//------------------------------// // August 4: How Low // Story: A Time of Reckoning: Seven Days in Sunny June, Book IV // by Shinzakura //------------------------------// “N-no….” Compass Rose looked at Scotch Bonnet. “This isn’t a funny joke, Scotch. Seriously.” Scotch Bonnet stood in front of one of her closest friends, tears streaming down her face. “It’s no lie, Rose. She’s gone.” Scotch explained that she’d gone over to Tennis Match’s place earlier in the morning, because they were meeting for breakfast. Instead, Scotch was treated to a number of news vans and police cars around her friend’s house and that only served to make the girl worry that much more. But it was when Match’s father, tears streaming down his face unashamedly, that Scotch’s worst fears were confirmed. She stayed only long enough to get the barest details, and raced over as fast as she could. Scotch embraced her friend and both girls fell to their knees, holding each other and bawling. Not too long after that, Scotch Bonnet headed home; for her safety, her parents restricted her to the house for they feared she’d be the next target. But that left another potential target – Rose herself – alone in a house, mourning the loss of someone dear to her. Rose never felt more shattered than in that moment. Contralto Rush, petty officer in charge of the SIRENs Black Team, plopped on the nearby sofa, beer in hand. “Ah, how I needed a break!” “A beer? This early in the morning? And you’re not of age to drink, not even back in Canada!” Medley Trance tsked. “Why don’t you do something more productive and legal, instead?” From where she sat, Canzione Burst chuckled. “Bet ten to one she propositions you for sex.” Medley stuck her tongue at her fellow SIREN. “Awww, way to take the suspense out of it, Canzy!” Contralto rolled her eyes. “I’m not sleeping with you, Med.” “C’mon, Alto! I’ve pretty much exhausted all the members of the Sisterhood who are interested! I have to have a challenge! Besides, once you set sail to the Island of Lesbos, you’ll be forever more in paradise.” “Paradise? So you’re naming your body parts now?” Medley grinned sultrily. “If you think those are good, you should head to my valley of fun.” “Give it a rest, Med,” Contralto insisted. Canzione nodded in agreement. “Anyway, question for you, Alto: Why are we on stand down for the next few days? Personally, I’d rather be on the hunt.” Contralto took a swig of her beer, then sighed. “Yeah, personally I agree with you: I’m addicted to hunting these little cunts, but the Captain says we’ve made too much of a profile for the past few days, and that’s only going to get more of their police involved, ergo, more of a chance to get caught. And apparently the Prince doesn’t want us to be caught. So we’ll have to sit tight, at least until the hurricane gets here, and then we can get on to our business.” “My business is fuc—” “Med, would you stop?” Medley pouted. “You guys never let me have any fun!” By the time noon had rolled around, the news of Tennis Match’s death had become public knowledge. Celestia and Luna, as the senior staffers at Canterlot High, had been notified, and as such, were immediately on the way to Tennis Match’s house to offer condolences to her parents. Luna, looking very out of sorts, sighed. “I cannot believe this is happening. For years, Canterlot has been a relatively quiet town, and now all this has happened. I don’t mean to sound insensitive, but it’s almost as if Sunset’s arrival was merely the tip of the iceberg.” Celestia frowned. “This can’t be blamed on Sunset, and you know it. Nor would I.” “I didn’t mean it that way, Tia. What I meant was….” Luna sighed once more. “It seemed as though things were easier when we first accepted the positions to head CHS. And then Sunset showed up and things have been an avalanche of instances since. While Sunset has been the result of some of those issues, obviously she’s not behind them all. And given her new outlook on life, I doubt she would ever be the source of any more of it. But even still, these problems – the Vibe incident, and now this – would have existed whether Sunset Shimmer came into our lives or not.” “I know,” Celestia replied, “and the fact that she’s now in touch with her homeworld disconcerts me – not because I don’t trust her, but rather, with the strength she has now...what if something stronger comes across?” Luna had no answer to that, and as they turned onto the street where the family lived, they had to be waved through a police roadblock before continuing on. “Too many lookieloos,” the officer had explained with an apologetic shrug. “Amazing how many people are afraid of stuff like this, but when it happens to someone else, the morbid curiosity kicks in.” “Not mine,” Luna muttered as they drove past the news vans and law enforcement vehicles. “Not mine at all.” They finally pulled in front of the house where the crowd was most centered, and as various reporters approached, another police officer arrived. “Sorry, but no visitors allowed at this time. We’re conducting interviews right now and we don’t need further journalists.” Celestia was about to explain when another voice announced, “They’re clear, Gunsight. I know who they are.” Celestia smiled at that; if she’d known this was going to be a problem, she would have called him. Sure enough, Shining Armor poked his head into the car window. “I’m guessing she was your student.” He pointed two houses down. “Go ahead and park there; the neighbors have been kind enough to let us use their driveway while we’re checking out the scene.” Shining walked over while the two went and parked, and as they got out, Shining added, “If I had known you were coming, I would have told you and set up clearance.” “No need to apologize, Shining,” Celestia said with a melancholy smile. “This is a duty that I never wished I had to do.” Nothing more said, Shining escorted them to the house to let them do their duty. As they did, someone flagged Shining’s attention and with a nod, he pointed them to the door before heading off. “Shining, you’re not going to believe this shit,” Sandalwood said as she approached. “Lab just got back with the results from the Ruby Tuesday case, and...well, take a look for yourself, man.” She handed over the tablet she was looking at. Shining looked at the tablet, his eyes darting to and fro as he looked over the report. Then he paused and gave her a look that would’ve been comical had the situation not been so serious. “Is this shit for real?” She grinned. “You know, I thought the same thing: what the hell are the FBI lab techs smoking and does the DEA know about it? But turns out that we send some of our cases at the ECSD down to the lab in San Diego, so they are on the up and up.” Shining rapped his fingers on the screen. “But this—” “—says she was killed by something with fish scales, I know. Furthermore, they’re checking with San Diego State to see what kind of fish it was, though that doesn’t make any sense either. So either our killer works at a supermarket and handles fish, or we’re dealing with a sick fuck that wears gloves made out of fish scales. Either way,” she groaned as she took the tablet back, “I don’t think we could’ve asked for any weirder of a case.” “Hey, maybe if we stay with the Feds after this case, we can go work with the X-Files. Can’t get any weirder than this.” She jabbed him with the