A brother and sister reunited after being more than an ocean apart.
Parallel worlds are mostly the same, but there are some things that are different. So far we've seen mostly the same things. Now we have a different sort of parallel. Can these two fix these shattered bonds? Or will everything fall further apart?
As the sun lowered below the roof tops Sunset Shimmer strummed her guitar looking up at the sky. She spent most of her evenings up here. She giggled softly over the fact that her favorite time of day was the same as her name.
"Hey, Sunset," called a voice from the open window.
"Yes, Starlight?" Sunset called back looking away as the sunset gave way to twilight.
"I think the food is ready."
"I'll be right there," she shook her head as she stood up and put her guitar back in it's case.
"I really don't know how you do this without magic," Starlight Glimmer said laughing awkwardly.
Sunset's kitchen looked like a tornado had gone through it. She couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Starlight covered in sauce, pasta, and was that flour? Starlight looked on the verge of tears when she saw Sunset laughing, but started to laugh too when Sunset pulled her into a hug wiping off the flour with a paper towel.
"Ok let's get this cleaned up," she smiled and started moving things around the kitchen to tidy it up. "Then we'll eat."
"Ok."
-A few hours later-
Sunset finished brushing her teeth and stepped out of the bathroom flipping off the light.
"Hey, Sunset," Starlight's voice came from the couch.
"Yeah," she answered walking over to look over the couch.
"Thanks," Starlight said with a soft smile.
"For what?" Sunset responded leaning her hip against the back of the couch.
"For letting me stay with you this past week. I've learned a lot."
"No problem," she said smiling softly and turning the lamp off. "Now it's time for bed. We've got to get you to the portal bright and early tomorrow."
"Good night, Sunset," Starlight yawned. "Shimmm."
Sunset fliched a little at the sound of her unfinished name. It brought back an old memory. She remembered Rainbowdash calling her SunShim recently, but she was so stressed out she hadn't fully paid attention to it. She sighed as she sat down on her bed and looked out the window.
"Good night, Shinshin," she whispered softly as a tear rolled down her cheek before she crawled under the sheets to fall asleep.
-the next morning-
"IT'S A THANKS FOR COMING SORRY TO SEE YOU LEAVE, BUT WE KNOW YOU HAVE TO PARTY!" Pinky Pie shouted as two party cannons went off somewhere behind her shooting confetti into the sky.
"Aww, thanks everyone," Starlight laughed as she hugged all her new friends. "You didn't have to do this."
"Are you kidding?" Rainbowdash asked brushing confetti out of her hair. "Have you never met a Pinky Pie before?"
"True!" Starlight laughed as she looked over at Pinky who was grinning so wide it looked like her face might explode.
"Come back and visit real soon," Apple Jack said as she hugged Starlight.
"Of course."
"And don't forget this, darling," Rarity said draping a bag over Starlight's shoulder. "I'm sure the other me would just love to see some of my designs."
"I'm sure she does."
"Goodbye everyone," Starlight said once more waving at everyone as she entered the portal.
"Oh, I do hope she'll be alright," Fluttershy said softly as she watched the magic portal close. "I'm always worried something might happen when anyone goes through the portal."
"Don't worry, Fulttershy," Twilight said as she pushed her glasses back up onto her nose. "I'm sure Princess Twilight wouldn't let anyone use the portal if she didn't think it was safe."
"I guess you're right," Fluttershy nodded in agreement before gasping as she looked at her watch. "Oh my goodness I'm late."
"Yeah, so am I," Rainbowdash said pulling out her phone. "I've got the opening shift at the store today. Gotta go!"
"I promised Big Mac I'd give'm a hand with his truck today," Applejack said with a nod over her should back towards her home. "Catch you girls later."
"I too have a prior engagement," Rarity said with an apologetic look. "I promised my parents I would take Sweetiebell to her singing lesson today."
"Well I guess that just leaves us," Sunset said as the other girls left. "Do you two have any plans today?"
"Nope," Pinky chirped as she started sweeping up confetti. "I'm just gonna get this stuff cleaned up and set up for the next party."
"There's no next party, Pinky," Twilight said adjusting her glasses.
"TWILIGHT!" Pinky shouted getting a very serious look on her face as she gripped Twilight by the shoulders. "There is always a next party!"
"Ooook, Pinky," Sunset said gripping one arm and stroking her hair. "It's ok. It's ok."
"But party," Pinky said softly as she let go of Twilight.
"Yes," Pinky smiled and gripped her broom that Twilight offered to her. "Plan party!"
"Thanks," Twilight said tucking some hair behind her ear. "That was close."
"Yeah," Sunset laughed as they walked away from the portal. "You gotta remember to be careful around Pinky some times."
"So what are you doing today, Twilight?"
"Not much," she answered. "I'm meeting my brother for lunch that's about it."
"Shining Armor, right?" Sunset asked checking if she remembered his name correctly even though it hurt that it was almost the same as his.
"Yup," Twilight grinned happily. "He's my BBBFF!"
"BBBFF?" Sunset asked raising an eyebrow slightly.
"Big Brother Best Friend Forever," Twilight giggled blushing a little. "It's what I call him. He calls me Twily."
"That sounds.....nice," Sunset said quietly gripping her right arm and biting her lower lip.
"Are you alright, Sunset?" Twilight asked softly as she noticed her friends expression.
"I'm fine," Sunset said forcing a smile, but failing to hold it as Twilight continued to give her that searching look. "Ok I'm not."
"What's wrong?"
"It's just last night," she sighed as she stopped and sat down on a bench. "I thought about someone I hadn't thought about in a long time."
"Who?" Twilight asked as she down beside her placing a hand on top of her's.
"My BIG brother," Sunset answered feeling her heart start pounding harder against her ribs.
"You have a big brother too?" Twilight's eyes widened and she smiled brightly.
"Had a big brother," Sunset answered in a whisper tears filling her eyes. "His name was Shining Light."
"Oh, Sunset," Twilight whispered as she wrapped her friend a hug. "I'm sorry I didn't mean."
"No," Sunset shook her head holding Twilight as her tears flowed. "It's not your fault. Starlight just happened to say something that made me think of him."
"What was it?"
"She didn't finish saying my name."
"What?" Twilight asked cocking her head to the side as Sunset pulled back from her.
"Your brother calls you Twily right?"
"Yes," Twilight nodded.
"My brother used to call me Shimshim," she blushed a little at the admission of such an embaressing nickname.
"Shimshim?" Twilight giggled. "That's adorable."
"I guess," Sunset smiled. "It all started because when I was younger I couldn't say his whole name and called him Shinshin."
"Awwwww," Twilight was bursting with joy.
"Ok," Sunset laughed at the sight of her friend. "That's enough of the sappyness."
"Fine," Twilight laughed as well before hugging Sunset one more time. "Hey why don't you join us for lunch?"
"Are you sure?" Sunset asked. "I don't want to intrude on brother sister time."
"It's fine," Twilight said as the bus pulled up. "Besides he said he might be bringing an old friend."
"Ok," Sunset said taking Twilight's offered hand. "Let's go."
-at the burger barn-
"You sure it's ok for me to be here, Armor?" a guy with red streaks in his yellow hair asked the blue haired guy across the table from him.
"It's fine, bro," Shining Armor said with a wave of his hand. "My sister has finally started making friends. It'd be nice if she gets along with one of my oldest ones."
"You sure about that, Armor?" he chuckled heartily pointing a finger at Shining Armor. "I mean I can be a pretty bad influence."
"I know," Shining Armor laughed as well. "I was hoping she would be a good influence on you just like I am."
The two looked at each other seriously for a moment then both broke out laughing heartily. They drew stares from the other patrons, but neither cared. After they calmed down Shining Armor noticed two familiar faces towards the front of the resturant. He stood up waving his hand to get their attention.
"Twily!" he called happily. "Over here!"
