//------------------------------// // Chapter Fourteen // Story: Sunset Shimmer: Element Bearer // by ConningOfficer //------------------------------// “Discord, we’re short of purifying reagents! We have to get the evil and nasty stuff out of the pendants!” cried Sunset Shimmer. Her green-blue eyes shone with a mix of determination and frustration. Still wearing a ridiculous chef’s outfit, Discord gestured to himself with the spatula he held in his right hand. “It’s not my fault I have a corrupting influence!” “It’s not your fault. I’m reading Twilight’s checklist, and she simply forgot to add it,” she replied, putting a hand to her chin. “Anything would have worked. Thestral tears would have been best, but I would have settled for some Miracle Pool water.” Discord snapped his fingers and his chef’s outfit became clerical robes. He clutched a thick black book that had the words “Friendship is Magic” written in gold on the cover. He smirked and said, “How about a more divine influence?” Sunset Shimmer pumped a fist. “Of course! I should have remembered that awful vampire movie that Rainbow Dash forced me to watch. Holy water will serve the same purpose!” “See, I knew you could pick up on a hint,” said Discord, shifting back into his chef outfit. Fluttershy’s lapel pin flew lazily around his hat. “I’ll ask the girls to go get some holy water for me at dinner. The church the Apples belong to is just down the road,” replied Sunset Shimmer with a self-satisfied grin. Discord snorted and replied, “That’s an odd thing to add to a shopping list, but if it can be obtained without a grand quest, I’ll be a happy camper.” The Spirit of Chaos returned to his task of placing vials of arcane substances on the workbenches. Suddenly, the Equestrian journal glowed brightly and buzzed insistently as it sat on the battered coffee table. Sunset wiped her hands and sat on the couch. She opened the book and found an elaborately embossed envelope along with a note from Princess Twilight Sparkle: Dear Sunset Shimmer, Do not let Discord touch the envelope or what is inside! Sorry, but I had to write that first. I know how curious he can be. I’m glad you finally learned that you were supposed to send me a message. I’m angry, but not with you. Frankly, I’m not surprised that my priorities slipped Discord’s mind. I know you’re very busy so I’ll keep this brief. The envelope contains what I think is the most powerful magical reagent available to you for creating the arcane focus you described. It’s a leaf from the Tree of Harmony, which has started to grow again for the first time in centuries. Practically, my research tells me that if you grind the Leaf into a paste and add it to the pendant shards and other gems, you’ll be able to arrange them in almost any kind of setting. Magically, I haven’t even heard of a more potent focus than the Tree of Harmony, so this will be a huge boost for you against Adagio and He Who Swims in Darkness. You won’t fail, Sunset Shimmer, and I’ve already told Celestia about the new you. She was very surprised but also very happy. Good luck. We’re all eager to learn about the finished products! Your friend, Twilight Sparkle Sunset Shimmer energetically stood and boldly strode back towards the forge. As she looked at the hearth, the left workbench held the neatly-organized ingredients necessary to forge Chainbreaker and the magical necklace. She had even completed the amulet’s wax mold. The right workbench held sundry spell components for her personal use if her spellcasting abilities were restored. Confident and hopeful, Sunset Shimmer said, “Okay, Discord. I have an important ground rule for you.” “Yes? May I help you? Perhaps I could interest you in something that will help induce magical sleep?” he asked, rattling a vial full of white sand. The Spirit of Chaos was standing on a small stepstool. He turned around and showed Sunset Shimmer that he was wearing a white apron with green stripes. Discord presently resembled a chubby grocer with wire-rimmed glasses low on his nose. He still held the chef’s spatula in his right hand. She held up the envelope and said, “You may not, under any circumstances, touch this envelope or what’s in it! Twilight Sparkle just sent it to me with very specific instructions and it’s now the key ingredient to the necklace. Do you understand?” Discord frowned. The spatula transformed into a frying pan. “I don’t like being left in the dark, my dear Baconhead. What is it?” Sunset Shimmer sighed and crossed her arms. She said, “Fine, Fangface. It’s a leaf from the Tree of Harmony.” His eyes widened in amazement. Discord turned to face her and asked, “The Tree is growing again?” “Yes. Twilight mentioned that,” answered Sunset Shimmer. She raised an eyebrow. “Why do you ask?” “The answer to that question goes under the general heading of ‘stuff you’re not ready to know about yet.’ But, you should feel particularly honored by this gift. I will not touch the envelope,” said Discord, putting his hand over the center of his chest and saluting Sunset Shimmer with the frying pan. Before they could return to work, they heard a soft knock. The smithy door swung inward and Apple Bloom stepped inside, dragging a folded cot and a rolled up sleeping bag behind her. The heavy load had knocked her bow askew, and her long red hair was in disarray. Sunset Shimmer rushed to her rescue and helped set the items on the floor next to the couch. Apple Bloom looked at the newly cluttered forge workbenches. Sunset Shimmer saw the tears collecting in the younger girl’s eyes. “I think Pa would have liked to see the forge used like this again. I just know he would have helped you,” said Apple Bloom, trying her best not to cry. Sunset Shimmer placed a hand on Apple Bloom’s shoulder. “I know. I’m honored to see his work and privileged to use his tools. Thank you for allowing me to use this special place.” She pointed at the items on the floor. “I have to ask, since you nearly hurt yourself getting down here: What’s the cot for?” Apple Bloom readjusted the large bow in her hair and replied, “Applejack said the two of you may need a nap at some point. One can sleep on the couch and the other one can crash on the cot.” “I have a bad back and I’m way older than you both. I’m sleeping on the couch,” said Discord with a smirk. Ignoring Discord, Apple Bloom continued. “Dinner’s just about ready. Follow me and you’ll be able to get it while it’s hot.” “Discord, are you all right with leaving