Canterlot City Chronicles: Invasion of the Changelings

Canterlot City Chronicles: Invasion of the Changelings

Chapter Three: Fact or Fiction

Written by: Fluttashift

I sat in a metal chair while Sunset stood in front of me, the green chalkboard directly behind her. She stood there with her arms folded tapping her foot on the ground. An awkward silence permeated the air as we both stood there.

Sunset’s friends were sitting next to each other in the front row of desks behind me. I had learned their names and was formally introduced. Normally, I wouldn’t allow this, but Shimmer insisted and I desperately seeked answers.

“Well?” I broke the silence causing Sunset to turn her head and look directly into my eyes. She let out a sigh.

“Brute was right. I’m not from this world,” Sunset said in a calm tone.

I stayed seated trying not to laugh. “What? Are you kidding me? Do you really expect me to believe something like that?”

“I knew you wouldn’t believe me! Nopony ever does,” She stomped her foot balling up her fist in anger.

“No pony?” I tilted my head in confusion.

Ponies? Other worlds? What the hell did I get myself into?

Putting my hand up to my forehead, I sighed. “Sunset, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. Tell me what you know.”

“Well, I’m from a place called Equestria. It’s a land filled with sentient ponies that act as the humans of that world. Anyway, I was Princess Celestia’s prized pupil for a while, but I was self-centered and power-hungry. I escaped into a mirror that led here. Slowly, I became the Sunset Shimmer you have dealt with for so long.” She paused, a look of sadness in her eyes.

**Princess* Celestia?*

“Please, go on,” I said in a soft tone feigning a smile.

“Well, a few days ago, Twilight Sparkle came here seeking the crown I had stolen. I stole it to use it’s power to take over Equestria. At the dance, she defeated me, and after seeing what I had done; what I had become. I decided right then and there that I would change myself for the better. Then, I befriended these five girls, and believe me, even after only a few days, I had become a better person than I once was.” Sunset finished puffing her chest out looking proud.

I was rubbing my forehead while listening to her. Looking up, I cocked an eyebrow. “Even if all that was true it still doesn’t answer all my questions.”

“It is true!” Sunset raised her voice staring at me angrily. “These five can confirm it! They witnessed the entire thing, They helped Twilight defeat me!”

I turned to face the five girls. Rainbow Dash was slouching in her chair fiddling with her phone, while Pinkie Pie was bouncing up and down in mysterious excitement. Applejack was simply looking forward and soon her gaze fell upon me, Fluttershy was looking down at her desk while her backpack rustled around. Lastly, Rarity was sitting as proper as can be with her hands folded one on top of the other.

“You girls can verify this information?”

“Yes, darling, Sunset is telling the truth.” Rarity spoke up first, nodding her head.

“Ah know it sounds a mite hard ta believe but Ah ain’t no liar and Sunset is tellin’ the truth.” Applejack was next to give me a confident smile.

Rainbow and Fluttershy simply nodded while Pinkie was pre-occupied blowing air into a balloon. Dash kicked Pinkie under her chair and gestured her hand toward me telling Pinkie to speak. The balloon flew around the room making a whooshing sound as the air blew outward.

“Hi!” Pinkie said with a wave and a bright grin.

“Miss Pie, you can verify that what Sunset said is true, right?” I asked again as she clearly wasn’t paying attention.

“Yup, of course! Sunset used to be a big, meanie liar, but she’s a good person now! Like super duper duper good! She even gave me her pudding cup at lunch yesterday!” She practically yelled excitedly.

Turning back to Sunset, I remained silent. The more I thought about it the more questions I had.

“So, what was Brute, A pony like you? I heard him call you a unicorn. Are there different types of ponies? Was he a different race?”

“Brute is something called a Changeling. While I don’t know much about their race, I do know that they can shape-shift. There are three types of ponies. Unicorns, Pegasi, and Earth ponies; and yes, I am a unicorn.” Sunset looked at me with honest eyes. I could tell when she was lying. The thing that was causing my heart to beat fast was the fact that she wasn’t.

“Then, that leaves only one question. What does he want?” I leaned in looking deep into Sunset’s teal eyes.

