The Canterlot skyline was gorgeous from many places at night– But it was especially beautiful from the perspective of the castle, and from it, one of the best points of view was the garden.

The city felt godlike– It felt indeed like a home for Princesses, Queens, Alicorns, if not gods. And the way that the lights of the city reflected off of the clouds on a rainy night was beautiful, like a fog of light.

And lucky for the two of them, the rain was barely a drizzle– Incredibly faint, and with barely any wind. It wasn’t enough to damp, or even to make them colder.

Conversing with Marble Pie had been surprisingly insightful. After all, the shy Earth Pony didn’t say a word, rather communicated through sign language and gestures.

Something that allowed Sunset to not only be earnest, but open, with no fear of her secrets or even insecurities being pointlessly gossiped, or even her trust being broken.

And Marble was worthy of that trust.

“Yeah… She said I was ‘destined for greatness’. I was… Ten years old, so of course I believed it… …Because I wanted it to be true. It was everything. A little orphan, coming from nothing, being capable of raising the sun– Wouldn’t that be everything?” Sunset muttered, with her gaze listless on the skyline, grimacing with suppressed mourning.

Marble regarded her with genuine pity, not misguided, the kind that was directed from an outside, unbiased perspective, meaning it was much easier for the Paladin to accept. Regarding the unicorn, she made a few signs and gestures.

Sunset looked attentively, then exhaled, with an ironic chuckle. “...No, I don’t think she was lying. But that only makes it worse, doesn’t it?– Because it means… All my endless failings are on me.”

Letting out a sorrowful sigh, Marble adjusted her hair, a nervous habit usually, but this time, one she did as she mustered what could help make Sunset feel better.

“--Ah! I know what you’re about to say.” The Paladin let out an ironic grin, stopping her from gesturing. “It’s not your fault! You’re not so bad!’ It’s… It’s okay, really. I know my place in the world now. I got what I deserved. Well… Most of what I deserved.” She thought she deserved much worse. Twilight wouldn’t let her.

Marble made one, single, determined sign in response to that.

“No I don’t.” She shook her head, and then corrected, assuring her. “But it’s okay. Really. I’m… Fine.” She lied bitterly, but convincingly. “I learned, through the business end of my current employer, that there’s no such thing as destiny. Not for me. And I don’t deserve better.”

Shaking her head quietly, marble turned her gaze to the city skyline, thinking, for a moment. Then she turned back to Sunset, making a few gestures.

“She’s good… She’s really good. I mean it.” And she did. “She’s incredibly fit for the role– She’ll do great in it, too. I guess that’s one reason why it was easy to accept my fucking circumstances. ‘Cause my replacement proved, on day one, when she crushed me, that she was better.”

Marble gave her a worried glance.

“It’s complicated, sorry– She saved me from being possessed by shadow forces and being turned into a demon, it was a whole thing. And by doing so she also proved that she was stronger than me– And she was the first fight I lost, too.” She shrugged, averting the pain of those memories. “So yeah. Like I said. Twilight is better. She… She earned those wings.” The words were earnest, even if laced with mournful envy.

Scooting over a bit clumsily, Marble hugged her, barely a squeeze. Sunset accepted it awkwardly, giving her a pat on the back. “Um. It’s… Okay?”

Sighing, The Earth Pony backed away, and made a few gestures towards her, distinctive and decisive.

“Well… I’m sticking around, because she asked me to. I have an oath– It’s a paladin thing. I don’t have anywhere else to go– But that could be seen as a relief, frankly. If you have nowhere to go, you have everywhere to go… Y’know?” She shrugged, with a weary smile.

Blowing raspberries was all that Marble could do to make light of the moment, a moment she herself was feeling even more than Sunset.

“Your sister Maud actually asked me to run away with her. Can you believe it?” Snickering, the Unicorn leaned on the railing, feeling the drizzle. “It was a bit weird, but also sweet. Leaving all this behind doesn’t seem so bad, most days. Your sisters are weird. But It’s… Nice to be wanted, I guess.”

Marble’s eyes were incredibly widened, and her jaw dropped. She had to process that statement for a bit before she gestured again.

The motions immediately brought a chuckle out of Sunset. “If I had said yes, I wouldn’t be here, would I? Heh!” Then she turned to her, while still leaning on the railing. “...I think I’m done talking about me. Boring subject anyways.” She spoke in a slight joking tone.

And naturally, Marble couldn’t help but giggle.

