The air left her lungs just as fast as the fist that went into her gut. She couldn't tell if her vision was blurry due to the loss of her glasses or if she was starting to pass out. The young girl crumpled to the ground in a heap trying to catch her breath.
"Geez, Gilda I think she's had enough." A soft voice spoke.
"Twily is a big girl." A raspy voice responded, "She should be able to speak up for herself."
Twilight was lying on the pavement clutching her stomach and trying to keep her vomit down. Standing over her were two girls. One had a cruel smile on her face, her hair was cut short white with purple tips. Her boot landed on the smaller girl's back causing Twilight to cry out in pain.
"Gilda, the bus is going to be here any minute. Let's ditch this geek already. Unless you want to get suspended again." The other girl called out. She was slimmer than the other girl and her brunette hair was combed back. She flipped her scarf out of the way as she spoke. When she looked at Twilight it was with indifference.
Gilda scoffed, taking her foot off of the smaller girl, "You're such a stick in the mud, Greta."
She walked away but not before taking Twilight's backpack. She rummaged around inside of it before finding what she was looking for. She smiled pulling out the papers within, "Oh looks like you did the extra credit questions too."
Twilight tried to speak but could only gasp as she held her hand out to take her homework back. Gilda smiled, dropping the bag in front of Twilight. "I'm sure you can afford a few bad grades, Twily. Let's go Greta."
The two girls walked off leaving Twilight behind. Tears stained her cheeks as she watched her tormentors laugh at her expense. Her heart was pounding her chest as her teeth began to grind.
____________________________________________________________
Twilight moaned in her sleep. A teal flame flickered around her eye which sent a chill through Adagio. Sunset limped her way to the Adagio's side putting a reassuring hand on the Siren's shoulder. She smiled weakly trying to calm her down.
"Are you sure about keeping her like this?" Adagio asked.
"I...I don't know." Sunset said with unease as she felt wetness in her eyes, "Some part of me wants to tie her up but seeing her like this...."
Adagio sighed, laying her head on top of Sunset's, "Stupid Pony."
"She's your friend Sunset, no one would ask you to do that." Hikari softly said.
"Besides, we have bigger things to worry about." Akiko's tone was serious. The ground shook followed by screeching roars, "This fight isn't ending anytime soon."
Hikari sighed realizing the situation. Mothra was tenacious but Angurius was just too much of an opponent for her to fight alone. If she was thrown into the mountain it would topple like pillows with them underneath it. Leaving was the only smart option; only there were two in their group who couldn't walk. She took a glance at Sunset; she had done her best to wrap the wound, but bleeding hadn't stopped. Any more moving and she would most likely end up suffering from blood loss. Then there was Adagio. She was doing her best, but her emotional state was like glass. Sunset and Akiko were the only things holding the poor girl together. Running into the middle of a warzone could easily break her fragile mind.
Akiko was pulling on her hair and looking at the girls. Hikari looked down in her lap. Lora was breathing softly and looked better than before, but she wasn't ready to wake back up. So, calling for Mothra to lead the fight away was out of the question.
"Hikari, help take Sunset deeper into the cave. I've got Twilight. Adagio, can you walk on your own?"
"Yeah….but will going in deeper really help?" Adagio gulped.
"Honestly I'm not sure but with the fighting going on outside it's your best bet of staying safe." Akiko said.
"Don't you mean our?" Sunset said.
Akiko sighed and didn't answer. She just hefted Twilight onto her shoulder and Spike under her arm. Sunset looked ready to ask more questions but was silenced by Hikari. She put pressure on her wound causing the former unicorn to tense up. "Sorry but we have to slow the bleeding as much as possible."
"It's fine…. just painful." Sunset managed to say through clenched teeth.
The girls made their way deeper into the cave, the sound of battle growing more distant. The cave also grew darker with the natural lighting of some of the crystals fading as they moved from the sun. Adagio grew more rigid with each step. It felt like a creeping hand was reaching out to grab her at any moment.
"This should be good enough." Akiko said, gently setting Twilight down.
Adagio breathed a silent sigh of relief. There was still enough light to keep the darkness at bay. Sunset settled next to her, leaning her head on the Siren's shoulder. Her breathing was harsh as the pain raced throughout her body. She did her best to try and ignore it. Her mind scattered trying to think of something else, "What's your favorite movie?"
"What?" Adagio looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"What's your favorite movie?" Sunset said through grit teeth, "When this is over, I want to sit on the couch and watch a movie. We can have a fun family night."
"Family night?"
Sunset had a shaky laugh, "Yeah when things are pretty down Mom and Lulu have a movie night to lighten the mood. Mom likes to watch rom coms and Lulu loves horror. They always fight and we end up watching a superhero movie."
"Oh well I can watch anything." Adagio said with a shrug, "Sonata and Aria are the picky ones. They spent an hour arguing about watching a slasher flick and a cartoon about talking ants."
"So, who won?" Sunset asked.
"Well after Sonata threw a tantrum we settled on her movie. To this day I can't figure out why people were so afraid of a guy in a hockey mask." Adagio said with a small laugh remembering the movie. Although Sunset was slightly slacked jawed.
"Wait, Aria wanted to watch a cartoon about talking ants?"
"I'd drop it if you value having teeth." Adagio said although she had a playful grin.
Hikari watched the two with a small smile, but she still couldn't mask her worry. Akiko tapped her on the shoulder and pulled her aside. They moved far enough that the girls could only see them but not hear them. Akiko kept her voice low and serious.
"Be honest with me, Sis….Just how bad are things?"
"On a scale from one to ten I'd say we're at a seven." Hikari said with a sigh.
"Only seven huh?" Akiko said with a small chuckle.
"It's only ten if a dragon with three heads shows up." Hikari said with a small smile before looking at the girls, "She's doing her best, but I don't think Sunset can hold out much longer. She needs to get to a hospital now."
Akiko squeezed Hikari's hands tightly, "I'm going to find the boys and get the Hawk."
"You can't go by yourself." Hikari said, trying not to raise her voice.
"Hikari, out of everyone here I'm the strongest and fastest. Also, I'm the leader so it's my call. We're already down a person." She said looking down at Lora's limp form in Hikari's hand. Hikari still looked ready to protest but Akiko shushed her, "I really hate to admit this, but Midnight was right, when she said our knight in shining armor wasn’t coming for us. Kubo and Godzilla are too far and too busy to bail us out this time."
"But Akiko you don't have anything to protect you."
"Hey, you should know better than anyone this princess is tougher than she looks." Akiko said with a confident smile that then turned serious, "Besides, if I don't punch Gloriosa I'm going to be very grumpy."
"Just...just please be careful." Hikari said with a sigh.
Akiko kissed her forehead, "Don't worry that cute little face. We still have to give Kubo his cuddle time for saving the day." She had a coy smile that made Hikari blush.
"Aki!" Hikari said with a blush.
Akiko playfully stuck her tongue out before turning to leave the cave. Sunset noticed the movement and tried to move but grunted. Akiko sighed, "Sunset, listen when I say this, Stay. Here. I'm going to find the others."
"But Akiko…"
"Sunset, you need to rest, we can't afford your wound getting worse than it already is. So please just stay here and let Hikari look over you." She then looked at Adagio with a soft smile, "Make sure to keep this one here. Be as violent as you want."
"Wait, how is that fai-OWW." A chop to the head silenced the former unicorn.
"Will do," Adagio continued to chop at Sunset's forehead making her squeal each time, "Please be careful, Aki."
She smiled in return and nodded, "When this is over, we're going to watch every movie you two love."
"That sounds fun." A voice called out.
The girls spun their heads in shock. Bone Crusher was standing behind them with a tired smile and laugh, "Room for a few more?"
Behind him were the remaining Dazzlings, the main five, Celestia and Luna. He held an injured Vector on his shoulder, who was bleeding from just about every part of body. Vector weakly looked up at Hikari and Akiko, "I swear if it's a musical everyone in here is dead."
The girls looked at the group in front of them with wide eyes. Bone Crusher and Vector offered up weak smiles and laughs, “Hi.”
“Vecy!” Akiko jumped like a wild cat.
“Oh no.” Vector groaned as his sister crashed into him.
“Oh, my little boopy, I was so worried about you!” Akiko cried, bringing Vector into her chest, “Don’t worry your big sister will keep you safe.”
Vector’s screams were muffled as he clawed at the air desperately. The girls looked at each other in concern as they watched Vector break from Akiko to take a breath only to be pulled back in.
“Um Akiko.” Fluttershy said.
“I think we should let them hug this out.” Rainbow Dash said, holding up a hand and trying not to laugh.
“Hey, you know I was there too. I could use some love and affection too.” Bone Crusher scooted closer to Akiko, “I risked life and limb to keep those girls safe.”
Akiko looked at Bone Crusher and held a hand out. He grinned, moving closer ready for the soft embrace of Akiko’s chest. Although he stopped due to a pressure on his stomach. He looked down and found Akiko’s fingers pressed against him. She snarled at him before thrusting her arm forward for a one-inch punch. Bone Crusher gasped as the air left stomach before crashing headfirst into the ground.
“Why is my little boopy hurt then?” Akiko growled.
“Yeah….I dropped the ball on that one.” Bone Crusher groaned.
“Sis, don't blame Bone Crusher. I did this to myself.” Vector said with a sigh pushing Akiko away. He suddenly felt pressure on his head as Hikari grabbed his skull, she looked at him with a twitching smile.
“Mind explaining that Vecy?”
“Well Sis…funny story.” Vector laughed nervously.
“He was protecting us.” Fluttershy quickly stepped up.
Hikari and Akiko looked at her in surprise as Fluttershy looked at them with hard eyes. The shy girl was starting to shake but her friends stood by her side. She took a deep breath.
“Vector was the one who distracted Gloriosa while Bone Crusher rescued us.”
“Yeah, Vecy was a total hero!” Pinkie Pie popped up in an explosion of energy. Hikari looked at Vector with a small smile releasing him from her grip. She gently ran a hand across his head.
“I mean no one was expecting him to blow himself up.” Pinkie said with a still beaming smile.
Hikari’s gentle hand quickly turned back into a vice grip, “You blew yourself up?!”
"PINKIE!" Vector shouted looking at the girl with a glare through Hikari’s hand.
“Did I say too much again?” Pinkie asked.
“Maybe a little darling.” Rarity said. The girls felt sweat forming on the backs of their heads. Vector was looking at all of them with a glare mixed with pain. Sonata came up between them looking at Vector with intrigue.
“Kind of looks like Aria whenever Dagi is strangling her.”
“Sonata?” Adagio was making her way toward the group with wide eyes.
Sonata had wide eyes when she saw her big sister. Tears formed in her eyes and quickly rushed into her big sister’s arms. The youngest Siren’s cries echoed throughout the cave as Adagio gently caressed her back. She looked up at Aria, who was trying to keep her face in its usual bored expression.
“Good job taking care of each other.”
Aria blushed looking away, “Next time don’t stay gone for so long.”
“That was my bad.” Sunset weakly got to her feet with a tired smile, “I got a little tied up.”
“Sunny!” Celestia quickly rushed past everyone with fear in her eyes. Sunset was starting to bleed through her makeshift bandage even Luna’s calm demeanor dropped and found herself rushing to her niece's side.
“I feel like you guys have more explaining to do than we do.” Bone Crusher said, lifting his head from the ground.
“And you say we’re the stupid ones.” Vector said.
"OWWW!" They both screamed at once as Akiko and Hikari crushed their skulls to silence them.
“Can someone please just explain what happened to my daughter?!” Celestia shouted, causing the G-team to stiffen in place.
Hikari and Akiko slowly turned to look at Celestia’s angered face. She held Sunset close to her chest and her face was getting redder with anger by the minute. Sunset could feel her mother’s racing heart as she squeezed tighter. Even Luna’s normally cool composure had shifted as she stared at the G-team. Akiko and Hikari looked nervous trying to come up with the proper words to say. Eventually Hikari sighed and stepped forward.
