My Little Mages: Omitted Tie

Chapters

Gone, Gone, Gone
A Clue from Home
Trixie Noir
More To Things

Gone, Gone, Gone

Sunset and Sci-Twi were in the library of Midnight Castle. They sat opposite each other and they each were reading a book, “Isn’t book night great?” Sci-Twi asked as looked from her book. Sunset lowered her book and gave a clearly forced smile. Sci-Twi laughed sheepishly, “Sorry. I know books are more my thing.” she sighed as she put her book down.

Sunset also put her book down and reached to place her hand on Sci-Twi, “Bae, it’s okay.” she tried to reassure her girlfriend. “We don’t like all the same things, and this was not a bad idea, just one that won’t work.” The two shared a smile. Sunset then got up and walked around the table to be next to Twilight. She cupped Sci-Twi’s chin and pulled her into a kiss on her lips. “I’m going to bed,” Sunset then started to leave. “I hope you enjoy that book,” she said with a sultry tone as she brushed the book with her hand alluringly.

Sci-Twi gave an annoyed laugh, “Ha, ha. I’m not some kind of bibliophile!” she then puffed out her checks in a pout.

Sunset gave Sci-Twi another kiss, “Do you know how cute you are when you try to be all pouty?” she asked rhetorically as she placed her forehead on Sci-Twi's.

Sci-Twi continued her attempt to pout, but it was fruitless. She then kissed Sunset, “I guess it's good night then.” she asked Sunset nodded. The two then shared a hug and Sunset got up.

As Sunset turned to leave Sci-Twi, she bumped into someone, “Oh sorry, I guess I didn’t see you there.” she apologized to the person she bumped into, a woman about her age, dressed in a brown sweater and denim pants. She had green unruly hair and light brown eyes.

“I’ve been trying to get your two’s attention halfway through the first kiss.” the woman said blankly. The couple looked at each other and blushed fully embarrassed.

“Sorry, I’m Sun…” Sunset started.

“Sunset Shimmer.” The woman then turned to Sci-Twi, “And you’re Twilight Sparkle, better known as Sci-Twi because there is another person with the same name.” She then raised her right hand showing the palm, “And before you ask, I’m Wallflower Blush,” Wallflower turned her focus back to Sunset, “We met when arrived and made your deal with the late Baroness Cinch. And we bumped into each other when you went to catch the Daring Do premiere like last week.”

Sunset looked around nervously for a second, “And it’s good to see how you are doing.” she forced herself to say.

Wallflower just looked at her blankly for a second, “And we’re to work together for Baroness Flare’s upcoming naming day celebration.” she pointed out. Sunset could only laugh in a weak apologetic way. Wallflower sighed and handed to Sunset a piece of paper, “And here is the itinerary for the day, it’s not finalized yet.”

Just then another young woman entered the library, “Excuse me, The Great and Powerful Trixie demands to speak to the head of ceremonies!”

Sunset groaned, “That’s not my title nor is that what the position is called.” she said as she tried to maintain some composer. “What do you want, and aren’t you suppose to be back in Mystica?” she asked after a second of thought.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie is a traveling show-woman able to travel the globe as she sees fit!” Trixie started. “Also Starlight got all huffy about me teleporting the Aura Map without actually knowing where I was sending it when she wanted me to teleport an apple, and she said that I didn’t take the whole matter all that seriously.” she almost sheepishly confessed. Everyone groaned. “But that is beside the point.” She then took the itinerary from Sunset, “Why wasn’t my act selected as the main event? Not even selected for the warm-up. In fact, it’s not even listed!”

Sunset closed her eyes and seized the bridge of her nose, “How should I put this?” she asked rhetorically. “Your act didn’t make it because it’s not a major act,” she informed Trixie.

“Hmm, and neither has your ‘Fire Dance’, but that didn’t stop you from performing it.” Trixie pointed out as she showed the itinerary of a previous naming name celebration with the penciled-in ‘Sunset Shimmer: Fire Dance.’

Sunset looked down and groaned, “But that’s not Sunset anymore.” Sci-Twi spoke up in her girlfriends’ defense, “She’s earned to be remembered differently.”

Sunset smiled and hugged Sci-Twi, “Thanks, bae.” Sunset said in gratitude. She turned back to Trixie, “Look, Trixie, we're not having a showing of the ‘Grrreat and Powerrrful Trrrixie: Cross The Mirror Tour’,” Sunset finished. “I’m sorry.”

Trixie scowled in response, “Oh, you're the one who'll be sorry, Sunset Shimmer! When you least expect it, I'll have my revenge, and then I'll disappear!” Trixie then pulled a smoke bomb from a pocket in her cloak and threw it to the ground filling the area with smoke with a poof which caused the three others to cough in response.

Once the smoke cleared, “Alright, well Babe, I am goin’ to bed.” Sunset said kissed Sci-Twi good night.

“About the…” Wallflower started.

“Good night, I am gonna read some more, but I should first but these books where the librarian can put them back.” Sci-Twi cut her off and Sunset and Sci-Twi left Wallflower all alone.

“itinerary?” Wallflower finished with a sigh of exhaustion.

Later that night, as Sunset slept, a strange mist-like substance traveled throughout the castle and the whole of the domain of Midnight Castle. As the substance traveled, it weaved its way into and out of the ears of everyone that lived there and then weaved out with copies of Sunset’s Aura Mark in the mist.

The next morning, as a crow of a rooster woke her, Sunset found that she was alone, “Oh bae, another all-nighter in the library.” she muttered as she reluctantly got out of bed. She stretched her arms and back, “or maybe she's tinkering with her automaton project.” she added after some thoughts, “whatever, that girl really needs to get some real sleep.”

After getting dressed for the day, Sunset exited her bedchamber and started to feast hall to get some breakfast. As she traversed the castle, Sunset was greeted by faint cries of horror as some ran from her and nervous worried smiles and glances that revealed the people were uncomfortable around her. Some nervously walked away from her. This left Sunset utterly befuddled. And more concerningly, this reaction to her plagued her as she ate and while she looked for Sci-Twi. It took about two hours, but she found her girlfriend in the library's automaton section, “Hey Bae.” Sci-Twi squeaked and tried to run away, “Hey, what is going on?” Sunset asked as she grabbed Sci-Twi’s arm stopping her.

“Please don’t hurt me.” the girl whimpered as she closed her eyes and started to cry.

