Beginning to like herby armidChaptersA little sum upMath class?Discuss or argue?Headed to Flame PalaceWelcome to the Flame PalaceTime for dinnerA little sum upDear Diary, It’s been a while since I wrote something. it somehow became normal for me at this point to get into magical stuff and super mega paranormal situations. But guess what, this time there was no magic. I got kidnapped with Sunshine and I really wasn’t looking for it. Not the kidnapping itself but Sunshine. I just couldn’t believe they thought we were together! However, getting out of the nowhere that those two silly heads took us to was quite hard. And what was the worst part? That they took our phones and we had to walk home. And I did not expect that at all. After a while, Sunshine decided to rest for a while since her tummy was rumbling and she needed food immediately. Lucky for her, there was a club nearby. One of those kind that a bunch of losers just spend their whole lives in, even the name of the club was “The Losers Club.” Little Missy tried her luck by asking for help. I doubt she knew how she should have handled the situation. The respond was not what she was looking for but it kinda triggered me. The bartender guy who totally looked like someone had literally planted a punch in his face, and watered it so it looked more menacing, said that every single person in there lost something and they just can’t get it back. Here is the problem: I don’t have the word “can’t” in my vocabulary, so decided to tell them about the closest word I had there: “Can”. A little performance to help them get back on their feet and it actually felt super mega amazing. In exchange the bartender guy gave us some money and food so we could get back home by taking a bus, though I gotta point out the food was beyond trash. After all of that we managed to take a bus. After a while we sat down and she started talking. A little conversation started which ended up our talking to each other and said why we had a problem with one another. I actually wanted to tell her about all the snooping she’d done, and warn her how much Steely hates stuff like that. At least we got to sort things out. We talked a little longer and after that, we found out that we were totally misjudging each other. But I was too tired to keep chit chatting so I just slept and she did wake me up with an … original technique when we reached home. We parted there and went our separate ways. When I got home dad was still awake, sitting by the fireplace. I went to him; he seemed to be worried. And he was. “Dad?” “Flame!” he stood up and came towards me, “Are you alright? I was worried sick! Where were you?” “I’m fine, I was just doing some parkour and my phone fell out of my pocket and a car just happened to drive over it before I noticed I’d lost my phone. Sorry.” “Right.” He did not look so convinced by that. “So why were you so late, then?” “Well, uh …” I hadn’t planned for this. “I was with a new friend, yeah!” “A new friend? Since when does Flaming Star make new friends?” “Since I moved to this new school!” That was a good one. But he wanted to ask more questions, so I needed to wrap it up. “And if you’ll excuse me Dad” [Fake Yawn] “I’m quite tired so, uh, see ya tomorrow.” With all this magical thing happening around me, I truly did not see that day coming. Author's Note Special thanks to my editor Daniel Drazen. Make sure you read other chapters too. Math class?The next day morning, when we were having breakfast, Dad asked me about my new friend. That’s never a good sign. “So, I would like to know more about this new friend of yours.” That got my attention. I gulped my orange juice and thought of an answer. “They are actually my class project teammate.” “Oh! Is that so? Then I should assume you two were working on your project at their house yesterday?” “Yes, we were!” Thanks for covering for me, Dad. “Hmm, I see. Then you should invite them here as well,” he said as picked up his teacup. Yeah, I was super mega troubled at that point. He really wanted to see her, but with the whole magic thing she has, things are NOT gonna turn out normal, and on top of that she might probably give me away on the whole kidnapping thing. I don’t want to make everybody in this house worry about me; they were through enough, they can’t take pressure. I needed to somehow get over this. “I don’t think they like to, ‘cause, you know, they are kinda shy.” If I could make a little bittle of a delay, I might be able to finish the project and forget about this whole thing forever. “Anyhow, invite them. We need to show our manners, at least.” He raised his eyebrows up and took a slip of his tea. “Suuuuure, I’ll definitely do that.” After that I got ready to head for school. And when I reached it, Steely was there already. “Where were you last night? I couldn’t contact you. Even your father called our home, looking for you!” “Yeah, that’s a long story, man.” So I told him the whole story, how I got to talk to Sunshine and sorted things out once and for all. He listened very carefully; I almost felt like he was going to start taking notes. “So I guess you don’t want your father to find out about this, right?” “Right, I don’t.” “And what are you going to do about your phone?” “I’m gonna buy a new one after school. You coming?” I don’t know why but he blushed again when I said that. “Well, uh, I am kinda busy today, you know?” He was acting weird and I wasn’t sure why. “Uh, OK, whatever you say, buddie.” We headed to math class, and almost everyone was there, except Sunshine. I figured she’s not used to being kidnapped like I am. But that wasn’t the case. Mr. Cranky Doodle was absent. You’d think that Principal Celestia would sub for him, but no: Prof. Skull Mustache came! I was not happy about that! This guy is like a vampire, and I can prove it: 1: his face is cold gray. 2: he dresses up like one. 3: he can understand your movements without seeing you. Rose was looking outside right by the window and I was staring at him and I swear he did not look at her even a second. But while he was writing stuff on the board he said: “If you really are eager to join my textbook, I will gladly escort you outside, Ms. Rose” it was at that point she just looked back at the class. I mean, yeah, he doesn’t drink blood or at least not that I have seen him, but aren’t these the signs of a vampire? However, now he is teaching us calculus, and I didn’t really care. After a while Sunshine showed up, too, late to be precise. She took her seat; after that, Prof. Skull Mustache messed around with her. I was barely holding up in the class; the stuff he was teaching was so easy and yet others were like they totally didn’t get it. And it was just getting on my nerve since Pro. Skull Mustache had to keep repeating one topic again and again, giving the examples to do and some to showcase. It was just nerve-wracking. On top of all that, Flash Sentry kept jumping up to answer and each time it was incorrect. The last time he did it I told him his answer was wrong and that he had to be really stupid to not be able to understand such an easy topic. But he took it way too seriously and started rambling about how he is going to beat me up. So I reminded him about the last time he tried to do so and happened to become one with the floors. However Pro. Skull Mustache took both of us by the ear and pulled. I don’t say it was really bad but at least it tuned both of us down. After the class we head