Twilight leaned in until her horn touched the mirror’s surface with a soft click. She bared her teeth and turned her head left and right, scanning her teeth for any trace of her lunch that might still be stuck in there. After all, daisy sandwiches were tricky this way, but she found her teeth in pristine condition.
She grabbed her hairbrush with her magic and began brushing her mane. It wasn’t that her mane was frazzled or otherwise in need of attention, it just felt like the proper thing to do. Make sure she was at her best before it was time to go through the portal again. With a chuckle she put the brush down again. It wasn’t like Sunset was going to scold her if her hair wasn’t perfect.
On the other hoof, she still had some time to kill, since her studies had come along a bit faster than she had expected, and now that she could take her mind off Owler’s matrices and formulas, she realized how excited she was to see Sunset Shimmer again.
Her gaze fell on the book. She thought that she probably could have asked Sunset to meet a bit earlier; but it was a little late now, Sunset would already be on her way to the portal. Just to be on the safe side Twilight quickly opened the book and checked for new messages.
I fear I’m about to fall asleep. Good night, Twi!
That was from the night before, so nothing new. It was a bit unusual that she hadn’t heard from Sunset all day long, but they could exchange all kinds of news when they met. There was really no use in writing her now, unfortunately.
Twilight gave an amused snort, realizing she was way too excited. Determined to put her mind at ease, she pulled an old Daring Do novel from a bookshelf and sat down on her bed to read a few chapters before it was time to go.
***
Daring Do worked. When Twilight put the book aside—right before the scene where Daring Do confronted the dubious sheik about the whereabouts of the disappeared villagers—she had completely calmed down.
She put down the novel and floated the enchanted book over to the gate she had constructed. But just as she was about to place it on top of the machine, the book started buzzing again in midair. Twilight almost stumbled over her own hooves from shock before she levitated the book back to eye-level, opened it, and read.
The first three words were enough to take her breath away.
Twi,
Don’t come
Her ears drooped in disappointment, but then she realized there were more words. They alleviated her disappointment somewhat, but in turn left her rather puzzled.
Twi,
Don’t come through the gate yet, something is fishy here. I’ll get back to you.
“Wonder what that’s about,” she murmured to herself, still feeling a little uneasy. She really hoped that whatever had come up on Sunset’s side wasn’t going to keep the night from proceeding as planned.
***
Sunset put the book back into her bag and chanced another look at the statue and, more importantly, the person snooping around next to it. Sunset was hidden behind a corner across the street from Canterlot High; until she knew more about that strange person snooping around the portal she had no intention in engaging them. And she sure didn’t want Twilight to come through the portal while some nosey stranger was nearby.
The person was wearing a purple plaid skirt and a green hoodie, the hood drawn deep into her face. Sunset started—she didn’t know why, but something about the girl looked familiar. But why would she know anybody wearing a Crystal Prep uniform?
As she was still wondering what to do if that strange girl wouldn’t go away she heard bicycles come closer—a group of boys who played in the school’s basketball team. “Hey, you, whatcha think you’re doing? This is our school!” one of them yelled from afar.
“Yeah, get lost, Crystal brat!” another one chimed in.
The person in the green hoodie jumped and picked up her bike, hurrying away from the scene. The Canterlot boys stopped at the statue and watched her leave, laughing and high-fiving each other. After a short while they too biked off.
Sunset waited another few minutes to make sure neither the strange girl nor the jocks would come back. Only when she was sure that the square around the statue was entirely deserted she took out the book and wrote.
Sorry for that. Everything’s clear now. Can’t wait to see you!
***
It didn’t take more than two minutes until Twilight stumbled out of the portal. She gave Sunset a shaky smile. “Sorry it took so long, I had to start the machine and it takes some time and—“ She interrupted herself. “Hi Sunset. Good to see you.”
“Hi Twi,” Sunset smiled back. “Good to see you too. Sorry for the holdup.”
“It wasn’t too bad,” Twilight said, looking away and rubbing her left arm with her right hand. “What happened?”
“It’s nothing,” Sunset shrugged. “There was someone there.” She cast a close look at Twilight’s dress, and at the goosebumps on her arms. It was getting noticeably cooler with autumn now in full swing on this overcast afternoon. She held out her leather jacket. “Here, take this. I figured you might need it.”
Twilight took the jacket. “Thanks. But don’t you need it? I wouldn’t want you to be cold…”
“I’m good,” Sunset said with a smile, plucking at her hoodie. “I brought it for you.”