“I am truly sorry there is no excuse for the trouble we put your daughter through.” She started to speak before Adagio stepped in front of her.
“Wait, this wasn’t their fault.” The elder siren said, “That crazy camp counselor tied us up and Sunset was the only one who could protect us.”
“That Gloriosa woman did this?!” Celestia said her eyes became ablaze with rage.
“Well not just her.” Sunset spoke up with a sad look in her eye.
“Sunset, what happened?” Luna sharply said.
Sunset cast a sad look toward the fallen Twilight. The girls gasped and looked at their friend.
“Woah, Woah! This is Twilight we’re talking about. Besides Fluttershy, she’s the most harmless person here!” Rainbow Dash said in disbelief.
“It’s true…kind of.” Adagio said, “She wasn’t exactly herself.”
“I get the feeling that we won’t like this answer…but what exactly does that mean?” Rarity asked, looking at Twilight.
“You all remember what happened at the Friendship Games right?” Sunset asked with a wince.
“Do you mean the part with that mean Crystal Prep headmaster or the part where Twilight turned into a demon and nearly destroyed the fabric of space and time, opening a portal to another dimension?” Pinkie asked.
“Second one.” Sunset said without giving a second thought about Pinkie’s crazy answer, “She came back or is back.”
“WHAT!” The girls all shouted with wide eyes.
Vector looked at the girl's shocked faces in confusion before leaning to Bone Crusher, “I feel like I’m missing something important here.”
“Just do an over the top anime reaction.” Bone Crusher whispered back.
“Got it.” Vector said, clearing his throat, “NANI?!”
Sunset nodded looking at her friends, “She came back and….was….well being controlled by Midnight.”
“Oh, great she’s back.” Bone Crusher groaned, “And why do I get the feeling that’s why Kubo and the Big Guy aren’t here.”
“The monster Godzilla was chasing turned out to be Ganimes.” Hikari said, “He got the drop on them too so they’re both in bad shape. Lora used everything she had just to get Godzilla to move again.” She gently brushed Lora’s cheek.
Celestia’s eyes grew wide eyed at the sight of Lora. The little woman was normally so confident and full of herself, but now she looked like a helpless child. She looked so much like Sunset. She made her way to the Elias, “Is it okay to…I mean.”
“Go ahead, she may not show it, but Lora loves this kind of attention.” Hikari said with a soft smile.
Celestia gently touched Lora’s cheek, “Is she… I mean is she going to be, okay?”
“She just needs to rest.” Hikari said.
“Please forgive me, I didn't mean to accuse you like that.” Celestia said with Luna bowing her head in shame.
“It’s only natural.” Akiko said, waving them off with a smile, “You should have seen what I did to this scientist when she hurt my little boopy.”
She snuggled Vector as he let out a long groan, “Could you please not remind me of that lady. Besides, I think we have bigger things to worry about. Considering our chances of getting out of here are getting lower by the minute.”
“Is it really that bad?” Akiko asked, tugging on her hair.
“You might want to take a look.” Bone Crusher said, “Vector see if you can get a signal out to the Hawk.”
“Roger that.” Vector said looking at the girls, “Any of you got a phone? Pretty sure minds clinging to an overgrown armadillo.”
Before leaving Hikari made her way to Sunset with a small smile. She held her hand out revealing the resting form of Lora, “Is it okay if I leave her with you two?”
Sunset accepted the Elder Elias without hesitation, “We’ll keep her safe.”
“Not like we’re going anywhere.” Adagio said with a small smile attempting to bring some levity to the situation.
As the girls moved away to a small corner of the cave and the others started to converse with Vector Bone Crusher led Akiko and Hikari back to the entrance. The sound of the battle started to get closer as the dueling kaiju outside let out their screams of fury. Hikari couldn’t help but feel heart ache whenever she heard Mothra cry out.
Once they were far enough away Bone Crusher spoke without his usual playful tone, “I’m going to be honest with the two of you…..Things aren’t looking too good for our girl.”
“We have to deal with Gloriosa, she's the one controlling Anguirus.” Akiko said, cracking her knuckles.
“That’s easier said than done. She got back up after Vector kicked her.” Bone Crusher said.
“Seriously?! Are you sure he wasn't holding back?” Akiko said with wide eyes.
“Even if he was, she still shouldn’t have been able to get up like that. What happened to her?” Bone Crusher said.
“It’s the Equestrian magic that Sunset and Adagio were telling us about. It must be changing her body to adapt to its power. When Akiko broke her nose it healed itself.” Hikari said, rubbing her chin.
“Maybe we should let the girls help? At least it could give us a bit of an advantage and when it comes to this pony magic, they have the most experience.” Bone Crusher said with a small huff not believing those words came out of his mouth.
“I know but…you didn’t see what happened back there. Sunset could have been killed….and what if something worse happens…” Akiko said, tugging at her hair.
“But we're going to need all of the help we can get.” Bone Crusher finished the sentence as the trio approached the entrance.
Hikari and Akiko could hear the sound of Mothra’s pained screams as the earth shook. A plume of dust rose from the ground, but they could still make out the silhouette of Anguirus. His snarl made Akiko shake with sadness and rage.
“Mothra.” Hikari’s voice quivered.
Akiko looked down, finding several mini-Motrhas lying on the ground. One weakly lifted her head up letting out a pained chirp as Hikari knelt down running a hand through the creature's hair.
“We had a pretty rough landing.” Bone Crusher said pointing to the downed trees and trenches the small kaiju made. “I’m not the kaiju expert here but I don’t think she can keep this up.”
The ground shook again and the Mothras let out screeches of pure agony. Hikari winced from seeing her friend in so much pain. She gently began caressing the nearest Mothra and softly spoke to it. She wasn’t an Elias but the two taught her enough to know what helped moth feel at ease. It was all she could do even though she knew it wasn’t much help, but at least she could let Mothra know she wasn’t alone.
“Where’s Gloriosa?” Akiko asked through grit teeth.
“She disappeared when Mothra rescued us from the dome.” Bone Crusher said.
“We need to get the geodes now otherwise.” Hikari caught her breath.
“Mothra’s going to die.” Akiko said, looking into the forest. She ignored the sound of the battle and focused on the crunching leaves of the forest floor. “Boney what can you hear?”
Bone Crusher didn’t question her and closed his eyes and began focusing. He singled out the sound of clashing monsters and shaking earth. He focused on the sound of the forest floor and the crunch of dirt and dry leaves. Then came the laugh that he knew all too well.
“She’s coming.” He spoke.
Akiko snorted and started walking to the forest. Before she left, she looked over her shoulder and gave Hikari a soft smile.
“Give Sunny a message for me.”
…………
“Um Vector, are you sure you need both of our phones?” Celestia asked nervously.
“Yes, maybe, I don’t know. I’ve lost a ton of blood and I’m pretty sure Gloriosa did some serious damage to my head. So I don’t think I’m getting enough oxygen to my brain right now.” Vector said looking over the phones Celestia and Luna gave him. The others had either left them back in the camp or had been smashed during all the fighting. “Either way I need these phones. For something important. Pinkie!”
Pinkie suddenly sprung up beside Vector with her hair tied behind her back and a pair of glasses sitting on her nose, “Super Duper Scientist Helper Pinkie Pie at your service.”
Vector let out a groaning sigh, “Where did you even find glasses?”
“I always have a pair of glasses stashed away.” Pinkie said, pulling several pairs of glasses from her hair, “In case of glasses emergencies.”
Vector’s eyes twitched in bewilderment before he rolled them, “You know what my lungs' are collapsing so let’s just move on. Take the phones out of their cases. My hands won’t stop shaking.”
“Will do!” Pinkie said with a salute as she began fumbling with the phone cases.
“Rarity, AJ I’m going to need both of you as well.” Vector said.
“A’h ain’t really the science type Sugar Cube. Heck if it weren’t for Sunset and Twilight A’hed barely have a C in chemistry.” Applejack said, rubbing her shoulder nervously.
“I’m afraid I’m in the same situation, Darling.” Rarity said.
“I don’t need you two to be scientists. I just need you both to listen to me. Rarity, I need you to make a diamond for me and hold it in place. AJ I can tell how good you are with your hands, so I need you to be mine.” He looked them both in the eyes with a smile, “I completely trust you both.”
They both looked at each other then to Vector.
“All right.” They said at the same time.
“Hey Vecy! The phones are loose!” Pinkie said with a cheery smile.
“All right, put them in front of me. Aria, Rainbow, do me a favor, and stand right there.” Vector pointed behind himself.
“How is that going to help?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“No time for questions, just trust me.” Vector said.
Aria and Rainbow looked at each other before shrugging. They stood behind Vector looking directly at the equally confused pair of Celestia and Luna. Fluttershy stepped up, touching her fingers together, “Um, is there anything I can do?”
“Yeah, get me the biggest and heaviest rock you can find.” Vector said.
“Vector what are you doing?” Luna asked nervously as she watched Fluttershy pick up and weigh rocks in her hands.
“Science.” Vector said as Fluttershy placed a rock in his hand.
“Oh no.” Aria sighed.
“What?” Rainbow asked with a raised eyebrow.
“We’re meat shields.” Aria groaned.
Vector brought the rock down on Luna’s phone smashing it to bits. Luna’s jaw dropped as she let out a high pitched scream. Next was Celestia’s phone, the Canterlot High principal screamed and rushed to stop him only to crash into Aria and Rainbow causing a massive human pile up. Vector nodded in satisfaction, “Rarity, make a medium sized diamond.”
“I’ll try.” Rarity said, holding her hands together. She concentrated on making a diamond the size Vector needed. It appeared in front of him and Applejack. He smiled at her nodding.
“This is perfect Rarity, and your diamonds really make for a good magnifying glass.” Vector said, getting a clear view of the smashed phones, “Alright, AJ, it’s your turn.”
“Still not sure what to do, Sugar Cube.” Applejack said looking at the destroyed phones.
“Just trust me.” Vector said. Applejack nodded in understanding, “Look closely I only broke the back off of Celestia’s phone. We’re going to be using Luna’s as spare parts.”
“Spare parts?” Applejack cocked an eyebrow at this.
“Yep, the signal here is terrible so we're going to make a sat phone.” Vector said with a smile.
“Wait, why is my phone being used as spare parts?!” Luna asked incredulously.
Vector lingered on that question for a moment before answering with a shrug, “Because it’s blue.”
She began to grind her teeth together before roaring and charging at him. So caught up in her anger she failed to notice Rainbow Dash rising up. “Finally, fre–” Luna crashed into the girl, adding to the human pile.
Applejack watched the scene with concern, “Should we be…”
“Focusing? Yes, now pay attention,” Vector squeezed Applejack’s cheeks together and forced her to look at the broken phones, “Now just do what I tell you because I am starting to pass out.”
Vector started wobbling in place causing Fluttershy to panic. Against the wall Sunset and Adagio watched while Sonata and Lora rested in their laps. “Should we have told them about Twilight’s phone?” Sunset asked.
“Yeah but this is fun to watch.” Adagio snickered while running a hand through Sonata’s hair. Sonata looked up at her sister with a smile and then to Sunset Shimmer.
“So what are we going to do now Sunny?” Sonata asked.
Sunset sat quietly not knowing how to answer the question. She hated to admit it but Akiko was right about her not being able to do much. Moving was beyond painful for her right now. She felt the world tilting and her eyes becoming heavy. She already knew the blood loss was starting to affect her. Yet she still wanted to help in some way.
“Sonata, go play with everyone else. Sunset needs to rest.” Adagio said, patting her sister on the head.
“Okie Dokie!” Sonata said with a beaming smile. She playfully skipped to the massive ball of bodies before diving in.
Adagio snickered before looking at Sunset. She flicked the unicorn’s head causing her to yelp. “You had a stupid look on your face so I couldn’t resist.” Sunset puffed her cheeks before sighing. Adagio looked into her eyes softly , “It’s okay to admit you don’t know what to do.”
