Twilight settled into her seat at the front of her AP English class. Sunday had gone the same way Saturday had: long hours of searching with no results. While she had managed to get a few hours of sleep thanks to her mind forcing itself to shut down after being up for so long, her rest had been fitful at best. Her subconscious played out some of the scenarios her waking mind had conjured. She had seen Sunset held prisoner and experimented on by government officials, lost somewhere deep within the forest, left for dead in a ravine or river, and worse.
Eyes bloodshot and stomach misbehaving at the thought of food—though she knew her body was short on nutrients—Twilight had dragged herself out of bed and asked her father to take her to school. Her parents offered her a chance to stay home, but Twilight had never missed a day of school before. And if there was a chance she could learn something from any of the students, she’d take it.
It was not Luna’s voice but Celestia’s that came over the PA just as the instruction bell rang. “Good morning, students,” she said solemnly. “I’m afraid I have troubling news to bring you. Early Saturday morning, our very own Sunset Shimmer was reported missing.”
Murmurs rippled through the classroom. Twilight strained her ears trying to pick out any of the conversations, but Celestia’s echoing voice made it impossible.
“If you have seen her or have any knowledge about where she might be, please contact the police. There are many, myself and Luna included, who would love to see her safe and sound.”
Celestia read through the rest of the general announcements, then left the school to continue with their day. The hushed whispers died away, and Twilight, who kept her gaze down on her desk, felt the weight of twenty pairs of eyes on her back. She looked to her left, catching one of the students jerk their head toward the board.
Right. Sunset and I dating wasn’t exactly a secret. They’re going to look at me as the epicenter of all this. The girls, too. Twilight clenched her fists under her desk wondering how many times she was going to hear ‘I’m so sorry.’ Or worse, how many people would secretly be happy Sunset was gone. Despite Sunset’s turn around, Twilight still heard whispers and mutterings of resentment for her past actions.
Sure enough, as soon as the period ended and Twilight headed for her next class, several students stopped her to give their condolences and hopes that Sunset would turn up soon. A few had the gall to ask her what had happened, and if she and Sunset had had a fight. Twilight had to fight the impulse, no doubt obtained from Sunset, to stomp on their toes and instead just walk away.
Lunch brought her to the table with all of her friends and, surprisingly, Flash. He sat close to Rarity and kept a hand on her back. Twilight could see she wasn’t the only one who still hadn’t slept well. Everyone had bags or bloodshot eyes. While a subdued atmosphere clung to their table, the rest of the cafeteria went on as if nothing was wrong. Only occasional glances toward the Spectacular Seven gave a hint of abnormality.
“So, what’s the—” Rainbow broke for a wide yawn. “—what’s the plan after school? Back to the forest?”
Applejack pushed her mashed potatoes around her plate. “We could try, but we wouldn’t be able to go out much further before we’d have to turn around and get back.”
“One more day can’t hurt though,” Rarity said.
“I can get the band to go with us too,” Flash offered. Twilight must have looked at him with surprise, for he added, “She’s my friend too. And, I treated her pretty bad during the Battle of the Bands.” He looked away, a sad shadow over his eyes. “I know she said everything was cool, but I still feel like I need to make it up to her.”
Pinkie, despite her haggard appearance, gave him a generous smile. “We’ll take all the help we can get.”
Moondancer walked over to the table and sat down next to Twilight in what should have been Sunset’s seat. She did it with none of her usual grace and elegance though.
“How are you doing, Twilight? Oh, that’s a ridiculous question to ask. I know how bad your heart must ache.” She laid a hand atop Twilight’s. “If you want for anything, I’ll be here,” she said with soft sorrow. “But I’m sure Sunset will come about soon, hale and hearty.”
“Thank you, Moony,” Twilight said, moving to hug her. Moondancer’s warm embrace and scented soap aroma proved therapeutic and raised Twilight’s spirits a little. “You’ll help us look for her, right?”
“I’ll scour the entire Upper Villa myself if I have to.”
After school, the seven girls and Flash Drive made for the forest. Twilight brought along a topographical map to mark where they had been so far. They spent the entire late afternoon calling for Sunset and searching small alcoves and narrow crannies.
Yet even after they yelled until their throats were raw, they came back to the edge of the forest with nothing, not even a clue.
Shining came home with nothing to report, good or bad. The police search was made especially tricky because Sunset had no official records for them to work with, only the forged documents she had given the school, and Shining couldn’t tell anyone else of Sunset’s true origins.
Twilight barely slept that night, dreaming of Sunset hurt and abused somewhere. Twilight knew Sunset was stronger than her dreams liked to show, but there were some situations even Sunset couldn’t fight her way out of.
Tuesday proved worse than Monday, for every class was a stark reminder that Sunset was absent. The seat next to Twilight remained empty, leaving her partnerless for chemistry and trigonometry. For the first time, Twilight found she couldn’t focus on a word Ms. Vector said. Before, whenever she had been mad at Sunset, she could throw herself into her work as a welcome distraction. Sunset had at least still been there, looking sad or contemplative, her eyebrows slightly pushed together and her lips pinched or pouting depending on how bad she was feeling.
