Flipping through her notes viciously, Shimmer tried to make sense of what she had gathered in her recently filled composition notebook. The cliff notes version of what she understood about magic was all written in this singular notebook. She had plotted it back as early as her first days of research, taking the most important findings and connecting them together. It was, in essence a timeline of all of her research. Shimmer reviewed her notes in her head and began to read out her findings over the years.

Finding One: Magic seems to be affected by emotion and desire.

This much had been proven beyond any reasonable doubt at this point. If she wasn’t sure before, she was definitely sure now. Her own magic seemed to be triggered by powerful emotion, and Sunset and her friends seemed to follow that pattern.

It was clear that magic got stronger depending on the emotions and desires of the user.

Finding Two: Magic does not show up in DNA tests, or show any kind of abnormalities in tissue samples of a possessor.

Shimmer tapped her pen to her chin as she pondered this one. Initially, she knew this only by testing her own DNA and tissue samples, only to find there was nothing extraordinary about her genetics. She had thought this would be contradicted by Sunset, but the only anomalies in Sunset’s DNA could be explained by her being another species from another dimension.

She recalled her results when taking samples from her other friends and sure enough, they too were like her: unspectacular. It was clear there was nothing linking them genetic-wise, yet they seemed to possess magic.

Finding Three: Magic appears to drain energy from the user.

This one she could attest to first hand. Large bursts of magic drained the person using it and left them exhausted. She theorized that one might even be able to die from overusing it. She picked Princess Twilight’s brain for a bit on the subject but found nothing concrete except that magic does indeed cause fatigue if overused; something she already suspected herself.

Finding Four: Magic seems to take the shape of the desires of the one who uses it, it is unbiased to good or evil. This means that regardless of one's intentions, magic seems to manifest. This creates another form referred to as dark magic, more research is needed on that subject.

Sunset helped her confirm this one. The desires of the person using magic may change the shape that magic will take. Shimmer used it once out of anger and the results were devastating. Sunset had told her that she had twisted desires and magic turned her into a demon before. However, magic also turned her into a creature of light that stopped Midnight Sparkle back at the friendship games.

It was clear that magic was much more malleable than she initially thought, Shimmer was in awe at how much her perspective on the subject had changed in only a few short months.

Finding Five: Magic only forms in specific people.

This finding was the one that had her the most stumped. She didn’t quite understand the specifics, but she was starting to understand the basics. Sunset and she only had magic because Sunset brought it from Equestria; and due to the two of them being counterparts of one another, magic appeared in Shimmer as well. They were linked, and the same happened to Sunset’s friends when they formed close bonds with the Princess. It definitely appeared as though these kinds of "links" were important for magic formation.

It seemed as though magic was almost infectious, but required unique conditions to spread. That was the part that had her the most stumped, she couldn’t find any scenario that replicated said conditions and more or less determined it was almost impossible for magic to simply spawn in one who was not meant to have it.

So why would someone be interested in stealing my research?

Her furry companion approached and placed his muzzle in her lap. Eliciting a gentle pat on the head from his master, his tail wagged as he looked up at her.

“It doesn’t make sense, Moon. The only explanation I can think of as to why someone would want to steal this research is to get magic for themselves, but all of my findings clearly show that isn’t feasible. One simply can’t gain magic from nowhere after all…” Shimmer explained to the dog who merely wagged his tail in response.

"Unless there is something I'm just not getting..." Shimmer froze in thought for a moment, trying to ponder over what she already knew to see if there was something she was missing.

When nothing came to mind Shimmer grunted and leaned back in her chair in annoyance. “I can’t figure this out. Who is doing this and why? What do they hope to gain… not like anyone will believe them that magic exists unless they see it firsthand anyways…”

The dog barked in response, and Shimmer giggled. “You’re right. I’m sure the answer will come to me; I just need to destress about it and stop focusing so hard. I often seem to have my best breakthroughs by accident after all.”

A tap on the door caught Shimmer’s attention as she looked over in that direction and ushered the person to come inside. “It’s unlocked.”

