PROLOGUE

Twilight Sparkle pressed her back against the doorway frame, her teeth clenched tight. Her hoof hovered over the lockdown switch, trembling with fear. She raised the tracker, watching the small, ominous dot move just beyond her door. Each footstep echoed in the darkness, slow and deliberate, as if the creature were toying with her, waiting for the right moment.

Was this it?

Her hoof quivered as she hesitated, the beeping growing more insistent, more relentless with every passing second. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her face as she touched her ear, forcing the words out, barely a whisper.

“This is Twilight Sparkle... come in, anypony? I repeat, this is Twilight—”

Her voice broke as her gaze shifted. Slowly, instinctively, she raised her revolver, holding it close to her face. Thick, viscous saliva dripped onto her shoulder as she stared into the gleaming, razor-sharp teeth of the creature. Its lips quivered, a low growl rumbling from its throat.

Twilight’s breath caught, her body trembling as panic seized her. Her wings twitched, desperate to take flight, but there was no escape. This was it. She was going to die here.

Slowly, she closed her eyes, tears still falling, and pointed the gun at the beast. The papers on the floor rustled as its tail slithered beneath her, coiling around her leg and sliding upward, squeezing tighter. The creature’s maw opened wider, its saliva dripping faster now, its intentions clear.

The hammer of the revolver clicked back.

She was ready.

**Chapter One**

"Twilight signing in."

The computer terminal flickered to life, casting a soft glow over Twilight Sparkle's face. She smiled into the camera, her voice warm but laced with nervous energy.

"Hi, Mom! I just arrived at Valuntas Station. Wanted to send a quick message before I start settling in. The arrival went smoothly, docked in one piece, though I still have space sickness. Like I said in my last message..."

She blinked slowly, placing a hoof over her stomach, her violet eyes reflecting the light from the terminal screen.

“I’m sure I’ll get used to it soon.”

Behind her, ponies moved through the hallway, busy with their tasks. Leaning closer to the camera, Twilight kissed the screen gently.

“See you soon. I have to go now,” she said softly, smiling as the screen flicked off, ending the recording.

Twilight hoisted her bag onto her back and took a deep breath, her hooves making soft clicks on the metallic floor as she exited the room.

“Hello, Valuntas... I’m ready to see you again.” Her voice faltered. Her heart pounded, the familiar worry creeping up her spine. This was her first time visiting Sunset Shimmer’s workplace, and the vastness of space always made her uneasy. Her ears pinned back as she walked, the weight of the station pressing down on her.

At the end of the hall, Sunset stood waiting, her familiar warm smile cutting through the sterile atmosphere.

"Twilight! You made it!” Sunset’s grin lit up her face as she waved her over. “How are you feeling? Space sickness still giving you trouble?”

Twilight rushed forward, pulling Sunset into a tight hug. Sunset chuckled, returning the embrace.

“Well, you seem okay. At least you’re hugging me without throwing up.” Sunset’s teasing made Twilight blush.

“Don’t jinx it,” Twilight replied, giving Sunset a playful poke in the chest. “And hey, thanks for ditching the uniform. It’s nice to see you out of that for once.”

The two walked side by side down the corridor, their steps in sync.

“So, how are the bunks here? I heard they’re way better than Fortwaid Station. I stayed there for one night—never again.”

“Fortwaid’s a dump compared to Valuntas,” Sunset laughed, then suddenly stopped, holding out a hoof to halt Twilight. “You’ll be bunking with me tonight. This is where I’ve been living for the past twelve years. Make yourself at home.”

Sunset pushed open the door, flicking on the lights. The window shutters slid open, revealing a breathtaking view of Equestria far below. Twilight’s eyes widened as she dropped her bag in the corner. Sunset plopped onto the couch, turning on the TV with a flick of her horn.

“No rules here, Twi. My stuff is your stuff,” Sunset grinned over her shoulder.

Twilight sat beside her, unfurling her wings as she leaned back.

“Thanks, Sunset. I don’t want to intrude, but... I was nervous coming here. Space is just so... unforgiving.” Her voice trailed off as she glanced at the TV, trying to distract herself from the gnawing fear of the endless void outside.

As Twilight settled in, Sunset quietly slipped away into the kitchen. She poured herself a drink, swirling the liquid in the glass before downing it in one go. Her shoulders sagged as she poured another, repeating the motion before returning to the couch.

“Tomorrow’s a new day,” Sunset said, grinning again. “Sucks that you arrived so late, but better late than never, right? How about a tour of the station tomorrow?”

Twilight’s ears pinned back, a flicker of disappointment crossing her face. She had hoped for something more personal.

“What?” Sunset’s smile faded as she scooted closer.

“I just... I was hoping we could do something else. The tour is fine, but... last time...”

Twilight looked away, the memory of their last visit stirring unpleasant feelings.

“That was my fault,” Sunset admitted softly, placing a comforting hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “This time will be different. I won’t leave you alone again, I promise.”

Twilight’s heart ached as she nodded, letting Sunset’s words soothe her.

“Okay... I’ll hold you to that. I want this to be about us, not your job.”

“I promise,” Sunset whispered, hugging her tightly. “Tomorrow will be fun, I swear.”

Twilight smiled, resting her head against Sunset’s shoulder, hoping with all her heart that this time, things really would be different.

Author's Note

Best visit yet!! Twilight is right in a way with that statement. Thanks for reading the first chapter, this chapter was made to follow up with the two main characters past .

Shortest for a reason, for what is too come, needs long chapters.