//------------------------------// // 2 // Story: Dragon's Anon-a-Miss // by Anonomis //------------------------------// “Come on; it's time for school.” “Damn. At least it's Friday,” Sunset mused “How do you do this?” “It's not that bad. Try to hike ten miles with gear on. This is just a mile.” “You're right. Considering I tend to take the long way home,” she joked Half an hour later the pair arrived at CHS and immediately headed to see Principal Celestia. They were lucky that not many students had arrived that early to see Sunset’s former friends. “Principal Celestia? Permission to enter?” “Come on in,” Celestia replied, as the pair entered “What can I help you with?” “I was wondering if Brian could help protect me,” Sunset started “It's about this ‘Anon-a-Miss’; isn't it,” Luna asked “It is. Ever since those secrets were posted on Tuesday; everyone believes I am the creator,” Sunset replied “Brian; do be careful. You are permitted to sit in the back of class to watch over Sunset. I'll have Luna inform your teachers about this,” Celestia said “Thank you Principal Celestia,” Brian and Sunset replied, before they left ♢ CELESTIA ♢ “Do we have any suspects,” Luna asked curiously “Unfortunately; none. Then again; we really don’t know anything that goes on away from school grounds.” “That's the problem. All we know is someone is posting secrets online. While we could ban phones on school; whomever is posting will just do it somewhere else,” Luna added sadly “It's the same with the students. Since there hasn't been a report of battery on school grounds; we can't step in.” “Dammit! I hate sitting on my ass doing nothing,” Luna complained “As do I; Lulu. All we can do is hope everything works out.” ♢ BRIAN ♢ “I have English first. There's supposed to be a test today,” Sunset said “That's fine. I should do pretty well.” The two headed down the hall to Cheerilee’s classroom. Brian took a seat in the back while she sat a few seats ahead to his right. A few minutes later; other students started heading inside and grabbed their notes, hoping to get some last moment studying done. “Damn. I hope I can do alright,” Rainbow Dash muttered to herself Without a complaint; Brian looked over his test and answered some of the easier questions. In regards to some of the stories listed; he had to guess at the answers since those weren't something he could recall reading. Although it wasn't for a grade; he wanted to make an effort to look intent on passing. “I hope I did alright,” Sunset mused “You'll be fine. I'm not sure if I mixed up the texts or not,” Brian joked Rainbow Dash seemed in a hurry as she ran out of the classroom to get away as Sunset gathered her belongings. “What's with her?” “Rainbow Dash? Hell if I know,” Sunset whispered ♢ RAINBOW DASH ♢ “What the fuck is going on? Someone is actually helping that bitch!? He seems to familiar to me; but I can't place it.” ♢ BRIAN ♢ “Math. I have a few tests today,” Sunset said in a whisper “No problem.” As the two headed to her next class; many students parted ways; although the occasional shove still occurred. It was the appearance of Brian; a seemingly intimidating figure in all black caused many not to get in the way figuring Sunset had a bodyguard. The next few classes were the same with Brian taking seats in the back and trying his best to get through the tests. Math felt too easy as he was taught calculus; while the test was about trigonometry. Sunset’s final class was PE where they officially parted ways. In the meantime; he headed to the library to relax, when someone bumped into him. “I'm sorry. I tend to be clumsy at times,” a female student said apologetically As Brian helped her to her feet; he noticed what might have been a lazy eye and tried not to focus on her disability. “It's alright to look. I was born with a distinct eye. I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Derpy Hooves,” she commented “It's a pleasure to meet you; miss Hooves. I'm Brian Dragnov.” “You've been with Sunset in class. I don't believe she has been posting secrets,” Derpy stated “Thank you for the confidence. You seem to be one of the small minority that believes in Sunset’s innocence.” “What about you? Why did you choose to help out,” Derpy inquired “My parents taught me to help others. I saw someone who stood alone when everyone was against her and chose to step up. After Sunset explained what happened; I wanted to help prove her innocence.” “If