“Thank you.” Twilight put on the jacket. It was slightly too big for her, and the leather was unexpectedly stiff.
“So what do you want to do?” Sunset asked.
“How about dinner?” Twilight asked.
“Dinner’d be good. There’s this nice little place downtown which has amazing vegetarian sandwiches. What do you say?”
“Yeah, sounds great!”
Sunset took the lead, and Twilight followed her. If the place they were going was anywhere near as good as Donut Joe’s she was probably in for a treat.
“So what is human food like, apart from sandwiches and milk shakes?” she asked.
“It’s really a lot like food in Equestria,” Sunset said. “Mostly.” She sighed.
“Anything you miss?”
“Hayburgers,” Sunset replied without hesitation. “Humans prefer hamburgers, but that’s, um… I mean, it’s perfectly fine for humans to eat meat. Physiologically speaking. It’s just…”
“You’re just still a pony,” Twilight said and gave Sunset a playful bump.
“Can’t get out of my fur,” Sunset agreed, grinning.
Walking next to her, Twilight couldn’t help be acutely aware of Sunset’s presence. Every now and then her arm would brush against Sunset’s, the sensation mostly dampened by the leather jacket. Her mind conjured up uninvited memories of Sunset warming her hands. It had felt really great. She wondered if Sunset was going to warm her hands again before it was time to leave.
Resolutely she pushed that thought out of her mind. She didn’t even want to think about leaving Sunset again. Instead her thoughts turned to the place they were going to again.
“Do you go to that place often?” she asked.
Sunset nodded. “Yeah, it’s a nice place, just a bit small. I’m so glad I found it.”
“How did you find it?”
“Um…” Twilight could hear Sunset’s hesitation and discomfort. What, she wondered, could be so uncomfortable about a café? “Flash took me there a few times.”
“On dates?” Twilight asked.
“Um, I guess they were dates, yes.”
“You guess?” Twilight asked, intrigued. “Wouldn’t you have known that you’re going on a date?”
“Umm.” Sunset said. “Well, I did go out with Flash, yes. But it wasn’t like I was really into him, as you know. I just wanted him to be my boyfriend because he was popular, and on the football team, and so I started going out with him. In a way I guess it wasn’t… it wasn’t really any different from dealing with Snips and Snails, you know? I wanted him to do something, so I made him do it.” She bit her lip. “I don’t think that’s what dates should be like.”
Twilight had been watching her while she spoke, and it was clear from Sunset’s expression and the way she was avoiding looking at Twilight that she was uncomfortable discussing this topic. She fought the urge to facehoof—or did they call it facehand here? Of course Sunset Shimmer would be uncomfortable talking about her past. She sure had had to take enough abuse from basically everyone at Canterlot High, even without Twilight piling on.
Without thinking, Twilight reached out and pulled Sunset into a quick one-armed hug. She bit her lip, not really knowing what to say, but the way Sunset leaned against her for a moment was enough to let her know that it was alright.
Attempting to turn their conversation away from the past and any morose thoughts, Twilight asked, “So what’s the food like?”
“It’s basically just a sandwich bar where they make really nice sandwiches, with fresh ingredients and all,” Sunset said, audibly perking up. “It’s one of my favorite places in this city, even though it’s tiny and you often don’t get a table.”
“Can we just get take-out and eat somewhere else?”
“That’s what I usually do, yes. Is that okay with you?”
“Sure, if you know a nice place.”
They continued on in silence, but it felt much less strained than before. Chancing another look at Sunset she noticed that her companion was now appearing much less downbeat than before. She resolved to be more careful with what she was saying so she wouldn’t cause Sunset any more discomfort.
The sandwich parlor was situated in a side street, and they could easily see from the distance that there was no way they were going to find a table inside—a crowd of mostly high school kids was standing outside the venue, chatting and enjoying their take-out sandwiches. Twilight and Sunset exchanged a grinning shrug and cleared their way through the crowd and into the café. A few faces looked familiar to Twilight, and some people even smiled at her, as if they recognized her. But after performing at the Battle of the Bands, it was only natural that people would recognize her.
As they stood in line, Twilight studied the menu that was printed on the wall above the counter. Some of the combinations seemed very unusual to her—who would come up with something like mozzarella and tomatoes? She’d have to try that.