Gently swinging the door open, Sunset stood there with her usual school attire and a backpack saddled over her shoulder. Shimmer found herself smiling as she noticed Sunset was wearing the eyeliner and lip gloss she had given her. Her elder sister was actually a very pretty girl; she just always seemed to fail to show off her features properly.

Shimmer closed the notebook and nodded as Sunset stepped in.

“So I’m heading to school now, and-“ Sunset craned her head and stopped herself mid-sentence to try and get a look at the notebook Shimmer had.

“What’s that?”

Shimmer placed her hand atop of it and pushed it aside. “Just some notes on magic I’m going over. After all, it’s probably better I understand it so as to not accidentally lose control of it again, right?”

Sunset frowned and took a step forward. “Wouldn’t it be better to learn it from using it? I mean we could go somewhere and practice a bit…”

Shimmer shook her head and grew a stern expression. “Absolutely not; magic is dangerous, and I don’t want to risk using it again until I understand it better.”

Wanting to argue it, but unable to find the words, Sunset decided it was best to drop it. She would be late for school anyway. “Alright… well, I’ll see you here after school?”

Shimmer’s face lit up as she grew a smirk. “You have gym today, and knowing you, you’re not going to shower there… So I better prepare a bath after school…”

Rolling her eyes, Sunset sighed at her sister’s obsession with baths. As she did, Shimmer spoke directly to her watch and asked the voice control to set an alarm for four that afternoon.

“Well I better get going,” Sunset said as she gestured her head towards the door, her hand holding her backpack upon her shoulder.

Shimmer came to a stand and brushed off her lab coat as she took a step after her sister and grabbed the hem of Sunset’s jacket. “Hold up…”

Confused, Sunset turned to see pleading eyes upon Shimmer as she opened her arms. With a chuckle, Sunset nodded already realizing what she had “forgotten”. Pivoting to face the younger girl, Sunset took her in for a deep hug and stroked the girl’s long hair before planting a kiss on her forehead and holding her back at arm’s length. Looking to her eyes, Sunset smiled. “Try and not spend all day locked up in this lab okay? It’s not good for you.”

“I promise I’ll go use the gym and possibly the library today.” Shimmer offered her pinkie.

Taking it in her own, Sunset locked tiny fingers with the girl and nodded. “Holding you to it.”

Turning to take her leave, Shimmer waved. “See you tonight, sis!”

The cafeteria at Canterlot High had the scent of country stir fry filling the air. Sunset’s nostrils were flooded with the smell of fresh veggies and the disgusting scent of cooked meat. Applejack’s grandmother must have decided to do her own dishes today instead of following the menu. Ordinarily, the school would have a conniption about it, but Granny Smith’s approval rating from the students with her own dishes was so high that the school let it slide. Morale and students' well-being seemed to always win out with Celestia and Luna as they probably seldom reported deviations from the standardized routines put on them by the state.

Approaching the line, Sunset had arrived a few minutes late, but that appeared to work out to her advantage, as the entire lunch period seemed to have already been ordered and thus there was no one blocking her from sustenance. Eagerly she grabbed a tray and raced to the line giving Granny Smith a smile. The older woman’s wrinkles curled up as she smiled at Sunset, a spatula in her right hand as Sunset offered her tray.

“No meat, right deary?” Her country accent rang in Sunset’s ears.

Sunset gave a gentle nod and the woman obliged before offering the tray now with a bounty of veggies upon it back to Sunset. She took the tray and bowed her head lightly before the old woman commented further.

“My, my, you’re in good spirits lately, missy. New boyfriend?”

Giggles escaped Sunset as she shook her head at the elder woman’s inquiry. “Nah, nothing like that; I just have been in a good mood since I got a sister I guess. It’s strange… I never really knew what family was like until a few weeks ago, and now I don’t know how I’d live without it…”

The old cook smiled and nodded as she set her spatula down. “One of the many joys in the world, dear. I’m happy for ya’, now go see yer’ friends.” She shooed Sunset away.

