A seabreeze scent was carried in the breeze. Golden sunlight streamed down on the gently rolling waves, which would occasionally crash upon moss-covered rocks, Sonata lounging upon one. She was completely naked, hair down and partially wetted from the sea sprays that occasionally splashed over her, heavy breasts proudly jutted out.

Droplets rolled down her navel, upon the slit of her vulva and heart-shaped buttocks, both of which connected with scales when a where legs and feet should have been now ended in an azure fish tail, which she swished in the warm, salty waters in a lazy manner. She traced her palms over her slippery, voluptuous form with a childish series of giggles.

It was like she'd acquired a form that was a compromise between the siren she'd been and the woman she'd become. Her beloved sisters rested similarly nearby, returning her wide smile that showed her teeth. She suddenly started to sob and they swam over to her, faces contorted in concern when they held her. “I-I'm sorry. It just seems too good to be true!”

“Don't be dumb.” However it wasn't such with the same sneer and mean-spiritedness she expected from Aria; instead it was gently ribbing as she drew her close against her slender but well-toned figure. “We've earned this, haven't we?”

Adagio squeezed them both close, not quite as voluptuous as their youngest sibling but much rounder and firmer than the middle siren. “Of course. We helped bring peace between our kind and the other races of Equestria, didn't we?” She waved an arm at the vast expanse of sea, where other creatures liked them leapt like dolphins out of the waters before the horizon.

“I love you two so much!” Sonata continued crying, knowing she'd never been too good with words, but certain they'd understand what she meant. That was the kind of bond the Dazzlings shared, wasn't it? She could simply remain here forever.

While elsewhere Celestia and Luna were dressed up like princesses, shifting their warm bottoms onto thrones that sat side-by-side. “Monarchs aren't exactly a thing in the modern era...for the most part,” observed Celestia, her cleavage bared so much from her scanty white dress the soft pink of her areola was barely visible. “But it feels right, doesn't it sister?”

“Indeed.” Luna nodded with a smile, her figure not quite as large but still impressive. “But are you certain, Cadance? You only wish to have one nation to call your own while we look after the rest of the world?”

“If you ask me, I'm getting the better end of the deal!” Cadance tittered, garbed in a similar form-fitting and breast bearing attire, like them the back of her dress open and cut so low the dimples and a portion of her heart-shaped bottom was daringly bared. “That's far more stress and responsibility than I'd wish to deal with. I'll have enough on my plate soon.”

Shining Armor was at her side, wearing a fancy crimson-and-gold uniform, something he'd often wear for her when they experimented in the bedroom. She tittered and clasped her hand over his own when he rubbed her belly. They'd been at it so often by now he certainly must have put the daughter they always wanted in her by now! “Thanks, both of you! Let's celebrate!”

They popped corks from champagne bottles, filled glasses which they clinked, then downed them. Cadance smooshed her breasts upon his chest when she pressed close, undoing a couple of buttons so that his muscles were partially bared, her mounds partially popping free and rubbing over his bared skin. “Let's head home and have our own celebration, shall we?”

“Don't let us keep you,” said Celestia with a coy smile and wink.

“We'll be here whenever you wish to visit,” reminded Luna.

With a mischievous swat on the ass which made Cadance giggle the couple draped upon one-another and headed down the carpet which lined the palace floor. Guards stood at attention while maids and butlers bowed wherever they passed. It was almost like they were embedded in some fairy tale, one which none of them ever wished to abandon.

Back at The Hive club rave-music blared and sweet aromas suffused the atmosphere. Neon strobes flashed overhead and cast a sensual pall over the strippers and patrons alike. At the center Pacific Glow was spinning on a pole, playfully discarding her scanty costume, tossing her top into Rainbow Dash's hand and her panties yo Pinkie Pie who seized them. They shared laughter and drank down the hard stuff, kicking their feet up and burping as they grew drunker by the moment.

“This is the life! No worries, no responsibilities, unless we want them!” Dash's eyes wandered over all the pretty women here, seeing Flitter and Cloudchaser dancing all over each other a short ways away. “Hey, want a lapdance?”

Pinkie beamed at her athletic pal. “You betcha! Hey, did you know it's clothing optional night?” She stood up and started to chuck her outfit aside in a casual manner. “This is my favorite! Time to really cut loose!” She hopped up-and-down, laughing at the way her udders bounced and slapped, rubbing and tossing them with her palms.

“Never heard of that. But I'm game!” Never one to turn down a dare, Rainbow whipped off her clothes in a blur, proud of her lithe, well-toned shape complete with perky little breasts. “I'm gonna hit up the twins! You with Pacific, like usual?”

With an even wider smile Pinkie was already in the midst of a playful lapdance from Pacific, who bent forward and let her play patty-cake with her ass. Thankfully she'd gotten rid of that nasty tramp stamp. “Want to come home with us?”

