Chapters Sunset Shimmer slammed her food tray down on the table before sinking into her chair. If the entire school hadn't already been glaring at her, she would have gotten everyone's attention.
"You ok Sunny," Sonata asked as her cousin sat down.
"No, it seems like everyone here has forgotten how I've changed," Sunset explained. She looked longingly across the cafeteria to the table where her friends, the Rainbooms sat, staring daggers at her.
Aria pulled her phone out of her pocket and looked at it.
"What does Dagi want now," Sonata asked.
"She wants us to pick her up some more Gatorade on our way home," Aria answered, "I'm glad I'm not home sick."
Sunset looked up at Aria and Sonata.
"Adagio is home sick," Aria explained, "she has the flu or something."
Sunset stood and grabbed her backpack.
"Cover for me," Sunset said as she hurriedly exited the cafeteria.
"Where is she going," Sonata asked. A smirk crept across Aria's face.
"She's skipping," Aria said with a knowing smile as she took a sip from her diet soda.
"Oh," Sonata said, "should we tell Aunt Tia?"
"No," Aria exclaimed, "oh did you know that Adagio has a crush on one of her classmates.
"No," Sonata said, "how do you know that?"
"I read it in Adagio's diary."
"How did you get her diary?"
"She shouldn't have left it in a place where Tiberius could find it." Aria smirked.
"You know that as soon as Dagi finds out that you read her diary you're dead," Sonata said, "so, who is it?"
Aria leaned over and whispered into Sonata's ear.
"Who's that," Sonata said.
Aria looked at her phone.
"I have a MyStable notification," she said as she brought up her MyStable page.
"Wait, you have a MyStable account," Sonata said, "I thought you hated social media."
"I do," Aria answered as she looked at her MyStable page. It was a picture from Anon-A-Miss. The image that greeted her made her scowl. It was a picture of her along with Sunset and Sonata in the Cafeteria. The caption simply read "Monsters Inc.". Aria passed her phone to her sister as she looked around the cafeteria.
"Ooh! I love that movie," Sonata said, "what do you want me to do with this?"
"Can't you hack into it and find out who posted it," Aria asked.
"Not here with this," Sonata said, "who ever is doing this has turned this place upside down worse than we ever could."
"I know," Aria said as she fingered the gem around her neck, "ever miss it?"
"Not really," Sonata answered.
"Ditto," Aria said, "lets find out who is behind this."
"Then we destroy them," Sonata said with a smile and a twinkle in her eye, "how do we convince everybody that Sunny is innocent?"
"We'll think of something," Aria replied, she then noticed an unruly mop of pink hair staring at Sonata, "and I know where we can start."
*****
"Thank you Pinkie for helping us with this," Aria said as she unlocked the door to the house.
"Think nothing of it," Pinkie said, "when Bata told me that Dagi was sick, I knew that I had to come over and cheer her up! Plus I'm gonna maker her my Granny Pie's special chicken soup!"
"Dagi," Sonata called out, "we're home!"
"SNIFF- did you bring me some Gatorade," Adagio asked as she looked up from the couch. Then she locked eyes with Pinkie Pie, "what is she doing here?"
It was at that moment that Sunset entered the living room.
"Meanie secret stealer," Pinkie said.
"BOTH OF YOU," Aria said forcefully, "SHUT UP!"
"Pinkie, Aria and I had an ulterior motive for bringing you here today," Sonata said to her girlfriend, "we're going to prove that Sunny isn't Anon-A-Miss."
"How are you going to do that," Pinkie asked.
"We haven't quite figured that out yet," Aria replied.
"Aria, Sonata," Adagio said very calmly and deliberately, "may I speak to both of you in the kitchen, NOW!"
Both Pinkie and Sunset watched as the three sirens went into the kitchen.
"WHAT WERE YOU TWO THINKING," Adagio screamed, "DO YOU TWO HAVE ANY IDEA HOW FRAGILE SUNSET'S PSYCHE IS RIGHT NOW?"
"Look, we have to start somewhere," Aria explained, "I'd rather have Pinkie on our side than have her not believing us. We already are facing one he'll of an uphill battle."
"You aren't there," Sonata added, "CHS is a feeding frenzy, much worse than anything that we could ever dream of doing."
"Things are that bad?" Adagio asked. Aria and Sonata looked at each before they both looked at Adagio and simultaneously nodded.
"You're really not Anon-A-Miss are you," Pinkie said after a tense moment of silence.
"No, what would I have to gain from doing those things," Sunset answered.
"I'm sorry that I unfairly judged you," Pinkie said, "the mob mentality is currently controlling CHS."
"Lets find a way to clear Sunny," Sonata said as she and her sisters reentered the living room.
"So how do we do this," Aria asked.
Sonata pulled her Frankenstein laptop out of her backpack.
"First we understand our opponent," Sonata said as she pulled out an insulated glove and put it on. Then she tapped the power button on her computer, "oh it didn't spark this time."
"THIS TIME?" four girls chorused simultaneously. They watched at Sonata got to work and pulled up the MyStable page for Anon-A-Miss. Her hair stood on end whenever she hit the spacebar.
"Who ever is behind this page is trying awfully hard to make it obvious that its you," Aria told her cousin.
"Yeah," Pinkie agreed, "you girls didn't attend CHS during Sunset's reign of terror, but she was more subtle than this."
"I never did anything so openly," Sunset agreed, then she noticed the time stamp on one of the posts, "there is proof right there that I didn't do it, I was here with Adagio when this was posted."
"True," Aria said, "but we are the only ones that know that. Everyone else thinks that you were still at school."
"Plus this picture could have been taken at anytime." Sonata said.
"This is interesting," Pinkie said, as she scrolled to the Monsters Inc. picture, "it obvious that Sunset didn't take this picture, since she is in it."
"Sonata, could you print out a copy of that picture," Aria said, "I was to check something during lunch tomorrow."
Author's Note
And so it begins!
The Dazzlings are on the Case!
Aria stood in front of the table that she, Sonata and Sunset had eaten at the day before. As she looked around the cafeteria, none of the other students seemed to be paying any attention to her. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Unfolding it revealed a printed copy of the "Monsters Inc." picture that had been posted the previous day. Aria compared the angle of the photograph and was able to pinpoint where the picture had been taken from. Looking up from the picture she found her self looking at...
"The vending machines, really!" Aria said in disgust and anger. So much for this being easy. Whoever Anon-A-Miss was, they were being careful to cover their tracks.
"Watcha doin Aria?" Pinkie and Sonata both said simultaneously from behind her.
"GAH! Don't sneak up on me like like that," Aria said as she took a seat next to Sonata and laid the picture on the table, "I was hoping I could at least find out which table the picture was taken from, but no luck."
Sonata looked around the cafeteria, "where is Sunset, is she joining us for lunch today?"
"No she is eating in Aunt Celestia's office." Aria responded, "Sonata could you hack into the school computers and find out who logged into the Anon-a-Bitch profile?"
"I could," Sonata replied, "but after the incident last week, mom decided to ban me from using the school computers."
"The computer lab still smells like burnt plastic," Pinkie said.
"Looks like we'll have to use Plan B," Aria sighed.
"Ooh I like Plan B," Sonata replied, "what's Plan B?"
"As soon as I come up with it, I'll tell you," Aria said.
"Um, excuse me," a new voice said, "are you positive that Sunset is innocent?'
"Oh, hey Muffins," Aria said looking at the blond haired girl.
"You may call me Derpy," she replied, "everyone else does."
"What's up Derpy?" Pinkie asked.
"I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," Derpy said, "do you really mean that Sunset isn't Anon-A-Miss?"
"We're certain of it," Aria answered, "you wouldn't happen to have any idea who it might be would you?"
"No," Derpy said after a moment of deep thought, "but I'll keep me eyes and ears open."
"Thanks Derpy," Aria said.
"Oh and before I forget," Derpy said, "you may want to talk to Flash."
The three girls looked at each other before turning in their seats and looking across the cafeteria to where Flash Sentry sat alone. They turned back around to ask Derpy more but she had bounded off singing about muffins. Before any of them could go talk to the blue haired guitarist, they noticed Hoops passing out flyers.
"Watcha got there Hoops?" Pinkie Pie asked.
"Come support the Girls Basketball team this Friday against Crystal Prep," Hoops said, reciting a line that he had obviously rehearsed as she gave them each a flyer, "it's the last game before winter break."
They read the flyers as Hoops moved on to the next table.
"I'VE GOT IT!" Sonata cried aloud, causing the occupants of the surrounding table to turn and stare at her.
"What do you have?,H Aria replied with an arched eyebrow.
"And if it is contagious," Pinkie added, "don't kiss me!"
"Plan B!" Sonata said, "we just have to convince both Adagio and Cadence to bring Twilight to Friday's game."
"Why?" Aria asked.
"Call Dagi and have her meet us at Sugarcube Corner after school," Sonata said, "I'll explain everything then."
"Why can't you call Adagio?" Aria asked. Sonata hesitated before pulling out a lump of charred plastic and glass from her pocket.
"That was my phone," Sonata said, "I tried to use it to hack into the School's network."
"Mom is gonna kill you," Aria said, "you know that right?" Sonata only nodded.
The bell that signified the end of the lunch period rang. Aria looked at her sister as she stood up.
"Fill Pinkie in on your plan and tell me about it after school." Aria said.
"What are you gonna do?" Sonata asked.
Aria nodded toward Flash Sentry, "I'm going to go talk to Flash."
"Why do you always get to talk to the cute guy? OUCH, HEY!" Sonata demanded to know, Pinkie had pinched Sonata on her rear.
"Get out of here Aria," Pinkie said as she wrapped her arms around her girlfriend, "I have to remind 'Nata that she is mine!"
Aria just laughed.
As she made her way toward the school library for her next class, which happened to be Study Hall, she could feel tension that was hanging in the air. We couldn't make things this bad even when we were at our best. As she entered the library it didn't take her long to find Sunset, she had traded her prized leather jacket in for an inconspicuous drab hoodie, the back of which was covered in spitballs. She took a seat next to her cousin.
"Hey Sunset," Aria said, she could tell that Sunset had been crying, her face was puffy, "would you mind helping me Study or Mr. Doodle's chemistry test?"
Sunset nodded. She looked around at all the angry glares she was getting from the other students, but few of them were brave enough to say anything in the presence of Aria. Aria watched as Flash entered the library, he started to take a seat away from all the other students, but stopped when he noticed Aria waving him over. Sunset looked worried when she noticed him take a seat across from her.
"Sunset," Flash said, "I know that you aren't behind this. I've seen you at your worst, but I've also seen a side of you that very few others have."
"You don't think I did this," Sunset asked quietly "I don't even know any more. What if that demon that I became is back and is doing this when I'm not aware of it?"
Flash reached across the table and took Sunset's hand into his. Sunset looked up and met his gaze.
"Sunset, Anon-A-Miss lacks your level of finesse," Flash answered, "you were always careful to make sure that everyone knew it was you even though there was little to no evidence that you were responsible. Anon-A-Miss is just sloppy."
"I also remember the girl who was filled with wonder at everything she saw," Flash continued, "of course I now know that was because you are a magical sentient horse from an alternate dimension."
"Unicorn," Aria interjected.
"So, how do we put an end to Anon-A-Miss?" Flash asked.
"We're still working on that," Aria answered, "meet us after school at Sugarcube Corner."
"You have a plan?" Sunset asked.
"Sonata does," Aria answered. Sunset slammed her head on the table.
"I'm doomed," Sunset said with anguish.
"Shhhhhhhh!" Ms. Cheerilee said after having appeared from thin air before retreating down a book lined aisle.
"I'll admit that Sonata doesn't always think things through," Aria said, "but she really wants to help you."
"I guess we can give her plan a shot," Sunset said, "what is it?"
"Join us at Sugarcube Corner after school and find out." Aria replied.
"Aria," Flash said, "is that a good idea, half the school heads over there after class."
"Look at it this way," Aria countered as she looked at Sunset, "show Anon-A-Miss that you aren't intimidated by her."
"What makes you so certain that Anon-A-Miss is a she?" Flash asked.
"Look at her name," Aria said.
*****
Meanwhile, across campus.
"Principal Celestia will see you now," Raven said to the woman seated outside Celestia's and Luna's offices, Raven then dialed an extension, "Vice-Principal Luna, Principal Celestia would like to see you in her office."
A moment later, Luna emerged from her office and gave Raven a look that seemed to ask, "What's this about?" Raven just shrugged. When Luna entered her sister's office the first thing she noticed was the woman in the black business suit and the worried look on Celestia's face. Everything about their mystery guest screamed "GOVERNMENT AGENT!"
"How may I help you miss...?" Celestia said as Luna took a seat.
"Safe Space," their guest said, "Agent Safe Space of the Canterlot County Division of Children Services."
Both women straightened up as the woman spoke.
"Is there a problem with one of our students?" Luna asked.
Agent Safe Space paused a moment before answering, "yes, it seems that one of your students is a runaway."
"Who?" Celestia asked, she had looked for any information she could on the native counterpart to Sunset Shimmer and hadn't found anything.
"Scootaloo," Agent Safe Space answered,"she ran away shortly before the start of the school year, her foster parents never notified our office."
"That was nearly five months ago," Luna exclaimed, "why are we just learning about this now!"
"Our office is understaffed, and unfortunately, a few cases do slip through the cracks."
"Luna," Celestia said, "where is Scootaloo now?"
"She was on today's absentee list, I was about to call her foster parents."
"She has an otherwise perfect attendance record," Celestia said as she reached for the PA microphone that sat on the corner of her desk, "let's see if Apple Bloom or Sweetie Belle can point us in the right direction."
"Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle are Scootaloo's best friends," Luna explained.
"Attention students," Celestia said into the PA system, "would Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle please report to the principal's office."
"What is going to happen to Scootaloo?" Luna asked after her sister had put the microphone back in the corner of her desk.
"Well, that depends on if I can find her," Agent Safe Space replied, "I understand that she has friends and relationships here and I would prefer to not take her away from that."
The phone on Celestia's desk began to ring, she picked it up, "thank you Raven, please send them in."
Three pairs of eyes watched as Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle entered the office. Luna stood up and offered one of them her seat as she leaned against her sister's desk. All three of them silently observed both of the girls look nervously at Agent Safe Space.
"Girls," Celestia began, "do either of you know where Scootaloo is?"
"Isn't she at home," Sweetie Belle said obviously confused, "I thought she was sick."
"Scootaloo ran away," Luna said bluntly, "do either of you know where she might be?"
"Scootaloo ran away," Sweetie Belle repeated on the verge of tears, "why would she do that?"
Luna reached out and embraced Sweetie Belle in an effort to calm her down.
"Ah might know where she is," Apple Bloom said after a moment, "she told me over the Summer that she was havin' trouble with her foster parents,"
"Apple Bloom, where is she," Celestia asked.
"She has a little hideaway down by the creek in the park," Apple Bloom answered, "she likes to go there and getaway from her troubles."
Celestia reached into her desk drawer and grabbed her car keys before she looked at Luna.
"Take over for the rest of the day," Celestia said, "Tell Sunset that I won't be able to give her a ride home after school. Agent Safe Space, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
With that Celestia exited her office, with Agent Safe Space following on her heels, and leaving Luna with two worried young girls.
"I hope Scootaloo is OK," Sweetie Belle cried, "she never said anything about wanting to run away."
"Everything is going to be ok Sweetie Belle," Luna said, "we won't let anything happen to Scootaloo."
*****
Celestia drove in silence at the knife's edge of the legal speed limit. Her mind was racing through the possibilities. She feared the worst, and each worst case scenario kept replaying itself in her mind's eye. Kidnapping, drug abuse, death, or worse.
"Calm down Celestia," Celestia told herself as she pulled into the park's parking lot, "Scootaloo is a tough girl, if she made it this far on her own, then she can last a few more minutes."
After finding a place to park her car, Celestia began to move as quickly as her heels would allow toward the creek.
"Hopefully she is here," Celestia said, "I don't know where else to look."
"Principal Celestia," Celestia heard Scootaloo say, "what are you doing here?"
Celestia looked up, Scootaloo was sitting by herself on a secluded park bench, and Celestia would have passed her by if Scootaloo hadn't of said anything.
"Scootaloo!" Celestia exclaimed as she took a seat next to the young girl, "are you alright?"
"Yeah," Scootaloo answered, "I just wanted to get away from CHS for a bit and clear my head."
"You know that if you have any problems, Vice-Principal Luna and I are always willing to listen," Celestia said, "our student's wellbeing comes first."
"I guess you heard that I ranaway," Scootaloo said quietly.
"It came up," Celestia answered, "why would you do such a thing?"
"Honestly, I can't remember the original reason," Scootaloo said. By this Agent Safe Space had caught up with Celestia and was standing nearby watching the two of them interact.
"What's troubling you Scootaloo?" Celestia asked.
"I know about something that started small, but now it's gotten so big that it is out of control," Scootaloo said, "and I don't know what to do."
"If you want my advice," Celestia said after a moment and Scootaloo simply nodded, "when you're ready, I'd tell someone, or at least try to solve the problem, don't let events spiral out of control and people get hurt worse than they already are."
"Scootaloo, do you have everything," Agent Safe Space said finally, "you are coming with me to the center."
"No!" Scootaloo cried as she tried to hide behind Celestia, "don't let them take me away!"
"Agent Safe Space," Celestia said, "I may have a solution. Why doesn't Scootaloo come home with me, my daughter is an upperclassmen at CHS, and I am her Principal, I'll make sure she she gets the care that she needs."
Safe Space thought about that for a moment.
"She obviously trusts you," Safe Space said, "this is highly irregular, but I will allow it with random visits to check on Scootaloo's well being until a more permanent solution is found."
Celestia gave Scootaloo a gentle hug, as Safe Space reached into her brief case.
"Luckily I have all the paperwork with me, so there is no need to head back to the office." Safe Space said. Over the course of the next hour, Agent Safe Space and Celestia filled out the necessary paperwork, and Safe Space explained to Celestia what would be expected of her.
"Ready to go Scootaloo," Celestia asked as Safe Space returned to her car, "got all your things?"
Scootaloo grabbed a purple duffle bag that had a cyan Pegasus plush sticking out of one of the pockets, in her other hand she carried her scooter. As the were leaving the patk, a thought popes into Scootaloo's head and she had to ask the necessary question.
"Who is your daughter," Scootaloo asked, "is it Rainbow Dash?!"
"No," Celestia answered with a chuckle, "Sunset Shimmer."
Author's Note
Sorry that this chapter took so long to get out. I changed part of it midway through writing it. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter.
Anon-A-Miss is still going to be a part of this story, but it is headed in a different direction than I had originally intended. I hope you appreciate the new direction this story is headed, and as always, I love feedback and comments.
As Flash had suspected, half of the student population was indeed hanging out at Sugarcube Corner after school. Seated at their usual place were four members of the Rainbooms, plus Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Adagio. Adagio excused herself and went joined her sisters and cousin when they walked in along with Flash and Pinkie. Pinkie and Sonata turned toward the cafe's counter to place everyone's drink orders. As she passed Adagio, Sonata plucked her sister's drink from her hands and took a sip before making a face and handing the drink back to Adagio.
"So what's the plan?" Adagio asked as she took a seat across from Aria and Flash and next to Sunset.
"You'll have to wait for Sonata," Aria answered, "just like the rest of us."
"Sonata came up with this plan," Adagio retorted, "really? This will be hilarious."
"Ooooh, I'm so doomed," Sunset groaned.
"Her idea can't be that bad," Flash said with optimism.
"You have no idea," Adagio replied as Pinkie and Sonata returned with everyone's drinks.
"Let's see," Pinkie said, " hot cherry tea with a lemon wedge for Sunset. Root beer float with chocolate ice cream for Mr. Sentry. One caffeine-free diet soda for Aria."
"Don't judge me," Aria said.
"Two triple shot espresso's with whipped cream and sprinkles for Pinkie and myself," Sonata said, "and one dark mocha iced coffee for Adagio."
"Come to momma!" Adagio said as the drink was placed in front of her.
"Ok Sonata," Aria said after everyone hate taken a moment to enjoy their drinks, "what is this master plan of yours?"
"Mmmm," Sonata said as she swallowed, "ok, so tomorrow is the Girls basketball team's last game before Winter Break."
Everyone seated at the table nodded.
"Adagio, who is CHS playing against?" Sonata asked.
"Crystal Prep," Adagio answered, "but what does that have to do with catching Anon-A-Miss?"
"I can't touch the school computers," Sonata said, "but Twilight can. What I propose is for Aria to give the two of you a tour of campus, then have Twilight hack into MyStable from one of the school computers and track down Anon-A-Miss."
"And what are Aria and I doing while Twilight is mucking around in the school computers?" Adagio asked.
"Making sure that she doesn't get caught of course." Pinkie answered. Sunset jumped, it took her a moment to realize that her phone was vibrating in her pocket. She took it out and looked at the caller ID before answering.
"Hi Gram!" Sunset said.
"Hey Gramsies!" Sonata said loudly enough for the microphone on Sunset's phone to pick up.
"Yeah I'm hanging out with Sonata and her sisters," Sunset said into the phone, "that's strange, mom always answers her phone. Aunt Luna did say that mom had to leave school early due to an emergency, but she wouldn't elaborate. Ok Gram I love you too, I can't wait to see on Christmas."
Sunset ended the call.
"What's up Sunset?" Flash asked.
"That was our grandmother," She answered as she gestured to herself and the three Dazzlings, "she tried to call my mom earlier but the phone went straight to voicemail. She wanted to talk to mom about our grandparents upcoming Holiday visit."
"Dammit," Adagio said suddenly, "I still haven't gotten anything for Luna!"
"Leave that to me," Sonata said before she reached into Pinkie's hair and pulled out a digital camera.
"I'm not even going to ask," Flash said, dumbfounded.
"We find that it just works best if you don't." Aria said to him.
"Well if it isn't Monsters Inc. and their little fan club," A new voice said. The cafe became as silent as a tomb, and time seemed to stand still, as Aria's head whipped around and faced the newcomer.
"Gilda," Aria said through clenched teeth. She felt herself get warm, and nobody noticed the subtle glow that the bright orange pendant around her neck was giving off.
"Aria," a voice said from far away.
"Aria," Flash repeated, "she isn't worth it."
"Flash you're right," Aria said, "I'll save my anger for whoever framed Sunset."
"Gilda," Gilda's younger sister, Gabby said, "let's get out of here."
"Shut up Squirt," Gilda yelled at her sister.
"Kid, a word of advice," Aria said to Gabby, "watch your sisters actions here today and decide for yourself if she is worth emulating."
"C'mon Gabby," Gilda said as she spun on her heels to leave, "we don't have to take this!"
"Aria, are you alright," Pinkie said, "you're covered in sweat!"
"It does feel a bit warm in here." Aria said.
At another table in the cafe, six girls had watched the confrontation between Aria and Gilda.
"Why do they come to Sunset's defense," Rainbow said, "it's obvious that she is Anon-A-Miss."
"I'm not sure, I doubt that Sunset would put up with all the abuse she receives if she was," Fluttershy said, she sank into her seat when five pairs of eyes turned to her, "or maybe not."
"I just want ta know why she would throw our friendship away like she did," Applejack said.
