The girls all rounded the corner and beheld the source of the commotion which took all of their breath away. The entire field had been transformed and molded into a hedge maze. Twilight narrowed her eyes as Discord appeared before them.
Twilight was still glaring at the ex-psychiatrist, “Alright Discord, where are Sunset and Scribe?”
Discord yawned at the comment, “Oh it’s quite simple. They’re in the center of the maze.”
Rainbow scoffed, “You know for a maze created with magic it’s pretty small.”
Discord merely smiled, “Prepare to be surprised.”
Discord the landed upon the ground, “Alright let’s start this session with a team building exercise. The rules are simple, reach the center of the maze and lay your hands upon the cage that your friends are in to win! However you are NOT to use that crown thing of yours at all, the purpose of this session is to break addiction.”
Rarity scratched her head, “But I thought you said it was a team building exercise.”
Discord smiled, “Well…that’s up for debate. Now the final rule, you have until the sun sets to reach them. If you fail the maze will collapse in on itself along with all of you within it, this shall also happen if you break the crown rule. If you all lose then Chrysalis and I win.”
He then clapped, “Good luck everyone! Time starts now!!”
Discord then vanished in a flash as a wall opened up.
Twilight immediately turned to her friends, “Alright everyone, I’ve dealt with this before. Under no circumstances can we allow ourselves to be separated. Believe me when I say that the last time that happened it didn’t end to well.”
Applejack clenched her fist and raised it, “We’re with ya Twilight!”
All of the girls then did a six way fist bump and faced the entrance, “FORWARD!!”
*
My entire body just felt like I had just been mauled by the Incredible Hulk. To say the least it was not pleasant in the slightest as I attempted to move. My body practically cried out in defiance, it was then that I realized that I was in utter blackness. I glanced left and right and raised my hands to my face. My eyes were open because I saw the dark became…darker when I covered my eyes with my hands.
I glanced around once more, “Alright either I’m dead or…I’m trapped in a closet.”
My answer came in the form of a door opening before me, “A closet…figures.”
My eyes widened in utter shock however when a familiar individual entered, “Sunset?”
Sunset Shimmer looked down at me with a raised eyebrow and moved over toward me.
*
Twilight and the girls had been completely taken off guard upon entering the maze. The maze though it had been proportionate to the sports field exact size was bigger on the inside than on the outside. Twilight turned to look back as the maze shut them in.
Twilight and the girls proceeded forward slowly, “Okay girls be on your guard. There’s no telling what could be in here.”
Rainbow Dash just chuckled, “Come on Twilight! What could possibly be in here that we can’t handle?”
The group rounded the corner and beheld a Minotaur made out of wood that towered above them all. All six girls screamed in unison.
*
Sunset bent down and helped me to my feet as she and I walked out into the school hallway. I was grateful beyond belief as I slowly walked forward without her assistance and rotated my neck.
I sighed as I rubbed it, “Man that felt good.”
Sunset was still staring at me as I turned to her, “Alright first things first we need to get outside and find the girls,” I grabbed her hand, “Let’s get moving.”
Sunset pulled her hand out of mine, “Well that’s all fine and good but I have a better idea.”
I looked at her with surprise, “What are you-“
Sunset then sharply pushed me in the chest and I was sent flying halfway down the hall. I landed with a thud and stared with surprise at Sunset. However everything that needed to be discovered was revealed to me when I stared into her eyes. Within those eyes I would find a sparkle and light accompanied by warmth toward me. But the eyes I was gazing into showed no love for me at all, it only showed cold fury and malicious glee at my current predicament.
I stood up, “So…you’re what she used to be.”
Sunset Shimmer clapped her hands, “Bravo you figured it out in record time!”
Sunset then narrowed her eyes, “But there’s just one tiny thing. It’s still me; I’m just everything else that was left over. Frankly I can’t really stand you for muscling in on my mental turf, not only that but because of you SHE,” she pointed at the ceiling, “has been ignoring me. So this couldn’t have come at a better time!”
Sunset’s eyes then turned demonic as she was engulfed in dark energy. What emerged caused me to back up in fear and disgust.
