Equestria Girls POV
The sleep over went off without issues and by morning, the last day of the school week had arrived. The girls got dressed and ready for school, carpooling once more. When they arrived at the school, they already started hearing the chatter about the new heroine that showed up out of the blue. As they walked through the halls, they were greeted by several students and some of them commenting on the new competition.
Applejack had to remind the ones that did that it wasn’t a competition and in fact are thankful for a bit of a break. Rainbow Dash, however, was gloating about how they could do the things the new heroine did but better, causing the others to cringe at the mixed receptions they were getting throughout the day. Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle’s trigonometry had returned to normal without Professor Discord around and it made the two suspicious.
When lunch came around, the girls discussed what they should do for the last performance if the charity after school before quickly devolving into discussions on the potential of Quiet Fire being Equestrian or not. No one had a logical conclusion save for the info that she isn’t from this world. With the break period going into the next for them, Twilight finally executed her suggestion and led the girls to the science room.
“I texted Principal Celestia this morning to see if she’d let us borrow the science room for a theory project. And a little something I’ve been meaning to finish for a while now.” She walked over to the back rooms of the science room and with her magic, she waved a bulky machine out of the closet, levitating it over to a table and placing it down. The dust puffed around them, causing the girls to cough and wave away the dust.
“What is this?” Wallflower Blush asked, tapping her finger against the machine. Twilight proudly smacked the machine and presented it to them.
“This old thing? Why just a little something I’ve been working on when I enrolled here. I uhh… still was a bit bothered that the magic was here so I wanted to ensure I wasn’t making things up. Of course, after Camp Everfree I just kinda’ put it off. No point in reading magic if we, ya’ know, use it.” She replied with a wiggle of her fingers in explanation. Pinkie Pie began to study it from all angles before sitting on the edge of the table with her legs crossed coolly.
“So, this magical reading do-a-thingie-ma-thingi-jig will help us locate Quiet Fire?” She asked with a casual smile. Twilight nodded with her arms behind her back.
“Mhm. In theory per se.” She said. Sunset hummed with a smile.
“Interesting. So, what do have to do?” She asked. Twilight adjusted her glasses.
“Well, for starters, I need to adjust a few things. But while I do so, I could use everyone’s help gathering up some samples.” Twilight gestured to the holes at the top before bringing over vial tubes. “The samples we have to get are from the areas where the magic was released throughout the school. Figured since Canterlot High has been exposed to it, no point in going into town finding it.” She began to mess with the wires as she continued. “We don’t need actual magic. Just like the dirt, trees or pieces that have been exposed.”
The others picked up a vial each and Rainbow Dash saluted.
“On it!” She said before zipping out of the room in a rainbow blur. Rarity and Applejack walked out of the room with Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie following after (Pinkie Pie happily skipping rather than walking). Wallflower Blush picked up a vial and scratched her head. Sunset smirked and picked up her own, wrapping an arm around her.
“C’mon, Wallflower. You and I on a mission to discover who that girl really is.” She said. Wallflower smiled bashfully.
“This is kinda’ exciting.” She admitted. Sunset smiled and walked with her out of the room. The two girls walked out of the school and Sunset began to walk immediately to the pedestal. She hummed and looked around.
“Dirt is fine she says, but I think we need something a little more concrete.” Sunset spoke. Wallflower walked around the statue pedestal before her eyes fell on the ground. She squinted her eyes, seeing what looked to be a half-buried piece of the statue. She smiled and reached down to pluck it from soil. She wiped her thumb to clean it a bit to reveal it a part of the horn from the statue. Seeing as it was a little too big to fit in the vial, she decided to scoop up what she guessed were more bits of the statue and pocketed the horn in her back pocket of her jeans before walking back around, shaking the vial up to Sunset, who was brushing her hand on the pedestal. Sunset beamed and gave a thumbs up to her before having a thought.
“Let’s head to your garden. Maybe there is a sample we can take from there.” She suggested.
“Uhh, are you sure?” Wallflower replied uncertain. Sunset took ahold of her hand and with a small yelp from Wallflower, the two jogged towards the school garden. When they arrived, they saw Derpy with a watering hose and watering the soil. She beamed and waved excitedly at the two.
“Sunset Shimmer! President Wallflower!” She greeted.
“Err… you can just call me Wallflower, Muffins.” She said with an embarrassed flush of her cheeks. Derpy blinked in worry, a hand over her mouth.
“Oh no! I’m so sorry!” She said. Wallflower rubbed her arm again but smiled and pat Derpy’s shoulder reassuringly, causing the girl to smile. “What are you two doing here at this period?” She asked.
“Just needing a quick sample from the gardens.” Sunset said with a wink. She then knelt down and scooped a small bit of the soil into the vial before standing back up and dusting her knees off. Derpy smiled before a realization came over her.
“Oh, Wallflower! I was going to ask if you need me to trim the rose bushes today.” She said. Wallflower tapped her chin.
“Is it that time already?” She asked. “Uhhh… yes, please.” Sunset waved to Wallflower and the girl waved to Derpy. “I’ll see you after school, okay?” Wallflower then turned and jogged away from the garden as Derpy waved to them. Derpy started humming a tune and watering the soil again, unaware that a dark haze had begun to develop from the woods behind her. The two girls jogged into the school and back to the science room where Twilight was putting together last-minute additions while Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were idling at the table.
“‘Sup.” Rainbow Dash waved coolly. Sunset looked around.
“Where’s Aj and Rarity?” She asked.
“We’re here.” Applejack panted, looking a little annoyed as Rarity walked in with an entirely different casual look. “Somebody wanted ta’ make a quick change of clothes in the music room after we got our samples.”