“What? I’m boring! The first failed pupil of Celestia, who turned into a demon and is now the Princess of Friendship’s personal bodyguard, is boring!” She affirmed with an even more jokey tone, one even she couldn’t help but chuckle from, and Marble followed suit.

After the laughter subsided, they simply sat in comfortable silence, bathed both by the light drizzle and the lights of the city.

“You’re a good listener, Marble Pie.” She chuckled ironically. “Of course I’d only start talking about personal shit with a mare that literally doesn’t talk.”

Marble simply giggled some more, and shrugged.

“I can trust you, right? I don’t want my personal laundry being spread out there. I don’t need anypony knowing me more than they do now.” She asked, and Marble gave her a confident, trustworthy nod.

“Good.” She blew raspberries, and stretched, thinking to herself. “...Most ponies just act like they’re the protagonists of their own stories, you know? Love hearing the sound of their own voices. So I usually just let them talk.” She mulled over, looking into the distance. “It’s easy, you know? To say nothing. Be quiet. Unseen. forgotten… In the background.”

Marble agreed completely. It was a life she lived, after all. Quietly, she shuffled closer, with her look changing to concern once more. “After everything I did, sometimes I wish everyone I hurt could just forget about me.” Sunset exhaled, shaking her head. “It’d make running away a lot easier. Nothing to leave behind. Or maybe I could just get a do-over on all this shit…”

Marble assured her by placing her hoof on Sunset’s own, and simply gave her a concerned smile.

Sunset cleared her throat, and shook her head. “What about you? I kind of convinced Limestone to join the royal guard. Maybe we’ll even see her patrol tonight, actually. What are your plans for… life?” She felt a bit ashamed for asking such an open, difficult question.

Her expression changed multiple times, first of annoyance, then worry, then resignation. She made a few signs towards Sunset, who looked attentively.

“Sorry– Yeah, that’s rough. I can imagine it’s difficult getting work with your condition…!” She grimaced, shaking her head. “No wonder you stuck around in the rock farm…! Sorry.”

Nodding with a look of shame, she made a few more motions.

“O-oh shit. Did I pry? I’m so sorry for taking your sister away from you–” She was stopped with a gentle hoof to the mouth, a simple ‘let me finish’ motion.

With a small, assuring smile, Marble made several motions.

Sunset exhaled, shaking her head. “Aw, c’mon. You weren’t a crutch for Limestone– She just wanted to take care of you. That’s what big sisters are meant to do, right?”

Giving a reluctant nod, she continued her motions.

“Okay, well… I guess she does deserve to live her own life…!” She scratched the back of her own head, hesitantly. “...But what about you? I don’t want to have made you be all alone out there…”

Slowly, she shrugged, and made tired gestures.

“Pff. Parents. Sure…” Sunset shrugged to herself, tilting her head in exhaustion.

More silence, not uncomfortable, either. They simply enjoyed the light rain.

Sunset shot a brief glance behind her. The castle towered above them, with its many lights and beauty, past the gorgeous gardens.

Her mind wandered, but she reigned it in.

“...Do you want a job here?”

Marble’s eyes widened in surprise, and she tilted her head.

Giving her an assuring smile, she spoke gently. She didn’t want to push it nearly as much as she had with Limestone. “I’m just saying; I’m friends with the Princess. I’m certain there would be some kind of position you could fill, if you wanted it. You’d still get to be close to two of your sisters too– Well, until Pinkie moves on to her next gig.”

Blushing a little, Marble fidgeted with her hair pensively.

“Well, I don’t want to piss off your parents. Sorry– I was just…” Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle. “Nevermind. If you ever want something here, you can just ask me, but don’t worry about it, no pressure. I don’t want to push it.”

She was in a privileged position, and she wasn’t born in it. Uplifting others felt good.

“I mean. If you did get a job here, you’d get to see me more. Just saying.” She grinned, tilting her head.

That was a solid argument, and it had its implications, making Marble fluster and nod quietly, still thinking about it.

“Well… Whatever you decide, it was nice to meet you. Pinkie was right– This whole nonsense wasn’t so bad.” She shrugged, with a warm smile, and Marble giggled, nodding.

Sunset’s ears twitched, and she looked back. “A guard’s coming. Follow me.”

Blinking in shock, Marble quickly stopped her, making a few gestures. “Well yeah, we could just talk to them– But technically we’re both civilians. Isn’t it funner to sneak around? C’mon, climb on my back.”

Flustered, hesitantly, Marble made quick gestures. “No, you weigh like a couple of grapes. You’ve gotta eat better– Hold tight!”

