“Pinkie Pie is going to meet us at my house, Sunny, um, if that’s OK with you. She’s said that her Pinkie Sense warned her that the roof at Sugarcube Corner is going to leak tonight,” said Fluttershy, glancing at the incoming text on her phone and handing it to Sunset Shimmer so she could concentrate on her driving.
“It’s pretty nasty out there. I don’t blame her,” added Aria Blaze from the back seat. Raising a suspicious purple eyebrow, she added, “What’s this ‘Pinkie Sense’?”
Sunset Shimmer interrupted before Fluttershy could answer. Holding up a calming hand, she said sympathetically, “Aria, I have learned to just accept certain things on faith. Here’s what I can tell you about Pinkie that you just need to get over before you hurt your brain. Believe me, I know.” Sunset began counting on her golden-tinted fingers. “First, she can eat a mountain of sweets every day and never gain a pound. Second, she can defy the laws of physics and anatomy pretty much at will. And, third, this Pinkie Sense of hers allows her to sense future danger and figure out magical stuff.”
“She seems fun and full of energy, but I didn’t have her pegged as someone who has the mind for magic,” replied Aria skeptically.
Fluttershy glanced behind her right shoulder, adding, “Oh, you’d be surprised, Aria! She and Sunny were the first ones to figure out that you, Adagio and Sonata were very different from the other girls at school. Um, no offense.”
Aria grumbled, “None taken.” With a roll of her eyes, she turned to the former unicorn and added, “Sunset Shimmer, I’m starting to realize what a pain in the flank it is to have a past.”
“My past seems to have collided with my present, thanks to Adagio. But, it will be good to talk to Pinkie Pie. I’m worried to tell her about how Adagio has me over a barrel because of the things I’ve done, but I hope she’ll understand or at least forgive me. To be honest, I’m scared about how Applejack and especially Rarity will react,” she said, reaching into her jacket to touch the note and photographs that the Siren leader had left in the ransacked apartment. As she did, the metal cigar box holding the shards of Aria Blaze’s Siren pendant rattled in the jacket’s other pocket. Sunset Shimmer smiled weakly and hopefully at both Fluttershy and Aria.
Fluttershy made a turn down a long driveway, and said, “I think what we saw at the aquarium makes it even more important that we all stay strong as friends. I’ll help you tell the others if I can.”
“Thanks, Fluttershy, for everything,” replied Sunset Shimmer, “I know this has been a lot for you to deal with today.”
Sunset Shimmer didn’t come to Fluttershy’s house frequently, but she was always impressed at how comfortable and cozy the cottage was. For a girl that often preferred the company of animals to people, Fluttershy’s dwelling was unusually inviting. Built around a towering oak tree, the cottage’s open floorplan allowed animals of all shapes and sizes to roam freely. Most of the back wall was actually the tree’s trunk. Two of the three doors inside Fluttershy’s home were in the loft, which led to the bedroom and bathroom. The final door led to a basement well-stocked with provisions for both people and animals, and doubled as the examination room for veterinary care.
Near the kitchen sat a wood-burning stove, its chimney carefully routed away from the boughs of the tree. Sunset Shimmer had spent several winter afternoons with Rainbow Dash improving the roof, making sure that wind, water and uninvited animal guests didn’t sneak down the tree trunk into the cottage. The great room held numerous cages, perches and boxes, yet didn’t feel cluttered.
Fluttershy opened the front door and announced, “I’m hoooooome!” She was immediately hugged, chirped at, brushed against and affectionately greeted by a collection of animals ranging from an-out-of-place toucan to a furry marmot. Angel Bunny, Fluttershy’s favorite animal, was lounging in his open cage near the wood-burning stove, and apparently annoyed. His pink eyes shrewdly appraised Aria Blaze and Sunset Shimmer while his snow-white fur twitched in aggravation. Since the belongings they carried indicated a long stay, he sniffed and turned his back on the three humans, settling into a corner of his cage.
The source of Angel’s aggravation zoomed forward, embracing Aria with such force that she couldn’t keep her footing with the heavy rucksack on her back.
“You made it!!!” shrieked Pinkie Pie as the two girls toppled to the ground. “And, Fluttershy told me that I get to throw a You’re Not Evil Anymore Party for you, too!” Her blue eyes twinkled with excitement less than an inch from Aria’s purple irises.
Swatting the poofy pink curls out of her face, Aria frowned and slipped out of the rucksack’s shoulder straps. She clenched her teeth and looked up at Sunset Shimmer and Fluttershy, her wide-eyed expression imploring them to say something, anything.
