Chapter 20.

Twilight accepted the crown and amulet placing both cursed items into her backpack as Rose Cherry tucked her step daughter in then kissed her gently on the forehead. Afterwards she turned to face those in the room with her and her daughter saying to all present.

“I am sure you all have questions that need to be answered. And I am sure that the crusaders want to know why Sunset was still part demon when they should have been able to change her back after grabbing onto her.” Rose Cherry said as she looked sternly at the three then at every one else present.

Scootaloo sitting next to her sister looked up then over at Sunset before saying to Rose Cherry.

“Yeah I would LOVE to know why that…..thing didn’t leave her until after Twilight showed up.” Scootaloo said as she looked from Sunset to Rose Cherry back to Sunset.

“I will explain everything but, I want to let my baby rest please I ask of you all to join me out in the hallway.” Rose Cherry replied.

As everyone was leaving the room Rose turned to Pinkie saying to her sternly.

“I know you are in love with my daughter and that you have slept with her. If you hurt her I swear it will be the last thing you ever do.” Rose Cherry said to Pinkie as she looked at her sternly.

Pinkie gulped then took a hold of Sunsets right hand saying softly to Rose Cherry while she held Sunsets hand firmly in her own.

“Ms. Cherry that is not my intention at all I plan to marry your daughter and I plan on being the best wife to her possible. I will not do something like that to her I swear it. Yes in case you are wondering I did turn on her like everyone here did that is expect for Twilight. But, I swear to you I will not ever break her heart like that again.” Pinkie said as she held Sunsets hand in her own watching Rose Cherry carefully.

Crossing her arms under her chest Rose Cherry said sternly to Pinkie before leaving the room to join everyone outside in the hallway.

“If you hurt her again I will make you suffer for it do you fully understand me?” Rose Cherry said as she stepped to the side allowing the others to pass her.

Pinkie looked from her then to Sunset who was sleeping soundly in her hospital bed and said to Rose and everyone in the hallway as they were both just leaving the room together.

“I will remain here I want to spend some time with Sunset besides I don’t have any questions that need answers the only one that I want answered is this.” Pinkie said as she looked back at Rose Cherry.

“And that would be what Pinkie” Rose Cherry said as she uncrossed her arms but, remained staring at Pinkie sternly.

“I want to know are you willing to let me marry your daughter? I love her very much and I can’t forsee my life without her in it.” Pinkie said with a nervous grin on her face.

“Yes I will allow you to marry my child on one condition.” Rose Cherry said as she looked at Pinkie then over at Sunset who was sleeping soundly.

“Name it. Anything you ask of me shall be done so long as I am able to be with the woman that I love.” Pinkie said happily.

“I want you to swear to me that you will always put her needs above your own. You see Pinkie in a marriage you need to be able to give just as much as you take if not more so. So if you can prove to me that you will place Sunsets feelings above your own desires and needs I will allow you to marry my child.” Rose Cherry said as she looked at her step daughter sleeping in the hospital bed.

“I fully swear to you that I will not only do that but, I will absolutely become the best wife to her that I possibly can be to her.” Pinkie said as she looked into Rose Cherry’s eyes.

Rose Cherry saw in Pinkie's eyes that Pinkie was being more than truthful with her about her promise to her. Rose Cherry stepped out of the room leaving Pinkie and Sunset alone. She looked at everyone in the hallway then asked everyone that was present.

“Is there some place where we can all go to sit down in a circle so that I can be sure to have your full attention? I am sure you all want to hear what I have to say and I have some questions for each of you as well.” Rose Cherry said as she looked at every one.  

Applejack said to Rose Cherry after Rose had asked her question.

“Yes Ma’am there is a place where we can all go in order for you to have our full attention. If you follow me I will take you there.” Applejack said as she looked at Rose Cherry then over at her friends.

Applejack led the small group to a room that read on a sign ‘meeting room’. Applejack had passed this room on her way to the waiting room where the doctors told her about her sister's fate.  Opening the door Applejack stepped inside the room then motioned for everyone else to join her in the room. In the room itself was a large square table with ten chairs spread around the table itself. Three chairs on the right side, three on the left side, three in the back of the table and one in the front of the table. Rose Cherry took the chair sitting at the front of the table while Applejack, Rarity and Twilight took the three chairs to the left of the table. Fluttershy, and Rainbow took the chairs on the right side while the three crusaders each took the chairs in the back of the table. Scootaloo sat next to Sweetie Belle who in turn sat next to Applebloom. All looked at each other then at Rose Cherry before Sweetie Belle said to Rose Cherry.

“Now that we are all seated and in this room can you please tell us why Sunset didn’t change back to her human form when all grabbed onto her. You told us if we each take a hold of her she would change back to her human form. I would like to know what happened.” Sweetie Belle said as she looked at Rose Cherry.

“The reason my daughter didn’t fully change back into herself was because although you have what is called ‘the innocence of a child’. You three are still carrying the guilt over what you did to my daughter. And because of that guilt you were only able to change her physical form not her spiritual form. So thus Amora was able to stay until she got what she wanted.” Rose Cherry replied to Sweetie Belle.

