//------------------------------// // 12 ~ Is There Anybody in There? // Story: Well ... Je Ne Sais Pas ;~; // by Alwaysthatoneguy //------------------------------// Better than being chained to a goalpost and having mud dumped all over me, Sunset decided whilst staring at a small, circular bruise on her left wrist -- courtesy of a catapulted pencil -- and glancing to Rarity. Shimmer was gone. And with her a never-ending pestering of trying to make amends and having hatred literally thrown in my face. "Sorry to have you miss class; I know history is a favorite of yours." she apologized only to receive a hand wave and a shaking head. "No worries, dear; I'll have plenty of time to catch up. Just leave me out of whatever manic ploy for revenge you and Dash are trying for." This Sunset chose to grin at. "Deal. I'll see you later?" After the fashionista nodded, Sunset padded off to find Rainbow; she returned to the hallway where the athlete went missing and dived down the corridor where Gilda and Trixie stood before. Every class she peaked into, closet, window, or locker she passed ... nothing. Eventually she had to give up the search with the lunch bell's ringing. Of course, she texted Rainbow twice asking, "Where are you?" but received no answer. Hence, she assumed that Dash deactivated her device in favor of stealth. Still, it's a little unnerving. Heaving, she entered the cafeteria despite her apprehension to being in clear view of other students. Where, where, where? she repeated to herself -- ignoring stare after glare and mumbled discontentment after mumbled disdain. All she sought in her scans of the various students was one, rainbow-haired, really hard to miss, irritating girl, but neither she, Gilda, nor Trixie appeared. Someone lobbed a teaspoon of jello at her back, but her mission was too important for her to care. Actually, it was so important that, when another student saw her disregard for humiliation and -- producing a viscous Splash! -- dumped the contents of a strawberry-chocolate milkshake over her head, she continued forward. Mm ... strawberry -- my favorite, she relished the flavor as she cleared the sugary, sticky substance from her eyes and took a taste so she could continue scanning. I'll clean it later. Laughter was ignored. Somehow -- not that Sunset noticed -- the milkshake perpetrator's cackle died as if the bullying just wasn't as fun in the absence of a satisfying reaction from their victim. Uncaring of her intense focus and efforts, none of Sunset's targets graced her vision. However, she came across Rarity (again), Applejack, Pinkie, and Fluttershy at their own table and -- without greeting them -- asked, "Have any of you seen RD?" "Oh my!" "Jumpin' Jackals!" "Uhm ... " "Oh! great hair dye idea!" Each girl had very different responses to the same thing -- though they were all of utter surprise. What? Just answer my questi- oh. Sunset realized why they were shocked and tried to write it off to urge responses. "I know, it's not important right now though. Answer my question ... " She added after Rarity gave a discontent brow raise and tilted her head, " ... please." Politeness did nothing, for they all shook their heads or gave otherwise negative replies. Dammit! Sunset continued to search to no avail; she went to her classes and looked for the athlete in between each one with the same results. Of course, every remark from a teacher or faculty member for her to clean her hair was ignored. Hell, she hardly saw what was happening at the front of her classrooms. Rather, she fiddled with her hair (what was spared anyway), her pencil, a book -- whatever she could get her hands on -- and impatiently considered where Dash, Gilda, and Trixie were. At last, when her chemistry teacher kicked her out because her mess of a hairstyle was too, 'distracting,' the answer struck her. Octavia! Stomping away from chemistry, she stopped and turned around ... Oops, wrong way. In my defense, it doesn't help that all these hallways look just about the same. Few people adorned the walkways. Those who did either disapproved of Sunset's pure existence or ignored her presence with a scoff. Still, she didn't care, for she had a goal and would focus on little else before attaining it. Here it is, the Student Council Office. None of her felt like turning the room's plain doorknob -- she was certain to be met with dismay and hate -- for it was a direct violation of her already-loose agreements with the members. Fortune favored her, though, and she didn't need to enter. Hissing sounded, "What are you doing?" Clack, clack, clack came Octavia with a strong, irritated stepping cadence; her face was beset by a familiar frown and narrow, glaring