“Oh, Applejack, darling, one always must carry a change of clothes with them. Plus, I want to look the part for when we go out searching for Quiet Fire.” She said with a satisfied smile. Applejack facepalmed and shook her head before walking over with both her’s and Rarity’s samples. Twilight clipped on a compartment and screwed it in before smacking it on the side with a pleased smile.
“Done! Now then. Everybody stand back, this might be a little… sciency.” Twilight put on the goggles and stuck her tongue out as she concentrated on turning some knobs and dials before pressing a button. The machine revved to life and began to jitter. The girls looked on with bated breath, ensuring they were quite well enough back. Twilight beamed and then took one of the samples. “Now, for the theory!” She said. She stuck the vial tube into a side rotating cylinder that whirred to life and brought the vial into the machine. The girls could see the back of the machine being glass, seeing the machine shake and stir the sample before lifting it up and a sound of a microwave whir sounded.
Pinkie Pie chewed on some popcorn, watching in awe before sharing it with the others. Twilight’s glasses glinted, taking another device and flipping a couple of switches and then turning a knob. The machine began to jitter violently, as if something inside of it was bouncing around. Each girl winced and grimaced, anxious and worried that something might go wrong. The machine jumped up and rapidly twirled in the air before landing back on the table and becoming still. A loud ding rang from the machine and Twilight eyed it without blinking.
Suddenly, the glass began to shimmer with a rainbow-like color and Twilight stood proudly.
“A success!” She exclaimed. Pinkie Pie cheered and whooped before tilting her head.
“What did it do?” She asked with a smile. Twilight smirked.
“Glad you asked! This machine reads the variables of the color spectrum and combines it into a formula, thus allowing the inner calculator to measure it via speed of light, sound and other methods thus creating an aurora borealis effect to signify the measurement and scale of the sample via magical properties and other assortment of elements in a three-point one magnitude of travel.” She explained. Everyone went quiet.
“That’s… certainly are those words you said it does.” Rarity replied, trying her best to reassure her supportiveness and not come off as confused. Twilight looked at the girl’s reaction and slumped.
“It reads the samples and rates them on a color spectrum of potency. Look.” She pointed to the glass. “The one Fluttershy brought reads the color spectrum and picks out the one it calculates to be the dominant force of magic. You can see the rainbow, but the major color that you see is green.” She held up the other device in her hand to show a circular color spectrum with a compass like hand pointing to colors. “To make it easier to understand, this basically tells us this magic is common and weak.”
“Oooh. Sciency.” Pinkie Pie awed, pressing her face against the glass to observe the colors. Twilight frowned and shooed her away a little.
“One thing I do need to mention, depending on the samples, it might take an hour or so. So, we’ll each test one sample and handle the rest of our next class period. I’ll switch them out on my way to my other classes.” Twilight spoke. As if on cue, the bell rang and everyone got ready to head to their other classes. Twilight switched out the sample to Rarity’s and levitated the machine back into the backroom closet, closing the door and walking.
With the room empty this period, one such figure stepped in after a bit, looking around. Professor Discord hummed with a mischievous smile, walking over to the closet and opening the door. He walked over to the machine and tapped his chin in thought. He then had an idea and with a calm demeanor, he snapped his fingers, a vial matching that to Sunset Shimmer’s was switched out. Discord examined the vial and sighed.
“This one needs a bit more push. Thankfully, being Quiet Fire’s dearest friend that I am, she’ll thank me for this later.” He spoke to himself.
“Discord, you are a genius!” His other self-proclaimed. The two shook hands before snapping their fingers and disappearing into thin air.
Earlier That Morning
The child woke up in a ragged state. She yawned before getting up and handling personal business before getting dressed for the day. There wasn't much to the space she occupied. At least it had working plumbing and a shower. Nothing compared to her old living place back in Equestria. The moment she thought about the other realm she gave a verbal grunt of disgust.
Ready to play some more? Tenebres asked, the element of shadow well rested herself. The child smiled and nodded, adjusting her long-sleeved tux colored bouse and frill skirt, grey shorts and white leggings with button on shoes. She daintily tapped her shoe to adjust it properly before calling to her shadow, her own shadow forming the cloak. Throwing up the hood, she opened the rickety door and stepped into a dark haze that formed when she did. She only had to blink once to come out the other end, overlooking a rundown factory building that hasn't been in working condition for years in this realm. It took some scouting to confirm it, but the people currently residing in the factory are not favored by the community. Not only discarded delinquents or dropouts from public schools, but also ones that failed to get into the most advance academic one, Crystal Prep or even the middle-class school of Canterlot High. The child's shadowy friends had done some reconnaissance, and it seems like something big is about to go down today. The child smirked and giggled to herself. She wants in on the party.
These people are sorely lacking friendship and what better way to make the party better than by inviting everyone she knows? She sensed the presences of several of her newly acquired friends with Mitzi skipping happily towards her.
"Mistress! Everyone is gathered inside! Seems like they also invited some other friends over. Double the friendship!" Mitzi gleefully cheered. The child winked and gave a thumbs up to her.
"Excellent work, Mitzi! I always knew you'd come through!" She smiled. Mitzi began to giggle excitedly before pirouetting in place in pure joy.
"Mistress complemented me! I'm the bestest friend for Mistress!" She exclaimed. The child shook her head and turned to the shadowy creatures.
"You are all my best friends now! Tenenbres as well!" She turned around and pointed triumphantly at the factory. "Together, we will rise above the cruel adults and show them that childhood is never over! We can have all the nap times and playtimes we want! Eat all the berries we want and... and... and throw a celebration!" The child had darted her eyes in excited joy at this thought before rushing over and happily picking up Mitzi and spinning her around, laughing. "Bestest friend bonanza!" Mitzi punched the air happily and the shadowy creatures made a poor imitation of the excitement.
