Saturday, September 16th
After School

Rarity's Castle: 7th Floor

Sunset Shimmer and her team continued to explore the castle. They didn't know how many floors there were, so there wasn't a way to tell if climbing the castle in one sitting was realistic. Even still, they were going to try at least.

As they navigated the maze, Sunset saw a shadow crawling up ahead. It didn't look like it noticed them yet, but it was blocking their path. Damn it, what were they going to do?

“Let's just jump it before it sees us,” Trixie suggested, “We can't get past it, and the three of us can take it out.”

Sunset nodded to Trixie and then rushed over to the shadow, slashing it with her sword. After her blade made contact, the shadow split into two shadows and took form, becoming some sort of weird floating fish like monster. They looked disoriented, as if they weren't sure what happened.

“They're called Calm Pesce,” Pinkie Pie said, “I think you guys can gang up on them.”

“Leave it ta me!” Applejack said swinging her nun-chucks around, “Persona!”

She slammed her card with her nun-chucks, summoning Artemis. The armored fox spirit held her hand to the sky, summoning a green tornado that engulfed the fish shadow on the left. It looked like that was its weakness, because it fell down injured.

“Hey, do that again!” Trixie urged. Applejack summoned Artemis again, who cast the wind spell (Garu I think?) on the other Calm Pesce, knocking it to the ground.

“So, ya wanna gang up on 'em?” Applejack asked. Sunset Shimmer nodded and the three of them charged in and attacked the shadows with everything they had. They didn't put up a fight, and they died shortly after.

After they were done, Sunset looked over to Applejack, who looked really tense. Sunset understood how she felt though, as they had been searching for Rarity for about three days now. Hell, even Trixie was getting concerned.

Sunset walked over to Applejack and asked if she was okay.

“Yeah, Ah'm fine,” Applejack said, “Ah jus' hope we're getting closer ta the top.”

“I... think we are...” Pinkie Pie said slowly, catching everyone's attention.

“How do you know?” Trixie asked.

“The same way I know what the shadows are called,” Pinkie Pie answered, “I just... know...”

“Well, if she's close, then we can't waste any time!” Applejack said running ahead.

“Applejack! We talked about this! Damn it, that girl is gonna be the death of us!” Trixie said before running ahead. Sunset placed a comforting hand on Pinkie Pie's shoulder, and asked her if she wanted to rest a bit. Pinkie Pie shook her head.

“I'm fine Sunset,” Pinkie Pie said, “We're really close to where Rarity is. I wanna save her as soon as possible,” Pinkie Pie put on a smile, “Don't worry about me.”

Sunset found it hard not to worry about her. She had become more stressed out as time went on, but Sunset figured it was because Rarity was trapped in this castle. She'd perk up once they found Rarity.

Patting Pinkie Pie on the shoulder, Sunset raced after her friends with Pinkie Pie right behind her. It didn't take them long to find the stairs going to the next floor.

Rarity's Castle: 8th Floor

As they reached the 8th floor, they were greeted with a large red door. Under them was what looked like a red carpet, which put Sunset in the mind of the throne room. This was definitely where they needed to be.

“Ugh, we made it,” Trixie said falling to the floor and sitting down, “Geez, I thought we'd never get up here.”

“Rarity... she's behind this door,” Applejack said placing her hand on the door. Sunset Shimmer walked over to her and put a hand on her shoulder, “Ah'm alright, really. Ah'm jus' ready ta get Rarity outta here.”

“She's probably terrified,” Pinkie Pie said, “She had no way of knowing that we're even looking for her.”

“I remember how I felt being tied up when my shadow trapped me,” Trixie said, “God, that was terrifying, not being able to get free and knowing that the ropes didn't even have knots. I can only imagine what's going on in Rarity's head right now.”

“Ah felt... vulnerable,” Applejack admitted, “Until y'all showed up, the thing runnin through my mind was 'what's my shadow gonna do ta me?' She's been stuck here fer almost a week now.”

“We have to save her,” Sunset said adamantly, catching everyone's attention.

“Captain's right,” Trixie said standing up, “I'm rested up, so we can leave at any time.”

“Ah'm ready too,” Applejack said gripping her nun-chucks, “Hang on Rarity.”

