//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: Sisters // Story: Hearsay // by Nyhll //------------------------------// Tuesday, October 16th 3:21PM The Sirens Den "{My name is Sunset Shimmer. I'm a… daemon… made by… Discord… from Equestria.}" Sunset awkwardly fumbled over the words coming out of her mouth, but still received a sitting ovation from the girl sitting across from her. "Yay! Good job, Sunset! You learn real quick!" Sonata cheered and Sunset couldn't help but smile at the genuine compliment she had received. A few days had now passed since Sunset started staying with the Sirens, and true to their words they were treating her like a sister. They were teaching her their ancient dialect of Equestrian, and she was surprising them with how quickly she was picking it up. Thankfully the modern Equestrian language was incredibly easy to reverse engineer back to her new hosts' native tongue. Sonata had been by Sunset for both the days, staying behind to take care of Sunset while Adagio and Aria went off to CHS. Sunset wished she could do something for Octavia and the others, and was on edge wanting to reach out to Vinyl, but she couldn't without a private phone of some sort. But those were minor compared to her biggest fear. "So… Do you think they might bring my journal home tonight?" Sunset asked, causing Sonata to freeze up as usual and leaving Sunset to sigh in defeat. "I thought I was supposed to be a sister of you three?" "...Adagio and Aria…" Sonata started, stopping to face Sunset. "All three of us really want to go home- as I'm sure you do too." "Well, yeah." Sunset nodded, her heart clenching at the sorrowful expression Sonata wore. "But what does my journal have to do with that?" "Well… It radiates Equestrian Magic." Sunset's blood froze. "And it seems to be connected to the statue in the middle of the school grounds." "What? It's just a random journal I picked up in this world when I first arrived." Sunset had to make sure to speak calmly, so as to not potentially alert Sonata to something being up. "I've had it my whole life, so maybe that's why it radiates Magic." Sonata smiled sadly resting a hand on Sunset's good leg and looking deep into her eyes. "I'm sure they're just trying to make certain… That's all." "...Why are you so different from the other two, Sonata?" "Huh?" Sunset motioned at the blue girl. "You're different from Adagio and Aria. You're always the first to jump in to help me, you stay here taking care of me while those two go to the school. How come?" "I'm not thaaat different." Sonata chuckled awkwardly. "I mean- I'm the one who broke up that green and cream girl, and when the white and grey one's stepped in I made them fight too." "You what!?" Sunset sprung to her feet in anger before reality kicked in and she screamed in agony and fell to the ground, her head bouncing painfully off of something before she came to rest gritting her teeth and grasping at her ankle as stars swam in front of her eyes. "Sunset! What are you doing!?" Sonata's voice sounded as if Sunset was ten feet underwater, but the concern was crystal clear. "Why did you do it to them!?" Sunset mumbled as she heard a door open, her vision starting to darken. "They're… my only... friends!" "Friends?" Sonata's voice wavered as the sound of racing footsteps and confused shouting guided Sunset into painless unconsciousness. Tuesday, October 16th 11:21PM The Sirens Den The side of Sunset's head was freezing. It was so cold it was almost burning! She muttered to herself as she pathetically flailed around to try and grab the object that was giving her noggin such a chill. "Careful now." came a steady tone as something delicately wrapped around her wrists. "You need to keep the ice there to deal with the swelling." "It's too cold…" Sunset tried to blink, but all she saw was a slow swirling of colours. "I'm sure it is, my dear little Sunbeam." Sunset pushed herself up on her elbows, desperately looking around now. "Mom!?" She cried desperately, unable to make anything out of the intermingling colours. "Mom, where are you!?" "I'm where I've always been…" the sorrowful voice said as Sunset felt a gentle brushing against her cheek. "Waiting for you to come home." "I can't…" Sunset's vision blurred further as tears started to flow freely down her cheeks, her hands reaching out feebly all around her. "Not after what I did…" "What did you do?" Sunset snapped back to reality, cursing and hissing as pain echoed all over her body. "Huh? Who's there?" "It's me." Sunset's vision started to sharpen enough that she could see the sad looking frown of Sonata watching over her. The Siren had let her hair out of it's ponytail, and was dressed in a comically oversized pink shirt with a massive cartoony taco sitting front and center on it. "What did you do?" A short expletive escaped Sunset's lips as she slowly lowered herself back to laying down, realizing that the left side of her face was bandaged