“What are you having?” Sunset asked her as they finally made it to the counter. “My treat.”
“No way,” Twilight protested with a smile. “You paid for the cocoa the other night. It’s my turn.” She pulled the human-world version of her purse out of her pocket. “Um, do they accept bits here?”
Sunset grinned. “I’m pretty sure your money has adjusted. And thank you!”
“You’re welcome.”
“What are you having? The least I can do is order.”
“A sandwich with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, please. And a soda.”
“That’s two then,” Sunset said with a smile. Sunset paid, and was soon handed a paper bag containing their sandwiches and two bottles of soda.
With only a short glance to make sure Twilight was still with her, Sunset led her through the crowd outside and along another street. She apparently had a plan where they could eat, so for now Twilight was just content to walk alongside her. They were still walking close enough so that their arms would occasionally brush against each other.
They came around a corner and suddenly found themselves in front of a river flowing alongside the street. Twilight could see bridges crossing the river to both sides further down the street. The banks themselves were below the street level and lined by some weeping willows. Sunset was leading Twilight towards stairs leading down there. In the grey evening light it looked quiet and peaceful, and with Sunset’s jacket it wasn’t too cold to sit outside for a while.
Down by the river a footpath was leading along the banks and through the low meadow. Under most of the weeping willows there were benches, and that was where Sunset was headed.
“What do you think?” Sunset asked, giving Twilight a lopsided smile.
Twilight nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, this looks great!” She faintly wondered if Flash had also taken Sunset here, but decided not to push.
They sat down, and Sunset gave Twilight her sandwich and one of the bottles. Only realizing now how hungry she was, Twilight quickly unwrapped her sandwich and took a bite. The combination was strange, but surprisingly tasty. She turned to Sunset and gave her an approving grin which was met with a suppressed giggle. “I’m glad you like it,” Sunset said and unpacked her own sandwich.
***
“Are you shivering?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“Um… just a bit,” Twilight said, clenching her jaw to prevent her teeth from clattering. She was indeed quite cold, despite Sunset’s leather jacket. In fact, she had been cold for some time now, but hadn’t wanted to say anything. She really didn’t want to break up the conversation they had been having on the bench, especially since that could already mean the end of the night.
Sunset giggled. “Twi, it’s not worth for you to catch a cold! We gotta get you somewhere warm!”
“I guess,” Twilight agreed reluctantly.
“So, um…” Sunset said, biting her lip. “We could go to my place, if you want? It’s nothing special… we could maybe watch a movie or something? But if you’re tired and you’d rather go—”
“No!” Twilight said. “I’d love to see your place!” She jumped up and, without a thought, took Sunset’s hands, pulling her to her feet as well. “Let’s go!” Only with some delay she realized that she was again holding Sunset’s hands, and that it felt every bit as great as it had the other night by the portal.
“Great,” Sunset said, sounding a little bit surprised by Twilight’s enthusiasm. “I also have some warm blankets.”
“Even better!”
They left the river banks and slowly walked through the nocturnal city streets. Restaurants and cafés were still open, and a lot of people were on the streets.
It wasn’t far to Sunset’s place. They walked at a fast pace, probably to keep them warm. Twilight was also quite eager to get to the place, really looking forward to those warm blankets Sunset Shimmer had mentioned.
Sunset lived on the second floor of an old brick apartment building. Even for somepony who didn’t know this world such as Twilight it was obvious that this wasn’t really the best part of town. She realized that she had no idea how Sunset Shimmer provided for herself. She’d have to ask her sometime.
“This is it,” Sunset said as she opened the door and switched on the light. “Not really regal, but enough for me.”
Behind the front door there was a short hallway form which doors led to a tiny kitchen, the only bedroom, and, Twilight assumed, the bathroom. Sunset led Twilight straight into the big room which was dominated by a large bed. On a desk sat a bulky TV and a gaming console while the remaining surface was overflowing with papers and books. A wardrobe up against a wall left barely enough room to maneuver. The furniture’s design was rather prosaic and functional.
“Sorry for the mess,” Sunset said, hurrying to shove a few items of clothing from the bed.
“Don’t worry, that’s fine,” Twilight said. For a few moments they just stood facing each other across the bed.
“Well,” Sunset said.
“Um,” Twilight agreed.
“Would… would you like some tea?” Sunset asked.
