Paladin Shimmer goes on a bender

by DapperLilArts

Rating: teen
Tags: Comedy, Romance, Pinkie Pie, Sex, Sunset Shimmer, Violence, Princess Celestia, Alternate Universe, Twilight Sparkle, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 58775

Here’s advice: Before you pledge your blade to the Unicorn that saved you from shadows and the evil hold they had on you, ask her who she works for.

Sunset Shimmer failed as a pupil of Celestia– The shadows took advantage of her ambitions and the darkness within, and twisted her into a demon.

…And then Twilight Sparkle, saved her. If only she had known Twilight was the newest pupil of Celestia, her replacement, the living proof of all her failures, before she made a paladin pledge to serve and protect her as a life debt.

A conflict of interest, there. Her guilt, her shame, and her regrets, direct her to be as far away from her past as possible. And her debt to Twilight, her desire to repay her for being saved by her, and even her admiration to her replacement keep her close from all of the things that make her feel weak.

…And now that Twilight became an Alicorn, she realizes she needs a fucking break.

This is an illegitimate prequel to the Princess and the Peasant, due to it being set on the same universe, but at an earlier time frame to that fic! Though it's only a prequel, it's not fully related to that story, barely, even, as you might expect. There will be few references, but it's very much a stepping stone to more being done on that universe!

Published 2024-07-25 18:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2024-08-11 18:05:17 UTC

PROLOGUE: Sunset Shimmer.

“I know you’re there, you insolent pest, Celestia’s perfect little pupil…!” Nightmare Moon bellowed, her voice echoing in the ruins of the castle of the two sisters, deep within the Everfree forest. “I want you to witness this end, and this beginning. Night will reign ETERNAL!”

Twilight Sparkle, much to her luck, wasn’t alone.

Taking cover, the two unicorns accessed the situation carefully. “Okay, Twilight. You’re sure you can get the elements working if you reach them?” Sunset questioned, keeping her gaze in the temple, fiddling with her armor.

“Y-yes– I’m pretty sure I can! The Elements of Harmony can defeat her!!-- As soon as I figure out how…!” She stammered, keeping her eyes anxiously set in the very same sight.

“Right. You can’t get to them with her in the throne room, though…” Sunset’s voice trailed off as she realized just what was about to happen. She turned to Twilight once more, and spoke calmly, yet sternly.

“Twilight. It’s been an honor serving you. Thank you.” She stepped out of cover. “I’ll buy you time While you get to the elements. Get them working, defeat Nightmare Moon, bring Celestia back. Equestria is counting on you. Go!”

“W-what?! W-wait, she’s an ALICORN! You can’t–” She stammered, sweating.

“This is not up for discussion, I’m not here to win. Now go get the elements working! If anypony can, it’s you!” She mustered a forced grin, before running forward, leaving her behind.

Of course the unicorn tried complaining, stopping her, but Sunset wouldn’t have it. As soon as Twilight was out of earshot, she exhaled deeply, and the grin faded. “Finally.” She muttered, as soon as the Alicorn of the night was in sight. “NIGHTMARE MOON!”

“What’s this? You’re not Celestia’s little runt– A paladin?” Approaching with a calm demeanor, she grinned widely, completely unintimidated.

“I am Sunset Shimmer.” She stated plainly, courageous, unyielding. “And I’m here to defeat you.” She lied.

Her eyes widened, and she nearly gasped, showing teeth. “I know you…! You were the latest vessel of the shadows…!” Her voice took another tone, as if there was another speaking through her. “What a shame, you lost your wings, you lost your power, you lost your position, all to that little runt…!”

“Twilight Sparkle saved my life.” She stated plainly. “She saved me from being you. I’m here on her behalf.” She exhaled, her heart beating furiously, as heat began to rise, sparks lighting up her obsidian armor. “So if you–”

“--What a shame. You really were a wonderful vessel.” She rolled her eyes, amused by the sight, completely unintimidated. “The power of a demon is not known to many outside tartarus, you know…? If only my foolish sister hadn’t banished you– If only that even more foolish apprentice of hers hadn’t cleansed you–”

“Shut up.” Sunset begged, standing her ground.

And naturally, the Alicorn of the night was utterly unintimidated, as she walked forward. “Look at you. What bluster– But you are just a unicorn now, all by Twilight’s making. How ironic. As a demon, maybe you could have stood a chance.” She amused herself towering over Sunset, grinning madly. “You know… It is not too late to embrace who you really are. The beast that lies within– Become a vessel of the shadows once more… Like me.”

“I’d rather die.” Sunset snarled, and with a single motion, teleported beside the alicorn, bucking her flank, launching her aside.

“What a poor choice of words.” A flash of anger appeared in Nightmare Moon’s face, as she recovered and raised her wings, seemingly unaffected by the attack.

The battle was one of teleportation, levitation and blasts of magic. The ruins were alive with their blows, with both light and darkness. Sunset’s fire did not spread far, she kept it leashed as she delivered strike after strike with her horn, all while Nightmare Moon tossed dozens of stones towards her opponent who dodged nearly all of them.

The Alicorn of the night amused herself the entire time, being both magically and physically superior to her opponent.

They locked horns, Sunset tried standing her ground, but the Alicorn could easily push her. “Look at all that rage. You would still be a wonderful vessel– Why not just simply let it loose?”

“S-SHUT UP!!” Sunset pleaded, as she teleported and tried striking her opponent, but the Alicorn blocked it with a barrier and retaliated, smashing her through a column.

The battle had already taken them through several rooms of the ancient ruins. Sunset was breathing quickly, and she was already tired. She tried keeping the fight on close quarters, but the Alicorn could easily throw her aside with her superior magic, every time.

Her armor was bending and denting in uncomfortable places, and she was waiting for the strike that would render her incapable of fighting, any second now.

Nightmare Moon landed directly in front of her. “I wonder… How bad are the scars on your back?” She relished every word with malice. “It must have been painful to lose those wings.”

“Shut…” Sunset preserved her breath, inhaling sharply, and teleported forward. “--UP!” She moved with agility, delivering swift strikes with both magic and hooves, and despite hitting their target, she would often be stopped by a barrier, or avoided– Nightmare Moon was barely being bruised.

With a vicious blow from her horn, the Alicorn sent her through a window, then crashing right through a rooftop.

The Paladin tumbled and struggled, but forced herself to get up. The alicorn landed in front of her, entering through the hole on the ceiling casually.

“About ready to give in?” She spoke calmly, reveling on how easy this was for her.

Sunset’s response was to attack her, fiercely, savagely, as flames built up around her and she lunged relentlessly.

Nightmare Moon was taken back, if only for a moment, after having received a few blows. “Insolence.” Her nose bled, and her response was to unleash a force of darkness that threw Sunset through a wall.

“Did you really think you could truly harm me?!” She leapt through the hole in the wall, standing before the Paladin. “Luna is the perfect vessel– Equestria has lost. It is time for the age of shadows.”

And that namesake spread through all of the room, all lights dimmed, as darkness consumed everything. Sunset forced herself to stand once more and galloped towards her opponent, who swatted her away like a fly with her magic.

The Paladin was violently smashed against a wall, and she fell down, unable to stand, breathing haggardly, her face drenched in her own blood.

“Bah.” Nightmare Moon scoffed at the sight. “For a warrior that claims to have never lost a fight, you sure don’t know how to pick them.”

She approached Sunset calmly, yet with murderous intent. “Oh well. Having another vessel would have been ideal, but I’ve already won.” She leaned down, grinning. “And be at peace, knowing that the only fight you lost is one you died in…”

“I’ve lost before.” Sunset wheezed out, unable to stand, laying on the floor.

The Alicorn tilted her head in confusion.

“Twilight… I lost to Twilight.” Sunset let out a frail smile, looking beyond the Alicorn. “And speaking of which…!”

Prismatic light bathed the room.

The shadows receded entirely.

The queen of the night shouted in despair, and leapt towards it with battling intent.

Rainbows reflected off of every surface, as the light shined brighter than the sun.

Twilight Sparkle adorned every element of harmony. Four anklets, a necklace and her crown. The jewels glowed intently, as did her eyes, she was magic incarnate.

And, the last thing Sunset saw…

…Twilight now had wings.

Exhaling, Sunset closed her eyes and let go, with her task done, ready to finally die.

And unfortunately for her, she woke up.

She was in an infirmary in Canterlot. Her body ached in nearly every place, and her head was pounding. She was no longer adorning her armor as she laid weakly in a bed, seemingly alone in the room.

There was a wave of despair that shot through her.

She was still alive.

“No, no, no, no…” Her eyes were dry, but she wanted to cry, and yet. she couldn’t bring herself to, as she shuddered. “Why, why, why, why…!”

She stopped herself, inhaling sharply, and looked around the small room. It was comfortable, cozy, and quiet– Except for the sounds of party and reverie in the distance, she could hear them through the window and echoing in the halls of the castle.

Laying on her side, she kept her eyes fixed on the stained glass windows, and the flashes of Fireworks that shined through them.

It didn’t take much to decode what that party was about; She could easily deduce. With another weary exhale, she forced her eyes shut, painfully pondering on just how ready she was to die, and how it didn’t take.

She didn’t even dare to think of what would happen next in her life– She had never planned on surviving to consider it.

She stewed on that exhaustion and pain…

…Until she was interrupted by a familiar snore.

“Flash?!” She muttered, looking around and noticing the Pegasus guard napping on the one couch in the room. “What are you doing here?!”

No response, only more snores.

Frowning, she waved her horn, with a simple tilt of the head, she threw a pillow at him, waking him up instantly.

“Flash, wake up. What are you doing here.” She spoke sternly, annoyed.

Shaking himself off, the pegasus guard regarded her with pity, which did not help. “D-do… Do I need a reason?”

Angrily, she laid back on her bed, looking at the ceiling, groaning, rubbing her temples. “Fuck, of course. You’re literally the only pony in this stupid castle that might come even close to not hating me.”

“I don’t hate you!” He stated quickly, approaching her with that same look. “Y-you’re fine! Seriously!”

“Your mistake.” Sunset gritted her teeth, avoiding eye contact. “Oh yeah. The demon that rampaged through Canterlot castle is fine.” She rolled her eyes, blowing air through her nostrils.

“There weren’t… That many ponies hurt, then.” He grimaced, trying to make excuses for her.

“I chewed somepony’s leg and spat it out in front of Queen Celestia.” She stated simply. “This isn’t up for debate. I should be dead.”

He exhaled, shaking his head. “C’mon, it was years ago, you’re not–”

“Three years, four months and six days. Just stop. I’m sick of this conversation.” She huffed. “Are you here because somepony asked you to? Twilight? …Celestia?” Her gaze softened, but it still held contempt. “Or are you here for some stupid sentimental reason?”

“Wouldn’t either reason mean the same…?” He tilted his head with an awkward smile.

“Mean what?”

“That somepony cares about you…!” He gave her the warmest smile he could, which did seem to have a positive effect, even for a moment.

“I treated you like shit. You shouldn’t want to be here. You should leave.” She looked away, forcefully. “Isn’t there a party for you to be guarding or something?”

“Well, yeah, but still. I heard of what you did… You stalled Nightmare Moon so Twilight could use the elements of harmony! That’s pretty amazing!” He gave her a genuine smile of trust and excitement.

“Anypony could have done what I did– Even you.” She rolled her eyes. “I was just more enthusiastic about dying in battle than the average schmuck in your royal guard.”

“I still think it was pretty brave and selfless.” He nodded, almost wisely, trying to hide his concern. “I’m glad Twilight saved you!”

“I’m not. Now please get out of my room.” She barked quietly, using all of her energy to not go further than that.

“Don’t worry, I’ll go… But I still wanted to make sure you didn’t wake up alone.” He fidgeted, grabbing his guard helmet that was on the floor, post-nap. “That Twilight girl– Or should I say Princess? She was around for a while, waiting for you to wake up, but had to go– Big duties, I guess…!”

Sunset felt a sting pierce deeply on her gut.

Twilight Sparkle was now a Princess.

“That party outside is for her, isn’t it?” She briefly took a glance to the windows, then forced it back to the ceiling.

“Yep! Pretty huge one, too!” He smiled genuinely, flapping his wings with excitement. “Saw a bunch of creatures from all over Equestria celebrating the return of the Queen of the Moon– And the ascension of Celestia’s star pupil into Alicornhood!! It’s a pretty big deal!”

A frail, nervous chuckle instinctively came out of the unicorn as she forced her eyes closed. “She did it, then. Of course she did. Fuck.”

“Well, uh, I know that um…” Scratching his own chin absentmindedly, Flash looked at the floor. “I know how you always really wanted that for yourself back then, and stuff, but… At least you helped her reach it, right?”

“Flash, please leave me the fuck alone.” She stated coldly, unthinkingly.

“...I’ll go.” He resigned, exhaling. “Please don’t… Nevermind. Stay tough, Shimmer.” He sighed, leaving the room.

And just like that, she was alone.

Alone to stew in all of her mistakes.

Alone to stew on her predicament.

Alone to stew on her future.

Alone to stew on her present.

Alone to–

“Excuse me, where is Sunset Shimmer’s room?” A voice giddily asked in the hallway outside her room.

“Oh it’s that room over there! Can’t miss it!” Flash responded with the same joy in his voice.

Sunset’s blood ran cold and hot at the same time, as she considered the anger she felt on being disturbed at such a horrifically vulnerable time.

A Pink pony with a fluffy mane and an almost jester-like outfit entered the room, humming, bringing a balloon with her mouth.

Sunset narrowed her eyes, trying really hard not to incinerate this clown on sight.

“Hi! I’m Pinkie Pie the bard!! Nice to meet you! Celestia told me some fun things about you– And I said to her, ‘Queen, Sunset sounds like an absolute riot, of course I’ll go check on her!!’” She stated happily while tying the balloon to the side of Sunset’s bed, of which said ‘get well soon’.

“What the fuck are you doing here–” Sunset snarled instinctively, gritting her teeth. “Wait– you’re the court jester, aren’t you?! What the fuck are you doing here?!”

“You tell me, smartypants.” She raised a smug eyebrow, as she swiftly and quickly placed decorations around the room all with the same theming of getting better soon. “I’ve been told you’re super smart! Guess!”

“Fucking clown.” Sunset gritted her teeth, forcing her eyes shut, suppressing a volcano’s worth of rage. “I don’t need ‘cheering up’. Go back to Celestia and tell her to leave me alone.”

“No can do, buckaroo!” Pinkie gleefully opened the window, and shot out a party popper signal high in the sky. “Besides– I’m here on the behalf of two Queens AND a Princess!!”

No response from the unicorn other than rageful seething grumbles.

“Queen Luna was super worried that she walloped you when she was possessed by darkness or whatever– Gosh. I get her remorse! I’d feel super bad if I hurt a buncha ponies because I was possessed by darkness, wouldn’t you?”

If mere glances could kill, Sunset Shimmer’s livid, irritated glare would have incinerated Pinkie Pie

“And then Celestia, of course, she seemed super worried for your safety! She told me you were her first pupil and she took care of you since you were a foal– Gosh, that is just so sad!!”

Sunset’s anger was replaced with the desire to crawl out of that room if necessary to escape this clown.

“And then, last but very much not least, Twilight Sparkle, newly appointed Princess of Friendship. Aching because her bodyguard nearly died protecting her! Now that’s a heart of gold, right there. I was like. ‘Girliepop, isn’t that part of the bodyguard’s job description?’”

“It is. She just won’t let me go.” Blowing air from her nostrils, Sunset narrowed her eyes.

Quietly, noticing the minefield she had just so carelessly danced over, Pinkie offered something incredible to her; A somehow perfectly intact slice of cake from her bag, and a bottle of water.

Silence.

Pinkie placed the slice of cake atop Sunset’s bed, and like an animal, she couldn't resist, devouring it without another word.

“Heheh, I knew you’d like my cake.” Pinkie giddily unwrapped more sweets, and kept placing them on the small table near Sunset’s bed, quickly within reach. “I baked most of these! Can’t compete with royal caterers, but as the Queen of the Sun’s unofficial party committee advisor, I can veeeeerry much help.”

“Whatever.” Sunset forced the word out of her while she delighted herself on the sugary bliss of a baked good providing her sustenance. “Don’t think this is going to ‘cheer me up’ or whatever the fuck you’re trying–”

“--How about this?” Pinkie let out a sly, smug smile, as she placed a vintage bottle of liquor on the table.

Sunset’s eyes widened as she eyed that bottle with desire.

“Full disclosure. Princess Twilight told me just a bit about your situation, and I took it as a challenge.” Pinkie continued to smugly nod, as she fiddled with a harp she had taken from her nearly bottomless bag gleefully. “Such a sourpuss case, I figured I could try my best to–”

Sunset grabbed the bottle, removed the lid with her teeth, and nearly drank its full contents right then and there, silently, while Pinkie’s expression turned to a grimace of concern.

“...Jeez, that bad, huh?” Was all she could note on, as soon as the bottle was put down.

“You have no fucking idea, Pink.” She exhaled, shaking her head, feeling the burn, and embracing it. “...Thanks for this.” She said quietly, forcing the words out of herself, and then speaking no more as she began digging into more sweets.

“You know… It doesn’t take a genius to be able to tell that you’re absolutely overworked.” Pinkie affirmed, inspecting the unicorn thoroughly. “Like– You’re majorly in need of a break.”

“That’s not really in the parameters of my job.” The Paladin scoffed, ignoring eye contact, chewing. “I’m Twilight’s bodyguard– Not that she ever needed one. I was just stupid to pledge myself to her before asking her what her profession was.” If she had known who Twilight was, her replacement, things would have been different.

“She accepted it though!” Pinkie tilted her head, looking through her. “That’s gotta count for something.”

“Whatever. Do you have a point?” She asked, and regretted enabling the conversation near instantly.

“Yes. This bottle here, girl? It’s just the beginning. You and me. Bar hopping. Take a sabbatical from your unofficial job or something– You won’t regret it.” She spoke almost with wisdom. “Party like there’s no tomorrow– It’s the BEST cure for believing there’s no a tomorrow!”

Sunset’s first instinct was to toss the clown out of a window, but every word she stated made sense. Frankly, Sunset Shimmer wished she had died, long ago. Ever since she became a demon, she had reconsidered her worth and place in the world; And as soon as Twilight saved her, had ample proof of just how replaceable and worthless she truly was. And for the past months she felt like she was living on borrowed time– And maybe numbing herself was exactly what she needed.

Professionalism didn’t make her feel better. Running from her problems didn’t make her feel better. Drinking, though?

“So– The Alicorns really care about you, clearly.” Pinkie affirmed wisely. “Like, that Celestia, isn’t she your mom?”

“She isn’t.” Sunset responded coldly, trying her best to stave off the insinuations and what emotions they stirred within her.

“Be that as it may–” Pinkie spoke with a forced accent and comical posture. “It is my professional party master bard’s opinion that you are grumpy and you need to party it out. And maybe get laid a whole bunch–”

They were interrupted by the sound of teleportation outside– And Sunset already knew exactly who it was. “Ah, Princess Twilight!” Pinkie proclaimed with a smile “You got my party popper-beacon message–”

“S-Sunset! Thank goodness!!” Twilight walked forward into the room, ignoring Pinkie completely. “You’re awake…! You’re okay…” Her smile and her worry was genuine.

“...Yeah.” The unicorn did not make eye contact, her gaze was fixed on Twilight’s wings.

Concerned, painful silence. One Sunset cut with a blank statement. “...Nice dress.”

It really was a gorgeous wonderful blue dress adorned with stars, and frills that did not get in the way of her new wings. Twilight looked stunning. The wings looked beautiful on her, none of which helped Sunset’s mood in the least. “U-um! Yes! My friend Rarity made it, it was kind of a rushed job, but it was just in time for the ceremony…! Remember her? Fashionista, wants to be a Princess?”

“Your friend Rarity…” Sunset squinted, looking past her. “That’s the horny one, right?”

“Oh. Um. Yes. She’s the horny one.” Twilight sighed, thinking that might as well be a way to identify her friend.

More silence, as Sunset kept her eyes on her wings. They suited Twilight. She had earned them in full, and she looked stunning with them.

“Um…” The Alicorn grimaced in concern. “Celestia wanted to see you when you woke up, should I call her…?”

“I don’t want to see her.” Sunset affirmed instantly; It wasn’t necessarily a lie. Nothing would comfort her now more than a hug from her mother, but the last thing she needed was another physical representation of all her failures feeling more pity towards her.

“B-but…! She was so worried–”

“What happened to the elements of Harmony?” Deflecting her concern entirely, Sunset kept her gaze far from Twilight’s eyes.

“O-oh…! Well…” Twilight shuddered with concern. “Celestia deemed them weapons of mass destruction, and I couldn’t agree more. They're capable of a lot of good, but... Unless the entire world is in jeopardy, we aren't considering them. The three of us sealed them away somewhere safely so the power wouldn’t tempt any of us.”

“How the fuck weren’t you corrupted by their power?” The question was rhetorical, she knew Twilight was incorruptible, but it escaped her lips anyway.

“Oh, they were fine…! It was certainly weird… Adjusting…” She quickly looked at her wings, moving them, still shocked at their existences. “But otherwise everything was fine! I brought Luna back, cleansed the shadows, and even kept you stable!”

“...Great.” Sunset spoke unenthusiastically, her vision fogging up.

Even Twilight could read the body language, and see through Sunset’s mental state.

“S-Sunset…!” She came even closer to the unicorn, with that same look of pity and concern. “Y-you don’t hate me for getting wings, do you…? Please don’t hate me…!”

Inexplicably, Twilight Sparkle was one of the few ponies where Sunset could always contain her anger when near– Even if it was a struggle, this night. “I’m not a foal, Twilight.” She muttered, shaking her head. “I’m not jealous.” She lied, questionably. “I knew you were better than me since the first fucking day I met you, when you saved me.” She spoke truthfully, gritting her teeth, looking away. “So let’s not do this pity party song and dance.”

“Yeah! Especially when there’s an actual party going on!!” Pinkie mused herself, pointing to the windows.

No matter what Sunset would have said, Twilight would have still looked and felt guilty, and so she did.

Shuddering, suppressing anger, Sunset finally looked the Princess in the eyes. “Do you still need me to maintain my pledge? Am I free to go? You’re an Alicorn now. You don’t need me to protect you anymore–”

“B-but I do!” Twilight muttered, fidgeting. “I have no clue what I’m doing in a fight, I usually just got lucky when you weren’t around, Queen Celestia said as much herself–”

“Bullshit– You’re much more magically capable than me.” Sunset defended her immediately. “Hell, now that you’re an alicorn, I imagine even Celestia would struggle to keep up!”

Pinkie snickered, listening to the whole thing. “None of that matters if she’s a pacifist though, lol”

They both ignored her, and Twilight continued to express concern. “All the things we’ve done together these past months– Would you really just run away…?”

“It was all part of the job.” She lied, averting eye contact again. “I’d be a pretty shitty Paladin if I didn’t protect you like I did.”

“Celestia would miss you.” She spoke earnestly.

“I wouldn't miss her.” She lied overtly.

“I’d miss you.” She spoke earnestly again.

Dozens of responses formulated on Sunset’s head instantly, but she forced herself to keep her mouth shut.

1) Your mistake.

2) We’d just have to live with that.

3) I would have preferred it if you had let me die.

4) Just let me go, I don’t matter, I’ve never ever mattered.

5) The Paladin Sunset Shimmer, the failed pupil of Queen Celestia, the orphan that came from nothing, would have redeemed herself by dying fighting the same forces that she once was corrupted by. You took that away from me. I have nothing left.

Silence. Sunset looked down, averting eye contact.

For a moment, Twilight actually considered it. “W-where would you even go…?”

“...Anywhere but here.” Sunset spoke earnestly, looking out the windows.

Sitting, leaning on the bed, Twilight almost frowned, visibly upset by the paladin’s resignation. “Well I don’t want you to go.”

And there it was.

It wasn’t just the nature of the pledge– It wasn’t just her professionalism as a paladin.

If Twilight Sparkle ordered it, she would do anything, without hesitation.

This instinct, alongside the instinct of protecting her, came above anything, even her own shame and self loathing.

“...I’m staying, then.” She resigned, with an exhale.

All Twilight could do for a response was let out a sigh of relief, a very noticeable one, at that.

“Girls. Girls. I think you’re ignoring the obvious solution here.” Pinkie stepped forward, with a peppy grin. “Me!”

The two others blinked in confusion.

She fiddled gleefully, as she addressed the unicorn. “Sunset, it’s lovely that you’re staying, I bet your mom is gonna be really happy!”

“Not my mother.” She grumbled.

“But cleaaaaarly you need a break, like, big time.” She gestured towards the alcohol bottle with a smug smile. “So? Shall we?”

Silence.

Sunset cleared her throat, trying to regain professionalism. “Princess. I’m still at your service. But if you don’t mind, as soon as I can walk properly… I’m going drinking.”

Author's Note

So. I said I was taking a hiatus from the Shimmerverse... But I didn't say I was taking a hiatus from writing >:3c

Okay I do need to explain and justify some things about this fic. The Princess and the Peasant was my most 'oc' piece of work, because all I did was take molds of existing characters and existing stories and bend them to my will until they broke, in the best way. And because of it, I have such a fondness for this little universe I made, I already thought of plenty of stories I want to tell in it!! Funny enough it feels like I'm doing what series like marvel always does lmao. Make new adaptations of characters you know! Seeing where to improve while keeping the root and nature of the character the same, just on a diff universe!

This universe being "Friendship is magic but its more high fantasy and the characters are a bit more edgy/fantasy counterparts"

I'll explain. A lot of my writing tends to work a bit less with canon, but instead, with the meta. If you've kept up with the shimmerverse, you know what I mean-- I take ideas and concepts that are unexplored, but very much present, and fully flesh them out.

Easiest example, the untold idea that Celestia adopted Sunset at an early age, and filled her head with wishes of greatness, and how that strained their relationship when it wouldn't cut it. The idea that Sunset failed as both a pupil AND a daughter is haunting to her, and yet, Celestia would still want her by her side. Soft spot.

Another being the simple fact that Twilight and Sunset would have very different ways to deal with problems considering their particular ways of overachieve, meaning kindness and diplomacy vs violence and intimidation.

Another being forcing the Sunset Demon to be an inescapable tangible truth that affected all of her already strained relationships, and how its guilt is personal to her.

Another being things like. No matter how cute, righteous and true Twilight is, her managing to become an alicorn would hurt to Sunset, whether they were enemies or friends.

OKAY. most important meta narrative aspects for me, in ANY Sunlight fic, but specially the ones I'm writing.

1) Sunset Shimmer does not ever return to Equestria in canon, and nobody misses her, no matter how much good she did on earth, or how much good she could have done.

2) Twilight Sparkle rules alone in canon, and single. Her rule is an abysmal failure that ends up in the banishing of all magic and the separation of all pony races, even stronger than when before Equestria was founded.

These two meta subtexts can and should coexist-- The idea that Sunset is capable of so, so much good, but the world wouldn't miss her, and the idea that Twilight unknowingly would doom Equestria, on the guise of a solo rule, adored by all. I see a pretty perfect, completely unbiased solution here.

ALSO, having written a multiverse fic, I've kind of begun recycling writing on purpose. I've begun making constants and variables in my fics, to demonstrate how these characters really are the same people, even on different universes/circumstances; LOTS of references, heheh.

So I apologize if all of this seems a bit OC-- To be fair, it kind of is. I've already expressed that I could rewrite all of the Princess and the Peasant to be an original story by making original characters, and this is no different, lol. This is me taking my favorite character and pushing her into my own mold.

But either way-- If you've read the Princess and the Peasant, you know how their relationship ends up, but I will still delight myself with this fic either way.

Because full disclosure-- I'm only writing this because this is a setup for maybe, in the future, rewriting forgotten friendship in this universe. I think its the best piece of MLP media, and I think I can improve it. I've been wanting to write Wallflower Blush for ages, but it has to be on MY terms. MY world. >:)

Keep it hush hush though I'm not rushing to do it, lol. One step at a time!

Part 2: Maud Pie.

Their hoofsteps echoed in the darkness of the cave, narrow tunnels meshed into large chambers perfectly, and yet, abnormally.

The pitch black was staved off by the light of Sunset’s horn, and the lantern of Maud’s belt. The Unicorn took the lead, her armor clanging quietly in the silence of the cave.

“Thank you for helping me with this, by the way.” Maud said calmly, sniffing the air, observing the walls.

“Don’t mention it. This might sound weird, but I prefer things like this to candlelit dinners.” Sunset Shrugged, her eyes shifting through different sections of the cave, and the darkness beyond.

“It doesn’t sound weird.” Maud blinked, scraped a wall with a hoof, feeling the textures, threading waters.

“So what’s your deal, Maud Pie?” The Paladin asked absentmindedly, inspecting the darkness thoroughly. “Why did you accept it when your sister offered to set you up with me?”

“It was more of a ‘I didn’t refuse’ situation.” She shrugged lightly, leaning closer to a small hole she was making. “I’ve learned to just go with her ideas. Pinkie can be very persuasive. ”

“Haven’t known her for long, but I’ve definitely noticed that.” She smirked, huffing, keeping her eyes on the ceiling. “Do you do this kind of thing often?”

“It’s my full time job. Collecting, researching, selling if I need to.” She dug a bit more, and quickly took a glance at the Paladin. “It’s my passion. Going anywhere in Equestria, seeing the deepest, darkest cave… And finding treasures where no other pony would even try to look.” With one more stroke in the wall, she unveiled a beautiful unpolished jade. “Bingo.” She spoke, deadpan.

“Not bad at all!” Sunset nodded, looking closer. “But my question wasn’t about this– It was; Do you often go on dates in the depths of previously unexplored caves?”

“Oh.” Maud took a pause from examining the jade, with an almost indecipherably embarrassed glance towards her date. “...No. I don’t often go on dates at all.”

“Huh. I see Pinkie macking on a different mare or stallion every week– Is it not the same for the rest of the Pie sisterhood?”

“Not exactly. You might have noticed Pinkie is a bit ‘eccentric’.” Maud understated plainly.

“I sure have.” Sunset suppressed laughter.

“And well, you’ve met me.” Maud looked back at the jade. “All my sisters have their own unique quirks. Limestone is the only other that tried the dating thing– She can’t exactly maintain anything, though.”

“I guess I'll see why when I meet her, heh.” She chuckled lightly, reveling in the strangeness of what she had accepted.

“Pinkie is just the ‘lucky’ one, I guess.” That word was highlighted in a slight different tone, and Sunset picked up on it. “My family isn’t bad. But there’s a reason I choose a job that takes me anywhere but home, you know?”

“Four sisters, and two parents. Must get overwhelming.” Sunset had absolutely no idea how it felt.

“Hm.” With a hum of affirmation, Maud began chiseling the wall, to remove the jade.

Smirking, Sunset caught onto something. “So Pinkie is the ‘lucky’ one, huh?” She tilted her head, analytically.

“That was a joke.” The slightest, most narrow grin appeared in the Earth Pony’s face. “I don’t envy the spotlight my sister has– neither of my sisters do. And I’m not really interested in the whole love thing.” With one final chisel, she removed that beautiful unpolished green stone, and observed it analytically.

“Really? Why’s that?” No matter how monotone, the subject in question was fascinating, Sunset was beginning to find it an captivating game to decipher what Maud was thinking.

A moment of silence passed, while the Earth Pony pondered her answer, looking at the darkness of the cave. “...If you’ve never had something before, it's difficult to crave it. So why would I care about love?”

“Heh. A mare after my own heart.” Sunset grinned, shrugging. “C’mon, we should move.”

“Hold on, there’s a vein of jade here. I want to–”

“--There’s also a couple dozen dormant giant leeches on the ceiling. I’d rather not start a big fight in a narrow tunnel, especially not set anything on fire in an enclosed space.” Sunset pointed up, to the hidden monsters in the dark. “You better trust me on this. If I increase my light, it might wake them up.” She spoke softer, sternly.

Maud blinked twice, looking up. “Okay. Let’s move.”

“Don’t worry. They live in very small hives. The next section of the cave system should be pretty safe.” Sunset spoke affirmatively, calmly, almost gently. “Right, or left?”

“Left.”

She followed the command of the experienced caver thoroughly.

“...So how about you, Sunset Shimmer?” Maud asked while following closely. “I can see you’re good at what you do. And you look good doing it too. Aren’t you working for the new Princess?”

“Twilight Sparkle, yes. I’m her bodyguard.” She spoke absentmindedly, surveying the path forward. “Speaking of which, I have work tomorrow, so we better be back on Canterlot before the sun rises.”

Following closer, Maud looked at her intently. “What’s she like, the Princess? I’ve only heard the tales Pinkie tells… Or sings.” She knew well her sister often blew stories out of proportions.

“She’s the smartest mare you’ll ever meet– Incredibly magically capable, too. She’s also infuriatingly humble.” Sunset quickly waved her horn, illuminating a large room they stepped onto, hiding her smile.

“What do you mean?”

“...You’d have to be there. She became an Alicorn, literally ascended… And just went back to business as usual. ‘Time to go study! Time to visit Ponyville! Time to attend a party!’ Heh.” After imitating Twilight’s voice, she couldn’t help but smile, shaking her head. “Despite her hesitations, fears and insecurities, she is incredibly capable.” Sunset hid her face, because she couldn’t help but smile warmly. “I honestly think she can find a solution to anything, if she has enough time for research… She is perfect for her job.” There was a bittersweetness in her tone, one she hid well.

“Good to know Equestria is in good hooves, I guess.” Maud let out an ironic smile. “I shouldn’t have asked. I don’t really care about politics.”

“Heh. The cave mare doesn’t care about politics? Color me surprised.” Sunset spoke in a joking tone, giving her a grin, and Maud reciprocated.

