The Light of the Night

Starbeam Glitter’s eyes slowly opened, as her sight adjusted to her surroundings. It was so dark, not a single trace of detail could be seen. As the little unicorn stood upon all four hooves, she silently looked around. Her breath could be seen escaping through her lips and drifting across the empty atmosphere of her mind.

“I see you’re back,” A monotone voice spoke.

Starbeam Glitter quickly turned to the side. There, just several feet in front of her, a shadowy figure stood before her. She couldn’t make out the details of this mysterious being, but Starbeam immediately recognized the voice.

“Mom?” Starbeam called out. “Is it really you?”

“I’ll ask the questions, young lady,” She retorts, taking a deep breath. “Do you believe it’s possible to live a normal life while managing your powers? I ask because I can’t help but wonder… when you’ll betray us? When you decide to use your powers for your own self-gain?”

“M-mom… You know, I’m not—”

“Going to? Were those your next words? I wish I could believe a word you said, honestly.”

While the blunt tone of her words wasn’t enough, the way the figure stared Starbeam dead straight in the eyes, it was nerve-wracking.

“Do you have any idea how often we hear you say that? It’s like if I were a teacher—no, if I were the ‘principal’ of a school, and I had to deal with a naughty child, who never learned her place, who would keep telling me over and over that she’s not going to let me down. You have all that power, handed to you on a silver platter, and yet you abuse it like a child’s plaything.”

Starbeam shook with every word the figure said whether it was truly one of her moms talking or something far worse.

“M-M-Mom, p-please… I-I-I realize I took something away from you,” Starbeam stammered. “I know deep down you must hate me for~”

“You know what the scary part is?” The figure interrupted. “I do hate that part about you… No, ‘hate’ is too nice to describe how I feel. But… I realize it’s not entirely your fault yet that’s the part of you that’s impossible to ignore, no matter how much I pretend it doesn’t bother me. You are the reason Twilight Sparkle lost her powers… You embody the very evil that can destroy us all… And yet, you were completely unaware of your potential.

“Because you were too weak to be of use or rather you decided to hold back. I honestly can’t tell anymore if I’m even being straightforward with you. Even now, I believe it was a mistake accepting that offer. Try as I might, I can never truly love you when one of those days, you’ll just turn on us. That alone is scarier than what happened… ten years ago…”

Ten years ago… Those three key words rang through Starbeam’s ears like a haunting bell. The figure was making it personal for the poor young mare, as she struggled to fight back her own tears.

“I know it’s something you don’t want to hear, Starbeam,” The figure continued. “Especially from me, of all people. But it’s better to hear the truth than to have someone continue to lie. I want to be optimistic, thinking everything will be okay… but as long as she’s in you, I can never let my guard down… NOT for one moment.”

“B-But mom… I-I-I swear…”

“We both know you’re just going to tell me what I want to hear… A part of you was curious about her, all the whisperings she threw in your ear. Am I wrong?”

Starbeam started to cry, as she shook her head as if to deny the things the figure using Twilight’s voice was saying. But there was no mistaking all the words Midnight gave, the claims that she made. The thought had come up several times, but she didn’t want to believe them to be true. The figure finally stepped out of the shadows and all at once she changed. For it wasn’t Twilight Sparkle that Starbeam was hearing, but instead it was Sunset Shimmer, the figure now using her image and her voice. And by the look on her face, she actually seemed regretful.

"I was right all along,” Sunset sighed. “I hate having to be the one to do this… but I can no longer turn a blind eye. You understand what I must do.”

Starbeam slowly nodded, as if the truth were too great to ignore. Sunset extended her arms out toward Starbeam, who rushed into her embrace and clutched her tightly as she silently cried.

“I-I’ll miss you, mom,” Starbeam cried. “Both of you…”

As she cried, flames began to sprout all over Sunset’s body and encircling the two women. But whether Starbeam was aware of it or not, she was in too much grief to care. The guilt of her very existence weighing heavily upon her mind.

