//------------------------------// // You're Not the Only One with Secrets // Story: Missing the Past // by Sea Jewel //------------------------------// ~Four~ It was foolish to think that Applejack didn’t miss her years in highschool, no matter how many magical mishaps and life-threatening problems she faced then, she had always felt a sort of comfort. And that came particularly with the girls she surrounded herself with. Her parents’ death had had a very noticeable impact on her during her Junior Year and since then, she became well, the exact word, serious. It was rare to see her laugh or enjoy herself in day to day tasks and a sort of guilt prevented her from ever healing from the tragedy. Her one and only slight joy she felt was with her friends throughout their final year in highschool. Even then it was fleeting. That was until the last summer of Canterlot High when one of her closest friends had lost her mother to cancer. Still, things weren’t terrible, and she hated to say it but she had never felt so happy that summer. It wasn’t until months after that, that Applejack had her only happiness fade away, and for the past year, she felt nothing but this familiar longing for her long gone parents. So of course to Applejack it was difficult to accept this sudden feeling of happiness- albeit short - she felt that one Saturday night she had caught up with her friends. She missed them, that's for sure, but it wasn’t just nostalgia- it was comfort. She had felt so safe, so carefree amongst them that all of her troubles felt so far away to her, her parents, her farmwork, her college. None of it mattered. She knew for that short while that no matter what she and her girls were going through they were content in their own little corner-booth at Sugarcube Corner.  Applejack considered herself a fan of Mr and Mrs Cake’s little cafe/corner store. She was a sucker for small family businesses and it didn’t help that they made some scrumptious pastries that Applejack just loved to pick up on the way to college. She sat cradling the backseat of a chair as Rarity and Twilight sat on either sides of her, with Twilight chatting away to Pinkie Pie on something related to the science behind cooking as Applejack had her attention on Rarity. The group had divided into smaller conversations when Rarity took it upon herself to see how Applejack was doing. “I never see you on campus, darling. You are studying full time right?”  Applejack chuckled, “Darn right I am, I’m studying business so I’m mainly focused around the Law building.” “Oh of course, the Arts compound is on the other side of the campus, but still! I miss seeing you around. Actually, all of you. Oh how I wish we could do this more.” Rarity whined, tugging on her lavender jersey scarf. She wore a beige trench coat with a long three-quarter dress underneath. Her scarf and beret kept her well-equipped for the cold, and Applejack could not help but realise her thin flannel and wide-leg jeans were not nearly warm enough for the chilly night.  “Applebloom still begs me for our old sister-trio camping trips,” “Sweetie Belle too.” An awkward silence fell over both of them as they struggled to find a reason as to why they were not able to plan any more for the past year. At that, Applejack’s eyes trailed over the table to where Rainbow Dash sat. She sat with one leg up lying against the sofa’s armrest and the other swinging across the floor. She was talking with Sunset and Fluttershy, all three of them enjoying eachothers company. Applejack allowed herself a few more moments watching Rainbow Dash, taking in her outfit- nothing pretty- just a hoodie and sweats, and her hair- also nothing crazy- just pulled in a messy ponytail. There was something about her- her energy, or her laugh, or her eyes, she didn’t know- just that it made her look stunning. It didn’t take long, and soon enough Rainbow’s eyes met with hers. She felt time stop and her heart drop as they stared at each other for gosh knows how long. She felt entranced in her pink eyes, so wide and full of energy that she never wanted to look away, especially as Rainbow grinned at her with a smile so big and white and sincere she just wanted to see it over and over again. Her mind travelled back to the last summer of high school, right before college where she and Rainbow were the closest of friends, and for a second she imagined that could be the case again. But she didn’t smile back. Applejack looked back down at her milkshake before continuing on with her conversation with Rarity. For the rest of the night, she didn’t want to catch Rainbow’s eyes with hers again. And she didn’t. “Sis, wake up!” A voice yelled, barging into Applejack’s bedroom and throwing herself onto her bed, causing the older, sleepy sister to pull the covers over her head. “I’ve been up.” She said, muffled by the blanket.  “It’s the weekend and you promised to take me to Sweetie’s house for our hangout!” “You mean playdate?” “No. Hang out. I’m almost thirteen, I'm not a kid anymore.” She huffed. “Right, and you ain’t jumping up and down my bed right now either, are you?” She said smirking as Applebloom immediately stilled, poising herself like a proper lady. Applejack chuckled as she got out of bed getting ready for the day. “Granny made pancakes!” Applebloom called from behind the bathroom door. --- Today was a particularly warm autumn day as Apple Bloom and Applejack drove toward town in the farmer’s pickup truck, windows down and rock and roll playing loud in the speakers. Applejack clenched her jaw as she focused on the road, contrasted against the younger girl who was especially enjoying such loud, metal music. “Gosh Darnit Apple Bloom! This music is like poison on a rattlesnake’s tail to my ears.” She complained. “It wouldn’t be if you didn’t have a stick up your butt all the time.” Applebloom clapped back, eyeing her sister as the orange girl rolled her eyes and reached for the radio, changing it to a quiet country song. The girl then slouched in her seat for the rest of the ride, looking out the window. Rarity’s house was very family-esque. The types of houses an average family would have in a sitcom, white, with a driveway, but not too big. Most of her friends' houses were similar, like Fluttershy and Twilight. Except Twilight's house being much bigger, courtesy of her parent’s careers, and Fluttershy’s smaller house made up in the size of the garden. Applejack had wondered if it was suffocating living in such small quarters. Sure, her family home wasn’t all that much bigger than Rarity’s, and in terms of quality…well they certainly needed some renovating. Still, they had acreages of land, and she could spend hours wandering and getting lost in the apple trees with nothing but just her own thoughts. No one for miles. Rarity’s driveway was, as usual, empty on a Saturday morning as her parents were away on their jobs. Applejack debated whether she should greet Rarity or just head straight home, and so she waited a few moments whilst Applebloom knocked on the door. After a while, she noticed an older man, perhaps in his late twenties or early thirties walking out the door. It wasn’t her dad, that’s for sure. Applejack followed the man with her eyes as he walked down the street to his car a couple houses down. Her eyes narrowed as she wondered what he was doing at Rarity’s house so early in the morning, and definitely in a rush to get back home. The farmer decided to see Rarity afterall, for at least to ensure her safety. “Hello Applejack,” Rarity greeted from the front door, smiling tightly as Applejack walked up the driveway. The way Rarity’s eyes darted down the street was not missed by the farmer. “Howdy Rarity, nice morning ain’t it.” “Wonderful, I’m so glad you decided to drop by. Please come in, I was just making some breakfast.” “I’m good, granny just made some pancakes before I made my way here. Say, who was that man who just walked out of here? I was worried for a second.”  Rarity giggled lightly, “Oh Applejack, I appreciate your concern but he was just a friend. We stayed up late doing a project for our class.” Applejack raised an eyebrow. She knew when her friends were lying and she hated it. “Looked mighty old.” “Stress ages a person.” She fired back, and the two held eye contact for a tense while. “I don’t see why it should matter to you dear. I am safe, and he’s not here. Let’s not worry about it.” Rarity turned to head inside. “It matters because I know you ain’t telling me the truth.” Applejack called, causing the white girl to whip her head around in offence. “Are you calling me a liar?” “Only if you're lying to me. Friends don’t lie to each other.” Applejack answered, a sort of familiar hurt building within her as Rarity continued to withhold something so blatantly. “I don’t mean to offend Applejack, but the last time we were something even close to friends was in high school. I don’t owe you an explanation and you don’t have the right to force it from me.” There was something desperate in Rarity’s eyes just then, and Applejack realised she stepped a bit too far. Embarrassed, she nodded her head and turned back to her car. In her pickup truck, Applejack slammed her fist against the steering wheel. Again, she let the memory of her past ruin something in the present- today making her look entitled and nosy and definitely not like the Applejack who would respect her friend’s privacy. Ma and Pa you need to get out of my head.  She ran a hand through her hair as she turned her head towards Rarity’s house, where the girl stood by her door watching Applejack mentally curse herself. Except Rarity’s gaze was clouded, lost in thought. She wasn’t staring at Applejack, she was watching herself in the reflection of the car. Without another word, she closed the door and Applejack was left with just her own thoughts. Applejack hated lying, but she knew the difference between lying and privacy, and today she definitely invaded Rarity’s privacy. She slouched in her seat as she recalled calling her a liar. Dagnabbit I am an idiot. --- Dear God, I am a fool. Rarity let out a trembling breath from behind the door. She had never meant for the man to stay for the morning, but he turned out to be such pleasant company she had completely forgotten about her sister’s friends. Now she just looked snobby and rude and Applejack didn’t deserve that outburst - she just wanted to make sure she was safe.  