ACT 2 - FONDEST MEMORIES

CHAPTER 5 - THE STARS ALIGN

SUMMER

The barracks of the Canterlot Palace were more than adequate for the amount of guards they housed. And now, on this strange day, they all gathered, on the upper floors, by the tables, or standing attentively, waiting for this new announcement.

Celestia spoke clearly for all to hear through a mic, gesturing with her wings, calmly and gently. “It is true that the absence of Captain Shining Armor has left a certain position that needs filing. Although I do not shame any of you for poor performance these past few years, it has called to our attention to the necessity of strong leadership for a duty as important as yours.”

“A-and we’re not saying you’ve done a bad job!” Twilight quickly corrected from the sidelines, approaching the mic. “But we noted that there could be improvements!”

Suppressing a chuckle, Celestia continued. “Danger will always be around the corner. That is the nature of being the city that houses the Queen of the Sun– And now, the Queen of the Night and the Princess of Friendship as well; It is more evident than ever that we will be targeted by forces of evil. But no matter what, safety should be paramount to all inhabitants here. That is our primary concern.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m scared, well–” Twilight shot a quick glance to her Paladin who sat diligently behind them. “After all, I’ve had a personal bodyguard this entire time that goes above and beyond the call of duty. But she is only one pony! And all of us must pull our weight to make this city safer, if not the entire kingdom! It’s our collective duty to help our neighbors and friends!”

“Ahem.” Celestia noted, raising an eyebrow. “And of course, upon his departure, many guards that were loyal to Shining Armor left with him– Fearful for what would occur here without him, and fearful for the foe that caused him to leave in the first place.” She did not glance back to Sunset. “In light of all these occurrences, by the decree of the Princess of Friendship, and of course, mine as well, we have decided to elect Sunset Shimmer as the new captain of the royal guard.”

A hush. Many guards looked amongst each other with mixed expressions, some fidgeted in concern, some gasped, and many were confused as to why the demon that was the cause of the previous captain leaving would now lead them. In that crowd, Flash sentry and Limestone gave out their respective applauses.

Twilight took the mic with an awkward smile, noting the reaction, nodding emphatically. “I know it’s likely some of you have reservations and hesitations– But I want it to be known that Sunset Shimmer has my complete trust, and that she has more than earned this position through competency and hard work– And that I am more than happy with this decision!!” She finished with a nervous giggle, giving Sunset a supportive glance.

Celestia smiled fully, and spoke with confidence. “I share the same feelings. As I have personally trained Sunset in the past, I know that she is more than fit for the task. And I expect that you will all respect her authority in this position.” She turned behind her, tilting her head. “...Sister, would you like to say something?”

Luna walked over to the mic calmly, cleared her throat, and spoke. “Sunset Shimmer is more capable than all of you combined and she is here to whip you into shape–”

She was dragged out of the podium by Celestia and Twilight who made excuses for her.

With a sigh and no hesitation, Sunset took the podium, and narrowed her eyes at the crowd.

“I take it you all know who I am.” She affirmed calmly, and watched the crowd. There was some hesitation, maybe discomfort, and even anticipation.

“Maybe you’ve known me by the monsters I've slain on the outskirts of this city. Maybe you’ve known me as the protector of the Princess. Or maybe you’ve known me for leaving a building of Tirek’s cult with well over fifty corpses inside, while carrying the Princess to safety…”

The Queen and the Princess tried gesturing for her to change the subject.

“...Or maybe you know me for what I’ve done, and who I was. The failed pupil of Celestia that turned into a demon and rampaged through the very halls you’re meant to protect.”

Discomfort was visible in the crowd, if not intimidation.

“Whatever you know me for, I want to set aside your grievances right now. I am not volatile. I am not unstable. I am a danger only to our enemies– To the Princess's enemies. Can any of you question my efficiency in keeping her safe this past year?”

Not one person raised a grievance. Sunset’s efficiency was undeniable.

“When any foe tries targeting her, I’m there. When a monster tries attacking Canterlot, I am in the vanguard. And if the Princess was in danger, I would throw myself to tartarus just to keep her safe. Would any of you like to question this, from what you’ve seen of my work?”

More silence. Awkward, even, through how much Sunset put the guard to shame.

“My loyalty is with Twilight Sparkle, and it is a loyalty I’m willing to die for. Can any of you say the same?”

“DON’T die for me, though!!”

Murmurs and rumbling, awkward laughter here and there. The Princess and the Queen were trying to give silent feedback, while Luna nodded in agreement.

“Statistically speaking, you must all at the very least like Twilight Sparkle. Her popularity amongst the masses speaks for itself. And even now, she inherits all of the enemies of the Queen of the Sun. She will inherit the throne of Equestria, someday– All while the monsters and villains that want to burn this city and all it stands for to the ground believe wholeheartedly that the leadership here is weaker than ever.”

She leaned closer to the mic, determined, emphatic.

“It isn’t. They think we are weak. They think Twilight Sparkle is vulnerable, that she is easy prey. It is our job– ALL of our jobs to dissuade them of that notion. They think that the royal guard is fodder– Ants for them to step on on their way to the throne. It is our DUTY to prove them wrong. We are fighting for the future of Equestria– Twilight Sparkle is the future of Equestria. And I don’t know about all of you– But I sure as hell don’t intend to sleep on the job. Who’s with me?”

The crowd nodded and affirmed, some more empathic than others.

“I said who’s with me?”

Flash shouted out with joy, and several of the guards joined, with cheers and camaraderie.

“Now we’re talking.” Sunset couldn’t help but let out a grin– and the Queens and Princess applauded her from the side. “I made a vow that I would keep Twilight Sparkle safe, no matter what– And this is an extension of that vow. If any of you ever second guess my intentions, remember– This is all for her, and the future of our world. So if you took this job because you thought it’d be cushy or easy, I’m sorry to disappoint, but we’re meant for greater things. You’re ALL meant for greater things.”

Cheers continued, and she leaned back and grinned.

“And if any of you think that I gained this position through nepotism– Well, you know where to find me.”

The cheers lessened, and some were replaced with awkward laughter.

“Now. Onto business.” She arranged some papers on the podium, many of which Twilight had the pleasure of reviewing. “I plan on changing the training regimen, and not only for the squires; I’ll want to review and assess all of your current combat capabilities. I plan on getting some better funding for each of you to have armor that is more tailored to your individual builds– Loose armor and tight armor have a bigger chance of costing your life than the enemy you fight them with.”

Some positive affirmations and chuckles were heard from the crowd.

“I plan on ensuring that between Unicorn, Earth ponies and Pegasi, you all have specific needs met, both for your capabilities for combat and for your living quarters. We all have our individual needs for comfort, and I want them to be met so you are all at your peak.” She almost smiled warmly as she said it. “Important to note as well that I will adjust patrol patterns according to each individual schedules, and hopefully this job won’t need to impact your personal lives as much, and we’ll have a well oiled machine of security.”

Gasps of joy were heard among the crowd.

“Bottom line is– I've been watching all of you for a while, and I am well aware that the royal guard has seen better days. But trust me when I say this, you can always do better.” She put her papers away, smiling truly. “It’s going to be tiring at first, maybe even exhausting. But I want you all to remember, everytime that you’re wondering why you’re working so hard, everytime that you feel sore… I want you to remember the Princess of Friendship, and the future of Equestria.”

She glanced at Twilight, smiling with love. “...This is all for her.”

The barracks echoed with the cheers of the crowd.

“Not bad at all, Captain…!” Twilight gave her a mischievous, knowing smile.

“Psh. First day. Wait a week without things being on fire before you praise me.” She grinned, moving a few boxes.

The captain’s quarters– Currently vacant, currently being moved in to. Shining Armor had treated the place well, but dust had settled on this empty room, and at least one guard must have used this place as a secret snacking spot, given the provided evidence of old dried orange peels littering the corner.

“I dunno… I have a good feeling about this…!” Twilight nodded truly, coming a little bit closer, with a gleeful smile. “It’s… Really nice to have an official title for you around here.”

“I’m not going to throw a party till’ at least a year.” She snickered, shaking her head. “Provided I live, I could always mess it up and get fired before then. Who knows.”

“You’re not going to mess it up.” Twilight affirmed with absolute certainty. “You’re intelligent, courageous, a great planner, you think really well under pressure, you’re super strong…”

Her voice trailed off as Sunset’s own grin became mischievous, with a chuckle, coming closer. “Go on, Princess, keep listing my best qualities…”

With a distinctive fluster, one where she smiled fully through, she came even closer. “You’re really attractive… And you take really good care of me…”

“...I can take even better care of you right now, if you’d like–”

“Hello, my little ponies!” Celestia teleported into the room, bringing boxes with her– And her appearance made them take a professional distance immediately. “Did I miss something? How goes the move?”

“Excellent, perfect, really good”

“Uhuh, yeah, yeah, very excellent”

“...Okay?” She tilted her head with a small grin. “Luna will be arriving shortly with the last of your things! Oh, how exciting, this is!”

“Sure is.” Sunset cleared her throat as professionally as she could, as she continued to set up her armor stand.

“Yep yep yep” Twilight swiftly wiped the fluster off of her face and had to walk in a circle once before finding something to do.

“Look here, Sunset…!” Celestia fished out her old guitar from one of the boxes. “Miss Peony would love to know that you kept practicing with that bard fellow of ours, wouldn’t she?”

“Eh!” She shrugged, setting up her armor full, and moving to a box of clothes. “She probably doesn’t remember I even existed.”

“Nonsense.” The Queen huffed, placing the guitar down, and unboxing something else. “We still receive yearly invitations to the reunions in her home, for foals like you.”

“Foals?” She almost laughed.

“E-excuse me.” The Queen chuckled in embarrassment. “For grownups like you.”

Twilight snickered in the corner, even Sunset found the commentary too innocent not to pass up without a laugh.

“Well…” The Captain pondered for a moment. “Let me know if we get another invitation. Maybe I’ll consider it this time.”

“It would be my pleasure--”

“Hail, all!” Luna teleported into the room, straining while holding several boxes with her magic, and letting go. “I have finished the move!! You are welcome!!”

The three other occupants each had their degrees of panic over the swarm of boxes and other objects that were carelessly dumped over.

Lucky for Sunset, she did not have many objects of interest, and yet they were carelessly brought all the same, and with it, she had to leap forward and dive down to grab her camera before it shattered, and Celestia and Twilight leapt forward with similar clumsy yet helpful intent.

“What a grandiose day this is!” The Queen of the Night stepped forward, drinking in her surroundings. “I have been Queen for less than a year, and already I am proud to witness evolution in our beloved kingdom…”

“Relax, I’m barely moved in, c’mon!” Sunset chuckled out, moving about her things, ensuring nothing had shattered. “I haven’t even gotten a full week of Captaining yet. Sing my praises when I avert a war or something.” She kept smiling through it all.

“Can you blame us for being proud, Sunset?” Celestia spoke with a warm smile. “This is a beautiful turnaround for you– And I know that you are ready.”

“Yeah, yeah…!” She looked away, to avert showcasing to the others how much she was smiling.

“You’re gonna do great in the job, Sunset. I just know it!” Twilight fidgeted giddily, flapping her wings. “Who knows, maybe you’ll do even better than my brother…?”

With ears twitching, the Captain narrowed her eyes with a glance. “...I see what you’re doing. Challenge accepted.”

“I found this curious object in your apartment, Sunset, shaped like a painting…?” Luna brought it forth, inspecting it.

“It’s my picture board! Thanks!” Beaming, she walked forward, grabbing it and unpackaging, and in those same motions, swiftly hanging it for all to see.

It was her most prized possession the past year.

The picture board was already pretty close to full– And she planned on expanding it. It had been Pinkie’s idea, when they first began Sunset’s bender, the bard wanted to record all of the festivities and eventualities, even if the Captain was reluctant at first.

Pictures of the Bard and her going on shows, going drinking, playing together, pictures that Pinkie had taken of Sunset on her routine, especially with Twilight; Some of which they were aware of, some of which they were not.

Pictures of Sunset’s experiences with the Pie sisters. Having explored multiple caves with Maud, having helped Limestone join the royal guard, and assisted loosely on her training as a squire, having spent calm moments with Marble, and even provided her a job on the archives section.

…Old pictures of her and Flash, and a few new ones. Pictures he had safekept, and happily gifted her. Younger years, loose years, and how they had reconnected recently, even as distant friends.

A few, very few pictures of her night with Starlight and Trixie– She had kept only the ones that could be easily explained in a conversation, and allowed the magician to keep the rest, no matter how raunchy they were. She didn’t find these bad– Deep down, she had quite enjoyed the one incredibly wild night they had.

One single picture of her and Moondancer– One she quite cherished.

And of course… More pictures of her and the Princess.

“Oh my…!” Celestia gasped, with a loving smile, eyeing every picture. “This is wonderful, Sunset…!”

“Thanks, I’m, uh, I’m pretty proud of it…!” She flustered awkwardly, setting her camera close to it. “It's a work in progress. I plan on adding more.”

“Indeed…!” Celestia continued to examine it thoughtfully, smiling fully.

“Come along now! We may only rest and receive our respective treats and rewards once we have unloaded all of this!” Luna proclaimed happily, and the others followed suit.

The process became more efficient, and still, Sunset found herself smiling through it more and more, making the place her own, making it official.

And she had noticed more than once, Celestia continued to observe that picture board, distracted by it.

