Shim had intended to stay up that night formatting her lab data, but the allure of a good night's sleep had been too much to resist after the events of the past few days. Her head hit the pillow, and she was out ten seconds later
For the first time in living memory, she remembered her dreams in vivid detail. She dreamed of magic, of a new world, uncharted by modern science. Of magicians, mad kings, and forbidden knowledge. And at the heart of the web, a lonely girl with a gift.
Maybe they were prophetic. Or perhaps she was just having a mental breakdown. Either option was equally plausible.
In keeping with new experiences, the soft beeping of her alarm clock - tuned to the precise volume she liked to wake up to - wasn't what awoke her from her slumber. Instead, it was Sunset crashing through her door.
"Shim!"
Shim almost jumped out of her skin. Jamming her glasses on, she sighed in relief as she recognized her visitor. "What?!"
"I can't wear these clothes any more. I'm borrowing some of yours."
"Whatever." Shim mumbled, collapsing backwards onto her bed, too tired to argue. Her desperate attempt to return to her pleasant dreams were spoiled by the sound of Sunset turning her closet upside down. "You better clean that up."
"Sure." Sunset muttered, pulling a shirt over her head. "What's the situation with the magic artefact? Can you get it by the end of today?"
"Maybe."
Sunset paused, frowning as she buckled her belt. "Wait, does that mean you... oh, forget it." Patting herself down, she paused to study herself in the mirror. "How do I - I mean, Is this... normal?"
Shim craned her neck. "I guess. I haven't worn those since freshman year. If it fits you, it's yours."
Sunset tugged at the hem of her shirt. "Shut your... what's this symbol mean?"
"Shut your pi hole. Actually, you might not want to wear that. I made the same mistake at your age."
Sunset began rummaging through the pile of shirts she'd dumped on the floor. "I don't get it, does that glyph represent a pie in your language?"
"No. It's the ratio of the circumference of a circle to it's diameter."
"What?" Sunset held up another shirt, a short-sleeved red top Shim didn't even remember. "So why did you call it pie?"
"What do you call it?"
"We don't have a name for it, we just call it the diameter-circumference constant. Would this be okay?"
Sunset held the shirt up, awaiting Shim's response with poorly-concealed nervousness.
"I guess. Just... put something on, will you? Since when did you care how you dressed?"
"I... I don't care. Just want to keep up appearances." Sunset slipped the shirt on. "Look, I have to go. Get me that artefact by tonight and I'll fix you right up. Maybe I can even get myself home."
The sound of the front door slamming brought great relief to Shim, mixed with annoyance that Sunset hadn't bothered to clean up the mess she'd made after all. Sitting up in bed, Shim stretched her arms with a yawn, before snatching up her mobile.
Was it too early to call Beatrix? Shim knew she could come across as clingy if she asked to meet her two days consecutively. And her plan wasn't exactly fully formed. Beatrix could enchant... kaduceuses? Kaducei? Either way, Beatrix could enchant them, which meant she could probably make Shim one, if she wanted. But what if Beatrix refused?
On the other hand, Shim wasn't exactly happy about being under a curse. Or a charm, as Beatrix had so euphemistically put it. And somehow, she didn't think she had to worry about being the clingy friend.
A friend. Shim wasn't sure how she felt about the concept. She had friends of a sort, of course, but they were all professional contacts, colleagues, club members, the like. Shim didn't really have anyone she was friends with for the sheer company of it.
Then again, she was merely using Beatrix for her own ulterior motives. Or Sunset's ulterior motives. Did that make her a bad person? It wasn't as if Shim found Beatrix insufferable. She almost felt sorry for her - but how could she feel sorry for someone who got to spend their life locked in a mansion, practicing actual magic?
Shim was decided. She would call Beatrix in a few hours, ask to see...
bzzt. bzzt. bzzt.
As if on cue, Shim's phone lit up and began to shake. Unknown number.
Shim pressed accept, pressing the phone to her ear. "Hello?"
"Shim?! Oh, thank the Lord. We need to talk."
"Beatrix? Wait, what's going on?"
"Trouble." A slightly hysterical laugh followed the lone word. "I need you to come around today. No arguments. And I need you to pretend to be a tutor or something."
"Why?" Fear began to grow in Shim's stomach, as her mind began to churn with possibilities. "Are you in danger? Am I in danger?"
"What? No, nothing like that. I just need an excuse to coop myself away for a few hours. What's the earliest you can be here? Never mind, just leave now." The soft sounds of someone talking in the background could be heard through the phone line. "I have to go."
