//------------------------------// // Chapter 11 // Story: Hotter Than Hell // by totallynotabrony //------------------------------// Silver took the news better than Sunset expected.  Or maybe, the revelation that Sunset was from another dimension and currently working for the Devil was just too much at once.  Surely she hadn’t been expecting something like that, though Sunset had put her through some increasingly strange situations as of late. She let Silver take a few seconds to absorb it all.  Silver sat at the kitchen table, staring at the middle distance, which happened to be about where the container of soy sauce sat.  Sunset picked it up, drawing Silver’s attention upwards. Silver’s eyes focused and she swallowed.  “...how do you know you’re doing the right thing?” she asked, her first question since the explanation. Sunset had told Silver her version of events, how she’d left Equestria looking for something better, and formed a partnership with Lucifer in order to freelance punish sinners.  Apparently, she hadn’t been convincing enough if Silver was asking questions. Sunset tried again.  “I know it can be difficult to figure out what to do with all this, particularly considering the literal Devil is involved.  The question is, do you trust me?” “Yes.”  Not even a moment of hesitation on Silver’s part. She really did, Sunset realized.  Silver's question hadn’t been if Sunset was doing the moral, Heavenly thing, she had meant the successful, most effective thing.  It almost caught Sunset off guard how devoted Silver was. It was a strange feeling.  Sunset wasn’t used to having people who genuinely, truly valued her.  She almost lost her composure, but hid it behind a swig of soy sauce. “It’s getting late,” Sunset said.  “Not that bedtimes are that important amid all this evil-hunting, but you can’t exactly keep this up if your parents ground you longer.”  She stood up.  “Come on, I’ll give you a ride home.” Silver looked momentarily pleased for the first time all night.  She even seemed less nervous on the motorcycle this time. Pulling up to her usual spot hidden from Silver’s house, Sunset stopped.  Silver got off, but paused.  Sunset thought she was lingering near the heat of the bike’s engine, but Silver said, “Can I talk with you again?  Tomorrow?” “Sure.” “I…”  Any turnaround in feelings Silver had had in the last few minutes evaporated and she looked down at the icy sidewalk.  “I’m sorry I lost the crown.” There was a flicker of anger in the back of Sunset’s mind at being reminded, but she cooled.  “You did your best.  Sometimes things don’t work out.”  She admitted, “I know how it feels.” “T-thank you.”  Silver turned and hurried home. Sunset glanced skyward.  She sighed, looking at her breath rising in the cold air.  She felt with growing familiarity the subtle tug that meant somewhere, the Ghost Rider was needed.  Time to go. The next morning at school, there still seemed to be a tension in the air, the same strange aura Sunset had noticed the day before.  People seemed to have calmed down slightly from the excitement of the previous day, but she still noticed a few angry words and pointed looks. Principal Celestia found Sunset before class.  “I need to trouble you to guide a tour again.  We have another unexpected transfer student who just arrived this morning.” That got Sunset thinking again about the three girls - what had they called themselves, the Dazzlings?  Maybe to test if they really were behind whatever was going on at the school, she could use this newest student as a control group. She went to meet this latest transfer student.  It was a girl with straight purple hair, clutching a backpack and wearing a nervous look.  Sunset had met a handful of students moving in, and while first-day nerves weren’t uncommon, this seemed to be on another level. “H-hi, I’m Twilight Sparkle,” the girl said. Sunset had half-expected something like this would happen, but just to be sure this was the Twilight Sparkle and not just her human counterpart, Sunset smiled and put out her hand.  “Nice to meet you, I’m Sunset Shimmer.  Where did you and your family come from?” “I’m from, uh, Ponyville.  Everypo-person in my family is from Ponyville.”  She also didn’t seem to know how to shake hands. Sunset kept smiling, but for a different reason.  This was going to be fun. She wasn’t worried that Twilight suspected her in return, already planning to throw her off the trail.  Plus, Twilight had met Celestia this morning and therefore should realize ponies had equivalent humans. Sunset gave Twilight the same tour of the school she did all new students.  She noticed how Twilight feigned disinterest - poorly - at the statue in front of the school. The tarp and chains that had blocked the portal had been removed, but Sunset hadn't figured it would last more than a few days anyway. “So where are you living?” Sunset asked. “Oh, I, uh, don’t have the address memorized yet,” Twilight said, though based on the expression on her face, she herself might not have even considered living arrangements while she was on Earth. “If your family allows it, can I suggest a study studio?” Sunset said.  “I have one of those, and it really simplifies things, letting me live my own life, especially since my parents live kind of far from school.  I think I can get you one.” Twilight was visibly relieved.  “I’d really appreciate that.” Sunset would get a place from Silver, whose parents were landlords and owned enough of the rental real estate around town that they wouldn’t miss one apartment.  That was how Sunset had been living. Her intentions weren’t out of the goodness of her heart, either.  