Sunset approached Canterlot High School for what was hopefully the last time. In and out. Before school even starts. She strolled past the opening gates and past the marble statue, beelining for the front door. A quick glance at Celestia’s tree in the courtyard showed that the nest from yesterday had only grown larger; had it been a normal hive, it probably would have not be able to support any more growth. Sunset knew, of course, that the sickening addition would only continue to fester throughout the tree far after she was gone.
Sunset swung the door open and stepped inside. As she walked through the halls to her locker, an tiny sentimentality overcame her. I had so much left to do. So much more to achieve here. She pushed forward, never looking back or responding to any of the students who called out to her.
She arrived at her locker and carefully thumbed in the combination. It opened with a creak and showcased all of the materials she had built up over the past year: textbooks, notebooks, a pencilcase, and few pictures of her “friends” posted on the inside door. However, what she really needed was the book buried in the bottom corner.
Sunset pulled out the dusty tome and examined it. Despite having been shoved at the bottom of a locker for a year and a half, the sun emblazoned on the cover never lost its luster. Sunset flipped through the yellowed pages, scanning a few conversations between her and the Princess.
I guess I was still too close to you, huh? I should have shredded this thing up. The thought of destroying the book made Sunset shiver. As much as she hated Celestia and everything she was connected to, Sunset could not bring herself fully commit to cutting ties.
She unzipped her leather jacket—it was a bit more cut up and dirty than yesterday, but it wasn’t like she was going to be sticking around for long—and shoved the book into a large inside pouch she had sown in. Originally the pouch had been made to hide forbidden items from the staff, but it also had just enough room to fit the old journal.
“Well, it was fun while it lasted,” she muttered to no one.
Sunset sped for the exit and pushed out the glass doors back into the schoolyard. She made her way down the sidewalk, but was quickly distracted by a loud sound coming from the oak tree.
Thump, thump, thump. Thump, thump, thump.
It was surrounded by wasps, all flapping their wings in march tempo. Sunset turned to them and noticed that many had planted themselves on the trunk of the tree, although the majority kept themselves close to the hive.
They were staring at her.
Sunset took a step forward, unaffected by their threat.
A swarm of wasps flew halfway across the yard in her direction.
She changed her mind and took a step backward.
They flew back to the nest.
Sunset blinked. “Well, looks like I’m staying a little bit longer.”
She turned around and went back into the building.
Principal Celestia stared at the mirror in her car as she gave herself a pep talk.
“All right. You can do this. If she’s not there when you walk in, you call the police.” Celestia had intentionally arrived late this morning with the hope that Luna would already be in school. She was not sure which prospect terrified her more: Luna not showing up and going missing, or Luna actually being whatever creature she had encountered last night.
Celestia stepped out of her car door and walked into the building. She took the back entrance directly connected to the main office. She stepped inside and saw the school’s main secretary, Raven, already at work.
“Good morning, Raven,” Celestia said. “Tell me, have you seen Luna today?”
Raven looked up from her computer. “Why, yes, she came in about about half an hour ago. I figured you would have known that, though.”
Celestia faked a laugh. “Well, sometimes even the mornings can get to me—somehow we never cross paths in the same house.” She scanned the room. “I assume she’s in her office?”
“I do not believe she has left, yes.”
Celestia smiled at Raven. “Thank you, I have a few things to discuss with her.” Celestia walked into her office and set her bag down. The two sisters had two separate offices, but they were conjoined by a doorway in a shared wall. Celestia walked over to the door and knocked.
“Come in,” a voice called from inside.
Celestia opened the door and saw Luna sitting at her desk, filling out some paperwork. “Good morning, Luna,” Celestia tried to keep her voice steady, “How are you?”
Luna looked up at her. “I’m quite fine. I was just working on some paperwork.”
Celestia did not want to waste any time. “Ah. Well . . . I hate to intrude, but I have a question I think you might be able to answer.”
“Of course, sister. Anything that you need help with,” she offered a gentle smile.
Celestia moved farther into the room, up to Luna’s desk. “It was about ten years ago now . . . we went on quite a vacation. I was about to recommend the ski resort we stayed at to Miss Inkwell, but I can’t think of its name for the life of me. I just wanted to ask if you remembered, just to make sure.” There’s no way a fake Luna could know this.
