//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Little Talks // Story: Lend Me Your World // by Superdale33 //------------------------------// Sunset rubbed the palm of her hand against her forehead. Trying to properly understand the Heartless and Maleficent was an ordeal. The keyblade complicated matters, though she was familiar with teenagers saving the day, so it wasn’t entirely new. However, it was downright exhausting having to relay all of this to Rainbow Dash and Rarity. They had more questions than even she did, and she was the inquisitive one. By the time they had it sorted out, Sunset came to one conclusion. “This is a lot bigger than any of us,” she said, sagging her shoulders. Rainbow and Rarity fidgeted, and Sora nodded glumly. “With the Heartless here, they’ll keep growing until this world falls into darkness. And if what Maleficent said is true, then Equestria is the heart of friendship.” “And the day started out so lovely,” Rarity said with a dramatic sigh. “Though this certainly isn’t new. Surely our powers can fight back those monstrosities like any other villain we’ve faced.” “Yeah, don’t think so,” Rainbow Dash stepped in, a hand held up to Rarity. “Like Sunset said, this is bigger than any of us. We can take those Heartless, maybe knock the witch down a peg, but Sora’s dealt with this before and has way more experience. Who knows what’ll happen.” Rarity hummed, crossing her arms, “Strange of you to take the cautious side.” “Even stranger for Sora to know all this,” Rainbow said. She nudged her head to Sunset, a little miffed. “What’s up with that? Didn’t you know him for a week?” “Technically a day,” Sunset corrected. She sighed, her anger flickering and goading her to snap at Sora. The events of the morning was what kept her in check. That, and the fact school would start soon. Tempers were hard to simmer in class. “But it’s not really an excuse. Why did you avoid telling me about them?” Sora inclined his head to the side. He wasn’t one to falter, but his explanations left him a lot more hesitant. “I never expected to see her here,” he said, lifting his gaze to her. It was hardened, but not in defense. It was a blend of several emotions. His eyes furrowed, his lips pursed, and his shoulders tensed. His voice didn’t reflect any of that. “Why bring the Heartless up if they weren’t a threat?” “Considering you dealt with them constantly, based on your tales,” Sunset said, intertwining her fingers. “I mean, you couldn’t have expected that they'd ignore this place.” Sora simply stared at her. It was heavy and almost desperate. Sunset felt her anger blow out like a candle, “Oh.” “Sorry I didn’t tell you sooner,” he apologized, turning to the portal. “If it’s any consolation, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to stop Maleficent. Not sure why she would choose now of all times to visit your world, but she chose the wrong time.” Sunset gave a lopsided smile, “Can’t do much when you’re a ghost.” She emphasized her point by swiping a hand through his hair. He recoiled and clutched the sides of his head. It got a giggle out of Sunset. “Baby steps,” Sora said, scratching his hair. “Okay, this is too one-sided for me,” Rainbow said, messaging her temples. She bent down and scooped up her soccer ball, eyes half lidded. “How about we get to class before every classmate wants to question us.” “Oh, that’s right,” Rarity muttered. “They caught everything, yes?” “Not like the school never seen anything like it,” Sunset said, heading for the entrance. Rarity and Rainbow hurried to either side of her. Sora trailed behind, hands behind his head. “Besides, if it wasn’t already obvious, we have to keep an eye out for Maleficent. Who knows when she’ll try to get through the portal again.” “All this business with light and dark like the morning after snowfall,” Rarity whispered, rubbing her eyes, careful not to smear her mascara. “Having magic leak from Equestria was bad enough. It’s remarkable that the least surprising affect was Sora and other worlds. Other worlds! And I still have to find a replacement for the centerpiece.” Sunset nearly tripped at hearing that. Guilt gripped her heart, overwhelming her. “Perhaps we should let the others know about the Heartless and such,” Rarity mused. “Done,” Rainbow said proudly, flipping her phone in the air. “Texted them while you were complaining.” “I would hardly call it complaining, dear,” Rarity grumbled, hunching her head in a huff. “More like… a jaded review of events.” “I-I’m sorry about that,” Sunset blurted. The two looked to her as they halted. Sunset felt her cheeks heat up. “For t-the centerpiece, I mean. When I broke it. I’ll make it up to you.” “Nonsense,” Rarity said with a wave of her hand. Rainbow got the door for the three of them, and Rarity gave a hasty thanks before wrapping an arm around Sunset’s shoulders. “This end-of-the-world affair is far more important. Not to mention getting this Sora gentleman so he