all of these things without your supervision?” asked Sunset Shimmer. Discord placed Chainbreaker’s future handle on the center of the coffee table. The frying pan he continued to carry morphed into a tennis racket. He said, “I think that decision is now in your court.” Sunset Shimmer looked around the sturdy smithy, assessing the building’s security. Her eyes landed on a homemade steel casting of a bunch of five apples that had been bolted to the forge’s chimney. She smiled at Apple Bloom and said, “I think that everything will be just fine. Let’s go enjoy dinner together.” ----- “Wake up, Aria,” said a cheerful but concerned voice. Aria Blaze groaned as she felt a tickle on her cheeks and hot air on her nose. She opened her eyes and saw a cloud of pink curls framing two enormous blue eyes. “It’s not time for a nap, silly! The clay-baker-thing only has about a hundred more degrees to go. You need to get up,” said Pinkie Pie, who had restored about twelve inches of personal space to Aria. Aria sat up and blinked her eyes unsteadily. Pinkie immediately gave her a sip of cold coffee and watched her warily. “What happened?” asked Aria. Pinkie Pie sat down and joined the other girl on the floor. “You looked at a couple of pictures in that book and passed out. That’s what usually happens when you hand Rainbow Dash a math book, but you looked sick, not sleepy.” Aria took another sip of the coffee and set it on the floor. Her purple-hued fingers massaged her temples to clear the fog from her mind. “Passed out? I don’t think that’s ever happened before.” “You’re only human, Aria. It happens,” replied Pinkie with a sympathetic smile and a pat on the shoulder. “Human?” Aria’s voice trailed off as she remembered the pictures in the Aquastrian book. Wistfully, she asked, “Pinkie, you’re not exactly a master historian, but you’re all I’ve got. Why do you think Coral Aegis built that concert hall?” Her pink curls bounced as she shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. The best I can come up with is that I always want to remember something about everyone I meet that makes me smile. When the Aquastrians named him Chancellor or whatever, Coral Aegis must have had a beautiful but sad memory deep down to ask others to build something like that.” Aria spoke to herself. “He lived a life worth remembering and celebrating. But, he missed his twin sister and did so much in her memory.” Silently, she thought, Nata, once again, you unintentionally inspired someone important and took away their fear. “Let’s finish dinner. You’ll feel a lot better if you eat the cupcake first,” said Pinkie Pie, helping Aria to her feet. They sat at the table and ate in silence for a time. Pinkie Pie leaned forward and carefully looked Aria up and down every minute or two. When Aria finished her sandwich, Pinkie Pie tossed her a homemade lemon bar and a bag of gummi bears. Color returned to Aria’s purple-tinged cheeks and her eyes resumed their watchful focus. Aria was consumed in thought as she nibbled on the gummi bears. She finally asked, “What’s it like to be human, Pinkie?” She shook her head. “No, that’s not what I want to know. What I want to know is what it feels like to be mortal.” Pinkie Pie’s forehead creased in concentration. “Well, I guess I don’t know anything else and I take things day by day more than, say, Applejack or Rarity. I want to make as many people smile as I can. That makes life fun for me. I don’t know how many parties I’ll throw or people I will get to meet, but each day is a new adventure,” she answered, patting Aria’s hand. “I’m used to having decades of patience. What if I only have days and months instead?” asked Aria. Pinkie Pie set down her rapidly disappearing sandwich and gestured imploringly to Aria with both hands. “Listen, Aria. You could go outside tonight and get hit by a bus and it would be all over. I don’t know how much time I have left and what I think is that you’re getting used to the idea that you’re back on the clock like the rest of us mortal folks.” She nodded, finished her cup of coffee and leaned forward. “This brings back a memory from about seventy years ago. Adagio, Sonata and I participated in shows meant for soldiers. Back then, the war gave us a great opportunity to satisfy our magical hunger,” Aria blushed and the corners of her lips inched upwards, “and other appetites as well. But now, I think of them as people willing to risk their lives. Many had their lives cut short in service to others and for an ideal.” “My grandpa served in the army during the war. When I was younger, I found a drawer full of a bunch of medals and old letters. When I asked him about it, he talked about the friends he made in his unit. I sort of knew that those friends never made the trip back home, but grandpa never came right out and said it,” said Pinkie Pie. “What about the pain and not knowing what’s next?” she asked. Curiosity bloomed in her purple eyes. Pinkie skipped in a circle around the pottery lab. She stopped, faced Aria and said, “That’s why we have friends and family. ‘We’re all in it together and nobody gets out alive, so we’d better enjoy it,’ is what my grandpa always told me! Working in a mine gave him a different point of view and a great sense of humor. Aria, I’m not going to tell you what I believe, but that step after our life is over is a matter of faith, not fact.” “You overshare everything, Pinkie Pie!” Aria flashed a bemused smile. “Why don’t you want to talk about this?” She reached across the table and gave Aria’s hand a squeeze. “It’s because I’m not you, Aria. This is all way too serious for me, so I’ll stop with this: You have to choose what life, death, love and sacrifice mean for yourself. Pinkamena Diane Pie is the last person that you should trust with those sorts of choices.” She finished with a wink. “I think I get it, Pinkie. Thanks. Underneath all that frosting, there’s some real substance to you,” said Aria. She smiled gratefully and took a bite of an elaborately decorated cupcake. “Okay, I have to know. What brought this on? I mean, you’re grim an awful lot, but this is all life-and-death heavy stuff. It has to be more than just the pictures from the book,” said Pinkie narrowing her eyes. “When the others saved me at Rarity’s place, I had an experience that is tough to describe. Pinkie, I almost died, but Sunset Shimmer saved my life. More importantly, something happened in a dream that I think saved my soul. I know you understand