“I would like to know why Sunset went nuts and attacked Fluttershy and Pinkie.” Applejack said as she looked from her sister then to Rose Cherry.

“The reason Sunset went ‘nuts’  as you call it and attacked your friends Applejack is because in Tartarus vampires are the food for demons. Thus Fluttershy’s scent drove my daughter temporarily insane from hunger from pure hunger.” Rose Cherry replied to Applejack.

“Darling that still doesn’t make any sense whatsoever. Why would Sunset act like that? When she became the demon the first time at the Fall Formal she didn’t go after Fluttershy then. So why would she do it now?” Rarity said as she looked at Rose then at her sister.

“It is because of how she was brought back you all need to understand that Amora was forcibly removed from this world and then just as forcibly brought back. Sunset er...rather Amora had no idea that she wasn’t in Tartarus any more. When Sunset put Twilight's crown on at the Fall Formal she unlocked a gateway that leads from here to Tartarus. While Sunset was partially in control of Amora the demons need to feed was not present however her need to conquer was. That need was only amplified by my daughters need to belong and be apart of something larger than herself. That is why and only why one element of harmony was able to change her back into the girl that is now sleeping in that hospital bed.” Rose Cherry said as she looked at Rarity then over at the crusaders.

“And how is it, that you know about the Fall Formal?” Asked Applejack sternly to Rose Cherry.

“I know because I made it my business to know about it. But, if it will put your young mind at ease Applejack I will tell you. I know about it because Celestia that is one the one from my world and not yours wrote to me about it. I guess she wanted to make sure I knew what happened to my daughter after she left Equestria almost three years ago.” Rose Cherry replied just as sternly to Applejack.

“Why haven’t we heard of you until now and what did you mean by Celestia kept you from your daughter. I would think think that Celestia wouldn’t do something so cruel as that to Sunset’s family.” Rainbow said grimly to Rose Cherry who looked at Rainbow with anger in her eyes.

“I am very surprised that my daughter didn’t tell you about me. But, it is also understandable as well. It is understandable because in Sunsets mind she must have thought I abandoned her like Celestia did to her. Yet she doesn’t know that I tried two hundred and three times to see her. On the last attempt I was brought to her room while she slept and a guard levitated a knife at my baby's throat. While that…..harpy told me that day if I ever wanted my child to live I would cease all means of contact with her right then and there. And yes Twilight before you go off and say something about this that really did happen.” Rose Cherry said to Rainbow and Twilight as she looked from one to the other.

“I am going to pretend I didn’t just now hear you call Princess Celestia a harpy.” Twilight replied as she looked angrily at Rose Cherry.

Ignoring what Twilight just said to her Rose Cherry then turned her attention to Applebloom who seemed to be a bit nervous as she heard the thirteen year old girl ask in a half shaky voice to her.

“So….why…..why did Sunset go all animal like on us? I mean it was as if she didn’t even recognize any of us.” Applebloom asked as she looked at Rose Cherry.  

“My daughter while in demon form went feral because the demon herself was in pain. She also would have been confused and scared. Think about it. Take your selves and place yourselves in Amora’s body for a few seconds. You are a queen in the absolute worst place to be in. You are ripped out of your home everything you know is gone. All you feel is physical pain; you want the pain to stop but, it won’t stop, it can’t stop. Then you smell the scent of vampire blood and you begin to hunger for it hunger brings out your animal side and it washes away your physical pain. There is nothing other than the need to feed and kill. Then you sense the scent although faint though it may be at the time being of your mate. Not sure if the person or demon in front of you really is your mate you begin to sniff her body and take in her sent. Seeing that this young girl is very submissive to you. You allow her to have your meal as payment for being so submissive to you.” Rose Cherry said to Applebloom.

“OK so that somewhat explains why Sunset went all animal on us and from what I gather it sounds like demons are more animals than anything else. But, that still however doesn’t explain why she had that crown on her head or the amulet around her neck.” Scootaloo said as she looked at Rose Cherry from across the table.

“Demons are not purely animal at least when they are not hunting and feeding on vampires that is. Demons are able to speak and make very crude weapons however Amora was the first of her kind to actually use dark magic and thus was able to create the alicorn amulet. That much dark magic trapped in one single piece of jewelry caused her to become more intelligent than what she was. And through that new found magic and intelligence Amora seized power in Tartarus by killing all those that got in her way. She thus gained even more power and more intelligence as time went by as she learned how to forge a weapon that was more powerful than the alicorn amulet or the dragon’s heart combined. She created the dragon slayer. A demonic sword that only has one purpose in all of creation. To kill the dark dragon lord Arighith.” Rose said to Scootaloo.

“Are you saying Rose Cherry that the crown and amulet originally belonged to Amora, the demon queen?” Twilight asked as she looked at Rose Cherry with a confused look on her face.

