//------------------------------// // Humans VIII // Story: Integration // by Darth Link 22 //------------------------------// The following is a transcript from a recorded telephone log. The names have been removed for security reasons. 1:”Report” 2:”Things seem to have been pretty quiet threat-wise since the Friendship Games. There seem to be no other threats from the other world as we thought. No other creatures have come through the portal except the already identified creatures and the one that takes the form of a child.” 1:”And the sisters?” 2:”They still seem to be keeping information on the magical aspects of the school from anyone. We have been monitoring their school and homes, keeping a special watch on the phone logs, but they don't seem to have reported anything to any government entity.” 1:”Any reason why?” 2:”She might simply worry for her job, with people questioning her sanity at this point. Perhaps she simply doesn’t see a need. From what our observations can tell, the students don’t seem to be in any real danger.” 1:”Even after the Sparkle girl’s attempted kidnapping?” 2:”I don’t think she was made aware of that yet. Which works in our favor, the last thing we need is more beat cops hanging around the school.” 1:”I see... what else have you to report?” 2:”The one known as Sunset Shimmer seems to have taken a group to the other world. The Sparkle family, and Flash Sentry. According to school gossip, Twilight was taken for training, the rest of her family to sign off on it, and Flash... well, apparently the rumors that he started a relationship with the Princess are true.” 1:”Hmm... we can work that to our advantage.” 2:”How so?” 1:”Nevermind that. Focus on your mission. Report if anything else comes through that portal.” 2:”Yes sir.” Pinkie managed to be filled with energy even after a long day. After she got out of the tub, she dressed in her pajamas (balloon pattern, even though Limestone kept telling her that she was getting too old for that), brushed her teeth, and headed to bed, bouncing along the way. She stopped herself from jumping onto her bed, remembering her father admonishing her that it was going to wear out the bed. She covered herself with her blankets, and turned to the stuffed crocodile sitting at her side. “Good night, Gummy,” she said, pulling the stuffed animal into a hug and kissing it on the forehead. Then she reached for the light, flicking it off and plunging the room into darkness. Despite her energy, Pinkie was asleep in seconds. It was thirty minutes later that her father opened the door and peered in. He looked at his daughter for a few minutes. Even at sixteen, she still looked so much like the little girl he had raised from birth, especially on that bed, hugging a stuffed animal, with her thumb having found its way into her mouth. Sighing, he closed the door and began walking down the hallway. He stopped at each child’s room. Maud’s was empty, she was sleeping in her dorm that night, but Marble and Limestone’s were full. Both were soundly asleep, Marble in her immaculate organized bed and Limestone lying back in the pillow, a video game controller on her chest and the character standing in the middle of nowhere on her screen. Igneous turned off the TV and the video game before leaving her, going into his bedroom where his wife was already waiting, her nose in a book. She looked up from her text. “Worrying about the girls?” “You’ve never been one for obvious questions,” he answered. There was a moment of silence as Cloudy Quartz waited for her husband to lay down before continuing the conversation. When he continued standing there, staring at the wall in deep thought, she marked her place in her book and rose until she was sitting beside him. Igneous ended up speaking. “I was worried about Pinkie. I feared that she was inheriting a different set of values from us.” Despite himself, he smiled. “I suppose that sounds trivial now, doesn’t it?” “If parents didn’t worry, I doubt we’d all be here,” Cloudy said. “Look at Cadance. Only in her twenties, but already worrying like a veteran parent. I have absolutely no doubt her husband is the same way.” “That’s true. But I never would have thought I’d have to worry about my babies being targets.” “Neither did I.” After a moment of silence, she asked, “Do you think Maud will agree to go to Equestria?” “We’re paying her tuition, her schoolbooks, and her dorm charges. She’ll go where we tell her.” “And do you think she’ll appreciate being forced into it?” “Maybe not. But she’ll be safe. And she couldn’t be mad at me forever.” Igneous was good at sounding sure in whatever he said, but years of marriage had taught Cloudy to detect any doubt in his voice. She thought about telling him that everything would be alright, but she knew