to the Music room since Steely and Twilight Sparkle wanted to inform us about their new discoveries. Steely told us how his new invention works and what exactly he has in mind to do with my magic: fusing it with another object so it will contain my abilities. Which it does sound a little bittle weird and thought provoking, considering why would we need an object to burst flames out of it? The rest of the day was not so important: attending archery, chilling in Music Room, talking with Steely after classes, that sort of stuff. Though I am getting curious to know why he is blushing constantly when I ask him what he wants to do and what is his plan. I guess he found someone, but we’ll see about that. After school, I headed to the mall to buy a new phone, since all those two stupids got from me was my phone. At that point I remembered Sunshine needs a phone, too! Author's Note Special thanks to my editor Daniel Drazen. Make sure you read other chapter too. Discuss or argue?I tried to remember what her phone was like so I would take one of the same type. As it turned out, I hadn’t really paid attention to that. I just bought her the same type as I had and a new simcard as well for both of us. Afterwards, I bought a box to put the phone inside, a small one. I took a few turns through the store to see what else I need and it turned out to be nothing. I headed home and put in some practice on my violin and guitar. And that night I started to do some research on the stupid history project that Pro. Skull Mustache set out for us to do. As far as I remember, Sunshine was insisting on us doing the project about the history of music which I totally am cool with. Searching around and doing some digging, I found some really nice information out about some of the greatest Musicians of history, some I knew and some I did not. I picked a few and saved their documents on my phone. I picked Harmony Cichord: master of harpsichord and mixing different tempos. Oudy Wood: the lumberjack who left his homeland and started traveling and busking around the world with his oud. Clarence: known for putting people to sleep with her soft and relaxing melodies which she played using her Clarinet. That should have done the job, at least for now. There was way more information about them that I was pretty sure would come in handy. Dinner was ready when I was done with talking to Steely, so I headed down and joined everybody. But Dad sure wanted to know if I invited Sunshine to our house or not, and he really was insisting on getting more information from me. I just convinced him that THEY will come to our house one day and then I could finally enjoy my dinner without being bombarded with questions. The next day, I needed Steely to open up Sunshine’s locker. He questioned it at first but when I told her that I got her a phone too, he accepted and helped. It only took us a minute, and then we went back to minding our own business. And thankfully, Mr. Cranky Doodle was present. I’m not gonna lie, Pro. Skull Mustache does pull ears painfully hard. The rest of the day was typical: Steely brought Sandwiches for launch again and I bought a taco. It was actually good. After the school, I headed home. I did my homework and called Sunshine to see if she got her new phone or not. And it turned out yes, she got the package and she really appreciated it. I told her to call me if she wanted to talk about the history project. A few hours later, she called back and started to see if we were on the same page or not. Luckily, we were and I sent her the documents I found. After some chatting we decided to talk about our project tomorrow after school. So we had enough time to work on it during the weekend. The next day was not very interesting. Classes here and there, Music Room and enjoying the peace that probably won’t last long and turns out to be the calm before the storm. But at the end, I met up with Sunshine after school and we began to walk and talk about our project. “So you read the files I sent you?” I asked “Yeah, I read all of them and I also did some searching before bed and found some ancient instruments. That will add some mystery about what or how did they used to play.” I also noticed she had on her gloves. “That will probably do so,” I said, “But we need more, and we need to organize it too, don’t cha think? “Yes, I do, and that’s why I think we should head to one another’s home!” She didn’t just say that! I just stared her down for a few seconds, but then she looked at me and asked me if I was alright, and I didn’t think I need to answer that. “What did you just say?” I asked her. “Uh, we should head to each other’s home, and I really think we go to your place since mine is not suitable.” No, she really said it. What I was trying to prevent from happening was happening, and it was not OK! “Oh no. No, no, no, we’re not going to my house, and why shouldn’t we head to your house, anyway?” “Well, uh … since, you know … I have … ROOMMATES, yeah, roommates, and I can’t bring guests.” “Oh, really? Haven’t I told you about how your eyes give you away?” “No, I’m not lying, that’s the truth!” “Your eyes say something else” “I don’t know what you are talking about! What’s the problem with going to your place?” “The problem is not my house, the problem is you with the magical stuff that is happens around you!” I went for it a bit harsh. She looked at me like I insulted her. “Excuse me, but what did you mean by that?” “Look, if you really want to know I don’t want my family getting involved with all this super mega crazy stuff that happens right out of nowhere.” She opened her mouth to say something, then she just sighed. “OK, I get it, but I promise you I won’t do or make anything happen out of the ordinary.” “Seriously?” “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” “You’re really spending a lot of time with your friends, aren’t you?” “And I’m not going to apologize for it.” I knew she was serious when it came to her friends, but I couldn’t resist taking a slight dig. “So now are we safe to go to your house?” “I guess, but there is one more thing.” “What?” “You do not say anything about us being kidnapped!” Author's Note Special thanks to my editor Daniel Drazen. Make sure you read other chapters too. Headed to Flame PalaceWhen she heard that she put on a weird face. “Why not?” “Cuz I say so!” “Fine, but you better have a good reason for it.” I did have a good reason for it but it’s a little bittle too soon to let her know. But then her eyes opened wide. “Your family … they don’t know?” “Just drop it, OK?” “Fine, fine. So, where is your house and how do we get there?” “I can show you the way, but I’m not too sure if you can keep up with the way I head home!” “Word of your parkour stunts is all over school. It’s not a secret, you know. The only thing the students don’t know is how soon before you kill yourself or land in the hospital.” “They’re just jealous.” “Or maybe they prefer staying in one piece until they graduate.” “If this is your way of backing out …” “Go on, I’ll be right behind you.” When she said that, I decided to let her see for herself. I started running and told her to catch up. “Then what are you waiting for? I thought you said you’re right behind me!” “HEY! WAIT!” “What is it? You can’t handle my way?” I looked back and saw that she had started running, so I decided to keep going. When I reached a fine path to get on top of a building I went for it, a jump on top of the trash can, getting my hands on the emergency staircase, and went up to look down and see what Sunshine is up to. “You’re not coming up?” “What, are you crazy? Of course not!” “You scared, Sunshine?” “DON’T….CALL….ME….THAT!” She tried the same way I used to come up and to my surprise, she did it in one go. After she was up I continued my way and she kept following me. Jumping from one roof top to another till I reached the big jump. Sunshine kept up really good with me but when she saw the distance, she wasn’t sure whether to continue or not. I took a little bittle of backing up and ran towards the jump. I managed to get to the other rooftop just fine. Now it was her turn. “What are you waiting for? Just jump!” “’Just jump, JUST JUMP!’ Have you ever thought about what would happen if you didn’t make it?” “It’s happened a couple of time. Nothing serious, except for a broken leg. And another broken leg. And I messed up my hand.” “You’re insane! I’m not doing this.” That was what I needed. “OK, then, I guess you can’t come to my house since you can’t make this jump to follow me. Well, that’s just sad but hey, I can still come to your house and work on our rese-“ She then backed up, ran and jumped while I was saying that. I could tell mid-jump that she wouldn’t clear the space so I went and took her hand and pulled her up. That was close. This girl is too serious. “Wow, you did it.” “I … did it? ... I mean, yeah, I did it! Now can we go the rest of the way on the ground?” “Fine, I was easy on you since it’s your first time.” “Don’t feel too smug; you haven’t tried keeping up with Pinkie Pie when she’s riding a cupcake sugar rush!” We headed back down to the streets and ran the rest of the way there, though she couldn’t run for a while and we had to stop so she could catch her breath. After a long run and a few stops we reached our destination. I really thought she would have just given up on trying right at the long leap that she had to take but she didn’t. So I thought she deserves to be welcomed in my home. “Finally, here we are. I present you the Flame Palace!” She gazed upon it like she was seeing something majestic, though I don’t blame her. I do live in a majestic place. Author's Note Special thanks to my editor Daniel Drazen. Make sure you read other chapters too. Welcome to the Flame PalaceShe stood there staring at the gate and the palace for a while till I snapped her out of it. “Heeey, you’re still here?” “Uh, yeah. Yeah, I’m fine. I just got dragged away for a second.” “OK then, let’s get in.” I opened the gate and walked inside. She followed me and started looking around the Scarlet Rose garden. It was easy to see its beauty impressed her. We got to the main door but before we headed inside, I reminded her about our deal. “OK, just like we agreed: no talk about magical stuff, nothing about being kidnapped. You got it?” “Yes, I get it.” I opened the main door and walked inside. She followed and started looking around again. “Hello, I’m home!” I said loud and clear. Not much later Alfredo showed up and greeted me. “Hello there, young master.” “Hi Alfredo, we got a guest. Treat her well.” I winked at the end to make sure he understand that I left her to him. “Alright, now follow me Ms …” “Sunset,” she said, “just Sunset.” After that I went upstairs to my room to change. But by the time I headed back down Sunshine was sitting on the sofa near the fireplace. She was still looking around and I was too, because I couldn’t find Dad anywhere near there; he’s usually there by the time I get home but I guessed he was in his room. I could hear Grandma Rose snoring from her room, but where were the others? I went down and checked on Sunshine and to see if I could find Grandma Butter and Grandpa Star. “Is everything fine?” I asked. “Yeah, it’s fine, I uh … I think we should start working on the project soon.” I was going to say something but Grandpa Star showed up in his wheelchair and beat me to it. “What’s goin’ on in here? Huh?” “Hi, Grandpa. How are ya doing?” “I heard we got guests so I came to check it out. I see you finally brought home that new friend of yours!” “Yeah, I did, and we’ve got plenty of works to do, so we need to go work on our project.” I needed to get her upstairs and do the project together just so we could be done with all of this but it didn’t seem like I could. “What! You mean you’re not gonna introduce your new friend to your own grandpa?” *SIGH* “Yes, of course. Grandpa, this is Sunset Shimmer. Sunset, this is my Grandpa, Star Ace.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you!” Grandpa said. He extended his hand and leaned forward, which was as close as he could do to rising. “I’m happy to meet you too, sir.” Sunshine said. Before Grandpa could say anything else I pulled her away and took her upstairs to my room. “OK. Down to business.” There we started putting our thoughts and ideas about the things we wanted to talk about in the presentation. We argued a little at first but in the end we agreed on what we wanted to talk about. We discussed the evolution of music and how it became what we know now. Naming great musicians and giving information about them as we moved on, the different types of music that existed and finally the conclusion: how music shaped and changed our lives as well as how it changed. We were almost done, we just needed to organize our talks, make a slide show and practice the presentation. It was then that Alfredo came in and said that dinner was ready. Author's Note Special thanks to my editor Daniel Drazen. Make sure you read other chapters too. Time for dinnerJust after Alfredo said that, Sunshine looked at the clock. “Oh! I didn’t realize it was so late! I need to head home!” She didn’t know the rules of the Flame palace, but thanks to Alfredo she learned one. “Guests must join the family for dinner, and then they may leave afterwards.” She looked at me as if I could do something about it, but rules are rules, and they always were, are and will be the same. “You’re not hungry? Because I’m super mega hungry!” “Well, if I don’t have any choice, I guess I could eat.” She left the room. I followed her out and guided her towards the dining room. I knew that Dad is there so prepared myself to introduce him to Sunshine. We walked into the dining room. Sunshine started looking around, AGAIN! However, she stopped when the colorful dinner table caught her eyes and stunned her in place as if she never saw such anything like it in her life, or at least for a long time. Seeing the grilled chicken, soup, and the fish alongside other dishes and stews on the table, I knew that our staff put extra effort into dinner. As I expected, Dad was at the head of the table and his mother, Grandma Rose, was right beside him. Grandma Butter, my maternal grandmother, wasn’t around; she probably decided to cook her butterscotch pie when she heard we have guests. Come to think of it, it’s been a while since someone new came to Flame Palace. Grandpa Star, Grandma Butter’s husband, was also on the side of the table sitting next to my seat. I stepped forward to say hi to Dad because he was not around when I got home with Sunshine. And I greeted Grandma Rose, though I kept a little distance because she always puts on way too much makeup and then tries to kiss me. “Hello Flaming Star, I heard we have guests!” Dad said. “Yes, but it isn’t a social call. We were working on a project for History class; we’re almost