"Perhaps Fluttershy is right Darling," Rarity said, "Pinkie obviously believes that she is innocent."
"What if Pinkie is under the Siren's Spell," Sweetie Belle said, "and she doesn't know what she is doing."
"No more classical Greek literature for you young lady," Rarity replied with a giggle.
Back at the table Sunset and the others were sitting at, Aria was busy gulping down her third glass of ice water, when Sunset's phone went off again.
"Hey mom, you want me to come home now? Alright I'm on my way." Sunset said into her phone.
"Hold up Sunset," Aria said, "I'll walk you home, Gilda might still be hanging around."
"I'll go with you too," Flash said, "safety in numbers."
Aria felt her cheeks blush at Flash's offer, she desperately hoped that no one noticed. Unfortunately for her, somebody did notice, and Sonata quietly filed Aria's reaction away for a later date.
*****
"Thanks for walking me home," Sunset said as the trio stood outside Celestia's house.
"Are you going to be alright Aria?" Flash asked.
"Yeah I feel better now," Aria answered, "I don't know what came over me."
Sunset watched her two friends walk down the driveway before she turned and entered the house. She was met by her mom standing over a skillet on the stove and Scootaloo seated at the table tearing into a stack of pancakes.
"Breakfast for dinner? What madness is this," Sunset said to her mother's amusement, she then turned to Scootaloo, "how are you Scootaloo?"
Scootaloo didn't answer, she just looked at Sunset with what could either have been interpreted as fear or wariness in her eyes.
"You probably won't believe me," Sunset said, "but I'm not Anon-A-Miss."
"I know," Scootaloo said quietly.
"Sunset," Celestia said, having watched the two girls interact, "Scootaloo will be staying with us for a while."
"Ok," Sunset said, "oh before I forget, Grams was trying to reach you."
"I forgot that I had shut off my phone," Celestia said as she put a stack of pancakes in front of Sunset, "I better go call her. Sunset would you show Scootaloo around after dinner, she can use Luna's old room."
Sunset nodded since she was busy chewing on pancakes.
"Oh, these are so good," Sunset exclaimed, "mom makes the best pancakes!" Now it was Scootaloo's turn to nod with a mouthful of pancakes.
After a moment of eating in silence, Sunset looked at Scootaloo.
"I guess we'll start here in the kitchen," Sunset said, "do you drink tea or coffee?" Scootaloo shook her head no.
"We pretty much run on it in the mornings," Sunset said with a smirk, "you don't have to worry about not being able to eat something, just don't get between mom and cake."
"What do I do with my dishes?" Scootaloo asked.
"Rinse them in the sink and put them in the dish washer," Sunset explained, "mom will start it before she goes to bed."
"Ok," Scootaloo said, she was still getting used to the idea of living with both her Principal and Sunset Shimmer.
"That door," Sunset said as she pointed to the door that Celestia had gone through, "leads to the basement, which mom has turned into her home office."
Sunset stood up and gestured for Scootaloo to follow her. The entered the living room. Scootaloo was impressed my both the game console set up and the surround sound. Both were hooked up to the largest T.V. that Scootaloo had ever seen.
"This is the living room," Sunset said as she spun in place, "Mom's little secret is that she loves video games."
"She does," Scootaloo said confused, she had a hard time seeing Principal Celestia playing a video game on her time off.
"Trust me," Sunset said, "need help carrying your things? The tour continues upstairs."
Scootaloo looked at her small duffel bag and hugged it close to her, "I've got everything."
Sunset looked at her with sympathy before she led the younger girl upstairs. Sunset nodded toward a door at the end of the hallway.
"That's mom's room," Sunset said before opening a door that led to an ordinary room with dark blue wallpaper, "and this is your room. The bathroom that you and I will share is across the hall. And if you ever want to talk, my room is on the other side of that wall."
Scootaloo nodded and watched as Sunset left the room. Do I tell her who Anon-A-Miss is, she thought to herself, or do I just keep it to myself? Ugh why does life have to be so damn hard?
Later that night after Sunset got out of the shower she looked in on Scootaloo. The younger girl looked like she hadn't moved much, she was sitting on the edge of the bed and was holding her Pegasus plush tightly. Sunset sighed and knocked on Scootaloo's door after getting dressed.
"Hey, what's bothering you Scootaloo?" Sunset asked as she took a seat next to Scootaloo.
"It's so strange to find myself in a warm house," Scootaloo explained, "I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop."
"I know what you mean," Sunset replied, "it took me a while to adjust to not living on the streets after Mom took me in."
"You were homeless?" Scootaloo said with some surprise, "but you're Sunset Shimmer!"
"Yeah, I was homeless," Sunset said, "until the week after the last Fall Formal."
"But how," Scootaloo said, she was at a loss for words, she was realizing that she and Sunset had more in common than she had thought.
"It's a long story," Sunset said as she got up to exit the room, "and we have school tomorrow, but I promise I will tell you. For now, welcome to Celestia's Home for Wayward Children."
Sunset nearly walked into Celestia as she exited Scootaloo's room.
"Celestia's Home For Wayward Children," Celestia said with a raised eyebrow.
"What else would you call us," Sunset replied, "good night mom."
Author's Note
The first part of this chapter that takes place in Sugarcube Corner was originally going to be part of the last chapter, but I moved it to be the opening scene for this chapter.
Ok so i figure that the pendent are each a different color. Aria's is ornge, Sonata's is a dark purple that Rarity would call eggplant, and Adagio's is bursting with colors. More on this later in the story, but you get bonus points if you can figure out the significance of the colors.
I am cutting this chapter short. In the next chapter Twilight searched CHS's computers for information on Skunk Apes!
Scootaloo looked around nervously as she and Sunset climbed out of Celestia's van. Sunset immediately headed inside the school to find a place to hide before school started, Scootaloo meanwhile was hoping that her friends Applebloom and Sweetie Belle hadn't arrived yet. She found their morning hangout spot, a bench on the school's front lawn devoid of any sign of her friends. Sighing, she sat down and looked over her homework, Sunset had helped her with it during breakfast. Sunset Shimmer, she thought, you're nothing like the evil demon that we thought you were.
"Scootaloo," Sweetie Belle cried disturbing Scootaloo's thoughts, "why didn't you tell us that you were homeless?"
"I didn't want to worry you..." Scootaloo said quietly.
"Well I don't care," Sweetie Belle said stubbornly, "you are coming home with me tonight!"
"I'll have to check with Principal Celestia first," Scootaloo answered.
"Why would ya have ta ask Miss Celestia?" Applebloom asked, she had walked up with Sweetie Belle.
"Well, I'm kinda living with her now, and she is my guardian," Scootaloo explained, "Sunset is her daughter."
You could have heard a pin drop in the silence that followed. Both Sweetie Belle and Applebloom looked like they had just received the most shocking news of their lives.
"Ya live with Sunset Shimmer now," Applebloom said.
"Oh this is good," Sweetie Belle said, "think of all the stuff we will be able to post now!"
"No," Scootaloo replied, "I'm out, I want nothing more to do with Anon-A-Miss!"
"You're out," Sweetie Belle asked, "why?"
"We started Anon-A-Miss to drive a wedge between Sunset and your sisters and Rainbow Dash so that they would spend more time with us," Scootaloo explained, "didn't we achieve that? Now all we are doing is hurting everyone else at CHS and blaming Sunset."
"Well yeah, but..." Applebloom started to say.
"BUT NOTHING!" Scootaloo interrupted, "Sunset cried herself to sleep last night! And this morning when I asked, Miss Celestia told me that Sunset has done that almost every night since we started."
Sweetie Belle and Applebloom didn't know how to respond. Scootaloo was right, they had originally planned to separate their sister from Sunset Shimmer, but Anon-A-Miss had grown beyond their control, and they didn't know if they could stop. They watched silently as Scootaloo gathered up her belongings and walked inside the school.
Sweetie Bell looked at Applebloom.
"What do we do now?" She asked.
*****
"The game is afoot my dear Aria," Sonata said. Aria turned and looked at her sister. Sonata was wearing a ridiculous looking hat and blowing bubbles through a plastic pipe.
"Sonata," Aria said as she waved her hand at her, "what did you get that hat and why are you dressed like Sherlock Holmes?"
"Pinkie gave it to me," Sonata said, "if I'm going to be a detective, she says that I need to dress the part."
Aria rolled her eyes. She loved her sister, and she was glad that Sonata had found a kindred spirit in Pinkie Pie, but sometimes, their antics could be a bit much.
"Are we good for this evening?" Sonata asked.
"Yes," Aria said as she held up her phone, "Adagio called me to let me know that Cadence will be bringing her and Twilight to the game. On the premise that Adagio needs to build her school spirit and that Twilight needs to get out more."
"Excellent," Sonata said with a laugh and rubbing her hands together, "everything is proceeding as I have foreseen."
Again Aria rolled her eyes.
*****
Sunset stood quietly at her locker. She wasn't sure how long she had been standing there with the door to her locker open, but she wished it would transport her some where, anywhere, else.
"Excuse me, Sunset" a quiet voice said, Sunset chose to ignore it, if she didn't hear the insult that was about to come her way, then did it really happen?
"Sunset, darling," Rarity said, "Fluttershy and I would like to speak to you."
Sunset looked up, and turned to face her two former friends.
"What is it?" Sunset asked, trying and failing to show any emotion.
"Oh dear," Rarity said, "how should I put this, Fluttershy and I would like to apologize."
"Let's go somewhere quieter than the hallway to talk," Fluttershy said as she grabbed both of their hands and led them through the school to their favorite music room. Entering the room they saw Scootaloo's backpack and scooter, but no sign of Scootaloo.
"Poor dear," Rarity commented, "to have been alone and homeless for so long, it breaks one's heart."
"She isn't alone or homeless anymore," Sunset answered, "she has mom and I."
"Really," Fluttershy replied, "I hadn't heard that."
"It just happened yesterday," Sunset explained. The room grew quiet quickly as Fluttershy and Rarity tried to decide what exactly they would say to Sunset, and Sunset tried to think of what she could say to them.
"Sunset, after discussing it with Fluttershy," Rarity said, "we've realized that you can't be Anon-A-Miss, and we would like to apologize for wrongly accusing you."
"How did you figure out that it's not me?" Sunset asked.
"Well there were subtle things," Rarity answered, "who ever it is is trying to make sure that all the evidence points at you, using your color scheme, somehow hacking into your phone to steal those pictures."
"Plus there was all the abuse you are receiving," Fluttershy said, "if you were behind it, you wouldn't let anyone treat you that way."
"In the past the old you was always so careful to make sure that everyone knew it was you even though there was no evidence that was linked to you," Rarity said, "and I feel so foolish for not realizing that immediately."
"Rarity," Sunset said, "you are anything but a fool."
"Can we go back to being friends?" Fluttershy asked.
"I would love that," Sunset said, "and next time you have doubts, come and talk to me before jumping to conclusions."
The three girls shared an embrace.
"I heard that Aria and Sonata are looking for the culprits," Rarity said with a mischievous grin, "how can we help darling?"
"You'd have to ask them," Sunset replied, "they know more about what they are doing than I do."
"It's so amazing," Fluttershy said, "a month ago you were just learning about friendship, and now you have three cousins you can share the experience with."
"They are pretty awesome." Sunset agreed.
The warning bell rang for morning classes. And the three girls exited the music room. After taking a moment to make sure that the coast was clear, Scootaloo came out from behind Rarity's costume rack where she had been hiding. Aria and Sonata are looking for Anon-A-Miss, i need to warn them, she thought, and who are Sunset's cousins?
*****
The rest of the day passed quickly, though throughout lunch Gilda had been glaring angrily towards Aria. Aria for her part chose to ignore Gilda, at least she was able to ignore her until she ran into her during the basketball game against Crystal Prep.
"Smoking in the girls room," Aria said looking at Gilda and Lightning Dust as she washed her hands, "how cliche can you get?" Aria inhaled, "those aren't cigarettes are they."
Lightning Dust only laughed, Gilda however growled at her.
"None of the faculty use this restroom." Lightning Dust explained.
"You gonna stop us Monsters Inc.?" Gilda asked through clinched teeth.
"None of my business," Aria said as she walked out the door. Gilda growled as she watched the door close.
"We are going to have to do something about her," Gilda said.
"Why,," Lightning Dust responded, "she didn't do anything to us."
"Ever notice how she hangs around VP Luna," Gilda shot back, "it's only a matter of time before she rats us out."
"What do you have in mind," Lightning Dust asked.
"Oh, I'll think of something," Gilda sneered, besides, no one humiliates me in front of Gabby!
"You get so cute when you are angry." Lightning Dust said.
"Save that for later." Gilda said with a smirk.
Aria, meanwhile, had taken her seat between Adagio and Sonata. Adagio sat next to Twilight, who had taken a seat next to Cadence.
"Who do you cheer for?" Twilight was asking Adagio.
"What do you mean?" Adagio asked with some confusion.
"Well, you attend Crystal Prep, but your mom Is the coach for CHS," Twilight explained, "who do you cheer for.
"She'll just have to do what I do and be an impartial observer." Cadence answered for Adagio.
"Hey Aria," Sonata said, "why don't you and 'Dagi show Twilight around the school so she doesn't get lost during the Friendship Games."
"That's a great idea!" Cadence said enthusiastically with a conspiratorial glint in her eye.
"But I thought we were here to watch the game." Twilight said.
"Oh, isn't it obvious," Adagio replied, "Crystal Prep is going to win, the only question is by how much."
"Come on, consider this an insider's tour." Aria said as she took Twilight's hand. She led Twilight out of the gym and toward the main hallway and was relieved when she saw that Adagio had joined them.
"Aria," they heard Principal Celestia say, "could you give this list to your mom, and tell her I need her final roster on Monday."
"What is it?" Aria asked as she looked over the list of names.
"The list of final candidates for the team of students that will represent Canterlot High at the Friendship Games." Celestia explained, Aria was now glad that her name wasn't on the list, "sorry, but you and Sonata haven't been enrolled here long enough to qualify."
"I'll give it to her." Aria said.
"Thank you Aria, I knew I could count on you," Celestia explained, "I would have given it to her myself, but I need to get home, Scootaloo and I have an appointment with her case worker. It was nice to see you Adagio."
"Who was that?" Twilight asked as Celestia walked away.
"Our aunt, the Principal of CHS," Adagio explained, "Aria, dear, I can carry that list for you."
"I've got it," Aria said as she neatly folded it and put in her vest pocket.
I need to get my hands on that list, Adagio thought to herself, then I can get Cinch off of my back.
"So let me get this straight," Twilight said looking at Aria, "Your aunt is the Principal at the same school where your mother is the Vice-Principal, the school that you and your younger sister attend, your cousin however is the Dean of Students at Crystal Prep, where your older Sister goes to school."
"Yeah," Aria replied "that pretty much sums it up, except we have another cousin that also goes here."
"My brain hurts," Twilight said.
"You'll be alright my dear," Adagio answered "why don't we sit here in the Student Media Center for a moment."
"So many books..." Twilight said as her eyes darted from shelf to shelf.
"Twilight," Adagio asked, "could you do us a favor and access the school computers."
"We want to know who accesses the MyStable page for Anon-A-Miss." Aria continued.
"Who is Anon-A-Miss?" Twilight asked.
"That's what we're hoping to find out," Aria explained, "who ever she is, she is making our cousin's life a living hell."
Twilight looked at Adagio, then at Aria, then she looked at the computer. Finally she looked back at Adagio.
"I'll do it," She said. With that Twilight sat down at one of the computers and was able to open its browser relatively quickly. Meanwhile both Aria and Adagio kept an eye out for any trouble. After a tense number of minutes, Twilight spoke.
"Nothing here about Skunks Apes," Twilight said as she adjusted her glasses, "back to square one."
"Focus Twilight," Adagio said as she put her hand on her friend's shoulder, "we're looking for any information about Anon-A-Miss."
As Twilight was looking through the school computers for any evidence on the identity of Anon-a-Miss, Aria got the idea to do a little super-sluething of her own. She pulled out her own phone and went to the Anon-a-Miss MyStable website and slowly scrolled through the post. It seemed like the bitch had posted something about every student at CHS, then she noticed that three students hadn't been victimized. Interesting, I never would have suspected those three, Aria thought to herself, I better confront them on my own. Adagio would overreact, and Celestia knows what Sonata would do. Besides Scootaloo is in a fragile place right now.
"Oh that, right," Twilight said as she closed the computer down, "several students have viewed the page from your school's computers, but no one has accessed it to make any posts."
"Great," Aria said, "who gets to tell Sonata that her plan failed?"
"There you three are," Sonata said, "mom sent me to find you, she, Raven and Cadence are taking us all out for a post game pizza!"
As the four girls walked down the hall Sonata noticed a darkened section of hallway. I wonder if i should mention this to mom? Then she heard a familiar voice approaching from around the corner.
"I'll catch up," Sonata said as she stopped at the entrance to a girlsroom, "I need to make a quick pit-stop." she watched as her sisters and Twilight disappeared around the corner, then she waited and listened to the voice to come closer. Peeking around the corner, Sonata made sure that her prey was alone. Quickly reaching out Sonata grabbed Rainbow Dash and slammed her against a nearby locker.
"You call yourself the Element of Loyalty," Sonata hissed, "where was your loyalty when your friend, Sunset Shimmer, needed it most?"
"Sonata, are you ok?" Rainbow asked.
"I'm not done speaking!" Sonata said. Rainbow tried not to look into Sonata's eyes, they had both become orbs inky darkness, the shadows around the two of them seemed to claw and laugh at Rainbow, "Sunset put her trust in you and you cast her aside because of some stupid high school rumor? Some Element of Loyalty you turned out to be!"
Rainbow closed her eyes. She knew deep down that everything Sonata was saying was absolutely true, but if Sunset wasn't Anon-A-Miss, then who was? She felt herself slide down the locker into a sitting position. When she opened her eyes there was no sign of Sonata.
Author's Note
Sorry this chapter took so long, life hit me hard in the month of October. I haven't given up on this story yet.
As always I appreciate questions, comments, and feedback.
Luna looked up from her morning coffee to Aria, who had just sat down at the counter with a smug look on her face.
"Good morning Aria," Luna said nonchalantly, "and what prank are you pulling on your sister this morning?"
"I let Tiberius into her room." Aria answered with a sly grin. Luna went back to sipping her coffee. Of the three Dazzlings, Adagio was most definitely not a morning person.
"And where is Adagio," Luna asked, she was sure that she already knew the answer.
"In the shower," Aria replied.
"Don't hide behind me when your sister comes to kill you." Luna said.
"Damn," Aria thought aloud, "I didn't think about that."
Aria walked into the living room only to return moments later.
"Where is Sonata?," she asked, "it's Saturday morning and she isn't watching cartoons." After Luna had adopted them, Sonata's Saturday morning routine had quickly become to waking up early on Saturday mornings and filling a large mixing bowl with the chocolatest cereal she could find and then drown it in milk, she would then proceed to eat it throughout the morning while watching cartoons. At least she and Pinkie had stopped experimenting with taco flavored cereal.
"She hasn't come down yet," Luna answered, "could you wake her up, Raven is meeting us at the park around lunch time and I have some news I need to tell you girls."
"I knew it," Aria said, "you and Raven are getting married!"
"What," Luna laughed after nearly choking on her coffee, "no, that isn't it."
"Well what is it?" Aria asked, unaware that Adagio had crept down the stairs and was standing behind her.
"You'll just have to wait and see," Luna said as Adagio used her towel to whip Aria from behind, which elicited a squeal from Aria. Luna watched the two girls for a moment before she interrupted them.
"If you two are done," Luna said, "go, POLITELY, wake your sister so that we can get going."
"Yes ma'am," both girls replied in unison as they both ran up the stairs taking them each two at time. Luna watched them both with a smile. Then she felt something tugging at her pants leg. She bent down and placed Tiberius on the counter. She looked at him, and he looked back at her.
"Am I doing the right thing Tiberius," Luna sighed," "this will be the longest I've left them."
Tiberius just looked at her before yawning and nuzzling into her hand.
*****
Meanwhile in a house a few blocks away, Sunset Shimmer watched with curiosity as her mother entered the kitchen.
"Hot date?" Sunset asked with a smirk.
"I have a business meeting over in Everton this morning," Celestia explained quickly.
"A business meeting," Sunset said unconvinced, "dressed like that?"
"Hush," Celestia replied with a laugh, "you are beginning to sound like Luna."
"Speaking of Aunt Luna," Sunset said, "isn't she making her announcement today?"
"Yes," Celestia answered, "she told me her decision last night," then Celestia had a thought.
"Take Scootaloo with you," She said as she grabbed her keys, "this will be a good opportunity for her to meet the rest of the family."
"I hope he is worth it," Sunset called out as Celestia went out the front door.
"He is," Celestia said in a sing-song voice before pausing and looking at her daughter, "I'll get you for that."
Sunset only replied by sticking out her tongue, which caused her mother to laugh as she walked out to her van.
Sunset just smiled as she watched her mother leave for her date, deep down she knew that her mother deserved it.
"Where is mo---Celestia going?" Scootaloo asked from the foot of the stairs.
"She has a date," Sunset said casually, c'mon, grab your jacket, we're meeting Aunt Luna and her family in the park."
"I don't want to intrude," Scootaloo said in a near whisper. Sunset knelt down and put her hand on the younger girl's shoulder, causing Scootaloo to look up and meet Sunset's gaze.
"You are a part of this family now," Sunset said after a moment, "you aren't going to intrude."
"Ok," Scootaloo said as Sunset's words sunk in, "wait a minute, Mom has a date!?!"
"Shhh, we're not supposed to know," Sunset answered with a laugh. It hadn't slipped past her that Scootaloo had referred to Celestia as "Mom", she just chose to let it pass. She was glad the Scootaloo was finding a home and a family.
"Now grab your jacket and we can get going," Sunset said. She waited for Scootaloo to get her jacket and then she ushered the younger girl out the door.
*****
"I'm telling you, those girls still have access to their magic," Rainbow Dash said. She, Applejack, and Rarity were sitting at a picnic table near the basketball court in the Canterlot City Park.
"Come on Rainbow," Applejack replied, "we all saw their magic pendants get smashed to pieces."
"Haven't you noticed that they are wearing new ones," Rainbow countered.
"Oh push posh," Rarity said, "I'm certain that those were gifts from Ms. Luna. I for one definitely adore a good accessory."
"Ok then," Rainbow said, "how do you explain this?" Rainbow lifted up her pants leg and lowered her sock, revealing her ankle. There were several light scratches.
"Um, you get pretty rough when yer competetin' against somebody," Applejack answered, Rarity only nodded.
"Ugh! But I'm telling you, they weren't there until last night," Rainbow exclaimed in frustration. She saw a familiar head of pink hair nearby.
"Look at Pinkie," Rainbow said, "doesn't she look like she's under the Siren's Spell?"
"Looks ta me like she is in love," Applejack answered, "Sonata's actin the same way."
Yeah, but...," before Rainbow could finish she caught sight of Scootaloo, walking with Sunset.
"What is Scootaloo doing with Sunset," Rainbow asked.
"Didn't you know darling," Rarity said, "Scootaloo was homeless and living on the streets, Ms. Celestia found out about it and took her in."
"Scoots is homeless," Rainbow said in disbelief, "when were you gonna tell me?"
