//------------------------------// // Chapter 7: The Other First Day // Story: Sunset the Shadowbolt // by snq144 //------------------------------// The days before the Rainbooms returned to school passed without a trace, none of the girls able to focus on anything other than the actions of the three younger girls. Scootaloo had not been heard from by any of them, though that was more due to neither Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle, nor Rainbow Dash reaching out to the girl, and none of the remaining members knew the phone number for the girl’s aunts. Sweetie Belle got off the easiest for the time being, with only a massive verbal scolding over FacadeTime from Hondo and Cookie, Rarity standing by and resting a hand on her sister’s trembling shoulders. Rarity had been unsure of how to act since the reveal of her sister’s hand in the Anon-A-Miss attacks. Embarrassing secrets had been revealed, but nothing held a torch to Sunset’s or Gilda’s state. True, Scootaloo admitted to pushing Gilda into throwing the rock at Sunset, nearly blinding her and eventually leading to the altercation that lead to Sunset leaving CHS in rage and Gilda in a coma, but her dear sister still had a hand in destroying the bonds of the school that Princess Twilight had created and Rarity and the other Rainbooms helped maintain. She wished Princess Twilight was here to help them their struggles, fresh tears starting to stream down Sweetie Belle’s face as the two girls’ parents doled out what punishments they could over a screen. AJ had told her all about the belting Apple Bloom had gotten from Granny Smith, the least of the youngest Apple’s punishments her friend had regaled her with. It sounded like the girl would be working overtime over the last few weeks of Winter, and what little time she was allowed to herself was not to be spent with either Sweetie Belle or Scootaloo. Apparently Apple Bloom had gotten quite upset that Granny Smith would have even thought that she’d want to be near Scootaloo anymore. The call finally ended, each member of the family saying their farewells before the video feed cut out. Sweetie Belle gave a low sniffle and wiped her eyes before peering up at her sister. “What am I gonna do, Rarity…? I-If everyone at school finds out that we were behind Anon-A-Miss…” A sad smile played across the elder sister’s lips, her brow furrowing slightly. “You’re just going to have to deal with it, dear. Just like what Sunset had to go through.” “Will I ever be able to apologize to her?” “...” “Rarity…?” The fashionista looked down at her sister, tears streaming down both of their cheeks now. “...I do not know, Sweetie… I do not know…” (\/):.:(\/) A hushed commotion spread through the crowd of students gathered in CHS’ auditorium, each of them wondering why they had been directed to the large hall by the various members of the faculty standing just inside the doors of the school. It was their first day back from the holidays, and it seemed like things had been mending somewhat over the time away from classes, with only the odd sour look shared briefly before a handful of students. Everyone grew quiet when Principal Celestia, Vice Principal Luna, and Chrysalis walked up onto the stage and towards the mic, some uncertain looks passing over the professionally dressed newcomer. “Hello everyone, welcome back from your holidays.” Celestia addressed the crowd from the front of the stage, microphone removed from it’s holder. “I hope you all had time to think about the events before the holidays.” Grumbles and voiced annoyances radiated from the student body as Celestia slowly looked around the room. “I will start by saying that internet service shall be heavily restricted for the rest of the school year- yes, you may use your cellular data if you wish if you want, but school networks shall be blocking all social media websites, among most others. “Now, the main reason you were all brought here this morning is to talk about Anon-A-Miss. As you know, a MyStable user spent the week before Christmas spreading secrets and rumours online.” Celestia had to pause as a growing voice of the students started to call out the name of Sunset Shimmer, a heavy exhaustion pulling at the corners of her mind, a collection of all her sleepless nights since the holidays pilling on. “Sunset Shimmer was innocent.” Chrysalis said as she grabbed the microphone away from Celestia, the woman making an annoyed noise as Chrysalis tapped the top of the mic. “Yes, hi, I doubt any of you know who I am, and it’s