Despite feeling as though making new friends wasn't really her focus, Human Sunset continued chatting it up with Party Favor whilst awaiting the train. She believed it was better to not discuss sensitive topics, or reveal any crucial information that could immediately give her away, assuming this stallion knew something about Pony Sunset. For once, making friends actually felt... nice. But this was a different 'nice', in contrast to the Canterlot Street Gang girls, who were more like accomplices and lackeys, rather than friends who genuinely accepted her.
Human Sunset believed that if she had this kind of courage to make new friends during her freshman year at Crystal Prep Academy, things could've been so much different. A friend who'd be willing to hear her out, or perhaps even help her get Indigo in trouble for everything she did. However, it was sadly far too late to have this kind of wishful thinking, seeing how she already ruined her life and tanked her career opportunities, after dropping out of high school. Making friends seemed like something that Human Sunset began to believe gave her genuine happiness, especially with Party Favor's positivity and optimism.
He almost reminded her of a male pony version of that Pinkie girl she lashed out at that night, but at the same time, she wasn't here to make friends. For all she knew, it was mostly a perfect opportunity to simply use Party Favor to reach Manehattan for free, and find the Tundra Tiara for Gilda. Although happy to make a new friend, Human Sunset continued convincing herself that she'd only be 100 times more happy to go through with her original plan. The sweet vengeance behind destroying the Shadowbolts' valuable vintage school uniforms, and having them pin it on Indigo, it was the only thing that occupied her mind, before the train to Manehattan had finally arrived by the platform.
Human Sunset and Party Favor began boarding the train together, but another source of positivity was trotting around the corner, after being asked by her friends to bring some snacks. The rest of the council of friendship were feeling peckish, whilst sitting by the Canterlot Harbor, and listening on to Spike's retelling of Sunset and Twilight's journey to defeat the Dazzlings. Pinkie Pie had volunteered to make a quick trip to bring over some snacks and refreshments on a cart. However, as she was dragging the cart back over to her friends, she casually glanced over at the train station, and briefly saw what looked like Party Favor boarding the train, accompanied by... Sunset Shimmer?
"Sunset...?" Pinkie raised an eyebrow at this. "No, no... that can't be her. She left on Rockhoof's boat about an hour ago, along with Twilight, Flash, Dashie, and the pony version of that girl at Crystal Prep Academy who likes listening to music a lot. She couldn't be back already, at least not without saying 'hi' to us first."
Human Sunset then took her seat on the train, next to the window, with Party Favor sitting by her side. Even from a fair distance away, Pinkie could've sworn that this pony who looked like Sunset actually had a horn. This was when Pinkie began to deduce this pony most likely wasn't Sunset, given she had her horn stolen by Chestnut Magnifico. Pinkie contemplated trotting over to the train, just to get a closer look at this pony who resembled Sunset. However, she didn't even get the chance, as it already began leaving the station to Manehattan, leaving her puzzled as to what was going on.
"That couldn't be Sunset if she has a horn." Pinkie said to herself. "What could this be a case of? A twin sister? Did Sunset discover the Mirror Pool? Is that just Ocellus playing around with Party Favor?"
Pinkie then considered another entirely plausible explanation, given the clever joke she had played on Sunset for years, as far as switching back and forth between Equestria and the human world.
"WAIT!" Pinkie's tail twitched. "Could that be the Sunset native to the human world, who just discovered the portal into Equestria, and is seeking revenge on Sunset for stealing her life, given how well known she is at CHS?"
Pinkie gave a hard stare at the train that just departed, before shaking her head and dismissing the idea.
"Nah, that's probably not it." Pinkie deduced. "I'm just overthinking things, given how our Twilight didn't seem to affect the life of the other Twilight, who wears glasses. Even then, it's probably just Ocellus. She and Party Favor had been getting along pretty well at the School of Friendship lately."
As Human Sunset and Party Favor were now on their way to Manehattan, Pinkie simply shrugged and continued bringing the snack cart back over to her friends at the harbor. She didn't think much of it at all, but was completely unaware of the fact that her last theory was entirely plausible. In fact, Pinkie had barely guessed at the idea of Sunset's human counterpart wanting revenge of all things, since it seemed rather silly. No one would've ever considered the possibility that Sunset living a life in the human world would've resulted in the world's native Sunset to go through what she did. But now, revenge seemed to be the only thing Human Sunset was after, and she didn't really care who she had to hurt to get it...
Back on Captain Spruce's ship, Sunset had just served a batch of curry to the pirate gang, who all sat together at a table, ready to dig in. They didn't seem to mind the fact that Captain Zest had spat in the curry and added large amounts of jalapeño sauce, as they believed it only added flavor.
"That so-called captain mare may stink at being in charge of a ship, but she sure makes a good chili-like curry." Rogue said. "But seriously, could you tell her to hurry up with the dessert? I still want those waffles! You can't just promise a stallion like me some waffles, and then not give us any!"
"I heard you the first time, you sack of blubber!" Lemon Zest opened the cabin door, her eye twitching. "Jeez, does this guy want to get married, just so he can have a wedding cake made of waffles or something!?"
"Ye watch yerself, missy!" Timber pointed at his new cook. "I'll be havin' no disrespect on me ship, now get started cookin' those waffles! Nothing but the best for me crew!"
