9. Uptown Blues
Sunset stood in the shower early Monday morning, turning thoughts over in her head as the hot water cascaded down her back. A night of dancing and laughing and cupcakes could only numb the pain for so long. She had spent most of Sunday thinking about the future whenever she wasn’t wondering about Lamia. She still hadn’t told her friends about the thief's real identity, or the most recent theft she had committed. She supposed there wasn’t much of a point.
What’s the point of doing anything now?
She raised her face to the hot water. No, don’t think like that! She wanted to hold onto Applejack’s words and think only of the good times they still had waiting for them. But thinking of the future just brought her mind to the inevitable conclusion.
Was this really to be her fate for the next two years? Sitting around aimlessly waiting for the portal to open while her friends got to go live their lives? It felt like the aftermath of the Fall Formal, when Sunset sat in her hovel and stewed over her justified defeat and reaped the consequences of her actions. Only this time, she wasn’t mad, she was just…
Jealous? Slimy and malicious, the word slithered into her brain.
She turned her head to let the water fall into one ear, hoping to drown the disgusting thoughts out. “Why would I be jealous? They earned everything they’re getting.”
Yes. They fought for it, just like how you fought for your crown. You fought for everything in your life. Yet this is where you end up. Look at them, the girls who beat you. Why do they get to live happy lives and you return to squalor?
“Stop it,” Sunset growled. “I cheated and hurt people on my way to the top. They fought fair and square. I am not going to stoop to being jealous of my friends for their successes.”
As much as she loved the idea of hiding in the shower, she knew Trixie would pound on the door any second. Sunset turned the water off and stepped out, wrapping a towel around herself. She cleared a small space in the fogged mirror.
I see green envy in those eyes of yours.
“They’re always that color!” Sunset said furiously.
“Stop talking to yourself and hurry up!” Trixie yelled, banging a fist on the door.
Sunset quickly brushed her teeth and ran a comb through her hair. She exited the bathroom, rubbing shoulders with Trixie on her way out. Sunset stomped into her room, being careful not to step on Spot, curled up on the carpet next to her bed.
“I’m not jealous of my friends and their accomplishments,” Sunset reaffirmed as she slipped her clothes on. “I’m sad and miserable, sure, but what else is new?”
“That’s right!” The voice always sounded like a rubber mouse being stepped on. The Princess Twilight plush doll gathered dust on top Sunset’s wardrobe. “It’s not fair to be mad at them for getting what they worked for.”
“It’s always a sad day when I’m agreeing with you,” Sunset said. Yet, why did this gross pit in her stomach persist? She was genuinely excited for them all. Sad, yes, but proud. She wasn’t that petty, vindictive child anymore. At least, she was trying not to be.
Deep down, you wanted Twilight to get rejected from every school so she could stay here with you.
“That’s not true!” Twilight was the one she was happiest for. The look of pain on her face with every rejection broke Sunset’s heart. She picked up her phone and scrolled through the group chat, looking at the collective excitement as the girls shared their acceptance announcements. Blocks and blocks of texts interspersed with pictures Sunset’s old phone had a hard time loading. She smiled, feeling tears gather at the corners of her eyes. But amidst the warm tears, she still felt something slimy coil in her stomach.
She blocked it out. She could never be jealous of what they did. But… maybe she was a little jealous of what she didn’t do?
“Uuugh! I’m done thinking about this!” She picked up her backpack and gave Spot a loving pat on the head. “I’m going to do what I do best: bury this problem and pretend it doesn’t exist.”
She grabbed the waffle Selena had toasted for her and rode her motorcycle to school, parking it the lot. This is it, Sunset thought, coming around to the front steps, eight weeks until graduation. And then… She shoved it down. She was going to enjoy her time with her friends, dammit! That enthusiasm dimmed when she remembered her first class was history. At least she had Rarity with her to suffer through it.
“From here on out, your noses will be against the grindstone,” Mr. Noteworthy said, scratching his chalk against the blackboard. “I’m well aware many of you have gotten your letters back from colleges. While I am honestly thrilled for all of you, let me stress that nothing is permanent. You slip up enough, they’re allowed to rescind their acceptances.” He faced the class. “So, to make sure that doesn’t happen, I’ll be giving you plenty of work to keep you sharp and focused.”
Since I’m not going anywhere, does that mean I can slack off now? Sunset wondered. She quickly scoffed at the idea. College or not, Sunset Shimmer was no slacker. She’d be damned if she let any of these underachievers surpass her superior grades.
Pretending she was better than everyone else still proved to be a great coping mechanism.
In addition to Moondancer, Flash joined the Spectacular Seven at lunch today, making the table rather crowded. Again, hard to be the Spectacular Seven if there’s nine of us, Sunset thought sourly as she bit into her sandwich. She could get over Flash sitting with them, but Moondancer taking up the seat on Twilight’s other side would never cease to irk Sunset.
With them returning to school, Sunset had hoped her friends would want to discuss something other than college. But, just like everywhere else, it dominated the conversation. She could only smile and eat her lunch in silence, speaking only when directly spoken to. Sunset wondered if her face could get stuck like this if she kept smiling long enough.
She didn’t share her third period with anyone, allowing herself to frown despondently to her heart’s content. Around her, she could hear the excited whispers of future’s being planned and paths being forged. For anyone that wasn’t in her friend circle, she couldn’t care less.
