Sunset walked through the door of her home, and it was then that she realized just how sore she was. She plopped down on the couch with a groan next to Flash, who raised an eyebrow at her demeanor.
“Rough fight huh?” He asked.
“Tell me about it. That guy we fought at the bank was insane. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Sunset answered.
“Got anymore plans for today?” Flash asked as he brought his girlfriend some painkillers.
“I’ve still gotta help Bon Bon with her move, and then we’ve got Rainbooms practice later today.” Sunset answered after swallowing the painkillers with a healthy swig of water.
“You gonna be okay?” Flash asked.
“Yeah. Just need a bit to rest. That guy hit like a truck.” Sunset said.
“I can imagine. Well I gotta head out and meet up with the guys. Still got some practicing to get in before our gig tonight.” Flash said as he slung his guitar case over his shoulder.
“Alright. Good luck tonight.” Sunset said. They shared a quick kiss as Flash made his way out the door. Now left alone in the house, Sunset rested on the couch for a while before her phone buzzed with a text from Bon Bon.
You still helping with the move?
Yeah sorry about that. On my way now. Sunset typed back. She ran a hand down her face and made her way out the door herself.
Let’s hope Twilight is having some luck studying that chemical. Sunset thought to herself.
Meanwhile, Twilight typed away on her computer as she studied the chemical she had retrieved from Crusher. After a few moments of analysis, the machine dinged and the computer displayed the components that made up this particular mixture. She pressed a button on a recorder next to her in order to record her findings.
“There seems to be a strange element in this that doesn’t match any known element. My guess would be that it’s Equestrian magic. But it also contains components like Acetone, Calcium, Iron. Components typically found in human blood. I can tell from studying it that this mixture is shoddy, as though this is just a prototype in need of further refinement. I’ll keep studying it to see what I can find. End of log.”
Twilight pressed the stop button on her recorder and leaned back in her chair, tossing her glasses on the desk and rubbing her eyes. It had been an intense week at the lab already, and now with this new mystery concoction before her, she knew that it was only about to get even more so. Her phone buzzed on her desk as it lit up with a text from the group chat she had with her friends.
Gotta run a few errands before heading to practice. Applejack texted.
Sounds good. I’m heading over there now. Rainbow Dash replied.
Should be done with the move in about an hour or so. Sunset said.
Pinkie Pie sent through a confetti emoji while Fluttershy sent a simple smile emoji.
Work’s been hectic like you wouldn’t believe darling. Might be running a bit late. Rarity replied.
Ugh, of course. Rainbow texted back with an eye roll emoji.
Just got done at the lab so I should be able to head over now. Twilight texted to the group as she pocketed her phone. She looked around until her eyes landed on her faithful canine companion Spike, who was still curled up fast asleep in the bed next to her desk.
“Rise and shine Spike. We’re heading out.” Twilight said as she gave him a soft pat on the head. Spike stretched out and yawned as he slowly awakened from his nap.
“Time for the Rainbooms practice?” He asked.
“Right you are.” Twilight answered as she unzipped her bag and allowed Spike to hop in.
“Can’t wait. You guys are sounding better than ever.” Spike said enthusiastically as Twilight giggled at his excitement.
Meanwhile, in another part of town a man waited in a parking garage, leaning up against one of the support pillars with his arms crossed. After a few moments of waiting, a large truck pulled in beside him and out hopped Laughing Stock, still in high spirits from the massive bank heist they just pulled off.
“I take it the heist went well?” The man asked.
“Like you wouldn’t believe. The Crystal Guardians showed up just like you said too.” Laughing Stock answered.
“How did Crusher do?”
“Certainly took them for a ride, though unfortunately he didn’t make it back.” Laughing Stock said as he leaned against the truck.
“It doesn’t matter. As long as it got their attention, that is enough.” The man explained.
“If you say so. So how much of this are we splitting anyway?” Laughing Stock asked as he gestured to the money inside the truck.
“I take 30 percent. The rest is yours.” The man said, to which Laughing Stock let out his signature cackle.
“Now that’s what I like to hear!” He said excitedly. “Get this man his money boys!”
The man loaded his cut of the money into a simple looking car parked off to the side from the truck. Once that was completed, he gave Laughing Stock a simple nod.
“I’ll be taking my leave now. Enjoy your winnings gentlemen.” The man said as he got into the car and drove out of the parking garage. As he drove, the streets lit up with lights, the sun having officially set and night taking over entirely. After a while of driving, he came to a worn down and secluded building on the outskirts of the city, perfectly hidden from the eyes of the world. He collected his money and entered through the front door after putting in a passcode to unlock it. An eerie silence hung over the building as he walked down the main hallway, eventually turning the corner and stopping at the wall. The man placed his hand on the wall, activating a hand scanner which parted the partition to reveal a secret elevator hidden in the wall. He stepped inside and pressed the button to send the elevator down. It eventually came to a stop and the doors opened to reveal the secret laboratory hidden within the sub levels of the building. He saw a woman sitting in a chair with her back to him, typing away on the computer that covered a large portion of the wall.
“I’m back. And I’ve got the money.” He announced to his companion.
“Good to hear. How did it go?” She asked as she turned around to face him.
“Crusher’s test run was a success. It got the attention of the Crystal Guardians just like we wanted.” He answered. There was a deep sadness in his eyes as he saw the woman’s chair was in fact a wheelchair, a permanent reminder of what she had endured. “How are you feeling Rose?”
“Tired, but good all the same.” Rose responded. “You know you don’t have to do all of this for me Garl. I don’t want it to seem like you’re obligated to help me.”
Garl walked until he was directly in front of her before getting down on one knee, looking her in the eye and placed his hand over hers.
“I’m here for you. Whatever you need, no matter what it is, I’m here.” He said softly. She let out a sigh, happy and relieved at his words.
“What about you? The tests aren’t too much for you are they?” She asked.
“It’s nothing I can’t handle. Besides, I think I’m starting to get the hang of these abilities.” Garl answered as he looked at his hand, which briefly shimmered with a blueish black flame before he closed it into a fist.
“That’s good. I’m close to finishing the next prototype from the sample I took yesterday. This next one should be able to operate without the storage vials Crusher needed.” She explained as she pulled up the research results on her computer.
“We still have our test subjects?” He asked. Rose pulled up a security feed that showed people in cages, some sitting quietly while others were banging on the bars and yelling to be let out.
“Still got plenty of viable subjects, though we’re starting to run low.” She answered. “Do you think this place is safe from the Crystal Guardians? We don’t want them catching on too early.”
“They still don’t even know what’s going on yet. And by the time they figure it out, our plan will already be too far along to stop.” Garl reassured her. Rose typed on the computer and pulled up images of all the Crystal Guardians. As they both scanned through the seven images, they stopped on one in particular; the image of Sunset Shimmer. Rose clenched her fists tight and began shaking as she saw the girl’s image. Garl placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her, and she turned to face him as he did.
“She’ll get what’s coming to her.” He said, not taking his eyes off the screen. “We’ll make sure of it.”