“Of course! We're the bestest of pals!” She continued to gyrate atop her, the pair practically doubles, their lips locked while they pressed close breast-to-breast. She'd tip her well and take her homeward for a more intimate party, the usual threesome with Dash. Or maybe it would be a fivesome tonight?! It certainly appeared like Flitter and Cloudchaser were down!

Ever since Pacific Glow and Inky Rose had broken away from that jerk Sombra they'd been a little down, but she'd swiftly befriended them, and they partied at her home all the time, even if Inky tended to prefer the quieter fiestas. Chugging some more hard liquor and squeezing Glow's supple ass, she was already fantasizing about what they'd do later on!

Fluttershy and Tree Hugger were busy practicing nude yoga back in their little cottage. Tucked away in nature, it was surrounded by verdant greenery, teeming with wild animals that were nonetheless docile. They decided to take their session outside, a mild drizzle and breeze washing over them while they stretched themselves to keep limber.

“It's so peaceful here,” said Shy who perfectly mimicked her movements.

“You said it babe. Just peace and quiet all-around. Peace out and feel the vibes, man.” She paused, palms clasped together, and one leg raised as she synced with her partner. But like, I feel these odd vibes. Like something's amiss, you know?”

“Huh? Oh. Maybe.” She looked a bit crestfallen. “But it seems perfectly okay to me! Eep!” She was about to cover herself when Rarity and Applejack wandered up seemingly out of nowhere, walking hand-in-hand. Of course they'd all seen one-another nude countless times, but without some sort of warning she suddenly felt terrible vulnerable.

“Don't, babe. We're all cool here. What brings you all the way out here, chickadees?”

“W-well...” Rarity cleared her throat and her cheeks colored. “We finally admitted our feelings for each other and wished to share this revelation with everyone. We figured you two would be open-minded to it, due to your own relationship.”

“Not usually into women like that,” admitted AJ who stared down at her boots. “I mean, they're nice lookin' and all, but I'm not sure my kin'll ever accept anything but a traditional courtship. 'Specially Granny, since she wants a grandkid or several.”

“They could prove more open-minded than you think,” said Hugs. “Hey, why don't you join us? Get comfortable. We'll do some mild workouts, meditate, and I'll whip you all up a healthy, tasty dinner. Love and peace is what I'm all about.”

“When in Rome,” mused Rarity recalling much simpler times as she started to disrobe.

AJ chewed her lower lip with a much brighter blush that brought out her freckles, and she removed her own items piece-by-piece, until they were soon beside the couple, and followed their slow, sensuous movements with steady breaths. “I do feel a little more relaxed. Like I could open up to my family and they'd accept me no matter what.”

“I'm certain they shall when they see how content we are.” Rarity shared a smile with her. “I must confess I've already told Sweetie Belle. You should have seen how ecstatic she was! Why, I do believe they'll all come around soon.”

Curled up back in Twilight Sparkle's basement were her, Flash Sentry, and Moondancer, trapped under a warm blanket while they sipped hot cocoa on a lazy weekend morning. Spike and the Sphinx were curled up at her feet, snoozing softly. Naked as the day they were born, they looked over their latest shared project, reading over pages of schematics laid out close by.

The trio had recently become sort of on-and-off lovers. Just testing the waters to see what stuck. Would it work out? Moondancer certainly seemed convinced it was so. “This is great and all,” admitted Flash. But don't you sometimes feel like something is missing from our lives? Almost like a puzzle with the pieces in the wrong configuration?”

Twilight smiled. “Hey, I'm supposed to be the paranoid one!” She laughed and elbowed his ribs.

“Seems perfectly fine to me,” said Moondancer who peered over her glasses.

He scratched the back of his head. “No, it's like...like...” But every time he tried to recall Sunset Shimmer his memories blurred. Like she'd never existed. “Damn, I lost it. Feels important. Maybe it will come back to me later?”

“I'm sure it will.” Twi rubbed Spike's furry back who happily dreamed. “Ready to finish up our latest invention?”

“Of course,” answered Moondancer for him. “Once it's done we'll be world famous and set for life several times over.”

Twilight was thoughtful, petting the Sphinx who stretched out cat-like and purred. She couldn't remember how she'd required this exotic pet but sensed it was somehow important. A name popped into her head. Somnambula? A rather exotic if distant friend of theirs, she thought. They had a lot of friends, after all. But there was one she failed to recall.

No matter how many sweet dreams Sunset Shimmer's head was filled with she refused to embrace them. There were ones where she was back with Flash and Twilight, the whole group having forgiven her, where she was running wild with the Dazzlings who'd accepted her as their fourth siren and settled down into a mischievous but harmless lifestyle, or even one where she was back in Equestria and practically worshiped by the public as a heroine who'd saved both worlds.

Any of these memories could have made her cry with happiness. This time she was back in her humble little apartment, seated next to Inky Rose who she'd taken in. “Guess this means Pacific Glow is busy working, huh?”

“Yes, I tell her not to push herself, but she does take pride in her work.” Inky hugged herself and sighed. “I understand, though. She doesn't want to feel like a burden. We depended on Sombra far too much for too long.”