done!” “That’s good to hear. Now why don’t you introduce us to him?” “Yeah, but, uh, he’s a HER, actually.” “HER?!” He finally looked at Sunshine and looked back at me. He gave me a look that shouted: “Your new friend is a girl!” I was so glad Grandma Butter was busy in the kitchen. I know the first words out of her mouth would have been “It’s about time!” “Yes. Dad, Grandma, this is Sunshi- I mean Sunset; Sunset, Dad and Grandma Scarlet Rose.” “Hi, uh, nice to meet you!” she said though she sounded nervous. I don’t blame her; Dad and Grandma Rose had narrowed their eyes and were looking at her like she had done something. “Have I seen you before, Ms ...?” “Shimmer, and I don’t know, sir. Maybe.” Dad tightened his eyes more, but after a few seconds opened them and smiled. “Anyhow, please take a seat and serve yourself.” We both took our seats. I sat next to Grandpa Star so I could help him in eating his food. Sunmshine sat right next to where Grandma Butter would sit. And if there was something I knew about my father it was this: sitting at the dinner table was like sitting behind an interrogation table. “I would like to know what you two are working on. If that’s not a problem.” Dad looked at Sunshine. “Well, we decided to choose Music history for our topic and it seems we might have a really great presentation.” “I see, and I assume that your teacher paired you two, right?” “Yes, he did.” At that moment Grandma Butter entered the dining room. “Oh dear, sorry that I made you all wait, did I miss…….. oh my!” she came in so carelessly that she didn’t notice Sunshine until she reached her seat. “You must be Flame’s new friend. Didn’t expect to see a girl. I guess it was ab-“ “Miss Butter, the dinner is getting cold.” Dad interrupted Grandma Butter before she could say what I was thinking about. “Oh, yes, yes, of course.” She sat down next to Sunshine, afterwards dad filled his dish with a few of the foods that were on the table, and everyone started to do the same. Sunshine got it quick and followed our example. I picked chicken for myself and fish for Grandpa Star. We were busy eating when dad started to ask more questions. “You said that your teacher paired you two? Why do you think he did that?” “I’ve thought about it, and I guess he wanted to keep some students from working with the same partners on everything. It … it kind of makes sense when you’re studying history. The nature of countries change, societies change. I kind of think this is his way of forcing us to think of change as something that happens to us as well as to nations.” I was actually kind of proud of Sunshine for coming up with that. It hadn’t occurred to me at all. And it occurred to me that it was the kind of thing Mr. Skull Mustache would work into his lessons. “So, tell me about your family a little, Miss Shimmer, if that does not bother you.” “To be … honest, it does bother me a little bit. I’ve been out on my own for a while now, and we didn’t really part on good terms. I know I’ll probably go home once I graduate from Canterlot High, but I’m really not looking forward to it.” “And why not?” “Mostly, I know I’m going to miss my friends.” That scared me because Dad might want to know if I was one of her friends. But he didn’t pick up on it. “Interesting. In that case, are you living alone?” “Well, there’s Ray.” “And what does this Ray do?” Sunshine smiled. “Mostly he eats bugs.” “Is that what this is?” Grandpa Star asked. “No, Grandpa, it’s fish.” “And you don’t think that behavior is … odd?” “It’s perfectly appropriate behavior if you’re a leopard gecko and you’re hungry.” “You never said you had a pet.” “I only told you his name; you assumed everything else.” Dad can be very formidable during his “interrogations.” But this is the first time I’ve ever seen anyone hold their own against him. “Let’s be honest, miss. Why are you wearing gloves in my house?” I shook my head very slightly, hoping to send the message “PLEASE don’t be honest!” Sunshine’s smile faded. “I wear these gloves as a favor to your son. He didn’t want me to tell you that I’m psychic.” She’s being honest. We’re dead! “I can read people’s minds and understand their thoughts and feelings through skin-to-skin contact. I’m doing you a favor by keeping these gloves on because it keeps your secrets safe. But it’s your house and your rules, so if you want me to give you a demonstration …” She let the sentence go unfinished as she grabbed one glove as if to take it off. And then she smiled at him. The awkward silence was broken by a sound I hadn’t heard in a long time: Dad’s laughter. “Well played, young lady, well played. You can keep your gloves on.” “Hey!” Grandpa Star said, “did you sit here to help me or to get a nice angle on her, huh?” “C’mon, Grandpa Star, don’t be grumpy now.” I helped him by cutting his fish into smaller portions. Grandma Butter saved me. “OH I think my pie is ready!” She went back to the kitchen, which at least changed the subject. “Your palace is quite enormous, I guess it was inherited!” Sunshine wiped the whole lecturing thing away with that question, though she didn’t know what she just asked for. “Yes, in fact it was inherited from our ancestors all the way down to us, it was built on the blah blah, that stuff this stuff, yada yada yada” I’ve heard that about a thousand times in my life and I’m totally not gonna write it down! “This place could swallow up my whole place!” “How small is your place?” “It’s a pretty good size for just me and Ray. There’s a loft arrangement that … that gives me more space.” NOW she chooses her words! “How did you find it?” “It started out as a house-sitting arrangement and it got long-term.” After a while, Grandma Butter arrived with her butterscotch pie. Everyone except Grandpa Star got a piece and Grandma Butter seemed to be getting on well with Sunshine. That wasn’t a surprise to be honest. Because I knew Dad wouldn’t miss Grandma Butter’s pie to keep asking questions, I decided to relax and enjoy it too. After dinner, Sunshine packed up and Alfredo escorted her outside. We agreed to work our presentation in front of her friends, and I was OK with that. Still, I had to clear the air. “WHAT were you thinking?” “Look, I didn’t know what I was going to say and I thought I could bluff my way through, but …” “But what?” “But then, all I could think of was Applejack! It was so strong I knew I had to be honest. And it worked.” “It just about made me a nervous wreck! But you stood up to my Dad; only one person have managed to do that. Just please don’t do that anymore, OK?” “OK.” She seemed happy and at peace as she left. But as I feared, Dad started in on me when I got back in the house! “Next time, be more clear about your friends’ gender … and species … and don’t even think about getting too close with her!” “What’s the problem? It’s not like she is my girlfriend or anything!” “It’s not about her being your girlfriend, it’s about YOU wanting her to BE your girlfriend!” “No way, I ain’t gonna go on a date with her and buy her flowers to impress her.” Just after I said that, I remembered I’ve already done that! “Keep it that way, at least for now till you’re old enough!” I get it that he was shocked by seeing a girl with me, but I think I need to work on him getting used to that stuff since, love it or hate it, I’m seeing what she got and I’m starting to like it. And I don’t want to wait until as I’m as old as Grandfather to do anything about it! Author's Note Special thanks to my editor Daniel Drazen. Stay paitiant for other stories.