up. "...It's… It's personal…" she muttered halfheartedly as she looked around the darkened room. A shuffling sound radiated from where Sonata sat before Sunset's bed shifted under new weight. "You asked me why I was different." Sonata whispered softly. "Compared to my Sisters…" Sunset remained silent as she felt Sonata crawl over and lay down beside her. A couple minutes passed as the pair laid there in silence before Sonata started speaking again. "I've always felt wrong with what we've done over the centuries…" it was honest remorse that Sonata spoke quietly with. "That something just wasn't right- but every time I feel the pang of hunger… the relief and joy I feel for quieting it…" Sonata shifted around slightly. "So… What did you do?" Sonata whispered into Sunset's ear. Sunset blindly searched the darkness, fact and fiction interweaving and becoming indistinguishable as she laid there in bed, in the home of monsters that supposedly threatened her home a world away. "I…" she paused to swallow and try to compose herself. "I seem to ruin everything I come in contact with…" She wasn't lying to Sonata, but she wasn't telling her the whole truth either. "What do you mean?" Sunset felt a hand slowly running up and down her arm. "I guess it's because I don't know what my purpose in life is…" a knowing, self-loathing chuckle escaped from Sunset. She had received her Cutie Mark at a young age, a near mirror image of her adoptive mother's, but with Sunset's own unique colours personalizing it. But she never learned what it was for- she had her guesses, but that is what led her to fleeing to Gaia. She had gotten so distraught after her sister ascended that she assumed her destiny was to be the next ruler of Equestria- after all, why were their Cutie Marks the same? "Discord never told you?" Sonata asked. "No one ever told me what I'm supposed to do." Sunset dodged once again. "Well what if we were why Discord made you?" Sunset was happy it was dark, and desperately prayed that Sonata didn't have night vision as she raised an eyebrow. "Huh?" "What if Discord made you to rescue us and return us to Equestria?" Sunset dreaded the thought of her being the reason the Sirens returned to Equestria. She would sooner destroy the statue and trap all of them here than allow any of them to go home. "Maybe?" Sunset shrugged. "Like I said- I don't know anything." A minute passed, the silence falling over the room was almost enough to make Sunset think she was alone again, at least until Sonata gave a nervous chuckle. "...Well I know Ari and Dagi haven't been coming off as the most welcoming, b-b-but I promise you they are really happy to see another face from Equestria! And besides, you're one of us; we'll always have your back! Plus, it's been nice to have someone around to just… unwind to, ya know? I'll always be here for ya, Sunbeam!" Tears welled in Sunset's eyes as her body started to shake, surprising both of them as Sonata shifted around to lay a hand on Sunset. "Hey? Are you okay?" Sunset could only lie. Sunday, October 21st 5:23PM The Sirens Den "So, Sunset, how do you feel about returning to your old stomping grounds tomorrow?" Sunset's fork froze in front of her mouth, her eyes widening as she glanced over at Adagio. A few days had passed, thankfully without anymore injuries or straining of her ankle. Sonata had been at home playing babysitter and teacher the whole time, slowly teaching Sunset the ancient forme of Equestrian the Sirens sometimes used. Adagio and Aria had both been going to the school everyday, and it was getting to the point that Sunset could almost see the power radiating off of them. Either the school and student body had leftover energy from the Fall Formal, or five girls in particular had fallen into the Sirens' grasp. Sunset shoved the crisp lettuce into her mouth, chewing it over as she tried to think of how to respond. "Are you sure that's a good idea?" she asked as she set down her fork. "I mean, everyone there knows my face, and the Principals-" "Are firmly in our palms." Adagio's smirk grew into a confident sneer. "We tell them to jump and they ask how high." "I see." Sunset scrunched her face. She knew that Adagio wasn't asking- the leader of the Sirens was a confident and intelligent leader, knowing more than she ever let on. Potentially she had found out Sunset was lying this whole time and was planning to take her to the school to let the students take care of her. "Well, seeing as I'll have you three at my back, sure, why not?" Sunset flashed a warm, naive smile at Adagio, studying the Siren's reaction. "Wonderful! You can get some closure before the big show on Friday." Adagio smiled dangerously. There was a glint in her eye that made Sunset's insides squirm. She knew something. Monday, October 22nd 8:54AM The Sirens Den monday "How's my driving?" Sonata asked cheerfully as she pushed Sunset's wheelchair towards the school. Seeing as the amber Equestrian was still