ACT 4 - FINAL MEMORIES

CHAPTER 12 - Unforgettable.

And the world said: I don’t need you.

And I said: I know.

Despite her better judgment, Peony had come to realize that repairing something as simple as a leaky ceiling would be easier on a day that it was not leaking.

And this time, it was significantly easier. “Lil, the hammer please?”

Obediently and confidently, her changeling wife flew up atop the ladder she resided, presenting the tool on her mouth. “Thaaaank you kindly.” She was rewarded with a kiss.

“You’re not making a bigger hole with that thing, are you?” Teasingly, the changeling continued to hold the ladder from the bottom. “‘Cause that’s what hammers do, last time I checked.”

“Relax, I know what I’m doing, heh.” Chuckling, the Earth Pony skillfully adjusted the placement of nails and planks on the ceiling, ensuring better insulation. “It’s a simple case of loose planks. Ideally, we’d replace the entire roof at this point, but…”

“Yeah, yeah, money… Well, it keeps the snow and rain away. Well, the latter, mostly.” Shaking her head, Light Heart took a glance towards the halls, her attention drawn by the noise of clanging cutlery, pots and pans. “Hey kids! What are all of you doing in there?! You better not be playing with fire!”

“N-nothing, Miss Light!!” A young voice called out from the kitchen.

“Y-yeah, we’re just playing!” Another foal made an excuse.

From the door, a few of the orphans peeked. “Just keep fixing the roof, we’re not doing anything bad or weird!!” Their innocent voices interrupted each other as they waved.

“You better not be!” The changeling called out with a frown.

With a chuckle, Peony shook her head. “Relax, they’re not going to burn the building down. I think they’re just trying to bake something...”

“Well, as long as they don’t go near the stove…” Light Heart pouted, leaning on the ladder with annoyance.

A gentle knock resounded from the door to their orphanage, and they glanced at the entrance with surprise.

“Damn, it’s early!” The changeling murmured, tilting her head. “Want me to get it?”

“No, it’s alright, I’ll get it. Take me down, please?” With swift, rehearsed movements, the changeling flew up there, and carried her wife down.

“Such a gentleman.” The old mare kissed her and giggled.

“Hey, you said it, not me.” Light gave out a confident smile.

With a sigh of delight, Peony made her way to the door, right as another gentle knock came from the other side. “I’m coming, I’m coming…”

Opening it made the two of them freeze in complete shock.

“Oh shit.” Light Heart muttered behind her. “That’s straight up the queen.”

“Good morning!” Queen Celestia waved shily from outside, carrying a bag with her, and looking out of place. “Apologies for dropping in unexpectedly, I am certain this is quite strange, but… Is it a bad time? I could make an appointment, if necessary…!”

There were a few seconds where the Earth Pony had to process just what was happening and who was before her. “I-I’m sorry, excuse me, what? Um, uh, don’t take this the wrong way, but, what’s the Queen of the Sun doing all the way in Hollow Point? And, um, here?”

“That is precisely the subject I wanted to address upon my visit. You two are the owners, are you not?” She gave the interior a brief glance. “Oh! A changeling works here. How wonderful!”

“C-changeling? What changeling??” Light Heart hastingly transformed into her preferred pony form. “I don’t know any changeling!”

“Be calm, and do not worry…” Celestia let out a few pleased chuckles. “I have met many of you, friends and foes. I was in the Hall of Unity when your prince signed the alliance treaty! I am well aware that you pose nopony any harm.”

“S-sorry, haha!” Nervously, she transformed back to her normal form. “I-I came out to the kids, and some of our friends in town, but– I wasn’t expecting the Queen to find out what I am, you know? Hahah!”

The gears in Peony’s head spun both in awe-induced confusion, and in quiet nerves, until she gasped. “Q-queen Celestia– You wouldn’t be here to adopt, would you?!”

First her eyes widened, then she burst into delighted, ironic chuckles, shaking her head. “H-hahah! No, no, oh dear, of course not. Could you imagine?” After stifling her giggles, she shook her head. “No, no, I am here over something a bit strange that I discovered, well, it’s, um… May I come in?”

After a moment of mental malfunction, the Earth Pony opened the door all the way and recoiled. “Of course! Of course. Here, we have a communal area, let’s go there– um, did you want anything? Water? Tea?”

“Oh, no, thank you very much. I won’t be disturbing you for very long.” The Queen shook her head, entering the building. “I have duties elsewhere later today, of course– But I wanted to take care of this at the earliest."

“It’s funny. We never thought we’d end up seeing you again! Wow!” Light Heart let out weary laughter. “How many years was it, it was at the… What was it again?”

“The museum fire. Decades ago…” Peony responded with a sigh. “Thank goodness you were there to stop it, your highness.”

“I was only doing my duty.” The Queen nodded. “Right place, right time…”

The room wasn’t exceedingly large, with a few comfortable old couches and tables, lit by the morning light of windows half covered by tacky curtains.

The light of her sun created rays that danced through the leaves of the trees outside.

Celestia had to lower her head when entering, so as to not hit her horn.

After sitting down in one of the couches, The Queen began opening her bag, placing it beside her. “Well, you see, I found this…”

The two wives made themselves comfortable in the adjacent couch, with endless curiosity and confusion.

“I was simply organizing my closet yesterday, and I found the most peculiar things…!” Celestia murmured, as she began placing on the table a box with dozens upon dozens of letters. “I’ve sorted them by date. They were all open, but…” There was a certain mourning in her voice. “Did… Did an orphan called Sunset Shimmer live here, years ago…?”

The two wives looked amongst each other, and Peony was the first to speak. “...Sorry, but that name doesn’t sound familiar. And we tend to keep a pretty good track of the children we house…”

“Huh. It does sound familiar, actually.” Light Heart muttered, looking down. “Where did I… Hm…”

“S-strange…” Celestia beheld the letters closely. “For you see, these letters all come from here– This very orphanage. They were written by a foal called Sunset Shimmer. I… I do not know who that is, and yet, all of these letters were in my closet, and… After a certain date, they just stop…!”

“Well that’s weird.” The changeling narrowed her eyes. “Do you have any pictures, any attachments…?”

“A-actually– This mystery goes deeper.” The Queen fished out one more thing, from the bottom of the bag. “Lost beneath all the letters, I found this picture, and well…!”

It was a photo of the Queen of the Sun, lounging in the Canterlot gardens. Laying next to her, was a small foal, embraced by her wing. With a fiery two-toned red and yellow hair, and an orange fur color, the little filly was studying a book in the grass, and seemed engrossed in it.

The Queen regarded her with adoration, and ease.

“...I do not know this filly. I don’t remember this picture being taken– I believe I might have forgotten. Perhaps I met her only once, when this photo was taken– But… Why was this with those letters, I– I do not understand.” She grimaced with sorrow, inspecting the picture. “Is this, perhaps… Does this foal look familiar to you…?”

Quietly, the two caretakers inspected the photo, and after thinking thoroughly, shook their heads.

“...That is what I feared. It is so strange… Something so small…” The Queen murmured, observing the letters.

“May I take a look at these?” Putting on reading glasses, Peony leaned forward.

“Of course!”

Together, the two caretakers began reading them.

A bit forlorn, the Queen gazed at one of the windows. “It is… Strange. I don’t tend to keep mail from fans. Certainly not in my closet. But… To have an entire box of open letters? I have never seen these before…”

“Hah, this kid’s a riot. She fought a boar?” Light heart chuckled to herself.

“Interesting… It does look like she lived here. Well, she’s talking about you and me, she’s talking about the town…” Peony narrowed her eyes, going from letter to letter. “It seems legitimate. Our post office, our address… All sent to you?”