"He really does call you that," Sunset giggled at Twilight's blush.
"I told you," Twilight said pulling at her ponytail a little as they made their way towards her brother.
"Looks like she brought one of her friends along," Shining Armor said as he sat back down. "You two should get along. She's got a bit of a bad side to her too from what I've been told."
"Haha," he laughed. "Hey man a little bad doesn't hurt."
"Hey, Twily," Shining Armor said as he stood back up to let his sister into the booth. "I want you to meet a friend of mine."
"Hey," he said as he started to stand his glass in hand. "The name's Shining..."
He froze in mid sentence he looked from Twilight to the girl standing next to her. It felt like his heart had stopped. Standing there was a girl with red hair filled with brilliant yellow streaks. Her clear Cyan eyes were wide with shock as she looked at him.
Sunset's heart was pounding against her ribs again. This time even harder. She couldn't breathe. This wasn't possible. Why? How? Oh sweet Celestia!
"Huh, Sunset?" Twilight looked from her friend to the young man and back to her friend.
"Shimmer?" he gasped finally drawing a breath.
"Light?" she stammered in response.
"It's not possible," Shining Light said standing up.
"I'M SORRY!" Sunset cried and ran for the door.
"Sunset?" Twilight called after the running girl.
"Shimmer?" Light breathed as he looked towards Shining Armor and Twilight. "That can't be Sunset Shimmer."
"Of course she is," Twilight said shocked by the accusation. "I know my own friend after all."
"No she's not," Shining Light said his face a mask of anger. "My sister is dead!"
"No she's not," Shining Light said standing up his face a mask of anger. "My sister is dead!"
"What?!" Twilight took a step back in shock.
"Bro," Armor began as he stood up to stand between his sister and friend. "Calm down."
"Calm down?!" Light breathed his fists clenched his voice ragged. "I gotta say I'm impressed, Armor."
"What?" Armor blinked at his friend.
"To think you'd finally try and get me back for all the things I pulled on you," Light let unclenched his hands and flopped back down onto his seat. "Though I gotta admit I never thought you of all people would go that low."
"Twily?" Armor looked over at his sister. "Go."
Twilight nodded, and ran after Sunset. Shining Armor turned back to his friend and sat down across from him. There was a long silence between the two of them. After taking a long drink from his glass, Shining Light threw his head back and laughed though it was not like the laugh they shared a few moments before.
"Seriously man," Light leered at him. "I don't know whether I should be more pissed off or impressed that you would do this."
"Bro, seriously?" Armor asked raising an eyebrow. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"My sister," Light answered darkly.
"Light," Armor said quietly. "I know you have a sister..."
"HAD," Light cut him off. "She died years ago."
"You never talked about her much," Armor said putting his hands together on the table. "I didn't even remember her name until you just blew up like that. And you know I would never pull a stunt like making see your dead sister like that."
"Yeah," Light sighed after a long silence his anger evaporting and being replaced by sorrow. "But how?"
"Well I might not be the best person to explain this, but I'll give it a shot."
-down the road-
"Sunset!" Twilight yelled again as she turned a corner and saw her friend still running. "Wait!"
Sunset barely heard Twilight's voice as she ran. The pain in her heart was forcing everything else out. Since she hadn't seen or heard of her other self here. She had thought that her and her family were not in this city. Now seeing the human version of her brother when her own back in Equestria was dead. The pain brought back such horrible memories.
"Sunset, please," Twilight had finally caught up and grabbed hold of her friend's arm. "stop!"
"Twilight?" Sunset turned around tears streaming down her face. "That was...."
"I know," she said her heart tearing apart at the sight of her friend in this state. "I know."
Twilight wrapped her arms around Sunset holding her close as she cried. This was the second time in one day that Sunset had broken down like this. The two stood there in the middle of the sidewalk for several minutes. Finally Sunset hiccuped into silence.
"I'm sorry," she said softly to Twilight as she pulled back and wiped at her eyes.
"For what?" Twilight asked softly giving her friend an encouraging smile.
"For being like this," she smiled back a little. "I should be stronger than this."
"Hey," Twilight placed a hand on her shoulder. "No one can be strong all the time. Some times you need a friend to lean on for a little while."
"Yeah," she nodded slightly.
"How about we text the girls and get everyone together later tonight huh?"
"Yeah," Sunset nodded. "I'd like that."
-back at the burger barn-
"You're serious?" Light asked as Armor finished telling him what he knew of Twilight's new friends.
"Yes," Armor nodded in affirmation.
"Magic?"
"Yes."
"Ponies?"
"Yes."
"You're serious?"
"Yes."
"This is insane."
"Yes."
"So this friend of your sister's is the 'pony' counter part of my dead sister?"
"Yes."
After a moment of stunned silence as his brain tried to process this new information Light fell forward letting his forehead smack onto the table. He repeated the motion several times.
"Yeah," Armor said nodding in a sagely fashion. "I felt the same way when I was filled in on the whole thing."
"Still," Light sighed as he sat up. "I don't know if I believe it."
"Believe it or not," Armor said spreading his hands. "It's up to you. Though if we're gonna be hanging out more now you'll be seeing Sunset Shimmer again."
"Don't," Light began to say, but Armor cut him off.
"She is who she is," Armor said crossing his arms. "As you've told me before, 'Suck it up, Buttercup."
"Heh," Light chuckled softly. "Yeah? Fine, I'll be on my best behavior."
"Where have I heard that before?" Armor asked with a grin on his face.
-later at Apple Jack's home-
"Hey girls," Apple Jack called out as Twilight and Sunset walked up the drive.
"Hey, Apple Jack," both girls responded with smiles on their faces giggling softly as they watched BigMac working on the underside of his truck as Apple Jack held it up using her Geode powers.
"Almost finished down there?" Apple Jack asked looking down at her older brother.
"Ee'yup," he answered as he slid out from under the truck his face and hands covered in oil and grease.
"Good," Apple Jack nodded, and set the truck back down on al four wheels. "So what's up? I got your message."
"We'll talk about it when the others get here," Twilight said when she noticed Sunset's smile turn into a frown.
"If you say so," Apple Jack nodded and motioned towards the house. "Come on, let's get something to drink."
"Ee'yup," her brother nodded as he was wiping his hands and face on a rag as he walked towards the house.
"Dibs on the shower," Apple Jack said as she and the girls entered a few moments behind Big Mac.
He gave her a look over his shoulder as he pulled out four bottles of fizzy apple cider. Applebloom looked up from the kitchen table where she was working on homework. She waved and smiled as everyone entered. Twilight walked over and looked at what the younger girl was working on. Before anyone could stop her, she began showing Applebloom all the complicated ways to answer the simple problems.
Sunset accepted the drink Big Mac offered her and sipped it slowly as she joined Twilight and Applebloom at the table. Apple Jack made her way upstairs to the bathroom to get cleaned up. Big Mac headed back out into the yard.
The sound of a car pulling up to the house could be heard over their small talk. A few minutes later the door to the kitchen burst open.
"WE'RE HERE!" Rarity sang out as she and Sweetiebell walked in.
"Hey, Applebloom!" Sweetiebell chimed in as she ran over to her friend.
"Hey!" Applebloom responded hugging her friend.
"Don't forget about us!" Rainbowdash called out from the front of the house.
"Us?" Apple Jack asked as she came down the back stairs dressed in clean clothes her hair still slightly damp from her shower.
"Yeah," Rainbowdash said as she entered the kitchen her arm around Scootaloo's shoulders. "Look who I found on my way here."
The younger girl was blushing briliantly at the fact that her idol was treating her this way. It took the combined efforts of Sweetiebell and Applebloom to pull their friend away from Rainbowdash. The three gathered up Applebloom's homework and headed off to her room.
"So I guess we're just waiting on Pinky Pie," Apple Jack said as she opened the refrigerator to pull out some more cider for the new arrivals.