As if in response, Twilight shivered. Even though she was finally inside, and still wearing Sunset’s leather jacket, the evening cold was still lingering in her body. Hot tea sounded just right. “Tea would be great!”
“Great!” Sunset started for the kitchen, almost crashing into Twilight as she rushed past her. Twilight, startled, hesitated for a moment, not quite knowing what to do. Should she just site on the bed? Her gut feeling told her to, when in doubt, just stay close to Sunset, so she finally spun around and followed Sunset to the kitchen.
The kitchen was quite small, and some of the open space was taken up by a small kitchen table and a single chair. Sunset was already busying herself with a steel kettle and some cups, and there was really no way Twilight could fit into the room without being in the way. So she just stood under the door. Noticing her, Sunset gave her a little smile, almost knocking the kettle off the stove.
As she waited for Sunset preparing the tea, Twilight let her gaze wander. She noticed a small pot in the sink and wondered if that was the one in which Sunset’s milk had burned that one night when they had first started writing. And now she was here, in Sunset Shimmer’s very own apartment.
“Here you go!” Sunset said as she held out a cup of tea.
“Thanks!”
“So, um,” Sunset asked after another short moment of silence, “how about a movie? We can take the laptop and sit on the bed, and get the blanket…” She trailed off, biting her lip.
“Yes, that sounds good,” Twilight agreed.
Sunset squeezed past her and led her back to the main room where she put her cup down on the nightstand. She picked up the laptop from the bed and sat down on the bed, leaning against the headboard. Twilight, not exactly sure about the protocol, hesitantly sat down on the bed, keeping a few inches of distance between her and Sunset.
“I’ve got the blanket here,” Sunset said, pulling up a red blanket from the foot of the bed while balancing the laptop on her lap. “Um, maybe you want to lose the jacket?”
“Sure!” Twilight stripped out of the jacket. It wasn’t that cold anymore, and for sitting on a soft bed the jacket would have been rather uncomfortable. When she was done Sunset pulled the blanket over both of them and switched on the laptop.
Twilight let Sunset decide on a movie—they were all human movies she had never heard of before, and she trusted Sunset to pick something nice. She shuffled around a bit, brushing her leg against Sunset’s. Hoping Sunset wouldn’t mind she scooted a little closer until they were shoulder to shoulder. She still felt the cold lingering in her body, and any bit of warmth was more than welcome.
Especially her hands were still cold, and when the movie began she put her hands underneath the blanket, rubbing them against each other.
“Still cold?” Sunset asked with a smile. Before she could reply, Twilight felt Sunset’s hand on her stomach. “Sorry!” Sunset hurried. “Was looking for your hands!”
Twilight giggled. “That tickles!” She brought her hands to Sunset’s who enveloped them in hers. Sunset gave her a shy smile, and Twilight sighed contently, trying to take in every last bit of the incredible warmth and softness surrounding her hands.
***
“Twilight?”
“Mhm?”
“Hey, sleepyhead.”
Twilight opened an eye and saw the movie’s credits rolling past on the laptop screen. She had her head rested against Sunset’s shoulder. She had actually fallen asleep.
“I’m so sorry,” she mumbled. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep…”
“No worries,” Sunset said with an audible grin. “You look really cute when you’re sleeping.” Instead of an answer Twilight only yawned, eliciting a giggle from Sunset. “How about you spend the night?” Sunset asked. “I wouldn’t want to let you go through that portal that late.”
“And I wouldn’t want to leave anyway,” Twilight heard herself say. “I mean—“
“I don’t want you to leave, either.” Sunset quickly leaned her head against Twilight’s. “I’ll get you some spare pajamas.”
It didn’t take long for the girls to get ready. Despite her nap Twilight had trouble keeping her eyes open, and was really looking forward to some more sleep. She assumed they would simply be sharing Sunset’s bed which was big enough to easily accommodate them both.
After getting ready they curled up under the blankets. The bed smelled unfamiliar, and Twilight could feel Sunset breathing. It was almost as comfortable as resting against her shoulder.
***
The only food Sunset had at home were the cheap cereals with artificial cinnamon flavor that she couldn’t get enough of, but she was embarrassed to offer them to Twilight for breakfast. So instead she suggested going to Donut Joe’s for some pancakes and more hot chocolate, to which Twilight eagerly agreed.