Lemon Zest simply narrowed her eyes at the pirate captain, before closing the door and continuing to make those waffles against her will. As Sunset noticed the pirates were busy devouring the curry from before, she saw an opportunity to bring those mysterious containers to Twilight for inspection.
"Captain Spruce, sir?" Sunset addressed the pirate captain. "May I have permission to help Twilight and Rainbow down in the cabin under the deck?"
"Whatever works for ye, our little friend in the kitchen be doin' Gourmand Ramsay levels of cookin' anyways." Timber simply continued enjoying his meal, barely paying any attention to Sunset.
As a result, Sunset turned around and began making her way to the trapdoor near the bow, climbing a ladder down to find Twilight and Rainbow. Flash continued doing his job of keeping watch up on the crow's nest, before alerting the pirate captain of a potential threat.
"Captain?" Flash looked through a telescope. "There may not be any ships around us, but I spot a flock of seagulls headed our way. Hopefully you're prepared for them, they look pretty starved."
"I ain't scared of no seagulls, servant boy!" Timber scoffed, as he continued eating his curry. "Don't ye be quittin' yer dayjob!"
Just then, the seagulls were drawn to the aroma of curry aboard the ship, and began diving toward the dining table. They were hungrier than ever, especially after not eating for several days. The flock landed all over the table, bowls, and even on the pirates themselves, who began freaking out and trying their best to shake them off.
"Ahhhhhh, get these winged rats off!" Withers frantically waved his hooves at the air.
"Ow, OW!!!" Biff shrieked in pain. "These little buggers are pecking at me!"
"Mine, mine, mine!" The seagulls chirped, trying to scavenge any bit of food they could get their beaks on.
Having enough of this nonsense, Timber brought his sword out and began swinging at the seagulls, viciously trying to slash them away, until the flock eventually decided they had enough, and swiftly flew off together. Timber's crew then looked at their bowls on the table, frowning at how empty they had become.
"Those dumb birds." Biff snarled. "They took our food, those greedy squawkers."
"Not scared of some seagulls, huh?" Flash reiterated from above. "I told you, I know from experience, they can be pretty aggressive when hungry, but you didn't listen, did you?"
"Shut yer trap and just do yer job like a respectable servant boy!" Timber growled.
"Hey, Captain Obvious!" Flash ridiculed the pirate captain. "I WAS doing my job, in warning you of upcoming dangers, thank you very much. Maybe you should do your own job too, instead of being a lazy slob, who can't even be bothered to cook his own food!"
As this was going on above the deck, Sunset trotted through a large corridor underneath the ship, almost reminiscent of the yacht she and her friends were on during their spring break cruise. After turning a corner, she had finally met up with Twilight and Rainbow in the ship's cabin below. The two ponies were both doing maintenance and janitorial labor, but stopped as they noticed Sunset approaching them.
"Hey, Sunset." Rainbow greeted her friend. "Been handling your duties well? If so, can't say the same for us."
"I may have knowledge on mechanical engineering, but I'm not really the kind of pony to work in such a grease and lubricant coated environment." Twilight sighed. "Anyways, what's up?"
"Well, Captain Zest and I have already fed those ungrateful pirates." Sunset reported back. "But most importantly, while we were cooking, I found two containers with what I thought was salt. But after getting a closer look, I might have reason to believe this could be something... magic related?"
Sunset took the containers out of her mane and handed them over to Twilight, who began analyzing the samples closely. It was puzzling at first to identify what kind of substance Sunset had found, even with the princess's many years of studying magic and potions. However, while fidgeting around with the container above her head, the lid had loosened, spilling the contents onto Twilight's face, with some even getting in her mouth.
"Bleh, ptui!" Twilight spat the substance out of her mouth in disgust. "Well, you're certainly right about it not being salt, I wouldn't put that on a quesadilla, because I'd actually feel bad for the quesadilla."
Just then, as Twilight was thinking about quesadillas, her horn suddenly lit up. In the kitchen above, Captain Zest had finished preparing a waffle covered with melted cheese on a plate.
"Who puts cheese on waffles of all things?" Lemon Zest questioned Rogue's request, before getting ready to take the meal out.
But to her shock, before the captain could even pick the plate up, it somehow poofed and vanished out of thin air.
"What the!?" Lemon Zest's eyes widened, completely baffled at what just happened.
Suddenly, the cheesy waffle appeared above Sunset, Twilight, and Rainbow's heads, which immediately fell down onto the cabin floor. It may not have actually been a quesadilla, but it was reminiscent of one, enough to freak Twilight out.
"Ahhhh, ewwww!!!" Twilight revolted at the sight of the cheesy cuisine. "Get it away, so cheesy, so... wait a minute. Where did that thing even come from?"
"Your horn lit up for a second, so I guess you made it appear with magic?" Rainbow replied.
"Oh, well I guess that makes sense- wait, WHAT!?" Twilight suddenly realized. "I can use my magic again? If so, maybe I should check and see if I can teleport myself."
Twilight closed her eyes and visualized Canterlot, just to test and see if she had a way of conveniently escaping the pirates' ship, and returning home after obtaining the Dragonstone. But no matter how many times she tried her best to pull off the teleportation spell, it kept failing.
