//------------------------------// // Chapter 20 - A Shimmer in the group // Story: Wherever the Light Shines: Part 3 // by MLPSolarDash1907 //------------------------------// It was another beautiful day at Canterlot High, a familiar fiery-haired girl partially enjoyed the sun but was distracted by other things on her mind. “Well, that was quite a debate,” Sunset said to herself, reflecting back on when Rarity got into one of her zones once again. She walked on the sidewalk alongside the magnificent Canterlot High, her eyes landing on the Canterlot Statue. She looked at her bag that contained her magical journal. While Sunset is happy to go and treat herself, she still hates not helping her friends. “After all you’ve been through, you deserve some R and R!” Rarity’s voice echoed. “We’ll handle the planning and I will not take no for an answer!” “Whenever Rarity wants to talk someone into doing something, she usually succeeds,” Sunset said to herself. She looked again at the portal leading to Equestria, knowing the Twilight on the other side had opened it about fifteen minutes ago. Still it does sound nice and I can see Mystic again, Sunset thought, smiling at the thought. Without any more debate, Sunset stepped into the portal. She could feel herself twirling as she tumbled through the colorful vortex between worlds. A feeling of nausea came to her stomach as she neared her journey’s end. Then, she emerged in Twilight’s basement, the room in her vision spinning. She saw the alicorn waiting for her close to the base of the mirror. “Sunset!” Twilight chirped. “Great to see you again.” “You too!” Sunset greeted, trying to ignore the swirling room. She tried walking forward and realized she was standing on her hind hooves. Then, she got down appropriately on all four. “Woof, I’m still not completely used to that.” “I don’t think any of us will be,” Twilight grinned. They both embraced. “How’re things going?” Sunset asked, pulling away. Twilight sheepishly chuckled, “Well, some of this, and some of that.” Sunset arched an eyebrow but with a smirk on her face. “You and your friends will pull through. You’ve got me, too and the girls on the other side.” “Thanks, Sunset,” Twilight smiled. “No, thank you,” replied Sunset, walking past her. “For getting me on the right path.” “It was a team effort,” Twilight walked after her. “Though, I’m glad I got the stone rolling.” Sunset’s smirk turned into a smile. “Well, anyway, did you get my guest room and snacks ready?” “Yep! I even got you some of your books from your old room as your request,” Twilight chirped as she opened the door and both emerged into the hall. “You mean your old place?” Sunset playfully rolled her eyes. “I still can’t believe we both stayed in the same tower.” “I guess that’s one thing the old me and you have in common.” “True. But let’s not worry about that! We need to get you settled in!” “Lead the way!” Sunset let out a pleasant sigh as she settled into Twilight’s guest room. It was really nice that her princess friend had gotten some of her old curtains, bedsheets, and pillows, all were themed after her and her color scheme. It just reminds me of how far I’ve come thanks to the friends I made, she thought, getting a warm feeling within her chest. The thoughts of the upcoming Convocation and the school hosting an event tomorrow got Sunset very excited as they were only a few days apart. “Lucky Sunny! You get to go to two parties!” Pinkie from Canterlot High said. Sunset just playfully shook her head and knew that her friends would be ready to start their preparations soon after she gets back. Sunset’s throat began to feel a little dry, so she got up and walked out into the hallway to go get her a drink. As she walked, she hoped Starlight was okay after an argument Twilight had informed her of, but knew to give her a little space. “I’m here to have a good time for Twilight and the others,” she told herself. “Hey, look what the cat dragged in!” said a familiar voice. Sunset beamed and turned to see a smiling Mystic. “Very nice to see you again, Sunset.” “Mystic!” Sunset lunged forward a brought her in for a bear hug. “Goodness!” Mystic