Persona: Reflection

Tuesday, September 12th
After School

When Sunset Shimmer got into the Antique Shop, she found everyone in the back waiting for her near the mirror. Pinkie Pie was sitting on a desk trying to keep Applejack calm. Based off the expression on her face, it wasn't working too well.

Trixie was leaning against a nearby shelf. When she saw Sunset Shimmer, she smiled and walked over to her.

"Glad you made it," Trixie said, "I got us some supplies before coming here. Pinkie Pie said she'd hold them for us."

Looked like she and Trixie had the same idea. She was happy that Trixie handled getting the medicine because getting the armor and weapons cost more and took longer than she thought. She told Trixie that she got her some armor and a staff.

"Great, can I see it?" Trixie asked. Sunset Shimmer handed Trixie the red bow staff, sort of what the monkey king used in the stories. Trixie looked at it a bit, and then swung it around gracefully to practice. She looked pretty skilled with it.

"This is perfect!" Trixie said, "Thanks," Sunset Shimmer nodded and they both turned to Applejack and Pinkie Pie, "Personally, I'd rather we didn't bring them along. Pinkie Pie has an excuse though, since she can sort of sense what's going on in there."

Sunset Shimmer agreed with Trixie. Also, since she would be carrying the supplies they could focus on fighting. Applejack on the other hand was a wreck, and it looked like she was getting progressively worse.

"Well, no turning back now, right?" Trixie asked, "Let's get moving."

Sunset nodded to Trixie and they both walked over to Applejack and Pinkie Pie, the latter of the two jumping off the desk she was sitting on.

"Are you ready to go?" Pinkie Pie asked. Sunset Shimmer told her they could leave at any time, and then turned to Applejack.

"Then let's not waste anymore time," Applejack said, "The longer we wait here, the less time Rarity has ta survive."

"Remember, we're doing the fighting," Trixie said, "You just stay back with Pinkie Pie."

"Ah'll be careful," Applejack said, "Just try not ta slow me down."

Trixie placed her hand on her forehead in frustration, "Were you even listening to me?" she groaned, "Anyway, she is right. Let's go."

Sunset Shimmer lead the way, placing her hand in the mirror. Applejack walked in next to her, apparently making sure no one left her behind (Sunset had thought about it sadly). Trixie and Pinkie Pie followed closely after.

Sunset Shimmer and her team emerged in the dark forest. This time Sunset took a look around, seeing a number of large structures in the distance. This was literally another world it seemed. It was a good thing they had the mirror to see what building Rarity was in, otherwise they'd be searching here forever.

"I feel Rarity," Pinkie Pie said, "I think she's this way," she pointed away from the mansion, actually toward the exit of the forest.

"Then let's get movin!" Applejack said running ahead.

"Applejack!" Trixie called out, "Damn it, I knew she wouldn't be able to control herself!"

Sunset, Trixie, and Pinkie Pie all ran after Applejack, who was really far ahead. Damn that girl could run.

As the ran, they found themselves in a small village. The houses were worn though, suggesting that they were really old or there was an attack. Oddly they didn't see any inhabitants though. Ahead they saw the gothic castle that Rarity was being held in.

Sunset caught a glimpse of Applejack running across the drawbridge, disappearing into the castle. She, Trixie, and Pinkie Pie stopped in front of the castle doors looking up.

"This place is huge!" Trixie said, "How the hell are we going to find them in here?"

"I think Rarity is on the highest floor," Pinkie Pie said, catching both Sunset Shimmer and Trixie's attention, "I don't know, okay? Like last time, I just have a feeling."

Pinkie Pie looked really stressed out. They didn't know how Pinkie Pie was able to tell what was going on in the mirror world, and it was something that was beginning to concern Sunset Shimmer.

"We appreciate it," Sunset Shimmer said to make Pinkie Pie feel better.

"Thanks Sunset," Pinkie Pie said smiling, "I don't like Applejack being in there alone. I bet there are more of those monsters like before."

"We better hurry," Trixie said turning to Sunset, "I'll follow your lead, okay?"

Sunset nodded, and they ran into the castle.

Rarity's Castle: 1st floor

Sunset Shimmer pulled out her sword and Trixie held her staff at her side ready. The interior of the castle had white marble walls and large windows. There were large purple doors too that looked like they led to more halls.

"Guys, I see some of those shadows ahead," Pinkie Pie said, "Be careful."