tablet. “One, the X-Files are fake – I hope. Two, at the rate things are going, I’m very sure this can get weirder. Now, c’mon, we’ve got to start talking to some of the local experts – I don’t think the lab’s going to do this alone, and I dunno about you, but I’d rather have a second opinion before Special Agents Badge and Hardline insist that we do.” Sunset lay on her bed in her room, digesting the news she’d heard. We were supposed to go to lunch today. She wanted to make up with me. But now she’s dead...and things will forever be left unfinished. It’s not fair, dammit – it’s just not fair. There was a knock on the door, but before Sunset could tell them to go away, Octavia opened the door. “Hey, you feeling okay?” “No,” was Sunset’s simple answer. “Yeah, I figured when you left your breakfast half-uneaten. Twily’s doing the dishes, so I thought I’d come up here and talk to you.” What was unspoken was the fact that Octavia suddenly had the urge to throw Sunset through the window, then take a glass shard and skin her alive before feeding her to Fluttershy’s zoo animals. Repressing a shudder at the out-of-nowhere thought, she sat down on the bed next to her soon-to-be cousin. “Want to talk about it?” “Yeah. The murdered girl? I...knew her. She was one of the girls I tormented in the past, and with all I’ve done to help one of her friends with a relationship problem that said friend had, she thought she wanted to go to lunch today to bury the hatchet. We were actually going to go yesterday, but I was too busy.” She looked away from her cousin and said, “I wasn’t really busy, but I wanted some time to prepare.” While Sunset wasn’t crying, she clearly looked broken up about it. “If I hadn’t been such a lazy ass, she could still be alive.” “Or maybe we’d be the ones broken up today, because you’d be amongst the dead.” Octavia reached out and stroked her cousin’s hair. “Is that what you would’ve wanted?” Sunset sat up. “No, of course not, Tavi! You know that.” “Then don’t. Look, you’re alive, you’re with us, and while yes, you’re mourning, don’t forget that there are people here who are glad that you’re alive and that you’re not the one we have to bury.” Violet eyes met cyan, and there was truth in them. “I know, but I still feel bad about it.” “So, Twily’s feelings don’t matter? Or mine? Or the rest of your family?” “No, not that. Maybe I’m just being maudlin.” Sunset stood up and looked at her cousin. “Did you ever feel you had a responsibility that you had to fulfill?” Octavia shook her head. “It’s not your job to catch this guy, Sunny. You’re not a cop.” She then pointed to the door. “Go down and eat something, okay? If not for yourself, at least for me and Twily.” Octavia then went over and hugged her cousin. “I might be going through a lot right now, but that doesn’t mean you have to. I mean, you’ll officially be part of this family at the end of the month, so that’s something to look forward to, right?” Sunset gave a bright smile. “Like you wouldn’t believe.” But then Octavia placed her arms akimbo and asked, “So, spill: what did you get for Twily for her birthday?” Sunset went to her desk and opened it. “I’ve been saving up forever for this. I really hope she’ll like them.” Sunset handed over the earstuds from Equestria, and hoped that Octavia wouldn’t ask what store she got them from. Octavia opened the case, then her eyes lit up...then she looked at Sunset with utter heartbreak. “You don’t love me, do you?” “Huh?” The musician pouted. “You got her this! You love her more than me!” She handed the case back to Sunset, her eyes nearly wet with tears. “And I thought I was important to you.” Sunset facepalmed. “I wonder if it’s too late to get that pearl back,” she muttered. Octavia gasped. “You got her a pearl, too?” Sable was busy washing the dishes when Celestia returned home. “How’re you feeling?” he asked her. She gave him a look of surrender. “I don’t ever want to be in that position again. The mother? Mrs. Accolade looked as though she was going to lose her mind right then and there and frankly, I wouldn’t have blamed her if she did. As for Tennis Match’s father, he wasn’t there. Accolade said he was probably drinking himself away at a bar in grief.” He walked over to her and started massaging her shoulders. “Sounds like you had a hell of a day.” “Hell is right.” She moaned gratefully as her muscles relaxed. “You have a wonderful touch, you know that?” “Takes the perfect woman to appreciate that,” he told her. “You spoil me rotten, you know that?” She plopped in a chair by the kitchen table. “Seriously, though, I hope this doesn’t run into the school year. That could really cause me some headaches.” “Hey, at least your students aren’t going to be considered some of the suspects,” Sable commented as he walked over to the refrigerator and removed a bottle of wine before going to retrieve a pair of wine glasses. “I’m honestly in awe that some of the pupils at my workplace continue to walk free,” he admitted. “Every student deserves a second chance,” she told him, and her tone indicated that she genuinely believed that. “You might change your mind after you work with some of the fine pupils that I work with,” Sable insisted as he poured the drinks. “Those two idiots that tried to molest you – Grayhoof and Gladstone – weren’t interested in your concern for their futures, only what they could get out of you...or rather, put into you.” “That’s rather crass, hon,” she replied as he passed her the drink. “Crass or not, it’s true. When I met you, I told you they were our worst students. I wasn’t joking. Gladstone got off on a technicality at his last trial, and Grayhoof is attending as a condition of his parole officer. If I hadn’t arrived in time….” The look on his face was one of worry, and Celestia’s eyes widened in horrific realization. “But they’re just kids!” she gasped. “No, no they’re not. Sweetheart, you’re making the same mistake everyone else does: that these are just kids, that they’re mixed up and confused and once they graduate at eighteen, then they’ll be adults. No – the truth is that they’re adults now, at least in terms of biology and mental capacity. Age isn’t determined by something as arbitrary as a high school diploma or the annual turn of the calendar. Trust me, those two who accosted you were men, even if just young men, and as capable of evil as any other out there. Might even actually be them.” “Do you really think that?” she asked. He looked at her, and the look in his eyes was fierce and unfriendly, enough so to make her back up in fright. However, the look was also distant, which meant it was a memory. “First week in Khandahar, my unit was on the hump. My fireteam and I were moving to high ground, scouting ahead. Unfortunately, someone got the drop on us; two of my guys got it immediately, and one of them was one I knew since Boot Camp. Lakeside was from some small town in Michigan, and he always used to tell me about his plans for what he was going to do when he got out – now those plans were shit. We ducked for cover and returned fire, and for a few seconds – and it felt like a fucking hour – we cut them down, and but good. “But the part that horrified me and Pine Pass was what we killed: a bunch of kids, no older than Grayhoof or Gladstone, and behind them, seriously injured but still alive, was their cell leader, some raghead asshole in his thirties who