Sunset raised an eyebrow in confusion, “Why? You’re my girlfriend.” Sunset asked.

“No, the only interaction we had was when you yelled at me because I couldn’t control the power that Cinch made me with.” Sci-Twi cried as she weakly tried to break Sunset’s hold.

Sunset’s eyes widened in terror at that, “But what about your reforming from the oak, what about seeing Daring Do and the Rings of Destiny?” Sunset asked in disbelief. She then closed her eyes and took a breath. She then opened them and saw into Sci-Twi’s memories and bit by bit Sunset saw herself being erased from all the good ones. Sunset released her hold and covered her mouth as she was about to cry. “No, it can’t be. I’ve… we’ve… all… erased.” She turned and left the frightened Sci-Twi alone.

A Clue from Home

Sunset ran out of the library, as tears formed in the corners of her eyes. It was one thing for everyone else to keep away from her, but to see her lover’s memory of her erased. It was soul-crushing. She ran until she got to the castle’s wall, ignoring everyone along the way. There she looked for a corner and once she found one, she lowered herself to the ground on her rear. She covered her eyes as she cried.

“Doesn't anyone remember that I've changed?!” Sunset beat her hand against the wall, a small plume of fire appearing atop her clenched fist.

Sunset’s eyes widened as a sudden terrifying thought crossed her mind. “What if everyone’s forgotten?” She whispered. She jumped to her feet and started running back to her room, before bashing through the door like it had been barricaded shut.

She ran to her dresser where she kept the journal she got from Princess Twilight. Flipping it open to an available blank page, she pulled out a pen and began to mumble to herself. “Please don’t let me be a fugitive.”

She wrote on the page a simple letter: Dear Princess Twilight, this is gonna sound crazy, but... are we friends? Am I... nice? Sunset found herself waiting with bated breath as she prayed for a quick reply.

“Please answer…” She found herself whispering.

The tome then vibrated. She opened it and saw Twilight’s writing, ‘Um… yes… and yes.’ Sunset sighed in relief. ‘Are you okay? What's going on?’ Twilight asked to follow up. Sunset gave sad sigh as she started to write, ‘Kinda hard to explain. Might be easier in person.’

About fifteen minutes later, Sunset returned to the library and went to the mirror. She took a breath as she moved the stars and spirals to open the portal. Once opened, she went into it. On the other side, she saw a familiar demigod. “Twilight!” Sunset said as reached out to hug the princess.

“Sunset!” Twilight said as she flew over to hug Sunset. “Welcome back,” she said before they ended the hug. “So what’s going on?”

Sunset sighed, “Everyone seems to have forgotten all the changes I have made and every positive memory of me, but that’s not the worst part, my girlfriend only remembers when I yelled at her.”

“Excuse me, your girlfriend?” Twilight asked.

“Oh, didn’t I write it down?” Sunset asked nervously, “Um Sci-Twi and you are a couple…” Sunset then started to laugh nervously.

“So you and…” Twilight started to ask.

“Eyeup.”

Twilight blinked a couple of times, “But she’s a…”

“Eyeup.”

“Okay moving on, if what you’re saying is true. Then that-” Twilight started.

“I am not sure if I am actually sapphic.” Sunset cut off Twilight. “I think she’s my exception.” Sunset paused for a couple of seconds, “oh you were talking about the whole memory erasing thing.” Sunset then gave a nervous laugh. There was a solid minute of awkward silence between the two. Sunset then coughed, “So about the memory thing.” she gave a nervous chuckle.

“Well, um,” Twilight trailed as she tried to collect herself from the recent exchange, “this is not magic I am familiar with, but there are two people I believe who would know about that kind of magic,” Twilight said before she too started to laugh nervously.

Sunset raised an eyebrow, “Wh…” the pyromancer started but trailed off with a sigh. “Well, it’s time for me to confront her.” Sunset said as she started out of the library, “Well let’s get going, next stop Chantalot.”

“Are you sure you’re ready to meet her?” Twilight asked.

Sunset stopped and sighed. She didn’t turn to look Twilight in the eye, “No one remembers all the good I have done since I tried to steal your crown, and my love can only remember the one time I yelled at her,” Sunset then turned to reveal the small stream of tears coming from her eyes, “if there is the smallest chance my mom, Princess Celestia, might help me reverse that, then its time to let that demon roost.” Twilight silently nodded as she prepared to cast a teleportation spell.

After Twilight cast her teleportation spell, the two arrived in one of the hallways of the Chantalot castle. After a couple of minutes, they arrived at the throne room. Twilight opened the doors, “Just follow my lead.” She said to Sunset.

The hall that led to Celestia’s throne was just as gloriously lit as she remembered it. The bright summer sun was shining through the multitude of stained glass windows that depicted many major moments in Mystica’s history. Most of them showed Twilight and her friends’ accomplishments. They made Sunset feel more self-conscious than she already was.

After a short walk, they arrived at Princess Celestia’s throne. The daytime monarch addressed them with a blank, emotionless gaze, which greatly differed from the way she usually greeted her visiting subjects.

Both Twilight and Sunset grew anxious. They couldn’t help but worry that Celestia was debating in what way to speak to them. Would she openly state her anger and scold Sunset for the poor student and criminal she used to be? Or would she try to remain civil, letting only slight hints of disgust escape in small portions through her words? Neither option made Sunset feel better about talking to her old mentor.

Twilight finally decided to break the silence between the three, “Sooo, Princess Celestia…” She laughed nervously. “You'll never guess who's back! Actually, maybe you can guess, 'cause she's right here. But, um…” She immediately turned to Sunset for encouragement. “Am I helping?” She whispered.

Sunset sighed as she stepped to be in front of Twilight and closer to Celestia, “Mom, I know the last time we met I jumped at the chance to get out of prison.” Sunset paused and took a breath. She thought about how she ended up in that cell and it all traced back to her, “And to be honest, the reason I was there was because I was your snide little pupil who betrayed and abandoned you.” Twilight was about to speak but Sunset raised her hand and silenced the younger demigod in the room. “But I am not that person anymore. I come back because I need help. Back in Midnight Castle, everyone's positive memory has been erased, even my love. The only memory she has of me was when I yelled at her when she couldn't control the power she had. I need your wisdom and knowledge. Please, I don't expect you to-” Sunset was cut off by Celestia placing her right index finger on Sunset's lips.