it was an empty promise. Her husband was many things, but he was not a fan of meaningless fluff, and she couldn't give him comfort she wasn’t sure she believed. “...Our children are strong,” she said at last. “Pinkie has already been up against people that want to hurt her. She has survived and come out stronger than before, even if she doesn’t show it. Maud’s a strong and responsible adult. Limestone intimidates people twice her size. And Marble...” Cloudy searched for her words. “Marble will be able to handle herself. She might be shy, but she’s handled life’s challenges before now. She’ll come out of this, and she’ll be better because of it.” It was another half hour before the two of them fell asleep. Cloudy’s last thought was that she wished she believed her own words. The following morning began for Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy with their morning run. Rainbow Dash awoke in the Shy household, a familiar routine from all the slumber parties they had growing up, from as far back as when they were still in footie pajamas. Always an early riser, even after a night of partying, Rainbow Dash decided to go downstairs and grab breakfast, hoping to eat before Zephyr was awake to hit on her. Unfortunately, Adagio was already up. She had been sitting on the couch, flipping through the channels, wearing some of Fluttershy’s old clothes. No doubt by that evening Rarity would have a whole new wardrobe for her. The two glared at each other for a moment. Then the siren went back to the television, looking for something to watch. Rainbow Dash, however, was not willing to drop it. “You’re up early.” “I’m up still. I wanted to enjoy myself for a while before that creep was up to bother me.” Rainbow Dash couldn’t really argue with that, so she went into the kitchen and grabbed a bowl of cereal. If there was one thing she had in common with Fluttershy, it was that their cereal selections tended to be the same, more healthy. Fluttershy’s wheat cereal stood out next to Zephyr’s Chocolate Coated Sugar Bombs. She ended up on the couch next to Adagio. The siren didn’t react, and was now watching some bright animated show on the screen. “You actually like this show?” Adagio was slow to answer. “...Sonata does.” Rainbow Dash stopped with a spoonful of flakes near her mouth and looked at Adagio. There seemed to be a certain tinge of sadness that sounded so out of place in the voice of a former foe. “She watched this stupid thing all the time... I swear, this network plays it all the time... It must be seventy percent of their line up, at least. I hated it. Aria hated it. We always swore one day we’d put our foot through the tv to stop from hearing it. “Then, when I was in with the Changelings... I actually started to miss it.” There was a tremor in her voice that time, undeniably. Rainbow Dash hesitated a bit, but placed a comforting hand on Adagio’s shoulder. Adagio immediately flinched and pulled herself away. “Don’t touch me,” she said, baring her teeth. Rainbow scowled, and began thinking that she deserved her misery if that’s how she was going to act. She immediately hated herself for thinking that. She was going through a tough time. She couldn’t help but smile. Fluttershy had rubbed off on her in the best way. Speaking of Fluttershy, she came into the room soon after, looking chipper despite the early morning. She poured herself some cereal and sat on the couch. For a few minutes the trio simply watched the bright colored animation on the screen. “...This isn’t very good,” Fluttershy said. “I know,” Adagio said. “Then why are we watching it?” “...There was nothing else on.” Adagio said. Rainbow gave the siren a look, but didn’t press her any further. Knowing what Fluttershy wanted to ask, but was too timid to, she spoke instead. “Then maybe we could watch Fluttershy’s nature show?” Adagio gave Rainbow Dash a flat look, clearly annoyed at the position she had been put in. Nevertheless, she wordlessly handed the remote over Rainbow Dash to Fluttershy. With a small “Thank you,” the butter yellow girl took it and flipped the station. “So what, we’re going to see some tree-hugging crap?” Adagio asked. Rainbow Dash grinned. “You’ll see.” Adagio’s eyes were wide, her usually yellow face now white as a sheet. Rainbow Dash patted her back, a gesture that might have been mistaken for comforting if not for the amused look on her face. Fluttershy, meanwhile, gave a contented sigh. “Nature’s so fascinating,” she said. Then, remembering herself, she collected the bowls and started for the kitchen. “Are we going for our run?” “Yep,” Rainbow Dash said. “Just because Twi’s not here doesn’t mean we’re skipping a day.” “Are you coming, Adagio?” Fluttershy asked. Adagio, still looking ill, glared at her host. “Gee, that’s