threw kids at us with AK-47s from the 1950s and other antiquated shit. Seriously, some of that shit had to date back to some of the Arabic wars in the 60s. So anyway, I’m screaming at this guy – Pass wanted me to kill him, and oh was I tempted.” His eyes reflected a thousand mile stare, and while Celestia wanted to comfort him, she held off, because he clearly needed to talk about this. “And the man looks right at me and says, ‘You think they are boys, but you are wrong, infidel, because they are men, like all men, who come to kill you.’” Celestia could barely realize what came out of her mouth next. “Then?” “We killed him,” Sable said, his voice barely a whisper. “He didn’t want to surrender, and we weren’t going to let him go. We killed him, and left his body for the animals to feed on, or for someone to bury. Our unit made it through, and...I wasn’t the same after that. It set me on the road to becoming the Wolf of Kabul.” “I’ve never seen anything like this before.” Based on some quick calls that Shining had made to his father, they were directed to Dr. Leafydragon, a professor of ichthyology at Canterlot State. Looking at the results given to them, he chuckled. “You know, when Night told me that he was going to send something interesting my way, I had no idea.” “Anything you can tell us, Doctor?” Shining asked. “Oh, if I didn’t know better, I think that the animators down in Burbank and Anaheim could tell you more.” “Explanation?” He held up the culture dish that held the sample that they’d supplied him with. “This isn’t a fish scale, as far as I can tell. Oh, it looks like one – in fact, it looks like placoid scales, which are usually found on sharks – but the composition just doesn’t look right.” He walked over to a computer, fiddled with it for a second, then flicked a switch next to it; a projector from the ceiling threw an image against the wall. “These are placoid scales; these came from a dead leopard shark that beached itself off the coast of Arcata a few weeks back. “Note the shape and the look, as well as the composition.” Both Shining and Sandalwood studied the image before them; while there were similarities, there were also enough differences that were clear even to their untrained eyes. “So, okay, what do you think it is?” Shining asked him. “Speedshark scales,” Leafydragon told them. When the looks on their face registered one of confusion, he added, “About four years ago I was part of a team that developed a new swimsuit for the US Olympic Swim Team. The suit was composed of thousands of miniature synthetic scales that emulated sharks, so that the swimmers could speed faster. Boosted their performance about thirty-seven percent, if I recall correctly, and I hear the Russians are trying to develop a version as well.” “I see,” Sandalwood said in a voice that indicated that she didn’t believe a single word he was saying, but said it just for the sake of conversation. “Doctor, if we were to leave this with you, how long do you think it would take to confirm it?” “I’d probably have to get my sample of the synthetic scale from my home, but I’m pretty sure I could have it done by tonight. Worst case, early tomorrow.” “We’d appreciate it if you could,” Shining said. “Hey, anything for the Feds – if this is tied to the murders, then I’m all too happy to help in any way I can. Plus? This research, honestly, is rather exciting.” Pleasantries were then exchanged, as well as Shining’s phone number, and a few minutes later both officers walked out. “I don’t like this,” Sandalwood said. “You don’t like anything, Sandy,” Shining joked. “What, you think that he’s lying?” “Leafydragon? No, I don’t think he’s lying at all; in fact, he went above and beyond in giving us the information that we really didn’t ask for. The problem is, he doesn’t have the whole story.” “Oh, how so?” Shining asked as they made their way to the agency car they were loaned. “Simple: I recall those suits he mentioned, and they aren’t the only one those were made for. Surfers have them as well – knew a guy at my last command who had one of the wetsuits.” “So you’re telling me that this is a dead end?” he asked as he plopped into the driver’s seat. “Could be worse: it wouldn’t surprise me if there’s a military version available to NAVSPECWARCOM and other special forces units, but somehow I really doubt that the military’s involved.” Sandalwood laughed. “Yeah, so much for X-Files shit.” “Where did you get that?” Sonata gasped, caught. She’d been hiding up on the roof for the past couple of hours. With only the duty section working at the moment, there was a two-day liberty call for all personnel as long as they didn’t leave the perimeter. It gave her time to stay away from the Black Team, but at the same time, it let her relax. “I can explain!” Sonata pled. Adagio gave her younger sister a smile and plopped down next to her. “Soni, it’s me. You don’t have to explain, okay?” Instead, Adagio sat down next to her. “Can I see that?” “Sure,” Sonata said, passing it over, and Adagio taking it in her hands. A wide, sunny smile came over her face and she handed it back. “I remember that. Good times.” Sonata retrieved the picture of all of them – herself, her sisters, and their friends – taken just days before the triplets vanished into nothing. “D-do you think they’ll ever forgive us?” Sonata asked. Adagio looked at her sister, and there was a troubled look on her face. “They were our friends – our first real friends – and we vanished on them without so much as a word. We may never see them again. But I miss them a lot, Dagi, I really do.” Adagio reached over and rumpled Sonata’s hair; she’d had to cut it to a military-compatible length and short hair didn’t look good on her at all – not on any of the triplets. “If they really were our friends – and you know they were – then they’ll forgive us. They might wonder whatever happened to us, but I know they’ll forgive us. And like I said earlier, when this is all over, we can go back and live normal lives, I promise.” She then looked at the pad and pen at her side. “And what’s that for?” This time Sonata blushed. “I’m...writing apology letters. I was gonna smuggle them out and send them.” “You know you could get in serious trouble if you do.” “I know...but they were our friends, Dagi! They deserve to know we’re okay and that we miss them, right?” She looked at the perimeter fence, and the streets of Canterlot beyond. “One of the seamen on Bravo Team switched duty with me and I’ll be going out to Colton tomorrow.” A studious look came over Adagio’s face. She knew the penalties that Cantata Blast had imposed and more of the reduced communications that they had with the outside world, given that they were so relatively close to enemy territory. But...her sister was right. None of this would’ve been what they planned for under normal circumstances; there would have been no apologies to make had they been able to break off like they wanted to. And when this was all over, whenever it was, Adagio knew that she and her sisters – and possibly even their sœurs – would return here and make their lives finally their own. “Do it,” Adagio advised, “and tell them that Ari and I miss them, too.” Sonata gave her sister a wide grin. “You got it.” On the other building, from her sniper position, Aria watched and read her sister’s lips: “—nd I miss them too.” Lowering her scope, Aria