> Sunset's Bizarre Adventure: Friendship is Unbreakable > by StardustSprinkle > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > New Stand User > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Ok, here goes nothing," Sunset whispers as she stood in front of the classroom door. This is her first day of class after the prom. After her transformation to a demon and her defeat, no one, aside from Twilight's friends, is willing to talk to her. The door is half-open. Sunset pushes the door open, and a student screamed 'demon' as a bucket of water drops on her head. The whole class breaks out in laughter. I deserve this, Sunset thought, walking to the back of the classroom and pick a seat in the corner. "Good morning, class," Miss Cheerilee says before entering the classroom. However, a bucket of water drops on her head as she opens the door: "WHAT THE...WHAT IS THIS SUPPOSED TO BE?" What? Sunset thought to herself: am I dreaming? Since when did that bucket of water get back up there? Now to think of it, my cloth is dry. But how? "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?" Cheerilee shouts as everyone staring at each other: "WHO DID THIS?" Everyone points towards Sunset. "You again?" "No! You have to listen to me! I... ' "You are coming with me, young lady!" "You have to listen! I walked into the classroom; a bucket of water dropped on me..." "That's enough," Celestia cuts Sunset off: "I've had enough of this." "Principle Celestia, please!" Sunset says, standing up from her seat: "I know this is bizarre, but didn't we just see me turning into a demon a couple of days ago?" "Sunset," Celestia says: "Your cloth wasn't wet when we first get here, now is it?" "What? No..." Sunset finds herself soaked before finishing her sentence: "What the..." "I see how it is," Celestia says as a humanoid figure emerges behind her: "Sunset, can you see this?" Sunset nods as she is too shocked to say anything. "Just as I thought," Celestia leaves her seat: "Sunset, you are a stand user." "A what?" "A stand user," Celestia explains: "Think of it as your guardian angel, but with special ability unique to your personality." "I don't understand..." "You will," Celestia says, putting both hands on Sunset's shoulder: "You have to." At the same moment, water on Sunset's cloth starts to flow downwards quickly, quicker than it should. Seconds later, her cloth is dry again. "What the..." "It has been a long day to you," Celestia says: "Why don't you take a break for now while I explain what happened to Miss Cheerilee?" "Would she even believe you?" "I'll try," Celestia says: "You can stay in my office. Actually, you should visit the Vice Principle Luna. She can give you some advice as to how to use your stand." "My sister texted me about everything," Luna says: "It's odd really; we haven't seen any students with stands. You are certainly the first." "Really?" Sunset replies with an awkward smile on her face. "Indeed," Luna says: "A person usually awakens his or her stand due to unique circumstances. Although the event a couple of days ago could explain a few things, it definitely doesn't tell us why your stand awakes now." "Whatever do you mean?" "There are a few ways one can acquire a stand," Luna proceeds: "One of them is to awake the fighting spirit within you." "I am pretty beaten now," Sunset explains while scratching her head: "After that event, I just feel horrible about everything I did in the past three, four years. Now I just want to be a better person." "I see," Luna says: "That could be a reason. Are any of your family members stand users?" "Nope," Sunset answers: "I wasn't too close with anyway." "I see," Luna nods: "What's your ability?" "Drying up cloth, I guess?" Sunset says, look down at her backpack. "It's more than that," Luna says: "It could take you a while to figure out, but do reach out to us if you need help." "How do you know it's more than that?" Sunset says: "I am a horrible person, and I surely deserve a trash stand." "Don't beat yourself like this," Luna responds: "You are trying to change, right?" "Yes?" "So you are not that bad after all," Luna says: "You want to change, and that's what matters. As a stand user, I've encountered a lot of bad people, and you can't even compare to them." "Really?" Sunset asks, letting out a slight, sad smile. "Indeed," Luna continues: "Your stand awakes now means your fighting spirit is awake. And you just said that you wanted to be a better person, right?" "Yes?" Sunset raises her head. "See, this is your chance," Luna says: "I have faith in you." "Vice Principle Luna?" "Yes?" "What's your special ability?" Sunset asks. "It's a bit hard to explain," Luna says: "Have you ever experienced sleeping paralysis?" "Yes," Sunset answers: "And it was horrible." "Sleeping paralysis occurs when your mind is awake, but your body is still asleep," Luna says: "In other words, you are in a realm between dream and reality. In this realm, all your worst nightmares come into existence." "That's your ability?" "Not quite. I can bring people into that state when they are asleep," Luna says: "and I would have complete control over them. I will learn of their worst nightmares and make it real. Also, what happened to them under that state would happen in real life ." "So you are like the sleeping paralysis demon?" Sunset asks. "You can say so," Luna shrugs: "But I typically use this power to eradicate one's worst nightmare." "What about Principle Celestia?" "She can change the density of objects," Luna explains: "Her stand is designed for close-range combat while mine is designed for other purposes." "What do you mean by for other purposes?" "You see, my stand can't fight in real life at all. Yet, it could either make or break one's spirit if needed." Luna says: "There are also long-range stands. Think of them as remote control toys. By the way, since a stand is the materialization of your spirit, you would get injured if your stand gets injured, and vise versa." "What the..." "I know this must've been a long day," Luna says: "Why don't you take the rest of today off and regroup a bit?" > Friend or Foe > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Gah!" Sunset shouts: "Why can't I fall asleep?" She looks at her phone; it's 3 am. She went to bed at 11, and it has been 4 hours. Although it's a bad idea, Sunset decides to take a stroll in the park nearby. It's September, her favorite season. Back in Equestria, Autumn is the only time in the year when she could get some resting time. Of course, the human world's schedule is drastically different from that of a pony world. "Stand," Sunset mumbles as she gets changed: "stand..." It's quiet outside, and all the lights in nearby buildings are extinguished at this hour of the day. Greeted by the Autumn blaze, after opening her door, Sunset decides to add more clothing. After another ten minutes or so, Sunset opens her door again and sets off for the park. It's cold outside. Quietly, she walks on the street, mediating on her life. Back in the old days, she used to sneak in the middle of the night and enjoy the coolness that Fall has to offer. She would lay on the grass and observe the stars as wind blow through her fur. "I was so lonely..." Sunset says to herself. However, she didn't notice that someone is following her to the park. "So lonely..." Sunset mumbles as she reaches the park and sits against a tree. Just as Sunset looks up to the starry sky, her face is greeted by the fist of a stand. "Argh!" Sunset gasps as she narrowly avoids the attack. It's a powerful blow as the tree fell due to impact. "Show yourself!" Sunset shouts as her stand enters a defensive position. "AHHHHH!" the enemy stand lets out an almost monstrous shriek before picking up the tree, holding it like a spear, and charge towards Sunset. It's too late! Sunset thought to herself: I have to fight! "DORARARA...!" Sunset's stand unleashes a loud cry as it rapidly punches through the wood. Seconds later, there's no wood left. As the two stands exchange punches, Sunset suddenly feels a sharp pain shooting up from her hands. "What the..." Sunset tries to move her figures, but the pain gets worse as she tries. At that moment, her attention diverted from the fight and left an opening for the enemy to attack. "AHHHH!" the enemy stand cries as it lands a punch on Sunset's stand's face. "AH!" Sunset lets out a scream as the same sharp pain shoots spread on her face: "Ah, ah..." I can't close my mouth! Sunset thought: It hurts! What's happening? It feels like I’m losing control over my own body! The enemy ceases attack, giving Sunset a moment to formulate a plan. Think of something, quick! Sunset thought as the enemy standstill. "AHHH!" the enemy stand lets out another cry before launching its' fists at Sunset. With her hands injured, Sunset decides to block with her forearms. I don't know if this is going to work, Sunset thought as the sharp pain starts to spread in her arms: Soon, I will lose control over my arms, but it's worth a try! "Ah!" Sunset lets out a punch so powerful that her foe is sent back flying. At the same, the enemy also lands a punch on her rib. It hurts! So bad! But I can't give up just yet! As her enemy flies back, Sunset struggles to keep herself from fainting. The moment is here! As the enemy hits the stump where the tree once was, Sunset activates her ability. Within an instant, her injuries are healed completely, and her enemy is trapped in the tree. "That was a close one," Sunset says with a shaky voice: "Good things it worked." "AHHhhhh..." the enemy faints after a final scream and starts snoring. "Are you serious?" Sunset says:" Can't believe it...I am fighting for my life, and you are sleeping this whole time?" Sunset walks towards her foe and removes the hood on her hoodie: "Fluttershy?" "Wha...huh?" Fluttershy wakes up: "Where am I? What did you do to me?" "You are stuck in a tree," Sunset takes out her phone and turns the flashlight on: "See?" "What? Oh, I must be sleep-walking again! I am so sorry!" "Don't worry about it," Sunset turns off the flashlight: "Say, Fluttershy, do you attack others while sleep-walking?" "I don't think so!" Fluttershy replies as her stand activates automatically without her noticing. Soon, the tree starts rotting at an abnormal speed. "It's a long story, but you attacked me while you are asleep." Sunset says: "We need to talk to the Principle and the Vice Principle tomorrow." "But..." "Here, let me get you...WOW!" the tree falls before Sunset's stand catches it. "What? What?" Fluttershy stands up: "Sunset!" "Fluttershy!" Sunset shouts, throw the tree aside: "What do you want?" "N...nothing! I am just worried!" "Ok," Sunset sighs: "Do you want me to walk you home?" "Y...yes, thank you." "All right," Sunset says: "But you have to stay at least 7 feet away from me on our way." "Oh my..." Sunset whispers as she wakes up. It's a beautiful day outside, but she'd rather stay in bed. Unfortunately, school starts in an hour and her home is about 30 minutes away. She didn't get much sleep last night due to the event yesterday. Luckily, her injuries are healed, and she doesn't have to worry about going to school. "Stands, huh?" Sunset looked at her hands and thought: I don't truly know what my powers are, but I need to get to know it soon. Although Fluttershy didn't mean to attack her last night, the sheer destruction her stand let out was devasting. I have to learn how to counter powers like that. More importantly, I have to get mine stand under control. I can't let it run wild and cause havoc without me knowing. After doing her morning routine, Sunset looks into the mirror and says: "You can do it, Sunset. You are a changed pony!" > Now What? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The spirit behind me is getting stronger by the minute. Only three days ago, it was a faint shadow. Now, however, it's a clear humanoid being. It seems like no one aside from me can see it. Moreover, it seems to be protecting me. Interesting. I'll have to conduct more research on it. For the time being, I'll call it: Nuvole Bianche. ---Twilight Sparkle's Diary "What is wrong with this?" Sunset says while furiously tapping her phone: "Why aren't you moving!" "Sunset?" "Wow!" Sunset almost drops her phone: "Fluttershy?" "Y-yes," Fluttershy says: "I am sorry." "It's ok," Sunset says as her stand manifests: "Anything I can help you with?" "Aren't we supposed to meet Principle Celestia?" Fluttershy says, playing with her hair. "School starts in ten minutes," Sunset says as she carefully observes Fluttershy: "But I am walking behind you." "Oh, okay," Fluttershy says, not noticing Sunset's stand. Does she not see it? Sunset thinks: Fluttershy is a stand user; there's no question about it. Yet, why is she acting like there's nothing there? She doesn't seem like a bad person, but her stand looks and acts almost monstrous. I have to be careful. "Hello?" Fluttershy knocks on Celestia's door: "Principle Celestia?" "Seems like she's not here," Sunset says as she sees a reflection of Fluttershy's stand from the glass on the office door: "Fluttershy, what do you want?" "What?" Fluttershy asks innocently: "What do you mean?" "I mean," Sunset says as her stand launches a punch towards Fluttershy's face: "Can you really not see it?" "What?" Fluttershy asks as the fist stops the moment before it lands on her face. "So you really can't see it," Sunset says as her stand fades: "then you can't control your stand." "I don't understand," Fluttershy replies: "You've acting weird today." "I am sorry," Sunset says, messaging her temples: "Didn't get much sleep last night, and my phone is acting up now." "Really?" Fluttershy says: "My phone is acting up too!" "Must be the work of a stand," Sunset sighs: "I can't believe it." "Oh, oh!" Fluttershy adds: "All the geese have been acting weird too. They can't seem to navigate their way..." "What time is it?" Sunset looks around as her phone is completely broken. "It's 7:45," Fluttershy replies, pointing towards a clock on the wall. "What?" Sunset says: "That's impossible! I left home at 7:30, and school is 30 minutes away..." "But it's happening, isn't it?" Fluttershy says: "I thought you would know something about it." "Principle Celestia would know more," Sunset says: "So she wouldn't be here for another 45 minutes." "Do you have any plans?" Fluttershy asks. "Why don't we take a break," Sunset sits down on the ground: "Have you had breakfast yet? I've got some donuts in my backpack." "Thank you," Fluttershy sits next to Sunset. "Here," Sunset hands Fluttershy a donut: "It's chocolate sprinkle and strawberry jam." "T-thank you," Fluttershy replies. "Fluttershy, I want to apologize for everything I've done in the past four years. I know it's not much, and you won't forgive me, but I just want you to know that I really am sorry." Sunset says, burying her head in her palms: "None of this mess would have happened if not for me." "Don't feel too mad about it," Fluttershy says: "You've changed, haven't you?" "I am changed, right," Sunset says, looking up to the ceiling: "I just want to rewind time and see everything right." "What are you guys doing here?" Celestia says, walking down the aisle: "What time is it?" "It's 7:45," Sunset stands up: "Principle, it seems..." "There's a stand at work, and it's a long-range stand nonetheless," Celestia says, looking for the key to her office: "Are you guys busy?" "No," Sunset replies: "Actually, we want to talk to you." "So, Fluttershy is a stand user?" Celestia asks: "And Fluttershy, you can't see other stands?" "No," Fluttershy says quietly. "Is that so," Celestia says as she sees Fluttershy's stand from her shadow on the ground: "It seems like your stand is hard to control." "W-what?" "Look at your shadow," Celestia says: "See anything different?" "What?" Fluttershy looks down on the ground: "There's nothing different!" "Actually..." Sunset says: "I can see it." "That's interesting," Celestia says: "A stand is a reflection of one's spirit. Such a hard-to-control stand reflects a troubled spirit. Fluttershy, I understand that things haven't been easy for you, but you must get it under control." "I see," Fluttershy looks down on the ground: "I am sorry." "I am sorry, Fluttershy," Celestia says: "But If you don't get it under control, all of us would be in danger." "I am sorry," Fluttershy says while playing with her hair: "It's all my fault." "No, don't say that," Sunset says: "It's not your fault! Look, I have done terrible things before, but I can help you now! I won't do anything bad, I swear!" "I am sorry," Fluttershy apologizes: "I really am so sorry." "Fluttershy..." Celestia says: "Why don't you go and talk to a therapist and..." "IT DOESN"T WORK!" Fluttershy shouts as her stand materializes uncontrollably. "I see," Celestia thinks to herself: What a stand. It looks like a monster, and it seems like Fluttershy is not aware of it for now. "I am sorry," Fluttershy sits down as her stand slowly fades away. "My apologies," Celestia says: "Why don't you have something to eat with Sunset while I figure out who's doing all of these?" "Other stand users?" Luna questions: "Of course, how else would we get to school in 15 minutes while it should have taken 45?" "There are more stand users than we thought," Celestia says: "And some of them can't seem to control their powers." "Those are some powerful stands indeed," Luna says: "What do we do if they lose control?" "I will take care of everything," Celestia says: "and you'll keep students safe." "But sister!" "Don't worry," Celestia says: "I don't think anything bad is going to happen. Plus, if something really happens, then I will be able to keep things under control." > Stand Up > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The spirit, or should I say Nuvole Bianche, is completely under my control. It seems to possess a special ability of some kind. After days of study, I discovered that it could extract elements from an object and apply it to something else. For instance, it can extract the [HARDINESS] from a rock and apply it to a piece of paper. It may be hard to understand, but I will conduct more research and test its' limit. I am learning more about it every day. I wonder who else would possess such spectacular power. ---Twilight Sparkle's Diary "So there are more stand users in school?" Luna asks. "I am afraid so," Celestia sighs: "Seems like that event a couple of days ago is the trigger." "So Rainbow Dash and Rarity are stand users too?" "Maybe," Celestia replies, closing her eyes: "Everyone involved in the magical transformation...so it would be...six. Aside from Twilight." "The pony princess?" Luna asks: "We wouldn't know even if she's a stand user now." "So it's none of our concern," Celestia says: "So Sunset, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity." "For now," Luna says: "My stand has no power in the waking world. So if any of their stands go berserk..." "From what I can tell, at least two stands have gone berserk as we speak," Celestia says: "By the way, don't approach Fluttershy without another stand user by your side. Your stand is not a fighting type, and Fluttershy's stand is extremely dangerous." "More dangerous than Mr. Discord?" Luna asks with a smirk on her face. "Not yet," Celestia answers: "But it can be." "So what are you going to do now?" Luna asks: "Those berserk stands are not easy to deal with." "First of all, we have to locate the stand users, and then incapacitate them," Celestia says: "Luna, I can reduce the density of oxygen until everyone passes out, and then you will have ten minutes to find the stand users." "Then what?" Luna asks, leaning on Celestia's table: "After locating the stand users, what are you going to do? So far, Sunset is the only with her stand under control." "Send Fluttershy to Rainbow Dash," Celestia says: "They've been friends forever; she should be able to get things under control." "What about Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity?" Luna asks: "And to what degree can they control their stands?" "Fluttershy is unaware of her stand," Celestia answers: "However, it only appears when she's angry or in danger. As for Pinkie and Applejack, well, remember how your phone just stopped when we got to school and how we only..." "Yeah, yeah," Luna cuts Celestia off: "It should have been 45, but it only took 15 minutes." "That means there are two stands at work," Celestia says: "One is a ranged stand with the ability to mess with space, and another one is a closed ranged one." "Oh my," Luna takes out her phone: "What you know, my phone is back to normal, and Rarity is sick." "So only one stand is at work," Celestia says: "It must be a long-ranged one." "And since Rarity is not coming to school today," Luna adds: "We only need to deal with this long-ranged one." "Also an unknown stand," Celestia says: "Two stands under control, two uncontrolled, one sick, so there must be another one." "You are quite a seasoned gladiator," Luna says: "Still got the scars?" "Yep," Celestia answers: "I wouldn't even be here if I am not a seasoned gladiator." "I just got an email from Sunset," Luna says: "Looks like they ran into Applejack, and it's confirmed that she's a stand user. However, they just saw an infinite corridor." "Infinite?" Celestia questions: "Can you ask them to send a photo?" "No signal," Luna says: "From what we know, Applejack's stand can somewhat influence the magnetic field." "How do you know?" Celestia asks "Phones not working, geese not able to navigate their way? Sounds interesting." Luna replies. "So it's either Rainbow Dash or Pinkie Pie," Celestia says: "Judging from their personality, Rainbow Dash's stand should be a close-ranged one." "So it's Pinkie Pie," Luna says: "So how do we locate her? If she can mess with space itself, then we'll go with your plan." "Wait for a minute," Celestia says: "Write Sunset an e-mail, describe our plan. We have ten minutes to find Pinkie and bring her to this office. School starts in 30 minutes, and I don't want anyone to get trapped in an infinite hallway." "My head..." Sunset says, messaging her temple: "Pinkie, just why?" "I don't know!" Pinkie shouts: "I thought I was late to school, but it only took me 5 minutes whether it should have taker 20. Then, I just got trapped in a hyperspace of some kind, then..." "Would you mind?" Rainbow cuts Pinkie off: "Ouch, my head..." "I am sorry, Rainbow," Celestia apologizes: "We had to find Pinkie before school starts." "I understand," Applejack says: "Good thing no one got hurt." "I did," Rainbow says, rubbing her head: "Do you know what it feels like to fall asleep on a sink?" "Anyway," Luna cuts Rainbow off: "We need to talk." "The five of you need to tell Rarity," Celestia says: "You guys need to stick together, in case if something bad happens." "Tia's right," Luna continues: "I wouldn't be here if not for her, and she wouldn't be here if not for me." "Sounds dangerous," Fluttershy says, hiding behind Rainbow Dash. "What could possibly go wrong?" Sunset says: "It could be that bad, right?" "Maybe not," Celestia says: "But just in case." "So, you guys need to find out what your abilities are and get them under control," Luna says: "If anything goes wrong, just e-mail Celestia or me." "Um, Princess...I mean Principal Celestia?" Sunset says: "Do we need to name our stands? I mean, your stand has a name..." "Of course," Luna replies: "It's a tradition. Everyone, close your eyes so that I can read your spirit so to give your stand a proper name." > Stand and Magic > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I've done it! I can extract other people's power! Cadence, my aunt, lied to me. She has it. She's gifted with this power as well. However, when I asked, she lied. I used my power on her and found out. She's all good and will have no recollection as to how she lost her power. It's interesting; I can extract other's power and merge it with my own. Unfortunately, I can't keep two different kinds of power together for very long. I will keep doing more research and find its' limit. For the time being, I'll be looking at others who are gifted with such power. Actually, why don't we those who are gifted with such ability the [Gifted] and the powers, I shall call them [Carisma] ---Twilight Sparkle's Journal "So, I am not possessed?" Rarity asks. "For the love of..." Applejack rolls her eyes: "No, Rarity, you are not possessed." "Actually, you are blessed with a special ability!" Rainbow Dash says: "Think about it! You can accomplish what others can't!" "Speaking of which," Sunset adds: "I think this 'Stand Power' is somehow related with Equestrian magic. Just think about it. I tried to contact Twilight, but she hasn't replied yet." "You mean through that journal?" Applejack says: "Honestly, I don't see how this could affect our lives." "I hope so," Sunset says: "Maybe stands and magic is the same thing, but in different forms." "You overthink!" Rainbow pets Sunset's back: "We are awesome, that's all that matters." "I don't feel the same way," Fluttershy mumbles: "I am the only one who can't control it." "You are overthinking!" Rainbow puts an arm over Fluttershy's shoulder: "I'll protect you!" "Well..." Sunset says: "It's more complicated than