A tear splashed onto an empty page. Twilight’s eyes focused, seeing she had only written the date at the top of her work. Her pencil hand shook. She looked up at the clock, relieved to see there were only ten minutes of school left, and disappointed she had done zero work today.
The bell finally rang, and Twilight shoved her things into her bag. She briskly walked down the halls and to the rotunda. Okay, maybe it’s time to look somewhere other than the forest. Shining’s covered all of the suburbs, but downtown is a big place We could try there today, and then maybe—
“Personally, I hope she stays gone. I’m not gonna miss her one bit.”
It hadn’t been very loud, but Twilight had picked it out like a criminal from a line-up. The girl stood on the other side of the rotunda, chatting to her friend with a smirk on her face.
Twilight wasn’t sure what happened next.
Her body grew unusually hot and her vision dimmed until everything was a reddish haze. She felt herself move, felt her fist fly forward. As her vision cleared up, her breaths came out in labored gasps and her knuckles felt warm, like they had just connected with something. Tears streamed down her face. She unclenched her hand and wiped them away, then looked around at the silent onlookers ogeling in shock and awe.
Twilight looked down at her feet and saw the girl from before clutching her cheek and groaning. The dots lined up, and Twilight stumbled back. “Oh… oh…”
“Miss Sparkle.”
She whirled around, her stunned horror evolving into pure terror and impending doom as Principal Celestia gestured for her to follow with only a finger. Luna passed by Twilight to attend to the girl.
Twilight followed Celestia, trying to think of something to say But there was little justification for her action. It was pointless; it wasn’t going to bring Sunset back. Who cared what some random girl said? Her feet carried her to Celestia’s office. It was the second time her body seemed to operate without her command. She sat down in the chair opposite of Celestia’s desk and kept her head bowed.
“Twilight, I sympathize with what you’re going through.”
Twilight looked up into her principal’s patient and sincere face. Even after that display of violence, she was still calm and collected. “You do?”
Celestia nodded. “You’re sad and scared and angry deep inside. Situations like this are never easy to handle. What did Miss Willow say that brought everything to the surface?”
Twilight’s blood boiled again. “She said she hoped Sunset stayed missing.”
Celestia nodded and sighed. “Harsh words to be sure. You have every right to be angry, Twilight, but you know I never condone any violent actions, regardless the reason.”
“I know. I don’t know what happened. I just saw red and the next thing I knew…” Twilight deflated in her seat. “I’ll accept any punishment you give me.”
“One day of detention. I won’t put it on your spotless record though. I also recommend a talk with our counselor if you don’t have anyone else to talk to.”
“No, thank you. I have someone else I can talk with.” Twilight wasn’t sure how much there was to discuss though. Celestia had said enough: she was sad, scared, angry, and tired. She stood and grabbed her backpack. “Thank you for… not suspending or expelling me,” she said lamely.
Celestia gave her an understanding smile. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Twilight. Go home and get some rest.”
Twilight thanked her again and took her leave. The second she closed the office door, she was accosted by Rainbow and pulled down the hall to her waiting friends.
“You actually punched someone?” Rainbow asked with an impressed grin. “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”
“Twily, tell me you didn’t actually stoop to violence?” Moondancer asked.
“I don’t know what happened!” Twilight cried, the daze finally wearing off. “I just… reacted.” Twilight had only hit someone once before, when she had found out the school president had gone out of her way to make Sunset miserable. Twilight had just barely hung onto her composure, but gave Lyra an open hand slap to the face. It hadn’t been hard, enough to leave a red mark but nothing more. She had never raised a fist to someone and sent them to the ground.
Rarity laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I know you want to keep looking today—I do as well. But perhaps it’s for the best if we all took a day to actually recover. I know it won’t be easy but let’s be honest…” She looked up at all of them, showing off her smudged mascara and blush that barely hid the bags under her eyes. “We haven’t gotten much sleep recently and certainly don’t look our best right now.”
“Rares is right,” Applejack said. “Let’s take a minute to actually sit down and catch our breath. I know we don’t want to, but we have to at this point. We’re already runnin’ on fumes.”
Twilight wanted to object, but the rational part of her brain took full control again. She knew she was exhausted physically, and her emotions ran in so many directions, she couldn’t keep track of them. Maybe she couldn’t get sleep, but sitting down and forcing herself to eat something sounded like a good idea.
“My shift at Sugarcube Corner starts soon,” Pinkie said, still trying her hardest to keep her upbeat tone. “I could bake us all some cupcakes.”
Nutrition wise, Twilight knew sugar-loaded pastries were the last thing she needed, but sweets were also considered a comfort food. And if Pinkie was making them, who was she to say no? They walked down to the sweet shop, remaining silent a majority of the time. Just because they weren’t searching for Sunset didn’t mean they could stop thinking about her. Her face appeared on every street corner though. Twilight stopped and examined the missing poster hanging outside Sugarcube Corner. It was a nice photo, Sunset looking at the camera with her ‘are you serious’ eyebrow raised, and her tiny ‘I’m secretly enjoying this’ smirk.
Six bodies squeezed into a booth while Pinkie went off to work. Conversation still crawled at a snail’s pace. The simple act of enjoying sweets left a guilty taste in Twilight’s mouth. How dare she relax and try to have fun while Sunset was out there somewhere alone or hurt! She fidgeted in her seat, the guilt growing stronger.