With swiftness yet silence, Sunset moved through the gardens, hedges and trees, and decisively climbed atop one of the trees, all while ensuring that Marble was safely clinging to her.

They were covered by the foliage and comfortably resting on the branches, as they watched the guard move below them, none the wiser.

And as soon as he reached the railing of the gardens, he simply lounged, even removing his helmet, leaning forward, relaxed.

“Unbelievable.” Sunset whispered, shaking her head with a frown. “He’s not even here on patrol. He’s just slacking!”

Marble couldn’t help but giggle softly, and with a decisive motion, Sunset gently placed in the sturdier branches. “Wait here, will you? I’ll be back, I’ve got to teach this idiot a lesson.”

Nodding quietly, Marble made herself comfortable.

Sunset, despite wearing armor, was as silent as a whisper. She landed on the grass without a peep, and quickly cast a spell, one that enveloped her in darkness.

From an outside perspective, it’d be easy to believe she became invisible, but to those that were watching intently, Sunset briefly became a shadow herself, and moved forward like one, towards the guard.

Noticeably, she took cover behind a potted plant, and with it, she was incredibly close to the guard.

Her voice was warped. It was dark. A chill was brought with it, as she whispered. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

The guard yelped, looking back, and seeing nothing, frantically shooting glances all around him, to the shadows of the garden, unable to see where the whisper had come from. “W-who’s there?!”

No response, just more darkness.

Sweating, shivering, he waited no longer, and galloped towards the castle in fear.

Leaving the shadows, Sunset returned to her form, and groaned. “Unbelievable. That scaredy cat left his helmet!!”

A delighted giggle came from the tree above her, and she exhaled. “Whatever. Lesson taught, let’s see if he learns it. This royal guard is in shambles, I swear…”

She sat at the foot of the tree, and readied herself. “Jump! It’s okay, I’ll catch you.”

Marble left only a few seconds of hesitation, and then simply trusted her.

And that trust was not misplaced.

Holding her bridal style, Sunset placed her down gently. “Well, that was fun, heh.” She was met with a flustered nod, and a smile.

“The rain is picking up– I can take you home, if you want. I’ve had my fill of trespassing for the night.”

Marble quickly shook her head, and poked the Paladin’s chestplate.

“Oh?” Sunset’s eyebrows shot up in confusion. “Me? Huh?”

More flustered, quiet, simple gestures.

“Oh. My home. Okay then.” She smiled, and leaned forward for a gentle kiss.

Marble was woken up incredibly gently, with a quiet nudge and her name being called. She stretched, yawned, and sat up on Sunset’s bed.

“Hey– Sorry to wake you. I’ve got to go to work.” She spoke almost in a whisper, helping Marble sit up. “You can stick around for as long as you need– There’s breakfast in the fridge, and I've got a fruit bowl, if you want.”

There was a natural fluster that came from being treated so right. She nodded silently, with a smile, and kissed Sunset on the cheek.

She made quiet gestures, and finished pointing at her directly.

With a delighted sigh, Sunset chuckled. “Sorry, Marble… I’m not girlfriend material. The shit I told you last night is just the tip of the iceberg of my baggage– And I’m way too busy with my job nowadays, anyway. …You deserve better.”

With a disappointed sigh, the Earth pony nodded, resigned, but still pleased. The unicorn helped her from out of the bed, and made her way to the kitchen.

With a soft, amused gasp, Marble tapped the wall, drawing Sunset’s attention, to several pictures hung up in the walls.

“Yep! That’s your sisters– Pinkie convinced me to start taking some pictures of my day to day things. I’m glad I got that picture of Limestone wearing guard armor for the first time. She looks embarrassed, but it looks good on her, doesn’t it?” She let out quiet laughter, and Marble agreed with an amused nod.

“Okay, work time. Feel free to leave whenever you want– I’ll see you around.”

Marble stopped her on her tracks, and made a few gestures.

She smiled warmly, with a nod, before turning. “Yeah. I wouldn’t mind doing this again sometime.” Grinning, Sunset came closer, giving her a goodbye kiss.

“Is that what you’re wearing for Nightmare Night?” Twilight raised an eyebrow, with a slight smile.

“W-what? It’s just my armor! It works as a costume, doesn’t it?” Sunset was almost offended.

“Pff sure, but you always wear that, hihi.” The giggling was involuntary, they knew each other’s quirks well, at this point.

“And because of it, I’m always safe from attacks and any incoming threats. You’re welcome.” She huffed, her tail whipping about.

