Tales of Canterlot
#15-Worries of Midnight
It had been a long day for Sunset Shimmer and her new friend Twilight Sparkle. The human one, not the pony one, who also happened to be a princess as well, for those who were wondering.
In what was originally thought to be just an ordinary school competition between CHS's Wondercolts and Crystal Prep's Shadowbolts, there were many twists and turns that occurred throughout most of the tournaments for that year's Friendship Games.
From the human five ponying up when showing their true elements, to meeting the human counterpart of Twilight Sparkle and her dog Spike, who later got the capability to talk, the motocross rally with the giant Equestrian plant coming from Twilight's device, and finally the battle between Midnight Sparkle and Daydream Shimmer.
All was thought to be lost during that tragic battle, but it was thanks to Sunset Shimmer, her friends, and many CHS & CPA students that managed to help get through to the end of the final competition, and luckily there were no serious injuries or a lot of damage. The only serious damage was the statue, aka the portal leading to Equestria as Midnight Sparkle had destroyed the stone horse figurine on the base of the statue, but the rest of it was thankfully still intact.
Following the medal ceremony, Principal Celestia announced that Twilight Sparkle had been transferred from Crystal Prep and was now the newest member of CHS. She knew right away that Sunset and her friends could help her feel at home, and she was right. Twilight now had a bright future ahead of her with her new friends she had made, as well as her newest best friend Sunset Shimmer for her future at Canterlot High.
"Welcome to the group Twilight," Sunset said, smiling.
Twilight just smiled in happiness.
It was getting late and just about everyone had gone home for the day except for Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, and her dog Spike.
They were sitting on the steps to the front entrance of CHS. The same front entrance that Sunset destroyed many months prior when she turned into a she-demon.
Twilight had many questions she wanted Sunset to answer after everything that happened during the Friendship Games and about her past as well. While Sunset still didn't feel comfortable sharing her past, she knew that she could trust her new friend.
"Wait wait wait, hold up. You're telling me that you're not from here!"
"Yep."
"And you're really a unicorn from another world!"
"Uh-huh and now, since you know, Twilight, you have to keep this a secret. If the public ever found out about this I would likely become a test experiment for the government and my world will be exposed to everyone! And it would be a total nightmare if it happened since it has almost happened twice now. On second thought, make that three now, since some will probably find out about what happened today sooner or later. But, as your new friend, can I trust you not to tell anyone outside of our friend group? Please?"
"After everything I have just witnessed today, you have my word Sunset. Your secret is safe with me."
Sunset smiled back feeling relieved she didn't have to worry now that Twilight knew about her past.
"It'll take some getting used to, but I think I can handle it."
"Thanks. The last thing I need is more stress on my shoulders after what happened today in the last two tournaments during the Friendship Games."
"Yeah, I know how you feel. Plus it was worth it to learn all this interesting info on your past Sunset. Weird, but interesting! And it was so worth not going back to Crystal Prep after my transfer to CHS was approved when I had to leave. I still have to get all my belongings, but it can wait."
"Well, you're gonna love it here Twilight. CHS has a lot of nice people here compared to Crystal Prep. Plus, something tells me most people here will get over what happened today quicker than you might believe it."
"You think so?"
"Give it time and you'll find out soon enough."
"Ok. Thank you, Sunset. It means a lot, even if I've only known you for just a short amount of time." Twilight replied, moving a bit of her hair out of her face as she spoke.
"No worries Twilight. Speaking of time, it sure has gotten pretty late. We better get going now. Do you need a ride home? I can take you on my motorcycle?"
"Actually Sunset is it alright if I can… Maybe... Stay with you for the night?"
Sunset was surprised that Twilight wanted to stay over at her place just hours after they just met and after joining her friend group. But after the chaotic day, they both had, she knew that it wouldn't hurt to have company over and to get to know more about her new friend.
"Sure Twilight, but you should probably let your parents know since I'm sure they'll want to know your-"
"I already told Cadance, who already delivered the word to my parents, who are both ok with it."
Sunset was at a loss for words there for a second but decided not to question it since if this Twilight was anything like the pony counterpart of her, then it would make complete sense she'd be prepared for this.
