Twilight felt like her hooves would fall off as she paced about the Canterlot library. Her mane was a frayed mess, her eyes were bloodshot, her movements jerky and uncoordinated. She felt like she was carrying Big mac on her back. She was a physical and emotional wreck with no relief in sight.
She had looked nearly the whole forbidden section of the library over for information on the memory stone with Celestia and Luna's help. Though aside from a few more notes from Clover the clever on his theories on how the stone worked there was nothing. Not a single shred more in the entire wing of the library on that accursed artifact.
This left her alone in the forbidden section with only her thoughts as Celestia and Luna left some time ago to perform their duties with Celestia promising to return later.
While Celestia assured her she would return as soon as her royal duties were done it was past midnight now. While she understood the princess must have been busy being alone was driving her nuts. It made her regret not going with Sunset back to the human world. There was only so much waiting she could do before she would go crazy.
Glancing once again at the journal that sat open on the table alongside a collection of other books from the forbidden section. Again she saw nothing, nor any sign that Sunset would write her anytime soon
Turning to look at the grandfather clock she saw it was nearly Four AM. The sight made her heart drop in worry afraid for Sunset knowing it was well past the time she should have messaged.
“Ohh what is taking so long?” she asked in worry as she looked away from the clock. "I know I said I would wait till she contacted me. But this is taking too long, it's not like sunset to make people wait."
Sunset was a lot of things but she was never one to keep others waiting. Even when she was a bully If she said she was going to do something she would just do it instead of making people wait.
Twilight began to pace again, her mind starting to wander wondering what could have happened. "Maybe she just forgot after she saved her friends' memories and they went to a pinkie part to celebrate. Or just lost her book or pen she said she occasionally did that. She could also just be tired, resting after dealing with everything. Yeah that has to be it”
Despite her voice being strained, it wasn’t an unreasonable idea that Sunset got distracted. Celestia literally knew how many times she got sidetracked by her own friends. However it wasn’t good enough for her sleep-addled mind. she felt something was wrong, very wrong with her friend.
“Then again she promised me she would message me as soon as she found out anything. Besides, she sent me messages at 4 in the morning before it wouldn’t be hard to imagine her sending one now,” she concluded fearfully, poking holes in her logic.
“Oh who am I kidding, something must have happened.” she moaned, her breathing getting away from as she thought of all the terrible things that could have happened to sunset.
First, there was the memory stone. There was no telling what that could do having never seen it herself. Then there was this wallflower person unable to remember meeting her and not knowing how dangerous she was, or could be. There was also the fact that there was no proper magic there without the elements of harmony present. Not to forget there was no telling what government people could have been watching much like her counterpart had.
As all the vicious thoughts began to stir inside her head like a blender she began to hyperventilate. Her sleep-deprived mind began to crack under all the strain from studying and worrying. She could feel her heart in her ears while her legs began to tremble with strain. There were so many terrible things that could have happened to Sunset.
“No stop it!” Twilight shouted forcing herself to sit down slapping her cheeks with her hooves giving her a headache but she didn’t care. Placing a hoof on her chest, taking a deep breath beginning to count in silence just as Cadence taught her. For a short time, she held her breath, cursing her heart rate to slowly drop. Her
“Calm down Twilight I am sure it’s nothing to worry about,” she told herself again fighting hysteria. “There is no reason to panic, it's not like she’s in any danger, I mean things worked out perfectly the last time I helped them.”
Thinking back to all the times she helped the others save the human realm calm herself. From stopping Sunset from harming Equestria, to stopping the sirens, even helping the girls get used to their powers so they wouldn’t accidentally destroy anything. She had helped her friends in so many ways since meeting them that just thinking about it started to put her mind at ease.
“Just remember Twilight their friendship can get them through any magical peril. Even Sunset was saved after we told the police there was just a gas line explosion,”
Twilight stopped her pacing, her eyes going wide in panic as she remembered the human authorities who arrived to investigate the explosion. “Oh no, what if the police came to the school and found out about magic?!”
So many terrible thoughts filled Twilight's mind at the thought of the human government finding out about magic. Images of a number of the scary movies Rainbow dash tricked her into watching on her last visit filled her head. From the torture to cloning and super soldier programs she woke up with nightmares for weeks afterward. And now she realized the same could be happening to sunset.
“ahhhhhhhh! What have I done?!” she wailed in terror collapsing to the ground covering her head with her hooves.
An image of her friends strapped to metal slabs while people in strange medical gear prepared to do experiments on them flashed in her head or them being turned into weapons of war. This thought turned into a far more terrible one as she realized an evil organization would want more than six soldiers.
“Oh no, what if the earth military decides to come after ponies in Equestria if they turn Sunset and her friends into weapons there will be nothing I can do to stop them. ahhhhhhh!”
Falling into complete hysteria she did not notice the hoofbeats coming towards her nor the doors of the forbidden section flying open with a slam. Her mind was far too gone by sleep deprivation, stress, and exhaustion to notice.
“Twilight Sparkle!” Celestia shouted in a panic running to her student’s side in fright at the wailing girl on the ground.
She called her name several times but got no response. Seeing this she draped a wing over Twilight creating a calming aura around her wing that had the faint scent of chamomile and lavender.
The effect was near instant as Twilight's labored breathing and sobs slowed. She took several slow deep breaths inhaling the smell of lavender and chamomile in her lungs, the aromatherapy calming her down. While the Aura put a feeling of relaxation in her that she made all the terrible thoughts wheeling in her head feel so much smaller.
Lowering her arms looking up, Twilight saw her mentor looking down at her with a kind smile, her horn glowing softly with magic. The older alicorn raised a hoof up and began rubbing the back of Twilight's head gently to further soothe her dear student.
“You need to get a hold of yourself Twilight,” she ordered, but not uncaring. Rather her words carried with them the authoritative care of a doctor concerned for their patient.
Twilight nodded realizing she was right practicing Cadence’s exercises again with renewed vigor. What followed for a time was simply the sound of Twilight’s breathing between her silent counting.
Eventually, she regained enough control over herself to stand once move again, sliding closer to her mentor's side. “I’m sorry I don’t know what got into me,” she said, nuzzling into her ethereal mane that seemed to ever blow despite there being no wind to carry it.
She had often wondered about how the mane flowed as though a constant breeze blew through the air. But Celestia always told her she would understand one day in good time.
Celestia merely smile as she returned the nuzzle laying down next to her student to give her more comfort. “It’s all right. I am just glad you have regained your senses.” the princes of the Sun said her voice tender as a mother’s love.
For a short time, they simply remain held in their nuzzled embrace. Twilight was grateful for her teacher’s embrace as her nerves began to settle. She was still nervous for Sunset's safety but her mind was no longer playing out every horror movie scene in her head. In fact, she was so relaxed she began to doze off her eyes slowly drifting towards sleep. Had it not been for Celestia’s voice in her ears she may have fallen asleep.
“I am sorry I am late. I would have been back sooner but a royal matter demanded my attention after I lowered the sun. and Luna was busy with a break out of magic nightmares” Celestia began to explain reasonably,
“It's ok I understand,” Twilight said long since gotten used to Celestia being busy.
Then she let out a nervous chuckle looking away, a light blush on her face causing Twilight to look at her with a raised brow at the odd expression, “I sent you a letter but I may have forgotten that you left spike home in ponyville.” she confessed meekly, unable to make eye contact.
The confession sent a light laugh through Twilight as she put a hoof to her muzzle to stifle it. Soon both of them began to giggle the joyful sound of laughter filling the air between them. A feeling she wished she could let last as her chest began to hurt from the mirth.