“You’re funny.” She spoke plainly, with a slight smile.

Silence, as Sunset shot glances at multiple directions.

Maud blinked twice, inspecting the frame of the Paladin as she surveyed the cave. “You asked my opinion on love and dating. What about you?”

Undefined grumbles came out from Sunset, as she shrugged. After a brief period of silence, she spoke, uninterested. “It’s like you said; If you’ve never had something before, it's difficult to crave it… Much less deserve it.” She looked away, into the dark, averting thinking of the question properly. “Celestia spent a thousand years ruling without even one romantic partner. So the whole ‘love’ thing must be overrated, then.”

Briefly, she remembered herself as a foal, proclaiming she would rule alone, for a thousand years.

“Hm. I definitely understand that.” Maud took a pause, looking at the darkness with her. “Pinkie always liked singing about adventures, legends and love stories. I never understood it.”

“Bah.” Sunset grumbled, almost snarling, frowning at the darkness, genuinely believing every word she spoke. “Rescuing damsels from towers. World saving adventures. True love. Happily ever after. Destiny. It’s all fairy tale bullshit.”

“Then why are you here?” Maud tilted her head, forcing eye contact.

Sunset came closer, reciprocating on the gaze, enough so they could feel each other's breaths, speaking quietly. “...I’m just trying to feel something good.”

“...Me too.” Maud agreed quietly, with a whisper.

Sunset grinned. Maybe most ponies couldn’t decipher Maud; That is why Pinkie had told her. But she was beginning to become easy to read. And she enjoyed the challenge. “Well then.” She turned around and kept moving forward, purposefully bumping the Earth Pony with her side. “This way looks promising.”

“Yes. It does.” Maud nearly stuttered, forcing herself to follow along. Clearing her throat, she tried continuing the conversation. “Well you know about me and my sisters. What about your family?”

“Don’t have one.” She spoke absentmindedly, eyes forward. “Raised in an orphanage. Took in by Celestia at the age of nine. No sisters, no parents.” She let out a quick chuckle, glancing back. “Look at us– You’re drowning, while I’ve got a drought.”

“That’s true… And funny.” Maud smiled quietly, then thought for a bit, and continued. “I’m sorry if talking about family upset you.”

“Nah.” Sunset shrugged, looking away. “Again, like you said; If you’ve never had something before–”

But she stopped, looking at nothing.

“Are you sure you want to put aside all of these duties, Queen Celestia?” Raven Inkwell asked dutifully, as she looked over a checklist diligently. “I understand your reasoning, but–”

“I am sure.” The Queen of the Sun spoke calmly, with a smile, walking forward in the halls of her castle. “Tonight is Sunset’s first nightmare night here in Canterlot– I don’t want her to miss a thing.”

“I hope it will be worth it, then…” Squinting, Raven crossed a few things off of her checklist. “We will be putting away a few dozen duties…”

“Duties will always be here, Raven.” She amused herself, shrugging. “But her childhood, she will only get once–”

Just then, they heard scurrying coming from the corridor before them, and just like that, the little filly ran towards them, turning a corner so hard she almost slipped, and ran towards Celestia all while giggling.

Celestia’s eyes widened with a smile, disregarding the negatives of the scene– Sunset was leaving a trail of paint with every step she took on her sprint, blue and green staining the gorgeous carpets of the castle.

And behind her, two guards pursued, clearly fatigued.

“Queen Celestia! Queen Celestia!!” Sunset shouted with a wide grin, immediately running in between Celestia’s tall legs, taking cover from the guards. “I’m ready for Nightmare Night!”

“Oh dear!” Celestia couldn’t help but chuckle at the adorable sight she was seeing. Sunset wasn’t just carelessly covered in paint for no reason. It looked like she had tried to dye her short mane to be the same color as Celestia’s, with questionable success.

And of course, matching, she had clumsily, yet surprisingly efficiently, managed to decorate herself with cardboard cutouts of a crown on her head and a set of wings on her back.

The two guards stopped on their tracks, breathing haggardly, awkwardly. “M-my Queen! Sorry!! W-we tried catching her, but phew!”

“Y-yes, you see, your pupil has raided the royal garden shed for paint–” The other guard quickly tried adding, but with a simple motion of her hoof, Celestia silenced them.

Sunset blew raspberries at the guards, and muttered the word “Snitches!!”

“It is quite alright, you two.” Celestia spoke with a calm smile. “You are both dismissed. Me and my student have somewhere to be tonight, so I will promptly lecture her on her wrongdoings in the morning!”

Sunset, below her, muttered “Boooooo!!”

The two guards exchanged awkward, tired looks, gave the Queen a salute, and left without discussion, conversing among each other what a handful Celestia’s student was.

“This might stain…!” Raven inspected the carpets, with a concerned gaze. “Shall I inform the cleaning crew?”

“Not to worry, Raven. Now…” With her magic, she picked Sunset up, and leaned down gently, so they could be eye to eye. “Little one… I see you’ve decided to undertake costume making by yourself…!” Her eyes were filled with affection, seeing the adorable scene.

Sunset struck a pose, proudly displaying her work, wings, crown, and paint. “Go on! Go on! Guess who I’m dressed as!”

Giggling, Celestia played along adoringly. “How many tries do I have–”

“--The strongest Alicorn in Equestria!!” Sunset shouted out with a smile, unable to contain herself, hopping up and down. “I got wings and everything!! Don’t they look so cool?”

Sunset had poorly, yet distinctively decided to dress as none other than Celestia, a fact that was not lost on the Queen, who had the widest, warmest grin. “They most certainly do, little one.” With her magic, she brought Sunset to ride on her back, and the little filly got comfortable instantly. “Perhaps next year we will match, eh? Let us decide on the costuming together, next time. Raven, take note, please.”

Her aide immediately straightened her back, ready for it, taking out a clipboard. “First order of business. After me and my student are done with the festivities tonight, she will be punished for her transgressions through the simplest form: Bath time.”

The little filly immediately protested in despair, but Celestia continued smiling widely. “And tomorrow, at the earliest, she and I will be responsible for cleaning any and all carpets she has stained.”

The little filly’s protests grew even louder, as she flailed in contempt, all the while Celestia’s wings kept her locked firmly in place.

“But as for tonight…” Celestia turned to her student, and nuzzled her affectionately, calming her down. “Sunset Shimmer’s only duty is to enjoy her festivities on her first nightmare night in Canterlot, with me, provided she behaves.” The nuzzles prompted Sunset to giggle affectionately, and she nuzzled the Queen right back.

Even Raven couldn’t help but smile at the sight. “All noted, my Queen.”

“Well then!” Celestia smiled warmly, opening a window. “Let us not waste any more time, shall we, Sunset? And let us take the scenic route!”

“YES!! YAY!!” The little filly cheered, as she rode the Queen, who carefully and elegantly leapt out of the window, flying down to their city, with both of them intending to make the absolute best of this night.

It was worth it, and unforgettable.

“Sunset?” Maud tilted her head, looking at her intently.

“It’s… Nothing. It doesn’t matter.” She forced her eyes closed, with an exhale. “Let’s talk about something else.”

Letting out a short hum of affirmation, Maud pointed towards the direction of the large dark chamber they were in. “Judging by the structure and the wear in the ceiling, there might be a way out through here. I’m pretty satisfied with the haul from tonight– I wouldn’t mind going home if you don’t.”

“Yeah. It’s late. We should both go home.” She spoke absentmindedly, with a grimace over the suppressed memories, and any yearning that came from it.

“No. I mean your home.” Maud spoke plainly, following her.

Sunset’s ears twitched. “Oh? You don’t have anywhere to stay tonight?”

Maud stopped on her tracks. Sunset turned to her, watching her carefully.

“...No.” Maud spoke after a moment of eye contact, quietly.

“Wow. You, Maud Pie, are a bad liar.” Sunset amused herself, snickering. “I think I’ve got you figured out, now.”

“I don’t know what you mean.” The Earth pony remained deadpan, poker faced.

“Oh, but I do.” Tilting her head, she came closer. “But oh well. If you won’t say it, I guess it won’t happen. Shame!” Smiling, she turned and walked forward, leaving Maud behind.

“Shit.” Maud spoke quietly, quickly following along.

“Over here. I think I found something.” Demeanor changed back to Professional and wary, Sunset stood by. “This here. Is this what I think it is?”

Maud followed close, standing next to her, and observed it. It was a large, erratic yet circular hole on a wall, one they could easily step into, a dark, and deep sight they couldn’t see the end of.

“Hm. yes. I think it’s a mountain eel nest. We should–”

The next two seconds were frantic.

Sunset quickly yet firmly shoved Maud aside, away from the hole, and then the unicorn leapt high into the air, with a flip.

The giant mountain eel emerged from the hole at breakneck speeds, bringing its jaws locking down fiercely attempting to swallow them whole, but meeting only air, due to the unicorn being airborne.

With the same motion and with the help of gravity, Sunset lit her horn akin to a blade of light, and felled down on the beast with precision and deadliness in a single decisive and deadly motion.

Immediately after, the decapitated head of the giant eel rolled on the cave floor with squishy thuds, and both the ponies were splattered with its blood.

“That’s that.” Sunset let out a single short snarled exhale, having done all that in one breath. With her magic, she pulled the long snake-like decapitated corpse out of the hole fiercely, dropping it in the cave floor, so it wouldn’t be between her and Maud.

The Earth Pony laid on the floor, eyes widened, observing the Paladin approach her, both of them splattered in the blood of the beast.

Sunset extended a hoof. “Sorry for the push. You okay?”

“Holy shit.”Maud muttered quietly watching her.

Blinking twice, Sunset sighed, with a smile. “Sorry, heh... Bodyguard instincts took over.” She helped Maud up, who watched her intently.

Suddenly, they noticed a breeze, under her helmet, Sunset’s mane was wavering.

“Hey, douse your lantern.” She commanded, doing the same to the light of her own horn, beholding the previous-home of the now dead giant mountain eel.

Maud obeyed, and just like that, with their eyes adjusting to the dark, they could see it.

At the end of the hole, there was a light. A way out.

“How about that? Tricky little devil. C’mon, we’re almost out of here.” Sunset stepped into the hole, and Maud followed.

The light was easy to distinguish– it had long since become night outside, and the light belonged to the city of Canterlot, in all of its dazzling glory. Not that either of them minded, as they simply enjoyed the stroll.

“Well, that was one of the best dates I’ve been on.” The Paladin amused herself with a chuckle, speaking ironically, yet earnestly.

“Best one I’ve ever had.” Maud spoke quietly.

And with that, Sunset chuckled some more. “Hah, Pinkie did tell me you were funny– It’s your first, isn’t it? Victory by default, for me.”

“Yes.” She replied, but an ever so noticeable smile, observing Sunset.

“You know, your job, spelunking…” Sunset thought for a moment, letting her mind wander. “Going anywhere you want, not being bound by anything, as far as you want, with nopony holding you back, always alone– it’s good. I respect it.” She reminisced on the thought. “I’ve thought about running away a lot, in the past year. This wouldn’t be so bad.”

Leaving everything behind sounded both incredibly easy, and monumentally difficult.

“We prefer the term ‘caver’. It’s less silly.” Maud spoke, with that same smile. “And yes. I love every day I’m doing this. But it does get lonely.”

“Does it, now?”

“It does now.” Maud affirmed, keeping her eyes on Sunset, highlighting that last word.

And just like that, they were greeted by the soft breeze and the cold night air– A beautiful night, one where they had a perfect advantage viewpoint from, atop a mountain, seeing all of Canterlot as the city shined beautifully, bathed by stars and spotlights, with its castle piercing the sky with light.

Inhaling slowly, then exhaling, the Paladin turned to her date. “Well that was fun. C’mon, I’ll take you home.”

“Your home.” Maud spoke plainly, not budging from the spot.

“Oh? I’m not sure what you mean.” Sunset grinned.

“You. Me. Your home. Now.”

“Now we’re talking.”

Sunset’s horn alarm rang, notifying that Twilight Sparkle’s routine would begin in thirty minutes. Diligently, she immediately awoke, and stretched…

…Only to be met with the sight of Maud laying beside her, watching.

“Watching me sleep, huh?” Sunset smiled, as she continued to stretch and yawn.

“Only for a few minutes.” Maud forced herself to look away, almost shamefully. “Sorry if it’s weird.”

“It isn’t.” Sunset shrugged. “I’m a bodyguard and a paladin, remember? I’ve had to stay awake while Twilight sleeps in plenty of our previous travels. It is what it is.”

Maud didn’t respond, simply continued looking at the unicorn's sturdy frame as she stretched.

“C’mon, up you go, I’ve got to breakfast and work.” Sunset nudged her, finally prompting her to stand.

“Can I ask you a question?” Maud followed her to the kitchen, where Sunset was gathering ingredients for a fast breakfast.

“Shoot.” The Unicorn multitasked, moving curtains, setting the table, and managing baking, all at once with her magic.

“What caused the scars on your back?” Maud couldn’t help but look.

On Sunset’s upper back, there were two distinctive, large, unmistakable scars where her fur didn’t grow anymore, old, healed gashes, but impossible not to notice.

Silence. Sunset did not stop working, she didn’t make eye contact either.

After that brief quiet, where the unicorn focussed only on her task, she finally spoke, absentmindedly. “I’ve got scars all over. It is what it is.” It wasn’t a lie, she did have several battle scars in most of her body.

But those two were the largest ones, unmistakably so.

“They’re pretty big. Hard to miss.” Maud watched her work intently. “Something pretty bad must have happened to you.”

“Want honey or syrup for your pancakes?” Sunset deflected, continuing to work diligently.

“Honey. If you don’t want to tell me that’s okay. I was just curious.”

“Didn’t peg you for the nosy type, Maud.” Sunset couldn’t help but grin, shooting her a glance. “But I guess you’re Pinkie’s sister after all, heh.”

“I should have figured it’s personal. Sorry.” Maud shrugged, and began helping with the cooking.

“It's…” Sunset paused, shaking her head. With a sigh and a smile. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“Try me. I’ve got time.”

“Sorry, but I don't.” Sunset gave her a genuine apologetic look. “I’ve got to be at work in less than thirty minutes, remember?”

Swiftly, Sunset served them both, placing the two plates on the awfully small table, and immediately began eating, used to an incredibly efficient routine.

They ate quietly, something they both appreciated. Sunset occasionally shot a glance to Canterlot castle, beyond her window, bathed by the light of the rising sun.

“Pinkie taught you to bake these, right?” Feeling the flavor and consistency’s familiarity, the Earth Pony couldn’t help but grin.

“Yep, heh.” Sunset shrugged. “I’m still getting the hang of it. Baking is weird. Definitely not as easy as combat.” Mulling over it, chewing, she smiled, looking away. “I can slay a Chimera in a single blow but I can’t get flour measurements right, heheh…”

“I think I owe her an apology.” Maud spoke absentmindedly, focussed on eating.

“Oh?” A slight smile appeared on Sunset’s lips.

“She was right. This is really good.” Maud affirmed, gesturing vaguely.

“The Pancakes?”

“Dating. Everything. …You.” Maud spoke, with a shrug. Looking away. “She was right.”

Suppressing a chuckle, Sunset nodded. “Glad to have been of service. Now c’mon, I’ve got to get going.”

With swift motions, she moved the dishes to the sink with her magic, and then adorned herself with her obsidian armor, which previously sat idly on her preferred armor stand.

Maud watched the entire time, Sunset’s fluid, rehearsed motions of adorning that armor, like it was her own secondary layer of skin.

As soon as Sunset opened the door, intent on them both leaving through it, Maud stopped her.

“You know. Caving is easier with another pony. I see that now.” Maud spoke quietly, looking at the horizon beyond Canterlot. “It’d be easier to do it with somepony watching my back.”

Coming a bit closer, Sunset grinned. “If you want something, you have to ask for it, Maud.”

“Come with me?” Her gaze went to the floor, and then to eye contact, almost with a plea. “You said it yourself. You always wanted to run away. This is your chance.”

Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle at the idea, with a happy exhale, looking in the distance. “Sorry. But I’ve got an oath to keep– She asked me to stay, so I'm staying.”

The disappointment on the Earth pony’s face was palpable, no matter how neutral her expression tended to be. With a sigh, she smiled. “Oh well… Maybe in some other universe. You’re a strange mare, Sunset Shimmer.”

“Then I guess I’m in good company.” Swiftly, gently, the Unicorn gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Now c’mon. I’ve got to get going, grab your things.”

Maud stopped her, holding her with a hoof, forcing eye contact. “Tonight was really good. We should do it again sometime.”

“Eh, I don’t know. It was more of a one-night stand sort of thing.” Sunset grinned, egging her on.

“We should do it again tomorrow.” Maud affirmed, in the same tone.

“Persuade me.” She came even closer, with the same smile.

“We’re doing it again tonight.”

“Now we’re talking.”

Twilight Sparkle, with a cute little yawn, awoke, feeling the shifting beneath her. “Hi Sunset…” She muttered, sleepy.

“Shoot. Sorry. Didn’t mean to wake you…!” There was genuine regret in her voice, as she bit her own tongue.

“It’s okay…” She gave out cute another yawn, and clinged tighter.

Sunset was carrying Twilight on her back to her room diligently, through the halls of Canterlot castle– A motion that was quite familiar to both of them, at this point.

“You fell asleep studying again.” Sunset smiled, giving a brief glance back.

“Hihi… That much I could tell.” With another yawn, Twilight nuzzled Sunset’s neck, making the position even more comfortable. “What time is it…?”

Shooting a comical glance at one of the windows, Sunset gave out an ironic chuckle. “Way past a princess's bed time. Don’t worry, I’ll get you to your room.”

“Always…” Twilight’s voice trailed off, as her eyes narrowed. “I was reading such a good book– It was about the many degrees of fire magic… it reminded me of you…”

“Really? Tell me about it.” Sunset smiled warmly, looking forward, having done this song and dance dozens of times.

“Lots of elemental magic comes from emotion… Especially mastery over your own feelings…” She let out another adorable yawn, her voice getting sleepier and quieter by the second. “Fire magic comes from passion and anger… Tapping into those feelings is as easy as opening a bottle if you suppress them… But controlling them not to burn yourself and others is the hardest part… The stronger the emotions,the hotter the fire burns…” And just like that, like she was reciting an encyclopedia as a bedtime story, she put herself to sleep, still quietly, indistinctively muttering.

“There you go.” Sunset smiled, and quietly snickered to herself.

Gently and silently, she walked into the Princesses room, and made the most comfortable space on the bed possible.

Handling her like she was a butterfly wing, Sunset placed Twilight down, and covered her with a blanket.

“Goodnight, Princess.” She whispered with a smile, turning around.

“...Goodnight Sunset…” Twilight muttered involuntarily in her sleep.

Author's Note

You have no idea how hard it was to suppress having Maud say that it'd be hotter if the fucked in the cave. But to be fair sunset needs to go to work in the morning, so she'd refuse either way, lol.

Its good to write a fic with shorter chapters for once. less of a massive commitment, relaxing, and complete laser focus on character relations and interesting conversations of the chapters in question! Though I always fear that its only interesting to me lmao.

Specially because this Paladin Sunset is very stoic and broody and that can be boring to some as a protagonist. Not to me but still. This chapter, despite me loving writing it, I was wondering "Damn are people gonna think this is boring as fuck because there's a stoic broody character and also Maud is there?" But eh I don't regret it at all!

Rest assured that the Pie sisters are not the only ones that will be featured on this fic. It won't be a long fic in general, but I will definitely go beyond them. It's funny some people think this is a polyamory fic, that's funny, but no this isn't a Sunset harem fic, this is a "Sunset goes on dozens of one, two maybe three night stands to cope and it helps" fic

Also you have no idea how many baby Sunset flashbacks and mom Celestia flashbacks I'm holding back I am STRONGLY containing myself not to put a bunch of them in every chapter-- The story is not just about them after all, its about Sunset getting LAID.

Besides, it'd focus highly on those flashbacks in the forgotten friendship rewrite I'd do on this universe, bc it'd be worth making an entire first chapter reviewing Sunset's formative memories.

The undeniable doomed cuteness of Celestia getting to be a mom... Tragedy but so worth it. Endlessly entertaining. I have a billion ideas for them-- If there's one reason I wanted to jump on this fic after bouncing off of the Shimmerverse, is 'cause I get to write orphan Sunset which has insane potential writers here rarely tap onto fr fr.

Next chapter: Limestone Pie finds a positive output for her internalized anger.

Part 1: Pinkie Pie.

“ALRIGHT EVERYPONY CAN WE GET A CHEER TO THE NEWLY ASCENDED PRINCESS OF FRIENDSHIP?!” Sunset yelled out, her voice echoing in the lively bar, inebriation bringing out the widest grin on her face. “THREE CHEERS TO PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE!!”

And Pinkie, right beside her, hopped atop their table and yelled out loudest of all, as the entire bar shared the same joy and reverie. “MAY HER RULE LAST A THOUSAND YEARS!” Sunset bellowed, downing another shot, with the dumbest, most delighted smile, and the entire bar cheered with her. “MAY HER RULE BE A GOLDEN AGE!!” Once more she shouted, and the whole crowd followed. “MAY HER WINGS CARRY HER FAR AND–” She couldn’t finish the sentence, bursting into bouts of laughter and joy, following the rhythm of the music with her sways, and the entire bar burst into more cheers.

“Now this is a party, am I right?!” Pinkie winked at her, doing an agile motion, hopping from the table to sitting next to the Paladin on their table. “I figured it’d be more your speed!”

“You have NO idea!!” Sunset laughed out loud, and after downing another shot, began doing a little jig, waving her mane around, with aggressive dance moves, following the sound of the peppy music a band played in the distance.

“And here I thought you didn’t dance!” Pinkie raised a smug eyebrow, observing the warrior go wild.

“I’m a paladin, Pink!! I can do ANYTHING!!” Her confident grin was matched only by the stupor in her voice. “WATCH THIS, EVERYPONY!!” She then proceeded to do a perfect backflip, landing on four hooves and finished with a bow, and the whole crowd around her cheered.

“I woulda puked doing that now!!” Pinkie wheezed, clapping, and several of the bar goers followed suit. “SUNSET SHIMMER THE PALADIN, EVERYPONY!”

One the ponies near her, drinking much like them, coming closer, waving his beer mug around, mused himself. “Alright miss paladin, where’s your armor?!”

“It’s in the shop!” Sunset proclaimed loudly, with that same smile. “Because it got heavily damaged when I fought NIGHTMARE FUCKING MOON!!”

Several bargoers expressed their disbelief, amusing themselves on the drunken mare proclaiming tall tales.

“That’s right!! I was the Alicorn of the Night’s Punching bag while Twilight Sparkle saved the day and did everything right like she always does!!” Sunset laughed akin almost to a bark, shooting her head back. “And I didn’t even get to die– She couldn’t even give me that!! I’m invincible!!”

The crowd didn’t necessarily get quieter, but there were a few looks of concern and confusion pointed at the Paladin, especially from Pinkie.

“I didn’t break my oath, bitches!!” Sunset laughed loudly, completely neglecting the objective truth of her statements. “I’ve never lost a fight!! Not even when I was a widdle orphan!! TRY ME!!”

Grinning madly, a bargoer swung a hoof at her jaw, and despite taking the hit in full, she immediately countered, delivering a swing with tenfold of the power, sending the pony sliding through the floor, and both of them burst out laughing even more, and with Pinkie grabbing a fiddle in her bag to accentuate the fighting, the band picked up the pace.

“C’MON, THEN!!” Sunset shouted out in this single, thoughtless, painless, euphoric, drunken moment. “HEY CAN WE GET A CHEER TO CANTERLOT? BEST CITY IN THE WORLD?! DREAMS ARE MADE HERE!!”

Sunset’s first thought as she awoke in her apartment on Canterlot was surprise; Surprise that she didn’t feel like shit, nor did she feel hungover or even had a bad taste in her mouth.

Her second thought was to question why she heard sounds coming from her kitchen.

“Pinkie?” She sat up, rubbing her temples, yawning.

“Present!” The bard called out from within her kitchen.

The Paladin blinked a couple of times in realization that the previous day and very long night had indeed happened.

Her apartment wasn’t exactly small, but it certainly was tiny by Canterlot standards. Due to personal choices, she didn’t want to sleep in the castle, so she compromised by sleeping in the capital, and very near the castle, at that. Disregarding how easy, especially now, it would have been to have vacancy in the castle itself.

It wasn’t exactly tidy. There were few decorations that weren’t weapons or armor stands, and she didn’t have many belongings she was attached to– Or memorabilia she would ever put on display. But already, she noticed a couple of things different. The Bard made herself at home and put up a few lights and colorful scented candles around, as well as hung up a picture that had been taken of the both of them on the night before, right on the wall by her window.

The picture itself being of Sunset putting Pinkie on a headlock while they both smiled wildly in front of a crowd of bar goers cheering all the same.

“I see you made yourself at home.” Sunset scoffed, stretching.

“You said I should, last night!” The voice of the Pink pony echoed from the kitchen. “Of course I did.” The Paladin sighed.

With a grumble, she was about to get up, until the head of the bard poked from her kitchen, with a yelp. “Nono! Don’t get up! You’re getting brekkie in bed, girl!!”

“Bwuh?” Was all Sunset could muster, as her head still felt a bit dizzy.

Proudly, giddily, Pinkie bought a tray with assorted snacks in her mouth, and placed them on the bed of the Paladin, who regarded it with surprise.

“This is a bit modest compared to my usual output, no offense, ‘cause your kitchen is sad.” She shrugged with a giggle.

“Yeah, I don’t often eat here.” Sunset spoke simply, with a shrug.

“Still though! Let’s chow down!” Pinkie waited no longer, before munching on the assorted cookies and nick nacks she had placed down.

Sunset hesitantly followed, being unsurprised that they tasted well, after her previous and recent experiences with Pinkie’s cooking. She eyed the bard suspiciously, with eyes narrowed. “Okay. What’s your angle, then?”

“All part of the plan, girliepop!” The bard proudly reached into her bag and commenced taking out contents, mostly instruments, as she searched for a particular thing. “First order of business; How are you feeling?”

Scratching herself, the captain looked out the window to the castle, then back to the tray of sweets before her. “Kind of tired? A bit dizzy... And not hungover, somehow?”

“Oh that’s because I convinced you to drink a bunch of water!” Pinkie spoke in giggles.

“Was that before or after we banged all over my room?” She spoke plainly, observing the new, extra messy nature of her usually decently organized living space, wincing when she saw cracks on the already peeling paint in one of the walls.

“Before and after. Gotta stay hydrated!” She proclaimed with a gleeful smile. “Still though! You didn’t answer my question. How are you feeling?”

“Fine I guess?” Sunset shrugged, scratching herself again.

Smugly tilting her head, the Bard persisted. “Oh? Are you feeling better than a couple of days ago, perhaps?”

“I… Guess?” Sunset blinked a couple of times, as the realization set in. “Huh. Wow. I am feeling a bit better.”

She was indeed not as focussed on her inevitable failures and her horribly dysfunctional past and near present, and even less focussed on her self loathing.

Containing a squeal, Pinkie finally found the object she was looking for in her bag. She pulled out a notepad with a list on it, one she proudly displayed, only the first components.

‘Pinkie’s plan to make Sunset Shimmer smile!’ Was proudly displayed at the top.

“Party it out, bang it out, check!” Pinkie crossed an item off a list.

“Huh. How long did you have that in there.”

“Since Celestia told me to go cheer you up, duh!” She smugly spun the notebook with agility. “Now, you tell me. You had a good time, right? Want to keep this going?”

“With you? Not sure.” Sunset spoke almost coldly, and then her eyes widened in shame. “Oh, I mean, uh, Sorry. I didn’t mean to, well…”

With a fluster, Pinkie shook her head. “No, no, I don’t mean with me! W-well, Only if you want to, of course!”

“I’m considering it.” With a grin, she shrugged.

The red in the bard’s face intensified, but she shook it off. “Ahem, as I was saying. Pinkie’s plan to cheer you up involves you keeping the party going, sans my presence, if that’s what you so desire. If you’d like to, I could absolutely give you some party pointers, though!”

“Alright then.” Grinning some more, she leaned curiously. “Shoot.”

“Okay so obviously, you need to get out there more. Focus on something that isn’t just your job, that isn’t just your problems! Don’t get me wrong, I'm sure you’re a great kickass paladin and all, I heard the stories and will absolutely write songs about you– But you need a proper break!”

Nodding attentively, she waited for the next item on the list. “And it just so happens, that well… I have three antisocial sisters that all need to get out more.”

She flipped the pages of the notebook revealing scrawlings of what could resemble the three Pie sisters, if you squinted.

‘Maud Pie, Limestone Pie, Marble Pie.’ It read, in messy writing.

“Huh. And…?” Tilting her head, she was beginning to piece this together.

“I just so happen to know a cool hot Paladin that is in desperate need to get out more too.” Pinkie winked, pointing at her. “So… You take each of them on dates, go to parties, or do anything really, and see where the night takes you!”

“Are you– Are you seriously telling me to bang your sisters? Is that what’s happening right now?” She narrowed her eyes, but was near laughter.

“Not necessarily–” Her tone implied otherwise. “What I’m saying is– I had fun with you, and I know you treat a girl right.” Pinkie affirmed with a wink and a nod, reminiscing on the night before. “And you had fun with me, right?”

“Correct.” She had to suppress laughter and a wide smile.

“So you get to show my sisters a good time, they get to go out more, you get to work on some unresolved internal issues, and with it, you start getting the training wheels to start doing this sort of fun thing by yourself! Everypony wins!”

“And for the record you’re not telling me to bang your sisters?” She tilted her head, with a sly smile.

“Oh you do whatever you want, but I warn you in advance those girls desperately need to get laid.” Pinkie shook her head dismissively, but couldn’t contain her grin. “What do you say? Or– Wait, are you committed to Twilight or something?”

For a brief moment, Sunset’s gaze was in the castle in the distance– The mere insinuation made her mind wander. Firmly exhaling, she shook her head. “Definitely not. Our relationship is strictly transactional, I made an oath to protect her. That’s all.”

“Huh, that totally didn’t sound rehearsed at all.” Pinkie squinted, scrunching her face, scanning the paladin with her gaze.

“Take it as you will. I don’t care.” A flash of anger appeared in Sunset’s face, and she quelled it by looking away.

“I see, I see!” She inspected Sunset’s reaction thoroughly, narrowing her eyes, making annotations. “Well, put it this way. All the fun you had with me, if there’s even 50% of said fun to be had with my sisters, why not give it a shot?”

“Persuasive argument.” For a moment, the Paladin weighed in on the value of her time versus the value of spending time with others, versus the value of the fun she had had this night. “...What the hell. I’m in.”

“Nyehehehell yes! My sisters are gonna love you. I’m glad you’re starting to trust my genius.” The bard crossed her arms smugly.

“I definitely thought you were a lot dumber when I first met you.” She spoke almost coldly, almost containing laughter.

“I get that a lot!” Pinkie did not contain her own laughter.

“No kidding.” Sunset scoffed at her expense, but then nodded. “Seriously though– You’re… Funner than you seem. And smarter than you seem.” She forced words out of herself that she didn’t usually say to anybody at all, but Pinkie was fully deserving of hearing them. “I misjudged you.”

“I also get that a lot.” Pinkie giggled to herself.

Sunset got out of bed, taking what remained of the tray into the kitchen diligently. “C’mon, let’s get this cleaned up.”

“Sure! Anyways, I was thinkin’ of priorities, and although Limestone probably needs this most of all, I might want to have Maud go first because–”

She paused, and Sunset paused too, because her horn glowed and almost beeped. “Oop. That’s my alarm. Twilight’s routine starts in thirty minutes. C’mon, let’s get this fixed up–”

And once more she paused, looking at her bedroom floor, where several of Pinkie’s instruments laid carelessly.

“...You can play guitar?” Her ears twitched.

“Of course I can, silly!” Pinkie hopped over to it, and strummed on it elegantly and with gusto. “Any self respecting bard knows how!!”

There were a few brief quiet seconds where Sunset’s vision blurred, and her mind went elsewhere. Her body moved on its own, to a closet that wasn’t used very often, where she began digging onto some boxes that often remained untouched.

From them, she manifested a guitar, a Pinkie gasped.

It was old, and not very professional looking, but it had dents and stickers that implied history.

“This, uh…” Sunset’s voice trailed off, where she considered saying nothing else, but she did anyway. “This was a gift from a caretaker in the orphanage I grew up in– She tried teaching me at the time, I was kind of bad at it.”

She strummed on it quietly, rusty, but undeniably with some knowledge of what she was doing, all while Pinkie stared, starry eyed. “It was literally my only hobby outside of studying to maybe be Celestia’s student someday… At the time. I kind of dropped it, when she took me in.” There was a hint of regret in her voice, one that was easy to pick up on.

A quiet squeal erupted from the Bard, as she contained her excitement.

And once more, she forced herself to speak. “...Can you teach me to do it right? …Like you said, I need new hobbies…” Sunset spoke with an exhale and a chuckle, at her own expense.

“Yes! Absotutely!! You’ve got yourself a teacher!!” She strummed on her own guitar excitedly.

Calmly, Sunset walked over to her, and gave her a gentle kiss that silenced her instantly. From that same, very close distance, she grinned, and spoke earnestly. “Thanks for cheering me up, Bard.”

With a fluster that covered her entire face, Pinkie forced words out of herself. “N-no problem, Paladin!! Haha!”

Still grinning, Sunset turned away, and began cleaning. “C’mon, let’s clean this up, I’m never late on the job.”

They began efficiently cleaning the apartment as Pinkie gathered her things, and before they left, Sunset halted her. “And Pinkie?” The Bard tilted her head, with wide eyes and a smile, listening attentively.

