//------------------------------// // 12. Sun Down // Story: Spectacular Seven // by Albi //------------------------------// “I can’t believe I missed you ponying up!” Twilight sat Rainbow down in a chair and ran to her whiteboard. “This is our chance to find some sort of correlation between these phenomena!” Sunset led Fluttershy to another chair and joined Twilight by the board. “Apologies in advance if she does anything, you know… Twilightish.” Twilight drew two large circles on the board, ignoring Sunset. “Okay, first, Fluttershy! Please, tell me everything about the day you ponied up and healed Rainbow.” Fluttershy tapped her fingers together. “There really isn’t a lot to tell. I woke up, got dressed, and put together a little care package to help cheer Rainbow up.” “What did you have for breakfast?” Twilight asked, making tiny notes outside of the circles. Rainbow rolled her eyes in scrutiny. “Is that really important?” “I need to know all the possible variables! Magic is random enough; for all we know, you and Fluttershy had the same cereal and it gave you superpowers!” Sunset leaned against one of Twilight’s random lab machines. “With everything that’s happened, sadly, she’s not wrong.” “I had some yogurt with gram crackers, an apple, and a guava,” Fluttershy said. “I don’t think the guava was fully ripe, but it didn’t taste unusual or anything. Then, I walked over to Rainbow’s house. Nothing happened on the way there, in fact, I was kinda in a hurry, so I didn’t even stop to say hi to the nest of bluejays on the corner of my street. I got to Rainbow’s house, saw how sad she was and tried to cheer her up.” Twilight moved her marker into the circle. “What exactly did you say to cheer her up?” Fluttershy looked at the ground and pulled on the end of her hair. “I told her she was a champion and that someday, everyone else would see it, and that she shouldn’t let her injury get her down.” Rainbow’s face turned red and she looked at the garage ceiling. “Anything else?” Twilight asked. “Just that I believed in her and would always be there to cheer her on.” Twilight wrote that in Fluttershy’s circle. “Do you remember what you felt at the time?” Fluttershy tried to hide her blushing face behind her hair. “W-well… I felt, um, empathy for Rainbow, and I just wanted her to feel better and know how much I cared about her.” “Hmmm.” Twilight tapped the back end of the marker against her chin. “Okay, Rainbow, tell me about your day.” Rainbow cleared her throat, gathering herself after Fluttershy’s remarks. “I woke up, had some eggs and toast and a protein bar, went to school, and gave the team a little pep talk. We’re always a little on edge whenever we go up against Crystal Prep.” “Congratulations, by the way,” Twilight said, looking over her shoulder. “I know CPA isn’t the best when it comes to healthy school rivalries. Anyway, continue.” “Right. Well, it played out like any other track meet. Indigo beat me in the hundred meter dash, then I won the hundred meter hurdles. I was feeling pretty good about that. Then, I learned we had a chance to win if the relay team could beat CPA in the four-by-four. Since I was the anchor, a lot of the pressure was gonna fall on me to win. I told myself there was no way I was gonna let the team down! I guess that’s what I was thinking when I ponied up and when I got that burst of super speed.” Twilight paraphrased Rainbow’s words in the other circle. “A desire to win or make the school proud. And a desire to see your friend cheer up or let them know you care. They’re both positive emotions, though I’m not seeing a direct link yet.” “I do,” Sunset said, walking over. “It’s their elements.” She took the marker from Twilight and wrote the six elements at the bottom of the board. “Fluttershy was displaying her kindness by trying to make Rainbow feel better and being, well, Fluttershy, literally the nicest girl on the planet.” Fluttershy bowed her head again and muttered soft words of appreciation. “Rainbow felt the urge to win not just for herself, but for her entire team,” Sunset continued. “She couldn’t bare to lose and let them all down. She showed deep devotion and loyalty.” Twilight’s face lit up with understanding. “That makes sense. Maybe, magic has become strong enough in this world that instead of needing instruments, they just need to feel connected to the element the Equestrian magic gave them!” “My thoughts exactly,” Sunset said, crossing her arms in satisfaction. “But that doesn’t explain the healing or the super speed.” Sunset frowned. “Yeah, I still haven’t gotten that far in the hypothesis.” Rainbow put a hand up. “So you’re saying if I feel enough ‘loyalty’ I can pony up whenever I want to and possibly get my super powers back?” “Well, there’s no positive connection between ponying up and these new powers,” Twilight said. “But that is what the current data suggests. I just wish we had more empirical data…. What are you doing?” She looked at Rainbow who had stood up and shut her eyes in tight concentration. “I’m trying to feel loyalty.” Rainbow