//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 // Story: Memory Lost and Found // by BoredAuthor817 //------------------------------// Starlight nervously tapped at at the table. Normally, she would be enjoying a rather decent-sized breakfast. However, after a very filling day with Sunburst, she wasn't left with much of an appetite. Knowing it would come back around by lunchtime, she'd thrown some berries on her plate to help tide her over. Though, mostly, she nibbled on them out of boredom. Taking in a sigh, she reviewed again the day's lesson plan that Twilight had left for Sunset. It was supposed to be a full morning of friendship exercises. But, it required a student to get started. Feeling the morning wasting away, Starlight grew agitated. “Come on,” she grumbled, “where are you?” At the same time, though, she was feeling quite apprehensive about the day--and not only because of its assignment. Though she knew from whence these feelings stemmed, it didn't help her feel any better. In fact, the more she thought about it, the worse she felt. Everything from the past few days seemed to weigh upon her. The more she focused on Sunset Shimmer, the more she had to distance herself from her friend. The more she had to remember that this wasn't the pony who came crashing into the library; who whisked her away to a mystical land. No, this was not the friend she knew. She was dealing with a younger pony. Her friend was the one who this pony would become. "Become". That word had long-ingrained itself into Starlight's mind. Ponies weren't made, they became. That was something both Sunset and Starlight knew well. When Twilight took them under her wings, they weren't made into new ponies, they became new ponies. Nor was it a quick process. She and Sunset had stayed up long nights discussing and comparing their challenges, failures, and victories. It was on this level that Starlight knew Sunset better than anypony. They had an understanding that even Princess Twilight, try as she might, could never have. In a way, Starlight was glad Sunset hadn't been told the truth. In their midnight talks, it was evident that neither wanted to ever return to the ponies they once were. Starlight knew Sunset would be crushed if she was aware of what she had lost. Still, she couldn't help but wonder if Sunset knew what she would be losing when she jumped into the line of fire. Did Sunset know she would be sacrificing not just her memories, but also her self? If she was willing to give up her memories, was she also willing to give up all that she had become? "Sunset threw away everything for those she loved." Starlight bit back her tears. Could she make the same sacrifice as her friend? Would she be able to set aside all that she had become to save her friends? Could she even begin to have Sunset's strength? Her courage? If asked of her, could she give of herself to be ripped apart? She let out a sobbed sigh as she lamented what her friend had been reduced to. How truly different of a pony Sunset once was. In stark contrast to their first meeting months earlier, she and Sunset hadn't exactly gotten off of the right footing. It gnawed at Starlight that such an important turning point in one's life could later spark or fizzle a relationship. Throughout their time alone, Sunset, who Starlight had only known to build individuals up, only sought to tear them down. At the hooves of a master demolitionist, Starlight had felt chunks of herself being slowly chipped away. All of it had left her absolutely drained. However, her day with Sunburst had more than revived her. It had allowed her to clear her head. It didn't matter how she felt, or how Sunset made her feel. She would still keep pushing forward. If for nothing, than for her friend's sake. This was only a means to an end. That end being restoring Sunset Shimmer to what she had become. And, knowing that, Starlight felt rejuvenated; ready to take on whatever. But, where was Sunset? Just when she thought she would have to go wake Sunset herself, the door swung open and in walked the mare in question. Sunset let out a large yawn while plopping two scrolls onto the table. “I suppose I give these to you?” Starlight looked at them inquisitively, until she realized that they were Sunset's daily reports. “Yes,” she said, setting them aside, “I'll make sure Twilight gets them.” “Good” the other yawned again. She looked over the breakfast options. “Don't you ever eat anything else?” “Why not stick to what you know you like? We do switch it up some days, though.” Without a word, Sunset filled her plate with some fruit and a muffin, and settled down at the table. The two sat in silence. Starlight at a loss of how to begin conversation and Sunset in a state of disinterest. “So, um, that