“Tonight was fun. I don’t regret it. We should do it again sometime. I mean it.”

“First order of business today, a lecture related to Alicorn training in the throne room– Then I’ll go make an appearance at the opening of a new exhibit on the Canterlot museum, then we break for lunch, then I’ll stop by Ponyville so that Rarity can get my measurements for some new dresses, then it’s back to the Canterlot library so I can study and practice new spells with my, um, newfound Alicorn magic!” Twilight stuttered over the last few words, like she was walking on eggshells.

“Roger.” Sunset nodded, accompanying her through the halls of the castle quietly. “Next stop, Throne room.”

Quiet persisted for a little while longer, while the Princess of Friendship fidgeted. “Um… The other day, when I was studying… I could hear you playing guitar on the balcony.”

“Was it bothering you? I can not do it next time, if you’d like. It’s no trouble.”

“No no no!! It’s not that at all! It was nice to hear!” She flustered at the idea of limiting a friend’s hobby. “I just found it odd– I never knew you played…?”

“Pinkie’s teaching me how to do it properly.” A slight grin appeared on her face, as she shrugged. “It’s a nice distraction.”

“O-oh! You two are getting close, huh?” She smiled proudly.

“You could say that. She’s not as annoying as she seems at first glance.” Sunset snickered, shaking her head. “Celestia knows how to pick her jesters. She won’t stop making songs about you, though.”

“Yeah she really toots my horn.” Twilight blew raspberries, closing her eyes in embarrassment. “I guess it comes with being the newest Princess of Equestria and everything…!”

No response from Sunset other than a hum of affirmation.

Twilight couldn’t bear the silence. “A-are you okay? Have you been okay, I mean…? The past few days…?”

“Better.” She tilted her head, going no further. “My job is to worry about you, not the other way around. So… Don’t worry.”

“You couldn’t stop me from worrying.” Twilight teased, walking a bit closer. “It’s kind of my thing.”

“That it is.” Sunset chuckled quietly, and then stopped by great doors. “We’re here.” She opened them with her magic.

Twilight, however, did not step forward immediately. “Look, I’m just saying, you’re not just my paladin, you’re my friend. I want to know you’re doing okay!”

Grinning, Sunset tilted her head, pointing at the throne room. “The Queens are waiting for you, your majesty. What’s keeping you?”

Quietly, Twilight’s gaze shifted from the thrones to the Paladin, then she muttered softly. “...Are you going to walk all the way with me, this time? …Celestia would love to see you properly.”

“Nope.” Sunset spoke plainly, taking dutiful position sitting inside the throne room, but as far away from the thrones themselves as possible, diligently awaiting next to some guards.

“...Okay.” Twilight resigned, and walked forward towards her lecture.

The guards near her became a bit nervous and fidgety with her presence. Sunset cast a single cold glance behind them, and they straightened their backs and went silent. Her reputation still carried far in the castle.

Sunset’s vision blurred as she stared at the floor. The conversation between the Queens and the Princess was nothing but an echo to her, one she did not process on purpose. Celestia’s voice was one she tuned out particularly.

Moments passed, and minutes turned into an hour, all with her mind suppressing her current circumstances. She didn’t think of what it was like to be in this throne room again, every time she visited it, she desperately didn’t.

“Sunset Shimmer.” That same, always concerned, always motherly voice called to her. Her ears flickered as her hide shivered in concern. “Could you come over here, please…?” There was a plea in the way that was spoken, but Sunset ignored it, thinking only of the command.

And so she stepped forward, slowly, bringing herself to reality, joining Twilight’s side, looking up at her old mentor once more.

Queen Luna sat with a look of shame, next to her, averting eye contact, something Sunset appreciated. Celestia, however, looked directly at her, with a look of pity, always that look of pity that twisted the Paladin’s stomach.

“You… Look well…!” The Queen of the Sun let out a relieved exhale.

“I am well.” Sunset spoke robotically, forcing eye contact.

“I wanted to…” Celestia stopped herself, inhaling, shaking her head. “We wanted to thank you formally for the assistance you provided in the battle against Nightmare Moon. Without you, Twilight Sparkle might have not managed to reach the Elements of Harmony, and for that, we are all thankful, deeply so. Thank you for your service to Equestria, and your diligence in protecting my pupil.”

“Always.” Sunset spoke in a breath, shooting a glance towards Twilight, who seemed deeply nervous at the exchange, then corrected herself. “All part of the job, Queen Celestia.”

“Be that as it may…” Celestia couldn’t help but smile. “You showed your diligence and your capabilities, and you kept Twilight Sparkle safe. And for that, I thank you.”

A nod was all she got in response.

“And furthermore.” Taking a glance to her left, Celestia narrowed her eyes towards her sister. “My little sister has an apology to make.”

Groaning, Luna rolled her eyes. “I’ve told you, I already visited her dreams, we have already talked–”

“--It’s true. We’re good. She apologized.” Sunset affirmed, nodding. “We’ve met– And there’s no hard feelings, seriously.”

“Nevertheless.” Celestia silenced them both, pouting. “It is better if those apologies are spoken out loud, not in the realm of dreams.”

Exhaling, annoyed, Luna stepped forward, and spoke earnestly. “Sunset Shimmer. I am sorry for the pain I caused you when I was corrupted by the shadows. I was incredibly pleased to discover you made a full recovery– And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for all your efforts regarding my freedom from the darkness. You fought bravely.”

“I don’t like to lose…” Sunset’s voice became stern, but she reigned it in. “But I gladly accept what happened that night, all for the sake of Twilight’s safety. –And Equestria, of course.”

Luna smiled shortly, nodding genuinely. “Your efforts were not in vain– And I am deeply thankful.”

They had had this conversation before, in a dream. They already knew how much they related to each other– Birds of a feather, corrupted by the same force.

“Anypony could have done what I did.” Sunset shrugged. “...But I’m thankful it was me.”

The massive, underlying lie that she wished that she had died that night was unspoken.

“Very good, see!” Celestia clapped her hooves quietly. “All better!” She then rested her gaze on Sunset once more.

Silently, Twilight sparkle nudged the Queen of the Sun to speak, to try, all with a look, and motions of her wings.

Hesitantly, nearly fearfully, Celestia spoke. “Sunset Shimmer– As you continue to be diligent and efficient with your job as Twilight’s protector… Would you like to accept the offer of living in this castle once more?”

“No thank you.” The words came out of Sunset automatically, robotically. “I’m comfortable where I am. And I’m never late. I won’t ever let my living condition affect my duties, I promise you all that.”

Celestia failed to suppress her own sigh of disappointment.

And Sunset, looking at the floor, just wanted an out. “Are we dismissed? The Princess has duties elsewhere.”

“...Yes, you may both go. Thank you for your constant diligence, Sunset. Twilight is lucky to have you.” There were many, many unspoken words between them, and neither had the courage to speak them.

Sunset quietly turned around and walked away, and Twilight was quick and clumsy to follow.

“U-um, are you okay? You seemed to be acting a bit odd in there…!” She tried prodding, fruitlessly.

And naturally, Sunset deflected it. “What’s next on your agenda?”

“A thousand years really have passed, haven’t they?” Luna’s gaze remained on Sunset, as she walked away with Twilight.

“Hm?” Was all Celestia could muster, as she had her mind elsewhere.

“You’ve changed.” Luna affirmed, continuing to gaze at sunset, who disappeared in the great doors of the throne room. “I’ve never seen you this vulnerable.”

Celestia, suppressing an exhale, shook her head. “...What is next on our agenda?”

Author's Note

Surprise!! This isn't a fic about overcoming emotional turmoil!! It's about Sunset going on a bender and getting laid a bunch!! I've deceived you

Okay full disclosure, not going to lie, but this fic originally came to me when I was thinking of how many potentially fun pairings Sunset had, and how you could naturally weave them in a story about her coping with her failings, and eventually settling down-- And it became this hilarious idea about Sunset going around on a bender, hence the fic you're seeing now.

And speaking of the meta writing I spoke of in the last author note-- Sunset has great chemistry with Pinkie Pie. Why wouldn't the same apply to the rest of the Pie sisterhood?

Don't worry though, there will be more pairings, fun scenarios, and emotional resolutions-- I won't say which will be displayed on this fic, but I'll tell you two things: 1) The fic won't be very long, and 2) Both Tempest Shadow and Wallflower Blush will not be featured here, for they are in other, more important circumstances in this universe at the moment.

Writing will be at a leisurly pace, bc I've begun editing my first YTP and it's fun heheh.

Next chapter: Maud gets to have some fun with something that isn't just rocks, for once.

Part 3: Limestone Pie.

“Unbelievable.” Limestone chewed on her own lip angrily, after taking another swig of her beer bottle. “So Pinkie and Maud got a taste and I’m just in line? What am I, chopped liver?”

“And you still said yes to this, heh.” Sunset amused herself, taking a drink of her own bottle. “But hey, we can just shake hooves and tell Pinkie we struck out, if you’re not interested.”

“Well I never said that.” The Earth pony barked, leaning on the bar table with a slight fluster on her face. “I’m here, you’re here, you’re hot, let’s see where the night goes. At least I got this before Marble. Sheesh.”

“Hah, sure.” Sunset shrugged. The bar around them was not lively or even full, there were very few ponies around, and they were alone in their particular section, backs facing a wall.

Blinking twice, then turning to the Earth Pony, Sunset made a grimace of surprise. “Wait. You find me attractive?”

“Um. Yeah?” Limestone tilted her head in confusion. “You’re pretty hot. Do you not know?! Have you not been told that before?”

“Huh. I guess once or twice?” She couldn’t even remember when. “Actually, no. Nope. I have no clue.” A few seconds passed, where she scanned her memories for any compliment to her appearance that wasn’t platonic, and after a few from Flash popped up, she reached a recent example. She shook her head, smiling. “Wait. Pinkie; She wouldn’t stop complimenting me when we were making out.”

“That sister of mine, I swear.” She growled, rolling her eyes. “At least she has good taste when it counts...”

“You Pie sisters seem all completely different from each other…!” With a chuckle, Sunset tilted her head. “There’s no bad blood between you, right?”

“Can we please not talk about my sisters.” She pleaded, gritting her teeth. “No bigger turn off than that.”

“I’m fine with whatever, frankly.” Sunset shrugged, her gaze idle, uninterested.

A few boring seconds passed with the Paladin’s mind elsewhere, neither of them saying anything, until she remembered something.

“...Nightmare Night is in a few weeks, right?” Her gaze was far.

“Yep.” Limestone blew raspberries. “Can we not do small talk too?”

Sunset shrugged, taking another drink of beer, and then slowly, she became curious. “...Do you want to tell me what you find attractive about me?”

This immediately prompted the Earth Pony to talk. “Your mane is messy, but in the perfect way– it’s a style, it shows that you move, it shows that you work, and that you don’t care about what others think– A fact that is supported by you wearing badass armor indoors.” Limestone said with a devious smile, nodding along as she did it. Truthfully, Sunset was wearing her full armor, her helmet was the only absent one, resting on the table.

“Pff. I’m a paladin. I’d be a pretty lousy one if I didn’t–” Then she took another drink. “Some ponies judge me for wearing proper protection in most places I go, jokes on them– If a battle ensues, I’m always at the ready, and besides, I earned this armor!”

“That’s what I’m talking about, heh. You don’t care what others think.” She grinned, pointing at her date. “And the badass warrior look? It works on you. You’ve got the scars to prove it.”

“Damn right. I earned those too.” Sunset affirmed sternly, taking another drink. “Wait, and you think that’s hot?”

“You’re joking, right?!” Limestone raised an eyebrow, snickering to herself. “Scars are hot! Have you seen yourself in the mirror? So many Unicorns are wimps, but somehow you’re buffer than most Earth Pony workers I know!”

“Pff, yeah. Most unicorns rely on magic only for everything.” She looked at the table, absentmindedly spinning her cup idly. “Earth Ponies have their strength, and the Pegasi can literally fly. I knew, from an early age, that I wanted to master everything, the best of all worlds. I wanted to be the best, because…” She silenced herself, ignoring the unfulfilled dreams of being an alicorn.

“--An overachiever, huh?” Limestone mocked, nodding.

“Sure, you could say that.” Sunset let out a shrug, those days were long behind her. “But no matter how much work you put into it, you’ll never be the best. There’s a ceiling you can reach– And you can’t do anything but slam your head into it like an insect. …You’ll never, ever be worthy.”

“Sounds like bullshit to me, but hey…” She shrugged as well, taking another drink. “...For what it’s worth, you seem plenty worthy, from where I’m sitting.” It was meaningless flattery, but it still meant something.

“Bah.” Sunset’s head felt heavy, she felt tired and unenergized. “It doesn’t matter.” That life was behind her, no matter how much it still hurt.

Silence passed, with her mind wandering. Limestone looked at her intently. “So… Are you stronger than the average Earth Pony? You sure look like it…”

“I’d say ‘let’s test this question’, but you’re not average, are you?” Giving her an up and down glance, Sunset smirked. “You clearly work out. Pinkie told me– Rock farm, right?”

“Unfortunately.” Limestone barked, with an angry shrug. “I hate that work. Grading, annoying, and frustrating– Living with my parents too, ugh– But let’s not talk about it– C’mon, show me what you’ve got–”

Sunset waited no longer. Nearly pouncing, she grabbed limestone by the front hooves and pinned her against the wall fiercely.

Their muzzles were incredibly close, and Limestone had been caught completely off guard, her face reddening thoroughly.

She struggled for a moment, all whileSunset looked through her, continuing to pin her.

“Show me what you’ve got, then.” The Paladin commanded, raising an eyebrow.

Limestone struggled and winced– Straining herself, while trying to avert eye contact and trying to avert being flustered even more.

Sunset raised a single amused eyebrow as she saw the Earth Pony making headway, grunting, and looking angrier and angrier. “C’mon then, overpower me.”

With one final snarl, she pushed Sunset off of her, who herself landed perfectly, grinning. “Not bad. Earth Pony strength is really something when you actually build upon it, huh?”

After a couple of uneasy, flustered breaths, Limestone managed to speak up. “Y-you went easy on me, right?!”

“Maybe.” With a shrug, Sunset took a seat once more, and then a drink.

“So, um…” looking down angrily, and yet flustered, she spoke through gritted teeth. “Isn’t this the part where you offer to take me home, or something…?”

“Okay, that sounds a bit desperate!” Sunset couldn’t help but chuckle, nearly choking on her drink.

Embarrassed, Limestone covered her face with a hoof. “I haven’t gotten laid in ages okay?!”

“If that’s all you wanted, we could have skipped this whole song and dance altogether from the beginning.” Sunset came closer, smirking, abandoning her drink. “Want to go to my place and break some shit?”

Limestone let out a loud groan and exhale. “For the love of Celestia, YES.”

The soft yet firm strike of a pillow hitting her in the head made Limestone finally wake from her slumber, where she immediately groaned in annoyance.

The perpetrator of the cruel strike, Sunset, was in the kitchen. “Wake up, Lime! I’ve got to go work in a bit, breakfast, going once–”

“--Shit, fuck, I’m up!” She nearly fell off bed, forcing herself up, and quickly had to take in the surroundings of Sunset’s apartment as she recovered herself from the stupor of waking.

Sunset was already wearing her armor, minus the helmet, and was eating both from Pancakes and a fruit bowl while absentmindedly reading from a newspaper.

“Blergh. What time is it?” The Earth pony shot a glance to the open window, where the sun was barely rising.

“Early, heh.” Sunset shot her a glance and a smirk. “I thought working at a rock farm would have you wake up early often?”

“Yeah, but I still wake up tired after workouts, heheheh.” She gave the Unicorn a knowing glance, which was reciprocated. “Sorry for the bed and the, uh, wall, by the way.” She gave out an awkward look at the damaged furniture, and Sunset simply shrugged. She was getting used to this.

Before Limestone took a decisive bite from her pancake, her gaze was drawn to one of the walls.

“Dang, you got pictures of my sisters up here?” She questioned, narrowing her eyes. There were indeed multiple pictures of Sunset and Pinkie attending parties, bars, and all sorts of gatherings, sometimes even accompanied by the Princess of Friendship, and aside from that, a couple of pictures of Maud and the Paladin in different caves, doing busy work or posing idly for the camera, one or two even with Pinkie present.

“Pinkie started hanging them up– Then I started doing it by myself too.” She spoke, absentmindedly, nodding towards the old camera on her desk.

“Heh. This one is cute.” Limestone pointed at a particular one. It was a library, in which Sunset and the Princess of Friendship were seemingly studying together, closely inspecting the same book, alone otherwise.

The Paladin gave it a shy glance. “Pinkie snuck a picture when we weren’t looking. …It’s just my job…” It was more than that.

Turning back to her breakfast, the Earth pony shrugged with a smile. “Whatever. Dang, we didn’t take pictures, did we? Maybe next time.”

“Sorry, Lime. One night stand.” With a light chuckle, Sunset didn’t even raise her eyes from the newspaper.

“W-what?! Ah shit!” She brought a flustered hoof to her face, and groaned in anger. “If I knew this was a one time thing, I would have gone for a few more rounds! Shit!”

All Sunset could do is snicker, and shake her head.

“Not fair.” Limestone pouted in anger. “Pinkie and Maud get multiple dates and I only get one? Fuckin’ bullshit.”

“Pinkie and I work in the same castle, and Maud was… Insistent.” She continued to amuse herself. “It is what it is.”

“Sure. It is a load of crap, is what it is.” She groaned, rubbing her own temples. “Well… Back to the rock farm, I guess.”

Finally, Sunset’s eyes abandoned the newspaper, and her focus was fully on Limestone. She had considered this conversation since the previous night, and was unsure if it was even her place to say. “About that…” She tilted her head analytically. “You seem to hate that job– And it seems unfulfilling to you. Are you doing that for the rest of your life?”

“It’s a family business. You wouldn’t understand.” She barked, shrugging.

Sunset ignored that jab, and continued, ignoring any irony that would come from her of all people saying what she was about to say. “If you hate your circumstances, the only pony stopping you from leaving them is you. I think you could do better elsewhere.”

“Hah! That’s a riot.” Dismissing her, the Earth Pony shrugged. “Where?”

“The royal guard, for starters.” She spoke in complete assurance, with a nod of her horn pointing towards the castle beyond their windows.

Limestone was deadpan, surprised for a moment, but then she broke out into a snicker. “Good one. Pinkie didn’t tell me you were a joker.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you have a lot of repressed anger, and you are quite strong.” Sunset pointed out with a confident smile. “I think you need an outlet for it.”

“Hey pot. It’s me, kettle.” Limestone tilted her head, with a frown.

Ignoring her, Sunset continued. “And you have a dangerous lack of purpose. You need a healthy routine, training, and social interactions with groups of ponies doing the same thing you are. And what’s more, you’d get to do your part in keeping Equestria safe.”

The words did hit the target efficiently. Limestone blinked a few times, and shot a glance to the castle, considering it.

Then she shook her head. “Pff. As if. I couldn’t hack it. Just a rock farmer, remember?”

“I was an orphan, and I’m now a paladin.” She affirmed strongly. “Don’t underestimate yourself, ever.”

“Still…” Limestone scratched her scalp, feeling a tad uneasy. “I dunno…”

“...Sorry if this seems out of nowhere.” Sunset groaned, with an exhale, shaking her head. “The original Captain of the royal guard resigned and left to continue his work on the Crystal Empire a few years ago– It’s frustrating to me, ‘cause my job is to look after the princess, his sister, and the royal guard, in its state, feels incompetent and aimless. No guard has risen to the ranks of Captain, and it’s infuriating to be the only pony so determined on protecting the Princess–”

She shut her mouth, blowing air from her nostrils, and centered the conversation.

“--Sorry about that. Politics are infuriating– Let’s get back on topic.” She looked intently at the Earth Pony. “Pinkie left the rock farm to be a bard– Even Maud, who LOVES rocks, left the rock farm to be a caver.” Sunset grinned, tilting her head. “And I know you might resent them for it, but I think you should take it as an example. Why can’t Limestone Pie also find purpose outside of home?”

The Earth pony remained silent, the cogs in her head spinning.

Groaning, Limestone huffed, looking away. “I’d have to disappoint my parents, I guess, if I were gonna try this– Which I’m not saying I will.” She looked back to Sunset. “‘Cause it seems like an ANNOYING amount of effort; And I’m not exactly a fan of politics.”

“I’m not saying this is what you should do for the rest of your life– I'm saying it’s worth trying. Getting better, growing stronger, being better– It’s always an annoying amount of effort… But it’s worth it.” She spoke from experience. And just then, Sunset took that moment to give her last argument, with a grin. “Also, I work in the castle often. If you became a guard, you’d get to see me again.”

“Fuck it, I’m in.”

A twitching, broken, yet functioning construct. An automaton, seemingly resembling a large knight pony armor, somehow managed to reach the balcony of Canterlot Castle where Twilight had been studying.

Sunset scanned the threat briefly. Purple shadows were seeping from the cracks in its armor, it was hollow, animated completely through magic, and yet– It seemed to be entirely unstable.

No more time for analysis. “WATCH IT!” She immediately leapt into action, standing between the Princess and the threat.

Twilight was completely caught off guard, accidentally having knocked several of her books in the tussle.

The helmet of the automaton pried open, or rather, twisted, broke open, as the armor twitched, and several shadow blasts flew towards the paladin, who deflected them with her horn easily.

She took one moment to look back, seeing the Princess, uneasy and hesitating, unsure of what to do. “I’ll pry the chestplate off, you get ready to hit it with a light blast!” The Paladin commanded thoroughly.

And just like that, as if a switch had been flipped, Twilight smiled confidently and readied herself, trusting Sunset implicitly. “R-right!”

Galloping forward with determination, the Paladin dodged the strikes of the automaton fiercely, leaping onto its back, and after a single hoof strike, she began prying the chestplate open with her hooves and magic, revealing the shadows within puppeteering it.

“Now, go!” Sunset bellowed, and Twilight obeyed immediately. Channeling her magic in less than a second, she blasted a powerful, blinding ray of light at the armor, delivering swift destruction upon it, and then some.

Sunset was blasted away with it, nearly falling off of the balcony, quickly recovering with a teleport and a flip.

“O-oh gosh!!!” Twilight ran to her. “I almost blasted you! A-are you okay?!”

“Fine, don’t worry–” Sunset couldn’t help but let out an ironic chuckle, letting out a weary exhale. “That alicorn magic is really something, huh…?” She tried her absolute best to contain any envious undertone in her words.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” Twilight came closer, taking a proper look at her Paladin, tilting her head to study her.

“H-hey! My job is to look after you, not the other way around!” The slightest fluster appeared on her face, as she inspected Twilight the same way.

After a brief, awkward silence, where they were both impeccably close to each other, Sunset cleared her throat.

Twilight forced herself to look away, with a light fluster, looking at their defeated opponent.

The broken armor, previously animated by dark magic, now laid devoid of it, crumbled on the floor. Twilight couldn’t help but chuckle, turning her gaze towards the Paladin, smiling warmly. “We make a good team!”

“I guess so, heh.” She shrugged, not giving it another second thought, despite reciprocating the warm smile given to her.

Before anything else, the Princess tilted her head, inspecting Sunset, and asking a personal question. “Sunset… Can you not do light magic?”

The question hit Sunset like a brick to the face– But her surprise vanished quickly; After all, the Princess had always been incredibly clever. “...I can, kind of. It’s not my strong suit, it’s never been.” She absentmindedly looked away. “I knew you could, so I chose to rely on you. Don’t worry, it won’t be a habit– You can count on me for dealing with threats alone, you won’t have to do anything–”

“I like fighting together!” Twilight gave her an assuring smile. “We can make up for what the other lacks, right?”

Once again, surprise, Sunset had nothing to say for a moment, she was simply, once more, surprised by the kindness and humility of the Princess.

Finally, she forced herself to speak with an awkward smile. “Pff… You don’t need me anyway–”

Twilight immediately silenced her with a hoof to her lips and a firm “Nuh uh! None of that. I wouldn’t have this any other way.” She gave the Paladin an assuring smile.

More silence, as Sunset looked away from her, sighing, with a thankful smile.

Stammering, clearing her throat, Twilight fidgeted. “And, um, if you’d like me to teach you how to do light magic properly, I could…?”

Chuckling, she shrugged. It wasn’t a matter of can or can’t. Elemental magic was always a matter of harnessing emotion, and some emotions she struggled with. “Maybe. Let’s take a rain check, and focus on this.” She pointed at the now defeated automaton, and approached it.

Sniffing the air, crouching down, the Princess inspected the now inanimate piece of armor. “Now– How in Equestria did this thing get all the way up here, through the Castle’s defenses…?”

“And why, too?” Sunset did the same, narrowing her eyes. “Actually… I can think of a few reasons.” She turned her gaze to Twilight, worryingly.

Suddenly, shockingly, both of them heard Celestia’s voice behind them. “A vessel of the shadows. No doubt guided by instinct, not directive. It seemed defective, as well…”

“EEP!” Twilight nearly leaped into the air, her wings unfurling themselves, while Sunset got into a battle stance, and immediately relaxed; Still wary.

“Were you–” Sunset coughed, eye twitching, trying to center herself. “Were you watching us the entire time?!”

“No?” Celestia lied poorly, blatantly. She had been watching as soon as the automaton had attacked, unseen, paying close attention to these two.

Clearing her throat, Sunset turned to Twilight, then the automaton, doing her best to ignore the Queen of the Sun. “Okay. This thing came from the air– And it somehow crossed the barrier, I’ll have to get a word in with the department in the castle responsible for magical defense. I swear, security here is getting worse by the day.” She groaned, narrowing her eyes. “U-um. Not a jab on you.” She quickly muttered to the Queen of the Sun.

“An excellent idea, Sunset.” Celestia nodded, with a slight smile. “We may be able to ensure that sneak attacks like this will not happen again, organized or not.”

“Hm.” The Paladin nodded, averting her gaze. “I’m also hoping I’ll get to track down where it came from; Stop the issue at its source.”

“No need.” Celestia shook her head, coming closer to the piece of armor, pointing at a part of it. “See these engravings?”

Twilight, ears twitching, tail flickering, leaned down, almost excited. “Oh My goodness! I’ve seen these before– Those are from the temple of the moon, aren’t they? On the dark side of the Everfree forest…!” Her gaze instinctively led to her Paladin, after all, the last time she had seen these, it was with her.

A shiver went by Sunset’s spine, as her eyes widened, Glaring at the fallen armor. “The temple of the dark side of the moon…!?”

“Indeed…” Celestia spoke, with an underlying tone of regret, nearly unnoticeable.

“I-I didn’t do anything.” Sunset took a worried step back, recoiling from the Queen of the Sun. “I have no idea what this is– it’s not my fault, I promise!”

“N-nopony is saying it is!” Twilight quickly assured her. “You haven’t done anything wrong!”

Celestia let out a mournful exhale. “I am not accusing you of anything, Sunset. Please, breathe…!”

She obeyed, but couldn’t make eye contact, her heart rate rising.

“Now…” Gently, the Queen of the Sun attempted to speak as calmly as possible. “On the time you spent banished there… Did you perhaps hear or feel something that could explain this…?” She pointed at the fallen armor.

Sunset shut her eyes, averting any proximity. “All I know is that the shadows want to take over Equestria, by any means necessary. And they try to do it by finding vessels– Like me...”

“And like Queen Luna…!” Twilight’s eyes widened pensively.

Celestia’s eyes twitched with worry, but then she exhaled, shaking her head. “Let us not concern ourselves with this for now. We are safe, Luna is safe… And you are safe, Sunset.”

The Paladin did not respond, simply looked away.

Twilight let out a nervous laughter, trying to break the ice. “Haha! I’m not worried! The shadows of the moon are going to have to try a lot harder than this guy to beat us!”

“Indeed they are, my student. Excellent work, both of you.” Celestia assured, with a smile.

Clearing her throat, Sunset suppressed her anger poorly, looking at the horizon. “I can’t believe the royal guard didn’t stop this before it reached Twilight. Did they even see it? Unbelievable. You need a captain.” After huffing, she turned away, and began leaving the balcony, realizing her small outburst required her leaving the room immediately. “I, uh, I’m going to check on the department of magical defense now, give them a stern talking to. And I need to check on a recruit in the barracks anyways, so– I’ll see you soon, Princess. Be careful!”

“Y-you too!” Twilight waved with a smile, then turned back to the armor, looking into it. “Okay, um, I think I’ll take this somewhere safer where I can inspect it and study it closer with some of the staff, maybe we can discover more about it?”

Silence. Celestia was watching Sunset leave, lost in thought.

“Um… Queen Celestia?”

Blinking a few times, she shook her head, looking back at her pupil. “Yes! I will accompany you, while your protector is busy. Shall we?” She began levitating the armor with her magic, and Twilight did the same, following along.

There were gears spinning on the Queen of the Sun’s head, thoroughly studying her former student's words and actions, and considering her future, whether she liked it or not– Doing the same for the current student; She paid nearly no mind to the attack of the shadows, and even couldn’t help but ignore Twilight’s current comments on tabloids exploiting the infuriating story regarding her being the newest Princess, and yet, single.

Queen Celestia thought incredibly profoundly, considering multiple things at once.

The royal guard lacked a captain, and seemed to be slacking; Something that needed to be remedied.

The castle and her student might be targets.

Twilight’s paladin was the most devoted and qualified of all defenders in this castle.

Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle worked incredibly well together.

And above all, Celestia wanted her daughter back.

Slowly, but surely, those ideas began aligning in her head.

Author's Note

Forgive me for setting up so much in one chapter lmao. I saw the chances and I took them. It might feel like I'm shortchanging Limestone, but I came to realise pretty quickly when organizing the story, that she would be one of the least emotionally-connected to Sunset.

Not that it would stop them from macking on each other, the very opposite!

Also I'm a biiiit salty that Maud and Pinkie get to chase their dreams but Limestone and Marble stay home. Just a bit :duck: Like c'mon! They both seem like they'd want smth better and fuller!

Also don't worry, we're almost done with the pie sisters. We're soon reaching the precipice of insane Sunset Shipper. I intend on having fun with this.

And additionally, I will admit, some of what I'm setting up here will only be relevant on the Forgotten Friendship rewrite (If I ever do it lol.) What I'm sayin is. Pay attention!

Celestia, totally not seeing her two students and preparing inner machinations to potentially get her daughter back through the power of love. Better call her niece, stat.

Next chapter: Marble Pie gets treated so, so right.

Part 4: Marble Pie.

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.

Part 5: Starlight Glimmer & Trixie Lulamoon.

Sensations spread through her as soon as she regained consciousness.

Pounding headache. Sore body. Dry throat. General exhaustion.

Sunset didn’t yet fully awake before she began shuffling. She felt her own sheets, her own mattress, and had little to no recollection of the night before. The textures told her she was in her apartment, but they weren’t enough to justify other sensations.

Consciousness came knocking as even with eyes closed she could see Sunlight bathing her room. That was her first reason to panic– Had her alarm not rung, or did she sleep through it?

Immediately after, her ears twitched. Noises from the kitchen– Someone was making breakfast, and the scent implied they weren’t very good at it. Her head shot up as she forced herself to rise from the pounding headache, sore body, and–

Final, and biggest reason to panic. She heard mumblings right next to her in bed; And not just that, there was a pony clinging to her side.

"Ladies and…. Gentlebwuh… Prepare to be amazed…!"

Her eyes widened, her adrenaline spiked and she felt both immense anger and panic. Trixie Lulamoon was sleeping in her bed.

“TRIXIE LULAMOON WHY ARE YOU SLEEPING IN MY BED!??!” She barked angrily, nudging the magician a bit harshly, who regained consciousness nearly immediately with a series of yelps and ‘eeks’.

To add to the panic, Starlight Glimmer’s voice could be heard– As her head peeked from the kitchen. “Oh! You’re finally awake! Don’t worry about breakfast, I’m trying something!”

“Starlight Glimmer why the fuck are you here?!” Her voice was sore, as was most of her, her energy was almost fully regained purely by her heart pounding so furiously in anger.

She seemed almost peppy, as she continued to cook. “Well, the bed was a bit crowded, and I was the first to wake up, so I thought I’d take some initiative!”

“W-why was the bed crowded?!” She nearly yelled in a panic, a vain futile question that her mind answered for her immediately, after all, it was pretty obvious.

From her side, Trixie scooched closer, wrapping hooves around her torso. “You’re so warm, hottie. C’mon, stop shuffling! Trixie needs her morning cuddles” As she made herself comfortable.

The display was both revolting and disgusting, and the Paladin quickly shoved her to the other side of the bed. “How the fuck did you two wind up sleeping in MY apartment?! What the hell happened last night?!”

Giggling, Trixie got in the most sexy position she could, which was decidedly, definitively unsexy, and quite revolting to the Paladin at the moment. “Is this your first hangover? Or is the first one this bad?”

“We were in PONYVILLE! How the hell did we get all the way to CANTERLOT?!”

“Bar hopping!” Starlight announced with a peppy demeanor from the kitchen. “You sort of took the reins of our carriage and showed us around town! It was unforgettable, hehe!”

“You got pretty frisky after you were a few glasses in.” Trixie raised an eyebrow in an infuriating manner. “It was kind of hard for us to drive the carriage and also pound it out–”

Sunset swiftly interrupted her with a pillow toss, striking true and directly on the magician's head, giving her a brief respite, where she could take a glance at the trashed nature of her apartment. Several articles of clothing and magician props laid about, what seemed like a full deck of cards was both scattered in the floor and in her bed, one of her curtains was completely torn, the crack in her wall was decidedly larger, and even from her bed she could see that her table was less broken, more shattered. “WHY DIDN’T WE JUST SLEEP IN THE CARRIAGE!?!”

