Weapons alight with the holy fire shared from Sunset Shimmer continued to down the monstrosities. The tear between realities collapsed, and over the hour the last of the invaders fell between the party, completely torched and crumbled to rubble. Pants escaped Flash Sentry who collapsed into a seated position back-to-back with Tree Hugger. “Is it...finally over?”

“It's over,” said Sunny who wiped her face on her jacket sleeve. “Yo.” She waved at them.

Trixie pursed her lips with arms crossed as she tipped over a petrified limb with a boot. “And Sunset...?”

“Sacrificed herself to shut down the portal. It had to be either her or me, and she wouldn't let me do it.” Sunny shook her head as the news dawned on them. “Left me a gift, though.” Her clothes vanished and the geode markings adorned her flesh. “It's still weak, but maybe it'll recover in time? Anyhow, she wanted me to carry on for her.” She bowed her head awkwardly.

Twilight was instantly on her feet. “Oh no! There's so much I still wanted to say to her-”

“She knows, I'm sure.” Sunny smiled. “I'm certain she was thinking about us all, to the end. I should know.” But no matter how hard she tried she'd never be Shimmer. Still, maybe in this new position she could forge her own identity?

Several of them were moved to tears while they stood or sat within the ruins. Flash wiped his face too. “Didn't even have a proper chance to say farewell.” He managed a small smile when Hugs intertwined her fingers with his.

Whatever resentment remained between them seemed petty now. Spike sat before Twilight who petted him. They drank in the clear blue skies, the breeze, and the gentle sunlight which enveloped the wreckage.

Moondancer stalked in a circle. “So what now? We rebuild the city?”

“In time, darling. For now we should make certain our friends and family are okay.” Rarity smirked when AJ placed her stetson on her. “We made quite a team, did we not? But we couldn't have done it without Sunset's assistance.”

“Shame these cools powers are starting to fade,” said Rainbow Dash as the white fire on her spear-tip dulled. “Of course we don't really need them anymore, I guess. At least we still have our geodes?”

“Yes, we're like a squad of magical girls!” Fluttershy beamed in a dreamy state. Whenever she or Tree Hugger started to space out they'd usually help bring the other one back down to earth, helping center themselves with a bout of meditation.

Sniffling, Sonata rubbed her eyes with both hands. “What do I do now?” Without her sisters or Sunset she had nothing to look forward to; just a return to jail and I small hope society would eventually accept her.

“Not to worry,” said Trixie. “Once it comes to light that you helped save the city, maybe you'll be let off?”

Flash nodded. “We'll visit you, won't we?”

“Totally.” Tree Hugger shot her a crooked smile. “Like, maybe you'll even be hailed as a heroine?”

“What about our families? Seems that bubble didn't spread all the way to the farm,” said Applejack who'd seen that her immediate kin all together and happy in the dream world. “Pinkie, your sisters okay?”

“Yep, they're even tougher than me!” Pinkie laughed. “Heck, Limestone's probably upset she didn't get to kick some butt, too!”

“Reckon I've had enough butt-kickin' for a lifetime. Although I've finally gotten used to these, er, duds.” AJ stared down at her freckled physique, a combination of curves and compact muscles hidden by a few well-placed geode symbols.

“You do look rather ravishing,” said Rarity who trailed her eyes over her with unrestrained approval. “We all do!” She slowly spun to show herself off. “Imagine if we posed for an Equestrian Suicidal Girls set done up like this?”

Rainbow chuckled and rubbed her palms together. “We'd make a small fortune!”

Twilight was already quite well off, but maybe she would need even more, if she ever hoped to free the trapped souls in their seemingly indestructible jars. Wit some help from Moondancer maybe they'd be able to crack them eventually. As for those trapped within? If their bodies were no ore, at least maybe they could one day be put to a peaceful rest.

She tapped her collar. “Cadance, are you all okay?”

A crackle sounded. “We're fine. Celestia and Luna are helping me search for survivors. Soldiers have been waiting outside the bubble to move in, but they ended up trapped in the dream world for a time. However, now that it's done they're helping with the rescue effort. We've explained a few of the basics about what happened, but...” She paused, in case someone listened in.