mixing things together, right?” said Aria, speaking passionately. “You betcha!” replied Pinkie Pie. “Well, Sunset’s magic, your friends’ music and the dream all blended together to open my eyes. I’m terrified of He Who Swims in Darkness and the revenge he promised, but I will fight to the end to defeat him and all he stands for. I’m finally free to choose whom I protect.” Aria stood up. “I’ve chosen to protect Sunset Shimmer and her friends.” The pink-haired girl looked up at Aria Blaze with awe. “You’re like a knight or something, now! That’s so cool! But we need to get you some better armor.” “How about we start with making Chainbreaker? I’m more about offense than defense, Pinkie,” said Aria. “That sounds greeeeaaaaaaahhhh!” Pinkie’s answer turned into a shout as her body was rocked by tics and unnatural twitches. “Are you all right?” asked Aria. She grabbed the other girl to make sure she didn’t fall. Pinkie Pie’s crazy movements suddenly ceased. She grabbed on to Aria’s collar and said, “Call Adagio now! My Pinkie Sense just went off and I’ve never had a doozie like this before.” “What should I say?” she asked. Pinkie desperately answered, “Anything! Just start talking to her right now!” She hastily grabbed her oversized gym bag and darted into the adjoining room to check the kiln’s temperature. Aria fumbled with the phone and dialed. The fear that a suddenly terrified Pinkie Pie had placed in her mind caught up to her body after the second ring. Aria’s heart pounded. With great effort, she painstakingly controlled her breathing so she would sound normal to Adagio. “Hello, Aria?” said Adagio Dazzle. Her rich voice dripped like thick honey. Aria had almost forgotten just how Adagio’s voice was simultaneously commanding and seductive. She answered, “Yes, Adagio, it’s me.” Adagio asked, “Where in Aquastria have you been? I haven’t heard a peep from you in three days! Are you all right?” Aria thought, Did I just hear a note of concern? Still, you have to play this correctly. Aloud, she answered, “It’s complicated, Adagio. I got hurt while I was following that sneaky little girl from the farm. But, I healed very quickly with some help.” “I hope you’re ready for action. I need you to find Sonata so you both can come back to me. I’ve found another way for us to return to Aquastria at last!” Pinkie Pie tiptoed out of the small room with the kiln. Silently, she pointed to her watch and then held up all ten fingers followed by three fingers. Thirteen minutes, eh? Good, we need to get out of here, thought Aria. Into her phone, she said, “I’ve found Sonata. She’s with the Rainbooms and what’s more, I’ve infiltrated them! Unfortunately, to gain Sunset Shimmer’s trust, I had to show her our hideout at the aquarium.” “That’s of no consequence. We have no need to go back to that dreary place. You’ve returned to form, Aria Blaze. I’m happy that I don’t need to worry about you going off the rails like Sonata did. So, let me tell you a little of my plan,” said Adagio Dazzle. Aria winked at Pinkie Pie, who then disappeared from sight again. Aria continued her deception. In a cruel, mocking tone of voice she said, “I hope this plan takes a few obvious problems into account. In case you haven’t noticed, our connection to the Master has been lost along with our heart-pendants. And, as expected, Sonata’s all buddy-buddy with the Rainbooms.” Adagio’s throaty laugh raised goosebumps on Aria’s purple tinted skin. She said, “Before my current difficulties, I seized Sunset Shimmer’s most treasured secrets from her apartment! She was a very naughty girl before that fledgling Equestrian princess appeared. I slipped a poisonous package into Rarity’s mailbox. By now, you should start to see fractures in the Rainbooms’ friendship.” “Yeah, Baconhair and the Drama Queen had a huge dustup this morning. Rarity ran away in tears and hasn’t been seen at school since,” said Aria, giving a performance worthy of Sonata Dusk’s acting skills. “Excellent! With luck, they will split into two camps, which will enable you to bring Sonata to me. Within the next few days, I will tell you when and where to meet me,” said Adagio, speaking with true confidence instead of her earlier bluster. “So where are you, Adagio? Your text said you needed help and none of your stuff was at the aquarium,” inquired Aria. Adagio Dazzle paused. She finally replied, “The Rainbooms aren’t our only rivals in this world. I received an offer of help from Ms. Raven, who maintains an identity as a teacher at the high school. I am a guest at her dwelling, but am restricted in my movements. Raven is actually a powerful undead creature who was also banished here by Starswirl the Bearded. I plan to use this banshee’s knowledge to restore my connection to He Who Swims in Darkness, breach the barrier between worlds and then betray Raven.” “How exactly do you plan to do that, Adagio?” asked Aria, suppressing her terror and infusing her voice with disdainful skepticism. “All will be revealed at the proper time, Aria. But, in the end, I will safeguard my subjects, offer my protection against the usurpers and will take my rightful place as Queen of the Aquastrian Empire. My first order of business upon our return will be the enslavement of the Equestrian alicorns, starting with the one that rules the night!” said Adagio with palpable determination. Hearing Adagio’s direct threat to Luna, Aria clenched her free hand into a fist. Her fingernails dug painfully into her palm. Through clenched teeth, she said, “I need to go, but tell me when it’s time to protect you once again.” “Your loyalty will be rewarded, Aria Blaze. You have our gratitude,” said Adagio regally. The connection broke and the call ended. Aria sighed with relief and returned the phone to her pocket. Her shoulders slumped and her hands were trembling from a mix of fury and fright. Aria rushed to Pinkie Pie, who was watching the timer on the kiln count down. The two embraced silently. Pinkie Pie whispered, “Aria, that was amazing! I can’t imagine how tough that was for you, but it worked like a charm. The doozy is gone, but my itchy nose tells me that we have to be super quiet while we get out of here.” “I got it. Let’s get our stuff together, carefully pack the mold, and exit through the windows. I can see your car from here,” said Aria quietly. She pointed towards Pinkie Pie’s pink Coltswagen Beetle, which was the only car remaining in the student parking lot. Pinkie Pie nodded in agreement, just