Getting Twilight a place to stay would make it easier to keep an eye on her. At lunch, the student body was again in a slow-boiling turmoil.  They had been restless in classes, but now things were building up.  Twilight looked worried, sticking close to Sunset’s side.  “Is every day like this?  Is something going on?” Sunset was about to reply, when she felt a subtle change in the air as the Dazzlings entered the room.  Twilight’s head also turned reflexively; she must have felt it too.  Interesting. Principal Celestia was a few steps behind them, and apparently oblivious to whatever power the girls had.  She paused at the door to the cafeteria, looking in, seemingly dismayed at the increasingly heated voices around the room.  One principal versus hundreds of students.  Not that there was any specific rule-breaking just yet, but anyone could see that the slightest bump might set off the whole place like a nitroglycerin charge. Principal Luna appeared at her sister's shoulder.  The two of them discussed something quietly, appearing to reach an agreement, and then Celestia walked into the room, lifting her voice.  “Students, may I have your attention, please.” Most of them did turn to look, momentarily quieting.  Celestia went on.  “I would like to make an announcement.  Doubtless some of you have heard that the school has recently come into possession of a large piece of jewelry, a crown.  After an investigation, the owner could not be determined, so we will be using it as the temporary prize for royalty at the upcoming Spring Fling.” The room broke out with excited chatter.  Celestia raised a hand for quiet.  “Of course, the usual prerequisites exist to win - you must be chosen by your peers, and to be eligible you must be a student in good standing with no disciplinary incidents.” It was clever of Celestia, trying to calm the outbreak of arguments with the lure of a prize.  Of course, like most instances of Celestia being clever, it frustrated Sunset.  She would have to win back what was rightfully hers.  Though, she was planning to be Princess of the Spring Fling anyway. “How do I win that?” Twilight asked Sunset, intently. “I can help you get on the ballot,” Sunset reassured her, already mentally laying the groundwork for how she was going to do exactly the opposite. Sunset parted ways with Twilight after school and headed for the locker rooms.  Rainbow Dash was there, getting ready for one of her sports practices. “I have a favor to ask,” Sunset said.  “Can I borrow a dart gun?” Rainbow put on a guarded look.  “What makes you think I have one of those?” “Applejack told me what you do with the suction cups on the darts.” Rainbow went beet red, but reached into her locker and pulled out a small dart pistol, already loaded with its foam ammo, handing it over without a word.  That done, she slammed her locker shut and hurried out of the room. Sunset tucked the gun behind her back, covering it with her jacket.  She looked across the room at Fluttershy, who quickly hid her face.  Sunset walked over. “C-could you introduce me to that new girl?” Fluttershy asked.  “If that would be okay.  I want to meet her dog.” Sunset blinked.  “What dog?” “She had a dog she kept in her backpack all day.  She talked to him a few times.” Sunset wondered what it meant.  Had Twilight brought something - or even somepony - with her?  Either way, it gave her something to think about, but also potentially leverage. She didn’t bother to flirt with Fluttershy today, just went straight back to her apartment from school.  There, she wrote out on a slip of paper an update on the situation at school and some instructions for Silver, taped it to one of the darts, and rode to Silver’s house.  The sun was still up, but Sunset was able to sneak close enough to fire the dart at Silver’s bedroom window, where it stuck fast.  It was a crude communication, but Sunset had found how much she’d come to depend on Silver. One part of her mind darkly reminded her how unwise it was to trust anyone, or to think they could be reliable.  The other part noted how Silver had literally bled for Sunset.  That was rare, and she would do well to keep that kind of person close. Sunset shook her head and left Silver’s yard.  She would have to be careful, this was uncharted territory for her, and it was difficult if not impossible to let go of her usual old suspicions. Distracting herself, Sunset’s mind turned to her new routine as she got back on her motorcycle.  She didn’t feel any particularly strong or nearby tugs as night began to fall.  Apparently, she was getting enough of a sense of this power to be able to tell.  Thinking it had been a while since she had been to “survey her domain,” Sunset decided to go for a ride and headed for Canterlot Mountain. The road leading up was twisty and dark.  Sunset leaned the bike hard in the turns, enjoying the wind and having the night to herself.  The cold breeze didn't bother her a bit. Near the top of the mountain, there was a pullout that overlooked the whole city with a great view. To Sunset's surprise, there were already a set of tracks in the snowy parking lot: a motorcycle.  Her headlight fell on Big Macintosh, lounging on his own bike at the edge of the overlook. Annoyed as she was at finding him here, Sunset wasn’t going to just turn around and leave.  She pulled in and shut off her engine. There was a moment of silence as the two of them looked out on the city, its lights bright below them.  Mac said, “Heard you were out.” Sunset tossed him a look.  “I know how to get back to my own world.” “Unicorn world?”  Mac didn’t pause to laugh at her, this time.  “Sounds nice.  Nicer than this.  So why’re ya still hanging around here?” “Opportunity,” Sunset answered honestly. “Reckon so,” Mac allowed.  “Ah was a little cross at Lucifer for pullin’ me over ta this world, but after a think, the fresh start might not be bad.” “‘Course Ah know the rules,” he went on.  “Be a bad idea to try contactin’ any family.” Unspoken rules or not, how much did he know about this world’s original Mac?  Could Sunset leverage that? “They think you’re a delinquent that ran away and got mixed up in some trouble,” Sunset said, testing the waters. “Maybe Ah did.  Can’t say Ah’m not curious, though.  Ya go to school with ‘em, don’t ya?  Do ya know a Rainbow Dash?” “Why her?” Sunset asked. A trace of melancholy went across Mac’s face.  Maybe he had a few regrets from this supposed fresh start.  But he said, “Just makin’ sure.” Sunset decided to see how he would react.  “In this world, she’s dating Applejack.” Mac blinked a few times, but then chuckled.  “Atta girl.” He reached back to his bike’s saddlebag and took out a thermos.  It steamed when he opened the cap.  He poured a measured cup and offered it to Sunset.  Her nose told her it was some sort of spiced cider. Sunset doubted he was trying to poison her, but was getting tired of going along with him.  Every time they had met, he had somehow manipulated or forced Sunset to do what he wanted.  Refusing the beverage would have been a small victory.  On the other hand, accepting it but breaking the common social convention of saying thank you would work about as well and she would get a free drink. Sunset took the cup and had a sip.  Her first thought was that it actually was drugged, but no, it was just that good.  To cover her pleasant surprise, she said, “I didn’t think you were still an apple juice drinker.” “Ah don’t know why you’re still goin’ to school.” “You might be surprised,” Sunset said.  She paused, but then decided to go ahead and tell him about the Dazzlings.  There was a chance she could somehow get Mac to work for her for a change. He listened to her description, her thoughts about how it seemed like the three girls were spreading some kind of hostile miasma.  “Never heard’a nothin’ like that before, but there’s a first time for everything.” Sunset hesitated, and then added, “I should also warn you.  There’s another new student named Twilight Sparkle.  She’s not here looking specifically for Riders, but you might say that she knows too much.” She wasn’t entirely sure why she had told him.  Twilight, while having no concept of Ghost Riders, could definitely conceive of such a thing because she knew magic was real.  Sunset taking steps to protect herself also meant ensuring a liability like Twilight wouldn’t accidentally discover her indirectly, such as through Mac. “Oh?” said Mac.  “She from unicorn land too?” Sunset caught the amusement in his voice, but would not be roused.  “I understand that when I left, she became the new top student in the school of magic, so while I’m not worried, I am cautious.” “School of magic?” Mac said, this time not even trying to stop chuckling. Sunset shot him a look.  “I don’t see you doing any magic.” “Maybe a different kind than ya know,” he said.  He put down the thermos and took out a pack of cigarettes.  He looked at her, smirked, and lit one with a spark between his fingers.   He took a puff and followed it with a sip from the thermos.  “‘Tween the demons and warlocks and such, Ah’ve seen my share of magic.  Learned a little.  Though whatever you say you got, Ah ain’t seen before.  Not that it mattered, last time we sparred.” To avoid dwelling too deeply on the backhandedness of that, Sunset replied, “I’ve only been a Ghost Rider for a few weeks.  If I figure out how to fully apply what I understand, through the Spirit, it won’t even be a contest anymore.  I’m the most powerful unicorn I know.  No one in my other world was able to challenge me, and I was the first one to figure out how to come to this world.” Technically the truth.  Sunset had never directly fought Celestia, and though she had heard Twilight was extremely powerful, Sunset had always figured she had the more practical mindset and pragmatism of the two, if it ever came down to it. “Well if we’re takin’ résumés, then I want to warn ya that you ain’t yet seen even a fraction of the evil out there.  These Dazzlings might be a step above run-o-the-mill rapists and murderers, but they don’t sound real threatenin’. “Ah’ve taken down monsters that have been rapin’ and murderin’ for thousands of years.  Ah’ve ended genocides.  Ah’ve stopped other Riders who went off the rails.  Things like that exist out there.” There was a weariness in his words.  Sunset did not bother to dwell further on them, but she did not doubt them.  Much as she might have disliked Mac for their interactions so far, she had never doubted him.  And that meant, if he was telling her the truth, then she still was nowhere near his league, which only fueled her smoldering, eternal hunger for power. “Still, though,” Mac allowed, “You have seen a lot of action for your first few days.  Seems like you’re a lightnin’ rod.” Sunset preferred to interpret that as a compliment about how she was at the center of everything and attracted power.  She took another sip of the cider and looked out at the city. She decided to get moving on the Dazzlings, figure out what they really were, and deal with them.  Lightning didn’t wait to strike, and if she was going to get a grip on the power of the Spirit of Vengeance, she was going to have to take matters into her own hands. But first, something a little more personal.  She pulled out the cigarettes she occasionally used to frame people, and although she wasn’t planning to smoke one herself, made sure Mac saw her copy his move of lighting one with a spark.