eyes. "Octavia! I-I was just-" Sunset tried to speak but the councilor stepped between her and the office door before jabbing a finger toward her face. This simple expression of 'back up' was not lost on Sunset, so she took wide steps away from the door and waved either hand in front of her. As expected, Octavia -- shooting anger with a sharp, precise intonation -- chastised, "About to do something you would regret? If you want to lose our chess match, it must wait- I have work to do." Come to think of it, Sunset considered while she stretched to compose a response, What was I thinking? Just walk in? At least knock, dammit! How arrogant are you? After a moment's thought she explained, "Pretty much, but I have a good reason- I swear!" Tilting her head, the councilor crossed her arms and cleared her throat like she was about to spit -- indicating that Sunset better clarify post haste. "I know, I know! 'Stay away from the Student Council.' It's the one thing you really want me to abide by, but I need you to tell me something!" " ... " Silence and an impatient, tapping foot urged her on. "Do you know where Trixie is?" With this, Octavia's face fell into a well-known stoicism and Sunset tried to breathe. Just tell me so I can go! Stop being so ... intimidating already! Soon, once Sunset had a moment to get uncomfortable under the councilor's stare, Octavia sighed. Deadpanning, she swiftly described, "Trixie's been gone since well before lunch. Do you need something else, or will you leave already?" Sunset didn't think very much; she just wanted to escape the purple spotlights, so she -- no pauses -- exhaled, "No that's all thank you I'll leave bye." Alas, despite her quick evacuation, she felt Octavia boring holes into the back of her head all the way down the halls until line of sight was broken; even then, something about the councilor still lingered -- like she was being watched by the very walls around. Jarred and with her skin crawling, Sunset paced outside the next class she would need to be in when the bell rang: calculus. What's that mean? Trixie's gone? Gilda's probably gone too. Rainbow must've tailed them! Yeah, that's it, and she needed to stay close to them for ... some reason and can't risk messaging me back. These reassurances did little, for she kept poking holes in her own theories. Who am I kidding? Why wouldn't she message me back? There's always time when you're hiding behind stuff and tailing people to do something like send a text. Sunset found herself biting her nails and grasping for straws. Her phone died! That must be it! 'Course that's it; I know what it's like to forget to charge your phone. Duh, Sunset! Musings and attempted theorizing led to worry, and Sunset was knocked out of her mind when Mr. Powers's door flew open; the teacher was not happy and -- upon recognizing who was outside his class -- scolded, "Don't you have somewhere else to be? Maybe do something about your hair? Those aren't good colors for you! We're trying to work in here. Scram!" Later, when the bell rang for her to actually attend his class, Sunset tried to muster an apologetic face, but Mr. Powers just shook his head. Of course, Sunset didn't really pay much attention after that. Every equation and definition thrust over the class went in and right out of Sunset's ears. The world seemed muted as fantasies of what Trixie and Gilda might be up to invaded. Just stay calm, Sunset. They aren't crazy, you're the one who's acting crazy. Sure, they're intense but they wouldn't do anything drastic out of nowhere. That's something you'd do; take a mad risk and hope for the best ... but what are they doing? Nothing seemed to matter more. In fact, Dash's A.W.O.L. status was gnawing at her. Three times she was shushed for tapping on the desk and -- when the dismissal bell rang and everyone started leaving -- Mr. Powers demanded, "Sunset, come see me." Without thinking, she walked up to his desk and breathed out, "Yes?" " ... Is something wrong? I mean, other than the fact that you seem to not care about the ... whatever it is cracking in your hair?" the teacher said -- failing to contain ire and twirling a pencil in his hand. Yes, something's very wrong, was Sunset's first figured response, but she scratched her chin and tried to consider how she must be acting. No, Sunset, you're just being paranoid. Don't tell him anything. He'll just think you're losing your mind; not that that's far off. Another part of her chimed in, Sunset, this isn't just a coincidence, you should speak up! Who cares what he thinks? " ... " Silence was her answer for a time and the teacher answered with the same. Finally, Sunset threw together a vague response. "Everything's fine ... I'm