After an hour of hard work, Sunset sighed with delight. “Well, that’s about it, really. Thanks for the help, Queens, but you should really get going, I’m sure you’ve got more important stuff to work on.”

“Oh, nonsense, Sunset! It was our pleasure!” Celestia spoke proudly, with delight. “Is there anything else you require–”

“--Sister, we have meddled enough.” Luna raised an eyebrow, grinning. “Let us leave the Captain to her privacy– And to settle her matters with the Princess.”

Twilight Sparkle cleared her throat. “U-um. I’ll be getting going soon too! I just have to discuss some important stuff with the Captain in private!”

Silence. Not awkward, but one in which the Queens eyed the other two, and the Princess pretended there were no implications.

“What kind of things will you discuss–” Celestia was wing slapped by her sister before she could finish speaking, and thoroughly guided out of the room.

“W-well then, we will see you soon, Captain Sunset!” The Queen of the Sun called out from outside of the room, and promptly teleported away.

“Looking forward to working with you, Captain Shimmer.” The Queen of the Night saluted with a smirk, and followed her sister.

Silence, and a pleasing one.

Sunset let out a sigh of relief, sitting down. “Okay, well… We’ve still gotta clean up these boxes, but I don’t mind a break if you don’t!”

“Oh, absolutely!” She spread her wings with glee. “Breaks are proven to increase productivity to an unequivocal degree. We absolutely should–”

She was silenced by a kiss, one delivered by a grinning Sunset. “Hey. I never laid on that bed before.” She pointed to the corner mischievously. “...And neither have you, Princess.”

The fluster intensified to extremes, as Twilight nodded quickly. “...I think we should remedy that immediately, Captain…!”

“I concur, Princess–” But she stopped, her eyes leading her to the picture board. Swiftly, she moved to it with curiosity. “--Oh. Damn, she didn’t…!?”

“What happene– Oh!! Aww….!”

There were now several pictures laying at the bottom of the board, waiting to be hung up– All from Sunset’s childhood, and her experiences with Celestia– Many of her as a foal. Pictures Sunset had either discarded, or never kept.

“The Queen left these here, right?” Twilight regarded them with adoration.

“...She kept these in her wallet all the time, and now she’s giving them all to me… What the hell.” She muttered, chuckling nervously.

“It’s gotta mean something good, right…?”

“M-maybe.”

“Are you going to hang them up…?”

“...Yeah.”

“Your body is your WEAPON! Swing it like you mean it! Battle is a dance, memorize the steps, but don’t be afraid to freestyle!” Sunset called out, giving out pointers, as a group of her guards battled a manticore. “Remember, your partners are everything! They’ll make up for all you lack! Attack together, combine your strengths, cover your weaknesses, and the enemy won’t know what hit them!!”

Despite the clumsiness, the quartet managed to restrain the monster’s tail, subdue it, and deliver a finishing blow.

The creature vanished into magical sparkles, and the runic arena pulsated with life.

“Good job! Roothoof, you have to work on telegraphing the enemy’s attacks. Gale, you’ve got a good mastery of magic horn strikes, but you have to mind friendly fire. Dewdrop, no notes, you’re moving swiftly, perfect. And Limestone? Fantastic usage of leverage and Earth Pony strength!” Sunset spoke without hesitation, getting closer to the console that controlled the magical arena. “Alright, you four take a break, next team, ready up!”

Celestia had been watching proudly, silently, near the console. “...Well done, captain.”

“Thanks! And thanks for letting me use this arena.” She didn’t even look at the alicorn, but was smiling all the same.

“It is a bit nostalgic, isn’t it…?” Celestia muttered pensively.

There was no good nostalgia for the captain. Only a brief moment of thought reminded her of all of the training she pushed herself through, all of her worst violent instincts, and where it led her. She forced the thoughts out, and shook her head. “You don’t have to stick around, by the way. I’ve got a pretty good hang of how the arena works now…”

“...A-ahem, I suppose so.” The Queen folded her wings close. “...And I suppose I may watch one more round, just in case. You must learn to be comfortable with accepting help, Sunset.”

With a hum of affirmation, Sunset prepared the next team, and the next monster, in a long line of guards that were practicing.

And Celestia watched the entire time, proud of her leadership skills, and how far she had come.

In a quick sidebar, Sunset grinned at the Queen. “...Does letting me use this mean you plan on showing Twilight the restricted section?”

A short but delighted chuckle immediately erupted from Celestia, as she shook her head. “Oh, no, let us leave that moment for when we have a true emergency. We both know there is no going back, when Twilight Sparkle finds a well of knowledge."

“Heh. That’s for sure.” She snickered, and shrugged. She perked up and yelled out as she saw her guards falter. “H-hey!! Watch your flanks! You don’t have the benefit of knowing when the enemy will deliver a finishing blow, so don’t give them the chance!”

“May we have another round of applause for the pony who has arranged this wonderful summit, Princess Twilight Sparkle!” Celestia bellowed with glee to the crowd of onlookers in the halls of the palace, and turned to her pupil. “You’ve done incredibly well, my student. Go on, now…!”

“Mmhh yeah…!” She spoke, mid yawn, and quickly slapped herself awake so she could speak, spreading her wings wide in front of the crowd. “T-thank you everypony! With delegates from over fifty cities, attending three days of conferences, receptions, and meetings, this is the largest grand Equestrian pony summit yet– And let me tell you– Putting it all together has led to more than one sleepless night. We are so excited to have you here, and to learn about life all across this great land of ours…! This summit has been wonderful, I am so glad to have met you all…” Her exhaustion was palpable, but she smiled all the same. “...And I hope you all enjoy this last days of festivities. Now, take it away, Queen Celestia…!”

Cheers and applause echoed the room, as people declared their love for the alicorns.

Stepping forward, The Queen of the Sun assured her to go back to the sidelines quietly, joining the others, while spreading her wings with glee. “Thank you all so much for having visited us– And as a final treat, I will reveal wonderful news to all of us. Due to the ascension of the new Princess, and the return of my sister, I and several world leaders have agreed upon a meeting in the hall of unity, later this year, in autumn! It will be a momentous occasion for us all! Now, please enjoy this final day of festivities with no more worry!”

More cheers and applause, as Twilight wobbled her way over backstage, feeling fatigued from her previous uninterrupted hours of consciousness.

“Oh dear. She’s crashing.” Sunset noted immediately, coming to her aid, ensuring she could lean on her Captain, who she promptly put a wing over and sighed of exhaustion on. “I’ve got you, I’ve got you, heh…!”

Luna tilted her head, analyzing the Princess of Friendship. “She is overdue for a proper rest. I could put her to sleep, if need be?”

“No need. Trust me, as soon as she’s in bed she’ll conk right out.” Sunset grinned. “Hangon, though…!” Twilight began climbing on her captain’s back both instinctively and clumsily, almost falling over. “Easy, girl…!” Sunset laid down, giving the Princess of Friendship ample chance to climb on her back and immediately begin muttering sleepy affirmations.

"Uppies. I want uppies."

“Oh dear!” Celestia finally walked backstage, inspecting her pupil with worry. “I was hoping that Twilight would be conscious to hear how well she performed these past few days…!”

The alicorn in question muttered and mumbled incoherently while clinging to Sunset’s back.

“Easy, Sparkles.” Sunset grinned. “Okay, Queen Celestia, how well did she do, gold star?”

“Above and beyond.” Celestia smiled warmly. “Twilight Sparkle, you have once again proven that your capacity for organization, planning and leadership is impeccable. It will be my honor to have you follow me on our trip to the Hall of Unity later this year… And of course, you too, Sunset. As her captain, you will be needed.”

“O-of course.” She nodded quickly, trying not to let the weight of the responsibility crush her, unlike the weight of the Princess, which was significantly more bearable.

“Nonetheless– Twilight, you have dutifully earned your rest. And if you are too incoherent to understand me– I will praise you tomorrow.” Celestia chuckled lightly.

Luna joined in on the snickers. “Yes, I strongly believe that she is not hearing you. Go on, Shimmer, take her back to her quarters, she needs uninterrupted rest.”

“Roger that. I’ll make sure she gets some sleep right away.” Sunset nodded and saluted and immediately addressed some of the guards near her. “You four. Go warn the rest of the patrols to keep noise down in the castle, especially near Twilight’s room– You six, with me.”

She moved diligently and efficiently, with the Princess mumbling incoherently on her back. “Nearly there, Sparkles. You did really well, I hope you heard that.” She smiled genuinely. “Gold stars all around.”

A few quick loving mutterings were heard, as Twilight nuzzled the back of her neck. “Thank you, thank you, I’m proud to be here, thank you for coming…!”

“Okay. You six– Nopony is to disturb Twilight’s rest, I mean it– She is now an off-duty Princess, and I’ll make sure that she’s safe from up close– You all can patrol this tower and ensure there’s no solicitors or anything of the sort, and NO requests for her presence, alright?” She ordered immediately upon reaching the doors, and the guards saluted and followed her instructions to the letter. “And you have full permission to use violence if necessary.” She grinned, nudging the mare that clinged to her “Right, Princess?”

All that Twilight did was mumble and nod faintly as she clinged tighter. ”Yes, of course, friendship is wonderful… The ties that bind us all together… Give them a hug…!”

“You know your orders. And above all, do not enter this room. No one is to disturb her, not even us.” She commanded one final time, before heading inside.

She let out a sigh. After having kept a close eye on the Princess for the past few days, even she needed a rest. Thanks to her diligence, nothing had happened in the many meetings and conferences of the past few days, and she had held on steadfast.

Incredibly gently, she placed the Princess on the bed, who immediately rolled over, letting out another cute yawn.

“Sleep well, Princess–”

“Captain.”Twilight muttered faintly, waving a wing weakly, pointing at the bed.“Your Princess requires cuddles.”

Letting out a chuckle, Sunset skillfully got out of her armor, with many rehearsed motions, and swiftly climbed into the bed.

Twilight immediately wrapped herself around her, cozying up on the crook of her neck and embracing her with a wing. “You did so well today, Twi.” Sunset affirmed with a proud grin, while she used her magic to cover them both under the sheets. “I hope you know that.”

The Princess’s tail wagged about weakly, as she smiled.

“Worth it… For this…”

“Walk me through it, Raven.” Sunset noted, while inspecting the magical defense department– Dozens of scrolls and staves littered the walls, many comfortable chairs and proud old ponies worked about, in a windowless room lit by torchlight. “And you’re Floral, right?” She raised an eyebrow.

“Yes indeed, we’ve met! Nice of you to remember my name, youngster.” The old mare huffed, but grinned. “I’ve seen you walking around these halls when you were yay high.” She hovered a hoof low.

Raven, adjusting her glasses, cleared her throat and pointed the artifacts around them and to the floor itself. “This entire room IS the magical defense. There are runestones and power crystals embedded in the walls and buried in the floor, and they’re responsible for the magical barrier that protects the castle. And yes, as you’ve asked, the runes have not been changed since inception.”

“Only on extremely rare occasions.” Floral blew raspberries. “Property ownership and all that nonsense. Some arguments between old wizards, I ain’t gonna get into it.”

“Ugh.” Sunset rolled her eyes, aware of pointless red ape. “Okay. I’m here for this specifically. We can’t swap the runes or power them further so the barrier protects the entire city, right?”

“I am afraid not. Since they were cast upon the inception of the palace’s creation, the only way to redo the spell would be to essentially refurbish the entire room.” The secretary noted without hesitation. “Meaning, replace the foundation. Difficult, but not impossible.”

“Yeah, yeah…” The Captain thought for a moment. “And even if we did, the barrier would be spread thin, and it’d be weaker, if it were to cover the entire city. I’ve got you.” Narrowing her eyes, she looked down to the floor, to the many engravings in stone. “...And does the barrier extend underground?”

“Nonsense!” The old mare shrugged with a laugh. “What, do we need to protect ourselves from moles now? You just mentioned spreading yourself pointlessly thin!”

“There’s underground tunnels and cave systems that go across all of Canterlot mountain– Including under.” Sunset affirmed with confidence. “I know a caver named Maud Pie that took me through several of them. And if an earth pony easily gets around it, how hard would it be for somepony like Queen Chrysalis to abuse that weakness?”

The two mares had a moment of reflection and grimaced.

“Okay. We’ll have to compromise.” Sunset grinned, and shrugged. “I’m sorry in advance if it feels like meddling too much, but I absolutely want these runes and spells replaced and fine tuned. I’ll make sure that I have trustworthy ponies on the job, and I’ll personally supervise it. Even if we spend a few days exposed, it will be worth it once it’s all set up.”

“Now, now, youngster!” The old mare crossed her arms with a pout. “I don’t appreciate you trying to tell us how to do our jobs, especially when it involves redoing our entire existence’s work!!”

“I’m not trying to insult you–” She nearly chuckled. “--But I’ve lived in this castle for nearly two decades, and I’m incredibly acquainted with the security inefficiencies of it. There have been dozens upon dozens of new protection spells that work in tandem with each other beautifully that were created since the dawn of Celestia’s rule– And I think this is more than overdue for a replacement.”

Floral was about to complain, but Raven raised a hoof with a grin. “She is well within her jurisdiction, as the Captain of the royal guard. Security is her responsibility.”