Pinkie arrived with a platter of cupcakes with blue frosting before Twilight could jump up and leave. She picked one up and turned it around in her hand. Her stomach clenched at the sight of solid food, but Twilight forced herself to take a bite anyway. It tasted… melancholic.
“So, Twilight,” Moondancer said as she unwrapped her cupcake, “have you decided what college you’re going to attend?”
Twilight kept her eyes on her sad cupcake. She had put a lot of thought into it, and ultimately had a good idea of where she wanted to go. Still, she had wanted to ask Sunset for her opinion.
“I’m narrowing it down,” she said. “Doing a lot of research into all the schools. Don’t want to have any regrets, right?”
That at least put them on the topic of colleges again. Rainbow gushed about the soccer scholarship she had been offered. They talked about their hopes and fears, and possible career paths once college was over. The conversation killed an hour, at which the cupcakes had been depleted, and the girls slipped back into a lull. Twilight knew that was her cue to leave. If she went to bed a few hours earlier, maybe it would make up for the hours spent tossing and turning.
“I would be more than happy to see you home,” Moondancer said. She stood from the table and followed Twilight’s lead. “With a possible predator around, I shan’t take any chances with your safety.”
While a bit smothering, Twilight appreciate the sentiment and the company as she journeyed home. Her eyes found every missing poster on the way.
“Am I correct in assuming you’ll be back at the search tomorrow?” Moondancer asked.
Twilight gave a single, firm nod. “We’ll keep searching until we find an answer.”
They rounded the corner and approached Twilight’s house. Moondancer wore a deep and thoughtful expression. Twilight knew she had hit a new level of exhaustion when she thought she saw Moondancer’s eyes flash red.
“Sunset is indeed lucky to have a friend like you.”
Twilight stopped in front of her yard. “I’d do the same thing for you, Moony.”
Moondancer’s eyes glistened and she quickly looked away, her pale cheeks pink. “And I would challenge the gods themselves if it meant keeping you safe.” She reached for Twilight’s hand and raised it to her lips, giving it a soft peck. “Keep the faith you will find Sunset. Until tomorrow, little star.”
“Good night, Moony.” Twilight’s hand fell limp at her side as Moondancer pulled away and glided down the road. Twilight let out a berating sigh, remembering the promise she still hadn’t kept. She rubbed the spot Moondancer’s lips had met her skin. If Sunset found out, she’d have a few choice words no doubt.
*******
Trixie dropped her bag next to the front door and kicked off her shoes. She made her way upstairs and peeked into Sunset’s room, finding Spot curled on her bed like he had been the past few days.
“You miss her a lot, don’t you?” Trixie scratched him behind the ears, getting a weak tail wag out of him. She missed Sunset a lot more than she expected to. A few months ago, Trixie had abhorred her. Now, it was like her sister was missing.
“Stupid Sunset. Working your way into Trixie’s heart.” Trixie sighed. There was no point in keeping up her act, especially without Sunset to play off of. She gave Spot one last rub, then retreated back to the hall. Sounds coming from the study piqued her curiosity, and she found her father rummaging around in the cabinets.
“What are you doing?”
Artemis got off the step ladder he had been using to reach the higher shelves. “I’m looking for anything that might help us find Sunset. Or Lamia for that matter.”
“Any luck?”
“No. I tried a very rudimentary location spell I found in an old book. It was supposed to lock onto someone based on their earthly signature, or in modern terms, DNA. I used one of Sunset’s brushes, but I suppose it wasn’t enough.”
Trixie slumped against the door. “We’ve searched around the mountain. Her friends have searched the forest, and the police have looked in the city. What if… what if we can’t find her?”
Artemis wrapped her up in a warm hug and stroked her hair. “A Lulamoon never gives up. Even when the odds are stacked against them. We’ll find her somehow.”
“I want you to be right, but…”
“Staying positive is hard, I know.” He released Trixie but kept his hands on her shoulders. “But, if you let those dark thoughts take control, you give the universe an opportunity to make them a reality.” He stepped away and stroked his goatee, returning to his thoughts.
The front door closed, and a moment later, Selena stepped into the room. “I went all the way out to the beach. Nothing.”
Artemis made a disappointing grunt. “I know there’s a way to find her. Maybe that spell would work if I put more magic in it.” He snapped his fingers and made a hop. “Aha! The Archon Amulet!”
He made it halfway to his desk before stopping and throwing his hands up. “That’s what she took!”
“What?” Selena yelled.
“Wait, which one is the Archon Amulet?” Trixie asked.
Artemis pulled the chest out and opened it. “The amulet is a very old relic. It’s supposed to increase the user’s magic to their maximum potential. Maybe even beyond that. However, it comes at a price. The amulet itself was crafted with dark magic, and it taints the user’s mind.”
Selena closed her eyes in thought. “But why would Lamia take that of all things? It can only increase your magic if you have magic to increase. What would she gain?”
“She is a thief,” Trixie said. “Maybe she stole it for someone else.”
“But that still doesn’t explain how she got into the chest.”
Artemis snapped the trunk shut. “Merlin’s beard, this can’t be good. Lamia taking the amulet and Sunset going missing. The two aren’t mutually exclusive.”
