The Light of the Night

Twilight Sparkle was walking when she saw Sunset Shimmer and the others. Twilight was ready to greet them, but they didn’t seem to be in a festive mood. They were all powered up by the Elements of Harmony, with killing intent in their eyes. Before Twilight could run away, the power of the Elements surrounded her, decimating her as she inaudibly screamed… And in her dying breath, she saw herself beside them… Only not as herself.

Instead, Twilight Sparkle had transformed into Midnight Sparkle, the malicious grin and all. With one swipe of her claws surrounded in a magical aura, the girls were snuffed out one-by-one

Twilight Sparkle opened her eyes again, finding herself staring into a mirror in the distance. She walked towards it, as the entire landscape turned pitch-black. She looked at herself, and then at her own reflection. But when she saw turned back but when she saw turned back… She saw her…

Midnight Sparkle, right behind Twilight Sparkle and no one else. Her cold grip wrapped around her as Twilight gasped, tearfully trying to pry herself away.

“Do you see who I am now?” Midnight asked, maliciously. “This is but ‘one’ of your inevitable demises that can and WILL be the end of you! I’ve shown you what will happen to you, and this ‘will’ be your fate should you continue to follow this foolish path…”

“No…” Twilight said, in utter disbelief. “That can’t be…”

“Still refusing to accept the truth? Ever after showing you what will happen for following this witless folly? Huh… For someone who’s supposedly intelligent, you lack common sense when it comes to the real world. Why don’t I show you what they truly think of you when you’re not around?”

Midnight Sparkle suddenly cast a strange aura, lifting Twilight Sparkle in midair. Next thing she knew, her friends were there before her eyes. They were in a group, talking quietly, and so it was hard to make out what they said

Twilight attempt to speak, but no words emerged. As for what they were saying, trying to hear them was like laying an ear against a plastic wall. Then eventually, she heard them, loud and clear.

“What do we do about Twilight?” Rainbow asked.

“Oh, I dunno, Rainbow,” Fluttershy said. “She’s a nice girl, but—”

“She very nearly destroyed our world!” Pinkie Pie interrupted, shouting.

“I must agree with Pinkie Pie,” Rarity replied. “We barely escaped being killed by her magic by the skin of our teeth!”

“But it ain’t like she intended to kill us or nothin’,” Applejack said. “She was possessed, right?”

“Even so, we need to be vigilant,” Sunset explained. “If anything happens to either of us, if she attempts to destroy this world again, we have no choice but to put her down. Are we all in agreement?”

Twilight Sparkle covered her ears, forcing herself to block out everything they said. But even so, those words were difficult to ignore… Their intents were painfully clear.

“You still going to blindly deny the truth?” Midnight Sparkle spoke. “You really are a fool, just as they said.”

Midnight Sparkle grabbed her hands, forcefully removing them from her face, and looked at her, dead straight in the eyes.

“Give me full control and all the pain will go away… With me, you’ll eradicate the haters of this world. Not just ‘anyone’… EVERYONE. The people will respect you, worship you, and you’ll never fear of being abused again. That doesn’t sound so terrible, does it?”

Everything Midnight Sparkle spoke rang with truth. She is a magical being, able to defy all logic and understanding of the real world. If Twilight were to do this, she’d never be tormented again. Not by those students at Crystal Prep, not the adults who only ‘used’ her, nor anybody who treated her like a freak. But even so…

“It’s true that everybody belittled me,” Twilight nodded. “I’ve dealt with loneliness my whole life and I’ve grown used to being treated like dirt… But you’re wrong about one thing! That’s NOT who I am. If I let you take control, there’s no telling what you’ll do. I’d rather be alone for the rest of my life than allow you to willingly hurt my friends.”

Her offer denied, Midnight released Twilight’s hands. She maintained that calm, still presence but that leering stare towards her was clear. She could sense Midnight’s anger increasing by the minute.

“So… Even after showing you a reality where they kill you, offering you a chance to fix your pathetic existence and end your suffering, you repay me… By rejecting me?”

Midnight’s words were as her image: Completely dark. She closed her eyes, as the flames surrounding them glowed brighter. All of a sudden, she opened them back up with a colder, sickly, evil glow, as a soft laugh escaped her lips.

“… Perhaps I’ll have to remove you from your consciousness… By force!”

