//------------------------------// // Ch 7 - The Trials - Inspiration Comes in Many Forms // Story: Phoenix-born Rising - The Ascension of Sunset Shimmer // by The Voice in the Water //------------------------------// The hiss of the sky-car braking followed by the sharp click of locking clamps engaging were like the sound of a linnorm’s roar, yanking Sunset out of her reading and back to the real world. She looked out the sky-car window, ruefully noting that they were docked at Chromos. She’d hoped that she’d at least get through another chapter or two of her etiquette manual, but she would still have time to finish reading. This was, after all, only the first stop on their trip. Is it always like this when you ride on this thing? That was so incredible! Sunset’s thoughts were interrupted by the enthusiastic sending. Looking to her right, Sunset had to suppress a chuckle as she saw Philomena staring out the window with rapt attention, her head darting to and fro as she eagerly took in everything in the sky-rail station. The entire ride from Mt. Liakeed had been full of Philomena’s wonder-filled sendings, to the point Sunset had had to almost entirely close their bond to avoid the constant distraction. Luckily, Philomena had been too absorbed by the sights to notice, and Sunset hadn’t been about to quash her bondmate’s joy. If anything, she was subtly savoring it now that she’d reopened their link. It reminded her of her own sense of awe when she’d first ridden on the sky-rail to the Cathedral of the Sun. You get used to it, Sunset sent as she closed her book and set it down. Pretty amazing though, isn’t it? Yea! Philomena replied excitedly as she continued to take in everything. There was just so much to see! I mean, we could see some of it from the cathedral, but it was so much better up close! Are we ever going to get to explore any of the spots we passed through? I… never thought to ask, Sunset admitted. Maybe? Please please please ask Raven when we get back! Chuckling at Philomena’s enthusiasm, Sunset’s mood warmed and a slight, happy smile worked its way across her face. Not just because Philomena’s own attitude was so endearing, but because it finally had sunk in that she wouldn’t have to go to one of these awful events by herself ever again. And put into sharp relief just how much she’d missed her when they’d been separated. Even with her there through their link, it hadn't been the same. Every time it’d been painful for Sunset, like she had been torn away from a vital part of herself. But, no more. Just knowing that Philomena would be with her made the prospect of these events so much more bearable. Even if it meant she couldn’t use their bond to study instead of listening to the council yammer. Reaching out, she gently began to scratch the back of Philomena’s head. The sudden contact caused the phoenix to inhale sharply before she began to let out a string of beautiful trills that filled Sunset’s heart with joy. What brought this on? Philomena sent as she leaned into Sunset’s fingers. Not that I’m complaining. I’m just glad that you're here with me, Sunset sent. I finally don’t have to do this alone. Not sure what you mean. I’ve been with you the whole time. Kinda hard not to be when we’re in each other's heads. A small, amused chuckle escaped Sunset’s throat as she shifted her hands to scratch the underside of Philomena’s chin. Mena, even if you were with me, you weren’t with me. The two of them stared into each other's eyes for an eternity of seconds as Sunset felt the fire smouldering in Philomena’s mind. Then, she felt the tinder spark as what she’d said blazed to life. Ah, I get it, Philomena sent as she rubbed her head against Sunset’s fingers. I know the feeling. It wasn’t much fun being away from you like that. Yea. The moment was suddenly interrupted as Sunset heard the rustle of silky fabric from across the aisle, reminding her that she and Philomena weren’t alone. Reluctantly looking towards the source of the sound, she saw Raven rising from her seat with Dylis perched on her forearm. To her surprise, Raven didn’t say a word. Instead, she simply gave her a look that said ‘I hate to interrupt, but we’re on a schedule.’ Her enthusiasm dying down a bit, Sunset sighed and got to her feet, smoothing the wrinkles out of her ankle-length red skirt and straightening her white blouse and ochre silk vest. Time to go? Philomena sent as she turned to face Sunset. Time to go, Sunset sent as she tried to maintain some level of enthusiasm. Giving Philomena her arm and bringing her to her shoulder, Sunset followed Raven out of the sky-car and into the terminal. As she stepped out onto the platform, she noticed something was awry. Something was missing. At first, she’d noticed it when they’d left the cathedral, but she hadn’t paid it any mind. But now that they were away from Mt. Liakeed, the absence was obvious. And more than a little jarring given how much of a fixture to her life they’d become over the last few months. “Raven, why aren’t there any prominence knights?” Sunset asked as she looked around the terminal, and found a distinct lack of royal protectors. “Not that I’m complaining, but I don’t remember the last time you let me leave the Cathedral of the Sun without an escort.” Sunset’s question hung in the air as Raven stopped walking. “Glad to see you’re paying attention,” Raven said, a touch of pride leaking into her voice. “The knights won’t be joining us for this little trip.” “Really? So, you’re not being as paranoid about my safety anymore?” Sunset asked in a teasing tone. “It’s not paranoia when it’s justified,” Raven said as she gave Sunset a look out of the corner of her eyes. “And you won’t be unguarded. Your protectors just won’t be obvious.” Sunset and Philomena shared a confused look with each other. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “It means that me and mine will have you covered, kiddo.” Sunset let out a startled cry. Whipping around, nearly causing Philomena to lose her grip in the process, she instantly spotted the source of the ominous, distorted voice. A figure dressed in a white, form-fitting bodysuit, distinct sun-touched mask, and boasting a pair of luminous wings stood leaning against the sky-car with their arms crossed over their chest. “Dawn Wings?!” Sunset all but shouted. “What? Where’d you come from?” At that, Dawn Wings shrugged noncommittally. “Blame Queen Celestia and her brother, a couple of bottles of fermented wyrm blood, seven fist-sized opals, a dozen live lionfish, and a bag of catnip,” Dawn Wings replied casually, raising a finger for each item she listed. Sunset opened her mouth to respond, only for her thought process to be abruptly doused. Slowly closing her mouth, she scrunched her face up and stared at Dawn Wings. “What?” Sunset muttered softly. “Hmm,” Dawn Wings said nonchalantly as she stretched her arms above her head with a satisfied groan. “No… I mean, what are you doing here?” Sunset asked as she eyed the spymistress skeptically. “Oh, that,” Dawn Wings said as she pointed to Raven with her thumb. “Boss lady asked the Eyes to watch you while you’re at Fancy’s little get-together.” “Which I was about to tell her, so there was no need for your theatrics,” Raven said tersely as she walked up next to Sunset and placed a hand on her left shoulder. “Or for you to show yourself.” “But where’s the fun in that?” Dawn Wings said with a casual flick of her wrist, her voice carrying her amusement even through the distortion of her mask. “You are impossible, do you know that?” Raven growled as she and Dylis glared at Dawn Wings. “Yup,” Dawn Wings’ said, the levity in her voice was even thicker now. “But it’s part of my charm.” “That’s not the word I would use to describe it,” Raven groaned as she rubbed her temples. During the entire exchange, Sunset could only stare in wonder as the two adults bickered, only for a stray thought to slam into her mind with the force of an angry petroquine. “What do you mean ‘you’ll be watching me?’” Sunset said, interrupting Raven and Dawn Wings’ mounting argument. Dawn Wings turned her attention away from Raven and onto Sunset. Were it not for the months of time she’d spent in the Cathedral of the Sun with the sun-touched, she might’ve found her inability to see the spymisteress’s face disconcerting. Instead, she simply got the feeling Dawn Wings was smirking at her. “Just that. The Eyes will be close by keeping you and Raven safe. Sure, Fancy’s got his own private security organized to escort you once you get to Photon, but my Eyes are going to be there to make sure they don’t have to do much more than stand around and look tough.” Sunset scoffed at the thought. “I’m sorry, but how are you going to stay out of sight looking like that?” Sunset asked incredulously. “Well, it’s pretty technical and complex, but sure, I can–” Dawn Wings began to say, only to suddenly stand up and point at something on the other side of the terminal. “– BY THE SUN, WHAT’S THAT?!” Startled by Dawn Wings’ sudden outburst, Sunset reflexively turned around to look in the direction that the spymistress had pointed, once again nearly dislodging Philomena.  “What?” Sunset muttered, ignoring Philomena’s irritated push through their bond as the phoenix lightly pecked the side of her head. “There’s nothing there! Dawn Wings, what are you…” The words died in her throat because the spymistress had vanished into thin air. “Where’d she…?” The sound of a dry chuckle came from Raven’s direction, as did an equally amused warble from Dylis. “Does that answer your question, Sunset? Did you forget that you’ve seen Dawn Wings do that in the past?” Raven asked then began to walk towards the terminal exit. Staring at the spot where Dawn Wings had been standing up until a few moments ago, Sunset took a deep breath to calm her nerves. “It does, and I did. I’m just not sure if it’s reassuring or frightening,” Sunset said, hustling to catch up with Raven. “It can be both,” Raven said, opening the door to the main corridor. Sunset’s brow furrowed again as she gave Raven a sidelong glance as they began to walk towards the next station. Again with the riddles that don’t actually tell me anything, Sunset sent irritably. You know it wouldn’t be Raven if she didn’t do that. I know. Doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Not the only source of annoyance from her today, is it? Right, because knowing what she actually wants me to learn from this excursion would be too much to ask, wouldn’t it? Nooooo, being told what to expect? That’s silly, Philomena sent, her tone filled with mock indignation and surprise. Sunset nudged Philomena gently through their link as she gave the phoenix an amused smile. ***** Two hours, one sky-rail ride through Chromos, the corona, a checkpoint station at the base of the wall and through Photon later, Sunset found herself riding in a horse-drawn carriage towards their final destination. Both Sunset and Philomena had their eyes locked out the windows of the vehicle as they made their way through the city. Every so often, Sunset would explain something they were seeing to her bondmate, but for the most part, they simply chose to watch the city go by as they rode.  Periodically Sunset’s attention would shift from the city to the sun-gazers escorting them. All around the carriage, a platoon of Duke Fancy’s private guards either rode on their own horses or flew along in the sky, keeping a perimeter around the phoenix-born at all times. Unlike the sunblades or prominence knights, these sun-gazers wore blue and white uniforms, and were each armed with a baton and short carbine. Compared to the other soldiers she’d seen, their appearance was almost friendly. Whereas the sunblades were threatening, and the prominence knights majestic and intimidating, these soldiers felt approachable and trustworthy. Just like the rest of their city. The contrast between Photon, Chromos and Candesis had struck Sunset the moment they had entered the city proper. Photon was far less densely packed with buildings than Candesis, but more heavily populated than Chromos. Those buildings that were present were a mix of large, ornate structures or amphitheatres rather than the dull, squat yet functional buildings of the northwest ray or the marble buildings of the corona’s city. Between these grand edifices were regions of tall, residential complexes, which were mostly decorated with frescos, murals or other forms of visual art, while their roofs were topped with gardens or other green spaces. Numerous parks dotted the landscape, and in each Sunset could see sculptures or installations of some sort. And unlike either Chromos or Candesis, there were hardly any sky-rails crisscrossing the city. Instead, it was clear that the preferred mode of transit were horse-drawn carriages, with the city’s wide cobblestone roads built to accommodate their presence. Compared to the pragmatic and grounded Candesis, Photon was jubilant and flamboyant in a way that almost felt gaudy and had a certain liveliness to it that the northwest ray lacked. And, unlike Chromos, it felt more… free-spirited. Less orderly. Even if neither of the other cities were oppressive, they weren't as wild and expressive as Photon. The whole city just radiated a feeling of creativity. Looking at the cityscape, Sunset couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy at the sight. The last few months of her life had been so… regimented. Even with everything she was learning, it felt… empty in a way. Like it was just something she was doing because she was obliged to do it. There was no spontaneity. No unpredictability. No freedom. Everything was ordered. Predictable. And out of her control. Resting her cheek in her left palm, Sunset continued to stare wistfully out at the city as they rode towards their destination. Eventually, their carriage turned off the main road and towards one of the large, ornate marble buildings that Sunset had seen while they’d descended the corona’s wall, its front decorated with elaborately carved marble columns and arches and surrounded by an expansive Heliopolan-style garden dotted with stone and metal sculptures. Compared to the grandeur of the Cathedral of the Sun or Queen Celestia’s Castle, the building was far less impressive. Yet, it also was more welcoming, as though it were inviting her to come in and explore. A sensation that was only slightly diminished by the presence of Duke Fancy’s soldiers standing at attention at the base of the road leading to the building’s main entrance. As their carriage pulled up to the stairs, their escort dismounted or landed and formed a cordon around the vehicle before the driver dismounted himself and opened the door. First to rise was Raven, who offered her arm to Dylis and exited the carriage as she brought her hand up to let him step onto her shoulder. Swallowing nervously, Sunset regarded the museum for a few seconds before she rose from her seat and offered her arm to Philomena. You okay? Philomena sent. That’s a trick question and you know it, Mena, Sunset sent with a sigh. Doesn’t mean I’m not worried. I… we’ll be okay. Let’s just get this over with. Stepping out of the carriage, Sunset made her way to Raven’s side. The four of them headed up the stairs and through the large, double-doors of the museum, Sunset focusing on her meditations as she tried to keep herself calm. “Announcing the arrival of Lady Raven Inkwell, Lord Dylis, Lady Sunset Shimmer and Lady Philomena,” a loud voice called as the four of them entered the foyer, startling Sunset and forcing her to take a deep breath. “Praise be to the sun and flame!” As every eye in the room turned towards her and Raven, she wanted to shy away and hide behind the older phoenix-born. But, she forced herself to hold her ground. ‘Stay calm,’ she told herself as she performed one of her meditative techniques. ‘This isn’t a big deal. You spend nearly every day with Queen Celestia. This is nothing.’ Following Raven, she continued to make her way into the foyer, Sunset huffed with annoyance. “You could have warned me Duke Fancypants would have someone announcing us,” Sunset grumbled. “Why would I need to when it’s standard procedure for these kinds of events?” Raven replied with a slightly amused tone. “After all, that’s one of the things you’ve been studying. Surely it couldn’t have been that big a surprise.” Sunset grumbled and looked away. “So I forgot. There’s a lot of things I’m learning.” “Indeed. And now you’ll probably remember this one better.” As an irritated sigh escaped her nose, Sunset scanned the entry hall, trying to get a sense of her surroundings. The space itself was large, easily the size of the Cathedral of the Sun’s foyer, though unlike the cathedral it wasn’t decorated with stained-glass windows or gold reliefs. Instead, the walls were covered with carved, geometric marble frescos. Interspersed throughout the main hall were six marble caryatid columns shaped like two members of each tribe, one man and one woman, each facing the center of the room, where an enormous fountain took up the majority of the floor. In the center of the fountain was something that took Sunset’s breath away: a massive statue that looked to be carved from pure sunstone depicting Queen Celestia rearing up on her hind legs, her wings spread wide, head looking skyward and right arm held aloft with her royal scepter pointing to the ceiling where a elaborate crystal chandelier in the shape of her sunburst hung. Water sprayed out of the tip of the scepter, creating a flowing, shimmering cascade of droplets that almost looked like thousands of tiny sparks of rainbow sunlight falling into the basin of