clenched her teeth and fists. Sunset scoffed. “You look constipated.” Rainbow exhaled and glared at her. “Thanks, you just ruined my concentration.” “Sunset, shush,” Twilight said. “If Rainbow learns to pony up on demand, this could prove to be a great breakthrough with our research.” She grabbed a pencil and notepad. “Go on, try again.” Rainbow moved to the center of the garage and began her concentration again. She kept had back straight and head bowed, standing for minutes on end, releasing an occasional grunt. Finally, she slumped her shoulders and sighed. “Can’t do it. I could run and get my guitar instead.” “Uh, girls?” Sunset pointed to Fluttershy, her own eyes shut in focus. A pink glow hugged her body, and her pony features appeared in a flash of light. “Not fair!” Rainbow cried. “How did you do that?” “Oh, um, I just… well… I thought about how much I… care about all of you,” Fluttershy said quietly, not meeting any of their eyes. Twilight wrote with fervor. “This is amazing! This proves our hypothesis! Magic is getting stronger! Or, you’re more sensitive to whatever magic is in this world. Either way, this is great! Now, how can we test if she has her healing powers?” She walked over to a cabinet, opened one of the drawers, and pulled out a dissection knife. “Hold on there!” Sunset marched over and grabbed Twilight’s wrist. “We’re not cutting ourselves in the name of science!” “It’ll just be a little prick! Besides, I wasn’t going to ask any of you to do it.” She wriggled out of Sunset’s lose grasp and put the knife against her thumb. Even as she pressed the sharp point down, Twilight couldn’t bring herself to watch, turning her head away. Beads of blood bubbled up to the surface from the small incision. Twilight pulled the knife away and smiled uneasily. “See? Barely felt it.” She walked over and held her thumb out to Fluttershy. Fluttershy bit her own knuckle, but put her hand out and over Twilight’s thumb. “I’m not really sure what to do. It sorta just happened last time.” “Just do what feels right,” Sunset said. “Um, all right.” Fluttershy laid her hand on Twilight’s and made a soft hum. The pink glow that usual manifested around her whole body concentrated around her hand only, and engulfed Twilight’s as well. Twilight made a soft gasp, and when Fluttershy pulled her hand away, the cut was gone. Twilight examined her thumb from every angle, mouth agape. “That’s astonishing,” she said in hushed awe. “That still leaves the why,” Sunset said. “And the how!” Twilight exclaimed, coming out of her shock. “Does Fluttershy’s magic accelerate the body’s natural healing factor? Or is it something even more complex? We know she can mend bones but how far do her powers reach?” “We are not testing that!” Sunset said loudly. Twilight turned to her and laughed awkwardly. “Right, of course. Sorry, I didn’t mean to imply.” She cleared her throat. “Thank you both for coming over on such short notice and putting up with me. You’ve given me a lot to think about.” Rainbow waved a hand. “No problem, egghead. Today was gonna be a slow day anyway.” She stretched her arms over her head. “So now what?” “Well, I’d like to analyze all this data, but I don’t have anything to code it against, so I’ll have to keep making speculations based on our current—” “I meant, what are we doing right now,” Rainbow said impatiently. “Oh, uh…” Twilight shrugged. “Did anyone have anything in mind?” Once Fluttershy’s pony features wore off, the girls moved to the living room to have a movie marathon. With the overcast weather outside, they had the perfect atmosphere for it. After their third movie they called it quits and headed home. Following the concert last night, Sunset had gotten a ride back to her motorcycle courtesy of Shining. She was scared she would have to get it towed, but when she tried to start it up again, it roared to life like nothing was ever wrong. I will continue to blame Moondancer until proven otherwise, Sunset thought as she headed home. Monday came too quickly for her liking. After another troubling dream, Sunset struggled to get out of bed, begging time to roll back a few more hours so she could get more sleep. Being the helpful dog he was, Spot aided by licking Sunset’s face until she got out of bed. She looked at her calendar, counting down the days until graduation. An unwelcome chill crept into the pit of her stomach. Just enjoy what time you have left. But how could she enjoy it when the end loomed so close over her head? The hollow void of regret returned, threatening to pull Sunset in. Why? Why had she wasted so much time trying to get revenge? Why hadn’t she at least made a backup plan in case she failed? Because you were so arrogant and egotistical, you were positive you were going to win. And she almost had won. She came within a hair’s breadth of murder and attempting a coup of her homeland. The sting of that defeat used to nettle her heart fiercely. Now, she wasn’t sure if she felt more joy from having been stopped, or regret from trying to do it in the first