"Ah thought ya knew," Applejack replied, "it's been spreading around school like a wildfire."
"Besides," Rarity continued, "she isn't homeless any more, she is living with Principal Celestia."
Rainbow stood up and looked at her two friends with a determined glint in her eye.
"I'm going to get to the bottom of this," She said before marching off.
"There is a storm comin'," Applejack sighed, "and ah don't mean the one we're gonna get tonight."
"I do believe that you are correct," Rarity agreed.
At a nearby table, Pinkie, Sonata, and Aria were setting out the picnic lunch that they had brought to the park.
"Ohhhhh," Pinkie said suddenly, "twitchy nose, you know what that means!"
"Snow tonight!" Sonata exclaimed with joy.
"What how could your nose possibly tell you that," Aria asked with confusion.
"Just roll with it," Sunset said as she and Scootaloo walked up, "it's Pinkie Pie, your brain will hurt less if you don't question it."
"Let me guess," Luna said, Pinkie Sense?"
Sunset and Sonata both nodded. Pinkie only grinned from ear to ear. Both Adagio and Scootaloo watched the whole exchange with confusion. Scootaloo then turned her attention to the three Dazzlings, and she remembered all the havoc that they had caused. Though she did her best not to show it, she wasn't able to hide the fear in her eyes from Luna.
"Don't worry Scootaloo," Luna said with a comforting smile, "my daughters won't harm you."
"Your daughters," Scootaloo asked.
"She adopted us after we terrorized your school," Aria said, "I think that it is her way of getting back at us."
"So mom," Sonata said, "what is your big announcement?"
"I guess I can tell you now," Luna said, "next week I am going to Hollywood to meet with the producers of the movie that they are making from my book. Don't worry I will be home in time for the Holidays."
"That is wonderful," Adagio exclaimed.
"Some ground rules while I am gone," Luna said, Cadence will be staying with you and taking you to school Adagio. Celestia will be taking you two to school." Luna waited for the three Dazzlings to nod their understanding, "Pinkie, I have to ask you not to come over while I am gone."
"Ok," Pinkie said with a hint of disappointment.
"Now, let's eat." Luna said.
Aria excused herself and decided to go for a walk. She didn't notice that she was being followed.
Author's Note
Sorry this chapter took so long. My fiancee's grandmother has spent nearly the last two months in the hospital, and I've been helping out her family along with working my own job. Needless to say, this hasn't left me much time to write.
I wanted to show some of the Dazzlings home life with Luna and how Scootaloo was adjusting to her situation in this chapter. Don't worry Aria and Gilda will confront their differences in an upcoming chapter.
If there is any artist who would be interested in doing any cover art for any of my stories I would appreciate it.
Aria Didn't Start the Fire
Something had compelled her to walk down the secluded path. The familiar sounds of park seemed to fade away with each step she took. Her thoughts drifted from her sisters to her mother, her real mother. She wasn't sure if Queen Harmony had loved her or her sisters. Was her mother even capable of love? She had crafted her own daughters into weapons based on her own fear and paranoia. Hadn't she realized that the Ponies had an army in the form of the EUPGC, not to mention the Pillars and the most powerful sorceresses in existence. The Princesses were that powerful. What were you thinking Mother, Aria thought to herself as she rounded a bend in the trail and found herself standing on a moonlit beach. Aria looked up towards the moon and lookd into the eyes of the Mare-in-the-Moon. Then she felt a presence behind her.
"What do you want Mother ," Aria said coldly as she balled p her fists and spread her feet to shoulder width, she refused to turn around and look at her mother.
Aria, you are the fiercest and most hot tempered of my children, Queen Harmony said, But I need to speak with you.
"And why should I listen to you," Aria said as she spun around to face her mother, "you never cared for any of us, and now that you're gone you think that gives you the right to haunt our lives!"
You always were a protector, Queen Harmony replied calmly, I've always admired that about you.
"Hmmph, like you really care," Aria said as she turned to walk away.
Aria, I don't expect you to forgive me, her mother shouted, but I come to you with a warning.
Aria stopped in her tracks and turned back around and looked at her mother, "A warning? What kind of warning?"
There are ancient and powerful beings that have slumbered undisturbed for a countless number of ages, Queen Harmony explained, recently one of the most ancient and powerful of these beings has begun to awaken, and I fear that it will devour both Equestria and your new home.
"And what am I supposed to do about it," Aria stated as she pointed at her neck, "it's not like I have any magic any more."
You have all the magic you will need, Queen Harmony answered, I have always been proud of you. Look after your sisters and the rest of your new family.
Slowly the image of her mother began to fade and Aria found herself once again standing in the park on the secluded trail.
"What in the name of Starswirl's beard just happened?" Aria asked herself.
Aria turned at the sound of a twig being snapped.
"Well, well, well," Gilda said, "if it isn't Monsters Inc, and she is all alone."
"Gilda," Aria said as she looked around, "where is your partner in crime? Or did you leave your brains at home today?"
"She doesn't need my help," Lightning Dust said as she stepped from behind Gilda, "shame, you are a cute one."
"Are we really going to do this now?" Aria asked as she took off her jacket.
"I'm going to enjoy this," Gilda said with a twinkle in her eye.
"Whoa, whoa," a voice said as Rainbow Dash stepped out from behind a nearby boulder.
"What do you want Rainbow Crash?" Lightning Dust snarled through clenched teeth.
"Let's just say that I am here to make this a fair fight," Rainbow answered, "and to give you a Rainbow Thrash!"
"You have no idea how long I've been looking forward to seeing you crash," Lightning Dust replied.
Aria blinked once. Time seemed to stand still. The tension was so thick, she could have cut it with a knife. Aria could smell the adrenaline in the air. She sized up Gilda. Aria preferred to allow her opponent to throw the first punch, but Gilda could put so much power and force behind her punch, that it would most likely send Aria out of the fight. Her only advantage was her smaller size and speed. Aria could sense when Gilda's muscles twitched. As she side-stepped out of the way she felt the displaced air caused by Gilda's fist as it sailed past her face. Using her momentum, Aria allowed her own fist to collide with Gilda's stomach, her intent was to knock the air out of the larger girl. Aria, Lightning Dust, and Rainbow Dash watched as Gilda folded in half.
"I'm outta here," Lightning Dust said as she watched Gilda fall. She took off running down the trail.
"You. Are. Gonna. Pay. For. That," Gilda gasped as she slowly picked herself off the ground. Neither Rainbow Dash or Aria noticed Gilda reach into her pocket and pull out a butterfly knife, but they both noticed the blade as it sparkled in the sun as she unfolded it with an expertly performed flourish. Both girls took a step back away from Gilda.
"C'mon Big Gee," Rainbow said nervously, "put the knife away."
"Someone needs to put her and her sisters in their place," Gilda snarled as she took a step toward Aria, "they come to CHS and use mind control and who knows what other kind of Voodoo, how are we supposed to protect ourselves from that!"
"Gilda, it isn't worth going to jail," Rainbow pleaded as she stepped between the other two girls.
"When did you go all soft," Gilda said, "I remember when you would have been here by my side."
"I grew up-" Rainbow started to say, but she didn't get to finish as Gilda lunged forward and pushed Rainbow to the ground. Rainbow tried not not to look as she waited for the inevitable.
"Ahhhhhhh!" Gilda screamed. Rainbow opened her eyes. Aria.... was on fire! Yet she didn't seem to be burning or in any pain! In her hand was the knife that Gilda had been holding. Gilda was cradling her burnt hand, her eyes wide with fear. Not taking a moment to try another attack, Gilda ran down the trail in the direction that Lightning Dust had fled. After watching Gilda flee, Aria closed her eyes and felt the flames that had enveloped her subside and extinguish themselves. As she looked herself over she noted that her clothes were slightly scorched.
"What the hell was that?" Rainbow asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine." Aria answered.
Author's Note
Sorry that this chapter took so long. I hope that the wait was worth it. Yes Aria went Human Torch at the end.
More set up for a future story set in this universe.
Good news, I am out of the hospital! Yay me! Bad news, I have been diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, luckily Nephrotic Syndrome is treatable and I now know why my arms and legs were so swollen for the past year.
As always, I love comments and feedback.
Ten pairs of eyes stared at Aria and Rainbow Dash in disbelief. It was the next day after their previous encounter with Gilda, and the Rainbooms, the Dazzlings along with Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom had met in the barn at Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow and Aria had just finished recounting the encounter from the day before. Aria had decided not to say a word about her conversation with her mother, as she was still trying to wrap her head around what she had been told.
"So, uh, you and yer kinfolk have magic again," Applejack said, hoping to break the tension.
Adagio raised her hand, "No new magic here, trust me, if I had some new form of magic, the world would know it."
"Maybe it's something we each have to awaken on our own," Sonata replied.
"We need to keep this a secret," Sunset said, "if Anon-A-Miss gets her hands on this information, it will be open season on all of us."
Rarity looked up from her phone, "Speaking of Anon-A-Miss, her page has been quiet for the last few days, perhaps she has given up."
"Doubt it," Sunset countered, "when I was, well, the way I used to be, I wouldn't have allowed this much time to pass quietly. Whoever Anon-A-Miss is, she is playing the long game."
"What if we-er- Anon-A-Miss realised that what she was doing is wrong and decided to stop. We only wanted to spend more time with our sisters," Sweetie Belle whispered with a gulp.
"Smoothe, Sweetie Belle," Scootaloo said, she was seated right next to Sweetie Belle, and she hoped that only she had heard Sweetie Belle.
"C'mon girls," Apple Bloom said as she stood up "let's go to our club house."
The nine other girls watched as the three younger girls exited the barn. None of them noticed Aria slip out of the barn five minutes later.
"So what do we do about Gilda and Lightning Dust," Fluttershy asked, "Gilda can be scary even when she isn't angry."
"Let them come at us, we have magic," Pinkie answered as she munched on a cookie that she had pulled from her hair.
"NO!" Sunset exclaimed loudly catching everyone off guard, "just because we have the ability to use magic, doesn't mean we should use it."
"Sunset is right of course," Adagio said, "as you all have witnessed, using magic without regard for how that magic affects others could have damning consequences."
"With great power," Rainbow sighed, "comes even greater responsibility."
"Exactly," Sunset said, "besides, I think both my mom and Aunt Luna would have an aneurysm if we started using magic to solve every injustice at school."
"But that is so boring," Adagio said, "it's like I always say, if you got it, flaunt it, and honey, we got it!"
"You weren't listening," Sonata said, "were you 'Dagi?"
"Oh I was," Adagio replied, "and I will follow the rules you've set, for now. But if I happen to catch Gilda alone, don't hold me responsible for what happens."
Everyone looked at Adagio for a moment while they considered her words.
"Ah reckon it's a good thing that ya don't go to CHS," Applejack said. Adagio laughed.
"Applejack," Adagio said, "you have no clue."
Meanwhile at the Temple of Doom
"Sunset is nothing like we thought," Sweetie Belle said, "she really cares for her friends."
"Are the Dazzlings really her cousins," Apple Bloom asked, "and does that make them your cousins?"
"Miss Luna adopted them and Miss Celestia adopted Sunset," Scootaloo said, and nearly whispered, "she is now the closest thing I have to a real sister, and all we've done is ruin her life."
"What do you mean by that?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"We're both orphans," Scootaloo explained, "and like Adagio and her sisters, we both lived on the street."
"Scootaloo," Apple Bloom said, "we didn't know."
"All the trouble we caused, all the friendships that we've torn apart," Scootaloo explained, "all of it is our fault. We need to fix everything. I can't listen to Sunset cry herself to sleep again! She deserves better!"
"How do we do that?" Sweetie Belle replied.
"That's simple, come out and tell the truth, and set everything right."
"Who said that?" Apple Bloom said with a start.
"I did," Aria said as she entered the tree house. All three of the CMC's looked at each other and then at Aria.
"You knew," Scootaloo said with a gulp, "how long?"
"I figured it out," Aria explained, "but you three did an amazing job covering your tracks."
"Are you angry?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Don't incinerate us!" Sweetie Belle cried.
"Don't worry," Aria said, "just fix everything."
"So why are ya here with us and not with everyone else?" Apple Bloom asked nervously.
"I wanted to ask you girls why you did it." Aria stated.
The three younger girls looked at each other for several tense moments. If Aria hadn't known better she would have thought that they were communicating telepathically. Then they all spoke at once.
"We were jealous that Sunset was hogging up all of our sister's time," Sweetie Belle started.
"So we created Anon-a-Miss." Scootaloo continued.
"To get them to no longer trust her," Apple Bloom said.
"We never meant for things to end up this way," Scootaloo said, "we never wanted to hurt anyone."
"But through your actions," Aria replied, "you hurt not only Sunset, but the entire population of Canterlot High, not to mention your sisters."
"We only wanted to protect them." Apple Bloom said.
"A noble gesture," Aria said, "but very poor execution."
Scootaloo suddenly bolted from the clubhouse, startling Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.
"Where's she going?" Apple Bloom asked nobody in particular.
"Scoots, where's the fire?" Aria asked as she caught up to the younger girl.
"You were right, I need to set everything right," Scootaloo answered as she and Aria approached the barn, "I might as well start with my sister."
When they entered the barn they found only five girls. Sunset, Adagio and Sonata were missing.
Author's Note
So I decided to revise this chapter and to drop the artefact storyline.
Author's Note
Look! A new chapter!
If you have been following this story, please go back and re-read the previous chapter. I have made some revisions and I dropped the artefact storyline.
Remember, I appreciate questions and comments.
Enter Incognito
"Where'd the girls go?," Aria asked the five remaining girls. Aria could see shock and horror in their eyes, and she could tell that Fluttershy had been crying and Pinkies hair was unnaturally straight. Rarity looked up from her phone and hesitated before handing it over to Aria.
"Some, monster," Rarity said in a voice filled with rage, "posted this about Sunset." Aria looked at the screen. Somebody calling themselves Incognito, had posted a death threat against Sunset, and had gone into vivid details about what they would do to Sunset if the found Sunset alone one night.
"This is disgusting." Aria said. Scootaloo tried to take the phone away from Aria, but Aria was to fast for the younger girl. "You really shouldn't see this."
"Adagio and Sonata went to comfort Sunset," Rainbow said, "I swear, when I find this Incognito person, they will regret it."
"I agree with you there Sugarcube," Applejack replied, "Sunset may have done many awful thing in the past, but even she doesn't deserve this."
Fluttershy read the post for the umpteenth time and started crying again. The post made her so angry she could scream. Sunset was her friend, and Fluttershy knew in her heart that Sunset was innocent of all the nasty things that people were saying about her.
Aria knew that whomever this Incognito person was, it wasn't one of the three younger girls.
"Has my mom or Aunt Celestia seen this?" Aria asked.
"If they haven't, they soon will," Applejack replied, "it was a public post."
Aria pulled out her phone as she handed Rarity's back. Growling as she ignored her most recent notification, she dialed a number.
"Aunt Tia, it's Aria," Aria said into the phone, "we need to talk. No, I'd rather not say right now, is it ok if I come over?" After that, Aria hung up her phone. Looking at the six girls with her for a moment, her eyes settled on Fluttershy.
"Could you give Scoots and I a ride to Celestia's house?" Aria asked. Fluttershy only nodded as she stood up and pulled her keys out of her pocket.
Whenever Aria had caught a ride from Fluttershy in the past, the ride had been practically lethargic. Not today. Today Fluttershy seemed to drive like a bat outta Hell. She was certain that Fluttershy managed to get her car airborne at times. Both Aria and Scootaloo tumbled out of Fluttershy's car when they arrived at Celestia's house.
"Ground," Scootaloo said, "sweet, sweet ground!"
Having recovered enough to stand up Aria began to go inside the house, though her legs still felt like jelly.
"SUNSET,'" Aria called out as she and Scootaloo entered the house. Instead, Celestia looked up from where she was seated reading a book."
"She isn't here," Celestia said with a look of concern, "I thought she was with you girls."
"There was an incident," Aria said. She was about to explain further when both Adagio said Sonata entered the house. Both of them were clearly out of breath.
"Is Sunset here?" Adagio asked between breaths.
"I thought she was with you," Aria answered.
"We lost her when she went through the farmers market." Sonata said worriedly.
"Could someone please tell me what is going on." Celestia ordered. The three triplets looked at each other before Adagio nodded. She took out her phone and pulled up Icognito's post before silently handing the phone her aunt. Celestia looked like she was going to be sick as she read it. There was also an intense look of anger in her eyes. After several tense silent minutes she spoke, "find my daughter, bring her home to me."
The three Dazzlings moved as one. Adagio and Sonata both began sending urgent texts to their friends. Aria meanwhile called Flash Sentry and informed him of the situation.
"What can I do?" Scootaloo asked quietly. Celestia was about to answer when Aria cut her off.
"You stay here," Aria snapped. The look in her eyes told Scootaloo that she had already done enough. Scootaloo knew that she was right. This was her fault. Celestia grabbed Scootaloo and gave her a big hug.
"They'll find her," she told the newest member of her family before looking at her sister's three daughters, "bring her home."
The three of them simply nodded as they shuffled out the door.
"You were a little harsh on the squirt." Adagio told Aria.
"I have my reasons," Aria replied, "now let's go bring Sunset home." It was at this point that their friends arrived. Adagio began barking orders. Pinkie and Sonata would scour the blocks around Sugarcube Corner. Rainbow and Applejack agreed to search Canterlot High. Rarity and Fluttershy would search Saddleback Park. Adagio would call Cadence and the two of them would search the mall. Everyone took off in the direction of where they would look, leaving Aria standing in Celestia's driveway. She wasn't standing there long before a black sports car with blue and yellow trim pulled. Without saying a word Aria climbed into the passenger side of Flash's car.
"What's the plan?" he asked after Aria was inside the car.
"Are you familiar with the old shopping center over on 23rd Avenue." Aria answered.
"Yeah," Flash said looking at the clock on his dashboard, "not someplace to be after dark."
"Then let's get going.' Aria ordered.
After a very detailed grid search by Pinkie and Sonata, they hadn't found Sunset. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cake had agreed to keep an eye out for Sunset and that they would call Celestia the minute they saw her.
Rarity and Fluttershy didn't have any luck looking for Sunset in the park. And Applejack and Rainbow arrived at the school to find it locked up for the weekend. Neither Adagio or Cadence had seen any sign of their missing cousin as they searched the mall. They all met up back at Celestia's house. After a moment Adagio pulled out her phone and dialed a number. She didn't know why she had though of this earlier.
"Who're ya callin'?" Applejack asked.
"Sunset." Adagio answered.
"It can't be that easy." Rainbow said with disbelief.
"Adagio? This is Aria," Adagio heard her sister say over the phone, "she isn't here, but it looks like we just missed her."
Adagio hung up the phone. "Sunset abandoned her phone."
"How do we find her now?" Fluttershy asked as fear overtook her.
Aria put Sunset's phone in her pocket and looked at Flash.
"Any ideas?" She asked. Flash stood there looking around. He couldn't understand why Sunset would come here. He knew that Sunset had nothing but bad memories of this place.
"None," he answered, "I'm trying to figure out why she would come back here."
"What do you mean?" Aria asked.
"This is where Sunset used to live," Flash replied, I promised her that I would keep her secret, but I was relieved when she told me that Celestia had adopted her."
"Sunset lived here" Aria said mostly to herself. Then her eyes caught sight of something. The old bus station. Aria quickly sprinted across the street to the terminal, her sudden movement caught Flash by surprise.
The bus station had several transients sleeping on the various benches. But Aria found Sunset trying to hide behind the vending machines.
"Sunset," Aria said as she held out her hand, "let's go home."
"Why should I," Sunset said as she fought back tears, "everyone wants me dead for something I didn't do."
"Dagi, Nata, and I don't want you to die, neither does your mom or ours," Aria said calmly, "I'm sure that our friends want you to stay in their lives."
"And who will watch over Scootaloo." Flash added. He didn't notice the look in Aria's eyes when he mentioned the younger girl.
"You sure," Sunset sniffed.
"Positive," Aria answered, "my sisters and I owe so much, I doubt that we'll ever be able to repay you."
Sunset slowly took Aria's hand and stood up. Quietly the three of them walked to Flash's car. Flash helped Sunset into the back. Aria noticed that Sunset was fast asleep by the time Flash pulled out of the parking lot.
The first thing that Aria noticed when they approached Celestia's house was the number of cars parked out front, including her mother's Camaro.
"Sunset," Aria said softly, "we're home."
Flash again helped Sunset get out of the car and both he and Aria helped her to the house. When they entered the house they were greeted by all their friends. Sunset was helped to a seat on the couch.
"WHAT ARE THEY DOING HERE!" Aria said angrily when she caught sight of Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, "they're the ones responsible for this mess!"
"Aria, darling," Rarity asked, "what are you talking about?"
"We're Anon-a-Miss." Scootaloo answered to the shock of those gathered.
Three young girls sat at the dining room table while eleven pairs of eyes glared at them. Meanwhile, in the next room Celestia was doing her best calm down her daughter.
"Apple Bloom," Applejack said furiously, "ah want an explanation, and ah want it now!"
"Sweetie, dear," Rarity said calmly, "Why would you do such a horrid thing."
"We only wanted to spend time with our big sisters," Sweetie Belle answered on the verge of crying.
"We thought that if we could get you to no longer trust Sunset, then y'all would spend more time with us." Apple Bloom told her big sister.
"And I wanted to spend more time with Rainbow Dash," Scootaloo said, but that was before Ms. Celestia took me in and Sunset became my sister. After that I tried to stop it. But by then it was beyond our control."
Luna watched the three girls. She could see in their eyes that they were telling the truth and that they were sorry.
"Girls, you may not have meant for this to happen, and you may be sorry," Luna said sternly, "but there will be consequences, first and foremost I will be meeting with your parents or guardian tomorrow."
Scootaloo's eyes darted to the living room where Celestia was busy comforting Sunset. Celestia wouldn't want anymore after this. Scootaloo was losing the family that she had been searching for before she ever got a chance.
"Yes Scootaloo," Luna answered the unspoken question, "that includes my sister."
"Luna," Cadence said as she embraced Scootaloo, "can't you see how frightened the poor girl is, it doesn't excuse what she has done, but give her some slack."
Luna looked at her niece and then at Scootaloo. She could see the fear in the young girl's eyes, it wasn't fear of being disciplined, it was fear of rejection and loss.
"Scootaloo," Luna said sternly, "come with me, the rest of you stay here."
The others watched as Scootaloo followed Luna up the stairs.
"What's going to happen to Scootaloo?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"I dunno," Applejack replied, "Ah've never seen Ms. Luna this mad."
"You don't think that she is going to kick Scootaloo out," Fluttershy said, "do you?"
"I hope not," Aria said, "what she and the others did was wrong, but she doesn't deserve that."
Scootaloo felt the tears begin to flow when she and Luna entered her room.
"I'll pack my things." Scootaloo cried.
"Why would you pack your things?" Luna said, "I just wanted some place where we could talk in private."
"You're not gonna kick me out?' Scootaloo asked in amazement.
"And make my sister unhappy?" Luna chuckled, "I'm brave, but not that brave."
"What do you mean?" Scootaloo said.
Scootaloo, my sister and her daughter love you very much," Luna answered, "Celestia wants to make it permanent."