“I asked my Aide about these, and she knew nothing of them.” Celestia waved at the many letters before them. “She stated quite clearly that this many letters arriving in our palace would certainly rouse both of our attention, and presumed that perhaps somepony is pranking me– having snuck those open letters into my closet.”

“That’d be a weird prank to pull on the Queen of the Sun.” The changeling shrugged. “Hell, they would have put a picture there too. Do you think that the foal in the photo is this Sunset Shimmer kid?”

“I suspect it. But I cannot be certain.” She shook her head, with a weary sigh. “Perhaps she lived here, was adopted by a family, and you both forgot about her…?”

“Eh, we have housed plenty of kids. Maybe.” The changeling shrugged, shaking her head, then chuckled at a letter. “Wow! She actually went to the haunted house on the edge of town. Nice.”

“I could check the paperwork I guess…” Peony added absentmindedly. “Actually, I’ll do something better. Give me a moment.” Slowly, she made her way to one of the nightstands in the lounge area, shuffling through its cabinets.

And from it, pulled out a yearbook. “We take pictures every year with all the kids. If this Sunset lived here, well…”

“Wow. She wanted to be adopted by you something fierce.” Light heart muttered, analyzing one of the letters. “All these are just a kid trying to list out what qualities she has to be your pupil. Well, I guess she was late, since there’s that new Princess, right…?”

“Twilight Sparkle, yes. She is my current pupil.” She nodded absentmindedly, then pointed to specific information on the mail. “But look here– Look at the date, and the age she states... If this Sunset Shimmer is alive today, she would be… In her thirties!”

“Huh. So she’d be around before the Princess…” The changeling thought closely, leaning forward, then shook her head. “Tough luck to her, though. I don’t imagine the Queen of the Sun would ever try adoption, right…?”

“No, I…” She lowered her head. “...I wouldn’t.”

“Let’s compare the dates, then! May I see that picture?” Peony placed the yearbook down, and began shuffling the pages back. “Alright, according to the letters, she would be…”

“T-there! It’s her!” Celestia tapped on one of the pictures of the yearbook emphatically.

The two caretakers’s' eyes widened. Indeed, in that slightly faded photo in their yearbook, they were smiling, surrounded by the kids that lived in their orphanage that year.

And among them was a little foal with fiery hair.

“S-so she did live here!” Celestia snatched the yearbook, and began shuffling forward, then back. “B-but it just stops– After nine pictures, it just stops…!”

“Wait, nine?!” Peony stepped forward, reading over her shoulder, and her eyes widened upon seeing one picture. “H-how, what the– We don’t take kids in that young!!”

In one of the earlier photos, dated several decades before, as she posed next to her wife and surrounded by kids, Peony held an incredibly small foal.

A malnourished filly with fiery hair.

“S-she… She was so small…!”Celestia regarded the picture closely, getting teary eyed.

“That’s weird, we… We don’t accept foals that are that young. We’re not qualified for it.” Light Heart raised an eyebrow. “If she was raised here, something terrible must have happened to her parents, or…”

“Well, these pictures don’t lie. I don’t recognize her, but she was here– And for several years, too. Your highness, may I–”

The Queen clutched that yearbook desperately, with shallow breaths.

Silence.

Celestia blinked and shook her head. “S-sorry! Excuse me. I do not know what came over me…” Gently, she placed the book down, shaking that strange instinct away.

“Seems she’s not in the pictures after a certain date…” Peony murmured, cycling through the book. “And what’s the most recent letter?”

“Here…”

“Hm. The dates align. The letter was sent only a few months after the last picture was taken. She must have been adopted by a family then, and didn’t send any more after…” She murmured, sitting back down. “...Mystery solved?”

“...I suppose, yes.” Celestia murmured quietly, still looking at the pictures. “If it’s not too much trouble… Could you show me your adoption records? It would set my mind at ease to know that Sunset was taken into a good home.”

“Ahah!” Light Heart leapt out of the couch, buzzing her wings. “I just realized where I’ve read that name before! Hang on!” And sped out of the room in a hurry.

“W-well, um, sorry if we’ve taken up most of your morning, Queen Celestia.” Peony muttered apologetically. “And sorry we couldn’t be of much help! This Sunset girl seems sweet, but… We don’t really know her. It’s weird, we… We usually remember all our kids.”

“It is quite alright. Given the nebulous nature of this search, I presumed I would not find anything…” She shook her head with a sigh. “...But when I saw that picture, I felt that… I felt that I needed to get to the bottom of this.”

“I hope the flight all the way over here wasn’t much trouble!” She shrugged, chuckling. “Hollow Point is a bit out of the way…”

“Nonsense. This is important. Queenly duties come after.” She affirmed without hesitation.

“Here here here here!” Light Heart flew into the room, holding a picture frame. “Sunset Shimmer, BOOM!”

Celestia’s eyes narrowed as she inspected it.

It was a framed newspaper.

‘Changing times! Read the latest on how the changelings were added to the Equestrian alliance, the failed attack of Chrysalis on the Hall of Unity, and MORE!’ The picture had several of the world leaders united, posing for the camera, still wounded from the battle. Celestia and Twilight stood together next to the Prince of changelings, and they were all smiling truly.

And between the Queen and the Princess, was a mare in paladin armor. One with fiery hair. Her smile was confident, and the Princess acknowledged her presence by being directly by her side– Flank to flank.

“Even in black and white, it’s quite the likeness, right? I knew I recognized the name.” The changeling snickered, bringing the Picture the queen had brought close to the newspaper to compare. “Seems like the same kid! Isn’t that a riot? You had her as your captain and didn’t know it! Look at this: ‘Through the collective efforts of many of the wonderful people in Equestria, the assault of Queen Chrysalis was repealed from the Hall of Unity. The Princess of Friendship notes how this is a wonderful day for all of the people of our vast lands, and for the magic of friendship!”

Celestia kept reading, eyes glued to the paper. “...Prince Thorax, when asked, gave special thanks to the Princess of Friendship for her love of diplomacy, and for the help of the captain of her royal guard, S-Sunset Shimmer…!”

She recoiled, then took out her own picture of the foal, and compared it to the armored mare. “S-so it is her. It looks just like her…! B-but… This makes no sense. Canterlot did not have a Captain at the time…? Twilight and I went to that event, and… There was no Sunset there…?”

“We had to have this framed, heh…” Light Heart sat back on the couch. “A historical moment to my people. I was just reading it the other day!”

Peony came closer, squinting. “Hm… Despite the lack of color, it does seem like it’s her…? Well, I guess it could be another mare, with the same name. Quite a coincidence.”

“Well if it is her, good for her.” Light Heart leaned back, letting out a chuckle. “But I don’t think any of our kids would ever become captain of the royal guard– No offense to them, mostly to us, heh.”

“It wouldn't make much sense. Hollow Point is far from central Equestria, after all.” Peony nodded, sighing.

Celestia was quiet, yet frantic. She flipped through the pages of the yearbook, looked at the newspaper, then looked at the dates of the letters.

“In one year, she gained her cutie mark… The same year, the letters start.” She muttered, rummaging. “Two years later, they stop… The same year that the pictures stop.”

She let out a weary sigh, and shook her head, leaning back on the couch in defeat.

“...I do not know what I am doing here.” She murmured, closing her eyes. “...Forgive me for wasting your time, you two. This has been a strange, peculiar, yet meaningless chase. It… It does not make sense.”

“It’s alright! I had fun doing detective work!” Light Heart chuckled, shrugging. “How about we show you the records just in case?”

Silence was the only answer they got, as the queen inspected that newspaper closely once more.“Why are traces of her all I can find…?”