“If I recall correctly, that was the Crystal Heart Resort; quite a lovely place for being so cold. Oh, and we went on the trip nine years ago. Age must finally be catching up to you, huh, Celly? Those were quite fond memories.”
Celestia stepped back in shock. She’s . . . real? “Lulu, what happened yesterday? I was so worried.”
Luna furrowed her brow. “What are you talking about?”
“The . . . the attack! You just disappeared for the night!”
“I most certainly did not. We enjoyed some spaghetti together, watched some TV, and then went to bed. I know I drove here a little earlier than usual but I can promise that it was not a whole day early.” She laughed. “Did you have a weird dream, or something?”
Celestia rubbed her eyes. “I . . . must have. Sorry Lulu, maybe the stress is getting to me.”
Luna sighed. “I always tell you to take more breaks if you get like this. I can handle more work. Tell you what: you go back home and take a nap. Anyone can see that you need it. Come back in a few hours when you’re more refreshed. It’s better for both us that way. Okay?”
Celestia weighed her options. Am I really just paranoid? " . . . Okay. I’ll go for a few hours. Thank you, Luna.”
Luna offered a comforting smile. “I only want the best for you, sister.”
Celestia turned from Luna’s desk and walked back out of the office, giving a quick goodbye to Raven. Perhaps the past day has been a bit much. I just cooked up some fantasy that made me worry even more about everything that’s happening. I should probably see a therapist.
Celestia reached her car. I mean, somehow I managed to imagine that Luna was not in the house all night, all the while she was there, got dressed, and drove here—
Wait.
She scanned the staff parking lot.
She ran to the student parking section.
She checked the side street, and even the nearby houses.
Luna’s car wasn’t there.
No matter how hard Celestia looked, it was nowhere to be found. In fact, it was the only car missing from the entire school grounds. Half of a sentence Luna had said rolled around her brain, completely destroying any sense of the tired relief she was feeling.
”I know I drove here a little earlier than usual . . .”
She turned around and stepped back into the building. Perhaps there is some work I can do after all.
Sunset did not pay attention to any of her classwork that morning; most of her time was spent analyzing each student in class. So far she could not tell any differences between human and changeling. Every student she talked to had their mannerisms and memories completely intact, and no one acted strangely. A few people had even asked if she was okay, noting the significantly more damaged jacket she was wearing. Sunset brushed them off quickly so she could continue her search.
Soon, however, the lunch bell rang. Sunset made her way down to the cafeteria, mentally preparing herself for the ensuing conversation. She knew that there was at least one person who was not themself at the school, so walking into the cafeteria felt more like stepping into a lion’s den. Sunset trotted over to her lunch table to find everyone else was already sitting down and eating.
Sunset approached the table, and Flash paused from eating to look up at her.
The rest of the table raised their heads simultaneously, eyeing her down. Ah. I’ve found them. She grabbed a seat, trying to ignore their oppressive gazes.
Flash looked at her, and took a bite of his taco. I might as well try to catch him up.
Sunset put on her best lover’s smile. “Hey Flash,” she said. “I was thinking we could do some guitar lessons again soon. I was hoping I could use that old one you had . . . gosh, which family member of yours used to own that?”
Flash set his food down. “My grandfather’s acoustic? Sorry, I can’t let you use that one. You saw how mad my mom was when she found out I let you borrow it.”
So he has his memories? Sunset’s trick question was completely seen through. It’s not him, though. I know it’s not him. She glanced around the table. Everyone was silently sneaking glances in her direction, but lingering just long enough to make her uncomfortable.
“Sorry, sorry, I just forgot about the whole mess with the guitar. Still, it would be fun to play with you again. Maybe you could drive me down to the park and we could play together, like we did last fall.”
Flash furrowed his brow. “Both you and I know I just got my driver’s license a couple months ago, Sunset. We walked to the park.” Damn. They must have a way of regaining the memories a person they steal. It’s clear they are not the best at replicating personality at first, though. Flash had focused back on his taco.
That’s it!
“You know, Flash,” Sunset said with a grin, “I didn’t think you would be so cruel.”
“What?” Flash said. “I don’t think I’ve been rude to you.”