can assist us. Why, it’s far more than what any of us have to deal with.” Sunset played with her hands, “Even the Fall Formal?” “Especially the Fall Formal,” Rarity said, jabbing a finger into her chest. Her face fell and was dead serious. “Don’t get me wrong, darling. I live for the Fall Formal.” “Oh, does she ever,” Rainbow piped up with a smug grin. “But you were the only one to see Sora,” Rarity said. She shrugged, tilting her head back and forth. “As a number of phantoms, yes, but you brought out the real one. The chandelier is my responsibility, and I should have accounted for your predicament. If you fret on my behalf, why, it wouldn’t be fair!” There was a tightness in Sunset. Forgiveness was a given amongst friends, but it felt unearned. It didn’t help that a part of her wanted to involve herself in her friends’ projects. To have some fun while working towards a goal. The business with the phantoms had been bothersome, and in some cases, downright invasive. With Maleficent threatening Equestria, threatening the very existence of friendship, she would gladly worry about the Fall Formal instead. The bell rang, loud and shrill. The three flinched, gazing around in wonder. There wasn’t a person in sight, already cleared out and in class. Rainbow said something equivalent to a goodbye, but it was garbled as she sped off in a rainbow blur. Rarity spoke a mile a minute, walking back and forth before she frantically waved farewell and jogged down the hall. It happened so quickly. Sunset still had to process what Rarity said to her. There was no ill intentions from her, but she felt rejected, as though Rarity didn’t need her help. The guilt didn’t just grip her heart, it constricted it. “You’ve got good friends,” Sora said. His voice was gentle, but it shoved her back into reality. Still in the lobby, not a sound to be heard. Her heart thumped in her ears, and she found her hand fiddle with her jacket. A glance to Sora provided a good reminder of her coarse. “Yeah, they are,” she said. Maybe too monotone. Her plans for the day still mattered, and she focused on that. Her legs carried her to her first class, already making mental changes to her schedule. “I’ll see you after school.” “Oh, uh, okay,” Sora said. She spun around to catch the conflict in his expression. If she wasn’t late, she would have questioned him. Instead, she set it in the back of her mind. Even though Sora had his secrets, she trusted him to bring up his own issues. He was an open book, after all. An observatory. Maleficent hadn’t visited one in ages. Her steps echoed within, studying the telescope at the center. It aimed at the domed ceiling, closed off to the elements. A handful of instruments and consoles hugged the wall. It was a featureless room, barren, void of any intrigue. She would fix that soon enough. The light of the world prevented her from fully entering it. Only her apparition could walk freely. It was a mere shadow of herself, but it was sufficient to finding a place to operate, to observe the world until the light weakened. Scaring the attendants was effortless, and with the help of a few paltry Heartless, they wouldn’t bother her. What frustrated her was how long it would take to obtaining entrance into the portal. The light in this world was on par with Disney Castle. Powerful, and near impossible to surmount. She had a method in place, already in motion. It would speed her plans along, but not fast enough. Her hands slid along the telescope as she hummed. An instrument to study the sky, other worlds. Endued with darkness, it could have other uses, such as opening her own portal. It would still take time to alter, and it wasn’t full proof. Nothing more than a backup plan. It played to her liking, however, in regards to powering it. Maleficent whipped around, flourishing her staff. A crack of lightning sparked from the orb and struck the concrete floor. A Heartless formed. Hunched like a gremlin, it barely held itself up with its spindly legs, splitting down the middle to bend both inward and outward. It folded its paper arms as though shuffling them in segments. The head was nothing more than a small, flat cylinder fused atop its torso. It hopped and shifted its arms as though a gust of wind blew through. Its jagged mouth and glowing, yellow eyes remained still and emotionless. Underneath its face was the Heartless emblem. It was a new variation, and Maleficent dubbed it Trickster. “Go forth and terrorize the public,” she ordered, sweeping her hand out. “Leave them in paranoia.” The Heartless convulsed, paper rattling, before fading away. Maleficent allowed a sly smile to spread across her face. The world had its light and protectors, inexperienced as they were. The best way to undermine both was through subterfuge. Her eyes traveled the length of the dome. A new thought bubbled up, and her face twisted into a scowl. While her plans were still in its infancy, there was still the matter of the black