//------------------------------// // World 6: Chapter 10 // Story: The Worst of All Possible Worlds // by TheTimeSword //------------------------------// The piles were neatly organized, though stacks lined the walls of the kitchen, blocking the door to the outside. “Well, I suppose my keen eye can easily locate whatever is within these papers,” Rarity replied to Sunset’s request. Within the files upon files lay the key to one of the many safes holding the Elements of Harmony. “And with, uh, Pinkie here, perhaps the work will go twice as fast.” Sunset had cooled from her earlier rage, her frustration toward the pink mare subdued. “Thanks, Rarity.” She then went to Pinkie Pie who laid upside-down staring at a random page. “I’m sorry about your house, Pinkie.” “Don’t worry, Princess Sunset Shimmer. It was free, and I have no concept of money,” replied Pinkie with a gleeful, innocent smile. “Oh. Well, alright, as long as you’re not beat up over it, I guess.” Sunset scratched the back of her head, contemplating exactly what went through the pink pony’s mind. “I’ll be back. I’m off to the Crystal Empire since I’ve got time before helping Applejack. Just toss the pages out that you don’t need.” Leaving the two bearers to their tedium, Sunset thought of the purple unicorn, the crystal architecture, and the frozen north. Disappearing and reappearing, she found herself staring at a white, burly chest. Her eyes shot up to meet the stallion who happened to be the sibling of the mare she wanted. Close enough, I guess, she mused as she backpedaled. “Hello, Shining Armor. Where’s Twilight?” Her head swiveled to his sides, realizing they stood within the throne room. “R-right here, Sunset,” Twilight spoke and Sunset turned. Only, Twilight did not stand alone. “A f-friend decided t-to wait for you.” Grimacing, Sunset dared show her true feelings toward Flim. She recognized him due to his lack of mustache, yet his brother was nowhere in sight. Seeing the two split worried her more than she would admit. “I see.” “Come, Twilight.” Shining Armor led his sister from the throne room, leaving Sunset alone with the single twin. “Just you? Where’s your brother?” Sunset inquired, though her curiosity remained feigned. “Princessland, overseeing our plans to turn Tartarus into a single jail for a special pony. We’ve been preparing it for a long time, a lot of resources have gone into it. Even removed the previous guest. It’ll be all worth it once we put you there,” replied the stallion with an ever smug grin. “Nice disguise, by the way.” Standing defensively, Sunset stared down her nose at the twin. “Tartarus isn’t big enough to contain me. Neither is Equestria. Your Discord should’ve known that.” “He’s rather unreliable when it comes to the dull necessities of life,” Flim acknowledged. “But that’s why he picked us. We’re good at planning. And we’re even smarter than you’d want to give us credit for.” He too stood defensively, surprising Sunset, as his power couldn’t match hers. “Come now. Telling the princesses a lie and telling them to lie about it? As if we wouldn’t immediately understand what you were doing.” “So you realized it.” “We were there when your Discord told you he didn’t know where the Elements of Harmony are, which means they aren’t in the Tree of Harmony. Did you really think that we’d be foolish enough to believe you’d try to get them their Elements just as you did in that first world? They’ve watched you! Of course they’d know the Tree of Harmony can only give the Elements if they’re located within the tree itself. Our Discord fed us all the loopholes and we plugged them good. You can’t be so dense to believe we’d fall for it..” But Sunset stood stunned. Can this be? Am I that foolish? How did I not realize that? Her mistake was written all of her face, her mouth agape and eyes wide. She didn’t even see the stallion anymore, only her own incompetence. Of course the Elements need to be in the tree! Why did I slip up? How is this possible? This is just like gaining Twilight’s crown all over again! Flim noticed the expression change and the voiceless huffing of air from the alicorn. “Or, maybe you are.” His brows shot up with his own stunned look. “Huh. Perhaps I shouldn’t have said anything. We assumed you were smart… that it was…” He paused, pressing a hoof to his chin. “How can Discord truly be worried about this sham of a princess?” he muttered in a low voice. When the stallion left, Sunset didn’t notice. Her own