"Well then, let's get going. My place isn't far from here so it won't take that long to get there."
"Great, oh and is it ok if Spike comes along?"
"I promise to be on my best behavior!" Replied Spike as he poked his head out of Twilight's backpack.
"Sure, now come on, we're losing daylight."
After about a five to ten-minute ride on Sunset's motorcycle, they arrived at Sunset's home which was a small apartment building.
Twilight was fortunate enough not to be frightened riding on Sunset's motorcycle since for some time she had a huge dislike of them. The first time she was on one was when her brother got one for his sixteenth birthday. The ride went well until Shining Armor crashed his motorcycle after going too fast on a sharp curve. Twilight fell off after Shining Armor hit the brakes and she ended up breaking her right arm afterward when falling off the motorcycle.
It took her a while to get used to riding them after her arm was healed but she had gotten the hang of riding them since then.
When she removed the helmet Sunset gave her she was surprised that Sunset had a place all to herself.
"Wow, I was expecting your place to be a lot smaller. It looks nice though. Do you live alone?"
"Yeah, since I first came to this word I've been living here. My friends do come and visit once in a while but most of the time it's just myself."
"How are you even able to afford the rent here?"
"That's a story for another time, Twilight."
After digging through her bag for her keys, Sunset unlocked the front door and let Twilight inside before closing the door behind them and then turning on the lights to lighten up her home.
Twilight was lost for words at how amazing Sunset's home looked.
There was a big desk with a big computer and printer next to it and where she could do her homework. Stairs leading to a second story where her bed was. A couch, huge flat-screen tv with a dvd player, and a video game console. A small kitchen, bathroom, coffee table, small closet, and everything else you'd expect in a small apartment.
"You sure have a nice place here Sunset."
"Thanks, Twilight. It's not much, but it's home."
"I think it's perfect!"
"Yep, decorated the place myself. Except for those photos over there. They're new, I just hung them up recently."
Twilight took a glance at one of the photos hung up on the wall and saw Sunset with the rest of her friends in them. She was surprised over how much Sunset looked different compared to how she looked now but she figured Sunset would tell her why another time.
"Are either one of you hungry? I could cook something or order take out if you'd like?"
"No, but thanks anyway. To be honest Sunset, I think I'd rather just head to bed early tonight after the long day we both had."
"That's alright Twilight, I understand. I mean it's not every day you turn into a de-"
...
Sunset soon realized the mistake she had made as she spotted Twilight looking away with a frown on her face over what she had just heard from her friend and the silence coming from her.
"Sorry, I guess I got a little carried away there."
"It's fine. I've been through worse moments than this."
After hanging up her leather jacket on her desk chair and removing her heels Sunset rejoined Twilight who was standing near her couch and flat-screen tv still holding her backpack tightly to her chest, but not too tight as she didn't want to hurt Spike.
"Alrighty. Now as for the sleeping arrangements, there are two options I have for you to choose from. You can either sleep on my couch right here or you can sleep with me in my bed since it is a queen-size one so it'll be perfect for the both of us to share. But since I know you'd rather sleep here that's completely fine wit-"
"I'D RATHER SLEEP WITH YOU!" Twilight shouted before Sunset lost her balance and fell over.
"Sunset! Are you ok?"
"I'm fine, I just didn't expect you to yell your reply back to me, that's all."
"Sorry, it's just... Oh, who am I kidding you wouldn't understand!"
"Twilight, if you want to talk about it I'm perfectly fine with it, you don't have to feel ashamed about it."
Sunset soon sat down on her couch telling her friend to come over to sit with her while patting the spot for Twilight to sit with her.
Twilight wasn't sure at first but after taking a deep breath before letting it out she sat down next to Sunset. She figured that if she got this over with as soon as possible then it would make things a lot easier for the both of them. And that's exactly what Cadance would tell her whenever she was babysitting her when she was younger if she were ever in this situation.
"Do you mind if I can get out now?" Said a voice from Twilight's backpack.
"Oh, sorry Spike. I'm still not used to you being able to talk. It's gonna take some getting used to."
"It's ok. Now that I can talk, I'll be able to get your attention way quicker now!"