"Bestest friend bonanza!" She cheered with the creatures grunting in fluxuation with it. The child put Mizti down and turned to attention with her hands behind her back under the cloak, facing the creatures.
"Alright, listen up! Some big ol' meanie adults are all gathered around and plotting some wicked ploy against one another! It's up to us to show them that the beauty of friendship is the greatest ploy anypony can have!" She then blinked at the realization of what she said and frowned with a hum. "No... that doesn't sound right. Ah yes! We will spread the magic of our friendship to all the ponies- no wait, that also doesn't sound right. Mmmm... uhhh..." The child scrunched her face in thought with a single finger on her chin. Having completely lost her train of thought, she scratched her curly blue hair and sighed. "Ahh well. You all know what I mean!"
"I thought it was rather noisy up here." A voice said, causing the child to look over her shoulder curiously to the new presence. Tenebres suddenly smirked.
What a surprise. These girls are different than the ones that live in this realm. Almost a familiar smell to home, don't you think? Tenebres chuckled softly. The child furrowed her look.
"What do you want, smelly adults?" She asked. Three girls emerged from a fire exit and grinned mischievously. One had a yellow tinge to her skin and bushy orange and yellow hair, red eyes and wore a leather jacket over a purple shirt, dark purple leggings and some purple boots with orange and yellow strings securing the boots to her legs. The other girl to her right had long twin-tailed hair with a blue highlight tracing down it from her bangs, a pink tinge to her skin, amythest eyes and wearing a green punk vest, white shirt and purple leather pants with purple go-go boots. The other on her left, the child noticed that didn't seem to be in a bright state of mind as she chowed down on a taco, had a blue tinge to her skin, ruby eyes, a sea-colored blue hair with highlights, a dark plum jacket over a blue tank top, a pink skirt and some pink and white knee-high shoes. The one in the bushy hair stepped forward, looking intimidating.
"So, you are the source of all the negativity going on around the city?" The girl spoke, raising an unamused brow. The child spun on her heels and leaned forward with a smile.
"Oh, nononono, don't be silly! We don't spread negativity. That's no fun at all! Friends need to be positive and in high spirits! It's the only way we can work out our differences and achieve the goals we strive for!" The child skipped over to them before walking around them, studying them. "So... you aren't from this realm are you?" The twin-tailed girl spoke with a cross of her arms.
"And we take it you know why we are here." She asked coldly. The child shook her head and giggled.
"Hehe, nope! But if you want friends, then you came to the right girl! My group is always open for more!" She replied. The bushy haired girl shifted her weight, putting a hand on her hip.
"We are here to get in on this 'fun' you are having. Consider it an... extension of partnership. You have something we want, and we will, in turn, give you what you want." She spoke. The child skipped away from them, coming to a stop to at the edge of the building.
"Something I want... What do you think Tenebres?" She asked with smile.
There is nothing wrong with willing friends. These three can prove useful. Perhaps they can stall my sister and her vessel enough to keep her from ruining our fun. I'll lend then some of our power. Just a small fraction of it. Tenebres replied with a tap of her chin in thought. The child giggled.
"Okay!" She then spun on her heels and faced the three. "Welcome to my friend group, you three! You are all honorary Fickle Spark's friends!" Fickle smiled. "What are your names?" The bushy hair girl smirked smugly.
"I'm Adaggio Dazzle." She then pointed animatedly to the twin-tailed girl. "That is Aria Blaze and this... err... special case is Sonata Dusk." She directed her pointing at the long ponytailed girl. A dark haze began to surround them and the shadowy creatures began to circle them. The three balked and stood back-to-back with each other. Fickle giggled before stepping through the haze, her purple eyes glowing brightly and shimmering with a shadowy swirl. A bright smile on her face as she spoke.
"Nice to meet you! You must be real special creatures for Tenebres to allow you this fun time! Perhaps you can return the favor for the power we are giving you?" The three girls looked uncertain as a menacing and eerie giggle surrounded them. "Have all the fun you want! Make more friends if you desire too. The more the merrier! If you see a nasty meanie adult that has fire around her, don't be too rough with her. It's no fun ripping apart a toy. It's better to use it as a... punching bozo." From the shadowy haze, Fickle stepped out and leaned forward with a hand outstretched, smiling up at Adaggio. The three girls looked at each other before Adaggio took a deep breath and took her hand. It all happened in a flash. The shadow swallowed the three girls instantly, the only thing being heard through the abyss was the humming lullaby of a child.
Quiet Fire's POV
I tapped the side of a vending machine. I had begun a patrol the moment I woke up. Something that Din and I discussed while finishing untangling another set of magic strings. Din wanted me to start searching for Tenebres's heart so we can draw her out. I kept my hood on to prevent people from noticing my eyes. Before I moved onto patrolling the city, I wanted a quick drink of water. I had put in a single paper currency inside, but when I pressed the buttons for my drink, nothing happened. I frowned and began tapping at it, hoping my jostling on the machine would get it to work. I then gave a good kick against the glass and several drinks fell from their rows. I winced and looked around, hoping no one saw what happened. Thankfully, it was still early in the morning, so I quickly reached in and pulled out three waters for myself, stuffing two in my backpack while taking a casual pull of the other. I couldn't help but wonder if this world has cider or some sort of alcoholic beverage I can whet my thirst with. For some odd reason, I could go for a stiff drink. It's been a long while since I've let loose. Oh well. Water is the better second option.
News got out about my fight in the plaza. Apparently, the news that people were talking about were claiming me to be a new hero in town. Which had me a little confused.
'There is more than one hero here from what it sounds like.' I commented to myself.
If that is the case, then they better not get in our way. Our justice is our own. Din said boredly. I smiled and nodded.
