Sunday, September 17th
Morning

Sunset figured that Rarity would need a few days to recover from the ordeal of being captured. She had a lot of questions for her, but it wouldn't be appropriate to pester her about it right now. That brought the question, what was she going to do today?

After she got dressed and put her make-up on, her phone rang, showing Trixie's name on the caller ID. She did say she was going to call her. Sunset opened up her phone and said hi to Trixie.

“Hey Sunset,” Trixie said, “I know you're probably tired from fighting yesterday, but I was wondering if you wanted to hang out? It's okay if you're too tired though.”

Sunset Shimmer thought about that. She was tired, but not too tired. Also, since getting Pixie of the Magician Arcana, Sunset felt a deeper connection between her and Trixie. Hanging out might be a good idea, she thought to herself.

“I'm not too tired,” Sunset said.

“Yes! Um... I mean, that's great. I'll meet you at the corner we usually separate on,” Trixie said, trying to cover up how happy she was. Sunset said she'd meet her there, and then hung up to get ready.

Sunday, September 17th
Daytime

Trixie and Sunset walked around Canterlot, mainly talking about minor things. They seemed to really connect throughout the day.

Sunset noticed that Trixie kept looking at her oddly though, often before quickly turning away. Was there something on her face or something. Not that Sunset minded, but it was weird.

“Are you okay?” Sunset asked after Trixie did it a fourth time.

“Y-yeah,” Trixie said rubbing the back of her head laughing awkwardly, “I'm fine Sunset.”

Trixie looked embarrassed, but was smiling.

“It's nice to be able to just hang out and be normal teenagers, right?” Trixie asked Sunset, who nodded in agreement, “Oh, that reminds me, are you really a teenager?”

Sunset was confused by that question.

“I was just curious,” Trixie said, “You came from that other world, and from what I'm gathering you would be considered an adult over there. I was just wondering if you were actually an adult but changed into a teenager over here. Probably silly, I know.”

Sunset shook her head, and explained to Trixie that she was actually only seventeen, and that the rules in Equestria were different. Over there, she was considered an adult, able to run a business, and could even get married if she wanted.

“Wow,” Trixie said, clearly surprised, “I thought you were older than that, with how mature you seem. This means I'm actually older than you. Funny,” Trixie said laughing a bit, “I turned eighteen over the summer. My mom wanted to throw a huge party, but I decided not to.”

“Why not?” Sunset asked.

“Well, I didn't really have any friends, so I figured no one would want to come,” Trixie shrugged, “Let me specify. I didn't have any real friends. Just a bunch of-”

“Heeeey! Great and Powerful Trixie!” a voice called out from behind them. Oddly, Trixie grimaced and held the bridge of her nose.

“Speak of the devil...” she said. Trixie and Sunset Shimmer turned around and saw two younger boys running up to them. Sunset recognized them, as there was a time when they were her “flunkies”. Trixie knew Snips and Snails too?

“Sunset Shimmer?” Snips asked, “We didn't know you were friends with the Great and Powerful Trixie too?”

“Yeah! Awesome!” Snails added.

“Trixie and I became friends at the beginning of the year,” Sunset said, asking them what they were up to now.

“We're trying to become performers,” Snips said, “Our rap last year was pretty good, right?”

Sunset didn't have the heart to tell them that they were horrible, so she nodded smiling.

“We were hoping that the Great and Powerful Trixie would teach us how to attract an audience,” Snails said, “She's an expert on that sort of stuff.”

“Would you guys stop calling me that?” Trixie said suddenly, surprising everyone, “I'm not 'Great' or 'Powerful', and I don't do shows anymore. No matter how may times you ask me, I'm not taking you guys in,” Trixie turned to Sunset, “Let's go.”

Trixie walked off ahead. Sunset told Snips and Snails it was nice running into them again, and then ran off after Trixie, who she found sitting at a bench in the park.

“Sorry about that,” Trixie said, “I guess I could have handled that a little better, huh?”

“Do they really want you to help them with their rap career?” Sunset asked skeptically.

“They just want to be near me,” Trixie answered, “I know they both have a monster crush on me, and they're actually really sweet, it just... well...”

Sunset thought about maybe waiting for Trixie to finish, but she was bold enough to ask this question outright.

“You like girls, don't you?” Sunset asked. Trixie looked really shocked and embarrassed, but she then smiled closing her eyes.

“I'm that obvious, huh?” Trixie asked, “Yeah, I'm a lesbian. Found out over the summer, actually. I'm not a butch or anything though, as you can probably tell.”

With how she dressed, yeah, Sunset could tell, which she actually liked. While she didn't have a problem with homosexuality at all, she did feel weird around girls who acted like guys, and guys who acted like girls. She felt it was important to like what you like, but to also be true to yourself.

Sunset could tell Trixie was similar in that department.

“I don't really have the heart to tell them,” Trixie said, “I keep hoping that soon they'll just find some other girl to cling to, you know? Besides, they remember me when I was actually trying to be a star. I used to do magic shows, and they saw one of them. They've fans ever since.”