place. And the question of ‘what now?” wedged itself firmly in the back of her mind, making itself known every time her thoughts started to wander. Even her subconscious wouldn’t let it alone. She couldn’t answer. She hated her past and couldn’t see a future. In that regard, she envied her friends. College letters and business deals and scholarships… She felt her nails biting into her skin and unclenched her hand. Happy thought, happy thoughts. She would not let that disgusting feeling of envy overtake her. She had made her choices. These were her consequences to reap. But her friends’ constant talk of their prospects were wearing on Sunset. She was happy for them, truly she was! But did they have to brag about it every chance they got? No, they’re not bragging! They’re just talking! They’re excited! Really? Seems to me like they’re rubbing it in your face. Sunset smacked a palm against her mattress as she stood, startling Spot. She forgot to apologize as she got ready for the day. Monday moved like molasses. Every time she looked at the clock, only a few minutes had gone by. She made absent minded doodles in her notebook to keep her thoughts occupied. After all this time, she could draw a pretty accurate depiction of Celestia’s cutie mark. Sunset managed to drag herself out of her funk by lunchtime, summoning the energy to smile and laugh with her friends. Yet, every time someone mentioned ‘college,’ Sunset’s stomach made an uncomfortable twist. “I got another scholarship offer in the mail today!” Rainbow said, setting her tray down. “It’s not a full ride, but it pays a lot. Only downside is, the school’s on the other side of the country.” “Yeah, that is a bummer,” Applejack said. She then snickered. “But Ah’m surprised you’re gettin’ as many scholarships as you are. Ah’ve seen your report card.” “My grades are fine!” Everyone made a snort of laughter. “Screw you guys!” Sunset left lunch with the slimy, twisting feeling in her gut, ebbed only slightly by the indignant pout Rainbow wore. Third period passed by at a crawl, making the last school bell a heavenly choir. She met Twilight by the front entrance and walked home to study together. Keeping her mask up proved difficult, but she pulled it off until they parted ways. Then, Sunset did it all again on Tuesday. For the rest of the week, Sunset wore a mask of complacency, repeatedly telling herself she wasn’t jealous of her friends, turning her frustrations at herself instead. It wasn’t healthy, she knew. But she’d rather be angry at herself than them. The mask could only hold so long though. And if any of her friends were to see through the cracks, it would be Twilight. She finally spoke up after school on Friday, while they studied in her room. “Sunset, you seem a little… down recently?” Sunset looked up from her history book. “I do?” Playing dumb was the only way she knew how to keep it together. “Is everything all right?” “Yeah, everything’s fine,” Sunset said, putting conviction in her voice without sounding too forceful. It took some work, but she could still lie when she wanted to. Her stomach roiled as a promise shot through her brain. She had told herself she wouldn’t lie to Twilight. Not about anything important. Well, my future really isn’t important… This involves her too! You’re still lying! “Are you sure?” Twilight asked, eyes soft with worry. “Yeah,” Sunset said, fighting to keep the irritation away. Maybe she still wasn’t up to par with lying like she had in the past. “I promise, I’m fine.” Sitting in her rolling chair, Twilight wheeled her way to her desk. “Well, I’m all done with my homework. Do you need any help?” “No, I think I got it.” “Okay. Then I’m going to look up a few scholarships. My parents made a college fund for me when I was a baby, and it can cover a generous amount, but I want to do everything I can to make sure they’re not paying out of pocket.” The light from her laptop brightened her face. “Besides, there’s a couple I already saw that require creating new inventions! Doesn’t that sound like fun?” Sunset snapped her textbook shut and sat up from the bed. “Actually, I think I’m going to call it a night. It’s been a long week, and I’m looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow.” Twilight turned her chair and gave Sunset a concerned pout. “Oh, okay. Are you sure you’re all right?” “Yes, Twilight,” Sunset said with a slight hiss. She took a breath. “Just a little stressed. I’ll be fine.” Twilight stood and placed a hand on Sunset’s arm, and for the first time in their relationship, Sunset wanted to jerk it away. “Do you want to talk about it?” Sunset turned her head to hide her eye roll. “There really isn’t anything to talk about.” “Sunset.” “Twilight.” There was a sharp pause before Twilight pulled her hand away and crossed her arms. “Fine. I can tell you’re in one of your moods,” she said with a harrumph. Sunset looked back at her. “One of my ‘moods’?” “Yes. You get all crabby and start shutting everybody out,” Twilight said pointedly. “And then you try to wriggle your nose in