“Indeed it is, thank you Raven!” She smiled proudly, with a nod. “We’ll make the barrier into a fully fledged orb of protection that covers the cave systems as well; If not for smaller threats like Chrysalis, at least it could help us with earthquakes caused by bigger threats. I’ll even have some expeditions with my men and that caver I mentioned to ensure that we can seal off as many passages as possible on those cave systems, just in case. We’re going to recast all of these spells and runes, adapt them to modern spells, double their potency, if not triple, and with it, maybe we’ll keep any Umbrum vessels from barging in like that fiasco of a few months back.”

“T-that was a blip in the system…! That automaton was incredibly weak, too!” The old mare huffed, but then sighed and nodded. “But aye, I see your point, youngster. We’ll allow it. But even with all that boost, an orb will be more difficult to power than a dome, you know that, right?”

“We can make exceptions.” Sunset nodded pensively, taking out a map of Canterlot, showcasing the castle. “There are multiple gates surrounding the castle; And I’ve been beefing up security in all of them. We won’t need a magical barrier around them because of it.” She looked at the runes and crystals around her, and smiled. “...And with some modern spells around here, it could even allow us to change the protection of the castle on the fly– Provided we hand the key to only the Princess and Queens, of course.”

“Incredibly well put, Sunset.” Raven nodded proudly, tapping the map. “This will combine well with the rest of the new structural defense changes you’ve established in the perimeter.”

“Yeah. And since we can only protect the rest of the cities with patrols, I have an idea…” Her gaze blurred as she looked behind her, to the many halls of the castle. “...This castle is large enough to house all of Canterlot if necessary, right?”

The two mares looked at each other with both confusion and hesitation.

“I’ll make sure that we have alarms that can inform every citizen that they can evacuate to the safety of the palace if need be. This is our bastion, after all.” She grinned pensively. “And I’ll make sure that my guards are prepared for evacuation procedures. If all else fails, everypony can fall back here.”

“Very wise. Canterlot has not been besieged in centuries, but you are right to have precautions.” Raven leaned back proudly. “Now, about the actual magical defense…”

Tapping her hoof on the floor, Floral cleared her throat. “Okay, okay, you can mess with the spells– But you better bring some talented wizards into this– Top of the line!”

“Expect a mare named Moondancer to show her face around here.” Sunset smiled truly, while turning around. “Accompanied by the Princess of Friendship, if not the Queens too! Thank you for your cooperation. Let’s go Raven!”

“Certainly!”

Sunset noticed as they moved, how the old Aide had an unusually cheerful demeanor. “...You seem chipper.”

“I am just happy to see that you are happy, Captain.” She noted with a grin. “...It was about time.”

A half hearted awkward chuckle escaped Sunset’s lips, as she looked forward. “Hah! Hah, um, yes. Okay. Next on the list, let’s review our airships, shall we?”

“We shall! Lead the way, Captain.”

“Okay lovebirds, I believe we’re all done!” Cadance clapped her hooves with glee, as the runes faded from the ground and air in between Sunset and Twilight. “Twilight, you should now be able to call Sunset from essentially anywhere in Equestria if you need to! Look at you. Innovating the frontier of love spells… I’m so proud!”

“Thanks for all the help, Cadance! Can Sunset do the same?”

“Why would I need to?” The Captain shrugged, smiling. “Okay Princess, give it a shot.”

The Princess of Love eyed the experience with a full smile and expectation.

Twilight cast the calling spell– The usual magenta glow that would flow out of her horn turned red in its end. It dissipated into the air, not like a flare, but aurora.

“Did it work?” She opened a single eye, inspecting.

“Oh, it worked.” The Princess of Love eyed the Captain with mischievous joy, as she read her heart.

Sunset’s face was flustered automatically– Her gaze was forced to Twilight almost involuntarily, and her tail whipped about all the same, as she eyed her Princess.

“Okay, that definitely looks like it worked, hihi!” She giggled, fluttering her wings. “How does it feel?”

“It’s…” She hesitated, still feeling the effects, blinking several times. “...It’s a calling… But from deep inside. Like I can hear your voice… Or just feel you, personally asking for me to be there.”

“Does it feel bad or maybe weird?” She tilted her head analytically, but couldn’t help but smirk at seeing Sunset fluster.

“No. No it doesn’t.” Sunset shook her head, smiling fully.

“Good.” With a nod, she turned to Cadance once more. “Okay, now let’s see if we can make a spell so that Sunset can call me!”

“Wait up, why?” The captain shrugged, coming closer. “I’m meant to keep you safe, you need to call me. I can’t imagine much utility on the opposite?”

“You never know…?” She pouted. “I wouldn’t mind if you could call me from anywhere…!”

“C’mon, you’re the Princess.” She shrugged, smiling. “You’re the one with the power, just don’t abuse it, heh– Besides, making this spell took us long enough, and I’d love to get some snow cones. Haven’t been on the crystal empire in ages, and I want to make up for lost time.”

“Oh I could definitely use some snow cones, Captain…!” Twilight giggled mischievously, nuzzling her with affection. “I want to show you my favorite library in the city, okay? After.”

“Your wish is my command, Sparkles.”

“You two are SO cute together. I’m going to explode.” The Princess of Love affirmed, fluttering her wings and fanning herself with glee. “Ah, the way Sunset found purpose in pledging herself to you and how it fulfills her– And how Twily never even knew what being in love was until now– My heart is FULL, LOVEBIRDS!!”

They both frowned, sighing, and Sunset was the first one to speak up. “You still can’t tell anypony about this.”

“WHY???!?! The latest princess in Equestria, My sister in law, is in a profound, joyful, fulfilling relationship, and I’m meant to NOT spread the news far and wide?!?!”

“Y-yes. Yes, you are meant to keep it a secret, Cadance!!” Twilight huffed and pouted. “Sunset doesn’t need any allegations that she got her job through nepotism, and I’m not ready to put myself even more in the spotlight!! Have you seen what tabloids say about me?!”

As if reciting, endlessly amused with herself, the Princess of Love spoke of just that. “The latest Princess of Equestria, seemingly following in her predecessor’s footsteps, has been adhering strictly to a chaste lifestyle, but the question now raises, will somepony deflower the future queen of our nation, or will she be as guarded and reserved as the Queen of the Sun–”

“UGH!” Twilight huffed out, crossing her arms. “That’s enough, I’ve heard plenty already!! I can’t believe them…!”

“Like I said; Vultures.” Sunset affirmed with affection. “They’ll keep making stupid assumptions, you can’t let it bother you. You’re better and you deserve better.”

“I’ve already got better.” Twilight leaned forward and kissed her lovingly.

“There you go, Princess.” Sunset grinned fully.

Cadance looked like she was having a stroke staring at them. “UUURGHHGHRGHG You two are so FULFILLED and you refuse to share this love with everypony else??? Criminal!!”

“Okay, let me make this simple for you.” Tapping one hoof in the floor, Sunset tilted her head. “You’ll keep our secret, or I’m challenging Shining Armor to a duel, Captain to Captain, and breaking all of his legs.”

Silence, as the Princess of Love eyed Twilight slowly, who simply raised an defiant eyebrow in response and nodded. “Dang, Twily, your own brother? That’s cold…!”

With a sigh, the Princess of Love rolled her eyes. “Fiiiiiiine. But only because I know you’d probably actually do it, you’re crazy like that.”

“I sure am.” Sunset nodded sagely, smiling mischievously.

“Look, I plan on telling Shining soon, at least.” Twilight huffed, looking away. “I want him to know, both so that you can at least talk to somepony about it, but also, cause, well…”

“--He should probably know that his sister is sleeping with the same demon that almost killed him.” Sunset let out an ironic, awkward chuckle.

“Oh, it’s water under the bridge! Almost four years ago, c’mon!” Cadance, flapping her wings, waved dismissively. “If anything, I should be thanking you! You’re the reason he moved here with me, that we got together, and not just that, but losing to you gave him even more reason to train, so you unequivocally made him hunkier.”

“...Huh. You’re welcome?” Sunset grimaced in confusion. “Wow. You two took my demonic rampage surprisingly well.”

“Sparkles don’t hold grudges!” The Two Princess spoke in unison, shrugging and giggling.

Sunset couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity, as she rolled her eyes. There was almost an internal disappointment– She wasn’t even expected to be welcome in this castle or Canterlot. It all started with Twilight, a pattern of people forgiving Sunset when she didn’t deserve it.

“Alright lovebirds, before you two go out be cute in secret together, I need some time alone with my cousin.” Cadance affirmed, waving a wing.

“...Who?” Sunset tilted her head.

“You, dumbass!” The Princess of Love facehoofed.

“We’re not–” Sunset shook her head, exhaling. “Whatever. Twilight, wait for us outside, will you?”

“Of course! I’ll make a schedule for us to visit Empire landmarks based on priority of importance! And tasty treats within its vicinity…” With a pep in her step, the Princess left the room.

Cadance let out a snicker, and walked over to the balcony, with Sunset in tow.

The skyline of the crystal empire was gorgeous. Lights reflected off of the buildings below, as aurora borealis danced in the night sky, with snowy mountains as far as the eye could see. Sunset had never imagined she’d manage to visit places like these when she was a foal– But after being taken in by Celestia, she visited places like these like she was visiting family…

“We’re not family, by the way.” Sunset leaned on the railing, narrowing her eyes at the vista. “What I’ve said before stands. My relationship with Twilight is not official, and Celestia was only ever my teacher.”

With a sigh, the Princess blew raspberries. “You were adopted by her. She’s your legal guardian, much like she was for me. Hell, you were closer–”

“No. Not like you.” Sunset frowned, gritting her teeth. “You were the daughter of a monarch she knew, a close friend. Taking care of you was both her responsibility and a favor to an old friend that died. You literally inherited this throne, and you may as well have inherited your wings– While I was a little orphan she never knew, and she took me in as a pupil.”

“...My mother would be proud of me for the life I live now. Just how Celestia is with you.” Cadance affirmed softly, gently. “That has to count for something, right…?”

“No. All me and Celestia have ever done was hurt each other.” She huffed, rolling her eyes. “Just because you took my rampage well… Let’s stop talking about her. It’s over.”

“...Sure, Sunset. I can read your heart, you know. I know how happy you are now. I know how fulfilled you are.”

Grinning sarcastically, Sunset shrugged. “You don’t need magical heart-reading magic to see that.”

“And still, you’re holding yourself back.” Cadance pouted, shaking her head. “I get it. Self forgiveness is difficult– And self improvement even more so. But look at where you’re at right now! You can go higher…!”

“I’m not–” She sighed, shaking her head. “Trying to go higher is what caused me to become a demon in the first place, okay? The Umbrum had me like their fucking puppet and they made it look easy, because I was so desperate for power!! ...But I know my place now.”

After some silence, Cadance groaned in frustration while leaning on the railing, her eyes trailing off, until she turned to Sunset again. “...Have you used the L word with Twilight yet?”

The Captain blinked in confusion, narrowing her eyes. “...Lesbian?”

“No, dumbass!” Cadance huffed out, facehoofing. “LOVE! Have you told her you love her yet?!”

“Oh. That.” Sunset smiled awkwardly. Shrugging. “Sure, yeah. I did it once.”

Cadance tilted her head expectantly.

“...When she was asleep.”

“Sweet Celestia, Sunset. You’re killing me here.” She folded her wings close, covering her face with her hooves. “I’m dying. Really.”

“--Look– I literally pledged my entire existence to her– I’ve made more than one vow that my life belongs to her.” Sunset huffed, looking down to the skyline. “She knows. I don’t need to say it.”

“That’s not the point!” She spread her wings wide, almost angry. “I can read your heart!! You love her more than you ever loved yourself– She’s literally the reason you’re still alive, in more ways than one!! And you don’t need me to tell you that you’re a fine hunk of meat that is giving her everything she never knew she wanted– You’re taking the Princess of Friendship to pound town nearly every night, taking her to heaven, and you’re okay with the world thinking she’s a single virgin?!”

“First of all, please never talk like that again.” Sunset tapped the railing angrily. “Second of all, yes, I’m okay with it, you answered your own question. She asked me to be okay with it, so I am. What part of our relationship has inclined you to think that I want anything more than to be in her servitude until I die?!”

“I dunno– The part where you’re the gateway to both of each other’s wildest dreams?!” She flapped her wings in frustration. “I care about your happiness, you know…?!”

“Whatever.” Sunset shrugged, rolling her eyes. “We’re plenty happy. And I’ve had my fill of hubris for a lifetime, thank you. I’ll fight for her, I’ll keep her safe, I’ll love her as much as she wants me to, and then I’ll die.”

“Great idea, idiot.” Cadance rolled her eyes, huffing. “You might want to take into account the fact that you’re concocting a reality in which losing you would break her.”

“I–” She bit her tongue, now actually angry. “Fuck you! She’s stronger than that!”

“I’m sorry, are we talking about the same Twilight Sparkle?” She tilted her head with a smug grin. “You taught her how to be in love. Reap what you sow, dumbass.”

“Fuck off. She can do better than me, I’m just around until she realizes it, okay?!” She smacked the railing angrily, and looked away. “T-this. All This! It could all be temporary, for all I know. And I know I don’t fucking deserve it.”

“I can read your heart. I know you not only don’t mean that, but just how much it’d hurt for you to lose her.” She affirmed immediately, shaking her head. “You’re scared. But this foot-at-the-door attitude you have is only holding you back… You underestimate yourself, AND her.” The alicorn looked away too. “Be her boytoy if you want. But this will always mean more to her than just a fling, and you know it.”

“There isn’t a happily ever after waiting for me. I’m not your Shining Armor. Don’t get this shit mixed up.”