“I'll stay closer to the door,” Pinkie Pie said, “Since I'm the only one without a Persona, but I'm ready too.”

Sunset nodded to everyone, then turned to the door giving it a push. She didn't let anyone know, but her heart was racing. Something was telling her that this was going to be their hardest fight yet.

When the four girls opened the door, they saw the largest throne room in the world. To Sunset Shimmer, it put Celestia's throne to shame, and that was saying something. Like the rest of the castle, the throne room had white walls with purple banners.

“Rarity!” Applejack called out, “Where are ya?!” they all heard a muffled scream above them. They looked up and saw a large golden bird's cage hanging from the ceiling over the throne. There wasn't a lock on it at all, so there wasn't a visible way of opening it.

But sitting inside it, chained to the floor of the cage, and with a white scarf gagging her, was Rarity.

“Rarity!” Applejack ran up to the cage, Sunset, Trixie, and Pinkie following her, “Damn it! How are we gonna reach her?!”

“Did you call me, darling?” Shadow Rarity called from the front of the throne room. They turned to see her sitting seductively in the throne, “You made it. I'm so happy.”

“FYI, the one were calling was the real Rarity,” Trixie said, “Which you're going to release!”

“Why did you capture her?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I did it so Applejack and I could be together forever,” Shadow Rarity said smiling suggestively.

“Yer not the one Ah'm datin!” Applejack said.

“Who says you'll be dating her for much longer?” Shadow Rarity asked, surprising everyone, “Ahh, she didn't tell you, did she? Now that makes sense.”

“Didn't tell Applejack what?” Trixie asked.

“That she was planning on breaking up with you,” Shadow Rarity said. Sunset saw the color fade from Applejack's face.

“W-what?! What 're ya talkin about?! Rarity wouldn't break up with me!” Applejack denied. Sunset looked up at the real Rarity in her cage, and saw her look away in sadness and shame.

She was?

“How much do you really know about your beloved Rarity, hm?” Shadow Rarity asked, “Does she tell you her deepest secrets? Her desires? Her dreams? Or is it a passionate battle of tongues whenever you two get together?”

Applejack wanted to say something, but she stopped and looked down.

“See? She never opened up to you about anything. To her, all you were was a cheap, easy fuck. She never cared about you. All she was looking for was someone she could carry around as an accessory, and then throw away when the next big thing appeared.”

“That's not Rarity at all!” Sunset Shimmer said adamantly.

“Captain's right! I haven't known her for very long, but she's not that superficial. Maybe a little high on herself, but I was worse last year.”

“You don't know anything about her!” Shadow Rarity shouted, “She doesn't care about anyone but herself! As soon as it gets in the way of her future or her dreams she throws it away! That goes for you too!”

Shadow Rarity stood up and ran over to Applejack.

“Don't you see? I did this for you! For us!” Shadow Rarity said earnestly, “Applejack, I... I love you!”

Applejack stepped back and bit gritting her teeth, clearly unable to figure out how she felt about what she was hearing.

“You deserve better than that high strung, self centered skank!” Shadow Rarity said, “I love you too much to let her tear you to pieces like that. So yes, I kidnapped her, but I wasn't going to kill her myself! Actually... I was hoping that we could leave this place together... you and me.”

“Us... leave?” Applejack asked, looking at Shadow Rarity in shock.

“We don't need her,” Shadow Rarity said, “The world would be better off without her anyway. But I could take her place. I would devote myself to you and only you,” Shadow Rarity took Applejack's hands, “Please choose me, Applejack! Let's leave her here and have a future together, just like what she promised you!”

It was clear that Shadow Rarity was serious about her feelings. Just like with Applejack's shadow, she was being honest and true to herself. Did that mean that Rarity was planning on breaking up with Applejack?

“Rarity...” Applejack said looking away seriously.

“She doesn't deserve you,” Shadow Rarity said, “Not if she was going to rip your heart to pieces like that. Let's leave together, Applejack...” Shadow Rarity was about to caress Applejack's cheek, but Applejack grabbed her hand stopping her, “Applejack?”

“Ah came here fer the real Rarity,” Applejack said seriously, “Ah ain't leavin without her.”