failure and obliviousness kept her mind enraptured in her failing pride. Once she became aware of the world, Flim no longer in her presence, she shook off the humiliation. “I guess I should be happy they think I’m brainless and that my plans are in ruin, but I can’t believe I overlooked that detail. I can’t slip up again.” “It all worked out,” the backpack whispered. “Just adds to the fact that I am glad to have backed you.” “Thanks for the pep talk. Doesn’t make me feel any less foolish, but at least I’ve bought some more time.” Heading out into the hall, Twilight was waiting patiently with crystal guards at her side. The distraught face dissipated as soon as she saw Sunset. “You’re okay! I can’t believe it!” Hugging tightly, Twilight’s tears fell into Sunset’s hair. “I was so worried. When I arrived, I th-thought Shining Armor rolled out the red carpet for me. Turns out it was for Flim. I’m not sure how much he told Shining, but my brother refuses to aid you.” Her sadness returned. “I’m s-sorry. I haven’t had much time to search.” “Are you kidding? Flim just made me realize something,” Sunset said as she pulled Twilight into the throne room, closing the doors. Alone, she smiled. “I’ve been trying my hardest to pull things together, but relying on friends is how everything has always worked out. Friendship is the key, Twilight. We’ll find their password, we can do it. As friends.” Pushing her hooves to her cheeks, Twilight giggled, wrinkling her nose and pushing her glasses upward. “I can’t believe I-I’m friends with a princess!” A look of surprise abruptly passed over her face. “Oh! But I did manage to get a good starting point. When Shining Armor stopped allowing me to read over messages from Flim and Flam, he gave some of the older letters to a…” She paused. “He’s like some sort of wizard? Historian?” Her face scrunched up. “I-I don’t know. His name is Sunburst.” “Sunburst!?” Sunset erupted. Of course it’d have to be Sunburst! Well, won’t he be surprised when I’m the one with the wings this time around? The thought made her giggle. “Very well, Twilight. And very good! Lead on.” Trailing out of the castle, Twilight led them with ease to Sunburst’s crystal home. Thanks to Sunset’s disguise, no crystal pony bothered stopping them for autographs, allowing their journey to be short. The sun barely stood past noon. When the stallion answered, he recognized Twilight and invited both mares in. The strange way he lived surprised Sunset. It reminded her of another. Books piled in every direction, on and on each other, much like the papers she left with Rarity and Pinkie. The only place where books refrained from being stacked was the kitchen sink. “Anything for the prince’s sister,” he commented. “Who is your friend, by the way?” “Sunset Shimmer,” Sunset replied, purposely avoiding the declaration of her title. Yet Sunburst recognized the name regardless. “Princess Sunset Shimmer?” His eyes scanned over her and the disguise she bore. “As in, new princess, soon to be added to the litany of princesses in Princessland, Princess Sunset Shimmer?” “Soon to be added is a hilarious concept,” Sunset muttered to Twilight. “Yes, that’s right,” she spoke to Sunburst, removing her hat with her magic. “Can’t have every pony in the Crystal Empire come chasing me down for an autograph, after all.” “What an honor!” Sunburst threw himself to the floor, almost knocking a stack of books over on top of him in the process. “What can I do for you, princess?” “I’m here to collect a specific item given to Shining Armor by the brothers Flim and Flam,” she replied, using the earlier information from Mayor Mare. “Twilight here believes you’d have information on its location, since she no longer mitigates Shining Armor’s messages.” The stallion cleared his throat. “Shining Armor did have a need for a pony who would keep up with the communications of Princessland, but I only receive old messages. Shining Armor holds all new letters. Something about not wanting another romance novel commissioned in his name?” Twilight’s face went red with blush. “We-we’re actually looking for an old message. It’d have been a while back.” Stroking his beard, Sunburst paced as he thought on the subject. “An old message? Relating to Flim and Flam? I think a month ago Shining Armor came for such a letter. Though I do not remember why or what its purpose was.” “Shining Armor has it? I’m not so certain he’ll give it up, Sunset,” Twilight mentioned. “Actually, he