“Yeah, at least he had the decency of putting a ring on it.”

“...Whatever.” She huffed, looking down.

Silence passed, as neither said anything, looking at the vista instead of each other.

Softly, almost like a whisper, the Princess of Love inspected her. “You stopped drinking because of her. You stopped killing because of her… Right?”

“Read my heart.” Sunset grumbled, with a sigh.

Yes. She had changed nearly entirely for Twilight Sparkle. And it felt easy, when it was for her.

Effortless.

“...And still, still, you’re afraid of all of this. This sounds weird to say about a Paladin with a pledge, but…” The Alicorn looked down pensively. “...You have a problem with commitment, Sunset.”

No response.

“...Or maybe your problem is with hope.”

Again, no response.

After bitter silence, Sunset finally looked up at her. “...Look. If you’re worried about how I’m gonna treat her, don’t. I’ll keep treating her like a Princess, because…”

“--Because you love her, yeah.” With a long, prolonged sigh, Cadance leaned on the railing forlornly. “...Please at least tell me that she used the L word.”

“Oh– Yeah. Several times actually.” Sunset nodded, with an awkward grin.

The Princess of Love frowned at her with a piercing gaze, knowing there was more to it.

“...During sex.” Sunset’s smile somehow became more awkward. “So, um, it might be involuntary, I don’t think it counts. ”

“For the love of–” The Princess of Love nearly threw a fit, but breathed deeply. “--Okay, get out, go have your secret lovey dovey snow cone fest. I’m gonna pop an aneurysm if you two keep this up, I swear.”

The Captain, in the past, had sat far during briefings, near the doors– or allowed Twilight to be alone in the throne room entirely.

Now, Celestia had them together in the throne room for every briefing, whether it was about the royal guard, or the princess. And whenever the briefing was done…

“...And how have you two been doing?” Celestia looked to them expectantly, as soon as they were prepared to leave.

Twilight and Sunset eyed each other with slight confusion, then back to the queen. “...We’ve been doing fine?” The former stated.

“You certainly seem to be doing well! Getting along lovely, I imagine?” The Queen of the Sun egged on, almost surgically.

“...Yeah, sure. Everything is fine.” Sunset shrugged, smiling at Twilight.

“It just seems you are closer than ever! And it warms my heart to see–” Celestia was nudged by her sister aggressively, who glared at her. “A-ahem.”

“Forgive my sister, you two.” Luna stated through gritted teeth. “But we both have an agenda we must follow, and I’m certain you two have somewhere to be as well. Go along now!”

“O-okay! See you!” Twilight affirmed, and left the throne room with her captain.

As soon as they were out of sight, Luna sat back on her throne in annoyance. “...Honestly, sister. Have you no decorum?”

“Well excuse me! But I believe my suspicions are correct, you know?!” The Queen of the Sun huffed and pouted, sitting back on her own throne. “I believe there is a chance that they are romantically involved… But why they’d make it a secret, I do not know.”

“Perhaps they are put off by the idea of the sun hovering over them.” Luna said curtly, narrowing her eyes. “Have you forgotten the conversation we had with Cadance? Whatever direction Twilight and Sunset’s friendship goes, it is important that we do not meddle.”

“...I am simply happy for them. I would just express that, if I knew. I am confident that they are treating each other well, and I simply wished to congratulate them–”

“No meddling.”

“A-and you know; What this could mean for the future of Equestria–”

“--No meddling.”

Another relaxing uneventful evening of study in the palace library. They had both gotten quite used to the routine. For Twilight, it was always about expanding her horizons. For Sunset, at times, it was to either practice guitar, read fiction, or work on captain duties.

“Sunset…! I think I’ve got something…!” Twilight almost whispered with a smile, as she brought a book with her, closer. “Something that could be really, really big!! …Well, maybe, but big!!”

The Captain had been doing some studies of her own of the schematics of the castle and how to better improve security, but she gladly shafted it aside. “Huh? What’s up?”

“Do you remember the elements of harmony?” Her gaze was almost of expectation, excitement, wonder, with a tail whipping about.

“How could I forget, heh.”

“So, Celestia hid them– Even I don’t know where– Because the power is a bit too much for even one pony to wield at a time. They’re unstable weapons of mass destruction in the wrong hooves, and in the right hooves, they’re still very unstable. It was kind of crazy that I even survived using it without I dunno– Having my mind collapse into madness, or my blood turn into yogurt…”

“I’m not surprised, Sparkles. You’re just that good.” Sunset stated with a warm flirtatious smile.

She blushed slightly as she giggled. “B-but here’s the thing– I've been studying the book that you gave me that had information about them, and I kind of realized something interesting– There doesn’t necessarily need to be one wielder for all of them!” She passed the book over.

Sunset perked up, raising an eyebrow, inspecting the images and writing. “Huh… I guess each element does have its own concept it represents…”

“Exactly! And because every element is unique– Maybe it would be possible for six ponies to each wield one of the elements, to master the power together, without succumbing to it!!”

“...In perfect harmony. That is pretty incredible.” She whistled with wonder, nodding.

“I-I know, right?! The potential applications of this are endless!!” She flapped her wings with joy. “B-but It's only theoretical. After all, we don’t exactly have a group of six ponies that can work in perfect harmony hanging around…!”

“Yeah, yeah, heh. Celestia survived for a thousand years without the elements, I’m sure your Equestria could survive a rule without them too.” She shrugged, but smiled warmly either way. “But hey, maybe we can keep an eye out?”

“T-totally! I’m not in a rush, but it would be pretty nice to tell Celestia about this. After all… We’ve got two down, right?” She came closer, regarding Sunset with adoration. “...Four to go…!”

“H-heh, I guess we do.” They nuzzled each other, before sealing the study with a kiss.

“Alright, alright, settle down, all of you.” Sunset chuckled out, as a large group of guards gathered around her attentively in the barracks. “Today, your training is going to be a bit different– It’s special. So you all better listen up. Now. I want you all to look at the guard closest to you.”

They all followed suit, some with snickers, some with feigned seriousness, few with professionalism.

“Now, raise your hoof if you know that guard’s name.”

Over half of the crowd raised their hooves, few were the ones that pondered or awkwardly shrugged.

“Now, raise your hoof if you know if this guard was born and raised in Canterlot.”

More than a few of the hooves that were raised lowered with hesitation. Some shot confused glances at the guards they looked at, some made educated guesses.

“Now, raise your hoof if you know if the guard next to you has siblings.”

Several hoofs lowered. In fact, very few hoofs were still raised, as the nature of this exercise was becoming more and more clear to everyone.

“Okay, we’re getting there.” Sunset grinned, leaning forward. “Now. Raise your hoof if, and only if, that you’re certain that if the guard next to you was an impostor, you could tell.”

There were very, very few hooves that were raised in that crowd, as the mood dampened.

“That’s what the point of today’s exercise is.” Sunset smiled proudly. “Changelings aren’t the only ones that can deceive– And there is more than one way to infiltrate a palace like this. And you are all meant to be a team, a well oiled machine. Meaning that in the event that a guard next to you was replaced, you should know it right off the bat– As if a friend of yours was acting strange, too strange.”

Murmurs of unease and slight fear echoed around the guards.

“I know the people I trust– But I need us all to be able to trust each other. I need you all to be able to look the pony near you in the eye, and know that they would fight with you through thick and thin.” She affirmed proudly. “And if we manage to pull this off, foes like Chrysalis will struggle to ever find leverage on us.”

The guards became slightly more confident, if not hopeful.

One of them raised a hoof to call attention. “Captain! Question!”

“Yes, Lieutenant Flash, what is it?” She raised an eyebrow with a grin.

“Are we… Bonding?” He smiled giddily.

Sunset tilted her head, with a smirk, and walked over to a cloth that covered several objects, and unveiled them.

A large black board with dozens of individual chalks, several board games, and towering above all, a large stack of pizza boxes.

“Yes. Today, we are having a bonding exercise.” She announced with joy, as she began distributing the pizza boxes among the crowd with her magic. “We have to know each other by name, well enough that we can trust each other with our lives. We are having a trivia night, we are playing games, and we are eating together. Let’s begin the training!”

“Ugh, my wings are killing me…!” Twilight grimaced, huffed, and fidgeted with them, grinding against the dress she was wearing quite poorly; The straps and frills tightened around her uncomfortably, and her wings cramped up, having to be in positions that were far from relaxing. “Rarity was right, I should never buy new dresses without proper measurements first…”

“To be fair, Rarity might have just said that because she wanted you to buy her dresses, heh.” Sunset shrugged with a chuckle. “How bad is it?”

Twilight looked around the party nervously– The gala certainly wasn’t huge, but it was more than full enough for this to be a problem if it kept up. “...7/10…?” She muttered out shamefully.

“Okay, when you say that I know it’s above eight.” Sunset immediately nudged her forward. “C’mon, let’s find a private spot, I'll help you out.”

“T-thank you…!”She murmured with an embarrassed fluster.

The Captain led the way through the party easily, anyone close to her would instantly make way, and the Princess followed in tow. She spotted an seemingly open room, and entered it, quickly inspecting it.

Another lavish room in the manor of a royal, but more importantly, it was private.

She closed the door behind them. “Okay, whip em out.”

The Princess wearily laid on the carpet with a tired wince, and spread her wings, as the captain let her helmet roll on the floor. After the ties of the dress were loose, she carefully sat near Twilight, and began preening her.

“T-thank you. Gosh darnit, I needed this…!” The Princess murmured with sighs of relief, as Sunset adjusted her feathers as gently as she could.

“Glad I could be of service.” The captain affirmed calmly, smiling, with feathers in her mouth.

Twilight made motions to try to preen her free wing, and immediately gave up, simply enjoying how good it felt on the one Sunset was doing for her. It was significantly easier for another to do it, and she was more than tired.

“So, what do you think, half an hour and we bail? You’ve made your appearance already.”

“Hmm…” She hummed quietly, letting out another sigh of relief. “Mmmmaybe. I owe it to the nice family that threw this party a bit more attendance… I mean, the charities they donate to, y’know…?”

“Don’t worry, I won’t count it down starting now.” Sunset grinned, as she moved to the other wing, reveling in being able to relieve her princess. “We can take as much time as we want, right here.”

“Best captain ever…!”Twilight muttered out among quiet chuckles.

“Pay me back later.” She grinned, leaning a bit closer. “Or you know… Soon. This room seems pretty private, after all–”

Her ears twitched.

She heard a concerning noise.

A camera shutter click.

Her gaze turned drastically towards the door, which was now opened just a few inches.

“Shit. Be right back.”

“O-oh no…!”

Sunset teleported out of the room, and mere seconds after, she teleported back in, bringing with her a reporter who whimpered nervously, and whose camera was clutched between his hooves.

Twilight watched with fear as she realized the picture that had been just taken.

“Heya, paparazzi.” Sunset snarled out, pinning the reporter against the wall, and ensuring the door was closed. “Have you been enjoying your evening? Found any good scoops in this party?”

“H-hello, Captain Shimmer. It’s a pleasure to meet you!! Haha!” He laughed nervously, glancing down at the camera. “A-and you too, Princess Twilight!!”

A photo slid off of his camera, Sunset snatched it, and incinerated it immediately with her magic, and still, forced the reporter onto the wall. “What is it you think you saw here, exactly?”

The stallion’s eyes nervously shot between the two. The Princess frowned with worry and frustration, and the Captain just glared. “U-um… The Captain of the royal guard and the Princess of Friendship being a lot more intimate than all of Canterlot presumes them to be–”

Sunset pressed him harder against the wall, shutting him up, but she did not speak as sternly, instead, calmly. “Okay, listen up. Statistically speaking, you must like the Princess of Friendship. Hell, maybe she’s your favorite alicorn. Just look at all she has done for Equestria, in the few months she’s been a princess…”

No response, as he nervously couldn’t avoid her glare.

“Now. If you care in any degree about how the Princess of Friendship feels– How the future monarch of Equestria feels, her well being, her interests, her privacy… Why would you be trying to take pictures of her at a party?” She tilted her head, almost in a friendly manner. “This is your chance to do something for Equestria. Apologize to the Princess for disturbing her privacy, and don’t bother her again, or even think of writing pointless tabloids about your assumptions of her personal life. Do you hear me?”

“W-well, you see, the thing is–”

“Do you hear me?”

“I-I hear you! I hear you! S-sorry, sorry, it won’t happen again, Princess! Y-you totally deserve your privacy and e-everything. I’m really sorry!” He spoke with whimpers, and he meant it.

Sunset nodded, with a confident smile. “There you go. Wasn’t so hard was it?” She let go of him, and opened the door, gesturing for him to leave, a gesture he obeyed with nearly a gallop.

Huffing in anger, she closed the door, then moved a couch to block it immediately.

“S-sorry. My fault. I should have been paying attention. These fucking vultures…” She let out a sigh, shaking her head. “Close call. Let’s hope he doesn’t wimp out and post a story about this... My bad–” But she stopped.

She stopped because Twilight was regarding her both with pride, a warm smile, and a fluster.

“...What? What’s up?”

“Oh, it’s nothing…!” The Princess chuckled, waving a hoof dismissively. “It’s just, well… A year ago, you would have threatened to break his leg or something. Or actually broken it. I didn’t even need to tell you to use your words… I’m just proud of you.”

The Princess’s warm smile made her heart flutter– And her eyes widened with the realization that she hadn’t even considered violence as the solution to that problem.

