//------------------------------// // 17. Phantom Moon // Story: Spectacular Seven // by Albi //------------------------------// Awaken, Sunset Shimmer… That voice again. She had heard it a few days ago… hadn’t she? It bounced around in her brain, until a mind-numbing fog ate it. But another voice, this one more familiar, told her she should probably get up. Sunset cracked her eyes open, squinting at the fragments of sunlight falling onto her face from in between the green leaves above her. A weight shifted on Sunset’s chest, and she lifted her head to see Twilight resting comfortably between her breasts. Sunset couldn’t help but giggle. She rested her head back in the grass and admired the old tree standing guard over them. Spring had brought them another beautiful day. A perfect sapphire sky rested beyond the emerald leaves. The weather was warm enough to be enjoyable, but cool enough that Sunset could still wear her jacket. She and Twilight had picnicked on the hill in Canterlot Park again, like they did almost every weekend. Twilight’s violin case leaned against the tree trunk, and Sunset’s crock-pot of homemade soup sat empty on the picnic blanket. As much as Sunset would have loved to lay there forever with Twilight curled against her, she was starting to get sore and stiff. She gave Twilight’s ponytail a jostle, and Twilight gave a sleepy murmur. “Sweetheart, time to get up. My pillows hurt.” Twilight took her time but eventually rose off Sunset and rolled her neck. “Good afternoon, Sunnykins.” Sunset sat up and stretched her back. “Next time, you get to be the body pillow. I don’t care if you are flat.” “I am not flat!” Sunset struck her hand out and copped a feel. “Well, you’ve got more than Rainbow, but—” Twilight batted her hand away and slapped Sunset’s shoulder, then bapped her a second time when she started to laugh. “Big, stupid jerk,” Twilight grumbled. “Sparky, you’re perfect, just the way you are.” Sunset wrapped her arms around Twilight’s waist and pulled her in for a deep kiss. Twilight melted into it, making a moan of satisfaction. Sunset eased her way out when it became too hard to stop her face muscles from smiling. “I love you,” she said, resting her hand atop Twilight’s, feeling the small diamond dig into her palm. “I love you, too.” “Ugh, are guys still being all coupley?” a scratchy voice shouted. “Well, it was fun while it lasted,” Sunset said, looking down the hill. Rainbow climbed toward them, trying to look offended by their display of affection. She got to the top and rested her fists on her hips. “I hope you two are happy, leaving us with all the hard work. And putting Rarity in charge!” She threw her arms in the air. “You know how she’s like with stuff like this!” “I’m sure it wasn’t that bad,” Twilight said. “I got yelled at because I didn’t know the difference between egg-shell white and cream.” Rainbow huffed, blowing her bangs out of her face. “But, I did get a consolation for it. I get to be the one to pull the happy couple apart.” She gestured to Twilight. “Come on, egghead, I have to take you to Cadence.” Twilight looked at Sunset like a lost puppy. “Can’t we stay out here a little while longer?” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “You’ll see each other tomorrow, geez.” Sunset stood up and pulled Twilight to her feet, giving her another kiss. “We’ve been apart longer than twenty-four hours before. We can do this.” “I know. I’m just getting nervous. Tomorrow’s the day.” Rainbow grabbed Twilight by the arm before she and Sunset could kiss again. “Everything will be fine. Rarity may be a total diva, but she knows what she’s doing. Now come on, I’ve been here ten seconds and I’m already tired of seeing you make out.” She led Twilight away, looking over her shoulder and saying, “Sunset, if I ever get all lovey-dovey with anyone, punch me in the face.” “Don’t make me make promises you know I’ll keep.” Rainbow made a short grunt and pulled Twilight down the hill as she gave Sunset one last wave. “I’ll see you soon, Sparky. Don’t worry, we can do this!” she shouted as they got further away. ******* “I changed my mind! I can’t do this!” Sunset ran her hands down her clammy face, wiping away a layer of perspiration. “I’m going to buy a ticket to Paraguay and never come back!” “And what exactly is in Paraguay?” Rarity asked, standing next to the door. “Not this!” Sunset grabbed the bottle of water on the dresser and chugged it down in one swing. “Rarity, you know me, I don’t freak out—” “Well…” “—but