Sunset in the Otherworld

by Impossible Numbers

The Light Side of the Moon

Sunset lowered her gaze from the stars to the silver shimmer of the fields. Only from above the treetops of Gravity Woods could she see through to the other side.

Many dots crisscrossed the fields. She knew they were planting seeds. At this time of cycle, the moon would boost their strength.

Near her face, a sapphire shoe pointed. “That’s her.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes. See: she approaches the Woods already. With the moon so strong, she can sense your presence.”

“And we’ll really be able to meet?”

“Briefly. But if you’re exchanging places, then you must hurry. Tell her quickly. Spare no details. So long as one soul is kept on this side, the universe will be balanced. And next season, perhaps she will return to you…”

“Fourteen nights of life…”

Sunset saw the full moonrise, and even on this side felt the moonbeams reach in, cleansing her heart. White lights picked out Applejack, who went from fallen bough to fallen bough, looking for one fit for this cycle’s Oak Apple Time.

“I’ll do it,” she said. There was no argument. It wasn’t even conceivable.

As she descended, floating towards the forked path with the dragon’s hole, she saw Applejack gripping the hazel wood between her teeth.

Did she know? Did she dare to guess?

Sunset landed before the hole. She met Applejack’s gaze, and all doubt vanished at once. Strong forelimbs seized her around the neck. There was no hesitation.

Both of them looked up to catch a glimpse of Luna’s smile.

---

Comments

[Impossible Numbers]

It's a good thing I had a backup for that contest, given that my first entry was way over the word count limit. Although the same caveat about word count applies here (i.e. I'll cheerfully withdraw this entry if it's too big), this time it's not even the biggest entry as far as I can tell*. Second time lucky, perhaps?

*EDIT: Incorrect, as it happens. Apparently, I can't count. Figures.

[Oroboro]

8397668
You're good!

(and also crazy. Thats a lot of words. )

[Impossible Numbers]

8397678

YYYYYYYEEEEEEEESSSSS!!!!!!!!!

Er, I mean: One is delighted to be accepted into this most splendid event. Good fellow, I graciously offer my sincerest thanks.

[Csquared08]

8397678
Impossible Numbers has been doing nonsense like this in every contest I've seen him in. Multiple entries and pushing word limit boundaries are as expected as grass being green and whatnot.

[Impossible Numbers]

8398346

"Doing nonsense"? Harrumph! I don't know whether to be merely offended or downright insulted.

Anyway, I don't pull those kinds of stunts nearly as often as you think. Even back in the World-Building Alliance's heyday of 2013, I think I submitted two entries exactly once.

Besides, it'd be a lot more impressive if I actually won every contest you've seen me in.

[NicLove]

Before I read this, what is the Dark tag for ?
And how bad does it get ?

[Impossible Numbers]

8400174

I included it for the "unsettling concepts" angle: the eldritch abominations, the weird setting, the themes of darkness and of death, Luna basically acting as an obstructive Grim Reaper, and some psychological heartbreak over the dilemma in the climax. There's no violence, war, or literal torture in it and the ending is bittersweet, if that was what you wanted to confirm.

In all honesty, the "Dark" tag is the least convincing of the five I used, and the one I'd be most easily persuaded to remove.

[Dragonrim]

Kisah itu hebat! Saya suka perkembangan watak dan cara anda beralih antara adegan! Keterangan anda membuat saya gembira dan saya berharap anda berjaya! Pastikan anda tidak meletakkan sos di dalam dobi!

[Impossible Numbers]

8433345

Kisah itu hebat! Saya suka perkembangan watak dan cara anda beralih antara adegan! Keterangan anda membuat saya gembira dan saya berharap anda berjaya! Pastikan anda tidak meletakkan sos di dalam dobi!

I'll have fries with mine.

In all seriousness, may I have a translation please? I'd be fascinated to know what you meant, but alas my linguistic abilities – up to and including the ability to identify a language – are negligible at the best of times.

[Dragonrim]

8433793
Hello I am liking your story and characters and scene translations. :)

[Impossible Numbers]

8434117

It's all right; I guess I'm not quite used to all the varied things people do online. I hope I didn't come across as rude.

OK, then. In any case, I'm very glad you liked my fic so much. Thank you for the pleasant reply!

[DragonxFlutter]

I enjoyed this story. The emotions felt legit. The only problem I have is that I feel like some supplemental reading is required to fully grasp what’s going on. Like, it feels as though it’s part of a larger story that, as far as I can tell, doesn’t exist. I dunno, maybe that’s just me.

[Impossible Numbers]

8495508

Firstly, thank you for commenting. It's a rare treat to receive such thoughtful feedback, but well worth the wait.

Regarding the "incompleteness" of it, you're not alone in pointing that out. One of the contest judges suggested the world-building was a bit too complicated for something of this length, and I have to admit in hindsight the central romantic relationship could've used a bit more attention instead.

So I'd pin down that excessive world-building as the culprit in this case. I didn't really have a larger story in mind, though: a backstory, true, but I think the details of that are clear enough from context.

In any case, I'm happy you at least enjoyed the story, especially the emotions depicted. I aim to improve my writing, so your comment here is very useful in identifying what works and what doesn't. Thanks again!

[PresentPerfect]

8815527
Imma finish it tomorrow, it's kinda long. :B

[PresentPerfect]

Nope, yup, still amazing. :D Well done.

[Impossible Numbers]

8816489

No, I went for a "bleached and dead" motif with that particular character to contrast her with Sunset; any resemblance to Cinch is just a coincidence.

8816490

Wow, thanks! I'm very pleased you liked it so much. I shall do what I can to continue justifying that follow, too.