She blinded Twilight with her magical flares, laughing all the while. They were so bright Twilight couldn’t make out what was happening. Just then, she was held down by purple binds, strapped to her arms and legs with minimal effort, stretching her in an ‘X’ like position. Twilight tried to reason with Midnight Sparkle, with difficulty.

“Midnight, y-you don’t have to do this! I’m s-sure there’s a way we can—”

“Not possible! Believe me, I’ve thought the same thing, and frankly, it’s more pleasing aligning myself with you, but it can only fit ‘one’ soul. Since you’re unwilling to let me ‘have’ it, I’ll just… Eject you from your vessel. I tried doing this the easy way, but your stubbornness forces me to take drastic measures. A tragedy, really… You’d make a good ruler… But sacrifice is necessary.”

Midnight Sparkle moved towards Twilight, crawling atop her helpless form. Her claws scratched the very fabric of her attire as she pulled herself towards her face.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure it’s quick.”

Those were her final words… Before Midnight Sparkle pressed her lips against Twilight Sparkle’s, and she felt her breath drawn out of her. As Twilight’s eyes closed, her body seemed to fade, her consciousness slowly slipped away. Everything Twilight Sparkle ever knew was disappearing.

Her friends… Her family… Her world… Herself…

<>

GASP!!!

Twilight awoke with a sharp gasp, her eyes shot out like jack-in-the-boxes, and her heartbeat as if it could burst from her chest.

It was that dream again… The one Twilight always woke up to in a nervous sweat, unable to change the outcome of the dream. Sometimes was lucky if her mind could block it out, but when that didn’t happen the outcome stays the same… No matter what Twilight said or did. Twilight’s body trembled before she heard a small sound behind her. She felt her heart shoot towards her throat, as she whirled around.

It was Sunset Shimmer, squeezed towards the wall in a rather uncomfortable position. So restricted, so twisted against the wall, yet she slept lightly. Not exactly snoring, but she made these soft, muffled murmurs and there was a fearful look on her face. Immediately, Twilight could hear the pounding in her chest slow down, her hands completely still, and her breathing became steady.

Twilight looked towards the clock – from what she could tell, she had been asleep for seemingly two hours at most. She turned around, feeling as if she should get more sleep. Two nightmares in one night felt like a broken record, but she had to keep calm. If she gave up at any time, it would be too late.

The moonlight emerged through the window, reflecting onto something. Twilight squinted towards the dress behind her closet door, making out two cups and a note. Twilight slowly pulled herself from the bed, making sure not to wake Sunset, and quietly padded her way towards the items. The first thing she reached for is the note, holding it right near the window under the moonlight. It read:

Dear Twilight/Sunset
Hope everyone’s okay. Don’t worry about me, just chilling downstairs. Didn’t feel in the mood to disturb you two. I left your drinks on the counter in case you get thirsty.

Twilight glanced back toward Sunset’s sleeping form, not disturbed in the slightest.

“I’m getting an answer about this ‘catchphrase’ sooner or later,” Twilight thought to herself.

She turned her attention back to the cups. Each was filled with tea, harboring a sparkly substance that resembled minerals. She took a sip from her cup… It was still warm like it was just made, probably ten minutes ago. The tea was tasty, chamomile in this case. Twilight smiled, as she placed the cup back down.

She turned away and quietly returned to bed, slipping silently into the covers while looking at Sunset. If she could get through the night and wake up not feeling so tired, she was going to have a straight talk with Sunset. For just one night, she’d like a semblance of peace especially since she’s lying beside the most beautiful girl across the bed. Twilight really needed her, more than ever.

<>

Twilight barely flicked her eyes open. She had awakened for the third time, but this time, sunlight beamed through the window. She groggily rubbed her eyes, turning to the side… Only to notice Sunset wasn’t there. In her mind, she thought Sunset had decided—

“Twilight?”

Startled by the sudden call, Twilight whipped her head back toward the door. There was Sunset, leaning against the door, her body language suggesting she’d stood there for a while.

“Uh, hey Sunset…” Twilight spoke, with a confused smile. “How long have you been up?”

Sunset Shimmer merely shrugged, not even saying a word.

“Oh. Um, you… Didn’t seem to be busy or anything…”

“You needed the sleep,” Sunset answered. “I’m well aware you were up in the middle of the night.”

She motioned toward the two cups of tea; one was empty and the other barely touched.

“Figured I let you sleep in.”

“Oh… Well, thanks for that… You didn’t need to do that for me.”