“Yes and no the crown was just a crown back then it didn’t have Arighiths heart in it. That heart was given to Amora by death yet I do not know how death got a hold of that dragons heart or why death sought to give that much power to a demon. The alicorn amulet was yes hers to begin with and it is that amulet that truly caused Sunset to change into Amora.” Rose said to Twilight and all present in front of her.

“Ok so why did she become Amora at the Fall Formal when she wasn’t wearing the amulet then?” Asked Sweetie Belle with a really confused look on her face.

“The crown that Sunset stole from me granted her power but, it also let us see Amora as well. Amora is somehow linked to Sunset although I am not sure how.” Twilight said to Sweetie Belle.

“I would like to know why Amora asked to be brought back to Tartarus and what she meant by ‘I will lay waste to the one that stole my throne.’ Was Amora planning on starting a war of some sort?” Asked Rainbow dash.

“I can answer that Rainbow.” Twilight said as she looked at her blue skinned friend.

“OK Twilight tell us is there a war going on in this Tartarus place? yes or no?”

“Yes and no. Although there is no war right now I can guarantee you all when Amora reclaims her throne there will be a war. The one that stole her throne will rule the day that he did that to her. There is a good reason Amora is sometimes called ‘the bloody harpy’. Reasons that for the sake of the children here in this room I will not state while they are present.” Twilight replied to Rainbow Dash who looked wide eyed at her as she came realize what Amora was capable of.

“Twilight what do you mean you need to ‘convince’ Amora to go back to Equestria with you. What has happened since I left to come here to help my daughter?” Rose Cherry asked Twilight with a concerned look on her face.

Twilight looked down then slowly back up at Rose who was still staring at her before she said to Rose.

“War has happened and I need to somehow convince Amora not your daughter to come back with me to Equestria. Although you all saw I made a deal with her I have no way to honor that deal.” Twilight said as she looked back down at the table in front of her.

“Why can you not honor your deal with Amora I would think that would be easy for you seeing as how you have magic and all that right.” Applejack asked as she looked at Twilight who had a few tears slip past her eyes.

“That is just it Applejack I DON’T have any magic left I used it all to save Rainbow Dash uh, the one from my world that is. She had gotten herself into real trouble and the only way to save her life was to teleport her out of harm's way and back in ponyville. All of my magic is now with the queen Celestial Sparkle even if I was to go back and fight in the war that Lady Galanthus and Airghith are about to start I wouldn’t be of much use to any pony right now. Without my magic I have no means of protecting my friends and family from those monsters.” Twilight said as a few more tears slipped past her eyes and trickled down her cheeks.

Rose Cherry slightly smiled at this news as she said to Twilight.

“Twilight you must either be the densest princess that I have ever met or the most foolish that I have ever seen in my entire life!” Rose Cherry said to Twilight who looked up at her with a burning anger in her eyes.

“What in TARTARUS is that suppose to mean?” Twilight snapped at Rose Cherry who looked at her with a slight smirk on her face.

“It means Twilight that your magic isn’t gone not entirely that is. You just need a slight….spark to bring it back out.” Rose Cherry said to Twilight as Twilight looked at her with a confused look on her face.

Twilight was about to question Rose Cherry further but, stopped when she heard Rose Cherry say to everyone present.

“Now I have a question for you all.” Rose Cherry said as she looked at everyone in the room.

Everyone fell dead silent not wanting to hear what Rose was about to ask of them yet they all knew it needed to be asked and just as Rose needed to hear it so too did Twilight as well.

“While I was tucking my daughter in and when she grabbed onto me by my throat I saw what looked like a bandage on her left shoulder. From where I was being held I am sure Twilight was not able to see this yet I saw it fully. Yet I am also sure each of you know about this. So here is my question to you all. How did Sunset get that banaged on her arm?” Rose said as she looked around the table she was sitting at.

Every lowered their heads everyone except Twilight and rose that is. Seeing this reaction Rose looked at Twilight then at each of Twilight's friends before saying to them all.

“Did any of you do this to my child yes or no is all I want to hear?” Rose said as she looked at everyone in the room one by one.

“No Ma’am we did not do this to your daughter at least not intentionally. You see Rose your daughter has been self harming herself. When we all thought she posted our secrets on line we had no idea that she was doing that to herself. Had we had known Sunset was cutting herself we would have helped her rather than betray her. Pinkie broke up with her and she wanted to kill herself so we….. well that is rather…... Applejack was able to calm her down just enough to try to bring her back to the school. Rainbow thought your daughter was going to try to run so she well sort of took matters into her own hands and knocked your daughter out cold. It worked though we were able to get her to this place and she is on twenty four hour suicide watch for the next two weeks. Or at least she is suppose to be why she is down in this section of the hospital is beyond my understanding.” Rarity said to Rose Cherry who had tears coming out of her eyes at the thought of almost losing her daughter.

“I think I can explain why Sunset isn’t in the mental ward right now.” A voice said behind Rose Cherry.