“Me too…” Sunset spoke, softly. “I’m sorry… little star…”

Slowly and surely, the flames engulfed Starbeam’s body. The young mare began to burn away, as her vision began to fade. Yet when she looked at her body, though the flames rolled around, she didn’t feel it as if her body still remained untouched. Not a trace of scorch marks to be seen and not a hint of pain to be felt.

“I’m still here…” Starbeam thought. “And yet… I’m not… at the same time…”

Deep in the shadows, a figure stood watch, manipulating the events in the darkness like manipulating two puppets. Midnight Sparkle, stepping closer into view, watches Starbeam as she slowly starts to turn into particles, absorbed into ‘Sunset Shimmer’ as if part of some sick ritual.

“Do you understand now, little star?” Midnight spoke. “The world is a cruel mistress; everything you love so dearly and is taken away so easily. How does it feel?”

But answer there came none, neither does Starbeam seem to acknowledge the demoness’ own words. Midnight Sparkle merely smiled in gratification, as if to assume that she had finally won.

“What’s the matter? Was it so horrifying you’ve lost the ability to speak? Look at you now: Still alive, knowing exactly what your ‘loved ones’ see you as. Just being alive, acknowledging what you are, that is a worse punishment than death.”

Starbeam silently cried as Midnight Sparkle floated behind the girl. She places a single hand upon her head, feeling the aura flow around her fingers.

“I can make this all go away; I only ask for one thing. Make… us… WHOLE…”

<>

Meanwhile, the machine itself seem to shake and spark as Starbeam’s rim-cycle darts rapidly. Papers flow swiftly through the machine, showing insane numbers and graphs increasing at an accelerated rate. The three ponies going over the studies look on with concern, but none more so than Sunset Shimmer herself.

“Twilight, what’s going on?” Sunset asked.

“It’s her powers!” Twilight answered. “They’re off the charts; I sense a disturbance in her wavelengths.”

“Midnight Sparkle,” Sunset muttered.

“This is unlike anything I’ve ever seen!” Starlight observed, reading the graphs. “Twilight, what can we do?!”

“I’m not sure…” Twilight answered concerned. “But we need to figure out what to do before—”

Before Princess Twilight could finish, Sunset Shimmer used her magic against the barrier, groaning as she used all her strength to lift a slight opening. Once it was wide enough, Sunset immediately burst away from the barrier and rushed towards her daughter.

“Sunset, wait!” Twilight yelled, to no avail.

“Starbeam!” Sunset yelled, leaning towards her daughter. “Starbeam! Can you hear me?!”

“Sunset, get away from there!” Starlight called out. “That could be dangerous!”

But the words from Princess Twilight and Starlight Glimmer fell on deaf ears. Sunset Shimmer placed a hand on Starbeam’s forehead and whether she could see it or not, she felt her worse fears coming true. Her aura and magic we’re completely off the charts, despite how Starbeam seemed so calm almost at ease.

“It’s her! I have to get her to stop this before it gets worse!”

“Sunset, what in Tartarus is going on?!” Starlight called out.

“There’s no time to explain!” Sunset called back, turning her attention back to Starbeam. “Come on, Starbeam. Don’t give up on me! Everything’s going to be okay, you’re stronger than this. You’re stronger than her… You’ve proven that numerous times before!”

Whether Starbeam could hear her mother or not, that did not matter. She carefully lifted Starbeam toward her, hugging her close and whispering a prayer within her ear.

“Please, Starbeam… Come back to us. Come back to me.”

<>

Meanwhile, the process was nearly complete as Starbeam Glitter all but broke down into tiny particles. Observing the process, Midnight Sparkle looks on, ready to absorb the girl back within her and seize the means to assume her rightful place amongst the living world.

