//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: Masks for the Inquisitors // Story: Lend Me Your World // by Superdale33 //------------------------------// Little by little, Sora awoke. His fingers brushed over concrete, slick with water. The pitter patter of rain soothed the ears, but his face tensed as each drop landed on his cheek. When he opened his eyes, he picked out a blurry figure lying beside him. Her hair stood out the most. A subdued red and yellow, flowing down to her waist. Sora pushed himself up and blinked away his drowsiness. She mumbled to herself, rubbing the back of her head. “Hey,” Sora said. She froze, opening one eye as Sora offered his hand. “Are you all right?” She jumped up, almost falling back down again, but caught herself. Sora retracted his hand and brought it back to his side. There was suspicion in her cyan eyes. She studied him, uncertain. Sora did the same with her. A short jacket over a dress. It matched her eyes to a tee. Her necklace shimmered when he glanced to it, but couldn’t examine it further when she stepped closer to squint at him. He leaned back, raising a brow, “Uh, what?” The double doors burst open from the nearby building, and both of them turned to find a tall, middle-aged woman stride over with an umbrella. Her stern expression made her concern all the more apparent. She furrowed her brow at the girl. “Sunset Shimmer,” she greeted hastily, bringing the umbrella over both of them. “I saw your fall. Do you need the nurse to check you out?” That was her name, Sunset Shimmer. Sora faced her again, eyeing her amber skin and hair. It fit her well. Sunset glanced to Sora as though expecting him to intervene. “No, I’m fine, Vice Principal Luna,” she said. It sounded like she had more to say, but kept looking to Sora. He tilted his head. “The phantoms were everywhere, and I got disoriented. Totally my fault.” Another glance to Sora. “You still can’t see them, right?” Luna looked to Sora. No recognition, no malice, not even a grunt. “Hi there,” Sora said with a wave. He turned over the term “phantoms” in his mind, already confused. “I’m not sure how I got here, but she-” “I’m afraid not, Ms. Shimmer,” Luna replied. “Perhaps it would be best to step inside. While you might not need attention, it wouldn’t be prudent to catch a cold.” “I guess so,” Sunset said, sticking close to her. Sora wasn’t sure how to respond to being ignored. His first instinct was to call her out, but instead reached out to her. “Did I do something wrong?” he asked as his hand phased through her. Sora and Sunset jerked back, eyes wide. “W-what the-!?” Sora said. He stared at his hands “What’s wrong with me? Why can I do that?!” He patted down his body. He was still whole and himself; nothing out of the ordinary. Sunset was speechless, both fascinated and as shocked as he was. Luna still glowered, but took a deep breath and stepped closer to Sunset. “More of your, um, phantoms?” she asked. It was so stilted that it was enough for Sora and Sunset to forget about the incident. They were still pretty shaken. “Yeah...” Sunset said, catching Luna’s half lidded eyes. “Let’s go with that.” Luna ushered Sunset to the building, and Sora could only trail behind. Adjusting to the situation was crucial, but there was so much to absorb. He lifted his arm after them before his attention was drawn to the building. It rose higher than its surroundings, laid out in the open with fortified gray stone along the edges. Shingles angled on the roof, topped with a glass dome made of triangular panes. “Where… am I?” Sora asked. It felt like he was back in Traverse Town, lost in an unfamiliar world with unfamiliar people. And having ghostly powers. A squeak emanated from the doors. Luna held the door for Sunset as they stepped inside. Sora scanned the windows again before hurrying after them, slipping through the doors before they closed. A wave of heat welcomed him and he sighed in relief. He didn’t realize how much the rain had gotten to him. The lobby itself was huge. It reached to the second floor, allowing banners to drape down beside display cases filled with trophies. Hallways branched out in different directions, and Sora had to grasp that this was only one room. “Whoa,” he said, turning every which way to see as much as he could. “Very well,” Luna said, shaking her umbrella free of raindrops. Sunset stood aside with her hands behind her. “If you insist you are well, I won’t press further.” She sighed. Her two-tone hair hid her face from Sora’s view. “Remember your detention-” “I know,” Sunset snapped, bowing her head. “I don’t need a reminder.” An unpleasant silence fell over the lobby. Sora had to drop his reverie, shifting his weight. “Very well then,” Luna said, nodding. She took