“I-I don’t know. I can’t imagine why they’d want the portal in the first place if they already found a way to get here,” Her eyes went wide. “It must have been the changelings following me around, not ImageCorp. But why?” It seemed as if she was talking more to herself than me. I lay back against the chair and folded my arms.

“Well as crazy as this all sounds, it’s the best I have so far. Thank you for your time, girls.” I got to my feet grabbing my burgundy coat that I had thrown over the chair. As I put it on, Sunset tugged my arm.

“I-I want to help you,” She said in a sweet tone which made me leap backwards.

“Out of the question!” I shot back at her and made my way towards the door.

“You need me!” Sunset screamed storming up to me. “I know about Equestria and the Changelings. I’m also the only other person who would believe you.”

I placed my hand on the doorknob. “Sunset, it’s too dangerous. You are just a high school student and I can’t put your life in jeopardy like that. No.” Slowly, I began to turn the knob.

“I’m eighteen! I can take care of myself! I’m coming with you!”

This is wrong. It’s dangerous but she’s got a point. She could help.

“...Fine,” I sighed as I opened the door and walked into the hallway.

No footsteps came from behind me. I turned to see her standing there with her mouth gaping. “You coming?”

“Yeah. I’m just surprised at your answer is all.” Sunset began walking behind me. “So, where are we going?”

“Downtown. There’s an informant that may be able to tell me something.” I turned to her causing her to stop almost bumping into me. “It’s dangerous, Shimmer. So do as I say.” She nodded and we proceeded to the car.

Opening the car door, I climbed in. Sunset followed suit as I adjusted the mirrors, catching a glimpse of my light yellow skin and short brown hair that could barely be seen under my hat. My blue eyes glanced over meeting Shimmer’s teal. She pulled the seat belt around her and buckled it, tightening it a bit.

I put the keys in the ignition and turned starting the roaring engine. Pulling the shift into drive, I spun the wheel slightly to the left as I pulled out of the parking lot. Signaling, I turned right and drove down the rainy road. I kept my foot on the gas as my other leg shook causing me to reach for the pills in my pocket. Popping one, I twisted the cap but dropped the bottle. Sunset picked it up and read the label.

“Xanax?” She glanced at me and handed over the bottle. “I didn’t take you for the nervous type.”

I placed the pills in my pocket and shot her a glare. “It’s none of your business!” I snapped at her returning my gaze to the road. There wasn’t many cars on the road, only a few passing here and there.

“I’m sorry I was just making conversation.” She turned her head looking out the window.

“Why do you care about helping me?” I cocked an eyebrow. “Last time I checked, you didn’t help people, let alone a cop.”

She let out a sigh lowering her head. “I’m not like that anymore. What happened to me... it changed me. When Twilight defeated me, I saw my what I had become, and I knew it was wrong. I also found the magic of friendship.”

“Well, Shimmer I can’t trust you yet, no matter what those girls say.”

Sunset fell silent as I drove onward. The drive became quite peaceful the rest of the way. The rain stopped, but the dark clouds remained. I flicked the windshield wipers off, causing them to cease in their movements.

Soon, the large, beautiful houses became grimy, worn structures. Gang members tagged the various buildings with graffiti. There were many small stores and pawn shops. Girls in short skirts leaned into cars speaking with the drivers.

“My wife.” I said suddenly causing Shimmer to quickly shoot me a confusing look.

“What? Your wife?” She asked.

“She was killed on that corner back when I lived in this part of town.” I explained pointing my finger to a corner where a small memorial was set up.

  “I-I didn’t know. I’m sorry to hear that.” She put her hand on my shoulder.

“It isn’t your fault. That’s why I take the Xanax. That’s why I became a cop and pushed my limits to become Captain,” I confessed.

“How old was she?” Sunset spoke softly taking her hand off my shoulder.

“I was married to her for one year. She was only twenty.” I fought tears shaking my head.

“Why are you telling me this?” Sunset asked quizzically.

“I figure whether I can trust you or not you’re still helping me on this so something’s different.” I gave her a small smile as I turned into the parking lot of a club.

The club was small but a short line of people could be seen. A large neon sign hung above the entrance. It glew a bright blue and read: The Alicorn

As I pulled into a parking space, I turned the car off and unbuckled. Sunset did as well and we both climbed out of the car. “Stay with me and don't provoke anyone,” I ordered.

