Celestia wasn't sure why, but Sunset had been upset all morning, actually, upset was putting it mildly, Sunset was downright furious. When she tried to ask Scootaloo about it, all the younger teen would say was that they were having a personal issue. Celestia knew from experience what could happen when sisters fought, and she decided to give them twenty-four hours to patch things up between them before she would step in and settle matters herself.
"Do try to settle things with your sister," Celestia said as she and Scootaloo were climbing out of Celestia's minivan. Sunset had already stormed into the school.
"I'm trying mom," Scootaloo said, "it's all just one big misunderstanding."
"I hope so."
*****
"So Flash," Aria was saying, "want to go see a movie after the Friendship Games?" She never had a chance to hear Flash's answer, because at that moment she felt a hand on her shoulder and she was forcibly turned around. Instinctually, she raised her fists ready for a fight, instead she was looking at Sunset, a very pissed off Sunset.
"I have no control over what you and your sisters do when we aren't at school or hanging out," Sunset seethed, "but leave my sister out of whatever you three are doing in the middle of the night."
"Sunset," Aria said, trying to figure the situation, "maybe I should explain."
"No, I don't need an explanation," Sunset snarled, "and I don't care who came up with the idea, but Scootaloo doesn't need to be wandering the streets at night, not with Incognito on the loose."
"That's what we were doing, looking for Incognito," Aria grumbled.
"Then Scoots definitely does not need to be with you."
"Sunset," a voice said.
"Not now Scoots." Sunset replied.
"Sunset it was my idea," Scootaloo said, "We all know that Incognito is looking for you and she won't stop until she has her revenge. So I figured that I'd find her first, the girls decided to help because they said that you'd kill me if something happened to me. Adagio tried to stop me.
"Well they're right" Sunset said starting to calm down, "you should have listened to her."
"Sunset I want you to know that Scootaloo's safety was always at the front of mine and my sisters' minds," Aria said.
"Why didn't you try to talk her out of it," Sunset countered.
"Dagi beat me to it," Aria explained.
"Yeah well you should have tried harder," Sunset said, "she could have been seriously hurt if you had run into Incognito last night."
"A, we didn't run into Incognito," Sonata pointed out, "and B, until the rest of you can find a way to activate your magic without your musical instruments, only the four of us have any way to actually fight Incognito."
"It wouldn't be fun hauling my drum set around all the time," Pinkie said.
"Ok," Aria said, "when did you two get here?"
"Nevermind that," Sunset said with a pleading look in her eyes, "just promise me that you won't take Scootaloo hunting for Incognito anymore."
"I can't promise you that," Aria said after a moments hesitation, "you know how hard headed your little sister can be, but I will promise not to encourage her."
"I second that," Sonata said cheerfully.
"I guess I really can't ask for more than that can I," Sunset replied.
*****
Gabby was worried about her sister, for the past few days Gilda had been acting, well, weird. She had taken to locking herself in her bedroom, only coming out for meals and school. The previous evening, Lightning Dust had called and when Gabby had taken the phone up to Gilda's room, her sister had refused to accept the call. What was even more disturbing to Gabby was that as she walked away from Gilda's barred door, she thought she heard strange chanting.
"So, uh, Gilda," Gabby said, "want to go get a strawberry shortcake milkshake from Sugarcube Corner after school? My treat."
Sugarcube Corner's strawberry shortcake milkshake was Gilda's absolute favorite milkshake. Gabby hoped that her sister would say yes to the idea.
"Huh, what was that," Gilda said, "oh no, sorry I have plans after school, I'm working on a special project."
That's what I was afraid you'd say, Gabby thought, "ok, maybe tomorrow then."
"Yeah sure," Gilda said, though it was clear to Gabby that she wasn't listening, "tomorrow."
Gabby watched as her sister gathered up her stuff and began to walk into the school.
"Hey Gabby," a familiar voice said, "what's up with Gilda lately? Is she actually going to class on time?"
Gabby turned and saw Lightning Dust, Short Fuse and Rolling Thunder standing there. They were watching Gilda, and waiting for Gabby to give them an answer.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Gabby sighed, "on both counts."
"Could you talk to her please," Lightning Dust said as both Short Fuse and Rolling Thunder walked away in disgust, "you're really the only person she truly listens to."
"I'll do whatever I can," Gabby said, "but unfortunately I don't think that will be enough."
"Listen," Lightning replied putting a hand on Gabby's shoulder, "your sister loves you, hell I think that you're probably the only thing that she loves. I mean we've had our fun, but to be honest there is no love there."
"Really," Gabby said, "All those late nights that you two spent together,"
"Didn't mean a thing," Lightning replied, "at least not to her. You're all she cares about."
"I'll talk to her," Gabby said. She really did not want to know the details about Gilda and Lightning's relationship.
"Well you should head inside," Lightning said, "bell is about to ring for first period."
"What about you," Gabby asked, "shouldn't you be heading to class?"
"And ruin my reputation for consistently being late to class," Lightning laughed.