“She was going to break your heart!” Shadow Rarity shouted, “Even knowing that, you're going to still choose her over me?!”

“Ah ain't makin any decisions till Ah hear it from Rarity,” Applejack said glaring at Shadow Rarity.

“I am Rarity!” Shadow Rarity said, “I'm just as real as she is!”

“You don't get ta decide what she does,” Applejack said, “Now, let my Rarity go, 'fore Ah have ta get ugly.”

“No...” Shadow Rarity said, her aura building up around her, “NO!!!! I won't let you do this to me!!! You will not deny me!!!” she screamed, gathering the shadows around her. A black wave pushed Sunset, Trixie, Pinkie, and Applejack back, and when they looked back at Shadow Rarity, she had already changed.

She was now a large white dragon that looked like it was made of crystal or some sort of diamond. On its back were green diamonds like spines, and it had glowing red eyes. Surrounding it was four smaller diamonds that continuously circled around the dragon.

“That's a big one!” Trixie shouted.

“She's bigger than any of the other shadows we've faced!” Pinkie Pie said, “I... I don't know what to do against it!”

Sunset looked behind the dragon, seeing the real Rarity pulling at her shackles frantically as the dragon approached her cage.

“I should kill you right here!” Shadow Rarity said angrily.

“No!” Applejack shouted whacking her tarot card with her nun-chucks. Artemis rushed forward, getting on one knee, and shot her crossbow at Shadow Rarity's claw, catching her attention. Artemis vanished shortly afterward.

“Fine!” Shadow Rarity said, “I'll deal with you first!”

Sunset and Trixie ran up to Applejack's side and pulled out their weapons.

“I am a shadow! The true self!” Shadow Rarity proclaimed, “I will not be denied! You will choose me!”

“Geez, talk about obsessive!” Trixie said, “Turning into a full blown dragon?!”

“Ah don't care what she turns into!” Applejack shouted, “Sunset Shimmer, Ah'm in yer hands!”

Sunset nodded to Applejack and put her focus toward the shadow, who roared at them angrily. Shadow Rarity slammed her claw onto the ground toward them, but the three girls scattered to get away. Sunset then held her hand above her as her tarot card appeared.

“Persona!” she shouted, crushing her card with her hand. Cordelia appeared in front of her and rushed forward. Trixie summoned Dionysus at the same time, and the two Personas charged toward the shadow dragon.

Cordelia slashed with her sword, but was stopped by a barrier. Dionysus tried kicking Shadow Rarity, but he was also stopped by the same barrier.

“No!” Trixie shouted.

“Let me try!” Applejack shouted swinging her nun-chucks, “Artemis, attack!” Applejack shattered her card, and Artemis appeared and fired with her crossbow, but just like Cordelia and Dionysus, her attacks were stopped by the same barrier.

“You can't touch me!” Shadow Rarity shouted, “As long as my barrier is up, I'm invincible!”

Shadow Rarity started casting a spell, and then fired Zio at all three of them, actually knocking Applejack to the ground. Seeing an opening, Shadow Rarity cast another spell. It didn't hurt them physically, but Sunset felt a little weaker somehow as a purple wave came over her and her friends.

Sunset pushed herself up and rushed over to the shadow as her tarot card hovered over her palm. She crushed it right as she reached Shadow Rarity, and she and Cordelia took turns slashing at the barrier itself.

“I don't think so!” Shadow Rarity shouted whacking Sunset and Cordelia back. Cordelia vanished as she hit the floor, but Trixie caught Sunset.

“This ain't workin!” Applejack stated summoning Artemis, who held her hand in the air casting a healing spell on Sunset (the name Dia came to Sunset Shimmer's mind), “We needed another plan!”

“Thank you Captain Obvious!” Trixie said, “I'm still wondering what that one spell she used did.”

Sunset was wondering too. She did notice that the tail whip attack seemed to hurt a little more than she thought it would.

“I have a plan for you all!” Shadow Rarity said charging up her magic again, “SUFFER FOR ME!!!”

She cast another spell, this time using Mazio hitting everyone. Trixie rolled out of the way, but Sunset and Applejack wasn't so lucky. Sunset noticed that Applejack screamed out and fell to the ground again, and that the spell hurt more than usual.

