they will rest, and they will recover.

And when they take those thrones, they'll be unlike any other, that's for sure. Their subjects will write songs about their love. it will be legend, and it will be true.

Two alicorns who ascended twiceover in their first decade of alicornhood.

Maybe I'll write short stories with these two again, the primes, heh. maybe. But for all intents and purposes, nothing will ever challenge them again. They've won, and have gotten the truest happy ending they possibly could.

Posting this here again because its the final note, the best way to end this up on. Twilight and Sunset's joy, front and center, their warmth, their ease, their peace.

I hope you enjoyed this wild, crazy, overwhelming and loving exploration of the multiverse.

See you around... And remember:

🌙Hope Shines Eternal! ☀️