box. Leaving Pete to watch the old masters was foolish, but the opportunity in this world could not be wasted. It did spite her to believe Pete could fail at such a small task. “It would do me no good to leave him be,” she grumbled, setting both her hands on her staff. She caught the web of a spider nestled above the door frame. Her brow rose a smidgen. “Perhaps it’s time I make use of that imbecile.” Rainbow flung herself onto the table. She released a terse breath and sank into a seat. For a second, she enjoyed the cool surface against her forehead. Someplace to relax. Footsteps converged on her, and in a instant, she whipped around and glared at the few students who had gathered behind her. They shrunk away before leaving entirely. She was lucky that time, usually at least one was brave enough to question her. “And here I thought you liked bein’ the center of attention,” Applejack said. She sat across from Rainbow with a smug smile and a hamburger in her hands. “Laugh it up,” Rainbow said, clenching her hand into a fist. “I swear, it’s like these guys never seen us in action. We saved them from a sinking ship for crying out loud!” Applejack shrugged, “That’s different from fighin’... Heartless?” “Heartless,” Rainbow nodded. Her thumb rubbed against her knuckle, furrowing her brow. “You got my text, right?” “Didn’t really need it,” Applejack said, pointing to the side. Tables of classmates whispered heavily among each other, some catching glances to Rainbow. The atmosphere was a lot more close knitted than the usual open recreation. Rainbow slouched, propping her elbow to rest her head in her hand. Her other hand tightened a little harder. “Wouldn’t be a school without rumors,” she said. Her teeth clenched, looking to Applejack. Her focus was on her hamburger, but it was too contemplative. The hamburger wasn’t on her mind. “What’s the word?” Applejack snapped her head to Rainbow, faltered, and cleared her throat, “That Rarity fought these dark varmints before you came to help. Nothin’ ‘bout any Maleficent.” Her gaze fell back to her hamburger. Rainbow had the thought to tear it away, but Applejack set it down and folded her hands together. Her brow knitted in worry. “Really hope this rodeo blows over.” “How come?” Rainbow asked warily. There wasn’t a moment that she had ever seen Applejack get worked up over another magical struggle. Applejack swept her gaze across the room, tensing up. She nudged her Stetson hat a little to hide her face from others. Rainbow leaned in to find a trace of ire. To have their classmates drive Applejack to that must have been substantial. The last time she was like that was back in their freshman year. Rainbow shivered at the memory. “The whole school ain’t goin’ to leave us alone,” Applejack said, her fingers tracing over the brim of her hat. “I already got asked enough questions to fill a test, and I’m sure the others are the same. We’re busy enough without the magical stuff keepin’ us in the mud.” “Says you. Beating those Heartless was awesome.” Applejack bristled and closed her eyes, letting the seconds draw out. Rainbow groaned inwardly. “School, clubs, chores, part-time jobs,” Applejack said. Rainbow threw an arm over the backrest. “We’re busy. And we need to get used to bein’ busy. Hay, I’m gettin’ used to taken to the orchards now too.” “Yeah,” Rainbow said, eyeing the overhead lights. The brightness stimulated her, putting her mind in a buzz. “I have to apply for that soccer scholarship. Doesn’t help that my powers might get it shut down due to an unfair advantage.” She suddenly didn’t want to talk about the subject. The coach already did that enough. “But that doesn’t mean we should drop the magical shtick. It’s a part of us like we’re a part of each other… as mushy as that sounds. ” “So, what you’re sayin’ is we should take on more than we can handle?” Applejack asked, a certain edge in her tone. “I’m saying,” Rainbow emphasized, breaking away from the lights to match her glare. “We can catch a break once in a while, even if it’s just to save the world.” Applejack sighed, her tough persona slipping, “I dunno. Maybe the talk of ‘darkness swallowing the world’ got me thinking of our own lives.” “All the more reason to smash it into a pulp,” Rainbow said, slamming her fist into the palm of her hand. “Teach this Maleficent what for and then get back to our clubs and jobs before you can say apple.” “Apple.” “Okay, no,” Rainbow said, pointing to her with annoyance. “Not like that.” Applejack chuckled quietly. It was brisk and more than Rainbow had seen from her since she had arrived. A part of Rainbow understood Applejack’s point of view, and in the past, she probably would have supported it. After all, less responsibility meant more relaxation. Of course, that part had been silenced ever since Rainbow could run to and from school in the blink of an eye. “What about this Sora feller?” Applejack asked, returning to her hamburger. “From the text, it seemed