just ... being weird. I guess? Does that make sense?" Mr. Powers tilted his head before nodding and leaning across his desk. "Ah," he acknowledged. "Well, I know what it's like, trust me." No you don't. "But, you know, whatever it is you're 'being weird' over ... I would very much appreciate it if you had it figured out before you come to my class tomorrow." Was I that distracting? I didn't notice. "In fact, I would rather you not come to class at all if you're just going to sit there, chewing on your fingers and making noise without paying attention. If you can't keep it quiet and you won't talk about it, don't make the rest of us suffer." Chewing on my fingers? Sunset glanced down to find that none of her digits still had nails sticking out passed the ends. Actually, they had red bite marks on each pad and tip. "Sorry, Nential-san ... " she offered a quiet apology to which he gave a soft sigh. "Just ... take care of it, okay? And yourself while you're at it." He pointed to her sugar-stuck, fiery hair. Worried thoughts still buzzed through Sunset's head, so she gave a dejected hum and began walking away. However, her attention was called again. "Sunset!" She whirled her head back to face the teacher -- who pointed back toward her seat. "You might want your things." Embarrassment bit her demeanor. How stupid are you? she insulted herself before offering a dumbfounded, "T-thanks. I'll see you tomorrow." After a moment, when Sunset again walked toward the class door, he called; this made Sunset feel like an absolute idiot, for she thought she missed something else. Hence, she didn't even turn to look. Instead she just stopped in the door frame and clenched her hands into fists. Relief swept over her at the teacher's next words. "Whatever has you freaking out right now, it'll pass." Giving little more than a hum, she left. Whether or not he was right ... things didn't get better that day. Upon arriving home, she fell against her door in stertorous breath; she had messaged Rainbow again, despite her affirmations that the athlete's phone was dead, but received nothing. What do I do? What do I do? No amount of deep breathing exercise seemed to help, but an idea which should have occurred sooner did. Rarity! Fluttershy! Those girls might have heard from Rainbow by now! Furiously she tapped a message out on her phone just to receive a pang of fear. 'Not since I went to math this morning. Why? Is something wrong?' Fluttershy's response was not only dreaded but came two minutes after Sunset asked; subsequent texts from the others came rapidly as well -- saying more or less the same thing -- and Sunset suddenly needed to figure out what to say to them. You can't worry them like this; they'll just freak out like you are and they can do about as much as you can. That wouldn't be fair. 'No, I think her phone just died and I'm being impatient, sorry.' The message did perfectly to fend off farther questioning, but Sunset's mind wasn't put at ease. She tried running a hand through her hair. "Ouch!" It was caked in a strawberry-scented, sugary mess; thus she only effected yanking stuck-together knots. Damn, I forgot. Alas, trying to clean it out required a shower and -- while looking over clothing and hygiene provided some distraction -- nothing seemed to save her from this guilty feeling. Still, it was nice to think about something other than the day's events. Examining her clothes was a monotonous task anyway. Tattered, torn, scuffed, stained ... I need new clothes. Despite her thoughts of looking kempt, something else came to mind and allowed her to ignore the plan of shopping. I don't have anyone to look good for anyway, who cares? This in mind, Sunset showered (avoiding her mirror at all costs), sat on her bed in clean, mostly-intact wear, and stared at the sugary mess on her jacket's shoulders and back. You're getting washed, too. Throughout her evening, she continued to attack her senses with menial labors to avoid thinking about Rainbow; she washed her clothes via hand, stick, and bucket -- all her clothes including clean ones -- she unpacked her backpack, organized her kitchen and desk ... she did anything to occupy herself. However, when she looked over an immaculate living space, thoughts returned and she found her breathing again labored. What do I do? What do I do? Ah, homework! Happy to have found yet more distraction, Sunset went over her books and notes for the day ... there were none. I didn't do anything for classes today? Shit. No matter, if she didn't know what she was meant to do, she would read material and work on her own. Poosh! her history textbook echoed through her quiet, lit room as she stacked it atop various papers and