I shook my head, “So this is what she became because of you.”
The Demon Shimmer laughed, “Oh come on Scribe don’t be like that. Where’s all that love you showed me? Give me a kiss,” at that last line she began to cackle insanely.
Granted that was the final straw for me. I quickly turned on my heel and ran down the hallway as I heard Demon Shimmer spread her wings to give chase.
*
Twilight and the girls were currently sprinting for their lives as the Minotaur began to close the distance. Discords laugh could be heard above their heads but there was no sign of the owner. Twilight began to run over plans in her head; she could not risk her friend’s safety with a gambit that involved the Element. But if she didn’t do something soon they would all be crushed or worse. She then thought of something much more risky than the previous gambit. She just had to think like Discord would, more specifically THIS Discord. He was a demented psychiatrist so there for she had to get in the same mindset as one which wasn’t too hard because she had once tried her hoof at it back in Equestria during that entire Smarty Pants debacle. If the Minotaur was here there had to be some sort of twisted metaphor behind it. She thought hard on this and then came to a realization; the Minotaur should have at least made an effort of attacking them. Instead it was merely chasing them and nothing else.
Twilight slowed, “Girls stop running.”
Rarity looked at her friend, “Are you insane!? That beast will tear us limb from limb!”
Twilight stopped and turned to face it, “No it won’t. Its psych 101, if a subject runs away from his or her fears it will always chase them. This is why everyone faces them head on!”
Upon stating this, the Minotaur plowed right through Twilight like she was air and continued toward the still fleeing girls. Twilight checked herself upon realizing her theory was a success. The girls turned back toward their friend and realized the same thing. All of them came to a halt as the Minotaur roared…and then disappeared.
A slow clap was heard as the girls saw Discord who spoke in a sarcastic tone, “Congratulations you vanquished the Minotaur by facing it head on. Don’t enjoy your victory just yet, there’s still more fun to be had.”
A section of the maze opened up before them and showed the paths continuation deeper into the labyrinth.
*
Now being terrified would be considered an understatement at the moment. For all intents and purposes I was beyond terrified. THIS Sunset Shimmer had almost unlimited magical power that could be on par with that of a god. She was hurling blast after blast at me. The ground would be scorched or blown apart wherever the bolts landed; I rounded the corner and entered into the main lobby. Demon Shimmer gazed down at me from above with a toothy smile which caused me to shiver.
Demon Shimmer descended to ground level, “Where do you think you’re running off to?”
I immediately bolted to the front doors, “AWAY FROM YOU!”
Upon stepping outside I almost fell due to the fact that all there was of the front was the stairs and landing. I looked back as the Demon Shimmer grabbed me by the scruff of my shirt and took flight. She then dangled me over the abyss below as I grasped at her arm.
Demon Shimmer grinned in amusement, “Having second thoughts?”
I narrowed my eyes, “You’ll never be her and you’ll always be alone!”
Demon Shimmer narrowed her eyes in anger and growled like an animal, “Wrong answer!”
I felt the wind rush up to meet me as I dropped like a stone. However the fall stopped as abruptly as it had begun. A large ray if light descended down from the darkened sky and sent Demon Shimmer flying back inside the school. Next thing I knew was the feeling of a hand grasping me and being pulled back onto the stairs. I gazed in utter surprise and confusion, standing before me was a guy about my age garbed all in white with Sunset’s hair color and styled in a more boyish fashion of her usual look.
Umbra smiled, “Sorry I’m late.”
*
The girls continued along the path they had started following after the wall opened up. However by Pinkie’s count they had been walking for about two hours with no sign of actual progression much to the girl’s disappointment. Soon the hours began to lengthen and the sun was lowering in the sky.
Rainbow was pulling at her hair in frustration, “ARG!!! We’ll never find them at this rate!”
Rarity was still walking with an even stride, “Come now Rainbow Dash, one must remain positive even in the face of the impossible.”
Applejack nodded, “Besides there’s no sign of any other surprises.”
The girls rounded the corner and beheld their objective in plain sight. There was a massive dome of branches acting as a cage that shielded Sunset and Scribe from them. The cage in question was at the far end of a massively wide path bordered by tall hedges.