anyway.” Sunset’s irritation bled through the cracks now. “Sometimes it’s cute. Sometimes, it’s really annoying.” Twilight puffed her cheeks out. “I’m just trying to help you.” Sunset breathed out some of the bite in her voice. “And I appreciate it; I really do. But sometimes, I need you to not do that.” “What, am I supposed to just let you be a grouch?” “I’m only grouchy because you keep trying to pry.” Twilight turned away. “Sometimes, it’s hard to believe you’re older than the rest of us.” “Boy, why does that sound familiar? Glad to see you’re taking the age gap between us well though.” Sunset packed up her school supplies and threw her bag over her shoulder. “I’ll see you later,” she said stiffly. Twilight at least looked Sunset in the eye as she left. Sunset still appreciated the concern. Sunset cursed herself as she walked out onto the front porch and down the steps. She was going to have to apologize later. But she really didn’t want Twilight to pry right now. What was the point anyway? Sunset was just being an over-emotional, bitter grump. And what was she supposed to say? She didn’t want Twilight to leave because then she’d be lonely? That maybe, just maybe, she was a little jealous of her friends’ lives? Twilight already knew how much Sunset loathed herself and her past actions, so that would just be a redundant conversation. She walked through the quiet neighborhoods as dusk settled down, turning the street lamps on as the last natural light faded. “Ugh.” Sunset ran a hand through her hair. “This is the opposite of what Applejack said to do.” She didn’t mean to push her friends away or shut them out. Some habits were just harder to break. Plus, who was she to rain on their parade with her woes? Maybe pushing them away will make saying goodbye easier? That’s dumb and you know it’s dumb. Just stop pouting! Stop overthinking and just go live! Race with Rainbow, throw a party with Pinkie, tell Twilight you love her! Sunset stopped and blanched. Okay, maybe not that last one. Not yet. Why not? her brain argued. Because… because! Oh yes, astounding rebuttal. You should join the debate team. Sunset continued walking, scrunching her face. How am I this snarky even with myself? Someone has to be with you. Seriously, what’s stopping you from telling Twilight you love her? Love is a complicated word— It’s not. We’re just teenagers; we don’t know what love is— Pretty sure you do. She going away, so what’s the point? The point is that you love her. Who cares if she’s going away, that doesn’t change the way you feel about her. Sunset really hated it when she had a good point. Lifting her head up, she found her legs had carried her to the park. She was halfway home. With a sigh, she dropped her head and buried her hands in her pockets. “What about how she feels?” Sunset said softly to herself. “She gets to go off and meet new people and see new places. She has every opportunity to meet someone better than me. She chose me today. Maybe she’ll choose me tomorrow. But when she doesn’t have to see me anymore… when she forgets why she chose me…” Don’t say it’ll all be pointless, because it won’t. Sunset supposed not. She would have the memories and feelings to hold onto. And like Applejack said, that was better than nothing. The evening air proved cool, but Sunset still felt herself grow uncomfortable with her leather jacket draped over herself. Still, she kept it on, admiring the spikes along the cuff. She still couldn’t believe Twilight had bought it for her as a Christmas present, and they had only been together for two weeks. Sure, they had been friends for a while before that, but it still remained a generous token of affection. Do you really think she’ll chase after someone else the second she leaves? Sunset didn’t know what to think. Maybe Twilight wouldn’t do it on purpose, but someone more attractive was bound to show up eventually. Like Moondancer? I meant personality wise. Sunset stopped, inhaled the pungent pollen coming from a nearby grove coming into bloom, and kept walking. Okay, let me entertain the notion that I tell Twilight I love her. What happens in two years when the portal opens up? That’s a long distance relationship that can’t survive. That’s if you go through. What am I going to do here? Two years is already a long time to do a lot of nothing! Let’s face it… I have to go back home. Which means I leave everyone behind. Sunset paused again. Her slow gait had only carried her halfway through the park. Making friends back in Equestria wouldn’t be so hard now that she was somewhat a better person. Not as hard as saying goodbye to these friends is going to be. The winding path between two of the wide fields offered a bench for her to sit at. A tree sprouting its new leaves stood guard over her. Taking a seat, Sunset could see the spot she and Rainbow had come to blows before turning their aggression on Rainbow’s old gang members. Sunset hadn’t understood yet, but they had become friends that day. Turning her head, she could see the hill with a tree at the top, the spot