The former unicorn ran a hand through her red-and-gold hair and chuckled. “You’re on your own, Aria. Pinkie’s sort of a force of nature when it comes to these things.”
Pinkie Pie had barely breathed since colliding with Aria. She was unusually still, waiting for instructions from the imminent party’s guest of honor. With a flourish of exasperation, Aria requested, “Could I please get a cup of coffee?”
“Of course!” shouted Pinkie Pie, scattering Aria, animals and the contents of the cupboards in her efforts to please the Siren. She continued spewing forth an impossibly rapid torrent of words. “So do you want cream and sugar, or the Las Pegasus blend, or whipped cream, or ice cream, or cinnamon, or chocolate covered marshmallows…”
As Pinkie Pie systematically demolished the kitchen, Fluttershy helped Aria to her feet. She announced to the assembled menagerie, “Alright everyone, we have a bit of an emergency to take care of. All three of my friends are going to be staying here. That means that there won’t be room for all of you inside the house.”
Fluttershy cupped a hand to her ear, hearing the animals chitter, groan and growl. Aria watched in amazement as the shy girl intuitively understood the message and replied in a calm, courteous tone. Sunset, with a bemused smile, stepped outside to retrieve more of her belongings.
She continued patiently, “Yes, I understand that it’s going to storm later, but that’s why Rainbow Dash helped me build all the houses up in the tree and outside on the ground. Please understand that we don’t have nice, soft fur like you do or feathers to keep the water off of us.”
The animals grudgingly left the cottage’s great room, giving the friends more room to get comfortable. Angel Bunny refused to move an inch towards the door, and doubled down on his sullen behavior by letting loose a stinky blast of rabbit flatulence in protest.
Aria, still bewildered by Fluttershy’s talents with the animals and possibly concussed from Pinkie Pie’s greeting, set her rucksack next to a sofa and took a seat. She tiredly sank into the cushions at the same moment Pinkie Pie dashed from the kitchen with a towering, steaming mug of coffee.
“Since you never answered me, I had you figured for a cream-and-sugar girl! But, don’t forget my own personal, special ingredient,” Pinkie Pie handed the mug to Aria, while winking an expressive blue eye.
The purple-haired Siren noticed about a dozen pink, heart-shaped marshmallows floating in the badly needed dose of caffeine. She cautiously took a sip.
Her dour face lit up with a bright smile. “Mmmm, strawberries!” exclaimed Aria Blaze.
“See! Told you! But go easy on those marshmallows. I can’t be held responsible for what might happen. I haven’t been allowed back into the Pint Noir since the accident,” Pinkie warned mysteriously.
Sunset Shimmer returned with the rest of her belongings and asked Fluttershy, “Would you mind if I put my jewelry kit downstairs? Your exam room would make a great spot to work tonight.”
“Please do, Sunny! There are no sick animals right now, so you can feel free to spread out. I just want you to be comfortable,” Fluttershy replied, settling in with the cup of hot cocoa she had been craving all day and spreading a thick afghan over her legs. The wind whistled through the branches of the oak above them.
Sunset Shimmer took her time in the basement. She set her bags on the examination table that dominated the room. It was the first time Sunset had been by herself all day, and the stress of Adagio’s theft, the cruel note, bitter reminders of her ruthless past and the terror of the aquarium caught up to her at last. The former unicorn sank to the floor in a corner of the exam room and let loose her anger, sadness, guilt and fears in a flood of tears that lasted for several minutes and then suddenly stopped.
“Some tough girl I am,” she said to the empty room and began unpacking her belongings. As she reached the bottom of the green canvas seabag that contained her jeweler’s kit, Sunset Shimmer discovered her Equestrian journal. As she pulled it from the bag, the tome briefly glowed red and buzzed faintly.
“Twilight sent me another message!” Sunset cried excitedly. She laid the book atop the carefully organized box that held the tools, wax, clay, precious metals and gemstones that would soon be put to use and read:
Dear Sunset Shimmer,
All of us here at the castle are pitching in to make sure that you have the knowledge, tools and items you most need to help you succeed. I regret that I didn’t explain myself as well as I should have in my previous message. Princess Luna gave me an awful lot to think about, and what she said to me is still weighing on my mind. But, you don’t need to concern yourself with that right now.
First, my friends and the castle staff (and yes, that feels very strange for me to write, let alone see it in action) have leapt into action to help you against this threat. Princess Luna has told me much about He-Who-Swims-in-Darkness, and you must prevent Adagio from waking him. Vulcan Anvil sent his greetings from the Arcane Forge in Canterlot and was overjoyed to learn you would be taking up your craft again.