But, putting her smile back on was harder than it should have been when she met Twilight after school. It became easier as their conversation progressed, never broaching the topics of graduation and colleges. They retreated to Twilight’s house and did their routine of violin practice and homework.
Sunset kissed Twilight goodbye around six, the sun still setting over the suburbs. She tried not to impose on the Sparkle’s dinner, even if Mrs. Velvet urged her to stay. Sunset still had flashbacks to Thanksgiving.
Spot greeted her upon her return, jumping into her arms as soon as she set her bag down. They had gotten their routine down so well, it perfectly matched Twilight and Spike’s. Sunset brought Spot to her room and settled down to finish the last bit of homework for the night.
“Trixie has a question.”
Sunset sighed and turned in her seat, watching as Trixie settled her back against the door frame.
“What do you plan to do after graduation?” The smaller amount of smugness in her voice told Sunset she hadn’t meant it to be malicious.
“I don’t know. Something?”
“You’re not going back home?” Trixie asked, arching an eyebrow.
“The portal home doesn’t open for another two years. I’m stuck here until then.” Sunset tapped a pencil against her book. “And you know I can’t apply for college or anything so… I dunno. Maybe I’ll wander around the country for a bit.”
Trixie closed her eyes and moved her lips up and down, like she was chewing on a thought. “Well… Trixie supposes she could allow you to stay in her parents home even as Trixie elevates herself to new heights. Having you around has been… amusing for Trixie.” She opened an eye to Sunset.
Sunset couldn’t fight the smile pulling across her face. She cleared her throat to try and drive it away. “Boy, Trix, where would I be without your hospitality?”
“On the street, begging for coins no doubt.” Trixie proudly put a hand to her chest. “Yes, Trixie’s kindness knows no bounds. Though, she’s mostly doing it for Spot. He’d be sad if you left.”
“Hey, if I go, I’m taking him with me.”
Trixie picked him up and stuck her tongue out. “The second you leave, he is forfeit to Trixie. Be grateful I’m not kicking you out now.” She rubbed noses with him, then sat him down on the bed and sauntered down the hall.
Sunset turned back to her book, a grin still on her face. “I’ll miss you, too, Trixie.”
*******
Sunset sat in the stands of a large amphitheater, packed to the brim with family and friends cheering and screaming in delight. Balloons floated into the open sky, becoming lost in the ocean of blue. On the stage below her, Sunset could see her friends waiting in line to step up to the podium. They were adorned in blue caps and gowns, and wore victorious smiles. Sunset cheered as each of their names were called. Once Celestia handed them their diplomas, they vanished into thin air.
Twilight was the last to receive hers. Upon grabbing it, instead of vanishing on the wind like everyone else, she appeared next to Sunset, their wrists cuffed together.
“Why didn’t you go with the others?” Sunset asked.
“I can’t,” she said, a vacant smile on her face. “You’re here. I can’t leave you here alone.”
Sunset looked about and found the amphitheater empty, leftover confetti and balloons strewn about the stands. A dark cloud moved over them and the wind picked up into a gale. Sunset led Twilight out of the stadium, still chained together, with Twilight giving her a dopey-eyed smile. They ran out to a wide grass field that stretched on for miles, hills rising and falling and trees scraping at the sky.
The gale turned into a squall, and a familiar dread crawled up Sunset’s spine telling her what would come next. A malicious laugh filled the air, and a pillar of fire exploded in front of the girls. The surrounding field caught aflame, turning into an ashen landscape.
“Poor little Sunny,” a raspy voice cooed. “Left all alone by her friends. Everywhere to go, but no destination.” A figure stepped out of the fire, her skin glowing red hot. She showed off her sharp teeth in a wide smile. “Why not come home to me?” She spread her arms out. “I’ll give you a purpose again!”
Sunset held an arm in front of her face to fend off the overbearing waves of heat. “I don’t need you! I still have Twilight!”
Her demon crossed her arms in smug triumph. “Do you now?”
Sunset’s other arm felt surprisingly light, and when she turned to look, she found Twilight had vanished. Twisting about, Sunset found her being carried off by a glowing Moondancer, flying away on ethereal wings.
Before Sunset could get a curse in, her demon pounced on her, pinning her to the ground while the flames encircled around them. “You have nothing left, little sun,” she whispered. “No friends, no future, no power. Just submit! We can be something together! We can have our old glory back!”
“No!” Sunset struggled under her vice-like grip, watching the fire creep closer. “I refuse to go back! Maybe I don’t have a future, but I’m never going back to the past!” Her skin took on a golden hue. “And I have enough power to defy you!”
With a force of will, Sunset snapped her eyes open, finding the ceiling of her room. She took a couple of short, deep breaths and turned on her side. Her clock told her it was only three in the morning. She tightened the cocoon of blankets around her and snuggled against her pillow, but couldn’t find the courage to close her eyes.
It had been the first nightmare that hadn’t ended in fire or death. In fact, it had been the first nightmare that ended in what Sunset could call a victory. But why was her demon haunting her so much?
Sunset rolled over. It all came back to magic. If she hadn’t ponied up at the concert… if she hadn’t put on that stupid crown… if she hadn’t run away through the mirror. Was it guilt or homesickness she felt? Perhaps it was both.