“He needed you, too. But you're both better off without him.”

Inky frowned. “Aren't you satisfied with your life?”

She considered the question carefully. “I am.”

“You can do so much better. This dumpy apartment in the midst of nowhere? You're smart, beautiful, talented-”

“Sure this isn't a lecture aimed at yourself?” Sunset laughed.

“I'm serious. This certainly wouldn't be my dream life.”

“Mine either. But it's the life I made for myself. The life I want to keep, warts-and-all. I'd like to think I learn from my mistakes...most of the time.” She smirked and closed her eyes. “Inky, I...I love you like a sister.” She squeezed her shoulders. “But none of this is real. You're not real. It's just some trite fantasy whipped up by my double to seduce me.”

“What do you mean? I'm as real as you.” She paced the room and her spider-web like black dress trailed after her. “I write poetry, read, listen to music...” Her braids shook with her head, refusing to be swept up in some existential crisis, no matter how much philosophy fascinated her. “How do you know you're the real one? What if it's the other way around?”

“Because I remember how we all ended up here. Sunny wants to tempt us with slices of paradise.” She cast her a bewildered look. “Sunny? You know, my counterpart? Of course,” She muttered sarcastically. “She doesn't want us to remember her that way. She wants everyone to see her as a Goddess to be worshiped, like she's always been this way...”

Despite her attempts to blot out the implications they sunk into Inky's consciousness. “I'm...not real? Does that mean Pacific is also...?” She quietly started to weep, mascara streaking down her cheeks. “No, it can't be.”

“I'm sorry.” Sunset wasn't sure whether she was communicating with her soul still trapped in its jar, or if this was some sentient manifestation created by her counterpart, but it pained her to see her like this anyhow. And worse to know that in order to stop this, she'd have to tear down this false reality which would reduce this artificial Heaven back to the Hell they had endured.

All she could do was hold Inky close while she faded away, her warmth leaving her and her arms soon clasping around thin air. She sunk to her knees and wept too. She covered her face with both hands, wishing this would finally be over.

“They couldn't get you either, huh?” Trixie waltzed in with arms crossed. “Oh, believe me, Sunny tried, but Trixie saw through her tricks! Eventually.” She wistfully looked skyward, remembering rolling nude in piles of cash with her sidekicks Lavender Lace and Fuschia Blush. She hoped the real ones were okay. “Can't be the real world if something doesn't go wrong at least once a day!” Offering a a hand, she helped her up. “So...what do we do now?”

“We go around town, wake everybody up we can. Already we're starting to weaken Sunny's hold, I can feel it. Contradictions are starting to be noticed by the other dreamers. We need to make them question what's happening. Since this is a dream, it will be a battle of wills.” They walked outside, her motorcycle and Trixie's scooter parked exactly where they expected them to be.

“Okay! Time for the Great and Powerful Trixie to shine!” She planted a quick kiss on Sunset's lips, then hopped on her scooter which roared off, smiling while she rode back into a run-down city which was gradually turning back to normal.

Sunset touched her still wet lips with a smirk and flushed a tad. She was about to step onto her own bike when Sunny suddenly appeared before her, the she-demon standing at the same size and fuming. “Why are you so in love with your own misery?!” She stalked over naked, looking more like a wild, predatory animal, somewhere between terrifying beast and a beautiful woman. She violently grabbed and shook Sunset. “Why can't you just be happy for once?! Why do you have to ruin everything?!”

“Because I love you all.” She suddenly wrapped an arm around Sunny's waist, drawing her close and kissing her. She struggled at first, but started to weaken in her hold, tears running down her face as Shimmer siphoned back traces of the power she'd stolen. The clothes she wore vanished, the geode markings once more starting to materialize over her bared flesh.

Pressing their shapely forms together, their large breasts squishing as they shared body heat, she drew away more-and-more of her strength, and Sunny leaned into her passionate kiss, her demonic aspect dwindling until she was more the scared, lonely girl she was at heart. She drew away, lips still connected by saliva strings, panting heavily as she looked aside. “I...I just want everyone to be happy. Me too. I want to feel like I'm someone important for once...”

“I know. But we can't force it.” She wiped Sunny's eyes and pecked her forehead. “We have to accept life as it is.”

Sunny blinked several times. “But I might be able to bring all those we lost back! Wouldn't that be worth it?”

“The price is too high. A world locked in eternal stasis where no one's able to learn and grow? With no new generations? Some prices have to be paid for progress. Sorry, don't mean to preach. You're an intuitive sort, like me.” She laid a palm over Sunny's heart. “You know I'm right. Please, help me set all this right.” Her doppleganger sniffled and slowly nodded.

Ever since Sunset first peered into Tirek's mind she knew it was inevitable. In order to banish the darkness, one would need an equal amount of light. But the balance was now skewed in the opposite direction. Someone would have to close the portal; its purification alone wouldn't be enough. No, somebody had to cross over. And she wouldn't let her double make that sacrifice!