“Okay, by the date…” Peony opened another cabinet seeing a few old dusty files. “Decades ago, hm…” Cycling through the papers absentmindedly, she reached the date, and the letters.

“Oh! There is a Sunset Shimmer file here!”

Celestia’s ears twitched and her eyes widened.

“W-whoa, what? This is weird…” Peony muttered.

“What? What is it?” The queen stood from the couch, her horn pierced the ceiling, and she had to quickly duck and apologize.

“The parent that adopted her, well…” Slowly, the caretaker brought the file to her. “...It’s you.”

Celestia held that file in complete confusion. She read it, over and over again. Every note, every date, the details… “...It says it was on the day of the museum fire?!”

“Hah! Why would we be handing one of our kids to adoption during the day of a fire?” Light Heart chuckled. “I guess even our files could be wrong. If the Queen had adopted a foal, it’d be national news.”

“M-maybe.” Peony shook her head. “My apologies, your highness, I hope you don’t think we’re pranking you or anything like that…! I, um, really don’t remember this kid, or her being adopted by a family…!”

For only a brief moment, the Queen frowned. For if this was indeed just a prank, there would be a godlike reckoning for playing with her emotions in this way.

After all, she had never taken in a pupil before Twilight Sparkle– Much less a child.

But with a sigh, she handed the file back to the caretaker. “...It is quite alright. We have never met this mare, and whoever she is, she does not want to be found.” She began gathering the letters and her belongings. “I suppose I let my curiosity get the better of me… But the pieces don’t fit, and I have queenly duties to attend to. Perhaps I will continue the search on my own, but I’m doubtful I’ll encounter more evidence… This is a dead end.”

“I hope you find what you’re looking for! It really is strange…” Peony nodded, sitting back on the couch. “Well, shall we show you the door?”

“O-one more thing.” Celestia spoke almost automatically. “Could I have these pictures from your yearbook? For my investigation...”

“...All of them? There’s nine. Those are kind of our propre–” Light Heart was swiftly silenced by a swat of Peony’s tail, who knew better than to deny the queen of the sun anything.

“How about you pick two to take off our hooves? We’d like to keep the rest though, those are a lot of years with us and our kids, and we don’t want to lose them.”

“Of course. I understand completely.” Without hesitation, the Queen selected the pictures of when Sunset was at her youngest, and the one where she was at her oldest.

She observed the oldest year, in that more recent picture– Still decades ago. A small foal, smiling confidently… So alike the picture she had found in her closet…

Then she spent a few more seconds beholding the youngest year of Sunset Shimmer. A small fragile little filly, wrapped and bundled, malnourished, and so precious.

She closed her eyes, feeling a stirring she did not understand, as words escaped her lips involuntarily.

“Oh, my little sun…!”

“Ta-daaaaaa!!” The fillies that had inhabited the kitchen finally entered the room, carrying with them, precariously and together, a cake. “Happy mothers day, Miss Peo and Miss Light!” They declared with joy.

The cake was messy, it looked quite amateurish, decorated with strawberries and chocolates, with crude writing on top of it that was barely legible regarding the occasion, matched with a scrawling of a pony and a bug.

The two caretakers looked at each other in surprise, then chuckled. “...It’s mothers day?” The changeling snickered.

“Kids, this is really sweet, but we’re not your moms.” Peony affirmed gently and with a smile.

“Yeah! You’re everypony’s moms!” One of the fillies added. “And the best everypony moms in Equestria!”

“How adorable…!” The Queen chuckled to herself, observing the cake.

A mistake that was swiftly reprimanded by a swarm of foals gathering around her.

“Who’s the tall lady?”

“Oh my gosh, that’s Queen Celestia!”

“Is she coming to adopt me?!”

“No, me!!”

“Is she coming to adopt Miss Peo or Miss Light??”

“Is she here to smite Miss Light for being a cool bug monster?! Oh no!!”

“We’ll fight for you, Miss Light!!”

“Settle down, all of you, jeez!” The changeling huffed, buzzing her wings. “She’s just visiting! Just passing through.”

Celestia, through rehearsed and skillful motions she did not understand, managed to gently push the foals away from her space– even help one dismount her.

“Well, what are you waiting for, then! Cake time!!” One of the kids cheered.

With a delighted sigh, Peony shrugged. “Alright, alright, we’ll try it. Thanks kids. Here, let’s place it on the table…”

“Queen Celestia, would you like some?” The changeling offered, while collecting cutlery. “It’s fresh and dubious in quality!”

“Oh, but I am not a mother…? Is it allowed for me to eat it?” She tilted her head in confusion.

“C’mon, don’t be a stickler!” With a chuckle, she handed the queen a small plate with a slice. “You came all this way, it’s the least we can do!”

“Oh, maybe we don’t want to be known as the orphan caretakers that poisoned the Queen of the Sun, actually.” Peony grimaced. “Um, if you’d like to opt out…”

“No, no, I suppose I may as well, heheh…!” With a delighted sigh, Celestia joined in the feast.

It had been a strange day, and an even stranger set of circumstances had brought her to this moment.

She wondered if there was any meaning to her search, or if her age was merely catching up to her. If this Sunset Shimmer even existed at all, or if it was an elaborate and confusing lapse in the efficiency and adequacy of paperwork.

She had theories, none of them correct.

But in the end, it didn’t matter.

Because these three mothers got to, despite everything, enjoy cake together.

And because searching for her daughter would yield no results.

Returning from her nightly duties had become an incredibly comfortable routine for Queen Luna.

It was as simple as an exhale, to emerge from the clouds of the night sky, bathed in stars, crossing the borders of the dream realm into the waking realm.

Fresh air, and a nice breeze. Her duties were over.

Gliding down towards the peak of the Canterlot palace, she always took a moment to watch the horizon, bathed by her moonlight, and smile.

Everything was different now, and things were good– They would never go back to the way it was.

“Good morning, sister. Equestrian dreams remain safeguarded.” She stated with confidence and ease, as she landed and perched on the railing of Celestia’s balcony. “How was your rest?”

“Adequate.” The Queen of the Sun yawned, and stretched her wings. “And how are Twilight’s dreams?”

“As cloudy as they have ever been…” The Queen of the Night looked at the horizon. “I have tried more and more incantations to safeguard her from the Umbrum without my presence, but I fear I am not always succeeding.”

“Well, if anypony can, it’s you, dear sister. And Twilight, well…” She sighed, looking into the horizon. “I trust that she is incorruptible...”

“I pray you are correct in that trust.” She exhaled, and that immediately turned into a yawn. “Well look at that. And I figured I was the master of sleep– You’ve got me yawning.”

“Those are bedtime words, Lulu.” Celestia giggled, nudging her. “Go on, then. Let us start the day.”

Spreading her wings and bowing, The Queen of the Night lowered the moon.

Raising her chin with her wings wide, the Queen of the Sun raised the sun.

“Good morning, and good night, sister.” Chuckling, Luna turned around. “Time for my own rest–”

“W-what’s this?” Celestia gasped approaching the railing.

The raising of the sun revealed a glint, one she inspected closely.

Taped to the railing, there were two objects– Seemingly tickets.

She leaned forward and studied them– Two coupons for ‘Triple Treat Threat’s Ice Cream Parlor’, for a yearly Mother’s day discount. There was a distinctive design for each, that made one coupon smaller than the other, with a drawing of a smaller filly accompanied by the larger coupon, that housed the drawing of the larger mare.

She involuntarily giggled to herself, amused at the sight. It was adorable, and quite quaint, even if it was… Wrong.

“Hm. It is mothers day?” Luna questioned, reading over her shoulder. “I was not aware. How did these two tickets fly all the way to the tallest tower…?”