“W-well, um… Wow. Heh.” She chuckled to herself, looking down. “Ahem, anyways, where were we?”

Twilight walked forward, kissed her with tremendous affection, then offered her a wing. “You were being the best captain ever.”

Sunset cried out, and pierced the hide of the hydra, coming out of the other side through its heart.

She sputtered, breathed out, drenched in the beast's entrails, and watched as a wyvern descended from the heavens to join the fight.

Taking a battle stance, she prepared to charge, until…

“...Fighting old battles again?” Queen Luna muttered from behind her, as the Wyvern faded away with her magic. “Excuse me for taking so long. Busy night.”

“Yeah…” With shallow breaths, she stretched, and exhaled. “...Busy night here too.”

“Do not worry. These shallow attempts to break you will never work– And I will be here whenever they come.” She smiled warmly, coming closer, and with a wave of her horn, the blood on the armor of the captain faded away.

“...Thanks, Queen Luna.” She smiled genuinely, laying on the floor to rest, observing the night sky. “I’m happy to report that these nightmares have gotten less frequent for me. Maybe the Umbrum are giving up…?”

“...Maybe.” She murmured, observing the horizon, with doubt in her voice. “...Or maybe…”

“...Maybe they’re planning something. Yeah.” Sunset closed her eyes, with an inhale. “...But it’s hard to feel worried. We’re more united than ever– They’d have to make a pretty powerful vessel to match any of us, and now that you’re here, they can’t even approach the dreams of the most powerful ponies in Equestria.”

This nearly prompted a chuckle from the Queen of the Night, the absurd idea that there might be no danger. “...Or maybe you and I both just need to get acquainted with periods of peace…”

“Hah! Maybe.”

“Nonetheless…” She took a seat next to the captain, looking forward. “...I am pleased to see that you have recovered well.”

“We both recovered.” She grinned, breathing deeply, weightlessly. “And we won’t let this happen again to anypony else.”

“Indeed.” She smiled truly, and stood again. “I must take my leave. I am needed elsewhere.”

“Wait! I’ve got a question.” She stood immediately, curiously. “...Twilight told me that she had frequent nightmares– It’s the Umbrum, right? Targeting her?”

“...Yes, indeed.”

“But she also told me that… That whenever she had a nightmare, I was there to protect her; To save her from the nightmares. Well, she dreamed me being there to protect her. I just wanted to know… Was that you helping her?”

With a light chuckle, the Queen shook her head. “That is not my style, Captain Shimmer. Twilight Sparkle defended herself from nightmares all on her own. It just so happens that her defenses took the form of you.”

“H-huh. Wow. Huh…” She smiled with an embarrassed, flustered chuckle. “...How about that.”

“The subconscious reveals things of importance, always...” The Queen shrugged, as she walked into the night sky. “I do not need to tell you the worth you have in the Princess’s eyes. You know that better than all of us. Goodnight, Sunset.”

“Goodnight, Luna.”

AUTUMN

“We should be coming up on Mount Metazoa soon!! Oh my gosh, oh my gosh!!” Twilight fluttered her wings with glee, feeling the wind on her face and feathers, as she leaned against the railing of the airship. “W-we’re about to attend an event that hasn’t been held in CENTURIES! We’re about to be a part of history, Sunset!!” She nearly began hopping up and down with excitement.

“You sure are, Sparkles.” She grinned, keeping her eyes forward.

Mount Metazoa. The Hall of Unity. A symbol of harmony between all races of Equestria, a towering, enormous almost manor-like structure built entirely atop of an incredibly high mountain, surrounded by an even taller valley, with many of the peaks already having hints of snow, all lit up gorgeously by the rising sun, courtesy of the Queen that rode the same airship they did.

Already, they could see the many vehicles that the other races rode to the same meeting, the sky was littered with the occasional airship, or with soaring dragons, griffons, hippogriffs… And they all headed towards the same hall.

The Princess tapped the railing of the airship rhythmically and with unmatched excitement, as her wings fluttered. “I’ve been looking forward to this for months!! What a tremendous opportunity for diplomacy! For negotiation!! To exchange information and knowledge with every creature from across Equestria!!”

“Ah, reminds me of my last visit here…” Celestia joined them at the bow, with a delighted sigh. “How long ago was it again…? Raven?”

“Seven hundred and fifty-three years, your highness.” She replied without even looking away from the forms she was sorting.

“Thank you, Raven.” The Queen chuckled out. “Truth to be told, it has been long overdue– But Equestria has not had many world-bending occurrences like Nightmare Moon, or even an ascension of another princess in the past few centuries– It is never quiet on this lovely land of ours, but still…”

“Kind of hard to match the moon returning to us.” Sunset shrugged.

“Precisely.”

Slowly, their ship began docking, and the Hall of Unity looked ever taller, ever imposing, ever beautiful. With gorgeous gardens at its periphery where the creatures that docked were meeting, with enormous statues that represented different species, and gorgeous stained glass windows, they couldn’t help but gasp at the sight.

“Speaking of Luna…!” Sunset pondered, tilting her head. “Kinda sad she couldn’t be here, huh?”

“Oh, my dear sister chose to stay home.” Celestia giggled, shaking her head. “She has been looking forward to being a temporary solo ruler of Equestria, after all!”

“Huh! I wonder how she’s doing!”

“Queen Luna, I insist that we begin this briefing–”

“In a moment!” She shifted, and awkwardly shuffled in Celestia’s throne, trying to get comfortable. “My sister’s backside is abnormally large, and I am trying to find an optimal position… Ack, confound it…!”

“...Your highness, you have your own throne, right there–”

“Shush. I am nearly there.”

“Okay, Flash, Limestone, Indigo, Bon Bon. Stick near us, but at a distance, alright? I want you in sight. The rest of you, feel free to visit the hall at your own will! Be vigilant!” Sunset commanded the guards that came with them on the airship. “And mingle! Make a good impression, have fun! We’re here to bond with the rest of Equestria, so be social!”

“Aye captain!” They all saluted, and began chuckling with excitement amongst themselves, dispersing into the hall.

“Captain! Question!” Flash raised a wing.

“Yes, Lieutenant?”

Limestone asked for him, grinning. “May we take a break for sampling the cuisine from other countries if necessary? I heard there’s some goddamn delicious foods from countries we never visited, so–”

“--Oh! Oh!” Indigo raised a hoof. “And break for checking out the theater? I heard there’s some crazy shows from all over happening–”

“Oh yeah!” Bon Bon giggled. “I heard there will be a few conferences there too, I'd love to attend those!”

With a delighted sigh, Sunset shook her head. “You know what? Be on standby, but feel free to go join the others. I’ll handle Princess security, you all go enjoy yourselves.”

“Roger that, Captain!” They cheered amongst themselves, and sprinted into the hall.

Rolling her eyes but smiling all the same, Sunset went back to the gardens, to meet Twilight and Celestia.

“Queen Celestia? Hey! It’s been a while!” A blue dragon walked over to them, carrying on her shoulder a smaller purple baby dragon, who was writing on a clipboard pensively. “What a relief to meet a creature I actually know around here!”

“Princess Ember! Aww, look how much you’ve grown!” Celestia amused herself with a giggle. “Look at those wings!!”

“Hah, thanks. I’ve made looooootsa other dragons jealous with my flying skills, let me tell ya.” She crossed her arms and spread her wings with a smug grin. “Who are these other two ponies?”

“Hi! Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship!” She lent a hoof to shake with a true smile, incredibly excited. “I haven’t had the chance to meet many dragons, and I’m so happy to be here!! Tell me, is it common practice for dragons to wrestle as a form of affection, or is it strictly for antagonism?”

“Heheh… As you can see, Equestria’s newest Princess is quite the diplomat.” Celestia chuckled gleefully.

“I can see that. To answer the wrestling question: Both, but depends on circumstances.” She amused herself, with a shrug. “Sometimes both at once.”

“Oh! And this here is the newest captain of the Canterlot royal guard, Sunset Shimmer!”

Lending a hoof, she politely shook it. “Nice to meet you.”

“Sunset Shimmer… That name’s familiar…!” Ember pondered for a moment, then snapped her finger. “Oh yeah! You’re the one that killed Bedrock the Crusher, right?”

“Um. The what?”

“Yeah, yeah, I can see it.” She measured the captain with her gaze. “I mean, you are super small, but hey, looks can be deceiving. I could write a book about that.”

“What are dragon libraries like?? What kind of paper do you use to keep the books from easily immolating!!?” Twilight flapped her wings in excitement.

“W-wait, wait, hang on a second. Who’s Bedrock the Crusher?” Sunset grimaced in a second.

“Eh, maybe you’re not the Sunset Shimmer I’m thinking of.” Ember shrugged, looking at the queen. “Celestia visited the dragonlands a few years back to tell us that an old pupil of her killed one of my dad’s toughest warriors in a fight, decapitated him and everything. It was one awkward meeting to be in, I’ll tell you that much. ‘Sorry for my pupil murdering your warrior, she was defending a town and didn’t speak your language, but I assure you that she has been thoroughly punished…!’” She snickered at her own attempt at mimicking Celestia’s voice.

A tinge of sweat passed through Sunset’s cheek, as she glanced at Celestia, who egged her on to play along with tremendous worry and a hint of regret.

“Hahahaha, wow!” Twilight smiled awkwardly. “Maybe it was another Sunset Shimmer!”

“Bedrock the Crusher was one of our toughest warriors. I don’t blame you for taking him out, though. He was kind of an asshole. I mean who just goes ‘I’m going to raze pony villages to prove my strength!!’ Like. Ponies are puny. Small. That’s not a challenge, man.”

“I guess he met his match with me…!” Sunset breathlessly muttered, still in disbelief.

“And we have already sorted out everything with your father, so let us not tread old waters, haha!” Celestia fluttered her wings with concern and an awkward smile.

“I mean, I guess. But shouldn’t she not be a captain of a royal guard after a capital offense like that? Maybe be imprisoned or something?” Ember tilted her head, raising an eyebrow.

The three ponies spent three agonizing seconds considering their next words carefully.

“Hah! Just kidding. I don’t care. I ain’t my dad!” Ember slapped her knee while guffawing. “Seriously, pony. Taking down a dragon by yourself? Respect!” She offered a fistbump.

“Heh, yeah, I didn’t even break a sweat!” Sunset grinned, bumping it.

“Don’t push it!” Celestia muttered nervously.

With incredibly awkward and nervous laughter, Twilight stepped forward. “Ahahahah not to completely change the subject, but who’s the little guy riding on your shoulder?”

Ember nudged the baby dragon with a smile. “Oh him? He’s my advisor! Hey, Spike! Say hi!” She spoke quick words in her language, growls and snarls, but happy all the same.

The little dragon giggled and waved at the ponies, saying an attempt at ‘hi’, then went back to writing things down.

“Yeah, sorry, he doesn’t speak your language yet. He’s got a bigger brain than most idiots back home, though.” She snickered with a shrug, giving the little guy a fist bump too. “I like to keep him around, he’s pretty helpful. Beats having to do the paperwork myself!”

“Awww!” Twilight smiled fully. “Tell him that I bet he’s super efficient at his job!!”

Ember spoke in her language, and Spike immediately snickered, and did his own growls and grunts, with a prideful grin.

“Oh! What did he say?”

Celestia giggled, bringing a hoof to her lips. “He said that most dragons back home don’t even like writing, and they’re all dumb.”

“Can’t argue with that, little guy!” The dragon Princess shrugged with a smile. “Anyways, I'm here on behalf of my dad. Training for potential dragonlord rule, you know how it is, blah blah… I’d rather have the gauntlet of fire, honestly…!”

Celestia’s ears twitched. “Oh! Is Torch not coming? What a shame!”

“Pff, I don’t think he’d fit in the building.” Ember chuckled out, waving a hand dismissively. “Yeah, yeah, he wanted me to learn diplomacy from the best or whatever, said this was an important ritual for dragon leaders, blah blah…!”

“Oh, that Torch…!” Celestia snickered, looking away. “Always such a sweetheart. I hope he is doing well! And yes, he would fit in the building. He was here at the last meeting, all those centuries ago…”

“I’m sorry, ‘sweetheart’?” Ember’s jaw dropped. “Are we talking about the same dragonlord? What?”

“Ohh look at that…!” Changing the subject, the Queen of the Sun began moving away absentmindedly, with an embarrassed laugh. “Queen Rain Shine is here! I’m going to go say hi! B-bye!!” And just like that, she waddled away awkwardly.

“Sheesh. What the hell?” Ember crossed her arms. “I know they knew each other, but ‘sweetheart’?” She scoffed. “My dad’s a hard headed, angry guy– The golden rule of dragon kind.”

“That is quite strange!” Twilight giggled. “After all, Celestia is always composed and courteous… I’d be pretty surprised to see her with a lot of dragon friends– I don’t think I’ve ever seen her angry! Can she even get angry?”

“Oh, she can.” Sunset looked away. “After all, she had to raise me.”

“Hm, this color scheme is a bit too… Colorful, is it not?” Queen Luna scratched her chin, looking around. “Hm. I’ve decided! Let us change it. Black and blue all around!”

“Q-queen Luna. This is for a wedding, be reasonable…!”

“As the one and only queen of Equestria, I demand the color scheme to be more interesting! I am sure the bride and the groom will love to wear black!”

“Yaks do appreciate armor design and utility, don’t get yak wrong.” Prince Rutherford tapped a hoof on the floor, huffing out. “But on snowy mountain, metal gets cold. You’re better off with a big hairy hide to block attacks! That’s why yak’s best.”