like he followed Sunset around as a ghost? The giant key threw me off.” “Keyblade, from what Sunset told us,” Rainbow said before blowing a raspberry. “Keyblade. That’s gotta be the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. Or at least top ten. What’s it good for? Unlocking pain? Anyway, he goes around to stop the Heartless with it.” “How is Sora?” Applejack asked. “How am I supposed to know?” Rainbow said, folding her arms to rest her head on the table. “Everything I sent to you was what I heard from Sunset. You’re starting to sound like everyone else.” Applejack quirked an eyebrow, and Rainbow swallowed. “Eh, no offense.” “None taken,” Applejack said, though by her tone and the way she tore into her hamburger, it was fairly strained. Rainbow sorted her thoughts, which was a lot given the info dump that morning. Sitting up straight, she recalled how upset Sunset was with Sora. There was very few people that got her riled up, and it got Rainbow to contemplate way more than usual. “Sora kept hidden about the Heartless and Maleficent,” she said. Hearing it aloud made it sound sinister, though it might not be far off. “I don’t know if Sunset still trusts him, but it got me wondering if he’s a ghost because of the Heartless.” “Wouldn’t surprise me,” Applejack said. “I ain’t one to judge a barn by its paint, but it’s kinda sudden for Sora to show up so closely with the Heartless.” “He’s handled them before,” Rainbow said, though hummed afterwards. That was what Sora had told Sunset, but it grew harder to trust someone who forgot to mention something as dangerous as Heartless. “The, ugh, keyblade is supposed to be some weapon of light to fight darkness. But since he’s a ghost…” Applejack nodded, “It’d be nice to meet him. I prefer a face to face, get a feelin’ for him. For now, it’s on Sunset. It ain’t right, puttin’ that kinda pressure on her.” “Doubt we’ll get the chance for a face to face,” Rainbow said, eyeing the full tables. Even with Applejack around, it didn’t stifle how empty their table was. The text from Fluttershy, after the morning’s events, was the closest she had heard from her all day. “Don’t know how he’ll stop being a ghost, and our luck with hangouts dried up weeks ago. There’s always one of us working at clubs or other stuff. Like right now! The seven of us don’t even eat lunch together.” She exhaled harshly. “Being busy sucks.” The cafeteria was full of chatter, yet the silence between Rainbow Dash and Applejack suffocated the conversation. Rainbow hoped Applejack would bring up her plans for the day or say it wasn’t the case. The quietude only forced Rainbow to recall their last meeting together, about Equestrian magic. It hadn’t lasted five minutes. Her stomach rumbled. She nearly put it off, but slammed her fist onto the table. It rattled the lunch tray and knocked Applejack out of her thoughts. There was a brief moment when Rainbow was ready to simply throw the day away to get her friends together. “I’m getting food,” she said stiltedly, standing. The idea still clung to her, begging her to do it. Nothing held her back. Applejack knew it was true too. She would have supported it. Her friends would complain from the interruption, but they would thank her. They would talk about what they were up to, swap stories, figure out a plan for Sora and the Heartless. Everything pointed to it being the right course of action. Her legs were ready to burst into a sprint, but she dug her hands into her jacket pockets and bowed her head to avoid eye contact with the crowds. She wasn’t sure what kept her from going through with it. Twilight couldn’t shake off the panic in her system. Breathing was hard, and she had to restrain herself from pacing through the school lab. There was still no new message on her phone, and after checking it every second, she pondered if she had gone too far. Clutching it close, she wasn’t sure if she could handle a reply. “Would you stop that?” Spike said, sitting in front of her. It was the first time she broke away from the screen. Spike had his brow furrowed, head held high, authoritative. “I know for a fact it’s not a big deal, so don’t make it one.” “It is a big deal,” Twilight shot back before she flinched. “Or maybe I am overthinking it, and I’ve ruined my chances. I should have read up on it!” “This is becoming a routine,” Spike muttered before standing on all fours. “Twilight, can you do me a favor and breathe?” “I don’t-” “Breathe!” Twilight choked on her words and did as she was told. Her lungs filled with air before dispersing. Her shoulders settled, her muscles relaxed, and generally, felt a bit calmer than before. A smile eased onto her lips, and Spike smiled knowingly back. “There, you see?” he said, gesturing to her. It was a silly matter, trivial, and Twilight had to remind herself that the message wasn’t the end of the world. Then her phone chimed, and she cried out, startling Spike. She fumbled with her phone and hyperventilated. The