frowned. Sonata was going to do something stupid and Adagio was going to let her. It was the height of idiocy, and if Sonata got caught, she – and likely Adagio, too – would be in deep shit. Still, she’s right. If Adagio wasn’t planning to say a thing, neither would Aria. And hopefully, just hopefully, Sonata’s plan would go through, and holes in hearts would be mended. Best of luck, sis, Aria said as she turned away from her sisters and went back to her duties. “Rainbow! What were you thinking?” Fluttershy glared at her childhood friend. Rainbow had a hand-caught-in-the-cookie-jar look on her face. “Uh, that Twily would like a soccer ball?” The chiffon-haired girl crossed her arms. “And would she?” “I dunno – hell, I like books.” “Okay, then I’ll suggest to her that she get you The Compleat Works of Shakespeare when your birthday comes up.” The look of shock on Rainbow’s face was priceless. “You wouldn’t!” Fluttershy’s response was just to stand there and give the Latina athlete an even look. “Fine, fine – you got an idea of what to get her?” The smile immediately returned to Fluttershy’s face. “Actually, I do.” The girls, nearly as one, decided to go shopping for Twilight’s gifts. While Rarity and Fluttershy had already done so, Rainbow had stalled at the last moment, and neither Pinkie nor Applejack had time to do so either. So the group decided as one to go out and do the gift purchasing, as well as some other shopping in preparation for Twilight’s birthday the following day. “Awwww, but she’d really like this!” Pinkie insisted. “Ah’m sure she would, sugarcube,” Applejack assured her, “but Ah’m not sure that a giant fifteen-layer cake is a very lasting gift, Pinkie.” “But cakes are always an awesome present!” “Plus, you’re buyin’ it from a competing bakery. Dontcha think your aunt and uncle might not be a bit happy?” Pinkie sighed. “Can’t I chalk it up to research and super-secret spy stuff?” Applejack laughed. “C’mon, sugarcube. Let’s do some shoppin’ and Ah’ll treatcha to something from the churro counter. Ah know you don’t sell that at Sugarcube Corner.” Pinkie grinned widely. “Deal!” As for Rarity, she was already in the middle of shopping, and with a friend. “Thank you for coming, Octavia, dear. I truly appreciate the company, given that Fluttershy and Applejack are, ahem, ‘corralling’ our other friends’ proclivities?” Octavia laughed. “You mean preventing Rainbow from buying Twily a baseball bat and Pinkie from buying cookies that she’ll eat half herself?” Rarity giggled. “I wasn’t going to say as much, darling, but you do know our friends.” “It’s too bad that I’m going to look like a fool,” Octavia muttered. However, the sharp-eared fashionista heard it. “Is there something wrong?” Octavia held up a hand. “It’s nothing, Rarity, really.” “No, it’s not merely ‘nothing’, of that I can tell already.” Rarity moved in closer in order to preserve her friend’s privacy and stated, “You know that I would never say anything.” “And for that, I appreciate it. But you’re going to think this is idiotic on my part.” “And you know what I’ve said before in regards to that. My offer still stands, regardless.” “Okay, if only because I’ll regret it if I let it blurt out. I...I saw what Sunny got for Twily. It’s really expensive, and...well, I didn’t get anything cheap for her myself, but now I feel like I copped out on her, and….” “Are you doing it for her, or for yourself?” Rarity asked. The two had coincidentally wandered over to the jewelry section, where tons of priceless baubles and trinkets lay. “Sunset likely saved up for them for a while if they are as pricey as you say. But even still, she did it out of love. If you’re desiring to do it out of envy or an attempt to escalate things for Twilight’s affections, that’s hardly fair to Sunset or Twilight.” “I know.” Octavia’s eyes fell onto a pair of studs made from some purple gem. They resembled musical notes, and would be a very good way of reminding her cousin about how much she cared. But how would Twilight take it, especially in lieu of what Sunset was about to get her? And what was wrong with that? They were siblings after all. But they’re not. Sunset’s just an interloper who came into their lives, a voice said in the back of her mind. You thought that inviting her into your lives would just make it better. Instead, you’re practically a stranger now with the people you grew up with. Octavia inwardly flinched at that description, but at the same time...wasn’t it true? Weren’t they more focused now on Sunset than Octavia? Uncle Night and Aunt Velvet used to be a second mother and father to me, the girl moaned inwardly, and now that they have a real second daughter, I’m not important anymore. But I want to be. “You are, Octavia, dear, I assure you, you are.” Hearing Rarity’s words, she looked on with horror that made her realize she’d just said at least part of her thought process aloud. “I...uh….” The fashionista favored her with a smile. “It’s quite all right to worry, dear. You and your family are going through quite a bit at the moment and it can be complex and worrisome. But you have to know that we’re here for you, no matter what.” Octavia looked at the earstuds, then back at her friend, then back at the studs, then finally to her purse. It called out to her, a clarion call singing a pure siren’s song, demanding that her debit card be unleashed against the cashier’s terminal as though a paladin reached out to slay a venomous dragon; and that the prize of the ancients awaited: two glistening, violet-jeweled earstuds in the shape of a G-clef. She then looked to Rarity… “Hey, Rares!” Applejack called out. “Ah need help tryin’ to keep Pinkie from buying Twily her own chocolate store!” “Coming!” Rarity called back. “I’ll be right back; shan’t take but a moment. After that, perhaps lunch would be in order?” Without further delay, Rarity moved as fast as she would dare walk, headed in the direction of Mrs. Sweettooth’s Chocolate Wonderland. Octavia looked at her purse once more… ...and a part of her crumbled inside. Flagging the nearest clerk, she asked, “Could I see those two earstuds, please?” Sunset dialed a number, hoping the phone’s owner would pick up. She also hoped that she’d be forgiven, as despite her conversation with her cousin, she still felt incredibly guilty about what happened. One ring. Two. Three. Then on the fourth, there was a click, and a voice said, “Hello?” “Rose? That you? It’s Sunset Shimmer.” “Oh, hi, Sunny. This is Berry. Rose is...indisposed at the moment.” “Oh. I…” Sunset was lost for words. It was clear that Rose didn’t want to talk to her and that she’d screwed up; worse, Rose had delegated the unpleasant business to her girlfriend, Boysenberry. She then heard some commotion in the back, and wondered if things were going to get worse. “Sunny?” This time it was Rose; the very slight British lilt in her voice that she got from her parents, just as the younger members of the Apple family had picked up their accents from exposure to their relatives. “It’s me, Rose,” Sunset began. “Listen, I want t—” “Sunny, someone very close to me just died, and I….” On the other end, the girl sighed. “Look, I need to talk to you in person. Would you mind coming over my house?” This was not what the flame-haired girl had expected at all. “Rose, I’m not sure—” “Please. I need to talk to someone, my brother won’t be home until late