“And now, there might be a third party involved,” Selena said grimly. “Someone who can actually use the amulet.”
The family fell silent. Trixie lined all the pieces they had so far in her head. If Lamia was working for someone else, it would have to be someone with extensive knowledge of magic. And if Sunset’s disappearance was linked to this, it would be someone with a vendetta against her.
Trixie didn’t rule out the Sirens, but after what her mother had told her, she doubted Lamia would stoop to working for them, even if they did have a common enemy. It still didn’t explain how they knew about the amulet and how to get inside the chest.
That left Moondancer. Trixie saw the way she occasionally looked at Sunset. It was with the same disdain she herself had carried not too long ago. But Moondancer wouldn’t stoop to this, would she? Besides, it still left too many open questions. Like, how would Moondancer have the other key if it was buried with Apalla? And how would Moondancer have contacted Lamia anyway? Besides, Moondancer didn’t have any magic either. What would she want the amulet for?
So then, who did that leave as a suspect? Sure, Sunset had made herself a lot of enemies at Canterlot High, but over the last year as she changed her image, most of them were gone. Trixie hated to admit it, but she was one of the few who held a grudge so strong. If she hadn’t been put in constant contact with Sunset, she might have attempted something this drastic eventually.
Trixie was down to two possibilities. Either Sunset had another enemy from her own magical world…
Or there was a traitor in their midst.
*******
Shining sat at the coffee table in Cadence’s living room. One hand stirred a fresh mug of java while the other held onto his phone, waiting for a report he knew wouldn’t come. He lifted the mug to his lips and took a sip, gagging at the bitter taste. He set the phone down and reached for another packet of sugar.
“Honey, if you add any more, there’ll be more sugar than coffee.” Cadence stepped out of the kitchen with her own cup in hand and sat down next him, pushing the mountain of sugar packs out of the way.
“I just can’t get the taste right tonight.” He tasted it again, the bitter swill burning his throat. He finally gave up and set it aside.
Cadence laid a hand over his. “Maybe it’s not the coffee that’s wrong?”
Shining sighed. He avoided Cadence’s eyes and looked at the ceiling fan lazily spinning and eclipsing the dim lights every half-second. “I’m worried about Twilight… and Sunset. If we don’t find her… I don’t know if Twilight will ever recover. And…” He ran a hand down his face. “Uugh, I’ve been a real jerk to Sunset lately.”
“Yes, you have,” Cadence said bluntly. He flinched, but knew it had been well earned. “Shining, I know you mean well, but I think Sunset has proven she only has good intentions.”
“I know. I just—”
“You’re her older brother, and she was in a real bad situation once. Of course you’re protective of her.” Cadence never once raised her voice, yet Shining felt like he was being scolded all the same. “But Twilight is a smart young woman now. And maybe Sunset dresses like a rebel and can be a little hot-headed. She’s been nothing but cordial to the entire family.”
It was times like this that made Shining eternally happy and terrified that he would be marrying this woman. Cadence could read him like an open book, rationalize his fears, and make him see sense. Her ability at people reading came at the cost of an increased difficulty at keeping secrets or hiding his emotions.
“Do I even have to say you’re right?” he said with a joking smile.
“No, but I want to hear it anyway,” Cadence said with a smirk.
He leaned over and kissed her on the nose. “You’re right. I’ve been way too uptight.”
“Thank you.” She flicked him on the nose. “And if you keep expecting something bad to happen, then something will happen.”
Shining rubbed his nose. “Which is why I’m trying so hard to find her. I know it’s not my fault but…” He sighed again. “Maybe if I find her it’ll make up for earlier.”
“A noble sentiment.” Cadence stood up and took Shining’s cup to refill it. Her apartment smelled like a breakfast diner with the overpowering aroma of roasting coffee beans. When she returned, Shining added three packs of sugar and one creamer.
It no longer burned his throat.
“Anything else souring your thoughts?” she asked with a knowing smile.
Shining took a smaller sip. “Not really. Just Harshwhinny breathing down my neck because of Sunset’s sketchy file.”
Cadence sat down again. “Oh yeah, I’ve been meaning to ask about that. How is her file giving you so much trouble? I know she’s a runaway, but still.”
Shining raised the mug to his lips but didn’t drink. He had said one word too many, and now stood at a fork in the path. He could either actively lie to his fiancé, or try to trust her with an insane truth he himself was still coming to terms with.
Given Cadence’s knack for discovering secrets, it was an easy choice.
He put his mug down and looked her in the eye. “Sweetheart, there’s something you need to know about Sunset…”
*******
Tales of Twilight’s sudden sucker-punch made its way around the school, and many students chose to keep their voices a little lower around her. Twilight didn’t mind. If they didn’t have anything nice to say, she didn’t want to hear it.
She felt a little more rested than yesterday, having eaten an actual meal at dinner time. Deep sleep still eluded her, but it was starting to get better. School proceeded as normal, only Twilight thought more about places they hadn’t looked yet rather than what was being discussed in class.