“It’s not that I just…” Sunset sighed before leaning back against the cave wall. She looked at the fallen forms of Twilight and Spike. Then to Lora as she gently rubbed her cheek. “I just want to help Akiko and the others.”
“Don’t you think you’ve done enough?”
“This is Equestrian magic, Adagio. I just feel like this is my responsibility.” Sunset said although she suddenly yelped when Adagio placed a hand around her ribs and gently pulled her closer. Sunset smiled, accepting the comfort. “I think I have a plan.”
“I’d love to hear it.” Hikari said, leaning down in front of the girls.
“W’ah Hikari!” Sunset gasped, not expecting the scientist to be standing in front of them. Bone Crusher and Hikari had returned. The former looked at the pile of women on the ground.
“Care to explain.” He said to Vector.
“Meat shields are doing their jobs–Applejack will you focus for the love of God woman!” Vector shouted.
“Hey this is a lot smaller than Granny’s truck.” Applejack snapped back sweat glistening along her forehead while she held two wires to a circuit board.
“Sorry, sorry just, you know, new to this whole friends thing and the giant monsters along with a crazy camp counselor. Also if you place those wires on the battery it will explode into my crotch adding to the already unspeakable pain that I am in.” Vector said with a twitching smile.
“Well at least you’re being honest with your feelings.” Applejack said with a deadpan stare before looking back at the phone wires she was holding. She gulped nervously looking at them, “Did you say this’ll explode?”
“You’re doing great AJ!” Pinkie cheered before she leaned toward Fluttershy, “Dibs on not testing it first.”
Hikari sighed, shaking her head before looking back at Sunset and Adagio, “So what was this plan of yours?”
“Wait, where's Akiko?” Sunset asked.
“Gloriosa is coming back, and Aki went to head her off.” Hikari said, “But she left you a message,” She leaned into Sunset’s ear gently whispering, “I know you have my back.”
Sunset had a smile on her face from hearing that. She then looked to Twilight and settled on what she was going to do. “When it comes to Equestrian magic the best thing to fight it with is more Equestrian magic. The girls and I need to combine our powers together just like at the Friendship Games. All of us.”
“Here comes the dumb idea.” Adagio said.
“We need to wake up, Twilight.” Sunset said.
“Are sure that’s a good idea?” Hikari asked with caution, “What if she’s still being controlled by that other half.”
“Here comes the dumber idea.” Adagio sighed.
“I’m going into Twilight’s head and pulling the real her out myself.” Sunset said to the blinking faces of Hikari and Adagio, “Can you two think of something else?”
“Unfortunately no, but I still think you shouldn’t go through with it.” Hikari said.
“At least not by yourself.” Adagio said.
“Dagi?” Sunset said with bright eyes.
“I hate to say it but out of everyone here we’re the only ones with experience dealing with that mind’s eye thing. We find Twilight and then we can finally stop all of this.” Adagio said.
“You don’t have to come with me, Dagi. I know you’re terrified.” Sunset said, holding Adagio’s hands.
“Someone needs to make sure you don’t die in there.” Adagio said, she then looked at Hikari, “Time moves slower in that Mind’s Eye place so if we’re not out in five minutes then.…try slapping Sunset awake.”
“Hey?!”
“Do you have a better idea?”
“You two really aren’t doing a good job of building my confidence.” Hikari said with a sigh, “But for better or worse you're both right about having the most experience. Are sure you don’t want me coming with you?”
“Bone Crusher and Vector are going to need your help with the girls.” Sunset said with an honest smile before looking at Twilight, “Besides I think Twilight needs a friend more than anything right now. Tell the others the plan and to be ready.”
Hikari nodded with a small smile before hugging the girls, “Stay safe and come back fast.”
Sunset and Adagio responded with nods as they looked at Twilight. The two continued to hold hands gripping tightly. Sunset let out a long breath, closing her eyes, “Last chance to back out, Fluffy Siren.”
“You wish, Stupid Pony.”
Sunset smiled before touching Twilight’s shoulder and her eyes began to shine.
………..
Akiko walked steadily through the forest sound of battle echoing around her. She chose not to let it bother her instead she used each pained scream from Mothra to fuel her anger. Her blood was boiling and she needed to keep it that way.
“If you’re planning to fight like that you might as well give up now.” A voice spoke in her head.
“Shut up old man.” Akiko grumbled.
“What are you fighting for?”
“My friends and family were hurt. So is it so wrong that I want a little payback?”
“Fighting for petty revenge will bring nothing but sloppy mistakes.”
Akiko stopped in her tracks clenching her fist and grinding her teeth.
“Remember your lessons.”
“You can be such a pain sometimes, old man.” Akiko said with a small smile as she looked up.
Standing in front of her was the smiling face of Gloriosa. Her green hair raised as she hovered above the ground. The forest was dancing around her as if it was alive. A tree branch lowered down and it held a jar of liquid that caused Akiko’s eyes to widen. “Such naughty campers. You brought something that isn’t allowed. Now what if someone found this and got hurt? We wouldn’t want that.”
“Gloriosa, that stuff is really dangerous. Please just sit it down.” Akiko said, trying to keep her voice calm.
“I found this in that naughty Vector’s tent. I think I’ll have to punish him again.” Gloriosa said, looking at the jar.
Akiko nearly lunged at Gloriosa for saying that, but kept herself restrained, when she spoke it was with grit teeth, “Yes it’s Vector’s he brought it with him for work. As his big sister I’ll have a long talk with him about it, so please just give me the jar and we can talk.”
Gloriosa cocked her head for a moment, her smile not wavering, “You people have done nothing but destroy my home. Now I found a jar of something that I don’t know about. What if it did more damage to my home.”
“Gloriosa, that stuff is more dangerous to people than your home. So please just calm down and give it to me.” Akiko said.
Gloriosa’s eyes held a sickly green glow as her smile grew, “Come and take it.”
“You know a small part of me was hoping you’d say that.” Akiko said with a smile.
She took a fighting stance letting out a slow breath as she watched Gloriosa.
“Remember restraint can be greater than force. If your opponent is stronger physically then you must be stronger mentally.” The voice in Akiko’s head calmly spoke. She tightened her fist and kept her legs spread apart. Her arms dropped by her sides. “When the enemy moves you move. They blink, you blink.”
Akiko stood in place with a small smile on her face. She no longer felt the same anger as before. It had been a while since she felt herself getting sloppy in a fight. She wasn’t making a mistake like that again. “You’re not in your right mind Gloriosa so sorry in advance for how painful this is going to be for you. Also, if you are going to hang onto that jar, I would really keep it secure. Space Titanium can be a real pain to get out of your clothes.”
Gloriosa didn’t respond and charged at Akiko with maddening laughter. She thrust a hand forward causing the ground to rip apart with vines. Akiko back flipped away landing into a sprinters' pose. With blinding speed Akiko jumped forward bracing on her powerful legs she used the vines Gloriosa ripped from the ground as a springboard. Gloriosa had wide eyes and couldn’t dodge from the jump kick Akiko landed in her gut. She gasped, falling to the ground in a heap. Akiko didn’t let up; she grabbed Gloriosa’s hair and forced her to her feet delivering a hard right hook that caused the camp counselor's eyes to glaze over.
Akiko wasn’t done as Gloriosa stumbled on her feet the G-team captain sent a blow to her chest that caused Gloriosa to struggle to breath. Akiko's hands moved like lightning as she repeatedly punched, slapped, and jabbed Gloriosa in the face, chest, and stomach. She sent a final blow to Gloriosa’s rib cage that sent her tumbling to the ground and slumped over in a heap.
“That was for the girls and my cute baby brother.” Akiko said.
She watched as the geodes pulsed making Gloriosa gasp and rise back up. She snarled like a feral animal before she started smiling again, “Naughty campers should be punished.”
Akiko steeled her eyes. She knew the jar of Space Titanium hadn’t moved. Behind her were the girls and her precious family. To her left a forced war between creatures who didn’t want to fight. She knew what she had to do as an idea started forming in her head.
“Alright I’m done being selfish.” Akiko said, “We have guests coming and I need to keep you entertained until then.”
Gloriosa cracked her neck and charged like a wild animal. Akiko charged with her as the two let out battle cries.
…………..
Sunset blinked looking around the dark space she awoke in. She was still getting used to going into someone else's mind. At least the ground was softer unlike the first time, but where was, “Adagio!” she called out anxiously.
“Look down, Stupid Pony.” Adagio grumbled.
Sunset froze and looked down, finding the poofy hair of Adagio. She quickly got off the Siren with a sheepish smile as she rubbed the back of her head. Adagio rose up with a less than amused look on her face.
“You’re doing this on purpose aren’t you?” She growled.
“Maybe the universe thinks you're a good pillow.” Sunset said with a nervous laugh that disappeared when she saw Adagio’s face, “Can you just avoid the face.”
Adagio punched Sunset in the ribs causing her to groan, “Glad to know we can still feel pain in here. I just thought it was another gift from Midnight.” Adagio said, blowing off her fist.
“Yeah…good to know.” Sunset groaned, “Also we’re not injured like in the real world.”
She looked around noticing that her wound was gone just like last time. She stood up rubbing her side before offering a hand to Adagio. She took it and both looked around trying to get a barring of their surroundings.
“So, is this what it was like when you were in my head?” Adagio asked.
“It feels a little different.” Sunset said looking around, “Woah!”
Adagio spun around, “What is….woah.”
They looked, with wide eyes, at what was in front of them. Two portals leading to places familiar to the two Equestrians present. One portal was to a beach with a gorgeous setting sun. The other a small kitchen table with the smiling faces Celestia and Luna.
“Are those what I think they are?” Adagio asked.
“Yeah, I think so.” Sunset said, walking toward the portals. She touched one of them and her hand slipped through, “Well if we need to escape, we can least go into one of our own heads.”
“Good to know.” Adagio said with an uneasy voice as she looked around the dark area that surrounded them. “So if these are ours then where is the portal to Twilight’s head.”
Sunset hummed to herself as she looked around. She looked down at the ground and touched the floor. It was hard and felt like tiles. She hummed before something caught her eye. It was faint but it was definitely a light coming from the floor.
“Are you going to lie there forever?” Adagio asked.
“Adagio, reach your hand out.” Sunset said standing up.
“For what?”
“Just trust me.” Sunset said standing up as she reached her hand into the darkness.
“Okay what am I looking for?” Adagio asked.
“Anything really.”
Sunset started reaching out, holding out a hand to feel for anything in the darkness. Adagio did the same not knowing what she was looking for. That was until she felt something like hardwood. She gasped for a moment before grabbing a hold of it and lifting it. “Hey Sunset, I found something.” She looked at what she was holding in surprise, “Is this a mop?”
“Yeah, it is.” Sunset said, holding up a bottle cleaning solution, “I think we are in Twilight’s head; we just need to figure out what part of it.”
Suddenly light shined brightly causing the girls to yelp in surprise. As the light died down the two noticed the surprised faces of two girls. One of them had a pair of orange goggles sitting on top of her indigo-colored hair. The girl had a pair of headphones around her neck and her lemon eyes were wide with slight embarrassment.
“Sorry we didn’t think this place was occupied.” The girl with the headphones spoke.
“Looks like our make out spot is getting around.” The girl with the goggles said with a smirk.
“Make out spot?!” Adagio said, her face scrunching, “No, no we're just….well…we were….a little help Sunset?” Adagio started stammering and nudging Sunset’s shoulder.
Sunset was dumbstruck for a different reason. She recognized these girls, “Indigo Zap?”
“Sorry, no time for autographs. There isn’t much time left before homeroom and Lemon Zest promised me a biology lesson.” Indigo said playfully, wiggling her eyebrows.
“Indigo.” Lemon said with a blush.
“You love it.” Indigo said before jumping into the broom closet pushing Sunset and Adagio out, “Sorry but we have this place reserved! Come back during study hall.”