“They were taped here. They were taped– They were left here on purpose.” Celestia murmured quietly, taking those two coupons and studying them closely, carefully.

“Was this another lapse in security by our ‘brave’ captain?” The Queen of the Night huffed, rolling her eyes. “Honestly, sister… We ought to give him another lecture– Are you crying?”

Through tears and shallow breaths, Celestia shook her head. “N-no. No. Am I? Oh dear, I am.”

“...Sister, are you alright?” Regarding her with genuine worry, Luna approached. “Perhaps you are in need of rest…?”

She laughed through the sobs, smiling warmly, not understanding why she did it or why she felt this way. Through a single fluid movement, she climbed onto the railing of her balcony. “N-no, no, I am in need of something else.”

“What is it?”

“Ice cream.”

“Last call, Ponyville!” The train conductor announced.

Ears twitching, drowsy, the Princess of Friendship clumsily slid out of her seat. “O-oh! Over here! Excuse me…!”

The sunlight that had shone in her face throughout the journey didn’t bother her as she rested.

With fluid yet awkward magical movements, she removed a small suitcase from her compartment, and sped out of the train.

The trip had been a bit harsh– trying to sleep on a moving train while traveling alone wasn’t as comfortable as she hoped. And the several hours of trip from the Crystal Empire didn’t help either.

“Hi, I’m Twi–”

“Princess! How wonderful to see you again! The usual?” A booth manager smiled happily upon her arrival, opening the entrance to her booth to greet her.

“Yes please!” She forced a smile that more than pleased, as she handed over her luggage. “What are the Canterlot timetables…?”

“Earliest train isn’t the one you just hopped out of? Four hours.”

“Okay. Thank you, I’ll be here. Take care of my luggage, will you…?”

“Of course! I hope you had a good mothers day, Princess!”

“You too!” With a grin, she walked out of the station, and spread her wings…

…And immediately locked them in place, realizing flying would be more effort than walking.

The sun was high in the sky– She might have been late, but figured it was a given.

And onto the Carousel boutique she trotted.

If nothing else, it was comfortable to share tea with her friends weekly. It made the travel from the capital, or in today’s case, the Crystal Empire, significantly more comfortable– To know she had something to look forward to.

Ponyville was wonderful– Sometimes coming here felt like a chore and a diversion, and at other times, it felt like a welcome break. This time, it was a bit of the former.

Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie all sat at their respective seats in the Carousel Boutique’s living room– Sharing laughter and stories, their recent experiences, and tales of their families and love.

Rarity had perfected the art of tea time with friends, preparing the table and every snack in advance– And with Applejack in close proximity, she always had help.

“The whole Pie family was in the same place, for once!! Since Maud moved here, my parents said they were considering moving here when they retire too, hihihi!!” Pinkie somehow managed to perfectly time her sips of tea in between the pauses of her speech. “And since Limestone and Marble are a train ride away in Canterlot, they made it just in time!!! We threw a big party for my mom!!! She slightly curved her lips upwards! That was pretty big for her, hihihi!!”

“Maybe we oughta unite the Pies n’ Apples mothers day celebration next year, Pinkie!” Applejack snickered, drinking her tea. “We ain’t that different!”

“Oh, every Pie is different. That’s what makes us so sweet!” Pinkie declared with pride. “But you’re totally right!! We should!! It’d be so fun!!”

“Pff, c’mon, guys.” Rainbow leaned back on her chair. “We might as well celebrate every holiday with the six of us at this point.”

“Eh, maybe that wouldn’t work, it ain’t like we’re moms.” Applejack snickered, shaking her head.

“Yet.” Rarity affirmed without skipping a beat, side eyeing her love with a mischievous grin.

The Farmer flustered to oblivion, immediately silencing herself with the implications.

“Well, me and Rainbow had a lot of fun visiting my parents today…!” Fluttershy brought a tea cup to her lips, smiling warmly. “They’re really happy that I don’t live in caves anymore…!”

“Yeah, if all of you met her folks, you’d get why she’s like this, just saying, heh.” Rainbow snickered. “But they’re awesome! Really sweet. Sure as hell better than my parents, that’s for sure.”

“I wanted to introduce them to Cerberus, but…” Fluttershy giggled, shaking her head. “They were pretty scared. But he’s just a big puppy! And he’s been so happy lately, too…!”

“Well, my mother and Granny Smith had a wonderful time today…” Rarity responded, nuzzling the farmer next to her. “Uniting our celebrations was indeed a good idea…!”

“Hell, it sure was, sugarcube…” she nuzzled back. “Granny may be, well, a Granny, but she sure is a mama too! And we gotta honor that– Even the mothers that ain’t here…”

Rarity comforted her with a kiss.

Pleased giggles and silence followed.

“What about you, Twi?”

The Princess blinked in surprise. “...Huh?”

“How was your day? And how was your mom and your sister in law? You’ve been quiet!” Pinkie reaffirmed.

“O-oh! Oh. Um. It was fine.” She muttered, then quickly shook herself properly awake to respond. “I-it was good! Flurryheart is doing so, so well. She is so adorable…! And I think it was a good decision for my parents to move to the Crystal Empire to be close to her and Shining…!” The way she said it betrayed her.

“Aw… Ya don’t miss them, do ya partner…?” Applejack tilted her head in concern.

“S-sometimes. But… Princesses need to be above ‘missing’. I need to be better.” She muttered with a sigh. “I couldn’t see them often with my duties here in Canterlot, anyway… They deserve to be with family that’s more available.”

“C’mon dude, don’t be so hard on yourself, you’re still just a pony!” Rainbow affirmed. “You deserve a break and good stuff just like any of us!”

“Dashie is right, Twilight… Do you need a rest? A vacation…?” Fluttershy leaned in. “I’m sure Queen Celestia could let you go on a cruise or something…!”

“Maybe you could move to Ponyville? Take a break from Princessing?” Pinkie suggested and was shot down immediately. “You’d get to be closer to us and just chillax for a while!”

“Girls, I appreciate what you’re saying, I do.” Twilight shook her head. “But… You were there for the Summer Sun Celebration. This is what is expected of me now, okay? And I don’t want to disappoint.”

“Darling, please. Raising the sun once doesn’t mean you are ready, or more importantly need to be ready to do it every year after, or even every day after!”

“I’m sorry, but… None of you would get it.” She reaffirmed, looking down. “It’s… I have to be able to be better. No matter what. Whatever it takes. Equestria needs it.”

Pinkie blew raspberries, a bit sad. “Girl, if it makes you feel better… You’re plenty enough for us…!”

With a light, weary chuckle, she nodded. “I guess it does make me feel better, yeah. Thanks, girls…”

But her smile dropped, and it was evident to all that there was more baggage.

Fluttershy was the first to speak– She could see through the moping Princess easily.

“...Cadance is still mad at you, isn’t she…?”

Twilight rested her head on the table with a thud, and a scrape of her horn. “...Yes.” She mumbled in defeat.

“Damn, that’s rough, buddy.” Rainbow crossed her arms. “Doesn’t the Princess of Love have better crap to do than scrutinize you? I mean she’s got a baby! Go take care of the baby! Leave your sister in law alone…!”

“Yeah, Dash’s got a point. That’s kinda messed up, Partner.”

“No, it’s… It’s messy, yeah, but I don’t blame her.” Twilight pouted, looking away. “I keep telling her I’m not in love, and I promise her every damn time that I’m not, and she still doesn’t believe me. She thinks I’m lying to her!!”

“Maybe her horn’s on the fritz!” Pinkie added unhelpfully. “Like c’mon, who would you even be in love with??”