“Are you ready to talk now?” Sunset asked.

Twilight rubbed her eyes as she turned toward the time. It was barely 9:30 in the morning.

“I’m not quite up and ready yet,” Twilight replied, meeting her gaze. “Can we eat first? I’m not avoiding the subject, I’m just a little hungry that’s all. I promise we’ll talk.”

Sunset was undeniably skeptical, but she played along anyway. As much as Twilight hoped to avoid any mention of her personal dilemma, she knew Sunset would eventually track her down if that meant uncovering the truth.

“Breakfast is downstairs,” Sunset informed. “Rainbow Dash already ate and left to meet with the others. For now, it’s just the two of us.”

“They will kill you… They will kill you…”

Those four words echoed in Twilight’s head over and over. She practically forced herself out of the bedroom.

“What did she mean by that?” Twilight thought to herself. “Would Sunset really do that? What was the point of talking if it’d just be—”

“Oh, and Twilight?” Sunset called from behind. “I suggest grabbing yourself a coffee; you look tired.”

Twilight urged herself to think of something as Sunset followed her down the stairs. Twilight could feel her glance toward her as if she were making sure Twilight didn’t try to run. After a few seconds of awkward silence, they made their way into the kitchen.

While watching Sunset fluttering around the kitchen, Twilight sat down and looked at her empty plate. There were trays of eggs, bacon, and waffles laid out along the table to choose from. Even the delicious breakfast wasn’t enough to keep Twilight’s suspicions at bay. She idly wondered what Midnight was plotting, she could feel her body tremble with terror, so afraid yet eager for the next—

“No, Twilight!” She told herself. “Think of something else!”

“So... Did you sleep well?” Twilight asked, with a nervous chuckle.

“Y-yea,” Sunset answered, slowly. “How about you?”

Twilight studied Sunset carefully. For some reason, Sunset acted so guarded, so cautious, as if worried the next thing she’d say would be offensive. Frankly, Twilight couldn’t help but feel irritated. Not so much toward Sunset, but rather she was frustrated with herself.

“I’m doing fine, you don’t have to worry about me.

“I know…”

That awkward silence returned with a vengeance. Twilight couldn’t help but think back to last night, her insides flinching from the idea of someone out there seeing Twilight in such a broken state. The very thought made her feel as if at any moment, she’d shatter to the ground like glass. If Twilight had a choice, she’d rather jump off the highest cliffs of Camp Everfree before the monster within her was released.

“Actually, I lied about what I said the other night,” Sunset said, breaking the silence. “Not about caring about you… But the reason I wanted a catchphrase.”

“Huh?”

Twilight hadn’t expected this to be the first conversation topic, but there she went.

“Oh… Well, I was wondering what was that about.”

“I lied because I kept thinking what your secret was,” Sunset continued. “I’ve been thinking there was something familiar, but I didn’t have a chance to figure it out.”

“I see.”

“So, that’s one reason… That and I wanted to check up on you, make sure you’re okay and all. Of course, the whole ‘catchphrase’ bit wasn’t a total lie.”

“Seems fair, I guess.”

“It’s an adventure; it’s nothing to worry about!”

… Was that a lie? In all the time Twilight’s known Sunset, she’d only do that when she’s nervous or in a state of panic. Either way, that doesn’t happen often when it comes to Sunset Shimmer. Something was up, Twilight could sense it.

“But besides that, it was very beautiful,” Sunset continued. “Rainbow was a big help, and we had quite a talk afterward. She had some good advice about my issues, I think we were talking for hours… And… To tell the truth… I was petrified.”

Twilight wanted to run straight to her room. Had Sunset Shimmer become aware of Midnight Sparkle? Did Sunset know about the whisperings inside her head? She sat nervously, as Sunset took her plate down to the sink.

“And… Then you came downstairs,” Sunset concluded, turning towards Twilight.

“Yeah…”

Twilight practically prodded her food with her fork. It was obvious where this conversation was going. Twilight rubbed the back of her head; the nerves were building up.

“And that’s the tale of why I was up last night,” Sunset spoke. “Now that I’ve explained myself, think we can have that little talk now?”

Twilight shoved a forkful of food into her mouth, attempting to stall. She chewed slowly, cringing at the taste, almost choking because she ate so much.

“Should I tell her?” Twilight asked herself.