Twilight's worried expression return not long after as her laughter died. A fact that Celestia noticed when seeing the deep seated frown on her face. Bringing her head back to look over the purple pony who lay at her side, Celestia’s humored expression swapped for a worried frown.
“Sorry” twilight muttered looking away from her mentor realizing she killed the mood.
“It’s just am worried about Sunset It’s almost dawn and I haven’t heard anything, I guess I let it get to me” she confessed with a nervous whine as she once more looked to the ticking clock seeing how late it had gotten.
It was now ten past four her freak out had wasted nearly twenty minutes before Celestia came to calm her down. All while Sunset and her friends were doing who knows what. This left Twilight feeling ashamed at losing herself to worry so easily.
Celestia noticed the time as well before giving Twilight a look of knowing her eyes filled with understanding, though her lips were still in a worried frown. “Well clearly staying up till near dawn isn’t helping you, my child. You have been up for nearly three days straight. Even an alicorn needs sleep.” answered sensibly in jest.
Twilight knew she was right as she almost wanted to doze off then and there. However, she was hearing none of this as she stood up upon shaking legs, her body groaning under the strain surprising Celestia.
The older princess immediately protested her actions telling her to sit, to rest before she collapsed. But she would not listen to reason this day, not even from Celestia, she needed to make sure her student in friendship was ok.
“I can’t rest. I need to make sure that Sunset is ok.” she countered, resisting a yawn.
She began to walk towards the door towards the forbidden section but it was slow. Her steps shook as each hoofbeat sent painful shockwaves through her joints. Her vision started to swim, warping the world around her like rippling water. Her body was also sluggish like walking through Pinkie pies jello flood at the sugar cube corner.
Yet her determination was unshakable as she charged ahead as fast as her tired body would carry her. She forced her body to move through sheer force of will, and would even use magic if necessary. She needed to know if Sunset was alright, and nothing would get in her way.
Nothing but the white body of her mentor who quickly got ahead of her forcing her to stop.
Looking up at Celestia a flash of anger crossed her mind upset that her mentor would stand in her way to make sure her friend was alright. Surly Celestia knew how important this was only just reconciling with the pony. Yet in her hast, she missed the look of worry upon her teacher’s face
“Please move Celestia we need to see what happened to Sunset,” she demanded with a level of impotence that was uncommon for the girl
Despite the tone and behavior, Celestia didn’t budge or even look upset by her student’s spite. Instead, she spread her wings wide blocking the door behind her, at the same time her horn glowed with magic forcing sunset to sit down upon the ground holding her in a telepathic grip.
Twilight gasped in shock at the action, opening her mouth to berate her teacher for trapping her. Yet not a single word left her lips as Celestia placed a hoof on her shoulder silencing her before speaking to herself.
“My little pony It fills my heart with joy that you care so much. Even for one who wronged you so many moons ago.” she began tenderly, her voice filled with the love only a mothering figure could give. A gentler smile replaced her frown for a time as she spoke.
The sight of which made Twilight freeze, her anger evaporating in an instant. Instead, it was replaced by a feeling of dread as the smile that once crossed her face vanished into a sad frown that she saw Celestia wear all too often at court.
“But you can’t do this to yourself, my faithful student, I can’t let you go” she spoke with a calm authority that only a seasoned leader could.
This however only triggered Twilight in her tired state, her temper flaring to heights that Rainbow struggled to fly at, her wings flaring, and her horn shining trying to free herself by any means necessary.
“Why not!” she demanded bitterly. “Sunset could be in danger. I have to go.”
Despite the heated shout Celestia was not deterred or upset, simply staring down at her student with a sad frown at seeing her student pushing herself so hard. Twilight would even swear she saw Celestia looking back towards the door with a look of longing on her face.
“Believe me Twilight I know how you feel. I myself threw myself in that mirror when sunset first vanished. Only to return empty-hooved to a kingdom in turmoil when I could not find where sunset had gone on the other side.” Celestia’s voice broke slightly unshed tears visible in her eyes.
The tone Celestia used made Twilight freeze even in her angered state seeing her mentor look so distraught. She had never seen the mare look so broken so defeated emotionally before. She looked fragile like glass waiting to break away in the wind at any moment. He made a tiny spark of regret bloom in her despite the anger.
It did not last however as Celestia banished her tear filled face as though they were never there. Taking a slow breath before finishing “My actions nearly had disastrous consequences for the country. And while your going over would not have the same effect as mine you can barely stand what good would you be to anyone in your state even if I let you go?”
Her words were reasonable, more than reasonable, Twilight was tired she knew this, her vision was swimming, body aching, there was even a buzzing in her ear that was driving her mad. She desperately wanted to sleep.
However, with her exhaustion she was too far gone to see reason putting her hoof down while putting on the fiercest face she could once again rivaling Rainbow Dash as she stood up to her teacher. She was bound and determined and in her mind would not be denied her desire to know what happened to her friend.
“Sorry … Yawn … but I need to make sure Sunset is alright she has been gone far too long. And I …. I need to … to … to check on her and I won’t let you stop me.”
Despite her tone it was impossible to take the young mare seriously as she yawned and stuttered between words trying to look tough for her teacher.
She then watched as Celestia sighed sadly looking down at twilight with regret as her horn shone brighter. “I know which is why I need to apologize.” the mare answered cryptically.
This got her attention causing her ears to perk in concern. “Celestia wh-” she began to say but was cut off as her mentor's magic took over.
Twilight felt the hold of the binding spell on her tighten holding her still as a spell began to take form in front of her. “C-Celestia, what are you?” Twilight never got a chance to finish as a purple flash struck her face a moment later that caused her drooping eyes to finally close as sleep finally claimed her.
“I’m sorry twilight but this is for your own good,” Celestia said as she looked down at her sleeping student who would now hopefully be in Luna's caring embrace.
She understood, truly she did, she felt the same way when Luna fell, as well as when Sunset went through the mirror the first time. And more than anything she wished she could let twilight go, she wished she could go herself. But now was not that time, she would not let her student kill herself despite her noble intentions. Much less when she wasn’t thinking clearly.
Even so it was late, even if someone did go now everyone would or should be in bed like Twilight should be. But even if they were not she knew she could not go, not now at least, not yet.
“The weight of the crown is just as infinite as it is limited. If only I could go and see her again.” Celestia said, shedding a tear as she picked the girl up in her magic. “As much as I would love to have you check on Sunset you have done enough and now need to rest,” pledging to keep the girl contained for a few days to recover, whether she liked it or not.
Once she had Twilight she approached the table where the new journal lay. Gazing at it in longing hoping to see the girl she tried so hard to raise write back for the first time in years. It was unlikely that sunset would choose now of all times to write back, but couldn’t help but silently hope she would.
But after a few minutes of waiting and seeing nothing, she let out a defeated sight before picking the book up in her magic alongside Twilight. Then with a slow tired gait, she made the walk back out of the restricted section, unable to teleport till she was in the library proper.
I’m starting to regret making the anti teleporting wards so strong. She bemoaned silently.
The walk up the stairs was slow, painfully slow as she thought about Sunset and her now sleeping student. Her hooves echoed off the walls ominously as she was left to her own thoughts
Sparing a glance at the girl as she prepared to take the girl to a bed-chamber to sleep she knew she would hear of this when she awoke. And knew she may even need to force Twilight to rest till she recovered from her three-day research project, but it was for her own good. A pony, even one of Twilight's caliber, couldn't keep pushing themselves. It wasn't healthy.