"Really," Scootaloo said as she wiped her eyes, "why would she want me?"
"Because you need each other." Luna said with a chuckle.
Scootaloo felt like she was going to cry again.
"However," Luna continued, "there will be some punishment for the havoc that you three have caused."
Luna looked up as the door to Scootaloo's bedroom burst open. Standing there were her three daughters and their friends.
"Mom don't kick Scootaloo out," Adagio said, "I am tired of being the youngest."
"Not what we need right now Dagi." Sonata said as everyone paused to look at Adagio.
"Girls, Scootaloo isn't being kicked out," Luna said, "how could you all think such things."
Meanwhile downstairs in the living room, Celestia was doing her best to comfort Sunset. Celestia was proud of the fact that she had great control of her temper, but when she read Icognito's post, she was furious and it had taken every ounce of self control that she possessed not to show that anger to Scootaloo and Aria. Incognito had actually said that it would be best if Sunset committed suicide, because otherwise, Incognito would kill her, and then proceeded to describe in great detail how they would do it. Thankfully, Sonata had logged on to Celestia's home computer and managed to delete the post, but not before making a copy for the police. Celestia felt her heart shatter with each of Sunset's sobs.
"Shh," Celestia said as she held Sunset tightly, "everything will be ok. We won't let this monster near you."
"How can you say that,' Sunset said between sobs, "we don't even know who Incognito is."
"I'll always be here to protect you from the monsters." Celestia told Sunset. Celestia heard movement and she turned to find Fluttershy standing there hold two hot cups of tea.
"I know it isn't much," Fluttershy said, "but I made you both some tea."
"Thank you Fluttershy," Celestia said as she took both mugs from her.
"Thanks," Sunset said to Fluttershy as she took the cup that Celestia handed her.
There was more noise as Luna led the group from upstairs. Celestia noticed that Scootaloo had remained in her room.
"Rarity, Applejack," Luna said in her Vice-Principle voice, "please have your parents call me at their earliest convenience."
"Yes ma'am," both girls said in unison while they each looked at their sisters and ushered them out the door followed by Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and finally, Fluttershy.
Luna sat down in a chair adjacent to Sunset, while the Dazzlings were perched stop a stool that each one of them had borrowed from Celestia's kitchen.
"We'll sit with her," Luna told her sister, " you go talk to Scootaloo."
Celestia nodded, she wanted to stay with Sunset, but she knew that Scootaloo also needed her. "Thank you," she whispered to her sister as she stood up and headed up the stairs.
"Sunset," Luna said, "you understand that those three girls never meant to truly harm you."
Sunset silently nodded, "I know but it still hurts."
"I know," Luna said, "but they are young and like the four of you they're still learning that there consequences to their actions."
"That doesn't make it right," Sonata said.
"I know," Luna replied, "and there will be some harsh disciplinary actions taken against them for what they've done."
"Like what?" Sunset sniffed.
"I'm not at liberty to say." Luna answered.
"Right now let's figure out who Incognito is." Adagio said with determination.
Celestia nocked on the door to Scootaloo's bedroom and silently counted to ten before opening the door. She found the young girl sitting on her bed crying as she tightly held onto her pegasus plushie. Celestia put her hand on the girl's shoulder as she say down next to her.
"You probably hate me," Scootaloo said as Celestia looked her in the eyes.
"Oh, Scootaloo," Celestia said, " I don't hate you, and I will never hate you, though I am upset by your actions."
"We didn't mean for things to get out of hand like they did." Scootaloo said.
"I know," Celestia said as she gently squeezed Scootaloo's shoulder, "but it can be difficult to see what future our actions can bring."
"What do you mean?" Scootaloo asked.
"Take Sunset for example," Celestia replied,"she was certain that she would succeed during the Fall Formal, instead she didn't and when she thought that her life was over, she found a family."
"I wish I had a family," Scootaloo said quietly.
"You do, Scootaloo," Celestia said, "both Sunset and I, as well as Luna and her daughters are your family."
Scootaloo sat nervously in one of the chairs in Luna's office. Both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom sat on the chairs next to her. Luna looked over each girl and each girl winced when her gaze fell on them.
"I have spoken to your parents," Luna said, "and the have all agreed to the following actions that are going to be taken against you."
Celestia had already told Scootaloo what their punishment would be, but she felt like she needed to hear it again, because she would never be able to truly forgive herself for what she had done. Both Luna and Ms. Cheerile had witnessed them dismantle Anon-A-Miss' MyStable account.
"First you shall serve three weeks of In-School-Suspension," Luna began, "followed by a week of Lunch Detention. Furthermore you will not be allowed to participate or attend school functions with the exception of pep-rallies and assemblies for the rest of the school year."
All three girls understood what would be expected of them.
"After that the Student Council will review each of your cases individually and submit their recommendations to me." Luna continued.
Scootaloo didn't know what punishment her friends had received from their parents, but Celestia had grounded Scootaloo for thirty days, and she was only allowed outside the house when she was with a responsible adult with Celestia's approval. She had to go home straight after school and wasn't allowed to touch the computer at home.
Like all high schools, rumors and half-truths spread like wildfire. Word was that Anon-a-Miss had been caught! There was also a rumor that Sunset had tried to commit suicide during the weekend due to Incognito's post. All that anyone knew for certain was that seven girls and one boy had formed a seemingly impenetrable barrier between Sunset and the rest of the student body.
Celestia, Luna and Raven had arranged it so that atleast three of Sunset's friends were in her classes with her. Every single teacher at CHS had wholeheartedly agreed with the arrangement. Students in Sunset's classes were afraid to approach her it seemed, not due to Sunset but due to the glared that her friends have anyone who tried. Luna had wanted to bring in extra police officers to patrol the halls and assist the school resource officer, but both Celestia and Raven had pointed out that the Canterlot Police Department was extremely understaffed. Luna was tempted to lift the ban on Sonata using the school computers so that she could hunt down Incognito, but then she remembered her daughter's homebuilt laptop that had a tendency to smoke and spark even when it wasn't turned on.
Sunset decided to eat lunch in Celestia's office, she was joined by Rarity and Sonata.
"How could somebody be this cruel?" Sonata asked.
"Unfortunately," Rarity said, "some people are just mean and cruel. I can't believe that after everything that Sunset had done they would stoop this low."
"Rarity, just last week everyone, you included, thought that I was Anon-a-Miss." Sunset pointed out.
"Yes well," Rarity said trying not to sound flustered, "everyone makes mistakes from time to time."
Celestia decided to change the subject. As much as she wanted Incognito caught, she didn't to cause Sunset any additional pain.
"So, Sunset" Celestia asked, "are you and Sonata looking forward to meeting your grandparents?"
Sunset, Sonata, Aria and Adagio had already spoken to Celestia's and Luna's parents over the phone and had seen pictures, but the four girls had yet to actually physically meet their grandparents.
"Yeah," Sonata said, "I'm looking forward to spending the holiday break with them."
"Me too," Sunset said, "anything to get me out of Canterlot for a week."
Celestia went around the desk and crouched down so that she could look her daughter in the eyes, she could see every emotion running through Sunset's head.
"Don't worry Sunshine," Celestia said, "you aren't alone."
"Most definitely!" Sonata exclaimed as she and Rarity joined in on a group hug with Sunset at the center of it.
"What is going to happen to Scootaloo?" Sunset asked her mother.
"Well I am very disappointed with Scootaloo," Celestia said, "but at the same time I am proud of her for confessing. I have a teleconference scheduled with her social worker this evening to discuss the situation."
"You aren't going to get rid of her are you?" Sunset asked with a hint of shock.
"Of course not," Celestia said, "I forget how vivid the imagination of teenagers can get."
"Then why are you going to talk to her social worker?" Rarity asked.
Meanwhile Rainbow Dash observed the Canterlot High School cafeteria. It was unusually quiet. Most of the students it seemed were afraid to talk louder than a whisper.
"This is so strange," Rainbow said, "it's eerie."
"I know," Aria said, "you'd think that it's the end of the world."
"Excuse me," Octavia said as she walked up to the group, "is there any way I could apologize to Sunset for how I treated her recently?"
"She is currently with Principal Celestia," Fluttershy said with a friendly smile, "but we'll make sure to pass your apology along."
Sonata, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash had decided to escort Sunset and Scootaloo home after school. Some time after lunch the true identity of Anon-a-Miss had somehow leaked out and the threats against the three younger girls had begun. Applejack and Rarity had rushed their sisters home immediately after school. Aria had gone with Rarity and Fluttershy had joined Applejack.
Sunset felt a wave of relief wash over her when she entered her house. For the first time all day she felt truly safe. She and her friends set their books down on the table so that they could do their homework. Sunset had even decided to help Scootaloo with the work that Luna had assigned the younger girl. Pulling out her laptop, Sunset logged onto her email. Her face immediately went pale, and the fear returned. Incognito had sent her an email. Pinkie Pie jumped into action and with Sonata's help managed to bake a batch of comfort cookies.
Author's Note
Any guesses as to who Incognito really is?
While Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo got Sunset to calm down, Sonata pulled out her laptop and with Sunset's permission, she logged onto her cousin's email. Within minutes her hands were flying across the keys as she worked diligently to track down the origin of the email. Whomever Incognito was, they had hidden their tacks well. That can't be right.
"Sunset," Sonata asked after a moment, "does anyone else have access to your laptop besides you?"
"No," Sunset answered, "the only time it leaves my side is during gym class, then I leave it in my locker."
"Who ever wrote this email," Sonata explained, "wrote it using your laptop."
All five girls stared at the computer for a moment.
"We might as well open it so that we can print it out and add to the evidence." Sunset sighed.
"Scootaloo," Rainbow said, "Why don't you and Pinkie take Sunset into the kitchen. She shouldn't have to see this." Scootaloo and Pinkie both nodded and helped Sunset to the kitchen.
"Good thinking Dashie," Sonata said.
"She really doesn't deserve this," Rainbow replied, "when I find Incognito, I'm going to kick their butt."
"I'll join you," Sonata said as she clicked on the email, "now what vulgarities does Incognito have in-store for us today.'
"I'm, did the screen freeze," Rainbow asked, "it's blank."
"No," Sonata said after testing the mouse. Incognito had sent Sunset a blank email. Both Rainbow and Sonata realized that this meant that Incognito could get to Sunset no matter where she was.
"I'm calling my Aunt," Sonata said as she took out her phone, "Incognito is toying with us."
In the kitchen, Scootaloo and Pinkie were relieved that Sunset was no longer on the verge of tears. Pinkie managed to get Sunset to atleast nibble on a cookie.
"Scootaloo, stay here with Sunset," Pinkie said with an amazing amount of authority in her voice, "keep her here."
Scootaloo watched as Pinkie went back to the living room to discuss the situation with Rainbow and Sonata.
"Sunset," Scootaloo said finally, "I never meant for this to happen. I wanted a big sister and went about the wrong way to get one. I know that you probably don't like me, and will probably never speak to me again, but I promise to be the best little sister you could ask for."
Sunset didn't say anything. Instead she reached out and took Scootaloo's hand in her's and gave it a gentle squeeze before leaning onto the younger girl's shoulder and drifting off to sleep.
That is how Celestia found them when she walked into the house twenty minutes later. She smiled at the two of them and was about to say something, when Scootaloo stopped her by holding up one finger in front of her lips and looking at Celestia.
"How long have they been like that?" Celestia whispered as she entered the living room and sat down on the couch opposite of Sonata.
"For a while," Rainbow answered, "we couldn't bring ourselves to break them up."
Pinkie got up to make everyone some nachos and to check on Sunset and Scootaloo while Sonata and Rainbow told Celestia what they had learned, which wasn't much.
"I'll have Sunset leave her things in my office when she goes to gym," Celestia sighed, "and I'll see if Luna could assign her another locker."
"We might want to do the same thing for Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom," Rainbow said, "now that the whole school knows that they were Anon-a-Miss, they could be targets now."
Celestia knew that Rainbow was right. If there was one thing that her years of teaching had taught her, it was that teenagers could be viciously vindictive toward each other.
"You and your friends will look out for them?' Celestia asked.
"Of course Aunt Tia," Sonata answered, "Scootaloo is family."
Do they really think of me as family, Scootaloo thought to herself after she heard Sonata's words. Scootaloo had never felt this welcome before. They barely knew her, why were they willing to accept her, even after what she had done to Sunset. She looked at the sleeping girl's face and noticed a big smile of content.
"Hey, Scoots," Rainbow Dash said from the entryway to the kitchen, "come here I want to talk to ya."
Scootaloo felt nervous as she disentangled herself from Sunset and stood up. Rainbow led hey to a place where the two of them could speak in private.
"Look Scootaloo," Rainbow began, "I don't know why you did what you did, and frankly, I don't much care."
Scootaloo could feel a lump rising in her throat.
"Tomorrow at school, when you and your friends aren't in class, you are to be glued to my side." Rainbow said, "if we could forgive Sunset, then there is absolutely no reason why I can't forgive you."
"But we really hurt everyone," Scootaloo protested.
"It's nothing worse than what I used to do." Sunset said from behind Scootaloo, "I was unanimously voted the school's 'Biggest Meanie' remember."
Scootaloo hadn't heard Sunset get up. She had thought that the older girl was still asleep when she had left the kitchen. After her brief nap, Sunset looked reinvigorated, and determined to find Incognito.
Sunset Shimmer and the Canterlot Crusade
Three young girls tried to avoid the glares of their classmates as they entered Canterlot High. If it hadn't been for the eight upperclassmen that had circled around the three, the rest of the students would of torn the three to pieces. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom walked with their heads down. Not once did they take their eyes off the floor as they followed their older sisters and their sisters' friends into the empty music room.
"This is going to be a tough week." Rarity said.
"Most of the school wants to get revenge against Anon-a-Miss," Sunset said, "and half of them want to apologise to me."
"Hard to believe how quickly ya have changed since the start of the year Sugarcube," Applejack said.
"Thanks," Sunset said with a smile, "I think."
"There's that smile we all love!" Sonata said excitedly, "you ready Pinkie?"
"You know it." Pinkie said as she pulled something out of her backpack.
"Pinkie," Rainbow asked, "what do you have there?"
"I need all of you to raise your right hand." Pinkie said as she stood in front of her friends.
They all looked at Pinkie in disbelief. Pinned to her and Sonata's shirts were very official looking metal badges. Looking closely they could see that the badges said "Smile Patrol".
"Tell me that you're kidding." Aria said flatly.
"I don't think that they are darling," Rarity responded.
"Actually, maybe this is just what CHS needs," Sunset said, "with the holidays starting next week, everyone needs a reminder to smile."
"I'm in," Rainbow said enthusiasticly. Fluttershy simply nodded.
"Me too," Rarity and Applejack said together. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle looked at each other, they each had the same thought. If Sunset could forgive them, then hopefully all their classmates would as well, it was their duty to help spread smiles and fix their mistake."
"We're in." Scootaloo said, speaking for her two friends. Everyone turned to look at Aria.
"Alright, I'm in," Aria said as Sher cracked her knuckles, "but if I find Incognito, it won't be a smile that I give them."
"That's fair." Sonata said, "now raise your right hand so Pinkie can swear you in."
"Can I ask just one question," Aria said, "when do you two think these things up?"
Pinkie and Sonata just looked at each other and winked.
Principal Celestia had lost track of how many times she had read the copy of the post written by Incognito. Each time she read she felt like she was going to throw up. If I ever find out who is behind this, Celestia thought, I'm going to come down on them like the Death Star on Alderan.
Scootaloo looked out across the assembled students. Principal Celestia had called an assembly just before lunch. What Scootaloo hadn't expected was to find herself sitting backstage with Sunset, Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom.
"I know that everyone has heard rumors that Anon-a-Miss has been caught," Celestia was saying, "well the rumors are true."
There was a quiet murmur that emanated from the assembly of students. Celestia allowed the crowd to settle down before she continued.
"Now I know that most of you were victimized by Anon-a-Miss,"Celestia said as she turned to look at the side of the stage "but the person who they victimized the most wants to say a few words. Sunset Shimmer."
Sunset walked out on stage and she accepted the microphone from the principal.
"Thank you Principal Celestia. I'm asking that each of you forgive Anon-a-Miss," Sunset began, she was forced to wait a moment before she could continue since not everyone in the auditorium agreed with her sentiment.
"I ask that you forgive them, because most of you have forgiven me for the absolute terror that I caused before the Fall Formal," Sunset went on, "and because most of you have forgiven my cousins Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, and Adagio Dazzle. And the things that we did were much worse than anything that Anon-a-Miss had attempted."
From her seat in the audience, Aria was amazed. She was well aware that Sunset hadn't prepared a speech for this assembly, Since her mother had pulled her aside as they had walked into the auditorium.
"Oh, those were fun times." Aria whispered to herself. Flash Sentry who was seated next to her overheard her comment.
"Don't tell me that you'd do it again," he whispered back.
"Tartarus no," Aria replied as she looked at the boy, "I actually like where I am in life too much now to want to go back to being that thing that I used to be."
"I'm glad to hear that," Flash said with a smile that didn't go unnoticed.
After the assembly was over most of the students had gone to lunch, however seven girls joined Sunset on stage.
"That was amazing darling," Rarity said, "have you considered a career in politics?"
"No thanks," Sunset laughed, "I just said what was in my heart."
"And I am so proud of you," Celestia said from behind Sunset, "hopefully by showing that you forgive them, we can discourage anyone else from taking out their anger on those three girls."
"I hope so mom, Canterlot High has been through enough already this year," Sunset replied, "um, Aria, what are you doing?"
"Nothing," Aria said as she watched Flash leave the auditorium.
Not everyone was as willing to forgive as Sunset was. Gilda scowled as she looked at her burnt hand. She knew that she couldn't go after Sunset, and Aria had beaten her by using magic, but they couldn't protect the three girls all the time. Apple Bloom would be the hardest to target, since she was always with either her sister or her brother. Sweetie Belle was also going to be difficult to strike at since Rarity could be downright scary when it came to protecting her younger sister. That only left Scootaloo. Gilda realized that she could easily isolate the girl, and once she did, she could have her fun. Gilda began to formulate a plan.
Author's Note
I don't know where this sudden urge to write has come from, but I'm not going to complain, these last few chapters have been quite therapeutic.
Scootaloo came stomping down the stairs, both Celestia and Sunset watched as the youngest member of their household came down for breakfast. Scootaloo really wasn't a morning person and was usually the last to wake up in the morning. But unlike Sunset, who would normally complain about waking up early, Scootaloo rarely complained.
"Good morning Scootaloo," Sunset said cheerfully, "how did you sleep last night?"
"Better now that I confessed," Scootaloo said as she poured herself s cup of coffee.
"I'm glad to hear that," Celestia said, "oh before I forget, Sunset has a doctor's appointment this afternoon after school and I'm taking her, so, you will need to find a way home this afternoon."
Scootaloo looked carefully at Sunset then forming two of her fingers into a cross, "Are you sick?"
"No," Sunset sighed, "mom thinks that it would be a great idea if I saw a shrink."
"I'm just concerned," Celestia said, "with everything that you've been through."
"I know," Sunset replied, "and I know that you care, I just hope that the wrong people find out about this.
"You mean Gilda," Scootaloo said, "don't you."
"What has Gilda done now," Celestia asked.
"Nothing yet really," Sunset said, "but when I was a bully, I had both purpose and standards,"
"Gilda gets off being a bully mom- I mean Ms. Celestia," Scootaloo answered, "and nothing is off limits for her."
"I never bullied someone over health issues or family problems that they may have had," Sunset said, "Gilda just doesn't care."
"I knew that Gilda was a bully," Celestia said, "but I didn't know about this."
"I'm sure Ms. Luna knows," Scootaloo said. Celestia decided to make a mental note to speak with her sister regarding Gilda. While Celestia wanted each of her students to succeed, she understood that there were always a few that were beyond help, but she wouldn't allow that to stop her from reaching all those she could.
"Ok girls," Celestia said, "it's time we got going,"
"But I haven't eaten yet," Scootaloo said as she swallowed the last of her coffee.
"We'll stop along the way," Celestia replied, "we drive right past Sugarcube Corner."
"Ok."
"Luna," Celestia said as she knocked on the door frame to her sister's office, "do you have a minute?"
Luna waved her sister into the office. She assumed that she wanted to talk to her about Sunset's upcoming doctor's appointment.
"Eh, what's up Doc?" Luna said with a giggle in reference to Celestia's doctorate in children's education.
"First, that was a bad joke," Celestia said, "second, is it possible for you to give Scootaloo a ride home from school today?"
"If it was such a bad joke, why are you smiling," Luna replied, "and I would love to give Scootaloo a ride home after school, but today is the last practice for the girls basketball team before the holiday break. I'll ask Raven."
Celestia sighed, then she remembered the conversation that she had had with her girls that morning.
"Luna," Celestia said in what Luna thought of as the High School Principal Voice, "tell me about Gilda."
Now it was Luna's turn to sigh, "where do I begin?"
"I've always found that the beginning was a good place.' Celestia said.
"Gilda has been trouble since she and her family moved here during her freshman year." Luna explained, "she did have one friend, Rainbow Dash."
"Let me guess," Celestia said, "Sunset split them up."
"Actually, from what I can tell," Luna said, "Sunset had nothing to do with it. Rainbow found out from Pinkie that Gilda was bullying Fluttershy, and you know how Rainbow can get."
"Anything else you can tell me?" Celestia asked.
"It'd be easier to just show you her disciplinary file," Luna said, "please tell me that you aren't thinking of adopting her."
"The thought never crossed my mind." Celestia answered as she shuddered at the thought.
Across campus, Gilda was watching a row of lockers. As much as she wanted to pound the twerp for being Anon-A-Miss, Gilda decided instead to have some fun instead, the longer that she made the girl cower in fear, the happier Gilda would be. There was a psychological element that most bullied failed to comprehend when they tried to perfect their craft. Gilda was different, she recognized how potent a weapon that fear could be. She watched as Scootaloo walked up to her locker. Now, Gilda thought, I can put the first part of my plan into effect. With that, Gilda turned to go find Lightning Dust, maybe there was enough time to have some fun before school.
Scootaloo decided to get her books from her locker and then she headed straight to the In-School-Suspension room. She took a seat in the back of the room and sat patiently waiting for North Wind, the teacher that oversaw CHS' In-School-Suspension office. She heard the door open and saw both Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom enter the room. For Sweetie Belle, it was her first time ever in the ISS office. She was amazed at how bland the room was, there wasn't even a clock on the wall. On North Wind's desk was a shoebox with the label "PHONES" on it. North Wind entered the office a few minutes before the morning bell rang.
Gilda waited several minutes after the morning bell before leaving the bathroom. Reaching into her backpack, she pulled out a can of red spray paint and quickly made her way to Scootaloo's locker. It was time to implement the first phase of her plan.
So far, the day had gone smoothly, that was until the break after first period. Then Luna found herself summoned to the west wing of the campus where the Junior High lockers were located. What she found absolutely disgusted her and she could understand why several students were physically sick over the image. Painted on the locker was an image of Scootaloo hanging from the school's flagpole.
I've got to keep Tia from seeing this, Luna realized.
Author's Note
For some reason, my fiance wants me to redeem Gilda.