I’m totally freaking out now!” Sunset clawed at the low neckline of her dress. It crushed her chest, restricting any airflow. She couldn’t breath! The room was too warm! She was going to die! Rarity laid a hand on her shoulder. “Sunset, dear, take one, deep breath.” “I can’t! I can’t do it!” Rarity turned Sunset away from the mirror to face her. “Look at my eyes.” Rarity brought her hands up and cupped the sides of Sunset’s chin. “Just breathe with me. In and out. Nice and easy.” Sunset watched Rarity’s mouth, how she easily pulled in air and let it go. She started doing the same thing, shaky at first, but slowly found a matching rhythm to Rarity. They breathed together for several minutes, until Sunset’s dress stopped trying to choke her, and her heart no longer threatened to jump out of her throat. She took a long breath and slowly exhaled, nodding to Rarity. “There you go. It’s just a little pre-wedding jitters. Everyone gets them.” She lowered her hands to hold onto Sunset’s. “But you have nothing to worry about. A romance like yours and Twilight’s only comes once in a lifetime. You two are perfect together.” Emotion welled in Rarity’s eyes and ran down her face, leaving black lines behind. “Look at how much you’ve helped one another by being together. And now you’re going to share a life together. It’s the closest thing to a fairytale I’ve seen in real life. Sunset, I’m so happy and proud of you!” Sunset pulled her into a tight hug, makeup running down her face now as her tears fell onto Rarity’s shoulders. “Thank you, Rarity. Thank you so much for everything. I don’t know what I would have done without you.” “Oh, you would have muddled by. You wouldn’t have looked as fabulous as you do now, but you would have been fine.” They both laughed over each other’s shoulders. Rarity pulled Sunset away and led her back to her chair. “Come on, no more crying so I can redo our makeup. You can cry all you want after you say ‘I do.’” Sunset took a napkin and dabbed at her eyes. She couldn’t believe it. Today was the day. She had dreamed and fantasized about it, but never thought it would actually happen. In half an hour, she’d be saying her vows, staring her bride-to-be in the eyes, sealing the promise of a new life together. It was surreal and terrifying and wonderful all at the same time. Awaken, Sunset… She scratched the back of her head. There was that voice again. She had been hearing it on and off recently, faint, but urgent. It fell quiet against the roar of her mind reminding her what today was. Sunset looked at the massive doors in front of her, dark maple wood engraved with spiraling etches that opened up into flowering blossoms. A single key of an organ on the other side signaled it was finally time. With one last deep breath to drown out the butterflies, Sunset nodded at her father to open the door. His magic lit up the frame, and it slowly swung open, allowing the full force of the organ to hit Sunset’s ears. The slow, sweet wedding march ordered her to keep moving down the white aisle dusted with red petals. Her father trotted by her side, coming up to her waist. “I’m so proud of you, Sunny,” he whispered, keeping his eyes forward. Sunset could still see the tears in them. “Thanks, Dad.” Friends and family filled every row of the chapel, their heads following Sunset as she moved down the center. Her mother sat in the front left row next to the Sparkles and Cadence, an open seat waiting for her father. On the opposite side were the Lulamoons, Artemis looking ready to burst with joy. White columns stood at intervals between the rows, ivy wrapping down them. A skylight over head let in a shower of soft light, and the colored windows at the front bathed the altar in a rainbow. Waiting up the steps were Sunset’s friends, Rarity standing at the forefront, trying her hardest not to cry again. Fluttershy was already openly weeping, blowing her nose into a handkerchief. Standing above all of them, wings spread wide, her pastel mane flowing in an unseen wind, a motherly smile on her regal face, was Princess Celestia. Her eyes followed Sunset all the way to her spot on the altar. Their gazes met as Sunset came to rest, long dialogues passing between them. Of heroic tales and confessions of love and funny moments and jaw-dropping events… and apologies and forgiveness. “Welcome, Sunset Shimmer,” Celestia said when the organ went quiet. “And now, for our other bride.” The organ started again, and every head turned back to the large doors as they opened. Sunset’s