you think." "I don't get it," Applejack says: "Celestia said that Fluttershy can't control her's. But Isn't she still a stand user? Why can't she see our stands?" "Um, Rainbow?" Sunset points towards Fluttershy's shadow: "You might want to look out." "Doesn't matter," Rainbow says after looking at Fluttershy's almost monstrous shadow: "Fluttershy won't hurt me." "By the way, where's Pinkie?" Rarity asks: "I haven't seen her for a while." "I thought she's using the bathroom?" Rarity says: "Perhaps I should check on her." "She'll be fine," Sunset checks her phone: "Pinkie just texted me, saying she's temporarily trapped in your workshop. She's gonna be here soon." "When is that music showcase thing?" Rainbow asks: "We can make it extra awesome using our powers!" "In a week," Rarity answers: "I have made some costume for you girls." "Actually," Sunset says: "I don't think it would be a good idea to let others know about it. They already hate me, and with all of those going on, they would think that I've brought some kind of curse upon you guys and..." "Cut it off!" Rainbow shouts: "No one would dare to do that to you as long as I am here!" "Rainbow's right," Applejack adds: "We are sticking together no matter what. If one of us is cursed, then the rest would share it." "Like a cursed squad!" Pinkie shouts under the bed. "Pinkie!" Rarity says: "What are you doing there? I thought you are in the bathroom!" "It's a bit of a long story," Pinkie answers, moving her body outside: "After using the bathroom, I suddenly found out that the door leads to your garden, and the gate in the garden leads to..." "So you are having trouble controlling your stand?" Sunset asks. "Pretty much," Pinkie shrugs. "Pinkie Pie!" Rarity says: "You need to clean yourself! Look at all those dust!" "But I don't have my towel, and..." "Here!" Rarity shoves a pile of clothing into Pinkie's arms, pushing her out of the room: "You are not coming back until you clean yourself!" "Well, that was that," Rainbow says as Rarity and Pinkie go down the stairs: "So, Sunset, what's your plan?" "What plan?" Sunset asks. "You know, would you mind joining us? On the music showcase?" Applejack says: "Being part of our team and all?" "Even after what I did to you guys?" Sunset looks away: "I...don't deserve it." "Oh, Sunset," Fluttershy says: "Don't be silly. We forgive you for everything." "Yeah!" Rainbow follows: "Besides, we are kind of on the same boat now, wouldn't you say?" "Exactly!" Applejack says: "So, what's your decision? Sugar cube?" "I...am so honored." Sunset slowly turns her head around, looking at Applejack, Rainbow, and Fluttershy while holding back her tears: "Thank you, girls. It means a lot." "Sunset?" Fluttershy says: "Your journal is glowing." "Oh, it must be Twilight!" Sunset opens the journal: "Let me see...hm, that's interesting." "What is it?" Rainbow asks. "So apparently, stand powers are not unheard of," Sunset says while carefully reading Twilight's message: "So according to Twilight, spirits protecting its' master are called [Potentia] in some documents, and they can only be summoned by specific individuals. Those spirits each have a special ability and will do anything the owner asks. Owners of those spirits are called [Potens], and they don't have to a unicorn. Most importantly, potens can earn their ability by absorbing a great amount of magic energy." "So, stands are created when an individual absorbs enough magic?" Rainbow asks: "Am I right?" "Kind of," Sunset says: "They are not created. According to Twilight, the potens gain the ability to summon those spirits after absorbing magical energies. The spirits are not created; they are summoned. However, that doesn't explain why the majority of potens are not unicorns. That's actually part of the reason why they survived in the great war against the Kingdom of Unicorn..." "Ok, I get it!" Rainbow cuts Sunset off: "What does that have to do with us?" "I am not sure," Sunset closes the journal: "I really hope it ends here." > A New Threat > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It has been awhile. Things took an unexpected turn. As I conduct further research, I've discovered the existence of another dimension called Equestria. Residents in this world are mostly sentient ponies (including unicorns and Pegasus). I don't fully understand how evolution could have taken such an unexpected turn. Perhaps it's time to put my ability to fair use. ---Twilight's Journal. Last Entry. "Witch, she must be!" A student mumbles to her friend. "What else would she be? Have you heard about that event?" "Which one?" "The time when she dried up her clothing in like a second and dumped the same bucket of water on the teacher's head?" "Yeah, how did she do that?" "Guess there's always a way if you really put your time into it." "Guess she's just..." "Shh! Here she comes! Shut your mouth if you don't want to get cursed!" "Here, she comes! Sunset the Bewitched!" "G...good morning!" Sunset waves: "How's your day?" Instead of replying, the students simply walked away, leaving Sunset standing there alone. "Of course," Sunset sighs: "Why would they? I am still terrible in their eyes." "Hi," Fluttershy greets Sunset quietly: "How are you?" "Fluttershy!" Sunset raises her voice out of joy, turns around, and hugs Fluttershy: "I am doing great!" "Um, ok. Could you please, if you don't mind, let go of me?" "Oh, right, sorry. How's your day?" "Um, since it's the start of the day, not much," Fluttershy says, looking at Sunset: "More importantly, are you ok?" "Yeah, more or less," Sunset rolls her eyes: "Seems like it would take a while for them to forgive me. Well, I deserved as much." "Ok," Fluttershy replies: "Actually, Vice Principle Luna wants to talk to you." "So you think it could be the doing of a stand user?" Sunset says while reading a newspaper. "Stand users do attract each other," Luna replies: "Read it carefully." "So people just start fighting all of a sudden," Sunset answers: "Everyone starts to fighting each other aside from three mysterious women in hoodies." "Indeed," Luna says: "It must be the work of a stand." "But why?" Sunset puts down the newspaper: "What is the meaning of this?" "They are feeding on some types of energy," Luna responds: "Those women here are all stand users. They must be. If I have to take a guess, then I'll say they can amplify emotion and feed on the energy that people generate when those emotions are produced." "Yeah," Sunset says: "But why, though? They could have just ordered a pizza or something." "It's hard to say," Luna closes her eyes: "Sometimes people do things for no good reason at all." "So are we going to do something about it?" Sunset asks. "Not yet," Luna opens her eyes, staring at the fan on the ceiling: "We'll wait until it's time. Battling stand users without preparation could be fatal. I still have the scars from last time." "So what are we going to do?" Sunset asks nervously. "Get to know your abilities," Luna says, eyes fixing on the spiraling fan: "I also told Tia to make some changes on some schedules so that each stand user would have at least one other stand user at their class." "Just in case?" "Just in case." Luna says: "I know this sounds challenging, but you guys must start to use your abilities on a daily basis. Simply put, use your stand power to solve problems whenever you can." "Yeah, about that," Sunset looks at the floor: "I doubt all of us could do that." "I understand," Luna replies: "But at least try to do so before it's too late. It's both a blessing and a curse to be a stand user." "Actually," Sunset says: "I think I just figured my ability." "Oh?" Luna says, lowering her head, moving the center of her attention from the fan to Sunset: "What is it?" "I can rewind time for a certain event," Sunset explains: "So basically, for an event, I can rewind time to the point before the event occurred, removing the [Result] by wiping out the [Cause]. However, by doing so, I have practically created an alternative timeline where the event did not happen. And My stand can switch between those two different alternative timelines." "So," Luna says: "For example: If someone dumped a bucket of water on your head, your stand could dry your cloth up by reverting this whole event. However, by doing so, you've created two different timelines. One where the water is dumped on your head and your cloth are wet, and another where the water is not dumped on your cloth and your cloth is dry. The [Result] is whether your cloth is dry, and the [Cause] is whether the bucket is dumped on your head. By wiping out the [Cause], in which a bucket of water is dumped on your head, you've created a [Result] where your cloth is dry. Moreover, your stand can switch between those two alternative [Causes] and [Results]?" "Um...yes," Sunset nods: "It took a bit of time to figure out." "That is an extremely powerful ability," Luna says: "Any ability that deals with time or reality are considered powerful. Yours, however, have something to do with both." "Oh," not knowing how to respond, Sunset forces a smile on her face: "It's good then?" "Good and bad," Luna says: "You must practice more to find out. Sometimes, your stand can even evolve if you grow as a person." "Ok," Sunset says: "So do I inform the other girls about our conversation? Or..." "I'll do that," Luna stands up, handing Sunset her new schedule: "For now, you can go to your first class. Be prepared for anything from this point on. If there's an enemy stand, do whatever you can to stop it and inform Celestia as soon as possible." > Unwelcomed Guest > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I don't feel well. In fact, I haven't been feeling well for the past couple of days. But I can't give up just yet. In my research, I finally find something. After all those years, I finally did it. If I'm right, that place is full of what some might call "magic" energy. I need to visit that place—the place where I once called home. Finally, I can get rid of this curse and live as a normal human being. --- ??? "Watch out!" "What?' "It's Sunset!" "Oh my gosh, don't look at her! She's cursed!" "And she's spreading it to everyone! Classic Sunset." "Yeah, she even gives it to Fluttershy. Poor girl. What's with her and Fluttershy?" "Guess she just loves to bully others. And Fluttershy is too shy to do anything about it." "Shush! She's looking at us!' Sunset let out a sigh and picked a seat in the corner, and put her plate down. No one is willing to sit with her. She pushes the plate away and sprawls facedown on the table. "Surge cube?" "Oh, hi, Applejack," Sunset says, face still buried in her arms: "How are you." "I am doing great! Would you mind if I sit here?" "You should not. The others will..." "Don't mind the others," Applejack puts her plate down before taking a seat: "You are changed, and that's all that matters." "Thank you," Sunset says: "How's your stand." "It's there," Applejack replies: "But I have no idea what it does." "Is that so," Sunset lift her head: "Did the Vice Principle tell you about the news?" "You mean the three stand users?" Applejack says, taking a bit off of her sandwich: "Yeah, but I am sure there's nothing to worry about." "I hope so," Sunset says: "I really hope so." "Actually," Applejack's raises her eyebrow, looking behind Sunset: "We've got a problem." "What?" Sunset turns her head around as a giant humanoid figure walks among the student. It's a stand, one that operates remotely. "What the..." Sunset stands up, and her stand looms behind. "Be careful, sugar cube," Applejack stands up: "It's up to no good." The stand, after seeing Sunset and Applejack, turned around and left the dining hall. "After her!" Applejack chases after it with her stand following behind. "Come on!" Sunset follows after: "Already?" They chased it to the gym, where the remotely controlled stand disappeared without a trace. "Gosh darn it!" Applejack shouts. "Let's tell Vice Principle Luna," it must be one of the three stand users!" "And she's up to no good," Applejack adds. "Wait a minute," Sunset frowns: "How do you know it's her?" "I can sense things," Applejack continues: "Maybe that's my ability." "Ok," Sunset shrugs: "If you say so." "And I can tell you think I have something to do with that stand over there," Applejack looks at Sunset: "Is that right?" "Wha...No, I..." "It's ok, sugar cube," Applejack puts a hand over Sunset's shoulder: "I understand." "What? No, I...but...huh, I give up," Sunset sighs: "I am sorry for doubting you." "It's ok," Applejack says: "I can tell you don't mean to hurt nobody, but that stand over there is different." "What else can you sense?" Sunset asks: "Anything about the user?" "Hunger," Applejack says: "She's looking for food. But's something different about the food they eat." "I see," Sunset says: "Then let's tell the Vice Principal about everything. We have some enemies at our hands." "And that concludes our report," Sunset says. "I see," Luna replies: "Applejack, do you have anything else to say?" "No, ma'am," Applejack says. "Since some of the other girls still need help figuring out their standability," Luna says: "I will have to ask all six of you to meet Celestia and me after school today. We have to figure it out and quick. Battling stand users without understanding how your stand works will be a fatal mistake." "Speaking of which," Sunset says: "Do you think it's a good idea if I get some help from a non-stand-using Equestrian magician specialist?" "Getting non stand users into such a conflict is not a good idea," Luna replies with a cold tone: "But getting help is always a good idea." "Are you referring to Twilight?" Applejack asks. "Yeah," Sunset says: "All those stands have something to do with Equestrian magic, right? If so, then she can certainly be of help." "I suppose so," Luna closes her eyes: "Applejack, Sunset, the two of you need to notify the other girls about the enemy as soon as possible. Tell them to stay with each other at all times and do not engage the enemy unless they attack first." "I am not too concerned about the others," Applejack rolls her eyes: "Just hope certain feather brain can stay calm." "You two are free to go," Luna says: "Notify the others as soon as possible, and don't forget to report back after school. We need to figure something out before they attack." > Challenge > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I wanted nothing but a normal life. However, [IT] entered my life. A spirit, looms over me. It doesn't speak, doesn't respond to anything, and it doesn't seem to have a mind. I am either cursed or possessed. I am different, but no one would ever understand. I met a few others who are also cursed with this spirit-unknown. However, they wanted nothing but my destruction. I tried to communicate but to no avail. I was a peaceful person, but then I was forced to fight (and I have yet to lose). Now, finally, I can ride myself off of this nightmare. ---??? "Nice to meet you all!" Sunset greets, making her way towards the three guests: "Class was running late, sorry about that!" "Don't worry about that, we understand!" the girl with blonde hair says politely: "By the way, I'm Adagio." "Name's Aria." "And I am Sonata!" "It's a pleasure to meet you all," Sunset says with a smile on her face: "So, shall we start? Canterlot High isn't a big place, so we can spend some extra time on places you are interested in." "Actually," Adagio replies: "Can we spend some time in the garden?" "Yeah," Sunset replies: "It was completed just two weeks ago; where did you get the news?" "From a friend," Adagio says: "So, why don't we get started?" "And this is called a drosera capensis," Sunset says, with all her attention focused on the plant: "And it..." Unfortunately, her trip to the garden is cut short as she feels immense pain from her back through her torso. She wanted to scream, but the scent of blood had flooded her throat, and her legs could no longer support her. "Oh, what a pity," Adagio says sarcastically: "Do you need a hand there?" "Be nice, Adagio," Aria says with the same satiric tone: "Give her a break, ok?" The three laughed and turns around as Sunset lies on the ground lifelessly. As her consciousness fades, Sunset activated her stand and recovered from a fatal injury instantly. Perhaps, it's best to play dead until she's safe. After all, facing three stand users alone without knowing their ability means inevitable defeat. Yet, her heart is filled with intense emotion, so strong that her mind is clouded enough to delude its' own master. "Hi! The three of you!" Sunset shouts on top of her lungs before throwing a handful of dirt at them: "Eat this!' "What...Ah!" Adagio around, only to be greeted by nothing but mud. "You are so dead," Aria smirks as her stand attacks, simultaneous, with Adagio's. Overwhelmed by the rain of fists, Sunset could do nothing but block. As a result, both her arms are broken. "You poor fool," Aria says: "A stand is connected to its' master, don't you know that? Why are you even blocking? I would have attacked if I were you." "Yeah?" Sunset answers: "My arms are doomed either way, so what's the point?" "Of course they are," Aria rolls her eyes: "Now, time to..." "Get out of my way!" Adagio pushes Aria aside: "I will end her myself." "Wow, chill," Sunset says with a sarcastic tone: "First time?" "With mud in my eyes? Yes," Adagio replies as her stand launches a mighty blow. I can't feel my arms; Sunset thought: If I go to a hospital now, the doctors would have amputated. Although my stand can fix it, I still need to be careful. I can only record one [Cause] and [Result] and reverse them. In other words, I can only reverse one event before creating an alternate timeline for that one event. If chosen correctly, I should be able to cancel a series of events that followed, all thanks to Domino's effect. If I erase the [Cause], in which I threw dirt at them, then I can cancel the [Result] where they both attacked. Moreover, their attack is the [Cause] of my injury. By canceling the [Cause] where I threw dirt at them, I indirectly canceled the [Cause] for my injury. However, what would I do next? There are three of them, after all. "Dora!" Sunset cries out as her stand, Days Gone By, intercept Adagio's attack and breaking her arm. "Ah! What the..." Shouts out in pain before retreating: "How?" "First time?" Sunset smirks while moving her arm: "Come on, cheer up! I cleaned your dress for free!" "What have we here?' Aria pushes Adagio aside: "Now, aren't you just a special cookie." "Sorry, ladies," Sunset swings her arms even more as a mockery to Adagio: "But I am kind of busy." Before Aria launches another attack, Sunset starts to throw flower pots at the three sirens. With the help of her stand, Sunset can win herself some time as Aria struggles to protect herself and her kins from the rain of flower pots. "You are so dead!' Aria shouts as Sunset sprints out of the garden. She's struggling, Sunset thinks: I've seen her stand before in the dining hall! Thankfully it's a remote one and hence less precise, while Adagio has a broken arm. "But just in case..." Sunset mumbles. With a snap of her finger, the broken flower pots start to reconstruct before latching onto the siren's body. "Ah! Get it off! Get it off!" Hearing their scream from a distance, Sunset decides to get out of this nightmare of a garden before they catch up to her. "Days Gone By!" Sunset shouts as her stand launch her onto a speeding train. With the help of her stand, Sunset is able to clutch onto its' metal skin and climb on top of it. While her stand buries its' fingers into its' roof, Sunset takes out her phone and sends Celestia a warning: Danger in the Garden. Three stand users, blurry face. Ruby, broken arm. Don't go alone. > Training Part I > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "She's so dead!" Aria mumbles while dusting debris of flower pots off of herself. "No need to waste your energy like this," Adagio says: "Getting mad wouldn't really help with anything. However, her power is rather intriguing." "And she's not the only one with power," Aria says: "We'll have to be careful from now on." "Why don't we just go somewhere else?" Sonata asks: "You know, somewhere..." "Silence!" Adagio cuts her off: "That only means they can provide more energy." "And make us stronger," Aria sighs: "But what's the plan exactly?" "It seems like she can revert the state of being for everything, including herself," Adagio explains: "So next time we meet, do something before she makes a move." "Like what?" Sonata shrugs: "Like throw a flower pot? Or..." "It doesn't matter," Adagio continues: "A flower pot, an apple, a banana...Just do it before she does it first." "Sunset!" Celestia calls out: "It's safe now!" "Ok, I just texted her again," Applejack says: "She didn't lose her phone, did she?" "Oh my, look at all those flower pots," Fluttershy crouches down: "I...it must be awful!" "Hi! Everyone!" Sunset suddenly appears next to the train track: "Sorry, I was on top of a speeding train and didn't really check my phone." "Thank the heavens!" Celestia sighs: "Are you hurt? Is everything ok?" "I am doing fine," Sunset answers, swinging her arms: "But somebody got a broken arm." "I am glad you're alright," Applejack takes off her hat: "But what happened exactly?" "I felt a dull pain through my torso," Sunset says: "Then I had to activate my standability to, you know, stay alive. I should have just pretended to be dead and wait for them to leave..." "But you just can't control it?" Fluttershy adds. "That's...accurate," Sunset replies: "How do you know?" "Just guessing?" Fluttershy says: "It's doesn't matter. I am just glad you are all in one piece." "Let's cut the chatter," Celestia announces: "We need to leave here. I'll take care of everything tomorrow, and we need to get started with our training." "So, what is this?" Sunset asks. "A relic," Celestia says, handing Sunset a moon-shaped necklace: "With it, my sister can protect you with her ability." "I thought her stand only works when everyone is asleep," Rainbow says as Celestia hands her one: "How does it work exactly?" "Oh, Rainbow," Celestia chuckles while handing out more necklaces: "My sister is more reserved about telling others her ability. But she can do so much more than just entering people's dreams." "Like?" Rainbow asks, putting on the necklace. "I am afraid you'll have to ask her about it," Celestia says before handing out the rest: "Ok, wear this at all times, ok?" "Even when we are sleeping?" Applejack asks. "You can hang it somewhere near your bed," Celestia answers: "Just don't lose it, ok?" "Ok," Sunset puts on her necklace: "So do we need to take it off for our training?" "No," Celestia says: "Luna is smarter than she looks. So don't worry about it." "Alright, alright," Rainbow says: "Can we start now?" "Of course," Celestia smiles: "See if you can handle this." With a snap of a finger, the mud below their feet starts to loosen. Within seconds, their bodies sunk into the ground with only the head above. "Ok, everyone," Celestia says: "Now that the mud is back to its' normal density, try to get yourself out with your stand only." "Eh, ok," Applejack says: "But I..." "Ha! You scared?" Rainbow smirks: "I am gonna get out earlier than..." "That's easy," Sunset says, with her body already out of the ground with a trace of dirt on her clothing: "Is that it?" "Yeah," Celestia shrugs: "Good job! But I want you to stay until everyone gets out." "Cool! So do I just do my homework now? Or..." "Yes," Celestia smiles: "Do your homework or just relax. As long as you don't distract the others." "Earlier than who?" Applejack asks sarcastically while holding down her laughter: "I didn't catch that." "The...what...but..." "She just has more experience with using her stand," Celestia says: "No need to be so surprised." "Yeah, Rainbow," Applejack adds: "No need to be so worked up; you are just not as good as Sunset." "Oh, yeah?" Rainbow turns her head around: "Well...I...But I am still better than you!" "Yeah? Wanna bet?" "Loser has to pay for ice cream for an entire year." "Deal!" "Ah, thankfully I didn't put on my new dress," Rarity says as she climbs out of the dirt without a stain on herself: "Ah, finally!" "Watch out, Rainbow," Applejack says: "Rarity is making her way out." "So we've got two winners now," Celestia says: "You two need to stay focused if you actually get out." > Training Part II > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "This is kind of fun!" Fluttershy says while slowly removing the dirt around her: "It feels like sand!" "C'mon, Rainbow, even Fluttershy is beating ya'," Applejack says. "Well...you aren't making any progress either!' Flustered, Rainbow looks around for Pinkie Pine: "Pinkie? Where's..." "Right over there," Applejack cuts her off: "She somehow made a bigger hold and put a trampoline in there." "WHAT?" "C'mon, Rainbow," Applejack smirks as her stand manifests: "I'm beating ya!" "Ora ora ora!" As Applejack's stand cries out, the earth around its' master starts to shatter at a dizzying rate. "Wha...No! Stop!" Suddenly, Rainbow Dash is launched out of the ground like a cannonball. "What in the...Rainbow! Do something!" Celestia shouts, making