Sunset Shimmer and Trixie ran forward, Sunset taking the lead and Trixie a bit behind her. At first it looked straight forward, but slowly Sunset realized that it was actually a maze. It would be easy for someone to get lost here, so Sunset tried to commit all the halls they traveled through to memory.

They turned a corner and saw a black blob walking around slowly.

"Stop!" Pinkie Pie called out a bit behind them, "I think that's a shadow, but it looks different. I don't think it's taken form yet. If it sees you, it might change and call other shadows, so be ready."

Sunset Shimmer realized that they weren't going to get past it, so they'd have to fight. This would be good practice for them. She rushed over to the shadow, and slashed it with her sword before it could respond.

Immediately things changed. The blob took form becoming a pink and purple ball with a mouth. It also called another shadow just like it.

One of the shadows charged toward Sunset Shimmer, but she rolled to the side and slashed it once with her sword. She quickly called Cordelia, who appeared next to her and followed her slash with one of her own.

Trixie swung her staff hitting the shadow in the side, and then jumped away summoning her card.

"Persona!" Trixie shouted, spinning her staff above her and hitting her card. Dionysus appeared in front of her holding his hands out, and playing cards shot out of his sleeves with the force of a machine gun. The enemy fell back a bit, but it caught itself and flew back over to Trixie whacking her with it's tongue.

Sunset Shimmer stood straight up holding her hand above her reaching for her card, "CORDELIA!!!" she shouted, crushing the card in her hand. Cordelia pointed her clawed hand forward, casting Bufu on one of the shadows knocking it down. Seeing an opening, she repeated the attack, this time killing the shadow.

Trixie called her Persona, this time willing Dionysus to cast a fire spell, which Sunset apparently knew was called Agi. Dionysus appeared above Trixie lying on the sky and snapped his finger, immediately engulfing the shadow in a small flame. The shadow faded away, dead.

"That was close," Trixie said swinging her staff in triumph.

After making sure everyone was okay, Sunset Shimmer lead her trio deeper into the castle, eventually coming across a flight of stairs.

"I think this is the only way up," Pinkie Pie said, "Let's be careful."

Sunset nodded and ran up the stairs, Trixie and Pinkie Pie right behind her.

Rarity's Castle: 2nd floor

This room was different. Right in front of them was a large purple door. Sunset Shimmer approached it, but stopped when she felt a sinister energy emanating from the other side.

She braced herself and slowly opened the door. On the other side they saw Applejack standing there with her back turned to them waiting for them.

"Applejack!" Trixie called out, "What are you, insane?! What if you were attacked by the shadows?!"

"Guys, something's wrong," Pinkie Pie said, "Applejack looks different."

She was right. Instead of her usual skirt and shirt, she was now wearing a brown jacket, matching brown chaps, what looked like red panties, and black boots. When Applejack turned around, they saw that she was wearing a red bra underneath her opened jacket, and nothing else. Since when did Applejack wear clothes like this? When did she change?

Sunset gave her a closer look and saw that she had demonic red eyes. This wasn't Applejack, this was her shadow.

"Mah mah, look what we got here," Shadow Applejack said, "Finally decided ta show up? Y'all 're slower than a tortoise on a bad day."

Her accent was stronger too, almost like the Applejack from Equestria.

"You're not Applejack!" Trixie shouted, "Where is she?!"

"Aw, whut, am Ah not good enough for ya hun? Well, if yer lookin fer mah leftovers Ah suppose Ah can humor ya," Shadow Applejack said, moving to the side. Lying on the ground behind her, perfectly hogtied and with a ball gag in her mouth, was Applejack. She was struggling like crazy, screaming as loud as she could, but it looked pretty futile.

“Applejack!” Pinkie Pie called out. Applejack looked up at them and gave a muffled plea for help. Trixie and Sunset glared at the shadow.

“Let her go, you bitch!” Trixie demanded. Shadow Applejack laughed.

“Sorry, hun, but Ah can't do that. See, Ah need her ta stay here if Ah'm gonna git outta here in a week,” that surprised everyone. Was that really the shadow's goal? To go into the real world?

“Get out of here?” Sunset questioned. Shadow Applejack nodded seriously.

“There's somethin Ah need ta do out there,” Shadow Applejack said darkly, “Mah family needs me.”

“Your family? Don't you mean her family?” Trixie asked.

“No!” Shadow Applejack shouted, “That deserter don't deserve ta call them family! She barely deserves the right ta mah name!”

Deserter? What was this shadow talking about? Applejack wouldn't desert anyone.