“Like I’d know! But she insists on it!” Twilight spread her wings in annoyance. “I have better things to do than be walking around looking for some boyfriend to fool around with! I’m a Princess!! My duties don’t include that!! You don’t see Celestia or Luna going around doing it, so why should I?!”

“Darn right, partner. Ya do yer Princessin’ how ya see fit.” Applejack nodded. “Don’t let yer sister in law get on yer nerves! It’s a Princess of Love thing, I’m sure. Part of her job description.”

“Oh yes, dear...” Rarity giggled. “Remember how she was with us? Certainly insistent…”

Fluttershy leaned forward quietly, giving the Princess a courageous smile. “Don’t submit to peer pressure! If you don’t want a relationship, that’s your choice!”

With a snicker, Rainbow nodded. “Yeah! Celestia ruled for a thousand years alone, why would you be any different?” She stated unsensibly.

A hush spread through the table, as Twilight looked away shamefully.

“...My bed does feel empty, sometimes…”

All residents on the table gave their own sounds of pity and consolation, most consisting of ‘Aww’s!

“Twilight, darling, if you would like some pointers…! I have many I could give, without being, um, well, like your sister in law, let’s say.” Rarity added with a careful tone. “We can dress you up nicely, attend a gala, and perhaps go on the prowl?”

“That sounds like I’m going to bite somepony.” Twilight frowned.

“I’m optin’ outta this one, sorry.” Applejack grimaced. “I only met one love, and it was by raidin’ a dragon keep, I dunno how regular folk do it!”

“Ditto…!” Fluttershy looked away in embarrassment. “My thing also had a dragon. The same dragon, actually…!”

“I know every single gay bar in Equestria!” Pinkie noted, raising a hoof. “If you want to at any time, I could–”

“I’m not attracted to mares, Pinkie.” The Princess added incredibly unenthusiastically, as she stirred her tea.

“Okay, I’ve got nothing.” The bard grimaced.

“Dude. Okay. Listen.” Rainbow spread her wings. “You, me, we go party, I be your wingman, and we get tons of chicks–”

“I'm not attracted to ‘chicks’ either.” The Princess blew raspberries.

“Alright, okay, you, me, we go party, I be your wingman, and we get tons of dudes–”

“G-gosh, okay, listen girls–” She hit the table with a hoof angrily, yet lightly. “T-that’s not the way! Look, I’ve read my fair share of books about courting, and the occasional romance novel, and you know what they all had in common?”

Silence, as the ponies looked amongst each other.

“No alicorns!” She groaned, fluttering her wings in anger. “You don’t get it, I can’t just– Go on dates! I’m royalty now, I have to be at a standard, and if I want suitors, I have dozens upon dozens, but not a single one of them would love me for who I am or get me, a-and–” She inhaled, sniffling, shaking her head. “This is dumb. Forget it. Not in the cards for me. I had my chance when I was an unicorn, and I spent it… Trying to get these.” She raised her wings unenthusiastically.

They looked amongst each other, trying to decipher a possible response or way to help.

“Half of the royals I meet are trying to suck up to me, the others are intimidated by me…” She exhaled. “Nopony treats me normally anymore. I… I get why Celestia is single now. I get why she stayed single…”

“Okay, just for clarification, do ya want to be in a relationship or not?” Applejack tilted her head, carefully addressing it. “‘Cause the way ya talked about yer sister in law, ya seemed to be pretty against it…!”

“I-I don’t know, I– I don’t know what I want, okay?!” She pouted, looking down. “S-sorry, it’s just been… A confusing set of months. I didn’t have this problem last year, and now… Ugh. And the weird dreams I’ve been having, too…”

“Darling, I want you to know, it is perfectly alright to be confused about your feelings regarding this… Touchy subject. And you can take as long as you need finding love! You are immortal, are you not?”

“D-don’t remind me…!”

“And hey! If you just want to test out flings, I’m an expert. I could show you the ropes!” Pinkie cheered, doing the closest a pony could do to a thumbs up. “W-well. Not in gay bars, I guess.”

“N-no. I don’t want flings. I don’t want anything quick I… I want commitment.” She murmured.

“Well that’s progress, darling!” Rarity clapped. “Oh! I have an idea, how about that Flash boy? Did you not dance with him at the Grand Galloping Gala? A Princess and her Captain– Has a ring to it, no?”

With a disappointed groan, the Princess leaned back and looked away. “We barely danced. I kept getting pulled away to meet more royals, and… I didn’t really feel that energetic. No, well… Flash is sweet, he is. And he’s close enough, yeah… But… How do I say it, he’s… he’s…”

“Bad at his job?” Stated Pinkie.

“Corny?” Whispered Fluttershy.

“Completely incompetent at his duty?” Suggested Rarity.

“Dumb as a doornail?” Added Applejack.

“A loser?” Noted Rainbow.

“All of the above.” Twilight murmured, fidgeting, letting out a prolonged sigh.

“Seriously, man. I couldn’t stand a month as a squire before quitting.” Rainbow huffed, looking away. “He’s just… A complete doofus at his job. Ain’t no leader of mine! I don’t even know why I wanted to join the guard in the first place...”

“Be that all as it may, darling…” Rarity tilted her head, narrowing her eyes, inspecting the Princess. “Are you completely sure you’re not interested in him? You see him often, he’s in a high ranking position– Well, Cadence is married to her captain, isn’t she?”

“I gave it some thought, and just… No.” The Princess pouted. “...Didn’t feel right.”

“Well, let’s workshop it! What is your dream guy?” Pinkie tapped on the table excitedly, making a rhythm. “Maybe if we narrow down, we can help you find your prince charming?”

“Blergh.” Rarity scoffed, which led to Applejack snickering.

“...Well…”

The Princess’s gaze went far, past the windows, further into the horizon, blurring, fading.

Many thoughts passed through her head– And many were discarded. Notions of being too picky, being undeserving, or being too open, fought aggressively within her.

She wanted someone courageous, someone strong, someone who she could vent all her troubles to, someone who was loyal and kind and that valued her safety and well being, physical and mental.

Someone that she could trust and rely on with anything. Someone she saw everyday.

Someone that she wouldn’t lose. Not due to immortality, or anything else.

Someone comforting.

She grimaced, shaking her head.

Because at the end of the day, without sharing a life experience, it was pointless to even try. She understood now, plain as day, why Celestia never did.

…But with her friends eagerly awaiting a response, she had to come up with something.

And what she came up with was an excuse.

“O-oh, oh gosh! Look at the time! My train to Canterlot leaves in a few minutes! If I fly, I can make it!!”

And so, she leapt out of the window with the briefest of goodbyes, ignoring the protests of her friends.

Silence befell the table after the thud of the Princess hitting her head on a window and escaping via the very same, as the friends looked amongst each other.

Rarity narrowed her eyes. “...Intervention, everypony? She needs some proper romantic relationships, we should attempt to set her up, urgently.”

Alone in her room at last. After what felt like an eternity since she had woken up in the crystal empire that day– longest mother’s day ever.

And it wasn’t even over, the sun was near setting, but not quite.

Her routine had more in store– But she had some time to spare.

She let out a long, weary prolonged sigh, as she stood in her room alone, dropping her luggage absentmindedly.

Empty and quiet, just like she left it.

Nothing ever changed.

And after that exhausting day…

She deserved a rest.

But before anything else, she moved to her closet with intent.

Cycling through her clothes, she made it to the end, the darkest corner, and found a jacket.

The jacket.

It wasn’t hers. She had never put it there, and she didn’t know who it belonged to. No holes for wings, and certainly a bit too big on her.

But she didn’t care.

Because that jacket felt comforting.

Grabbing hold of it, she clutched it tight near her muzzle, and inhaled.