Yet at the same time, she thought of Sunset the book slowly floating in front of her as she walked. Wondering what she should do until Twilight rested enough to go through the mirror again.
The mirror…
For a brief moment, she thought about the accursed mirror in longing wanting even if for a moment to pop over even just long enough to sense her presence.
But she quashed it just as quickly, “no I can’t just vanish without trace again even for a moment. I have a kingdom to run. And it would be hypocritical of me to go when I just told Twilight to stay. Besides, I have no idea where I would even look and magic doesn’t work here as it does there. I just have to have faith in my subjects and those beyond.”
Just like that his thought was brushed aside she promised she would do the best thing a royal could do and send somepony capable in her place. While it still pained her whenever she had to send somepony else in her stead, that was politics. You can’t always be everywhere you want.
“I’ll send Starlight glimmer if Sunset or her friends haven't responded by tomorrow, that should give them plenty of time to respond. She has an idea of what earth is like, and where the others might be. I’ll have her go over if they haven't responded on the situation there. Hopefully, by the time my sleep spell wears off there will be no problem to resolve.
With this now free of the teleportation wards she charged her horn to bring twilight to her old room. Her last thoughts as she snapped out of existence with a flash were ones of longing as she gazed upon the book again. Wishing she had never let her temper get the better of her that day.
“I am such a fool. I never meant to dismiss her, never meant to cast her aside. I was just so angry for putting herself and others in danger for her obsession,” she muttered as memories of that day played out in her mind again. “If only there was a way I could make things right.”
Then just like that, she was gone to parts unseen to put Twilight to bed before getting some sleep for herself before morning court began. Though somewhere within Celestia’s mind she knew sleep would not come easily or restfully.
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Warm, so warm. As consciousness began to return there was nothing but a feeling of warming. So warm like wrapped in summer’s warm embrace. Even as the faint white glow filled their vision the warmth was too divine to open their eyes. It felt so good that they almost wanted to fall back asleep.
Moving slightly they pulled the coverings closer out of instinct noticing nothing wrong or out of place. Instead of snuggling tight till once more, they wear bundles as tight as they could hope to be. Already their mind starting to drift away to sleep once again their mind barely awake to think
It’s so warm. their mind thought happily in waking innocence nuzzling the pillow under their head. Laying this way a while their consciousness began to slip from them once again.
The light began to fade from their eyes as their thoughts slowed once again towards dreams. The only thought pressing into their mind was the gratitude at being warm and not the cold she remembered so vividly till now.
Nice, warm, not cold, they thought in gladness.
Then as though a bucket of ice water was dropped over them their eyes snapped open in shock only to be blinded. Their body immediately recoiled into what they thought was a sitting position only to roll off the bed in a tangle of blankets into a heap with a painful thud.
“Oww.” the person moaned.
Yet they stiffened as they realized they did not recognize their own voice escaping their lips. Immediately they brought a hoof up to rub their head, but only to find out they couldn’t move their body now bound in bedsheets.
This panic at unfamiliarity didn’t last though as a new wave of worry hit. Reminding them that they needed to wake up, to get out of bed quickly before they got into more trouble. Yet no matter how they struggled it was all for naught, it was like being caught in a spider’s web ready to be devoured. Though she would have taken the spiders over what would become of her if she didn’t free herself soon.
How late is it? I overslept again. I need to get out before anyone notices. I don’t want to be-, It was then their eyes finally adjusted all panic momentarily dying in their veins.
All thoughts of panic froze in their mind as they finally saw the room before them.
It was a plane room, with gray-white walls and a white ceiling. On one side, the side they fell on to the left there was a nightside next to a large fluffy bed. The bed was far larger than any they had been allowed before, with a simple four-post frame painted white, with two boards one at the foot and one at the head with the head being larger. Behind the bed above the headboard was a large window that was veiled by a white curtain letting in light. While just visible over the bed on the right side of the room they were sprawled out was a large set of dressers beside what looked like a closet.
A single stylized photo hung on the wall of something they didn’t recognize. but it looked like a bunch of weird black and blue balls with panels on either side chased by another long thing with two crossed wings on a starry background with text they didn’t recognize at the bottom.
There was also the strange faint smell of vanilla in the air that baffled her. Alongside a small white device that looked like a shiny wooden bear with a bunch of small holes in its stomach. As well as an odd disk-shaped object embedded in the ceiling as well as small rectangular ones along the walls that they couldn’t identify.
Their mouths dropped in shock at seeing where they were. She had never seen this room before. Never even been in this room before, much less slept in it.
“What’s going on? Where am I? Where did those scare creatures go?” she asked, her own voice still foreign to their own ears.
Moving slightly trying to get a better look at the room a mop of red and yellow hair got in their face blinding them. Immediately they let out a disgruntled huff as they blew the hair from their vision.
“This, this isn’t… home. Is it?”
Looking down they saw the odd shape their body was contorted in not remembering being so long or flexible. There was an odd feeling in all four legs that made them feel like they didn’t belong to them. Moving them didn’t make the foreboding feeling any better as memorize of the monsters began to resurface.
Everything was starting to come back to her, she remembered who she was, the monsters that found her turning her into one of them. She remembered how they looked at her, how it scared her. But she couldn’t remember why.
There was little time to ponder what was happening as the sound of fast-approaching hoofbeats entered their ear. Whoever it was was running, though their hooves sounded strange to their ears.
“Sunset” a strange voice cried muffled through the walls and door one.
Panic returned to her causing her to fully fall off the bed trying desperately to free herself. To hide from this stranger in this strange place. But no amount of struggling allowed them to be free, it only made the tangle even worse. Leaving her trapped tangled in a white cocoon.
Unsure what else to do, unable to think straight with this person running towards them she angled her body before rolling under the bed to hide. It was a poor hiding space, especially with much of the sheet still visible from where she hid just as the door opened with a slam.
“Sunset!” she heard a mare say again, her breath labored able to hear the panting from where she hid.
“Sunset, are you alright?” the woman asked again
From under the bed, she could make out blue-purple feet monster feet attached to legs covered by loose-fitting pants with a cartoon star pattern on them. She watched as the feet slowly stepped into the room before the door closed behind them.
She felt dread in her chest at the sight of the door closing as it meant she was trapped inside this room with the monster. She wanted to rush out to flee this monster, to hide someplace these creatures could not find. A place somepony might save her, as even her worst punishments didn’t involve monsters.
“Calm down Luna, relax, Sunset is probably more scared of you than you are anxious from falling asleep at your desk.” the luna creature told herself. “Just find and take care of her while your sister is away dealing with the authorities.”
She wanted to snort, scared was an understatement. She was terrified, terrified of where she was and what this creature would try to do to her after turning her into a monster.
The Luna person then walked further into the room slowly, cautiously as though she was afraid a predator would pounce on her. All the while calm careful hums escaped her lips while talking to herself.
“I hate to admit it but I am glad mother kept mine and tia’s old baby monitors in the attic. Had sister not set them up she might have run out the door before I woke up.”
She didn’t know what a baby monitor was but assumed it was meant to be an Insult, after all, why would monsters of all people be nice to her? Monsters only wanted to find and gobble pony’s up in one bite. Instead, she silently watched praying that this monster would leave her alone.
“Well your not in bed anymore, and you didn’t leave your room as I didn’t hear the door opening so where-”
There was silence for a moment as the monster stopped speaking and she felt like her heart would burst. Part of her wondered what the mare was doing or why she stopped, while the other part
“Ah hah!” the monster exclaimed, sounding excited.