her way towards Rainbow Dash: "That fall would kill you!" "I am trying!" Out of desperation, her stand activates, and Rainbow starts to move, much like a rug doll tossed around in a video game, at a speed that the human eye can barely catch. "Don't worry, Rainbow Dash!" Rarity shouts, putting her hand on the ground: "Everything is going to be ok!" As the ground turns into a rubber-like material, Rainbow Dash, unable to control her trajectory, unceremoniously slams into a tree before making a cracking sound before falling to the ground. "Rarity, turn it back!" Celestia shouts, running toward Rainbow's landing spot. "Rainbow Dash! Can you hear me?" "I...am I dead?" "No, you are not, are you injured?' "I...I can't feel my legs..." "For the love of...Sunset!" "Yes!" Sunset dashes her way to Celestia. "Can you do anything about it?" "Of course!" Sunset says: "Just one moment!" Rainbow dash is back into the ground with a snap of the finger with all her injuries gone. "Rainbow?" Celestia looks around: "Where is she?" "I am right here!" Rainbow shouts: "I can feel my leg again, but I am still buried!" "Don't do anything reckless!" Celestia stands up: "Sunset, help Rainbow out, and we'll figure something out!" "I am sorry, class," Celestia announces: "It appears that there's an accident, and we'll have to continue tomorrow. Now, I want you to write a reflection regarding your experience with your stand and turn it in tomorrow." "Oh, come on!" "I don't know if I can do this..." "Just why..." "It's not graded," Celestia adds: "But I want it to be clear and concise. Also, I would like to speak with Rainbow and Sunset privately. Everyone else, Luna is waiting for you in the parking lot. From now on, my sister and I would take turns picking you up and dropping you off every day. Now you may be dismissed." "Thanks, Sunset," Rainbow says as they walk in the hallway: "That means a lot." "Yeah, sure," Sunset replies: "But still, your ability is cool!" "Only if I can control it," Rainbow sighs: "I was frustrated seeing how quickly you guys get out of there, and the next thing I know..." "You are flying?" "Yeah, that," Rainbow continues: "And then, I start to fly in...well...you know what happened next. The point is, why are you so good?" "I had two deadly encounters with some...eh...hostile stand users," Sunset says: "You got to do what you got to do, you know?" "I guess," Rainbow looks down: "Like, what does it feel like?" "What do you mean?" "You know, fighting another stand user?" Rainbow Dash asks: "Without knowing your own ability?" "I, eh," Sunset scratches her head: "I was nervous, scared, but had to stay calm if I want to live." "Wow, that sounds rough," Rainbow says: "Wonder what I would do if I had to fight someone." "Rainbow..." "Do you want to do a sleepover?" Rainbow asks: "My parents are out of town, so why not?" "Are you sure?" Sunset asks: "I know it's in the past, but I was pretty mean to you all..." "Oh, Come one," Rainbow pets Sunset on the back: "Forget about it! We are friends now!" "Thank you, Rainbow, really." "Heads' up," Rainbow says: "She's coming!" "Hi, Sunset, Rainbow," Celestia says, unlocking the door to her office: "Come in, take a seat." "I am sorry," Rainbow sits down: "I messed up." "Don't worry; I am not blaming anyone," Celestia sits down: "Actually, I am pairing you up with Sunset. From now on, you two will train together." "That's a relief," Rainbow breathes out a long relieved breath: "I thought I am in trouble!" "Now, Sunset, I want you to help Rainbow to get her ability under control," Celestia says: "And you are to write a report to me every time Rainbow makes progress." "Sure..." Sunset responds: "Sounds great..." "Don't worry, Sunset," Rainbow pets Sunset on the shoulder: "I'm better at writing than you think." "And Rainbow, I want you to write a report to me every day starts from tomorrow." "Oh." "So, how's the report coming?" Rainbow asks as she puts her backpack down. "Oh, not much, I am a hardly working person," Sunset says, locking the door behind her: "So, what do you think?" "This is sweet!" Rainbow says: "What's the rent?" "Not much," Sunset throws her backpack on the ground: "low enough for me to pay." "I see," Rainbow collapses onto a bean bag: "So, who's the first 'hostile stand user' you ran into?" "It's actually Fluttershy," Sunset pours herself a cup of water: "Want anything to drink?" "Just water, please," Rainbow says: "So she finally lashed out on you, yeah?" "Wait, finally?" Sunset says: "What do you mean?" "Oh, you know," Rainbow sits up: "Shy lashing out?' "I don't follow," Sunset hands Rainbow a cup of water: "What do you mean?" "Ok, let me tell you a story," Rainbow takes a slip: "So I was friend with shy for a long time. Before you come to our high school, Shy was bullied a lot. I tried to protect her, but we can't stay together all the time. One day I was at practice, right? And Flutters was all alone. So those bullies cornered her and did some nasty stuff. If you look closely, there's a scar on her left cheek." "That's why she's hiding her face!" Sunset says: "I was wondering." "Yeah, I know. So they beat her and tried to cut her, right? Then Flutter just snapped and beat them so bad that those five bullies staled in the hospital for an entire month!" "She what?" "Yeah, beat five bullies at one time! And she was perfectly fine aside from the injuries she sustained before lashing out." "So let me get this straight, she allowed those bullies to, you know, hurt her before suddenly beating all of them bear hands without getting more injuries?" "Yeah, pretty much," Rainbow takes another slip: "I was surprised that she didn't do the same to you earlier." "So that's why no one picks on her!" Sunset says: "Because she can just beat you into a bloody..." "Yeah, ever wondered why no one ever dared to prank her on April Fools Day?" "Holy...That's why she's powerful!" "So what's her stand like?" Rainbow asks. "It's powerful," Sunset rolls her eyes: "Probably no one can best her in terms of brute strength." "You are telling me!" Rainbow finishes her cup: "And she started to workout after beating those bullies up. And Let's just say that challenging shy to a fistfight is...eh...let's just I am not attending your funeral." "Oh, dear...I am just lucky to be alive," Sunset replies: "I thought she's just really tall, but..." "Never thought she's that strong, did you?" Rainbow stands up: "Well, she is. And a good prankster always knows: mess with the wrong person, fun becomes the first three letters of funeral." "So, should I apologize?" Sunset asks: "Now to think of it, I never said sorry..." "Are you scared?" Rainbow smiles: "Don't worry, I am here to protect you! All we need is a sleepover, and everything should be good! Let me give her a call..." "Wait!" Sunset shouts: "I...I am not ready." "Don't worry," Rainbow takes out her phone: "I've got everything under control." > Training Part III > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Alright, now be careful," Sunset says as a golden humanoid figure hovering over her: "Now let's get started!" "Whatever, mom," Rainbow roll her eyes as the early morning sun shines on the school's football field: "Here I go!" "Go, great! Now we are talking!" Sunset cheers, much like a mother would in a soccer game, when Rainbow slowly levitate from the ground. "I am not five!" Rainbow shouts in frustration: "You can cut it out now!" Unfortunately, this small outburst of emotion caused her stand to go berserk for a moment, which launched Rainbow up to the sky like a cannonball. "Rainbow!" Sunset shouts as the upwards motion stop and Rainbow enters a state that most would describe as free fall. "This is awesome!" Rainbow screams on top of her lunge as the upwards wind brush through her hair. "Days Gone By!" Sunset calls out to her stand: "Don't worry, Rainbow! I got this!" "That's awesome," Rainbow Dash closes her eyes as her body get closer and closer to the earth. Just before she hits the ground, an upward force pulls her up, tossing her into the sky again. "Um," Instead of activating her power, Sunset decides to wait for a bit: "May be she's getting the hang of it." "WOW!" as the upward force ceases, Rainbow again falls from the sky. This time, however, she's prepared. Rather than free falling, Rainbow's body slowly floats downwards like a leaf: "I did it!" "Sure you did!" Sunset slams Rainbow's shoulder: "That was great! How do feel?" "I feel great!" Rainbow grabs Sunset's shoulders before shaking her friend in joy: "I think I get it!" "Ok, ok!" Sunset gently pushes Rainbow aside: "That's great! So what did you feel exactly?" "Well," Rainbow broods: "I did feel something pushing me upward when I fly, and I also feel something hanging onto me from above the second time I fell." "Interesting," Sunset nods as her stand drops notes down: "Hi, say, can you push me with that force?" "Say what now?" Rainbow raises an eyebrow in disbelief: "Did you hit you head while I was flying?" "No, seriously!" Sunset explains: "We may know what you can do, but we have to understand how it works! Only then can we explore you power in its' full glory!" "But..." "Just relax!" Sunset says: "I can cancel out all my injuries, remember?" "If you say so," Rainbow sighs: "There it goes!" Before she can react, Sunset was blown away by a powerful vertical force before landing on the other side of the field. "Sunset!" Seeing her friend flying off, takes off using her power and manages to stop before clashing into Sunset who now lays on the ground. "Sunset!" Rainbow gets down on one knee: "Are you hurt?" "No, no!" Sunset spits out some grass: "I basically encased myself with my stand! I tell ya, they can really that some punishment." "You scared me!" Rainbow continues, ignoring Sunset's comment: "We are not doing things like that ever again!" "Now what's going on here?" a familiar voice speaks up: "Rainbow, what the hay are y'all doing to Sunset?" "Applejack?" Sunset get back on her feet, with her cloth covered by pieces of grass: "What are you doing here?" "Just walking around," Applejack tosses Sunset a bottle of cider: "What did Rainbow do to you?" "I did nothing!" Rainbow argues: "We were just training and Sunset made me use my stand on her!" "She's right!" Sunset dust herself up: "We were just training!" "Then why are y'all up so early?" Applejack tosses Rainbow a bottle as well. "We were about to have a sleep-over with Fluttershy," Sunset explains as her stand pops the led off without damaging the bottle: "But she never showed up so we slept super early." "And the Principal just had to assign me a report due everyday before school," Rainbow tries to imitate Sunset, but doesn't want to ruin the precious cider inside with broken glasses: "So yeah, do you have a bottle opener?" "Who needs a bottle opener when you can just do this?" Applejack says as the led on Rainbow's bottle flew off: "I figured this one out last night." "Um," Sunset takes a slip from the bottle: "Is the led made of metal?" "Yep," Applejack replies as the led flies around her like a plane would around a star: "Maybe I can control metal!" "Ha! Lame!" Rainbow says: "My power is a thousand times more awesome!" "Oh, yeah?" AJ smirks: "Then take this!" "Hey!" Rainbow shouts as her phone flew out of her pocket and moves around like a butterfly: "Give it back!" "Girls!" Sunset walks between the pair before the argument escalates: "Please! If we fight each other all the time, then we'll get nowhere!" "Yeah!" Rainbow agrees, firmly grabbing her phone: "What she said!" "Then would you mind if I tag alone?" AJ asks Sunset while looking at Rainbow with a big smile on her face: "If someone's not scared that is." "Oh yeah?" Rainbow responds before finishing the entire bottle of cider in one go: "Bring it alone!" "Girls," Sunset takes a deep breath: "Ok! As long as the two of you keep it under control!" "Of course!" Rainbow shrugs: "Now, where are we again?" "I want to test your strength," Sunset says as her stand materializes again: "Now, summon your stand and let's start punching!" "If you say so," Rainbow sighs as a blue, slim figure with feature-like horn all over its' body appears: "Here I go!" The two exchanged punches. Rainbow overwhelms Sunset with her speed. However, each punch Sunset throws would cause more damage to Rainbow's hands. Eventually, Sunset calls the session off as Rainbow is too stubborn to admit defeat. "That's quick!" Sunset coughs: "But a bit lacking in terms of power." "Oh yeah?" Rainbow replies, hiding her now bruised hands: "But I did land a few punches on your stand! Speaking of which, are you feeling ok?" "Ok couse!" Sunset says as her ability activates. With an instant, all her injuries, as well as Rainbow's, are gone: "Now Applejack, how would you use your power over metals during a battle?" "Well," AJ takes her hat off, as her body slowly disappears: "Guess I can also do this!" "That's pretty cool," Sunset says: "Ok, why don't you reveal yourself and let's see how powerful your stand is!" "If you say so!" Applejack's form reemerges as her stand materializes. "Wow," Sunset's jaws almost drop as a colossal figure with cracked green surface and no facial features emerges: "That's really beefy." "Ha, scared?" AJ asks playfully: "We can stop at any time." "Yeah? Bring it on!" The pair starts to throw punches at each other. This time, however, Sunset was forced to move faster as the powerful punches of Applejack threw her off course. AJ, on the other hand, had to call the session off as Sunset overwhelms her with increasing speed. "Your stand is really powerful!" Sunset says as her hands shakes in pain: "I do believe that you stand took a couple of blows on the torso." "Yeah," Applejack put both hands on her belly: "I'd appreciate it if you heal me now." "Of course," Sunset activates her ability again and Applejack's injuries are all gone. "What the..." Sunset looks at her hands in disbelief: "My hand...AJ! Are you ok?" "Of course!" Applejack replies: "Is everything ok? Sugercube?" "I think we just discovered some of your new abilities," Sunset says, trying to move her hands around: "You see, I can revert your injuries, but not mine. Something must be happening." "Sunset?" Rainbow approaches Sunset: "Your hands..." "I think I'll need some medical attention," Sunset says. "Sugarcube!" AJ rushes at Sunset before picking Sunset up on her shoulders: "I'm so sorry!" "It's not your fault!" Sunset explains: "We just discovered something your stand can do! We should be happy!" "Yeah, whatever," Rainbow takes a look at Sunset's hand, then looks back at AJ: "It doesn't look too bad, but we are not risking anything!" > An Unexpected Run-In > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Did you punch a boulder?" The school nurse questions Sunset: "Young lady, you really need to be careful!" "It's complicated," Sunset sighs: "Kind of, yes." "There are bruises here and there, but you should recover within a week or so," the nurse explains: "Just don't punch anything within the period, got it?" "Got it!" Sunset smiles awkwardly. "Ok, Rainbow, Applejack, I would like to talk to you in private," the nurse says: "Sorry, Sunset, just stay still for a second, ok?" "Yeah, sure," Sunset responds as Rainbow and AJ exit the office. "Don't cause any trouble while I'm gone," the nurse warns before leaving Sunset alone in the office. "I won't!" Sunset says, but the nurse has already left the office and locked Sunset in. "So, what really happened?" The nurse questions Sunset's friends: "Did she do something awful and tried to frame you guys for it?" "What? No!" Rainbow shouts: "Look, I know she has done some bad things before, but she's changed!" "Yeah! Actually, it was just an accident," AJ pauses a moment, gives it some thought, and continues: "She, eh, fell! Yes!" "Really?" the nurse raises an eyebrow as Applejack smiles nervously: "Unless she punched the ground while falling, her hands would suffer something like that." "Look, she didn't do anything!" RD explains, making a better reason that the farm girl could ever imagine: "She fell near a hill, ok? Her hands hit a rock or two while rolling down the hill, and that's it!" "If you say so," The nurse pushed her glasses: "Remember, if she tries to harm anyone, just tell me, and I'm all ears." "HELP!" Fluttershy's scream for help echoes the halls: "HELP!" "Fluttershy?" the nurse pushes the two girls aside and greets a panicked Fluttershy with splashes of blood all over her-selves while holding onto a bird: "What happened?" "I ran into three girls on my way to school!" Fluttershy explains, her voice shaky and full of fear: "They were really mean, and, and..." "Hey, it's ok! You are safe here!" the nurse comforts Fluttershy: "Just take a deep breath and tell us what happened." "Oh," the girl inhales and exhales and starts to tell her story: "They surrounded me and pinned me to a corner. They wanted to know where Sunset is and...threatens to beat me! Then, this little guy tried to defend me, and the girls smacked him! I was so angry that I blacked out! The next thing I know, the girls are gone, and he just lies there on the ground!" "Who is this little guy?" the nurse asks. "Him!" Fluttershy shows the little bird in her palms: "Please! You have to save him!" "Look, I'm not a vet for now," the nurse replies: "But I did have some experiences with animals. So I will do my best and take care of him." "Oh, Thank you!" Fluttershy gives the nurse a bear hug out of excitement. "Yeah, it's ok," the nurse says: "But I would also like you to stay for a bit, ok?" "Of course!" Fluttershy replies. "Wait a minute!" Rainbow interrupts: "What about Sunset? Didn't hear what Shy just said?" "Probably enemies she made along the way," the nurse rolls her eyes: "We all know that Sunset wasn't the most outstanding student there is. I will be sure to report this, so the three of them stay away from other students." "Ok, then what about Sunset?" Rainbow asks: "There are here for her! Not the others! You can keep them out of the school, but Sunset will never be safe!" "Rainbow's right! We can't just leave Sunset out there!' Applejack defends Rainbow: "There got to be something we can do!" "Ladies!" the nurse shuts the conversations forcefully: "It's her problem. She has been running around and causing trouble for enough time, and we are not paying for her mistakes! Now, if you would excuse me, Fluttershy needs medical attention." "But..." Fluttershy tries to say something. "Sunset!" The nurse opens the door to her office: "You can go now." "Wait, is that Fluttershy?" Sunset looks outdoors: "Hi! Fluttershy!" Fluttershy waves back, but her image was blocked by the nurse: "Sunset, Fluttershy needs medical attention," the nurse says to Sunset: "Please, give us some space." "Yeah, sorry," Sunset stands up and makes her way out of the nurse's office. "Fluttershy, do come in," the nurse drags Fluttershy in as soon as Sunset left and locked the door to her office. "What was that supposed to be?" Rainbow shouts after a minute of silence. "Rainbow," Applejack tries to calm her friend down. "Those three are literally stocking Sunset! And she doesn't even care!" "Rainbow!" AJ increases her volume: "Can you just calm down for a minute? We are just one door away from them!" "That's precisely the point!" Rainbow argues back: "Something needs to be done before they do something horrible!" "It's ok, girls," Sunset forces a smile on her face: "I can defend myself!" "No! You can't!" Rainbow argues back: If you can, then that whole getting on a train top thing wouldn't be necessary!" "She's right, sugar-cube," Applejack gives Rainbow a look before talks to Sunset in a softer tone: "You have to stay somewhere else!" "You can stay over with me!" Rainbow says: "I live alone and could use a roommate!" "But..." "No buts!" Rainbow wraps an arm over Sunset's shoulder: "You are coming with me!" "She's right, sugar-cube," AJ says: "Two of you living together can provide more support. Sorry that I can't come alone." "The two of us is enough!" Rainbow smirks: "Those three fools will need to take a big break after picking a fight with shy!" "But doesn't that mean they will consume more energy and cause more chaos?" Sunset questions: "If that's the case, then they might become stronger than ever by the time of the showcase!" "You worry too much!" Rainbow dismisses Sunset's concern: "IF they cause a mess, then they will be all over the news! All we need to do is to find them and beat them again!" "If you say so," Sunset sighs: "But we'll have to report this to Principal Celestia! Would you mind texting her?" "She's not gonna be here for another thirty minutes or so," Rainbow chuckles: "Let's just get something to eat for now!" "I still have some apple bread left," Applejack says: "They were baked last night, want some?" "Don't mind if I do!" "That sounds delicious! Where did you put them anyways?" "My locker, now off to breakfast!" > Count Down > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Now listen," Celestia exhales: "I'm not blaming anyone, but you guys are supposed to be picked up by Luna today." "I'm sorry," Sunset apologies: "I got up early, and just kind of forget about it." "It's not entirely her fault!" Rainbow adds, hoping to share the blame: "I pushed her to do it." "And I just forget about it," Applejack scratches her head: "Sorry." "Look, I'm not mad at any of you," Celestia says: "But you girls really need to keep it in mind, ok? It's for your own good." "Yes, ma'am." "Yes, principal." "Yes, prince...I mean Principal Celestia." "On, what do you know," Celestia checks her email: "It seems that Luna is ready. Come on, girls, let's go." "Where are we going?" Sunset asks as the principal walks past her. "To the nurse's office," Celestia answers, opening the door to her office. "What happened there?" Rainbow asks, walking behind the principal. "Hopefully nothing wrong," Applejack says, wrapping an arm over Sunset before both exiting the room. "Actually, since Fluttershy is a stand user, we have to make sure the nurse doesn't find out," Celestia says, leading the three students. "Greetings, sister," Luna says with her eyes closed as Celestia walks down the aisle: "Please, don't make any noises." Moments later, the nurse opens the door, with her eyes closed while snoring, revealing a Fluttershy sleeping with her face buried into her arms. Luna nods, before Fluttershy stands up, still sleeping, and exists the door. Luna snaps her finger, as Fluttershy closes the door. "What? Huh?" Fluttershy was up from her sleep: "Vice-Principal Luna!" "Get yourself changed," Luna says with a calming tone: "The nurse won't remember anything." "But what about Albert?" Fluttershy asks with tearful eyes. "Who's Albert?" Rainbow asks. "The bird will be fine," Luna replies: "The nurse will take care of him. You, on the other hand, need to have your necklace on you." "I'm sorry," Fluttershy apologize so quietly that no one in the hall can hear her. "It's ok," Luna says, now turning her focus to Celestia: "Sister, we need to talk." "Oh, of course," Celestia says: "Just the two of us?" "No, I would like the others to be there as well." "I'm sorry," Fluttershy gently pushes the door open: "Am I late?" "No, Fluttershy," Celestia says in a comforting voice: "Please, come in." "Ok," Fluttershy whispers as she peaks in the room. "Agh, just come in already!" Rainbow leaves her seat and drags her inside. "Eek!" Fluutershy squeaks as she was forcefully put onto her seat. "Hi Fluttershy!" Pinkie waves her hand in excitement despite siting next to her. "Ok, everyone," Luna increases her volume: "Now that we are all here, I've got some news. We've figured out the abilities of the three mysterious stand users. The three of being together would grant them a set of completely new abilities. However, the three can only use this specific set of powers when they are together. When they are separated, the three will the demonstrate their special powers. The one with close range combat stand is invulnerable while moving, the long-ranged stand can phrase through matters and the third one can emit sounds that are strong enough to destroy boulders. Interestingly, those powers seems to be deactivated when they are together." "So they can interfere with other people's memory, emotion, and feed on people's memories?" Sunset raises her hand. "Perhaps," Luna says: "I'm not certain because Fluttershy's memories... Actually, Rainbow, would you mind taking Fluttershy out for a walk?" "Yeah, sure," Rainbow stands up reaching a hand out to Fluttershy: "Come on, let's go." "Ye..yeah," Fluttershy takes Rainbow's hand and walks out of the door. "So, what's going on?" Celestia questions. "Her memories from the battle is fragmented and suppressed," Luna answers: "Merely mentioning those memories might cause an out-lash." "Is that so," Celestia whispers before turning back to her normal tone: "So what else do you know?" "Fluttershy can control mutation within organisms," Luna explains: "And she would be a liability on the battle field due to her inability to control this power." "Can you do something about it?" Celestia asks. "I tried to get to the root of the problem, but her memories are locked away," Luna looks at the ground: "Forcefully