“Can’t argue with that, prince.” Sunset shrugged, chuckling. “Armor can be cumbersome to wear, but if you do it enough, it does feel like part of your skin. Rain, snow, sunshine… You get used to it, if you’re always ready for a fight.” She tapped on her chestplate.

“Very wise! Spoken like a true warrior!” The prince nodded emphatically. “I bet you are very, very good at smashing! I can see that by your enhanced physique compared to puny ponies!”

“Oh, she is very good at smashing!” Twilight proudly put a wing over her with a loving smile. “Captain Sunset here has smashed opponents many times her size!”

The Prince nearly choked, for a moment, then snickered, huffing. “Forgive yak. Forgive.” He covered his lips, having to suppress laughter. “But in yak language, ‘smashing’ can also mean the act of fornication. Very funny.”

Sunset, without blinking, smiled with teeth. “You can call me an expert at smashing, then.”

It was Twilight’s turn to nearly choke, flustering to oblivion, pleading for Sunset to have mercy.

Prince Rutherford’s eyes went wide, before he broke out into loud laughter that echoed in the Hall of Unity, only when he finally managed to stop laughing and even shedding tears did he manage to speak up again. “You are officially best pony.”

“Ah, Cerberus, my boy, it has been too long…!” Luna chuckled out, approaching the hellhound. “When Sunset mentioned playing with you, I had realized something dreadful– I had forgotten you entirely! I fear you may not remember me as well… Are you ready for your–”

The three headed tartarian guardian proceeded to sniff her furiously, getting her completely slobbered, trying to remember her, and despite the questionable results, sniffing her all the same.

“--Bath.” Luna coughed out, covered in slobber, frowning.

“Ah, yes, your highness. I believe you are both ready for your bath.”

“It’s pretty wonderful that you Kirin managed to come visit here too!” Twilight nearly hopped in place out of excitement. “I know so little of you, is it true that all of you live in one village, in one forest??”

Queen Rain shine blinked slowly, tilting her head.

“So… None of the Kirin talk?” Sunset tilted her head at Queen Rain Shine, who mimicked her movement. “...Do you use sign language? We know sign language.”

The Queen blinked slowly. A fellow Kirin next to her mimicked the motion.

“Oh Sunset, don’t worry– Even if they were using sign language, it’d be different than hours, so we wouldn’t understand it.” Twilight shrugged with a smile. “It was an honor to meet you, Queen Rain Shine! If you think the same way, just nod!”

With a smile, the queen nodded, and her fellow Kirin mimicked the motion.

“Well, um, I guess we’ll get going, then?” Sunset tilted her head awkwardly.

“--Gotcha!” The fellow Kirin called out with a laugh, hopping in place. “Oh man, you should have seen your faces! ‘Dang, looks like no Kirin talks!’ What a shame! What a travesty!! Priceless!”

Twilight and Sunset blinked in confusion.

“Hi. I’m Autumn Blaze! I’m the queen’s interpreter. Yeah, I'm the best at my job. And to answer your question, nah, of course some Kirin venture out of the village and go live elsewhere in Equestria! Heck, any of you could have Kirin blood on your family tree, heheh! But it is definitely true that most of us stay in our village– Due to the whole burst into flames thing, and due to the not speaking thing, it’s kinda hard to wordlessly communicate, but I suppose some of us do manage to do it, it’s almost… Serene! Precious!! But I never let that bother me either way! Talking is a gift, don’t you think? Communication, sharing ideas, isn’t it wonderful!? OH! I didn’t even explain why I can talk and most Kirin can’t! Okay, let me set the scene. A windy, stormy night, with no rain of course. I was feeling crestfallen. Or maybe the word is bewildered? I was going out to the outskirts, with a mournful heart…”

“Alright, your highness. The unopened correspondence should be on that box over there…”

“Hm. Interesting. This is all open?” Luna muttered pensively, inspecting her sister’s things, tucked away in a closet, was a box full of open letters. “Are you sure we have the right box?”

“We should? Hm, let me check over here…”

Quietly, the Queen of the Night inspected the open letters closely.

They were all from Sunset Shimmer.

A smile involuntarily formed in her lips, as she read the writing of a little orphan desperately trying to get her sister’s attention– And evidently, having managed to.

Celestia had safeguarded all of those letters.

“Sunset! Sunset, over here!” Twilight giggled out, waving a wing, calling her captain over, who brought beverages. “Listen to the joke this griffon just made!!”

The Griffon in question grinned, cleared his throat, and waved a wing, and retold it. “If you ponies love friendship so much… Why not make a school to teach about it?”

Twilight giggled again, snorting, and Sunset chuckled too. “Can you imagine? A school of friendship? And me as a teacher, haha!” She laughed more, waving a wing dismissively. “Sure, I did study teaching, and I love it, but still!”

“You’d make a good one, I bet– but still, a school of friendship? Wow.” Sunset shook her head, laughing, bringing the drink to her lips.

“Imagine me as a teacher! Wearing a suit and tie, hair on a bob, maybe glasses–” Twilight giggled out, amused. “Attention students, time to be disciplined–”

Sunset nearly choked on her drink. “Im, uh, I’m imagining it.”

The Princess of Friendship’s eyes widened in surprise. “Um, Sunset… Is your nose bleeding?”

“...And then she dared to giggle out; ‘If they are in true love, and she earns her wings, they could get married and rule Equestria together! Oh, how wonderful it would be to have a duo rule not of sisters but of lovers, don’t you think?’ She said as much, right to my face!” Queen Luna huffed out, arms crossed. “As if I was not standing right there! I have reigned for less than a year, and already she talks of giving away our thrones. It is insensitive!”

“...Your highness, please just sign the filly’s autograph.”

“In a moment. Where was I? Ah, yes. And then my sister was like ‘oh, she is not my daughter, let me just call her ‘little one’ affectionately when I think nopony is paying attention, and frequently dream of the times I raised her’…”

“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake!”

Sunset couldn’t help but grin involuntarily, watching the adorable display; As the two Princesses danced together.

“Hard to get used to it, right? Puts a smile on my face everytime.” Shining Armor chuckled out, shaking his head.

“Y-yeah. Shameless.” She snickered, muttering poorly. “Damn, you’re too cute, Sparkles…!”

“So… Captain.” He raised an eyebrow, with a thin smile, tilting his head.

“Captain.” She affirmed, nodding.

“You handling Canterlot alright? I hope the guard hasn’t been giving you any trouble.”

“Oh, it hasn’t been difficult. I learn fast.”

“Good.”

They continued to watch the display quietly, Twilight and Cadance laughed together, gossiped, snickered…

“...Hey. Shining.” She fidgeted pensively. “Look… Apologies aren’t worth shit, I know that better than anypony. But about what I did that day, y’know… The demon thing…”

“--Are you treating Twily well?” He interrupted immediately.

“...Yeah, of course. The best I can.”

“Then that’s all that matters to me.” He shrugged, smiling genuinely. “She seems happier than ever when she’s with you, man… So why would I care? Sparkles don’t hold–”

“--Hold grudges, yeah. So I’ve heard, heh.” She chuckled, looking down, stunned at how easily they forgave her. “...Man, your family is crazy, you know that?”

“Heh, and you’re part of it now, aren’t you?” He raised a smug eyebrow. “Welcome to crazy.”

“H-huh? No, I’m not–”

“--Relax, Captain. Your secret is safe with us. I’m sure Twily will come clean with the rest of the world… Sometime.” He shrugged, grinning. “Until then, you can keep treating her the best you can.”

“I-I don’t think she’ll– Nevermind. Yeah.” She didn’t have it in her to contest the idea that Twilight would come clean eventually, thinking that she would be content keeping this secret forever. “Twilight is everything.”

Shining Armor smiled confidently. “And you know… Even if you were still at the danger of ‘demoning out’, I wouldn’t really be stressed about it. I trained a lot since then. I’d be ready, this time.”

“Really? Heh.” Sunset did the same, measuring him easily. “You should be afraid of me now. I’m a lot stronger than I was back then.”

“Oh really? I’m inclined to ask for proof, Captain.”

“Anytime, anywhere, I’ll wreck your shit, Captain.”

They both grinned almost maliciously, incredibly close to each other.

Cadance and Twilight giggled on the sidelines. “Maybe we need to have a playpen in the Hall of Unity for all the warriors…!”

“H-hey! Twilight! Over here!!” Thorax, the changeling prince, waved from afar, calling her over, surrounded by fellow changelings.

“O-oh hey! Thorax! Oh my gosh!” Twilight perked up, ears twitching. “Sunset, follow me! See you later, Cadance!”

“See you later, Twily!” The Princess of love waved, and as Sunset passed by, she winked. "See you soon, lovebirds!"

Twilight and Sunset went to see the changeling prince, one with excitement, the other with surprise.

“I’m so happy you made it, Thorax!! You came with Cadance, I imagine?” The Princess of Friendship flapped her wings with excitement. “Everything going on alright in the Crystal Empire, I hope!!”

“Y-yeah, everything is f-fine, sort of…!” He was sweating, a bit nervously. “U-um, we need to talk. In private. Like, urgently…!”

“Sunset, this here is the changeling I told you about! He started making it public that changelings don’t need to eat love!” Twilight did not notice his anxiety, as she introduced the two. “He had the courage to publicly oppose Chrysalis when she attacked my brother’s wedding! It’s a huge turnaround for the changelings as a people to even be here, and I’m so excited for you!!!”

“Y-yes, this could be a wonderful day for all changelings! If the world sees us at our best, as an official part of the alliance of all species, maybe more changelings will feel comfortable to come forward and join us, y’know…?” He nervously fidgeted, looking around.

The other changelings that accompanied the prince were also incredibly nervous.

“Nice to meet you, Thorax–”

“--EEK!” One of the smaller changelings recoiled fearfully, shriveling up. “I-I recognize her!!”

The trio looked among each other in confusion, Sunset tilted her head.

“W-when we were breaking Chrysalis out of prison… This paladin was there!! She killed many of us!!” The little changeling recoiled even more.

Thorax took a step back nervously. “T-twilight, do you trust this paladin?? How well do you know her?!”

“Very well.” She affirmed immediately, without hesitation, stepping forward and speaking assuredly. “Sunset has changed a lot the past few years, much like you. She is loyal to Equestria, and she will do anything I say, you have nothing to fear from her.”

“I’m… Sorry.” The captain blurted out shamefully. “Well… Apologies aren’t worth anything. But know that I’m loyal to Twilight, and that if I can make amends, I’ll help you changelings however I can. I can’t undo what I did, but I’m here now. I know what it’s like to make mistakes, to think there’s no way out… But together, we can help each other, right?”

Twilight nuzzled her with pride. “Yes. Working together, we can achieve anything.”

“I don’t forgive you, b-but…” The little changeling stepped forward, a bit fearfully, a bit bravely. “But if the Princess trusts you, then I trust you.”

“A-and you’re sure you trust her, right…?” Thorax affirmed with hesitation. “...How close are you?”

“Very close, don’t worry, I trust her with my life.” Twilight did not skip a beat.

“O-okay. Look, we can’t waste any more time. I have bad news.” The changeling Prince grimaced with worry. “U-um, you know how we can basically change into anything, right…?”

The two of them nodded.

“W-well… It’s pretty easy to have spies on our old hive because of it. A few of the changelings that ‘changed’ so to speak, our friends, volunteered to go back to the hive and feed us information of what Chrysalis is planning, and well…” He had to pause, to hesitate, to wince. “...It’s possible, maybe, that Chrysalis is planning on attacking the Hall of Unity. Today. Now.”

Sunset’s hide shivered, her muscles tensed, as she looked back. In the hall, there were crowds upon crowds of different creatures.

And of them could be changelings in disguise.

“Should we tell Celestia? I can warn my men–”

“--N-no, no! That’ll cause a panic, and we’ll be blamed for it!” Thorax pleaded. “We can’t have the world thinking we’re still an evil horde!”

Twilight nodded pensively, folding her wings close. “Yes, no wonder Chrysalis would choose to attack now. I bet that’s exactly what she wants– To ensure that all changelings are shunned, so she can keep controlling them, keep her hive…”

“...And there’s world leaders from everywhere here.” Sunset affirmed, inspecting the crowd. “How easy would it be for her to replace them and slowly but swiftly take over everything in Equestria?”

“Y-yeah, yeah, it’s bad.” Thorax nodded fearfully. “It’s really, really bad. T-Twilight, I came to ask for your help because I have absolutely no clue what to do about this!! There’s too little of us, if Chrysalis’s hive is here…!”

“No Thorax. There aren't few of us.” The Princess of Friendship smiled with determination, observing the crowd of creatures from all over Equestria. “In fact, we’re more united than ever.”

“Idea.” Sunset grinned. “We’ll quietly warn each world leader individually about this– See if they act suspicious, and tell them to be ready in case anything happens.”

“And we make sure that they all know Thorax and his people aren’t responsible! We need Equestria united!” Twilight affirmed, nodding emphatically. “We should start with Celestia! Let’s go!”

“W-wait!! One more thing!!” The Prince looked around with worry, and lowered his voice almost shamefully. “U-um… Our spies told me… That Chrysalis might be targeting me.” He grimaced with fear. “Because, I, oof… Dared to oppose her way of rule…!”

“Stick with us, then.” Sunset smiled confidently. “We’ll keep you safe.”