tonight, and Scotch’s parents won’t let her come over since they’re afraid. Please!” “I….” “Sunny, you’re the only one I can trust!” Sunset paused in thought. She didn’t have to go to work today, and she’d been in this situation because she didn’t go before. Likely nothing bad was going to happen to Rose or Berry, but the former unicorn could never live with herself if something did. Furthermore, she’d rebuilt her reputation at school as the girl anyone could go to if they were in need, and for better or for worse, that was what she was obligated to now. “Sure. I’ll be there within the hour,” she finally replied. “Thank you, Sunny. You don’t know how much that means to me. Please hurry.” With that, Compass Rose hung up, leaving an unsure Sunset on the other side. She didn’t know if she was doing the right thing, but at least she was doing something. She could figure out whatever it was to be done later; after all, that tended to be her modus operandi anyway. There was a knock at the door, and Twilight opened it. “Hey, sis? Are you hungry? I was about to make lunch and didn’t know if you wanted to eat. I know it’s been a rough day.” Sunset gave her a wan smile. “Actually, I need to get going. I’m going to go see Compass Rose and undo my mistake.” She rose from the bed and paused. “Actually, are you free?” “Do you want me to go with you?” Twilight asked. “I don’t mind, I don’t have anything going on and it sounds like you could use some company.” Once again Sunset knew that she had the best sister in the world. Blackthorn looked over his latest set of reports. He was closing the circle, and each area that checked out closed the noose around those Canadian bitches and ensured that he and his group would get paid. After that, then he was sure there were other duties out there; there was always some problems that needed fixing. Plus...he wanted that sweet piece of tail that asshole Sable Loam had. Of course, once she realized how good he was, she’d give it up for him in no time flat. “Did you figure it out yet?” a voice asked behind him, and Blackthorn jumped. Reflexes kicking in, he unholstered his sidearm and swung to aim… ...only to have it disarmed in a second courtesy of a dagger. “You’re good, but you’re not great,” the man told Blackthorn. “Stick to being a hammer, not a surgical blade.” Blackthorn looked at the man; it was that damn Canadian agent from earlier. “Oh, it’s you, Agent—” The CSIS agent smiled. “You can call me Changeling. Not my real name, of course, but I don’t expect you to ever be able to figure that out.” he shrugged. “Still, your reaction time was far faster than many I’ve worked with, so take that as you will,” Changeling said as he handed Blackthorn his gun back. “Yeah, whatever. So what the fuck do you want?” Blackthorn asked, taking the gun back and holstering it. “You’re taking far too long,” Changeling told him. “This incoming storm is the perfect time to take down the SIRENs and you’re sitting here, leisurely looking for them as if you’re a child playing duck duck goose. I’m afraid that isn’t good enough. Normally I’d just have you replaced, but my counterparts at the CIA still have some use for you, though I can’t imagine why.” Changeling reached into his jacket and pulled out a USB flash drive. “On this key is some of the surveillance I’ve done, including their location, their hardened points, and troop strength.” Blackthorn plugged the drive into a nearby laptop and a few minutes later he had his answer. “Perfect. It’s just far enough off the main drag that the police aren’t going to be a problem. Heh, and if they are...well, hope their insurance is paid up.” Changeling slapped a hand down. “You kill a single cop intentionally and I’ll cut off your balls. That’ll make it hard to rape that schoolteacher you’ve been stalking after, won’t it?” Blackthorn scowled at Changeling, but the latter didn’t even bother to respond to the reaction. “If it happens in the line of duty, so be it, but do not go after any of them intentionally, understand?” “Yeah, yeah, what-the-fuck-ever,” Blackthorn replied. “Now get the fuck out of my—” He turned to see that the agent had disappeared. “Fucking creepy asshole; good thing he’s paying the bills or I’d put one between his fucking eyes.” Putting that aside, Blackthorn started to look over the data available, as he now had a party to plan and some bitches to murder. And after that? Celeste, or whatever her name was? Oh, she’d be begging him to never stop. Done with exertions, Divine Right and Cantata Blast lay in the bed they now shared. “You know, when I first got into this arrangement? I thought that I’d have to sleep with you a few times against my preferences, then let you forget about me while we conquered the world. But now,” she said, tracing a finger down his chest, “I think I’m getting used to this...agreement we have.” “Should I take that as a declaration of love?” he said, a smile coming to his lips. “Of course not – you and I don’t love each other and probably never will. But once we are the immortal rulers of all that you promised, I can make sure that what you’ll get from me is as close to it as possible. Who knows? It might even actually happen.” He rose from the bed to slip on his underwear. “I’m no child with dreams. There was a woman I loved once, but she didn’t love me, and I grew out of that illusion ages ago.” “Oh, so what if I were to serve her up to you on a silver platter?” Cantata asked, sitting up in bed. “Oh, I’d be tempted – sorely so. But I suspect she would meet with an untimely accident if I told you who she was, am I correct?” Cantata favored him with a wolfish smile. “Only one woman will bear your children. I won’t have any challenges to what is mine.” “And you’re so sure that I’m yours?” “No more than you’re sure of the opposite,” she retorted. He laughed. “Touche,” he replied, the hint of an amused smile on his lips. She rose from the bed and started to change into her own clothing. “Now that the pleasure’s out of the way, let’s get to business. We’ve inoculated the first full group of SIRENs with the serum, and they’ll be assigned to work our backup facility. The mass production of the new battle dress is underway in a factory in Los Angeles and will be completed within a few days. I’ve detailed a unit to go down there and take out anyone involved in the production. I don’t want them to stray too far, as they should be here for the ritual.” A thought then came to mind. “And how goes that?” He groaned. “Other than complaints from Seaman Trance as to why she ‘can’t have fun’ in her own words, it goes apace.” “Yes, Seaman Trance takes her job a little too vigorously.” She flashed him a smile and added, “And if I ever find her in bed with you, I will gut her with a butter knife and drape her entrails all over you, understood?” He grinned back. “Don’t promise anything you can’t offer, Captain Blast.” “It’s okay, sis.” Twilight gave her sister’s hand a squeeze. “I’m here for you.” “Thanks, Twily,” Sunset said as she knocked on the door. They waited a few seconds, and a second later a young girl with purple pigtails opened the door. “Heya, Berry.” “Heya yourself, Sunny.” Boysenberry stepped aside and the trio entered the house that Compass Rose shared with her older brother. If Sunset recalled as of recent, Boysenberry had been spending a lot of time here as well, though that was probably due to