With that Indigo pulled Lemon Zest inside and promptly shut the door in front of the two Equestrians. Adagio was left dumbstruck while Sunset was still trying to process what happened.
“Well, that happened.” Adagio said.
“I know those girls.” Sunset said as she started looking around, “And those uniforms.”
“Kind of stupid looking if you ask me. Who came up with—Hey where are you going?”
Sunset started walking through down a hallway with Adagio hastily following after her. She clung to a wall and peaked her head around. Her eyes wide in shock when she noticed a silver haired girl with pigtails walking down the hallway. Adagio peaked around the corner taking notice of the decorum. Blue lockers lined the walls on each locker was a crystal gem design. The walls also had a crystal theme to them.
“Reminds me of that Crystal Empire place Aria rampaged through when the king of those weird shiny ponies wouldn’t stop annoying her.” Adagio said.
“This is Crystal Prep Academy.” Sunset whispered, “And that girl is…Sugarcoat.”
“Is she a friend?” Adagio asked.
“Not really, Twilight said they were friendly during her first semester, but things changed for some reason.” Sunset said as she continued to watch the girl walk down the hall, “Let’s follow her.”
Adagio nodded and the two equestrians trailed the unsuspecting Sugarcoat together. Sugarcoat was walking at a brisk pace making it hard for the girls to keep up. Sunset raised a brow at how the girl was looking around and clutching her bag like her life depended on it. When she suddenly stopped at a window Adagio and Sunset scrambled before finding a locker to hide behind. They poked their heads out and saw the girl quivering in place looking outside.
“I told you not to go that way, I told you not to go that way.” She repeatedly said before gasping and running off.
They both shared a glance as they watched the fearful Sugarcoat turn a corner. Adagio was the first to go to the window and gasped, “I didn’t think they went to this school.” Her fist tightly clenched.
Sunset rushed to look out the window and her eyes became wide with anger. Outside was Twilight crumpled on the ground with two girls standing over her. They were across the street in an alley, but it was clear enough for Sunset to see what was going on. The taller girl had a wicked smile on her face as she slammed her foot on Twilight’s head and ran it through the dirt.
“Before you do anything remember what happened last time and trust me we don’t want those girls becoming evil demons.” Adagio said.
“Who are they?” Sunset fumed.
“The girl with the scarf is called Greta. The one beating your friend to pulp is called Gilda.” Adagio said, trembling in anger at the sight of the two, “It was after we lost our powers, Sonata accidentally walked into their turf…” She breathed clenching her fist tightly, “And Greta decided to make Sonata her personal punching bag…until Aria and I found out.”
She pointed at the girl named Greta, “That scarf isn’t just a fashion statement, and neither is Gilda’s chipped tooth, all courtesy of me.”
“And just like any other bully they move on to someone they know won’t fight back.” Sunset winced as she watched Twilight take another kick, “I can’t just sit here and watch.”
Sunset quickly took off leaving Adagio to sigh, “What part of transforming into demons did you not understand?”
Sunset ran down the hall trying to find a way outside. She stopped briefly noticing the teary eyed Sugarcoat leaning against a wall. She brushed it off as she tried to find a way out of the school. She finally found a back entrance and quickly burst through it only to have her forearm grabbed by Adagio.
“Please remember that this could end very badly for us.”
“So, I should just watch Twilight get her teeth kicked out?”
“No, just think before you go barging in. Remember we’re not the only ones here.” Adagio said looking around the school, “That other version is still wandering around or, for all we know, watching us right now.”
Sunset grit her teeth not knowing how to answer Adagio. That was until a scream caught their attention. They looked at each other before running to the edge of the school. Adagio had to pull Sunset back before she ran around the corner. She gave a serious glare that matched Sunsets’.
“Oh my God, I didn’t see them, they just jumped out!” A terrified voice spoke out.
“Just look at all the blood!” A quivering woman said.
Sunset and Adagio grew pale as they heard more voices and screaming. Sunset was the first to rear her head around the corner and her eyes widened in shock. Lying in the street were the still forms of Greta and Glida in front of a Crystal Prep bus. Blood was spilling from their bodies as a crowd started to gather. Students were poking their heads out of the bus windows.
“Are…they dead?” Adagio said with a quiver in her voice. Sunset looked at her and saw the fear mixed with sadness in the Siren’s eyes. She quickly pushed her away from the scene.
“Don’t focus on them okay.” Sunset said, trying to put a smile on her equally terrified face, “There are plenty of people so someone should help them. Also, you said it yourself this could be a trick.”
Adagio was taking quick breaths holding her chest, “You don’t think Twilight….”
“She wouldn’t! Don’t even think about something like that.” Sunset stated holding Adagio’s shoulders, “Twilight couldn’t do that.”
“Sunset.” Adagio’s voice was barely above a whisper as her eyes became diner plates.
“Adagio, you know Twilight she wouldn’t….” Before Sunset could finish Adagio pointed a finger past her.
Sunset stopped and slowly turned her head to meet Adagio’s gaze. On the ground were both her and Adagio’s shadows, but behind her was another and it looked all too familiar. It was the figure of a girl; her hair was raised up with two raven-like wings sprouting from her back. Sunset let go of Adagio and made sure to keep herself standing in front of her friend. When she turned the Equestrian’s surprise and tensing nerves rose as there was no one standing behind them. Adagio gulped looking back to the door they came out of.
“Sunset, I think we should run.”
“Shhh.” An icy voice cooed, “You’re missing it..”
The girls looked down at the shadow as it held up a finger pointing to the crowd around the bus. They were still gathering around the bus, only one person was walking away. Twilight was moving away from the bus and crowd sweat dripped from her face. She broke away not looking back.
“I play this day over in my head so many times.” The icy voice snickered a strange sense of ecstasy present in her voice.
Sunset yelped when she felt her leg jerked and she fell onto her back. “But I think it’s time for something new.” The icy voice whispered into the Equestrian's ears. Adagio quickly went to grab the pony turned human but found herself pinned against the wall. She looked at the shadow on the ground and saw that it was latched to her shadow’s shoulders. Her shadow was being lifted which in turn lifted her.
“Strong enough to have it all,” The shadowy voice sneered. Adagio was thrown into Sunset, knocking the wind from both of them. “Too weak to take it!”
Before either could gather their senses, Sunset’s ankle was grabbed, and she was dragged across the ground. She screamed trying to lash out, but nothing was there for her to hit.
“Let’s have a private conversation.” The voice chuckled as Sunset was lifted from the ground and tossed through the school window. Her body clanged and dented the metal lockers from the force. She fell on herself trying to lean against her aching body.
“Come on my little pony time for a trip to the glue factory. ~” The voice sang as Sunset was dragged down the halls of crystal prep.
“Sunset!” Adagio cried out as she started pulling herself through the window.
“I told her not to go.” A voice wept.
Adagio froze in place feeling a chill go down through her body. A locker slowly started to open, and a long misshapen arm made its way out. It was at least twice her size and gnarled fingers clutched the ground pulling a heaving body out of the locker. A sliver head came out of the locker breathing heavily. Adagio recognized this person or she thought she did. The pigtails were a dead ringer.
“Sugarcoat?” Adagio gulped taking a step back.
“I told her not to go that way.” ‘Sugarcoat’ sniffled.
She was hunched over due to her inverted legs but still stood at an intimidating height. Her hair was disheveled covering her eyes. It reminded her of the ghost girls from the Japanese horror movies Sonata would make her watch. The monstrous creature wept, shaking in place, “I told her not to go that way. This wouldn’t be happening if she just listened to me.”
Her head reared up revealing tear-stained red eyes with a mouth left agape. Adagio’s eyes grew wide from the sight of this creature. Sweat started pouring from her face as she took a step back.
“Adagio!....Get back to the broom closet!” Sunset managed to yell as she was dragged away.
“Why didn’t she listen to me!” Sugarcoat yelled, reaching out a hand to grab Adagio.
The Siren ducked her heart beating out of her chest. In a quick turn she burst down the hall. She started running with everything she had, but instead of running to the broom closet Adagio ran straight to Sunset.
“What are you doing!?”
“Just shut up and reach your hand out.” Adagio yelled trying to reach her hand out.
Sunset grabbed a locker stopping herself from being pulled. She could still feel the invisible force pulling her leg causing her to rise off the ground. She struggled but managed to reach her free hand out to Adagio. The two Equestrians clasped their hands together and Adagio started to pull. Behind her Sugarcoat started to lumber her way with a large gnarled hand stretched out a gurgling cry creaked from her elongated mouth.
“Adagio-”
“Shut up and push!” Adagio shouted.
Sunset did as she said and started pulling herself into Adagio. The force clinging to her pulled back. She could feel nails digging into her legs causing blood to drip from them. She gritted her and pushed back against the force pulling her. Adagio pulled back, taking Sunset’s hand to her chest.
“Adagio…”
The lockers started to slam against each other their metal doors cackling through the halls. Sunset felt the pulling on her leg stop only to sense a pressure on her back. She was crushed into the ground with a loud grunt. She looked up with a shaky head and saw a figure taking shape before her. Raven wings spread wide as emerald eyes glared at Adagio.
Adagio shook looking at the demoness standing before her, “Twi…”
Before she could finish her sentence, Adagio’s throat was violently grabbed, “You're starting to annoy me….” Twilight lifted Adagio with ease, a violet aura surrounded the Siren, “Go play with Sugarcoat!”
Adagio was tossed like a ball sailing down the hall straight into the awaiting palm of Sugarcoat. The monstrous girl roared slamming Adagio into the lockers. Adagio screamed in pain as the metal bent and crumpled around her body. Twilight nodded her head in approval while licking her lips.
“Finally, some alone time with My Little Pony.” She chuckled darkly looking down at Sunset.
“Where’s…Twilight.” Sunset grunted.
“I’m right here Sunset.” The demonic girl laughed, pulling up Sunset by her collar, “I’ve always been here. Watching you girls on your little adventures. Trying to resist the urge to vomit and rip my ears off when you all played band and don’t get me started on your letters from that other me. Seriously, how can a world full of magical talking ponies have an issue every week?!”
Her hair started rising as one of her eyes twitched. Before going too far into a rant she took a breath, “Sorry lost my train of thought. Where was I going with this?”
“You were telling me about Twilight.” Sunset seethed trying to break away.
Sunset was slammed against the locker again causing her to groan in pain, “Now I remember.” Twilight forced Sunset to face Adagio, “I think it's time you watch something terrible.”
Adagio was in and out of consciousness as she was held against the lockers. Sugarcoat stared at her, still weeping, “Why didn’t you listen to me.? This wouldn’t have happened if you just listened to me?”
Her jaws unhinged as she brought Adagio closer. Watching Sunset started to struggle in vain, “No, please, it's me you want. Leave Adagio out of this!” Sunset pleaded only to have her head pressed further against the locker. The dark version of her friend merely held a finger to her lips that were curled into a dark smile. Sunset kept struggling trying to free herself, “Please if you’re anything like Twilight then just let her go so, we can talk this out.”
“Oh Sunny, I am Twilight.” She cruelly chuckled, leaning in close so that her voice was a whisper, “I’m the Twilight who does naughty things.” Sunset’s eyes widened with despair as she watched Sugarcoat bring Adagio closer to her mouth.
“That’s enough!” A thundering voice commanded.
A green bolt of lightning struck Sugarcoat causing to scream in agony. Her body crumbled to the ground, dropping Adagio to the floor. Another bolt of lightning came this time striking Twilight in the chest causing her to roar and release Sunset. She clutched her chest heaving and looking around with enraged eyes. Footsteps echoed the halls as a figure emerged from the shadows. Her flowing black hair was tied back into a ponytail, she wore an orange strapless dress, her bare feet echoed along the ground with each step. Her eyes held an annoyed glare at everyone around her.
“Honestly, do you know how hard it is to enjoy my dreams with you all screaming.”