“You were always a wordy one,” Celestia said rather neutrally. A smile then grew on her face as she pulled Sunset into a hug, “I missed you, my little sunshine.”

“Oh, Mom,” Sunset said as tears of joy started to form in her eyes. She completed the hug. Twilight could help but squee at the happy sight.

After a few more seconds, the two ended the hug. “I am not familiar with a specific spell that causes selected memories to be erased,” Celestia said. She then held her chin. “But this magic does sound familiar, like from a story my mother told me.” Celestia then started to lead them out of the throne room. “Both of you follow me.” She ordered. Twilight and Sunset looked at each other and nodded before they followed her.

“Where are we going?” Twilight asked.

“The complete archive of Clover the Clever’s memoirs,” Celestia answered. “If anyone has recorded magic like that, it was Mother.” She informed as the three walked.

Twilight stopped and started to hyperventilate, “There's a… a… ded...dedic…” she tried to say between breaths.

Sunset and Celestia stopped. Sunset placed her hand on Twilight's shoulder. “Twilight stop! Hold your breath!” Twilight obeyed. “Now slowly, slowly, slowly let your breath out. Understand?” Sunset asked. Twilight nodded and obeyed Sunset. “Now take a deep breath.” Twilight did so. And she slowly began to breathe normally.

After a few minutes, they arrived at the library and after a few more they arrived at one of the oldest parts of the library. Sunset forgot how extensive the library of Chantalot was. She couldn't recall ever seeing the part dedicated to any of the founders. Well not true, she had seen the wing dedicated to Star Swirl the Bearded, but that was during a darker portion of her life, ironically a portion she would rather have forgotten.

Celestia reached and grabbed the edge of a rather disinteresting book with a long-winded title explaining the difference between two types of soybeans. Obviously, no one in their right mind would ever pull this book off the shelf to read for pleasure, which made it perfect for hiding a switch to a hidden room. She pulled the book, revealing a hidden expanded wing of the library.

Twilight was so shocked and awestruck that Sunset was concerned her eyes would pop straight out of her head. She then gave a prolonged gasp, “Oh-my-gosh-oh-my-gosh-oh-my-gosh-oh-my-gosh-oh-my-gosh!” she shouted like a child at Hearth Warming Day, “So many books all unread! Ancient historical artifacts!” She then gasped again, “I just... I thought...! I can't...!” she could only wheeze as she held her chest, almost unable to stand.

Sunset placed her hand on Twilight’s shoulder, “Listen Twi-” she started.

“Don't take this away from me!” The more studious demigoddess shouted as she cut Sunset off before starting to run around the part section of the library and began looking over everything. “No way! Can you believe they have Chantalot Cantabiles Volume Thirty-One?” She asked as held up the tome in question for Sunset and Celestia to see, “You heard me! Thirty-One! Sunset, that's when it gets goooooooood!” she said as she hugged the book in an arguably too blissful way. She then gasped as she saw something, “ Over here! An original Windigo Weather Warning! Oh, my goodness! I can't! I just can't!” she announced from deep within the section of the library.

Sunset and Celestia could not help but share a laugh. “So any idea where to look?” Sunset asked. Celestia shook her head, “Well this is gonna make Twilight’s day.” Sunset said as she rolled her eyes. “Hey, Twilight! It looks like we’re gonna have to read everything!” She shouted. All the two heard was a squee of delight.

After what seemed to be hours, Sunset pushed aside the book she was reading. She yawned more so out of near boredom. “Did you know Chancellor Puddinghead tried to pass a law mandating Earthborn to drink carrot juice at every meal?” Sunset said bored. “I do. Know that. Now.” she said each word as if it was its own sentence before she let her forehead fall to the table.

Twilight then came up to Sunset from behind. “Awww.” Twilight seemed to whine, “Sounds like you got to read all the fun books.” Twilight yawned in what seemed to be boredom. “We should probably take a break from looking…” she trailed off as Sunset sighed in frustration. A massive smile grew on Twilight’s face, “Because I found something!” she shouted as she presented a set of scrolls. “You're familiar with The Seven Trials of Clover the Clever?” she asked Sunset.

Celestia giggled when she heard the title, “Mother always hated that how edit of er liked how it made her sound like some wondering hero searching for fame, and I am certain she never forgave Platinum for commissioning it.” Celestia committed and had another laugh. Celestia then placed the book she was reading aside, “Any particular trial…” Celestia started to ask but stopped after a second of thought. “Of course, The Memory Stone!” Celestia shouted as she snapped her fingers. “I remember the story now. There was an Earthborn sorceress who crafted a totem of sorts from stone and with it, she was almost invincible.”

“How?” Sunset asked.

Twilight pulled out the specific scroll, “Well, according to this, with the stone she could erase any and all parts of memory from anyone. Even erasing everything a person remembered.” Twilight summarized as she pointed to pictures on the scroll which showed the Memory Stone in use.

“Mother chased the sorceress all over Bullion's realm. But every time Mother had the sorceress cornered, she would erase Mother's memory of that day and give Mother the slip. But Mother caught on and wrote everything down,”

“That was pretty clev… oh got it,” Sunset said.

“Clover had to corner the sorceress and take the stone, but how?”

Celestia held her chin in thought, “If my memory of Mother’s stories serves, she borrowed Star Swirls' mirror, and instead of chasing the sorceress, Mother set up a trap. She sent out a message that she found a mirror that could restore lost memories. The sorceress took the bait and Mother was able to shove them both through the portal. Mother then took the stone and lept through the still-open portal and closed it behind her, leaving the sorceress on some desert island. Mother tried to destroy it, but she never could figure out how.”

“She must have hidden somewhere and left some sort of marker for her to relocate the stone once she figured how to destroy it. And if selected memories were erased, then it must have been buried somewhere near Midnight Castle...” Twilight mused.

“And someone is using it to make everyone hate and fear me again,” Sunset concluded. “But where was it buried and who could have it?”

Celestia was silent for a second in thought, “If I recall Mother, she would have placed a marker of three stones in a stone circle.”

“Question, why wouldn’t Clover either give it to Star Swirl or put it in a vault of some sort?” Sunset asked.

Celestia sighed, “You have to remember that the Seven Trials of Clover the Clever all took place during Bullion’s reign, and he was a very hands-on king, if anyone commissioned a vault that could house anything like the memory stone Bullion would have found out, and at that time Star Swirl was still mostly a researcher, he would have conducted experiments on and with the stone. The safest place for the stone until she found a way to destroy it, was for Clover to hid it far away.” Celestia pointed out.