“Oh you insisted on taking us here, actually!” Starlight amused herself “After all, you did crash the carriage. And then, um, well, broke all our hammocks inside the carriage. I’ll, uh, let you figure out how we did that by yourself.”

“Three’s a crowd, heheh.” Trixie snickered infuriatingly.

Sunset’s jaw was dropped both out of sheer incredulity and despair.

And the giggles of the magician laying beside her while her hoof was being traced on Sunset’s side unchastely didn’t help. “Hihihi… I love your sexy scars. I can’t wait to tell Twilight that I banged her bodyguard!! Oh, she is NEVER gonna live this down!” The sheer smugness on the voice of the magician was both revolting and infuriating, which nearly immediately prompted Sunset to choke her, a fact that she stopped herself from, due to being unsure of how much Trixie would enjoy it.

But there was another thing that stopped her. “Twilight— SHIT! Where is she?!? What did we do–”

“Still in Ponyville, probably!” Trixie shrugged, annoyed at the mention of her old ex-nemesis. “That little nerd always liked that backwater town.”

Starlight, unhelpfully from the kitchen, decided to weigh in. “Maybe she’s back here in Canterlot? You two did say something about catching a train here last night, right?”

Sunset’s panic twisted in her gut, or maybe that just was a nausea of her hangover. “Shit, fuck, SHIT! I’ve literally NEVER BEEN LATE!” And a quick glance to a window did not fill her with confidence. The Sun was high in the sky, it would likely be lunch time for some, soon. “No no nO!”

She quickly galloped around her apartment looking around frantically, passing by Starlight like a gust of wind, and whipping her head around desperately. “Where’s my armor?!?! I need to get to work, I’ve NEVER been late!!”

Trixie didn’t seem to have the energy nor constitution to get up, she was now laying upside down, watching the Paladin run around the apartment. “Your ‘costume’ is all over our carriage floor. Which is a mess, after we crashed, btw~.”

“GAH!” Sunset shouted loudly, bucking a wall, sending cracks into it. “First I fuck up, then I leave to get insanely drunk, then I fuck my Princess’s old enemies, then I trash my apartment, then I MISS MY SCHEDULE?!!”

Silence fell down the apartment, intercut only by the Paladin’s angry breaths.

The two other unicorns grimaced, exchanging glances at each other. Starlight was the first to speak, approaching Sunset sympathetically while wearing a greasy apron that likely belonged in their now trashed carriage, with the message ‘kiss the cook’ on it. “Gosh, you must really be doing bad, huh? Last night you were so sad, saying you had screwed up, and needed to… Trix, how did she put it?”

“Get butt-fuck-drunk?” The Magician giggled from the bedroom.

“The point is–” Starlight nodded affectionately. “--You’re being too hard on yourself! You shouldn’t worry so much. You’re working yourself to the bone and you deserve a break! Go wash your face, get yourself hydrated, we’ll take care of you!” She gave Sunset a kiss on the cheek, which the Paladin was surprised to not be repulsed nor revolted from, simply accepting it with resignation.

And with a final snicker, Starlight showcased her excitement. “And after all that, enjoy my premium caramel sliced apples!” She announced proudly.

“The apples are burning.” Sunset pointed at the stove, with the smoke being the clearest indicator.

With a quick yelp, Starlight’s attention was turned to the burning breakfast once more.

One thing was clear and cut, Sunset was in absolutely no condition to show up at work at the moment. She grabbed some cold water and desperately guzzled it as she made her way to the kitchen.

Sweet, sweet hydration. The cold both cleared the dry and focussed her mind– None of which was pleasant to focus on.

As she passed by the bed, Trixie made kissy faces at her, and was met with the flick of Sunset’s tail slapping her down.

She entered the bathroom and shut the door, immediately letting out an enormous sigh.

Turning on the sink was an act of desperation, splashing water in her face was an act of healing. Her eyes were baggy– Nothing new, but noticeably worse. Her mane, as long as ever, was incredibly unkempt, even more than usual.

She looked at her reflection and was met with the clearest, most simple revelation.

“I need to get my shit together. I NEED to get my shit together.”

It was a blank mantra– She had no idea what being held together firmly even meant– that concept was alien to her, it had been for a really long time.

She exhaled again, her head was feeling a bit better, but it wasn’t fixed, not by a long shot. That headache would accompany her through her entire day, that much she could tell with certainty.

And maybe she deserved it, for having screwed up this bad in the first place. She just hoped Twilight would forgive her for not only her insubordination, but her immense stupidity. She was well aware she would never be forgiven for laying with Trixie Lulamoon, but that much was a given, she would never forgive herself.

Slowly, the previous night was coming into focus.

She had embarrassed herself in front of Twilight– She didn’t even know why she wanted her bender to be a strong secret, but it was spilled thanks to Pinkie, and to make it worse, Sunset ran from the ensuing conversation.

It was secrecy for the sake of professionalism, she told herself.

And directly after that, she drank herself to a stupor with two ex-enemies of her Princess– A fact that was both infuriating, and exhausting. Clearly she had had fun running away from her problems.

With another sigh, she stretched. Self pity party was over, she must have had plenty of it when she was ‘butt-fuck-drunk’, either way. She quickly glanced around before exiting the bathroom, and…

“Why the FUCK is my bathtub BROKEN?!”

“Because three frisky mares were in it, duh!” Trixie snickered to herself from outside of the bathroom.

‘Broken’ was generous, her poor bathtub was shattered. She shivered in anger, blowing steam from her nostrils. “My landlord is going to lose his SHIT!” She announced to the rest of the apartment, and received no response.

She opened the door fiercely, and stomped out. “Trixie; Get out of my bed, NOW.” She commanded.

The tone made the magician comply immediately, with a wince, running to the kitchen, slipping on her own cape (which was carelessly crumpled on the floor) and crashing against a cupboard.

Her frown quickly formed into a mournful grimace as she gazed at her wall– Several of the precious photos of the recent weeks were clumsily on the floor.

Hastingly, she began gathering and rearranging, and was immediately met with irritating surprise.

Several of the pictures both in the floor and the wall were of last night; Of her, Starlight and Trixie. She couldn’t deny that she at least seemed to be having a lot of fun in the images depicted; Wild untamed joy, with no inhibitions, drunken bliss.

Starlight’s giggle was heard, as she shot a quick glance to the Paladin, and her photo wall. “I like that wall! It’s cute. It’s important to keep memories of your friends! And, uh, lovers, I suppose!” She broke out into another snicker.

“Well, at least Butt-fuck-drunk Shimmer was having fun.” Sunset grumbled, frowning starkly.

Her gaze quickly met a couple of pictures that must have been taken on the carriage and her apartment– Pictures that were decidedly unchaste, of the three mares intertwined savagely. “I’m, uh, not hanging some of these– Why the hell did we even take these?!”

“Your idea, actually!” Starlight had to contain her laughter. “You seemed pretty keen on that camera of yours. You said something about wanting to remember everything? It was exciting!”

She absolutely could not hang those pictures on a wall that would be seen by any visitor. “Yeah, I’m, uh, not hanging these.” She reaffirmed.

“Then yoink!” Trixie snickered, swiping the pictures with a flick of her cape all too agile for a hangover mare. “The Great and Powerful Trixie is keeping these for posterity! And for bragging rights– And maybe for blackmail!”

“You won’t live to blackmail me with those if you try.” Sunset snarled, making the magician fold instantly. “But whatever. Keep them. How's breakfast, Glimmer?” She exhaled in resignation.

“Done!” The unicorn proclaimed from the kitchen.

“Overdone!” Trixie mocked her, from the same location.

This was followed by the sounds of the two mares both slapping each other with their tails, then kissing.

Sunset sighed. This bender was getting out of control. She needed to go to work, and be incredibly professional.

…As professional as one could be, given the splitting headache..

Starlight tapped a hoof, humming to herself while serving a few plates.

“Um, we are distinctively lacking a table!” Trixie suppressed laughter, at the wooden mess on the kitchen floor.

“Sunset, help me with this? Two hungover mares are better than one, here…!” Starlight gave her an awkward smile, pointing at the shards of what used to be a table.

Sunset nodded, and the two got to work. Together, it was significantly easier, considering how they were both exhausted.

Slowly but surely, the splinters remended, as blue and red magic glows intertwined, and reshaped the furniture, back to its original forms.

“Lesson learned, eh?” Trixie spoke distractingly, while not helping. “Two mares banging on a table! Okay. Three? Nuh uh!”

The two other mares ignored her and continued to work, and efficiently, the table was back on its prime, and Starlight swiftly set it, with the three gathering around it. The paladin allowed herself only a moment of silent respect towards her helper, who seemed more competent in magic than she had let on.

Sunset wasn’t eating in a hurry. She literally did not have the energy to do so, simply letting her gaze wander, her vision blur.

She was pleasantly surprised to taste that breakfast was not completely ruined, and made the simple connection that Starlight was likely the cook of the relationship between the magician mares.

“I think I prefer drunk Sunset.” Trixie affirmed while munching, giving her a side eye. “Sober Sunset is really broody.”

Starlight gave her a quick hoof slap from under the table, and a look. “Trixie. You heard all the things she said last night, she has ample reason to be broody, so don’t judge.” She muttered, more than audible enough.

Trixie was halfway through an apologetic shrug before Sunset spoke.

“What did I say last night?” The question was muttered without emotion, plainly, out of morbid curiosity.

The two mares exchanged awkward glances, with face journeys, as if they were having an entire conversation telepathically.

“Well, um, a lot of things. Hard to remember them all, hahah!!” Starlight laughed nervously, taking a bite to force herself to shut up.

“Oh, a few things come to mind.” Trixie smiled deviously, grinning at the Paladin and once again raising a single eyebrow in an infuriating manner. “I recall a rather amusing commentary regarding Twilight Snarkle.”

Starlight swiftly shushed her, a gesture of reprimanded shame, but Sunset shook her head. “I want to know.” She commanded sternly.

“You said you’d rather die than watch her grow taller than you.” Trixie giggled to herself, with an amused shrug. “Oh, the tragedy of the little nerd getting an alicorn growth spurt. She’s going to be infuriating when she can look down on all of us, isn’t she?”

Sunset had no response, she just looked down bitterly, pursing her lips and clenching her jaw.

“C’mon, Twilight is always going to be humble!” Starlight professed wisely. “She’s not going to be a stuffy ruler– That much I’d bet money on!”

“Oh, I wouldn’t bet anything.” Trixie once again giggled, with that shit-eating grin. “You also said something about being terrified of dying of old age because of your mother? Something about wanting to die in battle?”

Sunset’s eyes widened as her glance went even lower.

“Oh yeah, that did confuse me–” Starlight tilted her head analytically. “You said something about your mother not aging? Do you have an immortal parent??”

“Oh! Do spill the lore!!~” Trixie nudged her giddily.

“I don’t, she’s not–” She bit her tongue, shaking her head, centering herself. “She’s not my mother. I-I mean I don’t have a mother! I was drunk, said stupid shit. Forget that.” She commanded sternly.

With a devious snicker, Trixie nudged the Paladin. “I mean, just saying, we could keep a secret, if theoretically, let’s say, you’re a demigod–”

“I’m not. Shut up.”

“Coulda fooled me, hottie.” Trixie winked while chewing her breakfast, actions that forced Sunset to simply groan.

“Oh, you also said something about… Wanting to protect the Princess until you die! So not all bad, I guess?” Starlight nodded pensively. “You talked a lot about death when you were drunk.”

Trixie gently and annoyingly caressed Sunset’s cheek, of which the Paladin swatted away. “Poor thing. Being in service of Twilight Sparkle for years must have been awful...”

“I hate you.”

“That's not what you said last night.” Trixie’s grin grew even wilder.

This prompted Sunset to rest her forehead uncomfortably on the table, and let out a sigh that held a couple thousand emotions at once.

Silence lingered for a moment, until Starlight spoke while chewing. “Are you, uh, okay?”

“No.” Sunset responded obviously.

Silence once more.

“I’ve never fucked up worse than this.” She muttered dryly, eyes closed, forehead on the table.

“Welcome to the club, heh…!” Starlight let out a weary chuckle.

“Look at us! Wow!” Trixie clapped her hooves. “We’re like the fuck-up trio!”

Sunset tilted her head slightly, and opened a single eye, looking at Starlight, who sighed, with a tired smile. “I, well…” She shrugged, and spilled the beans. “I was a cult leader; Very small village, to the northeast. Twilight beat me… Then I got consumed with the power of a nekromantic crown when trying to get revenge, and… Twilight saved me.”

Trixie giggled, adding to it. “I tried challenging her on a magic competition, she whooped me, then a duel, she whooped me again, then I trapped her on an cursed magical maze, she whooped it too, then I got consumed by the power of an evil amulet trying to get payback, and she saved me from it!”

“Wow, took you a while to learn, huh.” Sunset commented dryly, suppressing her own amusement, then she shook her head lightly, still resting her forehead. “I… Failed as a pupil of Celestia and got consumed by forces of darkness from the moon who turned me into a demon, then I rampaged in the castle, then Celestia banished me to a temple of darkness for two years… Then Twilight saved me.”

The two mares shared an understanding nod, and Starlight couldn’t help but let out a nervous chuckle. “Wow, we’re birds of a feather, aren’t we…?”

“And one common denominator…” Sunset muttered, thinking of Twilight Sparkle, in her endless quest for simply improving the lives of everyone around her, including her enemies.

The Paladin inhaled, done feeling pity for herself. She raised her head, and swallowed the rest of her food hastingly. “I have to go to work.” She stated plainly. “If I see you two here when I’m back, it better be because you’re cleaning.”

“We kind of have to be here– You crashed our carriage, remember?” Starlight gave her an awkward smile.

Trixie pouted and gave her big pleading eyes. “Can we pweeeeease stay until we fix our carriage?”

“Don’t worry, I promise we’ll tidy up!” Starlight assured, and weirdly enough, her promise counted enough for the Paladin, who nodded, with a sigh.

“Okay, fine.” She exhaled in resignation. “You two can stay. But I’m serious about cleaning up– And I’m sleeping on the couch if you two aren’t out of here by nightfall.”

Trixie booed the statement, crossing her arms in annoyance, while the other just shrugged and nodded with a smile.

“A couple of things!” Starlight raised a hoof. “First, don’t worry, we’ll take care of cleaning, and I’ll help you find the pieces of your armor. Secondly, tell Twilight we’re sorry for prying you from her!”

Sunset merely let out a grumble, for the admitted truth was that she was the one that ran away most cowardly, and she was openly, angrily ashamed.

Starlight’s voice turned to almost a shameful whisper. “Oh, and um, thirdly. You may want to get checked for fleas.”

“What.”

“What’s yours is mine, hottie!!” Trixie proclaimed while nudging her, an act that was now recontextualized, as Sunset glared at the magician’s fur.

“I need to get the fuck out of here” The words left the Paladin’s mouth robotically, immediately, as she stood from the table towards the door.

Trixie, still giggling to herself, waved goodbye. “And hey, if the bodyguard thing doesn’t work out, you’ll always have a spot in our carriage! I mean, it’ll be tight, but we can make the squeeze if you know what I mean–”

“I would honestly rather die.”

“I’ll take that as a maybe!”

Starlight, clearing her throat, stood, and accompanied the Paladin. “Um! Here! I’ll show you to the carriage, and help you get your armor.”

Sunset shot a single glance at the two of them before opening the door. “If anything happened to Twilight while I was busy with you two, I swear, I’m going to–”

“--Relax, hottie!” Trixie shrugged with entirely unearned confidence. “She was spending one night alone in Ponyville. What’s the worst that could have happened?”

THIS IS A RANSOM NOTE FROM THE FOLLOWERS OF TIREK.

WE HAVE TAKEN YOUR PRECIOUS PRINCESS OF FRIENDSHIP.

IF YOU WISH TO REGAIN HER UNHARMED, FOLLOW OUR DEMANDS:

- A SINGLE COURIER MUST DELIVERED A MILLION BITS IN GOLD TO OUR HIDEOUT IN MOSSHOOF HALL, EDGE OF EVERFREE WOODS, NORTHEAST.

- OUR LORD TIREK MUST BE FREED FROM HIS BINDS OF TARTARUS.

- YOU MUST COWER BEFORE THE NEW AGE OF THE MAGIC EATER.

Failure to comply with our demands will result in ill fate for your precious Princess, who will be returned to you with clipped wings and broken horn.

Comply today, and do not try any tricks, the Queens must not interfere, or else.

Her breathing intensified. Her nerves rose, as she began seeing red, all her muscles tensed. There was nothing in the world, except that note.

No throne room, no Queens watching her read it with worry, no expectations, no Twilight Sparkle.

It was her, and her rage.

“Those fools actually believe we would free their master.” Luna spoke in a snide snarl. “Tartarus will be his forever home.”

“They have certainly gotten daring…! But we cannot trust any demands. After all, Tirek would want to drain an Alicorn, and they have one in captivity– They will never let Twilight go. This is a problem…” Celestia’s voice was filled with significantly more worry than her sister, as her gaze turned to the Paladin. “Sunset, I hoped you would have accompanied Twilight to Ponyville? can we count on you to–”

This was her direct fault, her direct failing. This was the consequences of her idiocy, her lack of restraint, her incredible, unavoidable, unbelievable failing.

Her headache hangover continued to pound around her skull, her lack of proper nutrition didn’t help either.

She thought her morning was bad.

Her day had only gotten started.

She stomped a single, fierce hoof on the ground, as she dropped the note on the floor absentmindedly. “--I’m going to go get her.” She said simply, with a snarl, immediately turning around. “And I’m going to kill them all.” Leaving, she immediately broke into a gallop.

“Save a few for questioning, swee–” Celestia called out to her, and immediately reprimanded herself for almost using a pet name, old habits, deja vu. “Ahem. We should gather the royal guard to send after her, for the sake of diligence. I’d like Sunset to have back up.”

“...And we are allowing her to go alone?” Luna blinked a few times in confusion. “Is she not going against an entire cult?”

“Oh yes, you haven’t seen her on duty yet, have you?” Celestia smiled, on the realization of how recently Luna had been here– Simply glad her back. Her gaze moved to her old pupil, with a sigh. “It would be harder to stop her from rescuing Twilight than to simply let her go do her duty. Her methods are… Unpreferred, but efficient.”

“Is she capable of doing this?” Luna wasn’t one to worry, but she had grown to care for the Paladin. “How well did you train her, sister?” She asked analytically, observing the sight of Sunset leave the throne room, determinedly running towards an entire battalion’s worth of cultists.

Celestia exhaled, shaking her head, knowing what would come next. “Too well.”

Mosshoof hall had been a beautiful manor, once upon a time. The owners were rich, not abundantly, but more than enough to build a gorgeous manor in the edge of the Everfree forest, quietly distant from any major town, comfortable, and pretty.

This was all in the past. Tirek’s cult that had taken it over had made themselves at home, by trashing it. Marks of their master were painted or torn in most walls, plenty of paintings were either taken to be sold or used as kindled fire, many of the wall’s paints torn and damaged, plenty of carpets were filthy, and for Twilight, one of the bigger crimes– They had emptied most shelves of books and used those as kindling too.

Getting cold on the edge of Everfree was no excuse.

There were worse fates, however. After all, she had seen what remained of the owners, the cultists made sure of that. Strung up and burned by the entrance, as a warning, as scarecrows, to any other pony that thought it was safe to come near this building.

She had met them before at parties and galas– And they did not deserve this. To her, no one did.

She wasn’t entirely sure of the timeframe, but by the sun outside the windows, she could tell that almost a full day had passed… And no sign of rescue.

She was bound to chains in nearly every limb, horn included, ensuring she could not cast magic, and it was quite uncomfortable– The chains were connected to the walls, ceiling and floor, set up in the middle of a room like she was a display, or an offering. The room had nearly no decorations, but it had windows and several of her kidnappers.

The cultists around her all chatted, sitting by tables, eating and drinking, mostly only addressing her when they wanted to threaten or tease, neither of which were a good experience for her. She had tried counting them, but there were a lot of rooms in the mansion, and it was safe to say that there were dozens of them. Maybe even a hundred.

There were two leaders, a mare and a stallion, both unicorns, both branded themselves with Tireks mark, and were often arguing. Through careful listening, she had discerned that the former was named Sapphire and the later was named Twig.

“You know… Tirek has no guarantees for you. For any of you!” Twilight tried getting their attention, and several ponies indeed turned their heads towards her. “Your cult is one sided, he might not even know you exist– You’ll just be food to him, if he’s ever freed…!”

“Enough, already! I’m tired of your stupid friendship speeches!” Sapphire snarled at her. “Can’t you just be a quiet little hostage?!”

“It’s not a friendship speech, I promise!” Twilight recoiled, intimidated. “What I’m saying is perfectly logical– There is not a single legend or history book that ever tells tales of Tirek being merciful, much less benevolent. He’s a magic eater– All magic. That includes all of you!” She was genuinely concerned for their safety.

“Please. If we are loyal and free him, of course he’ll grant us mercy as he consumes Equestria. It’s inevitable!” Twig shrugged, ignoring her words.

“Ugh, at least catching her was easy. Wait for a night where her bodyguard isn’t around, then just take her.” The other leader grumbled, rolling her eyes. “And if you start ‘friendship speeching’ again, I swear I’m hurting you.” Snarling, she flared her horn.

Twilight tried her absolute best not to be intimidated. Her legs were sore, so were her wings, all bound by chains, and the threats they had made to mutilate her were still echoing in her mind. It was cruelty at its finest, stripping an alicorn of her wings and horn as a statement would affect all of Equestria.

Still, inhaling deeply, she tried her best to keep composure. “Magic eating is not a natural thing; And it is hostile to all living things! I understand, you’re all hanging on to hope and despair, all at once!” She addressed all of them, clumsily trying to spin on her chains, to look at as many of them as possible. “You think his escape from tartarus is inevitable, it isn't! You think he is infallible, he isn’t! And worst of all, you think that the only solution is blind loyalty to a being that does not love you!”

There were several ponies around her second guessing themselves, looking around seeking for disapproval or approval of their feelings. Twilight persisted, trying her best to inspire change. “You have to understand– Only the worst of the worst get put on Tartarus. Those we can’t negotiate with, those we can’t save…! look around you, all of you! None of you are beyond saving!”

She tried her absolute best to remain sympathetic, to appeal, to have all of their attention. “I don’t see hopeless cases, when I see you. I see ponies that might have done bad things– But can be better! Your lives aren’t over, there is still so much you can do!” Were she free of chains, she would have gestured even more, as she gave them earnest smiles. “I get it– you’re scared… I’m scared too! Sometimes, you hurt people… And then you just have to keep living! You have to keep trying!”

The room was substantially quieter now.

She raised her head with not confidence, but hope. “And I know that all of you could use all the energy you have here, to work together and contribute onto making Equestria a better place–”

She was interrupted by a swift, painful hoof slap from Sapphire directly on the jaw, quieting both her words and movement instantly.

“That was a friendship speech.” The leader snarled with anger, forcing Twilight to look at her. “Try that shit again and a slap will be the least of your worries.”

The Princess remained quiet, wincing, with shallow breaths as her eyes watered from the pain– She couldn’t even bring a hoof to her cheek to feel it or massage it, and the pain was radiating through.

She wondered if she had been in worse situations, she wondered if this would get even worse, and she wondered what would become of her.

The leader looked around angrily. “Well? What are you all looking at? The plan remains the same! Wait for the money then we bail! Hail Tirek!”

Everyone around her repeated the chant, which only served for Twilight’s ears to droop lower.

Whimpering quietly, Twilight closed her eyes, wondering if she could try sleeping in this uncomfortable position, and just hoped that the next day would be better, that rescue would come as she slept.

“Don’t fall asleep, now.” Twig commanded, nudging her awake. “You’re done when we’re done.”

Twilight could barely muster a frown or a glare– She mostly felt awful. All of her usual methods of dealing with her opponents had failed and she now started thinking of the worst possibilities.

“Sunset, where are you…?” She muttered to nothing, pleading to the very air.

And she got her answer.

The room shook, dust falling from the ceiling, in fact, the entire manor shook, and a sound akin to rubble or debris collapsing was heard, multiple floors below. Every habitant of the room tensed up.

“F-finally!” A smile perked up in her lips, as she let out an immense sigh of relief.

“Was that an earthquake?” One of the cultists asked, clutching his glass.

Several murmured around both agreeing and disagreeing. Twilight cleared her throat, and was almost giddy. “There are no unstable tectonic plates on central Equestria! If you want Earthquakes, you’d have to go much farther, in any cardinal direction! –Though northern Equestria is pretty stable as well!”

A scream was heard from a few floors below, and then several. She kept smiling.

“Squad A, go check it out.” With a shrug Twig commanded.

“Aww, there’s guys downstairs! They’ll take care of it!” A pony who was in the middle of a wonderful game of cards protested it. “Can’t some of the other floors do it?”

More screams. Indistinct shouting, sounds of magic and clashes, easy to recognize even from this far. A massive thud was heard, as if a door had collapsed, or an entire closet was flung.

“We might be under attack!” Ears twitching, Sapphire tensed up, and barked orders. “Go NOW squad A! And then come tell us who it was when you’re done dispatching them.”

Begrudgingly, with groans of dissatisfaction, a squad of ten ponies left the room.

The two leaders addressed each other, and Twilight listened attentively.

“You think the Queens wouldn’t hold up their end? Like c’mon, a million bits isn’t even too much for them to fork over, right?” Twig murmured in annoyance. “I was expecting them to stall freeing Tirek, but–”

“They probably sent somepony in disguise instead of a courier, to try to rescue the Princess, fuckin’ morons.” The other leader snarled. “We’ll cut them down to size, and send them back to the Queens in a box–”

They were interrupted by another explosion, the room shuddered, dust fell from the ceiling, and then more screams.

Still indistinct, but getting closer.

A few worried glances were shot around, a few murmurs and grumbles.

Twilight kept smiling confidently.

“Ahem. As I was saying. They probably sent a squad of saviors to rescue her– A whole team– Won’t be enough, though. We’ve got the numbers.” Sapphire spoke loud enough, almost as if to assure the others around her. “We WILL win this day. Hail Tirek!”

The chant was less enthusiastic this time.

“You know…!” Twilight got their attention, innocently fidgeting. “It’s not too late to surrender. Everypony walks out of this alive and okay!”

More screams– A horrible crunching noise was heard from below, occasionally a shout or a yell was interrupted by an explosion, or sickening indistinct sounds.

Twilight just blinked innocently. “Nopony else has to get hurt, if you surrender and let me go…?”

“Shut it, Princess. Do you want me to hit you again?!” Sapphire barked, approaching her menacingly.

This prompted the Princess to immediately be quiet, which only emphasized the screams in the distance, and the sounds of fighting.

“Squad B–” The leader couldn’t even finish the sentence before they heard the distinct noise of a chandelier crashing on another floor.

“...That was one floor below.” Twig’s eyes widened. “They’re, um, getting closer.”

“SQUAD B! Go support the others!!” Clearly shaken, Sapphire commanded, questionably hiding the hesitation in her voice. This time, the cultists did not hesitate, even if they were wary.

As they left the room, the leaders peeked out of the door, and saw no evidence of fighting, simply heard more and more audible screams of battle, and what looked like the light of fire magic.

Approaching the Princess with anger, Sapphire shoved her threateningly. “Alright, Princess. Who’s out there? Does Celestia have some form of elite squad??!”

“Not by my recollection?” Twilight replied innocently. “But if you’re worried, you could always surrender–”

With a yell of anger, the leader slapped the Princess again, who was at least a little bit more ready this time, but not nearly enough not to feel it.

Twilight had been feeling bad for the fate that would befall her captors, but slowly, that feeling was fading, the pain was too distracting for her to feel sorry.

“Easy! She’s our bargaining chip.” One leader held the other back, keeping his ears angled towards the door. “If we need a hostage, or even a shield, we’ll use her.”

“Ugh, I’m sick of her dainty little face.” The other shuddered in anger. “Maybe we should just–”

The screams were getting closer, and they heard a sound that could only be described as an entire piano flying through the air and crashing through the floor, and then some.

“T-that’s our floor. The piano–” Twig’s eyes widened, and the other leader shuddered. “Squad C, D and E, GO GO GO! The others need backup, go NOW!”

The groups hesitated, looking at each other, and the silence was filled with screams.

Twilight didn’t say another word, as she quietly winced at the pain.

“What are you idiots waiting for?! There’s like TWENTY of you!! Go!!!”

The squads waited no longer, running out of the room, some taking weapons like crossbows and bats with them. A quick peek of the open door showed a few cultists being hurled violently into the air at the end of the hall, even one that was completely and entirely engulfed in flames running around in a panic, and signs of full walls having been torn down. Parts of the manor seemed to be on fire now, and yet, the rooms beyond seemed darker.

With the squads leaving hastingly, it was only the two leaders and Twilight now.

And the screams persisted, even closer now, unmistakable– The sounds of battle were now distinct enough that the mind could wander and make vivid interpretations.

Some of the cultists were calling whatever they were fighting a monster, most were just screaming.

“WHAT'S OUT THERE?!” Sapphire addressed Twilight again, a bit desperate this time. “WHAT’S COMING FOR US?!”

“You had your chance.” Twilight muttered, bitterly at her. “I gave you every chance…!”

The leader pulled the Princess close, baring her teeth. “What is out there, and how do we kill it?”

“Hurting me will only make her angrier.” Twilight spoke with a confident smile. “Your last chance is to run now. And I mean now.”

The silence between their words were accentuated with the sounds of battle and struggle, closer still.

“M-maybe we should listen to her?!” Twig whimpered, retreating behind the Princess, keeping his eye on the door, seeing flashes of light and magic below it. With a swift spell, he ensured the door was closed and locked.

“Like HELL!” the other barked, but the courage was gone from her voice. She stood directly beside the princess, and pointed her horn at her neck, waiting worryingly for the moment she would or wouldn’t have to do it.

The screams and sounds of battle were incredibly close now– maybe in the hallway right outside their door, and the sounds they heard were distinct.

Some of them were begging for mercy, others were shouting regarding which limbs of them were broken, or severed.

Some were shouts of deserters, yelling at others to just run.

Windows were broken, wood became splinters, flesh became splatters.

Distinctively, a large tearing, meaty sound, followed by a splatter, and more screams.

The sound of breaking wood, as if an entire wall had been punched through.

The doorknob rattled, as desperate whimpering could be heard from the other side. They heard one of their fellow cultists begging to be let in, pounding fearfully on the door.

A scream of pain followed the sound of crunching bone– then a slice, and silence.

The silence was what made them panic the most– All they could hear was their own panicked breathing. Not a peep was heard in the entire manor anymore.

Slow, methodical, heavy footsteps were heard behind the door. Incredibly slow, as if premeditating their every move.

“I’LL SLICE HER THROAT IF YOU COME INSIDE, I’M WARNING YOU!” Sapphire bellowed, sweating, as she lit her horn, pointing it at Twilight's neck.

Silence. The blood of their comrade was now seeping from below the door.

“I-I’m warning you!! Get the fuck out of here, or I’ll tear her pretty little throat!!” She repeated, hopelessly.

No footsteps. No sign of life whatsoever beyond that door.

Twilight sniffled, frowning. “You shouldn’t have done that.” She muttered, addressing the Leader.

The leaders kept their gaze on the door, breathing frantically, and as the seconds passed, the fear rose.

And soon enough, something else worried them.

Despite the open windows, the room seemed to get darker, as if the sunlight was being blocked, either by curtains drawn, or anything else. Color itself seemed to be draining from around them.

Their gaze left the door, and now they were looking around frantically, and Twilight no longer had a horn against her throat, and while the cultists were terrified, back to back, glancing around, the Princess was entirely calm.

As if all windows had been blocked by darkness, as if there was a spotlight on only the ponies, the room became entirely bleak. The light from their horns seemed to do nothing.

Twilight spoke only once. She knew she only needed to say one thing to get this moving along.

“The one on the right slapped me. Twice.” She stated firmly, pointing out Sapphire.

“W-what?!” The cultist cried out, her gaze turning back on the Princess. “N-no I didn’t!! She’s lying!! She’s a little—” She tried addressing the darkness, but her response was swift. From a corner of the room, pitch black clawed hands and tendrils extended incredibly fast, wrapped themselves around her, and pulled her screaming and thrashing into the dark. Sapphire tried casting one or two magic blasts ineffectively, before it was over.

Silence followed quickly. No crash, no crunch, no slice, her voice simply ceased to be as soon as she was out of sight, and there was no sign of her.

The other leader was wiser, even if not terrified. He threw himself before the Princess, bowing, afraid for his life. “O-OKAY I’M SORRY! I SURRENDER! PLEASE! LET ME GO, THIS WHOLE CULT WAS A TERRIBLE IDEA, PLEASE JUST LET ME GO–” He continued to whimper endlessly, shooting glances at all his sides.

Twilight knew exactly where her savior was. She looked up to the ceiling, and saw a familiar pair of turquoise eyes shining in the dark, looking at her. It moved, as soon as the cultist began begging.

Slowly, as if part of shadows herself, Sunset Shimmer, upside down, walked from the ceiling to the wall, with the posture akin to that of a predator, seemingly unaffected by gravity, as if she was phasing through matter.

The shadows left her, perfectly meshed with her obsidian armor, as the Paladin reached the floor, and the whimpering cultist still hadn’t noticed her. The primary color in the room came from the blood she was drenched in.

Her expression was completely, entirely blank, except for her narrowed eyes and furrowed eyebrows, her entire way of movement implied both combat and murder.

“Sunset. No more.” Twilight commanded, with a smile, just happy to see her again.