A little sum upDear Diary, It’s been a while since I wrote something. it somehow became normal for me at this point to get into magical stuff and super mega paranormal situations. But guess what, this time there was no magic. I got kidnapped with Sunshine and I really wasn’t looking for it. Not the kidnapping itself but Sunshine. I just couldn’t believe they thought we were together! However, getting out of the nowhere that those two silly heads took us to was quite hard. And what was the worst part? That they took our phones and we had to walk home. And I did not expect that at all. After a while, Sunshine decided to rest for a while since her tummy was rumbling and she needed food immediately. Lucky for her, there was a club nearby. One of those kind that a bunch of losers just spend their whole lives in, even the name of the club was “The Losers Club.” Little Missy tried her luck by asking for help. I doubt she knew how she should have handled the situation. The respond was not what she was looking for but it kinda triggered me. The bartender guy who totally looked like someone had literally planted a punch in his face, and watered it so it looked more menacing, said that every single person in there lost something and they just can’t get it back. Here is the problem: I don’t have the word “can’t” in my vocabulary, so decided to tell them about the closest word I had there: “Can”. A little performance to help them get back on their feet and it actually felt super mega amazing. In exchange the bartender guy gave us some money and food so we could get back home by taking a bus, though I gotta point out the food was beyond trash. After all of that we managed to take a bus. After a while we sat down and she started talking. A little conversation started which ended up our talking to each other and said why we had a problem with one another. I actually wanted to tell her about all the snooping she’d done, and warn her how much Steely hates stuff like that. At least we got to sort things out. We talked a little longer and after that, we found out that we were totally misjudging each other. But I was too tired to keep chit chatting so I just slept and she did wake me up with an … original technique when we reached home. We parted there and went our separate ways. When I got home dad was still awake, sitting by the fireplace. I went to him; he seemed to be worried. And he was. “Dad?” “Flame!” he stood up and came towards me, “Are you alright? I was worried sick! Where were you?” “I’m fine, I was just doing some parkour and my phone fell out of my pocket and a car just happened to drive over it before I noticed I’d lost my phone. Sorry.” “Right.” He did not look so convinced by that. “So why were you so late, then?” “Well, uh …” I hadn’t planned for this. “I was with a new friend, yeah!” “A new friend? Since when does Flaming Star make new friends?” “Since I moved to this new school!” That was a good one. But he wanted to ask more questions, so I needed to wrap it up. “And if you’ll excuse me Dad” [Fake Yawn] “I’m quite tired so, uh, see ya tomorrow.” With all this magical thing happening around me, I truly did not see that day coming. Author's Note Special thanks to my editor Daniel Drazen. Make sure you read other chapters too.
Math class?The next day morning, when we were having breakfast, Dad asked me about my new friend. That’s never a good sign. “So, I would like to know more about this new friend of yours.” That got my attention. I gulped my orange juice and thought of an answer. “They are actually my class project teammate.” “Oh! Is that so? Then I should assume you two were working on your project at their house yesterday?” “Yes, we were!” Thanks for covering for me, Dad. “Hmm, I see. Then you should invite them here as well,” he said as picked up his teacup. Yeah, I was super mega troubled at that point. He really wanted to see her, but with the whole magic thing she has, things are NOT gonna turn out normal, and on top of that she might probably give me away on the whole kidnapping thing. I don’t want to make everybody in this house worry about me; they were through enough, they can’t take pressure. I needed to somehow get over this. “I don’t think they like to, ‘cause, you know, they are kinda shy.” If I could make a little bittle of a delay, I might be able to finish the project and forget about this whole thing forever. “Anyhow, invite them. We need to show our manners, at least.” He raised his eyebrows up and took a slip of his tea. “Suuuuure, I’ll definitely do that.” After that I got ready to head for school. And when I reached it, Steely was there already. “Where were you last night? I couldn’t contact you. Even your father called our home, looking for you!” “Yeah, that’s a long story, man.” So I told him the whole story, how I got to talk to Sunshine and sorted things out once and for all. He listened very carefully; I almost felt like he was going to start taking notes. “So I guess you don’t want your father to find out about this, right?” “Right, I don’t.” “And what are you going to do about your phone?” “I’m gonna buy a new one after school. You coming?” I don’t know why but he blushed again when I said that. “Well, uh, I am kinda busy today, you know?” He was acting weird and I wasn’t sure why. “Uh, OK, whatever you say, buddie.” We headed to math class, and almost everyone was there, except Sunshine. I figured she’s not used to being kidnapped like I am. But that wasn’t the case. Mr. Cranky Doodle was absent. You’d think that Principal Celestia would sub for him, but no: Prof. Skull Mustache came! I was not happy about that! This guy is like a vampire, and I can prove it: 1: his face is cold gray. 2: he dresses up like one. 3: he can understand your movements without seeing you. Rose was looking outside right by the window and I was staring at him and I swear he did not look at her even a second. But while he was writing stuff on the board he said: “If you really are eager to join my textbook, I will gladly escort you outside, Ms. Rose” it was at that point she just looked back at the class. I mean, yeah, he doesn’t drink blood or at least not that I have seen him, but aren’t these the signs of a vampire? However, now he is teaching us calculus, and I didn’t really care. After a while Sunshine showed up, too, late to be precise. She took her seat; after that, Prof. Skull Mustache messed around with her. I was barely holding up in the class; the stuff he was teaching was so easy and yet others were like they totally didn’t get it. And it was just getting on my nerve since Pro. Skull Mustache had to keep repeating one topic again and again, giving the examples to do and some to showcase. It was just nerve-wracking. On top of all that, Flash Sentry kept jumping up to answer and each time it was incorrect. The last time he did it I told him his answer was wrong and that he had to be really stupid to not be able to understand such an easy topic. But he took it way too seriously and started rambling about how he is going to beat me up. So I reminded him about the last time he tried to do so and happened to become one with the floors. However Pro. Skull Mustache took both of us by the ear and pulled. I don’t say it was really bad but at least it tuned both of us down. After the class we head to the Music room since Steely and Twilight Sparkle wanted to inform us about their new discoveries. Steely told us how his new invention works and what exactly he has in mind to do with my magic: fusing it with another object so it will contain my abilities. Which it does sound a little bittle weird and thought provoking, considering why would we need an object to burst flames out of it? The rest of the day was not so important: attending archery, chilling in Music Room, talking with Steely after classes, that sort of stuff. Though I am getting curious to know why he is blushing constantly when I ask him what he wants to do and what is his plan. I guess he found someone, but we’ll see about that. After school, I headed to the mall to buy a new phone, since all those two stupids got from me was my phone. At that point I remembered Sunshine needs a phone, too! Author's Note Special thanks to my editor Daniel Drazen. Make sure you read other chapter too.