“So I have to see if anyone found a stone circle of three pillars,” Sunset said and then looked at her hand. “Good thing I burn through the mist and see the truth,” she said with a smile. “Now I just have to narrow down my suspect pool.” Sunset then got up, “I have to head back. Thank you both for your help.” She then hugged both Twilight and then Celestia.

“This is quite a contrast from the last time we parted ways. But you are not that way anymore. With every choice you make, you prove yourself to possess a kind heart.” Celestia complimented her daughter. “I am proud of you, Sunset.”

Sunset blushed slightly, “Well, I guess I had a good teacher.” she said.

“Well, you were a good student,” Twilight added before the two hugged and shared a laugh.

“Are you saying I wasn't a good teacher?” Celestia asked with a great deal of anger in her voice. The two younger women looked at each other and ended up speaking over each other in an attempt to calm Celestia. After about a second of their attempts, Celestia started to laugh. “Gotcha,” she said with a playful wink before she had another laugh, with Sunset and Twilight joining her.

Trixie Noir

Back in Midnight Castle, Sci-Twi was walking along the wall looking down at the courtyard, “Why did she call me ‘bae’?” she asked herself. “Why did she break down and run away like that?” Something wasn’t making sense. She groaned in frustration. “Should I be worried about her?” she asked no one.

Sci-Twi was however joined by Trixie as the bespectacled girl pulled at her hair, “Trixie wouldn’t trust, Sunset Shimmer, Trixie wouldn’t trust anyone.” Trixie commented. “Not even Trixie in this case.”

Sci-Twi sighed, “You’re trying to get your act on the itinerary for Sunny’s Naming Day celebration,” she stated bemused.

“Moi,” Trixie gasped in fanned shock, “Trixie has regretfully done many things but exploiting emotional distress.” Trixie gasped, “Do you really think that little of me?”

“You just said I shouldn't trust anyone not even Tri.. you, not even you.” Sci-Twi groaned. “I can't believe I almost said ‘Trixie’.” Sci-Twi then sighed, “But what if Sunset was telling the truth?” she asked as she looked to the sky.

Trixie shrugged her shoulders, “Oh well, good luck with that,” and she turned to leave Sci-Twi in her boarding.

As Trixie was about to leave, “Unless you find Sunset, you’ll have to find her partner for the party planning. Maybe Lemon knows.” Sci-Twi offered.

“That’s all I ask, Sparkie!” Trixie thanked Sci-Twi and left the balcony in search of Lemon. Sci-Twi gave a huff of annoyance and then returned to her brooding about Sunset. Somewhere in her heart, she could tell something was not making sense.

After teleporting back to Twilight’s castle, Sunset exited the mirror’s portal. “Okay, let’s think, who would want… Trixie!” Sunset said as she brought her right hand into the palm of her left hand as if she had the right answer. Trixie had threatened revenge on her when she least expected it. An idea started to form in her head, maybe “I need to tell…” Sunset trailed off as she realized that trying to convince Sci-Twi that Sci-Twi’s memory was erased by someone using a stone to get back at Sunset was going to be a fruitless endeavor until she managed to somehow restore Sci-Twi’s memory. But how? There was nothing in the scrolls of The Seven Trials of Clover the Clever that hinted at Clover figuring out how to restore memories. Sadly that was the bridge Sunset had to cross when she got to it. First, she had to find the person who used the stone and Trixie was as good a start as any.

It was about half an hour of searching, Sunset found Trixie talking to two young women their age, Fuchsia Blush and Lavender Lace. Sunset took a breath, “TRIXIE!” she shouted getting the illusionist’s attention. “So...here we are,” she said as her hands become encompassed in fire and her focus gem started to glow.

Trixie crossed her arms across her chest and smirked in defiance, “Here we do are.” Trixie then realized what she just said and gave a nervous and embarrassed smile. She swiftly regained her confidence as she took a step forward as she looked around to see everyone nearby seem to both be gathering to witness the upcoming brawl, and yet also try to keep their distance from the fray that was to come. Trixie’s own focus gem and hands started to glow as well, as she prepared to defend herself. “You really want to do this here in the hallway in front of everyone?” she asked Sunset rhetorically.

Sunset scowled, “Up to you.” she stated as she took another breath as she prepared to cast a fire spell.

Trixie then pulled out of her cape a large poster. “Behold!” she shouted which left everyone, especially Sunset utterly befuddled. “THE GRRREAT AND POWERRRFULL TRRRIXIE’S CRRROSS THE MIRRRORRR TOURRR!” she read in an extraordinarily loud shout, trilling her ‘r’s. The poster was of her on a stage under those words, with floating cards, flying doves, a hare jumping out of a top hat, and other tricks of the trade for magicians. As Sunset lowered her hands, the fire around her hands went out and her focus gem stopped glowing. “If a seven-scale mockup doesn't convince you, I don't know what will,” she said as she hung the poster on the nearby wall.

Sunset groaned and pinched the bridge of her nose. After she took a breath and collected her thoughts. “Where's the Memory Stone?” she asked point-blank. “You erased all the good memories my half-sisters and everyone else have of me and turned my girlfriend against me just because I wouldn't put you on the itinerary for Sunny’s Naming Day celebration?!” she accused Trixie as her hands and focus gem started to glow.

Trixie blinked thrice at Sunset as she looked at the pyromancer in confusion. “What are you talking about?” she asked Sunset. “What Memory Stone?”

Sunset’s irises flash a dark wrathful red, “The one you used to erase everyone's memory,” she accused as she pointed her fiery right index finger at Trixie, “you manipulative...:” she trailed off as she tried to find the right word. “Blowhard!” she elected to use.

Trixie didn’t understand what Sunset was saying, but she felt compelled to challenge the idea of something she couldn’t control, “A stone that could make everyone forget all the bad tricks I've done...?” she started to ask nervously and trailed off. She then started to regain her own confidence. “Which is no tricks. Your puny rock pales in comparison to the Great and Powerful Trixie!” she shouted in her typical bravado.

Sunset’s focus gem and eyes stopped glowing and the fires around her hands died. She fell to her knees in what could only be described as soul-crushing defeat. “You have no idea what I'm talking about,” she said as she looked to the floor while the realization that she had the wrong person was inescapable to her.