as the kiln’s timer struck zero and its door unlocked. She pulled a fleece blanket out of her gym bag and spread it out on the tile floor. Wearing protective gloves as a precaution, Aria painstakingly removed the two halves of the cylindrical mold from of the kiln. The clay was uncomfortably warm, but not dangerously so. Her purple-hued fingers quickly verified that the artfully shaped inner surfaces were devoid of obvious cracks or defects. Aria and Pinkie Pie fit the pieces together, then carefully wrapped the mold in the soft blanket and further safeguarded it inside of the large bag. The two girls seamlessly and silently choreographed their escape from the school. They packed their remaining items, including the books from Aquastria, into Aria’s borrowed backpack. Fortunately, the pottery lab was on the ground floor. Pinkie Pie rotated the heavy iron lock securing the large casement-style window and then swung the pane of glass and its aluminum frame inward. She tossed Aria’s borrowed backpack out of the window to the grass below. Aria toted the gym bag and its precious cargo in her right hand and carried a chair in her left hand. Placing the chair next to the window, she motioned for Pinkie Pie to climb out the window. Either through agility or her natural disregard for the laws of physics, she landed perfectly. Pinkie Pie stuck her head through the opening and held out her hands to receive Chainbreaker’s mold. Aria placed the heavy bag into her waiting arms, buckling the other girl’s knees. She checked the room with wary purple eyes. Finally satisfied that they hadn’t left a single item behind, Aria Blaze clambered out of the window. The two jogged across the parking lot as best they could, carrying their items to the waiting pink Coltswagen. As the doors slammed shut, Pinkie broke her silence. She flashed a toothy grin at Aria and said, “You might want to buckle up and hang on tight.” Aria Blaze fastened her safety belt and hugged the bag containing the mold to her chest. Pinkie Pie turned the ignition key, shifted the car into gear and floored the accelerator. In a peal of squealing tires, the Coltswagen screamed past the school on its way to Sweet Apple Acres. “Now that’s what I call a sweet escape,” said Aria with a sardonic grin. Pinkie Pie exploded with laughter. ----- Rarity sighed contentedly as the last of the water drained from the bathtub. Her purple hair was contained in a towel that towered above her deep blue eyes. She shrugged into a luxurious bathrobe that was monogrammed and embroidered in violet. The sounds of the city had only just started to subside with the end of the business day. Applying skin cream to her face, Rarity addressed her reflection in the bathroom mirror. “You would have lounged away the entire day, if not for Applejack. Still, because of your laziness, you’ve been forced to add a late night of sewing on top of last night’s sleeplessness.” A loud knock from the suite’s door caught her attention. Sweetie Belle leaned against the doorway with a school notebook in one hand and her cell phone in the other. “Yes, Sweetie Belle?” Rarity asked. Her pale green eyes scrutinized her older sister. She looked her up and down before asking, “Are you all right now?” Rarity smiled and nodded. “Yes, I am. It may take a bit more time, but I’ll be fine for the time being. Thank you for your kindness in asking.” “Good, because I have a question for you!” said Sweetie Belle. She stuffed the cell phone back into her pocket. “Yes?” Rarity raised a perfectly-sculpted eyebrow. Sweetie Belle asked, “May I spend the night with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo in the clubhouse tomorrow night? I checked the weather. It’ll be a bit chilly and maybe there will be some fog, but there won’t be any rain.” Rarity tapped her alabaster cheek with an index finger. “I don’t know about that. The three of you out in the woods by yourselves seems a little risky to me.” “Come on, Rarity! When we went camping with you, Applejack and Rainbow Dash, you saw how well we can take care of ourselves! Besides, we’ll all have our cell phones, and the orchard is just down the road. Please, big sister!” Sweetie Belle said. She stuck out her bottom lip in a childish but effective pout. After a brief pause, Rarity answered, “I suppose you will be fine, but no boys! Also, be sure to take your warm sleeping bag.” “Thanks, Rarity! I’m so glad you said yes! After this morning, I was a little worried to ask you,” said the younger girl. Rarity shooed her sister with both hands. “Don’t you worry about all that, Sweetie Belle. Please finish your homework and practice your singing. I have to catch up on some of the work I neglected today, starting with repairs to a very special gown.” Sweetie Belle sped down the hallway to her room. Rarity heard the sound of a pencil being sharpened. Hearing other sounds of hasty schoolwork, she stifled a giggle with her hand. She removed the towel from her head and started brushing her hair. Once again, Rarity spoke to herself, “I wonder what they’re all doing tonight? I just hope that they are safe.” ----- Shrieking Raven crept along the dark hallways of Canterlot High School. She had made effective use of her day, acquiring intelligence from students and teachers about the Rainbooms’ movements and Discord’s educationally-focused antics. Celestia’s bored administrative assistant was always a splendid source of information. Raven thought, How could he be here now and how could he possess an officially-sealed Equestrian recommendation from Twilight Sparkle? The literature teacher had left her shoes in her classroom to silence her footfalls but kept her magical disguise in place. To an external observer, Shrieking Raven would appear to be working late and seeking a snack from the vending machine. I need to find out why Pinkie Pie and Aria Blaze would stay in the art rooms all day. What are they guarding? Shrieking Raven wondered. While it was a risk to leave Adagio Dazzle alone in her apartment, she needed to come to work. An absence from Canterlot High School at this moment would likely raise suspicions. She certainly didn’t want to give Principal Celestia or Vice Principal Luna cause to look into her background until her powers were fully restored. Raven was confident that the sleeping draught she had slipped Adagio was potent enough to knock her out until mid-afternoon. Even if she awoke, the exiled Siren would find her note that politely warned