“Just let it go, Starbeam,” Midnight Sparkle spoke. “I can make all the pain and misery disappear in an instant. As one being, you will never deal with this pain alone. I’ll bare all the misery, turning against those who dare try to hurt us. Give me full control now, and you will be safely tucked within my grasp. What do you say?”

“I… I…”

“STARBEAM!!!”

Starbeam’s eyes lit up, recognizing that voice from afar.

“Mom?”

“Starbeam! Please come back to us… Come back to me…”

“Oh come now, do you really believe she cares for you?” Midnight asked tauntingly. “Who’s to say she’s merely calling out just to toy with your emotions again? Can you really handle another emotional toll?”

“Starbeam, you’re stronger than this… You’re stronger than her… You have to believe!”

“Mom…”

“Who do you choose, little star? Me, who can protect you from the cruelties of man and women alike? Or them, your ‘family and friends’ who will hurt you before you hurt them?”

Midnight Sparkle extended her hand out towards Starbeam Glitter. But the girl swiftly turns around and smacks the hand away, resuming her solid form and the flames dispersed with her own aura.

“NO!!!” Starbeam shouted.

Midnight Sparkle was slightly taken aback by the response, yet otherwise seemed unbothered as Starbeam continued.

“I-I’m aware I took something away from my moms, I took my mom’s powers and I’m responsible for that. But I know she’ll always love me, regardless of the sacrifices. My parents… My Auntie Rainbow… They’ve showered me with care and affection, even after all the trouble I’ve caused because they love me. Not once showing a shred of regret, nor shame of their decisions.

“I don’t care what lies you speak to me; you can haunt me until the day I grow too old to get out of bed. Because I have what you will never have: A family! A family who will help me get through everything, a family is kind, they protect me from monsters like you, and they raised me while you just exist. And they will stand be me because they stand for everything that you are too heartless to understand!!!”

Midnight Sparkle stood silently for a few seconds. Then she started to chuckle, until eventually it grew into a sinister laugh that sent a shiver down Starbeam’s spine despite the attempt to hold a brave face.

“Wow! After all those visions, even after showing you the severity of your reality, you’d still rather suffer?” Midnight asked, shaking her head. “You are just like her, the very same mindset… Very well, go back to your ‘family’. After all, why should it matter what I argue? I just live to exist, was that what you meant to say?”

A grin remained on her face, clear as day. Even as a part of her remained hidden in darkness.

“But I promise you this, little star: We will meet again, in due time. But for now, I bid you ‘adieu’.”

With a snap of her fingers, her head lowered to the ground, Midnight Sparkle disappears, and a door appears behind Starbeam Glitter. The little girl looked around to make sure that Midnight Sparkle was truly gone. Then, with a deep breath, she rushed through the open doorway as it disappeared behind her.

“Seems the two you hold so dear have given you all the power to repel me…” Midnight’s voice spoke, echoing in the blackness. “You are more difficult than my previous host, stronger and more resistant than I give you credit for… No matter…”

Midnight Sparkle’s form returns in the darkness, looking out into the emptiness where the doorway once stood.

“I have ways of dealing with you, Starbeam. I know exactly which buttons to press, to destroy your ‘precious’ little family. Soon enough, when all is said and done, you’ll have no choice but to come to me. When that day happens… Well, I can wait. I have all the time in the world; for soon, you will finally be mine…”

<>

Several moments have passed, as the calm before the storm came. No longer did the machine go haywire, as a steady heartrate was displayed in the readings and the brain waves were flowing much smoothly. The three mares looked on, carefully observing Starbeam Glitter, while Sunset remained close.

“Is it just me?” Starlight asked, behind the barrier. “Or did the dark feeling suddenly go away?”

“I’ve noticed it too,” Twilight answered, looking around.

As the two debated, as to whether Starbeam won her mental warfare or not, Starbeam slowly stirred as her eyes opened. As her vision cleared, she could see her mother Sunset looming over her.

“Starbeam?” Sunset asked. “Honey, can you hear me?”