Pinkie Pie jumped in the air, “YES! WE FOUND THEM!”
Twilight moved forward, “Now let’s touch that cage and get out of here!”
All the girls collectively yelled in agreement and surged forward…only to freeze. A massive funhouse like mirror rose from the ground and then stretched into a massive wall that blocked their path. They all stared at the reflective surface as their reflections then seemed to smirk at them. They then stepped out of the mirrored surface. The only difference between them and their mirrored counter parts was the fact that they were all grey.
Mirror Twilight smirked and crossed her arms, “Disappointed?”
Pinkie Pie smiled in interest, “Oooo, mirror match!”
Rainbow Dash cracked her knuckles, “Bring it on you cheap imitation!”
Mirror Dash merely laughed, “Imitation, next to me your nothing but inferior!”
Applejack then planted her best foot forward, “Cmon ladies, times runnin out! They may say things but don’t listen and power on through!”
Twilight and the girls followed AJ’s example and put their best foot forward as their doppelgangers got on the offensive. They all then rushed each other.
*
I gazed at Umbra in surprise which he noted, “You probably have a couple of questions so get them out of the way.”
I inhaled and stared at him in focus, “Alright, one how are you still here and where the hell am I. Furthermore how do I get out?”
Umbra raised his hand as a make shift path way assembled before us, “Well to answer your first question, being born from the energies of a corrupted Element of Harmony makes it kind of hard to disperse into nothing. Technically I’m gone right now. But as a whole I’m sort of lingering here.”
I nodded as he led me along the path, “I guess your connection to Sunset was stronger than I thought.”
Umbra chuckled, “You have no idea,” he then became all business, “As for where you are, your inside Sunset’s mental plain.”
I stopped, “You mean I’m in her brain?”
He nodded, “And she’s in yours as we speak.”
I blinked, “What?”
*
Sunset was glancing around the odd landscape she had awoken in an hour prior and was completely lost. The world itself was cube like in shape but was composed of numerous stone walkways, bridges, and stairs. The stairs in question diverged in various directions and angles yet she was always right side up when she walked. There also seemed to be iron doors that led to more stairs and bridges. She concluded earlier she must be in a mental realm but whose she was unsure of. She came to a door and tilted her head curiously at it. The handle was missing and the hinges seemed to have been melted, yet on the other side she heard…familiar sounds? Her attention was then drawn away from the door at the sound of laughter. She approached an out of place wooden door and opened it. Within was a child who looked a lot like Scribe clothes and all, but he was no older than seven. He was playing with various toys littered on the floor which brought a smile to Sunset’s face.
Sunset made a move to walk inside but stopped, “Play away Scribe.”
The young Scribe turned to look at her and smiled, “Hi there. You’re very pretty.”
Sunset smiled warmly at the child, “Thank you. Are you always such a charmer?”
Young Scribe became embarrassed at the comment and played with his thumbs, “My Dad always told me to be nice to girls.”
Sunset nodded, “Good advice. Say, you wouldn’t know the way out would you?”
Young Scribe became visibly shaken, “Yes, but you have to get past him first.”
Sunset raised an eyebrow, “Who?”
Young Scribe stood, “The bad man.”
Sunset took the child’s hand, “I think I can handle it.”
Young Scribe became surprised, “Wow, I didn’t know you were a pony.”
Sunset looked down at herself to reveal that she had reverted back to her old self, “How did…never mind. C’mon I’ll give you ride, just show me the way.”
Sunset levitated the Young Scribe onto her back as he pointed, “He’s that way, but be careful. He’s a REALLY bad man.”
Sunset broke into a gallop, “I’ll keep that in mind.”
*
Twilight and the girls were fighting a losing battle. Their doppelgangers seemed to actually have more fighting experience and countered every move they made. Twilight was beginning to get desperate, she might have no choice but to use the element and make a run for the cage. But she shook her head to banish the thought because she still couldn’t risk it. Mirror Twilight kicked her counterpart to the ground and laughed. Twilight glared up at her and narrowed her eyes, how could they fight themselves and win? Twilight stood and continued to ponder until something finally clicked.Without hesitation she rushed Mirror Rarity and tackled her to the ground.
