Sunset thought it was odd that Twilight was not in school. Granted she didn’t know about Twilight’s hostage situation. Or that she was being watched and was rescued by the shadowy government agency that called themselves The Syndicate.
Sunset wanted to apologize to Twilight about going off on her. She wasn’t attending this school when the whole Anon-a-miss went down. When Sunset got to the music room, Apple Bloom and Applejack were there and so was Rainbow Dash.
“Guys I have news to tell everyone when we all get in this morning.” Sunset told them. As if on cue, Scootaloo came in with Sweetie Belle and Rarity. After a few minutes Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Trixie all showed up.
“So, what is your news?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Shouldn’t we wait for Twilight darling?” Rarity asked.
“It’s weird she’s usually here early.” Rainbow Dash added.
“Well, I will catch her up later.” Sunset said as she motioned for Trixie to come over and stand with her.
“Is it ok?” Sunset said looking at Trixie who was standing next to me.
“Tell them.” Trixie replied.
“Trixie and I are going on a date on Friday. Now we have agreed to see where it goes from there, but it is probably going to be one date.” Sunset said.
“Why?” Asked Scootaloo.
“Well Trixie and Sunset are good friends. If we have a bad breakup, we may end up hating each other. We don’t want to jeopardize our friendship.” Trixie said confidently.
“Well, I hope you two have a great time Friday.” Fluttershy said.
“Are you two ready for a coming out party? You know with streamers, and balloons, and rainbow flags.” Pinkie started rambling things off she would need.
“Pinkie…we are going to wait on that okay? Besides I’m not gay.” Sunset said.
“The great and powerful Trixie agrees with Sunset. She’ll wait on that too.” Trixie proclaimed.
“You know what won’t wait guys?” Rainbow Asked.
“What?” Scootaloo asked.
“Classes.” Rainbow replied.
All the girls agreed and split for the morning.
* * *
Twilight’s house that same morning…
Twilight was sitting on her bed. Her mom had been tending to her since last night.
Twilight’s mom reapplied the ice pack to Twilight’s face. Apparently Cinch’s backhands left a nice bruise on her cheek. Twilight Velvet had been taking care of her daughter since that weird man rescued her last night.
“Mom you should have let me go to school today. I'm fine.” Twilight complained.
Her mom stepped back and looked at her with her arms crossed and her lips pursed. She was not going to let Twilight out of her sight anytime soon. She just shook her head.
Twilight Velvet just walked over to Twilight and just stroked her hair and finally said “Twilight I know I can’t protect you forever. It’s just that I am scared to let you leave while that mad woman is out there. I can’t believe she lost it.”
“Mom, she wanted me to recreate my work. All that work is gone, I lost everything in that lab. I don’t know how to recreate that work and I don’t want to recreate it. I don’t want to be Midnight Sparkle again!!” Twilight exclaimed, breaking down.
Twilight Velvet walked over to where her daughter was sitting on the bed and sat down and wrapped Twilight in a huge hug. She didn’t understand what Twilight was going through only Sunset did and to some extent Luna too. She could see her daughter was traumatized though.
Just then Twilight’s phone buzzed. Twilight went to answer it when her mom stopped her.
“Just let me see who it is, first.” Twilight Velvet said.
Twilight grabbed the phone and said “Mom it’s ok it’s a text message from Sunset.” Twilight smiled ear to ear seeing a text from her.
“I’ll leave you two alone.” Her mom said walking out of the room.
Twilight opened her phone to see what Sunset texted.
Sunset: Twilight are you ok? Why aren’t you in school?”
Twilight: It’s a long story…but I was kidnapped last night.
When Sunset read that line out loud at lunch, The Rainbooms, The Crusaders, and Trixie’s jaws all dropped. A few of the girls even dropped their plastic wear. Twilight was kidnapped and they never knew it.
Sunset was really conflicted. The girl that she cared so deeply about and secretly crushed on had been in danger and she wasn’t there to help, or protect her.
Sunset: Twilight is it ok to see you after school today?
Twilight: I need to clear it with mom, but it should be ok.
Sunset: Well let me know I gotta bounce.
Finishing her texting session everybody at the table was in shock. Some were mad that they couldn’t be there to protect her. Others were sad about it. The silence was broken by Rainbow Dash.
“You know Sunset, no one says “gotta bounce” anymore.” Rainbow said.