It was a nice and sunny morning, albeit quite cool, and Twilight wore Sunset’s jacket again. They’d have to address the clothes situation at some point if Twilight was going to come back to the human world more often, Sunset thought, only to interrupt herself: if. Twilight was still a princess back in Equestria, and probably busy, and had her own friends and her life and things she probably wanted to do besides hanging out with her.
“This is the street, isn’t it?” Twilight asked. “I’m starting to know this place!”
Sunset nodded, grinning at her friend’s enthusiasm as they entered the diner. But before they had started for a free table, a familiar voice behind them spoke. “Twilight Sparkle?”
Both girls spun around, letting go of each other’s hands. “Flash Sentry?” they asked in unison. From the corner of her eyes Sunset Shimmer noticed that Twilight blushed, and she involuntarily squinted her eyes.
“And here I thought I’d seen you in town last night,” Flash said. “How are you doing?”
“Good, and you?” Sunset didn’t bother replying. Flash was clearly talking to Twilight.
“Great! What are you doing here?” Flash asked Twilight. “I didn’t know you were in town again!”
“Um, having breakfast,” Twilight replied. “And you?”
“Having a coffee before band practice.” He cleared his throat. “Um, would you maybe like to share a table?”
Sunset realized that she was glaring at him and forced herself to look away. She knew exactly what Flash Sentry sounded like when he was getting flustered around a girl, and that was just… annoying. He had no business getting flustered around Twilight while she was having breakfast with her. After all she had come to visit her!
“Sure!” Twilight happily agreed. “Let’s go!” Without turning around she headed for a free table at the opposite wall.
Sunset hung her head. Before any coherent thought could form in her head, she sensed Flash Sentry coming a step closer and whispering, “I’ve been meaning to tell you this, Sunset… um. I have no hard feelings about, well, us. We’re cool, as far as I’m concerned. I mean. Are we?”
Sunset didn’t look up. “Yeah, sure,” she murmured. She couldn’t believe this boy. It would have been her task to ask him for forgiveness, and he would have had any right to remain mad at her until the end of days, after how she had used him. Instead he asked her if they were cool, as if he didn’t mind at all anymore!
No wonder Twilight liked him being around. He was a really nice guy; Sunset would know. Really nice, and not a winged demon spawn with an uncontrollable urge to subdue multiple worlds to his will.
“Shall we?” Flash asked, tearing her out of her miserable thoughts. Sunset nodded and followed him to the table Twilight had picked.
“So, what brings you into town again?” Flash animatedly asked Twilight when they had sat down and the waiter had taken their orders.
“Oh, just visiting Sunset Shimmer,” Twilight said, turning to Sunset Shimmer with a smile. But her expression immediately darkened when she looked at Sunset.
“You know what, next time you are in town you should, like, give me a call or something. You know. So we don’t have to run into each other like this, you know?”
“Um, sure. Sunset, you know how to call Flash, right?” Twilight asked, frowning slightly as she turned to Sunset.
“Yeah, sure, I got his number.”
“Um, you can have it. My number. If you want to,” Flash stammered, taken off guard. It was really kind of cute, Sunset thought. Way too cute, really.
“That’s alright,” Twilight replied. “I don’t have a phone.”
“You don’t?” Flash asked incredulously. “Don’t your parents let you have one?”
“Her parents are quite strict,” Sunset chimed in before Twilight could reply. She gave Twilight a look which she hoped would signal her to agree.
For a moment Twilight just looked at her, frowning again. Then she asked, “Sunset, what’s wrong with you? You’re acting strange.”
“It’s nothing, I just…” Sunset was interrupted by Twilight’s hand coming to rest on hers underneath the table. “I’m good,” she murmured.
Twilight gave her a somewhat shaky smile and squeezed her hand before letting go again. “That’s good!” Turning to Flash she added, “Where were we?”
“Um, my phone number, well, and Sunset has it, so that’s really, um, yes,” Flash stammered, sounding confused.
“I’ll give you a call,” Sunset lied just as the waiter placed their drinks on the table.
Flash left them shortly thereafter for his band practice, and they enjoyed their pancakes. Or, in Sunset’s case, at least she tried. She didn’t like the way Flash had acted around Twilight, not at all. And she knew she couldn’t blame Twilight for liking Flash. He was very likable after all.
She still, unreasonably, would have preferred to keep Twilight to herself.
***
“No-one here this time,” Twilight commented as they arrived outside Canterlot High.