Everyone looked up and Rose turned around and saw Vice Principal Luna standing behind her. Scootaloo looked at Luna then down at the table before saying to her.

“I would like to know why you left Rainbow when we three walked into my sister's room?” Scootaloo said as she looked back up at Luna.

“I left to go make several very private phone calls all of which were directed at the school board apparently they wanted to make sure you and your friends don’t go to school in this city ever again. So I called in a few favors and have gotten each of you transferred to three separate schools. Which after what you three did to Ms. Shimmer you three should be very grateful for where I could have left you three to your fate.” Luna said to Scootaloo as she turned a cold stare to all three of the crusaders.

Applejack looked at Luna then at her sister then back at Luna before saying to her.

“Beggin your pardon Luna but, what did the school board want to do to our sisters other than prevent them from going to school in this city?” Applejack said as she looked at the Vice Principal.

“They wanted to file charges on each of them and have them used as an example of what happens when someone bullies someone else. I felt that being kicked out of school was enough punishment for them. I also called my sister who is on her way to see Red about getting Sunsets paperwork finished so that she can be adopted or even move into her own home.” Luna said as she looked at Applejack who looked more worried than upset.

“I would like to know why my daughter needs be adopted and what you meant by ‘move into her own home’? Rose Cherry asked Luna as she looked at Luna with anger in her eyes.

Luna looked at everyone present then said to all who were sitting at the table.

“None of you told Rose Cherry where her daughter has been living for the past three years?” Luna said as she looked from each of them then back to Rose Cherry.

“And where has my baby girl been living for the past three years please tell me I need to know so that I can help her.” Rose Cherry asked Luna as she slowly began to stand up.

“Ms. Shimmer has been living on the streets now I need to know are you really her mother or is this some sort of sick joke? Because if it is a joke lady I will have the hospital security remove you from this place in a matter of minutes.” Luna said to Rose as she stepped in front of the doorway preventing Rose Cherry from leaving the room.

Twilight interjected by saying to Rose Cherry and Luna.

“Rose Cherry please sit down and Luna yes Rose Cherry is really Sunsets Shimmers stepmother” Twilight said as she looked at both woman each taking defensive posters.

“I assume you are able to provide proof of this woman being apart of Ms. Shimmer's life Twilight.” Luna said as she turned her gaze from Rose Cherry to Twilight.

Twilight nodded and motioned both woman to sit down at the table. Not wanting to get dragged away from Sunset, Rose Cherry did as Twilight requested of her and sat down at the table leaving Luna to stand in front of the doorway.  Seeing how quiet everyone was Fluttershy meekly spoke up asking.

“I would like to know why the hospital security didn’t get involved when Sunset turned into Amora I would think they would have been all over her.” Fluttershy said meekly to everyone present.

“Before I answer that question Fluttershy, Twilight you need to know that while I am very grateful for your agreeing to give Amora what she wants and changing my daughter back completely. I will not be going back with you. I need to stay here and help my baby get back to a normal healthy life style.” Rose Cherry said to Fluttershy and Twilight.

Twilight crossed her arms under her chest and looked deadpan at Rose Cherry who in turn looked just as deadpan as Twilight was. Twilight said to Rose Cherry as she stared at her.

“I do not understand why you will not be going back once Sunset is healthy again I would think you would want to live in Equestria which is of course your home.” Twilight said to Rose Cherry who stared coldly back at her.

“No Twilight Equestria is not my home, it never will be my home not so long as Celestia is ruling the land and the royal family is allowed to get away with what Celestia did to my daughter. Celestia, Twilight may be Princess and yes she is ruler to all of Equestria but, she is NOT my ruler nor is she my princess.” Rose Cherry replied sternly to Twilight.

“What are you saying exactly Rose Cherry?” Twilight asked shocked to hear that Rose Cherry would consider not returning home with her.

“I am saying this so long as that harpy who dares call herself Princess is seated on the throne of of your home land. While she is seated on the throne I will never and shall never set hoof upon the soil of my birth again. I choose this day forthwith  to remain in self exile and thus I choose to remain here with my daughter.” Rose Cherry said as she stared so coldly at Twilight her stare caused the young princess of friendship to wince at the coldness coming from Rose Cherries face.  

“I understand.” Twilight said after a few minutes of locking eyes with Rose Cherry and seeing that Sunsets mother was not about to change her mind.

“That is all I ask now to answer your question Fluttershy the security wasn’t involved in this because of what I am wearing on my wrist.” Rose Cherry said as she held up her wrist for all to see what was on her right wrist.

“Is that what I think it is?” Twilight said as her mouth almost dropped at seeing what Rose Cherry was wearing on her right wrist.

Rose Cherry was wearing on her right wrist a green bracelet that had three green jewels in the center of it. Each one glowed a bright jade as it’s magic flickered in and out.

“Yes Twilight it is what you think it is. But, before I get to why I have this Luna needs to tell us why Sunset isn’t in the mental ward right now.” Rose Cherry said as she looked at Luna then at the rest of the group.