heart threatened to leave again as her eyes caught sight of the most breathtaking creature in existence. Escorted by her father, Twilight Sparkle glided down the aisle, her slippers lost beneath her long white gown accented by purple ribbons that trailed off the sides. Star patterns were stitched into her long sleeves dusted with glitter, making them sparkle in the sunlight. Like Sunset’s dress, she had a low cut neckline, and while she didn’t have much cleavage to show off, a radiant amethyst sat at the base of her neck. With every closing inch, Sunset’s heart beat faster, blood rushing in her ears, drowning out the music. I want to be with her until the end of time. No, Sunset Shimmer! This is not real! Sunset tore her eyes away from Twilight for just a moment, looking at the glass in the ceiling. The voice almost sounded louder than before. What did it mean this wasn’t real? It felt real. Question it, Sunset! Fight it! The music stopped. Sunset looked down to find Twilight standing before her, a bouquet of flowers in hand. Her smile nearly blinded Sunset. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Celestia said, “we are gathered here today for a momentous occasion! The union of these two souls in holy matrimony!” Sunset looked out at the crowd. Her mother and father leaned against one another, tearful smiles on their faces. They were the only ponies besides Celestia to attend the affair. How did they get here anyway? A sharp pain shot through Sunset’s head before a light fog filled her vision. Why does it matter? They’re here on the happiest day of your life… No, Sunset! Look beyond the lie! Find the truth! The fog vanished, and Celestia’s voice came back. “...it is a truly rare and celebratory occasion when two people love each other as true and pure as Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight beamed, and Sunset couldn’t help but smile back. She wanted to throw out the ceremony and just tackle Twilight to the floor. Easy, girl. There’ll be plenty of time for that later. But how did I get here? When did I propose to Twilight? Remember, you did it… by a lake? At dusk? Sunset scrunched her face. Why couldn’t she get a clear image of that moment? She knew it existed. Actually, what had she been doing up until this point? Had she graduated from high school? Yes, she had…. She thought she had. But what had she been doing after that? Traveling the world? No, working in the emporium. “Are you okay?” Twilight whispered as Celestia continued to talk. “Y-yeah,” Sunset said, drawing herself out of her muddled thoughts. “Just… thinking too hard.” Or not hard enough? But the harder she thought, the more fog filled her mind. Suddenly, she could see her proposal to Twilight. It had been by a lake at dusk. What she had been doing since graduation still eluded her. Was it just nerves blocking her memory? A voice whispered something in the back of her head, but Sunset could barely hear it now. “I believe both of you have written your own vows?” Celestia took a step back, letting Twilight and Sunset take center stage. Twilight took a deep breath. “Sunset, you’re sometimes the most frustrating person I’ve ever had to deal with.” Everyone couldn’t help but laugh, including Sunset. “But you’re also the most driven and compassionate and fearless person I’ve met. You’ve taught me so much, not just about magic, but things about myself I never knew. You’re always encouraging, even if you like to hide it behind sarcasm. You’re empathetic and you always try to put my needs before yours.” Twilight hiccuped and rubbed her eyes with her sleeve. “But from now on, we share needs, okay? I want to take care of you, too. I want to help you carry all the burdens you have and make your life easier. I love you. I love you so much, even when it doesn’t make sense. It’s the one thing I’m not afraid to not question. Because when I’m with you, everything feels right and makes perfect sense. I can’t wait to be part of your world.” Sunset swallowed the lump of emotion in her throat, wishing she had gone first. How was she supposed to top that? Moreover, how was she supposed to get through her speech without bawling? “Twilight, I…” She hesitated. She had a vow prepared, right? Yes, of course she did! “Twilight, you’re perfect. You’re the reason I try so hard to be a better person…” Sunset, don’t fall for the illusion! You must awaken! “All of my friends have taught me something,” Sunset said a little more slowly. The voice was back in full force. When did she