We have gathered quite an inventory for you. And, between us, I’m proud of myself for taking this on and being able to help you see it through. Even a week ago, I wouldn’t have been as comfortable making these sorts of requests of the other Princesses. One small ingot of star iron from the Crystal Empire costs over 200,000 bits, so Cadance and my brother just gave me millions of bits simply because I needed them to help you. Oh, the Aquastrian books from King Leo are priceless and irreplaceable, so I beg you to return them to Equestria after you defeat Adagio and Leviathan.
You must win this fight and stop He-Who-Swims-in-Darkness. Don’t let my worry and excitement get in the way of that simple fact. Forge your magical focus and use the spell components I’m sending you.
Sunset Shimmer could see Twilight Sparkle’s friendly, confident face in her mind’s eye. She said aloud, “I’m glad she’s a bit uncomfortable giving orders. It just wouldn’t be Twilight otherwise, but someone other than me should tell her that she does it awfully well.”
I would be a very poor friend if I didn’t tell you more about the individual that I’m sending your way, which I failed to do earlier.
“Here it comes,” mumbled Sunset Shimmer, cupping her chin in her hands and resting her elbows on the table.
His name is Discord. Yes, it’s that Discord. The same one that Celestia and Luna defeated using the Elements of Harmony before they were crowned. Let me tell you about my long, rocky history with the Spirit of Chaos. It’ll take my mind off the fact that there are about a hundred ponies doing work and completing checklists that I’m used to doing myself.
So, on a Ponyville school field trip to Canterlot…
Twilight gave Sunset Shimmer a factual account of Discord’s initial villainy, re-imprisonment courtesy of the Elements of Harmony, budding friendship with Fluttershy, general inaction during the Plunder Vines incident (which he caused), ruining a rare opportunity to spend time with Cadance, his betrayal of Equestria to Tirek, and finally, his apparent remorse and presumed passion for atonement.
As she read the last few paragraphs, Sunset Shimmer gasped and said to herself, “That’s why you had such an awful nightmare about this Tirek.” She continued reading.
Discord is older than Celestia, so he has unrivaled knowledge. He’s created magical items and magical creatures before with his magic, so I know he has the expertise you need even if his abilities are reduced at CHS. The problem you’ll have is getting that knowledge out of him. Fluttershy is convinced he’ll be helpful, and I sense that’s the way he feels right now. Perhaps the Fluttershy on your side of the mirror will have similar success. But, the past few months have taught me that the only thing predictable about Discord is his unpredictability.
He’ll need a way into Canterlot High, since there’s no way he’ll be able to pass as a parent. Use this:
Sunset Shimmer removed an elaborate letter of introduction to Principal Celestia from the thick journal. The letter, obviously written for maximum academic density by Twilight Sparkle, cited Discord’s impeccable talents in the discipline of theoretical mathematics, particularly in something called “Chaos Theory.” It also praised his ability to entertain young students with his unorthodox teaching methods. The sections describing his work history and accolades were completely and shamelessly manufactured. The letter was signed with a lavender wax seal sporting a familiar six pointed star and ribbons with the same colors as Twilight’s mane.
Good luck, and please write if I can help. Once Discord comes through the portal, I won’t be opening it again until you defeat this threat. It’s just too dangerous. Remember, I will open the portal at dawn.
Yours in friendship,
Twilight Sparkle
“Helllloooooo?” called Pinkie Pie from the top of the stairs. “It’s been awfully quiet down there. Are you alright, Sunset Shimmer?”
Closing her book and safeguarding Discord’s recommendation letter, Sunset answered, “I’m better now, Pinkie Pie, but I’m glad you checked on me. How is everyone upstairs?”
“They’re fine, but Angel didn’t like Aria sitting on his couch, so he bit her finger. Fluttershy’s not sure which of them to apologize to, so I figured it was a good time to come down here and check on you!” said Pinkie Pie enthusiastically, bouncing down the stairs.
No time like the present, Shimmer. Better get this over with, thought the former unicorn, standing up straight and facing the other girl.
Sunset Shimmer took a step towards Pinkie Pie and gravely looked her in the eyes. She cautiously asked, “Pinkie, can I talk to you about something very serious? It’s about before I became friends with you.”
The curly-haired dynamo raised an eyebrow and answered, “Yeah, why?”
The former unicorn nervously ran a hand through her hair and reached into her jacket’s pocket. She set the shards of Aria’s amulet on the table, and then reached into the other pocket. “You’re not making this any easier. I was pretty awful until after the Fall Formal.”