Adagio to enjoy the comforts of the apartment without attempting to unlock any doors. The banshee thought, If Adagio disregards my advice and snoops, she’ll trigger one of the traps and regret she ever left her bed. A slow, silent orbit of the school’s first floor confirmed that she was the last staff member present. Aside from emergency lamps and exit signs, the only lights fully illuminated at CHS were in the art wing. With a skull’s predatory grin, Shrieking Raven silently padded her way towards the pottery lab. Approaching the rays of light issuing from the rectangular window in the classroom’s door, the banshee heard a teenage voice. Shrieking Raven thought, While still weak, my scream will knock them unconscious and then I can learn what those girls are planning at my leisure. Shrieking Raven stole a quick, stealthy glance through the window and her black eyes widened in amazement. Incredibly, it was Aria Blaze whom she saw, not Pinkie Pie. The Siren was speaking into one of the cell phones that Adagio Dazzle had insisted on leaving at the aquarium. The undead creature crouched beneath the window and listened intently. Aria flipped her purple-and-teal pigtails and said, “It’s complicated, Adagio. I got hurt while I was following that sneaky little girl from the farm. But, I healed very quickly with some help.” She’s talking to Adagio! Raven realized. She eagerly awaited Aria’s next response and was frustrated she could only hear half of the conversation. “I’ve found Sonata. She’s with the Rainbooms and what’s more, I’ve infiltrated them!” Aria declared proudly. “Unfortunately, to gain Sunset Shimmer’s trust, I had to show her our hideout at the aquarium.” This is better than I dared hope, thought Shrieking Raven. The Dazzlings are making the best of their second chance. If I play this game correctly and manage to put at least a second Siren in my pocket, I have a backup conduit to seize Leviathan’s power if Adagio proves unmanageable. Raven heard Aria snidely rebuke Adagio. “I hope this plan takes a few obvious problems into account. In case you haven’t noticed, our connection to the Master has been lost along with our heart-pendants. And, as expected, Sonata’s all buddy-buddy with the Rainbooms.” She wouldn’t have this conversation with Pinkie Pie in the room. Where could she be? I didn’t see her anywhere in the school, thought the banshee as she continued to eavesdrop. Perhaps she departed and left Aria alone. “Yeah, Baconhair and the Drama Queen had a huge dustup this morning. Rarity ran away in tears and hasn’t been seen at school since,” said Aria, cruelty dripping from her voice. Satisfied, Shrieking Raven silently skulked away towards her literature classroom. She thought, I needn’t risk revealing myself now. The Power of Harmony is broken due to Adagio’s masterful division of the Rainbooms. I’ll sit back and let those annoying girls self-destruct, while I draw as many of the Sirens as possible to me. Now, which of them should I destroy and which ones shall join me in undeath? ----- “Fluttershy, you and Scootaloo are our guests, so I’m mighty grateful that you helped Applejack and Apple Bloom fix dinner. This smells delicious!” said Big Macintosh, settling into the chair at the head of the dining room table. Fluttershy blushed and let her pink hair fall across her face as she took a seat. “Thank you, Big Macintosh, but your sisters did most of the hard work.” “Those rolls are my cooking debut! Prepare yourselves to taste my future as a celebrity chef!” said Scootaloo boldly. Rainbow Dash ruffled Scootaloo’s hair. She said, “Squirt, I think you should stick with skateboarding and taking the classes you need to apply to the Academy. Besides, those are Apple Bloom’s rolls. Your cooking masterpiece is over there.” She pointed towards a dozen misshapen, half-burnt balls of dough that were left behind on the kitchen counter. Applejack and Apple Bloom brought the remaining serving dishes and set them on the table. As fast as Sonata Dusk was with farm chores, she had fallen behind while setting the table. She trailed after the Apple sisters with a stack of plates. Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow when she noticed Sonata Dusk subtly brush her hand along Big Macintosh’s shoulders as she placed his plate. She leaned towards Scootaloo and whispered, “Did you see that?” “What was I supposed to see?” said Scootaloo, impatiently reaching for a dinner roll. Applejack reached over and lightly slapped the back of Scootaloo’s hand and said, “Wait until we’re all here and we’ve said the blessing, Scootaloo. It’s only polite!” Still wiping her hands on a kitchen towel, a happy Sunset Shimmer followed Discord into the dining room. Smiling pleasantly, she said, “This is quite a spread! I thought that we had our feast for Winter Wrap Up last month!” “…and all things warm and green…” sang Discord quietly. He began giggling but was silenced by Sunset Shimmer’s sharp elbow in his ribs. Discord protested. “Hey, I was just enjoying the moment!” The party of nine finished getting themselves comfortable in the infrequently-used dining room chairs. In the absence of Granny Smith, Big Macintosh sat at the head of the table. To his right sat Applejack, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash. Sonata Dusk sat to Big Macintosh’s left. Fluttershy, Discord and Sunset Shimmer filled the remaining chairs and left the tenth seat at the foot of the table empty. The group joined hands. Sunset Shimmer stretched across the table and over the food to reach Rainbow Dash. Discord seemed ready to make a comment, but snapped his mouth shut at a glance from Fluttershy. At a nod from Big Mac, Apple Bloom said a simple blessing and the serving dishes started around the table with blinding speed. “Mr. Discord, I hear that you’re a teacher from the same place Twilight lives,” said Big Mac, opening conversation after a few minutes had passed. Discord swallowed a bite of mashed potatoes and said, “I’ll admit that it’s been a long time since I’ve led any sort of structured lesson, but yes, I’m here to teach.” “Twilight sent him to give me some private tutoring,” said Sunset Shimmer. She leaned forward in an effort to break into the conversation. Big Mac folded his hands in his lap and frowned. “It seems that every time a stranger suddenly appears at Canterlot High, unnatural trouble isn’t far behind. Applejack convinced me, but I’m still not too sure about your using Pa’s forge.” During