“Well, do you like my costume?” She showcased it proudly, with a smile.

“Starswirl the bearded– Well put together, I appreciate the detail you put in the hat shape, heh.” She nodded with a smirk– Twilight looked adorable; The choice itself of costume was utterly captivating, if not only because it was so cute.

With a shocked smile, Twilight could help but prance around her paladin. “FINALLY! Somepony gets my costume! Sheesh!!”

“Foals these days ought to study more.” Sunset huffed, forcing her gaze away from the Princess, who was continuing her adorable display of joy. “Though I don’t know why you’d choose to dress as him, you’re stronger in magic and talent than he was, anyways.” She shrugged, and made her way to the door. “Shall we, Princess?”

Twilight stood perfectly still, jaw dropped, with a slight fluster. What Sunset had previously stated meant a lot more to her than it did to the Paladin. An immense compliment, thrown around like it was nothing.

“C’mon, we’ve got festivities to go to, right?” Sunset tilted her head with a smile.

They left the library together, and entered the streets of Ponyville, enjoying the festivities and the reverie together.

The night proceeded as any festivity in Ponyville usually would, with joy and reverie, and not much to worry. Pinkie joined them as they went around greeting the townsfolk, playing games, enjoying themselves, and all seemed well…

…Until the Queen of the Night decided to make a surprise visit, for the first time in a millennia, making the evening a lot more interesting.

“How are you holding up?” Hours of eventful readjusting had passed, and Luna was now currently alone, on a rooftop, surveying the festivities; And Sunset couldn’t help but visit. “I remember when I came back after my two year exile… It wasn’t pretty.”

“I’ve seen your dreams; I know that is the case. I believe there are pros and cons that Nightmare Moon did not have bat wings and claws like you– But a thousand years of this infamy does not help. But I am holding up fine.” She lied, with suppressed anger.

“That bad, huh…?” She lounged next to the Queen of the night, giving her a worried glance. “Look. I know they fear you… But you’re a Queen. You’re invaluable to this world– And they will forgive you. They need you! Equestria needs you.”

It was a strange sight, to see Luna pout. “A thousand years for this disdain. I feel robbed– My sister, beloved, and me, feared…”

Sunset was about to speak up, but was silenced by a single wing gesture. “No. Do not worry– I am aware it is not my sister’s fault– it is mine. I am the one that submitted to the shadows. I’m the one that allowed bitterness and jealousy to guide my heart, all those centuries ago.”

Feeling a sting, the Paladin groaned, leaning on the rooftop, looking at the festivities of the town ahead. “I know we keep saying it every time you see my dreams but– Wow, we’re similar.”

“Painfully so.” Luna let out an exhale, shaking her head. “It is fortunate that you came here to talk to me, Sunset Shimmer.” She nodded calmly. “Truth to be told, I do not want to sulk– I must talk with you about a subject only you and I will truly understand.”

Naturally, with a light shiver, Sunset nodded quietly, knowing exactly what this was about. “...The forces of shadows, right?”

“Indeed. The dark side of the moon.” Luna nodded sternly. “They are not done with you nor I– it is just the beginning. In fact, I believe that for now, it is safer if we do not discuss this in your dreams. After all… They may be listening.”

“Fine by me. I’m not a fan of you constantly swooping in on my worst moments, anyway.” Sunset shrugged.

“Those nightmares do not define you, Sunset.” She spoke almost soothingly. “In fact– As I return to my duties of dreamwalking, I want to assure you, you will not suffer from them again.”

“...How so?”

“From now on… I will not only be a dream walker. I will be a nightmare eater.” She spoke solemnly, beholding the horizon.

A moment of silence passed, where Sunset simply nodded, and then couldn’t help it. “Fuck, that sounds cool.”

“It does, does it not?” Luna let out the shortest giddy laughter, then returned to her stern demeanor. “Ahem. You may suspect the nature of your nightmares, as well. I believe the shadows continued reaching out to you, even after your freedom…”

“That’d explain a lot. It was how they first turned me into that thing– But now they’re just tormenting me for kicks, I guess–” She snarled, then shook her head. “Whatever. I can take it. I’d rather die than go back.”

“As would I.” Luna affirmed without hesitation. “But know that I will keep you safe from the shadow’s nightmarish influence from now on– In fact, I will do so for all of Equestria.”

Looking up to her, she couldn’t help but smile. “Awesome. I’m looking forward to seeing how the kingdom changes under your influence.”