“Maybe it’s because you can’t let go of the past,” Princess Twilight said.
Sunset didn’t respond. She couldn’t just let go. Everything she had done up until the Fall Formal… years and years of a building ego and superiority…. She hated that part of herself. It was her defining reason to try and be better. Maybe it was the guilt that kept her demon coming back. But it was hard not to feel guilty over almost killing the people who would become her best friends.
She rolled over again, eyes falling on the clock. It was going to be another long night.
*******
Ding dong ding dong…
Moondancer made a small, “harrumph” as she stirred her tea. Days later, and Lamia’s words still danced through her head. She felt vindicated. She had been right all along! Sunset wasn’t human! She wasn’t even from this world!
Ding dong ding dong…
Now, how did she proceed? Twilight was no doubt still under Sunset’s influence to some degree. Then again… Moondancer had a few reservations. A magical pony didn’t sound dangerous. And that night in the mountains… Moondancer had heard Sunset crying to Twilight. Sunset had been scared of her own magic. Something about it being separate from herself? Moondancer was still missing a piece of this story.
Maybe… it’s unintentional? The dark premonition I feel whenever I’m near her? Maybe she doesn’t mean to keep Twilight enthralled.
Ding dong ding dong…
Still, the fact remained that Sunset Shimmer was a parasite! Just like Tempest. Moondancer didn’t care what she was, she was still an extra in a play full of characters Moondancer already couldn’t stand. She didn’t have time for extras, especially those that stole her spotlight, or her Twilight.
Ding dong ding dong...
“Would someone please get the door!” she yelled from the parlor. When she heard no evidence of anyone moving toward the front door, she rose from her comfy chair and stomped to the entrance hall. She had just settled in from school and now she was being forced from her leisure time to answer doors? Could she have no comforts today?
She paused in front of the large ornamented doors to fix her hair and her smile. Be at ease, Moondancer. Make it short, but keep a polite demeanor. Three, two, one, showtime! She pulled the door open. “Good day—ah! U-Uncle Artemis!”
Artemis swept his hat off his head and bowed. “Little Moonflower! How are you, my sweet niece?”
Moondancer recovered and cleared her throat. “I’m doing well, thank you for asking. I’m surprised to see you here though. You don’t come around to visit the Upper Villa.”
“Untrue,” he said with a wag of his finger. “It just so happens I have terrible timing. In all my previous attempts to visit, you and your father were both away.”
“Truly? That is indeed unfortunate,” she said, feeling an itch on the back of her neck. “Well, you know how busy we are.”
“Yes, it makes it rather hard to spoil you.” Artemis laughed, then pulled her in for a warm hug. “It doesn’t help that you’re already fabulously wealthy. What to get for the girl who has everything?”
Not everything, Moondancer thought, savoring the hug.
Artemis released her, then frowned. “Are you sure you’re okay? You look a little flushed.”
Moondancer fanned her face and took a deep breath. “Oh… I suppose public school is just more stressful than I imagined it would be.”
“Well, I’m glad I came when I did.” Artemis gestured to the world behind him. “I thought you and I could spend a little time together. We could get ice cream, go for a little walk.” He smile wavered and his voice became somber. “And then maybe… we could go see your mother.”
Moondancer felt her heart stop for a moment. She kept her expression perfectly still while she tried to process what her uncle had meant. Her heart started again, and she composed herself a second time. “Oh, that sounds lovely.” Her voice shook, and she cursed herself for breaking character.
“If you don’t want to, I understand—”
“No, no! I haven’t seen her in a while. It would be… nice. Let me just grab a jacket.” She retreated inside, leaving the door open a crack. Keep calm, Moondancer. Play it safe, and we’ll get through this. She furrowed her brow. And when Tempest yells at us, we can blame the servants.
She grabbed a jacket, slipped on the best pair of shoes that went with her dress, and returned to Artemis, snapping the door shut behind her. “Shall we be off?”
“Let’s!” He offered his arm to her. Once she grabbed onto it, he shouted, “Lulamoon!” and the world twisted in on itself before Moondancer felt like she was shot out a cannon. When the rushing wind and pressure disappeared, she was left with a face full of blue smoke.
“I forgot how… unpleasant that was,” she said, fanning it away. Looking up, she found they had teleported right in front of The Fifty Flavors Palace.
“Okay, girls, what do you want?”
“I want strawberry flavor!”
“Trixie wants peanut butter!”
Moondancer brought a hand to her mouth, covering her smile. A younger Moondancer had come here often. A Moondancer that had a mother that loved her, a father that paid attention, and a family she could talk to. She pushed the door open and stepped inside, inhaling the sweet scent of fifty ice cream flavors lined up in their tubs.
She glided up to the display counter and looked over her option, already knowing which flavor she’d pick. Rich, decadent, and a perfect shade of pink, she chose strawberry. Her uncle picked cotton candy, and they settled down at a small table near the back.
“How have things been, Moony?” Artemis asked before taking a large spoonful of blue and pink ice cream. “We hardly ever see each other now.”