“You must be pretty good,” Sunset said.

“Eh, I guess,” Trixie said shrugging, “It's nothing special or anything, and I only did it so I'd have something to boast about. That's not who I am anymore,” Trixie looked down seriously, “I refuse to go back there.”

Sunset Shimmer felt like she learned a little more about Trixie.

Magician Arcana: Rank 3

“I could show you a minor trick, if you're curious,” Trixie suggested, “I know a bit of street magic actually.”

“Please,” Sunset said. Trixie smiled and pulled a deck of cards out of her jacket pocket.

“Alright, I'm going to put my right hand in my pocket,” Trixie explained, putting her hand in her pocket, “It will not move from this pocket. Now I want you to pick one random card from the deck. Don't show it to me, just remember it.”

Sunset looked through the deck, silently counting how many cards there were. After confirming it to be a full card deck, she chose the Queen of Hearts.

“Do you have your card?” Trixie asked Sunset, who nodded, “Okay, so put it back in the deck and shuffle it.”

Sunset shuffled the deck, keeping a careful watch on Trixie's hand, which never left her pocket.

“Okay,” Trixie said placing a hand on her forehead, “I'm gonna guess that the card you picked was the Queen of Hearts?” she asked. Sunset was shocked! She guessed it right?! She nodded enthusiastically, “Now that's not the trick though, cause if you look through the deck, you'll notice something missing.”

Sunset was confused, but she looked through the deck, counting the cards. One card was missing now. Her card was missing!

“Can't find the Queen of Hearts, can you?” Trixie asked, Sunset shaking her head, “Well, that's because it's right here,” Trixie pulled her hand out of her pocket finally, but she had the Queen of Hearts in her hand.

That was amazing...

“How did you do that?” Sunset asked Trixie, who giggled.

“Number one rule of a magician, never reveal your secret,” Trixie said, “That was a minor trick. I've done bigger tricks too. One time...”

Sunset and Trixie spent the rest of the day talking about her magic shows. Once it was getting dark, they started heading home.

Sunday, September 17th
Evening

While Sunset Shimmer was doing her homework, there was a knock on the door.

“Sunset, are you still up?” Celestia asked from outside.

“You can come in,” Sunset said. Celestia opened the door, looking at Sunset with a somewhat relieved smile, “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” Celestia said, “I'm just, well...” she took a deep breath, “The police still haven't found any thing on Silver Spoon's location, and with your friend Rarity disappearing like that, I...”

“I'll be fine,” Sunset said turning to Celestia, “You don't have to worry about me.”

“I am going to worry though,” Celestia said, “I know that you're from Equestria, and you and your friends have been the center of a lot of attention in Canterlot High School. If this turns into something like that, and you end up in danger because of it,” Celestia closed her eyes and shook her head, “I'm your legal guardian now. I don't know how things are done over in Equestria, but over here I'm responsible for you. If ever you're in trouble, let me know, okay?”

Sunset Shimmer felt really weird, and somewhat guilty. After the whole issue with her trying to steal the Element of Magic last year, Celestia surprised Sunset by asking if she could adopt her. At first she was rather apprehensive, but Celestia had welcomed her and soon became something akin to an older sister or mother figure. She truly became someone that Sunset loved.

It was like she was given a second chance with Celestia, now becoming close to the Celestia of this world.

“I won't do anything dangerous,” Sunset lied.

“Good,” Celestia said. She walked over to Sunset and hugged her from behind tightly, “I don't want to lose anyone else.”

Sunset felt a faint bond grow between her and Celestia.

“!”

Thou art I and I am thou...
Thou hast established a new bond...

This bond shalt light the way to thy destiny...

Thou shalt be blessed when fusing Personas of the Hierophant Arcana...

“Well, I better let you get back to your homework,” Celestia said walking back to the door, “Sunset?”

Sunset turned back to the door.

“Thank you for coming into me and Luna's life,” Celestia said, not turning to face Sunset. She exited the room and closed the door, leaving it at that.

Sunset continued to study. After finishing her homework she felt like she had become more informed about certain subjects overall.

Monday, September 18th
Morning

As Sunset Shimmer approached the school she saw Rarity standing next to the statue. It looked like she was waiting for someone. When she saw Sunset, she smiled and walked over to the red head.

“Just who I was waiting for,” Rarity said, sounding surprisingly well despite the ordeal she just survived.

“Are you sure you should be here?” Sunset Shimmer asked.

“There's no reason for me to stay home,” Rarity explained, “Besides, every time I try to relax, I feel restless. Well, considering I spent a severe amount of time sitting in a cage...”

It was clear to Sunset that Rarity was somewhat traumatized by the whole experience. She really should have been at home resting.

“Actually,” Rarity said after a second, “I was wondering if you, Trixie, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack could meet me here at lunch. There... something I want to talk to you about.”

Sunset Shimmer nodded, promising to meet her out here. With that Rarity smiled sadly and walked into the school. Sunset could tell that she was really upset about what happened. Well, she'd have to wait until lunch to see how she was doing, as they only shared lunch together sadly.

