Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

 

Quick change in the concept. Little Pony Flash has been changed from Pony Flash Sentry to Solstice Shimmer. His cutie mark is a little sun at the top of his flank (like the sun reaching its apex in the sky) with beams shooting down to his abdomen.

 

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Journey 4: Bowling inside the Canterlot Transit Authority Terminal. Everyone decides to play bowling for a couple of rounds before moving onto three games of pool. Dash won the first game of bowling, and Rarity won the second. In pool, it was split into groups of two to make it fair. Afterwards, it was off to the Grand Park for a late-afternoon picnic and watching the sunset on top of the lawn's hill. As the sun set, Pinkie and Sunset cuddled as they flipped through the pages of SS's journal. Rarity saw it, and the others did, too. They looked through for a few minutes before deciding to head to Pinkie's house for dinner and wait anxiously till the 11:57 cutoff.

 

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Saying goodbye

 

After a couple of hours, Sunset explores the Pie family kitchen. Images of her whole family hang around, including next to the door jam. Images of Sunset and Maud playing a game of checkers with black and white rocks as the chips. Pinkie and Sunset baking a big birthday cake when they were twelve. Meeting Applejack for the first time in the old Mayberry Middle Academy in Midtown, and then a group photo of the six when they graduated and left for CHS. When she took down the group photo to take a closer look, Cloudy Quartz and Igneous Rock show up to give her some guidance.

 

I still can't believe it. Eleven years…and it can end tonight? *turns around and sees the clock; 9:34 PM* It can't. Mama, Papa, it can't.

 

I wish does it not, Miss Sunset. And will it not.

 

Sunset-dearest, do you remember what I told you when we first adopted thou eleven years ago?

 

I'm trying, Mama. Can you repeat it, please?

 

"Goodbye is another way to say hello." Whatever will happen once midnight tolls, thou will always be here. *brings Sunset's hand to touch her heart* Igne and myself will always talk to thou and see thou.

 

Miss Pinkamena can sense the good in you and entrusted us to nourish you. Talk to any of us, and we will answer. Mirror or no.

 

*wipes tears off with her hand* I wish it's another way to say hello. *hugs them tightly; Quartz and Igneous hug her back* I love you.

 

Igneous and Quartz (tear streaming down their eyes): I love you, too.

 

No matter what happens tonight, a Pie you always will be…

 

And we'll always be proud of you.

 

After exchanging a kiss to her cheek, Sunset excused herself to the bathroom where she washed her face and applied saline to her eyes. Afterwards, she walked upstairs to Limestone's room. Everything was very orderly, including her computer desk. But to the left of her desktop is a family photo; Sunset was sitting right in front getting an enormous hug from Marble and Limestone. Too people with enormously opposite personalities treating her like one. She picked it up and placed it on her heart. Then she put it down and wrote a note.

 

Lime, can you please scan this photo and give it to Pinkie Pie so she can place it in my diary?

 

XOXO

 

-Sunset Shimmer

 

She leaves and heads to Pinkie's room. A stuffed baby alligator doll sat on the middle of her bed, and several sleeping bags were rolled up alongside. Then she looks around to see so many family memories. She finds one of them with her kissing Pinkie's cheek as Pinkie celebrated her birthday. A chuckle. Taking her index finger, she kisses it and places it on the image of Pinkie's head before walking out. Then she takes a tour to Marble's and Maud's rooms. Marble's green-walled room was empty except for a computer, desk, bed, a marble maze, and the family photo. Maud's has a rock collection, Boulder sitting idly, and the family photo.

 

Lastly, she went to her room, turned on the light, and observed it more closely. Crimson with gold-painted sunbeams shoot from her chandelier to the doors. Clouds glisten in the reflected light. Crystal lights from the chandelier danced multiple colors. So many memories around the room, including images of her with her friends and all of the Pie family.

 

And after midnight, possibly gone.

 

She looked out the window and down at the roof of her neighbor's house. A garden full of summer flowers and plants bloomed, and lights from restaurants nearby had dimmed.

 

When you never pay attention to and appreciate the little things till it's too late.

 

Mom and Dad tell me this a lot.

 

Sunset turns around. Sometimes you scare me.

 

*chuckles with a shrug, sits down on Sunset's bed and pats it; Sunset follows and sits beside her* Do you remember our conversation the day before we graduated from Mayberry Middle three years ago?

 

I…think so.

 

As we prepared our graduation uniforms, we played a little game of cards. What was it again?

 

Go fish.

 

Egg-zactly! We played for so many hours, it was almost midnight before we stopped! *laugh, lays back* So much fun!

 

Indeed. *lays back* Graduation this and graduation that made me so nervous! The game and humor made me feel so much better.

 

But do you remember what you said to me before we went to sleep?

 

*nod* I told you I didn't know anything about my career or future.

 

Annnnd what did I say to you back?

 

"Sunny, change the Pie, but it's still a Pie." Quirky, but very philosophical.

 

That's who I am! Don't doubt about it! Sunny, it doesn't matter your future. You're always my sister.