The Paladin froze instantly, shooting a glance to the Princess, and the cultist finally noticed her– And he did not attempt to attack nor flee, he simply cowered.

The Unicorn made motions to advance, with the face entirely blank. “He hurt you. They all hurt you.” She spoke with a bitter, raspy snarl, eyes focussed on her prey.

“And you hurt them. It’s over– No more eye-for-an-eye. You’ve beaten them, so let’s just go…!”

Silence, only interrupted by the whimpering of the cultist, and the haggard breathing of the Paladin, who silently exchanged a look with the Princess.

“No more.” Twilight commanded one more time.

Silently, the Paladin approached the cowering cultist, and snarled plainly. “Go to the corner of the room. If you make a peep, I will kill you.” She promised.

After a brief, obedient shuffle, the room was quiet once more, and Sunset finally exited her battle stance, letting out a huge, weary exhale.

Color and light returned to their surroundings, the sun was setting outside, somewhere.

Her armor was drenched in blood, and had a few dents. She had more than a few bruises, one even forced an eye to not open as well as the other, her nose was bleeding, implying direct impact, and she distinctively had a broken arrow in her backside, piercing a blind spot in her armor.

Finally, her expression wasn’t blank anymore, she could demonstrate her pain and relief.

“I’m sorry.” Princess and Paladin both muttered in unison.

Sunset was so surprised to hear it, she let the Princess keep speaking. “I’m sorry! There were so many of them, I didn’t want to start a fight– I thought I could talk it out, I really, really tried…! It seemed to be working, but… It just didn’t, in the end. Maybe if I had just fought to begin with, none of this would have happened…!”

Blinking a few times in utter surprise, Sunset shook her head fiercely. “Princess, it’s my fault. I fucked up. If I was in Ponyville last night, this never would have happened. I… I’m so, so fucking sorry it took me so long to get you.”

And somehow, Twilight was peppy. “W-well, it’s like Celestia says! Better late than never!”

She couldn’t help but chuckle in response, a weary, pained chuckle that almost ended in a cough. She approached the Princess, inspecting her wounds gently. “They hit you, didn’t they? Those fucking savages–” A flash of anger appeared in her face.

“--It’s over. You beat them. No more violence, okay?” With a pout, Twilight commanded.

Her rage was extinguished instantly, and she nodded obediently, with relief. “...Okay.”

Swiftly, yet carefully, Sunset lit her horn like a blowtorch, and began freeing the Princess of her chains, holding her to ensure she wouldn’t be hurt.

And soon enough, Twilight was free, the chains tossed aside, and she sighed in relief.

“Can you walk?” Sunset asked almost with a whisper.

“I-I don’t think so– Those chains forced me to stand, I’m really, really sore…” Twilight bent and stretched her legs and wings, then simply beheld the Paladin. “...Could you carry me?”

“Twilight I’m… Covered in blood.” Sunset gestured to her armor, which was indeed filthy. “I don’t think–”

The Princess silenced her with a single hoof to her lips. “Well I think I’m tired and sweaty enough not to mind. Please just carry me out of here…!”

With a sigh and a smile, she nodded obediently. “Of course, my Princess.”

With one horn movement, Sunset lit the chains that laid on the floor, and they rapidly bound the whimpering cultist in the corner, violently pinning him on the floor. She paid him no more mind after that.

The motion they did was rehearsed, after all, they had done this before. Twilight made herself comfortable on the Paladin’s back, and simply exhaled with relief, of finally being rescued, making herself comfortable.

Sunset said no more as she approached the door. Before she even reached it, Twilight quietly stopped her. “Wait! Um…! How many did you kill…?”

“...More than you’re comfortable with.” She responded almost with an embarrassed whisper. “I can… Go through the window, if you’d prefer.”

With a quick reminder that they were on the fourth floor, Twilight shook her head with resignation. “N-no, no, I don’t want to fly or jump or teleport or anything right now– Let’s just walk.”

Sunset hovered a hoof over the doorknob, hesitating. “I, um, took some prisoners, if it makes you feel better?”

“Just open the door, Sunset.” Twilight huffed.

Opening the door was an instant atmospheric change. The smell of fresh blood was distinctive, and they could instantly hear quiet whimpers of pain here and there, echoing in the manor, and above all, she was greeted with a hallway full of bodies.

A decapitated head rolled over into the room, as soon as Sunset opened the door, and Twilight couldn’t help but mutter an “Oh my gosh.”

“You might want to save your ‘Oh my goshes’ for later.” Sunset grimaced, aware that this was the tip of the iceberg.

Twilight nodded quietly, and nudged the Paladin to carry her forward, of which she obeyed.

The sight could be described as butchering. There were very few ponies that were fully intact, without bloodstains and intact limbs. At best, Twilight could note a few unconscious cultists, with one or two limbs bent the wrong way, broken bones felt like mercy, seeing the rest.

…The rest were butchered. Severed limbs, torn open carcasses, bodies still burning, and beheaded foes. She tried her best to keep her eyes forward.

Sunset’s breathing was unsteady, still normalizing after the battle. She stumbled, and Twilight winced with worry. “W-what’s wrong?! Are you okay?!”

“Tripped on a body. Sorry.” She explained earnestly, steadying her pace.

“Oh.”

Silence, accentuated only by the occasional sound of whimpering around them, and Sunset’s heavy footsteps. They both saw a conscious cultist that was cradling a broken leg, wincing in pain. A single glare from Sunset made him silenced immediately.

“So, um.” The Paladin tried her best to fill the air with anything at all. “...What friendship speech did you try using?”

With a sigh of disappointment, Twilight rested her head on her rescuer’s neck. “...The one about ‘collective purpose’. It was really good too– I even explained all we know of Tirek, tried debunking their presumptions of him…”

“And that still didn’t work? Fucking assholes.” Sunset shuddered with anger, snarling. “It’s not your fault. These fuckers were hellbent, invested on a bad idea.”

“Sunk cost fallacy…” Twilight muttered, shooting glances at the rooms they were passing, seeing some bodies piled up. “Mob mentality, I suppose. If I had separated them, maybe I could have convinced them on an individual level…!”

“I'm sorry I took so long.” Sunset muttered, head low. “I don’t want to make any more excuses. I had a bad day, and you deserve better. That’s all.”

Twilight couldn’t help but snicker nervously, seeing one of the cultists was somehow stuck on the ceiling, at least their lower body was. “If this is what you’re capable of on a bad day…! I wonder what it’s like in a good one, hahah…?”

“I’m surprised you didn’t beat them all yourself, to be honest.” She tried her best to change the subject. “You’re more powerful than me. Why didn’t you?” It was a rhetorical question, she knew the answer. Twilight wasn’t prone to violence or anger, like her.

“The moment they invaded the library, I tried talking it out. I just wanted to understand why they wanted what they wanted, I wanted to give them a chance to, well, I dunno… Do better? I wanted to diffuse the problem…” Her voice trailed off, almost ashamed.

“...Celestia never gave you combat training like mine, did she?” Another rhetorical question.

“...No, not like yours. She gave me a lot of magical and social training… And, I’m, uh, I’m starting to see why.” Her gaze passed by a pile of charred corpses. An entire Piano was burning atop them.

“...Yeah… She didn’t want another me. Makes sense.” Sunset huffed, focussed only on taking the princess downstairs. “None of what I’m capable of is necessary for being a Princess. On the contrary.”

Twilight was silent, for a moment, only thinking. “Maybe… But you make for a reliable warrior, though.”

“A reliable butcher, maybe. Celestia made a mistake when she trained me.” She spoke earnestly, giving another glare to a whimpering survivor, who cowered silently. The underlying truth that they could both see was that combat was the easiest, most open outlet for Sunset’s anger. “All this is… Wrong.”

“You rescued me, though. Not many could do what you did today. You might be the only one, actually…!” The Princess thought openly, wondering, as she clung to Sunset’s back.

“Twilight, have you been counting the bodies?” She asked rhetorically, giving her a backwards glance. “Why would you want me to do what I did today?!”

“I tried my way, and it didn’t work. You tried yours, and it did.” She spoke logically, almost offended that Sunset was self deprecating. “I'm not saying that this is the best solution to our problems, but you saved the Princess! What you’re capable of isn’t worthless!”

The hangover wasn’t helping this conversation, the Paladin groaned, as she walked over another room, avoiding stepping on bodies and unconscious opponents.

…And of course, Twilight wouldn’t let it go. “You’re intelligent, incredibly skilled, amazingly diligent, super disciplined, you’re incredibly concerned and focused over my safety, and you’re even a bit ruthless. You would still make a great leader.”

“A ‘bit’ ruthless. Hah!” Sunset couldn’t help but laugh, shrugging, ignoring the statements.

Twilight kept her eyes open, even as she rested her head on Sunset’s neck. “...The royal guard isn’t here. They could never have done what you did today… Because they have no Captain. You could be their Captain.”

Sunset’s ears twitched, her tail involuntarily flicked, but she forced her gaze forward. “...No I couldn't. I’ve never even been a guard– There’s a due process, and I’m not a part of it. I’m unqualified.”

“... Well I could just make you my Captain.” Twilight narrowed her eyes, almost annoyed, clinging tighter.

“...No you couldn’t?” A merciful plea of a confused mare.

“Um, hello? Princess of Friendship? Yes I could!!” She huffed, pouting.

“I-I’m not qualified to lead anything, and you shouldn’t trust me with that either, I’d mess everything up–”

“You are uniquely qualified, and what’s more, Celestia would absolutely agree with both my decision and opinions of you.” Twilight spoke almost rehearsed, with her classic speech voice.

“Celestia would agree if you said you wanted to marry a Timber wolf, Twi. She’s kind of biased towards trusting you with everything, because you’re her star pupil–”

“And there we have it! I think it's a great idea, Celestia would too. Sunset Shimmer, do you want to be the Captain of the Canterlot royal guard, whose sole responsibility is to whip our protectors into shape, organize the best defenses against crises much like this, and above all, protect the Princess of Friendship?” She was almost peppy, spreading her wings, tilting her head, trying to see Sunset’s face.

Silence.

Sunset moved without saying a word, they finally reached the main hall, where a Massive chandelier had been tossed and crashed atop some cultists, and at the center of the room, there were a group of maybe fifteen cultists that were all bound by what could only be described as a metal railing having been magically fashioned into rope.

They all whimpered as soon as they saw the Paladin, who just glared at them, and ignored them.

“Sunset. Answer the question. Do you want to be my Captain?” Twilight nudged her, frowning.

Living in the castle again, being in charge of the training of the guard, organizing the defenses of the castle, getting to see Celestia more often, getting to matter to the world again. A role that would inherently allow her to redeem herself for her past failings, make a better impression, and above all, be even closer to the Princess of Friendship, protecting her from anything, especially crises like this.

“...I’m not fit for it, Twilight. I’m sorry. You’re asking the wrong mare.” She forced herself to speak, almost with a whisper, shamefully avoiding looking back.

“But you are! After everything we’ve been through–”

“--Look, I’m hungover, I’m wounded, and exhausted. Can we continue this conversation some other time?!” She pleaded, finally reaching the exit off that place.

“Humpf.” Twilight gave her the lightest of headbuts. “You’re perfect for the role. You single handedly saved me from a hundred cultists! Think of what you could do if you had a battalion with you– A lot less casualties, I’m sure!! This kind of mess would never happen again, and you wouldn’t be as hurt as you are now–”

“Twilight, please just stop.” She pleaded again, shaking her head.

Exhaling with resignation, Twilight nuzzled her, pouting. “This conversation is not over.”

No reply. Sunset opened the doors, and they were greeted with the fresh air of the Everfree woods.

…And also two airships landing before them, with a handful of royal guards clumsily readying themselves for a fight.

“Unbelievable.” Sunset snarled, coming closer to them, addressing the first group she saw. “Where the hell were you idiots?! I got here an hour ago!! You’re fucking lucky I was here to rescue the Princess!!”

The guards were all intimidated by the sight. Obsidian armor, covered in blood, with the Princess, calmly mounting her.

And she had more to say. “There’s several wounded inside, I captured a group in the main hall, can’t miss them; One of their leaders are tied up in the fourth floor, do not let the fucker escape. I also saw some of them bolting towards the woods over there– It’s unlikely that they’d ever try anything, but I think the Princess would feel better if they were all behind bars. You there! In the airship! The Princess needs to be returned to Canterlot safely, now!”

Frantically, with clumsy nods and salutes, the guards moved, and Sunset carried the Princess towards the airship.

Twilight giggled, not with a whisper, but speaking in a way only Sunset could hear. “Look at you, giving out orders. I bet you’ll be way nicer about it when you’re Captain.”

All the Paladin could do was grumble.

“We’re here.” Finally, in the safety of Canterlot Castle, by Twilight’s room, she could put the Princess down, inspecting her for wounds once more. It was difficult for the Princess to let go.

“I’m going to report to the Queens what happened, and check myself into the infirmary.” Sunset spoke with an exhale, stretching. “You should lay low, okay? Take the day off. Paladin’s orders.”

“Not ‘Captain’s’ orders?” Twilight tilted her head, with a slightly flustered smile.

“Nope.” She shrugged, amused at her attempts at convincing. “I’ll see you soon, Princess.”

“Sunset.” She stopped her in her tracks immediately. “I’m, uh…” Clumsily, Twilight fidgeted with her hooves. “I don’t think I want to be alone right now…! Could you stay with me?”

Her eyes widened as she analyzed the invitation, and how it was given. Twilight’s room looked incredibly inviting. Her mind wandered to parts she didn’t want to wander, and she quickly shot it down.

“I’m covered in blood.”

“I have a shower!”

“I’m hungover as shit, I’m exhausted!”

“I have snacks, water, and a king-sized bed!”

“I have an arrow on my ass!!”

“And I’m really good at healing magic!!”

The back and forth stopped.

Turquoise eyes were fixed on magenta eyes.

Her mind wandered to her recent experiences, in the past months, with other mares. It wandered, unwillingly, to the incredibly unchaste things she could do to the Princess, this perfect, adorable, loving, cherishing Princess that she had vowed to protect, all the things she could do if she spent a full day alone in the same room like this.

If she entered that room, she would do something she might regret.

She had to force herself to move. “I, um, s-sorry!” She stated poorly, weakly, and nearly galloped out of there, running away from the Princess.

Author's Note

SUNSET YOU PUSSY!!!!1!!

Me: Haha this fic is gonna be short and sweet!

My chapter lengths: :duck:

Poor cultists. If only Sunset hadn't dealt with Trixie in the morning. She would have been more merciful <3

Um, uh, can you tell that the Princess & the Peasant universe is what I get the most wild with my interpretations of these characters? definitely a bit wild.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm going overboard with the violence then I think nah, my fic my rules. I'm almost missing the Shimmerverse's fight scenes lol

Its worth stating, as part of the whole 'oc' subject regarding how I interpret these characters, that both P&P and this story as two stories that I could easily remake fully with original characters and make them my own, which would maybe even improve them-- but this also means that I'm occasionally writing these stories thinking of fingers in mind, of which ponies do not have.

Like MAN you have no idea how much I wanted to tell character and narrative through weapons; Having Twilight use the same magical staff she used since she was a teenager, being attached to it even if it isn't the best model or strongest, something comparatively different to Sunset, who would use dozens of different weapons available in the moment (like using the enemies's weapons against them) and even shit like having Celestia have a sun-spear that Sunset always, always wanted to use but was never worthy of-- But because of this, she's really skilled with spears and staff weapons (not even for casting-magic-staff, just whaking people staff) Which would be her most non-lethal choice, later on.

Having Twilight be a very non-phisical fighter, relying on a staff, but being immensely powerful with it.

Hell I even wanted Sunset to by standard dual-wield swords-- Something that is incredibly aggressive, and not very defensive.

I was even gonna apply this to P&P, where AJ never uses weapons, just her fists and lasso, while rarity constantly makes bows and spears with her magic to non-lethaly help in fights.

but uhh... Nah. Without fingers, none of this works. Shame. I almost am sad that I choose ponies and not anthros, hands are rly important, lol.

Speaking of anthros I would have made a joke that Trixie keeps trying to poke Sunset's abbs and she keeps getting her hand slapped away lmao

You can still see the skeleton of these ideas in the way I wrote elemental magic here, at least. Light magic is meant to be something you need to be in the right emotional state to use, and Sunset sucks at it, meanwhile, dark magic and fire magic is something she uses liberally.

I will say that my meta multiverse writing is getting to comical extents. Shout out to my "A place in my dreams" fans out there, ya'll know what I'm talkin about 😎 I did this on purpose.

And hey, Twilight offering to teach her light magic as an extension of their bond, and how Twilight makes her better heheheh.

Speak of the angel, I hope you've enjoyed the characterization with her. I actually don't think friendship speeches are dumb at all, I really do think that Twilight's pacifism and inherent drive for good are compelling traits, and I did not want to mock them at all in this chapter, on the contrary.

Sometimes, when all else fails, you bring a battering ram.

And why fault a battering ram for breaking down gates?

...Did this battering ram just give Twilight fleas

Part 6: Flash Sentry.

Rain, even if nearly torrential, was comforting, to some.

Not to Flash Sentry. He kept himself halfway into the exit of a balcony, just enough so he could continue his duty, however clumsily, but at least remain dry– There was nothing more uncomfortable than wet feathers, and combining that with damp armor? Yeah, he could afford to be unprofessional.

Night would be falling soon, and with it, the end of his shift. At least the rain had an ethereal glow to it, as it was illuminated by the last rays of sunshine; It wasn't even a gray day, it was almost colorful rain. One could look above and mistake the cloudy sky for pink.

He let out a yawn, closing his eyes, and was startled by a familiar voice calling his name.

“Flash.” He nearly jumped, looking above, and seeing Sunset Shimmer, in her usual Paladin getup, fully drenched, hovering above him, balancing herself skillfully on a gargoyle that was sputtering rainwater into the gardens; A quick inspection made it clear she had been in the rain for a while.

“W-woah! Hey, Sunset. What are you–”

“You’re not at your post.” She made a blank observation, narrowing her eyes, looking through him.

“...And you’re on top of a gargoyle, drenched in rainwater, while I’m fully dry. Which of us is winning?” He grinned, with a shrug.

She sighed, smiling, and looked away. “Touché.” She muttered.

“Do I even want to ask why you’re here, or are you just passing through?”

“I was looking for you, actually.” She jumped down onto the balcony, landing without difficulty. “It’s good to see you.”

He involuntarily snickered, shaking his head with a smile. “Sunset Shimmer thinks it's good to see me. Must be Hearth’s Warming.”

Yeah, she deserved that comment, and gave no comeback, simply looked away, pursing her lips with minor shame.

“And you’re just…” He looked her up and down, inspecting her, she seemed to have a few new recent scars, and she looked like she had been out here for a while. He sighed, knowing her well. “...Are you just brooding in the rain, or something?”

“...Something like that.” She looked away, exhaling.

He cleared his throat, wanting to change the subject for her sake. “Speaking of being at your post– Where’s your Princess? Shouldn’t you be–”

“--She’s fine. I’m not avoiding her.” She lied with confidence, but was not convincing enough.

“...You know bodyguards are meant to guard bodies, right?” He couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight. Sunset looked vulnerable, an incredibly rare sight, that made him worry, even if only a little. “...What’s going on?”

She frowned, looking down– And he recognized the look. She wanted to tell him off for even asking, insulted that he was even prying.

But she didn’t.

She exhaled, and couldn’t make eye contact. “It’s complicated. Short version, I fucked up, and I’m taking a bit of… Distance from my job. She’s here at the castle, so she’s safe. I’m just… Taking some space.”

“Did you two fight or something? Is she mad at you?” He was genuinely concerned. “You didn’t insult her or anything, did you? ‘Cause you–”

“No, no, nothing like that. The opposite, actually. I refused a promotion, and– We, well…” Her sentence trailed off, with her gaze going far. “Look, it doesn’t matter. Point is, you’re still rooming at the barracks, right?”

“Yep! Apartments in Canterlot are expensive. Moved out of my girl’s apartment when we broke up.” He shrugged, smiling confidently. “Better than living with your parents, though, right? O-oh, right, nevermind.”

“It’s fine, heh.” She let out a short chuckle at his apology, but smirked nonetheless. “Look, long story short, I’m here to ask for a favor. I need to be closer to the castle right now– And my apartment is out of order. Can I room with you for tonight? It’ll only be for one night.”

He was surprised at how politely she was asking. Years ago, when they dated, it would have been a command. The pegasus raised an eyebrow in confusion. “...Did something happen at your place…?”

“Let’s just say that repairs will be annoying, and my new roommates are insufferable.” She grimaced, with an exhale. “I will be accepting no more questions on the matter.”

“Well, sure then! You can room with me!” He beamed, with that usual cheerful smile. “You can bring your guitar, It’ll be just like old times! I’d love to see how better you’ve gotten recently– Oh, and my shift ends in a bit– Maybe we could go drinking?”

“Oh, I’m done with drinking for a while…!” She almost blushed, gritting her teeth, thinking of events of days prior. “Is it alright if we just hang out here in the castle? Again, I need to be close to the Princess.”

Chuckling, hiding a minor disappointment, he shrugged.

A bit of silence passed. His mind trailed off, and he quickly shook his head. “Dude, if all you want is a room in the castle, you could just ask the Princess- I bet she’d give you a royal suit in a heartbeat.”

“I know, it’s– This isn’t what this is about.” She shook her head, with a sigh. “Look, I just… I need to say sorry, properly, to you, okay? And well, the room would be a bonus.” She spoke earnestly, hiding any additional intentions.

His eyes widened for a bit, as he tilted his head. “...Sorry for…?”

“Everything.” She muttered.

More silence, accentuated only by the rain.

He came to a small realization, as his face reddened more.

“Hey, um…” He scratched himself, fidgeting. “Are we doing this like… Old times, or… Old times, old times?”

His intonation implied enough, and she caught on instantly.

The faintest smile appeared on her face, as she looked back at him. “Well… I wouldn’t mind doing it like the old times, old times.”

The sun was barely rising, and she was awake, analyzing the movement in the barracks.

One word she would use to describe it: Sluggish.

Others came to mind. Unmotivated, simple, guideless.

…Lazy? She pondered, as she watched recruits and fully fledged guards move about, yawning, stretching, either adorning their armors, or beginning to equip them altogether.

…Purposeless? She thought, considering the stark difference between the devotion she had to protecting the Princess, compared to these guards, who seemed to be doing their job simply because it was their job, no sense of higher purpose, or devotion.

She frowned, considering that this was Equestrias vanguard, and last line of defense all at once. They had enjoyed a period of semi-peace, and she couldn’t help but resent Twilight’s brother for leaving the guard in such a poor state, even if just a little.

Her gaze landed on Limestone Pie, who seemed to be enjoying banter with other recruits, on high spirits, and she smiled. She decided she would at least go say hi, before leaving.

She leaned further outside of the window of the room she was in, getting a full picture of the area.

A communal living space, with small apartments protected from the rain, with several exits, into the castle grounds, into the city, into the gardens…

Her mind raced on many ideas; As she inspected everything thoroughly.

The kind of food they were eating, at what speed, and where.

The way each of the rooms inhabited here were positioned, the comfort, and the lack-there-of.

The training grounds, currently not used to its full potential.

And even the patrol patterns, the ways they would distribute their shifts.

She narrowed her eyes, inspecting everything, wondering, mulling, considering.

“...Sunset?” A groggy voice called out behind her, mid yawn.

“Still here, Flash.” She responded without turning.

“Oh damn. I thought yesterday was a dream.” He muttered earnestly, as he shuffled in bed.

She turned back, analyzing his room. Didn’t seem like his style had changed much. Some posters of favorite performers, his guitar and hers resting side by side, a few trophies, silver or otherwise, and pictures of his parents and friends proudly displayed.

And of course, her ex, Flash Sentry, slowly and lazily rising from the bed they had shared last night.

“Your shift starts in five minutes.” She pointed sternly, but also amused at his inefficiency.

“It sure does.” He suppressed a chuckle, but not a smile, as he slowly stretched, and gathered some of his things. He approached her with a quiet, almost innocent tone. “So… What we did last night, are we…?”

“No, sorry…” She responded immediately, with only a hint of shame. “Again, I’ll be going back to my apartment tomorrow. This isn’t going to be a habit; I just needed to unwind…” No matter what, she still had a sympathetic grin for him.

“Well, I could definitely tell that much…” He let out an ironic, disappointed chuckle, as he looked at his now incredibly messy bed. Exhaling, he looked away. “Well, I guess I’m in the market, then…!”

“You can do better than me.” She affirmed honestly. “I mean it, man. You should do better than me– For your own good. You deserve it.”

“So you say. But what do you deserve?” He tilted his head, nudging her, and her look often shot down to the guards below.

She let out an annoyed groan, stretching. “...I have spent my entire fucking life figuring that out. Nothing good, I can say that much.”

“...Same old Sunset, heh.” He shook his head, chuckling. “Seriously man. Why did you really come here for? What was last night about?”

“I told you… I wanted to say sorry.” She looked down shamefully.

“Haven’t you done that already?” He couldn’t help but snicker at the very idea. “Like, a few times, at least.”

“No, I mean… I treated you like shit. I wasn’t just a bad girlfriend, I was a bad friend– A bad person. I don’t know how to make amends, I don’t know how to get my shit together, I don’t know how to make things right. I never did. But I have to try, you know…?”

His glance shot to his incredibly messy bed, and then back at her, with a comedic grin. “You’ve got a really funny way to say sorry.”

“I’m working on it.” She couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking her head.

“If you want to make amends, you’re on the right track– Not because of what we did, I mean, in general.” He spoke earnestly, looking at her. “You’re trying. That matters.”

“...Sure.” They shared comfortable silence, while both thought of completely different things; And Flash was the first to speak, turning to her only slightly. “...What happened between you and the Princess? It’s clearly got something to do with you being here– Did you get fired or something? You’re not in the dog house, are you…?” There was genuine empathy in his voice.

Sunset spent time thinking of her answer– calculating it, planning it, considering it. Considering lying.

Then she told the truth.

“...She offered me a promotion. She said she wants me to be her Captain– The captain of the Canterlot Royal guard.” Her vision blurred, as she looked at nothing.

Flash listened intently, jaw slightly dropped, eyes widened. “...And you said…?”

“...And I said no.” Her response resulted in him silently groaning. “I said I’m not qualified, I said that I’m unfit for the role– I said that my best talents are incredible violence and terrible ideas–”

He didn’t even let her continue to self deprecate before giving his opinion. “--For the love of Celestia, Sunset!! You can never just take a good thing, can you? Sheesh!”

“Don’t flatter yourself.” She murmured looking at him, biting back, misinterpreting.

“You know that’s not what I mean.” He frowned, pouting. “Seriously, you’ve always been like this, even when you were awful.”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

He immediately took a mocking inspiration of her voice. “Oh! I’m Sunset Shimmer! The number one pupil of Celestia! This is what I deserve but I will not be accepting any handouts, any gifts, any friends, any gestures of kindness any–”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“Look at me, I’m Sunset Shimmer! Princess Twilight Sparkle herself wants me by her side, but I don’t deserve it! Don’t give me any kindness, any goodness, no, I will not be leaving, I’m here to stay, but I refuse to accept anything good that could ever happen to me because I think I don’t deserve it–” He was interrupted by a nudge and a glare from her, of which he responded by simply gesturing and the obviousness of it all.

“Shut up, already.” She snarled, more annoyed than angry. “Seriously, I’m not joking about not deserving it– After everything I did–”

“--Maybe it’s not about deserving, you ever think about that? The Princess wouldn’t have offered the role to you if she cared about that.” He reaffirmed, persisting.

“Her opinion is skewed and biased.” She muttered, looking away.

“Oh yeah I bet Queen Celestia was also skewed and biased when she adopted you, and kept you.” He blew raspberries. “And I bet Twilight is just annoyed everyday of having you around! Clearly she’s just faking you out! ‘Damn that annoying sexy beefy bodyguard that’s super smart and is incredibly devoted to protecting me! What an annoying shame!!’”

“Ugh.” She rubbed her temples, regretting having been honest. “Look man–”

“Say what you will about the old Sunset Shimmer– And don’t get me wrong, I am really happy with how much the Princess humbled you– But at least the old you was less prone to doubting her place in the world. She never doubted that she deserved being Celestia’s pupil.” He huffed, shaking his head.

“Don’t fucking lecture me Flash, you have no idea what it’s like to have failed a literal god!” She snarled, slamming a hoof on the window. “She gave me everything, and I fucked it all up because I WASN’T GOOD ENOUGH!”

He hesitated, for a moment, backing off just a bit, and then attempted to reason. “...Look, you don’t get to choose family–”

“--Yes you do– And she chose wrong.” She affirmed with a bitter statement, not even looking at him.

“Okay. We’re getting off track.” He shook his head, exhaling, fearing continuing that subject. “Let's put it this way:” He changed his tune, leaning on the window. “Do you think there is any other pony in Canterlot, or even in the world that is more devoted and qualified to protecting the Princess of Friendship than you?”

She thought for a moment, without moving, without looking. There was not a single pony in the world that had a bigger debt to repay to Twilight Sparkle. “...No.” She murmured.

“Okay! Next question: Do you think there is any other Pony around here currently that would do a better job at being Captain? Or rather; Do you think there’s any other pony around here that is more dedicated and willing to do what it takes to make this castle, this city, safer, if nothing else, for the sake of the Princess and the Queens?”

“Well, Twilight’s brother is off the question– He’s out doing this job on the Crystal Empire, so–”

“Just answer the question, man.”

“Why would you even want me as your boss?!”

“Any boss is better than no boss! And contrary to what my carefree and lazy attitude might lead you to believe– I actually do care about what happens to this city and this castle– Through extension, all of Equestria– And through a prolongued, close, totally-unbiased-opinion, I think you’d be friggin’ great for the job.” He spoke earnestly, ensuring she was looking at him, and paying attention.

It took her a while to answer, where she fidgeted either with her mane, or simply looked away, until she finally muttered, earnestly, sadly. “...I’m scared, Flash.”

“You’re… Scared…?” His eyes widened, this had been the first time he had ever, ever seen her like this. “...Scared of what?”

Rage nearly burst out of her, as she gritted her teeth, but still, only spoke in murmurs. “That I’m gonna fuck everything up again! Because that’s what I do– I’m the Princess of fuck ups– Everytime good things happen to me, its always temporary, there’s always some bullshit, just around the corner, ever since I was just a little orphan foal– And it’s always my fault, and I’m tired of the constant, neverending stream of me fucking up! I’m tired of losing everything!! We all would have been better off if I never pledged myself to Twilight Sparkle!!!”

“Then why are you here?!” He waved his wings, pointing at everything. “Why did you ever even accept working for Twilight Sparkle if you were scared of fucking up?!”

“Because–” She stopped herself, realizing she had absolutely no response, no answer, she didn’t know herself.

After all, she had stayed because Twilight asked.

“This is nuts, man.” He exhaled, blowing raspberries. “I’ve seen you take on enemies ten times your size– Twenty, even. Hell, just the other day, you threw yourself at an entire cult, and won– I had to painstakingly search through your handywork, there must have been at least fifty corpses me and the others waded through– And you’re telling me you’re scared of a promotion?”

Exhaling, her head was low. “...Yep.”

“And you’re still here.” He pointed out, smiling warmly.

“...Yeah.”

Silence passed, not necessarily uncomfortable, as they both looked out of the window.

There was a lot to consider.

Sunset only broke it with a chuckle, when she was seeing two guards act inadequately. “Look at those idiots– That’s not how you handle a sword, somepony’s gonna lose an eye at this rate.”

“Yep, we're real helpless.” He snickered, nudging her with a wing. “Save us, Captain Shimmer!!!”

She only huffed a small laugh, before she continued. “I don’t get the schedules you all have for your shifts– There’s so much inefficiency on them. The night shift should be reserved to those that can access their homes in the city at any preferred hour, and the guards on morning shift should all be the ones that sleep here, for the sake of efficient deployment.”

He blinked once or twice, and let her talk.

“What’s more, I’m seeing a dangerous lack of custom fitting armor– I know that’d be costly, but you are useless in a fight, if your helmet can accidentally blind you. What were they thinking?”

Flash narrowed his eyes.

“And that obstacle course on the training area, ugh, it’s in desperate need of repairs– And you can’t encompass every single challenge with one course! You should make one that can be malleable for different lessons, so you can–”

He let out a loud chuckle, bringing a hoof to his forehead. “Oh for the love of– You only slept with me so you could see the barracks from the inside in the morning, didn’t you?”

Sunset stopped, and an awkward grin manifested in her face, as she failed to convince. “Well… That wasn’t the only reason…?”

“Unbelievable! You’re like a chess master!” He laughed out loud, resting his forehead on the wall. “You knew I was going to give you a pep-talk WHILE you scoped out your possible future job– That’s incredible, really, I can’t even be mad!”

Her face reddened slightly, as she shrugged quietly.

“Well at least this means you’re considering taking it, right?”

“No.” She muttered bitterfully, unsure if she was lying.

“Okay, be honest: Is your apartment even unavailable?!” He was involuntarily smiling at the sheer idiocy of it all.

“Actually, yes.” She huffed, nodding. “And I needed to sleep closer to the Princess, and I wanted to check out the barracks in morning hours, and I’ve been avoiding talking to the Princess, and I legitimately, truly, honestly, actually wanted to apologize to you.”

“Friggin chess master. Never change, Shimmer.”

“Five birds, one stone.” She nodded wisely, shrugging. “Besides, I didn’t want you to think I was… Using you.”

He grinned, winking. “Then you decided to literally use me, last night–”

“--Okay, enough stalling from the both of us, I’ve seen enough. I can’t put this off any more. I have to go do my job.” She immediately stood, moving to the door, picking up her helmet, preparing to leave.