Shadow Rarity used the opening to once again cast another weird spell. This time the wave that hit them was green, and Sunset felt a little slower. What was going on?!

“Guys!” Pinkie Pie called out from the door, “I think she's doing something weird to your physical abilities!”

“I think so too...” Trixie said, “I don't feel as fast as usual.”

Sunset ran over to Applejack and helped her up. The poor thing looked like she was barely hanging in there.

“Ah'm... fine...” Applejack breathed out, “Can you an' Trixie hold her off till I catch my second wind?”

Sunset nodded and ran over to Trixie, but was whacked with Shadow Rarity's tail before she could reach her, knocking her away from Trixie.

Trixie summoned Dionysus, who appeared above Trixie lying on the air. He snapped his fingers and cast Agi, but the spell was once again stopped by a barrier.

“CORDELIA!!!” Sunset shouted, summoning her main Persona. Cordelia held her clawed hand forward, casting Bufu at Shadow Rarity. Just like all of their attacks, it was stopped by a barrier. She was invincible!

Shadow Rarity slammed her claw down toward Trixie, who tried to roll to the side. Sadly, she wasn't fast enough and the shock of the impact knocked her forward and onto the ground.

“Now I know she did something,” Trixie groaned, “I should have been able to dodge that...”

Pinkie Pie looked closely at the shadow, noticing the crystals circling her.

“Sunset!” Pinkie Pie called out, “You need to do something about those crystals! I think they're creating the barrier!”

Sunset looked at the crystals, seeing a sort of energy generating between them whenever they spun around. It would take a while, but that looked like their best bet. She turned to Pinkie Pie and gave her a thumbs up thanking her, and then ran over to Trixie grabbing her wrist, pulling heer away just in time before Shadow Rarity hit her with her claws again.

Sunset ran over to the newly healed Applejack, and told them both to focus on the crystals around Shadow Rarity.

“That's a good plan,” Trixie said, “But it'll take a while.”

“Yeah, an' Ah take more damage from her electric attacks,” Applejack stated, “How 're we gonna take her out 'fore she kills us first?”

I have a power that will help...

Focus on the crystals right before Applejack attacks...

Cordelia had a plan? Well, she hadn't steered Sunset wrong yet. Sunset focused on one of the crystals and summoned Cordelia. Like when she cast Bufu, she held her clawed hand forward, but this time that same wave that hit them converged on one of the crystals.

“Attack, now!” Sunset commanded Applejack, who nodded.

“Got it!” Applejack summoned Artemis, who cast Garu at the crystal, instantly destroying it.

“What?!” Shadow Rarity shouted, “How?!”

“While she's open! Go again!” Pinkie Pie shouted. Applejack summoned Artemis again, who cast Garu on another crystal, not destroying it, but there was a visible crack on the crystal.

Shadow Rarity cast Mazio again, but this time Applejack took a defensive stance, which helped her stay her ground. Sunset had Cordelia cast that spell (Sunset felt like calling it Rakunda) again on another crystal, weakening it. Trixie had Dionysus kick the cracked one while Applejack had Artemis cast Garu on the one Sunset weakened. Both crystal were destroyed.

“Damn you!” Shadow Rarity shouted, “Why are you so blinded?! I'm trying to save you!”

Shadow Rarity cast Mazio again, this time before Applejack could take a defensive stance. When she fell to the ground, Shadow Rarity cast Mazio again, actually knocking Applejack unconscious.

“AJ!!!” Pinkie Pie screamed. Rarity seemed to scream Applejack's name through her gag as well. Sunset and Trixie were both on their last legs, as Trixie had to use her staff for support and Sunset was resting on one knee.

Sunset told Pinkie Pie to try and wake Applejack up while she and Trixie held off the shadow. Pinkie Pie nodded and ran over to Applejack as Sunset and Trixie forced themselves up.

“Captain, try using that one Persona till she wakes up,” Trixie suggested, referring to a Persona Sunset awoke to during the climb called “Pixie”. Whenever she thought about it, it somehow made her feel closer to Trixie.

She pulled Pixie's card into the imaginary slot in front of her, suddenly feeling herself become more confident. She also felt herself become more comfortable around Trixie.

Pixie here!

Let me heal you until your friend wakes up!