“She isn’t in the mental ward because unlike my sister who seems to think that putting her in that dreadful place might help her I however do not think as such. And thus I made a few calls and she will be treated here in this wing of the hospital and not in the mental ward. I will not go into any further detail about this only that you all need to know is that I know what would have happened to her in the mental ward. That is all I am willing to say on this subject.” Luna said as she crossed her arms under her chest.

“Thank you Princess Luna for not allowing my child to be treated in such a dreadful place and thank you as well for helping her to be treated in this wing of the hospital.” Rose Cherry said as she looked at Luna who had a quirked eyebrow.

Turning her attention to Fluttershy Rose Cherry said to her while Twilight looked at the bracelet on Rose cherries arm as it glowed bright jade. Rose Cherry said to Fluttershy while holding up her arm so that all in front of her could clearly see the bracelet.

“This Fluttershy and everyone else is the trinity bracelet with this I can move any number of ponies  out of time. But, unlike a time spell or scroll I can not change the past with this. If I was able to actually go back through time then I would have stopped my daughter from coming here. But, what is done, is done and can not be undone no matter how badly I want to change things. However with this bracelet I am at least able to shift all of us temporarily out of time. So in other words all of us were moving at such a high speed in time that nopony knew we were ever there. But, I can only use it when Amora shows herself and I can only use it when she goes feral not before and not after so right now this is just a normal piece of jewelry nothing more nothing less.” Rose Cherry said as she slowly began to take off the bracelet.

Rose Cherry took the bracelet off then handed it over to Twilight who took it and added it to her bag of cursed items. Twilight looked back at Rose Cherry saying to her calmly yet sternly to her.

“I see now why Sunset trust you so much to be willing to hand over such power and to be willing to take punishment for using such dangerous items. That have been forbidden to be used by the princess for over eight hundred years. Shows strength of both character and compassion.” Twilight said as she looked at Rose Cherry who smiled slightly then looked down at the table.

Fluttershy not wanting the woman who had saved her life to be punished for something that she felt needed to happen spoke up.

“Twilight please I am fully asking you and pleading with you not to punish Rose Cherry. This person saved my life and she saved Pinkies life as well Sunset will never forgive you if you hurt her mother.” Fluttershy said meekly to Twilight who looked at her with a warm smile.

“Not to worry Fluttershy I will not be punishing her like that I will however ask that Rose Cherry will help me to convince Amora to go back with me to Equestria.” Twilight said as she smiled warmly at Fluttershy who looked back at her with confusion on her face.

“I am a bit confused how do you plan to convince Amora a demon queen no less to go anywhere with you when you have no magic. A demon of her lineage will only respond to one that is submissive to her. She will react very badly if you flat out challenge her Twilight. Remember to her this whole hospital is her nest and Pinkie is her mate. So yes tell us how are you going to do this without hurting my daughter or getting yourself ripped to pieces by the very queen of the demons.?” Rose said as she looked at Twilight with just as much confusion as Fluttershy had on her face.

Twilight smiled greatly to Rose Cherry then said softly to her.

“I plan to separate those two so that Amora will never again be pulled out of Tartarus when someone or somepony else tries to use my crown for evil.” Twilight said as she smiled at Rose Cherry warmly.

“It is not possible to separate them not without killing my daughter! Twilight I will not allow you to go anywhere near her if you really are planing on doing this to her.” Rose said through grit teeth as she looked at Twilight with anger in her eyes.

“Relax Rose Cherry there is indeed a way to separate them without hurting either of them in the process.” Twilight said calmly to Rose Cherry.

“OK tell me how are you going to do this then?” Rose Cherry said as she crossed her arms under her chest.

“All we need to do is see if Sunset is willing to put the crown back on and the amulet then hand over the trinity bracelet. In a demon's hand that bracelet will let the demon come and go as she or he feels free to do so. It will also fully separate her from Sunset allowing Sunset to stay here while I go back to Equestria with Amora and we use her army to face Galanthus and Airghith. Thus ending their rule for ever in Equestria and at the same time allowing Amora to be forgiven for giving up the alicorn amulet. Right now Sunset is acting like an anchor for Amora and thus as so Sunset and Amora share the same body. This alone must be driving the demon queen crazy so why not offer her, her own body and means to do with as she feels fit. Amora may be many things but one that would bring shame to one that saved her is not something that Amora would do.” Twilight said as she looked at Rose Cherry.

“We both know that my daughter won’t want to put the amulet or the crown back on and what you're asking me to ask of her is just not something I am prepared to do Twilight.” Rose Cherry replied to Twilight sternly as she locked eyes with the young princess of friendship.

“Then Equestria will fall and be completely over run if you can not ask this of your daughter.” Twilight said as she looked down with sadness in her eyes.

“There might be another way to get talk to Amora one that doesn’t involve either of you doing this to Sunset.” Luna said as she looked from Rose Cherry then to Twilight and back again.