write this speech? Were these the words she wanted to say to Twilight on their wedding day? Sunset couldn’t remember planning the wedding. “My friends… our friends… uhm, they all taught me to be better, but you…” Sunset’s eyes looked about the room. “You taught me I can still fall… in love…” Wake up, Sunset! Fight the illusion! Your soul has the strength! My soul? Illusion? Sunset looked at the audience, who looked back at her in confusion. She knew she was hesitating, but something felt off. There were too many holes in her memory. And something about the word ‘soul’... “Your soul is indeed powerful.” Sunset’s eyes widened. “Her! That woman!” Sunset remembered being held against her will, and pain, unbearable pain! “Sunset?” She looked back at Twilight, tears of rejection and anguish in her eyes. “Are you all right?” “I…” Sunset looked about. She could see the cracks and seams in this fantasy. She had been captured. How had she ended up here? “No… I’m not okay. This…” She felt a weightlessness overtake her body. “This isn’t real. None of it’s real.” The sound of shattered glass ripped through Sunset’s eardrums. Twilight broke into a thousand pieces, and even though Sunset knew it wasn’t real, watching her crumble into shards broke Sunset’s heart. The chapel and all its inhabitants fell into nothingness, leaving Sunset standing in a swirling red void that quickly made her wish she had stayed in the dream. There was no ground, Sunset just stood amongst an angry sea of crimson. Black swirls and clouds danced about her in all directions. Sunset shook like a leaf. Where was she? How had she ended up here? Was this still a dream? She took a step forward, still feeling an invisible floor beneath her boots. Her body still felt oddly light. No, not just her body… her soul felt light. It felt… fractured. She took a breath to ease her nerves but to no avail. Her calming breath slowly became hyperventilation. She wanted to leave or wake up or whatever. She wanted to see her friends! “Be at peace, Sunset Shimmer, you’re not alone.” Sunset yelped and spun around, placing a hand over her heart. Sitting on an invisible ledge over Sunset was a familiar looking woman. She held her wide-brimmed hat down over her face, but Sunset recognized her silver hair reaching down to the small of her back. She wore heels and stockings with her blue skirt, and a blazer over her white shirt. A blue cape with stars and moons flapped in a wind Sunset couldn’t feel. “I know you,” Sunset said, her voice having a hard time getting above a whisper. “You’re Artemis’ sister. You’re Apalla Lulamoon.” Apalla lifted her hat and smiled in surprise. Indeed, she looked like a female version of Artemis with her childish smile. “You know my brother?” Sunset nodded. “He… he took me in when I really needed it.” A kind and hearty laugh escaped Apalla’s lips and filled the void with life. “That’s my brother. Too nice for his own good sometimes. I remember this one time...” Her purple eyes found Sunset again. “Well, it’s nice to meet you, Sunset Shimmer.” “How do you know who I am? Where are we?” Sunset looked around the swirling void, a cold sweat of dread forming on her forehead. “I thought you were… dead.” She grabbed her heart. “Am I dead too?” Apalla drifted down from her invisible perch and hovered beside Sunset. She was Artemis’ height as well, standing a few inches taller than Sunset. “All good questions, though I hesitate to say any of them have good answers.” She tapped a finger against her chin. “Where to start? Well, first let me assure you that you’re not dead. Actually, I can’t say that for certain. I have no way of knowing what happened to your body. Your soul has not moved onto the next world though, so in some senses, you aren’t actually dead, not in a spiritual sense at least.” She cupped a hand against her cheek. “What is death? Is it a sudden stop to what we consider to be life? But our bodies are merely vessels for our souls, and souls cannot die. At least, I hope they cannot. Hmm, that’s actually a very deep question. If a soul could die, what would happen to it? Would you merely cease to exist entirely?” “Miss Apalla,” Sunset said meekly, “I think you might be rambling a little.” Apalla blinked. “Oh goodness, you’re probably right. Sorry, I don’t get to talk to many people these days. My communication skills are a little rusty.” She let out a hearty laugh that had a slight crack in it. “I guess I can’t answer your last question. To answer your first one, I learned your name when