Sunset Shimmer summoned Pixie, who appeared as a small fairy with short red hair. She held her hands up casting a group healing spell on everyone, including Applejack (Sunset learned earlier that this spell was called Media).

Trixie, now able to stand, spun her staff over her head, “Go Dionysus!” she shouted, summoning her Persona. Feeling her intense emotions, Dionysus jumped into the air and kicked the final crystal, shattering it. Seeing the opening, Dionysus kicked Shadow Rarity directly, knocking her back.

“We can hit her now!” Trixie said, turning to Sunset Shimmer. Sunset nodded smiling, and then ran over to Trixie, deciding to stick with Pixie until Applejack woke up.

“You'll pay for that!” Shadow Rarity shouted, casting Mazio again. At some point Sunset's body started to feel as strong as normal, so she was able to withstand the attack. Trixie was even able to dodge it, and it looked like Pinkie Pie pulled Applejack out of the way before it hit them.

After a second, Applejack shook her head, “Ugh... what happened?” she asked.

“Applejack!” Pinkie Pie shouted hugging her friend, “I was so worried!”

“Ah'm fine Pinkie,” Applejack said hugging her friend, “But we need ta put an end ta this.”

Applejack ran forward as Pixie healed everyone, Dionysus kicking the shadow against a wall.

“You ready to join us again?” Trixie asked.

“Yeah, sorry 'bout that,” Applejack said, “What do ya say we put an end ta this once and fer all?”

Sunset nodded and switched back to Cordelia.

“CORDELIA!!!” Sunset shouted, summoning her Persona, casting Rakunda on the shadow directly.

“Go Dionysus!” Trixie shouted, resummoning her Persona who kicked Shadow Rarity rapidly knocking it against the wall.

“This one's fer Rarity,” Applejack said to herself, “Artemis, attack!” Applejack summoned her Persona, who held her hand above her casting Garu, this time making the shadow fall to the ground.

“Captain, you ready?” Trixie asked Sunset Shimmer, who nodded. The three of them rushed over to the shadow attacking her with everything they had. She didn't put up much of a fight, and when they were done the shadow screamed in agony falling to the floor, fading away in a black mist, turning back into her humanoid form.

The cage Rarity was being kept in fell to the ground and broke. The shackles and scarf vanished, and the bars opened enough for her to step out.

“Rarity!” Applejack called out. Rarity turned to Applejack and wiped her eyes, cleaning her make-up as best as she could.

“Applejack...” Rarity said looking away slightly. Applejack ran up to Rarity and embraced her.

“Are ya okay?” Applejack asked softly.

“No...” Rarity said, “I'm glad to be out of that cage, but I'm not okay.”

Sunset, Trixie, and Pinkie Pie ran over to them.

“Geez, I'm glad we got here in time,” Trixie said, “You had us worried.”

“Rarity, were you really going to break up with Applejack?” Pinkie Pie asked, surprising Rarity.

“Y-you know that we're dating?” Rarity asked. Applejack looked down sheepishly.

“Yeah... my shadow appeared an' sort of... spilled the beans...” Applejack said, “They understood though.”

Rarity turned to Sunset Shimmer, who breathed out in relief and nodded smiling, letting Rarity know that it was okay. Truth was, lesbian, straight, none of that mattered to Sunset. Hell, lately she found herself actually looking at girls a lot more.

“Well, I'm glad that you support us,” Rarity said looking down.

“Rares, were ya... plannin on...” Applejack asked.

“I didn't want to break up with you,” Rarity confessed, “The thought... has been building up in my head though...”

“Why though?” Applejack asked, “Ah didn't do anythin... did Ah?”

“Oh no! Not at all!” Rarity said earnestly, “If you'd excuse the cliché... it's not you... it's me.”

Rarity turned away from Applejack in shame.

“You? Rarity, what's wrong?” Applejack said.

“Well, after college I plan on going to Manehattan University...” Rarity said rubbing her arm, “With my grades, I'm sure to get in.”

“That's fine,” Applejack said, “Ah told ya, Ah'd go with ya if-”

“That's why!” Rarity screamed turning to Applejack, “Manehattan isn't just a bus ride away! If you come with me, what's your family going to do?!”