giggled, returning the hug, “Are you lifting weights or something?” “I could ask where your outfit is,” said Sunset, she looked at Mystic’s flank and it was blank. Her eyes slightly widened. “You have a blank flank?” “Yeah,” replied Mystic, slightly turning to show it off. “But that’s no reason to go staring, Sunset.” Sunset blushed furiously, pulling back from the smug unicorn. “I-I wasn’t!” Mystic laughed. “I know! I couldn’t pass that one up!” “Ha, ha, very funny,” Sunset hid her hot face. “But I am learning more about cutie marks thanks to the Crusaders,” said Mystic as Sunset composed herself. “I’m proud of you, Mystic,” said Sunset. Mystic lightly blushed, “Let’s just not stand around here.” She began walking, motioning Sunset to follow her. “So, what have you been up to?” Sunset asked, keeping up with the younger mare. “I’ve been studying, learning friendship, and trying to make friends,” said Mystic. “Oh, I’m sure,” Sunset smirked. “I’ve been trying to figure out what made my relationships in the past special,” said Mystic. “Oh?” Sunset inclined her head, and noticed that the unicorn was wearing a golden necklace. “Yeah,” said Mystic, “I’ve been working on it for over a week. Thinking of past events I’d buried.” “Do you think you can tell me more about them?” “Not at this time,” said Mystic, “I want to make sure I have satisfactory answers before I divulge anything.” Sunset wanted to press on, but she knew Mystic was sensitive to her past. “All right, I understand.” “Good,” said Mystic, “Hey, are you thirsty?” Sunset felt her throat dry again. “Yes, I am.” “Then let’s go get some tea,” said Mystic. “And catch up,” Sunset added. For the next half hour, Mystic sat with Sunset in Twilight’s lounge explaining what she had been up to ever since Sunset left. “I’m impressed, Mystic,” said Sunset. “Yeah, the Crusaders really helped me out,” said Mystic. “Learning how to swim was something I’d never thought I’d do.” “Friendship is full of adventure, and is considered an adventure in of itself,” Sunset winked. Mystic giggled. “You were really clever putting friendship that way.” “It’s true though!” Mystic playfully rolled her eyes and finished off her third cup of tea. “If you think friendship’s an adventure, you should see how much of an adventure Discord can be.” “Oh, believe me, I had my own experience with him, and I sometimes don’t want to think about the chaos involved,” Sunset said with a slight grimace. Both ponies shared a laugh. “Oh, Sunset, how long are you here for?” Mystic asked. “Just until after the Convocation,” said Sunset. “Oh,” Mystic frowned, “I guess I thought...” “I know,” said Sunset. “Do you think I could go with you?” Sunset nearly froze. She should have expected this would come up, yet she felt unprepared. “I... I would love to have you come over,” said Sunset, “But it’s...” “Complicated?” Mystic asked with a hint of a glare, “Sunset, I’ve dealt with more complex situations than just wanting to visit a friend.” “Well, as your friend, I ask for you to respect my wishes for now,” said Sunset. Mystic crossed her forelegs, sinking back into her seat in apparent defeat. Sunset bit her bottom lip, hating to keep the other world a secret. She’ll find out eventually, she thought, I need to tell her at some point. Sunset eyes went to Mystic’s necklace that she was wearing again. It was golden and had a medallion. “Oh, that’s a pretty necklace,” said Sunset, pointing to it. “Yeah,” replied Mystic. “It’s very special to me.” “Really?” Mystic levitated it off her neck, and began looking at it. “Yes. I’ve had it for a very long time.” “Do you know where you got it from?” “Somepony very special gave it to me,” said Mystic, “It was a gift unlike any other.” Sunset warmly smiled. “They must’ve been very thoughtful.” “They were,” said Mystic, getting up. “Say, how about we go and get some fresh air?” Sunset nodded. “I’d like that.” Sunset eyes went to Mystic’s necklace again and noticed that a star symbol was on the medallion. That necklace looks familiar, Sunset thought, but shrugged, thinking it was a coincidence. “Knock! Knock!” came Twilight’s voice. Sunset turned to see the alicorn