Beatrix disconnected, leaving Shim staring in annoyance at her blank phone screen. Who did Beatrix think she was, ordering her around like some kind of servant? And... coop herself away? Beatrix had an entire mansion to hide in.
Momentarily, Shim considered tossing her phone aside and going back to sleep. But, she reasoned as she dragged herself out of bed, she needed Beatrix to like her - at least, for now. After this whole affair was over and done with, she could make a more informed decision about their relationship. Or fake her own death.
Sunset slowly trodded into the bus shelter, before collapsing into a seat with an unpleasant squelching sound. Of course, this world didn't have pegasai to control the weather. She probably should have thought about that before she left her home without an umbrella.
No light drizzle, either. The rain was ferocious, flooding the roads and rising over the kerb to line the pavement with a thin film of foul-smelling rainwater. She'd just wait out the storm here. At least she'd have an excuse to be late today.
Ten minutes passed. No change. Half an hour. Nothing.
Forty-five minutes, and the storm was as strong as ever - in fact, it had only gotten stronger. Sunset was incredulous. How did humans live like this? It was almost laughable - a species that had so utterly dominated their natural environment was powerless to do something as limited as control the weather. A team of pegasai could reduce entire cities to rubble with a few weeks of snowfall.
In fact, Sunset was so drunk on her own rage, she didn't notice the car pulling up next to her until it was too late. Her vision slowly filled with an all-too-familiar white and blue pattern. The car's window slowly slid downwards, confirming her worst fears. Damn it. Same exact guy.
"There's a really good explanation for this."
The police officer raised an eyebrow. Sunset opened her mouth, then closed it. She knew when to keep her mouth shut. Instead, she gave him a shaky attempt at a smile. "Don't suppose you could give me a lift?"
To his credit, he did give her a lift - directly to Principal Celestia's office. Mercifully, the school halls were empty, so nobody saw her being dragged through them by an irritated police officer. He didn't bother knocking, opting to simply wrench the door open and shove Sunset through.
"Hey!"
"Don't push it." The officer shot back. Turning to Celestia, he jerked his thumb in Sunset's direction "This is the second day in a row I've caught this student playing truant. I am to understand she's one of yours?"
Again, Celestia didn't seem angry. Just... disappointed. Sunset wasn't usually the most sensitive pony, but she found she couldn't hold her former mentor's gaze, and looked away in shame.
"Yes, she is. There's no need for physical gestures, Shining Wing. I can take things from here."
"You'd better. I'm not going to be this school's wrangler any more. Any more kids playing truant, their parents can pick them up from the station. Especially this one." He shot Sunset a dirty look. "And it's Officer Wing, if you don't mind."
"Of course, Officer. Like I said, I'll handle the situation from here." Celestia's voice had a slight edge to it. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"
Shining Wing shook his head in disgust. Pushing past Sunset, he slammed the door behind him, leaving her alone with Celestia.
"Principal Celestia, I'm sorry. I - I didn't bring an umbrella, and there was so much rain, so I was just waiting under a bus shelter when this guy - uh, police officer - just... he just pulls up next to me, and he's asking me..." She trailed off. It was a bad excuse, and she knew it.
"Sunset, please. We both know that's not true. Sit down." Celestia rose from her seat and beckoned her closer. "I expect better from my pupils. I understand that you're new, but behaviour like this is unacceptable. Do I make myself clear?"
Sunset couldn't help but cringe in humiliation. All of a sudden, she was angry. It was so typical for Celestia to exploit Sunset's feelings to her own advantage. Always playing the concerned mother, just to get what she wanted. Tripping her up at every opportunity. Stopping her from achieving her potential!
And Sunset knew it was just her. That was the worst part. She knew Celestia had always distrusted her, delaying her studies time after time using puerile excuses about "empathy" and "ethics". Celestia hadn't even chosen her as her personal protégé - that honour had gone to some juvenile filly who spent all her time shut up in her private study and kept a wild dragon as a pet. It made her blood boil just to think of it.
Twilight Sparkle. She knew all about her. Wealthy, elite parents. Brother top of his class in the Royal Cadets, slated for an officer's position in a few years, maybe even more. She'd had everything hoofed to her on a silver platter, while Sunset had to fight for anything she'd ever valued in life. For recognition. For respect. Sometimes for food, or shelter. Did Celestia care about any of that?
Of course she didn't.
Sunset couldn't help herself. What was wrong with her? She knew she looked weak - pathetic. She'd lost control in front of Celestia before, and she'd been mortified every time. But no matter how furiously she blinked, she couldn't keep the tears back, nor stifle her ragged breath.