A comforting smell. She did not know how to describe it in any other way– She had certainly never smelled anything like it before; The remnants of effort, of specific mane care, a quite specific scent that the interior of clothes like these would acquire where they take a part of their owner with them after prolonged use.

It was familiar, and yet, completely alien, and she refused to let it go no matter what. The sign ‘Do not wash’ Was taped to the back of it in very bold letters, an omen to any cleaning staff that approached her closet that they would incur her wrath should they trespass on this domain.

She didn’t dare ask anyone about this jacket– Nothing could ever risk it being taken away from her.

Well, the day was rough enough, she deserved this one.

She trotted to her bed and dropped herself on it absentmindedly, not bothering to bundle up in any form.

And she kept that jacket as close as she could as she did it. The best dreams she ever had came, when she slept this way. Not always, but when they did…

She inhaled once more. And wished everything could smell like that.

A faint smile manifested in her lips, and she didn’t even notice it.

Closing her eyes made sleep come easy.

Her dreams were foggy often, these days.

Whether they were nightmares or otherwise, they felt strange.

And so often, so, so often, there would be a featureless pony there with her.

She didn’t know them– Their features were obscured, foggy, no matter how close they were. Words were spoken, in a voice she did not recognize, in a language she couldn’t decipher. She could only feel the feeling, the closeness that came from them, and impressions of their emotions.

Memories replaced by the suggestions of feelings– Their afterimages.

She would be attacked, and that pony would protect her.

She would be resting, and that pony would lounge with her.

She would sigh– Her wings feeling heavy, and that pony would preen them.

She would dance, and that pony would hold her.

Sometimes, the dreams were more specific, no matter how vague and abstract the environments were.

The Princess was in chains. Surrounded by screaming cultists. And that featureless pony would rescue her without struggle, beating down any that were between her and Twilight.

The Princess was surrounded by diplomats, giving them a speech, and before she could pass out from exhaustion, that featureless pony would be there to whisk her away to safety and rest.

The Princess would be alone at a hot spring, a private, exclusive place in the palace. Comfortable, relaxed. That featureless pony would join her, this moment was theirs. She would feel the brush of a hoof on her cheek, she would feel a gentle kiss on her neck, and they would get even closer, until…

An urgent knock woke her up.

She found herself strangely embracing one of her pillows as she awoke. And that knock on her door resumed.

She groaned, furious, and let out a sigh of defeat as the knocks persisted.

“I-In a minute!” She almost snarled, stretching.

With drowsy movements, she carried the jacket carefully, and placed it back on its resting safe spot.

The knock continued.

She opened the door with a scowl prepared. “You’re late. By… An hour, I think? I even fell asleep waiting!”

Flash Sentry recoiled apologetically. “S-sorry, Princess! Hah, we gotta stop bumping into each other like this–”

“Yeah, yeah… Did you bring the list?”

“After courageously searching for it below every couch in the barracks, and bravely fighting a racoon for it, yes, yes I did.” Proudly, he displayed a clipboard with a short list that had light claw marks on it.

“Okay, run me by it.” After stretching and yawning, the Princess stepped through the door. “What else do I have to do today?”

“Well, it says here that you have to check on the post-catering of the gala, visit the barracks for a monthly assessment and um…” He squinted, the writing barely legible over the damages the clipboard had endured in the scuffle. “...Dinner with Queen Celestia and Queen Luna, I think?”

“You think?”

“The rest was claimed by the raccoon.” He muttered somberly.

With a groan, she began walking forward, shaking herself awake. “Okay, okay, well, let’s start with the barracks. Dinner and catering are next to each other anyways…”

“Y-yeah! Okay, let’s go!” He followed along clumsily.

“So, about my requests?” She side eyed him with a pout.

“Um… hang on, I think I got your other list here somewhere.” With his wings and hooves, he rummaged through a bag with poor dexterity. “O-okay! Okay. um. Okay, let’s see…”

She distracted herself on occasion, looking through the windows, seeing birds traveling far, seeing the light of the setting sun…

“Okay, first order of business, um, well…” he became sheepish. “...I have no idea how to do that.”

“Did you try researching it?” She responded curtly.

“Frankly, I thought ahead, and realized ‘sunk cost fallacy’ and all that, I, um, I think that’s what it’s called? Maybe. But yeah, I realized I have no knowledge of spells or incantations, and any attempts would just likely cause in another collapse of the barrier, and well–”

“--Yeah, we don’t want that.” Twilight pouted angrily. “I’ll just add it to my to-do list. But for the record, security is your job.”

“Y-yep! Yes! It is somehow!” He nodded apologetically.

“Okay, next item on the list, please tell me you’ve made any progress in catching her?” She pleaded with annoyance. “Any at all?”

“Well, you see, the thing is…”

“Flash, please don’t make excuses.” Her ears drooped low. “I’m way too tired for excuses.”

“L-look, she’s– Super agile! And… Finicky! And for what it’s worth, she hasn’t surfaced in months! We just gotta wait for the next crisis, right…?”

“Why, so she can do your job for you?” Her gaze pierced him like daggers.

“I-I mean, if that’s what she wants to do! I don’t know why you’re so upset about it. We don’t have any proof of her ever doing anything bad…?”

“That’s not the point, it’s the principle. Vigilante justice is something I already would frown upon, considering how risky it is to put the safety of our city on inexperienced strangers. But the fact that she hides her identity sells it– She’s up to something and I don’t trust her, and neither should anypony!!” She huffed and groaned, shaking her head. “We’ve got enough problems to worry about with enemies that show their faces. I don’t like some masked or cloaked vigilante mare going around doing whatever she wants!”

“But hasn’t she been super helpful?? That time with the sirens, that time with the giant plant monster, that time with Chrysalis, that Umbrum horde of timberwolves– Literally sending every bandit clan this side of Everfree packing–”

“You’re the captain of the royal guard, but it sounds like you’re forming a fanclub for a vigilante, Flash!” The Princess spread her wings in annoyance. “Let’s just focus and get back on track here. Next item on the list!”

A few seconds of silence passed, where he smiled mischievously. “...Are you just mad at the masked mare because she beat you and your friends?”

“O-outmaneuvered!! N-not beaten.” She pouted, looking away in embarrassment. “Once I find out how she mind controlled Cerberus to get him to help her escape Canterlot– Ohhh, I’ll get her.”

“I think you’re the only one that cares about actually catching the masked mare…” He muttered, shrugging. “Even Queen Celestia didn’t seem to care.”

“Because Celestia has better things to do than galavant around rooftops looking to catch vigilantes.” She looked away with an annoyed pout. “Look… Conversation adjourned. The barracks are right there, but afterwards, I’ll give you a stern lecture about your performance.”

“Great! I’ll add that to the list too.” He joked with a chuckle.

Her ears twitched as they approached the barracks through the gardens. A process they had done many times before– One that the Princess distasted more and more.

The Canterlot Guard was smaller now. Several guards had transferred to other cities and provinces, or quit altogether, for their own reasons, but a general lack of purpose was the primary one.

The Barracks certainly fit the definition of a ‘mess hall’ in more ways than one– Streamers hung from the ceiling and there were a few unpopped balloons deflating about, as well as uncleaned food remains.

“Threw a party the other day. For morale!” He affirmed with misguided confidence.

“The other day, huh.” The Princess blew raspberries. “Well, I’ll consider the barracks assessed… The assessment is bad. Let’s stop by the janitorial wing before anything else.” She kicked a balloon away. “At least Pinkie cleans up after her parties.”

Her ears stood up– She heard a clash– several impacts of battle outside, and even a cheer.

“Huh. What’s going on out there?” She tilted her head in confusion.

“Oh! Must be the new recruits training. Those squires, heh. They're good ponies.”