walking in. “Hey, can I ask you two a favor? The preparations are nearly complete and I have to meet the Mayor in about three minutes. I have some books in the library Cheerilee wanted to borrow for her next week’s class and I hadn’t got the time to get them!” “Okay, okay,” Sunset said, stepping forward, “Where are they?” “They’re in the library in a few boxes, and you might need to look for a book that’s labeled ‘Geology and theory of the earth,’” said Twilight. “Mystic and I can go find them and deliver them to Cheerilee,” Sunset smiled. “Oh, thank you! I know you just got here and...” “Nothing like helping out a close friend,” Sunset interjected. “Go, Twilight!” Twilight immediately took off like a bullet down the corridors. “Come on, Mystic,” said Sunset. “I’ve suddenly got an idea,” said Mystic, walking ahead and stopping in the hallway. “I know this place some, and I think I’d like to have a race.” “A race?” Sunset asked. “Yep!” Mystic chirped, “I need to stretch my legs!” She crouched down, “Come on, slowpoke!” Sunset joined Mystic’s side. “All right, one, two, three, go!” Mystic galloped off. Sunset immediately followed. “Hey! You counted a little fast, Mystic!” Sunset cried, her opponent a few feet ahead. “You snooze you lose, my friend!” Mystic laughed. Sunset managed to catch up to Mystic, however, the younger mare was beginning to pick up speed and get further from Sunset. “Come on, Mystic! Just let me catch up!” Sunset called. “I don’t think so!” Mystic said with a giggle. The two racers took a sharp left, and Sunset wasn’t completely sure that they were going the right way. “Mystic! You’re not lost, are you?” “I know what I’m doing!” Mystic took a sharp left, causing Sunset to screech to a stop but she couldn’t get her hoofing and she slid right into a wall. She growled and picked up speed again, only to see Mystic had stopped about five doors down. “I win!” Mystic cried happily. “You just got a head start,” Sunset said in a teasing tone. “I think you caught up to me and then I just ran faster,” Mystic giggled. Sunset patted Mystic’s back, “Fair enough.” “Anyway, here’s the library,” said Mystic, approaching the door. “Wow,” Sunset smiled. “You managed to find your way around this maze?” “Actually, I was looking at this map Twilight drew for me,” said Mystic, revealing a sketched map of the castle hallways. She opened the door--only for a bunch of brooms to fall right on top of her. “Gah!” Sunset let out a snort. Mystic growled, levitated the brooms off, and shoved them back into the supply closet. Sunset saw a door further down and opened it with her magic, revealing the library. “Gee, thanks for rubbing my screw up in my face...” said Mystic as she got up. “I think I won the race,” Sunset winked. “Hey!” Sunset giggled, and she noticed that the medallion on the necklace has turned to reveal a sun on it. Mystic made her way past her and entered the library. No... that necklace... she thought. Sunset snapped out of her thoughts and followed Mystic. The young mare was on the other side of the library and moving the stepladder over to the center of the bookshelf. “You know, you have magic,” said Sunset, pointing to her horn. “I could get the book with my magic,” said Mystic, “But where’s the fun in that?” “Huh?” “I haven’t had much exercise today, so I’m gonna stretch my muscles a bit.” “Whatever you say,” Sunset smirked. Her eyes went down to the necklace and curiosity overcame the mare again. “Does that necklace mean... Starry Sun?” Sunset asked. Mystic looked down at the necklace’s medallion. “Yes. How did you know?” “Uh, lucky guess?” Mystic chuckled. “You’re a bright one, Sunset.” She began to climb the stepladder. But... that’s a coincidence... isn’t it? Sunset thought, her mind began to think of a scenario. One that she didn’t know how she felt about. There’s only one other way to know for sure... “Hey, Mystic,” said Sunset. “Yes?” replied Mystic, looking for the book Twilight needs. “I’d like to get an additional magic book for Twilight and I’d like to check it out when she’s done with it,” said Sunset. “But the magic books are on top of the shelf,” said Mystic. “Then stretch