“You were worried about her family too?” Trixie asked.

“Of course I was!” Rarity said, “I've had a crush on Applejack since the beginning of high school. I knew it was selfish, but I couldn't keep it in anymore. I figured that I'd confess my feelings, and then leave it at that.

“But when I got there, I couldn't keep it in. She looked so beautiful, and my feelings were so strong, that I knew just telling her wasn't enough. I had to show her. So I made a really nice dress, went to her house, and once again was at a loss for words. I couldn't take it, so I kissed her, ready for her to push me off, but instead...”

“Instead, Ah pulled her in,” Applejack said, “Ah was surprised, but it jus'... felt right... my lips pressed together against Rarity's...”

So that was how it happened. It was interesting, seeing Rarity like this. Sunset was used to seeing Rarity so calm and sure of herself, so seeing her actually nervous and hearing it was something else.

“I was being selfish...” Rarity said, “When Applejack said that she wanted to come with me to Manehattan University, I was overjoyed. At the same time, I realized that I was tearing her family apart,” Rarity turned to Applejack, “I can't do that to you. I can't ask you to leave your family over me. I would die if your family fell apart because of me.”

“Rarity...” Applejack said looking down. To Sunset, this situation was complicated, but she could tell how much they loved each other. She couldn't let their relationship fall apart.

“You two can work it out,” Sunset said catching their attention, “If you stick together, that is.”

“Together...?” Rarity asked.

“Captain's right,” Trixie said, “This is what it means to be in love. For better or worse, and all that stuff, right?”

“That's... when yer married...” Applejack said, both she and Rarity blushing, “But they're right. We'll work it out, but Ah wanna work it out with ya.”

“Applejack... you mean it?” Rarity asked. Applejack nodded smiling.

“Ah love ya, Rarity,” Applejack said caressing Rarity's cheek.

“Oh Applejack, I love you too,” Rarity said. Applejack pulled Rarity in and kissed her deeply. They truly looked right together like this. After a second, Rarity turned back to the center of the throne room, where her Shadow stood there looking ashamed. Rarity sighed and walked over to her.

“As for you,” Rarity said, “You do know that what you did was very wrong, right?” Shadow Rarity nodded. She looked at Applejack with a longing expression, something that Rarity took note of, “You really love her, don't you?”

“I do...” Shadow Rarity said softly, as if about to cry.

“I see,” Rarity folded her arms, “I'm still very upset at you, you know. You kidnapped me, and tried to kill me.”

“I just... wanted to protect Applejack's heart...” Shadow Rarity confessed.

Rarity nodded in understanding, “So now it makes sense. I love Applejack so much, that I don't want to break her heart, but I don't want to disappoint my family or tear hers apart. That's where you came from, isn't it?”

Shadow Rarity nodded.

“I can't hate you,” Rarity said, “And you're right about it not being fair that Applejack has to choose between the two of us. After all, we're both Rarity, right?”

Shadow Rarity looked surprised, but she nodded smiling.

“If she's not apposed to the idea,” Rarity said, “Why don't we both leave with Applejack and the others?”

Shadow Rarity looked at Applejack hopefully.

“No more kidnappin, alright?” Applejack said partially smiling. Shadow Rarity ran over to Applejack and kissed her, shocking the southern teen. As she ran back to Rarity, Sunset, Trixie, and Pinkie Pie all smiled at Applejack.

“Damn, Applejack gets all the ladies,” Trixie taunted.

“How does she do it?” Pinkie Pie asked playfully.

“Shut it y'all...” Applejack said. Even Sunset Shimmer found it hard not to taunt Applejack. Who would have thought she was such romantic?

“Now, let's go home,” Rarity said taking Shadow Rarity's hand. Shadow Rarity nodded, but then started glowing. She transformed into a very interesting spirit. She looked humanoid with really long and full blond hair, wearing a white garment that literally only covered her naughty bits. Behind her was what looked like a large grave stone with the name “Achilles” written on it in red letters, and on her wrists were shackles that were chained to the grave stone. The chain was long enough to give her enough give to move her arms freely, and her face was made up with red lipstick and purple eyeshadow.

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

Polyxena vanished, and Rarity turned to Sunset and her friends, “Now that that's settled, can we please get out of here? I'm dying to get freshened up, and I'm sure my mother is worried about me.