Adagio held her head up, her vision was starting to come back, she recognized the person walking toward them. Sunset had a teary-eyed smile at the sight. She may have been taller, but they knew that glare anywhere.
“Lora!”
The elder Elias’s brow twitched, “Would you two stop screaming already!?!”
They held their hands to their mouths and whispered, “Sorry.”
………….
Akiko landed back first on the ground with a grunt. She elbowed the dirt with enough power to move herself out of the way the tree roots crashing toward her. Gloriosa stood behind her and kicked the G-team captain in the gut causing her body to fold around the counselor’s leg before crashing into a tree. Akiko coughed up a small amount of blood. Before looking at Gloriosa with hard eyes and a small smile.
“Good thing the others didn’t see that. I wouldn’t have lived it down if Kubo and Boney saw me like this.” Akiko said with a huff. She kept her smile while leaning against the tree.
‘She nearly broke my ribs with that kick. I’m not holding back but she keeps getting back up and getting stronger. Then there’s Angy….’
She looked past Gloriosa and found the massive form of Anguirus standing at his full height. He snarled looking at the mountain. Embedded in the side was Mothra, her blue eyes dim and her wings and antenna drooped. Anguirus howled to the skies claiming his victory to the heavens above. His head started turning to the town and his snarls grew louder. The green tone to his eyes grew.
‘Mothra can’t fight anymore, that means the town is next.’
Gloriosa started to rise off the ground mumbling to herself with a crazed smile, “I’ll keep it safe mommy I won’t let anything happen to our home.”
‘I can’t even tell if she’s focused on me.’
Akiko started to stand up on shaky legs still managing to keep a smile, “Not sure if mom would be happy about you controlling my friend.”
Gloriosa glared at Akiko gnashing her teeth like a wild animal.
‘Well now she’s definitely focused on me. Now for the other problem…’ She was covered in bruises and couldn’t stop rubbing her side, ‘How do I keep this up without her finally breaking something.’
Gloriosa started to move closer as Akiko got back on her feet taking another fighting stance. Her ears were ringing, but she was used to that. She took a breath trying to concentrate and remembering her training. The ringing started to get louder and it sounded more like a small scream. She raised an eyebrow and glanced upward, spotting something falling from the sky. Her mouth suddenly dropped when she saw a white ball of fuzz falling out of the sky. Next to it was a small blue figure that was flailing around. They were falling out of the sky faster and faster.
“Moll?!” Akiko shouted in surprise.
Gloriosa cocked an eyebrow and turned her head to be met with a puppy sized moth to the side of her face. Her eyes bulged as a stream of saliva flew from her mouth before crashing face first into a tree. The crazed counselor groaned as she slid to the ground. Akiko quickly acted and caught the small Mothra in her arms.
“Hey wait a minute, where's…”
“Heads up!!!!!”
Moll fell with teary eyes as she flailed around even going as far as flapping her arms to fly. Akiko yelped and scrambled with her arms stretched to catch her.
“Don’t worry Moll, I’ve got you.” Akiko called out running so intensely that she didn’t see the tree in front of her. She crashed and landed on her back dazed. When she finally came to, she couldn’t find Moll anywhere, “Moll?!”
“MMMMPH!!!” She heard a muffled scream and looked down at her chest. In her cleavage two little legs were desperately kicking. Akiko breathed a sigh of relief and pulled Moll out, “HAH! HAH! I thought I was going to die in there!”
“Well at least you got a soft landing.” Akiko said with a chuckle, “What are you doing here?”
“Kubo told me to come and help all of you.” Moll said with a smile placing her hands on her hips, “So here I am!”
“My hero.” Akiko cooed, pulling Moll in for a kiss, “But why did you fall out of the sky?”
Moll looked downcast as she stared at the fallen Mothra she was riding on, “She did her best to fly me here…..but when her main body went down so did, she.”
Akiko sat back up, holding the small kaiju in her lap. She could see that Mothra was taking struggling breaths. She looked over her shoulder and found Gloriosa starting to get back on her feet.
“This won’t end until we put Gloriosa down for the count.” Akiko said gently, setting Mothra behind a tree, “Mind giving me a hand?”
Moll’s hand became alight with azure flames. She formed her finger into a pistol and fired it past Akiko’s head. The explosion was like a grenade going off. The next thing she heard was Gloriosa screaming in agony and horror. The G-team captain turned her head to find Gloriosa patting one of her trees down.
“Not bad, how'd you know that would work?” Akiko whistled.
“Actually, I was aiming for her head.” Moll said with stern eyes.
“AWWW! You’re so cute when you’re deadly.” Akiko cooed.
“You! You won’t hurt my home!” Gloriosa rose into the air and lunged at Akiko.
She dodged with the grace of a ballerina and swiftly kicked Gloriosa in the back. The insane counselor stomped on the ground causing several tree roots to shoot from the ground. Akiko didn’t have time to dodge and braced for the impact. They hit her body, knocking the wind from Akiko, but the blow wasn’t as intense as she expected. She heard small grunts and found Moll on her shoulder with her hands illuminated in an azure aura. Akiko’s body was covered in the same aura stopping the roots from piercing her.
“You, okay?” Akiko asked.
“Don’t worry I have a lot more aura than Lora.” Moll said with a grunt pushing back more and causing the tree roots to become a light with flames. She shouted and the flames raced across the roots and back to Gloriosa blasting her back with a scream. Moll took a breath and stood straight, “Don’t worry Aki, I won't let my family get hurt anymore.”
Akiko smiled standing and cracking her knuckles, “I’ve got a plan so hang on tight and keep blasting.”
……..
“Lora, what are you doing here?” Sunset asked, trying to stand. She was also trying to hide how shocked she was to see the normally doll-sized Lora was now as tall as her.
“Your power still needs work. When you entered Twilight’s mind you accessed mine as well.” Lora said, pinching her brow, “I was enjoying such a wonderful dream one moment and then I’m here.”
“Oh Hehe, sorry about that.” Sunset nervously chuckled, rubbing the back of her head.
Lora glared at her electrical energy bouncing off the elder Elias’s fingertips.
“Look, we can roast the stupid pony later. Think you can give us a hand?” Adagio asked.
Lora looked at Twilight’s staggering form then to Sugarcoat. She huffed before whipping her ponytail. Green currents of electricity bounced from each of her fingers, “I’m only doing this so I can finally get back to sleep.”
With a flick of her fingers a bolt of lightning shot out striking Sugarcoat again causing the girl to scream out and flail like a dying spider. Her mouth hung as she screamed and looked at Lora. The elder Elias narrowed her eyes, aura building in her hands. She rushed forward and grabbed the deformed girl by the jaw unleashing a surge of electricity through Sugarcoat.
“Why didn’t she listen?!” Sugarcoat wailed.
“You’re annoying.” Lora coldly stated before unleashing the rest of her power through Sugarcoat. She wailed trying to pry Lora off, but with a flick of her free hand a bolt of pure aura knocked Sugarcoat’s enormous hand away. She looked at Twilight stoically, “Your corruption runs deep. I can understand why Midnight would unleash you, but now it's going to stop.”
She stopped her attack allowing Sugarcoat to fall to the ground, the monstrous girl's smoldering body started to collapse in on itself. Adagio and Sunset watched in awe as Lora stared at Twilight. She stepped forward shooting daggers at Twilight, “You can stop trying to hide her. Bring Twilight out.”
“The real Twilight is right here.” The girl's wings flared her eyes blazing with mad fury.
“You're only a piece of her.” Lora stated, causing the demonic girl’s eyes to widen.
“A piece?” Sunset asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Yes, a small piece of Twilight’s mind that caused her to make decisions she regretted.” Lora explained, “We all have one. I'm sure you met that side of yourself at one point, Sunset.”
Sunset thought back to her fight with Midnight. The Equestrian version of herself who stood in front of the mirror connecting her mind to Adagio’s. Could she have been who Lora was talking about?
“The only difference is this Equestrian magic of yours. Whatever happened at your Friendship Games gave it more power and a will of its own. Then there was your meeting with Midnight. She allowed it to roam free. Resulting in the corruption we see before us.” Lora said, stepping closer.
The demonic girl snarled, flaring her wings and looking around in discomfort, “I didn’t make her regret anything. I made sure she survived.” She clapped her hands together and the sound echoed through the halls. It grew quiet and the girls suddenly felt their blood run cold. The rattling of metal filled the air as something moved in the darkness. Adagio moved closer to Sunset and tightly held her hand.
She felt fear running through her body, but she also felt the need to keep Sunset with her. Her instincts were firing off that the unicorn was going to rush forward without a plan once she saw whatever approached them. Sunset looked at her briefly and the elder Siren gave her a stern glare.
The sound of thumping mixed with the chains along with muffled whimpers. The demonic Twilight grinned and moved out of the way. Sunset’s eyes widened and she was only able to stay in place thanks to Adagio holding her back.
Behind the demoness was another Twilight. She looked around fearfully, whimpering softly. She crawled on the ground like a sick puppy. A metal collar and chain were wrapped around her neck leading back to the darkness. She was in a silk nightgown that was covered in dirt from crawling around the ground. The demonic Twilight smiled, running a hand through her counterpart's hair.
“And I just put the poor thing down for a nap. It's going to be so hard to put her back down.” She cooed, running a hand across the girl's face and hair revealing her ear. She held her tightly like a lost toy and began whispering into her ear.
“What’s going on?!” Sunset asked.
“Twilight’s soul is starting to break.” Lora coldly stated without turning her head.
“She wanted this.” The demonic girl sneered.
“Yeah, that’s why she’s chained up like a dog.” Adagio said sarcastically.
“Let go of her!” Sunset shouted.
Twilight held herself closer, sneering at Sunset. She picked up her hollowed self, growling like a predator guarding its kill, “She needs me.” Her wings began to flap a smile on her face, “But if you want her then come and get her.”
She flew back taking the husk with her. Sunset tried to chase after them but was held back by Adagio. “Let go of me!”
“She wants you to chase her! Think this through!” Adagio shouted, trying to keep Sunset still.
“You saw her Twilight needs our help.”
“I believe we have bigger problems.” Lora stated, pointing out the window.
Across the street a group stood outside staring at the girls.
“Aren’t those the people who were staring at Gilda?” Sunset asked with a gulp.
“Nope!” The elder Siren shouted, grabbing both Sunset and Lora’s arms. She pulled them into a run, “Nope! Nope! Nope!”
The horde of people broke into a sprint. Their eyes ablaze with madness as they charged at the school.
“Do you even know where we’re going?” Sunset asked.
“Nope!” Adagio shouted running down the hall.
Lora looked over her shoulder and found the horde starting to climb through the windows, “Sunset, use your power.”
“What?!”
“You have control of the Mind’s Eye. Now use your power and make us an exit.” Lora exclaimed.
“But I don’t-”
“You managed to defeat Midnight, even if it was just a copy of her, doing something like that to someone of her skill shouldn’t be overlooked. You’re stronger than you think.” Lora looked at Sunset with soft eyes, “Don’t think of saving yourself, think of Twilight, Akiko, Hikari, and your friends.”
Sunset took her words in before taking a breath. She started thinking about her friends and their smiles. How she was shown the value of friendship by her world’s Twilight and returning that feeling to this world’s Twilight. Each fond memory made her chest feel warm. She felt power welling up inside her.
“That’s it now, take a breath and concentrate.” Lora softly spoke.
Sunset pointed to a locker, “Through there.”
It began to open on its own, making Sunset speed up. Adagio tried objecting but her words fell on deaf ears as Sunset quickly came to a halt in front of the locker. She looked at and saw nothing but darkness, but she kept her cool. She looked down the hall and found the horde still running toward them.
“Well now or never….Sorry in advance Adagio.” Sunset breathed.
“What do you-Gahhh!” Adagio yelped as Sunset pushed her into the locker. She was enveloped by darkness and her screaming became echoes.