“Hmm,” Sunset replied absentmindedly. She wasn’t looking forward to the moment that was about to come: saying goodbye to Twilight. It didn’t really help that Twilight would only be a text away. It was just way too nice to have her around.
“So,” Twilight said, stopping in front of the portal and turning to Sunset Shimmer.
“So,” Sunset echoed.
“I guess I’ll be on my way then.”
“Yeah.”
Twilight turned towards the portal, but Sunset took her hand and held her back, biting her lip. It was too soon! Twilight turned back and smiled at Sunset. Then she let go of her hand and pulled her into a tight embrace.
“I would love to stay,” Twilight said right next to Sunset’s ear. “But I have to look after Spike, and I need to send a report to Princess Celestia, and I’m really behind with my studies…”
“I know,” was all Sunset managed to reply.
“So, um… can I… I mean… I’d really like to come back to visit you again, if you like?”
“Yes,” Sunset whispered, “yes, please do.”
“So, what do you think of… um… today is Saturday… how about tomorrow?”
“Um, sure, tomorrow is fine,” Sunset said, trying her best to hide her joy. Tomorrow was way sooner than she had feared she might see Twilight again!
“That should give me plenty of time to make sure Spike will be alright for another day without me, and to write that report and have Spike send it, and to get some reading done… I’m going to have to check my checklist, but I think that’s really all. So I can probably make it here early tomorrow.”
“That’s great!” Sunset said.
“If I pull an all-nighter, I could probably be here at dawn,” Twilight continued to muse. “But then I’d be really tired and all I’m good for is falling asleep on your shoulder again.” She chuckled.
“No, you need your sleep.”
“It’s only three books,” Twilight said. “That’s not even that much. Hmm.”
“Hmm?”
“Would… would you mind if I brought my books along and did some reading at your place? I’d come tonight, I guess, and—“
“What?”
“Um, sorry, never mind. You’re right, that would be rude. I’m coming to spend time with you, not so you can watch me read. I can get pretty absorbed when I’m reading—”
“No, that’s not what I meant! I wouldn’t mind at all if you brought your books. Um, I have some homework to do for school anyway, so, um… that’d be totally fine!”
“Are you sure? I could—“
“Yes!” Sunset exclaimed and gave Twilight a squeeze. “Do that! Just write me when you’ll be here, and I’ll pick you up. No matter how late it is, I swear I’ll be up!”
“Great!” Twilight said. “Tonight! I’ll write.”
“Awesome!”
“Then I better get going so I can be back as soon as possible,” Twilight said.
“Yeah,” Sunset reluctantly agreed.
They let go of each other and Twilight turned around. With a final wave of her hand, Twilight disappeared into the portal.
Tonight! Sunset rejoiced. Tonight was awesome! She could use the time to buy some food, and maybe clean up the apartment a bit.
And make the bed, she thought, only now realizing that Twilight returning that night meant she’d be sleeping over again. Not even noticing the wide grin on her face she turned around, heading home. She had to hold back to not start skipping as she went.
***
As Twilight removed the enchanted book from her portal machine, she heard faint laughter from elsewhere in the castle. Apparently at least some of her friends were in the throne room. With a smile she hurried down there.
“Twilight!” The surprised calls of her friends greeted her. Everypony was sitting on their thrones while Spike was preparing several cups of tea on a trolley. When he heard her enter, he nearly dropped the cup he was holding and ran over to her, hugging her.
“Twilight! Where have you been? I was worried about you!”
Twilight returned the hug. “I’m so sorry, Spike. I hadn’t planned to stay out overnight, else I would have left you a note.”
“Where were you anyway?” he asked, taking a step back and looked her over. “Is everything alright?”
“Um, well, I was in the human world again.”
“What?”
“Was there another monster to fight?” Rainbow Dash asked, agitatedly flying up. “Do we all need to cross over and kick some flank?”
“No, it was… um…”
“Why didn’t you take me?” Spike demanded. “I’m your number one assistant! Your safety net! I know that place! I would have been a valuable asset!”
“Well, you were at Sweet Apple Acres, for starters,” Twilight replied, smiling at the little dragon’s earnestness. “Besides, I just went to hang out with Sunset Shimmer. I had it under control, I promise.”
“Oh,” Spike made. “Okay.” He took a step back and eyed her critically. “I still would have liked to come!”
“Are you sure about that, Spikey-Wikey?” Rarity chimed in, smirking. “Girls’ night?”
“Um… maybe you’re right.”
