//------------------------------// // Sleepover! {Sunsetverse} // Story: Shimmering Sunsets // by Evowizard25 //------------------------------// AN: Due to animation budget concerns, the previous episode that was set to be in the sunsetverse was sadly scrapped. We now continue from where the previous episode would have left off... The group walked out of the Everfree Forest as the sun was beginning to set, exhausted, battered and bruised, but triumphant. "I still say it doesn't matter what you're guarding, a seventh dart shooting wall corridor is excessive." Sunset groused, her head wrapped in bandages from her medical kit. “Well, it wasn’t as bad as those ceiling lava sharks,” Fiddlesticks rubbed a few heat marks. "Ah still say the worst one was them talkin' and walkin' suits of armor. Ah don't know which was worse, their weapons or their lame jokes." AJ complained, shuffling along, clearly exhausted. “Still dinged ‘em up pretty good though?” Quickfix grinned through her pain. She was a Northerner after all, so she walked on tall and proud. “That head honcho suit was tough though with all those lightning bolts he was throwin’.” "Yeah. Good thing those pterodactyls we saved earlier from those giant spider golems came back to help." Mask said, walking as she was too tired to fly. “Well yeah, that was a given.” Lightning groaned, shaking some feeling into her dinged wings that still held some snow on them. “How the hay did they get a yeti out here anyways?” "I have no clue." Sunset said, moaning. "Seriously, this had better be the journal we need, or I am going to find a time travel spell just so I can go back in time to punch whoever designed that place in the schnoz." "Ah still don't get why ya can't open it yet." AJ grumbled. "Because it's magically sealed and I used up too much magic down there, and Quickfix doesn't know how to break seals here yet." Sunset answered. "And since I don't have enough sunlight to recharge fully, I'm going to have to sleep to get the power I need to break the seal and crack this book open." “Alrighty then,” Fiddlesticks pulled Sunset over her back, reached up into her hat and then threw a blanket over her. “Nighty night, Sunset.” "I'm not a parakeet!" Sunset shouted from under the blanket. "And I meant in my own bed in the Library. Besides, we could all use a good rest after that fiasco." “One scene change comin’ up,” Fiddlesticks reach down and….they were in the Library…..Don’t ask me how?!! "I'm too tired to question it." Sunset grumbled, making her way upstairs, before pausing. "...where are the guests going to sleep?" “Ah can sleep on the floor,” Fiddlesticks shrugged. “Ah’ve slept on the ground plenty of times back on the farm after a good day’s buckin’. Well that or…” She took off her hat and pulled out a box of sleeping bags. "...that could work." Mask said. "So what, we have a big inter dimensional sleepover?" "Sleepover?" Sunset asked. "...you know, I never got to do one of those growing up." “Now’s a good time as ever,” Fiddlesticks chimed. “Ah promise it’ll be fun.” "I don't know. I mean, I'm twenty three." Sunset said. "Aren't I a bit too old for this?" “Yer never too old fer fun,” Fiddlesticks put a hoof on her shoulder. “Or spendin’ time with yer friends.” "You're right! As the Bearer of the Element of Friendship, it is my sworn duty to be the best friend I can be!" Sunset looked very pumped all of a sudden. "I swear I will make this the greatest sleepover ever, or die trying! Hahahahahahaha!" “That’s the spirit,” Fiddlesticks started laughing with her. Ominous thunder crashed. "Damn it Thunderlane!" Ditzy shouted. "It's supposed to be partly cloudy tonight, not dark and stormy! Fix this right now!" “Wait, what’s Thunderlane doing fixing up the weather?” Lightning asked in confusion. “...Right, alt-world. I’ve got to stop asking questions like this.” "If it's any consolation, ah bet our friends are sayin' the same thing a lot." AJ said, putting a comforting leg over Lightning's shoulder. “...True,” Lightning conceded. “I mean, it’s just so...Wait, I have a question. Where’s your town militia?” "Town what?" Mask asked. "And is nopony else concerned about their crazy laughing?" “You know,” Lightning said. “The town militia. The local guards protecting the town. You’ve got to have something.” "Seriously, nopony else is concerned about the laughing?" Mask asked. "Nope. Ah think the closest thing we've got is us actually. Well there's also the local sherif, Iron Lock, but that's a given." AJ admitted. "We never needed no guard post here afore." “Then who’s gonna fight off the monsters and other races comin’ into town?” Quickfix asked. “Ah know we’re great an’ all, but we’ve got to have some ponies watchin’ our backs. That’s how we beat Nightmare Moon. The town militia fought off Nightmare’s cultists while we made a run fer the elements.” "Huh. Our town didn't have nothin' ta fight off." AJ said. "Nopony cept Twilight knew Nightmare Moon was even real, let alone planed ta work fer her. She didn't even really stick around town. She just said she beat Celestia, declared eternal night, and left. Also, we really don't get monster attacks. Most critters are content to stay in the Everfree." “...Huh,” Quickfix looked uneasy. “Yer country seems mighty safe then. We’ve always got to fight off monsters, heretics, and other nations tryin’ ta invade. Equestria’s never had a breather.” "Speaking of breathers, I'm surprised they're still going. They have great lung capacity." Mask said. "Also the only race really hostile to Equestria is the elk, and they're kind of starting to lag behind everyone else when it comes to development." “We’ve got loads of hostile nations,” Lightning said, before growling. “But the biggest one is the griffins.” “The less said about those chickens, the better.” Quickfix huffed. “Well, ‘cept Crowland. He’s alright.” "So, Fiddlesticks, what do we do first for this sort of thing?" Sunset asked, having finished her manic laughing fit. “Makin’ smores is always good,” Fiddlesticks said. “We could always chit-chat while we make ‘em. Good bondin’ and all.” Her stomach grumbled. “Well and some good eatin’ too.” "Sounds good. Um, we're going to need marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Oh, we also need fire, where can I get a fire?" Sunset asked, looking around. Fiddlesticks held out her hat and dumped out all the food. She then turned it upside down, which held a burning campfire. “This’ll do?” "...did you just empty out a giant fire in the middle of a tree library?" Sunset asked, eyes narrowing to pin pricks. “It’s only a little thing in my hat,” Fiddlesticks pointed out. “We’ll just put it in yer fireplace and presto. Now, let’s get to makin’ some smores.” Levitating it over quick, Sunset blinked a couple of times. "I forgot we had a fireplace. We really don't use it." “Happens,” Fiddlesticks put her now fireless hat back onto her head. "Hoo?" a voice called out from the rafters. Pat stuck his head out from under the hat and trilled. "Hoo. Hoo." Pat trilled back. "Owlowicious, just come down, they're guests." Sunset called up to the rafters. In response, a large brown shriek owl flew down from the rafters, landing on a perch and observing the scene. "Hoo." “Ain’t ya a cutie,” Fiddlesticks cooed. She held out a foreleg. “Come on now. Ah don’t bite.” Owlowicious hopped onto her leg easily enough, tilting his head as he regarded her. "Careful. Owlowicious isn't a pet, he's Twilight's familiar." Sunset said. "Don't go upsetting him." “Why would ah?” Fiddlesticks nuzzled the owl. “Ah love animals. Always have.” "Hoo." Owlowicious hooted, before using its wings to give a feathery version of a thumbs up. "Well I'm glad you like her." Sunset said. "So, did you need something?" "Hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo!" Owlowicious demanded. "Like I already told you, Sparkle is missing. She'll be back later, we're