Twilight then yelled out as she held down Mirror Rarity, “GIRLS CHANGE PLACES!”
All the girls understood immediately and switched the doppelgangers they were fighting, RD took on AJ, AJ tackled Pinkie, Rarity grabbed Twilight, and Fluttershy was stuck with RD.
*
Umbra and I walked in relative silence toward our unknown destination which was from what I could assume was my way out. Umbra had cleared a few things up with my whole ordeal at the moment. Apparently Discord placed a sort of mental avatar of myself within Sunset’s mental plain and most likely did the same with her. Umbra himself seemed to be wearing a troubled expression; either that or his mind was elsewhere.
I slowed slightly, “Something wrong dude?”
Umbra blinked, “Nah, just thinking. I’m just happy that you’re making Sunset happy, she deserves it.”
I matched pace with him, “It wasn’t your fault you know. Twilight and the girls are still torn up about the whole thing.”
Umbra gave a sad smile, “I meant what I said. If things had been different I would have been honoured to be your friend. We’re here.”
I gazed at a lone door, “What’s behind there?”
Umbra inhaled and straightened himself, “Sunset’s most influential memory, all you have to do is enter and you’ll find the exit.”
I looked at him with caution, “Will I disrupt anything?”
Umbra shook his head, “Only she will register you, but that’s all. Good luck.”
I opened the door and looked back to him, “Hey Umbra.”
He locked eyes with me, “I’m digging the new look, it suits you.”
Umbra smiled, “Thanks man.”
I then entered the door and didn’t look back.
*
Sunset stopped as Young Scribe trembled. Before the duo stood a massive black metal door coated in rust.
Young Scribe was on the brink of tears, “That’s where he lives.”
Sunset levitated him down and nuzzled him to calm the boy, “It’s going to be alright, stick close and I’ll keep you safe.”
Young Scribe smiled as the door grinded open. Within was a massively dark room with a desk in the center. Seated at the desk was Cryptic, except that he was different then she remembered him. Scribe’s hair was as black as coal dust and his eyes were a dark red. His skin was a faded grey and wore an all-black version of his usual attire. He glanced up with an irritated expression which softened ever so slightly but maintained its aura.
He glanced at Sunset, “Oh…it’s you and you brought the child. At least you saved me the walk.”
Sunset stepped in front of Young Scribe as Dark Scribe gave an airy laugh, “You think you can defend him?”
Sunset narrowed her eyes, “You know why I’m here.”
Dark Scribe stood with an annoyed sigh, “Yes, you want to leave right? Well be my guest, frankly I’m in a bit of a sour mood. GO on, canter on back to your liar of a boyfriend.”
Sunset was taken slightly aback as Dark Scribe laughed, “That’s right, he’s been keeping his little secrets.”
*
The girls were on the verge of victory having beaten their duplicates back. The duplicates themselves were on their last legs when Discord was beginning to get nervous.
Discord became antsy, “Oh this is not good.”
Twilight then roundhouse kicked Mirror Rarity into reflective dust, “Whoa, I didn’t know I could do that.”
The other girls took her example and dished out the good moves.
*
I gazed around and noticed I was once more on the front lawn of the school. But I took notice that there were actual roads around as well as all the essentials of the neighborhood. I noticed a glow coming from the actual front doors and walked toward them only to stop at the bottom stair. Sunset and five of the girls were helping her clean up the last bit of bricks and cement. I smiled as I walked up the stairs. Everything then moved in slow-mo for me, Sunset turned around and noticed me as I gave her a slight wave. I opened the front door and…vanished.
*
Sunset stepped forward, “What do you mean he’s a liar?”
Dark Scribe sat upon the desk, “Simple, he’s not being entirely truthful with you on one fact and on another that both he and I am not quite sure of.”
Sunset remembered the inaccessible door, “It has something to do with that door doesn’t it?”
Dark Scribe shrugged with a mock smile, “Maaaaybe, maybe not. I guess we’ll never know. Now would you kindly piss off? You’re starting to bother me.”