Masterpiece Theater part 2
Luna wasn't surprised when Aria stormed into her office after lunch. She could easily tell that her middle daughter was furious.
"Mom," Aria said, "Something has to be done about Gilda, you saw her latest 'masterpiece' it's a direct threat against Scootaloo."
"Yes I saw that unfortunate piece of artwork, and I have spent the morning making sure that Celestia doesn't see it," Luna responded, "and even though we both know that Gilda is the one responsible, no one saw her do it and she left no evidence, and thus, in the eyes of the law she is innocent until proven guilty."
Aria looked at her mother, and could see the fire in Luna's eyes. "It's only a matter of time before Gilda follows through with her threat," Aria said.
"Which is why I don't want you or your sisters to leave Scootaloo alone," Luna replied.
"I wasn't planning on it." Aria asked, "can I have a few bucks to get dinner, if I'm taking the brat home, I might as well feed her. it'll just be me and her today. Dagi has some club thing that she is doing over at Crystal Prep, and Nata is having dinner with Pinkie and her family."
"Well take her straight home after school," Luna said, as she handed Aria one of her credit cards,"as much as I know that you want to go after Gilda, keeping Scootaloo safe is more important. I'm sure that Raven will give you a ride if you ask."
"Ok mom," Aria said, "but don't hold me accountable for what happens if I run into Gilda."
"Now shouldn't you be getting to your next class," Luna said, "I won't let you drive the Camaro if your grades drop."
"Ooh, good bribe," Aria said as she left her mother's office.
From her carefully chosen hiding spot, Gilda watched Aria leave the Vice-Principal's office. She wondered why the former Dazzling was always coming and going to Ms. Luna's office.
"What's up Big G?" A voice said behind her. Gilda turned with her fist clenched tight, ready to punch whomever had snuck up on her. She relaxed when she saw that it was Lightning Dust.
"Just watching and waiting," Gilda said with a predatory grin. Lightning Dust pretended to fan herself, as if it was a hot Summer day and not early Winter.
"Meow," Lightning Dust replied, "how is your plan going?"
"So far so good," Gilda replied, "I just need to catch the little snot after school and then I'm as good as gold."
"And how do you plan to do that?" Lightning Dust asked, "everywhere she goes she is either flanked by Rainbow Dash and those goodie two shoes friends of hers, or Monsters Inc."
"Why is Monsters Inc. so concerned about Scooterbutt anyway." Gilda thought aloud.
"I dunno," Lightning Dust said, "but she's been hanging out with Sunset for the last week."
"Maybe Sunset and her monsters were in on Anon-A-Miss," Gilda thought, "maybe we can use that to our advantage."
"Again, how are we going to do that," Lightning Dust said, "the school Administration has blocked MyStable for now because of that Incognito character."
"How did they spread rumors and gossip before the age of social media," Gilda replied, "by word of mouth. We just need to say the right things to the right people."
"And Sunset and her friends are social pariahs once more." Lightning Dust realized, "I love this plan."
"Exactly." Gilda said with a fiendish grin. Unbeknownst to both Gilda and Lightning Dust, their conversation had been observed by a third party.
This will make for an exciting game,
Aria waited for Scootaloo to exit the ISS room after school.ehen she was sure that she had Scootaloo's attention, she approached the younger girl. Scootaloo felt nervous. She could feel the hateful glares from the students around her.
"Ready to go Squirt?" Aria asked.
"Uh, sure." Scootaloo said, "I just need to stop by my locker first.
"No, we aren't,"Aria answered, "if there's something you absolutely need, text Sunset and she'll get it for you."
"I'm, okay," Scootaloo said confused, "what's wrong with my locker?"
"Don't worry about it, we're taking care of it," Aria said as she started walking towards the school exit, "now, what would you like for dinner?"
"What do you mean?"
"My mom gave me her credit card," Aria said smugly.
"Could we have fried chicken?" Scootaloo asked.
"Sure," Aria replied, "why not."
The walk to Celestia's house was short, the principal only lived a few blocks away from the school. It wasn't until they entered Saddleback Park that they ran into trouble.
"Trixie demands justice," Trixie shouted when she caught sight of Scootaloo. Then she turned to several other CHS students that happened to be nearby, "for all we know Sunset and the Dazzlings were most likely in on Anon-A-Miss from the beginning."
"Yeah," Bulk Biceps said, "Trixie's right."
Aria began to look for a way to diffuse the situation. The first thing that came to mind was using her powers, but she quickly banished that thought from her mind. She scanned the rapidly growing mob for a friendly face, she found one.
"FLASH," Aria called out, "a little help please."
Flash ran forward and put himself between the crowd and Scootaloo, meanwhile, Aria began looking for another route through the park and to Celestia's house. Someone in crowd had begun throwing trash and debris. It took her a minute to realize that Flash was speaking.
"What," Aria said impatiently, "I'm looking for a way out of here."
"I have one," Flash said as he pointed toward the park entrance that Aria and Scootaloo had just used, "my car is right over there."
"Let's go," Aria said. She could feel her blood starting to boil. With Flash leading the way, the trio practically ran toward Flash's parked car. Aria made sure to keep herself between the mob and Scootaloo. Luckily, nobody had started to throw rocks yet. Aria didn't give Scootaloo a chance to hesitate before forcing the girl into Flash's car. Little did they realize that they were followed.
Masterpiece Theater part 3
Flash Sentry made sure that he took a scenic route from the park, he didn't want any part of the mob that had tried to attack Aria and Scootaloo to follow them. Flash looked over Scootaloo to make sure that she wasn't hurt while Aria used an app on her phone to order dinner.
"Not how I pictured dinner with a boy," Aria commented with a smirk. Flash was about to respond when the front door to the house burst open and Sunset came running in followed by Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.
"Scootaloo, are you okay?" Sunset asked,as tackle hugged Scootaloo, her voice full of concern, "they didn't hurt you did they?"
"She's fine Sunny," Aria said, "I don't know who is worse, you or your mom." Sunset looked at Aria with a stern look on her face.
"You know," Rainbow whispered to Fluttershy, "she's right. She even looks like Principal Celestia." Sunset's head whipped around when she heard Rainbow's comment, and she transfixed her polychromatic haired friend in a State that could rival Fluttershy. Scootaloo found the entire exchange funny and couldn't stop herself from laughing. Fluttershy simply nodded in agreement.
"She does look like mom!" Scootaloo exclaimed. Even Sunset couldn't suppress her laugh. Scootaloo hadn't realized that she had called Celestia "mom". Sunset made a mental note to mention Scootaloo's comment to her mom. Even though Scootaloo had been apart of the Anon-A-Miss trio, Sunset had forgiven her and found herself enjoying having a younger sister.
"So," Aria said, "you all heard what happened?"
"Yeah, that you got ambushed in the park," Rainbow said, "Shy and I have been trying to calm Sunset down."
Gilda and Lightning Dust sat together in a booth at Sugarcube Corner. They couldn't help but smile, they had heard about the mob that had confronted Scootaloo and Aria at the park.
"Sunset has lost her hold over Canterlot High," Gilda said, "and I am going to step into the vacuum."
"Long live the Queen." Lightning Dust purred.
"And of course you will be at my side." Gilda said looking into Lightning Dust's eyes.
"So what is the next step in your plan," Lightning Dust asked.
"Now we need to drive a wedge between Sunset and her friends." Gilda replied with a smile on her lips.
Celestia was relieved to find both Scootaloo and Sunset at home when she walked in. She had heard of a near riot in the park over the radio and was concerned about the girls safety. Aria watched as her aunt held both of the girls close.
"Aria," Celestia said after she released both Sunset and Scootaloo, "thank you for making sure that Scootaloo got home safely."
"I had help Aunt Tia," Aria replied as she ate some chicken wings, "Flash saw that we were in trouble and gave us a ride."
"I guess that I'll have to thank him as well." Celestia said.
"Things are so chaotic out there," Sunset said, "I mean everything I did was way worse than anything that Scootaloo and her friends did, but I don't remember any riots."
"And we apologized and shut down Anon-A-Miss." Scootaloo said, "and now there is this Incognito person."
"Incognito only seems to be interested in targeting me," Sunset stated.
"Doesn't make it right," Celestia said, "whomever Incognito is, they are viscous and disgusting. I always hoped that my students were better than this."
"Any ideas who Incognito is?" Aria asked, "I haven't been attending Canterlot High long, but I could make a few guesses."
"I doubt it's Gilda," Sunset said, "but she most likely knows who is behind all this chaos."
"Chaos," Aria said suddenly looking at Sunset, "you don't think that he could be behind this?"
"Possibly," Sunset said after some thought, "but what would he stand to gain?"
"Um, he's Discord," Aria said, "the Lord of Chaos."
Somepony is talking about me, Discord thought to himself as he prepared to go visit Fluttershy for their weekly tea party, I wonder what is going on.
"Discord," Celestia asked, "who is that?"
Aria and Sunset looked at each other, it almost seemed like the two of them were having a silent conversation between them, it lasted two tense minutes.
"Back in our world, there is many different types of magic," Sunset answered, "most of this magic is very mundane and is an everyday occurance."
"However," Aria continued, "some magic is on a godlike scale, and is used by a few elite individuals, my mother for example."
"Discord is one of those individuals," Sunset said, "he is quite literally the god of Chaos and the only being able to harness chaos magic."
Celestia and Scootaloo both stood with their mouths open as they tried to process what they had been told. It was no secret around CHS that Sunset, Aria and her sisters were from a place far different than Canterlot County, Celestia and Scootaloo had never realized how much different.
"There is one more thing," Sunset said hesitantly to Celestia, "you counterpart in our world not only rules the Equestrian Empire, but is a goddess in her right."
"She has dominion over the Sun," Aria added.
Celestia felt her legs get weak, luckily she was standing in front of the couch and she lowered herself down. Scootaloo immediately went into the kitchen and brought Celestia a glass of water.
"And you're saying that Discord is doing this?" Celestia asked.
"Well mostly what he does is prank ponies with chocolate rain and cotton candy clouds," Sunset replied, "but until recently he spent one thousand years as a statue in the royal gardens. Maybe he is making up for lost time."
"It does sound like something he would do." Aria said, "he did turn my mother against ponies."
"Aria, what does your mother control?" Celestia asked.
"She was the goddess of the seas," Aria answered, "but she died centuries ago."
"God's can die?" Scootaloo asked incredulously.
"In our world they can." Sunset answered.
"Aria, I'm sorry that you and your sisters had to go through that," Celestia said.
"Don't be," Aria replied, "she was manipulative and she tried to kill us."
Aria found herself wrapped in the middle of a group hug that included Celestia, Scootaloo, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Only Sunset stood apart. Noticing that her daughter hadn't joined the hug, Celestia looked at her questioningly.
"I was there when it happened," Sunset said by way of explanation, "Discord transported us to Equestria."
She paused when she noticed that both Scootaloo and Celestia were looking at her. Scootaloo's eyes were filled with wonder. Celestia's eyes burned with a fury that Sunset had only seen once before, worlds away.
"We told mom what happened," Aria said, "Sonata did die, but Sunset brought her back."
Celestia looked very angry, after several tense moments and several deep breaths, Celestia spoke.
"No more interdimensonal travel without letting Luna or myself know beforehand," Celestia said, "that includes you as well Scootaloo."
"We weren't trying to go to Equestria," Sunset replied, "Discord just took us. I guess that in his messed up mind he thought that he was helping."
"I can't wait to meet him." Celestia said with ice in her voice. Aria and Sunset shuddered at the thought of that meeting.
In another place in another world Discord looked up from his tea.
"I'll have to pay her a visit." Discord said.
"What was that," Fluttershy asked with a confused look.
"Nothing,"Discord answered, "just some pony in another dimension that I need to drop in on, I'm sure that El Capitan can wait."
"Who is El Capitan?" Fluttershy asked even more confused.
"Nobody important," Discord answered, "just a starship captain."
Gilda was leaning against the wall outside of the Canterlot High weight room. She wished that she could pull out a cigarette and smoke one, but her current location prevented her from satisfying her cravings. I'll see what Dusty is up to after this, Gilda thought, she's always ready for some fun. Gilda looked up when she heard the door to the weight room open and the person that she had been waiting for had walked past her.
"Hey Dumbbell," Gilda called after him, "got a second?"
"What do you want Griffin?" Dumbbell asked, they weren't friends, but they weren't enemies either, they just hung out with different people.
"How would you like to get back at Anon-A-Miss?" Gilda asked. She knew that Dumbbell hadn't been one of their victims, but his younger brother, Whiz Kid, had been. She could see fire in Dumbbell's eyes.
"What do you have in mind," Dumbbell said with a smile, "you want me to rough them up, is that it?"
"While I'm not opposed to that option," Gilda replied, "I'm thinking that something more psychological is in order."
"I'm not sure that I understand what you mean." Dumbbell said.
" I just want you to stand near where they like to hang out and look threatening," Gilda said, "I'm not asking you to hurt anyone."
"I'll think about it," Dumbbell said, "those girls' older sisters are scary."
"Okay," Gilda said as she turned to leave, "just remember what they did to your brother."
Luna had been laying on the couch with her head in Raven's lap watching the T.V. while Raven ran her fingers through her hair. Sonata sat on the floor and Adagio sat in an armchair petting the fat opossum that was curled up in her lap. All four of them looked up at Aria when she came in through the front door. They had each heard about the near riot in the park and had been relieved when they had learned that Aria and Scootaloo had made it safely to Celestia's house.
"Are you okay?" Luna asked, her voice full of concern.
"Never better," Aria answered as she handed her mother her credit card, "Scootaloo was a little shook up though."
"I had hoped that putting an end to Anon-A-Miss would end the discontent," Luna sighed, "so much for hopes and dreams."
"Don't worry mom," Sonata said, "you have us."
"You're right," Luna replied, "and you have no idea how proud I am of the three of you."
"If you all don't mind," Aria yawned, "I'm going to go take a hot shower and then go to bed."
"Good night," everyone said.
Aria loved the feeling of the hot water as it cascaded down her body if it hadn't been for the fact that she was so tired, she could have and would have stayed in the shower all night. However the events of the day had left her exhausted, and she could hear her bed calling her name. After climbing out of the shower and toweling herself dry Aria looked up at the mirror. Someone had written a single word in the fogged over glass. Aria was shocked and when she looked again the word was gone.
"What the hell," Aria said to herself, "am I going crazy?"
Author's Note
Sorry that this chapter took me so long. The past few weeks have been hectic with both health problems and health related issues. Including a surgery on my right arm that has left it all but useless until it heals. So I am typing this with only my left hand.
Eight teenage girls decided to eat lunch in the courtyard of Canterlot High. The weather was cool, but it hadn't turned cold yet.
"Looks like we may have a mild winter this year," Applejack said as she looked up at the sky.
"That's what my mom is saying," Rainbow Dash replied. Her mother, Windy Whistles, was the meteorologist for one of the local news stations.
"I swear, Sunset," Aria said as she and Sunset approached the table, "it was written as clear as day in the mirror, I didn't imagine it."
"I'm not saying that you did," Sunset answered as she took a seat next to Pinkie Pie, "but so far Incognito has only been interested in me."
"Well someone wrote 'Incognito' on the bathroom mirror while I was in the shower." Aria retorted.
"Maybe Incognito is this world's Sunset Shimmer and she out for revenge because our Sunset stole her identity!" Pinkie said in one breath.
"That may be possible," Sunset said, "but both mom and Raven looked for any records of this world's Sunset and they couldn't find anything."
"What do you mean that they couldn't find anything,?" Rarity asked, "I thought that Princess Twilight said that everyone has a counterpart over in your world."
"I appear to be the exception," Sunset said, "I dunno, maybe I'm an abomination."
"OW," Sunset called out, "Rarity, that hurt."
"Sorry darling," Rarity apologized, "but you must not think of yourself in that way."
"Yeah," Rainbow said, "you are one of the best friends that any of us could ask for."
"Thanks girls," Sunset said, "I guess that I needed to hear that."
"Plus you are a pretty decent cousin." Aria added.
"I find it curious though that Sunset doesn't have a doppelganger," Fluttershy said, "you weren't able to find anything?"
"Not a thing," Sunset replied, "and if Raven couldn't find anything, then there is nothing to find."
"That woman scares me," Sonata said, "she has forgotten more about computers than any of us could ever hope to learn."
Sweetie Belle closed her locker and turned to head towards the In-School-Suspension room. Luckily for her, she was the only person in the hallway, all the other students were at lunch. As she walked down the hall back toward the In-School-Suspension room Sweetie Belle had time to reflect on her actions as a part of Anon-a-Miss. She realized now how selfish she had been. At the time she hadn't known that Sunset had been alone her whole life until she had become friends with Rarity and the rest her sister's friends. She also hadn't known that until recently, Sunset had been homeless and had never spent the holidays with anyone. She wanted to apologise for everything that she had done, but she didn't know how to start to apologise.
All these thoughts were running through Sweetie Belle's head when she walked into something hard. Looking up she found herself staring into the eyes of Dumbbell. His eyes were full of anger and malcontent. Sweetie Belle wanted to run, but like a deer the headlights, she found herself frozen with fear.
"Um, hello Dumbbell," Sweetie said nervously, her voice quivering with fear, "could I please get past you."
"Run." Dumbbell hissed coldly. Sweetie Belle turned to run but suddenly her legs felt like jelly and wouldn't respond to the commands that her brain was giving them. Instead she just sank to the ground and prepared herself for what she was certain that was coming.
Dumbbell looked at the pathetic heap before him and started to raise his fist, but suddenly he stopped. He found that he couldn't actually bring himself to hurt this girl. Instead he slammed his fist into a nearby locker leaving a massive dent. He then turned around and walked away.
Derpy and her sister Dinky found Sweetie Belle curled up against the lockers several minutes later. Derpy stayed with the frightened girl while Dinky ran off to get both Vice-Principal Luna and Sweetie Belle's sister, Rarity. Learning what had happened, Rarity immediately wanted to take Sweetie Belle home, and after much consideration, Luna allowed Rarity to take her sister home. Luna wanted to expel Dumbbell for his actions, but instead he found himself with two weeks of out-of-school suspension with a warning that if he set foot on Canterlot High during that time he would be expelled.
"I can't believe that Dumbbell could be so foolish," Rainbow said as she and Fluttershy were walking home after school, "he normally is one of the more level headed guys in class."
"I know," Fluttershy said, "he was really upset over what the girls did to his brother. I know that if something happened to Zephyr I'd be upset as well. There's no telling what I would do."
"Zephyr," Rainbow said rolling her eyes, "really?"
"Despite how he acts," Fluttershy sighed, "he is still my brother."
Rarity couldn't bring herself to let go of Sweetie Belle. They had both collapsed onto the couch when both of them entered their family home. Sweetie Belle had finally stopped crying, but Rarity was worried because Sweetie Belle couldn't seem to stop rocking back and forth. Rarity decided to call out of work, her sister needed her more than Miss Primhemline needed a sales person. Pinkie Pie decided to stop by after school, and much to Rarity's relief, she didn't try to throw a "Feel Better Party" for Sweetie Belle, instead she had brought a few cookies and spent the afternoon just speaking with both Rarity and Sweetie Belle.
"Scootaloo, I don't want you going to school tomorrow," Celestia said as she, Scootaloo and Sunset ate dinner.
"Why,"Scootaloo asked,"because of what happened to Sweetie Belle?"
"That never should have happened," Sunset said,"if anyone is at fault, I am."
"Sunset," Celestia said, "you mustn't think that."
"Why not," Sunset said, "if I hadn't been a selfish filly I wouldn't have ran away from Equestria and none of this would be happening."
"Sunset," Celestia replied, "it's human nature to be ruled by our emotions. If you hadn't been the Alpha bully at school, somebody else would have and we'd still have this problem."
"You think so?" Sunset asked.
"I know so." Celestia answered.
"Besides, I'd rather have you as sister instead of Gilda," Scootaloo said with a smile.
"Now that's just scary." Celestia said trying, and failing, to suppress a laugh.
Author's Note
Just some of my thoughts on why we never saw Sunset's counterpart in the series. And I am working on the third Sirens of the Night story (it will focus mostly on Sunset and be set before the battle of the bands.). It will be published along side this story and may contain spoilers.
Sweetie Belle had a very close call there didn't she.
Sunset looked nervously around the cafeteria. While the truth behind Anon-a-Miss had been revealed, now someone was spreading rumors that Sunset known all along what had been happening, and that she had been a part of the conspiracy. As she looked toward the table where Scootaloo and her friends sat. Vice-Principal Luna sat at the table with them. She was worried, a few months earlier, shortly after the Fall Formal, Sunset had hit rock bottom. And she had hit hard. She even thought about ending it all. Luckily she had discovered a support system. She was worried about what was going through the Crusaders heads.
"Penny for your thoughts, Sugarcube," Applejack asked as she took a seat across from Sunset.
"I'm worried Applejack," Sunset said.
"Worried about what?" Pinkie asked as she and Sonata both took their seats at the lunch table.
"Anon-a-Miss really screwed everybody up," Sunset explained,"and now Gilda is trying to expand her little empire into the breach left by my fall. And if that wasn't enough, somebody calling themselves Incognito is persistent on attacking me and my family."
"That does sound like a problem," Rainbow Dash said from where she was sitting, "but we've got this, we're awesome!"
"Rainbow," Rarity replied, "do I need to remind you that just last week we all thought that Sunset was Anon-a-Miss?"
"I said I was sorry about that," Rainbow grumbled. Sunset reached out across the table and took Rainbow's hands into hers.
"And I've forgiven you." Sunset said as she looked Rainbow in the eyes. Rainbow knew that while Sunset had forgiven her, she hadn't forgiven herself yet. She was supposed to be the Element of Loyalty after all, and she hadn't been loyal to Sunset. She was starting to think that maybe she wasn't worthy of being an element bearers in this universe.
"Well hopefully this will all blow over next week during the holidays." Applejack said hopefully.
"What is everyone doing during the holidays?" Fluttershy asked hoping to change the subject to something more cheerful.
"Well my family is going to spend the holidays with our cousins on their farm." Pinkie said looking at Applejack.
"My mom is taking me to Manhattan to visit her sister." Rainbow said.
"We're going to be visiting some of my father's former teammates." Rarity answered. Rainbow had been excited to learn that Rarity's father had once been a professional athlete.
"Zephyr talked my parents into celebrating all the different holiday traditions this year." Fluttershy simply sighed. Everyone turned to look at Sunset and Sonata.
"We're going out of state to meet our grandparents." Sunset said.
"They apparently travel a lot but they have a cabin in the national forest." Sonata added.
"Mom and Luna have been telling us about it all week." Sunset said.
"Can't wait to meet 'em." Aria added, "they sound so cool."
Sunset was glad that Fluttershy had managed to get the group talking about something else, but she just couldn't escape the feeling that trouble was close at hand. Thankfully she had a plan. I hope they don't mess this up, Sunset thought to herself.
Like she normally did, Gilda decided to eat lunch in the gym, as did the rest of her little gang. She felt like a Queen of old, ruling over her empire with an iron fist.
"Snips, Snails," she called out, "tell me again how Sunset set up Rainbow Dash and Applejack's falling out."
"Applejack was having a bake sale," Snails said, "or was it a yard sale?"