working on it, so quit ruffling your feathers." Sunset moaned, exhausted. “She’s fine,” Fiddlesticks assured the owl. “My friends’ll be there and our Sunset’s a Princess. She’s got guards hoverin’ over her left and right. Ain’t nothin’ gonna mess with them.” "Hoo." Owlowicious said contently, settling down. Sunset smiled. "Hey thanks. Familiars tend to get problematic if their masters are gone for a while." “True,” Quickfix said. “That why we prefer items such as staffs and such to amplify our magic. Less fuss that way.” "Well, ta be fair," AJ noted. "Owlowicious is also a helper round the house, and is the assistant librarian, helpin' run the night shifts." "Heck, Twilight usually leaves him home with Spike to help look after the place." Mask said, roasting her marshmallow over the fire. "Also, found the food supplies and some skewers we can use for roasting." “Finally,” Quickfix picked up her stick and roasted the marshmallow. “Ah’m starvin’ here.” "Then you'll be happy to know I made popcorn!" Spike announced, walking in with a huge bowl of the stuff. Lightning licked her fangs and pounced….only for Fiddlesticks to rope her back. “No hoggin’,” Fiddlesticks chided as her tail lazily held the pegasus at bay. “But I’m starving,” Lightning groaned. “He can get more popcorn.” "Yeah, but he shouldn't have ta get more right when he brings it out." AJ pointed out. “Besides which, we're all a bit hungry." "Well, while you guys enjoy the popcorn and s'mores, I could make some daisy and tomato sandwiches. With cheese if any of you want it." Spike offered. “Get on that, lil’ drake.” Quickfix chimed looking over her s’more. “No cheese.” "Thank you Spike. That's very nice of you to offer. And I would like cheese on mine." Masquerade said. "I would also like cheese on mine." Sunset chimed in. "No cheese fer me." AJ said, then had to keep from cursing as her marshmallow caught fire and she had to blow it out. Fiddlesticks held up a small fire extinguisher and blew out the fiery marshmallow. “Cheese.” “No cheese,” Lightning piped up. "Got it three with, three without." Spike said, heading back into the kitchen. "So...this is pretty nice so far." Sunset admitted. "What else do you do at these things?" “Usually make overs or tellin’ stories,” Fiddlesticks said. “The spookier the better. That and a little pillow...Or we could….” “We aren’t talking about apples,” Lightning cut her off. "What's wrong with apples, huh?" AJ asked. "...makeovers you say?" Sunset asked, smiling broadly. "Oh no." AJ said. "No no no no no, ah ain't doin' that girly stuff." Fiddlesticks broke out into laughter. “Yer a natural, cuz. You’ll be lookin’ spiffy as a Canterlot noble in no time.” AJ's eloquent response was a high speed pillow to the face. “Let it be known that my cuz struck first,” Fiddlestick pulled out a large cylinder object with a pillow stuff in it. “Any last words cuz before yer pillowed?” "Yeah. Is that a balloon animal behind ya?" AJ asked. “Ah’m not gonna….Darn it!” Fiddlesticks glanced behind her. There was a balloon animal, a giraffe, sitting there. “Huh, neat.” Fiddlesticks said, before she turned her attention to Applejack. “Now fer the last words thin’.” "...where did it come from?" she wondered. Fiddlesticks fired the mini-pillow canon. The pillow knocked Applejack back. “Don’t question it, cuz.” "Applejack, you shall be avenged!" Masquerade declared, before air dropping a stack of pillows on top of Fiddlesticks. Owlowicious wisely left the immediate battlefield and flew for his perch. “AIR RAID!” Fiddlesticks jumped out of the way and fired at Mask. “Eat pillow.” "No thanks! I'm saving room for sandwiches!" Mask taunted as she dodged the pillow fire. "This is going to escalate quickly isn't it?" Sunset asked Quickfix. “This is Fiddlesticks we’re talkin’ aboot,” Quickfix said. “It always escalates.” "Alright, ah ain't holdin' back now." AJ said, turning around and rearing after throwing two pillows in the air. "Firin' Bucks McGillicuty!" she shouted, striking the first pillow and launching it straight at Fiddlesticks at high speed. "Firin' Kicks MacGee!" And with that the second pillow flew along. The pillows struck Fiddlesticks, making her fall to the ground. “MEDIC!” “You’ll pay for that,” Lightning grabbed a pillow and sped towards Applejack. "Oh no you don't!" Mask said, flying an intercept course and launching her own pillow. Lightning swerved around the pillow and smacked Mask with her own. “Try again, featherbody.” "Firin' both!" AJ shouted, sending a pair of pillows after Lightning. Lightning dodged the two pillows. “Can’t touch this.” She held out her pillow. “Prepare to be dominated.” She sped towards AJ. AJ's response was to fire another pair of pillow interceptor missiles. Lightning dodged one, but the other hit her wing. It didn’t hurt or anything, but it threw her off. “Buck.” She crashed into the ground. She quickly got up. “You have crossed the wrong pegasus.” Taking the opportunity of a grounded foe, Masquerade decided to exploit it for all it was worth and drop half a dozen pillows on the other Pegasi all at once. "Air superiority!" Lightning fumbled under all the pillows. Quickfix quickly jumped into the fray and bucked a couple of pillows that lay on Lightning precisely into Mask. "Augh! ENemy reinforcements! Sunset, help!" Mask called out. "...yeah no." Sunset said. "I'm staying out of this. Besides its still two on two." The sound of Fiddlesticks cocking her cannon ominously filled the air. “Make it three.” She fired from her prone position at Applejack. "Augh, cheap shot cuz!" Applejack shouted. "Yer gonna pay few that!" She then launched a pair of pillows, one at Quickfix and the other at Fiddlesticks. Mask flew overhead with several pillows. "Providing cover for artillery." she announced as she started chucking the pillows at Lightning and Quickfix. Quickfix jumped out of the way. Lightning however just got herself out of the last pile. “GAH!” She yelled as she was pillowed again. Fiddlesticks rolled out of the way. “All’s fair in pillow warfare, cuz.” She fired again. AJ counter fired. The two pillows hit each other exactly, and deflected off to the sides. One hit the wall with a flop. The other hit Owlowicious. The familiar was not amused. "Hoo." His eyes glowed brightly like beacons, and all the pillows suddenly floated into the air, surrounded by a brown aura. They just floated there for a couple seconds, before they all sharply turned and locked onto various combatants. “Now Owlowicious,” Fiddlesticks said. “Ya wouldn’t hit yer friend Fiddlesticks, right?” "Hoo." “Was that a yes or no?” Quickfix asked. "It was very much an ironic quote of "all is fair in pillow warfare"." Sunset translated. "That owl is just so dang smug." Masquerade groused. And then the pillow storm began. **************** "Well now that you're all done being pummeled by a bird, maybe we can do makeovers now?" Sunset asked. “Pass,” Quickfix huffed spitting out some feathers. “Ain’t one fer the stuff.” "And since it's safe to come out now, here are your sandwiches!" Spike announced, bringing out a tray with the sandwiches in two neat piles, one with cheese and one without. “Thank ya kindly, Spike.” Fiddlesticks took hers. AJ was a perfect echo. “Yeah, thanks.” Both Lightning and Quickfix chimed as they dug in. "Good job as always Spike." Sunset said, smiling. "I still can't believe I lost to a freakin' owl." Masquerade grumbled, taking her own sandwich. "Thanks Spike." "You're welcome girls. Now I'm going to head up to bed. Night." Spike said, heading upstairs. “Nighty night,” Fiddlesticks waved as she chewed down her meal. "So, since we ain't doin' froufrou makeovers, what should we do next?" AJ asked. “Ya sure cuz?” Fiddlesticks smirked and elbowed AJ’s side softly. “Ah know fer a fact that ya look great in a dress.” She chuckled. AJ glared. "Ah ain't never done fancy." "Grand Galloping