the relationship Rose and Boysenberry shared. “Want something to drink?” “Sure, what have you got?” Twilight asked. “This is a house where two Brits live – well, two Americanized Brits, but you get the point. Anyways, there’s a lot of tea.” Twilight considered a moment. “Chamomile?” “No problem.” Boysenberry then went over to Sunset and looked her eye to eye. “Look, I’m not as old as you guys are, and Rose doesn’t want to talk about it, at least not to me. She needs you, Sunny. There’s just something...I dunno, adult about you, if that makes sense.” “You have no idea,” Sunset muttered. “So she needs to talk to an adult, and Line isn’t here, and Scotch can’t come either. She trusts you. I think she’s still in love with you – I know she loves me, so I’m not jealous or anything. Just...remember, her lips are mine, got it?” Boysenberry smiled to clarify she’d been joking and Sunset nodded. “Anyway, her room’s over there. I’ll whip up some tea and scones and stuff, and as soon as you can, bring her back out, okay?” “Sure thing.” Sunset went over to Rose’s door, and knocked. “Rose, it’s Sunny. Can I come in?” There was a squeak of an answer, and Sunset took that as a yes, opening the door and going in, closing the door after. Compass Rose’s room was pretty much what Sunset expected it to be; in the times they’d talked, Rose talked about her love of cartography, archeology and world travel, so naturally her room would look like a tug of war between World Market and Pier 1. And centered in the bed, eyes stained with tears, hair disheveled and clutching a huge teddy bear as if the world depended on it, was Rose. “Hi, Ro—” Sunset never finished her words before Rose leapt from the bed, tackling Sunset and began bawling. Crumpled on the ground, all Sunset could do was hold Rose close while the girl’s tears stained her shirt. “Rose?” “Myfaultmyfaultmyfaultmyfaultmyfault….” Rose said over and over like a mantra. Sunset held her close for a few more minutes, and finally, Rose was able to look at Sunset with bleary eyes. “My best friend is dead because of me, Sunny! I killed her!” “Wait, what? No! You couldn’t have done that, Rose!” Sunset said. “There’s not a mean bone in your body!” “But I was the last person to see her alive!” the shy girl cried. “I could have stayed with her, but I was selfish and went off to my date with Berry! Now someone I grew up with – someone who was like a sister to me – is dead and it’s my fault!” “Rose, please, calm down and explain, okay?” Sunset asked. “I can’t help you if you don’t talk to me.” “I’m damned, Sunny! What happens next? Does Berry die? Scotch? You? Did I deserve this because I’m a selfish bitch?” Compass Rose was on the border of hysterics, Sunset knew, given that she’d driven others to that point before and been there herself on more than one occasion. I need to end this and fast, Sunset thought. “Rose, do you trust me?” “Absolutely,” Compass Rose whispered. Rose looked at Sunset, and there were a billion emotions in her eyes, all of them at war with one another. Sunset wasted no time. Bringing up a magic spell, she snapped her finger, cyan force coming to life. “Relax,” Sunset intoned, and Rose’s eyes registered shock as she realized what she’d seen Sunset do for just a second before the hypnosis spell kicked in. Slipping out of Rose’s embrace, she helped Rose back to the bed, and said, “You are under compulsion, Rose. I want you to tell me what’s on your mind.” “I still want to sleep with you, but I feel extremely guilty about that,” Rose spoke, her voice robotic. Sunset blushed and amended that with, “Rose, tell me about that day.” Compelled, Rose told her everything from her perspective, up until the point where she left Tennis Match. “And I’ll never see her again,” Rose murmured. Shiny needs to know about this. “Okay, Rose, when I snap my fingers, you’re still going to feel as you do, but you’re going to have the clarity that it wasn’t and never will, be your fault. Tennis Match wouldn’t want you to blame yourself, understand?” “I do,” Rose said. Sunset snapped her fingers, and a spark of cyan flashed. Rose pitched forward, and Sunset caught her. “Are you okay?” she asked. “I...what happened?” Rose inquired, blinking her eyes. “You were hysterical and blanked. I helped you back to your bed, though you’re not in the best of shape,” Sunset told her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to unburden on you like that, but you were the only one I could get a hold of and trust. Scotch can’t come, Berry’s too young and my brother won’t be home until tonight.” “Hey, isn’t that what friends are for? A shoulder to cry on – although you did soak my shirt.” “Sorry about that,” Rose blushed. “If you’d like, you can borrow one of my shirts. My t-shirts are in the bottom drawer.” “Thanks.” Sunset reached in and found a Hello Kitty one that she liked. Slipping off her shirt, she then slipped it off, her back to Rose. A quick tug of the shirt – it was more than a bit tight around Sunset’s bust – and she was dry once more. “Sunny?” she heard Rose ask. Sunset turned around...and then her jaw dropped. “Rose, what the hell are you doing?!” “Keeping a promise,” Rose said, as she removed the last of her clothing. She stood before Sunset, as naked as the day she’d been born. Seeing Sunset’s closed eyes, she asked, “Sunny, please look at me.” When did I get so embarrassed about this? Sunset wondered. A few years ago, I thought this was a weird shape and couldn’t figure out why humans wore clothing! “Rose, I...look, we talked about this: I like guys. Plus, your girlfriend is right out there!” “I know,” Rose said with a smile. “I told her I’d do this and she thought I was nuts, but she understands.” “Well I don’t!” “When I first fell in love with you, I told Matchie, and she said that if I really loved you, I would offer myself to you, show you the girl I really am. This is me, Sunny. A girl who still loves you – though I love Berry, no doubt of that – and I wanted to show that to you. Maybe I’m crazy, but this is me keeping my promise to Matchie, because I promised her.” “You didn’t make any promises to Scotch that you’d try to seduce me or anything, did you?” Rose laughed. “No, that would be all me.” Sunset, despite herself, grinned. “Look, Rose, you are beautiful and if I was that kind of girl, I would be honored. And Berry is a very lucky girl. And I am a friend who will always be there for you if you need me.” Not sure why she did it, Sunset approached Rose, hugged her and kissed her on the forehead. “If you need me, I’m there.” Rose leaned against Sunset’s shoulder. “Thanks, you have no idea how much that means to me. Now, if you don’t mind, I need to get dressed – I’m freezing. Should’ve turned down the air conditioner.” Ten minutes later and some explanations, both Sunset and Rose were blushing. “Oh, so that’s why you took so long!” Boysenberry challenged. “You putting the moves on my girl, Sunny?” “Sis, is there something you’re not telling me?” Twilight asked. “Kill me now,” Sunset moaned. “Girls, Sunny was very gallant about the whole thing. As it is, I feel somewhat, ahem, relieved to know that someone else thinks that I’m beautiful.” “What did you tell her, Sunny?” “Berry, knock it off,” Sunset said. “Look, Rose, you need to talk to the police. If you saw anything that can help them to catch what they did to Tennis Match, you’re obligated. I don’t