Twilight closed her eyes, as her mind raced like a roller coast, running toward the place where her nightmares were at her peak. They were vague images, but she couldn’t hide it forever. She did have her parents to help her with her nightmares, but their methods were hours spent calming her with the knowledge that dreams are just dreams. Twilight could feel her hand clench around the fork… She couldn’t do it.

Twilight imagined all the words coming forth, the mask built beneath her heart suddenly roaring forth. The desire to just confess was so great, she desperately wanted to tell someone, to not spend the remainder of her days bitter and alone.

“No, I have to settle this alone,” Twilight told herself. “It’s better this way; I took the brunt of reality, so she’ll be happy. So, everyone is happy. This is my own dilemma and no one else’s.”

“Twilight?” Sunset spoke. “Is it okay if I ask you something?”

Twilight nodded cautiously. She fiddled with her hands, looking like her usual, awkward, nerdy self.

“Well… Why did you call out for me last night?”

Twilight almost spat out her food, watching as her eyes looked on in confusion.

“W-Wait, I called for you?”

“Well, a few times you apologized for things. Usually, you end up screaming, calling out my name, and a million other things. I couldn’t make out what you were saying.”

“… Oh.”

Suddenly, Twilight Sparkle felt exposed, naked, and afraid. As if she’d been singled out by one of the popular kids or even her classmates from Crystal Prep. When awake, it’s easy to hide, but they say one’s true self is easily exposed when one’s asleep. The very thought of saying something barred her from stopping… She stabbed her fork into her food, circling with it.

“Twilight, what happens in your dreams?” Sunset asked. “Are you always so paranoid? Was it me that’s driving you crazy?”

“No, no, that was the first time…” Twilight fumbled for words, shaking her head violently.

Twilight didn’t feel in the mood to speak, not about… ‘It’.

“What do you usually dream about, then?” Sunset asked.

Suddenly, as Twilight turned to face Sunset, her eyes widened, and she felt her skin grow cold. There, leaning beside Sunset, her elbows on the table and staring at Twilight with that sinister smile, Midnight Sparkle had appeared once more.

“Go ahead… Tell her,” Midnight Sparkle spoke. “Tell her what she did to you! What I told you about your friends. How she tried to kill you, and your friends nearly—”

“SHUT UP!” Twilight suddenly snapped.

Twilight breathed heavily; her body felt like it was on fire. That’s when she noticed Sunset's face, how frightened she looked, as she backed away. Twilight tried to apologize, but her tongue wouldn’t work. Sunset glanced at the floor with dejection, her shoulders sagging.

“I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—”

“No, it’s… It’s alright, Twilight. I was only… Never mind…”

But Twilight caught the small waver in her voice, followed by the sudden turn of her head. It felt like a pit had open up in her stomach as a sudden realization crossed her mind. she suddenly realizing realized what she did, and what she tried so hard to avoid. Suddenly realizing what she did and what she tried so hard to avoid. Sunset slowly got up and walked towards the door.

“I’ll just leave you be.”

“W-wait!” Twilight reached out, trying to stop her. “Sunset—”

“No, I was too pushy. I tend to get a little relentless… It’s fine.”

Twilight could hear the strain increasing, the tone of Sunset’s voice her more than anything Twilight could ever come up with. on the verge of falling at any time

“Sunset, it’s not like that—”

SLAM!

The door shut before her, leaving Twilight to wallow in sorrow. She hopped from the chair, overcome with that an overwhelming desire to pursue her And still, she could hear Midnight Sparkle, feel her presence as she leaned against the kitchen wall, her arms folded and like before she did all she could to hurt Twilight.

“What did I tell you, little star?” Midnight Sparkle taunted. “She’ll never understand anything about us. In the end, it’s just you and me—”

“Shut up! Just shut up!” Twilight screamed, trying to block her out. “Stop talking to me! Leave me alone!!”

Twilight ran to the door, scrambling for the doorknob, her fingers shook while she tried to open it. She could feel the cool breeze of the winter air, bits of snow falling from the sky. But then the door was immediately shut when a clawed hand pressed against the door and Midnight Sparkle loomed over the frightened girl.

“You’ll just hurt her again like you always do. As I said before, she doesn’t understand you as I do. It’s a mere fallacy. Being alone isn’t so bad, once you learn the benefits… Oh yes… The sweet, sweet… Benefits…”

Twilight ignored her words. True, she tends to be secretive, if not stubborn, and pushy. But still… Sunset is one of the few people who took the time to care for Twilight’s problems. Her mind told her to stop chasing her, but the heart told her to go after her.