Galla." Sunset rebutted. AJ rolled her eyes. "Yeah, cause that worked out so well." “Well, other ya loved parties like that,” Fiddlesticks stated. “Ya called yerself the ‘belle of the ball’ and all that fancy stuff. Got a few pictures to.” She reached up into her hat and pulled out a photo album. "Don't ya dare.." AJ warned. "Do it." Mask said, grinning wildly. Fiddlesticks chuckled evilly and opened the book. In it were several pictures of her AJ wearing all sorts of dresses, talking with nobles, and even kissing Prince Blueblood. “Yer really pretty, cuz.” Sunset's jaw dropped. "She's dating Blueblood? The Blueblood?" “‘Course she is,” Fiddlesticks nodded. “He’s a big shot war hero. They met when they were teens and been together ever since. He seems alright.” The locals were very, very quiet at that. “What?” Fiddlesticks seemed confused. “Somethin’ wrong?...Feelin’ a bit jealous, cuz?” She smirked. "Uh, no, our Blueblood is, uh, different." AJ said. "Moving on from another weird Bizarro World revelation," Mask began, "I say we tell scary stories next, since I'm not into the makeover thing either." "What?" Sunset moaned. "But you're an actor! You get dressed up all the time!" Masquerade rolled her gems. "Yeah, for work. As such I prefer to dress down when I relax." “But this is Sunset’s house,” Fiddlesticks pointed out. “And her party. If she wants to do makeovers, then by golly, we’ll do makeovers.” She took Sunset’s side. “Even if it’s just me and her.” "Really?" Sunset asked, smiling. Turning to the other visitors, she asked "Hey, I haven't heard from you two." “Eh,” Lightning shrugged. “I go to the spa all the time. I’m down with a makeover. Quickfix?” “Not a fan,” Quickfix rolled her eyes. “But...what are ye two gonna do?” She asked the other two locals. "Ah say we tell the scary stories while they do their froufrou stuff." Applejack suggested. “Sounds good,” Quickfix grinned. She turned to Lightning. “Come on, ah know ye love stories.” Lightning looked between the two groups. “Oh that’s fair. Asking the Element of Loyalty to choose between her friends. Really?” Quickfix shrugged. “Fine, but ah got a few stories of me own that’ll raise the hairs of the pansies. No offense.” She said to AJ and Mask. “Fine,” Lightning trotted over to Quickfix. “Sorry.” She said to Fiddlesticks. “No problem,” Fiddlesticks shook her head. “Friends don’t have to do what they don’t want to do for others. Me and Sunset here are gonna be fine by ourselves.” "Right. I have some stuff we can use for makeovers in the bathroom upstairs." Sunset said, leading the way. Owlowicious blinked. "Hoo." "No, I won't stay and translate your stories for you." Sunset said. "Just sit back and enjoy." Sunset walked along, being careful to tiptoe past Spike as he slept in his basket, before entering the bathroom and floating about various beauty supplies. “So, what’s first?” Fiddlesticks asked, eyeing the items. “Face, hooves, mane?” "I would suggest doing hooves last, they would probably get dirty with you. I have a facial cream Rarity recommended, it's suppose to really help the skin. After that, probably manes and then makeup. Unless you have a better idea?" Sunset asked. “This is yer slumber party,” Fiddlesticks chimed. “Ah’m up fer anythin’ ya want to do. So, face it is then.” "Right then." Sunset said, floating over a small bottle and unscrewing the top. "You're supposed to take a bit, mix it with a little bit of warm water, and then rub it into your face and let it set for, let me double check, two minutes. Then you rinse off with warm water." Turning on the sink, she starts adjusting the water. "Thanks for doing this by the way. You're a farm worker right? Not really into fashion?" “Enope,” Fiddlesticks shook her head. “But Sunset, yer my friend. Yeah, ah know we haven’t known each other that long, but it’s true. ‘Sides, ah like makin’ ponies happy. It’s why ah’m Joy.” "...thank, that means a lot." Sunset admitted. "I didn't used to have a lot of friends. The ponies at the orphanage didn't really like me, and for a while I got very...arrogant and petty. And nasty. By the time I got myself a wake up call, I'd had a very nasty, and deserved, reputation. I've only recently been able to have some real friends." “Yeah, our Sunset didn’t like the orphanage either.” Fiddlesticks frowned. “But look at the both of ya now. Yer both Elements of Harmony. Ya have a group of great friends that’ll be there with ya through thick and thin. That’s gotta be somethin’.” "Yeah. If you can't have family, have friends." Sunset said. "You know, when I became the Bearer of Friendship, I was actually willing to walk away from being Celestia's student." “‘Course ya were,” Fiddlesticks said. “Ya wanted to be with yer friends, not in stuffy Canterlot. Well, ah assume. My Sunset took a long time to get used to Ponyville. She’s a city gal and….yeah, she’s a momma’s girl.” "Yeah, it was to be with my friends. Celestia wanted me, well really it's more she just assumed, that me and Twilight would go back to Canterlot with her to study the Elements. She was honestly surprised that I was willing to walk away from her just to stay with ponies I had known for less than a full day, and leave the only city I had ever known on top of all that. And you know what she did next?" Sunset asked, testing the water with her hoof and, satisfied, levitated a small dollop of the cream out and a little bit of water before mixing them. “She let ya stay,” Fiddlesticks responded. She put her hat aside. “‘Cause no one has the right to separate friends.” Snorting and taking the finished mix, Sunset started to rub it gently into Fiddlesticks's face. "She did one better than that. She's a master at 'finding the third option'. Instead of me staying her student and going back to Canterlot, or leaving her tutelage and staying in Ponyville, she found a way to do both. I'm now living here on a research grant to study The Magic of Friendship...which she also declared to be a legitimate field of mystical study right after she made me the offer." “Sounds like Celestia,” Fiddlesticks said. “Ah’m sure that made ya as happy as a bee in spring.” "You know it. It's a bit annoying that she can just pull perfect solutions out of her plot without any obvious effort, but you really don't care when it's in your favor, you know?" Sunset said. “She has been doin’ it fer a while now,” Fiddlesticks pointed out. “Celestia always knows what she’s doin’, else we wouldn’t have an Equestria.” "True." Sunset admitted. "She and Luna really helped pick up the pieces after Discord did his thing. Not that anypony really appreciated Luna's work." Fiddlesticks flinched at ‘Luna’s’ name. “Yeah her…” She felt uncomfortable right now. “Ummm, yeah Celestia’s a great pony. Hay, ah’d call her a friend.” "Look, I know your...Nightmare Moon was willingly bad. Our wasn't and Luna wasn't to blame. I'm sorry if it makes you uncomfortable, but Luna is one of the good girls here." Sunset said, frowning a little. "There are plenty of ponies that still give her a hard time about it. She really doesn't need that right now while she's playing catchup after loosing out on the last thousand years." Fiddlesticks was silent for a moment. She dabbled her own hoof in the mixture and started applying it to Sunset’ face as well. “Ah don’t mean to be spiteful or anythin’ like that. Ah’m sure yer Luna is a good pony and ah’d love to meet her. It’s just...hard fer us to think nice of her. No matter how many times my Celestia says she’s good and that she can change….it’s hard. Ah don’t like myself fer thinkin’ ill of her. Ah know she ‘can’ change. Ah just wish...wish she was like this world.” Sunset sighed. "Wow this is getting depressing. Let's change to a happier topic. So, what kinds of music do you like?....besides country music." “Well, ah like all sorts of music just fine,” Fiddlesticks admitted. “Ain’t got a preference….okay, maybe