I was peering into your soul’s dream.” “My soul’s dream?” “Your dream, your soul’s dream. One in the same really. That fantasy trying to convince you you were still in reality. A dream where your deepest wishes are fulfilled, designed to keep you complacent and subdued. Breaking free from it is not an easy feat.” Sunset nodded absently. “That’s good I guess. But I’m still really confused. Where are we? Why was I dreaming? And how did I get here?” Apalla leaned back until she was reclining in midair. “Hmmm. I think it would be easiest to go in chronological order. Not that time has much meaning here. Or maybe it does and I just can’t tell. But, before I start to ramble again, what’s the last thing you remember?” Sunset closed her eyes and pressed a hand to her head. “I remember… fighting Lamia… and then being paralyzed and dragged away…” She gasped. “And then that woman! I think her name was—” “Tempest Shadow,” Apalla said darkly. “Do you know her?” “Knowing is subjective.” Apalla waved her hand. “I’ve had the displeasure of meeting her. But continue.” Her last memories before her dream replayed in Sunset’s mind, grainy and shuttered, like she was seeing them on an old film reel. “I don’t know where I was, but she had me tied to a chair. Then she lifted some amulet to me and started…” Sunset shuddered, feeling violated, like her very core had been exposed and torn. “She started reading me. All my memories and emotions. She tried to draw up all my anger and jealousy and hatred…” Oddly enough, Sunset couldn’t feel any of that now; not even anger toward her captors. Just a dull apathy in its place. “I think she wanted my magic.” Apalla zoomed up to Sunset’s face, her eyes wide. “You have magic?” she asked excitedly. “Oh, I knew your soul was special! I just couldn’t place it! I’ve never felt magic like yours before. Oh, I’m sorry, I interrupted again.” She drifted away from Sunset and gestured for her to continue. “Y-yeah, it’s a long story. But she wanted the darker side of my magic. I refused to give into it, so she did something else. I remember agonizing pain and then… I guess I ended up here.” She looked to Apalla for confirmation. “I see.” Apalla raised a hand to her cheek again. “Fascinating. So many questions I would love to ask, but yours take priority. I can see why Tempest would want your soul; you have a lot of magic, even if it’s… foreign? Alien? Very unique,” she decided. Sunset nodded patiently letting Apalla move at her own pace. “Well, Sunset, there is no easy way to tell you this, but your soul now lies within the confines of the Soul Lock.” She made a sweeping gesture to the red and black swirling mass that engulfed them. It stretched on forever in every direction, and in the distance, Sunset could see a few tiny flecks of light. An inhuman roar echoed through the void, one that made Sunset drop to her knees as her soul trembled. It faded away, but a feeling of despair and crushing hope lingered. “Don’t mind him,” Apalla said with a dismissive wave. “That’s just the warden.” “Uh, okay?” She looked up at Apalla. “But what is a Soul Lock? And what does Tempest want with my soul?” Apalla helped Sunset back to her feet. “Come, walk with me while I give you a lesson in history.” She glided a few feet, then paused and smiled dreamily. “Oh, that rhymed!” They followed an unseen path into the darkness, passing a few of the light specks. Apalla hummed to herself as she floated along. Sunset wondered if she had already forgotten she was supposed to be explaining things. “Long ago, in the first age of magic,” Apalla began in a misty voice, “when humanity first stumbled upon the idea of civilization and paid homage to the gods for all they had, there was a young man named Tirek.” Sunset froze. “Tirek?” “Oh, you’ve heard of him?” The name brought old images from her history books in Equestria. A brief chapter on a would be conqueror. “Sort of. But I don’t think it’s the same person.” “Interesting. I wouldn’t think Tirek to be a very common name. Hmm, but what is a name? Is it central to the establishment of our character? Or is it merely a label given to us at birth that we grow into? Do we make the name, or does the name make us?” Apalla blinked. “What was I talking about?” Sunset softly cleared her throat. “Tirek, I believe.” “Yes, of course! Silly me! Well, the tapestries of history no longer record his origins, but we know Tirek began his life as just a normal man. But, he had a vendetta against the gods, and sought the power to challenge