'Yeah, I know. Though, maybe they would know anything about portal opening monsters.' I replied. Din hummed.
Fair point. We should ask them if they show up. She grinned smugly. I turned down an alley way, wanting to ensure I'm out of sight before using Din's wings. However, I turned down at the wrong one as I heard voices from further in. From what it sounds like, it was a standard brawl going on. However, my curiosity got the better of me and I sidled up to the wall, peeking around the corner. My eyes widened as I saw a familiar girl swing a bat over a thug's head before they dog piled her, finally disarming her as she kicked and struggled against them.
"Get your hands off me! Dammit, Slick Back! Why are you betraying us!?" Thi growled angrily. I narrowed my eyes as I saw that same guy from earlier push himself off the wall, combing his slicked back hair.
"I got what I needed, doll. Nothing personal. It is sad though." The guy, Slick Back, replied, walking up to her and holding her up by the chin to face his smug grin. "The payout is far more important than what the Townies are offering. Didn't realize how poor the gang is. Makes sense in the state of the neighborhood they live in." Thi spat at him.
"At least they don't backstab family!" Thi growled. "And here I thought we actually had something!" The guy chuckled and spun on his heels, combing his hair again.
"It was a nice ride, Thi Billet. Taming such a fiery temper was quite a thrill. But I've grown tired of the tango we were doing." He then snapped his fingers. "Leave her in the trash. That'll get a message out to the Townies." He said. I sighed and stepped out of my cover, crossing my arms and leaning coolly against the wall.
"Then maybe you heard that if your dance partner can't keep up, how about trying a different one?" I called out. Everyone froze and Thi looked over, her eyes widening in surprise. I kept my head down but peeked out from under my hood with a smirk. Slick Back turned around and raised a brow.
"Who the hell are you?" He asked casually. I took the last swig of my water, crushing the bottle and tossing it into the dumpster across from me.
"Oh, just someone... asking for directions." I replied. Thi narrowed her eyes at me before a realization dawned on her. Slick Back seemed to piece it together too. He then leaned his head back and laugh.
"Hahahah! No kidding? You're that fiery dame from earlier asking about Canterlot High? Well, well. Not too high and mighty of standards for society, are you?" He grinned. I shrugged and shifted my head to look out from under my hood.
"Didn't you hear? I'm quite the sensation lately." I replied coolly. One of the thugs's eyes widened and she turned to Slick Back.
"Boss, this gal is that heroine they have been talkin' about!" She exclaimed. I pushed myself off the wall and turned to face them, throwing back my hood to reveal my face. I stared them down stoically, my eyes glowing in the darkened alley way. This seemed to unnerve the thugs. Slick Back tilted his head.
"You can't be serious. What made you piece that together?" He asked. The girl thug stammered.
"H-had a cousin that was one o' them kidnapped people at the warehouse. Said a girl in red with fiery red hair and freaky eyes saved them." She explained, clutching her pipe close to her chest. I sighed and slumped.
'I need to bury my head like an ostrich at some point so people can stop talking. Oh well. Cat's out of the bag. Might as well let it claw everything.' I stuffed my hands into my hoodie pockets and eyed each thug. "Let Thi go. No one has to get hurt here." Thi was dumbfounded. However, Slick Back clicked his tongue and snapped his fingers.
"Take out the trash, guys. She's just a fan of that goodie two shoes that showed up out of nowhere." He said. The thugs looked uncertain, but they steeled themselves and faced me with scowls. I then began to walk towards them calmly. This caused them to hesitate. "What the hell are you waiting for? Get her, you louts!" Slick Back barked. One thug must have buckled under the stress as he yelled loudly at the top of his lungs and charged me with the chain whip twirling above his head. He then lashed it out at me. I reacted by spinning on my heel, letting the chain wrap once around my body before sticking my leg out and hooking the rest of the chain, yanking the thug forward. Keeping my balance, I delivered a downward kick into the arm of the thug, disarming him of the chain whip. When he stood back up, I pivoted on my foot and lashed out a kick into his sides, sending him crashing into trash cans. The other two thugs rushed me, one had a crowbar, the other the pipe. I brought my right arm out and grasped the chain around me, quickly wrapping it around my arm before flourishing the rest of the chain around me.
I lashed out the chain around their arms, yanking the chain back to bring them together. I flicked the chain to whip both of them in a disarm manner, causing them to drop their weapons before I yanked again, bringing them forward towards me. I caught them at the side of their heads and clocked them together, causing both to slump unconsciously at my feet. I unwrapped the chain around my arm and faced the thug still keeping Thi hostage. The thug backed away, pushing Thi towards me.
"Y-you can have her! I have nothin' to do with this!" He stammered before taking off. Thi studied me and I only smiled at her before we both turned our attention to Slick Back. he scowled and reached behind him, pulling out what looked to be a makeshift knife out of scrap metal and a blade to some piece of machinery.
"Gotta' do things yourself." He growled before rushing us. Thi pushed me aside and flourished her bat before clocking the guy hard into the chin with an upward swing. His feet left the ground, his sunglasses flying off of his face before he landed hard on his back. Thi panted a little before shouldering the bat. I then walked past her and stood over Slick Back. I then stepped on his sprawled-out arms, causing him to wince in pain before I sat down hard onto his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. I rested my hand against my cheek boredly as I stared uncaringly down at him.
"So, what's your deal, pal? Why are you going around treating fair damsels in distress over higher pay?" I asked. Thi balked.
"Hey! I am not a damsel; I am a badass in distress!" She retorted. I only smirked playfully at her retort before quickly returning to a cold look at Slick Back. Slick Back growled and remained quiet, but the shifting of my weight on his arms with my shoes must have started to become unbearable to him.