can’t,” Sunburst replied. “He burnt it as soon as I gave it to him.” “He burnt it? Why would he do that?” Sunset shot a look to Twilight who struggled with the puzzle. “If it had the combination on it then…” It suddenly clicked. “Not all of them are combinations.” Twilight squinted. “You mean a key? That makes s-sense! Why would every lock be the same?” “I’m not sure what you two are talking about,” Sunburst replied. “It’s not a problem. You’ve been a big help.” Sunset bowed to the stallion and quickly pulled Twilight out of the home. “Come on. Back to the castle. I know exactly where those two would’ve commanded Shining Armor to put it.” “Really?” Twilight hustled to match Sunset’s pace. “How?” “They’ve got a sick sense of humor, I’ve found.” Into the castle and up the steps, they huffed and puffed upon arriving in the throne room. “Shining Armor isn’t here. Are we looking for him?” Twilight asked. “No. It’s here.” Removing the carpet, Sunset showed the unicorn a secret passage, blocked by a single trap door. “This has been here? Since when?” Twilight gawked, her eyes studying the wood and iron. “My brother knows about this? He never filled me in.” She shot a look to Sunset. “How did you know about it?” “It’s always here. How many times have I traveled down here? How many times have—” She stopped as her magic struggled to pull up the door. Glancing at the side, she realized someone locked it. “Seriously?” Zapping off the iron padlock, she swung the door upward. “If that doesn’t speak volumes about being on the right track, I’m not sure what does.” Stepping down into the stairway, she looked back up at Twilight who remained in shock. “Well? Come on, slowpoke.” Trotting down into the dimly lit underground, Twilight slowly accompanied the alicorn. “What is this place? How’d you know it was here?” “I’ve been here before, like I said. To stop Sombra. To stop changelings. To stop yo—” She cut herself off before she spoke the words. Lips tightly sealed, she glanced back at the purple mare who was stammering down the steps worse than her stammered speech. “You alright?” “It’s hard to see the steps when my gla-glasses keep shooting down my nose,” Twilight responded, her hoof holding the gap between the lenses. With a smile, Sunset turned and looked up at Twilight. “Then we’ll take a faster route. I know I shouldn’t be expending my magic wastefully, but you have no idea what it’s like being an alicorn.” She realized her mistake. “Well, you don’t, but you do…” “Sunset? You’re acting strange. What are you talking about?” Shaking her head, Sunset said, “Nevermind.” Lifting the t-shirt from her back, she extended her wings from beneath the backpack. Taking Twilight within her magical grasp, Sunset levitated the mare behind her as she jumped. Gliding like a graceful feather, Twilight screamed at the prospect of falling. The purple unicorn screamed even more when Sunset’s hat flew off, hitting her in the face and blinding her to the fall. Upon reaching the bottom, Sunset set Twilight on the ground and removed the blinder. “Twilight!” she yelled over the continuous screaming. Placing the cap into the unicorn’s mouth, Sunset silenced Twilight. “We’re here.” Muffled, Twilight asked where here was. The dark crystal walls hung in a silence once the echoes ceased. No hums. No slight coldness. Only a single door of dark purple wood and a spruce green border. “How could I forget about this door? Last time Sombra took care of it,” Sunset noted. “We’ll need to go back up and I’ll just have to take us flying.” Taking the hat from the unicorn’s mouth, Sunset began her trek back up the steps. “There’s no way I-I’m going to float anywhere!” Rushing to the door, Twilight pulled it open. “If it’s beyond here then there’s no sense in—” While Twilight was unaware of the danger, nor quick enough to shield her eyes, Sunset knew of the terror. Pulling down the bill, Sunset went to the door and slammed it shut. “Twilight, are you alright!?” Blinking, tears swelled at the edges of her purple lids. “I-I saw…” Sunset didn’t let her finish. Embracing, she held Twilight, whispering soothing words. She’d seen the atrocities first hoof, and she only imagined what sort of terrible nightmare Twilight experienced within the fraction of a moment. “Close your eyes,” she told Twilight. Both mares held tightly as Sunset reopened the door, trotting backwards through the gap, and closing the door behind them. “It’s safe. I’ve got you.” “Whoa!” Twilight yelped upon