//------------------------------// // Ch 6 - The Choosing - Consequences of Choices Made // Story: Phoenix-born Rising - The Ascension of Sunset Shimmer // by The Voice in the Water //------------------------------// “Well, get moving.” Raven said. “My lady, that’s not fair. She started it.” Rosy Mist said as she pointed to Sunset. “It's true!” Orange Spice declared. “She attacked us first! Look what she did to Sapphire’s nose!” Turning to Lady Inkwell, Sapphire lowered her hand, revealing the bent and bleeding ruin that was her nose.  “Let me see.” Raven said, stepping into the room. Once inside, she gently grasped Sapphire’s chin, and tilted her head back to examine the damage, her expression never changing from casual indifference. Sunset began to rise, her anger boiling. Were they really trying to shift the blame to her? Getting to a knee, Sunset glared daggers at the other girls. “That’s bull.” Sunset growled. “You three…” “Quiet.” Raven said, her voice still calm, but carrying such authority that Sunset immediately stopped talking. “None of you are to speak until we reach my office, is that clear?” “But…” Sapphire began. “I said, you are not to speak.” Raven said levelly as she fixed Sapphire with a stare, instantly silencing the girl. “Understood?” All four girls immediately nodded, the pressure of Lady Inkwell’s command slamming down on them like the talons of a roc. “Good.” Raven said, before stepping back and pointing pointing to the hallway. “Out of the room. Now. Do not touch anything. Do not speak.” The girls obediently filed out, Raven’s inescapable stare boring into them as they walked. None of them made a peep as they marched into the hallway, Sapphire still gently cradling her nose. Sunset exited last, trying not to smirk at her handywork. She had a feeling that it wouldn’t earn her any favors with Lady Inkwell to be satisfied with breaking someone’s face, no matter how justified. And, it gave her something to focus on… other than her impending expulsion from the rite. Once all four had exited, Lady Inkwell stepped out of the room, closed the door and locked it. Without saying a word, she lifted her hand and pointed down the corridor. Gulping, the four girls immediately began to walk in the direction Lady Inkwell had indicated, heads lowered, with Sunset falling in behind the others. All four heard the sharp staccato clack of the seneschal's high heels on the marble floor behind them. To Sunset, it sounded like a judge’s gavel, letting them know that Raven was looming over them like a garuda. Sunset’s mind was racing as she walked. What was she going to say to Lady Inkwell to justify herself. Could she justify herself? From what her guide had told her, the Queen’s senechal wasn’t like the other Heliopolans she’d met. But, it was a small comfort given her situation. She was one. Her attackers were three. They could corroborate each other’s stories. She was on her own. Lifting her head slightly, Sunset glanced over her shoulder at Lady Inkwell, hoping to figure out her mood. But, there was nothing. Lady Inkwell’s face was stoic and controlled, betraying none of her inner thoughts. It was a stark reminder of just who and what Lady Inkwell was. This woman was ancient beyond imagining, and had been embroiled in Solarian politics for ages. Just as Sunset was about to turn her eyes back to the floor, she noticed there was something awry. The spot on Raven’s shoulder where her bond partner had been perched was vacant. At some point between them exiting the room and now, Dylis had disappeared. ‘Where did he go?’ Sunset wondered. At that moment, Lady Inkwell looked down at Sunset. Seeing the phoenix-born meet her eyes, Sunset turned away and resumed her march. Now she was in for it for sure. Lady Inkwell had caught her staring. Maybe she should try to do a courage based forging dance and feed the flame with her despair. The contradictory dance and flame type might create enough backlash to blow herself up. All she needed was enough time to perform the spell improperly. Before she could finish formulating her plan to escape through self inflicted spell conflagration, they arrived at a large, elaborately decorated wooden door. Looking up, Sunset saw a golden placard with the words ‘Lady Raven Inkwell, Headmistress’ engraved on it. Gulping, Sunset watched Lady Inkwell open the door and usher them in.  Under normal circumstances, Sunset would have been awed by the grandeur and opulence of the royal seneschal's office. Soft blue carpet covered the floor from wall to wall. On one end was a massive bookshelf filled with tomes and a few marble busts. On the other wall was a line of seats, along with a small, knee high table. Near the wall furthest from the door was a large, rosewood desk situated before a massive picture window that gave a direct view of Celestia’s castle. The desk itself was covered with various bins and piles of papers, with a tall, plush chair resting on the opposite side from them. And finally, there was a tall, willow-branch shaped perch made of gold crusted with topaz and ruby, which Sunset realized must be for Dylis when he wasn’t perched on Lady Inkwell’s shoulder. Walking past the girls, Raven strode to her desk and leaned back against it, crossing her arms across her chest. “Alright. Let's get to the bottom of this.” Without uncrossing her arms, she pointed to the chairs. “Sit.” Nervously, Sunset obeyed, following the others. She could feel Raven’s eyes on them the entire time, the weight of her glare pressing down on her like a ton of boulders. Taking the chair closest to the window, Sunset sat, trying to get comfortable, the others sitting closer to the door, ensuring that there were at least three chairs between them and Sunset.  Once she was seated, her eyes were drawn to a sudden motion as Raven began casting a spell with her arms and upper body. Before she could wonder what was happening, she felt a strange, numbing sensation shoot through her. Trying to move, she found that she couldn’t. Flicking her eyes back and forth, she realized that while she could still look around, and breath normally, everything else was frozen. Somehow, whatever magic Raven had cast completely paralyzed her body.  