Like clockwork.

Sunset smiled, knowing a fight would start soon.

“Captain… Flash got replaced.” Limestone saluted, placing a tied up changeling before her, making Thorax wince with surprise. “But we figured it out and caught this thing– No clue where Flash is, though.”

“O-oh gosh. It’s started!! Who knows how many of us Chrysalis replaced already!!” Thorax cried out with worry.

There was no doubt that this changeling was loyal to Chrysalis. Sunset grinned, leaning down, ungagging the bug. “Okay. Where’s your boss, then?”

The insect grinned maliciously.

Because just then, a familiar voice boomed through the Hall of Unity.

“Hello, weaklings. This is your new sovereign, Queen Chrysalis. Please report to the central chamber where treaties are signed, so that we can feast on your love and cement our new rule over all your lands. Thank you for your pitiful cooperation. And Celestia, if you’re listening… Gotcha, heheheh.”

“Okay. let’s go.” Sunset affirmed with a nod. “I’ve beaten Chrysalis before– It’s not that hard.”

“Maybe if we stop her, Thorax can appeal to her changelings to consider switching sides?” Twilight murmured pensively. “We have to try!”

“U-um that’s really nice, but maybe we can come up with a plan that doesn’t involve me being in the middle of a crowd that might want to kill me?” The Prince fearfully muttered. “A-anything else at all??”

Just then, Celestia passed by them, galloping forth, followed close by Shining Armor. “Let us go, my students! No lagging behind! They’ve got Raven!”

“A-and Cadance!” The Captain affirmed with determination. “We have to go rescue her!!”

“Limestone, Indigo, Bon Bon, warn the others, it’s time!! For Equestria, for changeling kind, let’s go!!” Sunset bellowed, and her guards immediately obeyed, running on the opposite direction, while Twilight, the Captain and Thorax followed the Queen of the Sun.

The central chamber of the Hall of Unity was gorgeous, once upon a time. A large open area with a couple water fountains in its walls and beautiful vegetation in the corners– And every side of the tall cylindrical structure was decorated with gorgeous stained glass windows depicting every species.

Now, The changeling hive had made their own decoration– Several cocoons, webs and ooze lined the walls and windows, blocking the light of the setting sun, giving the room a dark coloration, and Chrysalis sat atop a pile of cocooned creatures with an immensely delighted smile, surrounded by her loyal changelings on all sides.

“Nice of you to finally show your pretty face, my flame.” She grinned with teeth. “What a momentous day this is for changeling kind, isn’t it?”

“Chrysalis.” Celestia’s voice echoed with unwavering determination in the halls. “You have infringed upon every creature of Equestria on this day, including your own. Surrender now, and we may be lenient. Fight, and you will lose.”

“Ohohoho… That’s where you’re wrong, my flame.” She grinned maliciously, tilting her head in a bug like manner. “You all thought this was your day of unity– But no, it is our day– The day in which changelings rule over ALL THINGS–”

“Oh, Shining armor, save me!!!” Cadance yelled out, with a feigned damsel routine, spreading her wings and dramatically waving her hair.

“Oh my god will one of you shut her up already?!” Chrysalis called out, yelling in frustration. “Cocoon her or something, what a nuisance!!”

“I’ll be right there, baby!!” Shining called out. “Don’t worry!!”

“Ugh, unbelievable.” The Queen of Vermin groaned. “You can’t ever monologue these days. Where was I?”

Twilight Sparkle flared her wings. “You made a grave mistake coming here, Chrysalis! This is where it ends for you!!”

“On the contraire, little runt!” She grinned with teeth. “Today is the day that changeling kind will rise. We will replace world leaders from all of Equestria, and take over everything in one fell swoop! My plan is flawless, and you are outnumbered!! HAHAHAHAHAAA!!” Her cackles echoed in the hall, as her changelings flew closer and closer, buzzing in the walls and ceiling, ready to pounce.

“That’s where you’re wrong, Chrysalis.” Celestia smiled warmly, as the yaks and the griffons charged into the room.

“We have never been more united.” Twilight smiled truly, as dragons, hippogriffs and many more entered from another passage.

“And you’re going down.”Sunset grinned, as the entire remnants of the royal guard of Canterlot and the Crystal Empire entered the hall.

A second of silence passed as Chrysalis hesitated– She was outnumbered, by a wide margin, even with all of the ones they had already cocooned– And her opponents looked mad.

“Twilight. Sunset.” Celestia muttered covertly. “You know what to do. Help Thorax and his people.” She spoke as she readied her wings.

“B-bah!! Victory is already ours!!” Chrysalis called out in frustration. “You are all just struggling against the inevita–ACK!!!” It was all she could say before Celestia flew into her like a meteoric flame, taking her away from the room, through one of the stained glass windows.

An awkward moment of silence passed, until Sunset yelled out.

“FOR EQUESTRIA!!”

What followed was a cacophony of battle and chaos, after their side yelled out their cheerful battlecries, and the changeling hesitantly fought back, after seeing their queen be dispatched so easily.

Sunset stuck close to Twilight, and close to Thorax. The Prince knew very little of combat, but the two of them made up for the difference, keeping him safe.

Combining their magical attacks with perfection, uniting their horns and blasting their foes with light, or even with Sunset charging forward and fighting off any changeling that approached with just her fists and a good bucking, it was more than enough to keep the prince safe.

Twilight would cast barriers, retaliate, and cover Sunset, and if any enemy approached the Princess, the Captain would be upon them like a meteor.

And it felt right. It felt euphoric, to be fighting for something good, with someone good. Twilight smiled without fear, because Sunset did the same.

Sunset smiled without fear, because Twilight did the same.

And every creature around them fought just as valiantly, subduing their opponents with sheer numbers alone, it was a battle for the ages, the hall shook and echoed with their battle cries.

Shining reached Cadance’s cocoon, and swiftly saved her. One would imagine this would mean they’d join the battle, but no, they just started making out then and there.

Twilight and Sunset united horns and cast an arch of lighting that felled several changelings out from the skies, making them tumble to the floor, groaning in pain.

Sunset fought non-lethally. Strikes were decisive, but she held back, focussing on concussive magic that would incapacitate enemies.

The hall was lit with the clashes of magic and the occasional metal. The Captain felt pride upon seeing the soldiers she trained fight together bravely.

And every creature fought just as valiantly, creating a mish mash of colors.

With a quick glance, she saw the lights of explosions and battle happening outside of the stained glass windows, and her hide shivered with worry.

“Celestia could be in trouble!” Her ears twitched. It was hard to imagine it, but she didn’t want to take the chance.

“Go!” Twilight commanded. “If we stop Chrysalis, maybe we can get them to surrender! And if I need you, I'll use the calling spell!”

It was risky, but Sunset was a risk taker. She swiftly leaned forward and gave Twilight a quick kiss, in the middle of the battlefield, hoping no one would notice. She had unwavering faith that the Princess of Friendship could survive fighting a few changelings.

“Thank you.” Her affirmation was barely audible through the sounds of the battle, but her Princess heard her. Twilight barely could mutter a flustered response, before Sunset charged ahead.

Jumping through the stained glass windows gave her a strange vista. Two Celestias fighting in the gardens. A flurry of hooves and wing slaps and magical blasts, and several craters around them.

“Queen Celestia, I’m here to help!!” Sunset called out, taking a battle stance near the struggle.

“C-captain, help me fight this impostor!!” one of the Celestias yelled out, before getting punched in the face.

Almost with a smile, Celestia suplexed her counterpart. “Little one! You are needed elsewhere! I can handle her!!”

Sunset smiled fully, with determination, stepping forward and blasting the Celestia that was just suplexed.

“Y-YOU LITTLE SHIT!!!” Chrysalis revealed herself.

“You have to learn to be comfortable with accepting help, Celestia!” Sunset grinned ironically, stepping forward, joining the fight with the Queen of the sun.

All Celestia could do was smile, beholding her old pupil. “Then let us go, little one.”

The battle was incredibly fierce, swift, and most of all, easy.

Sunset and Celestia attacked from different sides, mixing magical strikes, focussing on light magic to blind her, combining their moves to force the changeling on the defense, barely managing to fight back.

Sunset leaped on Celestia’s back, and the alicorn threw her upwards with a mighty thrust, following that with a swift punch on Chrysalis’s neck, and then face.

And with her stunned with those strikes, the Captain fell on the Queen of Vermin, stomping her, pinning her to the floor, the finishing blow.

Chrysalis desperately tried getting up, but the two of them were ready. Together, they entangled her in arcane ropes, swiftly binding her legs, horn, wings, forcing her to fall on the ground, where she collapsed with a yelp.

“DARNIT!!” She grumbled weakly, bruised up on the floor.

“Nice moves, Queen Celestia!” Sunset smiled warmly, breathing heavily out of the battle well fought, tightening the restraints around Chrysalis.

“I could say the same for you, Captain Shimmer…!” She beheld her old pupil with adoration, with a wide smile. “You have mastered light magic, I see…!”

“Twilight taught me.” She responded simply, smiling proudly all the same. “It wasn’t so hard, heh...”

“I should have known, ugh!” Chrysalis grunted on the floor. “I should have known that you wouldn’t put your little psycho up for adoption!”

“I’m not her daughter!!”

“I am not her mother!!”

They both exclaimed in annoyance.

“Why the hell do you both keep saying that?! You look exactly alike!!”

“I’M ORANGE?!?!?!”

“She is orange.”

Chrysalis blinked in confusion. “...What is orange?”

“Okay, let us move, Sunset. Changelings see colors differently, I suppose…”Celestia sighed, rolling her eyes. “Time to put these matters to a close.”

“Roger.” Sunset dragged the Queen of Vermin behind her, following along.

They entered the hall where the battle raged on, and Celestia spread her wings, shone brightly and yelled out. “THIS BATTLE IS OVER, CHANGELINGS. YOUR LEADER IS CAPTURED!”

The battlefield nearly froze entirely, as the changelings recoiled fearfully, looking amongst each other, and the forces of harmony smiled truly and happily.

“F-fools!! Keep fighting!! We have them right where we–-” Chrysalis called out, and was swiftly silenced by a hoof from Celestia pressing her muzzle down on the floor.

“This fight is OVER! Now’s the chance to change your ways!” Sunset called out confidently. “Thorax! You’re up!”

Twilight nudged him with encouragement, as he took flight, addressing the entire room, specifically his own kind. “P-please! All of you! No more fighting!! Is this how you want the world to remember you?!”

They looked amongst each other, banged up, bruised, monstrous, having just fought foolishly for domination, and with that, Thorax continued. “T-this is our chance, don’t you see? This is our chance to live for ourselves! To try to really, really live as a small part of something bigger, without being hated, shunned, pursued, feared… We can be a part of Equestria, really, truly!”

Chrysalis yelled out in anger. “Silence, you baby-faced FOOL!!” And was swiftly stomped by Celestia into shutting up again.

Twilight took flight, standing besides him, speaking with compassion. “Please listen to him! We never wanted to fight you, we all stand stronger, better, together!” Her smile was true and hopeful. “Even changelings can change!”

“Bullshit!” One of them called out with a snarl. “You’ll never forgive us for all we’ve done– You’d turn on us! Chrysalis is right, there’s no place in Equestria for us!!”

“P-pharynx, please! Don’t say that–”

“You don’t know them– You don’t know us, changeling.” Sunset immediately interrupted him, addressing the entire room. “We all benefit from a more united Equestria– No matter how difficult our pasts were. I know it might feel like you can’t move on from this, but you can. All it takes is trying! You want to be better? You want to make amends? Well then start right now! Your past is NOT today!!!”

A hush fell into the arena, and Twilight yelled out, smiling proudly. “Every creature! Do you want the changelings to join our kingdom?! Go ahead!”

“Us Dragons have nothing to fear from bugs! And they have nothing to fear from us either! We wouldn’t mind more allies or friends!”

“Yaks prefer bugs they don’t need to squash!”

“We Griffons don’t care if you’ve done bad stuff before. As long as you try to do better now.”

“The Kirin are happily ambivalent!”

“The Crystal Empire is and continues to be a safe haven for any rogue changeling! You are all welcome to be with us!”

“You are more than welcome in Equestria, my friends.” Celestia called out warmly, stepping forward with Sunset. “This land is for all of us.”

And just like that, the entire crowd was cheering, kindly, welcoming, and more and more creatures joined in, happily welcoming them.

“S-see??” Thorax smiled warmly. “We do have a place here! We don’t need her. We never did!”

And just like that, the changelings started changing. One by one, they joined the crowd, changing hue, becoming colorful, smiling fully, if not wearily, being welcomed both by every creature around them, and by their own.

Twilight kept running around gleefully, welcoming each of them with a warm smile, incredibly excited, helping them free the captives from their pods.

And above all that, Sunset let out a prolonged sigh of relief.

Celestia leaned forward and nuzzled her lightly, even with a bonk against her helmet. “Incredibly well said, little one.”

“T-thanks. Yeah… Thanks.” Sunset chuckled out wearily, with a warm smile.

“Traitors! You are all TRAITORS!!” Chrysalis called out from behind them. “WE ARE NOT MEANT TO KNEEL, WE ARE MEANT TO RULE!!”

She stood, no longer tied up, having been freed by a small group of changelings still loyal to her.

“Chrysalis… You can be a part of this as well.” Celestia stated calmly, almost with pity, stepping closer. “We do not have to lock ourselves into a perpetual battle… Please consider it.”