Discuss or argue?I tried to remember what her phone was like so I would take one of the same type. As it turned out, I hadn’t really paid attention to that. I just bought her the same type as I had and a new simcard as well for both of us. Afterwards, I bought a box to put the phone inside, a small one. I took a few turns through the store to see what else I need and it turned out to be nothing. I headed home and put in some practice on my violin and guitar. And that night I started to do some research on the stupid history project that Pro. Skull Mustache set out for us to do. As far as I remember, Sunshine was insisting on us doing the project about the history of music which I totally am cool with. Searching around and doing some digging, I found some really nice information out about some of the greatest Musicians of history, some I knew and some I did not. I picked a few and saved their documents on my phone. I picked Harmony Cichord: master of harpsichord and mixing different tempos. Oudy Wood: the lumberjack who left his homeland and started traveling and busking around the world with his oud. Clarence: known for putting people to sleep with her soft and relaxing melodies which she played using her Clarinet. That should have done the job, at least for now. There was way more information about them that I was pretty sure would come in handy. Dinner was ready when I was done with talking to Steely, so I headed down and joined everybody. But Dad sure wanted to know if I invited Sunshine to our house or not, and he really was insisting on getting more information from me. I just convinced him that THEY will come to our house one day and then I could finally enjoy my dinner without being bombarded with questions. The next day, I needed Steely to open up Sunshine’s locker. He questioned it at first but when I told her that I got her a phone too, he accepted and helped. It only took us a minute, and then we went back to minding our own business. And thankfully, Mr. Cranky Doodle was present. I’m not gonna lie, Pro. Skull Mustache does pull ears painfully hard. The rest of the day was typical: Steely brought Sandwiches for launch again and I bought a taco. It was actually good. After the school, I headed home. I did my homework and called Sunshine to see if she got her new phone or not. And it turned out yes, she got the package and she really appreciated it. I told her to call me if she wanted to talk about the history project. A few hours later, she called back and started to see if we were on the same page or not. Luckily, we were and I sent her the documents I found. After some chatting we decided to talk about our project tomorrow after school. So we had enough time to work on it during the weekend. The next day was not very interesting. Classes here and there, Music Room and enjoying the peace that probably won’t last long and turns out to be the calm before the storm. But at the end, I met up with Sunshine after school and we began to walk and talk about our project. “So you read the files I sent you?” I asked “Yeah, I read all of them and I also did some searching before bed and found some ancient instruments. That will add some mystery about what or how did they used to play.” I also noticed she had on her gloves. “That will probably do so,” I said, “But we need more, and we need to organize it too, don’t cha think? “Yes, I do, and that’s why I think we should head to one another’s home!” She didn’t just say that! I just stared her down for a few seconds, but then she looked at me and asked me if I was alright, and I didn’t think I need to answer that. “What did you just say?” I asked her. “Uh, we should head to each other’s home, and I really think we go to your place since mine is not suitable.” No, she really said it. What I was trying to prevent from happening was happening, and it was not OK! “Oh no. No, no, no, we’re not going to my house, and why shouldn’t we head to your house, anyway?” “Well, uh … since, you know … I have … ROOMMATES, yeah, roommates, and I can’t bring guests.” “Oh, really? Haven’t I told you about how your eyes give you away?” “No, I’m not lying, that’s the truth!” “Your eyes say something else” “I don’t know what you are talking about! What’s the problem with going to your place?” “The problem is not my house, the problem is you with the magical stuff that is happens around you!” I went for it a bit harsh. She looked at me like I insulted her. “Excuse me, but what did you mean by that?” “Look, if you really want to know I don’t want my family getting involved with all this super mega crazy stuff that happens right out of nowhere.” She opened her mouth to say something, then she just sighed. “OK, I get it, but I promise you I won’t do or make anything happen out of the ordinary.” “Seriously?” “Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!” “You’re really spending a lot of time with your friends, aren’t you?” “And I’m not going to apologize for it.” I knew she was serious when it came to her friends, but I couldn’t resist taking a slight dig. “So now are we safe to go to your house?” “I guess, but there is one more thing.” “What?” “You do not say anything about us being kidnapped!” Author's Note Special thanks to my editor Daniel Drazen. Make sure you read other chapters too.
Headed to Flame PalaceWhen she heard that she put on a weird face. “Why not?” “Cuz I say so!” “Fine, but you better have a good reason for it.” I did have a good reason for it but it’s a little bittle too soon to let her know. But then her eyes opened wide. “Your family … they don’t know?” “Just drop it, OK?” “Fine, fine. So, where is your house and how do we get there?” “I can show you the way, but I’m not too sure if you can keep up with the way I head home!” “Word of your parkour stunts is all over school. It’s not a secret, you know. The only thing the students don’t know is how soon before you kill yourself or land in the hospital.” “They’re just jealous.” “Or maybe they prefer staying in one piece until they graduate.” “If this is your way of backing out …” “Go on, I’ll be right behind you.” When she said that, I decided to let her see for herself. I started running and told her to catch up. “Then what are you waiting for? I thought you said you’re right behind me!” “HEY! WAIT!” “What is it? You can’t handle my way?” I looked back and saw that she had started running, so I decided to keep going. When I reached a fine path to get on top of a building I went for it, a jump on top of the trash can, getting my hands on the emergency staircase, and went up to look down and see what Sunshine is up to. “You’re not coming up?” “What, are you crazy? Of course not!” “You scared, Sunshine?” “DON’T….CALL….ME….THAT!” She tried the same way I used to come up and to my surprise, she did it in one go. After she was up I continued my way and she kept following me. Jumping from one roof top to another till I reached the big jump. Sunshine kept up really good with me but when she saw the distance, she wasn’t sure whether to continue or not. I took a little bittle of backing up and ran towards the jump. I managed to get to the other rooftop just fine. Now it was her turn. “What are you waiting for? Just jump!” “’Just jump, JUST JUMP!’ Have you ever thought about what would happen if you didn’t make it?” “It’s happened a couple of time. Nothing serious, except for a broken leg. And another broken leg. And I messed up my hand.” “You’re insane! I’m not doing this.” That was what I needed. “OK, then, I guess you can’t come to my house since you can’t make this jump to follow me. Well, that’s just sad but hey, I can still come to your house and work on our rese-“ She then backed up, ran and jumped while I was saying that. I could tell mid-jump that she wouldn’t clear the space so I went and took her hand and pulled her up. That was close. This girl is too serious. “Wow, you did it.” “I … did it? ... I mean, yeah, I did it! Now can we go the rest of the way on the ground?” “Fine, I was easy on you since it’s your first time.” “Don’t feel too smug; you haven’t tried keeping up with Pinkie Pie when she’s riding a cupcake sugar rush!” We headed back down to the streets and ran the rest of the way there, though she couldn’t run for a while and we had to stop so she could catch her breath. After a long run and a few stops we reached our destination. I really thought she would have just given up on trying right at the long leap that she had to take but she didn’t. So I thought she deserves to be welcomed in my home. “Finally, here we are. I present you the Flame Palace!” She gazed upon it like she was seeing something majestic, though I don’t blame her. I do live in a majestic place. Author's Note Special thanks to my editor Daniel Drazen. Make sure you read other chapters too.
Welcome to the Flame PalaceShe stood there staring at the gate and the palace for a while till I snapped her out of it. “Heeey, you’re still here?” “Uh, yeah. Yeah, I’m fine. I just got dragged away for a second.” “OK then, let’s get in.” I opened the gate and walked inside. She followed me and started looking around the Scarlet Rose garden. It was easy to see its beauty impressed her. We got to the main door but before we headed inside, I reminded her about our deal. “OK, just like we agreed: no talk about magical stuff, nothing about being kidnapped. You got it?” “Yes, I get it.” I opened the main door and walked inside. She followed and started looking around again. “Hello, I’m home!” I said loud and clear. Not much later Alfredo showed up and greeted me. “Hello there, young master.” “Hi Alfredo, we got a guest. Treat her well.” I winked at the end to make sure he understand that I left her to him. “Alright, now follow me Ms …” “Sunset,” she said, “just Sunset.” After that I went upstairs to my room to change. But by the time I headed back down Sunshine was sitting on the sofa near the fireplace. She was still looking around and I was too, because I couldn’t find Dad anywhere near there; he’s usually there by the time I get home but I guessed he was in his room. I could hear Grandma Rose snoring from her room, but where were the others? I went down and checked on Sunshine and to see if I could find Grandma Butter and Grandpa Star. “Is everything fine?” I asked. “Yeah, it’s fine, I uh … I think we should start working on the project soon.” I was going to say something but Grandpa Star showed up in his wheelchair and beat me to it. “What’s goin’ on in here? Huh?” “Hi, Grandpa. How are ya doing?” “I heard we got guests so I came to check it out. I see you finally brought home that new friend of yours!” “Yeah, I did, and we’ve got plenty of works to do, so we need to go work on our project.” I needed to get her upstairs and do the project together just so we could be done with all of this but it didn’t seem like I could. “What! You mean you’re not gonna introduce your new friend to your own grandpa?” *SIGH* “Yes, of course. Grandpa, this is Sunset Shimmer. Sunset, this is my Grandpa, Star Ace.” “It’s a pleasure to meet you!” Grandpa said. He extended his hand and leaned forward, which was as close as he could do to rising. “I’m happy to meet you too, sir.” Sunshine said. Before Grandpa could say anything else I pulled her away and took her upstairs to my room. “OK. Down to business.” There we started putting our thoughts and ideas about the things we wanted to talk about in the presentation. We argued a little at first but in the end we agreed on what we wanted to talk about. We discussed the evolution of music and how it became what we know now. Naming great musicians and giving information about them as we moved on, the different types of music that existed and finally the conclusion: how music shaped and changed our lives as well as how it changed. We were almost done, we just needed to organize our talks, make a slide show and practice the presentation. It was then that Alfredo came in and said that dinner was ready. Author's Note Special thanks to my editor Daniel Drazen. Make sure you read other chapters too.
Time for dinnerJust after Alfredo said that, Sunshine looked at the clock. “Oh! I didn’t realize it was so late! I need to head home!” She didn’t know the rules of the Flame palace, but thanks to Alfredo she learned one. “Guests must join the family for dinner, and then they may leave afterwards.” She looked at me as if I could do something about it, but rules are rules, and they always were, are and will be the same. “You’re not hungry? Because I’m super mega hungry!” “Well, if I don’t have any choice, I guess I could eat.” She left the room. I followed her out and guided her towards the dining room. I knew that Dad is there so prepared myself to introduce him to Sunshine. We walked into the dining room. Sunshine started looking around, AGAIN! However, she stopped when the colorful dinner table caught her eyes and stunned her in place as if she never saw such anything like it in her life, or at least for a long time. Seeing the grilled chicken, soup, and the fish alongside other dishes and stews on the table, I knew that our staff put extra effort into dinner. As I expected, Dad was at the head of the table and his mother, Grandma Rose, was right beside him. Grandma Butter, my maternal grandmother, wasn’t around; she probably decided to cook her butterscotch pie when she heard we have guests. Come to think of it, it’s been a while since someone new came to Flame Palace. Grandpa Star, Grandma Butter’s husband, was also on the side of the table sitting next to my seat. I stepped forward to say hi to Dad because he was not around when I got home with Sunshine. And I greeted Grandma Rose, though I kept a little distance because she always puts on way too much makeup and then tries to kiss me. “Hello Flaming Star, I heard we have guests!” Dad said. “Yes, but it isn’t a social call. We were working on a project for History class; we’re almost done!” “That’s good to hear. Now why don’t you introduce us to him?” “Yeah, but, uh, he’s