"Waiting on Pinky Pie for what?" Pinky Pie asked as she jumped out of the now open fridge.
"Gah!" Apple Jack jumped back clutching at her chest. "Pinky don't do that!"
"Do what?" the adorable pink puffball asked as she pulled a bottle of apple cider out of her hair and popped it open.
Apple Jack opened her mouth like she was about to say something then closed it and shook her head. She reached into the fridge and pulled out a handful more bottles and passed them around. Before turning to face them leaning against the kitchen counter.
"Wait," Twilight having been the first to notice the strangeness of Apple Jack's statement. "What about Fluttershy?"
"I've been here the whole time," said a soft slightly indignant voice.
The entire group except for Apple Jack jumped in surprise. Everyone looked over to where Fluttershy sat calmly in a corner a frown on her face as she pealed the label off her cider bottle. She looked up a little surprised at her friend's reactions.
"Well I have," she said blushing a little.
"Well since we're all here," Apple Jack said chuckling softly. "Ya wanna go ahead and tell us what's got ya more torn up than a ball of yarn in a room full of cats?"
"Yeah," Rainbowdash nodded from the backwards chair she had decided to occupy after the younger girls had left the room. "Twilight made it sound pretty rough."
"Well the thing is," Sunset said biting her lip a little as she looked down at her cider bottle to avoid looking at her friends, but she couldn't bring herself to finish her statement. After a few more seconds of silence she looked up at Twilight who had placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and a warm smile that gave Sunset the courage to say the next part. "Today Twilight and I ran into my brother."
"BROTHER?!" all of the girls except Twilight shouted.
"BOTHER?!" all of the girls except Twilight shouted.
"Yeah," Sunset nodded sheepishly.
"Ya mean your brother from Equestria?" Apple Jack asked looking out the window at where her own brother was running water from the hose over his head.
"No," Sunset said shaking her head sadly. "His counter part here in this world. My brother is dead in the world of Equestria."
"Oh, Darling," Rarity who was closest to her besides Twilight reached out and placed a hand on her other shoulder. "I'm so sorry."
"The thing is," she took a ragged breath. "From what Twilight was told after I ran away....."
"The Sunset Shimmer of this world passed away as well," Twilight said softly when it was clear that Sunset could not bring herself to say the words.
Before Sunset could think all six of her closest friends swarmed her. The warmth of their love for her filled her with strength. The tears that had started to run down her cheeks stopped and she wiped them away with a smile on her lips. After several more seconds of hugging the girls pulled away.
"Thanks, everyone," Sunset smiled at them all.
"You're welcome!" Pinky cheered.
"Seeing him though," Sunset looked up at the ceiling her heart thumping against her chest as memories flooded back. "It reminds me of a lot of things."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Fluttershy asked softly. "I mean I understand if it's too painful to talk about, but I know that sometimes it helps to talk about painful things."
"Yeah," she sighed and took a deep breath. "I think I want to. The memory that keeps coming back the most is the last time I ever spoke to Shining Light."
-years ago in Equestria-
"Good morning, Sunset Shimmer," Celestia said warmly to the young filly she found writing a on a piece of paper by the school fountain.
"Oh, Princess," Sunset stood and bowed. "Good morning."
"What are you doing up this early?" Celestia asked chuckling a little. "I only just raised the sun."
"I'm writing a letter to my older brother," Sunset answered matter o' factly. "I'm letting him know how my first week here at your school has been."
"Oh that's wonderful," Celestia said moving closer to the young filly. "What have you told him so far?"
"I told him about the really neat classes, the nice teachers, and the other students."
"That's nice," Celestia said with a smile and nod. "Though I think you might be forgetting something."
"What do you mean, Princess?"
"Oh about how the Princess herself was so impressed with me in this first week that she's decided to take me on as her own personal student."
"What?" Sunset looked up in disbelief.
"That's right," Celestia nodded with a warm smile. "I've been watching you since your entrance exams, and I do believe you have a lot of potential. Starting at the beginning of the week you will be receiving additional lessons from me besides your regular classes."
"Really?" Sunset asked her eyes wide.
"Really," Celestia answered. "Though now that I think about it. This kind of information should be told face to face not in a letter. Why don't you travel home this weekend and give him the big news?"
"Oh, can I?"
"Of course."
"Oh, thank you, Princess," Sunset squealed and hugged Celestia before letting go and appologizing then running off to the student dorms to pack a few things.
"Such a sweet child," Celestia thought allowed as she headed towards the throne room.
-hours later in Hoofington Village-
"Sunset Shimmer?" a large black stallion with a white mane and tail called out to her as she walked by his stall.
"Oh, hello, Mr Dust," she responded with a wave of her hoof.
"We weren't expecting you so soon," Mr. Dust said as he made his way around the stall. "Why we only just sent the letter this morning."
"Letter?" she asked cocking her head to the side. "What letter?"
"You mean you didn't get it? Then how are you here?"
"I came here because I got some really big news this morning for school, and I wanted to tell Shining Light face to face."
"Oh dear," Mr Dust placed a hoof on her shoulder and turned her towards a different direction than the one she had been headed in. "We best be making for Dr. Tender Hoof's then."
"Dr. Tender Hoof's?" Sunset asked in bewilderment. "Why?"
"Well," Mr Dust had started, but shook his head. "Just come along."
"Hey, Shimshim," Shinging Light said in a soft voice when he saw Sunset enter the room he was occupying.
Their coloration was nearly identical. The fur of their bodies were the same warm amber color. Their manes and tales both a mix of yellow and red. Though his was more yellow than her's. The smile he gave her was full of the warmth it always was, but it was obviously weaker than usual.
"Shinshin?" Sunset whispered softly as she moved closer to him.
"Didn't expect to see you this morning," he started to chuckle softly, but it quickly turned into a coughing fit.
"Shinshin," Sunset moved even closer putting her hooves up on the bed to get a better look at him.
"How's school?" he asked still smiling at her.
"School?" everything had been forced from Susnet's mind when she saw her brother lying there before her.
"Yeah," he nodded. "You know that place you got into for being so awesome at magic."
"Oh," she smiled a little as he reached out a hoof and ruffled her mane. "It's really nice."
"Tell me all about your first week," Shinging Light said as he shifted a little in the bed to sit up more, and look at his little sister.
Sunset nodded, and started telling him things. She told him about the teachers and what classes she had. The different fillies and colts that were in them. The different lessons they had tried out so far. Then when she got to the big news she stopped.
"But," she started looking at him.
"But what?" Light asked her still smiling.
"Why are you here?" she asked softly.
"Oh no big deal," he said shrugging a little trying to hide a wince of pain. "Just a little accident at the mine."
"Oh, ok," Susnet said trusting her brother. "There is one more thing, and it's the reason why I'm here right now."
"Oh?" Light smiled even more. "What is it?"
"Princess Celestia has decided to take me on a her very own personal student."
"Really?" for a brief moment Light's smile was the same just as bright and strong as always. "That's great, Shimshim!"
"Yeah?" Sunset asked blushing at her brother's reaction.
"Of course," he reached out and ruffled her mane again. "I always knew you were special, destined for greatness."
"Really?" she giggled as she pushed his hoof away fixing her mane back to normal.
"Of course," he winked at her. "You were always great with magic. A lot better than me."
"Shinshin," Sunset looked at her brother who winced again this time not being able to hide it from her. "Are you sure you're ok?"
"Of course," he smiled at her. "Now stop your fussing, Shimshim. You just need to focus on your studies. I want you to grow up and be the best."
"I know," Sunset nodded.
"I know you'll do great things," he said before he started coughing again.
"Shinshin!" Sunset pushed herself up as his coughing grew louder.
"Just remember," Light said between coughing before Dr. Tender Hoof and Mr Dust came into the room. "I'm proud of you."
-back in the present-
"That was the last thing my brother ever said," Sunset said her voice ragged as tears ran down her cheeks. "Mr. Dust pulled me out of the room as Dr. Tender Hoof tried to take care of my brother."
