Sunset Shimmer: Student of Magick

Sunset Shimmer was enjoying a picnic in a grassy field that was surrounded by cattails flowing in the wind. Her only companions were well-known to her: Her pony self and her demonic self. They enjoyed their respective meals, the human with sandwiches of deli meats and cheeses, the pony with sandwiches of flowers and hay, and the demon with sandwiches that cried in pain with each bite taken and dripped blood onto the blanket.

Human Sunset was refilling cups with a thermos of steaming chamomile tea, the scent reminding her of her first mentor. They took identical sips as the companions eyed one another over their tea cups. It was not wariness; they did not normally see one another. The experience was a special occasion for all involved.

At some point, she became aware of another human joining them. She was physically identical to Sunset, though her skin and hair glowed with inner light. As Sunset was the human, the other one was Sparky. She ate the same food that Sunset did, though she rubbed some jelly-like substance that had tiny glowing crystals within it onto her food.

Pony Sunset lay on her barrel, legs splayed at she levitated food and drink to her mouth. She wore a half-smile, content for the food and the company. Her tail would occasionally swish in pleasure. Both ears were relaxed, neither perked nor flattened. She did not wish to be bothered with conversation.

Demon Sunset sat with her legs neatly folded in front of her as Rarity and Fluttershy would on the group's rare outdoor gatherings. She extended one pinkie as she lifted her cup to her lips, holding another sandwich of pain in the other. She was silent, not even a sip audible as she drank.

Sparky, knees drawn to her chest, licked the jelly from her fingers before immediately proceeding to add more to another sandwich and then taking a bite. When she finished that sandwich, she mixed a bit of the jelly into her tea and drank deeply. It must have been delicious, but it was a little too odd for the others to sample it. The jelly belonged to Sparky for a reason, after all.

Human Sunset was cross-legged, elbows resting on her knees. She had eaten and drunk her fill for the moment and was happy only to watch the others enjoy their lunch.

The sun was comfortable; it seemed more like the Equestrian sun: Closer to the planet and much more gentle. The mild breeze cooled the small party without chilling them. They had been there for some time, yet the day had not progressed. They were not in a hurry to leave the serenity of the glade.

Eventually, it was time to start the picnic again. This time, both humans were present at the beginning. They distributed the meals and the tea to their companions. Not one word passed as they repeated the process numerous times. Human Sunset would serve the tea from a thermos and their plates would be replenished while she was not looking.

It was a day that should have lasted forever. None of the Sunsets had any intention of disrupting their dalliance; the day, the food and drink, and the company were too perfect to end.

Noise began to creep into the expansive glen. It was initially nothing more than a bit of a whiny static that began to resolve into a voice calling Sunset's name. A girl she felt she should recognise but did not was running toward them, trampling the corn rows in their precise lines of elevated soil. The girl's movement caused the breeze to cool, gradually becoming uncomfortable.

When the girl reached them, she dropped to knees beside the blanket as she gasped for breath. Her white skin glistened with sweat, her naturally curly pink and purple hair tangled and snarled from her exercise. Sunset offered her a teacup, which the girl slapped from her hand.

The girl seemed unable to speak. Her eyes were wide, darting amongst the picnickers. She seized the thermos, throwing it into the trees, where it shattered and its contents soaked into the earth. The picnic basket received the same treatment, followed by the plates of food.

None of the attendees made an effort to stop the girl's actions. It would have required exertion and thought, something none of them wanted to provide except in regards to their lunch. The girl would leave in time. They would be able to continue their repast soon.

The sun had passed its peak; despite their wish to the contrary, the picnic drew to a close. With a sad look at her companions, pony Sunset left first, trotting along the beach until she vanished from sight. Demon Sunset faded after nodding to her remaining compatriots.

Sparky and Sunset looked at each other. They were uncertain which of them should leave first. Sparky may have arrived later, but she was the most beautiful attendee. Sunset had been there longer, but she was the most experienced feaster. Whichever remained would be responsible for the blanket. Neither desired to be in charge, but could not bring herself to leave the task to the other.

The girl was still with them, watching as they gazed into each other's eyes. Finally, Sunset decided to leave. Sparky was the superior, so the blanket was to be her duty.

Rather than stand, Sunset leaned into Sparky, feeling their selves merge as she became Sparky and Sunset. The jelly had been delicious; Sunset regretted not having tried it until Sparky's memory shared the experience with her.

As the sun dipped to the horizon, Sparky stood and collected the blanket. When she had folded and then burned it, she offered her hand to the girl, who accepted the help to stand. The two grasped hands as they trekked the rocky barrens.