“Everything’s fine,” Moondancer said pleasantly. “Despite my earlier appearance, public school has proven to be quite interesting. Such a wide variety of characters from a wide variety of backgrounds. It’s nice seeing how the common folk go about their daily business. Though I do believe the education overall was better at the academy. But I suppose there’s no such thing as perfect.”
Artemis made a throaty chuckle. “Same old Moondancer. Well, your primary education is almost at an end! Tell me, what are your plans next? There’s many doors open for a girl like you.”
Less than you would think. “I applied for several performing arts schools and got accepted into most of them. But they also loved me back in France, so I could go back and do some more modeling.” She swirled her spoon in the air. “So many choices, so little time.”
Artemis gave her a bemused smile. “Both exciting prospects. And there’s no such thing as ‘so little time.’ You have your whole life ahead of you.”
Moondancer allowed herself a small smile. “True enough.” She savored a spoonful of strawberry before speaking again. “But enough of me, how have you been, Uncle?”
An unexpected shadow dulled his bright aura. “Things were fine until a few nights ago. Someone broke into our house and stole a forbidden artifact.”
The spoon dropped from Moondancer’s hand. “What? But, but how? Did they take your key? Did they use magic?”
Artemis tapped his star-studded hat. “My key never leaves my sight. And as far as I’m aware, this thief doesn’t have any magic.”
“But they can’t have Mother’s key,” Moondancer whispered frantically. “It’s… and how could they have known about it anyway? What did they even take?”
“That’s the cherry on top of this bitter slice of cake.” Artemis paused to take a bite of his ice cream. “I’m not sure. I never bothered to make a list of all the things we’ve dropped in there.”
Moondancer tapped a manicured nail on the table. “Uncle…”
“I know, not my best showing. Right now, we can just hope she didn’t take anything too dangerous. In the meantime, if you hear anything strange—”
“I shall consult you posthaste.” Moondancer smiled at him. She loathed to lie to his face, but… it was for a greater cause. “Despicable thieves aside, how is everything else? As I understand it, you have a new houseguest.”
Artemis beamed into his bowl. “Yes, Sunset Shimmer. She’s a delight, just needs to laugh more. I know there’s a sense of humor buried somewhere beneath all that surliness.”
Moondancer saw an opening. Lamia had told her an ample amount, but she needed as much of the narrative as she could get. “Pray tell, how did she end up with you?”
“She had been working for me for a while and needed help. Of course I was going to say yes,” he said simply.
“You do have a noble soul, Uncle.” Moondancer took another spoonful of ice cream to help mask her frustration. “She’s certainly an interesting character. I understand she played a part in defeating the Sirens.”
“It was stupendous magic!” Artemis said, throwing his hands into the air. “She and her little friends are quite the colorful heroes.”
“From the parts I remember, yes, they are. I must admit though, I’m so curious as to where or how they acquired such powers. I remember the stories you and Mother told. The Sirens were dangerous.”
“It’s a long story,” Artemis said, stirring his ice cream.
Moondancer leaned forward just an inch.
“And not one for me to tell.” He scooped out a spoonful of his cotton-candy treat and dropped it on his tongue. “That’s a story she’ll share with you when she’s ready.” He rose a hand to his mouth and giggled like a schoolboy. “Sorry, the beginning still tickles me. Her circumstances are no laughing matter, but her origins… you’ll find out in due time.”
Moondancer kept a tight lid on her bubbling emotions, channeling that energy into digging her nails into her leg. “That is fair. I am trying to get to know her better on behalf of Twilight.”
Artemis smiled fondly. “I think she’s a good soul.”
I respectfully disagree. I vehemently disagree. She’s the second coming of Tempest, taking everything that should be mine! She is like a plague! Moondancer quietly finished her ice cream, having mostly melted into strawberry soup.
With their dessert finished, she and Artemis took a short stroll down the street. He told her that teleporting on a full stomach was never a good idea.
Uptown Canterlot wasn't as extravagant as the Upper Villa, but Moondancer could concede that it had its charms. Decently sized houses with neatly trimmed lawns, and a town center with cute, family owned shops. She allowed her uncle to spoil her by taking her to a clothing store and buying a cute pink sundress. In return, she recounted a few of her escapades in France.
It was nice to be dotted on. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been spoiled by someone other than herself. She knew she didn’t need anymore gifts; both her closet and her jewelry box were filled to the brim. But when she peeked into the bag and saw the dress, she knew she would be keeping this one.
Another twist in the fabric of spacetime, and the world had gone from a warm murmur, to a solemn silence. Moondancer and Artemis stood at the start of stone black path that wound its way through a green field. The old trees overhead were beginning to grow buds after their long winter sleep, giving a little green to their ash colored branches. Artemis stepped first, crossing under the iron threshold of Canterlot Cemetery.
Headstones and plaques covered the fields. On the hills in the distance were the mausoleums and tombs, pale white, and ominous in the dying light of day. The Lulamoons didn’t have to go to far in to find their destination. Apalla rested in the shade of one of the willow trees. Her headstone was sky blue, standing out from the pale colors around her.
In loving memory of Apalla Lulamoon
A wonderful witch, sister, and mother
Moondancer knelt and put a hand to the cold stone. “Hello, Mother,” she said, her voice cracking. She took a breath and started again. “I know it’s been a little while since I visited. I went to Paris last fall. I know how much you loved Paris. And I’m almost done with high school. Just a couple of months. I don’t know what I’ll do after, but…” She pressed her lips together. “I know I’ll make the world a better place.”