them. He trained his soul to become in tune with the magical world and learned all he could about magic.” Apalla paused, seeing the inquisitive look on Sunset’s face. “Ah. You see, souls resonate with the magic that fills the world. At least they did until the magic went away. If one pushes their soul to a certain point, they can harness that magic.” “And how do you reach that point?” Sunset asked. “Well, our souls are reflections of who we are. They are the growth that we go through in life. Seeing the world, meeting new people, learning new things. All those experiences help our soul to grow. Of course, it’s not enough if you want to tap into magic. No, meditating, spiritual training… and trauma of any sort are ways to strengthen your soul as well.” “So that’s how Tirek got stronger?” Apalla nodded. “That’s how he started. It is said he was quite determined to learn magic. Once his soul hit the threshold, he traveled the land, asking to be taught from witches and wizards from across the world.” She shook her head. “If only they knew. “Soon, Tirek would discover the ultimate truth about souls.” Apalla stopped her glide and faced Sunset. “Souls are a kind of magic too. They are the very essence of creation and life. They are sacred magics. They are powerful magics. When Tirek learned that, he devised a way to harness that magic—magic equivalent to that of the divine.” She raised a hand to the murky sky above them. “This is the result of his research. The Soul Lock. It is a pocket dimension of his design, created to house souls so he can feed on their power and add to his own magic.” Sunset gazed around, horror grasping her in its tight claws. “So, he just… takes people’s souls? What about their bodies?” Her face paled. “What about my body?” Apalla let out a slow breath. “Without souls, bodies become lifeless shells. All they become capable of is breathing. Souls are the driving force behind our animation and actions. It’s like a car without a driver.” “So…” Sunset sank to the ground. Her eyes stung as tears began to fall. “I probably am dead.” “Now, now, there’s no guarantee of that,” Apalla patted her on the shoulder. “I prefer to look on the brighter side of life. Your body could be alive and well kept.” Yep, she’s really Artemis’ sister. Sunset wiped her eyes. She wanted to believe that, but if she had been captured by Lamia, she had heavy doubts. Tempest didn’t seem to be the friendliest person either. “So Tirek made this Soul Lock to get more power. He’s not in the history books, so I’m guessing it didn’t work out?” Apalla laughed. “You would be correct, though it isn’t as simple as that. Tirek rose to power, taking the souls of mages and non-mages left and right. Soon, he would have enough power to rival the gods and start a new pantheon, consisting of just himself. But—and this is my favorite part of the tale—the greatest witch of the time and my family’s first matriarch, the high witch Megan, stepped forth to defeat him!” Blue sparkles danced on her fingers, and the faint image of a rainbow appeared. “Wielding the most legendary of artifacts: the Rainbow of Light, Megan put an end to Tirek’s conquest! She reversed the flow of the Soul Lock, freeing all those who had been taken, and in turn, locked Tirek’s soul within his own prison.” Sunset remembered the roar from earlier. “Yes,” Apalla said, reading her eyes. “That was him. Originally, Megan locked the amulet away and hid it where hopefully none would find it. But, Tirek had created a following in his path for power, a following that endured for centuries, until they found his amulet and revived his body. Furious at his previous defeat, Tirek changed his tactics a little. He focused on the souls of other wizards first, crushing their bodies after taking them instead of leaving them behind.” Apalla’s voice grew soft. “That’s how the age of magic began its end. “But, like Megan before him, our ancestor Merlin and five of his friends used the Rainbow of Light to free the souls and seal Tirek away. This time, they threw his accursed amulet into the deepest chasm in the ocean, where none could ever reach it. Yet, it seems not even that could stop the wheel of fate.” Apalla fell silent, allowing Sunset to speak. “So, someone found the amulet again and wants to revive Tirek for a third time? Why?” “Why, I cannot say. But, yes. This Tempest Shadow, an explorer that had made friends with my husband, Night Shade, found the amulet. Night owns a large, wealthy company and has access to various resources. She