“Indeed… I only hope it will be positive…” She affirmed, with a weary smile. “But still– I am concerned, for I have no idea what the shadows could have in store next. But I have fears– And presumptions.”

“Twilight Sparkle.” Sunset muttered, while watching her princess from the crowd with concern. She, in the crowd, was simply having a fun night with friends, none the wiser. “I think they might target her.”

“Indeed– The newly ascended Princess may seem like an easy, and incredibly powerful vessel…” She shared the concern, with a grimace.

Letting out a sigh, Sunset shook her head. “I’m not worried. Twilight Sparkle is incorruptible; I'm absolutely certain. But I’ll still be here to protect her if she needs it.”

“That sets me more at ease.” Luna spoke earnestly, and gave her a warm smile. “It is quite likely she may already be targeted… So I will be looking into her dreams when I can, ensuring that all is well. ”

“Then I’m not worried. I also don’t think you’re in danger, either.” She smiled confidently, pointing at the alicorn of the night. “You’re back, you have your family, and you have a good routine– You won’t kneel to the forces of darkness again, I’m sure of it. You’re right where you’re needed.”

Luna smiled warmly, sharing that confidence. “All that you have said to me applies to you, Sunset Shimmer. Equestria needs you too.”

“Pff, sure.” She shrugged, not believing it for a second. “I’m going back to the party now. Want to come with?”

“Give me a few moments.” Luna frowned at the night, stretching, exhaling.

“Yeah.” She stated plainly, readying herself to leap down, but then stopped, turning to the alicorn again. “Hey, Queen Luna? …I’m glad you got a second chance like me. I’m glad I got to meet you.”

“I share that joy, little one.” She gave Sunset a kind nod.

With a quick grimace, the unicorn let out a shudder, and a chuckle. “Ugh, don’t call me that, you sound Like Celestia, heh…!”

Shrugging, Luna stood, ready to take flight. "Indeed. Celestia has been helping me get acquainted with rule. It has been a taxing and integral learning process, but I am... Happy to be here."

"Good to know!" Sunset gave her a nod, “So, I’m going–”

“Halt. One last thing.” She tapped her hoof on the roof.

The Paladin tilted her head with expectation.

“Your mother misses you. She attempted to be guarded with her feelings, but she’s as bad at it as you are.” She spoke sternly, looking through the unicorn.

Sunset had to take a few moments to recover, and then hand a quick response. “I’m not her daughter. I don’t get to be, okay? Not after everything. We’re done. We’ve been done for years. Goodbye.”

And with that quick, anger filled response, she leapt away into the party, ignoring any comment the Queen of the night would have made.

She shook her head firmly, with an exhale, speaking at no one. “You are not done with your family, Sunset. And we are not done with you.”

“Oof! I am party-pooped!” Pinkie proclaimed, with a stretch, and a yawn. The feathers in her costume were nearly all fallen at this point, but she still perfectly imitated the occasional mannerisms of a chicken, stopping only to fiddle with an instrument on occasion.

The streets were nearly fully clear now, most of the residents of Ponyville had already returned to their homes, and the lights of the night had dimmed even further.

With a stretch, Sunset addressed both The Bard and the Princess, whose costume had already gotten a bit weary from the festivities as well. “So, are we taking the last train to Canterlot, or sleeping in the library again?”

Before the Princess could reply, Pinkie stepped in. “Sorry! But I’m going my own way tonight. You two are gonna be missing a bard for a few months, but we’ll see each other again! I promise!”

“You’re quitting being the royal jester?” Sunset’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”

Twilight giggled, and waved her fake beard around. “Oh, she’s done this before, when you weren’t around yet, Sunset. It’s a temporary job!”

“Indeedy, Princeezy!” Pinkie nodded along, strumming on a harp. “I’m a free bird! And a Bird Bard’s gotta fly!”

Still giggling, the Princess waved a hoof at her while looking at Sunset. “This is about that ‘legend’ thing she keeps yapping about, remember? She’s off to look for one!”

“Oh. That whole schtick.” The Paladin couldn’t help but chuckle. “Pink, you know that you’re looking for a needle in a haystack, right? There’s not going to be an epic adventure waiting for you around the corner, it’s all smoke and mirrors–”

“Shushshhshush.” Pinkie brought a hoof to the unicorn's lips, silencing her. “I’ll smell it when I see it, Sunsun. And I got a feeling an epic journey regarding love and violence is afoot!!” She affirmed giddily. Then placing her instrument away, she came a little closer. “You knoooooow you could come with me. You do really well in a party– And I mean that both as in ‘party of adventurers’ and ‘party party’.” Her glance got almost flirtatious, and Sunset didn't catch it.