want to put undue weight on you, but….” “I know. Matchie would do it if our positions were reversed,” Rose admitted. “Okay. As soon as my older brother gets home, we’ll talk to the police.” “I can do one better,” Sunset said, looking at her sister. Twilight nodded, and that was enough for Sunset to reach for her phone. Dialing a number, she spoke, “Hey, Shiny? It’s me. Got a second?” “What?” Shining said into the phone. “No, no, that’s great! Thanks, sis. Text me the address, and I’ll make the call as soon as I can. When did your friend say her brother was home?...Okay, fine. I’ll call tonight. Hey, listen, Sunny, I owe you, sis. You and Twily.” He hung up the phone and set down his taco. “You are not going to believe this shit.” Sandalwood swallowed her bite of burrito and said, “You’ve decided to dump Cadance and make me your love slave?” He glared at her and she grinned. “What’s up?” “My sisters went over to comfort a friend of theirs who was the best friend of Tennis Match.” “Last night’s victim?” “Yup. Turns out that the girl, Compass Rose, was the last one who saw the victim alive. Rose’s older brother is her legal guardian, and is going to be home later tonight, so I’m going to arrange an interview for tomorrow.” “You sure about tomorrow? Isn’t that Twily’s birthday?” Sandalwood asked. “Yeah,” Shining sighed. “I still have to go get her a gift. Cady already did and has been reminding me all week.” “That’s because she’s on the ball when it comes to that shit, Shiny. You’d forget your head if it wasn’t attached.” He stuck his tongue at her and she laughed, then went back to her burrito. That ended a second later as her phone rang. She swallowed her bite, and then answered it. “Yeah, Deputy Sandalwood here.” “Hello, Deputy Sandalwood, this is Dr. Leafydragon. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” “Oh, not at all, Doc,” the woman said as she dropped her burrito and fumbled in her coat pocket for a pen and paper. “You’ve got my attention. What’s up?” “I asked my wife to bring me the sample that I mentioned, and I have something...how shall I say, unique, to report about this specimen. It turns out that sample you brought me might be biological in origin, not synthetic – and if that’s the case, we’re dealing with something that is heretofore unknown in the scientific community. With your permission, I’d like to run this through a DNA analyzer. Nothing will happen, and we’ll need only a tiny fraction of the sample to get to work.” Sandalwood jotted down every detail he said. “No, do what you have to, Doctor. I’ll get it cleared with my supervisor. We need this information, even if it’s just a dead end. Please get it done.” “Absolutely, Deputy. I’ll call you when I have more information.” The pair got off the call, then Sandalwood explained to Shining what Leafydragon had told her. “That doesn’t make sense!” Shining sputtered. “Yes, the original design is based on biology, but he insisted the thing was synthetic – that there was no way it could be anything natural!” “That doesn’t mean that there isn’t,” Sandalwood countered. “For example, for years, the military’s been trying to develop better camouflage. That’s why the Army moved from Woodland to ACUs to the new Scorpion design. This could be some sort of new gear, though don’t ask me if I think the military’s involved, because I don’t want to get into that X-Files shit again. But what I do believe is that our murderer, assuming this is some sort of outfit, is wearing it just to throw us off. I don’t think the K9 units found anything, did they?” Shining looked through his notes. “No, nothing of interest.” “I think we’d better go to the office after lunch and update the boss on this. This might be the thing we need in order to stop whoever the fuck is doing this.” Shining flagged down the waitress while Sandalwood started to shovel her food in her mouth. “So, Shiny told me that you two had a very interesting day today,” Night Light said to Twilight and Sunset. Both girls squirmed in their seats; Twilight Velvet merely looked at her daughters while Octavia narrowed her eyes and Spike, having no clue as to what was going on, merely ignored the conversation and tried to avoid eating his vegetables. “Sorry, Dad,” Sunset told him, “but Rose wanted my advice. Her best friend was the one that was killed last night, and she needed to talk to someone. I had to do it, and Twilight wanted to make sure that I didn’t go alone.” Velvet looked at her niece. “And you didn’t go with them, Tavi?” The musician shook her head. “Actually, I went shopping with the others. I didn’t know about Sunny and Twily going there, though Sunny told us about her friend’s problem this morning.” Night looked at the three girls, then sighed. “Well, I can’t fault you for doing the right thing, girls, and you were home well before curfew, so you’re good. But I don’t think I have to stress how much Velvet and I worry about you three. Especially with Shiny’s news that you may have found a clue to the identity of the killer.” That caught Spike’s attention. “You what?” Twilight shook her head. “Not like that, Spike; it’s Rose that has that information, assuming that Shiny and Sandalwood can use any of it.” “At least I’m glad that Rose is okay and that she has people to lean on. I can only hope that she has information that can avenge Tennis Match,” Sunset said. “I’m glad that you’re with us now and not where you used to be,” Twilight told her sister, reaching over to hug her. “I don’t know how you managed so long to live by yourself in that horrible place where you were.” “It’s in the past now,” Sunset said as she looked at the family that had become hers. She loved them all, completely and utterly, and though she still loved Princess Celestia and thought of her as a mother, she had a family that she could call hers. And at the end of the month, they would finally be hers, and then maybe she could tell them the truth about herself. Watching the moonlight fall on the rocks and the sea lions below, Sunset Shimmer laughed slightly. She was in San Francisco now, a guest of her cousin Fancy Pants while he had some business here, and unfortunately because of other things she had to do, Coco couldn’t come. Still, Fancy’s business was brief and sparse, and he’d been showing her the sights of the city. At the moment, he was meeting with an architecture firm on behalf of his father, and as the business bordered the Embarcadero, it gave the teen girl time to head down to Pier 39 and enjoy the sights. “Ah, there you are, Shimmy,” Fancy said as he walked towards her. He was carrying some poster tubes under one arm, likely blueprints that he had to take home. “Ready to head to dinner?” “Sounds like a good idea,” she said, taking some of the tubes from him. “This was a great idea, by the way. Thanks for bringing me.” Fancy smiled. “I only regret that you’ve had to spend some time alone while I’ve been helping my father shore up some of the issues left over from Grandmother’s passing. Besides, Aunt Soliel said you’d never been to San Francisco before, and while my sister couldn’t make it, it gave me a grand opportunity to pass the time with my cousin.” As they walked down the pier towards the restaurant Fancy had recommended, the wind blew through Shimmer’s hair, her red-and-yellow locks blowing like a burning flame in the dying light of the early evening. More than a few