“Okay, mom,” She said sarcastically rolling her eyes.

“This isn’t a joke Shimmer! The Alicorn is a club where all the scum of the town hang out. It’s also where the up-and-coming DJ Pon-3 performs,” I explained to her giving her a serious look.

“She goes to my school. Vinyl Scratch,” Shimmer nodded. “I’ve been here before.”

My jaw dropped. “Doesn’t surprise me.” I shook my head and began walking to the entrance. We came up behind a line of ten or so. The people in front of us whispered as we walked by the line. We received stares and one person yelled ‘pig’ which made me grit my teeth.

Finally, we came to the bouncer who was tall and muscular. His skin was a gray and his hair a dark green. He wore a t-shirt and sweats and had his arms folded staring down at us.

“Can I help you, Captain?” The bouncer asked in a deep voice.

“I need to see Notepad.” I said simply flashing my badge.

Without hesitation, the bouncer lifted the hooked red line and allowed us to go inside. I motioned for Sunset to stay behind me as we walked down a narrow gray hallway and up some red-carpeted steps. We came to the dancefloor where various people were dancing and grinding. Lights of various colors flashed as dubstep played through the large speakers on stage. Many tables were set off to the side with some people drinking and laughing while others were making out.

I glanced to the stage as Sunset and I pushed our way through the crowd. Vinyl Scratch could be seen on stage spinning the records on the turn-tables. She wore a pair of headphones occasionally calling out to the crowd in excitement.She wore her shades as her blue hair bounced back in forth while she swayed in the same motion.

We arrived at the bar where a dozen different drinks sat behind the counter. The bartender was cleaning a glass while a few ponies sat in the stools that lined the bar. They were drinking and giving looks as I came up.

“Excuse me, I’m looking for Notepad.” I said to the bartender

He looked up from his glass. The bartender looked like the bouncer’s twin, only he was shorter and scrawnier. “Over there.” He pointed to a table off to the side.

I nodded and proceeded to the table. The music was more muffled now as we approached. Notepad sat at the table scribbling various notes as he sipped a drink. He was a pale white with cyan hair. I took a seat and Sunset followed suit.

“Always writing what you see,” I said in a friendly tone.

“And to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” Notepad asked sounding annoyed. He didn’t glance up from his notes only scribbling faster.

“Canterlot High was attacked and an item was stolen,” I explained.

Notepad glanced up only to laugh. “I didn’t know the police were so desperate they handled petty school thefts now.”

I slammed my fist on the table. “It wasn’t a petty theft! Do you know a man named Brute?”

This caused him to shift around in his seat a little. “I know of him. I’ve never met him or seen him before. Who’s the girl?” He pointed to Sunset.

“Sunset Shimmer,” she proclaimed with a smirk.

“The Sunset Shimmer? Why are you hanging around with a cop?”

“That’s none of your damn business! Now answer the questions and maybe we won’t hurt you!” Sunset said smugly, taking solace in her cop companion.

I put a hand over her mouth. “Shut it, Shimmer!”

She rolled her eyes and pushed my hand away, giving me a nod.

“Do you know any of his associates or where he might hang around?” I continued my questioning, turning my gaze back towards him.

“No. He’s a ghost,” Notepad answered shaking his head. “Why do you think it was so easy for him to attack Canterlot High? Maybe you should take a look at your own department.” He returned to his note-taking.

I stood up and grabbed him by his shirt pulling him up to my face. “I let you keep your dealings going in exchange for information!” I yelled in his face. Narrowing my eyes, I pressed my nose against his. “Unless you want a pair of cuffs around your wrists, I suggest you tell me what you know!” I demanded throwing him back into his chair.

Notepad straightened his shirt as he cleared his throat. I sat back down with a cocky smirk on my face. “Now, then. Tell me.”

“Yes, well… look, I know a rumor that’s it, but it’s crazy to say the least,” He said in a softer tone.

I leaned back resting my hands behind my head. “With what happened today, crazy might not be such a bad thing.”