School came to an end, leaving Twilight to face her first ever detention. Walking to the detention classroom wasn’t as scary or foreboding as Twilight thought it would be. She remembered when she was younger, the possibility of detention terrified her. Perhaps it was Celestia’s reassurance that this wouldn’t appear on her permanent record that calmed her, or that Sunset had served far more detentions than she ever would and still proved herself to be a smart and kind person. If she had heard Twilight had received detention, she would have laughed herself silly.
Detention lasted two hours, in which Twilight spent most of it watching the sun slowly go down and take away valuable time she could have spent looking for Sunset. She was finally released just after five, and ran out to the front lawn to find five of her friends waiting for her.
Rainbow grinned and crossed her arms. “So, how was the baby’s first detention?”
“Pointless. We stared at a board. I appreciate you all waiting for me though.”
“I wanted to sneak in and throw another detention party,” Pinkie said. “But Applejack told me two times might be pushing it.”
Twilight pulled her map of Canterlot from her bag and rolled it out on the cement in front of them. “I’ve been trying to think of new places to look. I know Selena said she checked the factory, but how well did she check the surrounding area? That part of Canterlot is old and there are a few more abandoned buildings than just the factory. And if we still work under the presumption that Shimmer had something to do with it, the factory might have a clue laying about.”
“Makes sense to me,” Rainbow said. “Let’s get to it!”
Fifteen minutes of driving brought them to Canterlot’s seedier neighborhoods. The arrival of spring brought new green weeds to the cracks in the sidewalks, but little else had changed since the last time the girls had been here. They parked a block from the factory, near a group of houses. Twilight had a hard time identifying if they were still being used.
“Let’s be careful goin’ in,” Applejack said in a hushed voice as they neared the side door. “Ah know Selena said she didn’t find anyone, but Ah don’t want this Lamia chick gettin’ the drop on us.”
Rainbow shoved the door open. “Even if she did, there’s one of her and six of us. I’m sure we can take her.”
But the factory appeared to be all but deserted. Dust mites floated through the hallway, and the hall lights looked dimmer than Twilight remembered. They stuck together and moved from the kitchen, to the factory floor, to the second story office which, while some clothes were left lying around, proved empty.
Twilight swatted some dust away and coughed. “I don’t think anyone’s been here for a while.”
“So much for clues,” Rarity said, pinching an old shirt between her finger and holding it as far from herself as she could. “Let’s try our luck at some of the other warehouses.”
The factory was one in a small string of blocky buildings with plots of dirt behind them. The first warehouse shared the factory’s beige coloring and grime colored windows. Unlike the the factory, the side door was locked and the windows barred.
“Allow me!” Pinkie reached into her hair and pulled out a bobby pin. “I’ve seen cartoon characters do this all the time!” She straightened the pin out and placed one end into the keyhole.
Applejack pinched the bridge of her nose. “Pinkie, this ain’t a cartoon. Plus, Ah tried that before and it don’t actually—”
Click.
Pinkie jiggled the handle and pushed the door open, wiggling her eyebrows at Applejack.
“Huh. Slap mah hide and call me Suzy.”
Rainbow gave her a flat look. “In place of Sunset, seriously?”
The door brought them into a small closed off space Twilight presumed was meant to be an office. An imposingly large and empty room took up the rest of the warehouse. The fading light from outside compounded with the filthy windows made the room incredibly dim. The girls scoured every corner and shadow to make sure they didn’t miss anything but came up empty-handed all the same.
They made sure to cover their tracks upon exiting, with Pinkie even re-locking the door behind them. The second warehouse proved much of the same. In truth, Twilight hadn’t hoped to find much, but it still stung.
Dusk settled upon them as they exited the third and final warehouse, moving to the dirt plots behind them. A few mounds of dirt had been moved and some stone cylinders left behind, but beyond that, whatever construction was supposed to take place had staggered quite some time ago.
“Let’s face it, there’s nothing back here,” Rainbow said, kicking the dirt.
“Should we go back to looking in the forest again?” Fluttershy asked.
Twilight stared at the brown field and hung her head. She was running out of ideas fast, and with every idea spent, her hopes of seeing Sunset again grew fainter. Perhaps she had to assume the worst. Her heart constricted, shortening her breath. No, Sunset couldn’t just be gone like that! It only happened in murder dramas and detective shows! Not to her, not in real life!
“We should…” Her voice trembled as did her hands. She held her wrist to try and get a hold of herself. “M-maybe we should… I-I think that…” The tears were falling again. Had she actually cried in earnest at hearing Sunset had vanished? No, she had been too shocked, then too determined. She tilted her head back to watch the stars start to come out. “Sh-she has to be okay. She h-has to be.”
“Aawww. You really do care.”
A swarm of butterflies brought a blizzard into Twilight’s stomach. That voice sounded familiar yet… there was something twisted about it. It didn’t quite sound human. She and her friends turned around, looking about until Pinkie pointed up to the roof of the warehouse.
“No way…” Rainbow stumbled back, face pale like she had seen a ghost. “No freaking way…”
Applejack put her hands up in a defensive stance, a cold sweat against her brow. “That... that's not possible!”