"Hmm, alright, so let's see..." Sunset began jotting down her observations on the substance's effects. "This looks like the same plate those pirates had in the kitchen, while I was helping Captain Zest. In that case, it sounds like you might only be able to teleport objects that are nearby, but you're not able to teleport yourself, especially over long distances."
"Hey, how about your wings?" Rainbow reminded. "If you got your magic back, maybe you can fly now, too?"
Hearing this, Twilight took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and focused on her wings. She felt a new form of control through them, and slowly, ever so slightly, they began to carry her up several feet above the floor. To her amazement, they actually did work again!
"Oh my gosh!" Twilight exclaimed, flapping them gleefully. "They're back! I can fly again! But the question is... for how long?"
"Well, that's just it, I've never seen... whatever that substance is, even back when I was Princess Celestia's student." Sunset said. "But if I were to make a guess, perhaps it's the powdered form of some kind of magic enhancing serum?"
"Magic enhancing serum..." Twilight reflected upon her studies back at the School For Gifted Unicorns. "The closest thing that comes to mind is an Enchantment Tonic. From what I can understand, it'll allow us to use our magic again, even if it was somehow depleted or drained."
"So does that mean... Sunset could get her horn back if she took one?" Rainbow questioned.
"I remember reading that it would only grant you magic, based on which attributes you already have." Twilight recalled. "Meaning, if Sunset took these, it'd only give her Earth pony strength, since she doesn't have a horn anymore."
"Well, at least it's still something useful." Sunset said. "Are there any effects from taking these?"
"I believe that the main drawback is... the enchantment itself is only temporary." Twilight replied. "As for what side effects could come up after taking them... I'm not entirely sure."
"If there's side effects after the potion wears off, then we definitely have to use them wisely." Rainbow added. "I know from experience. Let's just say... I had a bad dream once, where I recklessly took a speed potion and did a Double Rainboom, destroyed Ponyville, and... actually, never mind, I think you get the idea."
"Uhh, right then." Twilight said, rather unnerved by the thought. "But good point, in the sense that... we must use what's left of these enchantments wisely, especially if our artificial magic is only temporary."
"It's better we have some form of insurance, even for a little while." Sunset insisted. "We should hold onto these for now, I'm sure they might come in handy later."
"Sounds like a plan!" Rainbow nodded. "Though perhaps it could be useful now, if we have no other choice but to escape the pirates. I'd never trust conniving crooks like them, they clearly never change. Oh, uhh... I didn't mean you, Sunset, given you stole Twilight's crown once, no offense."
"None taken." Sunset replied, feeling like it was the thousandth time she had said this in her life.
"That shouldn't be a problem." Twilight assured. "We made a deal with them, and they promised us a lift to Everfree Island in exchange for some manual labor. If we were able to trust Captain Celaeno, I'm sure we can trust Captain Spruce as well."
Just then, two cries for help came from above the ship, loud enough to where the trio were able to overhear it down in the cabin. It was Captain Zest and Flash Sentry, who sounded like they were in real danger.
"Looks like you spoke too soon, Twilight." Rainbow sighed, knowing that she was right to trust her instinct.
The three ponies ran from the cabin, hurrying up the stairs, until they finally made their way up to the ship's deck. To their horror, they saw Captain Zest and Flash tied up with rope, with the pirates surrounding them. The pirate captain and his crew turned around, before getting ready to explain what was happening.
"Well, how nice of ye to join us." Timber sneered at the trio. "Unfortunately, yer crewmates have been goin' against me orders."
"Going against your!?" Flash snapped in outrage. "I did my job, as far as warning you about upcoming threats!"
"But ye be sassin' and pokin' disrespect toward me, yer captain!" Timber frowned. "That'd be enough to sentence ye to walk the plank!"
"Excuse me, but... what are you salty pirates tying me up for?" Lemon Zest questioned. "I was in the kitchen the whole time!"
"And you never came out with my cheesy waffle, even though you said it was almost ready!" Rogue hissed. "Which tells me that you ate it yourself! That's so much more unforgivable than what our servant boy did!"
Hearing this, Twilight winced for a moment, realizing that her teleportation spell had gotten Captain Zest in quite a pickle.
"Now, listen here!" Timber demanded. "We're currently over shark-infested waters, and havin' these landlubbers walk the plank! And if ye ponies are to question our decisions to punish yer crewmates for treason, perhaps ye'd like to join them!?"
"Treason!?" Flash said with outrage. "Since when do pirates believe the law exists for them?"
"When I'd be makin' the laws of me ship, servant boy!" Timber sneered. "Now, any last words before yer crewmates be shark bait!?"
Sunset, Twilight, and Rainbow all looked to one another, understanding that they were all likely thinking the same thing, now that Twilight had part of her magic back. There was certainly no use in trying to negotiate with the pirates now, especially not at the cost of Flash and Captain Zest. Internally, Sunset began to come up with a plan, before motioning out what everyone would need to do. She pointed at Rainbow and herself, then pointed at the pirates, hinting that their role would be to distract the pirates long enough to give them an advantage. There was even a barrel of swords nearby, which they could use to defend themselves. With Rainbow's speed and Sunset's quick thinking, along with both of their combat experience, it was their best chance.