Her attention kept on her mom, Starbeam nodded her head but uttered not a word. Sunset could tell her daughter looked slightly dazed, but otherwise she was fine.

“It’s okay, Starbeam. You’re here with us now.”

“M-Mom?” Starbeam spoke, faintly. “Is it really you? I mean really, really you?”

“The one and only, kiddo.”

“D-Did I—”

“No, you didn’t do anything.”

“I’m so… glad,” Starbeam sighed in relief.

Sunset pulled her in close, hugging her warmly with a smile.

“Come here, you goofball. I’m so glad you’re safe.”

“… Am I?”

“Jeez, kid!” Starlight cried, walking toward them. “You nearly gave us all a heart attack!”

“Can’t say I didn’t see this coming,” Sunset thought.

“U-Um… I’m sorry, Ms. Starlight,” Starbeam said softly. “I just—”

“Do you know how hard it would’ve been to fight you if you turned to the dark side?” Starlight asked, with a scowl.

“I-I didn’t mean any trouble…”

Before Starlight could continue, as Starbeam struggled for words to say, Princess Twilight approached the group.

“She does have a point, Starbeam,” Princess Twilight spoke up. “We’re just worried about what was going to happen. You must understand, Equestria has never had a surge occur this way before, not in the last thousand years. One moment you seem calm and fine, but next thing you know… It’s like you were disappearing.”

Princess Twilight paused to take a deep breath, before proceeding.

“Starbeam, while you were asleep, what exactly happened to you?”

Starbeam struggled to utter a single word, just anything to come out of her mouth. She remembered the details very well: Her ‘mother’ hugging her in the flames, Midnight’s words echoing in her ears. She remembered it all. Yet she was so terrified, too afraid that what she’d say would cause more trouble, she just shook her head uttering not one single word. Sunset could see it on Starbeam’s face, she knew something that neither she nor her friends knew. But right now, she knew this could not go unanswered.

“Starbeam, whatever’s bothering you, we need you to know that you can tell us anything,” Sunset assured calmly. “What’s wrong?”

“I-I… I’m fine,” Starbeam finally answered. “I’m just so tired.”

Sunset knew that was only ‘partly’ true, the whole procedure had been overwhelming not just for her daughter but for all the ponies in the room. She knew there was more to the story, but Sunset also knew that to question her further would only make her shut down. She stood over her daughter silently, nodding her head in acceptance.

“If that’s the case,” Princess Twilight spoke up. “I can—”

“It’s alright, your majesty,” Starbeam spoke, cutting Twilight off. “Thanks for the offer, but… I just want to go home. Is that okay?”

Sunset nodded, knowing Starbeam meant the home amongst the ‘humans’ not the place she was born in.

“Yea, I’m tired too,” Sunset agreed, lifting Starbeam up. “I don’t know about you girls, but I’d rather not keep you up anymore than we have already.”

Sunset gave Twilight a serious look, the princess knew what it meant.

“Well, if you ever wish to come back, you two are more than welcome here,” Princess Twilight assured.

Starbeam nods as she attempts to walk forward. Suddenly, the moment she took the first step, she nearly fell over. Fortunately, Sunset was close by and caught her before she hit the ground.

“Here, let me carry you out for the mo—” Sunset stopped, noticing Starbeam shook violently. “Hey, is something wrong?”

“I-I’m okay.”

Starbeam did in fact noticed how her body shook, raising one of her front hooves and saw it tremble uncontrollably. Try as she might, she could barely feel the vibrations… much less her own body.

“I can barely move…”

Starbeam wanted to say those words out loud, but instead she said…

“Don’t worry about me, just lightheaded. I’m fine… so please let go!!!”

Those finals words, so harsh and crush, took Sunset Shimmer by surprise. She had never seen nor heard her daughter speak with such a tone before. However, not wanting to create a scene, Sunset let go.