trunk that came for you yesterday...” “What about it?” “May I ask what was in it?” “No.” Starlight's awkwardness meter rose slightly. “Oh...” There was another silent pause before she started again. “Did you sleep well?” Sunset looked like she hadn't slept a wink. “Depends on your definition of 'well'. If you mean that I slept through the night, then, no. If you mean that I achieved the required amount of rest, then, no. If you mean that I slept soundly, and pleasantly, then, no.” “Weird dreams still bothering you?” “At this point, it's hard to tell. I feel like I'm still in one.” She gave her inquisitor a hard stare. Starlight returned to her berries. Sunset finished her breakfast in silence. Dumping her plate into the sink, she returned to Starlight. “I understand that you have a list of things for me to do today. Why don't you just go ahead and give it to me so I can be on my way?” Starlight held up the list, but snatched it away before Sunset could grab it. “There's one more thing.” Sunset rolled her eyes. “Ugh, isn't there always?” “All these things, you have to do with me.” She winced when she saw Sunset's expression. “You're kidding me, right?” “Nope. Princess Twilight has put together a series of friendship exercises, and that's something that can't be done alone.” Sunset let out a sigh. “Okay, what are these exercises?” She returned to her seat at a the table and glanced over the list. She frowned as she scanned each item. “I don't get it. We're just going to, basically, hang out?” “Pretty much.” Starlight nodded, “That's what friends do. Bear in mind, these are merely suggestions. So, we don't have to to them all today.” For the first time that morning, Sunset gave a smile. Albeit, a devious one. “Well then, this should be easy.” She rolled, up the list. “Okay, I'll play your game. Where do we start?” “How about right here? One of the things is to just have a conversation.” “Okay, talk.” Starlight shook her head and smiled. “Doesn't work that way. These are your exercises. I'm just the recipient.” Sunset released a low growl. “Fine. What do you want me to talk about?” “Well, tell me a little about yourself.” “I'm Princess Celestia's student and the most gifted unicorn in all of Equestria. Next.” “Well,” Starlight waned, “that's a start. How about you elaborate? Uh, before you do, you want some tea?” That actually sounded appealing to Sunset. As Starlight started up the kettle, she continued: “I was born in Canterlot and started my lessons under Princess Celestia when I was six. Since then, I've lived in the castle, and that's about it.” “No family?” Starlight inquired. Though she already knew the truth, she was curious as to what a younger Sunset Shimmer would have answered. “I don't associate with them.” “Don't you ever want to see them?” “Why? They never understood me and, now, they would only be a hindrance.” Starlight gave a sad sigh. "I sorta understand. My dad and I are kinda the same way." Sunset's ears perked up. "What about your mom?" "She died. When I was really little." "Oh..." Sunset's ears flopped, "I'm sorry. Do you remember her?" "Vaguely. I have a few memories of her. But, It's been mostly just me and my dad." A slight smile crept across her face. Every so often, Starlight was reminded of how much she missed home. How much she missed her father. It had been years since they'd last seen each other. Despite a few letters now and then, the two had barely spoken. Even with all his requests for her to come home, Starlight still stayed away. As much as she would have loved to go home, she knew it would only make matters worse. Actually, the reasons Sunset gave were the reasons she had left. A whistle from the kettle threw her from her thoughts. She poured the water into to pot and allowed the tea to steep. Setting it on the table, she grabbed cups and spoons. “Okay,” she said, “so, no family. But, what about friends? Surely, you must have some fillies you hang out with at school?” “I found the same problem with friends as I did with family. Yeah, there are some ponies at school I can stand. But, for the most part, I find them annoying.” “How so?” “They don't take anything seriously. All they want to do is hang out, and have fun. But, we're at an elite magic school. Not just any unicorn can get in. We're the best and brightest our tribe has to offer. And they don't want to prove it?” she shook her head, “I just don't get it.” The room fell silent for a while as Starlight dispensed the tea. “What about you and Princess Celestia?” Sunset tested her tea. “She's my teacher. Nothing more.” It needed milk. “From what I've heard, she's a bit more than just a teacher.” “Well, I suppose you could also call her my guardian.” From the tone in her voice, Starlight got the sense that Sunset wanted