entering those memories may cause a mental breakdown and uncontrollable results." "I see," Celestia message her eyes: "Anyway, Sunset will be living with Rainbow for awhile. Who do you think will be able to beat those three, Luna?" "If I have to take a guess, Applejack against the close range combat stand, Rainbow against the long ranged stand and Sunset against the last one." "Ok, it's only a proposal now," Celestia announces: "But now that we know what they can do, we'll need to develop strategies against them." "Wait, so are we going to train according to the order Vice-Principal mentioned? Or..." Sunset raises her hand again. "No," Celestia answers: "We have to prepare for all three of them. That being said, Rarity, Pinkie and Fluttershy needs to stay out of battlefield when all things breaks loose." "Excuse, Principal Celestia," Rarity says politely: "But that means I don't have to train, right?" "I'm sorry, Rarity," Celestia looks at Rarity, then to everyone else: "We must be prepared for everything." "Oh, yeah, speaking of which..." Sunset starts talking: "Applejack and I had a training session this morning, and she broke my hand. But that besides the point! The thing is, I can't heal my self with my powers afterwards." "Really," Celestia give it s thought as Applejack looks away in shame: "Although it may take some time to figure, we can assume that Applejack's power somehow counters your's." "Oh, oh!" Pinkie bounces up and down: "Is it my turn? Please be my turn!" "Yes, Pinkie, it is your turn," Celestia says, in a almost motherly tone. "Do we get to compete in the showcase? Please tell we get to compete in the showcase!" Pinkie looks to the Principal with big watery eyes: "Please? Please, please!" "No," Celestia shutters Pinkie's dream, causing the girl's hair to deflate a bit: "We must stop the three of them from turning the competition into a fighting show. However, I'm willing to host another smaller scaled show before spring break and you guys can compete in that." "Yes!" Pinkie, learned of this news, bounces up and down with hair fully inflated. > To Create A Second Chance > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I've arranged a meeting with a student from Crystal Prep named Twilight Sparkle. Her stand is...interesting nonetheless. If she is willing to work with me, we may gather enough power to create a deus ex machina type of stand. The price, of course, is weeks of hard work. This has to work. This is my last chance. I don't want to live like this now. If only I have a chance. If only I have the power. ---??? "So, you want to talk to me?" Twilight carefully put her book down on the table before taking a seat in the almost empty cafe: "Is this about the spirit I got?" "It's not a spirit," the woman sitting across the table says, her eyes focused on a menu: "It's called a stand." "Says who?" Twilight adjusts her glasses. "The Speedwagon Foundation," the woman says, flipping a page: "They are kind of the experts in this kind of business." "Um, can you introduce them to me?" Twilight asks. "They are no fun," the woman says: "Umm...Should I get coffee or ice cream?" "Fun isn't always necessary when it comes to academics," Twilight argues: "Just introduce them to me already." The woman flips another page: "Then they won't like you. By the way, you are not experienced enough to beat their agents yet, so don't even think about it." "Now, how do you know that?" Twilight questions. "We are different from them," the woman put down the menu: "We are one of a kind." "Hah, the 'us vs. them mentality, what do you want to accomplish here?" Twilight asks more questions. "I'm saying that I can help you," the woman says with a calming tone: "You want to be loved, don't you? No one in your school really loves you; they just fear you. I, on the other hand, know how to resolve this situation." "How do I know you are not lying to me? I've never even seen you before." "Why would I? You want to be love, and I want to live a normal life," the woman sighs: "While it is true that we have never met, our interest aligns." "I find it hard to believe," Twilight takes her book, stands up before leaving the cafe: "Nice talk, but I have work to do." "How disappointing," the woman rolls her eyes as Twilight steps outside: "You are not leaving until I say so." "What?" Twilight looks at her surroundings as she is back to her seat for seemingly no reason. She walked out but is brought inside without knowing. "Oh, how odd, I thought you don't want to talk to me." the woman pretends to be surprised. "You won't let me alone, will you?" Twilight exhales, knowing she can't beat the lady in front of her: "So what do you want?" "Ever heard of Canterlot High School?" the woman explains, eyes still on the menu: "I went to school there. Recently, I heard there was a magic blast there and turned some students into stand users." "Your point being?" "Perhaps you can take their abilities and merge them together," the woman says, her eyes still on the menu: "Their abilities are awakened because of it, and if you can merge all their powers, then a completely new ability will be born." "But I can hardly keep two kinds of power together," Twilight asks: "And how many people are we talking about here?" "Six," the woman says: "But don't worry about that; a stand can grow with its' owners." "Why them, though?" Twilight asks more questions. "Their stands are born as a result of magic from another world," the woman continues: "If you can harvest this power, then you can do whatever you want to." "How do you know that this magic from another world would even help?" "Let's just say that the Speedwagon Foundation has data about that," the woman says: "Magic powers from a place called 'Equestria' has been leaking everywhere, and large quantities of them may grant users the power to fix any problems. From what I know, those six individuals possess enough power to achieve anything. All you need to do is to figure their powers, stole them, and merge them together. Although I'm not with the foundation, I can still slip in and read their reports." "Interesting," Twilight gives it a thought: "Then what are you going to do?" "I can't show my face there; it would be too obvious, specially with those two clowns in charge," the woman says: "I will tell you how to grow your stand and fence off people from the foundation." "Fence off?" Twilight raises an eyebrow. "Yes, well, you see: I had an unpleasant run-in with their chief and her daughter back in the day, and they have been looking everywhere." the woman says: "The dad can stop time, a fascinating power. The daughter can turn herself into strings, a really annoying power if used correctly. We've had a few run-ins afterward, but neither parties were able to beat the other. You know what? I take it back; I got them twice, I'm on the win." "What happened between you guys?" "Let's just that 2012 was a crazy year, and they ruined what could be a perfect world," the woman sighs again: "I wasn't strong enough back then, but now I'm." "Whatever do you mean?" "I will tell once we've gathered enough power," the woman says: "For now, we conduct researches about the six individuals in Canterlot High." "I still find this whole thing shady," Twilight says. "You stayed," the woman shrugs. "You forced me to stay," Twilight facepalms: "Anyway, are you sure this will work?" "Yes, but in exchange, you must do me a favor." "What?" "You must free me from this nightmare," the woman says: "You stand may be able to extract special abilities, but not another stand entirely. If you acquired enough Equestrian magic, then do me that favor and sent me back in time if possible. I have a few things to fix." > Banner Day Part I > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So you can send us back to Equestria?" Adagio raises an eyebrow in disbelief. "Only if you don't make a fuss," Twilight replies calmly as the two other sirens stuff their face with food of all manners. "It has been a while since you guys had a proper meal, huh?" Twilight asks as she takes a bite from the sandwich on her plate. "Listen there, Twinkle Sparkle," Adagio smashes the table while avoiding looking at the delicious temptations on the table. "Twilight," Twilight raises an eyebrow. "Whatever!" Adagio says as her stomachache fiercely growls: "We can consume emotion as meals, we don't need..." "But It tastes like nothing, right?" Twilight takes another bite from the sandwich: "Um...need more ketchup." "What do you want?" Adagio mumbles, her voice buried in the chatters and laughter of other customers. "Sorry, didn't hear you," Twilight finishes off the sandwich before grabbing herself another one from the mountain of foods on the tabletop. "I'm asking: what do you want!" Adagio says through gritted teeth. "Tell me, what's the difference between pony emotions and human emotions?" Twilight splashes tons of ketchup onto her sandwich. "That's none of your business!" Adagio says with a bitter voice. "If you do as I say," Twilight takes another bite: "Hmmm...hm, hm! Sorry, too delicious. If you do as I say, then I can sand you guys back to Equestria." "Why are you doing this?" Adagio closes her eyes. "I have my reasons. Are you in or not?" Twilight shoves the rest of the sandwich into her mouth, leaving her mouth covered by the red sauce. "Wipe yourself off!" Adagio gives Twilight a piece of paper towel: "Fine!" "That's great," Twilight wipes her mouth off before giving the leader of the sirens a picture of Sunset and her friends: "Find them." "So?" Adagio asks as she looks at the photo. "Then open this book up once you are close enough," Twilight takes a book named Portal One out of her bag. "Just open it up, yeah?" Adagio takes the book over. "Yes, and then open it up again when the book buzzes," Twilight zips her bag up before grabbing another piece of sandwich and a bowl of fries: "But the three of you must not compete in the music showcase." "WHAT?" Aria almost screams. "If you go in there and make a mess, then those six would bend together and cause more trouble," Twilight pours more ketchup on her food: "They are a force to be reckoned with." "It's ok," Adagio gives Aria a wink before shifting her attention back to Twilight: "We'll do it." "Very well," Twilight says after noticing the little communication took place: "Go for Fluttershy first, Sunset then, Applejack and Rainbow Dash later." "Of course," Adagio lies. "You guys are so cooperative!" Knowing that the sirens won't follow her direction, Twilight decides to keep up with the acting. If they betray her, Twilight will have more than one way to deal with them. "Dinner's on me, so aren't you gonna eat something?" Twilight asks as a showcase of trust. "Fine!" Adagio finally breaks and digs in, believing that they've fooled Twilight. "That's good," Twilight lets out a smile, knowing that the sirens are fools. The four then buried their head into the food mountain as the night goes on. The bells in Canterlot High School are signifying the beginning of the lunch break. Class is canceled this afternoon in honor of Banner Day. It's a happy day. "So, what are we doing now?" Rainbow asks as she reveals their banner. "Guess we'll just have to train harder until the sirens show up again," Applejack replies as she applies more red paint. "Girls, I don't know," Sunset sighs as she leans against the wall: "They are after me! You guys don't have to do this!" "No, they are not!" Rainbow says: "They cornered Fluttershy earlier!" "Um, I'm doing ok," Fluttershy murmurs. "Look, I'll just go face them myself," Sunset says: "I've dealt with them before; that means I can do it again." "Darling," Rarity gives Sunset a worried look: "We are friends! This is what friends do! "She's right!" Pinkie pops up from nowhere as confetti flows in the air. "WOW! Don't do that!" Sunset almost chokes on her own saliva. "PINKIE PIE!" Applejack shouts, looking at their work now covered in glitters. "Well, since the banner is ruined, why don't you help us fix it?" Rainbow asks, handing Sunset a brush. "But..." "No buts!" Rarity dismisses Sunset's concerns, pushing a bucket of paints towards Sunset. "Fine then," Sunset gets on her knees: "So how are we gonna do this?" "I don't know," Rainbow shrugs: "Ask Rarity." "Hi, Ra..." She chokes up as a small piece of parchment rests on top of Rarity's head. "What is it, darling?" Rarity leans in. "Sorry, let me..." Sunset picks up the piece of paper gentle: "How long has that been on your head?" WHAT?" Rarity panics at the prospect of a piece of paper resting on top of her carefully groomed hair for an entire day without her taking notice. Now, soccer field. Love, Dazzling. 😉 Sunset's stomach drops as Applejack tries to keep Rarity from trashing the room. The sirens are back. The message is left by Aria, the one who can phase through matter. Sunset has fought them three at once and survived. The problem is, each of the sirens would possess a different ability when they are apart. Together, they can draw energy from emotions. Separated, they are dangerous stand users. "Alright, students," Principal Celestia announces as Sunset dashes out of the room. "Sunset!' Rainbow follows hastily. "Sorry, Rarity!" Applejack pushes Rarity aside before following Rainbow and Sunset outside. Celestia and Luna give each other a look before nodding in agreement. "Due to an unexpected event, Banner Day is canceled." "All of you are free to go home," Luna continues as her stand activates. All the students were put to sleep in less than a minute. When they wake, the student body evacuates the building without lingering around and drives home without asking a question. > Extra: Pinkamane's Story > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pinkamane is the eldest daughter of the Pie's household and Pinkie's favorite sister. In 2012, she met a strange man with a star-shaped birthmark on his shoulder. The man appeared to be in distort and bestowed a gift upon Pinkamane: an arrow made up of an unknown type of metal. That vary night, her stand awoken. "Ma'am, we believe your...friend is trying to..." the agent from Speedwagon Foundation swallowed his heart as the fan on the ceiling spans ever so slowly: "Go after your sister." "..." The woman says nothing as she flips a page; her hand slightly shakes at this revelation. "And the friends of yours may be trying to travel back in time," the agent continues, paying close attention to Pinkamane's face. As the afternoon sun shines on the coffee table. "..." Still no reply. Pinkamane puts the report away as the agent evaluates her peculiar common room with painted tunnels on the walls. "Well..." the agent is running out of things to say: "Sorry, ma'am, are you listening?" "..." Pinkamane sits quietly for a moment before turning her head suddenly 90 degrees like a doll: "..." "Sorry, I was just making sure," the agent gulped, avoiding eye contact. "..." Instead of answering, Pinkamane slowly raises her hands and puts them on the agent's face. It's cold! The agent thinks as Pinkiamane's fingers made contact with his face before gently guiding his head upwards. "W...well, I do believe..." Pinkamane put a finger over the agent's mouth while staring him dead in the eyes. "So...may I speak now?" the agent asks as Pinkamane lifts her finger off of his mouth. "..." "I will take that as a yes," the agent clears his throat: "Could you please...remove your hand from my face?" Pinkamane blinks, her hand still on the agent's face. "I'll take that as a no," Nervousness fills the agent's voice as the grey, lifeless pupils of Pinkamane glare into his soul: "So...em...the Foundation do believe that it would be your best interest to...you know, to..." Pinkamane removes her hand before the agent finishes his sentence, her eyes still focused on his soul. "Look, she took some things from us," now somewhat worried about his own well-being, the agent starts to look around for an escape route as he tries to stay calm: "So she probably learned of your sister and her friends from there." Now noticing the agent's discomfort, Pinkamane puts a big, bright smile on her face to comfort the poor man. Surprised by the sudden showcase of human emotion, the agent starts to stutter: "You see...We are sorry for that..it...eh...will never happen again! Eh..." Pinkamane's eyes lighten up as the agent apologizes while making promises. Knowing that the agent is trying his best, Pinkamane decides that it's time for them to say goodbye. She pointed towards the painted tunnel behind the agent's chair as the smile still hangs on her face. "Yeah..r...right!" The agent hastily stands up, knocking over the chair. "I..." worried about the consequence of his action, the agent slowly looks upwards as his eyes met Pinkamane's. Rather than the usual emotionless expression, she still has the smile on. "I'm so sorry!" the agent apologizes as he put the chair back up before trots outside of the house. The painted tunnel, with the help of Pinkamane's stand, can function as a typical pathway. As the man leaves the room, Pinkamane again shifts her attention to the report. "Sunset..." She mumbles while looking at the picture of a girl with bacon-colored hair. As he returns to his agent, the agent is still trying to process everything that happened: usually, Pinkamane would show no emotion under any circumstance. Yet, this time, she did. Especially the smile. It looks so natural and sweet. She must loved her sister, and the agent thinks as he drives away. > Banner Day II > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- All they want is me, right? Sunset thinks as she sprints through the halls, ignoring all her classmates who, under Luna's influence, blindly exists the building before leaving campus: If I do, as they say, they will spare my friends, right? "Sunset!" Rainbow catches up: "Wait for me!" I can't! Sunset's fists are tightening: I've caused enough trouble, and I shouldn't drag them into it! "Oh, you don't!" Knowing what Sunset is planning to do, Applejack decides to put an end to her recklessness. "What the..." As all the lockers are ripped out of place, Sunset finds her way blocked by a giant metal wall. "Wait for me!" As Rainbow catches up, Sunset makes a difficult decision. "Sorry, Rainbow," Sunset clenching her fists as Rainbow emerges from the other end of the hallway: "But this is my problem alone." With a snap of fingers, the wall disappeared, and the lockers back to their rightful place. "Sunset!" "Sugar cube! Wait for us!" As her friends call out to her name, Sunset slowly and reluctantly passes by the place where the iron wall once stood before restoring it. "AJ, what the hay! You missed her!" "Well, it's not my fault!" "Girls..." Listening to the argument proceeding, and about her nonetheless, Sunset's teeth clicked. "Sugar cube! Are you there?" As the metal parts of the wall start to loosen up, Sunset struggles to move her legs. "You can't face them alone!" Rainbow shouts out: "We can do it together!" Together? Sunset's mind drifts off: Not alone? Fighting...besides my friends? After all that I've put them through? "Hurry it up!" Rainbow yells impatiently. "I am trying!" Applejack argues back. "Sorry, girls," Sunset apologizes before ripping the necklace Luna bestowed upon her off its place, tossing it on the ground and dashing away: "I can't drag you into this..." "You've made it!" Adagio, sitting on a football bench, clapped mockingly as Sunset struggles to catch her breath: "Congratulations!" "Some has lost their touch," Sunset talks back while panting for air. "You are hardly qualified to say that yourself," Aria chuckles, leaning against a tree. "And you are alone!" Sonata follows. "You see, Sunset," Adagio stands up and stretches: "We need your help." "What is it?" Sunset asks cautiously. "A lady named..." Named what? Adagio thinks to herself: What's her name? "Named?" Sunset raises an eyebrow. Named what indeed, none of the sirens remember her name or what she looks like, much like others can't remember them. "Anyone home?" Sunset knocks on the siren's head. With a surprised expression curved onto her face, a thought occurred to Adagio: "That witch!" "She's a witch?" Sunset made a face. "Sunset, can you see us?" Adagio grabs Sunset's shoulder before pulling her in. "Let go!" Sunset pushes away a distressed Adagio: "I can, of course." "What?" Aria's comments, eyes wide open at the revelation. "Wait, you guys aren't doing it deliberately?" Sunset asks in confusion. "No!" The two dazzlings cry out in unison. "What about the book?" Sonata holds up the book to Adagio's face, seemingly oblivious of the situation. "FORGET ABOUT THE BOOK!" Adagio slaps out of Sonata's hand. "Sunset!" Rainbow's voice echoes in the background, followed by Applejack's. "They are here!" Aria alters. "You two go deal with Sunset's friends," Adagio commands: "And I will deal with Sunset myself." "Talking about insecurities," Sunset replies as the two other sirens leave the scene: "Now stay here! You want me, right! Don't drag my friends into this!" "I've changed my mind!" Adagio says as a golden fist launches a mighty blow at Sunset. "Dora!" Sunset blocks the attack while formulating a plan in her brain. "Where's Sunset?" Rainbow asks as the pair runs into Aria and Sonata. 'She's...dealt with," Aria smirks: "Now it's your turn!" "Oh, no, I don't think so!" Applejack rushes Aria as her stand emerges, but she passed through her target instead of landing a punch. "Clear shot!" Sonata comments as the air start to gather in her lunges. "No, you don't!" Utilizing her power, Rainbow flew at Sonata and tackled the dazzling, redirecting the powerful sound wave to a nearby tree. "You are a stubborn bunch," Aria turns around to face Applejack as Rainbow and Sonata rolling the hills. "I'm stubborn, alright," Applejack regains her footing before landing more punches on her enemy. Instead of landing on flash, the fists of her stand pass through Aria's body like thin air. "You certainly are entertaining!" Aria laughs aloud before her entire body vanishes into nothingness, leaving a disembodied voice: "But will you last, Applejack?" "Hey! That was mean!" Sonata gets back on her feet before dusting her clothing: "Do you know how long it takes to do the laundry?" "I don't care!" Rainbow gets back: "Now, what do you want?" "Oh, you tell me," Sonata inhales sharply. "Very interesting," Twilight murmurs, her eyes dancing on the pages, mind submerged in arcane knowledge. "Twilight, lunch is ready!" "Ok, mom! Give a few minutes!" Twilight replies, gently close the book, the cover of which reads: The Dazzlings, and put it back onto her bookshelf. > Betrayal > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is going nowhere! Sunset thinks as she exchanges punch with Adagio. "Talking about being weak!" A predatory smile emerges on the siren's face: "You still have much to learn!" "Dazzlings," Sunset pants for air: "What do you really want?" "Oh, nothing," Adagio yawns: "Just you out of the picture." "Then take me," Sunset's stand dematerializes: "And let go of my friends." Seeing an opening, Adagio moves in for an attack. Luckily for Sunset, her experience dealing with dangerous creatures in Equestria kicks in: she doges the powerful by tilting her torso leftwards while summoning her stand to take advantage of the opening. Seeing a golden fist move in, Adagio smirks and slightly twists her hand. The attack, carrying enough force to knock anyone out cold, hits Adagio on the back of her head, and nothing happened. "Is that all you can do?" Adagio taunts. "I know your trick," Sunset stabilizes her breathing: "Invincible as long as you are in motion, what a convenient ability." "Oh, so you know," Adagio shrugs before moving in for another round of attack. This is going nowhere! Sunset's mind drifts off while trying to defend herself: I have to get somehow her to stop moving, but how? There must be something nearby! "Careful now!" With the playful voice of the dazzling, Sunset feels something impacting her cheek, sending her to stumble backward. "Pff!" Sunset spits out a tooth, regains her footing: "So there's no return, huh? You just have to do this?" "Oh, are you scared?" Adagio laughs: "You pony...I mean, humans are so puny! Always talking big, and look at where you are now!" "Well," Sunset's eyes dance around, looking for something to trap her opponent. "Don't even try it," Adagio groans: "Your trap won't work." "We'll see!" Sunset smirks, sprinting at full speed towards her enemy. "Gah, this again?" Adagio's stand grabs Sunset by the arm as they cross the path before throwing her towards the railing in the spectator area of the soccer field. "Keep it together!" Sunset murmurs through gritted teeth after crush-landing on the auditorium. Although protected by a stand while landing, the amount of force upon impact is significant enough to bend the metal cause terrible pain. As the siren charges in, Sunset readies her ability. "Ha!" Adagio launches another punch but stops the moment before her hand is in the range of where the metal bars once are as Sunset's ability activates: "That's your plan?" Instead of replying, Sunset gasps for air before her head drops down and her stand fading into thin air. "Hello?" Seeing her enemy trapping, body