Against the light of the setting sun, Twilight could still make out the details of the figure sitting on the roof. Her skin was an angry shade of red, complimented by her yellow and black frock that barely held her bust in. Her black boots kicked against the top of the wall, the back heels sharpened to deadly points. She sported crimson wings punctured with small holes and gave them soft flaps every few seconds. Twilight couldn’t tell if her red and gold hair was being tousled by the wind, or if it was actually fire. Despite the distance, Twilight could see the black sclera of her eyes, contrasted by her piercing teal slits.
“What is that?” Twilight asked, breathless, though she had a sick feeling she knew the answer.
“Sunset,” Rarity said, just loud enough for her voice to carry upwards. “That’s not you, is it?”
The creature uncrossed its legs and stood up, spreading her arms out. “Here in the flesh!” A feral grin spread across her face, revealing her white fangs. “Hello… friends.”
Oh boy, here we go...
Oh no.... she's back and I so want Trixie to expose Moondancer!
OMG BUT WHY U STOP THEWRE FDLKFJLK:FJKLDFHKLFJHK
Albi, I say these words with love, but seriously:
Fk you, you magnificent bastard.
Second alternate title: "Is Twilight Sparkle Gonna Have to Falcon Punch a Bitch?"
Oh no, the Demons back, quick, slap her with a wet Moondancer.
Oh crap.
Answer to both is a lot.
Don't. Just fucking don't.
Oh hell.
She has a point, rules are rules.
Thanks, Pinkie.
You just keep getting worse.
No, they probably did.
Among other things.
I'm going to have you voiced by Benedict Bumberbatch. It works.
Ah, so it's the Alicorn Amulet's human version.
And the puzzles pieces slowly come together.
Bingo.
Celestia taught her well.
Smart man.
Probably, yes.
I disagree.
You expect Pinkie to NOT be able to do this?
Oh hell.
You're a real bastard sometimes, ya know that?
Really? Fucking, really? That's it, I give up on this story.
8921245
I think Moondancer's going to expose herself. she's already showing signs the amulet is affecting her.
Wooow, that was deep. Poor Sci-Twi's gonna need a lot of cuddle time with Sunset once all this over and they're all safe. And while maybe violence shouldn't be used, I approve of her punching that girl for hoping Sunset says missing. And yeesh, Moondancer is digging herself deeper and deeper as she lies to Sci-Twi. Once the truth is out, it's gonna make it a lot harder for Sci-Twi to forgive her. And the idea of Sci-Twi meeting demon Sunset is both horrifying and fascinating.
And good to see the Lulamoon family working out the pieces, like what was stolen and Trixie starting to work out what happened. The only thing keeping her from making the full conclusion is that they have been deceived on a great many things like Moondancer's magic. However, I'm sure they'll have to learn to accept that possibility eventually. And good on Shining to finally start seeing how bad he's been to Sunset. It'll be amusing to see how Cadance reacts to the news.
Man, I just can't wait to see where this all goes! Next week can't get here soon enough!
And now, I think it's time to play literary detective.
Way back at the start of this volume, we opened up with -
These quotes have deeper meaning than being flowery. Especially more so when looking at the following quotes -
From volume 2 chapter 2:
And from volume 2 chapter 7:
Based on the opening quote for the volume, it could signify that the source of magic - the mana pool - comes from the soul itself, grown by the connections formed with others. Fitting for the magic of friendship. Our connections make us stronger. And it also works in how souls can connect with those you care about, which might lead to Sci-Twi's soul being able to find and/or connect with Sunset's to save her. Heck, we see signs of that in volume 2 in chapter 4 with -
Sci-Twi is really starting to connect with Sunset, to know when Sunset needs her. With Sunset's soul ripped out and the demon in control - as alluded by Sci-Twi when saying Sunset was talking about her as if a different person - that connection is going to be needed to save Sunset. The matter of souls is what is going to be the theme of this volume, with Sunset having to learn hers is truly good as Sci-Twi sees it and Sci-Twi rising up for her love of Sunset, coming to believe in souls because of her. Their souls form their love, magic, and friendship, which is what will ultimately help them through it all.
And as for Moondancer, her red eyes this chapter show how much she is being corrupted by the amulet, her own soul being twisted about. Makes me wonder how long she's been wearing it since she got it. She already had the potential for everything she's done, but the amulet may have given her the delusion she needed to carry it out. She did risk Sunset figuring out she had magic by stopping her motorcycle out of pettiness. As well as how fast she decided sacrificing Sunset was worth it for her own goals when she had been considering her possible innocence.
And I think her arc may have been foreshadowed with this quote from volume 2 chapter 7 -
Sunset was comparing herself with Darth Vader then, but what is that quote also refers to Moondancer? In a way, she foils and parallels Sunset's journey back in Long Road to Friendship. Both acting out of entitlement for what they want and doing what they have to no matter the consequences. And Albinocorn did list Sunset's crimes earlier, as if to show Moondancer could also receive redemption. Moondancer may be able to start fighting the amulet's corruption in order to save Sci-Twi and Sunset by proxy at least from Tempest Shadow. Sci-Twi may still care about her like Luke did with Vader, but I'm sure she won't be so quick to fully forgive or trust her. Sunset had to fight for her redemption and I'm sure Moondancer will have to spend the next volume or two doing the same.
At least, that's what I gathered. Could be wrong, but the fun comes from finding the clues in the text.