Glancing out of the corner of her eyes, she saw that the other three were also frozen in place. “Now that I can be sure none of you are not going to do anything foolish, we can address this unfortunate situation.” Lady Inkwell said as she walked up to the four frozen girls. “But first, we need to deal with your nose, Sapphire.” Standing by the girl in question, Lady Inkwell began to cast another spell, this one a slower, full body dance. As she gracefully moved, a golden glow like pure sunlight began to form over her body. As she finished her dance, the light flowed up her arm until it gathered at the tip of her index finger. Bringing her fingertip to Sapphire’s broken nose, she gently tapped it, the light flowing off and wrapping itself around the damaged area. Sunset watched in awe as Sapphire’s nose straightened itself out and returned to its original shape, the bruises and dried blood vanishing into thin air. “There, that’s better.” Lady Inkwell said as she inspected Sapphire. Sunset’s heart and mind were torn in two directions as she watched Lady Inkwell.  Her heart was furious. As far as she was concerned, Sapphire deserved to have her nose broken for destroying the book that her oath-sisters had given her.  That book meant more to her than anything else she owned, because it was something that Pinkie, Rainbow and AJ knew that she’d wanted for years. They’d saved up to buy it for her as a birthday present, all while managing to keep it a secret that they were doing it. It was more than a book. It symbolized their friendship and proof that they had welcomed her into their sisterhood. It was a symbol of her being part of their family. And that stupid, stuck-up, night-loving jerk tore it appart because she wanted to hurt Sunset. To prove that she could get away with it. And then Lady Inkwell just goes and heals her. But what about her? What about the gift that her sisters gave her? The sign of their mutual sororal bond? Could Lady Inkwell fix that? Could she give Sunset such a treasured keepsake back? Could she make it right? Could she heal the wound in her heart? Yet, as angry as she was, the arcanist in her was fascinated by what Lady Inkwell had just done. From what she’d learned from her books, such healing magic was exceptionally difficult to cast. And what Lady Inkwell had done went against most of what she knew about healing spells. Healing magic only sped the healing process, not outright reversed the damage. Furthermore, such magic was the purview of earth-weavers, and even the best of them would take minutes of spell-dancing to produce a discernible effect. Yet Lady Inkwell had not only cast it in seconds, but done so with such incredible ease that it bordered on unimaginable. If she could have, Sunset would have peppered Lady Inkwell with questions. Or berated her for showing someone who had desecrated a gift from the most important people in her life so cruelly a kindness they didn’t deserve.  But, frozen as she was, she couldn’t do either. She could only fume in quiet impotence. Yet, as she seethed, she was interrupted by Lady Inkwell rising and looking down at them. “Now that that’s out of the way, we can get on to business.” Lady Inkwell said as she surveyed the four of them. “I’m going to release you, one at a time, and we’re going to go into the room behind me. Once inside, you’re going to tell me what happened. After I hear everyone’s story, I’ll mete out my judgement.” Lifting her right hand and snapping the fingers, Sunset watched as Rosy Mist all but tumbled out of her chair, her eyes wide and fearful. “Please follow me Rosy Mist. We’ll start with you.” ***** Sunset’s guts were writhing in terror by the time it was her turn. Much to her horror, Lady Inkwell chose to interrogate her last. After Rosy Mist was led away, Sunset had closed her eyes and tried to use the meditation techniques Bronze had taught her to keep her emotions under control. It was barely working, but it helped. A few minutes later, Lady Inkwell emerged with Rosy in tow, the young fire-caller walking tall and confident behind the Queen’s seneschal. Sitting her back down, Raven reapplied the paralysis charm, then freed Orange Spice. The process repeated itself with Sapphire Prism a few minutes later. Now, Sapphire had been led away, and Sunset started to stew again.  What she could tell Lady Inkwell to get her out of this mess. That they were lying? Even if she knew that they were going to tell lies, she didn’t know what kind of lies.  How was she supposed to prove that she was telling the truth? As hard as she thought about it. As much as she wanted to have a convincing story to weave to Lady Inkwell. As much as it pained her, she had a feeling that this would be her last night at the rite. It wasn’t fair… it just wasn’t fair. After everything she’d worked for. After all the sacrifices she’d made to get here. The weeks of working herself to the bone. Of having to ignore her oath-sisters. Journeying from Golden Tree to Queen Celestia’s home. Was it all for naught even before she got a chance? Just because the others she got roomed with hated her for not being from Heliopolis? If she could have, she would have broken down in tears at the injustice of it all. But, with the spell she was under, she could do nothing until Lady Inkwell came and sealed her fate. After several dread filled minutes, Lady Inkwell emerged from the room, leading a smug looking Sapphire behind her, who fixed Sunset with a look that said she was sure that she’d won. If she could have, Sunset would have broken her nose again. Or gored her eyes out with a pair of red-hot nails.  