"Anyways, Sunset got a hold of Rainbow's email account and sent Applejack a message that the entire soccer team was gonna be there," Snips said, "and then she told Rainbow Dash that the bake sale had been rescheduled for a different day."
"Why do they call it a flea market if they don't actually sell any fleas?" Snails asked.
Scootaloo hid in the bathroom. She couldn't take the glares that she kept receiving from her classmates. This tiny cubicle had become her fortress of solitude. Earlier in the week she had heard Ms. Celestia teleconference with her social worker. She hadn't been able to make out much of what was said, but she knew from past experience that it wasn't good. It never was. One of the few things she had been able to make out was Celestia telling the social worker about Scootaloo's role in Anon-a-Miss. Maybe things would be better if I wasn't around.
Scootaloo heard the door to the bathroom open and she held her breath, with any luck, whomever had just walked in wouldn't know that Scootaloo was there.
"Are you finished Scootaloo," Vice-Principal Luna said, "it's time to go back to the In-School-Suspension room."
"Coming Ms. Luna," Scootaloo said with a sigh of relief, "I've just got to wash my hands."
The last part was a lie. Scootaloo knew that no matter how hard she scrubbed, she would never be clean.
"You look upset," Pinkie said as she took a seat next to Sunset in their first class after lunch. Pinkie didn't enjoy seeing her friends upset, and Pinkie considered everyone to be a friend. She still felt bad about abandoning her friendship with Sunset when the whole Anon-a-Miss fiasco had begun.
"I just can't shake this feeling that a storm is brewing," Sunset said, "and that I'm going to be at the center of it."
"You know that we'll stand by you," Pinkie said, "we may have stumbled hard, but we picked ourselves up forged our friendship even stronger!"
"Thanks Pinkie you always know what to say to make a person feel better," Sunset said.
"The only thing that could break us now is if we suddenly lost our memories or something." Pinkie said with a laugh.
"If you two girls are finished," Ms Cheerilee said, "we have an important lesson to get to."
"Luna," Celestia said after Luna had dropped the Crusaders off at the In-School-Suspension room, "do you think that I am doing the right thing, or am I moving to fast?"
"Tia," Luna replied, "I think that you've already given your heart to her, it's time to make her officially part of the family."
"But I just adopted Sunset, " Celestia said, "and I don't want a repeat of the incident a few months ago. I still find myself checking her room for razor blades."
"Sunset is doing much better now," Luna reassured her sister, "plus I don't know if you have noticed, but Sunset and the Sirens watch over Scootaloo like mother hens."
"So you think that I should do it?" Celestia asked.
"Of course," Luna sighed, "make this adoption official. Scootaloo already is a part of all of us."
Holiday Vacation, Day One
Adagio couldn't sleep. She sat at her desk in her bedroom quietly going over several pieces of paper while her sisters both slept in their own rooms and her mother, Luna, had just gone to her room at the end of the hall. Only Tiberius, Luna's pet opossum, was still awake. He sat comfortably on the corner of Adagio's bed watching her work.
Adagio had decided to put her analytical mind to work on discovering the identity of Incognito. She had managed to get copies of Incognito's MyStable posts and the email that had been sent to Sunset. Adagio couldn't allow Incognito to further terrorize Sunset. Sunset was family, and one thing that Adagio had learned through her experience in the human world was that family was more valuable than anything. And Adagio enjoyed having a family.
After reading each copy of the posts and email, Adagio noticed a pattern begin to emerge. A pattern that seemed awfully familiar to her. She felt as though she had spoken to Incognito before, almost intimately. She was positive that she knew who really was Incognito, and she hoped that she was wrong. She decided to try to get some sleep. She could deal with Incognito in the morning before the whole family left to go visit Luna and Celestia's parents.
"I hope I'm wrong about this Tiberius," Adagio said quietly to the fat marsupial. Tiberius just looked at her and yawned.
Adagio awoke to the smells of fresh coffee and frying bacon. She knew that Aria wasn't cooking, Aria had a habit of burning water. Groggily, Adagio got dressed and went down stairs to the kitchen. The first rays of the morning sun were peeking in the windows. Sonata stood at the stove humming a tune to herself as she cooked breakfast. Where did she get that ridiculous looking chef's hat, Adagio thought, On second thought, I don't want to know.
"Good morning Dagi'" Sonata said as she poured a cup of coffee for her sister. Adagio had given up trying to understand how Sonata could be fully awake in the morning.
"Morning." Adagio grumbled as she took her first sip of coffee, feeling the magical elixir jumpstart her brain.
"Mom and Aria are both still asleep, but Aunt Tia called and said that they will be heading over within the hour"" Sonata said.
"I thought that they were going to meet us after breakfast." Adagio said.
"I guess that Aunt Tia wants to get an early start today." Sonata replied as she went back to frying bacon.
"Please tell me that Aria isn't cooking," Luna said as she entered the kitchen.
"I'm standing right behind you." Aria said as she wiped the sleep from her eyes. That earned a laugh from both Adagio and Sonata.
"Is Raven coming with us," Adagio asked.
"Yes," Luna replied, "she called to tell me that she was on her way."
The door bell suddenly rang.
"I guess that is her," Luna said, "Adagio, could you please let her in?"
Adagio went to answer the front door. It wasn't Raven, instead she found Celestia, Sunset and Scootaloo standing there. She quickly ushered everyone inside, there was a slight chill in the morning air.
Scootaloo seemed amazed at how large Luna's house was. She had initially been impressed by Celestia's house, but Luna's was even larger. Adagio noticed the look in the younger girl's eyes.
"That's right, you've never been here before," Adagio said with a smile, "come on, I'll show you around. Just watch out for Tiberius."
"Who is Tiberius," Scootaloo asked.
"You'll find out," Adagio said as she began the tour."
Celestia watched as Adagio led Scootaloo upstairs to show her around.
"You're doing the right thing Tia," Luna said.
"Do you think that she suspects anything?" Celestia asked.
"Suspect what," Sonata said. Both Celestia and Luna looked around to find Aria, Sonata and Sunset looking at both of them.
"Nothing." Both sisters replied. It wasn't long before Adagio and Scootaloo both came back downstairs. Scootaloo was holding Tiberius in her arms.
"You really should put him on a diet." Celestia commented.
"You swear off the cake," Luna laughed, "and I'll put him on a diet."
Celestia didn't get a chance to reply, at that moment there was a knock at the door and Luna went to go answer it. She returned a few minutes later with her arm wrapped around Raven's waist.
"Well, now that we are all here," Celestia said, "let's load up and get the show on the road."
They all spent the next thirty minutes packing everything that they would need into Celestia's van and Luna's Camaro while Sonata cleaned up breakfast.
"It will take us almost nine hours to get to our parents house," Luna said, "we'll stop for lunch and breaks, we should arrive in time for dinner."
"Mom," Adagio said suddenly," do you mind if I ride with you?"
"Sure," Luna answered, "but wouldn't you rather ride in Celestia's van with your sisters and Sunset and Scootaloo?"
"I will probably sleep most of the trip," Adagio replied, "I didn't sleep well last night."
"Nightmares?" Luna asked.
"No," Adagio said, "anxiety I guess."
Luna reached out and gave Adagio a firm hug. Of her three daughters, Adagio was usually the most confident.
"Don't worry," Celestia said, "our parents will love you."
Adagio watched as her sisters climbed into Celestia's van. Celestia honked out "two bits" as she backed out of Luna's driveway. Adagio then climbed into the back of Luna's navy blue Camaro. She looked up after clipping her seat belt into place and saw her mother looking at her in the rear view mirror.
Luna knew her three daughters to know that something else other than anxiety was bothering Adagio.
"Now will you talk to me?" Luna asked.
Adagio sighed. She didn't know what exactly to say. So she decided to just say it.
"Last night I couldn't sleep, so I studied all the information that we have about Incognito," Adagio said, "I think that I know who Incognito is, but if I'm right, it could tear us all apart."
"Adagio, we both know that you are rarely wrong," Luna said, "that's one of the things that we all love about you."
"Yeah," Adagio answered, "but this is bad, and worse than Anon-a-Miss ever was."
"Okay," Luna said, "who is Incognito?"
"Sunset." Adagio replied.
Holiday Vacation, Day One, Continued
Luna managed to not slam on the brakes when she heard Adagio say Sunset's name. Luna couldn't believe that Sunset would attack herself in the manner that Incognito used.
"Are you positive that it's Sunset?" Luna asked.
"Not entirely," Adagio answered, "I mean the posts were written in Sunset's style, but there were subtle differences. Like different experiences shaped the author's writing. Is possible that Incognito could be this world's Sunset Shimmer?"
"Doubtful," Raven answered as she pushed her glasses up higher on her nose, "Celestia and I looked for any sign of Sunset's counterpart and we couldn't find a single trace. Not even a birth certificate."
"But why would Sunset do this," Adagio said, "it doesn't make sense."
"It might not be Sunset," Luna said, "despite everything that she has done, there are still some students who hate Sunset for whatever reason. Any one of them could be behind it."
"Gilda," Raven said, "she's been going after Sunset since the Fall Formal."
"Let's not jump to conclusions," Luna said, "why don't we have Sunset join us after lunch and we can work through this together."
"Ok," Adagio said, "if you think that would be best."
The drive was uneventful and quiet for the next few hours, but Adagio couldn't get the fact that Sunset was likely Incognito out of her mind. She tried to run through as many possible scenarios as she could think of. Perhaps Sunset was being framed again, or maybe she was under duress. Adagio knew that the Anon-A-Miss fiasco had put a lot of stress on Sunset, maybe she had cracked under the pressure. Adagio tried to banish that thought from her mind, Sunset was one of the most stable people that she knew.
Adagio was suddenly brought out of her train of thought when she noticed that Luna had pulled into the parking lot of a fast food chain. She watched in disbelief as Celestia stumbled into the restaurant like a zombie.
"Oh, right," Adagio said as her sisters, Sunset and Scootaloo caught up to her, "van full of teenage girls."
"Huh?" Aria replied.
"Nothing," Adagio said, "just noticed that you four seem to have drained Aunt Tia."
"You missed all the fun Dagi," Sonata said with a smile.
"Please don't let her sing '100 bottles of root beer on the wall' again," Scootaloo deadpanned, "I'm too young for such torture."
"Sorry Scootaloo," Sunset said with a laugh, "if we have to put up with it, then so do you."
"Sunset, if you wouldn't mind," Adagio said nervously, "would you mind riding with Luna during the next leg of the trip? There is something I need to talk to you about."
"Are you finally going to confess your undying love for Sunset," Aria said mockingly, placing the back of one hand on her forehead and outstretching her other arm.
"Sonata, take care of that," Adagio said through gritted teeth.
"On it," Sonata said simply, which was followed by a satisfyingly loud thwack.
"Ouch!" Aria cried out, "that hurt!"
"Thank you," Adagio said.
"Any time," Sonata answered.
"What do you need to talk to me about?" Sunset asked, now more confused than she had been a few minutes before.
"Trust me," Adagio replied, "you don't want them around for this."
"Now I'm worried," Sunset said.
After they all are a quick and greasy fast food lunch and they each had a chance to stretch their legs, they each piled into their respective vehicles, only Sunset changed vehicles, as she climbed into the back of Luna's Camaro. She waited until they were back on the interstate before asking what Adagio had on her mind.
"Sunset," Adagio began, "last night I couldn't sleep, so I went over all the printouts we have that Incognito made, and I think I know who Incognito is."
"Who?" Sunset asked, she didn't notice that both Luna and Raven had stopped their conversation in the front seat.
"You are," Adagio said. Luna winced, she had hoped that Adagio would be a little more diplomatic, but one of Adagio's traits was that she always went straight to the point.
"How can I be Incognito," Sunset asked in confusion, "I swear that I never wrote any of those posts."
"There several subtle differences," Adagio explained, "I had a hard time being able to tell if it was someone trying to be you, or if you were trying to hide your tracks."
"Why would I hide it," Sunset said, she could feel herself starting to get angry.
"Good, good," Sunset heard a voice say, "let your anger flow through you, the angrier you are, the closer I am to being free."
"Did you hear that," Sunset said.
"Hear what," Luna said, "the song on the radio?"
"No," Sunset said, "none of you heard that voice?"
Luna looked at Sunset through the rearview mirror, Raven turned in her seat, and Adagio looked up from her phone.
"No one said anything Sunset," Luna explained.
"I know that I heard something." Sunset said, "I'm not crazy."
"No one said you were," Adagio said, her eyes full of concern for her cousin.
"They're lying to you," the voice said, "only I know what you are going through." Sunset didn't say anything this time about the voice that she had heard, instead she sat in silence and thought about what Adagio had said.
It was Adagio's sudden gasp that brought Sunset out of her reverie. She looked up to see what had taken Adagio's breath away, and she had a similar reaction. Luna had just pulled her Camaro behind Celestia's van. They were in the driveway of a large house, though, Sunset felt that the word house didn't do it justice. The term 'estate' came to mind.
"Girls," Luna said as she put the car into park, "we're here."
Both Sunset and Adagio felt the need to stretch as they climbed out of the cramped confines of the navy blue sports car.
"Luna," a woman said from the front porch of the house, "you have children now, you need a vehicle that is more practical."
"Mom," Luna replied, "I may be a mother, and you are likely right. But I'm not going to get rid of the Camaro."
"As long as you recognize that a change needs to be made," the woman responded, "Raven, how have you been?"
"I've been trying to keep these seven out of trouble." Raven said with a smile as she gave the woman a hug.
Five teenage girls observed the exchange. The first thing that they noticed was that Celestia and Luna's mother looked like Luna, but her hair matched Celestia's. The woman fixed each teen with a stern glare. After a long moment of tense silence she smiled.
"Lulu, Tia, introduce me to my granddaughters."
Five pairs of teenage eyes looked the older woman over. Each of them ran through possible scenarios in their heads. Scootaloo was afraid that this woman would reject her for everything that she had done as part of Anon-a-Miss. Sunset was afraid that she was possibly Incognito herself and that her grandmother could see through her. Aria could see that her grandmother's soul burned with a fire and determination that rivaled her own. Adagio felt a kindred spirit within her grandmother. Sonata recognized a prankster that would put Pinkie Pie to shame.
"Mother," Celestia said in an effort to break the tension, "is daddy around?"
"The Commander had to run to the store," Andromeda replied as a yellow Corvette pulled in the driveway behind Luna's Camaro, "here he is now."
The girls turned and watched as a stocky barrel chested man got out of the yellow car. He was wearing a leather jacket with a name patch sewn onto the right breast. On the right shoulder was an American flag and on the left shoulder was a round blue patch with only a single word in red: NASA.
"Oh it's good to see my girls," he said embracing both Celestia and Luna in a hug. He even embraced Raven as if she was one of his daughters. He then looked at the five teenagers.
"Welcome to Mission Control," he said to them warmly, "let's get inside before we all freeze out here."
With that hey held the door open until each of them had gone inside. The interior walls of the house were decorated with paintings of photographs that had been taken by the Hubble Telescope. On the counter that separated the kitchen from the living room sat a model space shuttle. In the center of the living room sat the largest Christmas tree that any of the girls had ever seen. Both Scootaloo and Sonata couldn't help but stare at the tree with their mouths gaping open. Celestia and Luna's father took the opportunity to pop a piece of caramel candy into each of their mouths. The reaction from both girls caused the other three to laugh.
"Hurricane, dear," Andromeda said, "don't ruin their appetites before dinner."
"Someone had to get a laugh out of them after you scared them." Hurricane replied.
"I did not scare them." Andromeda answered.
"Maybe just a little." Scootaloo said. With that, everyone in the room couldn't help but laugh.
Hurricane went to a nearby closet and retrieved several gift wrapped packages. He looked at the name written on it and stepped up to Scootaloo.
"If everything that Tia told me is true then you must be Scootaloo," he said handing her the gift as Andromeda came over and wrapped her arm around her husband.
"Go ahead and open it," they both said. Scootaloo looked at the gift in her hands then she looked at both Hurricane and Andromeda before she looked at Celestia.
"Shouldn't we wait for Christmas before we open any gifts," Celestia said.
"Nonsense," Hurricane said, "these are to make up for all the birthdays we've missed."
Scootaloo tore into the wrapping paper, wrapped up inside was a brand new scooter. It was the lightest scooter that Scootaloo had ever held.
"It's made out of aircraft aluminum," Hurricane said, "and I'm told that that paint is the same type they used on the SR-71."
"Thank you," Scootaloo said trying (and failing) not to cry. Hurricane next moved over to Sonata and handed her a package.
"From what Luna tells us," Andromeda said, "you are Sonata, and you love tacos."
Sonata's eyes went wide as she opened her gift. It was composed of two parts, the first part was an at home taco making kit, the second was a cookbook dedicated to her favorite food.
"I love it," Sonata said, "thank you!" Next Hurricane and Andromeda stepped in front of Adagio. She found that her gift contained an autographed book about astrophysics. Adagio was barely able to contain her excitement. Aria was next and she found herself the proud owner of a new sketchbook and a set of professional grade pencils and inks.
"And that leaves Sunset," Andromeda said finally as she held out a gift wrapped box to Sunset. Sunset cautiously opened the wrapping paper, almost taking her time. Inside she found a simple brown box with no markings on it. What she found inside the box took her breath away. A brand new motorcycle helmet and the motorcycle license manual for their state.
"Thank you," Sunset on the verge of tears, "I don't know what to say."
"You got her a motorcycle helmet," Celestia said in disbelief, "how did you even know?"
"We also talk to Raven," Andromeda said, which caused Luna to noticably blush.
"Why did you call this place 'Mission Control'," Scootaloo asked as she put her new scooter down.
"That's simple," Hurricane said, "I used to fly the space shuttle."
"Let's show you girls to your rooms and then we'll eat dinner," Andromeda said, "I hope that you are all hungry, I spent most of the day cooking dinner."
"Mother, you shouldn't have," Luna said in response.
"I did so because I wanted to," Andromeda said, "I rarely get a chance to show off my culinary skills. You should visit more often."
Hurricane led the girls upstairs, both Sunset and Sonata were each given their own rooms since they were the oldest, Aria, Adagio and Scootaloo found them selves sharing the largest guest bedroom. They even had their own bathroom, Sunset and Sonata had to share one with Celestia, Luna and Raven.
Dinner consisted of roasted prime rib with au jus, homemade mashed potatoes, biscuits, fresh green beans and candied carrots, and a warm apple pie for dessert.
After dinner, the adults all retired to the living room and spent the evening catching up on what was happening in their lives, while the five teenagers retreated to the bedroom that the three youngest of them shared.
"Grams and Grandpa are so cool," Sonata said.
"I'll have to agree," Sunset said, "I knew that Grandpa had been in the Navy, but I didn't know that he had flown the shuttle!"
"I guess that we'll just have to get used to having such an awesome family," Aria said as an alarm on Sonata's phone began to go off.
"Ooh, I gotta go call Pinkie," Sonata said as she silenced her phone and went to the opposite side of the room.
"You're awfully quiet Scootaloo," Adagio said, "what's on your mind?"
"Nothing," Scootaloo said, "I may have found what I've been looking for."
It was Christmas Eve, and not a creature was stirring all through the house. Not a creature, except for Sunset Shimmer. It hadn't taken long for her to fall asleep, and as soon as she had the nightmares had begun...
Sunset found herself standing in the halls of CHS, moonlight shone brightly through the windows. Before Sunset was a door, but no matter how long she walked towards it the door never came and closer. In the back of her mind Sunset could hear echoing laughter.
"Hello, is anyone there," Sunset asked.
"Oh you know the answer to that question," a familiar voice replied. Sunset recognized it as her own.
"How are you still here," Sunset asked, "Twilight destroyed you on the night of the Fall Formal."
"She suppressed me," Sunset's demon persona explained, "she failed to destroy me."
Sunset could not believe that the demon that she had once turned into could still exist. She had tried so hard to put her past behind her, but it seemed that her past sins were catching up with her.
"Only you have the power to destroy me," the Demon that had once been Sunset said, "and you don't have what it takes to destroy me."
Sunset watched as the door in front of her began to open. Sunset took off running towards the open door. This time she actually made it through the door. Inside she found a scene of destruction and death. Sonata, Aria, and Adagio stared at Sunset through lifeless eyes. Celestia sat at a desk but her severed head sat on the desk, an unnatural smile on her face for all of eternity. Scootaloo struggled to her feet, she looked at Sunset with empty eye sockets and whispered out a single phrase.
"This is your fault." Scootaloo whispered hoarsely before she collapsed.
Sunset awoke with a start. She was covered in a layer of cold sweat, and she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel where the tears has ran down her cheeks. Sunset curled her self into a ball and cried for the rest of the night. She refused to go back to sleep.
Celestia was the first one to notice that Sunset hadn't come downstairs for breakfast. That wasn't like Sunset. Despite her name, Sunset normally beat Celestia as the first one up in the morning.
"Scootaloo," Celestia said, "could you go upstairs and wake Sunset please?"
"I'm on it Aunt Tia," Adagio said as she bounded up the stairs. She didn't want anyone else to know it, but after what she had revealed to Sunset the previous day, she had been worried about her cousin.
She hoped for the best when she reached the door to Sunset's room. Reaching out with her hand balled up into a fist she gently knocked on the door.
"Sunset," Adagio called out, "it's breakfast time and your mom is making pancakes."
"Go away Adagio," came the muffled reply, "it's better for everyone if I stay in here."
"Sunset," Adagio said forcibly, "I'm coming in there so you better be decent!"
With that Adagio opened the door and stepped inside making sure that she closed the door behind her. Once she was inside, the first thing she noticed was the stench of stale sweat. The second thing she noticed was how dark it was in the room. In the gloom she could just make out a shivering lump on the bed. Adagio reached out and turned on the light.
"You're evil," Sunset groaned hoarsely from underneath the blankets on the bed.
"Yes well," Adagio said nonchalantly, "we all have to be great at something Sunset. Now get out of bed or do I have to drag you downstairs."
Sunset sat up in bed and the blankets fell away, revealing how little sleep Sunset had gotten. The remnants of her tears staining her face. Her hair, which was normally askew in the morning, was even more of a tangled mess than usual.
"You would do that," Sunset said. Adagio looked her cousin up and down. She knew that if she took Sunset downstairs in her current state, everyone would ask too many questions. Questions that She couldn't answer, and questions that could possibly damage Sunset's already fragile psyche. She needed to do something, and she needed help. Thinking quickly Adagio formulated a plan in her head.
"Sunset," she said, "wait here. I'll be right back."
With that Adagio stepped back out of the room and rushed downstairs. Sunset didn't have to wait long, soon Adagio returned, followed by Raven. Raven took one look at Sunset and asked a single question.
"Nightmare," Raven asked in a serious tone. Sunset could only nod. She had been crying so hard that she had lost her voice and it was difficult to speak.
Raven looked at Adagio.
"It's a good thing that you got me and not your mom or your aunt," Raven said, "Sunset, we'll get you cleaned up and if you don't want us to say anything about your nightmares we won't, but I think that it would be best if you atleast told your mom about them."
"I can't," Sunset croaked out, shaking her head vigorously, "I can't relive what happened in my nightmares. You were all dead, and I killed you!"
"But you didn't," Adagio said as she embraced her cousin, wincing at how clammy Sunset's skin felt, "we're still here and we won't let anything or anyone harm you."
