//------------------------------// // Chapter 13 // Story: Memory Lost and Found // by BoredAuthor817 //------------------------------// The silence around the lunch table was deafening. None could remember the last time the table was so quiet. Even the way they ate was quiet. Instead of words, the only conversation consisted of the snapping and grinding of morsels with the occasional slurping of a preferred drink. Even Pinkie Pie, who prided herself on bringing life to every space she was in, had resigned herself to a corner and idly shuffled her food. Wallflower sat away from the storm. Though the Rainbooms had insisted that she join them, she was determined to sit alone. She nibbled quietly on her sandwich. The night before was still a bit of a blur to her. She had awoken in the school courtyard under the Wondercolt statue. No real clue as to how she got there. Though, it was comforting to find the other girls there waiting for her with a fresh change of clothes. How they knew to be there was anyone's guess. She could have attributed her strange predicament to sleep walking. However, that was something she wasn't known for. Moreover, her dream of being a pony in a pony world wasn't something she'd experienced before either. One thing Wallflower did know for sure of last night, and it pained her that it was true, was the fight she had with Twilight in Pinkie Pie's kitchen. “Fight” was putting it mildly. Wallflower had always been a pacifist. Thus, the thought she was so close to choking and beating someone unconscious was absolutely terrifying. Wallflower shivered as she remembered Twilight struggling beneath her grasp. “Hey,” A hand on her shoulder made her yelp. Wallflower looked up from her meal to see Twilight Sparkle standing next to her. “You wanna talk?” “What about?” Wallflower asked, dejected, “You made things pretty clear last night.” The girls wanted to talk earlier that morning as well. But Wallflower was in no mood for it. Twilight let out a sigh. “Yes, and no.” Wallflower pondered for a moment before pushing the rest of her lunch away. She really wasn't hungry. “Okay,” she said, “so, uh, you wanna do it here or...” “No,” the other girl motioned towards the door, “let's walk.” With most the student body in the cafeteria, the school hallways made for a nice quiet place to chat. Moreover, there were no idle ears to drop in on a conversation. Twilight and Wallflower walked silently for a while. Both still a little uneasy about being alone, given their tussle in the Pie's kitchen. “I don't blame you” Twilight broke the silence, “I know you weren't really yourself.” Wallflower kicked an imaginary rock across the floor. “Still isn't an excuse.” “No,” Twilight looked down, “it isn't.” “I could have seriously hurt you.” “But you didn't!” “But, what about next time?” Wallflower jumped in front of Twilight. “What if I go off on you, or someone else and there is no one to stop me? What about then?” Twilight placed a hand on Wallflower's shoulder. “Wallflower, you don't have to worry about any of that. We're here for you. The girls and I will look after you and, the moment you go off on anyone, we're gonna be there to stop you.” Wallflower let out a whimpered sigh and fell against the lockers. She let her feet slide out from under and she fell to the floor in a ball. “Look,” Twilight said gently, taking a seat beside Wallflower, “I know what it's like. It's kinda scary having two people inside of you. And, though you may be in control, you never know when the other one will come out. And, when she does, how can you protect those you love?” “But you defeated Midnight Sparkle.” “Eventually. But, in weeks before that, I lived in terror of her coming and exacting her revenge on my friends.” Wallflower studied the floor, deep in thought. She pulled her knees closer to her chest, the realization suddenly settling in on her. It was something she was beginning to suspect, but too afraid to admit. However, the events of last night erased all denial. “I have Sunset Shimmer's memories, don't I?” “...Yes.” “How... is she doing?” “It's really hard to tell. But, she's with Princess Twilight in Equestria and is being taken care of there. You're here with us, and we're here to take care of you.” Wallflower wiped the tears from her eyes. “I just want this nightmare to end.” Twilight wrapped her arms around Wallflower and pulled her into a deep hug. “I know.” --- Twilight sat at the Wondercolt statue base. She was just finishing up her update to the princess. “It's a shame you can't make it tomorrow, Twilight” Fluttershy said. “Sorry, Fluttershy,” Twilight hung her head, “but my mom generally likes it when her whole family is there for her book signings.” “I, for one, am jealous” said Rarity, “A whole weekend in Manehattan sounds delightful!” “Well,” Twilight's eyes lit up, “their libraries and museums are quite impressive...” “Oh, uh, yes, I would suppose those, too, are rather riveting.” “What are you still doing here?” Rainbow teased as she came up the walk, “It's the weekend! Go home, you eggheads!” “I'm waiting for Wallflower” replied Twilgiht, “I told her I'd walk her home. You're welcome to join.” “Sorry,” Rainbow stretched, “I make it a point never to linger at school any later than three-thirty on a Friday. Have a fun time in Manehattan, Twi. I'll see the rest of you tomorrow.” She waved as she walked off. “I need to be going, too” said Fluttershy, “There are a few things I still need to do for tomorrow. I'll see you later.” Bidding Fluttershy good-bye, Twilight turned to Rarity. “What about you?” “Well, I've got nothing else scheduled for this afternoon. Sure, I'll walk with you.”