Then she saw the feet move to the foot of the bed before beginning to move around oddly. Before she could question it a strange blue hoof more like a griffon talons or a monkey paw appeared on the ground making her gasp. Yet her shock was only furthered when a blue face appeared.
“Hello, Sunset.” the strange monster mare said, trying to sound pleasant.
Tears began to form in her eyes as the monster looked at her. Her face was strange just like those other ones that she saw waking up after being turned into one of them. Her face was almost purple with dark purple lips and teal eyes with bags under them. Her purple and lavender hair was unkempt and in need of washing. While covering her torso was a button-up shirt with the same star pattern as her pants.
A sob left her lips in fear, she didn’t know what this creature wanted but she wanted it to leave. She was scared, her hooves were gone, her horn was gone, everything was different and she was surrounded by monsters. This was her worst possible nightmare.
Luna looked upset, biting her lip but smiled a moment later, it was a fake smile she could tell but she did not dare call Luna out for it.
The mare then reached a hand out to her and she squirmed back in her white prison. Even snapping at the weird talon with her teeth when it came to close cussing Luna to real back in the fright. Luna looked strangely worried at this as if she actually cared for her
Why would a monster care about me, it must be a trick to eat me. She concluded fearfully tears falling from her eye
“Now Sunset, would you let me help you out of there?” the mare asked kindly.
She shook her head in response, too scared to accept as she held in sobs t. Not only was she trapped inside her blankets with no magic, nor any idea how her body worked, but a monster was staring her down.
The Luna person looked frustrated muttering something that she couldn’t hear but it didn’t sound happy. Something about Tia being better with children, whatever that meant. But clearly, she was trying to suppress whatever it was she was feeling from her. And that scared her, afraid of what would happen to her when the mask came off.
“Come now Sunset I won’t hurt you, I just want to help you. We found you in rough shape. I just want to make sure you are alright. And maybe get something to eat, you look hungry.”
She didn’t think she looked hungry nor did she believe that this person would help her. She didn’t want her help nor her food, she wanted to be alone away from this monster.
But her stomach betrayed her as a loud growl escaped her tummy. Heat filled her cheeks as Luna chuckled at her expense feeling so embarrassed by her body’s betrayal. But she couldn’t deny the want for food as her body begged for it, her twisting into painful knots. It felt like she hadn’t eaten in days, something she knew all too well.
“Seems your stomach is more honest than you are, now would you let me help you get out of that mess so we can eat? I don’t think you want to wait till Tia gets home, and I’m not that scary … unless I want to be,” she asked again with an honest smile on her face as she tried stifling her mirth.
Thinking about this for a time she thought about her strange new form and how tangled it was. While she didn’t trust this person, she knew she would never be able to get herself unstuck alone without her magic with her body not acting the way she remembered. There was also the fact that if the mare tried to come after her by force there was little she could do to stop her. She also couldn’t deny the hunger she felt.
I could always escape after she frees me. She concluded before reluctantly nodding.
She didn’t trust the woman, but she needed to get free, needed to eat. So for now at least she would obey this woman's command, pretend to behave while she waited for a chance to flee.
Luna seeing her response got on her belly as she shimmied under the bed to reach her, it was a tight fit but one the woman took in stride. Sunset meanwhile did her best not to bite the woman not wishing to anger her when her clawless talons got close.
Instead, she closed her eyes as she felt Luna tug on the sides of the linen prison she was bound in. This began the slow process of dragging her free of the bed’s protective shadow. It was rough as she was dragged around, her body on high alert, but the only outward indication she gave was the occasional whimper or her tears. She would not allow herself to show fear to a monster.
When she was her eyes opened again Luna stared back at her as she began to unwrap her from the blankets like a present. The whole time talking to herself in frustration wondering how someone could get so tangled.
Throughout it all Sunset dared not move; she did not want to anger Luna. Even as she was rolled around by the mare this way or that she did not act out. There was no telling how strong these monsters were or what would cause her to drop her kind mask, nor did she want to know.
Thankfully it did not take too long to get free as Luna finally got the last of the blankets unwrapped who cheered in jubilation at her accomplishment. A jubilation she did not share.
But as she got onto her hooves her trouble’s wear not over, her body felt wrong as she toon on all four. Her hind legs wear too long or her front legs were too short, she was not sure which but it made it possible to walk on all four. The long wispy things attached to her hands wear not helping either. She missed her hooves they were more comfortable to walk in than these talon things. Her horn was also missing and she missed it terribly she could no longer sense the flow of magic in the air which made her feel empty. There was also her fur she could feel she had none and she missed it, the air was chilly without it leaving her to rely on the strange white coverings she was wearing like Luna wore for warmth.
But worst of all was the feeling of wrongness within her. Despite being on all four as she was used to there was something physical in the back of her mind that told her she wasn’t supposed to be on all four, which didn’t make sense to her, she was a pony ponies walking on all fours.
What did the monsters do to me?
“They’re all free,” Luna said cheerfully, drawing her mind back to reality causing her to look up at the mare.
The mare stood up approached the door placing her hand upon the handle turning it with a click “Now let’s get to breakfast” she said opening the door.
She was scared, very much so, this mare was standing on her hind legs and was not four times her height from where she stood on her fleshy hooves on the floor. But another painful groan from her stomach convinced her to follow this woman. At least for now.
Yet as she picked up her front hooves to carry herself towards the door, Luna let out a giggle. Looking up she saw the mare placing a hand upon her lips, her tired eyes filled with humor as she watched her. The sight of the woman laughing at her made her angry, her cheeks filling with air. She felt her body flash in heat of embarrassment again but held her tongue afraid of upsetting the monster.
“I’m sorry.” the mare confessed a moment later lowering her hand as she bent down reaching out a hoof to her. “Here let me help you to your feet.” she offered with a smile.
“Feet?” she parroted in fright as she looked at the hand in mistrust.
The mare nodded at this before pointing to her hind hooves upon the ground. “Yes Sunset your feet see?” she responded, wiggling her toes for good measure. “you’re supposed to walk on them not your hands” she explained as she once more put her “Hand” out to take. “Let me help you.”
“Hands? She asked looking down at her new hands bringing one up to her face, opening it for her to see. She wiggled the digits feeling the range of control she had over them and was surprised that they felt so normal. It was like she had them all her life as much as her hooves.
Turning back she saw her “feet” sticking out of the sleeves of her coverings and did the same as she did with her hands. The wiggling of her ties felt strange to her as much like her hands they felt like she had them and some part of her knew how they were used.
What’s happened to me, I feel weird and not weird. I am so confused.
Her question went unasked or said still too afraid to speak out of turn and upset the monster. Instead, she turned her head to look at Luna’s outstretched hand. She didn’t trust it, trust Luna or her promises, but if it kept her sake she would abide, for now.
Just until you can get to somepony safe.
With this and with great hesitation she raised her shaking … hand up to Luna’s own, almost expecting the woman’s kindness to vanish, to snatch her hand up to drag her along the ground.
But she didn’t instead her hand found itself inside Lunas with scarry efficiency like she had done it before frightening her. But she hid her fear as best she could as Luna’s hand wrapped around her own with a weak smile in an attempt to make her feel better. It didn’t work, she was afraid nothing would make her feel better aside from being a pony again.
But then what? A voice inside her head asked. What then, what will you do once you’re a pony again? Where will you go? It was a good question, one she didn’t have an answer to, and that scared her.