“I understand.” They'd have to think up a cover story and leave out certain details. Most of the chaos could be blamed on Tirek, Sombra, and the portal. She'd rather protect the reputation of people like Somnambula; after all any of them could have been twisted by these events. She'd simply be recorded as another unfortunate victim of this Apocalyptic scenario.

Months passed while the city was rebuilt. Fortunately aid came from outside, while the Rainbooms and their allies pitched in, tirelessly at work to make their home better than ever. In order to help raise funds Equestrian Suicidal Girls was reopened from the combined savings of Celestia, Luna, and Cadance, who quickly made back their money several times over. It didn't hurt that for their grand opening the trio posed nude for their magazine, and welcomed in a number of models from all over the world.

With their word and a few strings pulled Sonata was offered a reprieve for her sentence, as she was considered an instrumental part in stopping Tirek and Sombra. No mention was made of Adagio's or Aria's part in what occurred. Inky Rose and Pacific Glow were listed as more victims in the bloodshed. Chrysalis was briefly noted as part of the bedlam who'd also perished.

Wallflower in particularly was noted for her heroism. They made certain she'd never be forgotten, as she'd worked alone and tirelessly for some time to aid the town when it all went to hell.

No one talked about what had happened to Shining Armor, Luna, or Somnambula. The witnesses to the former's rampage had all been slain either then or later on and they decided there was no reason to blacken his reputation.

In the office of ESG headquarters, Cadance walked around in a gown which was little more than a pink, transparent sheet which clung to her curves. Her soft nipples poked into the silk, hips and buttocks swaying when she placed a portrait of herself, naked and in a saucy pose before a fireplace on the wall of the waiting room. “There! I think Shiny would approve.” She blushed.

Garbed in similar attire that matched their color schemes, Celestia and Luna placed their own sultry likenesses up. “We all made this possible.” Luna clinked glasses of champagne she poured with them.

Celestia draped herself upon a couch and sipped at her drink. “I wonder what our counterparts in Equestria are thinking?”

“Sunny's been in contact with them,” reminded Cadance. “I'll ask her later.” She stretched and yawned.

“Let's not concentrate on personal obligations.” Celestia finished her drink. “This is our time.”

“Yes, let us savor these moments.” Luna couldn't help but still feel ashamed of her actions when the darkness had overtaken her, but whenever she'd beat herself up they'd consoled her and quickly shifted subjects. But maybe it was best that way. It was a fresh start for all of them. She was now an equal in their company and reaped the same fame and rewards!

Thanks to her geode chores on the farm were often a snap for Applejack, shaded by her hat, while her physique was drenched in a sheen on sweat that glistened in the sunshine. She tossed around piles of hay, kicked apples from trees into a bucket, used her lasso to rope and herd animals into their pins and stables as needed. “Whoo.” She wiped her sweaty brow.

At first she'd felt a bit awkward walking around like this anywhere near her family, but Granny Smith and Big Mac had simply shrugged it off, while Apple Bloom repeatedly told her how beautiful she was, envious of her powers and body. She hoped her little sister wouldn't try to emulate her. Better that she have her own adventures and find her own way in life!

Harder still was when she confessed her feelings about rarity to them. She'd expected arguments or possibly even rejection and steeled herself for the worst. Instead they welcomed the fashionista to their home, where she currently aided their business while dealing with her own. It was a packed life, but Rarity's complaints died whenever she spent some time with her.

Despite her insistence to do things the old-fashioned way, AJ had to admit Rarity's constructs greatly sped up production, and multiplied their fortunes rather quickly. She was wearing a wide-brimmed white hat of her own with a ribbon, eyes hidden beneath a pair of sunglasses. Tattoos lit her ivory skin when she worked, rubbed down in suntan lotion which made her curves shine. “Mmm, the sun should set within the hour. Haven't we earned some alone time, darling?”

“This is our alone time, sugarcube. Everyone's on the other side of the farm.”

“I mean something a little more...intimate.” She tilted her head towards a wooden tub they often bathed in when afforded rare moments of privacy. When AJ started to protest she pressed an index finger over her lips. “No buts. Except this one.” She slapped her freckled ass hard, the wide but firm flesh barely able to wobble. “Or mine.” She placed AJ's hand upon a cheek.