“Why don’t you just show me so we can have another I’m Sorry I Turned into a Demon Party?” asked the irrepressible Pinkie Pie, boldly reaching into the pocket of Sunset Shimmer’s jacket.
“Careful with those!” cried Sunset.
Pinkie Pie took the documents and read Adagio’s note first. She couldn’t contain herself. Pinkie shook with anger, shouting her commentary, “That big meanie! Taking your stuff? And what’s this about a throne room? Did Adagio drop a deuce in your toilet? Go home? This is Sunset Shimmer’s home now!!!”
Sunset Shimmer wisely stayed silent as Pinkie Pie looked at the two pictures closely. She looked at one, then the other. Pinkie looked at both at the same time, her eyebrows bouncing up and down. After two or three minutes of this, she puckered her lips and raised a single finger into the air.
“Meh. No big deal,” declared Pinkie Pie, shrugging her shoulders.
“What???” cried Sunset Shimmer in disbelief.
After another long silent moment, this one punctuated by Pinkie Pie nervously shifting her weight from one foot to the other, she finally answered, “Well, Rarity’s dad is sort of hot.”
Sunset Shimmer nearly fainted.
Pinkie followed up with a revelation haymaker that forced Sunset Shimmer to hold on to the exam table to keep from falling over. She said, “And, I’ve put some ‘extra ingredients’ into my baking from time to time!”
“You’re not mad? I sold powdered Equestrian flowers to a bunch of gangsters. I kissed and blackmailed a married man who just happens to be one of my best friends’ fathers! I’m a terrible pony!” Sunset’s worried voice shook.
“Calm down, Sunset Shimmer, calm down. Take this; it’s an emergency.” Pinkie Pie produced a chocolate bar from somewhere in her poofy pink curls, split it in half and shared it with Sunset Shimmer. They both took a bite and smiled at one another.
Pinkie continued, pleasantly but seriously, “You were a bad pony, but now you’re a good person. I don’t give a dirty jelly bean for what you did before I met you. Well, I’m still a little mad about you trashing my decorations at the Fall Formal, but you made up for that by what you did for us at the Battle of the Bands and what you’re doing now to help Sonata and Aria. I might feel different if it were Mr. Carrot Cake or,” Pinkie giggled and rolled her eyes, “my dad, but Mr. Hondo is a big boy, and it doesn’t look like you were forcing him to do anything he didn’t want to do.”
“But what about AJ, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity?” asked Sunset between bites.
Pinkie Pie waved her hands dismissively and casually answered, “Oh, please. Rarity’s going to be pissed off, but you – especially you – can talk her out of her drama. You just have to spin it right with the other two!” Pinkie twirled in a tight pirouette, pink hair flying in every direction.
Sunset Shimmer hugged Pinkie Pie for a long time, the chocolate bar slowly melting in her hand. She finally said, “Thank you, Pinkie, but there’s more.”
Pinkie Pie’s right leg twitched, and her left eye started winking rapidly. Pinkie looked as if she had been struck by a bolt of lightning, then took a deep breath and then began her explanation at breakneck speed. “Adagio has a master that’s even bigger, badder and ickier than she could ever be. Oooh, and whatever it is has super bad magic. We have to stop Crazy Cheetos Curls, and it’s going to be tough because she has all your secret stuff. And, we’re also worried there’s some creepy skeleton or something helping Adagio. So, Twilight’s sending you a wacky knight to help you make something in the morning!!!”
“Wow, that’s actually pretty close, Pinkie!” said an amazed Sunset Shimmer, her jaw hanging open. “Can you help me with the molds tonight? It’s not much different than making custom baked goods because you have to make it just right.”
“I’ll do my very best to help you! Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye!!!” Pinkie Pie squealed while pantomiming her most solemn promise.
“That’s settled, then! Let’s go upstairs, and I’ll start with a sketch of what I’ve been thinking of making to strengthen my magic,” said Sunset Shimmer.
The four young women spent the next hour quietly for the most part. Fluttershy and Aria sat on the couch together, quietly comparing Fluttershy’s move to Canterlot from Cloudsdale to Aria’s trans-oceanic move from Trottingham to Baltimare. Coming out of her shell, Fluttershy also regaled Aria with tales of the occasions she had looked after Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Apple Bloom at the cottage. Pinkie Pie was unusually silent and kept herself entertained by continually refilling Aria’s coffee mug, playing with Angel Bunny, cleaning up the mess she had made and closely watching Sunset Shimmer’s design take shape.