it to be something more. She remembered how Sunset had once mentioned that she had often thought of Princess Celestia as her parent, but, it had always been a strained relationship. Starlight realized she was seeing a little bit of it now. When Sunset returned with the milk jug, she though best not to further press. “Was there anything else?” Sunset asked. “No,” Starlight sipped her tea, “I think that satisfies this portion exercise. There will be more to follow, but, right now, let's just enjoy our tea.” Sunset frowned. “This is another exercise, isn't it?” “Maybe...” --- Twilight let out a giant yawn as she stepped onto the railway platform. She was so tired, but didn't want to risk sleeping on the train for risk of missing her stop. “Need a hoof, your highness?” Twilight glanced over to see a porter trotting up to her. “Those look pretty heavy” he said. “Uh, yes,” she replied, “Thank-you.” The two small wooden crates were loaded onto a cart, and Twilight crawled right in with them. “Home, your highness?” “Yes, please.” It was a short ride between the train station and the castle. However, Twilight knew she wouldn't have been able to walk it. She doubted she would even be able to make it from the door to her bed. Upon arrival, Moondancer dealt with the porter while Spike dealt with Twilight. “You overdid it again, didn't you?” he scolded. Twilight nodded off, only to catch herself. “I have no idea what you're talking about.” The dragon rolled her eyes. “Sure, you don't.” He propped himself under Twilight and helped her up the stairs. “Come on, let's get you to bed.” “Where are Starlight and Sunset?” “They're out following your list.” “Hm? Good.” She leaned closer to Spike, “I think they're going to be good friends.” --- “So, why do ponies do this?” “Because it's relaxing.” “So is sleeping, but we're not doing that.” Starlight chuckle lightly as she let out more string for her kite. “Don't you just enjoy watching something?” “You mean something trying to free itself? Because, that's what we're doing.” Starlight turned her gaze to the two kites flying above them. They bobbed in the wind and threatened to yank the spool from her grasp. In a way, Sunset was right. She'd never actually thought of kites that way. “You don't get to fly a lot of kites in Canterlot, do you?” Sunset shrugged. “They're parks where ponies do that sort of thing. But, Canterlot is also a big city. It's not as open as Ponyville. Most of the time, the buildings would get in your way.” “So, what do you do for fun?” “Study spells and practice magic.” “I mean, aside from that.” Sunset adjusted her string length. Not that she needed to, but more of a nervous motion. Almost as if she were to disclose her most guilty pleasure. “I kinda dabble in art.” “You draw?” “Paint, mostly.” “What's your favorite subject?” “Apocalyptic landscapes.” She laughed at the expression Starlight gave her. “Sorry,” she chuckled, “I couldn't refuse!” Starlight let out a light laugh. Until she saw Sunset's face and, for a moment, she thought she saw her friend again. She felt her heart sink slightly. Sunset's own laughter began to die down. “But, I really do paint. Flowers, mostly; any sort of still-life.” "Hmm..." Starlight said, thoughtfully, "Maybe we can do that next." "Maybe..." --- Twilight blinked as the afternoon sun glared through her window. While she hadn't intended to sleep the day away, it was what she needed. Rolling over, she let out a stretch and a wide yawn. 'Much better,' she smiled. She encountered Moondancer on her way downstairs. “About time you got up” she teased. “Very funny” Twilight playfully sneered. “Have everything you needed?” The scholar nodded. “Yep, and a little more. I'm just taking a short break to clear my head. I've started thinking exclusively in Old Ponish.” “That's not a bad thing...” “It is when you're trying to talk to others. Spike came in and I greeted him with an ancient salutation. For a while, neither of us could penetrate the language barrier.” Twilight fought down a laugh. “Okay, I'll give you that. Spike never really took to Old Ponish. He knows a few words and phrases from the times he's helped me study. But, he can't really hold conversation.” “Yeah, well, I think he may start carrying around a phrase book. Just in case it happens again.” “Speaking of which, where is he now?” “In the library, preparing for Sunset. He said there are wraps in the fridge for you. We had an early lunch.” Twilight smiled. “Good, that's where I was headed anyway.” She called over her shoulder as she trotted off: “Ight de luzen yu innfut.” “Oh, very funny!” her friend replied. Just as Moondancer said, there were two vegetable wraps on a plate in the refrigerator. Twilight grabbed them, and a bowl of haysticks, and settled quietly at