calculus books. I read it all. Every problem ... Every passage ... Staring at marks on paper was hurting her eyes. Of course, she was surprised at her ability to accomplish things when she really didn't want to accomplish something else, but she was out of ideas save one. Time for sleep- shit! It was five in the morning, she was exhausted, and she needed some rest, so she buried herself in bed and lied still but sleep didn't come. Fatigue helped not at all and neither did having nothing to focus on, yet sunset tried anyway until it became clear that the only thing she was doing was freaking out. Half passed five, she threw her comforter off her and began pacing. Why ... Alas, she could hardly keep her thoughts straight; it took ten minutes of her diving into a rabbit hole of self loathing before she got back on track. Oh, that's right, what would Trixie and Gilda want with Rainbow? Suddenly dissociation beset. What would you have wanted with Rainbow? Sunset considered her question without questioning herself. I would want her to give me something of hers or otherwise get out of my way. Unless she could be used as a tool to get someone else to do what I want. Abhorrence struck her with this thought as she walked in circles. How dare you? She's not a tool; she's a person! Like you! Critical thinking returned for but a moment. Wait, you know that now, Sunset, why do you feel the need to point that out? Oh no ... Realization replaced dissociation. You're having a conversation with yourself ... inside your head ... Forgetfulness then ensued. What was the question, again, anyway? Trixie? Gilda? You? Why do you care about them again? Oh, that's right, you hate all those people ... Hang on! That's not a question! Like a song on repeat, her thoughts looped; she didn't understand half of what she was thinking and it continued until a buzzing sound startled her. Seven o' clock! When did that happen? Duh, Sunset, an hour after six, when else? Her morning routine was flipped on its head; coffee was forgotten about and she barreled out her door -- somehow taking ages to prepare -- at seven thirty. Nothing made sense that day. Hell, she could hardly say what happened; it started with her arriving to class ten minutes late -- always fun -- and her teachers' lectures were incoherent prattle while she flitted between actual academic work and concern about Rainbow ... Rainbow! I need to find her today. Well, that's what she told herself, but a heavy distraction invited her to forget soon. "Sunset! Did you hear me?" No, she thought first. "Yeah ... " was what she said. "Then why are you still sitting there, head against your arm, not doing what I asked?" her English teacher spoke with more than impatience; joy was in the tone as well. Sunset was caught in her habitual lie. No other lies could possibly explain her actions without leading to deeper interrogation, so she confessed, "Because I didn't hear what you said and lied about it for no other reason than that it felt natural ... " None in the room expected this honesty; it just wasn't like delinquent teenagers to own up to themselves like that. Hence, silence ruled for a moment before the teacher again composed herself. "Well, please take out your copy of Othello and turn to page six. Actually, why don't you start today's reading?" Understanding no reason to rebel, Sunset reached down to her backpack to find ... nothing. She completely neglected to pack her bag before she left. " ... I can't," she continued to spout this awful truth business. "I didn't bring it." This caused a couple snickers through the room and the teacher threw her hands in disappointment. After pinching her nose's bridge, she brought Sunset a small, stapled-together pamphlet detailing the Shakespearean play and slammed it on her desk. "Then read page six ... and start copying from there. Capeesh?" No ... Sunset had to be honest again. "I ... can't do that either." Irritation. "Why not?" Just get it over with. "Because I didn't ... bring anything to school today." First, no noise was made. Next, snickers became all out laughter and Sunset fought herself to keep from putting her head on the desk. Her teacher shushed the class, placed a hand on Sunset's desk, and sighed. "I'm appreciating your truthfulness and use of concision here but ... care to explain why?" There was more snickering. However, since it seemed to work so well, Sunset decided not to lie here too. After vehemently shaking her head, she replied, "No, please, I'd really rather not ... " None of her peers laughed at this and her teacher simply turned away -- demanding instead, "Alright, then, why don't you come up to the front and just read the whole thing for us? For as much