OK, this time I am determined to make you guys check out Four Echo Niner. :P The conversation between Tara and Ford where she explains Equestria to him will not be paraphrased or represented in this story except minimally for continuity's sake. If you want to know how she convinces him he's not crazy, dreaming, or both, follow this link: s/10854691/7/Four-Echo-Niner There, now that that's taken care of, enjoy this chapter! As before, Four Echo Niner will contain more detail. And the tie-in especially with the human side of the story continues. Thanks for reading and remember to review both stories!

As the officer stared out the window in disbelief, I edged a little closer to Twilight. "Where's the nearest available room where he can stay for the night?"

"In the western wing." Twilight glanced at him uncertainly. "I still can't believe there's two humans here now!"

"Trust me, it's a surprise to me too. Just make sure he doesn't see any other ponies until the morning. I think he's had enough excitement for one day."

"No kidding! I'll make sure he gets to the room without bumping into anypony." Twilight trotted out of the room, leaving me alone with Samuel Ford.

I walked up toward him hesitantly. "Officer?"

He didn't budge. "What?"

"Listen," I began. "I know this is a big shock to you. But…you've got to understand. Equestria is my home now. I can't go back to the human world after discovering who I am and what my responsibilities are here. Surely you understand that."

"But what about MY responsibilities back in the human world?!" he demanded harshly.

I backed up a step. "I can speak to Princess Cadence about getting you access to the Crystal Empire's portal so you can return."

"And where do you expect me to say I've been for—however long it's been now? 'Hey Chief, I was sucked through a magic portal into a realm of talking magical ponies!' I can just imagine how well that would go."

"Your decision. But the portal is open."

He held his head. "I couldn't go through that again. My head would crack."

"Then do like I suggested. Sleep this off and in the morning I'll show you more of Equestria. Then you can decide for certain if you want to go back to the human world."

Samuel Ford looked up at me now. "I still don't believe you're the girl we were sent looking for."

I laughed. "I'm having a hard time with that myself."

Twilight reappeared in the door. "I have the room ready."

"Thanks?" the officer replied. He still had no clue what to think about a talking pony.

Twilight turned beet red. "I think I'll leave now."

As she scampered down the hall I glared at Ford. "Don't scare the ponies!"

He raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

We walked down the darkened hallways until we reached the room Twilight had mentioned. It had not been used in a while, and evidently had been hastily cleaned and the bed remade to be ready for our very unexpected guest. Though not as luxurious as the other rooms in Canterlot Palace, including my own, it appeared as comfortable as an average hotel and certainly sufficient for a one-night stay.

I paused at the door. "Can I have one of the maids get you anything? Something to eat, maybe?"

"I'm okay," the officer answered as he seemed to relax a little in the room.

"Very well. I'll leave you till the morning then. Goodnight."

"Goodnight," he answered.

I used my magic (from my hand) to shut the door and left him alone. My mind was racing. Another human in Equestria—and a male, a police officer at that.

Don't get me wrong. That was awesome. But there was one human I really wanted here more than anyone else.

Savannah.

But something worried me. Every human had a pony counterpart in Equestria, and everypony in Equestria had a human counterpart. That meant that somewhere in Equestria, there was a pony Samuel Ford, a pony Savannah Swift—and probably a pony Tara. Already two humans had crossed the border between realms and at least one would be staying here permanently. Ford would at least be stuck here a while, if not for the rest of his life.

But could bringing another human into Equestria, and on purpose, upset the balance of our worlds?

I knew just who to ask.

It was a short walk to the throne room of Equestria, where the other three princesses were holding a brief conference. Of course, I interrupted to pose my question.

"You want to bring Savannah here?" Celestia stated in surprise.

"Yes. I just wanted to ask you first."

"You are Armonia! You have no need to ask permission for anything from anyone."

"I know. I didn't come for permission, only to ask if it was plausible. And I would like the blessing of my fellow alicorns on my venture."

The princesses nodded their approval.

But bringing my sister permanently into Equestria wasn't that simple. I had to locate a portal for her to use. The pawn shop where I had vanished, still a crime scene, would not work. But maybe the portal at Canterlot High's horse statue would still work?

If Twilight's book were connected to her crazy magic machine, that is…

---

The officer unlocked Sunset's handcuffs and gave her a moment to rub her sore wrists. "Empty your pockets on the table, miss."

Sunset's pockets were empty except for a bubble gum wrapper and a pen. The officer extended his hand. "Your jacket."

Sunset reluctantly took off her jacket and handed it over. All she'd had on underneath the jacket was the same sleeveless top she'd worn to the battle of the bands, and it was cold in the station. She would have much preferred to keep her jacket on. But she was in enough trouble already.

About ten feet away, behind a dividing line, stood her friends. They had faithfully followed the officers during Sunset's rather frightening ride in the police car. She shuddered as she remembered riding in the armored backseat, handcuffed, none of the officers speaking to her, wondering what she had done. All they had told her was she was suspected of being connected with Tara's disappearance. Why exactly they suspected, she didn't know.

The officer's voice cut into her thoughts. "You have the legal right to make one phone call before you are processed, Miss Shimmer." He indicated a phone sitting on the table.

Sunset hesitated and glanced in her friends' direction. They all seemed just as confused and scared as her, especially Fluttershy. Rainbow was the only one who appeared angry. But none of them seemed to have heard the officer's words.

Suddenly a certain someone popped into Sunset's memory. Hesitantly she picked up the phone and her shaking hands dialed.

The phone rang once, twice… "Please, please pick up," Sunset whispered.

Finally she heard a click on the other end. "Hello?"

"Savannah?" Sunset gripped the phone a little tighter.

"This is she. Who is this?"

"It's me—Sunset Shimmer. I'm at the police station."

"What? What happened?"

Sunset swallowed. "I—I've been arrested. Dash got pulled over for speeding and the officer asked for ID from all of us. I…didn't have ID and they arrested me."

Savannah sighed. Sunset Shimmer could just imagine her rolling her eyes. "Are you alright, though?"

"I'm not hurt. The others are here too, so I'm not alone. But you said I could call you if…I got in trouble."

"Of course. Hang in there. I'll be over as soon as I can."

"How long?" Sunset asked nervously. She didn't want to spend any longer in this place than necessary.

"About fifteen minutes. I'm walking to the car right now."

"Thank you, Savannah."

"Just hold on. I'm on my way. Goodbye."

"Bye." Sunset hung up the phone and glanced up at the officer again.

"Do you have a lawyer, miss?" he asked.

Sunset couldn't help but half smile. "No. I think I've got something better."

What will happen to Sunset? Will Savannah come to Equestria? Will I ever stop annoying you with these cliff hangers? Probably not! :P Remember to review and to check out Four Echo Niner! This fanfic is nearly over, so be sure to look for the sequel in the coming weeks! As always, God bless and thanks for reading!