her leave without a farewell. As soon as she turned the corner down the hallway, Sunset crossed her arms and glared at Sora. “Who are you?” she demanded. “What do you want with me?” He was taken aback by her aggression. Anger took the place of her curiosity. Even her stance was solid and imposing. “S-Sora,” he said. When she didn’t respond, he softly cleared his throat and nodded firmly. “I’m Sora.” “Sora,” she repeated. She narrowed her eyes, searching. They were intense enough for Sora to break away and look down the empty hallway. Lockers lined each side. Sunset walked up to him and swept her hand across him. A shiver ran up his spine. That definitely wasn’t normal. “Are you a phantom?” “I’m… not sure,” he said, slightly distracted. Sunset had her own questions, but each one left Sora more puzzled. “You’re Sunset Shimmer, right? “Why appear only to me?” she asked over him, taking a step closer. He took a step back in turn. “Why not everyone else? Did you want to prove a point?” “I don’t know,” Sora said. That glare of hers returned, and Sora waved his arms in front of himself. “Honest! Sunset held her ground, and Sora expected another flurry of inquiries and demands. She released a rough sigh, her anger deflating and scorned the ground instead. A lot ran through her head, brow and lips twitching as she thought. It left Sora to himself, unsure what she wanted from him. His gaze shifted to the banners. They depicted the head of a horse. It mirrored the horse busts outside on the walls. “Do you know where we are?” he asked. His voice was quieter than usual. “Canterlot High School,” Sunset said. She didn’t even look his way. “A high school?” Sora asked. He took another look around. Regal architecture wasn’t what he would associate with education. Sora grunted with a growing smile. “Best school I’ve ever been to.” “Don’t change the subject,” Sunset said, flicking her eyes back to him again. His smile faded, hunching his head. She took another second for that to set in before furrowing her brow, conflicted. “Why were there… others of you around the school? All phantoms only I could see.” She set a hand on her hip. “And I guess it’s still the case with you.” “Phantoms?” Sora said. “You mentioned them before, but I haven’t seen any phantoms of myself?” He didn’t mean for it to come out as a question, but he wasn’t even sure where the conversation was going. His mind still reeled over sticking his hand through people. Sunset slapped a hand to her forehead, the other clenched into a fist. “Forget it,” she said, brow laced with frustration. “Agh, so you came out of nowhere, don’t know anything, and I’m still the only one who can see you.” She closed her eyes with a dismissive shrug. “I don’t have time for this right now.” Then she stormed off towards one of the hallways, adjusting the strap of her bag. Sora scratched his head. He had missed a step or two about the situation. Her tension - both with him and Luna - her abrasiveness, and the mention of phantoms; it all packed together and threw his head for a spin. So much so that Sunset already reached the corner down the hallway. He jumped, hurrying to the entrance of the hall. “What about me?” he yelled, holding his arms out. “I’ll worry about it later! Just-” She rolled her hand with a bitter growl. “Just let me sort this out.” And she was gone, along with any sense of direction he once had. It wasn’t the first time he was left to his own devices. He should be able to bounce back and figure things out. Yet loneliness crept in harder than it ever had. No guidance to rely on, no heading to march towards, and at the moment, no one but Sunset could interact with him. The last one struck him hard, sagging his body. He thought back to his awakening, back to seeing her curiosity upon their meeting. A quick exchange, hardly even that, but she couldn’t be purely hostile. Or even mean spirited. Sora wanted to believe that. Otherwise he was on his own, alone. He stamped out the feeling. All of his worries had to wait, he had to have faith. Sunset was his starting point. It wasn’t the first time Sunset had arrived early to school, but hoped to Celestia that it was the last. A headache already formed behind her eyes. Her body was heavy from her soaking hair and clothes, still dripping as she hurried past lockers and classrooms. She got nowhere with the phantoms, and their origin was about as clueless as her. Sunset brushed her hair behind her ear. A small action to keep her calm. She rushed into the library, slightly out of breath. Upon seeing Fluttershy wait at one of the tables, relief flooded Sunset. The morning was bad enough without missing another session with her. With a deep breath to push aside Sora and the phantoms, Sunset smiled and walked over