A soft breeze blew through the window, rustling the scroll on Sunburst's desk. He sighed as his eyes drifted back to the stone tablet laying beside it. The writing below the image was something obscure and long dead. He was sure he'd seen it before but he just couldn't recall the name or origin. One thing he was certain of, the artifact was out of place at the Crystal Empire dig site where it was uncovered.

As a matter of pride, he was still reluctant to ask for help on this. He didn't care if it took another week, he wouldn't reach out until he compared the tableau with every last sample he had.

"Dad," called a small voice from behind him. "I'm bored; can we do something?"

"Yeah, in a minute," muttered Sunburst absently.

The young colt sighed impatiently and began milling around and exploring his father's study. Rarely did he come inside. He wasn't supposed to enter unsupervised and if someone was inside, it was always his father and he was busy working.

His eyes scanned across the countless floor to ceiling cubbies and compartments stuffed with old scrolls and loose yellowed papers. Occasionally there was a splash of color in a shelved artifact or enchanted item. His gaze landed on a faded box up high in a forgotten place. It looked like it hadn't been touched in a decade. A layer of dust obscured a panel of intriguing colorful graphics and a name that he couldn't quite make out. Whatever it was, it looked out of place.

Hat Trick's eyes flicked over to his father who was still hunched over the desk, shuffling through documents. He looked back at the box and concentrated, grabbing it carefully with his magic and pulling it down. He drew it close and blew off a thick layer of dust, revealing the words Dragon Pit. The colt smiled. He looked back at his dad and held up the box.

"Hey, can we play this?"

Sunburst rubbed his eyes under his glasses before turning in his seat to look. His mouth dropped open in anguished surprise when he saw the old box and a flood of suppressed memories forced its way back into his brain.

"Dad?" Hat Trick's smile faltered at his expression, thinking that he must have touched something he shouldn't have. "Uh, ss- sorry."

Before he could float the game back where he got it from, Sunburst took it with his magic. He ran a hoof slowly over the dirty cover, remembering the last time he'd played and how the game ended. He couldn't so much as even look at his copy since. An ache gathered in his chest. He swallowed and set his glasses on the desk so he could wipe his eyes with one hoof.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing, uh… The dust is irritating my eyes I guess. Haven't played this one in a long time." Sunburst paused, trying to hold himself together. He put on a weak smile. "Um… Why don't you go set it up and I'll be there in a minute?"

Author's Note

I made an Old Friends Playlist

This story now has a sequel called Imperfect Strangers.

Thanks for reading!
Ignore the date on the last post and don't be afraid to leave a comment if you have a thought.