Artemis knelt beside her and placed a hand on her back. “Hey, sis. It’s probably been even longer since I’ve been here. But, as you would tell me, ‘life goes on.’ But it’s still a little duller without you. Trixie’s about to go off on her own. Can you believe how fast these two have grown up?” He quickly wiped his sleeves across his eyes. “I’ll need to find a few more hobbies after she’s gone. Maybe Sunset will stick around for a little while. Oh, I haven’t told you about her. She’s a treat. You would’ve liked her. Sort of our foster daughter. I consider her family at least.”
Moondancer’s blood boiled, but she focused her stare on the tombstone.
“The Sirens managed to escape and come here, too! It was quite the harrowing story. I spent most of it as their prisoner. Not my finest hour. But lo and behold, the city has a few heroes of its own. Life is just full of surprises, isn’t it?” He took out his wand and gave it a wave. A bouquet of flowers came together and rested itself at the foot of the grave.
Blue roses. Apalla’s favorite.
Moondancer stood, softening her gaze. “I’ll come back soon, Mother. We’ll have to celebrate my graduation, right?” The wind whistled through the trees. If she didn’t already know better, she might have thought that was her mother agreeing.
Artemis brought her back to the manor just as the sun hit the horizon. They admired it for a while before he turned and kissed her on the forehead. “I had a wonderful time today.”
“As did I,” Moondancer said. “It’s not often I get to do something like this, so…” she swallowed a lump in her throat. “Thank you, Uncle.”
“You’re more than welcome, little moon.” He cupped a hand to her cheek. “And I know Canterlot is a big city, but we’re just on the other side. If you ever need anything, just give me a call.”
Moondancer leaned into his hand. “I will. I promise, I’ll try to make more time in the future.”
“As will I. We’re Lulamoons, are we not? We’re family!”
Moondancer’s mask almost fell. She didn’t want to play this character anymore. She wanted to tell him everything. But she kept herself collected and gave Artemis a strong hug. “I should go. I still have homework to do.”
Artemis patted her back. “Yes, yes, off with you then. You’re almost finished; don’t start shirking your work now.” He stepped back and lifted his wand. “Love you! Lulamoon!” And with another puff of smoke, he was gone.
When the wind blew it all away, Moondancer stepped inside, finding her father waiting on the bottom step of the grand stairs. She saw his cross stare, and curtsied in return. “Hello, Father. Long day at work?”
“Moondancer…”
“I had a fine day at school, thank you for asking.”
“You know the rules, Moondancer.”
Moondancer walked up to him and put a hand on her hip. “Well, perhaps if someone had answered the door!” she yelled down one of the hallways. “Maybe this wouldn’t have happened. Besides, wouldn’t it be suspicious if we never spoke to them ever again?”
“I’m trying to keep us safe,” Night Shade said with a hint of urgency. “You know what Tempest said.”
She shot him a venomous glare. “I’m aware of her words. And her actions.” And your lack of them. Every fiber of her being told her to say the last part aloud, but she held herself back and settled for stomping past him and up the stairs, keeping a tight grip on Artemis’ gift.
She reached her room and slammed the door shut before gently sitting her bag next to the closet. Slipping out of her sandals, she carried herself across the plush purple carpet and sat on the edge of her four-poster bed. On her bedside vanity sat embroidered pictures of her when she was younger, together with Trixie’s side of the family. Accompanying them were pictures of Twilight, bowed ever-so-slightly in each of them, trying to avoid making eye contact with the camera.
Moondancer reached for one. Twilight and her had taken a selfie in the garden, the flowers around them in full bloom. Such a short time ago. Yet so many things had changed. Moondancer exchanged the picture for her phone. No new messages. She let it drop against the satin sheets. That wasn’t uncommon these days. Sure, Twilight could carry a conversation if Moondancer texted her. But starting one? No, Twilight had someone else occupying her time now.
A knife twisted in Moondancer’s heart. She got to her feet, hands clenched. A thousand images flashed across Moondancer’s eyes, all of them depicting Twilight and Sunset, laughing and smiling and kissing. And Moondancer was stuck here, her freedom shrinking again by the day.
Four years ago, she had finally been allowed true access to the outside world again. She got to attend private school and interact with other adolescents. And then Twilight had drifted by, nose in a book. Every answer she gave in class was poignant and well thought. She was delicate. She was humble.
She was Moondancer’s reward for her long years of isolation. At least, that was what her heart said.
Instead, history rhymed with its earlier verse and introduced Sunset from nowhere. She swooped in, took Twilight, wiggled her way into her family...
Moondancer balled her hand into a fist. She would not let this cruel song reach its chorus again. She would defeat Sunset and reclaim her treasure. Then, she could focus on her true goal.
Alternate Chapter Title: Fight For It
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Oh, you again.
Then TELL Twilight that Moondancer wants to steal her away from you. I know she might not believe you, but provide examples or some such. Might help.
She's great.
And there we go. Sunset needs therapy BADLY. Or just someone to talk to.
And she turns the nightmare around!
Oh good, there's SOME humanity in you.
So what changed?
Dare I ask?