 

Pinkie, you're always one of mine. *rolls over to hug Pinkie*

 

Halt! *pats bed again*

 

*Sunset lies back down*

 

Sunny, do me a favor. A ginormous Pinkie favor! Something that even the world's biggest party cannon can't create!

 

Anything.

 

*reaches her hand out, extending her pinkie finger* The portal remains open forever. See me and everybody else tomorrow morning at eleven-hundred hours in the Canterlot High gym. Promise?

 

*takes her own pinkie and wraps it around Pinkie's* Pinky Promise.

 

Don't forget the Pinkie swear!

 

*chuckle* Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye.

 

Awesome! Now, what are you waiting for? Give your sis a hug!

 

*Sunset launches for a tackle, and they hug, cuddle, and laugh*

 

*Rarity knocks on door jam a few minutes later* Eleven o'clock. Time to go!

 

Sunset & Pinkie: Coming! *Sunset checks her stuff to see if she needs to pack anything, and then they head down with an arm wrapped around the other*

 

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Departure & Test

 

By van, everyone arrives to CHS at 11:35 PM. When Cloudy Quartz pulls up, everyone sees the Mane Six's classmates, Principal Celestia, and VP Luna waiting by the statue. Pinkie explains that she contacted them and asked them to come support Sunset. Sunset looks at the clock on top of the school to track the time. Students shook her hand, and she gave them all hugs thanking them for coming. Giving an impromptu speech, she isn't sure if it'll work, but she said if it doesn't and she'll be either away for eleven more years or forever, she wants to thank those who supported her over the years. Starting with Pinkie Pie, her family, the rest of the ReMane Five, Principal Celestia and Luna, and especially all of you. Their support helped her grow. If the spell fails, she'll always have her memories, and hopefully she'll see them all again when she turns 28. Everyone replied that they will see her soon, and Pinkie flashed her pinkie to remind her of her Pinkie Promise from earlier tonight.

 

Just before 11:57, Sunset hands Pinkie the journal and quilt pen.

 

Let me know if you have the crown. Promise?

 

Promise.

 

They exchange a hug and kisses on the cheeks. Sunset says goodbye and departs for Canterlot, where the others await at the other side. Sunset tells them she's ready. Twilight recites the spell, casts it upon the scroll, and transfers its magic to the mirror. It lasted thirty seconds, but soon the spell dissipates. Celestia looks out the window and sees the moon descending from its peak.

 

12:01 AM. It's time.

 

Princess Celestia, can I do the honors, please?

 

Of course.

 

*gulps, uses her green aura to lift her Fall Formal crown* Ready.

 

On my count of three, Sunset. One…two…three.

 

Feebly, Sunset tosses her crown to the mirror.

 

On contact, the crown slowly disappeared into the mirror.

 

Everyone prepared to cheer, but Celestia cleared her throat and shook her head. Wait a little longer. Several seconds passed. Sweat dripped down Twilight's and Sunset's faces. Celestia anxiously gazes at the moon as it slowly descends from tonight's apex. Luna watches next and pats her back with her wing. The others and Spike held hooves and hands and silently prayed.

 

Sunset looked back at the journal. Nothing. Was it the right pen? Was there any leftover ink? Did somebody back in Canterlot City decide to steal it and possibly destroy it? Drip, drip, drip. Tap, tap, tap. A sharp glance at Twilight. Hooves chattered. Back at her Equestrian mother, father, and little brother. Eyes closed, magic linked together.

 

Suddenly, a sound.

 

'Twas only a thump in the background.

 

A low hum.

 

Everyone opened their eyes.

 

The journal glowed.

 

Immediately, Celestia brought it over and flipped the book to the page. The parchment throbbed, and the sun princess's horn itched.

 

Sunset gasped.

 

A very quick scribble of handwriting.

 

WE HAVE THE CROWN!! WE HAVE THE CROWN!! IT'S OPEN!!

 

She collapsed onto the crimson floor.

 

It worked. The spell worked.

 

Twilight reached a comforting hoof out. But Sunset lunged, wrapped her hooves around the Princess, and they fell down in the form of a hug. Tears flowed and dampened Twilight's fur.

 

THE PORTAL'S OPEN!! THE PORTAL'S OPEN!!

 

Twilight lay there and allowed Sunset to cry onto her chest.

 

Back in Canterlot High, cheers, tears, and hugs woke up a slumbering city.

 

But given the circumstances, sleep can wait.

 

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Epilogue

 

A nice, hearty breakfast with the Mane Six, Spike, and the Shimmer family (Dawn, Sunrise, Sunset, and little Solstice). Exhausted eyes reddened and dried from all the tears last night. Gallons of saline won't be enough to moisten them.

 

But for the first time in several days, a strong sense of relief engulfed the table. Their hooves ached. Breakfast was slow. No conversations at all. Celestia silently drank her honeydew tea from inside an "I Hate Stress" cup. Luna ate some yogurt, while little Tiberius ate a muffin and stole some yogurt when he tricked Luna to look away. Pinkie snored loudly. Dash ignored her and ate some a Zap-Apple jam sandwich. Applejack snacked on some bananas and tea. Twilight drank some tea as Spike napped in a huddle beside her. But Sunset Shimmer hungrily ate on some PB&J's, drank some iced milk, and ate some apples while chatting happily with her mom, dad, and bro.

