The Light of the Night

The night outside the house was deathly quiet, not a soul to be seen or heard. The back-door creaks open, slowly yet surely. Two heads poke through the opening, Sunset Shimmer and Starbeam Glitter, both resuming their human forms after their quick return from Equestria. They tip-toe their way into the house, careful not to make any noise.

“Hopefully, I can sneak you inside at least,” Sunset whispered. “You better get upstairs, so I can take all the heat—”

“AHEM!”

The noise startled the two women, as the lights flicked on. They turned to the side to see Twilight Sparkle, ‘Sci-Twi’, leaning against the wall to the kitchen light. By the look on her face, angry was a huge understatement.

“You two have some explaining to do…!” Twilight said, frowning.

“Oh boy!” Sunset thought, smiling sheepishly. “Well… Looks like we were caught red-handed~”

“SUNSET! Don’t even joke!” Twilight warned.

“I know…”

Sunset lowered her head, unable to look her wife in the eye. Not after all the anger she displayed, as if it were a roaring flame over a bed of wood.

“I probably should’ve left a message, huh?” Sunset asked, rubbing her shoulder.

“A MESSAGE?!” Twilight snapped. “A MESSAGE?! I wanted you to TELL ME! Do you have any idea how worried I was?! You didn’t even call us back regarding Starbeam’s condition like you promised!”

“Oh… right.”

“Mom, please don’t be mad!” Starbeam stepped in. “It’s not her fault.”

“You’re right,” Twilight nodded, turning to Starbeam. “You’re BOTH in the wrong!”

When Twilight was through yelling, not so loud to wake the whole neighborhood, she finally managed to calm down after a few deep breathes.

“Auntie Rainbow Dash left something for you to eat,” Twilight informed Starbeam. “Would you kindly take it and go upstairs? I need to have a moment with Sunset.”

“But mom~”

“Don’t worry, Starbeam,” Sunset assured. “Your mom and I are just going to have a talk. Besides, you must be hungry after tonight.”

Starbeam nodded, reluctantly making her way toward the kitchen. Once she knew their daughter was at a safe distance, Sunset turned toward Twilight.

“Now Twilight, I—”

“Sunset, at this moment, consider yourself lucky I don’t have magic!” Twilight hissed angrily.

“I know, I’m sorry,” Sunset apologized remorsefully. “I really am. I deserve every word you can hurl at me, but please… spare our daughter. She’s been through a lot tonight.”

“We’ve all had a rough night, Sunset. Especially me! I’m thankful you were able to help her, but you should’ve at least told me what was happening. Instead you drag our daughter to Equestria, in the middle of the night mind you, and you left so suddenly…”

“I know, I know, I know! And you’ve been the first to know, I promise you. But given the circumstances, I didn’t think at the time. I knew I had to act right away before it got worse. Starbeam’s safety had been on my mind all night.”

“All the more reason you should’ve told me! If she’s having a hard time, especially with Midnight Sparkle, we promised we’d help her together! We made a pact that we’d be a team, no more gallivanting on our own!”

“Twilight Sparkle had this been any other time, I’d one-hundred-percent agree with you. But given the serious danger, I had to make a choice!”

Sunset Shimmer took a deep breath, finally managing to look Twilight straight in the eye.

“I realize it was stupid leaving you behind; I acted without thinking, I get it! And I know no amount of apologies in the multiverse will make up for it. I won’t offer any excuses, I was in the wrong leaving you in the dark, but I—”

“Sunset… Please… Just stop!”

Sunset Shimmer could see that Twilight Sparkle was on the verge of tears, so much she had to remove her glasses just to cover her eyes. Twilight nearly collapsed, but Sunset was quick enough to catch her.

“I get where you’re coming from,” Twilight spoke tearfully. “I really do, but… I was just so scared. I hate not being able to help when either you or Starbeam need me! I want her to know I can help if she’d let me, and not being scared to talk to me the same as she does for you! I get I can’t do much; I know I don’t have magic anymore! But… I-I don’t want to lose my baby! I-I can’t go through losing someone or something important to me… N-N-Not again!”

Finally, Twilight Sparkle could no longer hold it in as she released a painful cry. It broke Sunset’s heart seeing Twilight this way.

“Twilight… look at me,” Sunset spoke, lifting her chin. “You and I both know we won’t let anything happen to her. With your smarts and my magic, we’re unstoppable.”

“I know, but…” Twilight sniffed. “I just wish I could be a better mother for her.”

“Don’t say that! You’re the best mother a child could ever ask for. You know that… I know you are.”

Sunset’s words made Twilight laugh, at least to help her calm down.

“As stubborn as you are, you’re a great mother too,” Twilight replied.

“If it makes you feel better,” Sunset offered. “I promise not to act on my own selfish ways again. Next time, we do it together.”

“Thank you, Sunset.”

“I can tell you this, with absolute certainty, Starbeam knows you’re a great mother too. She loves you in the most humanly way possible.”

“And I love her.”

With one hand, Sunset reached toward Twilight’s face and lightly brushed the tears from her eyes.