water at the base of the statue. All around the basin were tables topped with food, with servers dressed in crisp white, blue or magenta uniforms moving about. And gathered around the tables and scattered throughout the floor were small groups of nobles milling around, though for the moment each one had stopped their conversations to regard her and Raven. The atmosphere of the event was similar to that of the other gathering she’d been to, and Sunset spotted several familiar faces from the Council of Light, while others she vaguely recalled from the phoenix-rite. Most she didn’t recognize though. And, unlike at the rite, there were children present along with the adults. Most of the sun-gazers were regarding her and Raven with curiosity. A few stared at them reverently. Others were giving them, or her specifically, venomous looks that dangerously skirted the rules of acceptable decorum to someone of her station. However, one particular knot instantly drew Sunset’s attention, along with feelings of dread and loathing. Standing near one of the tables were the Riches, both of whom were giving her and Raven looks of polite revulsion. To Sunset’s surprise, they were accompanied by a little earth-weaver girl that she guessed was about the same age as Apple Bloom. The girl had pale, curly violet- and white-streaked hair, cornflower blue eyes and pale magenta skin. She was dolled up in a very expensive looking silk dress, a jewel encrusted platinum necklace and tiara.  It took Sunset a few seconds to realize that the little girl must be Diamond Tiara, the duke and duchess’s spoiled brat of a daughter. With the Riches were several other members of the Council of Light, including Marquess Amethyst Mirage and Marchioness Ruby Prism, along with three individuals she didn’t recognize. The one that stood out the least was an ivory-skinned fire-caller woman with long silver hair and green eyes and soul gem dressed in a fancy-looking platinum gown. Though she was quite beautiful, Sunset found her sort of fading into the background, as if she were less present than the rest of the nobles. Almost as though she were trying not to be noticed more than necessary. The other two were a pair of well dressed sky-runners, a man and woman. The man had pale light, greyish-cyan skin and feathers, emerald-green hair and piercing steel-grey eyes, and had a hauntingly familiar hawkish look to his face, while the woman was slightly taller than the man, and had golden skin and feathers, cobalt-blue hair and ice-blue eyes. Both were dressed in far more practical but just as high quality looking ruff-necked shirts and slacks with calf-high black boots and carried themselves with a strange sort of confidence that unpleasantly reminded Sunset of General Sentry and Commander Spitfire. What made Sunset’s heart leap into her throat wasn’t the adults, but the children with them. There, standing with what Sunset could only assume were their parents, were Vladimir Blueblood, Flash Sentry… …and Sapphire Prism. Even if there were a few other kids with the group, the three familiar faces held her attention. In a fraction of a second, she saw the adults briskly turn away, while most of the kids, including Blueblood and Sapphire, shot her contemptuous looks before also snubbing her. Only Flash seemed to regard her without some degree of hostility, giving her a slight, pleasant smile, before his face returned to a resting neutral and he turned back to the group. Despite the small show of pleasantness from the Sentry boy, Sunset’s anger flared at the sight as feelings of raw loathing and betrayal made her guts squirm. Blueblood had rubbed her the wrong way from the instant they’d met with his arrogant attitude and self-righteousness, particularly after his father’s duplicity had been exposed at the phoenix-rite. And his insistence that Raven and Lumina were wrong about the worthiness of her ascension? It seemed that Highblood’s idiocy had been passed on to his son. But even more galling was Sapphire’s reaction. Had the apology at the rite meant nothing? After Sunset had been willing to extend a hand of forgiveness and to let bygones be bygones and even help her with the very punishment that had been inflicted on her for her actions, had she just thrown it all away when she had gotten home and hadn't been under Raven’s scrutiny anymore? Yeesh, what crawled in your ears and bit you? Philomena sent with revulsion, like she’d just eaten something unpleasant. Mena, that’s Blueblood and Sapphire Prism, Sunset sent back tersely. Sunset let her sending sink in and was rewarded by a mounting wave of indignation and odium from her bondmate. From the corner of her eyes, Sunset could see small licks of fire streak down Philomena’s body as she glared at Blueblood, a low, angry hiss coming from deep in her throat and chest. Yea, my sentiments exactly, Sunset sent as she reached up to stroke Philomena’s wing to calm her down. The last thing she needed was Philomena setting something in the museum on fire. “Lady Inkwell! Lady Shimmer! Welcome.” Sunset’s attention was violently redirected as her head snapped in the direction of the unexpected voice, only for her to relax when she recognized the speaker. Completely unaware of her inner turmoil, Duke Fancy briskly approached her and Raven, dressed in a fine black suit and wearing his signature monocle. As the duke approached, Sunset realized that he wasn’t alone; walking arm-in-arm with him was a fire-caller woman. One that Sunset didn’t recognize from any of her interactions with Duke Fancy. The woman was just a bit shorter than he was yet was still taller than most of the other sun-gazers in the room, even the earth-weavers. Her alabaster skin reminded Sunset of fine marble, while her long, light magenta- and white-streaked hair was expertly styled to frame her features in the most flattering way possible. Her greyish violet eyes were sharp and alert, and were accented with violet eyeshadow that made them stand out against her face, and a pale heliotrope soul gem acting as the centerpiece to some sort of golden wire tiara with blooming lilies made of white mother-of-pearl adorned her forehead. She wore a simple, form-fitting, floor-length peplos that hugged her elegant figure like a second skin, full-length white gloves, and a golden necklace with a single, enormous orange jacinth. Sunset could only stare at the woman with stunned awe as she practically glided along next to the duke. All Sunset could think was that this mysterious fire-caller was unbelievably gorgeous, almost resembling a masterwork marble statue given life. If she was going to compare her to anyone, the only sun-gazer Sunset could think of that was prettier was Archduchess Roseluck, and even then it was very close. And the way she carried herself had a sense of self assurance that said she knew just how beautiful she was and was unafraid of letting all of Solaria know it.   “Duke Fancy, Duchess de Lis, greetings,” Raven said as she approached the duke, Sunset following close behind. “Thank you both for the gracious invitation.” “And thank you for accepting. You as well, Lady Shimmer. We’re so happy that you’ve chosen to grace us with your presence,” Duke Fancy said with a deep bow. When he rose, he held out his hand to the woman, who daintily took it with a radiant smile as he kissed it, causing Sunset to balk and scrunch up her face in revulsion at the open display of affection. “Ah, but where are my manners? Lady Shimmer, it is with great pleasure that I introduce you to my muse, my reason for being, and the most beautiful flower to ever grace my world, my beloved wife Duchess Fleur de Lis.” “Ve’chalat, Lady Shimmer,” Duchess de Lis said with a thick accent Sunset couldn’t quite place. It sounded like an eastern one, but not quite like Lily, Daisy or Roseluck’s. “It is a pleasure to meet you at last, ha'malim.” “Um, thank you, Duchess de Lis,” Sunset said as she curtsied respectfully to the duchess, her mind racing while she tried to place the language the duchess was speaking. There was something familiar about it, one that she knew she’d heard somewhere before. As she tried to place it, a thought struck her. “If you don’t mind me asking, Your Ladyship, was that kirintal you were speaking?” The duchess arched an eyebrow quizzically, before a smile graced her face as she brought her hand up to her mouth to cover it coyly and let out a windchime-like titter. “Indeed it is, ha'malim. How did you know?” “I’ve heard it before… At the ascension. And from my friends Flower Wishes and Lily Valley,” Sunset said. “Ah, if you heard it at the ascension, I presume you have met the august Arbiter Rain Shine, have you not?” the duchess said with a pleased clap of her hands. Sunset shrugged a little, though not too much so as to not jostle Philomena. “I wouldn’t call it meeting her