“I would rather let that place fall then allow my daughter to be used as some sort of experiment by you Twilight. Besides you don’t even know if Amora won’t kill my child once she is free from her.” Rose Cherry said as she glared at Twilight who was looking down at the table as a few tears slipped past her eyes.

“Look why not see if there is another way maybe Sunset could figure out something that you both have not heard of or thought of and try that. Instead of us sitting here in this room we should be talking about this in front of Sunset and seeing if she really wants to go through with this. I mean it is her body and her choice that we are talking about taking away from her.” Rainbow Dash said as she got up from the table.

“Your right Rainbow Dash we need to go talk to Sunset and see what she has to say about this. Maybe she might be able to find something that we both missed.” Twilight said as she sighed then stood up as well.

Each of the others stood up as well as the group all headed out of the room and back towards Sunsets hospital room. As the small group got to Sunsets room Twilight looked back at the crusaders saying to them.

“Uh can you girls be really sweet and let your sisters and I go in first so that we can try to calm Sunset down some. I am concerned she might still be upset with you three over the whole Anon-a-miss thing. I don’t want her to pick a fight with you three while we are trying convince her to do this.” Twilight said as she looked at all three crusaders  

Each of the three crusaders all looked at each other then nodded as the crusaders leaned against the wall opposite of the wall leading towards Sunsets room. Twilight sighed heavily then slowly placed her hand onto the door handle of the room that Sunset and Pinkie where behind. Pushing it open the small group of friends all walked into Sunsets room seeing Pinkie was back in bed with Sunset wrapped in her arms. The group all looked to Twilight who just shrugged her shoulders unsure if they should wake up Sunset or not. As her mother approached her bedside she heard Sunset whimper out.

“Mommy I miss you.” Sunset whimpered out as she nestled her head against Pinkie's head and pulled herself tighter into Pinkie's body for both warmth and security.

“She must be dreaming of her time in Equestria just before she was taken away from me.” Rose Cherry whispered as she slowly stroked a few locks of hair out of Sunsets eyes and tucked them behind her daughters left ear.  

Rose Cherry leaned in and kissed Sunset on the forehead before gently saying to her.

“Sunset honey it’s time wake up.” Rose Cherry said as she watched her daughter stern and slowly wake up.

Pinkie also woke up as well looked around then half frowned when she saw her friends all in Sunsets room.

Just as Pinkie was about to say something Applejack said to Twilight as she and Twilight both stepped into Sunsets room and Applejack closed the door behind her.

“Twilight there is one more thing that I would like to know before we all talk with Pinkie and Sunset about we discussed earlier.”

“Sure Applejack what is it?” Twilight replied warmly to Applejack as she stood next to Pinkie who was still lying next to Sunset.

“Why are the crusaders back when they got hit by a car and were killed by that car?” Applejack said as she looked over at her sister who looked back at her with worry in her eyes.

Twilight saw the look that all three crusaders gave their sisters and said calmly to Applejack as she sat down next to Pinkie and Sunset.

“They are back because Princess Celestia gave up her life and her immortality to death in exchange for allowing them to come back here. Death knew that the crusaders could help Sunset become human again yet it will take all of us working together to get Sunset back to a healthy state of mind.” Twilight said as she looked at Sunset who closed her eyes and sighed then looked back at Twilight again before she said to her.

“So that is why when they grabbed onto me I was able to feel a warmth from them that I had not fully understood at the time being. Tell me Twilight are you going to take me away from my mother just as that….har….er Celestia did to me when I was still in Equestria?” Sunset said as she looked at Twilight then over at her mother.

“No Sunset I am not about to do that to you all at all. In fact I am here to actually offer you a means to become whole again. That is if you are willing to hear me out first.” Twilight said as she looked at Sunset then at Pinkie who looked very concerned as she lightly squeezed Sunset into her body.

“Ack Honey please you're squishing me too tightly.” Sunset said as she felt Pinkie pulling her into a tight embrace.

Pinkie looked at Twilight as she held Sunset firmly in her arms while she said to her.

“Don’t you dare take Sunny from me Twilight! I love her and I will not allow you to take her from me.” Pinkie said as she held tightly onto Sunset’s body not wanting to let go.

Twilight raised an eyebrow to this and said to Pinkie as she looked at the two of them.

“One: calm down Pinkie I am not about to take Sunset away from you and Two: I think you should at least lighten up a bit on Sunset before you cause her to pass out.” Twilight said as she saw Sunsets face slowly begin to turn a light blue due to being almost crushed by Pinkie Pie’s tight grip around Sunsets waist.

Pinkie looked at Sunset then lighted up a bit so that her girl friend could breath again once Sunset was done gasping for air she looked at Pinkie and smiled then kissed her on her right cheek. Saying to her gently.

“Honey I am sure Twilight won’t try to take me from you I love how you are so very protective of me. It makes me feel warm inside knowing that you will always be there for me. So let's at least try to hear what Twilight has to say then as a couple we can decide if it is a good idea or not. How does that sound to you honey?” Sunset said as she laid back onto her pillow pulling Pinkie down with her letting her girl friend lay her head on her chest.  