ah really like them classic orchestral musicians. It’s nice to have slow string songs here and there.” "Eh, never really been into the classics." Sunset said, shrugging. "I prefer rock, hard rock, metal, especially symphonic metal. It's got a beauty and energy of its own...plus I can play guitar. I got one for my sixteenth birthday." “Which calls fer a duet,” Fiddlesticks grinned. “Before we leave, we have got to play somethin’ together. It’ll be great.” "...well there are violins in some symphonic metal." Sunset agreed, smiling. "Anyway, time to wash it off." She stuck her face in the sink and ran the water over her face with a bit of TK. She then used a washcloth to dry her face, which was feeling much clearer than before. Fiddlesticks followed suit. “That was pretty nice and metal?...Well, ah kind of, not a fan of the ‘hard’ music, ya know?” "Me neither." Sunset admitted. "Despite the reputation, there is a lot more to metal than screaming incoherently about dark magic, ancient spirits of evil, Tirek, death, murder, evil, or just random angry sounds. That's the low class stuff. I think you'll like symphonic. It's like a symphony, only with electric guitars, keyboards, and drums instead of violins, oboes, and...different drums. Usually focuses on having a good story in the song too, like a bardic epic with power cords." “Sounds interestin’,” Fiddlesticks said. “Ah’ll check it out soon enough.” She finished drying herself off. “So, how’s yer stay in Ponyville goin’? Ah bet it’s been interestin’. Ya know, besides the gods and monsters.” "It's been...interesting." Sunset said. "Not every problem's been ancient evils or modern monsters rampaging. Sometimes other stuff happens. Things are never dull for long around here. Now then, let's see, what should we do with your mane?" “Not surprisin’ ya here,” Fiddlesticks smiled. “Ah prefer ponytails, but ah’m up fer anythin’ really.” "I still don't get why we call them that." Sunset groaned. "Right, nothing boring like that. I'm braiding this. Looks good and tough enough for a quality braid." Concentrating, she separated Fiddlestick's mane into six equal sized pieces, distributed properly on her head, and set to work. "So, does your Sunset really teleport you away into midair when she gets annoyed?" “She used to...well, still does.” Fiddlesticks relented. “She knows ah won’t get hurt...Well, she knows now.” She chuckled. “She’s like that. It’s really easy to get under her skin and she has a habit of overreactin’. Though, she mostly just shoots fireballs.” "Augh, sounds like me during my...bad phase. Except the fireball part." Sunset said. "I've got a real knack for fire and light based spells, even though as a magic talent I can cast just about anything. As long as I can use the magic system anyway." “Yer really good at that,” Fiddlesticks said with mirth. “Sometimes, ah really think yer Celestia’s blood kin. ‘Course, yer already family so it don’t matter. Bet ya and yer Celestia are really close too.” "Yeah, we are." Sunset said. "She didn't adopt me, I became an adult too soon after she met me for it to really work even before you consider the political implications. But I like to imagine she's what a mother would be like. Kind, caring, wise, a figure of guidance...and a pain in the flank on occasion when you disagree but the fight isn't too bad because you care deeply for each other." “That’s family fer ya,” Fiddlesticks smiled. “Ya don’t always see eye to eye, but ya have each others best intentions at heart. Ya can forgive and forget. Even if ya blunder about fantastically. Ah learned that from watchin’ my Sunset...She was kind of stuck up at first….well, really stuck up, bein’ a princess and all. She’s gotten better though. Ah mean, she hasn’t gone and burned any annoyin’ nobles again.” "Augh, I want to be judgemental, but after what I did I really don't have the right." Sunset moaned. Taking a moment to center herself, and fix a small mistake she had made a few seconds ago in the braiding, she frowned. "Listen, can you keep a secret?" “Cross my heart,” Fiddlesticks made the motion. “Ah won’t tell a soul.” "Alright. Now the other Bearers from my world know this, as do a few select others, and I'm only telling you for three reasons." Sunset said. "One, I feel like venting about it sometimes, cause keeping a secret really puts pressure on you. Two, you seem pretty understanding so I trust you won't flip out if I tell you. And finally three, if worst comes to worst and you do hate me, once you get home we wouldn't have to deal with each other ever again, so it's kind of an out for us." Sunset paused in her braiding, taking a calming, steadying breath. "This is a big secret. I'm going to ask you, are you sure you want to know?" Fiddlesticks took one of Sunset’s hooves in her own and lent her a kind smile. “Ah’ve seen and heard a lot of terrible thin’s before since ah became a bearer, but even before then, ah would never, ever hate a friend. No matter what and ya can count on that.” "Alright then, here goes." Sunset took a deep breath. "Right, remember when I mentioned my...bad period? I had started to feel very...entitled because of my magical power, and then later my title as Celestia's student. Then, something happened. I realized that all my vast magical talent I had built all my positive self worth around was a candle next to Celestia's sun. That was just utterly crushing to me. I wanted, no needed, to be the best. If I wasn't the best at magic, what good was I? Magic was really the only thing I had. So I started to become very, very jealous of Celestia. Sounding familiar so far?" “Yeah,” Fiddlesticks nodded. “Ya got jealous and did somethin’ stupid then?” "I started doing dark magic." Sunset said. "I don't know how your magic works, but dark magic is a nasty piece of work, it's not called 'dark' for fun. Ounce per ounce, dark magic is way more potent than regular magic of the same type. It also is addictive, gives an emotional high, and can just flat out do things normal magic can't, depending on the spells in question. And the more you use it, the more efficient it gets...and the weaker your regular magic gets. There are side effects, but as long as you keep using dark magic you can avoid them just fine. It's a self perpetuating vicious cycle of being more and more powerful and tempting every time you use it." Fiddlesticks’ smile faltered, but didn’t leave her face. “Dark magic is...punishable by death back home fer a reason. The realm of darkness is a place yer not supposed to go. It taints ya. It twists ya until yer only a hollow shell filled with shadows. However,” she laughed. “One of my best friends was a cultist of Nightmare Moon. He used dark magic all the time back then and now, well, he’s livin’ it up fine in Ponyville. Ya and him over there kind of have a love/hate relationship. Though neither of ya will say it...Tsundere really fits ya.” "Well good for Tsundere then. Dark magic isn't lethal in the long run to the practitioner, they're really more of a threat to others than themselves. Punishment for the unrepentant is imprisonment here in Equestria, we don't do death sentences." Sunset explained. "Also, taint, the side effect of dark magic, does dissipate over time if you stop using it. So ex-warlocks like me can go back to normal if we choose to repent. I'm just lucky I got discovered and received an intervention before I did something bad enough to hurt somepony. I'd used a number of darker spells, but I didn't use them on any thinking creature, so all in all I got off pretty easy. I just need regular medical check ups physically, mystically, and mentally to help track my recovery." “Yeah, same with Shade.” Fiddlesticks noted. “Coco met him when he was a warlock. He tried to kill her and a grundle. ‘Course, he had a change of heart after he nearly died. Redheart saved him and earned her Element because of it. So, he