Sunset then looked at Twilight, before pointing at the trapdoor of the ship. She swiftly moved her hoof in a wavy motion, subtly conveying that Twilight would need to find a potential raft or lifeboat, something that could help them all escape the pirate ship, before it was too late. After a few moments, Twilight and Rainbow looked at one another, before nodding and winking, feeling that they had a rough idea of Sunset's plan. Sunset then gave an expression of confidence, especially given how this wasn't the first time she's had to improvise to help her friends get out of tough situations.
"Alright, Captain." Sunset turned around and addressed Captain Spruce. "I don't believe it's right of you to make Flash and Captain Zest walk the plank under such silly and childish circumstances. So if you must, go ahead and make me walk the plank too."
Captain Zest and Flash gasped upon hearing this, but the pirates seemed more than happy to oblige to Sunset's proposal.
"This landlubber be havin' nerves of steel." Captain Spruce acknowledged. "However, we'll just see if she still does after we turn her into shark bait!"
Rogue, Withers, and Biff all trotted over to Sunset and grabbed her, before dragging her over to the ship's opening, where a plank began to extend outward. Biff grabbed his sword, forcing Sunset onto the plank of wood, before she began to look down with anxiety. She could already see several shark fins poking out from the surface of the water, meaning that if she fell in, she'd be a goner. Flash and Captain Zest continued looking on in concern at this predicament, but Sunset kept herself confident and determined. The former unicorn looked back at Twilight and Rainbow one final time, before nodding, and noticing that they did a subtle nod back.
Biff began poking his sword closer to Sunset, making it clear that if she didn't jump, she'd get stabbed. With a deep breath, Sunset prayed internally that her plan would work, since this was life or death for her. She voluntarily jumped off of the plank, which immediately made Flash and Captain Zest gasp in horror. However, moments later, Sunset used her front hooves to grab ahold of the plank, springing her high up into the air, and making her land back onto the ship's deck. With the pirates caught off guard by this sudden move, Rainbow quickly trotted toward Rogue and Withers, stunning them temporarily with a swift kick to their faces. She then set her attention to the barrel of swords behind them, grabbing a sword for herself, along with another sword, which she threw to Sunset.
"Hmph!" Timber glared at Sunset and Rainbow. "Looks like we got us some traitors, don't we, boys!? I never would've expected ye to pull off such a dirty trick like that!"
"Well, lucky for me..." Sunset began giving an explanation of where she learned such a trick. "I watch way too many sci-fi films in my free time."
"That's enough talk from ye!" Timber snarled, before pulling his sword out. "Now ye traitorous landlubbers be payin' the price!"
As Rogue and Withers began to slowly get back up, Biff joined them, all with swords at the ready. But while this was happening, Rainbow used her sword to slash apart the ropes holding Captain Zest and Flash in place, before giving them swords as well. Twilight then saw this as the perfect opportunity to go into the ship's cabin, finding anything along the lines of a raft or lifeboat. The pirates took no notice of this, as they mostly focused their attention toward the four other ponies, who all held their swords in place. The two groups of ponies stared each other down, the wind blowing at each of their manes, ready for the battle of a lifetime. As the clashing was about to commence, Twilight realized she had to find something fast, as she knew her friends wouldn't be able to hold off those pirates forever.
Party Favor had just arrived in Manehattan, accompanied by his new friend, Human Sunset. The two had gotten closer with one another during their train ride, to where Human Sunset almost began to forget the reason why she was here in the first place. However, stepping off of the train, as soon as Party Favor mentioned Rara, the motivation became clear once again, in the sense that she was here to nab the Tundra Tiara for Gilda. The two began to banter over their plans in Manehattan, before getting ready to part ways.
"Well, it sure was nice to meet you, Sunny." Party Favor smiled. "Pretty cool how you live in Canterlot too, I don't really know many ponies who can afford that kind of lifestyle. But unfortunately, like I said, I have to go visit my nephew right now. Have fun seeing Rara at her meet and greet."
"Thanks, Party Favor." Human Sunset said, somewhat saddened at her newest friend leaving her. "I kinda hope we'll get to meet again soon?"
"Same here." Party Favor nodded. "Tell Rara I said 'hi'."
The stallion then waved goodbye, as Human Sunset knew she was now on her own. Finding this Rara pony seemed simple enough, given how well known she appeared to be. Being able to get her hooves on the Tundra Tiara on the other hand... not so much. Regardless, Human Sunset knew she had to improvise, before trotting around the city, looking for any leads or clues of where this meet and greet was taking place. She knew that she shouldn't be here longer than she needed to, knowing she still had unfinished business back at Crystal Prep Academy. Eventually, after some thorough searching, Human Sunset noticed a poster on a nearby building, the same building where Madame Cinch held her beauty pageant, before being sabotaged by Rarity, Vignette, and Pony Sunset.
This poster appeared to have a female mare on it, who was also wearing a crown that strongly resembled the Tundra Tiara. Human Sunset took out the photo Gilda had given her, and it was an exact match, down to every little detail. This had to be it, the location where this Rara pony was holding her meet and greet, and Human Sunset wasn't too worried at the possibility of needing to pay for admission, given how Party Favor mentioned it was a charity event. However, she knew that snatching the Tundra Tiara wouldn't be an easy task, especially with the risk of getting in trouble for theft. Being able to make it all the way back to Canterlot would be crucial for her plan, so Human Sunset knew she had to be crafty. She was ready to make her way into the building, but was caught off guard by a nasty surprise, the front doors were locked.