Sunset Shimmer was in a world of her own as she used a variety of pencils on a large pad. Before beginning, she had gathered her gold-and-red hair into a ponytail. Her head bowed with concentration, the greenish-blue eyes barely flickered away from the pad, even when she switched between gross and fine pencils. With one passionate stroke after another, memories flickered through her head:
Welcome to Princess Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, Sunset Shimmer!
You have a very special talent for magic, Sunset Shimmer. I want you to join me for some very special classes.
A four-pointed star in the shape of a cross took shape behind a circle about four inches across. A sinuous line split the circle horizontally in the fashion of Sunset Shimmer’s cutie mark. She sketched the dark upper half of the circle boldly, angrily, with a furrowed brow. Sunset pressed on despite the painful memories:
That knowledge is dangerous, Sunset Shimmer!
This is your final warning, or you must leave my school!
How about a hundred thousand dollars for that dope? Um, I mean those flowers?
I’ve never met a girl as beautiful as you, Sunset Shimmer.
Fine! I’ll pay!
Stop! Thief!
The crown may be upon your head, Sunset Shimmer, but you cannot wield it, because you do not possess the most powerful magic of all: the Magic of Friendship!
Sunset Shimmer finished the dark, tear-shaped semicircle with tears in her own eyes. She began delicately shading the lower, white semicircle, the one that would be closest to her heart, as fond memories came forth from deep inside her:
My dear, can I lend a hand with those bricks?
I hope you have an awesome holiday!
But the important thing is that you've turned yourself around.
The pencil strokes became more precise, and Sunset Shimmer sat taller in Fluttershy’s chair.
Sunset Shimmer, we need you!
I want you to have these. It’s the best promise that I can make to stay out of trouble while you are helping me.
Thank you for saving my life.
…we love you for who you are, and forgive you for who you were…
The last memory came from numerous voices welling up from Sunset Shimmer’s soul, and she finished with a flourish. She broke her gaze from the paper and found all three of her friends clustered around the chair.
“Oh, my, Sunny! Look what happened!” Fluttershy exclaimed, pointing at Sunset Shimmer’s head.
She touched her head and found fuzzy pony ears, then felt that her lustrous red-and-gold hair had increased in length and coiled behind her in the chair. “Celestia! What caused this?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
Aria folded her arms across her chest and said, “I could feel the magic from across the room. You were concentrating so hard we didn’t dare disturb you.”
“What is it?” Pinkie Pie asked, leaping into the air and placing her head next to Sunset’s, peering at the sketch pad.
Looking at Fluttershy, Aria Blaze and Pinkie Pie in turn, Sunset Shimmer felt the magic recede. Her pony ears and magically-lengthened hair winked out of existence. Putting her index finger on the drawing, she said, “This is what will focus my magic and help us stop Adagio. It’s a necklace, and you’re going to help me make it.”
Aria Blaze walked around the chair and leaned forward. Her long purple-and-teal pigtails fell across the pad and tickled Sunset Shimmer’s fingers. She peered intensely into the former unicorn’s eyes.
“That’s not all you’re going to make, and Adagio is certainly not the only one you’re going to stop. Come outside with me,” ordered Aria, her purple eyes ablaze with impatience.
Sunset Shimmer stood, and the two young women walked to the door. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, mouths open, watched them walk out the door into the dusk. The door clicked shut behind them, and the wind buffeted the house.
Outside, Aria walked around to the large side yard, which held several storage sheds, a chicken coop and still more homes for wayward animals. Sunset followed her, shielding her face from the gusty wind. Thunder rumbled in the distance.
“I’m tired of sitting in that house waiting for you to get to work!” Aria shouted over the wind, opening a shed and rummaging inside. “Don’t you understand the danger?”
Sunset Shimmer narrowed her eyes and clenched her fists and yelled back, “I only have one shot at this. I have to get it right!”
Throwing two baseball bats on the ground and slipping a heavy metal collar over the barrel of each, Aria retorted, “You’re damned right you only have one chance! You said you can make me a club or a mace. You’d better get started. We’re running out of time!”
“But, Twilight is sending help!” Sunset replied, taking a step back.
Lightning flashed and thunder boomed in the distance. Aria threw back her head and laughed at the gathering storm. A wide-armed gesture took in the weather as the Siren raged. “You think that this is an accident? We learn that Adagio is in league with death magic, and you cry and draw while the storm builds? This weather is a warning!” Aria Blaze kicked one of the weighted bats toward Sunset Shimmer.
As fat raindrops began to fall, Sunset Shimmer picked up the weapon and brought it up in a defensive posture. Her green-blue eyes shone with anger. “I’m trying to save us with my magic!”