Monday, September 18th
Lunch Time

Just like she promised, Sunset got Trixie, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie and brought them to the school statue, where they saw Rarity sitting in front of it. She was hugging her knees, and had her face hidden in a manner that made her look like she was crying.

“Rarity!” Applejack called out, catching her attention. She wiped her eyes and seemed to gather herself as they approached.

“Hey...” Rarity said softly.

“You okay?” Trixie asked, “You seem a little out of it.”

Rarity folded her arms and looked away, “I need to know,” she said, confusing everyone, “That other world, tell me what it is.”

“We.... ain't sure what it is really,” Applejack answered, “Nor do we know how people get trapped inside their mirrors.”

“We were hoping you knew,” Trixie said, “You're the only victim we know of who survived.”

“You talk as if I'm not the first one,” Rarity said raising an eyebrow, “Who else.”

Sunset explained that Silver Spoon was the first victim they know of, but that she was eaten by her shadow as they didn't reach her in time. Rarity's face paled when she heard that.

“You mean... she's dead?” Rarity asked, “Like... really dead?”

“That's what Adagio said,” Pinkie Pie answered, “Oh, right. Adagio is able to go into that world as well. She has a Persona and everything, but hers is a little different somehow.”

“Do you think Adagio is the one who captured me?” Rarity asked.

“We don't know,” Trixie said, “She's definitely involved, that's for sure. How, we don't know.”

“This is terrifying,” Rarity said looking away, “Do you think the kidnapper will strike again?”

“Definitely,” Pinkie Pie said, “They should leave you alone at least, though.”

“What about the others?” Rarity asked, “Are they safe?”

Truth was, Sunset Shimmer didn't know. The kidnapper, whoever they were, did capture Rarity, but she was the only one of their group who was actually pulled in. Everyone else was just assaulted by their shadows once they were alone. Sunset was happy that Pinkie Pie stayed with the group when they went in, otherwise she could end up meeting her shadow.

Were Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy also in danger?

“No one is safe until we stop the kidnapper,” Sunset stated.

“That's what I thought...” Rarity said, more so to herself it seemed.

“Rares, are ya alright?” Applejack asked putting a hand on Rarity's arm.

Rarity took a deep breath before speaking, “Let me fight too.”

Everyone was shocked when she said that.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa! Aren't you being a little hasty here?” Trixie asked, “You just got out of that place, and you wanna go back in?”

“I have one of those 'Persona' things now, right?” Rarity asked, Sunset nodded in confirmation, “And I'm assuming you all were in similar situations since you have Personas, right?”

“Not exactly...” Trixie said, “We weren't actually targeted as much as we were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Rarity, Ah know how ya feel, but maybe ya should think this through a bit-” Rarity pulled her arm away from Applejack harshly.

“No you don't know how I feel!” Rarity screamed, “You all knew that someone was looking for you, but I didn't! I thought I would be trapped there for the rest of my life! Even when I saw you all there, I couldn't call out to you or anything! That was the most terrifying moment of my life!”

“Then why do ya wanna fight?” Applejack asked, “Honestly, with how upset ya are, Ah'd think you'd want ta stay away from there! Sides, this is dangerous, what we're doin!”

“Exactly! And I know that I can't stop you from going back there,” Rarity said, “but at least I can go in with you! If I stay out here, I'm going to have a panic attack worrying about you. At least if I go with you I can try and protect you."

“You're the leader, right?” Rarity asked, turning to Sunset Shimmer, “Please, let me join you.”

Honestly, Sunset felt like this was a bad idea, as it was clear she wasn't exactly thinking clearly. However, she could enter the mirror world now, so if they didn't take her with them she might have done something drastic.

“As long as everyone else is okay with it, I don't see a problem with it,” Sunset said, feeling more understanding as she thought about the others.

“Well, I personally think its a bad idea,” Trixie said, “But... I know how it feels to feel a sense of responsibility. I say we let her come, but keep an eye on her.”

“I don't have a Persona, so I don't have much say in this,” Pinkie Pie admitted, “But I wouldn't mind her coming along.”

Everyone turned to Applejack, who crossed her arms irritably.

“I think it should be obvious that Ah have a problem with it,” Applejack said, “But Ah know how headstrong ya are. Jus' stay with the group, alright?”

Trixie gave Applejack a deadpanned look, “You're one to talk.”

“I promise,” Rarity said, “I'll be careful.”

This really wasn't a good idea, and Sunset knew it. Still, she felt like with Rarity's help, their team got a little closer to finding the kidnapper.

Fool Arcana: Rank 3

Sunset's team spent the rest of lunch getting Rarity up to speed on where they got their weapons, and how to summon her Persona.

After lunch, the five of them parted ways to their next classes.

Author's Note

Next chapter will begin with the end of school for this day. Also, that magic trick Trixie did was something I actually saw a magician do. It was amazing, and I still don't know how he did it.

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