the uncomfortable silence, Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash, Sunset Shimmer and finally Discord. She turned to her brother and asked, “Instead of giving him grief, don’t you think you should let Discord try to explain in his own way?” The young farmer’s expression softened. He nodded, held out his right hand and said simply, “Please do.” Discord stood and pushed in his chair. He said, “I have, as you would put it, unnatural abilities with chaotic forces. As such, I am able to perceive dangers, instruct others and perform actions that are otherwise impossible. My purpose here is to help Sunset Shimmer safeguard Canterlot from a grave threat I won’t explain here. Our safety requires that I advise her while she uses a forge to create some unique items.” “And, before I forget, we are humbled by and are deeply appreciative of your letting us use your father’s smithy, especially now that we’ve seen it for what it truly is,” interrupted Sunset Shimmer. Discord met Big Macintosh’s skeptical gaze and continued. “Chaos, in and of itself, is not evil. It’s just disorganized, especially so to those that must see time and space in a linear fashion.” Fluttershy noticed Big Mac’s eyes narrow. She clutched Discord’s wrist and suggested, “Um, maybe you should try telling him a story instead.” “Thank you,” said Discord. His red eyes looked down at Fluttershy with an unexpected air of kindness. “Big Macintosh, as a life-long farmer, you will appreciate this. Life – all life – has an element of chaos to it. Some have more chaos than others, of course,” he said with a self-mocking smile. “You channel this chaos to your benefit, feeding thousands and providing monetary resources for your family.” Discord transformed his suit into a white laboratory coat and matching pants. He reached inside the coat and produced an enormous red-and-yellow streaked apple, which he handed to Sonata. “Yummy! Thanks, Discord,” squealed Sonata Dusk. The Spirit of Chaos continued. “For example, the Honeycrisp apples you grow are a healthy and delicious agricultural hybrid. They are but one product of beneficial chaos. Weather and all of nature’s beauty – and its wrath – are driven by the tension between order and chaos.” To punctuate his point, Discord snapped his fingers and his outfit transformed to that of a park ranger with a wide-brimmed hat. He walked around the table, snatched Rainbow Dash’s dinner roll and changed it into a tiny storm cloud that floated above her head and dripped rain onto her multicolored locks. “Hey! I didn’t need a second shower today!” complained Rainbow Dash. “But, chaos is the impulse that starts progress,” said Discord, who pointedly ignored Rainbow Dash. “More important than farming, chaos feeds both lust and love.” He placed a hand on Apple Bloom’s shoulder and suddenly she carried a tiny bow and arrows tipped with plastic hearts. She was dressed in a ridiculous white toga with plastic wings. Scootaloo laughed and said, “Be careful where you point that thing!” “None of you would be here without ‘the momentary lapse of reason that binds a life for life,’ as a favorite poet of mine wrote some time ago.” Discord now wore a black T-shirt with a triangular prism dividing a ray of light into all the colors of the rainbow. His hair was held back by a broad cloth headband and his sideburns extended almost all the way to his chin. He continued speaking to his now-enraptured audience. “Fluttershy confronts chaotic influences on existence every day. Most notably, she deals with the inexplicable life and death of numerous creatures with the utmost kindness and thoughtfulness.” Almost imperceptibly, Discord inclined his head respectfully to the shy, pink-haired girl. Fluttershy blushed and sank deeply into her chair, but continued to listen. Discord pointed at Sunset Shimmer and said, “Given her tumultuous past, she walks the line between order, chaos, good and evil every time she looks into the mirror. Still, she has grown into a leader and makes choices her former mentor would be very proud of.” He placed his hand over his heart and looked at the former unicorn. “Trust me when I say that I know very well what it is like to be haunted by my prior decisions.” Sonata Dusk’s half-lidded eyes opened wide upon hearing Discord’s last statement. She set her napkin in her lap and chewed her lower lip nervously. Fluttershy stared at the Spirit of Chaos with her mouth slightly open and her pale yellow hand pressed against her chest. “So, Big Macintosh, have I, despite being an unnatural, mysterious individual, explained myself to your satisfaction?” asked Discord with a wry smile. After a long pause, the young farmer stood and extended his right hand to Discord. He said, “You sure have. Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres.” The two shook hands as the dining room erupted in impromptu applause. Discord, who had started to sweat and breathe heavily as if he were exerting himself, snapped his fingers and everyone returned to their normal appearance. The raincloud simply evaporated. Everyone returned to their seats and resumed eating. Discord took a long drink of water. The food continued to disappear as the group indulged in much more mundane conversation, punctuated by the sounds of silverware on plates. Near the end of dinner Applejack asked, “Sunset Shimmer, do you need anything out at the smithy?” “Yes, I do. Thanks, Applejack. I’m missing one important item. I need some holy water and I know your church is nearby. Could someone help me out?” said Sunset Shimmer. Apple Bloom waved her hands. She said, “Big sis, Scootaloo and I are all over it. We know that churchyard like the backs of our hands.” She looked across the table. “Sonata, will you come with us?” “Um, I don’t know. I sort of had something planned,” she said and stole a sideways glance in Big Macintosh’s direction. Scootaloo said, “Please, Sonata! It won’t take very long, and we need to get there and back before the sun goes down. Besides, it gets us all out of washing the dishes!” The whole table laughed loudly. Sonata smiled and replied, “All right, little one. I’ll come with you.” “I only need about a pint. Don’t overdo it like you usually do and try to talk the minister into giving you his entire supply. Got it?” instructed Sunset, who gave the two younger girls a stern look to stress the task’s importance. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom nodded in agreement. Two seats away, Fluttershy whispered to Discord, “I had no idea that you understood so much about how hard I try to care for the creatures that need my help! Thank you for saying such nice things in front of everyone.” She smiled sweetly. “Fluttershy, my dear friend, I won’t tell you even the beginning of what I’ve been through recently. Even a temporary loss of cosmic power is difficult to swallow or explain. That said, these traumatic experiences have given me perspective into just how valuable kindness is in an often cruel universe.” Discord patted her hand. “I know you’ll grow, but please don’t change.” ----- Sonata Dusk said, “Keep that guitar tuned. I’ll be back soon.” “Come on, Sonata! I don’t want to freeze my tail off during the walk back from the church,” shouted Apple Bloom’s distant voice. Big Macintosh smiled uncomfortably under the lilac-eyed gaze. He simply replied, “Eeyup.” Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were already hard at work cleaning the kitchen. Sunset Shimmer and Discord had returned to the smithy and the two younger girls waited impatiently outside. Big Macintosh adjusted the collar of his shirt as he wiped down the dining room table alone. Sonata zipped up her gray hooded sweatshirt and bounded outside. “What’s taking you so long? We have an adventure happening right under our noses and all you want to do is talk!” said Scootaloo. She sprinted ahead about thirty yards as Apple Bloom and Sonata Dusk walked briskly behind. “Apple Bloom,” said Sonata, placing a hand on the other girl’s back, “conversation doesn’t have to be boring. It can be really exciting when I mix up words with other things that I do. You competed in the Battle of the Bands, right?” “That didn’t go so well,” called Scootaloo. Apple Bloom said, “Yeah, we got knocked out in the first round.” “Too bad, so sad!” Sonata winked and smiled to make it clear that she was joking. “Seriously, think about the groups that did well. Didn’t they combine singing and dancing and some other stuff?” The pair caught up with Scootaloo and the three of them made the turn on to the main road. “They sure did! Trixie even pulled off a fireworks show, even though her dancing wasn’t as good as yours,” said Apple Bloom. Sonata skipped ahead of the two younger girls, turned around and walked backwards. “Maybe this will make talking less boring. Listen to the cool things that I can do with words, my voice and my gestures that can get your attention! So, listen to this and tell me who I am and where we are.” Sonata Dusk removed her hood and draped her long blue hair over her left shoulder. Her backward steps became long regal strides and her gestures elegant. The two-lane road was her stage and Apple Bloom and Scootaloo her audience: “Out of this wood do not desire to go: Thou shalt remain here, whether thou wilt or no. I am a spirit of no common rate; The summer still doth tend upon my state; And I do love thee: therefore, go with me; I'll give thee fairies to attend on thee, And they shall fetch thee jewels from the deep, And sing while thou on pressed flowers dost sleep; And I will purge thy mortal grossness so That thou shalt like an airy spirit go.” In an eyeblink, Sonata turned around and linked her arms with the two younger girls. She said, “So, who am I and where were we?” “That was so cool! How did you learn to do that?” said Apple Bloom. She shook her head and remembered to answer the question. “Um, you were in a magical forest? It was all in the first part.” “Correct!” Sonata squeezed Apple Bloom’s arm with a smile. “What do you think, Scootaloo?” The orange-skinned girl scratched at her dark pink hair and pressed her lips together. She finally answered, “You were a fairy princess. The whole ‘fairies to attend on thee’ bit gave me the hint, but you moved just like royalty!” Sonata was positively giddy. “Yes! I knew you were both so smart! Technically, I was a fairy queen, but close enough.” “So, what’s the story with this?” asked Apple Bloom. “A long time ago, I helped a writer with a story that he turned into a play.” Sonata frowned. “I told him my hopes and dreams and he turned it into a comedy instead! He said something about ‘A Siren’s love doth end in sorrow, sweet Sonata. ‘Tis best to give Titania your best speeches but transform the rest into absurdity.’ Oooooh!” She shook in rage at the memory. Worriedly, Scootaloo said, “Focus, Sonata.” “Oh, yes, the scene.” Sonata Dusk composed herself and continued. “It was supposed to be about Queen Titania of the Sirens falling in love with a handsome young blacksmith who had become trapped in the magical forest. In this scene, she’s begging him not to leave the wood.” “That sounds like a cute love story,” said Apple Bloom. Sonata was still walking arm in arm with the two girls. She shrugged her shoulders. “My story was a magnificent and it would have been a romance for the ages. But William had to mess it up so the audience of the time would like it more. Anyway, do you get my point?” “Yeah, we get it. Talking isn’t boring if you actually do something with what you say!” said Scootaloo as they made a left turn on to the church grounds. “Close enough, I guess!” said Sonata with a smile. She released the girls’ arms and the three strolled up the church’s driveway as daylight began to yield to sunset. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom exchanged meaningful looks as they walked by the well-tended cemetery on the left side of the asphalt driveway. The church’s steeple, containing a brass bell that brilliantly reflected the sun’s rays, reached up forty feet into the sky. The trio ascended a handful of marble steps and Apple Bloom opened the large wooden door to the stone church. “Hello! It’s Scootaloo!” she called into the sanctuary. Sonata Dusk had been in many human temples and houses of worship over the course of her long exile from Aquastria. Not even the anciently grand buildings across the ocean had ever given her the sense of peace, comfort and safety that enveloped her the moment she stepped across the threshold into this church. “Why don’t you come up here, Scootaloo? I’m a little occupied at the moment in my office,” said a deep, friendly voice. The church’s pews were made of rich, dark wood and reflected the light filtering through exquisite stained glass windows. Though the building could comfortably seat a congregation of 150, it felt cozy and warm. The trio ascended stairs to the balcony. A small office was squeezed behind two