* * *
Luna pulled into Twilight’s driveway and Sunset was out of the car like a shot .Sunset couldn’t get to Twilight fast enough. She needed to see with her own eyes.
Luna watched Sunset run like that. She was hoping that Sunset would Tell Twilight how she really felt this time. Meanwhile Sunset rang the doorbell and was fidgeting like mad.
After what seemed like an eternity Twilight Velvet opened the door and saw a panting, upset Sunset standing there. She just smiled and stood aside motioned to Twilight who was on the living room couch.
Sunset ran for the couch. Twilight Velvet walked out to see Luna on the driveway. Meeting halfway up the driveway, Luna hugged Twilight Velvet. She knew what it was like to have your child (especially your daughter) kidnapped.
“I have to ask, how is Twilight?” Luna asked.
“Very shaken up but glad some weird guy with a team of commandos rescued her.” Twilight Velvet replied.
“I know the guy he has taken a huge interest in Sunset as well. Teenage girls that can do magic is not something he wants out, nor do I.” Luna replied.
“Why don’t we go in while our daughters visit each other.” Twilight Velvet replied.
Inside Sunset and Twilight locked into an embrace that nothing could have broken. Sunset was so happy to see that Twilight was ok. The girl she cared most for in this or any world was safe and sound.
Twilight was just happy to see Sunset. Her heart leaped as she and Sunset embraced.
“Twilight I was so worried about you, so were the rest of the girls.” Sunset told her.
At that moment Twilight’s mom came in the front door with Luna just as Twilight and Sunset broke apart. Sunset and Twilight had been locked in an embrace and staring at each other.
“Sunset I’m delighted that you’re pleased to see me doing fine.” Twilight said.
“Delighted??!! I’m ecstatic that you’re o.k.” Sunset said hugging Twilight again.
“Sunset is so happy to see that I am ok.” Twilight said to her mom and Luna.
“Uh-huh.” Replied Twilight Velvet.
“Twilight I got your assignments that you missed today. I know how you like to keep up on your school work.” Luna said handing Twilight some papers.
“Thank you Vice Principal Luna.” Twilight said taking the papers.
“I’m gonna put these up in my room. You ever see my room Sunset?” Twilight asked.
“No. Is it ok if you show me? Sunset asked.
“Mom?” Twilight asked,
“It’s ok. It’s when you start bringing guys up there that I will have my reservations. Go ahead and show her. Luna and I need to talk some anyway.” Twilight Velvet replied.
One the way up the stairs to her room, Sunset was scanning Twilight up and down. She definitely was making Sunset’s heart flutter. Sunset had to mentally smack herself.
“Sunset, stop checking Twilight out!! SHE DOESN’T FEEL THAT WAY ABOUT YOU. You have a date this Friday with Trixie. ” Sunset told herself.
As they entered Twilight, she noticed the room was mostly purple. Sunset thought her mom would love this color scheme. She had to smile looking at all the books and her telescope. Nerdy Twilight Sparkle at her best. Then she noticed a huge picture of Spike hanging on the wall.
“That’s a big picture of Spike over there.” Sunset walking over to the portrait.
“For a long time Spike was all I had in my life, you know because he is family too.” Twilight replied. Then Twilight showed her the rest of the room. The two huge bookcases, her big telescope. Her aquarium; that was unoccupied at the time.
“Twilight I have to ask what happened last night?” Sunset asked.
“Well why don’t we head to the kitchen and I’ll tell you everything. I have to smile thinking about how Cinch and the Dazzlings had to spend a rough night outdoors last night.” Twilight smiled slightly as she started downstairs.
“O.k. before we go downstairs I got some big news. This Friday night I have a date.” Sunset told her.
Twilight’s heart broke into a million pieces. She knew Sunset didn’t have any romantic feelings for her but this proved it.
“Y...you have a date? With who?” Twilight stammered trying to keep it together.
“Trixie and I are going to give it a shot. A one time thing unless we really click.” Sunset explained.
“Well I hope you guys have a great time, I really do.” Twilight said faking her happiness for Sunset with a hug.
“Why don’t we go downstairs and I will tell you about last night. With that Sunset headed downstairs followed by a broken hearted Twilight.
* * *
The next day was Friday and Twilight was dropped off at school by her brother. She thought it was humiliating to her but her parents worried for her. After stopping at her locker she headed to the music room.
Upon entering everyone greeted her. One thing she saw was heartbreaking. Sitting on the stage a little bit off was Sunset with her arm around Trixie. Trixie had her head on Sunset’s shoulder.