She felt like a horrible friend, and she shouldn’t have said that thing about how they weren’t friends right now. Her sister and friends laughing upstairs was just another grating reminder about how much she missed her own girls. She chewed on her thumbnail now, the overall thought of Applejack finding out about her…hobbies causing her head to spiral out of control. She was able to get him out of the house without her sister and her friends seeing him, but she never accounted for Applejack coming in as well.  Would she tell someone, what would she think of her? Applejack probably knows what she was really doing with him. Would she hate her now, or think lowly of her?  I should have explained myself. Oh Rarity, you really are a fool. She thought to herself as she tugged at her curls. She needed to talk to her, but not today. She promised Fluttershy she was going to help her with her project.  Rarity and Fluttershy decided to study at their local cafe, not Sugarcube Corner, since it was a much louder and busier shop, but a small corner shop owned by Crimson Butter and her grandpa. It was lined with plants on the walls, and little lanterns and candles cluttered the tables. Rarity would often take pictures of her coffee there and caption it ‘Aesthetic Couture’. Both girls used to come here a lot during high school, and decided to revive those memories again. “Crimson Darling!” Rarity greeted, walking in as a small ting was heard from the cafe bell.  A maroon head of hair popped up from behind the counter and upon seeing her favourite customer widened her eyes in glee. “Rarity! I haven’t seen you in ages!” She came around the counter and the two girls exchanged a hug. Crimson was a small girl, chubby. She had Crimson hair, and a soft yellow skin-tone that Rarity just loved for some odd reason.  “I’ve been so busy I haven’t had the chance to treat myself.” She looked around the store. “I see this place hasn’t lost its charm. How’s business?” “Quiet, not many people come to this corner of town.” Rarity nodded in agreement. This side of town was known for the Cashmere’s gang residence, led by Ruby Rose. Rarity herself wouldn’t come here if she didn’t know from Sunset herself that the Cashmere’s had no interest in everyday civilians. Most of their problems were with the Ratmakers, Mikey’s gang. It was perfectly safe, and it was a shame Crimson’s cafe had to suffer the price because of its location. “Grand Bean never decided to move?” “How could he? He loves it here. And this shop is too beloved to leave behind.” Crimson smiled sadly, knowing she would most likely take over the cafe once her Grandpa passes on. “Take a seat, what would you like to drink?” Rarity smiled appreciatively to her, grabbing a cushioned seat by the window. “One pumpkin spiced latte, oat milk please.” She thought of Fluttershy. “And one chai tea, oat milk as well.” During school, Fluttershy and Rarity came here often after their spa dates, and Fluttershy had always ordered the same drink. She hoped she still liked it. Speaking of Fluttershy, Rarity heard the door chime and open, revealing the girl in a long skirt and cardigan, hair left open and flowing in the slight wind. Rarity appreciated the small amounts of makeup on her cheeks and lips, but she frowned as she looked at Fluttershy’s mannerisms.  “Darling, are you okay?” She stood up worried, walking over to Fluttershy and grabbing both of her trembling hands in hers. They were cold and rough, unlike her hands normally. Rarity believed Fluttershy may have had the softest hands a person could acquire. When they were younger, she loved to just hold them against hers. Rarity looked up at her eyes and inwardly gasped. She looked horrible, as though she hadn’t slept in days, it was filled with fear and stress. Fluttershy smiled then. “I’m fine, Rarity. I just couldn’t sleep last night. I was worried about the assignment, but now that you can help me I’m feeling better. Thank you.”  Rarity shook her head, still shocked at her appearance, but they both made their way to the table by the window, sunlight falling against both of them. “I ordered you a chai tea.” Fluttershy looked at her for a while before smiling. “Oh Rarity, how did you remember?” “Our spa dates darling. Don’t tell me you forgot!” Fluttershy giggled, covering her mouth with a hand, still shaking, Rarity noticed. “Of course not, how could I? They were the highlight of high school.” Rarity frowned internally knowing Fluttershy was keeping something from her, and something from the looks of it that was hurting her dear friend personally. She was worried, and wanted to know if she was okay. She thought back to this morning, feeling even more guilty at shouting at Applejack. Applejack was just worried about her. Like how Rarity is worried about Fluttershy.  “Rarity?” Fluttershy asked, and Rarity noticed she had gone into deep thought. “Terribly sorry darling, I was just thinking about this morning.” She sighed, laying her elbow on the table and hand on cheek. Fluttershy looked at her concerned. “I believe I was too harsh on Applejack. She came over to drop her sister and well um… She wanted to know something about me that I didn’t want to share.” She didn’t know why she felt comfortable telling Fluttershy this. Maybe it was because they used to be so close. Or maybe because she knew Fluttershy was keeping secrets too, and that she wouldn’t judge her so harshly about keeping her own. “I lied about something to her and she was hurt.” Fluttershy looked down at the table, trying to find the right words to say. She knew Rarity was asking for advice. “You shouldn’t feel guilty about keeping certain things about yourself to yourself Rarity.” For a long while, the two stared at each other, unsaid words hanging between them as they both knew they hid things from each other. Things they weren’t proud of. They were interrupted by Crimson Butter as she placed two hot drinks on the table and the two girls exchanged thanks. Rarity sipped on her drink, keeping an eye on Fluttershy as she balanced the cup to her lips. It trembled despite her efforts to keep her hands steady. Fluttershy’s behaviour was odd, it was like she was worried and anxious all the time- which she was- but to a greater extent. Rarity refused to believe her turmoil was because of a measly paper. There was more to it, and it worried Rarity that she shied away from telling her. Alas, she didn’t want to push it and seem like a hypocrite so they began work on the paper, Rarity tutoring Fluttershy and Fluttershy paying attention. Except Rarity knew she wasn’t paying attention. The shy girl seemed distant, her eyes glazing over and zoning in and out. As Rarity tried to continue teaching, ignoring her friend in an attempt to ease her mind, she grew more irritated. She felt this was going nowhere and she wanted to find out why Fluttershy was so tired. “Dearie, why didn’t you cancel our plan if you were so tired. I wouldn’t have minded rescheduling.” “Oh I'm so sorry Rarity, I am paying attention, I just know you’re really busy and would have hated to be a bother to change the date.” “Yes well…” Rarity chewed on her cheek as she tried to find a kinder way of saying ‘you are wasting my time right now by falling asleep mid-tutoring.’ “Fluttershy, this won’t be helpful for you in this state. You need to sleep.” Fluttershy nodded hastily, standing up. “Yes you’re right. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.” She hurried for the door. “Fluttershy,” She looked back and Rarity paused for a breath. “Be safe, please.” She didn’t say anything, and Rarity watched her leave the shop, that familiar feeling of guilt she felt earlier with Applejack taking hold again. She should go after her. Make sure she’s okay, and if she needs someone with her. But she didn’t want to seem pushy, nosy. Maybe it was because she wouldn’t like someone that close to her, but she felt like Fluttershy needed space to heal from what she was going through. A nap would be best for her right now. --- It had been a day since Rainbow and Sunset had talked about their problems, and this morning the two were headed to Mikey’s Motorshop to pitch in their ‘business plan’.  “You’re nervous.” “I’m not nervous.” Rainbow scoffed. Sunset raised an eyebrow. “Okay fine, I’m scared shitless. He won’t shoot me or something will he?” “I don’t think so.” “You don’t think so? Sunset!” Rainbow hissed as Sunset knocked on the garage door. It was silent for a while before the groaning sound of the garage made way and Mikey was revealed in all his buff glory. Is this overkill? Who even wants to be in school this much? Rainbow thought to herself as she took in the glare of the man in front of her. Mikey’s glare turned to Sunset who stood beside the shorter girl, smiling awkwardly. “I know you want me to find the drug truck. I thought we might need some help with it. So,” She trailed off, patting Rainbow’s shoulder slowly, as Mikey raised his eyebrow. “She’s not very expensive.” “I’m not buying her.” “Hey I’m not an object!” Rainbow interjected, to which Sunset elbowed her roughly as if to say let her handle it. “Look Mikey, how am I going to even find this truck without someone to help me?” “Beats me, kid. You got yourself into this mess. I ain’t paying someone to clean up your dirty work.” Rainbow bit her cheek as she saw how this was playing out. Mikey wasn’t going to pay her after Sunset described her fuck up. She needed to prove herself. “I’m fast. Like really fast.” She spoke up, earning a sigh from the girl beside her. “You don’t say.” The man rolled his eyes. “I’m fast and agile. I can get to places without people noticing me” “With that hair, I don’t think so.” “Look, you don’t need to pay me for this. Sunset and I will bring back your truck of drugs and if you’re happy with my skills, you can hire me. If not then,” Sunset almost facepalmed from beside her. She should have let Sunset talk, now she’s pretty much a Ratmaker or dead.  “Rainbow, can you stop for a second and think?” She hissed from between her teeth, earning a look to say she’s got this handled.  “You know once you start this business, there ain’t no backing out right kid?” Mikey said slowly, crossing his arms as he thought over the offer. So far, he didn’t have much else to lose, except maybe Sunset Shimmer, who upon listening to her consecutively felt wasn’t such a bad thing after all. This Rainbow-haired kid also didn’t look half-bad. She was fit and small, the hair was a problem, but easily covered. She might be an asset to the group if she could pull this one through. “Alright kid, it’s time to show me your stuff.” He took his hand out for her to shake which she accepted quickly. Sunset and Rainbow left the motorshop with Dash sighing in relief and Sunset scowling. As soon as they were out of earshot from Mikey’s house, Sunset grabbed Dash’s shirt and slammed her against a wall, pinning her roughly. “Do you know what the hell you’ve gotten yourself into?”  Rainbow’s heart had increased rapidly, and she cursed herself for being afraid again, reminding herself her father was only an embarrassment, not a threat. Her eyes were stuck on Sunset’s hands before she looked at her face and roughly pushed her off, getting her to stumble back a few steps. “Lay off it, okay? I know what i’m getting myself into, I’m not a fucking idiot. You agreed to this” “Not like this. If we don’t find the drug money, you’re as good as dead. Michael doesn’t leave loose ends.” Rainbow rolled her eyes at her. She had heard this a dozen times. Mikey sure loved mauling people to death. “We’ll find it. We just need a starting point.” Sunset took a few breaths. “The truck. It was parked near an intersection.” Rainbow clicked her fingers. “Traffic cameras.” She said, staring at Sunset. “How are we going to get access to tha- oh.”  --- “Twilight!” Spike called, and Twilight giggled as she heard his little paws running up the stairs. “What, Spike?” She said, twirling in her chair. “Someone’s knocking on the door.” Twilight made her way downstairs to greet whoever was there, half expecting her package she ordered a couple days ago. As she opened the door, she didn’t expect to be met with her old friend Rainbow Dash, and her ex-girlfriend Sunset Shimmer. She blinked in confusion as to why the two of them showed up unannounced. In that specific duo. “Hey Twi! How are you, are you parents home?” Rainbow said, peering over to see inside her house. “What huh no they aren’t wh-” “Oh cool.” She said before they both bolted up to her room, Sunset at least having the gall to smile apologetically at her. “What? Guys!” She yelled, running up the stairs after them. Already, the two were seated, Rainbow on the bed and Sunset standing idly, waiting for Twilight to also come in. “What are you doing in my room?” She said hastily, closing the door behind her and crossing her arms.  “Twilight we need your help.” Sunset spoke up, and it was the first thing she had said to her in a very long time. It caught Twilight off guard, and quite frankly she felt hurt that Sunset didn’t hold that same hesitance to talk to her that she did. To her, that just meant Sunset ignored her because she didn’t care, not because she cared too much. “I-” She stuttered to come up with a response at that, and watched as the two girls exchanged nervous glances at each other. She cleared her throat. “With what exactly?” “We need your father’s keycard so that we can hack into traffic cams.” Rainbow said bluntly, earning a glare from Sunset. “What, we don’t have time for beating around the bush.” “Excuse me?” She asked, looking at the door to make sure no one heard anything. “Firstly, Shining is staying over so mind your volume, and secondly, what the hell? Sunset please don’t tell me you got dragged into something dangerous again. And that you pulled her along this time too.” She said, motioning at Rainbow. “Firstly, It’s not life threatening so no.” She mocked her. “Only for Twi and me actually.” Rainbow chimed in. Sunset facepalmed as Twilight’s eyes widened considerably. “Secondly, Rainbow dragged herself into this mess.” Sunset corrected, namely glaring at the athlete who grinned back. Twilight made her way to sit on the bed next to Dash as she came to terms with this new information. She thought that by leaving Sunset, she would finally be away from all this messed up stuff, but no. Her ex had to bring it all to her doorstep and get her dragged into it all over again. As if Sunset could read her mind- she could, but she wasn’t- she spoke up. “Twilight I’m sorry we had to barge in like this and demand such a favour. I don’t want to pull you into this mess. All we’re asking is the