so much as watching her as she and Magistrate Autumn Blaze arrived.” “Then you were in good company,” Duchess de Lis said with an approving nod. “The magistrate is an unusually passionate kirintal, but quite charming if you get to know her. As is the arbiter, though she is not as fiery.” Sunset perked up. “You know them?” she asked with awe. “Indeed I do, ha’malim,” Duchess de Lis said, her smile turning conspiratorial. “I have known them most of my life, if you will allow me a small bit of immodesty. My clan is the one that has managed trade between Himavanta and Solaria since our shining Archduchess Roseluck penned the alliance so many years ago. In fact, I learned to speak Kirintal before Solarian.” That really got Sunset’s attention. “Really?” Sunset asked. “How’d that happen? I’ve read they don’t let outsiders in beyond the borders.” “That is correct, but I grew up in Himavanta, ha'malim. True, I was not allowed to climb the slopes of Mt. Meru, but as part of our pact, they request that the firstborn of each new generation of my family spend their youth in their forests. And before you ask, ha'malim, that is all I can say. Unless they invite you to see their lands for yourself, I will not betray their trust in me by speaking of their home without their permission.” “Nor would we ask you to, Lady de Lis,” Raven interjected. “We wouldn’t want to jeopardize our relationship with them by violating their hospitality, or the terms of our alliance.” “Oh… uh, right…” Sunset said in a slightly uncertain tone as she looked between Raven and Duchess de Lis. “Nor I,” Duke Fancy said, before turning to Raven, his expression serious and slightly remorseful. “Lady Inkwell, I know you’ve only just arrived, but I must regretfully beg for a few minutes of your time. Something’s come up, and I need your help to work out the logistics for a few of the upcoming festivals.” There was a second of silence, before Sunset saw Raven turn her head slightly and look at her briefly before returning her attention back to Duke Fancy. “Can it wait?” Raven asked as Dylis let out an annoyed warble and narrowed his eyes at the duke. “It could,” Duke Fancy admitted. “But, the longer we delay, the harder it’ll be to address. This won’t take long, I swear.” Narrowing her eyes, Raven leveled the duke with an irritated glare as she gestured with her right hand to indicate Sunset. “I promised to give Sunset a tour of the museum,” Raven said tersely. “This was supposed to be her and my day off.” To Sunset’s surprise, Duchess de Lis stepped forward and bowed to Raven. “Pardon my presumption, Lady Inkwell, but I would be willing to give her a tour while you and my husband attend to business,” Duchess de Lis said with a bow and a charming smile. “I know the exhibits well, so I am sure I would be able to show young Lady Shimmer around and answer most any question she has.” Raven gave the duchess a half-lidded look that Sunset couldn’t quite place as she seemed to consider the offer, then nodded. “Very well. But Duke Fancy, you owe me for this. This visit wasn’t meant as an opportunity to deal with city business,” Raven said coolly, then turned to the duchess. “I’ll be along as soon as we conclude this matter. I’m trusting you with Sunset’s care, Duchess de Lis. She is to be kept safe. Do I make myself clear?” The duchess closed her eyes and bowed slightly to Raven, only the barest hint of nervousness creasing the corner of her eyes. “Vi’li’saet, Lady Inkwell. I will ensure she is cared for.” Raven’s only response was a curt nod. “Good. Duke Fancy, lead the way.” And with that, the two of them walked off towards one of the side hallways leading out of the entry hall. As they walked, Sunset couldn’t help but smile as she caught Dylis glaring angrily at the duke. “Well, ha’malim, shall we be off?” Duchess de Lis said with a nod. “Which exhibit would you like to see first?” Sunset’s eyes went wide with panic  as she floundered. Yet the duchess only smiled patiently at her. “Perhaps you do not know which exhibit you wish to see?” the duchess tittered. “Or perhaps you have never been to a museum before?” “O-of course I’ve been to a museum before,” Sunset stammered before she knew what she was saying. “Who hasn’t? Not me, that’s for sure. Eheh heh heh.” Sunset smiled up at the duchess while trying to ignore the light, amused pokes from Philomena coming through her bond. The duchess didn’t say anything. Instead she simply chose to smile in return. But… there was something about that smile that made Sunset think that the duchess hadn’t believed what she’d said. “Well, if that is the case,” Duchess de Lis said as she gestured for Sunset to follow her, “what was your favorite exhibit in the last one you visited, ha’malim? We can start there.” Think fast, sunbutt, Philomena sent with a giggle. Shut up, featherbutt! Wracking her mind for something, anything that she could say, she latched onto the first thing that came to her. Something she hoped had some form of artistic value. “Metalworking!” Sunset said with as much self-assurance as she could. “I want to see the exhibits for metalworking!” Duchess de Lis’s smile became a little more genuine as she nodded and began to walk towards one of the doors leading out of the entryway. “An excellent choice, ha’malim,” she said. “Follow me then.” Letting out a small sigh of relief, Sunset followed after the duchess while trying to ignore the sensations of smug amusement coming from Philomena. Not one word, featherbutt! Sunset sent. I’m just sitting here, Philomena sent with a merry lilt. Letting out an irritated groan, Sunset closed her eyes and shook her head. Now, she just hoped that whatever was in the metalworking art pieces, they were at least interesting enough to get her through the day. Or at least until Raven could escape the duke and join back up with them. ***** “… and this piece is called ‘The Chimes of Spring.’” Duchess de Lis said. “It was made by Master sculptor Gentle Rain, a sky-runner from 558 SC as a gift to the then recently installed ruler of Lioht, Duke Highrise, to commemorate his ascent to the throne.”  The piece in question was, like most of the others in the section, locked-up tightly in a reinforced glass case. It was just slightly taller than Sunset, and consisted of a series of tiered, pearly bowls shaped like blooming magnolias set into a branch-like armature made of brass that resembled a small tree. In addition to the pearly blossoms, the branches were flush with leaves made of brass, each of which was covered in fine, dark emerald green cloisonné. The bowls themselves were on a hinge of some sort and had two petals that were longer than the others, one of which was fluted like a spigot, the other of which was long and thin. Near each of the bowls was a small crystalline chime that looked like they were close enough to the bowls that if they were to turn downward on the hinge, the long “petal” would be able to strike it. The tree was on top of a small “hill” in a shallow basin made of carved crystal. Covering the hill were carefully arranged, carved stones that made it look like a field of blooming flowers, their stems also made of brass and cloisonné leaves. The basin itself was filled halfway with water, which created a shimmering rainbow as the light passed through it and the vessel. Sunset and Philomena could barely take their eyes off the piece, the beauty and level of craftsmanship in its construction leaving them both stunned. “How long did it take for him to make it?” Sunset asked as she stared at the metalwork. Even just inspecting the way the branches were expertly patterned with a nearly realistic bark texture was enough to leave her in awe. And with how carefully each of the leaves had been constructed, if the veins of a leaf weren’t made of bronze, they could have passed for the real thing. What was more, she couldn’t find any indication of joint welding. “According to Lady Inkwell and the historical records, it took Master Rain five years to finish the piece,” the duchess continued. “While the base armature was created using a casting, all of the fine detailing was done by the master himself. And since Master Rain was a sky-runner, everything he did had to be done by hand. No spell-dancing to speed the process along.” Sunset could only nod numbly as she continued to stare at the piece. Five years to produce. Five years. It was mind-boggling, and yet, she could see why. The amount of work that would have gone into it was staggering. Especially if it had all been done by hand. Yet, there was something about it that didn’t make sense. The hinged flowers. The chimes. The arrangement of the leaves. There was something more to all of them that piqued her curiosity. And something about the name. “Duchess de Lis, does it make music?” Sunset ventured as she tore her eyes off the sculpture to look at the duchess. “Why do you ask?” “Call it a hunch,” Sunset said as she turned back to the sculpture. A smile formed on the duchess’s lips. “Astute you are, ha’malim. Yes, it does. Watch… and listen,” she said as she pressed a hidden panel on the side of the display case. As she did, the water at the base began to ripple and swirl slightly as the level began to drop almost imperceptibly. “Um, what’s–” ‘Ting!’ The words died in Sunset’s throat as the clear, clean sound of one of the chimes filled the air. Turning back to the statue, she watched as one of the flower-shaped bowls at the top of the statue slowly returned to its resting state. Sunset stared as the bowl tipped down yet again, pouring out the water that had somehow been pumped into it on one of the leaves, which funneled it down into another one of the bowls, filling it as well, and causing it to tip. ‘Ting, tong!’ ‘Ting, tong, ting, ting, tong!’ Soon, the air was filled with the sweet, beautiful sound of the chimes ringing in precise time to create an enchanting melody. Sunset stood transfixed as the bowls filled with water, then poured out their contents to sound their chimes while setting off other chimes further down. Some bowls took more water to fill and tip. Others took less. But, the results were nothing short of astounding. Sunset’s wonder only continued to grow as the water reached the lowest blossoms, and poured back into the basin, adding the sound of dripping rain to the melody. But, what was more, the way the dripping water hit the liquid in the basin caused the refracted rainbows to swirl and twist hypnotically, turning the pedestal the sculpture was resting on into a kaleidoscope of prismatic light. After a few minutes, the water stopped flowing, and the sculpture’s song ended, leaving Sunset and Philomena breathless with wonder. “That… that was beautiful,” Sunset said airily as she stared at the statue. “It was Master Rain’s magnum opus. After he finished this piece, he felt that he could never make another like it. While he continued to sculpt until his dying day, he never made anything of this quality again,” Duchess de Lis said wistfully. “That’s… kinda sad,” Sunset said as she looked at the sculpture again with a new perspective. As she stared, Sunset felt Philomena rub her head against her own as the phoenix sent her comforting feelings of warmth and love. “Perhaps, but, in a way, that piece of himself that he sacrificed lives on, through the very sculpture he gave it to,” Duchess de Lis said with a sad yet reverent tone. “If he did not put his all into this piece, maybe we would not remember him today. Maybe we would not regard him as one of the great masters, because he would have never made anything of this level. Maybe by burning out that spark of inspiration for this, his greatest achievement, he earned a sort of immortality of his own. After all, we still remember him to this day.” “I guess,” Sunset said as she reached up and put a hand on Philomena’s wing, stroking it softly and cuddling into the phoenix’s breast. “Do you need a minute, ha’malim?” “Yea,” Sunset said as she regarded the sculpture again. Truthfully, the last half-hour had been an emotional rollercoaster for Sunset and Philomena. After they’d arrived in the section of the museum that housed their metal-based art, they’d been exposed to so many astounding pieces. Some had been beautiful and elegant. Others… inspiring. A few had been horrific, depicting monstrous creatures.  Some of the pieces had been deceptively simple things. Others had been more complex. Some had been made by carving or etching the worked metal. Others had been made with blacksmithing tools like the ones she and Bronze had always used. Sculptures. Armatures. Bowls and cups. Musical instruments. It didn’t matter the tribe. Fire-callers. Earth-weavers. Sky-runners. Joint projects between two or all three. Every one had contributed to the pieces on display. Some that had used the power of the flame to make them possible. Others had been done with nothing more than the eyes and hands of their artist. And they weren’t like the splendors of Mt. Liakeed. Those felt so… divine. Like they were entirely out of reach to any mortal being. These? These had a different feel to them. What they lacked in the divine perfection of the cathedral and the queen’s castle, they more than made up for in heart and passion. Each one was a testament to the artist that had created them. An expression of something they wanted to say or show. It was all just so… touching. So… inspiring. It left her feeling alive in a way that she hadn’t felt in months. Slowly, a thought came to her. A wonderful, terrible thought. Mena, could this be what we’ve been missing? Sunset sent as she looked at the sculpture. Could this be what the queen meant when she told me to find what I wanted to make? It could be, Philomena sent. Why? I know I’m not going to be a blacksmith anymore. Not like I wanted to be. But… all of this? This… It feels so incredible. I didn’t even know that things like this could exist. The lifetimes of works that all these artists made, I can’t even describe how it makes me feel. How it makes me want to make something like it too. And this is only one section of one museum. Can you imagine what else might be out there. And not just in Heliopolis. What about Kirintal art? Or Selkie? Plumed Serpent? Colaurata? What could really be out there, waiting to be seen? And we’re going to have the kind of time that I could never dream of. Imagine… imagine the kinds of things we could make! All the sources of inspiration? We’re going to have ages to see it all. Can you imagine? Philomena was silent for a moment as she mulled over what Sunset had sent. Slowly, a warm feeling of joy crept through their bond, one touched by a feeling of inspiration and determination. I see what you mean, she sent. “Would you like to move on now, ha’malim?” Sunset blinked once as she was drawn out of her head and back to reality. Taking a deep breath, she looked towards Duchess de Lis. “Yes,” Sunset said with a smile. “I can’t wait to see what’s next.” “I’m surprised that she can appreciate any of this at all,” a snide voice said from the opposite side of the room near the archway leading to the main corridor. “After all, she couldn’t possibly have the kind of refined taste needed to really understand what she’s seeing. Wouldn’t you agree, dear cousin?” All at once, Sunset’s good mood was shattered and crushed like glass under an avalanche of boulders, only to be replaced by burning rage. A sentiment that she could feel Philomena shared. Forcing herself not to immediately react, she took a slow, deep breath and focused her mind on one of her calming meditations. Because the voice belonged to none other than Vladimir Blueblood. With monumental effort, she did her best to avoid reacting in any way. That’s what he wanted. “Indeed. I’m sure something like a shovel or plow would be more her style,” a familiar, haughty voice said with a cruel snicker. A voice that she’d come to hate. Clenching her fists and gritting her teeth till her jaw creaked, Sunset pinched her eyes shut and focused on keeping calm as she reminded herself that Sapphire couldn’t hurt her. Not anymore. “Now now, you two,” another familiar voice said, this one a woman. One that Sunset quickly recalled belonged to Marchioness Ruby Prism. “You mustn’t say things like that. No matter how true they are. It’s not appropriate to speak that way about someone of her station. Even if she doesn’t deserve that station.” Sunset, still refusing to look in the direction of the voices, simply focused on taking deep breaths to avoid blowing up. “I would thank you liam’pu necha’ntan to move along. This is a private tour, and does not concern you,” Duchess de Lis said, her tone filled with polite yet cold fury. “And your words are skirting dangerously close to a place that you do not want to venture.” “That’s funny, coming from you,” another voice, this Sunset recognized as Amethyst Mirage, said. “You can put on all the airs you want, duchess, but that’s all they are. You play at being part of Solaria, but we know where your true allegiances lay.” “It is not your place to judge my loyalty to the queen and Solaria, necha’ntan,” the duchess said with caustic sweetness. “My clan has never once given the crown any reason to doubt our sincerity. Something that I know cannot be said for you and yours, especially of late.” “Big talk from someone who grew up in the woods among non-sun-gazers,” Blueblood said dismissively. “Besides, we weren’t talking to you. We were talking to her.” Sunset felt the last bits of her self-control beginning to snap, and she desperately clung to them, grasping at every technique she could to hold her anger in check. From deep in Philomena’s throat, she heard an angry hiss slowly