with a wave. “Sorry, I’m late,” she said, hanging her bag on the chair. Fluttershy beamed, sitting up straight. “The rain was brutal. Hope I didn’t make you wait too long.” “Oh, no,” she said, shaking her head, hair swaying side to side. “You’re actually right on time. I got here early so I can do some extra reading.” As usual, her voice was timid but oh so heartwarming. It got a content sigh out of Sunset, glad to have some comfort after all the phantom nonsense. She slide into her seat, noting her attire. A white, button shirt and gray skirt. A formal jacket laid in the empty chair next to her. “You’re dressed for the occasion,” Sunset said, nodding sagely. “That can make all the difference.” “Rarity lent them to me,” Fluttershy explained, brushed away the wrinkles on her sleeve. “I have to head straight for my interview after school.” “Good thing we got together to practice then,” Sunset said. The comment was meant as a joke, but her heart grew heavy, tapping her fingers together to ease some of her unease. “I didn’t mean to abandon you yesterday. I would have texted you for a reschedule, but…” Fluttershy lost some of her glee, but forced a smile and rested her hands in her lap, “I’m sure you had your reasons. You always do.” Sunset swallowed, lowering her head. “But on the plus side, I was able to give Angel Bunny a bath.” She unzipped her bag and pulled out her rabbit. His fur was as white as snow, but as soon as he was held in front of Sunset, he gestured to her before slamming one paw into the other, bearing his teeth. “He seems very happy about that,” Sunset said with a smirk. Fluttershy giggled as she placed Angel back in her bag, and Sunset set out to about to get her notes. “You mentioned detention in your call,” Fluttershy said. Sunset hesitated, hovering a hand over her notebook. “I think Rainbow Dash said Pinkie Pie had it too. Did something happen?” “Let’s concentrate on your interview for now,” Sunset said hastily. There was bite in her tone, enough for Fluttershy to fall silent. Sunset berated herself. Hiding the reason for her detention wouldn’t get her anywhere, but they needed as much time as possible. It was for a greater good. Assured of that, Sunset pulled out a stack of books and notes and slammed them on the table. There was a brief cry of terror from Fluttershy, but otherwise she kept her composure. Though, she shook ever so slightly. Sunset spread out documents, books, notes, and other miscellaneous items until the table was covered in them. Fluttershy shook a little harder. Sunset grabbed a copy of her application, bringing a hand to her chin, “So, based off this, you have all the qualifications for the job: volunteer work, good with animals, even some solid references.” A small smile ebbed out of Fluttershy, “Principal Celestia was so kind about it too.” “All that’s left is social skills and your confidence,” Sunset said, setting the application down. Fluttershy hid behind the table, peering over enough to view the sea of notebooks and papers. “Maybe we can skip that part?” Fluttershy asked, looking up to her with puppy dog eyes. Or rather how she normally looked when desperate. Sunset patted her shoulder comfortingly, “Don’t worry, you just need to- ...Sora!?” There he was, poking his head through the double doors. He was in awe, mouth hanging open slightly as he swept his gaze over the library. “Sora?” Fluttershy asked, lifting her head. “Uh, Soar a-bove the competition,” Sunset said with a sheepish grin. She had to compliment herself on that one. She pushed over her notebook and tapped a section on speech. “Like what I have written here.” Fluttershy properly sat in her chair to read, and Sunset looked past her to give Sora the biggest death glare she could muster. When his eyes landed on her, he flinched and shrugged. Sunset motioned her arm to get him to leave, but propped her elbow on the table when Fluttershy glanced to her. Sora looked between her and Sunset before understanding dawned on him. He lifted a finger to his lips and nodded, then wandered to the nearest bookshelf. Sunset suppressed a groan. He didn’t need to be quiet when nobody could hear him in the first place! “It says to make eye contact,” Fluttershy whimpered, “and to speak clearly, and to have confidence. That’s a lot to do, isn’t it?” “Not really,” Sunset said bluntly. Fluttershy eeped, staring at the notebook as though it was her undoing. Sunset patted the air in dismay, sparing one last glance to Sora. He tried to grab a book, only for his hand to pass through and whine in disappointment. She shook it away and shifted in her seat to keep him out of view. No distractions, no distractions. “You know, let’s practice. Pretend I’m the interviewer. “O-okay,” Fluttershy whispered. She took