Luna looked concerned as Sunset finished speaking with the detective.
“I do not quite understand, love.”
“Detective Shining Armor has been a big help in getting the gym up and running. There are a lot of women that the police come into contact with that would benefit from a bit of self defense training, and he has agreed to speak to some of them on my behalf once he found out about the whole plan. He’s been talking to some of the female officers as well, trying to see if any of them would be willing to come train, or even teach on a volunteer basis to help cut down some of my staffing overhead.”
Luna nodded, it all made sense, and she had recalled something about a very helpful officer that Sunset had mentioned in the past.
Both women quickly changed into street clothes from their workout gear, both opting for jeans and tee shirts. Soon enough there was a knock at the door. Glancing through the peephole, Sunset admitted a tall man, who was presumably the detective.
The blue haired gentleman introduced himself, producing a police ID.
“Hi, I’m Detective Shining Armor. You must be Luna. Sunset had mentioned you in some of our conversations.”
Luna shook his hand firmly. His smile was open and affable, without being anything more than welcoming.
“Hello Detective, thank you for being available on such short notice.”
“Don’t worry about it at all, it’s part of the job. Though I won’t deny that the chance to close such a high profile case would be amazing for my career.”
He laughed abashedly, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Well, at least you are honest about it. That’s refreshing considering how the case was handled before.”
“Oh? How do you mean?”
“In short, Detective, I was one of the victims that was never allowed to testify. I made my statement to the police, but the case somehow stalled and never moved to any charges.”
“That’s very distressing. Would you mind if I recorded a statement from you for the records so that we can keep everything on the books?”
Both women nodded as the officer took a small video camera from his jacket pocket.
He started the recording with himself reciting the date and time, then placed the camera on the kitchen table and took a seat across from Luna.
“Thank you for speaking with me, can you please provide your name, occupation, and involvement in the Shadey Acres case.”
“My name is Luna, I am the vice principal of Canterlot High School, and I am one of the victims on record in the original case.”
“Thank you, I understand that we are on a timeframe for this conversation, so I will be as brief as I can. The record shows that you were a patient at the Shadey Acres hospital during the time it was investigated and then subsequently shut down for physical, mental, and sexual abuse of patients. There have been some arrests made, however we have been unable to identify the person in charge. My understanding is that you are able to identify and lead us to that person, is that correct?”
“Yes, that is all accurate. The person who caused all of this was Immaculate Faith, he is the pastor of the Children of the Brilliant Sun church. The church is known for having extremist views of all people who do not conform to its doctrine. Being raised as a member of the church with my sister, and then developing an attraction for women was seen as a complete violation of church law. Those of us who refused to be ‘cleansed’ through the church were forced into the hospital, citing mental illness.”
“Thank you. The file on the case has a significant number of photos and documentation on injuries received, so I don’t believe that we need to go into any detail on that matter. In order for us to make an arrest and a charge in this case, we would need to have a clear admission of involvement, on the record. I understand that Immaculate Faith has come to this residence this morning attempting to speak with you. You were right to delay the conversation. If you would be willing, I would like you to wear a small recording device for the conversation. If he admits to any kind of involvement in the case, I will be able to facilitate an arrest and charge.”
“Anything that I can do to assist, I will.”
Shining Armor nodded and slid small case across the table.
“There is a small microphone and wireless transmitter in here, all you need to do is attach the microphone to your clothing and the transmitter can be in your pocket. When we have women wear this, they often find the center of their bra to be the most effective and comfortable location. Once you turn on the transmitter I will be able to hear everything on this recorder.”
Standing, Luna and Sunset made their way to the bedroom. Lifting her shirt over her dark skin, Luna waited for Sunset to attach the microphone. It was significantly smaller than television had led the women to believe, being only about the size of a small coin. Clipping the small disc to the lace between her lovers breasts, Sunset placed a firm kiss over where the older woman’s heart would be.
“I love you Luna. All we have to do is get him to say he was involved.”
Luna nodded and lowered her shirt, flipping the power switch on the transmitter.
“Hello? Can you hear me?”
There was a shout from the next room.
“Clear as a bell.”
Both women came out of the bedroom again, the detective packing up his few items.
“Alright ladies, are we ready?”
Sunset nodded.
“Yes, we will be going to Sugarcube Corner.”
“Okay, I will be in the parking lot listening for the word. If you get uncomfortable, go ahead and get out of there, okay?”
A nod from Luna solidified the plan.
Shining Armor got into his car as both women headed to the garage, and the mustang parked there. Within minutes they had arrived at the bakery and were walking in, just barely ahead of the one hour timeframe that was set. Celestia and Immaculate Faith had occupied a small table in the corner, away from the bulk of the other patrons. Obviously trying to have a private conversation in the public space.
Both women first went to the counter and ordered their respective coffees and pastries. Collecting them and joining the other pair at the secluded table.
“Good morning sister, miss Shimmer.”
Both women responded to Celestia.
Reaching his hand across the table to Sunset, Immaculate Faith introduced himself.
“Hello again miss Shimmer, as I said before, my name is Immaculate Faith. I am the leader of the Children of the Brilliant Sun church here in Canterlot. I would like to congratulate you on your new business venture, and I pray that it is quite successful.”
Sunset nodded tersely.
“Thank you Mr. Faith. I’m sure that we will do the community quite a bit of good. I hope that through training and self-defense classes the women of Canterlot will be able to rest easier knowing that they are more prepared if anything were to happen to them.”
The smile from Immaculate Faith at this could only be described as greasy.