“Your new job or your old job?” He smirked, nudging her.

“I’m not accepting this stupid promotion, okay Flash? I’m not ready.” She sighed, and readied herself to leave. “...But I do need to go tell the Princess I’m sorry.”

Still grinning, he pointed to the very messy bed. “Hey, maybe you should say sorry to her the same way you did to me. It’d work, 100%.”

“Shut up, man.” Her face flustered, as she suppressed laughter.

She readied herself to leave, fully adorned in her armor once more, ready for whatever the day would bring.

And he stopped her, only one more time, with the smile of an old friend.

“Hey, Shimmer… Don’t be a stranger.”

“...In summation, sorry I’ve been away, I’ve been doing my job, just at a distance, but… No more excuses. You can expect me to go back to work normally now, and you can count on me like you always have.” She spoke almost robotically, almost rehearsed, all to hide her shame.

They were both walking through the hallways of Canterlot Castle, towards their next schedule.

Hearing all that felt only a tad disingenuous, considering that Sunset couldn’t even look her in the eye. Twilight pouted, frowning. “And… About your promotion?”

“...My answer remains the same.” She spoke almost coldly, professionally, but her face betrayed her, and demonstrated shame.

Twilight could barely muster a groan of annoyance, as she huffed, looking away. Sunset was incredibly, profoundly stubborn.

Silence, accentuated only by the sounds of their hoofsteps on the tiles.

Her face reddened slightly, and she shot her bodyguard a glance. “...And are you going to keep seeing a bunch of mares in your free time?” The question was incredibly careful, like a scalpel through skin.

Sunset hesitated, and quelled her own anxiety, maintaining a poker face; Specially considering the irony of the night before spent with a stallion, not a mare. “...I don’t know. If you don’t want me to, just say so and I’ll stop.”

Pride ran rampant through this entire conversation, as Twilight immediately stuttered a response. “I don’t own you! You can do w-whatever you want with your free time!” Her fluster betrayed her intentions.“...I’m just sad I don’t get to see you around more.” She muttered quietly, with a pout, and Sunset barely heard it.

Sunset stopped on her tracks, as they finally reached the door to the throne room. She paused the Princess, too.

She considered, for a moment, why the Princess would even say such a thing.

Shaking her head, she huffed, and spoke honestly. “If you want me to stay, just ask.” There was an underlying truth that Sunset would do anything she asked, one that they were both too prideful to acknowledge.

“Ahem, um, well…” She forced herself to look away, face reddening slightly, feathers ruffling with suppressed emotion.

Silence, as Sunset inspected her every movement.

Finally the Princess sighed, shaking her head, hiding her disappointment. “You can do whatever you want. I’d rather you did, actually... Please do whatever you want… Even if it means leaving.”

The Paladin’s breathing became uneasy, for a moment. She spoke without hesitation, and assuringly. “I’m not going anywhere, Princess.”

No response, except for a small, flustered, genuine smile, as Twilight nodded, and opened the big doors.

Something new, this time. It wasn’t simply Celestia and Luna in the throne room, but Princess Cadance, as well, sitting near them, beholding the newcomers.

“I’ll be here if you need me.” Sunset gave Twilight an assuring smile, and sat near the guards by the doors.

She was immediately called, as Queen Celestia spread her wings. “Sunset Shimmer! Could you come here please? This meeting concerns the both of you, but it will be short, do not worry.”

Her ears twitched with concern, but she moved all the same.

She sat besides Twilight, who shared the same curiosity as her, as they both beheld the queens, and the Princess.

Sunset narrowed her eyes, looking at Cadance, who was looking right back at her, with eyes glowing slightly.

Clearing her throat, Celestia garnered Paladin's attention. “Well, I trust you remember Princess Cadance?”

Sunset nodded quietly, not given a spoken response. Twilight suppressed the urge to run over to the Princess of Love and do their shared beloved dance.

“And, um, do not worry about her, she is simply here on a quick visit!” Celestia smiled nervously, waving her wings dismissively. “Ahem, let us get to business.”

Sunset and Luna exchanged silent smirks, one with knowing communication and dismissing boring bureaucracy, the Queen of the Night even making a mocking expression when Celestia mentioned business.

“As you may both recall, the Grand Galloping Gala is in a week. And this time, I would like you both to attend.” Twilight was about to protest, but Celestia raised a hoof in quick reprimanding. “Ah! I will not hear protests, my student. You could maybe avoid the large social gathering before you were a Princess, but now that you are one, you must show your face and socialize! You must be at your best.” She still smiled sagely, encouraging her. Sunset remained silent.

Twilight never questioned orders, even if they might annoy her. She let out a sigh. “...Fine. Okay! Maybe I’ll invite Moondancer too, she always wanted to go… But um, about the dress code…?”

Celestia turned slightly stern, while encouraging, and Luna silently snickered. “You will both, and I mean both, this includes you, Sunset, be dressing appropriately for the occasion.”

This was the only thing that forced the Paladin to speak, in protest. “B-but! I’m going as Twilight’s bodyguard, right? What good am I without my armor–” She began making excuses, and Celestia silenced her swiftly.

“As if you ever needed protection to protect, Sunset.” She teased. “I will not be changing my stance, you are both to wear something adequate for the festivities, and have fun! It is a night off, after all. Oh, Twilight, for your outfits, maybe you could enlist the help of that friend of yours, what was her name again…?”

“Rarity! Yes, she’s in town!” Twilight perked up, but quickly frowned again. “If we have to wear something good, I’ll go to her about it. Humpf.” She pouted, after all, she was often incredibly modest with her wardrobe, and did not care for big dresses. “Could I invite her to the gala as well? She absolutely loves high class establishments…!”

“Of course you may, Twilight.” Celestia smiled warmly. “In summation, you will both be attending properly, so try and have some fun together! Perhaps even dan–” Cadance quickly and silently gave her aunt a wing slap, nigh imperceptible.

Sunset noticed.

Clearing her throat again, Celestia regained composure. “Ahem. That will be all. Any questions?”

“Yes.” Sunset pointed at the Princess of Love. “Why is quietly she staring at me?”

Celestia smiled awkwardly, waving with her wings. “That will be all! You are both dismissed! Bye!”

“Subtle.” Luna murmured.

“Bye Cadance! Say hi to Shining for me!” Twilight had already seemingly manifested a notepad from her horn, and was taking notes. “C’mon Sunset, we’ve got to make some preparations! If we’re efficient, we can visit Rarity’s boutique here in Canterlot and check on my friend Moondancer, see if she’d like to come! Maybe I could invite some of my old friends from magic school too…!” She began muttering to herself, intent on making the best of the upcoming night.

Sunset shot a suspicious narrowed glance behind her, inspecting the Princess of Love, but then simply followed her own Princess diligently.

Silence in the throne room, followed only by Luna muttering to the two others. “...Perhaps Cadance should have done the talking.”

The Princess of Love, rubbing her temples, exhaled. “I needed to concentrate! Besides, if I did, they both might suspect our intentions. They might be dummies when it comes to romance, but they’re not stupid. It doesn’t help that Celestia here wants me to essentially crowbar–”

“Shush!” The Queen of the Sun silenced her with a wing movement. “Now please report to us what you saw and felt when you read their hearts!”

“The ethics of this are dubious.” Luna snickered to herself with a shrug.

“Oh, girl, you’re in the presence of the Princess of Love now. Love is dubious all over. You have to learn to shake it off and enjoy it!” Cadance snickered, nodding confidently.

“Cadance. Please share what you’ve learned.” Celestia commanded with extreme anticipation.

“Well…” She fidgeted pensively, pondering on the feelings that she felt that did not belong to her. “It saddens me to say, but Sunset’s heart is guarded, and tightly so. She is deeply, incredibly uncertain about love– I imagine she is the kind of mare that has said she doesn't believe in true love?”

“Definitely.” Celestia sighed, remembering her daughter’s teenage years. “Fairy tales included.”

“Thought as much. And there’s another problem: She is incredibly, blindly devoted to Twilight Sparkle– Which, good for her, my sister in law deserves a big strong mare protecting her– But the issue is: She is so blinded by that devotion, she may not even know its love. She may not even know if she wants it to be love. And that’s dangerous. We must tread carefully, or else we’ll scare her off.”

Celestia nodded thoughtfully, bringing a hoof to her lips. “Yes, she had always had trouble accepting affection of any kind, in her later years… I fear that we have a great chance of failure in our hooves…”

“Forgive my completely inexperienced intrusion.” Luna raised an eyebrow, beholding the two of them. “But isn’t the whole point of ‘true love’ that it is not meant to be tampered with or manipulated?”

Giggling condescendingly, Cadence shook her head. “Oh, silly Luna– Love isn’t bound by simple rules! And sometimes, it requires a push.” She frowned towards the doors, now closed, of which the Paladin had just walked through. “Or in those two’s case, perhaps a shove.”

Luna responded with a quiet frown. “They would make an odd pair.”

“And that only makes it better.” Cadance’s grin was devious.

Celestia almost murmured to herself as she thought, but thankfully the other two could hear. “Twilight Sparkle is bringing out the best in Sunset Shimmer– Any of us could see that, love or not. I think that it is imperative that we manage to harness that, so that Sunset gets to achieve her full potential…”

Coughing to herself, Cadance mocked her aunt only a little. “Biased by motherly love.”

Celestia’s only response was to frown reprimandedly.

Luna nodded in agreement, at both statements. “I agree about her potential– Though I may be biased, by having met her at her best.” She shrugged, but did not hide her earnestness. “I understand your desire to see her as captain of the royal guard– I see the good she could bring, to all of us, were she in a better place.”

“And that better place is my sister in law.”

“Please remove that grin from your face, Cadance.” Celestia commanded in annoyance and embarrassment.

“What? She needs to get laid!! Like, desperately! And I can tell Sunset Shimmer would treat her right, because she’s so devoted and scared of hurting her. I rest my case.” She crossed her arms wisely.

“AHEM. Be that as it may.” Celestia quickly avoided the subject. “What matters here is bigger than that.”

“What do you have in mind, sister?”

She had considered this extensively, thoroughly, in the past few days. “...Twilight Sparkle is my star pupil, and I have utmost faith in her. I believe she will be capable of taking the reins of Equestria quite well, someday… But I do worry for her, at times…!”

The others listened attentively, as she continued speaking. “I fear she may be too much of a pacifist! I want nothing more than a fair, kind ruler to take our place– But there have been circumstances where she has allowed her enemies and opponents to walk over her– I fear it may partially be my fault as well, for having chosen not to focus on combat training…!”

“What do you mean?”

“Luna, I do not know if you might recall when I was reporting to you of Twilight’s past victories– Do you remember how I explained her respective defeats of Starlight Glimmer and Trixie Lulamoon?”

“Vaguely. Were those the two idiots?”

“Yes. As you may know, she fought them both on multiple occasions, and only after several encounters did she manage to reform them– And therein lies a problem. She brushed against them several times each, and on each time, refused to actually address them in battle properly! Even when she was dueling with Trixie, she kept apologizing, she kept pulling her punches, ugh! Now, do not get me wrong, I cherish all that she has done, and I know her potential is limitless– But a direct approach could have solved the problem much faster.”

Cadance completed the thought for her, as her eyes widened, and she thought fiercely about the potential. “…And the direct approach would be Sunset Shimmer, wouldn’t it?”

“Yes!” The Queen of the Sun smiled widely.

And with it, Cadance continued, piecing the puzzle together. “She would balance the scales– She would keep Twilight safe, and even help her let go of her conflict avoidant nature– All while Twilight helps her see the benefits of a kinder, more subtle approach! They could perfectly balance each other’s failings, and uplift their strengths…!”

“YES!” Celestia’s grin was mad and wide, filled with pride.

That same mad grin manifested on Cadance’s face, as she began flapping her wings quietly with excitement. “Hell, I wager that Sunset would earn her wings with Twilight’s support; And they could easily take the throne together and bring about a golden age–”

“YES!!!!” Celestia was so happy she began prancing in place.

Luna, remaining composed, cleared her throat, settling the mood back down. “Ahem, three things. Firstly, will you please not talk about our passing of the torch like it is merely a week away? I haven’t even gotten to be a queen for a year.”

Celestia sat back down, with flustered shame in her gaze. “S-sorry! Sorry, sister, I just– I just couldn’t help but get excited about the possibility of such a beautiful legacy…!”

“And the possibility of getting your daughter back.” Cadance smirked, raising an eyebrow.

Celestia closed her eyes, huffing. “That would be a bonus.” It wouldn’t, it would be the whole point; And Cadance could literally read her heart.

Luna quickly garnered their attention once more. “Ahem. Secondly– We were just discussing before, the possibility of her becoming a captain of the royal guard– And you are already considering that she will earn her wings? You may be rushing things, sister.”

“I-it never hurts to think ahead!” Her smile was awkward, flustered with embarrassment. “I have faith in her, that is all…”

“That faith did you no good last time.” Luna took on a serious tone, narrowing her eyes. “I say this with care– Do not rush her, do not rush yourself. Ascension is a delicate process; And Sunset has failed it before.”

Her sister had no response, other than a sigh of sorrow, hence, Luna continued. “And thirdly; Are we praising Sunset Shimmer for her violent approach to problems?” She raised an eyebrow quizzically, inspecting her sister’s expression thoroughly. “Need I remind you, she slaughtered an entire cult single-handedly, merely a few days ago. Is that what we’re praising?”

Ashamed, Celestia tried keeping her bias in check, which had questionable success. “Okay, so maybe we would need to really reign in her violent tendencies, it's a bit of a fixer upper, but–”

“Because if we are praising her, I’d like to throw her a party.” Luna grinned proudly. “Maybe try to bake the cake myself. Decorate it with some beheaded little gummy bears.”

Even the Princess of Love couldn’t help but laugh, as she gestured with her wings. “Hey, I can’t judge, I’m pretty sure my Shining Armor would have done the same for me, if I was the one captured by an evil cult that threatened to clip my wings.”

“Let us not get off track, please.” Celestia pleaded, with a weary inhale. She let her mind wander, for a moment, with longing. “Look, I… Sunset has been lost for such a long time. I miss her dearly, even when she is there– I know it sounds infantile, or perhaps even foolish. But having gotten the chance to raise her, having gotten a chance to see her grow… She made me feel mortal again.”

The other two were quiet, for a moment, allowing her to breathe. “...And I don’t ever want to lose that. I don’t want to ever lose her again.”

Luna took a while to speak, measuring her response, mulling over it. “...That is a dangerous notion, sister. Seeing her dying of old age is more than a possibility here– Raising foals is not in the cards for beings like us…”

“Speak for yourself, I’m getting my Shining Armor to knock me up at the first opportunity!” Cadance guffawed, with the sheer blissful joyful excitement of wanting to be a mother.

“Please shut up.” Luna commanded kindly, then turning her attention back to her sister. “And don’t think I haven’t noticed how skewed and biased your opinions of her and her actions are. You cannot get a battering ram to do a Princess’s job.”

“...I know…” She shamefully muttered, with an exhale.

“It’s love. Simple and clean.” Cadance assured her, resting a hoof on her side. “Your motherly love for her may blind you, but it is beautiful, and it matters. Don’t let go of the happiness it brings you, okay?”

Sniffling, Celestia nodded quietly, composing herself before she could speak again, and move the meeting forward.

Finally, she spoke, her mind leading her forward to the next part of the plan. “Okay. Now, next part– And this is very, very important. What did you see when you scanned Twilight’s heart?”

Cadance’s smile only increased, as she reminisced. “Twilight Sparkle has never been in love before. She does not know what it feels like– But I think she’s starting to; She is terrified of losing her bodyguard, even if it is to just another mare. She needs help understanding where the origins of those fears come from, I suppose, but it will be hard… She was always against the idea of love. A bit of a stubborn streak, regarding her preferring the presence of books and friends...” She blew raspberries, reminiscing on a memory of a tiny sister-in-law saying ‘love is dumb.’

Pondering, Celestia brought a hoof to her lips. “Can you say for sure that she is feeling those feelings towards Sunset Shimmer?”

A rare moment of embarrassment for the Princess of Love, where she grimaced in shame. “Unfortunately… I don’t know–”

“--If I may add to the list of ethically dubious decisions, I believe I may have more insight on this matter than the both of you.” Luna tilted her head, waving a wing.

The two looked intently, and incredibly puzzled, after all, what could the Queen of the Night possibly have to say on the matter.

She began reminiscing on recent experiences, “Twilight Sparkle’s subconscious is quite frankly, genius. I have been carefully guarding her dreams on occasion, as I feared the forces of shadow would target her through nightmares– And although I was right, I have been pleasantly surprised to discover she has fended off any of their meek attempts easily, merely by instinct.”

The two others blinked in confusion, and Cadance was the first to express it. “Um, in ponish, please.”

Luna groaned. “Fine, let me retell you one of her latest nightmares:”

“Okay, okay, okay, how do you s-slay a hydra…?!” Twilight shivered and muttered to herself, fearfully rummaging through a spellbook.

The giant mythological beast loomed above her, and it brought down the fangs of its several heads onto the protective magical dome Twilight had placed around herself.

Every hit shook her, and the dome shuddered with it, huge impacts of several angry heads constantly crashing onto her defenses.

Her eyes nervously darted around the spellbook, but it was no use, the words were gibberish, and the drawings made no sense, and yet, she instinctively pursued an answer, as if the next page would provide it, sweating, shivering, muttering into the dark.

Another volley of heads came crashing down onto her protective dome, and it began breaking, she did not allow herself to look up, trying to maintain her focus.

Another assault, the cracks grew larger, panic was settling in.

And just as the last lunge was coming…

An arrow of light pierced the air, and then pierced the Hydra’s body thoroughly, creating a warrior-sized hole, tearing through its heart.

The arrow in question was Sunset Shimmer, adorned in the same armor she always did, surrounded by flames, smiling confidently. She turned, and ignited the insides of the Hydra, sending the many heads into a screeching flail, incinerating it from the inside.

Calmly, she approached the Princess, smiling assuringly, ignoring the screams and the twitches of the beast as it desperately convulsed, now entirely aflame, on its side.

“You’re okay.” The Paladin affirmed, with a nod.

Twilight, relieved, flustering, let go of the magical protection that surrounded her, and now they were face to face.

“I-I’m okay.” She affirmed, with a shudder, and an exhale.

Sunset reached closer, and they leaned foreheads together. The Princess didn’t mind the hydra blood or guts– She was as relaxed as she possibly could be.

In that embrace, as they leaned on each other, Sunset affirmed earnestly, and without hesitation. “Don’t worry, Princess. I’ll always keep you safe.”

Twilight had nor response, she simply nodded, accepting it with a fluster.

Sunset turned, looking back, leading the way with a confident, trusting smile. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

Sunset lit the darkness, and she wordlessly followed, with a happy exhale, and a pep in her step.

And from the shadows, in the unseen distance, Luna watched the scene analytically.

“Ohohohohoooo This is TOO GOOD!” Cadance giggled, fluttering her wings with joy. “So Twilight just dreamed-up a Sunset to keep her safe?? THAT’S GAY!!!”

Luna shook her head, with a huff. “Twilight Sparkle did not ‘dream up’ anything. Her subconscious protected her from nightmare attacks, time and time again– And it just so happens that it took the form of her bodyguard, every time.”

With a smile that wouldn’t quit, Celestia nodded emphatically. “Still though! This clarifies a lot to us; Her strong feelings for Sunset come forth in the form of an unyielding protector, even subconsciously– And those feelings are not without basis in reality!”

“And that means love– Even if subconscious. We’ve got her.” The Princess of Love couldn’t help but grin madly. “We’ve got the both of them! Ooooh, those silly love birds– I can hear the wedding bells already!!”

“Slow down, both of you.” Luna affirmed with a frown. “Need I remind you we cannot be hasty about our approach? Actually, I am against an approach entirely.”

With a quiet sigh, the Queen of the Sun nudged her. “C’mon Luna, this is for the good of all of Equestria!”

“This is also deeply personal, to all of us, sister.” The Queen of the Night pouted, raising an eyebrow. “Need I remind you that any misstep could result in Sunset fleeing from this entire mess entirely? And let us not kid ourselves– The lack of responsibility, the lack of purpose, could be a benefit, to any who is cursed to share our burdens.” She opened her wings, in demonstration.

“Speak for yourself, I’m having a great time.” The youngest of the alicorns present stuck her tongue out with a smile.

A simple huff was all that Celestia and Luna replied with, as they looked away, annoyed.

Luna, folding her wings close, closed her eyes and spoke wisely. “We have already invited them to spend the Grand Galloping Gala together. Let us simply leave things at their course, and see what happens. The least romantic thing we could do is hover over them with expectations of success; Even I know that.”

Cadance let out a sigh of annoyance herself, and simply shrugged. “Despite my best interest, I strongly agree with Luna. Love will find its way, and it will win the day, no matter what. Now, are we finished? I need to go tell all of this to my husband, as soon as possible.” Her grin went mad, devious, even.

“Please refrain from idle gossip, dear niece.” Celestia groaned, rolling her eyes. “I suppose… We will simply wait for the gala… And hope.”

“Love takes its time. Sometimes excruciatingly long.” Cadance grimaced. “If all else fails, I’ll intervene directly, slap some sense into those two dummies if I have to.”

“Please, do not.” Celestia affirmed, and then turned to Luna, weary, curious. “May I ask… What are her dreams like?”

Luna tilted her head, pondering. “Are you sure you want to know? We’ve already had enough invasions of privacy for the day, have we not?”

Celestia sighed, disappointed. “Maybe you could just give me a summed up version…?”

“When I first witnessed her dreams, they were always the same thing– Nightmares of her being a demon. I see now, what you had to deal with, in my absence… It seems it pains her, as well.” She affirmed, looking away. “But fret not. I’ve ensured that she is plagued by nightmares no longer.”

Letting out a single, prolonged sigh of relief, Celestia hugged her sister, who accepted it, even if lacking the same energy. “Thank you for being there for her when I can’t, sister…!”

“It is my own pleasure.” She affirmed, accepting the embrace further. “You should know… Most of her dreams, nowadays, are of her childhood… And you.”

Author's Note

Ah, I missed writing unhinged Cadance-- especially the P&P universe one, heheh.

Don't worry, if they keep stalling for more chapters, Cadance is gonna swoop in and make them kiss like dolls, then roll credits.

Also can I just say, Flash Sentry is a nothing character in the canon, but I think he's at his absolute most interesting when the angle of his character is being Sunset's ex-- like, that's someone that knew her at her worst, and actually stuck around for long enough to actually know her. (if your response upon seeing him in the chapter name was to gasp in surprise and disdain, I don't blame you, and find that actively hilarious)

Meaning he has insight in all of the ways that she is frustrating, and in all of the ways that she is better now. And not just that, she could be more likely to be honest with him about her feelings.

After all, Sunset Shimmer is not used to good things happening to her, the very opposite. Cold feet, all over.

Also I'm getting mom Celestia brainrot. I wasn't originally gonna have this much Mom Celestia content in this chapter-- But it's too late, it's taking over. I was rewatching Everything Everywhere All At Once the other day and my brainworms made me imagine the final confrontation between Evelyn and Joy to be about Celestia and Sunset and it fucking exploded me.

Love isn't about choosing, and it isn't about deserving. AND STOP CALLING ME PRINCESS! I! AM! YOUR! MOTHER!!!!!!

It's so funny to go back to writing a Sunset that is so self sabbotaging lmao. After writing Shimmerverse for ages, therein lies the most fullfilled Sunset Shimmers lie there (Even a zombie Sunset is happier than this one)-- It's fun to go back to this.

And hey, maybe Sunset will get her groove back. Maybe.

I'm so tempted on having a scene on the next chapter where Sunset kicks Starlight and Trixie from her apartment lmao.

Don't worry, we're only two chapters remaining! Next one: The gala.

Part 7: Moondancer.

Sunset had attended the Grand Galloping Gala many times before, in her time as Celestia’s pupil, and it was never her kind of thing– Except of course, for the Powerful dignitaries ripe for kissing her hooves and begging for her adoration, which she had desired plentifully in the past. But now, she couldn’t feel more distant from these kinds of people.

The lighting of the party was lovely, dim chandeliers, purple torches, fluorescent crystals, the Gala was being held in another beautiful night.

And she didn’t care for any of it. She kept her back to a wall, away from the crowd, strategically near a snack table, eyes narrowed, scanning the crowd, more specifically keeping an eye on her Princess, Twilight Sparkle.

The Princess of Friendship was always cute– But there was a beauty that would come out in nights like these– Rarity had made a gorgeous blue dress adorned with glowing stars that flowed on her beautifully, and even combined with her wings with grace– All while her hair was in a loose bob, flowing well and true.

She was busy talking and socializing with several dignitaries, as a Princess should– At the very least Sunset could be thankful that this night would be formative for Twilight, no matter how excruciatingly boring it would be for the Paladin.

She didn’t care for the music, or the beauty, the lights, or what the night stood for. She didn’t even care for Celestia, who sat idly, atop tall stairs, watching over the party– Frequently, unmistakably, shooting a glance towards Sunset.

Her job was to keep the Princess safe, even if she was without armor. So she was going to sit here, enjoy a few snacks, and otherwise be as dutiful as ever.

Her mind wandered, even if unwillingly, as the music faded into the background, and she beheld the Princess of Friendship, in all her glory.

She could envision this, a thousand years from now. She knew she would never live to see it, but Twilight Sparkle, taller, somehow more beautiful, throwing parties much like these, leading all around her forward, higher, stronger, a golden age in Equestria.

And Sunset wouldn’t live to see it. She used that as a crutch, a helpful little prayer to be thankful for– That she would not live to see a mare living her dream, no matter how much that mare deserved it, no matter how much that mare was better than her.

It had to be good news, it had to be good enough.

And no matter what, at least Twilight was right for this.

Twilight was perfect for this.

Twilight was perfect.

“Sunset Shimmer.” A cold, yet caring familiar voice called from beside her, breaking her out of her trance.

Her ears twitched, and her attention was drawn– A small smile manifested on her lips, as she offered a hoof to be shaken. “Hey, Raven. You actually attend these Galas? Color me surprised.”

“On rare occasions.” Raven inkwell, Celestia’s aide and essentially secretary, continued to behave almost robotically, professionally, even at a gathering like this, as she shook Sunset’s hoof. The suit she wore was the only indicator she might be at a gala, after all, the tie was slightly more colorful than usual. “I’ve been told, on occasion, by the queen, to ‘cease the day’ as it were.” She sat near Sunset, but kept eyeing her.

“Good for you.” She nodded, sternly, suppressing a chuckle.

“Are you enjoying the party, Sunset Shimmer?” She tilted her head, with analytical, tired old eyes.

Now that was a riot, and she couldn’t help but grin. “Since when do you do small talk?”

“You are right.” She exhaled, shaking her head lightly. “I am here for a specific purpose. I am here… To warn you.”

Sunset’s ears twitched, and her tail flicked, with her smiling involuntarily. “Oh please tell me something is going to crash this party. Please tell me there’s changelings in the crowd, or an incoming attack from a wild mythological ancient beast– Or that maybe the forces of the moon are finally coming down for a proper fight!”

Even Raven couldn’t help but smile, seeing the old Sunset shine through. “No, nothing of the sort, I assure you.”

Letting out an audible groan, Sunset rubbed her own temples in boredom. “You wouldn’t believe how boring this friggin gala is to me. I’m praying that some tragedy happens so I get to do something. Maybe break something.”

“I see your violent tendencies are still as sharp as ever.” The aide murmured, looking at the crowd, emotionless.

“Ouch.” Sunset chuckled, shrugging. “But yeah.”

After a bit of hesitation and thought, the aide finally spoke. “You know… There are still plenty of the staff here in the castle that are terrified of you. Others that simply do not care for you– After your rampage, three years ago. Are you aware of this?”

“Somewhat.” She frowned, exhaling; The glances that she was given on occasion while walking the castle were more than enough to tell. “I don’t blame any of them for it.”

“A few of the guards that still had scars from their battle with you… Transferred their posts with Shining Armor to the Crystal Empire, when Twilight Sparkle brought you back. A few of the caretakers are naturally still intimidated; There was this poor gardener too, I’ve forgotten her name… And I was lucky, that day, being able to place Celestia between you and myself…”

“I know it doesn’t mean anything for me to say this at this point…” Sunset beheld her with genuine shame. “...But I’m sorry.”

“I know you are.” Another, slight smile appeared on her lips. “Did you forget? I’ve watched you grow, most of your life, at least. When Celestia gave Twilight the mission of saving you– I was apprehensive… But I wanted that little foal back too.”

This time, she chuckled, genuinely. “Sorry to disappoint.”

“There are others that feel the opposite of that fear.” She affirmed, beholding the crowd. “Some who believe you do good here; I am among them. The previous Captain, above all, is thankful there is a warrior looking after his little sister when he cannot.”

“I’m not doing this for him.” Her eyes, like always, were focussed on the Princess.

“There are several of the staff that appreciate the work you do. Security has been… A concern. Yet you place yourself between the Princess and danger, every time. And we see that.” Pride in her voice was nearly imperceptible. “Your diligence is valued by many; The queen included.”

“Hm.” She affirmed with a hum, nearly saying ‘I’m not doing this for her.’ out loud.

She adjusted her glasses, with a sigh, having been through this before. “It is not my place to warn you– But I will, anyway. I believe it is right that you know that the Princesses and the Queens have all taken special interest in your future– Imminent and far. Your role here, and how it can be expanded.”

Her eyes involuntarily narrowed, scanning the crowd, looking at Twilight Sparkle; And right after, to Celestia, who continued to sit diligently atop the tall stairs. No, this wasn’t news, but she did not know its extent, and it still instigated a bit of internal anger from her– Once again, her life being written for her. And now that she was older, she didn’t believe in the text.

“I know.” She muttered, with a bare snarl.

Raven prepared herself to leave. “Then I suppose I only have one more thing to say; It is of my personal opinion that you should prioritize your own needs above others.”

She grinned involuntarily, examining the aide with amusement. “Raven, are you– Are you telling me to be selfish?”

“I am simply telling you to do what you think is right.” She stated simply, nodding. “I know you would do good here. But you have spent enough of your life following a script, have you not? It has been a pleasure, Sunset Shimmer.”

“That, it has. Goodbye, Raven.” She watched the old aide leave through the crowd, directing herself to the nearest private place away from the crowd– And she did not blame her. Maybe the old secretary really did just want to talk to her again.

And now she was alone, and the boredom quickly began sweeping in.

Raven’s words did make an impression. Sunset spent some time thinking them through, considering just what the advice meant.

Running away? Letting go? No longer subjecting herself to all these roles and responsibilities?

Or was it simply about staying true to personal desires?

She paid no more thought to it, and simply remained observing.

A few moments of idle snacking and thinking passed, until Twilight Sparkle approached her, with a tired, yet excited smile. “Oof! Being a Princess is tough. I wasn’t looking forward to this…!”

“Socializing?” Sunset smiled.

“Yes.” Twilight had a defeated look on her face, that did not make her any less beautiful or cute. “You wouldn’t believe how many of them are trying to kiss up to me; I got multiple offers of signing into causes I don’t know and seem shady, I got a dozen offers of participating in openings or unveilings or other assorted events that I don’t even understand, and I got two marriage proposals.”

Sunset blew air from her nostrils. “If any of them annoy you, just call me and I’ll throw them out, violently, if you want.”

“No violence needed! …Yet.” She stretched, huffing, pouting. “I never got any of these absurd ‘love proclamations’ before I was a princess… Just goes to show they’re only in it for the status…”

“Vultures.” Sunset spoke through gritted teeth. “Don’t let them peck at you. You’re better, and you deserve better.”

“I deserve better.” She repeated, looking at Sunset.

“And buckle up, Princess.” Sunset grinned, tilting her head. “The evening is just getting started.”

“Blergh.” Twilight began shaking herself off, getting a second wind. “I have to get back in there. Want to come with…?”

“Oh, I’ll leave the Princessing to you, thank you very much.” She snickered– The one upside for not being the Princess, no pointless conversations with royals; And above all, she wanted a comfortable distance from the beautiful Princess before her. “I’ve got a comfortable view of you from over here, and I’m keeping an eye out for threats. You should be good.”

“Threats?” She raised an eyebrow, looking around. “...It’s the Grand Galloping Gala. What could happen?”

“Oh, please keep saying that, so that some crisis will happen!!” The Paladin grinned wider, almost pleading. “My money is on a wyvern attacking the castle.”

“Pff, sure, sure. Hey, if something does happen, you and I can totally save the day! It would impress Celestia for sure!” She had a peppy smile, fluttering her wings with joy.

“Hah. As if you even need to impress her more.” Sunset shrugged. “But I’ve got your back, as usual.”

“And I’ll keep an eye out for you too!” She promised with a giggle. “Okay! Princessing resuming now! Wish me luck!”

“Wait.” She paused, stopping the Princess on her tracks, looking at her thoroughly. “...Rarity doesn’t miss, does she?”

“Huh? Miss what?” Twilight tilted her head.

“Your dress– Your hairdo. You look… Really really good.” She affirmed, with slight embarrassment; Suppressing a couple dozen words she could have said about Twilight’s appearance.

“O-oh! Thank you!” Her face reddened slightly. “You’re totally right! Rarity doesn’t miss at all. Like, um, it’s not often I get to see you without armor, so, um, you look really really good too.” Her eyes failed to meet Sunsets, they were instead inspecting her frame.

Sunset winced, after all, what she was wearing was a tight fiery suit and tie. “Yeah, I, uh… Think she might have made this tight on purpose.” She huffed, with a quiet groan.

“Really?” Twilight spoke absentmindedly, eyes fully on Sunset’s body.