interlocked by metal bars, Adagio leans in, her ear next to Sunset's mouth as a final gesture of victory: "You awake." "AHHH!" Sunset scream on top of her lungs, stunning the unprepared dazzling. Adagio may be invincible while her in motion, but at this moment, she is stunned. With one swift punch on the forehead, Adagio was knocked out. "Days Gone By!" Sunset commands: "Removes the metal bars from me!" As her stand is put into work, Sunset closes her eyes just to take a quick break. "What do you want from Sunset?" Applejack holds her fists up as her stand is ready to attack. "Oh, why should I tell you?" The phantom voice of Aria chuckles: "No matter, I can tell you as a parting gift. You see, we need enough energy to get back to Equestria. And what's a better place to acquire from aside from a music festival? Sunset, she's...different, and we don't want her to get in the way." "You can't just drive everyone crazy!" Applejack argues. "Oh, yes I can," The voice echoes in Applejack's ear: "And you won't stop me!" "Wha..." Suddenly feeling like a hand grabbing her heart, Applejack tries to sense the inside of her body with the power of her stand. "Oh, so you can feel it," Aria sighs, noticing Applejack's mastery of electric and magnetic fields. "How?" Applejack asks in disbelief, now knowing for sure that Aria's hand is indeed wrapped around her heart. "Oh, you don't need to know," Aria whispers into AJ's ear, tightening her grips. Applejack drops down on her knees, struggles to come up with a plan. "Let go..." A voice echoes in Aria's head as Applejack's necklace, given to her by Luna, starts to shine. "Who is it?" Aria stops her 'attack,' trying to figure the source of the voice. With just a split second, Applejack magnates to summon only the hand of her stand within her chest cavity, grabbing Aria's thumb before crushing the bones. "AH!" Aria cries out in pain, her hand quickly dematerializes. Applejack stands up while gasping for air. "Show yourself..." The voice continues. "Get out of my head!" Aria screams; her body manifests as her mind is slowly being eaten away by the voice of Luna. Seeing Aria in distress, Applejack moves in and knocks her out cold. "So, are we going to fight or play guess who?" Rainbow asks impatiently as Sonata gathers more air in her chest. "Oh, yeah," Sonata whispers after releasing a powerful wave of sound against Rainbow Dash. "Oh, cr..." Without enough time to react, Rainbow unleashed a horizontal wave of gravity, countering the sounds waves in time while creating a burst of energy, shattering Rainbow's eardrums. "Oh my," Sonata giggles as blood drips down from Rainbow's chain: "You messed up!" "Ha?" Not able to hear anything, Rainbow must rely on her eyes. "Oh, you can't hear me!" Sonata says as the air starts to concentrate in her chest again. "Gah!" Fortunately, Rainbow managed to pull herself away as rocks behind her shattered. "Ah! Where are you?" Not knowing exactly where RD is, Sonata decides to ready another attack while approaching the direction where Rainbow pulled herself away. Not being able to hear, Rainbow is a sitting duck: The moment she sees Sonata could already be too late. She needs a plan. A plan? A plan! One that is crazy enough that it just might work! Rainbow Dash stands up, locking eyes with Sonata. Before the siren unleashing her attack, Rainbow pulls Sonata in as she stands is ready to strike. What is she doing? Sonata thinks as she flies towards Rainbow: Is she trying to punch me? That is a poor plan. Sonata can land a direct hit on Rainbow before she's in the range of Rainbow's stand. With such a direct hit, Rainbow will be reduced to nothing but ash. Just as Sonata is ready to execute her strike as the distance between them closing in, a moon-shaped necklace on Rainbow's neck shines. "Cease attack..." A voice invades Sonata's mind. What? Shocked, Sonata failed to strike first and was knocked out. "Ok, I won," Rainbow collapse on the ground, unable to hear her own voice while suffering from a severe headache: "I won...I won..." "Sunset, Sunset!" "Ha?" Sunset struggles to open her eyes: "AJ?" "Sunset!" "Applejack!" Now fully awake, Sunset sits up, surrounded by shreds of metal: "How long have I been out?" "Awhile, sugar cube, awhile," Applejack lets a sigh of relief: "I'm glad you are ok, sugar cube." "Sorry to drag you into all of these," Sunset dusts herself off: "Where's Rainbow." "She's alright," Applejack lied, knowing that Sunset will be overtaken by guilt had she learned of Rainbow's injury. "Excuse me," A hand gently pushes AJ away: "Are you in pain now?" "Nurse Redheart?" Sunset sighs: "I'm fine, thank you." "Well, we will have to made you didn't obtain any internal injuries," Nurse Redheart sighs. "No, no, I'm fine!" Sunset coughs. "Look, sugar cube, it has been a long day," Applejack adds, looking at the retaining sun: "Just do this for us, ok?" "What do you mean by us?" "Us, sugar cube," Applejack smiles: "Your friends! We want to make sure that you are alright!" "But...what about the siren?" "One got away," Applejack explains: "Two of them went insane for some reason and are now in straitjackets." "This is..." "Don't worry about them; they are in good hands now," Nurse Redheart says, helping Sunset get on a stretcher: "You just relax and get better." "That was cold," A woman says to Twilight: "Their ability could have been useful." "But we don't want them to reveal our plan," Twilight threw her hoodie onto her bed: "I saw their defeat with my own eyes, and I know they would double-cross me at some point." "So you destroyed the book?" The woman sighs: "That's not like you." "No, it's not," Twilight argues back: "I felt horrible about it, but there's no other way. Destroying the book will return the ability to their owner, but with a catch: their stand will go berserk, and the stand user will risk insanity." "Again, that was cold," The woman insists. "I have a plan," Twilight says: "But I need your help." "I will help," The woman lied, only to gain Twilight's trust. "Thank you," Twilight acts alone: "You are a good friend." > Mirage > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Wakey, wake! It's morning!" "Gah..." Sunset yawns, struggling to lift her eyelids. "There, easy," The nurse says: "You've got broken ribs, remember?" "What," Sunset rub her eyes: "What time is it?" "It's 9 am!" The nurse replies. "If it's just a few ribs," Sunset scratches her head: "Then can't I just go home?" "Well, it's more serious than that, and you may need to stick around for a bit," The nurse explains: "Some of the bones are broken into pieces and punctured your lungs." "My what?" Sunset raises an eyebrow. "You were unconscious when you got here last night," The nurse checks her notebook: "It took us some time to drain all the blood from your lung." "Oh, my," Sunset murmurs: "So, have you seen a patient named Rainbow Dash?" "Not that I know of," The nurse replies, hesitating on whether Sunset should know the truth: "Look, everything is going to ok, just get better yourself, ok?" "Ok," Sunset sighs, knowing that using her stand to heal may free the sirens: "Thank you." "That's what I do," The nurse smiles, handing Sunset her daily dose of medication. "Applejack?" The nurse knocks on a door: "You have a visitor!" "Who might that be?" Applejack asks, still on the bed. "Her name is...Rarity?" "Rarity?" Applejack made a face: "What is she doing here?" "So, you don't want to see her?" The nurse asks. "No, let her in," Applejack jumps out of bed. "Darling!" Rarity barges in moments later: "Are you alright? Are you hurt?" "No, Rares," AJ gives her friend a hug: "I'm fine, but they kept me here just in case." "So, how long are you going to stay here?" Rarity asks, putting a basket full of baked goods on a nearby table. "Is that apple fritter?" Applejack's eyes shine at the sweet scent. "Indeed it is!" Rarity takes out a set of tableware and tongs: "Patience now, we don't want to make a mess." "Who would bring silverware to a hospital?" Applejack asks rhetorically with her eyes rolling. 'I don't care what others do, darling," Rarity picks up a piece of fritter with the tongs before carefully placing it in the center of a finely decorated plate: "There!" "Forget about it!" AJ groans: "I'm not hungry!" "Oh?" Rarity places a piece of napkin underneath the plate before getting the silverware's out: "Aren't you?" "I...eh..." The sweet smell dances around the room as Applejack's stomach growls. "It's fresh," Rarity comments, putting a knot and fork beside the plate: "Maybe I should just..." "I'm hungry!" Applejack almost shouts aloud as she takes the apple fritter with bare hands, shaves it into her mouth, and starts chewing. "Applejack!" Rarity scolds as tiny debris falls everywhere: "Be considerate!" "I will clean it!" Applejack argues back, her voice muffled by the mouthful of food. "Ah, forget about it," Rarity says, one hand covering her chest while another covers her forehead: "How could you do such a thing to me!" Applejack rolls her eyes while feasting on the baked goods. "Anyway," Rarity sighs: "How's Rainbow and Sunset doing?" "Mfff!" "No! Answer when your mouth is empty!" "I said," Applejack swallows whatever is in her mouth, with the other half still in her hands: "Rainbow needs a long time to heal!" "Oh dear," Rarity frowns: "Is she alright?" "Raptured eardrums and concussion," Applejack says: "She should be alright." "Oh, thank goodness!" Rarity lets out a sigh of relief: "What about Sunset?" "She was unconscious when they got her here," Applejack explains: "And apparently some of her broken bones punctured her lungs." "What?" Rarity frowns: "That is serious!" "They did manage to clear her lung," Applejack takes another bite, no longer able to resist the deliciousness: "And she did wake up this morning." "That is good," Rarity says: "So you didn't tell her about Rainbow?" "I can't!" Applejack clears her throat: "Sunset already hates herself enough. If she learns of Rainbow's injury, what do you think would happen?" "That would be bad," Rarity agrees: "But we can't hide it forever!" "I know!" "We must get to the root of this!" Rarity says: "Before it's too late!" "Rares, please don't be so dramatic," Applejack almost facepalmed if not for the coat of sugar on her hands: "Sunset is recovering, and that's why! We don't want negative emotions to affect her!" "But if she hates herself enough to attempt such a dangerous task," Rarity says with a firm tone: "Then she's likely to do it again in the future." "You are right," Applejack exhales: "But what can we do?" "Well, keep up the lies for now," Rarity appears to be deep in thought: "Sunset may hate herself for what she did to the school. All we need to do is show her some love, and everything will be ok in time!" "I don't know, Rarity," Applejack replies: "I've got a bad feeling about this. What if she finds out?" "I know, darling, lying is wrong," Rarity says: "But what else can we do now?" "I guess nothing," Applejack sighs: "I really hope this can work." "It has to." Rarity says. "Good morning, Twilight!" Twilight Velvet greets her daughter with an unnatural smile on her face. Her body movement is similar to that of a puppet. "Good morning, mother," Twilight greets back politely, examining her mother: "May I have a hug?" "Of course!" Her mother replies with open arms. However, Twilight hesitated: Hugs are such luxuries ever during her childhood. From an early age, Twilight learned of her family's distaste of physical contact and needless communication. Everyone was occupied with their own business, and rarely do they talk to each other. And now, her mother is welcoming her with open arms. "I'm good," Twilight turned down the offer, to which her mother only replied: Ok with that smile still on her face. "Twilight!" Nightlight speaks out, his head turning towards Twilight, the motion of which can be described as the deliberate movement of a droid. "Good morning, father," Twilight replies, as Nightlight smiles at her. Her parents are the first victims of her standability. By forcefully altering their memories and personalities, Twilight felt something that she never felt before: Namely, love. The love between family members. For the first time in years, Twilight feels happy to be around her family. But is this wrong? Twilight thinks to herself: If I force them to love me, is it them giving off the affection? Or is it myself creating an illusion? But, I do feel happier, and they too! Right? Something deep down cries and begs Twilight to stop this madness. However, unable to give up this new find happiness, and unable to return to the depressed life she once had, Twilight was torn apart. Finally, she collapsed on the floor, breaking down in tears. "Com'on, Acey, just this one time!" Sour Sweet pleas. "Sorry, Sour, ain't happening." The man apologized. "What about this? You let me copy your homework, so nothing bad happens." Sour Sweet continues, her tone taking a drastic change; her hand reaches into her locker. "No," The man answers with a firm yet polite tone: "It's for your own good." "What is happening?" Twilight barges into the scene. "Twilight!" An unnatural smile forms on Sour Sweet's face as Twilight emerges from the corners: "How's my best friend doing? Are you well today?" "What are you reaching?" Twilight asks. "A baseball bat!" Sour Sweet takes the bat out, her arm moving robotically while the smile hangs on her face. "Let go of the bat," Twilight commends: "And leave him alone." "Of course, best friend!" Sour Sweet drops the baseball bat on the ground before leaving the scene without question, the smile mounted on her face. "Twilight, what happened?" Knowing something is up, the man questions Twilight: "Sour Sweet never do things just because someone asks her to." "What, are you concerned?" Twilight asks. "Yes," The man replies: "Whatever you did there, please undo it." "You are a fool, Arctic," Twilight gives the man a stare: "She was going to beat you, and you are concerned about her?" "I'm more than capable of defending myself," Arctic argues back: "She can't harm me." "It's fascinating, really," Twilight closes her eyes: "Most students here are only semi-nice to you when they need something. Other times, they are just straight-up rude. And there's you. Always smiling at everyone like a fool. Why, Arctic? None of them care about you, so what's with the attitude? Help me to understand." "You are right," Arctic sighs: "But I'm not doing it for them, but for myself. Being a little optimistic can make only make your day better. Plus, if someone smiles back, then it counts as a win. If you get gobbled up by all the negativity, then you are going to have a bad time here." "Your rationale intrigues me," Twilight observes Arctic: "Yes, I did something with everyone. Everyone expects you. Now, everyone loves me." "Twilight, whatever you are doing, please stop," Arctic pleas with all sincerity: "Just you said, people here are self-serving. If you force them to love you, then it is not really them giving the affection, now is it? It's a lie, Twilight. You can't force people to love, but you can still care for yourself. Whatever you are doing, please stop for your own sake!" "Oh, I'm afraid they really do care now," Twilight replies, her eyes twitching: "Do you know why I leave you alone, Arctic? Because you are a fool! No matter what I do to you, you will always stay the same!" "Guess I'm stubborn," Arctic sighs, knowing it to be impossible to change Twilight's mind: "You know what people say: Ignorance is bliss." As Twilight walks off, Arctic sighs again before resuming his daily tasks. It's a just another normal day in Crystal Prep. > Before Dawn > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So that's your plan?" The woman asks, putting a square-shaped machine on the ground. "Yes," Twilight says, holding a monitor next to the portal to Equestria: "If we can harvest Equestrian magic directly, then we may not even need to confront Sunset and her friends." "While it is true that their power originated from Equestria," The woman explains: "Directly collecting this power may be proven impossible." "Whatever you say," Twilight examines the stone: "Honestly, you are not contributing much to this effort." "Oh?" The woman raises an eyebrow. "During our meeting, you said that no one loves me," Twilight explains: "And that you can help me to resolve this situation. Yet, I've done it myself." "There is a difference between what could be real and what is real," The woman smiles: "Consider this, is 3.14 the same as π? In other words, do they have the same value?" "No, what's your point?" Twilight asks, her attention diverted from the stone. "My point being," The woman says: "Programmed emotions are different from genuine emotions." "Fair point," Twilight sighs: "By the way, do you even have a name?" "You may call me," The woman stops a moment: "Glomung." "It's not your real name, is it?" Twilight studies the stone further: "I'm afraid you are right; we need a catalyst to activate the power locked inside." "My name doesn't matter," Glomung says: "So, now what?" "Guess we will go with your plan for now," Twilight lied: "If only we have a medium to channel magic." "The six girls," Glomung says: "Their stand abilities may be useful." Their conversation was cut short as a humanoid figure was launched from the portal, crashing onto the ground. "Twilight Sparkle!" The person groans, standing on the ground on all fours: "You took everything away from me!" "I don't even know who you are!" Twilight says, summoning her stand. The person unleashed an inhuman screech, her glowing green eyes burning with hatred. She tilted her head slightly forward with gritted teeth. "What?" Twilight raises an eyebrow. "Forget about it!" The woman smashes the ground with her fists, much like how a horse would stump the ground. She then lunging at Twilight like an animal. "Let me deal with this," Glomung rolls her eyes as a golden hand of a stand decorated with strips of crimson emerges from her hand. The woman freezes in the air as soon as she gets in contact with Glomung's stand. "It's peculiar," Twilight says: "I thought stands are the materialization of your spirit?" "Yes," Glomung replies: "Your point?" "Your stand seems like a flashy one," Twilight walks towards the woman frozen in the flow of time while observing the different shades of grey on Glomung’s skin and hair: "Unlike yourself." "Indeed, "Glomung sighs, looking at her hand: "I was like that once, but a certain event turned me into this." "Is that why you want to do this?" Twilight asks as the robotic-looking stand reaches both hands into the woman's body, who is now under the influence of Glomung's power. "I thought you could only extract one book at a time?" Glomung says as Twilight has two books in hands, one titled Queen Chrysalis, the other The Flight of the Bumblebee: "I practiced. None stand users only have one book, that is their memory and personality. Stand users, however, has another." "The other book is their stand, right?" Glomung asks. "Not exactly," Twilight put the book named Queen Chrysalis back into her backpack: "I can't take one's stand away, but I can take the special ability away." "The more you know," Glomung says, putting an arm in front of Chrysalis' head. With a snap of a finger, Chrysalis's was unfrozen. However, unable to stop her motion forward, Chrysalis first crushed into Glomung's arm before landing on the hard cement floor with the back of her head: "We may need her help." "Most impressive," Twilight mumble, her eyes on the pages: "Her stand will be quite useful." "And her stand being?" Glomung picks up Chrysalis' unconscious body on her shoulders. "Countless tiny bug-like beings with the abilities to create monsters, sucking emotions and transforming the victim into a different form. Also, the little bug and its' victim share vision with the user." "That would be useful," Glomung comments: "We need to get going before the Sun's up." "Whatever," Twilight put her books and gears away, picking up the box-shaped device: "What do you plan to do exactly? Sunset and her friends are rather tough." "Say, did you see the face of that Sunset?" Glomung asks. "No, why does that matter?" "Nevermind, we will need to take out either Celestia and Luna." Glomung answers, walking towards her car. "Why not both?" Twilight follows behind. "They may be clowns," Glomung tosses Chrysalis into the backseat: "But together they are indescribable." "Why don't we separate them and then destroy them both?" Twilight gets into the front seat. "They are too powerful for you to deal with," Glomung gets into the driver's seat as Twilight buckles up: "Plus if one of them is incapacitated, the other will relieve themselves of all duties just to take care of their counterpart." "That is sweet," Twilight mumbles. "What, do you feel bad for them?" Glomung asks: "Don't forget that once you have the power of Sunset and her friends, you will be able to do anything, including fixing all damage we did and will do." "I hope so," Twilight sighs: "And a better life for you, me, and everyone else." "Indeed, my friend, indeed," The two drive off as the sun rises. "Good morning," Glomung whispers as Chrysalis opens her eyes. "You," Chrysalis jumps out of bed: "Twilight's friend!" "Wow, chill!" Glomung holds her hands up: "You've stumbled into a magic portal and was teleported into another world! That Twilight is not the same Twilight who took everything from you!" "Why should I trust you?" Chrysalis asks, marveling that she can stand on two legs. "We will help you," Glomung says: "If you help us." "Again, why should I trust you?" Chrysalis questions. "It's alright," Glomung shrugs: "Not everyone has the guts to revenge." "Trying to provoke me, eh?" Chrysalis chuckles, knowing that she will need the help of others if she wants to recover the magic she lost after being blasted away from Canterlot: "I'm in, what do you want?" "I'm not asking you to get alone with Twilight," Glomung inhales as Twilight walks in: "But we will be working together an awful lot." "Fine," Chrysalis sighs: "I'm sorry for what happened. It was quite unbecoming of me. You look like a certain someone whom...I had a history with." "It's alright," Surprised by such polite display, Twilight slightly bows: "It's nice to meet you." "The pleasure is mine," Chrysalis returns the favor. "Now," Glomung asks Chrysalis: "What do we call you?" "Just call me Chrissy," Chrysalis says: "My mother used to call me that. If we are to work together as equals, then we will need to know each other." "Now, Chrissy," Glomung says: "You may call me Shiny." "Sorry, but I'm not comfortable with nicknames," Twilight apologizes to the older ladies: "You may call me Twily if needed, but I'm not sure if I'm comfortable calling by nicknames." "It's alright, Twilight," Chrysalis says: "There's no need to stress." "Chrissy," Glomung says: "Do you know what a stand is?" "No, what is it?" "Are you familiar with the idea of Potens?" Twilight adds. "Yes," Chrysalis replies: "Unfortunately, I don't have the power that is called Potentia." "Why don't you try?" Glomung summons part of her stand. "You are a Potens?" Chrysalis' jaw almost dropped. "The power known as Potentia to your people is called a stand in this world, and individuals in possession of such power are called stand users." "What a crude name," Chrysalis facepalms: "Alright, stand it is." "You are rather good at this," Twilight comments as countless little bug creatures emerge from Chrysalis' body: "Do you know of their powers?" "Let me see," Chrysalis closes her eyes as the creatures fly around her: "Hmmm, splendid. Shared vision, a transformation of the possessed, power and memory extraction?" "That is certainly useful," Glomung gives Twilight a look: "Are you sure you don't know what a stand is before?" "I never said that," Twilight shakes her head as the creatures disappear slowly and Chrysalis open her eyes: "I know the principles of Pot...I mean stands and how they work, but I was never in possession of such power." "Is that so," Glomung hands Chrysalis a map with a red circle on it: "We need to find a man called Discord, but he's now in a nursing home." "Discord?" Chrysalis gasps: "He is here?" "Yes, but senile," Glomung explains: "Celestia and Luna destroyed his mind, rendering him...broken." "So they are here as well, eh?" Chrysalis says as two bug-like creatures emerging from her hands: "I'll get in and..." "We will go with you," Glomung says: "So we might need more than that." "Fine," Chrysalis sighs as four more crawled out of her sleeves: "Then I hope you are ready." "Oh, I thought you three are taking tonight off?" Nurse Jovial asks as three others entered the doors of the Nursing home. "Really?" One of the three nurses, named Breezy, frowns: "I'm pretty sure we are supposed to take care of Mr. Discord tonight." "Huh," Jovial frowns, reaching for the phone: "There must be a mix-up, let me call real quick." "That would be great," Breezy chuckles: "Right, Windy?" "Right!" Windy lifts a finger, and a purple robotic arm reaches into Jovial's body, taking a book out, quickly writing some information on the pages before putting the book back. "Nevermind," Jovial says: "It's