//------------------------------// // Homesick Part 01 // Story: The Shadowbolts Adventures // by DragonShadow //------------------------------// The sun had passed its zenith by the time the school bell rang, and the students of Canterlot High were unleashed upon the unsuspecting town. The hoots and hollers didn't bother the two girls who emerged from the front doors together, walking in silence as they moved down the concrete walkways towards the sidewalk. Sunset's gaze swept back and forth across the courtyard, watching all of the students frolic and roughhouse as they left the school grounds. Their prior conversation didn't resume until they had put enough distance between them and the other students to properly hear one-another without shouting. "Anyway, that's kind of the deal. In a few weeks we're gonna have to take Spike's babies away and... I just don't want to. I feel like a terrible person for even considering it, even if conceiving them was irresponsible in the first place. Hey... you don't want a puppy do you?" Sunset shook her head. "Sorry, my apartment has a strict no pet policy." She slipped a comforting arm around her friend's shoulder. "You're not a terrible person, Twilight," Sunset assured her with a smile. "No matter what you decide to do, we all know you'll do what you think is best for Spike." "That's profoundly unhelpful." Sunset Shimmer chuckled. "Sorry, I can't think of a solution, only offer some emotional support." Twilight giggled back. "It's okay, that helps in itself." As they reached Twilight's bus stop to wait for her ride back into the city, Twilight turned on her friend with a curious look. Her eyes flitted down from Sunset's face to her chest, bringing a soft blush to Sunset's cheeks. "If it's not too personal, can I ask you something?" "Of course... you know I'm an open book to you." Sunset nodded. "You've been rubbing your pendant a lot since we got back from Camp Everfree." Twilight nodded toward her chest. Sunset looked down to see that her fingers were indeed wrapped around the tiny stone dangling from her neck, her thumb stroking the top of it. "Is there a particular reason?" Sunset closed her fist around the stone with a soft blush, blocking it from view. "Sorry, I barely even noticed. I have been feeling a little strange since we got our pendants, though." "Strange?" "Yeah. I know we've encountered a bunch of magic recently, but this is the first time since I got here that I've just been surrounded by magic without some kind of burst that vanishes almost immediately. It feels different, it feels almost... nostalgic." "In a good way or a bad way?" "I couldn't even tell you that." Sunset gave her a wry smirk. "As I said, I feel strange." Both girls looked up as the bus pulled up to the sidewalk beside them, and the doors opened to let a few passengers emerge onto the sidewalk. "Well you know if you need someone to talk to you have my number, or you can come visit any time." Twilight Sparkle smiled. "I don't know if I have any solutions, but I can offer emotional support." Sunset grinned back. "It's okay, that helps in itself." She waved as Twilight slipped into the bus just before the doors closed, and it went rolling on down the street towards the city. As the bus pulled away, she was left staring at the Wondercolt statue in the middle of the courtyard, and the mirror that sat beneath it. The land of Equestria was only steps away... and she had never considered going back. This was her home, after all. This was where she'd made her life and her friends. Still, she had to admit that something felt like it was missing... perhaps it would be nice to see her old stomping grounds again. At least for a while. At least to say... She turned away from the Wondercolt and jogged towards her apartment, slipping inside with a relieved sigh and dropping her backpack to the floor. Once her shower was done and she had a granola bar in hand, she wandered into her bedroom and plopped down on the mattress. It was only moments later before her magic book ended up on the mattress beside her, with a pen held loosely in one hand. Hey Princess Twilight. It's been a while. How have things been going there? Sunset knew it could be a while before there was a response, so she flopped back on her bed and took a bite of her granola bar. It surprisingly wasn't long at all before she saw the soft glow from the page signaling a response. A lot has happened since you all came flooding through last time, but things have settled down about now. Yeah, sorry about that again. We wouldn't bother you if it weren't important. It's no trouble at all, you know if you need anything you only need to ask. Sunset Shimmer hesitated for a moment, then steadied her hand before writing again. Actually, I was wondering if I could spend some time in Equestria this weekend. Not for too long, just for a little while to remember what it was like there. You don't need my permission to come through the portal, Sunset Shimmer. You're welcome in Equestria any time. Technically the portal leads to your house, so it feels nice to ask. I'll grant you that one, haha. But no, I don't mind you coming through. If you want we can set up a small place in Ponyville for you to use when you do decide to visit. One thing at a time, okay? I just want to see it first. This weekend, then. Just come through when you're ready. Okay, thank you so much. I'll be coming through on Friday. I'll see you then. Sunset Shimmer set down her pen and stared at the text on the page. Just like that, with no fanfare or drama, she was set to visit the land she had once fled from and tried to conquer. It felt strange to her. Even though she had been through the portal a few times since leaving, she had yet to really visit for any length of time. Part of her wondered if it was even like she remembered it... Well, the date was set. She would find out soon...