a brilliant idea. I’m hiding out from a powerful mafia, so I think I’ll walk around in broad daylight.” “Hey, you don’t...” Rainbow Dash began. “...Well, okay, stupid idea, but do you have to be a jerk about it?” Adagio didn’t answer, she just grabbed the remote and started flipping the channels. As Fluttershy retreated into the kitchen, no doubt feeling embarrassed, Rainbow Dash continued to press Adagio. “If you’re so worried, why didn’t you go to Equestria with Sunset?” “I’d just get thrown into another cell... one that would probably be better than the Changelings, yeah, but I’m not getting locked up with Sonata and Aria.” “...You do care about them.” Adagio glared at her, a blush rising on her cheeks. She said nothing. “There might be hope for you yet.” Rainbow Dash went upstairs to change into her jogging suit. Moments later, Zephyr Breeze came down. “Is Rainbow Dash still here?” he asked. “You just missed her,” Adagio said, hoping that Zephyr would leave her alone. It seemed to be the case when he went into the kitchen, but he came back out with a bowl of sugary cereal and plopped down on the couch. “What are we watchin’?” “...I don’t know,” she said through gritted teeth. The Apple Family table was a bit empty that morning. With Sunset in Equestria, and Apple Bloom deciding to have a sleepover at Sweetie Belle’s house, that left two seats unfilled. There were still five people at the table, but the group couldn’t help but feel the loss. After swallowing a bit of toast, Jonathan turned to Applejack and asked, “What are you going to be doing today?” “Dunno. With Twi an’ Sunset gone, we’re two down fer any fun, and now that Adagio’s shown up, no one wants to leave her unguarded.” She took a sip of orange juice. “I guess I’ll go with Rarity to the mall after I finish my chores. She needs someone to go with her.” “Why’s that?” “After what happened to Twi, we agreed not to go out alone,” Applejack said, turning her attention to her phone after the sound of a received text came on. Jonathan looked over at Jonagold, both showing their unease. Knowing their daughter had been in danger had been one thing, but to hear her describe the danger so casually. “Um... do you really need to go?” Jonagold asked. “‘Fraid so. Adagio’s gonna need some clothes, we don’t want her using Fluttershy’s. And Rarity thinks she can get some makeup to disguise her.” She didn’t look up from her phone until the sentence was almost over. “And it looks like she wants to get there soon, so I better do my chores. Look fer weeds in the back flowerbed, take Winona fer a walk.... And you want me to mow the front yard, right?” “The front... you know, we’ll handle that one.” Applejack tilted her head. “Ya sure?” “Of course. You have enough to worry about. Come on, do your chores... in the backyard.” Jonathan paused. “You know, why don’t we handle Winona’s walk for you, too?” “I appreciate it, but I want to do her walk myself. In fact, I think you better do that now, before she gets too riled up.” Jonathan opened his mouth to stop her, but Jonagold placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. They watched as their daughter left the room. Once they were sure she was out of earshot, Jonagold spoke. “I know you’re worried about her,” she said. “But we can’t keep an eye on her 24/7. We need to let go.” “Letting go usually doesn’t involve this,” Jonathan said. “We’re supposed to protect our children.” “We can’t protect them from this. We just need to have faith that she can handle herself.” There was a length of silence in the kitchen. “You’re still going to follow her while she walks Winona, aren’t you?” “Are you going to stop me?” “No. Bring a bat with you.” Rainbow Dash waited patiently for Fluttershy to exit the bakery. When she emerged, she was holding her usual cup of coffee and a bag that contained a sandwich. She had learned not to question this ritual, nothing could stop Fluttershy from it. They continued their walk, talking as if nothing was out of the ordinary. “After we finish here, you want to head to the mall? We can meet up with Applejack and Rarity while they go get Adagio some new clothes.” “That would be nice, but are you sure it’s a good idea to leave Adagio alone with Zephyr? I don’t know if her patience will hold out...” “I’m sure,” Rainbow Dash said. “I think she really cares enough about Sonata and Aria that she won’t do anything that might mean we wouldn’t help her. Your brother and parents are safe.” “You really think so?” “I know so. She might not admit it... in fact, I don’t think she even really knows it yet. But you were right. I think she’s more scared than anything.” Rainbow Dash looked at her friend. “She isn’t letting us get close, though. I don’t think she wants sympathy.” “She wants sympathy. She might