The Paladin did not notice.

“Speaking of the ‘Princess’, is she around here?” She shot an absentminded glance at the crowd.

“O-oh! Yes she is!” Twilight snapped out of it, quickly unfurling her wings, almost knocking a full plate of snacks away. “If I see her around, I’ll tell her you said hi!”

“Sure.” The Paladin shrugged with a smile. “I wouldn’t mind ‘thanking’ her properly for this suit.”

“Then I’ll point her in your direction if I see her!” She grinned, peppy, and turned around. “Okay, okay, I’ve stalled enough. Back to Princessing!”

“Good luck.”

Sunset watched her carefully as she was swallowed by the crowd, then let out a sigh.

Alone again, bored again.

She tried not thinking of how much more fun she would have, being side by side with the Princess in these festivities.

Time passed, and the same routine continued.

Snacking, inspecting the crowd, waiting, hoping something would happen, and trying to avoid looking at Celestia.

Silently feeling both pride and envy over the Princess of Friendship.

“Sunset, darling!” A familiar unicorn approached with a kind smile from the crowd, bringing with her a glass of liquor. “You decided to wear my work after all, I see?”

“Not much choice.” She grumbled, shooting another glance towards the Queen. “By any chance, you didn’t make it this tight on purpose?”

“Perish the thought, darling.” She lied, taking a sip of her drink. “I believe it suits you just right!”

“You could have at least made it black.” Sunset grumbled, looking at the colors. Fiery tones such as orange red and white, complementing each other.

“Oh please; Black is a little dark for festivities such as these, don’t you think? It may suit your whole tough paladin look, but I wanted to give you something different. Next time I’m going with all shades of white!”

“I like black.” She mumbled, annoyed. “Ugh. Well, this is better than a dress, at least.” She muttered, with a shrug. Then slowly, she turned with an almost malicious grin towards the unicorn. “So, how are you enjoying your first Grand Galloping Gala, ‘princess’?”

“If you’re going to say it like that, why even say it?” She huffed, pouting. “Rude!”

“Sorry, heh.” She shrugged again, grinning. “You know, some would say it's blasphemous for you to call yourself a Princess when you’re not royalty and don’t have wings. I just think it’s funny.”

“You’re one to talk, miss ‘failed pupil’!” She huffed again. “At least I'm trying!”

“Twilight already beat us to it.” She spoke without energy, exhaling. “If you ask me, you’re wasting your time.”

“Oh please. A mare can dream, can’t she? I’m not giving up. This first Grand Galloping Gala is only another step–” She said, sighing dreamily, looking at nothing, and began moving her own dress in a dancing pattern. “Expanding my business, making myself known far and wide is all part of the process! Can you imagine me, sporting a pair of beautiful wings? My, I would be positively dazzling!”

Sunset did try to imagine it. Rarity was indeed beautiful, and her sense of fashion was both forward, and malleable– She had an impeccable presence, and knew how to socialize at galas, likely even better than Twilight. That, at least, fit the qualities of a Princess.

But she wasn’t worthy– She didn’t have what it took to rule a kingdom, she didn’t have impeccable studious nature, and she didn’t have the strength to combat mythical beasts, much less fight demigods, a fact that Sunset was not blind to.

“Again… Twilight beat us to it. The world doesn’t need more alicorns.” She had no energy in her voice.

“It is not about need, darling. It is about reaching to the heavens and claiming the highest stars! Surely, you must have felt similar, when you were a pupil of Celestia?”

The imagery in her head was always vivid, since a young age. She would spread her wings wide, she would glow like the sun, and she would soar, feeling the wind in her face, unbound, unbeaten, unrestrained. There would be nothing above, or beneath, she would be truly free.

The little orphan that came from nowhere, reaching higher than anybody else ever had.

“...I was in it for power and status.” It was a shallow lie by omission.

“...Beauty and status.” It was the very same. A gross simplification.

They both remained silent for a moment, beholding the party.

But truly, they were looking at the princess of Friendship, and Sunset pointed at her covertly. “...If you look at Twilight for even a second, you’ll know why neither of us have what it takes.”

Rarity brought the drink to her lips, after letting out a sigh of disappointment. “...I am happy for her, I truly am– But I must admit, in all of the time I’ve known her, I never expected her to become a Princess…!”

“Don’t underestimate her.” Sunset spoke sternly, keeping her gaze on the Princess.

The other ‘princess’ had to do her absolute best to not be openly jealous. “She was always so… Short sighted! Incredibly intelligent, yes, her head is too big for her own good, but my goodness, she was never ambitious.”

“I think the word you’re looking for is humble.” The Paladin affirmed strongly.

“Y-yes. I suppose so.” And there it was, one of the principal reasons why the Princess of Friendship was better than all of them.

Sunset’s vision unfocused, as she exhaled. “...I try not to worry about it. Equestria is in good hooves– It doesn’t matter if ponies like us never made it– Twilight did… And that’s enough. It has to be.”

“Speak for yourself! I am not done yet. I am strongly, fiercely considering my next step– And reaching high class establishments like these is only the beginning!!” The seamstress demonstrated true determination. “You will see me shining brighter than anypony else yet. I intend to marry royalty– Uplift myself even higher.”

“Goldigger, huh? No shame in it– We all have to do what we can to live.” Sunset snickered, shrugging, deviously pointing to the target. “Celestia is a bachelor, by the way. Single as can be. Want to shoot your shot?” She jokingly taunted, raising an eyebrow, deeply amused at the idea.

“Bah!” Rarity groaned and scoffed. “I am not foolish enough to reach that high, darling. B-besides, I am a bit too nervous to meet her truly for the first time, I’d like to make the best of first impressions– And I imagine the Queen of the Sun does not have time for silly things like romance or family.”

But she had made time to raise a daughter. Sunset tried averting her thoughts from the matter.

“I mean, just saying, if you are a golddigger…”

“Do not think lowly of me… I genuinely do wish to marry a strong, handsome, honest and kind Prince…” An earnest, excited smile perked on her lips. “True love awaits me, I just know it!”

“Sure.” Sunset had to contain herself from snickering at Rarity’s expense.

“Of course you do not believe in true love.” The seamstress pouted with annoyance. “Why am I not surprised?”

“You can believe whatever you want– I just think you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.” She took another snack, chewing on it absentmindedly. “If you’re looking for love, you won't find it among these stuffy jerks.”

“Dream a little, darling.” She pouted, shrugging. “Dreaming has never done me wrong. What is so bad about hoping for something better? What is so bad about hoping you have a destiny to fulfill…?”

“The disappointment of being proven that you have no destiny.” Spoken from personal experience. “Trust in yourself and what you can do– Don’t hope for a special somepony to swoop in and save you.”

“My goodness, does it ever get tiring, the dark paladin routine? Do you not have anything you desire?” She rolled her eyes, taking another sip of her drink.

“Life taught me thoroughly that what I want never mattered.” She replied through gritted teeth.

“Your view on life is dreadfully miopic, darling.” The seamstress rolled her eyes, scoffing. “You sound like a broken record. Open your eyes, and maybe you’ll find that you have a place in the world.”

“I–” Sunset had no retort, she just grimaced in misplaced annoyance, then mumbled to herself angrily.

Rarity scanned the paladin with her gaze, amused on having left her speechless taking a devious swig of her glass.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to pry further. “How about you, darling? How is your love life doing?”

Sunset nearly laughed at the mere suggestion. “Ppf. Nothing worth mentioning. I was actually going to ask if you wanted to go for a one-night stand.”

"E-excuse me?!"

"What? You're really beautiful, and I'm bored as shit." She shrugged earnestly.

With eyes widened and face reddened, Rarity stammered in anger. “Y-you! You unfaithful, treacherous blackheart!!”

“What?”

With that same anger, the seamstress took what remained of her drink, and tossed it at Sunset’s face, and the paladin dodged it easily, simply tilting her head. The drink flew wild, bathing a few of the snacks on a table, with the rest landing on a royal, who immediately complained.

And neither of the two cared– Rarity was still reeling in anger, flustered. “Twilight Sparkle is right there, and you so openly, so callously suggest cheating on her?!”

Now Sunset was taken back, her face reddened with the misunderstanding. “What the fuck are you talking about– Me and Twilight are NOT a couple?!” Her eyes shot around them, with several royals sneering in annoyance at the shouting match.

“Huh.” Rarity blinked twice, in confusion. “You are not?”

“No!” She responded nervously, shooting glances around them.

“Well, don’t I look like a fool…!” The seamstress fidgeted embarrassingly. “It seemed clear as day to me…?”

“Why in Tartarus would you even think that?!” She barked with a blush.

“Well excuse me.” The seamstress pouted, huffing. “You are a big, strong bodyguard Paladin, who pledged yourself to be by her side always; You protect her at every turn, and she only ever speaks highly of you!”

“T-that’s just my job!” The fluster remained.

“Does your job also entail you staring at her every single waking moment of this gala? Admiring my handiwork, I see?” She teased with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m keeping an eye on her because it’s my job!!” She repeated angrily, still flustered.

“And there you were, going on about how there is no hope or destiny– with that kind of talk, why else would you remain close to somepony who believes in it so thoroughly? My, I figured you were right besides her because you completed each other! Because she gave you purpose!”

She was right on the money. “You’re painfully wrong!” And the fluster remained.

“Sure, sure– And right after I gave you both plenty of eye candy for each other! What a waste of my work!” She shook her head in annoyance.

“So you DID make this suit tight on purpose!” She complained, rubbing her temples. “Damnit, you–”

“Um, excuse me, Sunset? Why are you two fighting?” Twilight had walked over to them, drawn to the annoyance of their fuss, and they hadn’t noticed.

Eyes widened, awkward smiles, and averting proximity, they both shamefully groaned.

Sunset was the first to make an excuse. “We were just having a difference of opinion.” She scoffed, glaring at the seamstress.

“A simple bicker, Twilight! Do not worry darling, we are still the best of friends.” Rarity assured, with a fake smile, patting the paladin on the back. “Sunset here was simply attempting to deflect the true nature of her duty–”

“AHEM.” The Paladin interrupted her with a fluster. “Rarity here was just making assumptions about me.” she composed herself, turning to the Princess. “Don’t worry, we weren’t fighting.”

That convinced Twilight, who nodded with a genuine smile. “Good! I don’t like it when my friends fight!! Please be cordial and polite, okay Sunset?”

“Okay.” She affirmed with a diligent nod, straightening her back.

“If she tells you to bark, do you bark too?” Rarity amused herself with a whisper, and Sunset swiftly silenced her with a tail slap.

“What was that?” Twilight tilted her head.

“Nothing!” They both affirmed.

“O-okay!” She cleared her throat, looking back at the dance floor. “You know, they’re going to start playing some of my favorite music– It’s going to get pretty upbeat! Want to join me, Sunset?”

She froze, with her eyebrows shooting high. “...Dance with you?”

“Yep! It would be so fun!” The Princess’s smile was wide, almost innocent.

“Wouldn’t that be unprofessional?” She asked, and then immediately affirmed. “That would be unprofessional. Sorry, but enjoy the dance floor without me. I don’t dance.”

“That’s not what Pinkie told me. And what about that time with the sirens?” Twilight smirked, teasing her.

“Ahem, that was uh, alcohol filled stupor. And the second time was mind control." She lied foolishly; After all, she rejoiced in dancing with friends; But this wasn’t that. “I’m not much of a dancer… I don’t want to step on you accidentally in front of everypony, much less be the center of attention– I’m just your bodyguard, after all– I’m okay here in the corner… Maybe next time?”

There was only a brief moment where Twilight allowed herself to sigh with disappointment, but she nearly immediately picked her head up in determination. “N-next time, then! See you in a bit! You too, Rarity! Please no more fighting!”

They watched silently as the Princess quietly shuffled forward into the far off dance floor.

“Good heavens, darling– So much for the fearless Paladin routine.” Rarity side eyed her, with a grin, shaking her head.

“Don’t you have a handsome prince to find?!” Sunset huffed, glaring at her.

“I am just saying, I’ve heard many tales of your fearlessness in combat, slaying mythical beasts, fighting changeling armadas– Did you not merely weeks ago, slay an entire cult?” She tilted her head, with that same grin. “All that, and the mere idea of dancing with the Princess of Friendship has you shivering with fear. Poor Twilight…!”

“Y-you don’t know shit.” She sneered, but her fluster betrayed her.

“Do you even look at yourself?” Rarity couldn’t help but smile as she easily saw through the Paladin. “I’m Sunset Shimmer, and I’ve platonically pledged my entire life, my entire being, to Twilight Sparkle! I’ll die for her if I need to! But it’s platonic, I swear–”

“--Ugh, shut up!” Sunset whispered in anger.

“Keep the routine if you want, darling. Self sabotage is a tragic look on you. I only envy Twilight– The poor oblivious girl does not know what she has at her disposal…!”

Groaning, Sunset desperately trying to shift the subject. “If you want to gold dig royalty so badly, why don’t you marry Twilight if you love her so much?!”

An involuntary laugh came out of the seamstress, as she shot her head backwards. “Oh darling, don’t even go there; I am desperate, but not that desperate– Twilight is sweet, yes– But a mare like me has needs,and I am positively, undoubtedly certain that she could not fulfill any of them.”

“Yeah. She’s not a big strong handsome Prince, I get it.” Sunset rolled her eyes, then lost her train of thought, staring at the Princess. “...She’ll make for an incredible queen someday, though.”

“Do you need a napkin for your drooling?” Rarity teased, tilting her head.

“Please leave.” She grumbled in response, looking away.

"Ah, Twilight, as oblivious as ever... How I envy her. You are quite attractive, and I am... Appreciative of your musculature--" She nearly growled. "But I am much too kind of a friend to steal you from her, darling." She shrugged, hiding the pleasure it would be. "Let's have a rain check on that one-night-stand!"

All Sunset could do was grumble in annoyance, and fluster.

“I jest, I jest.” Rarity affirmed, making her leave. “I will enjoy the gala for now, but I’ll leave a bit earlier than I wished– I intend to take a trip north soon, and need to prepare for it in the next few days.”

“Expanding your business?” She asked absentmindedly.

“And hoping for adventure.” She nodded with determination. “Oh well– Good luck with your nonsense self sabotage, Sunset. Maybe in a few galas you’ll actually grow the nerve to dance with her–”

“I’m not scared.” She lied angrily, and Rarity saw through it.

“Oh, darling.” She shook her head, amused, giving the Paladin a few friendly pats on her back. “I hope you trip over yourself and land on top of our dear Princess already– Celestia only knows she needs it. If she finally puts you on a leash, or if you find any handsome princes, please report to me!”

“Bwuh.” Was all that the Paladin could mutter in response. And with that, Rarity left, as giddy as she had arrived.

Alone again, and this time, she was thankful.

The Princess, on the dance floor, flailed her limbs and spread her wings wide, cheerfully shaking her entire body to the rhythm of the upbeat tune that played; Royals around her retreated, puzzled, and she minded none of them, simply enjoying herself.

And there was another reason why Twilight made such a good Princess– She was not bound by the expectations and the judgment of others. She was herself, through and through– Maybe occasionally she felt fear or embarrassment, but she stayed true to who she was.

Sunset, for a moment, considered just how scared she was of sharing intimacy with the Princess, and just how adorable she was, even while dressed in the most beautiful manner.

And Rarity was right– Sunset had avoided Twilight like she was contagious, and she could barely understand why. Professionalism was the first excuse, but…

…There was the simple fact that she didn’t know if she could control herself if she did get closer to the Princess.

The past months had indeed demonstrated that she would hop from fling after fling mindlessly to cope– And Twilight Sparkle deserved better. Twilight was too good for that. And those unchaste thoughts had no right being directed towards the greatest mare she had ever met.

She chastised herself for those thoughts, and forced herself to think of nothing, for as long as the Princess danced.

Watching her quizzically, she saw Twilight stop dancing to greet a friend, giddily conversing with her at a distance.

And soon enough, she brought the friend towards Sunset.

The Paladin’s eyes widened, as she inspected this friend.

“I don’t think I introduced the two of you properly, have I?” Twilight, as happy as ever, led her friend forward. “Sunset, this is Moondancer! She was one of my childhood friends, we even studied magic in the same school! Top of our class!”

“H-hello!” The spectacled unicorn offered a shy hoof to be shaken.

And Sunset shook it, analyzing her thoroughly. “...Hi.”

“Moondancer, this is Sunset! She’s been my personal bodyguard for over a year, don’t let the suit fool you, she’s a Paladin! And she’s really, really good at her job!” She spoke proudly.

“I can see that…!” The unicorn inspected the tight suit thoroughly.

Sunset, through one magical motion, took Moondancer’s glasses, and moved them to Twilight’s face, and simply chuckled to herself, as both of the mares squinted. “Wow, sorry, you two just– You resemble each other!” A silly smile manifested in her muzzle.

“Hihi, yeah, we’ve been told…!” Twilight giggled.

“I’ll take it as a compliment, at this point…!” Moondancer clumsily equipped her glasses once more. “Not so bad, being mistaken for a Princess.”

“Not so bad at all.” Sunset couldn’t help but smile, inspecting the unicorn thoroughly, it was an adorable resemblance.

“Anyways, I’m going back to the dance floor, who wants to join??” Twilight hopped in place excitedly.

Sunset offered no reply, eyeing Moondancer, who herself just blushed. “I, um, wouldn’t mind just mingling with Sunset a bit! Get to know her, you know?”

“Suit yourselves!” Twilight smiled widely. “I love it when my friends become friends!” And with that same pep in her step, she moved back to the dance floor.

Silence, as the two unicorns stood together.

In that quiet, Sunset inspected Moondancer. Her dress seemed cheap, but it complimented her well, with shades of purple and red, and her hair was in a lovely, gentle bun.

And unmistakably, she looked a lot like Twilight.

With a fluster, Moondancer shuffled forward, closer, and Sunset did not recoil. “...Forgive me for being forward, but… You seem to have a lot of scars…!” She muttered, inspecting Sunset’s face closely. “Are these all wounds you’ve acquired protecting Twilight…?”

“Some.” Sunset couldn’t help but be quieter, breathing a bit uneasier, at the sight of Twilight’s twin. “I… Was already a warrior before I met her, and a reckless one, too…”

“But you’re still here.” She muttered, almost whispering. “It must mean you’re really good…!”

“I don’t yield, and I’m devoted.” She spoke simply, almost in a trance. “I’ll do anything to keep the Princess safe.”

“Twilight’s spoken highly of you… I can see why.” She blushed, nodding.

“Wait till you see me in a fight, heh.” Sunset grinned. “I’m still hoping there’s some sort of disaster for me to do something in this party…”

“Not a fan of these either, huh?” She adjusted her glasses, with a smile. “Yeah, I didn’t have it in my heart to tell Twilight I wasn’t very interested– But it is a big opportunity, so…!”

“It’s mostly a big royal circle jerk, yeah…” Sunset sighed, scratching her own chin, then looking at Moondancer. “...But there’s undeniable beauty in it, if you know where to look.”

Flustering, she came a little closer. “...Where should I look?”

Sunset couldn’t help but fluster as well. “...In a mirror, maybe.”

Their muzzles were close, suddenly there wasn’t much of a party around them.

Until there was.

“Gah! Sunset, you’re not gonna believe this!” Twilight groaned loudly, approaching them.

The Paladin backed away immediately, ears twitching. “What happened?!”

The Princess, disheveled and angry, displayed a side of her dress, which now had a huge stain. “That friggin… Dummy, Prince Blueblood, totally bumped into me and spilled his whole drink on the beautiful dress Rarity made me– And then when I tried telling him off he told me Princesses should smile more!!”

“Want me to kill him?” Sunset asked without skipping a beat.

Twilight was used to it. “Ugh, no, that won’t be necessary.” As much as she wanted to.

“Funny story. When I was younger, in one of my first galas, I pushed him down that staircase, over there.” Sunset pointed to the distance, with a grin. “I gave him a wedgie and just shoved him– Nopony ever caught me.”

“You did what?” Both mares spoke in unison, shocked, but with admiration.

“What? I was an asshole– And so was he. I should have figured he never changed.” She grumbled, scanning the party looking to find him, considering retribution.

“Ugh. You should have heard him joke about how he taxes his subjects.” Twilight frowned even deeper, with a pout. “I think I need to bring that jerk to justice…”

“What you need to do is enjoy the party.” Sunset affirmed with a smile. “Um, after you changed your dress, maybe.”

“Ugh, I know…” She pouted sadly. “I’ll have to apologize to Rarity sometime…”

“You know, speaking of her…” Sunset grinned deviously, thinking of payback on the seamstress. “…Rarity said she was looking for a handsome prince. Should I recommend her Blueblood?”

“Don’t even think about it!! We should keep her far away from that jerk! She deserves so much better!” Twilight huffed immediately, flapping her wings in anger.

“I’m joking, I’m joking!” Sunset laughed.

“W-well… I’m going to see if Celestia has a few spare dresses that might fit me… You two just keep doing what you were doing, okay?” She offered with a smile.

That was all the endorsement Sunset needed. “Roger that, Princess. I’ll see you later.”

And just like that, the Princess was gone, and Moondancer had been watching the whole thing quietly. “You two are really close, aren’t you…?”

“All part of the job.” She shrugged, with a smile. “Twilight is just… Really easy to get along with.”

“I’ll say…” She sighed, adjusting her glasses. “She was always a prodigy, you know? I can’t even remember the days me and her were spoken of in the same breath… After a while, I couldn’t keep up.”

“...And now she’s Princess.” Sunset gave her a sympathetic smile.

“I’m not… Jealous.” She spoke earnestly. “I don’t want this position, you know…? But I’m just… I just wish it didn’t feel so blinding, looking at her shine…!”

“...Yeah. I know how that feels.” She did, incredibly deeply, with an exhale. “I’m her bodyguard, yeah… But she never needed me.”

“I know I’m not needed.” Moondancer nearly whispered, just audible enough. “But I still don’t want to be left behind…!” She raised her head, not with determination, but faint desperation. “I want to matter, you know…?”

“I know.” Sunset nodded quietly. “...What do you want to be…?”

“Great.” She affirmed, with an almost giddy smile. “I used to want to be a librarian– But seeing Twilight do such great things– I think I might want to be a wizard…? Whether I’m here in Canterlot or traveling– I want to make a difference! See all of Equestria, use my skills with magic for something good, make my name known…!”

With a confident, kind smile, Sunset nudged her, shuffling closer. “...What’s stopping you?”

“...What isn’t?” She mumbled, with a sigh. “I don’t know. It doesn’t feel right. Why would somepony like me deserve to be great? I’m a nobody…!”

“You shouldn’t let that stop you.” She affirmed with that same smile. “If you’re even half as smart as Twilight, I’m surprised you’re not a legend already.”

“Flatterer.” She affirmed, blushing. “But you don’t know me… If you did…”

“I wouldn’t mind getting to know you, then.”

The gala was nearly ending, and Celestia let out a weary sigh, seeing the halls empty, and the main guests began to leave. She stretched, ensuring no royal could see her, and scanned the crowd.

Another boring dull uneventful event with dozens upon dozens of royals kissing her ass. She was desperately hoping for some good news as she glanced at the leaving crowd.

And as the crowd lifted apart, she could see Twilight Sparkle, adorning a new unstained dress… Sweeping the floors with a broom, alone.

Celestia’s eye twitched. She quickly swooped in, with both concern and sadness. “Twilight, what are you doing? Where’s Sunset?”

“Sweeping! I like to help tidy up, it helps me think–” She moved the broom about the floor, rhythming the sweeps she made to the sound of the final songs of the night. “I know it’s silly for a Princess to do, but it’s fun! Look; Sweep, sweep, sweep–”

“Twilight it is really not necessary for you to clean. And again, this is very important: Where is Sunset?” She repeated, hiding her exasperation.

“Oh, she offered to take a friend of mine home! Moondancer, remember her?” She smiled, continuing her sweep, and then blushed a little. “Isn’t Sunset so chivalrous, hihi…?”

“And… Did you manage to dance with her?” Celestia tilted her head, concerned.

“Nope! She said it was unprofessional, and I don’t blame her. Can you imagine the tabloids? ‘Twilight Sparkle caught getting frisky with her bodyguard!’ Sheesh! Like I need any more of that nonsense. She was super nervous about it, too– I think she might have stage fright, hihi.”

“Sunset fears nothing.” Celestia frowned with tremendous disappointment. “Except for you, it seems.”She muttered, inaudible.

“It's okay! I’m not sad about it, there will be other galas. Dancing with friends is always a fun time…” Her mind trailed off, thinking of what she had missed, being unable to dance with her Paladin. “Next time.” She affirmed.

“Yes. Friends.” Celestia exhaled, turning around. “If you need me, I will be atop the staircase– I must converse with my sister about something.”

“Goodnight, Queen Celestia! The Gala was lovely! Crowded, but lovely.” She muttered, trying to suppress her annoyance and frustrations of the night.

The Queen nearly flew up the stairs, cursing quietly to herself, fluttering her wings in frustration. Her aide, Raven, was sitting besides her, writing on a clipboard.

Luna had been watching, from the shadows, with an idle, unamused gaze, saying nothing. Celestia was the one that spoke, more frustrated than she had ever been. “Sunset left the party with a unicorn that looks dreadfully similar to Twilight Sparkle.” It was incredibly rare to see the Queen of the Sun frown like this. “It seems that my pupil was too busy with her Princess duties to do anything at all with her Paladin…!”

“What exactly did you expect, sister?” Luna sneered, huffing, as she came down to sit next to her sister.

“Not this.” She exhaled.

“Were you expecting them to dance romantically bathed by moonlight, surrounded by their subjects, embracing each other and forgetting the world?” It could be considered mocking, if her tone wasn’t bland, and disinterested. “Or perhaps you were hoping a crisis would occur, and Sunset would rescue the Princess from it, in which they would realize their profound love for each other?”

“Okay, I get the picture.” The Queen of the Sun frowned at her sister, with a glare.

“You live for a thousand years, and yet your perception of reality seems almost infantile.” Luna scoffed. “How are you this impatient?!”

“That is quite enough, Luna!” Celestia huffed, glaring. “Can you really blame me for hoping for the best?!”

“You want what’s best for your disheveled failed pupil, I get it–” She bit back. “But you’re not going to get it by trying to control her!”

“Do you have something against Sunset, dear sister?!” She barked, towering over her sister in anger. “Because if so, I’d like to hear it!”

“On the contrary! I am quite fond of her, and would quite like for her to stay with us!” She spoke truthfully, if not angrily. “After all, she may be the only other pony in Equestria that knows what it’s like living up to your shadow! Just because you might know what’s best for her, it does not give you the right to try to control her!!”

“B-but it IS what is best for her!” Celestia affirmed, and she wasn’t necessarily wrong.

“What is best for her is that she is not controlled.” Luna spoke sternly. “She has spent most of her life in servitude– And she deserves a choice.”

“If I may…!” Raven, who was listening intently, yet quietly, spoke up. “I may have a bit of wisdom to share.”

“Please do.” Celestia sighed, Glad to shift the attention away from her sister, and hoping Raven provided good news.

“...Do you remember when you first banished Sunset…?” Raven asked earnestly, adjusting her glasses. “...When you realized you would have to start from scratch with a new pupil?”

Leaning on the railing of the staircase, she pursed her lips, not wanting to relive the memories of one of the worst days of her thousand-year existence– Matched only by the day in which she banished her sister.

Raven spoke as comforting as she could; Not her speciality. “On that day, you made yourself a promise; One that would follow you to your next pupil. Do you remember it?”

Celestia muttered the words with sorrow. “No more biases. No more personal attachment– My next pupil would be there to fulfill a duty, and I would give her all the tools she needed to succeed, nothing more.”

“And Twilight Sparkle thrived, with you as her teacher.” Raven nodded wisely, shooting a glance to the Princess below who danced with her broom. “Sunset, however, did not, with you as her mother.”

Celestia was nearly in tears, exhaling. “I broke my baby…!”

Luna beheld her with pity, and regret. “...Sunset blames herself for everything that happened. It is a daily method of self inflicted torture for her– It is why she is so distant from you. But… You would be wrong to blame yourself for all of it, as well.”

It was rare that Raven saw the queen so vulnerable, so she threaded carefully, gently. “...Sunset Shimmer is an adult now– And she is wiser, we can all see that. You have to let her make her own decisions, even if it means letting her go.”

“And you must admit to yourself–” Luna spoke sternly once more. “--That it may have been your own bias and love towards her that made you think she was destined for greatness.”

“B-but she is capable of so much good!” Celestia muttered, not yet shedding tears.

“Maybe… And capable of a lot of bad, too, much like myself.” Luna looked down, frowning. “We have to let her make her own choices, and hope she makes the ones that are best for her, not us.”

Celestia was about to say another ‘but’, but Luna stopped her with a raised wing, as if shushing her. “I mean it, sister. No more meddling. And If Cadance is right…” She groaned, rolling her eyes. “Love will take its time, but find its way home.”

Yawning softly, and stretching, Moondancer shuffled in the covers, blinking blindly around.

A realization came to her, and she glanced around, finding her glasses on a nightstand beside her, and she equipped them in a hurry.

Ears twitched, she was not in her apartment, but someone else's, and the memories of the night before came flooding swiftly, much to her fluster.

Noises came from the kitchen, with Sunset humming to herself gleefully. Moondancer’s stutters caused her to smile wider. “Don’t get up! You’re getting breakfast in bed!”

Moondancer’s eyes widened, as the strong Paladin brought a tray with pancakes to bed, sitting beside it, happy as ever. “You’re in for a treat, I’m getting really good at making these, heh.”

They indeed looked delicious, covered in a healthy layer of honey and cinnamon, and the smell was not bad at all, either. But, for a moment, Moondancer just sat there.

“What’s wrong? Shit, are you allergic?” Sunset’s face immediately shifted into a grimace of worry.

“N-no! No, I just, um…” She stuttered, adjusting her glasses, blushing. “I, um, thought last night was a dream. Frankly I thought I dreamed you up.”

“I’m right here.” Sunset nodded, grinning confidently. “And I’m happy to be of service.” She winked.

Moondancer nodded quietly, yet emphatically, and began eating the breakfast provided, and was pleasantly surprised to find it was indeed delicious.

They ate quietly for a moment, and she was pleasantly surprised to see Sunset smiling through all of it. “Um… May I ask you a few questions?”

“Of course!” She responded immediately.

“Well, first off, I’d just like to say your apartment is lovely. It’s… Comfortable. Did you do renovations recently?”

“Unfortunately, yes.” She muttered with an annoyed sigh, but then smiled again. “I'm glad you like it, though!”

“It’s lovely! Especially that picture board– You seem to be making a lot of memories!” She affirmed with a pleased smile. “I should have figured you were popular…!”

“Something like that.” She shrugged, with a smile. That photo wall was beginning to be her pride and joy.

“Um… Next question…” She adjusted her glasses, inspecting Sunset’s back. “Those scars… Did you have wings in the past? What caused them…?”

Silence, for a moment, where Sunset considered her response, considered how much she wanted to open up.

It just so happened that it was easy to follow the bidding of a mare that looked like Twilight.

“...Are you familiar with urban legends of the Everfree forest? Myths, monsters, other things of the sort?” She asked the spectacled unicorn, calmly.

“With some, yes. It is quite an interesting subject of study…!”

“...Are you familiar with the demon of the temple of the moon?” She tilted her head analytically.

“Somewhat! A ravenous beast that was said to be trapped in an abandoned temple in the forest, right?”

“Yep. That was me.” Sunset affirmed, with a hollow tone. “I was the demon. I was trapped there for two years.”

“O-oh dear! W-what happened!?”

“It’s complicated, and not very good breakfast talk…” She shrugged, with a sad smile. “Twilight saved me from the darkness possessing me, but the wings… Had to go. They wilted off, and I was left with those scars.”

“O-oh, I’m so sorry…!” Moondancer had tremendous concern in her voice. “I’m… Glad Twilight saved you. No wonder you are so devoted to her…!”

“Hm.” She hummed absentmindedly. “After she… Brought me back, I pledged myself to her. Little did I know, she was the latest pupil of Celestia… The rest is history.”

“...Do you regret it?”

“Regret what?”

“Pledging yourself to her.”

Silence.

She wanted to avoid the question entirely, but she didn’t say a word.

Clearing her throat, she looked away. “It's… complicated. I’d rather not talk about it during breakfast, if that’s okay.”

Moondancer could sense a change of subject was in order, but she had more to pry. “Do you mind if I ask you a couple of tangentially related questions, then…?”

“Shoot!” Sunset said, taking another bite of her flavorful pancakes.

Nervously, blushing, Moondancer stammered her way onto something that plagued her mind beautifully. “...Do you treat every other lover of yours as gently as you treated me…?”

Sunset snickered, exhaling, answering the question with another. “Are you asking that because you want to know if you’re special, or because you want to prod over my sexual life?”

“The answer would reply to both questions regardless, wouldn’t it?” She fidgeted with her glasses nervously, pensively, flustering. “It was, um, my first time, I’m just glad it was with you.”

Sunset nearly choked. “Holy shit– Did I deflower you? I’m sorry, wow!” She couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Nothing to be sorry about.” She muttered, blushing. “Ahem, and um, about the question?”

“...I didn’t want to hurt you.” She replied earnestly, with a kind sigh. “That’s all.”

Moondancer nodded quietly, still blushing, thankful for the breakfast.

Silence passed while she psyched herself up for asking the burning question.

“...Why did you call me Princess?”

Sunset spat out her Pancakes, nearly choking on them, wheezing for air, and gasping. “I what!?”

“You called me Princess. When we were doing… What we were doing, last night.”

“Y-you must have misheard me, hahah!” She grinned nervously, making painfully awkward flustered eye contact.