Well damn. Not exactly how I wanted it to go, but Eh, Lets see how this unfurls! :D
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Umm, why?
I am honestly to the point of wishing a fate worse than death on Moondancer!
Well, looks like Tempest was successful in separating Sunset from the demon. I just don't know if the demon works for Tempest or broke out and just chilled.
8921470
It's not recent that I've been somewhat displeased with the route that this story has taken. Back at volume one I didn't liked Lamia's introduction, it's annoying the reminder that Sunset started evil and I also dislike the concept of Sunset's human world counterpart being evil because Sunset herself was once a bitch. This whole concept that the human world is a reflection of Equestria is really lazy to me, yet normally I can let it slide.
Then there was the weird flashbacks of Lamia and I swear if that's some sort of thingy to make us sympathize with that criminal or learn how and why she took such path in her life? I couldn't care less I was happy that she was behind bars. I didn't want her to return and beat Sunset to a pulp.
There's also the fact that the battle against the Sirens felt like a bad end was unnavoidable and the Spetacular Seven's victory didn't really felt like a win to me. Yes they beat the Sirens, but... It didn't felt the same way it was during Rainbow Rocks. It's hard to explain, but seeing everything going downhill with very little "wins" on the heroes' side made it felt like they won the battle by chance rather than effort.
Then Sunset's voices in her head came back. I am aware that IRL stuff like that happen and it takes years, decades even to heal such stuff. More often than not, such voices never leave the guilty mind of a person. But it felt repetitive for me, even if the reason for their return was different.
I also am tired of seeing Sunset beating herself over and over and thinking on just give up. She still has time to fight, do something, find a way to stay in contact with her friends and try to make things work with Sci-Twi, but she is giving up too easily!
Then there was the chapter that showed Moondancer's POV. I swear, if the author is trying to say that Moondancer isn't all bad, that isn't working. She is possessive of Sci-Twi, she see others bellow her, she things life is a play! She is insane! And Moondancer is also probably the antagonist who is mostly likely to get free from all this, the second being either Lamia or the mad scientist that brought Demon Sunset back!
I already ranted on the torture Tempest -worst character ever- Shadow put Sunset through, so I will jump onto the demon in the room. I hate Sunset going back being evil. I hate when people make her the villain or push her back into being a monster. Her canon self went a long way and became such a good protagonist.
So seeing Sunset as a monster, after what must've been a very painful experience at the hands of some derranged bastard, is disheartening!
And what is worse is that I usually like the "villain corrupting one of the heroes' into their thrall trope"! It's a good trope, not only the heroes have to fight a dear friend, but that corruption has lasting consequences on the hero. BUT SUNSET IS ALREADY DEALING WITH SHIT FROM THE FIRST TIME THAT HAPPENED!
Not to mention, if Sunset can be fully fixed back to normal I won't be pleased either because it will feel like: Hum... why did you do that?
Sure, the consequences of that troupe are not always psychological, but I doubt Albinocorn will let Sunset keep any powers. Not to mention the Alicorn Amulet equivalent just was revealed, so this might be related, which back ups the idea that this is only temporary.
I am tired of both a mental and physical torture fest on Sunset. I am tired of seeing the villains getting what they want and just at the very end, by a struck of luck, the heroes getting the upper hand. I have grown tired and too anxious of this story, it's not healthy to my heart.
It is a good story, I will give you that, but I can't take it anymore.
8921501
I can sort of respect that type of view even if I don't agree with it.
8921540
Thanks for your understanding, even if we don't agree on our POV on this story, it's good to have people that will respect your opinion.
To you and all who will keep following this story and other works of Albinocorn: good reading. Things will probably turn out for the best -I hope...
....they're boned.
Well....shit. Guess who's back?
Ugh, boss battles are the worst. At least Trixie will likely be pulling at that loose thread soon.
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memegenerator.net/img/instances/15721475/well-were-boned.jpg
If Sunset could see what was going to become of herself in this chapter, she would have said this;
OH COME ON!!!!!!
OMG!!! OMG!!! this story is amazing and I want to know what else happens next
The least demon-Sunset could do is go after Moondancer first.
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That’s kinda what I’m thinking. Soulless beings don’t exactly have anything stopping them from destroying their creators...and assuming Sunset’s demon can still remember how she hated Moondancer...
But this is just going to be the worst on Sunset when/if her body and soul reunite. All that pent-up fear will come straight back, and I’m not even sure just how rough the demon battle will be. Will the Humane Six know Sunset’s not in control of herself? Will their purification powers make Sunset do another penance when she goes back to normal? Will Tempest try to make Moondancer do a twisted “test of loyalty” where she forces her to remove Twilight’s soul, resulting in this world’s version of Midnight Sparkle?
There are just too many things that could happen, and I am at the absolute edge of my seat.
eep
So has Demon Sunset been rampaging all weekend and we haven't heard anything about it? Did Tempest somehow convert her to "the dark side" when she took her soul? So many more questions than answers!
8921398
Someone is doing their homework.
Here's your phone number back, 'cause I called it.
Demon Shimmer is back with a vengeance, and now's the time they could really use Princess Twilight. She's not coming back -- at least, it doesn't feel like she's returning -- so the HuMane 6 will have to devise another brilliant plan.