The rest of the girls sat there in various states of sadness.
"What my brother called a little accident was actually a very nasty cave in," Sunset said after a few moments. "He'd managed to get a few of his fellow workers out of the way of the collapse, but by the time they dug him out it was too late. The injuries he sustained were too severe. They'd sent a letter to me to come as quick as I could. They knew he wasn't going to make it. If Celestia hadn't found me that morning and sent me on my way I would have gotten the letter too late. I wouldn't have been there when he passed."
"Sunset," Twilight said softly placing a hand ontop of her's. "I'm so sorry."
"Thanks," Sunset smiled weakly back at her. "Though looking back, I don't see how my brother could be proud of the way I turned out."
"Don't say that!" Fluttershy shouted to everyone's surprise. "How could he not be proud of you?"
"Yeah," Rainbowdash demanded. "You're awesome!"
"Awesome?" Sunset asked with contempt in her voice. "I took the last words he spoke to me, and twisted them. The pain and anger I felt at losing him. It made me choose all the wrong ways of being strong, great, special."
"Now, Darling," Rarity said sweetly. "Yes you've made some booboos, but you're different now. Or rather the same now. After the last few months I'm sure he'd still be just as proud, if not even more proud."
"You think so?"
"I know so."
Just then Big Mac walked in from the outside. Apple Jack moved towards her brother and threw her arms around him in a big hug. After a second of shock Big Mac hugged her back. Sunset smiled at the two of them, and around at her friends all smiling as well.
"Uh, AJ," BigMac said after five minutes.
"Shush," Apple Jack responded. "Just give me a few more mintues.
-Canterlot Central Park-
"So you gonna talk?" Armor asked as he and Light played one on one basketball.
"About what?" Light asked as he dipped under Armor's gaurd and snatched the ball.
"Oh, I don't know," Armor blocked his move to the basket. "Maybe what's been eating at you since the Burger Barn?"
"Nothing's been eating at me," Light said roughly as he jumped back and shot the ball.
"Oh, really?" Armor asked as the ball bounced off the underside of the rim. "Your aim says different."
Light muttered something under his breath, and walked over to the benches where their water bottles and towels were sitting. He wiped off his face before taking a drink of water. After Armor did the same he sighed before running his hands through his hair and let out a growl of frustration.
"Well?" Armor asked with a smirk as he sat down.
"Fine," Light groaned as he dropped down beside Armor and took the basketball in his hands and rolled it around. "I've been thinking of the day Sunset....my sister died."
"Oh," Armor said almost dropping his water bottle.
"Yeah," he nodded. "It was my fault."
"What?" Armor gasped this time droping his water bottle.
"Yeah," he set the ball between his knees holding it there as he pressed the heels of his hands into his eyes. "If it wasn't for me she'd still be alive!"
-Years Ago-
"Shinshin," Sunset called out to her older brother who was a distance away with his friends throwing snowballs back and forth at each other. "Wait!"
"I can't believe you brought the midget along," said one of his friends.
"She's my little sister," Light replied slaming a snowball in his face. "Not a midget."
"Still lame," said another.
"Whatever," Light said as his friends headed down the trail while he waited for Sunset to catch up.
"Shinshin," she said smiling.
"Hey, Shimshim," he said ruffling her hair. "You staying warm?"
"Yes," she said hugging her stuffed unicron. "Twinkle and I are warm."
"Good," he took her hand and started down the path following his friends.
They reached his friends at the pond who had started sliding around some on skates others with just their shoes. They were all laughing and throwing snowballs. They called out to Light as he drew nearer. He smiled and knelt beside Sunset.
"Alright," he smiled at her. "Now you just play over here ok."
"Ok," she smiled at him and gave him a hug then sat in the snow and played with Twinkle.
Light spent several long minutes playing with his friends. They laughed and threw snowballs at each other, and he didn't pay attention to what Sunset was doing. He didn't see when Sunset go up and walked over to the edge of the pond. It wasn't until he heard her cry out as the ice gave way under her that he paid attention to her.
"Sunset!" he cried out as he saw her fall through the ice.
"Shin!"she cried out before her head went under the water.
Light slid across the ice and thrust his arm into the water. The instant he didn't find her his heart stopped from fear rather than cold. The tips of his numbing fingers found her jacket and he reached in further putting part of his face into the water to get a good hold. He pulled her out and held her against him. She was shivering horribly. He stripped her wet jacket off and tossed it asside before pulling off his own mostly dry jacket and wrapped her in it keeping the wet sleeve off of her.
HIs friends called out to him and followed as he ran back up the trail with her in his arms. He called out for help as he ran. He didn't know if anyone was around, but he knew he had to get her help as soon as possible.
"What?" he asked looking down at Sunset in his arms her teeth chattering.
"I'm sorry," she said in a small voice.
"Shimshim," he said softly rubbing the side of her freezing face. "Don't say that."
"I'm sorry, I didn't listen to you, Shinshin."
-Present Time-
"Light," Armor started to say, before Shining light stood up and slammed the basket ball hard into the ground.
"SHE WAS APPOLOGIZING!" Light roar in anger. "LIKE FALLING INTO THE POND WAS HER FAULT!"
"Bro," Armor stood up and placed a hand on Light's shoulder. "You couldn't have known that was going to happen."
"I SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAYING ATTENTION TO HER!"
"You can't watch everything!"
"SHE SHOULDN'T HAVE EVEN BEEN OUT THERE IN THE FRIST PLACE!" Light roared whirling on Armor as if he were about to attack him. "I WAS SUPPOSED TO WATCH HER, BUT MY FRIENDS WANTED TO HANG OUT IN THE SNOW! I TOOK HER WITH ME! IF I HADN'T BEEN SO SELFISH IT WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED!"
"Light," Armor said softly seeing the pain in his friends eyes.
"my fault," light groaned as he collapsed to his knees. "all my fault."
Shining armor knelt beside his friend and rubbed his back. It was strange to see this usually hard and rough man acting so broken. He wasn't sure how to comfort him so he just stayed with him. After what felt like hours Light took a steadying breath.
"Sorry, bro," he said looking up at Armor with a small grin. "Guess I lost my cool a little."
"A little?" Armor asked with a chuckle.
"Ok a lot," the two started to laugh.
"Don't let it bother you," Armor said as he walked over to the where the ball had landed. "Come on. One more game. Loser buys dinner."
"You're on," Light grinned as he took a deep breath feeling better after that outburst.
Sunset rocked back and forth on the Apple family porch. The sunlight wasn't even up yet, but she was enjoying the peace and quiet. Between Pinkie Pie being a grabby sleeper, and Rainbowdash's snoring it was hard to stay completely asleep. She sipped the hot chocolate in her hands sighing at the warmth it brought her.
A set of headlights turned into the drive. Sunset blinked a little as the lights hit her eyes. The car stopped next to Rarity's, and the engine turned off. A tall figure stepped out of the car closing the door softly. As the figure drew closer to the porch Sunset saw that it was Twilight's older brother Shining Armor. She smiled and gave him a small wave.
"Morning."
"Morning," Armor waved back as he walked up the steps. "I didn't think anybody was going to be awake this early."
"Then why did you get here so early?" she giggled a little.
"I was already awake," he shrugged as he sat on the porch swing opposite of the rocking chair Sunset occupied. "Besides I figured I could catch a few winks in my car if I needed to."
They spent several minutes in peaceful silence. Sunset could tell that there was something on Armor's mind, but she didn't want to pry. After a few more minutes he started to rock the swing back and forth a little.
"I'm sorry about yesterday," Armor said looking over at her with an apologetic smile. "I didn't know that was gonna happen."
"Don't worry about it," Sunset said shaking her head with a small smile. "How could you have known?"
"Still," he sighed and leaned his head back closing his eyes. "If this whole meeting Shining Light turned out the same way for you as it did him I'm sorry."