teenage guys stopped, caught by the radiant beauty of the girl walking past them. While Fancy noted it, she seemed to ignore it, if not outright oblivious. A second later, a stronger gust came along and she lost her footing. She slipped into him, and he caught her easily. “Sorry,” she blurted, slightly embarrassed for her misstep. He chuckled. “It’s no worry, cousin, though I suspect that I’d have to do some explaining to Fleur were she here.” Sure enough she looked down and the position he’d caught her in was usually reserved for more intimate couples. She blushed as he let her go, and out of the corner of his eye Fancy saw more than a few guys from earlier give him the evil eye. Meanwhile, she continued to look flustered as he asked, “So I take it no boyfriends?” “Not really,” she admitted. “There was this one guy – Vlamwacht; he was Belgian – who was cute and really into me. I later found out that it was partially because he found out who I was, and he had a streak of girls a mile long. I was just going to be the princess – literal and figurative – that he was going to get. Needless to say I broke up with him, and haven’t dated since.” “That makes excellent sense,” he told her. “I just don’t want anyone to get the wrong ideas of who I am, Fancy. I want to be a normal girl, and my friends see me that way now – and that took more time than I’d like. I worry that no prospective guy will see me as anything but normal.” “Well, if it’s of any comfort, you seem very normal to me. Most of my friends' sisters – and obviously my own – try to live normal lives despite being in families of means. Of course we try not to see ourselves as better than others, but I know too many who do. The fact that you do not, credits your family – both sides.” She flashed him a smile. “My uncle Noblesse always says that because we are princes means we should be princely towards others – and that it’s an obligation that cannot be undone.” “Smart man,” he told her. “Well, the ferry to the Island Restaurant should be here in a few minutes. We can peruse the menu until then, okay?” “Ugh...do we have to do this, Lems?” Sweet Pea groaned. She had planned to stay home and work on her home studying – for a rare change, she was on a roll, and she wanted to study – but then she got an emergency call from her friend Lemon Tart who said she needed her help urgently. Said help turned out to be a huge sale at the boutique record store at Pier 39. “Aww, c’mon! I couldn’t get Sugarcoat to help me, and you were the only one I could get a hold of!” Lemon groaned. “And why are we doing this again?” “Because Seasidesounds is having a totally awesome BOGO sale on house music!” “When did you start listening to house?” Pea asked. “You know me! I’m always listening to all things awesome!” Showing her usual flagrant disregard for, well, everything, she danced around the crowd, wearing her “summer attire”: tubetop, shorts that would be more at home on a ten-year-old (mainly because they’d fit normally) and rollerblades. Even Pea hadn’t dressed as scantily during her days as Amelia, and while her friends had gotten her to loosen up slightly on the “near-burka clothing” (as Sugarcoat called it), she still wouldn’t dress as scantily as Lemon did. “Don’t worry, we’re almost there! The store’s right next to Dock I.” Lemon slid around one guy, dodging his attempt to pat her on the butt, instead giving him a playful wink and moving on. Pea was about to chew out her friend for her flirting, but instead noticed someone familiar waiting by the dock. “Hey, do you mind a second? Think I see someone I know.” Lemon shrugged, then slid to a stop. “Sure, friend away. We got time.” Pea went up to the pair and said, “Hey, Sunny! Why didn’t you tell me you were in town? And who’s your boyfriend?” Sunset Shimmer turned around, but the response she got wasn’t one she expected from one of her (technically) oldest friends. “Excuse me, but do I know you?” “Haha, Sunny. Seriously, where’s Twily and the others?” She then looked at the guy. “Or do your parents know about this?” “I’m sorry,” Sunset told her, “but you must be mistaking me for someone else.” “Red and gold hair, cyan eyes, has a sorta model look? No, I don’t think so,” Pea told her. “Look, I don’t know what’s going on, Sunny, but you don’t have to pret—” “Look, I’m sorry, but I don’t know who you are, and frankly, you’re being a little pushy at the moment. Now, I have a dinner date – and who he is, is frankly none of your business – so if you’ll excuse me, please leave me alone.” At that point, Pea was about to say something nastier, but Lemon intervened. “C’mon, Pea, you promised me!” she said, grabbing her friend’s arm. “Fine,” she told her. “But this isn’t over yet, Sunny.” As the two girls wandered off, Fancy looked at his cousin. “Don’t you think that was a bit harsh?” “Yeah, maybe,” she admitted, “but it’s the second time in as many days that I’ve been confused for someone else and it’s somewhat disconcerting. You’d think I have a clone running around here or something.” She sighed in relief. “Well, thankfully the ferry’s here now. Let’s just get going.” Lemon managed to drag her friend into Seasidesounds, but no sooner than she did, Pea pulled out her phone and dialed a particular number. “Sunny, what the fuck?” “Oh, hey, Pea. What’s up?” Sunset asked on the other end. “What’s up is that you just blew me off at Dock I with that guy you’re with! Not cool, Sunset, not cool at all.” “Huh?” the girl said on the other side. “Dock I? I didn’t even know we had a place like that here in Canterlot!” “Canterlot? I’m here at Fisherman’s Wharf, you doof! So why the hell did you blow me off? It’s not like I was hitting on him or anything!” “Wait, what? I’m lost here. What are you talking about?” Frustrated, Pea unloaded on Sunset, explaining everything that had happened in the past few minutes. “Uh, Pea?” Sunset finally replied, “I’m here in my bedroom in Canterlot.” “Look, I know what I saw, Sunny – she looked exactly like you! My friend Lemon Tart’s with me and she can vouch.” There was some background noise, and a second later a different voice chimed in. “Pea, this is Twily. We are sitting in Sunny’s bedroom in our house.” “Wow, you aren’t kidding,” Pea admitted. “Uh, sorry.” “No worries; happens all the time. Pinkie was telling me about some exchange student that was in town last year that looked a little bit like me. Would’ve been interesting to meet her.” “Yeah, but you gotta see this girl; she’s a dead ringer. Hold on, let me go outside and get a picture.” Pea departed the store to see the ferry sailing away. “Well, so much for that; she’s not there anymore.” “I believe you, Pea, it’s not a problem, and Sunny’s not offended, so no problem there.” The two talked for a few more minutes, and then finally Pea ended the call. “Pea, you promised to help me carry these!” Lemon said as she poked her head out of the store. “Fine, coming!” the teen grumbled. “So there’s some girl in Frisco that looks like you,” Twilight mused as she handed her sister the phone back. “Would’ve been interesting to run into her.” Sunset, on the other hand, kept an even smile on her face as she nodded – and her brain went wild. Looks just like me? Could it be? A second later, she shook her head. No, if I recall they said the Sunset native to this world died ages ago. Must be someone who just looks alike. Still, that’s weird.