wanted his help in Tirek’s revival.” Apalla pulled her cape tighter around her shoulders. “I walked in on her trying to convince him to help. I tried to warn him what Tirek really was… then everything went dark. The last thing I remember is hearing my daughter scream.” Moondancer. Sunset lowered her gaze. “I’m so sorry.” Another roar jolted her back to her feet. Apalla took her hand and guided her forward. “Keep moving, keep moving. This place is infinite, but it’s still his world.” “So, if Tempest is trying to revive Tirek, Artemis or someone can just use the Rainbow of Light again to beat him, right?” Sunset said between breaths as she jogged to keep up with Apalla’s glide. They came to a stop, though it looked like they had barely moved. “And therein lies a slight problem.” Apalla steepled her fingers together. “You see, the Rainbow has been… misplaced.” “What do you mean?” “A few generations back, the Lulamoons fell on some hard times. Very hard times. The Seal of the Rainbow had been passed down for untold generations. It was our sacred duty to keep it safe and guarded until the world needed it again. But my great-great-great… a couple more greats, grandfather had to choose between having a meal for his family, or defending the world’s greatest weapon against darkness.” Apalla weighed her hands. “I suppose I can’t be too mad. It is a hard choice. And after not using it for so many centuries, you start to wonder if you’ll ever actually needed it. I’m not saying it was the best decision, but it was an understandable one. Hard to say what I would have done if I were in his position…” “Miss Apalla, you’re rambling again.” “Oh, yes. I’m sorry. Thank you for being patient with me though. You’re a very well-behaved child.” As Sunset blushed, Apalla continued. “But yes, he sold the Rainbow. And it has been every Lulamoon’s dream since to find it again and resume the mantle as the guardians of harmony. Still, years of searching has found us nothing.” “That’s bad. So then, how do we stop him?” Apalla gave her a familiar and encouraging smile. “That’s why I’m still here. And why I woke you from your dream. You see, I believe escape from the Soul Lock is possible if one has a strong enough will.” She pointed to one of the floating lights. “That is another person's soul, dreaming. I have spent my time imprisoned here trying to wake up as many people as I can and help their souls get to freedom.” She hunched her shoulders. “Sadly, I have had very little success. People are too comfortable in their perfect fantasy worlds, or once they realize where they really are, they force themselves back into it, unable to grip the reality.” She smiled. “You though, Sunset Shimmer, have the potential to escape—to warn my brother of what is happening and find a way to stop it.” Sunset held her shoulders. “I mean, I’m flattered you think so highly of me but, I don’t know if I can do it. Besides, what if I don’t have a body to go back to?” “Well, your soul will gravitate naturally toward your body, and if it’s uninhabitable for any reason, then you’ll just move on to the afterlife. Souls tend to go where they feel they are most needed... Or most wanted. Either way, Tirek has one less soul to feed off of. That’s my plan, Sunset: to undermine him from within his own prison.” “It’s brave of you. I don’t know if I could handle being alone for so long.” For once, Apalla’s smile came out strained. “It’s… a challenge. And a sacrifice. Isolation of this magnitude… isn’t healthy. I know my mind is slipping, piece by piece. Only my conviction of saving the world is keeping me going. Both times Tirek has risen to power, he’s been nearly unstoppable. Until we can find a way to beat him completely and put an end to his soul stealing, I will remain here and do my duty as a Lulamoon.” Sunset looked on into the abyss. Being separated from the living world, from your friends and family…. Who knew how long Apalla had been here. Sunset couldn’t have been here too long, and she was already dying to see her friends. Still, the idea of leaving this kind woman behind sunk her already low spirits. “I wish there was something I could do for you.” Apalla’s face brightened a little. “Actually, there is. I do want to help you leave as soon as possible, but I would love to hear about the outside world. How do you have magic, Sunset? How are my brother and Selena doing?” She faltered, lowering her eyes to the nonexistent ground. “And… if you know anything about her… how is my baby girl Moondancer?”