escaping, as the phoenix’s own fury threatened to explode as licks of fire briefly shimmered along the edges of her feathers. “What, nothing to say, Lady Shimmer?” Blueblood sneered, spitting out the last two words with disgust. “Or has Raven taught you so poorly that you haven’t even learned basic manners yet?” And just like that, the last bits of her restraint snapped like a frayed rope, and her anger broke free. But, even as her emotions threatened to explode outward, she clamped down hard on them. She couldn’t react rashly. That’s what the little goat-licker wanted. Instead, she forced herself to keep her fury contained inside. It was still there, but she focused on holding it. Channeling it. She wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of knowing just how furious she was. “I’m sorry, Duchess de Lis, but did you hear something?” Sunset said with cold contempt. “I could have sworn that I heard the pathetic squeaking of a sad little rat. But, that can’t be right, because you and your husband are far too respectable to let vermin get into your museum. So, clearly, I’m just hearing things. How odd.” “You… how dare you speak that way to my cousin!?” Sunset heard Sapphire snarl. “You’re nothing compared to him, or us, so don’t act so high and mighty.” Taking a deep breath and letting it out, Sunset slowly turned around to finally face the direction of the Heliopolans. As she did, her hands slipped behind her back as she clasped her left wrist in her right hand, mimicking the pose she’d seen Raven take so many times. She wasn’t sure if it would have the same effect when Raven did it, but she was at least going to try. Now looking at the group, she saw Blueblood, his mother, Sapphire, Ruby and Amethyst all standing together, their faces barely containing their loathing. “Really?” Sunset said as she fought to keep her anger from seeping into her voice. As she did, Philomena let the angry hiss that had been building out as she lowered her head and hunched her shoulders threateningly. “That’s funny, considering you’re talking about the son of a heretic. A heretic that is currently stuck to the cliffs of Mt. Liakeed, screaming like the pathetic coward he is as a patch of mourning glories slowly shred his vital force one sliver at a time.” Sunset refused to smile with satisfaction as Blueblood and all of his family went pale with shock. It lasted for only a moment, before Blueblood’s face turned red with fury. “How dare you speak that way about my father,” Blueblood snarled. “He’s–” “–a sad, miserable, pathetic heretic that deserves everything that’s happening to him, if not worse,” Sunset said, interrupting Blueblood. “You talk about putting on airs, but you’re in no position to accuse anyone of such things. You weren’t there when General Steel Sentry, Commander Spitfire, and Queen Celestia herself reported the depths of his crimes and passed judgment on him. If anything, death by mourning glories is too good for him after everything he did.” Taking a step forward, Sunset glared Blueblood in the eyes as if daring him to act, Philomena adding to the threat as flames licked across her feathers, sending wisps of fire into the air. “Face it, rat, your father is going to go down in history with Black Thorn as one of the worst criminals in Solaria’s history. Ever!” Sunset said as a cruel smile twisted her face. “So, you can squeak and squeal all you want, but at the end of the day, you are never going to escape that fact. All of Solaria knows it. The queen made sure of that. And any time anyone looks at you, all they’re going to see is the son of man that dared to think that he had the right to decide that you were somehow worthy of ascension, rather than the sun-gazers Queen Celestia or Queen Lumina deemed were. And was willing to lie, cheat, steal, hurt and murder dozens of inocent people, including children, just to make that blasphemy a reality. So, enjoy living with that dream hanging over you, because at the end of the day, that’s the only legacy you have waiting for you.” To Sunset’s satisfaction, she saw Blueblood begin to take a step forward, his face red and contorted with rage. But, before he could take more than two strides, Marquess Mirage grabbed his shoulder to stop him. “Vladimir, enough. Don’t stoop to her level. You’re better than that.” “He’s right, Vlad,” Sapphire said as she wrapped her cousin in a hug and glared at Sunset. “She’s not worth it.” “Like you’re any better than he is, Sapphire,” Sunset spat. “Or was the fact that Lady Inkwell had you on your hands and knees cleaning up piss and shit not enough of a lesson of that?” Sunset’s smirk grew a little wider as Sapphire flinched, her face briefly showing hurt before hardening again. “What… is going on in here?” All eyes turned to one of the archways leading to one of the other rooms, and to Raven, Dylis and Duke Fancy, all three of whom had displeased looks on their faces. Raven took the look one step further by crossing her arms over her chest.  “Nothing, Your Grace,” Marchioness Prism said evenly as she put her hand on Sapphire’s shoulder. “We were just leaving.” “Is that so?” Raven said as she narrowed her eyes to glare at the marchioness. “Yes, it is,” Marquess Mirage said as he pulled the still red-faced Blueblood back towards the hallway. “Come along everyone. I don’t think there’s anything worth seeing in this exhibit.” Sunset watched as the five of them disappeared. Once they were out of sight, she let her composure break down as she clenched her fists and her face twisted into a feral snarl, her hair starting to glow more brightly and give off waves of searing heat. “Dreaming, goat-licking, pig-sniffing, sanctimonious, pompous, Chaos-loving bastards!” Sunset snarled as she hunched up and all but screamed towards the hallway they’d walked down as Philomena let out a long, harsh hiss of her own. “Sunset, Philomena, that’s enough,” Raven said coldly. “But–!” Sunset began to protest, only to stop as Raven and Dylis gave her a stern look. “No. I said, that’s enough.” Raven’s tone shut Sunset down instantly, as did Dylis’s disapproving glare. Slowly, Sunset relaxed her fists and took a few deep breaths, using her meditations to help center herself and still her mind. “I don’t blame you for being angry. But don’t let yourself be blinded by it. Or let it control you. You are the one in control. Not the anger. And certainly not people like them. Understand?” A few more seconds of breathing, and Sunset felt her emotions subside enough that she felt she could respond. Reaching up to Philomena, she gently stroked her wing, letting the feeling of the smooth feathers further calm her heart. “So I’m just supposed to let that little rat and his pig-sniffing, night-loving family get away with treating me like that?” Sunset said with only the barest traces of her previous fury tinting her voice. “No,” Raven said bluntly as she put a hand on Sunset’s free shoulder, before both she and Dylis regarded her and Philomena. “Then what’s the problem? Far as I’m concerned, I didn’t say anything that wasn’t true,” Sunset said as she glared at Raven’s hand. “Which is better than I can say for them.” Sunset met Raven’s disapproving look with defiance. But, after a few seconds, her resistance crumbled under Raven’s withering glare, and she looked away. “Sunset, your mistake was making your counterattacks personal,” Raven said. “That escalates things in a way that will potentially make your life difficult in the future. No matter how justified, attacking them personally, rather than attacking their position from a place of moral high ground, gives them swords to use against you.” Raven let out a slight sigh as she shook her head, before Dylis pressed himself against her and trilled softly. “Still, what’s done is done. All that we can do is move forward,” Raven said. Sunset’s heart sank, even as her anger continued to smoulder. “I’m sorry, Raven,” Sunset said morosely as she met Raven’s eyes. “Thank you, Sunset,” Raven said as she patted Sunset’s shoulder, then gave her a soft smile. “And I'm sorry that I didn't prepare you better for having to deal with this sort of thing. Sometimes, it's good to be reminded that even I'm not above making mistakes. “And if it’s any consolation, Duke Fancy was right that his business couldn’t wait. But, now we have the rest of the day to enjoy ourselves. Okay?” “Yea. And… I was having fun, before they showed up,” Sunset said as she glared at the door, then turned to the duchess. “Duchess de Lis made sure of that.” Sunset nearly choked at the sight before her. The duke and duchess were holding hands and staring into each other's eyes, both of them wearing expressions of relief and regret. After a moment, they let go and pressed their foreheads together so that their soul-gems were touching, then slid their hands up to the back of each