Gently bowing, Sunset took her tray and swiped a milk carton before scanning the lunchroom for her posse. Locating the group, she approached carefully before taking a seat next to Applejack who seemed to be in a fierce argument with Rainbow. As she sat down, the two were speaking with their mouths half full of food, spraying anyone who dared enter the crossfire. Sunset already felt herself reaching for her napkin.

“I told you, there’s no way that you could actually beat me in a wrestling match. Yeah you may have a lot of farm work on your side, but I’m a natural athlete, I have speed and technique over you!” Rainbow insisted as she gave a very dismissive hand to AJ to signify that Applejack’s argument was more or less hogwash to her.

“Yeah right; ‘Ah could beat the snot outta’ y’all with no effort. Wrestlin’ is all ‘bout strength and technique, both of which ‘Ah got.” Applejack smirked.

“As if! Sunset, what do you think?” Rainbow grunted.

Sunset rolled her eyes before taking a bite out of her food. Enjoying the taste of hot vegetables, Sunset swallowed before answering, “I question how I can turn around and you two are always going at it.”

“Whatever, but which of us do you think would win in a wrestling match? Me or AJ?” Rainbow puffed out her chest with pride, making her average sized breasts stick out.

“I am not playing this game, how do you two even get into these arguments in the first place?” Sunset asked.

Applejack gave a roll of her eyes to Sunset and returned her attention to Rainbow. “See? It’s a draw. Fluttershy voted for y’all, Twilight voted me, Pinkie voted for both of us and Sunset is undecided. A draw.”

Rainbow growled in frustration before banging her fists on the table. “Then we need to settle it legit. Gym class, you and me in the wrestling room! No magic too!”

“Wouldn’t dream of it. ‘Ah don’t need magic to square you off,” Applejack boasted.

Sunset’s eyes turned to Twilight whom had already finished her food and was lost in a book. “Twilight, you seriously participated in this?”

Twilight shrugged, not even looking up. “While Rainbow Dash has speed, logically speaking Applejack’s strength, larger body frame and weight put her at a severe advantage. Scientifically speaking, I had to vote based on logic and Applejack was the most logical choice.”

“See, that’s science on my side.” Applejack smirked before leaning in to flick Rainbow’s nose.

Rainbow rubbed her snout before grumbling. “Yeah yeah, but science has no place in sports like this. Guts, determination and awesomeness determine winners, not some calculations.”

“Why don’t you just get Rarity to break the tie?” Sunset asked.

“That’s true, Rarity would be the tiebreaker that prevents you two from having to actually duke it out in the gym class…” Twilight spoke before removing her glasses to clean them.

“Haven’t seen her all day.” Rainbow shrugged.

“Forget her…” Applejack grunted.

“Look at you, all defensive. Did you piss Rarity off or something?” Rainbow asked.

“It’s none of yer’ business alright? We just had a little fight, it’ll blow over okay?” Applejack crossed her arms.

Sunset could tell the situation would spiral out of control if she didn’t step in, so she decided changing the subject may be the best course of action. “So… Granny Smith’s lunch is pretty good.”

Applejack seemed to almost flip emotions in a second as she heard her grandmother’s name and the praise was given to her. She sat up straight and let her posture scream with pride. “Granny is one of the best cooks ‘Ah know.”

“She said I looked extra chipper lately,” Sunset revealed.

“She ain’t lyin’. Havin’ a sister has done y’all a world of good. You’ve been extra pleasant, more so than usual and that’s sayin’ something. ‘Ah’m happy for ya’.” Applejack reached over the table and placed a hand upon Sunset’s, causing Sunset to look down at the gesture and nod.

“Yeah, it is pretty cool actually… I can finally see why you love having a big family so much.” Sunset smiled.

Patting Sunset’s hand, Applejack nodded and sat back down before retracting her hand. “Eeyup. We have our squabbles, but ‘Ah wouldn’t trade ‘em for anything. ‘Ah’d take a bullet for my little sis. Shoot, Ah’d take several if ‘Ah had to.”