“Not to me,” Sunset leaned forward, “but to the lunchlady. She put in all that effort to save you a couple hot dogs from yesterday, and you spat in her face by grabbing a taco instead. Wow, Flash, have you any humanity?” Sunset haughtily smirked, never breaking Flash’s gaze. The rest of the table continued to stare at her with straight faces.
He frowned. “I’d like to talk to you. In the hall.”
Shit. I probably shouldn’t have pushed my luck. “About what, if I may ask?”
Flash smiled. “Next friday,” The bastard’s going to make them think he’s asking me out! A few collective oohs went around the table. Even when they’re changelings they’re still morons.
Sunset returned the sentiment. “Well, I guess I’ll be waiting for you, hm?” Sunset stood up and winked, turning to the exit. She cast a quick glance back and saw some kids from the tables around them were giving Flash good lucks and pats on the back. Sunset stepped through cafeteria doorway and closed it behind her.
She promptly broke into a sprint across the school.
This is it. Game over. You just had to push your luck, didn’t you? Now you’re really gone, and from more than just the city.
Before Sunset reached the exit doors, she took a sharp left toward the principal’s office. Sunset rapidly knocked on Celestia’s door. “Princpal! Are you in there?”
Sunset heard footsteps approach the door, and it swung open, revealing a bedraggled Principal Celestia inside. “What can I help you with, Sunset?”
Sunset barged in and slammed the door behind her, locking it. “Last year, three girls and two guys were found tied up inside the janitor’s closet right before the talent show I won. Tell me, who tied them up?”
Celestia was taken aback by her outburst. “They all claimed that it was the ‘ghost of Canterlot High,’ so we could not find any culprit. There were a few rumors about some students, but nothing more.” Celestia gave a tired glare. “Is there something you would like to admit about the incident, perhaps?”
Sunset laughed. “You knew it was me from the beginning, but never bothered to prove it! Good, good!” A fake Celestia would immediately turn me in if I brought that up. The real Celestia was even more confused by Sunset’s admission of guilt, but Sunset did not let her get a word in. “Yesterday, Princpal, you said that I could come to you anytime if I needed help for anything. Well, I’m going to need to cash in that favor a little early.”
Celestia paused. After a few seconds, she rapidly shook her head and sat down at her desk. “Well . . . what do you need?”
Sunset pulled the leather jacket off of her back. She made sure that it had the important items she needed inside: the magic book, her USB, and a couple more fake IDs. She folded it up and tossed the garment onto Celestia’s desk.
“Take this for me,” she said. “Hide it in your office, bring it home, I don’t care. Just don’t let me have it back. I don’t care if I come begging on my knees for it. We never had this conversation, even if I mention it.”
A worried expression crossed Celestia’s face. “Sunset, what is going on?”
“It would be better if you didn’t know.”
Celestia looked at the door conjoining her and Luna’s room. “Does this have to do with people acting strangely? I had quite a visitor last night.”
Sunset’s eyes widened in recognition. She slumped her shoulders. “Just . . . bring the jacket home, then. And don’t look at the stuff I’ve got inside.”
Celestia offered a comforting grin. “I’d never.” She slipped the jacket underneath her desk. “Is there anything else you need?”
Sunset turned to the door. “There’s the Planning Committee meeting after school today, right?”
“Yes.”
She swung it open and stepped through. “Well, I might need a raincheck.”
Sunset closed the door behind her and began flying for the front door. If she took a hard turn the minute she stepped outside, then she might be able to avoid the cursed tree altogether. There was no other option left.
Sunset pushed through the doors into the outside and began running to the right. The tree outside was abuzz with the changelings, all flapping in tandem, mocking her futile attempt at escape. Sunset reached the first corner of the building before someone jumped out and grabbed her.
Sunset thrashed around, headbutting the thing that was constricting her. However, the creature placed a sharp blade up to her throat. Sunset stopped moving when she felt it prickle against her skin. The blade was directly extended from something’s hand. Flash’s hand.
“Well aren’t you a feisty one,” Flash said. “Let’s have a chat, shall we?”
Sunset struggled against the grip for a few seconds longer before giving up. “The poor schmuck impersonating me yesterday was a lot dumber than you. Chrysalis, I presume?”
“Of course it is. You know, you’re quite an interesting girl. Everyone else was dealt with cleanly, but you took my drone out and had the audacity to waltz right back to school the next day.”