“Everythin was fine when she wus a kid,” Shadow Applejack continued, “She took care of her chores, didn't complain, she wus faithful ta the family. Then all of a sudden, that bitch “Rarity” came in an' ruined everythin! Givin her ideas 'bout the world outside the farm, inspirin her ta start takin life in the city more seriously, it was only made worse over the summer.”

What happened over the summer? Based off the look of horror on the real Applejack's face, they might have questionable opinions of it.

“That bitch came over one night, under the pretense of “needin help wit sum project” but instead wus wearin a fancy white dress. Wanna guess what she did next? She kissed her, right on the lips.”

Whoa! Rarity and Applejack were an item?! Rarity was a lesbian?! Not that she had a problem with it or anything, but wow, Sunset wouldn't have guessed. That still didn't answer why the shadow was so outraged.

“So what's got you so sour?” Trixie asked harshly, “Okay, so they're a couple. Girls kiss all the time. Homosexuality isn't all that strange in this generation, let alone among girls.”

“It ain't natural!” Shadow Applejack shouted, making Trixie step back, her eye twitching in irritation for some reason, “As a woman, it's mah job ta continue the family line! Ah can't do that sleepin wit another chick! That ain't even the worst of it though!”

Sunset Shimmer wasn't sure she wanted to hear anymore, and it looked like Trixie was about to rush over and slap Shadow Applejack, but it seemed like they were about to learn more anyway.

“After that night, she started talkin 'bout leavin the farm after school!” Shadow Applejack said, surprising everyone.

“Applejack... you want to leave...?” Pinkie Pie asked slowly.

“Sweet Apple Acres is our family land!” Shadow Applejack continued, “Fer generations, it's been run by the men an' women of the farm! We don't leave the farm, that's where we belong! The sad part is, she knows that.”

Shadow Applejack walked over to the real Applejack and kicked her in the side, making her scream in pain and sadness. Sunset had to catch herself and Trixie before they rushed her.

“She knows that we belong on the farm, but she's lettin “Rarity” invade her thoughts and poison her. Every wakin moment, she's thinkin 'bout Rarity. They're even plannin on goin ta University tagether,” Shadow Applejack turned back to Sunset, Trixie, and Pinkie Pie, “While she's off wit her girlfriend though, whut's gonna happen ta mah grandmother, huh?! She ain't getting any younger, an' Big Mac can't take care of everythin himself! Apple Bloom's not old enough ta handle the bigger chores yet, so they need me! If she won't do it, then Ah will!” she turned back to Applejack and glared at her in disgust, “At least one of us values family...”

“I'll commend you for caring about your family,” Trixie said, “But Applejack is coming with us!”

“We're not leaving her!” Pinkie Pie said, “She's our friend!”

“Why do y'all want someone like her anyway?!” Shadow Applejack asked, “She's willin ta abandon her own flesh and blood fer sum C-cup floozy, an' she didn't even tell y'all 'bout her an' Rarity! How can y'all trust someone who won't even be honest wit the people most important ta her?!”

“We believe in her,” Sunset Shimmer said, making the shadow laugh.

“Y'all believe in her?! That's the biggest piece of hogwash Ah've ever heard! But Ah see how it's gotta be,” Shadow Applejack glared at them as black energy gathered around her, “If Ah'm gonna git outta here, Ah've gotta take y'all out first!”

She was engulfed in the same black energy as Trixie's shadow, and just like that time she transformed. Shadow Applejack now looked like a large cowgirl about 12 feet tall. Her body was somewhat slender still, but her skin was black and her head was a skull engulfed in fire. In her hands were two hand guns, and she had a shot gun strapped to her back as well.

“Guys, I'll try to untie Applejack!” Pinkie Pie said.

“Got it,” Trixie said, “We'll take care of her shadow!” Trixie turned to Sunset, “Let's go!”

Sunset Shimmer nodded, and they rushed over to Shadow Applejack as she spun her hand guns.

“Ah am a shadow! The true self!” Shadow Applejack proclaimed, “Ah won't let y'all stop me from getting ta mah kin! I'll tear ya ta pieces!”

“This bitch is totally asking for it!” Trixie said, “Sunset Shimmer, I'll follow your lead just like last time!”

Sunset Shimmer started out by holding her hand out to her card, Trixie spinning her staff above her at the same time.

“CORDELIA!!!”

“Go Dionysus!”