 

Once 11 AM neared, Sunset packed and caressed the mirror. There was a tug waiting for her to be pulled through. Telling them she'll be back in a few hours, she left for Canterlot City again. Transformed as a human, everywhere was quiet. But on the ground were strips of gold and crimson tape, leading her to the school, which was unlocked while the security guard watched and gave her the thumbs up to enter. Steps down the hall and eventually arriving at the gym. Doors were shut. Gingerly, she pushed the bars and opened them.

 

Too dark.

 

She flicked the switch.

 

"SURPRISE!"

 

A gasp.

 

Hundreds of people stood in the middle of the gym. The majority were from Canterlot High. But others were here, too, including some from Crystal Prep. As everyone greeted her with hugs, a party hat, and some cake, she looked around. A disco ball and pink, crimson, and gold ribbons hung from the rafters. Along the walls, printed wallpaper with Sunset's cutie mark and a gold-colored trim dangled and swayed as wafts curled under the partially open windows.

 

Yet, one question remained.

 

Where are Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and the rest?

 

Right here, Sunny!

 

The crowd split. Pinkie, Fluttershy, Dash, AJ, Rarity, and the Pie family waited beside the stage. Sunset immediately charged to them and gave them all tight hugs and kisses on the cheek. Pinkie was the last one, and their hug was tight and long. Tears streamed down their cheeks, as they refused to let go. Sunset started crying on Pinkie's shoulder.

 

(voice muffled) I thought…we won't see each other again… Did you?

 

(stroking Sunset's hair) Me, too. Everyone did.

 

Sunset tried to mouth words, but was held back by strong wailing.

 

(stroking Sunset's hair) It's okay, Sunset. It's okay. (kisses her head) Cry away.

 

A minute later, she slowly moves her head up.

 

I don't know what I'd do without seeing you.

 

Always remember, I love you.

 

I love you, too.

 

Is this the gym?

 

Pinkie and Sunset stopped crying. Everybody knew that sound.

 

But to everyone's astonishment, Twilight wasn't alone. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Spike, the rest of Twilight's friends, and the Shimmer family were there, too. Aside from Spike, they were in human form.

 

Human AJ: I may be seein' extra haystacks, but does Applejack look like me?

 

Human Dash: (runs over to pony!Dash) Whoa! Another Rainbow Dash! That's so COOL!

 

Pony Dash: So you're one of Sunset's awesome friends that she raves about!

 

Human Big Mac (from the background): Eeyup.

 

Pony Dash: Amazing. *whoas from her legs wobbling, but Princess Celestia and Human Dash got her* Thanks.

 

Sunset: (gets up, wipes tears off, and whistles) Everyone! Attention, please! I'd like you to meet my friends and family back in Equestria. This is Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna.

 

As she introduced them all, they said hi.

 

Sunset: And this is my Equestrian family, the Shimmers. My mom, Sunrise! *kisses her cheek* My dad, Dawn! *kisses his cheek* And my little bro, Solstice! *kisses his cheek; they butt heads with a shake and giggle* It's a long story, but please give them your warmest welcomes!

 

Human Pinkie: Oh, no!

 

Pony AJ: What's the matter, uh, Pinkie?

 

Human Pinkie: I forgot my party cannon!

 

Pony Pinkie: Did somepony say "party cannon"? *whips out two party cannons and pulls the strings*

 

Confetti shoots out from the cylinders, and everyone cheers.

 

The party has officially begun!

 

During the party is a montage of happiness. Twilight with some of her new human friends. The two Lunas exchanging joyful glasses of punch and playing some video games. Spike and Human Sweetie Belle playing fetch. Sunset teaching her pony friends and all of CHS her dance with the HuMane Five back in the Canterlot Botanical Garden. Little Solstice dancing with Flash Sentry. Young kids (and adults) playing a homemade Ring Around the Rosie. Everybody participating in a square dance, including the two Dash's, the two Celestia's, and Sunset and Human Pinkie. The celebration lasted all afternoon.

 

As the Mane Six, Spike, and the two princesses said goodbye, Sunset said it the best party ever and thanked everybody. But before everyone started to depart, the security guard knocked on the door and told them that a news photographer named Photo Finish showed up and asked for a group picture for The Canterlot Sundial (the city's top newspaper). Everyone agreed, but Sunset asked him to distract her for a bit as they took their spots. (Everyone sat from the third rows and higher depending on their height. The Mane Six, Spike and HuMane Four sat in row #2. Human Pinkie sat in front of them with the rest of the pies. The Shimmers sat beside them. Sunset sat next to Human Pinkie on her right and the Shimmers on her left.) Sunset gave him the cue and invited him to take a part of the shot, which he agreed. Photo Finish showed up, set up her camera, and took four shots of the happy group.

 

Next morning, the celebration, Sunset's journey, and the group photo made headline news in The Sundial.

 

The End