“I believe in Lady Luna’s words to me. The sword she carried in my dream revealed her to me as a warrior. She told me to trust you. So, use your talents! Give me the tool I need to defend myself, you and your friends! Dance with me and let me show you what I can do.” Aria Blaze bent down and picked up her bat, taking a couple of practice swings with the heavy blunt instrument and adjusting the metal collar.
Sunset Shimmer cried, “This is crazy! It’s only been twelve hours since you woke up!”
“I won’t have the first week of my new life be my last! Now, dance!” Aria advanced on Sunset Shimmer, heavy bat at the ready.
Dancing was the proper way to describe the way that Aria moved through the cloudburst. Aria’s exploratory swings forced Sunset Shimmer to leap sideways. The former unicorn marveled at the Siren’s dexterity and the violet intensity of her angry eyes. Sunset took a clumsy swing at Aria as she went by, leaving herself dangerously open. Aria rebuked her opponent with a blow to her ribs.
She could have broken about five ribs, Sunset thought, watching Aria twirl the makeshift mace with a flourish. But, she didn’t. Aria held back. Awareness suddenly ignited in her mind. Rainbow Dash and Applejack do this! She’s just blowing off steam. I hope.
Sunset, grunting from the strain, parried a couple of Aria’s attacks. She jabbed with her bat, hoping to find any kind of opening in the Siren’s defense, but Aria nimbly swatted away the tentative attacks. Sunset Shimmer gripped the makeshift mace with both hands and swung hard with an overhand blow. Aria caught the full force of the strike on her own weapon, left hand cupping the end of the bat. Briefly dropping to one knee, she then extended her arms and forcefully hurled Sunset Shimmer backwards. Aria then regained her footing and boldly strode forward.
“How did you do that? That swing was everything I had, and you shrugged it off!” cried Sunset Shimmer, rubbing a bruised tricep as the cold rain continued to pour from the darkening sky.
Not answering, Aria Blaze waited until Sunset Shimmer was in a fully defensive posture, and then leapt at the former unicorn. “Leviathan will never touch me again!” she screamed.
Celestia, she’s strong, Sunset thought as she tumbled into the mud near Fluttershy’s chicken coop. Aria never lost her footing, and advanced on her prone opponent.
Sunset Shimmer, from her filthy vantage point, beheld a figure straight out of mythology. In her fury, Aria Blaze had the lethal grace of a tigress with her long purple-and-teal pigtails fanning out sideways like twin banners. The lightning illuminated her athletic figure, and the gathering darkness caused her purple eyes to glow as they had in the aquarium.
Aria raised the mace, her face twisted with rage. Thunder boomed. She howled, “GET TO WORK!” and brought the bat down with a powerful, two-handed blow, aimed several inches to the right of Sunset Shimmer’s head.
The metal collar around the bat accidentally struck one of the small chains that acted as extra structural support for the chicken coop. Sparks flew, and the chain explosively parted, halting the combat. Aria looked at the bat, then the chain and then down at a filthy, soaked Sunset Shimmer. The cloudburst subsided for a moment, becoming a steady rain. The howling gale diminished to a breeze.
Aria Blaze tilted her head back and laughed with joy, tears spilling down her face. She tossed the makeshift weapon aside and joined Sunset Shimmer in the muck, lifting her up and enfolding her in a crushing hug.
“Sunset, I’m so sorry to do that to you, but I couldn’t sit in that comfy cottage any longer and worry that you had forgotten about me or the dangers we face. I had to prove to myself you would still help me. Even more, I needed to dance in my own way and show you how good I am at it. I haven’t done that in years!” said Aria as the rain poured down around them. Her eyes wide with zeal, she gripped both of Sunset Shimmer’s shoulders. “But, Lady Luna smiles upon us. I now know what you must make, and I even know its name.”
A soaked Sunset Shimmer groaned and rubbed her ribs. “Aria, you’re amazing, but can we please go back inside and continue this conversation where it’s warm? And, please tell me that this isn’t the way you treat all your new friends.”
Her face tranquil once more, Aria Blaze looked at the ground and blushed. She replied, “I’m not really used to new friends, but I don’t think I’d try this with Fluttershy. Maybe the guitar player with the crazy hair would give it a shot! Let’s get out of the rain, Sunset Shimmer. I suddenly think that this storm of warning may pass after all.”
Despite the thunder and lightning, the two young women returned to the cottage laughing with one another. The forgotten bat lay on the ground atop the broken chain.