you don't mind me asking; why haven't you been at school,” she asked “I have my reasons. Sorry to leave it at that.” “Sixth period is going to end in a few minutes as the lunch rush starts. I'd recommend heading out now to beat the others. I'll see you around; Brian,” Derpy suggested “Thank you for the advice. I'll see you around. Out of curiosity; what brought you here?” “I assist in the library and help out other teachers,” she answered “Most of the students tend to ignore me due to my ‘condition’.” The two left the library before temporarily parting ways as Brian needed a bathroom break. Just as the bell rang; he calmly joined the students and headed to the cafeteria. Glancing over; Sunset had already gotten her food and sat at the opposite end as he joined her. “This was fun. Thank you,” Sunset commented “You're welcome. It was interesting to actually see just how different the lessons were.” ♢ RAINBOOMS ♢ “Look at that bitch,” Dash hissed angrily “Anon-a-Miss herself actually has a bodyguard protecting her.” “Rainbow; are you actually sure Sunset is the one posting secrets,” Fluttershy asked “Yeah. He helped her up, trying to be a gentleman,” Pinkie suggested “He helped her up because she asked him to! He's her damn guard,” Dash countered “I don't know anymore. If Sunset didn't post our secrets; then who did,” Applejack questioned “I don't know either. It was someone close; but I can't figure it out,” Rarity added sadly “Those pictures that were posted came from Sunset’s phone. But what if it was stolen by someone and posted in order to frame Sunset,” Pinkie commented “If it wasn't Sunset; what exactly do they get out of framing her,” Fluttershy mused “You'd best figure out what side you're on,” Dash threatened “Or else.” “Right now; I believe we wronged Sunset,” Fluttershy said, as Pinkie nodded ♢ BRIAN ♢ “That's not too good.” “You can hear that,” Sunset asked in a whisper “No; but I can tell by their reactions. The rainbow-haired one is a bit irritated by the others.” “Dash is mad? Why am I not surprised,” Sunset mused dryly ♢ CMC ♢ “I was saying; Granny Smith agreed to letting me sleep over at Sweetie Belle’s house,” Bloom said “You alright Scoots?” “Huh? Sorry; Bloom. I was lost in my thoughts,” Scootaloo answered dryly “Are you going to join us tonight,” Sweetie asked “You two have fun. I just don't feel well right now,” Scoots replied “Are you sure? We could wait until next week,” Bloom suggested “I'm sure. Go ahead,” was the response The two watched as Scootaloo headed out of the cafeteria. Once out of sight; Scootaloo went to the bathroom and called for a ride. ♢ SCOOTALOO ♢ “Mom could you pick me up?” ‘I thought you were going over to your friend's house tonight?’ “I changed my mind. I did something bad and need to get it off my chest.” ‘If that's what you want. I'm on my way.’ “Thanks.” ♢ BRIAN ♢ “Shall we get going?” “Yeah. I'm just lucky there wasn't any homework given out,” Sunset mused “It'll be nice to relax.” As an angry Rainbow Dash watched; Brian offered Sunset an arm as he escorted her back home. Nearly half an hour later they arrived back to discuss what to do next. “Why was today so quiet? I only received a single shove; although no secrets were posted,” Sunset questioned “I probably had some sway to the first part of that statement. Someone in all black with combat boots does feel imposing; regardless of my actual stature. In regards to the secrets; either they're hoarding secrets to post some big bombshell, or there's dissension amongst the ranks.” Before they could continue their conversation; someone started knocking at the door. Standing there was a female in a similar attire to Brian's; minus the trench coat. Her short purple hair was situated in a Mohawk, as she stuck a hand on her hip. “Gonna invite me in,” she asked “Come on in; Fizz.” “You should know better than to call me that,” she mused “That's why I'm the only one that can do so,” Brian said as the two hugged “Sorry; I should properly introduce myself. Canterlot Military Academy's Cadet Commander Tempest Shadow; formerly known as Fizzlepop Berrytwist,” Tempest said “It's nice to meet you. I'm Sunset Shimmer,” Sunset added The three headed inside and took seats at the living room as Brian retrieved his notebook with information. Tempest automatically reached over and took the book. “What's the relationship between the two of you,” Sunset inquired “I was his successor to being in charge