as she wanted to die under the mocking expressions of other students, Sunset couldn't deny that the debacle turned out well if all possibilities -- like detention -- were considered. From class to class she peregrinated. Sometimes she thought about where she was going and other times she just walked until someone asked in one way or another, "What are you doing?" Of course, every answer she had to that question was an expression that she, herself, did not know. What am I doing? School? Not very well. I mean, it's hard to do anything at school without supplies. Oh, I'm looking for someone. Trixie! Look for Trixie! Wait, it wasn't Trixie ... Who am I looking for? What am I doing here? Lunch rolled around, no one seemed to bother her while she found a seat by her 'friends,' and she (unaware) started dozing off in front of them. Once some awkward glances were exchanged, Fluttershy shook her to a surprised awakening and asked, "Sunset? Did Rainbow ever get back to you?" Shit! Rainbow! That's right, that's what I'm doing. Oh, what do I say. Truth seemed to work well in English, but Sunset considered the ramifications of honesty in this instance. Yeah, she'd be worried, but so are you! Just be straight with Flutter; she hasn't lied to you -- I think. Tell her, Sunset, just say: 'No and I'm really worried.' so her thoughts said, but her mouth ... her mouth spoke differently, as if there was a pre-programmed command waiting for the right input to flourish. "Oh, yeah ... she's really feeling under the weather though; her text was really awkward to read too -- I'd just let her rest." No! Wait! Shit! That's not what I meant; how do I recover? Time to think wasn't granted. Rarity chimed in. "Simply dreadful, maybe we should go over and check on her after school?" No no no. Don't do that! Sunset found herself in a pit where she could only claw -- desperately trying to climb out or scream for help. Of course, internally, she stressed while repeating something she never seemed to find an answer to. What do I do? For fucks' sake, Sunset, just tell them! " ... mmm ... " she tried but nothing came out. Heads turned and she spun something fast just to get the eyes away from her. "Uhm, that's a little fast. I mean, she's really proud; she wouldn't wanna worry you guys." Are we talking about Rainbow, or you here? "Maybe it should be a weekend thing. You know, if she doesn't bounce back before then ... ?" ... Are you even here, Sunset? Do you even have control over the words you're letting out? Sweat dripped down the back of her neck -- behind her hair -- as a voice answered inside her head. Doesn't look like it. Much to her delight, Applejack bailed her out. "Well, that's true, maybe we should try givin' her a spell to get over it. Wanna meet up Saturday?" Agreeable hums sounded around the table and Rarity stared at Sunset. Alas, no matter how hard she tried, the purple-haired girl's stare made her fidget. Please don't lie. Please don't say something related to Rainbow. Please ... Before the fashionista spoke, Fluttershy asked, "You said her text was really awkward to read? Can I see it?" Again Sunset lied without thought. " ... My phone's dead." You ... You didn't even need to say that! You could have just honestly told them you're having an off day and left your stuff home. Do you even have your phone, Sunset? Her lack of integrity and wakefulness was scaring her, but the others seemed completely normal -- like Sunset was a totally normal person. Once more, she didn't have time to correct her mistake or own up to her falsehoods, as Flutter hummed and Rarity went ahead with what she was going to say prior. "You know ... " she said as if she was wanting to speak for a while but didn't quite have the gumption, "You've not been looking too swell yourself, Sunset. I mean, you were just about asleep a moment ago; are you sure you're feeling okay?" Oh thank you so much; Sunset this is easy! Just say what's really happening. even vaguely. Upon coughing, Sunset inhaled and looked at the fashionista square in the face. "No, I'm not. I've been staying up way too late recently and I've been feeling sick at the thought of eating." Truth! Oh, stars above, sweet truth! Rarity sank a little bit in sympathy at this. "Oh, well, is there anything we could do? I mean, is there something you'd like us to do?" Sunset deadpanned but -- for some reason -- recomposed herself. Yes! Please help me not to be such a garbage-tier human being! This is damn terrible! I'm losing it over here! "No, no, I'll be fine. I just need to have some time to myself. After the weekend I'll be peachy keen, thanks though!" More lies. More lies. Abruptly, Sunset stood up, for she couldn't continue to hold