“Recruits, plural?” She raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“Okay, we only got one. But she’s really dedicated!” He smiled awkwardly. “Um, well, Actually, I could just introduce you.”

Twilight moved on her own, drawn to the sound of fighting in the gardens.

The sight was a strange one. Six guards surrounded a squire, trying to hit her with their own strikes, and she evaded all of them.

The Princess analyzed the scene incredibly carefully. The squire was strong– Noticeably, even from afar. And yet, impeccably agile. The guards would swing their hooves or their horns, and she would dodge and block them like their moves were in slow motion.

She could see, clear as day, that the squire pulled her punches– Whenever she would counter and strike back at one of the guards, she would do it with a smile, a confident, unwavering smile, of someone that was letting their opponents off easy.

A unicorn. One that wasn’t even relying on magic to fight at first– And incredibly, she was capable of teleporting as well, combining that with perfectly performed backflips and swings of her entire body made her feel weightless in her movements.

“...If your enemy is faster, use teamwork! Ambush them, catch them off guard, find an opening!” The squire declared with a wide grin on her face, as she continued to dodge every strike. “Otherwise, you’ll get overwhelmed by only one opponent, like this–”

Like she wasn’t holding back anymore, she struck each of them at lightning speed, surgical strikes, meant for knocking an opponent off balance, not for harming, and the guards fell over like they were made of paper.

“W-who’s that…?” The Princess muttered, her eyes wide.

“Our latest squire! She just joined last month! Feels good to have new recruits, it’s been a while…!” Flash smiled proudly. “And she’s really good, isn’t she?”

The Princess suddenly felt the urge to add interviewing new recruits to her schedule.

“Well, we gotta go check out catering, right?”

“No.” Twilight responded curtly, observing the unicorn.

The squire saw them. Her eyes widened– Ignoring the captain, ignoring the guards, she beelined for the princess of friendship with unwavering intent. Her smile seemingly widening.

She removed her helmet absentmindedly, letting it roll on the floor. Squire armor didn’t suit her– A simple leather vest and a bronze helmet felt ill fitting.

And just like that, this unicorn stood before her– The sun was setting in the clouds behind her, forming a halo around her figure.

She had a confident, pleased smile, as if she was exactly where she wanted to be, and could barely contain her excitement.

Her mane was fiery, and yet, cut short, just below chin length– Messy, like a fire, but perfectly accentuating the shape of her smile– A confident, unwavering smile, matched only by her eyes.

Twilight froze completely. Weary turquoise eyes were looking at her, eyes that indicated so much experience, so much living– And they regarded her with complete familiarity.

“Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship.” Sunset Shimmer affirmed with a raspy, yet undeniably friendly voice, familiarity matched only by its gentleness. “It’s an honor to finally meet you.” The Princess remained completely frozen as the squire bowed to her.

“Um. Bwuh?” Was the only response Twilight mustered.

“Hey, Sunset! I didn’t see you at breakfast today…?” Flash noted, approaching her with joy.

She didn’t even look at him. Her gaze was fixed on the princess as she responded. “Sir, I woke up before everypony, and decided to go out for ice cream. Figured I had some time before the day started.”

“Gotcha, gotcha! And why were you guys sparring?” He tilted his head in confusion, waving at the defeated guards behind her.

“Sir, one of the guards asked me to teach them to backflip. One thing lead to another, heh.”

“Y-you… you look s-so familiar…!” The Princess stuttered over her words, and then shook her head, bringing herself back to the present, centering herself. “S-sorry. But you look familiar, h-have we met before?”

“Hey! That’s what I said too!” Flash grinned with a snicker. “Doesn’t she look–”

“Flash, go wait in the corner.” The Princess commanded without thought, eyes fixed on the squire before her.

“Okidoke!” he saluted, and shuffled away, going to talk to the other guards.

Finally, they were alone, and Sunset simply raised one eyebrow, tilting her head– And again, she smiled through everything– A weary, delighted, loving smile. “He means well. I’m Sunset Shimmer, by the way. What was it you asked?”

“You. You.” Twilight affirmed, they were once step away from each other. “H-have we met before?”

“Sorry, Princess…!” She muttered with a knowing grin, shaking her head. “...I just have one of those faces.”

The face in question was immensely captivating. A rugged handsomeness, matched by a fiery beauty, and decorated with scars.

The Princess remained silent for a moment, studying every scar the unicorn before her had. Across her eyes, on her cheek, on her jawline– Even on her neck, and especially many on her legs and flank. Her eyes darted around, seeing so much history on the muscular body of that unicorn– History she felt desperate to study.

A hoof instinctively was raised, reaching for the squire’s face– One she forced herself to hold back, and one that the unicorn before her did not recoil from.

“...Are you okay…?” The squire’s confident smile waned, as she beheld the Princess with weary concern, but refused to back away.

“S-sorry, it’s just–” She took a breath, shaking her head. “How does a squire have so many scars…? And how do you know how to teleport, and– Fight so well…?!”

Closing her eyes, she chuckled– A short, delighted, tired laugh, of someone who had endured so much– And yet, remained unfazed. “That’s a long story, heh… You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

“A-and, um…” The Princess hesitated, her gaze constantly darting between the mare’s body and eyes. She realized then and there that this was the perfect opportunity to interview the Squire, a simple smokescreen to know more of her. “...Where are you from, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Hollow Point! Born and raised. It’s pretty out of the way, you might not know it…” She looked away only briefly, with a smile. “...But I’ve always been a Canterlotian at heart– I moved here when I was young, too… It’s a wonderful city, and I love every inch of it.”

Nodding shortly, the Princess desperately wanted to hear that voice more. “Hm, and why did you choose to join the royal guard? Recruitment’s been at an all time low…”

“I wanted to make a difference.” She affirmed without skipping a beat. “If you have the means, you should help improve the world, don’t you think? This armor is a bit tight on me, but… I think I’m right where I’m needed.”

“Y-you are. You definitely are.” Once again she nodded emphatically. “The guard needs ponies like you in it more than ever.”

“They sure seem to. The Captain is a nice guy, but he seems a bit lost, heh.” She shrugged, sparing a brief glance to Flash. “I’ll say, though, that I wanted to be a guard for another reason, too…”

“Oh…?”

“I heard the Canterlot Palace library has the most exquisite book collection in Equestria.” She looked up for a moment, somehow eyeing the exact tower the library resided. “I’m pretty studious myself. I wanted to see what I could learn from it– I just love a good spellbook, don’t you?”

Twilight gasped slightly– The fact that this mare was also studious was an enormous green flag that left her briefly speechless. “O-oh, oh um. Yes, I love studying! Books. Love books.” She clumsily stepped around her words. “W-what kind of spells were you looking to research…?”

“Funny story…” The squire looked away with a toothy grin and a chuckle. “I’ve got a roommate who’s just… Terrible with memory. I wanted to research the subject of memory and magic tied together. See if I can unravel its mysteries, discover… Certain things about it with her.”

“Well, if it’s studying you want, the actual Canterlot city library is open, and has a wonderful selection. I don’t imagine you’d find any book here that you wouldn’t find there!” The Princess smiled confidently.

“Oh, I’ve been there. Top to bottom.” The Squire inhaled, her smile waned only for a moment, and then resumed. “It’s… A wonderful library. Best smelling books in Equestria, hands down.”

“T-they do smell nice!! I’m glad I’m not the only one that thinks so…!” Her eyes gleamed and she suppressed awkward giggles.

“And hey, this is a palace. I’m sure the library here has more than a few books the rest of Equestria lacks...” She stated with confidence, resuming eye contact.