... OK, not just Sunset, but YOU need serious therapy and someone who actually cares about you. Might do you wonders.
Moondancer gets lamer and lamer every chapter. Kill her off already.. Tiwlight's a one dimensional sperg too. How could either go for her?
Does Mooondancer have any self-awareness of her yandere nature?
I mean, I'm sorry Moondancer seems to have a shitty situation in life, but even if I did like her (I super don't), she literally sees Twilight as a prize to be won. At this point in the story, at least, I really wouldn't mind if she didn't have a happy ending.
8832583
My dude, if there one thing that has a high success rate of destroying relationships beyond repair, it's trying to come in between your SO and their best friends. At this point, there's very little reason for Sunset to act, anyway. Twilight isn't gonna cheat or give her a reason to think she's unfaithful, and Moondancer is her best friend.
The best case scenario from Sunset bringing it up to Twilight is Twilight telling Moondancer she'll never be interested, and then things are almost the exact same as they were before since Sunset isn't gonna just start liking Moondancer being around them.
8832599
She's not really a yandere; she's just petty and stubborn. She refuses to see that Twilight is very happy in her relationship with Sunset, and thinks Sunset is simply evil. It's not a matter of "no one is good enough for Twilight but me", more "Sunset is despicable, why can't anyone see this". Now, if Moondancer starts seriously considering murdering Sunset just so she can be with Twilight instead, I'll concede the point. "I'm willing to fight for it" doesn't necessarily mean violence.
That musical number at the end was great... Yet, the fact Moondancer isn't the only being in her mind, and she doesn't realise it at all makes me feel bad for Moondancer.
Very fascinating to see more of Moondancer's life. Learning how deep this conspiracy goes and her feelings, losses, and regrets really adds more depth. It's also nice to see her starting to have some doubts about Sunset being a dark monster, even if she quashes those doubts soon enough because of her entitlement and jealousy. Until she learns to see past all that, she's just going to cause more harm to herself and those around her.
It's also awesome to see Sunset starting to fight back against her demons, to come into the light. Even as we see her jealousy come out, it's perfectly natural to feel given her situation. However, it's unhealthy for her to bottle it up and ignore it.
It's funny how Sunset and Moondancer parallel one another. They both feel jealousy, but Sunset bottles it up while Moondancer wants to use her to give her power for her goals. Sunset wonders about her future while Moondancer fights for a certain one she wants. Sunset is coming into the light all while Moondancer wants to blind her in it. It's gonna be fascinating to see these two come to a head later on. I cannot wait for the next chapter!
Seems Moondancer isn't as nice as she thinks she is.
Lovely villain song.
"Villains are the heroes of their own stories" I think that more or less sums up Moondancer's view to an extent and Artemis coming through on his promise to be a better uncle just can't dislike this guy.
I wonder if Artemis used the flower spell to hide the key location spell cast on the grave? He has a whole set of options he really needs, wants to prove one way or another.
Sherlock Holmes vs Houdini. Fight.
This song wasn’t meant to impact me as much as it did...really.
I’ve tried writing songs for fics, but you’ve just blended it in so well that I can’t help but be jealous. Well done!
Also, the more and more Moondancer goes into darkness, the more I think of Lopoddity’s Trixie/Blueblood fanchild Moondancer. Following both “dark Moondancers” has been interesting, to say the least.
Wow, Moondancer's villain song kinda dragged on there, didn't it?
Man...I still hate the self-absorbed little twat waffle, but I do kinda feel a teensy bit sorry for her. Just a little.
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I don't feel a bit bad for her. She is awful and there is no saving the character.
I was listening to the song in my head and imagining it like a kind of ballad, something you might hear for a villain who's more than meets the eye. I then went to listen using the link you provided but alas, it wasn't working. I hate to be "that person" but what was the song called and who performs it?
Glad to see Moondancer isn't just your typical villain.
I love this story even more for the hamilton referance
Well... I really dunno what you were worried about there, dear author. I don't see how anyone could hate this chapter. Moondancer is a very polarizing character, and this chapter had her in focus, but I doubt most of us mind that. Either side of the argument about her can feel vindicated by what we see here:
Opposed (hate her, diediedie!):
, I hate that girl, and so do you! She had a chance here, a real chance, to turn it around. All she had to do was break out of the mold, drop this stereotypical entitled snob act for one second, and talk to Artemis. She will NEVER get a more sympathetic, more helpful person on her side. And he's her uncle! This is such a free out! Even her privilege wants her to break out of this cycle. But nope, gotta stay the course, full spoiled brat mode. Kid, the world doesn't owe you anything. Kids half your age die every day. Meanwhile you're modeling in Paris, and have closets full of gifts from your father (and now uncle, who you lied to about his dead sister, you monster). You think another human being belongs to you? I look forward to the day that particular human being sees your miserable soul for what it really is. Sing all you want, we know a villain song when we hear it.