opening her eyes. Light blanketed the walls around them, reflecting against the crystal pillar and stairs. “Sunset, this is impressive. I never knew any of this was here. That door, this? It’s all new!” “Yeah, and if you don’t want me to carry you we need to start climbing. It’s quite the journey with no time to rest.” Pacing herself, she began the trot up the steps. “Hopefully I’m right. They’ve been notably toying with my past experiences. Whether that’s Discord’s doing or the brothers, I’m not sure, but it’s becoming creepy.” “Did you ever run into any other Discord in any of the worlds you traversed?” Twilight asked as she followed, her trot slower than Sunset’s. Easing her steps, Sunset stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “Only one,” she answered. Refusing to allow any other inquiry of the draconequus, she swiftly changed the conversation. “It’s funny. I’ve only met you five times, while the other bearers I’ve met six. In a world ruled by a magic eater, you ran away with your magic, out of Equestria. I thought it was a mistake, but it turns out you were probably the smartest pony there.” “Run away? That’s awfully cowardly, yet you’re commending it? Why?” “Empathy, Twilight,” she replied, continuing her trot. “I’m a lot of things. I can be brash and careless, even a little stubborn at times. But I understand how ponies feel. Sometimes too well. Maybe it’s why I was chosen to aid you six over and over. That Twilight Sparkle did the smartest thing she could do, and I understand why she did it.” She taught me something and she’ll never even know. “Well, at least you’re humble. That’s good,” Twilight said sincerely, though a hint of curiosity still loomed in her voice. “Is your world’s Princess Celestia like ours?” Sunset shrugged. “I don’t honestly know. I haven’t talked to her in a little while. A long while.” Too long. “I think I know what I’ll say when I see her next, though. I’ve had plenty of time to plan it out.” I was your sarcastic little pupil. No, no. That won’t do. I was your snide little pupil who betrayed and abandoned you. Yeah, that works better. “Princess Celestia is fantastic. She’s my favorite princess, you know. I was almost her pupil once. Imagine, me at Princess Celestia’s side. Th-that’d be a dream come true!” “You and every other Twilight mirror that dream.” Reaching the top, Sunset opened another hatch. Crystal walls coated the observation deck, removing the righteous view of the Crystal Empire. “Guess we couldn’t have reached it from the outside,” Sunset noted, eyeing the intricate design. “Looks like they went through a lot of work to make this place look as if it was supposed to be hidden all along. Makes sense. The Crystal Heart was once here.” Judging the pedestal, Sunset greeted the hidden treasure. “Why would they hide it in a place they knew you’d find it?” asked Twilight. “I wonder that too. They’ve been doing it a lot. Perhaps in their infinite wisdom, they thought it some sort of comedy to hide their keys in the places that scorn me. Places I’d like to not visit repeatedly. Or it could even be a trap...” Drawing closer to the pedestal, Sunset noticed that in the Crystal Heart’s place sat a diamond key. Long and slender, it reminded her of old antique doors where one could pry through the keyhole mischievously. Lifting the key with her magic, Sunset expected a trap to spring. Her heart stopped its pumping, hushing itself so that she may hear a faint clicking or tapping within the silence. Nothing came. Returning to Twilight’s side, her eyes remained locked on the diamond key. “This was too easy. Like capturing Rarity easy,” Sunset told her. “Capturing Rarity?” Twilight squinted at the statement. “I’m growing ever suspicious of Discord,” Sunset said, ignoring the query. “It reminds me of the time in a world I visited where me and my friend snuck into Canterlot Castle and attempted to free Princess Celestia. We were against the changelings. The surprising ease ended in a duel against the changeling queen, she’d been waiting for us. It’s hard not to concern myself with the small details after all the things I’ve been through.” Twilight held no real answer, only a stammering sentence that provided Sunset with no encouragement. “M-maybe you s-shouldn’t worry so much since yo-you’re a princess.” Breathing in, a befuddled memory of a distasteful goo stringing down her throat rose from her senses. She choked on it for a moment, suddenly coughing. “Enough of