But for the first time ever, Celestia didn't look away. She didn't leave. She didn't lose her temper. Instead, she reached out and rested her arms on Sunset's shoulders, giving them a reassuring squeeze.
Sunset almost pulled away. This wasn't right. Celestia had never comforted her before, never given her any kind of affection beyond a compliment on a well-executed spell. But she couldn't stop herself now. Sunset wrapped her arms around Celestia and gripped her tight, breath racked by sobs, while she returned the embrace, albeit somewhat awkwardly.
For a blissful minute, Sunset could forget everything. Where she was, where she was going, how she was ever going to get home.
Then Celestia released her, and she was returned to a world was still foreign, terrifying and strange, but somehow just a little bit brighter than before. Sunset wiped her eyes dry, reaching up in a vain attempt to straighten her wild hair. A deep blush crossed her cheeks as she noticed the mess she'd made on Celestia's shirt. "I - I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I'd be in much worse a state than you if a police officer dragged in front of my headmaster at your age." Celestia gave her a smile that could have blotted out the sun. "Besides, I have a feeling you needed to let that out."
Sunset nodded, heart pounding in her chest. "Maybe."
"Well, I mean what I said. No more skipping class. I have to say, I didn't expect it of you. I've been hearing you've settled in well, made some friends. And Mr Cranky Doodle said you were one of the most able students he'd ever taught. You've got a bright future ahead of you, if you want it."
They were the words Sunset had wanted to hear from Celestia for over a decade. "Thank you, Prince - Principal Celestia." She stammered. "I... I need to get going. Class is starting soon."
"Of course." Celestia's lips moved imperceptibly, as if she had something else to say, but decided against it at the last second. Instead, she simply gestured towards the door. "Take care, Sunset Shimmer."
The same security guard was stationed at the gate, but this time he let her through without a single snide remark. Maybe the new car helped.
As the house drew into sight, Shim did a double-take at the sight of a sleek helicopter sitting nonchalantly in the car park. Leaning against the body was a woman dressed in grey combat fatigues, clutching a pilot's helmet in one hand, and a thin paperback in the other. She barely even looked up when Shim parked next to her.
Was this related to Beatrix's panicked call? Well, it certainly hadn't been here this morning. It was a beautiful piece of work, glossy red in colour with a luxurious interior. Sunspot Industries was printed on the side. Shim didn't know much about helicopter market prices, but even so, she could tell it must be one seriously expensive machine. The pilot seemed to have finally noticed Shim's stare, and scowled at her in response.
"It's not polite to stare, you know."
Shim almost snapped back, but bit her tongue. She didn't want to overstep her welcome. And she didn't like the look of the handgun strapped to her hip.
"Sorry. It's just... I mean, you don't see something like that every day."
The pilot shrugged. "You must not have been here long." Waving her arm dismissively, she returned to her book. "Whatever you're here for, you picked a bad day for it."
Unnerved, Shim slowly approached the house's behemoth of a front door. She had to knock on the door three times before she got a response - and not the one she'd been hoping for.
"Can I help you?"
In the doorway stood a young man Shim didn't recognize, wearing an elaborate blue-and-gold double-breasted suit. His eyes darted back and forth behind his circular glasses, as if expecting someone else to jump out from behind her. As he spoke, his deep orange beard shook violently, as if threatening to fall off. In fact, everything he did seemed to ooze awkwardness.
Shim extended her hand. "Uh, maybe? My name's Sunset Shimmer. I'm here to see Beatrix."
The young man stared at her arm for a moment before responding. "Oh. Well, that's... good!" He pulled the door open wider. "She did mention someone was coming to see her today. I only wish I'd thought of it first."
Shim frowned as she entered. "I'm sorry, I don't think we've met. I'm Beatrix's tutor."
"I'd be very surprised if we had. You..." The man frowned. "Actually, you do look familiar. I can't place my finger on it, though." He tugged absent-mindedly on his beard. "Never mind. I'll go and get Beatrix for you."
"I can't come with you?"
He paused. "You can if you want. Things are a bit tense at the moment, though."
"Oh, come on. You can't just say that and not tell me why."
The young man sighed, clearly uncomfortable. "Come with me and you'll see what I mean."
Shim paused outside the door, her hand resting on it's handle. She could hear the muffled sound of two voices arguing - one of whom she didn't recognize, the other of which was unmistakable.
"Who is she arguing with?"