stuck around. Nice stallion.” "Wow, he tried to kill somepony?" Sunset boggled. "I never went that far. I mean sure near the end I was flirting with the idea of using some mind control spells. I mean I never did, that would be wrong after all, but that's as far as I got. Well...good for Shade then, redemption isn't easy. But yeah, wow, attempted murder. Worst I was thinking of was going to some island in the C.I.S. and becoming just another island dictator, just with a literally enthralled population." Fiddlesticks blinked a few times. “Wow…” She shook her head. “Er, yeah. It was hard for Shade, but murder is kind of what warlocks do. Ah mean, they use soul magic. They need to rip out yer soul and use it to fuel spells or offer up to Nightmare Moon. Ah’m just glad he never hurt nopony. He’s glad too.” "Wow. Dark magic here doesn't use souls for fuel. It's perfectly accessible without any muss or fuss...that's actually what makes it a bit more dangerous here in my opinion. All you need to do to start using dark magic is decide "I'm going to use dark magic!" and then do so, something like that you really can't get rid of you know?" Sunset sighed, "But yeah, I got jealous and betrayed Celestia by studying the dark arts. I'm still paying for my mistake, but yeah that's why I say I can't really judge your Sunset for setting some annoying nobles on fire." “Well, that nearly caused a war though.” Fiddlesticks commented. “Ya know, human noble and all.” "...you guys have humans?" Sunset asked. "You know what, I'm adopting Lyra's policy. Proof in an alternate reality means nothing in this one. Alright, you got humans. What are they like?" “Tall almost hairless apes,” Fiddlesticks said. “They always wear clothes and well….they don’t like anythin’ not human and they really, REALLY hate magic. They will go out of their way to get rid of it. It’s why we’ve got some human refugees. Some of ‘em can use magic so….they run fer their lives.” "Wow, sound ugly and nasty." Sunset said. "Glad that we don't have those here. What's next, bicorns are still around in your world?" “Never had those,” Fiddlesticks said. “And ah know they don’t sound ‘good’, but that’s a bit mean. Ah mean, we’ve got some livin’ with us, even in the reserves…..” She put a hoof to her mouth to stifle her laughter. “Bicorns..sounds really silly when ah think about it.” "They weren't." Sunset said. "Take an earth, slap a pair of goat horns and cat eyes on it, make it more aggressive than a pegasus, and then give it double the magical power of a unicorn without the physical failings. If it weren't for the fact they perished in the Windogo Winter, they'd probably be the only tribe left eventually." Fiddlesticks snorted. “Poppycock, we’d tough it out.” She slammed a hoof into her chest. “We’ve fought against all sorts of monsters and critters. Hay, even the ancient pegasi thought they could beat us easy since we’re ‘prey’ and grass-munchers. We beat ‘em back. We could do it again and ah know yer kin could do that same.” "Would have wiped out the unicorns at least." Sunset said, getting back to her work braiding Fiddlestick's mane. "They were stronger, tougher, and just as good if not better at magic than we were. Magic's our only real advantage, and they matched it or, according to some myths just outright beat us at it." Sticking her tounge out of her mouth in concentration, she smiled. "Aaand done." She had done a multipart braid with Fiddlesticks. While she had made three equal twin-spiral braids out of the six hair sections, she had then combined the braids onto one more elaborate braid. Taking the two side braids she had made a crisscrossing diamond pattern going down, the central braid waved through up and down. All in all Sunset thought it look pretty good. Levitating up a small mirror, she angled it so that in the main mirror Fiddlesticks could get a good look. "Well, what do you think?" Fiddlesticks gasped and hugged Sunset tightly. “It’s amazin’! Thank ya.” She pulled back and swished her head from side to side as she looked at herself in the mirror. “It really makes me look pretty.” "Yeah, I thought it would look good, that's why I did it." Sunset said, smiling. "Well, you're turn." She turned around, showing her mane to Fiddlesticks. “Alright,” Fiddlesticks rubbed her hooves together, grinning with anticipation. “Let’s see what ah got ta work with.” She hummed in thought. “Anythin’ ya want in particular?” "Eh, surprise me...in a good way." Sunset said, shrugging. "Just be a bit careful, unicorn hair isn't as tough as earth hair." Fiddlesticks nodded. “Gotcha,” and with that said, she was at it. Her hooves stroked and pulled slightly as to not hurt Sunset. “It is mighty fine, though it ain’t got the same texture as our unicorns. Definitely gonna need ta be a bit more careful.” With that in mind, she decided to go with a couple pigtails. "Sooo...who's this Tsundere pony you said was going out with your Sunset?" the unicorn asked as Fiddlesticks fixed her hair. "Sounds foreign." Fiddlesticks blinked a few times, before she ‘oohd’ in understanding. “Oh no, ah was callin’ our Sunset a tsundere. Ya know, really grumpy and doesn’t want ta admit she likes Shade.” "I'm not familiar with that word and...wait, Shade, the ex-evil guy?" Sunset asked, gobsmacked. "Well...good for them. I, uh, I wonder if we have an equivalent here. I mean I don't know if we match perfectly. I don't even know what your world's Equestria's population is like after all. For all we know, one world is probably short on doubles." “Tsundere some word from over in Japox,” Fiddlesticks said, pulling out some blue strings out from her hat to help her form the pigtails. “It means pretty much what ah said. It’s when someone hides their true feelings from others and themselves by being mean to their crush” She started tying one off. “That’s ya with Shade, though ya are warmin’ up to him, even if he likes teasin’ ya all the time. Ah actually hope ya have one over here. Ya’ll like him.” "Oh course our worlds seem pretty...different." Sunset noted, a hint of melancholy in her voice. "Even if he is over on this side, we might not get along. I...have a reputation like I said. And I'm still not the best at talking to ponies..." “Before ya came to Ponyville,” Fiddlesticks said. “Ponies were scared of the other ya. They thought ya were gonna chop their heads off or burn ‘em. Ya were a real jerk and Shade still teased ya...and stared at yer flanks when ya weren’t lookin’.” Fiddlesticks chuckled. Sunset needed a minute to gather her thoughts. "...chop off their heads? Wow, just...wow. Ponies weren't afraid of me, they thought I was a total jerk and did their best to avoid me." “Well….” Fiddlesticks fidgeted. “Don’t tell anyone ah said this, but bein’ an orphan left the other ya….jaded ta most ponies. Nopony took ya in, ‘cept Celestia. So yer mom and little bro, Spike, were the only ones ya cared for. Ya kind of...flaunted yer power around and pushed others away since ya thought they were just gonna abandon ya, or make fun of ya bein’ left...that and other ya was a bit too happy to use her fire magic when angry.” "I...can see that. I didn't exactly grow up the happiest orphan either. I was "the Blank Flank Supreme", so once I got my mark and my status as Celestia's student, I found myself flaunting it to get back at the society that ignored me and the peers that mocked me...I've had a couple of therapy sessions about it." “....Ya didn’t burn ‘em, did ya?” Fiddlesticks asked. “Wait, yer a bit nicer than our Sunset. She didn’t think therapy was ‘necessary’ and that she’s fine...Well, a little friendship helped out in the end anyways.” She shrugged, finishing off her mane. “And done.” Looking at herself in the mirror, Sunset smiled. "That's cute, thanks. And yeah, I mentioned mental health checkups. Dark magic can mess with the user's mind so...therapy is part of the package. But