Human Sunset decided this wasn't anything new to her, and simply looked all around the building, trying to find any open windows or unlocked doors. There unfortunately wasn't anything like that, leaving her feeling uncertain on how to get inside without drawing attention to herself. However, she soon heard hoofsteps coming from around the corner, and they were getting closer by the second. Human Sunset quickly dove into a nearby bush, hiding from who she believed was likely a security guard. Peeking from the bush, she saw a white fur stallion with a blue blazer and pants, holding keys to the building. The stallion unlocked and opened the back door, making his way inside. Human Sunset quickly used her hoof to block the door from closing, giving herself an opening to get inside.
She followed closely behind the stallion, trying to find this Rara pony, wherever she was. Most of the rooms appeared to be completely empty, making Human Sunset question what this stallion was trying to accomplish by being here. She presumed that he was either the building's owner, or a security guard. However, she would soon get a clear answer, once the stallion opened the door to the dressing room, where Rara herself was currently at. She snuck behind a potted plant in front of the door to eavesdrop on what was happening, much like she did with the Dazzlings earlier.
"Excuse me...?" Rara sighed, as she was in the middle of doing her mane. "The meet and greet isn't for another two hour-"
She immediately went silent and frowned, upon seeing who was interrupting her preparation. A familiar stallion who was once her flamboyant and abusive manager, who exploited her fame for personal gain.
"So, the rumors were true." Svengallop spat. "You think you can do a silly charity event in this building without an approved permit, huh?"
"Nice to see you too, Svengallop." Rara said, sarcastically. "Ironic how we're both in the same place where it all started, when I was nothing but that 'Boring little Rara you met back in Manehattan'?
"Don't you dodge the question, Countess!" Svengallop huffed. "There's no way you're hosting a volunteer meet and greet in this building, not without legal consequences!"
"What are you blabbing about?" Rara raised an eyebrow. "I booked a reservation for this building weeks ago, with an approved document signed by the building manager, Miss Valencia herself!"
"Well, that would be fine and dandy..." Svengallop began to smirk. "If not for the fact that Miss Valencia recently left management. Her resignation letter firmly stated that she's now working for some new business, known as Pommel's Piqué. So, according to Manehattan's law, if you don't have a permit with an active staff member of management, you're in big, legal trouble."
"Wha-!?" Rara gasped, shocked upon hearing this. "That's not fair! I waited weeks to book that meeting, and to get it approved by the city staff and management!"
"Life's not fair, Countess." Svengallop cried fake tears. "We all want things, but don't always get our way, do we?"
"Quit calling me 'Countess', I no longer associate myself by that title!" Rara exclaimed, before lowering her head, feeling defeated. "Alright... fine. I'll move my meet and greet somewhere else, and let the fillies know I'll have to reschedule at the very last minute."
"Oh... sorry." Svengallop grinned. "I'm afraid it's not that simple. According to Manehattan law, whenever you violate these rules and regulations, I have the right to issue you a fine."
"What are you even talking about?" Rara brushed off the threat. "You're not a lawyer or authority figure. What makes you think you can fine me?"
"On the contrary." Svengallop said with confidence, before pulling the deed of the building out of his suit. "It says here, I own the building, after I outbid this poor sucker at an auction. I was always fine with letting other ponies rent out the spot. Keyword, rent. So when word got out that this was a charity event, and thus, would not be generating any profit to pay off the rent, that's when I decided to drop by and pay you a little visit."
"This... This is the mayor's signature!" Rara looked over the document, her eyes widening.
"It sure is." Svengallop replied, before dishing out his punishment. "Now then, the Manehattan lawbook specifically states, as the building owner, I may issue a maximum fine of 25,000 bits, which... I have no problem fining you with."
"25,000 BITS!?!?!?" Rara began hyperventilating. "I... I don't have that many bits!"
"Well, isn't that surprising, considering you've always been a pony who loves wasting her time doing silly charity events, instead of reaping profits, like myself." Svengallop rolled his eyes, before writing up a ticket.
"Why are you doing this...?" Rara began to tear up.
"Oh, I don't know... maybe because you ruined my career as a manager?" Svengallop sneered. "After you spread a bad word about yours truly, nopony in Equestria would hire me. I even tried to become management staff for this Postcrush duo recently, only to get rejected before I even got a proper interview! They decided to hire filthy diamond dogs over me!"
"You know what you did wrong when you were my manager, back when I was Countess Coloratura!" Rara screeched. "It's a good thing that you can't get another management position, if the only thing you're able to manage is your selfish motives!"
"Watch yourself, sweetie!" Svengallop took a stance. "You want me to add assault and battery charges to your fine? One little scratch on my hooves, and I'll be happy to oblige."
"Just... leave me alone..." Rara began sobbing, knowing she now had a 25,000 bit debt to pay off. "You've already won, there's no need to kick me when I'm down..."
"I haven't won yet." Svengallop shook his head. "I'll only win once I see you living out on the streets, jobless, and unable to sustain an affordable life in Manehattan. But don't worry. I'll bring you a little cupcake every so often, just so you don't starve to death. Now, if you excuse me, I'm heading to the building's office to print out the legal document for my lawsuit against you."