Hah! See? She's led such a privileged life that she thinks she owns people! Her mom turned her tears into pearls, so now she thinks she should get everything handed to her. What a greedy bi
Sympathetic (get that girl a hug and a therapist!):
This girl was born wealthy, yes. That's not a crime. If anything, she's the same as Sunset, except without the Harmony Blast to the face to force her to behave long enough to realize how far she's fallen. They both had privilege, and entitlement. Sunset lost hers... and though Moondancer may be rich... notice her lack of freedom. Her inability to tell Artemis the truth was heartbreaking. She was so close to getting out, but it's not easy to throw away everything you know. Sunset basically only did it when cursed into doing so. Of course Moondancer thinks she and Twilight belong together. They were so close, the only choice she really got to make for herself was to make that friend, a soulmate to share her life with. In a world that's so big on destiny and magic, can you really blame her for feeling that way? Not to mention... yes, she IS a kid! She's not even out of high school and she's already been emotionally abandoned by her father AFTER her mother died! That's not even mentioning whatever this sordid mess is with Tempest that clearly has her caught in the middle. She has no one to confide in; her soulmate is in the arms of an actual alien, and her father clearly doesn't want her talking to Artemis (who basically adopted that alien, Sunset really is unintentionally getting all the love and support Moondancer wants). Sure, you and I know Sunset's alright but put yourself outside a reader's perspective. How can Moondancer possibly know that? At the least, Sunset is an illegal alien with a shady social record at her school. She's turned things around VERY suspiciously quickly (because curse) and of course Moondancer is leery. Is she in the right? No, good lord she can't even see 'right' from where she's standing. But she needs help, not the murder you seem to be calling for. That level of hate seems pretty hypocritical.
So yeah... this was a great chapter. It gave us a lot of insight into Moondancer, and whether it changed minds or just cemented opinions, it was poignant and timely.
Villain sob story time. Yay.
*sigh* Yeah, it's tragic that Moondancer's mother died, it's indeed unfair that her father took away any form of freedom she could have and at the top of that doesn't pay attention to his own child and listens to some weird, powerhungry woman.
Fortunetely, just like Fire Lord Ozai's baby pictures do not change the fact that he was a tyranical monster that needed to be stopped, this chapter does not change how possessive human!Moondancer is.
She thinks that Sci-Twi is some sort of prize or reward she should get for enduring years of solitude. 
Heck! Moondancer expected and believed Sci-Twi to NOT live her own life! She expected Twilight to be forever this shy, timid and cowardly nerd girl that would ideally wait for her. 
Holly tomatoes if that's not delusional, I don't know what it is. 
Because, seriously? Didn't it ever crossed her mind that Twilight would, oh, I don't know? Make friends and meet other people while poor, tragic rich girls was -as Moondancer herself puts- "away from stage"? Holly potatoes, that's stupid to the point of being laughable.
People change and live without "us", while it's nostalgic and always good to see old friends again after a long time, it's more likely that they moved on. That they have grown up and became different people.
Yet, Moondancer believes life is a constant play. In which she is the main character and is having no "unnecessary characters" upsatge her.
*sigh* 
I honestly prefer the pony!Moondancer because despite having her own problems, she isn't trying to ruin other people's lives; she is moving with her on.
Sure, pony!Moondancer decided to end her social life and dedicate herself to her studies because of one thing that happened on her past... But not once I remember her blaming Princess Twilight for ruining her life nor she is seeking some sort of revenge and/or have some nefarius plan. She was trying to finally open up to others, but when the mare she considered her best friend ditched her, pony!Moondancer was devasted and, after some time, she came to the conclusion that maybe friends are not as important as other stuff, such as studying.
To me the canon pony!Moondancer and your fanfic's version of human!Moondancer could not be on more opposite spectrums of the "love-hate bar".
And with all that said... I really find this chapter to be brilliant! Because, to me, it truly solidifies this version of Moondancer as a freaky, possessive, spoiled rich girl that see all others bellow her, except for a single other girl that she desperately craves for said girl's attention and love because of a tragedy and a dysfunctional family; to others? Moondancer just puts a facade that she is nice, while in reality she most likely see them as worms. In conclusion? Despite whichever route and path you take with your fanfic for future chapters, I will strongly dislike this version of Moondancer whether she dies, lives and/or gets "redeemed".
... I am not sure if this was the objective of this chapter, but in any case: amazing work and keep going.
Also: stop giving Sunset some weird schizophrenia or whatever her guilt is doing to her. Seriosuly, it's getting old.
ok so maybe she isn't as evil as i gave her credit...still being a bitch but not irredeemable and as far as we can see shes not willing to shed blood...yet
That does not sound like a healthy coping mechanism. Even arguing with the voices in her head is a better idea.
I'm not 100% sure, but it's starting to look like Tempest is Moondancer's evil stepmother. And with some of the thoughts Moondancer had this chapter… We haven't heard how Apalla died, yet. A powerful witch, dead before her time? An evil shadow caster lording over her husband and daughter? It almost certainly wasn't an accident.
The most concerning part of this chapter, however…
You have to be a special kind of desperate to consider necromancy as a viable option. I think I might know what the Alicorn Amulet is for…
I foresee Nightmare Moon(Dancer)
Aww, that was sweet ...
Ah, so Tempest wants to keep the Lulamoons away ... one of their old enemies, maybe?
Is that last little bit of the chapter giving homage to the fact that characters being aware of songs from out of nowhere is canon to EQG now?
I remain surprised and left in a little bit of disbelief that, as powerful as Earth magic has been shown to be, and how with as impressive as they are, there are other entities more powerful than the Lulamoons, magicians aren’t the ones running the show.