“What’s everyone doing?” Twilight asked.
“Twilight, we are super duper happy to see you!!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
“Hi Twilight Trixie wants to know how you are doing.” Trixie asked.
“I’m doing better and oh aren’t you two a cute couple.” Twilight said looking at Sunset and Trixie together.
“We are trying to figure out what to do on a date. Right here in the music room we can be romantic but out in public it’s harder.” Sunset said.
“Well why don’t you hang out at one of your houses. Pop some popcorn, get some sodas and stream a movie.” Twilight suggested.
“That might not be a bad move.” Applejack said.
“Why is that?” Asked Trixie.
“Well it’s safe and there is a chance of rain too.” Rainbow added, looking at her phone.
“Well we will see tonight.” Trixie proclaimed making Sunset roll her eyes only Twilight noticed that though.
“Why don’t you postpone a week? We can just fast forward.” Pinkie Pie said.
“It’s not that simple, I have to go with Apple Cinnamon next week. He wants to do it before graduation.” Sunset told Pinkie.
“What is he graduating from?” Fluttershy asked.
“No he wants to go with Apple Bloom, Granny Smith and I to see Big Mac graduate in about three weeks. School is out for summer. Most of us got jobs lined up.” Applejack said.
“But right now we better get classes lined up for the morning." Sunset said as she took Trixie’s hands and pulled her up into an embrace.
“And I’ll see you at lunch and in study hall.” Sunset said to Trixie.
“Trixie is looking forward to it.” Trixie replied.
They sealed their deal with a quick kiss and Trixie headed for gym with Rainbow and Scootaloo and Sunset headed for Chemistry with Applejack.
Apple Bloom saw that Twilight was looking very depressed. She went over and rubbed Twilight’s arm a little bit. Twilight just touched her hand as if to say she was ok.
* * *
For Sunset and Trixie the day dragged on, they sat together at lunch while their friends shot them ideas for a date. Sunset and Trixie agreed that stargazing was definitely romantic if it was going to rain. Once Sunset told Trixie about her basement, Trixie was intrigued.
In study hall…³
“Well, we could hang there and watch a romantic movie while snuggling on the couch. Play pool, maybe even strip pool.” Trixie joked quietly.
“Look why we don't, we just do the traditional dinner and go see a movie? If we click then great.” Sunset suggested.
“O.K. Then pick Trixie up about seven?” Trixie asked.
“Let’s finalize plans with mom when school is over.” Sunset said.
The whole time they were talking, Twilight was just listening to them, feeling her heart break even more.
“Why can’t I be the one dating Sunset Shimmer? Why can’t she like me the way she likes Trixie? Why can’t it be me?? Maybe it’s time to look somewhere else.” Twilight thought.
Shortly after the bell rang and Sunset and Trixie got up said their goodbyes to Twilight and headed for Luna ‘s office after finalizing their plans with Luna she agreed to drop them off for dinner and a movie at the mall.’
“I think it would be better if you get something at the food court then have popcorn and soda, nothing overly formal. Also outside of the theater watch the PDAs there are still some homophobic people out there.” Luna warned.
The girls agreed, then Trixie ran to get her stuff and get her bus home. Sunset did some more of her homework while Luna finished up her paperwork for the week. She wanted to finish quickly so Sunset could get home and get ready.
* * *
Sunset chose a sleeveless orange top and her blue jeans with her leather jacket with one orange stripe on the sleeves and matching black boots with orange stripes on them.
After her shower and putting on just a touch of makeup and getting ready, Sunset called Trixie who was just getting dressed.
“Relax Sunny, I’m getting dressed. I don't think you want me walking around in public like I am dressed right now.” Trixie said on the phone.
“How are you dressed?” Sunset replied.
“Right now just my underwear, but I got all my clothes laid out on my bed. Now I’m going to be getting dressed so head on over babe.” Trixie replied.
“O.K. I’m on my way Trix.” Sunset replied.
Sunset almost hopped down the stairs to the door where Luna was waiting for her.
“Ready for your date?” Luna asked Sunset, tossing her the car keys.
“Ready and willing.” Sunset replied.
“You are a lot more confident than I was on my first date with Apple Cinnamon. He’s looking forward to spending some time with you next weekend.” Luna said.
“I said I would spend some time with him. I never said I would have a good time.” Sunset replied walking out the door ahead of Luna.