“I’m sorry…”

“N-No, no it’s not your fault…”

After a bit of effort, Starbeam finally managed to get up and put on a fake smile.

“Ms. Starlight, Ms. Twilight, mom… Thank you for everything. I apologize for putting you three through so much today. But I’m okay… I promise.”

“There’s no need to apologize,” Starlight assured. “We’re always here to help, no matter the situation.”

“Starlight’s right,” Twilight nodded. “You don’t have to worry about being a burden.”

As the two spoke to her, Sunset grew increasingly worried every minute. A moment ago, Starbeam had completely snapped as if she had a split personality moment. One minute she was calm and innocent, then the next thing she knew she just lashed out at her so harshly.

“Starbeam, why are you hiding your pain from us…” Sunset asked internally. “What happened in there? What did Midnight do to you?”

“Hey, Sunset!” Starlight called out. “Hello? Equestria to Sunset? Are you still with us?”

“Huh… Oh, sorry Starlight,” Sunset replied, snapping out of it. “Guess my brain’s tuned out. We really need to go back; I’ve got a lot of explaining for Twilight back home.”

Sunset laughed it off, but in reality she was terrified. Sure they had seemingly worked things out a moment ago, but if she knew Twilight Sparkle, the human Twilight who became her wife, she wouldn’t let it go that easily. Not only that, she was scared for her own daughter.

“I can’t force Starbeam to tell me, that never works. I’ll wait until she’s ready, and maybe she’ll tell me when we’re safe at home.”

<>

It was slightly cold outside due to the night air, as Sunset Shimmer and Starbeam Glitter stood right outside the castle doors. It wasn’t too cold for Starbeam, as she had her jacket over her to keep slightly warm though the rest of her body was exposed. Princess Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer stood by the doors saying their final goodbyes to their guests.

“Thanks for everything,” Sunset bowed her head. “Sorry we couldn’t properly catch up.”

“It’s fine,” Princess Twilight assured. “You are busy after all. Be sure to tell the others I said ‘hi’, okay?”

“You know I will. See you later.”

After waving their hooves goodbye, Sunset Shimmer lead Starbeam Glitter into the open fields in the night. They sought for just the right spot to reopen the portal, as Sunset looked for the very spot they came through.

“I don’t know about you Starbeam, but I’m ready to go back,” Sunset replied. “It’ll be nice to go home to a warm bed, provided your mom’s still not mad at me. Right?”

But Starbeam didn’t answer, she just stared solemnly ahead, addressing nothing in front of her.

“Starbeam?”

Sunset leaned close to her daughter, laying a gentle hoof upon her shoulder.

“N-NO!!!” Starbeam shouts, shifting away.

“What’s with the attitude, Starbeam?” Sunset asked confused. “Was it something I said back there?”

Starbeam realized the tone she used, shaking the cobwebs out of her mane.

“I’m sorry,” She apologized instantly.

But Sunset could no longer stay silent for long. Not so long as these outbursts keep coming out.

“Starbeam, you need to tell me what’s going on. It’s not like you to suddenly snap out of nowhere—”

“Mom…”

Sunset paused, as Starbeam finally turned around. Her eyes welled up with tears.

“What do I… Have to do… TO MAKE UP FOR ALL THE SUFFERING I’VE CAUSED?! You want me to say, ‘I’m sorry’?! Is that what you want?! FINE! I’m sorry, okay?! I’m sorry I can’t change the past! I’m sorry I can’t change the number of times I’ve hurt you or mom! I’m scared of what I’ll do! That’ll lose myself, take everything that’s important to you, and everyone I love! I… I…”

Starbeam couldn’t finish her sentence. She started hyperventilating, almost as if she couldn’t breathe.

“Starbeam…” Sunset spoke. “Listen to me…”

“NO! You listen!” Starbeam interrupted. “If I lose control of myself, I know what you’ll do. You’re going to kill me and… and…”

Starbeam started leaning toward the side, but Sunset managed to catch her.