What followed was an exercise in not tripping and falling as she struggled with her balance holding onto Luna for dear life. Standing on two hooves or feet felt strange, she kept wanting to lean forward to go upon all four. Yet her body seemed to want the opposite, her muscles wanting to stand straight up like a standing cobra.
The experience left her feeling dizzy, even a little seasick, her cheeks turning a bit green as her mind and body fighting each other on how to stand.
The whole time Luna stood by her side helping her get used to standing. Using her own body to support Sunset while speaking to her in calm even tones to encourage or instruct her on what she was doing wrong. She didn’t trust it, or the mask the woman wore, but she was reluctantly grateful for the support.
Eventually with Luna’s help as well as plain trial and error she was able to stand using the woman as a crutch and eventually Sunset managed a slow stumbly walk. her mind and body are still clashing with one another.
Entering a hallway she hated the cold feeling on her feet which made her shutter disliking the cold wishing she had hooves.
The hall itself was mostly plain with white walls and a blue ceiling alongside an oak brown floor. While on the walls to the left were a series of doors going down the hall. While on the right was a collection of pictures of people, places, or even abstract ones she could Identify. A few even looked like small family photos as she could see Luna with three other people in them all smiling… most of the time.
This must be her family, she realized looking at the photos that gave the place a homey feel that even Sunset had to admit felt nice.
When they made it to the stairs there was a lot of grumbling from Luna about how they shouldn’t have put her on the second floor when they both nearly fell down trying it.
For a time she was stuck at the top of the stairs while Luna tried to find a way for her down that didn’t involve broken bones or head injuries. The wait while not terrible would have been better had she not felt seasick getting used to walking upright.
Eventually, after some more trial and error, they made a slow decadent down, one step at a time. Again she didn’t mind this, preferring the slow approach if it meant not throwing up on the stairwell.
Yet when they made it to the bottom turning a corner at the front door she felt her jaw drop in shock as her eyes laid sight upon the living room.
It was a massive room easily six or eight times the size of the room she woke up in. It was the same white, blue, and oak combo as the hall or stairwell. There was a fireplace on one wall surrounded by several chairs alongside a large couch that formed a large U shape. While between them all was a collection of end tables with a large glass coffee table as the centerpiece with a few books, a remote, and a chessboard. Above it, all was a blue ceiling of constellations with a large chandelier above while on the far wall. While a large double door cabinet, alongside several bookshelves, laid upon one wall. While a large gold and brown grandfather clock rests upon one wall.
She staggered at the sight, the room the house all looked so expensive. She had seen expensive houses before, it wasn’t hard where she lived. But she couldn’t believe she had been taken inside such an expensive house and laid in what must have been an equally costly bed.
Who are these monsters where am I? Why are they doing this?
“I know it’s a lot to take in,” Luna said with a hint of mirth in her voice.
Her head snapped to Luna in fright having forgotten she was there for a moment causing her to jump nearly making her fall. The mare apologized frantically as she tried to keep Sunset from falling.
Once Luna was sure she would not fall she began to lead her through the living room towards an opening on the far side that she hadn’t noticed before that led to another well-lit room. “Our family was quite wealthy in the past. Old European money or something like that, I never really cared to listen when it was explained. But me and my sister inherited it from our parents when-”
Luna stopped mid step for a moment as her words trailed off something sunset took notice of eyeing the woman. At the same time, a feeling of cold dread gripped her heart at the mention of her parents, her breath hitching suddenly becoming labored. However, she held it down.
“… well we inherited it.” Luna finished a moment later her voice losing its joy going grim at the end.
Sunset caught the sudden shift in tone when she spoke, the way her voice changed or how she now looked suddenly sad with wetness to her eyes at the mention of her parents. She knew that tone it was the tone someone used when someone wasn’t coming back, that her parents were gone
Her breathing was still somewhat labored, while her body became hot with stress at the thought of this woman's parents. Fear started to prickle into her heart like needles in a pincushion. Thankfully Luna seemed too lost in her own grief to notice Sunset’s anxiety as they moved on to the kitchen.
When they made it to the kitchen she had regained some of her composure as luna sat her down at the counter. It was hard to sit upright in the chair, she has seen some pony’s sit this way before but she had never tried it, it looked unnatural. However, she couldn’t sit the way she was used to on the high-top chair at the counter.
Why do monsters sit like this?
Though once she was seated Luna began to rummage around the kitchen for who knows what. Searching through the various cabinets and things around her.
The kitchen itself looked like it belonged in a mansion with its wide array of gadgets that she couldn’t name. Every surface was either white or blue with silver or black kitchen objects littered in as well with all of it cleaned to a polish. There was a long counter that could seat at least five on each side, large windows that let in so much light it was near blinding. While the strangest icebox alongside the stove she had ever seen rested on one side. It was a kitchen fit for a princess.
Behind her through a doorway was a dining room that looked like it came out of a child's fairy tale with a long table that looked like it could seat twenty in a deep redwood color. A chandelier hung from the ceiling while facing the head of the table were three windows forming a half hexagon. Each chair was even made from the same marvelous wood while also inscribed with beautiful carvings. It made the house feel so regal like a castle, yet also humble at the same time due to its simplicity.
This place is so fancy, it’s like those mansions in Canterlot. I can't believe a monster is treating me like a guest. Why would rich monsters treat me like a guest, if they can afford this why am I here?
While she knew her analogy was a tad off it wasn’t wrong either. The place was definitely upscale, not as large as she was used to but more than what most could afford.
Just who are these people that they could inherit such a noble place… are they nobles?
“Clatter!”
The sound brought her attention back from her looking around as she looked down to see a bowl with a spoon in it. Confused, she looked up just in time to see Luna take a colorful purple box in hand as she poured a large portion of colorful shapes into the bowl. Each one hitting the bottom with a melodious clatter as though keys on a xylophone.
“I know it’s not much… BUT Tia doesn't trust me with the stove, toaster, microwave, or anything that goes wherrrr.” the mare said dryly rolling her eyes when she mentioned the name Tia. “So cereal will have to do. I hope you don’t mind. She finished.
She nodded with a gulp, not wishing to upset the monster by rejecting her offer.
Her body shook at the idea of eating cereal, she had heard of it but never seen it. She had no idea what it could be or what it could taste like though she assumed it had tasted bad. Many elites said you only ate it if you were dirt poor or were punishing someone.
Maybe these people are not as kind as I thought. Then again they did kidnap me.
Luna frowned at the nonverbal answer but chose to say nothing which she was grateful for. Instead, she simply poured what smelled like milk into the bowl of shapes before nudging the bowl forward before grabbing another bowl for herself.
She isn’t going to eat this too, is she? She wondered in disbelief as Luna poured herself a bowl before picking up a blue mug with what looked like a crescent moon cutie mark on it.
Soon the sound of crunching cereal filled the air as Luna began to eat in silence between sips of what she assumed was hot tea from the steam coming off the brown liquid.
Returning her gaze to the bowl that was beneath her gazing at the rainbow of colors bits floating in milk in suspicion. It looked good, very colorful, it also smelled very sweet, reminding her of a bowl of fruit making her stomach growl again.
Turning her eyes towards Luna again she saw the woman eating her cereal in disinterest. Her spoon held lazily in her talons between bites. While in her other hand she held a rectangular-shaped object with the same moon cutie mark on the back which she observed lazily interest.
Sunset was astonished by the sight, not only by the fact that this looked completely normal. But how dexterous Luna’s fingers were. The way she held her spoon seemed so different from the way she was used to with her hooves or even with magic.
Can I do that too? She wondered turning back to her hands which rested on the counter.