“No thanks. I’ve still got a job, remember? But I’ll see you around, Pink. We’re gonna miss you.” She spoke earnestly, with a smile.

“She’s absolutely right!” Twilight nodded with glee. “You’re welcome back anytime, Pinkie!”

“Awww, thanks guys! Bring it in!” She embraced them on one of her trademark Pinkie hugs, and squeezed, of which the Princess made a few pained sounds, and Sunset could swear she could hear her armor crumpling.

After undoing from the hug, the Bard addressed the Paladin directly, and closely. “Thanks for taking such good care of me and my sisters Sunsun… You’re the best!”

“Don’t mention–” Time nearly froze, her adrenaline spiked more than it did in combat.

Because in an excruciating nearly infinite moment, she noticed Pinkie leaning forward for a goodbye kiss.

Lightning fast, Sunset placed a hoof between their mouths, and lightly shoved the bard away, taking only half of a second to shoot a glance to Twilight, who was sitting directly next to them, looking at the entire scene in a confused, analytical gaze.

Her heartbeat rose even faster as she continued to deflect the Bard’s affection. “Pink. What are you doing.”

“Goodbye kiss! What does it look like?” Her giggle was half muffled by Sunset’s hoof.

The silence was excruciating. A brief glance showed Twilight tilting her head, analyzing the scene with an almost glare, and Sunset couldn’t place why she felt so incredibly nervous, but she acted on it.

It was unprofessional to do this in front of your boss, after all. Wasn’t it?

“Sorry, but no, we’re done.” She spoke, not coldly, but rather desperately.

“Done with what?” Twilight finally asked, narrowing her eyes.

The Earth Pony wouldn’t let the unicorn answer. “It was just a little fling, you don’t have to be all serious and broody about it, Sunsun!” Pinkie giggled to herself, shrugging. “There’s no hard feelings, we all had fun! My sisters will all move on eventually!”

Sunset was sweating, and she didn’t know why. She felt worse than if she was surrounded by fifty enemies– Her heart was pounding furiously.

“Ahem, anyways!” Pinkie clapped her hooves together giddily. “I’m getting started on my new journey tonight! So I’ll be going, my friends! Thank you for the memories, both of you! Especially you, Sunset. Hihi!”

For once, the unicorn was the one blushing of embarrassment.

And with it, the Earth Pony began studying the paladin with her gaze. “Why are you so jumpy, all of a sudden? It’s no hard feelings, really!”

She caught Sunset’s flustered, weary, sweaty gaze quickly shooting to Twilight.

And with it, her own eyes widened. Those two. Sunset being nervous.Twilight not knowing. Sunset’s devotion to the Princess despite her lack of need to be with her. “Hm. Okay. I am beginning to have an idea. I am beginning to think thoughts. And they are about–”

Sunset quickly stepped forward. “You should be getting going into your new journey, right? It’s late, you might as well get some pep in your step hahaha!!” She commanded, still just as nervous.

“Hihi, you’re right! Gotta get going!” Pinkie flipped on her heels, and began bouncing away. “Bye bye, you two!”

Attempting to remain cordial and comprehensive, Twilight asked a question, and it wouldn’t be the last of the night. “Wait! Where are you even going?”

Pinkie shrugged, with a skip on her step. “I dunno! I’ll see where the wind takes me– And I have a good feeling, this time. I think I’m getting my legend…!”

She waited no longer, and hopped into the nightly road, leaving the other two to only the sound of crickets and the last movement on the small town.

“So, um…” Twilight turned to her Paladin, with a puzzled expression, and a nervous smile. “...Fling?”

“It’s nothing!” The words came out of Sunset immediately, but then she shook her head and tried speaking normally. “It’s stupid. You know how I’ve been a bit more absent on some days, since Nightmare Moon…?”

At this point, the Princess was already piecing it together, and she simply nodded quietly.

Sunset didn’t even know why she was sweating so much, but she was. “Well, uh… Pinkie suggested I go in a bunch of flings– With her included– So I wound up doing that. With, uh, all of her sisters, too.Several times.”

A slight flustered appeared in Twilight’s face, as she connected the dots. “...Oh!”

“Sorry. I did say it’s stupid.” Sunset scratched herself with even more nerves “I’ll stop doing stuff like that, if that’s what you want–”

“I never said that! Why would I say that? Haha! I don’t own you!” Twilight responded frantically, shaking her head so fiercely that it nearly made the fake beard detach, and the bells in the hat jingled strongly.