Sitting Sapphire down, Lady Inkwell reapplied the binding charm, freezing the young girl in place. Then, approaching Sunset, she raised her right hand and snapped her fingers, releasing the young fire-caller from the paralysis charm. Having watched the other three as they came out of the spell, Sunset leaned back the moment the enchantment was broken, avoiding a tumble to the floor. “Come along Sunset Shimmer.” Lady Inkwell said with a touch of amusement, “Let’s hear your side of things.” Slowly rising from the chair, Sunset stretched her muscles to regain some of the feeling after having been unable to move them for so long. “My Lady…” Sunset began, but Raven silenced her by raising a finger and giving her a sharp look. “You’ll get your chance in a minute. Until then, please hold your tongue.” Lady Inkwell said, her tone devoid of anything other than her command. Sunset’s jaw snapped shut, and she took a step back. Once she was sure Lady Inkwell wasn’t going to smite her where she stood, she followed the phoenix-born into the room she was certain she would meet her end. The room was remarkably unintimidating, its windowless marble walls bare save for several landscape paintings. Aside from the art, there was only a pair of plush chairs with a small table between them. On the table, Sunset saw a crystal pitcher filled with what she hoped was water, a pair of glasses, and, most unusually, a large ruby cut and polished to resemble an apple at one end of the table. This… seemed far too pleasant. It reminded her far too much of the sitting room where Tender Heart would bring them when they needed to discuss their behavior, not somewhere that all of her hopes and dreams were going to die. Was Raven trying to lure her into a false sense of security before bringing the sword down on her neck? Was this where Raven was going to tell her that thanks to the testimony of the three girls, she was going to be tossed out and left to fend for herself on the streets of Heliopolis for a month until Open Trails could take her back to Golden Tree in disgrace? No doubt Sapphire and her cronies had been weaving a tale of how she’d been the one to start the fight. And no doubt, Lady Inkwell would take their side. Maybe she could make a break for it. Run and hide somewhere in the city… “Sunset Shimmer, please take a seat.” Lady Inkwell’s voice cut through Sunset’s thoughts like dawn’s light cuts through the darkness of night. Swallowing hard, Sunset complied, sitting at the far end of the table. “Good.” Lady Inkwell said, her voice surprisingly pleasant. “Now, before we get started…” And at that, Lady Inkwell sat down across from her. Pouring water in the two glasses, she passed one to Sunset. “Tell me, Sunset, are you thirsty?” Raven asked. Looking at the offered water, Sunset realized that she was. The entire situation left her feeling like she’d been chewing sand for days, but she was too unsure of the whole situation to take the glass. And, she wasn’t sure if she could trust Lady Inkwell at this point. Even with everything her guide had said, Sapphire had been so sure that Lady Inkwell would side with her. Was this a trap? “No, your Ladyship.” Sunset said reflexively. “Really?” Raven said, her tone still casually conversational, but now with a subtle edge to it. Sunset was stunned at the sudden yet subtle shift in Raven’s tone. Flicking her eyes down towards the glass of water, she was unsure if she’d just offended the seneschal by refusing the drink. As she pondered, her eyes traced across Raven’s side of the table. To Raven’s own glass, and the crystalline apple she was now resting her index finger on. The crystalline apple that now had a swirl of black smoke inside it, while dozens of small runes glowed a slightly different shade of red on its surface. Runes that were easily of 7th or 8th tier in complexity, and were linked in a… In an instant, Sunset’s heart jumped into her throat. She knew what that apple was. She’d read about this sort of thing in her books on forging. About how such complex runic linkages could be used to create a very special kind of enchanted item. That was no simple piece of precious gemstone art. It was an amp; an enchanted item that could be programmed to act as a shortcut for spell dancing.  Unlike common enchanted items, which merely had minor effects that they could generate, amps were far rarer, and far more powerful. Each amp had to be custom made and attuned to an individual, but once they were tuned, it allowed the sun-gazer bonded with the item to cast a number of pre-programed spells without the need for a spell dance. All that was needed to power the amp was to channel flame fed with the appropriate emotion into the device, and the spell would manifest. If she wasn’t paralyzed in terror, she might have been amazed at the sight of such a masterful example of the artificer’s craft. But that raised the question: what did this amp do? When she first came into the room, the amp was clear. There was no touch of blackness inside it. But now there was. What had changed? Raven had sat her down, poured her some water, and she’d refused… Sunset froze. She’d lied… Was the spell in that amp detecting lies? Was that the source of Raven’s sudden change in demeanor? She knew Sunset had lied? Swallowing, she looked at Lady Inkwell. There was only one way to find out. “Actually…” Sunset began, watching the apple with her peripheral vision, “I am thirsty.” And as she spoke, the black wisp inside the apple vanished. ‘So, telling the truth clears out the smoke.’ Sunset thought. “Oh, you are now, are you?” Lady Inkwell said, “Did you change your mind?” “No.” Sunset said, keeping her attention on Lady Inkwell, but watching the apple in her peripheral vision. “I was nervous, and wasn’t sure I could trust you, so I lied about not being thirsty.” “I see…” Raven said evenly, but with a hint of amusement, “Well, are you going to drink?” “I want to, but I don’t know if it's safe.” Sunset said carefully. She needed to be honest, but she also wanted to avoid angering Lady Inkwell with incautious words. “You’re unsure if it’s safe?” Lady Inkwell asked, a slight touch of amusement entering her voice. “Yes.” Sunset said. “That’s wise, because the water is poisoned.” Lady Inkwell said, before smiling mischievously and asking. “Is that what you wanted to hear?” From the corner of her eye, Sunset saw a small wisp of black smoke manifest in the apple. So, the apple detected all lies, not just her’s. So she knew if Lady Inkwell was being honest too. That changed everything.  “No, it’s not what I wanted to hear. But, I don’t believe the water is poisoned either.” Sunset said as she glanced quickly at the now smokeless apple, grabbed the glass of water, and took a long drink. As she put the glass down, she saw the barest hint of a smile on Lady Inkwell’s face, and the slightest of nods as their eyes met. “Well then, young one, now that we have that out of the way, I have questions, and you will answer them truthfully.” Lady Inkwell said as she regarded Sunset. “Understand?” “Yes, your grace.” Sunset responded nervously. She knew that her position was precarious, because no matter what she said, Lady Inkwell would know if she lied. So, she had to be honest. Even knowing that the same was true of Lady Inkwell so long as she held onto her amp gave Sunset little comfort. She could tell the truth, and face punishment, or lie, and face Lady Inkwell’s ire. Her face must have betrayed her inner thoughts, because Lady Inkwell gave her a look that told her that she knew that she had figured it out. There was a small bit of respect in that look, as well as a painful amount of confidence, almost as if she were telling Sunset that she knew she was trapped, and was just daring her to lie. “Good.” Lady Inkwell said, “Now, tell me what happened. Do not leave out any details.” “Yes, your grace.” Sunset said nervously. “It began when I got back to my room…” And with that, Sunset launchd into her account of the events of the prior half hour, explaining what happened in minute detail to Lady Inkwell. How she’d arrived after the assembly, found the other three in the room already, and how they’d been friendly enough at first, until they learned she wasn’t from Heliopolis. How they tried to force her out of the room after calling her “dirt-eater”. How Sunset, fed up with what she’d been subjected to for the last few days, refused. How she called Sapphire a night-lover, and the escalation that happened afterwards. The destruction of her book, and her breaking Sapphire’s nose in retaliation, the beating she received afterwards, culminating in Lady Inkwell’s arrival. As she finished, she looked at Lady Inkwell, hoping to see something in the ancient phoenix-born that would let her know that she wasn’t in trouble. But, Lady Inkwell’s face only bore the same subtle smile that it had earlier. “Why didn’t you come to get me, or Sparkler?” Lady Inkwell asked after a few seconds digesting what Sunset had told her. “I didn’t think you’d believe me.” Sunset said sadly, “I thought you would automatically side with them.” “And why is that?” Lady Inkwell asked, an almost imperceptible sadness entering the very edge of her eyes. One so slight that Sunset was sure she was imagining it. “I’m not from Heliopolis.” Sunset replied, looking at Lady Inkwell. “After everything I’ve gone through and everything I’ve heard, I didn’t think that you’d even hear me out. That you’d just take their side and ignore what I had to say.” “I see.” Lady Inkwell said. There it was again. That tiny, almost invisible flash of sadness in Lady Inkwell’s eyes. “Well, I want you to know that I wouldn’t have taken any side, had you come to me. I would have given each of you a fair chance, just like I’m doing now. And I would have hoped that you could have trusted in my ability to be impartial in the matter. ” From the corner of her eye, Sunset looked at the apple. There was no sign of smoke. Shame filled her heart. Lady Inkwell was telling the truth. She wouldn’t have automatically sided with the Heliopolans. And if she’d brought the amp she was currently powering into the equation, she’d have known Sunset was telling the truth. Now that she was thinking clearly, Sunset should have known Lady Inkwell wouldn’t have sided with Sapphire. Hadn’t her guide arrested a Sunblade for bigotry, and told her that Lady Inkwell would deal with him? Hadn’t Sparkler been upset on her behalf too? Had she gotten so used to being surrounded by threats, that she couldn’t see a possible ally standing next to her. The realization stung, and she shrunk inward at the thought. “One more question.” Lady Inkwell asked, drawing Sunset out of her self-rapprochement. “Why did you attack Sapphire so violently?” “I… The book she destroyed was a gift from my sisters.” Sunset said, knowing that there was no way out of telling Lady Inkwell the truth. But, perhaps, she didn’t need to tell the whole truth. There was no need to bring her orphan status into it. Lady Inkwell might accept her as an outsider, but she wasn’t sure about her lack of a “true” family. “It’s one of the most important things in my life, because it’s a symbol of their love for me, and my love for them. I could almost tolerate her insulting me, slapping me, or spitting in my face, but I wasn’t going to let her get away with destroying something given to me by the most important people in my life.” Sunset wrung her hands and lowered her head in shame, unable to continue looking at Lady Inkwell. “I… wanted to get back at her for that. Make her hurt…” Silence filled the room as Sunset curled in on herself even more. “I see.” Lady Inkwell said, her voice betraying nothing. Moments later, Lady Inkwell removed her hand from the apple, causing it to power down. So this was it. She’d said her piece, and now, Lady Inkwell knew the truth. Looking at the ancient phoenix-born, Sunset wondered what would happen next. There was only one outcome that she could think of for assaulting a noble. “Please, Lady Inkwell. If you’re going to execute me, make it quick.” Sunset said as she