Twilight watched as two girls she knew but didn't know sat on what appeared to be an endless stretch of beach, looking out over a golden and rosy sunset. As though it was the most natural thing in the world, she moved forward to sit between them.
"You're not real."
Starbright looked to her with a smile, head tilted slightly. "No. Not exactly. You're real though, and we are a part of you."
Midnight snorted. "More than a part."
Twilight shook her head, dropping her chin onto her knees. "I know that. But it's so hard to accept. It feels like I'm not really...my own person."
Another snort from Midnight. "Ah, c'mon. Don't get all weepy and existential."
"Stop that." Starbright leaned over her to smack her sister's shoulder. "She has every right to feel confused."
"She's hurting Vel," Midnight retorted with a sharp frown. Twilight's heart skipped up into her throat and her stomach lurched guiltily.
"I don't want to," she whispered. "I- I care about him, I..."
Starbright smiled softly and offered, "Love him?" Twilight swallowed thickly.
"Maybe." She sighed and closed her eyes. "But he loves you. Both of you. I- I can't help feeling like I'm just...the next best thing."
Silence. She looked between the two girls and had the feeling that one or both of them was going to say something- but then they were gone. The beach was gone, the ocean, the sunset. She was alone in darkness. No, not even darkness, just...nothing. Endless nothing.
Twilight jerked awake with a gasp, bolting upright before Vel's arms around her stopped her from jumping out of bed completely.