supposed to be you guys, sorry about that; it has been a long day!" "It's alright," Breezy chuckles: "We've got to go, say hello to your sister for me tomorrow!" "Of course!" Jovial waves her friend's goodbye. "Alright, you two," The third nurse murmurs to Breezy and Windy: "You only have 2 minutes, and don't call each other by real names!" Breezy then enters Discord's room, with Windy following behind. As soon as the door closes, the third nurse snapped her fingers, and time outside of Discord's room stopped flowing: Be quick, Twilight, Chrissy, the nurse thinks: I can only hold my breath for so long! "Alright," Breezy says, looking to the old man snoring on the sofa, his body wrapped by life-support system: "Do it." "Right," Windy exhales as a purple robotic stand emerges, reaching its' hands into Discord's body, pulling out two books. "Luna!" Suddenly, the decaying body, which remained unconscious for ages, kicked into motion and grabbed the shoulder of Twilight's stand. "Let go!" Twilight says with a panicked voice. "Luna..." Due to old age and extraction of his life force, that is, the unique ability of his stand, Discord drew his last breath, ending the terror that once plagued Celestia and Luna. "Compose yourself!" Chrysalis, Breezy, scolded Twilight, who is disguising as Windy and is hyperventilating: "The books are invisible to others!" "Right, right, right, right, right..." Twilight tries to control her breath while trying to rationalize this situation: I can fix this! Once I have the power of Sunset and her friends! I will resolve all of this! This is for the greater goods! It's only a small sacrifice! I will fix everything! This is part of the plan! I can fix it! "Just relax," Breezy sighs: "Now, quick, we have little time." "Indeed," Having stabilized her breath, Twilight's stand holds both books in one arm while knocking on the door with the other, notify Glomung, disguising as the third nurse, that all is down. With a snap of fingers, time outside of the room resumes. "No!" Breezy screams: "Someone, help!" The third then barges into the room, only to storm out seconds later screaming for help. All is an act. > Deceit > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So, it's finally over, huh?" Rainbow pulls over at the side of Sunset's apartment. "Yeah, seems like it," Sunset unbuckles herself: "Thank you for everything!" "Sure!" Rainbow jumps out of the car: "But you are free to stay if you want to!" "I've been taken advantage of your hospitality for long enough," Sunset chuckles, getting her traveling bag from the back of the car: "And since the dazzlings are no longer a threat, it's time for me to be on my own." "Haven't you been on your own for a long time?" Rainbow asks, locking her car. "Yeah, but you've been sleeping on the floor while I rested on your bed!" Sunset unlocks the door to her apartment. "But I like to sleep on the floor!" Rainbow follows Sunset into the apartment: "Especially on an airbed." "That's terribly kind of you," Sunset put the bag on the ground: "Besides, I can't just stay and..." "Take advantage of my hospitality?" Rainbow asks. "That's now exactly what I was going to say," Sunset unzipped her bag: "But let's just go with your words." "Come on, no need to be like that," Rainbow puts a hand on Sunset's shoulder: "Plus, don't you need someone to keep an eye on you?" "Oh, you mean the possibility of spontaneous pneumothorax?" Sunset asks. "Spontaneous what?" Rainbow frowns: "I thought your lung could collapse again." "That's what spontaneous pneumothorax means," Sunset smiles: "Don't worry about me; I can take care of myself!" "Right," Rainbow laughs nervously: "But hey, do swing by any time you feel like it!" "Thank you, Rainbow," Sunset hugs her friend: "That means a lot!" "Sure," Rainbow returns the favor: "Hey, is that an opened pack of cigarettes I'm looking at now?" "Oh, that," Sunset turns around, picks up the opened box, and tosses it into the trash can: "I no longer need that." "I figured," Rainbow examines the box with a few cigarettes left in it: "How long would a pack like last you?" "I haven't touched it for a long time," Sunset sigh: "But if I were to smoke, then a pack of 20 would last me a month." "Well, can't exactly smoke after that lung surgery, eh?" Rainbow asks: "Glad you decided to quit." "Honestly, I haven't smoked since this whole stand thingy," Sunset stretches: "I used to smoke when I'm stressed, but not now for some reason." " I guess it's because you are hanging out with us," Rainbow shrugs: "We are pretty amazing!" "Actually, it might be the reason," Sunset says, while memories start to play like a movie in her mind: "Before That, I was too focused on...well, you know. Ever since Princess Twilight showed up and I started to hang out with you girls, I feel...I don't know. I feel like...I have a purpose again." "Purpose, eh?" Rainbow giggles: "Oh, stop it." "Glad I quitted early," Sunset says: "Now I can't even do it even if I want to." "I'm sorry for what happened," Rainbow inhales: "Among the three of, you are the only one to suffer long-term consequences! AJ and I..." Suddenly realized what she is saying, Rainbow freezes in place. "AJ and you what?" Sunset's eyes open wide, her voice quavering. The thought of her friends suffering because of her plagues Sunset's mind. "Ehh...It's getting late! I'd better go home!" "NO!" Sunset raised her voice uncontrollably, hand firmly gripping Rainbow's arm: "You are not leaving!" "Fine, fine!" Rainbow shales Sunset's handoff: "Look, we didn't mean to hurt you. We knew that you feel guilty about the sirens, so we didn't want that to hinder your recovery!" "I understand," Sunset groans, her chest feeling tight already: "I'm sorry for..." "Don't you even dare to finish that sentence!" Rainbow covers Sunset's month: "The sirens down;t come for you! Sure, they did eventually target you, but it's not your fault! They would have run into someone else and target that other person if you didn't beat them first!" "I see," Sunset gently guides Rainbow's hand away from her mouth: "But still..." "Hi, are you feeling alright?" Rainbow as Sunset slowly sits down on the sofa: "You look...a bit pale." "I'm alright," Sunset messages her temple while trying to stabilize her breath: "It's...something to process. Guess I can't really blame since I just recovered." "Look," Rainbow struggles to come up with something to say: "It's not your fault. If anything, you saved us." "Rainbow..." Sunset's phone buzzed, cutting her sentence short: "Oh my..." "What happened?" "Vice-Principle Luna is in trouble! We need to help her!" "Are the sirens free?" "No, it's Principal Celestia!" > Shadow Cast Long > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "We are here!" Rainbow says, pulling on the emergency brake. Sunset unbuckles herself, jumps out of the car before the car completely stops. "Sunset!" Rainbow chases after her friend: "Just wait!" "We must hurry!" Sunset bursts through the locked glass gate: "Luna can't defend herself against Celestia!" "That doesn't make any sense!" Using her stand power, Rainbow quickly catches up to her friend: "Why would they just have a battle to the death all of a sudden?" "I don't know!" Sunset slows down, her vision blurred: "We must hurry..." "Is that a yawn?" Rainbow makes a face as Sunset sits down: "We don't..." "Rainbow!" Sunset manages to catch Rainbow's unconscious body before passing out herself. "What the...are we dead?" Rainbow shouts, looking at her body, lying next to Sunsets'. "I don't know," Sunset looks down at her hands and at the bodies; the cold sensation of the floor lingers on her palms. "We seem to be breathing," Rainbow comments after examine their bodies: "But what is this then?" "Realm between dream and reality..." Sunset summons her stand. Instead of seeing a golden figure hovering in the air, Sunset's hands transform into that of Day Gone By's: "Don't worry, Luna must have put our bodies to sleep while keeping our minds awake!" "Again, doesn't make any sense!" Rainbow exhales. "Enough of the chit-chat," Sunset turns her attention to the school halls: "Let's get going!" "Sister, come to your senses!" Luna shouts as Celestia approaches, slowly and ominously. "Vice-Principal Luna!" Sunset calls out as the girls come to her aid. "Sunset, Rainbow!" Luna responds, eyes focused on her sister: "My sister is possessed!" "By a ghost?" Rainbow asks as Celestia rips a locker away from the wall. "By a stand!" Luna replies as the group ducks. The metal box was launched at them before breaking the wall behind the group and into the next room: "Be careful not to get hit! You will not suffer any physical injury, but the pain of your skull shattering will be detrimental! My sister can manipulate density, and it's not to be underestimated! " "What do we do?" Rainbow asks, looking at the result of the attack. "We need to knock her out cold!" Luna says: "Hit with all your power! My sister is too powerful for me to control directly, but with your help..." "Got it!" Rainbow pushes Sunset and Luna aside and launches herself at herself. "Rainbow, no!" Luna shouts, but it's too late. Celestia raises her hands, ready for impact. Rather than crushing into the Principal, Rainbow unleashed a powerful gravitational push when she's close enough. Unprepared for this surprise, Celestia was pushed backward and crashed into the wall. Rainbow, on the other hand, stopped her motion with the forces driving in opposite directions. "Is that it?" Sunset runs up to her friend. "I guess so," Rainbow shrugs: "It's much easier than I expected!" "I don't think so!" Sunset points at the wall: "She can control density, yeah?" "Duck!" Rainbow shouts as small pieces of rocks fly toward them. "That was a close one," Sunset looks back at the rocks, now buried into the concrete layers: "Their density will increase dramatically the moment they hit us!" "Let me guess, she first reduces their density," Rainbow inhales: "So not to pass out from the impact and throwing them so fast..." "Dora!" Sunset cries out as her fists moving quickly to block several rocks incoming. "Now what?" Rainbow says through gritted teeth. "Rainbow," Sunset says, her hands shaking out of pain as if multiple bones are broken: "When I say, 'Rainbow, now!' You unleash your power to push on Celestia! Don't send her flying; just push!" "Wha..." Before she knows it, Rainbow finds herself behind Luna. The cause of Celestia throwing rocks is because she crash-landed moon the wall, Sunset thinks: And the reason for her crushing is Rainbow's push. If I can eliminate the proper [CASUE], that is, Rainbow's push, Celestia would have never been launched! As Celestia appears before her, Sunset launches a punch with her full strength, aiming at Celestia's face. Unfortunately, with years of experience at her side, Celestia intercepted Sunset's attack with ease. "Rainbow, now!" Sunset then ducks, praying that Celestia turns her attention away. "Surprise, you freak!" Rainbow shouts, hoping to get the possessed Principal's attention, use her stand to push as hard as she can without throwing Celestia off. "What?" Celestia looks away and raises her arms to block potential income attacks. This is the chance! As Celestia looks away, Sunset jumps up, lands a punch on Celestia's face, and knocks her out cold. "Thank, my students," Luna kneels down next to her unconscious sister: "This is still the realm between dream and reality, so please stay by for a moment longer." "Sure," Rainbow yawns: "What was that?" "I will explain later," Luna lies down next to her sister: "If anything goes wrong, get out of here." "But, Princess...I mean Vice-Principal," Sunset says: "We can't just abandon you like this!" " You must," Luna closes her eyes. "Well, now what?" Rainbow asks, reaching into her pocket. "Your body is still asleep, remember?" Sunset raises an eyebrow. "Yeah, the phone is still with my body," Rainbow says after giving it a moment of thought: "Never in a million years could I have imagined that I will say something like this." "I hope everything turns out ok," Sunset sigh, eyes focusing on the sisters. "Sunset," Rainbow says: "Tell me, do you..." The world suddenly was engulfed by darkness before Rainbow finishes her sentence: "Sunset?" "Rainbow Dash..." A faint voice calls out. "Fluttershy?" Rainbow turns around: "What are you doing here?" "You failed me!" Fluttershy mumbles: "You promised to protect me, but you failed?" "What?" Rainbow's eyes widen: "I...I..." "Rainbow Dash..." Sunset calls: "You promised to help me, but you failed; why?" "Sunset!" Rainbow looks behind: "I'm sorry, but you wanted to move out!" "You failed!" "You failed!" "No, no!" Rainbow shouts: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Please! Don't leave me aside! Please, I beg of you!" "Rainbow, Rainbow!" Rainbow Dash opens her eyes and sits bolt upright. "Ouch!" Sunset tried as Rainbow's head hit hers: "Rainbow! What was that!" "Sorry," Rainbow apologizes: "I'm sorry!" "Come to your senses!" Sunset grabs Rainbow's shoulders: "It was all a dream!" "A dream?" Rainbow looks around: Shattered glass, the school entrance, and the phone in her pocket. It was all a dream: "Where is Principal Celestia and Vice-principal Luna?" "I don't know," Sunset messages her temples: "I too had a nightmare, one where you and the girls all d...because of me...Because of my mistake." "Sunset," Rainbow put a hand over Sunset's shoulder: "We'll be fine! Don't blame yourself for anything!" "You are right," Sunset lied: "I will get over with it, and let's check on Celestia and Luna." "Did you hear that?" Sunset asks: "It's Principal Celestia! It's from her office!" "Then what are we waiting for?" Rainbow pushes Sunset aside and kicks the door open: "Vice-Principal Luna!" "Someone..." Facing away from the office door, Celestia kneels in front of her sister, her voice quivering: "Someone...anyone!" "I can help!" Sunset squeezes into the office. "NO!" Celestia exclaims: "You can heal Luna by removing the cause of her state, but the result will be catastrophic!" "I..." Sunset freezes guilt, slowly eating away her heart. "Sorry, I'm sorry..." Celestia stabilizes her breath: "There's nothing we can do for Luna at this point, just call an ambulance and make sure she fine otherwise." "What happened?" Rainbow takes out her phone. "To destroy that stand," Celestia whispers: "Luna must shatter my mind. However, she hesitated. At the moment of weakness, the stand possessed my sister. Thereby, my sister shattered her own mind." "What does that mean?" Sunset asks, frozen in place. "That means Vice-Principal Luna is gone." Celestia breaks down in tears. > Point of No Return > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Whatever happened just happened," Twilight takes her glasses off, messaging her temple as a book combusts into flame. Twilight groans before leaving her seat. "So Luna is out," Glomung comments, leaning against a wall, arms crossed: "Good job, Twi." "Please do not call me that," Twilight glares at Glomung: "Now what?" "Do not be so angry," Glomung chuckles: "Twilight, now, we wait." "For what?" Twilight sighs. "You seem tired," Glomung studies the girl: "Sure everything is ok?" "Just tell me what to do," Twilight sighs again: "I have come thus far." "Now that Discord's stand is defeated," Glomung rolls her eyes: "All we can do is waiting until Chrysalis gathers enough information." "Where is Chrysalis now?" Twilight asks, collapsing back onto her seat, eyes staring straight at the floor. "Gathering information," Glomung stretches: "Do not worry, everything is proceeding correctly." "Is that so," Twilight smashes her head against the table. "Hi," Chrysalis barges in: "They are hiring a new Vice-Principal." "A new Vice-Principal, eh?" Glomung says, her brows slowly forms a frown: "Whom might that be?" "Some kid called Limestone," Chrysalis shrugs. "Limestone?" Glomung lets out a sigh of relief, her frown disappearing as her brow straightens: "That kid?" "You know her?" Chrysalis raises an eyebrow. "She had a temper," Glomung says: "But she is not a threat." "Then what were you frowning about?"Chrysalis chuckles. "That is my problem," Glomung says, leaving the room: "Stay away from them for now." "Whatever," Chrysalis rolls her eyes as the door shuts: "Twilight, what do you think?" "I will do whatever is necessary," Twilight whispers: "I have come thus far." "Have you ever hear of the tale of the Element of Harmony?" Chrysalis keeps her voice low. "No, what is that?" Twilight lifts her head a bit. "I thought not," Chrysalis raises her voice as Glomung's car pulls off: "It is not a story that a human would know. The Elements of Harmony are powerful artifacts, capable of accomplishing anything when concentrated onto one pony." "Your point?" Twilight groans. "Unfortunately, the elements will never do anything for its' owner," Chrysalis shakes her head, pretending to take pity on the owners of the elements: "The owners can help others, but not themselves. There are only six elements, but legends about a 7th element are there. The legend goes that if a pony gathers all seven elements, she will then sacrifice her own life for the good of others." "What?" Twilight's eyes shift towards Chrysalis while her head is still half-buried in her arms. "Just saying," Chrysalis shrugs before leaving the room: "I know more about magic and this 'stand' thingy than others. If you want to achieve something, I may be able to help you." "Why are you telling me this?" Twilight stands bolt up, facing Chrysalis. "Glomung told you that Sunset and her friends bare the Elements in this world," Chrysalis smirks: "In my world, you are part of the Elements. Just think about it!" "How do I know if you are not lying?" Twilight glares at Chrysalis, her stand ready to go. "You can telling Glomung about it," Chrysalis turns her back at Twilight: "Or you can do what you must do. I cannot stand aside as some pony...I mean, someone is putting so much effort into destroying themselves." "Is that so," Twilight says with a cold tone: "Then leave my room. I want to be alone." "Whatever you say," Chrysalis sighs, leaving the room, closing the door, and leaves Twilight alone to think. "Thank you for coming, Limestone," Celestia smiles, but the bags under her eyes tell a different story. "Of course, Ms. Faust," Limestone takes a seat, putting her bag next to the chair before keeping her hands on her knees while keeping her back straight up: "How are you sister doing?" "She is all right," Celestia inhales: "I will not be able to supervise the girls' training, so that is where you need to fill in." "Of course," Limestone clears her throat: "Are they good?" "Sunset Shimmer is," Celestia rub her eyes: "The girl with crimson hair and yellow strips, that is her." "What about the others?" Limestone asks, leaning her body forward slightly. "The others need more training," Celestia says, removing her hands from eyes: "Can I count on you?" "You can count on me, Principal," Limestone assures the Principal. "Is that so?" Celestia asks as a giant white fist launches at Limestone's face at full speed. "Oh, Ms. Faust, always with the test!" Corners of Limestone's mouth tilt upwards as she casually dodges the attack by moving, tilting her head out of the way. As the fist moved past her head, time itself stopped. "Oh, Principal," Limestone rolls her eyes as a pair of small, grey hands of a stand wrap around the fist of Celestia's stand. Five seconds have passed, and everything is back to normal. "You have not gotten rusty," Celestia smiles: "I will cover any fee incurred from the training." "No need for that, Principal," Limestone says as their stands vanished: "You take care of your sister, and I will take career of mine." > Looming > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alone in her room, Sunset hides. The blinds shut, the lights out. The friendship she earned, the friendship she feared. They called her the cursed; her friends claimed otherwise. Nevertheless, one disaster comes after the other. What if my friends are wrong? Sunset groans at the thought, burying her head in her hands. Her fists clutch, pulling strings of red out. "Days Gone By..." Sunset mumbles as a humanoid figure with crimson color and yellow strip emerge. Sunset examines her stand: The figure, with glowing orange eyes, hair flowing like flame, yet lacks a mouth, standstill. "That is enough," Sunset sighs, reach a hand out as her stand pulls its' master up from the ground: "Thank you," Sunset says as her stand vanishes into thin air. Sunset sighs again as the girl drags her body across the room and opens the blinds. The afternoon sun brights up the entire room as shadows are cast-off to the nether. Sunset turns around, leans against the window frame, and observes her room. Where there is sun, the shadow will die. However, what of the corners where the sun will never shine? Sunset frowns at the thought, pulling the blinds down again. The room is once again engulfed in darkness. My friends, they have been at my side; Sunset covers her face with a palm: But what have I ever done for them aside from bringing disasters? Is there anything I can do? I should leave them alone, right? Would the dazzlings have attacked regardless of my existence? Would Luna be ok if I never came to this school? Did I bring all those bad things? Or was it just bad timing? Sunset lets out another sigh. "We used to fight with each other!" "Agh!" Startled by her phone, Sunset falls off of the frame and lands facedown on the ground. "Hi, Rainbow," Sunset picks up the phone. "Sunset, where the hay are you?" Rainbow shouts: "I called you like five times!" "Sorry, sorry," Sunset gets back on her feet. "We are supposed to meet at 3, remember?" "R...right!" Sunset hastily puts her jacket on before hanging up: "Just one minute!" They are my only friends, Sunset thinks, her mind still clouded: And I will protect them, no matter the price. As Sunset leaves her apartment, a tiny insect with glowing green eyes and tree-like skin follows closely. "Where are you off to?" Chrysalis asks while lying on the sofa. "Your story," Twilight says with a cold tone, putting a hoodie on: "I must know whether it is true or not." "Then be my guest," Chrysalis sighs, shaking her head as Twilight, a few machine-looking purple arms, each with three fingers and multiple joints connected by a ball-like structure, grabs a book and shoves it into Twilight's abdomen. "You ok?" Chrysalis asks, raising an eyebrow as Twilight's upper body curls up. "I am fine," Twilight gagged before hastily leaving her house, slamming the door shut. "If you say so," Chrysalis rolls her eyes as a bug-like creature emerges from her sleeve, flies out of the window, and follows Twilight. "Where is Sunset?" Rainbow groans. "Girls, I do not know if you have taken notice of this," Rarity pouts, struggles to think of a word: "But Sunset has been...eh..." "Secluded?" Fluttershy adds, petting a rabbit on her laps. "Yes, what she says," Rarity gives credit to Fluttershy: "The point being, Sunset is reluctant to share anything with us." "Maybe she is just tired?" Applejack adjusts her hat: "It has been rough for her recently." "We need to throw a party for her!" Pinkie says, firing the party canon as confetti cover her friends: "You know, to show Sunset that we love her!" "Thank you, Pinkie," Rarity coughs up a few confetti: "But I do not think that is it." "I agree with Rarity," Rainbow adds, still looking at her phone while Fluttershy gives Pinkie an angry stare: "Ever since the incident with Luna, Sunset just...cut herself off from us!" "Maybe Sunset thought she was bringing us bad luck!" Applejack says, pulling Rainbow's phone away to her hand with the help of stand power. "Give it back!" Rainbow run-up to Applejack, trying to get her phone back. "Then that is it! We need to throw a party!" Pinkie refrained from firing the party canon again so to avoid Fluttershy's stare. "Pinkie may be right," Fluttershy says as the rabbit snore on her legs: "We just need to let Sunset know that we are here!" "Sunset?" Rainbow snatched her phone from Applejack's grasp, but instead of checking her phone, Rainbow's attention was diverted to a hooded figure next to the portal. The figure tilted her head slightly, revealing a strange device in her hands. "Oh, no, partner," As her power activates, the device flies out of the figure's hand and to Applejack's grasp. Having no options, the figure runs in the opposite direction. "Wait up!" Rainbow throws her phone at Applejack before launching herself at the figure: "Anvil Chorus! Help me!" As a blue line covers her body, Rainbow pulls the figure flying towards her. However, just as Rainbow's hand touched the figure's back, the figure disappeared into nothingness. "Um, girls? Who was that?" Just arrived at the scene, Sunset is visibly confused about the situation. "I do not know!" Rainbow stares at their hands, jaws dropped: "What was that?" "Do not know," Applejack put Rainbow's phone into her hands before showing Sunset the device: "But we have a problem!" On the other side of the school, where the student battled the sirens weeks ago, a book flips open as a hooded figure slowly crawls out. The figure covers her mouth with a hand before