clutched her stomach, tears starting to form in her eyes. To Sunset’s surprise, a hurt look passed over the very edges of Lady Inkwell’s face. Sunset was so stunned by the look that her tears came to a halt and she could only gaze on the elder phoenix-born in wonder. “Dear child, I’m not going to execute you.” She said, offering Sunset a hand. Tentatively, Sunset took Raven’s hand. Somehow, she’d expected it to feel different somehow. More powerful. More… grand. But, all she felt were warm, soft, gentle fingers squeezing her own calmingly. “You’re not?” Sunset sniffled, her eyes filled with fearful hope. “No. I’m not.” Lady Inkwell said. “Make no mistake, there are things you did that you will be punished for, but given the circumstances, none of them are so severe that I’d take your life.” Sunset was too stunned to respond. She could only stare numbly as Lady Inkwell released her hand and stood. Tilting her head to the side towards the door, she indicated to Sunset that they were done, and began to make her way out of the room. ***** After the interrogation session, Raven had brought Sunset back to her office. Ushering Sunset to sit in one of the unoccupied chairs, she waited patiently for the young girl to get situated, before raising her right hand and snapping her fingers. Instantly, the paralysis spell ended, and the other girls slumped forward. “Well, now that I know exactly what happened, I’m going to start by saying that I’m disappointed in all four of you.” Lady Inkwell began as she clasped her hands behind her back, before locking her eyes on Sapphire, Rosy and Orange, “But especially you three.” “What? Why?” Sapphire protested. “Where to begin?” Lady Inkwell said as she raised her right hand in a fist.  “First, you tried to force Sunset out of your shared room on the grounds that you thought yourselves better than her because you’re from Heliopolis, and therefore she didn’t deserve to stay in the same room, let alone any room in MY Academy.” Lady Inkwell said, raising her index finger.  “You physically attacked her, not once, but twice.” Raven raised her middle finger.  “You destroyed a rare and valuable book in an attempt to hurt and humiliate her.” Up came her thumb.  “You attempted to pass off the blame to her for starting the fight in the first place.” Up came the ring finger. “And you three lied to me when I asked you for the truth.” Up came the pinkie. Rosy Mist and Orange Spice paled, looking as though they were facing a starved roc. Even Sapphire was looking nervous, but she held firm. Clearly, she thought she could turn the situation around somehow. “And why do you think we’re lying? You said that you believed me when I told you what happened.” Sapphire protested, “That my story matched Rosy and Orange’s.” “No, I told you that your version was enlightening, and was useful in getting to the truth.” Lady Inkwell said. “But, did I ever say that I believed you?” Sapphire stared at Lady Inkwell for a moment, stunned dumb by the seneschal’s question.  “I… but…” Sapphire stammered. “You were so sure that I would take your side, that you never considered that possibility, did you? That I would spot the lies and use them to piece together what really happened?” Lady Inkwell said, her voice becoming neutral again. “Child, the three of you all told me different versions of what happened. Do you take me for a fool?” The three girls in question shrank back. Sunset would have taken some pleasure in their fear if she wasn’t also currently gripped with dread. “Words cannot express how disappointed I am in all of you right now. That the three of you would think that I wouldn’t care if you tried to bully and belittle someone that I personally invited here to aid in this ceremony is beyond foolish.” Lady Inkwell continued, her voice becoming cold and frightening. “You thought that I wouldn’t lift a finger to aid her because she’s not from Heliopolis? That I endorse this imbecilic idea that Heliopolans are more worthy than those from outside? That someone, who has stood at the Queen’s side for over a millennium, and has been playing the game of Solarian politics just as long wouldn’t be able to spot an obvious lie? How dare you presume you would be able to deceive me, you ignorant children.” Stepping up to the girls, Lady Inkwell glared down at all of them, including Sunset. “And that you would dare to taint the very principles of the rite you are here to serve at? The ceremony is a celebration of the solidarity of all Solarians. Of our nation as one people, united. Yet this is how you chose to act? Bigotry? Vandalism? Violence? I am very disappointed in all of you. Know that you four are walking on a pane of glass, as of now.” Lady Inkwell said. “If any of you pull something like this again, I will revoke your invitation to serve at the rite, and send you home, am I clear?” Each one of them hesitantly nodded. “Good. Sapphire Prism, as the one who instigated this whole thing, you will be on grease trap cleaning duty in the kitchen for the next three weeks.” Lady Inkwell said, “And as for you two, you’re on garbage duty for the same period. If I hear that you’re shirking your punishments, you’ll be expelled from the rite. Understood?” The three in question nodded. “Good. Tonight, you three will be sleeping in the foyer. I’ll be assigning you a new room once I decide where to put you. Consider this part of your punishment.” Lady Inkwell said coldly, before turning to Sunset. “Now, as for you Sunset.” Walking over, Lady Inkwell loomed over Sunset, her expression still stern. “While you were mostly the victim here, I can’t ignore the fact that you struck Sapphire and broke her nose.” Lady Inkwell said as she regarded Sunset. “I don’t care how justified you felt at the time. I do not condone such things under my watch. You attacked and injured one of your peers, and that is not acceptable. You are on bathroom cleaning duty for the next week.” “What? She broke my nose and that’s all she gets?!” Sapphire