that,” Sunset said, wiping tears that came with the gagging. “Since there is nothing left, we’ll return to Rarity.” Twilight offered no rebuttal. In a moment they were gone, leaving the memory and the Crystal Empire behind. Upon their arrival to Charmer’s home, a stack of papers exploded around them. The first noise heard was a throttled groan of frustration. “Darling,” Rarity greeted, sternly yet civil. “You must be careful upon your entrances. Another inch and you could’ve pushed a pile into another and started a domino effect.” Twirling her own magic, Rarity collected the paperwork. “Sorry about that,” Sunset said as she helped restack the pile. “I’ve brought someone who can help, though. And a key, which should be given to the pony who helped find it.” Turning to Twilight, Sunset levitated the key to her person. “Keep it safe until everyone is back together, alright?” Though it wasn’t much of a request, it clearly meant the world to Twilight. Her face held the largest smile that could rival any of Pinkie Pie’s. “A-absolutely!” Holding it to her chest, Twilight swaddled it in her forelegs like a baby. “What’s with the papers?” “Help Rarity and Pinkie. Somewhere in here is a passcode to one of the safes. I’ve got to catch up with the next bearer.” “You can start by going over Pinkie’s already checked work, Twilight,” Rarity commanded. “While enthusiastic, I’m not even sure she knows what we’re looking for.” Then, under her breath, she said, “Or maybe she doesn’t know how to read?” Sunset’s eyes wandered until she spotted the pink mare who laid on her back with her tongue dangling from her mouth. Though the blue pupils stared up at the paper she held, they did not move, as though she didn’t read the words. As if feeling Sunset’s eyes, Pinkie suddenly shot a look toward the alicorn. “Hi Princess Sunset Shimmer!” she hollered, splattering the paper with saliva from her slavering tongue. Sunset smiled and teleported away before the pink pony could run to her and knock over even more piles. Things were progressing at a smooth rate, and Sunset only worried what might have overcome the yellow pegasus. Yet when she arrived in the city of Griffonstone, she realized her mistake. This Fluttershy was not like any other Fluttershy. Calm, confident, and a level of solidarity that rivaled the brooding, angsty teens who hung below the bleachers at CHS. Her trench coat wrapped tightly around her chest, Sunset could even see the indentations of her notepad and pencil. The hat she once wore was now nowhere to be seen, the pink mane dripping down her shoulders. It did not cover her face, much like every other Fluttershy would’ve allowed. “Sunset.” A flex of her brow showed relief. “Things are going well, I assume?” “And why do you assume that?” Sunset asked. “You’ve already reached me, and I haven’t discovered a clue as to where this code could be.” “That’s awfully smug of you,” Sunset noted, glancing over the pegasus. “You wanted to find the code before I got to you, right?” “That was my hope.” Fluttershy kicked the ground, a dirt clump rolling along. “Griffonstone, the city of griffons, yet everyone ignores me.” She then lifted her hoof, pointing to the busy griffon workers repairing a dilapidated sign outside a store front. Sunset’s eyes spun in her skull as she became entranced with the architecture. The city, thriving in a golden era of prosperity, bustled with ponies and griffons. Her only other interaction with the town remained as a fashionable, ten minute memory. Though not as large as Manehattan or the Crystal Empire, Ponyville would weep in the shadow of this Griffonstone. “All the griffons are busy. Cashiers and store owners kicked me out, construction workers only whistle in response to my questions, and even the children simply stare up at me with silent expressions,” Fluttershy recalled. Though Fluttershy searched for an answer that might be within Sunset, the alicorn gave no response. Sunset remained tight lipped as she walked further into the city, eyeing the tall buildings made from thick tree trunks. They were like the apartments of Manehattan. Several floors, several occupants. “Excuse me. We’re looking for help,” Sunset beckoned a griffon who matched her height, but as she came closer the griffon went the opposite way. “Well, that was rude.” “I told you.” Fluttershy’s face scrunched up, either hurt by the alicorn’s disbelief or the griffon’s arrogance. Glancing around, Sunset noticed that she and Fluttershy