of CMA. As of now; I'm acting as an advisor to the current commander. During Brian's stay in the hospital after his incident; I helped him out,” Tempest explained “I look at him as a sort of older brother figure.” “Thank you for letting me know. I just wanted to make sure you weren't together or anything,” Sunset commented “Nothing of the sort. We're just good friends.” “What's this about and who's the suspects,” Tempest asked, motioning towards the notes “A profile on the site MyStable calling itself Anon-a-Miss. Those three girls you escorted here yesterday; Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo; are the suspects.” “What's the Mens Rea,” Tempest questioned “Mens Rea? What's that,” a dumbfounded Sunset asked “In legal terms; it's the mental act of why a crime was committed. But therein lies the problem; we don't have the answer.” “Damn. That would make it so much easier,” Tempest mused “What exactly happened?” “I'll let the two of you discuss that. If you don't mind; I'm going to train downstairs.” ♢ TEMPEST SHADOW ♢ “Have fun,” Tempest commented, as he left “This is often,” Sunset questioned “Yeah. He reached black belt in taekwondo at sixteen years old. Two years later he was advanced to second Dan. Back to the subject at hand; what happened? I'd prefer to hear it from you, not just paper shorthand.” “On Monday; a group of girls I know decided to set up a series of sleepovers this week with each one hosting. A phone call came in from one of the girl's siblings mentioning a nickname. That night it was posted on MyStable using my silhouette and hair color; calling itself Anon-a-Miss. Tuesday; we had pictures taken of us on my phone posted and Wednesday saw a test grade posted,” Sunset summarized “How'd this come about?” “I believe it was retribution for my actions when I entered. You'd probably think I'm crazy; but I originally came from a world called Equus in an area known as Equestria. When I entered; I treated everyone as shit because I was a princess; or at least I thought I should've been,” Sunset said with a sigh “A world of talking ponies? It does sound crazy; but I can tell you're not lying. I wonder if everyone here has a counterpart?” “My friend Twilight Sparkle happens to be one of four princesses there and she's noticed many of the same names reappearing in both worlds. You probably have a counterpart; but she may not live in the same town,” she answered “No problem. I had to ask.” “Just out of curiosity; why'd you change your name,” Sunset asked “My parents named me Fizzlepop Berrytwist because they thought it was unique. I was bullied so much I requested it be changed to Tempest Shadow. Brian’s the only one that knew my real name. What's with the design on your bag?” “In Equestria they're known as cutie marks. They represent your talent such as mine being pyro magic,” Sunset answered “That's awesome. I wonder what mine could be?” “Unfortunately; I couldn't say,” was the response “Let's check on Brian and see how he's doing.” With that; both girls headed downstairs and watched as Brian was in in the middle of one of his taekwondo forms. Sunset watched in awe at the fluid and graceful motions he showed. ♢ BRIAN ♢ “Have a nice chat?” “You saw us enter,” Sunset asked “Heard; actually. I prefer to practice with my eyes closed to listen to my surroundings. The sound of two footfalls were heard; with one being lighter than the other.” “I never thought about that,” Sunset mused “Which of us was lighter?” “Probably me. I know his tendencies to listen closely to stuff like that,” Tempest replied “I've come to the conclusion that it might be retribution that created Anon-a-Miss,” Sunset decided, changing the subject “From listening to what Sunset told me; I concur with the assessment,” Tempest added “What do we do now,” Sunset asked “Honestly; I'm not entirely sure. It's still impossible to report anything without actual evidence or a confession.” “If you two don't mind; I'm going to return to the campus. Let me know if you need me,” Tempest commented “Thanks for the help Fizz. It's nice to have an unbiased view of events,” Brian said, hugging her “Thank you very much Tempest. It was nice to meet you,” Sunset added “I hope you catch the punks that did this,” Tempest stated “If we need anything I'll let the Storm King know.” “Storm King? Who's that,” Sunset asked curiously “That's the nickname for the director of CMA. All I know for a fact was that he