Lost Among Memories

It was a normal day in the city, in a somewhat small, narrow but very tall house, with windows high up. Inside, Sunset placed the fishbowl with her pet gecko, Ray, on a table. She gently petted him, and the little reptile happily wagged his tail in response.

"And with this, it's official. I've moved!" Sunset said, and her friends from Crystal Prep, as well as those from Canterlot, cheered enthusiastically at the announcement.

Sunset's new house consisted of a single room, but it was so large that it covered the entire ground of the small building. It didn’t have a second floor, but it did have a landing where Sunset had placed her bed and the basic items for her room. The furniture was scattered around, and they had added decorations to make the place more cozy.

"Thanks to all of you, girls. It would have taken me days to move all this on my own," Sunset said with a smile.

"Honey, please," Sunny replied.

"We’re friends, that’s what we’re here for," added Rarity.

"And besides, this place looks awesome!" Rainbow shouted as she threw herself onto Sunset’s new couch and turned on the TV.

"I sold almost all my old furniture and bought some new things. I think they look nicer," Sunset said with a smile.

"Your new hideout is AWESOME, Sun-Shim!" Lemon commented.

"But tell me, Sunset, will you be able to afford this place?" Twilight asked.

"Don’t worry, I’ve checked my finances. With the money I’ve saved and what I earn at the sushi restaurant, I should be able to keep this place for at least a year. After that, I’ll find a better job," The pony girl replied.

"Well, you know if you need anything, you can always count on us," The farmer girl said with a smile.

"And with us! The Sunsix are always united!" Crystal athlete said shouted.

"And the Rainbooms! Friends forever!" Canterlot athlete added.

Sunset smiled, touched by her friends' words. She felt happy to have them around.

"Hey! I just had an idea!" Pinkie exclaimed.

"Does it involve throwing a party?" Sunset asked suspiciously.

"No! … YES! Let’s throw the best 'Party because Sunsie got a new house and we’re the best friends' EVER!"

Everyone was excited, and Sunset could only smile and laugh, truly happy to be with them.

...

...

...

It was a peaceful night, though the sky was covered with clouds that promised light rain. In the small garden attached to her new house, Sunset held the Memory Stone high. Her turquoise eyes watched the stone in her hands, while she pointed at the sky. The stone’s large “eye” seemed almost to return her gaze.

But Sunset was confused. Slowly, she lowered her arms, still looking at the stone, then scanned her surroundings. Her face showed uncertainty and little by little, fear started to creep in.

It was when she looked down that she noticed a note on the ground, beside a small hole in the grass.

"Bury the stone, and go inside."

Sunset didn’t understand. She picked up the paper and read it carefully. Then, she looked at the stone in her hand, noticed the hole in front of her, and saw a small gardening shovel. She read the note once more and, although she still didn’t understand what was happening, decided to do as instructed. In less than a minute, the hole in the garden was covered again.

Sunset stood before it, the small shovel in one hand, the note in the other. She read the note again, then turned and looked at the back door leading into her home.

...

When she entered, she felt even more lost. She looked around, her face reflecting confusion and insecurity. Slowly, step by step, she moved through the space.

Her little Ray watched her from his fishbowl, looking concerned about her behavior.

Sunset walked a little further until, sitting on the steps that led to the landing, she saw her journal, her journal. And it had a note attached to it.

"Read me."

Sunset became even more confused. She hesitated but cautiously approached. She picked up the book and noticed a small marker indicating where to open it. She did...

"Hello, Sunset Shimmer."

That was the first line written.

"Yes, that’s your name. If you’re reading this, it’s because you used the Memory Stone to seal all your memories."

Every word she read left her more confused. She glanced at the door she had entered through, trying to process what she had done and what she was now reading.

"There’s a lot you need to know..."