//------------------------------//
// Episode 11: Nightmare's End 
// Story: Sparkling Harmony EQG: Agents of SMILE: Operation Sundown 
// by Captain_Cosmos 
//------------------------------//

45 Main Street avenue
Heart of Canterlot City
October 31st, 2022
2100hrs

Twilight sat on the couch in Sparkler’s and Autumn’s apartment. They had lay Sunset on Sparkler’s bed and tucked her in after getting home, and now Sparkler was in the kitchen doing an after action report to her SMILE boss. Sparkler had created a soundproof dome around herself so Twilight couldn’t hear what she was saying. But Twilight didn’t mind, it gave her a chance to truly go over everything that had happened that night. She almost couldn’t believe that just three hours ago, Sparkler had picked her up for a Halloween dance. And here they were now. Sparkler had revealed herself as a secret agent, Rarity revealed that Sunset had feelings for Sparkler and was jealous, leading to Twilight questioning her own monogamy, Sundown, as well as Midnight, ended up being set loose upon the world, and the most shocking thing of all, it turned out Sparkler had some sort of bond with a FREAKING DRAGON that ended up being some kind of key to her super form. It almost felt like something one would write in fanfiction. Ye gods what did we just go through? She asked. She decided to go through one event at a time.

First, Sparkler being a secret agent. That explained a lot about her car, and Flappy. Although that doesn’t explain the dragon thing. She said. She and Sparkler had learned that the car and her pendant emitted similar energy readings, and given Sparkler was just as shocked as everyone else when the dragon appeared, it was a safe bet that SMILE had nothing to do with that. So what IS going on there? She thought. While also committing to herself to keep the secret agent thing to herself. She had already come to terms with it and accepted it, wanting to continue in this relationship with Sparkler.

Next event, Sunset and the apparent love triangle that existed between them. In hindsight, it makes sense. Anyone with two brain cells can see how awesome Sparkler is. But Sundown… Twilight had never thought that Sunset could be so jealous that it allowed Sundown to return. She hadn’t personally encountered the demon before tonight but Sunset had told her about her some time ago, during a conversation that turned to inner demons. She must’ve really fallen for Sparkler… She surmised. She didn’t blame Sunset for what happened. She couldn’t help human (or pony) natural instincts. But this revelation also brought back those familiar strange feelings that prompted Twilight to investigate if she and Sunset could work. Those feelings now existed alongside her feelings for Sparkler. Would they be interested in a three way relationship? She wondered. 

After a moment of thinking, and then processing that Sundown and Midnight were now loose, which was simple enough to understand, Twilight’s thoughts turned to the dragon. She glanced over at the kitchen table and saw the small dragon standing on the table, watching Sparkler. And then there’s…Sparkler’s new pet? Twilight honestly did not know how else to categorize the dragon currently. She wouldn’t deny that it had a claw in tonight’s success, but it raised A LOT of questions, and maybe answered a couple. C-could the dragon be the key to figuring out Sparkler’s powers? She wondered. She thought long and hard on that. If this dragon was connected, it was either another piece of the puzzle, or maybe even the FINAL piece.

While all these thoughts were running through Twilight’s head, Sparkler sat at the kitchen table, on a holo call with Derrick.

“So both Sundown and Midnight escaped.” Derrick said.

“Yes sir, Midnight surprised us and used the distraction to get herself and Sundown out of there.” Sparkler responded.

Derrick facepalmed. “Please tell me Sunset and Twilight at least made it out of this ok.” He said.

“They did. Sunset’s still out cold but they’re both alive. Twilight’s a bit shaken up though.” Sparkler responded, glancing over at her girlfriend, who hadn’t said much since they left the school, something that both surprised and concerned Sparkler since she was CERTAIN Twilight would start bombarding her with questions.

“At least we didn’t lose anyone tonight.” Derrick said.

Sparkler nodded. “So, did SMILE manage to contain FOWL?” She asked.

“We managed to contain the situation there. Even caught a few agents. If I’m being honest Sparkler, there’s a very real possibility that FOWL is responsible for this. My gut tells me that they had a hand in Sundown coming out.” Derrick explained.

If that’s true, they are in for a WORLD of pain when I get my hands on them. Sparkler thought as she clenched her fists, anger arising in her towards FOWL, even if they didn’t know for sure, she wouldn’t put it past them to have a hand in tonight’s debacle.

After a moment, Derrick spoke again. “One last thing.” He said. “Where’s the dragon?” He asked.

Sparkler turned her watch so that Derrick could see the little guy on the table. “Right here sir…it achieved a physical form after everything was said and done. And something tells me it’s gonna be sticking around.” She said.

Derrick sighed. “I had a feeling you’d say that. It came from your pendent after all.” He said.

“Yeah…I don’t suppose SMILE has any data relating to this?” Sparkler asked.

“It does not.” Derrick responded. “You’re walking through completely uncharted territory.” He told her.