yeah, therapy doesn't really help if you aren't willing to do it." “My mom always said that the best therapy was a bringin’ a little joy into somepony’s heart,” Fiddlesticks smiled. “So, ah’m kind of a therapist when ah think about it.” She snorted in amusement. Sunset giggled. "Heck, maybe you could see about getting a diploma from Celestia like Pinkie did." Thinking about it, Sunset's eyes narrowed. Celestia totally would if she asked. Quick, distraction! "So...what's Celestia's School for the Gifted like over in your world? You said your Sunset spent some time learning there?" “Top of her classes,” Fiddlesticks shrugged. “Don’t rightly know. Never went there myself. Loved the farmin’ life too much. Pretty much anyone can go if they’re skilled enough. They have all sorts of classes, some for certain tribes and such. If’n ya get in, yer the best of the best.” "Same here." Sunset said. "Except for the "top of my classes" deal. Didn't get to go to the regular classes. At the same time, I didn't start my higher education until I was sixteen, so I would have been behind the others my age and been in classes surrounded by kids. Not the best thing to start a career in higher learning with." “Awww,” Fiddlesticks chuckled. “But ah best those little ones looked up ta ya, bein’ their elder an’ all.” "...maybe." Sunset said, shrugging. "I didn't visit the campus that often, just to talk to the Professors about stuff in occasion. Never really thought about that. I wasn't interested in talking to the kids, I was a way too cool adult, you know that phase?" “Eh,” Fiddlesticks shrugged. “Either way, ya passed and yer Celestia’s student. That’s impressive.” She lightly nudged her. “Ah’d be jealous if’n ah was a unicorn.” "Plenty of them were...and I liked it. I was used to being jealous of others." “But that’s in the past now,” Fiddlesticks pointed out. She smiled brightly. “Now is the present and we’re gonna make this slumber party one to remember. Ah sure will. Even if ah leave tomorrow, ah’ll always remember ya and tonight. Just try and do the the same.” "Thanks, you're a good friend Fiddlesticks." Sunset said, hugging the other mare. "Ha, wonder how those scary stories are going downstairs?" **************** “....And as she was held there, impaled on the Headless Horses’ scythe, the last words she ever heard were, “Did you really think you were safe?” “ Lightning grinned, finishing off the tale. Masquerade applauded lightly. "Not bad, a little predictable, but not bad. What do you think AJ...AJ?" "Huh wha?" Applejack snorted as she got up. "Did we get to the scary stuff yet?" Lightning snorted and glared at Applejack. “Quit playing around. You were so scared by my story you passed out. Don’t bother denying it.” "Lightnin', we tell stories bout the 'Eadless Horse ta kids ta scare em. We're all a bit old fer that." AJ argued back. "Though ya said ya had stories ta scare us "softies", or was that just talk?" “Oh like you can think of anything scarier than my story,” Lightning harrumphed. “Besides, everypony’s scared of the Headless Horse...’cept me.” She smirked and put a hoof to her chest. Quickfix burst out laughing, falling backwards. “Oh? Then why did ye run so fast, screamin’ like a little filly when he appeared?” Lightning paled. “He...he got the drop on me.” She looked around nervously. "...he's real in your world?" Mask asked. "Okay, that would make him a lot scarier." "Also probably should have mentioned that when ya started yer story, might have actually payed attention." AJ added. "Right, so who's up next?" “Might actually pay attention,” Lightning mocked under breath, huffing. “Ah’d actually like to hear Mask’s,” Quickfix nodded towards the mare. “Yer an actor after all and ah’ve never been much fer story tellin’ myself since ah spent most of my time with my machines. Didn’t get to talkin’ to ponies really till Sunset came.” "Huh, sounds boring," Mask noted, "unlike this story. Like Lightning the monster in this story, the Pony of Shadows, is real. Though calling it a pony is a bit of a mockery of the word. It's the real reason you shouldn't go into the Everfree at night. Which is what a group of idiot teenagers decided to do one night, a dumb stunt to show how brave and cool they were..." **************** “Ah think they’re doin’ alright,” Fiddlesticks said. “Lightning knows some really good stories.” "Cool. Right then, makeup. We'll be going to bed in a bit, so we shouldn't go heavy. A light touch up. Let's see, our coat colors are pretty close, if I go for my lighter and stuff it should match pretty well." Sunset decided, floating over several things of makeup, double checking the labels. "Need to be careful not to get my darker stuff, or Twilight's. Stuff made for a purple base would look horrid on us." “Unless it was Nightmare Night,” Fiddlesticks commented. “It’d be good for a little ‘touch up’ then.” Sunset snorted in laughter. "Yeah well, that's not going to be for a while. I'll keep that in mind. I usually do a pretty lazy costume though. Kind of a little old for dressing up...I used to do it mainly to get candy. Now I'm old enough to buy more on discount after the holiday." “Yer never too old ta be silly,” Fiddlesticks shook her head. “That’s crazy talk.” "Well, yeah, but I never really had a reason to put effort into dressing up. When I had to chaperone Twilight, I used to throw on a cape and said I was a superhero. "Generic Mare"." She chuckled, having sorted out the makeup. "Twilight on the other hoof kept making historically accurate costumes of major figures from scientific and magical history." “That is adorable,” Fiddlesticks awwed. “Got any pics?” Sunset smirked. "Oh you bet I did. Especially when she was twelve and threw that tantrum because everypony kept on saying she had a great "beet" costume. She had a little meltdown that nopony knew who Copper Neighgus was." Fiddlesticks grinned. “Wish ah could have been there. Would’ve cuddled that tantrum right out of her.” She chuckled. "Celestia gave her a jumbo chocolate bar that year. I got one too, just to be fair." Sunset smiled. "Anyway, this is my lightest blush, it should add some color to your cheeks." Opening the jar, she took a tiny soft brush and used it to very lightly dust Fiddlestick's cheeks. "There we go, that looks nice. Just a bit darker than normal, but still looks good." Fiddlesticks glanced at the mirror and her eyes widened in surprise. “Yeah...it does. Wonder how Ghoul will like it.” "Oh, your special somepony?" Sunset asked, eyebrows waggling. Fiddlesticks blushed and held her mane in her hooves, stroking it softly. “Maybe…” Sunset smiled. "You know, I don't use that blush that often, I usually go a bit darker. Maybe you could take it as a souvenir?" Fiddlesticks quickly pulled her into a big hug. “Yer the best.” "Thanks, I try." Sunset said, returning the hug. "Celestia knows, I try." **************** "Thinking they had escaped, Oak and Cherry started laughing in relief. Or at least, Oak did. Cherry sounded...off. And getting more and more off. Darker, manic,...echoing. As dark tentacles poured out of her mouth and started to strangle him, Oak realized the horrible truth. Cherry had been dead for a while. The Pony of Shadows had used her body as a puppet, just to mock him with the idea of safety. And then, nothing." Mask said, ending her own horror story. Quickfix smiled. “Nice one, Mask. Always knew actors were great storytellers and that was a hoot.” AJ looked a little green. "Yeah, a hoot, hehe right Lightnin'?" “Y-yeah,” Lightning was shaking, eyes darting about and her teeth chattering. “A hoot….Good story.” "Thanks." Mask said, smiling. "Glad Spike was sleeping. No way I'd tell something like that with kids around." “Of course,” Lightning tried stilling her shaking, which worked for the most part. Her wings still spurred about on her sides. “That story would scare kids. Not adults of course, right