“Now, no more tears from you, alright?” Sunset asked, which Twilight nodded in response. “Let’s sit down and I’ll you everything that happened, start to finish.”

On the other side of the wall, Starbeam stood there. She had been listening to their argument the whole time, with her ear pressed on the door. Whether they were aware of her presence or not, Starbeam stood silently until all was calm between her parents. Once they have settled down, she nods her head in satisfaction.

“Thank you, mom.”

Starbeam made her way toward the couch where she placed a container of food, left by her mom. The food was warm enough, having been heated in the microwave, pasta with spaghetti sauce (The vegetable one). She just sat down to eat when the front door burst open and Rainbow Dash pops in.

“Sorry I’m late!” Rainbow Dash called out. “We would’ve gotten here ten seconds flat. But there was this jerk in front of us, and—Starbeam?”

Rainbow Dash turned towards the little girl, who just looks awkwardly at her aunt, a forkful of food hanging inches from her mouth.

“Hello, Auntie Rainbow—”

But Starbeam never finished when Rainbow Dash zoomed in and embraced her with a huge hug. It took Starbeam by surprise.

“There’s our little Starbeam!” Rainbow Dash cried out. “How you feeling kiddo?”

Starbeam was unable to breathe, as she was hugged too tightly.

“H-Hi, R-R-Rainbow Dash!” Starbeam answered, between breathes. “N-N-Nice to s-see you!”

“Starbeam, you’re back!”

That voice came from none other than Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash’s wife, who rushed forward and hugged Starbeam as well.

“Are you okay, sweetie? We were very worried about you.”

“C-C-Can’t… breathe…” Starbeam groaned, struggling to speak. “R-R-Ribs… c-c-racking!”

“Oh, heh-heh!” Rainbow chuckled, as she and Fluttershy released Starbeam. “Sorry, don’t know my own strength.”

“When your mom called us, Rainbow drove us here as quickly as she could,” Fluttershy explained. “All they could tell us was that you and Sunset went missing. They were scared out of their wits!

Fluttershy paused a moment, to closely examine Starbeam. She noticed how the girl looked tired, as if the whole ordeal drained the life out of her.

“Starbeam, are you sure you’re okay?”

Starbeam nodded but didn’t say a word. Just as well, she didn’t want to talk anymore after everything.

“How was the ‘other’ Twilight?” Rainbow asked. “Did she help you two?”

“Um… Kind of,” Starbeam answered hesitantly. “It’s hard to get help at this hour, but she and mom did their best.”

“Well, sounds like Sunset’s alright. That’s just like her: Making the impossible ‘possible’. Now, she’s not as awesome as your Auntie Rainbow Dash, but she has a good heart.”

Starbeam chuckled lightly at the playful manner Rainbow Dash boasted about herself. Fluttershy just gave her a soft glare but chose not to reward that with a response. All she merely did was shake her head side-to-side.

“You must be hungry,” Fluttershy noted, looking at the tiny container. “Surely that can’t be enough; here, I made you something extra special.”

Fluttershy pulls out a Grilled Chipotle Maple Salmon sandwich with Wilted Spinach in some tupperware. Starbeam stared hungrily when Fluttershy opened the lid, considering it was her favorite meal. She placed it down on the table next to Starbeam’s other dish, as she sat down to eat.

“My cooking skills aren’t the best,” Fluttershy admitted sweetly. “But I hope you like it.”

Starbeam looked at the sandwich for a moment, almost admiring it like a work of art. But that did not last as she grabbed the sandwich from both sides and took a big bite.

“Mmm… It’s amazing!” Starbeam said, with her mouth full.

“Eh, she’s still has quite a way from reaching my level of coolness,” Rainbow Dash said jokingly. “But she’ll get there eventually.”

“Rainbow Dash, you are so mean sometimes!” Fluttershy pouted.

Starbeam merely laughed over the way her aunts bickered. She adjusted herself on the seat to make herself comfortable, all while she continued to eat.

“If you’re still hungry,” Fluttershy offered. “I’ll make more if need be.”

“Hope you enjoy it,” Rainbow added.

Starbeam nodded and turned back to her plates once more. All of a sudden, she stopped eating as if something troubled her. The way she looked at her food, it felt… different. It reminded her of what she saw in her dreams when she was trying to eat.

“This… feels familiar. No, it was just a dream… a dream!”

“Something wrong, Starbeam?” Fluttershy asked.

“O-Oh, no! Sorry,” Starbeam said aloud. “Thank you for the food; everything’s delicious!”

Starbeam took another bite, as the two looked on silently.

“Mmm… It’s very good!” Starbeam smiled, as she ate.

<>

Several minutes passed, and Starbeam Glitter kept eating until nothing remained on her plate. She laid her head down, sighing in content with the meal. Looking at the discarded plates, practically licked clean, Rainbow Dash seemed impressed.

“I thought Pinkie Pie and Applejack had huge appetites,” Rainbow teased. “Still, we’re glad you enjoyed it.”

Just then, Sunset Shimmer appeared through the kitchen door.

“Hey Starbeam, enjoy the meal?”