"Aaarggghhh! Alright, alright! I'll talk! Dammit... beaten by girls no less..." He said.
"This would have been avoided if you had just stopped this and also given me proper directions." I retorted casually. "Now, you know how this goes. Who do you work for? Why are they doing it? Etcetera, etcetera." Slick Back clicked his tongue before speaking.
"I was given a fair pay by the generous Moto Cross to stage a coup at the Dandelion Metal Smelting Factory. I was ordered to silence anyone that would interfere." He growled. "I would have gotten the major player out of the way too..." I only shook my head at the ridiculousness of this situation.
"So, where is the factory?" I asked. I ensured to remind him that I can break his arms right now and that got him to talk.
"Not too far from here! Just take a right at Dodge Junction Street. Can't miss it." He rasped in pain. I then stood up, applying more pressure to his arm and bending down enough to pat his cheek.
"Good boy. Thi? He's all yours." I said before stepping off of him. Thi was a little shocked by this but when I walked by her and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder, she looked at me. "And don't kill him. He's not worth all that built up baggage and blood." I then pat her shoulder and Thi bowed her head in thought. I walked over to the side of the building and stuck my hands in my pockets, leaning my back against the wall coolly and observing her. Thi looked at her bat and I saw her fist clench it tightly. She then stomped over to Slick Back, who was nursing his arms and trying to de-escalate an angry red head with a bat.
"It's over Slick. Moto is going to get it next." She said coldly, spitting on him, stomping on his sunglasses and then clocked him over the head with the bat. She panted and wiped her lip before shouldering the bat and turning to look at me. I only shrugged with a cool smile. "Just who the hell are you...?" She asked.
"I really wish I can tell you. But what you only need to know is that I'm a friend. And I know that at some other place and time, you'd do the same for me." I said with a wink. Thi furrowed her look suspiciously at me. "So. What now, badass?" Thi motioned with her head for me to follow. When I did, we began to make our way down the alley hurriedly.
"If Moto is going to stage a coup against Heckle, then Canterlot City is going to have to deal with a lot more than just shadowy monsters kidnapping people." Thi explained as we then picked up our pace into a jog. We raced down the sidewalk before taking a sharp turn at Dodge Junction Street and I could see a factory down the road. It must have been really old fashioned. Something out of an industrial era. Or... whatever they called the locomotive age parallel to Equestria. Yet, the whole fence looked to be a rusty but current install from the old ones that might have been there. Barb wire and danger signs of electric fencing were plastered at every chunk of fencing. Thi swore under her breath before coming to a stop at the front of the sliding gate. Inspecting the gate, it seems that the barb wire above it had been cut recently. Thi tapped her chin in thought, but I had an idea already. I walked over and pressed my back against the fencing, cupping my hands together and bending down. Thi cracked a smile and I helped vault her over the fence. I then turned and began to climb the fence myself. My sleeve got caught on the barb wire and I gave it a yank, ripping a bit of the sleeve and it caused me to tumble over the fence, landing onto my stomach and knocking the wind out of me.
I took a moment to get the wind back into me before seeing a hand reach out to me. I looked up to see Thi grinning down at me and I smiled, taking her hand as she helped me up. We then began to power walk down the dirt road towards the factory.
"So. You're really that new hero that's been popping up all over the news?" She asked. I nodded, looking around.
"I guess I am. Though, I can't say I shouldn't deserve that title just yet. I have yet to do any major damage to cause complete outrage amongst the people." I replied to her. Thi and I took another turn down and walked past a factory, the one I thought we were going too, but then I noticed a couple more that were disconnected from this one.
"Are you kidding? My dad works as a communications officer at CCPD. He's been coming home lately all fussy about some new chick with superpowers causing an uproar." She said with a smirk. "He's kind of funny when he's all mopey." I had a thought pop into my head.
"So... when you say new chick. And from what I can assume... are there other superheroes out there?" I asked. Thi and I got low and began to hurry our way across the field, stopping behind a spool and peeking out.
"You could say that. There is a total of seven and they usually are seen hanging out together during their heroics. However, word was quick to get out that they were just seven high school girls with magical powers. Funny enough, they attend Canterlot High and play in a charity band called the Rainbooms." She explained before looking at me. "Is that why you were asking for directions to Canterlot High?" I shook my head as we scanned the area.
"Not really. I was looking for something else that led me to Canterlot High. It was by sheer coincidence that I ended up discovering they held the Elements- errr- magical elements." I replied, quickly correcting myself. Thi focused on something straight ahead, causing her to duck a little.
"I see. Get down. I think we are a bit late to the party." She said. I peeked out from behind her to see what she was looking at. I could make out a group of strange leather jacket and leather pants wearing individual bearing weapons of all kinds via scrap or razor discussing something with strangely casual looking people. I used Din’s eyes to scan the area a bit more. It didn’t seem like anything bad is happening. Yet. “So. What is it that you are looking for in town?” Thi asked.
“Well…” I began, debating if I should tell her the truth. However, I noticed that whatever was being discussed was turning quickly into a heated argument. Suddenly, Thi groaned. I looked over my shoulder to her to then see where she was looking. I noticed three strange looking girls walking together to meet up with the heated argument.
“Who are they?” I asked. Thi gave a disgusted wince.
“They call themselves The Dazzlings. They showed up one day and sided with the Townies. I don’t know what freaky magic spell they have him under, but they caused a lot of issues amongst the gangs. And I so hope they are the ones planning this coup, because I’ve been meaning to knock some teeth out.” Thi growled. I heard sniffing from inside my head and I heard Din cough in disgust.
Those three smell of my sister. Din gagged. I furrowed my look in worry.
‘Tenebres?’ I asked.