better that it stays that way. I was involved with the investigation into Anon-A-Miss, and I am here today to tell you what I am allowed to about the findings. “First, Sunset Shimmer is not Anon-A-Miss- you can feel wrong all you want, but it doesn’t change the truth of what went on over the holidays. Second, the identity of Anon-A-Miss cannot be revealed to you, as the Youth Criminal Justice Amendment dictates that those under eighteen cannot be publicly revealed.” While there had been dismissive laughter at first, the student body not willing to trust a stranger in the matter of whether or not Sunset Shimmer was exonerated of being Anon-A-Miss, it soon became boisterous and bemused. All that came to a halt when the doors to the gymnasium flew open, crashing against the wall as a familiar looking female strode purposefully through the crowd and towards the stage. “They’re right!” Princess Twilight shouted loudly, pausing halfway through the crowd, spinning and looking over the vast sea of, to her at least, otherworldly beings. She looked messy, unkempt as her wild eyes shook in her sockets, bags visible underneath them as her stuck out at various unnatural angles. “Sunset Shimmer was scapegoated by all of you for something she never did!!” Twilight resumed her frenzied pace up to the front of the stage, snarling as she stole the microphone right out of Chrysalis’ hand without even sparing a look, appearing feral to the crowd she now loomed over. “Her life has been ruined by one of you and all you can do is laugh! Despicable…” “T-Twilight, what are you doing here!?” Celestia hissed quietly as she walked up and rested a hand on the shorter girl’s shoulder, only to have it swatted away as Twilight continued to verbally assault the crowd. “I’ve spent the last ten moons trying to reach out to Sunset, only to be ignored, and the last things I heard from her was being called a traitor because of you!” Rainbow Dash slumped over as Twilight locked eyes on her, the other members of the Rainbooms coming to stand by their friends side, Applejack and Rarity making sure to keep protective holds on their sisters as they cowered. “She helped save all of you from the Sirens! Beings that almost succeeded in taking over the school! If it wasn’t for her stepping up to save you all, then you’d all be serving at their feet right now! And that’s whose she staying with now because all of you betrayed her!” “Twilight’s right…” Rainbow Dash spoke up, her voice quaking as she tried to address the crowd of now silent students. “She wasn’t Anon-A-Miss, and if it wasn’t for us, none of you would have believed she was either…” Applejack squeezed her younger sister’s shoulders as she spoke next. “If we stood up for her, you all would have ignored what was happening. You would have laughed at some silly nickname for me and went about your ways.” “Sunset lost her home over the holidays- a home worse than she deserved.” Rarity looked down at her sister. “A home that was falling apart around her because she’d rather try and make things up to all of us instead of ask for help.” “The Sirens took Sunset in when she was at her absolute lowest.” Twilight hissed, eyebrows furrowing. “While you all were here fighting over Celestia-damned childhood nicknames, those three treated her like someone important. Like a FRIEND!!! They could have bucking killed her and you would have all likely thrown a bucking party! Have you learned nothing about what I have tried to teach you over the last hundred plus moons!? Nothing about Friendship or forgiveness!? Ponies make mistakes, mess up and do something awful, but they can change for the better- Like Sunset BUCKING TRIED TO DO!!!” Twilight stood like a seething mountain of anger, breathing heavily as she tore into the students. Some had started to cry, either from realization that they had accused the wrong person, or at the sure onslaught of negativity coming from the one who had saved their lives twice over. Celestia shared looks with her sister and wife, Luna looking pensive while Chrysalis looked ready to cheer Twilight on,a giddy look on her dark features. Celestia reached down again to Twilight, whispering in a low voice. “I think they understand now, Princess Twilight.” A switch seemed to flip in the girl, sending her stumbling a half step back and looking up at the woman in a mix of reverence and panic. “P-P-Princess Celestia!” the purple saturated girl stammered, eyes wide as she started to sway side to side. “I-I-I’m so sorry I haven’t written! I… I…” A panicked cry erupted