recovering from her injuries Adagio had recommended Sunset ride in a wheelchair. If Adagio was wanting to trap Sunset at the school, then the wheelchair was more of a boon for Sunset than a hindrance. "Doing fine, Sonata." Sunset chuckled uneasily, clenching and unclenching her hands as they approached the front doors. She was amazed at just how well the restoration went, there was no hint that the structure took a mild breeze, let alone being magically assaulted. That's when the whispering started. All around Sunset students started whispering with one another, countless eyes on the crippled Equestrian as she was wheeled into the school. She couldn't help but shiver, fear and panic threatening to overwhelm her. She truly was at the mercy of the Sirens here… "What is she doing here?" Sunset's shivering quickened as she heard the angry voice of Principal Celestia. The hairs on the back of Sunset's neck stood up as a familiar throbbing built in the back of her head as Adagio spoke up. "She's our guest of honour." the lead Siren explained. "And she is to be treated as such." "That doesn't explain why she is here." "I wanted to grab my things from my locker." Sunset spoke up, failing to look up at the woman. "If that is alright, that is." "...I suppose you at least should be allowed to collect your belongings. Fine, but hurry up! I want you gone- I have enough on my plate at the moment thanks to my idiot sister!" Darkness overtook Sunset as she clenched her eyes shut. Her biggest fear was shouting at her and she had nowhere to run and even less places to hide. And that didn't even begin to cover what she was going to do here! She had to find a way to stop the Sirens from making their ways back to Equestria! But how!? "You two head along to the office, we'll be along shortly." Adagio's voice wrapped around Sunset like a web, suffocating her as her brain screamed this was a trap. She felt Sonata start to push the wheelchair down one of the hallways, but Sunset's focus was elsewhere. She was thinking about one of Adagio's comments from when they first met, a softly voiced thought of the portal being activated by Equestrian Magic. When Sunset had crossed over it had been because the portal had activated, just as her years of notes had predicted- but it wouldn't open for another few weeks, well after the Sirens' plans would come to fruition. No, if there was any hope, Sunset would have to get word to Equestria. She needed her journal. "Hey Sonata, my journal is in the office, isn't it?" Sunset asked as she finally raised her head. Regret washed over her as she thought about what she would have to do to Sonata to get away. She was obviously sent by Adagio to keep Sunset from getting away, but hopefully they didn't know about Sunset being a Unicorn. One who just so happened to have read from an ancient magical tome written by King Sombra… "Yeah, I think so at least." Sonata said as the pair entered the reception area of the office. "Er, which office is Celery Sticks again?" "That one." Sunset motioned with her head. This was it. If her journal was in the office, she had the slimmest of chances to save Equestria. She watched as Sonata opened the door, and instead of waiting Sunset rolled herself inside the room. As soon as she entered the room her eyes started glancing around at a frenzied pace, doubling back when she found her journal sitting on a chair near the window. She raced over, joy overtaking her as she finally picked up her journal. Her single Equestrian possession, and single memory of her old life. Her whole body started to buzz slightly as she picked it up, a single hand roaming over the front cover. But then everything was replaced with sorrow. "Hey, Sonata?" Sunset spoke up as she slowly turned herself around to face the door, the blue Siren resting against it. "Hm? What's, uh… What's up, Sunset?" Sonata smiled awkwardly. "What's Adagio's plan?" "Well we're gonna use the school to-" Sonata pushed herself off of the door and started walking towards Sunset, only to freeze when Sunset held out a hand. Sunset frowned as she locked eyes with Sonata. "For me, Sonata." The Siren seemed to deflate, tears welling in her eyes as the two stood there in silence. "I tried to tell her…" Sonata babbled over hiccups and sobs. "Both of them, but..." Sunset glanced down at the book. This was it. Either she was going to die at the hands of the Sirens, or from what she was about to do. "Sonata…" Sunset said before taking a deep breath, resting her hand on her journal and sending her focus inwards. "Yes?" Pain raced through Sunset as she looked back up at the girl, moisture trickling down her upper lip. "I'm sorry, but… Sleep." Sonata cocked her head in confusion and worry as she looked at Sunset, before a moment later her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she collapsed. The moment Sonata's unconscious body hit the ground, Sunset doubled over in her wheelchair, hand covering her mouth as she