she and the girls had their New Year’s picnic. They had brought the year in by watching a spectacular meteor shower, curled next to one another under their mass of blankets. Sunset looked up to the sky, watching the stars slowly fade into view. Maybe I am being too melodramatic about this. I’ve just… never had to say goodbye to anyone before. Usually I just… She cringed. Run away. Yeah, we do have a fun habit of running out on those we love, the sinister side of her mind whispered. Sunset shoved it away. The point is, it’s gonna hurt. A lot. But being with them is better than sitting here alone. And even if me and Twilight don’t go the distance… Her stomach fluttered. Maybe I should still tell her. If anything, for the people I never got to tell. Sunset rubbed the back of her head. Now, how do I do it? ‘Twilight, I love you.’ Yeah, that has all the emotional sentiment of brick. Three of the nearby lamp posts sputtered then quickly went out, leaving Sunset under the cover of twilight. “Finally! Do you know how hard it is to get you alone?” Sunset jumped from the bench and swung around. Leaning against the tree was the older reflection of herself, only now, her hair was cut much shorter. It actually looked pretty good. Lamia examined the back of her glove in an uninterested fashion. “You weren’t joking about that whole friendship deal, were you? Every freaking second of the day, you’re either in school or sucking face with your girlfriend. Makes me sick. And it’s not ‘cause I’m homophobic. It’s just really annoying.” Sunset kept her hands curled into fists. “Have you been stalking me?” she asked indignantly. “Yeah, for like a whole week. I’ve stalked bank owners who spend more time alone than you do.” She looked up from her gloves. “Nevermind, that’s a low bar to hurdle.” “Well, you got me alone now. What do you want?” Lamia pushed herself off the tree. “See, I’ve got this… definitely not a friend… an acquaintance who wants to meet you. Now, I could sugarcoat it and lie to you up and down this park about how it’s urgent or—” She clapped her hands together and fluttered her eyelashes. “—she needs your magic powers to help save her dying mother and blah, blah, blah.” She folded her arms. “But we both know you wouldn’t believe me, and I don’t feel like putting in the work.” Sunset raised her fists a little higher. “You’re right about me not believing you.” A wide smirk spread across Lamia’s face. “At least the mirror me isn’t stupid. So, no make-believe storytimes. My ‘boss,’ and I use that term loosely, wants to see you. Why? I don’t know, but she’s putting out some grim reaper vibes. Honestly, freaks me the fuck out. So, you can either pay me back for ratting me out by coming quietly, or you can pay me back by letting me kick your teeth in before I drag you away. Please let it be the second one.” Fists fully raised, Sunset took a fighting stance. “I’m not going to apologize for what happened. We needed the Crystal Heart to stop the Sirens.” “And look, they got it anyway and you still saved the world! Good for you, kiddo!” Lamia said in a mocking voice. “Everyone won except me!” She bared her teeth. “And if there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s losing.” Ultimate sense of deja vu. “Why don’t you just go steal it again and get lost? Shouldn’t be too hard for such a great thief like you.” “Flattery won’t get you anywhere.” Lamia slowly strolled around the bench, stepping onto the path. “Security around the heart has been tripled, and while not impossible, it’s a lot more of a hassle with no guarantee of working out.” She cracked her knuckles. “Now, back to the question at hand. Are you gonna come quietly, or am I going to have to force you?” Sunset stood her ground. Sweat already coated her palms, and her heart pounded in her chest. She was sure Lamia had more combat experience than she did, but Sunset would make friends with Moondancer before she willingly surrendered. Lamia took a stance as well. “Good to know that me in any world is a fighter. Bring it on, mini me.” Sunset took a running charge at her jabbing with her right fist. Lamia easily avoided it, shifting her weight to the left, then back to the right when Sunset followed up with a left hook. While her left arm was still extended, Lamia pushed it to the side and struck a quick blow to Sunset sternum, sending her sprawling on her back with a winded gasp. “Oh, please tell me that’s not all you got. That was pathetic.” With a labored wheeze, Sunset got back to her feet. She threw her arms up in time to block a roundhouse kick before throwing Lamia’s own weight against her. Her fall turned into a backwards roll and Lamia popped up in an offensive stance, caught off-guard by Sunset’s rushing assault. She managed to get one punch through Lamia’s guard and strike her across the cheek. Lamia reeled but didn’t stumble back, grabbing Sunset’s arm to both balance herself and toss Sunset to the side. Sunset hit the grass and sprung to her feet only to meet a knee to her gut. She fell back to the grass, propping