"Her mother. Valentina. The eleventh." He added sarcastically.
"I don't suppose you could tell me what over?"
"I don't think that's my place."
Shim took a deep breath, and pushed the door open. All discussion cut off the second she did, and three pairs of eyes swivelled around to greet her.
Beatrix was toe-to-toe with another woman - Valentina. Shim had never so much as seen a photo of her before, but she could tell immediately from her clothing. The silver circlet atop her head was one giveaway, as was the golden, gem-studded dress she wore, which looked like it cost more than Shim's annual rent.
"Who are you!?"
She sounded furious. Beatrix, who's attention had been momentarily thrown by Shim's sudden appearance, immediately snapped out of it and returned fire on Shim's behalf.
"Don't talk to her like that! She's the tutor I should have been seeing today. You know, getting an education!"
Valentina gritted her teeth. "We are not done here. I'm sorry, but my daughter is busy today. I will happily reimburse you for any lost income, but-"
"We are done! I'm not listening to another word from you!" Beatrix pushed past her mother. "Come on, Sunset."
Valentina's face flushed red. "How dare you speak to your mother like that!"
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Beatrix exploded. "I guess I should just lie down and do whatever my mommy asks, like a good -"
"Let her go." Shim had barely noticed the other woman in the room. Unlike the majestically adorned Valentina, she wore a simple business suit, decorated only by a pearl necklace, with her flaming red hair cut in a short, practical bob. "I feel we should discuss the matter some more in private, your highness."
Valentina faltered slightly. "If you believe it would be prudent, I will accede to your request, Stellar Flare."
"I believe it would." She gave Shim a sympathetic smile. "Sorry to hold you up."
Beatrix was shaking with anger as they left. The young man eyed her in poorly disguised fear, which only seemed to contribute to her rage.
"Don't look at me like that, Sunburst. I'm not being fucking unreasonable!"
Sunburst almost jumped out of his skin. "I know, I know! Look, I'm no happier about it than you are, why take it out on me!?"
Shim coughed, unable to watch passively any longer. "So... mind telling me more about that?"
Beatrix snarled. "My mother wants to move my wedding forward. By a year. As in, two months from now." Without warning, she set off at a brisk pace. "Keep up."
Shim set off. Sunburst hesitated for a moment, then ran after them. "Wait!"
Beatrix came to a halt and rounded on him. "I didn't say you were invited, Sunburst."
"Well, what else do you want me to do? Twiddle my thumbs?"
Shim's heart sank as the pair of them started to bicker like children.
"All right, all right." She cut across the pair. "Trouble in paradise, I get it." She pointed at Sunburst. "I take it you're the groom-to-be?"
Sunburst coughed, nervously adjusting his tie. "I suppose so. Can't say I'm too happy about it, though."
"So... why are you here?"
He gave a dry laugh at that. "My mother might be content to run my life, but even she wouldn't rearrange my own wedding without letting me know."
"You know, it wouldn't hurt if momma's boy could back me up." Beatrix snapped. Sunburst shook his head.
"I think I argued with my mother the whole helicopter ride here. You know my voice doesn't count for shit. Neither does yours. And last time I was here, you didn't have much to say either."
"That was before I learned I was going to be chained down a whole fucking year earlier!" Beatrix screamed the last part of her sentence, kicking over a nearby table, sending it clattering to the floor.
"Chained down? Look, we both agreed it was just going to be a... formality." He broke her gaze at the word. "I don't see why it matters if it happens in two months or two years. We'll have a place of our own, too. Independence. Isn't that what you wanted?"
Beatrix hung her head. "You really believe that? What about when your mother starts badgering you for grandkids?"
Sunburst didn't respond. Instead, he glanced over his shoulder at Shim. "Look, I'll leave you two to it. Sorry about this, Sunset."
Shim raised her hand. "Don't worry about it. And call me Shim. Are you going to be okay?"
Sunburst nodded, licking his lips nervously. "I'll live. I've got some reading to catch up on. I won't take up any more of your time."
Beatrix tugged at Shim's sleeve. "He'll be fine. Come on, we've probably got an hour or so."
Slamming the opened chest on the table, Beatrix collapsed in a nearby chair. She tossed her kaduceus in the air, catching the crystal orb at the last second. "Thanks for getting me out of that."
"No problem." Shim took the seat opposite her. "So, going to wow me some more?"
Beatrix shook her head, fire dancing behind her ice-cold eyes. She reached downwards, drew her knife once more, and rested it on the table. "Even better. Let me show you how this stuff really works."