Lifting the right one she opened then closed her digits a few times getting a feel for them, fast surprised by how smooth they felt. Turning her attention back to the spoon she reached out taking it in hand tightly and was surprised by how easy it was. Her fingers hurt slightly with how tightly she held it but brushed it off as she tried to scoop up the cereal.
It took a few tries as she constantly spilled her mind and body still fighting one another. But eventually, she managed to fish some out bringing them up close to her face to see only spilling a little of her milk on the counter.
She sniffed it a few times again smelling the sweet almost too sweet fruity smell but didn’t smell dangerous, she hoped. There was also a strange crackling sound similar to broken glass as it was settling. It also didn’t look very appetizing despite the smell with the odd colored bits looking more like styrofoam than food. The rich colors akin to that of bug shells also didn’t fill her with hope.
She gulped as her stomach growled again, she was hungry very much so. Sheas thought she hadn’t eaten in days but was afraid of this cereal, as well as the monster who held her prisoner.
Eventually, hunger won out though as with one last fearful gulp she opened her mouth to accept her colorful bounty.
The moment that the cereal touched her tongue Sunset thought she was in pony heaven. Her eyes went wide her, breathing stopped momentarily, a delighted squeal even left her lips.
The taste was as sweet as well as fruity as it smelled, it was like eating a bowl of fruit all in one bite. But without any of the seeds or pulp that she hated and wrapped in a crunchy bread-like substance. It tasted so good that she almost forgot to chew it as she took several more spoonfuls messily in her mouth each one sweet as the last.
How have I never eaten this before? it’s so good. Why would the rich ponies not eat this?
She had no answer to this question nor cared as she was too engrossed in stuffing her face like an excited filly. Before long a small mess of milk and half-eaten cereal started to spill down her chin onto the counter.
Ordinarily making such a mess might horrify her but no she could care less. So lost in rapture at the taste of the food that she even forgot she had an audience who watched her with interest.
Not far away Luna watched in mirth at the sight, a bright smile on her face as she texted on her phone. After spending so long dealing with a scared sunset she was happy to finally have a break from that seeing the girl smile again as she ate. Even laughing lightly in good nature at the sight.
It’s so weird seeing sunset this way, even after everything she always holds her hand close to the chest. It’s rare to see her show this much emotion so openly to someone outside her friend group. Much less to what may as well be a total stranger to her.
That thought made the smile fall away from her face as she remembered the text she got about Sunsets amnesia. While she would be lying if she said she cared about sunset, or at least any more than she did about all her students. She would never wish harm upon the girl, much less for her to lose her memory
Seeing sunset looking so weak, caring her into their home, seeing her actually cower as if she was a child chilled her to the bone.
Maybe Sunset deserved more than most for her actions, I can only imagine what Tia was thinking when she allied her to get off the hook with a light punishment. But losing your memories…. She was unable to complete the thought as a shudder took over her.
She could only imagine what losing one’s memories was like to experience and see sunset she never wanted to find you. Sunset was almost like snow now, pure undyed, with seemingly nothing of her own to make herself. Aside from her understandable fear waking up how she did.
No that’s not true she is dyed snow, just lightly.
She still believes that she is a magic pony from a land across a mirror. She has only lost all memory of being in high school if the story Tia got is to be believed. But that’s still over a year of memories gone. Anyone would be within their right scared out of their mind at losing over a year of their life.
It was a sobering thought as she looked over the messages Tia sent her throughout the morning while she ate. It was almost noon now so many of them were hours overdue for a response she felt no guilt. After all, she stayed up all night on a Sunday editing the school’s security tapes to cover for sunset she could take it easy just this once.
Though I should respond to a few of them, looks like Tia could use some help.
Scanning through the texts she got made it clear that while Tia and the school were not in trouble it was also clear she had her hands full. Between the police and getting ready to address the public on what was being classified as an attempted bombing, Luna knew that her sister was likely fit to be tied with a work overload.
That was overlooking the fact several middle schoolers got injured when a stamp to get away from the blast occurred. Nothing too serious, just a few sprains and a broken nose, rather it was the parents that were the problem.
“The least I can do is be a good sister and take some of the load off her shoulders.” She muttered with a sigh putting her phone away as she resigned herself to what would be a busy few weeks.
Yet just as she was about to take a sip from her coffee a stray idea struck her making her pause for thought. Wait? Wasn’t Sunset in middle school?
Turning her gaze back towards Sunset who was still gorging herself messily on Cereal before her seemingly forgetting her presence entirely she began to ponder. While not working with the middle school directly she could have sworn that Sunset was among the middle school graduates.
Pulling her phone out again she quickly scrolled through her texts again to the first that Tia had sent regarding the incident. It was hard to forget she was in the middle of an important ranked match when it came in. A match she was proud to say she won with only a single usable hand. However, she could have sworn her sister said she only forgot high school.
No sooner had she wiped out her phone did she find the message in question reading it again like lighting.
Luna had no time to explain, call discord and get his help to cover up an incident at the school. Sunset has magically induced amnesia and has forgotten high school and thinks she is a pony again.
While brief it was enough to get her attention, after all when your school was the center of several similar magical incidents it was hard not to jump into action at a moment’s notice.
Yet there was still a major problem. If Celestia said she forgot high school, but she thinks she’s a pony… is Tia wrong, or is my memory of Sunsets education wrong.
It wouldn’t be the first time she had miss remembered something, though she could have sworn that Sunset was in middle school before high school. But if Sunset thought she was a pony their was no way to know for sure without going to school and checking over her files or asking Tia.
The first option was out as she had no intention of putting real pants on unless she had to that day.
The second was also out having no interest in asking her sister to check her files to confirm a curiosity.
Shame I can’t just ask Sunset, it’s not like this is important I just can’t help but want to know now. But if she thinks she is a pony then it would be like asking a bush where the gardener put the trimmings.
It was here a lightbulb went off over her head with an idea, her attention returning to sunset…. “I wonder.”
“Sunset?”
Her word had an instant effect as the girl jumped as though punched in the gut. Her face became wounded with fear growing almost scarily pale as her eyes found Luna’s. The girl’s breath became ragged as though she were sick. while the spoon that she held in a death grip fell from her hand clattering to the counter.
In short, she looked as though she saw a ghost or a nightmare.
“Yes?” the girl asked meekly through her flaming hair that fell in her face from her scare.
Luna was taken aback by the reaction as well as the response to her words. She had seen Sunset scared before, several times at this point, though never to such a degree as now. The girl looked like she was about to wet herself where she sat. And judging from her now reddening face may have.
Ok, calm down worry about that later, focus on calming her down. Try to be like Tia casual and approachable when a student is having a problem.
With this in mind, she tried placing a kin smile on her lip the kind Tia was always better at. folding her hand in front of herself making sure the girl could see them not wanting her to feel threatened. At the same time, she leaned forward lowering her stature to appear smaller for the girl’s sake.
“Can I ask you a question?” she asked sound awkwardly.
Immediately she wanted to kick herself for the forward approach as well as the forced tone in her voice. She may as well have raised a flag of attack towards the girl rather than make her feel more comfortable. Good Lord save me.
Despite this, she saw the look in Sunset’s eye through her hair, the way she bit her lip. She was contemplating her request thinking it over silently in her head.
After a minute the girl gave a slow nervous nod as she reclaimed her spoon putting it back into her bowl before beginning to stir her remaining cereal the now colorful soup of milk.