Notepad leaned in and began to whisper. “There’s a rumor floating around that Brute is working for someone they call the Queen. I’ve done countless searches but there is no criminal in this town by that name. Then, I heard that Brute can change his form like a shape-shifter. As crazy as that sounds it would explain why no criminal I know has ever dealt with him. They wouldn’t know it was him. I also hear from some of the more paranoid criminals that these shape-shifters have infiltrated various gangs and even police precincts. Some even say the mayor’s office is compromised. That’s all I know,” He finished.

I stood up. “Thank you for your time. Come on Sunset.” She quickly got to her feet and leaned in toward Notepad.

“We’ll be back if you’re lying!” Sunset said in a hushed yell gritting her teeth.

I pulled her away. “Come on!” She yanked her arm away from mine.

“I can walk by myself, ya know!” Sunset rebuked folding her arms as we walked back towards the exit.

Simply ignoring her comment, I made my way through the crowd. Sunset followed farther behind, staring daggers into the back of my skull.

Why is she mad at me? She’s the embarrassing one!

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes as we made our way down the stairs. The bouncer let us out and we walked around a corner onto a sidewalk. The car was parked across the street in the parking lot. Looking for cars, we darted across the street, quickly climbing into the car. Sunset slammed the door and furiously jammed her buckle in.

“‘The hell you mad at me for?” I asked looking at her, dumbfounded.

“I was just trying to help!” She yelled without turning to face me.

“Help what? I had it under control. You were acting like an idiot!” I rebuked starting the car.

Sunset shook her head. “Just... whatever!” She breathed a sigh and calmed her tone. “So, what do we do now?” she said, losing no sternness in her facial expressions.

I turned my head looking to back out. As I backed out of the parking space, I said, “To the precinct. I need to find out if everything’s all right. My radio wasn’t working at the school and no cops ever showed up after the fact.”

“Why’d we come here first then?”

I drove onto the street and began driving toward the precinct. “I needed answers and leads.” I replied simply keeping my eyes on the road. “I’ve always been that way. Case first.”

The rest of the ride was silent until we came to a long, straight-forward road. Not many cars were passing by. I glanced at the green-colored numbers on the digital clock.

10:45? Where’d the time go.

“Shouldn’t you be getting home, Shimmer?” I asked worriedly.

“I live nowhere. I have no home. I told you that I’m from another world. I live from shelter to shelter mostly sleeping on park benches farther out of town. Nobody at school knows.” she said that last part almost under her breath with a look of such sadness on her face. It was a look I had never seen upon her face before.

“I-I’m sorry. I didn’t know. Forget I asked.”

Sunset doesn’t have a house; no parents; no place to go? Poor girl.

“If you want, since you’re helping me out… I have a spare room at my house. You could stay with me for a bit.” I offered.

“Really? You’d do that for me?” Sunset looked at me in confusion, yet there was a distinct emotion in her eyes. Hope.

After a little while I nodded. “Yeah, I mean I hate to see you living on the streets. It’s fine.”

“Nobody has ever been nice to me like that? Why?”

“Like I said, it isn’t right for you to be living on the streets.”

Suddenly, the window shattered from the impact of bullets tearing through the car . We ducked, swerving to the right. The cacophony of bullets caused a spider web of cracks to open up all over the windshield like fresh wounds, as the bullets passed by their heads an almost imperceivable distance.

“I can’t see anything!” I screamed.

“It’s them! How did they find us?” Sunset cried out.

“The club! They must have followed us!” I answered.

I heard a beeping in front of me and I veered to the left popping my head up. The bullets fired into the other car shattering the windshield. The other driver was shot multiple times as the pursuing car veered into our lane. Bullets stopped ringing through the air, meaning someone was reloading. The third car swerved chaotically and soon crashed into a nearby tree, denting the entire front of it.

I slammed on the brakes causing the tires to squeal as the vehicle halted.

The car behind us rammed into the rear of our car. Our car jolted forward on impact and I slammed on the gas driving forward. Reaching for my pistol, I pulled it out and turned my head. Aiming the pistol, I shot the driver and continued forward.

We didn’t talk the rest of the way but I knew Sunset was scared. I was scared. I couldn’t stop shaking from all of the adrenalin. We arrived at the precinct after a while, and I pulled into my parking space. Little did I know the journey had just begun.