Pinkie listening to Sunsets heart beat said softly to her as she very gently re-wrapped her hands and arms around her girlfriend's waist while laying her head on Sunsets chest.

“Alright for you honey I will do this for you but, IF Twilight is planning on hurting you then she is going to have deal with me.”

“Fair enough honey. OK Twilight as I lay here with my girlfriend on my chest tell us what your plan is but, keep in mind if it involves me hurting someone or even hurting Pinkie I won’t do it.” Sunset said as she started to stroke Pinkies hair in her fingers.

“I understand Sunset. My plan is this I want to separate you from the demon that you became when the alicorn amulet and dragons heart crown appeared on her head and neck.”

Sunset breathed in and out slowly her chest rising and falling as her heart beat soothed Pinkie while she said to Twilight as Twilight saw a few tears fall out of Pinkie's eyes.

“How are you planning to do this?” Sunset said as she gulped hard causing Pinkie to slight sit up a bit and peer into Sunsets eyes as Pinkie said to her.

“Honey please don’t do this I don’t want you to become that….that thing again I want you to stay with me and not become that demon again.”

Sunset laid her hand over Pinkie's heart then said softly to her.

“Pinkie honey, baby the demon needs to go I can’t and won’t take the risk of hurting you if I become that monster again. What happens if we get into a really bad verbal fight again and I become that beast again. No Pinkie I can’t take that risk I love you too much to risk your life.” Sunset said to Pinkie as she rested her right hand over Pinkie's heart.

“But honey I….” Pinkie was cut off when Sunset laid to fingers to Pinkies lips as she said.

“What do you want to do in order to separate me from the demon Twilight?” Sunset asked Twilight as she looked at her then back at Pinkie.

“I want you to use the Alicorn amulet and dragons heart crown to become Amora once more then I will offer her the trinity bracelet as a partial payment for helping me to get her undead army out of Equestria forever. You in turn will be able to stay here and not have to go to war for a land and…..I can’t believe I am actually going to say this. But a princess that didn’t care for you.” Twilight said as she lowered her head in shame from doubting Princess Celestia.

“What about my mother what will you do with her?” Sunset asked in a deadpan tone to Twilight as she and Twilight both glanced over to Rose Cherry who was sitting next to Sunset on the right hand side of the bed.

“She will also remain here both of you will be more than allowed and very welcome to come home any time either of you wish to do so. Uh that is if we win this war that is.” Twilight said to Sunset as she looked at her then over at Rose Cherry.

Sunset began to sit up gently pushing Pinkie off to the side of the bed as she moved to stand up from the bed Pinkie sat up behind her and wrapped her arm around Sunsets stomach saying to her.

“Baby please don’t do this I can’t lose you again to that monster.” Pinkie said while holding Sunset by her stomach as she knelt behind her.

“I know honey but, the demon really does need to go so that you and I can live in peace together as I said I love you too much to hurt you if I become that monster again. I will not take that risk I must do this for both you and for myself as well. You saw how violent that creature is Pinkie I can’t take the risk of her hurting you if we intince it during a fight. I know that you and I will sometimes fight over silly stuff like money and food and a place to live. I really don’t want to risk becoming that monster during all that. The demon is possessive of me and would see you as a threat I love you so much honey I can’t do this without your support. Please Pinkie I need to do this in order for us to be free once and for all.” Sunset replied as she laid her hands onto Pinkie's hands gently holding them both in her hands.

Looking up at Twilight Sunset held out her hands to her and said to her.

“I am ready let's get this over with Twilight afterwards I would ask that you all allow me to have some alone time with Pinkie I think she and I need that more than ever right now.”

“Of course Sunset.” Twilight said as she handed over the alicorn amulet and dragon heart crown.

Sunset took both items then placed the crown on top of her head as she lowered the crown over her scalp she could feel her mind being invaded with evil. Just as she was about to put the alicorn amulet around her neck she felt Pinkie squeezed her stomach tightly as Pinkie started to cry. Sunset said softly as she raised the amulet up to her neck.

“I love you Pinkie.”

Sunset placed the alicorn amulet around her neck fastened it in place closed her eyes then reopened them as her eyes went from teal green to jet midnight black. Amora smiled wickedly at Twilight as she said to her.

“I see you have returned what is mine to me. But, I am wondering why did you return these items to me Twilight Sparkle?” Amora said as she looked at Twilight then felt Pinkie's arms around her waist.

“Look down Amora you will shall see the reason I did this.” Twilight said as she stepped forward towards the demon queen.

Looking down Amora saw Pinkie holding her tightly by her waist and grinned a very toothy grin as she said.

“Ah yes love is a wonderful reason to watch someone DIE!” Amora said as she flexed her fingers causing razor sharp claws to protrude from the tips of each finger.

“If you kill Pinkie our deal is negated you will remain trapped within Sunset forever!” Twilight shouted to Amora who stopped a few scant inches from Pinkie's head.