Worse. Aquarius. She growled. Then, she hummed. Vessel, look. I found myself focusing on the three girls. I squinted my eyes. There was a distortion around them. They are from our world. Interesting… Din cracked an evil grin. I nodded slightly before patting Thi reassuredly on the shoulder. She looked at me with a raised brow and I smiled.
“I believe you are right about those three. So, do you have a plan?” I asked. Thi studied me a little in shock. She seemed a bit conflicted. That is until she grinned determinedly and looked out from cover.
“I was thinking we just strut in and explain ourselves.” She replied. I smirked and was about to speak when we suddenly heard a harmonizing note of voices. Thi froze in place, looking as if she was in trance. I arched a brow.
“Thi?” I asked with concern. I waved my hand in front of her face. She didn’t react. The singing was starting to get louder and a black haze started to creep in. Din clicked her tongue.
She’s near… Din spoke. My senses were going through the roof. I put a worried hand on Thi’s shoulder and shook it.
“Hey, Thi!” I said. I felt a tingly sensation flow through me and Thi blinked in confusion before shaking her head.
“Wha? What was that?” She asked, rubbing her head. She met my look before looking out of cover. “I knew it. Those she-demons are evil.”
“Then let me take the lead on this one. You see if you can reach this Heckle guy and snap him out of whatever.” I told her before standing up and rushing out of cover.
“Wha? Hey, wait for me!” Thi called out in a whisper. I ignored her and ran down towards the factory. The Dazzlings continued to sing, motioning to the tranced gangers and leading them inside the factory. As I approached, one of the Dazzlings noticed me. She tapped the shoulder of the bushy haired one and she turned and grinned smugly.
“Well, well. Seems we missed one, girls.” She said. I came to a stop and readied myself. The bushy haired Dazzling’s eyes glinted. “And it seems this one isn’t under our spell. I take it you are this ‘scary’ adult who throws fire around? Or are you just one of those annoying Rainbooms?” I only smirked and got into my stance.
“Perhaps you’ll find out soon enough.” I replied. The lead Dazzling chuckled menacingly before snapping her fingers. The three began to sing and a dark haze began to roll in from nowhere. Din cackled and grinned maniacally.
You call that singing, fish breaths? You are so off key! She hissed. This caused the Dazzlings to narrow their eyes, as if hearing the voice of Din threw them off. Yet, they continued to sing and the gangers that were led into the factory soon filed out and circled me. I glanced to see Thi finally catch up to me and readied her bat. Her eyes fell onto a guy and she growled before aiming her bat at the three.
“The games up, she-demons! Let the Townies and The Harleys go!” She exclaimed challengingly. The three continued to sing uninterrupted before floating high up into the air. When they reached a crescendo in their song, they stopped and grinned evilly and triumphantly down over us. The clouds beginning to darken.
“You don’t know how long we’ve waited for this! Our power stronger than ever! Our hunger sated! No more living off of tacos and toast! No more living this boring human life! All human scum will adore us! Our time is now! The Sirens will return to Equestria stronger and powerful than before!!” The lead laughed. I tilted my head before laughing myself. Thi looked at me in confusion while The Dazzlings hissed at me. “What’s so funny?!” I was hunched over a bit, holding my stomach.
“Ahahahaha! Oh that’s -hahaha!- That’s pretty funny!” I replied, wiping a tear.
“You mock us?!? Then allow us to show you why we are to be adored!!” The Dazzlings began to sing and a dark haze seeped out of them, swirling around the entire area. I smiled and swished my arm out, calling to my staff. When it appeared and I grasped it, I brought it out in front of me, twirling it multiple times over my head before stabbing it in the ground. A blazing fire erupted out and circled us, dispelling the haze. Thi stared dumbfounded at this. The Dazzlings hissed.
“Whatever Tenebres offered you three, you’ve made a terrible mistake.” I looked up at the three stoically. “Equestria has no need for simpletons who have no idea the part they play. Rethink your options, Dazzlings. This is your one and only chance.” I called out to them. The lead one was shaking angrily before throwing her arms down in anger.
“Rip them apart! Go! Obey us and we will grant you all that you desire!!” She pointed at me. The tranced gangers groaned and readied themselves, approaching us. I kept my staff embedded into the ground before getting back in my stance.
“Stay near the staff, Thi. Trust me. No one is going to die or fall to the shadows today.” I said. Thi was quiet. But then she smiled and readied herself at the approaching gangers.
“This is one hell of a morning.” She replied. The Dazzlings continued to sing while the gangers rushed us, weapons primed to strike. Together, Thi and I showed some creative teamwork. Almost as if we both knew that, despite strangers to one another, we had a strange bond that felt natural. We kicked, punched, covered each other’s backs and synchronized our attacks together, sending the gangers off their feet and knocking them out. When I kicked the wind out of one, I looked over to see Thi hesitate with one ganger.
The guy held a sharp looking scraped together saw bat. I quickly rushed over and blocked the swing with my arm. I grit my teeth and smirked, moving rather quickly and snapping the scrap apart with a good palm strike before stamping a foot and flowing my arms together to then lash them out towards the stomach, making the guy hunch over and fall to the ground unconscious. Thi pushed past me and held the guy in her arms, her look worried. I tilted my head a little before hearing the frustrative growl of the Dazzlings.
I turned to face them, looking up to see they had sprouted fin like wings on their back.
“Well, this is a drag…” the twin tailed Dazzling spoke.
“Major buzz kill!” The long ponytailed one chimed in sadly. The lead one seemed to take a deep breath and let herself exhale to cool herself off. I crossed my arms at them.
“This is not the last. We’ve been out of the game for too long.” She then snapped her fingers above her head. “Let’s get out of here. We’ve got bigger plans in store.” She grinned smugly. The Dazzlings turned and began to fly away. I clicked my tongue.