“That’s a pretty strong bond…” Sunset admitted.

Applejack winked and tilted her stetson. “A good sibling would be willin’ to die for their sister.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Sunset chuckled.

Running at top speed was not really something Twilight excelled at. Gym class was always a struggle for her, and in her years at Crystal Prep, she always found any and all excuses to get out of it. While she could perform basic tasks and was by no means a hefty girl, there was no denying it; Twilight was well out of shape. She was living proof that weighing less than one hundred and ten pounds did not mean one was in the best shape.

She had heard constant nagging from her mother, father, and even her brother to put her books down and perhaps go outside for a bit as a child. Almost rebelliously she often responded by heading outside with a book in hand to read at the patio table.

Hoping her legs wouldn’t give out, Twilight bolted down the halls from her last class to possibly catch a glimpse of her friend before she disappeared for the night. Twilight knew the moment Sunset was with Shimmer she likely wouldn’t be available to even respond to a text until probably around midnight when Shimmer had passed out. She had to speak with her before she lost her nerve.

Seeing her friend in the distance close her locker and sling a bag over her shoulder, Twilight came to a halt, nearly tumbling. Placing her hands on her knees, Twilight knelt down panting, trying to catch her breath.

Sunset’s expression turned to one of confusion as she eyed Twilight up and down, taking note of her attire. Her short skirt and sweater vest weren’t exactly suited for running.

“I think the track team has a different uniform requirement, Twilight,” Sunset joked.

“Just… One… Second… Need… Air…” Twilight huffed.

Reaching down, Sunset helped her come to a stand and patted her back. “Breathe. In, out,” Sunset instructed.

Twilight took a few breathes and nodded. Once she had taken in enough oxygen, she tried to speak again.

“I wanted to ask you about something…”

“I’m all ears.” Sunset smiled before nudging Twilight’s shoulder playfully.

“Well…”

At that moment the two could hear the excited yelling of a familiar voice. Their attention turned to that direction, an overly enthusiastic Shimmer approached, racing over in heeled boots. Twilight was almost envious, she could barely run in sneakers, and Shimmer had mastered moving in heeled boots. Clearly, she was a multi-talented girl.

Shimmer caught up to the two with ease and smiled as she pulled her sister into a hug. Sunset chuckled and pet the girl’s head before the two locked arms and looked to Twilight.

Shimmer’s grin was so authentic that Twilight could tell she genuinely loved being around her sister.

“Oh hey, Twilight!” Shimmer smiled.

Twilight nodded. “Hello, Shimmer. It’s always nice to see you; I take it you two have a big night planned?”

“Sure do! Hey, do you wanna come over? My treat!”

Twilight shook her head and placed her arm behind her as she looked to the side slightly. “Nah it’s okay. I should get home and study.”

“Study? You study all the time, are you seriously that worried about midterms?” Sunset raised a brow in suspicion. Something definitely felt off, Twilight was studious, but not that studious. By this point, she would have already gotten her midterm studying in and taken care of. It was easy to tell she was hiding something.

“Yeah well… You can never be too prepared,” Twilight said.

It was obvious she was lying, but Sunset had nothing to press her on.

“Oh, you were going to ask me something?” Sunset decided changing the subject was best.

Twilight shook her head and waved her hand dismissively. “It’s fine. Forget it, I’ll ask you some other time I don’t want to take away from your plans. I’ll call you later or something okay?”

Wasting no time, Twilight excused herself before Sunset could even respond, running off back down the hall almost as quickly as she had arrived. Something was definitely bothering her, but it was impossible to get a read on what went on in Twilight’s head.

Frozen for a moment, Sunset’s mind was brought back to reality when Shimmer nudged her.

“Hey, you okay?”

Sunset nodded, still looking in Twilight’s direction. “Yeah… Fine. Just a little confused that’s all…”

“She’s an odd girl, has she always been this strange?” Shimmer tilted her head looking to Sunset.