this conversation. Every question ... Every thing that fell passed her lips was grating against her better judgement. Obviously she couldn't say what she thought, so she was just going to keep lying and -- as much as she'd lied before -- every lie was making her stomach churn. Actually, every lie was disgusting her, and she didn't seem to know how to stop! Have you lived in deceit and scandal so long that you can't see anything else? Hence, she dismissed herself with a -- somewhere in between -- half truth. "I feel pretty queasy, really, I'm just going to go to the nurse." None of her so-called friends had the chance to say goodbye before she was gone ... Somehow ... Why is it so easy when I'm not talking to someone who'd be hurt by the truth? Somehow she told each of her teachers -- privately -- that she was having a very disconcerting day and had nothing to contribute to class. Every ... Single ... One seemed to understand (Especially Mr. Powers) and just left her alone while she twiddled her thumbs at her desk -- praying for the bell to ring so she could leave. When she was dismissed from school, and halfway home, she stopped ... Dammit! I never found -- or even asked Celestia about -- Rainbow! That was it. Her own demons won. Nothing could save her. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid! STUPID! Looking around, there was nobody -- just suburban roads and infrastructure devoid of human souls. Nobody could hear her out or help her even if she could tell them the truth. Tears streamed as she realized that she was alone ... no one around meant no allies too. Hell, her 'friends' would only talk to her because one of their friends said it was humane. Knowing nothing else to do, she held her phone (her habit of putting it in her jacket pocket granted her this), in shaking hands, and stared over past messages -- nothing from Rainbow. One person ... One contact she considered talking to -- the only person who might be able to keep things between them and not be too affected by her evil behavior. Due to this, she composed a concise, pleading message with trembling fingers. 'Please. I need help. I've been terrible.' However, when she read the message back, she thought, What are you doing? you're just going to get her wrapped up in all of this and hurt her too, so she deleted the draft and exited the conversation marked, 'Shimmer,' before continuing home. Just keep it to yourself ... You can figure this out ... Just ... sleep on it. For once, when she thought of sleep, fatigue seemed to come easy. Sunset crashed instantly, asleep before hitting the floor, upon closing her door -- not even making it to bed. Rarity talked and talked ... though Sunset didn't understand a word. Fluttershy was with her too but neither seemed to make any sense, or were their words just not being heard? People walked all around them yet the sound of footsteps was missing. One thing registered; Sunset felt bad, gross, stupid, insensitive ... "Life would be better for us all if I'd never been born!" she avowed after growing tired of not understanding those nearby. Alas, when she spoke, everyone vanished. White overtook the scene and nothing had distinguishing characteristics. Until snow started blowing in her face. Then she began feeling attacked and ran ... not anywhere in particular. Come to think of it, where am I? Time to ponder or solve the question wasn't allowed, for she ran right into ... something and fell onto her rear. Glancing up revealed nothing more than a silhouette. Who ... Whoever it was didn't say; they just extended an arm in offering to help her up. Of course, it took a moment's consideration, but Sunset took the hand and felt ... nothing. It was like the person didn't actually exist and she was just standing of her own accord. "You," the silhouette spoke after a moment. Me? What about me? Sunset thought this but apparently found that she spoke, for the silhouette seemed to answer. "You ... You are at fault." For what? Images -- no, feelings -- of grief, sadness, suffering flashed before her. Fluttershy's hurt face became distinct. "Wait!" Sunset screamed, "I didn't hurt Flutter. I mean, I did, but not since before! This isn't my fault! I never wanted to be around them! I just wanted to be left alone!" Obstinacy returned, "Whatever stops the tears ... is it working?" Suddenly the voice was all too clear for Sunset. "Princess? Is that you! What do you mean, 'my fault!' Anything that's happening now is a direct result of people who've refused to leave me alone. Like I told them: I understand what made me so awful, I can let it go, so why don't they? If anything, it's their fault for prodding and getting mixed up with me!" " ... " Slowly, the