screen displayed a new message from Timber Spruce. She couldn’t even read it because of her mind scrambling to get a grip, as well as her hands on the phone. Eventually, she opened the message, wincing, and squinting her eyes, ready to turn away. Sure, sounds fun! Haven’t been to the beach in a while. It’s a date. “D-date…” Twilight said. It had to set in. She was going on a date with Timber Spruce. Her mind shut down, and she had to hold herself up by the table. Her face burned hot. “We’re going on a date.” “Shocker,” Spike said in a deadpan. He stepped closer to Twilight as she slid down to her knees, still in disbelief. “This wouldn’t be so bad if you didn’t act this way every time.” “But what if he had said no!?” “Then he would have had a good reason for it,” Spike said sternly. Twilight wasn’t convinced, pulling herself up to glance off to the set of notes she had been working on. “Have a little faith. Timber wouldn’t hurt you intentionally. Freaking out isn’t going to make things better.” “You’re right, Spike,” she said, shifting papers around. The last minute made it difficult to remember where she left off. She took another deep breath, relishing the air again. “I guess I just want things to go smoothly. It’s the first time I’ve felt this way towards a boy.” “Don’t I know it,” Spike grumbled. Twilight spared him a scowl, but it evaporated upon reflection. “At the end of the day,” she said with a dopey smile. “I’m glad I got to meet him.” “Meet who?” Sora asked curiously. Twilight screamed, scattering the papers everywhere. They floated around as Twilight clutched her heart and turned to find Sora. He had his hands up to calm her down, completely apologetic. Twilight had to use the deep breathing technique yet again. “Didn’t mean to scare you,” Sora said, eyeing the papers fluttering to a rest on the floor. Spike brushed away one that had landed on his head. “What, did you forget to send a little heart to him?” Spike said. He swept over the sea of papers with a grunt. Twilight caught her breath again, setting a hand on her forehead. All the excitement was too much. It didn’t help Sora looked to her, still wanting an answer. Her face lit back up like a furnace, and she ran a hand down a curl of her hair. “Who?” she asked, smiling sheepishly. “I didn’t say anything about Spruce! I mean, not Timber, b-but a boy. That’s him! Timber… Spruce.” Sora tilted his head to the side. There was no teasing grin or mocking remarks, and she wasn’t sure if he was being coy or oblivious. Twilight glanced back to the message, re-reading it, and then facing Sora again. Her friends knew, so having him know couldn’t hurt either. “Timber Spruce,” she started, swallowing nervously, “is a friend. A good friend. That I like. A lot.” “That why your face is red?” he asked, setting his hands on his hips, smirking. Twilight made a series of noises that were indecipherable, even to her. He definitely wasn’t oblivious, and his laughter made her head turn to mush. “Did you lose it?” Spike asked with suspicious eyes. “I know who Timber is. He’s the guy you met in Camp Everfree that turns you into putty.” Twilight hid her face in her hands. “Just like now. That text must have been more serious than I thought.” “No, Spike,” Twilight groaned, pulling her hands away to adjust her lab coat. “It’s Sora. You know, the phantom I told you about? He’s here in the room.” Spike turned every which way, stepping around and sniffing. Sora raised a brow at his behavior and opened his mouth before Twilight shook her head. She could be overwhelmed in a blush and still know not to question Spike’s stubbornness. Explaining everything involving Sora still left him skeptical. He explored the room as though Sora hid behind the lab counters, and Twilight bent down to collect the scattered papers. “So you and Timber Spruce, huh?” Sora asked, crouching to her level. She flinched, expecting more teasing, but Sora had a pleasant smile. There was still that prick of humor to him, but it was subdued, warm even. “Y-yeah,” Twilight stuttered, pressing the papers to her chest. “Spike already mentioned it, but we met at Camp Everfree and…” A small smile grew. “Well, heh, you know.” She hoped he knew, by the stars above. Her blush could probably burn through her notes. “Must be nice to have someone like that,” he said. Twilight froze, focusing on one of her written theories on the world’s rotation because she didn’t want to stare aghast at Sora. His tone wasn’t regretful nor somber, but back to that child-like innocence. With her notes stacked in her arms, she straightened them and stood back up, catching his earnest as he did the same. She could work over it all day and probably still not know what he meant by it. Even still, she tried, shuffling the papers idly. Her gaze dropped to his crown necklace, hanging over where his heart was. The results of their last test - a heart and Sunset’s Cutie Mark - flashed by, along with several ideas between