Sparkler sighed. “Yes Director.” She said.

Derrick nodded. “I don’t envy you Sparkler. Taking care of a dragon is no joke.” He said.

“Something tells me this little guy won’t be a problem.” Sparkler responded.

“If yoy say so. Have a good Night Sparkler. Director Derrick out.” Derrick said before cutting the connection.

Sparkler nodded, deactivated the soundproof dome, and with the dragon getting up onto her shoulder, she got up and walked over to the couch. “Ok, debrief is done.” She said as she sat on the couch next to Twilight. “You doing ok?” She asked, looking right at Twilight.

“Yeah…just thinking.” Twilight responded.

Sparkler nodded. “Pretty uh…pretty intense dance wasn’t it.” She said, chuckling nervously.

“Definitely one for the history books.” Twilight responded.

“Right.” Sparkler said, taking a deep breath. “Ok Twilight. I’m all yours. Any questions you might have about SMILE, I’ll answer as much as I can without getting into trouble.” She said. “But before that. I need you to promise me you won’t breathe a word of this to anyone. You can’t go around saying your girlfriend is a secret agent. Not your parents, not anyone outside those you fought alongside today…and Sunset. She already knows.” Sparkler added.

Twilight nodded. “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” She Pinkie promised.

After hearing the ominous forever from Pinkie Pie, Sparkler smiled. “Alright. Ask away.” She said, bracing herself

Twilight took a deep breath, and went off. “How long have you been an agent? Why were you recruited? Why did they send you here? What dangers do you face that make what the Rainbooms face look like mere arguments? What else can the Sparkmobile do? Will you let me take a more in depth look at it now? And finally.” She gestured to the dragon over Sparkler’s shoulders. “I don’t think I need to ask about the elephant in the room.” She said.

Sparkler couldn’t help but chuckle. She saw every question coming from a mile away. “I’ve been an agent since I started High School, I…actually don’t know why they recruited me. Never got a straight answer there. They sent me here to keep an eye on the magic centering around Canterlot City and the portal. I will have to clear it with my superior before I let you take a look at the car but I will ask.” Sparkler told Twilight, before telling her some of the dangers she’s faced. Mostly about FOWL, adding in her suspicion that FOWL were responsible for Sundown coming back. Twilight interjected with the suggestion to ask Sunset herself when she awoke. Finally, after a few moments of storytelling, and opening Twilight’s eyes to the kind of people that exist in the world, Sparkler reached the topic of the dragon. “And aa for the dragon…you’re guess is as good as mine about him. I literally had no idea about this guy until tonight.” She said.

Twilight listened to her girlfriend intently. She pouted when Sparkler didn’t say an immediate yes to the car question, but she understood why she needed to clear it with her superiors, and when they got to FOWL, Twilight ultimately agreed that FOWL was definitely worse than any danger the Rainbooms had faced. With all the SMILE stuff taken care of, the conversation turned to the dragon. “Well clearly the dragon is connected to your powers in some way.” Twilight said. “It did—“

The dragon cut her off with a roar at her. Twilight stiffened and leaned back in slight panic. “Uhm…” She said. Glancing at Sparkler.

Sparkler glanced at the dragon, getting the message, before turning to Twilight. “He. And his name is Clear-Cut.” She told her.

Twilight blinked. “My girlfriend can understand a dragon…ok then. Clearly HE is connected to your powers somehow…do you think maybe he could explain more?” Twilight suggested.

Sparkler glanced at Clear-Cut. “Yeah…yeah I think it’s time you told us what you know about my powers. Because you did say that I was capable of so much more.” She said as she glanced at her new guitar, which hadn’t disappeared along with her super form. “And you seemingly unlocked that thing for me. So what’s the deal?” She asked.

Clear-Cut roared at her, and then shook his head. Sparkler frowned. “Really? It’s like that?” She asked.

“What did he say?” Twilight asked.

“He said I’m not ready for all that information yet.” Sparkler said with an eye roll.

“Seriously?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah.” Sparkler said. She turned back to Clear-Cut. “You’re lucky I owe you for helping us so I won’t argue. But one of these days you’re gonna talk.” She said.

Clear-Cut snapped his mouth at Sparkler playfully before nuzzling her cheek. Twilight giggled. “Well he’s certainly friendly.” She said.

“Thankfully.” Sparkler responded. “And you’re gonna be friendly to Sunset when she wakes up right?” She asked Clear-Cut. “The demon is out of her head. She’s no longer the enemy.” She told him.

Clear-Cut nodded in response, saying he understood. Twilight sighed, making Sparkler glance at her. “What’s up?” She asked.

“It’s Sunset…All this because she was jealous of us.” Twilight responded. “I’m worried about her.” She said.

Sparkler bit her lip and nodded. “Yeah…” She said. “Never saw that coming, but given what Rarity said…It kinda makes sense.” She said.

“Yeah…it does.” Twilight responded. “Hey Sparkler?” She asked.