Svengallop began emitting an unpleasant laughter, as he finished writing up his ticket, and planting it on Rara's desk. He then made his way out of the dressing room, heading toward the office. Human Sunset was still hiding behind the potted plant, as she overheard the entire thing. Although she didn't know this Rara pony at all, her teeth gritted when overhearing how abusive and calculated this Svengallop pony truly was. He seemed almost as ruthless as Principal Cinch, and everything he was about to do to this Rara pony, it felt just as relatable from her experience at Crystal Prep Academy. Human Sunset went out of hiding and entered the dressing room, ready to chat with the now distressed Rara.
"Hey there." Human Sunset addressed the event host, before noticing the Tundra Tiara on her desk.
"Who... are you?" Rara asked, curious about the pony standing before her.
"Name's Sunny." Human Sunset introduced herself. "I was walking by, and... that Svengallop pony seems really unjust about this whole thing. I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone."
"W-What do you mean?" Rara responded, rather confused.
"I've been in a situation like this before." Human Sunset reflected her past. "That Svengallop pony sounds like the absolute embodiment of narcissism, greed, and selfishness."
"Definitely well aware of that." Rara sniffled. "But what can I do? I saw the legal document, it was a legitimate signature from our city's mayor."
"There's always a way to fight back against injustice." Human Sunset encouraged. "I know it's easier said than done, but trust me, it's worth it."
"But how?" Rara asked, genuinely curious. "I mean, he has all this evidence against me, and now I'm stuck here, helpless and in debt..."
"Well, I think I got an idea." Human Sunset said, before she left the room. "Stay here, maybe I can convince him to change his mind."
Human Sunset then exited the room, and had gotten a quick glimpse of which room Svengallop had entered, rather far away down the halls. She quickly sprinted over to the office, where the calculated stallion was in the process of printing a document to present to the court. The stallion turned around upon hearing the door open, seeing Human Sunset entering the office, and giving him a dirty look.
"What the-!?" Svengallop was taken aback at this. "How'd you even get in here!? The building's locked!"
"Oh, you know, just a little backdoor that I found." Human Sunset grinned, confidently. "Look, I just wanted to talk to you about what you're planning to do to that Rara pony. You understand that you don't have to be so cruel, right? You could just as easily let her off with a warning, or something."
"What do you care?" Svengallop crossed his hooves, unconvinced by Human Sunset's attempt to reason with him. "You're just some nobody, and she was the one who crossed me, not you. Besides, I don't take advice from some filthy commoner like yourself."
"Filthy... COMMONER!?!" Human Sunset took great offense at this statement, as she began to shake with rage. "You realize you're about to ruin somepony's life, don't you!?"
"Ruin?" Svengallop laughed. "Sweetie, Rara's life is already ruined, all I'm doing is finishing the job. She did this to herself, especially after giving up being Countess Coloratura. Besides, it's not my fault she's so dumb and uneducated regarding Manehattan's law."
"You disrespectful, disgusting pony!" Human Sunset grimaced. "You're nothing but a selfish, cold-hearted monster, and I won't just stand by and let you do this!"
"And what would you know about having a ruined life, hmm?" Svengallop sneered. "Besides, you're just a worthless piece of trash, and I could care less about your opinion."
"You don't know the first thing about me, let alone understand everything I've been through!" Human Sunset snapped. "And you'd better change your attitude right now... OR ELSE!!!"
"Or else what?" Svengallop challenged, a smirk forming on his face. "You're just a commoner, and you have no power. I'd also be more than happy to sue you for assault, if you really want to test me."
Human Sunset narrowed her eyes, before slamming the office door shut, and locking it. She then pounced onto Svengallop like a lion hunting its prey, before grabbing the stallion by the neck, and slamming his head into the floor, multiple times. This kind of corrupt behavior was exactly what she always resented about Principal Cinch. But unlike Cinch, who actually managed to end up winning and taking everything from her, Human Sunset finally had the opportunity to retaliate against a similar corrupt figure. The absolute amount of disrespect and ridicule toward her moments ago, she made certain that she would not hold back. What Svengallop was about to do to Rara, it exemplified everything about these rich and snobby authority figures that enraged Human Sunset.
"Agh! Let go of me, you crazy mare!" Svengallop shrieked. "I'm wearing glasses, too! You wouldn't hit a pony with glasses, would you?"
Human Sunset snatched the glasses off of Svengallop's face, before throwing them hard onto the floor, shattering the lenses. It almost reminded her of the time she destroyed her own glasses, along with Indigo Zap's goggles.
"You were saying?" Human Sunset growled, before giving Svengallop a hard shove, sending him tumbling across the room. "Now, are you going to forget about the fine, or am I going to have to get more... forceful?"
"You crazy psychopath!" Svengallop screamed, struggling to regain his footing as he scrambled back across the floor. "Let me go this instant! I'll have your hide for this!"
Human Sunset frowned, before grabbing a nearby chair and breaking it over Svengallop's head. The blunt force gave him a severe bump on the head.
"Gah! You stupid cow!" Svengallop groaned, holding his head as he tried to stand up. "You're... not getting away with this!"