a deep breath and looked Sunset straight in the eyes, and Sunset did the same, keeping herself as pleasant as possible. “So, how well do you work with others?” Sunset asked, crossing her legs. Fluttershy faltered but didn’t back down, “Hello, m-ma’am. I do well with others, I have worked…” Sora stood behind Fluttershy as she spoke. It was sudden. Sunset didn’t even see his approach. His inquisitive expression was enough to gauge his intentions, and when he reached his hand to Fluttershy, Sunset jumped to her feet. “Stop that!” she exclaimed angrily. Both Sora and Fluttershy recoiled, the former taking several steps back. “D-did I do something wrong?” Fluttershy asked, shrinking. “No, no, not you!” Sunset attempted to amend. There was still uncertainty in her, and Sunset sighed. Her excuses drained her with every use. “Phantoms. Well, not phantoms, just one, but he’s still a handful.” “Oh,” Fluttershy said, facing the table. Sunset played with a strand of her hair. There she went again, lying to her friends. It was so easy to think she could continue without interruption, like Sora would give her the space she needed. If anything, it strained her relationships. “Can you excuse me for a minute?” she asked. Fluttershy nodded, and Sunset set her sights on Sora. There was a mixture of fear and regret, like staring down a misbehaving child. She nudged her head to the other side of the library and broke away from Fluttershy. At least this “phantom” had some remorse. “What are you doing?” Sunset asked harshly. Sora winced. While he expected her to reprimand him, it still didn’t feel good. “I was waiting for you,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn’t think I was getting in the way.” “You’ve been getting in the way for nearly a week,” she stated, voice rising. “Did you ever think that maybe I’m tired of some invisible guy all over the school distracting me from my friends?” Distress, while subtle, still came across to Sora, and he felt even worse. She must have picked up on that because her anger mellowed. She stared back at the table with the other girl, who ran her hair between her fingers. “Your phantoms,” she said with a shrug, “after images, whatever you want to call them - they badgered me until I snapped and took it out on a friend.” She paused. “I still haven’t made up with her.” Sora deflated, wanting to apologize but stopped himself. There was so much he could say, but nothing fit, nothing worthwhile would change what Sunset had endured. And his heart sank. He followed her gaze to her friend. She busied herself by sifting through the papers covering the table, doubt etched into her eyes. Her pink hair hid half her face, and was frail in physique, but it was the way that Sunset longingly looked over to her. A desire to make right. A trait they had in common. “Who’s she?” he asked. “Her name is Fluttershy,” Sunset replied, almost matter-of-factly. “She can’t see me either, right?” It took awhile for Sunset to answer, “No.” “Then help me so everyone can,” Sora said, holding up a fist. Sunset blinked at him, surprised. “It isn’t fair that my phantoms caused trouble for you, so I’m going to be me again and fix things. But I don’t think I can do it alone.” It was something to strive for, something he could do. Sunset wasn't so resolute, falling back into her mind to contemplate. A pit fell in his stomach when he considered she might disregard him. His phantoms had done enough damage to sway her choice. It came as a relief when Sunset smiled, modest but encouraging. She puffed out her chest with a hand held out to him. “Okay, I’ll help you, under one condition,” Sunset said. Sora nodded for her to continue. “Can you let us work in peace?” Sora gave a big grin, “You got it.” He met her hand only to grasp nothing. The two had to process that until Sora chuckled awkwardly. Sunset merely cleared her throat, her cheeks tinged in red. “At least I can’t read your emotions any more,” she said. Sora crossed his arms, completely lost yet again. She waved it off. “I’ll explain later. We’ll meet after school’s over.” “Right, after school then,” Sora said, resting his hands behind his head. “And… how long is that?” Sunset rolled her eyes, a hand on her hip, “That optimism of yours is going to wear its welcome.” There was an oppressive air when Sunset entered the classroom. Media had made detention out to be dangerous, more so for Sunset after her reformation. Cold shoulders and insults were common. That time had passed, and it was far more tame in reality. It didn’t stop her guilt from erupting inside her. Both from the old emotional pain, and having Pinkie Pie face her. Recognition crossed her features before turning away. Sunset had to suck in a shaky breath, questioning why she couldn’t