Turning to her sister with a smirk, Sunset responded with, “When I met her she turned into a demon trying to absorb all the magic in Equestria.”

“Sounds like you two have a lot in common,” Shimmer teased.

“Yeah, that’s sort of why we’re best friends. We understand each other on a level that my other friends might never. I mean I love them all, but with Twilight and I… it’s different. We have experiences that only we can understand, you know?” Sunset shrugged, not sure if she was making sense to her sister.

“You must worry about her a lot,” Shimmer replied.

Nodding, Sunset turned to the door of the school walking with her sister. “I do.”

“She worries about you too you know? She mentioned it before,” Shimmer stated.

Sunset felt the somber atmosphere drift away at that statement and a smile crept up on her face. “Does she now?”

The two walked arm and arm as Sunset spoke quietly to herself. “Well, that’s good news at least.”

Following Sunset in her car, Shimmer watched as the girl's hand signaled from her motorcycle that she was making a left turn, one that Shimmer didn’t recall being required to make it back to her home, nonetheless, she followed her sister’s lead and turned her Mercedes left with her. After a few more seconds, she saw Sunset park at a local Walmart.

Pulling up beside her, Shimmer rolled down her window and shot her sister a confused brow as she watched her remove her helmet and shake her head, causing the wild hair to fall.

“I wanted to grab some sodas. Mind if I put them in your car?” Sunset asked.

Shimmer shrugged. “You know I have plenty at the house right?”

“I wanted Fanta and you never have that.” Sunset rolled her eyes.

Shimmer gave a faux gag and shuddered. “That’s because Fanta is disgusting.”

With a chuckle, Sunset placed her helmet on the bike and latched it up via a bike cord and retrieved the key for her motorcycle. “Nonetheless, I’ll only be a few minutes; you can come in if you want.”

With a shrug, Shimmer opened her car door and stuffed her keys into her purse. Shutting the door behind her, she brushed her dress off and adjusted her bra before smiling at her sister. “I’ll browse the book section while you do that. Just meet me there when you’re done and we’ll peel out of here.”

“Sounds good.” Sunset offered to take her sister’s hand.

Shimmer obliged and placed her small hand into her sister’s hand. Sunset’s grip was far more firm than her own, but her hands were actually much softer than they appeared. It was interesting to see how much Sunset had softened up in the past few weeks. Shimmer had heard stories of how at one time she was very gruff and standoffish. It was impossible to imagine this was the same girl. While she definitely exuded more of a punk rocker appearance, when Sunset spoke there was genuine concern and kindness in her voice. She was a girl who cared deeply for those close to her.

Walking hand in hand, the two only parted when they actually entered the building. Standing in the entryway, Sunset shivered a bit as she felt the cold AC rip across her skin. Fall was proving to be mild this year, but Sunset got cold very easily. The temperature difference between outside and the air-conditioned innards of the building was enough to bring Sunset discomfort.

Adjusting her jacket, Sunset crossed her arms to keep warm and looked to Shimmer. “I’ll come find you in the book section, okay? Don’t wander?”

“Very well.” Shimmer nodded as she watched her elder sister walk off towards the grocery section of the store.

Shimmer noted how her sister seemed to lack much class in how she walked. She walked almost without purpose. To her, the idea was foreign. She had been raised in a life where she was told to carry herself well and walk with pride. However, her sister seemed to lack any and all purpose to her step. It reminded Shimmer once again that while on the surface they appeared similar, Sunset and her came from two different worlds. In a way it actually made her smile though, knowing that two different people could be brought together.

Returning her attention to finding the book section, Shimmer tried to recall what this Walmart’s layout was like. She recalled only coming to this place once in her entire life as her family seldom had reason to go to places like this; most of their shopping was done in exotic places and via the internet.

Casually wandering towards the back of the store, she kept her eyes upon aisles to try and locate the literature section. The store was obnoxiously large, and she kept her eyes scanning every item in the aisles before she noticed other eyes started scanning her.