herself up on one elbow while her other hand rested against her stomach. “You know, part of me should feel bad about beating up a kid,” Lamia said, lowering her arms, “but after fighting sword ninjas, mind controlling banshees, and a magic princess, I’m just happy to kick someone’s ass again.” Magic princess? Sunset didn’t have time to ponder the off-hand comment. A boot flew at her face, catching her ear as she rolled out of the way. She then swung her whole body around to kick her legs out to try and trip Lamia. Lamia fell back, hit the grass with her hands first, and pushed herself back up just as Sunset scrambled to her feet. Her ear stung, and any movement made her stomach clench in pain. I’ve felt worse. She and Lamia moved at the same time, striking at each other with the opposite fist. Both of them connected against their jawline, and Sunset could hear a few pops as the pain spread through her mouth and up to her cheek. The pain and every other sensation Sunset currently had flipped off like a light switch. The world went dark, and when it came back on, Sunset stood in the hall of an apartment complex. The walls were grimy, and the lamps gave off a sickly glow. Sunset’s hands were cuffed behind her back. The added weight of Officer Garrison holding her wrists kept her from fidgeting. She didn’t lift her head until the apartment door swung open. Her mother, still dressed in her cleaning uniform, looked at Sunset with a mixture of heartbreak and frustration. “No… Sunset, why?” Sunset didn’t answer. She blew a stray lock of hair from in front of her face, then gave her cuffs a rattle to tell Garrison he could let her go now. “I hate to be the one to tell you this, Mrs. Gleam, but if we catch Sunset one more time, we have to take her in.” Sunset looked down and grinned. Guess I’ll just have to make sure you don’t catch me. Both Sunsets snatched their fists back and stumbled away from one another. Sunset used one hand to massage her jaw while the other rubbed her temple. She had forgotten about the memory phenomena that occurred whenever she and Lamia touched. Lamia cursed and popped her jaw. “Guess it doesn’t matter what you see at this point.” She rushed at Sunset, giving her no time to recover from the memory exchange. Sunset managed to raise an arm in defense, keeping Lamia from hitting her face again. Sunset then punched forward, but Lamia pivoted to the left and threw her fist against the side of Sunset’s skull, sending her spiraling to the ground again. A faint ringing bounced in Sunset’s head, accompanying the throbbing pain, and within that ringing, she swore she could hear the howl of a wolf. Instinct told her to shut her eyes to dampen the pain, but pride and adrenaline told her to stand up and fight. She dug her nails into the grass, ripping out chunks as she got back to her feet. Lamia clapped. “You’re one persistent cookie, kiddo. And as much as I’d love to drag out the satisfaction of beating you senseless, boss lady is already testy with me for taking so long.” She wiped a thin trail of blood off her mouth. “So, time to end this.” “You can try,” Sunset said, drawing up her infinite well of false bravado. “Cute.” Lamia flew at Sunset, faster than she had moved previously. She easily dodged Sunset first blow, ducked under the second, and side stepped her kick before jabbing out with two fingers and striking a spot between Sunset’s left arm and collarbone. Her arm instantly went numb, leaving only the sharp sting of where she had been struck. Crap! Sunset tried to retaliate with her good arm, but Lamia struck again, fast as a snake, and Sunset’s other arm fell. With a single kick to her chest, Sunset fell back onto the grass, staring up at the stars until Lamia leaned over her. “You’re not bad at street fighting. But I know two martial arts plus that.” She pressed her boot down on Sunset’s arm. Sunset could feel some of the pressure but none of the pain. “You never stood a chance to begin with. Good effort though.” Sunset glared at her, cheeks burning from embarrassment. But, unlike her doppelganger, she had learned when to accept a loss. She had only one recourse left. She inhaled deeply through her nose. Wham! Sunset gagged violently and choked, flailing her head back and forth, unable to bring her hands to her throat. “Oh, were you going to scream for help? Yeah, no. You’re going to come quietly.” Lamia moved her boot away from Sunset’s throat. She pulled it back and kicked Sunset’s rib next. “Hey, Sunset?” Wham! The force of her kick elicited another a choking gasp from Sunset. “Stop hitting yourself!” Wham! “Stop hitting yourself!” Wham! “Stop hitting yourself!” “St-stop it!” Sunset gagged out. “Aw, is the wittle baby gonna cwy?” Lamia gave her one more kick then stepped away and pulled a phone from her pocket. “Fine, I’m done anyhow.” She put the phone to her ear. “Come and get your laundry, Tempest. We’re in Canterlot Park.” Sunset was grateful she could still turn her neck. A dark chill settled over her, making her hair stand on end. To her right, a dark void