"Wha-what do you mean?" Sunset stammered.
"I'm sure Twily told you that the Sunset Shimmer from this world died right?"
"Yes," Sunset nodded before taking a sip of chocolate again though it wasn't as warming anymore. "She said Shining Light said that after I ran away."
"Well later on after our little display at the Burger Barn Light and I were shooting hoops at the park," Armor began as he looked back over at her. "Apparently seeing you brought back a lot of stuff. Including the moment he lost HIS Sunset. I've never seen him like that when he finally told me what happened."
"Oh," she said looking down at the mug in her hands turning it slowly. "Yeah, I've been remembering a lot of things too. Just like him I remembered when I lost MY brother. I shared it with the girls."
"Yeah?"
"Mmhmm," she nodded looking up at him a small smile on her lips and tears starting to form in her eyes. "I'm glad the Shining Light of this world has someone like you to help him deal with this."
"Yeah," he nodded putting his hands together in his lap. "When I look back on it now I wish I had been a better friend."
"What do you mean?" Sunset asked looking up.
"Well I barely knew him before he lost her," Armor began. "He wasn't exactly a good kid, but he wasn't bad either. He was pretty much a prankster. We got along alright, but then I remember him getting bad. That must have been when she passed. His pranks started getting mean. He started picking fights. I tried to get him to open up, but my parents were worried I'd end up like him if I kept hanging around him."
Sunset watched as Armor's shoulders drooped and he hung his head. She couldn't see it, but from the sound the porch swing was making he was shaking. She stopped rocking and leaned forward.
"If I had just tried harder then maybe he wouldn't have ended up the way he did," Armor's voice cracked and Sunset could tell he was near tears if he wasn't already crying. "A real friend would have done better. Would have kept him in the LIGHT."
"Hey," Sunset stood up and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't blame yourself. Things happen. We can't control everything."
"Heh," Armor chuckled softly. "That's pretty much what I told him yesterday. Still can't help but feel somewhat responsible for it."
"Want me to go wake up Twilight?" Sunset asked trying to change the subject.
"Nah," Armor said shaking his head. "Let her sleep. Like I said I wasn't expecting anybody to be awake."
"Well we should at least go inside," Sunset said nodding back towards the door.
"Yeah," Armor agreed and stood up before following her inside.
"Shining Armor?" Twilight was walking down the stairs into the living room rubbing sleep out of her eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to pick you up," he said while trying to supress a smile at his little sister's bed head. "We're supposed to meet mom and dad for breakfast this morning with Uncle Bori and Aunt Alias."
"Oh my goodness," Twilight jumped a little in the air. "I completely forgot! Apple Jack I need to use your bathroom!"
"Sure thing, Sugarcube," Apple Jack said following her up the stairs to get her some towels.
"For someone who plans things out," Rainbowdash began as she managed to stop laughing. " she sure forgets a lot of things."
"Rainbow," Fluttershy said in a soft, but sharp voice. "That's not very nice."
"Agreed," Rarity said as she pulled her dressing gown more closed at realising there was a man in the room.
"She's always been that way," Armor said smilling a little.
"Well, I better get going," Rainbow said stretching a little as she stood up. "My folks want me to help around the house today."
"I've got to work on my science project," Fluttershy said standing as well. "I can give you a lift home, Rainbow."
"Thanks," Rainbowdash said grabbing Fluttershy's backpack and flipping it onto her shoulder.
"Sweetie Belle!" Rarity called out. "Time to go!"
"OK!" Sweetie Belle called back from upstairs.
The three younger girls came down the stairs. Scootaloo frowned when she realized Rainbowdash wasn't around. Sweetie Belle asked Rarity if it was ok to take Scootaloo home and she agreed. The three girls hugged each other before Rarity lead Sweetie and Scootaloo outside. Applebloom yawned and ran her fingers through her hair as she walked to the kitchen.
"I gotta go too," Pinky Pie cried out jumping into the air.
"Where?" Sunset asked looking up at Pinky who had stopped in mid air for several seconds.
"Maud," she said simply before darting out the door.
"Good morning, Big Mac," Sunset said as the large form of Apple Jack's older brother appeared on the stairs.
"Ee'yup," he mumbled as he made his way to the kitchen.
Soon the delicious smells of cooking food came wafting into the living room. Sunset's stomach rumbled in appreciation, causing her to blush since Shining Armor was still in the room. Though he politely pretended not to notice.
"You staying for breakfast, Sunset?' AppleJack asked as she came back down the stairs.
"If that's alright with you," Sunset nodded.
"Of course, Sugarcube," AppleJack smiled. "Family is always welcome fer breakfast."
"I'm ready," Twilight said as she rushed down the stairs.
"Alright," Shining Armor said getting up from the couch.
"See you girls later," Twilight waved as she and her brother left.
-A couple of hours later-
"Are ya sure I can't give ya a lift home?" AppleJack asked for the fourth time as she zipped up her work coveralls.
"I'm sure, AppleJack," Sunset smiled as she rolled her eyes. "You've got a lot of work to do today. I'll take the bus."
"It's no trouble," AppleJack said as they made their way out to the yard.
"It's fine, AJ," Sunset said as she huggled the farm girl. "I'll see you later."
With that said Sunset made her way down the driver, and up the road the the nearest bus stop.
-in the city-
"Sorry folks," the bus driver said as he climbed back onto the bus. "That pot hole took out two of the tires. We're not going any where."
A mass of grumbling filled the air from the other passengers. Sunset sighed as she looked out the window. Well she wasn't too far from home now. She stood up as did a few others and made her way off the bus.
"I should be able to get home before it starts to rain," Sunset thought out loud as she looked up at the clouds starting to form.
"I just had to say something," Sunset frowned at the heavy down pour in front of her.
"Maybe I should have let AppleJack give me a lift after all," she muttered as she rung out her hair.
This wouldn't have been so bad if she had her hoodie or at least her jacket. Sighing she leaned against the doorframe of the building she had ducked into. She didn't even bother pulling out her phone knowing full well she had forgotten to charge it last night at AppleJack's.
The blare of a horn drew her gaze from the sky to the street. An old fashioned muscle car sat there pulled up to the curb in front of her. The horn sounded again. She shuddered when she realized the person in the car thought she was a stret walker. Upon the third honk she was pissed, and made a very rude hand gesture.
The lights turned off, followed by the engine. Crap she thought to herself. An obviously male person based on the size of him got out of the car. A worn brown leather jacket drapped over his head. He jogged up towards her, Sunset's whole body tensed ready to defend herself.
"Geeze," he said ducking under the over hang. "Making me run in this rain."
Lowering the jacket drew a gasp from Sunset's lips. The human counter part to her brother was standing before her.
"Shining light?" she asked not sure it was really him.
"Last time I checked," he mumbled as he ran a hand through his hair.
"What are you doing here?" she asked aprehensively.
"I saw you," he said not looking at her. "Thought you could use a lift in the rain."
"Oh," Sunset was surprised at this statement.
"And you made me get out of my nice warm dry car."
"How was I supposed to know it was you?" she responded defiantly. "I've never seen your car. For all I knew you were some weirdo trying to pick me up."
"Huh," he looked over at her. "Guess I didn't think of that....Sorry."
"It's fine," Sunset responded with a shy smile. "Thanks by the way."
"Yeah," he nodded before pulling off his jacket and handing it to her. "Alright. On three."
"Right," Sunset nodded as she held the jacket over her head.
"Three," the two shouted and ran for the car.
His longer strides allowed him to reach it first. He opened the door and she jumped in. She was barely inside before he closed it, and made his way to the other side.
Sunset looked around the car. It might have been old compared to her friend's cars, but it was well kept. The leather seats warm and soft. Light turned the engine over with a roar and started pulling out into traffic.
"Where were you headed in this mess?" Light asked as they stopped at a light not too far from where he picked her up.