not admit it, but if she didn’t want anyone to comfort her, she wouldn’t be so desperate to get her friends back. She’s just afraid.” “Kind of like Sunset after the Fall Formal?” Rainbow Dash said. Fluttershy nodded. “We just need to be a friend to her. It might be hard, but if she cares about her friends, she can’t be all bad.” Rainbow Dash was silent for a moment. “I hope you’re not being too trusting.” “But it worked with Sunset and Twilight.” “But it didn’t work with Cinch. And Princess Twilight told us it didn’t work with Starlight. And I’m willing to believe that she could name a few more.” There was a moment of silence, and Rainbow Dash realized this was the silence Fluttershy retreated to when she was uncomfortable. So, she took a deep breath and kept going. “I’m not saying that Adagio can’t change... in fact, I think she’s on the verge of it. But I don’t want you to think you can change everyone. There are some people you just can’t help.” “I know. But I’m going to try my best.” As they rounded the corner, they saw what they were looking for. A tramp sitting on the sidewalk, an empty can next to him. A passerby dropped a few coins in. “Ding!” the bum announced. “Thanks!” He rose to his feet and danced a bit. A few people pointed and laughed. Fluttershy approached him. “Here you go, mister!” She handed him the sandwich and coffee. “Ah, Fluttershy. You really are good to me,” he said, taking the offering. “Then will you consider going to the shelter?” Fluttershy asked. “They can help you...” “Where’s the fun in that?” the bum said, unwrapping the sandwich and taking a bite. “Mmm... I can’t wait until you’re old enough to buy me a beer...” “I think that’s the last thing you need,” Rainbow Dash said. “You’re going to have to do something about this sooner or later.” “Details, details,” the bum said around his latest bite, crumbs falling into his white beard. “Well, we better get going,” Rainbow Dash said. Fluttershy nodded. “Please at least consider going somewhere that can help you. I know a church in town that lets you borrow suits for job interviews.” “Eh... maybe,” the bum answered. He took a sip of coffee. Fluttershy waved goodbye as the two walked away. When they were out of earshot, Fluttershy said, “I think I can convince him.” Rainbow Dash looked at her for a long moment. “...Maybe you can.” There was a long pause. “...Why don’t I pay for his lunch next time?” Fluttershy was shocked at the suggestion. “You mean it?” “Yeah,” she said. “Maybe you’ll never get through to that guy... but you’ll have a better chance if you had support.” “...Thank you, Rainbow Dash.” “No problem. Now, we better get back to your house. Even if Adagio won’t do anything, I don’t think she’ll be getting along with Zephyr well.” Adagio held the game controller in her hands, looking at the television with awe. “So... I can kill people, rob them, and do whatever I want with no consequences?” Zephyr nodded. “That is the case... it’s even better when you get the cheats turned on.” “...I think I could get used to this.” Cookie Crumbles tried to look inconspicuous hiding her face behind her book. She hoped and prayed that she wouldn’t be seen. Her husband, sneaking on food court fries, was not being as careful. “I wouldn’t worry, sweetheart,” he said after swallowing a mouthful of fries. “I don’t think Rarity will even notice you.” Their firstborn daughter was sitting at another table across the food court, having met up with Applejack and Pinkie. The three were eating lunch of their own, chatting about something the parents couldn’t hear. “I’m not taking any chances,” Cookie said, stealing another glance over her copy of Dusk. “I don’t think she’d take it well if she found out we’d followed her here. You know how she takes those things. She’s kind of a drama queen.” “Hmm, wonder where she gets it from?” Despite herself, Cookie couldn’t help but smile. She looked over at her daughter, who was looking at a photo on Pinkie’s phone. “I’m amazed how she does it.” Hondo Flanks looked at his wife. “What do you mean?” “I’m amazed Rarity can act like nothing is different. If I didn’t know any better, I’d swear that it was still before all this mess started. There’s a girl that tried to kill them a few months ago at the Shy family’s house... and they act like it’s nothing.” “Well, that’s good, isn’t it?” her husband asked. “It means she can get through this.” “...Is it? Or does it mean that they have no clue what they’re really getting themselves into? Or worse, that our kids have just been conditioned to risk their lives without caring?” Hondo considered his wife’s words. “Well, I suppose that’s one way to look at it... but we shouldn’t worry. Sunset told her...” “Sunset,” Cookie said angrily, her grip on her book tightening. “The same