Luna cringed slightly at the sight unable to help think of all the contamination on the counter. A thought that made her want to gag wondering how pony’s avoided getting sick walking on all four hooves. But wisely chose to say nothing, deciding instead to give another smile before speaking.
“I was just curious if you knew what year it was,” she asked simply trying her best to keep her voice even.
It wasn’t the best question she knew as Equestria’s current calendar was apparently a thousand years younger than earth’s but reasoned it would be a good enough place to start.
The question seemed to surprise Sunset who looked up slightly her hair parting to reveal more of her face. Though it was only for a moment as her fearful expression returned a moment later as she shook her head.
So she doesn’t know what year it is. I guess that shouldn’t be too surprising, her memory of Equestria might be a little foggy. Alright, what else can I ask her?
She was silent for a moment trying to think of something else to ask the girl that would confirm or debunk her suspicions. Something simple that a teenager might not think much of a stranger asking.
“How old are you?” she asked internally cheering herself on at the question. Yes, this is perfect all Sunset has to give me is an age. If she thinks she is thirteen or older then I know she wasn’t in middle school. And if I keep this up maybe I can get her to open up before her friends always do.
Despite her internal pleasure, she knew she should feel a little ashamed at prying on the amnesiac. After all tricking, someone into answering questions just to satisfy a curiosity was rather unbecoming of an educator. There was also the fact that she could lie. Besides, nothing was keeping her from lying her way out of things like she used to. Nor any easy way to know for sure when she turned bad in the first place.
Again sunset was quiet for a time seemingly contemplating her answer or if she would answer at all. A surreal experience for Luna seeing the girl seemingly lose the fire that fit so well with her name.
It’s hard to believe this is the Same rambunctious teen that had me and Tia running in circles before she reformed. I don’t even think Fluttershy is this … well shy.
Before Luna’s attention could wander and further Sunset brought her left hand up in a fist holding it like she had seen some kids making cat’s paws. At first, she wondered what the girl could be up to watching with interest as she brought it down to the counter with a knock. Then slowly dragging it back raising it up then knocking again, and again.
At first, she wasn’t Sure what sunset was up to as she wrapped her hoof hand against the counter three times in slow succession. The nonverbal response puzzled the vice principal.
It was when the fourth hit that it hit her, she’s counting her age out.
With realization, she watched in understanding as well as anticipation as she began counting to wanting to know how old sunset thought she was. With a little luck, she was wrong and sunset would only use around two years of memory give or take.
Alright, she lost all memory of high school if Tia is right, that means she thinks she is at least thirteen or fourteen. Alright, that means five knocks down another six or seven more to go if I’m wrong. She concluded silently calculating the girl’s age from what she knew as the sixth knock came. While it was a rough guess it was close enough for her and may give them a place to start helping her regain her memories.
However, when she dragged her knuckle away from the sixth knock the girl stopped. Her hand quickly slid away out of sight under the counter as Sunsets eyes looked away finding the floor more interesting.
For a moment Luna just started blinking at Sunset, waiting for the girl to start rapping her knuckles on the counter again. For several minutes she waited in silence while Sunset meekly started eating her meal again.
Yet no more knocks came only an awkward silence filled the air between them.
When she heard the clock start to ring signaling that it was noon Luna was starting from her stupor. Her mouth fell open as a staggered intolerable sound left her lips as she tried to speak. “Six?” Luna began her voice cracking. Clearing her through in embarrassment before repeating herself. “Six, your six years old?
Sunset glanced up through her mop of hair for a moment her teal eye just barely visible through the red and yellow locks. She held this gaze for a moment before giving a gentle nod.
Luna felt like she would collapse as she sat their no longer paying any attention as she began texting her sister in panic. Already she began to feel herself start to hyperventilate as the realization of what Sunset confessed hit her like a tsunami.
LUNA: Tia we have a problem.
Setting her phone down as she sent the text she looked at the girl again who was nervously eating in front of her as she tried to comprehend what was going on.
Ok breath Luna breath. Six years old, I have a high school teenager who thinks she is six years old who lost her memory thanks to a magic rock. If she is telling the truth, oh good heavens we are in so much trouble.
No wonder she was so scared she has the mindset of a child.
Her thinking she was six explained a lot, firstly it would explain why she was so scared of everything as she found courage was something most children didn’t get at that age. So waking up in a strange bed in a strange room in a strange land must have been terrifying. Combine that with waking up as a completely different race, a bipedal hominid one rather than an ungulate.
She physically shuttered at the thought of what Sunset must be experiencing right now.
“BUZZ!”
Both sets of eyes glanced at the phone on the counter. The teal set with fearful interest, the other in alarm.
Luna snatched up her phone, opening it in a flash, her eyes quickly saw the text bubble on the top of her notifications bar. With a swipe and a tap, she opened her text app reading over the sister’s words before sending her response.
Celestia: Luna I got your message. What is it I need to speak with the police again soon?
Luna: It's sunset. She thinks she is a 6 year old.
There was a short pause that followed Luna’s message as a few seconds after it was sent her three yellow bubbles started bouncing at the bottom of the screen letting her know her sister was typing back.
Celestia: what do you mean she thinks she is six that doesn't make sense. She lost her memories of high school, not nearly two thirds of her life.
She could practically see Celestia’s flustered, possibly angry face through her phone, but had no time to worry or enjoy it right now as she typed out her next response.
Luna: Well then how do you explain me sitting with a girl who is acting like an adolescent who said she was 6 when I asked her 2ice.
… Celestia: you really need to work on your spelling.
Luna growled at this only to have to console Sunset, having startled her quickly pouring a bit more cereal into her bowl to cheer her up. Kids always perk up when you give them junk food right? Or she hopped
Luna: worry about my spelling later this is serious. If she thinks she is 6 then forget just catching her up on the last year or so of school. We will have to catch up with her up on nearly ten years.
As Luna sent the next message she could resist shaking her head with a tired sigh trying her best to keep her temper under control. She knew her spelling left something to be desired some days but it was the last they should be worried about. Honestly, my spelling is the least of our worries right now. Classes will start again on Wednesday or Thursday at the latest if what Tia sent me this morning is anything to go by and she is worried about my grammar.
A buzz brought her back to attention back to her phone as she pulled it up again to see Celestia’s response.
Celestia: I'm sorry you're right. Ok, I have Sunsets magic book. It was brought into lost and found this morning so we can contact princess Twilight once we gather the girls together. I’ll message them we will meet in my office tomorrow morning to discuss everything in person.
Luna stared at her phone for a moment in almost morbid fascination as a cocktail of emotions stirred within her. One small part of her wanted to smile at being told she was right. But the other side wanted to tell Celestia to just call for princess Twilight’s help. They were clearly out of their depth, while she didn’t know about Tia the only thing she knew about magic was a card trick their father taught her. Real magic was beyond her understanding.
Calm down Luna, it’s not like you know how to use Sunsets magic book anyway. Besides, you were not even there, neither was Tia. It would be better to have everyone on the same page … so to speak.
Not a moment later another text came in from Celestia.
Celestia: Luna can you ask her what the last thing she remembers is sense you got her talking? That may help Princess twilight and the others with their magic.
Reading the text over a few times she had to think about the question for a few seconds turning her attention to the girl who was not eating again. Though not as messily or as excitedly as before.
Luna: Hang on.
Sending the text she refocused her attention on the girl before her debating for a moment what to do or say not wishing to scare her again. Silently she debated the appropriate choice of words in her head.
“Sunset?” she said as tenderly as possible.