cried out in protest, her fear temporarily forgotten. “Is that a problem?” Lady Inkwell said as she turned her attention back to Sapphire, her icy glare now focused entirely on the other girl. “She only retaliated after you attacked her and destroyed something of hers that she valued. Not only that, but out of all of you, she was the only one with the perception to be honest with me. Had you told me the truth, I might have been merciful. But, you weren’t, now were you?” “But…!” Sapphire protested. “Please be silent before you dig yourself any deeper.” Raven said, her voice telling Sapphire that the discussion was over. “I don’t want to hear another word from you. Am I clear?” Sapphire looked like she was going to continue protesting, but a glare from Lady Inkwell caused her to reconsider. Instead, she slowly closed her mouth and nodded. “Good.” Lady Inkwell said with a nod. Hearing a knock on the door, she turned to face the closed entryway. “Come in Sparkler.” Without any fanfare, Sparkler opened the door and entered the room. Seconds later, Dylis flew in after her. With a single, smooth, choreographed motion, Raven extended her left arm for her partner to land on, which he did just as the limb had finished rising. A warm smile spread across her face, and she reached up with her other hand, scratching the phoenix under his chin, earning a happy trill as he tilted his head into Raven’s fingers. After a few moments of affection, she transferred him to his perch on her shoulder, before turning to address Sparkler.  “How can I be of service, your grace?” Sparkler said, clasping her hands and bowing slightly. “These three are going to be sleeping in the foyer tonight.” Lady Inkwell said, the smile slipping from her face as she pointed to the three girls in question. “They’ll need some blankets, pillows and sleeping pads from the storage closet.” “Of course, your grace.” Sparkler said, before looking at the girls in question with curiosity. “Should I get their things from their room?” “No.” Lady Inkwell said bluntly. “They can retrieve them in the morning, under supervision.” “I understand.” Sparkler said as she approached the three girls, “Alright you three, come along.” With that, the three girls rose and walked towards the door. Before she left, Sapphire looked back at Sunset, their eyes meeting. Sunset swallowed nervously at the cold hate burning in Sapphire’s glare. The look told Sunset that as far as Sapphire was concerned, this wasn’t over. After a moment, Sunset returned her glare, refusing to back down. Once the others were out of the room, Sunset deflated. She hadn’t missed that Lady Inkwell hadn’t sent her out too. And that meant that she still wasn’t done with her. A sigh escaped Sunset’s throat. Looking up, she saw Lady Inkwell rubbing the back of Dylis’s head with her fingers, smiling at the happy trills coming out of his throat as he rubbed his forehead against hers. A few moments later, she stopped, and turned her attention back to Sunset. “Now, Sunset, about your book.” Raven said as she regarded Sunset. “I’m sorry that it was damaged. If you want, I can provide you with a duplicate copy of the same volume from my own collection. Would you like that?” Sunset’s heart leapt into her throat. Lady Raven Inkwell was offering her a first edition copy of Solarian Legends from her own, personal collection. Such a gift was unprecedented and utterly priceless. Having such a book would be one of the greatest possible treasures she could have. But, at the same time… “Your grace, may I speak freely?” Sunset asked, bowing her head. “Of course.” Raven said with a flourish of her right hand. “I… I appreciate the offer. I really do. Believe me.” Sunset began, before swallowing and gathering her courage, “But… I…I can’t. It just wouldn’t be the same.” “Oh, in what way? It would be the same book, would it not?” Lady Inkwell said crossing her arms across her chest and tilting her head slightly to the left as she regarded Sunset. “It… wouldn’t be the same book.” Sunset said, wringing her hands. “Even if it’s the same volume and edition, it’s not the same one my sisters gave me.” “So it's not just that it's a first edition, but it's that specific book, because it was a gift from your family? Is that right?” Lady Inkwell asked, a small smile gracing her lips. “Yes, your grace.” Sunset said quietly. “I’m sorry…” “You really care about them, don’t you?” Lady Inkwell said, a touch of warmth entering her voice. “Yes. I do.” Sunset said with a sigh. “Well, in that case, I guess we’d better fix your book then.” Lady Inkwell said as she approached Sunset. Sunset was dumbfounded. She couldn’t have heard that right. Sapphire had torn the book to pieces, so how could it be fixed. “What?” Was all Sunset managed to say. “I said, let’s fix your book.” Lady Inkwell said as she offered Sunset her hand. Sunset looked up at Lady Inkwell, not quite comprehending what she was saying. “How? Sapphire tore it apart.” Sunset said in disbelief. “Well, I’m sure that as a millenium old phoenix-born, I know more than a few tricks to take care of things like this.” Lady Inkwell said. “But, why?” Sunset asked as she stared up at Lady Inkwell. “Because, family is important.” Lady Inkwell said, her expression becoming a little sad. “As are the gifts they give us. When you’ve lived as long as I have, you understand how important your family really is. So, I’m happy to give that back to you, because nobody should have something that valuable taken from them so cruelly.” Kneeling down, Raven placed a hand on Sunset’s shoulder, as both her and Dylis looked the young girl firmly in the eyes.  “But don’t think that me doing this for you means you’re off the hook.” Raven said sternly, “Because you’re not. No matter how justified you might have felt at the time, I will not tolerate violence like that again. If I find out that you’ve laid a hand on another student here, or you injure them in any way, I will be forced to remove you from the rite. Do you understand?” “Yes, your grace.” Sunset said. “Good. Now, lets get your book fixed up, and get you to bed.” Lady Inkwell said as she rose to her feet. “You’ve got a busy day ahead of you tomorrow.” ***** Sunset awoke at the crack of dawn. Rising, she looked around her room, and had to suppress a shudder. She’d slept in a room alone. And, if she was honest with herself, she hadn’t liked it.  Back home, there were the other orphans. Or her friends. On the road, she slept in the same tent at Open Trails and the other crew members. But after last night, Sapphire and her cronies had been kept out of the room, and she’d had to sleep by herself. She was glad they were gone, but it also meant that she’d been alone all night. Reaching over to her night stand, she picked up her book, and held it to her chest. The tome was once again whole, thanks to Lady Inkwell’s generous intervention.  She’d watched the phoenix-born weave her magic to repair her prized possession, restoring it to its original state, discolored, worn pages and all. She’d almost hugged Lady Inkwell when she’d handed the restored book back to her, but restrained herself. She was already in hot water with the Queen’s seneschal. She didn’t need to potentially cross another line and get herself thrown out. A knock on the door pulled her out of her musings, before she heard the door unlock, and Sparkler peaked her head in. “Good morning Sunset.” She said, “Did you sleep well?” “Um… I guess.” Sunset said, unsure how honest she should be with Sparkler. Sparkler had been so nice to her up to this point.  “Well, Lady Inkwell wanted me to get everyone up for the morning assembly.” Sparkler chirped happily, her sunshine bright smile putting Sunset at ease. “After that, we’ll have breakfast, and then you’ll get started with your training.” “I… okay. How long till the assembly?” Sunset said as she set her book down and threw the covers off. “Twenty minutes or so.” Sparkler said, “I think she wants to address what happened last night.” At Sunset’s horrified expression, Sparkler smiled reassuringly as she raised her hands in a placating gesture. “Don’t worry. She’s not going to use your name.” Sparkler said. “She’s just going to remind everyone that she’s not going to put up with any bad behavior. Nothing more.” “Okay.” Sunset said, her face relieved. ***** The morning assembly came and went. It had been a tense affair for Sunset when she entered the main assembly room, and had felt the angry glares of dozens of eyes on her. She was sure that Sapphire and her friends had been spreading word about what happened, and that she was from outside Heliopolis. Making her way to the back of the room, Sunset made sure to sit at the end of the back row, nearest one of the exits. While she was sure that Lady Inkwell’s presence would ensure that nobody would do anything overt to her, instinct told her to be as close to the exit as possible without giving any attackers a chance to flank her. After Lady Inkwell and Dylis arrived, she began by addressing everyone on the nature of their training: each one was going to be given an etiquette manual. Mornings would be lessons on proper behavior at the rite. Afternoons would be formal etiquette and service training. Evenings would be optional training to reinforce the lessons for the day. All in all, it sounded intense, but manageable. Once she’d finished with her basic announcements, her expression turned serious. “Last night,” She began, her glare freezing the blood of most of the children in the room, “there was an altercation in one of the rooms. The details do not matter, only that it happened. When I welcomed all of you, I told you that in this Academy, we’re all children of Celestia, and that I expected you to treat each other with respect. Clearly, some of you felt that didn’t apply to you. So, let me re-emphasise, while you are here, you are to treat each other with respect, regardless of where you come from, how wealthy you are, or what tribe you belong to. We are all Solarians here. Do not forget that.” Her announcement finished, her expression returned to neutral. “Dismissed.” ***** Sunset slowly chewed her oatmeal as she read. After the assembly, she’d decided to get started on her reading early, so she’d picked up one of the training manuals from Lady Inkwell.  Getting breakfast had been a harrowing affair. Upon entering the cafeteria, she felt the same cold stares on her that she’d felt in the assembly room, a few ugly murmurs passing through the air. As she scanned the room, she saw Sapphire, Rosy and Orange sitting at one of the middle tables with a few others, all of them giving her a deathglare. Sunset did her best not to look at them any longer than she had to. Clearly, Sapphire was out for blood. But, unless she was an idiot, she wouldn’t be overt about it, meaning Sunset had to watch her back. She also knew that she was already under scrutiny by Lady Inkwell, so she needed to be smarter than Sapphire if she was going to make it to the rite. Getting in line for her breakfast, she quickly grabbed a bowl of oatmeal, an apple, and a mug of tea. Making her way away from the other students, she took a wide route around the edge of the room and sat in the back at one of the empty tables. Once she was settled, she opened the book to the first chapter, “introduction to etiquette”, and began to read as she ate. After a few minutes of relative silence as she ate her oatmeal and painfully bland apple, she heard a pair of footsteps approaching. Steeling herself, Sunset did her best to ignore the newcomers. “Excuse me, are these seats taken?” A girl’s voice asked. Whoever had spoken, she had a slight accent that Sunset couldn’t quite place. “Nope.” Sunset said, not bothering to look up from her book. “Do you mind if we join you?” A second girl’s voice asked, also with the same unknown accent. “I can’t stop you.” Sunset said, still not looking up. Sunset heard a pair of chairs scrape against the floor, followed