Trixie shook her head. Sunset groaned as she shifted from her knees to her rear and covered her face as she tears. It took Trixie a second to register what was going on, but she knew sincere emotions. “Did somebody really erase everyone's memories of you?” she asked not fully getting what was going on. Sunset nodded. Trixie then sat down next to Sunset, “And even though we all know you're one of the worst and meanest people, aside from the late Baroness Cinch, you're saying you're not mean anymore?” Trixie asked as she tried to connect the dots about what was going on. Sunset gave a sigh and a nod. Trixie could tell that this was much more complicated than she thought. Trixie held her chin. “So you have this idea of who you're supposed to be, but no one here sees you that way,” she stated as she seemed to get where Sunset was coming from. “Is that it?” she asked. Sunset nodded. Trixie looked to the ceiling, “Trust me. I get it.” Trixie said as the two noticed that everyone that was walking by laughed at Trixie’s poster.

Sunset huffed, she then had a small weak nervous laugh, “I can't believe the only person who believes me is the one I called a manipulative blowhard.” the pyromancer stated as she looked back at what just happened. She turned to Trixie, “Sorry.”

Trixie was the first to get back on to her feet, “I took it as a compliment.” she partially lied. She then reached her right hand out to Sunset as if she was offering something, “Let me help you find the Stone.” she requested.

Sunset raised an eyebrow in disbelief and suspension, “What's in it for you?” she asked. Trixie looked over to the poster for her tour. It didn’t take a word for Sunset to connect the dots. Sunset swiftly got back to her feet and crossed her arms across her chest and then sent them to her side, “No way. Absolutely not!” she stated.

Trixie smirked, “It’s your call, but you’re the one that wants everyone to remember that she changed, or so you alleged.” She continued to smirk.

Sunset took a breath and accepted Trixie’s hand, “Fine, we have a deal.” the two shook hands. “So, where should we start…” she trailed off as she didn’t want to say the next word, “partner?” she asked.

Trixie smiled as they finished shaking hands. Trixie then pulled out a noir detective short brim fedora. “Let’s see, a castle full of suspects, two detectives, and only one Memory Stone,” she said as the two walked. “Seems impossible, but so does pulling a rabbit out of a hat, and I do that all the time,” Trixie said as she did just that. The two stopped as Trixie took out a pencil and notepad. She licked the tip and pressed it on the notepad ready to write, “Let's talk motive. Who here hates you enough to erase everyone's good memories of you?”

Sunset sighed, “A better question is who doesn’t. But I can rule out some, First, the ESM support garrison, only those that knew Flash and I date actually remember me and they certainly took him out on the town after they heard about him breaking up with me.”

Trixie began to write down, “Known enemies: too many.” she said as she wrote.

Sunset sighed. She then clenched her right hand and it seemed to ignite, “Well, here goes nothing.” she said as she walked up to some and placed her hand on their shoulder.

Sunset went on doing that with Trixie taking notes for what felt like hours, well past midday and drawing close to sunset. The two ended up on the castle wall. After Sunset released what seemed to be the thousandth person they inquired, “Sure, it seems like we've only come up with dead ends.” Trixie said as the person, a young man, ran away from the two. The two then looked at each other. Trixie gave a weak but apologetic smile as Sunset just shook her head with her eyes closed. “But I mean, it could be worse?” Trixie asked.

Sunset turned from Trixie and looked into the grounds of the castle and spotted Sci-Twi. Sunset couldn’t tell exactly what her girlfriend was doing, but Sunset saw that Sci-Twi was lost and confused. In a forlorn sigh, “It's worse.” she informed Trixie.

Trixie pulled Sunset away from the sight, “Please stop that.” Trixie requested, “You're just going to wind yourself up.” Trixie pointed out. Sunset had to acknowledge that her fixation on Sci-Twi was not helpful in the slightest. “You can't think if you're wound up.” Trixie compounded as she released her hold on Sunset and tried to come up with an idea herself, “Oh, think, Trixie!”

Sunset rolled her eyes, There has to be an obvious answer, it has to be staring me right in the face, Sunset thought she then looked along the fall wall from where she was. Then it hit her, she was staring at the answer the whole time, it was in the background, someone else who had a bone to pick with her. As her eyes widened, “Come, I have an idea.” Sunset said as she grabbed Trixie and began to drag her behind her.

After about twenty minutes the two arrived at a sheet that was set up for people who wanted to perform something for Sunny’s Naming Day celebration. “Okay, the sign-up sheet for the itinerary, what’s this about?” Trixie asked. Sunset then pointed to the bottom, “See Sunset Shimmer and/or Wallflower Blush to confirm placement.” Trixie read. She then turned to Sunset, “Wait are you saying you did this and made yourself forget about it?” she asked. Sunset facepalmed herself and groaned. It took a second but Trixie then gasped in realization, “Wallflower Blush! She’s the one who did this!” Trixie exclaimed. She paused for a second as something hit her. “Um… who's Wallflower Blush?”

“I’m Fuchsia's partial twin sister.” came a voice that sounded familiar but neither could place where. The two turned and saw Wallflower. “You know, one of your bandmates from Trixie and the Illusions.” Wallflower informed. “We meet when you came here on your global tour after you left Magiville in your self-imposed exile.”

“Ah yes,” Trixie said as she held her chin, “The Grrrreat and Powerrrrful Trrrrixie’s RRRRevenge ‘RRRRound the Worrrld Tourrrr!” Trixie said as she started to pat herself on her back. “It was one of my most well-received tours.”

“I know,” Wallflower deadpanned, “I was the girl you sawed in two.” Trixie gave a nervous laugh.

As Trixie spoke, Sunset recalled that Clover jotted everything down. Sunset has a few gems she could use as a recording gem. She scribbled on to her left hand, ‘play the recording gem.’ Sunset then pulled the gem out of her pocket and placed it in the cleavage of her chest. She then saw what was in Wallflower’s hand, a pale with simple gardening tools. “Wallflower, can I ask you a couple of what you’ll think are silly questions?” she asked. Wallflower sighed and nodded. “First, do you happen to have a garden?”