a HER, actually.” “HER?!” He finally looked at Sunshine and looked back at me. He gave me a look that shouted: “Your new friend is a girl!” I was so glad Grandma Butter was busy in the kitchen. I know the first words out of her mouth would have been “It’s about time!” “Yes. Dad, Grandma, this is Sunshi- I mean Sunset; Sunset, Dad and Grandma Scarlet Rose.” “Hi, uh, nice to meet you!” she said though she sounded nervous. I don’t blame her; Dad and Grandma Rose had narrowed their eyes and were looking at her like she had done something. “Have I seen you before, Ms ...?” “Shimmer, and I don’t know, sir. Maybe.” Dad tightened his eyes more, but after a few seconds opened them and smiled. “Anyhow, please take a seat and serve yourself.” We both took our seats. I sat next to Grandpa Star so I could help him in eating his food. Sunmshine sat right next to where Grandma Butter would sit. And if there was something I knew about my father it was this: sitting at the dinner table was like sitting behind an interrogation table. “I would like to know what you two are working on. If that’s not a problem.” Dad looked at Sunshine. “Well, we decided to choose Music history for our topic and it seems we might have a really great presentation.” “I see, and I assume that your teacher paired you two, right?” “Yes, he did.” At that moment Grandma Butter entered the dining room. “Oh dear, sorry that I made you all wait, did I miss…….. oh my!” she came in so carelessly that she didn’t notice Sunshine until she reached her seat. “You must be Flame’s new friend. Didn’t expect to see a girl. I guess it was ab-“ “Miss Butter, the dinner is getting cold.” Dad interrupted Grandma Butter before she could say what I was thinking about. “Oh, yes, yes, of course.” She sat down next to Sunshine, afterwards dad filled his dish with a few of the foods that were on the table, and everyone started to do the same. Sunshine got it quick and followed our example. I picked chicken for myself and fish for Grandpa Star. We were busy eating when dad started to ask more questions. “You said that your teacher paired you two? Why do you think he did that?” “I’ve thought about it, and I guess he wanted to keep some students from working with the same partners on everything. It … it kind of makes sense when you’re studying history. The nature of countries change, societies change. I kind of think this is his way of forcing us to think of change as something that happens to us as well as to nations.” I was actually kind of proud of Sunshine for coming up with that. It hadn’t occurred to me at all. And it occurred to me that it was the kind of thing Mr. Skull Mustache would work into his lessons. “So, tell me about your family a little, Miss Shimmer, if that does not bother you.” “To be … honest, it does bother me a little bit. I’ve been out on my own for a while now, and we didn’t really part on good terms. I know I’ll probably go home once I graduate from Canterlot High, but I’m really not looking forward to it.” “And why not?” “Mostly, I know I’m going to miss my friends.” That scared me because Dad might want to know if I was one of her friends. But he didn’t pick up on it. “Interesting. In that case, are you living alone?” “Well, there’s Ray.” “And what does this Ray do?” Sunshine smiled. “Mostly he eats bugs.” “Is that what this is?” Grandpa Star asked. “No, Grandpa, it’s fish.” “And you don’t think that behavior is … odd?” “It’s perfectly appropriate behavior if you’re a leopard gecko and you’re hungry.” “You never said you had a pet.” “I only told you his name; you assumed everything else.” Dad can be very formidable during his “interrogations.” But this is the first time I’ve ever seen anyone hold their own against him. “Let’s be honest, miss. Why are you wearing gloves in my house?” I shook my head very slightly, hoping to send the message “PLEASE don’t be honest!” Sunshine’s smile faded. “I wear these gloves as a favor to your son. He didn’t want me to tell you that I’m psychic.” She’s being honest. We’re dead! “I can read people’s minds and understand their thoughts and feelings through skin-to-skin contact. I’m doing you a favor by keeping these gloves on because it keeps your secrets safe. But it’s your house and your rules, so if you want me to give you a demonstration …” She let the sentence go unfinished as she grabbed one glove as if to take it off. And then she smiled at him. The awkward silence was broken by a sound I hadn’t heard in a long time: Dad’s laughter. “Well played, young lady, well played. You can keep your gloves on.” “Hey!” Grandpa Star said, “did you sit here to help me or to get a nice angle on her, huh?” “C’mon, Grandpa Star, don’t be grumpy now.” I helped him by cutting his fish into smaller portions. Grandma Butter saved me. “OH I think my pie is ready!” She went back to the kitchen, which at least changed the subject. “Your palace is quite enormous, I guess it was inherited!” Sunshine wiped the whole lecturing thing away with that question, though she didn’t know what she just asked for. “Yes, in fact it was inherited from our ancestors all the way down to us, it was built on the blah blah, that stuff this stuff, yada yada yada” I’ve heard that about a thousand times in my life and I’m totally not gonna write it down! “This place could swallow up my whole place!” “How small is your place?” “It’s a pretty good size for just me and Ray. There’s a loft arrangement that … that gives me more space.” NOW she chooses her words! “How did you find it?” “It started out as a house-sitting arrangement and it got long-term.” After a while, Grandma Butter arrived with her butterscotch pie. Everyone except Grandpa Star got a piece and Grandma Butter seemed to be getting on well with Sunshine. That wasn’t a surprise to be honest. Because I knew Dad wouldn’t miss Grandma Butter’s pie to keep asking questions, I decided to relax and enjoy it too. After dinner, Sunshine packed up and Alfredo escorted her outside. We agreed to work our presentation in front of her friends, and I was OK with that. Still, I had to clear the air. “WHAT were you thinking?” “Look, I didn’t know what I was going to say and I thought I could bluff my way through, but …” “But what?” “But then, all I could think of was Applejack! It was so strong I knew I had to be honest. And it worked.” “It just about made me a nervous wreck! But you stood up to my Dad; only one person have managed to do that. Just please don’t do that anymore, OK?” “OK.” She seemed happy and at peace as she left. But as I feared, Dad started in on me when I got back in the house! “Next time, be more clear about your friends’ gender … and species … and don’t even think about getting too close with her!” “What’s the problem? It’s not like she is my girlfriend or anything!” “It’s not about her being your girlfriend, it’s about YOU wanting her to BE your girlfriend!” “No way, I ain’t gonna go on a date with her and buy her flowers to impress her.” Just after I said that, I remembered I’ve already done that! “Keep it that way, at least for now till you’re old enough!” I get it that he was shocked by seeing a girl with me, but I think I need to work on him getting used to that stuff since, love it or hate it, I’m seeing what she got and I’m starting to like it. And I don’t want to wait until as I’m as old as Grandfather to do anything about it! Author's Note Special thanks to my editor Daniel Drazen. Stay paitiant for other stories.