From a boy stocking one of the shelves in a blue polo shirt, she heard a whistle echo in her direction. Turning, she could see he was looking directly at her. She gave an awkward smile and wave before continuing her search for the book section.

Finally reaching the back of the store, she saw a set of books on a shelf and bolted to that section. To her luck, she had located the literature section and instantly began scanning for any new releases she hadn’t purchased yet.

Her hands landed on a new book from A. K. Yerling, one surprisingly not in her Daring Do series, but instead a new story entirely. Shimmer flipped through the pages to get an idea of what it was about. The illustrations showed many serious-looking scenes between characters, it definitely felt like it was a shade darker and more serious than Daring Do.

A deeper-toned female voice rang in Shimmer’s ear as she lifted her nose from the book and turned to her right to face a short slender girl. Her frame was absolutely tiny, and her open-neck sweater was at least a size and a half too large as it sat on one of her shoulders. A white undershirt was visible, and it was clear it was not intended for females, but this girl had such small breasts it probably didn’t affect her too much.

Her legs were her best feature though as she had tight skinny jeans covering them and Shimmer could notice she had very curvy legs and a nice rump tightly formed to her jeans, perhaps the most feminine feature about her.

Upon her nose was an old pair of glasses, cracked down the center and held together with tape. They were a size too large and clearly outdated style-wise and only magnified her upper cheeks and showed off her freckles upon her light skin.

The mop upon her head that she likely called hair was a mess; she almost had the look of permanent bedhead as her amaranth hair was clipped to the side in the front the try and tame her poorly maintained fringe. The rest of her hair was long, sloppy, and completely unkempt. Though Shimmer gathered by looking at it would likely be smooth and silky had she tried to maintain it. She wore the look of a girl who had difficult hair to work with and thus didn't bother trying. An aura of untidiness exuded from her but in sort of an adorable way.

“That’s Yerling’s newest work. Nothing like Daring Do, but it was definitely an excellent read. I felt there was a lot of personal emotion from Yerling on those pages, so maybe it was a story she felt needed to be told. At least, that's how I felt about it after reading...” The girl said.

Shimmer blinked and snapped back to reality. “I guess I’ll have to give it a read then, I mean with an endorsement like that, it must be good.”

“If you like Yerling, you may like Hallenworth. He writes in a much darker tone, but his stories often feel like Daring Do on steroids.” The girl replied before pushing her glasses up on her nose.

“I’m actually familiar with him. I’ve read all of his books.” Shimmer found herself grinning.

The girl’s eyes widened as she leaned in to speak. “What did you think of Turmoil? His latest book?”

“I think he’s building up to kill Sparrow off. I don’t see where she can go from the end of that book, I mean her entire family is dead; she’s hated by the city… Unless something happens with that mysterious black mist we saw in chapter two,” Shimmer explained.

The girl seemed to get excited as she clamped her fist on her palm and nodded. “Exactly! I thought the same thing. Sparrow’s character has obviously come to a logical closing point, there’s really nothing else he can do with her, and the chapter prior to the last one made it clear that she has nothing else holding her back from death.”

“Well do remember that in book three she escaped almost certain death, so it’s hard to tell with Hallenworth. I hope the next book explains more…” Shimmer said.

The girl took a step forward, clutching a set of books she clearly wanted to buy against her small chest, and offered her right hand to Shimmer. “Moondancer.”

Shimmer took her hand in her own and shook it with a smile. “Sunset Shimmer, though everyone calls me Shimmer. So as to not confuse me with my older sister who is also named Sunset Shimmer.”

“How did that happen?” Moondancer raised a brow in curiosity.

“Long story,” Shimmer replied, not wanting to get into the details at that moment. She figured explaining the existence of alternate realities was probably not a good conversation to have with someone she had just met.

Releasing the handshake, Moondancer adjusted her sweater and spoke again, “I’ve never met anyone who was familiar with Hallenworth’s work. It’s a pleasant change. What school do you go to?”