"But what if it's already inside me," Sunset said, "how are you planning to stop that thing inside of me."
"Honestly, I have no idea," Adagio said, "but we'll come up with a plan together! I won't lose you, you've done so much for my sister's and me, now it's our turn to save you."
For the first time since she had awoken from her nightmare, Sunset smiled. She knew that as long as she had her family and her friends, she could beat this demon that was lurking deep down inside of her. Sunset took a deep breath and for the first time, the stench in the room hit her.
"I could really use a shower," Sunset said hoarsely.
"You go do that," Raven said,"Adagio and I will change the linens on your bed."
Author's Note
So I felt like publishing two chapters for this story today. Consider it a Thanksgiving gift from me to all of you.
After Sunset had come down from her room after her shower, which had made her feel much better, she ate breakfast and on Andromeda's advice, she drank hot tea with honey.
"Grandpa, what was flying in outer space like," Sunset asked as her voice recovered.
"Well, for starters, being up there I didn't have to watch my weight," Hurricane answered, "the food wasn't the best, but there is no experience like the feeling of weightlessness."
"How did the shuttle handle during flight," Aria asked.
"Well, we aren't under power when we land, we glide in," Hurricane said.
"No engine power," Scootaloo said in disbelief.
"Yep," Hurricane said, "the shuttle burns up most of its fuel during take-off, doing maneuvers, and during re-entry, so by the time it comes to being wheels down, you're running on fumes anyways."
"Isn't that dangerous," Sonata said.
"No more dangerous than dropping bombs on Iraq in an F-14 during the First Gulf War." Hurricane replied. He was proud of both his service in the Navy and for NASA.
"Let's go open presents," Andromeda said, hoping to change the subject. She loved her husband very much, and was glad that he was now retired. She knew that he was looking forward spoiling both of Celestia's and Luna's daughters.
Everyone filed into the living room, Celestia and Luna directed the girls to take seats on the couch and the love seat. Hurricane disappeared for several minutes but he soon reappeared dressed like Santa Claus. He took a position near the tree and randomly grabbed a wrapped present from underneath. He read the tag before passing it to the person whom it was intended for.
Adagio opened the gift from both Luna and Raven. It was a new diary, one with a combination lock that she could set. Aria wasn't pleased, since now she wouldn't be able to read Adagio's diary.
Sunset received the next gift, it came from Raven, and consisted of a brand new Carvin amplifier for her guitar. Sunset was speechless, her current amplifier was a low power overworked device from Fender, that hadn't worked properly since she had used in several experiments to find out how her and her friends magic was affected by their music.
Luna was next, the gift she was handed said it was from all three of her daughters. She opened it up to find a photo collage of everyone else in her life (minus her parents, since Sonata hadn't been able to get a picture of them before she had put the finishing touches on the gift.). Luna could feel tears in her eyes and quickly and quietly swept up her three girls in a massive hug. Luna didn't say anything, but she knew exactly where she was going to put the collage, in her office at CHS.
"This is amazing," she said finally after letting go of the girls, "when did you have time to do this?" Most of the photos were candid shots, with the subject of the photo often oblivious to the fact that the picture was being taken.
"Oh I have my ways," Sonata said slyly, as she pulled out a digital camera and took a group photo to add to the collage later.
The next person that Hurricane handed a present to was Aria, the gift, which was from Luna, was the rare collectors edition of the first novel that Luna had ever written. Luna had even autographed it with a personal message for her daughter.
Sonata was surprised to find that her gift came from everyone, a brand new top of the line laptop computer that didn't threaten to electrocute her when she turned it on.
"I guess that it's time to retire Old Sparky," Sonata said.
"That thing has a name," Adagio said in disbelief.
"Yes he does," Sonata said, "and he is very sensitive."
"Of course he is," Sunset said, rolling her eyes.
Andromeda and Hurricane presented the girls with a family trip to Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center. Unfortunately Sunset, Luna and Celestia wouldn't be able to attend since the trip was scheduled at the same time as the Friendship Games. Celestia and Luna had agreed to allow the other girls to go since the trip would be educational.
Soon there were only two gifts left, a small box from Luna to Raven, which Luna insisted that Raven should open later, and a package to Scootaloo from Celestia.
Scootaloo slowly opened the wrapping paper. At first she thought that Celestia must have gotten her a coloring book or a magazine. But then she noticed that the papers bore the seal of the Canterlot County Department of Children's Services. She read the top page.
"Petition to Adopt," Scootaloo said a little confused. She looked at Celestia with tears streaming down her face. For so long she had wanted a family to adopt her, but she was bounced around from one foster family to another, until she had enough and ran away. Then Ms. Celestia had swooped in and taken her in. There she got not only a mother, but a big sister that looked out for her, but also three pretty awesome cousins too.
"Welcome to the family Scoots," Sunset said, embracing Scootaloo in a tight hug. A hug that the rest of the family quickly joined.
"You mean it," Scootaloo said, wiping away the tears.
"Absolutely," Celestia said, "you are as much a part of my life as Sunset, Sonata, Adagio and Aria are. Why should you be left out?"
"You still want me," Scootaloo said, "even after the part I played in Anon-a-Miss?"
"Scootaloo," Andromeda said, "everyone makes mistakes and stumbles now and then." Andromeda eyed both of her daughters, Celestia and Luna before continuing, "and family doesn't always get along, but we are still family. Even though we may not all be related, we still love one another and will face any challenges together."
"Thank you," Scootaloo said in a half whisper to no nobody in particular and to everyone at the same time.
Author's Note
The moment that we all knew was coming has arrived. Now we just need to confront Incognito...
And what is in the box that Luna got for Raven?
So, after I nearly died two weeks ago, I have come to appreciate my own mortality, I am still in my thirties and trust me, it is a terrifying experience to watch your own blood pumping out of your body in time with your heart beat. It's even more terrifying when the paramedics arrive and the first thing that they say is "Wow, that's slot of blood." And then they couldn't stop the bleeding. I arrived at the ER and they repeated the exact words that the paramedics used. Luckily, the ER was able to stop the bleeding and I ended up receiving five units of blood.
I want to finish this story, and it's sequel. Writing has become very theraputic for me, it keeps my mind off of things that I hoped I would never need to think about.
The Princess and the Ring
After everyone finished opening presents and the wrapping paper that had gotten spread around the room had been cleaned up,, Celestia slipped out to make a phone call. The five teenagers and their grandparents settled in to watch Christmas movies, which Sunset enjoyed more than horror movies. Luna stepped outside and sat on the porch swing. No snow had fallen over night, and Windy Whistles, the meteorologist for Canterlot's largest television station, was predicting a mild winter.
Luna looked in the window into the living room where her daughters were watching a movie with her parents. Raven had joined them. Aria and Adagio sat on either side of Raven while Sonata sat on the floor and was leaning against her legs. Raven had accepted the three girls as if they had been apart of their lives all along and not only a few months.
Raven and Luna had met and became friends during highschool and they had remained friends during college. They hadn't started dating until a few years after they had both graduated. Luna
Luna was suddenly brought out of her thoughts as the porch swing suddenly moved. Looking around, Luna saw that Celestia had joined her. The elder sister seemed to have a knowing smile on her face.
"Penny for your thoughts," Celestia said, looking at Luna.
"I was just thinking about how different things are now," Luna said, "back when school started neither of us had children of our own, and now we both have a group of teenage girls, and you know what? I wouldn't change a thing."
"I know," Celestia said, "I only wish that we had stepped in sooner for all five of them."
"Well, they have you now, and that's enough," both women looked up and saw their father standing on the porch. They hadn't heard him come outside.
"Those five girls have each been through a lot," Hurricane said, "you can see it in their eyes if you look. But the important thing is that they have the two of you and each other. By extension, both your mother and I will always be there for them."
"Are you upset that we never gave you any biological grandchildren," Luna asked.
"No," Hurricane said after a moment, "Celestia always said that her students were her children, and you never had any interest in raising young kids."
"Remember that time you had to babysit Cadence," Celestia said with a laugh, "you were in over your head. I still don't know how you managed to get finger paint inside the stereo."
"I thought we agreed to never speak about that," Luna sighed, "I was ten, and Cadence was eight."
"I'd never seen the house in such disarray," Hurricane smiled at the memory. Suddenly the front door of the house opened and five girls seemed to burst out of house all at once. Scootaloo had her new scooter with her while Sunset, Adagio, Aria and Sonata each had their phones out and we're filming each stunt that Scootaloo performed.
"Wow," Hurricane said as he watched Scootaloo, "she's quite good."
"She is," Celestia said, "I just hope that she doesn't hurt herself."
"That is an eventuality," Hurricane replied, "your mother is I were constantly taking you two to the hospital for some injury that you had sustained."
"We were a handful weren't we," Luna said with a laugh as she remembered one time that she had to taken to the hospital after she had fallen from a tree. Then there was the time that Celestia had broken her wrist during cheerleading practice when she was in high school.
Hurricane reached out and gave Luna's shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"Just remember," he said to both of his daughters, "the number one thing to remember about raising kids, teenagers especially, is that you are making everything up as you go."
Luna watched as the girls played and goofed off with each other. Their laughter filled the yard and it was contagious. She didn't notice that Raven had take Celestia's spot on the swing until she felt the mug of hot chocolate get placed in her hands. Raven I Andromeda had brought each of the adults a mug of the warm chocolatey liquid and they each sipped away at it quietly as they watched the girls play.
"So," Andromeda said finally, looking at her youngest daughter and her girlfriend, "any romantic plans for the evening?"
"Curl up under blankets and watch movies." Raven answered.
"And try to keep Aria and Tiberius from stealing Adagio's diary," Luna added, " I don't quite know how they do it, but they have a system worked out."
That caused each of the adults to laugh.
"Aria is just like you," Hurricane said, " you and your sister's pet bird would steal Celestia's diary all the time. What was that birds name again?"
"Philomena," Celestia answered, "I still don't know how you were able to get Philomena to do that."
"And I'll never tell," Luna replied slyly.
Eventually everyone went back inside the house. Aria, Sonata and Scootaloo played at Tiberius while both Sunset and Adagio called thier friends.
"Girls" Andromeda called out, "would you like to sing Christmas carols?"
Sonata, Adagio, and Aria looked at each other nervously. The last time they had sung, they had been trying to take over Canterlot High as the first step to world domination. They didn't want to repeat their past, especially know that they had a real family. Andromeda saw the frightened looks on the three girls.
"Singing is easy" Andromeda said.
"The girls are great singers with amazing voices," Luna answered for them, "but singing is how they caused trouble at school. Their songs were... Hypnotic."
"We don't ever want to do that again," Aria said, "so it be alright if we just sat and listened?"
"Yes dear," Andromeda said as she pointed t the couch, "why don't you three just sit there."
The three girls sat listening to the rest of their family sing carols. It was during Silent Night that Sonata found her self singing along, and soon both Adagio and Aria joined in.
After singing carols, Luna reached into her pocket and pulled out the small gift wrapped box for Raven. Raven looked at the box curiously before opening it. Inside she found a gold ring. Looking up at Luna, she found her down on one knee.
"Raven, would you marry me?" Luna asked.
To overcome to say anything, Raven nodded before she jumped into Luna's arms.
Pinkie Pie was enjoying a quiet evening with her three sisters when she suddenly felt an itch in the back of her neck. She jumped up and ran out of the room.
"Maude," she screamed as she ran through the house, "have you seen my wedding cake tin someone is getting hitched and I need to be ready!"
Maude simply looked at both Limestone and Marble. She shrugged. They were all used to Pinkie's unexplainable antics.
Luna and Raven sat curled up under a blanket alone in the living room. The rest of the family had discreetly decided to give the two of them some privacy and were busy playing board games in the kitchen.
"So," Sonata said as she moved her piece around the board, "when are you going to ask Flash out, Aria?"
The other three girls went silent at that question. Even Celestia's eyes darted between the two sisters.
"What makes you think that I will ask him out" Aria said, "how do you know that I even like him?"
"Well, there is the fact that you turn a brilliant shade of crimson whenever he's around."
"You did blush when he rescued us from that mob," Scootaloo added.
"He is cute," Sunset added, "we may have called it off, but I can still think that. There are worse guys at CHS."
"Yeah, CHS definitely got the cream of the crop when it comes to cute guys with personality," Adagio said, "the guys at Crystal Prep are all looks, but they are all so bland."
"You know Adagio," Celestia said, "that you have another cousin that attends Crystal Prep,"
"We have another cousin," Sonata exclaimed, "tell us more!"
"He's only a distant relation," Celestia said, "his father is mom's younger brother."
"Now I have to know who it is," Adagio, "I don't want to develop a crush on my own cousin."
"Blue Blood," Celestia said.
"Thank the stars, I thought that you were going to say Trenderhoof or Fancy Pants," Adagio said, "we're related to that narcissist?"
"Who is Blue Blood," Sunset asked.
"While I don't disagree with Adagio's description of him," Celestia said, "he is our cousin so that makes him family."
"As much as we wish otherwise," Andromeda said.
"Mother," Celestia said, obviously alarmed by her mother's comment.
"I love my brother," Andromeda said, "but I can't stand his wife or their offspring."
"I can't believe that we're related to Blue Blood," Adagio sighed, "but atleast we get Cadence as a cousin as well."
"Who is Cadence," Scootaloo asked.
"She's the dean at my school," Adagio said, "that's right, you haven't met her yet,"
"We need to get with Cadence anyways next week if we're going to be her bridesmaids," Sunset said, "we can introduce you to her then."
"I wasn't aware that Cadence asked you girls to be her bridesmaids," Andromeda said, "she hasn't been keeping me in the loop about her wedding."
"Because she knows that you'll try to take over wedding planning yourself," Celestia said, "besides, now you got to help Luna with her wedding."
"Speaking of my daughters wedding," Hurricane said as he rolled the dice and winked at his granddaughters, "when are you going to get married?"
"Let's leave my love life out of this conversation," Celestia said, "I would like to leave some mystery to life."
Sunset started to laugh, when she felt something scurry across her foot. Looking under the table she saw Tiberius crawling into Sonata's lap.
"Where have you been hiding," Sunset asked the fat opossum.
"You better not be sleeping in my suitcase," Adagio said, giving Tiberius her stink-eye.
Tiberius looked at her and chittered away, moving his front paws like he was having a conversation with her.
"That little rat is smarter than we give him credit for," Scootaloo said as she watched Tiberius interact with Adagio.
"He isn't a rat," Celestia said, "he is an opossum."
"The kids are on break," Andromeda said, "no teaching!"
"Learning is constant," Celestia countered.
"Returning to the original subject of our discussion," Adagio said as she subconsciously began to pet Tiberius, "When are you going to ask out Flash?"
"I don't know," Aria said , "what if he doesn't even like me."
"Are you kidding," Sunset said, "haven't you noticed that he always happens to be around when you need something, like that day at the park."
"He came in and rescued the damsel in distress," Sonata added.
"I'm not a damsel," Aria fumed, "and I'm not in distress!"
"Girls, let's drop it," Celestia said. Scootaloo yawned. She didn't want to admit it, but she was getting tired. She also found the subject of Aria's love life boring. She wasn't interested in that kind of thing, that was more Sweetie Belle's area of expertise.
"I think that Scootaloo has the right idea," Sunset said as she tried to stifle a yawn of her own, "we've got a long drive home tomorrow."
"What are you worried about," Celestia, "Luna and I are the ones doing the driving."
"Well I could help if you'd let me get my license," Sunset said.
"We'll talk," Celestia said. Sunset got up from the kitchen table and after wishing everyone a good night, she made her way upstairs. She was thankful that she had her own room. She was afraid that she would wake the others with her nightmares. The Demon had left Sunset alone since before the Battle of the Bands. Sunset still had the shard of glass wrapped up in a towel, hidden away in her desk at home. She thought that she had managed to banish the Demon for good, but it now appeared that it had just been biding it's time. Watching, waiting for the most opportune moment to strike. Anon-A-Miss had given it the opportunity it desired, and the Demon had manifested as Incognito.
In the bedroom across the hall, Adagio decided to tell both Scootaloo and Aria what she had discovered.
"So everything that I did as Anon-a-Miss brought back Demon Shimmer," Scootaloo said. She felt so ashamed. It had never been her intention to bring back the Demon that had plagued Canterlot High. She had just gained a sister, and now she was on the verge of losing her.
"It wasn't just you kid," Aria said, "everyone at CHS is to blame."
"We started it," Adagio said, "everything we did during the Battle of the Bands."
"We didn't know," Aria pointed out, "besides, we weren't exactly 'good' back then."
"You three were pretty awful," Scootaloo said, "but how do we save my sister?"
Author's Note
So I changed things around a bit and made Blue Blood Celestia and Luna's cousin instead of their nephew. Remember that this story takes place in an alternate universe.
Could Scootaloo be the first CMC to "Pony Up"?
Sonata was snoring quite loudly as three girls and a fat opossum snuck into her room. Everyone else in the house was asleep. They stood around her bed and watched her sleep, illuminated by the light of the full moon.
"Does she sleep like this at home," Scootaloo asked as she put her fingers in her ears in an attempt to drown out the roar.
"Actually," Aria said loud enough to be heard, "this is a bit quieter than normal."
"Definitely quieter," Adagio agreed as she looked at her sister, "I hate to wake her up."
"Come on," Aria hissed, "this was your idea."
"I thought that Scootaloo would do it," Adagio said.
"Um, no," Scootaloo replied, "your idea, you wake her."
"Uhhg! Alright," Adagio said, "Tiberius, wake her!"
The opossum looked at Adagio, then at Sonata and finally back at Adagio. He stood up on his hind legs, and crossed his fore legs across his chest. He then began chittering away angrily at Adagio.
"Yeah," Aria deadpanned, "I could tell you that was gonna happen."
"Are you three going to get to the point," Sonata said as she rolled over onto her side, "or are you going to keep me up all night?"
"Ahhh," Scootaloo hissed, "she's awake,"
"Of course I'm awake," Sonata said as she sat up, "you three are about as quiet as an M1 Abrams at a demolition derby."
"Do I want to even ask." Aria said, rolling her eyes.
"Pinkie's sister, Limestone," Sonata explained, "took Pinkie and I to a demolition derby last weekend. Now why are you three here and not sleeping."
"Adagio figured out who Incognito is," Aria said.
"Ok," Sonata said as she wiped the sleep dust from her eyes, "whose ass do you get to kick?"
"Sunset," Adagio answered.
"Ok, that's nice," Sonata said as she laid back down. The other three girls looked at each other and Aria silently counted down from three.
"What do you mean that Sunset is Incognito," Sonata nearly screamed as she sat back up.
"Exactly what it sounds like," Scootaloo said, "I brought the demon back."
"It wasn't just you," Aria said. She was worried that Scootaloo's anguish over what she had done to Sunset would summon another demon or cause the demon to jump hosts.
"I'm sure that we may have had something to do with it," Sonata said, "we did turn both our mom and Aunt Tia against her."
"Yeah, we fucked up okay," Adagio said, "now how do we fix it?"
"I have an exorcism kit I could loan you girls."
"You girls aren't the quietest bunch," Andromeda said, "you're lucky that your grandfather served on Navy Carriers, and that your mothers are both teachers."
"Why are you awake," Sonata asked.
"Nata, I can hear a mouse scurry across the kitchen floor." Andromeda said.
"We're so busted." Scootaloo sighed.
"Why don't the four of you join me in the kitchen and tell me what is going on," Andromeda said, "I'll make hot cocoa."
It took nearly an hour to tell their grandmother everything that had transpired since the Fall Formal, and part of the information was incomplete or faulty since only Scootaloo had been at CHS at the time and the other three girls had heard about through hearsay.
"Thanks for filling me in," Andromeda said, "I only know what Celestia and Luna have told me."
"Mom told you about us," Aria said.
"She told me that you three turned what was going to be a student showcase on different types of music into a battle of the bands," Andromeda said, "while I have nothing against some competition, using it to drain the energy from everyone so that you could return to your world or to rule this one is wrong."
Sonata, Aria, and Adagio looked at their grandmother with their eyes wide and their mouths agape.
"I know that the three of you and Sunset have been exiled from a magical world where ponies are the dominant life form," Andromeda continued, "Sunset stole a crown from that world which turned her into a raging she-demon then she tried to turn the students of CHS into a zombie army."
Then she looked at Scootaloo.
"Your mom told me that you and some of your friends used the school's social media service to frame Sunset," Andromeda said, "and to make the other students think that she was spreading rumors and secrets about them."
"And now I brought back the demon," Scootaloo whispered, "I'm losing my sister just as I found her."
"You're not going to lose your sister." Sonata said.
"Sunset beat the demon before," Adagio said, "she can do it again!"
"I don't think that she did defeat it before," Andromeda pointed out, "from what Celestia and Luna have told me, it took all of your friends and it did damage to Sunset's psyche. I think that it was just weakened before and everything that happened provided it with what it needed to regain it's strength."
"So how do we defeat it," Scootaloo asked worriedly.
"We beat it as a family," Adagio said confidently, though in the back of her mind she had no idea how to defeat it and free Sunset. No one around the table noticed the slight glow that the gemstone around her neck was giving off.
"However you defeat this thing," Andromeda said, gathering her granddaughters hands into her own, "I know that you'll do it together."
"Can we borrow that exorcism kit you mentioned earlier," Aria said, "we may need it."
"It's older than I am," Andromeda said, "it's from the witch trials of the Sixteenth century, I doubt that it would work."
"Eh," Aria said, "it was worth a shot."
"When do we do this," Scootaloo asked.
"We should wait until we get home," Adagio said, "something tells me that we are going to need our friends for this."
"Let's not blast Sunset with a Rainbow Laser again," Scootaloo said, "I don't know if she could handle that a second time."
"Yeah," Aria said, "that hurt the first time, I can't imagine that it would feel any better on the second go around."
Author's Note
So a plan for confronting Incognito is coming together. Hopefully the girls will be able to free Sunset...
A Gift of Great Significance
The next morning while everyone was loading Celestia's van and Luna's Camaro, Sonata, Aria, Adagio, and Scootaloo decided that Aria and Sonata would ride in Celestia's van with Sunset. They all figured that since they were the only ones with magic, it made sense to put them in a position to fight the Demon should it decide to come out.
"Hopefully it won't come to this, but I'm putting Rainbow on speed dial," Aria told Adagio, " and Sonata has Pinkie on speed dial."
"Not that it'll do any good," Adagio said, "they're half a State away, and only Fluttershy and Rarity have their license."
"Maybe they can give us moral support," Scootaloo said, though even she knew that they were up a certain creek without a paddle if there was a problem.
"I just wish that our moms weren't going to be around for this," Sonata said, looking over her shoulder to where Celestia, Luna and Raven were loading up the last of the luggage into Celestia's van.
"Unfortunately we don't have enough options," Adagio said, "if Scootaloo and I had magic, we might have a fighting chance against that... Thing."
"I don't want to hurt my sister," Scootaloo said. For years she had heard both Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle say similar words, but she had never known the emotion behind them, until now.
"We aren't going to hurt Sunset," Aria said as she put her hand on Scootaloo's shoulder, I hope.
"Come say your good byes," Celestia called out. The four girls joined the others and each of them hugged both Andromeda and Hurricane.