was a four-star Army General.” “Have a nice night; you two,” Tempest said “Just don't do anything naughty.” All three headed upstairs as Tempest took her leave and Brian went to get cleaned off. Sunset sat in the living room in the meantime and found a random show to watch on TV. “Sorry about that.” “It's fine. This is your house after all,” Sunset replied Looking over; she noticed that he changed into a pair of sweatpants and t-shirt; although the gloves were still on. “Yeah; about that. I do have a proposition for you. Given your current situation; I'd like to offer you a chance to live here.” “You'd really let me stay here? Why?” “Why not? My parents would have gladly offered to help you out; and certainly can't turn someone away. I'll give you some time to think about it.” “My mind's already made up. I accept,” she said hugging him, before kissing him on the lips “I'm sorry. I just got a little excited.” “It's alright. Just unexpected.” “It's not much; but I'd like to return to the factory and retrieve my clothes,” she said “We'll go tomorrow; although I'm not taking any chances.” “No lethal weapons. I don't want to see you killing anyone,” she said without argument “If that is what you wish. I'll use the paintball gun instead.” Before the two could continue their conversation; someone was knocking at the door. Brian decided to just answer the door instead of relying on the perimeter security. Standing outside was one of the three girls that questioned him only the day prior and an older female. “Permission to enter,” the older woman asked cautiously “My name is Spitfire and you already know my daughter Scootaloo.” “Permission granted.” The four sat in the living room as Scootaloo handed over her backpack to a confused Brian. “What's this?” “It's what's inside that you might want,” Scootaloo started “Pardon me for a moment. There's something I need.” Brian headed over to a shelf and removed a manila envelope; along with a pair of rubber gloves. With the necessary objects in his possession; he returned to the living room. “Before we start; please fill this out. It's a chain of custody sheet for everything. This might not be legally binding; but it should cover our asses for any potential problems.” Without argument; Scootaloo filled out the paper documenting the contents of her backpack before removing a stack of papers. “These are all messages regarding secrets that were to be posted. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and I are Anon-a-Miss,” Scootaloo said sadly “Why did you do it? Why frame me,” Sunset demanded “Anon-a-Miss wasn't supposed to go that far. Applejack’s secret was meant as a joke; and I suggested the outfits were supposed to be publicity for Carousel Boutique. We all know Rainbow Dash is too damn stubborn to admit she's failing science class,” Scootaloo explained “But why me? I've tried to make amends for my actions,” Sunset asked “They just saw you as collateral damage. I believe the two still harbor a dislike towards you for taking Applejack and Rarity away from them. I speak for myself when I say that I'm sorry,” Scootaloo said apologetically “Why the change of heart?” “It was you that caused the change; Brian,” was the reply “May I borrow something temporarily?” “Go ahead.” Scootaloo headed towards the shelf containing the pictures of his parents and carefully removed one of the folded up flags before placing it on the table. “This is why. My father is Admiral Tirek; and was your parent’s commanding officer. I attended both funerals but I couldn't say anything to you that would comfort you. Seeing Sweetie Belle picking that up so carelessly made me resent them and want to leave,” Scootaloo explained “Perhaps you should start at the beginning and explain this Anon-a-Miss,” Spitfire suggested “I'll write the confession down if you don't mind.” ♢ SCOOTALOO ♢ “Although the account started on Monday this week; tensions rose after the Fall Formal.” □ FALL FORMAL FLASHBACK □ After the Fall Formal ended; many students were heading home for the evening. Hanging back were Rainbow Dash and the others; along with their siblings. “I can't believe that crap! Sunset bullies the students and turns into a demon that destroys the school; and the only punishment is cleaning up the debris? Bullshit,” Apple Bloom said angrily “I know. That's unfair and we know it,” Sweetie Belle added “There needs to be some kind of punishment.” “What about you; Scoots,” Bloom