“Yeah Twi?” Sparkler responded.

“What would you say if I told you I may have had a crush on Sunset before you came along?” Twilight asked.

Sparkler’s eyes widened. Staring at Twilight in shock. “You had a crush on her?” She asked.

“I don’t know…I was actually in the process of figuring that out when you came along. And tonight’s revelation reminded me of that little project…And…Pinkie brought up something.” She said.

“What’s that?” Sparkler asked.

“She said there was no reason why the three of us couldn’t be together in a three way relationship, at face value at least.” Twilight said. “And to be honest…I’ve been trying to figure out if I am ok with that ever since.” She revealed.

Sparkler blinked, not sure how to respond. She turned her head to look down the hall, which led to Sunset. She thought back to when Rarity told them of Sunset’s feelings, and now that she had a moment to actually THINK about it, She remembered several instances lately that Sunset was acting a bit weird. Like she was acting happy but was really not. With what Rarity said in mind, she realized that looking back, she had been oblivious to Sunset’s feelings since it was pretty clear in retrospect. I’m a secret agent and I was oblivious to something right in front of me. Aww crud now I feel awful. She thought. Now feeling bad about all the times she talked to Sunset about Twilight during their gaming sessions. Not realizing that it actually hurt Sunset more than it normally might hurt someone. “Aww crud I gotta apologize to her tomorrow. It was right in front of me and I failed to notice. And they say I’m the best spy in the business.” She joked.

Twilight sighed. “We both do. I’ve talked to her plenty about how great you are.” She said. “And…What do you think about this three way relationship idea?” She asked.

Sparkler glanced away from Twilight in thought. In truth she had never even considered a three way relationship of any kind other than pure friendship before. She didn’t even know if she was monogamous or not. “I…I don’t know Twi.” She admitted. “I’ve never even considered a three way relationship of any kind…And I never had to ask myself if I’m Monogamous or not.” She said.

Twilight nodded. “Well, I HAVE been thinking about it, and…The truth is Sparky, I think I might actually be polygamous.” She said. “A scenario where I have both you and Sunset as lovers is a tempting one to say the least.” She admitted. Her eyes widened as she realized what she might have been implying. “N-Not to put any pressure on you or anything. Don’t feel like you have to do anything…Oh god we just learned Sunset has a crush on you and the first thing I do is–MMMPH!” Twilight’s rambling was cut off when Sparkler dove in and kissed her on the lips.

Twilight let out an adorable little squeak when she felt Sparkler’s soft lips shut her up, but she soon melted into the kiss and returned it. After a few seconds, Sparkler pulled back. “As cute as your rambling is, Don’t even put this on yourself.” She told her.

Twilight sighed as she looked down. “S-Sorry.” She said.

“Twilight, You can’t help what your heart wants. They tend to have minds of their own at time. It’s just human nature.” Sparkler said.

“I just feel like I’m putting pressure on you though…” Twilight responded. “I feel like I’m asking you to be ok with something when you might not be.” She said.

“You’re not.” Sparkler responded. “Twilight, I know how your brain can be at times. It can run away with something and forget about the bigger picture.” She said.

“I just…I don’t want you to feel like I don’t love you anymore. Especially when that’s not true.” Twilight said.

“You told me earlier that we were stuck with each other forever if I wasn’t gonna break up with you.” Sparkler said. “That’s a pretty good indicator to me that you still love me.” She said.

“I meant it.” Twilight said.

“That’s all I needed to know to not think that you don’t love me anymore.” Sparkler responded, taking Twilight’s hand in her own. “And I promise to stand by you no matter what happens. I’m not gonna leave you just for being polygamous.” She said. “It’s who you are and I love YOU.” She said.

Twilight sighed as her eyes glistened. “I still feel like I’m pressuring you though. Pressuring you to make a decision when you’ve had no time to think about it.” She said.

Sparkler saw the tears coming and she pulled Twilight into a comforting and loving hug. “I never once got that impression.” She told her. “I’m good at reading people, not as good as I thought apparently but still good. I’d be able to tell if you were pressuring me.” She said. “But I’m sorry for not having a straight answer for you right away. But I promise one will come.” She said.

Twilight couldn’t help but crack a smile when Sparkler took that jab at herself for not being as good as reading people as she thought. “I’m ok if you just want it to be you and me.” She told her. “If it came down to it I’d choose you over everyone else.”

“And I you.” Sparkler responded.

They stayed hugging each other for a while, before eventually they broke apart. “So…what do you want to do now?” Twilight asked. “After what we went through I don’t think I can go to sleep.” She said.

“I saw they added Girl Vs Monster on Disney Plus. It’s still Halloween.” Sparkler suggested.

Twilight smiled and snuggled up to Sparkler on the couch. “Sounds perfect Sparky.” She said.

Sparkler smiled as she turned on the TV and navigated to the movie. Eventually they did fall asleep together, but not until like the third movie.

To be continued…