She then looked at Lora, who gave an approving nod before following the Siren inside. Sunset was the last to jump in quickly grabbing the metal door she pulled it shut behind her just as a hand reached out to grab her. They were slowly consumed by darkness as Sunset fell deeper.
“Take me to Twilight. Please take me to Twilight.” She whispered to herself as it got darker.
When she started feeling a warmth on her back, she looked over her shoulder and saw a beam of light. She shrugged seeing as there was nowhere else to go and fell into it. The brightness caused her to shield her eyes. When her eyes finished adjusting, she managed to see below her and found a puffy ball of orange.
“Uh oh.”
“What is this place?” Adagio groaned looking around.
“Dagi get out of the way!” Sunset shouted.
The Siren looked up and saw Sunset coming straight at her. The Siren’s eyelids lowered in annoyance with a long sigh. The two Equestrians collided into each other creating a cloud of dust. They both groaned from the pain, although Adagio was growling out of anger. Sunset looked at Adagio with a sheepish smile. “Thanks for breaking my fall.”
Adagio took a deep breath and exhaled, “Just this once I’m not going to punch you. Now where are we?”
“It’s where Sunset desired to go.” Lora said, stepping up from behind them.
Sunset looked at the elder Elias confused.
“You have control here Sunset whether you realize it or not.” Lora calmly said.
“I’m not sure but when we were falling I just wished we could get to Twilight.” Sunset said, looking around.
Adagio stood up surveying her surroundings. It was only now she realized they were in a bedroom. There was a large theme of lavender in the room and several pictures of Spike scattered around.
“I think we're in Twilight’s house.” Adagio said, “I don’t know if that’s good or bad.”
“It means we're close to Twilight.” Sunset said with a smile.
“Both Twilights.” Adagio said, lowering her voice.
Lora gently touched the ground letting her aura follow. Her eyes crackled with electricity as she spread currents further out, “There are three beings below us. Is there anywhere else Twilight would be?”
Sunset walked to the window and saw that it was facing the backyard. Along the edge of it sat a wooden shack with an antenna sitting on the roof. She noticed a dark purple light coming out of the single window. “She’s there.” Sunset said.
“So, what’s the plan? You know besides watching you get thrown around like a rag doll.” Adagio asked, leaning against the wall looking at a picture of Twilight and Spike, “At least there’s something happy in the place.”
“Even in the darkest of spaces light will always find a way to shine through.” Lora softly said.
“And that’s how we’ll bring her back.” Sunset said looking determined.
“I feel a friendship speech coming.” Adagio said with an amused smirk.
Sunset smirked and winked, “We need to show Twilight that she isn’t the same person she used to be. She has friends and people who care about her. That she doesn't have to live with all of this pain by herself.”
“Not bad but do you plan on telling her that while she's making you a human ragdoll?” Adagio asked again with a raised eyebrow.
“Well, I do have a super powerful fairy and a fluffy Siren to distract her.” Sunset said.
Both Lora and Adagio looked at each other then to Sunset, who had a confident smile on her face.
……….
Vector watched carefully as Applejack carefully placed a chip down. She breathed wiping sweat off her face, her eyes then lingered to Vector, who was staring fiercely at her then the phone. Applejack started sweating as he stared at her with fierce eyes. He hummed holding the phone up between himself and the farm girl.
“Everything all right, Sugar Cube?” Applejack nervously asked.
Vector kept looking at the phone before looking at Sonata, “Hey Sonata press this button and hold it to your ear.”
“Okay!” Sonata cheerfully said, taking the phone from Vector.
Before she could say anything, Vector quickly hid behind Rarity, “Shield now!”
“What?!” Rarity shouted.
“Too late, get ready for the explosion!” Vector shouted, putting his fingers in his ears.
The girls looked at each other and quickly hid away holding their fingers to their ears. Sonata paid it no mind as she pushed the button on the phone and held it to her ear. She hummed to herself listening to the dial tone.
“Who am I calling?” Sonata asked with a confused smile.
Vector peeked from behind Rarity, “Oh, you’re alive. Good job team!”
“Coulda fooled me.” Applejack mumbled.
Pinkie jumped on top of her with a wide smile, “Good job not blowing up Sonata, AJ!”
“Thanks AJ!” Sonata said as she looked around in confusion, “Why was I gonna blow up?”
“Don’t ask questions, just hand over the phone.” Vector said.
“Kay.” Sonata cheerfully said tossing the phone to Vector and hopping off.
“Okay so your phone is working, what's the plan now?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Now we get an Uber out of here.” Vector said as he began dialing the phone. The girls watched curiously as he stared off intently. They could hear the dial tone through the cave. The young scientist's head perked up suddenly and the girls heard a feminine yet robotic voice, like a robotic message. “Access code ‘One For All’....” He waited a brief moment tapping his fingers until a voice came back, “Begin tracking this signal and follow a direct path. Ping when five…no three minutes from the destination.”
He nodded his head in confirmation before hanging up. He then looked over to find everyone looking at him, “What? You guys act like you’ve never seen someone hack into a military computer to call a nuclear-powered plane.”
“Is that what happened?” Rainbow said.
“Look, the Hawk will be here in a few minutes and I’m going to pass out.” Vector groaned as he started swaying. He was about to fall forward until Fluttershy quickly caught him. He looked at her with a small blush before clearing his throat and handing Celestia her phone, “Here, when it starts ringing it means the Hawk will be here soon.”
“It’s safe with me.” Celestia said with a warm smile that turned into a blush, “Thank you for your help and sorry for trying to kill you earlier.”
“No worries…” Vector’s voice trailed off as he slumped against Fluttershy’s shoulders.
Fluttershy blushed briefly before gently putting a hand on his back. She hummed softly like she would with some of her animals in the pet shop. A small smile crossed her face as she kept humming.
Rarity watched with a smile, like a proud mother, “Good for you Fluttershy.”
Pinkie suddenly appeared behind Fluttershy, holding bowl soup that was somehow fully cooked, “Fluttershy let me hold Vecy! I can sing him a lullaby and I have soup to help….Mmmff.”
A diamond appeared in front of Pinkie’s face. Rarity held up her hand with an annoyed sigh as Applejack lifted and held Pinkie like a plank of wood. “Let’s give Vector some space Sugar Cube.”
Applejack tipped her hat to Fluttershy with a wink and smile. The shy girl yelped as her face started turning beat red. She started hiding her face in between her hair. Rainbow gagged, holding a finger to her mouth, “Out of everyone she picked him?”
“This coming from you Dash Bow?” Aria snarked.
Rainbow started mumbling curses under her breath as she looked away. To the side Hikari and Bone Crusher watched both trying to keep from smiling. “Good for you little bro.”
“I was hoping he would make friends, but this isn’t what I expected.” Hikari said, looking at Vector’s sleeping form.
“So how do we keep Akiko from rampaging?” Bone Crusher as the smile left his face and was replaced with a look of horror, “It’ll be worse than that time Victoria kissed him.”
“Okay that beating was deserved and don’t worry I’ll come up with something.” Hikari said with a wave of the hand, “For now Vector just gave us a way out of here. So, let’s start getting ready to get out of here.”
“Just leave it to me.” Bone Crusher nodded confidently although when he looked at her, he tried to keep from snickering, “By the way here.”
He handed his shirt to Hikari with a small smile, “Kubo, will blow a gasket if he sees you like that.”
She blushed looking at herself and quickly took his shirt, “Thanks…but what about you?”
“It’s fine there’s a spare set of G-armor on the Hawk.” Bone Crusher said with a smile before walking to the group.
Hikari looked over to Sunset and Adagio with concern. She knelt down not knowing how to treat them. The scientist sighed gently, running a hand over both of their faces, “Okay girls it’s all up to you now.”
……….
“Do you really think this is going to work?” Adagio asked as they started making their way through the house.
“It’s the best plan we’ve got right now.” Lora sighed leading the way.
“You just have to get her far enough for me to get to Twilight.” Sunset said, “It won’t take long, and Lora will be backing you up.”
“Yeah but-” Adagio was about to go on, but Lora held her hand up. Both girls came to a halt falling silent. They clung to the walls of the hallway they were walking down. Adagio could see past the elder Elias and saw stairs leading down to darkness. Sunset was about to speak but Lora held a finger to her mouth. With her other hand she held up three fingers. Sunset nodded in understanding with a small gulp. She looked at the steps knowing what Lora was sensing. There were three people down the stairs.
“I think her family might be down there.” Sunset whispered.
“Or whatever that twisted version of herself sees as a family.” Adagio gulped.
Lora quickly made a silencing motion to the girls before moving like a marine in combat as she made her way down the stairs. She motioned her fingers for the girls to follow behind her. They slowly began to descend the staircase and caught a strange sound in the eerie silence. The familiar theme drove a chill down Adagio and Sunset’s spines.
It was cheery music and laughter from a television show both had seen before. They didn’t exactly know much about it other than that it came on late at night and was made during a time humans called the 80s. Neither of them liked it much but for Adagio it was a slightly welcome comfort for a late-night shift at the diner and for Sunset it was background noise during a late-night study session.
So why was it playing here?
Lora noticed a flickering blue light coming from a nearby room. She could also make out two shadows sitting still. She crept down the steps making sure to keep each step she took as quiet as possible. Sunset followed, but flinched when she made a sound on the steps with her sneakers. Lora turned her head quickly to look at the Equestrian then to the shadows. She sighed softly before continuing her pace down the steps.
Sunset looked to Adagio, and a silent communication quickly occurred between the two. They silently took off their shoes before making their way down the steps. When they made it to the bottom, they were silent, and their bare feet were muffled by the carpet. They looked to Lora, who was knelt against the wall leading to the room, like a commando in combat she motioned for the girls to come.
They took up space next to the elder Elias, keeping up against the wall trying their best to stay in the darkness. They could hear the sound of television playing in the living room. The girls couldn’t help but feel a chill going down their spines at hearing the song in this darkness. When it ended, they could hear a cheering crowd followed by the sound of two young girls telling jokes that Adagio would normally roll her eyes to, then came the sound of a laugh track. Lora leaned her head forward and found that there were two people in the room.
She could make out that the figures were two men; One was sitting in a lazy boy chair holding up a newspaper, the other was sitting on the couch watching the television. Then suddenly came a noise that nearly made the girls jump out of their skin.
“Honey dinner’s ready!” A female voice called from further down the hallway.
The girls clung to the wall slowly beginning to back up to the stairs.
“Be right there, dear.” A voice called from the living room.
The girls froze in place knowing that there was no way they could make it up the steps in time before the two left the living room. They just did their best to stay in the darkness to not be seen. They kept silent trying their best not to make a sound. A few moments passed but the girls were surprised when nothing happened. Sunset swallowed her fear and made her way back to the living room. She stuck her head around the corner seeing the two men sitting there in the exact same position.
“Honey, dinner’s ready!”
“Be right there, dear.”
The two spoke again and to the Equestrian's surprise neither of the men moved. Sunset raised an eyebrow at this and waved for the others to come forward. She held up a finger as if telling them to wait for something.
“Honey, dinner’s ready!”
“Be right there, dear.”
Sunset looked at Lora and Adagio with analytical eyes.
“It’s like some kind of loop.” She whispered.
“Do you think they know we’re here?” Adagio asked.
“I feel like we wouldn’t have gotten this close if they did.” Lora held a hand to her chin looking down the hall, “Let’s move quickly and quietly.”
She moved forward with Adagio following close behind. Sunset was following but took a moment to look inside the living room. She saw Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor, with a disturbing wide smile on his face. She shivered looking at the man holding up the newspaper, who she quickly figured out was Twilight’s father. She couldn’t see his face fully due to the paper but she was able to make out that his cheeks were pulled back enough to indicate that behind the newspaper he had a wide smile on his face as well.
Sunset shivered but kept moving forward. The sooner they found Twilight the better, although in the back of her mind she could feel eyes on her. Each step the girls took through the dark hallway was endless as it felt like a hand was grasping their throats. Suddenly the sound of a soft humming came from the next room.
