//------------------------------// // Bonus Chapter: Next Time in the Homecoming Chapter Fics // Story: The Wooing of Sunset Shimmer // by Rose Quill //------------------------------// Rarity threw up a shield as I fell to the ground, clutching my head in agony. I saw the vambrace on my arm crack, spiderweb and then disintegrate, grains of dust blowing away in the dark wind. Rarity cried out and her shield collapsed, her armor being dissolved back into regular clothes just as mine and Applejack’s had. Twilight reached me, using her telekinesis to form a makeshift barrier with the shattered picnic tables against the maelstrom before us, but they were thrown aside like kindling. “We will meet again,” the voice said before the dark cloud vanished and the winds died. I sat up slowly, my head pounding. I realized that not only had they dispelled my powered up form, they had also de-ponified me, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie. “Are you ok, Sunny?” Twilight asked. I tried to reassure her through our bond, but I couldn’t find it. I reached inside to find any trace of magic, to pony up, anything. I realized that Twilight was touching my bare arm with her hand and I couldn’t feel her emotions or see her thoughts. No… “Sunny?” she said, worry starting to spread across her face. “My magic,” I whispered, my voice breaking and tears streaming down my face. “They took my magic.” Twilight held me as I broke down as I haven’t since my mother died. I walked into the building Fluttershy had told me about, nose wrinkling at the stench of rot and bodily fluids. I found the door I was looking for and pushed it opened. The room beyond was dimly lit, but I could see the forms within clearly enough. Pale, gaunt, and sullen, their eyes sunken into their faces and their hair flat and lifeless, life had been hard on the Dazzlings. “Wow,” I said. “You look like hell.” “Wow,” rasped Adagio. “You’re a bitch.” “Can it,” I said. “I’ m here to ask for your help.” That got her attention. “Oh,” she purred. “This has got to be good.