"And it would also be best not to talk around anyone other than us and our friends since it'll just freak people out," replied Sunset.
"Alright alright," Spike replied before he went off to sniff around Sunset's place leading to wherever his nose would lead him to.
"Right, now where were we? Oh right, you were gonna tell me why you wanted to sleep with me instead of my couch here. It's not uncomfortable is it?"
"What! Oh no no, not at all. It's just... I don't feel like sleeping alone after what happened today. I mean I literally turned into a frickin' demon before creating a rift between two worlds almost destroying them both in the process! Plus, I'm not even sure how I'll be able to sleep tonight. That's all..."
"Why don't you ask Spike to sleep with you? Doesn't he do it with you all the time?"
"Well yes and no, he's not a big fan of being in my arms for longer than an hour and he would just get tired of it quickly before he'd want to go off to roam freely."
"Because I have the right to!" Shouted Spike from the other side of the apartment.
"I see."
"Look, if you don't want me to sleep with you I completely understand and I can just-"
But before Twilight realized it she felt a comforting hand on her right shoulder. She looked up to see her friend smiling at her.
"I'm completely fine with it, Twilight. I used to do the same when I was a filly whenever I had a nightmare. I'd done it a lot with my mom and Princess Celestia."
"A what?"
"It's what a younger pony is called in Equestria."
"Riiiiight. Anyway, do you mind if I can use your bathroom to take a quick shower? I could really use one. I mean, I wasn't planning on staying at your place until I told Cadance 2 hours ago. And can I borrow a pair of pajamas as well? I didn't bring any other clothes to change into."
"Sure thing Twilight. And of course, I'll get you a pair of pajamas while you're in the shower."
"Thank you Sunset."
Twilight was glad she had that talk over with and was glad that Sunset understood her. She just wasn't sure how she was gonna react to the fact that she was worried about having a nightmare since it had been a very long time since she'd had a talk like this, especially with a friend.
Most of the time these days she'd often talk about it with her parents, her brother, or Cadance. And Spike whenever it's just the two of them. But she knew she'd get used to it again in no time.
After turning on the shower, Twilight began to strip out of her uniform as the water was beginning to heat up before her. She was glad that once she started her first week at CHS in the coming days she wouldn't have to wear a uniform anymore since CHS didn't have a dress code as Crystal Prep did.
After she removed her shoes, socks, shirt, and plaid skirt, she was about to take off her bra when she felt something on her back. Twilight couldn't figure out what she was touching until she turned her back to face the mirror. And once she saw it she screamed so loud the glass in the mirror almost cracked in the process!
"Twilight! Are you ok!"
"Sunset wait, no don't co-"
But before she could tell her not to come in, Sunset opened the door to see Twilight standing right in front of her in her lingerie. Twilight then decided to pull her hair out of her bun at the last minute so Sunset wouldn't see her back in the reflection from the mirror as she wasn't sure how to explain to Sunset what she saw or what it was but was reluctant to do it at the last minute.
"It's nothing! I just... stepped on something, that's all."
"Are you hurt?"
"No, I'm fine. Perfectly fine!" Twilight replied back before forming a fake smile on her face.
"Ok then, well here's a pair of pajamas to change into when you're done with your shower. I'll be in the other room if you need me."
"Ok, thank you Sunset" Twilight replied as Sunset closed the door leaving Twilight all alone with just the noise of the shower on behind her.
Twilight was relieved over what just happened to feel astonished she thought of something at the last minute before Sunset came into the bathroom. She wasn't sure how she'd react about it but was surprised to see two scars going down her back. She had a huge feeling it must have been where she sprouted the wings when transforming into Midnight Sparkle.
Deciding not to worry about the scars for now Twilight soon removed the last of her clothing before going into the piping hot shower to get her mind off of what just happened.
...
After drying herself off, Twilight proceeded to get changed into the pair of pajamas Sunset had lent her, which she didn't know were Sunset's normal purple pajamas her friend normally wore. She was surprised to learn that she was the same size as Sunset which was a good thing in case she'd ever get a gift in the future for her friend, she'd know Sunset's size on the clothing she'd get her or ever needed a spare pair to wear if she stayed over again.
