//------------------------------// // Book 2: Animus | Chapter 10: Sunset And Twilight // Story: The Midnight Series: Incomplete Edition // by Notowa //------------------------------// Chapter 10: Sunset and Twilight Twilight met with Sunset at Sweet Snacks Café. Pinkie Pie was there to take their orders. They sat at a small booth at the end of the store, near the doors so they could touch the beautiful spring breeze coming in. After weeks of endless rainfall, the darkness had suddenly passed on. Pinkie returned to give them a fruit smoothie to drink. It was bright pink, with a couple of cherries and whipped cream on top. It looked delicious, and wasted no time to take their first sip through a stripped straw. They both smiled, and simply enjoyed the silence between them. Both were feeling unsure of how to start the conversation. It felt different between them, since the time spent through tragedies, adapting to a normal life seemed odd. "So, Twilight?" Sunset asked softly. She took one last sip, and wanted to start somewhere. "Yeah?" Twilight asked, as she swallowed an opened cherry. Pinkie was sure to never leave any pits inside. "How are you feeling?" Sunset continued. "Oh, I guess it's been okay... I'm not sure what to do... I still feel terrible..." Twilight said, hesitantly. "I understand. We all needed to get rid of all the skeletons in the closet, right?" Sunset requested. "I think you're right. I don't want to hurt you or anybody, ever again! I never intended for anything like that to happen... I'm so sorry Sunset." Twilight apologized. "It's alright. I think everyone, in time, will adjust to our normal life again." Sunset said. "You really think so?" Twilight asked. "We all took measures into our own hands and never considered turning to each other for help." Sunset said. "I don't want us to make that same mistake again." "Yeah, I guess that's true..." Twilight agreed. "I don't think we'll split up like we did before, but instead come together!" Sunset enlightened. "We're all here for each other, right?!" "Yes, of course." Twilight said softly. "You okay?" Sunset asked. "Yeah..." Twilight whispered. "What is it?" Sunset asked. "Well... since we've come across these events, do you think the rifts in the world will be troublesome?" Twilight added. "I can't say. I guess I should ask Princess Twilight about them." Sunset continued. Twilight looked at Sunset. "How are things in Equestria?" Twilight shifted focus. "It's actually pretty tame last I heard." Sunset smiled. "Everyone is doing fine!" "That's good to hear!" Twilight asked. "I'm glad sis is alright." "Yeah, I think this summer I might want to try and go back for a little bit." Sunset mentioned. "What for?" Twilight asked. "Just to visit, and maybe just to catch up with others I don't really get to talk to." Sunset admitted. "I don't think we've met Starlight last time." "Yeah?" Twilight agreed. "Cool..." Twilight smiled, but it went away. Sunset saw her smile went away, as she went in for another drink. "Maybe you should come with me this time?" Sunset requested. "Make it official this time." "Really?" Twilight perked up. "You really think that will be okay?" "Of course... why wouldn't it be?" Sunset questioned. "I... I don't know..." Twilight replied. Twilight looked away, and tried to drink and remain silent toward the change in tone. "It will be okay Twilight, I promise!" Sunset enlightened. "Besides, you said when we are together, we'll be fine." Twilight looked into Sunset's eyes, and saw that she was sincere. She believed in what she said before. She blushed, and sat up in her seat. "Thank you, Sunset." Twilight said. "I do have to ask you something, though..." "What is it?" Sunset responded. "Well, what do you have planned after high school?" Twilight asked softly. Sunset sat silently, her pupils grew thin, as if she was stunned to hear what Twilight said. "Uhh..." Sunset stuttered. "I know it's an awkward question, but I did ask everyone else too. They all seemed to know what they would like to do after school. They're not really thinking about college..." Twilight added. "What do you have planned?" Sunset asked. "Well, Principal Celestia has already recommended and suggested colleges for me, considering I'm the top student... also getting nearly a full ride scholarship if I ace this year's exam..." Twilight continued. "I see." Sunset said, as she looked away. "Yeah..." Twilight said softly. "I'm unsure... I suppose... I... I don't know..." Sunset stuttered, as she looked around the place. "Sorry I asked." Twilight admitted. "No, I think it's okay. I probably should think about it. What did the other girls say?" Sunset replied. "Applejack's