And then, I realize that I’m only assuming that they aren’t.
So, her father is in on creepy woman being around? What did she promise them? I have a feeling they're empty. As for Sunset, the demon inside her is going to take over unless she comes clean and talk to someone, other than herself or plushie Twilight, about her feelings.
Jesus this chapter was so depressing & heartbreaking for me to read, from Sunset's constant back & forth problems with everyone soon to be leaving her to Moondancer's struggle with her guilt & her love for Twilight... It all just hits me hard...
This hole chapter just shows why you should be able to spank kids (even if there not yours)
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It’s “Wait for it” from the original broadway cast recording of Hamilton performed by Leslie Odom Jr. I recognized it about halfway through reading her performance.
interesting that her villain song is Burr, I wonder if her character arc will have more parallels...
If anyone hasn't seen Hamilton, Burr starts off as a sort of friendly rival to Hamilton, and through jealously evolves into what you could call the villain of the musical.
Normally I would relish the moment when someone like Moondancer get what they deserve, but this is said. She is so hyper focused on herself that she can't do the one thing that proves how much she tells herself she cares about Twi. More over these actions will harm Twilight more than any perceived plan on Sunset's part.
And Artemis, his words could have just as easily been calculated as they were likely natural. He is a sly one and tough to read properly. It makes my wonder just how much of that goofball behavior is genuine. I'd be more worried if it totally real, that means he is much more capable than he comes across.
THAT SONG WAS PURE GOLD! AWESOME AND AMAZING! NOW I'M ON YET ANOTHER HAMILTON KICK! AAAAACK!
As per my previous comment. Seriously, great song. I read/sang it with Wait For It playing. This whole chapter, especially Fight For It gives us a peek into Moondancer's psyche that we haven't seen before. She wants to be good. She wants her mother back. I think that's one of her motivations. Can't tell about Tempest, if she is just someone with interest, or, perhaps more interestingly, perhaps she married her father. Moondancer thinks she's the hero, that the story is about her, but she keeps slipping up, and that Sunset is stealing the show. This mirrors Burr, in that he thinks he should be in the spotlight, not Hamilton. It makes me wonder, in the last chapter of this volume, will Moondancer realize that she's wrong? And will it take a disaster to realize it? Will she realize The World Was Wide Enough For Both Sunset And She?
Back in the first story, I honestly saw Sunset’s induction into the Lulamoon family pretty early on, and then it just became me chanting “it’s coming, it’s coming, it’s COMING, IT’S COMING AND IT’S HERE!
”
Excitement aside, I never thought that Sunset and Trixie would have such a dynamic, and honestly, I love the idea of Sunset finding a home with the Lulamoons
I’m such a sucker for “sunset gets a family” stories. I rarely have these moments, but this family dynamic really was something I never knew I needed, and I love it! So, thank you for bringing the previous star et to completion, and continuing it on with this story!*doted
I don't really care about Moondancer, and all these parts still don't make me care about her.
Eat the rich.
But how else is she going to get any worthwhile conversation in the morning?
Because that's worked so well this far.
If Selena heard you say that she would whoop your ass, girly.
Because it's not your demon, that's my guess.
And speaking of stuck up bitches who need an ass whoopin...
Boring and predictable.
Not at the rate you're going.
Ok, a little weirder.
Woah woah woah. Albi! What happened to Fight For It? It was a wonderful addition to the story and honestly a great storytelling technique. You used it to reveal stuff about Apalla, and that part of her motivation is to bring her mother back. Also that she ultimately thinks she is the hero, and my interpertation is that she thinks she will bring Tempest down. But, she is also like Snape, being infatuated with someone she cannot have, and hating the one that her infatuation loves because they have taken she who was the infatuated away from them. I know, I am one of the only few to have some degree of sympathy for Moondancer, and honestly, it's partially a reason you said in a blog, she's like pre-lrtf Sunset. Except Sunset may have been worse. Ultimately, I do see Moondancer making the hard decision, and betraying Tempest. Honestly, as someone who recently watched all of the TV show Avatar, I can see this also being a bit Zuko like. I do not forsee Sunset and Moondancer being friends, but I can see more of a truce happen.
Sad to see Moondancer's song go; it was fitting of her character and works both as a storytelling device and her venting through one of her passions. Might have been nice if someone like Wubcake did a rendition of it.
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Oh right. That. I'm surprised it took this long for anyone to notice. I dunno, my anxiety about Moondancer led me to take it away. Still not sure if I should bring it back.
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Well now I'm super curious. Seems I've missed out by being late to the party.
Song or no song though, still enjoying the story. Also going to say I'm totally allowed to be sympathetic and angry at someone simultaneously.
looking at you Moony9757240
...Could you at least put it back up in a blog post, or something?
How sweet of him to say that about sunset.
Huh, didn't know we knew her.
Well looks like she indeed wants to give Sunset a taste of her own medicine.
Now if they could only make it official.
Yeah Sunset, you aren't jealous. Jealousy is the fear that someone will take something you have. You're feeling envy.
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Words change meaning all the time. In modern English jealous can be a synonym for envy. So it's not incorrect, anymore than using the word 'literally' to be 'figuratively'.
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That's cool and all, but what if I just want to be a nitpicky asshole sometimes?