Sunset trotted past him and cast him a scathing glare, “Touch the kid and you deal with me.”
The entire world shook, “What was-“
Dark Scribe sighed in annoyance, “He’s back.”
Sunset turned her head and noticed a glowing door in front of her. She then opened it and stepped through.
*
Discord couldn’t believe his eyes. Not only had the girls defeated their doppelgangers but they were now running toward victory which he could not allow.
*
I sat up abruptly as did Sunset as we both pointed at each other and spoke in unison, “Your head is weird…wait what did you see. What did you hear? Never mind.”
I looked at the fast approaching girls and quickly said, “You should pursue a carrier in construction.”
Sunset just gave me a look in response as the girls neared. They soon skidded to a halt and placed their hands upon the dome we were trapped in which immediately fell apart. I stood up and hugged Twilight on instinct which surprised her, Sunset just chuckled at the display.
I quickly backed off, “Thanks for saving us.”
Twilight giggled, “No problem.”
Discord then appeared behind us, “NO!! I refuse to let you brats beat me!! That is why I think we should start our second session post haste!”
We all prepared for the attack as the maze vanished in a blink. Discord raised his hand…and dropped like a sack of potatoes. Sunset stood behind him with a large branch in her hand.
Sunset shook her head, “I say we get a move on. What do you all think?”
Twilight nodded, “Yeah, frankly I REALLY do not want to fight him again.”
She soon donned the crowd and the night sky lit up with a rainbow flash.
*
When the police arrived they found a passed out Mr. Discord with a note pinned to his back that read, “Attacked students, imprison me please.”
*
We all danced in happiness at our victory over Mr. Discord, granted we all knew the battle had been long but we were all just so happy at having changed him back. We had actually reformed a total of four people, Discord, Umbra, Luna, and Sombra. We had every single reason to be happy that for once we could kick back and enjoy ourselves. I danced with Sunset as the music picked up into a rocking tune we whipped around the room as a white and fiery hurricane of joy. The music slowed down as the girls and I began to pant in tiredness, I glanced at Sunset as the melody seemed to become more soft and serene. Sunset raised a playful eyebrow at me which I returned with slight surprise.
Rarity took notice and giggled slightly but immediately began to push everyone out of the room, “Well it was fun Scribe, but we’re going to go to that thing at the place right now. We’ll be back in a half an hour.”
Rainbow Dash was protesting, “Hey this is my house you can’t kick me out of-,” she took notice of Rarity’s look and nodded in sudden understanding, “Oooh, right. See ya later Scribe.”
I looked to the door and walked to it as it shut, “Hey why are you all…”
I slowly turned around and noticed that Sunset was now giving me a soft smile, “Uh…right, so,” I rocked back and forth on my heels, “what exactly is going on here because I’m kind of lost.”
Sunset got really close this time, closer than she has ever been. Frankly I was a tad uncomfortable but I smiled nonetheless.
I slowly turned away from the door as she still had that smile now accompanied by a half lidded look as I backed up, “Uh Sunset…I am incredibly scared right now.”
She spoke in a tone that relaxed me greatly, “Well they do say fear is a good motivator,” she removed my glasses and she took off her jacket.
I blinked a few times, “So your top DOES have sleeves.”
She rolled her eyes and tackled me to the bed as I let out a, “GEH!”
*
The girls did indeed come back as they said and soon they were all outside the guest bedroom. Rarity pressed her ear to the door and heard soft breathing signifying that both parties were asleep.
Rarity nodded in satisfaction, “Well that’s that. Come on ladies, we best let them sleep.”
Rainbow Dash opened the door a crack and gawked only to be pulled back by a stone faced Twilight, “Really Dash?”
Rainbow looked at the ceiling, “I just wanted to make sure they didn’t wreck anything, it’s the guest room after all and I do NOT want to explain to my folks why there are two half na-“
Applejack shushed her immediately, “Please do not finish that sentence.”
*
Chrysalis was sitting in her lair when the captain delivered the bad news on Discord. She smashed her desk in half with her fists.