"Wait," Andromeda called out after the girls turned and started walking to the waiting vehicles, "I have something for each of you." She proceeded to give each girl a necklace made of braided leather. On the necklace was a small glass pendent holding a scrap of rolled up parchment.
"That paper holds the Grandmother's Prayer," Andromeda explained, "as long as you wear it, I will always protect you."
None of the girls noticed but both Celestia and Luna shared a look when Andromeda handed out the necklaces.
Hurricane walked over and put his head in Celestia's van and looked at the three girls within.
"I want to hear all about your adventures," he said with a wink, "I have a feeling that you will have plenty of them." He then went over to Luna's Camaro and told Adagio and Scootaloo the same thing.
"Do you think that Sonata and Aria can handle Incognito by themselves," Scootaloo whispered to Adagio as the two vehicles pulled out of the driveway.
"Honestly," Adagio sighed, "if Sunset was half as bad as a demon as I've been told, then they don't stand a chance in hell."
"I wish I had magic," Scootaloo said.
"So do I," Adagio agreed.
Meanwhile, in the van ahead of them, Aria sat in the front seat reading the latest Daring Do novel, while Sunset and Sonata sat in the back seat watching an old movie on DVD.
"Allen Rickman makes a great villian," Sunset said.
"Yeah, but Costner's accent is making it difficult for me to believe that he is a British noble," Sonata critiqued, "but Morgan Freeman is amazing!"
"The studio probably wanted a big name actor," Sunset replied, "they most likely didn't care what accent he had."
"Are you two going to keep talking," Aria said, "or are you going to watch the movie?"
"Sorry," Sonata said, "Aria is a grumpy butt this morning, so we better keep it down."
"I'm not grumpy," Aria said.
"I dunno," Celestia said from the drivers seat, "you sound pretty grumpy to me."
"Ok," Aria relented, "maybe I'm a little grumpy."
The movie ended as Celestia and Luna stopped to get lunch. Luna had wanted to keep driving and skip lunch, but she was out voted by five teenage girls and two adults., But what really made Luna agree to stop was when Raven threatened to take over driving..
"Betrayed by my own fiancee," Luna grumbled as the right of them stretched their legs and we're led to a table. Raven threw her arms around Luna after adjusting her glasses.
"It was for your own safety love," Raven replied, "I wouldn't want to get between five teenagers and their next meal. They're quite barbaric."
Luna noticed that Aria had brought her sketchbook with her into the restaurant. She also noticed that she was leaning in close to what she was doing.
"Aria," Luna said, "what do you want to eat?"
Aria grabbed a menu and quickly scanned over it, holding it close enough to her face not to go unnoticed by the three adults at the table.
"Burger," she said, "with onion rings and a root beer float."
""What are you working on Aria," Celestia asked."mom asked me to do some of the illustrations for her next book."
"What book is that," Raven asked.
"Printing Press convinced me to publish an 'official' Luna Corps Technical Manual," Luna sighed, "for the crazy fans."
"Right now I'm working on the Lady Liberty Interceptor," Aria said.
"There's no rush Aria," Luna said.
"What books does Aunt Luna write," Scootaloo asked. She had never been a fan of reading. She couldn't understand why people would read for fun.
"The Lunar Cycle series," Sunset answered.
"Oh," Scootaloo said before she turned away, having lost interest in the conversation.
"Raven," do you and Luna have any immediate plans," Celestia said.
"We talked about it," Raven said, "I'm going to start moving my stuff in after New Years."
"We are going to wait until Summer vacation to actually get married," Luna added.
Luckily, the rest of the trip home was rather uneventful. After unloading Celestia's van, Celestia, Scootaloo and Sunset returned to the home they shared.
"Girls," Luna called after everyone had a chance to get settled, "come to the living room."
Luna waited while the three girls filed into the living room. She motioned for them to take a seat on the couch.
"I have one final gift for you," Luna said as she presented each of them with a black box similar to the one that she had given Raven on Christmas Day.
"You can't marry us," Sonata said.
"You girls deserve these," Luna said, choosing to ignore Sonata's antics.
The three girls looked at each other and then opened each box. What they found inside took their breath away. Mended together with silver, and in a simple black silk choker was the red gemstone pendents that they had worn when they tried to conquer Canterlot High during the Battle of the Bands two months earlier.
Author's Note
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is one of my favorite all time movies.
Every year, the city of Canterlot held a New Year's Eve party for it's teenage population in Saddleback Park. The event was popular and drew in not only the kids that lived in Canterlot, but also those from the surrounding communities. Each year the city brought in some band to perform at the band shell, and various booths that sold food or had games with prizes were set up. Everyone in the city looked forward to it. For teens, it gave them something to do on New Years, and for their parents, it gave them a night off with no kids.
Twelve girls decided to meet in front of Canterlot High before making the short walk to the park. It was the first time that they had been able to get together since Holiday Break had started. As soon as they saw each other, they all tried speaking at once, telling the others how their holidays had gone. After nearly five minutes of complete chaos, they settled down and took turns. Sonata found herself drawn into Pinkie Pie's lap as the others spoke. The three youngest members of the group sat off to the side and caught up on their own.
"So what are Principal Celestia's parents like," Sweetie Belle asked.
"Yeah, tell us about them Scoot," Apple Bloom agreed.
"They. Are. AWESOME," Scootaloo exclaimed excitedly, "grandpa was a fighter pilot and an astronaut!"
"Wait a minute," Apple Bloom said, "did you say 'grandpa'?"
"Celestia's going to adopt me," Scootaloo said, as she looked over to Sunset and the Dazzlings, "which means that I have an awesome sister and three totally awesome cousins!"
"Wow," Apple Bloom said, "congratulations Scoot!"
"I'm so happy for you," Sweetie Belle said as she threw her arms around Scootaloo.
"Not so tight Sweetie Belle," Scootaloo gasped, "I need air."
"So, when am I throwing her a party," Pinkie asked a few feet away as she watched the three younger girls.
"Let's wait until it's official," Sunset told her chaotic friend, "then you can make it the best adoption party ever."
"I dunno," Pinkie said, "the ones that I threw for the four of you were pretty epic."
"I hate not being able to see," Aria said. Earlier in the week after they had returned from their parents house, Luna had taken Aria in for an eye exam, and it was determined that she was near sighted and needed glasses. Unfortunately her new glasses hadn't arrived yet.
"I'm sure that we can get Flash to be your seeing eye dog," Adagio said teasingly.
"Step closer," Aria said. Adagio however wasn't falling for it and stayed out of the range of her sister's flailing fists.
Sunset rolled her eyes at her cousin's antics.
"If we're going to head over to the New Years Bash," Rarity said as she looked at the time on her phone, "we should probably start heading that way now."
"Ya know," Rainbow said, "I've got everyone that I'd like to spend New Years with right here."
"Yeah why don't we just stay here," Pinkie said excitedly, "we can have our own party!"
"Sounds like a plan," Aria said, "besides most of the students at CHS are still pissed over the whole Anon-a-Miss scandal."
"It probably is best if we don't show our faces in the park tonight," Scootaloo said, "Gilda and her goons are likely waiting to ambush us."
Hearing her sister's words, Sunset began to wonder why she ever wanted to be like Gilda in the first place. Because you craved power, the Demon said, power that only I can provide, you still crave it, why deny yourself?
"NO," Sunset screamed, "GET OUT OF MY HEAD!"
You want me out, the Demon said playfully, THEN SO BE IT!
Sunset suddenly felt weak and collapsed to the ground. The other girls rushed to help her an make sure that she was alright, but Sunset waved them off. As she slowly stood back up she felt a change wash over her. She suddenly felt empty, like part of her very soul had been ripped away.
"What in tarnation is that thing," Applejack suddenly said as she pushed Scootaloo and Apple Bloom behind her and Rarity did the same for Sweetie Belle. Sunset saw that her friends were all looking behind her. Sunset turned to look and saw a smokey black hole in the fabric of reality.
"Call me Incognito," a sickeningly seductive voice that sounded like two Sunset's talking at once and slightly out of synch said from inside the hole, "I have plans for this world!"
"Not if we have anything to say about it," Rainbow countered.
"And what are you going to do," Incognito taunted, "you need your instruments to activate your magic, and I see a distinct lack of those."
"We'll stop you," Aria said as her hands caught fire, and Sonata summoned several shadowy tentacles.
"Only two of you have magic," Incognito pointed out, "you don't stand a chance against me!"
"I'd rather go down trying," Sonata said, "than to submit to your rule!"
"AJ, Rainbow," Aria said, "Get Sunset and the Crusaders to safety, Fluttershy, Rarity, Adagio, make sure that no one comes stumbling into the schoolyard."
"What do I do," Pinkie asked.
"Annoy the shit out of Incognito," Sonata said
Pinkie thought about that and then reached into her hair and pulled out a small green cylinder with a small flat lever on it side that was held in place by a small pin. Pinkie pulled out the pin and then threw the cylinder into the black hole.
Suddenly confetti came flying out of the hole. As did Incognito. Covered in confetti, she was obviously pissed. Pinkie managed to locate one of her party cannons and aimed it at Incognito. The demon wasn't going to allow itself to get blasted with confetti again and managed to sidestep away from the blast. Only for a water balloon to hit her in the face.
"YOU ANNOYING CRETIN," Incognito snarled at Pinkie, "I SHALL DESTROY YOU!"
"You. Shall. Not. Harm. My. GIRLFRIEND," Sonata snarled back as she manipulated the shadows around Incognito to attack the demon. Aria meanwhile summoned a large fire ball and hurled it towards Incognito. The demon caught the fire ball with a laugh and threw it back at Aria, where the fire ball engulfed her in a raging inferno.
"Aria," Adagio cried out when she saw the ball of flame devour her sister. If only I had magic, then I could tip the scales in their favor.
Let go of the past Adagio, Adagio heard the voice of her birth mother in her head, accept who you are now. Adagio didn't understand what her mother was trying to tell her.
"Scootaloo, Get back here," Adagio heard Rainbow call out as Scootaloo ran past her.
"No that, thing, tried to hurt my sister," Scootaloo said, "I'm not going to let it!"
"What are you going to do to stop me Runt," Incognito laughed, "you are the least magical one here!"
"I may be small," Scootaloo said, "but I'll find some way to stop you."
"You don't stand a chance against me," Incognito countered.
"All I need are my family," Scootaloo said looking at her three cousins, "and my friends!"
No one but Adagio noticed that Scootaloo was wearing the necklace that their grandmother had given each of them the day they had left their grandparents house. What drew Adagio's eye to it was the fact that the necklace was glowing! Could their grandmother have a way to tap into the human world's lost and dormant magic?
Everyone present was surprised and amazed when some mystical force lifted Scootaloo into the air and she sprouted wings, a long pony tail and her human ears were replaced with pony ears.
Scootaloo discovered that she now has much more speed than she normally did and she began to run circles around Incognito in an effort to distract the demon.
Let go of the past, Adagio heard her mother say again, accept who you are today.
Adagio looked around. Sonata and Scootaloo were putting up a valiant fight against Incognito. Pinkie was doing her best to keep the demon distracted. She glanced over to where a weakened Sunset lay watching helplessly as her cousins and her sister flight her demon.
"Accept who I am today," Adagio said looking at the two necklaces when wore. One was the replacement pendent that their mother had given them on the day of her death, the other was the restored pendent that Luna, no, her true mother, had given her a few days before. Adagio gripped the replacement pendent on her hand and pulled it from her neck before throwing it down hard onto the side walk, allowing it to shatter into thousands of tiny shards. Suddenly Adagio felt a surge of power that she hadn't felt since the night of the Battle of the Bands.
"STAY AWAY FROM MY FAMILY," Adagio roared as thrust her hands forward and electric fireworks shot forth, hitting Incognito in the back. Adagio looked at her hands and watched as sparks danced between her fingertips.
Aria managed to extinguish the flames that had attempted to consume her. Most of her clothing had been burned away, leaving little to the imagination. However the first thing she noticed was Scootaloo.
"When did Scootaloo grow wings," Aria said.
"THIS IS AWESOME," Scootaloo shouted in reply as she continued to fly circles around Incognito.
Adagio walked up to her sisters and stood next to them. They both nodded at her.
"This chick is toast," Adagio said, "Pinkie, Scootaloo, keep her distracted. Sonata grab her. Aria, let's blast her!"
Each girl carried out their part in Adagio's plan, and quickly they were able to wear the demon down.
"What are you," Incognito asked, fear beginning to seep into it's voice.
Adagio looked at her sisters and her younger cousin.
"We are the Dazzlings," she stated.
"And Pinkie Pie," Pinkie Pie laughed.
"You may have defeated me today, but I'll return," Incognito snarled as a smokey black hole opened in the ground beneath it and a large skeletal hand pulled it in before the hole sealed itself back up as if nothing had happened.
"That was amazing," Fluttershy said as she and the rest of their friends came out of hiding. Rainbow and Applejack were supporting the weakened Sunset between them.
"Sunset doesn't look so good," Apple Bloom said, "we should probably get her indoors."
"Our house is the closest," Aria said, "which is a good thing, because I could really use some clothes right now, it's freezing out here."
"Why don't Aria, Sunset and Applejack ride in my car, the rest of you can meet us there," Fluttershy said, other than Applejack, she lived the furthest from the school, everyone else lived within walking distance to the school.
"Sounds like a plan," Adagio said, we'll meet you there."
Scootaloo watched as Applejack and Aria helped Sunset over to Fluttershy's car and the gently helped her in. She had never seen Sunset so helpless before. She was worried that the demon had done serious damage to Sunset when it had ripped itself out of her.
"I hope my sister is okay," Scootaloo said quietly.
"Me too, Scootaloo," Adagio said as she wrapped her arm around her cousin, "me too."
In a not-so-secret-broom-closet-turned-laboratory, a series of different instruments began to suddenly detect strange readings. The seismograph began to detect strange seismic activity. Other instruments began to detect power surges, all centered around Canterlot High.
Luna and Raven were cuddled up on the couch enjoying a nice quiet New Year's Eve together when they both heard the sound of keys in the front door.
"Celestia went out on a date," Luna said, "must be one of the girls."
The two of them watched as Aria (sans any clothes) and Applejack helped Sunset into the house followed by Fluttershy. Aria didn't say anything to her mom as she went up to her room to put on fresh clothes that weren't charred.
Luna watched as Aria went upstairs and then disentangled herself from Raven before walking over to where Applejack and Fluttershy now sat with Sunset. She looked Sunset over before asking any questions.
"Let me guess," Luna said, "Gilda?"
"No ma'am," Applejack answered, "any one of us could have handled Gilda, this is the handiwork of Incognito. It took all three of the Dazzlings plus Scootaloo to fight her off, though I don't think that she's been defeated for good."
"Scootaloo may not be a siren," Aria said, now fully clothed and tying her hair back in a ponytail, "but she definitely earned her place as a Dazzling."
"Okay," Luna said, getting flustered by the situation, "start from the beginning and tell me what happened. NOW!"
It took nearly an hour to relate what had happened, since part way through her explanation, the rest of the girls arrived and Sonata, Pinkie, Scootaloo and Rainbow kept interrupting to add in their own details.
"Is Sunset going to be alright," Luna said as she watched her niece sit in a nearly catatonic state.
"That's why we brought her here," Adagio said, "the last place she needs to be is alone in a hospital.
Suddenly Pinkie shot up and stormed into the kitchen. When she returned she had a large glass of orange juice in her hands. With amazing calm, Pinkie knelt down to Sunset and moved the glass to her lips.
"Sunset," Pinkie said calmly, "I want you to drink this glass of orange juice."
The whole room was silent as Sunset drank the whole glass down.
"Pinkie," Sunset said hoarsely as she looked around her for the first time, "where are we? What happened to CHS?"
"We managed to beat Incognito for now, but I have a feeling that she will be back," Adagio said looking at her family and friends, "and something tells me that it will take all of us to beat her."
"Then we'll be ready," Rainbow said confidently.
"I don't think that it will be that easy," Sonata said, "it took five of us to fight her to a standstill and then she let us win."
"When she comes back, she'll be ready for us," Aria added, "plus she now knows that all of us have magic. We have to assume that she knows everything that Sunset knew up to the point where she ripped herself from Sunset."
"Ok, that is worrisome," Rainbow said, "our enemy is a demon and an egghead?"
"We need to come up with a way to get rid of Incognito for good," Fluttershy said.
"I could write Princess Twilight and see if she has any way we can defeat a demon," Sunset said, the orange juice that Pinkie had given her was really helping her regain her strength and composure.
"Incognito most likely expects us to do just that," Rarity said, "what can we do that isn't expected."
An idea suddenly came to Adagio and she thought it over before mentioning it.
"I know someone that might be just as smart as the Princess," Adagio said, "perhaps she could help."
If it will keep Incognito off balance, then I'm all for it," Sunset said with a big yawn, "now if you don't mind, I'm going to take a nap. Wake me when it's time for the ball to drop."
Author's Note
As much as I love them, I hate writing action/fight scenes. Which sucks for me because I am in the process of planning a sci-fi story that will be loaded with them. Why do I do this to myself?
But this chapter was a lot of fun to write and in brings us closer to the conclusion of this story. Incognito will likely become one of the recurring villian of this series, along with Gilda and her goons.
Adagio sat in the Crystal Prep cafeteria, waiting for the school day to start. She felt a shiver of disgust run down her spine and her left eye twitches involuntarily as she watched Blue Blood goof off with his friends across the cafeteria.
"I can't believe that we're related to that prick," Adagio muttered to herself.
"It is rather unfortunate," Adagio heard Cadence say. She spun around and saw both Cadence and Twilight standing there, Twilight was awkwardly trying to look inconspicuous.
"He is so," Adagio searched her mind for the correct word, "revolting. If it wasn't for his father's money, he'd have no friends."
"Who are you two talking about," Twilight asked, taking a peek around Cadence.
"So," Cadence said looking at Adagio, "what do you think of Grandmama and Papa?"
"They are definitely something else," Adagio said, "nothing like I expected."
"Yeah," Cadence agreed, "they are different. But they raised me along with Celestia and your mom after my parents passed."
"So how was your break," Adagio asked, wanting to change the subject.
"It was great," Cadence answered, "even though Twilight spent most of it in her room."
"I had to catalog all of my skunk-ape research," Twilight protested, "I'm abandoning my search for now, but eventually I will find them."
"Twilight," Adagio said, "you are a scientist, you have to have something to research."
"Well," Twilight said, "I have sensors placed all over the city."
"Ok," Adagio said, "now I'm scared."
"During the break I got some interesting readings from your sister's school."
"What kind of readings," Adagio asked hesitantly.
Twilight just shrugged.
Across town at Canterlot High, eleven girls sat around the Wondercolt Statue waiting for the bell to ring.
"I hope nobody knows what happened New Year's Eve," Sunset said, "last thing I need is for people to think that I'm a raging she-demon again."
"I haven't seen anything posted about it on any of the local message boards," Rarity said.
"Keeping up with the latest gossip ain't ya," Applejack teased.
"A lady never gossips," Rarity replied, "I'm just keeping up with the latest news."
"So... Gossip," Applejack deadpanned, "gotcha."
Rarity realized at that moment that Applejack was teasing her, and her pale skin began to turn a deep shade of crimson.
Pinkie was sitting on one of the benches nearby while Sonata was laying down using Pinkie's lap as a pillow. Both of them were laughing at some joke that Pinkie had said. Rainbow was telling Fluttershy and Scootaloo all about her trip to Manhattan with her mother.
Most of the students ignored them as they entered the school. The break over the Holidays seemed to have been just the thing that Canterlot High needed to put Anon-A-Miss behind it. There were still a few glares, mostly from Gilda and her lackeys. And Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon still gave the Crusaders the cold shoulder.
"Do you think that everyone has magic," Fluttershy asked, "Scootaloo did 'Pony-Up' after all."
"That would be awesome," Rainbow exclaimed excitedly.
"The rules of magic state that there must be a balance for magic to work," Sunset explained, "but those are the rules for magic in Equestria, who knows what kind of Pandora's Box I opened when I released that magic into this world."
"So magic has rules," Rarity asked.
"Much like the natural world," Sunset replied, "use too much of it and it could get depleted."
As much as Sunset would have liked to continue the discussion on magic, and how it interacted with the surrounding world, the warning bell rang and the girls had to hustle in order to get to their various classes.
When the lunch bell rang, there was a stampede of students as they all rushed to the cafeteria. Sunset and Fluttershy both arrived at the table that they and their friends sat at first since the both brought a lunch from home. It wasn't long before Scootaloo also joined them, since she was picking up the habit of bringing a lunch from her sister. Soon the table was occupied by the Dazzlings, the Rainbooms and the Crusaders. There were various conversations going on at the table.
"Excuse me," a voice said, "may I sit here?"
Each of the girls turned and looked at Gabby Griffin, Gilda's younger sister. While Gilda was a loud bully, Gabby was shy and quiet, if overly enthusiastic at times.
"Sure thing," Scootaloo said, "we always have room for one more!"
Sunset watched the exchange between Scootaloo and Gabby, and then she glanced at the table where Gabby usually sat, with Gilda and her goons. Both Lightning Dust and Short Fuse were laughing at some obscene joke that Short Fuse had told. Gilda however, was glaring at Sunset, and if looks could kill, Sunset would have been dead. This isn't over.
THE END
Author's Note
So, "Sirens of the Night II" has reached it's conclusion. What a ride it has been since I first came up with the concept for "Sirens of the Night"! Don't worry, I have more planned for this AU I've created. I'd also love to see other people expand on this universe. Incognito will be back, and the girls issues with Gilda will be resolved, the next story that I have planned will be coming soonish. Stay tuned for "Sirens of the Night: Dream Rise"
Sonata wasn't sure why, but after the basketball game, she was exhausted. She managed to stay awake while eating dinner but she went to bed as soon as her family got home.
*****
Sonata found herself standing alone on a moonlit beach. There was something familiar about this beach. Looking up, Sonata caught sight of the full moon, she saw the silhouette of Nightmare Moon looking back. She was in Equestria!
"My sweet, sweet Sonata," a voice said in the moonlight, "it pleases me that you are the first."
Sonata turned around and found herself face to face with a very beautiful woman, Sonata didn't recognize her at first, but the crown atop her head gave her away.
"Mother," Sonata said with a touch of hostility. The last time she had seen her mother, she had tried to kill her and her sisters.
"I know that i did some horrible things to you and your sisters," Soprano Harmony said, "and I don't ask for your forgiveness, but I come with a warning for you and your sisters."
"What kind of warning?" Sonata asked as she inclined her head.
"Both the world you now call home and Equestria face a threat that could destroy both worlds" her mother told her, "I have given you and your sisters the power that you will need to face this threat." images of Sunset Shimmer, Pinkie Pie, the rest of her friends, even Scootaloo, floated in the air between them, "look to your friends and family for guidance and strength. You won't have to face this challenge alone"
*****
Sonata woke with a start. The morning sun was just beginning to peak over the horizon. Tiberius was currently curled up in a ball of fur at the foot of her bed. He looked up at her, yawned and went back to sleep. Sonata reached out and stroked the scruff on his neck. She could remember dreaming, but she couldn't remember what her dream had been about.
Author's Note
This chapter has been intentionally left short.