Starbeam was thrown awake after hearing her voice. Still, she smiled before Sunset’s presence.

“Hey! Yeah, I did,” Starbeam nodded. “So, how’s mom? What did she say?”

“Well, she’s taking it better than we expected,” Sunset shrugged. “Least she calmed down.”

“Are we in trouble?” Starbeam asked nervously.

“Nope, you’re not in trouble,” Sunset shook her head. “She was just worried that’s all. Besides, I said I’d take most of the heat and I meant it. You don’t have to worry about a thing.”

Sunset turned when she suddenly remembered something, once more facing Starbeam.

“Oh! I forgot to give this back to you.”

In Sunset’s hands was the bracelet Starbeam had worn earlier. Starbeam takes it before placing it back around her wrist.

“Thank you,” Starbeam replied happily. “Thanks for looking after it.”

“Did you want something to eat, Sunset?” Fluttershy asked. “I can warm up something for you.”

“Nah, I’m good,” Sunset declined politely. “I’m pretty beat as it is, but thanks for the offer. Thanks for acting on such short notice. If you two hadn’t come, I don’t know what Twilight would’ve—”

“Of course,” Fluttershy interrupts. “We made a promise that if you needed us, we’d always come no matter the time or day. It’s just unfortunate the others are out of state…”

Sunset smiled weakly, knowing exactly what Fluttershy was talking about. It had been years since she had a conversation with them at the same time. But by now, most of the girls had left Canterlot City either because of a job or because they needed a change of scenery. Apart from Twilight and Sunset, the only members of their group who stayed behind were Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. The last time they were together was for their wedding day.

She’d think of their friends from time to time, Twilight Sparkle eventually. They always wondered how they were doing, where they’ve been, or if they made any new friends on the way. Nevertheless, she was happy for them to pursue their own dreams just as happy to have Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy around.

“It’s great to have you two, at least. Right Star—”

Sunset paused when she noticed Starbeam had fallen asleep, all the food making her drowsy. A small laugh escaped her lips.

“Heh… starting to take after Twilight’s habits, are we?” Sunset asked, shaking Starbeam’s shoulder. “Hey! You know this isn’t a bed, right? That’s what they’re made for.”

Starbeam woke up, feeling so groggy she barely looked at Sunset.

“Five… more minutes…” Starbeam mumbled.

“I’ll take her,” Rainbow Dash offered. “Come on, kiddo. You won’t be comfortable here; I’ll carry you upstairs.”

“Noo… I can… get there… myself…”

“Not very convincing when you’re barely looking. You’re ole Aunt’s no slouch when it comes to lifting. Just as A.J.”

As a matter of fact, Rainbow Dash lifted Starbeam Glitter like she weighed nothing.

“See? I may be a tad older, but I can still carry my own weight here. Okay kid?”

Starbeam could barely nod, but nonetheless acknowledged her.

“You’re right… Auntie Dashie…”

“Sleep well, sweetie,” Fluttershy cooed. “And I’ll see you in a moment, Rainbow Dash.”

“Okay… Aunt Fluttershy…” Starbeam spoke sleepily.

Sunset Shimmer followed Rainbow Dash upstairs, as the latter carried a sleeping Starbeam. They moved rather slowly, just enough to keep Starbeam relaxed.

“So… Did you figure it out?” Rainbow asked softly. “Was it her again?”

“Unfortunately, we didn’t get any results,” Sunset whispered regrettably. “The details were completely destroyed; with how things were, it’s impossible to get the results the second time.”

However, Sunset Shimmer already knew ‘who’ and ‘what’ was responsible. Although she opted to keep that information to herself, along with what happened soon after. Without all her friends together, there was little the two that remained could do aside from providing emotional support. On one hand, she felt terrible for making them go through the ordeal. But on the other, she was happy to have friends to fall back on.

Soon as they reached Starbeam’s room, they open the door quietly. Entering her bedroom, Rainbow Dash softly placed Starbeam onto the bed, wrapping the covers over her.

“Here we are,” Rainbow said softly, turning to Sunset. “You staying with her tonight?”

“I would, but with what’s going on, I’d bed stay with Twilight for the time being,” Sunset answered. “Poor thing was so scared about what happened. But I’ll still check up on Starbeam throughout the night. Hopefully, we can all get a good night’s rest tonight.”

“I could stay here for you if you’d like. No biggie.”

“Nah, it’s fine. Besides, I’m pretty sure Fluttershy needs you more than I do.”

Sunset Shimmer turns toward the window, seeing the night starting to lighten.

“Morning will be here soon,” Sunset yawned, observing. “We’ll need all the energy we can get.”

“Well, if you need anything, just let me know,” Rainbow advised.

“Will do. Night Dash.”

Rainbow Dash soon left the room, leaving Sunset Shimmer to examine her daughter for a moment. She seemed peaceful, as she laid sound asleep on the bed. But given the circumstances, there was no way for Sunset to know for sure. However, she also knew Twilight will be needing her too. After a few more minutes, she plants a kiss on Starbeam’s cheek, walks toward the hallway, and before shutting the door, she turns around.

“Sleep well, Starbeam…”