AJ?” "Right." AJ agreed, eyes darting around, hooves clacking, and blinking rapidly. "That totally wasn't scary ta hear." "Yeah, guess it doesn't sound that scary." Mask said, shrugging. Then she grinned. "How about a live demonstration then?" Then her head pitched down and long shadowy shapes furled out from her body. AJ and Lightning grabbed each other, screaming. Smirking, Mask stood up and started wrapping up the black scarf she'd picked up earlier for the trick. "And the award for best practical effect goes to Masquerade Pantomime." Quickfix clapped her hooves, laughing. “Encore! Encore!” Mask took a bow, grinning at the two 'tough girls'. "So, just scary to kids huh?" “Oh can it, featherbody.” Lightning huffed, still clinging to AJ. "Yeah." AJ said, then realized what she wa doing, and quickly shuffled out of Lightning's grasp. "Anyway, I think that's enough scary stories fer one night." “Yeah,” Lightning did her best to compose herself. “Enough with the kiddie stuff, Mask.” "Well, if you guys are finally done, we are too." Sunset called down the stairs. "Presenting, the lovely Lady Fiddlesticks of Apple." Fiddlesticks strutted downstairs like her fancy city cousin would. “It is lovely to see ya all.” She tried to do her best city impression, which sounded something like a southern belle. “Well look at ye,” Quickfix grinned. “Sunset did a mighty fine job.” “Ah would say so,” Fiddlesticks smirked and looked upstairs. “Ah think ah did a mighty fine job myself. So, ah present the Marvelous Sunset Shimmer.” Sunset smiled, coming down the stairs. Between the pigtails and a few subtle choices of makeup, she looked a couple years younger. "Hoo, lookin' good Sunset." AJ said. "Ya look cuter than a kitten in mittens." "You look younger too." Mask added, then frowned. "You didn't use magic did you?" Sunset rolled her eyes. "I learned my lesson then guys, no age spells." Fiddlesticks pouted. “Ah would like to think ya’ll gave me some credit. Just ‘cause ah’m country, don’t mean ah can’t work a little ‘magic’ with a mare’s looks.” "Well dahling," Applejack said, dusting off her own brief brush with the high class life, "I do apologize. It was most rude of me to doubt your ability. Yes, most rude indeed. Tea and crumpets, rather...and ah ran out of fancy talk." “That was good,” Fiddlesticks grinned. “Ya really sounded like ya….ah mean, other ya.” "Tea and crumpets?" Masquerade, quirking an eyebrow. "Nopony actually says that just by itself you know." “‘Cept in comedies,” Fiddlesticks remarked. She hopped on over to Applejack and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Ya’d make a great comedian, cuz.” Masquerade hmmmed as she rubbed her chin. "...so we were thinking of doing a comedy soon at the theater. If we need another extra, maybe-" "Stoppin' ya right there Mask." AJ said, smiling. "I'd love ta help out if ya need it, but not on stage. Can't act worth a hill o' beans." “Poppycock,” Fiddlesticks harrumphed. “Ponies love it when a pony acts ‘all nature-al’. Comes from the heart.” “Says the party pony,” Lightning muttered. "Okay, okay, enough of that." Sunset said. "Let's see, s'mores, scary stories, makeovers, pillow fight, what else is there to do at one of these things?" “Truth or dare?” Fiddlesticks said. “This is going to get awkward,” Lightning muttered again. "How should we do it? Pony picked picks next, round the circle, or spinner?" Mask asked, seemingly looking forward to the game. Fiddlesticks tapped her chin. “Round the circle sounds fair.” "Alright then so, who starts off?" Sunset asked. “Me!” Fiddlesticks jumped up and down beaming. “Pick me!” Sunset shrugged. "Okay then, works for me, that makes me last. Truth or dare?" “Dare,” Fiddlesticks narrowed her eyes, awaiting the challenge. "I got one." Mask said, grinning. "I dare you to wear a blindfold for the rest of the night, no peaking." "Aw, that's an easy one." AJ moaned. Fiddlesticks stood heroically, pulling out a sash. She wrapped it around her eyes, all while doing it in an epic, over the top fashion. “It is done.” She said with fervence. “Cuz, are you ready for the choice?” "Course ah am. Truth of course." Applejack said, smiling. "Bearer o' Honesty, ah ain't got nothin' ta hide." “Have you ever had a crush on a relative?” Lightning said. She then heard Fiddlesticks huff. “I’m just asking.” "Once." AJ admitted. "Ah didn't know he was mah second cousin on Ma's side mind you, and he didn't know bout me neither, so that was a bit awkward when we found out like two minutes after we started talkin'." “.....Don’t tell me ya were crushin’ on Braeburn,” Fiddlesticks gasped. “Called it!” Lightning chuckled. "It weren't Breaburn!...it was Jam Tart. Movin' on!" AJ said, "Just fer that Lightnin', ah hope ya pick dare, cause its yer turn!" “Oh no,” Lightning rolled her eyes. “I’m not stupid. You’re just going to make me do something really stupid and embarrassing. Nope, I choose truth. I’ve got nothing to hide.” She crossed her forelegs, smirking. "In that case, you won't mind telling us the name of everypony you've had an unrequited crush on." Mask noted. “DOH!” Lightning cringed. “Pick something else.” “Uh-uh,” Fiddlesticks chimed, smiling. “Ya have to answer.” “No I don’t,” Lightning shot back. "Yes ya do." AJ added. "Them's the rules!" “Fine,” Lightning groaned. “....I’ve had three.” "Aaaand their names are?" Masquerade asked, grinning. “Thunderlane,” Lightning grumbled. “Okay, he’s hot. I don’t know what your Thunderlane is like, but ours is a real warrior. He trains every morning in his backyard….Not like I ever peeked. No, I heard that from somepony else.” "Riiight." Sunset said, eyes blank. "You heard about it." “Ye still have two more,” Quickfix pointed out. “.....Rainbow Dash,” Lightning glared at them, blushing. “...It’s not a crush! I’m straight! I just admire her build is all!...and her talent….Not a lesbian.” “Called it!” Quickfix laughed. “No wonder ye were hangin’ all over AJ durin’ the stories.” “Dang it,” Fiddlesticks groaned. “Ah missed it.” "Also, you technically wouldn't be a lesbian." Sunset noted. "If you are attracted to both men and women, you would be bisexual." “NERD!” Lightning pointed at her. "...right, help you with identity crisis later." Sunset growled, looking annoyed. "Number three?" “I’m not saying it!” Lightning growled, bearing her fangs. “Come on,” Fiddlesticks piped up. “Nopony’s gonna-” “MY BIG SISTER!” Lightning shouted, blushing like mad. “Now shut up!” The locals just looked stunned, uncertain what to say. Fiddlestick’s lower jaw dropped. Quickfix chuckled. “Did not see that comin’.” “I was a little filly, okay.” Lightning grumbled. “Little fillies do stupid things all the time. I grew out of it and you better not tell anypony that. Ever.” She growled. "No problem." Mask said, sweating like mad. "Sorry, I had no idea it would get that bad." “It wasn’t bad,” Quickfix said, before falling back in laughter. Her hooves kicking up in glee. “It was hilarious!” “NEXT!” Lightning shouted. "Right right." Mask said. "I'll take a dare actually." “Ah dare ya to kiss Sunset,” Fiddlesticks grinned. “Can we seriously stop with the mushy stuff,” Lightning growled. “Pick something else.” “But ah ship it~” Fiddlesticks whined. “Don’t mess with mah ship.” Sunset rolled her eyes. "I seriously doubt that Mask is going to-" She was cut off however as Masquerade planted a big one on her lips. "What the buck!?" "Sorry Sunny, but rules are rules!" Mask said, laughing. "Okay Quick, you're up! Truth or dare?" “Ah’m from the North,” Quickfix smirked. “We’re the most darin’ ponies ye can find. Dare me.” "Hmmmm, the most daring huh?" Sunset smiled. "Okay then, I dare you to go over to Fluttershy's cottage, and steal a carrot from Angel." "Are you crazy?" Mask asked. "That's suicide!" AJ agreed. “That rabbit,” Lightning growled. “I’ll get him one day.” “He’s wily, ah’ll give him that.” Quickfix