“I suppose we've earned it,” said AJ as the pair removed what few items adorned them, and banished their geodes, using a hose to fill the roomy basin and stepping in. They laughed and sprayed each other, helping lather up hair and curves, which dripped with soap suds. “Aint I lucky?” She let down her blonde hair, which stuck to her back as she rubbed it down.

“We both are. It's admittedly been trying sometimes, but you've filled a hole in my heart.” She took AJ's palm and placed it over her slippery breast which allowed her to hear the steady beat. “Whatever happens, we'll face the future together.”

Fluttershy and Tree Hugger retired to their shared cottage in the countryside. Between the former's animal rescue projects, and the latter's art skills, they were able to make enough money to take it easy most of the time. Days would often be spent lazing away, practicing their yoga and meditation, or simply trading a bong between them to help them further relax.

Like the rest of their friends they would meet up at ESG HQ to shoot the breeze and pose for some more saucy photo sessions, Flash Sentry now a permanent photographer for the company. He'd drive the models around on tour when needed, and now that Inky Rose wasn't around her to their spokesperson, they put out an advertisement for a model to take her place.

“Ever considered it, babe?” Tree Hugger flipped through the latest issue and studied the ad, she and her girlfriend walking naked through their home, surrounded by new paintings and busts she'd made in the likenesses of everyone notable they'd encountered. Even villains like Tirek and Sombra were preserved here, although Shy would often cover their pictures with a blanket. “You're, like, one of the most popular models, you know? Maybe the most due to that bashful demeanor!”

“Well, I do like to pose more than I thought I would,” admitted Shy. “But I'm not too comfortable with all the attention.” Seated in the lotus position, she stared down at her voluptuous frame between hits, and the tuft of pink pubes she'd let grow to a small forest like her partner's. Once she'd thought her body a curse as boys had always leered at her and girls often resented her.

It was one of the reasons she settled down with someone who'd never judge or push her out of her comfort zone. But becoming a popular model, the love of Hugs, and being forced to run around pretty much naked due to the geode had opened her up bit-by-bit. Passing the bong to Tree, who took her own hit, she smiled bashfully and stood upright with her breast arced as she posed.

“You're my canvas, babe.” Rubbing her palms in paints, Tree deftly traced her lover's curves, which rippled softly under her touch. She rolled over her breasts in circles, down her back and navel, encircled her supple buttocks., and traced her womanly mound, the soft pastels sticking to her pubes. She couldn't help but lazily lick her lips. “Goddess, you're so hot.”

Fluttershy tittered as her cheeks colored further. “You bring out the beauty in me!” Her stomach fluttered. She couldn't imagine being any happier. Well, other than the fact they'd lost one of their closest friends. They'd always miss her.

Relief overwhelmed Trixie when she learned her old bandmates-turned-assistants, Lavender Lace and Fuschia Blush, had survived the ordeals untouched. They met up at a local arcade, along with a couple of other friends, loud music booming and lights flashing all-around them in the otherwise dark interior. She stood around munching on a few snacks.

“You're all such dorks,” called Rainbow Dash from behind. “I mean, wearing those ridiculous things in public?” She pointed and laughed at the cone-shaped hats that adorned the trio's heads. “You look like a bunch of LARPers!”

“Trixie is quite proud of her style!” She twirled with her sidekicks and their capes swished around them. “As opposed to yours which is rather...mundane.” She scrunched her face and landed a hard slap on Dash's shorts-clad backside.

“Hey, I choose these for efficiency, not to make a statement! But my style's still pretty cool. Naturally, because it's an extension of me!” She touched her bared midsection which was well-cut below her top. “Besides,” she lowered her voice despite how noisy it was. “Thought we agreed to forget about all that stuff that happened between us during, you know...”

“Trixie isn't certain she wants to,” she admitted removing her hat and placing it on Dash's head who couldn't help but smile wryly. “I'm not saying it has to be anything permanent, but we could see where it goes?” She batted her lashes at her.

Shock almost overwhelmed a wide-eyed Trixie when she was pulled hard into her grasp, their lips meeting. The athlete wasn't gentle at all, digging into her lower back and chewing on her lower lip while their tongues wrestled for dominance, Fuschia and Lavender giggling behind her. She mashed their breasts back against Dash, playfully at war for dominance.