Both girls summoned their Personas at the same time, willing them to charge up to Shadow Applejack. Dionysus reached the shadow first doing a flying spin kick. Cordelia slashed at Shadow Applejack, but she rolled aside pointing her guns at Dionysus. Cordelia jumped in the way defending him, taking the blast herself.

“Augh!!!” Sunset cried out, feeling the damage from the shot as Cordelia and Dionysus faded away.

“Sunset!” Trixie called out, running to Sunset's aid.

“Oh no ya don't!” Shadow Applejack called out, putting her hand guns aside and pulling out her shot gun. She fired at Trixie, knocking her into the back wall.

Sunset looked at Trixie in horror, relieved when she saw her stagger to her feet. She then charged over to Shadow Applejack slashing with her sword. She slashed upward, and summoned Cordelia willing her to slash upward diagonally. Shadow Applejack blocked both attacks and spun around whacking Sunset Shimmer back.

Trixie summoned Dionysus, who rushed over to Shadow Applejack and did rapid side kicks to her, knocking her into the wall. When he faded away, Trixie appeared right in front of the shadow and whacked it a few times with her staff.

Shadow Applejack pulled out her hand guns again and fired at Trixie, but she rolled out of the way. Sunset Shimmer ran past them in the opposite direction and summoned her Persona. Cordelia pointed her clawed hand forward, casting Bufu on Shadow Applejack. She didn't even flinch. This Shadow was immune to ice attacks!

That was Cordelia's specialty...

“Ah'm guided by mah love fer mah family!” Shadow Applejack stated, “I ain't gonna lose ta the likes of y'all!”

Shadow Applejack charged up her energy, and then pulled out her shot gun.

Guard, now!

Sunset Shimmer listened to Cordelia and got in a defensive stance. She looked at Trixie, silently urging her to do the same as she didn't know what the shadow was going to do next. Trixie nodded and held her staff in front of her bracing herself.

Shadow Applejack got on one knee and pointed her gun at Sunset Shimmer. Trixie looked at that in shock and rushed over to Sunset.

“Look out!” she shouted, shoving Sunset aside at the last minute and taking the blow herself. It didn't kill her, but it knocked her back doing massive damage it seemed. Sunset got up and ran over to her helping her up, asking her why she did that.

“We're friends, remember?” Trixie said, “Besides, you defended me earlier, so this makes us even.”

Sunset shook her head smiling, not sure how she felt with her friend taking such a massive blow herself, but she thanked Trixie all the same.

“Guys!” Pinkie Pie called out, “I can't undo the bindings! I think just like last time we have to defeat the shadow first!”

“Great,” Trixie groaned, “Because we're doing such a fine job in that department.”

Shadow Applejack pulled out her hand guns again and fired at them, making them part ways. Trixie landed closer to Pinkie Pie, who was next to a horribly frustrated and upset Applejack.

“I'm sorry,” Pinkie Pie said looking down, “I'm so useless right now. All I know how to do is make people laugh, and that's not going to help here.”

“It's okay,” Trixie said, “You're not useless. You can't fight, but we'd be lost without you,” Trixie looked down at Applejack, “And don't worry, Sunset Shimmer and I will get you out of here, okay?”

Applejack didn't looked up or open her eyes, but she nodded. Trixie stood up and turned back to the fight, Sunset and Cordelia working together trading blows with the shadow, who rolled out of the way and blocked all of their attacks.

Trixie spun her staff above her as her card appeared, “Go Dionysus!” she shouted, summoning her Persona, who was lying in the air above her. He snapped his fingers, casting Agi. If the screams of the Shadow were anything to go by, that attack did massive damage and knocked the shadow to her knees.

Trixie ran over to Sunset's side and helped her up, “I think this is our chance! You ready?” she asked. Sunset nodded, and they both looked glared at the shadow, “That's what I wanted to hear! Let's do this!”

Both of them charged over to Shadow Applejack and wailed on her with everything they had. A few times she knocked them back, but they immediately caught themselves and rushed back into the fight. That lasted for a few seconds until the shadow stood back up.

“Ah can't lose here!” Shadow Applejack shouted, “Macintosh, Apple Bloom, Grandma, all of 'em need me!”

The shadow shot at Sunset Shimmer with her gun, knocking her back, and then immediately rolled to the side shooting Trixie, who was know hunched over on her last legs. They had to end this fight soon or they'd die.

“I think the shadow is weak to Trixie's magic!” Pinkie Pie called out, “Sunset, you need to give her an opening!”