“Honey, dinner’s ready.” The woman’s voice sounded like it was right next to them. Lora, Adagio, and Sunset quickly leaned against the wall. Like before they kept quiet listening to the sound around them. They could hear the sound of a woman humming followed by the sound of a knife hitting a cutting board. It was a calming hum that reminded Sunset of Celestia when she was making breakfast. Yet this darkness made it more terrifying.
With their eyes adjusting to the darkness, they could make out more of the kitchen. There was an Isle, where a small television sat playing the same program as the living room played. There was a table with five chairs placed around it and plates with food sitting on them. Behind the table was a sliding glass door that led to the backyard.
“Is that where we need to go?” Adagio asked, pointing to the backyard.
“Yeah, Twilight’s lab should be out there.” Sunset said, getting ready to move forward until Lora held up a hand.
She looked into the kitchen before quickly pulling her head back. She was pale with sweat running down her face, “Someone’s standing right there.” Lora said, causing Adagio and Sunset to swallow a lump in their throats.
Sunset looked at the glass of the door to see the reflection. Sunset could make out the outline of Twilight’s mother standing still behind the kitchen isle. She was holding a knife in her hand and much to her fright she was blankly smiling while cutting nothing. She stared out into a void of nothing while humming to herself.
“Okay, fully open to ideas.” Adagio said.
Sunset kept looking past the sliding glass door in the kitchen. She saw the backyard and the shed sitting in the middle of it. She could see a figure in the window making her eyes narrow with determination. The unicorn looked over her shoulder as an idea formed in her head.
“Let’s turn around and head out the front.” Sunset suggested getting Adagio and Lora to look at her with raised eyebrows.
“I’m not sure.” Lora said, “Going around could get us spotted by another creature out there.”
“Not if I make the front door lead to the backyard.” Sunset quickly explained.
“Yes, that could work.” Lora hummed, nodding her head.
“Okay sneak past the father son duo again…as if I didn’t need enough heart attacks.” Adagio sighed.
“Honey dinner’s ready!”
“Be right there, dear!”
“Are we sure they’re not going to get up?” Adagio asked with a gulp.
“Let’s just move before they do.” Lora said.
With that they quickly turned around making their way back to the front door. They made their way past the living room again making sure to sneak quietly past the living room. Although when they saw the inside, they managed to get a proper view of Twilight’s brother, Shining Armor, and the wide smile plastered on his face as he watched the television. They all shivered, moving faster to get to the door. Once they reached the front door Sunset quickly put her hand to the knob.
“Remember you want to go to Twilight.” Lora softly reminded her.
Sunset closed her eyes and concentrated on getting to the backyard and to the shed. She turned the knob, making the door click. The sound of creaking wood echoed in the dark and it caused the girls to freeze. What came next was the sound of paper fluttering and a knife loudly hitting a cutting board. Then feet moving along the carpet.
“Open the door now!” Adagio sharply whispered.
Sunset forwent the idea of stealth and quickly ripped the door open. They could only see red in front of them but at the moment it didn’t matter. The girls ran through the door without giving it a second thought when Sunset turned her and saw the glint of shining teeth in the darkness. She slammed the door shut not wanting them to get any closer. Sunset quickly began taking in air to try to ease her racing heart. She felt someone wildly tapping her shoulder. She turned and Adagio was in her face putting a finger to her mouth before pulling the unicorn into a corner. Before Sunset could say anything, Adagio mouthed the words ‘She’s right there.’ On the other side of the Equestrians Lora peaked behind a wall with stern eyes. Sunset began pulling herself up taking notice of her surroundings.
The light was a bleeding red that glowed throughout the room. She wondered where it was coming from as it leaked throughout the room without any source. The walls were wooden and covered in various straps of paper with equations written across them. She also noticed the various wires strung about the area. She slowly started to recall where they were.
“This is Twilight’s lab.” She whispered to herself.
“Where is she!” A familiar voice shouted.
Lora quickly hid back behind the wall. Adagio pulled Sunset close to keep them hidden. They could hear crashing on the other side followed by loud roars. “Where is she! I saw her, so where is she?!”
Twilight’s voice boomed like thunder causing the girls to freeze. They clung closer to the walls trying to blend themselves into the wall. They could hear her feet stopping against the wood. She snarled at someone else who was mumbling in the corner.
“Will you just talk!”
Then came the strange snapping sound, like someone snapping their fingers, after that the mumbling turned into soft whimpers. “I’m sorry I don’t know where they are.” Twilight’s voice spoke again although this time it was softer and full of terror.
There was a stomp followed by a yelp, “Stop lying! That’s all you do!”
“Please stop!” The other Twilight pleaded.
Adagio could feel Sunset trying to break free, but she managed to keep the unicorn down. The elder Siren listened as she heard the young girl behind her crying out for help. If this was years ago, she would have let her fear get the better of her and just move on, but a look at Sunset made her heart shift. She breathed holding Sunset against the wall, “Do whatever it is you have to do….Just. Be. Fast.”
With that Adagio stepped into the room. In front of her was the demonic Twilight, her wings splayed out in an intimidating manner, her hair raised like an enraged animal, in the demonic girl's hands was her lighter half. Adagio saw that Twilight’s eyes were full of fear as they darted around before falling on the Siren. They became pinpricks as she shook. The demoness saw this and she slowly turned her head. Her temporal horn glowed within the red room. Her teal eyes widened along with the flames surrounding them.
“Adagio.” Her voice was low barely above a whisper.
Adagio breathed her heart pounding in her ears, “Hey there nerd!” She yelled at the top of her lungs. She blew a raspberry at the demon before turning around, “I’ll take you to Sunset, if you can catch up!”
She quickly ran past Sunset and to the door grabbing the handle. When Adagio opened it, she was shocked to see that the house was no longer there, instead she was in the backyard. Adagio didn’t take the time to be amazed or horrified by this; she just focused on getting out of the shed.
“Adagio!” The demonic Twilight screeched her wings raised. The demoness rushed after Adagio not even paying attention to the fact Sunset and Lora were hiding behind the wall. The two were out the door leaving Lora and Sunset alone with the other Twilight.
“H-H-Hello?” Twilight called out looking around.
“Help Adagio.” Sunset said.
“Are you sure?” Lora asked.
“Remember the plan, Lora. Adagio can’t distract that other Twilight by herself; she’s going to need some help.” Sunset said.
Lora sighed and huffed, “Just be careful and remember to speak with your heart.”
With that Lora stood up crackling with power before running out the door. Sunset watched the elder Elias leave taking her words into account. The unicorn could hear Twilight softly crying to herself wanting to hear someone. It pulled on Sunset’s heart, and she slowly stepped out making the wooden floor creak. This caused Twilight to yelp in fear and cover her face.
“It’s just me, Twilight.” Sunset softly said as she walked into the room holding her hands up to show she meant no harm.
Twilight pulled her hands down and looked at Sunset. Tears were running down her face when she saw her friend. “Sunset?”
“It’s me, but is that really you?” Sunset said, making Twilight slowly raise an eyebrow, “Sorry, Twi, but that demon version of you has been playing tricks on me since we got here. So, I really need to know if that is really you.”
Twilight sniffled, wiping a tear away as she started to move further back, “I did something really bad. I didn’t mean to, but I was just so angry at them. When I pushed Gilda, I wasn’t even thinking, I…I…I didn’t even see Greta or….the bus. Then they screamed and I…I…I just.”
Tears rolled down her face in droves and Twilight started to break down. Sunset felt her eyes beginning to water as well. She quickly ran to Twilight and pulled her into her arms. She could feel Twilight shaking as she sobbed uncontrollably. Sunset gently shushed Twilight as she ran her fingers through the girl's hair.
“I ran away…they needed me, and I ran away. That’s what I always do…I cry and run.” Twilight cried into Sunset’s chest. She lifted her head to look at Sunset in the eyes, “Sunset…I am a bad person?”
Sunset held Twilight closely, letting her sob into her chest, “Twilight, you’re just afraid. Anyone would be.”
Sunset gently pushed Twilight’s face up, wiping away the tears from her friend's face. She smiled softly, holding Twilight’s cheeks in both hands, “You have and always will be my friend.” Twilight sniffled looking into Sunset’s eyes, “It doesn’t matter if you’re not the Twilight from my world. I wanted to be your friend the moment we met in the Friendship Games.”
“B..b..but I did such awful things.” Twilight cried.
“It’s okay Twilight. You’re not the first person to do something they regret. Just look at me I’ve screwed more times than I can count. Luckily, I had friends who came to help me.” She pressed her forehead to Twilight’s, “And so do you.”
“They’re afraid of me.” Twilight softly said.
“No way, well maybe Fluttershy but she’s scared of everybody,” Sunset said with a soft chuckle, “The girls love you, Twilight, and they would never be afraid of you.”
Twilight stopped sniffling and looked at Sunset. Her eyes were still full of tears, but she gulped back some of her sadness. She embraced Sunset tightly, whispering small thank yous. Sunset gripped her tightly letting her know she wasn’t alone. Sunset would have kept holding her friend if she hadn’t heard Adagio screaming.
“Oh no.” Sunset said looking at Twilight, “I know this is a lot to ask but can you move?”
Twilight shook her head and only then did Sunset hear the rattling of a change. Twilight lifted up her head showing Sunset the chain wrapped around her neck. Twilight’s face drooped, “She dragged me back here after everything that happened in the school. She must have thought I brought you here because she started screaming at me. That’s when you showed up.”
“So, she doesn’t know how we got here.” Sunset said, “Do you know when she sensed we were here?”
“I’m not too sure.” Twilight said, “She’s had me locked away in the house since she took over.”
“She’s had you locked away since she took over your body.” Sunset started thinking before she heard cries from Lora and Adagio again making her heartbeat faster. She rubbed her temples before sighing. She looked at her hands and clenched them tightly, “Okay Twilight listen to me this is your mind not hers’, you're much stronger than she’ll ever be. I know you heard Lora, that thing is just a small part of you.”
“Sunset.” Twilight said with a quiver in her voice.
“Twilight, you're the one in charge, not her.” Sunset was about to go until another scream came from outside.
“SUNSET THEY’RE COMING!” Adagio called.
The unicorn’s eyes widened as she saw Twilight shaking and holding up a finger, “Behind you!”
“Honey, dinner’s ready!” A feminine voice called from behind Sunset making her blood chill.
A hand grabbed her by the throat lifting Sunset in the air before throwing her. Sunset could barely comprehend what was going as she landed on the ground with a hard slam. She coughed, feeling pain running through her back. Everything was blurry as she tried getting back up. That’s when she saw the figure approaching her. Her white and purple hair flowed in the wind, her eyes were beaming and staring at Sunset, her smile wide. Twilight Velvet held a large kitchen knife in her hand that was dripping with a substance red.
When she looked around, she saw Shining Armor and Night Light standing around her. Their smiles and eyes beaming with chaotic energy that caused a lump to form in her throat. As her vision started to return, she saw Adagio on her knees trying to catch her breath. She held her left shoulder, blood sweeping through her fingers. Lora was lying next to her, a bleeding slash running across her back.
“Dinner time!” Twilight Velvet said through smiling teeth.
Twilight’s family began enclosing in on Sunset. She could only watch as they enclosed her, she wanted to run but was still too dizzy from being thrown like a rag doll. She couldn’t even think of a way to escape. Velvet started approaching with the knife raised over her head. She tried getting her head to function but still nothing was working. She could hear Adagio calling out trying to get their attention.
“No!” A wild voice called and grabbed Velvet’s arm.
To Sunset’s surprise Twilight had saved her, just not the one she was expecting. Her wings flared with blazing teal flames erupting from her eyes. Velvet tried moving her arm again, but Twilight gripped it tighter, “No!”
Her mother’s smile slipped away as she looked at Twilight, “Of course dear.”