girl that humiliated Rarity, and every other parent loves her.” Hondo, sensing his wife might cause a scene in her anger, placed a hand on her to calm her down. It reminded her they were in public, and she relented. “It’s like everyone’s forgotten what she did to our children. She bullied them...” “I know. It’s weird for me too. But if Rarity is willing to give her a second chance, I see no reason to hold a grudge.” “After all that bullying?” “What Sweetie and her friends did to her... and Rarity... was just as bad.” That seemed to shock Cookie out of her anger. Even all these months later, she was still disappointed in her daughter, and being reminded of that made her righteous anger melt away. An initial reaction of “Sunset had it coming,” fell flat, even with her dislike of the girl. “Sunset would have done the same thing,” Cookie said without much enthusiasm, but she did believe it. The only reason Sunset had put the embarrassing video of Princess Twilight exclusively on the school’s closed network was because she didn’t want to attract the attention to herself, and everyone knew it. No need to risk the human Twilight she knew must exist showing up. If the other world was revealed, it would only complicate things. “I think you know the answer to that,” Hondo said. Cookie did. “It doesn’t make what Sweetie did any less bad.” Cookie closed her book, forgetting about hiding herself from her daughter, and took a drink of her shake. “I still don’t like her.” “Like her or not, she still seems to know what she’s doing. And that’s as best as we can hope for right now.” Cookie almost laughed. “I didn’t think we’d ever lose control this much, this fast. Rarity was so well behaved, I thought we were in the clear for anything happening to her.” “I’m sure all the parents are thinking the same thing,” Hondo said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if more of them were here, right now, watching their kids.” A few tables away, Jonathan and Jonagold sneezed. “...Maybe we should have insisted that we go to Equestria with Shining Armor and Cadance.” “Well, it would overload them... but I think I agree.” Hondo looked at his daughter. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy had joined them, with Pinkie bouncing toward the table. “Whatever happens next, it’s going to be in interesting summer.” There was silence for a moment. Cookie tried to return to her book, but found herself reading the same line over and over. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Rarity. “Well, hello there.” Both Hondo and Cookie started a bit at the intrusion. They looked up and saw that Rainbow Dash’s parents had walked up to their table. “Spectrum, Blaze,” Cookie said. “Are you following you kids too?” Blaze tilted his head to the side in confusion. “Why would we do that?” “Well, they're in trouble,” Cookie said. As she spoke, she remembered her manners and offered them a seat. The pair took it. “Don’t you want to keep an eye on them?” “I’d like to,” Spectrum admitted. “But Rainbow Dash says we’re not allowed to do that anymore after that incident at the middle school graduation.” “Besides, our little girl can take care of herself,” Blaze said. “You know how she took down that mugger...” “Yes, we do,” Rarity’s parents said in unison. “Speaking of which, did you ever hear back from the police... about...” Spectrum actually laughed about that. “About using that brick on one of Twilight’s kidnappers? Yeah, the D.A.’s office got back to us. They might have had a case that Rainbow Dash went too far, but no one is willing to actually take it to court, and no judge would have the nerve to convict her. Can you imagine how that would look? To put a girl in juvenile hall for something she did to some kidnappers who were abducting a young girl, maybe to do something unsavory? They’d be guaranteed to be voted out next election.” “Well, that’s a relief,” Cookie said, and she meant it. The police had never arrested Rainbow Dash, but they had told her picking up and using a brick could have an assault charge attached to it. Even then, the officers didn’t think the charge would go anywhere. “So why are you following your child around?” Blaze asked, having a bite of the hot dog he had purchased at a nearby store. “Because we’re worried,” Cookie said. “Aren’t you?” “Well... yes, but we’re sure Rainbow Dash can handle it.” Spectrum said. “She’s handled everything else.” “Like those kidnappers...” “We know,” Cookie and Hondo said in unison, once again. “Right,” Blaze said, rubbing the back of his head. “Sorry. The point is, we are worried that our daughter might get hurt. We were worried when she rode her first bike without training wheels, when she played her first game against a rival team, when she started taking martial arts