as hard as you can,” Sunset forced a giggle. Mystic rolled her eyes and climbed to the top of the stepladder. Fortunately, Mystic’s left side was facing her. As Mystic reached up for the books, Sunset kept her gaze on the young unicorn. Her gaze went to the mare’s armpit. Then, she saw it. A birthmark. She froze. The fiery maned unicorn’s eyes widened as she moved to the left to get a better look. Mystic stretched higher and Sunset saw that it was a birthmark of a sun. No… No that can’t be! She thought, sweat pouring down her face and her heart thudding against her ribcage. The world blurred around her. A high pitch sound began to pierce her eardrums as the sight of this sank in. She barely paid any attention to Mystic getting off the stepladder. “Sunset?” said a voice. The unicorn just stood there. “Sunset?” the voice came again. She was snapped out of her trance when she felt a hoof on her shoulder. “Huh? What?” Sunset murmured. “Are you okay?” Mystic asked. “You look like you saw a ghost.” Sunset inwardly panicked. “Uh... I’m fine, Mystic...” “Do I need to get Twilight?” “No!” Sunset yelped, causing Mystic to jump, startled. “I mean...” Sunset cleared her throat. “I just need to get a glass of water...” Mystic arched an eyebrow. “I’ll be back soon!” Sunset backed up, turned around, and trotted out of the library, hoping Mystic didn’t catch on. As Sunset trotted through the cavernous hall, she began to feel sick to her stomach. This is impossible! She thought, distraught, There’s no way that... She shook her head. The mare slowed down to a walk, the sound of her hooves clip-clopping against the crystal echoed around her. As she looked at the huge open hall, she began to feel so small and the world too huge. They won’t judge you for this... she thought, her mind running wild. But... what if they do? Nonsense, they’d understand! Memories buried so long ago reemerged. The joy, pain, and heartache all came back at once, threatening to spill out into tears. I could really use that glass of water... she thought. Sunset gulped down her fifth glass, turned to the sink, and began filling a sixth up. “Sunset?” “Yah!” Sunset cried, causing her to lose her magical grasp on the cup and drop it into the sink. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” said a masculine voice. Sunset inwardly sighed. “It’s okay, Spike.” “Why have you been drinking so much water?” Crap! Sunset thought. “Uh, I was thirsty!” “Obviously, but I’ve been watching for the past few minutes. Are you sure you’re okay?” Dang it! “Sorry, I’m going through a bit of a thought process. Water helps me concentrate.” “Even chugging it down?” Sunset leaned forward, her nose up against Spike’s, “Especially chugging it down.” Spike pulled back, “Whoa, okay! Okay!” Sunset sighed, doing her best to stay calm. She cannot allow Twilight to see her yet. She’d pick up what she’s thinking about in just a few minutes. “I’m sorry, Spike,” Sunset apologized. “I’ve just been a little stressed over in the other world and how we’ll carry out an event.” “I see,” Spike crossed his arms. Both of them stood there as Sunset awkwardly levitated the glass out of the sink and placed it on the shelf. I need to get to Canterlot... she thought, unable to help feeling slightly uneasy about seeing Celestia again. But I need to make sure the visit isn’t plain and obvious to Mystic... She feared that the unicorn would catch on. “Can you do me a favor?” Sunset asked. “Sure Sunset,” said Spike. “Can you tell Twilight and Mystic that I have some personal business in Canterlot to attend to? I have some friends there that I hadn’t seen in a while and I feel as if I need to catch up,” Sunset explained, only it was half true. “Not a problem,” Spike smiled. “But are you sure you’re...” “I’m fine,” Sunset asserted. “Now, please excuse me.” She shouldered her way past the drake and headed back out into the hall. As she did, her mind wandered into what she was about to do. I don’t think I’m completely over this... she thought, a frown forming on her muzzle. Even after being a mean witch, reformed, and having a long road to recovery, there was one issue she’d buried long ago.