“You an’ Sunset are pals now, huh?” Applejack asked as Twilight sat down on her throne, Spike having calmed down again.
“I think so, yes,” Twilight agreed. “It’s really nice being with her.”
“What’d you do?” Rainbow wanted to know.
“Not much, we just had dinner and watched a movie… I kinda fell asleep, so I ended up spending the night.”
“Any chance you’re going to see that boy again? Flash Sentry?” Rarity asked with a wink.
“Actually, we ran into him when we went to have breakfast,” Twilight said, cursing the faint blush on her cheeks.
“Oooooh!” Rarity made. “And?”
“Um, nothing really,” Twilight waved off. “He just wanted me to let him know when I’m in the human world again, so I promised him that Sunset would call him, since I don’t have a phone.”
“Ooooh!” Rarity cooed again. “Sounds like somepony is going to ask you out! Isn’t that exciting? When will you go next time?”
“Actually, tonight, but I think I’m just going to stay in with Sunset, and we’re going to do some studying.”
“Man, you guys sure know how to tear it up,” Rainbow commented, rolling her eyes. “Sunset Shimmer seems to be as much of an egghead as you are.”
“You know, it’s nice to have somepony to discuss science and magic with,” Twilight huffed. A little calmer she turned to Spike. “Spike, can I leave you alone for the night? I’m sure the girls will look after you if you need anything.”
Spike gave her a magnanimous smile. “Sure, Twilight.”
“You know what this calls for?” Pinkie asked.
“Lemme guess, cupcakes?” Applejack replied, grinning.
“Cupcakes are always right,” Pinkie said, “but this calls for a castle sleepover so we can keep Spike company!”
***
“Are you ready to go?” Twilight Sparkle asked, grinning. Spike barked in agreement and stormed to the door, his tail wagging like crazy. Twilight yawned; she had been working on her energy meter and had only had a few meager hours of sleep. But she was too excited to try out her energy meter after her latest improvements, and the excitement had kept her from sleeping any longer.
She put on her coat and grabbed her keys. Spike waited eagerly at the front door, casting her impatient glances every now and then as Twilight tied her shoes.
“Twilight!” her mother called out from the kitchen door. “What do you want for breakfast, dear?”
“Um… scrambled eggs, please, thank you, mom! I’m gonna take Spike for a walk first.”
Her mother returned to the kitchen, and Twilight opened the front door. Spike darted outside and ran down the driveway before turning around and looking at her expectantly.
By bike it still took her a bit more than ten minutes to Canterlot High. Spike sat in her bike’s basket; he usually loved running along when she rode her bike, but being rather small he wasn’t a very fast runner, and Twilight was impatient to test her meter.
The square in front of the school was deserted, as was to be expected on a Saturday. She would need to be more careful with her investigations. And she wouldn’t be so stupid and wear her school uniform again when she came here—students of Canterlot High and Crystal Prep weren’t exactly friends, and Twilight felt no desire to be jeered at—or worse—by those rude Canterlot boys again.
She carefully propped her bike against the statue’s socket, which seemed to be the source of all the weird radiation she had picked up, and put Spike on the ground. He began sniffing around, exploring the nearby flower beds and patches of grass, while Twilight took out her energy meter and switched it on.
The new module, a directional analyzer, was working. She slowly moved the spectrometer around in front of the plinth. Soon she had a rough picture: apparently the radiation originated from a rectangular surface on the northern side of the plinth. It was slightly stronger along the edges of that surface, and there were no traces on the other sides. The frequencies she picked up matched what she had already picked up, but the amplitude was several orders of magnitude smaller.
Twilight put the energy meter into her pocket and slowly extended a hand to the surface. She flinched back as she made contact, expecting an electric shock so much that for a split second she felt the electricity surge through her arm. Then she realized that nothing had happened and that she was only touching a cold piece of stone. Nothing to it.
The readings mostly confirmed what she had gathered the last time she had examined the statue. The directional analyzer seemed to work well. Now all she needed to test was the range of the analyzer. With the directional sensor it should be much more sensitive.
“Spike, come!” She picked up the little dog and sat him in the bike’s basket again. Then she set off, back home.
One block away from Canterlot High, when she was about to turn, she stopped and pulled out her energy meter again. Right there on the display was a strong, yet distant reading—the statue. Satisfied with her contraption’s performance she put it away and continued back home, to her mom’s scrambled eggs.