Sunset nodded, and held her hand out toward her card, “Persona!” she shouted, crushing the card in her hands. She and Cordelia then rushed over to the shadow, Sunset grabbing one leg while Cordelia got behind the shadow grabbing both of her arms.

“W-what 're ya doin?!” Shadow Applejack asked.

Sunset met eyes with Trixie and nodded smiling. It took a second, but Trixie smiled understanding what she wanted, “Got it!” she shouted spinning her staff above her, “Eat this!”

She whacked her card with her staff summoning Dionysus, who snapped his fingers casting Agi right as Sunset and Cordelia moved out of the way. The shadow was knocked down, but this time Sunset told Trixie to cast Agi again as opposed to rushing in.

“Good idea,” Trixie said, “Maximize the damage! Go Dionysus!”

She summoned her Persona a second time, casting Agi a second time. The shadow didn't look like it could take anymore, and it wasn't in any condition to attack. They could end this.

Sunset and Trixie summoned their Personas at the same time, willing them to rush over to the shadow. Dionysus did a series of fancy kicks to the shadow, actually thrusting his foot into Shadow Applejack and throwing her toward Cordelia, who slashed the Shadow in half with her sword. She screamed loudly as she faded away, turning back into her human form as she hit the floor.

Dionysus walked over to Cordelia, and elegantly took her right hand and kissed it. Cordelia looked away visibly flattered as they both faded away. Sunset looked at Trixie with a raised eyebrow, but Trixie looked up laughing.

“W-well, at least they're getting along, right?” Trixie tried playing it off, but Sunset wasn't going to be fooled. Dionysus, like Cordelia to herself, was a part of Trixie and would only do that if acting on something Trixie felt inside.

Did Trixie actually... nah.

They ran over to Applejack as the ropes and gag faded away. She knelt on the floor trembling, eyes wide. She looked a bit traumatized.

“Hey, are you okay?” Trixie asked as they ran over to her. Pinkie Pie was holding her as she cried.

“Ah... couldn't get free...” Applejack said, her voice shaking, “Ah tried mah hardest... but in the end Ah was...”

“Shh...” Pinkie Pie said, “It's okay Applejack. You're safe now.”

Applejack looked up at Sunset Shimmer and Trixie, “Ah'm sorry. Ah should 've listened to y'all. Ah couldn't do anythin against the shadows. All Ah did was make things worse.”

“I'd do the same for someone I loved,” Sunset said. Now that she understood exactly what was going on, she wasn't as mad at her. Everyone turned to Trixie, who looked away frowning.

“Just be more careful, okay?” Trixie said, “If we need to stop and save you every five seconds we'll never get to Rarity in time.”

“Right,” Applejack said getting up, “Speakin of which, there's someone Ah need ta talk to.”

She pushed past everyone and walked over to her shadow, who was still on her knees. She slammed a fist on the floor and silently cried. Applejack looked at her shadow sadly.

“Ya really love 'em, don't ya?” Applejack asked kneeling down to her distraught shadow, “Ah'm sorry if ya don't agree with mah decisions, truth is Ah ain't so sure Ah'm doin the right thing mahself.”

Shadow Applejack looked up at Applejack in shock.

“Rarity didn't put these thoughts in mah head,” Applejack stated, “Ah've always had these feelins. Whenever someone thinks 'bout me, all they see is some dumb hick from the country. They think all Ah can do is take care of a farm, like that's all Ah'm good at. Only made worse when Sunset told us what our Equestrian counterparts were like.

“Rainbow Dash's is the fastest person alive over there, Pinkie Pie's good at makin people happy an' plannin parties, Fluttershy's good with animals, an' Rarity makes things as radiant as herself,” Applejack gave a sad laugh, “Me though, mah counterpart's special talent is farmin. It was like the whole world was tryin ta tell me that mah destiny is ta be tied ta mah family fer the rest of mah life.”

“Oh Applejack...” Pinkie Pie said sadly.

“Geez, that's gotta suck,” Trixie said, “You want to be something big, and everything in the universe is telling you to stay in your small world and like it.”

Sunset looked down sadly, feeling somewhat responsible for making her feel like this. Even her shadow looked at her with sad understanding.

“Rarity is the whole reason Ah'm not goin crazy right now,” Applejack continued, “Ah'll admit, at first Ah wasn't sure about bein in a lesbian relationship, but when she kissed me Ah knew that Ah loved her with mah whole heart and soul. She gives me strength, ya know?” Shadow Applejack nodded, “Yer right though, even if Ah want ta leave the city, Ah can't forget mah roots. Maybe we could come ta a compromise. Ah don't know how, but Ah'm willin ta find a solution we can both live with. What do ya say?”