"Home," she answered softly, not looking over at him.
"Right," he nodded not looking over at her either.
"Three blocks down, and four blocks over."
"Right," he nodded and drove onward after the light changed.
They rode on in silence, Sunset fidgeted every now and again. It was so strange being so close to him, though from how they both acted they could have been worlds apart. Sunset felt her face heat up when her stomach let out a low grumble. It hadn't been that long since breakfast had it?
"Hungry?" Light asked glancing over at her.
"A little," Sunset admited her face still red.
"Any place good around here?"
"Oh," she stammered after she processed what he said. "I'll just make a sandwich or something when I get home."
"Don't worry about it," he said spying an Italian place. "How's that Marcedio?"
"It's good," she answered.
"Alright," he said pulling into a parking lot down the street.
"Sunset Shimmer!" a loud big bellied man with a bushy moustache bellowed when she walked in a few minutes later.
"Hello, Mr. Philio," Sunset smiled sheepishly her face turning a bright red as she rubbed her arm.
"Is that little Shimmer I hear?" called a voice from further back in the store.
"Yes, Mama!" Mr. Philio called back. "And she has brought a friend."
"Oh, my," the woman who had been called Mama came walking up. "Who is this young man?"
"Oh, this is," Sunset turned towards Shining Light, unsure as how to introduce him.
"Shining Light," he answered extending his hand. "Her...brother."
They were only there for a moment, but Light saw them. The looks of confusion, and mistrust. From the way they greeted Sunset it was obviously clear that they knew her. Philio stepped forward and wrapped him in a rib cracking hug.
"Any family of our Sunset is our family, and we don't shake hands with family. We hug!"
"I can see that," Light chuckled softly as he rubbed his ribs.
"Come, come," Mama said ushering them to a table. "You two must be hungry."
"Just a little," Sunset admitted.
They spent over two hours at the restaurant. The Philio family regaled them with stories and jokes. The food which there was enough to feed an army by the way was beyond good. However, Light would catch the curious or cold looks from these people. He knew they didn't trust him.
After being loaded down with leftovers, and more hugs they made their way out. Sunset turned up the street.
"It's not far. We can walk the rest of the way."
"Alright," Light said and followed after her.
"They're nice people," Light said as he moved to walk beside her.
"They are," Sunset nodded. "They've always been nice to me. Ever since I first came to this world."
After several silent minutes of walking they arrived at an old apartment building. It had seen better years.
'She doesn't belong here,' Light thought to himself as he looked the building over while Sunset fished around her bag for her keys. 'She deserves better than this.'
"Well," she smiled at him as she unlocked the door to the building. "I'll see you later."
"Yeah," Light nodded handing her the bag he was carrying.
"Light," she said softly as he was turning away.
"Yeah?" he asked turning back to her.
"Thank you," she said softly her face a bright red.
"No problem, Sunset," Light said with a soft smile.
Light made his way back to the parking lot where he left his car. The weather had cleared awhile ago. Just as he was about to turn into the parking lot he caught sight of someone down the street. It was Mr. Philio sweeping the sidewalk in front of his restuarant. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and he nodded his head towards the interior then walked inside. Light took a moment to ponder this action. Finally he decided it would be better to see what the older man wanted.
"Sit," Mr. Philio said in a stern voice that matched his expression as Light walked up to him. "Who are you?"
"I'm Shining Light," he answered blinking at the older man.
"I've known young Sunset for many years now," he said leaning back a little and folding his arms. "She has never spoken of a brother."
"Yeah," Light nodded in agreement and looked down at the floor. "I'm not her brother......At least I'm not the brother she deserves."
"Hmmmm," Mr. Philio watched him intently as he leaned forward. "What do you mean boy?"
"I haven't been in her life for several years now," Light said looking up. "I've not been the best person for a long time. I've done a lot of stuff I'm not proud of. Shim shim deserves a better brother than I could ever be."
"Shim shim?" Mr. Philio asked uncrossing his arms.
"Yeah," Light said taking a shaky breath and running his fingers through his hair. "It's what I called her when she was younger."
"Well, listen," the older man said standing up. "Sunset set has come a long way in this last year."
"Huh?'
"When Sunset first came to us," Philio said tapping his chin softly as he reflected. "She was in a very bad place. To be honest she even stole from us."
"What?!"
"Yes," Philio nodded. "Over the years she has been scared, confused, angry, dare I even say mean."
Light listened quietly. Philio explained how the first time they had met Sunset. She appeared near closing one night. She was very timid, and walked as if she hadn't eaten in days. She also didn't seem to know how to do the most basic of things. Philio admited that he thought she was on drugs. Mama took pity on the poor girl and fed her without charging her for the meal.
He goes on to tell him how she changed over time. Becoming a very mean, and rude girl to becoming how she is now.
"I'm quite glad she has made those friends of hers," Philio said with a smile. "They have been such a good influence on her."
"Yeah?" Light asked softly.
"Mmhmm," Philio's expression became stern once more. "I'd hate to think that something or someone might come into her life and change who she's become."
"I agree," Light nodded taking in a deep breath. "I shouldn't be a part of her life."
"I wouldn't be so sure," Philio said his face softening. "By what you're showing me now, I think you're better than you think you are."
"Huh?" Light asked blinking at Philio.
"As bad a man that you think you are or were," Philio said with a smile. "I don't think you were all that bad. If you were you wouldn't be acting the way you are now?"
"Yeah?" Light smiled a little before standing up and extending his hand. "Thanks for the talk."
Philio stood up as well and shook the younger man's hand firmly and gave him a stern look. "As long as you try to be the man you think you should be for her, then you'll be better every day than you were the last."
"I'll try," Light nodded.
"That's all we can do," Philio nodded and released Light's hand.
Shining Light made his way back to his car. He stopped, and looked up at the sky. There were a few storm clouds still in the sky. He sighed and got in bringing the engine to life with a roar.
"Something needs to be done," he thought out loud.
Shining Light let out a growl of frustration before kicking the bed covers off. He'd been trying, but failing to sleep. His mind continued to drift back to earlier that day. Hearing about Sunset's past, and seeing where she was now living.
He got out of bed, and walked over to the only window in his small bedroom. He looked up at the large full moon still in the sky. Glancing down at the digital on his night stand told him it was only three in the morning. He growled again before grabbing a pair of sweat pants and pulling them on. He pulled on a shirt then his shoes.
Leaving the bedroom he crossed in the living room in a few strides, grabbing a flame patterned sweatshirt from the tiny coat closet. He left the apartment locking it behind him. He didn't bother going to his car. his destination wasn't that far. He soon found himself standing at one of the entrances of Canterlot City Park. It wasn't exactly against the law to be there at night, but it wasn't the safest place to be either.
"Alright then," he stretched his legs a little before flipping the hood of his sweatshirt over his head, and took off running down the trail.
It had been a long time since he had just gone for a simple run. He pushed himself as hard as he could. True it was dangerous to do that at night when the path was only lit by tiny lights instead of during the day. He didn't care though, the rush helped to clear his mind. He'd run this trail many times before so he didn't exactly need the light to know where he was going. Though if it had been during the day he might have seen her sooner.
It was a blind curve. She was there before him, but he was going too fast. He couldn't stop himself in time. He tried to side step her. His step was too wide and he knew it.
"AH!" the voice was female.
"Oh, shit," Light said as his foot slipped on the loose gravel of the path.
"Watch out!" the woman cried out.
"ARGH!" his momentum carried him off the path and down the slope of the hill.
Light didn't remember the whole fall, but he did know when his shoulder became dislocated. When he finally stopped falling he lay there on the ground for a moment trying to regain his lost breath.
"Can you hear me?" the woman called down to him. "Are you hurt?"
"Yeah," he groaned as he started to sit up.
"Then don't move," she said as she started to pick her way down the slope. "I'll call for an ambulance."