vomiting out a book named: Portal Two. "Ough! Ough!" The figure coughs, struggling to get up. It is indeed hard to keep two abilities together. > Pain > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So you are telling that she just disappeared into thin air?" Limestone put the strange devices away. "Yes!" Rainbow's voice pitched: "She did!" "I know it sounds...weird," Sunset explains: "But I was there! I saw what happened! So did the rest of us!" "Um," Limestone gives the girls a glance, whom all nod in agreement: "And none of you know what she looks like?" "I am afraid not, Ms. Pie," Applejack takes her hat off, scratches the back of her head while averting eye contact: "But I did see a pair of glasses!" "It is settled then," Limestone proceeds, head resting on her hand before anyone else had a chance to describe the appearance of the unwelcomed guest: "I will report to the Principal about this event. Sunset Shimmer!" "Yes?" Startled by the cold-calling, Sunset's head popped up. "Stand up." Limestone continues, a pair of glowing, greenish-yellow eyes focused on the nervous girl: "You can heal, right?" "Y-yes, Princess! I mean Vice-Principal!" Sunset pouts at her mistake. "Ok then," Limestone declares while picking up her phone: "Everyone meets me at the football field after school. I need to contact the Principal and all of you out of my office!" "Wow," Rainbow whispers, spearing the office door a glance as it shuts behind them: "What is her problem?" "Less complaining, more leaving!" Limestone shouts, her voice almost sent the blue girl through the ceiling. "Yes, ma'am!" Rainbow replies before sneaking away from the office as her friends giggle. "It is ok, Rainbow!" Pinkie pulls Rainbow into a powerful hug: "Limestone is just like that sometimes; she does not mean to hurt you!" "O-Ok!" Rainbow squeezes the words from the gritted teeth as she struggles to get away from Pinkie's iron grip. "Darlings!" Rarity giggles somehow manage to free Rainbow from Pinkie's arms with a gentle push: "The Vice-Principal has a high standard, that is all! I am sure she will be quite helpful in the future!" "Rarity is right!" Pinkie shouts: "You guys will love her!" "I do not know..." Fluttershy murmurs, hiding behind her long-pink hair: "She is scary..." "Do not worry, Fluttershy!" Applejack takes off her hat, puts it on Fluttershy's head, all the while wearing a gentle smile on her face: "You are with us! There is nothing to be scared about! Right, Rainbow?" "Right!" Rainbow wraps an arm over Fluttershy's shoulder: "The Vice-Principal may be scary, but we are here with you! Besides, she is Pinkie Pie's sister! Surely she will go easy on her little sister's best friends!" "Oh, do not worry, Fluttershy!" Pinkie Pie pets Fluttershy's head and lowers her voice: "Auntie Pinkie will protect you!" "I am a year older than you!" Fluttershy mumbles. "Girls, I do not mean to interrupt you," Rarity walks to her friends: "It is simply lovely that you are sharing such a bond, but...Aren’t we forgetting someone?" "Where is Sunset?" Realizing the absence of a friend, Rainbow starts to look around. "She was just next to me a moment ago," Rarity sighs: "And then she is gone!" "Concern it!" Applejack facepalmed: "She is part of the team, and we just forget about her? Some friends we are!" "Rainbow, darling," Rarity put a hand over Rainbow Dash's shoulder: "You and Sunset are close, so can you...ask her if everything is ok?" "I just do not know if she is gonna listen!" Rainbow scratches her head: "She has been avoiding me since Vice-Principal Luna...you know!" "Or, we can just throw a party!" Pinkie shouts while throwing confetti everywhere with her bare hands. "Yeah, I do not think that is gonna work," Rainbow sighs: "I think we need to convince Sunset that we care about her!" "Or maybe," Fluttershy suggests, her voice so quiet that only Rainbow can hear it: "She just does not want to bring us bad luck." "But that is ridiculous!" Rainbow frowns, her arm still wrapped around Fluttershy: "Why would she think that!" "I literally said the same thing," Applejack rolled her eyes: "But why would she think that way exactly?" "If I may," Rarity closes her eyes, inhales, exhales before explaining: "The...series of events in recently did occur after Sunset joined us. I personally do not believe Sunset is the cause, but she might have rationalized it differently." "Ok, I will talk to her," Rainbow sighed: "But there is no way that she will listen." "Good evening," Chrysalis greets Twilight, while still lying on the couch, as the front door of the Sparkle household creaks open: "How is your research." Twilight slams the door shut, kicks her shoes off, and goes up the stairs without looking at Chrysalis. "Ok," Chrysalis shrugs as Twilight's parent follows Twilight upstairs. This Twilight, Chrysalis thinks: is lonely, insecure, unstable, and yet powerful. She can literally take other stand user's power and even personality away. Just look at her own parents! Walking around the house like zombies with that creepy smile mounted on their faces. Sometimes, I wonder if their true self was just trapped somewhere deep down, scream in horror as their daughter changes their personality and memory to her liking. "Agh..." Chrysalis groans as her phone rings. It is a message from Glomung: I will be there in an hour, do not try anything funny. "Sunset, Sunset, SUNSET!" Adagio screams on top of her lunges and lands a punch on the wall as the light in her trailer flickers on and off. "How upsetting..." A familiar voice speaks from the dark corners of the room. "Sunset?" Adagio looks towards the direction where the voice comes from. "Not quite," The shadow says: "You may call me Glomung." "SUNSET!" Adagio shouts before charging. Unable to summon her stand, the siren grabbed a pot before swinging at Glomung with full force. Although she cannot see precisely who that is, Adagio will never forget that voice. "Ouch!" "Sister?" Adagio looks in shock as Aria's unconscious body rolls on the floor. "Consider this a gift," Glomung murmurs directly into Adagio's ears: "The other one is in bed now. I may need your assistance one day, but before that day comes, consider this an act of generosity." "Sunset Shimmer, what is your..." Adagio turns around, but Glomung is already gone. > We Are in This Together > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What the..." Sunset stands in front of her locker dumbfounded, her mouth locked open and eyes widen. Her locker, originally a deep green color, is now covered in red paint. "Dude..." Sunset reaches for the lock and finds it to be absent. As the metal door cracks open, Sunset discovers that all her items are trashed and covered in paint as well. On top of the pile is a sticky note, reads: You deserved it. Deserved it? Sunset's eyes twitch. Did I deserve it? Sunset's fist tightened as the tip of her fingers paled. DID I DESERVE IT? Blinded by rage, Sunset smacks her fist against the wall and through the concrete. Dust settles down as sense return to Sunset's brain. What am I doing? Sunset questions herself. I need to fix this! Sunset thought, readying her stand. "Sunset?" Rainbow's voice echoes from the other side: "What happened?" "Rainbow!" Sunset's fingers freeze in place. "Just you stay!" Rainbow shouts before dashing off. "Ok," Sunset groans as her fingers snap. The wall is back to normal, but the locker is not. My stand activated when I punch the wall; Sunset thinks, look down at her hands: But should I be mad at all? I did terrible things before, but it was in the past, right? I do deserve it, don't I? Don't I? "Hi!" Rainbow shouts, smacking Sunset on the back. "Ouch!" Sunset cried out: "Hi!" "Sorry," Rainbow chuckled: "Everything ok?" "No," Sunset frowns while looking at the mess that is her locker. "Who did this?" Rainbow frowns in anger: "Just you wait if I find out..." "No, no," Sunset waves her hand: "No need for that. I will deal with it myself." "Look," Rainbow put a hand over Sunset's shoulder: "Just fix it now, and we will find out who did this!" "Please do not," Sunset exhales: "They will do the same to you if..." "So what?" Rainbow cuts Sunset off: "You are my friend! What kind of friend does not stand up for each other?" "But I brought nothing but bad luck!" Sunset messages her temples; her eyes closed: "Why do you want to be around me?" "Sunset," Rainbow sighs: "You helped me to master my stand, ok? I owe you that much. Besides, we are the only stand users! We should stick together!" "Yeah?" Sunset murmurs, a wry smile forms on her face: "Thank you, Rainbow." "Sure!" Rainbow lets out a sigh of relief. Being emotional is never her thing, but Rainbow will do whatever is necessary to help her friend. Luckily, it seems like her message got through before things got too emotional: "Great! Let us clean this mess up and find out who did it!" "Let us do it!" Sunset forced a smile out on her face. I will do whatever is necessary to keep my friends happy and safe, she thinks: Rainbow is correct, it is my duty. "So, what did you tell Twilight," Glomung asks. The light in her car turns on. "Me?" Chrysalis' jew dropped: "How could you say such a thing?" "Come one, Chrissy," Glomung hands Chrysalis a piece of chocolate cookie: "Be honest with me." "I was just telling her story," Chrysalis takes the cookie, shrugging her shoulders: "Next thing you know, she is upset!" "You sure are a good actor!" Glomung chuckles: "Listen, Twilight is just a test. I am not sure what all those power is capable of and how it would affect a person. If it ends up working, then we all benefit from it. If it fails, no one gets hurt." "Yeah?" Chrysalis yawns, surprised at how calculating her partner is: "I should probably tell Twilight!" "If you do," Glomung shrugs: "And she fails, you will then have no one to help you. If she succeeds, you will not get that much more out of it. Plus, do you think I would allow her to get that strong without having a backup plan?" "Whatever," Chrysalis yawns: "I will listen to you this time." "Wise decision," Glomung unlocks the car door: "Have a good night then." "Good morning, Acey!" Sour Sweet greet with a big smile on her face. The school was over hours ago, but some students remained on campus for the upcoming Friendship Game. Among them is Sour Sweet. Nevertheless, never once had Sour say hello to Arctic without trying to get something from him. This time, however, is different. "Morning, Sour," Arctic spares a hand to wave at his classmate, a gentle smile on his face: "Are you ok?" "She is," Twilight emerges from the corner; her frazzled hair speaks madness.: "She is nicer to you than before." "Twilight," Arctic frowns: "What did you do exactly?" "I made her better," Twilight speaks, sauntering towards Arctic and pass Sour Sweet: "She should thank me." "Twilight, this is not you," Arctic turns his full attention to Twilight, giving the girl a worried look: "Please, stop." "Now," Twilight approaches ever closer, stopping only inches from him before reaching her hand into Arctic's chest: "I will make you better too." Arctic blink several times before accepting the reality; his brain goes into automatic damage control model: "Twilight, what is it? Please stop!" "With only a thought," Twilight explains, eyes open wild as she stares right into Arctic's soul: "Who you were will disappear and be replaced with a better you." "Twilight," Arctic stares back at Twilight, avoiding looking down: "You will replace me with a new personality that you like! It is not necessarily better, you know! There is a difference between your preference and the objectives reality! I understand things are tough for you, but this is not the answer! Annihilating someone's personality and replacing a new one is like killing them and replace them with a different person with similar looks! You will never get their approval because the original person is gone! I know things are tough at times, but creating a big lie does not solve anything!" "Whatever," Twilight withdrew her hand from Arctic's chest: "See you at the Friendship Games." Twilight then leaves as Arctic tries to make sense of the situation. Stand is an alien concept to Arctic; one that he will be forced to learn. > Tomb of the Past > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What do you think you are doing?" Sunset shouts, a vein on her neck bulges out, and her fists clutch tightly as redlines cover her arms. "Ha?" A short young man named Snips slowly turns his head around as his eyes widen: "Sunset?" "What?" His friend, Snails, looks back at his former boss, his jaw locks open. "Let go of the bucket," Sunset hissed through gritted teeth, her head shaking slightly. "W...we don't fear you!" Snips throw the bucket at Sunset. Nevertheless, with only a snap of fingers, the bucket is back into his hands. "It is paint, isn't it?" Sunset groans, glaring at the pair, her eyes burning with anger: "For Rainbow's locker? What is wrong with you?" "Run!" Snips toss the bucket again before bolting away with his friend. "Agh..." Sunset groans and the pair is back in front of her face with the bucket in their hands with a snap of fingers: "We are going to the Vice Principal's office, now." "That will be five demerits for each of you," Limestone explains with a monotoned voice as the fan on her ceiling gradually stops spanning. "But we haven't even done anything!" Snips argue back, his voice quivers. "Precisely," Limestone glares at the two who desperately avoids eye contact with the Vice-Principal: "It would have been detention for both of you. Now get out." Limestone commands the two. "Thank you, Vice Principal," Sunset sighed as the two slightly left Limestone's office without saying a word. "Sure," Limestone replies, shuffling through paperwork while her eyes lock onto Sunset: "You seem troubled." "No, I'm ok," Sunset message her temples, her eyes drifting around the room: "It's just...they are coming after my friends because of me..." "The stick together," Limestone cut the worried student off: "Leaving them now would only make things worse." "I know!" Sunset squeezes her eyes close as her brows form a frown; her face hidden behind her palms: "Sorry... but I just want to fix this all!" "It's ok," Limestone sighed as the sound of paper shuffling stopped: "Fix it with the help of your friends, not by yourself. A stand is capable of many things, but it is just a tool in your hands, and a tool alone never solves your problem." "But," Sunset slowly removed her hands from her face as the frown persisted: "I just feel that I can do so much more! I should be able to fix it all!" "Vice-Principal Luna told me about you right after the prom," Limestone put the paperwork down: "Your stand first activated when you decided to change for the better, correct? It means your will to change is strong and whatever you did was right." "Wait, you guys know each other?" Sunset's eyes widen. "She was my English teacher back in the day," Limestone exhales sharply before covering her eyes with a hand: "The Vice-Principal spoke highly about you after the prom, so I believe you are on the right track. Just don't do anything rash." "Vice-Principal..." Sunset reaches out a hand as if she is offering Limestone help: "I..." "You are participating in the Friendship Games, right?" Limestone inhales before opening her eyes again as the cold glare lands on Sunset: "You need to master your powers without letting non-stand users find out." "O-Of course!" Sunset withdrew her hand as quickly as possible: "I will not let you down!" "Don't say it, do it," Limestone then shifts her attention back to the piles of papers on her desk: "Do you have any other questions? If not, just leave." "I have no further questions!" Sunset replies before dashing out of the door: "Thank you!" "Chrissy," Glomung says, her fingers dancing around the bookshelf: "Have you ever heard of the tragedy of Father Pucci?" "No, who was that?" Chrysalis asks, pulling out a book from the shelf. "Pucci is a stand user, powerful enough to create an entirely new universe from nothingness," Glomung sighed: "He became so powerful that the only thing he feared was that the universe he envisioned would not come to exist, which it never did." "Why are you telling me this?" Chrysalis paused for a moment before resuming her task. "Tell me, how you want revenge?" Glomung asks. "Why?" "Twilight serves no master," Glomung explains: "She's only helping us because she wants more information. Besides, her endeavor may be proven to be a failure." "Ok, ok," Chrysalis rolled her eyes: "I get it! Just have some faith in me, ok?" "It's your choice," Glomung giggled: "When Pucci failed, my position in this universe was replaced by a being from your world. Now, I'm nothing and no one. If you want to suffer the same fate, then be my guest." "Don't be ridiculous!" Chrysalis chuckled, a sense of uneasiness raises in her heart. After spending days spying on the stand users in CHS, Chrysalis has already noticed one student bearing striking similarities with 'Glomung.' "I have accumulated resources over the years, "Glomung continues with a snoozing tone as she gently stroking the tightly packed books: "If you want to be my friend, then I will be more than willing to share." "Of course," Chrysalis replies, as the corner of her mouth slightly tilts upwards: "My friend." > WHY ARE YOU HERE? > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Ok, Shadowbolts," Dean Cadence announces as the school bus comes to a halt: "We are here! Canterlot High is hosting a welcome party this afternoon, so have fun!" Students start cheering, some jumping off their seats while others already dashed off to attend the activities. "Twilight," Cadence, with a gentle smile on her face, turns her attention to a girl in the front seat: "Why don't you join the herd?" "It's just a formality," Twilight replies, her head leaning against the window as she gazes at the scene outside: "There is no point." "Well, maybe you will make a friend," Cadence chuckles: "Or several friends!" "Thank you, Cadence," Twilight sighs: "But I will stay on the bus." "If you join the party," Cadence clears her throat: "Maybe I can buy you a new book." "Really?" Twilight's voice pitched: "What book." "Any book!" Cadence promised. "Ok," Twilight stands up before stretching: "Then I will go, it's a promise, right?" "Right!" Cadence beamed at Twilight. "Alright then," Twilight groans before dragging her body off of the bus. "Oh, Twilight," Cadence chuckles, observing as Twilight vanishes into the crowd. Cadence, Twilight thinks to herself, walking past her classmates: She actually cares. Just you wait, Cadacnce, once I'm done with everything, I will return your ability... "Twilight! Hello!" Twilight snapped back to reality as a hand landed on her shoulder. "Who!" Twilight shakes off the hand before turning her attention to the stranger, a girl with a cowboy hat: "What do you want?" "What do I want?" The girl frowned at Twilight's cold glare: "What do you mean? Is everything ok, sugar cube? You look stressed." "No, I'm just..." Twilight closed her eyes and lowered her head: This is Applejack, no doubt, and her stand power has something to do with the magnetic field. If I can get her power...Great. Applejack, from what Chrysalis told, is quite helpful. So all I need to do is tell her that I'm going through things and she will listen. Once I have her attention, my stand should be able to extract her ability without causing a fuss. "Sugar cube?" Applejack leans in: "Is everything ok?" Suddenly a cold sensation invaded Applejack's skin, sending a shiver down her spine. There is something wrong with Twilight, indeed. "I'm ok," Twilight exhales: "Just a lot of things to deal with." "Ok," Applejack slowly backs off without turning her back to Twilight: "I also have...that thing over there, gotta go!" "Wait, what?" Twilight opens her eyes again, but Applejack is gone. What was that? Twilight made a face before entering the school building: Did Chrysalis get the wrong person? Or did Applejack somehow know what was I trying to do? I need to be more careful from now on... "TWILIGHT!" Twilight squeaked as she was pulled into a powerful hug. "I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!" A girl with pink curly hair shouts on top of her lunge as Twilight struggles to move at all. This is my chance! Twilight inhales as part of her stand manifests: a slim, sliver arm with three fingers attached to its' end. As Pinkie is distracted by the presence of her "friend," the sliver arm reaches into Pinkie's back, pulls a book out, and swiftly inserts it into Twilight's back. "Um?" Felt something; Pinkie looked behind but shrugged as there was nothing. "Pinkie..." Sensing a sharp pain in her abdomen, Twilight pushes Pinkie aside before curling into a ball on the ground. "Twilight?" Pinkie made a face before squatting down: "Is everything ok?" Without saying a word, Twilight slowly stood up and headed deep into the building. The girl, Pinkie, Twilight holds her stomach as her mind trails off: Has always been the strange one. The question is, how could anyone tolerate her? Why did they tolerate her? She said that she missed me, but we never even met! The same goes with Applejack; why are they acting as if we have known each other for years? No matter, they seemed to like me. If I'm lucky, then I will be able to collect all their abilities today...I hope. Why does it hurt so much? What is happening? "Twilight, darling, is that you?" Twilight exhales: great, another. "Hello," Twilight greets without turning her head: "Sorry, I'm not feeling too well." "You poor thing," Rarity walks up to Twilight, putting a hand over her shoulder before leaning in: "Is there anything I can help you with?" "Yeah..." Twilight murmurs. "Sorry, darling, I didn't catch that," Rarity leans in even more: "What is it?" Now is the chance! Twilight's stand appears, reaches into Rarity's back, and takes out a book. "Oh!" Rarity jumped. What the? Panicked, Twilight calls her stand back as soon as possible: Did she know? But how? The moment the book entered her body, Twilight collapsed to the ground as the sensation of a heavy punch arrived. "Spider!" Rarity screams while jumping around: "Get it off! Twilight! You must help me!" "Is everything ok?" Hearing the disturbance, Sunset Shimmer emerges from the corner of the hall. What? The pain in her stomach numbs as Sunset enters: Is that...no...that can't be...but...then who... "Twilight?" Sunset's jaw dropped, her eyes filtering out the "dancing" Rarity: "Is that..." "Sunset!" Rarity grabs Sunset's collar while shaking the girl: "There's a spider on my back! Help me!" "Let go! There are no spiders!" Twilight crawled into an opening locker and closed the door as the two dealt with the spider incident. "Pinkie's power..." Twilight murmurs, trying not to throw up as her hands clutch onto her abdomen: "Nuvole Bianche, now!" With her stand activated, Twilight can use any power she has stored in her body. Thus far, it was Pinkie and Rarity. In her current circumstance, Pinkie's power is the most appropriate. Only in an instant, Twilight was transported from the cluttered school locker to her closet at home. "Chrysalis!" Twilight shouts with the last of her strength. "Wow, kid," Chrysalis opens the closet door before squatting down: "I thought..." "Enough!" Twilight cuts Chrysalis off: "Where is Glomung? I need to talk to her!" > Eye of the Storm > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "You guys sure about that?" Limestone raised an eyebrow, looking at the mess around her: "The party today left quite a mess." "Yes, Vice-Principal," Sunset speaks up: "I'm pretty sure we are up to the task." "Well," As the other girls nodded in agreement, Limestone sighed: "Fine, you guys clean the gym, and I will take care of the other parts." "Ok, girls," Sunset inhales, the sound of Limestone's footstep vanish: "So, what happened?" "I'll go first!" Pinkie shouts, waving her hand jumping up and down: "Today, I saw Twilight! I was like Twilight! Nice to see you! Then I felt something tapping my back, I looked back, and there was nothing! Then, Twilight pushed me aside and left!" "Welp, I got a feeling of uneasiness from her," Applejack comments: "Maybe it's just a feeling, but who knows?" "Speaking of which," Rarity adds: "She looked awful! I wonder what happened after the last time we met!" "Um, actually," Sunset made a face: "I contacted Princess Twilight, and she was in her castle the entire day today!" "Maybe she's trying to cover something up?" Rainbow scratches her head. "That's not like Twilight," Sunset put a hand under her chin: "But what we know is that there's a mirror version of everyone from here to Equestria." "You think that is the problem?" Applejack asks. "I don't think so," Sunset close her eyes: "The mirror versions of an individual should be similar." "From what I heard, this Twilight is pretty cold," Rainbow shrugs: "What's the big deal?" "The big deal is," Rarity inhales as her voice pitched: "I can't seem to use my stand!" "You did stay last night to make all those customs," Applejack suggests: "Maybe you are just tired?" "I can't use my stand either!" Pinkie adds: "Maybe it has something to do with all the party