from the crowd as their accuser suddenly pitched to the side before collapsing in an unsightly heap. The Rainbooms rushed to the stage, watching as the three woman on top of it rushed to Twilight’s side, Chrysalis reaching down with practiced ease. “She’s alright.” she declared loudly, a sigh running through the room. “Heartbeats goin’ fast, but she’s breathing. Probably just too excited at how much fun she was having tearing into all of you.” That ending statement sent the relieve the student’s felt about Twilight’s fleeing from their bodies as Chrysalis gathered the unconscious form of Twilight firmly in her arms as Celestia finished addressing the students. “We are done with this assembly. Everyone will head to their classes now, and think about their failures to grow as individuals.” (\/):..:(\/) “You really tore into them.” Chrysalis hummed happily as she tapped away at her phone, her eyes glancing towards the now stirring form of Twilight Sparkle as she fiddled with the bed sheets. “You should have let us know you were coming to say hi, purple pony princess.” “...I went easy on them…” Twilight muttered as she looked out the window at the dreary sky, massive overcasting clouds seeming to meld into one another. “I think you did enough.” Celestia said as she walked into the room, Chrysalis smiling and waving as she put away her phone. “Thank you for messaging me, Chrysi. You’ve always been good at these things.” “Do they know?” the couple paused at the vitriolic comment from the girl resting in the bed. “Pardon me?” Celestia asked calmly, her smile faltering. “Do they know who Anon-A-Miss is?” Twilight now demanded, getting out of the nursing bed and walking towards the two of them, eyes narrow. “Do they know who ruined Sunset’s life?” “The only ones who know are who the laws allow.” Chrysalis said, her expression cooling. “Your five doppelganger friends, the three younger sisters actually guilty of the crime, and the parents. And I guess the officers in charge of the case and punishments of those three.” “Seriously!? They just get to walk free!?” Twilight threw her arms out, putting the comments together to realize that Gabby Gums had struck again. “They ruin a girls life and they get nothing!?” “They are youths, Twilight. The law says they can’t be named, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t facing punishments.” Celestia said slowly, resting a hand on her wife’s shoulder. “Trust us. Now tell me, why are you here?” “I wanna know more about that little show before she passed out.” Chrysalis chuckled darkly before her head pitched forward, Celestia’s hand harshly cuffing the back of the woman’s skull. “Ow!” “...I’ve been trying to reach Sunset ever since that night, to try and explain the situation, but she hasn’t responded.” Twilight started to explain after taking a deep breath and letting out a deep sigh. “At first I thought it was just because of how recently that night was, but by now she should have at least done something… I think she really does see me as a traitor now- the same as those five.” “So you haven’t slept then? Is that what you’re saying?” Chrysalis asked, causing Twilight to look down at her in skepticism. “I mean, you look like shit to be honest, and I hope that’s not what Princess are like in your world. Well, I mean I had holes through me, but-” “Yes, I haven’t slept since that night. I had Princess Luna help me with an old spell so I could focus on Sunset. I tried coming, but the time difference between our worlds meant that I never knew what time it was here, and your holidays mixed with the portal’s misunderstanding on seasonal clothing meant I couldn’t really try and reach her in this world.” “Well I can’t say that I’m surprised to be honest.” Celestia pursed her lips as she crossed her arms, eyes staring at the floor. “The Rainbooms showing up at that moment made it seem like we brought them with us, and considering how they were the ones to first turn their backs on her, if it looked like we did indeed bring them, especially after Adagio warned us not to…” “...I want to go to their house again.” Twilight said, looking up at Celestia with a determined expression. “I need to prove that I’m on her side.” “Look, if you go showing up now, I don’t know if you’ll leave in one piece.” Chrysalis said, eyes wide in surprise. “If she’s not responding, maybe that’s just her saying “No!” to you.” “If you won’t help me, I’ll just go myself!” Twilight started to storm towards the door, growling as she passed the two women. “I’ll go make a spellstone