classes, and when we found out she was doing tricks at the skate park without telling us. We were worried when Scootaloo did the same things. That’s what parents do. But everything we worried about, our girls came through it better than ever. This is going to be the same... we hope. We’re pretty sure.” “Besides, it’s not like we could do anything if the Changelings actually came,” Spectrum added. “...Not what we wanted to hear,” Cookie said, her horrified expression matching her husband’s. “Right, right, sorry. The point is, things are happening, and our children are getting into something bigger than we expected. And we always knew our children were destined for greatness, so that’s saying something.” “I don’t believe in destiny,” Cookie said. “Then don’t. Believe in facts.” Spectrum said. “Rarity was already there at the last three times something bad happened. She got through it. She can handle herself.” “...I wish I could believe that,” Cookie sighed. “Well, think about spending time with her before the summer. You better hurry, with finals coming up, there probably won’t be too much time left.” Cookie thought a moment, looking over at Rarity. It took her a moment to realize that she wasn’t there anymore, having left with her friends while she was talking to the Rainbows. “Do you remember when we used to have a family game night?” Hondo looked surprised at the question, but answered. “Yeah, I remember.” “Why’d we stop doing that?” “Rarity got her own friends. She started working on being a designer... she grew up.” “She stopped caring.” “No, I don’t think so. She just stopped having that time. There’s never anyone who has the same night off every night.” “Well, maybe we can have one tonight... just for old times sake.” Starlight wrote the latest calculation down. She kept going and going, the numbers practically flying out of her mind and onto the page. Once it was full, she tore it out of the notebook and taped it onto the wall. Then she went back to work. Every wall was nearly full. She wrote and wrote, the ideas kept flowing. Then she heard the door opened. In a rage she grabbed a paperweight and tossed it as she turned. “I said not to bother me while I’m working!” The man jumped. “Um, you asked... for your... dinner...” Starlight saw the tray with a burger and fries in the man's hands, amazingly not dropped from the man’s fears. Seeing it did remind Starlight she hadn’t eaten in hours. “Fine. On the table, now get out.” The man did so as quickly as she could, not wanting to take his eyes off the girl for fear of her attacking. Starlight almost immediately went back to work, writing out the equations on the pages. Three pages later, the numbers stopped coming. Why was that? Because it’s finished. Yes, that was it. Her equations was finished. As she felt the elation, another step was finished. Then she felt her hunger again, coming in full force without excitement to mask it. She went to the plate, devouring the hamburger in several huge bites. Grease was smeared on her, this was a fresh cooked, one hundred percent beef burger, their cook didn’t fix anything less. She swallowed the fries by the fistful. She grabbed a can of root beer out of her mini-fridge and downed it just as quickly. As she cleaned herself up, she reflected on how much better she felt. This would be worrying if she hadn’t been on the brink of her greatest work yet. She had never been this focused, this obsessed before. She had pulled all nighters, yes, but never to the extent that she forgot to eat. Now that she was full, she looked over all her work. Sketches, blueprints, calculations, all decorated the wall. It’s ready to be built. Then, suddenly, she was all over her work again. She sat at the computer and opened a word document, then began typing. The words were flying out of her brain and onto the page. This had been the process lately. A long period of work, crashing long enough to eat or sleep, then work again. The door opened. “What?” “Um... Miss Chrysalis wants a report,” the man said. “She wants to know why your experiments with the Sirens have stopped.” “Those experiments are temporarily on hold. Tell her...” she looked at the list again. “Actually, wait a minute.” She hit the print button on her keyboard. This time, she pulled out a notepad and wrote a note to her boss. Once finished, she handed it to the man. “Give that to Miss Chrysalis. Tell her I’m sure I’ve uncovered something.” The man nodded, and left. Starlight sat there a moment. She was so excited. She wanted to get to work, but she needed to wait for her supplies. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be too hard to convince her boss. She decided to go get presentable if Chrysalis called her. She’d start with a shower. She hadn’t bathed in a few days.