snorted. “Don’t mind her. She just ornery ‘cause she can’t catch him.” “Hey,” Lightning snorted. “He lives underground. It’s hard to sink my teeth into the earth.” “So ye say,” Quickfix rolled her eyes. "Don't try to eat this one he's...technically Fluttershy's pet...I think." Sunset noted. "Or maybe Fluttershy is his pet, it's a little unclear." “Ours beat up Royal Guards,” Quickfix snorted. “Ah can do that easy. Same as this.” "If you're sure." Masquerade said, looking nervous. "Right, you'll need some directions to get there." She then told Quickfix how to reach Fluttershy's cottage. “Yer Angel might be frisky,” Quickfix grinned deviously. “But ah’ve tangled Crystal Raptors as a little filly. Ye’ll ‘ave yer carrots soon enough.” She made her way to the cottage. As she came up to the cottage, Quickfix’s mind thought up all sorts of ways to steal a carrot. She smiled as one came to mind. So, she decided to put it into play…. "Go away, nopony home." a very quiet voice whispered from within. “Fluttershy,” Quickfix said, knocking firmly. “Ah just want to talk with ye.” No answer came from within the cottage. “Ye are a stubborn mare,” Quickfix huffed. “Denyin’ a pony a greetin’. Guess ah’ll have to do this the hard way. FIDDLESTICKS!” Fiddlesticks trotted out from behind the cottage. “The Jumper mark 3,” Quickfix held out a hoof. “On it,” Fiddlesticks took off her hat and pulled out a strange, white hoof glove. It had the Apeture logo on it. Quickfix put it on and pointed it at the door. She focused on the door and a blue smudge appeared on the door. It was larger than a pony and shimmered, moving in place. Quickfix smiled at one of her creations and jumped through it. The ‘portal’ took her randomly into the house, appearing in the kitchen. She kissed it. “Works like a charm. Now, about that carrot.” A low growling answered her statement. There was a pack of wolves present, and they looked quite upset at the sudden intruder. As did the large black bear. And the puma. And the wolverine. "Oh dear, there just had to be a burglar on suppository night." Fluttershy muttered. Quickfix gasped in glee. “A rammy? Oh if ah knew ye that ye would put up a fight, ah’d have come ‘ere sooner. Ah’ve been itchin’ fer a challenge.” She grinned. Fluttershy gasped. "Don't even think about it missy! These animals are sick and in my care! They have it bad enough without you breaking into houses and trying to pick fights with poor, defenseless, sick animals! Where do you get off missy?!" she demanded, getting right in Quickfix's face. “Errr….” Quickfix blinked a few times, getting used to a normal pegasus version of the great forest spirit. “Ah just wanted one of Angel’s carrots.” "You break into my houses to steal food from a poor innocent bunny?!" Fluttershy was quite clearly outraged and, despite being thin and lanky, seemed itching for a fight. “Well ah knocked first,” Quickfix pointed out. “Ye didn’t open up, so ah used my nifty Jumper mark 2tm to ‘jump’ into yer house. No breakin’ involved. Neat huh?” She smiled. "I didn't open up because it's late, I don't know you, and I was medicating a number of predators. And then you break in anyway to steal stuff." Fluttershy said, deadpan. "And you have a weird magic thing for breaking into houses? Yeah, I think you need to go to the sheriff now, if that's okay with you. I mean, you really shouldn't be breaking into ponies houses you know?" “It’s not magic,” Quickfix scoffed. “It’s SCIENCE!” She laughed like a madmare...and then stopped. “So, can ah have the carrot?” "Ummm, no." Fluttershy said, kicking the floor lightly. "Please leave before one of us has to make you." “But ah was dared to get a carrot,” Quickfix chimed. “Ah Northerner never backs down from a challenge.” Fluttershy blinked a few times. "A..dare? You are doing all this for a dare?" “Of course,” Quickfix nodded, smiling. “Ah mean, ah already tested this little fella out.” She gestured to her device. “Ah don’t need to test it again. Ah’ll save that for the Mark 3.” Fluttershy sighed. "Only in Ponyville." Walking over to the fridge, she opened it up and winged her a carrot. "There you go. Now will you please leave? I have a lot of patients to see tonight." “Will do,” Quickfix chimed. “Nice workin’ with ye, Fluttershy.” "...so do you need me to open the door or...?" “Yeah,” Quickfix rubbed the back of her head. “That’d be great. This thin’ is good fer gettin’ in, not fer out.” Opening the front door, Fluttershy smiled. "Well it was...interesting meeting you, whoever you are. Have a good night." “Quickfix,” she put a hoof out to shake. “Nice ta meet ye.” "Um, nice to meet you too I guess." Fluttershy said, extending her own hoof and lightly touching Quickfix's own. "I'm sorry, but that name sounds familiar, have we met before?" “In another universe,” Quickfix said, taking a firm grip on the pegasus’ hoof as she shook. "...what?" Fluttershy asked, clearly unsure how to process this info. “Only in Ponyville,” Quickfix said. “Or Equestria...or some places like it….” She scratched her head. “Gosh, it is confusin’ when ye think about it. Don’t ye worry though. Ah’ll make somethin’ ta figure it out.” "Well, um, good luck...I think." Fluttershy said. "You, um, probably want to finish that dare." “Right,” Quickfix nodded and took off. “See ye later.” She waved. "Okay, I guess. But in the morning please?" Fluttershy called back, before closing the door. Quickfix pushed open the library door and marched inside. “Ah’m back with a little souvenir.” "Oh my bucking Tartarus you actually did it." Sunset said, jaw dropped. "Well now we know who the bad flank of your group is." Mask noted. “This proves nothing,” Lightning groused, crossing her forelegs over her chest as she angrily pouted. "Ah think it does." AJ teased back. “Urge ta ship,” Fiddlesticks muttered. “NO!” Lightning shouted. “Sunset, it’s your turn.” She quickly tried to change the subject. "Right." Sunset said, then let out a big yawn. "Since Quick took a while, I say we end after my turn and get some sleep, we have a big day tomorrow. Anyway, I'll take a Truth." “So,” Quickfix put the carrot aside. “If ye had to say, would ye say you liked facin’ all those foes? At all?” "What foes?" Sunset asked. "Can you be a bit more specific?" “Did ye like goin’ against Discord?” Quickfix asked. “Was he fun or just terrifyin’?” "Neither." Sunset said, frowning. "The little dude was just a giant dick to everypony for his own amusement, twisting ponies' personalities around for fun. I so wish it had stuck when I incinerated him, instead of him turning it into a visual gag." “Ours was a monster and the Elements turned him into a baby….” Quickfix shrugged. “Don’t ask me why.” "We just turned ours back into stone." Mask said, shrugging. "Saves a lot of trouble as a lawn ornament." "So does that answer your question?" Sunset asked. “Yeah,” Quickfix said. “Didn’t have a good one anyways.” “Yep,” Fiddlesticks trotted over to Sunset with her blindfold still on. “Now it’s time fer bed.” She pulled out a blanket and pillow and laid down on the floor. “Good night everypony.” "...Fiddlesticks, did you forget about the sleeping bags you pulled out earlier?" Sunset asked. Fiddlesticks jumped up. “Oh yeah.” She zipped open hers and crawled inside. “Good night everypony.” "Night." AJ said slipping into her own bag. Mask just lay down on top of hers, snoring softly away already. “Night,” both Quickfix and Lightning said, crawling into theirs. "Good night girl's. This was really fun, thank you." Sunset said, settling into heroin bag as she used her magic to flick off the lights. As she was drifting off, she noticed something. Somepony had tossed a cloth over her head. "...not a...para...keet..." She would have protested more, but she was already too far gone, drifting off to sleep. Fiddlesticks giggled and rolled over next to Sunset. “So a parakeet.” She fell into a slumber of her own.