the table. She pulled out Sunset's daily reports, which Starlight had left for her in her room. Though she really didn't have to read them, a certain curiosity had its hold on her. Opening the first scroll, she glanced at the first line: Friendship is madness. Madness is chaos. Chaos is mayhem. Mayhem is Pain. Pain is control. Control is power. Power is magic. Twilight unrolled the rest of the report with a sigh. This was going to be a long read. --- Lunchtime rolled around and both ponies found themselves rather hungry. “Hayburgers good with you?” Starlight asked. Sunset shrugged. “I normally go for the grilled carrotdogs, but, sure, could go for something greasy. Beats old mare breakfast food.” With hot burgers in hand, they seated themselves at a table. Sunset looked inquisitively at the sandwich before taking a giant bite out of it. Starlight watched on, greatly amused. “You don't eat a whole lot of fast food, do you?” Sunset swallowed down her morsel. “Not really. Princess Celestia is always insisting that I eat healthy, and that extends to the school cafeteria. Plus, I have free reign of the castle kitchen. So, yeah, I really have no reason to go out and get fast food. All these same,” she took another bite, “it's pretty good!” They stopped for ice cream cones on their walk back to the castle. “Don't tell Princess Twilight this” Sunset said, licking off a melting drop, “but, this was kinda fun.” Starlight let out a chuckle. “Don't worry, your secret's safe with me. I'll tell her we had the most miserable time.” "Um...Starlight?" "Yes?" She raised an eyebrow, noting the hesitation in Sunset's voice. "About your dad" Sunset said slowly, "Don't let you two stay apart for too long." Starlight stopped, shocked. Not only because that wasn't something she had expected to hear from this Sunset, but because a much older, wiser, Sunset Shimmer had told her the same thing. Though now, she felt more compelled to consider that advice. --- Sunset poked her head into the library. This wasn't the same room she saw when she first arrived. This was much larger, and brighter. She began to wonder just how many libraries there were. “There you are!” came a chipper voice. Spike came pattering up to meet her. “Hope you and Starlight had a good morning.” “It was a morning” Sunset said, simply. “Well,” the dragon smiled, “I hope you're ready for a bit of work.” He handed Sunset a scroll and pen. “You'll be needing these.” Sunset looked to him with a raised eyebrow. “What kind of 'work' is this?” Spike gestured to the stacks of books. “Princess Twilight is the middle of reorganizing all the libraries...” “All the libraries?” Spike didn't seem to hear her. “...and it's our job to catalog what is here. Just go down the shelves and write the title of every book.” Sunset slightly jumped. “You're kidding, right? This could take us days!” “Weeks, actually.” “You do this often?” Spike smiled proudly. “Good organization is all part of castle upkeep!” “This is insane!” “You know what's more insane?” He gave a sly smile. “Not being able to find the book you need.” Sunset only groaned. --- The afternoon dragged into evening just as Sunset had expected. While she had covered some considerable ground, there was still a whole world left to chart. To her surprise, however, she had come across some interesting titles, and was compiling a list of her own of books she would want to read later. Though, those books were in another section. Her current area contained books that one would have to tricked into reading. With a bored yawn, she picked up the next book in line. Daring, Dastardly, and Dangerous Adventures of Garden Snails. “Sounds like a real page-turner...” Next book: More Daring, Dastardly, and Dangerous Adventures of Garden Snails. “Ugh...” Next book: Even More Daring, Dastardly, and Dangerous Adventures of Garden Snails. “Seriously?” Next book. “Oh, they added 'delightful' to this title.” “How ya doing, Sunset?” “Please tell me Princess Twilight doesn't personally seek out and acquire these things.” Spike let out a laugh. “No, we constantly have publishers sending us books. Hence, why we're constantly reorganizing. But, get yourself to a good stopping point. Starlight's getting ready to serve dinner.” Sunset released a frustrated sigh. She couldn't figure which was a lesser fate: sorting through the adventures of garden snails, or Starlight's cooking. --- Moondancer was the first to arrive for dinner. “Will just be the four of us, Starlight.” “Why? What happened?” “Twilight had to run off. She got another message from Sunset's friends.” Starlight placed the steaming hay noodles on the table. “Good news, I hope.” The bespectacled unicorn shrugged. “Didn't say. But, the way she ran out of here, it looked like it was an emergency.”