At this point, I'm hoping the demon turns on Tempest and Moondancer and literally bites the hand (among other parts of them) that freed her. They may be very sorry they let something not of their world loose, and they aren't equipped to deal with it.
Albi, you're brilliant at Breaking the Cutie with what you're putting Sci-Twi through. She and Sunset better get a big damn declaration of love at the end of this.
So. Best case scenario is that demon Sunset is different and separate from normal Sunset, but I doubt this. Worst case scenario is that Tempest just spent days torturing Sunset to bring out her demon.
Oh good. Another chapter of hand wringing would have been a bit much to bear. On the other hand... Shit.
It was something I wanted to ask since a long time, and I'm glad this chapter pointed it out.
Shining admits he has been a real jerk to Sunset, so I'm referring about the chapter "Harbinger", when he said :
[...As she made her way to the couch, she heard Shining mutter, “Yeah, something always happens when you’re around.”...]
That's not being overprotective with Twilight because he's her brother, that's not avoiding her to kiss Sunset in front of her house on the cue, that's not saying no to Twilight about sleeping with her in the same room of the hotel (mostly all this stuff happened anyway so I don't care ;p), what I mean is he's just being mean an harsh without a single reason, or just because he had the chance to do so.
Sure, Sunset owes him very much after the night she went for the first time in the Lulamoon's house, and more as he's keeping the secret of her origin, but is it the only way he reminds her for his help?
That was the single thing I ever wanted to talk about your story, while I don't mind and is not that major, it doesn't matter compared to how much I love everything else.
When it comes about Trixie being worried about Sunset here, it reminds me that making herself even with Sunset after Forgotten Friendship was not that bad after all, because she was insufferable but not as in Rainbow Rocks, more because of her character as usual (full of herself, proud in her way, etc.).
Even if she lost her memories as everyone, she didn't changed that much, she was still egocentric but not that scared of Sunset, with a bit of self-confidence.
And left something to do about ending the last things that made Suset and Trixie apart to appreciate each other.
Keep going!
8921398
Well that was a comment worth reading. Holy crap.
...Not gonna lie I kind of expected this but still yikes!
And once more a week a waiting <groans> Here's hoping Moondancer and her group finally get their comeuppance
They forced the demon out of her... Um Twilight? sweetie. Now would be a REALLY good time to display the magic of friendship and magic rainbow laser blast Sunset back to normal and if that dont work? Kiss her and tell her you love her because ya'll are in for some Hell!
oh ! come on just when it's getting good. Sunset returns to her she-demon, sci-twi gets a first look on how Sunset looks as a monster she keeps telling her about. How dare you stop at best past won't atmid great chapter
8922203
considering they had to tear out Sunset's soul (or at least a part of it), I'm pretty sure the story's going to go with the former instead of the latter.
Well, sh*t.
The worst-case scenario did indeed happen, so before anything else, I'm just going to say “called it!” Now that that's out of the way, I'm going to curl up into a ball and cry to myself. I hope the girls realise that this isn’t their sunset just snapping and demoning up and that there is a genuine reason for the situation, but who am I kidding. Sunset's been acting off for weeks.
I'm sure they separated her from Sunset, so maybe she could help Sci-Twi and her friends to rescue Sunset?
Moondancer.... U.U you are mean
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Yes, she must do a play and step on ALL the Legos.
What if, crazy talk, this is Lamia instead of Sunset. That'd be a twist.
All these cliffhangers! You're killing me, man!
... but I love it.
My oh my, now isn't that a twist. I can't say I'm entirely shocked about demon Sunset coming out to play, but her showing up in this context is a surprise. Obviously something was going to happen, but the (first) appearance of post-capture Sunset was not on the top of my list.
It's going to be extremely interesting to see how this plays out; how they part ways and what, if anything, is revealed of this new Sunset's relationship with the main villain crew will shine a whole lot of light on how the rest of this arc is gonna play out. Personally, I'm predicting that Demon Shimmer will be working with Tempest for magic-related reasons... for now. The betrayal is inevitable, but I don't expect it to come for some time.
8923501 You mean they pulled Sunset's demon out and somehow shoved into Lamia? If Tempest thought that it would make the demon controllable ... yeah, I can see her doing something that stupid.
To quote Luke Valentine from Hellsing Abridged:
Also:
Demon Shimmer: "Who wants a hug?"
In a yelling but still not quite scared tone: "Oh my GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD--"
Oh, NO. NO NO NO! Don't do this to us man, after the torrent of heartbreak from the last arc, I don't know if I can go through another one!
Next chapter should have a Star Wars reference. You know, like a Sunset-Twilight scene similar to Vader-Luke.
Sunset: I am your Gf
Twilight: No no... That's not true, that's impossible!
Sunset: Search your feelings you know it to be true
Twilight: NOOOO!!!!
Twilight would love it.
OOOOOOOHHHH SHIEEEEEET GOT EVEN MORE REAL!!!!!
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I bet Tempest thinks the demon works for her. She'll probably be fixed of that misconception shortly.
There are now four villains working together, and they all hate each other's guts. Who gets to double-cross whom?
Oh shit..... She's back & what's worse is that she's under control by Tempest... God help the Girls...