keycard for a few hours tonight. They won’t ever know it’s gone.” Twilight was pacing around the room, the information too sudden and too much to take in all at once, and at the forefront of it all was Sunset. Her ex, her best friend, or just a girl who was too caught up in the street life. She wanted to help them, they were her friends and they had been through so much together. If it was really so important, she would do more than just give them a key card. “I’ll help you out. I just need to know what’s going on.” And so Twilight was filled in on today and the days before events. How Sunset had lost a truck of drugs and now she needed to find them again, and how Rainbow needed to take this task to make more money on the side after her father pretty much stole her money. By the end of it, Twilight was speechless. Especially that Sunset could mess up on a job like this knowing the stakes. “Rainbow said it was only life threatening to her and me. Why me?” “Mikey threatened your life after I refused the job. He knew how much you meant to me.” Sunset said, her eyes never leaving Twilight’s and Twilight felt her cheeks unfairly redden at that. She cursed herself for being able to fall for such lousy words, and snapped back to the task at hand.  “I can help you. But I’m coming with you into the precinct.” “What no.” Sunset said immediately. “I am not getting you involved in this anymore than I have to.” “You think I’m just going to let you two take a card and walk into a precinct? My dad’s card? He could get seriously into trouble and you guys could get severely caught.” “It’s fine Twi, I have super speed. I.e moving faster than camera frames. I’ll be pretty much undetected.” Rainbow said from her spot in the bed. Twilight shook her head. She knew. Her dad was working on Michael’s case and those two going anywhere near the precinct will get them both on the wanted list. She was already paranoid enough as is. “My Dad has been assigned to the reopened Michael Oneson case.”  The two girls froze, a sort of realisation hitting them that this was just slightly more serious. It wasn’t that if they were caught they’d be arrested, it was that the police were actively on the lookout now for any associates of the Ratmakers. Which is exactly what they were. “You can’t do this.” “We don’t have much of a choice, Twilight. This would have been useful to know earlier.” Sunset said, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation.  “Yeah, like, before I signed my life away type earlier.” Rainbow said. “How long have you known about this? When did it open?”  Twilight was quiet for a while. “It's been three months.” “THREE MONTHS?” They both yelled at the same time. “You never thought to tell me this Twilight?!” Sunset shouted, anger threatening to take hold. “How could I? We never talked! And this is serious for my dad too. His entire career could fall apart if they find out I’m with you guys.” “You’re right, sorry.” Sunset apologised, realising she was out of line. “It’s wrong of me to get angry at you.” Twilight bit her lip watching the two girls lost in thought. She hated that she looked to be on the side against her friends, even if she didn’t agree with them. “Guys, I don’t want you to get caught.” She said uselessly. Sunset looked up and their eyes met. There was so much misunderstanding between the two of them that Twilight dreamed of dissipating. This was the first real conversation- acknowledgement- they had between each other. Sunset’s expression changed then- firm and sure. “They won’t.” She looked at Dash. “Rainbow isn’t even associated with them, and I've been kept the biggest secret because he doesn’t want anyone to know about my mind-reading powers. As long as we don’t mess anything up now, there’s no way your dad can arrest us.” “Do you know how much dirt Night Light has on Mikey?” Rainbow asked. She shook her head. “Not a lot. He’s been stuck.” “If your dad can put Mikey behind bars, I’ll finally be able to break away from them.” Sunset said brightly, her eyes staring into Twilight’s again, this time with a desire that she wasn’t sure was there before. A hope that maybe they could be okay again. “Twilight this is perfect! Don’t you see? Let Dash and I sort out the drug truck and maybe I can help you and your dad get a lead on this case.” Twilight took her time to run this through her head before she concluded that this was foolproof. Sunset and Dash can get any debt they’re owed off their backs, and the Ratmakers can be put behind bars and her friends will have no traces with them. Unless Mikey talks. But he wouldn’t. Not if he doesn’t know Sunset didn’t snitch. He wouldn’t give any extra names- he would need people on the outside when he’s behind bars.  “Sounds great,” Rainbow said. Twilight smiled, for once hopeful in something. If all goes well, there might be a chance between them. Her and that girl who makes too many bad decisions. “I have a plan. Meet me tonight at Crimson’s place.” “The Cashmeres’ side of town?” Sunset asked. “Yes.”