“I was homeschooled,” Shimmer responded.

Moondancer grew a frown at that answer, clearly disappointed. “That’s a shame; Crystal Prep could use someone like you.”

“Crystal Prep huh? I’ve heard of it,” Shimmer replied.

“It’d be cool to have someone else there who appreciates fine literature,” Moondancer lamented.

Shimmer definitely agreed. Shimmer found she mostly talked books with Twilight when she got the chance. Twilight would read anything and everything, and while her sister was an avid reader, she mostly read for entertainment and school. Shimmer however just liked learning in general, inside of her was a scientist who was born when she opened her first book back as a child.

“Well, perhaps we’ll run into each other again, Ms. Moondancer.” Shimmer winked and touched her cheek.

Moondancer’s eyes were drawn to the jingling sound of some keys hanging out of Shimmer’s bag as she moved. Her eyes scanned the emblem attached to one of the keys. It had a circle with what appeared to be a tire with three spokes sticking out of it. Narrowing her eyes, she realized she had seen this emblem before.

“You have a Mercedes?” Moondancer raised a brow.

Shimmer looked down at her keys and then back to the girl with a nod. “I have three Mercedes actually, though this is the S-Class one, the other two are E-Class, my father used to use them for work, but this one he used for everything else.”

Moondancer only blinked as she adjusted her glasses, clearly in awe. “What exactly are you doing in a Walmart if you have that kind of money?”

"Thinking of buying the place," Shimmer joked.

She could already see Moondancer's eyes widen from the suggestion to where Shimmer decided to quickly end the fun. "Kidding of course."

Shimmer shrugged. “I told you, my sister is here picking up some stuff, I’m just waiting for her.”

At that moment Shimmer could see out of the corner of her eye her elder sister approaching with a bag in hand. She glanced over at her and then back to Moondancer with a smirk. “Speak of the devil.”

Sunset nudged her sister’s shoulder and smiled warmly at her. “Thanks for not wandering off.”

Her attention quickly turned to Moondancer who was observing the two siblings almost in awe. “Who’s your friend?” Sunset asked.

Turning back to the disheveled bookworm, Shimmer attempted to formulate an answer. “This is Moondancer. We just met, she goes to Crystal Prep and like myself, is a literature connoisseur.”

“Crystal Prep huh…” Sunset blinked.

“Oh leave your rivalry at school, she’s cool,” Shimmer assured before nudging her sister.

Sunset gave a nod and then offered her hand to Moondancer. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Moondancer. I’m Sunset, Shimmer’s older sister.”

Moondancer took the hand and gave it a nice shake, noting that Sunset was a lot stronger than her sister was. “It’s a pleasure. Anyways, I really should be going, if you’re ever near Crystal Prep, don’t be afraid to say hi, Shimmer.” She smiled and nodded before taking her leave.

Sunset placed an arm around her sister’s shoulder and pulled her in closer. “Come on, we have a whole night of fun ahead of us.”

Carefully submerging her nude body into the steaming water, Shimmer winced a bit at the drastic change in temperature, but calmed herself and allowed her muscles to relax as she set her phone aside on a nearby bench while she looked over to her sister in the same bath. Sunset splashed a bit of water at her playfully and whistled at Shimmer.

“Damn girl! Take it all off!” She teased.

“That’s like incest or something.” Shimmer rolled her eyes.

“So that’s not what does it for you?” Sunset smirked.

Shimmer gave another roll of her eyes and leaned back in the tub. Sunset scooted closer and decided to breach the subject a bit deeper. “So what does do it for you?”

Keeping her head rested against the edge, Shimmer spoke quietly, “I have a tendency to get involved with people I have no business being with. Thus why you’re here.” She sat up and returned the splash from earlier at Sunset.

“Ah, into troublemakers are you?” Sunset wiped the water off of her face.

“I guess that’s why we’re connected at the hip then. You’re the biggest troublemaker I know.” Shimmer giggled.

“Cutting deep there,” Sunset replied.