“Ha ha ha. You said the same thing about my sister and you and Aunt Celestia had a great time except seeing your friends with their boyfriends. “ Luna reminded her.
“I know.” Sunset said walking out to the car. Sunset got into the car and in no time her and Luna were out on the road. Sunset seemed to be focused on driving more than her date which made Luna happy.
Arriving at Trixie’s house Sunset handed Luna the keys and ran up the walk. Upon ringing the doorbell Trixie opened the door and motioned for Sunset to come in as she was putting her boots on.
Sunset stood inside the door as Trixie put her boots on. Her mom came out onto the enclosed porch. She looked at Sunset staring her up and down. It made Sunset feel nervous.
Sunset decided to be polite and nice. She walked up and extended her hand.
“Hi Mrs. Lulamoon. I’m Sunset Shimmer. Nice to meet you.” Sunset said smiling.
Trixie’s mom solemnly shook Sunset’s hand. “Nice to meet you Sunset. I have heard a lot about you.” She said.
“I deny everything.” Sunset joked.
“Uh huh. Trixie your curfew is midnight.” Her mom replied.
“O.K. mom thanks, good night.” Trixie said.
“Good night.” Trixie’s mom said as she shut the door behind the girls.
Trixie and Sunset intertwined their hands as they headed down the walkway. Trixie even held Sunset's arm and laid her head on Sunset’s shoulder. Sunset moved her arm and put it around Trixie as they approached the car.
Luna looked at the happy couple and even though she had always imagined Sunset being with a guy this was pretty nice too. One thing Luna could tell is Trixie really liked Sunset and wasn’t going to hurt her.
Both girls slipped into the back seat hand in hand. Both were giggling about something one of them said on the walk down to the car. It reminded Luna of her and Apple Cinnamon on their first date.
“Ms. Luna the polite and outgoing Trixie says hello.” Trixie greeted her.
“Where am I taking you two girls tonight?” Luna asked,
“Well we discussed it. Just drop us at the mall. We are gonna grab something at the food court then head to see a movie.” Sunset told her mom.
“So, the mall it is, I was sure how formal this was going to be.” She said putting her hands on the wheel.
The ride to the mall was filled with girly chat in the back seat and Luna smiling as the girls discussed school, friends, and just life in general. Pulling up to the mall, Sunset decided to tempt fate one more time.
“You know talking about School Trix, don’t you think the vice principal is a real hard ass?” Sunset giggling slightly.
Luna spun around and glared at Sunset. The very seriously said “Watch it young lady unless you want to be grounded and miss Camp Everfree.”
“Trixie thinks discretion is the better part of valor.” She said grabbing Sunset’s arm.
“O.K. I apologize for that.” Sunset admitted meekly.
“I accept, and I have to be a hard ass. I’m in charge of discipline in the CHS. Believe me, since the Fall Formal it has been quite a chore. One good thing that has come out of the chaos is my daughter.” Luna said beaming at Sunset.
“Thanks mom, quality save there.” Sunset said.
“Well, we better get going.” Trixie said.
Both girls hopped out of the car and waved goodbye to Luna as they headed into the mall and the food court. Sunset had been here before but during the day and with her Aunt Celestia. This time when she headed down to the movies, she had a date not watching her friends with one.
Trixie followed Sunset over to a restaurant called “Nature’s Table”. Sunset got a vegetable wrap with a strawberry Icee. Trixie also got a wrap but chicken wrap instead with a mango-pineapple smoothie.
Dinner passed with light conversation and Sunset was having a good time with Trixie. For Trixie this was a dream come true; here she was Sunset and Trixie. Trix and Sunny, as they had nicknamed each other. Trixie made sure not to be too boastful during dinner; they may be on a date but didn’t need a bunch of attention.
After a nice casual dinner, the girls got up and dumped their trays and headed towards the theater. Trixie decided to stop Sunset on the way there. She did want to pay her way as well.
“The Honest and Generous Trixie insists that since you bought dinner, that I get us the tickets.” Trixie said in a normal non boastful voice.
“Fine but what about refreshments? You know popcorn, soda, candy.” Sunset asked.
“You bought dinner, Trixie bought the tickets, we can go Dutch on refreshments or pay together.” Trixie said.
“O.K. that would work.” Sunset replied.