“Yeah, I'm so done with this place,” Trixie stated, “Let's get home.”

Sunset agreed, and led everyone back to the mirror leading back to the real world.

When they arrived back in the Antique Shop, Rarity insisted that someone get her some make-up so she could look somewhat presentable coming home. Sunset thought it was silly, but she let Rarity use her make-up kit so she wouldn't complain.

“Thank you Sunset,” Rarity said.

“Do you remember anything about what happened?” Trixie asked, “Like how you got there?”

“I'm afraid not,” Rarity said, “I assumed that my shadow pulled me in, but I was asleep when it happened. I doubt the police would believe anything concerning me being in another world.”

“Probably not,” Pinkie Pie said, “Do you know what you're going to say if the police ask you anything?”

“I have a small idea,” Rarity said, “Right now I just want to get some rest.”

“Ah'll walk ya home,” Applejack said, “Sides, Ah sort of wanted ta talk to ya in private.”

“Alright,” Rarity said, “Sunset, Trixie, Pinkie Pie, thank you for rescuing me.”

“That's what friends are for,” Sunset Shimmer said. Rarity smiled as a response.

“Ah'll give ya a call later once Ah get her in safely,” Applejack said, “Seriously y'all, thanks a million.”

“Hey, I'm just glad we could help,” Trixie said, “Now make sure the princess gets back to her castle safe and sound.”

“Ugh, don't mention castles,” Rarity groaned, “After this ordeal, I never want to see a castle again.”

Rarity and Applejack walked out, Rarity holding onto Applejack's arm as she was escorted out. Trixie stretched and yawned.

“I'm gonna head home,” Trixie said, “I'll give you a call tomorrow, okay Captain?”

Sunset nodded and waved good bye to Trixie. As she walked out, Sunset turned to Pinkie Pie, who was looking back at the mirror fearfully.

“How are you holding up?” Sunset asked.

“Sunset, why do I know so much about that place?” Pinkie Pie asked, “I've never been there, but...”

“We'll figure it out, together,” Sunset Shimmer said. Pinkie Pie turned back to Sunset and smiled.

“Sunset...” Pinkie Pie walked over to Sunset Shimmer and hugged her tightly, “I really missed you when you went back to Equestria, you know. Don't leave me again Sunset. I... I need you.”

Sunset and Pinkie Pie were always close, but at that moment Sunset felt a faint bond form between her and Pinkie Pie.

“!”

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

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

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

Sunset walked Pinkie Pie home, and then started making her way back home herself.

Saturday, September 16th
Evening

When Sunset got in, Celestia had ordered a pizza for dinner. It only took a few minutes for the pizza to arrive, and afterward Sunset, Celestia, and Luna all sat down to enjoy the “feast”.

It was times like these that Sunset felt more like their roommate.

“Oh, wonderful news,” Celestia said, “Your friend Rarity was found. Applejack brought her home.”

“That's wonderful,” Sunset said.

“Isn't it?” Celestia asked smiling, “I imagine you were worried about her.”

“It's rather unusual though,” Luna said, “How Rarity just turned up all of a sudden. I hear she doesn't even remember the kidnapping.”

“Lulu, she the poor thing was traumatized,” Celestia said, “She probably blocked the whole thing from her memory.”

“Perhaps,” Luna said sitting back, “And for the last time, do not call me Lulu.”

Luna took a bite out of her pizza slice, and both Sunset and Celestia laughed.

After dinner, Sunset Shimmer said good night to her guardians and went to her room to get ready for bed. She knew she would sleep well tonight.

…

Sunset dreamed that Diamond Tiara was chasing her. Her relationship with Diamond Tiara intensified.

Author's Note

Persona Stats:
Rarity Dubois (Hanged Man Arcana)
Base Weapon: Whips
Persona: Polyxena
Specialty: Electricity, healing, stat boosting
Weakness: Wind

Pixie (Magician Arcana)
Specialty: Healing
Weakness: Fire

I hope you enjoyed it. Please check out my Patreon page and consider donating. Simply donating a dollar alone would help me support myself via writing AND help the production of my Death Star, bringing me one step closer to world domination.