//------------------------------// // The Last Piece To The Plan // Story: Dark Arts and Kind Hearts // by Boomstick Mick //------------------------------// When Sunset Shimmer and her group finished their lunch at their usual meeting spot around the school statue, they spent the rest of whatever time they had left relaxing and enjoying each others' company, as was their routine. It wasn't until the bell was about to ring when Sunset noticed her bag was vibrating. She kept the book that allowed her to communicate with the other world as close as possible every since a string of locker break ins occurred a few weeks ago. The culprit was never caught, and a reward was offered to anyone with information that would lead to the thief or thieves' capture. Sunset fished the book out of her bag, expecting the message to be yet another casual 'how are you,' which was why she was surprised upon reading it. Sunset, you must come to the Crystal Empire right away, something horrible has happened! I need you!! Don't reply, just get here as quick as you can!!! Sunset Shimmer replied. What happened? She was about to close the book and put it back in her bag when it started vibrating again. The instant reply almost startled her. I don't have time to explain. Just get over here, please! All will be made clear in time. "She's being persistent," Said Sunset to no one in particular. Fifth period is about to start, which is history. Human history, mind you. It's my worst subject. I can't afford to miss this class. Can this wait until the weekend? The book vibrated before sunset could even close it. NO! The warning bell rang throughout the school. The second bell that would announce the ending of the lunch period would sound off any second now. Sunset grabbed her pen and wrote as quickly as she could. I'm sorry, but I can't just up and leave whenever something bad happens in Equestria. Whatever this is, you can make do without me. I want to help, but my hooves are she cursed under her breath as she scribbled out her mistake. hands are tied. I'm sure you can just use the elements of harmony to Twilight's reply came instantly, the words scrawling across the page at a furious pace. Sombra is back, and he's taken Fluttershy! Celestia knows what he's doing to her this very moment! We can't use the elements of harmony without her, but I have a plan, and it involves you! Sunset's stomach fell as she digested the news. "Fluttershy?" "Yes?" Fluttershy replied. Sunset Shimmer looked back at her. A bird that had been perched upon her shoulder was stubbornly refusing to leave. She giggled. "I gotta go, little guy." She lifted her hand, and the small bird leaped to her finger. "I'll bring you some more bread tomorrow, I promise." The feathered creature tilted its head and chirped a reply, almost as if it could understand her. Fluttershy then extended her hand to the sky and the bird burst into a brisk takeoff. What kind of monster would steal away Fluttershy? She had an incorruptible purity about her that would put a freaking Disney Princess to shame. It was almost ridiculous how... Sweet she was. Sunset could feel a blinding fury building inside of her. Her decision was made by the time the second bell rang. Sunset and Fluttershy walked together toward the entrance to the school. She waited until they were out of earshot of the others when she finally said, "I have to go away for a while." "What?" Fluttershy replied, a look of total and utter bemusement across her face. Sunset could comprehend her friend's confusion, but she didn't have time to explain. She suddenly dropped her bag and locked her in a hug. "Oh!" she squeaked in surprise. "You're a good friend. You know I love you, right?" "I, well... I love you too?" "Which is why I need to leave." Sunset finally released her, and with no further explanation she bolted toward the statue. "W-where are you going?" Fluttershy shouted after her. "Away!" "Will you be back?" "Yes!" "When?" "I don't know!" came Sunset Shimmer's parting words before diving headfirst through the portal at the statue's pedestal.