“They are going to be a pain in the ass later.” I commented.
All the more reason we should put the sirens in their place. Be it as they may, they have been here too long that they have been afflicted with synchronization to this world’s laws. I raised a brow in question.
“So… you don’t want to burn them?” I asked.
I never said that. Din grinned smugly with a glint in her eyes. We’ll deal with them later. My sister is nearby. Priority first.
“But we don’t have a way to get back home yet.” I replied, walking over to my staff and holding onto it. “What are we even going to do once we get a hold of her?” Din hummed smugly.
What else do we always do when putting my sisters in their place? We’ll keep them unconscious until we can find a way to get home. A little burn mark here. A little fire there. You get the gist. I sighed.
“And what if she’s just throwing us off?” I asked.
Then we continue to hunt. If she wants to play mouse, then by all means. She’s only delaying the inevitable. Din cackled.
“Who are you talking to?” I heard Thi ask. I looked over my shoulder to see her looking at me with concerned suspicion. “What were those Dazzlings talking about? Sirens? Equestria? What is even going ??” I gave a soft scratch of my chin.
“Err… it’s a bit of a wild story. I’ll tell you about it later. First, I need to handle something.” I snapped my fingers and a fire lit on the tip of my index. I then floated the flame over to her and she admired it in awe, her eyes shimmering in wonder. “It’ll follow you until you are safe with your friends out of the factory. This is going to get messy and I don’t want any complications.” Thi looked between me and the guy she was cradling.
“What’s your name?” She asked. I smiled and gave a cool salute.
“Quiet Fire. But my friends call me Fie.” I replied. Thi seemed to pause to take it in before she nodded and helped the guy up over her shoulder.
“Don’t do anything dumb until I’ve thanked you properly, Fie.” She said before jogging off while carrying the guy, the flame floating close by her. I moved away from my staff, knowing that she’ll be back to gather the rest while I walked towards the dark haze that was now surrounding the entire factory. I stepped into the haze and entered into the factory.
Equesteia Girls POV
Over the morning between classes, Twilight would stop by the science room and let the samples run their course. Applejack’s, Rarity’s and Fluttershy’s took between an hour or two while Rainbow Dash’s and Pinkie Pie’s took a little longer. Wallflowers ended up having a strange multi reading, the spectrum calculating all colors of the rainbows. After lunch and the start of the break period, Twilight had noted down the strange sample before using Sunset’s, which seemed to make the machine hiccup strangely before continuing its’ reading.
Sunset and Wallflower decided to walk together to the garden to check up on it (and Sunset wanted to observe something that’s been bothering her). Sunset had noticed that Muffins hasn’t shown up in two of her classes. Which is unusual as Muffins is never late. Wallflower suggested she must have been caught up with something or had gotten sick. When they arrived at the garden, Wallflower proceeded to check the soil.
Everything was freshly watered and yet the watering can was knocked over. Sunset looked around, something sending off her red flags.
“Is it just me or did the atmosphere change?” She asked aloud. Wallflower picked up the watering can and examined it. She narrowed her eyes, seeing a shimmer in the reflection of the can. She gasped when the image became clearer and she turned around, facing the wooded area. Sunset was quick to react, rushing over and readying herself. “What is it?” She asked, her eyes darting. Wallflower nervously pointed into the woods.
“I-I thought I saw s-s-something tall move behind the tree there.” She stammered. Sunset took a serious expression, looking around.
“Show yourself!” Sunset called out. The two waited with bated breaths, their senses high alert. Sunset squinted her eyes and saw a shimmer of a shadow. Yet, to their intense relief, Derpy walked out from the woods and waved to them. Wallflower and Sunset wiped their brows. “Oh, it’s just you Muffins.” Derpy walked over to them, giving them a reassuring wave of her hand.
“You alright, Muffins? I haven’t seen you in geography or art class.” She asked. Derpy gave a thumbs up with an enthusiastic nod of her head. Wallflower finished up her round with the garden, Sunset and Derpy helping out before the three began to walk back to the school. Sunset couldn’t help but notice Derpy was dragging her feet a little too much, but she shrugged, thinking she was probably a little tired from today. When they bid Derpy goodbye and began to make their way to the science room, Sunset tapped her chin in thought.
“There is still something bothering me though.” She began. “I’d thought I’d find some hint at the garden, but maybe I’m not looking in the right place.” Wallflower had her arms behind her back, tilting her head slightly at her.
“What are you looking for?” She asked. Sunset scratched her head.
“When we were fixing up the garden, I remember how you found the Memory Stone by digging it up. What if there is another artifact buried here in the school grounds? But… I don’t even know where to start looking.” She asked.
“Then perhaps you should start thinking outside the box.” A voice said. They froze and turned around to see they had walked past Professor Discord reading a book.
“Don’t do that! It’s creepy!” Sunset frowned while Wallflower sighed a bit in relief from the surprise. Discord licked his thumb before turning the page, not looking up from the book while replying.
“A lot of things are starting to get creepy. Shadows are literally popping out of the walls and ceilings. Quite fascinating really.” Sunset raised an unamused brow before balling her fists up. She then crossed her arms to confront Discord.
“What’s your deal? You’ve been nothing but cryptic. And what do you know about those shadow monsters appearing around town?” She asked impatiently. Discord looked up from his book this time and put a hand to his chest.
“My deal is a great number of things. And one that is just looking out for friends. Though I won’t lie, I have been enjoying the little chaos going on. Though it’s lacking something far grander than the norm.” He said. Sunset darted her eyes in thought, piecing together something. She then quickly grabbed ahold of Discord’s arm and waited. Discord looked unbothered as he kept reading his book. When Sunset couldn’t read his memories, she pulled away and glowered at him.