rows of pews. The moment Sonata’s eyes fell on the church’s shepherd, she immediately understood why the church was so inviting and clean. The minister was a tall, athletic man who appeared to be in his late fifties. His short, brown hair was neatly cut and his deep brown eyes twinkled with pleasure. He smiled broadly at the two younger girls and motioned them into his office. “Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, what brings you here on a Thursday afternoon?” The priest stepped down from a stool where he was hanging a painting. He brushed his hands off on his immaculately pressed black trousers and adjusted his white clerical collar. “Hi, Father Scorpan!” said Scootaloo, who rushed forward and gave the big man a crushing hug. Sonata looked around the office, which was strangely devoid of religious symbols but held numerous paintings. There was something vaguely familiar about the fantastic portrait that Scorpan has just finished hanging. It depicted a castle perched on the side of a mountain, but she couldn’t place the castle’s name. An ornate full-length mirror with a gilded frame seemed somewhat out of place in the corner of the room. Despite the odd collection of paintings and keepsakes, Sonata’s eyes were drawn to the desk, where a ceramic figurine of a red-skinned centaur with twin horns rested. Smiling, Scorpan said, “It’s great to see you both, but could you introduce me to your friend?” “This is Sonata. She’s new around here,” said Apple Bloom proudly. Scorpan’s light brown fingers engulfed Sontata’s delicate blue hand. “Sonata Dusk, welcome to my church. I hope you may see it as a place of safety, learning and inspiration.” His friendly brown eyes developed a laser-like focus. “I sense that we have more than a few things in common.” “The paintings in your office are very beautiful, sir. I used to paint a little,” replied Sonata. Under the piercing gaze, her voice had become uncertain and childlike. Scootaloo moved between the two while waving an aluminum water bottle. “Excuse me, but I would like to make an important request, Father Scorpan.” “Forgive me! I was so pleased to have unexpected visitors that I didn’t even ask why you were here,” said the minister, his friendly smile returning. He spread his arms wide. “How can I help you?” Apple Bloom stood at attention and respectfully asked, “Father Scorpan, may we take a bottle full of holy water to our friend Sunset Shimmer? She needs it for a very important project.” Scorpan nodded vigorously and handed Apple Bloom a small silver key. “Of course, child. The font is just inside the sanctuary. Please make sure the lid is closed tightly when you’re done and leave the key there. I’ll pick it up when I leave to go to the parsonage.” Scootaloo and Apple Bloom hurried out of the office in an effort to complete their quest for Sunset Shimmer. Scorpan resumed his appraisal of Sonata. He walked to his desk and placed a finger on the centaur statuette. “When I first came to Canterlot, I missed my brother very much. He made some terrible mistakes and is still imprisoned for them. I blamed myself for causing his incarceration, so I left my home, came here and then stayed,” said Scorpan regretfully. Sonata took a step towards the door. “That’s terrible!” The minister continued. “It has taken me a very long time to realize that they were his choices that turned him to evil. Fortunately, I found a calling here in my new home that permits me to forgive my brother and to do good for others. I have sworn to serve in this place instead of taking an active leading role, but I believe it’s permissible to tell you one thing and show you another.” Sonata’s lilac eyes narrowed in curiosity. She took a step forward into the office and said, “What’s that?” Scorpan took a step towards Sonata and his twinkling brown eyes bored into her soul. “First, let me give you one piece of knowledge. Your brother believed in you. He believed in you so much it changed the world. It’s long past time that you believed in yourself. Cast away the dark mask that clouds your mind and become that which you are destined to be.” “Father Scorpan, I…” Sonata gasped and was unable to complete her sentence. Scorpan pushed past Sonata and spryly ran to the pipe organ. “Follow me! The children are eager to leave, so I’ll show you just a tiny glimpse of the potential I see in you!” Sonata sprinted down the stairs and stood in the center of the church. Her mouth dropped open in awe of the beautiful mixture of light and shadow that danced around her. A crimson sunset shimmered through the stained glass windows as the mysterious priest caused the pipes to come to life. In a strong baritone, he sang a melody that she had heard on one of the discs she had borrowed from Cheerilee’s library, but the words were different: Mortals, join the happy chorus, Which the morning stars began; Father love is reigning o’er us, Brother love binds man to man. Ever singing, march we onward, Victors in the midst of strife, Joyful music leads us Sunward In the triumph song of life. Scorpan stopped playing, turned to Sonata, smiled and said, “Please return any time you need help or desire inspiration, Sonata Dusk. Your friends are waiting.” Filled with purpose, Sonata strode towards the entrance. As she exited the church and jogged to catch up with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo, she grinned and thought, It is time to fulfill my destiny and become royalty! It’s almost funny that my destiny will begin in a basement. Suddenly, her smile disappeared and she glanced back at the church and the light burning in Father Scorpan’s office. Aloud, Sonata wondered, “How did he know my last name? They never told him.” She stopped, and her blue-tinged hand went to her throat. “…and nobody alive in this world knows I have a brother except for Aria.” Nausea gripped the pit of Sonata Dusk’s stomach as she resumed walking. She saw Scorpan’s piercing brown eyes in her mind’s eye during the entire walk back to Sweet Apple Acres. ***** Discord quotes two lines of Pink Floyd’s “One Slip” from the album A Momentary Lapse of Reason. Sonata’s monologue was delivered by Queen Titania during Act III, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Scorpan’s hymn is the final verse of “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee” by Henry J. van Dyke, which in turn is an adaptation of “Ode to Joy”, which is featured in Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.