“Starbeam, I wouldn’t do that to you!” Sunset insisted. “Look at me; I would never resort to that. J-Just take some deep breaths, relax, and… and…”

<>

“YOU TOOK EVERYTHING FROM ME!!!”

<>

Those words, whether Sunset knew that was what she said or if that was how she remembered it, those five words rang in her mind. It was only not why her daughter was freaking out, as she started repeating the words, ‘I’m sorry’ over and over for a few seconds. The way Starbeam covered her head, the way she cried while her eyes were close, she was hurting in more ways than Sunset could ever imagine.

“It’s about what happened earlier… when I almost killed you,” Sunset realized, tearfully. “Starbeam… I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I never meant to—to scare you.”

Sunset took a deep breath, drying her eyes before she proceeds.

“I’m an idiot for not recognizing the issue earlier. Let’s just… Let’s just go one step at a time and we’ll do whatever you want, okay? We don’t have to go home right now.”

Sunset Shimmer sat down on the grass, as Starbeam Glitter slowly joined her. They sat quietly for a moment, looking up toward the starry sky near the glowing moon.

“I won’t do or say anything unless you say so,” Sunset spoke. “We can just sit here for as long as you need. If you want to talk, I’ll be right by your side.”

Starbeam’s entire body still shook, as seconds turned into minutes and eventually an hour. For the longest time, neither one knew who would act first. Eventually, Starbeam moved close to her mom as she turned her attention to her. Starbeam quietly leans her head on Sunset’s shoulders, as her mom wraps her close in her arms.

“I’m sorry mom,” Starbeam apologized. “Everything I said… I didn’t mean to—”

“You don’t need to apologize,” Sunset assured. “I understand more than you think I do.”

“I’m just so scared… I think of that day when I lose control and I hurt you… and mom… and everyone I know. While I was dreaming, she reminded me of all the things you and mom did just for me to live… to exist. Just for a somewhat normal life, all through the sacrifices you both made for me to be here. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t deserve your love or from anybody… Maybe Midnight was right: That you have every right to be scared of me, maybe even ‘hate’ me for everything I’ve put you through. I’m so, so sorry…”

Starbeam started to cry again, pressing her face against mother’s shoulder.

“Starbeam, it was ‘never’ your fault,” Sunset assured softly. “There is nothing for you to be sorry for.”

Sunset held Starbeam even close to her, massaging her daughter’s back to numb away the tension coursing through her.

“Can I… Can I show you something?”

“W-What is it?” Starbeam asked, looking up.

“It’s a place I want to show you, that reflects a part of me. Can you trust me to show you?”

“Is it close?”

“Not really, but I can just as easily teleport us there… Or at least, close enough. Even if it were, neither of us are in any shape to walk. So… Hang on.”

<>

In an instance, Sunset Shimmer had successfully teleported the two toward where Sunset wanted to go. Standing along a hill, her magic strong enough to pass through a barrier, Starbeam Glitter faced Sunset’s direction as they gazed upon a magnificent structure: The Crystal Empire, home of the Crystal Ponies. Due to it being so late, not a single soul was found as all the inhabitants retired to their beds. And yet the way the palace glittered under the stars; it was so beautiful.

“This is where I first returned to Equestria,” Sunset presented. “The Crystal Empire. When I came through the portal, after a period of living among humans, the mirror had been moved into that very palace. It was there when I first met Princess Twilight, course we were both younger ponies back then.

“Back then, I had no intent to stay long. I merely wanted her crown, which I heard contained great power, more than enough for me to become the princess I felt I deserved to be. I’ve made many mistakes, many horrible decisions to claim what I wanted. No pony actually got hurt, and no person that I know, but I too once thought I deserved to be punished, if not hated for all my mistakes. You and I are no different when it comes to that.”

“… So, why didn’t she?” Starbeam asked. “Why did the Princess feel you deserved another chance?”