and-” “Princess Twilight?” the door to the room opened up slowly, Applejack timidly peeking her head in. “O-Oh! You’re awake!” “Oh? Not looking after your treasonous sister?” Twilight crossed her arms as she scowled at Applejack, the farm freezing and shutting her eyes as she grimaced. “Twilight?” Celestia asked in shock, looking between the two girls. “She was coming to check in on you!” “Did you forgive them?” the Princess asked as she watched the other four girls shuffle into the room. “Did you forgive your sisters for destroying someone’s life?” “They know they messed up, but it was Scootaloo doing most of it.” Applejack said, the rest of the band nodding in agreement of their speakers comment. “...But yes, we’ve somewhat forgiven them. It’s what you would have asked us to do.” Twilight stood, arms crossed as she looked at the five girls, her eyes slowly closing as she let out a long, low breath. “Yes.” she eventually said, eyes opening only to blankly stare at the ground. “Friendship and forgiveness. That’s what allows us to become better ponies. Very well, I shall do the same and somewhat forgive you, however, I shall be leaving now. I must find Sunset and talk to her.” “Wait.” Rainbow Dash held out a hand, freezing Twilight mid-step. “I think… I know this is going to sound stupid, especially coming from me of all people at this point, but I think you shouldn’t do this, Twilight. If she isn’t talking with you, I think you should respect that.” “You’re right, that is stupid!” Twilight spat, rubbing her face in her hands, unable to believe what the athlete had just said. “But I have to go see her, at least this one last time. If I had been there for her in the first place, maybe this never would have happened.” “U-Um… Wh-Why don’t you come with us to lunch?” Rarity suddenly spoke up. “A good bite to eat while I do your hair might be a good start. I hate to say it, but you look like you slept in a barn last night.” (\/):...:(\/) “You aren’t going to believe this!” The whole table looked over at the overly energetic girl bouncing in front of the table, carrying more energy than the entire rest of the cafeteria combined after they watched Twilight enter the room. “But Trixie saw two veeeery important people yesterday!” “Trixie… What do you want?” Rainbow Dash grumbled as she put down her fork, slumping onto the table in annoyance. “The Great and Powerful Trixie saw our world’s Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle at the mall yesterday!” the magician boasted loudly to the entire cafeteria, resting a hand on her chest as a smug look plastered her face. “What!?” Twilight would have shot to her feet if Rarity didn’t hold her down. “Where did you meet them? What were they like?” “U-U-Ummm…” Trixie suddenly tried to hide away as she started poking her forefingers together, shrinking down as everybody in the room turned to look at her. “T-T-The Unknowing and Apologetic Trixie maaay have thought it was our Sunset Shimmer, and didn’t know yet that Sunset wasn’t Anon-A-Miss.” Chuckling washed through the room at the girl’s sheepish response. “B-B-But I can confirm that they are both students of Crystal Prep!” “Crystal Prep?” the lone Equestrian asked, looking around in confusion at the groaning members of the Rainbooms. “It’s the other school in town.” Fluttershy said meekly, looking terrified as usual. “I-I-It’s full of meanies.” “Our schools have an extremely one sided rivalry with them.” Rainbow added, scowling. “They always beat us. And if our world’s Sunset is there, there is no way the Friendship Games are going to end well.” “And if our world’s Sunset goes there… What if she’s anything like the old Sunset?” Rarity visibly shuddered at the thought. “But I’m more worried for our version of you, Princess. That school is not a good place.” “Excuse me, is the Pony Princess girl still in here?” a voice boomed from the cafeteria entrance, everyone looking up to see the third woman from the morning’s assembly walk in. “Ah, Twilight, there you are. Can you come with me please? We have something to discuss.” Twilight hesitated, her mind still struggling to dissociate this world’s Chrysalis from her own. “Okay.” she responded with a quick nod as she stood up, Rarity hurrying to finish the last few touches of maintenance on her friend. “There, good as new.” the fashionista smiled as Twilight looked around the group. “Make sure to say hello next time you are here, alright?” “...Alright.” a small smile played at the corner of Twilight’s lips as she nodded to the group. They’d have to work to fully gain back her favour, but it seemed they may finally be taking her teachings to heart. “I’ll see you all later.” “Well? Ready to go see your friend?” Chrysalis asked as the pair left the cafeteria, the pair of swinging doors shutting firmly behind them, surprising the Princess. “What’s with that look?” “Why do you want to take me back there?” Twilight asked, pausing and watching the woman’s back as it drew further away. “Well I’m done here for the day, so why don’t I give you a ride?’ Chrysalis shrugged her shoulders as she stopped to look back at Twilight, a lazy smile parting her lips. “I mean, you can walk there if you want.” “I’ll take the ride.” Twilight said rapidly as she hastily stumbled towards the chortling woman, before taking a slower pace getting out of the school, the blustering wind chilling Twilight’s exposed skin as they made their way to the woman’s car. “You seem quite different from the Chrysalis I know.” “I think everyone you know here is different from the ones in your world, pony girl.” Chrysalis smirked as she twisted the key in the car’s ignition, the lithe beast roaring to life and filling the interior with blessed warmth. “Shouldn’t that be obvious by your friends alone?” Twilight’s lips drew thin at the not so subtle jab. The two Chrysalis’ at least had the same opinion on taunting someone. “Yes, the Rainbooms are indeed different than the ones in my world, but that’s part of what makes them unique as well. A pony- person is the sum of their experiences, which has only been proven more to me during my visits here. Though I am unsure if Humans can change the same that Ponies can.” “Well let’s hope that your friends prove you wrong, cause I know that people can change.” the voice of the obsidian skinned woman was suddenly surprisingly sombre as she looked over her shoulder, backing out of the school’s parking lot with obviously well practiced ease. “I dunno about your world, but Lettuce sure was a trouble in the past.” “Lettuce?” Twilight turned her head, utterly baffled by the woman’s comment. “Who’s Lettuce?” “Luna, of course!” Chrysalis gave a hearty laugh as Twilight’s face fell. What sort of nickname was that for the Princess!? “And Celestia is Celery, obviously!” “T-T-That’s- Why would you ever call them that!? Why would they let you call them that!? That’s as offensive as it is degrading!” Twilight scolded loudly, shocked at what she had just heard. “Well it’s cause you eat celery and lettuce.” Chrysalis said simply, her eyes were locked on the road, but there was a subtle glint to them as her lips twitched. “Eat?” Twilight’s brow furrowed as she watched Chrysalis hold up her left hand, a large golden band resting round the third finger from her thumb. “Hint, married.” “ What do you… mean…” the purple girl started to ask before her jaw fell as, leaving her mouth to gape as her purple face suddenly flushed redder than the stop sign the car just blew past, with Chrysalis erupted into full body laughter. (\/):....:(\/) “I can’t tell Princess Celestia about this…” Twilight muttered, staring blankly into the distance as Chrysalis knocked on the door of the impressive mansion they stood in front of. “What? Aren’t Ponies allowed to get married?” Chrysalis asked with a hearty ruffling of the shorter girl’s hair. “YES!” the girl shouted, eyes wide as she looked at Chrysalis. “But Princess’ Celestia and Luna are the rulers of all of Equestria! If they learned that their counterparts both slept with the Human version of the Changeling Queen-” “I’m sure they’d get a good chuckle out of it, Princess.” the door opened to reveal the smug smile of Adagio Dazzle standing in the doorway. “If I recall, they were quite the, what’s the term… fillyfoolers back in the day.” “Hello, Adagio.” Twilight scowled, crossing her arms. “Adagio?” Chrysalis was the one who gave a confused look now as she looked between the two Equestrians. “I thought her name was Andante? Andante Radiance?” The Siren gave a bemused chuckle as a small smile came to her face. “Oh, I’ve had many names over the millennia, my dear little agent. Why don’t you both come inside. We have some things to discuss I hear.” The two outsiders shared quick looks before stepping inside. “Why did you call her Andante Radiance?” Twilight asked as she removed her footwear. “I should ask why you the same thing.” came Chrysalis’ quick retort. “How do you even know her?” “The Battle of the Bands, remember? Principal Celestia mentioned it when we came here last.” “But what does Andante have to