Awkward silence, one instigated by completely unknown emotions to the two of them.

“...Sunset. Are you happy? You seem happy these past few days…!” Twilight asked softly, while fidgeting.

“I guess I am, haha. Kind of! A little bit?” She responded just as nervously, filled with uncertainty.

“Okay. Good.” Twilight let out a thankful exhale. “I much prefer this to you running away. So… Keep doing whatever you want…?” The nervous smile betrayed her, but Sunset didn’t catch it. “I mean… I don’t own you.Of course you’d do stuff like this. Why wouldn’t you?”

With the most nervous smile, Sunset forced herself to speak “...And that would really be okay?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?!” Twilight forced a reply all the same, with almost anger in her tone.

Crickets.

For almost a full minute they did not move, nor say a word.

Twilight, whose mind was racing, finally forced words out of herself, with another dangerous question. “...What else have you been doing?”

Sunset had no idea why she felt the anxiety she felt, but she was blessed to be saved by outside forces.

A magically driven carriage came tumbling down from the hills and barreling through town, and with it, the Paladin leapt into action, grabbing hold of its side and freezing the wheels in place with the magic, something Twilight mirrored in the other side before the carriage could hurt anyone or crash into a house, stopping it in its tracks.

Angrily, Sunset knocked on the side of the carriage, internally delighted to change the subject. “Hey, come out now– You nearly crashed into a house with your reckless driving!”

No response, except for angry, muffled yelling from inside the carriage.

“I told you we’re already too late for Nightmare Night! We can’t do our show if everypony’s asleep– What you did was serious reckless driving!!”

“The great and powerful™ Trixie does NOT MISS SHOWS!!”

Twilight groaned, approaching Sunset, nudging her to relax. “It’s okay, you can stand down, I know these ponies, they’re Starlight and Trixie.”

“Starlight and–” Sunset’s eyes widened, with a huff. “You mean the two idiots that got consumed by magic and you had to beat down like, years ago?!”

Twilight giggled to herself, shaking her head. “Starlight is not an idiot, and they’re not so bad–”

The door of the carriage slammed open, and the fabled Trixie Lulamoon rolled out of it clumsily, frantically looking around. “Good evening, Ponyville!! Who’s ready for our Nightmare Night Spectacular™?!?!”

Crickets.

“Aw horsefeathers, fiddlesticks, FUCK!” Trixie whimpered to herself, groaning.

“Hi, Trixie.” Twilight spoke with the least amount of energy possible, frowning.

“Twilight Sparkle!” Trixie immediately gained a shit eating grin. “Are you dressing up as me for Nightmare Night? If so, I would like royalties.”

The Princess did not have the chance to reply bitterly or angrily before Starlight Glimmer leapt out of the carriage, silencing her magician girlfriend. “See, Trixie!?! I told you, Nightmare Night is over, we missed it!” Her gaze scanned the environment, and she smiled. “Hi Twilight! It’s very nice to see you again!”

Twilight’s demeanor shifted to friendly again. “Hi, Starlight! I trust you’re keeping Trixie on the straight and narrow?”

Trixie, who was no longer restrained nor silenced, once again got smug. “Oh, there is nothing straight about me, Twilight Snarkle.”

“Yep! I’ve been doing my very best!” Starlight proclaimed proudly. “It’s been good to us, being on the road. How about you? Princess now, eh? How’s that going for you?” She asked with a tone akin to gossip.

“And who’s this hottie next to you?” Trixie perked up, almost growling. “It’s very unlike Twilight Sparkle to spend time with attractive people–”

“Her NAME is SUNSET SHIMMER!” Twilight couldn’t contain her annoyance any longer. “And she’s my bodyguard!! So don’t try anything or she’s going to fold you like a pretzel!”

Sunset almost burst out laughing, this was the first time she had ever seen the Princess like this, making threats on her behalf, no less.

“Relaaaaaax Twiggle.” Trixie shrugged, with that same smug grin. “Is it so bad to want to get acquainted with your friend's friends?” This was absolutely not her intent, as she approached the Paladin.

Using the ‘friendship’ card was a low blow, one Twilight felt indignation over, but had to accept.

“Hello, hottie.” Trixie addressed the Paladin with a grin. “Nice costume! What bet did you lose to have to be stuck to Princess sourpuss over here?”

Sunset’s glare immediately made the Magician shrivel up. “I’m here because I want to. Don’t test me.”