Sunset glowered. “It takes a bitch to know one.”
Flash laughed. “Ha! Well, you are quite the special bitch, hm? My drone relayed a quick message to me before you cut snuffed him out. Just one word, actually.”
“And what would that be?”
It leaned in closer to her ear. “Equestrian.”
Sunset tensed up. “I’m not.”
Chrysalis stuck up an eyebrow. “Oh? You know my name and my people, but you’re not an Equestrian? Perhaps, not anymore . . . you wouldn’t mind if I took a quick peek at your love, would you?”
“I would. Piss off.”
“Bold statement for a girl with a knife to her throat. I think I’ll check anyway.” Chrysalis lightly hummed a tune as Sunset felt a small amount of magic swirl around her. “Oh . . . you’re even more interesting now,” Chrysalis said. She flashed forest green and Sunset found that the hand holding the blade to her throat suddenly looked a lot like her own. “Wow,” Chrysalis said in Sunset’s voice. “I should have visited you last night myself.”
“And why would that be?”
“There’s quite the adoration for you around school. Not a single student dislikes you—the majority admire you. The teachers adore you, and you leave a natural charisma that even has community members seemingly entranced by your presence. I can sense a little something else floating in your direction. Of a mystical nature—love from another dimension, perhaps? I suppose you really are Equestrian.”
She’s going to use all of my hard work against me. “Thanks for letting me know. I will find a good use for it without any interference from you.”
Chrysalis mimicked Sunset’s cruel laugh behind her. “But that’s only half the picture, child. You take in plenty of love, but the love you send out—well, how do I say this?”
“What?” Sunset asked.
Chrysalis mockingly sighed. “What a sad little girl you are. Any last shreds of love you have, buried away from the rest of the world. If we threw you into a pod it would be like squeezing a dry lemon. Just an empty pit where your heart is. I’d ask who hurt you, but I don’t particularly care. If you’re not going to take in any love, then I might as well get some use out of it instead.”
Sunset grimaced. “Shut up. You’re just trying to mess with me.”
Chrysalis’s expression shifted into a manic grin. “Am I? You’re an enigma. I can’t decide whether to call you a little devil or a little saint.”
“I don’t care either way. Look, I’m tired of this therapy session. Get the blade off my throat and let me go my own way. I’ll stay out of your hair. If that won’t cut it for you, I could stick around and help you plan out your attack. You need someone with a good lay of the land, right? I can be that girl.”
The blade tightened against her throat. “That’s not how this works. Whether you like it or not, you’re in my way. All you’ve shown me so far today is that you’re damn good at running away. You’re no better than Celestia herself—” Chrysalis paused. “Oh? What’s this now? Did I just sense that little heart of yours pump out some emotion?” Chrysalis leaned into Sunset’s ear. “Princess Celestia. Ah ha! There it is! Just the tiniest little bit of love for her, huh? Either you’re one hell of a patriot, or you’re more than just a common Equestrian.”
“I don’t love her. I never have.”
“Well, your heart says differently. Let me guess: a mare with enough magical knowledge to learn of the existence of the mirror, yet a clearly conflicted relationship with the Princess . . . it’s either going to be a world-renowned magician, a child, or an estranged student. Don’t leave me guessing.”
Sunset swallowed. “Student. She couldn’t understand that I was far beyond what she was teaching me. I could do better, but when I made my move, she cast me out.”
Chrysalis grinned. “Typical Celestia, no? Ever the control freak, yet too afraid to reveal her actual plans. That’s how I realized I could take her down, you know. I snuck into her little cabinet of foreign advisors and put up a few inquiries about my people. Do you know what they said to me? That Celestia was working on it. Well, a load of good that did. They all just sat in a circle like little birds waiting until momma arrived to regurgitate up some food. I don’t blame you for trying to take flight without permission.” She loosened her grip on the blade slightly.
“I couldn’t agree more. It was like everypony had to wait for her to make the first move. As if,” Sunset reponded.
Chrysalis grinned. “You know, I’ve been in quite the similar situation before. Of course, I actually suceeded, but still, I feel what you’re going through.”
Sunset decided to try one more time at peaceful resolution. “So, we get each other, right? How about you let me help you out with taking down this world. You need me more than you think.”