do with that?” Chrysalis was still confused, something that rarely ever happened before, but had been increasing over the previous weeks. “Because Adagio is the leader of the Sirens, the ones that were exiled from my world and ended up here?” Twilight raised an eyebrow as she watched Chrysalis steal a peek over at Adagio, the Siren sighing as she crossed her arms. “Yes, Princess Twilight is correct.” Adagio gave a sour look in Twilight’s direction. “Me and my sister’s are from Equestria as well, though I would like to say that your supposed history, Princess, is woefully inaccurate.” “You’re a magical horse as well!?” Chrysalis screamed in glee, holding her hands in front of her face in a manner that baffled both magical beings, sending them stumbling back a few steps each. “N-No- Well, yes- I mean, sort of- Look!” Adagio stumbled a few times before catching herself and taking a deep breath, steadying her emotions. “We are also from Equestria, we are older than your worlds recorded history, and you need not ask more.” “Oh! Hi, Crystal!” came a cheery voice from the kitchen, Sonata Dusk peeking out and waving her hand towards the tall woman, a happy smile beaming off her reddened face. “How are you doing?” “My name is Chrysalis, what’s yours, cause apparently you all have been lying to me for the last-” “Ever since we got you into the government, yes.” Aria grumbled as she followed Sonata out of the kitchen, wiping her face. “Never thought I’d hear Adagio break our promise.” “Actually it was Twilight who caused issue,” Adagio pointed out succinctly. “though I think it’s for the best that everyone have a better understanding of what tonight is about.” “About? I’m just here to talk to Sunset.” the Princess shook her head and waved her hands. “Where is she, anyways?” “She’s not here.” Adagio gave a simple look as her sister’s drew up beside her. “Not here? Did you kick her out?” Twilight suddenly started to worry. “No, she’s a student at Crystal Preparatory Academy now, and they demand that all students live in school accommodations.” Aria explained, scowling darkly. “Fucking stupid if you ask me.” “She actually has her first full day today.” Sonata looked sad, her eyes locked on her feet as they prodded at the floor. “I just hope everything goes well.” “Crystal Prep? That place is the worst shark tank imaginable.” Chrysalis shook her head. “Seriously, Abacus Finch would be behind bars if any of the things she has done ever went public.” “Wait, are you suggesting that Sunset isn’t safe?” Twilight’s head swiveled rapidly. “That’s the last thing that should be going on right now- especially when she needs real friends!” “Is that why you came to talk to her? To get her to talk to those traitorous Rain-goons?” the ferocity of the snarl and hatred flowing out of Sonata shocked Twilight. “After everything they’ve done to Sunset, they deserve what she sent them.” “Sent them?” asked Twilight as she quickly followed the Sirens and Chrysalis into the extremely spacious living room. “She gave an amazing performance at the bar a while back- off the cuff too.” Adagio looked proud as she recalled that night, before her face shifted into a look a disappointment and anger. “A song she thought up after you brought the Rainbooms to our house that night.” “Oh, that…” Twilight gave a heavy sigh, looking down at the ground momentarily before locking eyes with the head of the house. “They followed us, we never noticed them.” “I know that.” Adagio leaned back, her a small smirk splitting her lips. “What? Why did you give me such a sour look then?” inquired the confused Equestrian. “I just wanted to hear it from you firsthand.” Adagio shrugged before Sonata started to speak up. “We sorta didn’t believe Sunset when she said you brought them to our house, especially with the Principals.” the cyan Siren giggled. “We knew the Principal’s would fear what could happen, and you were the only one that ever seemed to be truly on her side at the school.” “...Oh for bucks sake!” Twilight swore loudly, shooting to her feet and starting to storm around angrily. “She was open to talking to me that night, and then Rainbow just haaad to run around the corner! Okay, calm down, Twilight. Second chances… Second chances…” “Are you really giving those five a second chance?” Aria chortled, slapping her leg. “Wow, you really are hopeful, huh?” “Chrysalis informed us of who was behind this… Anon-A-Miss, was it?” Adagio looked over at the woman, receiving a quick nod in response. “To think that three little girls could cause all