make amends. Luna nodded to Sunset before returning to her novel. It was a necessary entertainment; they were the only two students in detention, with Luna sitting at the head desk. Sunset made her way to the back of the room, away from Pinkie, as much as it tore her up. When she collapses into a desk, she laid her head in her folded arms. She didn’t have the energy to be productive, the morning had made sure of that. Being in the same room as Pinkie Pie was hard enough on her. No sign of her at lunch or in the hallways. Just there in detention. Sunset knew when she was being avoided. It didn’t paint their friendship in a good light. “You look rough.” Sunset jumped, knocking her bag on the floor and catching Luna’s attention. Her reaction confused Sora, and Sunset had to fight back a glare. She shifted her bag to rest against her chair as though it was intentional, and Luna overlooked it. Pinkie didn’t even budge. Sunset soothed her racing heart before motioning Sora away. Her hand passed through him, but he didn’t take the hint. She wanted some quietude, alone time. “You said to meet after classes,” Sora explained. Sunset suppressed a groan. “Why’re you all still here? School’s out!” “Detention!” Sunset whispered, barely audible even to her. “What was that?” he asked, leaning in with a hand to his ear. Sunset sighed and sat up. She had to get used to having Sora around. It didn’t make it easier to get through school, but the phantoms already made sure of that. As though getting that, Sora slipped into the chair next to hers, brow furrowed. “I’m guessing you can’t talk now,” Sora said. Sunset would have remarked how well he could figure that out, but settled with a nod. It bothered her that he could sit in the chair without falling through it. In fact, she had grabbed him earlier, then couldn’t even lay a finger on him. The rules changed when he had arrived apparently. Sunset had to speak or go insane from the inconsistency. “Can you explain anything about your… condition?” Sunset asked. Luna didn’t perk at her speaking, and Sunset was thankful she sat far enough away. “Beats me,” Sora said, hands behind his head. His indifference struck a nerve in Sunset, and she snagged a book to prop up in front of her. Out of sight, she looked to Sora with enough force to make him wither. “Aren’t you upset about it?” she asked, catching formulas and numbers from her book in the corner of her eye. “You’re nothing to everyone but me, and it isn’t even clear why you can just sit in a chair without falling.” Sora relaxed further back. The only indication that he tossed around her concerns was his absent expression. Sunset couldn’t read him. And when he faced her again, it was with that same bright smile. A smile that reminded her of a friend in the same room. “I know we’ll find something,” Sora said. “You’re smart. Smart enough to make me seeable again.” Sunset faltered from the compliment, or rather, his confidence in her. He had no qualms placing all of his trust in her, and she hadn’t a shred to spare him any. Her hand smoothed out the corners of the book, all the complicated equations dancing across her vision. It was so much easier to solve. “No pressure,” she muttered. Sora eyed her but didn’t comment. Despite his overbearance, there was a reflective side to him. It made Sunset curious on what brought it out, what got him to really speak his mind and not fall back to the happy-go-lucky routine. It was the most she had considered him as an actual person since meeting him. As if her guilt with Pinkie Pie wasn’t enough… “So why are you in detention?” Sora asked. Not the subject she wanted to bring up, but Sora deserved some answer. His eyes even conveyed that feeling. Sunset steeled herself, “That friend I hurt? It was after I couldn’t get anything off of the phantoms. Your phantoms. We made a ruckus and both ended up here.” “Both,” Sora said. He brought his arms down to set them on his lap, and eyed Pinkie Pie. She drew on a large canvas with wide sweeping movements. “So you and her?” “Pinkie Pie,” she said, resting her chin in her hand. Her chest tightened. “She was only trying to help, but the phantoms wouldn’t stop and I took it out on her. Before you arrived, they were all over the school. Tons of them. Maybe it was for what I did. I deserved it.” “Don’t think like that,” Sora said. There was no harshness to his words, only kindness. “The phantoms are to blame, not you.” He was so sure of himself, so sure that Sunset had no reason to blame herself. But it was to make her feel better. She knew she was at fault. The phantoms were like Sora; disruptive but with no ill will. “That means blaming you too,” Sunset said. Sora hesitated before he nodded. “And you’re all right with that?” “They were