Looking at Twilight then back down at Pinkie, Amora snired out.

“Very well sparkle but, get this girl off of me. Her love sickens me!” Amora said as Pinkie squeezed even tighter around her girlfriend's waist not wanting to let go.

“I am afraid I can’t do that Amora any attempt to remove Pinkie from your waist line would only cause physical harm to Pinkie something that I will not do to her.” Twilight replied to Amora who just growled and snarled at her in response.

“Very well sparkle what is it that you want? You have already promised to send me home why are you asking me to come out of Sunset Shimmer now?” Amora said to her with a confused look on her face.

“I want to offer you the trinity bracelet if you will in turn allow me to use my magic to separate you from Sunset. Think of this as a partial payment for your agreeing to help fight in a war to save Equestria.” Twilight said as she looked at Amora then at Pinkie who was still clinging tightly to Sunsets body.

“What war are you talking about Twilight Sparkle? Why would I want to fight in a war for you?” Amora said as she looked down at Pinkie who was still holding her by her waist.

“There is war that Equestria is about to face a war caused by the dragon Airghith and the lady Galanthus.” Twilight said as she looked at Amora who was starting show signs of irritation with Pinkie as Pinkie still held tightly onto Amora by her waist.

Amora started to laugh wickedly as she said while laughing.

“Things sure have changed since I last ruled in Tartarus Sparkle if you don’t already sense who is really fighting this war that Equestria is in.” Amora said while laughing hard.

“What do you mean by that Amora?” Twilight asked as she looked at the demon queen then down at Pinkie as Pinkie held Amora by her waist.

“You think Death is the only to ride into the battle Twilight Sparkle? You wait until the three show up and they all ride alongside deaths side as the three shall become the four. Get me a new body and put away your silly trinity bracelet Sparkle I will give up Sunsets body. But you need to keep our deal win or lose the war you need to send me home.” Amora said as she slowly stopped laughing.

“I will honor your request but tell me who are these three that you are referring to?” Twilight asked as she heard Applejack whisper out.

“No!” Applejack whispered out as she laid a hand over her mouth once she realized who Amora was referring to.

Looking at Applejack then back at Amora Twilight again asked Amora.

“Who are you referring to Amora?”

“I will answer you like this Sparkle but, if you still can’t figure it out then you might want to check with your little friend behind you. She seems to know whom I am referring to princess of friendship.” Amora said as she gleaned a toothy grin at Twilight.

Looking at Applejack Twilight saw she was fully in tears as she looked up at Amora saying to her as tears fell from her from her forest green eyes and trickled down her amber cheeks.

“I ask you Amora don’t play games with her just tell her what she needs to hear so she can stop what is about to happen.” Applejack said crying as she watched Amora clap her hands together laughing coldly while she said to Twilight.

“I looked down in the valley below my cliff and saw below me four ponies. The first was a beautiful white female that had a bow on her flank. The second was a red male that had a sword on his flank. The third was a male that was as black as night he had scales on his flank. And the fourth was a female carrying a mighty scythe on her side she was a skeleton and her name was death. . The two mares and two colts ran side by side together and low the end came to Equestria.” Amora cooed wickedly as she looked at Twilight Sparkle then over at Applejack who was fully shedding tears as she looked back at Amora.

“Applejack what is Amora talking about who are these four that she is referring to?” Twilight said to Applejack as she watched Applejack stand up then watch in horror as Applejack did something Twilight was hoping wouldn't happen.

Applejack hit Amora sending her and Pinkie off the bed and onto the floor. As Applejack stormed out of the room she turned to Twilight saying to her as tears ran down her cheeks.

“You really are a complete idiot. Set Amora free if you must but, I will not sit idly by and watch as your home is torn apart by the four riders. Even here we know about them so get off your ass Twilight and do something about this.” Applejack said as she opened the door then walked out into the hallway.

Seeing her little sister there she knelt down and took a hold of her saying as she cried while holding her sister in her arms as she knelt down to hold her better.

“You have to take care of your brother for me Applebloom. Promise me you will take care of him he will not understand please just promise me you will take care of him for me.” Applejack said as she cried while holding tightly onto her sister.

The other two crusaders each looked at her then at Applebloom who said to Applejack.

“I don’t understand sis are you going somewhere?”

Applejack didn’t answer as she slowly let go of her sister a look of pure rage and determination plastered into her forest green eyes and on her amber colored face. As she let go of her sister she heard a soft growling coming from Sunsets room. Applejack walked away from her sister leaving Applebloom to wonder what her sister had done to upset Sunset so much. As she got just around the corner of the hallway leading back to Sunsets room she heard her sister call out to her. Applejack didn’t reply to Applebloom’s cries she walked out of the hospital then flagged down a nearby taxi. Handing the drive forty saying to him as she looked at him through the passenger window of the taxi.

“Take me to Sweet Apple Acres at 23 Mane Lane Drive.” Next Chapter: Chapter 21. Estimated time remaining: 6 Hours, 43 Minutes