-----
Following two hot showers, a lengthy explanation to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy along with copious amounts of hot beverages, Sunset Shimmer and Aria Blaze sat on the floor next to the couch, their feet beneath a fine wooden coffee table. Their heads were close together in conversation as they worked on a second sketch. In the kitchen, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy prepared a delicious, hearty stew. The storm resumed outside, but inside, the glow of the wood-burning stove warmed the sturdy cottage.
Aria, clothed in a borrowed terrycloth bathrobe and clutching yet another mug of coffee, excitedly waved Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy over to the table.
Sunset Shimmer confidently set her pencils down. With a smile that illuminated her green-blue eyes, she said, “Girls, I think we’ve got it. I’m pretty sure I can make this with some help from Equestria.”
A drawing of a simple mace sat on the coffee table. This newest sketch lay next to the diagram of the necklace. The weapon’s head was drawn to scale and was about seven inches long. Two curved raised ridges, mimicking waves upon the ocean, adorned its top and bottom. Encircling the center of the mace’s head was an intricate design. Chain links circumscribed the weapon, but each link was broken in some way. In the center of the design, Aria had drawn her sigil, a five-pointed star superimposed upon twin lightning bolts that violently shattered the surrounding chain links.
Aria named the weapon. She pointed at the sketch, simply stating, “Chainbreaker.”
Pinkie Pie raised her eyebrows. “Huh?” she asked.
Aria Blaze silently arched a purple eyebrow and elbowed Sunset Shimmer in the ribs, wrinkling her insulated coveralls.
“Fine, Aria. The Sirens’ Master used slavery as a tool to dominate the world Aria was exiled from a thousand years ago. Think about it; all the magic they used during the Battle of the Bands was intended to bring us all under their control. If I make this weapon properly, it will be a powerful force for positive magic and protect its wielder somewhat from dark magic,” explained Sunset Shimmer.
“Well, I’m sorry to interrupt, because you’ve all been so terribly busy, but dinner is ready. I hope you’re not mad that it’s a little late,” said Fluttershy with a nervous smile.
Sunset Shimmer stood and stretched. She said, “Well, we were a little occupied. Thank you, Fluttershy. Okay, everybody, let’s eat! We can decide who wants to work with wax and who wants to work with clay over dinner. I might not get both molds done tonight, but at least we’ll make a good start.”
The four girls joined one another at the table near the wood burning stove. Their smiles and laughter overcame the day’s awful revelations and kept the wind, rain, thunder and lightning outside at bay.
-----
The evening slipped into night. Fluttershy washed the dishes while Aria Blaze dried them and put them away. In the basement, Pinkie Pie assisted Sunset Shimmer with the mold that would become Chainbreaker. Sunset insisted it be finished first, since the clay would require lots of time in the kiln in the CHS art rooms to be ready. Fluttershy jumped as a loud thump, followed by a series of smaller ones, came from the examination room. A flushed Sunset Shimmer, with the sleeves of her coveralls rolled up and hair in disarray, burst into the great room.
Panicked, Sunset asked, “Aria, where’s my phone? I forgot to tell everyone about the help that Twilight is sending!”
“You probably left it in Fluttershy’s room with the clothes I helped you ruin,” answered Aria. Flicking her pigtails in front of her bathrobe-clad shoulders she gave Sunset a wry smile and added, “No offense.”
Emotions battled on Sunset Shimmer’s face. Fluttershy covered her mouth with both hands, her teal eyes wide in shock. Amusement won over rage, and Sunset pointed at Aria and said with a smile, “Good one. None taken, this time! But, you’d better have my jacket ready to wear again by morning!”
Sunset Shimmer’s golden-tinted fingers tapped out a short text message to Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash:
Twilight is sending help. We have bigger problems. Be at the statue in front of the school at dawn tomorrow. RD, sunrise is 6:24 and doesn’t have a snooze button. Don’t be late. I’m at F’s with PP and Aria. Make sure Sonata’s all right. Stay safe and dry.
-----
At Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow Dash was already snoring loudly in Applejack’s room. The chaos of the unexpected arrival had already been forgiven.
In the living room with the fire burning low, Sonata Dusk had put on headphones to block out the noises from both inside and outside the house. She had selected the Beethoven recording that had been enclosed with the book borrowed from Cheerilee’s library, and now drowsed peacefully.
Applejack, unable to sleep, was seated in the dark kitchen, drinking a glass of warm milk and letting the light from her cell phone illuminate the same photo album that Apple Bloom had shown Sonata Dusk earlier that evening. She sadly smiled at each page, occasionally saluting a picture with the glass before taking a sip. Suddenly, her phone buzzed, receiving the text message from Sunset Shimmer. A roll of thunder from outside rattled the windows. Frowning, she closed the photo album and set the cell phone’s alarm clock. Applejack downed the rest of the milk in one gulp and set the empty glass in the sink.