"Nah," he called back doing his best to use a tree to support his upward movement without the use of his injured arm. "I've survived worse."
"I highly doubt that," the woman said as she approached him looking at his limp arm. "Your arm looks broken."
"It's ok, I'm gooARGH!" the last word was cut off as he slammed his shoulder into the tree popping it back into place.
"Good heavens," she said as she watched him, jumping slightly. "You must be crazy."
"A little, yeah," he nodded as he slowly moved his arm to test it.
"Well as long as you know," she chuckled softly.
"Are you certain you are ok?" she asked as the clouds moved past the moon giving them more light to see by.
"Yeah," he raised his hand to his head to wipe some sweat from his face only to realize it was blood.
"I have a first aid kit in my car," she said in a stern voice. "You may not want an ambulance, but you WILL let me clean you up."
"Yes, ma'am," he chuckled.
She helped him back up the slope doing her best not to touch the arm he'd injured. They made their way in the direction she had come from walking in silence. Every so often Light would look over at her, but the hood of her sweatshirt was up the same as his. Once they reached the parkinglot he pretty sure he knew which was her car. It was after all the only one there.
She had parked under one of the actual lights so it was easy to see everything. She opened the trunk and rumaged around before finding the first aid kit.
"Now let's have a look at you," she said as she turned to face him.
"Yeah," Light said as he pulled back his hood and looked down at her.
Now that they were no longer moving, and just standing Shining Light realized that they weren't that much different in height. She looked up at him and frowned. She popped open the kit and pulled out a few alcohol pads.
"Ok this is going to sting," she said softly as she motioned for him to sit on the back of the car.
"I just fell down a hill and dislocated my shoulder, and popped it back into place," he said giving her a raised eyebrow. "I think I can handle a little alcohol."
"That's what they all say," she said before giggling softly when he hissed in pain as she dabbed at the cut near his temple. "I thought you could take it."
"Haha," he said dryly. "Very funny."
"There," she placed a bandage over the cut. "That should do it."
"Thanks," he said reaching up and lightly touch the bandage.
"So," she said as she put the kit away, and closed the trunk. "What's your name?"
"Shining Light," he answered looking at her. "What's yours?"
"Luna," she said as she pulled her sweatshirt off and her long mane of blue hair fell around her.
Shining Light was speechless for a moment. He'd seen beautiful women before, but something about her was different. The way the light framed her face, it gave her a regal look as she looked at him.
"What?" Luna asked shifting her weight and placing a hand on her hip.
"Sorry," Light said shaking his head. "Just.... Sorry."
Luna frowned slightly as she looked at him. Now that she wasn't focused on the cut he had a familiar look. Though she was certain she'd never met him before. Looking at his sweatshirt she noticed it was torn in several places from his fall. Her frown deepened as she thought that it was her fault he fell.
"Thanks," he said before giving her a wave and turning to leave.
"Just a moment, Shining Light," she said taking a step towards him.
"Yeah?" he asked turning back to her.
"I'm sorry," she said softly.
"For what?" he asked giving her a genuinely confused look. "You just helped me out."
"No for making you fall," she shook her head. "I should have paid attention while I was walking."
"By that train of thought," he said with a smile. "It's just as much my own fault. At least you were walking. I was running."
"True," she giggled a little, he had an adorable smile. "I still feel bad though. You got hurt, and I didn't even get a scratch."
"Don't feel bad," he chuckled stepping a little closer. "I get hurt a lot."
"You sound proud of that," she said leaning against her car.
"I'm still here."
"Fair point."
They stood there in silence for a moment.
"Hey, Luna," he said softly as a light blush krept on his cheeks. "I know this is going to sound strange, but would you like to grab coffee some time?"
"No," she answered a little too quickly a blush on her own cheeks.
"Right," he gave her a sheepish grin. "Just a thought."
"What I mean is," the words flew from her lips. "I don't drink coffee....How about lunch instead?"
"Sure," Light beamed at her. "When?"
"How about this afternoon?"
"Sure," he nodded. "I'll meet you...."
"You can meet me here," Luna said after walking to the front of the car and pulling out pen and paper ,and writing an address on it.
"Alright," he took the paper still smiling. "What time?"
"12:30," she said simply and walked to the other side of the car Light couldn't help watch her walk the gentle swaying of her hips was hypnotic to say the least.
"See you then."
-Luna's office later in the morning-
Luna looked over at the phone on her desk as the message alert went off. She smiled at the name of the contact.
Hey, Lulu.
Hey, Candygirl,
What are you doing today?
Ummm, working.
Well listen. I was hoping you could come out with me and Shining Armor later.
Why does this sound like another one of your schemes to set me up with someone?
Why do you always think that?
"Gee, I wonder why?" Luna chuckled to herself.
Any way I've got to finish these reports before lunch.
Why?
I'm meeting someone for lunch.
Luna jumped slightly when her office phone rang. Reaching over she picked it up.
"Canterlot High school," Luna started but was cut off.
"WHO IS HE? WHERE DID YOU MEET? HOW DID YOU MEET?"
"Are you serious, Cadance?" Luna laughed as she leaned back in her chair.
"Tell me everything," Cadance squealed over the phone. "Start at the beginning."
"Well," Luna smiled as she looked up at the ceiling. "I guess you could say he fell for me, hard."
Light was lost in thought as he walked down the street to his apartment. So lost in fact, that he didn't notice the person standing in the shadows of the alley as he passed. What caught his attention was the sound of a coin being flipped. He stopped his shoulders tightening slightly.
"What are you doing here, Capper?" Light asked as he slowly turned to the sound.
"Hello, to you too, old friend," the thin man said as he stepped out of the alley, and onto the sidewalk.
"What do you want?" Light asked his fists clenching.
"Can't a guy come by to see an old friend?" Capper smiled, holding his arms wide as if asking for a hug.
"Last time you came to see me I ended up in a world of trouble," Light said with a smirk before extending his hand.
"What can I say?" Capper chuckled as he shook the larger man's hand.
"How about sorry?"
"Didn't I already say that though?"
"No I don't think you did."
"Well," Capper shrugged as he leaned against the wall of the building. "I am sorry."
"Apology accepted," Light said placing his hands on his hips. "So why are you here? A little early for a social visit isn't it?"
"Actually," Capper began flipping his coin again. "I've come with a warning. King blames you for that little snafu at Eisberg."
"Hey," Light took a step towards Capper his blood starting to boil. "I did my job! I got them the means of getting in. HIS guys are the ones that fucked up and got caught!"
"Easy, easy," Capper said holding his hands up defensively. "I'm on your side here. I'm just telling you what I know. You should watch your back. I'm positive that King is going to send someone after you."
"And I'll send'm right back to that asshole," Light growled as he turned away from Capper. "I told King I was done after that job."
"Look, Light," Capper said moving around to get in front of Light. "You and I both know that King was trying to make a power play with this move. Now he needs a scapegoat. I'm afraid he's gonna come after you hard man."
Light looked Capper in the eyes for a minute before grunting. He pushed past the smaller man, and took a few steps before turning his head slightly. "Thanks for the warning, Capper. I'll see you around."
Capper sighed as he watched the man go. After a few minutes he pulled out his phone and placed a call. As soon as the other line picked up he spoke only four words before hanging up.
"My place, twenty minutes."
-Light's apartment almost noon-
"Ok," muttered to himself as he patted his pockets. "Got my keys, wallet, phone. Yeah that's it."
Heading out the door he locked it behind him. Making his way down the stairs he found Mrs. Greenleaf the land lady. She was an older lady somewhere in her late sixties. He'd been staying in her building for almost six years now. She'd always acted like a grandmother around him. She was nice enough to let him do work around the building whenever he was going to be short on rent. Today she was trying to lift a rather large package from the floor.
"Let me get that for you, Mrs. Greenleaf," Light said as he continued down the stairs.