"I was once a Straight-A student..." Human Sunset gave a dark glare towards Svengallop. "The last thing you want to do is call me stupid!"
Human Sunset used her strength to pick up Svengallop's body, before throwing him against the printer and office supplies. The table instantly broke, as a nearby shelf collapsed, sending some heavy boxes plummeting onto Svengallop's head. She then picked up a pair of staplers, ready to get even meaner than she already was.
"These staplers really want to meet your face." Human Sunset threatened, as Svengallop's eyes widened. "You want me to invite them over?"
"No, NO NO!!!!!" Svengallop held his hoof out, surrendering, and getting ready to beg for mercy.
"Good, that's what I thought." Human Sunset said, before dropping the staplers. "Now, you're going to do exactly as I say, or you know what happens. Do I make myself clear?"
"Y-Yes, ma'am." Svengallop managed to squeak out, still lying on the ground, cowering in fear. "What do you want me to do?"
As Rara was still sitting in her chair, she was still unsure of what Sunny had in mind. Moments later, she turned to look at the door opening, seeing Svengallop, all nervous with a messy mane, and his suit ripped up. Unknown to Rara, Sunny was standing outside the dressing room, ready to strike, should Svengallop decide to weasel his way out of this.
"Errr, Rara... sweetie?" Svengallop trotted over and picked up the ticket he wrote. "I've been thinking, and... this seems remarkably petty and unfair of me. So... why don't we just forget about that fine?"
The stallion ripped up the ticket and stuffed it into his mouth, swallowing it. He then took out the deed to the building he had shown Rara earlier, before explaining himself.
"Oh, and... this deed?" Svengallop began confessing. "I actually stole it from the original owner, put white out on the names, and signed my name instead. I was going to print a new copy, so that the judge wouldn't get suspicious."
Rara simply frowned upon hearing this, enraged at the fact Svengallop went through all this trouble just to scare her. It definitely worked, but she then realized something crucial. The dressing room had a working security camera in the corner, meant for keeping watch on intruders.
"Well, I'm glad you confessed everything." Rara grinned, before pointing at the security camera. "Because now I have evidence to present to the judge, myself."
"W-Why do we have to go there!?" Svengallop began pleading. "You've already won, why continue to kick me when I'm down...?"
"I'll only win when I see you behind bars." Rara replied, coldly. "You've always brought this upon yourself, Svengallop. We could've been an amazing duo who brought joy and positivity to the ponies of Equestria, but no, you chose this path, and now you're going to have to pay the price. Now get out of here."
Svengallop's eyes widened, realizing that he really dug himself into a hole this time. He turned around and ran out of the building, desperate to flee the city before he was about to get caught red-handed. Shortly after, Human Sunset entered the room, giving a soft smile toward Rara, who did the same.
"Well, whatever you did back there, you've saved my life and career." Rara said. "Thank you, Sunny."
"My life was ruined long ago because of somepony like that." Human Sunset reflected. "So it was definitely satisfying to put him in his place."
"I owe you everything." Rara insisted. "Please, how can I ever repay you for your kindness?"
The feeling of triumph and justice being served, it admittedly felt satisfying enough of a reward for Human Sunset. However, she suddenly remembered her initial motive upon hearing Rara ask this, which was to get the Tundra Tiara.
"Well, I do like that tiara you have." Human Sunset pointed at the crown, still sitting on Rara's desk. "Do you think...?"
"Oh, certainly!" Rara happily grabbed the tiara and placed it on Human Sunset's head. "I've been wearing this for a while now, but I'd be more than happy to gift it to you. It looks pretty nice on you, too."
"Yeah, it sure does." Human Sunset grinned, looking at herself in a mirror. "However, I'm not quite sure how I'll head home. I don't have any bits on me, so I can't take the train."
"Not a problem, Sunny." Rara replied, before she took her own saddlebag, and handed Human Sunset enough bits to purchase a train ticket. "After what you did to help me, it's the least I can do."
"Tell me, Rara... right?" Human Sunset began, as she took the bits.
"Mhm?" Rara nodded her head, ready to listen.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" Human Sunset questioned. "I mean, I'm just a total stranger to you, and here you are, willing to fix my personal problems."
"Oh, I don't know." Rara smiled. "I suppose it's just in my nature to be helpful and kind to others. It's why I hold these charity events, as well as these meet and greets. My goal is to spread positivity, and to teach everypony to be selfless. Making a positive influence in the world, it feels so much better than... what Svengallop would do on a daily basis. Besides, those bits are nothing compared to your priceless kindness, Sunny."
"Thank you, I... I don't know what to say." Human Sunset replied.
"You extended your kindness to me in my time of need, so it's only right that I return the favor." Rara said. "I'm going to have to get ready for my meet and greet soon, but I won't forget this! I'll see you around soon, Sunny?"
"Yeah... I hope so too." Human Sunset replied, before waving goodbye and eventually exiting the building.
Human Sunset eventually trotted all the way back over to the Manehattan train station, ready to make her journey back to the human world. It was quite the hassle to get this crown for Gilda, but at the same time, the experience getting to this point was not something she had expected at all. She had made... friends? With both Rara and Party Favor? The very first legitimate friends she had ever made in her entire life, and this unusual new sensation she had in her chest, it was... genuine happiness? Human Sunset knew for certain that she definitely didn't feel anything close to this before, when she vandalized the Rainbooms' musical instruments at CHS.