Starlight, who was unaffected, approached her with a friendly smile. “It’s nice to meet you! I’m glad Twilight has somepony looking after her– Especially now that she’s Princess!”

Twilight nearly stepped between them, with a nervous laughter, wanting to be alone with her Paladin again. “It is a very big responsibility for the both of us, but we’re up to the challenge! So, were you two leaving…?!”

Starlight nearly put Trixie on a chokehold, with her embrace. “Oh, we were! Trixie messed up our schedule, so we don’t have a show tonight. What do you say, Trix? Want to find a bar and get some drinks?”

“Drinks?” Sunset perked up, with ears twitching.

“I suppose we may as well!” Trixie pouted, with a groan. “I need consolation before we’re back on the road. Come, my great and powerful™ apprentice/girlfriend! Let us leave this little town. Bars here suck.”

Slowly, they made motions to get back on the carriage, Starlight forcing Trixie to pick up items that had broken or rolled through the door.

“Ahem. Nevermind them, Sunset.” Twilight affirmed, nudging her, pointing to the other side of town. “Let’s make ourselves comfortable in the library again! I still want to finish the conversation we were having before they barreled through it.”

Sunset felt as if there was an archer taking aim at her, from the shadows. Her nerves spiked once more, and she shot a quick glance to the side, looking for any way to avoid the conversation they were having.

And she found it.

“Can I go drinking with those two?” She asked quickly, pointing to the two unicorns that had stopped arguing or even cleaning, and were now making out.

“Wh– Why?! What? Really?!” Twilight felt revolted, huffing, groaning.

“It seems like it’ll be fun…?” Sunset lied poorly, nervously, sweating.

Twilight pouted, her face reddening, and didn’t reply.

“Um, I think it will be a good exercise in friendship if I get to know your past enemies, since I'm one, too.” Sunset spoke, almost robotically, rehearsed.

And again, there it was, the friendship card being used against the princess of friendship.

She groaned, huffing, and simply nodded. “Fine– Of course you can go– I don’t own you!”

“Great! Thanks! Be safe!” Sunset spoke, nearly immediately dashing away from her responsibilities.

The two unicorns, who were still stalling before hopping back on the carriage, welcomed her with open arms and glee.

And soon enough, Twilight Sparkle was alone in the night once more.

Crickets, flustering, and annoyance.

She huffed, turning around, tail flicking about as she made her way to the library.

“I’m not her boss! I don’t own her! She can do whatever she wants! It’s not like I want her all to myself every waking hour and also sleeping hour of my days!”

She muttered to herself, alone in the night, unaware she was being watched.

Author's Note

Ah. It's almost nostalgic, going back to writing self-sabotaging Sunset-- Sure, there's plenty of it in the Shimmerverse, but never with the protagonist. I feel like I'm right back on the return of Midnight Sparkle lol

Speaking of Midnight sparkle lol. Sunset Shimmer be like: Twilight Sparkle is incorruptable
Midnight Sparkle: Hi >:3c

Anyways, this chapter has that classic indulgence of writing a character that doesn't get much love in the show being treated so, so right. Marble deserves to be treated gently and lovingly but also have more relevance! Like damn! (and yes, I know she talks in the show. I thought this was more interesting.)

Sorry for the constant lore dump or foreshadowing lmao, the chapter wound up much longer bc of it-- I keep thinking of ways to improve and setup my Frogotten Friendship rewrite and it's possessing me lmao. To quote Hbomber guy: Foreshadowing is a literary device in which--

I actually had a Rarity cameo here! I was thinking of rewriting the episode 'luna eclipsed' on this universe but realised it was pointless padding, and skipped-- Besides, I already have a wooonderful Rarity cameo later on. (almost made an exclusive chapter for them to bang it out but decided against it)

We all cherish and love mom Celestia. But shoutout to auntie Luna.
Also I prefer to refer to Luna and Celestia as Queens, for a simple distinction of who's in full power n stuff! Leave Twilight and Cadance to be Princesses

That single moment where Twilight had the realization that her platonic paladin big sweaty daddy bodyguard situationship isn't adhering to a vow of chastity

TELLTALE GAME AND SUNSET IS CHOOSING THE BAD ENDING

also NO SUNSET DON'T GO WITH TRIXIE AND STARLIGHT THEY'LL LEAD YOU ASTRAY (hungover lots of gay sex)

Next chapter is one I've been looking forward to-- Finally we leave the Pie sisters-- it's been real, and awesome.