other's heads and drew in closer until their bodies were pressed together . The display bordered on vulgar in how openly affectionate it was, and it made Sunset want to gag. None of the adults back home would have dared to so openly and blatantly touch each other like that where other people could see. Especially in front of someone her age. Yet, the two fire-callers didn’t seem to care that they had witnesses as they stayed locked in each other's arms, then stepped away from one another to face Sunset and Raven. “It heartens me to hear that, Lady Shimmer,” Duke Fancy said as he held Duchess de Lis’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “And I apologize for whatever distress you may have just suffered. I shouldn’t have let it happen.” The duke’s apology took Sunset by surprise, as she was still trying to recover from the scandal of the duke and duchess’s embrace. “It’s… okay, Duke Fancy,” Sunset said dumbly. “It’s not your fault.” Shaking his head, the duke gave her a sad look. “Thank you for saying that. But you’re my guest, so this reflects poorly upon me as your host,” the duke said with a humble bow. “So, please, accept my apologies.” “Our apologies, chat’vela,” Duchess de Lis said as she placed her free hand on the duke’s shoulder reassuringly, before withdrawing it and bowing herself. “I was the one responsible for the young archduchess. It was my failure that caused her to face such unpleasantness when she was meant to be enjoying herself. Please, accept my apologies, Lady Shimmer.” Sunset watched the duke for a moment, searching for any insincerity in his tone or posture. Looking at the duchess, she searched her face as well. As she did, she felt a bit more of her anger bleed away. “I understand. Apology accepted, Duke Fancy, Duchess de Lis,” Sunset said with a smile. “Indeed,” Raven said as a slight smile worked its way onto her face too. “Let’s put this whole thing behind us.” “Thank you, Your Graces,” the duke said as he rose. “Yes, thank you,” the duchess said as she also rose. “Perhaps Lady Shimmer would be interested in seeing some of the other exhibits. The hall of arms and armor has some exquisite displays of the weapon and armorer’s works from across the ages. With how much you enjoyed these, I think you will find them as compelling.” “Alright,” Sunset said enthusiastically. “Please lead the way.” Nodding, the six of them began to make their way out of the hall and down the corridor, Sunset pushing the unpleasant encounter out of her mind. ***** Sunset’s eyes were transfixed to the display case before her as she examined the object within: a pair of beautifully crafted maces, the heads of which resembled closed rosebuds. One was made out of pinkish silver while the other was made out of a light-gold metal, and both were covered with finely engraved filigree that ran down the length of the shafts to their wooden handles. Even without being able to hold the weapons, Sunset could see they were exceptionally well made and balanced, even with their solid metal construction. Yet, they also lacked any sort of battle damage or wear. “And these belonged to Lady Summer Flora?” she asked as she looked at her guides. “Yes, Sunset. Lady Flora never cared for battle, so these were mostly for ceremonial purposes. The golden one is known as ‘bountiful joy,’ while the pink one is called ‘gentle love,’” Raven said with a chuckle. “Lady Flora was something of a hopeless romantic.” Sounds like a couple of other people we know, Philomena sent with a gag. Yuck, don’t bring that up. I’m trying not to think about it. “If they weren’t meant for battle, why’d she make them? Seems kinda pointless,” Sunset said as she returned her attention to the maces. “Most clan leaders carry ceremonial weapons when they hold office, ha’malim,” Lady de Lis said. “When they hold court in their clan’s halls, they are expected to bear their personal arms as a sign of their strength. Lady Flora felt that something beautiful would serve her purposes better than something threatening. Her clan’s history did say she favored being loved over being feared.” Sunset nodded slowly as she continued to stare transfixed at the maces and their construction. Much like everything else she’d seen, she was entranced by their construction. “Would you like to move to the next display?” Raven asked, getting an enthusiastic nod from Sunset. Haven’t felt you feeling this good in a while, Philomena sent. Haven’t had a reason to, Sunset replied cheerily. I’m so glad we didn’t turn this down. Despite small irritations, I’m sure. Despite small, pathetic, sanctimonious irritations, yes. The six of them began to walk to the next case, Sunset following behind Raven and the duke and duchess. As they walked, she felt a strange, unexpected pressure on her left palm as her fingers were involuntarily curled around a small rectangular object. Inhaling sharply, she looked over her shoulder only to find there was nobody around. Sunset? Mena, did you see anyone just now? A feeling of concern and confusion drifted to Sunset through their bond. No… what’s wrong? Lifting her hand and opening it, she saw that she was now holding a small card. One with a note written in fine black ink. This, Sunset sent as she and Philomena regarded the note. There's something you need to see. Tell Lady Inkwell that you need to use the lavatory, and ask for directions. There will be a lounge on the opposite side of the corridor from where you are told to go. Find it, and go inside. When you tell her, tap your left hip three times with your left hand and blink twice. She will know what it means. Good luck. And keep an open mind. -D.W. P.S. - Also, good job handling that punk, kiddo. That was funny. Sunset stared at the note for a few seconds as she tried to comprehend what she was reading. Or how it had ended up in her hand. Um, Philomena sent uncertainly. If D.W. means who I think it means… Let’s not think about that, okay? Sunset sent back, her hand trembling a little. “Is there something wrong, Sunset?” Raven asked. Sunset, balking slightly, noticed that Raven was looking at her curiously. “No, nothing’s wrong. But, is there a lavatory nearby?” Sunset asked as she closed her hand around the card as she followed the note’s instructions, turning to Raven and tapping her hip three times with her left hand and blinking twice. “I kinda need to use one.” Raven regarded her for a few seconds, her expression all but unreadable. Much to her surprise, Dylis rolled his eyes and let out a soft huff. “I see. Duke Fancy, can you tell her where she can find one?” Raven said as she turned to the duke, causing both Duke Fancy and Duchess de Lis to stop and look back at their guests. “Of course, Your Grace,” he said, before pointing to one of the arches leading out of the display hall. “Go out those doors. Take a right, then a left at the intersection. It’ll be three intersections down and have a green door. I can guide you if you wish.” “That won’t be necessary,” Raven said with a shake of her head. Both the duke and duchess gave her an odd, disbelieving look. “Are you sure, Your Grace?” Duchess de Lis asked. “Yes,” Raven said firmly. “Besides, I’m sure she would like a little privacy.” Both nobles shared a brief look. “Well, if you’re sure,” Duke Fancy said as he smoothed out his mustache with his knuckles. “I’ll be fine. Thank you,” Sunset said as she slowly jogged towards the doorway leading back into the hall. As she went, she tried to think of any reason that Dawn Wings wanted her to go where she was going. She wasn’t sure what game the spymistress was playing. But she had a feeling she’d find out soon enough. ***** Sunset’s pace slowed as she made her way down the hallway towards her destination. As Duke Fancy described, she’d found the lavatory easily enough but hadn’t bothered to go in. Instead, her attention was on the door on the opposite side of the hallway, marked ‘lounge.’ Both she and Philomena stared at it, unsure exactly why they were there. Pulling out the card, Sunset reread it again. Then again. And again as she tried to understand what was going on, and what Dawn Wings' game was. ‘Keep an open mind,’ she read for the fourth time. What the night does she mean by that? Sunset sent as she continued to glare at the card. Your guess is as good as mine. Should we just go in and find out? With a sigh, Sunset stuffed the card back into her pocket. Not like we’re going to figure it out just standing here. Steeling herself, Sunset approached the lounge door. As she reached out to grab the handle and open it, she thought she heard a soft noise coming from inside. Curious, she pressed her left ear to the door to hear a little bit better. She recognised the sound the moment she did: it was the sound of crying. Someone in the lounge was crying. Now slightly concerned, Sunset gently pulled the door open and peeked in the room. The lounge itself was a simple, well-furnished room with several large couches, a table and a small counter with pitchers and cups. The floor was covered in warm red carpet, and the walls were adorned with landscape paintings of forests, lakes and mountains, giving the entire space a welcoming, relaxing feel to it. Sunset was only peripherally aware of all this, as her attention was focused solely on the figure on one of the couches. A figure that was curled up in a fetal position, her face obscured by her curly gold and blue hair, weeping into her knees. Anger, still fresh and raw, bubbled up from within Sunset’s and Philomena’s chests at the sight.  “Sapphire…” Sunset growled as a low, angry hiss emanated from Philomena. Lifting her face from her knees, Sapphire looked in their direction, her face streaked with tears as comprehension of who was in the room with her slowly dawned on her. Comprehension that morphed into horror as she tried to scoot back further into the couch. “S-s-s-s-sunset?” Sapphire whimpered. “What? Why are you here?” Thinking quickly, Sunset crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Sapphire. “I needed some space after you pulled that dream-touched hog crap back there, so I asked Duke Fancy if there was somewhere I could cool off,” Sunset lied as she glared at the other girl. “So much for that idea. But, hey, I’ll take the chance to work off some of my anger on you instead.” “Sunset, wait…” Sapphire begged. “No! You brought this on yourself. You treated me like trash for weeks, you threatened my family, and then had the gall to go back to acting like some night-spawned witch even after Lady Inkwell gave you a wakeup call,” Sunset said as she took a step forward, her tone becoming increasingly angry as her hair began to slowly thrash in the air. “Sunset, please, you don’t under–” Sapphire pleaded. “What don’t I understand? Huh? Because it’s pretty obvious. The minute you didn’t have to clean up piss again, you went right back to being the same self-righteous, night-loving bitch you were before. Guess your apology back at the cathedral was just for show, wasn’t it?” “No, it wasn’t,” Sapphire said, this time with a touch of defiance despite the distress still clearly written all over her face. “I meant every word of it.” “Bull-balls,” Sunset snarled as she took another step forward. “If that was true, why would you say the things you said to me just now? Huh?” “Because I didn’t have a choice!” Sapphire all but yelled at Sunset, her face twisting with anguish, before wilting and muttering. “I didn’t want to, but I didn’t have a choice.” Sunset’s frown deepened as she continued to glare at Sapphire. “You always have a choice, and you chose to go back to being a sanctimonious night-lover,” Sunset growled. “No, you’re wrong,” Sapphire retorted as she uncurled herself and sat on the edge of the sofa. “I didn’t have a choice. Even if I don’t want to be like that anymore, my family would never accept it. They’d never accept me.” “That’s no excuse,” Sunset snarled. Slowly standing, Sapphire met Sunset’s eyes, unyielding turquoise staring into teal. “Sunset, I mean this in the nicest way possible, but shut the night up, because you have no idea what you’re talking about,” Sapphire said, her voice growing angry. “I don’t know how things work for you out west, but if I don’t keep up appearances with my family, I could end up costing myself everything.” “So?” Sunset said bluntly. “So? So! You want me to sacrifice everything? My family? My future?” Sapphire fumed, taking a step towards Sunset. “Sunset, maybe in your world, that’s how things work. But not in mine.” “If it means being a better person, then who cares? Or did you not learn anything from Lady Inkwell?” Sunset said as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Don’t you dare accuse me of not learning from my mistakes. I learned plenty,” Sapphire shot back, before her tone turned morose. “Just because I have to play a part doesn't mean that I like it.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” Sighing, Sapphire tilted her head back and closed her eyes, her face scrunching up unhappily. “Do you remember the last thing that I did before Lady Inkwell opened my eyes to the sun?” Sunset’s mood darkened as she thought back to the day of her exam, and the threat Sapphire made to her family. A threat that, at the time, Sapphire had fully intended to follow through with. “Yes, I do,” Sunset said as she narrowed her eyes menacingly at Sapphire. “What of it?” “Then you’ll understand what acting out of line would mean for me,” Sapphire said, before looking Sunset in the eyes again, hints of fear starting to touch them. “The way I was back then? That was how I was taught to be by my father, mother, aunts and uncles. What do you think would happen to me if I began to openly defy them, or ‘embarrass’ them in public?” Sapphire’s question hung in the air for a few seconds. Then, in a horrible moment of clarity, Sunset grasped the implication of what Sapphire was saying. As the realization hit her, the bottom fell out of her stomach and her eyes went wide in shock. “You mean–” she began to say. “They wouldn’t kill or beat me, if that’s what you’re thinking. The scandal would be the end of them,” Sapphire said as she looked away and sighed. “But there are other things that they could and would do to ‘correct’ my ‘bad behavior.’ Things that they were perfectly within their legal rights as my parents to do. ‘Private boarding schools.’ ‘Tutors.’ Other, more direct methods. Nothing that would leave lasting physical harm, but could make me back into be what I used to be.” Sunset’s eyes went wide with horror at what Sapphire was implying. “I don’t want to be that ever again, Sunset,” Sapphire said with a sniff. “But I can’t let my parents or my family know that. So I have to act the part. Play the role. No matter how much it chews me up inside. The cost of doing otherwise is one I can’t afford to pay.” “You could always just leave,” Sunset said weakly. “No, I can’t. They wouldn’t let me even if I tried,” Sapphire said with a shake of her head. “And where would I go? For better or worse, Heliopolis and Aurorias are my home. Where my life… my family… is. Even if my eyes are open now, I can’t turn my back on my family. I couldn’t live with myself if I did that.” Sunset could only stare numbly at Sapphire, the true weight of what the other girl was saying finally hitting her. “I don’t expect you to forgive me for this, Sunset, or even really understand,” Sapphire said softly. “But, I want you to know that, deep down, I’m not the person I have to pretend to be. Not anymore. But, like I said, I don’t have a choice.” Sunset was about to speak when she heard someone approaching the door. Sapphire’s eyes went wide with fear as she looked at the entrance to the room before quickly scrubbing her face and putting on an angry scowl. One that she leveled at Sunset. Before Sunset could respond or ask what was going on, the door opened, revealing Marchioness Ruby Prism. “Sapphire, are you…” the marchioness began before spotting Sunset. “What is she doing here? Are you harassing my daughter, Lady Shimmer?” “Nothing’s going on, Mother,” Sapphire growled as she glared at Sunset with an angry frown. “Lady Shimmer just happened to wander in a few minutes ago looking for someplace to sit down, and decided she had a few more things to say to me.” “I see,” Marchioness Prism said with a frown. “Lady Shimmer, I will say this once, and only once: you stay away from my daughter. Do you understand me? She's already gone through enough heartache and hardship because of you. So, I promise you this: if I find that you’re persecuting her, I will use every ounce of influence I have to make you regret that decision. Do I make myself clear?” Sunset found herself glaring at the marchioness. “Like I want anything to do with her or you,” Sunset snarled back. “Hmph, just as long as you understand,” Marchioness Prism said. “Come along, Sapphire. We’re leaving.” “Thank you, Mother,” Sapphire said as she strode past Sunset with a huff, her head held high. As the marchioness began to guide her daughter out, Sunset saw Sapphire turn to look back one last time. Though her face was still twisted into a haughty frown, her eyes told a different story. One that was begging Sunset to forgive her. Then, they were gone, leaving Sunset and Philomena alone in the lounge. What just happened? Philomena sent, her anger having subsided into confusion. I… don’t know, Sunset sent. But, I think we should tell Raven about this. She’ll know what to do. Sunset felt Philomena send a sensation of agreement. Taking a deep breath and walking towards the door, Sunset pushed it open and headed out into the hall to go and rejoin Raven, her head swimming with everything she’d just learned.