Sunset blinked and her eyes widened when she saw that Twilight’s family was gone. It was as if they were never there. She looked over her shoulder to the house and saw Twilight’s mother was back in the house. It was like she had completely reset. Her smile returned as she was back at the kitchen counter cutting at nothing.
Sunset breathed heavily, staring at her supposed savior. She couldn’t come up with any reason as for why this demon would save her. This Twilight glared daggers at Sunset through her flaming eyes.
“I won’t let you have her!” She growled, forcefully pulling Sunset onto her feet.
Sunset narrowed her eyes looking at the demoness. She tried pulling her arm back making the demoness grip her arm tighter. The two were in a standoff, each glaring at the other, “This isn’t your mind to control.” Sunset said not taking her eyes off the demon who snarled back at her.
“She isn’t yours!” The demon roared, pulling Sunset’s arm to bring her closer.
Before Sunset got any closer a green bolt of lightning raked across the demonic Twilight’s arm causing her to scream in pain and release Sunset. She snarled looking at where the blast came from. Adagio huffed, managing to cast her usual cocky smile and held Lora in her arms, the elder Elias held a painful glare, her arms still crackling with power.
“Haven’t you heard?” Adagio huffed out.
“No means no.” Lora finished the sentence for her.
The demon’s wings flared as she stared daggers at everyone around her.
“You’re Twilight’s fear and her anger given life! You are not Twilight Sparkle, and she is not you!” Sunset shouted.
Everyone suddenly heard the sound of rattling chains. She softly breathed holding the chains that had been wrapped around her neck. Twilight threw them at the demon with as much force her small frame could muster. Everyone was shocked by what they saw, none more so than the demonic Twilight.
“No…” Her voice was a soft whisper that grew into a loud roar, “No!”
She jumped at Twilight wings flared, her eyes ablaze with horrifying rage, “I won’t let you out!”
Twilight stared at the dark embodiment that carried her face. She showed no signs of fear, just complete calm, “You are not me.” This caused the demon to stop in place with a look of shock.
“This is your mind Twilight not hers’.” Sunset called to her friend, her body began to emanate a blazing orange and red aura.
As if in response Twilight’s body was wrapped in a violet aura. Small wings sprouted from the girl's back as her hair grew and her ears became more equine. Twilight held her hands out making the demonic image of herself shake and struggle in the air. “I won’t listen to you anymore. Everything you said to me was a lie. My friends love me and would never abandon me.”
“Liar!” The demon hollowed as she still struggled in the air, “YOU LIAR!”
The air shook, making Sunset, Adagio, and Lora stumble. Twilight remained standing and even took a step forward. The demoness growled like a wild animal trying to break free of her invisible chains. Twilight kept approaching her features showing no expression. Sunset watched with nervous eyes not knowing what to do. Twilight stood in front of her doppelganger.
She gently placed her hands on the demon's cheeks, "I don’t need you anymore.”
The demon’s eyes widened as she felt herself being pulled. The sliding glass door opened to an endless black void. Sunset gulped feeling a cold sweat coming down her neck. Adagio felt a strange sense of hopelessness staring into the darkness of the house.
“Come back inside Twilight it's time for dinner.” The cold voice of Twilight Velvet called out.
The demonic Twilight cried out in horror as she was dragged away to the house. Her fingers carved ruts into the ground as her eyes darted around desperately. When the monster's eyes fell on her, Sunset could feel them pleading with her. With a final roar the demonic Twilight was thrown back into the house. The sliding glass door slamming shut with a loud thud. The demon slammed her fist against the glass door repeatedly. She was crying out, but the door muffled her words. Her wings flaring as she continued to beat on the glass door.
Unbeknownst to her, several figures started to appear behind her. Their wide white toothy smiles shone brightly in the darkness. Her “family” grabbed the girl and dragged her screaming form into the darkness.
The girls watched with shaky breath. Sunset turned to Twilight who watched the house with soft eyes. Sunset moved to her friend holding out a hand. Twilight looked at her friend with a sad smile.
“You, okay?” Sunset softly said.
“I always thought I’d have to keep running from what I did.” Twilight softly said, “But not anymore.”
“Whatever you decide to do I’ll be right there with you.” Sunset said, pulling Twilight into a hug.
“Not to rain on this little friendship fest.” Adagio groaned, holding her bleeding arm, “But what’s stopping your lovely family from making us join them for dinner.”
“I am.” Twilight said, giving Sunset a knowing smile, “This is my mind.”
“Please tell me that’s how this works.” Adagio said, looking to Lora for confirmation.
The elder Elias nodded, touching the ground, “Sunset, how do you feel?”
The former unicorn breathed softly, “I feel calm…if you can believe that.”
Lora hummed feeling her back and found the wound she had endured was gone. Adagio looked at her arm, noticing that the slash from the knife was gone. A soft breeze brushed against their faces making the girls sigh in relief. The grass of the backyard waved and when they looked up, they felt the gentle warmth of a setting sun against a soft orange sky.
“You have great power Sunset.” Lora softly said, “Not many can mend a mind like this.”
“I just know what to say to people.” Sunset gently chuckled.
Adagio sighed, falling to the ground, “I thought this would never end.”
“It’s not over yet.” Sunset said. Adagio raised her middle finger upon hearing that, “Love you too. But we have to stop Gloriosa before Anguirus destroys the city.”
Sunset looked at Twilight with soft eyes, “And it’s going to take all of us.”
“As long as my friends are with me, I can do anything.” Twilight said with a strong smile.
“So how do we get out of here?” Adagio said, looking around.
Sunset and Twilight looked at each other with smiles. They held their hands looking to the closed door of her lab. The wooden door shined brightly, and they opened it together. Revealing the hallway of Crystal Prep.
“Ta Da!” Sunset cheerfully said, “Now let’s find that broom closet.”
Twilight’s head tilted, “Wait you came through the broom closet?”
“Yeah why?” Adagio gulped nervously.
The others stopped not knowing what to expect. Twilight just giggled scratching the back of her head, “Nothing that’s just where every couple would go to make out.”
Adagio and Sunset blushed at that while Lora walked past them humming, “Glad I came out of a classroom.”
Sunset and Adagio looked at each other before speed walking away.
“What happens here stays in here.” Sunset said.
“Agreed.” Adagio said.
The girls continued through the halls of Crystal Prep noticing that more students were walking around the school. They felt more at ease as they noticed more people conversing. When Lora stopped in front of a hall, they found a portal setting in the center of it. Sunset noticed the two girls running around a field playing.
“That still is one of my favorite memories.” Lora solemnly said, “This is where I leave you Sunset.”
“Thanks for your help, Lora.” Sunset said, hugging the Elias tightly, she let out a small laugh rubbing the back of her head, “Still feels weird with you being this tall.”
“It does have some perks. Honestly keeping you safe has become more of a chore than I’d like.” Lora softly chuckled, “Please don’t wake me up when you're in the real world again.”
She looked at the portal fondly, “I wish to sleep just a little longer.”
Sunset nodded in understanding, “You can become friends again. I’m sure of it.”
“Thanks Sunset.” Lora softly said, her head quickly turning. Sunset noticed the small hints of Lora’s eyes glistening. With that she left the group and traveled into the portal. In a flash it disappeared leaving behind a science class full of students and a teacher.
Sunset and Adagio to each other and nodded, “Looks like it’s our turn.”
“Then can we please finally do something that doesn’t involve Equestria or kaiju.” Adagio groaned.
“Movie night and with all you can eat ice cream?” Sunset suggested.
“Add in a cake.” Adagio said.
“Deal.” Sunset snickered holding up her fist. Adagio smiled and tapped Sunset’s fist with her own.
……….
“Are you sure you couldn’t come up with a better idea?” Hikari asked.
“Well, we tried calling her and shaking her,” Bone Crusher said, shrugging his shoulders, “I can’t think of anything else.”
“Are we doing this or what?” Aria asked eagerly, standing over Sunset’s still form.
“You could at least act like you’re not excited about this.” Rarity said.
“Really wish I could.” Aria said, cracking her knuckles.
“Luna, can’t you do something.” Celestia said.
“It’s how I woke you up half the time.” Luna said with a shrug only to get a fiery glare from her sister. She groaned and rolled her eyes, “Aria, no slapping Sunset.”
Aria groaned rolling her eyes at hearing this, “Fffffiiiiiinnnnne, what about a wet willie?”
“Go nuts.” Luna nonchalantly said with a shrug.
“Luna!” Celestia shouted.
Aria cheered and put her finger in her mouth. She pulled it out with a long slick of saliva that made Rarity gag. The others were staring at the still forms of Sunset and Adagio not knowing what was going on inside of Sunset’s head. Sunset’s eyes were shining showing that her power was still active. They each tried waking up Sunset and Adagio to no avail. Rainbow suggested going inside to find their friends, but no one truly knew if that could work without Sunset allowing them in. So now they were left with plan C. Let Aria wake them up.
Aria knelt next to Sunset with a wide smile and lined up her finger up to Sunset’s ear. Sunset’s eyes suddenly twitched and with a blink Sunset’s teal eyes came back. She stared at Aria who looked at her surprised.
“Um?” Sunset managed to get out.
“Oh…You’re awake.” Aria said disappointment clear in her voice before she shrugged, “Eh fingers already wet.”
“What are you….AHHHHH!” Sunset yelped and squirmed as Aria stuck her wet finger into her ear.
Adagio groaned looking around, “Can’t even wake up in peace.”
Hikari moved between the two girls and hugged them tightly, “I’m so glad you’re alright.”
Sunset returned the hug looking at Hikari, “It was tough.”
“But we had a little help.” Adagio said with a smile rubbing the sleeping form of Lora in Sunset’s lap.
Hikari wanted to know what they meant but for now she wanted to if their plan worked, “Is Twilight alright?”
“Just a headache.” Twilight spoke up with a small smile.
In an instant her friends jumped on the girl with wide smiles and teary eyes. She smiled accepting their hugs, feeling truly welcomed by her friends. She wiped away some tears and sniffled. “Thanks girls.” She softly whispered.
Sunset put a comforting hand on Twilight’s shoulder. She smiled looking at her friends as she pulled Twilight away. She grunted feeling the pain in her side and the girls worried but she held up her hand. “You all know what time it is?”
“Oh, please let me say it!” Rainbow said with eager eyes.
The others laughed while rolling their eyes. Sunset held out a hand motioning for Rainbow Dash to go ahead. The athletic girl eagerly held her hand out. The others followed suit stacking their hands on top of each other. They each began to glow, and their hair rose with power. Twilight and Sunset grew ears, and their hair grew longer, wings sprouted from Twilight’s back while Sunset’s wound began to mend itself.
“IT’S HERO TIME!” Rainbow Dash shouted her body became swallowed in a blinding light.
The crystals of the cave bounced off each other as they reflected the various rainbow colors of the girls. Hikari and Bone Crusher had to shield their eyes but couldn’t help but smile. Vector’s eyes stirred and he managed to peek one eye open catching a glimpse of the girl's new forms. He offered a small and pained whistle, “Cool.”
When the lights died down Hikari was left astonished at the sight. Bone Crusher nodded his head, thoroughly impressed at the sight. Adagio felt mixed feelings of seeing the girls like this again but she would be lying to say she wasn’t happy to see the rainbows again.
Sunset stood in the middle of the girls opening her teal eyes. Her ears twitched in anticipation as she brought her fist into her awaiting palm. Pinkie bounced happily giggling using her ponytail as a spring. Fluttershy had several bats landing on her shoulder and giggled flexing her wings with the animals. Rarity was looking at herself in a diamond with a fetching smile as she stared at her equine ears. Twilight looked over her wings smiling at finding they weren’t black raven wings she then touched her forehead and let out a small sigh when she found no horn. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were eagerly stretching, their ears twitching along with their new tails waiting to run ahead of the others and cut loose. Sunset took a step forward with the girls following behind her without question.
“Let’s go.”