voice delivered, " ... like I told you: Whatever stops the tears. Is it working? Because I don't think it is." Sunset fumed; she prepared to shout for she wasn't being listened to ... but things started tearing down -- bit by bit and then super fast -- around her. Wet ... the sensation jolted her to wakefulness; Sunset pushed herself to be sitting on her side in front of her room's door. Placing a hand on either cheek revealed an obvious dampness and glancing to the carpet below displayed a puddle of tears. I feel so stupid! I'm just wrong! I don't know what to do. Somebody ... She cut her own thought train off and redirected it -- for some reason lucidity refueled her eyes. What the hell, Sunset, why do you need someone to help you figure this out? Who are you, anyway: someone without the capacity to choose what color socks to wear by yourself? Everything seemed so clear, so easy at that moment while she checked her phone. No texts from Rainbow were visible but that didn't matter, for all she had to do was walk into school tomorrow ... Okay, today I mean, it's one in the morning. I've been asleep for a while. Upon pondering what she needed to do, she took a double take to her cell phone. ONE IN THE MORNING? she cheered inside. I've been asleep for eight and a half hours! Rightfully so, Sunset felt she could do anything and she wanted to do everything; she wanted to tell her friends she was lying about Rainbow, to go find her ... ... but it was really late. Henceforth she paced and mused. Thoughts were easy to keep in direction and she had exactly what she needed. Just walk right inside and explain things to Celestia. It doesn't matter who's being underhanded, she'll reprimand them. Confidence was her's again and she wasn't going to let it go, so she had coffee at five A.M., showered,dressed in clean wear, and strode out her door a quarter before seven for a leisurely walk to school. People stared -- their shit-faced snarls refused to let up -- but Sunset didn't care; it was like the world was eating out the palm of her hand again. Everything was so clear! Not that I need people at my beck and call, but this is a good feeling. Alas, those seven-or-so hours of clairvoyant, knowing thought were all she got, for -- when she walked into Canterlot High and marched toward the principal's office ... an arm snaked around her neck and yanked her to one side. Gilda grabbed her and flashed a fake smile. "Sunny! Just who I was waiting for!" Yuck, Sunset instantly furrowed her brow at the wannabe warrior's scent of pine. Not that pine was an awful smell, it just didn't suit Gilda -- or maybe Gilda didn't suit the smell of pine. Sunset pushed the gold-eyed girl away but found herself surrounded anyway and being pushed away from Celestia's office. "You know, we really have been off on the wrong foot for too long; let's talk a bit -- bury the hatchet and all that." Nothing Gilda said seemed sincere and Sunset tried to evacuate, but her efforts were in vain as a few people kept pushing her farther and farther from her goal. She considered yelling out, but who would hear her? Shit, there are too many people talking. What do I do? Uncertainty gripped again and Sunset was escorted to areas less and less populated. After some distance she asked, "Where do you wanna talk? I'm right here, you know ... " Sunset tried to keep fear from her voice but knew she couldn't mask it all and -- without warning -- she was grabbed by her left wrist and yanked into an un-navigatable, stygian room. Gilda offered nothing for a time until a lone light glowed through the small space and she stood near a chair just in front of the entrance. Sunset recognized the room well; it was the wannabe warrior's own club room years back. Of course, it was barely suitable to their purposes for training martial arts, so Sunset decided to put it to better use ... 'Better use'? You brought people here to terrorize and intimidate them ... Oh no ... Understanding dawned when the only door out closed and she pushed Sunset toward one corner -- where a sole chair waited. "I'm going to be blunt with you, Sunset, I wanna leave here A.S.A.P. and I wanna know that we understand each other." I'm too late! I should've talked to Celestia yesterday, Thursday! Wait ... what was I doing yesterday. Another word repeated ... she didn't like it but it rang true. Stupid! I was being stupid! Trying to stay calm, Sunset refused to sit and rolled her eyes -- saying, "Then speak, dammit, I don't have all day and I definitely don't wanna spend it with you." "I will, just, please, sit." Again, Sunset refused. "Well, we'll see how long that lasts." Just tell me what you want, Gilda! I don't care how much you're