After heading out of the bathroom with her backpack loaded with her clothes inside, Twilight climbed up the stairs leading to Sunset's bed where she found her friend changing.
Twilight was shocked that she walked right into that and nearly slipped on the stairs in the process but got her balance back very quickly as she saw Sunset putting a pink pajama top on.
"Oh! Um, sorry Twilight, I didn't hear you coming. You ready for bed?"
Yeah, are you?"
"Yep, are the pajamas comfortable?"
"Yeah, they are."
"Well, I'm glad. You're wearing my normal pajamas I normally wear actually before you ask."
"Wait what! I'm so sorry Sunset. I-"
"It's fine Twilight. It's ok, I'm not used to having guests over and I don't own another set of pajamas other than these two. But you do look good in them actually."
"Thank you" Twilight replied with a faint blush forming on her cheeks.
"Now then, ready to get some rest?"
Twilight nodded in reply before getting on Sunset's bed and placing her backpack next to the bed before getting under the covers to get warm.
...
A few minutes passed by as the two girls just sat in the bed in silence before Sunset remembered something that she was wondering about.
"Have you seen Spike? He's gone quiet now all of a sudden."
"I saw him sleeping on a pillow that was near your desk, and he looked like he had already fallen asleep too."
"Huh, guess leaving that pillow there was a better idea than to put it back on the couch with the others."
"Yeah..."
Twilight soon removed her glasses before she turned off the light on the stand next to her before turning back to face Sunset.
"Goodnight Twilight."
"Goodnight..."
And before they knew it the two girls fell fast asleep.
Twilight was really hoping she wouldn't have any nightmares tonight, but she was wrong.
In her nightmare, she relived the moments that happened during the battle against Daydream Shimmer when she became Midnight Sparkle. But instead of getting defeated by her and then offered a better way with friendship, it took a tragic dark turn!
Instead of what originally happened, Midnight Sparkle managed to defeat Daydream Shimmer, and Twilight was trapped as Midnight Sparkle!
She wished to turn back into the science-loving nerd she was and wanted her old life back. But as hard as she tried to think positive she'd hear Midnight's voice echoing through her mind telling her that she'll never be the same again, as this would be her new form and that she had no choice but to obey her and watch everyone suffer!
Twilight started to talk in her sleep, which woke up Sunset in the process.
Once she was awake Sunset could tell that Twilight was having a nightmare by the sweat all over her and the twists and turns she was making in her sleep.
"Twilight, can you hear me, you need to wake up!"
"NO! This can't be true! I can't be stuck like this!"
"Twilight wake up, you're having a nightmare, please wake up!"
But it was no use, she couldn't hear Sunset at all! Twilight still wouldn't wake up as she continued to talk in her sleep as Sunset nudged her shoulder and slowly shook her to wake her up but to no success.
"Please, just leave me alone, I never wanted this! I just wanted to learn about magic!"
Sunset then decided to just risk what she didn't want to do as she breathed in a deep breath before letting it out and saying-
"TWILIGHT WAKE UP!"
And soon enough, Sunset was relieved to see Twilight awake once again.
"Oh thank goodness you're awake Twilight, you scared me there for a second!"
Twilight was covered in sweat all over from the nightmare she just had as Sunset examined her all around.
But just as Sunset was about to say something Twilight's stomach made a weird gurgling noise before Twilight dashed out of bed as fast as Rainbow Dash heading straight into the bathroom before throwing up as she released her stomach contents into the toilet.
Sunset came along behind her as she quickly placed a cold washcloth on Twilight's neck as she stroked her back as well as moved some of her hair out of the way so she didn't get any vomit in it.
"It's ok Twilight. Just let it all out. You're gonna be fine."
After what felt like twenty minutes had gone by, Twilight had managed to get the stuff out of her system but had gotten a dry mouth in the process.
Sunset soon came back into the bathroom carrying a bottle of water for Twilight so she could get some fluid back into her system.
When she handed the bottle over to Twilight, she swiped it out of her hand before gulping down half of the bottle's content before gasping for air.
"You feeling better now?"
But all Sunset got from Twilight was silence.