him and Sunset Shimmer. He appeared before her, she brought him back as a ghost, they were near inseparable since then. Twilight knew Sora for less than a day, yet… “Where’s Sunset?” she asked. Sora blinked, surprised but not shocked, and Twilight wasn’t sure if she should have brought it up. Sora and Sunset together, as more than friends, crossed her mind. The urge to fling the papers in the air clung to her like a leech, to the point she had to set them down before she did. Any distraction would have been preferable than another jab at her blush. “Don’t worry, I’m keeping my promise,” Sora said. “I just wander around when she’s in class. I can’t do much in my condition.” “You help plenty!” Twilight blurted, whipping around. Her mouth ran off again, and had refused to stay closed. She pursed her lips, cringing. As if she wasn’t making it obvious that he wasn’t helpful as a phantom. “I mean, you can stand nearby and cheer when she answers correctly or...” She trailed off. The contemplative side of Sora had returned. It had to do with Sunset, Twilight was sure of it, though it wasn’t like back at her lab. He was disappointed back then, frustrated, but at that moment, a cloud hung over his head. She was afraid to speak up, to meddle when she barely knew him, but she recalled her friends did that with her during the Friendship Games. “Something bothering you?” she asked softly. Sora jerked, crossing his arms and turning away with a sheepish smile, “Bothering me? No way! Everything’s… fine!” Twilight scrutinized him, though not harshly. She had an idea of his troubles, being a student in Crystal Prep, but not to his degree. Being invisible and intangible would make anybody feel excluded. “The Heartless are here,” he said, his brow furrowing. “Rainbow Dash already told you, right?” Her heart was suddenly a lot louder, but mellowed soon after. She briefly believed he had changed tracks, avoiding an answer, but to think of the Heartless, Maleficent, and the threat to friendship itself as off topic was deplorable. It was more than serious, it was downright imperative. “Yeah,” Twilight answered. She shelved her other questions for later. “It sounded like you fought with them before. With a keyblade?” Sora nodded, holding up his hand. There was a flash of light, and within his hold was a large key. It left Twilight in awe, stepping closer to admire the slick frame and metal finish. It was well crafted and smooth. “I lost my world to Heartless a couple years ago,” he said. It was abrupt, like he meant to bring down the mood. Twilight wasn’t sure what to do, and Sora frantically waved it off. “I got it back. Don’t worry! It’s just… we can’t let our guard down. Getting to Maleficent is our main goal. If we get her, the Heartless will follow.” His firm nod and bravado were something else. It reminded her a lot of her friends. They had a lot in common, and it set her mind at ease. Standing straight, she leaned back against the table. “My friends and I are no stranger to fighting those who abuse magic,” Twilight said, unable to keep the pride out of her voice. To see Sora excited at the prospect made her a little guilty, but it felt good too. “We got your back. Whatever it takes.” He rested his keyblade on his shoulder, rubbing his nose, absolutely glowing. Seeing him in high spirits was infectious. Then it fell to thoughtfulness. Not like before, but more like he was stumped. It was a funny face, and Twilight was glad she could keep in her giggles. “I’m kind of confused about the Magic of Friendship,” Sora stated, scratching his head. He braced his keyblade on the floor and rested his hands on the hilt. “How did that other world - the one the portal leads to - have the source of friendship?” “Sunset can explain it better than me,” Twilight said. “From what I gather, her world is very harmonious. I’d say it’s the natural state there. So much so that when Sunset brought a crown imbued with the same magic, it affected our world too. Back during the Friendship Games-” She stopped with a small cough. Her dark self, Midnight Sparkle, appeared in her vision and disappeared just as fast. It sent a chill down her spine. The feelings of deep loneliness were like cold tendrils clutching her heart, and it hurt to relive it, even for an instant. And Sunset was the same before her. Twilight gathered her courage and reminded herself that it was over, that it was in the past. Sora stared, concerned. “Let’s just say,” Twilight said, knowing she sounded gloomier than before, “it’s a powerful magic. No real explanation for that.” “That I can agree with,” he nodded. His eyes widened, the keyblade vanishing as he pumped one of his arms. “Hey! We should get everyone together and have some fun after this blows over. You guys have been too busy to hang out, right? We’ll have the whole day. No responsibilities! It’ll be great!” “Sure,” Twilight said carefully. He brought it up with such confidence, an assured glean to his