Wallflower looked down at her hand and blushed, “Yes.” Wallflower answered. She then took a step back, “Well, technically it’s a royal garden,” she said. “I found it within the land that is technically held by the barons and baronesses, granted it’s not within the castle walls.” she continued to inform. She smiled as she thought about it, “You’ll never believe what’s there, a strange stone circle made of three standing stones. Each of the stones has markings that are consistent with the mirror in the library and yet seemed to be from over two thousand years ago.” as she spoke Wallflower seemed to glow with cheer and bliss. She gave a joyous sigh, “I was hoping to show it to Sunny, part to see if she would hire me as the royal gardener, and sort of my addition to her naming day.”

Trixie huffed, “Well too bad, Sunset won’t let anyone add anything to the itinerary for the celebration.” Trixie complained, “No matter how much they deserve them.”

Sunset then smiled as she had an idea, “Actually, I was thinking a change in the itinerary is in order.” she said. “You should do that, Wallflower.” she said as she reached out her hand, “Don't let us keep you.” she finished as her hand glowed.

Wallflower then noticed Sunset’s glowing hand. “What are you…” she started to ask but was cut off as Sunset started to look into her memories. Sunset saw that Wallflower was in the background but a witness to when she went Demon Shimmer, among those in the audience during the Siren’s and Rainbolt’s band battle, and among the people that ran during Midnight Sparkle’s rampage. The memories then focused on Wallflower outside of the castle, most likely while Sunset was visiting her friends in Magiville during the Summer Sun Celebration. Wallflower was just walking until she saw some light reflect off something. She followed it and found the three marking stones Clover placed with over two thousand years of overgrowth. Wallflower then began clearing the site. After some time had passed, Wallflower had cleared out the place and saw that it needed new plant life and as she prepared the soil she found dug up an oval-shaped stone with what seemed to be an eye carved into it, which matched the rendering of it the Memory Stone in The Seven Trials of Clover the Clever. The scene then changed to when Sunset and Sci-Twi leave Wallflower in the library the night before and then to later that night in Wallflower’s room. She was at her desk looking over the itinerary that she and Sunset were to work on together. Wallflower sighed, “Why should you notice me?” she asked rhetorically. She threw the itinerary aside with a groan. “After all, you're Sunset Shimmer. Everybody loves you now.” she sighed in frustration. She then looked back on the past, she sighed, “Why can't they see you haven't changed?” she asked. She then looked around her and saw the stone. She took it both hands and closed her eyes. The stone started to glow light blue and it released a mist.

Sunset then released her hold on Wallflower. She blinked two times as she processed everything she just saw in Wallflower’s memories. Her pupils narrowed and she glared at Wallflower. “You erased everyone's memories!” she shouted.

Wallflower rolled her eyes, “Duh.” she stated in a flat and deadpan-like tone, “And in other news, water wet.” she topped off.

Trixie then spoke up, “Wait. Who are you again?” she asked as she didn’t seem to recall Wallflower.

Both Sunset and Wallflower shook their heads and groaned. Wallflower then turned away and took a breath. She placed the pale she had down and the bag she had on her back, “You don't see me fitting in
I'm sitting here alone
Right beside my shadow
Always on my own
If I could share my wildest dreams
Maybe they would see
I'm more than just a wallflower
There's so much more to me
I'm invisible, invisible
A droplet in the mist
Invisible, invisible
It's like I don't exist
Right beneath my picture
This is what you'll read
A laundry list of nothings
Not likely to succeed
A yearbook with blank pages
That no one wants to sign
A memory forgotten
Until the end of time…”. As Wallflower sang she seemed to be lost in her own mind recalling all the times that she was pretty much ignored and looked over. She stopped as she saw Sunset looking through her bag. “Hey! What are you doing?!” she shouted as she reached for the bag and the two struggled over the bag, grunting and groaning.

As they fought, “What did I do to you?!” Sunset asked “Honestly, I don't even know you!” she shouted.

Just as Wallflower managed to get her bag from Sunset, “Exactly!” Wallflower said just before she managed to rip her bag from out of Sunset’s grasps. “You had everyone fooled, but now they know you're still... the Biggest Meanie!

Sunset’s eyes flashed both lime green and blood red, as did her focus gem. She stepped forward as she gritted her teeth. Her hands were encompassed with lime green and blood-red fire. “You're about to see how mean I can get!” she declared, ready to set Wallflower ablaze.

Trixie stepped in front of Sunset and placed her hands out as she tried to bar the two from each other. “Whoa! Whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa!” she focused her attention on Sunset, “Let's not antagonize the person with the all-powerful mystery rock!” she said as she pointed to bag and memory stone in it.

Wallflower reached into the bag, “I don't like confrontation.” she said. “Let's just…” she trailed off as she pulled out the memory stone, “forget this ever happened!” she declared.

Sunset’s eyes widen as she realized what Wallflower was about to do, she reached out her left hand in an attempt to stop Wallflower. “Don't erase—!” Too late.

Author's Note

Song used

More To Things

Author's Note

If you know any fans of the Sci-Twi X Sunset ship, direct them to read at least this chapter.

Foxhelm out

More To Things

Trixie and Sunset blinked as they looked around, “What was I saying? I'm sure it was something brilliant.” she said as she held her chin in thought. She then looked out the window and saw that it was only an hour or so before sunset. She gasped, “We last two hours! How did we lose two hours?!” she asked in a panic.

Sunset looked right in front of her blankly, “I... don't remember.” she said as she looked on like she was caught in a large light. She then lowered her gaze towards the floor. “If we don’t figure out who has the Stone, I may lose my girlfriend forever,” she said as she fell to her knees and then to her rear. She then pulled her legs in to cover her face.

Trixie leaned against the wall and took some time to think. “How are we gonna catch someone who can erase our memory every time we get close to catching them?” she asked as she pointed out the major conundrum that the two-faced.

Sunset sighed and raised her hands to her face. She saw the note that she had written on her left hand. She then looked to her chest and saw the gem she used to record everything. She smiled as she showed both to Trixie, “Follow Clover’s example and be clever!” she answered. Trixie opened her mouth and raised her eyebrow in confusion. Sunset then pointed with her right index finger to the little message that was still just able to be read, “I wrote myself a note.”

“Play the recording gem,” Trixie read and then looked at the gem that Sunset had in her other hand, “Oh, you used that gem to record all that happened?”

Sunset pressed the gem, “I don't remember doing it, but I must have realized our memories would get erased, so I made sure to record!” she said as the gem projected images and rewound what was recorded to when Sunset spotted the pale and gardening tools that Wallflower had.