Teal eyes looked up into her own after a moment of brief confusion as well as hesitation. She saw the girl gulp nervously, her eyes wet with unshed tears showing a level of fear she didn’t think Sunset possessed. It was a sight that made her heart weep seeing someone who was making genuine change be punished for sins that wear long sense paid in both guilt and service.
For about a minute no more was said, Luna waiting in silence watching the girl before her wishing to give her a chance to answer. Eventually though after another minute past it became clear that Sunset would not speak and Luna reluctantly took, “I was wondering if I could ask you one more question? If that is ok of course.”
The next look Sunset gave her told Luna all she needed as a surge of what could only be described as unrelenting fear washed over the girl's features. It made it clear to her before she received a silent nod that Sunset would give her consent out of fear of displeasing her.
At the same time, there was something else in the girl's gaze, something she could identify. Something sinister, something dark. What on earth has this girl so afraid of?
“I was just wondering what the last thing you remember is. We found you unconscious in the school parking lot and were just wondering how you got there. That way we can help you get home” Way to be blunt luna. She chastised herself silently.
Despite her choice of words it seemed to do the trick as the girl’s face scrunched up, a humm escaping her closed lips clearly beginning to think.
Luna watched in silence for a while as she let sunset think, knowing better than to rush the girl after everything that had happened. Though when she noticed the girl stick her tongue out while bringing her hands up to touch her head her eyes narrowed in suspicion.
Is she having trouble remembering?
It made sense to her as if she truly thought she was six then Sunset lost nearly ten full years of memory. It likely wouldn’t be long before she realized that what was left of her existing memory was faded at best.
After she knew that unlike what the movies would lead others to believe that losing one's memories wasn’t like setting the clock back or going back to a previous save in a game. Lost memories were gone while old ones were often faded at best, or forgotten at worst.
Magic related or not sunsets memories would be the same … or she believed. Sunset's mind is like a computer that has a corrupted backup that’s missing a bunch of files.
“I was staying out of everypony's way before the summer sun festival,” Sunset muttered nervously at a volume that Luna nearly missed having to strain to hear it having been taken off guard by her sudden words.
Sunset looked nervous as she lowered her hands into her lap, her fingers twiddling together nervously as her eyes scanned the room over. Seemingly looking for anything other than Luna herself to look at.
“Princess Celestia was supposed to come and I wasn’t supposed to be there. I was told I wasn’t allowed to be there. It was only for the rich ponies.”
Luna had to do a double-take at the words, having to remind herself that her sister's counterpart was royalty. A fact that even after months she still had trouble wrapping her head around. Though she didn’t let it show instead listened patiently as the girl finished her tale.
“I think I was just trying to avoid being seen after being locked out when I walked … I walked … I walked into someone?”
Sunset looked uncertain as she said this all but confirming her theory that Sunset was living on borrowed memories of her past at this point. But it was good enough for her as she typed everything down as Tia asked her to.
While a small part of her wanted to ask for more details, Sunset already looked on the verge of tears so she didn’t want to push her luck.
It took a few minutes to get everything down but once the message was sent she set her phone down reaching a hand out to pat the girl on the shoulder. That was when all heck broke loose
The moment her hand made contact with the girl’s shoulder she let out a frightened scream. Sunset stumbled out of her chair tumbling to the floor her eyes wide in terror. In her panic knocked the cereal bowl off the counter where it smashed upon contact with the ground. Then with an almost bestial behavior, Sunset scrabbled on all fours with only her cries remaining to be heard as she hid.
Luna for her part stumbled from her own chair nearly falling on her back from fright at the reaction. Standing arm still outstretched ears ringing from the cry of terror the girl gave a stupified expression seemingly paralyzed as though in rigor.
“What?” Luna uttered meekly as her hand finally fell to her side.
Unbenoiced to any of them, however, elsewhere in the dark alleyways of Canterlot city a lone person sneaked around in the shadows.
Constantly looking over their shoulder at the slightest sound never straying too far from darkness. Always keeping a ratty old dark hoodie pulled over their head. Their feet treaded almost silently if not for the strange, seemingly random erratic jitters that pledged the person every step. While the figure's right arm looked strange in its sleeve looking bulbous in places as though it were deformed or badly injured.
The figure growled gripping the side of their head with their good arm cursing lightly under the breath in pain. Their body ached, their headache, everything felt wrong, yet right all at once. A raging storm raced in their mind, what a burning inferno ran repent in their skin. The colliding pains making it almost too torturous for them to even be awake, much less walking.
Needing to rest she went to the nearest pile of debris large enough to hide their form from sight. Sitting down with a gasp sweat started to drip down their face as though they ran a marathon. Every muscle in their body was alive with pain that coursed through them in waves. While tears stung at their hidden eyes. All while loud panting could be heard as their ribs felt as though they would snap from strain.
The figure wanted to rest, to sleep, having not done so all night nor had any food or drink to quell their hunger or thirst.
However, they knew that they couldn't rest now, possibly not ever. There was too much going on, too many risks, too many foreign alarm bells ringing in their head that told them to be vigilant. Making even the simple act of closing their eyes for more than a moment impossible.
There was a new voice in their head, one that they did not fabricate that told them to keep going. Told them to go somewhere safe where none would find them, as well as how to go there.
The voice was annoying, the figure hated it, but also begrudgingly thanked it as it kept them from harm so far. And to ignore it now after so many close calls would be foolish.
So with great reluctance, they forced themselves to their feet at the little whisper's insistence. Their entire body protested at the act but the whispers wouldn’t stop pounding nails in their skull till they did as the nagging voice told.
So they stood, they walked, they hid moving between shadows or hiding places with the same jitters as before which had lessened some with their break. Yet there was still an awkwardness to their walk. It was as though two people were controlling the same remote control car with each controller wanting to act differently.
This continued onto the street when they entered the light after careful calculations and waiting, watching for people, police. When they saw that they were safe they moved with careful precision keeping a close eye for cameras or onlookers who may be watching. Trying to move with a casual suave grace.
At the same time there was a carelessness to the way they walked as though they had read a manual on karate but never practiced the moves. leaving a hint of obviousness to their stride that was easy to see.
Only to duck into alleys again as soon as they found one that lead closer to their goal whatever it was.
They continued this march through the city with unwavering determination brought upon them by a mixture of fear and hatred. Only stopping to rest once per alleyway to breathe, their body unable to carry them far without it.
Yet it was as they made their way past a small electronics store that caught their eyes that they stopped without warning. It was a risk the voice in their head now screaming at them to run, to move on as swiftly as their legs would take them. But they couldn’t even as the pain in their head threatened to split their skull open.
No, the figure was transfixed by the tv display as the local news was aired. Watching with a bitter grimace when she read the muted report on the screen as the news anchor's words were displayed in the subtitles.
WANTED: WALLFLOWER BLUSH.
She is wanted for the bombing of Cantterlot high school if found do not approach and call the number on the screen. She is to be considered armed and extremely dangerous; all citizens should remain vigilant until further notice.
Below this was a large photo of a girl's school ID was on full display. From her greenish skin and hair to the striped shirt she almost always wore. To the near permanent frown, she bore on her face. All of it was there for all to see who walked by or watched the news take place.
It was the very same face that now watched the news report in disgust from under her hood before walking away in anger. The hateful rage boiling in their chest like an open festering wound on their soul.
“Sunset, you ruined everything again!” she spat as she disappeared into another ally out of sight, unable to resist her rage taking hold as her life was again ruined.
But as the shadows took Wallflower once again they swore revenge, they swore that sunset would pay for everything she did to her. “She will be alone just like I am if it’s the last thing I do.”