They walked up to the booth and Trixie got two tickets for their movie and after that they hit the refreshment stand. Buying a large popcorn they would share as well as their own drinks and a box of snowcaps which were Sunset’s favorite.
After walking in the theater both girls took seats in the back and got ready for the show. Both were amazed that there were only a few other people in there and realized they weren’t watching them.
Once the movie began both girls could have cared less what was on the screen. They were too busy engaging in passionate French kissing to care. After a few minutes of letting their tongues wrestle for dominance in each other’s mouth, something happened.
Both Sunset and Trixie broke apart and looked at each other. They couldn’t explain it-all of a sudden neither one of them wanted each other. It was like the passion just vanished.
“I don’t understand it, what happened? Equestrian magic?” Asked Trixie.
“I don’t know I was hot for you, then all of a sudden it was like this is all wrong.” Sunset said.
“You wanna call it a night?” Trixie asked.
“Yeah I’ll call mom.” Sunset asked as the girls left the theater. This really stumped them. The passion and feelings just died.
Luna and Celestia had been watching TV, spending a relaxing Friday as they always did after a long work week.
Sunset's phone call to her mom surprised Luna.
“Already?” She asked
“Yeah, something happened I don’t know what and Trixie and I are not going to be dating anymore.” Sunset said.
“O.K. I’ll come pick you up.” Luna said getting her shoes on.
“What happened?” Celestia asked.
“I don't know but I’m going to find out.” Luna said,
* * *
About 24 hours earlier…
“You’re the worst Sonata.” Aria said.
“No you are the worst.” Sonata shot back at Aria.
“Enough you two!!” Cinch said forcefully.
“We been walking through the woods for over an hour, we really should stop.” Adagio said to Cinch.
“If you see a place we can hold up for a night let me know.” Cinch replied.
"The woods thin out near the river. If we get there, we can probably rest there for the night." Adagio replied
“How do I know you’re not going to run away if I fall asleep?” Asked Cinch.
“Easy. I don't know the woods as well as you and if you’re meeting with the Dogs in the morning. I want in on that. They run the gem trade-that’s money. Money we can use to build a lab. Then go after Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle.
By the way, Cinch I think I just found us a shelter.” Adagio said, pointing to an object that appeared on the shore of the river.
Cinch went over to examine it. It was a deflated raft that had a tear on one side. Looking inside Cinch found some rope and a bag of dried fruits, and a cigarette lighter.
“String the rope between these two trees.” Cinch said.
Aria and Sonata tied the rope between the two trees afterwards Cinch and Adagio flung the raft over the rope. It was a makeshift tent.
“It’s big enough for two of us.” Sonata said.
“Sonata you and Aria get some rest. Cinch and I are going to keep watch. Eventually Adagio fell asleep under the tent. Cinch dozed off against the other tree. It was a bad night but in the morning they headed towards downtown.
The Diamond Dogs. Most of them had got out of jail or off of house arrest and were now running a gem trade in Canterlot and throughout the country. They usually met in the middle of the day in the back kitchen of a restaurant downtown. Cinch approached the door and the guard stopped her and the Dazzlings.
“Dogs only.” The guard said holding his hand up.
“Oh believe me I have something that the Dogs will want to hear.” She said convincingly,
“Let her pass.'' Said an Elderly Dog seated at the head of the table. Cinch and Dazzlings walked into the kitchen where three tables were set up in square shape.
“I was waiting to see when you would seek us out Cinch. I am Chancellor Jim of Diamondia. I bid you welcome. Now what can I do for you?”
“It’s what I can do for you. As you know magic is running amok in this town especially at CHS.” Cinch began
“I have heard these tales too but we are not here to start trouble unless you can insure it is worth our while.” Jim replied.
“Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle are the girls with magic. Twilight knows more about the subject than anyone in this world. But there is another world that Sunset came from.” Cinch replied.
“We have heard all this before. Why should we help?” Asked Rover.
“Twilight had a lab at the school. She knew how to track and CAPTURE magic. Think about the possibilities of being able to use that energy, as well as find that portal to the other land and what lies there.” Cinch said.
Murmurs of agreement swirled all around the table.
“Think about it, what riches you could make, what could possibly go wrong?” Cinch asked,
Laughing was heard from the doorway of the kitchen; the person laughing walked up to the table as Cinch stepped aside.
Everybody was shocked by who was standing there. It didn’t seem possible but here she was in front of everyone. She looked over at Cinch.
“...And I thought my jokes were bad.” Said Gilda.