were the only two ponies who the griffons ignored. Floral patterned shirts and straw hats made up the fashion of ponies who stood around taking pictures. Some exuberated awe, eyeing the structures or feasting upon delicious-looking treats. She tapped her nose, noting how some griffons led ponies through the streets, lifting their claws to buildings and avenues. “Fluttershy, you’ve got your camera, right?” Lifting it hidden from her neck, Fluttershy handed off the camera. “I assume you’ve come up with something?” Upon finding the closest griffon, Sunset held the camera in her magic, close to her face. “Excuse me. I’m a bit lost.” To Fluttershy’s surprise, he turned to Sunset with a hard smile on his beak. Leaning on his broom, he pointed at Sunset. “Lost? You tourists usually are. What is it you’re looking for?” “I’m trying to find the biggest attraction Griffonstone has to offer, and maybe a guide to the local events,” Sunset stated. “Biggest attraction? That’d be our castle. It’s hard to miss. Right up this main road. Can’t miss it. Even has an information booth right outside.” Then, making small talk, he added, “I’m not sure why they never moved it closer to the train station. You ponies make Griffonstone out to be some confusing mess of homes and trees. Meanwhile, Manehattan is just one tall grey blob.” Sunset chuckled, glancing back at the stone-faced Fluttershy. “Yeah, that’s Manehattan. Thanks for your help!” Trotting back to the pegasus, Fluttershy said, “I already went to the castle. Griffons ignored me there too.” Her eyebrows furrowed. “I suppose they won’t now, of course. A tourist, huh?” “Come on, super sleuth.” Sunset tipped the lid of her cap, grinning beneath its shadow. Passing slate-colored trees, golden stalks of hay lining roofs, Sunset gawked at the plethora of griffons. Young children with bushy tails chased toys in the street, while old, wrinkly elders chatted with each other, talking of the good ol’ days. Of course, those good ol’ days were the present to them. Yet still, even with the beautiful architecture, Sunset did not see the griffon she hoped to find. Upon reaching the tourist booth, they found the griffon in charge at lunch, leaving the post abandoned. “We may as well just head inside the castle,” Fluttershy stated. “Maybe we can hitch on the back of someone else’s guide.” “Good thinking.” Into the castle of hard, dark grey stone, the shapes seemed out of place compared to the rest of Griffonstone. Smaller than any pony castle, the throne room was the center piece upon entry, with little offshoot rooms to the left and right. By some luck, a griffon in a fancy robe led a group of ponies back to the entrance as Sunset and Fluttershy entered. “That concludes our tour,” she said. “Thank you for visiting Castle Griffonstone.” Turning, the griffon frowned at the two newest tourists. “I’m sorry, but the next tour won’t be for another hour.” “Another hour?” Sunset groaned. “I don’t suppose you could answer a few questions, even if you’re not giving a tour?” “Questions? Ponies always have questions. I must decline, or else I won’t get lunch.” The griffon then held a claw to them, as if to say talk to the claw. “Even as tourists we don’t get a guide,” Sunset murmured, if only to Fluttershy. But the pegasus tapped her shoulder. Pointing at a griffon in the corner who nonchalantly flipped a bit, Fluttershy suggested, “Let’s ask her.” Without waiting for Sunset, she trotted over to the griffon. If Fluttershy had waited, she might have seen the surprise and glee on the alicorn’s face. “The Red Brick Wall!” the memory shouted, echoing in Sunset’s mind as she followed the pegasus. Her eyes stared at the sharp beak, the eyes shadowed beneath the eve of the staircase who trailed above the griffon. Brown and white, Gilda appeared out of place with the castle of grey and red. Even the purple streaks in her white feathers did not match the surroundings. While other griffons wore robes, gowns, or suits, she wore a grin, though Sunset envisioned her in dark blue armor. “Tourists, eh?” Gilda spoke to Fluttershy, though she eyed Sunset and the camera. “Yeah, I can give you a tour. Ten bits.” When Fluttershy looked to Sunset for money, the alicorn came up short. “Listen, if I’d known I needed a fortune to bed and clothe you bearers, I’d have asked the princesses for money,” she whispered out of earshot of the griffon. Rolling her eyes, Fluttershy produced the coins and shot them to Gilda’s palm. “Tour, please.” Gilda