The Wallflower in the recording said “Yes,” to Sunset’s question. She then took a step back, “Well, technically it’s a royal garden,”

Trixie tapped Sunset on the shoulder, “Um...Who's that?” she asked not recognizing Wallflower in the projection.

Sunset looked to Trixie and then back to the recording, “That’s Wallflower Blush.” she answered.

Trixie rubbed her chin as she tried to think about the answer Sunset gave her, “Name's not ringing a bell.” she said after a couple of seconds of thought.

The Wallflower in the recording then started to sing, “You don't see me fitting in…”

Trixie placed her finger in the bottom right corner of the gem, “Ugh,” she groaned as the recording started to fast forward through the song. As the two watched, “Long song, huh?” she asked. She then lifted her finger as Sunset pressed the bottom center of the gem and the projected started to play the recording again.

The scene Sunset started to play was while she and Sunset were struggling with Wallflower’s bag. “What did I do to you?! Honestly, I don't even know you!” the recorded Sunset shouted.

As the recorded Wallflower managed to her bag from Sunset, “Exactly! You had everyone fooled, but now they know you're still the Biggest Meanie!”

Sunset then saw the recording of herself as her focus gem and eyes flashed green and red at the same time and red and green encompassed her hands. “You're about to see how mean I can get!”

Trixie then pressed just left from the bottom center of the gem and paused the projection. Trixie then turned to Sunset, she took a breath, “You’re not going to like hearing this, but Wise and Moralizing Trixie has to agree with Wallflower.” Sunset raised an eyebrow in disbelief, “Let Trixie explain.” she said as she took a step back, “Now you like to be viewed as a nice person, right?” she asked. Sunset nodded, “and that you didn’t do anything, meaning you weren’t mean to her.” As Sunset was about to protest, Trixie placed her right index on Sunset’s lips keeping her quiet. “But you have to admit that it takes more to be a nice person than just not doing mean things, that you would have to actually demonstrate the kindness to people, even those you might otherwise have written off.”

Sunset could only sigh at first, “I guess you’re right, but where could she be?” Sunset asked.

Trixie looked at the gem, “You know if I had an object that someone was looking for and I managed to give them the slip,” Trixie said as she rubbed her chin, “I’d put the object back where I found it and lie low until everything blew over.”

Sunset looked at Trixie and had both her eyebrows raised, “And you think Wallflower will do what you would?” she asked not believing it. Trixie shrugged her shoulders. Sunset groaned, “Well it’s the best lead I have.” She turned to leave, “Thanks Trixie, I owe you!” she shouted as she ran.

Trixie smiled to herself, “Time to prepare my grand entrance.”

Sunset ran out of the castle itself and spotted Wallflower heading towards the forest. Also, there was Sci-Twi who happened to be comparing plants in a survival guidebook. “WALLFLOWER! PLEASE! STOP!” Sunset shouted to the girl. Wallflower stopped and turned around and saw Sunset. Wallflower was utterly perplexed about what was going on. She knew she used the memory stone and yet Sunset had managed to follow her. “I am sorry,” Sunset said as she caught up to Wallflower and started to breathe heavily. “Wo-ho,” she said as she caught her breath.

“I don't know what you're talking about,” Wallflower lied as she hoped that this was a bluff.

Sunset looked up to Wallflower as she righted herself, “I don't actually remember everything,” she confessed as she held out the recording gem. She then pressed it and it projected everything from when Sunset started recording and stopped at the start of Wallflower's song. She fast-forwarded to the scuffle and paused it when Sunset was about to lash out at Wallflower. “You're right to be angry with me, to feel hurt by me, and to not forgive me,” Sunset confessed and acknowledged in the hope that this olive branch would open the door. “But you know in heart and soul that erasing everyone's positive memories of me is just… wrong.” Wallflower took a step back, “But there's much more, Wallflower, I too know what's it's like to be lonely, yes people knew me and feared me, but you know that being alone and feeling lonely aren't the same.”

Wallflower scowled at Sunset, “You're nothing like me,” she declared as she pointed at Sunset. She then turned and closed her eyes as she continued, “and I'm not lonely, because I have…” she opened her eyes as she realized she didn’t have something. She struggled for about two seconds, “plants!” she shouted. There was a second of silence. “That sounded less lonely in my head.” Wallflower acknowledged as she hid her face with her hands.

Sunset reached out and took Wallflower’s right hand, “Wallflower, what I did to you in the past was wrong, and it was wrong of me to not do what I should have done.” she took a breath and closed her eyes. “I am sorry.”

Wallflower pulled her hand out of Sunset’s own. She glared at the pyromancer as she also spotted Sci-Twi who just happened to be watching the scene. “No, you're not,” she challenged Sunset. She then pointed towards Sci-Twi, “You're just trying to look good in front of others! And it's working!” she then rubbed her hair in frustration. “Gah! How am I supposed to get back at you if nothing I do matters?!” she asked rhetorically out of ire, all the while her eyes were closed. Wallflower then opened her eyes, her pupils constricted in hate, “I hate you!” she shouted. This shocked Sunset as she gasped. Wallflower, however, was also horrified by her recent declaration. Wallflower then reached into her bag, “I wanted to teach you a lesson by erasing all the good memories of you.” she said just as she pulled the stone out. “But obviously that didn't work.” she looked from Sunset to Sci-Twi, “But what if I erased all her memories of you?” she asked as she let her bag drop as a sinister grin formed on her face.

Sunset stepped in front of Wallflower and held her arms out as if to be a barrier for Sci-Twi, “You can't! You'd be stealing not only that but all her memories of her life!” Sunset pleaded as she knew that pretty much every memory of Sci-Twi had her in it and Sci-Twi’s life, even if one were to include the time her soul was housed in an oak tree, was only a handful of months.

Wallflower rolled her eyes, as she aimed the gem around Sunset, “She'll think of you the way you think of me! Which is not at all!” she shouted as the stone sent out a light blue beam towards Sci-Twi.