“Ooh, saucy!” Pinkie popped up from behind an arcade cabinet, having been at work on some dancing rhythm game to keep in shape after all the sugary treats she'd downed that day. She was dressed in one of Pacific Glow's old costumes and doused in sweat, getting lots of looks wherever she went as she looked a bit like a hooker, not that she particularly cared.

Rainbow withdrew from the kiss with a huff as saliva still tethered their lips. “Pinkie, shut up!”

“Why hide it? I mean, shouldn't we be true to ourselves? We've already bared it all, everyone knows you have the hots for Fluttershy, heck, we could go back to my place and have one big orgy!”

Rainbow balked. “You're not joking, are you?”

Trixie shared a smirk with her sidekicks. “We're down.” She whispered in Dash's ear, “How about we go down?”

If she had wings Rainbow was certain they would've been full mast! The way she and her old rival riled each other up acted like an odd aphrodisiac to the pair, who'd once tried to downplay their attraction. But she'd accepted Fluttershy would never return her feelings and decided to move on. Trixie wasn't her first choice, and she doubted it would last, but why not have some fun?

“Let's take it easy! We saved the city, no, probably the whole world!” Pinkie threw open her arms and beamed. Her sole regret was that all their friends couldn't be there to celebrate with them. Pacific Glow, Inky Rose, Wallflower Blush, Shining Armor...heck, she'd even include Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze in the bunch. Most of all, she missed Sunset Shimmer.

“Okay. Just for a while.” Like her Rainbow took it easy once in a while, but they needed the thrills and excitement, and with their geodes now fused to them? Well, they were sanctioned heroines by the town, and had started to collect bounties on criminals whenever they were bored or needed to collect some extra cash. Not that it was much problem since they all modeled for ESQ, too! The Rainbooms and their close circle were more popular than ever after saving the city!

The soul jars were placed on Twilight Sparkle's workbench. She'd paid a small fortune to renovate her home after things settled down, and invited Moondancer to move in with her, where they continued their experiments. The basement had been expanded and packed with equipment. Half-finished projects and materials were scattered everywhere, a product of their restless minds, to the point where she sometimes spent more time cleaning her work area than advancing their latest works.

“Maybe we should hire some help,” admitted Moondancer. “I mean, I'd rather have lots of alone time with you, but I do feel a little overwhelmed and stuffy here.” The pair wore lab coats and goggles, and she planted a smack on her lips.

“I'll reconsider it. That's certainly in the budget!” Twilight bent down to scratch Spike's back while he kept kicking at his neck.

While she tried to appear upbeat, even all these months later she couldn't help but beat herself up after she and Sunset had fallen out, all the things she could never say to her now. Shimmer was trapped elsewhere...probably forever. And so she'd thrown herself even harder into unlocking the soul jars and Moondancer had backed her up every step of the way.

She made certain Spike's food and water bowls were filled. He sat patiently and stuck out his tongue while panting. “Okay, okay! I'll take you for a walk once I'm done!” She laughed, certain fresh air would be good for all of them.

Moondancer crossed her arms. “I'm serious. You're working yourself too hard. Look, we all make mistakes. I...almost let my jealousy of Sunset destroy our relationship.” It was hard for her to admit, but she was glad to finally let it out aloud, staring at the beakers and petri dishes that lined a table. “I almost let the Dazzlings lead me astray, too.”

“That's ancient history. I love you as you are.” She hugged her and Moondancer allowed her tense, slender frame to relax. “Maybe I won't ever be able to free the soul jars. But if there's any chance I'll need someone brilliant like you to help!”

“Okay, you've convinced me. Let's finish up, okay? Then maybe we can have a picnic at the local park.”

“You're right.” Twilight decided to take her own advice. It was ancient history, wasn't it? Sunset had forgiven them and they'd done the same with her. It was about time she moved on. Her phone buzzed in her coat pocket. She whipped it out and studied it. “Huh? Sonata rarely contacts me.” She furrowed her brow, curious as she looked over the contents.

Sunny visited her own grave on that little hill. Only now it was a monument to the woman who'd sacrificed herself to save her. She'd taken her identity as Sunset Shimmer wished, her death a secret to everyone but those directly involved in the events. They'd all sworn themselves to secrecy. Would the public believe, let-alone understand the truth, anyhow?

