Sunset wanted to scrunch up in a little ball and hide. Ponies from all around came running out gasping and pointing as she walked by. She couldn't blame them. I mean; suddenly having two Princess Twilights, two Rarities, two Applejacks, and so on; as well as a brand new princess they never saw before, it would have all been a bit much for anypony to take in. Still, with every step she took she felt more insecure.

The others weren't doing much better. The Equestrians, while used to strange and bizarre things, also felt this situation as a bit beyond the pale. As for the Earthlings; it was all a bit mind blowing. Their minds swam with questions as to how this world was even possible. It all seemed too fantastic, almost farcical, that this world existed. Only Twilight was halfway comfortable (and that was only half way).

Sunset had hoped as they left Ponyville the crowds would thin out and they could walk to Cantorlot in peace; but no doing. All along the road ponies lined up to see this strange precession go by. She could hear whispers of who were they, why was there two of almost every, who was the new princess. Once again, understandable; but it still made her feel self-conscious.

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"My sister, awake! You are needed!"

Luna slowly aroused from her slumber. She did not understand what was going on. It felt too soon to woken up to raise the moon. Also there was an urgency in Celestia's voice she had rarely heard except on the most gravest of times.

"Sister, why doth thou wakest me so early?" Luna stammered out.

"They are coming! Twilight and Sunset Shimmer! They are on there way!"

Luna snapped fully awake and looked at her sister in surprise and a bit of fear. "They art here?"

"Not yet. But word has quickly spread that they are on their way. And Sunset is now an alicorn." Celestia was not given to over reaction or fits of emotion. But she knew exactly what this meeting meant. It was the beginning of the end for her and Luna, possibly for all things. It was what was foretold to them so long ago. She had known this day would always come, but now that it was here a sense of fear and sadness clenched her heart and mind.

Luna nodded; wide eyed. She too knew what was now coming. It seemed both cruel and right at the same time. Cruel because it had only been about five years since her return and reconciliation with Celestia. Life was just getting good and now it was coming to an end. It seemed unfair. But it also seemed right for the same reasons. Life was good and she had reconciled with her sister. What more was there left to do?

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As soon as the gang got to Cantorlot; they were met by the Royal Guards. Twilight and Sunset exchanged glances before Twilight spoke up. "Is everything ok?"

The Captain of the Guards stepped forward. "We have been instructed to meet you here and escort you to the castle."

Once again Sunset and Twilight looked at each other. "Good," said Twilight with all the fake confidence she could muster. "That's where we were going. We have business with the princesses. "

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Everyone stood in the hallway outside of the throne room. Nervous excitement rippled through the whole group. Sunset stood stone still, looking down at ground. Twilight saw her and nuzzled her gently.

"It'll be ok. I'll go in first and talk to them. You've changed so much. They'll see that. Trust me."

Sunset barely moved her head in a "yes" motion. It was amazing. Over a year ago she had planned on coming her as a conqueror. Now she was terrified to be here as a princess.

The great doors opened up and a chamber guard came out. "Princess Twilight Sparkle; Princesses Celestia and Luna will see you now."

Twilight smiled at Sunset and touched her hoof before turning and walking into the throne room.

Before Twilight could say anything Celestia asked with an anxious passion, "Where's Sunset?"

Twilight was taken aback a bit. She quickly recovered and said, "She's out in the hall."

"SUNSET, SUNSET, COME IN HERE!" Celestia shouted out, her voice cracking as she did so.

Sunset slowly walked in, her head held low. She was terrified now. What was Celestia going to say? What was she going to do? She timidly raised her head to look at Celestia; tears filling her eyes.

Celestia's lower jaw started to quiver. Then she jumped up and ran toward Sunset at full speed. Sunset wasn't sure what to expect so she prepared for the worse. But Celestia embraced the her and started crying profusely.

"I've missed you so much!" she said in between sobs.

Sunset broke down and started crying out loud as well. "I'm sorry; I'm so sorry," she kept saying.

Eventually they both calmed down and looked at each other. "Don't be," Celestia said as she took Sunset's head in her hooves. "You've done well. You became that which I knew you were always supposed to be. You've made me proud." Then she hugged Sunset for all she was worth.

Twilight wiped a tear from her eye and looked at Luna who was likewise wiping a tear away. They then smiled at each other. Both were overjoyed with this reunion and the healing it brought to both mares.

Celestia and Sunset disengaged and Celestia returned to her throne. Then her expression became more subdued. "While I am grateful to have Sunset back here; I also know that it is not for a happy reason that you have returned."

"No Princess," Sunset said, they joy of the reunion leaving her voice as a somber tone replaced it, "it is not. I fear a great evil has escaped from our realm and entered into the human world." Sunset went on to tell the princesses about what had happened with Sparkle; how she had opened up portals and how shortly after a man had been found devoured. She also told them of what their plan was to deal with it.

Princess Celestia and Luna looked at each other once Sunset was finished. They then turned to Twilight and Sunset. Celestia began to speak, "Nothing lasts forever. Even the immortals cease to be after a while. My sister and I have always known that while our time was longer than most, it would eventually run out. That time is now upon us.

"Having no natural heirs; we were forced to find the most gifted and deserving among us to take our place. That is you two. Sunset Shimmer, you are to take my place as the Sun raiser. Twilight, you are to take my sister's place as the moon raiser. And all our duties as well.

"That is why Twilight, I have turned so much of the protecting of Equestria over to you. One I am weaker than I used to be and to prepare you for the day when I wouldn't be here any longer. And it was also to get you ready for this day.

"My sister and I have known for ages that the day would come when an evil would arise like no other. An evil that would threaten not only Equestria, but all of creation. Every world, in every dimension, in every universe. An evil we would be ill equipped to face at our age but one for which we wished you two would be more prepared for."

Luna then started talking. "This will be your greatest challenge yet. You have brought your friends along. That is well and good; for thou shalt need them. But be for warned, not all of ye shall survive. The road you are about to travel is a road of blood and heartache. But it is a road you must travel; for Equestria, the Earth, everything."

"We do not wish to scare you; only prepare you for what lies ahead. But you have within you powers that you do not yet realize. In your time of need, they will come to you. Guard your hearts and your heads and you shall prevail." Celestia finished.

"I don't understand," Twilight said in shock, confusion, and even fear. "What are we facing exactly? And why didn't you tell me this before?"

For the first time, Celestia looked ashamed. "To you, we are as gods; but even gods have their limits. You had to come at your destiny pure, and untouched by ego or expectation. Also the exact nature of the threat eludes even us. We have fought our battles. It is your turn now. We can say no more than that."

"As for the human Twilight," Luna jumped in again, "she can stay with us. She'll be safe here and we can teach her about the magic she has within her. The rest of your friends can continue with Starlight Glimmer and her reformation."

"There's so many questions I need to ask you," Sunset started to say.

"I know my dear," Celestia said. "But now is not the time. Now you and your friends are to be lead to your rooms. Tonight we shall have a feast in your honor and then tomorrow you will go back to the human realm and start your search. We will tell you all we can at the feast; which isn't that much. Now go, you have a party to prepare for."

Twilight and Sunset turned around and walked out into the hallway to see all their friends standing there sullen and quiet.

"How much did you hear?" asked Sunset with a sinking feeling of sadness.

"Enough to start making bets on which ones of us are going to die," said Sandal pessimistically.