Shadow Applejack nodded smiling, and the two of them embraced one another.

“Ah'm sorry,” Shadow Applejack said.

“Nah, Ah'm the one who's sorry,” Applejack said. She stood up and took her shadow's hands, “Why don't ya start by helpin me save Rarity?”

Shadow Applejack nodded, and started glowing. She was then replaced with a spirit warrior wearing golden knights armor. The female knight had the face of a red fox and a matching tail, her lower body fully human and in the same armor as her body. On her back was a cross bow, and she wore a helmet shaped sort of like a wolf's head.

Applejack had faced her other self and received the facade to overcome life's expectations, the Persona Artemis.

Artemis vanished, turning into a tarot card that went into Applejack's soul. Applejack turned to everyone, “So this is... mah Persona?”

“Congratulations!” Pinkie Pie said, “Now you can fight the shadows and save Rarity!”

“Great,” Trixie said smiling, “Cause we could definitely use the-” she winced in pain falling over. Everyone ran over to her aid, Sunset helping her stand, “I'm fine, really...” she said, trying and failing to hide how much pain she was actually in.

“We should get outta here so she can rest,” Applejack suggested. Sunset looked at Applejack in shock.

“What about Rarity?” Sunset asked.

“Ah hate it, believe me,” Applejack admitted, “But we ain't gonna get very far with her injured. Besides, it's gettin late. If we don't get home, our folks will get worried.”

“Looks like I'm slowing you guys down again, huh?” Trixie said, “Damn it...”

“Nah, we ain't properly prepared anyway,” Applejack said, “Sides, Ah need ta clear mah head if Ah'm gonna rescue Rarity.”

“Then let's get out of here,” Pinkie Pie said. Sunset Shimmer nodded and lead the way out of the castle. Applejack stopped and turned back to the door leading to the next area.

“Ah'll be back Rarity, Ah promise,” she said, running after the group.

Tuesday, September 12th
After School

When they emerged in the real world, Trixie looked like she was doing a lot better. Still not good enough to start exploring, but good enough where her parents wouldn't ask questions.

“I feel sort of weird coming back without Rarity,” Pinkie Pie said. Trixie looked down.

“I'm sorry guys. I said I wouldn't slow anyone down, yet I still...”

“This time it's mah fault,” Applejack said, “Ah shouldn't 've run in there all gung-ho like I did. Next time Ah'll stay with the group.”

Sunset Shimmer told everyone to clear their schedules for the next week.

“I hope it doesn't take a week, but pacing ourselves is a good idea,” Trixie said.

“Ah think mah Persona has a few healin arts,” Applejack said, “So that'll help.”

“I'll bring a notebook with me to write down what we learn about the mirror world,” Pinkie Pie said, “That way we'll even be able to remember enemy weaknesses.”

“You don't mind keeping track of all that?” Sunset Shimmer asked.

“Nope. I want to do something, you know?” Pinkie Pie said.

“Alright, we'll meet back here tomorrow after school,” Trixie said, “Let's get some rest.”

Pinkie Pie and Trixie left. Sunset Shimmer was about to leave, but she stopped when she saw Applejack looking back at the mirror.

“We'll save her,” Sunset Shimmer said. Applejack nodded and turned to Sunset Shimmer smiling.

“Right. Thanks,” Sunset Shimmer nodded smiling, “Ya know, Ah was real short with ya these last few days. Ah gotta apologize for that.”

Sunset Shimmer told Applejack she wasn't mad. Applejack closed her eyes smiling.

“Yeah? Ah'm glad ta hear that. Ya know, it's been a while since it was just the two of us? Ah'd love ta catch up on old times, maybe even train with ya.”

Sunset Shimmer nodded, accepting Applejack's request to catch up sometimes.

“!”

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 Strength Arcana...

“Well, Ah'll see ya tomorrow Sunset,” Applejack said. Sunset waved good bye to Applejack, and then made her way back home.

Tuesday, September 12th
Evening

When Sunset Shimmer got in, she saw that no one was home. Looked like Celestia and Luna were working late tonight. She decided to head right to bed so she could rest up for tomorrow.

…

Sunset dreamed that she and Diamond Tiara were sumo wrestlers. Her relationship with Diamond Tiara intensified.