“You’re not a normal professor, are you? You weren’t even hiding it! You’re Discord, the god of chaos.” She said. Wallflower raised a questioning brow with uncertainty.
“God of chaos?” She asked. Sunset held out a hand in an attempt to put herself between Wallflower and Discord.
“He’s from Equestria. He gave Princess Twilight and her friends trouble before, but he’s been supposedly reformed. Yet, a god of chaos doesn’t rest easy, does he?” She challenged. Discord closed his book and bowed.
“Right on the snout.” He chuckled. Wallflower balked.
“But… a god?! Th-that can’t be… real can it?” She asked, shaking a little in horror. Discord snapped his fingers and a tiny version of Wallflower appeared in his palm. She repeated the words in a chipmunk voice before suddenly popping into confetti like a balloon. This terrified Wallflower even more. Sunset faced him, keeping Wallflower behind her.
“Oh, I assure you, dear, gods and goddesses are very real just like magic in this world is rare. Though, I wouldn’t say rare any longer. You see, I’m not supposed to be here in this realm. But I wasn’t given much of a choice.” Discord poofed away and appeared behind Sunset and Wallflower, dressed in a shining full set of armor, long flowing blonde hair and posing heroically on top of a rock. “You see, I am on a grand quest to help a dear friend out on her journey! To valiantly watch her back!” He then poofed and reappeared in front of them, wearing a swashbuckling outfit and cutlass, poised in front of him in a fencing manner. “High stake fighting and overseas diplomacy!”
He poofed again and appeared on Sunset’s shoulder in a strange tunic, flowing locks and a bow, knocking an arrow aimed away from her. “Dangerous and vast unknowns in the world yet to be discovered!” He poofed and reappeared behind them in a shaman like attire and stirring a cauldron. “Mystical properties of varying degrees and effects!” He then poofed and reappeared in front of them with his fingers wiggling. The two looked to see Twilight and the others as puppets on strings, doing little conversations. “I’m Twilight Sparkle and I love books and science and friends!” The Applejack puppet removed her hat in a greeting before doing a jig.
“I’m Applejack and I speak country and love wrangling pigs! Eeyup!” He then brought in Fluttershy’s puppet, who did a petite bow and gestured limply. “I’m Fluttershy, the kindest and most entrusting friend! Wow, Discord, your mane is looking rather pleasant today!” Discord looked touched. “Why, thank you, Fluttershy. I’m using a new product that keeps the grey hairs out and the young in!” He then snapped his fingers, returning himself back against the wall with the book in his hand.
Throughout all of this, Sunset and Wallflower were looking around to see if anyone was seeing this. Yet, no one paid attention. It was like they weren’t even there. Sunset glared at him.
“Helping a friend? Who?” She asked suspiciously. He then snapped his fingers and a cellphone appeared out of thin air. He swiped his thumb and then tapped the screen before showing it to them. It was the video when the spider attacked. Sunset looked a bit shocked. “You’re trying to help Quiet Fire?” She asked. Discord pocketed the phone and smiled.
“Indeed. You see, she’s a mare out of time and out of second chances. The clock is ticking for her in this realm. Same goes with the one who she is hunting. And I guess, same goes for me.” He explained. Wallflower rubbed her forearm nervously.
“M-mare?” She asked. Sunset beamed.
“So she is an ancient alicorn of fire! She must have appeared in this realm to hunt all these shadow creatures!” Sunset stated. Discord wagged his finger.
“You are only a penny right. There is much more nuance to it. But I think I’ll allow Fie to explain it. After all, she’s the one that Princess Twilight Sparkle entrusted with saving Equestria during a time of strife.” He then gasped and put a hand against his mouth in a sarcastic manner. “Oh my, I must apologize. I do have a habit of spreading gossip. Fluttershy has been so kind to try and help me through the issue. If only this realm’s Fluttershy could understand me.” Sunset blinked.
“Wait. Princess Twilight asked her to what?” Sunset asked. Discord pushed off the wall and checked his wrist watch.
“The bell is about to ring. I’ll see you and Twilight in class. Au revoir!” He said before snapping his fingers and vanishing instantly. Wallflower looked as if she was trying to comprehend her entire life while Sunset was rather confused on what Discord told them. The two walked silently back to the science room where Twilight was jotting something down in a notepad. She looked up from the machine and saw the expressions on their faces.
“Did something happen?” She asked. Sunset explained to her what had happened and this caused Twilight to chew the top of her pen. “But, how is that possible? A god of chaos? What does he even want with this realm?” Sunset hugged herself.
“I don’t know. But one thing is for certain. We have to find Quiet Fire. She’s the only one who has any idea of what’s going on with the dark magic. And I'm starting to get worried about Equestria.” She blew her breath out in annoyance. “Discord will not be helpful from what I recall Twilight writing to me about him. At least, not directly.” Twilight looked at them in concern.
“Thankfully it’s the last day of the charity event. We play what we can and start planning on how we can start going about this.” She replied. The machine suddenly hiccuped, causing Twilight to yelp and duck behind the desk as the machine coughed, jumped and twirled rapidly in the air, even bouncing around the room comically causing Sunset and Wallflower to duck before it slid back to its’ original position upon reaching the table. The three remained low until the machine dinged and a strange symbol began to appear in the rainbow of colors.
Twilight stood up and adjusted her glasses.
“Fascinating…” she marveled before jotting down in her notepad. Wallflower peeked out from behind the desk.
“W-what?” She asked nervously. Twilight took out a device and began to tinker with it along with the machine. The two watched as the color was drained out and the symbol vanished. When Twilight held up the device, it showed the symbol projecting itself over the device and crackling a bit. She beamed.
“We can start our search now.” She stated.