The two had often joked about preferences, interests, and even their sexual orientation. Shimmer was surprised how quickly the two had become comfortable with each other. They had both already shared so many closely guarded secrets with the other, and it had only been a few months.

Shimmer sat up and looked at her sister. “So what does it for you? I’ve asked before, but you never give me a straight answer.”

Sunset blinked and shrugged. “Truthfully, there’s probably no one out there for me. I’ve already accepted that a long time ago.”

Shaking her head, Shimmer crossed her arms in protest. “That’s not true. Also, you’re being wasteful. Look at you!” She pointed to a mirror in the room and approached Sunset. Placing her hands on Sunset’s shoulders she guided her to the mirror and pointed.

“Long luscious locks, gorgeous teal eyes, skin without a single blemish, hell you’ve even got bigger tits than me! You’re going to let that all go to waste!? You’re in your prime!” Shimmer commanded.

Sunset looked down and twiddled her thumbs. “I… Uh… I wouldn’t even know where to begin…”

Shimmer blinked. “Ah right, you’re a virgin.”

“Gee, thanks… You say it like it’s such a bad thing…” Sunset rolled her eyes.

“Nah, it’s just hard for anyone else to believe given how cute you are. If you dressed better, I bet you’d have guys eating out of the palm of your hands.” Shimmer stated.

Sunset sighed and submerged herself deeper into the water, bringing her mouth under and blowing small bubbles as she breathed through her nose. Shimmer quickly could tell the conversation had turned awkward and decided to try and console her.

“It’s not a bad thing, being a virgin that is.”

Sunset poked her head out of the water to speak. “Yeah? Are you a virgin?”

Shimmer shook her head. “Nah, though sometimes I wish I was. Lots of stupid decisions back then… But people do weird things when they think they’re in love…”

“Love?” This tidbit definitely caught Sunset’s attention as she pulled herself out of the water more to listen.

“It was a long time ago, Sunset. And it’s a story that I really don’t want to get into. I’ll tell you someday, but not tonight, okay?” Shimmer frowned, clearly wanting to end this subject as quickly as possible.

“We’re having such a good night, we shouldn’t ruin it with this depressing conversation,” She added.

Thinking of nothing more to add than a nod, Sunset leaned her head back and looked for something to change the subject with. To her luck, a text came through to Shimmer which she reached out of the water to grab her phone for.

Pressing her finger to the fingerprint sensor, her iPhone sprung open with a new text. Shimmer read it in her head.

Shimmer read it over and tried to think back if she had ever heard the name “Ghost” before. She couldn’t remember a single instance that such a name came up. She definitely would have remembered such a distinctive name. Sadly nothing came to mind, and it didn’t leave many clues as to their motivation for trying to steal her research.

Quickly responding, Shimmer typed up a reply.

Sunset could tell something was bothering Shimmer as she raised a brow. “Hey… Are you okay?”

Shimmer placed her phone back on the bench and shook her head. “It’s nothing, just someone asking about some stuff for the institute. You know how it goes…”

“If you say so… You know if anything is bothering you that you can tell me right?” Sunset asked.

Leaning in, Shimmer pulled Sunset into a tight hug before looking up at her. “Of course I know that. I wouldn’t turn to anyone else, promise.”

With a laugh, Sunset ruffled the girl’s hair. “You better not.”

Wow another amazing week! I am like super blown away by Applety's illustration for this week! I really really love how well Moondancer turned out. Guys, seriously go give her some love. Also as an added bonus she helped edit this chapter too (along with leave some funny comments). She's working on some stories of her own so go check her out!

Sorry for only one illustration for the past two weeks, but I promise this not becoming "the norm". Chapters will still have two sometimes, (and even three if the chapter calls for it). These past two I felt these were the only scenes that warranted illustrations.

Behind the scenes: Moondancer's design was actually completely changed today. Originally she was going to sport a ponytail and bangs, but Applety redesigned her and thus her description in the story changed. She kind of resembles a lovable bookworm to me. How can you not love that face? Seriously.