phantoms of me,” Sora said, jabbing a thumb to his chest. “Maybe if I didn’t come here, they wouldn’t either. So, what I’m trying to say is it’s my fault, but not intentionally. You know, an accident. Does that make sense?” “Nothing makes sense right now,” Sunset said, giving a half-hearted smile. She tried to punch him on the shoulder, but failed. Sora laughed. “Can’t believe I keep forgetting that.” “Almost like I’m a ghost,” Sora joked, hands behind his head again. Sunset rolled her eyes. He had a knack for staying positive. “A ghost…” “Huh?” Sunset asked. “Phantoms of me…” he said. His tone was more somber, thoughtful. “Did the phantoms do anything?” “Do anything?” “Yeah, like run on walls or slide over rails?” “They wouldn’t be distracting if they didn’t do anything,” Sunset remarked. “They left when I found you though.” Sora squeezed his eyes closed, focusing, concentrating, trying to think. Sunset drew closer, wishing she could give some solace, for whatever it was worth. It really emphasized his estranged presence. And when he lit up, standing to his feet, Sunset nearly did the same. Whatever occurred to him had him agitated. “The Power of Waking isn’t to go chase hearts around,” he said before looking her in the eye, breathing erratic. “Sunset, I’m not here, not really. I lost my heart and body when I broke the rules.” Power of Waking, heart and body, rules; all of it swirled in her head without anything to lead to. It was nonsense, but Sora was serious, absolutely serious. To see him in that state flipped her whole perception of him. He set his hand over his heart. “I’m dead.” Sunset was sure her heart skipped a beat. She couldn’t respond right away either, making noises to fill the gap and had to clench her jaw shut. She had to piece it together in her head, and even then, she still couldn’t believe it. “T-that’s ridiculous,” she found her voice, hoarse as it was. “I’ve… been through this before,” Sora admitted quietly. “A friend was able to hold on to me, keep me from really going. I had to collect pieces of myself to return. But I had to save her when the same thing happened to her. I had to break the rules to do it.” Sunset didn’t want to speak in fear that it would make it all real. She didn’t know why it was so hard to swallow, “And you were gone for good?” “I’ve gotta be, right?” Sora said. He bowed his head, pacing through the chair he had no problem sitting in. “I walk through things, I can’t be seen, and what happened before… It fits, right?” There was no reason to ask her. He already knew the answer. Even Sunset, who still didn’t understand, knew it was self-explanatory. Yet every fiber in her wanted to say it wasn’t true, that it was from stray magic, that he was fine. Lies that could cheer him up. Luna cleared her throat next to Sunset, and she flinched. “Are you upset about something?” Luna asked. There was no authority, nor disinterest. It was like a mother to a child, genuine worry. Sunset was in a daze, both from the revelation and from Luna. Sora stared blankly ahead. His whole world was turned upside down, but unlike the rest of the day, he didn’t bounce back. “Just worrying about a friend,” she said. Then quickly added, “It’s not about the phantoms.” “I see,” Luna said, pressing her hands together. “Then I won’t be a bother.” Sunset took a moment to wonder if Luna had more to say, but she caught sight of Pinkie glancing back. Their eyes met and both turned away. Pinkie had to think Sunset referred to her, and it hurt to think that it wasn’t the case. Nothing went right for her or Sora. To think he was dead, a wandering spirit, and appearing before her. It didn’t explain the phantoms, but it was connected. “You can still see me though,” Sora said. He forced a smile, or maybe his smiles had always been strained. Sunset didn’t know. “I’ll be okay.” “But we don’t know why I can,” she stated. It was a deflection, a way to push away the faith he kept setting on her. It was more a burden than anything. “You said you’ve been through this before, but this is different. How can you be so sure that I can bring you back from… from death?” “Because you’re my friend,” Sora said. “That’s how.” He looked out the window, his smile falling just a enough to be noticeable. The rain still persisted, drumming against the glass. Detention carried on like normal. Luna was engrossed in her book, Pinkie still drew on a large canvas, and Sora drifted to the window to watch the rain. It left Sunset to herself. No interruptions. Memories of her past surfaced. Her tutelage under Princess Celestia, finding the magic of friendship, all the hardships and high points. She had to sit through the entirety of detention to realize that Sora counted her as a friend despite knowing nothing about her.