asked “I don't know. The cleanup is certainly more than enough.” “No, it most certainly is not. Rebuilding the damage would be much better. That would show the bitch,” Sweetie countered ●○CONFESSION○● “The three of us watched over the weeks as Applejack and the others started to accept you into the group.” □LATER: CANTERLOT HIGH SCHOOL□ The trio decided to head to the library after eating lunch while their siblings were together. To their amazement and luck; no one was present but the school librarian. “Oh; come on! Once again, my sister decides to ditch me for the Wicked Bitch of Canterlot High,” Bloom complained “We need to do something about this. I'd like to spend time with my sister. Hell; I'd model dresses for her if Rarity would acknowledge me,” Sweetie added “I wouldn't mind Dash helping me out with soccer practice. Hopefully I could make the varsity team.” ●○CONFESSION○● “That was last week they complained about which led to Monday's incident.” □ANON-a-MISS□ “If Applejack won't acknowledge me; I'll break up that group,” Apple Bloom spat “How do you want to split them up,” Sweetie inquired “We use Sunset to our advantage. Create an account on MyStable using her silhouette and hair color and post secrets about our sisters,” Bloom explained with a sadistic grin “I don't know about this. Isn't this a bit too far?” “No. The girl you look up to has blown you off constantly; and for what? To hang out with the same person that bullied everyone? This is just payback,” Belle chimed in “We'll start with AJ’s nickname first. That should light the fire of distrust,” Bloom stated •A-a-M Day 2 • “Well; it's not much but the fire is sparking,” Bloom mused “Despite everything that happened; my sister still wants to have a sleepover,” Sweetie complained ●○CONFESSION○● “At that point; Sweetie Belle swiped your phone and download the recent images taken that night. I suggested they be posted for publicity; but obviously that was ruled against. They convinced me to get something against Dash; which resulted in the test.” “How'd you know about that,” Sunset asked “Dash mentioned she needed to pass her science class in order to get her sports scholarship. I hoped that by posting that; you or someone else would tutor her.” “Maybe if she hadn't been such a bitch to me. Otherwise; it's on her to learn,” was Sunset’s reply “Yesterday; the three of us saw the two of you leaving with the janitor as Apple Bloom suggested we follow. Just as we neared the house; a female in a CMA uniform stopped us.” “Why'd you really want to meet me,” Brian inquired “They wanted secrets that could be used against you.” “If your friends were doing this; why didn't you leave,” Spitfire questioned “They're my friends. I hoped to be the voice of reason and talk some sense into them; but obviously to no avail. I actually lied to them about being sick so I could have time to explain everything. As of lunch this afternoon; I am no longer a member of the Canterlot Movie Club.” “Please sign this. It's an affidavit stating your confession was entirely voluntary and of your own recollection of events. This entire conversation has also been recorded and will be turned over to Principal Celestia,” Brian directed Without question, Scootaloo read over the papers in front of her regarding her confession before signing them. Brian collected everything and placed them inside a box that was sealed after receiving the security tape. ♢ BRIAN ♢ “Thank you for the explanation. On Monday the evidence will be handed over.” “I'm sorry this had gotten so out of hand; Sunset. Could you ever forgive me,” Scootaloo begged “Thank you for at least trying to stop the others,” Sunset replied, hugging her “I'll see you on Monday at school,” Scootaloo said, before she and Spitfire left “What do you think; Brian,” Sunset asked “This is certainly going to be interesting. The three of us know the truth; but how will the rest of the student body react?” “I don't want to imagine that until it happens. But I do want to remind you about picking up the stuff I left behind.” “Of course. I promise not have any lethal weapons with me.” “Thanks. I just hope we can get there without any problems,” she mused “It's not the trip to the factory I'm worried about. It's the possibility of getting into a fight.” “You can hold your own, though. Isn't that good?” “It is; but it's not going to be fair. Chances are, they'll bring as many as they can to eliminate you.”