“N-NEVER!!” She yelled out with a snarl. “You haven’t seen the last of us– I am far from defeated, my flame!! You’ll see me again!!!!”

With a weary sigh, Celestia nodded, closing her eyes. “Indeed. And I will always be ready to stop you.”

The few changelings that were loyal to her began taking flight as soon as she did– Fleeing through the holes in the stained glass windows.

“B-brother, wait!! Please!!” Thorax flew forward with worry. “Please don’t go with her!!”

Pharynx hissed, yelling out, and Sunset stood between them, keeping the prince safe. “Y-you were always a wimp!” He stuttered angrily, with uncertainty and anger. “Don’t you get it?? This is all temporary!! The second you slip up, they’ll go back to hating us, like we deserve!!”

Sunset spoke without hesitation, with absolute certainty. “...And the world is still going to be here when you change your mind… Just like how it was for me.”

“B-bah! Nonsense sentimentality!! Goodbye, brother!!” Pharynx yelled out, and flew away.

“W-wait!! Please!!” Thorax pleaded, but Sunset held him back.

“It's okay… He’ll be back. You just have to give him time.” She affirmed gently. “I know that hesitation. He’ll be back.”

“G-gosh, I…” The Prince sniffled, and then immediately hugged her. “T-thank you so much, Sunset Shimmer!! Twilight was right about you! Thank you!”

“No problem, man. Chrysalis is toast, your people are more united than ever… Pretty good day all around, if I do say so myself.”

“The changelings are in your debt– You and your princess!” He affirmed with a teary smile. “Thank you, truly.”

“Just doing my job.” Sunset nodded confidently.

“Now, then. Prince Thorax.” Celestia stepped forward with a wise, kind smile. “From the first day that I spared Chrysalis, I hoped that she and her people would one day join the rest of Equestria in peace… Now, although it is a shame that she has refused to join us, it would be my pleasure to welcome you and your people into the Equestrian Harmony Alliance, if you would have us…!”

“Y-yes!! WOO!” He shouted out, hopping up and down. “Do you hear that, everyone?? We’re officially a part of Equestria!!”

Cheers filled the many rooms of the Hall of Unity, louder and more joyous than they had ever been for many centuries.

The festivities would extend themselves through more days than it was planned.

After all, this was a momentous occasion for all of them– Equestria had reason to celebrate, and every individual in the Hall of Unity had more than enough reason to stay and party.

It was euphoric. Fireworks, dance, music, dinners, all on top of conferences, meetings, and all other sorts of gatherings with all people from that beautiful land of theirs.

They were interviewed, of course– There were dozens upon dozens of journalists that wanted personal scoops from the Princess, the Queen, and of course, the Prince of changelings, wanting to report far and wide on this new turnaround for the newest members of the Equestrian alliance.

And the Prince was more than happy to proclaim that with the help of all his new allies and the united changeling people, they would take their hive, now undefended, and make their new, official home, and hopefully, with it, every changeling still rogue in Equestria could have a chance to come forward.

No matter how happy the entire circumstances were, eventually it would get a bit tiring, of course. With a delighted sigh, Twilight stretched out, and led the way forward, with Sunset following in tow.

A balcony. Somewhere recluse and private enough, where they could talk honestly about all that had just happened, and be alone.

She sprawled her wings out, stretching, and let out a cute yawn– The night sky was gorgeous, and the moon illuminated the mountains and the valley beautifully.

“Oof…!” She yawned again. “I’m tired.”

“...The good kind of tired?” Sunset came closer affectionately.

“Yeah… The good kind of tired.” She sighed, smiling warmly.

Maybe there wasn’t the need to say anything. Sunset was where she belonged, by her side.

…But she wanted to say it anyway. “H-hey… Can I say something?”

“...Of course?” Sunset tilted her head, almost chuckling at the question.

Twilight inhaled deeply, stumbling through her words, like she was walking on eggshells she had placed. “S-so, um… When I first got these wings? I thought I was dreaming, or… Having a nightmare. Heck, I was just a unicorn! S-sure, you can say I was smart and good with magic, but why would I be right to lead anything, you know…? Celestia said it was my destiny, but all I could think of was… Wow, shouldn’t I go back and rework my masters or something?”

Sunset was about to speak up, with a compassionate look, but Twilight silenced her with a hoof to the lips. “I was stressed. I was worried, I was super, super anxious, for the few days that you were recovering from your fight against Nightmare Moon… Because I just– I had no clue what being a Princess could possibly mean for me. It was so insane to even imagine myself in that role!! A-and with you out of commission, I didn’t have the one person in the world that could understand the sheer weight of having to live up to those expectations…!”

The Captain made no more motions to try to speak, she just watched Twilight, while smiling warmly. “And the thing is… Even before I was a Princess, you… you were a lifeline. You were my bodyguard… Even when we were just friends, or barely that, I could still at least look back and see you, you know…? I could lean on you, know you’d keep me safe… I didn’t plan any of this. How you and I got together was messy, and accidental as heck, b-but… I like this, you know…? Us…?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I know.” The Captain just nodded quietly, smiling gently. “I like us too.”

With a sigh, and a smile, she looked up to the stars. “I know it might have been selfish of me, when you asked me to let you go– I know it might have been selfish to force you to stay with me. But I just wanted to say… Thank you for staying. I hardly ever feel anxious about being a Princess anymore… I hardly feel stressed, and it’s because of you. I hardly feel worried about the present or the future, and it’s because of you…!”

She looked behind them, in the many halls that extended before them all of their new friends and allies. “Look at what we’re capable of… Look at what we just did! G-gosh– We just welcomed another race into a bigger, wider world– And I signed a bunch of paperwork about it– Look at where we’re at right now!! This is the Hall of Unity…!! …Thorax was right. It’s good to be a small part of something bigger.”

“Y-yeah… Yeah. it’s good.” Sunset reciprocated, coming to the silent realization that she didn’t need glory, she didn’t need power– All she needed was her. Then and there, she realized that she didn’t mind living only for Twilight Sparkle. “It's good.”

“I’m… The Princess of Friendship…!” She exhaled, with a delighted, weary chuckle. “How about that…! I think I finally know who I am...!”

"Better late than never...!" Sunset whispered with love and adoration.

“I feel… I feel like I belong, now. And I’m not afraid anymore… Because I know you’ll always be with me. So… Thank you. For everything. You make this Princess’s life a whooole lot more bearable…” She breathed in, eyes filled with love. “I wouldn’t trade you for anything in the world, in any–”

Sunset’s smile was euphoric, her eyes shined with hope, interrupting her with affection. She found her heart lighter than ever– And much like Twilight, incredibly comfortable. “--That’s all I want. To make it easier for you. There’s nowhere I’d rather be than by your side, okay…? Nothing else matters. Just you.”

With a short, cute chuckle, they leaned their foreheads together. “You’re the best, you know that…?”

“Look who’s talking.”

“Captain! Correspondence for you!” One of the pegasi guards landed near her, and delivered a letter.

“Thank you. As you were.” They exchanged salutes, and she dismissed him, turning to open the letter. It was not from far…

“Ah, shit.” She hissed, and trotted towards her Princess, who was studying in the library. “Twilight! I’ve got some, uh, strange news.”

“Oh?” She closed her book, ears twitching.

“Remember when you asked me to keep tabs on Prince Blueblood’s operations so we could maybe expose him for corruption…?”

“Ohh boy.”

“Yeah, um, you should read this…”

The Princess’s eyes scanned the letter with worry, and then she yelped in surprise. “A-a tournament to rescue Rarity from a dragon keep?! What?!?!”

Wallflower Blush stepped into the temple of the moon fearfully. A chill cut through her heart, and her eyes glanced in every direction, as she could see many shapes in the walls looking back at her.

The light of the setting sun behind her was dim, and far.

She was small. She was so, incredibly small in the darkness.

Every step risked a stumble, and yet, none of the Umbrum approached her or harmed her. They simply watched, as she slowly moved her way to the central chambers.

And finally, she reached the throne room, taking a seat before it.

“Welcome, Wallflower Blush.” The alicorn of shadows called out from the throne, where he sat in a leisurely manner. “You have nothing to fear from us. You may call me Stygian… I am the one that spoke in your dreams.”

“U-um, h-hi.” She stuttered out, taking nervous glances around her. But after inhaling deeply, she looked at him in the closest thing he had to eyes. “M-my house might be near Everfree, but it’s still hard to walk all the way here on three legs, you know…? Can we figure something–”

The Alicorn waved a wing, and several shadows stepped forward.

They dove into the ground, and met Wallflower’s own shadow, uniting with it, integrating with it.

She watched, in fearful surprise, as her shadow now moved independently of her, and waved.

“I understand your fears, but we are allies. As long as you are not bathed in light, these shadows may help you travel faster, and keep you safe from the forest’s creatures.” The alicorn tilted his head with the closest thing to a smile he could muster. “We are here to help, Wallflower.”

“And you know what I’m here for.” The gardener narrowed her eyes, taking something out of her cloak, and placing it on the floor.

The memory stone.

“Yes…” Stygian leaned forward, stepping out of the throne, and every shadow followed suit, encircling her. “We have much to plan for. Much to prepare. But we can both get what we want, Wallflower Blush.”

She kept her gaze down, eyeing the stone, then quickly rubbed what used to be her leg, with an exhale. “...When do we start?”

“Patience. This will need to be executed to perfection. We will need to ensure that your reach is heightened, and that we do this on a perfect day… Everything must go according to OUR design.” With cunning, quiet laughter, he spread his wings. “But never fear. The love Sunset Shimmer is receiving will blind her, and it will be her downfall. And if she insists on being the pillar upon which her loved ones stand… All we need to do is topple it, and she will lose everything.”

“O-okay.” Wallflower raised her head without hesitation, ignoring the fear, the cold, and the many monsters surrounding her.

A sheep among wolves.

A sheep to end a wolf.

“I don’t care if it takes months. I’m ready.”

Author's Note

Ah, romances about completely uplifting each other and improving each other's lives tenfold. Sure there's a bit of a power imbalance, but let's face it, they seem to be kind of into it.

Okay. This is getting out of hand, but if you're actually reading this, thank you for endulging my insanity and reading my straightup BOOK about this character and her worst and best choices. I promise you we're going to have plot soon, I swear, I SWEAR. One more chapter, and we officially begin the forgotten friendship rewrite!

I just need one more chapter, and this one will be set after the events of the Princess and the Peasant! So if you were wondering about that Blueblood nonsense mention in the end, it was a reference to that fic. Go read it its my best one lol (it does explain how the mane 6 get together in this universe!)

Also yes, now instead of tracking age, I'm tracking seasons, because this next chapter will take place around one big old year! I'm sorry if it makes it seem like the seasons aren't really adding onto anything, I realized that a mountain town that is on snowy peaks like Canterlot really wouldn't get affected by summer much, and autumn was all on the Hall of Unity, so it is what it is. Its a much more visual thing, I suppose.

Regarding the first section of the chapter, I hope y'all liked her Captaining shenanigans. A highlight is her confrontation with Cadance, I really, really enjoyed writing the Princess of Love as an annoying cousin.

And on that same note, know that next chapter will have her again, and even better, Sunset and Celestia are going to have an honest conversation for once!

I love the idea that Twilight is instinctively seeking uppies from Sunset when exhausted, heh. Also that sequence was redone from the 'princess spike' episode. The wimple idea of instead of twi having to rely on a dragon kid, she relies on her hyper competent captain of the royal guard who is incredibly dedicated to her safety and well being. She even gets CUDDLES. Not to toot my horn but I did it better. Thank you Sunset for being here.

Also. Also. You can tell this fic is me indulging because I'm out here rewriting two parts of mlp that I care about to annoying degrees lmao:

1) The Hall of Unity is one of the coolest things in all of the MLP comics and MLP in GENERAL. And you know whats stupid about it? Canon Celestia doesn't ever even leave central Equestria, she has canonly said "idk much about dragons, bro" and like WHAT?! WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING FOR A THOUSAND YEARS?! So I fixed that. I made Equestria a lot more even on the matters of diplomacy and alliances. Yeah, Celestia WOULD know Torch personally, he's a millenial dragonlord and a surprisingly chill guy and an actual good leader!!! C'mon!!

2) The changelings, how they existed, exist, and were redeemed. I'll be honest, although I love that they change their ways and go back, it's kind of a shame it either all happens instantly or off screen. I wanted to make it a bit more realistic, a bit more epic, if nothing else. And once again, Chrysalis has incredibly cunning and intelligent ploys, but fucks up execution because she overestimates herself lmao. I think the changelings deserved more love and screentime, and I'm not done with them just yet!

And still, i'm sorry if my writing feels rushed. Frankly, these chapter sizes are getting to me, so I'm trimming out ALL the fat from my writing so the scenes have all their vital components, and nothing else. Lord knows it's big enough already! I hope y'all enjoyed all those cameos tho, it's always fun to adapt these characters for some fun little scenes!

Lucky for us, when the Forgotten Friendship rewrite truly starts, the chapters will be shorter.

I think.

I hope.

Okay, let's not make promises. Next chapter has the mane 6, Sunset gets a new armor (Gee I wonder who broke the previous one, looking at you, protagonist from P&P!) And above all, Sunset gets to be honest with Celestia.

And maybe, just fucking maybe, Sunset will remember to use the L word. Goddamn.

But before that... I think I'm gonna write a one-shot about Scitwi. I miss her