counted the bits, even taking a bite out of one. When she finished, she grinned and pointed at the steps up to the throne. “That’s the king’s throne.” She then pointed to the far door. “That’s the entrance.” Then in two other directions, she said, “There’s the kitchen and there’s the bedrooms.” Falling to all fours, she saluted the two. “Thanks for the bits! Tours over.” “You can’t be serious,” Sunset practically shouted, throwing her hooves up. “Can you believe this, Fluttershy?” She wasn't this rude during Nightmare's Night! “Absolutely.” Fluttershy’s smile confused the alicorn. “I know how to deal with this.” Shooting up an eyebrow, Sunset watched as the pegasus took more of her bits from her pockets. Fluttershy chased Gilda to the door, blocking the exit. “I don’t mean to be rude, but we were hoping for an extra super special tour. You know, to the super special secret?” Dropping a wingful of bits into the griffon’s palms, Fluttershy gave a convincing smile. “Oh, so you’re one of those historian buff tourists. My lucky day,” Gilda said, greedily taking the bits, not even leaving any on the floor. “Secret passage is behind the throne, levers on the back. Since the tour guides are on break, you should have no problems entering. Just remember to be out before the hour is over. Wouldn’t want you to be locked in there.” Pushing past Fluttershy, Gilda took her bits, laughing herself out into the sunlight. When Fluttershy returned to Sunset, throwing a nod to the throne, Sunset said, “I do hope you know what you’re doing, Fluttershy. That looked like a lot of money.” “You add a lot to your repertoire when you've started your own detective agency. Even if it's just pets. Bribery for more information, a useful talent," Fluttershy answered, waving off the loss. The two trotted up the winding, grey-blue staircase up to the throne. Golden fodder strung the seat with a yellow back. Eyeing the gap between the seat and the wall, Sunset wondered where exactly the secret passage would open. Gilda proved true, however, and Sunset found the lever behind the throne. Pushing it down, a clicking rang out, followed by the snapping of gears. The wall on the far side, between the gap, lowered and valued the darkness which it kept locked away. Gliding across, Fluttershy made it first, then Sunset. When they were both on the other side, Sunset snapped the lever back into place with her magic. “What are you doing? We’ll be trapped!” Fluttershy erupted, sending echoes within the darkened passage. “Trapped?” Sunset lit her horn. “You’re going to be trapped in here with an alicorn who has teleported six times today, all across Equestria?” Hiding her face from the light, Fluttershy meekly mumbled a response. Leading into the tunnel first, Sunset followed the pegasus, eventually discovering an antechamber with a single treasure in the middle. The lights flipped on, allowing Sunset to cool her magic. “Is this part of the safes?” Fluttershy asked, quieter than any of her other questions. The piece of golden treasure stood like a beacon amongst the blue-grey walls of the antechamber. The dome shape of the room loomed in awe of the beauty. “Guess they really don’t want anyone to steal this thing,” Sunset said, eyeing the artifact. “I’m not so sure this thing is a key, but it might hold it somewhere.” Tilting the treasure, she examined the bottom, then the orb in the center. Like a flame atop a golden claw, the metal twirled in a spiral around an orb of multiple colors. Every few seconds the pink hue would become cyan, then grey, then a plethora of other pastels. It reminded Sunset of Celestia’s mane and the wondrous shape it held. “We shouldn’t take the whole thing, should we?” Fluttershy asked, and as if on cue, the secret passage once again opened. “They’re in there!” they heard Gilda yell. “Get ‘em, officers!” In the shadows, large body griffons with spears could be seen coming through the passage, charging to meet Sunset and Fluttershy head on. “It’s time to go!” Sunset told Fluttershy, taking hold of the entire trophy. In a blink, both the pegasus and the alicorn stood with the trophy, an explosion of papers all around them. “Sunset!” both the unicorns of the room chorused. “Girls!” Sunset exclaimed, surprised by the angered reactions. She eyed the many papers still left in searching, and the many more littering the floor. “Well, I guess first place goes to me for most dramatic entrances,” she said, holding up the trophy.