Was it entirely possible that... getting revenge against those Crystal Prep girls would give her the same result? She had felt bitter, resentful, and unhappy for most of her life, especially since Solstice passed. But this new experience kept telling Human Sunset at the back of her mind... was this really the route and life she wanted to go down? She overheard Rara's words to Svengallop, which seemed applicable to herself as well. If she chose to continue going down a wrongful path of sabotage, framing, and selfishness, would she herself eventually regret everything, and end up facing major consequences? She internally asked herself this, as she used the bits to purchase a train ticket back to Canterlot.
While awaiting the Manehattan train, she stared down at the Tundra Tiara in her hooves. The thought of giving it to Gilda, it seemed to completely go against Rara's philosophy, given Gilda's selfishness. This was a genuine reward and gift from a friend, so why just give it away to somebody as selfish as her? At the same time, Human Sunset reminded herself that she already went through a lot of trouble to get this crown, so she might as well go through with the original plan. After all, she still had yet to get her ultimate revenge on Crystal Prep Academy, which was one of her main desires to accomplish, upon coming back into existence.
The train eventually arrived, prompting Human Sunset to board it. As she took her seat, she kept getting this strange feeling that giving Gilda this tiara would be a big mistake. She had no idea why Gilda wanted this crown so badly, but guessed that she most likely wanted to sell it at a nearby pawn shop to earn a quick buck. Human Sunset didn't seem to care, knowing that she had already finished her work here in Equestria, and it was time to head home. The conflict appeared to be stirring within her, but her motivation to continue her revenge paths kept outweighing everything else, since without guidance, she felt it was too late. The damage at Canterlot High was already done, and she felt like she didn't have much to lose.
As Human Sunset kept clouding her mind with these thoughts on the train, Svengallop was still running frantically around Manehattan, ready to make a run for it. Just as he was about to exit Manehattan, he was stopped dead in his tracks.
"Hey, there he is!" Vignette Valencia pointed at the stallion, which caught the attention of the police stallions nearby.
"Wha-!?" Svengallop gasped. "What did I do?"
"You stole the deed to the Manehattan Pageant Theater, which I paid for at the auction, yesterday." Vignette replied. "You also stole my keys, too!"
"No... I think you have the wrong pony..." Svengallop insisted, before accidentally dropping the stolen building key from his ripped suit pocket.
"Do we really?" Vignette crossed her hooves.
"But... you're Miss Valencia, right?" Svengallop tried to defend himself. "I heard that you quit management recently. So you couldn't possibly own the building!"
"You're right, I quit management, because I bought the building with my life savings." Vignette explained. "Things like that become affordable once you find a stable source of income. I got a new job recently, after all."
"Now then, anything more to say before we take you to jail?" One of the stallion officers asked. "We already got a phone call reporting solid evidence and a confession of you forging that document."
Svengallop continued to stay silent, unsure of how to proceed. He was hoping that he could make a quick break for it, as this was his only opportunity to escape. The conniving stallion pretended to come up with an explanation, before attempting to run past Vignette and the officers. To his dismay, the officers were swift enough to restrain the stallion, before putting him in hoofcuffs. They eventually dragged him over to a police carriage, before taking him to the Manehattan jail.
As Svengallop had his mugshots taken, he was escorted into one of the cells in the Manehattan prison. The bars closed up, leaving him encased in a cage of consequences, as a result of his life's decisions. He didn't feel any shame or remorse, and merely stared on through the bars with an empty and soulless expression. However, as the prison guards had left, Svengallop's eyes widened when he noticed who was sitting in the cell directly across from him.
"Svengallop, dear?" Madame Cinch called out from her cell. "Is that you?"
"Well, what are the odds?" Svengallop looked toward the mare in front of him. "Who knew that my wife and I would both end up together in jail?"
"Oh, hush you." Cinch rolled her eyes. "I'm not your wife anymore, and I'd appreciate it if you didn't spread those ridiculous rumors. What are you in for, anyways?"
"Some orange unicorn with a red and yellow mane." Svengallop described. "She made me confess to my latest scheme, let's just say."
"Heh, that's rich." Cinch sneered. "I take it you're here for the same thing, then. I have no idea who that mysterious unicorn was, other than the fact she somehow convinced my staff to stand up against me. Now's she's exposing you and your schemes? She must be some kind of self-proclaimed vigilante."
"Whoever she was, she's got some guts, that's for sure." Svengallop sighed. "But don't worry. We'll be out of here soon enough, and then we can get back to our old ways. Just you and me, like old times."
"Hmm, that reminds me..." Cinch began pressing. "Do you still have that diamond I gave you for our wedding?"
"Why, what do you need with that now, dear?" Svengallop raised an eyebrow.
"For our escape, of course." Cinch replied. "Diamonds can cut through almost anything, even iron bars like these."
"You don't say?" Svengallop considered the plan. "Well, I suppose I could spare it. Just promise me you'll use it to help us both escape, and not just yourself."
"I promise." Cinch grinned, as Svengallop took the diamond out of his pocket and tossed it into his ex-wife's cell.