eye. It forced a single question to bounce around in her head. “Did Sunset tell you about that? I know the seven of us haven’t done anything for a while. ” The accuracy hurt, even when it came from her. These were the six girls that changed her life, and besides a handful of gatherings with two or three of them, she rarely saw them in the same room, except for the meeting the other day. The lone exception. “A gut feeling,” Sora said with a higher pitch than normal. He rubbed the back of his head, smiling. It didn’t reach his eyes. Twilight faltered, but eventually smiled back. She cherished every moment with Sunset and everyone else, and to have a true get together again would be a dream come true. Though given their record, it may still remain just that: a dream. The day had been leading up to detention. It had stuck to Sunset, growing and building until she trembled before the very door leading to it. The hallway stretched forever on either side, and Sunset was ever so small in comparison. It was somehow worse than facing the Heartless. Detention was different this time. She planned to confront Pinkie Pie. Her throat tightened at the thought. She apologized to Rarity with only a stutter, but Pinkie was different. She never gave Sunset a chance, and it devastated her. It was all too obvious Pinkie didn’t want to face Sunset. It didn’t matter if it was from fear or from sadness or even hatred. A shaky sigh escaped Sunset. She really hoped it wasn’t from hatred. “You’ll be okay,” Sora said. Having him by her side was a mixed bag. His words comforted her, but didn’t erase any lingering doubts. His arms crossed, facing the door with a far off look, the kind reserved for deep thoughts. “You’re a good friend, and Pinkie won’t hold it against you.” “That’s not what I’m worried about,” Sunset said with a deep sigh. A good friend would have had the issue resolved in a day. Twilight would have done it in an hour. Sunset didn’t have the willpower to step forward. Even considering it unlocked a barrage of possibilities she didn’t want to happen. “Don’t get cold feet now,” Sora berated cheerfully. His face came into her view, and it broke her out of her anxiety. That boyish charm, full of optimism, beckoned her. He waved her over to the door, but it wasn’t necessary. Sunset could get through because she wasn’t alone. Her hand still shook when she reached out for the handle. Her heart was ready to explode, and her nerves were flayed. A quick breath got her to push through the door. Darkness greeted her. Not a soul in sight. For a second, she wondered if Luna cancelled detention. Another second later, lights and party horns assaulted her senses. Someone grabbed her jacket and yanked her inside. She rubbed her eyes when she was released to find confetti raining from the ceiling, balloons tied to desks, and cupcakes brimming with sprinkles. There was enough colors to make a rainbow jealous. Sunset couldn’t wrap her head around any of it. Her jaw hung open, and she couldn’t close it for the life of her. A group of balloons parted to allow Pinkie Pie to lean in with three party horns hanging from her lips. They unfurled with a symphony of honks before they tumbled out of her mouth in favor of a large grin. “Surprise!” she cried. There was no sign of animosity or fear. She slid out of the way of the balloons with her arms spread wide. A banner hung over her and across from the door. Cartoon versions of her and Pinkie Pie held hands with a heart in between. The letters were spaced at first before bunching up as though Pinkie hadn’t planned on the length. Things will get better! Sunset swallowed, her breathing shallow. “I knew you’d be surprised!” Pinkie giggled. “Ever since you yelled at me, I said to myself ‘Pinkie! She’s right! You have to make it up to her.’ So I did what anybody else would do and got to planning a surprise party. Just for the two of us.” Sunset hitched her breath, tensing up. Pinkie took a bite out of a cupcake before grabbing another to offer to Sunset. “I made the banner during detention, but I had to make sure you weren’t looking so I hunched over it all sad. It took hours to figure out the right thing to write. Then I had to avoid you so I wouldn’t spoil the surprise. I couldn’t keep it in, I was so excited!” She took another bite, her smile waning. “I mean, I knew you were having a hard time and were kind of distressed, and the text about the Heartless did concern me. But that made the surprise party even more crucial. Even if I had to ignore you and pretend I didn’t care…” Her face fell, her joy deflating, and when she looked to Sunset, she dropped the cupcake. The dull splat knocked Sunset out of her stupor, blinking away tears. She rushed to Pinkie and threw her arms around her. Her emotions were in shambles, in which she didn’t know what she felt, but Pinkie deserved a hug. Her embrace tightened. “I didn’t mean…” Pinkie said in a hush. “If I knew it made things this bad-” “You’re the best friend I could ever ask for,” Sunset said over her. “I was dumb, stupid, idiotic. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like I did. I’m so sorry.” Pinkie reached up and took a hold of her arms, gently pushing her back. Sunset released her, and had the urge to look away, feeling the shame already well up inside. Instead, she kept her tear stricken eyes solely on Pinkie Pie. She gave a sad smile, “Let’s agree to address these things head on. Friends are supposed to do that. Like two pears in a pod. It is pears, right? This is kind of an emotional moment. I-I don’t want to ruin it.” Sunset chuckled quietly. She felt so light, so much better. Her problems were a million miles away. She would do anything to keep it up. Pinkie broke away, allowing Sunset to rub her eyes. They were itchy and probably red, but she didn’t care. When she pulled her hands away, a cupcake greeted her. Pinkie wiggled her eyebrows, and Sunset laughed. “Thank you,” she said, genuinely grateful for the party. “You know me,” Pinkie said, jabbing a thumb to her chest before holding a hand to the side of her mouth. “I’m really good at parties.” “Don’t I know it,” Sunset said. Pinkie glowed, but then her brow furrowed. She brought a hand to her chin. “But does Sora know?” Sunset was about to dig into her cupcake when she asked. It was a sudden question, one that hadn’t occurred to her, and as her mind ran a blank, she turned to him. He stood out in the hallway, giving them space. The sentiment was appreciated, but to see him alone had the old guilt return in force. The question even had him curious and a little surprised, like he didn’t expect to have the conversation turn to him. “He could really use one,” Sunset said, smirking. “After all, it’s not like he gets much attention as a ghost.” “Thanks,” Sora said, stepping into the room, “I think.” Pinkie nodded, swinging with one arm while the other pointed straight up. “Then I’ll throw him a great, big party,” she exclaimed. Sunset missed that limitless energy of hers. “It’ll have all the works, I’ll pull all the stops, and Sora will have all the cake.” Sora laughed, “I don’t think I’ve ever had cake before.” “Don’t let Pinkie hear you say that,” Sunset said, finally biting into her cupcake. As usual, it was moist, sweet, and delicious. She hummed at the taste. It was literally the icing on the cake to their rekindled friendship. She meant to compliment Pinkie on it, but found her agape. A little upset too. “Sora’s never had cake before!?” she yelled, gripping her head. There was a pause. One that ticked by as Sunset worked out why it was similar to Twilight seeing Sora. And the reason hit her like a ton of bricks. Her cupcake slide out of her hand. Sora was equally stunned, leaning forward with his arms dangling. Pinkie glared at him as though betrayed, pouting. “You can see him, Pinkie?” she asked, holding her breath. A wave of deja vu swept through her. “No, he’s a ghost, remember?” Pinkie snapped. Then it sank in, and Pinkie gasped loudly, clapping her hands to her cheeks. “Wait, I heard him say he’s never had cake! I can hear him. I can see him!” “That’s great!” Sora said. “We’re making progress, Sunset.” “Yeah,” Sunset said, astonished. Her shoulders shook with every small chuckle. It was hard to believe, yet they made breakthroughs, regardless of how rarely they got them. “Yeah, we are.” “Your hair is so spiky,” Pinkie said, hopping in front of him. She squeed before holding up her hand. “I always wanted to see hair that spiky. High five!” “I… actually can’t do that,” Sora said with a sheepish smile, scratching his cheek. “Eh, it’s the thought that counts,” she said with a shrug. Sora gleefully held up his own hand and they met halfway, never really touching. Pinkie gasped again. “You have to tell me all your favorites. Favorite flavor, favorite color, favorite food, everything!” “Do I have a favorite flavor?” Sora asked. Pinkie clutched his shoulders like a lifeline and shook him vigorously. “Don’t scare me like that!” she yelled. She stopped to glower. Sora blinked rapidly, head bobbing back and forth. “I’m still upset that you’ve never had cake before.” “I said I think I’ve never had cake,” he amended, a little distressed but still sporting a smile. “It’s been so long that maybe I forgot.” “Who forgets cake?” she said, letting him go. “It can happen!” “Actually, the better question is who goes on for so long without cake?” Detention was livelier, and Sunset couldn’t be happier. Their chat delved into more about cake, at Sora’s expense. Pinkie was really passionate about it. A side of her that Sunset forgot about and was glad to see again, to have her as her friend again. She picked up another cupcake off the table. The frosting was a swirl of red and yellow, doused in pink sprinkles. Things would get better. Luna strolled into the room, books under her arm, and froze. “Did I miss something?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.