that. Why, it almost makes me proud.” “Those same three did something similar back in Equestria.” Twilight said, ignoring Adagio’s praise as she turned to look at the Sirens. “Though not with the exact same result. They were forgiven, though I doubt these three would be.” “...We agreed to not tell Sunset who was behind it.” Adagio said slowly, crossing one leg over the other, a flash of worry showing on her face. “Sunset is lost, Princess, and if she heard who was behind the attack… I dread to think what she would do.” “And why do you care about her so much? After what she did?” Twilight wearily eyed the three other Equestrians. “She did a lot more to us than you know.” a bestial snarl escaped Aria’s lips as she responded to the ringleader to the Sirens defeat. “I was the one to rescue her from out in the cold.” Adagio said, nodding as she gazed at the floor. “Her cry that night was very familiar, and that was before she revealed that she was also an Equestrian refugee. Then we learned she beat up Gilda and was pissed off at the Rainbooms; the enemy of my enemy and all that.” “You wanted to use her for revenge…” Twilight felt a scowl start to play at the corners of her mouth as Adagio gave an uncaring shrug. “She’s refused, at first saying that’s what you would want, then saying that she was going to be better than the Rainbooms. Really would have made you proud.” Adagio smirked. “That still doesn’t explain why you housed her and cared for her so much.” “We grew to like her. Aria won’t shut up about her muscles-” “Hey!” the purple Siren interrupted Adagio, before a sly look came to her own face. “Wasn’t it you moaning about her intelligence the other-” “She has a really pretty smile!” Sonata started bouncing up on down on the couch as the two other Siren’s started to butt heads. “A-A-And she’s lot’s of fun to be around! She’s always so happy and kind, always willing to help. She even wants to pay us back even though we keep telling her we control over eighty five percent of this world’s wealth!” “She’s amazingly confident once you get her over her past, though I fear that she’s going to try and make friends again. Even though she’s declared you persona non grata, she still tries to live by your teachings. She even left that magic journal of hers here.” Twilight felt her eyebrows shoot up at the last statement to leave Adagio’s mouth once her and Aria stopped fighting. “She left it here!? But why!?” Twilight started looking around in desperation, perhaps it was sitting somewhere nearby. “She doesn’t like you anymore, Princess, and I suggest you leave her well enough alone.” Aria warned, cracking her knuckles against her legs as she flashed a toothy grin. “...At least talk to her about me, let her know that I just want to clear up what happened that night- That I didn’t bring the Rainbooms with me.” Twilight started to plead. If Sunset was at this other school and left the journal at the Sirens’ house, how could she talk with her? “...We’ll see how she’s doing after the first week of classes.” Adagio said, slowly standing up, before pausing and giving a confused look in Chrysalis’ direction. “Wow…” Chrysalis said, nodding and furrowing her brow. “Horse politics are confusing…” “Look, you should probably head back to Equestria now.” Adagio shook her head in annoyance as Chrysalis started to giggle. “Feel free to contact us through the journal, but don’t go after Sunset. Unless you want us to figure out how your little cross-world enchantment works and come visit you ourselves, alright.” Twilight gulped and nodded, her mind going back to the episode with the Crystal Heart when it gave her the visions of King Sombra returning. “O-Okay.” “Good. Chrysalis? Return her to CHS, then text us. We have some more things to discuss.” (\/):.....:(\/) ~*Today, <1 Minute Ago*~ From: Thing Three So how did she get home? Chrysalis chuckled as she read the message from the newly revealed to be also Magical Horse, before tapping back a response. Recipient: Thing Three She walked back through the statue in front of the school most likely. I wasn’t there, but that’s how she took me to Equestria. Really cool place if you tell me, I looked like this bug-horse like thing, full of holes like swiss cheese. She had often been told that she should be more concise with her messages, but where was the fun in that? The government paid for phone after all- even if they didn’t know about it. Her private phone beeped again. ~*Today, <1 Minute Ago*~ From: Thing Three Really? Okay then, here’s what I want you to do...