"Twilight? Are you-"
And before Sunset knew it Twilight clung her arms around her as she started to cry on her shoulder. Sunset could tell that Twilight was going through the exact same thing she went through the night of the fall formal. Twilight was clearly scared and Sunset knew she needed her help.
"It's ok, Twilight, it's ok. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."
Twilight just continued to cry as Sunset just held her in her arms while stroking her hair before facing a frightened Twilight.
"I'm hiccup sorry Sunset. I-"
Twilight felt a finger placed on her mouth as she looked up to face her friend again. She could tell that Sunset was worried about her.
"Are you ok? Was it a nightmare?"
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"Because Twilight, I've been in this situation before myself."
"Yo- you have?"
"Yes, because... I experienced exactly what you're experiencing like what I had back on the night of the fall formal."
"What happened?"
"After the party was over that night I was originally gonna head back home before the girls decided to take me to Pinkie Pie's house for the night. They didn't want to leave me alone after what I had suffered through and they knew that I needed help. They treated my wounds and kept an eye on me at all times that night. They hadn't trusted me at the time but they later gained my trust quicker than I expected."
"Really?"
"Yep, and what you just experienced with that nightmare and then vomiting was exactly what I went through that night. It was rough to go through but my friends helped me get through it in the end."
"But Sunset, why are you doing this for me, we've only known each other for just a short period of time? Why are you doing this just for me?"
"I know you have a lot of questions, Twilight. But, after seeing you all frightened and scared after I saved your life just hours ago, I could tell that you needed my help and I didn't have the heart to ignore this since you were going through exactly what I had been through once before, and I didn't want to see you like this at all. Especially if that person is my friend."
Twilight didn't know what to say about this before she was pulled back into a hug.
"After what I experienced after the fall formal, I wanted to prove to people I can change after all. Sure it took a while for many people to get used to the new me, but I was able to pull through. I also want to help anyone who's been where I've been to show them that they don't have to do it alone. I may not be a princess or carry an element of harmony, but I want to help those I care for in any way possible. And that's exactly what you need right now Twilight."
Twilight was lost for words from what she just heard. She thought she'd find Sunset just as a friend of hers and a normal teenage girl like herself. But in the last few hours, she had learned a lot about her newest friend.
There was still more to come for what Sunset had yet told her, but Twilight knew deep down in her heart that she can trust Sunset with her life.
"Thank you Sunset. I-I really appreciate this. No one has even acted this nice to be me other than Cadance."
"You're not alone in this Twilight. You got me and our friends to help you from here on out."
"But, how will I be able to get over what happened today!?"
"That's something only you can answer. It'll take time, but I know you'll find it."
And without even realizing it Sunset ponied up to Twilight's surprise as Sunset sprouted her pony ears and extended hair forming a tail. The two girls were surprised at what happened but knew that there was nothing to be afraid of before they faded away a few seconds later.
"So, now that I have your attention Twilight, can you explain to me why you screamed earlier before taking your shower?"
"Well, you see, I found these scar marks on my back. I had never seen them before until now. I'm not sure if I'm correct but I think they're from the wings I sprouted when I turned into Midnight Sparkle! I wasn't sure how you'd react so I didn't-"
"It's ok, I understand. Because…. It happened to me as well."
"What do you mean?"
Sunset soon removed the back of her shirt exposing the faded scars on her back. They were in the exact same place where they appeared on Twilight's back when she had transformed into Midnight Sparkle.
"What I said is true, you're going through exactly what I went through. So from here on out, if you ever need help or someone to talk to, you can come to me, Twilight, because I care alot about you."
"Thank you Sunset. You don't know how much this means to me!" Twilight replied as she proceeded to hug Sunset once again in the process with tears of happiness in her eyes.
"Anytime Twilight. I know that you'll get through this. I promise. I'll be here by your side every step of the way."
Twilight wasn't sure how to respond to that, but she knew that with the help of her new friends she had made she'd be able to get through this in the end.
And what Sunset didn't notice as they continued to hug each other on the bathroom floor Twilight's cheeks were blushing bright red. A sign that Twilight Sparkle was starting to gain feelings for her new friend Sunset Shimmer.