Chrysalis shoved Sunset onto the ground. “You ponies are too damn kind, even in other forms.” A mischievous grin appeared on her face. “I suppose I could give you one assignment.”
Sunset sat up and looked at the mirror of herself. A tiny glimmer of salvation appeared in her mind. “What do you want me to do?”
Chrysalis leaned in closer to Sunset and her eyes flashed green. “I’d like you to take a little walk for me.”
By then it was too late for Sunset; the magic had already invaded her body, and soon the lethargy took over. “No . . . I thought . . .”
Chrysalis copied Sunset’s signature smirk. “Now, I may not get much use out of you in a pod, but you’ve got the best seat in Canterlot High. I want it.” Chrysalis laughed. “If you’re not with me, you’re against me, and you are the farthest thing from an ally I could ever want.” She turned away.
Sunset sprawled out on the ground as she watched her impersonator sway back into the building. A drone flew up next to Chrysalis and, with a green flare, turned into Flash Sentry. Chrysalis grabbed its arm as they neared the entrance. “I can’t believe it took you this long to ask me to the Formal!” She said, turning around to give a final wave to the sunken girl in the courtyard.
Goddamn her! How could she do this to me . . . I need to fight this. I need to . . .
Sunset’s legs stood up and began walking down the cool sidewalk.
I can still stop this! I need to block the flow of magic in my direction!
Sunset’s feet did not alter their course, but her she managed to catch a glimpse of the tree in the corner of her eye. A flood of magic was gushing out, all slamming into her. They must be using their full power to keep me helpless.
Sunset’s feet took her past the statue.
If I just turn a little bit I could make my way through . . . back to Equestria. It’s just a few feet away. A few hooves away, like I used to say.
Her feet would not budge from their destined path.
I used to say things a lot differently . . . kind of like how Twilight talks. Pony vernacular . . . it reminds me of home. Celestia once told me that we didn’t always use the common pony language. However, once the three tribes united, it became a lot easier to refer to everypony as, well, every pony. Huh . . . now that I’m unable to, I finally realize the importance of being able to call out to people. I suppose I took it for granted in the past. When I became Celestia’s student I ran to everyone I knew, shouting “Everypony! Everypony! I’m Princess Celestia’s student!” I was so excited . . .
Sunset’s feet passed the statue and walked out of the gates of the school. She turned left, and continued down on her path to nowhere.
Twilight Sparkle didn’t like to use the word snooping; she much preferred examining in secret. And oh the things to examine in secret, even in an apartment as small as Sunset’s.
She had spent the morning simply opening and closing doors, windows, cabinets, and the fridge, mainly to examine her motor functions and to get a feel of how her muscles operated. However, when she discovered a notepad with a small pen next to it, she realized that there were an infinite number of gadgets in the world that would be considered technological wonders when she returned to Equestria.
If I return to Equestria.
She silenced the nagging voice in her head and continued eyeing a most interesting gizmo on Sunset’s desk. She began scribbling down notes about the laptop—dubiously labeled as the utility electronic pad by Twilight—and tried to figure out how to click on the Sign In button on the screen.
Tapping the monitor didn’t work. Slamming the keys didn’t work. Rubbing her mouth across the keyboard was a poor idea in hindsight.
Eventually, she discovered that the little square at the bottom of the keyboard controlled a tiny icon that allowed her to click on the button. Sunset had an auto-fill password which allowed Twilight to get to the desktop right away. She examined around the computer; an internet browser, a music player, and a few school programs were all that were easily accessible to Twilight.
The only thing she had not examined at this point was the Files tab, mainly because the idea of a digital file database made her so excited that she forced herself to save it for last. She waited until she could not hold back any longer and decided to take the plunge into the directory.
Sunset was very organized in her file separation, and the many pathways were easy for Twilight to slide down. A small thought crossed her mind that she was really invading Sunset’s privacy, but she was going to tell Sunset about it later anyways, so there was not point in just going halfway.
Twilight followed down the School pathway, and quickly found that Sunset kept all of her notes and assignments for each class in her folder; some classes even had their work ordered by unit. She scrolled through Sunset’s class list, reading up on all the unique aspects of the human world that Sunset had noted.