“Don’t get cocky.” The Princess grinned, raising an eyebrow. “The Palace library, and many other rooms of value are off limits to squires.”

“Bummer.” She continued to smile, shrugging, sparing a passing glance to the captain. “I guess I’ll just have to get promoted, then.”

That unwavering confidence silenced the Princess for a moment.

“Hm, unless, of course, if I was there accompanied by an authority figure?” With a toothy grin, Sunset took a step forward. “What do you say, Princess? Want to escort me to the library sometime…?”

The suggestion of being alone in a library with this mare sent inexplicable shivers through her body, as she flustered. “U-um, I’ve got a big schedule, haha! You know how it is…!”

“Hey, I’m not in a rush, if I have to become an official guard, so be it. I’ll take my time with it.” She shrugged again, smiling warmly. “After all… Better late than never, right…? Heh… That’s just… Something my mom says.”

“H-hah…!” She smiled back, eyes gleaming. “Your mom must be very smart! Queen Celestia, she–”

“Princess! Sorry to interrupt!” Flash walked into the conversation with an apologetic smile. “B-but, um, dinner’s soon, right? Don’t you have to go…?”

A groan of frustration escaped the Princess’s lips.

Having this strange, blissful moment interrupted for her felt agonizing.

“Oh well! I’ve got squire stuff to do, so I’ll get going.” Sunset smiled with a shrug.

And then hugged her, just like that.

The Princess felt the strong, loving embrace of Sunset Shimmer– Surprised at the proximity, surprised at the suddenness of it, surprised by the comfort that it brought.

Surprised by how the scent of the squire was so, so familiar.

A scent she clinged to so often, now embracing her.

“See you around, Sparkles.”

A loving whisper, a never before heard nickname, an unwavering smile.

Sunset left the embrace, and Twilight found that she did not want to let go, nearly toppling over as the squire turned around.

With swift movements, Sunset wore her helmet once more, and trotted away to meet the rest of the guards, seemingly challenging them all to continue sparring, met with fearful groans and laughter.

And Twilight stood there, alone, dizzy, bathed by the light of the setting sun.

“Hey Princess, you alright…?” Flash tilted his head, approaching her.

“Flash.” She affirmed with gritted teeth. “I want her promoted. Now. And as my personal guard. Now.”

“Um… You don’t usually have a personal guard…?”

“I-I do now!!!” She reaffirmed with a stuttering plea.

Her gaze followed the squire, who did not turn back. Every movement, every gesture, impeccably familiar, made with no hesitation.

It took all of her strength to turn away from that strange mare. Every fiber of her being implored to know more about her. To get closer.

But she was a princess, and princesses had duties. And Sunset Shimmer would still be here tomorrow, waiting for her.

And at night, in her dreams…

That certain pony would have a face again.

And the world said: I don’t need you.

And I said: I know. I’ve always known.

Here I am anyway.

Author's Note

The end.

Auuuugh.....

God, I'm so, so happy that I finally get to finish this one. If you're not aware, I was thinking of this story, this ENDING, since I started writing the Princess and the peasant-- And the day I began writing the bender fic, was the day I absolutely settled on the fact I'd finish this too.

And this was a true passion project, because Forgotten Friendship is my favorite piece of MLP media, and getting to rewrite it my way is just... ENDLESSLY satisfying. This, much like P&P and the bender, are stories I'd absolutely redo and rewrite with original characters. If I coulda put fingers on this, I swear to god, that Twilight dream scene would be steamier.

I hope it was to your liking! I know it might be a little disappointing to have no more Wallflower, I feel it, but it was important for the sake of having Sunset haunt the narrative, heh. She 🤝Sunset = Haunting the narrative together lmao.

The thing about desire is that it's stronger when it's not fulfilled ;3

So.... Who wants to read a fic of the year Sunset spent protecting Wallflower and beyond?

Ok, I'm only mostly joking. Although I have plenty of ideas regarding that concept, and already considered many scenes, I'm not jumping on it. I have other stuff I can work on, and I can absolutely use a break from writing rn.

Plus, just in general... I love this open bittersweet ending. I concocted such a fantastic conclusion that promises more, and uses all it came before, and I don't think that it's necessary to write more in this universe-- If anything, I'd absolutely do it for Wallflower, she deserves more time and focus, for sure.

But otherwise... This is a definitive ending for this saga for now. And I'm so, so happy with it.

I actually considered making this into a scene, but realized that the suggestion was more than enough. Plus, it'd be more fitting to a visual medium. They got to share ice cream after all, even if one didn't know it...

I wanted to purposefully make the perspective as far from sunset as possible. Focusing on the two closest people to her that would miss her, her mother and her love, and it was fun as hell to show the little intricacies of how the memory is gone, but the feelings are there.

And I got to do another orphanage scene... So many little nods to the first chapter, ah, it feels good. And the beautiful irony of all of Sunset's mother figures getting to celebrate mothers day together without even knowing it!!!

Something that is incredibly important, is that what sunset is doing right now is while also fully considering that she CAN'T get her loved one's memories back. She is making herself a new identity and a place in the palace, and she is right here, steadfastly interested in making twi fall for her again. If she doesn't get to restore their memories, she will have made a new life with the people she loves.

And, well, I think it's safe to say that she can eye that captain position with intent, heh. Lord knows flash doesn't know what hes doing, poor boy.

So she is simultaneously trying to legally sneak her way into the restricted section, AND form a new relationship with Twilight if she needs to.

How ironic, that this time, the Princess is the one that would make advances on her?

Also I debated on putting this on this chapter, but realized there wasn't much space for it, so I decided to take it off, but having Celestia being capable of swearing more casually because of Sunset's influence on her, even if she doesn't remember her.

But yeah if I do write that 1 year with Wallflower fic, it'll be intense. Tempest shadow is gonna come to kill the witch, and Sunset is going to keep finding excuses to keep canterlot safe, even as a vigilante, and of course, she and Wallflower will get closer.

Wallflower Blush deserves more screentime, she doesn't need to haunt the narrative anymore, she must be a little smelly girl on SCREEN

I want to go deeper into Wallflower being a witch! And def go deeper into the memory stone and what it can do!

Also can we just acknowledge my direct reference to the fact that Sunset once told Flash that she would never ever be a squire because its beneath her. And now he's her captain, and she's perfectly content and humble lmao. Ah, I love planning my entire story in advance.

Oh, and if you haven't noticed, every chapter, at least once, Celestia or Sunset say "Better late than never." Much like P&P's "There's a first time for everything," this is this fic's own message.

To Celestia, it's an alicorn way of living. She is immortal, so she can afford to be patient.

For Sunset, it's the simple idea that you can take your time, you can fall, you can fail... But if you rise, no matter how long it takes, it will be worth it.

Among the many things I want to write, I want Sunset and Wallflower to get deeply close each other, and then to Cerberus since they have all the time in the world-- And he makes for a wonderful guard. I want them to visit zecora multiple times since she's a witch too, and I'd def want to delve into the idea of the mane 6 being the elements, and how the new Everfree woods are changing with the influence of the newly formed tree of harmony is there, and how that's affecting the Umbrum advances.

Oh and of course. They bring Sombra back... Again... Hooray...

And we'd finally, finally get the Princess discovering that there's a secret, even better library inside her library.

Ah... But I'm satisfied. This is enough, for now, and maybe forever. If you like this fic, please tell me extensively, bc that feedback will make this feel all the more worthwhile. And hey, maybe consider reading my other fics! if you want to get an itch of Sunset Alicorn awesomeness scratched, the Shimmerverse is the fic for you.

But yeah, thank you so much for reading this, I've had this fic in my brain almost all year... And I finally got to put it down. It feels so, so good.

And remember:

Better late than never. ☀️