“I doubt I would have misheard you a couple dozen times.” She raised an eyebrow quizzically. “Why did you call me Princess?”

“Just a pet name, haha! I hope you liked it, and uh, stuff!” She lied poorly, tripping over her own words.

“I did.” She adjusted her glasses again, with a fluster. “But, um, that wasn’t the point of the question.”

Sunset did not reply, instead filling her mouth with more pancakes and chewing nervously.

“Final question.” She narrowed her eyes, still blushing, but burning with curiosity. “Have you done… This with Twilight Sparkle?”

“No, why would you think that?!” She grinned nervously, even if speaking earnestly, with a mouth full of pancakes.

With a sigh, Moondancer shook her head, blowing raspberries. “...I knew it was too good to be true.”

“I don’t know what you mean…?”

She began cleaning her glasses, while pensively pondering. “It seems you might have projected your affection towards the Princess and directed it at me.” She exhaled, shrugging. “It was ultimately for my benefit, don’t get me wrong, I don’t regret it– But I’ve read enough books about psychology to know that you have some underlying issues you need to adress with my friend.”

“I, uh, what?” She tilted her head, much like a confused dog.

“I figured I would be the vulnerable one that could be taken advantage of, but I believe it is the opposite, and I’m sorry.” Moondancer fidgeted embarrassingly. “I am sorry it took me so long to notice– If I had earlier, I would have just directed you towards Twilight.”

“Look, I don’t know what you’re talking about–” Sunset grinned awkwardly. “But I did enjoy what we did! I did, really!” It was the honest truth.

“And yet, I can’t help but shake the feeling you wanted somepony else.” She raised an eyebrow, with a grin of someone that was reading her like a book. “I had heard plenty of good things about you from Twilight, but I had also heard the… Interesting things.” She sighed, shaking her head. “The way you talked last night about purpose and happiness– All directed at me, deflecting it all off of you. Why are you stopping yourself from being happy?”

“I–” She paused, looking away, head still spinning from the entire conversation. “I’m… In a transitional period in my life. I nearly died a few months back, and I remember only feeling… Relief, when I laid down my life so Twilight could beat Nightmare Moon. For the past months I’ve just been kind of on a bender… I’m waiting to see if the bell tolls or if I have to keep going with this shit.” She gestured vaguely.

“You seem to be rationalizing your insecurities as an excuse to self sabotage.” the unicorn exhaled, fidgeting with concern. “It is a cruel reality you live in, one where you’re not allowed to be happy…”

“Look, it's not about that.” She clumsily fumbled her thoughts. “I just– I don’t think it's a good idea to commit myself to some shit, if I’m going to die tomorrow.”

“That is exactly what I just said.” She huffed, frowning. “Why are you not allowed to be happy?”

“I’m just not.” She narrowed her eyes, with a shrug. “Not in the cards for me. I’d rather leave the world to keep spinning– I’m not… I don’t deserve to mess with it.”

“Instead of leaving it to fate, maybe you should ask yourself what you want, instead?” She leaned forward, with concern. “What you want, not anypony else. You.”

Silence, as Sunset thought to herself. Some words from the previous night bounced around in her head– If what she wanted was wrong to have, all she needed was to be selfish to have it. And that never stopped her from getting it before, why did it now?

Rarity said she was scared. And she was right. Scared of being happy, scared of having something good.

Why not grab life by the horns and take it? Why not be selfish and claim it, once more?

No, she didn’t deserve happiness. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t take it.

Moondancer cleared her throat. “You are incredibly strong and capable– Your skills are unique. If you are unhappy here, you could go anywhere in Equestria, have anything you want. Why don’t you?”

“I don’t want anything else.” She muttered, vision blurred, looking away.

“Then what do you want?”

Quietly, Sunset laid her head down on her bed in defeat, chuckling with nervousness, and regret. “Why didn’t I just fucking dance with her?!” She muttered, muffled by the mattress.

“There we go.” Moondancer smiled, taking another bite of the delicious pancakes. “You’re welcome, Twilight.”

Raising her head, she had a look of almost determination, if not desperation. “Moondancer. You’re incredible. If you stop by the castle, and you still want to be a wizard, maybe Twilight can hook you up in some way–” She turned, and elegantly, skillfully equipped her armor in mere seconds. “But I have to go to work, and I need to tell Twilight what I want before I chicken out.”

“Good.” She nodded, but then sighed. “...Shame, though. Looks like Twilight will beat me to something good again.” She spoke vaguely, beholding the Paladin.

Sunset grinned, laughing at her own previous idiocy. “Hey, Twilight didn’t beat you to anything. Don’t forget last night.” She walked forward, kissing her on the cheek. “Seriously, thank you, Moondancer. I hope I see you around.”

“M-me too.” She blushed, giggling. “Well, let’s tidy up so you can see your Princess…!”

“Yeah. C’mon. I need to talk to her yesterday.”

Author's Note

Were you expecting some sort of epic climactic finale? Sorry, but that's not what this fic is about-- Its about Sunset making stupid choices lmao.

Which, this was funny to write but I hope it wasn't infuriating to read, oh my god. Like, when I was considering the obviousness of the biggest freudian slip of the century-- Of Moondancer resembling Twilight incredibly, but not having any of the baggage of Sunset's insecurities, it was only obvious Sunset would want a piece, being already incredibly frustrated with the party. Like, it makes complete absolute sense but oh my god I hope it wasn't infuriating to witness 🤣

Thank goodness Moondancer is intelligent enough to sniff it out. While Sunset is like an puppy following instinct.

I believe I've only seen this ship on occasion, which makes sense, since Moondancer is such an obscure-ass character. The meta narrative is there-- Sunset was a failed pupil, while Moondancer is like a shadow of Twilight left behind. I get why it's shipped, but sadly the poor spectacled nerd is too much of an blank slate! (much like a certain Princess of Love!)

Shoutout to Moondancer debimbofication. My god, that third one-- That's just shiny pokemon twilight...

But yeah lmao. Moondancer swoops in easily gets to be with Sunset bc Sunset is just THAT down bad for someone that looks like her LOL

Moondancer 🤝Trixie --> Bragging about fucking Sunset first

Anyways. To those that are familiar, there has been a couple dozen Princess and the Peasant references in this! This Rarity, oh, this Rarity, how I missed writing her. It's kind of funny to introduce her like this-- A stark contrast from the other fic, heh. Those that know know, Rarity be like "I want a handsome prince" And there's an applejack sized meteor coming her way.

There's also a funny thing that shrek goes through, that I went through too. In shrek 1, theres absolutely zero explanation as to why fiona is locked in a tower, that only comes in shrek 2. And I've kind of taken that same fun little plothole into my shrek rewrite, in the Princess and the Peasant; It's one of those moments where I'm like yeah, whatever, a wizard did it. If I rewrote it all to be original and mine, I'd def give an explanation; Likely smth revolving on Rarity having competition that knows no one would ever rescue her from a tower, so they lock her there. (I'm looking at you, Suri Polo Mare.)

I don't want to apologize for this fic being anticlimactic, because I'm doing it like this on purpose-- There has been already plenty of climactic adventures these characters shared, and there will be plenty more; This is indeed a story about Sunset going on a bender.

And hey, it all goes full circle, doesn't it? turns out I wrote another fanfic about what Sunset wants. Go figure :)

And hey. Although Celestia and Sunset will not get a full reconciliation on this fic, (Mom has to stop interfering, after all. Its too soon.) know that I'm setting up sooo many dominoes for the sequel.

Next chapter is the last one, and it won't be as long. And I think you know what the title will be.

Part 8: Twilight Sparkle.

Luna swooped down onto one of the highest towers of Canterlot castle, smiling at a job well done.

“How was the night?” Celestia greeted her with a smile and a yawn.

“Uneventful.” It was a proclamation of victory, as the Queen of the Night grinned with satisfaction. “Equestrian dreams remain safe, thanks to my efforts. Your turn, sister.”

And with that, she smiled even further, spreading her wings– This routine, this new routine, had been truly wonderful ever Since Luna had returned. She had missed change– Long, kind, positive change.

She raised the sun, as her sister lowered the moon.

They both let out thankful sighs, and shared nods– And now Luna was the one yawning. “I’m going to get some rest myself– See you in a few hours, sister–”

But she stopped, as Celestia’s eyes widened, her attention caught by a certain gleam below. Sunset Shimmer’s armor reflecting the light of the newly raised sun. “Hm! Sunset seems to be entering the castle in a hurry?”

Luna raised a single, judgemental eyebrow.

“I-I won’t meddle, sister! I’ll just go say hi! It’s polite!” She huffed, embarrassed.

“We’ll see about that. I’m coming with you.” The Queen of the Night grinned, sticking to her sister like glue to ensure that she would stick to her promise.

And just like that, the two Alicorns took flight, and teleported to boot.

Sunset had made her way past the courtyard in a full gallop, and they saw her across the hall they were on at full speed.

“Good morning, Sunset!” Celestia waved with a wing as Sunset nearly flew past the two alicorns. “What’s the hurry?”

The Paladin nearly left sparks in her wake as she hit the brakes on her gallop, in a clumsy turn, with a clumsy smile. “H-hi! Oh Shit–” She tumbled, rolled on the floor, and recovered, her helmet went skidding on the floor. “I’m okay! Good morning!” She waved.

“Is something the matter?” Luna questioned, approaching her with concern. “You are always punctual, yes– But rarely in a hurry.”

“Twilight’s in her room, right?” She asked, breathing quickly and sharply, taking a glance backwards. “Nowhere else?”

“Of course! Why the worry?” The Queen of the Sun tilted her head, sharing her concern.

“Well, um…” Sunset fidgeted, considering making a simple excuse, and then shook her head, with an exhale. “...She offered to make me the Captain of the royal guard, and I’m going to say yes. Is that okay?” Her smile was almost with a plea, matched only by her heavy breaths due to running.

First, Celestia was shocked– But in only a second, she smiled widely. “Of course it is okay. It is Twilight’s decision, after all… And I look forward to directing you through your duties, Sunset. Would you like me to show you the barracks–” She was silenced by a quick wing slap from Luna.

“No need! Twilight still needs to agree, right?” Sunset shrugged, with a true smile. “T-thanks though. I’m happy to be here, really.” And she was.

With a nod, Celestia approached her, speaking incredibly gentle. “Sunset Shimmer… Have you found your Equilibrium?”

They were incredibly close, and Sunset had to look up, but it did not stop her from smiling. “M-maybe? I don’t know yet. Um… Ask me tomorrow?”

With a light, heavenly chuckle, Celestia nodded again. She leaned forward, kissing Sunset’s forehead, and with that proximity, whispered kindly. “Remember: Better late than never, little one.”

“Y-yeah…!” She snickered, and quickly scooped up her helmet. “Gotta go! I’ll let you both know how it goes! Bye Queen Celestia, bye Queen Luna!”

And just like that, she galloped out of there, and the two Alicorns watched the whole way.

And as soon they were alone, Luna smirked, nudging her sister. “...Go on, then.”

Celestia squealed, and began prancing with joy.

Twilight adhered to a strict routine– Strict enough that ‘stay in bed for five more minutes’ was a part of her schedule. And she did so with just as much efficiency as everything else.

Despite her wings, she had learned to burrito herself perfectly within the sheets of her king-sized bed; As comfortable as any Princess could possibly be, her eyes shielded from the rising sun beneath her curtains with a sleeping mask.

She let out a cute yawn, and shuffled a bit, warming herself up– her room did have a heating problem, it was on her schedule that she would get it fixed eventually– But for now, a simple bundle of sheets to be wrapped around was more than enough.

Her entire body awoke nearly immediately when she heard the knock on her door, and the familiar voice of her Paladin coming from behind it. “Hey, Twilight! You awake?”

She flinched, and with her magic, quickly lifted her sleeping mask off her eyes– Sunset was always punctual, but never early– And she always waited outside her room.

She quickly took a glance around her, thinking twice. Had she slept in? Impossible! Was there some sort of crisis? Unlikely!

“Hey, can we talk? It’s important.”

She froze– This meant coming inside her room, which was a mess. Dozens of papers laid about, her entire set of blankets was in a burrito of which she currently inhabited, two dresses she had worn the night before laid on the floor absentmindedly; One in desperate need for washing, the other equally crumpled, making her keenly aware that it was past laundry day, and there was a stack of books that went all the way to the ceiling.

“U-um, in a minute!” Her voice was a bit shrill– First words of the day, after all. Clumsily, she teleported out of the burrito blanket, and immediately made her bed– In that same haste, she began organizing and tidying up her surroundings.

“Twi, I can hear you tidying up in there, that’s not necessary, just open the door, heh!”

She could hear the Paladin chuckling outside, reading her like a book– The entire room had become enveloped in her magic on her frail attempts to tidy up before her Paladin came in. Awkwardly, she just stopped on her tracks… And let everything collapse, clumsily.

By the time she opened the door, papers were still gliding to the floor.

She greeted her paladin with a weary, but happy smile. “S-Sunset! Hi! You’re not usually this punctual! Um, what’s this about?”

“We need to talk. Can I come in?” She breathed a bit uneasy, and seemed like she had run here.

Twilight stepped back, motioning for her to come inside, with an awkward smile. “Sorry for the mess, I uh, don’t usually get visitors. It isn’t like this everyday. This is, um, a one-time-thing.” She lied clumsily.

Sunset removed her helmet, letting it idle on a desk, and adjusted her mane nervously, steadying her breathing. “Look, Twilight, it's–” She inhaled, then exhaled. “This is important. This is everything.”

Twilight looked at her intently– It did seem serious. She quickly removed her sleeping mask off her forehead, tossing it to her bed, and gave her Paladin an awkward smile. “Go ahead! Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it!”

“You see, the thing is…” She couldn’t make eye contact at first, as she psyched herself to speak.

There was a moment of quiet, where she arranged the words in her head, thinking over exactly what she needed to share.

“Sunset? Is everything okay?” She approached, with genuine concern.

“When we first met.” Sunset began, making eye contact, straightening her back. “When we first met, I was a demon, trapped in a dark place I couldn’t escape. I tried to kill you– And you beat me, and spared me.”

The Princess nodded, paying attention.

“The thing is– You could have killed me. Hell– You probably should have. I would have...” She exhaled, tilting her head. “But you didn’t. You could have killed me, but you didn’t. Then you saved me…!”

“Of course I did! Why wouldn’t I–” Twilight began speaking, but Sunset silenced her with a gentle hoof to the lips, and a smile.

“And after that, when you dragged me, bleeding and wounded, out of that place, I pledged myself to you. I promised I’d do anything for you.” She exhaled, reminiscing. “...You could have refused. But you didn’t.”

Twilight, remaining quiet, simply smiled, incredibly happy to see Sunset smile.

“And then I found out that you were Celestia’s current pupil, my replacement… And I offered you an out. I told you that if you wanted me to leave, I’d gladly leave, as long as you let me. Because… I didn’t want to face my old, failed, ruined life. Well… The life that I ruined. I hoped you would let me go...” Eye contact, full of affection and pride. “...But you didn’t.”

They were closer now.

“You could have replaced me with any guard… But you didn’t. You could have let me die fighting Nightmare Moon… But you didn’t. You could have even let me go after that– Say my pledge is fulfilled! …But you didn’t.” She chuckled, letting out a weary, happy exhale. “And I’m so fucking happy you didn’t, every step of the way.”

Twilight shared that chuckle, uncertain on where this conversation was headed, but happy to see Sunset happy.

“Look– I talked with Moondancer, and she opened my eyes. She… She made me ask myself about what I wanted– And not just ask, but actually think about taking it– Something I never considered before.” She affirmed, with a determined nod. “Because why would I ever try to get what I want? I don’t deserve it– Hell, I’d be satisfied just doing what I'm doing until my body gives out– I've been complacent! I’ve been just– Hopping from bender to bender, without purpose!”

“Aw, Sunset, look–” But she was silenced again, with that same affectionate hoof, pressing on her lips.

“I want to tell you what I want– And you’re probably the only one that’s going to hear this, so listen up, because if I don’t say this now, I’m never saying it.” She muttered, with a tired smile.

With great anticipation, Twilight sat, eyes widened, waiting, looking at every movement Sunset made.

“I want…!” She exhaled, with an almost teary smile, a wide, gentle grin. “I want to be as close to you as I could possibly be. I want to make sure you’re safe, even if I’m asleep–” She shook her head, suppressing laughter. “I want to move out of my shitty apartment! I want to live in this castle again– I want to be close to Celestia again–”

Twilight smiled even more, but remained quiet, even as Sunset approached her. “I want to be your Captain.” She affirmed, with a determined whisper. “I want to whip all of those lazy guards into shape so bad– I want them all to be as devoted to protecting Equestria, to protecting YOU as I am. I want to make sure this castle is a bastion of safety, so that when you’re here, I know that nothing could ever hurt you. I want to know you’ll be okay– No matter how far I am.”

She grinned widely, and couldn’t contain a tiny squeal of excitement. “Yes! Yes yes yes!!” she hopped up and down with glee.

“There’s one more thing I want.” She spoke, not sternly, but just enough to call attention, so Twilight would settle down.

“The thing is…” Sunset sighed nervously, looking at the ground, then just shook her head.

“Fuck it.” She muttered, and just like that, she leaned forward, pulling Twilight into a kiss.

It wasn’t long, just enough for the Princess to go from surprise and shock to acceptance and enjoyment of it– No matter how much she was stupefied.

Sunset pulled away, not smiling, but determined, as she spoke the most important words she would ever speak.

“I want to be whatever you want me to be.” She affirmed with a nod. “I’m fully committed to you– Whatever you want me to be, I’m yours. I want to be by your side until I die, Twilight Sparkle.”

The Princess was dumbfounded, still reeling on the dizziness of her first kiss, lips still awkwardly puckered out, face as red as ever.

Sunset saw that pause, and smiled nervously. “S-sorry if that’s too much. I didn’t want anything unsaid– But if you think it’s out of order, I’ll go gladly take it back–”

She was silenced with a quick, affectionate hoof to her lips.

It was Twilight’s turn to talk.

“Okay, um…!” Her face was incredibly red. “I think everything you said is… Really really good.” She tilted her head, looking away, giggling to herself. “But there is one thing that’s wrong.”

Sunset’s ears twitched in confusion, as she watched the Princess intently.

They were muzzle to muzzle, eye to eye, as Twilight Sparkle smiled with incredible affection. “You said you want to be by my side until you die. And I think that’s beautiful. I want that– But guess what, Sunset? I don’t want you to die. Ever.”

Sunset’s eyes widened.

“So my first decree as your Princess, to you as my Captain– Sunset Shimmer, you will keep yourself alive, so you can be with me.” She spoke almost rehearsed, with a hoof to her Captain’s cheek. “Is that clear?”

Sunset nodded confidently, grinning, they could feel each other’s breaths. “By your decree, I will never lose a fight as long as I serve you, Princess Twilight Sparkle. I promise.”

“Good.” She affirmed, with a devious smile, then leaned forward to kiss her captain.

It was a clumsy kiss– She was inexperienced, after all, but she was desperate to demonstrate her affection, and Sunset didn’t mind it in any way.

“And now, for my second decree…!” Twilight blushed fiercely, leaning a hoof on her Captain’s chestplate. “Whatever you were doing with mares these past months– I want you to do to me. Right now.”

“U-um. Yes! Your wish is my command!” Sunset gave a nervous, enthusiastic, flustered salute.

“...How do we get this armor off?” Twilight began fidgeting with her Captain’s chestplate, a bit desperate, even.

“It’s, um, a bit tricky!” Sunset chuckled, seeing her Princesses efforts.

“Teach me.”

A lazy day could be described as one where you spend mostly in bed, and don’t demonstrate much effort, hardly exert yourself.

Twilight and Sunset spent a lazy day together, but only in the former sense of its description, rarely venturing out of the Princess’s room, and spending every hour of it together.

The moon had risen, and they were closer than they could have possibly been, embracing each other incredibly comfortably, on that massive, now not-so-empty bed.

“I had a heating problem in this room that I needed to fix, it’s on my schedule…!” Twilight spoke absentmindedly, while nuzzling Sunset’s chest with a smile. “Problem solved. You’re so warm…!” And she was, incredibly so, the body heat made her impeccably comfortable to embrace.

“Glad I could be of service.” Sunset smiled, bringing her even closer gently, and with extreme affection.

They would often spend moments of incredibly comfortable silence together, where Twilight would listen to Sunset’s heartbeat, and feel the rise and lower of her chest.

“So, um…” Sunset flustered a little bit, fidgeting, thinking of events hours prior. “...Do you want to talk about what you, um, muttered when we were doing what we were doing…?”

“Oh my gosh, can we not…!” Twilight hid her fluster by nuzzling Sunset’s chest, hiding her entire face with it. “It's dumb, okay. It was my first time. I’m dumb.”

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of!” Sunset snickered with affection. “It’s just, um, surprising. The mares I go down on don’t usually, well, they don’t usually moan the words ‘I love you’ so freely. And um, I was just wondering–”

“As your Princess, I command you to pretend that didn’t happen.” Twilight said sternly, but her fluster betrayed her.

Sunset, chuckling, nodded. “As your captain, I have no choice but to oblige.”

More comfortable silence, as Twilight simply let out delighted sighs. “You know… I dream of you often.” She muttered, blushing.

“Really?”

“It's silly, but, usually when I’m having nightmares, you come in and save me…! When it first started happening, I wondered if… I wondered if you found some way to actually come into my dreams to keep me safe in them– Just like you do here…” She let out a little giggle, nuzzling Sunset’s side. “It’s silly. I know it’s just dreams, but… You keep me safe, even in them… Thank you.”

“I can verify that I’m not doing it consciously!” Sunset smiled, kissing her forehead. “But I am incredibly thankful that dream me isn’t slacking.”

More giggles, as Twilight warmed her muzzle on Sunset’s chest. “I feel so dumb…!” She exhaled, pouting. “Promise you won’t be mad?”

“Why would I ever be mad at you?” Sunset almost laughed.

There was a bit of shame in her voice, like she was caught stealing cookies. “...I have to admit, that in these past few months... I didn’t like seeing you with other mares. I didn’t even know why, but… I didn’t like it. Well, in retrospect, it’s obvious why.”

“Maybe, yeah, heh.” Sunset grinned– Even that envy was the truest form of affection.

Hiding her face, Twilight mumbled shamefully. “If I had asked you to stop, you would have stopped, wouldn’t you?”

“Absolutely.” She spoke earnestly.

With a groan, the Princess revealed her flustered face. “Ugh, see!? I’m such a dummy... Sometimes it’s so hard to just say what you want…!”

“Don’t I know it!” She laughed ironically.

The sheets were comfortable, and the embrace even more so. If they stopped talking, they’d both likely doze off, so Twilight continued muttering lovingly, after enough silence had passed. “I want you to meet my parents. And my brother.”

“Haven’t I done that already?” With a light chuckle and a nuzzle, Sunset grinned closer. “Remember that time in the Crystal Empire? Me and your brother had to fend off a changeling armada.”

“No. Properly.” Twilight assured sternly. “I want you to meet them properly. I wanna show you off. ‘Hey mom! Hey dad! Here’s my new Captain that kisses me whenever I tell her to!’” She stated proudly.

“Go ahead, tell me to.”

“Kiss me.”

Her wish was a command, obeyed with diligence and love.

More comfortable silence passed, interrupted only when Sunset’s eyes widened with a stark, stupid realization. “Twilight… I just realized something really stupid.”

“What is it?”

She exhaled, with a dumb grin on her face. “My job has been to keep you safe, all this time– I just realised how much fucking easier it would have been, if we always shared the same bed.”

“Oh, for the love of Celestia, you’re right. We’re so dumb.” She hid her face on the crook of Sunset’s chest, huffing, which only led to them laughing.

Silence, accentuated only by them giggling.

Raising her head, Twilight pouted, afraid she was stepping on eggshells. “I will say, though… I want to keep this a secret, for the foreseeable future, if you don’t mind?” She fidgeted on Sunset’s fur thoughtfully. “You know… Us. I just… There’s so many tabloids and newsletters writing gossip about me, it’s infuriating– Can you imagine what they’d say? And I don’t want it to make it seem like you won your position through nepotism…! Is that okay?”

“Twilight, it’s more than okay.” She smiled proudly, kissing her forehead. “The Captain’s quarters are only a hop and a skip away– I want to be exactly who you want me to be, remember? Besides, I don’t want to have to explain this to Celestia anytime soon... ‘Hey, Queen of the Sun! Want to know what your old pupil did to your new pupil?’ That will be a– A strange conversation. I’m pretty sure she’d be against this.”

“Hihi, yes, I’m pretty nervous about telling her…!” She exhaled, with a small smile. “But I don’t regret any of it.”

“Me either.” She grinned, leaning down for another kiss. “I don’t mind being your little secret. As long as you’re happy; We can take this as slow as you want to, okay? I’m in no rush at all.”

“Well I definitely don’t want to take it slow.” She had a mischievous smile on her lips, as she leaned to kiss some more.

More kisses, more giggles, more comfortable silence.

With a delighted sigh, Sunset continued. “I’ll be glad to move out of my apartment– I was never a fan of it anyways. We’ll have to do some cleaning on the vacant captain quarters, though… Your brother left it kind of messy.

With a little chuckle, Twilight nodded. “Yeeeep, he was always a bit of a slob, I hear Cadance fixed that up, though…!”

“You’ll also be happy to know that I’ve already been making a list of improvements I want to make to the royal guard.” Sunset stated proudly. “Patrol patterns need to be adjusted, clock in schedules need a major overhaul, and I’m making a whole new training regimen–” She was interrupted by a fierce kiss.

“You’re so dang hot. Did I ever tell you that? But no business today. Today’s a lazy day.” She cuddled closer, letting out a pleased sigh.

“As you wish.” Sunset grinned, then spoke gently, kindly. “...And don’t worry. Secret or not, whenever you want me here, day or night, you can just call and I’ll be here, okay? Always.”

“I hope I can stop myself from calling you here every night.” She huffed, with an embarrassed sigh. “For the sake of the secret…!”

“How shameful!” Sunset put on a mocking, joking voice. “The great, mighty and beautiful Princess of Friendship can’t resist simple temptation!”

“Shuddup. There’s nothing simple about this temptation.” She spoke, immensely flustered, pouting more, then she cleared her throat. “Ahem. On that same note. As your princess, I demand you to indulge me once more.”

“As you wish.” Sunset got on top, grinning. “You’re loving being able to do that, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Me too.”

Sunset’s alarm rang, her horn flashed dimly, rousing her, announcing that Twilight’s routine would start soon.

Her instincts commanded her to get out of bed, but she stopped. Twilight Sparkle was intertwined with her, snoring quietly, bundled up right alongside her, as comfortable as she could possibly be, as safe as she could possibly be.

Her job was to keep Twilight Sparkle safe. And she was fulfilling it in her sleep, she was fulfilling it the moment she woke up. And with it, there was no need to get out of bed.

She chuckled ironically, and lovingly. This alarm was outdated, and it would have to be changed.

But for now… She just enjoyed holding her Princess.

She spent her time wisely, gently, simply enjoying the moment.

Her eyes went wide with a sudden realization– Had she actually just acquired this position through nepotism? Had she begun gold digging like Rarity, even if accidentally?

Had she just deflowered an alicorn Princess? That was scandalous, for sure. For Twilight’s sake, this indeed would have to be kept a secret, even if it was just due to embarrassment.

And Sunset minded none of it.

Everything would change, starting now. She found herself happier than she had ever been– More fulfilled than she had ever been.

She was right where she wanted to be, and she was wanted.

Perfect little Princess of Friendship, cozying up on her embrace, safer than she could possibly be. What could be better than that?

Twilight was happy. So she was happy too. Nothing else mattered.

She chuckled quietly, smiling to herself, leaned forward, and kissed the Princess’s forehead.

“I love you too.” She whispered gently, lovingly.

She closed her eyes, and allowed herself to sleep for as long as Twilight wanted.

And just like that, the bender was over.

Author's Note

Ah, it feels good. Can you blame me for making Sunlight endgame? If you've read my writing before, you shouldn't be surprised.

Funniest thing. Because the Queens decided not to meddle, they have no idea that Sunset and Twilight are involved. It's a secret! >:)

to those that are keen, you might notice some multiversal similarities, heh. Who would have thought that out of all fics id reference next on my silly desire to make multiversal references diogetic, I'd reference my ONE sex fic of all things xD

Twilight finally got Sunset to be entirely and completely committed to her. Girliepop has her very own personal battering ram. (In more ways than one!) Sunset Shimmer says "I'll kill for you," And Twilight retorts with "Live for me."

Anyways, onto more important matters-- Because this isn't the end of this Twilight and this Sunset. if you want to catch a glimpse of how they're doing months later, I strongly recommend reading the Princess and the Peasant, specially because that story has changes to the world that will matter for the sequel I'm planning to write about this one!

I will say, Sunset and Twilight won't appear much on that fic, but their appearances are key factors to the plot, and they're CRITICAL to the finale. If you liked them even a little bit here, or any interpretations of my characters really, like Pinkie or Cadance, I recommend you checking that story out. Its my pride and joy, and the sequel to this fic here will take place mere months after it.

It was deeply indulgent to write this fic-- I've been wanting to make another devoted Sunset for a while, I've been wanting to write orphan Sunset content AND mom Celestia content, and of course, I wanted to consider just how many characters Sunset would have chemistry with, heh. Like c'mon, it makes sense for this gal to get around.

But it also makes sense for her to settle down with a certain nerd >:)

Btw, if you want to see my take on an alicorn Sunset Shimmer, (And romance of her and Alicorn Twilight!!) my current longest and most epic work, 'Across the Shimmerverse' Has SO much alicorn Sunset, and it's my most intense fic to date, I put SO much work into it, and I hope more people grow to love it. (Also! There is more Captain Shimmer content in it! Just saying ;3)

Anyways! Onto better things.

Here's some Sunlight cuddles I drew a while back. They fit this lovely finale. (idk why I gave Twilight glass I think I thought it was cute to have them messy)

EPILOGUE: ?????????? ?????

“We have a problem.”

“Do we, now? What else is new?”

“Sunset Shimmer just became Captain of the royal guard. Even now, day by day, she is happier and more fulfilled– And through her happiness, the castle’s defenses are heightened, and her loved ones become stronger.”

“Ironic, that making her our vessel once more would undermine all of that– But it is impossible, with her as fulfilled as she is.”

“And that meddlesome fool Luna continues to protect Equestrian dreams from our Nightmares. Our influence is waning, we are running out of options.”

“Luna will get what’s coming to her eventually; Sunset Shimmer is the Priority.”

“If she becomes an alicorn, we could have a serious problem. What would stop a Princess and the Queen, both wielding the power of the sun, from flying over here and bathing our land in light?”

“Relax. We have time– it is unlikely she will ever become one. Let them all feel comfortable and safe, while we plan their downfall. We from the dark can bide our time, for as long as we need.”

“We need a new vessel, YESTERDAY. I am TIRED of biding my time.”

“A vessel would do us no good with things as they are. Even Nightmare Moon fell before Twilight Sparkle; And now they are all united, and strong. We need to divide them before considering our next attack.”

“If you have a suggestion for a vessel, I’d love to hear it! We do not have forever!”

“Not a vessel. An ally.”

“What?”

“Through scouring dreams, I met an interesting individual. I found her having a nightmare about Sunset Shimmer– OUR Sunset Shimmer, mutilating her. It seems we have a common enemy.”

“Are you kidding me? An Earth Pony? A weakling, missing a leg? How could she possibly assist us?”

“She has access to a power no other possess, and she is the only one that can wield it. Yes, she is weak. Incredibly so. But through us, through the shadows, we may be able to give her power all it requires to divide all of our enemies, and then all that would be left is to CONQUER.”

“What use is she, if even she barely knows how to wield her power?”

“We will help her. We will fuel her power with her hatred. We will ensure that it is capable of anything.”

“I refuse to trust in a frail little gardener. She would make for a horrible, weak vessel.”

“And yet she would make for a powerful ally. Leave the convincing to me; It will take time and planning, and we will need her fully conscious and pliable– But I imagine no one in Equestria would like to see Sunset Shimmer fall more than her.”

“If she is fully conscious, what is stopping her from resisting us?”

“Nothing. She will obey us willingly because we will give her the tools for revenge. Our interests align.”

“Our enemies become stronger and more united than ever, day by day– And your plan is to rely on a meek Earth Pony to beat them?”

“None of this is bad news. If Sunset Shimmer insists on becoming a pillar to hold her loved ones, then all we need to do is topple the pillar, and they will all fall.”

Author's Note

TO BE CONTINUED? DUN DUN DUUUUN?

Okay jokes aside, this is probably the first time I made a cliffhanger in the end of one of my fics, lmao. You all know who this chapter is talking about, and i've dropped plenty of hints for what my next fic will be: A rewrite of the best piece of media from MLP gen 4: Forgotten Friendship, set on this universe.

Those that are keen on the comics might know that the forces of the dark side of the moon are directly related to Nightmare Rarity! Which is also smth I considered greatly for a sequel of Princess and the Peasant, but I make no promises that I'll ever write that, after I'm done with the sequel to THIS, my priority will be returning to the Shimmerverse with gusto, heh.

STRONG reminder that if you love my writing and are anxious for the sequel to this, there is already one, and it's the Princess and the Peasant. Go check it out if you want more of this universe!

I plan on wrapping up some personal projects before I hop on the Forgotten Friendship rewrite, (I'm making a ytp babeyyy) but I've already been writing PLENTY of notes regarding it, and am gleeful to finally, finally get to write one of the most interesting antagonists in all of gen 4, and CERTAINLY the most interesting nemesis: Wallflower Blush.