Eventually, Twilight reached the bottom of the list. The last file was different than the others. It was the only one not labeled after a class, but rather the Fall Formal. Twilight entered the file and found that there were various planning documents and designs about the year’s Formal.
At the bottom of that file was another. Attendees.
Inside were hundreds of folders titled with a name, all organized alphabetically. Twilight slowly scrolled through the folder, noting that some names were familiar to her. Sunset had mentioned that there are duplicates between this world and Equestria. She stumbled across a very familiar name.
Applejack.
Twilight clicked on Applejack’s folder and found a document and a few pictures. Twilight opened the document and stared in horror at what she saw.
Name, address, personality, hobbies, friends, likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses. Sunset had a full character sheet for the student. What worried Twilight the most, however, was the final category.
Threat Level: Medium to high. Access USB for methods of removal if necessary.
Twilight continued to scroll through, checking hundreds of names and finding similar documents. She opened Fluttershy’s.
Threat Level: Low. Public humiliation will do the trick; access USB for photos.
Principal Celestia’s.
Threat Level: Very High. Either get in her good graces or avoid at all costs.
Right below that was another similar name. Princess Celestia’s.
Threat Level: Ultimate. Run.
Twilight looked on in shock as every single student was itemized, deconstructed, and dealt with in Sunset’s notes. Twilight was not sure of the laws in this land, but she knew that keeping tabs on the whole school could not be completely legal. The invasion of the everyone’s privacy was almost sickening to her.
Does Sunset realize how terrible this is?
Sunset was in absolute bliss.
She continued her mindless stroll through the streets of Canterlot City, but her mental resistance was stifled completely once she left the courtyard. The fog from yesterday had still not let up, but that did not stop Sunset’s legs from knowing the exact path toward her destination. Sunset was reaching the edge of town, surrounded by run-down bars and cracked houses.
It may not be the most nice looking place in the world, but for the people here, I’m sure it’s home. I miss home.
She continued down the old sidewalk before emerging into a large park. Many children were playing on the equipment, with plenty of parents sitting on benches monitoring their young ones. Everyone except Sunset was a bit disgruntled at the weather, but it did not stop them from trying to have a good day. Sunset’s legs began a diagonal cut across the park, straight toward the grove of trees behind it.
I used to play on the swings when I was little. If you used a little extra magic on your way up you could do a full circle. Of course, if you go too slow you’ll just fall headfirst. Still, it was fun.
Sunset reached the sandy playground section and stomped through the sand.
This sand reminds me of the beach. The air feels more open at the beach, like you could just fly for hours and hours. I usually applied a couple spells to do that, but—
Something slammed into Sunset’s back and pushed her to the ground. “What the hell do you think you’re doing here, dressing like that?”
Sunset glanced up and saw an enraged mother glaring down at her. Sunset suddenly felt her temper rise as well. “What do you mean, doing here? This is a public park, isn’t?”
The woman snorted. “For functioning members of society. Not hoodlums like you.”
Sunset stood up and advanced on the woman, anger increasing. “I’ll have you know that I’m practically a saint. Why, I wasn’t the one who just pushed a young girl to the ground for no reason, was I?”
The woman began to start a tirade as Sunset suddenly realized that she had control of her body again. She glanced around the park and noticed that her altercation with the woman was only one of many in the surrounding area. Across the whole park were people violently shouting at one another, all caught up in their personal squabbles. Sunset looked in the sky and saw that the fog was masking a large wave of lime-green magic. A gentle hum filled the air.
On a park bench were three girls completely unfazed by the magic. No, Sunset thought. They’re making it!
Sunset stumbled backward away from the three and hit the ground with a small cry. The girl in the center noticed Sunset’s fear and met her gaze. Despite her large orange hairdo and revealing outfit, her eyes held an ancient quality to them that Sunset had seen in only one other person.
The center girl stood up. “Hey, girls,” she said, “I think we’ve found our little magician. She’s got a taste of Changeling magic in her. Delicious,” she cooed.
Sunset continued to back away from the trio. As they began to advance on her, Sunset got up to her feet and bolted away from the park.
After she could no longer hear the trio’s hum, she stopped to catch her breath. As much as she wanted to applaud her amazing luck by running into the girls and escaping her trance, the thought of another group aware of Equestrian magic chilled her to her core.
What the hell are they?