"Oh thank you, deary," she said with a smile as she stood back up. "Now be careful. It's heavier than it looks."
"Yes, Ma'am," Light said as he knelt down and picked up the large box.
"Just bring it in the office."
It was quite well known by the tenants that Mrs. Greenleaf was an excellent baker. One could always expect to smell fresh baked cookies whenever entering her office. Sure enough when Light passed through the door he was greeted with the smell of chocolate chip cookies. Setting the box down where he was told to, Light turned around to find Mrs. Greenleaf standing there holding up a plate of cookies.
"Thanks, Mrs. Greenleaf, but I can't," Light said as he tried to push the plate back. "I've got to get going."
"Oh?" she asked with a slight frown.
"Yes, Ma'am," Light nodded. "I'm meeting someone for lunch."
At that statement Mrs. Greenleaf's face lit up with a smile.
-Canterlot High-
"Woah," Rainbowdash cried in awe. "Look at that bike!"
All of the girls who were sitting around the base of the new Wonder Colt statue for lunch turned in the direction Rainbowdash was pointing. They caught just the barest of glimpses as the bike accelerated down the street. As the rest returned to their conversations, the attention of one was caught by something else.
"Hey, Susnet," Twilight said, adjusting her glasses as she squinted, while looking down the stone path at a figure walking towards the school. "Isn't that your brother?"
"What?" Sunset started to stand so that she could look passed her friend. "It is!"
Sunset waved to Shining Light as he approached. A slight blush crossed her cheeks. What was he doing here? And why was she so flustered all of a sudden.
"Shining Light, what are you doing here?" Sunset asked as her brother reached them.
"Wait, both your brothers are named Shining?" snickered, pointing to twilight before gasping in pain when Apple Jack elbowed her in the ribs.
"Well," Light chuckled softly as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I was supposed to meet someone here for lunch. I'm a bit surprised that the address she gave me was to a school."
"Wait," Sunset's eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "A girl told you to meet here at a school for lunch?"
"Wait, what?!" Light's eyebrows shot up in stunned realization at Sunset's words. "Wait a second, no way. She couldn't have been a high school student!"
"I'm hurt," came a voice from behind the girls. "I think I look rather young for my age."
All the girls turned to find Vice-Principal Luna standing there with a smile. They slowly turned back to Shining Light who had a look of relief plastered across his face.
"Well girls," Luna said as she walked around them to take Light's arm. "Don't be late for class."
The seven girls remained in silent shock. The first to stir was Rainbowdash who started shaking with laughter.
"Dude!," she cackled, pointing at a slack jawed Sunset. "Your brother is dating the Vice-Principal!"
"I think I need an explanation, " Luna said as she looked over her shoulder at the sudden out burst from behind them.
"Yeeeeeah," Light drew out the word as he tried to figure out just what to say. "I think my sister, and her friends are a bit shocked by us."
"Wait," Luna stopped completely and looked back at the group of teens. "Sister?"
Luna concentrated on the girls for a long moment before seeing it. The resemblance was there. How could she not have noticed it before now.
"Sunset?" She asked softly turning back to him.
"Yep," Light nodded.
"But......" she trailed off as her brain tried to wrap around this new information.
"It's kind of complicated."
"Yeah," Luna nodded slowly as she slid into the passenger seat while Light held the door for her. "I don't doubt it."
"So where would you like to eat?"
'Sunset's brother?' Luna thought to herself completely ignoring Light's question.
"Luna?" Light asked looking down at her.
"Oh," Luna blushed as she shook her head clear of thoughts. "Sorry, what?"
"Where would you like to go?"
"There's a nice little sandwich shop no too far away," Luna said pointing down the street.
Light nodded, closing the door. Making his way around the car and climbing in. As he did so Luna glanced over with a thought running through her head.
'If he is Sunset's brother, does that mean he's from the other place?' before she realized it her eyes were looking into his lap. 'Oh goodness, what am I doing?'
Luna felt her face burning as she pulled her gaze away to look at the road. She directed him to the shop, and they reached it within a few minutes. As they got out of the car Luna could smell the scent of fresh baked bread on the air. She smiled turning to Light.
"Looks like we'll be in for a treat."
The two walked in the small shop. The scent of bread was stronger inside. Luna smiled and waved at the young woman behind the counter.
"Good afternoon, Rosemary," Luna called out happily.
"Luna!" Rosemary exclaimed, her blonde curls bouncing as she looked up from slicing bread. "Welcome, grab a seat, I'll be with you in just a moment."
Luna walked over to a table in front of the big bay window that let them look out onto the street. She smiled when Light pulled out the chair for her.
"Oh a gentleman," Luna giggled softly as she sat down.
Light gave her a playful grin as he sat down just as Rosemary walked up to them a broad smile on her lips.
"Luna," she cooed leaning down for a quick hug. "It's so good to see you. It's been ages."
"It's only been a week, Rosemary," Luna laughed hugging the blonde back.
"And who is this?" Rosemary asked as she turned to face the man that had come in with Luna.
"Rosemary, this is Shining Light," Luna said with a small smile and slightly colored cheeks. "He's my date."
"Oooooh," Rosemary's smile grew even brighter at those words.
"We'll have two specials," Luna said before Rosemary could start gushing.
"Of course," the blonde nodded, and left to go back behind the counter a new bounce to her step.
"Trust me," Luna said to the slight raise of Light's eyebrow to her ordering for him.
The two sat in amicable for a few minutes as they waited for their food.
"Sooo," Luna turned away from the window to look at Light. "You're a teacher?"
"Yes, well no, Vice Principal actually," Luna smiled. "It's been a few years since I did any actual teaching."
"You must be well liked by your students," Light chuckled. "If the interaction between you and the girls is any indication."
"Speaking of the girls," Luna said with a slight frown. "About Sunset....."
"Yeah?" Light couldn't hide the nervousness in his voice at this topic.
"I didn't know she had any family," Luna said softly looking down at the table. "She has never spoken of you before."
"I don't doubt it," Light said looking down as well. "I have not been the best brother. I've been out of her life for a long time."
"Here we are!" Rosemary's exuberant voice brought them out of their little pity party. "Two Rosemary Deluxe Specials!"
"This smells wonderful," Light said as he took in the smells of the soup and sandwich placed before him.
Luna smiled as she took a bite of her sandwich. A very un lady like moan escaped her lips as she chewed. Her cheeks darkened as she heard the deep chuckle coming from across the table.
"What?" Luna grumbled. "I told you it was good."
"So," Luna began as she moved from her sandwich to the soup. "You know what I do for work. What is it you do?"
"Well," Light scratched the back of his neck after setting down his sandwich. "I just left my job last week. It's just not what I wanted to do anymore."
"Oh," Luna blinked in surprise.
"Yeah, I ran into an old friend of mine," Light said as he tried the soup and let out his own improper moan. "We had a long talk, and he actually wants me to come work with him. Keeps dropping hints every where."
"I know the feeling," Luna giggled as she thought of her friend Cadance always trying to set her up with some guy.
"I don't know where I want to go from here, but I do know I don't want to continue on the path I was on," he said as he looked up at the ceiling for a moment before looking back down at her. "Especially now."
Luna felt her cheeks darken yet again as he spoke. Her heart pounded against her ribs. "Oh."
They continued to eat, and talk about little things. Finding things in common and laughing at little stories. Suddenly Luna's eyes caught sight of the clock on the back wall.
"Oh, goodness!" Luna practically jumped out of her seat.
"What?!" Light looked around in shock.
"I'm late!" Luna cried as she ran to the register. "Rosemary, I need!"
"A triple cream strawberry dream cake?" Rosemary giggled holding up a small cake box.
"You're a life saver," Luna sighed as Light paid for the food.
"We have to get back fast." Luna said as she buckled her seatbelt.
"Oh we can do fast," Light grinned as the engine roared to life. "Hold on, Gorgeous."