by a pair of trays being lightly set on the table. “Um…” The first one said, “My name’s Flower Wishes, but everyone calls me Daisy.” “That’s nice.” Sunset said. “I’m Lily Valley.” The second one said. “Good for you.” Sunset replied. “Uh… what’s your name?” Daisy asked, her voice a little hurt and nervous. With a sigh, Sunset slowly closed her book, and looked up at the two girls sitting at her table. Both of them were dressed in modest clothing, which Sunset recognized as a common style in the Eastern Territory that she’d seen in a couple of her books back home. To her left was the one that had identified herself as Daisy, a magenta skinned, lime green haired, emerald eyed earth-weaver. To her right was the other one, Lily Valley, who had light raspberry colored skin, amber hair, and golden eyes, as well as Lily shaped hair clips made from mother of pearl above her ears. “Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset said, her voice guarded. “Not to be rude or anything, but why are you talking to me? Did Sapphire put you up to this?” “Sapphire?” Daisy asked as she looked from Sunset to Lily. “Nobody put us up to this.” Lily said, “We just saw you eating alone, and thought you might want some company.” Sunset studied Lily’s face carefully. Her eyes felt honest, but Sunset wasn’t willing to drop her guard just yet. “Really?” Sunset asked, her voice skeptical, “Pardon me for being a little suspicious, but I find it a little odd that you’d be willing to talk to me.” Both girls looked at each other again. “Why?” Daisy asked. “Don’t act like you don’t know.” Sunset said, her fingers strumming on the tabletop. “I’m not from Heliopolis, so why would you willingly talk to me unless you’re trying to pull something.” Lily looked down at her plate and sighed, while Daisy fidgeted uncomfortably.  “That’s what I thought.” Sunset hissed, “So, take whatever little game you’re playing and…” “You’re wrong!” Daisy said, interrupting Sunset’s rant. “Yes, we came over because we know you aren’t from the city. But not to make fun of you.” “We came over because we’re in the same boat.” Lily continued. “And we thought you looked lonely.” Sunset’s river of thoughts diverted hard and crashed into a boulder. “What?” She said, her face relaxing in surprise. “Well, we’re not from Heliopolis either.” Daisy said cheerfully, “We’re from the Eastern Territory.” Sunset’s eyes went wide.  “You are?” Sunset gasped.  “Yup!” Daisy chirped happily now that Sunset wasn’t glaring at her. “I’m from the town of Larkspur Cove.” “And I’m from Lemon Blossom Valley near the southeastern border of Solaria.” Lily said. Sunset could only stare, utterly dumbfounded. In all her life, she never expected to meet an Easterner, let alone two. The Eastern Territories were further away than Heliopolis from Golden Tree, and were the domain of Archduchess Roseluck, the third oldest of the living phoenix-born. “You’re really from the East?” Sunset said, finally regaining her voice. Both girls nodded. “You’re not here to give me a hard time?” Both the girls nodded again. At that, Sunset lowered her head and sighed. “I… I guess I owe you an apology. After the last couple of days, I’m a little on edge.” “It’s okay.” Daisy said, patting Sunset’s hand. “We’re not mad, right Lily?” “Yea. We get it. Let me guess, you’ve had some run-ins with ‘proper, pure and perfect’ Heliopolan pride.” Lily said with a hint of disgust. “You too, eh?” Sunset asked, though it was more of a statement than a question. “Oh by the spring’s blossoms, you have no idea.” Daisy groaned, before looking at Sunset apologetically, “Well, actually, maybe you do.” “Don’t worry about it.” Sunset said, a little of the tension leaving her as she relaxed and allowed a smile to start to spread across her face, which in turn, spread to the other two. “Still, I’m starting to understand why most people back home were worried about me coming here. Most of the Heliopolans are jerks.” “It’s not that bad, but yea, there’s a lot of rotten flowers here.” Daisy said grumpily, before switching her tone, “So, where are you from? I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess you’re not from the East.” Sunset laughed a little at that. “No, I’m from Golden Tree.” Sunset said easily, “It's a town in the Western Territory.“ “Whoa.” Daisy said, “How far is it from Heliopolis?” “About a week by caravan.” Sunset said. “How about you?” “Two weeks by coach to Larkspur Cove for me.” Daisy said. “Three on horseback to reach Lemon Blossom Valley.” Lily said, before resting her elbows on the table and resting her chin in her hands, looking at Sunset with intense interest, a huge smile on her face. “What’s it like living out West? I’ve heard stories, but I’m not sure if I believe them.” “Well, I’m not sure what sort of rumors you’ve heard…” Sunset began. Soon, the three of them were lost in easy conversation. Sunset told them about her apprenticeship with Bronze, and the general pace of life in Golden Tree. From what Daisy told her, she was learning to be a healer and herbalist, while Lily was from a family of horticulturists that designed gardens for a living.   As their conversation went on, Sunset found herself relaxing for the first time in the last couple of days. While she was still wary of Daisy and Lily, she found that they were good company, and, like her, were glad to have found someone from outside the city to hang out with. Soon, breakfast was wrapping up, and the three of them took their dishes back to the kitchen, and headed off towards their first class of the day. Glancing at her companions, Sunset wondered if maybe they’d like to room together. It’d be nice to have people she could be reasonably sure weren’t going to turn on her as roommates. She’d ask them after class, and if they said yes, she’d bring it up to Lady Inkwell in the afternoon. And so, for the first time since she arrived, Sunset felt a genuine smile on her face. Maybe this whole experience wouldn’t be so bad after all.