opened up from nothing. She gasped, wincing in pain when a woman stepped out of it. Her violet hair stood tall and reminded Sunset of a mohawk. She wore a dark blue suit with a black jacket draped over it. She looked down at Sunset, her right eye scarred yet still functional and filled with an odd mix of apathy and intrigue. She turned her sharp gaze to Lamia. “Did you have to do this in a public place?” Lamia made an exaggerated shrug. “It was dark and fights happen here all the time. Plus this was the only time she wasn’t surrounded by her entourage. Be grateful for once, why dontcha?” The woman—Tempest, Sunset gathered—rolled her eyes. “Whatever. Let’s just leave before someone walks through. Grab her and follow.” Sunset felt herself hoisted from under her arms and dragged toward the swirling darkness. “Help!” she tried to cry in her sore and feeble voice. Even she could barely hear it. Tendrils of darkness creeped around her, obscuring her view of the park. She twisted the lower half of her body in a desperate attempt at freedom, but it did her no good. The darkness swallowed her, bathing her in its cold, unwelcoming embrace, both familiar and foreign to her. It didn’t last long, thankfully. The trio emerged from the darkness into a dimly lit room. The walls were steel and smooth, and the only furniture in the room was a wooden chair in the center surrounded by chains and manacles. Lamia forced Sunset into it and tied her already useless arms down along with her still kicking legs. “What do you even want from me?” Sunset croaked, fighting against the painful lump in her throat. Tempest stood before her. “That depends on what you have to offer.” She looked up at the ceiling. “Good, she’s already recording. Hopefully she’ll get some good data out of this.” She reached into her shirt and pulled out a necklace with a golden triangle covered in odd carvings. It almost looked like the swirling lines were moving. Tempest held it up to Sunset’s face, leaning in close. “Let’s see just how deep your soul goes.” Something pulsed within Sunset. A warm sensation flooded every inch of Sunset’s body, like someone had injected her with hot chocolate and pure love. Memories flooded her conscious, passing before her eyes like she was viewing them on a screen. She saw her parents celebrating her fifth birthday. She saw Princess Celestia welcoming her to their first private study session. She saw herself sitting with Fluttershy and Spot. Her and Rainbow having a friendly soccer match. Sitting with Applejack and her family around a freshly baked pie. Helping Pinkie bake cupcakes and ruining the kitchen in the process. Rarity presenting her Winter Ball gown with stars in her eyes. The Lulamoons gathered around a game board with Trixie boasting about her inevitable win. Every memory of Twilight. “How cute,” a bored voice echoed from somewhere outside Sunset’s peripheral. “But not what I’m looking for.” The pulse came again, only this time, it left Sunset frozen. Icicles filled her veins, and her happy memories faded into oblivion, replaced by everything she tried to push away. Sitting alone in the kitchen while she waited for her parents to come home. Celestia dismissing her after her tantrum and deceit. Cutting friendships up left and right and sabotaging anyone who got in her way. Putting on the Element of Magic. No! Not that! “Oh, I think we found a winner.” The icicles melted into burning acid. Anger, hatred, guilt, and regret rushed through Sunset. Her skin prickled then burned like she was being bitten by an army of fire ants. Her claws dwelled right beneath her fingernails, her wings waited to burst from her back. No! I won’t! “I can see it now. All that anger pushed deep down and locked away. Darkness and power leftover from before.” Sunset saw her friends looking up at her in horror. Her malevolent laugh echoed through the night. She put her hands out and generated a fireball, lifting it over her head before hurling it down. “Wouldn’t it be good to let that power out again?” Sunset watched the five girls that had just ruined years worth of plans walk away, laughing and smiling with each other. They expect her to be friends with them? After what they had just done? Her blood boiled. Did they think she was stupid? I am friends with them! I don’t want that power back! Never again! Yes you do. You crave it deep down. A chance to finish what you started! No I don’t! “She has quite a resilience. Is that the source of your strength, Sunset Shimmer; these friends of yours?” The Spectacular Seven, dressed in their ball gowns, gathered in front of the stage while Photo Finish set up her camera. Sunset found Twilight’s hand and their fingers locked together. “Ah, yes. But I see the fear that lingers beneath that. What happens when these friends are gone?” “Girls, please… don’t leave me alone.” Sunset stood in the snow, watching all of her friends storm off in separate directions. It was all her fault. Even after she had tried to make up for her past actions, they came back to bite her and tear her