“Nooo!” Sunset shouted as she got in front of the Memory Stone intercepting its magic and her body seemed to absorb all of it. Sci-Twi gasped at the sight. Sunset fell to her knees, “I can’t let you erase all her memories. I’d rather my memories of her than for her to remember nothing!” Sunset declared. Sunset then dropped to her knees as she started to cry in pain. “AH!” she grunted as she tried to fight the stone’s magic. But it was no use as after almost a minute the beam began to pull itself out of Sunset. Sunset turned towards Sci-Twi, “Twilight, please don’t forget me!” she said as she reached out but was forced to bend over as the beam appeared to have Sci-Twi’s Aura Mark in it. Sci-Twi gasped at the sight. After another second, Sunset groaned as she started to sit up, she gasped as she looked around, “Where am I? What’s going on?” she asked in a clear panic. She started to hyperventilate. Sci-Twi then stepped forward and placed her hands on Sunset’s shoulders. “Who are you?” Sunset asked as she saw a face that didn’t know.

A tear formed in Sci-Twi’s eyes, “I’m … your… girlfriend.” she trailed off as she tried to find the right word. She then helped Sunset to her feet. “I might not remember you, but you just sacrificed all your memories to save the few I had,” she confessed. She took a chance to glare at Wallflower, and then returned to a comforting smile to Sunset, “No one would have done that, unless they really loved someone!:” she declared and kissed Sunset. Sunset smiled as she cried and the two pulled each other into a hug. Once the kiss and embrace ended Sunset was then bathed in light as she transformed into her demigod form. Sci-Twi and Wallflower both gasped at the sight, “Oh my… you’re an… an angel.” Sci-Twi said as she covered her mouth.

Sunset looked at what of herself she could see, “No, I think I’m a demigoddess.” she then turned to Wallflower. Her focus shifted to only the Memory Stone in Wallflower’s hand. Somehow it seemed familiar, but not welcoming, like an old foe. Sunset raised her left hand as she glared at the stone. In the palm of the hand, she pulled her magic into the form of an orb before she blasted the stone, obliterating it.

With the stone shattered a light blue mist appeared and then started to spread out at a speed that rivaled light. As the mist reached each person the memories that the stone had taken were returned. In Sunset’s case, she remembered everything. From when she tried to steal Princess Twilight’s crown, to the battle with the Sirens, to the confrontations with Midnight Sparkle and then Gaea Everfree, and more, even her run-in with Wallflower before seeing the Daring Do movie. Most importantly she remembered… “Twilight... Sparkle? Sci-Twi?” she asked as she turned to face her girlfriend.

“Oh, Sunset!” Sci-Twi was in tears as the two hugged. “I am so sorry I forgot about...us,” she whispered.

“It’s okay,” Sunset whispered. “I'm just glad to have you back.” They two slowly ended their embrace and turned to see Wallflower balled up. Sci-Twi was about to walk over and strike the girl. However, Sunset took her hand and shook her head. Sci-Twi took a breath and sighed with a reluctant nod. Sunset then pointed to herself and then place her finger on her own lips and shook her head. Sci-Twi brought her hand to her lips and turned her hand like she was locking her mouth. Sunset smiled and then took a breath as she closed her eyes and focused until she returned to normal form. She then walked over to Wallflower and placed her hand on Wallflower’s shoulder.

Wallflower lifted her head and showed that in her left hand was a small piece of the Memory Stone. “When I first found the Memory Stone, I only erased little things – awkward hellos, saying the wrong thing, literally any public speaking…” Wallflower started before she dropped the piece of stone. “Even using it unintentionally.” she then covered her face as tears dripped from her palms. “I am so ashamed,” she whispered weakly.

Sunset placed both of her hands on Wallflower, causing her to look up to Sunset, “We all have moments that we wish could be erased,” she said with an understanding smile and soft forgiving eyes.

Wallflower turned away, “That’s no excuse,” she sighed, “I was so used to erasing memories that I got completely carried away.” she stated. She guilt-fully and remorsefully turned to look back and up towards Sunset and to Sci-Twi, “I'm sorry for everything.”

Sunset’s understanding smile never wavered, “It's okay. I'm sorry, too. I may have stopped being mean, but a Great and Powerful friend helped me realize I still wasn't very nice to you.” she fully acknowledged. “Everyone matters, Wallflower. No matter how insignificant or invisible they feel.” Sunset reached her hand out to Wallflower’s hand. Cautiously Wallflower took the hand and was pulled into a hug by Sunset.

The following night, in the castle’s courtyard, Sunset stood on the stage that was in the center, “Thank you all for attending.” she said as spoke into the microphone in her hand. “Tonight we kick off the celebration of the first naming day of our current baroness, Baroness Sunny Flare!” Everyone cheered and applauded as they turned to see the baroness stand up. She seemed to legitimately blush in modesty, unlike her late mother. Sunset then raised her hand and everyone fell silent, “I couldn't have set this up without my partner, Wallflower Blush,” Sunset shouted as she pointed towards Wallflower. The latter was dressed in a short skirt dress that was layered black then white then bright green then white again. The top of the dress was black and corset-like with what seemed to be a white cloth that went over each of her breasts and around her neck. On Wallflower’s feet were high-heeled boots that went short of her knees. Wallflower’s get-up was completed with a set of detached bright green sleeves that had black cuffs and golden bands on the upper arm.

Everyone cheered as Wallflower stepped onto the stage and joined Sunset. “WAY TO GO, SIS!” was the loudest cheer. Wallflower blushed that her sister, Fuschia, cheered her on.

Sunset then handed the microphone to Wallflower and nodded. Wallflower took the microphone and spoke into it, “Thank you, now let’s give a warm welcome to our opening act, Tonight’s showing of The Great and Powerful Trixie’s Cross the Mirror Tour!” Wallflower announced as a smoke bomb went off not far in front of the two and Trixie appeared as the smoke cleared.

Sunset elected to leave the stage and met up with Sci-Twi. The two took each other’s hands and went to their own seats, part of Sunset’s mind thought about what she was to write Princess Twilight, ‘Dear Princess Twilight, you can add a new ending to the archives. The Memory Stone is no more. Thank you for your help, and, of course, thank my mom, Princess Celestia. I'm happy to say everything is back how it used to be.’ There was a pause in her thought as they watched Trixie perform. Sunset was awed by the show, and how Wallflower effortlessly managed the rest of the show until she felt her face move to look at Sci-Twi. Sci-Twi presented a ring with a gem that was shaped to look like a merger of Sunset’s Aura Mark and Sci-Twi’s. Sci-Twi looked away, it was clear to her that she was nervous. Sunset accepted the ring and placed it on her left ring finger. Sci-Twi then kissed Sunset, ‘Well, not exactly how it used to be.’