enjoying this. Luckily, Gilda obliged the request without needing to hear it. Sitting, she clarified her desire. "I want you to show up at Sunday's ice skating pep talk. You know: the one your friends -- party girl and Farmer Jack -- have been helping with for a while?" To this, Sunset scoffed, "You're really dumb if you think I'm going to do that. Why on Earth would I hurt my already poor standings with the Student Council? That's- "Ridiculous, I know. What sane person would do something like that? That's why I'm -- well, Trixie and I -- are going to give you something for that kind of violation. Sure, the Council will slap you on the wrist, but it'll be worth it." Gilda's words, as always, grated throughout and within the walls. "Hm," Sunset -- pretending to consider the proposal -- hummed, "The hell would you or Trixie possibly have that I could ever want?" Silence hung over them for a moment before Gilda chuckled and elaborated; it was like she was trying not to give away some joke. "See, it's no secret that you're banned from just about everything beyond coming to school." An offhanded nod and hand wave came from Sunset to acknowledge this fact. Still, nothing enticed her to go against ... Octavia of all people. "Trixie's got it arranged that you can have that little petition waived. All you have to do is do this one thing we say." Ambivalence constricted the narrow space. Sunset knew how this worked; you do one thing they say and suddenly you're under their thumb forever. Hence, the fiery-haired girl gave an honest laugh. "I think that's pretty rich. You actually think I care about being let into extracurricular activities? The school -- as you've enunciated so well -- hates me anyway." Then it was Gilda's turn to laugh -- like she was well aware and waiting for this moment. "That's the beauty of today, Sunset, it doesn't matter what you care about. Well, that's not quite right." Springing to her feet, the girl cast her gold irises to stare up and down Sunset for a moment; it didn't fail to make Sunset wonder if she should prepare for a fight. Adrenaline kicked in as Gilda reached into a pocket, but died back as she revealed a yellow-cased smart phone. "We happened to notice that you've been hanging around those girls a lot recently ... " You're kidding. " ... and if you'd like them to stay well, you'll listen to reason." When the gravity of her situation registered to Sunset ... she couldn't take it; she fell into the provided chair like a bottle which a sleeping alcoholic couldn't maintain a grip on. Of course, Gilda snickered at the sight. Eye contact faded as Sunset tried to ascertain, "Them? What do you mean, 'them'? Rainbow's the only one-" "Nah, I mean, Dewdrop walked right into us so she was easy, but we got the other two who aren't working on the ice skating crap; It just took some more doing last night." Gilda was amused as she watched the bemused Sunset open her mouth to try poking holes in her implications, but she didn't give much opportunity. "Before you ask 'how,' or, 'what about their families and people who care,' suffice it to say: we have more than you do, so be a good girl and listen. Understand?" Sunset didn't care about reason, she needed to see whether or not Gilda was being serious. "Or what? Why should I believe that you have any of them? This could all be a prank you're using to get to me!" Like it was a premeditated statement, Gilda didn't miss a beat. "Ah, see, you can go around school and ask about your little friends all you want; you'll find that the principal and faculty will say they've called in 'sick.' What you can't do is tell anyone about this ... little chat we're having. If you do ... " Gilda paused with a contemptuous look across her face. Sunset had seen such expressions before; they're almost desperate -- like the person behind them is willing to go to extremes to get what they want. Hell, Sunset had given that look more than once, but Gilda washed it away in a moment like it didn't happen before continuing, "Well, suffice it to say: disobey and we'll do something serious to those little friends. Get it? I mean, you know how this works; even if you've always been in my seat." No! You can't ... that's ... that's ... "They're innocent! You can't use them like that!" "Haha, but the Ever-Austere, Almighty Sunset can?" Hearing Trixie's imposed titles again, Sunset sprang up -- with some anger she didn't know she possessed -- and started waving a frantic finger at Gilda. "YOU!" she shouted but lost her gusto when Gilda raised a finger to her device. "All it takes is one phone call, Sunset." Suddenly any fight she had was wrenched from her; her speech and face paled. " ... You ... That's ... you ... "