got a farm, Rarity has a fashion career, Fluttershy has vet certification, Pinkie..." Twilight responded. "Okay, okay. You made your point." Sunset said. "But, I think Rainbow Dash is also thinking about college." Twilight said. "Really, how?" Sunset asked. "Athletics!" Twilight assured. "Right!" Sunset said. "Yeah... in all honesty, I've been wanting everyone to do better in school so maybe we could all go, but everyone already has plans..." Twilight admitted. "I would hate to leave everyone if I do go. After getting back together again." "No Twilight, you should. I'm sure everyone would want you to go out there, and become something." Sunset suggested. "We all don't want to hold you back, go for it." "I suppose so..." Twilight whispered. "I would have liked everyone to try too." "Yeah... still unsure what I will do." Sunset admitted. "Okay. Well, I guess we'll see about it later. The future is unexpected!" Twilight enlightened. "Yeah, definitely!" Sunset said, with a smile. They both continued to talk about what they might want to do during the summer before school starts again. Moments later, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, and Fluttershy came through the doors. Sunset's face lit up, and Twilight turned around and smiled. "Hi everyone!" Sunset said. "Hey Sunset!" Rainbow Dash said. "Hey Twilight!" "What are you girls up to?" Twilight asked. "Oh, Pinkie called us over to treat us to a surprise!" Applejack said. "A sundae surprise!" Pinkie yelled. Everyone cheered Pinkie and thanked her. They all sat together as they ate their sundaes. They all huddled up in the small booth, but all managed to fit together. "Oh by the way Twilight." Rainbow Dash said. "What is it?" Twilight said. "I think you owe us dinner, tonight!" Rainbow Dash said. "Really, Rainbow?" Rarity said. "No, no... she's right! I do owe you guys a lot, all things considered at that lunch incident. I will treat us all dinner tonight!" Twilight enlightened. Everyone cheered, they all gathered together, they enjoyed the day, like the old times. The girls gathered around a table, they all took pictures, updating their statuses saying "hanging with the BFF's!" Each of them took the time to explain the kind of things they went through during the time they separated. Clearing up a few loose ends, and promised they won't do that again. They also understood the relationships they've made during that time, finally officially announcing their partnerships. Rarity and Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. They also discussed their plans after high school, since Twilight mentioned it. They all still weren't exactly set on their decisions considering they didn't want to leave each other again. So, they all were thinking about what could be plausible options. But, neither of them were settled just yet. After dinner, Sunset went home, she enjoyed her time with them all. The thought of all them becoming separated again made her feel scared. After they all just got back together. It seems almost bittersweet toward the idea of leaving at all to Equestria after high school. There was also the chance of her just staying, maybe work on her own career. Sunset sat down on the couch and contemplated. Almost as if she started this way, before everything happened. A couple of week's later... Sunset's book glowed in the middle of the night. She received a message from Princess Twilight Sparkle. "Alright!" Sunset said. "Let's do this!" Roll Credits Ending song of Animus. "Memoria" Performed by: The Rainbooms [Verse 1]: (Sunset): Take a breath, just relax. As it all starts to come back. (Twilight): Take the steps, to a pace. No matter how long it'll take. [Bridge]: (Fluttershy): Memories are all I have in mind. (Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash): I wonder, what did I have to find? [Chorus]: (Pinkie): Remember, all the laughs, all the pain. All the things that you intake. (Rainbow Dash): Not afraid of what is real, and what is fake. To discern, all the facts, all the claims. Everything in your sakes. (Pinkie and Rainbow Dash): Not astray, of anything you had to face. To return, all the paths, of every place. Your track, to retrace. What could you do to find your way? [Verse 2]: (Sunset): Take a break, set it straight. As they will always remain. (Twilight): Take a chance, to move along. And recollect all that is lost. [Bridge]: (Rarity): Memories, like a movie in rewind. (Rarity and Applejack): I wonder, what have I left behind? [Chorus] [Bridge]: (Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash): Memories of all I hidden inside, (Rarity and Applejack): I wonder, what have I lost outside? The end...