"Twilight? Are you okay?" Starlight asked.
She froze. "S-starlight! It's just... my only family left has just passed..."
She put a hoof on Twilight. "Twi, you can't dwell on Shining Armor's death. Y'know I don't have any sisters, and if you want..."
The alicorn's eyes widened. "You mean it?"
"We're best friends now. I wouldn't mind! I dunno about Sunburst, though."
The two laughed.
The scene wavered to a year after.
"Sunny," Starlight said to Sunburst, "Can I talk with my sister? Alone?"
Nodding, he went to his room.
"Is it about your newcoming baby?" Twilight asked.
She nodded. "Can you... keep a secret?"
"Secret?" Her ears folded down.
"Please, don't tell Starry about me..." She muttered.
"Why?" The alicorn tilted her head.
"I... have made a deal. And I might turn... into one of them..."
"Oh... oh no.."
"Please, I can't risk hurting Sunburst or Starry Burst. I have to hide. Somewhere..."
"Trust me, you can hide. And... I promise." She made the gesture. "Cross my heart, do not cry, end the rest with a sigh."
"Which one did you do?"
"Cheese Promise." She chuckled.
"Right... Well, I have to... go..."
"Auntie Twilight?"
In the present, Twilight looked down at the purple foal. Starry Burst...
"Oh, Starry. What is it?" She smiled.
"What's wrong? You were crying earlier when there was a letter from uncle Flash."
She froze completely.
Dear Twilight,
I know that I said I was going to the mountains with my friend, but if I don't come back...
Please know that I love you. Might see you tomorrow or at midnight.
~Flash Sentry, 2017 June 15. Arrived message at 2017 July 21.
She wiped her eyes. "Your mom was great at comforting me..."
Starry Burst tilted her head. "What's a mom?"
She's so innocent... Everypony thinks Star is dead... Oh, what if she is?
"Auntie, you're having a scared face again."
Sighing, Twilight smiled at the filly. "Go play with your friends, Starry."
Starry jumped from the table, going to play with Flurry Heart and Comet.
"I guess this is where it begins," The princess looked over the horizon.