Carefully tiptoeing past Sonata, Applejack doused the fire and put the photo album back on the shelf. The farmgirl then meticulously checked every room in the house and accounted for every Apple and guest before she stepped over the sleeping bag holding Rainbow Dash’s unconscious but noisy form.
Climbing on to her bed, she kneeled on the mattress and then drew back the curtain. Though the rain still came down, and the lighting periodically illuminated the sky, the view from her bedroom window provided an unobstructed view of the western sky. A break in the clouds showed glittering stars. Applejack carefully placed her hat on the bedpost and gazed into the night.
Applejack opened the window, letting the cool, damp air into her bedroom. “Ma, Pa,” she whispered, “I’m scared and I miss you. These last few days have been filled with all sorts of unnatural things, like a nightmare come to life. But something tells me the worst is yet to come. This fall was different. Then, I didn’t know a lick about magic or demons or unicorns.”
Applejack clasped her hands and continued her soft conversation with the night. “Now, I just worry that something dark is sneaking up on us and has picked this time to do its worst. I wish you could just hug me like you did when I was little and make the nightmares go away. I need to be strong for Apple Bloom, for Big Macintosh, and for my friends. I think Sunset Shimmer turned herself around for good now, but can I ever really be sure?”
The break in the clouds passed briefly over the moon at the same time that Rainbow Dash gave an especially explosive snore. Applejack looked towards her friend in annoyance. Pale white radiance reflected the raindrops, causing dark shadows to dance playfully across the room. Applejack turned back to the window to resume her one-sided conversation with her parents.
As she rotated back to the open window, she whispered a soft, reverent obscenity.
Balanced perfectly on the bed’s headboard was an enormous bluish-gray feather. Applejack lifted the mysterious object and brought the vane up to her nose, shutting the window with her other hand. The feather smelled like a distant memory, powerful and pure, washed clean by the rain. Applejack immediately fell into a deep sleep and dreamt of happy days past and of a bright future she hoped would come to pass.
----
At the Carousel Boutique, Rarity’s red spectacles were perched on the tip of her nose while she worked late into the night. Sweetie Belle was fast asleep upstairs and had been for a couple of hours. The storm still raged outside, but the store and its attached apartments barely felt its effects, aside from the dazzling lightning flashes that illuminated the darkened storefront. Rarity was nearly done repairing the damage to the gown that Sunset Shimmer had worn the previous night. Unfortunately, to fix the garment properly required restitching several areas by hand, which was difficult and time consuming.
Flexing her aching white fingers, Rarity thought, Of course I was correct to tell Sunset Shimmer that the dress could be mended more easily than a person, but I had forgotten just how tough “easier” can be. Her lower lip extended in a dramatic pout while she finished her thought. She did look absolutely divine in it. I hope she wears it again soon.
Atop a stack of unopened mail, a sparkling purple phone beeped loudly.
“Who could that be at this hour?” Rarity asked, walking to the sales counter and read Sunset Shimmer’s group text.
“I’ll certainly stay indoors where it’s safe and dry, my dear, but if this keeps up, tomorrow’s fashion may require a trenchcoat and rubber boots,” she said to herself, affectionately cupping the phone.
Rarity began opening the mail. The last item was a large envelope with only her name on it. She pulled out a photograph with a paper clipped note that obscured the individuals pictured. Rarity read:
Do you know who your friends truly are? Do you know why your parents suddenly needed a loan from you last year?
Rarity removed the note and looked at the months-old photograph of a cruel, provocatively-dressed Sunset Shimmer passionately kissing her father. The fashion designer’s blue eyes widened and her lips trembled. Still in disbelief, Rarity shook her head violently, purple hair sweeping the picture in denial of what she was holding. Eyes narrowing, she decisively stuffed the picture and the note back into the envelope, then slammed the package back on the counter with the palm of her hand. Tears streamed from Rarity’s eyes and her mascara ran down her cheeks along with them, but her teeth were clenched in betrayed rage.
She stomped back to the sewing machine. Rarity carefully removed the striking black gown with the custom design from the table and placed it on a hanger. Shoving several other evening gowns aside, she placed Sunset Shimmer’s dress as far back into the closet as she could reach.
Marching upstairs to her suite, Rarity venomously growled a three word question to the night. “How could you?”
One final crash of thunder rattled the windows of the Carousel Boutique, like the last, tragic note of a symphony, as Rarity extinguished the lights with a furious flick of an alabaster finger.