“Don’t even bother. I know what you’ll do: You’ll try to fix this, and you’ll only make it worse for yourself. That alone proves to me what a failure you are. Nothing but a waste to everyone.”

Go after her!

“What are you doing—”

“ENOUGH!!!”

Twilight cried out in frustration, violently pulling open the door and throwing herself onto the snowy grounds. She pattered unsteadily, brushing the snow off her dress as the fading ray of a sad morning dawned upon her. Somehow, she could image the taste mixture of water and dust… Her breath was stuck in her throat, her hands shook unable to stop. Twilight felt like curling up against the snow, holding her head, and wait for the next blanket of snow to wrap around her, to put her pain to an end.

But she kept herself going, she had to find Sunset Shimmer. Forcing herself upon her legs, Twilight pressed forward. Despite not being the athletic type and not even properly dressed for the weather, she trudged against the snow.

“Sunset?!” Twilight called. “Sunset, where are you?!”

For a second, her vision was blurry. Somehow, she found herself atop a high cliff. Or at least it felt like a cliff, for all she knew she could’ve been atop a hill that only felt higher due to the increasing snow.

“Oh no!” Twilight thought. “I’ve gotten myself lost in my panic!”

Then again, it was Twilight’s own fault for pushing Sunset Shimmer aside in the first place. But then she recalled a spot in the park where her friend would often go. So, she hurried her way toward the park, searching wildly for what felt like an eternity. But sure enough, there she was, standing before the now frozen pond looking out toward the distance.

“Sunset!” Twilight gasped, in relief. “There you… Are…”

Sunset slowly turned towards Twilight Sparkle her, who felt frozen at the sight. She glared towards Twilight, tears had fallen falling down her cheeks, and they seem to be freeze freezing stiffly from the cold air. They stared toward each other; and an overwhelming increase of regret flowed within Twilight Sparkle.

“Sun—” Twilight whispered.

“Would you look at that?”

Twilight’s stomach twisted at the sound of that horrible voice. Midnight Sparkle appeared again through the violently, windy stream of snow. The heavy wind made her hair flow, the flames around her eyes flowed along with the breeze, and even with her own choice of apparel, she was not phased by the snow. Then again, it seemed nothing phased Midnight Sparkle.

“She’s giving you the old death stare,” Midnight Sparkle pointed out, with a smirk. “And you call me a monster… HA! How ironic!”

Twilight tried to ignore Midnight’s taunts, as she forced her way against the wind reaching out for Sunset’s hand. Just inches away, without warning, Sunset violently pulled away. The sudden gesture made Twilight reel back in surprise.

“You can’t share anything with me, can you?!” Sunset cried. “You think I’ll just make fun of you? That I can’t handle the truth?! I’m not who you think I am, Twilight Sparkle! You have no right to shield everyone from yourself! Why… Why can’t you just—”

Sunset stopped a moment to rub her face, trying to stop talking, but the words slipped through her teeth.

“Why can’t you just trust us? Why can’t you trust me?!”

Twilight swallowed a heavy lump in her throat, each word had dug into her skin like a sharp blade pressed against her. She forced herself to overcome the agonizing pain and worry threatening to pop out in some way, shape, or form. She could feel as if another meltdown was ready to explode. But still, she took another deep breath, reaching out once more with one arm.

“Sunset… I-I’m sorry. You’re right, you’re absolutely right… I’ve been selfish and stubborn. I thought it is easier to keep it all a secret, to spare you the trouble. But I was wrong! I was wrong, and for that, I’m sorry. I… It’s time I told you… Or at least, it is better to show you. Please Sunset.”

Sunset Shimmer listened to every word Twilight Sparkle said. Slowly, she approached Twilight Sparkle her friend , and they wiped away each other’s tears. Then, she grabbed onto Twilight’s hand and hugged her warmly. After a minute or so, they headed back to the house, realizing how cold it had become. But more than that, Twilight realized that the time had come to face her demons and she was not doing this along.

“Twilight—”

“Come on,” Twilight urged.

She felt the cold, empty, angry spirit watching her in the distance. Her heart knew that so long as Midnight Sparkle was still around, she would never be at peace. This needed to be settled and this time Midnight Sparkle would not stop her.