gave heaving, gurgling coughs into her hand, heavy fluid splattering against her palm. As the coughing subsided her vision cleared up, revealing the half coagulated globs of blood coating her hand. She grimaced as she put both hands on the wheels of her chair, pain similar to the fall formal stabbing through her in agonizing bolts as she slowly started to leave the office. She desperately wanted to pause at Sonata's side, to apologize for what she had to do, but if she didn't hurry up then she likely wouldn't have a second chance. "I see Sonata failed." Adagio smirked as she looked at Sunset from a little ways down the hall, Aria grinning madly, the light seeming to glint off her incisors as she punched her open palm. "No big surprise there." Aria chortled. "Now listen, Sunbabe. Ya come quietly and I won't beat you as bad. Resist, and, well…" "Hey, Adagio?" "Yes?" came the self confident chuckle, watching Sunset as she placed a palm upon her journal once more. "About how much do you weigh?" Adagio's brow furrowed as she looked at Sunset. "What does that have to do with anything?" "Was just gonna make this part easier on both of you." Sunset bit her lip to try and distract from the pain, hard enough to draw blood before she looked up at the two, both nostrils running streams of blood as Sunset smiled. Fearful expressions appeared on the faces of both Sirens before they cried out in confusion and terror as they suddenly found themselves hoisted up into the air, Sunset's outstretched hand  clenching before being thrown behind her. The pair of Equestrians grunted in pain as they came crashing together, before yelling as they found themselves flung down the hall over Sunset's head. "!!!" Sunset screamed silently in agony as she felt every bone in her left leg break, the shock threatening to make her black out as the myriad of pieces that used to be her left shin pierced through her flesh and jeans alike. Everything swam, her eyelids grew heavy and her pulse felt faint. A familiar heat washed over Sunset as waves of blue, green, and pink flowed through the air.  "You are so close, Sunset." came a soft, caring voice. "You just need to make it a little further." "...M-Mo…" Sunset doubled over, coughing into her hand. Fleshy chunks saturated blood fell onto her journal. She couldn't make it. The dark magics that the damnable King Sombra inscribed in that tome had been too taxing on her body- Sunset deliriously doubted even as a Unicorn that she could have handled the strain. "We believe in you, Sister. Both of us do." reassured a second voice, the three colours shifting slightly as it spoke. Maybe they were right. She felt the agony dull, just enough to allow Sunset to start wheeling herself forward, following the tricoloured ribbons as they slowly beckoned towards her. She rounded the corner to the front doors as she heard angry voices yelling from behind her. She pushed herself through the doors, one eye clenching as blood started to flood it. She was almost there, she just needed to- An earthshaking crash stopped Sunset just in front of the portal. "Stop right there, you lying pony bitch!" Adagio screamed. Sunset did her best to ignore the Siren, focusing on one last spell- one to hopefully transfer enough Equestrian Magic to the portal to allow her- and only her- through. There was a crash of energy, like thunder and lightning, as Sunset watched the surface of the stature warp and bend unnaturally. She turned around, facing as the statue continued to fluctuate. Sonata stood with the other two, covered in building debris as she looked at Sunset with an unreadable expression. "My name…" Sunset paused as she coughed up more blood before returning to glare at Adagio. "Is Sunset… Shimmer. Dau… Daughter of Princ… ess Celestia… and sister… to… Mi Amore… Cadenza." Sunset felt the energy peak behind her, and she turned her wheelchair and flung herself towards it, holding tightly onto her journal as she crossed through the threshold, and into the portal's chaotic embrace. ??? ??? Equestria "Princess Cadence! Your presence is needed at once!"  The Alicorn looked up at the guard that just burst into her throne room, panic etched on his features. "What's going on?" Cadence asked as she rose to her feet and made her way down the steps to the crystal floor. "Somepony emerged from the mirror! And she's in critical condition!" Cadence paused before nodding and starting to gallop, the guard following close behind. The portal mirror had remained in Cadence's castle since Twilight returned through it, so for a being to emerge from it… "Let me through!" Cadence shouted as she rounded the corner and into the room. The gathered guards parted for her as she neared, allowing her to see the figure laid out on the floor. "Sunset!" Cadence rushed and knelt down beside the body of the mare she hadn't seen in years. She gasped in horror as she saw just how broken of a state Sunset's body was in. "We need a healer! Now!"