planning?" "Yeah, problem solved!" Rainbow declared: "Everyone's tired; all we need is a good night's sleep!" "Or maybe Twilight stole Rarity and Pinkie's stand?" Fluttershy finally speaks up. "That..." Sunset frowns: "Doesn't sound like Twilight at all!" "I agree with Rainbow," Applejack says: "It has been a stressful handful of days. Besides, who would Twilight steal our abilities? To merge them into a super stand?" "It's ok, Sunset," Rainbow put a hand over Sunset's shoulder: "Let's just get this mess cleaned up, get a good night's sleep and figure something out tomorrow! If Twilight really is doing what you think she is doing, there are still the six of us!" "No, I will get to the bottom of this," Sunset insists while looking to the floor: "There's something fishy; I can smell it." "In this case, let me help!" Rainbow says. "Count me in!" Applejack adds. "Actually, I think all of us should assist Sunset in this effort," Rarity says with a gentle smile on her face. "Girls..." Sunset lifts her head up, looks at her friend: "Thank you...I don't know what to say..." "No worry!" Applejack wraps her arm around Sunset's shoulder: "That's what we are here for!" "In that case," Rainbow says: "What can I do for ya, chief?" "What?" Sunset shakes her head violently: "RIght! Eh...I will have to contact Princess Twilight about this before we can make a move." "So, where's the magic journal thing?" Rainbow asks. "It's in my locker." Sunset replies. "Then you go and get the journal," Applejack gives Sunset a powerful slam on the back: "We will take care of things here." "Ouch!" Sunset cried out, almost sent falling by the hands of Applejack. "Oops," Applejack apologizes as Sunset leaves: "Sorry!" My friends...Sunset walks down the hall, a blank expression hanging on her face: They are willing to help, even after all the mess I've caused...I can't drag them into more danger! But they offered to help! I can't say no; they will be heartbroken! Sunset sighed again, stopping in front of her locker as her mind trailed off again: Rainbow stood up for me, and I did the same for her. We are friends, right? Friends should help each other and protect each other, right? Right! I will get everything done from the background; that way, they can still help without being exposed to any danger! "Sunset?" "Principal Celestia?" Sunset looks up: "What are you doing here?" "I'm the Principal," Celestia smiles: "Of course I have my duties! How's everything going with you?" "I..." After opening her mouth for several seconds, Sunset decides not to tell the Principal. After all, Vice-Principal Luna suffered a condition, and Sunset doesn't want to add more to the Principal's to-do list: "Nothing, Principal, everything is fine." "Are you sure?" Celestia tilted her head a bit: "I can help if you need any." "I'm sure," Sunset chuckled awkwardly: "I just need to get something from my locker!" "If you say so," Celestia winks: "But remember, I'm always here for you." Here for me, eh? Sunset thinks, looking as Celestia leaves: I failed the Princess, but I will not fail the Principal! Just watch, I will get everything done without hurting anyone, and I will fix your sister! > Night > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So, you need me?" The door to Twilight's bedroom cracks open. "Yes, I do," Twilight murmurs, lying on her bed as her glasses rests in her palm: "Today, I saw someone looking exactly like you, what was that all about?" "Ah, Sunset," Glomung smirks before sitting down on the side of Twilight's bed: "We are...associated. Never mind that I heard that you had trouble with the stand books?" "Yes," Twilight inhales: "It hurts, Glomung. A lot." "It's only natural," Glomung sighed, putting a hand on Twilight's leg: "Those six girls are different, their stands steam from Equestrian magic." "Is that so..." Twilight yawns: "Earlier, you told me that you never asked for a stand, and you mentioned a foundation called the Speedwagon Foundation, what are those exactly?" "In 2012," Glomung explains, her eyes closed: "Something happened, I was [chosen], by something, or should I say, someone. He sought to make the world a perfect place. However, this man was defeated and the process of creating a perfect world was interrupted. Ever since then, I tried to restore what that man fought for. Yet, the Speedwagon Foundation always stood in my way." "So, you want me to do your work," Twilight commented. "I never expected this process to be so painful," Glomung lied: "I'm sorry. If you want out, then I will leave you alone, and we shall never cross paths again." "Someone has already died for this endeavor," Twilight says, her body jerked: "Because of me, there is no going back." "You sure?" With her eyes open, Glomung turns her attention to Twilight: "A perfect world maybe for, but I don't want you to get hurt even more so than you did." "Cut it off," Twilight mumbled: "I will bring them back to life, correct?" "Maybe yes," Glomung shrugged: "But if you don't try, then they will stay dead." "Then I will do as you wish," Twilight sighed: "I'm exhausted, leave me alone." "Of course," Glomung says before turning off the light and leaving Twilight: "Good night, Twilight." "Good night, Sunset," Twilight murmurs as the sound of footstep strays further. "So tomorrow, eh?" Sunset tosses the magic journal on her desk: "So I have to meet Twilight in her castle tomorrow morning...great..." "Sugar cube?" A cadence of knocking almost sent Sunset through the roof. "One sec!" Sunset ran down the stairs and opened the door: "Oh, Applejack?" "Howdy, sugar cube?" Applejack beamed, holding a pie in her hands: "Can I come in?" "Of course!" Sunset let Applejack in before locking the door: "What are you doing here?" "Oh, just to talk," Applejack put the steaming apple pie on Sunset's table: "Have you been hiding something, sugar cube?" "No, it's..." Sunset facepalmed: "I'm just stressed out about everything." "Then how can I help you?" Applejack takes her hat off: "That's what friends are for!" "I..." Sunset exhaled: I can't drag my friends into more danger! What should I say? "Sugar cube," Applejack put a hand over Sunset's shoulder: "Look, I know you are still a bit dazzled about everything, but please allow me to help!" "I don't know," Sunset looks at Applejack in the eye: "I just don't know what to think at this point." "Look," Applejack looks right back at Sunset: "It's ok if you don't want to say anything, but I just don't want you to get hurt." "I'm not gonna be hurt," Sunset chuckled: "I just need to meet Twilight in Equestria at five am tomorrow." "I can give you a ride!" Applejack offer: "What do you say?' "Yeah, thank you," Sunset beamed. "Ok then," Applejack gives Sunset a slam on the back: "Do you have plates and silverware?" "Sure, let me get them, they are in the kitchen." The rest of the night was spent pie eating and chit-chatting. > Dawn > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Are you sure about this, sugar cube?" Applejack asks, her arms crossed: "You don't have to go alone." "I have to," Sunset yawns as the early morning breeze graced her skin, making Sunset shiver: "The balance between our world and Equestria is very delicate, and I just don't want to upset it." "If you say so," Applejack gazes up at the portal: "It's crazy, huh? I would have never imagined any of this happening a year ago!" "Same here!" Sunset takes a deep breath as the morning sun shines its first light on the statue. "Welp, say hello to Princess Twilight for me!" Applejack slap Sunset on the back. "Wow!" Losing her balance, Sunset falls face-first into the portal. "Oops," Applejack chuckled: "Sorry?" "I didn't expect to see anyone here, but I guess you left me no choice." "I knew you were, sugar cube," Applejack takes off her hat and puts it on the statue: "You stole their powers, didn't you?" "For a greater good," The sound of footstep closes in: "But don't worry, no one will get hurt, not anymore." "Not anymore?" Applejack thundered before turning around and coming face to face with Twilight: "Not anymore?" "I must apologize about what happened to your friend." Twilight takes a napkin out of her pocket, wiping the droplets of spits off of her own face: "But there is no turning back." "Sugar cube," Applejack face palmed: "You don't have to do this..." "Sorry, but I have to," Twilight activates her stand as a machine arm showed and moved directly for Applejack's abdomen. For some reason, the machine arm of Twilight's stand was stopped dead on its' track once it hits Applejack's skin: "What the..." "Surprised?" Applejack remove her hand from her face, looking directly at Twilight's eyes: "Sugar cube, listen to me, I can help you!" "Help?" Twilight looks back, her eyes tickle with tears: "Can you...revive the dead and give everyone a happy life?" "I..." Applejack land both hands on Twilight's shoulder but with her eyes closed: "I don't think so, but we can always find a way! "So no," Twilight's voice shivered: "Can you...fix...no, you can't. This is the only way..." "Sugar cube!" Applejack cried out as Twilight pushed her aside. "Give me your power!" Twilight shouts as a purple cynical with countless eyes and fifteen arms materialize between her and Applejack. "Stop it!" With the power to sense the electric field around her, Applejack can ready the intention of her enemies and predict their attacks. Within an instant, Applejack summoned her stand. "What the..." Twilight gasps for air after a round of attack. The arms of her stand, each capable of extracting the power of another stand user, are useless against Applejack: "So you've created an electric field around yourself to repel attacks...fascinating..." "Sugar cube, please!" Applejack pleads: "Stop this now!" "You know," Twilight smirked: "Maybe I can use Rarity's power to..." "Ora!" A powerful punch cuts through the air, travels through Twilight's defense, and lands on her arm. "AHHH!" Twilight screams as her left arm bend to an unnatural direction with an unholy cracking sound. "STOP THIS, NOW!" Applejack scolds, bearing her teeth as Twilight cries in pain. "You know..." Twilight murmurs, putting her right hand on her left shoulder: "Rarity's power...she can transform something from a solid-state to a liquid state..." "What are you talking about?" Applejack frowned; the arms of her stand hovers between her and Twilight. "That means," Twilight groaned. With a thud, her left arm detached from her shoulder and fell to the ground. "EH!" Applejack gaged: "Sugar cube! Sunset can fix you up!" "And my power," Ignoring Applejack's suggestion, each arm of Twilight's stand takes out a book: "Is to extract attributes of anything and apply it to where I'm pleased. Withstand user, it's your personality and stand. Let's see...hardness of concrete...Good enough." "Huh?" Still disgusted from the sight, Applejack gagged again as Twilight dropped the book in her detached arm and picked the arm up with her right hand. "You know, this arm is now as tough as concrete," Twilight comments, looking at her detached arm: "Catch!" "Eh!" Applejack turns her head around, gagged again as she catches the detached arm. "Don't worry, I liquidated my joint, so I can remove my arm temporarily," Twilight explains as her left arm turns into vapor in Applejack's arms: "Now, catch this!" Twilight charges at Applejack, throwing two other books at her foe. "Gross!" Still shook at the arm-throwing, Applejack blocked without even looking. Upon touching the arms of APplejack's stand, the books merge into the arms. In a moment, Applejack's arms lose all strength and start to flow with the wind. "Those are the softness of grass!" Twilight says while still bolting towards Applejack: "Give up!" "Sorry, sugar cube," Applejack signed, closing her eyes. Out of the football field, a steel bar flew at Twilight's Direction, caught the girl, and wrapped around her like a snake: "I have to." "Let go!" Twilight struggles as more steel bars pin her down on the ground. "You ain't going nowhere!" Applejack speaks: "You are staying!" "Applejack, I envy your innocence," Twilight smirks as her detached arm suddenly materialized, attached itself onto Applejack's back. "Wha..." Before uttering more words, Twilight's detached left-hand grabs Applejack's throat and starts squeezing. Distracted by this unpleasant surprise, Applejack failed to form a force field to protect her neck. "Your arms are weak," Twilight comments as Applejack struggles. The arms of Applejack's stand, affected by its owner's state, are powerless now. Seconds later, Applejack fell as the world around her started to go dark. "I must..." As her stand plugs another book, named cake, into the steel bars around her, Twilight stands up, effortlessly breaking once unbreakable steel bars. "My arm..." Twilight murmurs, gently putting her right hand on her left. With a mighty pull, the arm detaches from Applejack's back. With the help of Rarity's stand, Twilight's left arm returned to its owner. It hurts! Twilight kneels down, her teeth gritted as her right arm reaches into Applejack's body and pulls out a book named: The Song of Earth. "Sorry," Twilight stands up, putting her new book into the backpack before limping away. The early morning sun rises, shining on Applejack's unconscious body. > Morning Part I > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- My stomach...stopped hurting...Twilight, sitting against a tree gasps for air as she absorbs the power of Applejack's stand. "Have an arm broken?" "Glomung?" Twilight looks up at the shadow towering over her: "What are you doing here?" "I was worried," Glomung gets down on one knee, examining Twilight's left arm: "You have Applejack's stand right? Guard the powers you've earned with Applejack's stand." "Ok?" Twilight raised an eyebrow but did as Glomung asked nonetheless. "There, all good." With a snap of fingers, all Twilight's injuries are gone. "Wha..." Twilight's eyes open wide as she moves her arm around without feeling a thing: "So I was right about you; you are Sunset." "It's more complicated than that," Glomung stands up: "I would like to stay, but I can't Celestia see me, she's more powerful than you can imagine. Stay away from that fool and you should be ok." "Why are you here if you are not going to help?" Twilight picks her backpack up. "Oh I will help," Glomung chuckled before disappearing without a trace: "You will see in due time. Rainbow is heading to the football field, you will meet her there and take her ability." "Rainbow Dash, eh?" Twilight stands up: "Fine, whatever." "Applejack?" Ahead comes out of the portal to Equestria: "App..." Lying on the ground unconscious, Applejack's arms flow with the wind like grass. "Applejack!" Sunset jumps out of the portal, tosses her backpack aside before attending to Applejack: "Days Gone By!" With a snap of fingers, Applejack opens her eyes as her arms are back to normal: "Sunset? Be careful! Twilight took my ability and she's still around?" "What?" Sunset looks around, her stand materialized to watch the back of its' owner: "Where?" "I don't know!" Applejack's stand materialized as well: "I can't sense anything!" "You stand is still here, does that mean Twilight only took your special ability?" The two girls jump back on their feet, standing back to back as their stands watching around: "Can you text the others? She already has your ability and is most likely to come after me at this point!" "Sure thing!" With her eyes still surveying the environment, Applejack reaches into her pocket and takes out of a phone: "It's...out of service?" "What? " Sunset groans: "She's using your power! What is the range of your stand?" "Depends on the amount of effort you put in! It could be possible that she couldn't control my power just yet!" Applejack puts her phone back in: "She was injured pretty bad so she's no match for both of us!" "We can't just wait around!" Sunset suggests, clenching her fists: "We need to move!" "I got you, sugar cube," Applejack replies: "Let's run!" "Right!" Sunset shouts out as both girls bolts away towards the school building. "Sunset, you sure have made some friends," Glomung mumbles, observing the two girls running away as she hides in the bushes: "I can't show myself just yet, but we shall meet one day." "Can't we just take her now and bring her to Twilight?" Chrysalis facepalmed, leaning against a tree: "Or are you still waiting to see whether this plan is gonna work?" "Indeed," Glomung yawns: "For now, survey the area and be careful not to show yourself. If Twilight fails, then we will need to move quickly." > Extra: Celestia's Dream > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20 years ago, at 2000: "Is this your grandpa?" The lady at the front desk raised an eyebrow, her eyes dancing between an old in wheelchairs and a young Celestia. "Yeah," Celestia lied as Discord drooled: "My parents are busy so..." "Sure..." The lady picked up her phone: "I need to check with my supervisor..." "No, you don't," Luna says as Celestia wiped the saliva off of Discord's face. "Excuse me..." The lady looks at Luna, but her eyes grew heavier with each second. Finally, the lady's head dropped as the sound of snoring filled the empty lobby. "You will check him in," Luna says: "And you will not ask any questions." "I will check him in and will not ask any questions," The lady's eyes snapped open. "That's more like it!" Celestia smiled as the lady hands her a form: "Luna, watch over Mr. Discord as I fill in the information." "Fine," Luna rolled her eyes: "It's not like he's going to dash off or something." "Ha, ha..." Celestia rolled her eyes as she hands the form back to the front desk lady: "Very funny..." "Ms. Celestia? Ms. Luna?" A man in suits approached the siblings: "I need to talk to you two." "Sister?" Luna says, her eyes focused on the strange man: "We've got a visitor!" "Behind me, Luna," Celestia gently pushes Luna aside as her stand materialized. "I'm not your enemy!" The man puts his hands in the air as the front desk lady shuffle through paperwork: "I'm an agent from the Speedwagon Foundation, and I'm here to help." "Sure," Luna comments as the front desk lady hands her a piece of paper: "Sis, we've got a room for Mr. Discord." "Luna, you go ahead," Celestia wrapped an arm around the agent's shoulder: "I will deal with the situation here." "Sure," Luna puts her hands on the handles of the wheelchair before following a nurse up the stairs. "So, your name?" Celestia asks. "You can call me Mr. Vault," The agent looks up at the teenager towering over him: "I'm here to inform you that both you and your sister are accepted to the Royal Academy of Equestria with a full scholarship." "What?" Celestia's eyes almost popped out of the sockets: "But..." "And you both are provided a position as advisors for the Foundation," Mr. Vault continues: "And your job starts after your graduation from the Royal Academy." "But why?" Celestia pulled Mr. Vault in. "You both are stand users," Mr. Vault says: "And it is to my understanding that your mother is also a stand user." "How did you know all of these?" Celestia asks, her stand ready for attack. "We have ways to find out," Mr. Vault says: "But we are not your enemies. If we are, then I won't be here talking to you." "So how much do you know about us?" Celestia continues as her stand watch for her back. "You see, there are a lot of stand users out there," Mr. Vault explains: "And some of them sought to destroy the reality as we know it." "So you want our help?" Celestia raised an eyebrow. "Not exactly," Mr. Vault cleared his throat: "I just want to make sure that you aren't one of them. If you are, then I hope you can change your mind." "Try to destroy reality as we know it, huh?" Celestia looks back at where Discord was: "He will be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, tortured by his worst nightmares for every second." "There's more than that," Mr. Vault takes out a photo: "Do you know this man?" "No," Celestia raised an eyebrow, looking at the half-naked man with a star on his shoulder: "Is this a model?" "His name is Dio Brando," Mr. Vault gives Celestia the photo: "He sought to achieve [HEAVEN] by the power of his stand. He was destroyed years ago, but his subordinates all over the world are restless." "Look, I can care less about this nonsense," Celestia looks at the photo: "We just want to live a normal without getting killed by some kind of crazy..." "What if I tell you the Mr. Discord met Dio before?" "What?" Celestia's eyes sparked before pulling Mr. Vault even closer: "What did just say?" "You just eliminated one of Dio's friends," Mr. Vault hands Celestia a piece of document: "Not just a minion, but a friend, someone Dio trust enough to be considered a part of the [OVER HEAVEN] plan. Now that he's perished, more enemy will show up at your doorsteps." "But wait!" Feeling dizzy, Celestia slapped herself: "If Dio is dead, then how are you supposed to carry the plan out?" "We are not sure," Mr. Vault sighed: "But What we know is that his supporter will do everything to achieve it." "Then fine," Celestia groaned: "Count us in, but if you try anything fishy, then my sister and I will make sure that you pay!" "Of course," Mr. Vault smiled as Celestia release him from her arms: "Then have a good day, Ms. Faust." "Dio Brando..." Celestia stares at the photo: "Dio..." "Did you hire a stripper?" Luna's voice almost sent Celestia through the roofs: "Luna! What the hay!" "Is that your boyfriend?" Luna's eyes lighted up: "Lemme see!" "Luna!" Celestia sits bolt up, waking up from her dream while calling her sister's name: "Luna?" Looking down at her sister, now unconscious on the bed, Celestia can't help but tear up. Mr. Discord is gone for good, but he took one last thing from the Fausts family. "Tia?" A cadence of knocking snapped Celestia back to reality: "Today is the Equestria games, don't be late!" "Yes, mother!" Celestia wiped her tears, stands up from her chair but fall back to her rumps immediately. It's the fifth time she has fallen asleep while watching over Luna. "I will take care of Luna," Celestia's mother says with a gentle voice: "You just take care of yourself today, alright?" "Of course, mom," Celestia hug her sleeping sister tightly, hoping to wake her beloved "lunatic" from the slumber. Alas, all is in vain: "Don't worry sister, I will fix you up!" After closing the bedroom door behind her, Celestia takes out her phone and makes a call: "Is this the Speedwagon Foundation? Ok, good. Patch me through to Dr. K ...What? Again? I should have known...What about Dr. C? No? Ok...Did Pinka check in with you guys? No? Ok...Well, it appears that the Sunset at our school is at our side, which is good. Ok, just tell them that I called." > Extra: Conversation > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "So, why aren't we help Twilight again?" Chrysalis yawns. "As I said, I don't want Celestia to know that I'm here," Glomung replies as the pair moves through a grassland. "And you want Twilight to face her?" Chrysalis chuckled: "Well, Celestia is a wuss alright." "No," Glomung argues back: "You have no idea how powerful Celestia could be. The only reason I'm not showing myself is because of our history. Sure Twilight can't beat Celestia, but nothing bad will happen to Twilight either." "Well, the Celestia I know is quite useless," Chrysalis rolled her eyes: "What about the Celestia you faced?" "Here," Glomung stopped, turns around, facing Chrysalis before lifting her clothing: showing a giant hole on her abdomen. "This is unusual," Chrysalis gagged: "Celestia did this?" "She did," Glomung pulls her shirt down: "Technically speaking, I lost a lot of organs and part of my spine and shouldn't be alive. It is at that moment, my stand evolved. I can't eat, I can't drink and I can barely sleep. However, I must stay alive until my mission is accomplished." "Wow," Chrysalis tried her best not to throw up: "Does it hurt?" "Thankfully, no," Glomung replies, looking down at where her belly once was: "But it is rather weird." "So why did Celestia do this to you?" Chrysalis asks, wiping sweat off of her forehead: Celestia...can do that? She is capable of it? "It's a long story," Glomung says, a hand hovering over the hole under her clothing: "But I can still fight so that is fine." "What, you said that you stand evolved," Chrysalis exhaled: "Doesn't that mean you had the same kind of ability as Sunset? Why don't you heal yourself?" "The alternative is the elimination of [me]," Glomung explains: "Luna's stand would have erased my [mind] and everything that stand for and everything that made [me] special." "So that's why you got ride of Luna first," Chrysalis commented. "Say, if you are to duel someone," Glomung says: "Would you fight someone with a sword, or someone whom you know has a weapon but can't see it?" "Obviously," Chrysalis rolled her eyes: "The one who has weapon a but I can't see it." "Exactly," Glomung agrees, punching herself on where her guts should be: "But I made the mistake to go after the one with the [sword], and that is why I failed! The danger of unknown greatly outweighs that of the [known]!" "I see," Chrysalis smirks: "So, we will watch?" "Yes," Glomung says: "Do nothing until absolutely necessary."