“I agree that the ladies of the city should be able to learn how to protect themselves, however I wonder if I might offer some insight into the community. I was born and raised in Canterlot, I have strong ties to our city, and as a pillar in this community, I would like to think that I have my finger on the pulse of what is going on with the people who live here. I am the spiritual head of the largest church in the city, and what I see is quite the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish.”
Sunset cocked her eyebrows.
“I don’t follow.”
“The members of my church, primarily the female members, know that the world operates in certain ways. That men are in place to protect and guide them. To shelter them from any storm. And through our faith and belief, we all know that the works of our lord are such that they may learn from them their proper place in life.”
Celestia spoke up at Sunsets confused look.
“Miss Shimmer, our faith tells us that women are here to care and nurture. That protection should and does come from our husbands. When those of us choose not to take husbands, or allow men to take their place as protectors, we are defying the will of our lord. Immaculate Faith and I have spoken about this at length, and there is simply no way that the church could allow any of our members to engage in what you offer. It defies our very belief. And those of our faith who have strayed from the path are deserving of the harsh lessons that might be taught to them.”
Both Sunset and Luna were shocked. The fact that those words had been said cemented for Sunset that the people in front of her were evil. Luna couldn’t hold her tongue anymore.
“Sister… You mean to tell me that everything that happened to me was my own fault? That the scars I bear, the abuse, the torture… was some kind of lesson from your god? I am your sister! And the man responsible for all of that is sitting right next to you! How could you even think that?”
“Lu, come on. This conversation is getting us nowhere, and I think that I have heard enough from these two. Mister Faith, thank you for your time, but I don’t believe that I will have any issues with my new business.”
As the pair got up to leave, Immaculate Faith leaned across the table.
“It was so nice to see you again Luna. After that awful business with the hospital… just dreadful. But rest assured that the church has taken to being much more direct in our assistance with those who choose to stray from the path of the light.”
Without another word both women walked out.
In the parking lot, they glanced to Shining Armor in his car, who shook his head slightly. It was clear that there wasn’t enough in the conversation.
Getting into the mustang, both Sunset and Luna’s phones beeped at the same time. A group text from Shining Armor asking them to meet back at Sunsets house.
How did I miss this for a whole year?! I'm going to start this story tonight after I finish writing. Looking forward to it!
9060866
Welcome!!! Enjoy it for sure!
Immaculate Faith needs to experience what Luna experienced first hand then get the death penalty or his genitals removed . Down insanity but he does deserve punishment of some kind.[/colorThis story gets x100
I what to blow this guy's head off.
9060921
let's see...
I have a handgun, a semi, and a shotgun. Take your pick. I'll use whatever you don't pick
9061010
Shotgun please
Celestia, you stupid brainwashed fool
I know you're not responsible for what happened to Luna, but to just abandon your sister and imply that all the abuse and torture she suffered is Luna's own fault? Dammit woman, I don't want to hate you, but right now you're not sounding better than the devil in disguise you call "priest"! And I want to slap your face because of that
Anyways, I am glad this story is back
9061107
I am really happy that this particular chapter is inspiring such a response from people. I struggled on how to get myself out of the corner that I put myself into, and this was a great option, as well as bringing a larger plot point into the story that I wanted to work with. The next couple of chapters are going to be seriously fun to write.... and by seriously fun, I mean "people might hate me for them"
Damn it Sunset. When you are trying to get someone to hang themself, don’t cut the rope.
awesome chapter. I look forward to the next one.
A most excellent chapter... And while I am not usually one for religion or religious discussion (each to their own in that case, I try not to judge), but in the case of Immaculate Faith here, I believe the best quote would be: "The devil is never more dangerous as when he wears the guise of the righteous."
Growls Celestia, you stupid fool! You're about as responsible for what happened to your own sister as Faith is, considering you're so damn blind!
9061663
In the words of Captain John-Luc Picard: "Villains who twirl their mustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well-camouflaged."
Alright, I'm all caught up. Unfortunately, I have met people that, just like Celestia here, have been brainwashed and educated in a way that doesn't allow them to see the evil around them and that which they promote. I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes.
9062333
Thanks for the read! And the feedback!
Hm, the cover suggest a pairing I am very interested in, and the description text ist promising... but reading the comments, is it true that Celestia is the main antagonist?
9068648
Being that this is "slice of life" the idea of an antagonist is kind of out of place. As of the current chapter, Celestia is causing a problem. But I can't go any further without spoiling. If it really bugs you, you can pm me for a little more detail.
A saying from Japan, God helps those who help themselves.
Eagerly awaiting the next chapter
This story is a hidden gem, so glad I found it.
Okay, this is definitively not Celestia. It's an impostor shamefully sharing the same name as one of my favourite characters in the show. Now I want the real Celestia to come and tell this version that she's out of her mind. Any chance that the pony version is actually a decent being who can come and give her human counterpart a dose of common sense, please?
9076820
All people are capable of both good and evil. Redemption is always a possibility
Well, that’s a man who would get along ‘swimmingly’ with Judge Frollo. Wonder how warm he likes it?
Epic so far!!!
Yeah, one apple can spoil the whole bunch just like extremists can tarnish the reputation of a group.
I mean, seriously, there is nothing wrong with females learning self defense. I attended a private Christian high school where it was part of the girl's phys. ed. curriculum.
Extremists like this give me a headache and do nothing but harm others are trying to accomplish
Loving the story so far
Really!? Sun church!? Are you trying to make me hate Celestia more?