“Maybe… it wasn’t so much that Princess Twilight hated me, even though I almost prevented her from going to the dance. I think it’s because… she pitied me, that for all the skill I had it would never be enough. My desire for more cost me some friends and for a while most of the school could bare to tolerate me. They forgave me, eventually… Even the ponies, especially my oldest teacher, Princess Celestia, she did more than welcome me back as a pony… it was like a mother reunited with a daughter she never had.

“But it took me so long to finally find and embrace peace within myself, a long time before I could truly move on to be the woman I wanted to be. I suppose, looking back, it’s because of you, Starbeam Glitter, that I found my peace. It wasn’t enough that I would become friends and a student for one Twilight, then marrying a Twilight from the human world. I always wanted a child, a daughter especially, someone for me and your mother to share together. And having you was the best ten years of my life, that everything was worth it.”

Starbeam turned back around, yet all she could see was their reflection on the barrier surrounding the empire. She’d ask how their magic was even strong enough to pass the barrier, without setting anything off, but now was not the time or place.

“I wish I didn’t come at such a heavy cost,” Starbeam admitted. “She didn’t deserve to have her magic taken away; they were always mom’s, never mine. There’s not been one day, not one day, I don’t wish to just give it all back. It was fun, I’ll admit… but I feel the only way I can prove I’m sorry is doing what would make you both happy, what would make ‘mom’ happy. Even if it that means not being here with you.”

Sunset Shimmer stood there listening, not wanting to interrupt her daughter. She understood where Starbeam was coming from, but she wanted her to know she was taking it all wrong.

“Princess Celestia used to tell me that life works in ways no pony can ever predict,” Sunset explained. “Neither you nor I, not even Twilight, can ever change what happened. We can only look to the future, and work to make what we want a reality. It’s not easy living with a demon inside you—believe me, I’ve been there before. But the fact you stopped her from taking complete control of you, surely that must mean something?”

“Of course I know,” Starbeam said, with no hesitation. “That’s why in the end, I couldn’t go through with it. You’re my one and only family. I love you all too much; I didn’t want that taken away.”

“I know you do,” Sunset smiled. “We love you too. Now, let’s just move on and forget this whole thing ever happened.”

Starbeam pulled her mother in for a tight hug, shedding more tears down her face. Sunset did the same, as if thinking that if she were to let go then her daughter would disappear. It was only to prove how much she means to her, how Starbeam means more to her and Twilight than anyone else. For a while, Sunset kept hold of her, not stopping her from crying. Until at last, Starbeam was able to clam down and wipe the tears off her face.

“She tried to get me to join her,” Starbeam answered, breaking the silence. “I said ‘no’, right to her face.”

“Really?” Sunset asked, surprised. “That’s great! I knew you would never let her get to you. You’re just as stubborn as me and your mom.”

“Yeah…” Starbeam chuckled, sighing. “Sorry to put a lot on you.”

“It’s no biggie. I’m your mom, it’s my job to hear what you have to say. The good, the bad, and everything in between.”

Sunset then turned toward the moon, which seemed to smile at the two with a warm glow.

“We should go home now.”

“Mom’s going to be really mad when we get back,” Starbeam pointed out.

“Mad is an understatement,” Sunset replied. “She’s already chewed my ear off earlier tonight. You can’t imagine what she’ll do the moment she sees me.”

“Maybe she’ll get on both of us?” Starbeam asked, jokingly.

“Heh-heh… Yeah, you’re right. Well, we were both going to have to face her sooner or later. No sense delaying any longer. Come on, let’s go home.”

Starbeam nodded as she followed her mom. She looks toward her as she charges up her horn preparing to teleport them away from the Crystal Empire and back to the portal leading to the Human World.

“Thank you… Mom,” Starbeam thought.

And before any creature could stir, a flash of light covered the two ponies… And they disappeared into thin air.