She was dressed in Sunset's old duds and laid a fresh bouquet before the stone. “You like red roses, don't you? I'm not really sure, to be honest.” Despite her lazy smile she started sobbing, still feeling ashamed and guilty even now. She'd tried hard to get her life together ever since then, and thankfully, she'd had lots of help in that department.

Grass crunched under tennis shoes when Flash walked up beside her and used his index finger to wipe away a tear. “It's okay. We all miss her.” She laid her head on his shoulder while she sobbed, his arm wrapped around her to draw her close.

His eyes watered too and Sonata arrived at Sunny's other side with a smile. She'd clung to them like a stray puppy, lost and alone, and they'd welcomed her in. Like the rest of their friends the girls continued to model, and Flash photographed them, unable to believe he was so blessed to get a hefty sum for getting to snapped pictures of so many beautiful, nude women!

Of course it was a constant reminder he'd lost Sunset, too. At first he'd hesitated to start a romantic relationship with Sunny, but they both knew it's what Shimmer wanted, and they'd soon discovered they were quite compatible after all. It didn't hurt that Sonata involved herself in the bedroom sometimes, too! They traded a few tender kisses between them.

After Sunny collected herself she opened up the diary with Sunset's cutie mark on the cover. She stayed in constant contact with her friends back in Equestria, had shared their adventures, and promised to visit them personally one day.

“I liked your dream world,” admitted Sonata who stood knock-kneed with hands behind her, staring at her shoes. “I want to go to the ocean and swim with my sisters, forever. I mean, this world's totes okay, but-”

“Let's take a trip to Equestria, then.” Sunny smiled at Sonata, who was blowing a bubble with her gum, which she playfully poked which made it pop. “I've talked about it with Celestia and Luna, actually. They said it's okay.” While she and her sisters had committed a number of serious crimes in Equestria's past, between how long had passed and the fact that she no longer had her powers meant they were offering her a clean slate, too. “What do you say, Flash?”

“I'd love too. Always wondered what I'd look like as a stallion,” he admitted.

“Yay!” Sonata hopped up-and-down. She practically leapt on them, hugging them tight and weeping. She'd missed her home so badly, and while she couldn't have her sisters with her, at least maybe she could put them to a proper rest? “Hey, mind if I contact Twilight, see if I can take the soul jars with us? I want them all to see the ocean, too!”

Something seemed to intuitively click in Sunny. “That's it! Why didn't we see it sooner?” She slapped her head. “Of course, there was so much happening I'm not surprised we didn't think about it. With all the powerful mages in Equestria, well, I'm sure they'll be able to crack the mysteries of the soul jars in no time!” She could barely contain her excitement.

Flash smiled, resting both hands in his pockets. “Worth a shot. I'll follow you anywhere. We could use a vacation, too.”

“I'll talk to her!” Sonata debated whether to use the choker she often still wore, or her cellphone, but she decided on the latter.

Opening the diary up Sunny started writing her plans down furiously. Perhaps this was how her counterpart felt whenever she was particularly inspired? For the first time in a while she felt like she had some sense of purpose other than filling the niche Sunset once had. She was her own person, and needed to carve her own path, little-by-little until she was truly happy.

With a grin she finished her latest entry to Princess Twilight Sparkle. And once she was done, she closed the diary and pressed it to her bosom, walking side-by-side with her closest pals. It was another warm, sunny day.

Author's Notes:

Whew, another tale finished! This was a difficult one at times, and admittedly I almost lost control of the plot in a number of places, but I believe I mostly pulled it together. Not too much of a surprise since I tend to write on instinct more than planning; I'd far more interested in weird ideas and neat set pieces than airtight logic!

Of course I wish I'd foreshadowed and developed some things a bit better as always, but I'm mostly satisfied with the messy but hopefully entertaining and compelling results! Really enjoyed writing Aria, Adagio, and Sunset in particular, with Tree Hugger and Flash Sentry also being a ton of fun. (Probably helps that Flash is such a blank slate a writer is free to interpret him in a number of ways!)

Thanks to everyone who read/liked/commented/etc. as always, that's my motivation to do this work and hope someone else likes my madcap adventures! Any thoughts or stuff you wished was in the story are welcome.