friends apart. Sunset slumped against the stage door, shoulder aching. Because of her, the world was going to be ruled by the Sirens. Her friends stood apart from each other, crying or fuming at their defeat. Everyone she loved, she either hurt or abandoned. “Please... just leave me alone, Sunset.” Look at all the pain you’ve caused, and the pain you’ve felt in turn. Wouldn’t it be better to not have to worry about any of it. They’re going to leave soon anyway. Sunset looked up at her friends, walking away down the road to their futures. “Sorry, sugarcube. We can’t laze around forever; we’ve got more important things to do.” “Did you seriously expect this friendship to last forever?” “I can’t believe we made friends with such an underachiever.” “No, girls, come back! Please, I don’t know what to do without you! Where am I supposed to go? What if I—” A shadow appeared from behind and held her shoulders. “Relapse?” she whispered with insidious glee. “Yes, with no friends to support you, what’s to stop you from going back to your old ways. Two years is a long time. Long enough to gain control of your powers and make a new plan to conquer Equestria. Look at them. They never cared about you anyway.” Warm tears snaked down Sunset’s face as she watched them walk away. “No, we’re still friends. And I won’t give in.” Hot claws dug into her cheek and forced her to look into the eyes of her demon. “You have nothing left. Why resist now? This is your future! You have a chance to do something glorious! Let me take control, and I promise you a world of riches and wonders! We’ll be queen of two worlds!” Sunset stared into the black sclera, listening to the poisoned honeyed words. Her friends would leave, it was true. And somewhere inside, she was mad. Mad that they were going to abandon her. Mad that they got to move on and she didn’t. Still mad that all her plans had been crushed in one, fleeting moment. But perhaps she could still salvage them. Have her old magic back and not be afraid. “Yes, show me your true power!” Power… magic… Sunset raised a hand to her demon. “You…” Sunset’s soul pulsed again, and light flooded through her, drowning out the darkness and making her demon cringe and hide its face. Six bright lights appeared in her mind’s eye. Twilight, the brightest one, smiled at her. “You really didn’t think we’d just leave you, did you?” “We’re best friends, Sunset. Nothing like some silly distance is going to change that.” “Yeah, so stop pouting and give us a smile!” The lights circled around her, and the burning prickle on her skin turned to soothing balm. She smiled and laughed, seeing her wonderful memories appear before her again. Their trips to the mall, the ball, the picnic, the sports games, her and Twilight curled together on the couch in the mountains. The light coalesced into a familiar sensation. “What the…?” Sunset’s eyes snapped open and a wave of light exploded from her, sending Tempest flying across the room and onto the floor. Lamia, leaning against the wall, looked on in shock. “You’re never gonna bring me down…” Sunset felt her pony ears burst into life, and her hair flowed down into a ponytail. She grinned widely at her captors, savoring their surprised expressions. “You’re never gonna break this part of me.” Tempest picked herself up and tried to regain her neutral expression. Her eyes narrowed in aggravation, however. “Your soul is indeed powerful. It’s quite amazing actually. I don’t think I’ve seen a force this high.” She brushed herself off. “We’re moving to plan B. Looks like the good doctor is going to get her experiment after all.” Sunset’s confident smirk fell as Tempest looked down at her again and raised the necklace. Something in her eyes drove the warmth out of Sunset. “If I can’t break this part of you…” The amulet lit up, and despite its golden light, Sunset felt nothing put pure terror well up from within her. “I’ll just have to rip it out instead.” The light intensified, paralyzing Sunset completely. Her soul, however, wildly flailed inside of her. Sunset couldn’t comprehend what was transpiring. It was as if the tethers that kept her bound to this earth were violently being snapped and severed. Her chest ached, not from the beating she had received from Lamia, but a spiritual pain, greater than sadness or loss. Indescribable and mind-numbing, it rose, magnifying in intensity until Sunset screamed, the sound bouncing off the steel walls and slamming against her own ears. The snapping continued, and Sunset felt herself slipping out of her own body, falling into the amulet. It was all she could see: the bright light it emitted, the runes reaching out to ensnare her. It invited only pain. Sunset couldn’t fight it. She didn’t know how. The world slipped away, dissolving behind her as she was sucked down, the last tether snapping free. She lost all sense of herself: her arms, her legs, her senses, even her memories seemed to fade away. Twilight… I’m… sorry... All of her, her very essence, was pulled into the abyss, her screams following close behind.